Gooding Community Newsletter
April 2019, #14
Gooding Fourth Graders Paint Mural
Fourth Grade students and teachers at Gooding Elementary have recently been busy designing and painting a mural here in town. The plan is for this to become a yearly project with new murals like this one being added to the south wall of the Gooding Fitness Center for the next few years. In the future students will then look to other businesses to offer space. The school and the city of Gooding would like to thank Mayor Brekke for being willing to donate space on his business's wall for this enriching project. The mural has already received many wonderful comments from citizens.
Final touches to come as weather permits. We can't wait to see what our students will come up with next!
GREAT INC. HOLDS FIRST BOWLING FUNDRAISER AND COLLABORATES WITH RESTORATION EXPERT
Gooding Restoration for Entertainment, Arts and Theater is excited about a new collaboration with our architect Richard Creason with the premier firm of Myers-Anderson in Pocatello and GREAT, Inc. Greg Marsters owner of Custom Plaster, Boise, ID is an accomplished professional in restoration work. Greg has been involved in the restoration of the Capital Building in Boise for many years and was the 2017 Recipient of the Inaugural Scott B. Chandler Award for Excellence in Craftsmanshp from Preservation Idaho. His Mission states “We find great joy in being a part of a small community devoted to the preservation, conservation, and restoration of iconic buildings and public spaces. Our mission-our responsibility-is to revive beauty in the spaces in which we all live and grow; to tangibly show that our care for these spaces is an expression of who we are and what we value." Greg made a special trip from Boise to meet with President Charmy LeaVell and Director Shar Jackson to see the theater and pointed out three periods of style in the theater since it was built in 1920!
GREAT, Inc.’s next project is to repoint and seal the masonry on the exterior of the building to eliminate further moisture from entering the building with the hopes to have funding enough by the end of the summer to begin this important project so that the restoration can begin inside. Join them in this historic effort by bringing your friends and family to their first Stars and Strikes bowling fundraiser to benefit the theater restoration project, Saturday April 6th at the Ranch Bowl, 1730 Main Street in Gooding from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. Only $4.00 and includes shoes!
Preschool "Child Find" Event to be Held This Friday at GES
The Gooding Jt. School District, in cooperation with parents and nonpublic school agencies, engages in Child Find services throughout the school year. We are holding a Child Find event this year on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Gooding Elementary School.
If you know of a child who is 3 or 4 years of age, and will not be turning 5 before September 1, who may have individual needs that result from disabilities or developmental delays, please contact Gooding School District at (208) 934-4941 to set up a screening time.
The child will be screened for vision, social, fine and gross motor, adaptive, cognitive, speech and language delays. They must qualify for the program. These children may have difficulty walking, talking, hearing, or learning, or may display behaviors that appear different from other children their age.
If the child qualifies, then an individual plan is developed that lists the goals that the child will work towards throughout the year. In addition to the goals in the plan, each child works from a list of skills that are appropriate for their age level and work toward the state core standards. Many of the skills will help them to be successful in kindergarten. The time spent at preschool is a balance of child directed and teacher directed projects. The mix is to bridge the gap between playing at home and coming to school. The goal of the program is to improve skill in all areas.
Tree Yard Opens April 1 with New Operations!
Tree yard:
The tree yard will be open on April 1st this year. Normal hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM. We are trying some new things this year in an effort to provide you the best level of service possible! This year the tree yard will not be manned Tuesday through Friday. We will instead use this time to, among other things, maintain trees in the right of way. Crews will visit the yard throughout the day to empty the trimmings and keep the pile of brush pushed up. We need your help making this change successful. We have installed cameras to help monitor for illegal dumping. As usual we will have plenty of chipped material for sale, with a charge of $1 per cubic yard. If you need larger volume amounts we ask that you bring your own loader and truck(s). To help us be efficient we ask that you purchase materials on Saturday when the facility will be attended from 10 AM to 6 PM, however for large amounts call for arrangements.
