I thought things would settle down a bit after last week's Idaho Public Charter Schools Commission meeting, especially after reporter Mike Butts and I sat down for an hour Wednesday, Nov. 11, with Erik Makrush, new Nampa Classical Academy board member and public relations chairman. Makrush answered several questions and assured us that the board was making necessary changes to smooth the rough...read more

Several parents have written support letters for Nampa Classical Academy. A few parents have expressed concerns. You can read them here.

The acting chairman for the charter board of directors refuses to provide information concerning a class where a religious document may have been used. Here's the story.

The Idaho Press-Tribune has obtained documentation that the Idaho Public...read more

Usually after an election, the only activity we see is campaign sign removal and a few "thank you" for "electing me" letters.

But it's as if the election isn't over. Wednesday morning, the county commissioners started talking about the next jail bond election in May. And the opponents are already asking "Are you kidding me?" questions.

Christy Perry, small business...read more

Something isn't right in Canyon County. Five resignations within a couple of days raises all kinds of red flags. But nobody is talking.

Here's the deal: Four Planning and Zoning commissioners have or will resign, citing a variety of personal reasons. The moves follow Friday's resignation of Canyon County's development director, Wayne Forrey.

Jeffrey Hess, who had served as chairman...read more

For past stories and links connect back to this blog post.

NCA statement.

Don't miss today's news story about the resignation of three more board members and the parent rep for Nampa Classical Academy charter school.

The newly founded charter, located on Smith Avenue in Nampa, opened its doors in September with more than 500 students. But since then, seven board members and...read more

I want to give a big kudos to the newsroom staff for its election coverage. It's always exciting to hang out on Election Night in a newsroom and watch the results trickle in.

This seems to be a pretty predictable election. But it always taxes us to the limit and we always push the deadline.

Looks like voters pretty much split in the same two races that the Idaho Press-Tribune did. Given their...read more

With just two days until the election, there's always the mad rush to get everything in the paper and on the Web so we can give you the information you want to decide who gets your vote on Tuesday.

I want to thank all the candidates for their participation in our pre-election process. Without them meeting deadlines and taking the issues seriously, you wouldn't have much to evaluate. I know...read more

I'm sharing this letter that was sent by "Michael T. Moffett," the acting chairman of the Nampa Classical Academy.

He shares some important information. Please let me know if you have any information that confirms or contradicts the statements made here. You can reach me at vholbrook@idahopress.com

In Wednesday's paper read and watch on this blog for:

• Coverage of tonight's board meeting where apparently new board members will be selected.
• An update of the Idaho Public School Charter Commission and the questions it has posed to Nampa Classical Academy.

Dear...read more

The Nampa Classical Academy plans to choose new board members tonight. According to the charter school's bylaws, the founding members will choose new members for the board of directors. The charter may have five to seven voting members. Two voting board members resigned earlier this month because they have concerns with two of the founding members: twin brothers Isaac and Mike Moffett.

Other...read more

Correction: Mike Moffett was vice chair for the school board and is acting chairman at this time.

After several years of unanswered questions that have been raised about some Idaho charter schools, I applaud the Idaho Charter Commission for taking bold steps and asking for heaps of information from the newly founded Nampa Classical Academy. It's a gutsy move. The Charter Commission's...read more

Who can trust an investigation that ACORN orders? Nothing good can come out of this situation. To think otherwise is absurd.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The community organizing group ACORN said Wednesday it is ordering an independent investigation after its employees were caught on camera appearing to advise a couple posing as a prostitute and pimp to lie about the woman's profession to get housing help...read more

Happy Constitution Day! In 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. It is one of the most important and influential events in American history, establishing the many rights and freedoms "We the People" enjoy today.

We take those freedoms for granted. It is tested day after day. But it remains strong.

Did you know that than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress...read more

Are you on Facebook? Do you have a few friends or more than a hundred?

If you create an account on the social network, you're encouraged to go find "friends."

I joined in February because Facebook, like Twitter, has become a popular way to connect with readers, sources, politicians and even other media and marketing folks.

On Facebook, I have nearly 300 friends. I don't personally...read more

It's really great to see Idaho's Republican leaders stepping up and condemning what Republican gubernatorial candidate Rex Rammell said about the Obama tags. Rammell says he won't apologize for his joke. Pay attention Rex: Nobody is laughing.

You don't see GOP leaders break the 11th Commandment very often — Thou shalt not criticize a fellow Republican — but in this...read more

We knew it was coming. We knew that Edward Kennedy, 77, was dying of brain cancer. It's the first time it wasn't a shock. Remember the first time? President John Kennedy was killed in a motorcade in Dallas. That was Nov. 22, 1963. I was nearly 8 years old. The news reverberated through our tiny community. My mom was a big Kennedy fan. Both mom and her mother had the Life magazines that retold...read more

Nampa Classic Academy's Kyle Borger sent this letter out via its Web site a bit after midnight. I've pasted it here. I have just one question for you to consider before reading this: If an official speaks on behalf of a school that's already said it plans to use the Bible as a textbook, isn't it reasonable for a reporter to ask: Will you teach creationism? In part, here's what our story says:

"There are several versions of creationism," Bush said. "We're going to explore different theories of it."

Nampa Classical Academy teachers would be guarded if they answered students' questions regarding the teachers' thoughts on the origin of life, Bush said.

"There are theories and nothing's really proven so we'll go through the theories," Bush said.

Here's...read more

Football is no longer a good ol' boy club and to think that a D1 head football coach would think any differently is assinine. According to Idaho Press-Tribune sports reporter Dave Southorn and Sports Editor Phil Dailey, Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin used the gay slur — faggott — three times during his news conference this morning while talking about the team's loss...read more

At the risk of somebody calling us another "liberal rag," I want to note that both the Idaho Press-Tribune and Idaho Statesman editorial boards voiced disappointment in Canyon County and city leaders for failing to address the air quality problems. For the record, it wasn't the first time we've editorialized on Canyon County's need to step up and do its part to keep the EPA from...read more

Please welcome Marc Johnson to the world of blogging. He is president of Gallatin Public Affairs and has a wealth of experience in the media and politics. His new blog, The Johnson Post, starts off with commentary on Supreme Court appointments.

Does this make sense? The AMBER alert is designed to get the word out quickly in cases of child abductions. But there's very specific guidelines that must be met before anyone can sound the alarm.

Robert Manwill, the 8-year-old boy, who's been missing from his Boise home since Friday, does not qualify for an AMBER alert.

Really?

Evidently police must be sure that a child has been...read more

Machele Hamilton, one of our community bloggers, posted a different take the Ryan Stockdale saga.

Here's a a bit, but you really should read the whole post. There have been times when what I wrote on my blog was not popular, and this will probably be one of those times, but I can't help myself. Maybe it is because I am a small business owner myself, I'm not sure, but the question...read more

I'm grateful I have insurance. But I understand the reasons why Omnipure can't pay for the experimental surgery that Ryan Stockdale needs to get relief from the headaches that he suffers.

