Idaho Briefs June 7, 2010

Chinese delegation to visit Idaho

MERIDIAN — A 23-person delegation from China is scheduled to visit Meridian in southwestern Idaho this week to consider investment possibilities.

During the three-day visit starting Wednesday the delegation will tour an area called The Core, a local health care, technology and industry-related growth corridor.

The delegation will visit the new Idaho State-Meridian Health Science Center, St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, Boise State University and area high schools.

The group is also scheduled to meet with Lt. Gov. Brad Little and representatives from the Idaho Department of Commerce.

Social site looks to fill ugly Boise hole

BOISE — A Facebook fan page intended to encourage turning an unsightly hole in the ground that’s marred downtown Boise for years into an urban park has attracted more than 2,000 members in two weeks.

Fan-page founder Amanda Morgan started “Turn the Boise Hole into an Urban Park” on the social networking site after letter-writing campaigns failed to produce results.

Morgan said she loves downtown Boise and it makes her sad that there’s a pit in the middle of the city.

The half-acre lot was going to be the site of the state’s tallest building, but financial setbacks scrapped that plan.

The lot is now owned by California developer Robert Capps, who last year put the site on the market for $3.95 million.

Payette River floods some homes

PAYETTE — The Payette County Sheriff’s office said some homes are being flooded by the Payette River near Highway 52 in western Idaho.

Officials said the river rose above flood stage Sunday morning causing it to overflow into a residential area.

Sheriff Chad Huff said people within half a mile of the river should be alert to protect their property and livestock.

— The Associated Press