Times-News Aug. 11, 2020

TIMES-NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020 |

Blow to Boise St. fans

COVID-19 vaccine study Do you want to volunteer?

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MWC conference indefinitely postpones fall football B1

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PARTLY SUNNY 90 • 63 FORECAST, B2 |

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020

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magicvalley.com

Twin Falls schools set to open RYAN BLAKE

rblake@magicvalley.com

TWIN FALLS — Students, parents and staff in Twin Falls schools should prepare to return to class full-time next week.

Twin Falls School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved Monday returning to school in the level of operation that corresponds with the county’s risk level. South Central Public Health District has not yet released the risk level for Twin Falls County, but Superintendent Brady Dickinson said he spoke with health officials Monday morning who told him the county is in the “yellow” risk designation.

“We’re going to tell our staff to prepare to open up in yellow at this

point,” Dickinson told the board.

School trustees recently approved a reopening plan that outlines four levels of district operation based on the presence of COVID-19 in the area, from mostly normal school days to fully remote instruction. The yellow level allows students to attend class in-person on a traditional schedule but includes a series of health precautions meant to encourage social distancing and prevent virus transmission. All students and staff are required to wear face masks in the yellow level.

If health officials change the risk level for Twin Falls County before school opens on Aug. 19, the district would open in the corresponding level of operation. Once the district

opens, however, board members will need to vote to change levels, Dickinson said.

“Our intention is not to move between colors back and forth every week,” he said.

Last week, South Central Public Health District’s board approved a plan for determining the risk level in each county. Health officials will use several criteria for determining risk, including case totals, positivity rate and hospital capacity. Risk levels will be issued for counties, and the plan is not formal guidance for area schools, though many disDREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS FILE PHOTO tricts based their reopening plans on those assessments. Health offi- Randy Givens, school security officer, has a family fill out a form to check cials are expected to release the risk out a Chromebook on March 30 at Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls. levels later this week.

Lebanese government resigns after Beirut blast

Pandemic aid talks come down to politics

BASSEM MROUE

WASHINGTON — Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not about to blink.

The Democratic leader has been here before, negotiating a deal with the White House to save the U.S. economy, and lessons from the Great Recession are now punctuating the coronavirus talks. With Republicans again balking at big government bailouts, Democratic leaders believe they have the leverage, forcing President Donald Trump into a politically risky standoff over help for millions of Americans.

“It’s impossible to know whether she has overplayed her hand until we see if there is a COVID package,” says Michael Steel, a former top aide to thenSpeaker John Boehner.

Monday brought no new talks between Trump’s team and negotiators on Capitol Hill as the president tries a go-it-alone strategy. Over the weekend, he launched a series of executive actions that give the appearance of a White House taking charge but may end up providing little help for ordinary Americans.

The president’s orders seek to reverse the devastating fallout from unemployment assistance, eviction protections and other aid that has expired. But there are limits, and legal pitfalls, in trying to make an end run around the legislative branch.

Trump acknowledged he’s still open to a deal with Congress, tweeting an invitation for the Democratic leaders to give him a call.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Associated Press

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s prime minister stepped down from his job Monday in the wake of the catastrophic explosion in Beirut that has triggered public outrage, saying he has come to the conclusion that corruption in the country is “bigger than the state.”

The move risks opening the way to dragged-out negotiations over a new Cabinet amid urgent calls for reform. It follows a weekend of anti-government protests after the Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut’s port that decimated the facility and caused widespread destruction, killing at least 160 people and injuring about 6,000 others.

In a brief televised speech after three of his ministers resigned, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said he and his government were stepping down.

“May God protect Lebanon,” he said, repeating the last phrase three times. As he spoke, protesters demonstrated in the streets near parliament for a third straight day.

The moment typified Lebanon’s political dilemma. Since October, there have been mass demonstrations demanding the departure of the entire sectarian-based leadership over entrenched corruption, incompetence and mismanagement.

But the ruling oligarchy has held onto power for so long — since the end of the civil war in 1990 — that it is difficult to find Please see LEBANON, Page A5

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS

A FINE DAY FOR FISH STOCKING Daniel Anta, with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, unleashes about 1,000 rainbow trout into Lake Cleveland near Pomerelle Mountain on Monday. See more photos of fish stocking at Magicvalley. com/gallery.

Please see AID, Page A5

An early warning system Researchers hope to spot algae blooms in waters from space NATALIA GUTIERREZ-PINTO

Idaho Statesman

BOISE — Detecting algae blooms is not an easy task, especially in regions with as many small and remote bodies of water as Idaho. According to Idaho’s Department of Water Resources, the state has more than 2,000 lakes and about 93,000 miles of streams and rivers.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY When algal blooms happen, Blooms can vary in appearance, sometimes looking like mats, foam, or Idaho’s Department of Envisurface sum. Blooms can range in color from blue and bright green to brown ronmental Quality is in charge and red. Some blooms produce a foul odor. This one is from the Brownlee of issuing advisories for people Reservoir in August 2016. engaging in water-related recreSUBSCRIBERS: In this rapidly changing news environment, make sure your digital account is activated so you can read the latest local news.

A digital copy of your newspaper is included with your membership.

Visit magicvalley.com/activate to activate your account.

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OBITUARIES COMICS OPINION •

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cyanobacteria because of their blue-green color. These organisms can do photosynthesis, meaning they can produce their own food from carbon dioxide and sunlight, like plants.

Cyanobacteria are natural inhabitants of ecosystems, both in water and soil, and are food for many other organisms. They live year-round, but their numbers naturally grow when temperatures warm in the late spring.

Blooms occur when conditions for cyanobacteria are ideal and there is an abundance of resources — especially nitrogen and phosphorus — in their habWhat is an algae bloom? itat. Many human activities conThese blooms in Idaho’s bod- tribute to that nitrogen increase, ies of water are actually caused by a type of bacteria — called Please see ALGAE, Page A5 ational activities.

However, the DEQ doesn’t have the resources to constantly monitor all bodies of water in the hope of detecting blooms early, so it mostly relies on people reporting blooms when they are already happening.

Idaho researchers at the USGS Idaho Water Science Center are studying how to use satellite images to help local environmental agencies with the early detection of blooms. This could save the public thousands of dollars in operational costs and health care fees.

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THE MARKET AT A GLANCE

CURIOUS MIND

Stocks rise on Wall Street; S&P 500 within 1% of record

Billingsley Creek park plans still not complete

‌ EW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes closed mostly N higher Monday, nudging the S&P 500 within striking distance of its all-time high set in February.

The S&P 500 rose 0.3% after wavering between small gains and losses in the early going. The benchmark index is now within 1% of its last record high.

The gains came on the first trading day since President Donald Trump announced several stopgap moves to aid the economy in response to the collapse of talks on Capitol Hill for a bigger rescue package.

Trump signed executive orders over the weekend to extend an expired benefit for unemployed workers, among other things. The orders were more limited than what investors hoped to see from a full rescue bill for the economy, but hopes remain that the White House and Congress can return to talks and find a compromise.

The S&P 500 gained 9.19 points to 3,360.47. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 357.96 points, or 1.3%, to 27,791.44. The Nasdaq composite lost 42.63 points, or 0.4%, to 10,968.36.

‌Q

: Hagerman has been working on a park with camping, biking, and fishing. Is it open yet?

A: “It isn’t open yet, but phases of the project have begun,” said KIMBERLY Laura SnyWILLIAMS- der, deputy BRACKETT clerk for the city of Hagerman.

“We look forward to having this beautiful project completed and open for all.”

A 2017 news release from the Idaho Depart-

ment of Parks and Recreation stated “Proposed future projects for the Billingsley Creek Unit include an amphitheater, entrance kiosk, interpretive displays, repairs to the indoor riding arena, a large group picnic shelter and group camping area.”

“Billingsley Creek, a unit of Thousand Springs State Park in Hagerman, will eventually have a campground,” Idaho State Parks and Recreation spokesperson Chelsea Chambers said. “However, it will not be complete for several years.

The visitor center must be built first and we have yet to break ground on

that.”

“The visitors center bids will be received next week. If we receive favorable bids that we can award the construction of part of the entrance road, visitors center and associated parking will begin this fall and be under construction through next summer,” Chambers said.

“The grounds will have RV and bus parking, regular parking, staff offices, an interpretive area and general visitors center functions.”

“The campground is planned to be 50 units (campsites) with a restroom/shower house fa-

cility,” Chambers said.

“The bike trail is complete. Our portion is approximately 2,200 feet in length. It connects to a portion that the Hagerman Bike Walk Committee also constructed last summer that goes into the city of Hagerman. Both portions of the trail border Highway 30.”

“Campers and park visitors can fish in Billingsley Creek,” said Chambers.

Have a question? Just ask and we’ll find an answer for you. Email your question to Kimberly Williams Brackett at timesnewscuriousmind@ gmail.com with “Curious Mind” in the subject line.

A DAY ON WALL STREET Aug. 10, 2020

Dow Jones industrials 357.96 27,791.44

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Pct. change from previous: 1.30%

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High 27,803.86

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Low 27,488.21

Aug. 10, 2020

Nasdaq composite -42.63 10,968.36

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Aug. 10, 2020

Standard & Poor’s 500 9.19

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Pct. change from previous: 0.27%

11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000

High 11,040.24 Low 10,849.46

Pct. change from previous: -0.39%

3,360.47

30,000 28,000 26,000 24,000 22,000 20,000 18,000 16,000

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High 3,363.29

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3,400 3,200 3,000 2,800 2,600 2,400 2,200 2,000

Low 3,335.44

MARKET ROUNDUP 081020: GRAINS REPORT Market charts show Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq; stand-alone; 2c x 4 $4.30 Prices quoted by JD Heiskell. ‌ heese ‌inches; staff; ETA(bushel).

C 5 p.m.