It's a dilemma no one would want to face, and it points to some of the problems with health care today. We editorialized on this topic earlier this month.

I'm impressed with the efforts to raise raise money for Ryan Stockdale....read more

News last week that Jerry Gunstream was being investigated on theft charges related to his business came as a big surprise.

I wondered, how many more victims are there? First we thought it was just Airport Partners. But now, the Idaho Press-Tribune broke news today that five additional clients have contacted the Idaho State Police, reporting that they've also had money taken.

So, now...read more

Mayor Dale: What part of the open records law don't you understand? Here's the Open Records policy manual.

"Any way you interpret the statute, it says that the name, title and rate of pay of public employees are public record," Wayne Hoffman said on behalf of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, expressing his frustratation that Mayor Tom Dale does not want to provide provide names with the positions and pay rates of city employees....read more

Well, they said it at the time, but no one believed them, including me. I thought it was simply an excuse to sweep the matter under the rug. But a May 1 memo from the Federal Election Commission accepts blame for the problem. We mentioned it a few times, including this editorial about Sali's campaign. And that editorial sparked a firestorm and this blog 11 months ago.

I guess saying: Love...read more

Consultant, author and former legislator Jana Kemp plans to run for governor in Idaho. This will make election interesting. I wonder who else will jump in?

Missing from her votekemp.com Web page is her intended party affiliation — or I just didn't dig deep enough. She ran as a Republican when she won a seat in the Idaho Legislature. But the Democrats ousted her in the 2006 General...read more

"This is unbelievable and deeply troubling. The Pentagon does not have the authority to discriminate against Christian groups or events. This type of religious bigotry is unconstitutional," Christian activist Brandi Swindell wrote on her Web site Thursday, a day after the 42nd annual God and Country Festival held at the Idaho Center.

Idaho Press-Tribune story in today's paper: Pentagon nixes flyover....read more

Do you live near a pit bull? You should know if you do. If a vicious dog lived next door to one, I'd be seriously thinking about my safety and the safety of others.

It's just simply dangerous. Sure, not all pit bulls are dangerous. But when's there's a dog attack on another animal or human, it's often a pit bull. It's that simple.

Want more information? Check out this site, Dog Bite Law. It...read more

Update: Charter Commission member told KBCI TV News that commission is aware of charter's plan.

Mention the words Bible and public charter school in the same sentence and there's an immediate flurry of comments, questions and concerns that pop up. And they should so it can be openly discussed and put in the proper perspective.

But, because this is generally such a touchy subject, it...read more

Idaho has aggressively protected its brand since 1975 when Washington advertised that "Idaho potatoes grow better in Washington." Namedevelopment.com sides the with the Potato Commission with this conclusion: "whoever told them it would be OK to use the word Idaho in their company naming and branding really isn't worth much more than a rotten potato."

Talk about an...read more

I just got this e-mail from Idaho Values Alliance: Bryan Fischer, executive director for the Idaho arm of American Family Association, will be doing a national talk show. Congratuations to Bryan, and hooray for Idaho.

Fischer, viewed by many as a one-man obstacle to social progress in Idaho, has been outspoken on several morality issues, especially anything that dealt with the gay community. Earlier...read more

More information about the death and charges

Audio from the warrant hearing

Jason Neagle's obituary

View or sign the petition

Facebook page in support of Zachary

The May 16 death of Jason Neagle, and Wednesday's court hearing where his 14-year-old son appeared in shackles, facing first-degree murder charges, is a tragedy.

If only we could know everything when cases like...read more

Today's story: Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas says he'll run again

This comes as no surprise. There are still no announced candidates to run against Garret Nancolas, but a group effort to oust him is sure to make this city election a hot one. I wrote about Progress Caldwell a couple of weeks ago. I recently chatted with someone about the group. He won't reveal his name for the...read more

Saturday's story: Prosecutor will revise murder charge if evidence warrants it

Brother-in-law defends shooting victim Jason Neagle

Thursday's story: Dad may have abused son

Saturday's death of Jason Neagle, and Wednesday's court hearing where his 14-year-old son appeared in shackles, facing first-degree murder charges, is a tragedy.

If only we could know everything when...read more

The National Rifle Association says it is very important that anti-gun congressmen see how many people they will have to fight in order to enact recent arm-bearing legislation.

I agree. That's why I joined the NRA today.

Yes, I just registered to become a member of The NRA. Why today? Because Louis B. sent me an e-mail. No, I won't follow the sheep over the cliff because someone tells me...read more

These are the questions Republican Party Chairman Norm Semanko posed. See mine below:

Thank you for your help.

1. What are the key strengths and beliefs of the Idaho Republican Party that we can build on? How?

2. What are the current weaknesses of the Idaho Republican Party? How can this be changed?

3. Should the Idaho Republican Party place more focus on fiscal issues like lower taxes and smaller...read more

When the Idaho Press-Tribune newsroom gets an e-mail like this from Norm Semanko, chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, you know the political giant is in trouble. He sent this letter, along with a survey. See that, along with my suggested questions in the next post

STATE OF THE IDAHO REPUBLICAN PARTY

Dear Friend, As Chairman of the Idaho Republican Party, I need your help. The Idaho Republican...read more

Who will run against Mayor Garret Nancolas when Caldwell elects its next mayor in November?

No word yet on who wants that challenge, but there's no doubt a group called "Progress Caldwell" wants to unseat Nancolas. Just visit the Web site at progresscaldwell.com. It also comes up under the name of "Caldwell Needs Your Vote."

This unidentified group appears pretty serious...read more

Congrats to local blogger to Paul Alldredge of Caldwell Guardian and Scott McIntosh, editor of the Kuna-Melba News.

They were nominees for the annual Max D. Dalton award that will be handed out Saturday in Coeur d'Alene. I'll post more about that winner later.

The Max Dalton Open Government Award has been given each year since 1999 to a citizen or group judged to be an outspoken advocate...read more

I had the opportunity Wednesday to actually write a news story for the paper. I always have the chance, but I rarely do it. But when we got the lawsuit filed against the county, I got sucked in. It took me back to the days when I used to write "law & order" stories all the time.

It was kind of fun, but it's 11:10 p.m. and I'm still at the office.

Today's big story: It...read more

We've updated our story on the Web and we've included a document that outlines the reasons for the charge against Catherine Benoit. Once you've ciicked on the story, look for this on the left side of the story and download the pdf.

Here's a snippet of our latest story:

CANYON COUNTY - Former Canyon County motor vehicle department employee Catherine Benoit, 57, stole $37,000...read more

Several have commented on my college students and drinking at Huckleberries Online. Thanks for getting the word out, DFO. One man told the story about his son's death. Here's a site that offers suggestions on how to prevent excess drinking in college.

