STAR — This northern part of the Treasure Valley was once rural farm grounds with individual homes scattered about. Like much of Idaho, Star and Middleton have seen significant growth, with an influx of new residents and suburban neighborhoods popping up.
In 2010, the towns’ combined populations barely surpassed 10,000 residents. More recently, Star has reached 16,333 residents, according to the 2023 U.S. Census, and Middleton sits at a population of 11,016.
This has presented a significant challenge for the Star Fire Protection District and Middleton Rural Fire District, which both ran $2.25 million levies on Election Day.
Wednesday morning, Fire Chief Greg Timinsky walked through the echoey rooms of the districts’ headquarters, Station 51 in Star. As a steward of Idaho tax dollars, Triminsky noted that the former vitamin factory was converted into a station with a low cost per square foot.
While technically separate, Star and Middleton’s districts work in collaboration, sharing a fire chief, other leadership and administrative staff.