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FLOOD INSURANCE-IDAHO-RESEND
Idaho residents face big flood insurance increases
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — More than 1,400 flood insurance policies in Idaho are facing hefty premium increases despite a congressional fix intended to limit the worst of the rate hikes.
More than a million U.S. policyholders will be required to pay higher annual premiums as the federal government cuts subsidies in an effort to cover the National Flood Insurance Program's $24 billion deficit.
Coastal states will bear the largest burden. But in landlocked states such as Idaho, older communities along rivers will be particularly affected.
An Associated Press analysis of Federal Emergency Management Agency data found that 440 Idaho policies face 25 percent increases, and more than 1,000 face 18 percent hikes.
MISSING BOATER
Man missing after Snake River boating accident
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A 42-year-old Idaho man is missing after a weekend boating accident on the Snake River on the Idaho-Oregon border.
The Wallowa County sheriff's office in Oregon says the jet boat capsized just before 7 p.m. Friday while negotiating the Wild Sheep rapids north of Hells Canyon Dam, throwing its three occupants into the water.
Charles Gissel of Ontario, Ore., and Eric Meyerhoffer of Payette were able to get to shore, but 42-year-old Ricky M. Flores is missing. Officials did not say if Gissel and Meyerhoffer were injured.
Search teams from Wallowa, Adams and Baker counties in Oregon along with the Oregon State Police and Oregon Air National Guard were helping with the search for Flores and the boat.
The Oregon Department of Corrections says the three men worked at Snake River Correctional Institution near Ontario, Ore.
HIGH WINDS
Businessman wants wind warnings at bridges
(Information in the following story is from: KTVB-TV, http://www.ktvb.com/)
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Southern Idaho business executive says more must be done to warn drivers about high winds in the Twin Falls area.
KTVB reports that thousands of cars and trucks travel in the Magic Valley each day using the Hansen and Perrine Bridges.
John Anderson of Gem State Paper and Supply Company saw last week's video of the wind tipping a semi like a toy truck on the Hansen Bridge. His company uses lots of trucks in the region.
Anderson says there should be a better system to warn drivers about wind speeds.
The Idaho Transportation Department says it is working to put up more permanent signage at those bridges.
WOLF POPULATION
State actions galvanize enviro groups
(Information in the following story is from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com)
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's wolf population is on the decline, heading toward 10 breeding pairs, or 150 wolves.
That's the goal set in the 2002 wolf management plan that will remain the state's official policy unless it is changed by the Legislature.
The Idaho Statesman reports that last week's legislation to establish an Idaho Wolf Control Board, along with efforts to expand and increase wolf hunting and trapping, has galvanized some national conservation groups.
They are preparing to go back to court to demand that the federal government put the wolf back under the protection of the Endangered Species Act.
The Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife are complaining about the state's recent wolf actions.
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