Communications and PR Manager Former photojournalist @IdahoPress and @MERCnewsroom. Passionate Storyteller striving to make a positive impact in my community.
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Articles by Chris Bronson
Town Talk
On Dec. 19, Nampa Elks Lodge #1389 delivered many warm clothes and toiletries to the Caldwell Veterans Memorial Hall. These items will be given to Canyon County veterans who need a helping hand.
Boise restaurants to appear on popular Food Network show
Saint Lawrence Gridiron and Tango's Empanadas will both be featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." The episode will air on Friday night.
2C Blog
There is no perfect family, or Thanksgiving. I didn’t know that six years ago was going to be my last Thanksgiving with my father. Five years ago, I choose to cover the Maui Invitational during the holiday, because missing one Thanksgiving did not seem like a big deal when compared to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There was no crystal ball that could tell me that the Thanksgiving five years ago would have been the last opportunity I would have to celebrate the holiday with my father.
2C Etc. blog: Gear up for Black Friday
It is almost that time of year again. That time we have all been waiting for… You probably thought that I was talking about Thanksgiving, but I am speaking of the greatest shopping holiday that screams America: Black Friday. Yes, it is almost upon us. The time we all herd to stores at weird hours on Thursday and Friday to grab great discounts and steals on this year’s hottest items. Tactically, one must be fully prepared for this day among days. I prefer the divide-and-conquer strategy.
Yotes, Nighthaws set to renew Mayors' Cup rivalry
Seven days. Two schools. Two games. One trophy. The state of Idaho’s oldest basketball rivalry is renewed at 7 p.m. Tuesday as the Northwest Nazarene and College of Idaho men’s basketball teams meet for the 207th time since 1933 as they go head-to-head at the Johnson Sports Center on the Northwest Nazarene campus for the latest installment of the Mayors’ Cup rivalry.
As SWITC aims to change model, clients will remain at Nampa campus
NAMPA — As the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center begins the slow process of transitioning to a new model, officials plan to keep clients at the Nampa campus for the time being, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. That concern was brought forth by family members of a current client at the Nov. 1 SWITC Advisory Board hearing.
1953 Yotes would be happy to see their win streak record fall
For three decades Ed “Buzz” Bonaminio was a vocal supporter in bringing the football team back to the College of Idaho. Five years after seeing his hard work pay off, the 86-year-old Bonaminio is watching as the program reaches heights not seen since he was wearing the Purple and Gold uniform. The former College of Idaho halfback, and later coach, plans to travel to La Grande, Oregon, on this weekend in hopes of seeing the Yotes match a program record he was a part of.
SWITC advisory board reviews model, looks at unanswered questions
NAMPA — The relatives of a 38-year-old client at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center in Nampa voiced concerns Friday about facility's upcoming transition into something new. That answer was not immediately clear at Friday’s SWITC Advisory Board meeting, but Chairwoman Miren Unsworth assured them SWITC clients would have a place to stay when a transition takes place.
Editorial: School districts shouldn't have to ask for funding every 2 years
The Nampa School District is asking voters on Nov. 5 to approve a supplemental levy. The two-year levy would bring in just over $12 million a year to fund teacher salaries, building maintenance and security, curriculum and technology upgrades, and other needs. The levy would replace the current $9.4 million supplemental levy that voters passed in 2017. Before that, voters passed a $7.8 million levy in 2015. We encourage voters to check “yes” on Tuesday and approve the funding for Nampa schools.
Canyon County takes comment on sole source procurement for election equipment
CALDWELL — The Board of Canyon County Commissioners is considering a sole source procurement for new voting tabulation machines by Hart InterCivic. The board met with county elections officials on Wednesday to discuss the machines, which will cost around $3 million, and to take public comment on the sole source procurement. Typically, public agencies must go through a competitive bid process for purchases or services worth more than $50,000, unless they declare sole-source procurement.
