Community support requested to move Head Start program to Orofino Elementary

Joe Pippenger, Cynthia Tierney and Bob Vian at the June 5 Orofino Chamber of Commerce meeting spoke in support of moving the Head Start program to the elementary school. A building has been purchased for $15,000. $30,000 needs to be raised before the transition can take place. Grant money will be applied for after we have the $30,000.

This move will benefit the kids by having them in class longer and not on a bus being transported back and forth. The current Headstart location is cramped, and this will provide the necessary space. This move will not cost the school district, but will save them money in transportation and personnel. Very much a win-win for all those involved.

CVH Auxiliary Wine Tasting

Ashley Steinbruecker from Clearwater Valley Hospital announced the CVH Auxiliary Wine Tasting will be June 21 at the Best Western Lodge at River's Edge. Tickets are now available.

Flag pole

Many positive comments have been received about the Chamber’s flag pole project. Finishing touches will be done in the near future.

Maniac Dam Race

Tanna Zywina and Kim Browning reported the Maniac Dam Race has been postponed, and they are awaiting confirmation from the sponsor for the new date.

4th of July

Cheryl Jones is looking for volunteers to help with the Orofino 4th of July celebration. Please call her, as they are short handed.

CCED

Loren Whitten-Kaboth reported that Pierce has three new businesses: Clearwater Fitness, Whymsical Mysteries, and Pioneer Inn. The Deyo Reservoir’s grand opening is June 29. The RFP for CCED for the next three years has been completed; just waiting on the outcome.

New members

Ann Anderson welcomed new Chamber members: Subway and Bald Mtn./Clearwater Ski Club.

Program

Ralph Rau, Deputy Supervisor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest discussed forest updates along with combined forest information.

The fire personnel number will remain the same as last year. Last year 250,000 acres were burned and so far 600 acres have been burnt as prescribed burns. Based on snow pack and precipitation, the forest service is projecting another bad fire year.

There will be a total of 2,699 miles of trail work done on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

The Upper Lochsa Land Exchange is in the appraisal process. This takes awhile, so they don’t expect to hear much on this in the near future.

The Travel Plan for the Clearwater has been signed and is under litigation, but the maps are at the printer.

Mr. Rau provided some reasons why the two forests were combined. The budgets for the forests are down $10-11 million. The combined budget is $30 million. There are 360 current employees which are down from 500+ at the high. The rangers have been decreased from 12-13 to 6.

Manpower and budget efficiency seems to be a driving force. Just a bit of history, the area of districts was originally set up based on how far a forest ranger could ride in a day on a horse. Not sure there is anything better than a horse on some of the Clearwater today!

The lease on the Orofino office is up in 2014. The USFS is working on a lease for the first floor for the North Fork Ranger Station. It would leave 35-40 permanent people here with a few from other departments. It seems the current landowner is interested in looking at this proposal. The folks at the forest level will be going to Kamiah.

A question was asked if the forest was interested in putting travel maps and wood permits on the internet. At some point they would like to accomplish this. It is currently not in the works.

Chamber guests

Janene Leaton, Cynthia Tierney, and Tim Rohr from “Friends of Head Start” were guests at the June 5 Chamber meeting.

Announcements

There will be no Chamber meeting on July 3.

Who ya’ gonna call? 3Rivers Amateur Radio Club Radio Hams!

3Rivers Amateur Radio Club on June 22-23 in Kamiah will host a public demonstration of emergency communications. The event takes place at Fish Creek Campground, approximately 12 miles south of Grangeville.

Despite the Internet, cell phones, email and modern communications, every year whole regions find themselves in the dark. Tornadoes, fires, storms, ice and even the occasional cutting of fiber optic cables leave people without the means to communicate.

In these cases, the one consistent service that has never failed has been Amateur Radio. These radio operators, often called “hams,” provide backup communications for everything from the American Red Cross to FEMA and even for the International Space Station.

3Rivers Amateur Radio Club “hams” will join with thousands of other Amateur Radio operators showing their emergency capabilities the weekend of June 22-23.

Over the past year, the news has been full of reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications during unexpected emergencies in towns across America, including Idaho wildfires, winter storms, tornadoes and other events world-wide. When trouble is brewing, Amateur Radio’s people are often the first to provide rescuers with critical information and communications.

On the weekend of June 22-23, the public will have a chance to meet and talk with Idaho, Lewis, and Clearwater County ham radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is about as hams across the USA will be holding public demonstrations of emergency communications abilities.

This annual event, called "Field Day" is the climax of the week-long "Amateur Radio Week" sponsored by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio. Using only emergency power supplies, ham operators will construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools and backyards around the country.

