ALBION – Here are the results of Pomerelle’s Big Trick Competition. I am including a group photo of the participants, and a brief description of the event.

The tricks were BIG at Pomerelle Saturday, February 11th!  The Big Trick Competition was held on Colt 45 slope where each participant stomped three tricks off a 35′ kicker. Scoring was based on height, style and difficulty of the trick.

Boarders 15 and Under

1st  Brandon Williams

2nd  Zale Delis

3rd  Clancy Lindauer

 Boarders 16 and Up

1st  Preston Elliott

2nd  Andrew May

3rd  Ryan Evans

Skiers 15 and Under

1st  Nic Westfall

2nd  Hayden Cowden

3rd  Luca Delis

Skiers 16 and Up

1st  Wesley Ecanbrack

2nd  Parker Woodland

BURLEY – Former Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Burley, Dr. Mark Haumschilt will be speaking at First Baptist on February 26th and March 4th.

Dr. Haumschilt is the Executive Director of Co: Mission Ministries, which works to establish partnerships which will educate, equip, empower and energize Christ’s Church to reach unreached people groups, disciple and equip indigenous leaders and plant churches in strategic locations throughout the world.

First Baptist invites the community to come and enjoy Dr. Haumschilt’s message! Dr. and Mrs.Haumschilt also hope to reconnect with those in the community they knew while serving in Burley and hope they will contact either of them at the church, 878-7613, during the week of Feb 26 – March 4.

Service times are 11 a.m. on Sunday.

BURLEY – Elder Korbyn Karlson has returned from serving in the Arizona Tucson Mission American Sign Language for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will be reporting his mission on February 26, 2012 at 9 am in the Unity Second Ward 275 south 250 east in the Burley Stake. He will also report in the Star First Ward 100 south 200 west in the Burley West Stake at 12:45. Korbyn is the son of Kendell and Cindy Karlson.

RUPERT – Elder Daryl Steven Kent, son of Steven and Annette Kent, of Rupert, has been called to serve in the Benin Cotonou Africa(French speaking)  LDS Mission. He will leave for the MTC on March 7, 2012, and return in 2014.

He will speak in the Acequia 1^st Ward on Feb. 26, at 9 a.m.

Elder Kent is a Minico High School graduate, a graduate of the MHS LDS Seminary and an Eagle Scout.

BURLEY – The family of Irma Lindsay invites family and friends to join them as they celebrate Larine’s 80^th birthday, Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 3-5 p.m. at the LDS Church, 515 E. 16^th St., in Burley.

No gifts please.

Hayley is a 2009 high honors graduate from Highland High School. She has obtained her CNA, BLS and ACLS certifications. She is the daughter of Curt and Jennifer Knapp and the late Ron Campbell.

Paden is a 2008 graduate of Declo High School. He served a full-time mission in the Mexico Monterrey East Mission and is a graduate from CSI. He is the son of Karl and Susan Allen.

The couple will reside in Burley until fall, when they will continue their educations at Utah State University.

A reception will be held at the LDS Victory Ward building in Chubbuck, Idaho, that evening from 6-8 p.m.

By TERRI JOHNSON

The Voice

RUPERT – Dr. Scott Rogers presented his annual State of the District address to the Minidoka County School Board Monday night at its regularly scheduled meeting at the District Service Center. Rogers outlined growth and improvements across the district. Economics was in the spotlight, too, with a not-so-glowing mid-year report presented by district business manager Michelle DeLuna and explanation of upcoming Plant Facilities levy by Rogers.

“It has not been what I would call a normal standard run-of-the-mill year,” said Rogers.

He referenced new State legislation that passed last year stating that “Students Come First;” legislation that Rogers said has “really put quite a work load on, not just the board and administration but on our teachers.”

“I am proud of the accomplishments of the district over the past few years in light of the difficult economic situation we find ourselves in,” he said.

“I think there is some light at the end of the tunnel.”

Rogers expressed gratitude to district employees stating that “The magic happens in the classroom with students and it is happening .. with more intensity, with more engagement .”

“We still have some work to do,” he said.

“I think you could describe the last year in two words: Change and improvement.”

