Across Elmore County most home landscapes are composed of lawn grass and during this time of year the summer heat starts taking a toll on the aesthetics of our home landscapes causing the grass to turn brown. So – exactly what is happening and why is this occurring?

Well to start off we occupy a sagebrush steppe high desert landscape with very high temperatures during the mid-summer (July-August) and little natural precipitation during this time. Though there are rare exceptions, most of the irrigation to maintain lawn grass is pumped from private/municipal wells throughout Elmore County.

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ADA COUNTY -- A bat tested positive for rabies after it was found Tuesday, July 26 on a sidewalk on Bannock Street, across from Cecil D. Andrus Park in downtown Boise. Reports suggest that two other dead bats had been seen in the same area last week. Tests confirming the rabies virus came back positive Wednesday, July 27.

“If you handled a bat in the downtown Boise area in the last week, it is important that you contact your primary care provider immediately to discuss the situation and determine if rabies shots are warranted,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Leslie Tengelsen.

“Bat bites are extremely small and hard to see, so if there is any chance you handled a bat near the park, talk to your healthcare provider. If your pet picked up a bat near the park, even if currently vaccinated against rabies, talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet a rabies booster.”

MOUNTAIN HOME - (July 26, 2022) – Last week, Elmore County and City of Mountain Home officials took the Idaho Water Resource Board on a tour of several existing and future water projects they’re working on to increase water supplies in the near future. Following the half-day tour, the Board provided a detailed briefing on the status of other Mountain Home/Elmore County projects in the planning stages. “We need more water. We need more water for farming and to handle new growth,” Elmore County Commissioner Bud Corbus told Water Board members while touring the crest of Anderson Ranch Dam on Thursday.

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This summer, families who need assistance paying for school meals will be required to submit an application for free and reduced price school meals for the first time since 2020.

On July 01, 2022, at approximately 1351 hours, Elmore County Dispatch received a report of a possible drowning in the upper South Fork of the Boise River in the area behind the Boise National Forest 061Z campground area in Elmore County, Idaho. Elmore County Sheriff’s Deputies, Pine Featherville EMS, Elmore County Search and Rescue as well as a Saint Luke’s Air Ambulance were immediately dispatched to the area. Elmore County Search and Rescue swift water members began operations attempting to find the victim who was a 44-year-old male his identity is not being released at this time until next of kin can be notified. It was known that the victim had attempted to rescue a dog that was in distress and due to the swift current and depth of the water he and the dog had gone under.

Due to the extreme amount of fuel load (grass) this year, and the predicted high temps expected to reach the mid to upper 90’s this week, the City of Mountain Home and the Mountain Home Rural Fire Protection District will be implementing an “Open Burn” ban effective July 1st, 2022. No open burning will be permitted until further notice. This burn ban includes burning in burn barrels. For questions or information, please contact Fire Station #1 at 208.587.2117.

Irrigation season is upon us and as the weather warms up and children start playing outside more, please consider talking with your kids about the dangers of irrigation canals.

Canals are very dangerous due to slippery banks, diversions, fluctuating currents, and powerful strong currents. It is NEVER a good idea to hang out near canals, play on the banks or swim in the canals.

Local law enforcement has seen many children playing around the canals in and around Mountain Home. They always inform them of the dangers of irrigation canals, but please take the time to make sure your own children are informed and safe.