2022 Idaho Winter Meeting

Idaho Republican Winter Meeting, 8 January 2022, Wayne Hurst, Paul Ross, Debbie Critchfield, John Smith, Mark Peterson

The Idaho general election is now over. I stumbled on this picture and thought I would share it. This is from the 2022 Idaho Republican Winter Meeting that was held at the Boise Centre on 8 January 2022.

Wayne Hurst remains as Region 5 Chairman. All the rest of us changed seats. I moved from Cassia State Committeeman to Cassia County Chairman. John Smith moved from Minidoka County Chairman to Vice Chairman. Mark Peterson moved from Legislative District 27 Chairman to Vice Chairman. Debbie Critchfield moved from Cassia State Committeewoman to Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction!

The difference a year can make.

Paul Ross, Jana Darrington (standing), Debbie Critchfield, and Melissa Brown in Burley on 23 October 2022, Brandon Woolf standing behind Melissa

It has been a crazy campaign year. I am glad it is over. It has been quite a bit of work. Not as much as these poor candidates!

Paul Ross, Phil McGrane, and Scott Bedke in Burley 23 October 2022

Earlier this year we met with some of our former legislators to put together forum questions. We snapped this picture.

Denton Darrington, Bert Stevenson, Fred Wood on 27 April 2022

Aslett Passing

Milo Ross and Larry Aslett

My Dad called me last week to let me know Larry Aslett passed away. We often called him Uncle Larry growing up. Dad and Larry were friends and co-workers, business partners, as associates for more than 50 years. They first worked together in the 1960s and have kept in contact ever since. Dad, Larry, Steve, and Marvin all worked together at Circle A Construction. Dad worked there from like 1971 until 2004 or so when he retired. I will share a few photos I could find. I thought I had some more of Marvin, Steve, and Larry, but cannot find them right now.

Larry Dean Aslett passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of seventy-eight with his loving wife by his side on October 30, 2022. He was born to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger-Aslett on June 14, 1944 in Wendell, Idaho.

He started working for Circle A Construction at the tender age of 14, where he continued to work his entire life (except for the 3 years, 9 months and 28 days that he served our country in the United States Navy.)

Before entering the Navy, Larry also worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a service station attendant. In the Navy, Larry was at sea on the guided missile destroyer USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8. He started out in the boiler room and then was a cook and went on to be a baker. He was known for his cinnamon rolls that were a favorite of the Commander of the fleet. Larry was an owner of Circle A Construction, Aslett Electric, Aslett Ranches and Mikey’s Graphics. He spent his life as Operations Manager with Circle A Construction, running all of the jobs through the years.

On March 28, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Louise. They first lived in Randolph, Utah. They moved to Ogden, Utah in 1971 and then in 1977, they moved back to Jerome. They had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. He was an extremely proud dad and grandpa and would talk about his kids and grandkids to anyone and everyone.

House in Randolph, Utah that Larry and Louise Aslett lived in.

Next to his family, his other love was animals. Larry loved animals of all kinds and was often bringing them home for Louise to raise. His collection of exotic animals included everything from buffalo to fallow deer, and even a zebra.

He and Louise introduced the Asletts to horse racing with their horse, Solar Bar, in 1976. Horses were a huge part of his life. He loved riding into the back country on his horse, Sparky, while leading his mules, Jackie and Mable. Pack trips with Sage were some of his fondest memories.

Larry loved spending time with family and friends. During his life, he started the Magic Valley Draft Horse Association with Harold Horting and the Jeep Preservation Club of the Magic Valley with Wes Stapleton and Les Abbott. He had a love for the old jeeps and had lots of laughter and fun on jeep trips throughout the years. His collection of old military vehicles led to his love of collecting later in life.

