October 2024

Predictability is key to managing growth on the outskirts of McCall, members of the McCall City Council said last week during a joint meeting with Valley County Commissioners.The council met with the county commissioners and members of the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission last Friday to discuss a state law adopted earlier this year by the Idaho Legislature.The law updates rules governing impact areas across the state, including the McCall Impact Area, which surrounds Payette Lake and extends south to Elo Road, west to Adams County and east near Little Payette Lake.Land in the impact area is under Valley County’s jurisdiction, but is subject to codes adopted by the county that closely resemble city development rules.That system, council members said, has been working well to manage growth adjacent to city limits and provides consistency in development.“The zoning that we have in place, it gives people predictability,” council member Mike Maciaszek said.

Eighth graders across the state will have the opportunity to name a snowplow operated by the Idaho Transportation Department.The statewide competition is only open to eighth grade classrooms in an effort to promote snowplow safety to students who will soon attend driver’s education programs, ITD officials said.The contest was organized by ITD and the Idaho Department of Education.“This contest is such a fun way to engage students with a safety message that’s essential to our young drivers, especially as the weather cools and winter approaches,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield.Each classroom will be allowed to submit one appropriate name under 15 characters to the contest before the Oct.