Rural Life 2015

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Emmett, Idaho

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2015

Tempe McFarlane REALTOR

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HELPING PEOPLE. Raised in Idaho...

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Active in: My community, 4-H, Gem County Chamber, Red Cross and Realtor Outreach. tempe@tempelovesidaho.com Serving Gem, Ada, Canyon, Boise & Valley counties.

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Celebrating rural living When I ask why people have moved to Gem County, many say when they got to the top of Freezeout and looked at the view, they fell in love and said, “This is the place!” Others fell in love with the remoteness of Sweet and Ola or the vast farms in Letha. No matter what reason they came, they love living in Gem County.

As we celebrate 100 years of

Gem County this year, we think about how men and women helped each other out during prosperity times. They also prayed for one another through wars and developed a deep community patriotism.

Gem County’s rural lifestyle continues to be an amazing testimony of unselfish volunteerism to make the people better and the county a better place to live.

Diana Baird Managing editor The Messenger Index 1893-2015 Thanks to the many contributors both writers and photographers for their submissions. Thank you to Carrie Andelin of Sweet for the front page photo and other background photos.

GEM COUNTY IS 100 YEARS OLD

Rural Life In Gem County

Table of contents 4: Gardening is work but results delightful 5: The stars are brighter at home 6: Every day life tips 1915 7: Postage stamp post offices "Our town" 100 years ago 9: Local "Crafting Fools" 10: Make the old look new 11: Firehouse Dutch babies 12: The future is bright with yarn

You've got mail!

13: The garden, the fence & the gate 15: Family History: Who are you?

16-17: Gem walking map 18: Tractors basically drive themselves 19: Cooking with wine Cherry Festival cook-off 26: Letha surrounded by agriculture 27: Living on Main Street What is it?

28: Smile! It's a vintage camera 29: Photo contest winners 30: Chickens in the city Artists paint what they see

Page design by Jenessa Farnsworth

The creation of Idaho's 36th county was celebrated in 1915. Gem County was celebrated July 5, 1915 along with the nation's Independence Day. These articles appear in condensed version from the original 1915 Emmett Index.

MARCH Bill passes the house The Gem County bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 38 to 17. The bill gives the voters in the proposed county an opportunity to decide whether or not the county shall be created or not.

County commissioners have power to make salary list very small Should Gem County be created under the enabling act recently passed, the salaries of the members of the Board of Commissioners will be paid each per annum.

Two men who made possible the creation of Gem County History gives credit to Senator E. K. Hayes and Representative J. W. Tyler. When they championed the Gem County cause, there was no faltering and the fact that they accomplished what has never been accomplished before in the history of the state-the passage of a county division bill within a few days of the close of the session-is proof enough of their legislative skill, determination and loyalty.

Gov. Alexander signs Gem County bill The glad tidings were received in Emmett that Governor Alexander had signed the Gem County Enabling Act. The only question is whether or not the people in the proposed new

county want a new county or would rather remain in the counties in which they are now located. The election will be held on May 11, 1915.

APRIL Notice of election In compliance with the provision of an act (Chapter 165 of 1915 Session Laws) passed by the Legislature of Idaho providing for the creation of Gem County out of a part of Canyon County, an election is called for May 11, 1915.

MAY Victory for Gem County Although the rain poured down in big drops and the roads were almost impassable, the election held to determine whether the people were in favor of creating the new county or not. The largest vote cast ever recorded in the three voting precincts in Emmett gave a majority for the creation of the county of over 91 percent.

Emmett will have a celebration Emmett will celebrate the July 5 as a double celebration. That is the date that the new county officers will start doing business for Gem County and also the Fourth of July celebration.

JULY Gem County is doing business Gem County went into legal effect at midnight July 5, 1915. At 2 p.m., the appointed officers were sworn in and the wheels of government began to move without a hitch.

Inauguration ceremonies were the simple with only a few citizens present.

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Gardening is work, but results delightful Even though my old body is starting to ache and creak, I find great satisfaction in getting down into the earth to plant new life in my garden and clean out the old finished crop.

There is no greater joy for me than to see the first crocus and daffodil flowers open and the sweet smell of hyacinth that often permeates the air around it.

With spring upon us, here are some ideas I’ve used to add living color and beauty to my property.

All of these ideas won’t work for everyone, so check with the University of Idaho Extension Office (2199 S. Johns Ave., Emmett; 365-6363; gem@uidaho. edu) and local nurseries for what grows best in your particular situation.

Getting started: Soil considerations While some Gem County ground is fairly rich in nutrients, some gardeners — like me — will find their dirt is hardpan, a dense, concrete-like layer of impermeable clay.

Many gardeners assume adding rich, organic amendments like steer manure or compost to their soil will transform it into the perfect growing medium.

"Soil amendments will help feed the plants," John Foudy, resident gardening expert at Eagle Nursery said.

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Plant colorful annuals under young trees for the first few years. As the tree matures, more shadetolerant plants can be substituted.

For a base plant, consider hydrangea. This broad-leafed, low-growing plant grows dense and thick, with puffy balls of colorful flowers.

We included several kinds of bulbs in one stretch of our border garden, using a simple grouping pattern to take advantage of masses of color.

Groundcover holds the flower beds together. Try simple evergreen carpets of vinca or myrtle.

planting winter-hardy bulbs and perennials. Virtually all perennial planting can be done the very first season. Most plant material can be found on sale by late August. Take advantage of these and other specials to keep your costs down. The rewards for a low-cost, low-maintenance setting will compound over the years in the form of peaceful and beautiful sanctuary.

When planting new material in the fall, I always add well-composted and screened steer manure or compost to the planting area. Be careful not to use too much of these amendments and, again, be certain to work them well into your soil. Avoid direct contact between soil amendments and the roots of new bulbs or plants, which can burn from the acidic content of such materials.

Bulbs should get an initial feeding with materials containing high bone meal and phosphorous.

Foudy recommends feed with a 4-12-12 (percentages of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) formula for best results. About two cups of food per 50 square feet for new beds works best.

