Why This Idaho City Is Struggling to Enforce Its Mask Mandate

Mask mandates are sensitive issues in our state. Idaho activities received extensive national media coverage for burning masks in response to city mandates during the beginning stages of the pandemic. One Idaho city councilwoman is concerned that her city is not enforcing its mask mandate.

City Councilwoman Amanda Breen told KTVB that she doesn't want the 'mask police to enforce the ordinance; she is concerned that businesses and citizens are not doing enough to adhere to Ketchum's Mask Policy. The policy, which was passed in September, fines someone $100.00 for not wearing their mask in public.

She had hoped that the city would've been more proactive during the holidays. Ketchum is one of the West's top winter tourism attractions due to the Sun Valley Ski Resort. Some folks in the city seem to reflect the view of Idaho Governor Brad Little, who didn't force a statewide mask mandate. Little told anyone who would listen that Idahoans would rebel against the state, telling them to wear masks.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean did enforce a mask mandate that the Boise Police Department implemented. Boise businesses were threatened with losing their business license if those mask ordinances weren't enforced. Several activists stormed Boise businesses as a result of their compliance with McLean's orders.

According to several event organizers, Boise has stricter outdoor ordinances than the CDC. Despite the stricter rules, there hasn't been anyone cited or arrested that we know of at the time of this writing. Back to Ketchum, KTVB reports that the city council will meet on January 18th.

20 Businesses Boise Really Wishes Would Open in 2022

Each year, we kick off the new year by asking which businesses that don't currently have a location in the Treasure Valley you'd like to see open here. This is what you told us.

These 5 Things Could be Funded by Idaho with 100 Million Dollars

While Idaho remains anti-marijuana, a small city just to the West of the Treasure Valley is home to a $100 million added income because of the forbidden plant. While we aren't advocating for marijuana use, more and more states are legalizing the usage of this organic plant and local governments are making a LOT of revenue that otherwise, they would never see. What could Idaho do with some additional funds? Well, here are some ideas.

15 Ghost Kitchens We Found Hiding in Boise on DoorDash

Have you ever scrolled through DoorDash and thought to yourself "Why have I never seen or heard of this restaurant before?" Chances are it's one of the "ghost kitchens" being served out of the restaurant of another restaurant you're already VERY familiar with!

Filed Under: boise mask mandate, Idaho Mask Mandate, Ketchum Idaho Mask Mandate, Kevin Miller, Newlsetter

Categories: Local News