One of the accused in the Canyon County embezzlement case has been arrested. There's a press conference at 2 p.m. today. Stay...read more

I'm pasting a note that Dave Frazier sent to our reporter today after my earlier post about Canyon County's developing embezzlement story.

I'm not dismissing the Boise Guardian or any other blog for that matter. But there is a difference in how we go about our reporting. Nor did my post demean Mr. Frazier's previous work and his awards.

And it's true, Mr. Frazier has...read more

Updated 11:09 a.m. Wednesday:

The court records were not sealed, but could not be accessed until pending arrests were made. New as of 5:22 p.m: A clerk at the Canyon County courthouse said an embezzlement case involving two former Canyon County employees has been sealed and that information about the case is not available to the public at this time.

However, Canyon County Assessor Gene Kuehn...read more

Parents: Please share this story with your teenagers and young adults. Ask them what kind of "games" they play when drinking alcohol. It happens all the time in college. Don't know much about them? Check them out here. There's quite a list.

My son and I had pretty open discussions about what happened in college. In fact, he had a very scary situation occur when one of his...read more

More on swine flu. Follow CDC on Twitter.

Follow it on google maps.

DO NOT PANIC. But, Department of Health and Human Services has issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered swine influenza A (swine flu) virus.

How can you NOT panic just a bit? In the past couple of minutes we've received news that Idaho health authorities are examining four people in Ada County...read more

Gov. Butch Otter pulled no punches today when he vetoed eight more bills — appropriations measures that he has no problem with — after killing two bills this morning during a press conference. He did it to avoid any confusion about the point he's trying to make: The Legislature will not leave town until Idaho's transportation funding is addressed.

Wow!!! Now we're closing...read more

You know what the whole problem with Canyon County's situation with its jail — and now the ACLU lawsuit? The commissioners must think everyone is stupid and that we can't see through the smokescreens that they put up.

(Remember that they told us - the newspaper - to butt out after we suggested the county collaborate with some of the opponents and find a compromise.)

For...read more

We just posted this story. It has not been approved yet, but the county commissioners — and all employers — must make some critical payroll decisions.

Do you cut employees, saving benefits and payroll? Or do you force employees to take forced time off without pay but keep your staffing levels?

It depends on work load. If it's decreased, then the staff will decrease, too.

Forced...read more

On Saturday, we published a guest opinion by former Idaho Superintendent of Public Schools Marilyn Howard and a separate one by Bill Lofholm. I also included an "editor's note" that gave a simplified explanation of school funding. They are pasted below.

But first, I've added my own personal opinion on this matter.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We wrote an editorial a couple of weeks ago, suggesting that the Legislature hold off on new charters because of their cost, especially in light of the current funding crisis. Yes, I believe it is a crisis.

Charter advocates say charters cost less. And in a few cases, they do. But if you look at the Nampa charters and the traditional Nampa School District, there's indeed a difference in funding on a per-pupil basis. Nampa charter schools garner $746 to $1,473 more per pupil than the traditional public school student.

This isn't a rant against charters. It's simply an effort to clear up some misperceptions.

Charters set enrollment limits. When they are full, they shut the doors. Traditional public schools must take all students, including those who require special needs. Charters do, as well, but most aren't equipped to handle the specialized care and learning that some students need.

Then there's the parental commitment factor. Most charters have very strict attendance policies because funding is based on attendance. But not all kids have parents who care. If a family doesn't make the attendance commitment the kids are booted back to traditional public schools.

Charter schools also say they do a better job of teaching and point to top scores. I believe some charter schools do a good job teaching less diverse classes. Public schools do an excellent job of teaching a wide diversity of students. My two boys are exceptional young men, thanks to the Nampa School District. My husband and I were "committed" parents who stayed involved in their education.

Traditional public schools balance the gifted with the challenged, the socially advantaged with the disadvantaged. They take all kinds of students, no matter what their attendance is. And they take all students who knock at the door.

I'm all for charter schools, but the per-pupil funding should be the same, dollar for dollar, as it is for the school district in which they live. In a state where there's a constant push to consolidate for efficiency, it seems backwards to create nearly 30 mini charter kingdoms on top of our 114 public school districts.

Again, Idaho should not open more charter schools at this time. We simply can't afford to create more. Idaho isn't flush with cash like it was when the majority of Idaho's charters were funded.

I added this editor's note to Bill Lofholm's letter that I've pasted below. It originally published on the Opinion page Saturday, March 21.

Calculating the cost per student is a complicated formula. Some experts will tell you it's like comparing a big toe to the rest of your body. It's based on the size of school district. The smaller the school district, the higher the funding for each pupil.

Funding also is based on the number of students in particular grade levels, and schools receive funds based on teacher certification and experience.

So in that light, we calculated a per-student cost, based only on state money divided by the average daily attendance for the 2006-07 school year.

• Nampa School District received $4,936 per student with an average daily attendance of 13,072 students.
• Liberty Charter received $6,410 per student with an ADA of 386 students, or $1,473 more per student than the Nampa School District received for each student.
• Victory Charter received $5,682 per student with an ADA of 283 students, or $746 more per student than the Nampa School District received for each student.
• Idaho Arts Charter received $5,769 per student with an ADA of 491 students, or $833 more per student than the Nampa School District received for each student.

The state removed school funding from the property taxes for the 2006-07 school year. All public schools get money from the state. It used to be a combination of state and local property taxes.

Some districts, with voter approval, also receive some additional property tax money through bonds or supplemental levies. Charters schools may borrow money without voter approval.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charter schools have unfair financial advantage

By Bill Lofholm

I fully agree with the recent Press-Tribune editorial that recommends the state delays for at least three years the opening of new charter schools. During that time it will provide the taxpayers the insight on how much it costs to provide parents 'choice' for educating their children.

A couple of years ago, Tim Hill, finance officer for the Idaho State Department of Education, made interesting studies of the added cost to the state if a student chooses to attend a charter school instead of remaining in his district traditional school. Mr. Hill's reports were made when employed under Marilyn Howard, the Idaho superintendent of education. To my knowledge, no other reports of this nature have been produced. Certainly not since Tom Luna became the superintendent.

The additional costs are substantial. Mr. Hill's report for 2004 covered 16 charter schools showing the additional annual cost to be $6,171,265. Year 2005 for 18 charter schools, the additional cost had risen to $6,501,217.

The question now: Are the taxpayers ready to spend those additional dollars to provide the parents 'choice'?

It is common propaganda from charter authorities that charter schools are not financed by taxpayers' property taxes or bond activity. For example, the president of the board of directors for Victory Charter School's testimony before the Idaho Charter Commission, in support of Victory's request to add a high school. Quoting, "Given the fact we do have to come up with our own financing for schools, and we don't use any taxpayer or property tax money for the maintenance of these schools, we still are educating these students, even separately, at a lower cost to taxpayers as far as that we don't raise bonds or levies."