By Ken Levy Messenger Index

Fall preparation Fall is the best season for preparing soil and

Flower and bee photo by Ken Levy

EMMETT, IDAHO

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The stars are brighter at home

Photo by Beth Carter

Living in the country, you never know who — or what — will drop in for a short visit. It is also a place to relax and put the cares of the world on hold.

Growing up in little Emmett, most all youth think “There has got to be more outside of here.” Many leave for college across the state or across the nation. “I’ll never go back to that place," while speeding up Freezeout Hill.

I might have been one of those youth, but I didn’t go very far. While attending technical school in Boise, I had my own little piece of Ada County. To call home to Emmett was long distance and usually a short call.

Thank goodness that was finally changed to be a local call.

While my family was still in Emmett, I would come back to help on the family farm. Driving truck with various commodities, preg-checking, and being a 4-H volunteer at the Gem/Boise County Fair.

Maybe I didn’t really leave Emmett?

Several years after I married, my husband and I decided we didn’t like the subdivision living. Homeowners associations and following someone else’s rules we were not accustomed to. So, the long, two-year search of finding the major requirements; 1) high speed internet (my husband works from home and that is a huge necessity) and 2) land.

We found our piece of Gem County with acreage. One comment my husband made is, “Beth, come and look at the stars they are brighter here.”

So, one evening, I compared stars at the for sale Boise property and newly acquired Emmett property. He was right, they are definitely brighter here.

While we moved back home to me, pieces fell together. We have grass hay to grow and sell, work with

neighbors on water schedules and always ongoing maintenance. We have small acreage compared to my folks.

It has been a stress-reliever to drive a tractor and see what fruits of the land we can produce. I am closer to my childhood home and being able to help considerably more. Moving farm equipment, working cattle and then attending my nieces' and nephews' school programs is a large payoff.

I am still very active in the 4-H program and have enjoyed working with the most amazing youth Gem and Boise counties have has to offer.

Agriculture has been a very large part of our family for multiple generations. I am proud to know where my food comes from, know it is humanly produced, much less enjoy brighter stars every clear night.

By Beth Carter, Emmett

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100 years ago — everyday life tips These were originally published in the 1915 Emmett Examiner.

• To renew the luster on leather furniture, apply the white of an egg with a sponge, allow to stand a minute, then polish with a soft cloth.

• The way to be successful is to mind your own business.

• With eggs only thirty cents a dozen and wheat two cents a pound there is not much money in the poultry business these days.

• Add a slice of banana to the white of one egg and beat until stiff. The banana will entirely dissolve and a delicious substitute for whipped cream will result.

• To make pie crusts brown and crisp looking, brush the top crust with milk.

• Plunge tomatoes in very hot water then into cold. The skin will come off easily and they will remain firm.

• If your soup is too salty, try adding a few slices of raw potatoes and cook a little longer. The potatoes will absorb the surplus salt.

• “There are two things that make me hesitate about buying a farm,” said the city man. “What are they?” inquired the expert performer in real estate. “All the people I know who want to buy farms don’t know a thing about farming and all those who want to sell them has had a whole a lot of experience.”

• Some of the greatest windfalls

have come from hard work.

• Good luck is the thing that goes with energetic, persistent effort.

• It is very much better to do one good thing today than to put a dozen off until tomorrow.

• A wise thing in a horse trade is to keep your eyes open, your mouth closed and leave your pocketbook at home.

• Did you ever fly off the handle and afterwards think of how much easier you could have won your point by keeping calm.

• “If” is the most unsatisfactory word in our language.

• You can’t gain admission to a man’s confidence by knocking.

• There are other wise people and otherwise.

Learn a little every day — 100 years ago • The first steel pen was made in 1830.

• The first newspaper was published in England in 1588 and the first advertisement appeared in 1652.

• For scalded fingers make a solution of baking soda and water, place in a glass in which the fingers may be dipped repeatedly. This will alleviate the pain quickly.

• The largest pumpkin grown in Gem County to date was raised by S. P. Bane. It measured 7 feet 1 inch in circumference and weighed 180 pounds.

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Postage stamp post offices of Gem County Some post offices are not much bigger than a postage stamp. In rural Gem County, they are more than just a place to pick up mail and buy stamps. They are community gathering places.

LETHA — 83636 The Letha post office was established May 2, 1911, by Thomas Thompson. Some other postmasters were Alton W. Newell, June 29, 1912; Roy P. Batton, Oct. 14, 1920; and Frederick W. Fischer, July 12, 1923. It is on Payette River, nine miles northwest of Emmett.

Above: The current Sweet post office. (Photo submitted by Kim Newman, Ola Community Newsletter) Left: Old post office brass mailboxes are still used with alphabet combinations. It is inside of the Letha Store. (Photo submitted by Bonnie Diedrich-Houston)

OLA — 83657 kiel Sweet. Other postmasters include Peter Shoo, May 18, 1895; Thomas W. Porter, Jan. 2, 1894; Frank Noland, May 10, 1895; Warren Taylor, May 13, 1901; Samuel Lilly, Feb. 20, 1907; Mercy Sheffen (could be Skippen), Nov. 20, 1908; and M. A. Boynton November 1910; Anna Skippen, Sept. 17, 1910; George S. Harris, Feb. 13, 1914, Ella Linebarger, March 19, 1918; Rosa Bennet, Oct. 10, 1919; also with no dates Rosa Hammond and Rosa Goins.

In 1967, they discontinued the mail to Horseshoe Bend.

The post office is 15 miles northeast of Emmett and 12 miles northwest of HorseSWEET — 83670 shoe Bend.

By Diana Baird The Sweet post office was established in 1885 by EzeMessenger Index The current Ola post office.

The first established Ola post office was in 1875 as Upper Squaw Creek July 22, 1882, by Carroll Baird.