Prices current July 13.‌

Barrels $1.5175 -12.5 Blocks $1.7050 -11 Prices current as of Aug. 7.‌ Editor’s Note: It is mandatory Valley Beans ‌ all to include are net to growers, 100 pounds, U.S. Valley Grains ‌ sources that Prices accompany this graphic when 1 beans, less Idaho bean tax and storage Prices for wheat per bushelrepurposing mixed grain, No. or editing it subject for publication charges.

Prices to change without oats, corn and beans per hundredweight. notice. Producers desiring more recent price Prices subject to change without notice.‌ Wheat $4.50, barley, $6.70 (cwt) corn, $7.85 information should contact dealers.‌ (cwt) oats, $7.50 (cwt). Prices are given by Open market prices established by Kelley Bean’s Idaho locations: pintos ask, great Rangen in Buhl. Prices current Aug. 10.‌ Corn $7.50 (cwt) barley, $5.00 (cwt) wheat, northerns ask, small reds ask, blacks ask, pinks ask. Quotes current Aug. 10.‌

Twin Falls man sentenced for insurance fraud TIMES-NEWS

‌ OISE — A Twin Falls B man will serve five years of probation, do community service and pay a fine after pleading guilty to insurance fraud.

Riley Presher, 27, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty in May, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said in a statement.

Fifth District Court Judge Rosemary Emory

sentenced Presher five years in prison. She then suspended the sentence and placed Presher on five years of supervised probation. The court also ordered 120 days of jail time to be served with options, as well as 150 hours of community service. In lieu of the jail time, Presher was given the opportunity to perform an additional 150 hours of community service. Presher was or-

Police recover body from canyon TIMES-NEWS

J‌ EROME — Search crews were able to recover a body from the Snake River Canyon after the person apparently drove off the road deliberately.

The Jerome County Sheriff’s Office said the person drove into the can-

yon at the overlook next to the Perrine Bridge at about 9 p.m. Sunday. The incident is believed to have been a suicide.

Officials recovered the person’s body but had not contacted family members as of late Monday morning.

Need help?

STREAMFLOWS ‌Average daily flows Snake River at Heise 10,460 cfs Snake River at Blackfoot 2,201cfs Snake River at American Falls 11,021 cfs Snake River at Minidoka 8,866 cfs Snake River at Milner 0 cfs Little Wood River near Carey 32 cfs Jackson Lake is 91% full.

Palisades Reservoir is 81% full.

American Falls Reservoir is 52% full.

Upper Snake River system is at 71% of capacity.

Updated Aug. 9.

Evidence shows that suicide is not inevitable for anyone, and that lives can be saved with mental health support. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, help is less than a moment away. Call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-4357 or the national hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text 741741 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

dered to pay a $750 fine and court costs. He will also pay $1,260 in restitution to the Idaho Department of Insurance and $1,943 to Sentry Insurance. Finally, Emory ordered 30 days of discretionary jail time to be used by Presher’s probation officer.

Wasden said Presher backed his uninsured truck into his friend’s vehicle in December 2017. The next morning, Presher pur-

Twin Falls County Republican picnic scheduled for Wednesday TIMES-NEWS

‌ WIN FALLS — The T annual summer picnic hosted by the Twin Falls County Republican Party is scheduled for Wednesday.

T h e 6 p.m. event will be at the Twin Falls Luna County F a i r grounds, by the free stage area.

In past years, the barbecue has been a self-service buffet, but this year the food will be served.

Prices are $10 per person or $30 per family (please

PUBLISHER Matt Sandberg matt.sandberg@magicvalley.com EDITOR Alison Smith 208-735-3255 alison.smith@magicvalley.com NEWSROOM News Tips 208-735-3264 Letters to the editor 208-735-3255 letters@magicvalley.com Obituaries 208-735-3324 MEMBERSHIP OFFERS All membership offers available magicvalley. com/members, including those advertised through our email promotions, on-site messaging, social media and any external means of promotion, are valid for new members only.

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The 6 p.m. event will be at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, by the free stage area. Prices are $10 per person or $30 per family. immediate family only).

Local elected officers and legislators will be present. State elected officers have been invited.

Tom Luna, the newly elected state Republican Party chairman will provide an update on election activities.

COVID-19 vaccine study looking for volunteers in Idaho AUDREY DUTTON

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chased insurance for his vehicle. Several hours later, he filed a claim for the accident.

Presher later admitted to investigators he misrepresented the collision date to his insurance company.

Deputy Attorneys General Jessica Cafferty and David Morse in the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case. The Department of Insurance investigated.

Idaho Statesman‌

‌BOISE — Idaho now has a vaccine study site for COVID-19.

Solaris Clinical Trials in Meridian is enrolling volunteers in clinical trials of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is one of several candidates to be fasttracked through the federal approval process.

The Treasure Valley is one of 39 sites in the U.S. for this phase of the fasttracked process.

The COVID-19 vaccine study in which Solaris is participating is placebo-controlled and double-blind, which means volunteers won’t know whether they have received the vaccine or a placebo, and neither will the clinical staff who give the injection.

“We’re looking for several hundred patients to participate in this trial” from the Treasure Valley area, said Dr. David Butuk, principal investigator.

“We’re very excited and very honored that Pfizer chose our site. ... It’s a big deal.”

Butuk said he expects to start enrolling patients this week. While clinical trials usually need to advertise to recruit patients, he said

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE VIA AP‌

In this May 4, 2020, photo distributed by the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, a patient enrolled in clinical trials of a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine receives an injection.

Solaris has already been contacted by people who want to try the vaccine and has scheduled them for an initial visit.

The study is seeking volunteers ages 18 to 85 who aren’t pregnant, are generally in good health, haven’t already been diagnosed with or tested positive for COVID-19 but are at risk of the coronavirus infection.

Volunteers will receive two injections about three weeks apart. They will have follow-up visits over a two-year period and be asked to report any changes in their health.

The study expects to test the vaccine on 30,000 volunteers nationally.

Testing began in April with combined phase 1 and

phase 2 trials, to figure out if the vaccine was safe and find the appropriate dose.

It is now in a combined phase 2 and phase 3 trial, to find out how effective and durable the vaccine is in protecting a person from COVID-19.

“It is a true phase-3 study, in that they feel confident about the safety in humans for the actual vaccine, and also (about) the dosing that is most effective,” Butuk said.

“Phase 3 is to show longterm safety, but also a key question would be how long does (immune protection last)?”

Volunteers will not be charged for the injections or the follow-up visits.

They can be reimbursed for

“It is a true phase-3 study, in that they feel confident about the safety in humans for the actual vaccine, and also (about) the dosing that is most effective.

Phase 3 is to show long-term safety, but also a key question would be how long does (immune protection last)?”

Dr. David Butuk time, travel and expenses.

The U.S. government has already placed a $1.95 billion order for 100 million doses of the vaccine. The companies developing the vaccine expect to seek regulatory approval as early as October, while the study is still in process, and to start manufacturing doses by the end of the year, according to a July news release.

To find out if you qualify for the study, visit the Solaris website — solarisclinicalresearch.com/ current-trials.html — or call 208-288-0123.

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Times-News

NATION&WORLD DIGEST

Police shooting prompts looting

JULIO CORTEZ, ASSOCIATED PRESS‌

BLAST FLATTENS BALTIMORE ROW HOUSES A natural gas explosion destroyed three row houses in Baltimore on Monday, killing a woman and trapping other people in the wreckage. At least four people were hospitalized with serious injuries as firefighters searched for more survivors. A fourth house in the row was ripped open, and windows were shattered in nearby homes, leaving the Reisterstown Station neighborhood in northwest Baltimore strewn with debris and glass. While the cause wasn’t immediately clear, The Baltimore Sun reported last year that dangerous gas leaks have become much more frequent, with nearly two dozen discovered each day on average, according to Baltimore Gas & Electric.

Shooting interrupts briefing Secret Service escorts president to Oval Office during incident COLLEEN LONG, MICHAEL BALSAMO AND JONATHAN LEMIRE

Associated Press‌

WASHINGTON — President ‌ Donald Trump was abruptly escorted by a U.S. Secret Service agent out of the White House briefing room as he was beginning a coronavirus briefing Monday afternoon. He returned minutes later, saying there was a “shooting” outside the White House that was “under control.”

“There was an actual shooting and somebody’s been taken to the hospital,” Trump said. The president said the shots were fired by law enforcement, saying he be-

ANDREW HARNIK, ASSOCIATED PRESS‌

President Donald Trump leaves the James Brady Press Briefing Room with Secret Service during a news conference Monday at the White House. lieved the individual who was shot was armed. “It was the suspect who was shot,” Trump said.

Trump said he was escorted to the Oval Office by the agent. The White House was placed on lock-

down following the incident.

The shooting took place near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue just blocks from the White House, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly about it. Law enforcement officials were still trying to determine the suspect’s motive.

The suspect was transferred to a local hospital, and the District of Columbia fire department said the man suffered serious or possibly critical injuries. Authorities were investigating whether the individual has a history of mental illness.

Trump praised the work of Secret Service personnel for their work in keeping him safe. Asked if he was shaken by the incident, Trump asked reporters: “I don’t know. Do I seem rattled?”

208-219-5785 M 1

CHICAGO — Hundreds of people descended on downtown Chicago early Monday following a police shooting on the city’s South Side, with vandals smashing the windows of dozens of businesses and making off with merchandise, cash machines and anything else they could carry, police said.

Police Superintendent David Brown told reporters that the Sunday afternoon shooting of the man who had opened fire on officers apparently prompted a social media post that urged people form a car caravan and converge on the business and shopping district.

Some 400 additional officers were dispatched to the area after the department spotted the post.

Over several hours, police made more than 100 arrests and 13 officers were injured, including one who was struck in the head with a bottle, Brown said.

