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Coming Up:

Thursday, March 23  

 

First Lady Lori Otter Hosts Legisladies Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., The Club at SpurWing, 6800 N. SpurWing Way, Meridian.


 I will present Congressional Gold Medals to World War II Idaho Veterans, 2:30 p.m., Governor Otter's Ceremonial Office, Boise.

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Involta Grand Opening 

 
Idaho's technology industry and many other businesses got a big shot in the arm on March 5th with the grand opening of the new Involta Tier III Data Center in Boise. It's only the eighth facility of its kind that Involta operates nationally. Boise Mayor Dave Beiter, State Controller Brandon Woolf, Ada County Commissioner Rick Yzaguirre and Dr. Marc Chasin of Saint Luke's Health Systems were on hand to celebrate the state-of-the-art data center. The new Involta facility will securely provide data and cloud storage services for government, medical and large businesses all over the country. I'm glad to welcome Involta to Idaho and I look forward to the new business, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that data services like Involta's will provide for our citizens.
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American Red Cross Month 

 
March is National American Red Cross Month, and on March 11th I signed a proclamation recognizing the event in Idaho. The proclamation signing was attended by top Red Cross leaders and staff to join us in celebrating their humanitarian mission. The Red Cross has assisted with disaster relief, wounded soldiers and victims of war ever since the 1860s, lending a hand to save lives and reunite families. The American Red Cross relies on community support and doesn't accept payment for its services. The organization's blood donations alone have saved millions of lives. So I encourage everyone to take time this month to support the American Red Cross, give blood, and help save lives around the world.
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Clif Bar 

 
On March 12th I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Clif Bar bakery in Twin Falls. The plant will provide job opportunities and a boost in the Twin Falls area's economy - and Idaho's. The most exciting part about California-based Clif Bar is its corporate commitment to sustainability mirrors our own values here in Idaho. Its company and community goals align with ours, making for a great partnership between business, government, and people. I want to welcome Clif Bar and thank everyone involved for choosing Idaho as a new location for this fine employer and corporate citizen.

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Gem County 100th Anniversary 
 
On Thursday the 19th I traveled to Emmett to help Gem County celebrate its 100th anniversary. Named after Idaho's nickname, Gem County was created by being split off from Canyon County. It was initially a place where gold miners and settlers passed through on their way to Oregon. Eventually it was settled by sheep herders who benefited from the vast grazing lands. Today it's the home of our current Lieutenant Governor Brad Little and is a thriving gem here in western Idaho. Congratulations to the folks in Gem County on 100 years, and thank you for letting me participate in the wonderful celebration!
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Visiting with some Gifted Kids in the Capitol
Governor Otter visiting with two students about their projects. 
One of the great things about being Governor is getting to see the creative genius that Idaho offers the world. That genius was on display recently during a visit with some of the remarkable kids who were participating in the Invent Idaho competition. ( www.inventidaho.com) The kids come up with impressive inventions, gizmos and gadgets.  Their ideas then compete with others from around the state. The statewide winners displayed their projects on the fourth floor of the Capitol in Boise for lawmakers and the public to see and admire. The First Lady and I were honored to visit with each of these youngsters and learn about them and their creations. One of the students developed an "app" for disabled or challenged individuals to research stores and restaurants based on their accessibility. Another invented an automatic "self-feeding" fish food that she hopes to sell and market in the future. What an inspiring group of kids! The First Lady and I extend our thanks and congratulations to them all.
First Lady Lori Otter with one of the students and her project. 
 
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Spotlight Agency:
Idaho Water Resource Board 

 

Since the 2014 irrigation season ended last fall, the Idaho Water Resource Board has "recharged" over 32,000 acre-feet of water back into the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. That's the enormous underground body of water that serves about a quarter of a million people in southern and eastern Idaho. Such early and aggressive groundwater recharge efforts are aimed at keeping the aquifer healthy and Idaho water supplies dependable. This season's big managed recharge was accomplished with the help of a number of water delivery organizations that own large canals or pipeline systems. The Water Board now is working on additional contracts with other water delivery entities for delivery of additional Snake River water for aquifer recharge during the spring beyond what Snake River water is needed to satisfy senior priority water rights.

 

Milepost 31 recharge site on the Milner-Gooding Canal

Winter Delivery

 

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Recent Appointments:

6th District Magistrates Comm.

Mayor Kevin England - Chubbuck

 

Architectural Examiners 

Jay Cone - Hailey

Basin Environmental Project

Daniel Green - Hayden

Mike Fitzgerald - Wallace

Leslee Stanley - Silverton

 

Behavioral Health Planning

Abraham Broncheau - Kamiah

 

Board of Psychologist Examiners

Dr. Linda Hatzenbuehler - Pocatello

 

Children's Trust Fund

Sarah Leeds - Boise

 

Director ISP

Col. Ralph Powell - Meridian

 

EMS Physician Commission

Veronica Mitchell -JonesCoeur d'Alene

Dr. James J. Karambay - Sandpoint

Dr. Eric Chun - Coeur d'Alene

 

Hazardous Waste Facility

Suzanne Budge - Boise

Mark VonLindern - Lewiston

 

Health Quality Planning Comm.

Zelda Geyer-Sylvia - Boise

Scott Carrell - Boise

 

Housing & Finance

Ralph Cottle - Pocatello

 

Idaho Housing & Finance Assoc.

Steven Keen - Boise

 

Midwifery

Valerie Hall - Ammon

 

PERSI Board

Celia Gould - Boise

 

Residential Care Facility Exam.

Kristen Hyde - Star

State Brand Board

Ronald E. Davison - Prairie

Kenneth Wood - Greenleaf

 

State Insurance Fund

Rod Higgins - Eagle

Max C. Black - Boise