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People probably remember me as Susan Moorehead rather than by my married name of Susan Dietz. I grew up here in American Falls, graduating from AFHS with the class of 19(mumble). I’ve since traveled around the world, lived in Boise and Nampa, worked in various clerical positions, and the entire time I was dreaming about being a writer and missing my home town. Rather ironic when I spent my entire childhood planning ways and means to leave.
When the opportunity arose to move back to A.F. and raise my family, I jumped at the chance. My big-city husband indulged me. Now, not only is he happy living in a small rural community, his parents have recently bought a house here and plan on participating in any and all community activities that don’t involve snow. (Californians - what can I say?)
I am going to do my absolute best to be accurate, fair, and unbiased in my reporting. I will also do my best to spell everyone’s names correctly.
When I was first asked to write a bit about myself, I went to several sources and quizzed them on what they would like to know about me. But then I realized that just this once it actually IS all about me and I can tell people whatever I want them to know.
What I want you all to know is that I believe in truth and I believe in justice, but not vengeance. I believe that my family is the most important part of me, and that being a good neighbor is an almost sacred duty. I believe that God really does know what He is doing. I also happen to think that personal responsibility and accountability are essential to good character.
My indoor plants usually do great - the secret is water from my fish tank - and the movie Steel Magnolias always makes me cry. Also, it’s not a real tuna fish sandwich unless you add the pickles.
I am a bit shy, but don’t let that keep you from approaching me for a chat. I am available for any news you would like to impart, opinions you would like to share, or just to say hello. |
To the editor,
Do you enjoy having a loyal, trusting best friend? Do you enjoy knowing that you can have a family pet that loves you and depends on you? Do you enjoy playing fetch with your four-legged family member? Do you love to see the joy that your children have playing with their four-legged brother or sister? Do you take comfort in knowing that if an intruder, a thief or some other type of perpetrator tried getting into your home they may think twice if they hear a bark? Do you hope your four-legged loved one has the instinct of many other canine heroes if you or your family is ever in a fire or any other type of emergency that they may be able to assist you? If not then perhaps you have a neighbor, a family member, or a friend who does. I do! And I could go on and on with more questions of the same.
I along with several others in this town am now being threatened with a new ordinance to ban a specific breed of dog, the pit bull terrier. Our family pets are going to be punished because of the negligence of other dog owners in town. Right now the focus is on the pit bull, however other large breed dogs can and will be next!
Unfortunately it is the negligence of not just bad pit bull owners that are causing this. It is also the negligence of every dog owner that lets their little dog outside without being in a fenced yard or on tie cable or leash. Because of all the little dogs that are allowed to run around in this town, snoop anyone’s yard that is not fenced, chase kids down the street, and venture into a pit bull’s yard and get attacked, we that are responsible owners are being punished!
A good majority of all pit bull attacks happen on the pit bull’s own property. Most are chained up or on a tie cable and a little dog (mostly Schnauzers in this town) are killed because their owners let them run! Usually when asked why their little dog was off a leash, you get the response that is too sensitive to talk about and that it was still the pit bull’s fault. But is it, or is it owner negligence? Most attacks are because the pit bull is protecting their owners, and what they call home. Something most of us would like our dogs, no matter the size to do if an intruder came along. Pit bulls have been wrongly accused in attacks as well, even here in American Falls an American bull dog bit a city official and it was reported as being a pit bull. Unfortunately Schnauzers or other little dog attacks are rarely reported because they are a little dog, or someone’s friend’s dog. They are rarely called in as a dog at large when they are no different than any other dog. They, too, are still capable of attacking or chasing someone.
Please do not get me wrong. I along with several other pit bull owners do believe that something, perhaps a stronger or stricter ordinance, needs to be put into effect. However do not do it by singling out or banning certain breeds. Crack down on the owners of all breeds! Make all owners from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane follow the same regulations! If everyone did or if they were all punished the same, there would be a lot less attacks, no matter the breed! There is, already a handful of people that are trying to come up with a proposal to help make the new ordinance not breed specific. One voice is barely heard, true, but many at once are not ignored! If you are interested in helping put together a fair and stricter dog ordinance for not just the pit bull but all large and small breeds of dogs, we will be having a meeting Sunday, July 27, at 6 p.m. in the city park. Or please call: Adam at 208-242-6387 or Jennifer at 208-705-5832.
Thank you,
A responsible dog owner
Jennifer Neeser |
To the editor,
Now that T-ball is over, I wanted to take time to thank the coaches of my two boys’ team, Travis Hansen and Mike Henesh. It amazes me what extreme patience they both possess along with their great coaching skills. Five and six year olds’ attention spans being what they are, Travis and Mike had many obstacles to deal with including, but not limited to, airplanes, car alarms, potty emergencies, flip-flops, dirt, rocks, rainbows and my five year old’s traumatic lost bug.
I’m sure they must have said, “Stand up...get ready Mets...drop the rocks” hundreds of times, all without losing their cool. They conveyed good sportsmanship, leadership, guidance, knowledge of the game and all those other things you would want in a coach – especially for your child’s first coach.
So, thanks again gentlemen, for the amazing job you do.
Sincerely,
Kathy Whisman
Ernest and Amanda Whisman |
To the editor,
Not only does Subway in American Falls serve a good and tasty sandwich, the people who work there are honest and trustworthy.
On Tuesday, July 15, I left my handbag which contained my credit cards, checkbook, and cash on one of their chairs. I didn’t notice I had left my handbag there until I got back home to Utah. It was a pleasant surprise to see that Subway’s manager had already called to inform me they had my purse and would put it in their safe.