Hate crime victim’s arrest fuels anger PORTLAND, Ore. — One of the protesters arrested in Portland, Oregon, early Monday is a Black woman who was assaulted by a white supremacist in a high-profile case three years ago and who now leads a group of “moms” in racial justice protests each night.

Demetria Hester, 46, was booked on suspicion of disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer during a protest that began Sunday night and stretched into the early morning hours. Her arrest angered some in Portland, though the Multnomah County district attorney’s office later said Hester would not be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Seattle City Council approved proposals Monday that will reduce the police department by as many as 100 officers through layoffs and attrition — an action supported by demonstrators but strongly opposed by the mayor and police chief.

BRIEFLY SEVERE WEATHER: A rare storm packing 100-mph winds and with power similar to an inland hurricane swept across the Midwest on Monday, blowing over trees, flipping vehicles, causing property damage and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.

RUSSIA PROBE: Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said Monday that he subpoenaed the FBI to produce documents to his committee related to the Trump-Russia investigation. The Wisconsin senator also defended a separate investigation he is leading into Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and Ukraine.

TRUMP TAXES: President Donald Trump’s lawyers made a final pitch Monday to block a New York prosecutor from getting his tax records. A federal judge last year refused to throw out the subpoena Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance issued to Trump’s accountant in a criminal probe.

OIL SPILL: Urgent efforts increased in Mauritius on Monday to empty a stranded Japanese ship of an estimated 2,500 tons of oil before the vessel breaks up and increases the contamination of the island’s once-pristine Indian Ocean coastline.

SANCTIONS: China on Monday announced unspecified sanctions against 11 U.S. politicians and heads of organizations promoting democratic causes, including Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

ARREST: Hong Kong authorities arrested media tycoon Jimmy Lai on Monday, broadening their enforcement of a new national security law and stoking fears of a crackdown on the semi-autonomous region’s free press. Police were seen carting away boxes of what they said was evidence at Lai’s pro-democracy Next Digital headquarters.

— Associated Press

(208) 219-5782

OBITUARIES

A4 | Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Times-News

Marvis Jean (Peck) Brice June 22, 1940 ~ August 4, 2020‌

On August 4, 2020, our hearts were completely broken with the passing of our dear wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, Marvis Jean (Peck) Brice. Her sudden and unexpected death has left all who love her reeling, but we take comfort knowing she is in the arms of the Lord.

Marvis was born June 22, 1940, to Byron Warner and Opal Idonna (Varney) Peck in Glendale, Arizona, where she grew up with her older brother, Bill, and her twin sister, Martha.

On August 5, 1957, her life forever changed when she married her high school sweetheart, Gene Brice, who she loved above all else for their 63 years of marriage.

Together, they had four children, Gene, Robert, Byron, and dear Cindy. In 1970, they moved to Idaho to carry on the family tradition of dairy farming and trucking.

It was during these years that Marvis pursued a career in real estate, both from a love of watching her father’s career, and as a way to help during the lean times that farming can sometimes bring. She excelled in her career, building Advantage 1 Realty with her business partner of nearly thirty years, Carla Shockey. She received numerous accolades and accomplishments for her work and dedication over her 45 years in the industry. In 2018,

she received the highest honor of “Realtor Emeritus” from the National Association of Realtors and was the Idaho Real Estate Agent of the year. Her list of local, state, and national leadership positions and awards are too numerous to list, but show the level of dedication and love she had for the community and the real estate industry. But all those accomplishments were not why she continued to do it year after year. She loved the details of being a real estate agent and helping people and families build lives and create memories. Every year she claimed this was going to be her last and she was going to retire, but she just loved it too much and always decided…just one more.

Marvis’ real legacy is the mark she has left on everyone that has had the privilege of knowing her. She lived her life full of love, compassion, and a heart for God. She was a founding member of First Baptist Church in Burley, Idaho, and continued to serve until her last days. During the early years you could see her driving into church with all her grandkids in the car, doing everything she could to ensure they knew the love of Jesus.

Her beauty, both inside and out, showed through and she was loved and admired.

Marvis and Gene’s greatest joy was family. She always had a full house, motorhome full of kids, or was on the road traveling to every major event. She was known to her grandkids as the “Pink” grandma for her love of the color both in clothing and in life. She treated each of her children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren equally and made sure all knew how special and loved they were. Although we miss her terribly and wish we

could have her back with us for just one more minute, we know she is reunited with her dear Cindy and watching over us all.

Marvis was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Opal Peck; her brother, Bill Peck; her daughter, Cindy Forthun; and her granddaughter, Michelle. She is survived by her most truest companion, her husband of 63 years, Gene Brice; her three sons that she was extremely proud of, Gene (wife, Suzette; children, Maribeth and Chase) Brice, Robert (wife, Xana; children, Genefer, Liz, and Jess) Brice, and Byron (wife, Brenda; children, Darina and Mike) Brice; her beautiful daughter, Cindy’s children (Taylor and Robert); and her twin sister, Martha Dennis. She leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren and many much-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A viewing for family and friends will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

We will be celebrating Marvis’ beautiful life at 11 a.m.

Thursday, August 13, at First Baptist Church, 2262 Hiland Ave., in Burley. Feel free to wear a splash of pink or a bright color if you prefer. She would want us to see life going forward as she did, full of color, hope, and God’s love. Burial will be in Rupert Cemetery. For those unable to attend, a live webcast will be available at rasmussenfuneralhome.com.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that a face mask be worn and social distancing practiced.

Mary Beatrice Holden Allen died on the 7th of August 2020 at her home between Twin Falls and Jerome, after a long struggle with kidney disease and lymphoma.

Mary was born on the Rohde Homestead near Colome, South Dakota on the 28th of October 1936 to Agnes Rohde Holden and Francis L. Holden. She married Harry Lee McFall in 1952 and in March 1953 they welcomed their first child, Jackie Lee McFall.

They moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1955, living in a small trailer and started a trucking business. Their second child, Douglas Joe McFall, was born in Twin Falls in November 1957.

Mary thought she had gone to heaven when the family moved into a 3 bedroom brick home in 1960 located on Moreland Avenue in Twin Falls. Mary enjoyed raising not only their

two children but also was a loving mother to her three stepchildren, Gary McFall, Larry McFall and Shirley McFall-Houser (Everette). They were divorced in 1967.

Mary was an avid gardener of flowers and vegetables, a gourmet cook and a gracious hostess to many grand parties with family and friends. During the 60’s, several times each week she loved to take her children to Nat-Soo-Pah, south of Twin Falls, for swimming and relaxing in the sun.

Mary’s favorite job is when she worked for the Brunswick Corporation as the front desk manager at the Bowladrome in Twin Falls throughout the 60’s. In 1969 Mary married Raymond J. Chugg and moved onto the family ranch between Twin Falls and Jerome. Ray died of a heart attack in 1980. Mary remained on the ranch for the rest of her life.

Mary married Herb Allen in October 1986, and they resided on the ranch southeast of Jerome. They spent the next 34 years operating the ranch and a successful trucking business, Penn Pacific Trucking and Farm Fresh Marketing.

Mary and Herb were constant companions and hosts where everyone was always welcome to stop by. They were well seasoned travelers and enjoyed spending time at their getaway at Las Barrilles, Mexico, fishing at Magic Reservoir, Clark Canyon Dam, as well as many other favorite fishing spots. After Mary discovered fishing from a float tube it was hard to get her out of the water. They both loved spending time with all their grandchildren and would take them on vacation to Mexico.

In June of 2004 Mary received a kidney transplant after a family friend, Christine Hood, was found to be an organ match and donated her kidney to Mary. This generous gift gave Mary 16 years additional life to enjoy with her husband, family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Jackie Lee Montgomery; mother, Agnes Rohde Holden Maher; father, Francis Holden; sister, Betty Holden Littau (Don); and brother, William P. Holden.

She is survived by her husband, Herb Allen; son, Douglas McFall (Christine) of Twin Falls; son in-law, Jack Montgomery of Hagerman; brother, Jack Holden (Lisa) of Ardmore, OK; sister, Linda Schilling (Phil) of Canby, OR; sister, Cindy L. Holden of Portland, OR; sister, Jewell Holden of Woodstock, GA; 3 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; step-children, Melinda, Lisa, and Chris; 7 step grandchildren, and 9 step great-grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church. A celebration of life is planned for the future.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Mary’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.

‌Dixie Ellen Martin, 69, of Jerome. Passed away August 7, 2020 at her home. Arrangements are pending under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary & Crematory, Jerome.

Francisca R. Longoria, 91, of Glenns Ferry. Passed away August 8, 2020 at her home. Arrangements are pending under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary & Crematory, Jerome.

Louis “Leon” Hubsmith, 88, a resident of Dietrich.

Passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at his home in Dietrich. Funeral arrangements are pending under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service—Shoshone Chapel.

Bethella Gloria Urie, 86, of Eden, Idaho. Passed away at Cascadia Care Center of Boise, on August 10, 2020. Funeral services are Pending under the direction of Parke’s

Magic Valley Funeral Home.

Herbert James McCowan, 88, a resident of Dietrich.

Passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020 at his home in Dietrich.Funeral arrangements are pending under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service—Shoshone Chapel.

Mary Beatrice Allen October 28, 1936 ~ August 7, 2020‌

DEATHS

2020 Calendar ORDER yOuR

Our Picks from Capture the Magic Valley Photo Contest

This calendar features fantastic photos from our local Magic Valley.

• Great Calendar for your home or office • Great gift idea for co-workers, friends, family and neighbors.

SERVICES Robert James “Bob” Pinson‌

BURLEY—Graveside service will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at Gem Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Immediately following will be a remembrance of his life 2:00—4:00 p.m. at 300 S. Hwy 27 Burley, Idaho.Services are under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home.