Another area we are trying to improve is the reuse of materials, since we receive a tremendous amount of “firewood” aka trees/ logs, railroad ties, fence posts old furniture etc.. We encourage the removal and repurposing of these items. This helps reduce wear and tear on equipment and reduce staff time to grind the materials. We will be creating sections for the different items, so that you may add to or take away from them. The “firewood” is going to require that we follow the rules so that it can be used in the way we intended, for folks that struggle to heat their homes. We are going to try making it self-service, meaning if you truly need some, take some. The logistics of how it is picked up will be important: No use of chain saws in the tree yard, you will need a vehicle or trailer capable of hauling the logs, and we will not be able to help you load so bring help if you need. It would be best if we have civic groups that pick up and process for those that are in need, that way we know it is helping those that truly need it, and “many hands make the load lighter."
This facility is a great resource for our community so if you have suggestions or concerns please call Public Works at 208 595-4902.
Almost Time for the Big GHS Music Fundraisers
Gooding Community Chorale Presents the Annual Easter Cantata
Idaho Book Fairs Coming to GES/GMS
Gooding Elementary-Middle School Library and the Idaho Book Fairs will sponsor a Spring Book Fair April 8 – 11. Reading is important for success in many aspects of life. Like most acquired skills, the more children practice reading, the better they’ll get at reading.
We have a special raffle basket for some lucky adult to win. Every time an adult buys a book for a child, they may put their name in the drawing! In the basket, we have books, bookmarks, t-shirts, and activities to do with children.
Join us at the Book Fair at Gooding Elementary Middle School Library to explore the new books!
Monday April 8 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 9 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 10 7:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
Thursday April 11 7:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
Gooding Police Department News
The Gooding Police Department is losing another of its fine officers. Detective Jeromy Smith is moving to the Gooding Sheriff’s Office where he will take the position of Chief Deputy. We wish him well and look forward to our new officers starting a career in law enforcement.
The Police Department welcomes its newest officers, Zach Walter and Jessica Ramos. It is our intent to send three officers to the summer session of the police academy while using our School Resource Officers to make up for their absence, while the schools are out for summer. They will return just in time for the Gooding Fair and Rodeo, and the beginning of the new school year.
Officer Walter is a cowboy at heart and looks forward to moving to the Gooding area, along with his wife and child. Officer Ramos is a Gooding resident and resides within the city along with her husband and child. Both are excited for their new careers in the field they have longed to be a part of. Both officers were sworn in and Officer Bre Becker was promoted to the 2nd ranking supervisor officer position at the April 1st city council meeting.
Spring is finally here, bringing with it the joys of outside living, and the chores to go along with it. The tree yard is scheduled to open on April 1st for wood and yard clippings. It is best to start on yard cleanup early rather than try to play catchup after vegetation has gotten out of hand.
Dave C. Fisher
Chief of Police
Gooding Police Department
Officer Zach Walter taking the oath of office
Officer Jessica Ramos shaking hands with Mayor Brekke
Officer Becker Received Promotion
Gooding City Notes and Retirement Announcements
Public Meeting Notices:
4/1/19 – City Council @ 7:00 pm @ City Hall; work session @ 6:00 pm
4/4/19 – Wood River RC&D @ 6:00 pm at the Gooding Bed & Breakfast
4/5/19 – Urban Renewal @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm @ City Hall
4/15/19 – City Council @ 7:00 pm @ City Hall
4/18/19 – Planning & Zoning @ 2:00 pm @ City Hall; Public Hearing @ 1:45 pm
4/18/19 – Chamber of Commerce @ 12:00 pm @ Zeppes
Water Supervisor Tim Weaver Retirement May 1st. Tim has worked for the City of Gooding on the Public Works crew for almost 37 years, including 11 years as the Water & Sewer Supervisor. His plans after retirement are to attend his daughters sport events and relax. (Photo 1 below)
Building Inspector Paul Klinger Retirement May 2nd. Paul has worked for Gooding County as the Building Inspector for 6 years and has also been the City Building Inspector. He plans on relaxing, spending time with his wife, dogs and doing some traveling. (Photo 2 below)
Arbor Day is scheduled for April 25th. The City has received Tree City USA grant in the amount of $300.00. The grant money will purchase 2-3 new trees to be planted within the City. May 2nd, Wood River RC&D along with the City and Wood River Soil & Water Conservation District, will be planting a tree at the County Courthouse in honor of the Gooding family.
The Mayor has declared April as Fair Housing month.
Also, stay tuned for updates on the Gooding Rec District annual Easter Egg hunt.
