Banter Box archive

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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  • The right to bear arms, yes its constitutional, but there is no limitations.Live ammunitions and black powder have been all over my house I have found a round of live 50 cal bullets recently in the backroom.I am still looking for the 50 cal machine gun. Yes my house have been an armory but this is not my idea.Is 75 guns enough? Please, I am just a victim

    -- Posted by Free from abusers on Fri, Nov 30, 2007, at 7:25 AM
  • The punk down the street with a switchblade knife and a police record a mile lond does'nt concern me at all.Yes, I am not afraid of them, Because I will make sure that no punk can have access of any of my properties and near my family. Fear overcomes me when I see a famous and respected person giving support sitting side by side with a child molester in the courthouse.Fear overcomes me when a chaplain is preaching to the masses the teachings of God but him alone have been convicted of a crime and have been incarcerated for a long period of time.Fear overcomes me when a father or step father molest their child when their wives are at work for 14 hours everyday.Fear overcomes me when somebody uses a slim jim to open my house and handpick their loot.Like i said , My house is an armory. Am not afraid of guns.They do nothing until the operator does.Mothers fear, The operator/molester/abuser is the head of the family.

    -- Posted by Free from abusers on Sat, Dec 8, 2007, at 6:15 AM
  • Chill out Bazookaman. You're turning 60. Life is too short.Nothing you can do about what the politicians are apt to. The majority put them up there. They gonna do their job in accordance to the minds of the public.They cannot just work for you? If you wanna be a hero, start from our town.Look around, there are perverts here, hiding in the closets,molesting their own step daughters.Better yet molesting their own.How do you like Oprah? She moved mountains.Have felons arrested. Helped the poor.Listened to problematic people........Of all the candidates you mentioned,Her indorsement to Obahma just proven that she will have the most votes if she files her candidacy as president.

    -- Posted by Free from abusers on Tue, Dec 11, 2007, at 5:30 AM
  • This is going to be a long blog - but, I just have to get this out.

    There was an article on the opinions page regarding students being respectful in school. I have to totally agree with this person. I don't care what anyone says, quite a few, (not all), of the kids in school today are rude, mouthy and totally disrespectful. Some of the words that come out of their mouths is disgusting. I am NOT a teacher, but I have seen it in the school. When my kids were in school, I made it VERY clear to the teachers at the first teacher conference that if they EVER had ANY type of problem with my child to call me,- whether it be behavioral or class work. IF I DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT - I CAN'T FIX IT. My kids knew that I would work with the teacher so I didn't have real problems, and neither did the teacher. Only on one occassion did I have a problem getting notified. Her reason was that she didn't know that I really wanted her to call - (a lot of parents tell the teachers that they can't do anything because the kid is with the teacher all day, so the teacher needs to fix it.) Needless to say - the teacher learned a lesson about my expectations and so did my child. The school understood that I would work WITH them for my childs sake.

    My kids knoew that I had a job, and they did to. Their job was to go to and do well in school.

    Each one our 4 kids tested us to see what the limits would really be.By sticking to my word/rules - I didn't have much challenge with my kids in school or getting to school.

    My rule was this: Your JOB is school - if you get suspended OR miss the bus and can't get to school - you do chores (toilets, tubs, closets, floors, dishes,yard work ect ,)each day of suspension (all day), or while at home since you missed the bus. No TV, No games during school hours. If you don't get your assigned chores done for that day (and the list was very long and age appropriate)- then you are grounded for one day of the weekend. NOTE: They also had to do the work correctly or do it over again. They made their choice.

    I found out that my kids would rather go to school than do the JOB of house and lawn chores all day!!! Funny isn't it?

    Anyway - I have to say that I don't blame good teachers for not wanting to teach any longer. Teachers have no way to enforce behavior in the classroom. I would never take the abuse in my job that some of these teachres have to endure. The kids seem to rule the classroom. The schools need to have rules and be able to enforce them. Ask students a McKenna how strict their rules are and they will tell you. But, they will also tell you that they are learning and they are actually enjoying school. We need to get this same attitude and discipline back for all of our schools.

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Dec 21, 2007, at 12:03 AM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    100% agree with you!
  • *

    Apparently "little Johnny" got to by-pass the "time out chair" better known today as the video game chair. Back when we were kids a spanking was just that, a spanking and our sore bottoms generally reminded us that perhaps we best not try that stunt again. I remember my third grade teacher had a wooden ruler, early on in the school year one of the boys did something that caused her to give him a whack with it, it was the only time that school year that the ruler came down, we were taught respect, we gave respect and we earned respect in return. I am proud of my sons, they have grown into wonderful, productive young men who are making good solid lives for themselves, they were taught the rules and followed them (of course the removal of video games, tv or other gadgets didnt harm them in the learning process and they appreciated them more when they got them back). My opinion for what it is worth is we have too many parents who are self consumed and have no clue what their kids are doing, worry about yourself later, the kids are only kids for a tiny fraction of time, dont let it be too late when you find time to spend with them, do it now.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Sun, Dec 23, 2007, at 5:26 AM
  • Why is it that there has nothing been in the Mtn Home News about Tops In Blue performing tonight at the base?

    -- Posted by desert1der on Tue, Jan 15, 2008, at 12:05 PM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    The information arrived too late in order to put into The Mountain Home News last Wednesday and tonight's performance is only open to holders of military ID cards. You can find the information on the front page of Jan. 11, 2008 issue of The Patriot
  • Does anyone know anything, even the smallest of information as to what is going on with the development of the activity center for Mtn. Home? This was supposed to be a center for the children of this town. To give them a place to go and have things to do. There was considerable money collected to begin this project several years ago. Where is the money now? Where are the original people who were on the development team? Are they still working n this project? This could possibly be a news article in the paper to get everyone up to speed as to who,what,when, where and how things are going on this project!!!!! ANYONE??

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Jan 15, 2008, at 5:19 PM
  • *

    You might try contacting the WECRD (Western Elmore County Recreation District) Office. Their office is locate on North 3rd East across the street from the barber shop. Hope that is of some help!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Sun, Jan 20, 2008, at 7:48 AM
  • What is being built on American Legion close to the dollar store? Does anyone know?

    Thanks

    -- Posted by desert1der on Sun, Jan 20, 2008, at 6:04 PM
  • The building on American Legion is going to be the new First American Title

    -- Posted by coleenswenson on Tue, Jan 22, 2008, at 2:30 PM
  • Why wasn't there a write up of the Sophomore boys basketball games against Bishop Kelly and Emmett in the January 16th edition? You've written about them before, why not last week? They have the best record of the boys teams, 10-1 overall and 9-0 in league play. They don't have as much crowd support as the Junior Varsity and Varsity, they shouldn't be left out in news coverage as well.

    -- Posted by acomment on Tue, Jan 22, 2008, at 3:13 PM
  • The building by Wally World is going to be the Credit Union. First American Title is going in next to the dollar store.

    -- Posted by coleenswenson on Wed, Jan 23, 2008, at 11:07 AM
  • Karen

    Nice to see your blog, I wondered what happened to you and your blogs, atleast you provoked thought and dialogue and discussions.

    Thank you for that. I notice not much on the blogs here since you left.

    Again thanks and I wish you well.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Wed, Jan 23, 2008, at 7:55 PM
  • Karens blogs were some of the best I have seen. Very thought provoking and enlightening. Gutsy lady for sure. Stay that way. Goof Luck and More Power to you.

    I hope more people check into your blog site using the address that you left for all of us to save for use now or later.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Jan 23, 2008, at 11:27 PM
  • As always, the comments regarding Tom Berry continue with her on her blog site. It would be nice if it could be put to rest. I do not agree with what he did, but at some point and time people get tired of hearing about it and reading about it. There has to be something better to write about than his past mistakes....

    -- Posted by ME1 on Fri, Jan 25, 2008, at 9:37 AM
  • coleenswenson,

    Do you know if the Credit Union being built will only do the mortgage side of things, or will it have full banking? Thanks.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Fri, Jan 25, 2008, at 9:50 AM
  • I'm not sure. But I bet I can find out. I'll let you know.

    -- Posted by coleenswenson on Fri, Jan 25, 2008, at 10:07 AM
  • The Credit Union on the hill will have the mortgage end of things and a satellite office for the banking side.

    -- Posted by coleenswenson on Fri, Jan 25, 2008, at 3:34 PM
  • Hey thanks so much!!!

    -- Posted by ME1 on Fri, Jan 25, 2008, at 4:32 PM
  • I attended my first Mountain Home Boys Varsity Basketball game Tuesday night when they played Jerome. I felt very sorry for the Mountain Home players. The attendance at the game was horrible. There weren't even hardly any students at the game. Jerome had almost as many fans at the game and they had to travel for an hour on a Tuesday night to attend.

    Last year a friend told me that Mountain Home has never won a State Championship in any sport. With the kind of support that I saw I wonder if many of the students even want to participate.

    Attendance is only one of the problems that I saw. The sound system was a joke. They actually placed a microphone next to a portable radio (boom box) for the National Anthem. If that wasn't bad enough the speakers in the gym are horrible. The concession stand actually sells microwave popcorn. How expensive is a commercial popcorn popper? I don't even what to know how they cook their hamburgers or chorizos.

    Does the community just not care?

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Fri, Jan 25, 2008, at 10:30 PM
  • Wondering about snow removal...This winter has brought the most snowfall for a few years and, like myself, I'm sure most people have enjoyed it. What I HAVEN'T enjoyed is the condition of the streets in Mountain Home! Does this city have any kind of snow removal process for streets? If they do, I have yet to see any evidence of it.

    -- Posted by MrMister on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 4:27 PM
  • *

    We do have snow removal and from what I have seen they have been working their tails off both within the city limits and out in the county. In case your not sure what to look for, big truck with big shovel looking thing on the front pushing the snow out of the line of traffic! In fact I even have to say that this year has been the hardest working I have seen them in a long time but that also has to do with the weather. Oh and just in case you didnt know, it doesnt mean it totally removes it and dries the street off, it just moves the bulk of the snow so it has a chance to dry on its own......try saying thankyou to the guys who are up in the wee hours of the night and morning making sure our corners are safer to turn on and stop at rather than complain!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 10:27 PM
  • Enough with the complaints about the snow. Our town workers are frozen trying to give us comfort to commute.My sincere thanks to the people who would take their time to shovel snow beyond their boundaries. Why not complain about the 6% tax to our food. Let us join hands and get that solve. Why do we have to pay tax to our food when at the end of the year we have to pay taxes again.We get paid from working. We go buy our food ,pay the value plus the tax. At the end of the year that same money we spend to taxed food will be taxed again. People did you ever realized that? Wake up. The snow is good. That means we will have a good spring and summer. Not only we have enough water, we will have a lesser problem on insects. That means we will be free from abusive and blood sucking insects like mosquitoes and flies.

    -- Posted by Free from abusers on Sun, Jan 27, 2008, at 8:06 AM
  • First off, I'm not comlaining about the snow--I said I enjoyed it!

    Second,

    Seester, you are a bonafide tool. I live west of the tracks on the north side, and have yet to see snow removal vehicles in my neighborhood. If they are out their, good on them. I am definitely not badgering anyones hard work.

    I simply asked a question and YOU, seester, had to launch into a diatribe about my "complaining". All I wanted was a simple answer to a simple question, not a tirade from a tool like you.

    -- Posted by MrMister on Sun, Jan 27, 2008, at 1:50 PM
  • *

    First of all, I am not a tool, second you were complaining about the condition of the streets. Living out in the county gives the perspective of both the county and city streets, the evidence is there pure and simple, they are working hard and deserve our thanks, period. Oh and by the way, after doing some checking into it I have been told that the main thoroughfares are the main concern first.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Sun, Jan 27, 2008, at 2:03 PM
  • From what i know about the snow removal, they only do the main throughfares. They dont clear neighborhood streets.

    -- Posted by EN0207 on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 3:27 PM
  • I can assure you they do NOT do our neighborhood and we are in city limits. They sometimes clear the main road in front of our neighborhoods but not usually. I understand they are out there and plowing the main roads like Airbase but the roads even by the junior high and high schools are rough also. And about them out there freezing to make us more comfortable on our commute -- I am sure their trucks have heaters! No different than me going out to my car to go to work and turning on my heater in my car. What is worse in our neighborhood we are supposed to pay association fees for things like this, however in the years I have been here haven't seen them clear my street yet. No more check to the association!

    -- Posted by so this is smallville on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 5:41 PM
  • more water does not equal less mosquitos....

    -- Posted by just1 on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 6:24 PM
  • what were the cops and fire trucks doing at the jr high this afternoon and why were the kids evacuated to the street? was there another bomb threat ?

    -- Posted by just1 on Tue, Jan 29, 2008, at 8:03 PM
  • The Jr. High was out because a kid pulled a fire alarm. There was no bomb threat.

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Jan 29, 2008, at 9:29 PM
  • *

    To see the results of a poll or to see previous polls, click one of the options on the poll and push the vote button. This will bring you to a different window. The poll results are shown in the new window. When a new poll is put up, the old one is replaced. On the right hand side of your screen, under the advertisement is a link to display the results of previous polls.

    -- Posted by meximama on Thu, Jan 31, 2008, at 2:39 PM
  • What a great idea Sheriff Lahyer made to have the drivers license office open until 7:00 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month for those of us who work in Boise. It would be nice however when you get there at 6:00 p.m. the computers to process the drivers license was working. When I went to get my license I was told that the computers were logged off. The clerk was very apoligetic and said the sheriff was not going to be happy. So sounds as if this wasnt the first time.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Wed, Feb 6, 2008, at 9:43 PM
  • Did anyone read Kelly's blog this week? Interesting!! This year is what our weather used to be like in the winter. I can remember American Legion flooding out in the low lying areas. How many people managed to get their flood insurance cancelled over the last 15 years? At least city action is being taken beforehand this year. Hope this hand-on attitude continues.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Feb 7, 2008, at 9:43 AM
  • Why is the ambulance service being investigated by the Elmore County Commissioners? Anyone know?

    -- Posted by desert1der on Thu, Feb 7, 2008, at 8:59 PM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    There have been some complaints regarding service that the county is looking into.
  • bazookamann,

    Don't forget about the boogieman in your closet.

    -- Posted by mule on Sun, Feb 10, 2008, at 10:23 PM
  • Way to go Mule......

    -- Posted by Free from abusers on Mon, Feb 11, 2008, at 9:28 AM
  • Can we please get the pot holes on 18th (opposite the golf course) fixed? They are huge and could cause a really bad accident or damage a vehicle.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Feb 11, 2008, at 11:29 AM
  • did one of the kids just pull the fire alarm again? i could hear it goin off so im presumeing that was the case as it doesnt seem to be any emergency . (jr.high)

    -- Posted by just1 on Mon, Feb 11, 2008, at 2:32 PM
  • What is the truth behind the IRS and what is Operation Garden Plot?

    -- Posted by so this is smallville on Mon, Feb 11, 2008, at 8:36 PM
  • Bazookaman,

    I knew you were going to take a whole page to respond.

    You probably also think we didn't land on the moon, JFK was killed a part of a huge conspriacy, and that 9/11 was an "inside job".

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Feb 12, 2008, at 10:52 AM
  • Bazookaman:

    You keep up the good work with the information, I appreciate it. I find it very refreshing to hear someone speak out about the Government and the issues with it instead of sounding like a freakin robot trying to sell it.

    I was reading comments from people supporting Hillary for President, calling her a breath of fresh air and just what this Country needs. Those same people are the ones that believe Billary did such a wonderful job the first go round.

    Talk about having your head in the sand.

    I heard she wrote a book called "It takes a Village." or some crap like that, and she still believes it takes a Village to raise a child. In my opinion it takes a government to stay out of family life and stop giving kids the ability to disobey their parents. Let the parents do their job after all when it's all said and done MRS. CLINTON isn't the one who get blamed when your kid's a screw up it's the MOMMY and DADDY.

    I've decided to vote BOOZKAMAN for President!!!!!! Congrats sir

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Tue, Feb 12, 2008, at 4:43 PM
  • *

    Missylynn you had me in your corner there until you brought up the book that the former Mrs. President wrote (I cannot stand that woman). However, she is not saying that it takes the government to raise a child and you are right it takes the parents, however, by it taking a village to raise a child she is referring to the fact that it isnt just a mom and dad doing the work. The teachers who teach our kids, the authorities who protect our streets and neighborhoods, the grandparents who are the extension of the imeadiate family, the friends who babysit for us, etc. While Mom and Dad are legally and morally responsible for their children, it does take a village to raise a child. On that note I will also say this, I too would vote for bazookamann long before casting out the hooked worm for Hilly & Billy to be back in the White House!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Wed, Feb 13, 2008, at 7:08 AM
  • Medical Marijuana/Marijuana/Hemp,Bonds and other related issues

    Im tired of reading about JFK, Mafia,Bin-Laden,Gay People, Term limits, and Larry our famous Sen from Idaho.

    OUR Government arrested 859.000 for smoking Pot at a Cost of 40 billion dollars a year, The Drug War Costs 168 billion a year, and this stuff has been going on for 40 years, 35 plus million people have been arrested, whats up with this. Folks this is trillions and trillions not billions of dollars lost, think of it, MORE PEOPLE have had guns pointed at them from our own Government than ALL the WARS the UNITED STATES has EVER been in, EVER .

    But "We The People" sit in silence, why? fear of the Government? thats not freedom.

    In the year 2000 British Columbia Canada made 37 billion dollars in illegal Marijuana sales to the United States, Canada takes part in 1.2 TRILLON a year in hemp production/sales.

    what does Idaho Government do, "6 percent" food tax, More Jails, tax and spend, More Governemt.

    Gov Otter, Sir you just went on a mission too Cuba, why, like the weather.

    Gov. Otter, you and Major Rist should go to British Columbia Canada and ask for our Money back or at least ask the Mayor of British Columbia what they did with OUR money, thats 37 billion dollars a year, won't hurt too ask, he may lend us a billion or two. of our own money, hahahaah.

    this is the reason I VOTE and tell all my friends too VOTE "NO" on all Bonds in Elmore or Mountain Home Idaho.

    WHY

    Idaho Government, already has OUR money, poor leadership and management which is the problem not drugs.

    Why should "We The People" Sit in silence when 2.5 trillion dollars just walks across the border, just walks and Gov Otter does NOTHING.

    Please stop asking for More Bonds for Education/Jail/hospitals/ and all

    the Government don't need our money, they are after our Property with Taxes

    WAKE UP , ding dong, hello anybody home, the light still kinda looks on.

    before People support Idaho Drug laws, Maybe, just maybe you should read them first, Idaho law, title 37, just type in Marijuana, have fun.

    P.S. Gov.Otter I don't want to past these type of Rockefeller Drug laws down too my Grandkids, its just not right..

    Gov.Otter what we have here in Idaho is a Defectived Law base (title 37) that really needs too get fixed, and if you don't want too fix it, then stop asking property owners too flip the tax bill, because they can't afford it any longer, not when it hits billions and trillions of dollar, this is not about drugs, its about money and public safety. I hope you're reading this,

    -- Posted by Freedom on Thu, Feb 14, 2008, at 9:44 AM
  • Sealing the boarders would be like fixing a hole in outer space and the Death Penalty for drug pushers,? 75 million people take illegal drugs, how many people do you think we'd have to kill, the line would be never ending.

    its not who takes drugs or who the pusher is, but who controls it, and today we have no law and no control, thats the problem other people control it from outside the United States. if we are going to "as some may view" have a drug problem/war/ or whatever the Goverment wants too call it, at least we here in the United States should control it would you not think. how can we fix a problem if we don't control it, but harm our own citzens and thats what we have been doing at a hugh Rate and over a long time "40 years", its time for a change

    as far as guns , the Brady law is a fraud, every American who wants a gun, should have one, no checks at all, this is where the death penalty comes in. not more laws to take away our freedom.

    Im not a Dem, Im a Rep too the core

    -- Posted by Freedom on Thu, Feb 14, 2008, at 8:06 PM
  • SinisterCadre , if you don't like the level of excitement here, go read the L.A. papers web sites or something else more to your likeing. certainly no one is makeing you read this one.

    -- Posted by just1 on Thu, Feb 14, 2008, at 11:35 PM
  • I couldnt agree more just1 about your comment to Sinistercadre. If you dont like it go some where else. Its like the TV or radio if you dont like what is on change the channel.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Fri, Feb 15, 2008, at 11:21 PM
  • What I was writing about the Death Penalt is this, I do support it, but to use it for people who sell drugs, thats a little bit too much.

    Some people believe that "Sealing the Borders and excuting people who sell pot would fix the problem, but it won't, China does that in the 10k's every year, still don't fix the problem.

    What we have is a Defective Drug Policy, the Government don't care about the health and safty of its own citzens, it just wants to do the Prohibition thing, which I think is Unconstutional "Prohibition" that is.

    The Dem's love Drugs because it makes more Government, more "Tax and Spend" like in Idaho. the Rep's use Drug laws for "Power" and who suffers, "We the People".

    This Pot Prohibition has been going on for 40 years what a waste of money, NOw the Government wants too past this Defective Drugs Tax Base down not only to me, but my kids and NOW My Grandkids are going to have to pay for it. you see what I mean.

    We are not at the Start of this Road, we are in fact at the End, and "We the People" at the end of the day "don't have a Pot too Pee in or a window too throw it out of"

    yes I do support John McCain, The Rep's will fix the Defective drugs at some point, because its our mandate to have a good Goverment that works.

    I want too be clear, Im not for legal Drugs, where I see the problem is the "LAW".

    We may have too have "Medical Marijuana or Adults allowed to use Marijuana

    -- Posted by Freedom on Sat, Feb 16, 2008, at 8:57 AM
  • Still Bored with your whining

    I've got a smidgeon of hope that you will stop whining about nothing interesting in the news.

    Next subject..

    -- Posted by desert1der on Wed, Feb 20, 2008, at 10:17 PM
  • We Are that someone. No reason too wait, thats US, lets stand up and change the law, if we did Idaho would be safer, no taxes and we'd have a fat bank, whats wrong with that. Look at Glenn's Ferry problem, could almost solve that over night.

    Do You Know That.

    Idaho Liquor Store Account give. $3.290.000

    Million Annually to Substance Abuse Treatment fund public Schools, $300.000 to community college account,$650.000 to cooperative WELFARE account and Drug Court $1.491.3 Million

    -- Posted by Freedom on Thu, Feb 21, 2008, at 2:12 PM
  • MY point being Folks, We got the Wrong law and Are going the wrong way, Im mean come on.

    Marijuana/hemp, which I should say we really don't have a law, what we have ,Idaho code

    title 18-1502C, 37-201 (S)(n) 37-2732 (C), title 20 chap 5, or can't forget the Insurance companies (their-in on the act too) 41-2507.

    Marijuana/hemp Idaho could Pay "WITHOUT TAXES" ALL of EDUCATION/Health Care/ Roads/ AND give a pay raise not only to state/Fed/ but everyone even if not employed EVER. Idaho Tax base for Education, must wait until Drunks and tax payer dig just a little bit deeper, one more year after 40 years.

    what is the Idaho Legislature Thinking, Protecting Children,,, Wrong, thats not True, Idaho Legislature is not protecting Children, NO. this is too much big Money going in the pockets of the wrong people. IDAHO LEGISLATURE "REGULATE MARIJUANA BEFORE ITS TOO LATE" Idaho is way behind the power curve here. tax payers can't keep taking this tax beating,

    Idaho wants Marijuana Regulation, not Prohibition. "Those with Money Win, Those with NO Money Lose" its that simple, and Marijuana is where the Money's at.

    -- Posted by Freedom on Thu, Feb 21, 2008, at 2:42 PM
  • P.S.

    With this action, the ACP joins the American Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and many other medical associations calling for cannabis to be made a legal medicine.

    -- Posted by Freedom on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 11:20 AM
  • I guess Mountain home news don't believe in "Freespeech" removing my post??

    -- Posted by Freedom on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 12:38 PM
  • Here I go again,

    I should Read The Rules "FIRST"

    Im sorry Mountain Home News

    no links,,, me like duh

    sorry :)

    -- Posted by Freedom on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 2:14 PM
  • I wish the city would re-line the streets.

    -- Posted by EN0207 on Thu, Feb 28, 2008, at 11:31 PM
  • I hope that the new mayor can make our streets a little higher on the priority list. I know that there are a lot of other priorities they have, however our small town has many streets that need to be fixed and painted.

    -- Posted by Jagesuper on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 4:42 AM
  • *

    What a winderful sight to see this morning on the way to work! Thank you to the hard working men and women who are out on American Legion Blvd. putting the new lines down!

    Please slow down and beware that there are people working that road today, they are trying to make it safer for us, the least we can do is make it safer for them too.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 5:02 PM
  • *

    Oops, it was a WONDERFUL sight, guess I should keep my eyes on the keyboard when typing, thank god I drive better than type!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 5:03 PM
  • WOW! I guess my wish was answered!!LOL Good to know they noticed the problem and are doing something about it!

    -- Posted by EN0207 on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 7:50 PM
  • Can someone give some insight into why the lines are so long at the post office these days? Its very frustrating to stand in a long line while they only have one employee working!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 12:29 PM
  • Well I understand working there alloted time, but its more like why don't they hire more people, to at least have all three windows being used........Or here is a thought, remodel this ancient post office we have!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 6:20 PM
  • *

    I recently had to wait in line for a customer service rep at the Mtn. Home post office and it didn't take that long. I am afraid that we are getting to used to instant access, ATM's replace waiting for a bank teller, drive through restaurants replace sitting down and enjoying a meal, drive through pharmacy..... get it......

    I didn't mind the wait. It gave me a chance to breath, and during our busy day we don't stop and take that chance to catch our breath.

    Alloted time and union so what if it takes you 5 more minutes........ remember everybody's job stinks one day or another ........even yours.......be patient everyone else in the world is waiting for better...............

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 12:02 AM
  • I think lines are long at the post office because.

    the population has grown.

    People can't afford Computers/internet, I pay all my bills online and use UPS or FEDX. I really don't have a need for a U.S. Postal Service.

    they have things to mail on the same day.

    OH what if the City of Mountain Home had affordable WiFi internet, would that be nice.

    -- Posted by Freedom on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 8:02 AM
  • I love this it gets people all riled up!!!!

    Fact is Mtn. Home has grown, the post office needs to grow with it!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 11:07 AM
  • I think that the people who work the front counter at the post office are very polite and are as fast as they can be. HATS off to them, I have never had a bad experience.

    I do think its time that they update the poor old building. just my thoughts.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 10:17 PM
  • I am surprised there aren't any comments about the school bond or about the library fees in this banter box. There are posts on the articles themselves - good to see. But, it is easier to post here and be able to see all the comments without having to look up the article. What do you think?

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 12:47 AM
  • Don't believe me? Here's an excerpt from the article in the Mtn. Home News:

    "The council approved the motion, (by a 3-2 vote), to raise the non-resident card fees to $70 and the fee of library use for non-residents at $1 per hour."

    The card fee is doubled and then to add insult to injury the council voted to charge a per hour useage fee. How wonderful.

    In the past: County residents have always paid library card fees and city residents did not pay for a card. I bought one (35.00 each if I remember right) for each of my grandchildren a little over a year ago. But, sure can't afford to now. I can't even afford to take them in and just let them browse for a dollar an hour!!!!!

    Just want to say that I can't afford to pay 70.00 for a library card, and on top of that $70.00 ALSO pay a user fee of $1.00 per hour. I can't believe that if I walk into the library and want to set down and read a book or look up information I have to pay to come in. Never heard of an user/entrance fee in a library. Unbelievable!!!!

    Now what parent can afford for their child to go to the library and do research? Not for that amount. TEACHERS: Think this through - can't just tell the kids to use the library any longer!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 1:21 AM
  • *

    Plans and Zoning Please........ I have aneighbor who uses an outhouse (in the impact zone of Mountain Home). She has no well, no septic. She had a cistern but no longer. I complained to plans and zoning, thinking this was a zoning issue and was told go to Central Health, from there sent to a councilman who told me "We know about her, she can't pay the fine, so we haven't done anything".... my point is I guess I find the irony in $70 dollars is fine for me to use the library as long as I can afford it, but my neighbor who can't is allowed to use her outhouse for over 8 years as she lives in a travel trailer ....... (by the way I bought my house in 1998 and she moved her travel trailer in around 1999 and is on her second trailer (they seem to just pile up in her yard as storage). Wow, can'twait to get my hands on that library card. Not!!!!!!! Lost me as a customer Mountain Home. Pretty poor marketing..........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 11:38 PM
  • Observer: the newpaper article regarding the meeting minutes of the council does not say for computer use, it is worded exactly as I had it in quotes. I copied and pasted so it would be word for word. Is there another article I missed saying the fee is for computer use? If so - sorry - and where might I find it?

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 11:44 PM
  • To the increase in Post Office lines: The post office on base had to close down due to building safety concerns. There is no post office on base now and all of their customers have to come into town.

    -- Posted by Manshima on Fri, Mar 7, 2008, at 8:33 AM
  • Congatulations to Mrs. Pickart of Hacker Middle School in Mountain Home. Her classes participated in a 6 week Math program by Idaho Stampede Basketball and Micron technology. Her class had the highest average on the final Math test, and won a $1,000.00 grant for use in her classroom! Congrats to the students that participated.

    -- Posted by Chippewa Indian on Sun, Mar 9, 2008, at 12:18 AM
  • I am writing this to direct you to the blog regarding the school bond article.

    Senior lady answered some questions. I believe she has some good points to ponder.

    I also have heard what she said about the Nazarene church building a large auditorium and has apparently said that it can be used by the public. So why would we need another large one? Sure could save some money.

    Also, a very good point about the recreation district building. I heard that the grants this group wants are basically not available. There are problems getting the funding. They also put the cart before the horse and purchased the land. We are being taxed on this project also. Whoever is working on this isn't making much headway - if any. I think maybe senior lady is correct. Let's take this tax money and use it for the school.

    I say - sell the land to somenone who can do something with it. We could use the money we are being taxed on in a better way. .

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, Mar 10, 2008, at 10:30 AM
  • I do believe that I am being sensored by whomever "watches" this site. Did freedom of speech go away while I was sleeping?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Mar 10, 2008, at 2:08 PM
  • Opinion Missy: The following sentence was in the school article blog. It is a sentence from your blog note:

    "So...you did not pass this the last time and again it hits the people to vote on yet again. Maybe if you were more honest with the voters you would not have a problem passing a bond for school improvements."

    Could you expound a little bit on your feelings/beliefs to clarify what you are saying?

    Please be firm, fair and consistant so that you possibly won't be sensored. (I take it you tried to post something and it didn't get through?)

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, Mar 10, 2008, at 10:16 PM
  • Whether we like it or not Mountain Home is growing. We will need a new high school (it would alleviate crowding at Hacker m.s., have more 9th graders continue their education) in the near future and the cost is only going to go up and up. It has already gone up a few million since the last vote a few months ago. It seems that we have a lot of older citizens that don't like to see change and gripe every time something new is proposed. I know taxes are stupid and I don't want to see mine go up either, but sometimes we need to look at what is best for our kids and community. You can say we can use this facility or that facility to do this or that, but we all know that that is not feasible or realistic. Let's try to look toward the future and not to what is convenient and easy now.

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 8:35 AM
  • Thanks midea. I did write something regarding this but it was not posted.

    My point was this. They built the school originally and said that it was going to be a high school but what they really wanted was a junior high. Instead of being honest with the voters, they had us believe that it was going to be the HS. However, that was never the intent. Now, they are doing this bond yet again and the voters are still not over the last act of dishonesty regarding the SAME facility. How many more times will they try to pass this before they let it rest? They should have been honest from the start. This is just like the hospital bond. We only get 1/2 the story.

    I still ask about the growth in our county. With all of the houses that have been built and are being built, where is all of the revenue at? They continue to cut things in our county even WITH the record growth. So, I ask again, where is all of this money going? We are still being billed on our taxes for a recreation district that more than likely will never be. Where is that money at? No building and an expensive lot but that is all. At some point, the 1/2 truths need to end.

    In the United States, the education budget has been cut to the bone. Many of our children cannot read or spell at the level they should. Some cannot even do basic math. You do not need a fancy school in order for kids to learn. Many of us (over 30) went to school with far less. School is what you make of it. They need the computers, books, etc. but some of what is asked for is just not reasonable and that is a bitter pill to swallow as a taxpayer. We should have been investing in these schools all along. We did not put the money in as time went on. I have worked in the Mountain Home schools and know that they need work but there really needs to some honesty and integrity on the part of the school board on this. Maybe they should invite the citizens to an open house at the junior high and show us what needs to be done and why. I worked at that school and it is very nice.

    What are they going to do with the old high school if this bond passes? We have a lot of very smart kids in this town that have gone on to do great things (recently and over the years). What is the true/real intent of this project? The public really needs to see what is going on in the junior high before they vote again. Honesty from the get go is always the best policy and it just has not been where our schools have been concerned.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 1:12 PM
  • I went to High School in a small farming town and when they need to expand they used modulars like the one that sits in the parking lot at Hacker Middle School. That is how they kept up with the influx of students. I know those cost far less then trying to continue to build the High School.

    If they want to help students then they need to find teachers who enjoy their job, or help teachers better enjoy their job. I'm sorry but since I've been here I've gotten nothing but a bad vibe from the teachers, no one wants to go above and beyond any more. I had some great teachers when I was in school and you could tell they loved their job!!!

    Oh and by the way I wanted to say thank you to the Choir Teacher at Hacker Middle School my kid says you go above and beyond!! That means a lot to a child!!!!

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 1:56 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    Regarding the dishonesty of the district office with the other bond, I have no opinion. I have only been here for about 4 ½ years and don't know the story. I am positive that this is not going to be like the other bond some 9 years ago.

    You say without any facts that our kids don't know how to read or do math. Mountain Home students across all levels and demographics, except special ed. and newly arrived Hispanics, are up to par with reading, science, and math. Another point is you bring up is books and computers. Books at the high school are, for the most part, current. However, there is no room at the high school for another computer lab. There is one with 24 computers for 750 students.

    You also say that we should have been putting money into these schools all along and not wait until they all need work. Agreed, but the pace of growth has been large over the last few years. This is not a whole new school, but an addition to an existing structure. A completely new high school would have been pushing $70+ million. Whether we like it or not we need a new school and costs, like gasoline prices, will only go up. You also discuss why the junior high needs to be expanded. Currently it does not meet the state requirements of a high school and would need twice the number of classrooms to accommodate 1200+ students that would be there if the bond passes.

    Response to your last point about the high school: The old high school would become the junior high with grades 7 and 8. Hacker would be grades 5 and 6. The new high school would be 9-12. This would help stem the tide of freshmen that drop out currently.

    Finally, I agree 100% with your point about honesty. I teach at the high school and would love to have a facility that allows us to use computers to harness the power of technology. I don't want it to have a new classroom. Honestly, the one I have suits me just fine. However, many Boise, Meridian, and Nampa schools have access to technologies and facilities that enhance their students ability to get ahead in a technological world.

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 4:33 PM
  • Missylynn,

    If the district were to use modulars at Hacker the area students currently use to play would become a series of modulars. As I have stated earlier, we are growing and need to grow our facilities as well.

    Part of the reason that teachers at Hacker seem not to enjoy their job as much is because they have to deal with a tremendous amount of overcrowding. Imagine if at your job you had to work with x number of clients and then as time progressed you kept getting more and more with no increase in staff or space because there is no room for them. That is what is happening at Hacker.

    If the bond passes the old high school would become the junior high with 7th and 8th grades. Hacker would have a whole class removed (7th) and would house 5th and 6th grades. The new high school would be 9th-12th grade.

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 4:42 PM
  • *

    Mule,

    How would a 9-12 school "stem the tide of freshmen that drop out"?

    Vic

    -- Posted by VicVega on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 4:57 PM
  • VicVega,

    Currently, 9th graders at the junior high have a big disconnect with the high school. They are considered high schoolers by the state and the district, but they are housed with the 8th graders. They don't see that all the classes that they are taking now count towards graduation and don't try hard. This is partly because they are still physically at the junior high. Consequently, we have a lot of them drop out between 9th and 10th grade partly because of this disconnect.

    We, at the high school, have tried to get 9th graders more interested in the high school by having them come over for some assemblies. We also have a big welcome at the beginning of the year with different clubs, sports, etc., but there is only so much that can be done between the two schools.

    I hope that answers you question.

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Mar 11, 2008, at 6:04 PM
  • Mule: Your statement: "Agreed, but the pace of growth has been large over the last few years."

    NOT SO. Other articles have told us that over the years we didn't grow. That is why students were taken from the base schools to downtown schools. It is also why we never had a bond for additions in the past. Slow to no growth. It seems that the only growth we have seen is last year and this year. SO--- take the kids back to the base and use those schools again. Waste not space - Want not space!!!!

    NOW, let's look at the actual enrollment numbers since 1998 by school. Can anyone come up with those numbers???? Year - by Year - for the TOTAL district - which includes students at the base. Be sure to note the years that we moved the kids from the base to downtown. Show the numbers by school and then the grand total for the year.

    Let's get down to REAL FACTS before we spend the money. Prove your points to the people.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 12:26 PM
  • Opinion Missy: Honesty should have been the best policy. Like you - I too was told, (as was the rest of the city) that as per your quote:

    "They built the school originally and said that it was going to be a high school but what they really wanted was a junior high. Instead of being honest with the voters, they had us believe that it was going to be the HS. However, that was never the intent. Now, they are doing this bond yet again and the voters are still not over the last act of dishonesty regarding the SAME facility."

    Every one that I know also understood that the new building was a high school. Later on - after all was said and done - it was said that the new gym wouldn't meet state standards for the school to be a high school.

    I have got to try to get the paper archives regarding the new school. Some how!!!!

    We need real facts - show us the enrollment numbers by school and grand total for each year since the "high school" built. This includes the numbers from the base schools since they are in the district.

    We need some hard, TRUE FACTS.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 12:44 PM
  • As far as our students (this is of course some not all) being up to par in reading, math and english, that is very hard to believe. I have worked in all of the Mountain Home schools. This just is not so.

    Some (more than not) of the kids did not know long division or fractions. Many did not know how to multiply. I understand that there is a different level of learning for every child, however, to be in 7th grade and NOT know what 7 X 7 is just is not a good sign. Ask some of these kids to make change without electronic devices. It frustrates many of them (just go to McDonald's and you can see it). So to say that the kids are up to par is a stretch.

    I just saw something written by a junior. She did not know the proper use of "to" "too" "two" or "there" "their" "they are" or "brake" and "break". She did not understand when you use 's or s'. That is sad considering she is college bound.

    As far as the computers for the schools go, the reality is that there will probably never be 1 computer per student. There should be 1 computer per student (29-34) in a computer lab. However, this does not mean that we need to have a 37 million dollar addition to this school in the form of a bond.

    Really, our Planning and Zoning office should have had a little bit more sense before they approved subdivision after subdivision. The almighty dollar won out, not that many of us did not fight all of this at public hearings, but now we are in a pickle. What about the base school that just sits? For years we have been told that enrollment was down due to the home school program(s) and kids not wanting to attend school (drop outs). Now, we have all of these new houses and more kids (or so they tell us). I want to see the numbers. Invite the public into the junior high and let us see what you say needs to be improved. Put your mouth where you WANT the money to be.

    The fact is this, the powers that be lied on the last school bond. There are still voters around that remember that and find it hard to swallow that these SAME PEOPLE are now attempting to pass another bond. People always learn best what they have learned first and that, in this case, is that we were all lied to. Done now, nothing that we can do about it other than not approve the next bond. You guys should have thought about that one the last time.

    So the junior high needs a larger gym that meets the standards. Add on. The district should have the money to add some computers to the lab. However, this is not 37 million dollars worth of improvements. Either we need new people in charge of the district or the district needs to come up with a more suitable plan for the people who pay the taxes. Most of the people in this game are the same and I for one will not be lied to or played again. School is what you make of it. A fancy school is not going to make the kids that do not want to be in school go to school. That is not the way it works. Put better people in charge and that might help. This entire deal stinks from the head down and I hope that people will be able to work through the bull and see the facts...if the true facts are ever presented that is. I will vote "No" based on the facts in front of me now. Once bitten....

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 1:34 PM
  • Midea (first posting)

    The base population has gone down, some, but not so in town. Many military families with children have moved into town. What about when the new wing from Singapore arrives?

    Bussing 100's of kids to dilapidated buildings on base would be prohibitive moneywise. Also, what would you do when the base closes the front gates for hours in the morning or when they have exercises and don't allow anyone on base?

    As for enrollment numbers ask the district office to publish them. That is a good idea.

    How can you say slow to no growth? Why have they been building literally hundreds of new homes in the last few years?...to make the town look nicer from the freeway? You ask for facts, but provide none yourself. You just make statements that justify your feelings.

    Midea (second posting)

    Since I have only been here for about five years I did some questioning of the district and neighbors to discover the story about the first bond nine years ago. Maybe some of you should too. I was told by several community members (none of them work for the district I don't want you to think that the district said this) that people in this community resist change, which appears to be so with this and other bonds I have seen defeated. The new junior high was never intended to be the high school. It was even called phase I. Someone, without district approval had put a sign on the construction site that said "Future Home of Mountain Home High School." When discovered by district officials, it was taken down. However, the damage was done and rumors spread like wildfire, as they always do. I have heard the same story from several other residents (not teachers) as well.

    It appears that this rumor has now become "fact" to many in Mountain Home.

    OpinionMissy,

    I know that you and Midea have made up your mind, but I respond so others can see the other side.

    I teach history and was previewing a short video clip to show students about the Rosenberg's. A protestor on the video had a sign that said "Don't fry them they'll stink to much." Problems like the ones you give will always be there. Also, texting has messed up student's ability to spell. Everyone misspells, even you in your postings.

    You talk about adding on to schools to make them viable. That is exactly what this bond proposes.

    See my response to Midea concerning the mistrust of the district and the rumor that became "fact."

    Teachers don't need one computer per student, but 24 for 750 are too few.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 4:08 PM
  • I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I don't think that some of you, no matter how much logic and facts were thrown at you, would change your minds. I have answered many of your concerns and you are still unfazed. Talk to the district office and those who would benefit from the new building instead of just listening to those who agree with you. Then, make an informed decision. Nobody, especially me, wants to see taxes increase, but it is necessary to make sacrifices to make improvements.

    The "facts", as some of you want to know, are that we will need a new high school in the near future for all the reasons which have been elaborated on before.

    Another "fact" is that construction costs have been going through the roof (thanks to fuel prices, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Katrina). Look at how much the bond has increased in a few months. If we wait a few years, when we desperately need a new building, what will be the cost?...$50 million? $60 million? How much more would we all complain then?

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 4:20 PM
  • Mule:

    It was not my suggestion to add modulars to Hacker Middle School, I was merely using the Modular that sits in the parking lot as an example.

    My suggestion was to add modulars to the high school. I don't believe a big fancy school isn't going to solve you drop out rate, and it certainly isn't going to solve the fact that the teachers dislike their job. The modulars would cost less to put in to solve you over crowding problem, but I'll tell you it surprises me that the district at some point decided that 4 elementary schools were need (how ever long ago) but it was unable to anticipate that another middle school might be need to to ease the burden of over crowding.

    Thoughts to ponder...

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 4:40 PM
  • Missylynn,

    Currently, 9th graders at the junior high have a big disconnect with the high school. They are considered high schoolers by the state and the district, but they are housed with the 8th graders. They don't see that all the classes that they are taking now count towards graduation and don't try hard. This is because they are still physically at the junior high. Consequently, we have a lot of them drop out between 9th and 10th grade partly because of this disconnect and they reach an age that it is legal to leave public education.

    We, at the high school, have tried to get 9th graders more interested in the high school and the classes they are taking by having them come over for some assemblies. We also have a big welcome at the beginning of the year with different clubs, sports, votech., etc., but there is only so much that can be done between the two schools.

    Teachers at the high school don't dislike their job. I don't believe that teachers at Hacker or the junior high dislike their jobs. Part of the reason that teachers at Hacker seem not to enjoy their job as much is because they have to deal with a tremendous amount of overcrowding. Imagine if at your job you had to work with x number of clients and then as time progressed you kept getting more and more with no increase in staff or space because there is no room for them. That is what is happening at Hacker.

    As to the modulars, that would be a good thing for the district to look into.

    Concerning the four elementary schools and one middle school; I don't know. I work at the high school and have no idea. Thinking about it a little, it may be that they are only sending one class (out of four) from each school at a time and until recently this worked, but now we have overcrowding due to an increasing population.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 5:37 PM
  • Mule:

    The school district in their last article on this matter (or the one prior) admitted that the junior high was supposed to be the high school. Due to a drop in enrollment (or so they have said), the school was made into the junior high. The district admitted this and put it in the paper. Perhaps you should be more informed?

    As far as our community "resisting change" what in the heck do you call all of this growth that is not being thought out? If we were so against change I am sure that the rich and well connected would have put an end to the building 2 years ago.

    As far as the other bond (for the hospital) not passing. That was because their board could not get their story straight. When it was disclosed that many of the older people that resided there would not have a bed (with the new plan) people got bent out of shape. Further, many of the people in this town would not go to the local hospital. Go figure. Many people have doctors in Boise as well and they prefer it that way. Most doctors, who live in Boise, do not want to come to Mtn. Home. They have good practices in Boise and other places. Why come to Mountain Home? On this bond we were lied to again. Go figure.

    I am not against the raise in taxes IF the plan is well thought out. In my opinion, and many others as well, this is not a well though out plan. Why is the district not responding with some enrollment numbers (the real numbers)? Why are they (and not you with your words of wisdom daily) not doing more to provide us with the proof? We just want to be educated consumers. Unless they have something to hide, this should not be a problem.

    This is the wonderful thing about America...we can think and write what we feel and it is not against the law. Feel as you like but keep your hands off my wallet.

    If you choose to believe that the district was on the up and up regarding the junior high the last time around--good for you. However, you should read what Mr. McMurtrey put in print before you stick up for them too much. It really makes you look like a fool. You being here for just 5 years has not allowed you to experience some of this first hand. Do not believe all that you are told by these "other" people. Take it from us long timers...something is not right. We have been down this same road a time or two...or three.

    On a side note...are you on the PR team/pass the bond team that McMurtrey has started (that was in the paper also by the way...he is the contact person)? If you are...you alone could change some of the "yes" votes. Keep up the good work. I am still a "no" vote until I see proof directly from the district.

    Once again, how about an open house at the junior high. Show us what needs to be improved and WHY. That is not much to ask.

    Next...

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 5:41 PM
  • I am still at a loss, with the many very smart children and young adults in this town, how does sending the 9th graders to a "high school" make them care more about how they do in school and make these children realize that the last 4 years are college prep. years? If these kids do not care or do not apply themselves, a new building will not help. Do they get new brains with the school change as well? I cannot believe that you even said that or that you have tried to sell that to us as a good reason for this plan. Come on! Are you attempting to sell us on this or yourself?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 5:50 PM
  • I am not on any PR committee. I only do this because I am interested in this issue. As I stated in an earlier posting, I am perfectly fine with my current classroom, but for the plethora of reasons that have been stated earlier would like to see this bond pass. I am not going to get in a spitting match and try to argue each or your points, but I will argue the big ones. I have already explained my position and you yours.

    Phase I of the high school was completed in 1998 and was scheduled to become the high school with the addition the district currently desires, but then numbers began to decline, so the second phase to convert it into the high school was sidetracked until now. That is what they said in the paper.

    Regarding the fool comment, I know not to just believe what is put up on some smalltime paper's website. I went and asked several people and tried to find out the "facts." I just wrote what I learned, which came from the district and other community members. Truth be told I don't like McMurtrey all that much. I am not just saying that to placate you or anyone else.

    Let's keep this debate civil and not call each other names. It does no good. I am sure that if we met in "real life" we would have a lot of the same opinions. After the bond passes or fails none of this will be remembered, unless we get angry.

    I agree 100% that the district should provide numbers, have an open house, show us the blueprints, and anything else that would help educate the community. Call the district office and tell them you would like to see these things. That would help too.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 6:21 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    Please read my postings before slamming me. I used the pronoun we, not I, when talking about how we try to help the 9th graders.

    Students at the junior high don't see themselves as high schoolers because they are still housed at the junior high with 8th graders. Many sophomores have said they would have tried harder had they known that what they were doing really mattered and counted towards graduating high school. I know that is partly the fault of the councilors at the junior high, but mostly because they are housed in another building, separate from the high school. You can tell a 14-year-old something until your blue in the face, but until they actually see it (i.e. being housed at the high school with 10th 11th and 12th graders) nothing changes.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 6:32 PM
  • Mule: I gotta love you- You keep things interesting to say the least.

    First - you are very entrenched in this decsion makeing. You can't help it. You are in the school district. I understand your thoughts. I know that everyone in any job would want new offices, updated rooms, and new buildings. Who wouldn't want those things in their job. I too am entrenched in a different way. I was here in 98 - and felt like I had been taken for a real ride. So, yes we both have a side to this.

    I believe it's up to Mr. McMurtry to try and change peoples minds. He needs to get the facts out to the voters.

    Now to some other points in this great debate.

    We are already bussing kids to the base. So no extra expenditure there. The busses are ALREADY going to the base. If the base has an exercise and the gates are closed - no big deal. This has been going on for many years, and the kids still made it to school each day. Nothing has changed in that.

    Who said that the schools/buildings on base are dilapitated? Enrollment was low in the district so the kids were brought downtown to fill the gap and not have to bus as many.

    So, if enrollment has come back up then maybe we should reopen those schools on the base. USE OUR RESOURCES.

    I don't know who you talked to , but I was here when the school was built. I had a son who would have attended it as a high school in 98 when it was built. We were excited. At least until we found out that it couldn't be used as a high school because the gym didn't meet standards. Yes, I believe we were lied to. I have friends, who were and some still are teachers, bus drivers, janitors who have all told me the same thing. Those people who are still in the system since 97-98 know that we were not told everything.

    I love change, especially if it can bring this town better jobs and wages. I was all for a new school in 98.

    You say we don't like change:

    I for one ALSO voted to have a recreation district. I gave money to it. I am now being taxed on it (I believe for at least 5 years). I didn't mind doing this. BUT, nothing is being done to make this happen. Don't tell me I don't know the facts on this one - I do. I asked and was given the answers. My feelings are that the recreation money should be added to the school monies for additions, the land should be sold and put into the school money for additions, and the current tax we pay on the recreation plan should be put toward the school additions.

    Now please don't say old timers don't want change. We do!! I have supported the school in the past, I was all for a recreation plan for the town.

    I feel I have been bitten twice now. No more.

    The school district does need to print the FACTS about enrollment, and they do need to come up with a new versioin of the building that is much less costly. Why didn't they bring the facts to the voters in the beginning? Got any answer to that.?

    AND yes I will change my mind if AFTER seeing the FACTS I believe that it is a necessity to build.

    I am NOT dead set AGAINST this building. I just want FACTS and a REASONABLE addition to the school if it is really needed and can be JUSTIFIED.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 9:30 PM
  • *

    Anyone who wants to see justification for the school bond need only go to Hacker Middle School. Take a tour during the school day. Look in the classrooms. Stand in the hallways during passing times. Talk to the teachers who work there. The class sizes alone would convince anybody to vote for passing the bond.

    -- Posted by questionposer on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 9:50 PM
  • midea:

    Great post! I am glad that there is at least 1 person in this town that remembers that we were lied to regarding the junior high. I am pretty tired of the blank check mentality of Mr. McMurtrey and the rest of the board. It is offensive. The economy is bad and I am pretty sure that some of these people who have built homes here are not going to stay here. We need to keep that in mind as well. There may be more kids in school right now but that may not be so 6 months from now.

    We really need to think about this. Does anybody know what they are doing with the recreation district money since there is not recreation center? This is yet another example of how NOT to do things.

    I am also not 100% against this bond but I will be darned if I will be duped again regarding the same building. The lies have caught up with the district and it is now their job to "right" the wrong. They know what we want because someone reads these posts I am pretty sure.

    We should have this information BEFORE we are asked to vote. We shall see I guess. How many more times will they try to pass this thing?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 10:09 PM
  • I too wonder about why some of these kids have not been sent to the base school that was closed due to a lack of children. It is there, available and safe. So the kids have to be on the bus and taken to the school on base. Because this is not what the few want we do not try it. If they were that concerned about the problem, they would be sending the kids to the base. We would rather spend 37+ million when some of us do not know if we will have a job at the end of the week! I am pretty sure that this can be worked out without spending what is proposed. We need to work with what we have. This tax increase could put many people (like the seniors on fixed funds) right out of their homes. Are we even thinking about that? Probably not.

    Come on! There is still more to this story than meets the eye.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 10:43 PM
  • Midea and OpinionMissy,

    I appreciate this back and forth we have had.

    I think the discussion has run its course.

    We keep repeating the same things over and over.

    It is in the district's hands.

    The district needs to be honest. If they can do that then they will have my support. If they want to be sneaky, as you say they were in the last bond, I will vote no because I don't want to be taxed for something that is not worthwhile.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 11:10 PM
  • Mule:

    We agree. What a hoot.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 11:49 PM
  • People seem to have forgotten that there is a another school on base that can be used to ease the over crowding at Hacker. Reopen Liberty School and make it a 5,6,7th grade. I am sure the parents on base would love to have their students closer to them so they dont have to ride the bus and it would be easier for them to get them to appointments.

    -- Posted by snafu on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 6:18 AM
  • *

    While I am not a life-long Mt Home resident, I decided to make this town my family's home. I was not here when the Jr High was built so I do not know the whole story. I have been here long enough to know that we have been paying for a piece of land to sit empty for a recreation building far too long. I think the idea of using the money we already pay for this land to be utilized for a far better building is an excellent one. The question has to be what is more important, to pay for land that has sat empty for almost 10 years, with the only progress shown is a sign or to aide in providing the youth of this town with a better building to obtain a life-long education in? It seems to me that this choice is an easy one.

    Like everyone else, I keep seeing and hearing about overcrowding and the need for expansion. Maybe if the school board provided us with numbers instead of myths, it would be better understood. As for sending the children to the base for schooling, there are some hurdles that would have to overcome but if the district was truly concerned about improving the conditions for the children, these could be overcome.

    Either idea seems to fit the needs and wishes of the community much better than trying to force more taxes upon an already stretched thin household.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 7:02 AM
  • This is what our tax increase would be if this bond is approved (this information was taken from the district information provided 3/12/08):

    For the following values here is the tax increase you will see (with the tax credit). This is for the year and per month:

    $100,000- $175.02/$14.59 per month

    $150,000- $262.53/$21.88 per month

    $200,000- $350.04/$29.17 per month

    $225,000- $393.80/32.82 per month

    250,000- $437.55/$36.46 per month

    I have requested enrollment numbers from the district and will provide those when I get them. Can the older people in our town (seniors and vets) afford this?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 10:13 AM
  • Dear Mule, please refer to the rules.

    -- Posted by cswenson@mountainhomenews.com on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 11:54 AM
  • Sorry.

    The districts homepage is, without providing a link, is mtnhomesd.org There you can easily find a link to bond information.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 11:57 AM
  • Opinion Missy

    Really appreciate your time in getting the info for this discussion/debate. I was wondering if when you asked the district for the enrollment numbers did you ask if they are planning a town meeting for a question and answer session with Mr. McMurtey and the board?

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 12:02 AM
  • Thought people might find this interesting.

    The district held two open houses at the junior high for questions prior to the previous bond. A grand total of 5 people showed up, total.

    I told them to do another one and advertise it better.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 10:33 AM
  • No one likes tax increases. But better education is necessary not only to current children but for the community and country in years to come.

    I think a new facility with increased potential is very necessary -- and, yes, my husband and I are elderly, retired on a fixed income, and own our small home. It's not in a high-cost area of town, but maybe we can afford it better than folks who, for whatever reason, have purchased those high-cost homes.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 11:05 AM
  • midea:

    I did not ask if they were going to do a question and answer session but I did ask for a well advertised open house at the junior high PRIOR to the bond vote. I could certainly call the district back and ask for the question and answer session. I thought that if they did an open house that they may take questions then however, a question and answer session may be a good plan also. It needs to be done at 6:00 p.m. (or so) so that those of us that work in Boise and other areas can make it from work.

    I believe that the district also added an indoor running track to this plan which they state added "pennies" to the costs of the building. I am curious to know the definition of "pennies" in the district's eyes. I am sure it is very different from mine and also many of yours.

    I am still waiting to hear on the enrollment numbers for all of the schools since the junior high was built to present. These have not been provided to date but the district did tell me that they were working on my request. I will let everyone know once I have obtained this information.

    My point in this is not to be a pain to anyone but I want to be well informed on this when I do vote. If I am not well informed and I do not have all of the information that has been requested, I will be a "NO" vote.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 11:52 AM
  • Opinion Missy and Mule: I just got home and saw your posts. Thank you again. Can't make a very good vote if I am not informed well.

    Mule: I wasn't aware there was a meeting before the last vote. You are SOooooo right - when the meeting is scheduled for this vote it needs advertised quite a lot better this time. I do hope there is a THIS time.

    You get a special thanks from me also. You are really in a sensitive situation because of your job/position. Now I know why your user name is Mule!!!! Thank you.

    Opinion Missy : Since you have requested all the info on a meeting and also the numbers of students in the school from 1998 up through this year - then I will patiently await the answers. I am happy that you asked for the numbers of each of the schools each year and not just an overall total.Having the numbers in such a format will show which schools have the most growth,and will also show how much crowding was possibly artificially made due to moving Airbase kids to the town shcools. (Did we create our own overcrowding). You rock.

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 8:51 PM
  • Here are the numbers from the district which were forwarded to me from a friend. The 07-08 counts were taken on 2-19-08. All other years are taken from the last attendance date in May for each year.

    Hacker

    07-08

    902

    06-07

    872

    05-06

    806

    04-05

    828

    03-04

    859

    MHJHS

    07-08

    646

    06-07

    646

    05-06

    598

    04-05

    637

    03-04

    646

    MHHS

    07-08

    781

    06-07

    748

    05-06

    746

    04-05

    768

    03-04

    788

    The auditorium ALONE will cost us $3,569,747.

    I really do not see where these numbers support a $37 million dollar bond. With all of the building that has gone on over the past 2 years (and now that is over for the most part), I would have thought that these numbers would be higher. I just do not see the need for this large of a bond. The tax increase alone is great and will put many people out of their homes.

    Again, these numbers were all supplied by the district. Thank you.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, at 1:22 AM
  • midea:

    Thanks for your comments. The numbers only went back (as you will see) to 03-04 but it will give you an idea on attendance at least.

    I hope that the info helps. We need educated voters not just people who hear things from their friends and people around town. These are the FACTS now. If I get any more information, I will certainly post it. Have a great weekend.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, at 1:34 AM
  • Ok, a new topic. Is it just me but after reading the court notes week after week I notice a trend. THE LACK OF JUSTICE. Just follow the penalties and fines for the crimes, if the prosecutor isn't dropping charges he is reducing them. Then they go to the Judge and even with multiple charges when the defendant is found guilty the person is let of with suspended or reduced fines and suspended or reduced sentences and jail time served. Makes you ask yourself why the police department even bothers trying to keep law and order when the soft prosecutor and judges just let people off with a slap on the wrist. Now wonder we have people driving around this town with multiple DUI's and without drivers license....WHY BOTHER when you won't be sent to jail or anything.

    -- Posted by DOC1994 on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 6:04 AM
  • On that same note, it is the same people over and over for the most part. Maybe if these folks paid their full fines 50% of the time that they are in trouble...our town would have more money. You do the crime you should darn well do the time and pay the fine(s). It is a "criminal justice system" and does nothing for the victims. Maybe if they had to pay all of their fines they would refrain from a life of crime.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 11:15 AM
  • Ok another new topic, I would like to know why the Moth Shop has not had to build a fence around their property? They have so many old refrigerators, with no locks or the doors taken off and that children have access to. With children walking home from North Elementary, these are easy access for them to play in and around, it is a hazzard to our kids, not to mention if something happens and a child gets locked in one, the law suit they would face? Just wondering!!!

    -- Posted by ME1 on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 12:46 PM
  • *

    Seems to me that this an issue that the Mt Home Code Enforcement offical could or should have looked at already. Anyone contacted them for advice?

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 6:34 PM
  • It will take that code enforcer years to clean up this town. Have you seen some of the dumps around here that people call home!!

    I do agree though, with the old refrigerators it should be priority for safety reasons.

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 3:26 PM
  • you know the promble with people who think the justice system does not work

    has not gone throught what the people who have i can not give give you my name but iwent througt the system and i hate to say this but they need juges like the hanging juge i was sent to a place called hope house in nampa idaho

    for three years and when i came back i had 2 years on prombsin and saw the in

    side of a woman prison as if i did not stop geting in trouble i am now married

    to a guy in the army so you stupid people who think the system does not work think of that what you should be more worried about is kids sliping thoght the crack kids that do drugs and are 16 or 17 or younger and people who are poor and have no food for thier kids

    i am from mountian home too i lived there for 17 years so i understand i have friends in high and low places its not good to juge people in diffent paths in life too

    -- Posted by Darkangel3 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 5:50 AM
  • you how you say the house are dumps how about you put that mouth of yours in the money becase the city is not rich they clen the streets that takes money the pot hole you grap about cost money all things cost money it does not grow on trees how about you try to help them insted of graping oh and about the school i would love too see you go through what kids go thought or how some or the kids hit yell or cuess at the teacher i think personal they should be paid more because i use to be one of those kids but worse i toss computers and tables

    at the teachers because they told me what to do but it was a speacal ed teacher that help me thought my anger he talk to me like a person not just another kid and about your kids i can say try to talk to them if that does not work ground them take things they like there cell phones there car the computer just give there beds stuff blanket pillow just put them to bed after they ated dinner oh and they need there clothes too don't buy them suff too no going out to eat nothing in less they earn it too i should know i am the youngest of six kids

    and maby lisen to your kids learn something from them that your learn how they are lieing to you you are expted your kids to be good all the time they will go thought fases

    there is goth/emoa/skater/potsomkers/

    how about you juge your self to see how your kids are see the bad things like drinking to the point of get drunk or not being able to walk your kids look too for the right thing too do so if maby you follow the rules maby they will there is a saying think before you act you say it too your kids thnk too so lisen to someone who knows ok understand

    -- Posted by Darkangel3 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 6:41 AM
  • Well Darkangel3, I tried unsuccessfully to read your comments, I just could not make sense of them or understand your mispelled words. I have lived in this town all my life all 33 years, and yes I grew up poor and still am today, but I also know that it does not cost money to clean up a yard or throw trash away, that is what I am talking about......Take a drive on the streets near West Elementary, you will know what I am talking about!! So yes the code enforcer should be out at those residents giving them fines for being trashy!! Notice I did not say poor, poor does not mean trashy!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 11:02 AM
  • UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 11:04 AM
  • Is somebody typing blindfolded in here or what? Darkangel3 I am sorry for your rough upbringing but I don't understand what you are saying or where the rearing of children even came into the conversation here.

    But I am new here (2 years in Mountain Home) and this is my first foray into this forum so I may not have read far enough back to have seen what you are talking about or referencing. But I have to agree with Smiles98. Clean up your dang yards!

    -- Posted by mattnielsen on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 11:40 AM
  • BACK TO THE SCHOOL BOND: NEW INFO

    NEW INFORMATION

    I DO HAVE MORE INFO that those who want to get the FACTS can get them.

    According to the numbers given to us by the district LAST WEEK(See Opinion Missy blog)the overall GROWTH of students since 2003 to current date is 36 STUDENTS.

    In a 4 year period we have only 36 more students.

    I also wanted the enrollment numbers during 1998 (opening of new school) to 2003. (We have lost at least 2 squadrons since then.)A few hundred people. I do have the website to check enrollments for the district since 1993.

    NEW INFO FOF YOU

    I CALLED THE IDAHO BOARD OF ED. and Greg Berg (Sp?) gave me the website to look at the enrollments from 1993 to the current year.

    The site is sde.idaho.gov (I hope this is not considered a link.) Then go to drop down menu- Divisions -finance information and technology. Then on the right hand side of the page go the orange block Q"uicklinks" Fall enrollments. Then left side of page "Fall enrollment by District by building by grade. Then move down to line #5953 District 193 - Mountain Home This is an excell document so I don't know if all of you will be able to open it.

    I have looked at it. Overall growth is down. Hacker is up but due to moving kids from base to town. I had to study the numbers to get the growth or decline for Hacker in 2005 and 2006. Liberty lost 104, but Hacker gained 105. Also - if you move the kids up to the next grade next year , if I am correct -the numbers begin to drop off again.

    As for the people coming in from overseas to be sationed at the base - the info I received is: Their country is requiring them to live on the base - if that is so - their children will go to base schools. So we will have to open those schools up again. Now if that info is correct - we can move the overflow from town to the base.

    By the way Greg gave me the info in about 2 seconds.

    I called the Mtn Home school district here in town 5 minutes before I called Greg at the Idaho Dept of Education and Mtn Home told me I had to submit a letter to them to get the info.

    So I asked them for the number of the Idaho Board of Ed.

    Why didn't Mtn Home give me the same link? Or for that matter -

    Why didn't they give the link to Opinion Missy when she tried to get the numbers for each school????.

    Why make it hard on people to get the FACTS??? Get a clue here?

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 3:16 PM
  • MULE:

    You said in another post that you don't know anything about the Western Elmore Recreation District. I know you have only lived here for 5 years so hopefully this will help.They are the group that is supposed to be planning and building rec center for Mtn Home.

    Their phone number is 580-2377. You can call and talk with them and they can give you all the history of the recreation deal. Hopefully this will help you out and you can become knowledgable about what has happened in the past.

    At least you will know why we say let's use the money for the schools now. I think we have been taxed on this for somewhere between 5-10 yrs.

    Opinion Missy:

    Hope my last post helps you with the rest of the school numbers.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 3:25 PM
  • I am so glad that someone is doing their Homework on the school bond. People need to remember that there are schools on the base and that we want our kids to go there. I want my child closer. Thank you.

    -- Posted by snafu on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 6:31 AM
  • Does anyone know anything about the easter egg hunt at Carl Miller?

    -- Posted by EN0207 on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 10:27 AM
  • Midea,

    Thanks for the information about the recreation center.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 10:39 AM
  • Well, now we have the "facts" on the bond issue regarding the attendance numbers at our schools. The District, in my opinion, wanted us to believe that the numbers were higher than what they really are. This is generally how it goes around here. At least this time we have gone into this as educated consumers.

    Now, people want to vote on the bond based on the "future" needs of the District. If we were going to have a huge population boom beyond what the schools could handle, we would have already had it. The boom is over, the economy is a wreck and gas, food and electric have all gone up in price and will continue to rise. The real estate boom is over.

    So, now we are going to vote on this $37 million dollar (plus) bond based on what MAY NEVER happen in the "future." I am sorry but I think that is a bad idea. Why should we spend $37 million dollars if all indications are that we will NOT have a huge population boom of students. This is basic economics here.

    It is my belief that the bond plan should be revised to a much lower amount. IF (and it is a big if) we have a huge increase in students due to another building boom then those people that move here can help pay for the bond. It would be better to spread it out over many rather than the few. $37 million is way more than we should be spending right now and could put a lot of people out of their homes. We need to think about that as well. Where is the sense of community in our town? Many of the citizens of our town are on a fixed income. Our incomes do not keep up with the times.

    We are not Boise. We do not have the same tax base as Boise and people who work in Mtn. Home generally do not make the same wages as people in Boise. To compare Mtn. Home to Boise is unreasonable. Before our town becomes this dream bedroom community that everyone wants to move to we will have to improve our streets with more lanes and traffic control signals, we will need to clean up all of the trash around town and improve what is available within our town. A person cannot buy a nice dress or suit in our town much less a good pair of shoes! The town looks trashy no matter how you drive into it. People do not want to live with that. Living next to a junk yard and a dump is not something that people want to pay for and those are the FACTS.

    This bond needs to be reduced. We can upgrade with a cost much less than $37 million. We need to improve on what we have. How will anybody be able to sell their house if the taxes could be raised $200-300 per year? It is already a soft market. The "blank check" ideal needs to end. These are going to be some lean times ahead and spending needs to be well thought out (as opposed to the property that still sits empty with a nice sign that we have been taxed on for years with nothing to show). Come on folks! We have not even paid off the last bond on the SAME building. The numbers just do not support this plan.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 11:27 AM
  • midea:

    Thanks for the numbers! This is turning out to be the same thing as the last time...same building and many of the same people in charge. Where is the honesty in all of this?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 11:30 AM
  • Opinion Missy:

    Your comments:

    "It is my belief that the bond plan should be revised to a much lower amount. IF (and it is a big if) we have a huge increase in students due to another building boom then those people that move here can help pay for the bond. It would be better to spread it out over many rather than the few."

    My sentiments EXACTLY. I don't know why we can't get someone to go back to the drawing board and build ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY at this time and TRUTHFULLY be able to JUSTIFY those needs. I am willing to compromise - but the district doesn't seem willing to. Wish it were so.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 12:20 PM
  • I have been trying to keep up with the bond issue, and am not from Mtn. Home, and have a question that maybe someone could answer for me. Why did they close the school on the base and when did they close it?

    -- Posted by ME1 on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 10:35 AM
  • Me1:

    They closed the school on base because enrollment numbers were down and they needed to consolidate kids (so to speak) to save money. If you look at the numbers, part of the over-crowding issue has been due to this school being closed/shut down not more kids in the school system. Mule may be able to provide the year the school was closed on base.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 2:34 PM
  • They closed it because of declining numbers on base. Families are chosing to move into town instead of staying on base.

    A lot of people say we should bus kids out there. The only thing is that the base will not let non-military people, even kids, on base.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 2:36 PM
  • The school on base closed starting last school year (2006/2007). There were too many kids for one class, but not enough for two classes to warrant hiring another teacher.

    -- Posted by acomment on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 8:44 PM
  • Here's the glich about saying it would cost us to bus the base kids to the base schools.

    We already run buses out there for the elementary schools on base. It won't cost any more than what we pay now.

    I know there are at least 2 buses that run to the base. It may be three. I am not sure. so, the extra cost IF ANY would be minimal.

    But, it would help with overcrowding, and would make some parents on base happier to have their kids nearer to them if they need to get the child from school etc.

    Now to the families moving downtown.