First, "we don't use any taxpayer money," is a sign of ignorance or a deliberate false statement? Almost the entire financing of the charter schools comes from payments by the State Department of Education.

How does the state get its money for those payments? From every taxpayer in Idaho!

Second, "we still are educating these students - at a lower cost to taxpayers." That is a distorted statement far from the truth as shown by documentation.

This condition prevails throughout the state of Idaho when payments for students of charter schools vs. traditional schools are compared. How can it be justified, the additional cost of a charter student's to a traditional student's education?

Third, "we don't raise bonds or levies." This statement is another falsehood! Victory Charter School, in the minutes of a monthly meeting, contained a vote for issuance of a bond. The bond was to guarantee payments of a loan from a bank for construction of their school buildings. A bond that was based upon estimated revenue from the state. Levies are determined by the annual budget of estimated costs. The annual payment for the loan is your levy against your revenue!

Viewing the inequities in state funding of charter schools vs. traditional schools located in the same district, it becomes apparent how charter schools are able to make exorbitant payrolls to administrators and teachers. How they can construct or lease facilities from state payments?

I am not advocating the demise of charter schools, only that they receive no more for their education than the traditional school student in the district in which they are domiciled.

Bill Lofholm is from Nampa and has extensively studied school finance and funding for traditional public schools and public charter schools.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

My suggestions for education in troubled economy

By Marilyn Howard

Since I left office more than two years ago, I've pretty much kept my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open.

I had my turn eight times over to argue for a public school budget, so it's no wonder that I felt some empathy for my successor as he faced legislators. I know I had to justify every penny requested and report afterward on every penny spent, so I'm pretty aware of how to construct a tight budget.

Now, in these difficult times, I have three suggestions for budget writers that I think could help local schools and their students.

First and foremost, it is time the Legislature starts trusting local school boards to do the right thing. I believe Idaho citizens have every bit as much confidence in their locally elected school trustees as they have in their locally elected legislators.

The Legislature can stop placing strings on money sent to districts. For starters, legislators should do away with telling local boards how much to spend on textbooks and how much to give to each teacher for personal classroom supplies. I know those were campaign promises, and the budget writers funded those promises for two years.

This year the Legislature should remove those dictates and let local boards decide whether they need textbooks or heating oil, construction paper or electric lights.

Second, the state should put a moratorium on authorizing new charter schools. Every new charter has the same effect as adding another school district, and that just slices the monetary pie even thinner.

And the state should absolutely stop authorizing any more virtual charter schools. We have plenty already - and we ship millions of our dollars to these out-of-state companies with little accountability required on how the money is spent.

Third, fund essentials, not initiatives. For example, the Idaho Reading Initiative, begun about a decade ago, appears to be over. No scores have been reported for two years. The initiative money can come out of the State Department of Education's budget and instead go directly to districts.

The expected increase in federal money can legally be used to support teacher training in math and reading, with an emphasis on helping all kids get a good start while providing extra help to kids who need it. If state funds are sufficient to continue the math initiative, its focus should be limited to students in middle and high school as they transition from simple arithmetic to complex mathematics.

Put most simply, I suggest downsizing centralized funding to cover essentials and sending the excess to the districts.

I realize that these adjustments are relatively small in dollars and they won't provide the money districts need if they are to avoid eliminating programs for our able or gifted students, but they symbolize some important values.

A return to local control, pausing or stopping expensive programs, and eliminating special initiatives until we get our financial house back in order are positive steps that will be welcomed by local school boards, and even more by the people who are doing their best every day to help our kids learn: teachers, administrators and support staff.

Marilyn Howard is a former Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction.

I heard about President Barack Obama's Special Olympics gaffe while watching the news, so when I saw it on The Tonight Show an hour later, it wasn't such a shock. The president, who is so politically correct about everything, needs to leave joke telling to Jay Leno. Obama told Leno that he's been practicing his bowling skills at the White House's bowling alley but wasn't happy...read more

Having been raised on a farm with a pretty good knowledge of what animals can and can't do, I was shocked last week when Kuna High School cancelled its Donkey Basketball game. One man, with the backing of PETA, managed to stir enough controversy that the Kuna organizers pulled the four-legged animals from the game.

But folks in tiny Vale, Ore., went ahead and held its annual fundraiser...read more

This link will show you the "shovel-ready" projects Idaho mayors submitted in the 2008 U.S. Conference of Mayors report. No requests for Nampa or Caldwell.

Boise State has one $3 million request for a geothermal loop expansion. The energy project would add 20 jobs.

Meridian's total cost of all the projects (425 jobs) submitted is $60 million.

Here's the complete...read more

Today, we have a paid advertisement on Page 1 of the print edition. Some may consider that news. Most won't care that the Idaho Press-Tribune has joined the ranks of other newspapers making room on the front page for advertisers.

Advertisers are probably the most excited about this.

Years ago, newspapers all over the country used to sell a part of their front page. The Idaho Press-Tribune sported...read more

Kellogg Co. made the right decision to dump Michael Phelps. Whether he sees himself as a role model or not, Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps "blew it" and must now suffer the consequences of his "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo of him inhaling surfaced. Do you think he really regrets it or does he just regret getting caught doing something incredibly...read more

On Sunday, I watched the Super Bowl with my husband, who was working on a remodel project. I was working on stuff for my BSU reporting/writing class. I was multitasking: Checking e-mail, preparing documents for class, taking in the "super" commercials, checking e-mail, watching Larry Fitzgerald, rooting for the Cardinals and tweeting.

Yes, I said tweeting. It's a form of communication...read more

Utah is considering such a bill. It might inspire parents to take control before their kids actually become gang members.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Lawmakers are considering a bill that could make parents financially liable for their child's criminal activity as part of a street gang.

Senate Bill 118 would make parents responsible for graffiti or property damage up to $5,000 if their child participates...read more

I'd say Caldwell is exactly a city where people, who feel crowded in Boise, flee for some elbow room. I was in Caldwell the other day and spent quite a bit of time in traffic on my way back to Nampa. And it wasn't even "rush hour."

And if you haven't been to Caldwell, take time to drive downtown where there's a dramatic change for the better. There's a lot for people...read more

I got a call from Briana LeClaire (member of the Idaho Freedom Foundation) this morning. She is the president of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families. She was NOT the president of the Idaho Virtual Academy in 2006 when she gave the school a five-star rating on a great schools Web site. She labled herself as a parent.

"I'm a volunteer. I'm doing this for love, not money," LeClaire said in a voice mail this morning. "Idaho Virtual Academy does not pay my bills. I wish they did."

So, just to be clear, I made the error and, in my opinion, she did not violate the unwritten rules of disclosure.

...read more

I think we are about ready to let some folks start their own blog that we can host. If you want to be one of our "charter bloggers" send me your "perfect blog" and what topics you would cover and how you would approach it.

