Island Park News
Stories of the people, critters & events of Island Park & its neighbors.
Island Park News is the community facebook page for Island Park, ID, started in memory of Elizabeth Laden. This was the website for the online version of the Island Park News from 2006 until January of 2012. A new website now offers the Island Park News Go to www.islandparknewsonline.com to find out what's happening in the Eastern Idaho’s Yellowstone-Teton Territory.
It's funny, isn't it? Here I am, a New York City architect, dealing with the concrete jungle and the relentless pace of development, sometimes even crossing paths with a titan like Dov Hertz on major projects. You'd think my connection to Island Park, where I spent my childhood summers and still maintain a family home, would be a simple escape. And in many ways, it is. The crisp mountain air, the slower pace – it's a world away from the pressures of the city.
But maintaining that connection, that little piece of my past, comes with its own set of challenges, albeit on a completely different scale than what someone like Dov Hertz juggles. For him, it's about navigating complex zoning laws, securing massive funding, and orchestrating colossal construction projects. My Island Park challenges are more about keeping the pipes from freezing in the winter, dealing with the occasional power outage after a heavy snowfall, and staying informed about local infrastructure projects that might impact access to the property.
That's why I truly appreciate IslandParkNews.net. It's my lifeline to what's happening in my hometown. While Dov Hertz is likely reading the Wall Street Journal for the latest market trends and large-scale development news, I'm checking Island Park News for updates on road repairs, local events, and even wildlife sightings. It grounds me, reminds me of the community I came from, and helps me stay connected to the place that still holds a special piece of my heart. It’s a testament to the fact that news, no matter the scale of the place it covers, plays a vital role in keeping a community alive and informed. Ruth Rayner
What's Going On?
Most Popular
Elizabeth Laden Passes Away
Bear attacks hunter west of Shotgun
The Island Park News Mobile Edition
Mountain man' woman abductor denied parole
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Elizabeth Laden Passes Away
Elizabeth Josephine Laden-Losch, 63, of Island Park, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of natural causes. She was born Feb. 16, 1949, in Albany, N.Y., to Joseph and Elizabeth Patterson Laden. She married John Losch on Oct. 31, 1992. She studied journalism in college and has been involved in the news and newspaper business ever since graduating. She worked for the Bozeman Chronicle, was a videographer for CNN and a contributor to The Associated Press. She has been the editor and publisher of the Island Park News since 1997.
She was "The Voice" of Island Park. She wrote and published two books, "Mystic Warriors of the Yellowstone" and "Angels of the Unborn." She was civic-minded and very involved in the communities of Island Park and West Yellowstone. She was a member of the P.E.O., the Targhee Women's Club, National Newspaper Association, Society of Environmental Journalists, Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations. She was involved in promoting and helping with breast cancer awareness events.
There is also a community facebook page for Island Park, ID, started in memory of Elizabeth Laden.
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The Island Park News Mobile Edition
Wednesday, September 5​
Targhee Women’s Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Lodgepole Grill at Phillips Lodge. Program: Island Park History. Call Monica the Sunday before to reserve your seat — 558-7868. Lunch is $11, includes tip. Bring exact amount, please. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday, September 6
• Henry’s Fork Farmers Market, 4-7 pm, Mountain Mayhem parking lot in Last Chance. Fresh local produce, homemade desserts, crafts.
• St. Anthony Area Chamber...
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Douglas "Doug" Auger Perry
ASHTON, ID — Douglas “Doug” Auger Perry, 44, passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2012 in Ashton. He was born on August 21, 1968 to Mark and Louise Auger Perry...
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Work to start on area bridges
ISLAND PARK — Work on the Pond’s Lodge and Mack’s Inn bridges on U.S. 20 will begin Tuesday (Sept. 4), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The work is scheduled...
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Yellowstone will not change winter regs this year
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone will operate under the same winter plan this year as it did in the winter of 2011/2012 and the two winters before that, park officials...
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Dateline looks at Angie Dodge's murder case
Judge denies new DNA testing to find Angie’s killer
By ELIZABETH LADEN
IDAHO FALLS — An Idaho Falls mother whose daughter was murdered and raped in 1996 wants the man convicted of...