    Nothing has changed since I was military. There are always and will still be some families who opt to move downtown. But, there are MANY who don't. Younger airman and younger NCO;s can't afford the nice homes downtown. They live in BEAUTIFUL NEW homes on base. ( I have children who are military and the two with families live on base for these reasons)

    So my points is:

    We can't say that the schools are overcrowded because the military now decided to live downtown. Some military members do live downtown and always will.

    This is nothing new and really doesn't have a lot - if any - bearing on the overcrowding.

    Like I said in my last blog: I will bet that we have to reopen the base school anyway.

    Once again - I think we need to utilize ALL of our resources.

    Secondly : I would like to see the district go back to the drawing board, and decide what is absolutely necessary (no icing).We don't need fancy. Justify it with sincerity and honesty.

    We don't have the same tax base as Boise, so we shouldn't be trying to KEEP UP WITH THE JONES!!!!!!

    Lastly - I think we need to have a vote to take the bond that was for the new rec. district and turn it around to become school money.

    Use all past monies that was collected in our taxes(5 - 10 yrs worth)for the rec. district , plus all the money that was collected on the street for donations, and also sell the land to get the money back out of that.

    Now take all that money, and continue the tax on that and use it for the school system.

    Lastly : I do not want to pay $30.00 MORE a MONTH in taxes to foot this bill.

    I believe we have other resources, (buildings, money) that we can use first. We can also cut the FAT from the existing bond and be a little more frugal.

    SCHOOL DISTRICT- MR.MCMURTREY -

    1. Do more homework.

    2. Generate other alternatives. Go back to the drawing board figuring only what is absolutely needed at this time to be State certified as a high school.

    3.What other monetary avenues do we have that may have been missed?

    4. Educate the towns people publically in a question/answer type forum. (No Fear Tactics)

    5. Learn to compromise.

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 9:54 PM
  • Do you think that they are keeping the base school closed so the bond will pass?? Where did the money come for the portable at Hacker? Why did Hacker need those new gates in the parking lot and what good are they?? Where did the money come from for that?? They don't need to bus kids to base just let the ones on base go to base schools. Singapore is coming and they don't know how many kids they are bringing.

    -- Posted by snafu on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, at 7:07 AM
  • I am very happy to see that there are people that are really looking at the facts that have been provided on this $37 million dollar bond. I am also happy that many people have taken the time to research the information provided. $37 million is a lot of money and the "fat" really needs to be taken off of this one. This is going to be a repeat snow job if we are NOT very careful. Please do your research on this BEFORE you vote. It is going to take a VERY long time to pay back this money.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, at 8:47 AM
  • Does anybody know what they plan to do with the property for our recreation district that will never be? Why not sell it to the church next door that needs more land to build and give the money back to the people of this town. What has been done with all of the tax money on this that has been collected over the years? This is a sham as well. Waste-fraud and abuse on the part of the people that run this town. SHOW ME THE MONEY!!! The funds probably went into a "general" fund that has paid for raises and new police cars. When does the scam end? I guess when we vote! Maybe?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, at 8:54 AM
  • Good question on the gates at Hacker. Why were those needed when there is an entrance/exit that has NO gates in the same area. The gates do not keep anybody in nor out. How much did that cost us? More "smart" spending by the same District that wants $37 million dollars. Come on...get real! Something is just not right here! The sky is the limit when it is someone elses money. I am still a "No" vote on this deal based on the District's "facts" provided and the facts that we had to dig for.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, at 9:02 AM
  • Pooh:

    Just what I keep saying - Singapore is coming - I am sure the district is going to have to open the base school again. From what I understand - / have been told - Singapore requires their military to live on the base and not downtown. So, I am sure they will have to reopen the school also.

    I figure they are pushing so hard for this bond to get it passed before Singapore is here, before they HAVE to reopen the base school again.

    Your ? about do we think that district is holding out on opening the base school until the bond passes? Well, as soon as they closed the base school my exact words to my husband were: "Well, they are going to push for another bond again - they closed the base school and put the kids downtown. Now they will say it is too crowded" Sure as s---, that is exactly what happened. They tried to get a bond passed this past fall and are HURRYING to get it pushed through again this spring.

    The district is pushing HARD to get this done. AND might I say - with absolutely NO COMPOMISE

    Hope this helps answer your question. It is my opinion but, hey - been there, done that!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Sat, Mar 22, 2008, at 11:19 PM
  • *

    I for one plan on voting NO on the school bond unless the school board can and will trim some of the budget. Many citizens have voiced their displeasure with the amount and the lack of options. I suggest that the board listen to the common citizen and stop ignoring us.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 12:43 AM
  • I will Vote "NO" on the School Bond,

    -- Posted by Freedom on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 6:45 AM
  • I hope there is good voter turn out for this bond because if not, we are going to get "thrown under the bus" so to speak. Many people are thrilled with the bond, have not reviewed the "FACTS" and are going to vote on what has been said is needed, what would be nice to have and NOT what is really needed.

    We are already taxed on an empty piece of ground (with a nice sign) year after year. When does the BS end around here? How many more times do we pay for this to go to vote? Are we going to try this every year until it passes?

    Nice post midea, Freedom and Old Guy. Glad to hear that there are people that have their eyes wide open around here. I am still a "no" vote. Did anybody notice that the District is still not willing to do an open house on this and SHOW us what is wrong? I have been in the school in question and it is very nice. When I worked there, many of the desks in the classrooms were empty. The class sizes were smaller than when I went to my college prep high school. If they opened the base school again, Hacker would be back to regular/normal class sizes.

    A new school is not going to make the kids that do not want to go to school attend class. Kids that do not want to go to school have "better things to do" and even with a new school will still have "better things to do." This 37 million dollar bond is a scam that we will pay for for an eternity. I for one pay more than my fair share of taxes in this town for what is offered and the taxing us out of our homes needs to end. This is not Sun Valley! This entire thing is a snow job again.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 10:26 AM
  • Happy Easter everyone!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 11:02 AM
  • I am voting no on the bond because my child will not benefit from it. The base school doesn't get anything from it even though the military gives the school district money for the kids that go there. They could use some new playground equipment.

    -- Posted by snafu on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 6:34 AM
  • I also think they should have the bond vote at normal polling places. We don't vote at the schools - we have always had our normal polling spots. Mine is at a church.

    The schools influenced the votes last time. They voted on a parent teacher conference night at the schools.

    Little biased don't you think?

    As a matter of fact - maybe that should be looked into. If you want to influence votes for other things/ie gov't votes, you have to be a certain distance away from the polling place. The district is influencing the votes - and right on the voting place.

    How is that legally done? Anyone know? Anyone care to check this out?

    Another thing - if you are voting No then you MUST GO VOTE. That no vote is going to count.

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 10:20 AM
  • Looks like we need more readin,writin, and arithmetic than we do a votec. Look at the following article in the Idaho Statesman today.

    You can get paper on line. Look under dropdown menu "NEWS". Then "Local News". The article title is:

    "Is your kid's school in crosshairs of No Child Left Behind?"

    Mountain Home schools didn't do so well - failed five years in a row!!!!!

    Looks like we need the BASICS in educaton right now - forget the fancy.

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 5:22 PM
  • So...I guess that theory that a new school with all of the bells and whistles will make the kids learn better and want to attend school is out the window. I read the article. This $37 million dollar bond is a scam against the people of Mountain Home and Elmore County. We have a record number of children being home schooled. This is not going to change. Still a "no" vote and you can bet your...that I will be at the poles to vote on this one. Bull from the get go on this plan with no attempt from the District to compromise. I am pretty sure if this does not pass this time that we will vote on it yet again. This is a crime against the public if it does pass. DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE "NO" votes. Every one of us will count and you can count on that. Midea...I am glad you are still on this!

    When sports are more important in schools we should not be surprised when our kids cannot make change, count money, divide, multiply (in math), read or spell. But hey...that new indoor track will just cost us "pennies" as Mr. McMurtrey stated. What a joke.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 10:19 PM
  • For the record, many of the schools on the list not making the grade so to speak, including Vallivue High in Caldwell, are newer schools with all of the bells and whistles. Those kids are STILL not learning at the level they should be or is mandated. Once again education is what a child/young adult makes of it. The building does not make a child want to learn. $37 million for the same bad marks down the road...NO THANKS! Maybe it is our district administration that needs to be made over. What a mess.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 10:46 PM
  • Has anyone gone out to the general public with this issue? I hear a lot of good information on the bond issue on this website, but how many of mountatin home's residents actually read this web site and comments section. I have lived here for almost 8 years and I only started reading it in the last six months or so.

    We need to find a way to get the word out so the public can be informed. Is there any way to do a town hall meeting or something like that. Can the mayor help us out with this?

    -- Posted by Jagesuper on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 8:41 AM
  • We asked for an open house at the junior high (before we vote on the bond) but the district has not agreed to that as far as I know. Anything to get the "facts" out. However, the district is not very good with the "facts." We seem to get their version of the truth and we need to be careful with that. All of the numbers and facts that we (regular citizens) have posted have come from either the district itself or the Board of Education.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 10:16 AM
  • Maybe the Mtn Home News would do a poll question and find out how many people read the online paper. Everyweek? Once a month? Daily? What do you think Coleen?

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 10:39 AM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    Great idea! Check out our new poll
  • I am not sure the mayor can intervene with this issue. I don't know what his role in this is - if any. does anyone know?

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 10:51 AM
  • Thanks for the poll. Sure appreciate it.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 3:22 PM
  • *

    Here is a thought.. maybe the Mt Home News could ask the school board why they seem reluctant to meet with the voters prior to the bond vote. I, for one have only see the boards version of the facts and would like to see how they try to answer some of the concerns that have been raised here. Oh wait, they need the bond to have a computer lab large enough for them to actualy view anything on line. Sorry I had to get some sarcasim in here.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 8:13 PM
  • Good one "Old Guy." Now you are starting to understand. Many of us are very frustrated and do not understand why it is so hard to get the information IF (another very big if)they are not attempting to pull another one over on us. It is like pulling teeth to get the information/facts. I have noticed that they are not talking about the bond much these days...I am sure there will be a sneak attack and they are just working on their plan. Keep and eye out!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Mar 25, 2008, at 11:17 PM
  • Missylynn:

    It was my and MANY, MANY individuals understanding from reading the papers and talking with people,that we were getting a High School. In fact my youngest son would have gone to the new HIGHS SCHOOL. We were all excited. There was a sign for a long time on the property while it was being built, saying future home of Mtn Home High School. Friends/acquaintances I knew or still know of (including people who worked or are still working for the school)understood that this was going to be opened as a high school. We all were excited.

    Needless to say - that didn't happen. Instead - they opened it as a Jr. High.

    Why would we be asked for a bond to build a high school- build it - THEN open it as a Jr High - AND THEN -ask for MORE money -to work on it to become a high school? Make any sense to you?

    When you ask the public for a bond to build a high school - then when you open it -shouldn't it be a high school right from the beginning? Take it from there -

    I would encourage you to read the blog on the Main page - go down to the bottom of those blogs and I believe you click on "read all comments" to go back to the beginning - and you will be more educated as to what is or isn't true. There are some references within those blogs that you can also use to help you make a decision about the bond. It does make for a long read - but, there are some points worth knowing.

    Don't know if this helps or not. But, I hope it does.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 9:44 AM
  • Surprise-surprise! Now they want a bond to build on that big piece of land that has been empty since 2002. Imagine that. When will this end? We need an audit of those funds at the very least.

    No on both bonds is my feeling. This entire bond issue...school and recreation center disgusts me. How about we start thinking with the head on top of our shoulders for a change! I do not believe for one minute that homeowners will not pay anymore money for the rec. center to be built. What is it going to cost to maintain once it is built? The proposed spending is REALLY out of control. Maybe while we vote for the school bond we should also vote on new people to run Mountain Home. You people are out of control. Really.

    With all of this spending will there be any money to fight West Nile and the blood sucking insects that cause it beyond this summer? I ask this because we will vote on this issue this year. With all of this spending I can hear it now...we do not have the money. It has already been said over the last 2 years. Are we considering any of this by chance? I am pretty sure not. The tax payers will not have any money left to say "yes" to an abatement district at the rate we are going. Hey but what the heck...we will have a nice school and a great place to attract the blood sucking insects. Never mind that we will not be able to sit outside and enjoy it. A little thinking or thought process BEFORE we spend would be very nice right about now. Just my opinion of course.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 12:25 PM
  • This is regarding the Rec Center article:

    Statement in the article:

    "Since its creation, Belt said the district has worked mostly on collecting funds from grant programs.

    Last year the district applied for a grant from the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center grant. The Kroc's, of McDonald fortune, left the Salvation Army $1.6 billion to build community centers across the country. Belt said the Western Elmore Country Rec District finished second in the region to Couer d' Alene for the Kroc grant."

    My Take: Well we came in second in the Kroc Grant - BUT, the article doesn't say how much - if any - money we received from the Kroc grant for this project. If we did not recieve money - Why? If we did receive money - then how much?

    If I calculated correctly - then the approxiamte money collected since 2002 (based on 2007 money), should be somewhere around 1,500,000.00, plus this year of 400,000.00 for a total of 1,900.000.00. This seems to be just abut right for the numbers we have been given. I figure pretty darn close.

    Now - let's go the next point - as per the article here is the next paragraph -

    "Since its creation, Belt said the district has worked mostly on collecting funds from grant programs."

    Now if the WECR has collected from taxes, as per my calculations, 1,900,000.00 and has saved and/or used this money - then did we receive funds from those other grants - if so - why aren't they calculated into the savings? If we didn't receive any funds - Why? Also, how many other grants, besides the Kroc fund has the WECR attempted?

    Thirdly: Next point:

    "Belt said businesses and commercial property taxes would be affected the most by the bond, since until the recent change in tax system by the district no taxes were collected on their property. "

    Businesses would be affected the MOST - which means businesses will pay the most increase and we will also pay more as property owners but won't be affected quite as much. How much more no one knows yet because the WECR doesn't have all of the figures yet. As of right now we pay $34.50 for taxes to the WECR, and that will go up - but, by how much?

    Lastly: Another point from the article:

    "The exact figure of the bond has not been released yet. The district is expected to seek the bond in November, around the time of the general elections. "

    Be very careful folks what you wish for:

    By the end of the year - we could all be paying another $35.00 for school AND around another $5.00-10.00 or 15.00 (your guess - my guess)for a rec center. This could be around 40.00 to $50.00 MORE you pay in taxes PER MONTH.

    The WECR has too many questions to answer before I determine if I will vote for it. But, I am not going to vote for both bonds at this price.

    The Rec center (WECR) has cut their cost by half - THEY COMPROMISED - smart move.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 1:39 PM
  • The School District is NOT Willing To compromise AT ALL.

    The district needs to compromise: Scale this down.

    WHY do we need:

    3 (THREE) gyms,

    1 weight training room

    1 wrestling room

    2 (Two) Tracks (in door and out door),

    AND approximately

    6-8 rooms for Votec.

    Go back and read EACH previous news article. Then add it all up together. We are being fed one article at a time so that the total numbers don't look so HUGE. They are giving us a small chunk once each week.

    These new additions to the school do NOTHING to help with reading, science, math and history (I believe these are still the subject matter needed- I know math is for sure) - that both the Jr High and the High School need in order to pass the No Child Left Behind testing.

    Read the article referenced in earlier posts about BOTH schools NOT passing the tests and the State having to come in and monitor/help Mtn Home get their students up to speed in the No Child Left Behind. Our Kids are Not passing the MINIMUM required tests to make it later in life.

    I would think that the CORE courses would be a priority for the kids - not sports.

    If they can't do math - they surely can't do most jobs that are out there. No matter what the type of training (Votec,and also including on the job training).

    I am NOT voting for this school bond the way it sits right now.

    Somebody needs to give a little. Show some compromise and get the priorities straight.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 1:46 PM
  • Another thing: Let's deal with one bond at a time -

    DO NOT get sidetracked.

    Just remember: think about what you wish for .

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 1:55 PM
  • Exactly midea! Baffle them with BS as they say. They hope that the figures will swallow us and make our heads spin.

    It really should be back to the basics. The new schools with all of the good stuff are not doing any better according to the Statesman. This $37+ million dollar bond is not the answer. It needs to be reevaluated and the fat needs to be removed.

    We all should be thinking about HOW we are going to pay for this. Taxes will always go up. When do we put our foot down on the "sky is the limit" spending? Do we need all new people to run things? Maybe! The ones we have in charge are not dealing with reality. When will it be enough for them? This is a lot of money. We have still not paid for the last bond on the SAME building.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 2:05 PM
  • With the school add on/renovation and the recreation district...we would have 3 tracks to run/walk on. Do we need that many? No!! Who has the checkbook on all of this?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 2:08 PM
  • To: Bond_Supporter:

    You said:

    "or go to an open forum that the school districts have been holding."

    Where, when? Where have they been advertised?

    Help us out?

    Anyone who has been on these blogs know about this and have not told the rest of us?

    Opinion Missy: You said that you asked for a question/answer on all of this - weren't you told? Who did you ask?

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 2:39 PM
  • midea:

    I asked for an open house/question answer. I made the request to Mr. Doug Johnson. He was supposed to provide some other information to me but has not to date. I was never informed of a question/answer session on the school bond issue. The printed paper, at times, has more info than what is online. Maybe it was printed but not posted. I was never informed at any rate about this.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 3:04 PM
  • I would like to respond to the well written letter by Mr. Heinen in this edition of the paper (under opinion). At the end of Mr. Heinen's letter, the editor posted the following comment:

    "(Editor's note: The bond would cost $14.59 a month for every $100,000 of taxable assessed valuation-- i.e. after homeowners exemptions, etc.)."

    This amounts to $175.08 per year ($14.59 X 12)based on the $100,000 valuation. It only goes UP from there. $14.59 does not sound all that bad but when you add it up, it adds up fast. Many of the houses in our area are worth/valued far higher than $100,000. This will be in addition to the other tax increases for all of our other services. Keep this in mind when you vote as this will NOT be our only tax increase if this bond passes. Please get out and vote on this issue. Thank you.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 3:36 PM
  • Yes, Mr Heinen did have a very nicely written piece. Yes - both he AND the editor are correct in their numbers. Here are the numbers that were posted by Opinion Missy on March 13. Please notice that 100,000 is low in comparison to what many, many homes value at currently in this town. The amount you will pay goes up with the value of your home. The 30.00 per month is in the middle of the road.. Again - stay informed.

    Opinion Missy wrote:

    "This is what our tax increase would be if this bond is approved (this information was taken from the district information provided 3/12/08):

    For the following values here is the tax increase you will see (with the tax credit). This is for the year and per month:

    $100,000- $175.02/$14.59 per month

    $150,000- $262.53/$21.88 per month

    $200,000- $350.04/$29.17 per month

    $225,000- $393.80/32.82 per month

    250,000- $437.55/$36.46 per month

    I have requested enrollment numbers from the district and will provide those when I get them. Can the older people in our town (seniors and vets) afford this?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 10:13 AM

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 3:51 PM
  • Thanks midea for my past post.

    These are bad economic times for this bond and that is the bottom line. If this bond for $37.5 million passes, it will greatly impact home sales and not for the better. There are homes out there that have been on the market for over 200 days (more than 6 months). We are not Boise, Nampa, Eagle or Meridian. This is Mountain Home. We have pretty limited services within our town and until we upgrade what the town offers (stores, streets, places to eat, etc.) the town will remain as it is. To tax us like we are in one of these other places, with more services, is just not right.

    Can we not COMPROMISE on this school bond and improve our schools a "little" (like maybe $15 million worth now) and see how expansion of our population works out in the future? Over-building, in this economy, is just not good economics as many of us will or have found out. You are going to tax some of the seniors and military right out of their homes. So much for the "American Dream" in Mountain Home! Many of us would be/may be/could be on the side of the District IF the plan was a better one with less of a financial impact. This could maybe be win/win with some work.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 4:25 PM
  • Does anyone know - maybe the Mtn Home News can tell us - how to go about getting archived articles in the Mtn Home newspapers?

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 5:33 PM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    If you will come into the office, Stacy will be able to help you locate the papers that you are looking for.
  • To Bond_Supporter:

    Can you give us the dates of the forums-that you spoke of - re:the school bond - that are being held, where they will be held and also who will chair them?

    You should be readily able to supply those dates pretty quickly since they have already been set up and you have requested we attend them.

    Actually all you need to do really is please inform us as to WHERE THE NOTICES for these forums are posted so that the public is able to see the dates and times, so we can plan to attend one of the meetings.

    Sure appreciate it.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 6:48 PM
  • Stacy and Joy:

    Thanks for the help. Got it covered.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 10:28 AM
  • Do we know about those "forums" yet that bond_supporter was talking about? I would really like to attend. Thanks!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 10:47 AM
  • So has anyone else noticed that only 98 people in Mountain Home have voted on the poll. That is a pretty low percentage for our town.

    -- Posted by Jagesuper on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 12:21 PM
  • So are you one of the 98 or are you 99?

    -- Posted by Jagesuper on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 1:33 PM
  • You can vote once a day, each day the poll is open, so there are probably less than the total given.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 5:06 PM
  • Mule:

    Good to see you back. Thought you left town on the last stage. Missed your banter and your take on things.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 6:21 PM
  • It appears that the 11 people that selected the "Not at all" choice were a bit confused. : )

    How often do you read the Mountain Home News online edition?

    Daily: 36.4% (39 votes)

    Weekly: 45.8% (49 votes)

    Monthly: 7.5% (8 votes)

    Not at all: 10.3% (11 votes)

    107 votes cast

    -- Posted by Beau on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 6:39 PM
  • On another note...does anybody else feel the ground rumbles? You can also hear the rumbles. Does anybody know what this is? The Air Force and Guard have said it is not them (according to the Statesman).

    I think all of these bonds have woke the money Gods and they are NOT happy. If the rumbles keep up we may not have to worry about all of this.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 11:06 PM
  • Just want to give information to all of you who are interested. This was given to us by by Old Guy in the forum for the Rec Center article.

    "Ok after some searching, I actually found out the Rec District has public meeting dates which are the 4th Wednesday of the month, at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Chamber. I found this on the Rec Dist web site in small print at the bottom of the page. What I could not find was much information about the building and the funding request. Guess we will have to depend on them to feed us little bits of information over the next few weeks.

    -- Posted by Old guy on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 10:18 PM "

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 9:37 AM
  • I know some of you only read the front page forum - so I am giving you some new info regarding the School bond forums that Bond_Supporter invited us to. The following is his/her post. Then the answer is given to us from Opinion Missy regarding these forums.These posts/comments are also in the Rec Center news article forum.

    Bond_Supporter post

    "We are breaking up the school bond information so that it is easier to read, not to be deceitful. There is so much misinformation out their, and we are doing our best to get the facts to everybody. We have broken down the bond aspects into smaller topic-oriented articles for the ease of reading, and a better understanding of what this bond will do for our community as a whole and specifically for it's youth.

    If you still have questions about what you are voting for, then perhaps you should attend a school board meeting, or go to an open forum that the school districts have been holding. What questions are being answered by sitting behind a computer, ranting on a newspaper forum while secretely hiding behind your anonymity?

    I've lived here all my life, and it saddends me that personal greed and penny pinching has reduced this fine commumity to the brink of rubble! You all complain about the condition of our city, but you all rush to the polls to shoot down anything that could improve it... Hypocrites!"

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Mar 26, 2008, at 2:30 PM

    NOW THE ANSWER/INFO

    "I called the District Office today and they said that they knew nothing of the "public forum(s)" for the school bond. Did you get any info?

    All of this bond stuff is crazy. I am attempting to stay employed AND keep my house. This is too much.

    We should all join forces on this bond thing and try to get more "facts" and answers. We should maybe assign "homework" so that we are all working on different answers. The election is very close and there is much to

    do. Just an idea to save time. 2 or more heads are always better than one.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Mar 27, 2008, at 11:00 PM "

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 9:52 AM
  • From froggy : Just to let you all know more info what he found out. Here's his post:

    "Midea: I went on the Mountain Home Church of the Nazarane website. Under 'Share the Vision' there is a brochure that can be downloaded. The back side of the brochure shows some plans of the building. This is what I could make out. Outside, there are 2 softball fields and a soccer field. Inside there is a Fellowship/Conference room, a Sanctuary, Kitchen, quite a few Adult Education Classrooms, and some youth rooms. I called the church and asked them when the building is built, can the public use the facilities as well. I was informed that the church has priority (of course) but that anyone in the community could use the building as well. How cool is that.

    I'm going to try and find out more about the library. I have a friend that found out some pretty interesting details and she is going to give me that info to blog about. So I hope to have more info later....

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 10:18 AM "

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 11:41 AM
  • I would ask anyone on these posts to please read the blogs for news article:

    "Rec District will seek bond for center."

    Froggy found some really great info that should enlighten everyone as to how things work. Boy, was I surprised!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 4:50 PM
  • Ok. So what we have learned is that we can share space with the church but they have first right to use of the space (this is only right since it is their space). Yet the District still wants their own "complex" when there is other space available that is NOT at a cost to us of 37.5 million. How long will we pay for all of this great stuff? If this was our own personal money being spent...would we be so fast to say "yes" and just write the check? No. Not without a lot of research, comparison and thought. Where is the thought in all of this? 3 tracks and 3 or 4 gyms? Point made.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 4:56 PM
  • Oh my goodness. I MUST APOLOGIZE. I gave the wrong information in one of my posts.

    I had said that the high school would have three (3) gyms. I was wrong. So sorry.

    Please read paragraph 4 of the news article titled; "School bond's gym would solve number of district problems."

    The school bond will ADD (3) three new gyms -

    The school will have a total of four (4) gyms in the high school. To go along with that we will have 5 courts.

    I am sorry I posted incorrectly. I should have said 4 gyms.!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 9:31 PM
  • All of you are to be commended! Good for you! Wow.

    Keep it up; we need to know these things. And this open forum seems to be the best place for your postings.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 10:16 PM
  • The reporter got it wrong.

    The new high school will have 2 gyms with 3 courts. The numbers 4 and 5 come when you add in the gyms and courts at the old high school. The new gym is a state requirement, not a wish.

    So, if we ever hosted districts or state, by combining all the gyms at the new high school and the old one, we would have 4 gyms with 5 courts.

    I know that some of you think that there is a big conspiracy to screw you over every time there is a bond. However, there are those that want to make the community a nicer place and that costs money. I am willing to pay a few hundred dollars a year extra to make some improvements around here. If you don't like it, go find a retirement community in Florida or Arizona.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 10:35 PM
  • MULE:

    Your comment re: a few extra dollars a year. Do you have any clue what it is like to hear a working parent try to make ends meet and may only have anywhere from 0 to 17.00 left over each payday? Then try to have enough money to pay to fix their car if it breaks or pay to put a lock on their from door? Do you have any idea what it is like to be a senior on a fixed income, purchase only what is absolutely necessary because your income isn't going to make it if you don't? What will each of these 2 scenarios be when their taxes go up?

    I think the school wants too, too much. Again - I reiterate - The fat needs to be cut out.

    I also believe that this town has a lot of resources and could begin to work together to provide what would be good for the community as a whole and not for just a few.

    What more can I say?

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 11:41 PM
  • No comment to the error of the newspaper reporting? Typical. Do any of you who post all the time read what anyone says?

    I said I was willing to pay a few hundred dollars, not a few.

    Yes, I know what it is like to be a parent here.

    I am a teacher and my wife doesn't work so she can stay home with our daughter, so I know what it is like to not have too much money at the end of the month.

    It is called a BUDGET. Make one, save a little each month (for when the car breaks down) and live within your means and everyone would be fine. You can't argue against that.

    -- Posted by mule on Sat, Mar 29, 2008, at 12:08 AM
  • MY bad. Missed a word there re: the dollars.

    No I didn't comment yet re: the error the paper made. But, I did send a letter to the editor. Just waiting to hear back from him.

    I commend you for being able to have only one outside worker in the home. Very nice. Others are not so fortunate. Some don't make enough money to do that. You make a good wage compared to many around here and you should feel fortunate.

    -- Posted by midea on Sat, Mar 29, 2008, at 12:29 AM
  • Yes, budgets are great - I agree. I have lived off of one most my life. But, look at some of the wages in Mtn Home. I was in some of these peoples shoes a couple of times in my life due to circumstances I couldn't help. There are people trying to make a go of it on 5.50 - 7.50 an hours - up to 1200.00 per month. Even the cheese factory pays 10.00 start pay. That's 1600.00 before taxes. Figure it leaves about 1200.00 take home. Not everyone is in this situation. But, there are a lot more than we would like to think. Sometimes saying to someone to set a budget doesn't quite work because they don't have enough to be able to set a budget. No matter what they do - something comes up. Cars break, kids get sick, sink leaked whatever - -

    We need to cut the fat.

    -- Posted by midea on Sat, Mar 29, 2008, at 12:44 AM
  • Mule:

    If you want all of these great things...YOU should move. You can commute back to Mountain Home to work. Eagle has great schools and your high taxes. The best of both worlds for you! Some of us have spouses in the military and cannot just pick up and move---not that easy. We are also on fixed incomes even though both of us work. It is NOT that we do not want to improve the town. That is not it at all. However, when the improvements cost you your home or cost you your ability to live, it is not a good "improvement" and at $37.5 million dollars! Come on.

    These improvements need to be made at a "reasonable" cost and it is NOT $37.5 million Dollars. I am glad that your quality of life will survive these bonds. You are very lucky.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 29, 2008, at 11:08 AM
  • In a way...I hope the bond does pass. It will be my ticket out of here. The town has limited services and that is not going to change. The "good old boys" have no vision and a $37 million dollar bond will not help the fact that there is no nice place to eat in town and you cannot buy a nice pair of shoes or a dress without going to Boise. How is $37 million dollars going to CHANGE this? It will not. I have been here for about 11 years and we were going to stay here but not with these taxes. This is too much.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Mar 29, 2008, at 11:25 AM
  • *

    Midea and OpinionMissy,

    Out of approximately 220 posts on the Banter Box, the two of you are responsible for nearly 40% of the posts. After reading this message board, most of what you two have to say is awful--about the school bond, about the recreation district, the library...

    With all due respect, I have one question:

    In your opinions, is there ANYTHING GOOD happening in Mountain Home?

    -- Posted by questionposer on Sat, Mar 29, 2008, at 5:44 PM
  • k-leigh :

    Please give me specifics as to what comment you think is awful and why?

    I have never attacked any individual for the way they feel, but I have asked to see the facts that that persons feelings were based upon. Yes, I have expressed my feelings on the bond.

    Yes, I am in quite a few of these blogs but you know what - at least people are getting info,finding where to go for information, becoming informed and exchanging ideas. Look at some of the good ideas that have come out of this.

    I have always asked for facts, I have asked for compomise, we have asked for open meetings re: the bond. One bond supporter told us to attend an open forum that is being held, but wouldn't give us dates or where they were being held. I have always said I feel there has to be compromise. I still believe this bond and what the school wants is TOO MUCH. I have been willing to look at other avenues re: the school, cutting out things that aren't absolutely necessary, ie: the fat.The school population has not grown as we would have been believed in the beginning. (By the way - when the original school was built, the public was told that : as the district grows they will expand the school. According to Idaho Dept of Education numbers the Jr high and Sr high have DECREASED enrollments by 114 since 2002. The overall district enrollment since 2002 has DROPPED by 359). I use 2002 because that year is basically the peak enrollment year between 1995 and 2008. I hope my math is correct - you can look at the numbers by going to the site that I referenced in an earlier blog. I have always asked why we are building this huge school when enrollments are are less than before. There are other bonds coming up that would help the community. But, not all of the facts are out on those. There are too many questions left open about it because the Rec District hasn't finished the plans. But, I know they cut it back to keep costs down, they are getting the info out now. I want to be able to vote for it. I think it will be great for this town. The article in the paper about it - doesn't answer a lot of questions yet, so yes I did bring up some of those questions. But, I have also said that it would be good for this town to have something to do. The Rec district bond would benefit EVERYONE, not just a few. We could have a better school AND a good rec center if there were some compromise. There are also other entities in town that have volunteered to work with the city to provide needed facilities - The Nazarene church for one. It just seems that all of this has fell on deaf ears for this school bond.

    DON"T YOU GET IT - work together + compromise = get more bang for the buck.!!!!!!!!

    I have put numbers out there for people to look at, and references they can go to do their homework and get the FACTS.

    Now, please tell me what I have said that is so awful. We may not agree on some things, but that doesn't mean that we can't discuss the issues, talk about facts, find references. We are being asked to vote - we should be responsible enough to get all the info we can - or we can't make an educated vote. Please tell me how that is wrong.

    What is wrong with debate? Debate answers questions, provides information, creates a flow of ideas AND feelings, and yes - ruffles some feathers.

    You need to read my posts more thoroughly. There ARE good things happening in Mtn. Home - I have said so. I think what the Nazarene church has offered is fabulous. I have tried to get people to notice their generosity. So, ----? I have not decided on how I will vote until the Rec bond is out there and we have the facts on it. Would you blindly vote for something. Or - would you get all the info and facts first? Yes, I did tear the article apart to get people to think about the bond, ask questions, and go into the vote - educated.

    As far as the school bond goes - NO I won't vote for it as it stands.

    AS for the library - - you need to read the post from froggy. He put out info on other cities and what they charge. I do disagree with the amount of our fees.

    Now I have answered your question. Again - what have I said that was so awful?

    -- Posted by midea on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, at 1:47 AM
  • This is my first post. I have lived here for most of my life. It makes me sad and angry that people would "bash" people within our community for presenting the facts which some of you asked for. These 2 people have presented the facts and now people are mad because the actual facts do not match the facts fed to us by the school district in pieces week by week. I will agree that the posts are many but there has been a lot of information fed to the public and it is good information...if you read it.

    I am "no" on this bond because I researched the facts-on my own and prior to reding the Banter Box. My husband has read the posts here, but prior, we had reviewed what the district had put out. Since I have been here most of my life I can tell you that the high school was to be where the junior high is. There was a sign in front of the school for MONTHS (not days) that said "Future Home of Mountain Home High School." When we voted on the bond for this facility, we voted for it to be the high school which is why it passed. In the end, it ended up a junior high. My son should have attended the new school in his junior year.

    I suspect, from their posts, that "OpinionMissy" and "midea" are of above-average intelligence and one, maybe both, are college educated and not from this area. They have gone over the "facts" presented and sorted through the "fluff" and stated the facts from what has been provided from many sources such as the Mountain Home School District web, the Department of Ed web and the bond web. How can anyone say that these 2 people are not after OUR best interests as a community? Maybe you do not agree but the facts are the facts.

    We are going to spend 37.5 million on a big sports complex with many gyms/courts, many Votec rooms, many "generic" classrooms (whatever this means) a place to hold graduation if it rains and 2 walking tracks (the indoor one will cost us just "pennies" as Mr. McMurtrey stated)! What about education? The Idho Statesman had an article last week which indicated that the Mountain Home schools (some not all) have failed in the BASIC areas of education. BASIC areas people. This means that kids cannot read, write, or do math and science at their grade levels. That is a problem and a new building will not fix that. Many of the other schools on the list were new buildings by the way. The kids have still done poorly and the drop-out rate is still what I consider to be too high. I was educated here and I am a college graduate. School was (as someone else said on here) what I made of it. I got out what I put in. I was an A-B-C student (more A-B). I attended school because that was my job (as my parents said and it was true). I did not skip school because I knew that I had a job to do (and that my father would spank me with a belt if I did not go to school). School really and truly is what you make of it and a new building would be nice but it will not make kids learn or attend their classes. 37.5 million is a lot to spend on a sports complex (and that is mostly what this is) when our kids are performing below average. That is an internal problem not a problem with the structure/buildings. I have dealt with many of the teachers in the schools and that could also improve. However, I go back again to wanting to be educated and most of that comes from the kids. You cannot lead a horse to water and make it drink.

    Thank you to the people on the Banter Box that have taken the time to educate the public. I believe that you have a great love for OUR community and that you want the best for the great many and not the few. You have vision and I am proud to live with you in this town. Thank you.

    On to another comment. I have lived here most of my life and not much has changed. We have a lot more people, a lot more new homes and some (but fewer) still being built, KMart closed, Walmart came in, the Auto Ranch took over the former KMart building and the library raised prices for the people in the county (too much by the way). There are also a lot of cows/dairies here (more cows tha people) and Marathon Cheese. Top pay for our town is about $10.00 (this does not include the Base). American Legion is still 4 lanes as well as Air Base Road. Traffic signals are indeed lacking where we need them and there is no place in town to have a nice dinner for a special event in town. With all of the building and all of the new tax dollars that have come in it is fair to think that the "sevices" within the town would/should have improved. However, it remains the same. Main street (in the "bar district") looks like LA with the buildings that were burned out for years but have now been torn apart and are supported with pieces of wood. This town is shabby for people who are here for a first look. This town will not attract people if when they drive in on Sunset Strip all they see is trash. We need to attract people with services if we want to be a "bedroom community." We just do not have it when you consider the money that has been invested with new homes. A new school will not attract the people. The infrastructure of the town needs to improve first.

    Many of the people that post here have more vision for our town than the people currently in office. You may not agree with what they say but I believe that they love the community and want what is best for all, including the seniors and the military on fixed incomes. There is a lot of negative in this town but the people that make the decisions here have done that not the people who "post" here. History may just repeat itself on this bond and that could be a disaster for some (maybe a great many) in this town. How do you sell a house with a huge tax increase like this? Many of the people that live here are here due to military service and not because they have picked this as a great place to live. If the infrastructure does not change---people will not WANT to live here and that is a fact.

    Well, I guess that I can be lumped in with the negative folks of this town now but I have lived here long enough to know how it is. Thank you to the people who care. You do not lack vision or a love for OUR community but the facts are sometimes not very happy and bright. That is the way it is.

    On a side note...maybe you 2 (OpinionMissy and midea) have time to run for office! I would vote for you and so would many of my friends. I know that you have my/OUR best interests at heart. Keep up the good work guys/gals. See you at the polls!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, at 8:08 AM
  • I thank the people that are doing homework on the bond. That is a lot of money to vote for. You need to be educated before you vote! I am still voting no because the Base school is not getting anything from this bond and they need some help out there.

    -- Posted by snafu on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, at 8:43 AM
  • *

    I have been watching all the comments made about the School Bond until the School District can tell us all what they really up to and quit trying to have a Big Christmas Wish list at taxpayer expense, need to get on track with education not a fancy building. I can't speak for others but my money tree I guess died and blew away. We have gone thru a new Jail, Hospital wants another bond, gone thru the library seems like a never ending bonds with everyone having there hand out for more money. A word of caution when you do Vote read the ballot before marking it they try to word it to confuse people just marking a no vote could mean you just voted yes. Until all this gets off the fancy building and we get the whole story you can be sure I will be voting NO

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, at 12:51 PM
  • I have been reading all the blogs reguarding the school and other bonds. I was told that since I do not live within the city limits of Mountain Home that I can not vote on these bonds and if they are passed I still have to pay tax for these bonds. SO is this true? Can I or can I not vote on these issuses. Somebody please let me know.

    -- Posted by Oldboy on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, at 8:05 PM
  • Oldboy:

    You CAN vote. This is not a city election...it is for all even when they live in the county. Please vote no matter which way you are leaning.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, Mar 30, 2008, at 9:15 PM
  • OpinionMissy

    Thank you for the info..My friends, family and I will be there to vote. I belive that I already pay to much tax's already, and cant afford to pay anymore. I am on a fixed incomme.

    -- Posted by Oldboy on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 10:40 AM
  • Im also still voting "No"

    -- Posted by Freedom on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 10:57 AM
  • Midea - it was b/c you and the others on this blog that I started to get interested in all this, so thank you guys. Good info here.

    Well, I called the City Treasurer & the Library (Director??). Neither are in today, so I couldn't get the info about the city budget for the library. But here is the info I received from a friend who did some research.

    The library wanted to raise prices b/c their library cards are now 'more valuable' b/c the MH Library joined the 'Links Consortium.' She visited quite a few Idaho libray websites. ALL were part of the 'LINKS.' The only LINKS benefit I have been able use from is being able to download audio books. There is not a large selection. Most books are the classics (good, but I have already read most of them). I have 'listened' to three books using this. The selection of audio books available at the library is much better. If I would have to pay for this online service, I probably wouldn't use it - so I wouldn't say it's a great improvement for me.

    I did vote for the library bond at the time. I was very excited about 'LINKs.' I misunderstood it when I voted for it though. I thought we would then be part of the interlibrary loan, which I thought meant I could 'order' a book from the Boise Libary and I could pick it up at this libarary. Most of the other Treasure Valley libraries do this. However, I found out this was not true. I can 'order' a book from the Boise libary, but I have to go to Boise to pick it up and return it. So no improvement there, as I BELIEVE we already had this service b/f the bond. So other than the few audio books I can download, the only other benefit from 'LINKS' is that I can go on line and see what books other Idaho libraries have that I don't have access to. Again, there may be more to LINKS, but nothing I see that makes the library cards SO much more valuable. And from what I see, ALL the libraries have the same service. So, what are the other libraries charging for their non-resident fee? Here's what my friend found out:

    Boise: $69.30

    Pocatello: $45

    Coeur d'Alene: $25

    Nampa: $52 PER FAMILY

    There were more, but you get the picture. By the way, she was not able to find a more expensive non-resident fee than our OWN library's $70 fee. So it looks like folks, we have one of the highest, if not the highest non-resident fee in the state. Laughable, esp with what is available at this libary and with the high standard of living we have here.

    OK, there is more. Counsilman Urquidi stated he was in favor for the price increase because (summarization here) that the libary hasn't raised fees in 15 years. My friend called the Twin Falls Libary whose non-residenct fees are $40 PER FAMILY. The librarian there told her the non-resident prices have been going DOWN in the last 10 years b/c there population (tax base) has increased.

    So, let's do the math here. County residents now have to pay $70 per person, because the library and city counsel thought that would be fair. So, if the (estimated) population of Mountain Home is 12,550 and we times that times $70, the library's income would be $903,700.00. If we do the math using the old non-resident fee of $35 (12,550 x 35) it would equal $451,850. Does the libary even have a budget of that much now???

    And yes, I know, the city doesn't collect $70 from each Mtn Home resident, but if you want to slice the pie equally.....So looks like the library pulled a fast one on our city council. So, now you know. Mountain Home has one of the most expensive libaries in the state for non-residents to use. Do these people think we are stupid.

    And here's another kicker. Even with the $70 per non-resident increase, they still have the nerve to charge a dollar an hour to use the computer.

    I had no say in this recent fee increase at the libary, but folks I am tired of these astronomical fee increases. I'm not buying the BS anymore. I can tell you that I think 37.5 million is crazy for an school addition and I'm voting NO until I see something that convinces me it is worth that MUCH. That is a LOT of money.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 12:52 PM

    -- Posted by froggy on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 11:36 AM
  • I think Midea has some good points and is getting some info that wasn't released. To K-leigh - the point here is they are asking too much money. I probably would vote YES for the school district bond if they cut out some of the fat. I would like a new house, w/hardwood floors, granite counters and 4 bedrooms. But guess what, I can't afford EVERYTHING I want, so I have to work on what my budget can afford.

    Go re-read some of the articles on the school bond. The band AND the choir will have their own room. I grew up in a much bigger city. Our graduating class was probably bigger than the whole high school and our band & choir shared a room. We had a regular gym. We had a shop class & an automotive class. I don't guess that we had any less students that dropped out than then they do now. I still think choir & band can share a room. I don't think we need to have a whole bunch of vo-tech type classes esp for this size of a population. Pick one or two that are most needed/wanted. Here is a quote from the 3/5/08 artilce "The biggest improvements will affect performing arts and vo-tech classes." All what I believe are NOT primary education goals. You want to vote for a 37.5 million dollar bond where the biggest improvement is performing arts and vo-tech?? Folks this is not main-stream education. These classes are for the minority I think, no?

    I was involved in athletics my from age 7 to 22. In that dept, the school's primary role is to teach physical education. School teams I believe are secondary. The gym they are asking for is like my dream house. They can cut some of the fat in this area too.

    Here's another quote: "Power point projectors and internet access installed in the new high school would allow teachers to take advantage of modern technology. "The new generation is into technology," Johnson said. "We can capture their attention if we use new technology." HA HA. If you ever sat through a Power Point presentation you will find that amusing. :) Just a joke. I guess PP is a good tool, I just hate sitting thru PP projections and feel bad they are making the kids watch the projections.

    If the school cuts out the Christmas Wish List and ask for what is needed, I think I would vote yes. But as it is - NOPE.

    -- Posted by froggy on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 12:18 PM
  • Runner4life,

    Yes, the reporter did get it wrong. There will be 1 (one) gym with 4 courts. Not four seperate gyms. You and others make it sound like the school district wants 4 distinct gyms which misleads people.

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 4:14 PM
  • Go to mtnhomesd.org for a floor plan.

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 4:14 PM
  • OKay: This is ONE of the largest reasons we need public questions and answers. Forget the drawings - because even the people who work at the schools are confused as to what the building will entail.For instance:

    Please Note: The first numbers in this part of the debate were 4 gyms - 5 courts

    Mule's rebuttal post on 31 March: "The new high school will have 2 gyms with 3 courts."

    Then another comment comes up about it from runner4life and Mule rebuts again today: with:

    "Runner4life,"Yes, the reporter did get it wrong. There will be 1 (one) gym with 4 courts. Not four seperate gyms. You and others make it sound like the school district wants 4 distinct gyms which misleads people."

    And then we are directed to the drawings/plans.

    There needs to be public input and questons time. Even for the District employees. Also, if people are questioning something Mule; you seem to think those questioning are trying are trying to mislead.

    The paper apparently doesn't get it right, voters can't get it right , you as a district employee has tried TWICE to get it right. WHO THE HECK IS RIGHT? WHAT IS CORRECT? NO ONE IS TRYING TO MISLREAD THE OTHER!!!!!!! So why is there paranoia??

    This building has basically no input from the public, no question and answer sessions,and no give and take.

    Now we wonder why there is so much confusion. The educators themselves can't get it right. And that's not paranoia either.

    IT'S FACT!!

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 5:13 PM
  • The new high school will have 2 gyms. One that is already there and a state ordered competition one with four courts for a total of five courts. They are only building one gym. My bad on the other posting.

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 6:12 PM
  • As Mule has stated and according to Mr. Johnson at the District office, there will be 2 gyms. The old one and the one they build. The new gym will have 2 levels. On the upper level will be the indoor running track (it will have a special floor) which McMurtey stated would cost us just "pennies." How many pennies they have never told me (they said they did not know for sure when I asked).

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 8:35 PM
  • *

    Could whichever one of you is getting the informatiom on the school expansion bond check on something and see if you can get us a straight answer, please......way back when the original bond passed and the "new Jr. High" was built (which we all know was supposed to be the new four year Senior High) we were told that one reason it was not allowed to serve as a Senior High is because there is only 1 gym and that by law there has to be 2 gyms, one for the boys and one for the girls.....I can understand a boys locker room and a girls locker room however, cant they share one gym?? We adults seemed to make it through school without more than one, I dont feel damaged or abused as a female for not having had a gym just for the girls.

    Here is a food for thought idea....why not take all of the children who live on base and attend school in town and re-open the closed schools on base to help with some of the over crowding in the town schools. So if they have to do a little reorganizing and changing of the grades on base, no big deal, there is plenty of room for that purpose. Many, many years ago when my oldest son went to school on base, there was Base Primary which was K-2, Base Intermediate which was 3-5 and Stephenson Middle School which was 6-8. The time period I am talking about those three schools were packed with kids and I realize that that is no longer the case, hence, if they changed the grade structures to allow for the three to be split into K-12 we could put a lot of kids back into the base schools. They could also open enrollment on base to all military children even if they do not live on base, which would further drop the numbers in town.

    Personally, my feeling is they need to take the three elementary schools back to K-6, have a 7-8 and make the exsisting Jr, High a 9-10 and the exsisting Senior High a 11-12 (or vice versa). Mind you that is just my opinion, who knows if it would work.

    While I am on a roll, let me just say this in parting, $70 a year for a library card just because I live in the County, which by the way my home is only about 9 blocks from the library, is stupid and unfair! I would much rather take my books to a used book store, turn them in for points and use the points to get more!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 9:19 PM
  • I think it's terrific that all the folks who instead of just griping, got busy to get the facts out that seemed so hard for those "in the know" to give to the public.

    I have learned a great deal about the upcoming bond elections: Mainly, both need to be reworked to pass.

    I can't believe I was in favor of the increase of non-resident fees for the library "because it has been x number of years since they have been raised!" What a stupid reason. This column has opened my eyes on that account.

    I have a real request to the Mountain Home News: In the coming events column, in addition to Spaghetti feeds, Air Force Appreciation Day, etc., please include all public meetings. It would be a great service to the community if these were given more emphasis in an orderly way in one place there, than just burying that information elsewhere if at all. (And if promoters of whatever don't provide you with the information, go digging yourselves.)

    Thank you so much, bloggers, for all you have done for me and the community. Yes, we all vent, and that's quite okay; but you have shown real positive action as well.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 9:22 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    DON'T ANYONE QUOTE ME AND START TELLING EVERYONE THAT IT IS THE TRUTH. I heard that the track is about $90,000-$95,000. So, when figured in to the $37 million it would be pennies.

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 10:46 PM
  • *

    Senior Lady, just an FYI, Camera 8 tapes City Council meetings and town/public meetings and airs them on cable channel 8 and if you dont have cable you can watch it on their website. I called their office today and got tis information and their website address but I guess we are not allowed to put links here or I would give it to you. That way if you miss a meeting you can still see it.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 2:39 AM
  • Thank goodness someone else brought up the base schools. I think the District wants you to forget that there is a perfectly good school sitting empty out there. Yes it would ease the over crowding. The base parents should be able to make the decision where their kids should go and I bet they want them closer. Also shouldn't reading be free. No wonder our kids cant read cause they cant borrow books. When I was growing up I never paid to check out books and I lived at the library. It is such a shame that one thing that should be free costs so much. I have never used the library here because when I went to apply and they asked if we were military. I said yes and they told me it would cost 25.00 to join. I asked why and was told that the military didnt always return the books. It has been over 10 years and I still dont have a library card. I use the base library where they are more friendly.

    -- Posted by snafu on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 6:48 AM
  • *

    Hey Pooh, maybe what we need to do is start a book circle for trading books!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 10:42 AM
  • Thanks -- I do have cable and watch the council meetings when I have the chance; actually, quite often. That's how I remember the reason for the library increase was it hadn't been raised in a long time. This column reminded me of it. (My memory isn't what it used to be.) As I recall, also, that's similar to the reasoning behind new golf course rates, that they should be the same as other areas.

    The public meetings I mentioned that could be advertized better than they are now are the forums re bond issues, public hearings re proposed developments, etc. If they were all listed in the upcoming events column it would be more convenient for the public. Yes, most are in the paper somewhere, in the fine print in the last section or whatever, but I really feel they could use better publicity.

    When the city council has public hearings, for example, many of them are poorly attended by BOTH sides of an issue. I think if more people had an easier way of knowing about any meeting like that, it would be a good thing.

    And I really love the town hall meetings, but they aren't offered more than a couple of times a year.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 12:02 PM
  • According to the Idaho High School Activities Association, these are the

    IHSAA Facility Requirements

    A. Demonstrate the ability to host competition and provide a safe and appropriate environment for those activities the school chooses to sponsor

    B. Demonstrate the ability to meet the following field and gym conditions:

    1. Meets National Federation field/court specifications:

    (ex. -- size, length, ceiling height)

    2. Playing surface -- safe and adequately maintained, properly marked

    3. Crowd control capabilities -- (Security barrier)

    C. Demonstrate the ability to meet the following facility amenities:

    1. Adequate spectator seating/viewing area

    2. Available restrooms

    3. Score boards -- public address system when needed

    4. Crowd control management

    5. Adequate locker room for visiting teams

    6. Adequate team areas -- (sideline benches, etc.)

    7. Adequate parking for visiting team buses and spectators

    Researching further on condition A, it is only a list of required dimensions for a basketball court, volley ball court or whatever sport. There is NOTHING in there that says you have to have a gym with 4 courts. The only requirement is to have A gym with A court that has the right measurement. So the statement made in the paper can be misleading.

    Thank you Mule for the info on the school district website. I suggest everyone look at the blueprints. My jaw dropped. For adding approximately 300 students, we are nearly tripling the size of the school. (On the webpage it states, "Currently we have 1087 students in grades 9-12 in the district." Currently 10-12 are going to school & they want to add 9th.)

    Why do we need 2 gyms, one with 1 court and one with 4 court capacity for about 1100 students??? (Back in my day, that would have been the equivalant to 5 gyms) Here's what I think. They can build the first floor of the the new gym, which would be 2 courts and could still hold 3000 people and leave out the upper mezzanine floor. Take out the 2 mat wrestling room. Let them have the old gym and when they aren't wrestling, the gym can be used for other things. (Rember when we had to roll up the mats and SHARE space) Take out the 'Cardio Room." Get real - these are kids. They have a cardio room already - it's called and track and doing laps in in the gym. Cross out the 2 team rooms in the 'field house' by the track. Band can share a room with choir. And 6 tennis courts??? We had 7 at the university I went to and about three were used most of the time. I think 3 is plenty.

    Mule, you were writing about being on a budget. Maybe the school district needs to be on one too. There is so much fat in this bond. No wonder the school district doesn't want to share with the rec center. They don't even want the different sports and arts folks sharing space inside the school.

    I am all for the academic add on's, but now wonder if they are really needed. The school district made up so much bunk about we HAVE to have, esp with the college sized Athletic & Performing Arts Building, that I wonder how much is true about the rest.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 2:43 PM
  • Dear DS, I am already trading books with friends and I get a get discount at a big online bookstore.

    -- Posted by snafu on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 7:23 PM
  • can anyone tell me what obo addy is? thanks ahead of time .

    -- Posted by just1 on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 7:32 PM
  • Hey. What if we all got together and payed for a full page in the newpaper, advising people to vote NO on the school and rec bond. Maybe this would get the public attention?? what do you think.

    -- Posted by Oldboy on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 8:27 PM
  • just1:

    Do you mean "who" is Obo Addy? He's a Ghanaian drummer.

    -- Posted by raisan11 on Tue, Apr 1, 2008, at 10:14 PM
  • *

    Isn't "Paint the Town" coming up soon.... I volunteer to drive the paint truck to get the road lines painted back on the roads again.....

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 9:39 AM
  • Dear Old Guy,

    Our putting our feelings in the printed paper is a good idea -- pricey though, taking out a full page. From the sounds of things, most of us don't have money to spare. How much would it cost, though?

    I understand writing a letter to the editor requires a full name, but maybe someone, or many of us, could do that, though. I'd be willing.

    We should probably be brief and not too inflamatory (we can be frank and blunt among ourselves, but not so much I don't think in a letter to the editor?), just something to the effect that the two upcoming bonds should not be passed in their current forms, that many of our citizens have researched and discussed the issues and have decided not to vote for either bond and encourage the general public not to either. The primary reasons: incorrect or misleading information too hard to find; too grand and much too expensive in their present forms.

    It would mean losing our anonymity however. What if the newspaper let us use our blog names? No, that's probably not a good idea.

    We might just have to bite the bullet and if we can't figure out the logistics of our contributing to the cost of a half- or full-page ad "from the bloggers" or "opposition to the bonds" or something, then maybe individual letters, as well as talking it up to our friends and neighbors, are the only alternatives.

    Well, I think I'll write a letter anyway. But I'd be glad to contribute $15 (or $20) toward some kind of purchased ad; maybe just send the funds to the paper marked "anti-bond ad" or something. I don't know how to work it out but maybe something like that is possible.

    My health is such that I can't participate more than this blog, a letter, and a financial contribution, but if someone can head this up, I'm all for it.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 9:56 AM
  • raisan11 , thankyou. the information in the calender section wasn't helpful since it had no discription as to what or who Obo Addy was.

    -- Posted by just1 on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 10:51 AM
  • Have we all read the latest "tidbit" from the District today regarding this bond? At least the kids will be able to act, sing and be musical because many still cannot pass BASIC skills tests. We will have the most talented children in the area as long as they do not have to read, write, or do math at their current grade levels. Yet another great reason to spend $37.5 million!

    Maybe it is just me but the reasons for spending $37.5 million on this bond make less and less sense as time goes on. These high dollar options do not help the kids read, write, use proper grammar, etc. This should be an outrage to the general public as this bond stands. We are not Boise, Eagle or Star. We should remember that.

    As for where to vote...they hope that if they make it hard to find where to vote that all of the "yes" votes (who are in the know so to speak)will be the only ones to turn out. This will probably work since people will be frustrated and mad and just go home when they cannot find the poles. I guess we shall see. To me it is yet another form of dishonesty and deceit at the hands of our school district.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 11:56 AM
  • Senior Lady: You do have to write your name on a letter to the editor, however the paper still may not publish it. My friend that researched the library fee increase(who I plagerized for my blog) wrote a letter to the editor, and it was never published.

    For the rest of the Cyber Dissident Blaudience, check out the editor's comments about the school bond on this web page. Again, a bunch of political propaganda - not much fact in it at all, but I guess it's ok, b/c is is an opinion piece.

    There are no real facts in this paper about the bond. Sob stories about how drama has to practice on the stage w/the noise in the gym, 'pennies' to put in a new track. Yeah, I get that we could use some extra stuff for the students, but how come nobody is reporting how much excess this bond has in it for 1100 students.

    Again, for the Blaudience, check out the Letter to the Editor the Recreation District wrote. Guess they won't be asking for a bond.

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 2:01 PM
  • A cut & paste from the WECRD Letter to the Editor regarding the Rec Center: (I would though suggest you read the whole letter)

    The WECRD Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at Mountain Home City Hall. These public meetings begin at 7 p.m. For public comments and questions the WECRD Board will open the April 23 meeting at 6 p.m. Future dates include: May 28, June 25, July 23. The WECRD office number is 580-2377.

    WECRD directors

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 2:05 PM
  • Senior Lady:

    Is there alot of people in town who are against the bond but unwilling to stand up an let everyone know it?

    I can say that I don't know the editor of this paper, and I don't know if they just print the news and let all decide for themselves or if they print what they want you to know in an effort to get the community to see things their way. But I am with you if something comes about getting a full page add to this then count me in. I will be more then happy to put my name to it with whom ever else is willing to go that route.

    I don't own a home here, and I was not affected by the first bond for the High School but I do agree the reasoning behind the bond is rediculous, they need to try scaling down their dreams and worry about making it a 4yr high school, and getting the acedemics where they should be!!!!

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 2:13 PM
  • I feel like Columbo here - just one more thing. THANK YOU to the WECRD for writing a letter to the editor explaining about the Rec Center and posting their meeting times.

    Also, I liked Mr. Heinen's letter that responds to the slanderous letter to the editor about the Mtn Home police written the previous week. (I can't find the slanderous letter on this website, so maybe it was only published in the printed version) That letter was (again NO facts or an example on why the police here are so horrible) just crap spewed out about the police. In fact, the writer of THAT letter said the police were just arresting everyone to pay for their new jail. Well, the Mtn Home Police Dept doesn't have a jail. The jail belongs to the county. Anyway, it was a shameful letter and I wonder why THAT letter got published and not the one my friend wrote with FACTS about the libray non-resident fee increase. Makes me wonder.....

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 2:15 PM
  • Regarding the Editor's blog today:

    It amazes me all of the different spins put on things regarding the same bond.

    With all due respect Mr. Editor, when you pay my mortgage, then you can feel free to tell me what I should be able to "handle" as far as payments. Until then, please keep your hands out of my pockets.

    Also, that was a nice spin that you put on what people will have to pay as far as increased taxes if this bond passes. It is a different amount than your previous post (Editor's Note) and different than what the District has posted. Couple this with the "facts" printed in this paper and you make my case for me about why to be against this. Thanks.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 5:00 PM
  • From OpinionMissy to the Editor...

    "when you pay my mortgage, then you can feel free to tell me what I should be able to "handle" as far as payments"

    Ah, if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. You can't possibly tell me that your one-sided attacks aren't at all biased.

    You seem to champion the idea that you can tell everybody what they can't afford.

    In fact my head "spins" every time I read one of your posts. I would love to know where your facts come from so I could see them for myself.

    It really comes down to what people want for this community. Do the good people of Mountain Home want to improve their surroundings, or simply wait around and have someone else do it.

    The editor has it absolutely correct. The prices of construction are going up. This high school NEEDS to be built, and it will either be done now at a low low cost of $37.5, or it will be done at a much higher price.

    I guess someone missed the point the Editor was trying to make. "Until then, please keep your" voice out of my mouth.

    You may attack when ready.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 7:28 PM
  • *

    Come on folks lets get real, we need to spend more money for a bond like I need a whatever, just for example for those that know Math just say we approved the Jail bond for $10 per month per $100,000, the Hospital $10 per month for$100,000, Last school bond same ole, and the Library same ole that is $40 per month which is that comes to $480 per year but it only pennies per month. Now I see the School bond went from $14.95 per month down to maybe $7 or $ 8 per month where did that savings come from all of a sudden, just knowing its not there. We need to Educate the kids for what they need not a fancy building, just look at the entry to the Junior High now do we really need that kind of entry that reals costs. Fancy schools never kept anyone from dropping out that belongs to the parents to be sure there kids go to school, schools are not a day care center. What we need more than anything is teachers to teach the kids and parents to enforce they go to school and learn, a big fancy building will not do that. I am retired and on a fixed income and I sure can't affort all the nice to have stuff like those with the hand out for another Bond. Before any more Bonds are passed all the outstanding ones now need to be paid for. Time to say NO to just keep puting bonds election out and that can't even be done on a normal election, seems like it has to be done in off cycle, guess the thinking less voters and the ballots done where they want the millions, I sure don't agree with this bond ballot at the Library for that, hospital for that and the schools bond ballots there something is wrong with the way the bonds being done and when you have the staff at the voting places they are part of the staff that wants more money

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 8:01 PM
  • "Why has the school district not scaled back their bond?" An excellent question, here is a thought provoking answer.

    As I understand it, the Rec District has been scaling back their facilities because they have a resonable expectation that the school bond will pass.

    Why would the Rec District construct an auditorium when the high school was going to build one? Knowing that an auditorium attached to the school would be better than down the street, the Rec District scaled back that plan.

    The school bond is going help us build athletic facilities that both students and public would be able use. Knowing that, the Rec District scaled back their extra facilities.

    In a sense, the school bond and rec bond were somewhat redundant. Attaching these needed additions to the 4-year high school for student use during the day, and public use during the evening and weekends makes sense.

    If we scale back both plans, then we are taking away the facilities that both the students and community need.

    Why is the school district so adament on passing such a large facility now? Simple, this is the best price that we will EVER get. The price only gets higher from here.

    This school bond was ALWAYS designed as a TWO PHASE project. The idea was ALWAYS to design and build a facility that will last us 20, 30, 50 years; way into the future.

    Once the project is done, there will be no need to put up another bond to add on in the future when the prices are higher. By passing the bond in whole, we are securing a "low" price now, and building for the extended future.

    Yes, the gym is a large project. But 30 years in the future, we'll be glad we "bought" it for the price we did. Yes, the auditorium is large. Again, when this community can finally foster a new appreciation for the arts, we'll be glad we did it when the prices were "low".

    Everybody is attacking the schools/student performances. Indeed, the facts look grim. But let's look at how many of these students are involved in extra-curricular activities (all of which need new facilities). I, for one, don't believe I would have made it through school without my after school outlets. They were the only thing I looked forward to. State standards demand that students excel in academics before they participate in extra-curricular activities. Improve these opprotunities, we improve student experience, and in turn encourage student success. Take them away, and let's see what happens to student achievement and dropout rates.

    The cornerstone of the project are the new extra classrooms needed to turn this building into the 4-year high school. The vo-tec additions are designed to give our large non-college bound graduates a chance in the real world. Those 2 factors are addressing our ACADEMIC part of the total education.

    The gym is being built to foster ATHLETICS. In an age of sedentary lifestyles, we need something to attract and retain today's youth to being physically active and lead a healthier lifestyles. As well as build enough facilities that ALL students have a chance to partake in physical education. Current facilities limit how many can take physical ed at this time. There has been interest on Capitol Hill on increasing P.E. credits for graduation. If that were to happen tomorrow, many students would not be able to graduate because they physically can not take a class that does not have a facility.

    The auditorium and arts wing are being designed to foster the ARTS. I'll address the fact that our current high school is dreadfully ill-equiped to foster any seriousness in the arts. Drama forced to practice with a P.E. class or sports, band and choir rehearsing in a room too small (you cannot fit both the students and all of their band equipment in the room at the same time) and not acoustically sound. In fact, the decibel levels during band rehearsal are well ABOVE DANGEROUS.

    Sure, the school district could design a scaled-back bond plan that revolves around passing a new bond every 5 years for more additions. But economically, that is not a sound plan. Every additional bond will be inflated in price every time it comes up. Instead, the school district is trying to SAVE the public's money by bonding the entire SECOND PHASE as one large project.

    Once passed, you can sit back and relax knowing that not only have you fostered the total educational experience (Academics, Arts, and Athletics), but you can take heart that you got it for the best price possible.

    So why has the school district not scaled back when the rec district has? Both groups are trying to build the facilities that this community needs without being redundant in their construction.

    Please consider supporting the education of our youth, as well as building for a better community.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 9:02 PM
  • *

    Bond_supporter,

    While I understand your stance on the bond, can you not see other's views on this topic? While you make sound sense, the big problem with the bond, besides the price, is the lack of ACCURATE information. First we are told the bond will cost us an extra $14 per month, now it is only $7-$8 per month and yet a final cost has not been set. Also the district has said the indoor running track would only cost pennies to add yet the cost has been estimated at up to $95,000. That amount is more than most households in this area make in not only one year but two years. Add into this that many of the citizens budget are already stretched thin due to the current economic conditions and this is just not a good time for this bond. Had the district asked for a bond when the base schools were closed, it might have been received better.

    As for the claim of an increase in students, I assume all these EXTRA students arrived unannounced at Hacker and demanded entrance. Now I am not that smart but this does not make much sense to me.

    And my last point is the lack of any type of public forum, besides this one, for the public to express their concerns. We keep hearing about some public open forums but no one but a select few know about them. And they must be sworn to not share this information with anyone in fear of death.

    In conclusion, you make some valid points but then again, the non-supporters have made many more valid points against this bond.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 10:51 PM
  • Bond supporter wrote this in answer to Mr Everett's editorial today:

    Ah, a voice of reason. That is a breath of fresh air. It's comforting to see that their are people in this community who can see past their own means and see these bonds for what they really are... A way to better our community for the enjoyment of all. ALL!

    I understand that times are tough, but I'm going to stick it out and do what I can to see that this town doesn't get stuck in the 1900's. It's time to improve!

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 7:05 PM

    And I had to say this:

    Yes, bond supporter, I agree with you: Mr. Everett's piece today is measured and thoughtful and it is time for improvements to make a 4 year high school.

    But there are so many expensive trappings beyond the necessary basics, that in its present form I will not vote for it. If plans were scaled back, I would, indeed, join you in being a bond supporter.

    The Rec District scaled back some; why can't the School District do likewise?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 8:02 PM

    Just thought you'd like to know what was going on elsewhere. I also wrote a "letter to the editor" with my real name; I hope there is space to put it into next week's issue.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 11:13 PM
  • P.S. Yes, I do believe there are folks out there who may be just too tired anymore to care, and don't speak up. Maybe that's why we need to keep this up, for them. They're just worn out. I don't have a lot of energy myself, but I will indeed vote. I will vote No unless there are changes to the school plan.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 2, 2008, at 11:22 PM
  • Ahhhh Bond Supporter...the more you speak the more you sound like Francis the talking mule! What are the dates and times for those public forums that you have talked about but not told ANYONE when they are or where they are? What facts have YOU brought to the table?

    I do not put my voice in your mouth...I am far more educated than you will ever be. I am pretty sure that your idea of the "arts" is a nice line dance on Saturday night. Ever been to the opera or a true Broadway performance? I am pretty sure not just from your ignorant and fact lacking comments on this blog.

    I am not in any way against improvement of the town but NOT at ANY cost. There needs to be a budget. The sky is not the limit. I do not decide what people in this town can or cannot afford but unlike you, I get out and I talk to people (a lot of people). A great many of the people in this community CANNOT afford this. It may be that they purchased too much house for what they could afford or it could be that someone lost their job at Micron or HP. Whatever the reason some people cannot afford this bond.

    As far as me not posting the facts...can you read? Got to the District's web page and read. The Department of Education also has some good info as well. We have not made this stuff up. It all comes from what is in print from the above or it has been printed in this very paper and the Statesman. In many of these posts, we tell you exactly where to go to review the facts for yourself. Do we need to draw you a picture? We can lead the horse to water but we cannot make him drink.

    By the way, do you know the difference between their and there?

    Where is your sense of community and caring for your fellow man? I have posted and provided the very facts that the District has put in print. Garbage in...garbage out. It really stinks when things start to change and things just do not add up (like on the bond the last time for this school). Save your self-righteous BS for someone who cares...and that would not be me.

    Again, when are those public forums that we have asked you about and asked you about? I am fairly sure there is no such thing. Your credibility is lacking at best.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 2:19 AM
  • Bond Supporter:

    Upon reviewing the many blogs on this issue...if you READ...there are a great many people telling YOU that they CANNOT afford this bond. If you would just read, the facts are right in front of you. However, your ability to take in the information and digest it is very questionable.

    FYI: I was a yes vote before I reviewed the facts and 2 + 2 in this case does not add up to 4. Basic math. It just does not add up. Sorry. Maybe we can get to the root of the problem at one of those "public forums" that you are so fond of.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 2:37 AM
  • *

    Here I sit sipping coffee and watching the news. What are they reporting about? Two stories caught my attention. One was about a public forum for water recration area in Boise, it seems the planners actually want input from the public. The other was about a forum that ITD is holding to provide information about ongoing projects. Can you beleive it, they want to inform the public at one time with all the information.

    So how does the school board handle a request for $37 million? Public meetings that are never announced, plans that they decided upon with little to no input from the public, providing only small portions of information because they think we cannot handle vast amounts of information and lastly no set budget yet for a building that has been planned for years.

    And the bond supporters wonder why most of the citizens are outraged at this request for us to give up monies for food and clothing. Until I see more openess from the board, I plan on putting food on my family's table and a roof over their heads before providing for a running track that costs pennies, $95,000 worth of pennies.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 7:26 AM
  • OpinionMissy,

    You say that students here are idiots, that most fail the ISAT (state mandated test). You have failed to provide any facts, but make broad, sweeping statements. So here are the facts.

