The Idaho State Department of Education is awarding $26,000 to help eight schools across Idaho build school gardens, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced today.

Each school will receive a grant of $2,000 to build a garden that will help promote nutrition, science and agricultural education.

“Idaho has offered school garden grants for several years and seen great results. With a school garden, students can learn critical lessons about nutrition, math, science and many other subject areas in a hands-on learning environment,” Superintendent Luna said.

Research shows that garden-based education can increase academic achievement and often result in higher test scores among students.

In addition to these eight schools, five childcare centers also funded through U.S. Department of Agriculture funding will be awarded school garden grants.

LEWISTON, Idaho - Students in the Lewis-Clark State College Business Division are offering free assistance to help residents of the Lewiston-Clarkston area with 2012 tax returns.  The college has been offering the service for eight years.

The students are participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. They are trained in using material from the IRS, including IRS software, to complete tax forms.  The students went through LCSC Associate Professor Randy Eriksen’s two tax courses prior to this semester.  The students then took part in an IRS clinic and passed an IRS-sponsored exam.

The students are offering tax assistance on Tuesdays through April 15, from 6-9 p.m. in Room 12, located in the basement of the LCSC Administration Building.  The assistance is open to all and students are trained to help with nearly all forms and schedules.  Those seeking help will need to bring copies of their W-2, 1098, and 1099 forms, along with their tax ID number. Walk-ins are welcome or people can call (208) 792-2426 to set up an appointment.