good news in the magic valley

Good News! Idaho farmers and ranchers had a record year in 2012 according to a recently released report by the University of Idaho/College of Agriculture.

With the new year comes a lot of desire to get in shape. The keys are discipline and accountability. You can find those keys at Canyon Rim Crossfit.

Good News! There's a new Papa Kelsey's Pizza & Subs in Kimberly! Just west of Kimberly High School, the new location employs eight full time staff ready to make you a delicious pizza, sub sandwich, soup, or salad.

Good News! The long-awaited reconstruction of Eastland Drive in Twin Falls is now complete! The last phase of the project, which features a $1.2 Million intersection at Addison and Eastland, was completed on time and in budget.

Good news! New home construction in the Magic Valley continues to improve. In Twin Falls, August building permits were up two and a half times from a year ago.

Looking for something fun, unique, and interesting to do? Don't forget about the zip line in the Snake River Canyon. It's called 'Zip The Snake' and you can experience it first-hand!

Good news about the 2012 Air Show: it made money! According to Air Show officials, about $53,000 is left after all expenses were paid, and that includes paying back the city of Twin Falls.

Local building construction in the Magic Valley is on the rebound. According to the city of Twin Falls forty-five single family home building permits have already been issued through April. That compares to ninety-three for all of 2011. Lower material prices, lower interest rates, and cheaper land costs have helped spur growth.

Jerome welcomes Old Hickory Buildings to town! Old Hickory Buildings constructs a variety of outbuildings for storage, garages, and even playhouses. Special buildings can be made to order and delivery is free within 30 miles. Old Hickory Buildings will employ 10 to 35 people and are taking over the former Con Paulos location on South Lincoln.

CPR Physical Therapy is celebrating 25 years as an independent and locally owned physical therapy business in the Magic Valley. I can personally attest to the great work of CPR Physical Therapy as they got me back in the saddle after two back surgeries.

The Snake River Plain Aquifer, which part of the lifeblood of the Magic Valley, has been given a recharge thanks to the Idaho Water Resource Board, irrigation groups, and groundwater users. Last year we pumped a record 156,000 acre feet of water back into the Aquifer.

Rock Creek Metal Craft has been crafting unique gift items out of recycled parts since 1969. Started by Jack and Rae Nuckols, the business employs four welders and make a wide variety of novelty figurines. If you're looking for something unique for that special someone on your list, check out Hansen's own Rock Creek Metal Craft.

Kimberly, Idaho has been awarded several grants for infrastructure improvements. The city received almost $1.5 million dollars. The grants include funding for an RV dump station, a stoplight at the Red Cap corner, and funding to provide safer routes for kids on their way to and from school.

According to the Department of Labor, in October unemployment in the state of Idaho reached its lowest level in two years. Idaho unemployment dipped to 8.8%, which is almost a full one percent lower than it was in March.

Good news! Boyer Jewelry of Twin Falls is celebrating their 20th Anniversary. At the same location for all of those 20 years, owners John and Chris have worked side by side to bring their customers some unique and amazing jewelry.

Congratulations to Lytle Signs! The area's long-time leader in signs of all kinds has recently earned Green Leaf Energy Certification from UL Environment. Lytle was awarded the certification for their manufacturing practices and training techniques.

Congratulations to the Magic Valley Mall which celebrates its 25th Anniversary! Opening its doors in 1986, the 430,000 square foot mall boasted 41 stores including Shopko, JC Penney, Jensen Jewelers, and Orange Julius. I remember working on the landscaping for the project and thinking what a big deal this was for our region. It still is! Happy Anniversary to the Magic Valley Mall!

St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center recently added a brand new, state of the art helicopter to its air ambulance fleet. The new Bell 429 helicopter cost $6 Million dollars, and St. Luke's is only the second hospital in the country to utilize this type of helicopter.

The Orpheum Theater in Downtown Twin Falls is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The theater, which is locally owned by Interstate Amusement, originally opened in 1921 and is one of the few classic cinemas left in the country.

Twin Falls has embraced Recycling! Since the start of the formal recycling program in January, Twin Falls residents have recycled more than 950 tons of waste and an amazing 71% of city households are participating in the program.