Only a few weeks into 2017 and it is already looking like big change for eastern Idaho. As 2016 came to a close a hefty number of building plans were solidified and in 2017 they will come to life. As the construction industry and housing markets are still recovering from the 2008 recession, eastern Idaho is seeing an unfamiliar jump in infrastructure expected in the next few years. While home building permit approvals are sky rocketing around the region, regional expansion is not stopping at residential building. Public and private entities alike are bringing big changes to the area. More than $22 million in commercial building permits were approved for eastern Idaho in 2016. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: January 2017
Brightest Stars Ceremony Recognizes Idaho’s Volunteers
Seventy-four outstanding volunteers from throughout the state were recently honored by Lt. Gov. Brad Little at Idaho’s Brightest Stars awards ceremony in Boise.
The volunteers were nominated for their contributions in seven categories – Business, Individual, Nonprofit/Civic Organization, Senior Citizen, Student, Teacher/Professor and Veteran. All were nominated by fellow Idahoans for their extraordinary volunteer efforts.
The winners were:
Veteran:
John Harrington Burns, photo courtesy Doug Brown
John Harrington Burns depicts what it means to be a lifelong volunteer. A World War II Navy veteran, John is the founder of the Rock of Honor in Meridian, which honors the 66 veterans from Meridian who were killed or died from wounds suffered in action. John is also the founder of the Freedom Museum in Manassas, Virginia, where he served on the board for many years. In addition to his volunteer contributions, John is also the author of two books and writes a weekly column entitled “One Vet’s View” for the Valley Times Newspaper. Although John is 90 years old, you would never know by his active engagement in the community and service to others.
Defining Rural Idaho Presents Challenges
Idaho is comprised of 44 counties – seven urban and 37 rural – as classified by the Idaho Department of Labor. Idaho fits snugly between economic urban powerhouse states Washington and Oregon and more rural neighbors Montana and Wyoming. The geographic placement of Idaho creates a unique situation.
The broad county categories of urban and rural are based mostly on population density. Though a simple classification system, it may have some significant restrictions. As time passes more people are leaving rural areas out of economic necessity such as seeking better job opportunities, education access and health care amenities. Migration out-flow data shows that rural counties like Madison and Clark have the highest rates of out-migration – up to 17 percent annually. Meanwhile, only Canyon and Ada counties have experienced an annual out-migration of only 3 to 6 percent. Though these changes mimic national trends, rural communities throughout Idaho are still active and pushing to thrive. Besides population density, there are many characteristics that separate a rural area from an urban one.
Commemorate MLK Human Rights Day through Volunteerism and Celebration
Monday, Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. / Idaho Human Rights Day and there are plenty of opportunities throughout Idaho to volunteer and celebrate King’s legacy.
Historically, Martin Luther King Jr. Day marks the recognition of the birth and life of the Baptist minister and noted civil rights leader. National legislation passed in 1994 encouraging Americans to transform the holiday into a day of citizen action in honor of King. If you have Martin Luther King Jr. / Idaho Human Rights Day off, you can put it to good use by participating in one of the many day of service activities across Idaho.
Learn more about events planned around the state:
Southwest Idaho
Boise State University MLK march, rally and celebration. Boise State University poster-making, march and rally to be held on Monday, Jan. 16 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Student Union Jordan Ballroom and ending at the steps of the Idaho State Capitol at noon.
Martin Luther King Jr / Idaho Human Rights Day celebration at the Idaho State Capitol Building on Monday, Jan. 16 at noon. The public is invited to attend this hourlong celebration of “a day of service” honoring the life, accomplishments and continuing legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event will feature keynote speaker Said Ahmed-Zaid, College of Engineering, Boise State University; master of ceremonies Francisco Salinas, director of student diversity and inclusion, Boise State University and the Boise State University Trumpeters. Allison Tilden will sing the National Anthem.
Around Idaho: December 2016 Economic Activity
Information provided in this article is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.
Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho
NORTHERN IDAHO – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai & Shoshone counties
- STCU credit union opened a new branch in downtown Coeur d’Alene after remodeling a former Bank of America Location. The new location, which offers business services and consumer and commercial lending, is STCU’s 20th branch overall and its third in northern Idaho. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The Coeur d’Alene Planning Commission approved a permit for Lake Drive Apartments to build a 30-unit, five-story apartment complex in the underdeveloped East Sherman neighborhood. Lake Drive expressed hopes that construction could be completed in the summer of 2017. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The city of Coeur d’Alene relaxed its rules governing child care business licenses and will now grant licenses to applicants with marijuana charges more than five years old. The change was made to address a serious local shortage of child care providers. The city expressed optimism that the relaxed rules will help address the shortage. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press