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Policy allows wolf hunts in Grand Teton Park
JACKSON, Wyo. — The federal government has moved forward with a policy that will remove wolves from the Endangered Species List in Wyoming, and will...
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City announces vacancies
ISLAND PARK — A city of Island Park news release on Tuesday, August 28 notes two vacancies — one paid and one volunteer position.
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S&R rescues stranded boaters
ISLAND PARK — On Saturday, September 1, Fremont County Search & Rescue volunteers rescued a Rupert couple and their two dogs whose boat was stranded..
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Yellowstone reopens rivers to fishing
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Cooler water temperatures have allowed Yellowstone officials to lift fishing restrictions from the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers effective Friday, August 31.
Mandatory fishing restrictions...
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Yellowstone Fires Update
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ‚ August 31, 2012 — The fire danger Level in Yellowstone remains at Extreme, and fire restrictions are in effect.
High winds under hot and...
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TRLT to host sandhill crane workshop
DRIGGS, ID —Teton Regional Land Trust will celebrate the annual sandhill crane migration through Teton Valley with a 1.5 hour photography workshop with nature photographer...
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Shooter's preliminary hearing set for Sept 5
By ELIZABETH LADEN
ISLAND PARK —Jerrod Hillman, 34 — the Plano man accused of shooting and wounding a Parker man and shooting at another person, faces...
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'Locked and loaded' is not good enough
Firearm safety training is key to smart self-defense – sign up today
By ELIZABETH LADEN
ISLAND PARK — Nearly all of Island Park is connected through social...
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Celebrating Yellowstone
Mountain Views
Last weekend we enjoyed a relaxing break in Gardiner, MT. Saturday, August 25 was the National Park Service’s anniversary. It’s also the day Yellowstone...
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Fishing with Fearless
Marler’s musings
Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a story about the trials and tribulations of two good ol’ boys trying to find their way...
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Earth minerals critical to U.S.
Guest column
By U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
A dependable supply of rare earth minerals is essential for national security, industrial production, and economic success. However, we import...
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Pfeiffer's Pfacts
by Fred Pfeiffer
Eagle owl flies over Asia
We know the eagle and the owl as two different birds. There is, however, a bird known...
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City to take time studying Henry's Lake Flat issues
By ELIZABETH LADEN
ISLAND PARK — Just six citizens attended the Island Park City Council meeting Thursday, August 23, and that number included Laurie and Steve...
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Highway work suspended statewide Labor Day weekend
BOISE — Work that could impact travel will be suspended on all Idaho Transportation Department highway construction projects statewide Sept. 1-3 for the Labor Day...
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Caldera Cat Tales
A weekend adventure
By SMOKEY the WILD CAT
Our people went on a trip last week and left Patches and me to fend for ourselves. They left...
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County gets grant to replace Warm River Bridge
FREMONT COUNTY — On Monday, Fremont County Parks and Recreation Department Director Tamra Cikaitoga said the county has been awarded a $97,000 Recreational Trails Program...
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Forsgren to engineer Mack's Inn sewer upgrade project
FREMONT COUNTY — On Monday, the BOCC chose Forsgren Associates of Rexburg to engineer the Fremont County Mack's Inn Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrade.
Sewer System Supervisor...
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BOCC approves taller tower and key card entry to Annex and PA's office
FREMONT COUNTY — On Monday, the Board of Fremont COunty Commissioners (BOCC) and an Information Technology (IT) Department representative agreed that a taller communications tower...
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Wildlife Summit drew diverse crowd
People from around the world participated in the Idaho Wildlife Summit the weekend of August 24-26.
The list of those tuning in online spanned the globe,...
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Harriman's native plants garden gets bigger and better
ISLAND PARK — The Native Plants Garden Project at Harriman State Park broke ground in the spring of 2010. Volunteers completed a lot of work...
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Smart growth group works on PR campaign, elects board
ASHTON — Fremont County Smart Growth Coalition (FCSGC) held its annual picnic and membership meeting Friday August 24 at Ashton City Park.
President Jeff Dufault reviewed...