Some other postmasters were Miranda Perron, Nov. 10, 1890; Benjamin F. Shepard, Feb. 27, 1892; George W. Smith, Nov. 21, 1895; Benjamin Shepard, May 6, 1901; John M. Holbrook, July 18, 1903; Edward Thornton, Sept. 28, 1906; Sherman Glenn, Oct. 25, 1908; John Babcock, Dec. 10, 1918; and Palmer W. Wharton, Aug. 10, 1917.

It is 19 miles southwest of Smiths Ferry and 15 miles north of Sweet.

Kim Newman, Ola Community Newsletter

Be it ever so humble ...

It’s “our Town” We have often heard people speak disparagingly of their own town because it happened to be small and struggling. That not only discloses disloyalty, but a species of mental “peanut-ting” that is inimical to either communal or individual growth.

The town where you live is your hometown. You should always be ready to speak a good word for it and put your shoulder to the wheel to assist it.

To treat it with a measure of contempt because it is not so large or perhaps so prosperous as some of its neighbors, is equivalent to heaping odium upon yourself because you are not so rich or powerful as others.

Each of or towns can grow and become useful contributors to the welfare of the state, but there just be a prideful interest in them on the part of the citizens. Nothing will breed it more than a healthful spirit of development.

Feb. 24, 1915, The Emmett Index

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Poultry, Pigs, Rabbits, Horses, Goats, Sheep, Cattle, Cats, Dogs and Alpacas.

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Facebook friends craft together Community catalyst, Barbara Huguenin, was sitting home crafting and thought it would be nice to have some friends join her. Within a few key strokes, Crafting Fools, a “by invitation only” Facebook group was formed. Now two years strong, with 149 official members, this group meets monthly at “The Dog House.”

Ladies work individually or choose one specific project that everyone participates in. You can usually find between eight to 12 ladies laughing, talking, teaching and sharing their crafting knowledge, while knitting, crocheting or even committing acts of macramé.

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Above: The Crafting Fools are growing in numbers. Pictured are Cyndi Dunbar Butticci, Laure Hershman, Teri Hodgins Nyce, Kari TaylorSchreck, Karen Meyer Luther, Kristan Reinhold Ellsworth, Lillie Joyce Smith, Dorothy Franklin, Stacie Jim Brock and Mary Knight.

to perfect his baking skills and the ladies look forward to his culinary creations.

The Crafting Fools have made an impact on our community. Twenty different sheep themed table centerpieces were created for the Idaho Historical Society fundraiser, hosted by Mayor Bill Butticci, at the Little Mansion. Santa needed a place for children’s letters at Walter Knox Memorial Hospital, so the “fools” jumped in and created Santa’s Magical Mailbox.

For the last two years, hand-made frames for photos of the participants of the First Wednesday Annual Father/Daughter Dances have been created by the Crafting Fools.

When asked for a mission statement regarding the Crafting Fools, Barbara Huguenin replied, “Want something? Just make it happen!”

By Kari Taylor-Schreck

Below: Twenty different sheep themed table centerpieces were created by the Crafting Fools for a fundraiser.

Submitted photos

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RESTORING TRACTORS

Make the old look new Franklin J. Gatfield grew up on a farm in Montour. His father, Harvey N. and his grandfather, Harvey Allen farmed in the Montour area since the early 1900s. J's love for farming started at a very young age. He learned to work hard and long hours to produce good quality products.

J loves to restore International and Farmall tractors. In 19711973, he worked for the International Harvester dealership in Emmett where his love to make the older equipment look like new was enhanced.

Over the years, he has restored an A Farmall, two super C's, 350 International, 2- 504 Internationals, a 686 International, a 04 In-

ternational (called a Haney Tractor on the television show "Green Acres") a manure spreader, a grain drill and many others.

J worked for Idaho Power for over 31 years where he ordered, built and helped design the trucks and trailers purchased for the company. In 2000, J and his wife, Delma built their Montour home on seven acres. They raise buffalo, hay, a two acre garden and an orchard. He build a 30' x 72' x 16' high tunnel where they grow and to sell. He retired in 2011, but the farm and animals keeps him busier than ever.

A: It took months to restore the machinery. It was a work in progress, waiting on money and finding parts.

Q: How difficult was it to get spare parts for an older tractor etc?

A: J bought spare tractors and made parts. He traveled miles to look for equipment and asked Above: Restored grain drill. questions to older farmers that Below: Restored manure spreader. might have parts or know of where to find them.

J looks at a website called "Red Power." It is for people who love red tractors. You can ask questions, get information for probQ: How long did it take to re- lems, learn where to get parts, store each piece of machinery? share stories and pictures.

Submitted photos

Q: What were some of the challenges?

A: Finding parts that are no longer made, saving money to do the next section and having room for all of the parts and pieces (that my wife didn't want laying around).

Q: How would you encourage others to restore or repurpose their items?

A: There is something about creating something old to something new again. Seeing it used the way it is suppose to be used. Knowing that I put my heart and soul into it to master a project. Having success Submitted photo and seeing the results and accomplishment when it is done.

Four generations of Gatfield men sit on tractors on the farm in Montour. Some of the tractors were restored by J. Gatfield. From left

By Diana Baird on tractors are Harvey N. Gatfield, Franklin J. Gatfield, Todd J. Gatfield and Chance J. Gatfield on little red tractor.

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Firehouse big Dutch babies This recipe comes from one of the best fire department chefs I've known, Ken Balkkan. I have seen several versions of this dish, all being similar in their simplicity. The advantages to many dishes that are found in fire stations are simple ingredients, fast preparation times and can be made to feed a few or many easily.

Dutch babies can be used like pancakes or waffles, served with sides of bacon or

sausage or topped with fruits and jams. They are at their best right out of the oven, but as often is the case, just as we were sitting down to eat, the alarm would go off. (It was quite the treat when microwaves came into our stations.)

That being said, some of the best tasting meals were ones we had after a night of fighting fires. They were right where we left them, on the kitchen table, room temperature but ... oh so good.

Article and photos by Citizen Chef of Gem County Marty Huguenin

Messenger Index

Firehouse big Dutch babies Pan size 2 to 3 qts.

