Hospitals win national award

Clearwater Valley and St. Mary’s Hospitals and Clinics were named the Outstanding Rural Health Organization for 2011.  Dr. Michael Meza; Kris Sparks, NRHA President; Casey Meza, CVHC/SMHC CEO; Pam McBride, Grants Officer and Dr. David Schmitz, Associate Director of Rural Family Medicine, Family Medicine Residency of Idaho are pictured (l to r) with the award at the recent NRHA conference.

St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospitals and Clinics were named the Outstanding Rural Health Organization for 2011 by the National Rural Health Association. The NRHA represents 62 million Americans living in rural areas.  The award was presented to Casey Meza, CEO, earlier this month at their national convention in Austin, TX.  Close to 1,000 people attended the annual conference which is the largest gathering of rural health professionals in the nation.

“To have our hospitals and clinics selected from amongst the thousands of health care organizations serving rural patients is an incredible honor,” said Meza. “The hard work our staff and providers do every day is receiving recognition at a national level. Our collaborative partnership, our telemedicine program, our progress on establishing electronic medical records, our success in receiving grants and our work on establishing patient centered medical home concepts were all considered by the judges before they named us the 2011 Outstanding Rural Health Organization.”

The NRHA was originally formed in 1978 and currently has over 20,000 members in fifty states.  The award for Outstanding Rural Health Organization is given annually to a “…group or entire organization that has improved access to health services and information for rural people through innovative, comprehensive approaches.  Factors considered include outreach, preventive health and education, quality and efficiency of care and strong community support and involvement.”  In their award letter, their CEO, Alan Morgan said “…thanks for the great work you have done on behalf of rural America and the great things you will do in the future…congratulations on winning this prestigious award.”

SMHC and CVHC began partnering in 1998. Both are members of Essentia Health based in Duluth, Minnesota.  Both facilities will be featured in the quarterly NRHA national magazine, Rural Roads.

“Our patients also share in this honor. It is their trust and support throughout the years that inspires us to provide the highest quality healthcare in their home communities” said Meza. “We’re grateful they choose us for their care.”

April’s weather brings expectations for high runoff

April’s cool, moist weather held off the snow melt and even added to the mountain snowpack according to the latest snow survey conducted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This summer’s water supply is forecast to be plentiful for Idaho’s water users but the spring runoff is expected to be high. 

 “The water supply analysis completed this week shows that April’s precipitation and cool temperatures added significant amounts of water to the snowpack,” said Jeff Burwell, Idaho NRCS State Conservationist. “While this contributes to an ample water supply, it increases concern over how the runoff season will unfold.”

The whole state received above average precipitation in April. Precipitation ranged from 110% of average in regions of central Idaho to 250% of average in the Northern Panhandle. However, lingering cool spring temperatures delayed the snow melt creating a potentially threatening runoff season.

“Usually the mid-elevation snowpacks begin melting in April - at least 25% of the snowpack melts off,” said Ron Abramovich, NRCS Water Supply Specialist. “Not this year. Below normal temperatures prevented snow melt in the mid-elevation range and kept the headwater streamflow levels below normal.”

“The May 1 mountain snowpack is above average ranging from 125 to 190% of average. And, now there is a shorter runoff season,” said Abramovich. “This means more streamflow in a shorter time period.”

The timing and magnitude of peak streamflows depend on spring temperatures, consecutive hot days, non-freezing night temperatures, and if rain falls when the snow is melting. Reservoir operators across Idaho are drawing down reservoir levels to increase water storage space.

“Our current Water Supply Report forecasts river levels and volumes to be above average through the summer,” Burwell added. “Whether you are a river runner or a water manager, expect extremely variable conditions.”

View May’s full report on snowpack, precipitation, runoff and water supply predictions at www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow and click on the ‘Water Supply’ link.

School Supplemental Levy facts; election May 17

The School District expects to lose more than a half-million dollars ($500,000) in state funding next school year because of reduced levels of state support and decreased enrollment. On May 17 voters will be asked to vote on a supplemental levy for the district. The levy provides a significant portion of money used to pay for regular expenses like textbooks, utilities, teachers and essential programs for students. They levy funds one-fourth (1/4) of the school’s regular expenses.

The proposed levy is for $1,940,000, an increase of $200,000 over last year’s levy. Different home values may increase or decrease the home owner’s exemption. For a home valued at $100,000 with a home owner’s exemption of $50,000, the school tax for next year would be $180.97. That is an increase of $18.70 ($1.56/month) over the current year’s tax rate. If you have questions about school tax on your property, please call Clearwater County Treasurer, Dawn Erlewine at 476-5615 or Clerk of Joint School District #171, Trina Snyder at 476-5593.

Polling Places

Polling places have changed from previous supplemental levy elections. Typically you will vote in the same locations you voted during the general elections, except for person who voted at the Armory. They will vote at the Orofino Community Church. 14233 Highway 12.

