News Digest:
Monday, December 10, 2007 11:10 AM PST
IDAHO — Study: financial woes, not academics, causing dropouts
POCATELLO (AP) — An Idaho State University study finds that credit-caused financial problems, not academic failure, is the leading reason students quit college.
The recent study by ISU’s Center for Economic Education finds that four of five ISU students who quit college cited financial woes.
In response, Susan Jenkins, the center’s director, proposes an office for financial wellness to help students manage their money.
The proposed office would be one of a handful at universities in the United States.
Iconic American Falls bowling alley
destroyed by fire
AMERICAN FALLS, (AP) — Fire has destroyed a landmark that served as a social center in this southeastern Idaho town.
The blaze early Friday destroyed Melody Lanes and ended a 40-year dream of owner Nina Carothers.
‘‘It was my dream to own a bowling alley since I was in my early 20s,’’ said Carothers, 62. ‘‘I still think we are all just in a state of shock.’’
The Shoshone resident purchased Melody Lanes in January and made extensive changes to the eight-lane entertainment center, turning it into a more traditional alley by scaling back the dining area and installing a game room.
Idaho beekeepers keeping wary eyes on hives
BOISE (AP) — Beekeepers and scientists are anxiously watching hives this winter and hopeful that commercial colonies will still be around to handle pollination duties in the spring.
Idaho is among 35 states where a little understood phenomena of disappearing bees, called colony collapse disorder, has been reported.
At the annual Idaho Honey Producers and Honey Commission meeting here last week, beekeepers complained that no money has been appropriated to study the widespread disappearances.
Beekeepers said they want more government attention to the problem, while the media could back off.
‘‘Scientists can’t get their work done,’’ said George Hansen, a member of the National Honey Board. ‘‘It became disruptive.’’
This phenomena of disappearing bees started in the fall of 2006. Since then, beekeepers from 35 states have reported massive bee die-offs attributed to the problem.