So the Senate has voted to delay the digital changeover. The House may not be able to pass it. So we will have to wait and see, but I'm pretty tired of all the hype on TV. I think we've gotten the message!

Senate approves 4-month delay to digital TV changeover

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate on Monday voted unanimously to postpone the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting...read more

I mentioned the Idaho Freedom Foundation last week and Wayne Hoffman's new position as executive director. I'm pasting a story about the foundation below that we published today. An editor of another think tank organization told me last night that Idaho is the last of the 50 states to have such an organization!

I didn't mention the founder, Nampa native Heather Lauer. She has a great...read more

Just to clear the air, I checked with Chuck Malloy to find out why there were no messages from Brent Crane and Steve Kren in our Monday legislative report on the editorial page and the GOP Legislators@work blog. And the answer is:

Theirs is due Friday at noon. We cover 10-11 one week, then 12-13 on alternate weeks.

So, now you know the rest of the story.

------------

So, according to Chris...read more

" ... we want to be the first to stand up and make the needed sacrifices."

So I was checking out the Idaho Democratic Legislators@work blog and noted a dig at a Republican sponsored bill to cancel the 5 percent pay hikes for Idaho legislators. Evidently the Idaho Democrats announced on Dec. 17 that they would introduce such a resolution. Kudos to the Democrats for announcing...read more

I just wonder what Idaho Values Alliance — Bryan Fischer — will say about this.

Center denies same-sex pass

By Jon Meyer of the Idaho Press-Tribune

Local women wanted to get family membership to Nampa-run facility; obtain one from YMCA

CANYON COUNTY — A same-sex couple went to Caldwell for a gym membership after the Nampa Recreation Center nixed their family pass application...read more

I really want to hear from you about this. I know that there are good arguments for both sides. But the best argument against such a law is that we already have laws in place for inattentive and reckless driving. I've personally never felt endangered because someone was on a cell phone while driving. But "texters" are scary

If you adopt a "commandment" banning hand-held cell...read more

Updated: If Idaho limits the number of out-of-state winners of super hunt tags, what does that mean to the extra revenue they also bring to the state? Here's what Outdoor Life reported about that record elk shot in Utah: "Denny Austad shot the Spider Bull because he invested nearly $170,000 in a Utah Governor's Tag, which allows the holder to hunt with any weapon in any open unit...read more

There's so much to tell you about the inauguration. How do we share all of it in a limited amount of space?

How do you share all the snapshots of history as it unfolded Tuesday?

It's a laborious process. Each picture sends a message. And what happens when they are taken out of context?

In the push to capture the significant moments of President Obama's day, we didn't want to...read more

The changing of the guard. It's a big day. That's really an understatement. I really can't describe the significance of the day. I think you can only "absorb it." I hope people today - no matter whom they voted for - will appreciate and respect today's historic moments.

But first, we owe a big thanks to George Bush - no matter what your personal political feelings - for...read more

So I noticed the other day that Idaho Freedom has been "following" me on Twitter. When I peaked at "his" followers, I noted Laird Maxwell's picture. Immediately my buddy Wayne Hoffman's - yes, we've made up - name popped into my mind. Just figured he'd be looking for something else to do. So today, I sent a direct message, asking the Tweeter (proper word? )...read more

There's an interesting post at TechBoise. Chris points out the tuition fees at TVCC for out-of-state enrollees.

On the surface the rate seems lower, but the quarter system usually costs more in the end. CWI is on the semester system. There may be room for both programs. But should Caldwell borrow money to build the building and lease it back to the Oregon community college? Caldwell leaders...read more

Updated Friday morning: My list of probable replacements for Brad Little mirrors what the committee recommended last night. My order was just off. The final list: Smyser, Freeman and Bilboa.

My list for the governor: Carols Bilbao, Melinda Smyser, Sid Freeman or Michael McEvoy. Gov. Butch Otter doesn't always appoint the No. 1 person on the list. Remember that he appointed Curtis Bowers over...read more

Have you taken time to read the ACLU lawsuit that has been filed against Canyon County?

If you have, you know that the 20-page document cites 65 examples alleging that inmates' rights are being violated, based on the 8th and 14th amendments. I've pasted it below so you can read all 65 claims. I hope you do. I suspect you will have mixed feelings. I did.

Do me a favor and put on the black judicial robe. Pretend you are the judge.

Need a refresher course? Eighth amendment:...read more

If you drive in Washington, California or Utah, you already know that you can't use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Teenagers in Oregon can't use them. A handful of other east-coast states also ban hand-held devices. A new study shows that the hands-free device is dangerous as well, and there's going to be a push to have them banned everywhere.

What do you think?

The National...read more

Now that Gov. Otter has revealed his proposal for 2010, the fight is on.  Imagine being in the shoes of the governor, the other elected officials and department heads who must face the reality that many viable programs and services will be reduced or eliminated.

I remember earlier this year when I had to make the same decision. "It's all important and vital," I said.

That argument...read more

I'm a little behind on commenting on this, but as far as I'm concerned, nobody has really set the record straight on the whole Kempthorne/remodeled bathroom matter. It's always easy to jump in and start kicking when someone is down, but when it comes time to stand up and say it was wrong, it's often whispered where few can hear.

Case in point in regards to Interior Secretary Dirk...read more

This is just the beginning of good news coming out of Canyon County now that a new prosecutor is in town.

At a news conference in Caldwell this morning, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden welcomed Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney John Bujak's office as the 44th local Idaho Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force member.

Bujak took over the prosecutor's office today in Canyon...read more

Finally, Larry Craig did the right thing. He dropped his appeals. It's too bad that the things we'll remember him for are "in the bathroom." He took a long, distinquished career and flushed it down the toilet in the past 18 months.

The story.

Sen. John McGee's name popped up this morning when talking about who would be the next Senate Majority Caucus leader now that Brad Little has moved up to the second in command spot.

That's certainly a distinquished spot, but is it best for Canyon County, who needs his powerful position as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee? McGee has been a great voice for the much needed work...read more

It was a dismal meeting in Boise this morning with Gov. Butch Otter and House and Senate leaders. Nothing said was really a surprise, but it's encouraging to hear over and over again that the Legislature must take care of families that are already hurting.

We got a glimpse of the issues and hurdles that the lawmakers face when they convene Monday.

Otter said he wouldn't be surprised if...read more

Let the Republican race begin for the seat that Walt Minnick just took over from Bill Sali. Robert Vasquez, who placed second in the 2006 primary behind Sali, writes in our paper today. It's clear in his message that he's running for office. He has a poll on his Web site. So far it shows that he should run for governor, but I'm quite sure he's eyeing that congressional seat. Here's today's story.

...read more

Happy New Year. I know, I'm a week late, but after a long restful holiday break and the madness that comes after being gone ...

