His experimental fixed wing single engine Lancair crashed at 8:56 a.m. in between two runways at the airport.  He was the only person on-board.

The National Transportation Safety Board said they interviewed witnesses on the scene who said Appleton tried to take off once, landed and then went back to his hangar.  About five minutes later, he tried to take off again.  They say the plane was flying at about 100 to 200 feet above ground when it stalled, then nosedived.

A chilling recording from the air traffic controller tower paints the picture of panic shortly after take-off.

In the recording, you can hear Appleton telling controllers he needed to turn around moments before the crash.

"I'd like to turn back in... and land.  Coming back in," Appleton said to air traffic controllers.

In the background of the audio from the control tower, a woman's voice can be heard saying, "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god."

(KTVB has chosen not to publish this audio due to the sensitive nature of its contents.)

In a news conference held by the NTSB, Air Safety Investigator Zoe Keliher said they found several personal belongings in the wreckage, one of those things being Steve Appleton's wallet.    They will be reviewing security footage, audio, and photos to help determine what caused the plane to crash.

Appleton has owned more than 20 airplanes and is known for doing aerobatics.  He crashed in July of 2004 while performing maneuvers over the Idaho desert.

In an interview with Appleton after that crash, he said he suffered a few scrapes and scratches.

"I was only in the hospital one night and then I went home and showed up for work Monday morning," said Appleton about the crash.  "I've been flying since then and everything's back to normal."

That crash left some wondering if the CEO was taking too many risks, considering he is head of a major corporation.

"My description of myself, whether I'm the CEO of a very competitive industry or whether I happen to fly aerobatics in airplanes, it's all one package.  I mean, it's the personality that comes through in my business and my personal life."

Carolyn Holly spoke with Appleton in 2004 about his flying, Appleton said he is very fortunate for the things he has been able to do.

"I'm very fortunate, lucky to be able to experience the kinds of things that I do," Appleton said.  "If my life were to end tomorrow, I've had a full life."

He started at Micron Technology in 1983 and served in various positions before becoming CEO in 1994.

Micron released the following statement:

"Our hearts go out to his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family during this tragic time.  Steve's passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large."

Appleton graduated from Boise State University with a BA in Business Management.

Steve Appleton was 51-years-old and leaves behind a wife and four children.

The move comes hours after CEO and Chairman Steve Appleton died in a plane crash at the Boise Airport. Appleton was flying an experimental plane Friday morning and crashed moments after takeoff.

Micron officials say the board of directors will meet this weekend to name a permanent CEO.

Durcan is the second ranking executive at the memory chip maker. Last week he announced his intention to step down in August.

He called Appleton a true friend who will be missed by everyone in the Micron community.

Durcan joined Micron in 1984, rose through the engineering ranks and was named COO in 2006 and president in 2007.

Appleton, Micron largest financial donors to BSU

Appleton improved education and athletics in many ways, both financially and otherwise.  Appleton helped BSU's tennis teams with the Appleton Tennis Complex built right in the center of campus.

Appleton was instrumental in developing the College of Engineering and the College of Business and Economics.  He established the Micron Foundation, which led to huge donations for a new Micron Business and Economics building, which is now under construction.  The largest gift ever to the university was $13 million from Micron to create a new Ph.D. program in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.  

'Steve Appleton was just like you'

For the Bronco men's tennis team, which plays in the facility emblazoned with Appleton's name and image, Friday's practice started with a talk from Head Coach Greg Patton.  Patton has known Appleton for more than 20 years and considers him a good friend.
 
"You know how much Steve cared about this program," Patton told his players at practice.  "Steve Appleton was just like you.  He's a guy that had dreams, well he did something about his dreams didn't he?"

'He never forgot his roots'

Appleton came to BSU in 1978 on a tennis scholarship.  He was captain of the team his senior year, and won the Big Sky doubles championship.  Even after his success with Micron, he never forgot his Bronco background.  Appleton watched the team play as recently as last week.

"He was thrilled, you know, he talked about the football team, and he was thrilled to see his school.... This is his school.  This is where he went.  This is the school that made him," Patton said.

"He never forgot his roots," BSU President Bob Kustra said.  "He never forgot where he came from back home, and he never forgot that he was a Boise State grad.  He always looked out for the little guy.   He came from a little guy background, and I think more than anything else, I'll remember him as a CEO who never never once thought that he was leading the life of a CEO.  He was leading the life of somebody who was meant to help others."

'He reached that star'

"He was a doer," Patton said.  "That's the thing folks. There's a lot of people that are wishers and they wish upon a shining star.  He was a doer.  He reached that star.  You know.  He reached that star."

Moving forward, Patton is certain Appleton's BSU legacy will move others to achieve greatness.  Before practice began with drills, Patton told his team:  "The way we can honor him is be the best we can be."