Larry’s life was filled with laughter. He taught his children and grandchildren to laugh at the absurdities in life, the frustrations in life, and the silly things in life. To laugh at life itself and not let it get you down.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bop and Baw; parents, Marvin and Larie; and his brother, Steve. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise; daughters, Lori (Frank) Norcutt and Lisa (Tom) Jaramillo; nephew, (son of his heart) Steve, Jr. “Sage” Aslett; beloved aunt Lorraine Kerruish; brother, Dave (Sharon) Aslett; sister-in-law, Barbara Aslett; step-sister, BZ Waite; and his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Kylie and Nikita.

Larry is embarking on a great adventure and we are at the window waving goodbye. It is not hard to imagine the joy of those awaiting him in Heaven. Those of us left behind find great comfort in knowing how much love he received the moment he was enveloped into their arms. We love you. Rest in Peace Grandpa. 8-11 Deano.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, November 14, 2022 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave., Jerome. A military graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho 83714.

Circle A Construction Truck in Paul Idaho Parade, in front of the Felton Apartments, about 1985.

I don’t think I remember a time when I did not know Larry and Steve Aslett. Even growing up we went to the roundups in Mackay, Idaho every year. For several days we rode horses above Mackay, above White Knob. I loved those times and was sad when they sold that ranch and purchased the Three Creek Ranch near Rogerson, Idaho.

Steve Aslett passed away late last year.

Steven L. Aslett passed away surrounded by his loving family on Dec, 21st at the age of 74. He was Born on October, 14th 1947 to Marvin Aslett and Larie Stanger in Wendell Idaho.

He had two brothers Keith (Pat) and Larry (Louise) and two half brothers Lenard and David. He married the love of his life Barb Stuhlberg on April 1st (not a joke), 1967. He attended elementary school at Pleasant Plains north of Jerome, Graduated from high school in Jackson hole Wyoming in 1965. Graduated from Weber State University in Engineering with a minor in business in 1970.

Steve was an owner of Aslett Electric and Circle A construction. He loved spending time at House Creek Ranch, Fairfield, and Magic Reservoir. He had a passion for hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and boating. Above all, He loved spending time with his Family.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barb, Father Marvin, son Steve (Sage)(Connie), Daughter LeAnne (Reid), Grandchildren, Colton(Christina), Michael(Ashleigh), Shelbie(Sage), Brydon, Roper, Great Grandchildren, Rowan, Roper, Stetson, Brixton, and Wyatt and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded by his mother and grandparents.

His strength throughout life has been an inspiration to all of us. He was the cornerstone of our family. Always ready to tell you how things are and what should be done. There was never a moment when a good band wasn’t around the corner for a chance to dance, and one eye open to see a new friend. There was always a plan on the horizon with Jim Keyes and Glen Somerset, whether it was a guided hunt by Sage, an outing on the golf course with team Circle A and buddies, the trail to find powder, or the four wheeler adventures. He loved getting on the phone with LeAnne for her daily lecture, enjoying her long hugs, and taking a drive with her hands off the dash and feet off the seat.

There will be a viewing at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Tuesday December 28th from 5pm to 7pm, and a memorial on December 29th at the turf club starting at 6pm.

We will miss you Mr. happy feet! Family requests any memorials be given in Steve’s name to the charity of your choice.

Marvin Aslett, their father, passed away just earlier this year.

Circle A Construction trucks in front of the Idaho Capitol in 2000

Marvin Aslett passed peacefully in his home on August 7, 2022, surrounded by family. Marvin was born April 4, 1926 in Montpelier, Idaho, to parents Leon and Leona Aslett, and they lived in Lava Hot Springs. As a young boy, Marvin attended school in Cokeville, Wyoming. It was a tiny schoolhouse with two boys and two girls! In 1936, they moved to a farm in Jerome, Idaho, where he attended school out at Pleasant Plains. Marvin went to school till halfway into his sophomore year. He then moved to Sun Valley and worked as a bus boy in the Sun Valley Lodge.

In 1943, Marvin married Larie Stanger and their son, Keith, was born. Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corp on May 25, 1944. His son, Larry, was born one month after Marvin went into the Marine Corp. During his time with the Marines, Marvin served in World War II / South Pacific Theater. He was on invasions into the Philippines, fighting Japanese. He served until February 8, 1946 when he received an honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. His third son, Steve, came along in 1947.