3 to 4 qts.

4 to 4 ½ qts.

4 ½ to 5 qts.

Butter ¼ cup 1/3 cup ½ cup ½ cup

Eggs 3 4 5 6

Milk and flour ¾ cups each 1 cup each 1 ¼ cups each 1 ½ cups each

Put butter in pan and set in heated oven at 350 degrees.

Mix batter quickly while butter is melting in oven. Put eggs in blender and whirl at high speed for 1 minute. With blender running, pour in milk, then slowly add flour, continue whirling for approximately 30 seconds. Pour mixture into heated pan.

Bake until puffy and browned – 20-25 minutes. Serve with lemon juice and powdered sugar or maple syrup, along with fresh fruit.

By Citizen chef of Gem County, Marty Huguenin

Steps, from left to right: 1. Simple ingredients.

2. Melt the butter in the oven.

3. Whirl at high speed.

4. Pour mixture into heated pan.

5. Bake until done!

Above: Dutch baby — bake until browned and puffy. Right: Marty Huguenin.

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Slow.

Routine.

Rhythmic.

Methodical.

Back and forth.

Her hands and feet move smoothly in unison to create beautiful, hand woven cloth.

When done correctly, Cheryl Wurtenberger is able to weave at a speed of 1 yard per hour on one of her four looms.

"I like the heritage, the history of these looms.

Weaving is a soothing process."

She explains the different parts of the looms like they are old friends.

Threading the warp takes precision and patience to pass the 400 threads through the heddles (wire attached to the loom shaft). Heddles are suspended from a harness. These threads are each 5 yards long.

Changing this color can dramatically change the final fabric. This creates 20 threads per inch.

Her steady hand creates a rhythm tossing the yarn-filled shuttle back and forth.

Her feet move effortlessly across the treadles to create the unique pattern. When she first starts on a new pattern it can take a few times to get a rhythm going.

She prefers hand-spun, natural yarns, especially wool and cotton. She spins threads from wool of her own sheep.

All this starts with deciding on a pattern. She has Janet Monti / Messenger Index favorites. Or she will take a traditional pattern from Cheryl Wurtenberger weaves most Tuesdays at Antiques and an old book. Sometimes she adds a new twist.

Things in downtown Emmett.

Scenes around her serve as inspiration — spring-

Submitted photo

Weaver Cheryl Wurtenberger has a 100-year-old counter balance loom in her home. time on the east slope of the Emmett Valley; shadows created by green fields; blues of the sky and river.

When working on the loom, Wurtenberger feels like she's connected to the past — those who've woven before her.

"I love the history of it. It connects me with how things were done in the past. Weaving have been around since the Egyptians."

Wurtenberger is steward to four looms — two are counter balance; a jack; and a table loom. Each loom is used for different projects — tea towels, area rugs, afghans, blankets and ponchos.

"I'm always trying new things, looking at patterns in old books."

By Janet Monti, Messenger Index

You've got mail — in the garden mailbox Joyce McMahon creatively used mosaic glass pieces to make a beautiful garden mailbox. The box was painted white and a veggie design was drawn on it. Using liquid nails as an adhesive, she placed the colored glass on the design. From design to completion took a little over a week. She says it is great therapy.

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Messenger Index

The garden, the fence and the gate A mom's garden journal The garden We've been putting a lot of our time this year into growing. Growing children? Yes, of course.

Growing cattle? Yup, uh huh. But also growing food. Naturally.

What's a homestead without a big garden? Well, not as legit of a homestead, maybe? We've done gardens in the past, sort of, but this has been our best so far. I ordered non-GMO, nonhybrid, heirloom seeds in January or February, and started 50 or more tomato plants, peppers and a bunch of other items. I only had success with the tomatoes. I planted 24 of them and then we had to leave for Texas and the

other plants in the starter containers next to the tomatoes somehow didn't get water. They were shriveled up and dead by the time we got home.

The corn was popping up, as were the melons, pumpkins, squash and beans. A month and a half later - they were all over the place.

We added a little sand box to the left of the hen house. The kids play out there forever, which works great for when I want to be in the garden.

Oh the weeding opportunities that a garden provides! Everyone is supposed to weed their age times 10. For two days we paid anything over that a penny a weed.

By Carrie Andelin, Sweet

Photos by Carrie Andelin

Above: The squash patch kids. Right: Our garden yield.

The garden fence I really wanted a natural fence, and so, after pinning a few on Pinterest, Weston had an idea of what I had in mind. And we started to work on it.

So, after having one and a half sections completed, after three months, we tore out the un-sturdy natural fence and put in a nice sturdy, tall picket fence.

The garden fence gate I had a door from the old ranch house that used to stand in our house's place. We lived in the old farmhouse for the first year that we

were on the ranch. It was a sweet little place, but moldy in the basement. Our son's asthma really started when we moved into it, so we tore it down.

I cleaned the closet door and painted it with some bright paint and then sealed it with polyurethane. We put chicken wire on it, then we reinforced it a bit and hung it in the back corner of the garden.

One morning last summer, the kids and I went out together to see what we could pick in the garden. We sauteed some squash up and it was yummy.

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12-BC-014 Emmett Scene Magazine ad Full page 8.75" x 8.87" Runs 3-28-12

Family history — who are you?

Many families in Gem County have a long history in the area; others have come here from places near and far.

Learning more about your family history is an adventure. It is even more exciting when you start early enough to talk with older relatives.

Reach out to parents, grandparents and anyone who can share information with you. Find a box to store any certificates, articles, journals, photos or other items with family history value. Keep it in a safe, dry, cool space.

Find out who in your family has original documents and photos, and make time to visit with them.

Record what you have found. Free versions of genealogy software, such as RootsMagic, Legacy or Family Tree are available. Record individuals using birth names to help eliminate confusion. Recording spouses or adoptions separately on your family tree will help identify later name changes.

Be sure to write out dates and city, county, state and country of events. Write down where you get your information.