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Gretchen W. Clelland, AAMS® Financial Advisor 111 Pioneer Court, Ste. 3, Jerome, Id (208) 324-0174

William L Stevens, AAMS® Financial Advisor 2190 Village Park Ave. #400 Twin Falls, Idaho (208) 734-1094

Dean Seibel, AAMS® Financial Advisor 834 Falls Ave. Ste. 1010 Twin Falls, Id (208) 733-4925

Shelley Seibel, AAMS® Financial Advisor 400 S. Main St. #101 Hailey, Id (208) 788-7112

Jayson Aaron Ball‌

RUPERT—The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Minico High School gymnasium, 292 W. 100 S., of Rupert. Burial will be in Rupert Cemetery. A live webcast will be available at rasmussenfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to invite Jayson’s friends and classmates to wear their Minico High School shirts or jerseys at the funeral service. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is suggested that a face mask be worn and social distancing practiced. The family suggests that memorial donations be directed to the Minico High School Athletic Department in the name of Jayson Ball.

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M 1

NEWS/OBITUARIES

Times-News

SERVICES Robert Gilbert ‘Bob’ Widmier‌

MURTAUGH—The funeral will be held at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Murtaugh. A viewing will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service on Wednesday. Both events will be held at the church. Burial will be in Paul Cemetery. Due to the mandated 99-person-or-less attendance policy at the Church service, the funeral service at the Church is intended to be for family members only, while the many dear friends are invited to view the service via a live webcast. Those attending the viewing or funeral service will be asked to wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

Arrangements are under the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Marvis Jean (Peck) Brice‌

RUPERT—A viewing for family and friends will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. We will be celebrating Marvis’ beautiful life at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 13, at First Baptist Church, 2262 Hiland Ave., in Burley. Feel free to wear a splash of pink or a bright color if you prefer.

She would want us to see life going forward as she did, full of color, hope, and God’s love. Burial will be in Rupert Cemetery. For those unable to attend, a live webcast will be available at Rasmussenfuneralhome.com. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that a face mask be worn and social distancing practiced.

Robert Archie (Bobby) McBride‌

TWIN FALLS—A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held at Twin Falls Reformed Church 1631 Grandview Dr. North., Twin Falls, Idaho, on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 11 a.m. and will be accompanied by military honors.

Cherie Wardell‌

KIMBERLY – Cherie Wardell of Kimberly, funeral service at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Kimberly 2nd Ward, 222 Birch St. S. in Kimberly; viewing from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the funeral at the church. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Rhoda Pearl Bequette‌

TWIN FALLS—A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Pella Cemetery in Burley. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Betty Johnson‌

HEYBURN—A viewing will be held from 5 until 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 13, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Heyburn Ward, 300 S. 500 W., of Paul, with Bishop Bill Conant officiating. Burial will be in View Cemetery in Burley. Due to the mandated 99-person-orless attendance policy at the Church service, the funeral service at the Church is intended to be for family members only, while the many dear friends are invited to view the service via a live webcast at rasmussenfuneralhome. com. Those attending the viewing or funeral service will be asked to wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

Luterio Rodriguez Jr‌

TWIN FALLS—A viewing for Luterio Rodriguez Jr. will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home on August 8th, 2020 from 1-3pm. A graveside service and burial will be held at the Sunset Cemetery to lay his ashes with his father. Those services will be held on Friday the 14th of August, 2020.

There will be a dinner to follow where we can celebrate his life and share all the many memories we all have. Anyone who knew Luterio is encouraged to come.

Larry Edward Christenson‌

BURLEY—A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at View Cemetery, located at 600 S. 700 W., of Burley. A live webcast of the graveside service will be available at rasmussenfuneralhome.com. Those who attend the service in person are encouraged to bring a chair and a shade umbrella for their comfort. Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the family has requested that those attending the visitation or graveside service wear a face mask and practice social distancing. For those who do not feel comfortable in wearing a face mask, we simply ask you to remember Larry in your thoughts and our family in your prayers and remain comfortable in your own homes. The family suggests the memorials be directed to the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Diane Palmer Martinez‌

WENDELL—A Celebration of Life Potluck will be held Saturday, August 15th from 5 to 8 with a short service starting at 6:00 p.m. located at 503 West Ave C, Jerome Idaho. Cremation is under the care of Demaray’s Jerome Memorial Chapel.

Aid From A1

M 1

With Trump now having played his hand, however, Democrats appear in no rush to show theirs.

It will take days, if not weeks, to sort out what Trump intended with his executive actions, as guidance from the administration is sent to the states.

Already, the Department of Labor is telling governors that Trump’s promised $400 weekly jobless benefit boost will actually amount to just $300 if states are unable to provide the rest, according to information obtained Monday by The Associated Press.

The virus shows no signs of easing, with more than 5 million infections and 160,000 deaths nationwide and stark new evidence that many Americans’ jobs may never return.

State and local government officials across the U.S. have been on edge for months about how to keep basic services running while covering rising costs related to the coronavirus outbreak

as tax revenue plummeted.

The negotiation meltdown raises the prospect of more layoffs and furloughs of government workers and cuts to health care, social services, infrastructure and other core programs. Lack of money to boost school safety measures also will make it harder for districts to send kids back to the classroom.

On Monday, governors, lawmakers, mayors, teachers and others said they were going to keep pushing members of Congress to revive the talks and agree to another rescue package.

“Congress and the White House made a commitment to the governors that there would be a second round of relief for states — we are going to hold their feet to the fire until they uphold that commitment,” New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, said in a statement.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, urged Congress to revive negotiations, boost the jobless benefit back to $600 and immediately provide more aid to state and local governments.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 | A5

Irvin Walter Ehlers

Algae

October 20, 1921 ~ August 4, 2020‌

From A1

Irvin Walter Ehlers (19212020), passed away August 4, 2020 in Twin Falls. He was born on October 20, 1921 in Twin Falls, Idaho.

He was one of five children with two sisters and two brothers. The dairy farm he lived on and cared for was established by his father who moved with his brothers from Missouri.

He married Dorothy Ude on December 10, 1941 and while in their later years they traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, their home base and roots were always Idaho.

Their dairy farm was south of Twin Falls and the home Irvin grew up in and raised his family in is still a landmark to family and friends. As a dairy farmer, Irvin raised and milked 100+ Holstein Herefords for over 50 years. His herd was the highest quality and he and Dorothy received the Idaho Dairyman Award in ???. Irvin applied his innovative talents to the modernizing of his dairy barn and efficient, effective irrigating techniques.

Irvin’s faith in God guided his life and he marveled at the blessings God bestowed on him and his family. As a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church he held numerous positions of leadership — including being an Elder and President of the congregation and several district and Lutheran Layman’s League positions.

He was an effective speaker and perhaps his fondest memory was speaking at the Hundredth Anniversary Celebration in 2009. Above all, he always supported with time, energy, talent and treasure the mission of God as it was carried out through Immanuel. Irvin also contributed to the well being of his local community as a member of the Twin Falls Monarch Lion’s Club, as a volunteer at the Visitor Center, with Meals on Wheels and as a contributor to the College of Southern Idaho, The Wellness Clinic and other local organizations. Finally, he always remembered with a smile that he was the Idaho State Champion Horseshoe thrower in high school!

Irvin is survived by Dorothy, his wife of (almost) 79 years, by his daughter, Betty (Russell) Prough, daughter-in-law, Jill Ehlers, grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Prough Richter, Kimberly (Kent) Anness, Nicholas (Libby) Ehlers, Cherie Ehlers, great grandchildren Philip Anness, Emmett Richter, Izabella Moore, Bechler Ehlers, Taela Ehlers. Irvin is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Rebecca Ehlers, his siblings Helen Bamesberger, Melvin Ehlers, Evelyn Dugan, Leroy Ehlers, and son, Kenneth Ehlers.

Visitation for Irvin will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, August 12 at 2:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2055 Filer Avenue, Twin Falls. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, ID. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Irvin’s memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome. com. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you honor Irvin’s memory through The Lutheran Hour.

Lebanon From A1

a credible political figure untainted by connections to it. After the catastrophe, Diab had sought to stay on for two months to organize new parliamentary elections and allow a map for reforms. But the pressure from within his own Cabinet proved to be too much.

With the mass resignation, the call for early elections appears dead, so the same factions will debate on forming a new Cabinet.

Diab’s government was formed after his predecessor, Saad Hariri, stepped down in October in response to the demonstrations. It took months of bickering among the leadership factions before they settled on Diab.

His government, which was dominated by the Hezbollah militant group and its allies and seen as one-sided, was basically doomed from the start, tasked with meeting demands for reform but made up of all the factions that reformers want out.

Now the process must start again. “I hope that the caretaking period will not be long because the country cannot take that. Lets hope a new government will be formed quickly,” Public Works Minister Michel Najjar said. “An effective government is the least we need to get out of this crisis.”

The pressure from the streets — and from French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited Beirut last week after the blast — could push the political factions to put aside their differences and form a unity government. Diab’s government largely excluded Hezbollah’s opponents, the Eurasia Group said in an analysis, adding that the factions may

now see the need to carry out greater reform.

The weekend protests saw clashes with security forces firing tear gas at demonstrators. The explosion is believed to have been caused by a fire that ignited a 2,750ton stockpile of highly volatile ammonium nitrate that had been stored at the port since 2013 with few safeguards despite numerous warnings of the danger.

He also said there are flammable liquids in other containers as well as batteries and other products that could increase the risk of an explosion, describing huge containers tossed around the port by the powerful blast. The expert identified himself only as Lt. Anthony in accordance with French government policy.

The last decision by Diab’s government before its resignation was to refer the case of the explosion to the Supreme Judicial Council, which handles crimes infringing on Lebanon’s national security as well as political and state security crimes. The Supreme Judicial Council is Lebanon’s top judicial body.

A judge on Monday questioned the heads of the country’s security agencies.

Public Prosecutor Ghassan El Khoury questioned Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba, the head of State Security, according to state-run National News Agency. It gave no further details, but other generals are scheduled to be questioned.

