Good morning, Emmett. Here's what happened around town this week.

City & County

Oesterreich Wins Commissioner Primary

Final results are in for the May 19 Republican primary for Gem County Commissioner District 1, and Chris Oesterreich came out on top with 47.94% of the vote (1,927 votes). Paul Anderson finished second at 32.19% (1,294 votes), and Scott Johnson was third at 19.88% (799 votes).

Oesterreich led nearly every precinct in the county, finishing first in eight of the ten reporting precincts. Anderson took Emerson with 44.34%. With no Democratic challenger on the general election ballot, Oesterreich effectively becomes the next District 1 commissioner.

Downtown Revitalization Continues

The city's downtown revitalization project is progressing, with crews installing new sidewalks and parking along Main Street. The work is tied to broader improvements aimed at making downtown more walkable and accommodating angled parking on the south side of Main Street that the council approved earlier this spring. Expect ongoing lane shifts and pedestrian detours.

Schools

Federal Funds Frozen, District Adjusting

The Emmett School District is taking action after a federal funding freeze affected several programs nationwide. The freeze is on federal money already appropriated but currently being reviewed by the U.S. Department of Education. The district is working through the implications now and will share specifics as they become available. This adds another layer of complexity to the post-levy budget picture.

Community

Cherry Festival 2026 in the Books

Last weekend's 91st Cherry Festival went off as planned, with strong turnout for the Children's Parade Friday evening and the main parade Saturday. Local cherry growers said the harvest came in fine despite the late frost scares earlier this spring. The Valley of Plenty Quilters debuted a tribute quilt honoring America's 250th anniversary at this year's show, which will travel to additional showings around the region.

America 250 Independence Day Parade Set for July 4

The Gem County America 250 Independence Day Parade is Saturday, July 4 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, lining up at 721 W. 12th Street. The day continues at the Gem Island Sports Complex with the America 250 Gem County 5K & 1-Miler at 8:00 AM and the Independence Day fireworks show starting around 10:20 PM.

The Emmett Public Library's "United We Read" America 250 summer reading program is also underway, running through July 24 at 275 S. Hayes Ave.

Heads-Up: Serious Crash on Johns Avenue

Idaho State Police are investigating a three-vehicle serious-injury crash that happened Saturday, June 13 at 10:58 PM at the intersection of South Johns Avenue and Cherry Lane. A 2022 Can-Am Defender Max driven by a 22-year-old male from Vale, Oregon was traveling southbound in the northbound lane when the crash occurred. ISP's release noted that seatbelt usage was a significant factor in injury outcomes. Worth a reminder for everyone using that intersection.

Development

Main Street Bridge Reconstruction in the Pipeline

The City of Emmett has a Main Street bridge project in the local highway construction plans for 2026 — reconstruction work plus pedestrian improvements and safety upgrades. No specific start date yet, but it's in the official 2026 construction projects schedule.

Quick Notes

• America 250 Independence Day Parade: Saturday, July 4 at 11:00 AM, 721 W. 12th Street.
• America 250 Fireworks: Saturday, July 4 at 10:20 PM, Gem Island Sports Complex.
• America 250 5K & 1-Miler: Saturday, July 4 at 8:00 AM, Gem Island Sports Complex.
• Emmett Public Library "United We Read" program: through July 24.

Sports

Summer ball is picking up around town. Look for local Little League and youth tournament coverage starting in next week's issue.