Gooding Water and Parks Updates
Water:
The city of Gooding placed third in the State for the best tasting water in Idaho at the Idaho Rural Water Spring Conference held in Boise earlier this month. The winner was selected based on taste, smell and clarity.
Water:
We hope to wrap up the improvements to the water system that began back in 2015. To summarize we have installed over 14,000 feet of new pipe, installed two (2) new wells, added computer based monitoring to the wells to allow for more efficient operations and better pressure management. Over the summer we will be monitoring system pressures and fine tuning the process.
Water:
We are looking for someone with Water and or Wastewater experience to join our team. If you are interested please submit an application. They are available at city hall or online at: http://www.goodingidaho.org/job-openings/
Water:
Ahh, finally its spring! As the weather warms, we start working in the yard and that means watering the flowers and grass. If you plan to turn on your sprinkler system, it’s time to schedule your annual Backflow Assembly test by an approved tester. City code requires annual testing and failure to do so may result in having your water shut off. No one wants this, so if you are having difficulties give us a call.
What is an “Approved Tester”
An approved tester is someone who has:
1. Obtained the necessary training and maintained current Backflow Tester licensure from the state of Idaho.
2. Provided the city proof of current licensure, and a current copy of the calibration report for their equipment.
A list of testers that meet those requirements is provided below:
Cunningham, Jason
Cunningham Backflow
208 308-8531
cunninghambackflowtesting@gmail.com
BAT-18595
Hendley, Justin
Liberty Spraying LLC
208-308-8324
justinhendley@libertylawncares.com
BAT-23122
Kennedy, Michael
Kimberly Nurseries
208-733-2717
BAT-22411
Kinsey, Doug
Personal Touch Yard Care
208 539-4208
BAT-21720
McEntarffer, Carl
Triple S Landscape
208 280-2321
BAT-17087
McNew, Trenton
Kimberly Nurseries
208-733-2717
BAT-23133
Phillips, William
Kimberly Nurseries
208-733-2717
BAT-13527
Walker, James
Backflow Testing of Idaho
208 539-2583
BAT-21721
If you have a company or individual that you trust and rely on to maintain your sprinkler system who is not licensed to test have them help you choose a tester from the list that you both feel comfortable with. Because these testers are independent contractors, they all have different prices, so select the tester who best meets your needs.
Last year the legislature deemed sprinkler systems a “High Hazard” meaning the potential risk of contamination from herbicides, pesticides, animal feces etc. will require a device capable of protecting against these. What this means for us is that if you have a “Double Check” assembly that can no longer pass its performance testing it will need to be replaced by one capable of protecting against high hazards. Please consult with your tester or contact Public Works at 208 595-4902 for the option that is right for you. Brochures are also available at city hall that help explain our commitment to protecting your drinking water.
Parks
At the West Park, the equipment will be on its way soon! As we prepare for the install crews will be preparing the ground and working on the sprinkler system. Once we have the parts we will begin installing the pieces. Unlike the East Park project that went up in record time, this time around our crews will be installing the equipment as time and priorities allow, therefore we ask for your patience during the process. Help us keep an eye out for those who choose to use their superpowers for mischief rather than good. If you see something let us know and if it's vandalism or destruction let the Police Department know.
Parks
The Gooding Lions Club has partnered with the city to install a new drinking fountain in the Lions Park on Main Street! You have probably noticed the work going on at the park. Crews have removed the old fountain, opened up the fencing, and will be pouring a new concrete slab to allow better access to the park and the new fountain.
Parks
At the proposed BMX park, we are still looking for individuals who would like to contribute time, materials, and ideas as we develop the area south of the Skate Park into a new BMX park. Last fall members of the biking community expressed a desire to have a place to ride, and the city is committed to making this a reality this year. Now that winter is releasing its grip and things are drying out we can start preparing the land and installing the material needed for the course. We have two or three general concepts of possible designs, and we want to hold a meeting in April and get opinions from those interested. We will be holding a workshop on April 15th at 6 PM at City hall, Council Chambers. Please come with any idea you would like to contribute.
This is a publication of the city of Gooding
Email: councilmancolin@gmail.com
Website: http://www.goodingidaho.org/
Location: 308 5th Avenue West, Gooding, ID, USA
Phone: 208-934-5669