GEM COUNTY -- Southwest District Health officials say mosquitoes collected in a trap in the Montour area of Gem County have tested positive for the West Nile virus. They are urging residents to take precautions.

GEM/BOISE COUNTY FAIR IS IN FULL SWING

Looks like the Hayes family is enjoying the Gem/Boise County Fair.

For a schedule of  the Fair events, click HERE

GREAT INFORMATION ON SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Click HERE to read a some useful information on septic systems.  This brochure is especially helpful for those of us who are new to septic systems.  Thanks Dale!

The Sage Creek Band will be performing at the Ola Inn this Saturday night from 6PM-10PM.

THE LINE DANCERS WILL BE LEARNING A NEW DANCE TODAY!

this Friday but

will be open on Saturday

Head over to the Ola Library page for a new post and pictures from the Summer Reading program.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON RIDE

Sunday afternoon was the Ola Rough Strider/Relay For Life ATV ride.  It was a great day to leave the heat of Ola and take a ride through the forest.  Along the trail we enjoyed beautiful wild flowers, the fragrant pine trees and wild raspberries. After about a two hour ride, we had a great picnic lunch that Mike and Alan had waiting for us. Many thanks to Chris and Sharon for another great ride!  I also want to thank the people that joined us for the ride!  Not only is this ride for a great cause but it's a great way to enjoy some of our beautiful valley we wouldn't normally see. 

FAST MOVING WILDFIRE--STAY AWAY FROM HIGHWAY 16

Kim Newman Gem County, Idaho GCFD#1 and a host of others are on scene of a rapidly moving wildfire east of 16 at JAG. Structures are threatened. Stay away as 16 is closed a long with Old Freezeout.

THE GEM/BOISE COUNTY FAIR STARTS TODAY..

.....for a schedule of events, just click HERE.

The American Red Cross was very pleased with the outcome of the blood drive on Thursday.  They were also impressed with Ola and the friendliness of the Ola Community. We have the next drawing scheduled for October 4, 2012 from 10-2.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR FRIDAY PM

... Fire Weather Watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening for lightning for northern Boise blm... western Payette National Forest... eastern Payette National Forest... northern Boise National Forest... southern Boise National Forest... Treasure valley... western Twin Falls blm... Owyhee Mountains... Burns blm and Vale blm... which are fire weather zones 400... 401... 402... 403... 404... 408... 418... 419... 636 and 637... The National Weather Service in Boise has issued a Fire Weather Watch for lightning... which is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening. * Thunderstorms... scattered thunderstorms across a majority of the forecast area. * Outflow winds... gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible with any thunderstorms. Precautionary/preparedness actions... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. Listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings.

SOMETHING I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT..Is the toilet paper that you use safe for your septic tank?

http://biconstruction.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/list-of-septic-safe-toilet-paper/

GEM COUNTY RESIDENT PICK UP MAN IN CALIFORNIA RODEO

Drew Blessinger, Gem County rancher and Idaho Rodeo Producer (stock contractor) was one of the rodeo pick-up men for the Salinas Rodeo in California this past week. Western Rodeos and Dan Russell were the rodeo producers.

RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER ATV RIDE AND PICNIC

The ATV ride for Relay For Life is just a week away.  If you haven't already signed up please do so.  The sign up sheet is at the Ola Post Office.  We need a head count so we can prepare your lunch.  Remember, we'll be leaving the Ola Community Hall at 1:00PM, Sunday.  For those of you that aren't going on the ride but would like to join us for the picnic,  lunch will be at 3:00PM approx. 5 miles up High Valley Road on the right hand side.(it's where the old Holbrook Road and High Valley Road meet)  Hope to see you on Sunday!!

THE YOUNG AND YOUNGER.....

.....enjoyed dancing to the music of the Council Jammers, Saturday night at the Ola Inn.

 

ENJOY THE MUSIC OF THE COUNCIL JAMMERS TONIGHT AT THE OLA INN. THE MUSIC STARTS AT 6PM.

TRIANGLE INN FRIDAY!!

Triangle Inn Jim Kern and the Bravehearts this Friday at 7pm...Ken Harris, Carmel Crock with Marv Jonesi on Guitar July 27th!!! Always Prime Rib on Friday and Sat nights!!

RED FLAG WARNING!

ATTENTION All Gem County! The national Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for our area beginning at 3PM Thursday to Noon Friday. Weather patterns are setting up for scattered thunderstorms with associated lightning. High winds can also be expected with this weather event. Please be on guard for event and report any lightning strikes with follow-up smoke.