  Orofino Precinct #1 – Mani-Yac Center.

  Orofino Precinct #2 – VFW Building.

  Orofino Precinct #3 - Clearwater County Coon Building.

  Orofino Precinct #4 – Orofino Community Church.

  Orofino Precinct #5 – Orofino Community Church.

  Fraser Precinct #6 – Vote by Mail Precinct.

  Greer Precinct #7 – Vote by Mail Precinct.

  Teakean Precinct #8 - Cavendish Church.

  Weippe Precinct #9 – Weippe City Hall.

  Headquarters Precinct #10 – Vote by Mail Precinct.

  Ahsahka Precinct #11 Clearwater Fish Hatchery.

  Pierce Precinct #12 – Pierce Community Center.

  Elk River Precinct #13 – Vote by Mail Precinct.

  Grangemont #14 – Vote by Mail Precinct.

  Leland Precinct #34 - Cameron Emmanuel Lutheran.

  Peck Precinct #36 – Peck Community Center.

  Mohler Precinct #7 – Vote by Mail Precinct.

  West Kamiah #2 – Kamiah Emergency Service Bld.

Photo ID necessary

  Idaho law now requires photo identification in order to vote. Acceptable forms of identification include: Idaho driver’s license or identification card, U.S. passports or Federal photo identification card, tribal photo identification card, and current student photo identification card.

  More information about schools is available at www.sd171.k12.id.us.

Local student receives prestigious NASA internship

George Korbel of Orofino was one of 10 students from Idaho universities who will intern at NASA institutions across the country this summer, working with NASA scientists and participating in research and hands on projects.

“NASA internships give students the chance to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom in a very tangible, real-world environment. It is an excellent learning opportunity,” said Becky Highfill of the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC).

The ISGC submits student applications and assists the students financially in their endeavors, aiding them in travel and other expenses.

Internships at NASA institutions have been known to lead to jobs with NASA after graduation. Idaho interns will have an opportunity to work on a variety of NASA research programs that align with NASA’s current vision.

The students will be dispersed at different locations throughout the nation. Four students will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, CA. The other six students have received internships to work at NASA Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

Other NASA interns from the University of Idaho include: Kim Baird, Boise; David Gardner, Priest River; Carlos Gonzalez, Firth; Brent Kisling, Pocatello; Kevin Ramus, Rathdrum; Michael Schrader, Idaho Falls; Walter Taresh, Pocatello; and Lee Van Gundy, Vancouver, WA.

Boise State University also has one NASA intern, Craig Cornwall, Boise.

The interns will post pictures and updates of their experiences on the NASA ISGC Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/NASA-Idaho-Space-Grant-Consortium/91682706503, which is open to the public for viewing.

About the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium

The NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium was established in 1991 as part of the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The ISGC comprises 22 institutions including all colleges and universities in the state, science centers and museums, science organizations, state departments, industry representatives, a state park, and a national monument.

Great kids, great trip

On April 7 the Leadership class at OJSHS took a field trip to Boise. The group’s advisor, Annette Haag, got the funding from Idaho National Laboratories and the Class of 1985. The basis of this field trip was to teach students that there are many job and educational opportunities available to them.

On Friday of that week the students began their day with a trip to the Discovery Center of Idaho, a hands-on science center. They then had the good fortune of having a personal, backstage tour of Quest Arena by Eric Trapp, a 1985 Orofino graduate who manages the Idaho Steelheads hockey team. Eric gave the group Idaho Steelhead ball-caps and free front-row tickets to a playoff game against Las Vegas. It was quite a treat as most of them had never attended a hockey game.

Amy Lientz, Idaho National Laboratories communications director and OHS class of 1985 graduate, accompanied the Leadership students for the day. She was also instrumental in securing funding for the trip and helping Ms. Haag with the planning. She gave an impressive tour of the Capitol Building including visits to the House and Senate floors and a peek into the Governors office. The day was topped off with a quick visit to Zoo Boise and the kids loved this close-up experience with the animals.

After that action-packed day, Saturday found the freshmen attending an Engineering Day at Boise State University. They took part in sessions on robotics, catapults, math facts and were even able to ride a segway. The juniors and seniors were given a full guided tour of the Boise State University campus, including a supposedly haunted sorority house.