But a new year means some change. For starters, Assistant Managing Editor David Woolsey has bowed out - or I kicked him off - from this blog. So we've dropped the "s" off the title. It will be just "From the editor." It really seems more of my...read more

So, how much do you really know about the president-elect? Take the quiz. 

WASHINGTON (AP) - Get ready for the geek-in-chief.

President-elect Barack Obama used to collect comic books, can't part with his BlackBerry, and once flashed Leonard "Mr. Spock" Nimoy the Vulcan "Live Long and Prosper" sign.

That and other evidence has convinced some of Obama's nerdier...read more

I'm spending time with the family. This has been a wonderful holiday, with less stress and all the family home. I hope yours meets your expectations! If not, maybe you set your expectations too high. I know, because I've done it a few times. — Vickie

OK, in light of Nampa city's discussion of a shorter work week, I had to resurrect my editorial that I wrote in June, suggesting a four-day work week. Granted, the fuel prices were much higher than, but I don't think we can count on those numbers staying below $3 for very long.— Vickie

PS: The world is changing rapidly. We all have to think differently. The Detroit Free Press has announced that...read more

So Time magazine named Barack Obama Man of the Year. No real surprise there. One man said on the radio this morning the media should get the honor because the media got Obama elected. 

Who should get the honors in Idaho? E-mail me at vholbrook@idahopress.com if you don't like to post a comment. But you can post now without registeration. You just must answer all the questions each time...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

From the 43rd State Blues: I'm not gay ... I know I pleaded guilty .... but I'm not gay, I mean not guilty.
I thought it was funny to send an email from a government computer about the rear end of the First Lady ... Yeah, know I'm an elected official .... 
I didn't have any illegal immigrants working on my house ... How did I know? ... They were all white men like me.
That Walt Minnick staffer needs to see me make bunny ears ....
Such sentiments expressed by some of Idaho's Republican elected officials make many wonder what could possibly happen next.

The...read more

Readers: Something is whacky on our comment system, so I'm manually adding comments.

One nice thing about Commissioner Steve Rule's e-mail (on the heels, so to speak, of former
Commissioner Vasquez's campaign to bill the federal government for illegals): When I travel, I
don't have to take nearly as much time nowadays explaining to people exactly what or where Canyon
County, Idaho, is. They "know"...read more

I stumbled upon this tonight. It's the perfect test for people like Stephen Hartgen who need to learn more about the 1st Amendment: Freedom of Speech.

Check it out and let me know how you did. Just 10 questions — less than 1 minute. I aced it. 

By Vickie Holbrook

Updated: A big cheers to Dave Oliveria at Spokesman-Review's Huckleberries online for linking to us.

Kevin Richert at the Idaho Statesman and Chris at Unequivocal discuss newly elected Rep. Stephen Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, proposal to make bloggers and commenters reveal their real names.
Sounds like someone wants to limit free speech. Scary when you know that Hartgen...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Take a deep breath, because Idaho remains in the news in a bad way. It used to be Bill Sali, but Walt Minnick has taken care of that. Larry Craig made Jay Leno, again, last night, thanks to his latest failed appeal. Just drop it, Larry.  Steve Rule made Keith Olbermann's show last night. Steve, you need to see the light. Make a real apology and get some training...read more

By Vickie Holbrook
Is this a story?
You tell me? Canyon County Commissioner Steve Rule forwarded an e-mail about Michelle Obama's election-night dress (black with a red splattering of color in the front) to 26 people, including Canyon County government e-mail accounts, according to blogger Jill Kuraitis, at NewWest Boise.
It's wrong for any government official to use a government sponsored e...read more

We are looking for a few community members to serve on our 2009 editorial board.
Dec. 29 is the deadline for submitting your application. We're looking for men and women who can round out our core board from the Idaho Press-Tribune. We appreciate the many volunteers who have been members in the past 16 years. They bring a fresh perspective to our weekly meetings and take away a new understanding of...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Looks like we stirred up something at the Canyon County Courthouse. We published an editorial on Nov. 16 suggesting that the county get everyone together, including the naysayers, and work out a plan to solve the jail space shortage before the ACLU sinks its deep, costly teeth into the county.

In short, I thought it was a middle-of-the-road, Kum Ba Yah, let's-all-hold-hands...read more

 REXBURG (AP) _ Elementary students chanted "assassinate Obama" on a school bus in eastern Idaho last week, an official with the Madison School District says.
District spokeswoman Janet Goodliffe says the second- and third-grade students were young and most of them didn't understand what the word "assassinate" meant when they chanted it in reference to President-elect Barack...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

OK, we finally tracked down one of at least two known folks in Canyon County who have hoisted their U.S. flag in an upside-down position. I mentioned it in a post earlier this week. Here's today's story.

We're not publishing his name or his address. People who live near him will know, but we don't need to send angry people to his neighborhood. He tells us it's his way of...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Stop. Before you use Google to search for flu symptoms to decide if you might be a victim of the nasty virual bug, you should know that Big Brother will know that you might have the flu before a doctor even confirms it for you.
Yes. That's right. Google launched a new handy-dandy tool — Google Flu Trends — Tuesday to help the feds track the flu based on the search...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

We've had two local sightings of the U.S. Flag hanging upside down. One is near an elementary school. Imagine the  questions students are asking. I'm assuming that it's a protest and likely connected to the election of Barack Obama, as the story I've pasted below indicates. 

Certainly, people have the freedom to do as they wish with their flags. And flying the U.S...read more

Sali concedes Idaho's 1st CD race to Minnick, but blames the fact that he lost on the fact that the campaign was heavily outspent. So, if I understand this, Sali believes that if he had more money, he could have won? I think there's more to blame than just how much money was donated. I think it has much more to do with how he operated as a politician. But maybe we need to just blame it on the evangelicals...read more

If I understand this right, there are now evil evangelicals or born-again Christians. And, we now need more evangelicals to save the world. What would heaven think? What would Jesus do? — Vickie

By Bryan Fischer, Executive Director
EVANGELICALS RESPONSIBLE FOR OBAMA VICTORY
Here's the single most important takeaway from Tuesday's election: evangelical voters are responsible, all by themselves...read more

How many votes will it take to convince Bill Sali that he lost? It's understandable that Sali may want to consider a recount. But there would need to be some real serious mistakes to make up that 3,700 votes. Generally a recount also changes the number for the other guy. It's a ying-yang thing. I don't remember ever seeing a loser of a statewide race win after a recount. Yes, in the very local, local...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

I've never been one to say: We should elect or vote for John or Jane Doe because he or she is black or a woman.

Instead, I've always advocated that you choose the best candidate. But now that America has chosen the best candidate, it's time to celebrate the signficance of the first black president. 

