Over the past week, I have seen a very interesting thing take place. I covered the story on the Boycott of Mailer/Journal Advertisers in what I considered a very unbiased way. But, some  have said that I, Mike Ramsey, or a member of my family started this Boycott.

Each reader has the right to believe what you want, but I will tell you the facts, and you can take it from there. I was contacted on Friday the 16th of October, and told that a boycott was started in the area against advertisers in the weekly mailer. I was roofing a house when I found this out, and started to talk about it with everyone there. I saw a copy of the boycott on Monday October 19th, 2009 and copied it word for word on the posting.  I did my best to cover it fairly and with no bias. After looking at the posting further, I even removed the business names (that were part of the letter).

I did not start the boycott, nor did I write the anonymous letters sent to businesses. I have not signed the boycott. I believe that the story does need covered, and not covered up (though I have been threatened to cover the story up).

I am sad that people feel the only way to get The Weekly Mailer/News Journal” to change is to boycott local businesses advertising in the publication. I feel that the only party who can step up and lead the fix to this situation is the Weekly Mailer/News Journal. Jay Lenkersdorfer (the owner of the mentioned papers) on “Zeb Bell At The Ranch” said that positive changes to his publication are coming.  If this is the case, I commend Jay and in the future, wish him the best. So many people have been hurt on both sides of past issues, and I think it will take a lot to forgive what has happened…and a lot of apologies for what has taken place. Though it will take years to build trust, with some work I am confident that it can be done.

Those who have gone to the media with criticism and complaint I ask….did you talk to the individuals before hand? Did you feel better for defaming someone’s name? Did you succeed in humiliating your politician of choice? Could many issues be resolved behind closed doors? Did you stand firm on your position with your name, or simply attack others behind the word “anonymous”? I think if people within the community ask themselves these questions, many issues would be resolved outside of the media, and would help our community as a whole.

I love this community and will stand strong to promote the future growth of this area. I promote “anonymous” service, and despise “anonymous” attacks. I ask that if people have issues, they first talk to the individuals involved.

I feel that now, boycotters and businesses need to work together in holding the mailer/news journal accountable for their future actions, so that we as a community can progress to a new day. If the mailer/news journal make changes for the betterment of the community, then they will receive my forgiveness and support. If they don’t make the changes mentioned by Jay, I invite competition to take them out of business. In my opinion, and from numerous phone calls and conversations with business owners, public employees, and community members…The ball is in Jay’s court, and a community pleading for unity is watching with a very close eye.

Signed,

Mike Ramsey

To watch the video now that the event is over, simply click on the video on the bottom entitled “Meet The City Council Candidates Forum Oct 27th” I hope that you enjoy….

by Oleggo Software Development

GoBurley.com is proud to announce the start of our free online classifieds. You can post an item, and upload pictures of the object you are trying to sell. The system works fast and easy and allows you the ability to change details of your listing with a simple log in. If you look at the top of GoBurley.com you will see the Classifieds Page by our Search Bar.

You can also put objects on the classifieds that you want to rent out such as heavy machinery, 4-wheelers, tools, or anything else that people might not want to buy, but need for that one time use. You can advertise real estate, vehicles, or pretty much anything your heart desires.

There is no reason to pay to put your item in a classified section when free is just so much better! So, start putting your stuff online.

Mike Ramsey

Haunted or not that has been the question for years.  There are so many stories that have been told over the years it is hard to know if they are true. Real or not one young family is working hard to bring haunting alive at Campus Grove.  Troy and Heather Mortensen the owners of Campus Grove @ Albion have enjoyed bringing this new but old attraction to the Campus.  Over the years kids have sought a thrill by sneaking into the historic buildings.  Now the campus is under private ownership and has become off limits to the night time thrill seekers.  The new owners have been forced to put in security systems and seek police help to keep kids safe from the dangers that exist within the buildings. They can’t say if the buildings are really haunted but they know the buildings are scary, dark, and creepy at night.  In hopes to create good clean fun the Mortensen family started THE HAUNTED MANSIONS of ALBION.  Although it’s a lot of work this is not their first experience in this kind of business.  This family has been doing haunted house on a large scale for 7 years.  This is only their second year in Albion but it has already become a huge success for the area.  The Mortensen family enjoys seeing people having fun and stated that is one of their keys to success.  The Haunted Mansions of Albion are not just another spook alley; it is a theatrical haunting that requires upwards of 45 actors and actresses.  Sure there are some amateurs but there are also those people that take great pride in being the best spooks you have ever seen.  This year they will open up earlier to provide young children the opportunity to come have fun.  They are calling the earlier time Haunted Mansions for Kids.  It will be a toned down version that will start at 5:00pm and end at 7:00pm both Friday and Saturday.  There will be jump houses, tours of the buildings and a food court.  This is their attempt to make sure all ages can enjoy the Campus.  Keep in mind that the real haunting doesn’t start until 7:00pm on both Friday and Saturday.  They invite you to come up early to enjoy the food.  Our final weekend is this Friday and Saturday.  If you have any questions, call  208- 430-6430 or go to the web and see the entire exciting package you can do with friends & families at Campus Grove @ Albion. (www.albioncampus grove.com)