This was a great learning adventure for all of these kids and they are very grateful to Idaho National Laboratories, Class of 1985, Amy Lientz, and Eric Trapp as well as chaperones Dale Province and Dawn Erlewine. With funding cuts in education, these field trips are very rare and the Leadership class feels so fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Different viewpoints: Logging at Pierce's Chinese Cemetery

Dear Editor,

I am disheartened with the recent slew of letters and posts that are derogatory to our lovely, logging community. Pierce has a proud history that should be proclaimed to the outside world, but we are wasting our energies on negativity and counterproductive activities, which places us all in a poor light. The gist is that those ‘evil conspirators’ down at City Hall have one again enacted an ‘injustice’ on the poor, unsuspecting citizens of our town. And unfortunately, according to tradition, the next council meeting is going to be filled with angry, noose-carrying citizens demanding justice. So this letter is a plea to the good citizens of Pierce…for those who have ears to hear, let us dispense with the media hype, and establish some facts:

1.  Those officials you elected obviously care a great deal about our town, as they are the ‘suckers’ that volunteered to do the ‘dirty work’ no one else wanted to do,

2.  They are required to make unpopular decisions sometimes,

3.  It is your right and responsibility to be informed of what your elected officials are doing and there is no excuse not to be,

4.  The discussion on the cemetery logging began two years ago,

5.  The reason was good stewardship, not financial gain or a “better view,”

6.  This cemetery has been logged before, as are most cemeteries with trees,

7.  The deed is done, and no amount of media play will ever cause them to reappear,

8.  Trees are not an endangered species – they re-grow,

9.  Constructive participation is encouraged (every meeting should be a full house!),

10. Finally…we live in America! i.e. if you really want to show you care about this town, throw your hat in the ring for this November’s election. I’m sure the current officials would gladly hand over the bull’s eye on their back.

  So, the truth is, either you want be involved, or you simply want to “stir the pot,” to quote my mom. She also said, “be a part of the solution, or sit down and shut up.” Wise woman.

  Now, if this situation truly motivates our citizens to take an active role in the beautification and protection of our historic resources, then the tiny handful of citizens involved in writing the grants, raising the funds, and physically performing the labor will be ecstatic to add another laborer to the team.

  Oh, and, every time you turn on the faucet, take out the trash or flush the toilet and expect a positive outcome…try to remember those “bumbling idiots” down there must be doing something right. Maybe if you let then know you appreciate their sacrifices every once in awhile, it would help to soften the blow next time you lambaste them for their “stupid decisions” or supposed “lack of concern.” Mom always said, “you can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

  So people, let’s put down the pitchforks, work together; be proactive and open up some constructive dialogue. I, for one, think Pierce is worth the little extra effort.

Carmen Syed

Pierce

***

Dear Editor,

Sunday morning I spent over three hours at the Old Chinese Cemetery in Pierce. The destruction and desecration of this cemetery and historical site is appalling.

I was with Gene Eastman and Kathy Dill. As of this Sunday Mr. Eastman has detected over 120 graves. As time allows he will be able to locate all of them. Most of the males had been removed and returned to their homeland. Most sites seem to be females, infants and adults, with the exception of five adult males all side by side. Maybe these were the five Chinese men that were hung outside of Pierce! The beautiful old red firs have been taken. Some over 110 years old. The only reason anyone can come with for these trees to be removed was for the almighty dollar.

The damage has been done and there is no-way to put it back. Any monies the City of Pierce gains from this disaster should all be put back in the cemetery in form of signs and grave markers, etc. Not one cent should be used for any other purpose except that.

Shame on any and all of you that Okayed this to be done, we can only blame the council and mayor. The Mayor stated that they had researched the history of the site for two years. DIDN'T DO A VERY GOOD JOB.

Since Kathy and I had done a lot of research our-selves, we seemed to have acquired a lot more info than they did. As soon as we heard about the possibility of logging last year we went to libraries, museums, talked with people, and researched books. Kathy spent hours on-line with Ken Reid from Boise and numerous phone calls.

Things calmed down last fall because promises of not touching anything until Ken Reid could come and check out the site for possible historic value. That sure didn't hold up. It was like it was almost a rush to get this timber before Mr. Reid could make a trip here.

And to the person who pulled up some of the markers that were placed last Sunday, what's your point? If anyone can help us find names and records we would appreciate it.

Friends of the Chinese Cemetery
Sharon Martin

Burning permits required beginning May 10

Over the years the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) has responded to many escaped springtime debris-burning fires. These fires are expensive to put out and the burden of these expenses fall upon the person determined to have ignited the fire.

If you are going to burn there are certain precautions you must take:

Obtain a burning permit during closed fire season, May 10 to Oct. 20.

Call C-PTPA or Idaho Department of Lands, depending on burn location.

Plan ahead.

Have enough help, water, tools, and equipment to do the job.

Don’t leave your burn until it is dead out.

If you burn in a barrel there are certain measures you must take:

You need a burning permit.

Burn barrel must be in good condition, set up on non-combustible blocks.

Half inch screen enclosing the top of the barrel.

Combustible fuel cleared 10 feet around the barrel.

Keep a hose charged with water close by.

Watch the barrel until it is dead out.

If you employ the above measures, they may save a costly escaped fire bill.