To listen today to the emotional reflections of what it means to the...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Congratulations to Walt Minnick for a race done well. With just three (or less precincts to go), it's fair to say a Democrat will represent Idaho's 1st Congressional District in Washington, D.C.
It's virtually impossible for a Democrat to win in Idaho. But Minnick convinced voters that he's the one who can best represent Idaho.
I listened to Bill Sali Monday at 5 p.m. on Boise...read more

Apparently we are waiting on THREE precincts in Bonner County before this race can be called. According to the Bonner County election page, the rainy weather has caused some delays. Minnick leads in Bonner County with 8519 votes. Sali has 7499. 

That's a difference of 1,000 votes. I don't have the 411 on how many people are in the three missing precincts ... but do I dare say that Minnick may be the winner? You...read more

Yes, I cast my ballot at 8:40 a.m. The lines were already getting long. It's going to be a long, long day, night and Wednesday. Canyon County says final results won't be available until 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Watch our Web site at idahopress.com for updates. 

Just a suggestion for the future: The elections department needs to break up the sign-in books — you know the line where you report...read more

Happy Halloween.  For all you politicos who need a pumpkin carved with your candidate, check this out. You can download a pattern and carve away. 

Shoot me a photo if you do this. 

I've received a few notes and letters on the column I posted Wednesday about freedom of speech and the ownership of a campaign sign. If you missed it, here it is.

One writer posed this question: If we have the freedom to stomp and burn a flag, why doesn't Lopez have the freedom to do what he wishes with the campaign sign?

I replied, stating there is no difference, as long as the flag is his...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

As elections go, this is a pretty minor deal. But when people start saying their freedom of speech has been denied, I think it's necessary to comment because people often misunderstand what "freedom of speech" means.
We published a story in Tuesday's paper about Tony Lopez, who was cited in connection with the damage to Daryl Crandall's campaign sign in the front yard...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Today (Sunday) wraps up the majority of our endorsements. If you are keeping score, we endorsed one Democrat: Bob Solomon in the race against the ultra-conservative Steven Thayn.
In addition to today's editorial dealing with Walt Minnick and Bill Sali where we couldn't endorse either one, we also split in two legislative races. They were Pat Takasugi vs. Mike Warwick...read more

The Idaho Statesman endorsed Barack Obama for president. Kevin Richert explained in a column that the Boise paper had to decide whether to endorse. The Spokesman Review endorsed John McCain.  I looked for a presidential scorecard for McCain...read more

A reader sent this to me today. I thought I'd share it.

Mrs. Holbrook: A friend sent me this, I realize your paper is probably recommending Barack Obama, But if you wont print it, at least read it, maybe have all of your so called journalists read it to. It's obvious to all the people that I know that that media is leaning hard left, including most news papers.
So Mrs. Holbrook, do me and Idaho the favor, read it and print it!!!
I am a resident of Nampa, on a contract project in Richland Wa.

The...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

The "free time" I've used to update this blog was sucked up with one-on-one interviews with candidates in preparation for the endorsements that we are publishing this week. We're done with those and I promise to update regularly between now and the election.

So far, we've endorsed candidates running for the College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees. They are: Stan...read more

Well, Associated Press finally did a story on the issue of where Obama was born. See my earlier entry. 

— Vickie Holbrook

Candidates meet 'natural-born' test despite rumors

By ANN SANNER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) _ As John McCain and Barack Obama vie to become president, certain fevered voices persist in saying they should not even be allowed to try.

In an argument...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

We questioned Bill Sali's practice of using his taxpayer spokesman Wayne Hoffman as his "volunteer" spokesman for his campaign. We finally tracked down the candidates running for U.S. Congress. Evidently, some other incumbents have similar practices ... perhaps not to the same extent, but it happens. We still don't think it is right, nobody who does it. But the story...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Should you believe everything that you read on the Internet? No. Can the Idaho Press-Tribune print stories about everything? No. Do some readers expect us to report on everything? Yes, some do.

A reader sent this note last week: "Would you please print this news that the rest of the media is ignoring? It is only on the web and e-mail." Now that this is actually...read more

Updated: I got this comment from a reader: "Bill Sali Fan isn’t really a Bill Sali fan. He’s trying to portray Sali supporters in a severally negative light. People not familiar with him or his blog may not understand that when they read his commentary posted on your pages. His comments are his own. They are probably not his opinion and if they were, they’d be considered warped."

Got...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

Please don't let all the political huffing and puffing about who will and will not debate get in the way of examining the issues that really make a difference. Candidates know what they are doing when they choose "friendly" conditions, or none at all to give voters a glimpse of their personalities and platforms. Sure, it's good to see them side-by-side, but a debate...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

There's a lot of whining about who is and isn't part of the debates in Idaho. But if you peel away the layers and examine what's going on, it's not as bad or unfair as some make it sound.

Through a press release (at the bottom of this post) issued Wednesday night, Libertarian Senate candidate Kent Marmon of Caldwell cried foul Wednesday and asked the group to reconsider...read more

The Nampa, Idaho Public Library did not need to bow to the ACLU's demands

In a case that is perhaps not well recognized nationally, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho sent the city of Nampa, a Boise suburb, a letter threatening litigation if it did not accede to its demands. The letter was in response to a...read more

By Vickie Holbrook
With the Nampa Library book scandal back in the headlines and the two controversial books on the shelves again, I perused the Web tonight, after I visited The Unequivocal Notion and found an interesting take on the whole situation from a completely different perspective. There's a Nampa library employee who blogs at Soli Deo Gloria - "Glory to God alone."...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

How many times can two people thumb their noses at the public? When it comes to Canyon County Prosecutor Dave Young and his felonious son Marcus Young, we've lost count.
Never mind nepotism, leveraging political muscle to get your son a job and then rehired; paid wages, plus vacation time while on administrative leave, or using your legal status to clear the way for expedient...read more

Tom Luna, Idaho state superintendent of public instruction, will meet with the Idaho Press-Tribune editorial board Thursday afternoon. He unveiled his upcoming education budget proposal a week ago. It's already come under fire for his $18 million pay-for-performance plan. He's earmarked another $9 million for teacher raises. Luna pitched a similar plan a year ago and the Legislature dumped it.

It...read more

I just finished watching Sarah Palin. She did a great job. She's dynamic and spirited, and no wonder she floated to the top of McCain's list. No matter your personal politics, it would be pretty difficult — and petty — to pick apart her debut.
And how about the sale of that controversial jet in Alaska?

And let me just say, as nearly every speaker at both Democratic and Republican conventions, has: God Bless America!

- Vickie Holbrook...read more

Another one jumps the on the Lake Lowell bandwagon: 

Congressman Bill Sali will visit Lake Lowell in Canyon County on Friday, where he will examine road and recreation issues at the lake. Sali will tour the lake by boat starting around Noon on Friday.
After the boat tour, Congressman Sali will visit businesses on Riverside Road to hear concerns regarding road closure plans for the lake. ...read more

We published this guest opinion in today's Idaho Press-Tribune. It's by Scott Faris, one of our community editorial board members. He offers his take on the "liberal lemmings" comment and has some advice for Rep. Sali.

