Movers and shakers
R. Bruce Owens appointed to Idaho Judicial Council
The Idaho State Bar Board of Commissioners has selected attorney R. Bruce Owens of Hayden to serve a six-year term on the Idaho Judicial Council to replace Joel Hazel of Coeur d’Alene. The appointment is subject to the consent of the Idaho State Senate.
Owens practices law at Owens, McCrea & Linscott, PLLC in Hayden, and has a specialization certificate in civil litigation from the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association and the Idaho State Bar. He has tried cases in all seven judicial districts. Owens has served as president of both the Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. and the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Owens has also served as a member of the American Association of Justice and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.
The Idaho Judicial Council nominates persons for appointments to the Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Court of Appeals, and district courts.
In its disciplinary capacity, the Council may investigate complaints against justices, court of appeals judges or judges of the district courts or magistrate divisions, and members of the Industrial Commission. In appropriate cases it may recommend to the Supreme Court the removal, discipline or retirement of a justice, judge, or magistrate judge who have violated the Code of Judicial Conduct.
There are six permanent members of the Idaho Judicial Council. Three are appointed by the Idaho State Bar and three are appointed by the governor. The Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court serves as ex-officio chairman of the council and one magistrate judge serves as an adjunct member. In addition to Owens, the bar’s appointees are Reed Larsen, Pocatello; and the Hon. Tom Ryan, Caldwell. The Governor’s appointees are: Philip Reberger, Boise; Elizabeth Chavez, Lewiston; and Kathy Simpson, Idaho Falls.
Blue Cross of Idaho to remain in market
Blue Cross of Idaho announced it will remain in the 2018 individual market, offering on and off exchange qualified health plans in every county in Idaho. The company said, in a news release, that it will expand the reach in each area, offering greater choice and health coverage for Idahoans.
“As an Idaho-based not-for-profit organization, we only sell health insurance products in Idaho. Across the nation, we are seeing insurers withdrawing from markets, leaving people who purchase on exchanges with little or even no choice,” said Dave Jeppesen, executive vice president of Consumer Healthcare for Blue Cross of Idaho, in the release. “Today, Blue Cross of Idaho is making a commitment to all Idahoans that we are here to provide access to quality healthcare and provide the peace of mind needed during an uncertain time in the health insurance market.”
Headquartered in Meridian, Blue Cross of Idaho is a not-for-profit mutual insurance company and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit bcidaho.com.
Holmes and Clugston
receive Edward Jones awards
Debbie Holmes of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Rathdrum recently won the firm’s Ted Jones Entrepreneurial Award for her exceptional achievement in building client relationships.
Rod Clugston of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Coeur d’Alene recently won the firm’s A.F. McKenzie Award for his exceptional achievement in building client relationships.
Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. The firm’s 15,000-plus financial advisors work directly with more than 7 million clients.
Info: www.edwardjones.com
- • •
If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. Email City Editor Maureen Dolan at mdolan@cdapress.com.