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VIRUS OUTBREAK-IDAHO
Idaho lottery still a popular bet during pandemic worries
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Despite a pandemic, many Idaho residents are apparently still feeling lucky. Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson said Tuesday that ticket sales were down only about 5% last week. He says buying a lottery ticket can bring a sense of normalcy. Idaho has been under a stay-at-home order since March 25 due to the coronavirus. Anderson also directs the Idaho State Liquor Division. He says some panic buying occurred in March, but that’s settled down since it became clear state liquor stores will remain open. Statewide, more than 1,900 Idaho residents had confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and at least 58 residents have died
YELLOWSTONE CONCESSIONAIRE
Yellowstone concessions operator to remain closed into June
CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park’s largest concessionaire has announced it will not begin operations until June 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Cody Enterprise reported Xanterra Travel Collection says lodging and service operations will be limited when the company reopens in the park, which is currently closed to the public. Xanterra operates nine hotels and more than 830 buildings and 30 food service facilities and tour operations. Xanterra media representative Rick Hoeninghausen says initial lodging operations in the park will be limited to cabins with private bathrooms. Food services, gift shops, tours and activities also will be limited.
CITY OF ROCKS VANDALIZED
Vandals spray-paint historic rock site signed in 1800s
ALMO, Idaho (AP) — Vandals have spray-painted graffiti on a historic Idaho landmark in City of Rocks National Reserve. Officials say it is the worst case of vandalism in the park’s history. Superintendent Wallace Keck says Camp Rock, one of the formations at City of Rocks near Almo, was vandalized late Friday or early Saturday. He believes two to six people were involved. Officials say Camp Rock was a common camping site for emigrants following the California Trail in the 1840s and 1850s. Many of them signed their names in axle grease on the site’s granite boulders.
CASINO REOPENS
Coeur d’Alene Casino partially reopens
WORLEY, Idaho (AP) — The Coeur d’Alene Casino has reopened some of its restaurants with social distancing efforts in place and face mask requirements. KREM reports the tribal casino closed on March 20, five days before Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced a statewide stay-at-home order. The order is set to expire on May 1. Heather Keen, a spokesperson for the casino, said some restaurants are open with enhanced cleaning protocols and reduced seating capacity.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-IDAHO NURSING HOMES
16 Idaho nursing homes hit by COVID-19, state mum on details
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s nursing homes have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with at least 150 cases at 16 different long-term care facilities in the state. So far, at least 26 people at such facilities have died from COVID-19. But public health officials aren’t releasing the names of the facilities, making it difficult to gauge if they’ve had appropriate access to testing for staffers and residents or whether they are facilities with known infection control problems. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokeswoman Niki Forbing-Orr says the state is currently tracking active COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT-LAWSUIT
Idaho's top school official sues lawmakers, education board
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's top school official says lawmakers violated the state constitution by approving two laws that reduce her ability to direct critical public school operations. Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra filed a lawsuit with the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday against the Legislature and the State Board of Education. She is asking the court to declare unconstitutional laws that remove 18 employees and $2.7 million from her direct control. Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke, who is named in the suit, said the Legislature was within its prerogative to make the changes. A Board of Education spokesman said the board couldn't comment on pending litigation.
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