    Bush's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) says that eventually every child in every school in America has to pass their state mandated test in order to graduate. For Idaho that would be the ISAT.

    To further understand NCLB you need to understand that the test is rolled out in degrees. Each year more students have to pass the test and they can miss fewer questions. The eventual goal is to get 100% of students to pass the test, even special ed. kids and those with limited English skills.

    They were tested in reading, math, and language Students are broken down into the following groups:

    -African American

    -Native American

    -Asian

    -Hispanic

    -Pacific Islander

    -White

    -Students with disabilities (Special Ed.)

    -Economically disadvantaged

    -Migrant students

    -Limited English Proficient (students who don't speak English or don't speak it well)

    In '04- '05 over 50% had to pass. All groups did except special ed. and limited english proficient.

    In '05-'06 66% had to pass. Again all groups in all three areas (math, reading, and language) passed except special ed. and limited english proficient. Go figure.

    In '06-'07 75% had to pass. Again special ed. and limited english proficient failed again along with African Americans (69% passed), economically disadvantaged (65% passed), and Hispanic (55% passed). In each of these groups that "failed" we did better than the state average.

    If even one group fails to meet the NCLB standard then the entire school is seen as failing. NCLB expects that migrant students with limited English and special ed. kids to perform as well as honor roll kids. So, now you have the facts.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 10:10 AM
  • Bond Supporter: The issue here is what is the difference between what we NEED and what the school district WANTS. People need eat, pay for utilities, (you get the picture) and to educate their children.

    Yes the kids need excercise. Do they need a cardio room to do it, when there is a perfectly good track and gym to run in/on. NO. Take the cardio room out.

    Do we NEED an auditorium. Honestly, it's not a need, but I think the benefits to school and community can maybe justify it. However, the Nazarene Church will also have a similiar space, so this can leave some room for debate either way. Maybe keep the auditorium, bu scale down where we can. Again, I don't think the band and choir each need their own room.

    The public (I don't believe) will be able to use ALL the school facitlities. (And I know this from past experience from asking to school to use them, so unless they change policy....)Even if the school lets the public, the school events will take priority, whereas a rec center will accomadate EVERYONE, first come first serve. Again, if we want to be smart with our dollars to spend, it would be better to serve a population of 12,500, rather than 1100.

    And I don't know how they can even justify 5 courts for a population of 1100. Think about it. The hospital will be asking for a bond too. Do 5 courts take priority over some of the things the hospital will need. No sir, I cannot "sit back and relax knowing that I fostered the total educational experience" at the expense of folks that NEED medical facilites.

    The library, police, hospital, jail, etc, ALL can make great arguements to spend 37.5 million each in their own way on stuff we NEED. But we can't afford everything, so we (including the school) will have to learn to share. Sharing includes tax/bond dollars.

    Sir, you are a flim flam man. You are trying to sell me and this population a bottle of champagne, albeit at the best price possible (and I personally have doubts), when all I and this community needs is a glass of milk.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 11:27 AM
  • *

    Why hasn't Superintendent McMurtrey, been more forth coming with information about the bond issues? Is this not part of his job requirements? Here is one quote from the bond issue statement on

    mountainhomesd.org from the first passing.

    "We soft-pedaled the bond the first time," Supt. Tim McMurtrey admitted. "We wanted to see the feeling of the community. Although we lost, the vote told us we had a good plan, and should try again." and my last 2 cents worth which if this bonds passes as is will be a lot more!! The superintendent also said "McMurtrey said the district hopes to form a citizens' group that will help it promote the bond, and anyone interested in helping should contact him at the district office (587-2580)."

    -- Posted by dan_eilers@msn.com on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 11:48 AM
  • First of all mule, do not "quote" me and state that I said all of our kids are "idiots" in this town. That is not what I said at all. I have said that MANY (SOME NOT ALL was what I said) of the students cannot pass the standardized testing and that the system has/is failing. I talked about how they (again SOME not ALL) do not know the difference between "to"-"too"-"two"-"there"-"their"-etc. and 's and s'. That was what I said. I have said in several posts that we have MANY very talented students that do great things. I have worked in the schools here and I know what goes on. Do not misquote me and state that I have called the kids "idiots." That just is not so. I have also said that school is what you make of it. I have been in the ESL classroom(s) and I know what goes on. I have also been in the special ed area as well. Mountain Home has some really gifted and talented kids but that drive to be that way comes mostly from the children with help from the gifted, great teachers that love what they do. That combination is what makes a child WANT to learn and attend class. Not a fancy building.

    I do not have much sympathy for the kids that disrupt class and hardly ever make it to school. Those kids take from the classrooms and make it very hard to teach. School is a job and when you are young; your job is to go to school and get good grades or at least do the very best that you can. An education is what YOU invest in it. A nice building to attend classes in is NOT going to provide that drive.

    Where is the compromise in this? We have to do better than 37.5 million.

    Regarding our "failing schools"...all of that info came from the Statesman article. It was all in print. You are a teacher and I would expect you to spin the issue a bit and defend what you do.

    Please refrain from putting words in my mouth in the future. Mountain Home kids are not "idiots" but some sure lack motivation and a new building really will not fix that.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 11:55 AM
  • To Workingbee,

    I saw on the News this morning Paint The Roads is June 7. Sign up end April 23.

    -- Posted by EN0207 on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 12:02 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    I never said I quoted you. You talk down about everything in most of your postings. In other postings you say that most Mountain Home students did not pass the ISAT. I provided facts that contradicted what you said and all you can do is go back to tired, worn-out arguments. You can sound like a real jerk in some your postings. You call others fools and write condescendingly of other's comments.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 12:41 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    You also say that a new building will not provide any drive for kids to try harder in school. How would not having a new building help give some pride to students and the work they produce? It would help somewhat.

    Why don't you and many of the others who don't support progress in Mountain Home just admit that you're a bunch of retirees who don't give a crap about education because your kids are no longer in the system.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 12:45 PM
  • Allow me to address some items that others have brought before of me. By the way, thank you to those who have responded to my opinions in a civilized manner. Debate is healthy when it is conducted professionally.

    OpinionMissy... Seems we are in a "Love-Hate" relationship. I respond to your comments, and you respond to my character. I hardly see how that is fair. But I guess I'm not a politician.

    "...far more educated that you..." Here we go again, making facts before you know the facts. I presume you know who I am, and exactly my level of education. I'm impressed. You are indeed a super-sleuth.

    "...been to an opera or a broadway [production]..." Not only have I attended one, but I have been a performer in many. However, my appreciation of the arts should not be measured by my attendance, but by my willingness to improve the arts in the community in which I live.

    "...your idea of art is a Saturday line dance..." To be truthful, I find a line dance a perfect reflection of our Western American Culture and Heritage. I feel those who enjoy such pleasures sould be offended by your implications that "their" art is lesser than "your" art. And who are you to decide what art ranks higher that another? Are you and arts scholar? I would love to read your research findings on the matter.

    "...the difference between 'their' and 'there'..." *DING* below the belt, how very classy, thank you. And my charactor is in question? Welcome to my world.

    "...save your [words] for someone who cares..." This one I truly like. I didn't realize that this was YOUR forum. It seems you take up arms against ANYONE who supports this, OR ANY bond. Isn't this forum and open forum free for anyone to post his or her opinions? I think supporters have their right and duty to post what they think. In turn, non-supporters have the same very right and duty to post their opinions. I'm not implying that I know everything, and I'm not saying anybody here is. However, this is a place where all opinions are welcome, and that is something you will be forced to deal with. My apologies if my opinions offend you. Welcome to the United States, where freedom of speech is well in effect. If you can't tolorate my words, then get out of my country!

    "...my ability to take in information and digest..." I think I've done a fine job "eating" my way through all the false facts, opinions, and rants. I also have savored the words of those who thoughtfully post their opositions in a kind and respectfully manner. Many opposers have posted ideas that have got me thinking. Just not enough for me to throw away my own beliefs and turn to the "no side". Sorry ladies and gents, I'm still a supporter. I also pride myself in the fact that I'm able to keep from "regurgitating" the same lopsided and bitter banter that one seems to do from time to time. A doctor should look at that, seems serious.

    "...Can you see other peoples' views..." The first honest comment to me in a while, and the answer is "Yes." I know people, personally, who have suffered job loss, business setbacks, and morgage woes. There are many on this forum who are championing those opinions, and I applaud those who can do it with grace. There are very FEW of us who are actively supporting these things. That is where I come it. I am voicing my opinions to the readers, and that is my right. The reason I'm not announcing money facts and why we need this or that, is becaus the district has a website and the paper has been printing WHY we need these things. Why should I repeat what has been already said?

    Lastly, the dreaded open forums... Last bond, the school district hosted many open forums for the public to come in and address their concerns. Do I think the school district did a lousy job at advertising said events, YES!They have an open forum every month though; 3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. This month's school board meeting is APRIL 15TH, 7:30PM AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE. GO!!! Announce your concerns, ask your questions. Sadly, the way they hold the meetings, don't expect an immediate answer. They WILL take your comments under advisement. I urge anyone who cares, either side, go to this meeting, and DEMAND they have an open forum.

    I give you my word that when I know the times and dates of this bond's forums, I will be the first to let you know! I am demanding that they hear your voice, because it is your right to speak!

    The soapbox is yours.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 12:48 PM
  • I have read all of the recent posts and I am really starting to wonder about the people that educate our children and their ability to interpret facts and sort through issues. I have read over and over where the bond supporters say that "facts" have not been provided and that what the anti-bond supporters have posted are made up facts or untruths.

    If you read the posts, many of them tell you where the information that has been posted has come from. Most of the "facts" are directly off of the districts own web page (tax figures, etc.) How can anybody say that the facts presented by the "anti" folks are unfounded? I think the "anti" folks have far more information and facts in what they have provided.

    I am at a loss as to why this information is such a secret and why the district feels that it needs to shield the public (us) from the real story. Some of you have been down this road before, and I cannot blame you for researching the matter after the last time. The inability to compromise on the bond amount also troubles me. In all areas of life there is compromise and there needs to be a lot of compromise, by the district, on this issue.

    I am a "no" vote on this because I cannot afford many more tax increases. I was part of the Micron cut and things are snug. To the pro-bond people--please no more taxes---my family cannot afford it. I cannot afford another $100.00. Costs are on the rise (gas, electric, water, fuel for my vehicles, food, house insurance...so that I have presented the "facts") and I just do not have the extra money. I am sorry but those are the facts.

    Please-please-please rethink this plan. If not, there will be a great many empty houses due to an inability to pay for them. That would not be good for the town.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 1:18 PM
  • I am also voting yes to the school bond, and I disagree with mule when you say a new building will not make kids try harder. Pride in your surroundings is a very big deal. If you are not happy with your job do you try your hardest or do you just go and pass the time. If you are not happy with the way you look to you make changes or just go oh well. These kids spend all day in these buldings if they don't have pride in them and what they are doing they are not going to do their best. I do agree with you that it is their job to do go to school and get good grades, so don't we owe it to them to give them the best tools available to do that. I went to a high shool in a small town and we had 4 gyms an auditorium, a weight room, wrestling room and separtate rooms for our choir and band. We also had the college scholarships that went with it becuase is you have the facilities for the kids to use, they will excell and colleges will come and look at them. I also understand that things are tough right now I also live paycheck to paycheck but I also know that few less trips to walmart, mcdonalds or moxi will make up the difference in what my taxes will be. We owe it to these kids to give them the best education we can and that includes the arts. Not all children are academic some are into the arts and they should have the same opportunities. You have to develop both the left and right sides of your brain to be a well rounded person. I am voting yes for this bond.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 1:45 PM
  • Sorry mule after rereading the quotes your not the one who said that about the bulding.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 2:29 PM
  • Right on Small Town. I have the same thinking as you am I am also a "yes" vote.

    -- Posted by raisan11 on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 2:38 PM
  • Bond Supporter:

    I have a question, there was a bond that was passed some time ago for building the High School in the first place correct? Now why is it that the school district didn't request the full amount then at the very low low cost of construction ? Or was it more at that time?

    The community isn't against helping the kids but be realistic about life. These kids are not active because of technology not because of the possible lack of after school activities. Having Drama, Football, Cheerleading, Band, Choir, and other such activities are good for some but I promise you it will neither add to nor take away from your drop out rate. I'm fairly sure the kids that drop out aren't saying to themselves "Wow I'm going to leave school because it's not big and fancy." or "I left school because I had to practice my cheerleading that the elementary school." or even "If the band and the choir had their own areas to practice in I might have stayed and graduated."

    The absolute truth here is that there are many people that live on a fixed income in the town or even low wages and with the cost of food increasing and the cost of fuel on the rise adding to much more to that is a little much. The economy is heading for rock bottom and there is no reason that any entity should try to capitalize on that, maybe the school district could write a grant proposal to the Federal Government, Laura Bush, or perhaps one of the Oil companies for a hefty donation for the money to expand the high school.

    Oh one last question has the last school bond been paid off yet? If it hasn't that will mean IF this bond passes HOMEOWNERS will be paying PROPERTY TAX on two school bonds? If it passes what will stop the school district from asking for more money, maybe to re-do Hacker Middle School, or add a 4th elementary school. Maybe another Jr. High? I can understand that it is hard to gage growth here due to the Military but there has to be a way to at least guestimate....

    JUST MY OPINION!!!!!!! Have a wonderful day

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 2:48 PM
  • In response to Missylynn, the kids are not active because of a different kind of technoloy than what the school wants. The kids are not active because after school they go home and sit in front of the playstations and play games. Maybe just maybe if there were more activites for them to participate at a level they can compete they might just do that instead. Not all of them but some of them. Also your right kids don't drop out of school because they don't have a band room or they have to practice for cheerleading, they drop out becuase their interest isn't held and they see no reason to go, so maybe if we bring in the modern technology that they need to learn in order to compete in the job market when they get out of school they may stay. If they take an automotive class or a welding class where they are learing something they are interested they just may stay and not drop out. We can't get them all to stay in school but even a few makes it worth it. And I say again there are ways to cut back even on a budget to pay for the bond.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 3:01 PM
  • MissyLynn,

    Your question is probably one of the most important, and least understood, questions about this bond. A great inquiry.

    Fact... Years ago, the school district pass a bond that was geared to build a new high school.

    Fact... That bond was divided into TWO PHASES.

    Fact... PHASE ONE was to build a new building that would be a "temporary" junior high school. That paved the way for the current Hacker Middle School. That one building solved overcrowding in the entire school district.

    Fact... PHASE TWO is the plans to FINISH what we have started. Turn the current junior high into a 4-year campus. Some of the designs are blueprints handed down by the STATE, dictating what we MUST build. Other designs are additions that will make the campus fully accesible to all students and all community.

    Fact... The original plan was to have the two bonds closer together. However, there was a decrease in the increase rate, and it became apparent that the need for a 4-year campus was not as pressing.

    Fact... The increase rate is still climbing, maybe not at a rockets pace, but indeed climbing. The need for a 4-year campus is at hand.

    Why didn't they bond the entire project? Truthfully, I don't know the official stance. The idea was always to offer 2 "smaller" bonds rather than to offer one "gigantic" bond. I don't know what the costs of building were back then, I'd have to look into it. It was always the idea to build as we grow. The growth is here, we need to build.

    Grants and donations are a great idea. Look at the Rec District and see what they have done. That is an excellent point that needs to be brought up before the board; APRIL 15TH, 7:30PM, DISTRICT OFFICE.

    This isn't about "big and fancy", it's about opprotunity and pride. To many students, this school is their world. Most of their waking time is spent there. A cheerleader won't drop out because the practice at an elementary school, but I bet the parent wishes they didn't have to practice until 10:00pm. The band student won't drop out because the share space with choir, but the parent and students with that their space was more secure. With almost a third of the students involed in band, choir, or both... There is just not enough space in that "one" music room. Take a trip and look. In it's current state, it is awful. In fact, we have easily over $1000 dollars worth of vandalizm and theft from that music room. But now I'm talking in detail.

    No, I didn't drop out because my building was ugly, but I did almost drop out when the band program went through a rough time. I'm sure others teens are much the same way. The pride and drive of a student is directly related to what activities they have being offered. By reducing the bond, we reduce the facilities, we reduce student productivity.

    Is the first bond paid off? Not sure, again, I'd have to look into that. What is going to keep the school from asking another bond? The answer is need. When the 4-year campus is complete, that will take the 9th graders out of the Junior High, and PROBABLY (but not officially) move the 7th out of Hacker. The school district has money for maintenance of the older building, so passing a bond for Hacker won't be a need. With our current increase rate, another Jr. High is highly unlikely for many, many years.

    It comes down to NEED. We have the student, we don't have the facilities, we need to build.

    It's beautiful weather, let's all get away from the keyboard and get some fresh air. Enjoy the sun!

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 3:25 PM
  • Smalltown:

    Have you lived here for while? I have not I have recently moved here and I have to say it is very interesting to see so many people in the community that have a thought about the school bond, I am actually glad to see it.

    I know this is going to sound like a child but I will say it any way: Why do I need to budget MY money to pay for a school bond that may or may not be enough money to finish what they started? I understand it's to help the kids, but has anyone asked the kids what would keep them interested in school?

    I have asked a number of times with out response about the previous school bond? What happened then? Why wasn't it done correctly the first time? Why weren't things taken care of then? How much was the first school bond? Was there this much resitance to it? I am curious, so anyone who can answer this I would be more than grateful.

    Thank you

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 3:25 PM
  • Thank you for the RESPONSE Bond Supporter...... I do appreciate it..... I do understand the pride I understand the giving the kids all the opportunities in the world. I am glad that they are considering that not all children will be attending college.

    I'm not totally sold on the bond but I thank you for giving me more information than I had before....

    Have a wonderful Thursday!!!!

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 3:33 PM
  • "has anyone asked the kids what would keep them interested in school"

    That has genius written all over it! If indeed we are bond "what's best for the kids", then they should have a say. I would be extremely interested in their input. Again, sedetary life has hit our youth, would they make the effort to voice an opinion?

    Alas, it will always come down to the tax payers and property owners to make the vote. That is how it should be, after all, we pay bill. It then becomes a "Do I support the youth in my community?" or "Do I save the money for something else" type of struggle.

    Don't get me wrong, I understand that many have money issues. Perhaps this bond is too much for them. That is indeed unfortunate. They have the right to vote no. However, I am a young taxpayer and property owner, and I have a right to stand up FOR todays youth. I have a right to vote yes.

    Other peoples' shortcomings are not my problem. I have the means to help this community, and I will do so. I hope others will follow me in making that selfless choice.

    If my decisions force me to sell my house down the road (I highly doubt it), then I will sell my house with the clean conscience that I did what was best for my community.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 3:56 PM
  • Excuse me, bond supporter, but my "shortcomings" do not include being wasteful about our income, or the city's income, nor is it that the city's youth mean less to me than they do to you.

    On the contrary. The future of Mtn Home depends on them, but that is no reason to be wildly extravagant. In fact, it's for them that we need to be prudent and give them what they need, not the bells and whistles, the empty calories.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 4:28 PM
  • missylyn

    I have lived here for a little over 3 years and we plan on retireing here. I have 2 kids in this school districy one is in the jr high going to high school and one in elementary school. I have asked my kids what they want in their school, the oldest wants a good drama class, the youngest wants art classes in the elementary. Both are A, B students, the oldes wants to be a nurse and needs the science classes, the youngest is into cars, he draws them and likes to design different ones, he is not into academics. I think it is up to us to budget our money to pay for these improvemets because if we don't who will. There is always going to be room for improvements and as the world and technology changes the school system will to. So I am sure there will come a time they will ask for more money but right now there is a drastic need to update our school system now so that we can compete with these other schools. I know we are not as big as the other schools in this area but we still need to be able to compete with them if we want the colleges to look at our students. I'll say again that alot of these kids need the scholarship money in order to even go to college in order for that to happen we need to have the facilities in academics, sports, and art programs for them to compete. I am more than willing to cut out a few trips to Boise in order for them to do that.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 4:37 PM
  • Senior Lady

    If you were to change the bond how would you do it. What do you think is needed and what is wasteful. I do think some things could be cut down but I haven't seen anything we don't need.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 4:40 PM
  • Mule:

    For your information, I am not part of the retired portion of the population in Mtn. Home. I am 36 years old and public school educated. I am from Illinois and worked MY way through 6 years of college with student loans. I work in Boise in the area of law. I do not have children in this school system but I have worked in it. What is wrong with the seniors in our town? That was an interesting comment. They state that they cannot afford to pay more in taxes and that means that they do not want the best for our town? Wow.

    Bond Supporter:

    May you never fall on hard times. It must be nice to be so sure that you will not lose your job by next week. Good for you. A quote from you:

    "Other peoples' shortcomings are not my problem. I have the means to help this community, and I will do so. I hope others will follow me in making that selfless choice."

    You are a piece of work. Out for just you and the heck with everyone else. I hope that you do not breed. We have enough like you already.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 5:03 PM
  • Bond Supporter:

    Your words again:

    "Lastly, the dreaded open forums... Last bond, the school district hosted many open forums for the public to come in and address their concerns. Do I think the school district did a lousy job at advertising said events, YES!They have an open forum every month though; 3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. This month's school board meeting is APRIL 15TH, 7:30PM AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE. GO!!! Announce your concerns, ask your questions. Sadly, the way they hold the meetings, don't expect an immediate answer. They WILL take your comments under advisement. I urge anyone who cares, either side, go to this meeting, and DEMAND they have an open forum."

    "I give you my word that when I know the times and dates of this bond's forums, I will be the first to let you know! I am demanding that they hear your voice, because it is your right to speak!"

    You state there is a forum yet you want us to "DEMAND" that they hold such a thing. You post dates but say that you will have to inform us of when they are. A school board meeting in not a forum. Get YOUR story straight.

    What the district did prior as far as forums does not help us now does it? All we ask for are answers. You would make a good politician...great at double talk.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 5:25 PM
  • opinion missy

    If you have no children in this school system how do you know what these kids need. It seems to me you are more concerned about money than childrens education. Any board meeting can be made into an open forum if enough people are there to voice their concerns. If you know when the boards meet than that is when you need to go.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 5:54 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    So good of you to attack me again. You're like a manic Adolf Hilter, desperately trying to silence all those who oppose you. That was completely off topic, I apologize. By the way, thanks for re-advertising the school board meeting. It's like twice the press, half the work.

    "A school board meeting in not a forum." Ever been to one? Ever expressed your opinions at one? Ever voiced your concerns at one? Now's your chance. Now is everybodies chance. APRIL 15TH, 7:30PM, DISTRICT OFFICE. There is a time during the meeting that ANYONE can have 3 minutes of time to voice concerns and ideas in front of the "big wigs" of the school district.

    If you don't demand what you want, then the school won't know what you want. SO GO! Don't rely on me to do your work. If you are unhappy, go to the meeting!

    Do the work, or shut up!

    Respectfully submitted,

    Bond_Supporter

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 6:12 PM
  • Now children, we need to play nice with each other.

    -- Posted by snafu on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 7:28 PM
  • *

    Ok Pooh, bond_supporter, small town, looks like now we suppose to play nice woooooo hoooooo doesn't seem to be that way and as long as we can't get all the true facts to what is really going to happen I not ready to play nice, I have grandkids in the school system here and I want them to have the best education they can have but just can't see 37.5 million doing that when it all going to parking lots, gym's, band rooms etc The public needs the whole truth about what they are voting for not bits and pieces. I just want to do a bit of math for you $95,000 for a in door track is just pennies well that works out to 9.5 million pennies and I don't call that pocket change unless you have some big pockets(laughing). Now you all play nice and stay with facts no BS stories

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 8:06 PM
  • Good question as to where to cut down. Not being an architect, I certainly don't know but there has to be a better way: materials chosen that are to code to provide for safety and durability, but less expensive; reduce footprint on the land; good quality carpets etc. but not the highest priced. Common sense things.

    I want a 4 year high school for our youth. But we need to be sensible.

    For the last time: In its present form, I just can't vote in favor of this bond, but I will vote -- NO.

    This forum we have here is out of hand. Yes, we have vented and that's okay, but it has gone beyond toleration, thanks to the bond supporter. That's it for me -- have fun, folks. See you at the polls -- if I can find out where they are.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 9:02 PM
  • This school bond is about planning for the future. This school would last this community for the next 25-30 years with no additions in the future.

    If the bond fails and the school district takes out the indoor track ($90,000?) and the auditorium ($3.5 million) and has only two new courts instead of four($1 million?). We save about $4.6 million. That should be about the amount construction costs rise the next time they go for the bond, probably less. They increased over $3 million since September.

    So, we can say no now and end up paying more for less in the future. That makes sense.

    From an article on KTVB.com:

    Boise 13th fastest growing nationwide

    10:11 AM MDT on Friday, March 28, 2008

    KTVB

    BOISE - Idaho's population continues to rise -- and three metropolitan areas are among the nation's 30 fastest growing communities.

    A new report from the US Census Bureau shows the Boise Metropolitan Statistic Area grew 3.5% - ranking it 13th for growth among the nation's metro areas.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 9:44 PM
  • Thank you bond supporter. I am 1 of about 4 Jewish people in town and you are a racist bigot. Figures. I should have known. You look better and better as time goes on. You are probably on the school board and hide behind that screen name. People like you REALLY should not breed and I hope that is the case. Shalom to you and peace in that hateful life of yours.

    On to the next one...

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 9:57 PM
  • OpinionMissy,

    I too put myself through 6 years of college. Four for my B.A. and two for my Master's. Not a dime from my parents or anyone else. I have a family and want them to have a bright future here in Mountain Home.

    I am sorry you have made the decision not to have children, but don't punish those who do.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 9:57 PM
  • How sad. Now we drag Hitler into this thing. I will vote no on the school bond based on my own research and what has been put out there on this blog. It is too much money. I think that the schools do need an upgrade, as I said before but not 37.5 million dollars worth. The junior high is the newest facility and other buildings are far more in need of work. It was 1998 (or so) when this went on last time and in another 10 years they will be at it again because the gym will not measure up or the classrooms are too small. Whatever. After the Hitler remark (talk about uncalled for!) I want nothing more to do with the debate as you call it. Bond Supporter, you should be ashamed but I am sure that you have yet to figure out what was even wrong with your comment. I am sure more of the population and Vets will enlighten you.

    If you have children, sit with them and read a book about Hitler. If you do not have children, I suggest you read a book about that man. You say that you are allowed your freedom of speech, why not allow others that same freedom? You are just dreadful. Your parents would not be proud whomever you may be.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 10:16 PM
  • *

    Mule,

    The Boise Metropolitan Statistic Area includes the following counties: Ada, Canyon, Boise, Gem and Owyhee. It has no statisical bearing on Elmore county.

    For information concerning the Mountain Home area or Elmore county you might was to refer to the Mountain Home micropolitan statistical area.

    Just a thought for when you start bringing in stats that are not revelant to the area.............

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 10:18 PM
  • Workingbee,

    To say that none of that growth is affecting us would be ignorant.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 10:21 PM
  • Ok, this will be my last post unless Bond Supporter strikes again and I have to fire this up again. I have called the district office regarding what you refer to as "public forums." I was told by a lady that she was not sure what I was talking about. This woman further stated that there are monthly board meetings but they have an agenda. We could speak at the end if time allowed and the topic should have covered what was discussed in the meeting. I called the district office on Tuesday. I believe that OpinionMissy,midea, senior lady, Froggy and others HAVE attempted to get the information that you talked about but would not provide. So to say "do the work or shut up" is a bit one sided. People asked you to provide this information and you did not. In your blog today you refer to school board meetings AND a public forum (which you indicated you would provide dates and times for at a later time). If the board meeting and the forum were one in the same, which they really are not, why would you have stated things as you did? That seems a bit underhanded to me.

    You are very angry and maybe need a time out from all of this. These are only opinions on here (with backup facts) and EVERYBODY is entitled to an opinion even when we do not agree with you. I guess these people on this blog have struck a nerve or 2 with you.

    Perhaps there is more truth to all of the antibond inforamtion than we know becaue you seem pretty close to all of the "facts." Just my observation.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 10:36 PM
  • *

    Go West Young Man........ look exactly where the growth is for Boise MSA....... WEST. So how is the growth of Boise affecting Elmore County Population.

    Elmore

    1-Apr-00 29,130

    1-Jul-00 29,090

    1-Jul-01 29,099

    1-Jul-02 29,224

    1-Jul-03 28,702

    1-Jul-04 28,788

    1-Jul-05 28,298

    1-Jul-06 28,114

    1-Jul-07 28,856

    Canyon

    1-Apr-00 131,441

    1-Jul-00 133,113

    1-Jul-01 139,208

    1-Jul-02 145,560

    1-Jul-03 151,857

    1-Jul-04 157,889

    1-Jul-05 164,981

    1-Jul-06 173,302

    1-Jul-07 179,381

    Ada

    1-Apr-00 300,904

    1-Jul-00 303,104

    1-Jul-01 312,908

    1-Jul-02 319,858

    1-Jul-03 325,247

    1-Jul-04 332,419

    1-Jul-05 345,418

    1-Jul-06 359,035

    1-Jul-07 373,406

    In case the numbers shift.... Elmore would be the one with a declining population from the 2000 census.............

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 10:38 PM
  • *

    How has the city of Mountain Home reacted.

    City of Mountain Home

    July 1, 2006 Estimate 11,656

    July 1, 2005 Estimate 11,559

    July 1, 2004 Estimate 11,546

    July 1, 2003 Estimate 11,471

    July 1, 2002 Estimate 11,700

    July 1, 2001 Estimate 11,595

    July 1, 2000 Estimate 11,449

    Population Estimates Base 2000 11,433

    Census April 1, 2000 11,143

    POP # Change 2005-2006 97

    POP % Change 2005-2006 0.8%

    POP # Change 2000-2006 513

    POP % Change 2000-2006 5%

    The highest point was 2002

    Estimate 11,700

    In 6 years Mountain Home has grown 5%, 513 which is still down from the 2002 high..... So what year was it that the school on base closed?

    Oh by the way, Eagle grew 66% from 2000, Kuna grew 114%, and Star which started out 2000 with a population of 1.225 has grown 123%........remember the earlier numbers.... Mountain Home 5%..........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, Apr 3, 2008, at 11:01 PM
  • Part of Small Town's post: "I went to a high shool in a small town and we had 4 gyms an auditorium, a weight room, wrestling room and separtate rooms for our choir and band. We also had the college scholarships that went with it becuase is you have the facilities for the kids to use, they will excell and colleges will come and look at them. I also understand that things are tough right now I also live paycheck to paycheck but I also know that few less trips to walmart, mcdonalds or moxi will make up the difference in what my taxes will be. We owe it to these kids to give them the best education we can and that includes the arts."

    I am glad you went to a school that had all those extra ammenities, but apparently they didn't teach you to capitalize, ex: Walmart, McDonald's and Moxie. It is nice of you to cut back on your $5.00 cup of coffee for the cause. I think though, a lot of people can't afford that kind of coffee already. I know I don't go to Moxie or to McDonald's more than once or twice a year and there are those that can't afford even that much.

    I work w/kids, some of which are home schooled, that don't use the school at all, yet are getting scholarships for music, choir and other arts. I also work w/children that barely hanging on going to school or have been kicked out. Unfortunately, those children have a lot more issues that are keeping them out of school that a band room or yet another gym. I think it's naive and narrow minded that building a Taj Mahal school is really going to fix this. You can build the best school in the world and there still will be kids that drop out.

    Yes, I agree, we should give our kids the best education possible, but what if your kid was sick? What if they needed hospital care that we couldn't provide because the hospital didn't have the equipment it NEEDED? We have other issues here besides JUST the school.

    And for a well rounded person using left & right sides of the brain - well having some common sense would be good too, and that's what this bond does not have.

    And to the Mule, unfortunately, I have a long way to go b/f I retire.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 12:41 AM
  • "If you don't like it, go find a retirement community in Florida or Arizona."

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Mar 28, 2008, at 10:34 PM

    mule,

    I don't think that is the way the process works. If one likes the proposed bond then vote for it. If one does not like the proposed bond then vote no, and hope that a little more than a third of the voters agree with you.

    If a super majority of the voters approve this bond, so be it. But if they fail please don't banish the dissenters to the likes of Arizona or Florida.

    I voted "Yes" on this school bond last year. But because of names and insults that were directed at those who opposed the last try on this bond issue, and with your post seem to continue this year, I will be voting "No" this time around.

    And I am not moving anywhere.

    -- Posted by Beau on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 3:33 AM
  • Beau,

    I would hope that's not the case. Your vote should not be dependant on peoples' namecalling. You should make your vote based on facts presented before you and you overall feelings of the issue.

    The word brutality here is some of the worst I've seen. Now I fear people are going to be voting, not because this bond will help or hinder this community, but because people from one side of thinking just don't like people of the other side of thinking. Face it, everybody has an opinion. The vote is what makes you opinion count.

    Let's make sure when we hit the poles on the 25th, we are voting for the right reasons. Ultimately, thoses reasons are your own.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 8:45 AM
  • Froggy,

    I also have worked with children for 15 years, and I understand what you are saying. I am sorry if I upset you by not using caps on my words. It's amazing how people concentrate on grammer instead of the issues. I also understand that more is needed than just a band and choir room. If I understand correctly they are also putting in rooms for technology for welding, auto mechanics and the such. I think they are also needed, but I still think that the arts are a very neglegted part of education. The main point that I am trying to make is that our school system needs to be on the same playing field as other schools in order to get the scholorship money for these kids to go to school. If they don't go to college we need to have programs such as welding, auto classes that when they graduate they have the basic skills to get a job. I am not naieve enough to think that we can solve all the problems by building the "Taj Mahal" but I have enough commen sense to know that we need to have the facilites to help these children grow. When other bonds come up for consideration I will think on those also and if I think they are something that the community needs I will vote for those also. Things may be tough right now but the more this town grows the more businesses will want to develop here. Like the saying goes you have to spend money to make money. We need to update the school so the graduating classes have the knowledge to go out and make money.

    You can now get you little red pen out and check my grammer.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 9:26 AM
  • To the Blaudience: I just noticed this week's poll. Does anyone know what the fees were & what they are now? It never crossed my mind that the cemetary had fees. :-(

    Wow. When they say everything is getting more expensive, they mean EVERYTHING.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 9:33 AM
  • The notice about the cemetery fees was, like most information around here, just a public notice in small print at the back of the paper because there's a public hearing coming up about it. I can't remember what all the fees were because there are a lot of different ones. Some increased quite a bit (doubled and tripled)...the ones that went up the most were for disinternment/reinternment I think. I hope I got that right...I'm not up on my cemetery lingo:)

    -- Posted by raisan11 on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 10:06 AM
  • Small Town - Sorry about the snark about the capitalizing - not very gentleman-like now was it? I was just poking ya in the ribs there - should have inserted a smiley face maybe. My grammar isn't up to par either on these blogs and I always have some typo's.

    I will just disagree w/you, then I guess. Yes, we need to improve and I think the school has some legit arguements about expanding. I also think though that our kids do not need everything handed to them in order to succeed. There are other options here, but apparently the school thinks they and all that money are the only answer.

    And to the Mule: I don't think the seniors in this blaudience are opposed to improvements to the community. They are on a fixed income and prices are rising at an alarming rate. Maybe have some empathy here. If you have to choose between paying your utility bill and funding a child to act in a play....c'mon.

    I also think we have a lot to learn from seniors. What a great generation, going through those wars. And you can bet they did without during those times. They can teach us a thing or two about budgeting, which we as a country have seem to forgotten with our buy, buy, buy, spend, spend, spend, society. And Senior Lady made good point about not snarking in this blog and be respectful toward others.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 10:15 AM
  • froggy

    Aplogy accepted, I will have to lighten up a litte. I agree that kids don't need to have everything handed to them and that they should have to work for it. I also agree there are some things that the school could scale down. If I understnad right they are trying to build for the future expansion of this town. They are thoughts are probably add a little more now with prices down and then they won't needto have to expand later. I agree that we can learn alot from senior and I may be in the minority here but I think after a certain age if their income is low enough seniors shouldn't have to pay into school taxes and things like that. They have done more than enough in their lives that they shouldn't have to worry about paying utilites or buying food. I think they should be taken care of. Just my opinion.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 10:32 AM
  • froggy

    Aplogy accepted, I will have to lighten up a litte. I agree that kids don't need to have everything handed to them and that they should have to work for it. I also agree there are some things that the school could scale down. If I understnad right they are trying to build for the future expansion of this town. There thoughts are probably add a little more now with prices down and then they won't needto have to expand later. I agree that we can learn alot from senior and I may be in the minority here but I think after a certain age if their income is low enough seniors shouldn't have to pay into school taxes and things like that. They have done more than enough in their lives that they shouldn't have to worry about paying utilites or buying food. I think they should be taken care of. Just my opinion.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 10:34 AM
  • Here is a post from a different area of this site, thought it was well put.

    Is it any wonder that graduation rates are dropping around the country when people refuse to vote for bonds such as this one? If we can't give our kids the tools they need to succeed, we should really stop being surprised when the graduation rates are so low. Furthermore, is it really any surprise that people complain about the school and the community when the chances to better both are consistently shot down because people don't want to pay for them? Denmark is said to be the happiest place on earth and they pay almost fifty percent taxes. In the vein of good business sense, you have to spend money to make money - you have to spend money to feel safe and have a better community. People should stop complaining about educational programs and failing graduation rates if they aren't willing to put their dollars where their mouths are and do something about it.

    -- Posted by hottieballer on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 6:10 AM

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 10:41 AM
  • Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I too owe this forum and all of its members a heart-felt apology. I let my emotions get the better of me and nothing good can come of that. I used some words that were unprofessional and totally out of line. To those I have hurt with my bitter words, "I am sincerely sorry."

    I am very passionate about the education of the youth in this community and of the community image. I see a school that cannot possibly offer what these students need to be 100% successful and by lessening the bond, we will still not be 100% successful. I see a community that is in dire need of better athletic facilities that are free to the public, as I cannot afford a gym membership. Most of all, I see a community that is extremely lacking in the arts of any form and has a thin sense of culture. The facilities that would be built would elevate the status of town, draw in new population, bring in new ideas, and make this town grow. Why do people choose to pay more in the Boise Metro area rather than settle in a nice quiet town? Because this town has little to offer.

    The bonds that are being presented before us are our way of bettering our community. A 4-year high school with amenities open to student and public, a Rec Center open for all who cares to use, a brand new design to a library that desperately needed, it and a hospital that drastically needs to be upgraded.

    Ever since I started posting my Pro-Bond opinions, I have been under attack from those who are against them; sometimes viciously. I understand that everyone has an opinion, and I respect that. Yet, we must be tolerant of those opinions that oppose our own. At times, I have not been able to do that and that is my mistake. Have this discussion, but let's stop the incessant knit-picking of each others posts. Read the comments, absorb the ideas, and forgive the technical details and glitches.

    On the flip side, it is wonderful to see so many people here who are willing to defend their beliefs to the last. That is a rare characteristic in this "I'll take whatever comes" mentality that society is developing. So off to the polls, let's make our TRUE voices heard and vote.

    Once again, my humble apologies to those in this forum I have hurt.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 11:17 AM
  • *

    I don't have a clue what I am doing wrong none of my comments show up on the first try, tells me to preview them and then save them once saved I don't know where they going but they don't show up in the banter box

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 11:32 AM
  • For the people who think the bond is full of extras here is something to think about. A town close to where I am from just passed a school bond to build a new football stadium, not field but a stadium with artifical turf. Now to me that would be an extravegance. What our school is asking for is updates.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 11:39 AM
  • I've noticed that too. There is a trend of building new artificial turf stadiums in high school facilities. Talk about a competitive edge. University fields are almost totally artificial turf. Those students who have trained and played in the a high school with artificial fields definately have an upper hand in the scholarship arena.

    Do we need a football stadium with turf? No, not at all. I think grass (what tiger field can grow anwyay) will do just fine. But does the Band, Choir, Dance, Drama, Debate, and community need an auditorium? Yes. I don't see that as extra at all.

    Do our non-college bound grads need the facilities to train for a good paying career? Yes. We have a basic auto shop, a basic metalworks facility, and a basic woodworks shop. All with old tools. How are these current facilities going to properly prepare these students in career fields that are lightyears ahead of what we offer. Not to mention extremely competive. Competition isn't just limited to the athletes.

    People say we are "Keeping up with the Jones". I don't see it that way. I see it as "Keeping up with the standard."

    For example, when computers came out, only the best schools had them. Now look... every school has them. I, for once, would like to see Mountain Home have some elegance for a change, and not have to wait for the "hand-me-downs".

    I've combed through the blueprints, and I can't see a single thing that won't improve the educational setting. It's a price I"M willing to pay.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 12:24 PM
  • ATTENTION EVERYBODY!!!!!

    I am fulfilling my promise. Here are the Public Hearings I've been talking about!!

    ---

    Public Question and Answer Meetings concerning the Bond Election here at the District Office on the following Dates and Times:

    April 9 12:00-1:00 and 6:00-7:00

    April 16 12:00-1:00 and 6:00-7:00

    Tim McMurtrey, Superintendent

    Mountain Home School District #193

    ---

    Here is your chance to voice your concerns, ideas, and opinions! We've done a great job in this forum, let's here what the "big wigs" have to say, and let them here what we have to say! COME ONE, COME ALL. LET'S MAKE AN EDUCATED VOTE AND MAKE THIS TOWN A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL!!!

    Don't forget about the school board meeting. April 15th, 7:30pm, District Office.

    Enjoy the weekend!!!

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 12:40 PM
  • I think Bond Supporter deserves a pat on the back there. Though ya didn't snark at me, your apology is welcomed and you have brought up good points. I appreciate your passion. I think we all are passionate and were turning the banter box into a bashing box. And Senior Lady, I hope you come back. I think we will try and behave ourselves.

    Just doing some research here about the Kuna school district. A copy paste from their district website:

    "On September 19, 2001, the patrons of the Kuna School District passed a $15.2 million bond election with a 72% majority. The bond funds will finance a new 1,100-student high school, purchase property and make minor improvements to existing schools. The additional classrooms will help the school district handle the 5% yearly growth in students it is currently experiencing."

    OK, I know it was about 7 years ago, but how can Kuna build a new school AND the land AND make improvements for 15.2 million. Folks I have talked to have brought up this point too.

    NOT that I have all the answers, but here also is a cut/past from an article about Public Deliberation and how the Kuna School District really went out and got imput from the public. I really hate that we can't link in this Blogsphere:

    "This dynamic is beginning to affect all kinds of public officials, but it is still most evident at the local level, in the experiences of people like Doug Rutan, the superintendent of schools in Kuna, Idaho. Rutan is a dedicated, hands-on local leader: he drives a school bus several times a month so that he can talk to students and parents. In fact, when the school board purchased a new bus several years ago, Rutan saved the district some money by picking up the bus directly at the plant in Tennessee and driving it 2,000 miles back to Kuna. He has faced his share of challenges as a superintendent, many of them related to the explosive growth of his district. From 1990 to 2004, Kuna grew from a small town of less than 2,000 people to a booming Boise suburb of almost 10,000.[3]

    In 1998, as the number of students in the system was skyrocketing, Rutan and the Kuna school board made a loan agreement with a bank so they could purchase a plot of land for a new high school. An article about the impending purchase went out in the school newsletter, but Rutan got no responses, so the board went ahead with the deal. Citizens didn't flock to the school board meetings to criticize the plan. Then the board put a school bond issue on the ballot to fund the land purchase and construction of the school. They may not have intended to, but Rutan and the board had chosen a "decide, announce, and defend" approach.

    The bond issue alerted residents to the land purchase made by the school board, and many of them weren't happy. In this kind of situation, citizens usually express their anger in several ways. Some claim that the policy decision was clouded by corruption; others say that the political goals of public officials came before the interests of the community. Often, citizens don't understand the decision, simply because they never understood the facts of the situation. Finally, some people express frustration not because of ignorance or suspicion, but because they feel the public official should have consulted with them first. In many cases, the majority of the citizens who have been following the decision 'tune out' in resignation and disgust, leaving the field to the people who are just too angry to stop yelling.

    Some of those typical responses were apparent in Kuna. The most obvious result was the defeat of the school bond in the September 1999 municipal election. Soon afterward, when Rutan helped involve citizens in discussions on the future of the school system, many of the dialogues began with participants venting about the decision. "With regard to the land purchase," one group wrote in its report, "the school board's communication was perceived as a means to justify their actions." "Absolute, complete honesty is necessary," said another. "Some residents have lost confidence in the school board because of the land purchase putting the public into debt," wrote a third group. "We feel that we need an apology from the board …We don't need a rude and arrogant School Board."[4]

    Once the Kuna participants had finished venting and were able to assess the land purchase, the bond issue, and the future of the district, they were able to make recommendations for how the school board ought to proceed. Some of those suggestions had to do with the school board's relationship with the community -- they urged the board to treat them as partners and neighbors. "Board members and city officials should give straightforward answers and if they don't know the answer -- say so. Don't try to give an answer to something you don't know. It's OK to say, 'I don't know but I'll find out.'"[5] Though some of these residents had felt empowered enough to attend meetings before -- primarily to express their frustrations to Rutan and the school board -- they had not felt legitimized as a part of the district's decision-making process.

    In the past, it was probably easier for public officials to get away with making major policy decisions without involving citizens. By announcing their verdict confidently, and presenting it as the product of expert research, they could often avoid hearing people's frustrations.[6] But many officials feel that 21st Century citizens are more skeptical -- and seem to have the skills and confidence to act on that skepticism. There may be a number of reasons for this change: people are more educated than they ever were before; they have access to the Internet as a source of information and a way to connect with other concerned citizens; they receive more attention from the media and are able to exploit those opportunities. In any case, local leaders are increasingly afraid of these "instant activists," mild-mannered senior citizens or soccer moms who suddenly come screaming out of the woodwork when a controversial decision is made."

    Getting the ball rolling

    Even before his bond issue was defeated, Doug Rutan could tell that his relationship with the public was off on the wrong foot. Intending to start over, he called together a small group of community leaders who decided to form the Kuna Alliance for a Cohesive Community Team, or Kuna ACT. The members of Kuna ACT wanted to foster discussion on school priorities like the bond issue, but they wanted to address other concerns as well. Kuna's senior citizens were upset about the number of cars speeding through the streets; they blamed the town's booming population of teenage drivers. Parents and teachers were concerned that the roads from Boise were also carrying big-city problems, such as drug abuse and teen pregnancy. Rutan was open to these other topics. "Doug had a vision for the community that went far beyond the schools," said Arnette Johnson, a soft-spoken, resolute school volunteer who became the coordinator of Kuna ACT. "He convened the first meeting and pulled the group together. Without that big entity [the schools] behind us, I don't know how we would've gotten the ball rolling."[10]

    Like their counterparts in many other communities, the Kuna ACT members had to make some careful decisions about the role that public officials like Rutan would play in their process. On one hand, people want to know that their input will affect policy, and having decision-makers involved in the meetings gives people some confidence that it will. On the other hand, when citizens know that public officials are involved, they often wonder whether those leaders are only pretending to welcome a range of views -- and are in fact using the project to push their own political agendas. People want political legitimacy, but they worry that officials are trying to co-opt them, taking advantage of their participation to push through a predetermined agenda. In the Kuna case, many people probably suspected that Rutan would try to bias the process so that he could promote another bond issue. Rutan had initially served as the president of Kuna ACT, but he and the board members realized that this sent the wrong impression to some residents, and he stepped down.

    They also realized that by recruiting a wide range of people for the board, and by soliciting the endorsements of many different groups and institutions, they could show that Kuna ACT was not skewed toward any particular agenda. Once the organization had incorporated itself as a nonprofit, the board included local pastors, a sheriff, a representative from the senior center, and a city councilwoman named Laurale Neal. Unlike similar coalitions in many other communities, the board also included four high school students. The students chafed at what they saw as unfair accusations by adults in the community, and welcomed the chance to dispel those stereotypes.

    But though it included a wide cross-section of leaders, Kuna ACT did not enjoy universal support. The mayor, Greg Nelson, had been in office for sixteen years, and he was publicly opposed to the project. "Public officials in Kuna never asked for input -- that just wasn't part of the way they did business," said Neal. "Decisions were made in a vacuum."[11] After the initial enthusiasm, the project began to bog down. They tried to distribute the organizing tasks among the various members of the group, but the follow-through was lacking. As Rutan recalls, "It soon became evident that we were all very busy with our own organizations and didn't have the time necessary to devote to this."[12] They needed a coordinator, and that meant they needed money. Over the mayor's objections, Neal and two other council members voted to allocate some city funds to Kuna ACT; the mayor subsequently began campaigning for Neal's defeat in the upcoming city council election. Eventually, the board raised enough money to pay the coordinator by soliciting small donations from virtually every organization in town, including the sheriff's department, the school board, the electric utility, and the trash removal company.

    As the fundraising went forward, the teenagers in Kuna ACT began to get impatient. Being asked to serve on the Kuna ACT board validated their status as community leaders; perhaps this new sense of political legitimacy had a more profound impact on them, and gave them a greater sense of urgency, than it did for their adult colleagues. The students took the high school segment of the project, which they called "Teen Talk," into their own hands. They held a kickoff meeting during a school assembly, and recruited over 100 students for small-group dialogues on the future of Kuna.

    Feeling inspired, and perhaps a little embarrassed, by the rapid progress of their younger colleagues, the other members of Kuna ACT pushed forward with the adult side of the project. They mapped out a four-session process where participants would discuss issues relating to education, public safety, livability, and citizen-government collaboration. Because of the success of Teen Talk, many of the 'adult' groups which began meeting in the fall of 1999 included students as well.

    Helping your neighbor

    The participants in the Kuna ACT meetings generated over 100 action ideas. One group devised what it called "Project Citizen," a social studies program at the high school that would mix classroom study with community service activities. They saw it as a way to "integrate school and community, encourage adult volunteers, and provide citizenship training." Another group suggested a "Volunteer-to-be-a-Deputy" program to "raise citizen awareness of problems the police face."[13]

    The ability of parents to work with students in trouble was a prime topic for many of the groups. "Teachers need to solve student difficulty with parent intervention rather than dump troublesome students into remedial classes," wrote the members of one circle in their report.[14] One participant even suggested that teachers have cell phones so they could call parents immediately when a problem arose.

    Other groups focused on ways of raising input and accountability in the schools. "We don't have PTAs," complained one circle report. "There are only parent-teacher conferences. We hear what our kids are doing, but don't have input into course content, schedules, etc." Another group proposed building-level accountability committees, citing a program in Colorado as an example. "The committees should include parents, patrons, teachers, administrators, and students. They would identify building-level goals, and assess success."[15]

    The school board got both criticism and praise. Many people were still upset about the board's handling of the land purchase. One group cited the board's tendency to adjourn to an executive session when a controversial issue arose, forcing people to "sit and wait for a public meeting to be reconvened." Another group decided that "a balance can be struck between controlling meetings via the agenda and giving people opportunities to participate."[16]

    Many groups came up with ideas to give Kuna a more unique reputation. Since the area is known for its high number of birds of prey, there were many suggestions for incorporating this resource into Kuna's image. Others suggested that the community 'get organized' in other ways: adopting a theme and mission statement, drafting a disaster preparedness plan, opening up communication between government and community institutions, and coordinating volunteer service activities. But all the groups seemed to agree that Kuna shouldn't give up its small-town character. "People here help each other out," one participant said. "When I was getting ready for a camping trip, a front bearing went out on my pickup. At 11PM, I called a local mechanic. He opened his shop and helped me fix it. I want to see this 'help your neighbor' attitude remain as we get bigger."[17]

    The decision-making routine in Kuna

    Since Teen Talk had pre-empted the other meetings, the high school students were the first to move from words to action. They wanted to show how Kuna ACT was changing their relationship with the rest of the community. "This process put adults in the position where they have to listen to the students, and vice versa," said Holly Keller, then a junior at Kuna High.[18] A set of students who had participated in the program began planning a "senior prom" to bring young people and senior citizens together. The dance was held at the senior center, with both teenagers and seniors dressing up in formal attire and dancing the night away. For many it was a powerful symbol of what was happening in Kuna. "In a trying time for our community, people started talking again," says Neal.[19]

    Over the next few months, public officials incorporated the citizen recommendations into a number of city plans and documents, including a new comprehensive land use plan. The Chamber of Commerce embraced the idea to designate Kuna as a "Birds of Prey Area," and launched an initiative to attract tourism and protect the stunning scenery of the nearby Snake River Gorge.

    Arnette Johnson and the Kuna ACT board members realized that for some of the action ideas to work, however, a great deal more discussion was needed. In some cases, the groups had suggested new topics rather than new solutions. To meet this need, Kuna ACT developed a new model: every month or two they hold an informational forum combined with small-group discussions. For the first hour of each forum, attendees hear brief, factual presentations on the policy issue or decision being addressed. For the second hour, they split up into small groups to compare notes on their experiences with the issue, assess the various policy options, and formulate recommendations. Since one hour usually isn't sufficient to get through the steps, the groups are asked to meet a second time, on their own, within the next week. They then submit their reports to Johnson. The records are collated into a report which is shared at a subsequent forum.

    The leaders of Kuna ACT have worked hard to show public officials that the organization is trying to help them, rather than pushing a specific agenda or fanning the flames of local controversies. To safeguard its status as a neutral intermediary between citizens and government, the Kuna ACT board adopted a policy that only community institutions could submit topics for the forums. The school board, planning and zoning commission, city council, and other bodies now regularly ask Kuna ACT to convene citizens around particular issues and decisions.

    Over the last five years, Kuna ACT has used this format twelve times. Each forum and set of small-group sessions has attracted from 30 to 120 people. The decisions and issues addressed include: city planning priorities; school planning priorities (particularly in regard to the possibility of a bond issue); disaster preparedness; downtown development (including whether to build a downtown auditorium); regional development; substance abuse among young people (including the possibility of drug testing at the high school); juvenile justice issues; fire and public safety (including hiring priorities and whether to shift from a volunteer to professional fire department); and the wastewater treatment system.[20]

    From Rutan's perspective, Kuna ACT remedied his past mistakes and changed his relationship with the public. In September 2000, the bond issue to build the new high school passed by a 73 percent margin. Rutan then set up a process by which students worked with the architecture firm to design parts of the building. "What I see happening is our community developing new processes for working together," Rutan says.[21]

    The development of Kuna ACT was not a painless process, however. Laurale Neal and another city council member were defeated in the September 1999 election -- after they had voted to help fund the project, but before the first set of meetings were held. The fact that the mayor campaigned so actively against them presumably had an impact on the outcome. "Getting a local government to support this kind of effort is a tremendous challenge," Neal acknowledges. "You have to get to the point where they aren't afraid of hearing what people think. It is difficult to get officials out of the mode of 'I was elected and I know best.'"[22]

    In fact, Mayor Nelson began to change his stance a year later. He even began working closely with Arnette Johnson, and submitting forum topics to Kuna ACT. "I think it's nice that people have started talking to each other more about their community," he said at a public meeting in late 2000.[23]

    In the 2004 city council election, Nelson was defeated by a candidate who had been a regular small-group facilitator for Kuna ACT. The president of the Kuna ACT board, Zella Johnson (no relation to Arnette), resigned her post before the campaign began and also won election to the city council.

    In an interview shortly after his defeat, one of Nelson's allies said they had decided how to maintain their clout in the community: by continuing to attend the Kuna ACT forums, and recruiting their supporters to join them.[24] Ironically, the same people who had opposed the project so vehemently now saw it as a neutral venue for making policy decisions, a democratic arena where every voice could be heard. Kuna ACT had reached a point where it provided political validation to citizens and public officials alike. Some of this aura may have rubbed off on other community institutions as well: Zella Johnson reports that "Five years ago, my husband and I were often the only attendees at city council meetings. Now, if you don't get there early, you don't get a seat."[25]

    OK, I am totally becoming a BLOGHOG. But I LOVE how these guys got together and worked to put thier resources together to include the entire community. Folks we will have a new church with an auditorium like atmosphere, a new libray w/some extra rooms I really don't see being used much and new rec center for sure. Can't we get all this involved before we go all out on this bond?

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 1:50 PM
  • *

    9:15 a.m. -- Nuclear plant developer moves proposed reactor to Elmore County.... copied from Idaho Statesman

    -- Posted by workingbee on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 2:33 PM
  • Froggy,

    I have a friend in construction and I talked to him about why costs have gone so high the last few years.

    First, Iraq and Afghanistan. They are taking a lot of materials, especially concrete.

    Second, Katrina. A lot of lumber, plywood, and other materials have been sent there to build up New Orleans and surrounding areas.

    How much was the bond for the first phase of the school?

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 3:23 PM
  • I heard that we just finished paying off a bond.

    Does anyone know if that is true?

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 3:28 PM
  • Froggy,

    HOLY COW, now that's a post. If we had community member/leader cohesion like that, who knows what this town could do.

    Although, when we are talking about construction costs, 7 years was long time ago.

    We saw how the price rose in just half a year. Prices shot up $3million bucks. Inflation would definately take it's toll for a period of 7 years.

    But the prices are not what makes that such a spectacular post. It's the meaning behind it. The public wasn't happy, the school district KNEW the public wasn't happy (our district can't be so blind as to not see that we are not happy), and everybody came together to build something that benefited everyone. Is that something that can happen in this town? YES, It is if we make it happen. Again, nice job Froggy! *applause*

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 3:45 PM
  • *

    Sure looks like my comments not getting into the banter box without doing it twice, not much point in me even trying anyway and nobody says I have even left a comment so tells me they just not there

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 5:24 PM
  • Eagle-eye,

    That's wierd, I see your posts, and I only always see one of them. Is there something with your computer settings? I know the settings of my computer at work are much different than the setting on my computer at home. Can you try a different computer?

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 5:46 PM
  • *

    I found that I have to delete the cookies on the computer to see all the comments. That might help you see them all.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 7:29 PM
  • kmartin:

    It's on the Idaho Statesman website.

    -- Posted by raisan11 on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 10:17 PM
  • *

    Thnak you Road crew....... I love the new paint on the roadways.....................

    -- Posted by workingbee on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 11:56 PM
  • *

    9:15 a.m. -- Nuclear plant developer moves proposed reactor to Elmore County.... copied from Idaho Statesman

    -- Posted by workingbee on Fri, Apr 4, 2008, at 11:57 PM
  • Boise, Idaho make the top 10 most vulnerable to a terrorist attack (msnbc.com) list, and a nuclear power plant in Elmore County (idahostatesman.com). Looks like people around the country will be looking our direction.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Sat, Apr 5, 2008, at 9:54 AM
  • Dear bond supporter,

    Thank you for your apology. I do accept it even though a simple apology can't just immediately go back and un-say the words you said to so many people. In time, in time...

    Also, thank you for the dates/times etc. of the question and answer meetings; I'll try to be at at least one of them, health permitting. I suppose most folks who met through this forum have already said their say. Hopefully others may attend, if it is publicized in other places as well as here.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, Apr 5, 2008, at 11:58 AM
  • I hope that everyone will attend the Question and Answer session at the district admin. building which I believe is across the street from the Upper Cut Salon. It is scheduled (as Bond Supporter stated) on April 9, 2008. There are 2 different times: 12-1 PM and 6-7 PM. This is also listed under the calendar section in the online paper.

    I hope that we have a great turnout for this!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Apr 7, 2008, at 7:54 PM
  • I really don't think a meeting would change my mind, Im still a "NO" Vote, Ive seen this bond stuff before in California and California Education taxes really don't seem too help those folks any , the're still building prisons, California people are flooding out of California and guess where they're going,,,, IDAHO., I guess Idaho is fading into history

    -- Posted by Freedom on Mon, Apr 7, 2008, at 8:11 PM
  • Okay - sorry I have missed a few days. May miss more. But, I hope that I can attend the meeting re: the school bond. I would hope that Opionion Missy, Old Guy, Freedom, Froggy , Ds.Seester, Sr. Lady will all attend. I will do what I can to be there at the 6-7 pm meeting. How about all of you? Gonna be there?

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 1:39 AM
  • OK Folks - Need to be at the school bond Meeting. This is what everyone has asked for. Write down your questions. Take them with you.

    When: Wednesday, April 9

    Where: School District Administration Office

    Description:

    12:00 - 1:00 PM & 6:00 - 7:00 PM

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 1:45 AM
  • I'll be there although you won't be able to see me because I will be invisible just like my comments on this "Banter Box". As invisible as I may be, I will still vote, and I'm not moving to Arizona or Florida.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 4:07 AM
  • To all who have a problem with posting their comments...

    Sometimes, even when you "log" off of the banter box, when you go in again to post, it does not bring up the screen where you must enter your "Username" and then your "Password." It just brings up the box that you type your message in. When you go to post, if you look at the bottom of what you typed (where you preview your comments) it will say, in the "Posted by" line that nobody made the comment. This is how you know that your post is not on the Banter Box and that you need to copy your comment (or cut it), hit the post comment box/button and then it will bring up the box that allows you to sign in. You can then paste your comment back in with your RIGHT mouse button (that right mouse button also allows you to cut/copy as well). Hope that helps most of you.

    I will be at that meeting as well but unless the plans are changed or they have really good answers on why this must be so expensive, I am also still a "No" vote. I will listen to what they have to say but I believe that this plan needs some compromise. This is too expensive and this town is not in the best shape right now. With all of the other taxes going up, it is really going to be expensive to live here for what we/you get. This is only an opinion.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 10:41 AM
  • FYI an independent producer from Camera 8 will be attending the public hearing at the district office to tape it. So anyone who misses it will be able to view it on Camera 8, you can contact the office for details on viewing it online.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 2:41 PM
  • I would hope that most who have posted on this will go. It wouldn't look good to have a forum and no one attend. Then there would be the old saying "I told you so - I knew that's what would happen!!!!"

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 9:25 PM
  • According to bond supporter, there are THREE meetings:

    Wed 4/9, Noon - 1 and 6 - 7 (Q & A)

    Tue 4/15, 7:30 (School Board Meeting)

    Wed 4/16, Noon - 1 and 6 - 7 (Q & A)

    Is this still the case?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 10:53 PM
  • There are supposed to be THREE meetings, according to bond supporter:

    Wed 4/09, Noon - 1 and 6 - 7 (Q & A)

    Tue 4/15, 7:30 (School Board Meeting)

    Wed 4/16, Noon - 1 and 6 - 7 (Q & A)

    I suppose we could go to any of them?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 10:58 PM
  • *

    I am going to try to be at the one tomorrow but I have a question, didnt someone also say that there is to be a public hearing on the rec bond too?

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Tue, Apr 8, 2008, at 11:59 PM
  • Senior Lady:

    Yes your info is correct. But, - you will most likely not get to comment at the school board meetings. Those meetings cover budgets, books, student problems etc. Although you could certainly try.

    The meetings on April 9 or April 16 are strictly for the school bond questions and answers.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 12:25 AM
  • Ds_Seester

    Your question about a mtg for the WECR - There aren't any meetings at this point that I am aware of. I thought the Rec district will be looking at having a meeting this fall.

    There are two meetings this month for the cemetary costs.

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 12:31 AM
  • If you guys go to the meeting, could you please write a bit about went on. I have to work Wed, so I can't go to the school board meetings or go to the Rec Center meetings, which I am also really interested in. Thanks Camera 8 for the info. Will they cover the Rec Center meetings also?

    Anyone hear anymore scoop on the nuke plant. Where exactly are they going to put it? Why are we cutting the wind power and going nuclear instead? Maybe the MH News will report more, I hope. Another interesting topic.

    Thanks also to the Mule. I guess the war and Katrina would probably raise prices. I hadn't thought about that.

    And to Just Another Guy - I guess we'll see what happens. If the bond passes, I doubt we can get a community coalition going. The school was a huge force in getting the Kuna ACT project going. But we may have a chance if the school bond doesn't pass. Maybe then the school district will be more open to other alternatives.

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 12:45 AM
  • Midea,

    You are absolutely correct. The two Q&A sessions will be a direct district/community conversation. You will be able to address any questions and concerns you have over the school bond plan, and if the school district knows what's good for them, they will be honest and upfront. A big turnout will let the district office know that people do care about what goes on in their community. if you can, PLEASE attend.

    Q&A public hearings:

    April 9 12:00-1:00 and 6:00-7:00 District Office

    April 16 12:00-1:00 and 6:00-7:00 District Office

    The school board meeting is a business meeting, and there is a small section of time dedicated to allowing members of the public to voice concerns. Usually, you will NOT receive a response to your comments, it just is taken under advicement.

    School Board Meeting:

    April 15, 7:30pm, District Office

    Your best bet is to go to the Q&A sessions. If you can't, the school board meeting is an OK option.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 11:41 AM
  • Just an FYI to some of you out there. We refinanced our home 6 months ago and the value then was $250,000. We just had it appraised again and the value was only $190,000 (as of this week). The appraiser said in her comments that the economic development in the area was not stable, that services are limited for the town size and that there were many homes in the area that have/had been up for sale for over 215 days (with price reductions) due to the fact that too many have been built. With these facts, a bond is a very bad idea at this time. With a tax increase like this for the bond and all of the other things...how can a person sell their home when they cannot even get out of it what they have put in? This is nonsense!

    I will be at that meeting tonight to speak my mind. Many of us, as it stands now, are upside down on our houses. Homes are supposed to go up in value not go down. The school board is crazy to think that $37.5 million needs to be spent now. I understand that costs have gone up and will continue to go up but this bond needs to be reduced a bit.

    With the threat of a nuclear power plant here in Elmore County (for those of us that have lived near these things before) this is not going to be a very attractive area to live. If you think that we will have lower power bills as a result of this...you will be shocked. They will sell the power to the highest bidder and our cost for power will just go up. Do your research. This is not as great as you may think. In addition, it will change the Snake River forever. Not good folks.

    What are we doing to our town? We may as well just drop the bomb on the place and be done with it.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 1:06 PM
  • In answer to the question on Camera 8 covering any of the public hearings, one of our independent producers went to the meeting this afternoon and there was no one from the public there. However he was able to get information on tape and we will have that ready to air as soon as possible.

    Camera 8 is always looking for new members who are willing to attend public funtions and tape them etc. We are only the facilitator, it is our members who are the producers and editors of their own programs. If you are interested or would like more information stop by the office and we would be happy to tak with you.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 2:28 PM
  • I also had my house appraised last week and got the results today, we bought our house 9 months ago and it was just appraised for $16,000 more that we paid for it. We bought for 193,500 and it appraised for 210,000. I disagree though that now is not the time to pass the bond, the houses aren't worth as much according to your appaiser because in part to economic development. With out this town having the facilities needed people won't move here. One of the first things people moving to a new area look at is the school system. Ours isn't attracting anybody.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 4:39 PM
  • I would disagree that in our town the first thing people look at/check out are the schools. Many of the people in this town are military and they get what they get. Many of the people in this town are sent here and have little choice in where they end up.

    Considering the economy and the repo rate on homes, this bond needs to be re-thought. We can still scale it back and get some great things out of the deal but at a lesser cost than $37.5 million.

    People will still drive through the town and think "what a hole" because of all the trash, nasty trailers and unkept homes. We will still have very limited services and that is not going to change with a new school. This bond will in fact make homes that are already hard to sell harder to sell. Mountain Home will still just be Mountain Home (as opposed to the likes of Star, Eagle or Nampa). Still no nice place to eat, no place to buy a good pair of shoes or a dress/suit. Those are the facts. Heck, we cannot even afford to install much needed traffic lights in areas that really need it. With all of the growth that the town has had, very little has improved.

    I hope that people can see through all of this and will turn out to vote. With this tax increase and the many others needed/wanted...this is going to be a very expensive year. Where does it all end?

    If we want to have all of the fancy stuff...we need to improve other places as well because it is still just a run down town with not much to do and a $37.5 million dollar school will not change this. I hope people will be smart about this and look at the big picture! A nice, new, pretty school will not change the Gremlin into a Rolls. But higher taxes could change the chariot into a pumpkin. I will promise you that people will not flock to a town loaded with empty homes and no way to make a decent (key word here is decent) living. Gas prices are on the rise and the commute to Boise from Mountain Home will take a toll on the family budget. I really hope we think this through.

    Think outside the box on this one. Things are not as they may appear and there will be very long term consequences (like 20 years plus) if all these tax increases are approved. We are still not done with payments on the last bond.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 6:01 PM
  • I agree with small town. People are choosing to live in Boise or the metro areas because of the educational system they have. They also choose to live in the Boise areas because of all the other amenities they have to offer. I'm not so naive to believe that we are on the same level as Boise, but I would like to have some more opportunities brought into this community. If we do what it takes to make this a better place to live and raise a family, then your proporty values are going to go up.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 6:03 PM
  • The military is a main supplier of people to Mountain Home. As Boise grows, more non-military people are moving in. Out of myself and friends--10 families--8 are not military.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 6:25 PM
  • As a military family we do check out the schools in every town we have lived and your right we get what we get that is why we are voting for this bond so that other families get better than we got. This town has a lot of improving to do and I think starting with educating our kids is a good place to start. Maybe then we can work on this town not being a dump as others have called it. Maybe if people had pride in where they lived they would clean it up.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 7:04 PM
  • WOW.. We are retired miltary..stayed here because of the size of the schools. Not the fact that we have people moving in and out all the time making choices... they will never benfit from or care if they benfit from.

    I fell in Love with Mountain Home because of it size. For those of you who DO NOT want to stay here or think we need up dating...Well your not staying so this is harsh for me to say LEAVE.. you have no reason to stay right?

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 9:09 PM
  • *

    As you can see people are busting down the gates to live in Mtn. Home.....

    but the real stats for population increases goes to West Boise.

    City of Mountain Home Population

    July 1, 2006 Estimate 11,656

    July 1, 2005 Estimate 11,559

    July 1, 2004 Estimate 11,546

    July 1, 2003 Estimate 11,471

    July 1, 2002 Estimate 11,700

    July 1, 2001 Estimate 11,595

    July 1, 2000 Estimate 11,449

    Population Estimates Base 2000 11,433

    Census April 1, 2000 11,143

    POP # Change 2005-2006 97

    POP % Change 2005-2006 0.8%

    POP # Change 2000-2006 513

    POP % Change 2000-2006 5%

    The highest point was 2002

    Estimate 11,700

    In 6 years Mountain Home has grown 5%, 513 which is still down from the 2002 high.

    Oh by the way, Eagle grew 66% from 2000, Kuna grew 114%, and Star which started out 2000 with a population of 1.225 has grown 123%........remember the earlier numbers.... Mountain Home 5%..........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 9:35 PM
  • Workingbee,

    Those are good stats, and they do show "town" growth, but does anybody have "student" population growth as it pertains the Hacker, Mtn. Home Jr. High, and Mtn. Home High School.