"We have a responsibility to uphold his expectations," Patton said.  "I'm not going to let my players ever forget.  He is one of them, and look what he achieved. "
 

Micron President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Durcan

"Steve was a true friend who will be dearly missed by all of us.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our team members as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Governor Butch Otter and First Lady:

"Idaho has lost a true champion, a great friend, and a visionary businessman. Steve was someone who understood the value as well as the cost of excellence. He lived life to the fullest, and while he enjoyed great success in business and in life, he never lost his intensity or his drive. Our hearts go out to his wife Dalynn and the rest of his family - including his extended family at Micron Technology and the many lives he touched throughout the world."

Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne:

"I am shocked and saddened. Steve was an integral and positive force in Idaho business and in the Idaho community overall. His energy, vision and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Steve was a strong supporter of education in the state. And his philanthropy was directed in many ways. Without a doubt, Idaho is stronger and better because of him."

Boise Mayor David Bieter:
 
Steve Appleton was a dynamic leader who skillfully guided Micron through both prosperous and difficult times. He was a philanthropist and a great friend to Boise. He will be remembered as a major force in Idaho history -- a man who transformed our state's economy by redefining what is possible for Idaho business. Idaho's future will be brighter because of Steve Appleton.  My heart goes out to his family and the employees of Micron around the world.

Boise State President Bob Kustra:

"Boise State lost one of its own today. A former Bronco tennis player who never forgot his alma mater, Steve graduated in business and went on to lead one of the nation's premier companies and enrich in so many ways the community he called home. He played a critical role in transforming Boise State into a research university serving the tech economy of Idaho. I valued his friendship, his generous support, and especially the advice and counsel he provided me personally as we navigated our way through the recent recession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dalynn, his children and his family as well as his colleagues at Micron."

Senator Jim Risch:

The passing of my good friend Steve Appleton has shocked and saddened our entire family.  He was a talented and tireless worker who made Micron one of the biggest success stories of our time.  He represented the best of our free market economy.  Steve was an outstanding business leader and very generous to so many causes.  He was always quick to make a personal call when significant events affected Micron or our mutual interests.  Recently, we worked together closely on patent reform legislation.  We also talked often about his love of flying and what was new in that part of his life.  Vicki and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Appleton family.  Steve will be greatly missed.

Idaho congressional delegation:

Today, members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation expressed their grief at the unexpected death of Micron C.E.O. Steve Appleton this morning, offering their deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of one of Idaho’s most influential businessmen.   Senator Mike Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson and Congressman Raùl Labrador issued the following joint statement on Mr. Appleton’s untimely passing: 
 
“Like the rest of Idaho, we are stunned and deeply saddened by the news of Steve Appleton’s sudden death, and we join his family and the Micron employees in mourning this huge loss,” the Members said.  “Steve Appleton was to Idaho what Steve Jobs was to America.  His innovation, positive attitude and forward thinking approach will be greatly missed.”
 
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce:

"The entire Chamber family is shocked and saddened by the passing of Steve Appleton.  Steve's long support of the Boise Metro Chamber and the Boise Valley Economic Partnership are just two of many community organizations and causes that Steve Appleton played a major role in.  Steve was a community leader, business leader, thought leader and was a large part of what has made Boise a seat of innovation and creativity.  He was an example to all of us what great corporate citizens can do to transform their companies, and their communities.  The entire business community has lost a great leader, visionary and friend.  Our sympathies go out to the Appleton family," said Bill Connors, President and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Scott Simplot, chairman of the board for the J.R. Simplot Co.:

"Steve was such a big part of Micron and this community, and my heart goes out to his family over this tragic loss. I know my dad thought the world of Steve. In fact, my dad didn't say he was wrong very often, but I know he told Steve that firing him in the mid-1990s was a mistake and he was glad when Steve agreed to return as president and CEO at Micron."

His death also has major ramifications for the company he headed since 1991.

We spoke Friday with financial expert Dave Petso about the future of the $7.85 billion multi-national company.

Earlier today security guards lowered the flags at the Micron campus in Boise to half staff.

There's a definite feeling of sadness but all day we've seen employees coming and going, continuing with their jobs, despite the loss of their CEO.

When news broke this morning of Appleton's death, trading of Micron's stock was halted.

Petso explains why the stock trading was suspended.

"It gives the company a chance to let everybody know what their back up plan is over the weekend, who's going to take over, give people a chance to catch their breath.  This is a multi-national company that isn't run by one person," said Petso.

Petso says it's not uncommon that companies suspend trading, but what is uncommon is the fact that Micron will not be publicly traded until Monday, and once the stock exchange opens Petso says it could take some time for Micron stock to find footing.

"I would think that this is disruptive and so you should see an initial down tick and maybe the stock will do better after that," he said.

