Nampa News

By Associated Press:

The National Association of Elementary School Principals is highlighting the work of a school administrator in southwestern Idaho.

Greg Wiles at Lone Star Middle School in Nampa is one of seven principals nationwide who the organization has named its Transformational Leaders Across America.

The award recognizes principals who have distinguished themselves in shaping long-term school improvements.

The group says Wiles, who is principal of a school where roughly 65 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunches, has focused on building a learning community rich in collaboration among his staff.

JESSIE L. BONNER By Associated Press:

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The state plans to open another charter school in the farming and manufacturing town of Nampa, despite objections from one of Idaho's largest school districts.

There are four charter schools operating in the community, with one more set to open this fall, and the most recent one approved to begin classes in 2011. That's more than any other city in the state, and Nampa School District officials have cautioned that the rapid growth has exacerbated budget woes.

The district's governing board, however, failed recently to persuade Idaho officials to hold off approving new charter schools until the state's budget crisis is stabilized.

Idaho's Public Charter School Commission last week approved Legacy Charter School, which is modeled after two other popular charter schools in Nampa and scheduled to open next year.

Dale Wheeler chairs the Nampa School District's governing board and urged the charter school commission in late February to deny Legacy's petition, which was up for consideration March 4.

The City of Nampa just emailed an update to all city-wide construction projects.

So, we thought we'd share them with you.

-----

W. Flamingo Ave just west of N. Midland Blvd will have delays beginning, Monday, March 8, while crews install underground utilities. Drivers should give themselves extra time in this area while flaggers move traffic through the construction. Estimated completion: March 19.

N. Midland Blvd between W. Cherry Lane and Ustick Road will be closed to through traffic starting Monday, March 8, while crews work on replacing culverts. Drivers should use Northside Boulevard as a detour. Estimated completion: March 19.

11th Avenue North between Garrity Boulevard and I-84 continues to have minor delays while crews work on underground sewer lines. Drivers should use caution and take a little extra time if using this area. Estimated completion: April 20.

Intersection of Happy Valley Road & Greenhurst Road remains closed to through traffic while crews install a new round-a-bout at the intersection. The section of Happy Valley Road north to the existing round-a-bout at Amity Road remains closed as well. Drivers should give themselves extra time in this area and pay close attention to the detour signs. Estimated completion: April 30.

Police say they detonated a live grenade at a Caldwell home Wednesday night.

Authorities say family members at a Caldwell home found a live World War II grenade when cleaning out the attic of a Nampa home.

The Nampa Bomb Squad was called to the 1300 block of Everett on Wednesday afternoon. Family members say they were cleaning out a deceased relative's home for an estate sale when they recognized a possible grenade.

Police say the bomb was wrapped in a WWII helmet. Crews took the bomb and took custody of the device.

No criminal activity is suspected.