    I think those numbers would be more important that "town" numbers since the building would house students.

    Also things to consider; Class size, class scheduling, ability/inability to take classes due to facility limitation, etc.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 9:45 PM
  • The school stats have been posted. They also do not support this "rapid growth" that the district wants us to believe. I believe the "manic" person provided the numbers a while back. It is nice to know that this new school will be provided for the current situation because the "current" numbers DO NOT support the $37 million dollar expenditure. This is a repeat of 1998. There were many people at the meeting tonight that CANNOT afford this bond. They will either lose their homes or will be forced to sell. So, we will have a very nice school with kids living in cars and vans because their parents/grandparents had to sell their homes. That is something we as a community should be very proud of (not really). This could be trimmed down and we would still have a great place to educate the kids. Mr. McMurtrey said it is too late for that however. Hmmm...stuck with it as is.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:10 PM
  • For you people that don't agree with the bond, if the amount of the bond was cut in half or they scaled back the size of the school, you would still find something to complain about.

    Whether the district grows by 1%, 5%, or 10% it's still growing and we have all seen that. We have outgrown our schools and it's time to put some money back into them so that we have WHAT'S BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR EDUCATION.

    You non-supporters keep saying that a big, pretty school won't help our children learn. How many of you have actually talked to a High School student about the bond? Yes, I know you would say that they are not paying the taxes, so it doesn't matter, hmmm.

    But more than that, yes it will be a nice school, because it is NEW. New things are nice, but it certainly is not the biggest and best that money can buy. It's a school that will meet all the needs of our students in the district and future growth.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:14 PM
  • Bond Supporter, here are the numbers again from the "manic" one:

    "Here are the numbers from the district which were forwarded to me from a friend. The 07-08 counts were taken on 2-19-08. All other years are taken from the last attendance date in May for each year.

    Hacker

    07-08

    902

    06-07

    872

    05-06

    806

    04-05

    828

    03-04

    859

    MHJHS

    07-08

    646

    06-07

    646

    05-06

    598

    04-05

    637

    03-04

    646

    MHHS

    07-08

    781

    06-07

    748

    05-06

    746

    04-05

    768

    03-04

    788

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:16 PM
  • If the bond WAS cut in half...I would vote for it. That is more in line with what people can afford (key words being CAN AFFORD). Many of you will say (and have said) that you do not care that this will force people from their homes. Many of these people are vets that have fought for YOUR FREEDOMS (this incudes your right to vote) and yet you do not care. This is not all about budgets and not going out to eat or doing away with HBO. This is also about people that do not have "extra" money. Who is watching out for them?

    So, to say that I would still complain about some things could be true but may not be true. I was in the schools here and I think we should master math, English and reading before we worry as much about choir, drama, band and wrestling. It really should all be about budgets and the public and this is not. I feel for the people on fixed incomes and I am sorry that more people do not take YOU into consideration. Take heart...what goes around will come around.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:36 PM
  • bond_supporter?

    Ok tell me how many miltary people that vote for this bond..are acutally going to enjoy it?. and how many tax dollars are actually going to this bond?

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:46 PM
  • *

    break it down to:

    Hacker Growth of 63 actual, less than 5%

    0 growth for MHJS

    -7 a decline for MHHS

    What is the actual business growth in the area? Look around, is Mtn. Home seeing the business growth of Boise, Meridian, Eagle or Kuna? No we haven't. People say we have to spend money to make money..... I agree, but we don't have to break the banks to do it.... I would love to have a bigger house, but the reality is I can't afford it, just as we would love to have a bigger school, but the reality is we can't afford it........ another thing to remember for all those that want the added growth in the Mtn. Home area, along with growth comes crime... go back about 15 years you didn't hear that a shooting was an every day event in Boise, but now you can't turn on the tv in the morning without hearing the over night news there was a shooting or two........

    Be carefull what you wish for......... "You're Gonna Miss This"

    small town when we become too expensive to live in. Just like McCall and Boise.............

    Maybe tomorrow the Bureau of Labor Statistics QCEW annual county data will be available and I will post the actual industry growth numbers........right now the site is down.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:55 PM
  • Better yet WHY do the staff at all the schools demand that the students fill out the yellow paper that comes home for the miltary familes to fill out, and when they don't ...as my kids would say MOM you have to do this or I get a bad grade. Makes me wonder but still love Mountain Home.

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 10:57 PM
  • If they scaled back the size of the school and the amount of the bond was cut in half, I would vote for that.

    However, talking to a High School student about the bond would be pretty much useless. If the proposed bond pass the current MHHS students most likely would not be students in the new facility.

    In fact, if the school board gurus work as fast as the honchos at the WECRD, perhaps we should be talking to elementary school or kindergarten kids to get their opinion on the issue.

    -- Posted by Beau on Wed, Apr 9, 2008, at 11:22 PM
  • Here is another tidbit from tonight. The district gets more money for the kids (per child) in the Base schools than they do from the kids in town. Yet, they closed the school(s) on Base (some not all schools or course). When asked why...Mr. McMurtrey stated it was because enrollment was down. If the district gets more money per child for the kids on Base, would you not do all that you could to keep that school (or schools) open because it was worth more money to do so? Nope...they closed it down. Where are the economics in that? Please do not gripe again about gas and the fact that the buses have to get there...the buses go out there anyway. The gas money is already being spent.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 12:18 AM
  • *

    Personally, talking to the older high school students isnt a bad idea. Consider the fact that the rate of students who actually graduate and leave Mountain Home never to return is smaller than the amount that either stay or come back. Eventually they are going to be contributing to the taxes here too and frankly whoever thinks a child doesnt have a voice hasant sat down and listened to what they have to say. My oldest son was in the first 9th grade class to attend the "new Jr High" when it opened, he said the learning environment was much more pleasant in the heat because the building had air conditioning, anyone who has sat through classes at either Hacker or the exsisting high school when it is hot in September/October and May/June knows, the kids have trouble staying awake, its hot, everyone is grouchy and all they want is to get out of there. YES they need to do some cutbacks on the expense, even more important is we need to have some funds applied to school books. Both of my kids attended both Jr and Sr high here when there werent enough books to go around. How much damage does that do to a students education? There was plenty of grass for sports though......

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 12:23 AM
  • Thank you for bringing up the money that the district gets for the military families. That is a sore spot for me. I like to know where that money is going because you dont see any improvements at the base schools do you.

    -- Posted by snafu on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 6:09 AM
  • Yes, but the money that comes in from the Federal Survey Cards are not just for "base" schools. The money is spread out to the whole school district. Classroom supplies, maintenance, water, sewer, garbage, power, etc.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 10:40 AM
  • They were not able to explain last night where all the money has gone for all these years or where all of the new tax monies are with all of the homes that have been built. My guess is that most of it went into a "general" fund and has been spent on something BUT not the schools.

    In 1998, the actual high school was to get a new roof on part of the building. It also needed a sprinkler system because that was code. Well, it did not get the new roof nor the sprinklers. At the meeting last night sprinklers came up again. Mr. McMurtrey could not tell any of us if sprinklers were in the plans/bid or not. He stated that if it was code, it would be done. So, what is the additional cost going to be for that IF it is not in the plan? That is a pretty important fact and an expensive one. This bond needs some more work so that it is "done right the first time (as the district stated)."

    Another question. If the now junior high was to be the high school, why was the gym not built to standards in 1998/1999? It would seem to me that if it was indeed to be a high school back then, that detail would have been taken care of DURING construction. Seems like they got the bond passed for it to be a HS but always intended for it to be a junior high. They got it past the voters with a lie. Hmmmm.

    Pooh, I thought the Base school money issue was also interesting. Why close the school or schools that bring in the most money? Makes no sense. They said enrollment was down and they had to close it. Seems like they should have thought about that a bit more. Where are all of the tax dollars going that SHOULD be going to the schools but are not? I am sure the school admin. makes a mint as a wage. They are not doing what they do for "pennies." Maybe that needs to be looked at as well.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 10:40 AM
  • Of course the money is spread out but why cut off the entity that provides the most cash? That is not very smart. The buses go there daily no matter what. Many of the people that live on Base would rather have their kids at the Base schools. Why cut off the "cash cow" so to speak? McMurtrey did state last night that the amount of money for the Base kids was significantly higher than the monies given for the kids in town. He did not put a figure on it.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 10:45 AM
  • Well, I went to the 6 o'clock meeting yesterday (4/09) and came away sad because while the needs are very real, as we all knew they were, the dream school must be cut back, and I, for one, don't know how.

    I don't feel we need to host District 1A or state tournaments here so maybe the gym is a place to begin to cut back. Local attendance is paltry for many of our local sports, so seating could be cut back somewhat. (And, only if possible, it might have a small announcer box with a phone line for the press. Some of those new grandiose schools have forgotten that simple item. But, in the interest of being frugal, maybe that too needs to be cut.)

    What about the size of the auditorium, in each of its proposed phases? Or -- I'm on shaky ground here, because I know absolutely nothing about the subject -- how about the welding shop?

    What I hope is that somehow this upcoming election be rescheduled for six months or so down the line -- Mr. Murtrey said that was impossible, that it was too late to do that, and I failed to pursue why, exactly, that that was the case (because the "workers were already lined up" ? Wow. I don't understand that) -- and charge the committee and school board to present a new proposed bond in the amount of $25 million.

    It may very well be impossible to cut it down that much, but if a sincere effort was made, and the committee had to present something a bit more than $25 million, then I could vote for it, next time.

    I have no doubt the committee and board put a lot of heart and soul and time and work into this current phase two project. We appreciate that. It was a huge, huge effort.

    And I was very gratified to see that while folks at the meeting were frank, it was a civil meeting. There was none of the personal villification, at least not out loud, of those of us who oppose this particular school bond. (Or vice-versa.)

    It was even enjoyable, actually, to be recognized by, and to recognize, some of our fellow bloggers. These ladies deserve a vote of thanks, by the way, for digging out the facts for us on their own.

    As our bloggers learned and duly acknowledged, and I was reminded, all along the new four-year high school was meant to be accomplished in two distinct phases. So phase two is next up and badly, desperately, needed. But it just can't cost $37 million. That is unreal.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 11:01 AM
  • Everyone keeps talking about why whe schools are base were closed. The one closed because during renovations is was badly damaged when the contractors didn't cover the roof properly and when it rained it pretty much flooded the shool. They then consolidated into two schools. They closed the other school when attendance dropped, it dropped because military families moved off base because houseing on base was so bad. Most families on base now have younger children who are not in school. It is now allowed for non military children to be bused on base and now that we live off base I don't want my kids going to school on base because it is not convenient. Also those schools would have to be renovated and would only be used for elementary kids which won't help the high school kids.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 11:22 AM
  • Okay you guys asked for it, here it is: the video of the school bond public hearing will be airing the following times on cable channel 8:

    Friday, April 11th @ 5:00 pm

    Saturday, April 12th @ 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm

    If you do not have cable you can still view this informative program through our website. Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions on using our website (which is listed in the Mountain Home newspaper along with our schedule) and we will be happy to assist you. Copies of the program will also be made available through our office, please call for further information. Camera 8 is the voice of the people, by the people and for the people!

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 1:02 PM
  • I can't believe I said we were in District 1A! How terrible. 4A, 4A, 4A. District 4A!

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 1:59 PM
  • A correction to my prior post! Camera 8 will be airing the Mountain Home School District Bond Election Public Hearing the following days and times:

    Friday, April 11th @ 5:00 pm & 7:30 pm

    Saturday, April 12th @ 5:00 pm & 8:30 pm

    The program runs about 1 1/2 hours and as I said before, any questions please do not hesitate to contact us!

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 3:20 PM
  • The reason people moved off base was that housing was not available because they tore down the housing before they started building the new houses so there was no place to live and at that time rates for loans were real low. I am sorry but the base school left has No new anything. The playground equipment is old and the stuff at the other school cant be moved because there is no money (go figure)They do what they can with what they have.The staff work hard out there with what they have and dont get any pats on the back for it. My kids have gone to school out there and they did just fine.

    -- Posted by snafu on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 5:29 PM
  • Pooh,

    My kids also went to school out there and they did fine also but they are still elementary schools. We didn't move off base because housing wasn't available we lived on base for a year and moved off because of the condition of the houseing we were in. Mold, broken pipes, wood floors coming up and not enough room for a family of four. I agree that the teachers deserve a pat on the back for everything they do.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 6:15 PM
  • "How do you build and repair schools without a bond?" (from Mule)

    Hmmmm...maybe tax dollars and the federal monies provided IF they were PROPERLY managed. Then maybe a bond for 10-20 million to make up the rest. This is how they did it before the government over-spending started. Tax money (pre bond that is)...what a thought! Silly me, I though that was why we paid taxes to the schools. What an idea!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 8:22 PM
  • I cant wait till the bond election is over.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 9:08 PM
  • Upcoming hearings and forums are posted now on the front page of the newspaper.

    There were some things in the back pages of today's paper that I found interesting.

    One was the sample ballot for the school bond election; it seems very straight-forward, not confusing: Yes means what we would think it would, no also.

    The other was the listing of current and proposed cemetery fees within the announcement of the public hearing about the proposal.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 10:37 PM
  • I think Senior Lady said it well, and I'm glad the Lady is back.

    In my opinion, Mr. McMurtrey is confident his school bond will be passed. Therefore, there will be no negotiation unless the bond fails. At that time, it may behoove the community to represent as a whole. So until the bond passes or fails, there is nothing do do except decide which way to vote.

    I disagree w/those that say that people are moving to Boise because their schools. I've never met anyone that has, though perhaps there are some. Those I know PRIMARILY move there for employment/financial reasons. However, those that locate to Mtn Home, are doing so are trying to escape the taxes in Ada County and are willing to commute. The price of housing is also cheaper than Ada County making commuting a feasible option. But w/the increase in gas prices and our rising taxes, this may not be the case in the future.

    By passing the school bond, we are raising the taxes, w/out providing an increase in employment. We need first to provide employment and that should and can support an increased tax base. Unlike previous blogs, I don't agree by building a school that folks are going to flock to Mountain Home, esp w/the economy and the lack of jobs here. Get real. Big business & companies move because of location to resourses, low taxes and whatever perks the local gov't can offer them.

    People need to be making money before we can spend money. So when it is no longer feasible for folks to work in Boise, and live here, they will move to Boise. People need to eat first, even over education.

    In the meantime, we still do need to impove the school, just not to the tune of 37.5 mil.

    Thanks to Camera 8 for posting all the great info. And big kudo's for all that went to the school district meeting.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 11:08 PM
  • I was good to see so many of you at the meeting. Felt like a reunion when we figured out who was who. Really fun.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Apr 10, 2008, at 11:47 PM
  • Liberty before it was closed was 4,5,6th school on base. It still could be opened again and used to ease the overcrowding at Hacker. But the SD doesn't want to to that. It just sits empty.

    -- Posted by snafu on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 6:20 AM
  • I have been reading these blogs for some time and have saved my comments until now. I will vote NO on the school bond for one simple reason: It is not the buildings that make a school great. The individuals inside the walls of these buildings determine the status of a school, good, bad or indifferent. If the school board considers our high school to be less than satisfactory then they need to look at themselves, faculty and staff FIRST. I do not intend to say that the ones who are charged with educating the next generation of our community are lacking in the skills required to do their jobs, but I believe their hands are tied by the system.

    Kids do not drop out of high school because the buildings are old or the gym is not as fancy as some would like, they quit because they are lost in a system that is not designed to reach them. Today's educators only have the time reach the student that is self motivated. I will not get into the social issues that have brought us to this state because we live them every day.

    Buildings, electronics, or athletic equipment will only be new for a very short time. The kids are new every year, lets focus our time and money on them.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 9:01 AM
  • I don't agree that ONLY the staff makes a school. Yes, I agree that the staff is fundamental, but the building has a HUGE impact.

    Take a restraunt. Staff = chefs, facility = kitchen, students = food. You could have the best chefs in the state trying their best to prepare the food. But their kitchen is in complete disrepair. The ovens can't get up to temperature, the freezers can't freeze anymore, and so on. You can't tell me the performance of the chefs and the quality of the food isn't effected by the kitchen. Are you going to tell them to "Just make it work?" In the same idea, you can't tell me that the condition of the school doesn't effect the staff and students. And that is why we DO need the bond.

    We have some very fine arts teachers here in town. The choir is top notch, the band is improving slowly, and the drama class is incredible. However, the facilities are "junk". The band and choir are packed into a space too small to fit students and equipment, and the room is acoustically DANGEROUS. How is the music department able to rely on the success of a teacher, when their surroundings are so poor.

    How about the Vo-Tech teachers. We could have the best welder, carpenter, or auto teachers in the state. They have all the capability to teach incredible lessons, but the equipment is 20 years old. How does an out-of-date shop help prepare kids for employment? This is why we NEED the bond.

    How can a student effectively learn math, reading, science, and language when their are 35 student in a classroom? How can a teacher address the needs of students when their are too many kids in the room in the first place? This bond will add many more REGULAR classrooms to ease high school overcrowding. That is why we NEED the bond.

    The building doesn't effect learning? I hightly disagree. This is why we NEED the bond.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 10:10 AM
  • jtrotter,

    Currently, 9th graders at the junior high have a big disconnect with the high school. They are considered high schoolers by the state and the district, but they are housed with the 8th graders. They don't see that all the classes that they are taking now count towards graduation and don't try hard. This is partly because they are still physically at the junior high. Consequently, a lot of them drop out between 9th and 10th grade because of this disconnect.

    We, at the high school, have tried to get 9th graders more interested and invested in the high school by having them come over for some assemblies. We also have a big welcome at the beginning of the year with different clubs, sports, etc., but there is only so much that can be done between the two schools. We also offer classes that they can take at the high school. One problem is that they have to walk back and forth between the two buildings and we are limited in the number of classes that can be taken.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 11:09 AM
  • Thank you very much for all the kind words. I needed a "time out." Each one of you who wrote about the school bond election had worthy things to say, from different perspectives. And those who made it to the public forums are to be thanked also.

    I hope lots of people in the community think hard about the school bond and vote accordingly.

    I found something more in the back pages, a listing of weeds that are prohibited. Did I hear something recently about a class of some kind to teach what these oddly-named bad guys look like? I know bad weeds are terrible, so I'd like to know; I'm totally clueless here.

    Oh, talk about being clueless. I can never keep this straight: Our Tigers are in District Three, Southern Idaho Conference 4-A. (I can use my age as an excuse for forgetting now; couldn't do that twenty years ago when I got confused back then.)

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 11:14 AM
  • Very well said, Way to go Just another guy!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 11:44 AM
  • My intent for this blog was to spark another side of this debate. It seems to have worked. The restaurant analogy will not wash because there are state and federal agencies designed to police this type of business, just as there are for the school systems. Our schools have had no issues with these agencies so the buildings must meet at least the minimum requirements. We have, however, had issues with the level of education that the students receive. (No child left behind) The minimum requirements are not where we strive to be, either in facilities or level of education, but lets concentrate on what we send our children to school for.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 12:01 PM
  • For those of you who requested a copy of the Bond Election public hearing we now have them available. Please contact our office if interested.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 12:32 PM
  • *

    There is no real point in starting a debate over the school bond now, its to late, the school district they are going forward with it now and hope it passes, which won't if folks like me vote NO. I agree with some of the things they want but not all and the cost is the biggest factor which goes to what all they want. If the bond fails they said they would wait 2 years to try again maybe by then they will get more of the public input and the feelings of the voters and what the tax payers can really do. Just a bit of a different bond as you know this fall the hospital is going after another one sure hope they reading what is going on with this one before they try and if this one for the school fails maybe these bonds are going to get across to those with their hands out for more money, but I will deal with the hospital bond when it comes up. Added note for those that may want to go to another briefing with the school and questions and answer 16 Apr will have 2 more that day

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 12:56 PM
  • I would like to express my concern over several missing cats in my area. My cat has been missing for 4 days now as well as two of my neighbors. PLEASE! if you know anything about the whereabouts of our animals let us know. We won't ask questions we just want our babies back. My cat is a large 4 year old fixed male. He is very tall and long but skinny. Grey tiger stripe. very friendly, wouldn't hurt a fly. thinks hes a dog. He is my baby and I will pay a huge reward upon his return home. We are on Samarra Dr and we have several missing cats in the area. The Shelter is doing all they can to help us, but no one has brought any cats in. When I stopped by last night to check and see if mine was there they only had one cat in the whole place. WHERE ARE ALL OUR CATS GOING!!! Please help me find my baby boy, I've had him since he was 6 weeks old and lost his sister last year. She disappeared too.

    -- Posted by Shelbyweiss on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 4:15 PM
  • Sorry to hear about your cats. I will keep an eye out.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 4:30 PM
  • Shelbyweiss:

    I also hope that the cats are found quickly and that they are safe. There are large trees in your area...they could be there. Please keep us posted.

    Mule:

    I love your kinder and more gentle side! Have a very nice weekend with your family. We will all be very busy prior to the 29th.

    I myself am happy to see that this many people care about this issue. That is progress.

    Keep up the good work one and all! Will any of us be attending the 2nd public forum with any other additional questions that may have come up or to get the answers to questions asked that could not be responded to because Mr. McMurtrey had to get the information? If so, will someone post that information? Thanks!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 5:08 PM
  • Thanks Cam 8 for doing that!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 5:10 PM
  • We have searched high and low for them. I heard my cat crying last night and I was out most of the night looking for him. It's a horrible feeling to know that my baby boy is out there somewhere crying for me and I can't get to him. My neighbor and I took a walk around the block today again and still haven't seen any signs of them. I just feel very helpless.

    -- Posted by Shelbyweiss on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 5:22 PM
  • Try to get the people on your block to put their dogs in (I know...not so easy) right before the sun goes down (30 min. or so prior). Call the cats name a few times in various areas and then just listen. You may find that he is stuck up in a tree near a dog or under a house. They can get into the darndest places. If you have junk/cars that do not run in the area...he may be under the hood or inside of the vehicle. You can also do this at night (they are less afraid to come out then because it is dark) but you really have to listen at times to hear them. I am pretty sure you will find him but I am sure he is scared. Good luck. All of my animals are my babies as well. It will work out. Oh...check tall trees really well...a light on the eyes in the dark will work also. They blend in sometimes with the trees. Please let us know how it all works out.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 5:41 PM
  • I tried that last night but his cries were faint and then stopped. He's a big boy and we have three dogs so he's pretty used to dogs. Actually most dogs are usually afraid of him. I looked in all the trees around, in everyone's storage sheds, I've searched everywhere. The animal shelter asked if anyone in my area was trapping but everyone's back yard is fenced in so if they were trapping I wouldn't know. They just told me to keep my other cat inside since there seems to be something going on in my area with cats.

    -- Posted by Shelbyweiss on Fri, Apr 11, 2008, at 7:55 PM
  • *

    Are there any new pipes in the area he could have fell in? New waterlines???

    -- Posted by workingbee on Sat, Apr 12, 2008, at 12:28 AM
  • Not that I'm aware of, this area of town is older so theres not much new development and where I heard his cries there's not much of anything. At this point I'm hoping someone took him in.

    -- Posted by Shelbyweiss on Sat, Apr 12, 2008, at 11:04 AM
  • Are there some folks gone for awhile, in whose garage/home/basement the cats could have been trapped unbeknown to the resident? Some years back a neighbor's cat got into our garage that way.

    I wonder why so many of the cats in your neighborhood are missing ... are there feral dogs around, or something? What do the other owners think?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, Apr 12, 2008, at 6:22 PM
  • We've had just about everyone on our road check their garages and storage sheds, even the people who live behind us. Still no signs of them. We know the dogs in the area and none of them are agressive and most of them belong to someone who has cats. We're all a little suspicious because the circumstances are so uncoincidental. We're not taking any chances with our other cats. We're just hoping our missing animals show up unharmed. We're also offering rewards if anyone has heard anything or knows anything.

    -- Posted by Shelbyweiss on Sat, Apr 12, 2008, at 7:45 PM
  • Shelbyweiss:

    Thanks for the update. We shall hope it all works out. Have you called the police to update them on the missing pets? Someone (police or pound) really needs to figure out where the missing pets are. The pound always has more than 1 cat...that in itself is fishy. We all wish you luck. Please keep us posted. It will be warm(er) on Sunday...maybe that will bring the cats back out and home.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Apr 12, 2008, at 9:25 PM
  • Shelbyweiss

    mine disapeared close to the end of last yr. he was a big sweety too. i figured he got into it with a coyote. im only a few blocks away from you . i did hear a rumor late last yr that someone in our vicinity was setting out poisoned cat food.

    -- Posted by just1 on Sat, Apr 12, 2008, at 10:19 PM
  • that would make sense. I had another cat, the one thats missing nows sister. and she dissapeared from here last year.

    -- Posted by Shelbyweiss on Sun, Apr 13, 2008, at 4:30 PM
  • *

    Congrats............ Senator at large........ Sami Winkelman, Boise State, Class of 2006 Mountian Home.............

    -- Posted by workingbee on Mon, Apr 14, 2008, at 12:42 AM
  • FYI the City Council meeting that will be aired on Wednesday the 16th will have footage from the hearing on the raise in cemetary fees.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Mon, Apr 14, 2008, at 10:59 PM
  • What's a Camera 8 ?

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Apr 15, 2008, at 3:07 AM
  • Congrats to Sami Winkelman Senator at large, Boise State, Class of 2006 Mountian Home.

    Gosh how could this be possible. I mean a product of a school that is so over crowded achieving this noteworthy accomplishment?

    A big salute to the parents and teachers that made this happen.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Apr 15, 2008, at 3:26 AM
  • Camera 8 is the local public-access TV station, found on cable channel 8. My favorite show is "SEA-inside the Pacific Northwest" and I used to watch the local news before Lou Burden became ill recently. A few local churches show their worship services, and there is a variety of programing of all sorts, including some community events.

    The city council meetings are broadcast on the Wednesdays following the twice-monthly meetings, and again the next morning.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 15, 2008, at 8:01 AM
  • I continue to be disappointed in the lack of citizen participation in City Council meetings. The beginning of each meeting is specifically reserved for recognizing persons in the audience, allowing them up to 3 minutes to broach any topic they wish the Council to hear, except personnel matters. Even more disappointing is the public hearing attendance- last night was the second consecutive one regarding fee increases. Attendance: One (1), and he is the County Coroner and funeral director, and was specificaly invited. Let me be clear: Your input at these meetings is appreciated, valued, listened to, and will be considered. Government functions best when citizens are heard in these public forums. I strongly encourage any citizens with concerns, complaints, compliments, or ideas to come to these meetings, especially the public hearings. Remember: if you don't take the time to come and speak for yourself, someone may do it for you. Regular Council meetings are the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, and the agenda is posted on the bulletin board at city hall. Notices of public hearings are printed in advance in the newspaper in addition to being posted at city hall. Please consider yourselves invited- I hope to see you there!

    -- Posted by Councilman Schroeder on Tue, Apr 15, 2008, at 2:03 PM
  • *

    I once attended a P&Z meeting. I sat through over 90 minutes of normal business before those in attendance were even asked if they had any inputs. Even then we were only given a very short 2 minutes (due to the time spent on NORMAL business) and none of our concerns were even addressed at this meeting. I figured since this function reports to the council, it is ran the same way. I try to keep up to date by reading the council minutes since I work full-time, go to school full-time and have to make some time for homework and to take care of my family. Maybe if those in attendance were asked for inputs at the begining of a meeting more would attend.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Tue, Apr 15, 2008, at 7:17 PM
  • I watch the city council meetings on CAM-8 when I can and have noticed, as Mr Schroeder wrote, that folks who want to speak to the council are invited to do so at the beginning of the meeting, and, while supposedly limited to 3 minutes, they can go over at times. The meetings start on time.

    If your issue is on the agenda, you can speak then, I believe, when it comes up.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 15, 2008, at 8:12 PM
  • From the paper today regarding ambulance service:

    "The best thing I could say, is that the people in this room and the taxpayers, are they willing to spend $75-$100 more a year on taxes. Nobody wants to pay additional taxes and I don't know how you do that and not make it painless," said County Commissioner Larry Rose.

    One more hand will soon be out! This on top of the $37 million dollar school bond. Do not forget that we also need more police officers and they want to purchase 2 more ambulances very soon. Cha ching!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 10:38 AM
  • Here are those enrollment numbers again listed by schools:

    Hacker

    07-08

    902

    06-07

    872

    05-06

    806

    04-05

    828

    03-04

    859

    MHJHS

    07-08

    646

    06-07

    646

    05-06

    598

    04-05

    637

    03-04

    646

    MHHS

    07-08

    781

    06-07

    748

    05-06

    746

    04-05

    768

    03-04

    788

    Much of the "growth" that is talked about has come from the closure of 2 Base schools over the past few years NOT actual growth. Now, we are going to add on to the junior high to make it a high school so that parts of the school can remain empty! That is one expensive "future" plan.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 11:26 AM
  • when you give the enrollment numbers do you have the ones for the elementary schools because those students will also be attending the high school in a few years and we need to make sure that there is room for them also. To me it really doesn't matter what the numbers show, the point is our high school needs to have thse improvements to make it a better school.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 12:07 PM
  • midea:

    Can you please post the numbers that gave the averages for class sizes in Mtn. Home schools? Mr. McMurtrey stated that number also included staff which would have made the actual numbers of students per class lower. The numbers were pretty low as far as class sizes. The public would be pretty surprised since the number is not even close to 26 per class as has been reported. Thanks!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 2:12 PM
  • smalltown:

    We all pretty much agree that the schools need help but not at a cost of $37 million. The economy is failing, record numbers of homes are in repo and unemployment is up. This is taxing people right out of their homes (and the people have voiced that). They speak of future growth but for now the building boom is over. So, now we build for the future to have several millions of dollars in empty classrooms. That is not very smart. This plan stinks from top to bottom plain and simple. More work was needed PRIOR to printing ballots but the school district does not care what the public thinks as long as they get the money. Pretty sad.

    You would need to call the district to get the elementary numbers. Hacker is the school they claim needs the most help right now.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 2:25 PM
  • So what do you think this school needs? How much do you think they should spend on it? Everyone keeps saying what the school doesn't neet but I haven't seen anything saying what you think the school does need. I don't think that 37 million is alot to spend on this building, I don't think the school is asking to much for upgrades. If this had been passes earlier you wouldn't have been paying 37 million. All I keep hearing is about not needing the gym, they do need the gym because right now we are not up to state standards, then the argument is why wasn't it built to code when they first built is. I don't know for a fact but maybe it wasn't the code when they first built it. As a parent of 2 children I think this is so needed. I understand people are losing jobs and the economy isn't like it was but it isn't going to be that way forever and the price to build is only going to go higher. Eventually we are going to have to upgrade this school I would rather pay 37 million now than have to pay double that in a few years.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 2:49 PM
  • Just a reminder for those who are interested, copies of the hearing for the school bond election are available at Camera 8, BOTH sessions of the hearing are on the video.

    Senior Lady, thank you so much for your support and we are glad you are enjoying Sea Inside the Pacific Northwest. What a beautiful program this is and shot by a very talented producer in Washington.

    Beau, you asked what or who a Camera 8 is, we are a local Public Access television station in Mountain Home. We offer various levels of membership and with it comes training for use of our equipment and then you are able to produce your own programs. If you would like more information, dont hesitate to contact me anytime.

    To view programs on Camera 8, use channel 8 on Time Warner Cable or through our website.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 2:57 PM
  • Camera 8,

    Thanks for the info. I don't have cable but I'll check out your website.

    -- Posted by Beau on Wed, Apr 16, 2008, at 10:26 PM
  • small town: You ask some good questions and make some good points, can't deny them as the schools definitely need improvement. I may be wrong, but this is phase two of the project, and is different, then, from phase one a few years back. It's not a whole new thing.

    But it needs to be downsized somehow. Maybe made into three (total) phases or something. I'm not at all sure the economy will improve as quickly as we all would hope it would.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 7:49 AM
  • Senior Lady,

    The problem I see with breaking this bond into more than this phase is that same as last time they thought it would be better to break it into phases instead of asking for the whole thing at once and now they cant' finish the project because costs of construction has risen so high and people don't want to spend the money. I do understand that the enconomy isn't great, I also agree that not everything the school is asking for is needed right now but it will be in a few years and I know I would rather pay the taxes on 37 million right not than have it say 20 million now and then in a few years when construction costs rise and they need to do the rest of the project they ask for another 30 million, that means we would be taxes on 50 million instead of doing it all now for 37 million. It all goes back to what is best for the kids in this community, I still think we owe it to them to give them the best education and opportunties that we can. I know some people say it not the school building that gives the education but the teachers and your right, but the teachers have to have the equipment and classrooms to teach and they need to have kids there who want to learn.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 10:40 AM
  • If we are going to worry so much about "future" needs and construction costs going up, why not just ask for the maximum amount of money for a bond (which I think McMurtrey stated was 65 million)and do the high school and the elementary school all at one time. To heck with what we can afford...the sky is the limit if it will cost us less now. You can always use credit cards to make those mortgage payments and buy food!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 4:00 PM
  • Opinion Missy

    You seem pretty bitter, Maybe they should do all the construction now and get it over with, it will save alot of money but they aren't in dire need of a new elementary they are in need of a new high school. When I said about not doing that in phases and building for the future I was talking about the high school only. They are putting in extra classrooms because they are already building that wing so the are making it a little bigger, they are putting in a 500 seat audotorium in anticipation of the community using it and the attendance growing.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 4:56 PM
  • Bitter? Not really...just practical. I am tired of the endless spending by all government groups. I am tired of working harder to pay more out in taxes when I am not sure how long I will even have a job. Working harder and longer to pay more and more taxes...is life not grand? If only it ended with this! There is still police, fire, ambulance, hospital, roads, trash and a bug program for our area as well as the "regular" tax increase for the schools. Control of the insects that cause West Nile is also important but there will be no money left for that. All in a days work I guess!

    If we are truly working for the future of this town...why not spend it ALL now and really save. That way we do not have to do this again in 3-5 years. Many of you on here talk about the "future" and the need for an elementary school is in the future just like the empty, less used rooms in the high school will be for the future!

    If all of the growth was to happen...it would have over the last 2-3 years. The boom is over and now reality will/has set in for many. So why not get it all done now and really be ready for the future and all of the people that may or may not move here over the next 10 years. Why do it in phases (as was stated before on this blog) if it will cost more in 3-5 years for less? Really..."get er done" once and for all.

    In a few years we can all complain about how hard it is to sell a house here because the taxes are too high for what the town offers. Many of the houses that sit empty and are in repo now will still sit empty over the next several years (SOME not all). Ignorance is truly bliss. Let us not see the big picture and think about how we will pay for all of this glitz and glam (indoor track, huge auditorium, more classrooms than kids, etc). It is after all "only money."

    The last time they did this to us, they built a "high school" and made it the junior high and now state the gym was not up to "standards" after construction was completed and it did not qualify as a high school because of this. Why did the district not know that PRIOR to the building being completed? Poor plan maybe? Please, the history with school bonds in our town is not so great. They tell us what they want to and do as they please. That is where the "bitter" part comes in. Once again...only money! This is the kind of thinking that has the USA in the trouble it is in now---a life of credit.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 6:02 PM
  • opinion missy,

    I am a little confused, you say they are asking to much with this bond and now you say we should spend it all. That is not what is being asked for. I wasn't here for the first phase of the school so I don't know what happened and I really don't care because it won't change how I feel about this phase. This town is growing people are moving here and for those of us we who are choosing to stay here with our children we want this town to be improved. I know people don't want to pay more in taxes me included but sometimes you have to do it. I also know there are many things this town needs so for me I had to put them in order of what I think is most important to me that is the education of my children. I want them to have the eduction they deserve to give them all the advantages they need. Think if your school or college didn't have the equiptment you needed to get your degree would you have gone there. Did you pick you college by the school or the cost because I am sure there were cheaper schools to choose from but you went to the one you liked and offered what you needed, that is what I want for my kids, I want them to like going to school and get the education they need. In order to do that we need to make some changes, and I don't know why they didn't plan ahead and build the gym according to high school plans, maybe it was always in the phase 2 plan to build an new gym but that really doesn't matter a hole lot it still boils down to we need a high school and now is the time to do it.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 6:38 PM
  • YOU ASKED FOR IT - HERE IT IS

    Mountain Home District 193 Student/Teacher ratio is : .... 18.20

    This figure is the 2007-2008 school year.

    I am not using the same reference that I used in the meeting. I wanted to make sure I was correct so I verified my numbers. This number comes from the "second" reference. Take a guess what!! They both matched. The number I am posting for you to see - is from the Idaho State Dept of Education. Now who can argue with them?

    Our student teacher ratio is only 18.20. Now that's a FACT.

    Now here is a nice note for all of you.

    Remember how we have been told that the 9th grade dropout rate is high and that if we could get the 9th graders into the highschool that we could stop some of it? Well, I came across the dropout rates for Mtn. Home.

    Notice that the 10th grade has the highest dropout rate. Now we all know that the 10th graders are already at the highschool. Hmmmm. I'm trying to figure out the logic here!!!!

    Dropout rates for grades 9-12. Mountain Home School District.

    The chart gives the grade - the number of students - then the percentage.

    2006-07

    9th grade ---- 9 -- 2.69%

    10th grade -- 18 -- 6.10%

    11th grade -- 10 -- 3.68%

    12th grade --- 3 -- 1.41%

    Hope this helps all of you out. What do you think?

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 7:40 PM
  • It was called sarcasm in my last post. You people are so "concerned" about the future and being able to get the most for your money that you fail to see the facts. So, why wait on any of it...do it all while costs are lower than what they will be in the future. Who really cares if we can pay for it before another bond is loaded on top of the previous bond (more sarcasm in case you were confused).

    As far as the college I went to, I had little choice. I went to the school that had the best schedule that would allow me to still work a full time job while I put myself through school and had the least amount of commute time (sine I worked 12 hours a day and went to school for 6-8 and there are only 24 in a day and I still had to do homework). It was a small, private college that did not have all of the things they should have but cost a lot ($3,500 a quarter) and that was 10 years ago. I did it on student loans, which I still pay on and will for several more years and the money that I earned at work. We had too many students and not enough computers and more students than desks. We worked TOGETHER and got through it. We learned problem solving skills and how to think instead of it all just being handed to us. As far as high school, I went to a high school in Illinois. It was a college prep high school and one of the best public schools in Illinois. We did not have enough books to go around, the class sizes were large (more students than desks at times) and we had no aides (teacher's aides that is) in the room to help the teachers (class sizes were 26-34 per class for many classes). We had very few after school activities due to budget cuts but had SOME of the highest ACT and SAT scores in the state. We had teen pregnancy, drugs and oh yes...a large auditorium---which classes (English and Math) were held in (depending on the teacher). I managed to get a 23 on my ACT and did not get into the college that I WANTED to because it was too far from home and would not have allowed me to work my way through school and work full time. Sometimes it takes a little work but my education truly was what I made of it and when I did not do well, it was because of me and not the building or the teachers.

    So, do I think we need $37 million worth of improvements to our schools? No. Do we need half of that? YES! We should have been working on this over the years and not all at one time. Taxes should have been used for this project NOT new taxes put in place. I know that the schools need to be improved but not so much that I have to change the way that I live. Sorry. That is poor planning by our elected officials that has created this mess and I am tired of bailing them out at every turn. At some point, the taxes need to be in check with what a COMMUNITY can afford. The seniors and folks on fixed incomes should not be forced to sell their homes. That is just wrong! Enough is enough already. Hold our officials accountable or we will go down this road yet again and it will be sooner than you think.

    Thanks midea for those figures on actual class sizes.

    Mr. McMurtrey stated at the forum (the first one in the p.m.) that this number includes staff in the average. So, if you figure that in, the class sizes are smaller than what the number indicates. So, now about all of this growth again. Where is the support for what the district claims as "fact?" And the dropout rate? Hmmm. I guess that "disconnect" really kicked in when they reached the high school (as opposed to what has been posted on this blog and by the district). If you really pull the information apart, what the district is feeding us as "fact" is just their version of the "truth." I fell for it once but NOT again.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 8:48 PM
  • Great post midea. I fear that few people will be able to separate the true facts from the fiction that has been put out by the district and some of the teachers on this blog. I hope that people will just do the research and vote in an educated manner and based on what the true needs of the kids are. I do believe that the schools need work but at half the cost. The facts just do not support spending this kind of money right now. I am still a no vote and I have had kids (or family) in the schools here. While schools can always be "nicer" and "improved" our schools in Mtn. Home produce some very smart and talented kids. A new building may foster that trait but it will not MAKE a child learn or attend school that is not motivated to do so.

    We talk about how "selfish" some of the people on this blog are because they do not want to change their life/style and pay more for taxes. The parents that say this probably work and are away from home for much of the day (in some cases NOT all). Maybe they should change the way that they live and stay home and make sure their children are doing what they should be (attending class, doing homework, etc.). We have all paid taxes and where did it get us? Maybe $37 million dollars MORE in the hole than we were. How much more should I HAVE to work to pay for all of this? Mountain home is far from affordable living.

    I will take my hits now because I just said what many were thinking but did not want to say.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 9:12 PM
  • West Nile is in the news tonight. For the long term, what are we doing about that? Other areas are already working on it. West Nile is just going to get worse and the blood sucking bugs are already out...early this year. What about that part of the "future" in Mountain Home?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 11:12 PM
  • so what I am hearing if it was good enough for you its good enough for these kids. I know I am still voting yes and hope the bill passes. As for West Nile, that is done from a whole other fund and has nothing to do with the school bond. Since this is getting ugly and nothing will change my mind or anyone elses I am done.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 8:11 AM
  • *

    I am currently deployed and will not have the chance to vote in this very important measure, Im very saddened by this, since my son will soon be attending MHHS. I agree with the need for improvement, trust me when I say I have seen worse. But, with that, I have seen worse and seen how well the children, of all ages, are doing in schools, in a very rough part of the world. Its not the facility that makes the difference, it has a minor impact, but its the teachers willingness and enthusiasm to get the children motivated to learn that makes the greatest difference. Now if the roofs are leaking, the walls are falling in, theres not enough chairs; these things would need to be addressed. But if we are spending our hard earned money, and we all work very hard for it, on superficial/cosmetic "improvements" then it needs to be rethought. I want my son to have the best education he can get, in seeing all the kids of the deployments Ive been on, I think he is. If my money goes to more supplies for a teacher who is already spending all their paycheck to keep their children in the game, I will gladly help out. But I refuse to "donate" to something that we are guessing at right now, the "expansion" of Elmore County population. I would rather put it towards infrastructure in the city and county, these things are in need of attention. Children are very creative when it comes to getting along, and I hate to use that phrase, but they are. If they are lead by the best, they will be the best, no walls will give them that, no gym, no track, only the teachers that teach them. If Im wrong about this, so be it, but it seems as though there are many of us who see a problem with it. If the School District wants to itemize the bond, and let us pick and choose by majority on what we want improved they may get something done. But as Ive seen, forcing something onto me will only get force back, and then we are only in a pushing match, and theres really no winner there. Thanks for all the input into this, it has revived my belief in democracy, that we havent rolled over and lost the drive that makes our country so great. Im very happy to do what I do, as long as you all dont take for granted what we ensure you have... take care and I cant wait to see the results.

    -- Posted by scoutin on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 8:39 AM
  • OpinionMissy,

    You cry about getting the facts out and yet you spout "truths" on people selling homes and living in cars. At roughly $100 a year, how does that toss people out of their house? Show me the numbers of those future homeless. You want my vote to be compassionate to those less fortunate? Then give me exact numbers on those who will be when this bond passes.

    You cry about getting the truth, and then you tell everyone here that the phase one bond was for a high school. WRONG!!! The people got exactly what the voted for. Phase one - A building that was built as a junior high, to later be converted to a high school. I'm glad I voted yes then, AND I'M VOTING YES NOW! That is, unless you can show me the thousands who will be homeless by my "selfish" yes vote.

    Smalltown,

    You can't give up the GOOD fight. True, we will never change the minds of these strong-willed individuals, but that is not why I post. I post to offset the anti-education propaganda. There are many readers who just read the forum, yet never post. My words are to them; those who may be an undecided voter. My hope is that they will see my posts and say "Hey, we do need this thing". Stick it out smalltown, don't leave me hanging. Us YES votes are few and far between on this forum...

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 8:48 AM
  • Thank you bond supporter,

    Everyone keeps concentrating on the building, your right it is not the building that makes kids learn it is the teachers and supplies and that is what they are trying to give these kids, the supplies they need to learn, they are adding to the school because they want to have the 9th graders with the 10th graders to eleveate the crowding at Hacker, in order to do that they need to add to the building, since theya are adding to the school they are also making improvements to the classrooms. They need to build new welding and carpentery buildings because they are not in the jr. high right now and they can't expand the current high school building becauase there is not enough room. They are going to get new equipment for those and other classrooms because that is the way technology has developed. They have to build a new weight room and wrestling room because again they are in the current high school. They need t add classrooms because the current jr. high can't hold all the students. They need a bigger gym because they need more than one to have the gym classes required for all the students and since they already need to build one they are going to make it according to high school standards which is required but will also allow them to hold tornaments. The audotoruim as said can be used for so many things. This plan is not only for the high school which is what everyone keeps concentrating on but also to help Hacker with crowding which may prevent the need to build a new elementary in a few years. Lets look at the big picture not just concentrate on only the building.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 9:35 AM
  • bondsupporter:

    You sat right up front in the same meeting as the rest of as the seniors (again SOME not all) and 2 others stated that they could not afford this. Do not spin this to look different than what it is. As far as homeless facts...we obviously need to wait on the bond to pass and taxes to go up to see how many families will feel this. Do not be ignorant. You are just mad because now that the facts from the Board of Ed are out...the district does not look so truthful...BIG surprise there. You and others should research your "facts" before you spout off with garbage. Plain and simple.

    As far as my West Nile comment---I was not aware that this blog was just for the school bond and comments on ONLY the school bond. We will vote on how to deal with the West Nile in the fall (FYI). Try-and try hard to think about the FUTURE you speak of so frequently. Also, we are not anti-education as you state. We are against massive, unnecessary debt. Again, we are NOT of the opinion that the schools do not need to be improved but we are against the HUGE amount for the improvements. I know, this is all over your head.

    Thank you scoutin! We have said the same thing. Take care over there and get home safe.

    I cannot wait to vote on this thing and have it done. If it does not pass, we will see how long it takes to do this all again.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 10:17 AM
  • Scoutin,

    While we are on the subject. You say it's not the "building", but the "teacher" who make a school great. Anyone who says that obviously has never been a teacher.

    Lets put a "spin" on it. It's not the "fighter jet" that makes the airforce great, it's the "pilots". Still with me? So why are we, as a nation, spending billions on NEW technology and NEW aircraft? The F-15 is a "good enough" jet for me. The pilots should just "be creative". New jets are just "superficial and cosmetic improvements". It's not the jets that make a difference, it's the pilots "willingness and enthusiasm" to get the job done.

    Or...

    It's not the "rifle" that makes the army great, it's the "soldier". Well, the M1 Garand/Thompson/BAR won us WWII, so why do we have to spend so much money developing new guns? Utilizing technology and updating old systems is "superficial and cosmetic". The Army and Marines should save the money and use those "good enough" guns. Come on Armed Services, "get creative". It's not the weaponry that makes the ground forces elite, it's the soldier's "willingness and enthusiasm" to kill the enemy.

    Or

    Micron... I love your products. But why do you spend so much money on your facility? It's not the static free/dust free assembly line that makes the great product, its the "willingness and enthusiasm" of the employees to turn out a great product. Really, the facility is just ""superficial and cosmetic".

    Or

    Should I bring up my resturaunt metaphor again?

    People, the "No" voters are telling you to open your eyes, well, now a "Yes" voter is asking you to do the same. IT IS THE FACILITY THAT MAKES A SCHOOL GREAT. Along with the staff, students, and community. If the facility meant nothing, then companies wouldn't spend millions on developing new technology for education.

    It is what is best for the STUDENTS, the STAFF, and our COMMUNITY.

    I'm certainly glad that Mountain Home isn't the worst you've seen, Scoutin. But I'm saddened that you think "mediocrity" is "good enough" for your own kid, let alone our entire community. I don't take for granted what you do for me, but I'm disgusted that many take for granted what I do for them. Teachers - true unsung heroes.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 10:22 AM
  • Just another guy,

    I have one to add to what you said

    Schools used to be one room school houses, they didn't have gyms or books, assignments were written on the board and you wrote everything down. Those students got an education so maybe we should just go back to that time.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 10:34 AM
  • Opinionmissy states: "I do not WANT to change how I live". That says it all.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 10:45 AM
  • I am getting weary of trying to keep on topic re the bond election.

    Supporters accuse opponents of being anti-education, anti-kids, etc., which are downright and vicious lies, meant to inflame folks into voting for the bond which, in its present form, is unwise. The need to be frugal is absolute.

    I would really like to see the school board call for their supporters to be more truthful, more constructive, and less vicious in tone. Folks on either side must deal with just the facts, without personal attacks. It's shameful.

    And I would ask those who may have been mistakenly persuaded by the attacks to ask yourselves, What's going on here? Facts or name calling? The true needs of students and the community or inflamed and sentimental emotions? Lord help us if emotionalism and mistaken sentimentality are the reason for voting either for or against something this important.

    Vote NO on the facts.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:08 AM
  • We can turn it around the other way the ones who are against the bond accuse the ones for the bond of not caring about senior citizen and people living on fixed income. That is not true anymore than you being anti education.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:14 AM
  • *

    Senior Lady

    You finally got to the bottom line in what you said. This is just an on going battle between No and Yes voters for the bond. Its really sad when some have to attack the military to try to make their point for there side. This was a comment I was going to keep to myself but can't when someone has to bring it up, I started in a school with 2 rooms, and 8 grades, moved on to a 4 room school, then to a Junior/Senior School and I did get an education. My last point is I just don't see this Bond needing 37 million to do we are not starting with a new building its suppose to be to enlarge it so where is the cost coming from, its not in materials and the work, something is there we don't know about

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:27 AM
  • I know most of you think I'm a horrible person for supporting education, so here comes some more thoughts.

    By passing this school bond, we will be looking out for the roughly 1000 families of STUDENTS who will be using the facilites. Not to mention families like mine who do not have kids and still use the facilites for the arts and community events. So there are MANY families who will BENEFIT from this bond.

    Saddly, are are FEW who can't afford this bond. Indeed, there were a couple seniors, and TWO(2) others who said this bond would effect them negatively.

    If I were to use my vote to help the most people, then surely I am voting for the 1000 who will benefit, and not for the 5 who will not. I know, I know, burn me at the stake, I'm a witch. But I asked for numbers of those who would be homeless by my "careless" vote, and you didn't give me an answer. You told me to "[not] be ignorant."

    I guess the vote on the 29th will determine what this town can or cannot afford, eh? The voice of the masses.

    As for now, I'M VOTING YES!

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:33 AM
  • nobody attacked the military to make a point, they mentioned military to make a point to a military member and they were right. We are a military family, my dad is military, my uncles are military, and I for one am glad the government paid the money for updated technology just like my kids need to benefit from updated technology. The 37 million is not just for updates it is going to cover everything involved in the construction of the building. When you have a house built the cost of your house isn't only for updates but for construction, materials, insurance on workers, contruction workers, and the materials for the new classrooms, it all adds up.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:47 AM
  • I'm not attacking the military but saying what I said, they perform a much needed duty. I was putting the "It's not the building, it's the teachers" argument into perspective.

    The No and Yes voters have been attacking EACHOTHER for as long as this topic has been alive. NOBODY IS INNOCESNT. Don't paint a picture that the supporter are some sort of villian and the opposers are the "eyes of truth and justice".

    "I would really like to see the school board call for their supporters to be more truthful, more constructive, and less vicious in tone". The same can be said about the opposers! Both sides are posting opinions, and if you don't like reading them, the stop reading.

    Small Town and Eagle eye, "Schools used to be one room school houses, they didn't have gyms or books, assignments were written on the board and you wrote everything down. Those students got an education so maybe we should just go back to that time." INDEED! "Lets do the time warp again! It's just a jump to the left..."

    My point for keeping up with technology and progress has been made. The comparisons between military and education are sound. I'M VOTING YES.

    Doesn't emotion fuel human nature?

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:49 AM
  • Just another guy,

    I was being sarcastic if you read my blogs I support the school bond, I said that because everyone is saying they got an education without all the updates.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 11:53 AM
  • Small town,

    I loved the sarcasm and laughed as I read it. I apologize if I sounded like I was attacking. It's so hard to "hear" intent in a typed forum Plus, I got to use a great song.

    The idea of keeping schools in the 1950's scares me. We talk about keeping up with

    technology and progress in the world, yet the ONE facility that WILL keep us up to date, people are trying to hold back on. Skimp here, cut there, don't need this, don't need that, bare minimum... Proper tools and facilities are KEY to making sure our students have a fighting chance in today's competitive world. Yes it's a hefty price, but I price I'm willing to pay to keep us up to date. I'm not anti-senior, and it's not fair to label any voter as such. I'm still voting YES.

    Also, sorry for my many typos, ugh! It's hard to eat lunch and type at the same time.

    Senior Lady,

    Even though we don't see eye-to-eye on the subject, I always enjoy reading your posts. You have such a level head about the topic without bringing in any animosity towards any side. Thank you for that. If only we all could post so friendly.

    -- Posted by just another guy on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 12:18 PM
  • Do all of you realize that not one person has said that we should not, in any way shape or form, build onto the school? So where is the argument?

    I believe - as was said in formal meeting -that if there was some form of compromise on the size of this addition - that there would be no problem at all passing it.The only difference is the degree. Those voting "No" have said - cut the project down a bit and we will vote for it. That point has been consistantly said throughout the blogs and the meetings.

    Those voting "Yes" are saying that they want all of it or nothing. Why chance nothing? Why not negotiate on the size to insure SOMETHING? Why not promote some harmony?

    Facts have been stated re: attendance, teacher ratios, dollars,dropouts etc. Those facts come from the district itself. The workers in the district don't like the information they have in their own system. Sorry - but those are the facts.

    I also believe that the Rec District, is important to this town and would like to be able to vote a bond to help them out.They will be bringing a bond or discussing a bond in the fall.

    Why should the school district get it all? I also understand the hospital is bringing another bond. Library fees are way up, cemetary fees are going up.

    All that has ever been asked to get more people on board is that there be some compromise.

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 12:23 PM
  • So let's compromise...

    The auditorium, you know that will be the first to go because sports reign supreme. Plus the fact that the state says we need the gym.

    $4,000,000 auditorium (price guess). 12,000 people. 20 year bond. Cost? $17 dollars a YEAR.

    $30,000 dollar track. 12,000 people. 20 year bond. Cost? .13 cents a YEAR.

    So how much of the plans need to be "compromised"? We aren't really saving any real money, just destroying a good design.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 12:36 PM
  • midea,

    Everyone keeps saying to cut it down a little but nobody will say what should be cut out except the track and audorium, so ok lets say we take those things out. When the rec center puts their bond out they will ask for the them, so what difference does it make which bond it is in, if both are asking for it, they must think it is needed in this town. The rec center downsized their because they had dupilicates to what the school was asking for so if the school takes it out they will add it back in. Either way you have to different commities who both think they are needed.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 12:38 PM
  • To add to what Small Town is saying...

    The main usage of the auditorium would be the school. Not the only use, but the main use. As stated before, if the auditorium is build onto the rec center, the band will not have the ability to use it because it is impractical to have the band move their $100,000 dollars worth of equipment to the rec center everyday for rehearsal. The choir will not be able to practice in the rec center because they can't transport their $5,000 worth of risers over to the rec center every day. The drama department would not be able to transport their full stage set-ups every day to the rec center. And the rec center can't hold onto and secure school district property. That's not fair to both parties. That is why we are asking for an auditorium at the high school.

    Both auditoriums would be as equally accessable to the public. An auditorium at the high school makes common sense, but an auditorium at the Rec Center does not.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 1:48 PM
  • Uh, bond supporter...guess what? I happen to agree with you re the auditorium: it should be at the school and not duplicated at the Rec facility, for all the reasons you cite. My perhaps naive idea is to start out with the seating space smaller, to be enlarged later if needs warrant. Right now, I believe an early stage is planned first, then finished later anyway. So maybe the size of the first phase of the auditorium could be re-thought?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 3:26 PM
  • The problem I see with all of these bonds is that too many people for too long have said no. Now, we are in somewhat of a perfect storm. Many of the things built 40,50, or 60 years ago need to be replaced or fixed. The longer we wait and say no the more it will cost and there will be even more to fix and we will continue to spiral downward.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 4:12 PM
  • senior lady,

    I had also thought of making it smaller the only problem is once it is built it would probably not be cost effective to enlarge it at a later time. My feelings are that is more cost effective to put it in now.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 4:21 PM
  • Seems to me that the people who "should" have been on the decision committee are the individuals who are using this blog.

    Everyone is genuinely passionate and concerned, as we can see from past and present remarks in the Banter Box.If we weren't we would never be using the Banter Box to get a message out, and debate this out in the open.

    There seems to be enough diversity, education,and experiences to go a long way. Too bad it didn't happen earlier. Believe it or not - once everyone finally settled in - there seems to be some good banter as to what could or could not be done. There would have been some really good ideas. Too bad there's not the chance of holding this up and going for another one later. Give designing another chance.

    The thing is - nothing is never too late if we really want things to happen.

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 5:19 PM
  • *

    I don't understand why all the sarcasm from some over everything that has been said when the price tag on the school bond comes up. What is putting the hurt on the tax payers is the amount of bonds going on now and wanting more, we being taxed for the Jail, Library, Hospital, and they hospital wants to try again this fall same as the school is doing now. Those that attended the briefing and questions and answers 9 Apr know the comment made by the district they hope the 37 million will have some left over for other things so has the price tag really what its going to cost for the high school. I need to throw out this question to all since the recent housing boom and all that has been build where did all those tax dollars go to sure looks to me like a lot of taxes paid and nobody saying what it was used for. I still am not ready to vote Yes on the bond and I don't have my head stuck in the sand either just to many un answered questions that is to late now to even ask

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 5:54 PM
  • eagle eye

    I am not sure wher all the tax money goes or how they break it down, and I am sure the school is asking for a little more than they hope they will need because they want to make sure they have enough for those unexpected items that come up everytime you build something. If they have money left over they have a plan for what they would like to do with it, if they don't have any left over than what they asked for will be enough to cover all expenses for the build. I for one would rather they ask for a little more than to have the school almost finished and they run out of money and cant complete the job.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 6:17 PM
  • Thats right Mule I am very selfish, bad and because I do not agree with you and Bond Supporter...anti-education (even though I have stated that at 1/2 the price I would vote YES in a New York minute). I already pay more than my fair share in taxes and I do not want to change my life more than I have already. I already support the kids that are not mine, the people that are here illegally but get more benefits than US citizens and so on. I do not live off the system and at the same time, I do not desire the system to live off of me. I know what I pay to live here as it is broken down on my tax bill BUT, where does the money really go? Not into the schools as indicated. So, once again, where does it go?

    It has been more money-more money-more money for years with no hint as to what they do with all of OUR hard earned money. Now, just hand over $37 million? I do not think so. More people should raise their children and not expect the KIDS to raise themselves. When is enough really enough? The district has not been honest and that has been proved...if you just follow the facts. However, you have a vested interest in this and I really do not expect you to see another point of view other than YOUR employer...the school district!

    Do not forget to vote on April 29th at the schools!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 7:41 PM
  • I raise my own children and I don't recall anyone calling anyone anti education everyone cares about education and this community or people wouldn't be so passionate about this subject. You say you will vote yes on this bond if it was half, the only way for that to happen is by only doing half the necessary job. If they do that then another bond will be proposed to take care of phase 3. I do have a question because I wasn't here when phase one was passed but what did people think was going to happen when they proposed the first bond as phase one for the new high school.I don't see where the lie is because they are making it the high school. Was the first bond proposed as phase 1.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 8:19 PM
  • Mule:

    You are a lot like the people you work for. If you are going to quote me...at least quote my entire comment or at least the entire sentence. This is what I said:

    "I do not WANT to change how I live and what I do for a 37 million dollar bond that is full of extra stuff. We do not NEED an auditorium or an indoor walking track. That is not a need---it is a want."

    Mule's version of what I said:

    Opinionmissy states: "I do not WANT to change how I live". That says it all.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 10:45 AM

    Now that said it all! I am not anti-education and never have been but you will state and quote your version no matter what I say.

    You are beyond even attempting to talk to. Do you teach your students that 1/2 truths are the "truth" as long as what they state is 1/2 factual? Do you teach integrity? Just wondering.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 8:26 PM
  • so if they took those two things out you would vote yes.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 8:35 PM
  • When phase one was voted in a few years ago things were different. There was little doubt about financial security on anyone's mind then. It was the age of "want equals getting, no matter the cost." Debt was taken for granted by many people.

    There is growing caution now about how quickly our town can bounce back from economic factors, which may get worse before they get better: Jobs, cost of living, etc. Since then the base has downsized and there were even fears it would close.

    And I do not recall the strong sense of coveting the same sort of glamorous facility as larger, wealthier school districts as I do perceive now...

    So, yes, it was different then.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 9:30 PM
  • What was the proposed plan of phase one? When they proposed plan one did they say what they planed for phase 2? I am trying to understand where the lie came in. People say different things and I wasn't here so Iam trying to get the facts.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 18, 2008, at 9:42 PM
  • Phase One, if I recall correctly, was to build the basic building on 6th South at 14th East and use it as a junior high, which has been done. Phase Two would turn it into a four year high school and make the current high school the junior high. The present high school gym, I believe, or maybe the whole school, needs a new roof (with sprinklers!).

    So we do need a Phase Two. But the changed situation in the community since the first bond election, in addition to what I've mentioned before, includes some concern about Micron's continued existence and the rise in foreclosures. In the minds of many (including myself) we need to have the Phase Two cost less, impossible as that may appear to be.

    But I'm not convinced it is indeed impossible; few things are. Maybe add a phase three? I don't pretend to know the detailed answer, which is very frustrating to me! All I can come up with is to reduce the footprint, make the new addition smaller right now.

    A phase two of some sort will make things much better for students -- especially having a four-year high school. And, yes, better schools could be part of what a company may check out before it may decide to build here. (Although my personal worry is that a company paying low wages may come in and not hire a lot of people, and therefore may not care anything about the schools...)

    A Phase Two of some sort is needed, and a Phase Three maybe...but I still feel the school must be economical, not a Taj Mahal: a decent building, heat and air, smaller auditorium at first, improved gym in stages, etc.

    Just not fancy. And not $37 million.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, at 10:48 AM
  • midea:

    Would you please explain (from the Mtn. Home papers that you pulled in Boise) what the story was on the first bond as far as "future" high school vs. junior high and how all of that went down. I do not want to mislead or provide quotes that are not correct.

    Many thanks midea!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, Apr 20, 2008, at 12:07 AM
  • Just wondering...

    On the news tonight (10:00 on 7) there was a story about Ada County employees workin 8 hours today to correct ballots that had names of people on them who were no longer in the run for office. To SAVE the tax payers money, they were drawing lines through the names of the people that were no longer going to run for office. They have to go through and change each and every ballot for Ada County.

    With the size of Elmore County and the fact that this bond for $37 million needs some work before it goes to voters---why can Ada County do something like this but McMurtrey states it is "too late" to go back to the drawing board on this bond because the ballots have already been printed? It really is "all or nothing" with the people from the district and that is a real shame. With some work this bond could be something that all of us would feel good about. However, the district is so sure it will pass that they do not care what we (those who dare to ask questions about the "facts" that the district has presented) think because the district feels they have us beat this time around.

    I promise you this, IF this bond passes, you can bet I will be out to vote the school board and the rest of these guys out because they really do not care what is best for the community (that is the entire community). It is about what the district wants based on their made up numbers and "facts" and snowing the public and that makes me sick. It is not honest and it is not fair to the people of OUR town that truly CANNOT afford this.

    I am sorry OldGuy and SeniorLady and all of the others that this could really cause a problem for you. The community that YOU have given to is not doing its part for you and that is very sad.

    What a person can afford today may not be what they can afford next week and that should be considered in all of this mess as well. We are a country that lives for today and will worry about Sunday IF it should come. We should think past the end of our noses on this one...we still have to pay the last bond off. Debt-debt and more debt. This town should cut up THEIR credit cards and BUDGET and SAVE. What an idea!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Sun, Apr 20, 2008, at 12:49 AM
  • When the paper of 4/16 came out, a letter of mine was in it. A man I don't know evidently looked up my phone number, and since I was out, he left a message, saying he agreed with me and then offered some negative things about the school system.

    He sounded calm and mature. The items had the ring of authenticity about them, but for one thing, I'm not out to simply bash the school district: I just disagree with the extent of Phase Two. For another, I'm certainly not going to pass on unconfirmed information.

    So I emailed the school board and asked about the information, saying I was getting so weary about the whole thing that I wasn't interested in passing on the stories, but personally I'd like to know whether or not they were true.

    Maybe Mr McMurtrey thought I was lying or something, or maybe he didn't get around to reading his emails, but I'm still waiting for an answer.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sun, Apr 20, 2008, at 5:11 PM
  • Senior Lady:

    I have waited over 45 days for answers to 2 questions. It is my guess that responding to questions by the so called "anti" people with respect to this bond is not high on their list of things to do. They have been caught with their pants down and are probably working on a "redemption" plan to present to the public. We are in the last days of this thing before the so called moment of truth. They will probably respond after the vote.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, Apr 20, 2008, at 8:02 PM
  • *

    Senior Lady and Opinion Missy:

    Don't ever think your e-mails will get answered if the District thinks if they gave all the facts and figures you would vote Yes they trying to hard to snowball the bond and keep the public confused. I am no way against education but I am against not being able to get all the truth out of them. To me they just can't show the increase in students or the real cost for wanting a 37 million bond, so it all boils down to the ballot on 29 Apr and we just have to wait and see what happens then

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 7:27 AM
  • Everyone keeps talking about downsizing the plan for the expansion so I thought of something last night, using the numbers given in this blog there are currently 902 students in Hacker for 3 grades, Jr. High as 646 for 2 grades and the High School has 781 for 3 grades if you divide those numbers by the number of grades you get these number roughly for next year

    300 9th graders

    323 10th graders

    260 11th graders

    260 12th graders

    for a total of 1,143 students, this is what they want to put in the new High School. Right now the Jr. High holds 646 students that is a difference of 497 students. My question is how can they consolidate these students without adding on a good amount to the school. You say downsize or take out the gym. Right now the Jr. High has one gym for 646 students. How can they add another 500 students and not build another gym. Also that gym is not equipped to handle to sports but works great for gym class. They have to add classrooms to accomodate 500 more students and the different courses offered to the upper classmen. Also from what I have read you voted yes to phase 1 and now fight phase 2 you had to have known it would cost more money and if they break it into another phase that is going to cost even more. If anyone has suggestions on how to get 500 more students into that school without expanding it I would love to hear them, but right now I am still a yes vote unless someone has some really good ides.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 10:35 AM
  • Well stated Eagle Eye. I do not believe that any of us are against a better education for the kids---but it needs to be on a budget and with the people in mind as well as the children and young adults. See you at the polls!

    I would really like to know who the "experts" were that came up with what the school needs as far as a new building/addition. If the "experts" were anything like the school board or the admin., we are in trouble. It was stated in the forum that the people were taken from the community...farmers, teachers, business people, etc. It would be very interesting to find out just how diverse that group really was. Many questions with no answers.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 10:37 AM
  • I for one, but I am not alone, don't feel any one item needs to ommitted, just downsized or partially delayed. And perhaps the cost of to-code materials could be further investigated.

    Logic, not rashness.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 1:18 PM
  • but what are you going to downsize when you have 500 plus students moving into that school. Delaying it is just going to cost more money because building materials are not going to go down in price so the next may or may not cost less but add the two together and it is sure to cost more than this one.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 1:40 PM
  • Those are good questions, and will need to be addressed given the need to be frugal. Will a school day lasting one or more periods longer help? I don't know the answers! I just know something has to be done. The school system has to come up with enough books, too.

    To solve anything in life, you take reality and work within it, you figure it out. You do not whine because it's not exactly what you wish for or dream it could be. Adults learn to make the really difficult choices which can indeed be less than ideal. And you might mourn a little at what might have been, but you live with the reality. You go forward.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 3:01 PM
  • Most books are now online and that is what the schools are going to. Books become outdated so fast that it is no longer cost effective to keep buying them. Most now print out lessons from the computer saving money.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 3:07 PM
  • That's an excellent idea! That way couldn't students who are ill at home still keep up?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 3:35 PM
  • yes they could, and I know my daughter has done it. It saves the cost of replacing books yearly and the teachers can still print out assignments for the kids who don't have a computer at home.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 4:06 PM
  • That's an excellent idea!

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 5:06 PM
  • I was reading back through the blogs and noticed that on the list of students there has been an increase of 179 students enrolled in Hacker, Jr high and the High School in the past two years. Opionin Missy stated in one blog that it was partially due the the closing of the base schools and that is part right. The base schools only went to 6th grade. When they closed the base school they had to move kids but that does not affect the Jr. High or High School because all those kids will be going there anyways. So either way for the past 2 years attendance has increased in 3 schools by 179 students.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 5:07 PM
  • To further clarify the numbers from a month ago vs. the numbers of this week given by Mr. McMurtrey:

    Hacker has lost 28 kids in the last month or so (902-874).

    The junior high gained 2 students (648-646).

    The high school gained 27 students (781-754).

