Otter Announces Creation of Idaho Medal of Achievement

BOISE (KTVB) -- Gov. Butch Otter has announced the creation of a new award to honor the state's exceptional and inspirational residents.

The Idaho Medal of Achievement was created by executive order on Tuesday.

The award will be given annually to individuals, living or dead, who are nominated by the public to a five-member commission and then approved by Otter.

The commission is made up of former Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, Idaho Business of Education Chairman Skip Oppenheimer, Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho board member Kirk Sullivan, and former Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Linda Copple Trout. A fifth commissioner remains to be named.

Hecla Mining Co. provided the silver for six medals. Each medal features a relief carving of the Idaho Capitol and the official state seal.