Yesterday morning Laura Carlock's mother passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura, Blane and the family.

MAY DAY PROGRAM-THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

The Ola School May Day program will be held this Friday night at 6:00PM in the Ola Hall. After the program, the wrapping of the May Pole. This is special as Ola is one of the few places that still performs the May Pole dance. Following the wrapping of the May Pole, the PTO will auction items from the school carnival.

STOP BY AND VISIT THE BARN DOOR

The Barn Door is located at 140 W. Main, Emmett, Idaho.  A great place to buy gifts, a special something for your home or horse tack.  Visit their Facebook page.

POW/MIA MOTORCYCLE RIDE KIVI-TV CH.6

http://www.kivitv.com/news/local/205170421.html?lc=Smart

POW/MIA MOTORCYCLE RIDE AT TRIANGLE

LOTS OF HORSE POWER

Lots of horse power!

APARTMENT HUNTING!

IF THERE IS A WHO....THEN WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THIS?

Messenger Index, serving Gem County

April 27, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

On Saturday, April 27, 2013 at approximately 4:25 AM Emmett City Police and Fire Units were dispatched to the Community Bible Church located at Hayes and East 3rd Street for a structure fire. As officers from the Emmett Police Department and Gem County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene they discovered that the First Baptist Church located at Hayes and East 1st Street was also on fire. 

Fire units from Emmett City, Gem County, Eagle and Meridian responded and were able to contain the fires. 

There were no injuries involved in this incident.

The Emmett Police Department, Gem County Sheriff’s Office, State Fire Marshalls Office, FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), ATF (Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) and members of the Ada County Crime Lab are currently conducting a joint investigation on the cause of the fires.

Steve Nebeker

Chief of Police

Plant clinics 2013 - Emmett Messenger-Index: News

Plant clinics 2013 - Emmett Messenger-Index: News

Our little community is making some spring improvements!  The front and final siding is being put on the Ola Church and the parking lot of the church and the driveway into the Ola Cemetery is being graveled.

WEDNESDAY'S GEM COUNTY WILDLAND FIRE EXERCISE

Justin Boeck-giving the WFDSS presentation

 Julie Sullens-Presenting the fire scenario

Great turn out!  Representatives from several emergency response teams attended this "what if"  large wildfire scenario.  

A big thanks to the Ola Ladies Club for serving refreshments and a delicious lunch!

OLA SCHOOL CARNIVAL

 Due to a conflict of events there was a low turnout for the school carnival/PTO auction.  The PTO decided to postpone the auction of these wonderful items until Friday, May 3rd.  The auction will take place after the May Day program.  The May Day program will begin at 6:00PM at the Ola Community Hall.

 The "Cake Walk" is always a big hit!

Many thanks to everyone that donated cookies and cakes for the "Cake Walk".

HERE'S THE SCENARIO MAP FOR TOMORROWS MEETING

SCHEDULE FOR TOMORROW-----GEM COUNTY WILDLAND FIRE EXERCISE

Gem County Wildland Fire Exercise

Ola Community Center

April 24, 2013

0930 – 0945		Welcome and Introductions – Dan Christman
0945 – 0955		Present Fire Scenario
0955 – 1015		Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements
1015 – 1030		Extended Attack, Incident Complexity Analysis, Ordering a Team
1030 – 1045		Break
1045 – 1100		Wildland Fire Decision Support System Introduction
1100 – 1130		Delegation of Authority/Team In-Briefing
1130 – 1200		Fire Management Assistance Grant / Air Guard Request
1200 – 1300		Lunch ($10.00 / person)
1300 – 1330		Fire Business - Documentation
1330 – 1400		MOU’s / Mutual Aid Agreements
1400 – 1415		Break
1415 – 1445		Structure Protection Authorities and Responsibilities
1445 – 1530 1530 - 1545		Cost Share Agreements  After Action Review and Close-out

Gem County Wildland Fire Exercise

Squaw Creek Fire

August 23, 2013

Present Fire Scenario; Initial Attack- Julia Sullens

It is late afternoon and a dry lightning storm with high winds has passed over the Boise District Bureau of Land Management (BOD) earlier the same day.   A red flag warning has been issued to continue over the next three (3) days.  Several fires have been reported on BLM protection as well as new starts on the Mountain Home Ranger District on the Boise National Forest (BOF). Both agencies are busy dealing with new fires in their protection areas.  The leading edge of the storm has passed north of Squaw Butte heading northeast.