Rogers then noted over 20 new projects and ongoing improvements across the district that included technology availability in the classrooms, teacher improvement committees and tools, new educational opportunities such as the establishment of the district Virtual Academy and Migrant Preschool classroom. He noted awards and grants the district and individual schools have received throughout the past year. He outlined improvements in AYP (Adequate Yearly progress) with district proficiency scores exceeding the State average. He noted an increase in parent involvement as a hallmark of the year.

When board members asked Rogers what he felt were the toughest and the best things he has faced in the past year he said he was proud of the Day Treatment Center.

“We have the best clinical and academic program in the state”. He noted that “tough things” include state policy changes, data reporting, and graduation rates.

“It is said that it takes a village,” Rogers concluded.

“Minidoka County is a great village to raise our kids.”

“ We continue to stay positive and move forward with improvement in all areas,” he said.

Rogers explained to the board and patrons the upcoming Plant Facilities Levy election to take place on March 13. It is hoped that voters will again approve this $2.4 million used for maintenance of school property. It requires a simple majority vote for approval. Despite touch economic times, patrons have continued to approve the two year levy in the past.

“I think the high voter approval rating that we do get is an indication of the high priority that education has for patrons of the district,” commended board member Tammy Stevenson.

“Funds are used for approved plant facility projects and not for salaries, benefits or general

operations,” noted Rogers.

“The district’s 10 year plan for plant facilities actually calculated our need at 1.6 million per year to maintain our current status at our buildings,” noted Rogers. But because the board is “very conservative and aware of the financial situation across the state and nation” the request to patrons will remain the same as in the past with no changes to taxes.

“We encourage voters to get out and vote on March 13,” said Rogers.

A brochure is available at the District Service Center outlining the details of the levy. There are some changes in the voting procedure. This is the first year that polls will be run by the county and not the school district. Polling places have changed, also. Check with the county for precincts locations.

Michelle DeLuna, district Business Manager presented the mid-year budget report.

“I have some very interesting information from the budget,” she said.

“I am just going to talk to you a little bit about where we are this year and what has happened.”

Deluna noted that the contingency fund is down some $200,000 from what was planned. She explained that because of unforeseen expenses and items “not budgeted for previously”, discrepancies from the planned budget required the district to “borrow” from state funds.

Three elements effecting the budget discrepancies include the requirement of districts to estimate their enrollment before the year begins, state index calculations for the District that are in error, and programs that became necessary after the preliminary budget process was over.

“With units you are just anticipating how many kids you are going to have come back to school,” said Dr. Rogers. “You don’t know. You can’t plan for it. Budgeting is an estimation.”

The district enrollment is reportedly down from last year. Although Virtual Academy registration was an increase, this enrollment just brought district totals back up to the original level. But reports showed a $340,000 deficit in revenues due to an apparent miscalculation by the state department of education on the general fund index.

“Dr. Rogers and I have called the state Department and have actually talked to Tim Hill because we are disputing our index our base apportionment,” said DeLuna.

“ I told them that their index (for the distric) is calculated wrong and they needed to look at it.”

She said Hill is in agreement that the state calculation is in error and the district will be reimbursed or “trued up” over the next few payments from the state.

“However, I only have what is in front of me at this time,” said DeLuna, showing the deficit for now. Programs not planned for include Mileposts, a data tracking system, put in place in lieu of a state funded tracking system that did not materialize as well as increase cost of supplies for Virtual Academy.

“I have included a sneak peek on next year,” said DeLuna.

“ If we keep using more money than we actually, you can see where we are going for next year.

“The funding cliff is here for JOBS money (and other temporary state funding),” said Rogers.

“This next year we won’t have that to help fill holes. We are going to have to make some cuts.”

“ We will take it as it comes and make adjustments where we need to make adjustments, he

said.”

Dr. Rogers report to the board and a full budget report are available online at www.minidokaschools.org.

Karlson, age 85, of Burley, died from complications of pneumonia incident to age.

He was born on April 12, 1926, at his Grandma Edmondson’s home in Burley, Idaho. He married Betty Jean Goold on Aug. 8, 1948, in Elko, Nevada. Together, they raised three children, Kristine, Kerry, and Kendell.