Late this afternoon we learned that current COO of the company, Mark Durcan, will take over as CEO of Micron until a successor is appointed by the board of directors.

"In the meantime I think that would be a really solid solution for the company," said Petso.

We are expecting to learn more about the future plans of Micron by next week.

BOISE -- There are plenty of jobs here in Idaho, and across the nation that can't be filled because there's not enough skilled welders, electricians, or technicians to fill them. Trades are the biggest gap, in the skills gap.

But, why? Why aren't more young people interested in getting into the trades? I tried to find out.

My first stop was at Mountain View High School in Meridian. The seniors I talked to want to go into careers like marketing, engineering, and medicine, but don't necessarily have their eyes on the trades.

"Oh no, that is just not my expertise at all," said Melanie Miller.

"I don't think I could do that for a full-time job," said Taylor Hart. "I don't know if I'd enjoy doing it, as much. It's still interesting, though."

"I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, because I do like doing that. But, as a profession, day in and day out, I don't think I'd enjoy that," said Travis Dowdle.

Some high schoolers are interested in going into the trades, most of whom in this area, take classes at the Dehryl A. Dennis Professional Technical Education Center. Students in any Boise, Meridian, or Kuna high school can take classes here, which gives them hands-on experience, and preps them for a possible career in the trades.

TJ Long is a Senior at Borah who takes classes in heavy duty diesel. He wants to open his own diesel or restoration shop.

"I've been in the advanced classes a lot growing up. So, when I tell them I'm going into diesel, it surprises people," said Long. "Originally, I was planning on engineering. But, I decided to go with what I liked better."

Cole Rogers, also a Senior at Borah, originally took classes at the Dennis Technical Center to help him maintain his own truck. But his classes grew into something more.

"Now I'm getting all these career opportunities, and it's really helped me out, as in how I feel about my future, and what I'm going to do with my life," said Rogers.

There's nothing wrong with the fact that many students don't think they'd enjoy the trades, like T.J. and Cole do. However, Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs star and national advocate for closing the skills gap, says, there's a bigger problem than just the perception of skilled trades.

"It's a mentality gap," said Rowe. "It's not just a shortage of skills, but a shortage of will to learn the skills."

But perhaps, if more kids tried the skills, a few more would see them as enjoyable.

Tanner Cleveland is a sophomore at Borah, and takes welding classes at the Dennis Technical Center. He sees welding as a backup plan to a possible career in music, but he understands the appeal of working with your hands.

"Welding is pretty cool," said Cleveland. "You feel good when you actually pass a weld off, and you get a sign off sheet and everything."

Not everyone should go into the trades. Rowe himself said he couldn't weld a straight line, so he fell back on a career in music and TV. But he says, he took a tradesman's work ethic with him, and never stopped learning new skills, in his entertainment career.

"That's what I tried to do," said Rowe. "I tried to look at showbiz, the way my grandfather looked at carpentry and electric."

That could be the key to closing the skills gap, which Rowe calls a symptom of America's dysfunctional relationship with all work, not just the trades. He doesn't want to force kids into the trades, but wants to help more of them to understand something that the students I talked to, seemed to already get.

"No matter what you choose you do, you can approach it as a tradesman," said Rowe. "There's nothing inherently good or bad about learning a trade. What's really for sale, is the decision to approach work with that ethic. Apply it to whatever you want."

At 2:23 a.m. Nampa Police officers responded to the 11300 block of Shay Park Way in Nampa for a home invasion robbery.

The homeowner told police that two men wearing ski masks and armed with handguns entered his home while he was sleeping.  He woke up and the two men bound him. They then stole personal items from his home and the victim's car.

Officers spotted the stolen gray 2007 Toyota Prius northbound on 12th Ave. S. When an officer attempted to stop the car, the driver crashed into the front of a business. Both men tried to elude police on foot.  One of them was apprehended after a short foot chase.

Kenneth A. Westman, 26, of Meridian was arrested and booked into the Canyon County Jail. He is charged with robbery, second-degree kidnapping, grand theft, burglary and leaving the scene of a crash.

Nampa Police are asking for the public's help in locating the other suspect.  Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to call Nampa Police at 468-5615 or Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS.

The Idaho Department of Correction says around 4:00 p.m. a Clearwater County sheriff's deputy spotted Michael Dean Henderson in Orofino, walking on Highway 12 near milepost 41 just a mile west of ICIO.

Officials say 47-year-old Henderson escaped sometime between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday.  Officials are trying to determine how he got out of Givens Hall, a minimum custody prison.

He was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, trafficking by attempting to manufacture and grand theft by possession in Kootenai and Bonner counties.  Henderson was eligible for parole consideration and his sentence runs through 2024.

While many Idaho ski resorts waited for the snow to fall mid-January, it's a different story for Idaho's Sun Valley resort.

"Even without the help of Mother Nature, we have had wonderful skiing here since Thanksgiving," said Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley's Director of Marketing & PR.