In 1952, Marvin, along with his Mother and Father, started Circle A Construction. In 1965, his son, Larry, rejoined the company after being in the Navy. Then in 1979, his son, Steve, also joined the company.

Marvin married his second wife, Afton, in 1957, and their son, Leonard, was born. They divorced, and Marvin married Norma in 1962 and had son, David. Then, in 1977, Marvin married Joy Hollibaugh, He and Joy were married for 40 years.

Marvin and Joy loved golfing! Marvin had 4 holes-in-one. One at Jerome, one at Clear Springs and 2 in Hawaii. At 96, Marvin still enjoyed golfing with his friends and family.

In 1980, Aslett Ranches began racing quarter horses throughout the Western United States. Their horse won the “Poor Boy Futurity” and in 1981, they captured the Intermountain Quarter Horse Derby. Their stallion “Circle A Special” received a Racing Register of Merit in Emmett, Idaho, where he set a track record in the 250-yard dash. He set another track record in Pocatello, Idaho in the 400-yard dash. On January 4, 1988, Governor Cecil Andrus appointed Marvin to the Racing Commission, where he served for 13 years as Chairman of the Board. In 2007, Marvin was inducted into the Idaho Quarter Horse Racing Division’s Hall of Fame.

Marvin was also active in his community. In the early 1980’s, he served on the Boise State University Board of Trustees. He was also on the College of Southern Idaho’s foundation Board and continued the Leon Aslett Scholarship Fund that his father had set up. Also, in 1983, Marvin served as President of the Association of General Contractors.

In addition to the racehorses, Aslett Ranches is a 500 + cow/calf operation. Operating for the last 20 years in House Creek, previously located in Mackay.

Marvin is survived by his sister, Lorraine Kerruish; sons, Keith (Pat) Aslett, Larry (Louise) Aslett, Leonard (Carolyn) Aslett and David (Sharon) Aslett, and his stepdaughters, Deb Steinaker and Bz Waite; daughter-in-law, Barbara Aslett; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Leona; his wife, Joy; his son, Steve; stepson, David; and stepdaughter, Marilyn.

Circle A Construction grain trains at the end of a field for harvest

“Express” Coloring Contest

Stacey Murphy (left), and Suzette Bingham (right), West One Bank tellers, presented backpacks and fannypacks to the Heyburn Elementary School first and second prize winners of the West One “Express” Christmas Train Coloring Contest. Winners of the contest are (second from left) Tyler Taylor, second prize, May Melycher, first prize and second graders Adelia Saunders, second price and Wesley Cooper, first prize. The contest was sponsored by West One Bank – Mini-Cassia Branch.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

We took a trip through the Northwest United States in August 2020. We knew that on 4 August 2020 we had to be in a good location for phone and internet connection because I had a Fee Application Hearing that I needed to attend. The case has only continued since then to the District Court and the Ninth Circuit.

We plan to spend an extra day in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to make sure we had the phone service needed for the call and to act as a hot spot for internet. I thought the hearing would be fairly short so we parked near the north end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. I claimed a park bench and the kids played on the beach and around the park. This is the view from my picnic table waiting for the hearing. Hiram is on the far left, Aliza on the far right of the courts. You can see Lake Coeur d’Alene in the background.

First, the Court kicked my hearing after the regular docket. So I ended up waiting like 1.5 hours to even get to the argument. I had briefed everything before I left but apparently the Trustee decided to file another brief the day before that I never got to see or read. So much for imposing deadlines. The Court spent quite a bit more time on the Fee App than I had anticipated, so we were there like 3 hours! It was crazy and I watched my kids play, weary, and the plead to go before I was even done with the hearing.

We had climbed around McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill earlier in the day. The kids were worn out and ready to be done. I won my Fee Application, but as you can see from the appeals above, that was not to last.

