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1 week ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — Thursday, June 19, is the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday that commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. It marked an important step toward ending one of the most horrific chapters in American history. Although no local events are planned, some offices are closed, including post offices, other federal offices, plus banks and credit unions, Prairie River District Libraries, including those in Kamiah and Kooskia.
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2 weeks ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — Twenty-seven students graduated from Clearwater Valley High School. Students reacted with joy, excitement or simply relief as each heard their name called. Great to see a good crowd of family, friends, school staff and others attend to applaud them. In her remarks, valedictorian Autum Martinez used a softball analogy from Vincent Martinez, her coach, principal and dad.
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3 weeks ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — Are you ready to watch some movies outdoors? This Thursday, June 5, the Upriver Youth Leadership Council (UYLC) kicks off their free weekly movies at Kamiah’s Riverfront Park. Recent releases will be shown most Thursdays this summer, beginning with “Sonic 3” on June 5, then “Captain America: Brave New World” on June 12, and “Wicked” on June 19. The movies will begin at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.).
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1 month ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — Congratulations to the valedictorians, Addison Skinner and Kelsee Hunt, salutatorian David Kludt, and the Kamiah High School class of 2025, who graduated last Saturday. I met this bunch as 6th graders the year I worked as a substitute in the Kamiah Middle School library. Great to watch their achievements in academics, community service, theater and sports.
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1 month ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — Next Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day, a holiday to honor and remember those who have died serving in the U.S. military. Watch for ceremonies and flag displays at cemeteries throughout the valley. River Arts Kamiah is on the move. The new community arts group just received its first grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation for $9,400. This will help them to continue providing classes, a well-supplied studio and live music events.
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1 month ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — The Clearwater Valley lost a favorite son with the death of Carl Crabtree last week. Although he split his time between Grangeville and Boise, he referred to himself as just a “kid from Kooskia.” He touched many lives through his work with Idaho County weeds, 4-H, ranching, as a state senator, and as a strong advocate for public education. He listened to my concerns and gave me good advice as I pursued my goals.
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1 month ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — Ah, spring! Robins chirping incessantly at first light remind me to wake up and begin my day. Hot and dry weather one day, followed by cool, rainy weather the next, makes it interesting. Next Sunday, May 11, some will celebrate Mother’s Day. Events on Saturday, May 10, in Clearwater and Kamiah are planned. Celebrate “Dessert at the Museum,” with or without your mother, at the Clearwater Grange (corner of Clearwater Main Street and Sally Ann Road).
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2 months ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — I love spring with its green grass, tender fragrant blossoms on the fruit trees, birds singing, white-tail deer grazing and turkeys strutting their stuff. Spring is also the time to fling open the windows and do some spring cleaning. You can begin spring cleaning with your medicine cabinet.
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2 months ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — With Easter coming up next weekend, church services, breakfasts and egg hunts abound. For some, the weekend is a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Other events earlier in the week include fire season preparations and the Kamiah school play, as well as a ham radio event. Are you concerned about the upcoming fire season? Wednesday night, April 16, at 6 p.m. join the “Preparing for the 2025 Wildfire Season” workshop at the Kooskia Community Center.
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2 months ago | 
idahocountyfreepress.com | Norma Staaf
CLEARWATER VALLEY — At the end of the Harpster Christmas program in December, people were having so much fun they didn’t want to leave! A few community-minded folks decided to organize a spring event. If you live near Harpster, you are invited to an old-fashioned community social this Saturday, April 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Harpster Community Center (Old Schoolhouse), 115 Newsome Street. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here your whole life, come meet neighbors.
