Federal Shut Down’s Effect on Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The partial shutdown of the federal government will have a direct effect on some services in Idaho, with campgrounds on federal lands closing, 850 Idaho National Guard employees furloughed and a program that helps cover food costs for impoverished pregnant women and small children threatened. U.S. Attorney for Idaho Wendy Olson said about half her staff has been furloughed and attorneys are expecting to file motions to temporarily halt court proceedings in civil cases. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesman Tom Shanahan says roughly 42,500 pregnant women, infants and children who receive food benefits under the WIC program may lose benefits next week if the shutdown continues. Col. Tim Marsano says about half of the Idaho National Guard employees are banned from duty until the shutdown is lifted.