Research family members. Add missing names, dates and relationships using documents created during your ancestor's lifetime. Verify family stories using online genealogy sites and databases such as familysearch. org (free) like Ancestry. com (paid site with a free trial). Using online databases and church, city, county or state records, locate documents that verify events in your ancestors’ lives. Military records, newspaper records, land records, immigration

records, probate records, criminal records and other records, when put together, create a fascinating picture of your ancestors - and tell you a lot about yourself!

Many genealogy database sites are available and searchable for free at the Emmett Family History Center, which is located at 980 W. Central Road in Emmett, and is staffed by volunteers.

Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 6:308:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

By Cindy Hale

Alise Ale and Lilo Groening look at family history stories, photos and information each have compiled. Some was gathered by putting together old newspaper articles and family documents.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE GENERAL PRACTICE

Tim Fleming

Offering residents of Gem County and all of southern Idaho sound advice and quality legal representation.

“Evening and weekend appointments available to accommodate your schedule.” Ted Fleming

1312 S Washington, Ste F Emmett, Idaho 83617 • 208.365.9400 www.fleminglawofidaho.com ted@fleminglawofidaho.com • timfleminglaw@gmail.com 1248522

Janet Monti / Messenger Index

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EMMETT, IDAHO

Let's Walk Gem County

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Payette River greenbelt • Gem Island Sports Complex 1.217 miles • Waste Water Treatment Plant 2.407 miles • See historical bridges

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Short walks, active chores, walking the dog—it all adds up to a healthy lifestyle. Encourage others to walk, bike, run or get outdoors and off the couch, away from TV and computer screens and get moving!

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WILD ROSE PARK

Emmett is a "Let's Move" city.

Let's take walking to the county also!

Get healthy!

Stay healthy!

Payett

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Messenger Index

Last

The Health Fair Facebook

Walk the historic bridges Map ID •A •B •C •D •E

Bridge name Butte Road bridge Grape Street bridge Lolo Creek bridge Gem Island Sports Railroad bridge

Recreation Center gemcountyrecreation.com

Health rankings

County of origin Gem Latah Clearwater Ada Gem

countyhealthrankings.org

Go outdoors Idaho gooutdoorsidaho.com

Idaho biking FROZEN DOG

Walk historic downtown

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Downtown Emmett is a fun walk as you notice building architecture and advertising ghostings. There are also picturesque homes that date back to 1890 and the early 1900s.

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Non-motorized trails

Sand Hollow Road at Highway 16

Walk the cycle park

Non-motorized trails are for walking, biking or running.

Do not walk on motorized trails. Use caution on the nonmaintained trails and keep an eye out for rattle snakes.

Letha bridge to the Snake River confluence. Letha bridge to Falk bridge 7 miles. Falk to Blacks bridge 12 miles. Black to Snake River 25 miles.

Montour to Black Canyon - Montour Wildlife area to Reagan Butte 2 miles to Black Canyon 3.5 miles.

Horseshoe Bend bridge to Montour. HSB bridge to Diversion Drop 2 miles. To second bridge rapids 5 miles. To class 2 Riffle 8 miles. To Montour Wildlife area 12.5 miles.

Map courtesy of Gem County Assessor's Office PAGE 16

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EMMETT, IDAHO

HIGH TECH FARMING

Tractors basically drive themselves Raising his children in a good environment and teaching them to work hard is a main goal of Emmett farmer John Rosti. For the past three years he has made farm work a bit easier by using high precision global positioning system technology.

The family of farmers includes his parents Sam and Carrie Rosti who farm in Star and his brother-in-law who works for Sam as well as running his own on the side. John's wife Lacie and their children Jackson and Shana support the farming life.

Since 2011, John has been using John Deere's line of GPS Green Star equipment on two of his newer 20 and 30 series tractors. The tractors come from the factory ready to be installed with GPS technology.

His system includes a base station with a receiver to connect with the GPS signal from satellites. The system can come with a satellite system or a very precise Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) sub-inch. It provides GPS information accurate to within 1 inch which gives farmers pass-to-pass and year-to-year repeatable accuracy.

The tractors also have a steering valve installed. By pushing a button in the cabin, it makes the tractor handsfree. "It makes these tractors basically drive themselves," John said. "The

Right and top right: John Rosti used high technology GPS mainly on two tractors.

Left: The precision satellite system, RTK sub-inch is hands-free. The satellite receiver can be removed and used on other equipment.

Diana Baird / Messenger Index

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2015 RURAL LIFE

precise lines increase productivity, saves you fuel and time. It is literally the way of the future," he said.

Q: What happens when you get to the end of the row?

A: You are still the operator and have to turn the tractor around. On the newer ones there's different programs where the tractors will turn themselves but is it very costly. It's all based on how precise you want to get and about how much you want to pay.

I'm running two systems not only in my tractors for ground work and for bedding purposes for ground prep. We are also running them on the swathers for hay cutting, keeping straight lines and saving on that fuel and time.

Q: So what did your dad say when you wanted to go GPS? That must have been foreign for him.

A: Absolutely, you nailed it. We had a talk about it and he questioned it, but he knew that it was inevitable. It worked out really well because after I bought my system, he saw the value in it based on the time savings and what I could do in a 24-hour period compared to what his guys could do in a 24-hour period. He absolutely uses it now. It's a key for his operation and mine.

Q: Do you know how many other farmers in the area use the GPS?

A: In the Gem County area there is probably only three or four. Throughout the Treasure Valley I would say at least 85 percent of farmers are using this technology now. It's not the way of the future ... it is the now. The technology keeps getting better and better.

The farmers see the tremendous value in it.

Q: What do one of the GPS units cost?

A: The John Deere RTK fully integrated system as far as the sub-inch technology will run about $25-26,000.

We move it from one tractor to the next. Depending on how old the trac-

tor is. It enables a farmer to be able to utilize less systems with more pieces of equipment.

The RTK system for the basic GPS, allows a farmer to run with handsfree technology but without sub-inch for accuracy, will cost in the $12,000 range. Different ag companies have different systems. Some have their own towers and systems and it's just all preference.