Their slogan, "When All Else Fails, Ham Radio Works” is more than just words to the hams as they prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, internet or any other infrastructure that can be compromised in a crisis. More than 35,000 amateur radio operators across the country participated in last year's event.

Blue Cross of Idaho launches website explaining upcoming health insurance reforms

With the launch of the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange on the horizon, Blue Cross of Idaho developed GetCoveredIdaho.com to help all Idahoans get clear answers on Affordable Care Act requirements and reforms. The Affordable Care Act will impact families and individuals differently, and the new educational website includes a simple tool to calculate subsidy eligibility and other information to help families and individuals prepare for the October 1, 2013 open enrollment period.

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll revealed that 42 percent of Americans are unaware that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, and another 20 percent think it was repealed or never passed.

“GetCoveredIdaho.com offers Idahoans clear and simple information about the coming changes in the health insurance industry and the Affordable Care Act,” said David Jeppesen, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing with Blue Cross of Idaho. “We want to provide a resource for our friends and neighbors, and help them find the information they need to prepare for the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange launch in October.”

Starting on Jan. 1, 2014, nearly all Americans are required to have health insurance or pay a penalty. Idaho’s new Health Insurance Exchange will offer individuals and families a way to obtain health insurance coverage. Some will be eligible for a federal health insurance subsidy to cover some or all of the monthly premium cost.

GetCoveredIdaho.com also provides free education resources for community organizations to share with their membership. Materials can be downloaded directly from the website, or hard copies may be ordered free of charge.

“Individuals and families can enter minimal information in the subsidy calculator and get an instant estimate of their monthly subsidy eligibility,” Jeppesen said. “We are excited to be a resource for our partners and community organizations across Idaho.”

Please visit GetCoveredIdaho.com to get answers, learn how you can pay less, and get prepared for the open enrollment period.

Dworshak Reservoir almost full; July 4 outdoor fun awaits visitors

Dworshak Reservoir will likely reach full pool elevation next week, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water managers announced today.

A below-normal snow pack throughout the Clearwater sub-Basin challenged water managers to balance the need to maintain space in the reservoir for any unexpected water inflows with the desire to have the reservoir close to full pool (1,600 feet in elevation) in time for the July 4 holiday weekend, said Steve Hall, reservoir manager for the Corps’ Walla Walla District.

Hall and other Corps water experts conducted an observation flight on Friday to visually confirm how much snow-covered area remained in the basin, and came back with good news for Dworshak holiday visitors: only about five percent of the area was still covered by snow, allowing water managers to continue safely filling the reservoir.

“The reservoir is about two feet shy of full, and conditions are great right now for outdoor water recreation,” said Hall.

Hall said Corps water managers plan to maintain full pool at Dworshak Reservoir through July 8, subject to downstream needs to maintain healthy river temperatures for outmigrating ESA-listed fish species. Tuesday morning, June 4, water temperatures at Lower Granite Lock and Dam on the Snake River were at about 50 degrees – approximately 18 degrees cooler than the maximum temperature considered healthy for fish (68 degrees).

Dworshak Dam and Reservoir offers a variety of outdoor summer fun opportunities during the July 4 holiday – boating, camping water sports, swimming, fishing, hiking and more. Dworshak Dam’s Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours are offered daily at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. All tours begin at the Visitor Center.

All campgrounds, mini-camps and boat ramps are open for use, said Paul Pence, Dworshak natural resources manager.

Dent Acres campground, group camp, and picnic shelter is reservable for the summer recreation season. To make reservations, call 1-877-444-6777, or go online to www.recreation.gov. Reservations are not required, but are recommended if you want to be guaranteed a particular spot during your camping trip, said Pence. In addition, the reserving of mini-camp sites along the Dworshak Reservoir shoreline is prohibited. Early placement of camping equipment at mini-camp sites in an attempt to save a spot for the weekend can result in the removal of the camping equipment or a citation if personal gear is left unattended for an extended period.

The Corps invites visitors to come use the recreation facilities at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, but it's important to enjoy the reservoir safely by taking the following precautions:

· Changing weather conditions can create unsafe situations on open water. Know the weather and have a float plan.

· Keep life jackets on children while on or around the water. Don’t let small children out of your sight.

· Check the serviceability of your boat.

· Ensure proper fitting, accessible and serviceable life vests are available for each occupant on your boat. Better yet, wear them.

· Before proceeding at higher speeds, familiarize yourself with the area you will be boating as there may be floating woody debris or rocks, stumps and shallow areas not visible from the surface.

