One of the great joys of living in northern Idaho, after growing up in Boise, and then moving to California for several decades, is settling in a small town (Moscow). One weekend pleasure is driving to even smaller towns through memorable forested and agricultural scenery.

So I’ve been especially interested to follow progress of UI Extension’s community development specialists as they seek ways to help Idaho’s smaller communities keep what’s best, yet reduce poverty levels of 10 percent or more.

I attended Orofino’s first Horizons session, when more than 100 citizens met to analyze what works and what doesn’t in their town. It was the start of residents agreeing on strategic directions. The exercise begins in January in 14 more Idaho small towns. Thanks to Marlene Fritz and Donna Emert for their “helping communities” stories: training leaders, smalltown teens building leadership, data for Idaho counties, and fifth day alternatives for Idaho schools with 4-day weeks.

Have you ever eaten a baked potato without  anything on it? Potato tasters in Blackfoot do this to help a signature Idaho industry continue to produce potato varieties both good for growers and tasty for us all. Thanks to Marlene Fritz for her story and to Pam Benham for fun photos.

Science update, one of our most-read sections, celebrates work of our faculty and UI Extension educators. Students also get space in this issue—for good reasons! Bill Loftus and Becker Gutsch introduce UI CALS students who won $10,000 for inventing a health drink and others who are finding ways to help Africans make more waters drinkable.

If you like our wild cooking story, visit our online magazine to find more recipes.                            

As always, we’d love to hear from you!

Mary Ann Reese, Editor

mreese@uidaho.edu