There's been a whole lot of digging and concrete work going on around a flagpole in front of the Capitol Annex, the former Ada County Courthouse where the Legislature held its sessions in 2008 and 2009 but that's now standing vacant. Here's what it is: It's the Idaho Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial, which state public works administrator Tim Mason says is "in recognition of those Idahoans who have given their lives in the War on Terrorism." The project is a permanent replacement for the circle of flags that's been growing in the park area behind the Borah Building over the past several years.

"The money has been raised through donations and private gifts and the design and construction is being donated also – no cost to the state," Mason reported. The memorial is scheduled to be dedicated on 9/11 of this year.