There is "in the field" tech support for the system with local GPS technicians.

By Diana Baird Messenger Index

EMMETT, IDAHO

Messenger Index

Tips and tricks for cooking with wine At 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, we cook with wine almost daily; food and wine come together naturally when you are living and working in a vineyard and winery. We are so fortunate to live in a region that offers that rare combination of farm and ranch, forest and field, river and ocean and lovely vineyards and wines.

We cook with wine whenever possible. Wine has that magical quality of balancing and enriching the flavors in a dish without adding salt or fat.

If you don’t regularly cook with wine, try including wine in your recipes in small amounts. There are a few basic lines of thought to follow.

1. Quality matters. That old saying “don't cook with wine you wouldn't drink” is true Just like other poor products, poor wine will not get better with the cooking.

2. Red or White? The bear that said, “White wine with fishermen, red wine with hunters” wasn't too far off.

A lighter wine generally suits lighter

Left: Food and wine come together naturally.

Background: 3 Horse Ranch Vineyard and Winery is in Gem County.

foods, use red wine with richer foods, this is a good rule of thumb that will work for most recipes.

The most natural way to cook with wine is to use wine instead of broth or water when moisture is required in a recipe. Use wine to deglaze a pan when sautéing, to braise in when making a slow cooked meal, as part of a marinade or to add flavor to a sauce.

As you are looking at recipes, observe those that include wine in the list of ingredients. As you read them you’ll notice that the wine is typically added early in the preparation of the dish, reducing as the dish cooks.

Cooking the wine evaporates the alcohol in the wine and concentrates the flavor in the dish. Choose a wine from our beautiful region, select a recipe you’re interested in and voilà, you’re cooking with wine!

So what are you cooking with wine this week?

By Martha Cunningham

Emmett cherries win Cook-Off In 2013 Erika Harmon won the Cherry Festival Cook-Off with a grilled steelhead and cherry sauce recipe. Yearly many enter their favorite dish into the contest. The Cherry Festival is held the second full week in June in the Emmett City Park.

Submitted photos

Grilled steelhead with cherry sauce Ingredients: 3 cups pitted fresh Emmett cherries 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. freshly grated lemon peel 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes In large saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring frequently. Great served over grilled steelhead.

2015 RURAL LIFE

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Oil Change In Minutes NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

EMMETT, IDAHO

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We are Family Medicine Practitioners who specialize in Obstetrics • Pediatrics • Geriatrics • Adult Medicine Women’s Health • Immunizations We are committed to providing comprehensive health care for people of all ages, emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. We provide continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family across all ages, sexes, diseases, and parts of the body.

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Insurance Accepted

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GRAGG HOME IMPROVEMENT EMMETT, IDAHO

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LARGE SELECTION OF VINTAGE JEWELRY Antiques, Collectables, Mid Century Modern Home Furnishings, Curiosities, and a whole lot more...

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365-3290 1249680 1251848

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1251352

Comprehensive protection for your automobile or truck HOME • AUTO • BUSINESS • FARM • HEALTH

Perry F. Jenkins

Businesses

1100 S. Washington Emmett, ID • 365-4488

2030 S. Washington Ave., Emmett, ID 83617

208-398-8104 Carl Porter, PLS

Cell: 697-1194 Fax: 398-8105

carl@sawtoothls.com

1250901

1250972 1251849

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EMMETT, IDAHO

Munger danny munger Owner

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1251363

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JUNE 25TH THRU JUNE 28TH at Frontier Cinema

AUGUST 13TH THRU AUGUST 16TH at Fairgrounds

NOVEMBER 5TH THRU NOVEMBER 8TH at Frontier Cinema

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2015 RURAL LIFE

COMPLETE AUTO BODY PARTS & REPAIR European - Domestic

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Tom Helzer 208-573-1481 Jim Baker 208-407-1602 Sandi Swanson 208-869-7460

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Don Wright 208-870-3288 Connie Downs 208-880-0828 Brian Hesse 208-481-1215 Fleda Wright 208-870-7414

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EMMETT, IDAHO

Letha: A town surrounded by agriculture The town of Letha, nine miles northwest of Emmett, was named for Letha Wilton, the only daughter of W. W. Wilton, the railroad official who sponsored the New Plymouth railroad extension to Emmett. In the 1900s it was an irrigated agricultural community. Letha was on the Payette Valley Extension Railroad. The town was surrounded by 10,000 acres of Payette valley fruit, dairy and agricultural land and unlimited stock range.

Letha through the years 1906: Letha school children attended Anderson School, a one-room brick structure located about a mile west of town.

1910: Colonel Barnard and W. W. Wilton promoted the idea of extending the railroad from New Plymouth to Emmett and building a town near the railway, midway up the valley. They laid out the 20-acre town site

The Letha Store is and has always been a meeting place for locals.

Jake Jensen purchased the store and post office in 1996.

July 26, 1910 and lots were sold by lottery August 22. Lots, parcels or tracts were sold for $100 each. A $25 deposit was required to register for the lot with a balanced owed of $75 payable at the rate of $5 per month without interest.

Eighty acres were divided into business and residence lots, four one-acre tracts and one-five acre tract.

Wilton and Barnard felt for certain the Boise Cascade Lumber Co. would be built in Letha. One of Letha’s first buildings was a community hall which was later sold and used as a Mormon church for many years.

The new town would also have a new store building 20x30 erected on the town site.

Water could be had for $1 per lot for perpetual right.

1911: The Baptist church erected a church with donated community funds.

The Letha post office was established May 2, 1911, by Thomas Thompson.