Boise State linebacker Whimpey gets chance to play close to home vs. BYU
BOISE — Riley Whimpey and his family were all big BYU fans while he was growing up — that is until his two other brothers began playing football at Utah State. Boise State’s junior linebacker grew up in Highland, Utah, roughly 30 minutes north of Provo. His father graduated from BYU. So, until Kevin and Kyle Whimpey began their recruitment process, it was just natural for Riley to be a Cougars fan.
Broncos picked fifth in preseason Mountain West poll, Alston named to preseason All-Mountain West team
LAS VEGAS - The Boise State men's basketball team believes it will be much improved from last year's program-worst 20-loss season. The media that covers the league seems to agree. Boise State was picked to finish fifth in the preseason media poll released Tuesday at the start of Mountain West Men's Basketball Media Day at the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
2 years ago, Ada received $1M to reduce jail populations. It wasn't as successful as hoped.
BOISE — Almost two years after the Ada County Sheriff’s Office received a $1 million grant to reduce the county’s jail population, the reduction has not been as significant as officials hoped. In October 2017, the county received the grant from the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge, which works for criminal justice reform.
Here's who filed for office in Canyon County for the Nov. 5 election
CALDWELL — Local mayoral, city council and school board candidates will be on the ballot Nov. 5. The last day for candidates to file was Sept. 6. Canyon County provided the following candidate list to the Idaho Press on Tuesday, though it was still incomplete, as the deadline for district clerks to certify candidates is not until Friday, Sept. 13. The Idaho Press added some names to the list, gathered from the city of Caldwell and the Caldwell School District.
Boise State basketball to host Colorado State in conference home opener at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 - for now
BOISE - The Mountain West announced the television schedule and tip times for several men’s basketball games Wednesday, and the Broncos learned that a Dec. 7 home game against Colorado State will start at 2 p.m. and be televised by AT&T Sports Net. The only problem? ESPN has already announced that the Mountain West football championship game will also start at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7.
Boise State faces potential scheduling issue with football, basketball home games on Dec. 7
BOISE - It could be a crowded and chaotic afternoon on Dec. 7 should the Boise State football team end up hosting the Mountain West football championship at Albertsons Stadium. The Mountain West announced the television schedule and tip times for several men’s basketball games Wednesday, and the Broncos learned that a Dec. 7 home game against Colorado State will start at 2 p.m. and be televised by AT&T Sports Net (formally ROOT SPORTS). The only problem?
Boise State, BYU renew football series with 10-year agreement through 2034
Boise State and BYU announced a new 10-year agreement Tuesday that will begin in 2025 to continue the rivalry on a near-yearly basis through 2034. The two teams are in the middle of a 12-year deal that expires after the 2023 season. They will take a one year break in 2024 before resuming the yearly meeting in 2025 for the start of a 10-year deal that will run through the 2034 season.
Boise State could host football and basketball games at the same time on Dec. 7
BOISE - It could be a crowded and chaotic afternoon on Dec. 7 should the Boise State football team end up hosting the Mountain West football championship at Albertsons Stadium. The Mountain West announced the television schedule and tip times for several men’s basketball games Wednesday, and the Broncos learned that a Dec. 7 home game against Colorado State will start at 2 p.m. and be televised by AT&T Sports Net (formally ROOT SPORTS). The only problem?
100 Deadliest Days of Summer sees decline in deaths
BOISE — Ten fewer people died during Idaho's 100 Deadliest Days of Summer this year than in 2018, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Transportation Department. This summer, 91 people died in traffic crashes, compared to 101 people who were killed in the same time period last summer. The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer fall between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, when fatal crashes tend to rise around the nation.
‘Weapon’ Khalil Shakir ready to do it all for Boise State
BOISE - Khalil Shakir admits that his role on the Boise State football team can sometimes get the butterflies going inside his stomach. “It’s very nerve-racking, especially back there on punt return,” Shakir says. “But I’m glad the coaches have faith in me to do that, so it’s great. It’s all good.” Shakir is one of the most versatile and dynamic players the Broncos have, so he’ll likely be used in a variety of ways this season.
