International Isotopes clears major hurdle for New Mexico project

Steve Laflin, President of International Isotopes

International Isotopes Inc. of Idaho Falls has gotten approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the $125 million plant it is planning to build in New Mexico to handle depleted uranium and fluorine extraction.

The commission has published the final safety evaluation report, online and in the Federal Register. Approval represents a major milestone in the licensing process for the plant, near Hobbs, N.M., said Steve Laflin, the company's president and CEO. Only the final environmental impact statement remains to be completed before the company receives its combined 40-year construction and operating licenses. This is expected to be around September.

The company is taking job applications and proposals, which can be sent to IIFP@intisoid.com.

International Isotopes submitted its license application in December 2009. The report documents the commission's evaluation of safety and what could go wrong for workers and the public under both normal operations and accident conditions. The NRC also considered the management organization, administrative programs and financial qualifications provided by the company to ensure safe design and operation of the facility.

Last year the company applied for a $97 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renewable-Energy Technology Development program, which evaluates whether a technology might reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Our patented fluorine extraction process uses seven times less energy than conventional industrial processes for making hydrofluoric acid," Laflin told blogger Dan Yurman of Idaho Samizdat: Nuke Notes. "This means we can show reductions of six million pounds of carbon dioxide a year over the life of the plant"

Fleenor honored by Idaho Housing and Finance Association

Joni Fleenor, branch manager and senior vice-president of InterWest Mortgage, has been recognized by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association as its top individual loan originator in eastern Idaho for the first quarter of 2012. She was also was honored as the region's top lending partner.

Fleenor has more than 30 years' experience in the mortgage business. She also serves on the board of directors for the Idaho Falls Area Habitat for Humanity.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, which provides loans for first-time home buyers, honors the top individual loan originators and top lending partners in six regions across the state every quarter and also yearly.

InterWest Mortgage is a division of iBERIABANK Mortgage, and has its offices at 1275 E. 17th St.

Subway opens in Ammon shopping center

Subway has opened in the new shopping center at 3379 E. 17th Street, which has been under construction since last fall.

Dean Mortimer’s company, Comfort Construction, is putting the finishing touches on the 11,000-square-foot retail strip center at 3379 E. 17th Street, next door to Ace Hardware. In addition to Subway, which is leasing space, Mortimer said his real estate management company, Command Properties, has lined up Domino’s Pizza and Salon Suites.

“What gave us the confidence to move forward was good solid tenants,” said Mortimer.

Domino’s will own its own part of the building. Salon Suites, another one of Mortimer’s companies, leases beauty salon and massage therapy spaces to contractors who want to operate on their own.

Snake River Landing host Man Show on June 9

The 2nd Annual Man Show is scheduled to take place June 9 at Snake River Landing.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the day will be filled with everything a man loves and wants: trucks  SUVs, boats, trailers, guns, camping equipment and outdoor gear to trackers, Harley Davidsons, sport bikes and equipment and helicopter rides with Utah Helicopters.

There will be food and free live entertainment provided all day by the likes of Spunk Pharm, Snake Bones, and Peak Theory.

For more information, call Jeremy at (208) 403-6520

Five Wives couldn't have bought better publicity

T-shirts and hoodies are now for sale. Go figure.

Who's going to be picking up a bottle of Five Wives vodka on their next trip to Wyoming or Utah? I don't think the Ogden company that makes this stuff could have bought better publicity than what it's been given by the Idaho State Liquor Division.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gAioLXzlGhJpWewgC6pNLwgoV-iA?docId=a4e5aacac6484b989baa9d062cbff1c7

Also, you can now buy a "Free the Five Wives" T-shirt or hoodie: http://www.ogdensownstore.com/product/freewives. I predict we'll be seeing a few of these, maybe in time for the Beer Fest, which is this Saturday.

Exit question: How ironic would it have been if Five Wives were made at the Rigby distillery that makes the tastefully named Teton Glacier and Blue Ice brands?