· When boating on the reservoir, please use caution because lake levels can change quickly – anchor your boat in water deep enough to avoid beaching and leave enough slack in your anchorline to avoid sinking should lake levels fluctuate up or down.

· Campfires should be made using established fire rings only.

For more information regarding water levels, facilities access or recreation, call the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center at 208-476-1255.

Orofino City Council news

There were no corrections or objections of the old Minutes presented for the City Council Meeting held May 14. Following the approval of the Minutes, Bills/Claims and Payroll ending May 18, 2013, attention was directed to Orofino’s coverage in the latest CEDA Newsletter.

Committee reports from the past week largely pertained to review and discussion of each committee’s individual budget proposals. Salaries, Benefits. Operations and Capital Purchases were reviewed. It was noted in each committee that a 2.5% COLA is included in each of the reports.

Administrator Rick Laam asked that his report be referred to the Executive Session. Treasurer Pam McGuffie had no reports.

Building official

Todd Perry reported that results from the ITD traffic study concerning the new CVHC clinic on Hwy. 7 were to be discussed in the near future.

Other news included the wheelchair accessible corners installed in front of Valley Motor Parts and near Hanson’s Garage were both in compliance with ADA rules. Perry also explained that the city’s noxious weed ordinance was placed in the legal section of the Clearwater Tribune notifying the community to cut or clear any noxious weed or rank vegetation from their property. The notice gives property owners 10 days to comply. Any property owner found to be in violation will have another 10 days after site has been posted to respond. Should it be necessary for the city to clear or cut, the owners will be charged for the services.

Perry also provided an update on the house fire on Cedar St. Family members wish to inspect the property before demolition of the house begins. It is expected to take place in the near future.

Public Works

John Barton reported that crews have been out performing routine maintenance in the parks, sweeping streets downtown, filling potholes.

A notice appeared in the Clearwater Tribune The city will be taking bids for paving streets in the Riverside area. The bid opens June 18, and is projected to be completed Aug. 19. There is approximately 7,000 lineal feet of streets to pave.

Police

Chief of Police, Jeff Wilson reported on the bomb threat discovered at the high school that afternoon, pleased with the way the students and staff evacuated the building and the manner that law enforcement responded and cleared the scene for the awards ceremony planned that evening.

Wilson also commented on the rash of recent minor thefts, the disappearance of lawn ornaments in particular. It is now believed that three suspects were found to be connected with the thefts, as some of the items have been recovered.

Chief Wilson also gave a brief update on Orofino’s new K-9. Testo, and Officer/handler Mike Shore will attend a training seminar in Lewiston this week to complete the dual certification process for tracking down narcotics and as well as a patrol dog.

It was discovered that Lewiston recently purchased a dually certified K-9, and that Lewis County also has one. For future training sessions it is possible that by having the three dogs in such close proximity, that training may be easier and perhaps more affordable. Chief Wilson closed by reminding the Council that graduation night, is June 7, traffic will be heavier on Hwy. 7 and extra patrol will be out to make sure everyone gets home safely.

Water/Wastewater

Mike Martin reported to the Council that the mold situation was ongoing but has certainly improved with the help of a lot of bleach.

Martin also noted that in the past week lots of grease has been coming through the sewer system. He asked for restaurants to be more vigilant in properly disposing grease/oil.

Liquivision Diving Company contacted Martin to inform him that they would be doing other work in the area. It would be to the city’s advantage to have the same company clean and inspect the tank on Adams Rd and the one on Canada Hill.

Cleaning and inspection of both tanks would cost the city $2,800. By scheduling the appointment while the company is in the area the city would save $450. Another benefit is that Liquivision doesn’t have to drain the tanks to clean them. A motion was made and seconded, the Council approved cleaning and inspection of the tanks.

Fire

Mike Lee informed the Council that electrical work was rendered and insulation added to Station 2 on Riverside. Otherwise, business was as usual.

An Executive Session was held and the council meeting was adjourned.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for June 11.

School district breathes a little easier as levy ensures important changes in the district

The School Board met on May 22. Superintendent Bob Vian and Business Manager Trina Snyder presented the budget outline for the 2013-2014. The board also reviewed the District’s Strategic Plan as is customary to make sure progress is continuing as planned and in a timely manner. Board members received their Self-Assessment forms which are due back on June 10.

With the passing of the district’s request for the supplemental levy increase of $345,000, the projected overall revenue increase from this year’s budget is $424,239.