Experienced Vikings hunt for state title
The Middleton Vikings don’t just have returning experience, they have lots of it this year. The Vikings are returning 15 starters from a team that had a fourth quarter lead against eventual state champion Hillcrest in the 4A state quarterfinal. Ten of those returning starters enter the season with at least two years of starting experience. “We’ve got a lot of kids coming back with some good experience,” said Middleton coach Bill Brock.
Borah out to prove last year was no fluke
Borah finally got the monkey off its back last season by winning its first playoff game in 23 years. But are the Lions back for good? Head coach Jason Burton certainly thinks so. He voted them third in the coaches’ preseason poll with just five starters back. Don’t let that fool you, though. Burton knows that inexperience will be tested. “It’s going to test the strength of our program.
Mountain View aims to continue dynasty
Few teams have had the success that the Mountain View football team has had the past five years. The Mavericks have gone 49-10 (.831) and been to five consecutive state semifinals. The only other teams to do that over the last five years are Rocky Mountain, Bishop Kelly and Carey. “What’s happened is we’ve built up a tradition where the expectations are just higher,” Mountain View coach Judd Benedick said. “The underclassmen see all the success and it’s a little bit contagious.
Capital aims to finally win the big one
Capital is arguably the best program in the state not to win a championship in the last 15 years. The Eagles have qualified for state 14 times. The anomaly was 2006 when they finished 6-3. Capital has been to seven semifinals and three championship games since 2004. “There’s a process that we adhere to and it hasn’t really changed,” Capital coach Todd Simis said. “We may tweak a defensive front or a blitz, but the general structure of how we do things just doesn’t change.
Boise State basketball releases 2019-20 schedule: 'It's got to be the most challenging we've had'
BOISE – Coming off a season in which they set a school record with 20 losses, the Boise State men’s basketball team could have played an easier schedule to help ensure a better record. Coach Leon Rice had other ideas. The Broncos announced their 2019-2020 schedule Tuesday and it appears to be a challenging one – seven games away from ExtraMile Arena in November and December and the potential to play multiple top 25 teams before the meat of the conference schedule gets going.
Mike Prater: BSU's new quarterback is much more than your typical college freshman
Important fact: Hank Bachmeier is a true freshman who made Boise State football history Saturday afternoon. Soothing fact as the Broncos, finally, dive into Florida State week: He’s not your typical, wide-eyed and confused true freshman stumbling onto an out-of-state college campus with the awkwardness of a newborn pup. Bachmeier, despite being only a few months removed from high school in Southern California, is 20 years old.
Boise State goes with a surprise, names freshman Hank Bachmeier starter
BOISE — Boise State has named true freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier as the starter for the Aug. 31 opener against Florida State. Bachmeier will be just the second true freshman to start a game at quarterback for the Broncos since they moved to FBS status in 1996. The other? The man he is replacing, Brett Rypien. Boise State coach Bryan Harsin made the announcement following an open practice for fans Saturday in which Bachmeier took every rep with the No. 1 offense.
Boise State not ranked in preseason Associated Press poll
Voters in the Associated Press Top 25 poll apparently don't think much of the Boise State football team heading into the 2019 season. At least not yet. The preseason poll was released Monday and Boise State was not among the 25 teams ranked. And they weren't all that close. The Broncos earned just 38 votes, which was eighth-most in the 'receiving votes' category.
COMPASS asks for public comment on proposed projects
The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho is asking residents in Ada and Canyon counties to weigh-in on budgets of transportation projects. “The budget, called the Regional Transportation Improvement Program, or ‘TIP,’ contains over 130 federally funded, state funded, and ‘regionally significant’ projects that address regional transportation needs,” Compass Principal Planner Toni Tisdale said in a press release.
Nampa mayor responds to El Paso Shooting, condemns hate crimes
NAMPA—In a Facebook post on the official City of Nampa page, Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling made a statement about the back-to-back mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton. "My heart is grieved today over the loss of life this weekend in Texas and Ohio," the post opens. Kling goes on to specifically address Nampa's Hispanic community. This is in response to evidence that the El Paso shooting suspect was racially motivated and targeting Hispanic citizens specifically.
