Soar into creativity: 2026 Aviation Art Contest now open to Idaho students

Calling all young Idaho artists! The 2026 Aviation Art Contest, presented by the Idaho Division of Aeronautics, is now open. Students from ages 5 to 18 are invited to submit artwork for the theme: Around the World in a Plane.

Take off on a global adventure! Imagine you’re flying in an airplane that visits famous places around the world. What do you see from the sky? Maybe the Eiffel Tower peeking through the clouds, elephants roaming in Africa, or the Great Wall winding like a dragon. Create a picture of your airplane journey and the amazing sights below.

Entries are divided into five categories based on age. The first-place artist in each category will get an airplane ride, a copy of their artwork signed by Governor Brad Little, and a congratulatory letter. The second-place artist in each category will receive $25 in art supplies and a congratulatory letter.

The deadline to submit artwork is March 31, 2026. For the full list of contest rules and judging criteria, download the official Aviation Art Contest Application and Certificate of Authenticity.

Above image: Artwork by Chevelle, 2025 first-place winner in the 7-9 age category.

Potentially life-saving preventive measures: ITD tests new snowplow lighting

ITD snowplow inside shop building with orange and green lights flashing.

In a continual effort to minimize snowplow strikes and increase safety, the Idaho Transportation Department is installing and testing upgraded lighting packages this winter.

When encountering ITD snowplows on the road, drivers through eastern Idaho may see

Two higher-mounted over-cab strobe lights
Four larger, sturdier wing lights mounted atop and at the side of the wing blade itself
Six total lights at the back of the truck, both strobing and alternating
New reflective orange and yellow checkerboard striping at the back of the plow truck
A whip-style, green rod light that extends six inches high at the edge of the wing plow

The green whip light has been met with success in other states around the country and is a significant change for Idaho.

“Yes, green means go but it also gets your attention,” ITD Operations Manager Ty Winther said. “And ultimately, that’s what we’re trying to do, what it’s all about- grabbing people’s attention.”

All trial lighting was chosen and installed by ITD plow operators, mechanics and welders. These changes will be placed on newer plow trucks as a standard across Idaho if they are found to be more effective at preventing snowplow strikes and increasing visibility for road workers year-round.

In 2023-24, ITD tracked 17 strike occurrences, and 11 during 2024-25. Many of these crashes involve vehicles hitting the wing plow that helps clear both the road lane and shoulder at the same time.

“When any strike happens, we’re asking ourselves what we could have done to prevent it” Winther said. “We can’t track the lives we save but we still look at it like that- how many crashes were prevented because of these ideas?”

While improved lighting is a helpful preventive measure, ITD reminds drivers to use common cautionary practices on winter roads. Slow way down, give extra space to other drivers and surroundings, brake carefully and slowly, drive with your lights on at all times, and put down or turn off any distractions.

Helpful winter road condition and driving reports can always be found on the Idaho 511 app and at http://511.idaho.gov .

Statewide impaired driving mobilization begins December 10

Graphic shows a person holding a phone in their hands. Text says: Winter plans need sober rides.

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state for a holiday impaired driving mobilization beginning today, December 10 and running through January 2.

The effort comes during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, when impaired driving crashes historically rise. Extra enforcement will be on Idaho roads to stop impaired drivers and protect families traveling for the holidays.

“Impaired driving fatality crashes decreased 18% in Idaho in 2024. We are partnering with forty-nine local agencies who are working overtime to get impaired drivers off the road throughout this holiday season,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager with OHS. “The best way to avoid tragedy is to plan for a sober ride home and remember to thank the designated drivers who make sure everyone gets there safely.”

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities in Idaho. In 2024, 86 people were killed in impaired driving crashes, accounting for more than a third of all traffic deaths statewide.

OHS urges all drivers to make responsible choices:

Use a sober driver, rideshare, or taxi.
Never let friends drive impaired.
Plan ahead before the first drink.

Enforcement will be visible, but the goal is clear: every Idahoan deserves to make it home safely.

To learn more about what the Office of Highway Safety is doing to improve outcomes, visit shift-idaho.org.

TSA to impose $45 fee for non-REAL ID travelers

A woman at the Boise airports hands her Star Card to a TSA agent.

BOISE – Starting Feb. 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration will impose a $45 fee on passengers traveling without a REAL ID-compliant identification card, such as Idaho’s Star Card, or another acceptable document. The fee applies to both international and domestic travel.

TSA officials emphasized that payment does not guarantee verification. Travelers whose identities cannot be confirmed may be denied entry at the security checkpoint. If approved, the verification is valid for a 10-day travel period. The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport or at the airport before entering the security line, though officials warn the process may take up to 30 minutes.

Passengers presenting a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant, and who do not have another acceptable alternative such as a passport, should expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of being turned away.

“Our goal is to help customers travel efficiently and securely,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “Planning ahead and bringing the right documents ensures a smoother trip and avoids unnecessary fees or delays.”

Idaho residents are strongly encouraged to obtain a Star Card well in advance of their travel plans. Customers must bring the required documents in order to receive a Star Card. If all necessary documents are not presented, the card cannot be issued. A complete checklist is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard, and residents are urged to review it before visiting the DMV.

Many Idaho DMV offices operate by appointment only. Residents should check with their local county driver’s license office before visiting. It is important to note that many Motor Vehicle offices offer REAL ID services in addition to the Driver’s License offices to help Idahoans obtain their REAL ID. The Ada County Motor Vehicle office on Chinden Blvd, Canyon County Motor Vehicle Office, and Clearwater Motor Vehicle have the ability to issue renewals and REAL ID upgrades. There is no additional fee for adding the STAR to your renewal or replacement to make it REAL ID compliant. Renewal/duplicate fees apply. Once issued, physical cards may take up to two weeks to arrive by mail, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Other acceptable forms of identification can be found on TSA’s website at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Input sought on long-range planning for transportation in Idaho

People review a map of a proposed project

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking input on long-range planning for transportation across the state through a series of public meetings in the next month.

Comments will inform the update to ITD’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, a federally required strategy document that is updated every five years and is used by the Idaho Transportation Board and planning staff as a guide to program future studies and projects.

Open houses will be held in each region of the state:

Nov. 18 in Pocatello at the Portneuf Medical Center (777 Hospital Way)

Nov. 19 in Idaho Falls at the Crosspoint Community Church (1900 Grandview Drive)

Dec. 2 in Coeur d’Alene at the Hampton Inn and Suites (1500 West Riverstone Drive)

Dec. 3 in Lewiston at the Lewiston Community Center (1424 Main Street)

Dec. 4 in Boise at Mountain View High School Library (2000 South Millennium Way)

Dec. 8 in Twin Falls at the College of Southern Idaho (315 Falls Avenue)

All events will take place 3 – 7 p.m. The same material will be shared online, with comments sought from Nov. 18 to Jan. 10.

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

The plan comes at a time of extraordinary growth and funding uncertainty. Besides seeking public feedback, ITD is engaging with other planning organizations as the plan will look at the transportation network as a whole, which extends beyond state-managed highways to locally owned routes and alternative modes of transportation.

“This is about working with local jurisdictions and planning agencies to address congestion in major cities,” Schroeder said. “It’s also about adopting a statewide perspective and recognizing that it’s just as important to look at improving safety and reducing fatalities in our rural areas.”

An additional public comment period to review the draft plan is planned for summer 2026, and the plan is expected to be released in 2027.