State Security had compiled a report about the dangers of storing the material at the port and sent a copy to the offices of the president and prime minister on July 20. The investigation is focused on how the ammonium nitrate came to be stored at the port and why nothing was done about it.

including wastewater treatment and agriculture.

As part of their usual metabolism, cyanobacteria produce toxic molecules called cyanotoxins, which include some very powerful disruptors of the normal function of our body’s tissues.

Depending on the kind and amount of cyanotoxins, exposure to them — touching or ingesting contaminated water, sometimes even eating fish coming from it — may result in skin rashes, gastrointestinal or neurological problems, or even death, which is why it’s so important to detect cyanobacteria blooms on time.

Although blooms can be episodic, the DEQ expects that “once (a body of water) starts blooming, the bloom is going to persist for weeks or months,” said Brian Reese, water quality standards analyst and cyanobacteria coordinator at the DEQ. Currently, the DEQ has warnings for four active blooms in Idaho bodies of water: Silver Lake (Ada County), Brownlee Reservoir (Washington County), Hells Canyon Reservoir (Adams County) and Fernan Lake (Kootenai County).

Using satellite images to remotely detect blooms‌ When doing photosynthesis, cyanobacteria use pigments — compounds that absorb certain types of light — to capture the energy available in sunlight.

These pigments accumulate in large quantities when blooms are happening. This accumulation is what allows researchers to identify blooms from space using pictures taken by the many satellites already orbiting the earth.

Some satellites have cameras that capture light invisible to our naked eyes — in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums — and can detect the excess of cyanobacteria pigments in bodies of water.

In 2015, a group of government agencies — EPA, NASA, NOAA and USGS — created a nationwide project for remotely identifying blooms, called the Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN).

CyAN uses images from the Sentinel-3 satellites from the European Space Agency. These are very good at detecting and quantifying a pigment only produced by cyanobacteria, the phycocyanin.

Although Sentinel’s images can detect cyanobacteria, they have a very coarse spatial resolution. Its 330yard images can’t detect what might be happening in most of Idaho’s relatively small bodies of water.

The project started in 2018 and uses data from satellites Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 to provide an automated, near real-time estimate of the presence of cyanobacteria blooms in Idaho’s bodies of water.

Images provided by these satellites have a 22-yard resolution, which allows researchers to detect blooms in small bodies of water.

“The idea behind this data product is that (the DEQ) will get that information sooner and they will get it for more water bodies than they currently are able to monitor,” King said.

The Idaho project also differs from CyAN in that it uses a different pigment to detect the blooms — chlorophyll A instead of phycocyanin. If this name sounds familiar it’s because chlorophyll is also used by plants when doing photosynthesis.

Processing satellite images might sound like a simple process, but it’s far from that. First, researchers have to wait about 12 hours before the satellite images are available on Earth for their use.

“Our next step is called an atmospheric correction,” King explained. This means that they process the images to account for things like the amount of moisture or smoke in the air. After this, “we end up with an image that is a lot closer to what you would see if you were

standing 6 feet above the ground, instead of 800 kilometers above the ground,” King added.

Finally, they do some more math that leads them to a value that can be correlated to how much algae is present in a body of water. This is the value used by government agencies.

Remote and early detection of blooms can save thousands‌ Continuous monitoring of bodies of water by the DEQ is necessary to confirm the presence of algae blooms.

Currently, early detection of a bloom depends on how often DEQ officials monitor bodies of water, which usually happens once or twice a week depending on how many people use them.

Reese mentioned that he hopes the project will allow DEQ to “reduce the number of (monitoring) trips from every other week to once a month … and free up time to continue working on our primary responsibilities.”

Similarly, to declare a bloom cleared from a body of water, Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare requires that toxins are below a certain threshold for two consecutive weekly samples. “We use (satellite data) to monitor for when it looks like the bloom is going away, and then we can start monitoring in person again and collect the samples to verify that it’s safe for public use,” Reese said.

Apart from potentially saving thousands of dollars in the operational costs of government agencies, remotely detecting cyanobacteria blooms can also economically benefit Idaho communities.

A study published last June found that using the CyAN data saved the community associated with Utah Lake near Provo, Utah, an estimated $370,000 in health care costs in June 2017. Remote bloom detection allowed local authorities to post warnings at least a week before people would have started reporting the bloom, and some 8,000 visitors avoided exposure in that period.

Other potential users of the products of this study include Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Power Company, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the public health districts.

What the future may bring‌ Researchers in this project are busy trying to improve their results and how they can be used by local authorities, but the study could be ready by late 2021.

“We are all working to identify the level of uncertainty associated with this process,” King said, “and the best that we can do is quantify it and try to minimize it.”

They are also developing methods that allow them to map submerged vegetation in lakes, which also produce chlorophyll A — the pigment detected by the high-resolution satellite images used in the Idaho project — and can’t currently be distinguished from cyanobacteria blooms.

The DEQ expects to have more information about harmful cyanobacteria blooms available for the public soon — including maps and data on current and potential conditions. In the meantime, Reese urges people to be alert when recreating in the water.

You should keep people and pets out of a body of water if it looks green, brown or red; if it seems covered by a layer of scum or foam, as if somebody spilled paint in it; if it contains any dead fish or other animals; or if it doesn’t smell good. More information about how to spot a harmful algae bloom can be found on the DEQ website.

If you suspect there might be a bloom in your area, you can report it — providing photos and location — by contacting your regional DEQ office, sending an email to algae@deq.idaho. gov, or using the bloomWatch app.

A6 | Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Times-News

OPINION Founded 1904 | A Lee Enterprises newspaper 132 Fairfield St. W., Twin Falls, ID 83303 letters@magicvalley.com

Editorial Board ALISON SMITH Editor MATT SANDBERG Publisher

Quote of the day “It’s not fair to the sportsmen, it’s not fair to the elk and it’s not fair to the public.”

Byrd Golay, a Magic Valley hunter, on Idaho Fish and Game killing elk to prevent them from eating crops.

WRITERS ON THE RANGE

If you like birds and fish, hug a cow PAT AND SHARON O’TOOLE

‌Y

ou don’t hear this from former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt or the usual suspects whose goal is to end many water diversions from the Colorado River, but it’s true. Rural landscapes and wildlife need ranching and irrigated agriculture to survive. ‌Without irrigation, think high desert. Without irrigation in this time of extended drought, less late water will be there for fish, birds and other riparian-dependent species. Wildlife habitat would be traded for urban growth if groups like Western Watersheds and the Center for Biological Diversity have their way.

How can this be when the drumbeat narrative says that without cattle or irrigated crops such as hay, the stressed river could recover? If you believe The Guardian newspaper, PAT AND SHARON O’TOOLE “U.S. rivers and lakes are shrinking for a surprising reason: cows.” Another British publication, Nature, wrote that in the Western United States, cattle are responsible for 23 percent of water use — or 32 percent, depending on the article — and more than 50 percent in the Colorado River basin.

Reputable scientists disagree. Leonard Bull, animal science professor at North Carolina State University, says, “The question that needs answered is how much water is used? And how do you ‘charge’ that water use if it falls on grazing land that is not suitable for alternative food production?

“Livestock consume water, excrete most of it, and meat has about 72 percent water in the lean portion. Does the water excreted in exhaled breath, urine and manure get a credit for recycling against consumed? This is sort of like chasing carbon,” he said (from personal interview with Dr. Bull on July 9, 2020).

Irrigation is likewise under attack. In reality, irrigation in the Western river valleys plays a key role in sustaining wetlands and riparian areas season-long.

The green ribbons of irrigated pasture and hay land provide important habitat connectivity for sandhill cranes and other birds on their epic annual migrations. These agriculturally sustained wetlands also provide habitat for many other wildlife species.

Migratory birds are the true canary in the “buy and dry,” or just “dry” schemes proposed by the anti-cow vigilantes. Though an assessment reported in “Science” blames habitat reduction for the loss of nearly 3 billion birds in the last 50 years, how much more would be lost if irrigated lands become ephemeral streams?

If irrigation is eliminated, a cascade of negative events could result. Instead of flooded fields recharging underlying aquifers, a dry landscape would hold no water. No longer would groundwater feed springs and discharge water in the late season when fish and other riparian species need it most. Early water left in the river does not necessarily benefit fish, as that water flows away with the snow runoff, which climate change is bringing earlier in spring. Most of the early flows would end up in Lake Mead and Lake Powell for storage.

And that is the real point of Babbitt’s proposal to buy up some irrigation rights and fallow lands primarily in western Colorado.

That “new” water would go to growing cities.

Cities and industry have real needs, but agriculture should not be sacrificed for either one. Food production and food security are critical to this country, something we became very aware of during the virus pandemic.

Somehow a narrative has become accepted that if more people — especially Americans — stop eating meat, the planet will magically improve. This is a false narrative. In the Rocky Mountain West, as elsewhere, it is ranchers and farmers who hold the landscape together, who provide open space and beauty, and for wildlife, crucial habitat.

Raising cattle has value in its own right. Eighty-five percent of grazing lands — think sagebrush steppe or high desert landscapes — are not suitable for any other type of food production.

The much-maligned hay and alfalfa grown to feed beef cattle and dairy cows provide us with high-quality protein and nutritious dairy products. With inputs of grass, sunshine and water, we receive steaks, hamburgers, milk, cheese, yogurt and a long list of other byproducts.

Before you buy that impossible meat substitute, with its lower-quality protein, remember that you might consume a weird concoction, dependent on chemicals and ingredients imported from China, with its own environmental costs.

Let’s never forget the wisdom of ecologist Aldo Leopold: “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”

Sharon and Pat O’Toole are ranchers and conservationists who are contributors to Writers on the Range (writersontherange.org). Their ranch straddles the Wyoming-Colorado border. He is president of the Family Farm Alliance; she is an award-winning writer.

Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau

OTHER VIEW

Senators get favorable marks in bipartisanship

‌I

n the Gem State, we have the Idaho Freedom Foundation’s “freedom index,” which attempts to sort out the true conservatives from the RINOs while driving some legislators nuts in the process – particularly those Republicans who are branded as liberals. ‌In Washington, there’s a much more congenial “index,” one that measures CHUCK effectiveness acMALLOY cording to how often members work across the aisle. That index, sponsored by the Millennial Action Project and the Lugar Center – the think tank founded by the late Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana – doesn’t raise a lot of eyebrows, but is reflective of the importance that Lugar placed on bipartisanship.

With all the partisan rancor in Washington, it’s hard to imagine Republicans and Democrats even being on speaking terms, let alone working together. But that’s just what we see on the TV news. Jamie Spitz, assistant policy director for bipartisan governance with the Lugar Center, says there’s more bipartisanship in Congress than what meets the eye – or the television screen.

“What we see in this Congress, and in previous years, is that representatives and senators often tow the party line publicly,” she says. “Behind the scenes, they are working across the aisle because it helps with their electability.

There’s a good amount of bipartisanship going on and it’s a glimmer of hope for us all.”

There’s a fine line that separates the good from the bad on the bipartisan scale, so no need to dive into the numbers. But according to Spitz, any member who is on the plus side of zero – even by fractions — is doing a good job working across the aisle.

By that measure in 2019, Sen. Jim Risch was barely on the plus side and ranked 57th on the Senate’s bipartisan index. Sen. Mike Crapo was a few fractions better and zoomed to 35th – almost in the upper third among senators.

On the House side, neither Idaho representative got high marks from last year. Rep. Mike Simpson was slightly on the negative side of zero and ranked 271. Rep. Russ Fulcher, with his ranking of 422, gave him the distinction of being among the most partisan members of the House.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily hurt him politically since many people in his district think the only good Democrats are those who lose elections.

The three senior members of Idaho’s congressional delegation routinely send out news releases touting their bipartisan efforts, and for good reason. Crapo has told me that getting bipartisan support for his initiatives is a standard practice in a chamber that needs at least 60 votes to pass anything. Over the years, Crapo and Risch have worked with Oregon’s Democratic senators to secure funding for rural schools and communities and to battle wildfires.

Simpson had a big win recently when the president signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law, which was one of Simpson’s crowning achievements of

his congressional career. The bipartisan bill, according to Simpson’s news release, fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and dedicates funding for the maintenance backlog that exists on public lands.

Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has overseen nearly 40 bipartisan committee bills that have passed the Senate, according to a committee spokesman. He’s leading a bipartisan effort to hold the Chinese communist party accountable for human rights violations.

The Lugar Center, of course, applauds those efforts. As Spitz sees it, working across the aisle equates to good government, and it’s a sound business practice for members of Congress.

Fortunately, the trend toward bipartisanship might get better as younger members rise in the leadership ranks.

“House members under 45 are embracing a bipartisan approach to legislation far more often than their older counterparts,” said Dan Dillen, the Lugar Center’s policy director. “This correlation is all-the-more impressive in that it has held true for three Congresses in a row and both younger Republicans and younger Democrats are scoring above the historical average.”

That’s good news for down the line. For now, the old geezers (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell) are calling the shots and that’s the way it will be in the foreseeable future.

Chuck Malloy is a long-time Idaho journalist and columnist. He may be reached at ctmalloy@outlook.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What’s unconstitutional about a mask? ‌Some observations on those who oppose wearing face masks during this viral pandemic on constitutional grounds: The constitution at its most basic gives us the right to choose our actions, so long as they do

not harm others, or violate their own such rights. Some questions: 1—Of exactly which constitutional provision is the mask requirement a violation?

2—How about seat belts in vehicles? This was opposed on such grounds; the opposition was struck down.

2—How about 55 mph speed limit, such limits in general?

3- Prohibition against using cellphones while driving?

4—Helmet laws for motorcycles?

All of these were opposed on constitutional grounds at one time, but the opposition failed, for good reason: most laws intended by protect ourselves and others are not unconstitutional.

Mike Leeds Buhl

Have your say ONLINE: Join our community of readers at Facebook.com/ thetimesnews, or register an account at Magicvalley.com and respond to any of the local opinions or stories in today’s edition.

ON PAPER OR VIA EMAIL: The Times-News welcomes letters from readers, but please limit letters to 300 words. Include your signature, mailing address and phone number. Letters may be brought to our Twin Falls office; mailed to P.O. Box 548, Twin Falls, ID 83303; faxed to (208) 734-5538; or e-mailed to letters@magicvalley. com.

Mallard Fillmore by Bruce Tinsley

M 1

Times-News

SPORTS

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 | B1

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 | magicvalley.com | SECTION B

Pandemic zaps MLB salaries to mid 1990s level RONALD BLUM

Associated Press‌

‌NEW YORK — Major League Baseball’s eye-popping salaries took an astonishing dive during the coronavirus pandemic to their lowest level in nearly a quarter-century, according to a study by The Associated Press.

Washington pitcher Max Scherzer topped the shortened season’s list at $17.8 million, his income partially protected by a huge signing bonus. That is the lowest amount for baseball’s highest-paid player since Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kevin Brown made $15.7 million in 2000.

Players are receiving about 37% of their 2020 pay under the formula agreed to in March by

MLB and the union, a figure the union wound up keeping during bitter negotiations that failed to produce an agreement. Commissioner Rob Manfred unilaterally announced a 60-game regular-season schedule that started four months late July 23, down from the normal 162 games for each team.

Salaries averaged $1,295,942 on expanded opening-day rosters after prorated pay was factored in, according to the AP study. That must feel like a throwback paycheck, similar to a vintage jersey. It’s the lowest average in the AP’s annual opening-day study since $1,176,967 in 1996 and down from $4,375,486 at the start of the 2019 season.

Players, unhappy with flatten-

ing salaries during the first four years of a collective bargaining agreement that runs to December 2021, spoke even before the curtailed season of seeking large changes. Talks figure to be the most contentious since the 1994-95 strike, the last shortened seasons before this one.

Even with contracts at full value and projected for 25-man active rosters, this year’s average of $4,520,010 would have represented just a 3.1% increase over 2016′s $4,381,980.

Part of the drop in the average was caused by roster expansion to an active limit of 30 per team at the season’s start, adding more major leaguers making the

MANUEL BALCE CENETA, ASSOCIATED PRESS‌

Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer delivers during a game earlier this Please see MLB, Page B2 month in Washington.

West play-in race may be decided by slimmest of margins TIM REYNOLDS

Associated Press‌

DREW NASH, TIMES-NEWS FILE PHOTO‌

Boise State Broncos linebacker Dylan Herberg (49) celebrates Sept. 20, 2019 during a game against Air Force. The Mountain West Conference announced Monday that fall athletic events would be indefinitely postponed.

Blow to Boise State fans

Mountain West Conference postpones fall sports over virus RON COUNTS

Idaho Statesman‌

‌The Boise State football team won’t take the field for regular-season games this fall.

The Mountain West announced Monday that it has indefinitely postponed the fall season for all sports because of concerns about players contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

“The MW Board of Directors prioritized the mental health and well-being of the conference’s student-athletes and overall campus communities in its decision — as it has done throughout the course of the pandemic,” a press release from the conference read.

The Mountain West’s initial decision on fall football, which was to not allow games to begin until the week of Sept. 26, already had

AP, STEVE CONNER‌

Boise State quarterback Jaylon Henderson (9) scrambles with the ball against Hawaii on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in the Mountain West Championship, in Boise. cost Boise State its opener against Georgia Southern, and the ACC’s restrictions on where nonconference games can be played canceled the Broncos’ marquee game against Florida State.

“Despite everything that has

been thrown in their way over the last several months, our student-athletes, coaches and staff had been preparing for a 2020 season,” Boise State Athletic Director Curt Aspey said in a statement released Monday by the university.

On Thursday, players from the Mountain West anonymously sent the conference a letter, demanding more protections from the virus.

“They were ready for every possible uncertainty, but in the end, the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes across the conference necessitated today’s announcement,” Apsey said.

The sports affected by Monday’s decision include men’s and women’s cross country, football, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

The conference is exploring rescheduling options, including playing next spring, according to Monday’s release.

The Mountain West is the second FBS conference to cancel its fall season, following the Mid-American Conference.

Old Dominion University — a Conference USA school in Virginia — and James Madison University, one of the top FCS programs in the country, both also opted to cancel their seasons Monday.

‌LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Tiebreakers won’t factor into who qualifies for the Western Conference play-in series. The four remaining teams in the race for those two spots will all play a different total of games in this coronavirus-interrupted season, meaning none of those clubs can finish with identical records.

So, winning percentages will decide everything.

And the margins there could be razor close — just about the slimmest possible.

A season like none other in NBA history may get a finish like none other, at least in the West.

An analysis by The Associated Press shows there are two scenarios where the final difference between teams in the play-in race could be less than 0.001% — yes, less than one thousandth of a percent.

Memphis, Portland, San Antonio and Phoenix — the still-unbeaten-in-the-bubble, 6-0 at Disney Suns — are the last four teams standing in the race for the last West spot. The margin between the eighth-place Grizzlies and 11th-place Spurs, entering Tuesday, is just one game, and all four clubs have two games remaining.

By Thursday night at the latest, it’ll be known who the two clubs are that will be headed to the best-of-two play-in series, where the ninth-place finisher will have to beat the eighth-place finisher twice to advance.

That series starts Saturday on ABC. Game 2, if necessary, is Sunday on ESPN. And by then, finally, someone will be able to start preparing for a West firstround series against the topseeded Los Angeles Lakers.

The super-close scenarios are mind-blowing.

