AERIAL AMERICA - Idaho Episode

Watch March 2, 8:00 pm

Soar over a state with much more to offer than just potatoes! This state contains millions of acres of untamed land, great ancient spines of stone, and the deepest canyon in America. Idaho's past is as rich as its volcanic soil and this tour over the Gem State reveals unique visual treasures. From Hemingway’s haven to Hell’s Canyon, and from the world’s first atomic city to the birth of the potato boom, discover the beauty and history of Idaho.
http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/sc/web/series/701/aerial-america/3400227/idaho

ANTI SPYING BILL - ID. Agricultural House Committee vote 13-1 in favor

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Feb 21
This bill came after a video that was illegally taken... showed workers severely abusing cows. The committee heard testimonies from both farmers and animal right supporters. Farmers said they need protection from spying, while activist said the bill would allow abuse to go undetected.

BOISE, ID - A proposed law gains momentum in Idaho's legislature, it calls for the ban on undercover filming at farms in the Gem State.

In a 13 to one vote, the House Agricultural Affairs Committee backed a measure calling for tougher penalties against those who sneak onto farms and film animal abuse. The senate previously backed the measure 23 to ten, so now it heads to the house. 
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Legislators-vote-13-1-in-favor-of-Anti-Spying-Idaho-Bill-246538301.html

Ground breaking for Port of Clarkston new Industrial park begins March

By Veronica Miracle Published: Feb 21
CLARKSTON, WA - In just a couple of weeks, workers are breaking ground on a new business park in Asotin County. 

Turning Pointe Industrial Park will be located on Evans Road.

Work will start on March 6th. The approximately 45-acre plot is getting landscaping, water lines and the necessary technology for a business to open up shop. While they don't have any businesses committed to a space at this time, Port Manager Wanda Keefer said within a five year period, they hope to have at least 100 new jobs available in the park. 

"We expect the contract to be wrapped up in 120 work days," said Keefer. "So as soon as this Fall we could begin to see businesses constructing their own facilities there with jobs before the end of 2014 we hope."

Keefer said this is the first phase of construction. They hope to expand the park beyond the current boundaries in the future.
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Evans-Road-246548201.html

WA. Music Educators Assoc. selects Linda Torgerson as Outstanding Music Educator

By Veronica Miracle Published: Feb 21 

CLARKSTON, WA - A local music director is getting state-wide recognition for her work in the classroom.

Lincoln Middle School Music Director, Linda Torgerson was honored with Outstanding Music Educator for the southeast region. She received the award by nomination from her peers in the Washington Music Educators Association.

"It's an honor and I'm really humbled," said Torgerson. "I just do my job every single day. And I have opportunities that come to me that I can allow students to take those opportunities and I don't hold back."

Mrs. Torgerson is a thirty year veteran with the Clarkston School District. The award signifies the outstanding contributions she's made to music education in the state of Washington.

http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Linda-Torgerson-246553301.html

N.P. County Jail - Commission approves restructuring chain of command

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Feb 20

LEWISTON, ID - The Nez Perce County Jail is changing the way they do things.

The Nez Perce County Commission approved the re-structuring of the chain of command within the adult detention center. Sheriff Joe Rodriguez says it'll promote a smoother operation of the facility, as well as another way for the jail to save money.

"We would eliminate that lieutenant position which would save us that income as well as medical the county would pay and we would in turn take and create another sergeant position," said Nez Perce County Sheriff Joe Rodriguez.

The new sergeant will more than likely be promoted in house. Both sergeants will oversee four corporals and 26 deputies. The restructuring will start immediately giving jail officials enough time to get settled before their annual inspection.
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/restructuring-246366281.html

Sojourners' Alliance Director discusses hunger on the Palouse an invisible reality

By Rachel Dubrovin Published: Feb 21,
MOSCOW, ID -  29% of Moscow residents are living in poverty, According to the latest study of poverty on the Palouse.

Sojourners' Alliance Director Steve Bonnar discussed food insecurity with Moscow's 'Women's Giving Circle' Thursday morning. He explained that it's difficult to spread awareness about poverty on the Palouse because it's largely invisible.

"One of the big issues here, unfortunately, is that there aren't decent paying jobs," said Bonnar. "So anybody working at a minimum wage job around here is living in poverty."

Bonnar said the cost of living is increasing, food stamp funding is decreasing, and food banks are in desperate need for donations. He said many people living in poverty also struggle with obesity because the food they can afford is low in nutrients, but high in unhealthy fats and sugars.

So when it comes to donating, protein-rich foods like canned meats and peanut butter are the most valuable, as is toilet paper because it's an expensive necessity that they buy through programs like USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Moscow-hunger-246585601.htm

Snowy Weekend

A slow moving system will move through the region this weekend. This system will bring intermittent snowfall to most of the region. Impacts expected from this system will be deteriorating road conditions and hazardous traveling through the mountain passes.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=otx