    Which numbers from the district do we believe this week? Once again...the "facts" provided just do NOT add up in many areas NOT just this one!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 5:48 PM
  • I don't think you can go week to week you have to look at the overall picture, that picture according to information provided on this blog shows an increase of 179 kids. You also have to keep in mind that early in the year military start to psc out and early summer they start to psc in so those numbers will change.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 5:54 PM
  • opinion missy,

    I don't understand what facts don't add up. They are not lieing about the attendace figures to make them look good if they say that last month Hacker lost and the Jr. High and High school gained just one student more than Hacker lost. If they wanted to make it look good they wouldn't have given that information. They didn't lie about the high school in phase 1 it was always going to be done in phases so I am still not understanding just what they are lying about. The numbers for the past two years show an increase in enrollment of 179 kids. They explained about the base schools being closed and I lived on base when they closed them and what they are saying is true. With all the housing construction going on on base and Singapore Air coming where do you think they are going to educate all those kids? This place is growing.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:08 PM
  • *

    small town:

    You more than welcome to correct me if I am wrong but I believe you said some blogs back you were not here for Phase 1 of the bond, if that is the case then why now can you say what went on them, over the last 8 years or so they has been and up and down on students but not really much of a change. One thing I want to point out is the media has made sure we can't post any links from where we get our information, there are a number of sites to gather information from and they don't always agree but everyone should be able to look at all of them and we can't do that cause we can't post the links where we getting the information. Bottom line is both sides of the street need to vote on 29 Apr for what they feel is the right opinion. I tryed my best today to find out about the Kuna high school with no good results but that school has come up several times and they build the compete school for a lot less than 37 million so that is where my questions come in on the price tag and Kuna only has a High School with alot of students but that is something else you if interested in is look for yourself what they have and pictures of the High School

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:30 PM
  • Your right I wasn't here for phase one, and I am getting my information from people on this blog and people I have talked to that were here. Everyone has said that when they voted it was for phase one. If it was presented as phase one, I assume everyone knew there would be a phase 2 if not please correct me. It has also been stated that phase one was going to be the jr high with phase 2 being the completion of a 4 year high school, again correct me if I am wrong.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:38 PM
  • I am shocked by what I am reading in these blogs. Be angry with the School District if you want but what about the children in this town. Don't they deserve the same advantages and facilities as children in Meridian, Kuna, American Falls or Buhl. Small towns in Idaho have seen the need for proper facilities and have invested in students education. As a parent and someday future grandparent I think that we should invest in our children.

    -- Posted by Mountain Home Native on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:48 PM
  • When was the Kuna High School built. We probably could have built he whole high school for less than 37 million if it was done all in phase 1 and not broken up into phases. That is what I wish they had done.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:48 PM
  • *

    Yes you are right it was a Phase 1 but people were not given all the facts then either and some of those that voted for it now will vote NO due to all the facts being put out and that can't be corrected now it water under the bridge, about all I can say is the pubic needs to know all the facts to vote and we just don't have them, only thing that can happen now is to vote and I surely hope is not just a few like last fall, if people don't vote for what they think is right then like I have been told in the past don't complain when it doesn't go your way so if the registered votes or the ones that need to register get out and vote then we will see what they think of the whole deal, doesn't do any good to sit home and complain if ya don't Vote, so bottom line is get out and Vote choice is up to the individual and thats one I can't go wrong on

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:51 PM
  • I agree with you Mountain home native, hopefully on bond day more people will come out feeling the same way. We need to look at what this bond is giving the kids that is how the value should be weighed not if the qym is to big or the audotorium seats 500 instead of 300. I have not read anything on here that will make me change my YES vote. Actually all the talk against the bond makes me think more and more that it is a great thing.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 6:53 PM
  • I keep reading and I still don't understand what information was not given. I keep asking and nobody will break it down. I don't mean the attendance because that is going to go up and down month to month and year to year. Could someone please break it down with out the attendance and please tell me what facts we are not being told. The attendance isn't a big issue to me because the point of this bond is to make a 4 year high school and like you have all said the attendance hasn't changed that much so when you voted yes to the last bond you all knew wht the attendance was now they want to finish the project that you all approved to begin with.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 7:03 PM
  • *

    small_town:

    Just have to say it, I am a transplant here due to the military but have been here alot of years, have watched the place grow and see the downtown go to not much of anything and I am sitting here laughting not over the bond either, I just think it is funny someone would call me a native guess I am now lol

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 7:07 PM
  • My understanding is that there has been an increase in the schools population at this time. However the classes that are moving up, for instance to Hacker next year and into the elementary schools are larger. The student population is coming and we are not ready for it. They say it will take 2 to 3 years to complete the school so we need to be prepared for it.

    -- Posted by Mountain Home Native on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 7:16 PM
  • *

    Sorry when I made my last comment about native, Mountain Home Native's comments had not shown up here, didn't mean to step on someones comments

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 7:24 PM
  • Phase 1 was 'only' $10 million. It was built from 1995-1998. There are a couple of reasons why construction costs have gone up. First, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have driven up the cost of concrete because of all the rebuilding. A second reason is Katrina. The day after plywood and other lumber costs went through the roof. And just like gas prices, they have not come down.

    The contractor says it would take three years to build. The district would plan on four because construction crews would have to work around the existing school which might slow them down a little.

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 8:42 PM
  • *

    I realize much to the delight of many, I have been very quiet for some time now on the school bond discussions, however, as is my style, I feel the need to say what is on my mind.

    People, the discussion on the School Bond is becoming like the beating of a dead horse. Before you get mad, hear/read me out....no matter what gets said or argued about, on April 29th we the voters have the right to go to go to the polls and vote either yes or no. That is the beauty of having the right to vote, you can say yes or no, doesnt mean you will get your way and no one is really ever truly happy with the outcome.

    Arguing about the rights and wrongs of the bond and what is in it should have and hopefully was voiced at the Public Hearings. Lord knows it has been voiced here. The only important facts are (in my not so humble opinion):

    1. How much is the bond? 2. What will be included in the bond? 3. What are the district enrollment statistics and were they used to determine the needs now and in the future? 4. What happened with the first bond is truly a dead horse now and it is beginning to smell! 5. Why are you continuing to argue over it when you have each made up your minds as to how you will be voting, notice it is the same people arguing it over and over? 6. Does anyone but me remember when not only were there the 3 elementary schools, a Jr. High and a Sr. High but the 3 schools on base and there were not enough books to go around for each child to have to study from? 7. Does anyone know what it is like to study in a classroom that is over 85 degrees in it?? 8. Does anyone realize that with the age of some of our buildings that the cost of maintenence goes up with each repair?? 9. I agree with Senior Lady, we do not need a school that will become the 8th wonder of the world.

    That leads me to my next point. No matter what, it is going to cost us money, a new building or maintaining the old ones and dealing with overcrowding etc. If they build today it will be cheaper than tomorrow.

    Midea, Opinion Missy, Froggy and all the others who have had a part in this discussion, your opinions and your facts that you have unearthed have been constructive and informative for the most part. But come on you guys, lets get a new horse to beat on (so to speak). Your decision has been made and so has the school districts.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 8:49 PM
  • Just one more thing.

    Have we all forgot that we have 2 high schools in this town? Where are the stats on McKenna Charter School? It is still around even if it is smaller.

    Small Town, the numbers from 30 days ago and the numbers from this week just do not add up. It is very unlikely that we would have gained and lost so many kids in (approximately) the last 30 days. People PCS here in stages and not all at one time. Normally when the Base has a working body leave, there is another working body that comes in. Granted, not all will have children but not all the people that leave have children either. So, why the big difference in (approximately) 30 days?

    How will you make this work for you Small Town?

    As far as phase I of the high school goes, it was presented as "future Mtn. Home High School" when we voted NOT Mtn. Home Junior High now and 10 years later in phase II, Mtn. Home High School. They built the darn thing with a gym that was too small from the get go. In other words, it never met the "standards" for a high school even though, in theory, that was what they were building. Why build a school with a sub-standard gym right out of the gate? Because, it was ALWAYS meant to be the junior high until they could sucker the taxpayers into another bond and convert it. You just DO NOT build a facility like that with a gym that is not up to state "standards" unless it was poor planning like it is now. How long before we find out this plan is not up to "standards" and we have to tack on MORE money to an already unaffordable bond? Why not take till November and make darn sure it is being done right this time and it meets all of the standards?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 9:02 PM
  • I don't believe that McKenna is part of the district.

    It used to be and were housed in the current district offices.

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 9:06 PM
  • The bond for Kuna High School passed in September 2000 for 15.2 million dollars. I believe the doors opened for the 2003/2004 school year.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 9:25 PM
  • Mule, you are right. McKenna is not part of the district anymore.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 9:40 PM
  • Thank you Hannah32 and Mule for some sanity. Opinion Missy - what is the real problem with supporting the school bond? Is it the money? Are the children of Mountain Home not worth it? What is the bottom line. No matter what you think of Phase 1 - Phase 1 always indicated that there would be a Phase 2 which would complete the High School. If you have ever been to the current Mountain Home High School you would see that there is a auxillary gym as well as a competition size gym. The gym at the Junior High was just what the district was able to afford at the time of the first bond. What possible reason for deception could the school district have. Do any of the school board members benefit directly by passing a bond. No - in fact the students of the Mountain Home School District do.

    -- Posted by Mountain Home Native on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 10:07 PM
  • Once again Opinion Missy you are telling us all, your opinion, and that is exactly what it is. Nothing factual in what you are saying. We all know how Phase I of the Jr. High was reported.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 10:08 PM
  • *

    "Are the children of Mountain Home not worth it?" The Question should be "Do the children of Mountain Home NEED it?"

    The population is not growing at the same rate that Kuna was or is, nor is it growing at the same rate of any other city in the region. That being Southwestern Idaho. By bringing the worth of a child's education being at stake if this bond passes or not, says that every child that had gone through the Mountain Home School District 193 has recieved an inferior education.

    Those Idaho cities that Mountain Home are being compared to are in the double digit growth rates, unlike Mountain Home, which still below the highest numeric of estimated growth which was back in 2003.

    Let's start remembering that the money we are spending is our own. The dollar that is shrinking on a daily basis. I for one don't see a NEED for expansion when the population and statistical analysis doesn't support it.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 11:43 PM
  • I would like to know how the SD got to be in such a mess with money? How are they spending it and when. A few years ago money was not an issue and now it is. Where does the money that the school gets from the military??? Lots of questions.

    -- Posted by snafu on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 6:31 AM
  • opinion missy

    You seem to be one of the few who say that phase 1 was suppose to be a high school right from the start. And I disagree about the military, the big psc months are January - March and then late summer to fall. I am not talking about squadrans leaving just people who are due to psc. So to me those numbers are no big deal. Another thing I understand this bond is not so much about a population boom but to get a 4 year high school, that is the main objective of this bond, that why I support it not because I think there are going to be a huge population boom. But I do know that the base is expanding, they are building new houseing and they wouldn't build it if they didn't have people coming in to fill them, and you still have Singapore coming here. But it still comes down to the school board is trying to get a 4 year high school and in order to do that they need to add on to the jr high. I really don't care personally if when phase 1 was proposed as a high school and was only built for a jr high the point remains that right now there is a need for a four year high school.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 8:11 AM
  • I am delighted to see the Democratic process at work within the pages of this blog. I hope this very same rhetoric is happening over coffee, on telephones and wherever people are gathered. This topic is important and needs to be debated. In the end the school board will hear the voice of the community.

    Both sides of the debate are represented be individuals who are passionate about the community. Both sides seem to share the view that the high school needs to be improved but the major point is by how much. Those that are pro bond are on the defensive and this leads me to believe that deep down they know what the outcome will be. From the beginning the details have been kept close to the sleeve and only revealed in small doses or when pressure was applied. This has led people to assume the board has something to hide.

    I don't believe that this bond is best for our children, just my opinion. All I have to do is look at another school within our very district, Pine. If the buildings, sports complexes and high tech gadgets make for the best possible education, the kids in Pine are in bad shape. They are being educated in a 'one room school house'. I am certain they receive an education that is as good or better than any other student in the district. I know the class size is smaller, and I agree that the classes are too large in Mountain Home but that fact does not justify 37 million dollars.

    I would expect to see record numbers of voters turn out for this bond but unfortunately I know this will not be the case. I will vote and I will urge everyone I know to do the same. I hope all of you will continue the Democratic process and VOTE.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 8:18 AM
  • Another arguement I read about not voting yes on this bond is that we are not the size of Kuna, Eagle or Boise and I agree with you but lets look at the growth of this town in the past couple of years, The Cheese Factory is here, Ford expanded out by the highway, a dental office went up across from Walmart, the mini mall across from Walmart, two new buisness going up on Amercian Legion, Les Shaub is expanding to the old ford place, Singapore is coming to base, Nascar track is coming, the Power Plant is looking to come, new subdivision started and more planned, that is just is the last 4 years since I have been here. This town has grown and is continueing to grow. Those companies wouldn't put thier money into a town they saw no potential in. The school board is looking at this growth and planning for the future which they may be quilty of last time by not building a 4 year high school then. If we continue to put this off it is going to cost more money in the future. I for one am glad that they are planning for the future so maybe we wont have to go through this again.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 9:14 AM
  • I called the school district to get some numbers for the elementary schools, right now there are aproximatly 1800 students enrolled in the 4 schools, if you divide that by the number of schools and grades that make 360 kids per grade. Now it takes 3-4 years to build the new high school the elementary kids won't be attending when first opening, but if you take the 5th graders - 8th graders right now then in 4 years when the new high school is built there will be 1223 students enrolled, that is if there is no growth at all. After that the numbers will go up with each new class. I also called Hacker and asked about why the numbers would change so much on a weekly basis and was told you have to take into account the migrant workers and the transitions on base, they lost two and gained one so it is really hard to base it on weekly numbers you have to look at the overall numbers

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 11:29 AM
  • To add to my last blog if we leave things the way they are now and not consolidate any school you are looking at about

    1080 kids in Hacker

    660 in the jr. high

    and 923 kids in the high school

    these are for 3-4 years from now when the new high school is planned to be built

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 11:39 AM
  • Small Town:

    First of all, that "new" business on American Legion is a title company that will move their downtown operations to American Legion. The other large business is Pioneer. Neither of these is "new" business. In addition, Black Hawk customs closed on American Legion and now there is yet another gym in town. Ford/Dodge/Jeep, etc. was already here but COMBINED their 3 locations into 1. You call that growth? That all existed prior.

    As far as the school numbers go, I think you missed the point. The point was that the numbers just do not change as much as what is claimed in (approximately) 30 days. You will believe as you do and I as I do.

    This debate really has run its course as stated. You will not change my mind and I will not change yours. Just vote and that will make the best point that you can make.

    It has been fun and I am a much more educated "no" vote than I was 30 days or so ago. Thanks to all the people that researched things and got the word out. Do not forget to vote on April 29 from 8 AM until 8 PM at any school. Every vote will count on this one!

    I am done with this debate and ready to move on to the next thing. See everyone at the polls!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 11:45 AM
  • To answer yes I do call that growth because they are expanding their origional business, look at all the money the car dealership put into thier new building, if they didn't think it would be worth the money they wouldn't have moved same with the other business relocating, and you forgot to mention the new businesses that I mentioned, they are new to the community.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 11:55 AM
  • Regarding McKenna High School, it is still in the district according to their office. It is a charter school and they have a location in Mtn. Home and they also do online courses. Their phone number is 580-2449, option 1. They can also be reached in Boise at 331-0380 (online section). They have enrollment there every 3 weeks and are accepting new students. Shirley, in their office will call me back with more info. So, it is still an option in our area. It is not a school for "bad" kids. It is a CHARTER school. Boise and other areas have many charter schools.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 12:04 PM
  • Small Mind:

    Same business just larger locations consolidated. Not worth the debate with you. Just what Mtn. Home needed...another strip mall for payday/title loans and yet another gym. That is not growth, it is duplication of what we already have just like the 7 Mexican food places in town. Not a single place for a good steak or to buy a nice pair of shoes. If this is progress, things are pretty sad. Not that you will even get what I just said. I am done now.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 12:10 PM
  • talk about a small mind, even though those aren't the businesses you would like here they still supply jobs and pay taxes to this town. I don't think there is any need to call names. I didn't do that to you and I don't appreciate you doing it to me. It just shows how small minded you are that you have to resort to name calling when someone disagrees with you. I am glad you are done we don't need people like you on this site.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 12:24 PM
  • AWWWWWWWW. Still cannot connect actual growth to businesses just consolidating to save money and keep people in 1 place. Les Schwab is doing the same thing as Ford/Jeep, etc. Like I said...you do not get it. It is pure economics not growth. Could have had a hunting store also but the people in charge said no. Imagine that...more gyms and payday loan places. Got to love 1 guys progress and another guys junk. Please!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 12:42 PM
  • I do understand and I agree that it is not the business that we want here but it brought in jobs or are keeping jobs here instead of moving out of town. But even if you take business out there is still new housing that has gone up in the past few years bringing in more children. And again you failed to mention the new business that did come, Maurices, rent to own, the fitness center, the cheese factory. They all brought in jobs from contruction of the building to employees working there.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 12:52 PM
  • So here we go again.

    "Thank you Hannah32 and Mule for some sanity."

    Which infers that if you oppose this bond then you must be somewhat insane, and not a clear thinking individual who has looked at your budget and knows what you can afford.

    "what is the real problem with supporting the school bond? Is it the money? "

    Yes, and the scope of the project.

    "Are the children of Mountain Home not worth it? "

    Oh Gosh, the 'It's for the children' arguement.

    My guess is that it is not the current children of Mountain Home that the planners of this bond proposal are thinking of.

    I'm reminded of the movie 'Field of Dream'. If you build it, they will come. By building a facility that ( by the numbers posted on this blog by the somewhat insane people) is way larger than needed, are the planners of this proposal hoping to create a magnet for future development? Will this development mean more cookie cutter subdivisions, thus the elimination of more of our valued nation's farm land, and our much treasured open spaces?

    " Do any of the school board members benefit directly by passing a bond."

    Good question. Time will tell. Do any of the school board members (or relatives) own land that can be developed into subdivisions?

    Ds_Seester had it right. If you are for the bond, vote yes. If you are opposed, vote no. If the bond fails to garner a super majority, please don't impugn the integrity or sanity of those opposed. If the bond is approved, so be it. We will as a community pony up and pay our fair share.

    But if the bond is approved, we will follow the money.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 5:01 AM

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 1:01 PM
  • What is the cost?

    Richard McKenna Charter High School is a public school funded by state tax dollars. We do require a course material deposit which is refunded once the materials are returned undamaged.

    Are you a public school?

    Yes.

    Richard McKenna Charter High School is a public school funded by state tax dollars.

    Are you accredited?

    Yes.

    Richard McKenna Charter High School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and by the Idaho State Department of Education.

    Info from their web page on the school that is "not" in the district. They take children that are "at risk" however, that means many things and not just that the child has been in trouble. It could mean that the child has had loss in their life, has been or is in therapy, has had trauma, etc. This covers many children in this country.

    FYI, it is a public charter school which means our tax dollars fund this school also.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 1:08 PM
  • small town, I may ultimately disagree with you but you haven't been hostile or petty or snide and you have made some good points worth thinking about. Good debate. Hope you stay in Mtn. Home a long time.

    DS Seester and others, you are so right: the debate is down to repeating the same things over and over again. Let's vote and get on with things. We need to get the polls on the 29th.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 1:37 PM
  • Thank you Senior Lady, we are actually going to retire here. I have tried not to be rude even if I don't agree. I am just trying to bring a point of view that make people think

    I have had to rethink some of my thoughts but in the long run I still think it is for the best. I guess only time will tell

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 1:58 PM
  • I love how everyone says they are tired of discussing the bond and that we should stop talking about it. Then, type long entries on why we shouldn't pass it. Funny.

    -- Posted by mule on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 3:56 PM
  • *

    Just remember, 90% of statistics can be made to say whatever you want 50% of the time. Just food for thought. See everyone at the polls and remind everyone you know to vote.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 10:17 PM
  • *

    I just saw the same commercial, how true if done with bias....

    All stats aside, I just have to ask, what would happen if Elmore County's largest employer packed up and left. Thats right folks Mountain Home Air Force Base hasn't been keep off the BRAC. It took a small hit compared to other bases this past round, but how lucky can we be on the next round.... Yea go ahead and say, well they are getting a new gate, new housing.... remember one thing these contracts are usually in the works 5 years out. I have studied the history of the BRAC, many bases have had newly completed contracts such as BX's and Commissaries finished just just before the BRAC listed them as closure bases.

    We have no warrenty on the base once this bond passes. That is what frightens me. A minor change within the county's largest employer could ruin this county.

    I watch the markets and my pocketbook closely, if this bond goes through I hope the school district does the same....

    -- Posted by workingbee on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 10:43 PM
  • *

    Working Bee, I dont know how long you have been a part of this community and its great that you have studied the BRAC, however, in the 23 years I have called Mountain Home my home our base has been threatend more than once or twice about being closed down. This town is sustainable and viable and not just because of the base. Yes, it would take some time to bounce back but we would. Marathon is expanding which means more jobs, other opportunities are coming this way as well. I too have watched other bases get all the new bells and whistles only to end up closed down ghost towns. The reality is that if this base were to be closed we as a community would have to work together to keep going, to find other resources, to remain viable. I have never said I was for this bond, but I will say this, no matter how we look at it this town needs improvements to our schools, exercise your right to vote, put your money where your mouth is on the 29th, then we can all meet back here for the next 4 years and debate why it should or should not have passed.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Tue, Apr 22, 2008, at 11:30 PM
  • Several things have amazed me today.

    First, out of all the Letters to the Editor that were printed, they are all "pro" bond with all of the reasons why this bond will be so great for all of us. The Editor of this paper even wrote his "pro" bond thoughts for all to see. Where are the letters from the "anti" folks? I brought one in yet it did not make it into the paper and I am pretty sure I was not alone (not the only so called "anti"). Interesting to say the least. It should have at least been a level playing field on the eve of voting.

    Teachers and City Council members have sent letters in. Elmore County Commissioners are not supposed to voice their opinions on issues so, why can the City Council do it? The "rules" I guess are only "rules" when it is convenient for those involved. Further, is the "Reynolds" person that wrote the letter this week related to the "Reynolds" that is on the school board? Hmmmmm. Now add to it that we will vote at the schools. This is a little biased. Makes for a great appeal on policy/procedure.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 11:42 AM
    Response by Kelly Everitt:
    After ten weeks of running anti-bond letters we finally got some pro-bond (one of which didn't make it for space reasons), but I didn't receive, in time to make this edition, any anti-bond letter for this issue. Frankly, I think the opponents got plenty of coverage and will probably prevail as a result.
  • 10 weeks of "anti-bond" letters? That is an interesting take on the events.

    I guess that is how you manage and edit.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 12:06 PM
  • Workingbee:

    The people that run this town do not think about how things will be paid for in the "future". This is why tax dollars were not put aside to upgrade the schools. One would think that there would have been (some but maybe not a lot) money set aside for this. Nope. Cannot even replace the roof at the high school without making it part of a HUGE bond. Nobody can even really say where all the money has gone over the years. They are counting on a huge popultaion increase to help pay for this and it may never come because they do nothing to improve the services of the town. The strip mall by WalMart and businesses that go from one place to another are "progress" to these people. Downtown will look as it does now in 10 years and there will still be no place nice to eat (without a 40-45 minute ride). We will also still dodge the pot holes up and down 18th year after year. Pretty sad and that is progress!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 12:22 PM
  • Check out the archives at the electronic edition; out of curiosity I went back about ten weeks and there was a letter about the bond. A couple of weeks or so were without any, and then in recent weeks there were more, most against the bond.

    I still intend to vote No and WHICH EVER way it turnes out, I'm sure I and the other folks who have indicated they will do likewise are going to take a beating in the blogs and in the paper, too. I don't like that prospect much.

    But reasonable people on either side of the issue must work together in this town and not resort to further vilification such as we have received so far.

    Hopefully, the planners will cut back the proposal more so that next time the schools get what they need, and maybe that's not all what they want, but it is necessary to do that. They must be absolutely exhausted, but it's got to be done.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 8:06 PM
  • So, the Editor of this fine rag also has a gift. He also has an abilty to misrepresent the facts and twist things to make a point. Well done. I guess you did not think that anybody would look into your 10 week comment. I thought the first rule of journalism is to check your facts. Guess you missed that class. Do you also work for the school district? Honesty and integrity are lacking at the moment.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 8:50 PM
  • *

    Thank you Elmore Horse Lady, I am glad to see that at least person understands that Les Schwab moving from one location to another is not growth, is expansion. The retail jobs are not top paying occupations. The population of Elmore county has not bounced back from the high in 2003, why because the BRAC on the last go around made the decision to change the task of the base. What happens in this next presidental election will have an effect on Mountain Home Air Force Base, no matter if we believe it or not. Budgets HAVE to be adjusted. I personally know the only reason that Marathon Cheese is in Mountain Home is directly through the efforts of the prior mayor Joe McNeal. He went over and above to get this facility in our community and bring manufacturing jobs to the community. Mountain Home can not continue to think that it is immune from BRAC. Within the last two years the base has been downsized, sure we have the best air space in the nation, but that is not a guarentee no change in the future......whether it be 5 years to 10 years. Look at the history more than 350 installations have been closed in four BRAC rounds: 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1995. The most recent round of BRAC completed in the fall of 2005 and with the commission's recommendations became law in November of 2005. What will the next president sign, we don't know, am I willing to risk it, No I am not. Recently a potato plant in Glenns Ferry closed, what was that about 115 jobs, equaled the loss of Micron closing in Boise...........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 10:16 PM
  • Whoa. Oh, No. That thing with the archives on my part really backfired. The last thing this situation needs is fuel for the fire.

    I was curious about the archives, having only recently "mastered" getting into the electronic edition myself, and very proud that this computer-illiterate old woman figured something out. I did indeed find an anti-bond letter ten weeks ago, as my earlier post said, and there were many more anti-bond letters since (including my own). So, okay, the paper of the week or so after the first didn't have any, but, come on...

    Please, we need to calm down. Of course a business moving does not equal a new business, but can't we just do without the negative nit-picking?

    One of the things that disappointed me in this whole thing was the attitude of many pro-bond supporters. I'm so sad that we are starting to become so negative too. I know from previous postings that most of us haven't given in to that sort of thing; so why now?

    We've had our say, and rightly so. So we all go to the polls on the 29th and put our beliefs into action. (I will vote No.)

    And we will deal with what comes after, hopefully with grace on all sides.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 11:31 PM
  • BTW, has anyone else noticed that the speed limit just past the Les Schwab going east on S. 3rd W. has been reduced from a 35 mph zone to a 25 mph zone?

    I don't mind, but it would have been nice to get a heads-up notice.

    -- Posted by Beau on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:14 AM
  • *

    Beau thank you for the heads up on the speed limit change!! AND the change of subject!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 6:21 AM
  • Boy talk about taking a beating on saying the expansian of a business is progress for the town and I still think it is and this is why, if they weren't getting the added business and making money in this town they would either leave town or stay where they are. Since they decided to not only stay here but expand their business shows that they are getting enough income from customers to warrent the expansion. With an expansion and improved business means more people working or at least the employess they have will continue to have a job. Please forgive me for even suggesting that business staying and expanding is good for this community.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 9:55 AM
  • Can you tell me, please what the capital letters stand for? I'm pretty sure they're short cuts for phrases on blogs...where do I find out what they are? I'm relatively new to this.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 10:35 AM
  • They are for emphasis. Generally, if someone writes a lot in caps then it is regarded as yelling.

    -- Posted by mule on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 10:51 AM
  • I am glad that someone else is able to understand me. For a minute I thought that I was speaking in another language. The BRAC issue is very real because this town is building up so much near the Base that they could FORCE the Base out. Many think that because they are spending millions on the gate and the houses that the Base will not close. This is not true. It is an example of our tax dollars at work (not personal funds) and the Government does well with the waste of our money.

    As far as new business in town, the Auto Ranch relocating and LesSchwab relocating is NOT growth. They have combined multiple locations into 1. As far as the businesses in the new strip mall, you cannot live on what they pay alone so it is really not progress either. Marathon Cheese is here because of the tax breaks they were given not because they thought Mountain Home would be a great place to do business and live. We brought them here and footed the bill for bringing them in and cut the property taxes on that property to have them here. That is progress for Government welfare.

    I am glad that somebody understands some of this. Progress would be a WinCo, Home Depot/Lowes and/or a TGI Fridays. Progress would also be not having to dodge the pot holes all over town or a stop light at 18th and American Legion and out by the vet clinic on Air Base Road. That would be progress!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 11:50 AM
  • BTW= By the way

    lol/LOL= Laugh out loud

    b/c= because

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 11:53 AM
  • Okay, that makes sense...I thought that b/c of the context once that b/c meant "because" (see, I'm learning). Where I went really wrong, I guess, is I thought LOL might be "lots of love."

    So, thanks. Are there any more?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 12:03 PM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    Perhaps LOL should mean "Lots of Love"
  • *

    The use of all cap's can have different meanings to some, just a word in a sentence can be to emphasis something, some don't like using the shift key for their caps, and the people that use all caps most of the time don't understand it makes it hard to read their message, We all have a different reason for using them but each to their own

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 12:16 PM
  • CHECK OUT the Mountain Home Church of the Nazarene website. I was told, last time I got some stats, they were going to update it to inform the public of the new church.

    Once you get to the website, click on 'RESOURCES' and then 'NEW BUILDING FAQ'S.'

    A 450 seat audotorium that THE PUBLIC CAN USE. 8 acres of fields THAT THE PUBLIC CAN USE. A lot of extra classrooms and meeting rooms THAT THE PUBLIC CAN USE. All for the amazing price of.......2.1 million!!! A miracle and a bargain besides.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:05 PM
  • Of course the Cheese Factory came because of the tax breaks, but I am sure we are not the only small town who tried to get them here, but they came and supplied jobs to this town. I keep saying that I agree with you that we need more in this town and those business you suggested would be great to have it would save alot of trips to Boise but how are we going to get them here. It all starts with making improvements to this town, such as fixing the pot holes like you said, and updateing the look of this town. Taking pride in where we live, it also even though a lot will diagree it is having the facilities to draw the big business here. Believe it or not a new school would help in doing that. Businesses will look at the housing, schools, and what there is around the town. But all this really is'nt the point, the point is to build a 4 year high school for the population already here. Even if we don't get the big population boom there are enough kids in this town now who will profit from a four year school.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:10 PM
  • Here is the info on the church. Thanks Froggy for the great info!

    1. What type of facility are you building?

    Our building will be a phase-one 20,000+ square foot multi-use community center with an initial 450-seat auditorium/worship center, a large foyer/gathering space, and several meeting rooms of various sizes and for various age groups. See the floor plan design below for more details.

    We also have 8 acres of green space at the back of the property that will be available to the city and community, as well, for recreational space.

    2. Will it be open to the community?

    We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. Areas of our building will be open to groups outside the church to reserve and use at no charge as they are available. We will accept donations from groups who use the facility, but those donations will be based upon the group's desire and ability. This facility will be available for community use as soon as we open the doors.

    3. Where is the new site located?

    It is on the NE corner of 18th E and 12th S--see the map below.

    4. What is the project going to cost?

    The total current projected cost for this facility is 2.1 million dollars. The building is designed with large open areas and flexible space in order to keep the cost to a minimal level (below $100/sq. ft).

    We intend to pay for this expense through three means: the sale of our current facility, donations from individuals and church members, and mortgaging the remainder, with a plan to pay off the mortgage within three years of occupancy. Our goal is to raise at least a third ($700,000) through donations.

    5. When will the project be done?

    Our goal is to break ground in 2008, but it is dependent upon our ability to reach our goals in those three means of funding.

    6. What can I do to help?

    We would be grateful for any contribution you can make; including praying for us. If you would like to donate funds, you can do so by contacting our church office listed below. All contributions are tax-deductible.

    If you have any other questions,

    feel free to get in touch with us below:

    Contact us:

    208.587.3093

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:20 PM
  • Are the kids suppose to move everything over when they need to practice or perform. If that is the idea how do they get all the equipment there. I think it is great that there are going to be more options availbable for this town to use. The extra meeting rooms and stage will mean that we can have less scheduling conglicts but I don't see how this will help the overcrowding and updating of equipment at the schools.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:29 PM
  • My posting the church info had nothing to do with the school bond.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:42 PM
  • Besides, with things as "crowded" as they are and class space being "shared" the way they are, the kids are used to this. Right? They have to move things around daily anyway to practice, etc. I am sure they would just be happy to have a stage and a nice, new place to practice/perform.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:48 PM
  • Then I am sorry, I think it is great that the are doing that, I do have one question on the school bond for the ones against it. I am not trying to be argumentative with this question but it is something I really want to know and it might just make me change my vote. One of the points being made by the ones opposed to this bond is that the school is relying on a population boom that may not happen. My question is what if it does, what will happen if we do have a population boom, the school is drastically more croweded, the economy isn't much better and the school tries to pass another bond for a larger amount. I know we are playing the if game but I am serious with this question. We all know that anything can happen, this town could take off and a lot more people come or not. If it does what do you think should happen then. Would you vote yes for a bond at that time even at a higher price, and lets say they take out the stage area.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 2:54 PM
  • Arby's owner buying Wendy's for $2.34 billion stock deal .... in case anyone cares.....

    -- Posted by just1 on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 3:06 PM
  • IF there was a population boom, there would be many other people to help foot the bill for this bond and help to spread out the debt a bit more. That would indeed help matters as far as the citizens that are on the fixed incomes, etc. This plan needs to be reworked some. Why be in such a hurry with $37 million at stake? I would rather pay a bit more later than pay a lot now and have to do this again because something was NOT done right or up to "standards." If you think we (the "anti") are hard to convince this time that this is a good thing as it stands---try to do it again to fix the "mistakes" in this plan a few years down the road. That will be a fight for sure. Really, what is the harm in waiting a few months and working the wrinkles out of this plan so that it is something that most everyone will take pride in and be HAPPY to vote for? The past is the past but if the district thinks that this is the way to keep the tax payers happy with them, they are wrong---VERY wrong and the next time they need money it will be even harder.

    I would vote for the plan, without hesitation, IF the information provided was different however, it is what it is. I am done with this debate and I am ready to vote. There is your response.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 3:31 PM
  • Let us hope that Arby's and Wendy's will be fair with their prices when they are joined...unlike the airlines and the beloved gas people. Nothing like the taste of a $9.00 burger!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 3:35 PM
  • thank you for the response but it didn't really help me. My question and maybe I worded it wrong,is if there is a population boom like the town in planning for in the next couple of years and we don't have a big enough school to put them in where do we put the kids. Hacker is already almost to capacity and it will take an estimated 3 years to complete a new school. I am not trying to debate I am trying to get information so I can make the right decision. I am still not convinced that this is a bad thing to do now. Mainly because of the time it will take to complete the project. I am afraid if we wait the cost of building could go up alot and even with new people in town our taxes will go up just as high as now. Your suggestion of waiting a few months I don't think will work because the same argument of population and economy will still be there. If it doesn't pass now it will most likely be at least a year or longer before it comes back up. Look how the price of contruction went up in just a few months.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 4:32 PM
  • Okay. Let me restate what I tried to say. "IF" there is a population boom such as the one you have indicated, this school, as proposed now, will not be done anyway. Why not take the next few months to go over the plan and make darn sure that we have it right as opposed to attempting to correct errors/problems while the school is being built. Errors/problems = money. If we are asked (or demand is made) to pay MORE than this 37 million because of problems/errors or things not being to "standards" the tax payers are really going to be angry. Why not wait a few months, get more citizen input (and not just from the panel of previous people)and really get this thing right!

    We are in a recession now. The chance of a population boom in the next 90 days is slim to none. Come up with a really good plan now, that most can live with, and it will SAVE money in the end. I would rather pay a little more now than a lot later to fix what has been done in a hurry. If the district messes this up and has to ask for more money down the road, the voters/tax payers are really going to be upset. Waiting and doing it right the first (or second time as it may be) will SAVE money in the end. Going back to the drawing board on this will also show good faith on the part of the district to the tax payers and maybe we would be more willing to VOTE YES without the hard feelings. The district has taken the attitude that they have the "YES" vote in the bag and they do not need to compromise. Well, this bond MAY pass but down the road they will have to ask for more money from US. From a PR standpoint, they have not shown us that they really care what WE think and that is not a good picture to paint. Haste makes waste and this plan can still be improved. If I am going to vote "YES" then I want the best bang for my buck. I do NOT want to go down this road for a third time because this was NOT thought out.

    Once again, I would rather pay a little more to get it right...FOR THE KIDS than have to correct the problem/problems after the fact. Would you rather hurry and make mistakes or slow it down a bit and get it right? I would prefer to get it right and spend less in the long run.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:31 PM
  • *

    Now I have seen it all, wait until we have a population boom to seek the bond and build! Let the newcomers help foot the bill.....great plan Opinion Missy but please answer this....when that population boom happens and there is no where to put those new students until a bond can be passed and the schools revamped, what do we do, turn them away?? The school buildings, just as every other building have fire codes and capacity limits, so, should the new town slogan or motto read "Welcome to Mountain Home, please deposit $1728 to the school district to pay for a space for your child in a school building for the next 12 years, we will notify you when his/her space becomes available!" (note, that figure came from $12 per month for 12 years of schooling) Wait until the population increases, that cracks me up!

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:32 PM
  • *

    Just can't let it go by, population boom coming soon I don't think so. 37 million for a large upgrade to the school don't think so on that either, Has anyone noticed the price of contruction is on a downward trent due to the ecomony and that is not coming back over night either I am sure the people that going to bid the work are watching all this so when someone gets the bid they know they will be able to make their larger profit on the job and thats why they in the business of contruction. I wonder where the contractor will come from in State or out of State and where will the work force come from bet it not be here. Just look at the Capital upgrade they had to change the law for that to be done. I also see that the School District applied to the City Counsel for a permit waver but don't know if that was approved. Until the bond is passsed and it goes out for bid we don't even know what the job will cost it could be less in a year instead of more but only my opinion I not going to debate this anymore to late for that Tue will tell the outcome and what is going to happen so get out an vote your opinion. I think the District thinks they have it in the bag cause they missed by 73 votes last fall but been alot of talk this go around so have to see how everyone votes and see if they all back their opinion or was all just talk. VOTE

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:49 PM
  • Opinion Missy, one more question and then I won't ask you anything more. I few months ago when the bond was voted down did you go to the school board then and ask to be put on the commitee, they have waited a few months and the pice had gone up. The people on the committee feel this is the best plan for the area and if you change the committee it will take a lot longer than 90 days to come up with a new plan and even if they do it will never please everyone. So in 90 days from now when not everyone agrees what should they do wait another 90 days so they can change it again. In the mean time the price goes up and still not everyone will agree with it.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:52 PM
  • DS:

    So we will welcome ALL of these people that are going to move here with increased taxes after they buy and still, according to the district, no room for their kids! That is a great plan. Let us just hurry up and build this school and worry about what is wrong with the plan 1/2 way through it. That is a great idea and why we are in the place that we are today.

    This building boom that is going on in your head I guess did not take into account the recession or job losses. Further, IF we do have a population boom, as far as the district is concerned, there is ALREADY no place for the kids. What is 2-3 months really going to matter as far as the big picture? Give me a break. Being in this big hurry is what will hurt us in the end. It is a plan to fail.

    We say this is "for the kids" but that is not really what this is all about at all. Go figure.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:53 PM
  • Small Town:

    I gave you my answer. I am done with the debate and I am ready to vote based on the information provided. I will not change your mind and you will not change mine.

    Do not forget to vote on April 29, 2008 from 8A-8P at the schools. Every vote will count on this one! It has been fun...

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:58 PM
  • Well stated Eagle eye. See you at the polls.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 5:59 PM
  • you keep saying fix what is wrong with the plan but except for the gym which we have to have and the stage area what is wrong with the plan, you also state that 37 million is to much and then you turn around and say you would pay more for the right plan, I am assuming the right plan is one that has only the things you think are needed not what the faculty that work there think is needed, that would be like me going to your place of employment without knowing what you need and giving you only what I think you need.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 6:05 PM
  • Since you didn't answer it must mean that no you didn't go and try to be on the commitee but you can critize what they did.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 6:09 PM
  • You know what they say about "assuming." Point made on doing too (or is that to or two) much of that.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 7:51 PM
  • WTH Smalltown - have you even read any of the previous posts?? And though I can't speak for the Missy, I think her Opinion lies in this area sort of:

    1. State code does NOT say we need a 5 court gym to function. What the school board is asking for is a tournament gym - an expensive extravagence. Tournaments will still be held (elsewhere) so the kids won't suffer from 'lack of a good education.' MY idea (take it w/a grain of salt because I'm not an expert) build the bottom half of the gym. Leave out the upper 'mezzanine' level with the indoor running track. Plus there will be a Rec Center that can be used by the public as well, so that should alleviate gym useage by the public at the school.

    2. We do not NEED a 'cardio room.' Cardio equipment is expensive and breaks. We have fairly cheap cardio excercises already. It's called running laps on the outside track or in the gym. I think that the $$$ for this, the 'tournament gym' and the $93,000.00 indoor track could be better used for some of the hospital equipment they need there, as far as my tax dollars go.

    3. Wrestlers do not NEED their own mat room. They can roll up the mats when not in use, so the area can be used for other sports. That what we used to do. The mat room can be in the old gym (which would need some renovations, but I think could be salvaged for some sport use, esp since it appears they were planning to use it for something.)

    4. Band & Choir can share space in a room.

    5. Not sure on the auditorium. Need more info here, esp w/the Nazarene Church having a 450 seat auditorium which they have offered to share.

    6. I don't think ANYONE in this blog has disagreed with the amount of academic class rooms. I think the majority are ok w/that.

    7. Unsure about the Votech stuff. Need more info. For a school of 1100 do we need welding, shop, cabinetry, media arts, etc. Yeah, they should have some, but all of this???

    8. Don't think we need a field house either. Or 6 tennis courts - nobody will be able to use those during the day except students. Better to put those at the rec center.

    9. Gas is going up. Idaho Power will be asking for another fee hike. Postage Stamps up, AGAIN. Food has gone up 10-30 % in the last year. Taxes everywhere are going up. For how long did we pay a 3% tax, and the all of a sudden we are up to 6%. Fees are increasing EVERYWHERE, even here (library, registration fees, cemetary fees - but you might beat those and bury your dead ones in the back yard, which could save some $$$). Micron has closed. The processing plant in Glenns Ferry closed. The housing market has all but stopped. Home loans are down about 13%?? We still have to address the hospital's bond. Internationally things are really getting weird. Haiti folks are eating mud pies. South America is putting a stop to exporting rice, as are some other countries.

    I am not anti-education at all, but the school needs to quitting ******* on us & calling it rain. I think there are more important things to spend dollars on right now than cardio rooms and field houses. We need to look at the community as a whole and budget our money accordingly. And we need to look at what we truely can afford esp with this bleak finacial future we are probably facing or in already.

    10. And since it is Earth Week, may I suggest leaving out the indoor track for 'pennies' and use those pennies and some gov't grant money to put some solar panels on the roof and save tax payers money.

    I agree with Eagle Eye - go vote.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 1:16 AM
  • ETA: Maybe the school bond committee should have met with other agencies to see what could be shared as a whole community. From what I understand, they weren't interested.

    Probably wouldn't hurt them to do what Kuna did either instead of "decide, announce, and defend".

    And I don't know about you, but I think McMurtrey shoved a fat foot in his mouth saying the indoor track will cost just pennies. That raises serious concerns for me. In my book $93,000.00 is still a LOT of money and could benefit this community in better ways then an indoor track. And making it sound like we need a upper and lower gym to meet state regs. Pffft. I could go on & on. No wonder I think he's ******* on us and calling it rain. If this school bond doesn't pass, he may want to shut his mouth a minute and listen.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 1:31 AM
  • 2nd ETA: Maybe the board needs to go talk to the Nazarene Church. Appears they got ALL that land and building this NEW church for 2.1 million, not just an add-on.

    And don't forget, the rec center toned down their budget from 10 million - 5 million.

    37.5 million is a LOT of money for a school addition.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 1:37 AM
  • *

    Froggy, I agree with just about everything in your post earlier this evening, you made some really good and important points on the type of work out equipment we need and track etc. What concerns me is no one seems to be answering the question of why we need so much of the Votech stuff and so I want to share my opinion on that and on the choir/band sharing space.

    Votech classes are not just easy pass elective classes, they are often how some students are able to find a job after high school. Have you ever sat in a parent teacher conference and been told that your child is considered "not diploma bound", Votech type classes give students in that catagory a place to find themselves, a place to succeed and a place to get ahead for their future. Not all students are college bound unfortunatly. It would truly be a shame to do away with or cut back in that area.

    Choir and band sharing space....those classes can and often do run at the same time, so therefor how can you have a choir practicing a piece of music while the band is playing and vice versa? Just as a football field is an integral part of a football practice/game, a proper band set up in a classroom or risers for a choir are just as important. Those rooms are generally set up so that each musician or singer can see the director and the director can see all of the students and the accompanist. Performing Arts are important in a school and as equally important to the students seeking scholarships to pursue their futures in that field as the athletes who are going to college with hopes of their own careers.

    There is a need for more classrooms, more books and educational materials and what there is even a greater need for is a solid strong education for tomorrows future adults.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 1:51 AM
  • I don't understand why the indoor track and auditorium is such a big thing. It seems for a lot of people that is the deal breaker in this bond. When they stated it was only pennies I don't think they were talking about the cost of building they were talking about the cost of it in your taxes, if they take those out you taxes may go down but it won't go down anymore than a dolloar or so. I am also pretty sure if they take it out then the rec center will put it back in. The size of the gym is also a big thing. They are wanting a gym big enough to hold the big tournaments so we can host some and not have our kids always going to the other schools. By hosting them ourselves you will have the other schools coming here. All the people coming will be eating in our restaurants and if the tournaments are long enough staying in our hotels therfore helping our towns economy, instead of us going and helping others. I just think the good of this bond outweighs any bad.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:09 AM
  • DS

    That helps on the VoTech issue and thanks for helping me out there. I guess, for a school of 1100, there seems to be a lot of votech classes, which is good, but can it be budgeted better??

    Honestly, though, I would like more information to see if we can streamline this area as well. You see, I have a hard time believing the school district. But I do agree with you in theory.

    As far as band and choir - perhaps. I dont' honestly know how many students are enrolled in this. But I can tell you, I went to a larger school than this.

    We had a band, choir & orchestra. One room seemed to work fine. Esp since ALL the band practiced at once. ALL the choir practiced at once. ALL the orchestra practiced at once. So that left 3 more hours in the day when the room wasn't even used. So I'm not figuring out how we need 2 rooms. Do they give private lessons or something? Or does clarinet not want to share a room w/trumpet? I still think w/one room, we can meet the musical needs to still have a choir, band & orchestra. They each can meet once a day for practice and still have a class periods to spare for extra??? No??

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:19 AM
  • *

    Froggy:

    On the Votech point, I understand your question of streamlining it and I think my answer on that would be that the students have to pay fees for those classes, as they do for other ones as well. The more we cut back, the more it hits the parents pockets.

    Now before anyone jumps on that comment, yes, the bond hits our pockets, school fees are crazy too, so there are those families who will for 2-6 years get a double whammy, or more depending on how many kids they put through the district.

    Choir/Band....I went to a high school that had a senior graduating class of over 700. We had 2 rooms, one for band and one for vocals. There was not one class period open for either room, all were used. Tough call, ya know. The clarinet and the trumpet will share a room however not a section (ask someone from band).

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:29 AM
  • *

    Correction on the double whammy:

    I was referring to the 2-6 years of Jr and Sr High School that students pay the band fees, sports fees, class fees etc. Not the school supplies incurred in the lower grades.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:32 AM
  • I went to a school with a graduating class of over 400 we had two rooms for band and choir, when I graduated 25 years ago we had a marching band, jazz band, and orchestra, they gave lessons in the room for each section and then had a class for the whole band. For choir we had jazz choir and performing choir, again we had voice lessons and then choir practice. I think if they continue to share a room they could do it but they would have to make the room much bigger than they have now. So why not take that big room put a wall down the middle making it two rooms. You are talking about a cost of one wall to separate them. Our auditoriom was used for speech class, debate club, drama club, school assemblies, town meetings, all district choir concerts. Town performing arts, and many other activites. To me a frill in the plan would be something that is not going to be used, there is nothing in this plan that is not going to be used. Even extra classrooms will be used they may not have a designated purpose right now but they will have classes in them because there are some classes that have to share now.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 9:21 AM
  • As a long time member of the Nazarene church I would like to address opinionmissy and froggy,

    It's nice that you could paste the information from the web site here for everyone. And while missy claims her info had nothing to do with the school bond, froggy is making an issue of it. If you are attempting to state in any way that the district and the church could work out similar plans for their buildings ("Maybe the board needs to go talk to the Nazarene Church. Appears they got ALL that land and building this NEW church for 2.1 million, not just an add-on.") you are comparing apples and oranges. Perhaps you should speak to a builder and ask them about "free space" and the price of that "free space."

    There are phases to the Nazarene building, "Our building will be a phase-one 20,000+ square foot…" Phase 1 is not on projected growth, but Phase 2 is on projected growth. Projecting growth in a church and projecting growth in a school are two different formulas.

    One more point, 2.1 million is a PROJECTED amount for phase 1. While we would love to build all phases for that amount the probability is not there. Looking back we know that this project should have been done 10 years ago and our cost would have been less…the cost if everything increases. This amount is ONLY for the land and the building it does not include anything but the land and structure. Please remember this.

    Again the whole issue is oranges and apples. I want people to understand the information from the Nazarene church and the school district, not compare it. The building will be open to the community and we would love for the community to use it. But comparing it to what the school district needs is unfair.

    If you need more information there is a meeting Sunday evening at 6:00 at the Nazarene Church, we would love to see you there!

    -- Posted by g4kdz on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 11:18 AM
  • *

    Can anyone tell me what be wrong with me being able to see all the comments, When I post a comment the only option I have is to preview your comment box, once I click that it is posted then I have to save it. When I try to view all comments the second page goes straight to my last comments and all those from when I posted the last comment most of them are not there, if I don't read a comment shortly after it is posted and try to see it by going to view all comments and they just gone. I think when I started on this the box below the comments said post your comment but that doesn't show up anymore, Thanks

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 11:26 AM
  • Froggy,

    Before you start spouting off you need to get your facts straight.

    First off the indoor track is $33,000.00, not $93,000.00. If you want it gone then congrats on saving .0125 cents (yes that is just over 1 penny, or in other terms pennies)on your monthly taxes. In my opinion paying less than 2 cents so the PE classes can be able to to run out of the wind, rain, and snow is worth it.

    The field house and tennis courts are ADD Alternates which means they will only get to be built if there is left over money which in my opinion there will not be.

    If you have ever been to the football field, you will notice that there are no permanent bathroom facilities. The district pays each month to have porta potties out there. This is a cost that would greatly diminish with a field house.

    Wrestling having their own room makes sense. They do not need to be rolling up the mats every day it is impractical in this day an age. With all the disenfecting that needs to be done to prevent skin diseases it only makes sense, plus the current wrestling room that we have is in use from October to May with High School wrestling, and all the youth programs. So other groups using the space is not practical.

    The cardio room is just part of the weight room and should be looked at no differently, if there is not money for buying the equipment they won't buy the equipment. If they do buy the machines they have to buy comercial machines (not your Wal-mart brand). These machines come with a 5 year warranty. With a cardio room there can be more PE classes available to the student.

    People might think there is only one band or choir class, but there are many different classes:

    Band 1, Band 2, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble.

    Concert Choir, Jazz Choir, Acapella Choir

    As you can see, sharing a room is not beneficial or practical for student development.

    Vo-tech is needed, it is a great program and the best I have seen at any school. The Bond is asking to expand this great program to allow more students to be involved, and more space to eliminate safety concerns simple as that.

    People might not agree on the competition gym, but as of right now we can not hold district tournaments there because we do not have the necessary seating. District tournaments bring in lots of money for Activities (notice I said activities not athletics). The gym might seem extravagent to some people but I can assure you it is just like 90% of all 5A and 4A gyms across the state. Thier students don't have to wrangle for gym space. There is just so many activites going on at the school that the needed courts/space is justified.

    We have the second worst facitlities for our activities in our conference-only Emmett has worse. It has passed sad and jumped to comical.

    The Auditorium is the main reason I am voting for this Bond. The benefits of having one have been stated many times on this board.

    The high school should be the beacon of the community, and our children deserve this.

    This is a great community! The support for all the programs at the high school has always been there, and I thank all that have donated money and time to keep these programs going.

    Froggy vote no on the Bond if you want, but stay away from exagerating and scare tactics; leave that to Hillary Clinton.

    Brian Floyd

    High School Teacher

    Head Football Coach

    Mountain Home High School

    -- Posted by Brian Floyd on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 11:38 AM
  • I was able to refer back to a previous blog once, in the middle of responding to one, but now have forgotten how I did that.

    But after I'm through with previewing any of my blogs, and have clicked on "Save comment," it seems as if I have to actually click on the newspaper's "Home" button before my blog comes up.

    Sometimes when I first log on to the paper, I need to click on "Home" and then "View all comments" to actually see the latest blogs.

    Any computer folks out there that can help us out?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 12:12 PM
  • *

    Thanks Senior Lady, but I think I figured it out looks like I need to be logged in first then leave the site and come back still logged in and then click on view all comments and they come up so guess it just one of those things puter going to do what it wants to first lol

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 12:24 PM
  • Froggy,

    To answer you question I do read all the blogs and as stated in those blogs a tournament gym is not an extravagence it is a need for our athletic department to be able to compete at the level of other schools in their divsion. A cardio room is something they already have it is just being moved to the new location along with the wrestling room. Why should our students have to travel all the time to compete. Why not bring other schools here, bringing other schools will help this town because they are normally all day events those people will need to eat somewhere and if it a weekend tournamnt they will need a place to stay. By sending our kids to the other schools all the time think of all your tax money going to supplying the buses to transport and the amount of gas money,not to mention paying the bus drivers to take them, lodging expenses ect. I would rather put that money into building a gym here that the community can use.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 1:45 PM
  • *

    Mr Floyd, I was even going to comment on your remarks but have to, looks like you jumped without your facts together also. The District first put out that he upper gym would cost $95,000 which is only pennies per them, then now they have it on their site as $30,000 and you quote it is $33,000 so now who is telling the truth on what the costs are on any of the bond, and I surely hope you treat your students better than you do people that make their comments on here

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 3:40 PM
  • Eagle eye

    It is in the low 30's. Never did they say near 100,000 that I know of.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 4:07 PM
  • *

    Mule:

    Wasn't trying to walk on your toes but when a teacher thinks they have all the facts and they post it to tell someone else they need to get their facts together best not to live in a glass house. I doubt if anyone knows what the real cost of the indoor track, that would take a line item bid which I hope we not doing that it costs alot more to do them. For you that don't know line item bids deal in this case with each room and what goes in it materials and labor. I can't see where the price can be cut on the project nickel and dime stuff won't do it but I also believe it doesn't take 37 million to do it either and haven't seen anything that brings it up to 37 million. All we have seen is since last fall we being told the price tag went from 34 million to 37 million by the higher costs of contruction and haven't seen where that can be back up here with the ecomony the way it is

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 4:52 PM
  • This is where the figure came from for the indoor track (more "facts" from Mule):

    "DON'T ANYONE QUOTE ME AND START TELLING EVERYONE THAT IT IS THE TRUTH. I heard that the track is about $90,000-$95,000. So, when figured in to the $37 million it would be pennies."

    -- Posted by mule on Mon, Mar 31, 2008, at 10:46 PM

    Before Mule provides more "facts"...he may want to check his information. Froggy did NOT make it up or pull it from the sky. When McMurtrey stated 30K for the track he went on to say that HE DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE THE COST!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 5:06 PM
  • "Eagle eye

    It is in the low 30's. Never did they say near 100,000 that I know of."

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 4:07 PM

    Mule:

    Why not just state that you said it and take the beating? Much better for you that Froggy looked like the fool. We need more "honest" folks like you teaching our kids honesty and integrity.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 5:11 PM
  • Mr. Floyd and Mule share a room. They share the same "facts" and teaching ethic. This is a prime example as to why SOME of the kids in this district are the way that they are (do not want to go to school and/or do not care). Teachers like this have eveybody else to blame for THEIR bad attitudes and inabilty to teach. Maybe you should both move to Eagle or Sun Valley where all the new stuff is and the high taxes are.

    Before we worry so much about sports and hosting sporting events we should worry about the kids knowing how to spell, read, do math, etc. We place too much emphasis on sports in this bond. What about EDUCATION? Since this is all about the kids why do we not place more weight on educating these kids? You need to master the basics BEFORE you can play soccer...OR, that is the way that it should be in my mind anyway. How does all of this sporting stuff help little Johnny with math or science?

    Go ahead Mr. Floyd, Mule and Bond Supporter...blow some more smoke up all of our backsides, we are used to it at this point!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 5:57 PM
  • Hmmmm - looks like the school district employees are back to name calling (anti-education, Nazis and now Hilary Clinton) and absolute intolerance to any deviation to the school bond. Disturbing, really.

    But perhaps that's not the intent. The blogsphere recieved a sincere apology for the Nazi comment. Maybe this time, the chap's bloody helmet is on a wee bit tight.

    My bad on the $93,000. I did actually mean to write $30,000, but was multi-tasking - so honestly, it was a typo b/c I wasn't paying attention. But the figure wasn't the main point. My point was I think it's an extravagence. The other point was what I perceived as arrogance with the 'just pennies' remark. I have a bit of an Ayn Rand streak. Remember "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Sounds great, until you have to figure out who decides what NEED is.

    Smalltown, for example, thinks no frills are basically anything a student will use. Well sign me up. I think we should add a raquetball court, a lap pool and a sauna. Students would use them, they are all beneficial and I certainly would use them as a 'public' person. Oh, and add a boxing ring and a few bags.

    A need in my definition is food. Need it to live. A want is steak, lobster and a glass of merlot. So IMO, if we cut Band II, make the wrestler's unroll mats and give up a mezzanine level so we can afford (out of our limited tax pockets) a CAT scan for the hospital, I'm ok with that. I have looked at the old hospital bond proposal. I thought some things could be cut, but there really some things that we NEED to maybe SAVE LIVES at that ghetto clinic we call a county hosptial. (No offense to those that work there, but that place is in need of some help)

    The economy has changed and looks bleak. We do need things for this county. Let's look at all the things we need, not just the school and prioritize. That's all I'm saying. And if you think that adding another room for the choir is more important than adding another bed in the emergency room, or you think perhaps we can afford both, than vote for what you think is most needed.

    And as far as scare tactics--- I am OTFLMAO!! That is precisely what the school did, Mr. Floyd. Making it sound like if we didn't get a four court, 3000 seat, new tournament gym, we weren't meeting state code. Don't even get me started there.

    Look at the rest of the home page. Feel free to click on the links to the national and international news and pull your head out of that school for a minute before you spout off calling names.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 6:28 PM
  • *

    Oh Wow Froggy and Elmorehorselady

    looks like Mr Floyd hit more nerves than mine, if some have only sports on their minds as teachers we are in big trouble plus some attitudes from teachers leave alot to be desired from those that suppose to be teaching the students. It sure looks to me like we have teachers that could care less about anything but what they want and could care less about the public's view on things but thats OK I not your boss if I was some of you would be in the soup line with a pink slip in your hand and wondering how you going to pay for the bond. Now you wanta get sarcasm going I sure can do that also I have tryed to be nice about things to this point but no more when I see the comments from teachers that think they control the public like they do students

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 6:52 PM
  • froggy first of all don't even assume you know what I think. Because your wrong what I said is there is nothing in the bond the kids won't use. Never did I say we should add everything they want. So please don't put words down that I did not say. A lot of the extras that people are talking about is items they already have they just need to be rebuilt in the new school and they are going to update the equipment in those rooms. Why don't we just take that stuff away from them now, such as the weight room, wrestling room. According to some they don't need it so why have it now?

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 6:58 PM
  • Another question, why is it if someone says why we need to accomodate the sports department then they don't care about education. Sports are a big part of every educational system. Not to mention that the sport teams don't let you play if you don't maintain a certain grade point average so the do care about the "education" of these kids. How about all the "facts" about the church that turned out to be wrong. Guess some of you need to check things out a little more closely.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 7:04 PM
  • Smalltown - I have no clue what you think, never claimed I did. I just expanded on YOUR post, using your definition of a frill, in otherwords, not a need: "To me a frill in the plan would be something that is not going to be used, there is nothing in this plan that is not going to be used."

    YOUR POST AGAIN: "How about all the "facts" about the church that turned out to be wrong. Guess some of you need to check things out a little more closely."

    HERE IS A CUT AND PASTE FROM THE NAZARENE CHURCH WEBSITE, which I may add, is what the Missy did originally:

    "1. What type of facility are you building?

    Our building will be a phase-one 20,000+ square foot multi-use community center with an initial 450-seat auditorium/worship center, a large foyer/gathering space, and several meeting rooms of various sizes and for various age groups. See the floor plan design below for more details.

    We also have 8 acres of green space at the back of the property that will be available to the city and community, as well, for recreational space.

    2. Will it be open to the community?

    We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. Areas of our building will be open to groups outside the church to reserve and use at no charge as they are available. We will accept donations from groups who use the facility, but those donations will be based upon the group's desire and ability. This facility will be available for community use as soon as we open the doors.

    3. Where is the new site located?

    It is on the NE corner of 18th E and 12th S--see the map below.

    4. What is the project going to cost?

    The total current projected cost for this facility is 2.1 million dollars. The building is designed with large open areas and flexible space in order to keep the cost to a minimal level (below $100/sq. ft). "

    Go check out the page yourself. Those are where I got my facts from. Copy/paste. Can't get any closer than that. It was EXACTLY what the webpage stated.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 7:50 PM
  • Opinionmissy:

    I never said that first number was fact. I believed that was the figure that I had heard others say. That's why I said to not quote me on the number.

    Calm down.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:00 PM
  • Ahhhh...and more words of wisdom from Small Town...

    "A lot of the extras that people are talking about is items they already have they just need to be rebuilt in the new school and they are going to update the equipment in those rooms."

    So, we will be using the equipment we already have or replacing/updating it?

    "just need to be rebuilt in the new school ..."

    Yeah, that is all...all for 37 million! Would anybody else like anything else for the minor sum of 37 million? Will there be granite counters in the teacher's lounge as well and toilets that flush themselves? Who defines wants/needs in all of this? Oh, I forgot, the invitation only "patrons" that sat on this panel. Who else out there was invited to be part of the decision making?

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:00 PM
  • Mule:

    Your memory came back! Why did you not just say that it was you that posted that number instead of watching everyone bash someone else? You knew where the number came from but acted like you had no idea. Froggy has stated when he/she has typed something incorrectly or misrepresented something. In order to teach honesty and integrity, you must understand and practice it. I am perfectly calm by the way I just do not like lies and misleading information. Your "friends" may want to check the "facts" you have provided to them, your integrity leaves something to be desired as far as this forum.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:10 PM
  • Elmorehorselady: I have to say, even if I did get an invite, not sure if I would go....at least not unarmed. Could get nasty if you disagreed.

    And a bit of a snark here. Makes me even more leary of the school bond if the City Council approved it. They were swept off their feet by the library lady. And now we have the most expensive non-resident fees in the state. Too bad they didn't have someone of Jerry Rost's caliber regarding the library. He sure talked some sense to the council about the cemetary fees. But then, he's a business owner and not a gov't official, which is probably why he know the value of a dollar.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:19 PM
  • Small Town:

    "Another question, why is it if someone says why we need to accomodate the sports department then they don't care about education." Posted by Small Town

    For the same reason that the "anti" bond/education folks are "manic" Hitler like individuals in need of meds.

    Wants vs. Needs. I want a Mercedes but I have a Toyota that works just fine and I only have 1 year left to pay for it and it is mine. So, I really do not NEED a new car but the Mercedes would be very nice. I WANT steak but chicken is cheaper. I want a raise but the company I work for has laid off approximately 1,500 people and I am not sure how long I will be working. Probably not a good time to go in and demand a raise and state that I will quit if I do NOT get one! Get the difference between NEED vs. Want? I did not think you would get the point but I wanted to give you a chance.

    The "wants" if they keep going are going to break us even if they are just "pennies" to the powers that be.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:23 PM
  • Missy,

    I apologize.

    The correct amount had been posted by me and others in different articles. I stated the other number almost a month ago and it was just based on what someone else had heard. When I said they...I was referring to the district. Froggy was saying that McMurtrey had said $93,000.

    I wasn't trying to make anyone look foolish.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:27 PM
  • Froggy:

    Never fear, if we have to vote on this again in the near future, they will have the City and County police there for any meetings, question and answer sessions, etc. McMurtrey will appear in another location by TV. We will be well guarded just like some of the public hearings in this town!

    I will fight this yet again if I have to UNLESS things are re-worked and the "needs" and "wants" are worked on. If this does pass, I will be one of them asking for the ballots to be counted again.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:30 PM
  • Fair enough Mule. We all will and do make mistakes.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:33 PM
  • Just for the record, the "library lady" is the Planning and Zoning lady as well. She has done so well (not really) in P & Z and working toward all of our futures that they gave Ms. Sharp another job...that of the "library lady." The more incompetent that a person is the farther they will go. She is their "puppet" and "yes" gal. Approve all of this "growth" and "development" and still NAIL the public for a $37 million dollar bond because the funds were not managed appropriately. Way to go! Do not even get me started on the City Council! It is a crooked little game indeed and the tax payers could get bent over yet again in the name of education and the children/kids. Nice.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 8:43 PM
  • Smalltown - I too, am concerned about growth and the future. Here's some of the stat's from the LAST hospital bond that I cut/pasted:

    *Emergency Room:

    "Emergency room physicians will be able to treat more people, reducing ER wait times. (In 2006 the ER had

    7,959 patient visits, 56% increase since last remodel)"

    *Radiology Department:

    "Building able to house a new CT Scanner. Our current CT scanner needs replacement however a new machine

    will not fit in the current building. (CT scans increased 413% since last remodel)"

    *Lab:

    * Increase space for patient services, more comfortable and increased privacy. (190,917 lab tests conducted in

    2006 -- 294% increase since last remodel)

    *Outpatient Services:

    * Dedicated space for outpatient services --This is one of the fastest growing areas of patient care with a 22%

    increase in usage last year.

    And just to add, I am a healthy person (knock on wood here) and have NEVER used the hospital myself, or any hospital for that matter. Well, except the one I was born in. But those stats on growth appear to trump anything the school bond had going. I say appear, b/c there aren't actual number values to the percentages. So maybe that will help you to understand why I think some of the hospital stuff takes precedence over some of the school stuff. I don't expect you to change your opinion, but maybe you can emphathize a bit.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 9:45 PM
  • *

    In just 4 days we go to the polls to vote on this bond issue. Frankly it has been beaten to death by all of us (I have had my say in it too)and by now we have all made our decisions on which way to vote. Personally I dont think anything else can be said to change someones mind one way or the other, but people, take a look back through the posts on this, it is getting out of hand and now there is teacher bashing going on too. For goodness sakes we are supposed to be adults here, is this what we want the kids reading and dont tell me they arnt keeping an eye on this too! Freedom of speech is one thing and this blog forum is awesome, but like I said a few days ago, take a break, come Tuesday night you can all go back at it since we know it will either pass or fail.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 10:23 PM
  • I have a friend who is a nurse and she told me to vote no on the last bond.

    She told me that too much of the new building was going to be administrative offices.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 10:24 PM
  • Interesting Mule. I am curious to see the new bond proposal. I know they need some expansion. They have a good point to state when the building was built, computers, as we know them, weren't in existance. And there are some serious needs.

    I hope they stick to the basics and put out some good hard facts or I'm guessing their bond won't pass again. I think the economy and all these increases everywhere have gotten a lot more people fed up and uneasy. I know I am about taxed & increased out. Would be nice if my paycheck kept up w/the COL, but it hasn't. This bond will be difficult b/c I don't know a whole lot about the medical field and really haven't used many medical services at all.

    I also think this area hasn't even started to spike with problems. As the baby boomers get older and folks live longer we are going to have to provide increasing medical services for them. And I guess me too eventually, although I'm a GenX. You'll have to keep us updated on the intell. Thanks for the scoop.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 11:03 PM
  • *

    There is no way the kids are reading this forum, not with the poor conditions of the school...... they could not achieve the ability to read without wrestling mats that do not have to be rolled up after use or a shared area with another liberal arts groups..........wow, do you think our kids will make it in the world, just like we did...........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 11:12 PM
  • Yes Mule, do baffle us with BS again on the next bond as we do want to make sure we have the "facts" from all of your friends. You have been so informative and full of inaccurate info.

    Workingbee, you have a great point. How did we ever survive under the conditions we did? Choir shared a room with band and speech class. We performed in the lunch room. Yep, you guessed it...the wrestlers had to move their mats. And...girls and boys had gym together! We also shared the school with other schools for special events. It was abuse! Some of us, under those conditions, managed to graduate and go on to college and graduate again. Go figure!!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, Apr 25, 2008, at 11:59 PM
  • Yes, we all need to rest. I'm tired. And yes, beyond reducing the foot print of especially the auditorium and the gym I do not know. But those are answers, mule and others. They are how to start.

    Thanks, no, opinion missy, I won't need a ride Tuesday.

    Can you imagine the continued bashing we'll get if this bond fails? And even if it should pass, the bashings will continue I'm sure.

    Well, I wouldn't have spoken up at all except this is so important: get the schools what they need but at a sensible cost.

    This has been an ordeal. But important things so often are.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, Apr 26, 2008, at 7:10 AM
  • *

    Just out of curiosity, since Camera 8 was able to tape and cover the Public Hearings on the bond (thank you for airing it for us too) is there anything they can do to help get the bond results out through their station or website that is faster than waiting for the morning paper? Just curious is all.

    -- Posted by Ds_Seester on Sat, Apr 26, 2008, at 6:26 PM
  • *

    DS:

    I don't see Camera 8 being able to get it out any faster than the paper, I am sure everyone that logs on Wed morning if all the results are in the Paper will have it as a Headline seeing all that has been said about it

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Sat, Apr 26, 2008, at 7:21 PM
  • Eagle Eye:

    Thank you for responding on behalf of Camera 8, I was taking the weekend off to do family things. Anyway, you are right, we cant get it to the public any faster than the newspaper unless we are doing a live broadcast. In order for us to do a live broadcast I have to have a lot of things in place that would just not be feesable for this type of situation.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Mon, Apr 28, 2008, at 12:56 PM
  • *

    Camera 8

    Thank you, surely hope you didn't think I was trying to do your reply, kinda figured you wouldn't be able to cover it, plus I don't really think a camera should be at the polls for this type of ballot casting anyway. Just hope I didn't step on your toes with my reply to DS

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Mon, Apr 28, 2008, at 1:18 PM
  • Eagle Eye:

    No, no toe stepping, the help was appreciated and I have emailed DS as well. If your ever interested in learning more about what we do offer feel free to come by the office anytime! I also agree that sending a producer into the lions den that night could be ugly :-)

    Side Note:

    We still have several sets of the dvd's of the soccer games from the fall of 2006 that were ordered by parents and never picked up. If you are looking for them, please get in touch with me regarding the dvd's.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Mon, Apr 28, 2008, at 3:14 PM
  • So today we vote. Good luck and best wishes to all whether you are for or against the proposed school bond. Whatever the outcome of this vote is, I hope civility, and respect for each individuals decision on the issue prevails. At the end of the day, 'We the People' of the Mountain Home School District will have had our say under the rules that govern such bond issues.