The local Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (agency leads) has been called together to prioritize wildfires and direct initial attack (IA) resources with the Boise Dispatch Center.  The majority of IA resources, including aircraft, are committed to other fires. Competition for aircraft and handcrews is high due to large fires burning in the eastern great basin. Most resource orders will take two to three days to fill through the dispatch system.  

A new fire has been reported south of Ola near Squaw Creek drainage and is threatening structures.  The main fire is thirty-acres in size actively burning in grass and sage brush.  The fire is spreading rapidly influenced by 35 to 40 mph wind gusts.  Gem County 2 Fire Protection District (FPD) personnel are on scene requesting agency resources through Gem County Dispatch.  

The fire started on state land in BLM protection, and quickly moved onto private land. This is a priority fire for the Boise Dispatch Center.  Additional resources responding include law enforcement, local Rural Fire Departments (RFD), and utility companies.  

Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements – Bob Shindelar, Jim Newton  

Extended Attack, Complexity Analysis, and Ordering an IMT- Julia Sullens

The fire continues to be pushed by 25 to 30 mph winds minimizing any control efforts.  The fire has jumped the Sweet/Ola highway onto Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) protection and is now over 500 acres in size. Two structures are lost and the community of Ola is threatened. Early into the night, under Unified Command, an Incident Complexity Analysis has been completed. The Type 3 Incident Commander in consultation with the BLM and IDL Duty Officers is requesting a Type 2 Incident Management Team to take over command of the fire.  The IDL Fire Bureau in Coeur d’ Alene has notified the Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) of the situation. The Geographic Coordination Center has filled the request from Boise Dispatch with a Type 2 Incident Management Team.  The team will arrive the morning of the 25^th for an in-briefing from the Agency Administrator(s).       

Gem County Wildland Fire Exercise

Squaw Creek Fire

August 23, 2013

Complexity Analysis – Steve Acarregui (Type 3 Incident Commander), Rick Finis (Incident Operations)

Break

WFDSS Presentation- Justin Boeck (Fire Planner)

In-Briefing / Delegation of Authority to the IMT2 – Tom Romanello (Type 2 Deputy Incident Commander) 

Current Situation Update – Steve Acarregui (Type 3 Incident Commander)

It’s the morning of the 25^th and the fire is approaching 1,500 acres in size.  The fire has burned over BLM, State, and private ownership, and is quickly approaching the community of Ola from the south. Forest Service land is also being threatened.   

Safety concerns include the public (evacuation and structure protection), high rates of spread, flashy fuels, rocky slopes, access, livestock, infrastructure, limited resources and overhead. Heavy smoke along with high winds hampers visibility ahead of the fire.

Air support (air tankers and helicopters) has been limited due to higher priorities on other fires. 

Outlying homeowners have been notified along with the residents in Ola and High Valley.     

Fire Weather and Fire Behavior Update – Chuck Redman (Fire Meteorologist)

Agency Administrator Briefing and Delegation of Authority – Steve Douglas, Andy Delmas (Line Officers) 

The Agency Administrator conducts the in-briefing to the IMT2.  Discussion points include approval of the Fire Management Assistance Grant along with suppression tactics on private ownership.  

Fire Management Assistance Grant / Air Guard – Fred Apt, Jim Newton, Chris Eden (Trigger Points)

Lunch

Documentation – Wendy Walters, Carol Salo, Lee Ann Evans (Incident Business Advisors)

Gem County Wildland Fire Exercise

Squaw Creek Fire

August 23, 2013

IDL Memorandum of Understanding / Mutual Aid Agreements – Jim Newton, Steve Acarregui

 Break

Structure Protection Authorities and Responsibilities – Mark Larson, Jim Newton

Discussion includes distinction between structure protection and/or suppression resources and who has the authority, responsibility, and pays the cost; coordination between the Type 2 Incident Commander, Gem County Emergency Coordinator, Sheriff, and Gem County 2 Fire Chief.   

Cost Share Agreements – Wendy Walters, Carol Salo, Lee Ann Evans   

After Action Review and Close-Out – Dan Christman 

OLA LADIES......

.....those of you that are making cookies, pies and/or salads for Wednesday's meeting, please have your item at the Hall by 11:00AM.  Thank you so much!!

TONIGHT IS THE METEOR SHOWER!!

This Sunday is the POW/MIA Motorcycle Rally at the Triangle. To the bikers that decide to ride to Ola, please be careful!! The Sweet-Ola Highway is in repair. Potholes have been filled with gravel and due to traffic the gravel has spread over the highway.