If Portland finishes 2-0 and Memphis finishes 1-1, then the Trail Blazers would finish eighth Please see NBA, Page B2

New LT Williams enjoying winning vibe with 49ers ASSOCIATED PRESS

M 1

‌ ANTA CLARA, Calif. — After S years of playing in a dysfunctional organization in Washington, the difference in the vibe of a winning franchise hit Trent Williams as soon as he walked into the building for the San Francisco 49ers this training camp.

Williams saw a culture instilled from management to the coaching staff to the players and an energy he wasn’t used to experiencing the past decade in Washington even before the defending NFC champion Niners have held their first real practice.

“Coming where I came from, a walkthrough was a walkthrough,” RICK SCUTERI, ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO‌ Williams said. “Our walkthrough After years of playing in a dysfunctional organization in Washington, the here was pretty intense. A lot of fodifference in the vibe of a winning franchise hit left tackle Trent Williams cus, a lot of attention to detail and as soon as he walked into the building for the San Francisco 49ers’ training guys flying around. You could tell camp. this is a hungry group of guys and

I feel like I fit right in.”

Williams was looking for a place to fit in after growing disgruntled in Washington. He sat out the entire 2019 season because of a dispute with Washington’s front office.

Last November, Williams revealed he had cancer and said that situation led him to distrust Washington’s medical staff and organization as a whole. He said at the time “there’s no trust there” with president Bruce Allen, who was fired after a 3-13 season.

The medical staff also was overhauled, and new coach Ron Rivera took control of football operations.

But Williams still wanted out and got his wish granted when he was finally traded during the draft to San Francisco.

He was able to reunite with coach Kyle Shanahan, who was

offensive coordinator for Williams’ first four seasons in Washington.

He also provided the Niners with the ideal replacement for six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley, who informed the team he planned to retire just days before the deal for Williams was struck.

Williams made the Pro Bowl every season from 2012-18 as one of the game’s most athletic and dependable left tackles.

“He’s been an unbelievable guy to work with over the last two weeks or so,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “Even just in walkthrough, you still kind of get a little jaw dropped by how smooth and how much of an athlete he truly is at his size. It’s going to be cool to pick his brain over the next couple of weeks here, going through training camp once live bullets start flying and seeing him back in action.”

WEATHER

B2 | Tuesday, August 11, 2020

ALMANAC

TWIN FALLS’ FIVE-DAY FORECAST TODAY

TONIGHT

Partly sunny and pleasant WIND WNW 6-12 mph

90°

Mostly cloudy

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

WIND SSW 8-16 mph

Sunny and pleasant WIND WNW 7-14 mph

Pleasant with plenty of sun WIND WNW 8-16 mph

Pleasant with plenty of sun WIND WNW 7-14 mph

63°

88° 57°

89° 58°

87° 59°

91° 58°

REGIONAL OUTLOOK: Partly sunny today.

A thunderstorm in spots in the south during the afternoon; pleasant in the west and central parts of the area. Partly cloudy tonight; however, partly cloudy in the west. Partly sunny and pleasant tomorrow. Thursday and Friday: sunny and pleasant.

Coeur d’Alene 84/55 Lewiston 93/61 Grangeville 88/51

Baker 92/47 McCall 84/47 Caldwell 95/59

THURSDAY

Partly sunny and pleasant WIND W 7-14 mph

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Spokane 85/54

WEDNESDAY

Boise 96/62

Missoula 89/49

Helena 91/55

Butte 85/46 Salmon 90/50 Sun Valley 86/55

W. Yellowstone 79/41 Idaho Falls 89/53

Rupert 91/58

Mountain Home 96/63 Twin Falls 90/63

Burley 89/59

BURLEY / RUPERT Today: Partly sunny. Wind W at 6-12 mph.

Highs 86-92.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Wind SSW at 4-8 mph. Lows 56-62.

Wednesday: Pleasant with sun and some clouds. Wind WSW at 6-12 mph. Highs 82-88. Lows 52-58.

REGIONAL FORECAST Bozeman 89/49

Jackson 83/45

Pocatello 93/58

Times-News

City

Boise Bonners Ferry Burley Challis Coeur d’Alene Elko, NV Eugene, OR Gooding Grace Hailey Idaho Falls Kalispell, MT Lewiston Portland, OR Rexburg Salt Lake City, UT Stanley

Today Hi/Lo/W

96/62/s 83/52/s 89/59/pc 89/54/s 84/55/s 91/54/t 85/49/s 93/61/pc 86/53/s 86/54/s 89/53/s 85/49/s 93/61/s 79/54/s 89/54/s 96/71/s 83/40/s

Wednesday Hi/Lo/W

89/57/s 75/43/pc 85/55/pc 84/51/pc 74/47/pc 91/51/s 79/47/pc 90/56/s 81/53/pc 82/52/s 86/50/pc 75/39/c 78/53/pc 75/53/pc 86/52/pc 93/70/s 77/39/pc

W-weather, s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, i-ice, r-rain, t-thunderstorms, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow

Statistics through 2 p.m. Monday Temperature High/low 81°/57° Normal high/low 86°/53° Record high 101° (2018) Record low 49° (1999) Precipitation 24 hrs through 2 p.m. Mon. 0.00” Month to date (normal) 0.01” (0.11”) Oct. 1 to date (normal) 7.48” (10.41”) Record for this date 0.35” (1998)

UV Index Today

Pollen Today

Good Moderate Unhealthy Unhealthy Very Hazardous (sensitive) Unhealthy

Grass Trees Weeds Mold

Monday Month to date (normal) Since January 1 (normal)

MLB From B1

$563,500 minimum or close to it. There were 1,007 players on opening-day rosters and injured lists, up from 878 last season.

Scherzer’s $210 million, seven-year contract includes a $50 million signing bonus — baseball signing bonuses are distinct from salaries and not subject to reduction. His $35 million salary, which is deferred entirely, was sliced to $12.96 million.

MLB’s initial proposal in late May would have cut the highest-paid stars the

most, and Scherzer’s 2020 salary would have been reduced to about $4.85 million. The union fought to keep the prorated pay called for in the March deal, while MLB argued it needed additional cuts to play in empty ballparks. As a result, MLB called for the shortest schedule since 1878.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was second on the opening day list at $16.3 million, boosted by a $23 million signing bonus.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout was third at $15.8 million, followed by San Diego shortstop Manny

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6:41 a.m.

12:21 a.m.

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65° 8 a.m.

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New Moon Aug 18

First Quarter Aug 25

Full Moon Sep 1

National Extremes Yesterday for the 48 contiguous states.

High: 110° in Needles, CA Low: 31° in Loma, MT ©2020; forecasts and graphics provided by

78° 8 p.m.

TEMPERATURE TRENDS Daily Temperature 100

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91

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Average High 90

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Embiid (ankle). The Suns would get into the play-in series with two more wins — combined with at least one Portland loss or an 0-2 finish by the Grizzlies. If the Suns go 1-1 in their final two games, Portland would have to go 0-2 to give Phoenix a chance at the play-in. An 0-2 finish would have the Suns going home before the weekend.

SAN ANTONIO‌

Record entering Tuesday: 31-38, 11th in the West Remaining games: Houston on Tuesday, Utah on Thursday Outlook: There is a way for San Antonio to get to the No. 8 seed with a 2-0 finish, and there’s also a way for the Spurs to miss the play-in series entirely — also with a 2-0 finish. Any loss would all

but doom the Spurs’ chances; going 1-1 would leave them with a .451 winning percentage. Memphis won’t fall below that (the worst the Grizzlies can do is .458) and Portland and Phoenix would both exceed .451 by simply going 1-1. The Spurs are playing for what would be a 23rd consecutive playoff appearance, something no NBA franchise has ever accomplished.

Record entering Tuesday: 32-39, 10th in the West Remaining games: Philadelphia on Tuesday, Dallas on Thursday Outlook: The Suns are the story of the bubble, 6-0 at Disney so far — but even 8-0 might not guarantee them a spot in the play-in game. They play Philadelphia on Tuesday, a 76ers team that will be without Ben Simmons (knee) and Joel Machado ($15.1 million), Houston pitcher Zack Greinke ($14.1 million), New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole ($13.3 million), Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado ($12.96 million), Houston second baseman José Altuve ($12.63 million), Astros pitcher Justin Verlander ($12 million) and Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg ($11.7 million).

Each player’s figure includes his adjusted 2020 salary plus a prorated share of his signing bonus. Parts of salaries deferred without interest are discounted to present-day value for players such as Scherzer.

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and the Grizzlies ninth — separated in the standings by 0.00075 percentage points.

The other is this: Should Phoenix and San Antonio both win their final two games, it would see the Suns finish ahead of the Spurs by PORTLAND‌ 0.00096 percentage points.

Record entering TuesA look at the field: day: 33-39, 9th in the West Remaining games: Dallas on Tuesday, Brooklyn on MEMPHIS‌ Record entering Tues- Thursday day: 33-37, 8th in the West Outlook: Getting Dallas Remaining games: Bos- on the second half of the ton on Tuesday, Milwaukee Mavericks’ back-to-back Tuesday isn’t the greatest on Thursday Outlook: Not only do the news, especially since the Grizzlies control their own Mavs can still get to the destiny, but they catch the No. 6 seed and Luka Donbonus of their last two op- cic — who didn’t play Monponents having absolutely day — sounds as if he could nothing at stake. Boston is play Tuesday. The Nets are locked into the No. 3 seed in locked into the No. 7 spot

5

Skywatch

RealFeel Temperature® Today

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From B1

4

Sun Source: National Allergy Bureau Moon

11,365

in the East, meaning they’ll face defending champion Toronto in the first round.

A 2-0 finish would assure Portland a spot; a 1-1 finish means the Blazers would need some help. And Portland could go 0-2 in its final games and still get in, but San Antonio and Phoenix would have to both go 0-2 as well for that to happen.