Decades ago The Sun Valley Resort in Ketchum took snow making into its own hands.

"All of this is man made. All that road up there is man made. You know there's natural on top of it now," said Dennis Harper.

Dennis Harper is Sun Valley's version of Mother Nature in charge of making snow. "We do the same thing every year, people just don't realize it until there isn't any snow."

If you've ever skied down the slopes of Bald Mountain, you've probably seen the snow making machines  To you and me, they're metal rods wrapped in yellow padding, but to Sun Valley those 660 snow making guns are economic insurance.

 "It's an insurance that we will have good ski conditions," said Sibbach.

A quick trip up the Gondola, a quick run down one of the trials, nestled in between trees and off the groomed track, there is the building where Harper and others harvest nature.

The ingredients are simple: just air and water, but the recipe is more complicated.

"The purpose of the air is to break the water into a small molecule," said Harper.

But it's even more technical.

"Your water departures and your pumps, and your pumps and your pressures and water temperatures and flow meters, how many gallons a minute you're flowing," said Harper.

That's why everything is run by a computer.

"So the computer goes through, makes its calculations of how much water, how much air it's going to need to run those guns," said Harper. "This is the all answer every thing. We just tell the computer where we want to make snow a,t and we tell it by priority."

In the right conditions these guns spray a fine mist which freeze before hitting the ground. The result is all different types of snow from a fluffy powder to a moist, dense, packable base depending on the recipe.

"It's the largest computerized snow-making system in the country," said Sibbach.

This expensive investment capable of creating two to three new inches of snow each night and moving it can be difficult.

Enter the "Beast".

"I'm not sure where they come up with the name beast, but it's fitting," said Jim Wieand, Groomer at Sun Valley.

It's a groomer that's faster, more powerful and a third wider than its predecessors.

"For flat out grooming wide runs, they're pretty amazing," said Wieand.

But where they are really useful is handling the man-made snow that tends to pile up over night.

"They definitely have more oomph to them to be pushing snow up hill," said Wieand.

And all of that happens long before the lifts start and skiers take the first run.

"Basic idea is everyday skiers come and tear it all up and make bumps and stuff, and then we come in and fix it up," said Wieand.

And all of this happens behind the scenes 16 hours a day, so customers can enjoy eight hours of runs regardless of where the snow came from.

"It gives us a product to sell, and it really affects the economy of this valley. Where would we be without it this year?," said Sibbach.

Every year, Sun Valley starts making snow towards the end of October when the temperatures get cold enough and continue making the snow through April.

Sun Valley does offer free snowmaking tours to the public. They take place Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and last about one-and-a-half hours. Just sign up at the River Run Day Lodge life ticket counter. Only a maximum of 15 people are allows on each tour. For more information, call 622-6136.

In addition to the snowmaking tour, the public can also ride the "Beast" on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. You can signup at the recreation center at the Sun Valley Village. For information, call 622-2135. 

People got three minutes to tell senators how they would like the state to spend some of its money.

People testified about funding for a statewide suicide hotline, back-filling teachers' salaries and funding for higher education.  But the issue that came up the most was funding for Medicaid.

Noll Garcia was one of the people who testified.  He has cerebral palsy.  After lawmakers cut funding to Medicaid last session, Garcia says many of his friends lost some of the services they need. He's worried he might be next.

"I am very concerned that my budget will be cut resulting in less staff and to keep me safe in my apartment and in my community," said Garcia.

Many of the people who signed up to testify encouraged lawmakers to restore some of the funding to Medicaid.

Rich Stover used his time to encourage lawmakers to put money aside for a statewide suicide hotline.  Stover lost his son to suicide.

"I can't say for certain that if there was a suicide prevention hotline it would have saved Nick's life but I do know it is a step in the right in direction," said Stover.

Lawmakers listened to two-and-a-half hours of emotional testimony.   The people who came hope some of what they said will stay with JFAC members as the start to set this year's budget.

"I'm eager to see what happens when they begin to set the budget and how the impact of what they heard today impacts them when they begin to set that budget," said Katherine Hansen, who testified on behalf of Community Partnerships of Idaho.

Holland usually just buys $1 scratch tickets on an infrequent basis, but on a recent visit to the Corner Store in Salmon she tried something different and bought a $10 lottery ticket.

“I decided to treat myself to something a little more fun,” said Holland who works in accounts payable for the Salmon School District. “At first I thought I’d only won $100. Then I realized it was $100,000!  It’s too good to be true.”

Holland said she didn’t believe it was a big winner until she had the ticket validated at the Idaho Lottery offices in Boise.  She plans to pay some bills and invest the remaining amount with her winnings.

For their part in selling the winning ticket, the Corner Store in Salmon receives a $10,000 bonus from the Idaho Lottery.

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