Jesse Melycher Newspaper Snap

Heyburn Elementary School students enjoyed a reward Thursday for helping raise $1,100 for Ricky Hollahan, 12, who recently received a kidney transplant. Students enjoying ice cream bars include kindergartners A.J. Vargas, far right, Jesse Melycher, Elida Arriaga and Jonathan Post.

Burley Idaho Temple Groundbreaking

Amanda, James, Aliza, Lillian, Paul, and Hiram Ross at the Burley Idaho Temple groundbreaking

I do not know who thought that Burley, Idaho, might actually get a temple. But when it was announced on 4 April 2021 by President Russell M. Nelson, we have been watching closely since! I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the groundbreaking as a representative for the City of Heyburn. It was a brisk, cool, windy day, but our excitement was evident. Burley native Brent H. Nielson attended and was presided at the groundbreaking.

Watching the Burley Idaho Temple groundbreaking, Doug Manning, Joelle and Kelly Anthon, Brent Nielson, and others

After the groundbreaking was formally over, I ran home and grabbed my family to bring them back over to do their own shovel turning.

Lillian, Hiram, Amanda, Aliza, Paul, and James Ross at Burley Idaho Temple groundbreaking

I really wanted this to be something they were a part of from the beginning.

James, Aliza, Lillian, and Hiram Ross breaking ground

They even had it available so you could take a little bag of the soil home!

Amanda, Hiram, James, Aliza, Lillian, and Paul Ross

It was a memorable occasion. We also participated by writing our names on rocks to be placed in the foundation of the temple. Over 7,000 rocks were placed in the foundation pours of the temple. Workers made sure to turn each of the rocks so the names faced upward. Our names are literally part of the temple!

Jeremy and Kaidince Spencer Baptisms

Paul Ross, Jeremy Spencer, and Kaidince Spencer

On 19 October 2019 I was invited to the baptism of Jeremy Spencer in Filer, Idaho. Jeremy and my cousin May Melycher, are the parents of Kaidince Alexander Spencer. I have stayed in contact with Jeremy and Kaidince even after my cousin went her own way.

In 2008 I drove to Twin Falls nearly ever week to take Jeremy, May, and KK to church. During that time we blessed KK as a baby and we worked on Jeremy and May getting married so they could get to the temple. Fast forward 11 years and Jeremy was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some things take their own time frames.

John Powlus and Jeremy Spencer

A year before, on 20 October 2018, I was happy to see Kaidince get baptized in Twin Falls. He is my first cousin, once removed.

Kaidince Spencer and Paul Ross

Jeremy had invited me to perform the baptism. He had been working toward it but just was not there yet and Kaidince did not want to wait anymore.

Kaidince Spencer, Jackie Jonas Melycher, and Milo Ross

Dad was pretty excited to come over from working in the temple to see the little boy he had blessed in 2008 become a new member of the church.

Jeremy, Kaidince, and Stephanie Spencer

The trip was very worth the effort. What a great day. I could not help but wonder which ancestors were thrilled to be watching to occasion.

Automotive/drafting medals

Minico High School automotive and drafting students display medals taken at the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) Skills Championships held March 27-29. Awards include: Technical Drafting, first place, gold medal: Glade Boldt; second place, silver: Justin Coleman; Architectural Drafting, first place, gold: Paul Ross; second place, silver: Rachel Fennell; Extemporaneous Speaking, second place: Justin Coleman; Automotive Skills, bronze: Oral Scott; Job Interview, silver: Justin Tate; New State Officer: Justin Tate. Pictured (;-r) are Nick Fletcher, Dustin McClellan, Justin Coleman, Lynn Brown, Glade Boldt, Oral Scott, Justin Tate, Corey McClellan, Rachel Fennell and Paul Ross, (seated on the floor).

I remember a few things about this trip to Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. It was a really long drive, or so it seemed to me. I got motion sick on the winding road to Lewiston from Boise. Multiple times we had to stop so I could throw up. I had let my hair grow longer than I ever had and it was a new sensation and some made fun of me because I kept messing with it. I remember just thinking Lewiston was a run-down town. Which must be saying something for the boy coming from Paul, Idaho!