3

airnow.gov Forecast index based on presence of man-made particulates affecting aspects of human health.

Moderate Absent High High

2014 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0t R-line

the East, Milwaukee the No. 1 seed. For Memphis, the math is very simple. If the Grizzlies win one game, they clinch no worse than a play-in spot.

Win two, they’ll finish eighth and hold the upper hand in the play-in series. But if they go 0-2, the door opens for others.

2

Today’s Air Quality

Degree days are an indicator of energy needs.

The more the total degree days, the more energy is necessary to cool.

Quote Of The Day

NBA

1

Cooling Degree Days

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Tuesday, August 11, 2020 | B3

Times-News

BUSINESS Employers post more jobs in June, pull back on hiring

TALK-O-TUESDAY WHAT’S YOUR TALK-O-TUESDAY? Do you have big news about your business or employees?

Win a major award? Open a new location? Make a big donation to a non-profit in need? Hosting a big sidewalk sale? We want to recognize you! Businesses that advertise with the Times-News and Magicvalley.com have the opportunity to share this information with our readers as part of their current advertising package. Want to start participating in Talk-O-Tuesday? Contact your advertising representative or email talkotuesday@magicvalley.com. If you’re interested in advertising with us, give Advertising Director Debi Perkins a call at 208-735-3208.

CHRISTOPHER RUGABER

Associated Press‌

‌WASHINGTON — U.S. employers advertised more jobs in June compared with the previous month, but overall hiring fell, painting a mixed picture of the job market.

The number of jobs posted on the last day in June jumped 9.6% to 5.9 million, the Labor Department said Monday, a solid gain but still below the pre-pandemic level of about 7 million. And employers hired 6.7 million people in June, down from 7.2 million in May, a record high.

The figures suggest that restaurants, bars, retail shops, and entertainment venues — businesses that were subject to shutdown orders in April — continued

PATTERSON’S SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES Patterson’s in Burley recently gave $500 each to The Humanitarian Center and Victory House/Helping Hands. Pictured for The Humanitarian Center are Kathy Duncan, Lorena Agustin and Barbara and Curtis Patterson. Charles Cochran and Lorena Agustin accepted the funds for the Victory House/Helping Hands.

COURTESY‌

to bring back workers at a healthy pace. Job openings in those industries also rose.

But outside those categories, employers remain reluctant to bring on new workers, a trend that could weigh on the economy in the coming months. Hiring slowed sharply in manufacturing, construction, and health care services in June.

The government has previously reported that the nation gained 4.8 million jobs in June. That figure, however, is a net total, while Monday’s report, known as the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS, provides gross hiring figures, without subtracting layoffs or quits.

On Friday, the govern-

ment said employers added a net 1.8 million jobs, a solid gain but far below June’s increase and below the 2.7 million added in May. Employers slashed 22 million positions in March and April, and so far 42% of those lost jobs have been regained.

The number of people quitting their jobs, meanwhile, rose by one-quarter to nearly 2.6 million, a huge gain that is unusual in the depths of the recession, when workers typically try to hold onto their jobs. Many workers may be reluctant to remain in jobs that they believe put their health at risk. Economists also worry that many women and men are quitting jobs to look after children, a trend that could also hold back job growth.

BBB NORTHWEST + PACIFIC

Threatening government imposter scams ‌P

icture this: You’re sitting at home when you get a telephone call from an unknown number. When you answer, the caller on the other end identifies themself as a government employee and informs you that a police officer will soon be at your doorstep to arrest you. The caller JEREMY JOHNSON urges you to check the telephone number that appeared on your phone. Sure enough, it matches a government agency. You are caught off guard. And worried.

You owe back taxes, the caller says.

The only way to avoid being taken to jail or to court is to purchase gift cards and read off the numbers to the government official.

By now, perhaps you realize you’ve been duped. Caller ID telephone numbers can be spoofed. That “government official” with a badge number is in fact a con artist, a government imposter. And if you’re one of the victims called by these scammers, you aren’t alone.

A new study from the Better Business Bureau reveals that 44% of Americans have encountered a government imposter scam. BBB estimates victims have collectively lost hundreds of millions of dollars to these cons. Law enforcement offi-

cials say they receive hundreds of thousands of complaints.

Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission have totaled $450 million in losses since 2015.

Whether the scammer purports to be a tax official, a representative from the Social Security Administration or a law enforcement officer, these con artists have a few things in common. Their con is predicated on using fear and intimidation to trick victims into turning over personal information or money, (often in the form of gift cards).

These scammers also threaten legal action or jail time if you don’t pay up. Scammers may tell consumer that their Social Security number has been associated with a crime, or may threaten to

deport recent immigrants or arrest people for missing jury duty.

BBB urges consumers to be wary of callers claiming to be from a government agency. Government officials will not cold call and threaten you. They will never demand payment via gift cards.

Here’s what to do if you’ve encountered a government impostor scam: IRS: The Internal Revenue Service advises people to fill out the “IRS Impersonation Scam” form on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Impersonation’s website, tigta.gov, or call TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484.

Social Security: The Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration has its

own online form to take complaints about frauds impersonating the SSA. Contact your cellphone carrier, which may offer free services such as scam call identification and blocking, ID monitoring, a second phone number to give out to businesses so you can use your main number for close friends or a new number if you get too many spam calls.

File a report with BBB Scam Tracker.

The more you know, the safer you’ll be. Learn more at bbb.org/ fakegov.

Jeremy Johnson is the Eastern Idaho marketplace manager for the Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT Private Investors Growing Southern Idaho’s Economy 2020 Business Plus Investors PLATINUM First Federal* D.L. Evans Bank* Idaho Central Credit Union KMVT*† Magic Valley Media*† McCain Foods Project Mutual Telephone (PMT)*

Goode Motor Group HC Company, Inc. J-U-B Engineers K&T Steel Corp* Lytle Signs* Photo Option Materials Testing & Inspection Oregon Trail RV Park McKinlay Klundt Appraisal Co. Sparklight (formerly Minidoka Memorial Hospital CableOne) Nelson & Co. Stevens Pierce & Nu-Vu Glass GOLD Associates CPAs* Safari Hospitality – Hampton Clif Bar Stratus Communications, LLC Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Cooper Norman, CPAs* Watco (Eastern Idaho Suites, and Quality Inn Dairy West Railroad)* and Suites BRONZE Idaho Dairymen’s Association Wills, Inc.* SimplicIT Banner Bank Idaho National Lab (INL)* St. Luke’s Jerome* BBSI Idaho Power* LEGACY LEADERS TOK Commercial Berkshire Hathaway St. Luke’s Magic Valley* Rep. Maxine Bell (retired) TitleFact, Inc.* HomeServices Idaho Woodbury Corporation – Doug Brown U.S. Bank Homes & Properties Magic Valley Mall, Target, Ward Orthodontics Best Western Burley Inn Rep. Lance Clow Best Buy & Dick’s Westfall & Westfall CPAs / Blue Cross of Idaho Jeff Harris Shopping Centers Impact Athletic Club* Blue Lakes Inn / Snake River Rep. Stephen Hartgen Wills Toyota* Pool & Spa (retired) SILVER Zions Bank* Cassia Regional Hospital Alan Horner American Real Estate Intermountain Healthcare* Ruth Pierce and Appraisal* COMMUNITY Chobani Jan Rogers Dot Foods Boccard Life Sciences Collins Connection - Kent Lee Wagner EHM Engineers, Inc. Devil’s Corral & Cindy Collins Berkshire Farmers Bank Family Health Services Hathaway HomeServices* Intermountain Gas Company* Con Paulos Chevrolet Gem State Welders Supply* IN-KIND SUPPORT (past 3 years) Mountain West Realty Moss Greenhouses Farm Bureau Insurance BBSI Mr. Gas* New Leaf Properties First American Title North Canyon Medical Center Best Western Burley Inn Company* Northwest Bank NOVOLEX / Hilex Poly Oasis Stop ‘N Go / Travelers’ Oasis* PBC Petersen Brothers Construction PCA Packaging Corporation of America* Starr Corporation* TitleOne* United Electric Co-op, Inc. Watkins Distributing* Wells Fargo Bank WillTran, Inc.

*Indicates 10+ years of support since 2003

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Not Available Darigold Goode Motor Group Idaho Central Credit Union KeyBank Minidoka Memorial Hospital Mountain West Realty Mr. Gas* Oregon Trail RV Packaging Specialties of Idaho PCA Packaging Corporation of America* PerforMix Nutrition Systems Rinard Media Soran Restaurants, Inc. Starr Corporation* Stone House & Co. Stratus Communications TOK Commercial United Way of South Central Idaho Watco (Eastern Idaho Railroad)* Watkins Distributing* Willamette Dental Group WillTran, Inc.

Includes additional promotional investment

†

To become a Business Plus Investor and promote economic development in Southern Idaho, contact Rebecca Wildman, Executive Director at Rebecca@BusinessPlusInc.org or (208) 539-6470.

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COMICS

B6 | Tuesday, August 11, 2020

B.C.

By Mastroianni & Hart

Beetle Bailey

Blondie

For Better or For Worse

By Rick Kirkman & Jerry Scott

By Mort Walker

Bizarro

By Dan Piraro

By Dean Young & Stan Drake

Dilbert

By Scott Adams

By Lynn Johnston

Garfield

Baby Blues

Times-News

By Jim Davis

Frank and Ernest

Hagar the Horrible

By Bob Thaves

By Chris Browne

Hi and Lois

By Chance Browne

Luann

By Greg Evans

Pearls Before Swine

By Stephan Pastis

Pickles

By Brian Crane

Rose is Rose

Non Sequitur

By Pat Brady

By Wiley

The Wizard of Id

Dennis the Menace By Hank Ketcham Wumo

Zits

By Brant Parker & Johnny Hart

By Wulff & Morgenthaler

By Jim Borgman and Jerry Scott

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