February 7 - 13, 2018 by The Weekly Sun

THE WEEKLY SUN RESPONSIBLE LOCAL JOURNALISM. • BELLEVUE • CAREY • HAILEY • KETCHUM • PICABO • SUN VALLEY • WHAT TO KNOW. WHERE TO BE.

F R E E | FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2018 | V O L . 1 1 - N O . 6 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Arts News Symphony To Mix Classics & Multimedia This Summer

Event News Stanley Winterfest Will Take Place This Weekend

Municipal News Fire Departments Upgrade Breathing Equipment

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Opera Idaho will present a semi-staged performance of “Madama Butterfly” Saturday, Feb 10… For more information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. For a story on ‘Madama Butterfly’, see page 12. Photo courtesy of Opera Idaho

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Opera Idaho will present “Madama Butterfly” at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, in Ketchum. For a story, see page 12. Photo courtesy of Opera Idaho

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ON THE COVER Continued from page 1: …at the Church of the Big Wood. Photo courtesy of Opera Idaho. Local artists & photographers interested in seeing their art on our cover page should email submissions to: mandi@ theweeklysun.com (photos should be high resolution and include caption info such as who or what is in the photo, date and location).

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Opera Idaho Will Feature Emerging Artists Appearing in Opera Idaho’s “Madama Butterfly” this Saturday night at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood will be Idaho soprano Emily Hansen, who recently advanced in district-level auditions for the Metropolitan Opera National Council. As well, Chaz’men Williams-Ali, who will appear as Pinkerton, has advanced in the Metropolitan Opera’s regional competitions. A St. Louis, Mo., native, Williams-Ali made his Kennedy Center debut with Washington National Opera’s Emerging Artist performance of “Madama Butterfly” as Pinkerton. For more information on “Madama Butterfly,” see page 12.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS ARTS

SUN VALLEY SUMMER SYMPHONY SEASON WILL PAIR CLASSIC REPERTOIRE WITH MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTIONS BY DANA DUGAN

or its 34th season, Sun Valley Summer Symphony will present an eclectic 2018 summer season, July 29 through Aug. 23, featuring renowned soloists, performances of both familiar and modern works, a pairing of orchestra with film, and a newly imagined setting for Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloé.” The Summer Symphony is now under new leadership; executive director Derek L. Dean comes to the Valley from the San Francisco Symphony, where he served as chief operating officer. The season will open with four In Focus Series concerts with intimate ensembles and small chamber orchestras, featuring brief discussions about the programs, bringing it all “into focus.” Titled “Mozart Forever!: A Brief Survey of Masterpieces for His Time and Ours,” the series will begin Sunday, July 29, with chamber works including the sparkling Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331. The programs on Tuesday, July 31, and Thursday, Aug. 2, will feature pianist David Fung performing the “Piano Concerto No. 23, K. 433,” and an evening of Mozart’s greatest opera overtures and arias. The final In Focus concert on Aug. 3 will highlight Mozart’s superior symphonic writing with a performance of his “Jupiter Symphony.” The Orchestra Festival will begin Sunday, Aug. 5, with Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4 in F Minor” and conclude on Thursday, Aug. 23, with a performance of Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloé,” in a new multimedia production designed by award-winning film director and projection designer David Murakami and commissioned by the Symphony. Known for marrying the cinematic and theatrical, Murakami integrates emerging technologies with traditional stage performance. The Festival will also present powerhouse pianist Yefim Bronfman performing Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 4;” “Star Wars: A New Hope” performed live to the film; violinist Benjamin Beilman playing the Mendelssohn “Violin Concerto”; and a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story” in celebration of the iconic composer’s 100th birthday. “From the magic of ‘Star Wars’ to the mystery of Sibelius; from the drama of Shostakovich to the sensuality of Ravel; from the miracle of Mozart to the irresistible swing of ‘West Side Story,’ there’s something for just about everyone in the 2018 Festival,” said Alasdair Neale, music director. “All of my colleagues join me in eager anticipation of what is certain to be another memory-making season.” On Wednesday, Feb. 28, the featured performer for the annual Gala, to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6, will be announced. For more information and the complete season details, visit svsummersymphony.org for complete 2018 season details Recognized as one of the fastest rising stars of his generation, violinist Benjamin Beilman will make his Sun Valley debut on Sunday, Aug. 12, for the Symphony’s performance of Mendelssohn’s “Violin and the latest information, news and event information. tws

Concerto in E Minor.” Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Summer Symphony

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS EVENT

Just Say No to heart-shaped boxes of candy

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, catch the Stanley Winterfest 40K Fatbike Fondo. Photo courtesy of Stanley Chamber of Commerce

