The Mayor’s Corner 04/07/2021

Mayor Randy Hibberd

This last weekend Cathy and I attempted and completed our longest hike yet. We are not really sure how many miles it was, but it was from the Swan Falls trailhead south of Kuna, along the Snake River, over to Celebration Park, south of Melba. At first it was a little discouraging that we were passed by everyone we saw out there. But we soon realized that we were by far the oldest ones out there making the trek. So, we used the age difference to console ourselves.

Hey! I want to give a big shout-out to Roger Yasuda and Justin Rollins at Farmer’s Supply Co-op. This last week Farmer’s Supply Co-op donated fertilizer for the Soccer Field and last Saturday took the time to spread it for us. This was no small donation and no small use of their time. Thank you! Your generosity and community spirit are greatly appreciated! (Now Ken Anderson, our Recreation Department manager, is looking forward to how much time he will be spending on a lawnmower this summer.)

In the last few days, our Covid-19 numbers have risen slightly. It is too early to tell if this is a blip or the start of a trend. Let’s hope it is a blip. However, the increase is a reminder that this nasty disease is not behind us. Please continue to distance, sanitize, and wear a mask, even if you have received the vaccine.

If you have not had your shots yet, the vaccine is now available to anyone over the age of 16. Appointments can be scheduled at Bi-Mart, Ridley’s, or Family Medical Clinic. Please schedule your appointment as soon as possible so we can all get this bug behind us and return to normal as soon as possible.

In City matters this week, the Electrical Department will be laying pipe for future development across E. 6th Street on Thursday, April 8. The road will be closed to through-traffic during the construction, which is anticipated to last just a few hours. The actual location on E. 6th will be between Bi-Mart and Ridley’s. Access to both stores will still be available. Just be aware that you might need to take a round-about way of getting to the store.

Mike Campbell, the City’s Public Works Director, tells me that our garbage collectors are getting materials dumped in trash containers that are totally inappropriate. Things like pipe, concrete, bicycles, yard waste, boards, and construction blocks do not belong in garbage bins, but need to be taken directly to the Waste Transfer Site just a few very short miles north of town. The types of items mentioned above are very destructive not only to the trash containers, but also to the very expensive dump trucks. So please, if you have anything other than household waste to dispose of, take the time to take it to the dump.

In addition, the City may be short staffed in the Garbage Department over the next two weeks. The driver may not be as familiar with all the locations, so some might be missed. If your trash is not picked up as scheduled, please contact City Hall at 208-414-1965 and we will make sure and get it as soon as possible.

The Police Chief wants me to remind dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes as you go for walks or when they are let outdoors. Also, as you are walking your dog, please clean up after them. In the parks, the Park crew provide baggies for taking care of your dog’s needs. Please take advantage of this service when using the parks.

Well, that’s it for this week. I hope it is a good one for you!