State funding is based on student average daily attendance (ADA) which generates funding units. The district budgeted 60.77 units this year and based on the current ADA, 57.4 units are proposed for next year. At this time enrollment is down 18 students from this same time last year. Several months ago 19 students withdrew as work for area loggers ended. It is hoped that when work resumes, the students will be back.

Included in the General Fund expenses:

· All day Kindergarten staffing.

· $150,000 Technology funds included

· Certified staff movement over for education, if applicable and movement down one step, if applicable.

· 2% increase on salary for all classified staff.

· Additional days included for Administrative staff, Data Base Administrator, District Office /Program staff, Assistant Secretaries and Food Service Director.

· Retirement Benefits increased from 10.39% to 11.32%.

· Insurance increased by 11.1%.

· Textbook Budget increase

· Soccer and Drill/Dance team salaries/benefits included.

· Increased stipend for Jr/Sr and Student Council Advisors.

· $2,000 increase for OHS, THS and OES field trips.

· Includes different Salary/Benefit and Professional Leave.

· Increase in School Board budget to fit “actual” budgetary needs.

· Decreased utility expenses because of modular removal.

· Increased Transportation/Mechanic supervisor salary – reimbursed at 85% and 50%.

· One bus was purchased this year. Transferred via depreciation from the General Fund.
 

Other expenses

· OES boiler replacement will cost $170,000.

· $60,000 to repaint Timberline building

· To replace bus barn roofing $73,000 is estimated.

· Technology budget is set at $40,000.

· $150,000 was appropriated to summer maintenance projects.

· Leaving $317,100 for projects repairs not listed.

The district will offer contracts to current Food Service Director Carmen Griffith, Special Education Director Kerrie Raines, Transportation Director Ben Jenkins, and Business Manager Trina Snyder for the upcoming school year.

An ISEE grant of $33,600 was awarded to the district to hire a mentor teacher for teachers. Traditionally, the school principal took on this role, but his duties have also expanded. The mentor teacher will work one to one if necessary with teachers to find resolutions for situations that arise from time to time.

Other grants in progress are the Nez Perce Tribal grant, Driver’s Education grant, Jim Gustin Science grant and the Valerie Armichardy Recycling and Project grant. A grant for technology awarded $27,140 for Classroom Technology and $10,000 for IT Personnel.

Most aides are funded through the grants provided by Title I, Title VI-B, and Title VI-B PreSchool programs. The Carl Perkins grant funds the district’s vocational activities and programs. Money from Title II-A is used for professional development, credit reimbursement and stipends for mentor teachers.

Currently, there is a balance of $41,000 in the District Property account from the sale of Weippe Elementary School.

Carmen Griffith and her staff of four, received lots of praise and even (a little money) J for doing such a tremendous job this year.

The breakfast program has helped finances tremendously. After closing April’s financial statements, the fund balance was $7,681. Last year at this time the fund balance was short $42,756.

The district will hire and pay six certified staff members; One Admin/ teacher and five instructors. They will be District employees. The District will receive ADA funding for the students that are enrolled and will pay these personnel expenses with these funds. The District will received 14% of the total of these costs as “overhead” for the fiscal and supervisory duties that will be required.

The District and Carmen Griffith, Food Service Supervisor, will also oversee the food service needs for the Youth Challenge Program. Again, the salaries, benefits and food will be reimbursed via the National Guard.

Recognition went to Carl Stemrich, Empire Lumber, Norm Steadman, Orofino Builders Supply, Jason Berreth and Gradi Thomas for donations and their help toward the construction of a play shed at Timberline.

Shaun Ball gave a brief report concerning ISAT test scores for Timberline. Overall, reading scores were good. There is still much that can be done to improve proficiency in math. This will be one of the areas of focus next year.

At OES, students in grades 3-6, worked very hard to raise ISAT scores from previous years. Individual grade levels improved as much as 9 to 14 points in a year, but perhaps more importantly, Orofino students achieved and exceeded state target goals for proficiency in both Math and Reading.

Shelley Brooks, OHS Principal believes that changes in programs, instruction scheduling, school improvement and staff development is making a difference and improving achievement.

Other announcements Brooks shared with the Board were: an Idaho Common Core Standards workshop held May 10, for OES certified staff to develop a unit of study and pre/post assessment aligned to common core in math.

Orofino Elementary held the first Annual Young Author’s contest and Literary Showcase. There were five categories to enter, for the 27 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Field trips will continue through May 30. Fifth grade visited the Clearwater Courthouse and participated in a case study, fourth grade will participate in the LCSC Rendezvous Event at OES, third grade is visiting the Science Center in Pullman, second grade will visit smoke jumpers and the mammoth exhibit in Grangeville, and Kindergarten visited the Clearwater Memorial Public Library. Clearwater Marine Patrol presented a water safety training called Idaho Sports Paddle Up for the sixth grade students.