WILD & WACKY WINTERFEST TO BE HELD Stanley event will return for ninth year

BY YANNA LANTZ

he ninth annual Stanley Winterfest will be held Friday to Sunday, Feb. 9-11, in Stanley, Idaho. The weekend-long Winterfest, with all kinds of wild and crazy activities for every age group, is back in full force. “This year is the first year that the Stanley Chamber of Commerce is owning this event, as opposed to it being a loose community event, and we are really excited,” Jason Bosley, director of the Stanley Chamber of Commerce, said. “Winterfest started as a way to keep cabin fever at bay. Winters can be really harsh in Stanley, and this is a weekend of just good old-fashioned fun.” Start the weekend off at 7 p.m. on Friday with the “Glow in the Dark” pub crawl through Stanley. “The pub crawl is a great way to give thanks to the people who support Winterfest,” said Bosley. “We start at Stanley Town Square, at the Stanley Sluice, and from there we go through the town watering holes and end at Mountain Village around 9 p.m., so people can continue on to the Beach Party if they like.” The Beach Party and Winterfest kickoff at the Stanley Club will round out Friday evening. Saturday at 10 a.m., catch the Winterfest 40K Fatbike Fondo. “It’s a really great scenic course, and there is a map on our website,” Bosley said. “There are opportunities for diehard fatbike fans as well as newcomers—in case people are just interested in trying out fatbikes.” Check-in and late registration for the 40K Fatbike Fondo will be held at the High Country Inn beginning at 8 a.m. Participants can also register

NEWS IN BRIEF

online. At noon on Saturday, see the crowning of the Winterfest king and queen. Then, enjoy the Outhouse Race at 3 p.m. “People put together whatever their creativity can muster, and we have some lighthearted rules, such as: the outhouse must have a toilet seat, a toilet paper holder and must be on skis,” said Bosley. “We close Ace of Diamonds, which is our main drag in Stanley, and teams will push their outhouses to the finish line. For whoever wins, there are decorated toilet-seat trophies for first, second and third.” Finish out the weekend on Sunday at 10 a.m. with the Snowmobile Skijoring Exhibition at Mountain Village. “Most of the time, skijoring is done with dogs or horses, but for logistics reasons we are going to go with snowmobiles,” Bosley said. “People are welcome to bring up their skis, and they will get towed behind a sled while they collect rings throughout the course. It’s going to be a blast and I’m excited to try it myself.” Live music will be held at Mountain Village and the Kasino Club throughout the weekend, with no cover. All Stanley Winterfest events are free to the community. For a full schedule of events and to learn more about Winterfest, visit stanleywinterfest.com. “During the long winters here, people want to be silly and let off some steam, and this is a great excuse to do it,” Bosley said. “We are fortunate that we have such strong community support, and we hope to continue Winterfest for many years to come.” tws

L’Elisir d’Amore To Be Screened Live From The New York Met

Sun Valley Opera and the Metropolitan Bigwood4 Cinemas co-present screenings of the MET HD: Live operas. “L’Elisir d’Amore” will be screened at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are available at any time at the Bigwood box office in Hailey. All tickets are $16. The opera runs for 2 hours 39 minutes, and includes one intermission. Pretty Yende debuts a new role at the Met with her first Adina opposite Matthew Polenzani. Conducted by Domingo Hindoyan, Bartlett Sher’s production is charming, with deft comedic timing, but also emotionally revealing. Donizetti premiered this work in Milan in 1832, with the Met premiering it in 1904. ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’ deftly combines comic archetypes with a degree of genuine character development rare in works of this type. Its ending is as much a foregone conclusion as it would be in a romantic comedy film today—the joy is in the journey, and Donizetti created one of his most instantly appealing scores for this ride.

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Reward Offered For Information Regarding Arson Fire In Burley

The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office, in cooperation with the Burley Fire Department, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a fire that occurred in Burley. The fire, reported to 911, was at a vacant building located at 1220 Overland Avenue in the early morning hours of Monday, Jan. 29. During extinguishment, an undetonated explosive device was found by firefighters, attached to a second building across from the fire scene. This device was removed and made safe by technicians from the Twin Falls Police Department. An investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire was conducted by investigators from the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies. The investigation uncovered evidence that the building was intentionally set ablaze. Anyone with information is urged to contact the arson hotline at 1 (877) 75-ARSON. Your information could make you eligible for a reward of up to $5,000. Northwest Insurance Council, in cooperation with the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office and Idaho Department of Insurance, supports the Arson Reward Fund.

