State Government
Simplot JUMP Gets $1 million Tax Break
The Ada Commishes acting as the County Board of Equalization, has lost a battle for more than $1 million in property taxes on the nearly completed J.R. Simplot JUMP Project in downtown Boise. JUMP is the acronym for “Jack’s Urban Meeting Place.” The $62.5 million building and surrounding land is owned by the J.R. Simplot […]
All Bets Are Off At Les Bois Park
After operating without a required live racing permit since January 1, Treasure Valley Racing is cutting the cord on the simulcast gambling at Les Bois Park. Idaho Code says: “No license authorizing simulcasting and/or televised races shall be issued to or renewed for persons that are not also licensed to conduct live race meets in […]
Test New Voting Device In R Primary
It’s only for Republicans and Constitutionalists, but early Voting in Ada County began February 22nd and will continue through March 4th. It will be a good opportunity to test the new voting devices. You mark your ballot as usual, but when it is slipped into the “tabulator,” the vote is recorded and at the close […]
Imagine A Gun Rally In NYC or D.C.
We made these images for the day job to show folks in the rest of the world how we do business in Idaho. Imagine how this little noted event would have played out in the Eastern seaboard or even Chicago or Detroit! The Saturday rally on the Statehouse steps in support of the proposed Idaho […]
Best Defense Is Good Offense
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any wackier, a defendant in the Treasurer scandal has filed a tort claim “in excess of $250,000” against Ada County and Treasurer Vicky McIntyre claiming the lack of oversight caused her to be a criminal suspect in the case of missing funds from an estate administered by the […]
Capitol Security Chief Charged
The security manager for the Idaho State capitol and other state buildings faces felony charges in connection with the theft and forgery case involving a former Ada County Treasurer worker reported last week by the GUARDIAN. The Statesman reported April Rice’s position today. She has been placed on administrative leave and folks at the AG […]
Former Ada Treas Worker Charged
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s office has charged a former Ada County Treasurer worker and another woman with multiple felonies following a lengthy investigation begun last year. Eleasha Jenkins (aka Hilliard),44, is the former county employee. She faces three counts of grand theft as well as forgery charges. The charges stem from her work on […]
PUC Suggests Boise Cut Water Fee
BY GUARDIAN READER JJ In an under-reported action by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission on October 7th 2015, the PUC will allow responsibility for maintenance and replacement of Boise fire hydrants to shift from the City to United Water. In their ruling the PUC expressed concern that the shift could result in higher water rates […]
Ada Jail Offers Discount Rates To State
Trivago.com, Travelocity and Hotels.com don’t hold a candle to the Idaho Department of Corrections when it comes to discount room rates. IDOC gets about a 50% discount on rooms at the Ada County jail where the actual cost to keep an inmate is $92 a day. It has been a long standing practice of the […]
She’s Baaaack!
Forget about the legislature. Forget about Obama’s State of the union. Forget about ISIS. We got SHARON ULLMAN. The GUARDIAN has sifted through the Ada County records and learned Ullman, former bombastic Ada commish of Dynamis fame, overpriced canned soft drinks, and endless topic for news stories has filed an “Appointment and Certification of Political […]
Valley Has $150,000,000 Annual Shortfall
We heard an ad on the radio recently from the Community Planning Association, COMPASS, which claimed Treasure Valley comes up short $150 million each year when it comes to transportation funding. The private agency which is funded by assorted taxpayer funded local governments explains details HERE. They say the big issue is growth and predict […]
Simplot Hilltop Home Demolished
By DAVE FRAZIER, GUARDIAN editor When I saw the news reporting the demise of the J.R. Simplot house on the hill overlooking Bogus Basin Road–and the entire valley, not only was I incredulous, but I actually felt a little empty. It was empty for 10 years even after a group of influential Idahoans pushed hard […]
2016 Resolution Requests…HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The GUARDIAN promises to at least try to have a more positive attitude during the coming year. One step in that direction would be fulfilling the following list of New Year’s resolutions: –Boise city council will abandon any plans for a trolley or any other permanent tracks in our streets. –Taxes will be reduced across […]
Adams Deputies No Longer Slated To Return Prior To ISP Results
5:30 p.m. update Following the revelation earlier today in the IDAHO STATESMAN story and the previous post on the GUARDIAN, Adams Sheriff Ryan Zollman decided to change his mind about putting the deputies back on duty until the ISP investigation is completed, and perhaps not even then. That is probably good news for citizens of […]
Adams Deputies Slated To Return Prior To ISP Results
While the Idaho State Police, FBI, and Idaho Attorney General claim they will conduct an impartial investigation into the events leading to the shooting death of Jack Yantis, Sheriff Ryan Zollman is awaiting approval from his insurer of all things before returning two deputies (currently on paid leave) to duty. See IDAHO STATESMAN. Deputies Bryan […]
AG Investigates $31K Discrepancy At Ada Office
A forensic audit of the County Treasurer’s office ordered by the Ada Commishes has revealed a criminal investigation over a $31,000 discrepancy is underway by the Idaho Attorney General’s office. The audit is the latest chapter in the feud between the Commishes and the Treasurer. Details of minute-by-minute alterations to the accounting of a […]
ISP Ends High Speed Parade On I-84 At Caldwell
While many drivers were searching for parking spaces at stores early Friday afternoon, Idaho State Police and officers from Ada County, Meridian, Nampa, Canyon County and Caldwell had their own “Black Friday Parade” on I-84 during a 26 mile chase that reached speeds exceeding 100 m.p.h. and ended in a crash with ISP units. Joshua […]
Prudence or Xenophobia?
We have been reluctant to post some claims from readers regarding the plans by the Feds to bring Syrian refugees to the Twin Falls area. It just doesn’t seem right to join the political “right” when it comes to barring immigrants based mostly upon their religion. It also seems foolish to open up to potential […]
“Buck Stops Here,” But Only Briefly
We obtained a “body cam” segment from Idaho Fish and Game’s John McLain, a conservation officer in Idaho County. It didn’t take an official public records request for this law enforcement video. It had a happy ending after McLain encountered a deer entangled in baling twine in August. Upon seeing McLain, the buck panicked, but […]
Sharing Facts Is No Rush To Judgment
The snails pace investigation into the death of Adams County Rancher Jack Yantis is contrary to a national trend among the nation’s law enforcement officials. Keeping facts from the citizens (and media) only leads to speculation, rumors, and anger. State Police and the Attorney General say it could take six months to learn the facts. […]
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