1912: A cheese factory was constructed

2015 COMMUNITY EVENTS ❖ Easter Egg Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 4 ❖ 6th Annual GCCC Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 11 Member Services ❖ Emmett Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 25 ❖ Wings & Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 18 Small Business Education ❖ Youth Appreciation Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 25 Networking Events & ❖ Rotary Youth Benefit & Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 2 Luncheons ❖ Friends of the Library 4th Annual Second Hand Rose Fashion Show . May 9 FREE Business Listing on ❖ 4H Love at First Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 9 Chamber Website Advocacy ❖ The Health Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 16 Ribbon Cutting & Grand ❖ Emmett Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June through October Openings ❖ Gem County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA Business Credibility ❖ 81st Annual Emmett Cherry Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 17-20 ❖ Emmett Optimist Annual Fireworks Show . . . . . . . . . . . . July 4 ❖ 26th Annual Cruise Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 18 ❖ Gem/Boise County Fair & Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . July 30-Aug . 1 ❖ Kids’ Splash & Dash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug . 7 ❖ Emmett’s Most Excellent Triathlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug . 8 2015 ❖ Gem County Relay for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug . 14-15 Gem County Chamber ❖ Emmett’s 2nd Annual Glow Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sept . 18 ❖ 23rd Annual Harvest Festival & Street Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA of Commerce ❖ River Through Time Civil War Encampment . . . . . . . . . . Oct . 3-4 1022 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617 ❖ Idaho Renaissance Faire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct . 10-11 Phone: 208-365-3485 ❖ Kickin Cowgirl Christmas Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov . 14 Fax: 208-365-3220 ❖ G .C .R .D . Magic on Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov . 28 chamber@emmettidaho.com ❖ Multi-Church Music Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA www.emmettidaho.com 1248516

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on the corner of Cherry Street and Boise Avenue. It was operated by Joseph Randandt who rose at 5 a.m. to gather the cans of milk by horse and wagon. Alton W. Newell was the Letha postmaster, June 29, 1912.

1915: The buildings in town were the depot, general store, creamery, lumber yard, blacksmith. In April, R. L. Batton re-opened the lumber yard.

1916: Bauer and Fischer families settled in Letha.

1919: R. L. Batton established the first garage, Motor Supply Co. 1920: Roy Batton was the Letha postmaster, Oct. 14, 1920.

1923: Frederick W. Fischer was Letha postmaster, July 12. Fischer moved from Emmett to Letha and bought the original general store and house owned by Pitts, who jointly owned the Letha Store with Batton.

Harry Bauer bought the blacksmith shop.

1929: The Letha Store new store and post office was built in 1929 on West Idaho

Blvd. by Frederick Fischer. It is still on that same building site. Henry Bauer moved to Letha about that time and bought a house and the blacksmith shop which burned in 1942. He build a larger one that still stands behind the Letha Store. In front of his house, a block west of the store, he had a gas pump and small oil house that were operated by his wife and children when they heard a car honk for service.

1968: Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Vickery operated the store and post office.

1996: Jake Jensen, current postmaster, purchased the Letha Store and post office Nov. 15, 1996. The story still offers a variety of groceries and great old time stories. Serving as a general merchandise store, they pride themselves in the small town lifestyle and still use the original mailboxes with the alphabet combination locks.

Information provided by Bonnie Diedeich-Houston.

EMMETT, IDAHO

Messenger Index

Living on Main Street The rumble of engines and loud music tells me it’s either 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. It’s easy to tell time when you live on Main Street. It’s rather fun to stand outside and see how many "honks" and 'hellos" you can get. Then it’s suddenly 6 p.m. and all is quiet again.

From my window, the Emmett City Park and Main Street are in full view. Squirrels that dodge cars and run along power lines are entertaining. But what I look forward to is Cherry Festival! When I open the front door, I can see my own personal carnival right in my front yard. As well as the “oldies” car show, Easter egg hunt, Relay for Life event or family picnics. Actually it’s a great spot to live. During the warmer seasons you can walk around the park or enjoy a dip in the public swimming pool.

This old house on the corner of Johns and Main streets was originally built and owned by C.C. Moore. I wonder if the Moore family and the DeClark family, directly across Main out the front door, were friends and sat and chatted on their front porches as we do with our neighbors today?

When the houses were young, 110 years ago, the city park was a plum orchard and this part of Main Street was a dusty old country road. Folks would tie their horses in front of the houses, for they were country residences and cars were a thing of the future. Homeowners were able to see downtown, the new city water tower and Parkview School, which was built across from the park where the post office is now. The huge trees standing in the park today had not yet been planted. Trees and rose bushes were later added as the park was developed.

Today, the huge, grand maple tree can be seen from my window, and I can view the tallest yellow pine tree in Gem County from my front door. I wonder what will be seen from my window in another 100 years. I wonder what it will be like living on Main Street?

By David Vahlberg

Above: Living in a house at one of the busiest intersections in town gives ample opportunity to celebrate all events and holidays in style.

Right: In addition to the human residents, Emmett is also known for its squirrels.

Submitted photos

WHAT IS IT?

Answer on page 30

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Messenger Index

EMMETT, IDAHO

Smile! It's a vintage camera When L.A. Gordon was 12 years old, he bought a little box of Kodak film.

When you opened it up the box it had general instructions. It had bright sun settings and overcast setting information. He took a whole roll of Panasonic X or PanX. It was the finest grain black and white available. The pictures were developed and shown around people told him he had a talent for photography.

He began collecting cameras in the early 60s from junk stores or anywhere he could find them in southern California. One day he went to a local thrift shop near his house and bought an old boxed camera for a quarter. It is called a target 616 which takes 616

black and white film.

He was interested in astronomy and pointed the camera on a table at the north star and set the lens to open and pointed it at polaris. Spending the night on a hammock, he closed the lens before the sun came up. After developing the film, he saw a photo with a dot in the middle and a lot of concentric star circles around it. There were streaks going through it from meteors.

He was then hooked on photography.

Gordon has about 200 cameras he has purchased at yard sales and thrift stores. Colored vintage cameras are rare and hard to find. He has 1900s boxed and bellows cameras.

His mother's 1939 bellows camera

Treating youR pet as part of our family!

Diana Baird / Messenger Index

Photographer L. A. Gordon displays some vintage and antique cameras from his collection. He has been collecting since he was 12 years old.

