Emergency Service
Bounty Hunter Fires Shots In City
Another incident with a bounty hunter “bond agent” brings to light the practice of bondsmen chasing criminals–people charged with crimes–and using deadly force. Legitimate law enforcement has issues with bondsmen because the laws regulating them are either non existent or vague. That, combined with legal concealed carry of firearms makes the issue even murkier for […]
Corporate Welfare Costly To Idahoans
Corporate monsters gobbling up local businesses like the Pac Man monsters was easy to understand when the K-Mart, Wal Mart, and Home Depots ran the neighborhood hardware and local clothing stores out of business. When the cities and states created “economic development” departments and urban renewal agencies the equation became cloudier, but no less devastating. […]
Top Copper Creates Community Commission
The GUARDIAN has called for a POLICE COMMISSION for more than 20 years in Boise–most recently in July 2013. Today, Chief William Bones has announced the next best thing to a true police commission with his plans for a “Chief’s Advisory Council” comprised of Boise citizens. Hopefully, the group–yet to be selected–will be a cross […]
Motorcycles Are Deadliest Ride In Boise
Here’s a shocker. So far in 2017, FOUR TIMES as many people were killed in motorcycle crashes in Boise than in cars. Concerned with the number of fatal accidents in Boise (four so far in October) the GUARDIAN joined forces with Boise coppers to check the number and type of crashes. There has been a […]
Will Guns Really PROTECT You?
In the wake of the tragic and senseless massacre in Las Vegas there is the usual call for limiting guns, large ammunition magazines, automatic weapons, and crazy people. These high profile shootings invariably prompt citizens to arm themselves for “protection.” There are no doubt legal gun toting folks who justify (rationalize) frequently carrying a weapon. […]
Major Fire On Boise Bench
A major fire erupted about 11 a.m. Friday in the parking lot of a Snake River Pool and Spa at Orchard and Clark Streets in Boise and quickly spread to Parkwood Apartments next door. Boise fire department made a rapid and massive response with at lease nine apparatus. They made a quick stop, but many […]
Andrus Had Bearing, Stature, Class
By DAVID R. FRAZIER, GUARDIAN editor Whenever former Gov. Cecil “Cece” walked into the room, you knew he was there. He owned the place. My newspaper editor grandfather would have said, “He was a man of bearing.” Andrus, who died Thursday one day shy of his 85th birthday, was equally at home in a trim […]
P.U.C. Should Hang Up On Landline Subsidy
With the dwindling number of people using traditional “landline” telephones, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission has doubled a nearly 30 year old surcharge on phone lines to subsidize the Idaho Universal Service Fund (IUSF). The fund was created in 1988 to tax what used to be “The Phone Company.” Back in the day, the company […]
Boise Council Qualifier 101
The November city election will see some changes in the council regardless of who wins. At the risk of feeding the conspiracy theorists, it appears only one of the three seats will be up for grabs. August 28 is first day to declare candidacy. September 8 is final day to file. To date, the following […]
No Plans For Lifeguards At Quinn’s Pond
In the previous post we advocated lifeguards at Quinn’s Pond following the tragic death of a 15-year-old refugee boy who had lived in Boise only 9 days. The community donated $14,000 for his funeral and there has been some talk about swimming lessons and better parenting, but no increased safety measures are being contemplated. We […]
Time For Lifeguards At Esther Simplot Park
The Tragic death of the 15-year-old refugee this week highlights the need for lifeguards at a public swimming hole. Perhaps his death will send the signal to immediately get lifeguards at the Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond. Even the local swimming pools have lifeguards. Local promoters and politicos have long touted the benefits and […]
266 Fireworks Complaints, Just One Ticket
We did our best to put the fireworks complaints and responses in perspective July 5. Ada County dispatch reported 266 complaints about illegal fireworks which was almost identical to previous year’s complaints county-wide. Boise Police tell us there was, “at least one ticket issued.” Ada deputies did not write any citations and we have not […]
God Bless America AND Aerial Fireworks
Disclaimer: The following is NOT the opinion of the GUARDIAN. We accept opinions from all sides of issues. A guest opinion from TROY of Boise And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er […]
AG Sheds Light On Fireworks Opinion
At the request of State Rep. MAtt Erpelding, the office of Idaho Attorney General issued a legal OPINION about fireworks which was released to the media by Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan, a strong opponent of aerial fireworks. Today Attorney General Lawrence Wasden released the following “clarification:” “There’s been a considerable amount of confusion regarding […]
Two Wheel Death Abounds
At least five motorcyclists have perished on Idaho roads in the past week or so, prompting the GUARDIAN to issue a special alert. A crash in Canyon County last week, two in Boise within the past two days (State St. near Sycamore, and Cole and Brentwood) a head-on on Warm Springs a few days ago […]
Firemen And Coppers Call For Fireworks Ban…FINALLY!
Some twelve years ago the GUARDIAN called for a fireworks ban, dubbing the July 4 incendiaries as “arson kits.” Now after we have suffered the disastrous Table Rock fire in 2016, there is a bill before the legislature to ban fireworks. It was always with a wink and a nod that folks would purchase aerial […]
Coppers, Bumper Cars, And $$$
After Idaho State troopers had four cars crashed in one day during the nasty snow days, the GUARDIAN thought it might be interesting to find out just how many cop cars got whacked as a result of bad roads–either while parked or being driven. Perhaps more interesting than the numbers was the back story of […]
In Case You Hadn’t Noticed…..
GUEST OPINION By Sara Baker Ada County Highway Commissioner There has been a lot of discussion regarding the unusual winter storms we have had this winter in Ada County. What has been in short supply are facts. So below are facts regarding the storm, the response and the cooperation. We have had 35.5 inches of […]
Bieter Bashes ACHD, Seeks Control Of Streets
In the wake of the worst series of snow storms in modern history, Boise Mayor Dave Bieter is calling for the demise of the Ada County Highway District. Long critical of ACHD, Bieter has taken to the airwaves of KBOI AM 670 radio and the Op-Ed page of the Idaho Statesman to make his case. […]
TECHNOLOGY IS KILLING US
Why are so many people dying on Idaho highways? The answer is probably within reach, or right in your hand. It’s broadly described by Idaho State Police as “distracted driving.” Whether it’s a smartphone, computer, GPS, MP3 player, or reaching for a VAPE pen, people are dying because they are preoccupied with a tech gadget […]
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