On Sunday, May 25, Idaho lost an icon. Much has been said in recent days about the contributions of J.R. "Jack" Simplot to our state and nation, including a special DIALOGUE this past Thursday.

Mr. Simplot has supported Idaho Public Television numerous times over the past thirty years. From his on-air appearances during our March Festival fundraising campaigns, to his generous contributions to PROCEEDING ON THROUGH A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY: A HISTORY OF IDAHO television series, the VISIONS OF IDAHO history series for Idaho schools, and the Idaho Public Television Endowment, Jack Simplot made a significant difference to Idaho Public Television.

On a personal note, I had the privilege to meet with him frequently over the years. My highlight was in 1990, spending the day photographing him at his childhood home near Declo, Idaho. During that visit, Jack showed me the hog pen in which he raised the pigs that started his legendary business career. We also met with his sister, Peg. They tearfully reminisced about their love for and memories of their mother.

In the first chapter of Men To Match My Mountains, Irving Stone wrote, "The time, the place, the cast . . . this is the story of the opening of a land and the building of the civilization." Jack Simplot was clearly one of the lead actors in that cast, which transformed Idaho from a western wilderness into a modern society.

Jack, thanks for your contributions to our world. You gave it your all, and you made it better.

I wanted to let you know that The Idaho Debates, a three decade partnership between the League of Women Voters of Idaho, the Idaho Press Club and Idaho Public Television are now available to watch on-line at:

http://idahoptv.org/elections/2008/

In addition, I'm pleased to let you know that the KTVB Debates, produced by KTVB-TV, Boise and their partnership have been made available today to Idaho Public Television. The can also be watched online at:

http://idahoptv.org/elections/2008/

We thank KTVB for their generosity and civic involvement.

On April 14, 2008, Dan Harbeke, Director of Public Affairs - Utah/Idaho/Montana - for Union Pacific Railroad, presented a check of support to me for IdahoPTV's SCIENCE TREK 2008. This caps a week of exciting fun around this year's SCIENCE TREK.

Now in its second decade, SCIENCE TREK is a collaborative effort between the Idaho Museum of Natural History and IdahoPTV. On Friday night, April 12, 151 young future scientists enjoyed an exciting "Night at the Museum" at the Idaho Museum of Natural History at Idaho State University, Pocatello.

The kids had the opportunity to watch cool science experiments with ISU professors including Dr. Steve Shropshire. After the classes with the scientists, they were off to another building to see "Night at the Museum," which we felt would be quite the perfect movie for the evening. Then to the Student Union Building to have a (past) midnight snack, then down to the Museum to settle in for a sleepover. Lights finally were out at about 2::15 AM! Then the last of the pictures were breakfast (7:15 am), then the little Trekkers packing up and heading on their way home! We would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to those who helped sponsor some of the young scientists who would not have been able to attend this incredible event without you!