    Whether you are for or against the school bond, please get out and vote. Ask your neighbors to left, right, and across the street from you to go vote. Last years turnout on this issue was pathetic. If millions of Iraqi citizens can go to the polls under the fear of death and proudly raise their ink dipped finger after doing so, surely the good citizens of MH School District can do the same on a simple yes or no vote.

    Again, good luck and best wishes to all.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 4:29 AM
  • Beau: Amen.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 8:29 AM
  • I voted "NO". Have a great day. By the way 2 of my neighbors voted NO. So did another family member. Hmmmmm!!

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:30 AM
  • I voted "YES" Let's hope the community gives what the students of this town NEED!

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:40 AM
  • I voted no on the school bond. Not because I don't think that we need it, but because the school district has historically done such a very poor job of managing the money they have! Our schools could be in much better condition and equiped with appropriate items for the students if the current and past two administrations did (had done) a much better job of financial management. They have not been good stewards of the money entrusted to them.

    Sorry, but if they can't manage the money they currently have, then I can't support them getting more of my tax money to mismanage and misuse.

    -- Posted by Albert Clement on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 10:21 AM
  • I voted yes, my friends both who voted no last time also voted yes, my neighbors also are voting yes.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 10:34 AM
  • I voted "NO" along with the 8 people I took with me. I also hope that people vote this time no matter what the vote is. I hope that the paper will update us on which way it is going. If this does not pass...MAYBE then the district will listen. Maybe.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 10:40 AM
  • Hello to all. Sorry to butt in I know today is the bond vote and everyone is excited in one way or another about it.

    I come to this forum to see if there is anyone out there that can help with some information for a struggling family.

    I am in search of a rental at least 3bdrms that won't kill me in rent? I know that the rent in town is so high because of the members of the military receive housing expenses for living off base, but what about the rest of the people who don't receive housing expenses? When TWO incomes aren't enough to offset the rent, utilities, food and gas to and from work when one commutes to boise?

    I'm not in search of any hand outs, just a reasonable rent rate to pay, that doesn't involve inspections.

    Sorry had to vent!!!!

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 10:51 AM
  • Beau: Awesome post! My hat off to ya! What a wonderful country we have that we can go vote and not worry!!

    MissyLynn: How much money is too much? Have you tried the low-income apartments??? How about getting on the SEIHA housing list? If your income is more, maybe try Duck Inn rentals or some of the realtors in town. I rented an apt (2 bedroom) through Mountain West Realty over where Little Ceasers use to be.

    I hate to say this, but you aren't the only one struggling which I supposed is why this school bond is such a big deal right now. Hang in there. Maybe if you give more info the blogsphere can help you out.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:04 AM
  • MissyLynn:

    Can you do 2 bedrooms (apartment) with a nice yard and garage space? It is a 2 level with kitchen, dining and LR on the lower level and a small bath with 2 bedrooms (nice size) on the upper with a full bath. No pets and new carpet on the lower level. It is near Hacker Middle School. Rent is $575 and is in this paper. Landlord will ask to check the unit out about every 3 months but will make an appointment with you to do so. Good luck!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:06 AM
  • That is another good point. Rents in the area will go up as well to cover the additional taxes from this bond (if it passes). I hope you vote today Missylynn not matter which way you go. Things are very expensive and with gas prices...well, you all know.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:10 AM
  • No for me! Also took 3 others that did the same. I am glad this is about over. It is time. Good job to all for doing the research (pro and against). It has been an education to say the least. Good luck everyone...time shall tell.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:34 AM
  • Oh thank you so much, but I'm unble to do to a 2bdrm because I have three kids two boys and one girl....But I thank you so much for helping. I've look in the classified ads and was unable to find anything except for a mobile home for rent.....not sure where it is

    All help is greatly appreciated....Thank you so much

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:39 AM
  • MissyLyn: Low income apts in town are Eschoshio, NorthPark, Skyview & Day Meadows. All are in the phonebook under Apartments. You have to provide proof of income to qualify I think and I'm not sure what the rent is. But it's worth checking out.

    Southwestern Idaho Cooperative Housing Authority - Type that into Google (since we can't link) and thier website can provide you with information for housing assistance and if you qualify. Ela-Ada here in town may also be able to provide some help on a one time only basis.

    Then, if you don't qualify for any of the above, call some of the local realtors, like Mountain West 587-2200 and tell them what your budget is. They may be able to find you something since the have the connections.

    Duck Inn 587-3013 manages several properties and may be able to find something in your price range.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 12:33 PM
  • Thanks froggy I appreciate the info....

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 1:49 PM
  • Why do we vote in pencil? Does that not leave room for "error" in the event this thing is very close?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 3:55 PM
  • Eschoshio tends to be the bottom of the barrel. try day meadows or some of the others first. fairway is connected with escoshio ( as far as i know) .

    -- Posted by just1 on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 4:16 PM
  • My family and I voted NO on the school bond. Why do you use a pencil to vote? and why do they have you hand over your vote's card for someone else to place my vote in the ballot box? Don't you think I should be the one to put my vote in a locked secured ballot box? Hummm. Makes me think that something is wrong here.

    -- Posted by Oldboy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 4:27 PM
  • *

    I would also like to know why the ballots are marked with a pencil and everything else you do when signing in to vote is done with a pen, I put my ballot in the box myself so looks like each polling school is not doing it all the same at each school, makes ya wonder why its not standard at all the polling schools, just another reason when we vote it should be done in the precinct's instead of where the bond wanted ie, hospital bond done at the hospital, library bond done at the library, and school bond done at the schools

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 5:20 PM
  • My husband and I voted No at East Elementary during the noon hour; I don't know about my husband, as I was finished first and went out in the hall to wait while my husband read the instructions and voted, but I folded my ballot in half and put it into the slot myself. I didn't know another way to do it.

    As for pencil, maybe they are cheaper, I don't know.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 5:24 PM
  • 2 more no votes from my wife and I. Glad to see all on here have cast their ballots.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 6:42 PM
  • *

    We both voted no at West. Didn't see a box, we just folded it over and the gentleman stamped it.

    We had to change our address due to 911 address change.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 7:47 PM
  • The high school was were I voted. Put my own ballet in the box.

    There were a few high school students voting, which I originally though was pretty cool.

    Then, as I continued to stand in line, I started thinking about how it would be to vote at your own high school about your own high school.

    And then I started thinking, where does one get infomation on the bond when one is in high school. The teachers. Perhaps PRAVDA (aka the Mountain Home News). I just hope the school empolyees did not pump their opinions in these young adult's heads without offering some opposing views. I certainly hope they didn't. Surely they wouldn't. I really want to think they didn't.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 8:53 PM
  • My husband and I were discussing things over supper and we both think that we always have voted with a pencil, going back all the years we have voted in any election, here or in other places we have lived.

    The youth, if of age, have the same rights as the rest of us to vote...and, yes, I also think maybe the bond has been discussed, in the high school especially.

    There were lots of voters at East at noon when we were there.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:02 PM
  • Ok voted at west...had to wait for the guy to actually put my ballot in the box..(I did not see that box) the man taking ballots asked me after I voted if I needed something else? After I dragged my feed putting my glasses away. ( my ballot has still not been deposited in the box (which I finally found BEHIND his chair I said yes "Can you please put my ballot in the box behind your chair?" He turned beet red. Enough said..and I vote yes..What a stupid way of doing things.

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:16 PM
  • By the way seniorlady I and my husband have always voted in pencil.. that way we can erase when we change our minds.:)

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:38 PM
  • I voted as well at west.. So did the older gentelman put all the ballots in the box? The number of ballots in the box should match the number of signatures on file at the polls. looks to be a little fishy to me. Stuff like this can and will cause a big problem regardless of the results. As for student casing a vote I do hope it was verfied that they were at legal age (18). Sound and looks to me that the school district did not have any set rules/guidlines for the voting process. Do you think they are trying to pull a fast one on the great people of mountain home.

    -- Posted by Oldboy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:42 PM
  • I voted no as well and got to hand my ballot to an older man as well (voted in pencil). It would seem to me, no matter what the results, that some ballots could be "lost" considering there was no ballot box (that I could see) and handing my ballot to a person, who COULD change my vote, did not seem very cool. I am not surprised about any of this. It is par for the course when the district does something. I am sure that the way this was run will come under fire no matter what the results are. Something stinks here and I am sure we will read about it tonight on way or the other. Mr. McMurtrey said that the district was not allowed to run ads for the bond, etc. It would be very interesting to see/know how much the teachers did in class as far as pro-bond lectures. The "rules" sure are different in this election than any other. Funny huh? Many people went to their regular places to vote and stated there were no signs that told them where to go to vote. Again, funny huh?

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 9:58 PM
  • Momof2 - Oy. How hard can it be to take a ballot from someone while sitting in a chair and stuff it in a box? I mean, who can't do this? OK, folks make mistakes, I guess, which is why I always watch my ballot go in the box. Well, at least the gentleman had the decency to turn red.

    As far a checking the students age???? Ya know, I don't think they did, but then, they didn't ask for any ID (or age) of anyone. What if you are someone that can't vote (age, a felon, or whatever) - how do they screen those people out? Just curious how the county does this.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 10:05 PM
  • Now the real fun starts...I am pretty sure this is not over just yet.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:07 PM
  • From McMurtrey's statement tonight:

    "McMurtrey said it was too early to say what the district's board of trustees will do, but, he said, "I suspect we'll just put it away for a while."

    We will be doing this again sooner than he stated at the public forum. Anybody surprised?

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:15 PM
  • I hope all on both sides of the issue will take some time to breathe and let high feelings subside. A new, better bond proposal needs to be in the offing -- but as I mentioned, my opinion is that we all need to ease up and put aside the hard feelings on both sides, or very little that's positive for the community can result. I know I for one need some time.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:24 PM
  • Although I voted no, I have to say, I don't think either side 'won.'

    Before the vote, if one said they were against the bond (and most of of were NOT against the ALL of the bond, just the frills) we were called 'anti-education' and other names, or counted as barriers against the children getting a proper education. And I have to say, IMO, that that IS NOT TRUE.

    I seriously think there are some things VERY much needed in this bond but there were just some things that were NOT needed. And I think now the kids lack some of the stuff they could use, for the misguided (though well-intentioned)greed (for a lack of a better word that suits my meaning - I'm not trying to be offensive) of the school district.

    Fact is, the economy sucks right now. Watching the news, the job fair has less vendors this year, more about raising food prices - anyway, you guys know the deal.

    I hope the school district tries again with a 'milk' version, rather than the 'champagne' version. Something that is more in line with our population and finacial capability. I hope they ask for imput from those that voted no and why. I hope we can all pitch in together to make some improvements.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:30 PM
  • If I remember right - I believe I have always voted with pencil. I vote in every election and bond, so you would think I could remember what I use to fill out the ballot. Good Grief. Just never really paid any attention to the tool. Amazing

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:35 PM
  • I could not pass this one up:

    "It was the elementaries that killed us," McMurtrey said. "We need to find out what we're missing there, what we need to do to earn their approval."

    Now the district wants to take the time to "EARN APPROVAL" and figure out where they went wrong. They probably should have thought of that before the vote.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:46 PM
  • "It was the elementaries that killed us," McMurtrey said. "We need to find out what we're missing there, what we need to do to earn their approval."

    What does that mean? The kids weren't voting at the schools (except the high school)so who at the 'elementaries' is he talking about. It didn't matter where one voted, so it isn't certain precincts that voted against the bond.

    Mr. McMurtry, you need to work with those that voted no, no matter where they voted or whether or not they have family in school and find out why they voted no. Am I missing something here????

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Apr 29, 2008, at 11:56 PM
  • Does he think only parents of school age kids vote? Our kids are all grown up. I voted at the Junior High and my husband voted at East Elementary. I don't think it has anything to do with the type of school, just location.

    -- Posted by justmeagain on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:03 AM
  • It was not the elementary schools that did the bond in---it was the attitude the district took with the "no" voters. They though they had it and would NOT listen to us. If they would have worked with the 900 and some odd people, the district would have had it. One day, they will learn. Voters have a long memory when it comes to the Mountain Home School District. Their attitude has "thrown the students under the bus" and it is their fault. I would have been a "yes" vote had there been a practical plan and IF I felt that they really cared what I thought. Hard lesson on this one...for the kids and the district.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:13 AM
  • Thank You.

    Thank you to all who were willing to listen to the facts,(whether pro or con), about this bond, and were patient with all of the abundant amounts of information presented to you. I feel that as a community we all came together, and discussed, debated,researched, and allowed each person who commented on this blog to relay their feelings.

    I came to believe that win or lose - no matter what - we did it as a community and everyone had a better chance to make an educated vote.

    I really want to thank the Mountain Home News for creating the Banter Box. You have done a great service to the people of this community by giving us the chance to voice our points of view.

    But, not only does it allow us to process info to one another - it has also been of assistance to people such as the person who was/is looking for a low income rental. So many people jumped in and came to that persons aid with info. I hope she/he can use the information given about places to rent or to receive assistance. Thank you so very much to the staff of the Mountain Home News for giving everyone in this community a voice.

    I also want to thank the people at Channel 8 who recorded the meetings with Mr.McMurtey and aired them on television. You were active in a community forum and allowed even more individuals to become informed about the bond by showing the meetings on TV. It was nice to see you active within the community. Thank you.

    Again - Thank You to all who took a great deal of their time and participated in these discussions over the last month.

    So, now---- what's next????

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:13 AM
  • Thank you indeed to Cam 8 and the volunteer that covered the public meetings. That was time out of his day and away from his family. THANKS!

    Thanks to all who put information out there and took the time to research and obtain facts...for or against.

    Maybe most of us will be on the same "side" for the next bond. It may be more practical the next time around or at least take into account what the PEOPLE can afford as a community.

    I will look forward to working with all of you on this again...to get it passed. It has been great.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:23 AM
  • Kudos to Channel 8 and crew!

    And Kudos to the Mountain Home News. And this website they provide with the Banter Box is a great idea!

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:40 AM
  • *

    Mr McMurtrey, it was not the elementary schools that had anything to do with the bond failure to pass, it was your attitude and the School District thinking you had in the bag for passage and waiting until the last minute to hold the meeting this month to tell what you needed and wanted and didn't appear to want to change anything over the public concerns of the cost. I didn't see any comments of people against education all I saw was trying to get the cost down. 37 million was just more than to many people could handle when they struggling as it is to make ends meet, I am sure if the District and the public can work together on getting some of the costs down at a later date the public would vote yes to make the Junior High a High School.

    P.S. I am sure if all work together something can be worked out for the Bond next time and bashing each other won't do that and I hope you don't think my comments are bashing anyone just my opinion.

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 8:16 AM
  • I appreciate the fact that the MHN got the results posted here last night before we went to bed.

    And the website lets people get together beyond their normal circle of family and friends to discuss things. I like that as well.

    More kudos to the fact-gatherers! Also to CAM-8 TV.

    I echo the hope that the next time around, the district does not just bring out the same plan. It was not the schools and kids we voted against, but that specific plan.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 8:30 AM
  • I am dissapointed that the bond failed but one thing we all agreed on is that improvements need to be made to the school, my idea is not to wait for them to change it, we have our own school commitee right here on this blog, what if we come up with some of the changes we would like to have and present them. I think we had some good ideas for good and bad and if we all work together and come up with some solutions they may listen. I would be happy to try to get things started but I would like at least one person who was against it to work with me. If that is something someone would like to do just say so. I think we all want the same things for these kids and I think if we work together instead of against each other we just might be able to get a bond passed.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 9:28 AM
  • Good idea Small Town. If "we" don't like the districts proposal and cost then we should all come up with the idea and present it to the school board since it's the tax payers who are footing the bill. Actually I think that's a great idea....I know I'm not a home owner yet but that is definately a goal of my in the very near future and if I'm going to pay extra taxes I sure want to make sure it's benefitting the kids in the best way possible...

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:09 AM
  • SmallTown:

    I would love to work with you on the bond. This is how it should have been from the start. Now, maybe something will get done FOR the kids.

    I believe that midea, senior lady and bond supporter would be great to work with as well. Just my opinion. How does the district feel about this?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:19 AM
  • Please read the letter from Jacquie Binion, a student at MHJHS in the opinion section. This child should be thanked for the letter. It is a big problem and once again needs to be handled. Rules are rules and they should be followed.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:26 AM
  • Opinion Missy,

    I called the district office this morning but Mr. McMurtrey was in a meeting so I couldn't talk to him. I am not sure how they are going to feel about it, I wanted to get the feelings from the people on the blog before I really pursued it. I think if we put the offer out there they might just go for it.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:33 AM
  • My daughter has stated the same thing about the jr. high. I think maybe it is time we as a community get more involved in our school system. I for one have not been as involved as I could or should have been, I guess that is going to change.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:37 AM
  • Agreed...

    Time to take the gloves off and work towards a change. I worry about what we can build with only $5-$15 million though. Priority one is building the 2-story classroom wing, and because of state standards on new high school buildings, we must build a gym that is up to code. Is that where it ends? What about vo-tech, what about the arts? Time to lay some plans out on our "virtual" table.

    -- Posted by bond_supporter on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:53 AM
  • I don't think it can be done for 15 million not with just construction costs but I am sure we can get it down to a reasonalble amount that most can agree on. I will see what the district office has to say. Even if right now they don't agree I think we should still work on it and present it to them at a town meeting.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:07 AM
  • It was not just the $37 million that made this fail. It was the attitude of the District towards the People. If it would have been presented "better" and with a bit of sympathy toward the people on a fixed income, it may not have failed. The district has a bad reputation and this election has not helped that. It was all or nothing and Mountain Home has a lot of working class people that cannot afford the tax increase. In short, the appraoch on this was wrong (in my opinion only). We do need to improve the schools...ALL of them but at a cost that does NOT put people on the streets. Will everyone be happy? No. However, the feelings and thoughts of the people should have been a factor. I would really enjoy working on this because it is needed but NOT at any cost. All of us, working together, could really make this work. I do not have all of the answers on what to cut/keep but it did not work as it was presented. I am more than willing to put in the time. It is well worth it! When do we start?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:08 AM
  • I will tell you this. If the district does not wake up and work with the community and hear the community, they will not get the bond passed. If it REALLY is all about the kids and not politics, they will jump at this chance. Heck, they will not even have to pay us for our time--win/win for them. It is a choice and I hope they make the "right" choice. If not, I guess at election time, we can vote them in and out as well. Do not like to say it but change is in order FOR the kids!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:16 AM
  • I am for starting now, I will call the district office during my lunch and see how they feel. I don't anticipate them going along with it but we will see. I think we should start our own commitee and then set up a meeting with the district and go from there. I don't think it we should just concentrate on the bond issue but also the overall school concerns. It is going to be awhile before a new school will be built so in the meantime we have to make what we have safe for all kids. Anyone up for some coffee later.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:18 AM
  • It's a hard thing to lay out. Ok lets start by breaking it down from most important to least important. The most important thing is the extra class space true? So we can get the High Schoolers out of the building they're in and to where they're supposed to be with a 9th grade addition?

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:35 AM
  • When you say classrooms, which classrooms are you talking about? Does that include the music and votech classes?

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:54 AM
  • Does anybody know what the old gym was going to be in the new building? Was it being converted into the new gym/courts or classrooms?

    I am ready to get to work on this but the district needs to be on board or it is not going to work. Their actions regarding this will speak volumes. It is time to really work for the kids and come up with a plan that is good for the community. It can work. I agree that we also need to work on the problems in the schools as well. The letter from the MHJHS student was pretty sad and it is very true what the child/young adult stated. Much work to do. I will be very interested to see what the district's next step is. Maybe it is time for a change on the board. Let me know when and where.

    Missylynn...you are correct in part (depending on how you look at things). The dropout numbers are higher for the 10th graders than the 9th graders. Grade 10 is already at the HS. For over-crowding, the 9th graders would need to be moved to the HS. How you look at this depends on what data you use. At any rate...change is needed but it needs to be cost effective and fair to the people who will have to pay for it.

    All of the space should be for multi-use so that it can change with the times and population. The district really needs to be willing to work with the public as that is key to this.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:01 PM
  • These are a few of my ideas: Remember when responding we are working together now not against each other and these are just ideas.

    - build one new music room, that way they will have 2 because the jr. high has one now.

    - I think the votech building is necessary because they have a waiting list of kids who want to take these classes.

    - Build a state standard gym.

    - I am not sure where the weight room and wresting room are now but I think the weight room is separate from the high school, if it is keep it there. Maybe have a fund raiser to buy new equipment.

    - not sure about the auditorium I think it is needed by the whole community.

    Like I said these are just my ideas and we are just putting ideas out there so please don't be mean.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:04 PM
  • I think the old gym is going to be still be used for gym class. It isn't very big and not big enough to fit everyone in the new school but works great for a second gym.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:07 PM
  • Small town:

    Good thoughts. We should use what we already have (weight room, etc). Could a gym (a nice gym)not also double as an auditorium? If it was done right, like the Idaho Center (but much smaller) it could do double duty. I know that it may not be "ideal" or what the district really wants, but it may save some money. Votech is needed but maybe on a little smaller scale. Do you get to take votech if you are failing or do not have a C average? Need to be able to read, write and do math as well. It is ALL important but not at any cost.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:28 PM
  • I am not sure about needing to have a passing grade for votech but votech the students need to know math to pass votec classes because math and reading are used in welding, construction and auto mechanics. It may not be algebra or math like that but it is the math they will need in the votech jobs that they are training for. The gym being used for an auditorium I am not sure how that would work for scheduling, with the community also using the gym I am not sure how that would work.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 12:43 PM
  • I called Glenns Ferry High School just to get their perspective and this is what I was told. They have a 4 year high school with a total of 151 students. They have a separate weight room and a wrestling room. They have one room for band and choir but with our school suggested two because of the size. They have a gym that has a stage in it. The one thing she said they wished they had was a separate locker room for visiting teams so they don't have to share because they find items are stolen after the visiting team leaves. I called because I was curious as to what other schools offer. It may give us some ideas.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 1:30 PM
  • Good info Small Town! It is nice that you have compared like areas as well as opposed to Eagle, Nampa, Meridian. We could also learn from the larger districts as far as ideas but they have a better tax base and we need to also consider that.

    Using a "floating" wall system on rails could also be good for the classroom areas (they use them in hotels/meeting rooms to make spaces smaller or larger as needed). That way, the rooms can grow with the population. If a class is large, open the space up. Smaller, close the walls. No waste that way as far as space and it "grows" with the school. In addition, the rooms, if need be, can be more multi-purpose based on need. Just an idea.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 1:44 PM
  • Sounds as if there is a distinct possibility of progress to be made on the schools upgrade issue! Well done! You folks are a fine basis for scoping out the next go-round. If it weren't for my now good/now not so good health issues I'd be in there with you. You have my moral support.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 1:47 PM
  • P.S. On another subject, did you read what a great job our choirs did in California! Singing at Disneyland, going to the beach at Balboa, those are things of my youth (although my choirs were never in a competition there, just a merging for special occarions with other area choirs). I'm so proud of our kids!

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 1:50 PM
  • Just talked to Kuna High they just passed a bond for 25.5 million to build an auditorium for thier high school, add classrooms for the high school, upgrade the votech classes, build a practice gym, some put away for land for a future elementary school. The have a 4 year high school we 1200 kids in it.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 1:55 PM
  • I am trying to find out how big the auditorium is that they are building. It will give us an idea since there number of students is right around where ours would be with a 4 year high school. I am also trying to find out about their gym size.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:07 PM
  • Thanks! Gives us at least a start point! Great job on the research!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:30 PM
  • I think Kuna is our best comparison according to the 2006 census they had a population of 11,510 people. Ours at the same time was 11,656. Remember that is just city limits not counting people who live in the county.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:36 PM
  • Does anyone out there know if the school district has any one who writes grant proposals?????

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:43 PM
  • I'm trying to research options for a grant to help the tax payers with the bill.

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:44 PM
  • thats a great option. I haven't heard of any for a whole district just ones done by teachers, I will see if I can find anything. Hopefully the district will read these and see how productive we can all be.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:47 PM
  • I hope they pay attention. I figure if a group of people that don't know eachother can come together and try this hard then the school district should be able to provide for the kids with out sticking it to the tax payers....

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 2:58 PM
  • People have to remember with any improvements or add on your taxes are going to go up. There will always be people who won't be able to afford it. I am all for working together to come up with a compromise but keep in mind we will never get everyone to agree on everything.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 3:01 PM
  • Smalltown:

    Trying is all we can do. And trying to come up with a compromise is better than nothing. From what I've read in other comment areas (true or not I couldn't tell ya) it's been said that the School District was uncompromising and unwavering in what they wanted. "Unwavering" my word not theirs.

    I would actually like the paper to put out a poll. The topic should be "At the present time how is your financial status?" not that it's anyone's business but just as a curiosity. And the choices could be- A) Doing well not really affected.- B) Moderately inconvenienced could be doing better but not complaining too much.- C)Scrapping by, barely making ends meet, and complaining on a daily basis about it......

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 3:35 PM
  • I heard from Kuna High Schools VP he said they auditorium that they are building has a seating capacity of 850.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 4:08 PM
  • Missylyn

    I am sorry you are having a hard time finding a place to rent but please don't blame the military personnel, bah is determined by the cost of living in the town. According to the internet bah for a senior airman is around $700.00 so they also would not be able to afford a $1000.00 house to rent without putting money into it. Housing has gone up everywhere not only where a military base is.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 5:16 PM
  • To add to below their base pay is a little over $1500.00 with dependents that means weekly they make $375.00. If you add in the 700.00 for BAH they make $550.00 a week. Not much condsidering all they do for this country.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 5:46 PM
  • "This dynamic is beginning to affect all kinds of public officials, but it is still most evident at the local level, in the experiences of people like Doug Rutan, the superintendent of schools in Kuna, Idaho. Rutan is a dedicated, hands-on local leader: he drives a school bus several times a month so that he can talk to students and parents. In fact, when the school board purchased a new bus several years ago, Rutan saved the district some money by picking up the bus directly at the plant in Tennessee and driving it 2,000 miles back to Kuna. He has faced his share of challenges as a superintendent, many of them related to the explosive growth of his district. From 1990 to 2004, Kuna grew from a small town of less than 2,000 people to a booming Boise suburb of almost 10,000.[3]

    In 1998, as the number of students in the system was skyrocketing, Rutan and the Kuna school board made a loan agreement with a bank so they could purchase a plot of land for a new high school. An article about the impending purchase went out in the school newsletter, but Rutan got no responses, so the board went ahead with the deal. Citizens didn't flock to the school board meetings to criticize the plan. Then the board put a school bond issue on the ballot to fund the land purchase and construction of the school. They may not have intended to, but Rutan and the board had chosen a "decide, announce, and defend" approach.

    The bond issue alerted residents to the land purchase made by the school board, and many of them weren't happy. In this kind of situation, citizens usually express their anger in several ways. Some claim that the policy decision was clouded by corruption; others say that the political goals of public officials came before the interests of the community. Often, citizens don't understand the decision, simply because they never understood the facts of the situation. Finally, some people express frustration not because of ignorance or suspicion, but because they feel the public official should have consulted with them first. In many cases, the majority of the citizens who have been following the decision 'tune out' in resignation and disgust, leaving the field to the people who are just too angry to stop yelling.

    Some of those typical responses were apparent in Kuna. The most obvious result was the defeat of the school bond in the September 1999 municipal election. Soon afterward, when Rutan helped involve citizens in discussions on the future of the school system, many of the dialogues began with participants venting about the decision. "With regard to the land purchase," one group wrote in its report, "the school board's communication was perceived as a means to justify their actions." "Absolute, complete honesty is necessary," said another. "Some residents have lost confidence in the school board because of the land purchase putting the public into debt," wrote a third group. "We feel that we need an apology from the board …We don't need a rude and arrogant School Board."[4]

    Once the Kuna participants had finished venting and were able to assess the land purchase, the bond issue, and the future of the district, they were able to make recommendations for how the school board ought to proceed. Some of those suggestions had to do with the school board's relationship with the community -- they urged the board to treat them as partners and neighbors. "Board members and city officials should give straightforward answers and if they don't know the answer -- say so. Don't try to give an answer to something you don't know. It's OK to say, 'I don't know but I'll find out.'"[5] Though some of these residents had felt empowered enough to attend meetings before -- primarily to express their frustrations to Rutan and the school board -- they had not felt legitimized as a part of the district's decision-making process.

    In the past, it was probably easier for public officials to get away with making major policy decisions without involving citizens. By announcing their verdict confidently, and presenting it as the product of expert research, they could often avoid hearing people's frustrations.[6] But many officials feel that 21st Century citizens are more skeptical -- and seem to have the skills and confidence to act on that skepticism. There may be a number of reasons for this change: people are more educated than they ever were before; they have access to the Internet as a source of information and a way to connect with other concerned citizens; they receive more attention from the media and are able to exploit those opportunities. In any case, local leaders are increasingly afraid of these "instant activists," mild-mannered senior citizens or soccer moms who suddenly come screaming out of the woodwork when a controversial decision is made."

    Getting the ball rolling

    Even before his bond issue was defeated, Doug Rutan could tell that his relationship with the public was off on the wrong foot. Intending to start over, he called together a small group of community leaders who decided to form the Kuna Alliance for a Cohesive Community Team, or Kuna ACT. The members of Kuna ACT wanted to foster discussion on school priorities like the bond issue, but they wanted to address other concerns as well. Kuna's senior citizens were upset about the number of cars speeding through the streets; they blamed the town's booming population of teenage drivers. Parents and teachers were concerned that the roads from Boise were also carrying big-city problems, such as drug abuse and teen pregnancy. Rutan was open to these other topics. "Doug had a vision for the community that went far beyond the schools," said Arnette Johnson, a soft-spoken, resolute school volunteer who became the coordinator of Kuna ACT. "He convened the first meeting and pulled the group together. Without that big entity [the schools] behind us, I don't know how we would've gotten the ball rolling."[10]

    Like their counterparts in many other communities, the Kuna ACT members had to make some careful decisions about the role that public officials like Rutan would play in their process. On one hand, people want to know that their input will affect policy, and having decision-makers involved in the meetings gives people some confidence that it will. On the other hand, when citizens know that public officials are involved, they often wonder whether those leaders are only pretending to welcome a range of views -- and are in fact using the project to push their own political agendas. People want political legitimacy, but they worry that officials are trying to co-opt them, taking advantage of their participation to push through a predetermined agenda. In the Kuna case, many people probably suspected that Rutan would try to bias the process so that he could promote another bond issue. Rutan had initially served as the president of Kuna ACT, but he and the board members realized that this sent the wrong impression to some residents, and he stepped down.

    They also realized that by recruiting a wide range of people for the board, and by soliciting the endorsements of many different groups and institutions, they could show that Kuna ACT was not skewed toward any particular agenda. Once the organization had incorporated itself as a nonprofit, the board included local pastors, a sheriff, a representative from the senior center, and a city councilwoman named Laurale Neal. Unlike similar coalitions in many other communities, the board also included four high school students. The students chafed at what they saw as unfair accusations by adults in the community, and welcomed the chance to dispel those stereotypes.

    But though it included a wide cross-section of leaders, Kuna ACT did not enjoy universal support. The mayor, Greg Nelson, had been in office for sixteen years, and he was publicly opposed to the project. "Public officials in Kuna never asked for input -- that just wasn't part of the way they did business," said Neal. "Decisions were made in a vacuum."[11] After the initial enthusiasm, the project began to bog down. They tried to distribute the organizing tasks among the various members of the group, but the follow-through was lacking. As Rutan recalls, "It soon became evident that we were all very busy with our own organizations and didn't have the time necessary to devote to this."[12] They needed a coordinator, and that meant they needed money. Over the mayor's objections, Neal and two other council members voted to allocate some city funds to Kuna ACT; the mayor subsequently began campaigning for Neal's defeat in the upcoming city council election. Eventually, the board raised enough money to pay the coordinator by soliciting small donations from virtually every organization in town, including the sheriff's department, the school board, the electric utility, and the trash removal company.

    As the fundraising went forward, the teenagers in Kuna ACT began to get impatient. Being asked to serve on the Kuna ACT board validated their status as community leaders; perhaps this new sense of political legitimacy had a more profound impact on them, and gave them a greater sense of urgency, than it did for their adult colleagues. The students took the high school segment of the project, which they called "Teen Talk," into their own hands. They held a kickoff meeting during a school assembly, and recruited over 100 students for small-group dialogues on the future of Kuna.

    Feeling inspired, and perhaps a little embarrassed, by the rapid progress of their younger colleagues, the other members of Kuna ACT pushed forward with the adult side of the project. They mapped out a four-session process where participants would discuss issues relating to education, public safety, livability, and citizen-government collaboration. Because of the success of Teen Talk, many of the 'adult' groups which began meeting in the fall of 1999 included students as well.

    Helping your neighbor

    The participants in the Kuna ACT meetings generated over 100 action ideas. One group devised what it called "Project Citizen," a social studies program at the high school that would mix classroom study with community service activities. They saw it as a way to "integrate school and community, encourage adult volunteers, and provide citizenship training." Another group suggested a "Volunteer-to-be-a-Deputy" program to "raise citizen awareness of problems the police face."[13]

    The ability of parents to work with students in trouble was a prime topic for many of the groups. "Teachers need to solve student difficulty with parent intervention rather than dump troublesome students into remedial classes," wrote the members of one circle in their report.[14] One participant even suggested that teachers have cell phones so they could call parents immediately when a problem arose.

    Other groups focused on ways of raising input and accountability in the schools. "We don't have PTAs," complained one circle report. "There are only parent-teacher conferences. We hear what our kids are doing, but don't have input into course content, schedules, etc." Another group proposed building-level accountability committees, citing a program in Colorado as an example. "The committees should include parents, patrons, teachers, administrators, and students. They would identify building-level goals, and assess success."[15]

    The school board got both criticism and praise. Many people were still upset about the board's handling of the land purchase. One group cited the board's tendency to adjourn to an executive session when a controversial issue arose, forcing people to "sit and wait for a public meeting to be reconvened." Another group decided that "a balance can be struck between controlling meetings via the agenda and giving people opportunities to participate."[16]

    Many groups came up with ideas to give Kuna a more unique reputation. Since the area is known for its high number of birds of prey, there were many suggestions for incorporating this resource into Kuna's image. Others suggested that the community 'get organized' in other ways: adopting a theme and mission statement, drafting a disaster preparedness plan, opening up communication between government and community institutions, and coordinating volunteer service activities. But all the groups seemed to agree that Kuna shouldn't give up its small-town character. "People here help each other out," one participant said. "When I was getting ready for a camping trip, a front bearing went out on my pickup. At 11PM, I called a local mechanic. He opened his shop and helped me fix it. I want to see this 'help your neighbor' attitude remain as we get bigger."[17]

    The decision-making routine in Kuna

    Since Teen Talk had pre-empted the other meetings, the high school students were the first to move from words to action. They wanted to show how Kuna ACT was changing their relationship with the rest of the community. "This process put adults in the position where they have to listen to the students, and vice versa," said Holly Keller, then a junior at Kuna High.[18] A set of students who had participated in the program began planning a "senior prom" to bring young people and senior citizens together. The dance was held at the senior center, with both teenagers and seniors dressing up in formal attire and dancing the night away. For many it was a powerful symbol of what was happening in Kuna. "In a trying time for our community, people started talking again," says Neal.[19]

    Over the next few months, public officials incorporated the citizen recommendations into a number of city plans and documents, including a new comprehensive land use plan. The Chamber of Commerce embraced the idea to designate Kuna as a "Birds of Prey Area," and launched an initiative to attract tourism and protect the stunning scenery of the nearby Snake River Gorge.

    Arnette Johnson and the Kuna ACT board members realized that for some of the action ideas to work, however, a great deal more discussion was needed. In some cases, the groups had suggested new topics rather than new solutions. To meet this need, Kuna ACT developed a new model: every month or two they hold an informational forum combined with small-group discussions. For the first hour of each forum, attendees hear brief, factual presentations on the policy issue or decision being addressed. For the second hour, they split up into small groups to compare notes on their experiences with the issue, assess the various policy options, and formulate recommendations. Since one hour usually isn't sufficient to get through the steps, the groups are asked to meet a second time, on their own, within the next week. They then submit their reports to Johnson. The records are collated into a report which is shared at a subsequent forum.

    The leaders of Kuna ACT have worked hard to show public officials that the organization is trying to help them, rather than pushing a specific agenda or fanning the flames of local controversies. To safeguard its status as a neutral intermediary between citizens and government, the Kuna ACT board adopted a policy that only community institutions could submit topics for the forums. The school board, planning and zoning commission, city council, and other bodies now regularly ask Kuna ACT to convene citizens around particular issues and decisions.

    Over the last five years, Kuna ACT has used this format twelve times. Each forum and set of small-group sessions has attracted from 30 to 120 people. The decisions and issues addressed include: city planning priorities; school planning priorities (particularly in regard to the possibility of a bond issue); disaster preparedness; downtown development (including whether to build a downtown auditorium); regional development; substance abuse among young people (including the possibility of drug testing at the high school); juvenile justice issues; fire and public safety (including hiring priorities and whether to shift from a volunteer to professional fire department); and the wastewater treatment system.[20]

    From Rutan's perspective, Kuna ACT remedied his past mistakes and changed his relationship with the public. In September 2000, the bond issue to build the new high school passed by a 73 percent margin. Rutan then set up a process by which students worked with the architecture firm to design parts of the building. "What I see happening is our community developing new processes for working together," Rutan says.[21]

    The development of Kuna ACT was not a painless process, however. Laurale Neal and another city council member were defeated in the September 1999 election -- after they had voted to help fund the project, but before the first set of meetings were held. The fact that the mayor campaigned so actively against them presumably had an impact on the outcome. "Getting a local government to support this kind of effort is a tremendous challenge," Neal acknowledges. "You have to get to the point where they aren't afraid of hearing what people think. It is difficult to get officials out of the mode of 'I was elected and I know best.'"[22]

    In fact, Mayor Nelson began to change his stance a year later. He even began working closely with Arnette Johnson, and submitting forum topics to Kuna ACT. "I think it's nice that people have started talking to each other more about their community," he said at a public meeting in late 2000.[23]

    In the 2004 city council election, Nelson was defeated by a candidate who had been a regular small-group facilitator for Kuna ACT. The president of the Kuna ACT board, Zella Johnson (no relation to Arnette), resigned her post before the campaign began and also won election to the city council.

    In an interview shortly after his defeat, one of Nelson's allies said they had decided how to maintain their clout in the community: by continuing to attend the Kuna ACT forums, and recruiting their supporters to join them.[24] Ironically, the same people who had opposed the project so vehemently now saw it as a neutral venue for making policy decisions, a democratic arena where every voice could be heard. Kuna ACT had reached a point where it provided political validation to citizens and public officials alike. Some of this aura may have rubbed off on other community institutions as well: Zella Johnson reports that "Five years ago, my husband and I were often the only attendees at city council meetings. Now, if you don't get there early, you don't get a seat."[25]

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 8:10 PM
  • Smalltown: Below, I (re) posted an article I cut/pasted about how the school district worked with the community to get their school built. The article is long, but I don't want to piecemeal it, because I didn't write it. I think we need to set up an Mountain Home ACT committee. We will need the school to participate though, to be successful. We will also have to look at the community as a whole. I think it's a good idea and it worked for them. Do we have to re-invent the wheel, or can we do what they did?

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 8:13 PM
  • *

    Here is a thought. Maybe any committe or even the district could approach Kuna about using their building plan as a starting point. I have seen this option used in the military construction arena and it saves huge sums of money. Once one place develops a usable plan, other places utlize it so they can save that amount of money. Just look at some of the recent sub-divisions that have been built. They re-use a few house plans over and over. Why? So that they don't have the extra expense of drafting plans for the differing houses. That is my two cents worth as one means to save the community some huge money.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 9:29 PM
  • Froggy,

    I also saw the information about what Kuna has done when I was researching the bond a few weeks ago that they passed in 2000. Since I work for the district, I will talk to Mr. McMurtrey about this and see what his thoughts are on it. The school board would be another group that I may need to talk to as well. I think that this could be very powerful.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:26 PM
  • *

    Hannah32,

    One would have thought the board and district would have looked at what has worked in other communities. I mean plagiarism is the strongest form of flattery. Maybe this is the reason the bond did not pass and not the fault of the elementary schools. That excuse is not a valid one. The real reason the bond did not pass is that the justification did not meet the needs of the community.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 10:36 PM
  • I totally have the biggest grin on my face right now. It rocks that Smalltown is calling just about every school in Idaho to get info, Missylynn, who is trying to find a place she can afford, is researching grants, Old Guy pops out with this great idea of looking at Kuna's floorplan, throwing out some new ideas is OpinionMissy, the Lady is cheering us on and Hannah who has a connection there at the school district can approach McMurtrey. Totally rocks. You guys are the bomb.

    IMO, I think the group could include (besides just regular people and the someone from the school district and the school district like Hannah suggested)

    1. someone from the Rec Center project, someone from the Nazarene Church and any other churches (because they may be able to provide some things that we may not have to duplicate in the school or alleviate some of the stuff we want),

    2. some high school kids (because they should feel included and important and know what it's like to work on a budget),

    3. and I love the idea that Kuna included a rep from the Senior Center. Dude, those guys have been there/done that and I think could really help out a lot.

    4. I like MissyLynn's idea of a grant writer. Even maybe for some solar panels to save $$ on the bills. Might impress some voters if we generate power back to the grid, like the jail is making money holding State inmates. OK that may be a bit much for now. :)

    5. Who else ya think?????

    I wish there was a way we could do a poll. Kinda like the city where one had to rate different services & stuff. I mean, we here in the blogsphere know what we didn't like, but we are only a handful. There may be some other good reasons people didn't vote and they may also have some great ideas. Hmmmm. Maybe the Mtn Home Newspaper could do a poll about why people didn't vote and they can write stuff in the comments. But the poll usually only has around 100 poll voters (is that a correct term??).

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, Apr 30, 2008, at 11:34 PM
  • Froggy,

    thank you for reposting the article, I think that is just what we need to do if we organize ourselves, eventually the board will have to liste to us. I think it is a great idea for the school students although that will have to wait till next school year. I think we should start an organization like that here as soon as possible. The only question is how do we start. Maybe we could talk to someone there and see how we go about starting. Any other suggestions

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 10:10 AM
  • The school district had said that the school/s are used for different functions other than school programs.

    I beleive that that it might not be a bad idea to involve the Wester Elmore County Rec District and also the Mountain Home Recreation Center in the decisions. This would help not only the the school district but other recreation facilities so that there is not repetitive building being done. What a cost savings that would be to everyone - yet still get the same/similar facilities in Mountain Home.

    We had discussed in previous blogs that the Nazarene church is building an auditorium, the WECR is going to possibly ask for a bond to build a pool and other rec. facilities.

    Hopefully this will help in decision making.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 10:17 AM
  • Here's my suggestion.

    First, we have to find out if McMurtrey and/or the school board is even intrested in trying to modifiy the school bond. If he/they aren't interested, I don't think we can do much to change anything where this bond is concerned. I might be wrong because I don't know how the process works, but that's my best guess.

    If he/they are interested, we should have some kind of open forum, invite members from different facets of the community (examples in my previous post)to represent and then nominate people to sit on the council.

    Next is to try and find a $$$ amount we want to work with. I found it interesting that the Nazarene church was trying to keep their costs at $100 psf. We should have some dollar amount in mind to set a goal for. Either by square foot or just a dollar amount, like 20 million, or whatever. Something the tax payers can afford and would likely approve.

    Then the committee with suggestions from the community needs to prioritize what is most important for the school. Once the list is made, we can see what things are available outside the school, so we aren't duplicating. What's left, goes to the school board who will have to consulte w/the building designers, to make sure all is w/in code, etc.

    That at least to start with. But first, we need the school's committment so I guess we wait and see what Hannah finds out.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 1:46 PM
  • Froggy,

    I agree we can't do anything about the bond unless we get the distrit to cooperate with us, but I like the idea of getting a commitee together to address other community concerns, once established then the distrit might listen to us.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 1:56 PM
  • froggy:

    I agree with you. You are a good agenda person. You are right. The first thing we need before this goes any further is to get the school districts cooperation with the decision making. We are talking up a blue streak without that. If we don't get their cooperation then we will have to find other avenues to get the community involved.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 2:15 PM
  • *

    It is very refreshing to see all the good comments from both sides of the fence that would really like to work it all out for the School Bond, and you are so right have to get the School District to agree to listen to the public. You would think after two failed trys they would want to work with the public guess we just have to wait and see. I hope I can be able to see all the comments posted haven't been able to see them all for some reason guess the puter doesn't like me lol

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 3:05 PM
  • One would think that the district would be more than willing to work with us as the voters and the community. If it really is about the kids and education, they will take this chance. If not, I guess it really is all about the politics and some change will be needed there as well.

    I wonder if they went with materials that are the most cost effective (I do not mean cheap) or did they go with what will look best now but need repairs in 5 years (paint, stone repair, etc)? The materials should be able to stand the test of time. I would also hope that the roofing materials as well would stand the test of time so that a bond is not needed to maintain/keep up the school. If they do more areas with "floating walls" that should also keep costs down and be more multi-purpose. Also, would all one level be better for cost? It would be better for kids that are disabled for sure. This school should also be built so that it is easy to "add" on to or remodel just in case that is needed 25-30 years down the road (just a number). Also, can the parking lot be finished at another date to save some money? Maybe some of our tax money (not for the bond) needs to go to that. I would also hope that any trees and/or shrubs on location now would be recycled back to the "new" building and less grass areas are used (due to our water issues). I would hope that anything that can be recycled in this project would be.

    They have told us that the design is "no frills" but how true is that statement? Design people like what they like and tend to have favorite materials but other materials could also work that may not have been used in their design.

    Spaces that can do double duty if need be is a good idead both for now and the future. I know that sports may conflict with drama/choir but if the gym could also be the auditorium that would save on both ends. If this is really all about education, they will figure the schedules out.

    I really hope the district will work with the community. If not, I guess we will vote yet again with a larger dollar amount. Midea's husband is in construction (I believe) and would probably have great ideas on materials and ways to keep costs down but still build a nice facility that will last. Will a local company build this (at least in part) or are we going to help a company in another area/state? It would be nice if local folks got some of these jobs/money. It is only fair to keep some of the money here if we can. Just my opinion.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 7:05 PM
  • *

    Good points opinion missy:

    Has also crossed my mind if be a bit cheaper for a one story building, 2 stories require more of a foundation and the first story walls to carry the second story. I also know what you mean by less cost for materials but like ya say not cheap if its going to last. From what I have seen that is one fancy parking lot with what the pictures have shown by someones view of what it should look like. I also made the same point back before the bond ballot how much of this work going to be done by Idaho workers and keep the money here instead of going out of State, with the housing being so bad right now the boom has stopped and has to be a number of contruction workers out of work. It all looks like now we wait to see if the District is going to deal with the public or just go their own way and let all this opinions that have been left here fall by the way side sure hope that doesn't happen how many times can you shot yourself in the foot and still get around but just one opinion here surely would like to see everyone work together and get the job done without it costing an arm and a leg if we can't I will still vote no if there be no give and take

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 7:53 PM
  • As someone who sat on the bond committee I have to ask,

    "Where were all of you at in January when the 1st meeting was held?"

    I understand since I moved back to Mt Home 2 years ago, I might have been at an advantage to finding out about this secret meeting but all you have to do is ASK, its that easy. At the meeting in January we had representation from business owners, school teachers, common folk, senior citizens and school district management and the question was asked what changes do we need to make to the bond. The senior citizens who were there said nothing needs to change. The school district people who were there said nothing needed to change and the common folk who were there said nothing needed to changed.

    Maybe if all the people who are now on here saying,

    "Why didn't they ask us?"

    would of been there at the 1st meeting our bond would of passed.

    Take an active roll in the community, spend more time making phone calls and asking questions and not just sitting at the computer making complaints. The school bond committee was more than happy to listen to input. It was my 1st time at any school district meeting and they listened to what I had to say. I hope for our kids sake the school district is willing to try another bond, but why should they?? Two bonds in a row don't pass, I believe the people who do take an active roll in Mt. Home have spoken . If you don't like something or think there is a problem, fix it or take and active part in fixing it. Don't expect other people to do it, if you won't even stand up for what you believe.

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 8:58 PM
  • You are absolutely right. We have often wondered how to find out about meetings as there hasn't been ENOUGH publicity in the right places. And we do read the paper.

    Only recently when the bloggers provided information about a public forum and while at a meeting Mr Mc Murtry gave the website address did we have anything to go on. But I for one --there is at least one more person I know of -- have received no answer to an email, so that doesn't always work either.

    When at least one person called the district office, the person there had no idea if or when or where there would be a public forum. It was frustrating.

    Recently the paper has put public hearings and forums on the front page and that has really helped. That is a real public service.

    Please join us in this renewed attempt to get the right bond passed, even if you are absolutely exhausted and frustrated yourself. Check out the Banter Box regularly.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 9:18 PM
  • *

    IDCOUG

    We did take an active roll. We voted! I put in 11 hour days, almost two hours of it is behind the wheel of my car driving to Boise and back. Why! Because I like living in Mtn. Home, I like the values of the people of Mountain Home. We who cannot be at every meeting or every coffee are still apart of this community. That is why the turnout was heavy for this bond, please do not think that those of us that have voted no don't believe in our kids........ We just know our limits.....We know the limits that we can give. This has nothing to do with depriving our children of an education. Educators have taught in schools where the norm was one room, heck look at the school at Pine. This has bond really had to do with keeping up with the Jones, and those Jones just happen to be Boise, Kuna and Meridian......... I am not up to keeping up with the Jones, but I am up to keeping up the Pines........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 11:20 PM
  • Sorry, Mr McMurtrey, I misspelled your name before. I seem to have a problem with Mr Everitt's name too once in a while. I could blame it on old fingers on the keyboard but it's probably just carelessness. I do apologize (which means I will try very hard not to do it again).

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 11:22 PM
  • IDCOUG:

    First of all, we do care what goes on. How was the meeting in January announced to the public? Was it at 2:00 in the afternoon or while many could have been working? That was something that Mr. McMurtrey said he was not sure about. I read the Public Hearing Notices, etc. in the paper but must have missed that one. Guess they COULD have put a blip on the front page but that just is not how things go. I am sorry that I can't keep my hand on the pulse of this community 100% (as much as I try) of the time but I do care what goes on. That working 2 jobs gets in the way (sometimes) of being able to check on every move that the politicians make in this town. If they really wanted input, they would have made darn sure a good portion of the community knew about the meeting. Did the Editor of this paper do an editorial? Pretty sure not.

    For your information, we did try to talk to the district about this as soon as we found out what was going on. We were told that they were going through with the bond as it was. You cannot get a response when you email the district or you get part of a response with a promise of follow-up information at a later time. However, you never get the information. Call the district and either nobody calls you back or the person you talk to does not have the info and will "need to get back to you." That never happens either. Well, my feeling is this; if you attempted to pass a bond for LESS money less than one (1) year prior and it failed/did not pass, why try to pass the SAME plan again for more money in a worse economy? That in itself is not very smart. The public spoke that time but nobody could (or wanted to) hear us. It has always been all or nothing regarding the school district and some of us are tired of it. We have yet to figure out where the school tax money goes. The high school has needed a portion of the roof replaced for 10 years and it has YET to be done yet this falls under maintaining/upkeep. What is wrong with this picture????????

    I do believe that we got the word out just fine on this matter (on this blog and with Letters to the Editor) for a bunch of folks that do not care and apparently had better things to do, in your eyes. The people and community have spoken...the bond did not pass. Where you at the public meetings that were held recently? We asked for those for about 4 weeks (maybe longer) before they would hold one of those. If you were there and missed it Mr. McMurtrey stated that they would not postpone the bond election because the ballots were already printed and it was "too late." That was funny because Ada County employees (with a larger population) worked on a Saturday to change ballots because some people listed on the ballots were no longer in the election. If that could be done in Ada County, surely we could have changed 2,400 or so ballots (to vote at a later date) to BE SURE that the bond plan worked for most of the community. Nope. It was all or nothing and nothing is just what WE/the kids got. Not my fault or the fault of the "anti" folks. We told them that we would vote "no." They CHOSE not to listen because they figured they had it in the bag since it was lost by under 80 votes the last time. Well, the people have spoken.

    So, do you want to be a part of the solution or sit at your computer and complain? We may have missed the boat in January for the "meeting" but we went to the others that were held. Some of us are just tired of endless taxes with not much to show for it in the end. Money is hard to come by these days and I prefer to be smart in my spending.

    We have tried (post bond) to get a meeting with the district. They do not seem to want to talk to us. I guess we will go for a 3rd time with the same building plans for yet more money so it can fail to pass yet again. And you say that I/we do not care? It amazes me that none of the "pro" bond people or teachers on this blog have stated that they knew of this "meeting" in January. Interesting but not a surprise.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 12:03 AM
  • IDCOUG brings up some good points. Here's my POV:

    Well, first of all, I didn't know there were meetings. Honestly, if I had know there are meetings though, I'm not sure I would have gone at the time. One, because of my job, two, because of my second job, three, I have an activity which I am involved in the community. I guess I figured 'others' in the community who know more about schools and bonds would be involved. And I (wrongly) assumed if the first bond didn't pass, that the school would have done some of the things this blog is suggesting, instead of trying to push the same old bond that had not passed before.

    Yeah, maybe we all should have been more involved. Maybe if the economy was better, you would have gotten more yes votes.

    Maybe if I hadn't read the article about the Kuna School district, I might not think that a community could get involved either. Guess we can't change the past, but can maybe work on improving the future???

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 12:09 AM
  • IDCOUG:

    If all of the people at that meeting stated that "nothing needed to change/be changed" and they listened to what you "had to say"...what did you feel needed to change? Just a question because this plan was the same plan as last time that FAILED and the only change this round was the price! So, what did you add to that meeting where everybody, including seniors and common folks said all was well? It would seem that they may not have listened to you as well as you think!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 12:12 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 6:46 AM
  • Froggy,

    I spoke with Mr. McMurtrey and he stated that the decision has not been made yet, by the School Board, to try and pass another bond. I also called and sent an email to a lady in Kuna that is involved with Kuna ACT. I have not heard anything back from her. I have a friend here in Mountain Home who knows some people in Kuna. She is going to talk to them as well.

    One other thought for all. If we do go forward with a community forum to pass another bond, we all need to put everything that has been said, in the past. We have to move forward with clear thoughts and an open mind to make this successful.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 10:25 AM
  • Some of what I'm saying may sound sarcastic, but it isn't.

    At the school district website, under "contacts" is Mr McMurtrey's name as Superintendent, and other names as well. That's how I emailed him before. I thought recently that he and the others at "contacts" were the district officers.

    But the elected board itself is

    Jim Alexander Zone 5, Chair

    Jo Gridley Zone 4, Vice Chair

    Tom Rodney Zone 3

    Luise House Zone 2

    Toni Reynolds Zone 1.

    (The map of the zones is available at the site as well.)

    I'm ashamed to say I had forgotten about the five school board trustees, thought they were the "district."

    But now I recall some years back there was a school board election once that I wasn't allowed to vote at because I was in another zone. So now, with the map -- which I actually saw in the paper once but it wasn't clear -- I know I'm in Zone 5. We each elect only one of the folks on the board. I'm not sure how the board's officers are determined.

    I'm confused about their terms. Please forgive me, but I am. According to the site, folks whose terms ended years ago have "served" since years earlier? I will be the first to admit that my mind does not work as well as it used to, so I am really confused. Going to the site for information hasn't really helped.

    If the school board supervised or proposed the recent bond, why was Mr Mc Murtrey their spokeperson? Is he their employee? Was the formation of the bond proposal delegated? By whom, to whom?

    I really am ignorant here. Someone please help.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 10:35 AM
  • Hannah, you are so right.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 10:38 AM
  • Please read the article about the Elk's Lodge that is going to be rebuilt. It is interesting.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 11:06 AM
  • I scanned the article just now; I didn't read it before as we are not members...

    But it is an additional venue for things, I had forgotten.

    Seems like they're going to build intelligently: the building will be both economically constructed and versatile in use.

    Is that what you meant?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 12:36 PM
  • Many thanks to those who sent their thanks and kudos to us for our producer who filmed the public hearing and the station for airing it. Camera 8 is a lot more than many people realize and we are here for our community. We do plan to have a producer that will cover any other public hearings so that we can help get the word to those not able to attend, etc.

    Also, we have a wonderful husband and wife team who film, edit and produce the video from the City Council meeting each month which is aired on the Tuesday following. Imagine the time they put in, at least 3 hours of filming and then several hours of editing so that this can be broadcast 24 hours after taking place. If you attend a City Council meeting, go up to this couple and say hello, they are always willing to answer questions about Camera 8.

    I know I have said this before but it is so important to hear, we truly are the voice of the people, for the people and by the people. You are our community and we are looking forward to many more years serving you.

    -- Posted by Camera 8 on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 3:50 PM
  • I think I've seen the city council meeting on Wednesdays...

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 4:56 PM
  • You are correct. That is why I asked people to read that article. The Elks do NOT want to go into debt for the building/fixtures, etc. They have also made changes to the "original" plan which has ended up as a savings to them (it sounded like they thought it was going to be more expensive to make the changes). Anyway, they said they will have to do fundraisers to raise money for some things but they do not want to go into debt for the building or anything in it. I thought that was very smart of them. They provide a service to the community and could have built a larger building and passed it on to the patrons but they have made the CHOICE not to do this. They care what the community thinks and what their members think. See a pattern here?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 5:09 PM
  • *

    Wow, I finally had some free time to look over the school district web site. If one looks close enough, you can find that the trustees approved spending about $1.4 million on replacing the roof at the high school. Now the hard part to swallow is they did this on 12 Feb 2008 and if my old mind serves me correctly, wasn't this part of the bond? Did they not say they needed the money to replace this aging roof? How can they approve to spend money they don't have and why did they not come forward and say they already contracted to have the work start on 3 June?

    I would give you the web site but we ar enot allowed to on this blog.

    This makes me very leary of anything that they say and you can bet I will take it all with a grain of salt.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 9:31 PM
  • Regarding the $1.5 million for the roof…that money will come from funds from which we get computers, textbooks, and for general items in our respective departments (replacement projector bulbs, workbooks, markers, erasers, etc.). For two years no one will receive any textbooks, workbooks, computers, etc., or so I've been told.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 9:48 PM
  • Oldguy...the roof has to be done. If the bond passed the money would have come from there. Since it didn't it is coming from other sources, as I explained in the post before this one.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 9:50 PM
  • *

    Mule,

    I understand that but take a look at the minutes from the districts own meetings about the bond. No where in the approved minutes does it state that any portion of the $37 Mil is for the roof at the current MHHS. Also no where in the records does the district address where they will come up with the $1.5 Mil for the roof. I am just saying that seems odd to me to contract to spend money that they are not sure where it is coming from. And before I get attacked, I am just looking over the information that the district puts out and going from there. I would love to see both schools be improved for the children but we have to do this with some sort of common sense and planning.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 10:08 PM
  • Old guy,

    No attacking, just an explanation from what I have heard...Engineers came in and said that the roof has to go. I don't know why they didn't explain it better, but they didn't. I believe they were planning for the roof with the bond. (Hard to plan for a roof failing sometimes) Since it didn't pass...plan B, as explained earlier.

    -- Posted by mule on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 10:17 PM
  • So, once again...where are our tax dollars going? There is supposed to be a fund for repairs/upkeep (according to McMurtrey). Those funds are supposed to be different than the books, erasers, workbooks, etc. (or classroom items). Where is all of the money?

    It surely is not in the teachers' pockets. Does anybody know what the admin. people (McMurtrey and Johnson) and school board members make per year? That could prove to be interesting.

    How is it that the district has not saved a single dime for a rainy day (which it would appear is today/now)? The fact remains that this roof has been bad for 13 or so years. Buildings require upkeep---surely someone realized a roof, plumbing or some electrical would need repairs. We do this on any other building in this county including most of our own homes. The people in charge, it would appear, do not manage money at all and now we are under contract for a roof BEFORE the monies for said roof were obtained? I guess they decided after their meeting in January on the bond that they had it. Now, we will rob from Peter to pay Paul. Come on! When will it end?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 2, 2008, at 11:47 PM
  • I've made enough mistakes in judgment in my years...I surely hate to be reminded about them too often. Maybe we need to declare at least a temporary truce with the school board.

    Hannah spoke to that. There's work to do ahead of us. What next?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, May 3, 2008, at 12:13 PM
  • What is being done about the Rec center money? Why are we still paying for land for a Center that we can't afford? This really blows my mind that we are in major need of fixing the schools and roads and that money is being wasted,there has to be a way to stop this abuse of our hard earned money. Does anyone notice all the little patch jobs on the holes in the roads that come out days after "being fixed" and how much do we pay the folks that paint the lines on the roads? Way too much I believe,the squiggly,crooked lines they put on the roads my children could do better. The money wer'e paying every day for this crap should be spent on paving New roads.

    -- Posted by Moanah on Sun, May 4, 2008, at 2:03 AM
  • I'm tired of hearing teachers complain about their salaries. I've been around the block! Most of you go to work around 7 and get home before 4:30. You get more holidays off than any real working class folks. When there aren't enough holidays you create additional days to send the kids home. You get summers off, and additional time on major holidays. If you want more money than work for it! Most people get up and work all day and someone else determines when to the work stops. They don't get the extra time off for holidays and summer. These are the people who work and pay taxes so that you get paid and time-off. Quit complaining about what taxpayers aren't willing to pay for or give you. If you want additional space than manage your resources better, and change your schedules to show us your willing to earn it. Start implementing meaningful learning, and stop making excuses like you need more buildings. Personally I think that most of you would fail to make it in the real world, because you couldn't handle the real work, with real people, in real working schedules, and being told what to do... I don't understand why you have to make us feel like we fail you, because we didn't agree with going into debt for additional building space. Times are changing, and our dollars are streched because of the economy. We not only pay more at the pumps and stores, but government is taking more as well. The decision to VOTE NO was good for tax payers. Regards......

    -- Posted by WABASH on Sun, May 4, 2008, at 9:51 PM
  • Ok Wabash you went over the line with me with what you said. The teachers I know put in longer hours than what you have posted. Did you count the hours after work, on the weekend that they are doing lesson planning and correcting papers. The summers are spent going to school to keep certified so they can teach the next school year. Some of them also work second jobs to make ends meet. Idaho is one of the lowest pay in the nation for teacher pay. We rank toward the bottem of the 50 states.

    -- Posted by snafu on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 10:49 AM
  • I agree with Pooh. The teachers I had in my youth and the teachers out sons were blessed with and the teachers I know now are all unbelievably wonderful in their vocation.

    The pay of Mtn Home teachers, police officers, and fire staff are the ONLY areas where I feel we need to compete with the Treasure Valley and even the rest of the country. For one thing, we need to keep them here. But most importantly, they deserve it.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 12:08 PM
  • I agree with Pooh and Senior Lady, you are way off base, if a teacher goes to work at 7 and home by 430 that is a full 8 hour day. They get summers off without pay, holidays are figured in their pay. Teachers put up with a lot from kids now. Watch the news at how many teachers are assulted by students and parents they more than earn the money the make and most deserve more. Go spend a day at a school and then say they don't earn their pay.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 1:33 PM
  • I knew I was digging in a little. However, I know some of these teachers also. I also remember when teachers used to actually plan their lessons, and spend their evenings grading. However today their unions have forced school districts to hire "Duties" to do most of the after hours work. And I am glad to see their time off is figured into their salary. When you work less, you make less. It's simple Math! I think they are paid about right. If they want more they should chose another profession. "Small Town" mentioned earlier a full 8 hour day! It's not like that in the real world today. Our average working days are longer, much longer. As a manager, I am expected to do more and make the sacrifice. I've read the pandering across several pages and it appears educators are ticked because they didn't win the vote. Sometimes difficult choices need to be made. VOTING NO didn't harm our children, and it in no way should mean that people lose their jobs or the children should get less of an education. I don't see the great teaching examples you are claiming. I'm willing to compare who you know with those who I know. I'm sure we both can give examples of both sides. I am merely stating that I think it's about right. State and Local governments need to use better discretion with regards to their budgets before asking me to pay more. They need to stop using bonds to make us pay more in taxes. If you want more money put it in a budget, and live by it. When the money runs out, use the same practices that any responsible adult would do, and quit spending. Don't put us in further debt. Regards Pooh, Senior Lady and Small Town...

    -- Posted by WABASH on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 2:37 PM
  • Teachers, if they elect to do so, do get paid all 12 months. To do this, they take a portion of their monthly pay and have it "saved" for summer months. This is how they are paid for year round service.

    As far as good and bad teachers, you have that in all areas of employment. Many of the teachers here do not "care" but many do and are very gifted teachers. It is a choice to teach just like any other career. I do agree that there are some teachers out there that really should not be teaching anymore.

    Our district does need to operate on a budget. When we, the people, are not able to pay our bills, we do not have the luxury of obtaining a bond. There does need to be a budget and we, the tax payers have a right to know how the money is spent. Bond after bond is NOT the answer. The sky is not the limit and at some point the budget needs to be balanced with spending.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 3:36 PM
  • I forgot a few things. Most teachers do have help in the classroom and aides do a lot of work. Teachers are not "alone" in a class to do all of the work. Most teachers also have "free" periods in the day to get work done so that it does not have to be done at home. I do not have help with my job like this. If I do not get things done, I am at work until my work is done. There is not another body to task things to.

    Teachers do put up with some things in the class that are NOT acceptable however, that is up to the teacher, the administration and the parents to take care of (together---not that the schools do day care so parents do not have to "deal" with problems). If the administration does not draw the lines then they get what they get with only themselves to blame (ie the opinion letter this week from the MHJHS student). In many cases the school allows bad behavior/unacceptable behavior and that is why we have the problems that we have. They are afraid to be sued and in return do very little to take care of the problems.

    Teachers are not alone. They have it better in many cases than others of us on the outside. I do not have a union that protects me if a problem comes up. Could the pay be better...probably but mine could be better as well for the hours I put in and the amount of work that I have to do to stay employed. That is life.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 3:47 PM
  • Elmorehorselady, your exactly right! I don't mean to sound down on teachers, I have a lot of respect for them. I just like to keep things in perspective. Best Regards Teachers.... Lets find a new topic!

    -- Posted by WABASH on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 8:58 PM
  • Wabash:

    You had some valid points. You are entitled to your opinion. I do not disagree with you on some levels. It is nice to see that you can think in an individual sort of way. Keep it up Wabash. It is rather refreshing.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 5, 2008, at 9:06 PM
  • The school bond committee should have one last meeting to wrap everything up. I would like to take all the ideas/comments people had on why the bond failed or what it would of taken to pass to the meeting. I know there were a few people on here who had some ideas. Would those of you who did/do have some ideas or comments like to get together Saturday morning so I can take your ideas/comments to the meeting

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 6:40 AM
  • Where and when? I may have to work.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 1:15 PM
  • Is it possible to attend this meeting, I would rather do that than just have our ideas presented.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 1:19 PM
  • Small Town:

    I wanted to make it very clear that in no way do I blame the Military Personnel for the high rates of rent. That is not what I meant at all and if that is the way it came across I apologize. I think that the property managers are goughing all of us if you want to know the truth.

    And that is what I think stinks. But it is not the fault of the Military.

    Just wanted to clear that up

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 3:30 PM
  • This is who will represent the people/citizens before the school board? No thanks. He/she is probably a member. He/she never did tell us how the "people" were notified about the meeting(s) in January. We do not need someone to speak for us at a non-public meeting. We do not need "help" like this person is so willing to offer. Just my opinion.

    "As someone who sat on the bond committee I have to ask,

    "Where were all of you at in January when the 1st meeting was held?"

    I understand since I moved back to Mt Home 2 years ago, I might have been at an advantage to finding out about this secret meeting but all you have to do is ASK, its that easy. At the meeting in January we had representation from business owners, school teachers, common folk, senior citizens and school district management and the question was asked what changes do we need to make to the bond. The senior citizens who were there said nothing needs to change. The school district people who were there said nothing needed to change and the common folk who were there said nothing needed to changed.

    Maybe if all the people who are now on here saying,

    "Why didn't they ask us?"

    would of been there at the 1st meeting our bond would of passed.

    Take an active roll in the community, spend more time making phone calls and asking questions and not just sitting at the computer making complaints. The school bond committee was more than happy to listen to input. It was my 1st time at any school district meeting and they listened to what I had to say. I hope for our kids sake the school district is willing to try another bond, but why should they?? Two bonds in a row don't pass, I believe the people who do take an active roll in Mt. Home have spoken . If you don't like something or think there is a problem, fix it or take and active part in fixing it. Don't expect other people to do it, if you won't even stand up for what you believe."

    -- Posted by IDCOUG on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 8:58 PM

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 7:52 PM
  • For whatever reason, I had no knowledge of previous chances for public imput...so I'm thinking it was a combination of my not noticing something about it in the paper and their not getting my attention in other ways.

    In any event, since it turns out I probably don't have to work Saturday after all, I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity and speak to this IDCOUG. I don't think I need to be at any official meeting of the committee -- there are perhaps some tender feelings on all sides... This is much more the easier way for me, and maybe this is the most positive way possible to make progress right now.

    Recriminations on either side are absolutely NOT practical. We still have to get the new 4-yr high school completed and the roof on the old one replaced. Lot's of us had good suggestions, and we've been asked to repeat them. Don't hold back now.

    Time for a truce and progress on the schools.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, May 6, 2008, at 8:35 PM
  • Senior Lady

    I was thinking Moxie's at 10am on Sat, or I can do it later/earlier if you need to. I am pretty open since I have this weekend off and I thought it would be a good time to meet while ideas are still fresh.

    ElmoreHorseLady

    As far as me being a "member" of the school board not even close. I live on the east side of Hwy 51 which is Zone 4 and Jo Gridley is my board rep. You can see who the reps are it's on the school districts web page.