After attending Burley schools, Wes pursued his education in Logan, Utah, in mechanical drafting and Allison Aircraft Engine repair. While there, he received several welding certificates upon his graduation.  Afterward, Wes went to work at Hill Air Force Base making drawings for special tools and parts for airplanes, but disliked being indoors which resulted in his enlistment in the U.S. Navy.

Wes was a veteran of World War II, having served as a CB in the Navy for three and one-half years in the South Pacific; where he spent most of this time welding in the pontoon assembly detachment along with patching “P T boats” and building additional pontoons for COSWAY’s to be used for future landings for the troops and equipment. This position resulted because of his welding certifications. After his return from the military, he worked for Burley Processing and for Wally Carrier Machine Shop.

While working there, Wes sold his convertible, purchased a 1949 GMC pickup and with $134 in the bank, on his 25th birthday, April 12, 1951, Wes started his own business venture of 44 years as a successful community businessman and owner of Wes’s Welding and Iron Works on Overland Avenue in Burley.

The first facility he built one section at a time as he could afford to do so. It was located directly west of his large facility at 915 Overland Avenue. The first building was where the Dog House Bar was later located. In 1957, Wes moved his business across to the east side of Overland Avenue. Because the doors to his shop were stalled back east in a trucking strike, he spent nights in his camper trailer parked in the shop to guard his tools until the large overhead doors arrived and he was able to complete the construction on the new facility.

He had many opportunities to travel many places, building and installing food processing machinery for the JR Simplot Company, as well as others. Wes’ wife, Betty, said he never turned a client down, even when they called for his help in the middle of the night.

He closed his business and retired in 1994.

He loved the game of golf and was always looking for someone to play a round of golf with. He and Betty spent 28 winters in Rancho Mirage, California, so they could play golf year round. They met many wonderful people and played with and watched some of the world’s best golfers. Wes lived his life working and golfing. From dawn till dusk, golf was a passion of his.

He was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Burley for a number of years. His participation in the community was evident as a member of the Burley Lions Club for 50-plus years and a lifetime member of the BPOE Burley Elk’s Lodge.  Additionally, Wes served as president of the Burley Men’s Golf Association.

Wes was considered to all as a kind, gentle, and generous husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandfather, as well as a good friend to many.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Jean Goold Karlson of Burley; one daughter, Kristine Whittaker of Henefer, Utah; two sons, Kerry Wesley Karlson (Vendla) of Kennewick, Washington, and Kendell Keith Karlson (Cindy) of Burley; and an adoptive daughter (an Australian exchange student of 1966) Judy Taylor Fronk (Steve) and her six children of Sutter Creek, California. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and  34 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Ronald Karlson and Ivy Margaret Edmondson Karlson; his brothers, Ronald and Eddie; and granddaughters, Jennie and Tammy Whittaker.

A funeral was held Saturday, Feb. 11, in Burley.  Military rites were provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.  He was buried in the View Cemetery southeast of Burley.

Lorraine was born on September 12, 1937, in Acequia, Idaho.  She was the youngest of five children born to Carl Martin Wilhelm Ferch and Nellie Luvina Nicholson.  Lorraine graduated from Fairfield High School where she was a cheerleader and participated in various activites including basketball.  She went on to graduate from Idaho State University’s Cosmetology Program in 1957.

On December 6, 1957, she married the love of her life, Delbert Laverne Bertsch.  They had three children, Brent, Cyndie and Shannon.  Lorraine loved and cared for her children and worried about their needs and well being before her own.

Lorraine worked 17 years for School District 25 in the elementary school lunch program and the School District’s Central Kitchen.  She loved her time at both of these jobs, but especially loved the time she spent with the children.

Upon retirement Lorraine and Delbert spent many happy years traveling in their RV.  For the last 13 years they spent half the year in Yuma, Arizona and returned to Idaho for the warmer months.  She loved attending to her flower gardens, sewing, cooking, and playing games.  Lorraine will be especially remembered for her quick wit, hard work and love of life.  Lorraine touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity.  She maintained her trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.

