Free Republic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Co.'s new genetically modified potato. But one of the company's oldest business partners — McDonald's — hasn't. The fast-food giant says it doesn't use genetically modified potatoes, the Idaho Statesman reported. "McDonald's USA does not source GMO potatoes, nor do we have current plans to change our sourcing practices," the company said in a statement.

Public memorial services for J.R. Simplot were held Sunday afternoon at Qwest Arena in Downtown Boise. The Grove Plaza was full of people, including triathletes wrapped in tinfoil blankets, and mourners in black suits who entered Qwest Arena for the service. Simplot's family members formed a receiving line and introduced themselves to the thousands of guests who filed in for the memorial service, which began at 2 p.m. Larry Hlobik, president and CEO of Simplot Co., opened the service and the Boise Philharmonic and the Boise Master Choral performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Simplot's children and grandchildren addressed...

BOISE, Idaho - Billionaire J.R. Simplot, the spud king of America whose wealth also helped create one of the world's biggest computer chip makers, died Sunday at his Boise home. He was 99. Ada County Coroner Erwin Sonnenberg said Simplot apparently died of natural causes. The quintessential Idaho farmer increasingly dominated the state's business and political landscape for 70 years, and the company that bears his name remains a powerful force today — in Idaho and beyond. Simplot and his family were ranked at No. 80 on Forbes magazine's 2006 list of richest Americans, with an estimated wealth of $3.2...