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Coming Up: 

 
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 12th:
 
Governor Otter and First Lady Lori Otter will participate in a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Idaho State Museum. 9:00 a.m., Idaho State Museum
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Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy

       
 
On September 20th, First Lady Lori Otter and I stopped by the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Pierce. Through structure, discipline, teamwork and leadership training, cadets enrolled at the Youth ChalleNGe Academy learn important life lessons that build character and confidence. These young cadets are getting a second-chance at success after prior struggles at home and school by learning how to become productive and positive members of society - a great investment for the citizens of Idaho. The work being done by both the cadets and their instructors is turning these young lives around and has been an incredibly rewarding experience to witness. Miss Lori and I could not be prouder of the work that's being done at the Academy. Keep up the great work!  
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Capital for a Day - Winchester
         
 
 
We had a great turn out for my 106th Capital for a Day on Tuesday, October 9th, in the Lewis County community of Winchester. I'd like to thank the folks at the Winchester Community Center for hosting the event as well as local residents for coming out to participate in our open discussion. My agency directors and I listened to local citizens express their concerns on a range of topics including the Lochsa land exchange, the opioid epidemic, speed limits on local highways, ideas for economic growth, getting broadband in rural communities, our increasing prison populations and abortion rights. We fielded many tough questions, and I sincerely hope we solved some challenging problems during our visit. I would like to again thank all those who attended another successful Capital for a Day! I will continue reaching out to Idaho's smaller and remote communities for my next Capital for a Day. Stay tuned!  
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Hunting and Fishing Day

 
 
I was honored to proclaim Saturday, September 22nd, "National Hunting and Fishing Day" in Idaho. Hunting and fishing are fundamental parts of Idaho's incredible outdoor lifestyle. The benefits hunting and fishing provide to both Idaho's economy and to conservation is extremely valuable. Hunting and fishing are at the core of our Idaho heritage. Our state's conservation funding system sustains and improves our wildlife resources for future generations to enjoy. We must continue to ensure as many opportunities as possible for our state's sportsmen and women as we successfully manage our wildlife conservation efforts
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New Businesses Moving to Idaho

 
As the fastest growing state in the country, Idaho has seen many new employers move to our business friendly state. We have made it easier for business to move here, cutting many of the regulations that would otherwise keep businesses from relocating. Just recently I helped welcome two new businesses to our state. One is the new DowDuPont polystyrene manufacturing plant in Burley, where 21 new jobs were created. The other was for a new manufacturing plant for Price Pump in my hometown of Caldwell, where premier Centrifugal and Air Operated Diaphragm pumps will be produced. Idaho's economy is strong as ever, and we are drawing in new and exciting businesses. Let's keep this momentum going!    
 
 
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Keep Drones Away from Wildfires
   
    
With help from the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, I recorded a public service announcement educating everyone on the dangers of flying droves over wildfires. Flying drones near a wildfire can interfere with wildland fire air traffickers including tankers, helicopters and other firefighting aircraft that are necessary to suppress wildfires. Even a smaller toy drone can cause a serious or fatal accident if it collides with firefighting aircraft. That's why it is critically important to get the message out that drones must NOT fly anywhere near wildfires! Watch the public service announcement here.    
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First Lady Focus: Ida Prepares, A Year in Emergency Preparedness with Ida and Tank


On Friday, September 28th, in collaboration with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), I unveiled a new book in the running "Ida" series called, Ida Prepares, A Year in Emergency Preparedness with Ida and Tank. Ida sets forth on a new journey where she learns how to effectively prepare for emergency situations. The book is a great way for children to acquire proper preparation techniques while having fun learning with Ida and her dogs, Tank and Duke. Being prepared in emergency situations is not an easy topic to teach children, but on Ida's newest adventure she teaches many useful practices that help promote safety and security at an early age. I would like to thank IOEM for their crucial role in the creation of this book and am very proud of the work from everyone that made this book a reality. If you would like a copy of the book, they are available at the Office of the Governor and are free!
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Agency Spotlight: 
Idaho State Historical Society

 
   
Idaho State Museum Opening Date, Fundraising Goal Reached
 
The Governor and First Lady are pleased to announce the new Idaho State Museum will open on Friday, October 12th. With the help of donors from across our great state, the $4 million private fundraising campaign goal for the museum led by the Foundation for Idaho History, has been reached and exceeded with over $4.2 million raised from over 500 donors. Thank you to everyone who helped make this campaign a success!
 
The new Idaho State Museum features an additional 18,000 square feet of exhibition and education space, and the original 1950 building has been completely renovated to create an interactive and educational visitor experience. It was built with feedback from across the state, as nine focus groups were conducted to allow all Idahoans to weigh in on the content in their regions.
 
Marty Peterson, Foundation for Idaho History President, noted, "In our state's 128-year history, Idaho has established a reputation of having citizens who are unsurpassed in supporting a wide range of worthy causes. With the Idaho State Museum, we have shown that once again Idahoans have met and exceeded the challenge of making a world-class museum a reality. I want to thank the entire Foundation for Idaho History and our many donors for their success in achieving our capital campaign goal, with a special recognition extended to Capital Campaign Chairman, Roy Eiguren; and Vice-Chair, Mary Ann Arnold."
 
Work over the summer included installation of exhibitions, artifacts, and the interactive, multimedia experiences that define the new Idaho State Museum. This includes a new Boomtown Exhibit, where children can "detonate" dynamite, put on a miner's hat and go in the mouth of a mineshaft, stock the coal in a railroad engine, visit a Chinese mercantile, and see Deja Moo (the famous two-headed calf).
 
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children and $8 for students, veterans and senior citizens. Please contact Mark Breske at 208.514.2330 or mark.breske@ishs.idaho.gov for any questions. 
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Appointments
 
Recent appointments can be found on my website here.
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