11/22/2013

Thanksgiving
A national call to pause and give thanks
From About.com: As most schoolchildren know, the history of Thanksgiving began when Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered together to celebrate a successful harvest. The first Thanksgiving was held in the fall of 1621, sometime between Sept. 21 and November 11, and was a three-day feast.
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Employees
A tribute to those who make ITD a national leader
ITD Director Brian Ness scanned the list of retirees being honored for their service to Idaho and calculated they collectively represented 291 years with the state of Idaho. Combined with 825 years of service by 49 other employees who were honored Wednesday for reaching professional milestones, the total years of service was 1,116. That represents a lot of expertise and commitment, Ness said.
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Employees
Board honors employees for service milestones
Jim Kempton, the District 4 representative on the Idaho Transportation Board, provided a unique perspective of career advancement at ITD when he addressed a capacity crowd assembled at Headquarters in Boise to honor employees for reaching new levels of service.
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Employees
ITD opens hearts, checkbooks for United Way campaign
ITD employees: Thanks to all of you who have contributed to the 2013-2014 Idaho State Employees’ Charitable Giving Campaign ...
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Employees
Penny campaign launched to help injured football player
A penny, multiplied many times over, can provide financial relief for a Kuna High School football player and his family. ITD is holding a penny drive to raise money for Boone Bartlome, a junior, who broke his neck during a high school football game on Nov 8.
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Aeronautics
Young artists encouraged to enter aviation contest
Fascination with flight usually begins at an early age, as art projects often demonstrate. Pencil drawings of World War I biplanes, sketches of F-14 fighter jets, the Hindenburg, the space shuttle … all capture the imagination of young artists.
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Holiday spirit
'Turbo the Cat' highlights ITD’s Christmas Tree move
A cheetah can go from 0-60 mph in just three seconds, and is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds in excess of 70 mph. But on Tuesday morning (Nov. 19), "Turbo the Cat" staked a claim as the fastest tree animal.
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Aviation
Aeronutics industry taking flight in northern Idaho
The Idaho Statesman: North Idaho College opened a new training center in an effort to prepare students for work in regional aerospace businesses. The Aerospace Center for Excellence, which operates in a converted pole barn near the Coeur d'Alene Airport, has 40 students enrolled.
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Highway safety
Encore (11-15-13): Don’t spoil Thanksgiving by driving impaired
Thanksgiving is filled with choices. Ham or turkey? Sweet potatoes or yams? Pumpkin pie or pecan? Drinking or driving? Make the right choice to keep this Thanksgiving and the holiday season safe by not mixing alcohol consumption with driving
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Enhancement enables motorists to report on highways
What you see is what you get. ITD now offers an opportunity for others to get what you see. A new enhancement to the 511 Traveler Information system puts highway condition reporting in the hands of those who know the conditions best – drivers.
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Hazardous condition alerts to be more visible on 511 system
A new alert notification on ITD’s 511 Traveler Services system (511.idaho.gov) will be introduced this fall to let motorists know of potentially hazardous conditions. The new alerts are based on highway and weather data recorded at more than 100 Road Weather Information Stations (RWIS) located at strategic sites across Idaho.
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): ITD's 511 evolving system remains one of best in nation
ITD’s 511 Traveler Services system replaced the Idaho road report in 2005, providing computer access to information that previously was voice recorded and made available through a toll-free telephone number. Technology has improved exponentially the past decade, along with consumers' appetites for immediate information.
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Best approach to winter driving: Be prepared
Many Idahoans will go "over the river and through the woods" for Thanksgiving reunions this month, and chances are good that winter driving conditions will be on the holiday menu at higher elevations. ITD encourages drivers to plan ahead, make sure their vehicle is properly checked, equipped for winter travel and exercise appropriate caution on the highways.
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Ten tips for safe winter travel
As Idaho motorists take to the roads this winter, ITD reminds that a few extra precautions can make winter journeys safer. ITD's top 10 recommendations for safe winter travel are ...
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Make sure your vehicle is in good winter condition
The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that drivers check their vehicles to ensure equipment is in good winter operating condition. If in doubt, replace parts or equipment. Consult a repair technician for complicated inspections.
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Stay safe when driving near snowplows
As winter weather approaches, ITD reminds motorists to use caution when traveling the state's highways during inclement weather and to cooperate with maintenance workers clearing the highways. When driving near snowplows, keep a few safety tips in mind:
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Operating a vehicle safely in winter conditions
It may seem obvious, but operating a vehicle in winter conditions is vastly different than in normal, dry conditions. Stopping distances are greater, handling is more difficult and driving requires your undivided attention. You can't be too cautious.
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Safe winter driving
Encore (11-15-13): Emergency procedures
Basic automobile parts can help save a stranded motorist. Put these automotive parts to good use in an extreme emergency:
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Safe winter driving
Emergency supplies for your vehicle
Emergency essentials: Carry the following in an emergency box or plastic tub in your vehicle trunk or cargo area of your SUV or pickup:
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