Boise State football unranked in preseason Coaches Poll
For the second time in three years the Boise State football team will start the season unranked in at least one of the two major polls. The preseason Coaches Poll came out Thursday morning and the Broncos were not included among the top 25. They did receive 118 votes, which was second-most in the 'receiving votes' category. It's the fourth time in the past 11 years that Boise State will start the year unranked in the Coaches Poll.
Broncos eager to watch quarterback battle play out during fall camp
HENDERSON, Nev. — Fans aren’t the only ones waiting to find out who Boise State’s starting quarterback will be this fall. “I really want to know too,” senior left guard John Molchon said Wednesday at Mountain West Media Days at the Green Valley Ranch Resort. “I’m really excited to see who it’s going to be. Fall camp is going to be a blast from that standpoint. It’s going to be cool. It will be new to me to see who gets how many snaps and how they break it up.
IRC in Boise condemns Trump administration consideration of ending refugee resettlement
BOISE — Refugees have been settled in Idaho since 1975, but news out of Washington, D.C., this week means that could slow dramatically next year and possibly even stop altogether. Politico reported Thursday President Trump is considering shutting down the nation’s refugee resettlement program, which allows in immigrants fleeing violence and political or religious persecution.
Department of Agriculture unable to confirm how farmworkers got sick
An Idaho State Department of Agriculture investigation into an incident in Parma that sent 12 farmworkers to the hospital could not definitively say what substance sickened the workers, but investigators concluded some were likely exposed to a fungicide sprayed on adjacent fields. A crop duster contracted by Obendorf Farms to spray a neighboring field likely caused the illnesses of some farm workers, the department report concluded.
Blue Valley mobile park left off Boise voting rolls for five years
BOISE — Residents of Blue Valley mobile home park have been paying city taxes since 2014, but they were not allowed to vote in two Boise city election cycles due to a clerical error. The neighborhood of roughly 900 residents was added to the city’s voter rolls only last month after the problem was discovered. The tight-knit neighborhood in the desert on Boise’s southeastern fringe was first annexed by the city in 2014.
Nampa Parks and Rec department celebrates Parks and Recreation Month with several events
NAMPA — July is national Parks and Recreation Month, and to celebrate, Nampa's Parks and Recreation Department has several events planned, according to a press release. KIDS IN ACTION DAY CAMP The Kids in Action summer program began June 10, but runs through all of July. Kids can swim every day, go on field trips each month, and have a different theme each week to explore. They will do crafts, learn new sports, read books, play games and more.
Countdown to camp No. 13: What should be expected from the defensive line?
The Idaho Press is counting down the top 20 questions facing the Boise State football team heading into the 2019 season. The next entry in our series is question No. 13: What should be expected from the defensive line? Boise State’s defensive line had a pretty solid year in 2018, finishing tied for 10th nationally with 3.0 sacks per game and 12th with a total of 39 sacks. The Broncos also ranked No. 20 in rush defense by allowing just 122.92 rushing yards per game.
'Test all kits' law takes effect
BOISE — A law went into effect Monday requiring law enforcement to test all sexual assault kits, with rare exception. Previously, assault victims could refuse to have police test a rape kit, which contains DNA swabs and other evidence taken after an assault. The new law demands all kits must be tested unless evidence shows the report of the assault was unfounded. The legislation passed during the 2019 legislative session with only one "nay" vote in the House. In March, Gov.
Boise Hunter Homes lays out plan for phase two of contentious Dry Creek Ranch subdivision
The developers of a contentious 1,800 unit subdivision are gearing up for the second phase of the project, and so are those who plan to oppose it. Dry Creek Ranch is a proposed subdivision in the Dry Creek Valley near Highway 55 and Beacon Light Road in unincorporated Ada County. The former Board of Ada County Commissioners approved the final plat of the first phase in August 2018, which contains more than 1,100 of the units, the Idaho Press previously reported.