SUPPORT OUR 4-H CLUB! GET YOUR CAR WASHED

OK Travelers! Our 4-H Club the Ola Rough Riders are having a Car Wash on Saturday at the Horseshoe Bend High School! It will start @10:30AM and will be for most of the day Saturday! We will have a DJ playing music for your enjoyment while you wait for you car to get washed! Please come support our 4-H kids! Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

THE COUNCIL JAMMERS!! SATURDAY THE 21ST

The Council Jammers will be playing at the Ola Inn on Saturday night, July 21 starting at 6:00.       The Jammers have been playing together for over 10 years.  They play classic country music for dancing or listening pleasure.  They entertain at weddings, birthday, anniversary parties, and other events. They play at the  Cambridge, Council, and New Meadows Senior Centers.  The group consists of Larry Fisk on the fiddle and vocals, Evelyn Snider of Starkey on the bass and vocals, Sonny Robinson on the lead guitar and vocals, Sharon Stippich of Indian Valley on guitar, fiddle and vocals, and Lois Sutton of Midvale on the keyboard and vocals.     They all enjoy playing music and sharing it with others.   Come out and listen.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

This letter and the map are also posted above. Click on STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS.

IT TAKES TWO...

It takes two to get porcupine quills out of a little horse's nose.

 

Jan Reed posted on the Facebook page that they have lots of pie cherries for jelly or pies that need picked. Free for the picking at
Annabell Perkins house. Come by or call 584-3505. Ready now!  Thanks, Jan and Annabell!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, September 29th, the Ola Ladies Club will be holding a dinner/dance fundraiser for Laurie Link (Lanham). The dinner will be held at the Ola Fire Hall with the dance to follow at the Ola Community Hall.  I will be posting more details soon.

4-WHEELER RIDE AND PICNIC

**For those of you that are not interested in doing the 4-wheeler ride, please join us for the picnic.  We will be picnicing at 3:00PM  Our picnic spot is approximately 5 miles up High Valley Road on the right hand side,  it's where the old Holbrook Lane comes out onto High Valley Road. There's plenty of parking for cars and pickups.  We still need you to sign up at the Ola Inn so we can prepare you a lunch.**The ride is on Sunday, July 29th and donations benefit the Relay For Life/American Cancer Society.

Messenger Index, serving Gem County Weekend work expected for Idaho 16 Emmett paving project EMMETT - Crews will work this weekend on the Idaho 16 resurfacing project, resulting in traffic delays for drivers in the area, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning (July 14), crews will haul and place materials needed to build gravel pads used in the construction of new guardrail end sections. The work will be done by 4 p.m. Traffic can expect minor delays and will be controlled by flaggers. On Sunday night (June 15), paving is slated to begin at 7 p.m. and continue through until 6 a.m. Monday morning. Public and private approaches will be paved Monday or Tuesday during the daytime. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Starting Monday (July 16), work will continue to complete repair of the bridge deck expansion joints on the Black Canyon Irrigation Canal Bridge. Installation of new asphalt curbs and new guardrail will also start in this last phase of the project, which is expected to finish by the end of the month. Placement of new permanent pavement markings and installation of new guardrail will follow and roadway delineators will be installed when materials arrive from the manufacturer. Work will occur between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will be controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Central Paving Co., of Boise, is the contractor on this $2.5 million project.

OLLIE'S STILL HAPPY AND HEALTHY

You remember Ollie, the big, white dog that made Ola his home a couple of years ago. He's still healthy and happy. Although Ollie had always enjoyed the company of the cattle around Perkins Lane/Holbrook Lane, this past winter he became particularly attached to Carlock's cattle.  Mike S. was feeding him twice a day as he had done for the past year or so.  Last spring (2011) Ollie stayed behind with a couple of yearlings that Pat C. left when he moved the rest of the herd to summer pasture. Ollie was really happy with that arrangement until this year. Towards the end of May,  Pat C. drove the herd to Timber Flat for spring grazing, Ollie went with. People that saw the cattle
go through town said that Ollie was so happy to be with  the (his) herd.  It took Mike S. a couple of days to establish a new feeding routine for Ollie on Timber Flat but he was being fed and healthy and happy.  That brings us to about a month ago, time for the cattle to be moved to greener pasture, High Valley.  Again, Ollie went with his herd, happy to be doing his job. This time it took about a week for Mike S. and Ollie to reconnect..  Ollie is still being fed, although not twice a day, he's is good shape thanks to Mike S.  The cattle will come home in October and I'm sure Ollie will be with them.