Gem Veterinary Clinic is a full service facility committed to providing compassionate, high quality, and progressive medical and surgical care for your pets and livestock.

703 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617

365-6008

Mark Howlett, D.V.M., & Associates 1250873

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2015 RURAL LIFE

that was her high school graduation gift is a treasure. It folds up and can be put into a vest pocket.

When Gordon joined the military in 1971, he bought a single lens reflex Pentax SP500 camera that would go up to 500th of a second. He began to take nature photos around the barracks. He remembered the first time he watched black and white photos developing in a tray of chemicals. Gordon said he got goose bumps.

Many years were spent with his wife Donna in their photography studio shooting photos of Little League, weddings and family portraits. One of their studios was an old Victorian house. They lived in the back of the home and had the studio in the front.

Gordon is amazed how far camera technology has come over the years compared to his small 1910 box cameras.

By Diana Baird, Messenger Index

Messenger Index

EMMETT, IDAHO

Photo contest Professional

And the winners are ...

The Messenger Index asked photographers — amateur and professional — to submit their photos depicting Rural Life in Gem County. We received many beautiful photographs. The entire MI staff was involved in picking a winner. It was a difficult decision.

The first place winners will each receive a one-year subscription to the Messenger Index.

Congratulations to all who submitted a photograph.

Amateur

Linda Lantzy, 1st place, barn under moon Danyca Rainey, 3rd place, fishing pole on river Nichole Hyde, 1st place, railroad tracks

Sharon Watson, 2nd place, horse and lariat

Carrie Andelin, 2nd place, duck reading 2015 RURAL LIFE

PAGE 29

Messenger Index

EMMETT, IDAHO

Chickens in the city In April 2012, the Emmett City Chicken Ordinance was put into effect. Some requirements to keep chickens in the city limits are: • Application must be approved by Emmett code enforcement officer.

• Site plan of the chicken enclosure must be submitted with application.

• Only single dwelling homes are allowed to keep chickens.

• Minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet.

• Must have written permission from adjoining property owners.

• No roosters allowed and only six hens allowed per household.

• Chicken enclosures must be at least 10 feet from property line.

• Chicken can be free ranged in fenced back yard only.

• Renters or tenants must have property owner written permission.

• Location must be kept clean and sanitary.

• No commercial selling of the chickens or eggs.

• No butchering of chickens is allowed in public view.

• The owner gives up rights to ownership of the chicken if it is running at large.

• The permit may be revoked for violations of any provision of this ordinance.

• There is a one-time fee of $30 to apply for the chicken permit.

A complete copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall and online at cityofemmett.org or emmettpolice.com Photo by Carrie Andelin

Artists paint what they see

The creativity of artists contributes to a community. Whether it is on canvas, a milk can or a mural on the side of a building, they proudly share their works of art. They paint what they see and open our world with their creativity.

Photos by Diana Baird / Messenger index

Left: Patchwork. Right: The source.

LISA ELLISON

Are you an artist?

Traveling Idaho painting The Art Group is a group of local artists who do landscapes and still life is Lisa handiwork, painting and more on Monday mornEllison's preference. Her love for ings in downtown Emmett. For information call the natural world shines through her canvas. Ellison has studied Mary Moore at 365-4666. The Emmett Community Photos by Diana Baird / Messenger index painting with Kevin MacPherArts Commission is open to all of those interested in Left: Pheasant in snow. Right: Home in the woods. son, Louisa McElwain and Teany kind of art. Call Ida Church at 389-8141. gan painting again. She likes painting resa Vito among others. She NETTIE HALL See local rotating artist's work on display at Frontier studied the art of Fresco with a from photographs.

Framing Gallery and Gifts, 932 S. Commercial Ave. Native Idahoan, Nettie Hall, 85, master restorer in Tuscany.

Lately, she said she is too tired has always loved to draw and paint and doesn't feel like painting. We pictures of anything, but her favorite is painting scenic landscapes. Living can still enjoy what she has proWHAT IS IT? — The answer to photo #3: This is a dynamite stick warmer. It was used on a farm west of Hanna School, rais- duced over the years. Her eye for deto de-thaw frozen dynamite in the mines. There is a place for a candle under the unit and the ing four children didn't leave much tail made one admirer say that it was warmth from it would defrost the dynamite stick. Not sure who got the pleasure of lighting a time for painting. Thirty-five years an emotional reminder of her own candle under a stick of dynamite! Thanks to Nick Peterson for the photo. ago, she took a few lessons and be- home many years ago.

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2015 RURAL LIFE

APPLE VALLEY RESIDENCE THE FINEST IN ASSISTED LIVING

OFFERING: • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Respite • Day Care Tours available daily

Call 365-1497 during business hours to schedule a tour and complimentary lunch.

Visit us on the web at applevalleycorp.com

APPLE VALLEY RESIDENCE 715 N. Butte

•

Emmett Idaho

1247551

CARING IS WHAT WE DO BEST As the health care leader in Gem County, Walter Knox Memorial Hospital is committed to a healthier, stronger community. Our priority is people — our patients; that’s why we provide a wide range of services including emergency, primary care, and specialty services to meet our growing community’s needs.

•Birthing Classes

•Infusion Services

•Cardiology

•Labor & Delivery

•Sleep Disorder Services

•Dermatology

•Laboratory

•Surgery

•Diagnostic Imaging

•Maternity Services

•Transitional Care

•Ear, Nose & Throat

•Oncology

•Ultrasound

•Emergency Care

•Orthopedics

•Urology

•Family Practice

•Podiatry

•Women’s Health

•Hearing Screening

•Radiology

WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT TAKES TO GET BETTER, BECAUSE CARING IS WHAT WE DO BEST URGENT CARE

EMERGENCY ROOM

LABORATORY

Mon.-Fri.: 5-9 p.m.

Sat.-Sun.: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

M-F: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

S-S: 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

We treat you like family.™

1202 E. Locust St. | Emmett, ID | (208) 365-3561 | www.wkmh.org 1247559