    In regards to how I found out about the meeting, I guess a couple ways is the right answer. Since I try to regularly attend PTT meetings at West Elementary I heard the school board may try to run another bond. I then called the school district was told about the January meeting and went. No secrets, no inside knowledge, not a employee of the school district, just a concerned parent.

    *******

    If the school district meeting is open to public I'm sure it will be announced to the public. I called Mr. McMurtrey after the bond failed and asked if we would have an after actions meeting to wrap things up. I was told we would in the next couple of weeks. I saw a lot of people blogging on here shortly after the bond failed about why it failed. As much as it bothered me these ideas were not brought up months before. There were still some good ideas that may/will help in the future.

    All I'm trying to do by organizing this meeting, is give people who might not want to attend or can't attend the district meeting, a chance to voice their opinion. In my opinion having someone bring the ideas of the community, or people bringing there ideas to the district, will carry a lot more weight then faceless bloggers expressing there opinion/ideas on the internet.

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 8:49 AM
  • I think the Lady is right. Truce for now and let's work on some negotiations. Hopefully the school board listen.

    We had some good ideas in this blog, so I don't see what the harm there is in having IDCOUG present them, or anyone else for that matter. We need someone to go to the table. If the schoolboard doesn't make some changes, we/I can always vote no again. But I would rather us 'no' voters take the high road and be constructive rather than destructive. I have to admit, it's easy to complain and say no to someone else's plan, even if the complaints are legit. It's a much harder task to try and come up with a viable option that pleases most everyone AND within a budget.

    Senior lady, are you going to take notes and bring up the stuff in the blog at Moxie? I have to work, but I'm going to ask a friend of mine to go for me if she can.

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 9:44 AM
  • Missylyn:

    I don't know if you are still looking for a place to rent but I just heard of a house for rent on 7th street by the hospital.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 10:46 AM
  • I suppose I can do that, take our ideas and bring info back...So,

    1. Gym -- tournament-capable not economical, so downsize it. I would be very proud to be able to host tournaments but it is frankly out of the question to have this gym. This seems to be purely a "prestige" thing. There are quite enough venues for all kinds of tournaments in southern Idaho. The trickle-down theory of the tournaments helping the local economy is not logical. Even if all the proceeds of tournaments -- motels, shopping, meals, etc. -- were given directly to pay off the bond, the dream gym would still take decades to pay off. The facility for visiting teams, which is a good idea, can be downsized as well, or wait.

    2. Use economical methods of building and dividing classrooms -- see article re new Elks building.

    3. Downsize auditorium, and/or do it in stages.

    This adjustment of the bond proposal would make me vote for it next time, it several million dollars can be trimmed off.

    What have I forgotten?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 12:33 PM
  • This isn't email! It's the banter box...

    -- Posted by WABASH on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 1:35 PM
  • All three of the remaining presidential candidates are on record!

    A list of the idiots in Washington.

    Subject:WHAT COSTS MORE PER YEAR THAN THE IRAQ WAR???

    Be sure to read the 14 reasons at the bottom.

    Social Security Change For 2008

    The United States Senate voted to extend Social Security Benefits to Illegal Aliens beginning in 2008. The following are the senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security benefits. They are grouped

    by home state. If a state is not listed, there was no voting representative.

    Alaska : Stevens (R)

    Arizona : McCain (R)

    Arkansas : Lincoln (D) Pryor (D)

    California : Boxer (D) Feinstein (D)

    Colorado : Salazar (D)

    Connecticut : Dodd (D) Lieberman (D)

    Delaware : Biden (D) Carper (D)

    Florida : Martinez (R)

    Hawaii : Akaka (D) Inouye (D)

    Illinois : Durbin (D) Obama (D)

    Indiana : Bayh (D) Lugar (R)

    Iowa : Harkin (D)

    Kansas : Brownback (R)

    Louisiana : Landrieu (D)

    Maryland : Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D)

    Massachusetts : Kennedy (D) Kerry (D)

    Montana : Baucus (D)

    Nebraska : Hagel (R)

    Nevada : Reid (D)

    New Jersey : Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D)

    New Mexico : Bingaman (D)

    New York : Clinton (D) Schumer (D)

    North Dakota : Dorgan (D)

    Ohio : DeWine (R) Voinovich(R)

    Oregon : Wyden (D)

    Pennsylvania : Specter (R)

    Rhode Island : Chafee (R) Reed (D)

    South Carolina : Graham (R)

    South Dakota : Johnson (D)

    Vermont : Jeffords (I) Leahy (D)

    Washington : Cantwell (D) Murray (D)

    West Virginia : Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting

    Wisconsin : Feingold (D) Kohl (D)

    http://rense.com/general79/seniors.htm

    I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until

    they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of the following facts:

    1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77

    2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens.

    http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

    3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.

    http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

    4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt0.html

    5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.

    http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt01.html

    6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.

    http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt01.html

    7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.

    http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt01.html

    8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare and Social Services by the American taxpayers.

    http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

    9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens.

    http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt01.html

    10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two-and-a-half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt01.html

    11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth,heroin and marijuana,crossed into the U.S.from the Southern border.

    Homeland Security Report. http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

    12. The National Policy Institute, estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.

    http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf

    13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin.

    http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

    14. "The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States ".

    http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

    Total cost is a whooping... $338.3 BILLION A YEAR!!!

    THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES

    NEEDS TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION, UNLESS THEY DON'T MIND SHARING THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY WITH FOREIGN WORKERS who didn't pay in a dime.

    LET US SHOW OUR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON

    "PEOPLE POWER" AND THE POWER OF THE INTERNET. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT OR INDEPENDENT! KEEP IT GOING!!!!

    -- Posted by WABASH on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 1:54 PM
  • As you said wabash, this isn't email.

    -- Posted by mule on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 3:51 PM
  • Dear IDCOUG,

    Moxie Java's by the post office? (There are two others, one inside the library and one in front of the BX.)

    10 is a good time.

    I'm sure we'll find each other -- I'm an elderly woman, quite plump.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 7:38 PM
  • SeniorLady,

    My plan was the one down town. If you know of a better place let me know. I figured it would be the easiest for the most amount of people.

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 7:58 PM
  • IDCOUG, Yes, the one downtown by the post office is the most logical. That's just fine. See you there.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, May 7, 2008, at 8:30 PM
  • I hope others come Saturday 5/10, at Moxie Java's downtown, 10 a.m. We'll be able to give IDCOUG the reasons we didn't vote for the bond. It's neutral territory. I can report back to the Banter Box and others can too, for those who couldn't come.

    For me, the overall size, the unnecessary tournament gym, and the overall cost were the deal breakers.

    Other things we can tell IDCOUG?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, May 8, 2008, at 5:11 PM
  • I will do my best to be there. I was a yes vote but I think in order to get this passed we need to work on some things.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, May 8, 2008, at 6:58 PM
  • That's wonderful, small town. I look forward to seeing you there.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 9, 2008, at 8:34 AM
  • Wow.. lots has happen this week. Hope everyone is going to be this way "get all facts" when the hosiptal and rec bond comes up. Funny how so many of you are worried about paying extra taxes on a school bond, but your already paying on a rec bond for the last 6-8 year with nothing to show for it but some dirt. Nobody was throwing a fit when they took the OUR tax money and brought land that was 4 times what land was valued at. So now are you folks going to speak up at the bond information night? YOu going to let the hosiptal bond pass when most people here in town dont even use it plus we are already paying on this from the last bond taht was suppose to fix all the problems we had then to, just like the school bond. There is lots of tax money that is wasted in many other places. Did you know that the rec center will have a weight room. Do we need that where we have locals who owned fitness business. We complain that mt home doesnt have enough buisness downtown well that could close two. Then there is two pools. How many people use the base pool do we need two pools? Can we make two pools pay for themselves? Has the rec board checked with other cities or centers or even our own local recreation director to see how the city pool ends each year in money wise either red or black? Or check with the base to see if that pool makes money.

    The city doesn't compete with buisness so why should the rec district be allowed to. Plus many of you think once this is built or ever built that it is free. It will not be free, you will till have to paid a fee to enter even thou you pay thru you taxes. So is anyone forming a committee to start a signuture campaign to get in on the ballot to get it off our taxes. You want to do something about your property taxes and save money, now I have given you a new adventure to start and save money. Then there is the hosiptal bond. How many of you really use the hosiptal here. If you go there at night 90% of the people waiting for the emergency room is welfare or hispanics. You really think they pay for their services. There is now a new sign at the front desk when you check in that payment is due at the moment before you recieve your service. No wonder the emergency room is full at night to by pass all the questions of "paying first".

    Those of you who voted against the school bond, you also voted against new books, new computers, and maintance of buildings. Why don't you check and see how much money teachers have to use of there own money to by supplies. I know teachers who have to buy supplies so the kids can make it thru the end of the year. Also for some of you have have some of the school information mixed up. the schools that closed on base was 1 school that housed grades 4-6 and the jr high 7-9. the high school has always been bused to town. And also there is now not a moxie at the library. So it showing many of you don't get out and see what happen in this small town as you all say. And it makes you wonder how many of you went to school here and how full the high school was back in those years.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Fri, May 9, 2008, at 5:26 PM
  • Sorry--haven't been able to get to the library in a while. Thought there was a coffee bar there, operated by Moxie Java.

    About the next hospital bond proposal, if they have reconsidered the nursing home aspect, I just may go for it this time. I'll find out, however, and will not vote blindly.

    Lately I have really appreciated having a lot of major tests done there, for both St Al's and St Luke's, that I didn't have to go to Boise for, appointments made at doctors' requests through the Boise hospitals.

    And my cardiologist, who has offices in Boise, comes to Mtn Home, also saving me a trip. (I don't drive on the freeway any more.)

    By the way, every civilian hospital I've ever known requested payment for services first, including the emergency room. Just like doctors and dentists.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 9, 2008, at 6:48 PM
  • lovemthome:

    I am a military spouse and we have a 15month old daughter. I would love for there to be another pool in mountain home. The base has very, very limited open swim hours and they are usually during a time I cant go. I would love to be able to take my daughter to the pool more often but the drive out to the base doesnt justify the 30-45min (if that) we would spend at the pool. In my opinion the pool in town is way over crowded and the lack of supervision from parents is a shame. When you have little babies in the toddler pool area, the older children shouldnt be allowed in there. They have a bigger pool for a reason!

    -- Posted by EN0207 on Sat, May 10, 2008, at 12:31 AM
  • Had a pleasant meeting this morning: four of us discussed the recent school bond election. Two had voted yes, two had voted no. We discussed the fact that cost was the primary factor in our voting no, and that downsizing the tournament gym was probably the first way to cut down the cost. A $20-25 million bond would probably have been passed.

    According to State Superintendent of Schools Mr. Luna and two others in that office, there are no state requirements for high school gyms.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, May 10, 2008, at 9:16 PM
  • Continuing: (I hit the wrong button before I was finished)

    Those who had voted yes reminded all of us that building costs are going up.

    One participant this morning will investigate more deeply how Kuna dealt with some similar comumunity issues, and maybe we too can have discussion groups here.

    Another participant will inform the school district and board that more transparency of plans and cost breakdowns would be welcome, in addition to coming up with a new, more economical bond proposal.

    If I've forgotten anything else, folks, please post them.

    I'm glad I went.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, May 10, 2008, at 9:24 PM
  • *

    Senior lady,

    I think you have it all covered. I agree that if the bond was in the $20 to $25 mil range, it might be better received. It seems like you and the others are on the right track to try and make corrections in some of the areas that have been identified. I have had other family commitments arise that prevent me from attending meetings. I will have to depend upon this forum for my information.

    As for the rec bond and utilizing the pool on base, that is a good idea for anyone that already has access to the base but those that do not are not allowed on base. Just look at why non-military children cannot attend schools on base.

    I might recommend that the school board and rec district get together and see where their efforts overlap.

    Keep up the great work.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Sat, May 10, 2008, at 10:58 PM
  • If some parent is not willing to drive 30 Minutes to the base pool what would make them think I would want to pay 37 Million dollars for a pool in town. I wish this town could move away from thinking that my money is their tax base and belongs to them and not me too enjoy, I don't believe Tax dollars should be used this way, to give money for people who really don't need it

    -- Posted by Freedom on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 1:11 AM
  • I believe that EVERYONE should Vote NO on every Bond and maybe the people who support bonds will get tired of wasting tax payers money and move on too better issues like "Tax Cuts" and "Parents Prisons". I will aways Vote NO, I will Never Vote Yes even for a ONE DOLLAR BOND, Not never , ever, its a waste of time even talking about its, its like "what is it about the word NO don't people Get" We Don't want Bonds, it don't matter whats its for, the whole Idea of Bonds makes me sick

    -- Posted by Freedom on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 1:19 AM
  • All who attended Saturday meeting re: bond:

    I am sorry that I was not able to attend. I was out of the state on business. I am glad that you were able to get together and talk. I have also talked to many people. The reality of the situation is that people would like to see a bond around 15-20 million (if there must be a bond that is). 25-30 and this may fail for a 3rd time. It does not surprise me about the gym and "regulations" not being true. There are a few 1 room schoolhouses still being used that have far less than what we have and they still educate the kids.

    The school district also needs to work on their image and what "truths" they present/represent to the public because the information I got was that they are not truthful (this came from folks that have lived here for 20 plus years). If they choose NOT to work on these issues, the bond will fail again. If people continue to check "facts" regarding this school bond, more "facts" may come to the surface that were not true as well.

    I know that many have said to keep the past in the past but these issues need to be dealt with as well because of the image the district has now with the people and will have in the future. The more that comes out on all of this the more that I do not trust the people that run the schools. How can they educate children if they cannot tell the difference between fact and fiction? They should teach honesty and integrity but that is not what is going on. It is no wonder that so many kids are in trouble. You learn from example.

    This is just my opinion and the opinion of many others. I work in law with an emphasis on education law and some PR. It is not just the money part of this, at this point, that will make this bond fail and while the past may be the past it needs to be made right. People need to be accountable, the public likes that and should demand that.

    Base the bond on education and truth and it will pass.

    Thanks SeniorLady for your post. I appreciate the information. I hope this will come together in the end. If help is needed, I am more than willing to help out, just let me know what you need. Thanks.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 8:29 AM
  • I was just cathing up on the news for the week here. Did anybody read the article on McKenna Charter school and their new building (this is the school that was reported as not in the district on this blog)? It would appear that their plan is based on education and the plans have, in large part, come from the teahers of English, math and science. It is not based on huge gyms and what hosted events we could do as far as sporting events. What a concept...education. People would vote for that but find the emphasis on sports a bit offensive. Back to the basics maybe?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 8:40 AM
  • I personally would like to thank everyone who did show up to the meeting on Saturday. Its good to hear the views of others who voted no.

    I think if we could set up a group of people similar to the group in Kuna, it would help the school district and maybe the city council have a better idea of how the community feels.

    Hopefully this community and the school district can come to a compromise to do what is best for the current and future students

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 11:14 AM
  • *

    IDCOUG, I was out of town for a funeral, so I did attend THE MEETING. I have a feeling the school district knows the feelings of the town......... I would hope they read this forum as well.......... I really believe that they should do what the rest of us do..... we would like a larger home, with a lot more, maybe jetted tubs and double ovens..... but you know what WE CAN'T AFFORD IT......... so we don't get it. We do with what we have....no big deal........ I am really sure that this years speeches at graduation do not start with :"if I had gone to an expensive school, I would be a better student, a better person, a better citizen...Ok we need a roof on the school, this is what I do, I cut back on my expenses and I wait until I can afford it........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 9:48 PM
  • Workingbee:

    How true! Did you read the post about the "regulation" gym that does not have to be because it is not "required" as they (the district) had stated. It just gets better and better as the days go on. Makes one wonder what other "facts" will come out with some more time. Truth at some point in all of this would be nice for a change...very nice.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 10:08 PM
  • Good on ya workingbee! I don't think they get it, they just want to spend more and don't really care what it costs us. They forget who is really paying for it! Tax Payers. We'll here news for you socialist, go ahead and I'm willing to put $500 on a VOTE NO campaign.

    -- Posted by WABASH on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 10:12 PM
  • There's something called Idaho High School Sports Association...maybe that's where the confusion lies re gym: maybe someone thought it was part of the state board of education and therefore required somehow. I'm checking that out, but this is a busy week for me; I'll do my best.

    But even if we track this down, we still don't need a tournament gym, no matter how much we want it.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sun, May 11, 2008, at 10:41 PM
  • Senior Lady and IDCOUG,

    I found out that the only thing a competition gym has to have is a certain amount of seats available. I believe the amount this gym would seat is 3,000.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Mon, May 12, 2008, at 12:04 AM
  • Confusion? There was no confusion. The district (McMurtrey that is) stated that it was a State Board of Ed requirement for that gym. That is the reason the school was not able to be a HS. So, why not swap out and make the JRHS a HS and the HS the junior high? They lied and that is that. Why try to cover it up now. This really does not help the cause any. The district needs to come clean with the folks that pay the bills...US, the tax payers. Enough is enough and after all of the lies and BS---many people will be a "no" vote for a third time. Accountability. Just a little accountability.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 12, 2008, at 10:39 AM
  • I wholeheartedly believe high school sports round out the students' education, and regional sports must be organized, so I was wondering if that's why the Idaho High School Sports Association is pretty important. I emailed the head of it this morning about our questions about the size, etc., required for a 4A school, that the community was seriously concerned about costs.

    About something else. I really hesitate to believe that conscious, deliberate lies have been made to us. Certainly there is a seriously grave miscommunication problem: perhaps too hasty, not well-thought-out and researched statements, questions not answered completely, etc.

    Answers? Perhaps a lot more awareness of other costly community needs as well...transparency in development of issues...more accuracy in statements...review of public relations skills.

    Maybe there was no conscious malevolence, but I guess the result is similar: public distrust right now. Hard feelings, on both sides, which feed on each other.

    Which, sadly, is getting in the way of what the real issue is: a school bond is needed, including an improved high school gym situation of some sort (enlarge what's there already? Put off the opponents' building until the future?), and for $20-25 million.

    I really have to go now.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, May 12, 2008, at 12:19 PM
  • A breakdown of all costs would be nice. That way, we can see where/how the money is being spent and how cuts can be made. I want to see it ALL in black and white. That way...down the road when they say they did not spend 8 million on a gym and 5 million on an auditorium, I will have the figures. Truth in lending---truth in spending.

    I do not agree that the "facts" presented/represented by the district were a result of miscommunication(s). They have a history of doing this. Time for new people in those offices as well. Truth does go a long was as someone else has stated. I for one am tired of having to check and recheck all that they say. That is NOT the way the district should function. This is why the bond will fail a 3rd time.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 12, 2008, at 12:41 PM
  • Have any of you people contacted your school board member that you belong to and ask them all these questions or are you just venting out in the blog. I have asked one of the board member if they has been contacted and they haven't. I told them about this blog paged and they are going read it this week.

    To the lady with the baby and the pool, I dont want to pay 50.00 a month for you and your daughter to go a pool. If you have a problem with the pool here, have you contact Mr Franks about your concerns for you child safety and what the other bigger kids are doing? I am going to contact that office to see if anyone complained last year or you just venting. If St. Luke's or St. Al's wants to run our hosiptal let them go for it, but dont make the tax payers have to pay a hosiptal bond. We are still paying on the last bond that was to fix everything. The hostpial don't have funds for eqipment but did you see the new clinic the hosiptal just remodeled. We are going to get taxed to death with all these items people want here in Mt home. I have used this hosiptal and so have my family members and we have had terrible service and yes we have talked to the director of the hosiptal and advised him how terrible the service was. Has anyone looking into what the golf course cost the citizens of mt home each year? Many of you have complained about the library charging out of county people but have looked at what the golf course cost the city every year. You would probably be shocked. There is many thing people need to look into that raises out taxes. When we get our tax bills next month I have been told they are going to be higher then last year and that is from the house market that has been booming around here.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Mon, May 12, 2008, at 4:20 PM
  • I haven't seen anything in the MHN since late August about the proposed War Eagle racing complex. Is anything happening? Did the groundbreaking of a racing complex at Boardman, Oregon, knock this one off the radar?

    -- Posted by purple4ky on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 10:27 AM
  • I was wondering the same thing purple4ky. The website for War Eagle Speedway no longer exists now either...

    -- Posted by raisan11 on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 11:56 AM
  • lovemthome

    Your post is so hard to read I quit. Do spell check next time.

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 4:40 PM
  • *

    I find it really hard to believe that all of you "NO" voters would even consider passing the bond for the rec district or "kill more memorial". When the rec district first came to our door asking if we would be in favor of it, we were told that our tax money would not be used to make this happen. Boy was I surprised when I got my tax information sheet and low and behold I am paying for dirt. So now they want me to commit to a bond again to build a building - my question is where has all that money gone? And why should I have to pay a membership to something I already paid for with my tax money. And as for the hospital, perhaps they should work on their bed side manners and stop spending all of their extra money on commericals. I think the hospital should be given over to either St. Lukes or St. Als. Maybe then we would get some quality care & knowledgable doctors. Seems then life flight wouldn't have to come to Mtn. Home 3-4 times a day to save someone that they couldn't.

    -- Posted by highschoolmom on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 7:48 PM
  • I think City and County Offices that distribute Driver Licenses, License Plates, or any Tax Bills should be required to work one Saturday a month, extending their hours for those people that have to take time off of work to get this business done. Perhaps work three weeks M-F and the fourth T-S. Banks have moved in this direction to help working class people, and so should City and State Offices.

    -- Posted by WABASH on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 8:11 PM
  • Wabash, interesting idea about official offices being open on a Saturday. I like that.

    highschoolmom, the local hospital has been very good to me and folks I know, even saving lives. The staff I've known are really quite nice and helpful. This is a very large county and it's very convenient to have Elmore here and not have to travel very far. But as I've mentioned before, I won't vote for its next bond proposal if it doesn't provide for more nursing home space.

    I used to support the Rec District and now I wonder if its amenities won't be duplicated by other projects in town. I'd love an indoor pool, but I probably wouldn't be able to afford to use it -- you're right, everyone, they will probably charge a high entrance fee. (We can't avail ourselves of Arts Council things either.) So I probably won't vote for it when it comes up.

    We'll be rationing our tax dollars for the next school bond, if they come up with a sensible one, and the hospital bond, if it, too, makes sense.

    lovemthome, that's a good idea to contact "my" school board member; only recently have I learned how to get to the website. But to tell the truth, I'm afraid I'll just get ignored, as when I emailed the superintendent. In this forum, however, I've discovered I'm not the only one with questions, even doubts, about the recent bond proposal. My eyes were really opened, even if my feelings aren't quite as strong as some others' are. I'm really grateful for this Banter Box. Lots of good people around!

    All for now. Another big day tomorrow.

    Oh-- if I can figure out how to set up the fax thing on my printer, I can get the details re gyms...the head of the IHSAA emailed me and said there were a lot of kinds of high school gyms. Someone -- Elmore horse lady? -- mentioned something about how nice it would be if the public didn't have to do its own research. I agree. But still, it's good we can do it ourselves, I suppose.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 11:41 PM
  • SeniorLady:

    I hope that you will be able to get your machine to work or maybe even cut and paste from the info that you got (if it was provided in a format that allows you to do that). I am very interested to see what the info says we should have. Is there a site that a person could go to by chance? Thanks SL for all of your hard work and dedication on this. It is very important that, in the future, our money is spent very wisely as money is going to be very hard to come by for a while (at least it appears that way).

    With the price of food, gas, hay, etc. on the rise (and it will only go up from here) it is VERY important that all citizens are considered for the next bond. I know that not everyone will be (can be) happy but it has to be better than what it is/was. It just is not fair to price people, many who have been here for a very long time, out of their homes. We call Mountain Home a "community" but we are really not a "community" if we do not try to come together and do what is best for ALL who live here. We cannot be sure that the economy will come out of this tail spin anytime soon and smart spending needs to be the goal and the end result. We do not want to make taxes so high that people cannot afford to live here or buy here.

    Thank you to the people (midea, senior lady, mule, bond_supporter, missylynn, old guy) and all of the others that put the time into doing some research on all of this. I do not think that we have seen the last of this sky high bond stuff yet. We need to be educated consumers if nothing else.

    SL--I cannot wait to see what you found out.

    I hope that the district will put together a true citizen(s) panel to work on a "new" bond plan and advertise the event well. We should not have to call the district office weekly to obtain information. That just is not practical and does not show good faith. As for the WECRD ground, that should be sold and the money given back to the people that have paid for it, us, the taxpayers. It never should have been purchased without the funds/a grant to build it. That has been a waste of money up till now and they paid too much for the land in the first place. The entire matter is very sad to say the least and needs to be corrected.

    Good day all. Off to work.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 9:53 AM
  • Why would people want to take sports out of our school system. Look at how many of our athletes are going to state competitions, this is a very big deal for them. Sports are an important part of a childs life. They can't do sports with Parks and Rec after a certain age which leaves only organized school sports. Even home school children play sports. It seems that there is better ways to cut down the bond without taking sports out. For the ones who are going to say schools should be only about education not sports all I can say is I think your wrong. Sports teach you so much about life. I do think that any student playing sports should have no grade lower than a B and you should not get out early unless you are traveling to another school for a game but you should have to make up that work.

    Here is another way to cut the bond down. Instead of tripeling the size of the votech why not just double the size. I understand needing to make it bigger but I think money can be saved if it is just doubled.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 11:00 AM
  • Small Town:

    I do not think that any of us want to take the sports out/away from the bond however, we do not need a gym as they have proposed. The gym is NOT a Board of Ed requirement as the district stated and would have liked us to believe. There has got to be a way to get the costs down and emphasis should be placed on "basic" education first and frills (so to speak) second. We could have a nice, new gym at a portion of the cost that will meet the needs now and into the future. The entire plan, not just the gym, needs to be scaled back. And you are correct, children should master class work before they are allowed to participate in sports and maintain a higher average in school. They also should only miss school for sporting events when it is a special event---not for "practice." There has to be a way to get this passed for WAY less money. These are very hard times and the future is unknown at this point. It is time to scale back not spend more and more and create a ton of debt. At some point, all of these bonds have to be paid for/paid off. Look at what McKenna is doing and what other schools in the area have done for less money. Something is wrong with this picture and this plan if we accept this as is. Not that the schools do not need improvement but not at a cost of $37 million. Compromise is going to be the key here and the district WORKING WITH the citizens.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 12:24 PM
  • Please stop comparing what the charter school has done/is doing with the school bond. The charter school is going to cost much less to build, but it is going to have very few students when compared to the high school and those that would be moving to the high school from the junior high. They also won't have several things that the high school will, like a gym. As a matter of fact I believe that their students will use the high school gym, if they choose to play sports. I also believe that some of their money to build and run the school is tax payer money (I don't know the exact details, but that is my belief).

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 1:22 PM
  • Has anyone consulted with a builder to see how much savings we can expect by taking out items or making them smaller. I am interested in that number. If the savings isn't that much per person not overall bond than why are we fighting it. My fear is now even if we take items out with the way inflation is we are going to end up paying the same amount for a smaller school than if we had passed the bond for a larger school with all the "extra's". If anyone knows a builder can you please ask them how much prices have increased in the past couple of months. Don't get me wrong, I am all for saving money but I am afraid we aren't going to end of doing that.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 2:18 PM
  • I am amazed at how many people are still going on and on about the school bond. It didn't pass - so forget about it for now. I am sure that the school district is going to look into making it more affordable to get the thing passed, but it will be awhile.

    I also find it hard to believe that everyone is so hung up on the size of the gym. There are only 2 schools in our district that don't have competetion style gyms - us & Emmett. It is hard for me to comprehend that a gym is why the bond didn't pass. Sports are important in students lives, and if you don't believe me, stop by the high school this week and take a look at how proud our athletes are who are heading to State this week.

    -- Posted by mtnhomemom1 on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 3:13 PM
  • I Echo the same thoughts.... GET OVER IT! NO WON!

    -- Posted by WABASH on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 4:28 PM
  • people are still going on about the school bond because it is important to the community. They don't want to just rely on the school district but they want to help and this is how they can do it. We discuss ideas and ways to get this to pass next time. I do agree with your veiw on the gym I think it is a need for our sports program and the athletes should be very proud of making it to state, imagine what they could do with updated epuipment.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 4:43 PM
  • GET OVER IT! NO WON! AND WE DONT WANT IT TO PASS EITHER. NOT FOR NOW ANYWAY.

    -- Posted by WABASH on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 4:47 PM
  • "The 15,200-square-foot project will cost $2.3 million dollars.

    The project was financed through U.S. Bank and the funding was acquired through the state general fund.

    The new building will provide more storage space, more bathrooms, a new science lab, a video production studio, an enclosed courtyard, a library, four subject areas for the four main subjects the school teaches, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies (plus an additional area for foundation skills) and an administrative office for the on-line program provided by the school."

    To all of the poor sports out there that wanted to spend everyone else's money---McKenna was compared but I believe the point was (and you missed that) what they would build for the money. This school is in our district (even if Mule and Hannah think not) and I am sure that some tax money (from a general fund) did go into its building, as it should (it is in our school district) and the article states that money came from a "general fund."

    The "pros" are so quick to spend for a huge gym that was NOT even required by the State Department of Ed as we were told by the district. Would it be nice to have...yes but it is not "required."

    To close, the Banter Box is for comments/opinions. If you do not want to hear about the bond anymore, do not read the Banter Box and just vote "yes" again and fall for all of the "facts" that the district provides as true. See where that gets many of you for the 3rd time (it is a charm afterall). Freedom of speech is just great but I guess that is only when people spew what you want to hear. Hmmmmmm.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 7:03 PM
  • The size of the gym is not the "only" reason the bond did not pass. It was one of many...like the overall price of $37 million for example. Can we not grasp the fact that had this bond passed and other taxes went up (as they always do) that taxes for this year could have gone up $500.00 plus (for many not ALL) per year. And do not forget that the gym was NOT "required" by the Dept. of Ed as the district said ("standards"). Couple that with the district's all or nothing attitude and the past "facts" and that is why the bond failed. It is not at all about the gym but that is part of it. Let us not forget the almost 5 million dollar auditorium. We did ask for costs---they did not/would not provide them. I guess it is all part of the big plan to keep the ignorant "anti" folks in the dark. Ignorance is bliss you know.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 7:13 PM
  • Different topic.

    Crazee Daze events starts Thursday

    The 42nd annual Crazee Daze merchant's promotion will be held this Saturday, May 17.

    Most of the events will be held downtown but due to last-minute problems involving Union Pacific Railroad, which owns Railroad Park, the Royal West Amusements Carnival site has been moved from the park to the former Dennis Dillon/Mountain Home Auto Ranch parking lot on Airbase Road. The carnival will be operating Thursday and Friday beginning at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday beginning at noon.

    Royal West Amusements, isn't that the same company that reneged on their agreement to provide their services at the Elmore County Fair last year? I believe that they pulled out at the last minute to do an event in Caldwell leaving the Fair Board with no time to find a replacement carnival provider.

    Royal West Amusements will not be getting a dime from me or my family this year.

    -- Posted by Beau on Wed, May 14, 2008, at 11:14 PM
  • I had an interesting experience with a group of people who truly wanted to hear from someone who voted No on the school bond this time. The invitation came out because I attended that meeting last Saturday morning. I wasn't sure what kind of reception I would get, but the general tone was very respectful, and these were the people of the community who planned the proposed high school.

    I told them that while the plan was wonderful (the ideal school) the overall cost was the deciding factor for me and would have to be cut down (I honestly would pass a $25 million bond--or a tad more if I was sure the district truly whittled here and cut there); that there was a perception of miscommunication if not mistrust among the public. That there are other important community needs.

    Rising building costs were discussed -- valid. Also, to my mind, the not-quite-so-valid suggestion that our kids supposedly need the same type of gym as schools in the west end of the valley, seemingly as a prestige factor.

    On the other hand, the needed space for additional gym classes and having enough practice areas to make these things more convenient, was discussed.

    Some of the people there thought that having several community meetings in convenient locations during the next planning process would be helpful. I think they may be.

    (The gym is still a question: When does a usable gym for classes become a tournament gym? Here's what I received the other day: "The best thing would be to send us your fax number and we will fax you this information. Gyms vary from school to school. admin@idhssaa.org" My own fax thing is still not going and this is such a crazy week for me I can't seem to find the time to go downtown somewhere and have it done. I don't mind paying for the fax service.)

    I feel that sometimes we just can't have what we want. I suggested that the next proposal (and there just has to be one, we know that) show cost breakdowns and comparisons with this recent plan. That there be procedural transparency with the public.

    The meeting was congenial and I appreciated that -- even the coaches there were polite as they explained gym needs. Polite but sad, I think.

    Voting No was a sad thing for me. I went to the meeting to speak mainly for myself and others who voted No but still want a school bond to pass. The public needs to feels the district is part of the community and will consider all community needs to get the kids something better than they have now, even if it's not that dream school.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, May 15, 2008, at 8:59 PM
  • The carnival facts are important and very true. Beau is right. I don't think we'll go either.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, May 15, 2008, at 9:03 PM
  • I'm not sure what happened with the Elmore County Fair, but I took my daughter to the carnival at Crazy Dayz last night and we had a great time. The location and setup this year is so much better than in the past. Thank you Mountain Home Auto Ranch for making this possible after the event was bumped out of the Railroad Park.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 8:04 AM
  • Thanks Senior Lady for the update. I really hope the district will make a better attempt this time at "asking" the public their opinions and "working" with the public. Thanks again for the update and representing the "no" votes at that meeting. How did you find out about that meeting by the way? Did they say when we may vote again on this? Thanks!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 8:13 AM
  • Hi all...to answer your question, Opinion Missy, remember the Saturday meeting we were all invited to? Two No voters went, meeting two Yes voters. One of the Yes voters, who was on the planning committee, invited the two Noes to the wrap-up of the group.

    I was scared, but I'm glad I took him up on the invitation.

    I'm going to get the gym information and then let all of this rest.

    I love this public forum a lot. So many people helped on the school bond thing, and helped when others needed to find a new place to live or to find a lost cat, the information about how the carnival rides people have let event planners down, and everything else...it's wonderful. Even the venting--we all need to do that sometimes. Most of that, even, is okay.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 11:44 AM
  • For the people who are fighting the size of the gym and the aditoriom because they are not requied please talk to a few of the athletes and drama kids to see if it is needed even though it is not required. I understand wanting to keep prices down and I am all for that but I think you are punishing the kids because of what the district does or doesn't tell you. I am not saying that you don't care about the kids because I know you do I am only asking that you look at this by another point of view, from what I read people are upset because they feel the district lied or didn't tell the whole truth, so because of that you voted no and will continue to vote no. From the way I read it they gave the requirements for the size gym they wanted to build. I hope that people start looking at this as what is most beneficial for all kids, not just on an academic level, we need to consider the needs of the athletes and the artistic kids. I have two kids one academic and one is more into sports, I would like a school that is going to give them both the best oportunity to succeed. Now you can go and bash me and say I just want to spend money that people can't afford because that is probably going to be the one thing is this whole blog that you will concentrate on. But that is not what I am saying at all.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 2:31 PM
  • No bashing, small town. Good points as usual, but we differ. Wish you would have come to that Saturday morning meeting--others, too.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 3:57 PM
  • I wish I could have been there also, my husband was hunting and didn't have anyone to watch my youngest. If there is another meeting I will try to attend that one.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 4:31 PM
  • Yes, we all wish that we could have made a Saturday meeting at 10 in the morning but the fact of the matter is that some of us have to work a lot of OT or 2 jobs, which requires us to work on Saturdays.

    I am curious about something. Senior Lady, why did you not mention to any of us PRIOR to this top secret meeting with the district that there was going to be such a meeting? Why is it that these things are never made "public" to the public/tax payers? My reasons for voting no, while similar to yours, do not match up 100%. Why is it that these things go on behind closed doors and few know of such thing? I for one am tired of it. Whay is everyone attempting to hide in all of this? If they (the district) really wanted to know why I/we voted no, this meeting would have been made public to the public.

    I am sorry that I cannot make it to every hearing/meeting/event in this town but I have to work 2 jobs so that I can still hardly keep my head above water and maybe be able to keep my car. Those are the facts and I am growing or have grown really tired of all the secrets this town keeps. These are the things that make and keep the public skeptical regarding the motives of our elected officials. Way to rebuild the image of the district. Secrets are not good and come out in the end. Third time ought to be very interesting.

    To the people at this "secret" meeting...way to rebuild or BUILD the public's trust. You are well on your way to a 3rd failure for this bond if this keeps up. In some forums, such as commissioner's meetings, it is against policy for closed door meetings (depending on the type). What are the regulations being violated with this? Keep it up! It really is all about politics and very little about the kids. I am more and more convinced of this with each passing "meeting."

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 7:48 PM
  • It really is not all about the size of the gym at all. It is about the here and now and who has to pay for this. It is also about what the district has represented as "required" and what has turned out NOT to be "required" but yet another "nicety." Would these things all be nice to have. You bet ya! However, we have to PAY for them. There is no balanced budget and no budget at all from what it looks like. I still want to know where all of the tax and growth money has gone. Further, do we really need a huge 5 star gym and an auditorium? No. They could be worked into 1 and be VERY nice. So you have to budget time. At least it is there and they have it to use. Life is all about budgets and time management and not spending beyond our means. We have not even paid off the last bond for the same building for goodness sake. Let us just use some common sense here. How are we going to pay for all of this and MAINTAIN it. Come on!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 8:04 PM
  • The Saturday 10 am meeting was open to all of us, and two of us No voters were, luckily, able to attend at that hour.

    At the end of the meeting, the invitations were given to the No voters and I guess I did not feel I had a right to extend the invitation to others.

    What I should have done is actually ask if it was open to the public. I did not do that, and I am very sorry. It may have been helpful for all if I had done that. I'm sorry to have contributed to more disappointment in this situation.

    But I am convinced they want to do better next time, especially in regard to public perception. And they still have to come up with a sensible plan if they want it to pass.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 8:25 PM
  • America's Energy Crisis, A Self Imposed Dilemma. The average American is appalled at the ever escalating price of gasoline/transportation costs and the impact that these costs are having on the family budget. Further, as we're well aware, transportation costs ripple through the entire American economy on every essential commodity that we're required to purchase such as food. The latter being accentuated by an erroneous emphasis on an inefficient petroleum substitute, ethanol, which actually inhibits our attempts to achieve higher mileage standards. In an America with POTENTIALLY vast energy resources, why have we allowed ourselves to become willing victims of cartel energy piracy from highly unstable, unfriendly fanatical regimes, from whom we now import a substantial segment of our petroleum needs? Imports which continuously drain wealth from America in the form of an unfavorable balance of trade; and, conversely flow petro-dollars into the coffers of Islamofacists and others who would destroy America given the opportunity. Were it not for America's dependence on these Middle-East petroleum imports, we could conveniently extricate ourselves from this cauldron of fanaticism; and, allow the fanatics to wallow in their self imposed misery and virulent hatred for Western culture.

    The fundamental question is WHO do we blame for this self-imposed dilemma?

    America originated nuclear power; and yet, we produce only 20% of our domestic electrical energy from the nuclear option while countries such as France produce 78%, and have programmed significantly more, dramatically reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. The safety issue on nuclear power is a non-sequitur given the hundreds of thousands of operating hours on U.S. Naval nuclear propulsion systems without incident. But yet, LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS in our society THAT COMPRISE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE BASE OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY have for 30yrs. managed to bring America's nuclear industry to a standstill.

    Our Nation possesses an abundance of untapped petroleum reserves off our coastlines; in the Alaskan wilderness; and, in the form of hi-quality shale oil in the Rocky Mountain region where we have the equivalent of ten(10) Saudi Arabia's in recoverable reserves. And yet, we have permitted LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS to inhibit our access to such deposits. The incredible irony is that the CHICOM are exploring for oil 45miles South of Key West, while we have prohibited ourselves from exploiting the same resources. Had Bill Clinton, in '95, not vetoed the Republican controlled Senate approval of drilling in ANWAR, exploration which has been previously proven to be beneficial to the Alaskan Caribou herds, we would have had an additional one million barrels of domestic oil production on-line TODAY; and, a concurrent reduction in the at-pump price of gasoline of $1/gallon. Further, there is an inherent synergy to be exploited between Nuclear Power and Shale Oil Extraction. Concurrently, Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama, ensconced in their own vision of scuttling fossil fuels, have both pledged to confiscate the profits of America's Energy Companies. A move that would cripple our capacity to explore/develop additional petroleum reserves; greatly exacerbate our dependence on foreign sources; and, dramatically further increase the price of fuel at the pump.

    America has the largest reserves of coal in the world; and, a full 50% of our domestic electrical energy generation is dependent on this resource; and yet, LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS continuously attempt to restrict the use of these coal reserves; and, to impede attempts to develop technologies/facilities for the gasification of coal. Bill Clinton struck a major blow to America's accessible coal reserves when he unilaterally, over the objection of State officials, placed the Red Hills of Utah with an estimated Four(4) Trillion $s worth of high quality coal assets off-limits. Fearful of mass protests, Clinton wouldn't even go to Utah to announce his heinous restriction; but, rather chose to make his proclamation from the relative security of Arizona. Clinton's actions represented a major financial windfall for his Riady Bros. bankrollers who were in competition with Utah to sell their Indonesian coal holdings to the CHICOM. Ever wonder why Clinton refuses to release the Donor list for his "Foundation"!

    Even our Hydro-Electric potential has been brought to a standstill by LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS over such nonsense as the Snail-Darter. Water resources which could as well now be playing a major role in mitigating the effects of the drought that has recently griped the SouthEast.

    Much of the hype over fossil fuels has again been exploited by LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS over the mythical impact of MAN MADE CO2 emissions on Global Warming. Such proclamations totally disregard the complete lack of correlation between recorded atmospheric CO2 levels and recorded Global temperatures. On Earth as on Mars, where no controversy of Man Made Global Warming factors exist, surface temperature variations precisely track the recorded fluctuations in Solar irradiance. Further, satellite observations, which are NOT influenced by proximity to ground based heat-sources, have confirmed that there has been NO global temperature increase over the last ten years. Ask our self-inflicted dyslexic friend, Al Gore, to explain these recorded contradictions to his Man Made Global Warming hype. The silence is deafening Albert!

    Imposition of overly burdensome regulatory criteria and an application morass principally sponsored by LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS, have made the expense and reduced profitability of investing in additional refinery installations prohibitive. The inevitable result being that a new refinery has not been built in the U.S. since 1976 as corporations have shunned such capital projects creating a restrictive "choke point" in the availability of gasoline products. This "choke point" where refineries are continuously required to operate at peak capacities makes the availability/distribution of refined products within our Nation readily vulnerable to supply disruptions. Further, the dictated multiple blends of gasoline, frequently multiple blends within the same metropolis, have seriously complicated and inflated the time factor in the refinery task.

    To be certain, we CAN and we MUST achieve total energy independence; but, our Nation can only extricate ourselves from this self imposed dilemma by a broad-based, comprehensive NATIONAL ENERGY STRATEGY that BLENDS all of the elements of: conservation; major increases in transportation efficiencies, such as increased mileage standards; exploitation of our indigenous petroleum resources; fast-tracking of regulatory criteria; a significant expansion of our refinery facilities; major investments in nuclear energy; supplementation of our electrical grid with solar, wind, geo-thermal, and hydro technologies; and, a major investment in Research and Development to bring a Hydrogen and Fusion based economy to fruition. Unfortunately, to dig ourselves out of this self-created coffin-corner will require TIME. Time which simply means that, in the interim, we must protect our access to unstable Middle East suppliers until we bring our own assets on line. The latter exigency which could readily be scuttled by the Cut-And-Run crowd on Iraq. The regional chaos which would be precipitated by Iran subsequent to a precipitous American withdrawal from Iraq would make the current cost-escalation in energy supplies from the Middle East seem like the Golden Age of Yesteryear by comparison; and, most certainly would induce a much wider conflict/conflagration. The myopia of the Left on these circumstances is astounding. As history has repeatedly taught with grim consequences, PEACE and STABILITY are won only THRU STRENGTH; and, NOT THRU the nebulous psychosis of HOPE.

    The ability of a LEFT-WING minority, that has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to whiplash the Democrat Party, to dictate such onerous/debilitating restrictions in the energy sector of the American economy has been made possible ONLY by the passive acceptance of these militant's demands by the more rational majority of the American electorate. The RATIONAL MAJORITY: that believes in the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution; that is proud of our Country; that daily expresses such pride by the furling of an American flag on their property, or the wearing of an American Flag lapel pin on their chest; that proudly places their hand over their heart at the singing of our National Anthem while even shedding a tear or two; that is unashamed to actively recognize the Judeo/Christian heritage of America; that believe that Judges should NOT legislate from the bench; and, that proudly proclaims the unparallel contribution of America to the protection and sustenance of democratic values throughout the pages of world history, as opposed to LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS that believe America to be the greatest EVIL in the world. As the Pope so eloquently proclaimed on his recent visit to our homeland, "God Bless America".

    The task then for the RATIONAL MAJORITY in our Nation is SIMPLY to recognize the SOURCE that sustains and provides the base of support for the LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS in our society; and, to undertake a decisive role at the ballot box to isolate and relegate these FRINGE ELEMENTS THAT COMPRISE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE BASE OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY to a decibel level that is barely audible. ANY TIME you vote for a Democrat, ANY DEMOCRAT, you're unmistakably multiplying the capacity of these LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS to continue to promote their radical agenda, and to bring our Nation to its knees. A circumstance that no external power ever could have accomplished.

    The ability to restore our Nation's status; and, to sustain this Sacred Land that the RATIONAL MAJORITY so proudly calls AMERICA, resides in your hands at the ballot box.

    GREG NEUBECK

    -- Posted by gneubeck on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 9:09 PM
  • *

    Wow, some people need to write letters to the editor or even submit their thoughts as an article instead of taking up space in the banter box.

    As for the carnival, I am not going since this is the same company that left the county in a very difficult spot last year.

    If the school board is truly committed to making the schools better for the children, they need to be more open and honest than they have in the past. My decision to vote No was not an easy one as many think. I have said for a long time that improvements are needed but I just could not financially handle the amount the board proposed and they did/would not alter the plan at all. Maybe if they had, the bond would have passed but that is water under the bridge. I say move on and let's work together to improve things for the children and the community.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 9:32 PM
  • SL:

    I am sorry if my post came off as me bashing you---that was not what I set out to do. I just wanted to point out that there are too many "secrets" in this deal and I do not understand why. I truly appreciate your efforts with this and all of your hard work with fact finding. However, at some point the district needs to stop with the "hide the ball" games as it is not allowing the citizens/taxpayers a level playing field and that is not right. It really feels like a scam and I do not like that. If they want the

    opinion(s) of the public/no votes then it should have been an open invitation NOT a "secret" meeting. What is really going on here. Lastly, as long as you are a member of this community and representing the "no" votes...you have EVERY right to post about meetings. You and I both pay taxes. This was wrong but it was not your fault. I can see already that I will be a no vote yet again as will most people that I know due to a lack of honesty/good faith on the part of the good old boys at the district. Again SL this is in no way an attack on you but the system has a REAL problem. When do we take a stand on stuff like this? This is how that nuclear power plant is going to get in...EDITING THE TRUTH AND FACTS. This really is a bunch of BS with this bond. Truly, it is! I am over the "secret" meetings and the scandal from lies. It is wrong and you can not teach children with this people at the head of the class. We had better wise up and fast.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 10:59 PM
  • The meeting on Tuesday was not a secret meeting. It was the original committee put together last Fall for the bond in September. These were people who work in different jobs in the community, plus parents, and teachers. Senior Lady was at the Saturday meeting along with 3 others and was invited to attend this meeting. Had others been there, they would have been invited as well.

    If the district decides to run another bond, hopefully there will be many comminity forums that people can go to and give there input. I'm sure the district will post these on the website and in the newspaper.

    -- Posted by Hannah32 on Fri, May 16, 2008, at 11:24 PM
  • EHL,

    I'm not even sure how to address this issue, I have tried to figure out how to phrase this without coming across rude. As Hannah stated this was by no means a "secret" meeting. There is no game of hide the ball, in fact it was the furthest from that. An after actions meeting was held to see what the committee had heard on why the bond failed. Since SeniorLady came out Saturday she was invited to attend and to express her opinion on why she voted no. Since you feel so strongly on the school bond issue, I would recommend going to the school board meeting this Tuesday at 7:30 and let them know how you feel. You can actually sign up at the meeting and you will get 3 minutes to speak. Telling them in person is going to carry a whole lot more weight than writing it a blog.

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Sat, May 17, 2008, at 12:01 AM
  • So, how was this wrap-up meeting advertised or announced to the public in general? I am a bit confused about this. Did you have to be at the Saturday "meeting" to get the invite or was it posted in another area like the paper. To have to call the district weekely to find out these details is not realistic. As a matter of fact, I did call them on Monday and was just told about the Board meeting for next week---no other meetings. Why was it not posted and if it was, where? Why is this information so hard to come by without calling the district office daily? They just did not want to deal with the many "no" votes in 1 room and chose to do it the way that they did which was not a very good decision. The district seems to be filled with bad decisions as of late.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, May 17, 2008, at 10:34 AM
  • You can bet that I will be at the Board meeting on Tuesday. I would hope that others will attend also. Thank you for posting that for the folks that were not aware.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, May 17, 2008, at 10:37 AM
  • Missy,

    IMO the "meeting" is being blown way out the water. As with most committee's after the event occurs you will usually have an after actions meeting. I would bet Crazy Days will have one in the coming weeks, Elmore County Fair and Mt Home rodeo will have one also. I doubt we will hear of any of the after actions meetings for these events. Typically unless you had been attending the meetings all along, you would not attend a meeting to wrap things up.

    I would be curious how many no voters called the School District and said they would like to talk about why the voted no.

    If you want to lay blame on Senior Lady being told about the meeting blame me. I was the one who set up Moxie not the School District. Mr. McMurtrey was told about the meeting at Moxie and extended an invitation to the people who came out.. I'm willing to bet, if enough people called up the school district and said they would like to tell them why they voted no, the school district would be more than willing to schedule a forum to hear it. Believe it or not, they do want the public support to pass a bond..

    One thing some people on here need to realize is, this is just a blog. There is no accountability for anything that is posted. For all they know, one person could actually have numerous ID's on here.

    Also on a side not here is the link for the School Board. Meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30

    .http://www.mtnhomesd.org/trustees.htm

    -- Posted by WilliamMurray on Sat, May 17, 2008, at 12:20 PM
  • how much longer is this going to be drug out its getting old. the vote was cast move on.

    -- Posted by just1 on Sat, May 17, 2008, at 6:47 PM
  • IDCOUG:

    I am with just1. Fact finding on this topic should not be this hard. The district is their own worst enemy and will do themselves in.

    ShelbyWeiss, did you find your cats?

    Missylynn, did you find a place to live? I saw more "For Rent" signs around town for houses. They are in the older area around the library and some off American Legion 3-6 blocks in. Just a thought. Good luck.

    Meals on Wheels also needs volunteers if anyone has some "extra" time.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, May 18, 2008, at 12:02 AM
  • I would encourage all of you to read the comments made by the individuals running for elected seats. Look under the NEWS drop down menu. Larry Rose is an interesting article with interesting comments.

    I say if you don't vote then don't complain. I also say that if you don't like the people who are in office then - Vote EVERY single one of them out. Put NEW people in. Maybe then - officials will realize that the people of Mountain Home, Elmore County, and all of Idaho all have spoken - and that we really do have a say in what goes on with our government.

    We have a say, in that we can vote them out or vote them in. What do all of you say? Let's get a voting frenzy out there - get educated before you vote. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the elected officials who stay in office forever,- or sometimes less-, and nothing seems to be getting done, then use the voting power that you have. Let's clean the trenches and put new ones in. That should help jump start the flow of new information and see new action begin. When they realize that that they must listen to their constituents, and not their own agenda, then maybe the good ole boy syndrome in all levels of government will go away .

    This should not only be for commissioners, but for ALL officials such as Sherrifs Dept, education officials, senators, governors etc.

    If you don't like it - then vote new people in. Give change a chance. What do you say?

    Let it be - For the People, and By the People.

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 12:10 AM
  • Why is it if you don't hear about a meeting it is a "secret meeting". Maybe you did't read the paper that day or just didn't hear about it but that doesn't make it a secret. Maybe it was a meeting that didn't involve the community. Maybe it was a meeting of the board to see how to proceed and when that is established they will open it to the public. Not every meeting is goint to involve everyone, they have to decide what to do now and a time frame for that. Some of you need to realized that just because you weren't there doesn't make it a secret meeting.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 10:42 AM
  • Thank you, small town, my dear! I just haven't the energy lately to get back into this again! I've grown to really like all of you and I've just been so disappointed lately, yet understanding the frustration at work as well. Thank you, you hit the nail on the head. IDCOUG and others explained things also, and I thank them too.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 10:47 AM
  • Smalltown:

    Being on the up and up always helps. Whatever.

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 11:07 AM
  • I get the feeling no matter what the district says people will find something wrong with it and it will then be a lie, they gave what was required for a tournament gym which is what they were asking for but since they didn't speify that it wasn't a requirement for a regular gym they lied. No matter what they do or say you will never be happy and you will always vote no.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 1:16 PM
  • Senior Lady you are all correct. The vote has passed and we have to move on. I do believe that if you don't feel that things are the way you would like, or not enough being done, then VOTE for the person you thik will do the job. If it means voting to bring all new in - then so be it. Bring on change with your vote. Do what you feel is right. But, a voting frenzy needs to be there. EVERYONE has to vote - not just a measley few. Execise your rights. Do it this year with all the voing chances that you get.

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 3:18 PM
  • ST:

    Once again---you have missed the point. It is not that they wanted a huge gym...it was the fact that they said the department of Education REQUIRED IT. That is what made the point a lie. Would you tolerate this from your kids? Probably not. So, why from public officials. You truly deserve a $37 million dollar PLUs bond with all of the bells and then some. Who cares if and when it will be paid off. You truly deserve it. Ask no questions...just vote "yes" based on what they "say" is fact or the truth. We will see how you feel 6 years down the road.

    How nice also of you to take the high road now with SL. You are one that wanted the bond at any cost---no matter where it put the folks on fixed incomes or with low incomes. You are a swell guy now are you not!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 3:27 PM
  • You are the one who missed the point, you are the one with the chip on your shoulder for some reason, you are right about one thing I did vote yes, I think we need a tournament gym, yes for the auditoriom, yes for the increase votech, and you know where I would have been 6 years from now if it had passed, watching my son graduate from a school where he got the added advantages. I didn't think and still don't think that $14.00 or so a month added to my tax bill was to much to ask to give him that. I don't see where I am taking the high road with SL unlike you I respect what other people feel even if I don't agree with them and I try not to put words in there mouth. I have said before if in order to get this bond passsed we need to lower it than fine I am all for that but I don't think the district is out lieing to us everytime they say something. I am not sure why you are so bitter and feel you need to take it out on everything people say if it is different than what you say but guess what, I have big shoulders and can take it.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 4:13 PM
  • Now Ladies,,,, Kiss and make up... It just goes to show you that subject is going no where and no one will win the debate.... So...Just VOTE NO and KEEP THE TAXES DOWN.... Regards!

    -- Posted by WABASH on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 4:43 PM
  • Your are correct. This is going no where. There is still work to be done to get the bond passed- lower cost, cut the fringe among other things, but, hopefully that will be done and brought to the community when it comes up again. For now, just keep your eyes and ears open, and attend meetings that you feel will be of benefit. Now I will repeat myself ----

    The vote has passed and we have to move on. I do believe that if you don't feel that things are the way you would like, or not enough being done, then VOTE for the person you thik will do the job.

    If it means voting all of the old out in order to bring in all new fresh ideas - then so be it. Bring on change with your vote. Do what you feel is right.

    But, a voting frenzy needs to be there. EVERYONE has to vote - not just a measley few.

    Exercise your rights. Do it this year with all the voing chances that you get.

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 5:13 PM
  • VOTE - Call your neighbors and ask them to vote. Get out and VOTE.

    VOTE - VOTE - VOTE

    Remember - if you don't excercise your right to vote - then DON'T complain.

    YOU HAVE NO RIGHT - to complain if you don't try to change things as they were/are.

    If you want to voice your opinion later - then VOTE!!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 5:20 PM
  • They did specify genius! They said it was "required" when it was not by the Dept./Board of Ed. That is an act of "specification" in my book. You are right...I was a no vote and I think people should be allowed to have their OWN opinions contrary to what you said of me. You can believe what you believe and I what I believe. I guess I have no faith in the system and you can bet that I will vote---I always do!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 5:38 PM
  • Thank you for allowing me to believe what I want. And for the name calling. I have a few names for you also but don't want to get down to your level, but thank you for thinking I am a genius.

    -- Posted by small town on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 6:05 PM
  • Okay - this is cool.

    Now let's get out the Happy Hugs and keep on keepin' on till the next big one.

    Everyone can have a Happy Hug.

    Next big ones are coming up the end of this month. Are you checking out the candidates or are you just voting for anything?

    Every vote counts - so get out there and vote folks.

    It would be super to see 75 percent or more of voters out there exercising the right to vote.

    Amazes me how at one time, or another, our ancestors fought for the right to vote. Now, today, in our time, individuals are apathetic about voting. How shameful that many individuals don't vote. Yet, those same people want all levels of government to listen to their needs and expects those needs/wants to be satisfied.

    How dare they ask, or complain when they themselves won't get off their bee's and exercise their rights.

    Get out and vote. Your Vote is important. Have it your way - get out and Vote.

    -- Posted by midea on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 10:41 PM
  • I agree with you midea. I would love to see a great turn out at the polls this time. My 20 year old son is currently serving in the Army, stationed in Iraq, so we can have the freedom to express our opinions. We have an obligation to those who choose to serve. We all need to exercise our freedom and let our voices be heard.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 7:20 AM
  • jtrotter

    I am glad to see your response. So many people CAN'T respond because they don't vote. How sad.

    I have three children serving. Two have been in different parts of the desert. So, yes, I know how it is to have children serving the best way they know how in order for us to keep our freedom.

    I hope people remember this saying - " You don't know what you have until you don't have it any longer." I hope we never lose this right - to choose who represents the people in our nation, cities, towns and counties. USE IT OR LOSE IT!!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 9:23 AM
  • Wow, I just went on a tour of Hacker Middle School, My son will be a 5th grader there next school year, and I can see why we so desperately need the bond to pass, it is so over crowded and in poor condition, Maybe you no voters should take a tour, it might change your mind, just wanted to give my opinion!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 11:47 AM
  • For -- hopefully -- the last time: most of the No voters are not against upgrades for the schools, which are, indeed, desperately needed! This last bond proposal, however, was unreasonable.

    The 4-yr high school buildings must be designed in a more economical manner. If so, the next bond will pass.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 12:10 PM
  • Senior Lady

    How can it be said any more clear than what you have just said. You are so correct. We are all aware that there are some much needed ugrades. The NO votes weren't against upgrades. It was all about economics and fancies. The need to be reasonable.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 2:42 PM
  • For those of you who read this blog. How many of you are going to VOTE? Not INTEND to,but who are GOING to?

    Think we can get more people to vote in the next election than has before? How about everyone who reads this blog - asks a person in your office, home, or neighborhood to vote. This is something we can all work together on.

    Can we do it?

    Let's see just how powerful this blog can be.

    It would be super to see the newspaper report that there were record turnouts for the elections coming up!!!!! What do you think?

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 2:50 PM
  • *

    Crash on Airbase Rd and 51 is still there........ Semi truck blown over at mile marker 124.... just a few things from the scanner........ button down the hatches

    -- Posted by workingbee on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 9:06 PM
  • *

    American Legion has alot of limbs on it as well. Also we passed a blown over port-a-potty at Julia/Kyle and a tree blwon over on S 5th West near Kyle. Suggest everyone use caution in the AM for the drive to work. Our backyard has been attacked by tumbleweeds again and I suspect other areas will be just as bad.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 9:49 PM
  • *

    We have calmed down out on Bruneau Highway. Beautiful sunset out there right now.......Should be a very interesting morning drive you are right Old Guy.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 9:57 PM
  • A 25 ft. branch snapped off near the trunk of one of the trees at my place, just missing the house on it's way down.

    Looks like I'll be getting an early start on cutting next years's firewood.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, May 20, 2008, at 11:28 PM
  • The roofers in the area are going to be busy for the next couple of days. Nearly every house in our neighborhood sustained roof damage and as I drove in on the Bruneau Highway I noticed several other homes with roof damage.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Wed, May 21, 2008, at 7:55 AM
  • *

    Hopefully portions of the city government are just as busy. In particular, I mean the Streets Division and the Code Enforcement office. I listen to the scanner every night and can you believe that MHPD had to respond to many traffic hazards such as downed tree limbs and even a port-a-potty. Never once did I hear a request for support from the Street Department. I wonder why we have all paid for the expensive equipment they have if they are not using it? Oh wait, they do use it to try and upgrade their storage area.

    As for the Code Enforcement office, what a joke. Look around your yard and see how much construction trash has blown into it. If you file a complaint, they will tell you that they will have the contractor remove it but they will ahve 14 days to do so. I waited 21 days and never once did anyone show up. If you read the city council minutes, they are trying to figure out how to hold a contractor accountable. The simplest solution is to fine the contractor for not removing debris from a citizen's yard and give a portion of the fine to the citizen. That way the citizen is compenstated for their troubles and the contractor knows this will not be tolerated.

    Thanks for letting me rant since it is too windy to go outside for very long.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Wed, May 21, 2008, at 8:39 PM
  • You are spot on there, Old Guy. Why are the police dealing w/downed trees and port-a-johns. I don't have a scanner, so I did not know that. I agree with you that the Street Department should be utilized. I understand their were some accidents - and law enforcement needs to be able to respond to that.

    And yes the junk, in Elmore County. Though I understand the county has made some property owners clean up their junk yards, there are still many more to go and my opinion is that if a complaint isn't made, the county does nothing. Geez, how long has that eyesore propery been on McMurtrey road.

    I have neighbors with junk/trash in their yard and every time the wind blows (which as you know is often) their crap is all in my property. As soon as the wind dies down, I am seriously considering piling all that trash in the back of my old pickup and dumping it back on their front step.

    Clean up your own property. You people have got to see all this garbage flying around and do nothing. Punks.

    And Elmore County, if you don't want to enforce cleaning of the junk yard, then send out those inmates to pick up garbage. I see Ada County inmates out all the time and haven't seen hardly any of Elmore inmates doing labor detail.

    Question: Does the blogsphere know if any garden businesses take back the pots that plants and trees come in. It seems such a waste to put them in the city dump when they obviously can be used again. But most don't have numbers on them, so I don't think they can be recycled. Any ideas??

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, May 21, 2008, at 11:27 PM
  • Froggy,

    I believe that both of the nursuries in town will take the pots, Yard Creations and Greens.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Thu, May 22, 2008, at 8:29 AM
  • Froggy:

    Mrs. Stewart at K & S Animal Boarding/Stables is very into growing things. I am pretty sure she would also take the pots. They have a plant sale every year and I am sure she could use some new plant pots. Just a thought.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, May 22, 2008, at 10:37 AM
  • Thanks 'trotter', I will give them both a call. And Missy, also good idea, but now I want to know, when is this plant sale b/c I have never heard about it.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, May 22, 2008, at 8:04 PM
  • *

    There my wife and I were driving home from a long day of work and what happens to us? We are cut off and almost ran off the road by some jerk in a black BMW. He had followed us from on base to off and maintained a distance of 1 to 2 feet behind us. We assume he wanted to get home faster than anyone on the road. Our response was to call Elmore Co dispatch to report this reckless person. We were not the only ones that he almost ran off the road.

    After many rings, a dispatcher answered and they immediately placed us on hold. We stayed on hold for 5 to 10 minutes and finally hung up. Luckily, the reckless person ended up stuck in traffic and we actually caught up to them when we reached town. Our concern has to do with how many times has this person placed others on hold in far worse situations. We listen to the scanner on a daily basis and this same person constantly has not answered the radio when officers call and when they do answer, the officers have to repeat themselves many times. Knowing how important the communication process is in an emergency, we wonder what the review process is, if there is any.

    Moreover, before some assumes we do not know much about law enforcement, guess again. We both have knowledge of law enforcement and have even aided the department whenever we could. In fact, my spouse was once a dispatcher for this county and always placed officer safety first.

    Lastly, to the jerk in the black BMW with NC plates (you went by so fast, we could not get the plate number), consider yourself lucky that you did not kill or harm someone. We have to guess that you were frustrated from having to spend a large part of your day in meetings talking about SAFETY before the 4-day weekend. We have to think that the process failed you since you decided to place the rest of us in danger due to your reckless behavior. You might consider changing your plates because if my spouse or I see your car, we will note the plate number and make a call to the Wing CC about your behavior.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Thu, May 22, 2008, at 8:18 PM
  • Froggy:

    I believe that it is in June. She puts a sign outside of K & S a few days prior. She is a "master" gardener and grows much (if not all) of the stuff herself. I will find out the date(s) and post it for you once I get the information. Mrs. Stewart is a great gal. I will let you know the date.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, May 22, 2008, at 11:26 PM
  • The police department indicated in this weeks paper (online) that they need volunteers for the COPS Program (patrol, traffic control, special events, admin., data entry at the police department). They indicated that they need people to answer phones as well and communicate things to officers. Maybe this is why you had the problem with your call. Just a guess as I do not work for the police department.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, May 22, 2008, at 11:51 PM
  • *

    I still around and been reading most of the comments, lol. Just want to take a second and wish everyone a great and happy Memorial Day weekend and that you all remember what Memorial Day is all about, so hope you all remember all those that have fallen, that have served and those serving now.

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Fri, May 23, 2008, at 9:40 AM
  • *

    OpinionMissy,

    Volunteering anywhere is a wonderful way to pay back to the community. The problem with your suggestion is that the MHPD office does not handle communication to the officers in the field. The ECSO handles all communication for police, fire, and ambulance in the entire county. We have listened to our scanner for many years now and this particular dispatcher seems to be one of the worse we have ever heard. The officers in the field have to either repeatedly request for information or repeat themselves many times. We hope that either an officer is not harmed or a citizen does not suffer due to the lack of skills of this dispatcher.

    I also wanted to echo the comments of Eagle_eye. We owe more than one can ever hope to write about to those that have served and currently serve. They are very dedicated to protecting our country and aiding others no matter where that might be. They do not have a very easy task and it gets more difficult everyday. Take a moment to either remember them or even go a step farther and thank one of those currently serving in the next week. Those simple words of "Thanks for doing what you do" help make their task a little easier to handle. I know when I served, it was wonderful to have people thank me for doing what I was doing.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Fri, May 23, 2008, at 10:12 AM
  • Hi, eagle eye! Wondered where you were. Memorial Day was imprinted on me by my parents, growing up...We really need to connect our veterans current AND past in our minds and hearts. Yes, Veterans' Day is in November, but May is a great time to do it also. It's good to have these two times for remembrance.

    One way we can respect and uphold those who have sacrificed for us is to vote, even in "minor" elections.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, May 23, 2008, at 11:49 AM
  • test

    -- Posted by Beau on Sat, May 24, 2008, at 4:17 AM
  • I always enojoy the movies at Take One Cinema. The employees are pleasant, prices are right and the theater is clean.

    However the last two times I been there to see a movie, I had a couple sit behind me and chit chat through the whole movie. I dont know about you but I can chit chat at home for free. I paid my hard earned money to see the movie and to have someone talk through the entire movie just ticks me off!Thanks for letting me vent.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Sat, May 24, 2008, at 4:38 PM
  • desert1der, when that happens, you turn around and look at the chit chatters and you say "Excuse me, can you please hold it down? I'm trying to watch this movie and the talk is annoying." If they get offended, too bad.

    -- Posted by gamesgurl on Sat, May 24, 2008, at 7:38 PM
  • Does anyone out there remember that good 'ole series from the 70's about a man and his son living in a house with a junkyard right outside the front door? I think it was named "Sanford and Son".

    Well,,,,somebody lives down the street from me and I would SWEAR they stole the set from that T.V. series. Their front yard is full of crap and they take no pride whatsoever in the appearance of their lawn/yard. Not to mention the pallets of shingles, tarpaper, and other assorted roofing materials.

    I think they are trying to make a new show named "Riverside and Son" 'cuz they have trucks outside that have placards with the name "Riverside" on them (Riverside Roofing I think).

    It seems they don't give one rat's a-- about their neighbors!

    Why, oh why, do people have to be so selfish as those whom I am talking about. By the way, the house/vehicles and yard I am talking about are located on West 2nd North (behind DeMeyer's and right across the street from West Elementary).

    -- Posted by MrMister on Sat, May 24, 2008, at 10:20 PM
  • *

    MrMister,

    Sounds like you need to go the Code Enforcement Offficer and file a complaint if you have not already. They might actually take some action since the conditions are bad. If they do not, then go to meeting of the city council and ask why have a code enforcement officer if they are not taking any actions on complaints. Good luck.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Sat, May 24, 2008, at 10:26 PM
  • I agree with MrMister and I live on the same street. The Mtn. Home city code enforcer has been called about this property before. I know because I have called her. A little was accomplished, but not much and it appears they do not do any followup on their previous visits. I don't like to see taxes raised, but from the looks of the entire city of Mtn. Home, it appears she needs lots of help. Just burn a $100.00 dollars worth of gas and drive on any 10 streets in this city and you will find trashy yards on all of them. This detracts from the many people who take pride in their property

    -- Posted by Mr.427539 on Sun, May 25, 2008, at 11:57 AM
  • *

    Please tell me if I am wrong....

    I live in Elmore County. 1/2 mile from the city limits. I am sitting on my deck on Friday evening talking with my family and all of the sudden the worst sounds in the world come from neighbors yard. I get up to see what is going on and just 20 feet past the property line are three grown men, cutting the throat of a pig... The sound from that pig is unbearable... now I am not beyond the belief that he has the right to kill this pig on his own property. But I still do believe that he should have had the common courtesy to at least walk over to our house and let us know, so that we could make the decision to either go inside or leave. By the way, his wife and children had left the house.......

    I yelled at the neighbor that the next time you kill a pig you should at least let us know first......... my husband on the other hand says I am wrong to ask for such consideration. That I should have never said a thing to him......

    By the way this same guy cut the horns of a cow recently and blood was splattered all over the corner of my yard. Do I have the right to ask him to clean up the fence and my yard?