GEM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT THE OLA HALL TONIGHT AT 7PM.

This Saturday night is the Ola School Carnival!!  This is not only a great time for the children that attend the Ola School but it is also a fundraiser for needs that come up through out a school year.  What is a carnival without a "Cake Walk"?   It would be greatly appreciated if you could bring cookies and/or cakes for this favorite activity.  The Ola School appreciates your support and looks forward to seeing you Saturday night!  Games start at 4:00PM with dinner at 6:00PM.   After dinner is the auction!  Individuals and businesses have donated some terrific items to auction off,  thank you for your generosity!

THANKS FOR KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE!!

State bus inspection: Emmett 99 percent compliant - Emmett Messenger-Index: News: Imagine having the responsibility to safely transport 1,622 children 1,925 miles, twice a day, 176 days a year and when inspected by the state…

Ranchers weigh future with wolves | capitalpress.com

Ranchers weigh future with wolves | capitalpress.com

GEM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL BE AT THE OLA HALL, MONDAY, APRIL 22nd at 7:00PM

THE OLA SCHOOL CARNIVAL IS COMING UP THIS SATURDAY!!!

Auction items include:

2 day passes to Lagoon Theme Park, $100 off meat processing at Don’s Meats, Kid’s sleeping bag, Case of oil from B&W Fuels, set of pliers from NAPA, Photo session with Carrie Andelin, 2 Roaring Springs Passes, and lots, lots more!!

Auction items include:

2 day passes to Lagoon Theme Park, $100 off meat processing at Don’s Meats, Kid’s sleeping bag, Case of oil from B&W Fuels, set of pliers from NAPA, Photo session with Carrie Andelin, 2 Roaring Springs Passes, and lots, lots more!!

Governor vetoes bill to help fund predator control efforts | capitalpress.com

Governor vetoes bill to help fund predator control efforts | capitalpress.com

REMINDER!! Tomorrow is the OLC Tea at Joy's. Starts at 11AM...carpool from the Ola Hall at 10:30AM.

P.A.L. (Pet Adoption League of Emmett) NEEDS DOG VOLUNTEERS

Dog Volunteers are needed at P.A.L.
You can volunteer once a week or once a month!
Dog volunteer's responsibilities include feeding, walking, letting dogs out to play and cleaning kennels.
Please consider donating your time for "Man's Best Friend".  Call Chris at 584-9302

THIS MIGHT BE INTERESTING..

Messenger Index, serving Gem County

F&G’s Live Chat about Elk Plan Revision Continues Tonight

The first session of Idaho Fish and Game’s online chat about the ongoing elk management plan revision drew more than 1,300 viewers who posted about 500 questions.

The second session runs from 7 to 9 p.m. today, April 11. To connect go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ and click on the link.

The online chat gives participant a chance to learn about the elk plan revision process, ask questions of Fish and Game’s wildlife managers, and share your thoughts about statewide management direction. Plan objectives are in still draft form.

To stay informed anyone interested may track the elk planning progress online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/elkplanning.

Idaho Fish and Game - Home Page

fishandgame.idaho.gov

Welcome to the Idaho Fish and Game website, the source of comprehensive information on the pursuit of hunting and fishing activities and opportunities in the state of Idaho.

THEY NEED TO GO HOME!

There are two dogs in Sweet that have lost their owners. Both are older, one is a border collie and the other is a small dog. If they are yours, please let me know. We are trying to catch them. They were last seen on the Sweet-Ola Highway north of Sweet

http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide

The Ola Library will be

OPEN Thursday

CLOSED Friday

OPEN Saturday

No need to bring cookies or pies Saturday, I misunderstood...Sorry!

THE CALENDAR OFF TO THE RIGHT IS JUST A TEST!

DO YOU HAVE "ICE" IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK?

ICE (In Case of Emergency)

Programming emergency contact information into your cell phone under the listing "ICE" (In Case of Emergency)  can assist first responders in contacting family and friends in the event you're involved in an emergency.To program ICE into your cell phone:

Access the address book feature of your cell phone.

Enter the name ICE.

Enter the phone number of your husband, wife, parent or whomever needs to know about you in case of an emergency

APRIL'S OLA LADIES CLUB MEETING....

.....will be a Tea Party at Joy Weaver's house. The Tea Party will begin at 11:00AM, Saturday, April 13th (that's this Saturday). Your favorite finger sandwiches and/or cookies/pie would be greatly appreciated. It's always fun to get together for a Tea Party. See you then!

