Former Idaho Governor Phil Batt dies

Flags in Idaho will remain lowered in honor of the passing of former Governor Phil Batt, who died on Saturday, his 96th birthday.  Batt served as Idaho’s governor from 1995 to 1999.  He also served as a legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and Idaho Republican Party Chairman.  The Idaho Senate Majority Caucus said in a statement, “Governor Batt's conservative leadership and vision helped shape Idaho future and reflected his commitment to limited government, individual freedom, and traditional values… We will miss Governor Batt deeply, but we are grateful for our time with him and the lessons he taught us. We know his legacy will continue to inspire generations of leaders to come.”

Four Americans kidnapped in Mexico over weekend

Four U.S. citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from their vehicle in Matamoros, Mexico on Friday, in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.  According to the most recent information from both the Mexican and U.S. authorities, the group was believed to be in Mexico for medical care in an example of what is often termed “medical tourism.”  They were potentially mistaken by a drug cartel for a rival group and kidnapped.  Authorities on both sides of the border are working to fully ascertain the situation and work at freeing the hostages.   

Roof collapses on Lava Hot Springs landmark

Last Wednesday, the roof of the iconic Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Lava Hot Springs unexpectedly collapsed, briefly trapping two people.  Both people were recovered safely and transported to regional medical facilities.  The building dates back to the 1930s, and the bar itself has been a staple of the Lava Springs area for decades, popular with tourists and locals alike.  Local authorities point out how glad they are that no one was seriously injured in the event, and that it did not occur on a heavily populated weekend.  They also suggest that the collapse was likely caused by excessively heavy snow accumulation on the roof, and recommend that others monitor their roofs for any signs of structural weakness.  The official load requirements for roofs in Bannock County are 50 lbs per square foot.

A number of snowmobile accidents in region result in fatalities

On Friday of last week, two snowmobilers died in unrelated accidents, and a third was eventually rescued in the backcountry on Sunday.  Andrew Stoddard, of Bannock County died in a crash near Downey near the Cottonwood area, according to officials.  Christopher Berg of Arizona died in another crash west of West Yellowstone later that day.  A third snowmobiler became separated from his party of the weekend without a cell phone.  He was located safely later in the day on Sunday.  Authorities advise people to avoid traveling alone, and to keep emergency supplies and phones with them.