My son, who I was visiting in American Falls, picked up my purse for me. Not one item was missing. We wish to compliment and thank the staff at the American Falls Subway.
Your grateful customer,
Betty Wilson |
To the editor,
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to a wonderful leader, team member, and friend. After 22 years of outstanding service as Power County Search & Rescue Commander, Pete Williams has announced his retirement.
As a Search & Rescue volunteer, we have all donated a portion of our time and talent to be part of this priceless entity for our community. Team members are involved with training, local and national conventions, as well as the actual land and water rescues/searches. However, many are unaware of countless hours that Pete has contributed personally, to make this unit the absolute best it can be. He has researched and attained the best gear and equipment available. Pete has worked diligently to make sure that we can function as a top notch team, but most importantly, he has always made sure that the safety of his team comes first.
Pete is an exemplary man and his dedication to this community is beyond honorable. We have a saying at our annual Power County Search & Rescue BBQ that reads "Thank you for helping us, help you." Well Pete thank YOU for helping US...
Sincerely,
Pete Cortez/FD22 |
To the editor,
The Harms Memorial Hospital Foundation extends our most sincere appreciation to the individuals and businesses that made the First Annual Community Talent Showcase a success. Thank you to the evening’s entertainers for their excellent performances: Konni Morgan, Tom Sutton, Bryan Atkins, Stephanie Woodworth, Craig Heward, Garth Youd, SEI Dance Show Team, Art Meadows, Holly Sorensen, Henry Hornbacher and Phyllis Bennett. Also, an additional thank you to the local businesses and individuals who supported the foundation’s efforts to create an enjoyable evening: Gary Tiede, American Falls School District (including Dana Facer, Kiara Scherer, and Logan Hayden), American Falls Library, Ken’s Market, Rockland Pharmacy, Power County Press, and Harms Memorial Hospital.
Finally, we thank the community members that purchased tickets and joined us for the evening’s performances. Your support of the foundation’s ongoing efforts benefits everyone in our service area and we remain grateful for that assistance.
We encourage each of you to participate in our upcoming events this fall. We have a Chili Feed/Scarecrow Auction scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, and a night of entertainment and music provided by the Ozark Jubilee on Saturday, Sept. 27. Please stop by our booth during American Falls Days for more information!
Sincerely,
Lisa Salazar, Executive Director
Harms Memorial Hospital Foundation
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To the community of Aberdeen,
On behalf of our “Twilight Tour” committee, we thank those in the community who supported and attended our barbecue and open house. We have estimated that we served about 240 people. We wanted to showcase our agriculture and urban research projects and local facilities and also have a pleasant family event for the community to enjoy.
For those interested in our competitions held that evening, the cost of the Wintersteiger Research Plot Combine was $145,149 and the jar of seeds contained 4,417 seeds.
The tour was sponsored by the Idaho Wheat and Barley Commissions, Pendleton Flour Mills, General Mills and Dow Chemical. Del Monte Meats also supported the meal. The Idaho Grain Producers and BASF provided some of the door prizes.
We appreciate the students who helped with the meal. The Aberdeen High School honor society and the Silver Buckle 4-H club were a big help in serving and cleaning up. Students helping were Josh Schroeder, Jeremy Schroeder, Charlie Shackelford, Rachel Ledford, Meredith Toevs, Kylie O’Brien, Autumn O’Brien, Klae O’Brien, Cindrie Lowder, Victoria Alvarez and Emmylou Nugent. Their leaders Peggy Lowder and Janet O’Brien also attended.
Thank you,
Katherine O’Brien, chairman
2008 University of Idaho/
USDA-ARS Twilight Tour committee |
My wife beheld a peculiar sight on her walk today. Three puny starlings relentlessly harassed a large and majestic hawk. As my wife observed the conflict, the unfolding battle surprised her. Sure, the hawk was outnumbered, but he’s a powerful bird of prey! He has huge talons fit to swipe and slash at will! But what was the outcome of this tense struggle? The hawk fled away. Moreover, the persistent little birds pursued after the hawk as it cowered away in fear. Perhaps the hawk was not necessarily afraid but fed up and wanted to check out some other territory. But this “main event” reminds me of how Christians forget who they are, similar to how the hawk forgot who he was; the bird of prey….not the prey.
David was a youth and lacked any sort of military experience when he met Goliath. Goliath was a professional warrior from his youth. From a human standpoint, Goliath’s words were sure to be fulfilled. “David, you’re gonna be food for the birds and for the wild animals!” Goliath’s booming and intimating voice made this giant appear even bigger. He had a sword, javelin, spear, and lots of military experience. David held a staff, a sling, and five stones. If you were in the crowd that day, who would you place your bet on, David or Goliath? As a Christian, you contend with Goliaths such as Satan, your own sinful nature, and a world opposed to Christ (1John 2:15-17). What is the outcome of your battles?
David did not limit himself to human weapons or methods, but relied upon God’s spiritual weapons of faith, righteousness, and truth. “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1Samuel 17:45-46). David did not forget who he was or the God who was with him. David was a child of the all-powerful, righteous, and true God who can conquer any foe. He did not fight in his own strength, but was “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10b). Result? David did not run away…he ran toward Goliath and conquered him.
Do you have challenges beyond your strength to handle? Do you have problems you’d rather run away from than solve? Don’t run away or cower in fear like the hawk. Be like David. When you are out-sized and out-numbered, put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). Confront the challenges of each day in the strength and power of the Lord. Result? When you submit to God and resist the devil, the devil is the one who will run away (James 4:7). Why? Jesus has all authority and power. He’s the King of Kings and Lord of lords. Puny starling problems are no match against Him. |
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