Joey Martin

SHOSHONE, Idaho — One of the oldest buildings in Shoshone, one of southern Idaho's oldest towns, has been torn down. The historic Animal House — a structure dating to the late 1800s or early 1900s — was demolished after years of attempts to save it. The city of Shoshone and the building's owner agreed that demolition was the best path forward. Shoshone Mayor Dan Pierson said it was a difficult decision for the historic railroad town, which was founded in 1882.

WENDELL, Idaho — Wendell has a new permanent library. The city converted a former shop class building into a 4,000-square-foot space using $500,000 in budgeted city funds. Mayor Rebecca Vipperman said the opening marks a significant shift for a community that has long made do with undersized, temporary facilities.

JEROME COUNTY, Idaho — The Declaration of Independence was read aloud at the Shoshone Falls overlook on the rim of the Snake River Canyon Wednesday as part of a global America 250 celebration called the Spirit of America.