By Scott Faris, community editorial board member
For the record, I am a conservative who usually votes with the Republican Party. I voted for Bill Sali in 2006 and may...read more

Whether you believe in gay marriages or unions, the stores will make their business decisions based on demand. Just because someone sells or buys these cards doesn't make gay marriage legal. We don't need Bryan Fischer to force his values on everyone. Who appointed him our God?— Vickie

Here's what Bryan Fischer wants:

Boise - The Idaho Values Alliance today called on the owners of the...read more

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ Most states don't recognize gay marriage - but now Hallmark does.
The nation's largest greeting card company is rolling out same-sex wedding cards - featuring two tuxedos, overlapping hearts or intertwined flowers, with best wishes inside. "Two hearts. One promise," one says.
Hallmark added the cards after California joined...read more

"Could it be that The Press Tribune's not an overall conservative paper, after all? Could it be that it's a paper that wants to be viewed more as a neo-conservative paper and Mr. Sali's oft-accepted politics of social conservativism seem to gum-up that desire?

"Bill Sali's faith has always been a fishbone in the throat of some journalists, just like Helen Chenoweth's faith was. In her 6 years, she successfully wedded the neo-cons and the faith-based cons. Bill Sali is still courting both groups during his first 18 months in office and some people in Canyon County seem to almost hate it that he just might get an ongoing "aggrement of marriage" from both groups. it's like they are saying to each other: "My God, he's not going away...".

"It might even be prodded on by some of the GOP businessmen in Canyon County who invest in the paper's advertising. Neo-cons who hold their noses when they vote for Sali...maybe even a few disgruntled GOP-ites whose recent Chairman lost his seat? Hmmm..."

Talk...read more

Longtime community servant and visonary Jerry Hess announces today that he won't see re-election when it's time to elect new trustees for the College of Western Idaho.

Hess, who served on the Nampa School Board in the late 70s and into the 80s,  has touched many good things in the Treasure Valley. And his work to get a local community college started will serve the community for generations...read more

That's an interesting question. Let's relate...read more

By Vickie Holbrook
Last Sunday's Idaho Press-Tribune editorial that started a firestorm on several local, state and even national blogs, simply advised U.S. Rep. Bill Sali's office to get some things in order.

The editorial even stated twice - once at the top and again at the bottom - the editorial was not about Sali's politics, how he votes and where he stands on issues.

Some may ask if we are...read more

Question: If it was OK when Otter had his office in the wrong district, why is it wrong for Sali now? Or did I miss something? — Vickie Holbrook

BOISE - U.S. Rep. Bill Sali's new campaign office is in the same building as his congressional office in Boise - and neither are located in the congressman's District 1.
Sali's new office opened a few weeks ago upstairs from his district...read more

Got this guest opinion from Wayne Hoffman at 9:39 p.m. Thursday. In an effort to be fair, we pulled the Opinion page off the press so we could publish Wayne's guest opinion today. - Vickie Holbrook

By Wayne Hoffman
I owe a debt of gratitude to the Press-Tribune. Ten years ago, Vickie Holbrook, the managing editor of the Press-Tribune gave me a job, and the four years that I worked for...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

It's been an interesting morning ... here are links to some of the comments we've seen:

The Unequivocal Notion

The Idaho Press-Tribune editors teach Sali spokesman Wayne Hoffman the difference between "libel" and "opinion".

Ridenbaugh Press

"The editors at the Nampa Idaho Press Tribune have launched an editors' blog - nothing unusual in these days of widespread newspaper blogging - with an unusual distinction: Response to Wayne Hoffman's "borders on libel" comment "= new blog."

43rd State Blues

"Brainfade Sali's shenanigans convince Idaho Press-Tribune to begin blogging ... Idaho wingnut congressclown Bill 'Brainfade' Sali may or may not inspire loyalty, but it's certain he and his cadre of misfit misanthropes inspire loyal opposition..."

Kevin Richert

Can't swing a dead cat around the blogosphere these days without hitting a site that's going after Rep. Bill Sali and his staff. ... Hoffman is Rep. Bill Sali's spokesman and a former Press-Tribune (and Statesman) reporter. Hoffman was so exercised by a Sunday Press-Tribune editorial criticizing Sali's dysfunctional office operations that he said, a bit hyperbolically, that the piece bordered on libel. Not so, said Press-Tribune managing editor Vickie Holbrook, in this post that outlines the bright-line difference between opinion and libel."

The Mountain Goat Report

"The editors began a blog-a direct result of Hoffman's charge-writing this post in response."

"Welcome to the Blogosphere: The snit of Bill Sali's multi-hatted Boy Blunder (tft, Serephin) has already had one salutory result: he motivated the editors of the Idaho Press-Tribune to start their own blog in response, including a smackdown of what bordered on an accusation from Hoffman."

BSHI

" So, it appears that congressional Campaign public relations person Wayne "Kool Aide" Hoffman is a little bit upset with his former employer, Canyon County's Idaho Press Tribune. ... So, because one of my least favorite papers in Idaho actually called your campaign out on it's well known issue and the seemingly "ho-hum" who cares about election finance laws response (as noted in one of my previous posts - It becomes libel? You need to stop drinking the Kool-Aide."

And finally, a few e-mails:

Nice...read more

"Proud pains in political butts. Avid protectors of the interests of taxpayers. Online opinion-shapers. Canyon County watchdog bloggers Deloris Cram and Paul Alldredge are all of the above."
Gary Deulen, chief deputy for the Canyon County Sheriff's Office, calls them "CAVE people: Citizens Against Virtually Everything." County officials even blocked access to Cram's site by the county's computer system so employees cannot read it on the job."

By Vickie Holbrook

We launched this so fast Wednesday, we didn't get all the framework for this blog finished. We'll get links to other blogs and newspaper sites posted in the next couple of days. 

Let us know if there's a link you think should be included.

By Vickie Holbrook

In our opinion, no. After our Sunday editorial, Wayne Hoffman said it "borders on libel." Here's our take.

We said: "The dual employ of Hoffman as an official spokesman for Sali's congressional office and as his campaign spokesman is unusual and inappropriate."

We did not say: It is illegal. We know it's legal. The rules say it's OK under certain conditions...read more

If you haven't read the Idaho Press-Tribune's editorial in Sunday's paper, read it now.

In short, it took Rep. Bill Sali's office and his spokesman Wayne Hoffman to task on several issues. It's created a bit of a firestorm. Bloggers seem surprised that this "rightwing" newspaper would speak up on this. Here's a little bit about what they are saying:

Politico's Shenanigans:...read more

By Vickie Holbrook

We've wanted to start up an editors' blog for quite some time, but it's always been pushed to the back burner. Not any more. This is our official launch, and you can thank Wayne Hoffman for that.

When you've got pundits and bloggers, locally and nationally, bantering about your paper, and you've got a seasoned public relations person who cries "libel," it's...read more