IDL Releases the Cause of the Valley Fire
IDL doesn't usually send out a news release with the cause of specific wildfire, unless it is an unusual situation. In this situation, Idaho Power had been given a copy of the investigation report with the cause being a downed power line. They wanted to get ahead of any rumors and on Monday, October 14, they sent out a news release acknowledging the conclusions of the report.
Idaho Power let IDL know they were sending out the release so we were able to prepare a response for the media. Within minutes of the Idaho Power release going out, media began emailing and calling.
IDL sent out a release with a link to the investigation report the media was requesting. The media cycle on this was only about two days.
Capital for a Day in Jerome
Deputy Director Bill Haagenson, Eastern Supervisory Area Manager Ryan Woodland and Lands Resource Supervisor from the Jerome office Randal Brunmeier joined Governor Little and many other agencies for Capital for a Day in Jerome on Thursday, October 24.
Most of the questions were regarding Quagga Mussel and the water rights agreement that is in process.
The first and perhaps most lengthy topic raised by the community members was the Arco Wind and Solar lease in Bingham County. The community members were curious about the Land Board approval of that lease which they felt was contradictory to the positions of elected officials regarding the Lava Ridge renewable energy project, which is mostly on BLM managed federal land closer to Jerome. The Governor, Secretary of State, and Deputy Director fielded questions related to the Arco Wind and Solar lease and renewable energy leasing in general. Other topics included irrigation/water rights, election administration and integrity, Quagga mussel treatment in the Snake River, transportation, and various health and human services issues.
The afternoon portion of the meeting was held at Jerome High School where the elected officials and agency leaders fielded questions on a wide variety of topics from high school students. The questions were impressive and addressed topics such as the economy, Idaho population growth, housing affordability, wages, elections, natural resources and tourism, and more.
Here are some of the statistics for Jerome County:
Endowment Ownership in Jerome County = 7,782 surface acres
Endowment Subsurface Only Mineral Estate = 10,982 acres
FY24 endowment distributions for the school districts in the county:
Jerome Joint School District #261 $753,059.00
Valley School District #262 $125,019.00
Heritage Academy $ 43,819.00
Total $921,897.00
FY 2024 Endowment Income in Jerome County:
Grazing Leases (12 leases / 2341 AUMs) $ 15,356.96
Cropland Leases (1 lease / irrigated) $ 18,397.52
Mineral Leases (4 leases) $170,000.00
Comm Sites/Commercial (19 leases) $180,000.00
Total $383,754.48
Raedene Farmer Retirement
After 26 years of service at IDL, Raedene Farmer has retired. Raedene was the Financial Technician Senior for the Timber Bureau. The bureau took her out for a nice lunch and presented here with a few special items, including a plaque recognizing her service to the agency and the endowments. Raedene had asked for a small, more private celebration. Her last day with us was August 16th. We wish her well in her retirement.
Vikki Snider Retirement
Vikki Snider has hung up her safety clipboard this week. She served as the IDL Safety Officer for three and a half years, doing a great job of listening to staff, bringing in new ideas, and communicating important information to the IDL family. Some of her accomplishments include development of the Mentor Program, safety boot program, and the ice cleats for employees.
Vikki also spent 10 years as an area office Administrative Assistant prior to being the Safety Officer.
About 60 people attended the farewell party, enjoying pork sliders and potluck dishes. A Hawaiian "Aloha to Vikki" them was chosen and everyone wore a lei.
David Greenwood wrote a poem and read it outloud (see below), and Michele Andersen presented her with an IDL quilt and a Certificate of Appreciation. Ken Homik shared some memories from over the past 13 years.
"I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work at IDL and with you," said Vikki. "You are what makes it such a great place to work and I have so many good memories!"
Her husband, son and daughter-in-law were able to attend and celebrate with the IDL family.
Everyone wished her well on her new adventure in retirement.
Vikki didn't want to leave us hanging before she stepped out the door and shares this advice:
- If you have a safety emergency, please contact Michele Andersen at mandersen@idl.idaho.gov or 208-446-5834.
- If you have a workplace injury or incident, please send your First Report of Injury and supporting documentation to safety@idl.idaho.gov.
- Human Resources is assuming responsibility for workplace injuries and Workers’ Comp claims, questions, or issues and will be monitoring that email.
photos by Debra Welch
 
Timber Bureau Tribute to Vikki
by David Greenwood
From timber harvest to scaling logs tight,
Vikki kept safety always in sight.
With PPE donned and vests high-vis and bright,
She made sure our team made it home every night.
Hard hats, gloves, and ice cleats to wear,
Her safety initiatives showed she truly did care.
In the woods or at desks, the rules were clear
Be vigilant, stay safe, and keep your PPE near!
Through forests deep and mountains steep,
She ensured no shortcuts would ever creep.
Thanks for the guidance, the knowledge, the way
Enjoy your adventures and go play
Photo of IDL Team at the Valley Fire
photo by Robbie Johnson
In Case You Missed It
Here's a recap of other recent IDL newsletters you may find interesting:
One Team One Voice Newsletter Archive
Did you miss some important news? Are you curious about knowing what's happening across IDL? Our One Team, One Voice webpage contains an archive of IDL's newsletters covering:
|
