Meet Janet Keegan

For those involved in the Lava Ridge Wind Project, the name Janet Keegan rings a bell. Her involvement in the Stop Lava Ridge Committee remains monumental. However, her work with Minidoka begins much earlier than 2020. In addition to her work on the Stop Lava Ridge Committee, Janet also serves on Friends of Minidoka’s board as the treasurer.

As a Minidoka descendent, Janet’s family’s experiences inspired her to take action. With the establishment of Friends of Minidoka, Janet quickly became involved in preserving and protecting the site. Like many other descendants, she wanted to see her family’s experiences accurately reflected at Minidoka and in the interpretation NPS created. Janet also assisted with several projects such as the historic baseball field and guard tower recreations.Janet is nearly always present at the site for Friends of Minidoka visits with reporters, county commissioners, Bureau of Land Management representatives, and other officials.

Many people who know Janet consider her an “Auntie.” She often hosts people at her house in Twin Falls for gatherings and provides them with a place to stay during Minidoka events. Janet shares a welcoming presence, genuine care, and honesty with her interactions. As a source of vast knowledge, she provides deeper insight into Minidoka’s history and foundation as a National Historic Site.

Just as Janet spearheads the battle against the Lava Ridge Wind Project, activism against projects that threaten the site are not a new experience for her. In 2007, when Big Sky LLC proposed to build a massive confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) on private property purchased near the site, Janet spoke up. After Jerome County Commissioners denied the original permit, Don McFarland sold a portion of the property to South View Dairy. In 2008, Judge Robert Elgee asked commissioners to reconsider. Friends of Minidoka unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the feedlot in court as Judge Elgee upheld the decision of the commissioners. However, thankfully, the CAFO remains unbuilt, as it posed a major threat to the site. Janet frequently spoke in testimonies and assisted in raising funds for the legal battle throughout the entire process. 

Janet continues to speak up about important issues that affect Minidoka NHS and the Japanese American community. She is an important figure in the Japanese American community, and in the Magic Valley community, and we thank her for all she has contributed and continues to do.