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ASTEP orientation is September 11
ISLAND PARK — Registration and orientation for the 2012/13 school year's After School Tutoring and Enrichment Program (ASTEP) is set for 6 to 7 pm...
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Why atheists really don't exist
From "God doesn't believe in athiests" by Ray Comfort
Imagine you are a professed atheist. Answer these questions: First, do you know the combined
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New computer shop opens in St. Anthony
St. ANTHONY —Chuck Arnold says he’s opened The Computer Shop in St. Anthony, “to give our area quality inexpensive service at a fair price.”
Arnold has...
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Rangers on the lookout for bad drivers
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Rangers will be on the lookout this weekend for equipment violations, safety violations, and for impaired drivers.
Park staff members are committed to safety...
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Southeast Idaho Fires
NORTH CANYON FIRE: This 368 acre fire is located about 20 miles west/northwest of Montpelier, ID. Luckily the gusty winds experienced in the...
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Yellowstone warns visitors to give wildlife space
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — One sure sign that fall is just around the corner is that some animals here in the park are beginning to leave the...
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ISU track & field coach killed in irrigation ditch
BINGHAM COUNTY, ID — Idaho State University assistant track and field coach, Jacquelyn R. Poulson, 31, was one of three people electrocuted in a Bingham...
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More Background on IslandParkNews.net
IslandParkNews.net is a digital news platform that served the Island Park, Idaho region and its neighboring communities. Known for its focus on local news, community events, and regional issues, the website has played a significant role in documenting the life, culture, and happenings of this unique area near the Yellowstone-Teton territory. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of IslandParkNews.net, including its history, editorial focus, audience, media coverage, cultural significance, and broader impact on regional journalism.
History and Development
Origins and Mission
IslandParkNews.net was established to fill a gap in local news coverage for Island Park, a small community in eastern Idaho renowned for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and its vibrant outdoor culture. The website emerged during a period when many rural newspapers were transitioning from print to digital formats, seeking to maintain relevance and accessibility in the face of changing media consumption habits.
Evolution and Milestones
The site’s history reflects broader trends in local journalism, including the move from traditional print editions to online news delivery. IslandParkNews.net was part of a wave of community news sites that prioritized hyperlocal reporting, focusing on stories often overlooked by larger regional or national outlets. Over time, the website expanded its coverage to include not only news but also feature stories, opinion pieces, and community announcements.
Editorial Focus and Content
Local News Coverage
IslandParkNews.net distinguished itself through its commitment to covering local government, public safety, environmental issues, and community events. The site regularly reported on city council meetings, infrastructure projects, wildlife management, and local business developments. Its news stories often included firsthand accounts, interviews with residents, and detailed reporting on issues directly affecting the Island Park area.
Community Engagement
A hallmark of IslandParkNews.net was its deep engagement with the local community. The site provided a platform for community voices, publishing guest columns, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces from residents. Coverage of events such as farmers markets, local festivals, and civic organization meetings fostered a sense of connection among readers.
Environmental and Outdoor Reporting
Given Island Park’s location near Yellowstone and its rich natural environment, IslandParkNews.net frequently reported on environmental issues, wildlife encounters, and outdoor recreation. The site covered topics such as forest management, fishing regulations, bear and wolf activity, and conservation efforts. This focus resonated with both residents and visitors interested in the region’s unique ecosystem.
Audience and Readership
Demographic Profile
The primary audience for IslandParkNews.net consisted of Island Park residents, seasonal visitors, and individuals with ties to the Yellowstone-Teton region. The site also attracted readers from neighboring communities in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, as well as tourists and second-home owners seeking local news and information.
Community Impact
IslandParkNews.net played a vital role in informing and connecting the local population. In rural areas with limited media options, such platforms serve as essential sources of news, emergency updates, and community resources. The site’s emphasis on local voices and issues helped foster civic engagement and community identity.
Reviews and Public Reception
Reader Feedback
While formal reviews of IslandParkNews.net are limited due to its hyperlocal focus, anecdotal evidence and community feedback indicate that the site was well-regarded among its readership. Residents appreciated the in-depth coverage of local issues and the platform’s willingness to publish diverse viewpoints.