If you would like to carpool, meet at the Ola Hall by 10:30AM.

SODA SPRINGS the Movie...A Red Carpet Adventure

A Red Carpet Adventure-"SODA SPRINGS"-@ Frontier Cinema-Emmett
A once-in-a-lifetime-event is planned for you on Saturday, April 20-7PM-9PM

For just $7 (all ages), as you walk down the red carpet and enter the classic Frontier Cinema, you will meet the stars and the film makers! And, of course, watch a wonderful and entertaining movie! All here enjoying the evening with YOU!! " It's our way to say thanks to the people of Emmett." ~Jay Pickett 

At 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 13, pre-sale tickets, with assigned seating, will begin for $7.00 at Frontier Cinema until 2:00 p.m. After 2:00 p.m, pre-sale tickets will take place at HeBrews Coffee for the next several days. If there are any seats left at show time, the remainder of available tickets will be available at the door $8.00.

Attire: Denim & Diamonds! - optional!

All proceeds benefit the Gem County Historical Museum and to help support Frontier Cinema's efforts to provide special screening services for our hearing impaired and special needs community.

LEWISTON, Idaho -- The latest population tally shows an 11 percent decline in the number of wolves roaming the state.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reports 683 wolves in 117 packs at the end of 2012. That total is down from 746 wolves in 104 packs in 2011.
State wildlife officials attribute the downsizing to continued pressure through hunting, trapping and agency control methods.
State Big Game Manager Jon Rachael says the latest tally is encouraging, especially with efforts to reduce wolf impacts on livestock and big game animals like elk.
For now, it's the official policy of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to reduce the state's wolf population.
Last year, the commission increased bag limits, extended hunting seasons in some areas and allowed hunters to use electronic calls.

Messenger Index, serving Gem County

Youth turkey hunt begins April 8
The general season youth turkey hunt runs Monday, April 8 through Sunday, April14.
Youths who are 10 to 15 years old on April 8, may participate in the general season youth hunt. All youth hunters must have a valid hunting license and they must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older who must be close enough to be within normal conversation or hearing range without shouting or the aid of electronic devices.
The general spring turkey hunts open April 15 and runs through May 25. Dates vary for controlled hunts, listed in the Upland Game brochure.
Turkey hunting seasons and rules are part of the Upland Game Rules book and can be found in printed form at all Fish and Game offices and at license vendors statewide. The brochure is also on the Fish and Game website athttp://tinyurl.com/bm6ols7. The brochure includes maps showing the general areas of wild turkey distribution across Idaho.
Hunters also can use the convenient Idaho Hunt Planner, found in the hunting section of the Website, where detailed maps are available.
Hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license and turkey tag. They may buy two turkey tags – one general and one extra tag – for the spring season before May 26.
Turkey hunting requires special attention to safety in the field. Hunting information and safety tips are found on the turkey pages on the Fish and Game website listed above.
For prices and more information, contact Fish and Game, 334-3746.

FIRE N DICE-Fundraiser for the Sweet-Montour Fire Department

FIRE N DICE-
Friday, April 19th at 6:30PM
Please join us for dinner, Bunco, and lots of door prizes!
Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per pair, which includes dinner, Bunco, and door prize drawings. Everyone left with a prize last year! 

Dinner Menu: Chicken and Beef Taco or Nacho Bar, Dessert, Water, Soda

Location: Sweet Station - 6922 Sweet-Ola Highway, Sweet 
Buy your Dinner/Bunco tickets today before they sell out! Tickets will be sold at the door if they are available. 

Contact Heather Jaillett for availability, 584-3324, hjaillett@yahoo.com, or message me on Facebook.

RAFFLE
Fun Basket – Fun for the whole family!
Shop Basket – Filled with lots of shop supplies!
Kitchen Basket – Filled with all sorts of kitchen gadgets and accessories! 
Tickets are $1 each/6 for $5
Drawing will be held on April 19th during Bunco. Do not have to be present to win.

We thank you for your support! All proceeds benefit the Sweet-Montour Fire Department.

FREEZERS RECALLED DUE TO FIRE HAZARD

CPSC - Haier America Expands Recall of Chest Freezers Due to Fire Hazard

Apparently one of the local retailers sold this model.  So if you bought a freezer lately you may want to check it out.

ROAD OPEN!

The road from High Valley to Smiths Ferry is open.
It's still a little muddy so 4-wheel drive would be a good idea.