Category Archives: News Releases

Boise man sentenced for unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Bryan Hayhurst, 39, of Boise, pleaded guilty to one felony count of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Benefits, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Hayhurst was sentenced by Ada County Judge Peter Barton on Nov. 19 to five years in prison, with two years fixed and three years indeterminate. Hayhurst was also ordered to pay restitution of $16,083.08 to the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Labor Department requires unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to report accurately when filing each week of their claim. In this case, between April 2020 through July 2020, Hayhurst claimed he had not worked when he had worked and earned wages.

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Webinar spotlights two decades of economic change in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a webinar focusing on the past 20 years of growth in rural Idaho, Tuesday, Nov. 18.

“Idaho’s population has grown three times as fast as the U.S. This webinar will bring together rural voices and community leaders to speak in detail about their experiences as rural residents,” Labor Market Research Manager Craig Shaul said.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT.

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Hiring event brings job opportunities in Idaho Falls

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event in Idaho Falls, Wednesday, Nov. 12. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Job seekers in the state’s eastern region are invited to arrive at the department’s office for the event. The address is 1515 E. Lincoln Road.

Employers planning to attend range from Bonneville County, Citizens Community Bank, Melaleuca, the Idaho Transportation Department, Lamb Weston, Idaho National Laboratory, Teton Stage Lines, TRIO – Idaho State University and many more.

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Connect with employers in Kootenai County at hiring event, Nov. 5

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Correction: The hiring event is taking place in Coeur d’Alene. See correction below.

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Coeur d’Alene Library. The address is 702 E. Front Ave.

Job seekers are invited to show up between noon and 3 p.m.

Employers that will be recruiting include Access Care at Home, Ace Industrial Supply, Aerotek, Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Hyatt Place, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation, North Idaho College and more.

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Governor recognizes Preston volunteer for contributions

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Photo of Stevie Emerson receiving award

Left to right: Becky Martin, Stevie Emerson, Gov. Little

A volunteer from Preston received recognition for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, honored Stevie Emerson with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Emerson was nominated by the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce for her passion and commitment to promoting local businesses, developing strong community relationships and sharing her marketing and design expertise.

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Over 20 employers attending hiring event in Boise to fill open positions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Thursday, Nov. 6, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise. The address is 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of Building 6.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Ada County Highway District, Ada County Human Resources Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Bogus Basin, Boise State University, Guerdon, Idaho Housing and Finance, Idaho Power, U.S. Postal Service, West Ada School District, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and more.

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Oct. 30 webinar will educate Idaho employers on the unemployment insurance process

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 23, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about the unemployment insurance (UI) process from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom webinar, Thursday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MT.

Adjudication Supervisor Eric Erickson will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

Register for the event here.

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Employers in northern Idaho hiring at event, Oct. 15

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 8, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event in Post Falls, Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event takes place at the department’s Post Falls office located at 600 N. Thornton St.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Hilton Grand Vacations, Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Kootenai Company, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, North Idaho Dental Personnel, Paul Mitchell the School, All Ways Caring HomeCare and others.

Bring a resume and dress for success to interview for positions like shop mechanics, cashiers, agents, registered nurses, security dispatch supervisors and more.

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Kick off your job search in Caldwell, Oct. 2

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 25, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting its fourth annual Fall Kickoff Hiring Event in Caldwell, Thursday, Oct. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m.

The event takes place at the department’s Caldwell office located at 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

A variety of employers from the government and private sector will be in attendance including Amalgamated Sugar, Gem County, Idaho Division of Human Resources, Shore Lodge Whitetail Club, Franklin Building Supply, Bogus Basin and more.

Bring a resume and dress for success to interview for positions like assistant chief bakery engineer, physical therapist, electrical inspector and more.

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Learn how Idaho’s cost of living and affordability impact the labor force

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 23, 2025
Media Contact: Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Seth Harrington will share how Idaho’s cost of living is impacting the labor force at a webinar, Tuesday, Sept. 30.

According to United for Alice, four in 10 Idaho households can’t afford the basics of housing, food, child care and health care – even though many earn above the poverty line.

“While Idaho’s poverty rate is the 15th lowest in the nation and unemployment remains low, many Idahoans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living,” Harrington said. “Poverty and the rising costs of living have had significant impacts on the labor force, from reduced labor mobility to growing the urban and rural divide.”

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