FIRE TRAINING TOMORROW NIGHT!

YES, THERE IS LINE DANCING IN THE A.M.

OLA LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

The Ola Library had the first session of their summer reading program Saturday.  Click HERE and see the library post.

RELAY FOR LIFE/OLA ROUGH STRIDERS

4 WHEELER RIDE

SUNDAY, JULY 29th

The ride will be leaving the Ola Hall at 1:00PM

Please sign up at the Ola Inn or call Chris at 584-9302

Sign up is important as sack lunches are being prepared for a picnic along the trail.

The ride is a lot of fun!! 

The scenery is beautiful!

  Here are a few items that make it that much more enjoyable:

  sunscreen, bandana (for face, the ride gets a little dusty) eye protection, hat, good riding shoes.

This ride is a fundraiser for the Relay For Life-American Cancer Society

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY----BURN BAN THROUGH 10/15/2012

A "Burn Ban" is in effect in Gem County Fire District #2 effective immediatly through October 15, 2012. Gem County Fire District #2 P. O. Box 70 Sweet, Idaho Jim Heikes, Fire Chief

A Blue Heeler/Rottweiler mix has been lost between Sweet and Ola.  "Roxy" is a spayed female with tan nose and feet.  She has been lost for a couple of days.  She is friendly and should come to you.  If you have "Roxy" or have seen her please call, Laroy at 739-5823.

RELAY FOR LIFE YARD SALE

Joyce M. will be selling the items that were left over from the Sweet Flea Market at her garage sale this Friday and Saturday.  If you have anything that you want to donate bring it down on Friday or get it to her before Thursday 10:AM.  Her Emmett house is at the corner of 4th St. and Hazel.  One block east of John Street.  The address is 704 E. Fourth Street.  Fourth Street is a thru street between John and Substation.  The phone number there is 365-4918.

LADIES CLUB MEETING SATURDAY, 10AM AT THE HALL

Idaho 16 lane closures planned Crews will be wedge milling Friday (July 6) near Substation Road on the Idaho 16 project, causing lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Work also will involve removal of the asphalt from the surface of the Black Canyon Canal Bridge deck. A lane closure, governed by a temporary signal, will be set up on Monday morning (July 9) to allow repairs to be made to the bridge. The lane closure will be in effect for 13 days. The speed limit through the work zone will be reduced to 45 mph. Traffic will be controlled by the signals except during the heavy morning and evening weekday commutes (6-8:30 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.), when flaggers will be used to keep traffic flowing.

Great Pyrenees Rescue of Montana Some VERY good news to share with you... Two of the Idaho dogs we learned about recently, Pilar and Sam, "orphaned" when their owner died - have found a new and wonderful home... right here in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley where I will finally have the chance to meet them!!!! Thanks to the Pet Adoption League in Emmet, ID for keeping them safe, and to their new family, the Rogish's.

LET'S HAVE A FUN, SAFE AND FIRE FREE 4th OF JULY!

PLANNING NEXT WEEKEND?

The Sage Creek Band will be playing at the

 Ola Inn, Saturday night, July 7th at 6:00PM.

Drive up to Ola early, enjoy the scenery, have dinner, then listen to the music from a great band.

LINE DANCING IS CANCELED FOR THIS MONDAY

GOOD TIMES!!

Last night was the 2nd annual Ola Rough Striders/Relay For Life Independence Day picnic.  It was a beautiful warm evening to celebrate the upcoming 4th of July.  The evening started out with a wonderful meal of barbqued beef sandwiches or hot dogs, chips and dessert, followed by games in the park.  The dunk tank is always a big hit on these warm summer evenings and there were also games for the younger children.  While the games were still going, Ola's DJ cranked up the music to our favorite oldies and some western music that the "Ola Line Dancer's" enjoyed dancing to.  The Monday lessons have really paid off, they looked great!  The activities at the Hall finished up around 10:00 then down Main Street where a ceremonial burning of the flag was held. Nathan M. sang while we watched the flag burn. Very nice!  Last but not least were the fireworks.  Onlookers watched as Thomas M. lit the donated fireworks.  After a fun filled evening everyone was home by about midnight.

Many thanks to those that came to support the Ola Rough Striders!  Thanks also to the Ola Inn for the donation of the chips and ice, our Sponsors, the Sheriff's Posse for letting us use the dunk tank, Jim and Shane for setting it up and to the team for all of your hard work organizing this fun, family event.

The Ola Rough Striders have one more fundraiser coming up!  The 4-wheeler ride will be Sunday, July 29th.  I will post more details soon.