All grades have been holding their spring music programs. Parents and families have enjoyed some excellent presentations. Thank you to both Mrs. Holzer and Mrs. Tetwiller.

Mr. Thomas, OES PE Teacher, has organized and facilitated the OES Annual Track meets for both primary and intermediate grades this week. Thank you to the OHS students and faculty, community members, and parents that help out and supported this event.

Orofino Elementary School will end the school year with the final Rewards and Recognition Assembly on June 6.

Changes in Grading and Progress Reports

Changes to begin next year for students in grades 9-12, are:

· Letter grades will be used to report academic performance on report cards for students in grades 9-12 based on the following numerical values; A – 4.0 for standard classes, 5.0 for advanced classes. B - 3.0 for standard, and 4.0 for advanced. C will earn 2.0 for standard, 3.0 for advanced, and D receives 1.0 point for standard and 2.0 for advanced.

· Students will be encouraged to challenge themselves. Advanced classes will include Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Spanish IV, Honors classes, Dual Credit College classes, LCSC Tech Prep classes, and certain IDLA classes as identified by school counselors and approved by the Superintendent.

· The calculation of GPAs for determining Valedictorian and Salutatorian will not change until the class of 2016.

Action Items

Alyce Arnsberg declared Jerry Nelson elected as Trustee of Zone 4; Theresa Graber declared Charity Robinson elected as Trustee of Zone 5.

All classified staff except Medicade would be rehired for next year. At this time last year classified staff was still waiting to learn if they would be rehired or not, due to lack of funds. If any changes are to be made, it would be by attrition.

Orofino Jr. High School property is still for sale and has been re-appraised at $295,000, with the agreement that the school district would maintain a 10 year lease of the gymnasium.

Policy 3060 concerning “Homeless Children” will in the future address the students as “Youth in transition” to comply with Federal Laws, required by the SDE. This refers to children living in shelters, vehicles, campgrounds, motels, etc.

And finally the Board approved the travel of THS football team and their equipment to training camp in Montana on June 7-9 at no cost to the district.

Clearwater Basin Collaborative members agree to move forward on forest management and land protection actions

After five years of work on land management issues within the Clearwater Basin, members of the Clearwater Basin Collaborative signed a work plan signifying their commitment to continue work to resolve six natural resource issues.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo convened the Collaborative five years ago to find long-term solutions to natural resource issues that were contributing to gridlock in the Basin. At the initial meeting, he told members the collaborative process would require all participants to recognize and respect the views of all participants. “Each participant must be as committed to helping others reach their goals and objectives as that participant is committed to advancing their own interests,” he emphasized.

With that goal in mind the group forged a package that proposes six issues be addressed administratively and/or legislatively: Forest management; rural economic needs and county funding; tribal and special places; wilderness, wild and scenic rivers and special management designations, wildlife management; and recreation.

Clearwater Basin Collaborative Co-chair Alex Irby said he believes this plan strikes the right balance for people who live, work and play within the Clearwater Basin. “We are very pleased to have reached this milestone,” he stated. “We believe this balanced package is the blueprint for breaking the gridlock that has paralyzed land management actions in the past.”

Irby said when the entire plan is implemented there will be more jobs associated with increased levels of timber harvest and forest restoration work in the roaded front country, and protection for those backcountry lands and rivers that so many people treasure. Additionally there will be more certainty for county governments, improved habitat to support the area’s wildlife and more recreation opportunities.

“In order for this plan to work all the components must move forward simultaneously,” he emphasized. “This is the beginning of a long-term process, not the end.”

While the Collaborative, as a body, has forged agreements and provided consensus input and recommendations on a variety of natural resource issues to multiple agencies, the Agreement and Work Plan is the group’s first attempt to put the separate pieces together into a comprehensive package that all members agree to thoughtfully move forward.

Idaho County Commissioner Skip Brandt said, “Idaho County needs solutions. The current gridlock on our federally controlled lands is hurting Idaho County in significant ways. This agreement is an attempt to find a solution and to end the gridlock. Our public lands are being managed through the Court system.

This method of conflict driven management on public lands is not working. The best hope we have of preserving the way of life we value in rural Idaho is to try and find ways to work together.”

Brandt added, “If successful, this agreement will create more jobs, provide better school funding for rural schools, and reduce conflict.”

The signed Agreement and Work Plan will be posted on the Collaborative’s website www.clearwaterbasincollaborative.com.