Boise, Idaho - June 15, 2025 – What if everything you've been told about fire-safe building is
wrong? On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Idaho will witness its first public demonstration designed to
shatter decades of industry assumptions when EarthCraft Design Build teams up with the
Wildland Firefighter Foundation for an explosive "Learn & Burn" event.

Picture this: Three different wall types. Real fire. Professional firefighters. Thermal cameras
rolling. And results that will shock anyone who thinks straw burns faster than conventional
building materials.

"We're not just challenging myths—we're burning them to the ground, literally," says Jon Clark,
President of EarthCraft Design Build. "When people see a straw bale wall outperform what they
consider 'normal' construction, it changes everything they thought they knew about building
safely."

What You'll Witness
This isn't your typical educational event. Attendees will see:
Live fire testing that pits straw bale walls against conventional construction in head-to-head fire
resistance battles, complete with thermal imaging that reveals the shocking truth about which
materials protect better.

Real-time expert analysis reveals the gap between construction industry marketing and actual
fire performance as flames expose it. Wildland Fire Expert, Darron Williams, EarthCraft
Founder- Mark “Ron” Hixson, and the Integrated Design Lab at the University of Idaho will join
EC President, Jon Clark, for this one-of-a-kind event.

Interactive learning stations where you can touch, feel, and understand the materials that
could revolutionize how Idaho builds—if we're brave enough to challenge the status quo.
The event will take place from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM on July 12, 2025, at the Wildland Firefighter
Foundation facility, with professional fire safety oversight to ensure both dramatic results and
complete safety.

Why This Matters More Than Ever
Idaho faces increasing wildfire threats, skyrocketing construction costs, and a housing crisis.
Meanwhile, a building method that could address all three issues sits sidelined by outdated
fears and industry resistance.

Darron Williams, wildland fire professional, shared, “I’ve lived in a straw bale home for years and
labored on numerous wildland urban interface fires in my 34-year career. The irony is that straw
is susceptible to fire on its own. However, when the straw is packed and coated with mortar, it
becomes impervious to wildland fire. This allows a safer fire environment for any firefighter when
dealing with these monstrous urban interface fires.”

The demonstration isn't just about proving a point—it's about opening eyes to solutions that are
hiding in plain sight, as well as aligning with our community and the Boise Climate Action Road
Map to work towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Custom designed cart to honor both active and veteran military members ​

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines, in partnership with Boise Airport (BOI), today unveiled a custom-designed Fallen Soldier Cart during a ceremonial hand-off to honor the nation’s military heroes on their final journey. This marks the 17th cart created by Alaska Airlines maintenance employees as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to honoring fallen service members.​

The Fallen Soldier Cart is a solemn and dignified means of transporting the remains of deceased military personnel to and from aircraft. Available to all airlines operating at BOI, the cart serves as a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

“It is our honor to bring this Fallen Soldier Cart to Boise and continue our commitment to our fallen military members,” said Scott Warth, organizer of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program for Boise. “Our program is dedicated to ensuring that every active, retired, or veteran military member—and their families—receives the utmost care and respect for their service and sacrifice. Our goal is to place a cart at every airport served by Alaska Airlines to pay tribute in a respectful and dignified manner.”

The Boise cart features a unique design that includes:

• An interior painting honoring fallen military members and their families, and a metal outline of the state of Idaho.
• A blue-painted exterior with red carpet and American flag curtains.
• Emblems representing all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

“We are deeply honored to partner with Alaska Airlines in bringing this meaningful tribute to our airport,” said Rebecca Hupp, director, Boise Airport. The Fallen Soldier Cart is a visible reminder of the respect and gratitude we hold for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”

To commemorate the occasion, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flew in their special military-themed aircraft, “Honoring Those Who Serve,” which serve as flying tributes to the bravery and dedication of military personnel.

Launched in May 2011 by Alaska Airlines employees, the Fallen Soldier Program follows military protocols to ensure the respectful handling of fallen service members. The program not only honors the deceased but also reinforces the airline’s enduring support for the military community.

About Alaska Air Group 
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. With hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, we deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Alaska is a member of the oneworld Alliance with Hawaiian scheduled to join in 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem miles for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.” 
 
About Boise Airport     
The Boise Airport welcomed nearly 5 million passengers in 2024 and is served by nine airlines flying to 26 nonstop destinations. As infrastructure critical to the region’s growth and prosperity, the Boise Airport is a vital asset for Idaho and serves as a gateway to the entire Treasure Valley. According to a recent study, each year BOI generates more than $2.9 billion in total economic impact, supports more than 21,000 jobs in the region and produces more than $157 million in state and local taxes. BOI receives no local tax dollars. Visit iflyboise.com to learn more.