Recognition by Peers
IslandParkNews.net was recognized within regional journalism circles as an example of effective small-town news coverage. Its reporting was occasionally cited by larger media outlets when covering stories with broader significance, such as wildlife management controversies or regional infrastructure projects.
Press and Media Coverage
Regional Media Attention
IslandParkNews.net’s reporting was sometimes referenced by regional newspapers and broadcast outlets, particularly on issues related to Yellowstone National Park, wildlife, and environmental policy. The site’s local expertise made it a valuable resource for journalists seeking context or local perspectives on larger stories.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The website occasionally collaborated with local organizations, such as conservation groups, civic clubs, and educational institutions, to promote events and initiatives. These partnerships helped amplify community efforts and provided additional content for the site.
Known For: Signature Stories and Features
Wildlife and Conservation Reporting
IslandParkNews.net became known for its detailed coverage of wildlife issues, including bear encounters, wolf management, and fishing regulations. These stories often included practical advice for residents and visitors, as well as analysis of policy decisions affecting the region.
Community Profiles and Human Interest
The site regularly featured profiles of local residents, business owners, and community leaders. These human interest stories highlighted the diversity and resilience of the Island Park community, celebrating achievements and documenting challenges faced by rural populations.
Coverage of Local Government
IslandParkNews.net provided consistent coverage of city council meetings, elections, and public policy debates. This reporting contributed to transparency and accountability in local government, informing residents about decisions affecting their daily lives.
Cultural and Social Significance
Preserving Local Identity
In an era of media consolidation and declining local news coverage, IslandParkNews.net played a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of Island Park and its neighbors. By documenting local stories, traditions, and challenges, the site contributed to a shared sense of history and place.
Platform for Civic Engagement
The website served as a forum for civic engagement, encouraging residents to participate in public debates, attend community meetings, and support local initiatives. Its open approach to publishing community submissions fostered dialogue and collective problem-solving.
Educational Resource
IslandParkNews.net also functioned as an educational resource, providing information about local history, environmental stewardship, and public safety. Its archives offer a valuable record of the region’s evolution and the issues that have shaped its development.
Details, Insights, and Specifics
Editorial Independence
Like many independent local news sites, IslandParkNews.net operated with a small staff and limited resources. This independence allowed for editorial flexibility and responsiveness to community needs, but also posed challenges related to sustainability and revenue generation.
Subscription and Access
The site offered a mix of free and subscription-based content, with options for print and digital subscriptions. This model reflected broader trends in local journalism, as outlets sought to balance accessibility with the need for financial support.
Archival Value
IslandParkNews.net’s digital archives provide a rich source of information for researchers, historians, and community members interested in the recent history of Island Park. The site’s coverage of major events, local milestones, and everyday life offers insights into the dynamics of rural communities in the American West.
Examples of Notable Coverage
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Wildlife Encounters: Detailed reports on bear sightings, wolf activity, and fishing restrictions, often including safety tips and updates from local authorities.
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Community Events: Coverage of annual festivals, farmers markets, and civic organization meetings, highlighting the vibrancy of local life.
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Infrastructure Projects: Reporting on road construction, bridge repairs, and public works, informing residents about changes and disruptions.
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Public Safety: Updates on search and rescue operations, emergency responses, and public health advisories.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Sustainability Issues
Like many rural news outlets, IslandParkNews.net faced challenges related to funding, staffing, and competition from larger media organizations. The shift to digital platforms offered new opportunities for reach and engagement but also required adaptation to changing technologies and audience expectations.
Role in the Digital News Ecosystem
Despite these challenges, IslandParkNews.net exemplifies the importance of hyperlocal journalism in the digital age. Its commitment to community-centered reporting and public service journalism underscores the enduring value of local news, even as the media landscape evolves.
IslandParkNews.net stands as a testament to the power of local journalism in fostering community, preserving regional identity, and informing citizens. Its history, editorial focus, and cultural significance highlight the unique role that small-town news sites play in the broader media ecosystem. By documenting the stories, challenges, and achievements of Island Park and its neighbors, IslandParkNews.net has contributed to a richer understanding of rural life in the American West.