Enterprise The Idaho
Oneida County's News Since 1879 Malad City, Idaho
March 2, 2023 |Vol. 143 No. 09
Winter still putting up a fight
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NEWS IN BRIEF Erythritol sweetener linked to negative health outcomes The food industry product erythritol has been linked to higher likelihoods of cardiovascular problems, according to a new study. Erythritol is used to bulk up the volume of products such as stevia and monkfruit. The study has found that higher levels of erythritol in sweetener products have a similarly higher correlation to blood clotting, heart attack and stroke than natural sugar products. The product has been highly successful as a component of “zero calorie” substitutes for sugar.
Train derailment chemicals pose long term risk
Samaria felt the brunt of the snow, which had begun to melt off by late afternoon. See Pg. 11 for more weather info
Crisis Center Gala Commemorates 25th Year; Dove Awards given
Following last week’s trail derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a report has been released suggesting that many of the chemicals released as a result of the accident have long term atmospheric viability, and may result in ongoing health concerns. The accident has been blamed on both the Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s management of the agency, as well as Trump era rollbacks of safety regulations on trains carrying toxic chemicals. Cleanup and remediation will continue into the next months and years as the town attempts to recover from the catastrophe.
Idaho considers firing squad as an execution alternative Idaho is once again considering the firing squad as an means of execution for death row inmates, if a bill from Representative Bruce Skaug (Nampa) is successful. Idaho currently uses lethal injection as its method of terminal punishment for death sentence convictions. Problems with lethal injection supplies have plagued many states across the country, and resulted in lawsuits in a number of states. Skaug believes that the firing squad is more reliable and humane. Idaho would join Utah, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Mississippi as the only states with the execution method on the books. If passed, the bill would allow the firing squad as an alternative method of execution. However, it is expected that the bill would immediately face challenges.
Bill proposes change in liability for parks
Holly Llewelyn, director the Crisis Center, receives the “Dedicated Director” Dove Award
As the 25th year of the Crisis Center was commemorated, the community hosted a Gala event to celebrate the accomplishments of the county’s primary resource for those in need of a variety of services, including temporary housing, food, clothing, bedding, and support services. The live and virtual auctions at the heart of the Gala were reported to have been the most successful in the history of the event, and will go toward sustaining the Center’s activities. “We’re happy to report this is the most successful year we’ve had so far as far as the auctions go,” said Malena Jimenez,
Outreach and Awareness Advocate at the Center. In addition to the fundraising elements of the dinner, it also served as a platform for announcing the Dove Award winners for 2022. Holly Llewelyn, Director of the Crisis Center, was given the Dove award for her “outstanding service and leadership,” as well as named a “Dedicated Director” by the board. “The success of any organization starts with its leadership,” Jimenez said. “Holly has been directing the Crisis Center for over 12 years, and has served as the executive director for the last five. I wish I could
provide stats on how many individuals have been comforted by her standing by them during times of trial, or how much suffering she has eased with a listening ear and a kind heart. Unfortunately only those she was privileged to assist and those of us fortunate enough to have worked alongside her know the impact she has made on this community on a daily basis.” Gabe Jimenez, of the board of directors for the Center, presented Llewelyn with a number of gifts CRISIS CENTER GALA On Page 2
INSIDE THE ENTERPRISE THIS WEEK Search and Rescue.............................Pg.2 Evening of the Arts, Ron Spomer........Pg.3 School Bond..........................................Pg.5
Puzzles...............................................................Pg.7 Winter still putting up a fight.............................Pg.11 Wrestling...........................................................Pg.12
Another bill in consideration in the Idaho legislature would change the way that liability is assigned for accidents occurring in state parks. Representative Rick Cheatum, District 28, has promoted House Bill 103, which passed the House and is on its way to the Senate. It would more specifically clarify situations in which the liability for accidents that take place on state property can be assumed, with visitors assuming more responsibility for engaging in potentially negligent situations.
Idaho Falls to celebrate 160 years of Idaho Territory While Idaho will celebrate its 133rd year as a state this year, the Bonneville County Heritage Association has decided to also commemorate its 160th year as a territory. The event, which will take place at 7 p.m. on March 2 at the Colonial Theatre in downtown Idaho Falls, will feature a documentary film, songs, and the participation of students from the Bonneville and Fort Hall school districts.