5 shutdown stories that didn't make the headlines

The Stream unearths some of the most surprising effects of the federal government shutdown across the nation.

Storified by AJAMStream· Wed, Oct 02 2013 16:16:58

1. Shutdown slows search for missing Idaho woman



A search team looking for a missing Idaho hiker has been scaled back considerably due to the federal government shutdown. Jo Elliott-Blakeslee, 63, and her hiking partner Amy Linkert, 69, who were last known to be hiking in Craters of the Moon National Preserve, were reported missing on September 23. Linkert's body was found two days after the pair were reported missing.

Authorities: No sign of foul play in missing woman's death at Craters of the Moon http://ktvb.net/18rCCQn http://twitter.com/KTVB/status/383237676050026496/photo/1KTVB.COM

The effort to find the hikers began with a team of 70 search and rescue personnel, 7 dog teams, and helicopter support. After the shutdown, the search was halted altogether, as federal law prohibits federal employees from performing work for which funds have not been allocated. Ultimately, 10 park rangers were granted special permission to continue the search unpaid. The search area covers approximately 1,100 miles of terrain.

Academic

Search continues at Idaho's Craters of the Moon for missing woman: http://ktvb.net/197BKCF http://twitter.com/KTVB/status/384120505231368192/photo/1 - @KTVBMicah Grimes

In a prepared statement, Elliot-Blakeslee's family acknowledged the reduced odds of finding her after nearly two weeks of searching, but asked for help from experienced hikers to continue the search:

"Either way, we are committed to bringing her home and are actively recruiting volunteers with backcountry experience to keep the search going. But we will not chance injury or loss of searchers," the family's prepared statement said. "In that vein, at a minimum, those interested in participating should be able to hike 10 to 12 miles and climb 1,000 feet at a time in treacherous terrain."kboi2.com

2. Colorado foots the bill to keep flood relief on track

The road to Estes Park in Colorado. Highway 34 - More pictures of the Highway at http://goo.gl/v3gv7L http://twitter.com/13JasonWalsh/status/378798734278029312/photo/1Jason Walsh

In order to continue with the road repairs uninterrupted, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced that the state would foot the bill for the National Guard to remain through the shutdown. Keeping the Guards on duty is estimated to cost anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 per day, of which the State hopes to recover 75 percent once the federal government is up and running.

Highway 34 at the Dam Store en route to Estes Park is now only recognizable by the overhead pipeline. http://twitter.com/PoseidonsFist/status/378575273534308352/photo/1Andrew Fisher

Between the flooding and a large military and federal employee presence, Colorado Springs was determined to be the US city most affected by the shutdown. Coloradans on Twitter expressed exasperation with the situation.

#COcongress The shutdown is shameful. If you're truly representing the people of Colorado put the squabbles aside and fund govt. now.Pam Giordano

So a sad fact tiny little colorado springs is the HARDEST hit community in the US by this government shutdown. 18% next highest is dc w 17%TonyPats COFFEE NOW!

3. Prolonged shutdown endangers cash-strapped Puerto Rico



A Puerto Rican economist outlined the shutdown's impact for personal disposable income on the island in a Reuters article: The effects of the federal government shutdown are especially acute for Puerto Rico, where federal funding accounts for nearly 40 percent of all government revenue. The island has less than 900,000 total jobs, making the temporary loss of its 5,000 federal government employees a big factor in its unemployment rate , which is already the highest of any U.S. state or territory at about 14 percent.

"Around 27 percent of Puerto Rico's personal disposable income depends on federal government payments," said Gustavo Velez, an economist at Inteligencia Economica. "I am concerned that in this environment, Puerto Rico's economy looks very vulnerable to any change of these federally funded programs."reuters.com

Puerto Ricans expressed frustration with the further economic woes added by the shutdown.

Even with a "shut down government" the struggle in Puerto Rico is much worse than out here in the US #realtalkJosh Reyes

As if we needed something else. Puerto Rico's economy at risk from prolonged government shutdown. (cc: @soy_patria, @julito77)Adriana Usero

(Translation) The partial closure of the US Government affects 10 thousand employees in Puerto Rico

El cierre parcial del gobierno de EEUU afecta a 10 mil empleados en Puerto Rico http://laradiodelsur.com/?p=212649Larissa Costas

Advocates for Puerto Rican independence pointed to the shutdown's effect on their economy as reason to cut ties with the United States.

(Translation) ...you will all be affected by the shutdown of the government, PUERTO RICO, it was your decision to not be INDEPENDENT ...the debt (economic obligations) won't stop! (Translation)

...serán tocados x el cierre de gobierno PUERTO RICO, fue su decisión no ser INDEPENDIENTES...las deudas(obligaciones económicas) no paran!Mirney

A satirical article claiming independence for Puerto Rico as a result of the US government shutdown was widely shared by Puerto Ricans.

Aprovechando Cierre Del Gobierno Federal, Puerto Rico Se Independiza De Los EEUUCiudad Yulín, República Bolivariana de Puerto Rico - El gobierno federal cerró oficialmente ayer a la medianoche luego que ambas cámaras ...

4. National park closures cost local businesses $76 million per day



ThinkProgress published a chart of the daily economic losses in states most affected by national park closures. National park closures as a result of the government shutdown don't just ruin a lot of vacations. Outdoor recreation and its residual impact on surrounding communities amount to a $646 billion annual economy in the U.S. The National Park Service estimates that that the daily economic losses to local businesses from National Park closures will reach $76 million per day.

Thinkprogress

Some online echoed the point that livelihoods affected by national park closures extend beyond government employees.

There's thousands of non-governmental employees and businesses whose livelihood comes from the National Parks.Deborah Lom

Also, of course some of the first places to close are National Parks. The places that bring happiness and livelihood to A LOT of people.Mary Hartrich

5. Food pantries scramble to prepare for shortages

If the government shutdown lasts more than a few days, funds for several federal nutrition programs could run out, causing nationwide food shortages among vulnerable populations. Funds allocated for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) could run out in some states in as little as a week. This has put increased pressure on food pantries to prepare for potential shortages, many of which fear they will be unable to meet the needs of their communities. Food pantries across the U.S. were already struggling prior to the shutdown due to the recent recession, which has resulted in a significant decline in private donations.

Since the shutdown, many online have called on their peers to support their local food pantries.

Please remember that during the #shutdown, WIC is shut down and SNAP may be as well. Consider donating to food pantries if you can.Jane Lebak

Women/children face food insecurity if #shutdown lasts > a few days donate dried & canned foods to WIC & local pantriesKendra Tappin

With WIC ceasing funds for needy moms and babies bc of govt shutdown, donate to local food pantries. Boston list: http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ma-bostonFeministLawProf

Has your community been affected by the government shutdown? Tell us in the comments below.