Mark your calendars: June 26 for the God and Country Festival 2019
The 2019 God and Country Festival is set for June 26 at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. Chuck Conners started the annual God and Country Festival, which debuted in 1966, with the goal to bring back patriotism to our communities. It is an old fashioned, patriotic and religious festival honoring military, law enforcement fire and emergency personnel and other public servants.
Avery Williams is No. 3 on our list of Boise State's most important players in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 3, Avery Williams: The responsibility and pressure will be a little bit bigger for Avery Williams this fall with the departure of three-year starter Tyler Horton at corner. Williams ascends into the top corner spot for the Broncos, a remarkable feat considering he was a virtually unknown walk-on this time two years ago.
Chase Cord is No. 4 on our list of Boise State's most important players in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 4, Chase Cord: There wouldn’t have been much intrigue had Chase Cord not suffered a torn ACL midway through last season. Cord would have been Boise State’s starting quarterback in 2019, and heralded recruit Hank Bachmeier would have redshirted. Cord's injury changed everything.
Khalil Shakir is No. 5 on our list of Boise State's most important players in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 5, Khalil Shakir: Khalil Shakir’s final play of his true freshman season was a big one, a 49-yard touchdown catch that proved to be the winning score in a win against No. 23-ranked Fresno State. It could be the first of many memorable moments for the former four-star prospect.
David Moa is No. 6 on our list of Boise State's most important players in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 6, David Moa: David Moa was supposed to be with an NFL team at this point, not preparing to return for his sixth season at Boise State. Both Moa and the Broncos are hoping to take advantage of the unexpected situation. This time two years ago, the defensive lineman was seen by some as the top NFL prospect in the Mountain West.
Two new playgrounds to open in Nampa
NAMPA — Two new playgrounds are opening in Nampa in June and July, according to the Nampa Parks and Recreation Department. The newly constructed playgrounds will replace outdated playgrounds at Liberty Park and Kings Road Park. Both playgrounds were funded through Community Development Block Grant funding. Liberty Park is a neighborhood park approximately 18 acres in size. The park offers a playground, outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball, soccer fields and a softball field.
John Hightower is No. 8 on our list of Boise State's most important players list in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 8, John Hightower: John Hightower proved to be one of Boise State’s biggest playmakers last season. The Broncos will need even more of that this fall. Hightower arrived from Hinds Community College and made an immediate impact for the Broncos in 2018, finishing tied for second on the team with eight total touchdowns and third with 870 all-purpose yards.
Families pursue lawsuit against SWITC, while advisory board approves motions recommending new treatment model
NAMPA — Six families of residents at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center in Nampa filed a class action lawsuit Wednesday against the state of Idaho and the Department of Health and Welfare for the “widespread abuse, neglect and mistreatment inflicted on current and former residents” at the Nampa center. The lawsuit comes in the same week the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center’s advisory board passed two motions recommending alterations the treatment model for SWITC clients.
Andrew Van Buren is No. 9 on our list of Boise State's most important players in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 9, Andrew Van Buren: There’s no secret that one of Boise State’s biggest challenges this fall will be to replace the production lost by running back Alexander Mattison, who was a third-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Draft in April. Andrew Van Buren will have a big say in just how well the Broncos are able to do.
Notebook: Broncos add Big West champs UC Irvine to nonconference schedule
BOISE — The Boise State men's basketball team will welcome Big West champion UC Irvine to ExtraMile Arena next season as part of a home-and-home series announced Thursday. UC Irvine, which won 31 games last season and upset No. 4 seed Kansas State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, will travel to Boise for a nonconference game on Nov. 15, 2019. The Broncos will make the return trip to Irvine, California, during the 2020-21 season.
CT Thomas is No. 10 on our list of Boise State's most important players in 2019
The Idaho Press is counting down the 20 most important players for the Boise State football team in 2019. Next up on our list is No. 10, CT Thomas: It only seemed like every catch CT Thomas made last season came on either third or fourth down. Thomas made several key catches during a breakout sophomore campaign, and now enters the 2019 season as one of the top receivers on Boise State’s roster.
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