Paul's Blog for Monday 1/17/22

Monday 011722

The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments in four separate lawsuits brought against the state’s redistricting commission on Friday, all of them challenging various aspects of the new legislative district map. Idaho has been one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and the commissioners for reapportionment examined where that growth occurred and attempted to create districts roughly equal in population with about 52,000 residents each.

Idaho’s snowpack levels are in good shape and water experts are cautiously optimistic about water levels in the coming months. The Natural Resource Conservation Service, said by Jan. 1 most of the state had higher-than-normal snowpack levels.

Gov. Brad Little has proposed the addition of 21 social workers and three psychosocial rehabilitation specialists for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, along with a 7% pay increase for safety assessors and case managers. His proposal also increases reimbursement rates for foster families across Idaho.  The proposal will still need approval from the Idaho Legislature.

The Biden administration has launched a new website for Americans to request up to four free COVID-19 tests per household.  The administration is buying 1 billion at-home rapid COVID-19 tests, and Americans will be able to begin ordering the tests online on Jan. 19 at COVIDtests.gov.

President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint eight U.S. Department of Agriculture regional positions, including two for Idaho.  Matt Gellings is one of five new Farm Service Agency state executive directors proposed by Biden, and Rudy Soto is one of three new people selected to serve as Rural Development state directors.

The Idaho State Tax Commission and federal Taxpayer Advocate Service will host two free webinars with tips for filing income taxes, according to a press release.  The “Tips for Filing Income Taxes” webinars will be held virtually on Jan. 17 and Feb. 19.  Register by going to the Idaho State Tax Commission website.

SPORTS

Boise State men's basketball ran its win streak to nine games Saturday, dominating New Mexico on the glass en route to a 71-63 victory at The Pit. The Broncos out-rebounded the Lobos 52-28, including 25 offensive rebounds; the most in 12 years

For the women, Asia Avinger and Mallory Adams combined for 55 points and San Diego State defeated Boise State 80-63, Saturday afternoon.  Dominique Leonidas led Boise State with 11 points and Trista Hull added 10.

Tarik Cool scored 20 points to lead four in double figures and Idaho State beat Idaho 81-74 on Saturday night.  Emmit Taylor III had 12 points for Idaho State. Idaho plays at Northern Arizona on Monday. Idaho State hosts Weber State on Monday.

The College of Southern Idaho women’s basketball team shattered a school record in their win over Colorado Northwestern (CNCC) Saturday.  The No. 6 Golden Eagles made 24 3-pointers in the 129-41 win over the Spartans.

Lighthouse Christian School looked across the country to find its newest football coach.  Former University of Central Florida player Jason Smith is taking over the duties. He has coached both 8 and 11-man, winning two state championships along the way.

In high school varsity basketball from over the weekend, first for the Boys, where Rimrock defeated Richfield 65 to 35.  It was Aberdeen defeating Raft River 82 to 54.  Oakley outlasted Declo 43 to 31.  Murtaugh took the win over Notus 37 to 20 and Cascade said no way to Hagerman.  The score 53 to 30.  For the Girls, Valley bested Shoshone 50 to 39.  It was Murtaugh 55 over Notus 34.  Cascade defeated Hagerman 42 to 24.  Twin Falls downed Valleyvue 46 to 22 and Highland took the win over Minico 53 to 37.

On today’s schedule, first for the Boys, Declo travels to Buhl, Valley heads to Gooding, Filer is on the road to Wendell and Carey goes to Shoshone.  For the Girls Hansen heads to Castleford, Mountain Home goes to Minico, Oakley goes to Valley and Glenns Ferry is headed to Dietrich.  Wood River travels to Canyon Ridge.

WEATHER

M.L.King Day:  Areas of dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 28. East wind 3 to 5 mph.

Monday Night:  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind.

 

Tuesday:  Partly sunny, with a high near 31. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Calm wind.

 

Wednesday:  Partly sunny, with a high near 33.

Wednesday Night:  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

 

Thursday:  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

 

Friday:  Partly sunny, with a high near 36.

Friday Night:  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

 

Saturday:  Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

Saturday Night:  Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Connect With Buck FM