2 unique Idaho properties for sale, Micron’s $32m in fees — what you may have missed
From a historic gold mine hitting the market to a former Boise State football star’s family’s wrongful death lawsuit, Idaho’s news cycle this week spans business, politics and tragedy. Here’s a quick look at the top stories from the Idaho Statesman.
- A 145-acre property containing the dormant Mammoth Mine near Idaho City hit the market for $4.5 million after 120 years of family ownership. The mine produced 31,500 ounces of gold — worth more than $110 million today — before shutting down in the 1930s, with reports suggesting significant deposits remain below the 200-foot level.
- A pirate ship-shaped Idaho home owned by Kristie Wolfe went viral after being listed for $799,000. The three-story waterfront property, which Wolfe spent two years renovating from an abandoned 1970s cabin, has generated about $80,000 in annual revenue as a vacation rental.
- Micron has paid Boise and the Ada County Highway District more than $32 million in planning, development and impact fees during construction of its $50 billion plant. Boise’s Planning and Development Services budget has grown 72% since fiscal 2022, adding roughly 35 full-time-equivalent positions.
- Boise City Council member Jimmy Hallyburton wants to consider raising property taxes 3% instead of Mayor Lauren McLean’s proposed 2.7%. The full increase would generate an additional $600,000 for deferred maintenance projects. Hallyburton pointed to Greenbelt repairs and updating fire and police stations. A public hearing on the budget is set for July 14.
- Idaho Republican delegates approved a 2026 platform calling for the complete elimination of property taxes, describing them as “inherently unjust.” The shift marks a departure from the 2024 platform, which listed property taxes as part of a stable funding structure.
- The family of former Boise State and NFL running back Doug Martin filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland police, paramedics and the city. The suit alleges Martin died from restraint asphyxia after officers pressed on his back while he was face down, and that more than 15 minutes passed before medical help was called.
- Everett Newby, 12, of Boise, died at St. Luke’s Medical Center after being submerged in water at Trinity Hot Springs in Featherville on Saturday. A family friend launched a GoFundMe to help his parents cover medical bills and funeral costs.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.