Legislators visit Orofino Chamber

Idaho State Legislators visited with members of the Orofino Chamber of Commerce, giving updates on bills and issues in their areas of concern and expertise. Representatives Ken Roberts (R-8^th Dist.), Sheryl Nuxoll (R-8^th Dist.), and Paul Shepherd (R-8^th Dist.). And County Commissioner Carole Galloway was present also.

Ken Roberts and Paul Shepherd both said this was the most challenging session of Congress they could remember. Approximately one half of legislative time each year is spent defining, administering and revising the rules before actual bills may be addressed. This was Sheryl Nuxoll’s first term in office.

Roberts said there were many tough issues and they went into the session “193 million dollars upside down. At the end of the session,” he said “we had a balanced budget.” He said either the economy would pick up or there would still need to be further corrections next year.

Some specifics they addressed concerned: education budgeting, the ATV bill (Senate Bill #1011), the Tribal Bill (Native American Law Enforcement), the State Land Bond, and State Redistricting,

Representative Nuxoll said that she served on the Health and Welfare, Judicial, and Agricultural Committees. She said she was honored to sponsor the Clearwater County Centennial Bill as well as working on the National Guard Youth Challenge Program which was introduced at the very end of the legislative session.

A question and answer period followed at the end of the meeting.

New members

Roger and Karen Virgin, new owners of The Woodlot Restaurant joined the chamber.

Business after Hours

State Farm Insurance will host a Business after Hours meeting Thursday, June 16 from 5-7 p.m. They will be hosting this function at the Helgeson Hotel at 125 Johnson Ave., Suite 5.

Chamber auction

Tanna Zywina reported that the Chamber Auction did very well. Thank you to all who helped and all who donated towards this auction. It is not too early to be thinking of a theme for next year’s auction.

LoggerXross

The first annual LoggerXross dirt bike race was held Saturday May 14, in Orofino City Park and had a successful turnout. The chamber-sponsored beer garden had a different location this year and did well thanks to the volunteers who helped run it. The gate was organized and overall planning went well. They hope to have more people participate next year.

Run like a Maniac

The posters are out for the Run like a Maniac fun run to  be held at Dworshak Dam June 11. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for youth (which includes a tee-shirt). It is an additional $10 if one registers on race day.

To register, contestants need to furnish an ID. Children will go under their parents’ ID. The event needs volunteers. See Stephanie Deyo or Tanna Zywina if you wish to assist in this fun event.

CCED

Loren Whitten-Kaboth of Clearwater County Economic Development reported the next steps for Deyo Reservoir are to Remove the existing power poles as the lines will go underground. A well also needs to be drilled; and timber and brush need to be removed.

Loren also reported on the Pierce/Weippe Chamber meeting in which 100-125 people turned out to hear Col. Tim Kelly make a presentation on the Youth Challenge Program.

Next meeting

The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 1, at 12 noon, at the Ponderosa Restaurant.