Today’s frontpage of USA Today (Thursday, September 27, 2007) – “Which state has the fastest-growing economy?”

With all due respect to Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando, the heart of American’s biggest economic boom is right here in Idaho.

In Idaho, the state with the nation’s fastest-growing economy, homebuilding hasn’t crashed as it has across much of the USA, and a two-decade run of prosperity continues.

Chalk it up, in large part, to chips – computer chips and potato chips. And to a state whose climate and rugged outdoor beauty are attracting highly mobile, white-collar newcomers who could work or live most anywhere. . . .

As I think of my good buddy, Chris Leavell, up in Ashton, listen to this:

About 300 miles east of Boise, potato farmer Ray Hess of Ashton is building a road on a neighbor’s property. The land has been sold, and big houses are coming, on lots of 40 acres or more.

Hess, 58, understands why people move here. “I’m sitting here in my truck. The weather is beautiful. I’m looking at the Teton Mountains. Of course, people want 150 acres in heaven!” he says.

His hometown used to be lined with pickups and farm supply dealers. Now, it’s full of expensive sedans and cute boutiques. Hess has to drive 30 miles to buy farm equipment.

“The billionaires have chased the millionaires out of Jackson Hole (Wyo.), so they’ve come over the hills to the Teton Valley to live with us,” Hess says. . . .

For those of you who have a desire to hunker down in Idaho, today’s paper should convince you to move here, pronto!

For another front-page article on the notorious side of news, pick up today’s Post Register. There is a big picture of Senator Larry Craig and this title, “I’m not leaving.”