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CROWDED JAIL
Canyon County deals with crowded jail
(Information in the following story is from: Idaho Press-Tribune, http://www.idahopress.com)
NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — Officials in southwestern Idaho's Canyon County say the local jail was built for a population half of its current size, and that has them struggling to find the best use of space.
The Canyon County jail opened in 1993, when the county population was 90,000. Now the population is about 200,000 and the jail still holds 400 inmates — with just 63 beds for women. Sheriff Kieran Donahue told the Idaho Press-Tribune the limited space means jailers, prosecuting attorneys and public defenders must meet every day to discuss who to keep behind bars and who to set free.
Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Taylor says there is an upside: The crowding has forced officials to re-evaluate the criminal justice process to find ways to speed the system.
DAIRY SPYING-LAWSUIT
Idaho asks judge to toss lawsuit on farm video law
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Attorneys for Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new law that makes it illegal to secretly film animal abuse at agricultural facilities.
A coalition of animal activists, civil rights groups and others sued last month, asking U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to strike down what they call an "ag gag" law. The coalition contends the law curtails freedom of speech and makes gathering proof of animal abuse a crime with a harsher punishment than the penalty for animal cruelty itself.
Otter signed the law in February after Idaho's $2.5 billion dairy industry complained that videos showing cows being abused at a southern Idaho dairy unfairly hurt business.
Otter's attorneys contend the coalition lacks the right to challenge the law.
EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Idaho Gov's Ed Task Force reconvenes in Boise
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Members of the Governor's Task Force for Improving Education met again to establish some new proposals to present to Idaho lawmakers next year.
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter created the task force last year, asking members to come up with recommendations to improve the state's education system.
They came up with a list of 20 items for the Idaho Legislature to consider, but while progress was made on some recommendations, none was fully implemented.
Still, Eagle Republican Rep. Reed De Mordaunt called the interim committee a "guiding force" in the 2014 legislative session.
The group gathered at Boise State Monday, breaking into two committees to work on developing proposals and implementation plans on teacher career ladders and other items.
A third working group will address reading proficiency and literacy.
BOISE ST-RYPIEN
Mark Rypien's nephew commits to Boise State
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Brett Rypien, a Spokane, Wash., quarterback and nephew of Super Bowl champion quarterback Mark Rypien, has made a verbal commitment to play football at Boise State.
Brett Rypien visited Boise State over the weekend and committed to joining the Broncos for the 2015 season.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior has thrown for just over 8,500 yards and 90 touchdowns in three seasons at Shadle Park High. It took him 2.5 seasons to pass his uncle Mark's high school passing record of 4,965 yards in Greater Spokane League games.
Brett Rypien holds the Washington state record with 613 yards passing in one game in which he also threw eight touchdown passes. The TD mark ties Rypien with former BSU quarterback Kellen Moore for second most TD's in a high school game in Washington.
Rypien says BSU's coaching staff, facilities and atmosphere helped win him over.
YELLOWSTONE BISON
Drivers urged to watch for migrating bison
(Information in the following story is from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com)
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — State wildlife officials are asking drivers to watch for bison as they migrate out of Yellowstone National Park north of Gardiner.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports this year's combination of deep snow and increased tolerance for bison outside the park adds up to an increased chance of running into large animals on the roads in the Gardiner basin.
Two bison died last week after being struck on U.S. Highway 89 north of Gardiner.
The posted speed limit in the area is 70 mph, but state Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are asking drivers to slow down and use caution, especially at night. Officials say the risk of hitting bison and other wildlife will remain high until May, when the bison are hazed back into the park.
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