    -- Posted by workingbee on Sun, May 25, 2008, at 12:32 PM
  • *

    Workingbee,

    The neighborly thing to do would have been to forewarn you but then again they do not really have to say a thing to you. You could ask them that if they plan on doing anything like this again, that you would like to be forewarned so that you do not have to suffer through it again.

    As for creating, a mess that encroached on your property, that is wrong and they should have cleaned it up. Have you asked them if they would clean up the mess?

    Mr.427539,

    The Code Enforcement officer talks a big talk but I have not seen much action from them. I have filed several complaints and on every one, the code enforcement officer never followed up to see if my compliant was satisfied. On one occasion, they told me that a contractor had 14 days to clean up debris that had blown into my yard. Never once did the contractor or the code enforcement officer contact me to see if my issue was resolved. Other than contacting the Mayor, I am not sure how best to resolve this issue.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Sun, May 25, 2008, at 9:20 PM
  • The person(s) that killed the pig should have let you know just because it was the right thing to do (not the law of course). You could have had children outside and little ones do not need to see or hear that (some adults do not need to see that either). I live in the county on 6 acres and we always let the people in the area know when a cow will be shot (because there are kids in the area) or when we have an animal that is sick.

    As far as all of the trash around town...they really do need to do something about that and follow up. Some of the worst offenders are county/city employees. It is disgusting and hurts resale for the folks that take care of their property. It is a shame that so many take no pride in their community. It would be nice if the rules applied to all and not the few.

    Something that yanks my chain is the Clerk of Court that drives through a residential street with a posted speed limit of 25 and she goes 50+. She of all people knows better than that and this is on her own block! I guess she will learn when she hits a child, dog, pig, horse or cow. Slow down Ms. Clerk...you are just NOT that busy.

    Remember to vote on Tuesday with the hope that some new people will make it in for the "big" vote. That will change things!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sun, May 25, 2008, at 11:49 PM
  • Remember: Today is TUESDAY. This is the day to VOTE

    Today is VOTING DAY. Get out and Vote TODAY.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, May 27, 2008, at 12:57 PM
  • Done did it.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, May 27, 2008, at 10:53 PM
  • We recently recieved a flyer in the mail from Performance Chevrolet. It said to scratch off our number, and if it matched their number, we would get one of five prizes, guarenteed. Well you guessed it, our number matched thier's...NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Of course they wouldn't honor our win, which we knew was going to happen, but decided to see what they had to say anyway. When they knew we wern't buying a car, we were offered a $5 Walmart card, if we gave up the flyer to them. I just wish these company's would honor their word, stop lying, and stop false advertising...It's just plain GREED...

    -- Posted by NettieRuth on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 12:32 AM
  • *

    I decided to wait until after the election to pose these questions. As we drive around we see signs for Greg Berry for Sherriff yet he was not listed on the ballot anywhere. Does anyone know why he was not listed?

    My second statement deal with the current Sherriff Rick Layher. The last time he ran, he lead many to beleive that it would be his last time, yet here he is running again. If cannot be honest with those around him, how can we expect him to be honest with the public?

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 6:41 AM
    Response by Robert Taylor:
    Mr. Old Guy,

    Berry is running as an independent. His name will appear on the ballot in November but the election yesterday was a Democrat and Republican primary election, which is why Berry wasn't on it.

    Robert J. Taylor

  • Nettie Ruth, I received a flyer from Performance, too, and as suspected my number also matched theirs. I have read and re-read the flyer and no where on it does it state that winning the prize hinges on purchasing a vehicle. Would this be grounds for a class action lawsuit? I guess we call all tell from this deceptive practice what type of dealer KR is...JMHO.

    -- Posted by gamesgurl on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 9:30 AM
  • Old Guy: I believe Mr. Berry is running as an independent. He should be on the ballot for the general election.

    I thought also that Sheriff Layher had said he was not going to run again. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm......

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 9:36 AM
  • I voted too, and there were some results that were a bit interesting...I'm just waiting now for November.

    I was wondering about the Performance flyer (we just naturally pitched ours so can't remember what was said on it) but what if the prize was indeed the gift card from Walmart? It's shamefully sneaky, of course (and cheap, too--$5.00?) but what if that was it? What if that were the "prize?"

    It brought folks to their salesroom. Unfortunately it caused some hard feelings in the public, which isn't good.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 9:43 AM
  • When was the last election again? I don't know what Layer said or what his intentions are/were, but after a couple of years I believe that a person is entitled to change their mind, especially about life altering things like their profession.

    I too recieved a flyer from Performance Chevrolet. I believe that a Walmart gas/gift card was indeed one of the prizes. I'm not sure why anyone would have hard feelings or be upset about a free $5. I believe that all prizes other than these cards had a 1 in 30,000 chance, so yes most people who take their flyers in will get one.

    Lying? False advertising? I think that those might be strong allegations in this case. Do we look for things to complain about too much? I'm afraid that we do (and yes that WE was intended).

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 10:45 AM
  • As for the Sherriff, on the last election it was told to many to vote for Rick as he only needed 4 more years to recived his retirment and then he would be done. This was told by many people including those who work for him. many people voted to give him 4 more years to get that retirement. So it is time to get some new blood in the sherriff department. I dont think having past deputy will be the answer. Thank goodness the city went out the the area to get some new direction for the police dept and according to some of the police dept employees they are seeing many changes. The person complaining about being on hold you should call the sherriff and complain and also call your county commissoniers. This problem is really bad, I have called for an assist before for a policeman and it was 45 minutes later but I didnt call the chief ad complain. By then the little crime maker was gone before he got there. But if you dont complain to the proper departments then it can never get fixed. Also missy if you dont like the way the city clerk drives you have the right to call the police and file a complaint about her speeding or do a citizen arrest. Have you called the police, police chief or the mayor about it or just complaining on the blog? Instead of complaining about what you dont like why not do something about it instead of just blogging. That why there is so much garage around neighbor hoods, people not maintaining their yards, vandislim to parks and personal property because CITIZENS just sit back and say it's not my business. You want changes then stand up and make our community better and SPEAK OUT to make it a better community. Dont just blog you complaints if you can't make a call or voice your opion to the proper channel.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 11:58 AM
  • Ok after re-reading the flyer from Performance it does state that one could win "free gas up to $5000" so putting it into perspective, that would qualify the $5.00 Walmart giftcard. I apologize for assuming 'bait & switch' and cause for a class action lawsuit. I've had my coffee this morning and I can comprehend it much better! LOL But, I'm still not buying a new car right now...not even a "new" used car. :)

    -- Posted by gamesgurl on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 12:08 PM
  • Can someone please explain to me why we could only vote republican or democrat and not a mixture of both? There were folks on both sides of the ballot that I would have voted for. It seems kind of wrong to tell me i can only vote one way. I'm not very familier with the voting process so any insight would be nice , thank you.

    -- Posted by just1 on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 1:44 PM
  • Just1

    In Idaho's current system, party affiliation is not declared when registering, and anyone can choose to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary. In a closed primary system, voters register as members of a given party or as independents.

    If we went to a closed primary, voters can then vote only in their party's primary and independents, about one-third of Idaho voters, are not allowed to vote in primaries at all.

    There is a proposal to change Idaho's open primaries to closed. Much of the motivation for this proposal is a concern that committed members of a rival party cross over to vote in the other party's primary in order to elect a more extreme candidate who will be easier for their own party's candidate to defeat in the general election.

    Many states have closed primaries. You have to be registered as a Dem or Repub and only then can you vote.

    Again, Idaho is open right now, though there are some that are trying to change that. Bad idea, if you are an independent voter. But maybe a good idea if you are registered as a party member so the opposting party can't sabotage. Ex: If I am a Repub and vote for Obama in the primary election, so that Clinton won't get the Dem nomination for the general election. That way you are "forcing' Obama to run and 'forcing' Clinton out, against McCain int he general election (if enough people did that).

    Hope that makes sense. And in NO way am I saying Repubs would do that. It's just an example.

    -- Posted by froggy on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 2:39 PM
  • LMH:

    Please do not "assume" that the matter has not been voiced in the "proper" ways you have listed. It has also been said directly to the Clerk herself. She still speeds. Do you think slowing her SUV down is a priority to the police? Wrong if you do. It is not safe and against the law---how about some common sense. Is that too much to ask for from a public official? I do not think so. A posted speed limit is just that and not a mere suggestion. Thank you for your suggestions, I will work more on my verbal skills.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 4:55 PM
  • Missy:

    if you have truely talked with the clerk and nothing has changed. you have 2 options:

    1. contact the mayor.. city employees have to obey the law just like any citizen.

    2. contact the new chief of police (as her husband is a cop)

    I bet you will see a different if you contact the top two people.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 5:12 PM
  • *

    lovemthome

    You seems to like tell other people what they should or not do, maybe you should try getting your facts together, last I knew our Chief of Police came here as a male so why so why say the Chief should talk to the Chief which you claim is the wife of Chief of Police

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 5:59 PM
  • Maybe you should learn how to read between the lines. I belive what she is saying is the city clerks husband is an officer so they should speak to the chief of police about the matter.

    -- Posted by wintersnow on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 9:07 PM
  • Is it one of the clerks at the city hall front desk? Or the City Clerk herself? Or a clerk of the court (county or municipal)? Find out who she answers to, and then make a formal, dignified complaint.

    Good luck with neighborhood problems.

    It would be more neighborly if you were warned about the animal slaughtering, but good luck there, too. It seems it's almost impossible to handle neighborhood problems without repercussions -- some hateful. Hard feelings are so destructive and can last years.

    I've heard of something called "Neighborhood Arbitration" (or something like that) in some places but I don't know if we independent folks around here could deal with it. A shame.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 10:27 PM
  • *

    I figured I would take a poll of my own.

    How many find it rather ironic that the same people seem to have their letter to the editor published week after week? I mean surely there are more than a handful of letters that are received and yet we get to see the views of the same people almost on a weekly basis.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 10:33 PM
  • *

    Senior Lady, I have a thought, downloading the sound of pig being slaughtered (throat cut) and playing it very loud while he and his family are out in their yard....maybe he doesn't realize how distrubing it is. I can tell you that if he lived there when I bought this house I would have never bought it. If this was 18 and above for sure you would not believe what he has done at that fence line........

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 10:45 PM
  • I understand completely your wish to let him hear what it sounds like -- but if he's the one doing it, he already knows.

    And, anyway, it might just be a temporary satisfaction for you. If you want long-term peace, maybe a better way would work.

    What better way? You've got me. If you have tried calm speaking and did not find a way to work things out (advance warning, a different place on his property...), well, is there some county regulation about disturbing one's neighbors? That seems like it would cause more problems, but maybe just discussing it with a commissioner or the sheriff's office just to gather information might be helpful.

    I am sincere when I wish folks good luck in neighborhood problems. We've been there and it's awful.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Wed, May 28, 2008, at 10:59 PM
  • Furthermore have you ever heard the screams of agony from a cob of corn as it is brutally snapped from it's mother stalk? It takes a fine, highly tuned 'ear' but you can hear the scream of pain.

    The only cure that I know of to ease that pain is to submerge that poor cob into boiling water for a period of time (usually until the water returns to a boil) . Then remove the cob and smother it with butter, or a light imitation spread if you prefer.

    "Th-th-that's all folks"

    -- Posted by Beau on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 3:24 AM
  • I am sure that the pig wasn't killed because of old age. It was probably killed to skin and cook the meat for some party, common tradition in the hispanic community!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 9:54 AM
  • *

    This is the third pig that he has killed in the past few years, at least the third one I had to endure. He doesn't raise them, just brings them in to slaughter. He does raise cattle. Two summers ago I had the great pleasure of demanding that he remove the dead cow from his pasture. The cow had laid there for at least 3 days before I printed off the Department of Ag statues on removal of dead animals, and showed him he could be fined $5,000 a day.

    Ironically the guy doesn't even own the water rights to his property, they are still in the previous owners name and they are only for domestic use.

    I do not have much use for our elected county officials after making a complaint about the neighbor on SW Autumn uses an outhouse, because she can not afford plumbing and all I was told was she could not afford to pay the fine so it doesn't make much sense giving her a citation.

    Both of these neighbors moved in after I did.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 11:05 AM
  • *

    Yes, I have spoke with him about letting us know the next time and it seems to be ignored.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 11:07 AM
  • froggy thankyou for helping me to understand. have a wonderful day .

    -- Posted by just1 on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 11:53 AM
  • You have a neighbor that uses an outhouse? No wonder you are frustrated, what part of the county do you live in?

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 12:30 PM
  • If your neighbor using the outhouse can't afford to have plumbing put in instead of turning her in how about trying to help her by seeing if there are any programs to help her get indoor plumbing. I bet she isn't using the outhouse becuase she wants to but because she has to. Does anyone know of a program that she might be able to apply for help. I will try to do some research and see if I can find anything. Lets try to help her.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 12:58 PM
  • *

    Small Town,

    This ladies plan is to build a home made of straw.

    She has 3 or 4 horses, nice big newer pick-up. She was employed the last I knew. There are several travel trailers she lives in and has lived in for more than 5 years.

    I don't think it comes down to can't afford, its preference and priority. Pay to feed horses that do nothing but become yard ornaments. She started on the straw house a few years ago but it has since just deteriated to nothing.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 2:17 PM
  • well then that is different, that wasn't in the the earlier blog that I read. If that is the case than I would go up the chain until you find someone who will do something about it. If you need to take pictures and a copy of the ordinance they are breaking and bring it with you. If your neighbor has the money to fix the problem and what they are doing is against the law than they need to be held accountable.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, May 29, 2008, at 2:32 PM
  • Just1: You are most welcome. I also wish I could vote both sides of the ballot sometimes, esp local elected positions. Such anarchy.

    Also, Green's Nursery is really 'green.' They do take & recycle plant pots. So after you plant your plants, take the empty ones to Greens. Awesome, huh? Thanks guys for giving me the tip on that one!!!! Learn all kinds of stuff here on the blog.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 12:10 AM
  • Oh, poor Workingbee!! To be surrounded by so many fallible human beings. It must really be hard to be you.

    -- Posted by nondescript99 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 12:36 AM
  • Does anyone know anything about the Motorcross and Mud Bogg event tomorrow night? I saw signs for it coming through town, but there was nothing about it on WhiteNuckle's site.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 10:21 AM
  • Idaho

    There is a green sign up on by Paul's and the underpass. I believe it's Saturday night at 1900 hours. Yeah for Tag (I think) for bringing this back!!

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 10:55 AM
  • Does anyone happen to know about city codes regarding folks riding their horses through subdivisions and leaving trails of horse droppings?? I see it often, and in my neighborhood, as well. I really don't like to sit on my porch and see large piles of horse droppings in front of my house. Are these folks not required to clean up behind their horses? Either clean it up or ride in the fields! It's just as inconsiderate as those who don't clean up after their dogs when walking them.

    -- Posted by Fairytaleforme on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 11:19 AM
  • I am glad as well that they are bringing back the mud boggs, I seen the signs for when and what time, does anyone know the cost for getting in? Thanks

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 11:29 AM
  • just1 and froggy:

    We can vote both sides of the ticket in the next elections in November. It is only the primaries that we can't.

    Like you - I intend to vote both sides this time around in November. I have never done this in all of my voting years - but, I whole heartedly am going to this time.

    Things need to change that is for sure. I guess if I want change - then I have to change.

    I kind of wonder how many others are planning on doing the same thing.

    I believe that if enough people are planning on doing this - there will be some rather shocking results for the elected officials. Their eyes might be truly opened.

    -- Posted by midea on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 11:30 AM
  • I am so glad to see the mud bogs back :) I hope i can scrape up enough money to go can't wait !!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by just1 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 12:41 PM
  • Its not a matter of SCRAPING to go, its just a matter of what to expect.......I love all the smart***** on here!!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 1:24 PM
  • Smiles im not quite sure what you meant by your comment but if you are implying that i was being a smart *** you are wrong, it was just a fact that i may not have the available money to go even as much as i would love to. i am very happy that they are back and i hope that theyre here to stay this time.

    -- Posted by just1 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 2:20 PM
  • My sincere apology, I misunderstood, sorry!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 2:23 PM
  • Thankyou for your apology :) no hard feelings.

    -- Posted by just1 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 2:29 PM
  • Just1

    A sincere apology, I misunderstood, sorry

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 3:26 PM
  • the gates open for the races/mud boggs at 5:00pm.

    rates are:

    Adults -18 and up $10.00

    Kids 7-17 and up $5.00

    Seniors 62-and up $5.00

    Kids 6 and under FREE...

    Come out and support White Knucke racing and anyone else who is out there.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Fri, May 30, 2008, at 4:51 PM
  • Fairytale:

    Regarding horses being rode through your subdivision...welcome to living in an ag/farming community where the number of dairy cows greatly surpasses the number of people by over 150%. While you do not like the fact that there are horse droppings on your street, I do not like the fact that people throw trash from their cars (I live in the county by the way) and bring animals, alive and dead, to rot on BLM land because they do not want to care for them (pups, cats dogs, etc.). So, while you complain, welcome to the farm-animal friendly community that you live in! It would be better if people did pick up after their horses but it would also be nice if people picked up after their dogs and cats, etc. While other animals stop to poop, horses do not and sometimes we miss the fact that they have done so. We ride our horses through subdivisions to train them not to be afraid of certain situations and to get them used to cars and sounds, etc. This also prepares them for parades and shows. The cows and horses were here long before you and the way that I see it, your house sits where many used to ride but now there are houses (like many areas around town). With gas prices what they are, it is very hard to trailer them as we may have done in the past. While you may not like horse poop in view of your front porch, there is much worse out there. Never fear, it will be gone soon as the area dogs will eat it up. If you do not like rural America, move to Boise. Welcome to the country lady or gent. Not an ideal situation for sure but there is worse. Please also remember that you can ALWAYS say something to the horse owners as well. Be sure to approach slowly and so the horse and owner can see you. Most of us are pretty reasonable. Horse poop (dry) is also great fertilizer for rose bushes and your garden. Take advantage or the free stuff!

    -- Posted by Elmorehorselady on Sat, May 31, 2008, at 10:54 AM
  • elmorehorselady

    Your comment "We ride our horses through subdivisions to train them not to be afraid of certain situations and to get them used to cars and sounds, etc. This also prepares them for parades and shows" would have been more than sufficient, thank you. I try to be a fair person and consider other's points of view.

    As for moving to Boise, which I have no plans to do any time soon........I have lived in this farm/animal friendly community of Mtn Home for many, many years by choice. The field that is now my neighborhood was off limits to riding (horses, dirt bikes, etc.) for as long as I can remember, thank you.

    While it is very unfortunate that folks throw trash and animals carcasses along your property (which by the way I think is horrible!), you choose to live in the county where livestock and their droppings are plentiful, while I choose the city limits where they are not. I believe a little patience and consideration from both sides is in order. I'm sure you have a most beautiful garden.

    -- Posted by Fairytaleforme on Sat, May 31, 2008, at 11:32 AM
  • *

    f_off_j_black:

    Fairytaleforme, as well as anyone else, has every right to bring up any subject that pertains to Mountain Home. All anyone is asking for is a little respect and consideration when it comes to peoples activities in our community. To tell someone their opinion is wasting your time and space on the forum is completely uncalled for.

    A little deference would be appreciated.

    -- Posted by questionposer on Sat, May 31, 2008, at 8:22 PM
  • *

    If you speak up and complain you are then considered a bad person, a trouble maker.......It is do terrible that anyone has to put up with the actions of others that are so inconsiderate..... I have asked my neighbor twice to let me me know before he cuts a pigs throat. What happens nothing. I get hear the death screams of this pig..... the neighbor certainly doesn't care what means to me......

    As far as living in the country you have to expect those things........ does living in the country give you the license to do whatever you want without any thought of your neighbor... there is a huge difference from a 40 acre farm and a 1.0 residential tract with a 1.5 acre other use land......

    I know I have just ticked a few people off but from what I read it's fine to that, as long it doesn't affect you.......take no ownership of your actions.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Sat, May 31, 2008, at 11:02 PM
  • Workingbee: It is your sanctimony and hypocrisy that is the issue. Remember, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone..."

    You are entitled to your opinion. What you are not entitled to is to cast disparagement, in the name of righteousness, upon those that do not agree with you. You personalize your attacks by bringing people's careers, and personal lives, into the issue. You can't accept that what is good for others is also good for you, and yours. You do not even know the people you are ranting about. That's not speaking up and complaining. That's being mean-spirited and egotistical.

    -- Posted by nondescript99 on Sun, Jun 1, 2008, at 1:05 AM
  • C -R- -A- A- -A- P !!

    -- Posted by midea on Sun, Jun 1, 2008, at 10:48 AM
  • The mud boggs were a blast :) the rain sucked but not enough to make us leave. excited for the next one!

    -- Posted by just1 on Mon, Jun 2, 2008, at 1:39 AM
  • *

    nondescript99, so be it!

    I don't think that others should constantly be allowed to crap on everythiny while those crapped on are asked turn the other way or be the ones that have to clean up the mess.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Mon, Jun 2, 2008, at 11:06 AM
  • Soooo...is tearing up American Legion Blvd. an annual event or what?

    -- Posted by Beau on Mon, Jun 2, 2008, at 10:57 PM
  • beau maybe they'll get it right this go round.

    -- Posted by just1 on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 12:12 AM
  • Just1

    Glad to hear ya made it to the mudbogs. I sat thru the rain and watched the muddy motorcross. Looks like all had fun, in spite of the rain. THANKS TAG!!!!

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 12:29 AM
  • Hey all - I just read the paragraph at the top of the banterbox. We are ALLOWED links in the banterbox. Awesome. Would have come in handy with the schoolbond stuff. How long have we been allowed links????

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 12:34 AM
    Response by Joy Martinez:
    We allowed links starting the first week in May, as a result of a corporate meeting.

    Joy Martinez

    Web

  • "beau maybe they'll get it right this go round.

    -- Posted by just1 on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 12:12 AM ":

    A.L.B. looks fine to me as it is. They could move the 25 MPH speed zone inward a bit more though.

    Use the money to fix the pot holes along 18th near Tiger Stadium, and maybe widen it a bit there.

    Nope, on second thought I guess that they can't do that. One side of the road touches the future (rolled eyes)site of the recreation center which we are already paying for. And the other side of the road touches the school districts' property , which would probably require an xx million dollar bond to fix.

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 2:08 AM
  • Road construction tells me summer is here...everywhere. 'Tis the season.

    I was told American Legion was a state road, not city, that sometimes we do some minor things on it but not major, is that right?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 7:48 AM
  • *

    Your right senior lady it is a State Highway and this is a State project to repair from where the concrete stops and the black top takes over to N 2nd or Main Street not sure where it stops but I think 2nd, The project is suppose to run until sometime in July and if the City will quit digging it up maybe it will be a welcome repair

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 8:56 AM
  • Redoing American Legion is going to be a driving nightmare, but it will be worth it in the end to not get whiplash driving on it the way it is now.

    Has anyone heard what the status is on the light signal that was supposed to be installed on Airbase Rd and Elmcrest? Last I read in the MH News was Spring of 2008. Isn't that now? ;)

    -- Posted by gamesgurl on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 10:32 AM
  • I don't know the timeframe, but I had thought there were going to be two new signals, one at 18th & Am Legion and the other at Airbase Road & Elmcrest/Bruneau Hiway.

    Or was that just wishful thinking?

    -- Posted by senior lady on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 11:09 AM
  • The city has been digging up American Legion in PREPARATION to the construction that is beginning now on American Legion. By the city digging up American Legion prior to the start of construction it won't need to be done after the new road is laid down. Very smart on the part of the city and street department.

    Best wishes,

    -- Posted by Albert Clement on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 11:14 AM
  • *

    I am fully aware of why the City dug up American Legion last summer, finally good planning for a change, but wouldn't be the first time someone else fixed the State Highways thru Mountain Home and got them they way they should be then the city had problems with something and had to dig it up shortly afterwards, maybe now that the State is taking care of American Legion maybe the city can get out and fix their streets that have all the pot holes in them, they sure got enough equipment now so they say so they don't have to hire things done so be nice if they would take all that equipment and get to work on all of the streets that need small patch holes all over the place fixed

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 6:12 PM
  • The street was dig up on American Legion to fix the water lines under the road for the future. Maybe someone to trying calling the street supervisor and see what the plan is on the street repairs, or maybe you should call and tell him what pot hole you want fixed. Everyone think city employees sit around and dont do anything, maybe we should go and take a day and ride with them and see what they do.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 6:28 PM
  • *

    I know why they dig up American Legion last summer and I also know who the Street Supervisor is I guess instead of making comments on here, make the phone call that way I won't have to seen why some thing it is so great that everything is being taken care of, I haven't been on a street in my area lately that doesn't need repair work and I sure that the same most of the town

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 7:05 PM
  • I just got a headache,

    -- Posted by Beau on Tue, Jun 3, 2008, at 10:37 PM
  • glad to know you know the street supervisor. May he can tell you personal why the streets are not getting fixed, or maybe you could go to a city council meeting and ask the mayor and council if they have money alotted for the street to be repaired and when will it get gone.. It never hurts to ask.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Wed, Jun 4, 2008, at 6:09 PM
  • *

    I hope I never have to use the services of the Mountain Home Fire Department. I am sure they are the best. Congratulations on 100 years............ you have made your predecessors proud...... Celebrate and Thank you for your service to our community............

    -- Posted by workingbee on Wed, Jun 4, 2008, at 10:38 PM
  • I was just thinking about IHOP again. Sure sounds good.

    The food is not the same if you make it yourself. LOL

    Bet IHOP would go great in this town. There's something for everyone. If they had daytime/evening hours 5 days a week and stayed open at least until midnight on Friday and Saturdays I think they would do well in this town. PLUS, it would give us all a choice as to where to go.

    Sure am hungry for IHOP but don't want to drive to Boise!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 9:30 AM
  • So when are you going to open one up?

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 11:10 AM
  • I just wanted to open up eyes here in Mountain Home. If anyone know the owner is it possible to inform her to have a little tact? What happened to treating people the way we want to be treated?

    A friend of mine who will remain nameless went to Salon 800 for a tan, she received as a gift from a friend, and this is what she encountered:

    Shop owner: "How much do you weigh?

    Customer: Told her weight, embarrassed,

    Shop owner: "Good because there is a 250lbs weight limit and we've already had to replace those tanning beds twice."

    My friend walked out and told her friend to get her money back, later that night the owner called to apologize but the damage was already done. I am not upset that the business was trying to look after their investment what upsets me is this owner has no tact. If she is worried about her tanning beds being broken by us heavy people then she needs to post very plainly that there is a weight limit for tanning and be done with it. Then the patrons don't walk away from there with a bad opinion of this shop owner and she continues to have happy customers.

    If you all continue to visit this establishment, just remember the story you read and take a second to put yourself in her shoes. How would you feel?

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 12:18 PM
  • Good for you Missylynn for speaking out, that is terrible customer service, There was many better ways the owner could have gone about that! I don't tan but if I did I would not go there!!

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 1:09 PM
  • *

    Missy/Smiles - sounds pretty straight forward to me. Seems like the owner was simply protecting their investment, as well as the patrons. Would you want to break the surface on a tanning bed and possibly break the bulbs and hurt yourself? Whose fault would that be? You'd blame the shop owner. You can't have it both ways, either they tell you and you get offended, or they don't tell you and you break the equipment potentially harming yourself in the process. My advice is to not be so sensitive and welcome comments from people who aren't afraid to speak the truth.

    -- Posted by VicVega on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 2:09 PM
  • The owner of the Salon could have also stated that you (or a person) must be 250 pounds or less to use the beds. Or, better yet, have patrons sign a form with the rules, including the weight one, and leave it at that. Why call a person out in public like that? Truth or not---it was rude and ignorant.

    Better customer service is needed at most businesses (MOST NOT ALL) in Mountain Home. When we have few choices, as we do in our small town, customer service is not always what it could or should be due to a lack of competition. Pretty sad to say the least.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 2:35 PM
  • VicVega:

    I don't think it's being to sensitive to expect tact from a business owner. You may enjoy having some one embarrass you for a flaw you have but not everyone is like that.

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 3:04 PM
  • *

    Take it any way you like. I'd rather know going in if there was a potential problem. I think we've become an overly litigious nation of people waiting to be offended. Maybe my skin is a little thicker, whatever. Back to the question that no one answered: So how would you respond to a shop owner where you broke the glass on a tanning bed and fell into the bulbs below? Would you laugh it off, or run to the closest ambulance chaser to sue the shop owner?

    -- Posted by VicVega on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 3:39 PM
  • VV:

    I did respond to what you said in an indirect manner. If you sign the "rules" form and lie about what you weigh and break the bed...your fault. If you fill out the form, tell the truth and then break the bed...salon owner's fault. Maybe the reason people sue as much as they do is becuase folks do NOT own their actions. What choice do you have but to sue? Yes---I work for an attorney but he represents criminals. How about if you drive, you do so with insurance. If you hit a car that is parked, you either leave a note or wait for the owner. As a society we have forced litigation. Too few do the right thing these days.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 4:30 PM
  • IdahoBorn:

    I'd love to open one. But, I think there are more people who understand the restaurant business more than I do.

    I would for sure be a customer though.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 4:59 PM
  • *

    Missy, I certainly agree with you about not enough people do the right thing. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, until they prove to me I shouldn't have. We don't know what was going on with that shop owner on that day at that given time. Personally I'd give them a break. If on a return visit things didn't go well, then that's a different story.

    -- Posted by VicVega on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 5:12 PM
  • missylyn,

    No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. If you like yourself nothing anyone says is going to change that. Your friend should have stood up for herself instead of walking away.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 5:22 PM
  • How old does that angelic little beauty contest winner appear in that picture on the home page? Looks to me not older than 6 maybe??? Can anyone tell me why these young girls have a SWIMSUIT CONTEST. Whose pedophilic dream is this???

    A father is supposed to protect their children. Why would you let your little girl parade around in a swim suit to be judged at that age. Maybe I don't get the reason for it, but in this day and age, as a parent, I would fight the fact that they allow such a practice. I just thing a swim suit contest for little girls is sick and wrong.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 6:45 PM
  • I think a pagent at this age is all wrong, it is teaching girls you have to look, walk, and talk a certain way and you will be rewarded for it. That is why girls have a low self esteem about themselves. I teach my kids not to care what anyone thinks of them. It is what you think of yourself that counts. And I am not talking about thinking you are better than anyone.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Jun 5, 2008, at 6:55 PM
  • Small Town and Froggy, I agree totally, let them grow up first and they can decide if that is what they want!! I don't have a daughter but if I did I certainly would not push that on her.

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 10:18 AM
  • Beauty pageants for those poor little girls! It's pornography on the runway, live and in person. How grotesque. It's sickening. I consider it child abuse.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 4:10 PM
  • FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH AVAILABLE FOR ANY CHILDREN UNDER 18 AT WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UNTIL JULY 1ST, 2008. I heard the times are at 8:15 and 11:15 am. Pass it on, please. Money is tight esp with growing kids to feed!!!

    HEADSTART is looking for children who will be 4 years old by 9/1/08 for free pre-school. Applications are taken in June & July. Classes fill up quickly. There are income and disabilty requirements. Call 344-9187 to see if your 4 year old qualifies.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 4:18 PM
  • Remember a few weeks back on the blog stating there was 'nothing to do' in Mountain Home. Well, now that we can link in the Banter Box, check out this like for the Parks & Rec website:

    www.pr.mountain-home.us

    PLENTY to do for young & old alike.

    Seniors - learn how to play acitve video games on Nintendo Wii. Great excercise and loads of fun and FREE! Check out the sight.

    Geared Up - a great program for 12 and up and adults with special needs.

    Do your kids want to go horseback riding, white water rafting and camping. Local business have provided scholarships for the Wild Idaho program (you can now be put on a wait list only)so the program is no cost. The kids in turn do community service work to give back to the community. Great program, great idea and thanks to the businesses that sponsor it. I think we need more of this program.

    Four free concerts this summer. Swimming lessons. Water aerobics for seniors. Pool Parties - 6/26 has a TOGA THEME is the first one. How cool. I didn't get to 'toga' until I became greek in college. Adventure camp. You get the point. LOTS for kids, adults & seniors to do.

    Quit complaining about what we don't have and support the stuff that is available. I suspect the more involvement, the more it will increase. Plus, it's just good old-fashioned fun.

    I sure hope the Mountain Home News goes to the Senior Nintendo Wii class. What a BLAST that would be to watch. Senior Lady or anyone - if you go, give us the details. :)

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 4:41 PM
  • Wow! Making such strong statements, I hope that you have been to these pageants and know what they are having these girls do. I'm not for them myself, but those are some strong statements. What if your daughter wanted to participate in gymnastics or swim team at that age? Would that be okay?

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 4:45 PM
  • Vic:

    That tactful part in protecting your investment against overwieght people, is to post requirements so they can be seen so you don't cause any undo embarrassment to any one. Because as far as I'm concerned only a jerk would want to call you out and embarrass you and find a way to justify it.

    To answer your question yes I would like to know that there is a weight limit before I get on a tanning bed because I wouldn't want to hurt myself, but I sure as heck wouldn't want someone looking at me and asking me how much I weighed to inform me that I was too fat to be in a tanning bed.

    All I'm saying is if you own a business you may want to try tact with your customers. No matter how bad you day is, or if your dog just died. If you are in customer service you need to have tact!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 4:57 PM
  • Smalltown:

    My friend is not the confrontational type. Her feelings were hurt and she left. If you never learn how to stand up for you then you will take the garbage that is dished out to you, that is the way it is. Call it weak, call it what ever you want but that is people, some are passive, some are aggressive and the confused ones are both.

    My only reason for this post is because I think the shop owner handled it wrong plain and simple.

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 5:03 PM
  • Thanks guys for the responses to my post, I appreciate it.

    You all have a great weekend

    -- Posted by Missylynn on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 5:04 PM
  • It may have been able to be handled differently but without being there you don't know how or what was said. If your friend is hurt easy she may have read more into it than was there. Would she have felt better if it was in writing and she still had to turn around and leave. Either way she would have been hurt.

    -- Posted by small town on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 5:57 PM
  • Idahoborn:

    Of course I don't have a problem with girls competing in sports. They are being judged (gymnastics) or timed (swimming) on their althletic ability, not LOOKS. Why, can you tell me, would you judge a 6 (?) year-old on how they look in and walk in a swim suit. That is just perverted.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Jun 6, 2008, at 6:52 PM
  • Froggy:

    You made a point about the tanning incident.

    You asked this question in your post;"Would she have felt better if it was in writing and she still had to turn around and leave."

    MissyLynn: Have you asked your friend what she feels would have been the best way for any owner of a tanning salon to handle the situation? What are her suggestion? What would she suggest that the owner or even the customer do?

    -- Posted by midea on Sat, Jun 7, 2008, at 1:49 AM
  • This comment has nothing to do with the tanning story. I am getting married in about 1 1/2 months from now in Pine. I need to find someone to marry us. We have tried all three judges and none of them are available. If anyone has suggestions, let me know. Thank you.

    -- Posted by MHRAISED on Sat, Jun 7, 2008, at 9:23 AM
  • froggy,

    I would not judge it and I already said that I am not in favor of a swimsuit competition for young girls, but to say that it is perverted or pornagraphy is a little extreme, if you ask me. If a person is perverted (or their thoughts are) they will still think and look for the same things at the swim meet or gymnastics competition, regardless of how the competition is being judged or measured.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Sat, Jun 7, 2008, at 10:15 AM
  • MHRAISED start calling all the preachers in the area, they're probably all booked by now but you might get lucky.

    -- Posted by just1 on Sat, Jun 7, 2008, at 5:46 PM
  • MHRAISED, good luck finding a preacher. When my son married he didn't belong to any church in Mtn Home and he had a heck of a time finding someone who would perform the ceremony. Most of the preachers he talked to said they do perform ceremonies outside of their congregation. So, I hope you're successful.

    -- Posted by gamesgurl on Sun, Jun 8, 2008, at 3:22 PM
  • So who was the county detective that got his bell rung in a bar fight (off duty) the other night?

    -- Posted by dc109 on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 12:12 AM
  • I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy.

    -- Posted by Beau on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 3:47 AM
  • When we got our tax bills last week (from Elmore County), I could not help but notice that about 80-85% of all that we pay in taxes goes to the schools. I just thought that was interesting. We have also been charged yet again for that vacant piece of land for the WECRD that will never be.

    Once again, why not sell that land and discontinue billing tax payers for something that just is not going to be. What a rip off! Maybe give all that has been paid to date, by the taxpayers, back to those that have paid in and be done with it. Where and when does this scam end?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 1:04 PM
  • So I am wondering why we have not heard anything about the lady from Pioneer Federal Credit Union who is under investigation for embezzling money from accounts for the last six years? And how do we find out if she stole money from? I can't get an answer from the credit union if my account was involved or not!!!!!!

    -- Posted by ME1 on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 2:47 PM
  • In response to ME1

    ME2(Also) I suspect Cover up.

    -- Posted by Mr.427539 on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 3:11 PM
  • Then don't bank there!

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 4:23 PM
  • *

    I wonder if that is why Pioneer made me get new ATM cards........ they expired mine without even letting us know...said they were changing cards, but didn't send us new ones until I complained... hubby takes care of money and he would know if a penny was off out of those accounts. But that doesn't mean loans were approved in our name!!!! I guess I better do a credit report review.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 4:24 PM
  • Whats with all the potholes in the local roads?

    What a nightmare.

    -- Posted by desert1der on Mon, Jun 9, 2008, at 11:30 PM
  • *

    Take a drive by the city shops and see all the new or almost new equipment they have. There could be the answer as to why there are so many potholes. The money was spent on big toys and not on any maintenance plan or supplies. Tools needed to fix potholes: Shovel, either coldmix or hot asphalt, a means of compaction, a body or two to use the tools and a means to travel from hole to hole. Yet we have large graders, excavators and backhoes. Why? So that the new city shops can be improved because I have not seen any work being performed on the roads just on the shop grounds.

    -- Posted by B Mullen on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 6:16 AM
  • workingbee:

    When did this happen to you -(re: Pioneer card)? I want to check ours also. We don't use it very often if any.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 9:16 AM
  • workingbee:

    When did this happen to you -(re: Pioneer card)? I want to check ours also. We don't use it very often if any.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 9:17 AM
  • *

    It was May 6th. We used our ATM cards all the time. I have used it the Friday before. We were heading out of town Wednesday morning for a family emergency and the card was declined. I found out they expired the cards because they said, they were changing there system, too bad they never told me or sent me new cards before they did. Mine had an expiration date of 10/49.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 10:00 AM
  • So again we are complainging about the streets? Any one call the city shop and ask to speak to MR. Sheppard and ask why streets are not being fixed? (I bet not).

    At the credit Union, I'm sure if your account was involved you would of been told and then of course you are protected by federal law, and your money put back. Why should they talk to people who is not involved. I'm sure it was from the bank's fund not people's funds. Just stirring more stories on the blog.

    MHRaised... Call the mayor he can marry people. There is also preacher with churches in the mountains or what about checking at fairfield's churches, Judge.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 10:45 AM
  • There are a lot of preachers in the Boise area who are willing to marry people for a small fee. Usually they will want to sit and talk to you first, or council you, and they don't care what your religion is, as long as you are happy.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 10:56 AM
  • ME1, do you balance your check book? I would think that if your account was affected that you would have seen a withdrawl and redeposit. I keep track of my account online daily, so I'm sure mine is ok.

    -- Posted by gamesgurl on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 11:52 AM
  • Yes I do balance my checkbook, I do it online and double check it when I get my statement. A simple no would sufice and then I would not worry.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 11:58 AM
  • ME1:

    If your checkbook balances - then what exactly is your worry? I guess I must have missed something.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 1:40 PM
  • I want to know if it was my account, not just checking ALL of them, savings, loans, CD's I have several accounts through the bank. It is hard to not worry if your account was involved. I don't know if it was just checking accounts, what I want to know is why the bank will not talk to people and answer their questions. Like I said earlier a simple no, mine was not involved would sufice, but I can't even get that from them.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 2:00 PM
  • ME1:

    If ALL of your accounts are balanced, and only one of the cards has changed - then I still don't understand why you are worried. There has to be something that bothers you even though all of your accounts balance.

    If your account number had been compromised I would be glad that the bank had the foresight to make sure that account was safe. Maybe your account wan't compromised - but, possible others within the same expiration date were - so the bank changed all account numbers for that year. I don't know - but it sounds good to me.

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 2:18 PM
  • ME1:

    One other question: If your account had been involved what would you do differently? Would it make a difference?

    -- Posted by midea on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 2:22 PM
  • I guess there would be nothing that I could do differently, but I would still worry, and yes there might be a reason that I am worried, but right now I can't prove it unless I get confirmation from the bank and you can't get them to tell you yes or no. That is why I had posted earlier. Maybe I would get an answer from someone one here and how they got their questions answered from the bank and find out what they did.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 3:07 PM
  • I am not a member of the credit union, but I think those who are have every right to know who it was and whether there account was involved or not. Any other person in town would be on the front page of the weekly paper for there wrong doings, why should this person be any different?

    -- Posted by smiles98 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 3:11 PM
  • *

    A few years ago, at a bank back east, I purchased a car just before my husband took a remote assignment. While he was gone, the loan officer created several loans in his my husbands name for other cars. It was not until she got fired months later and quit making the payments on the loans did we find out about them. It may not be directly through your account if theft occurs.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 3:17 PM
  • Your are really late in complaining about the person at the credit since they haven't been there for many months. I'm sure you would go over to the credit union and ask to speak to the bank manager and have her confirm you accounts and that your's were not touch. as for not being in the paper call Kelly Evertt and ask him why he hasn;t posted it since the Cobo's was in a outline block to make sure you didnt miss it.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 3:39 PM
  • If I would have known a while back I would have started asking questions then.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 4:04 PM
  • Was this person arrested, if so wouldn't the arrest report be public record.

    -- Posted by small town on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 4:15 PM
  • I don't know if they were arrested or not, I have looked at the Idaho Repository web site but can't find anything.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 4:18 PM
  • *

    Sure be nice if the CDC would get there act together and find out why so many States having a problem with salmonella due to tomatoes and seems nobody knows why or where the tomatoes coming from that is causing so many problems around the country including Idaho, not buying any of them until this is all figured out and I love tomatoes but I got a long wait for my own to be ready and tonights forcast not looking good for our gardens if it gets as low as they say could be in the mid 30's ouch alot gone and a bit late to try and replant even if you can find them to replant

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 7:39 PM
  • From the responses, I would guess MIEDA is an employee of the impersonal conglomerate known as PFCU.For many years I had 5 accounts at the PFCU, but I'm now down to one and it could be very short lived. If they (????) would just say an investigation is ongoing, it would at least let people know that they (PFCU) cares about it's members.

    -- Posted by Mr.427539 on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 8:44 PM
  • Lets wait and see what the Mountain Home newspaper has if nothing write a letter to the paper, email the bank (e-mail addresses are on the sight). You do not get a response then pull your account. But tell them why your leaving.

    -- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 8:54 PM
  • Eagle Eye - I too am lamenting the fate of my tomatoes. Frost killed the cherry blossoms, salmonella wasted the tomatoes, wet spring is ruining the corn and what produce is remaining, the rising gas prices will make expensive. Wow! But at least my house isn't floating down some flooded river, or torn to smithereens by a tornado (yet), so I guess it could be worse?

    I thought though, that the CDC said that Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas were ok. Florida & Mexico tomatoes are not cleared yet. And wasn't the contaminated lettuce (last year?) from Mexico too.

    -- Posted by froggy on Tue, Jun 10, 2008, at 11:53 PM
  • Hey, what happened to the story & comments reguarding the proposed nuke power plant?

    -- Posted by Beau on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 3:06 AM
  • *

    If you think you have a problem with your bank/credit union account(s) don't be sitting around waiting on an article to appear in the paper, or e-mail or call them head straight to the bank/credit union and get with them and see just what if anything has been going on with your accounts most of them have people that will galdly sit down with you and go over your account

    -- Posted by Eagle_eye on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 9:33 AM
  • Did anyone get the chance to go to the meeting regarding the nuc power plant and if so what was said. I did not get the chance to go but I heard they are having another meeting on the 16th, hopefully I will be able to attend that one. I did hear on the news that it would bring more jobs to the area and with good pay.

    -- Posted by ME1 on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 10:45 AM
  • Does anybody realize that a nuclear power plant so close to the Snake River will forever change the ecology of that area. Further, is there not a bird refuge out there as well. Why are we always so quick to sell out our town for the almighty dollar? This is not "safe" power. Do the research on the many nuclear accidents. Why not work on the development of wind and solar power? What about all of the water this thing will use? Before we sell our souls to the devil---we need to be educated. This will not even lower OUR (the people of Mountain Home) power bills because the power generated will be sold to the highest bidder(s) and history has proven this fact. They will probably also bring in their own people to run the place. It will bring jobs, in theory, for the construction (big maybe there) but it could also be an out of state group/groups that build the thing. We are already top 5 or 10 on the terrorist list as stated in the Statesman. Why would we even think to allow this to come in? Greed. The owners get rich and rob from the people of Elmore County. Why not work on wind and solar which use no water and do not pollute Mother Earth. Wake up folks. This is a bad idea!

    We already have a pretty high cancer rate in our county as it is. Do we really need any more environmental polluters in our county? The correct answer would be NO. They want us to believe this is a good thing--and it is---BUT only for the people that own the thing. Do the research and listen to the doctor that had a post last night. DO THE RESEARCH before you say yes so quick.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 11:20 AM
  • I lived by the Nine Mile Nuclear Power plant in NY for many years. It is on Lake Ontario, the last minor mishap that I was able to find was back in 1991 and it put nobody in any danger. I think if they are inspected regularly we have nothing to worry about. As far as being on the terrorist list you have a better chance of dying in a car accident then by a terrorist so should we no longer drive.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 11:51 AM
  • Was it Mountain Home or Boise that was a terrorist targer?

    Wind and Solar are great, but they are not reliable.

    Even if they did bring in their own people to run the plant they wouldn't fly them in everyday. They would live here (at least in the area) and that would provide jobs and an increased tax base.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 12:45 PM
  • Opinion Missy"

    Some questions for you re: the nuclear plant.

    How will it change the ecology?

    Where are the facts regarding nuclear accidents - as far as "How Many over how many years and the damage created."

    Is there any information out there that tells us who will get to use the power from this plant or is this specualtion on your part?

    Are we sure that the company is going to bring in its own people to run the plant and not hire people from this area?

    When you say that we have a high cancer rate in this area- do you have the specific stats for this?

    When you say to us - do the reaearch - could you please give us the references you used for your research so that we are looking at the same info in order to form an opinion.

    Lastly - I did't see a post from a Dr. last night. Where is this post so I can read it?

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 1:03 PM
  • *

    Nuclear plant regulation, construction, maintenance, safety, and operation have all progressed significantly sine the Chernobyl days. People do realize that was over twenty years ago don't they?

    -- Posted by VicVega on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 1:04 PM
  • *

    I have a lot of the same questions as midea.

    What is the cancer rate for Mountain Home?

    How does it compare to other similar areas?

    Where does this data come from?

    How exactly will the ecology change?

    Who did the study?

    How do we know the plant will bring in its own people to run the facility?

    How many unemployed Nuclear Engineers and Nuclear Scientists live in Mountain Home?

    Where is the current data on nuclear accidents in the US in facilities following the same design as the proposed one here?

    -- Posted by VicVega on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 1:18 PM
  • I have done a little research today and have found only 2 major incidents one was Chernobyl in 1986 and the other was Three Mile in 1979, I went to two websites one was by the world nuclear association and the other was the Union of Concerned Scientist and both showed only those two. The first is for Nuclear Power and the second is not. So I would also like to know from Opinion Missy where she got her information.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 1:35 PM
  • They deleted the post from the Dr. that was on this site last night. That is why Beau asked where it was/is. That gave all of the places to look for your information and the sites. As for the power remaining in Idaho. Can some common sense prevail here. If CA is willing to pay 3X what we pay...why would it stay here? It is all about profit and not anything else. If this is such a great thing, why is it not being proposed for Boise? Why does all of the crap inductry end up in Elmore County? All of this information was posted last night and where to look. Kind of makes a person wonder why it was deleted. He has posted on here prior and I believe he is out of TF. How many nuclear accidents do there need to be? Is 1 not more than enough for you...and just a few miles from where you live. Come on. Where will the water come from for this to cool it? How many nuclear engineers do we suppose live in Mtn. Home? This is another Silkwood in the making.

    The water disposed of by the nuclear power plant(s) that sit on Lake Michigan discharge water that is 30-40 degrees warmer than the other water in the lake. It is a favorite spot to water ski and boat/swim for many. It killed off a great many native fish in that area as well as the grasses that grow in the water, etc.

    There was a quake in I believe China within the last 1-2 years. The reactor there was leaking as a result of that. Do we not have quakes here. How much more are you folks willing to over-look regarding the environment before enough is enough already. 1 nuclear accident in our area will kill us all.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 2:20 PM
  • opinion missy

    Again you failed to post any facts. Where are all these accidents that have killed people except in Russia, the one in 3 mile killed no one and that was the only other accident. At nine mile we boat and fish in lake ontario all the time and never had any problems. I think you need to post the fact that you have.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 2:28 PM
  • It seems so many of you have so many questions about the nuclear plant. Did any one go to the meeting last night and ask their question or again are you on here just complaining? if you missed the meeting there is another one in Glenns ferry on Monday evening and I suggest you go there and get your question ANSWERED without attacking each other on the blog.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 2:54 PM
  • oh.. if you want to know why stuff is on here on minute and gone the next.. call Kelly Everitt at the mountainhome news he can tell you.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 2:56 PM
  • I don't need to attack Opinion Missy. She knows as well as I do (since the school bond), that if you make comments that aren't of your own opinion that you should share the info that you have, in order to keep all up to date or at least be able to back those statements up. I for one couldn't make it to the meeting last night - work related.

    This is a fantastic forum for sharing information with one another, and has been since its inception. Granted, all of us don't have all of the info we need, In fact -the sharing of info gives us all different references and views that we might never have found or thought of.

    Opinion Missy:

    Hope you didn't take offense to the questions and I know you are getting ready to back up what you said. You wouldn't have it any other way. So Cool !!!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by midea on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 3:39 PM
  • I didn't go to the meeting last night and I have no questions, I lived near a nuclear power plant almost my whole childhood and there were never any problems. The person who has the questions is opinion missy we are waiting for her to post her facts on what she found out.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 3:40 PM
  • Here is some information:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_accidents

    Way more than 2 nuclear accidents.

    http://www.environmentreport.org/transcript.php3?story_id=1617

    http://www.animatedsoftware.com/environm/no_nukes/nukelist1.htm

    http://escaravage.org/Palisades_summary.pdf

    This one tells of the MANY ways that Elmore County (like this place) will be improved with this plant. Yeah right.

    http://escaravage.org/Palisades_summary.pdf

    http://www.cleanwisconsin.org/campaigns/NuclearPower/myth_reality.html

    The benefits are once again endless (not really). What do we do with all of the waste that is produced from this type of power genearation? Oh---Boise will take it I guess.

    Pay attention to what they say about the Great Lakes (there is a tab named WATER)) on this site.

    http://www.mediamouse.org/briefs/052506nucle.php

    Please also reference on this very same site:

    Related Entries:

    Groundwater Contamination Found Near Palisades Nuclear Plant

    http://www.michiganmessenger.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=209

    http://www.michiganmessenger.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=209

    http://www.ccnr.org/dilemma_3.html

    http://www.ccnr.org/cost_disadvantages.html#acc

    Ahh...and once there is an accident, the owners have only limited liability due to an Act that protects them from over-exposure on clean-up costs. So, who pays after they have made billions upon billions in profits? US!!! Such a deal for Elmore County indeed.

    http://www.nirs.org/press/03-20-2006/1

    And the above shows how well these places are "regulated" by the Government. It scares me.

    http://www.shundahai.org/3-31-06DetFreePress_Concrete_Shield_Falls_in_Nuclear_Pl...

    So, this should keep some of you busy on how "safe" all of this is. You asked for it. There are thousands of cites about this and in nuclear power, they get away with alot before it is really called a "nuclear accident." It is pretty sad to read about what happens to the owners...NOTHING. It is all about the money not safety at all. Look how well the FDA and Dept. of Ag do at protecting us. What a joke!

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 5:13 PM
  • And yet more...

    http://a4nr.org/library/failures/12.14.2007-woodtv

    http://resosol.org/InfoNuc/seismes/Japon2007/Japon200707-USAaussi.html

    https://www.discovertesting.com/articles/30,1.html

    Nothing like attempting to sell a house where you have to have water brought in.

    http://www.etec-nm.com/rancho-seco-nuclear-power.html

    The above refers to the ecology and what COULD happen from fish being exposed to chemicals not only from nuclear plants but coal burning plants and other chemicals in general.

    Below is more on ecology:

    http://taipower.ntou.edu.tw/JMST/2004--JMST--Vol-12--No-05--pp-364-371.pdf

    While we do not have the same ecology in fresh water as salt water---it will do similar things to fish and plants due to the temp. change of the water. We can't expect something that is used to living in say 72 degree water to survive in 105 degree water (just numbers). You get the picture.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 5:31 PM
  • Cancer stats. for Mountain Home can be found at:

    http://www.idcancer.org/special/CountyProfiles/ELMORE.pdf

    Is there anything else that I can do for you folks? I am sure this information that I have provided will not even to begin to meet the burden of proof expected from many of you but I have done the research and work in environmental law and grew up along the shore of Lake Michigan up till 10 years ago. You will still make and form your own opinions no matter what is posted and this is of course your right. I just strive to inform all of you and educate. Many more of these sites are available if you just read and do the research. As a town, we really need to stop just accepting the information that is provided and take it as fact. It is only 1/2 the story in most cases.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 5:42 PM
  • *

    Did a little checking on the cancer thing…According to the CDC and their 2002-2004 study (the latest data available) we're lower in 7 out of 10 categories compared to the US as a whole (male and female categorization). The rates are numbers per 100K.

    [Type: ID/US]

    Prostate: 167/155.4, female breast: 118.4/121.7, lung & bronchus: 57.6/68.5, colon & rectum: 44.7/51.4, skin cancer: 23.5/16.9, urinary bladder: 20.9/21.6, uterus: 20.5/23.4, non-hodgkin lymphoma: 19.4/19.1 (slightly higher), leukemia's: 14.3/12.1, kidney & renal pelvis: 13.4/13.9.

    Overall, not drastically higher. But a couple of categories are. Can check more at the CDC National Program of Cancer Registeries. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/uscs/Table.aspx?Group=5f&Year=2004&Display=n

    -- Posted by VicVega on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 5:43 PM
  • Opinion Missy,

    I went through those website and found nothing that was catastrophic. The first one showed the last mishap in 1994, no new information on Palisades since it was sold in 2007, the one form Michigan Messenger was from 2004, another from 1982 and one about the walls being dropped said there was never any danger. Accidents are going to happen no matter what but nothing in there showed that any of those accidents caused a town to be wiped out. For every website you find showing an accident another can be shown showing it is safe. You can go on the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant and look at the safety record, go to nei.com and get information to support power plants. You are right people need to many aritcles and form their own opionions.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 6:17 PM
  • Here are a few websites to check out to get another side:

    www.newnavy.us

    greenernukes.blogspot.com

    physics.isu.edu

    On one site it says air pollutions from coal burning is responsible to 10,000 deaths a year there would have to be 25 melt downs each year for nuclear power to be as dangerous as coal.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 6:37 PM
  • I should also state that I am not for or against a Nuclear Power plant, I don't know enough to form an opinion but I don't want to only get one side that is why I will be reading articles from people for and against it. I am also going to be looking at updated material not informations from the 80's and 90's.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 6:42 PM
  • The information from the Dr that blogged a few days ago is under the article on the meeting.

    -- Posted by small town on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 6:45 PM
  • Some of the information that I provided is from 2006 and 2007. It is not all from the 1980s or 90s. I still want to know where all of the water for this thing is going to be obtained.

    Some areas in Elmore County are critical water areas as well. Just because some information is old does not mean it should be discounted. It is still fact based.

    The post that the doctor has out there today is not the same one from the other night. It may be best to call the doctor so he can give you some of the info that he has.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 9:22 PM
  • Small town:

    I am not going to debate with you like on the school bond. You asked me for the information to support what I stated. I backed it up. There are 2 sides to the story always but this is not "safe" power and that is the bottom line.

    Polluted water is a big problem and I do not see how you can say it is not. How can a county survive with a polluted water source? These things leave behind massive waste and they do not clean it up. It becomes the tax payers' problem. Altering the so called genetic makeup with this plant will be a disaster. How can you say that is not a long term problem?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 9:32 PM
  • Just for the record, I am not anti-nuke. However -

    1. I think we should look at ALL energy alternatives, pros and cons.

    2. I do question whomever is going to 'do' something to our environment - possibly at our expense, for their profit.

    So in reading today's article:

    "During the period, Gillispie said he didn't know any cons to putting the plant in Elmore County, or anywhere for that matter.

    "I don't know (any cons), I've been doing this for 40 years and I'm not quitting," he said."

    Here I differ. One of my biggest concerns is nuclear waste, which I consider a con. There is no known energy source that doesn't have a con. So I question Gillispies arguement that there aren't any cons w/nuke energy. It bothers me a lot that he said this. There ARE cons to nuclear energy and I consider his statement an outright lie.

    Also, yesterday, the Dr. stated that this man or company stated they were going to harness energy out of lightening which the Dr. disputed. I did reseach on that earlier, and I saw it the lighening claim. I'm going to research again and see if I can't find a link - at least to yesterday's blog the Dr. posted.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 12:38 AM
  • Here is a link to the Mountain Home News Article with the Dr.'s comments:

    http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/1434955.html

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 12:45 AM
  • Here are also some 'cut & pastes' from the Mountain Home News, June 1, 2007 article, when the site was proposed in Owyhee Co.

    It appears to me the promised 4000 jobs (used to be 5000) will be for construction & related jobs. Afterwards, they will employ 500 permanant employees. So this will be a great boon to all our laid-off nuclear engineers in our area. :) Anyway, here is the piece from the article.

    "The current water right for the land, which is used for crops, is about 65 million gallons per day. The plant would use 100,000 gallons per day, and that includes restroom facilities, Gillespie noted.

    Gillespie and his partners are taking a fast track approach to make the plant a reality. They hope to obtain approval from county and state officials, and begin preparing applications for submittal to the NRC by the end of 2007.

    In 2008, the company hopes to gain approval of the NRC application, which requires numerous public hearings (that process could take up to two years).

    If all applications are approved, and the state and county sign off on the project, construction would begin in 2011 and provide jobs for about 5,000 workers.

    Construction would be completed in the first quarter of 2015, with the plant fully operational by the end of that year.

    The plant would hire 500 permanent employees, and Gillespie said prime candidates would be given the necessary training to safely operate the

    facility."

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 12:56 AM
  • A foot doctor from Twin Falls. Now, there's someone who would be an authority on the subject. Through an irrelevent title in there and watch the ignorant masses fall to their knees.

    -- Posted by nondescript99 on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 1:00 AM
  • Link to the New York Times regarding Alternate Energy Sources and their failed lightening power idea.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/magazine/09lightningfarm.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

    Looks the the foot doctor was right on this one.

    -- Posted by froggy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 1:03 AM
  • I spoke to someone who went to the meeting the other night and here is some information that was given at the meeting that hasn't been mentioned yet. The plant had a land survey done and the land it is being built on has no fault lines, they purchased the land around the facility and are going to be putting is crops, the water from the plant is going to be used to water the crops, the steam from the plant is not going to be let out in the atmosphere but is going to be recylcled to procduce more power.

    I wasnt' at the meeting so I don't know all that was said, I am trying to obtain information also,

    Opinion Missy,

    I am not trying to debate with you I read your ariticles I just asked for more updated info because things have been approved upon since the 80's, like I said I am also reading the pro's and con's on it so I can get information from both sides. My debate with you is that you don't want to see both sides you only see in tunnel vision. Like I said I don't know enough about it to make an informed decision yet that is why I am reading about it. I do know that the plant we have in New York we have never had a big issue with it and we all still use Lake Ontario.

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:16 AM
  • I know, I know, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain." I get it. Truth is, for every "fact" the doctor puts forth, there is alternative data to refute it. Emotion aside, there is no way to dispute the fact that, since December 20, 1951, the date the first nuclear reactor based power plant in history went into operation, there have been plants operating safely throughout the United States.

    -- Posted by nondescript99 on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:35 AM
  • First of all Small Town, I am very objective when it comes to alternate energy sources. I do not have tunnel vision unless having my own thoughts is tunnel vision to you. I work in the area of environmental law and I am well read on the subject. I will tell you that Elmore County is the leader in garbage industry and I am pretty tired of that. If we do not start protecting natural resources, the few that we still have, it will be a disaster. We have sun and wind and that is clean power. Do we really need more pollution? No. These Government subsidized projects, like this one, should be illegal. Gillespie is nothing more than a con when it comes to presenting the "facts" on how great this will be. It has negatives as well that nobody is talking about. I am sure that the power plant that you speak of in NY has its fair share of problems as well---they ALL do. The only people that will benefit from this are the owners because the power produced will be sold to the State(s) willing to pay the most. History repeats itself and this will be no different. What will they do when all of the water is gone? There is not much that lasts forever but nuclear waste is close. Does Mr. Gillespie have an environmental law degree or anything like that? What is his education? He is the land owner and it is all about profit for him NOT making Elmore County a better place to live and raise kids. They will also give him one heck of a tax break to boot. Sooner or later this deal will bite us right in the butt. With the Base and all of the dams in the area we should just place an X on the map for the next terrorist attacks.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:41 AM
  • A couple websites to check out to get both sides one is the plants website

    www.idahoenergycomplex.com

    www.nei.org

    and this one is from people in Owyhee County explaining what happend when the company was going to build there

    www.snakeriveralliance.org

    -- Posted by small town on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:43 AM
  • I think you all should get your information correct about your feelins and attend then next meeting Monday night in Glenns ferry then you can blog away, if you cannot atttend and get your question corrected their then you shouldn't be an expert on this subject and blogging.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:49 AM
  • As of 1 April 2008, 31 countries are using nuclear power plants to generate their electricity. There are 439 nuclear power plant units worldwide with an installed electric net capacity of about 372 GW were in operation world-wide. The USA has 104 nuclear power plants nationwide with one under construction.

    http://www.euronuclear.org/info/encyclopedia/n/nuclear-power-plant-world-wide.ht...

    With all of these plants in operartion world-wide, you would think that you would have heard of more accidents by now if these plants are so risky and unsafe.

    -- Posted by Beau on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 12:47 PM
  • If you read some of the information provided, in order for an "accident" to be declared an "accident" certain guidelines must be met. So, in short, when bad things happen at these things...they do not always meet "accident" criteria even though something dangerous went on.

    One "accident" could do our town in. Really, who wants to live near one of these things? Many of these are in industrial areas NOT near a river that provides prime real estate! When will enough be enough for some of you that think the earth can take much more of this abuse? Earth is one big old dump that collects everyone's waste---much of it ends up in IDAHO. Nice.

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 1:55 PM
  • Wow, stay away awhile and miss lots going on...

    I'm glad I reviewed the story about the local woman who was arrested...so glad that it happened at Zion's bank, not at Pioneer after all, where we have an account and know people. (Shouldn't have happened anywhere.)

    If cold fusion was a done deal, I'd probably be for nuclear power I think, but it's not, at least not yet. So I hope the public has a real say about this proposed plant.

    Nuclear power is like airline travel: not too many accidents, but when there is one, wow, the disaster that happens! Totally out of proportion to the actual number of accidents. All those lives lost or permanently affected, and property, and agriculture, and water supply and soil and air...I'm not on the bandwagon for nuclear.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 2:17 PM
  • Possibilities vs. Probabilities

    Could one "accident" do our town in? Sure anything is possible. A giant asteroid could also crash on our heads. But based on the number of plants around that have been operating safely for years, the probability of an accident occurring is pretty low.

    I have lived near the plant in San Onofre, California. I swam in the ocean and picnicked on the beach near the plant. At that time I was more concerned with the possibility of a shark attack then I was with the possibility that the water may be contaminated. I have also helped develop the Emergency Response Plan for Camp Pendleton, which has some Base Housing Units very near that plant. There is a long waiting list of people trying to get into those units. We also have hundreds of Naval personnel serving around the world living and working just a few bulkheads away from the nuclear reactors on their submarines. I believe that they have all volunteered for that duty.

    As far as Earth being one big old dump that collects everyone's waste; other than a few moon rocks and soil samples that the astronauts have brought back, I am unaware anything that we have dumped in or on Earth that wasn't a product or made from the ingredients that our planet provided in the first place.

    Like small town, at this point I am nether for or against plant. However, I am leaning towards being in favor of the proposed plant. My final position will be based on the facts, not fear of doom and gloom of what possibly might. happen. In fact, I'm really more concern with the condition of I-84 between Glenns Ferry and the Mayfield exit than I am of a possible power plant accident. I believe that those ruts are responsible for more deaths than all of the nuclear power plants combined.

    -- Posted by Beau on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 3:25 PM
  • THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!

    It's called progress! Nuclear energy is as clean as it get (o.m)for the demand.

    -- Posted by MrMister on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 9:23 PM
  • *

    KTVB just had an announcement about a found dyanmite in Mtn. Home... Bomb squad on the seen. Nothing is on the police scanner.......what's up.... where was it.

    -- Posted by workingbee on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:33 PM
  • Just in case you missed the post regarding this so called "safe" power. Not to worry about protecting this thing if it does go online...they will just ask for a bond to pay for the added security. And this is progress???? I am glad that there is a voice of reason out there---I hope you are a local!

    "As someone who has a degree in physics, I would love to hear the explanation for how spent radioactive fuel can be "reprocessed" into non-radioactive material, leaving "essentially no waste" as Mr. Gillispie claims. The last I heard, the only way that happens is by natural decay (which takes centuries or millennia, depending on the isotope) or by nuclear reprocessing which produces weapons-grade enriched materials (Mr. Gillispie claims that his plant will produce no weapons-grade isotopes). So which is it?

    Also not mentioned is the promised "dry" technology that will allow this plant to operate without consuming huge amounts of water (nuclear plants comprise the "thirstiest" form of power generation).

    It all sounds like a bunch of pie-in-the-sky promises of non-existent technology in an effort to sell Idaho on this project.

    Furthermore, if Mr. Gillispie is correct in saying that the plant will not contain fissionable materials for making a nuclear weapon, our own government admits that a far more likely terrorist threat is the use of stolen radioactive materials as a contaminant in food or water supplies, or in a "dirty bomb" (a conventional explosive used to widely disperse radioactive materials, rendering a large area contaminated). Nuclear plants in states with larger populations (and the correspondingly larger tax revenue that goes with them) may have the law enforcement infrastructure to protect them from terrorist incursion, but how will rural Idaho be able to afford it? A rural nuclear power plant in a county with minimal law enforcement resources would be a very attractive target for terrorists looking to acquire radioactive materials for their nefarious plans."

    -- Posted by id_moderate on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 5:43 PM

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 11:26 PM
  • Wow! If you REALLY are advocating CLEAN power, let's talk solar & wind. Yeah, nuclear power doesn't involve puting CO2 emmissions into the air, but I'm not sure how you can call it 'clean' power, when you have millions of years of nuclear waste.

    Also, someone at the meeting brought up the point of light pollution (something I hadn't even considered, to be frank) and how it might effect the Bruneau Observatory. Gillispie stated, I thought rather flippantly, that he would point the lights at the plant downward, or something like that.

    Ya know, if I were a business man (which he is and not a nuclear physicist as far as I could research) don't you think he would address it more professionally. I really don't like this guy's lies and attitude and it worries me that this type of man is running this show.

    I know nuclear power is relatively safe. But, IMO, this guy will say whatever he needs to to make a buck. And I wouldn't approve any type of business that could put us and our beautiful state at risk with a man like that running the show.

    We will have waste here for millions of years, and he can try and blow smoke stating otherwise, but it's simply not true. Why isn't he just honest about it?

    I'm not an freakin idiot. There are con's to nuclear power, as there are pro's, so let's be on front street, Gillispie. If ya can't do that, then you have no business here in Elmore County as far as I'm concerned.

    Geez, just like politics. What the hell happened to honest people??

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Jun 13, 2008, at 12:15 AM
  • Solar and wind power are not reliable enough, but if you want to start a business producing and saling power using those means feel free. I would rather that if it was reliable and reasonable, but I just don't think that it is.

    Maybe we should try and get the Airforce out of town, because of the inherent dangers of flying? Just kidding, but I don't think safety is as big of a concern as many are making if out to be.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Fri, Jun 13, 2008, at 9:24 AM
  • senior lady. The article you read had nothing to do with PFCU, as you said. How ever there is a problem at Our PFCU, and their silence just confirms the rumors.

    -- Posted by Mr.427539 on Fri, Jun 13, 2008, at 1:38 PM
  • I have asked a few friends who work at the PCU and they said that their is a employee who embezzling money for the last 7-8 years. They said that it is still an on going investations and that person has not been charged yet. So this is why you haven't seen it in the news or the paper.

    -- Posted by lovemthome on Fri, Jun 13, 2008, at 5:24 PM
  • *

    Does the person continue to work for PFCU?

    -- Posted by workingbee on Sat, Jun 14, 2008, at 12:40 AM
  • I'm so sorry something is going on at PFCU. I can justify, a bit, their wanting to investigate first before going public but, at the same time, I am concerned for our banking/savings accounts and the loan for our "new" car, all of which are dealt with by direct deposits. What's going to happen to our accounts? Or has happened? That's being selfish -- sorry -- ALL customers could be affected, one way or another.

    My husband takes care of reconciling our PFCU accounts each month and he hasn't noticed anything wrong, so maybe we're all right. We haven't used our PFCU debit card so don't know for sure how that is going but evidently some folks have had problems with theirs. How awful.

    We also know people who work there. Now, all PFCU employees are under a cloud of suspicion until facts are made public. How hard for them. Am looking forward to the facts coming out and learning what specific steps have been taken to protect all customers.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Sat, Jun 14, 2008, at 7:43 AM
  • News this Saturday morning:

    (As reported by CNN) Japan in turmoil after earthquake on 6/13 or 6/14/08. They are now attempting to figure out IF the nuclear power plants have been damaged.

    Why would we want this type of industry near our town and have to go through this type of event EVERY time our ground rumbles (and it does)? Is that not just asking for trouble?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Sat, Jun 14, 2008, at 11:08 AM