Lorraine will be forever remembered by her loving husband of 54 years, Delbert Bertsch; her beloved children, Brent Bertsch of Pocatello, Cyndie  Meline (Bob) of Pocatello, and Shannon Libby (Harold) of Aberdeen; her treasured grandchildren, Nikki Meline, and Parker and Alisha Libby.  She is also survived by her siblings, twins, Jim and John Ferch, Louise Dribnenki, and her twin sister, Elaine Brown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Nellie Ferch; her father-in-law, Jacob Bertsch, along with other family and friends who were blessed to know her.

Lorraine’s wishes were to have a private family service.  This was held in Rupert, Idaho on February 20, 2012.  Lorraine was laid to rest in the Paul, Idaho Cemetery

The family gratefully acknowledges the care from the staff of Highland Hills Assisted Living and the kindness provided by Hospice.  A special thank you to Robyn Smith and Mary Hill.

Arrangements were under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.

Jerry was born October 4, 1953, to George and Bertha (Horn) Lish.  He married Jackie Mecham in 1977, and was later divorced.  He received his GED and attended college classes studying geology.

Jerry enjoyed gardening, rock hunting, fishing, and camping.  His best friends were his pets, Jasmine, Alf and Ralph.

Jerry is survived by his children, Dylan (Dondi) Lish of Stow, Ohio and Summer (Clay) Howard of Twin Falls currently serving in Afghanistan; his brothers, Tom (Jo) Lish of Hot Springs, AR and Dennis (Della) Lish of Rupert, ID; his sisters, Sherry (Ray) Ivie of Gooding, ID, Georgia (Dave) Mackley of Star, ID, and Penny Thompson of Burley, ID.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Lish and brother, Ron Lish.

Graveside services for family and close family friends will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2012, at the Rupert Cemetery with Rick Zimmerman officiating.  Services are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.

BURLEY – Clark Eugene Sinsel, 78 year old Burley resident, passed away Monday, February 20, 2012 at his home in Burley.

Services are pending and will be announced by Morrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

Laurie A. Black

BURLEY  – Laurie Altina Black, 64, of Burley, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Mini-Cassia Care Center in Burley.

The funeral is pending and will be announced by the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.

Mario Gil

BURLEY  – Mario Gil, 51, of Burley, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at the Cassia Regional Medical Center.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Burley LDS 3rd and 7th Ward Church,  2200 Oakley Ave., in Burley.  Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn.

A viewing for family and friends was held Monday, Feb. 20, at the Burley Third Ward LDS Church,  2200 Oakley Avenue, in Burley.

Bonnie Hardy

OAKLEY – LaVaun “Bonnie” Smith Hardy, a 92-year-old lifetime resident of Oakley, passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Idaho Falls with her daughter, Sheryl, at her side.

Bonnie was born on July 18, 1919, in Oakley, Idaho, to Joseph Shields and Mae Agnes DeLaMare Smith, the youngest of six children.  She graduated from Oakley High School in 1937, and attended LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She returned to Oakley to work as an operator for the Oakley Telephone Company.  On Sept. 1, 1939, she married her high school sweetheart, Ariel Eldon Hardy. They lived for a short time in Albion, Salem, Oregon, and Provo, Utah. She has lived in Oakley for all but six years of her life.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bonnie served in many capacities, most notably 28 years as Relief Society secretary.  She had mentioned that she has worked in all of the auxiliaries at one time or another.

After Ariel’s death in 1972, she joined the Sweet Adelines and enjoyed singing and traveling with them for 18 years.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters, Oril Martin, Agnes Anderson, Dorothy Whiteley and Rachel Southworth; brother, Lloyd D. Smith; and a great-grandson, Jeffrey Nelson.

She is survived by her children, Sheryl (Jim) Wood of Idaho Falls, Richard (Janis) Hardy of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Randy (Karlene) Hardy of Oakley; 12 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Bonnie will be remembered for her dedication and love for Ariel, her great sense of humor, her immaculate home and yard, and her excellent meals, cakes and candy.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Oakley Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 301 N. Center, with Bishop Scott Arnell officiating. Burial will be in Oakley Cemetery.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Gloria and Aaron Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund or OVAC, in care of Rasmussen Funeral Home.