 PRESS RELEASE
​
BOISE, IDAHO, June 13, 2025 — CSHQA, a 100% employee-owned architecture and engineering firm, today announced a leadership transition as part of its continued focus on long-term growth and cultural alignment. 

Ryan Martin has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The firm’s Board of Directors has appointed Mark Gier, formerly Vice President of Architecture, to serve as Interim CEO. 

“On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Ryan Martin for his service and contributions during a time of significantgrowth for the firm,” said Jim Otradosky, Board Chair. “This transition marks a new chapter, one that builds on our
momentum and recommits to the values that define our firm: collaboration, creativity, excellence, integrity, and 
knowledge.”
​
Mark Gier, a long-tenured and trusted leader within CSHQA, brings deep operational experience and strong 
relationships across teams, clients, and markets. The firm’s strategic direction remains unchanged, with a continued focus on delivering design excellence and long-term value for its clients and communities. 
“Our leadership transition is grounded in stability and continuity,” said Gier. “We remain fully committed to our
projects, our partners, and our people.”

CSHQA has initiated our permanent leadership search. In the meantime, the Board and leadership team are 
confident in the firm’s trajectory and in Mark Gier’s ability to guide the organization forward.

###

With a history spanning over 135 years, CSHQA is an award-winning design firm specializing in full-service 
architecture, engineering, interiors, and land development. The firm designs projects for the aviation, adaptive 
reuse, government and civic, grocery, higher education, historic preservation, hospitality, multi-family housing, retail and commercial, and workplace sectors. Established in 1889 and 100% employee-owned since 2018, CSHQA has offices in Boise, Idaho; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Sacramento, California, with licensed professionals 
available to meet client needs nationwide.

Boise, ID – June 2, 2025 On the evening of Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Idaho Botanical Garden will unveil an unique vision for what a fundraising event can be. With the return of its annual Farm to Table(aux) Soiree, the Garden invites guests into "Beastly Botanicals"—an immersive, theatrical experience where the natural and surreal entwine.
​
Unlike traditional benefit dinners, Farm to Table(aux) has built a reputation as a bold fusion of art, performance, and philanthropy. This year’s theme, "Beastly Botanicals," promises an enchanted exploration into the darker, wilder side of nature. Attendees will be surrounded by towering flora, carnivorous plants, jewel-toned beetles, and mysterious creatures, all brought to life through a meticulously curated production that spans visual installations, live performances, and culinary storytelling.

“This isn’t just another gala—it’s a portal into a world of living art, storytelling, and shared purpose,” said Erin Anderson, Executive Director of the Idaho Botanical Garden. “It’s an evening where imagination leads, community gathers, and every guest helps shape the future of the Garden.”

A Night Where Art, Nature, and Performance Collide
Set across the Garden Plaza and Meditation Garden, the evening begins with an elegant open-air soirée: guests sip signature cocktails, bid on exclusive art, and explore stunning tableaux set against the twilight sky. Live performers—ranging from contortionists and stilt-walkers to immersive actors—guide attendees through a dreamlike landscape that’s equal parts botanical and fantastical.

As night falls, the experience deepens with a chef-curated dinner under the stars and a high-energy live auction, all supporting the Garden’s core mission: education, conservation, and community engagement. The Garden’s growth, programming, and preservation efforts rely heavily on the success of this single-night fundraiser.

A Unique Cultural Moment for Boise
As Treasure Valley’s most anticipated soiree, Farm to Table(aux) has earned a reputation not only for its creativity but for galvanizing community support in ways that few events achieve. It attracts local artists, culinary talent, donors, and attendees who crave experiences that defy convention—and deliver meaningful impact.

Last year’s event sold out in advance. With only 304 seats available, the Garden expects the same response this year. Tickets, ranging from $200 for general admission to $250 VIP, are available now. Tables for eight may be reserved for $2,000.

More Than an Event—A Movement
For the Garden, Farm to Table(aux) is more than a spectacle—it’s a strategic investment in the future. Proceeds help sustain its educational programs, expand its conservation work, and keep the Garden a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Boise.

“Our hope is that attendees leave not only inspired, but with a deeper sense of stewardship for the natural world,” Anderson added. “This event makes that possible—through generosity, through imagination, and through shared purpose.”
Event Details
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Garden Plaza & Meditation Garden
Tickets: On sale now at Farm to Tableaux - Beastly Botanicals