Burley

Jerry Dean Fowler, a lifelong resident of Burley, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at his home at the age of 67.

He was born on Oct. 20, 1942, in Burley, Idaho, the son of Orice Vern and Maxine LaFay Trammell Fowler.  He received his education in Burley, graduating from Burley High School in 1961. While in high school, Jerry ran track and was the president of the FFA.  He married Carol Ann Caldwell on April 22, 1965, in Burley.  Together, they made their home in Burley, where Jerry and Carol have owned and operated rental homes throughout Burley.  Jerry was a kind and generous landlord and loved his tenants.

At a young age, Jerry developed a love of animals.  This passion led him in raising livestock and enjoying horses his entire life.  He was a true horseman and was active in the Magic Valley Team Sorting Association and the Eastern Idaho Team Sorting Association.  He spent countless hours with his horse buddies in training, riding and participating in the rodeo circuit. Continue Reading

cookingwithkristin.com

Each year my food styles change with the seasons, and sometimes I forget from season to season, the foods I’ve been missing.  It has taken me a few weeks to get into the fall food kick, but I think I am finally remembering all those warm and cozy meals that come back every time the wind turns cold, and the nights grow long.

The dish that came to mind tonight was chicken potpie.  It’s one of my favorites! I don’t know if it is my southern heritage, the fact that my mother loved potpies, or that they are just so good.

I have a few variations you can do with your potpies so here it goes.  I love mine the way that the recipe reads and that is with a biscuit topping but, if you are short on time, just buy some already made biscuits, place them on top, and cook until golden brown.  I also like to get the frozen puff pastry, thaw it, roll it out a bit, and place it on top for a crust.  Or you can do it the way it has always been done and place a piecrust on the top.  And there you have it, a classic potpie.

Creamy Chicken Potpie

½ onion, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

2 celery, chopped

1 cup peas, frozen

2 waxy potatoes, cubed

½ cup butter

½ cup flour

4 chicken breasts

5 cups chicken stock

½ cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon fresh, or dry parsley

TT salt and pepper

In a large pot, bring chicken stock to a simmer, add chicken breast, and let simmer until done.  While chicken is simmering place a saute’ pan on medium heat with butter, onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery.  Let them saute’ until there is a small amount of color, then add your flour.  Remove chicken from the pot and add stock to the vegetables. Then add your peas, whipping cream, parsley, and salt and pepper.  Place in a dish and cover with biscuits or piecrust.

Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

3 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ cup chilled butter, cut into ½ inch pieces

1 cup whole milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine all dry ingredients along with cheese into a food processor.  Pulse a few times to incorporate everything. Add butter then pulse until dough is crumbly.  Then slowly add in milk.  If the mixture is dry add a few more tablespoons of milk.  Remove from processor and place on floured surface. Form a ball and then roll out dough.  Cut out a piece of dough that will cover the dish you are using. Place on top and bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.

I had the opportunity to go to the Burley Public Library and watch the forum in which every City Council Candidate had the opportunity to express himself freely, and also give reasoning to why they should be elected. Though I am not going to personally report what was said…GoBurley.com has recorded the whole meeting, and will be bringing it to you in a series of posts over this next week. Continue Reading

We are starting to Take letters to the editor. You can send to goburley@gmail.com. The comment policy will apply to these letters and the opinions expressed are not those of GoBurley.com.

To the Editor,

Recently, seven of nine rank and file career firefighters and career officers of the Burley Fire Department voted to start a local Union and affiliate with  International  Association of Fire Fighters and Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho.  With this affiliation comes many benefits that our fellow career firefighters across the state already enjoy.  We are excited to be joining these organizations that have an excellent reputation for improving safety and professionalism in the firefighting field.

As a Union we would like to stress this decision was made with no malice or hard feelings toward the City of Burley.  The Burley Fire Department has a long standing great relationship with Mayor Jon Anderson,  the City Council, and  City Administrator Mark Mitton.  Their door has always been open to answer any questions or address any problems that we might have.  We have always worked hard together to provide the best emergency  fire and medical protection possible to the citizens of Burley and North Cassia Rural Fire District.  With the help of the twenty five Burley Fire Department  paid-on-call/volunteers we will continue to provide this great service to our community.

One of the benefits that we can excersize as Union Local #3308 is endorse publicly those candidates that we as a group feel will be the best choice for the citizens of Burley, and will continue the great support of the Burley Fire Department that we already enjoy.  We would like to endorse Mayor Jon Anderson,  Councilman Gordon Hansen, Councilman Dennis Dexter, former Councilman Don Dean.  These candidates have a proven track record of supporting the mission of the fire department .  We know they will continue their support  of the fire department and will work with us to continually improve emergency services.

Thank you,

Having just gone through my first set of Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) this year, I though this might be a good time to discuss the somewhat under-impressed and under-utilized conferences and how they can benefit you and your children.

I have two children in school this year and one going into the school system within the next few years.  Many times as the school year gets started the intensity level in the home skyrockets because of To-Do Lists of homework, after school activities and the PTO.  Therefore, PTC can come and go without participation or with minimal involvement and personalized discussion.  Many times, parents just don’t know what to ask or do to get the most out of the conference.  Here are some ideas that can help to make your experience with PTC the most productive and informative it can be.

First, it is important to set aside an appropriate amount of time to meet with your children’s teacher.  There is nothing worse than having to rush to a meeting with the teacher just to have to rush out without getting what you went there for.  So, make sure you budget your time wisely so you can spend some good time at the conference asking your questions and getting your answers.  Also, I would definitely recommend having all parents attend the PTC.  It is more common to have mothers go, but having fathers involved in their children’s education is also important.  For me, being in a “split family”, I believe it is also beneficial for stepparents to attend as well.  They are also on integral part of a child’s development and progress.  All parents should make an effort to be there.

Second, if at all possible, try to go to the conference without any other children.  This is a small fraction of time that is supposed to be for you as the parent, to focus on the child your conference is about and it makes it more productive if you don’t have to worry about little toddler Johnny running around the room eating crayons while trying to communicate with your other child’s teacher.  You can drop your other children off with family, or maybe a friend would be willing to do a swap with you.  They can watch your children while you go to PTC and you watch theirs while they go.

Third, in addition to all the things, which your teacher may have to share with you, beforehand prepare a list of questions to ask the teacher that will help you gain a more well-rounded perspective of your child and their educational temperament.  Some things you may want to ask are:

1. How well is my child making friends?
2. How well does my child listen?
3. Does my child seem happy at school and in class?
4. Have you noticed anything that my child may need to work on?
5. What more can I do as a parent to assist and help you in your teaching goals?

All children behave somewhat differently in school than they do at home.  Things that may be an issue in your home may not necessarily be an issue at school.  And conversely, there may be things that your child struggles with at school that you have not encountered at school.  The more you know about their behavior at school, the more you will know what areas they will need help at home.  Remember, school is not only for academic progress, but for social and emotional learning as well.  Make sure you take into account their interaction and social skills when communicating with their teachers.

It is also important to find out what exactly the teacher has as goals for the class and more specifically your child.  There are usually a set of standards which the school district have determined which are the basis of the teacher’s curriculum and lesson plan.  There are usually benchmarks, which your child is working toward.  Find out what these goals and standards you child is going to be expected to work towards.  This will give you a better idea of what academic principles to be working on with your child.  Also, you may want to determine what homework is expected of your child and when it is due.  Some teachers, as a rule, do not give homework on the weekend, but your child may be expected to read a certain amount of time on the weekend.

Lastly, I know not all parents have to ability or freedom to volunteer on a regular basis because of other time commitments such at work, other children, etc.  However, that does not mean you cannot volunteer to come into the class once and a while and help out with a field trip, AR Reading testing or even a special holiday art project.  This will build rapport with the teacher, open lines of communication with the teacher, and most of all, show your child hat you care about them and their education.

A child’s educational experience can shape and mold their lives for years to come.  Bottom line, whatever you have to give to your child, whether it is time, attention, love or praise, try to incorporate it into their education somewhere and you will see it return to your child tenfold.  Emphasizing education and growth academically will strengthen your child’s character and instill in them the importance of learning for life.  But remember, teachers can’t do everything.  Their biggest tool in reaching the hearts and minds of your children is you.  You, as parents, have the privilege and responsibility to be involved in your child’s education.

Ashely Hull