The Crash Of Rhinos To Be Held

The Crash of Rhinos, a Silver Creek Writers Residency Prefort event, will be held Friday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Hot Water Inn at the base of Warm Springs, and at the Wood River Community YMCA in Ketchum. The Silver Creek Writers Residency, in partnership with the Storyfort part of the Treefort Music Fest, will present this second annual writers workshop weekend. “We’re thrilled to be able to expand and offer workshops for all levels of writers and interests with the talented instructors we have this year,” said Bill Fowler, founder of the Silver Creek Writers Residency. “We hope to continue to build upon our residency program by presenting creative outlets with exceptional guidance for the craft of writing for all writers whenever possible. ” Most of the workshops are $50 per person and are limited to 15 people each. The Slam Poetry Micro workshop is $20 and is open to all. There is a $10 pre-order fee for Share ‘n’ Slurp. Silver Creek Writers Residency is a sponsor of the 2018 Storyfort at Treefort in Boise, March 21-25. It offers writers residencies throughout the year. For details, registration, costs, lodging and more, visit silvercreekwr.org or call (208) 721-0787.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2018

Attitudes, Beliefs And Choices “Alexandra’s book, ‘Attitudes, Beliefs And Choices’, is a profound and inspiring book that offers a perspective on a wide range of emotions. With each chapter comes a set of self-examination questions that continue to inspire many great conversations. It has allowed us to open up and share personal experiences with one another that might not have come up otherwise. This is a fantastic relationship tool with timeless knowledge and wisdom that will carry us forward in growing and healing to become more centered individuals as well as a healthier couple.” –Donnie and Melissa, Ketchum residents

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Balukoff Insists Feds Live Up To 1995 Nuclear Agreement

Idaho gubernatorial candidate A.J. Balukoff is calling on Idaho’s state and federal lawmakers to insist the federal government abide by the terms of the landmark 1995 Nuclear Agreement. The pact set guidelines for cleaning up nuclear waste that has been shipped into Idaho for decades. “Idaho state officials must stand strong against the federal government and insist it lives up to its obligations under the 1995 Agreement,” Balukoff said. “With 900,000 gallons of liquid nuclear waste perched above the Snake River Aquifer, Idaho can’t afford to be weak on this issue. The Idaho National Lab will continue to be on the cutting edge of nuclear research, but Idaho shouldn’t become a nuclear waste dump in the process. The Feds must honor the agreement and treat the most dangerous nuclear material on site before the aging tanks become a threat to our aquifer.” Currently, there are more than 300 metric tons of nuclear waste being stored throughout an 890-square-mile site in southeast Idaho along the Snake River Aquifer. The liquid waste remains in tanks, which were supposed to be treated years ago. Former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus started pushing back on nuclear shipments into Idaho starting in the 1970s. Negotiations with the federal government continued for two decades until the 1995 Agreement was signed by Andrus’s successor, Gov. Phil Batt. Under the Agreement, all high-level nuclear waste must be removed by 2035. All transuranic waste is supposed to be removed by Dec. 31, 2018.

Philanthropic Leader To Be Keynote Speaker For Women’s Foundation Gathering

The Wood River Women’s Foundation will host Lukas Haynes, executive director of the David Rockefeller Fund, at the organization’s Winter Forum at 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26, at the Community School Auditorium. His speech is called “Significant Change Through Philanthropy.” Haynes, a key figure in philanthropic leadership, has worked in several areas including climate-change solutions, technology for social change, and arts and human rights. Prior to joining the David Rockefeller Fund, Haynes served at the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, opened the first New York office of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and was a speechwriter for Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. He is also a trustee of Protect Our Winters, dedicated to saving the snowsports industry from climate change, and Lulu’s Fund, created in memory of his daughter. In his speech, Haynes will discuss grant-making programs and his work at the intersection of policy, philanthropy, donor education, and nonprofit. The public is invited to attend the WRWF’s Winter Forum to hear a wide-ranging talk on the opportunities and challenges of philanthropic giving for leveraged and sustainable impact. Hear how individual, institutional, and collaborative donors make the most of limited resources. Learn the most valuable forms of grants and other investments in support of nonprofits, communities, and the service of sustainable, social change. Tickets are $20 online at woodriverwomensfoundation.org and cash at the door.

Skijoring Canceled Due To Lack of Snow

One of the most highly anticipated events of the winter season is always the wild and athletic skier-and-horse event, skijoring. After trying to find an alternative site, last week the Wood River Extreme Skijoring Association announced that, due to lack of snow in the south Valley, where the event is annually held, skijoring has been canceled for 2018. Next year, the event is scheduled for Feb. 15-17, weather permitting.

New self-contained breathing apparatuses await use at the Ketchum Fire Department. Photo by Chris Seldon

NEW BREATHING APPARATUS ADDED TO FIREFIGHTERS’ EQUIPMENT

BY DANA DUGAN

he Wood River Valley’s various fire departments recently purchased new self-contained breathing apparatuses, known as SCBAs, a device worn by firefighters, rescue workers and others to provide breathable air in an immediate dangerous-to-life-orhealth atmosphere. “Sun Valley Fire Department did all the research and we all tagged on to them,” said Mike Elle, Ketchum Fire Department chief. Combined, the City of Hailey and Wood River Fire and Rescue purchased just over 50 new SCBAs, said Craig Aberbach, Hailey Fire chief. Sun Valley purchased 28; Ketchum Fire Department purchased 20, while the Ketchum Rural Fire Protection District purchased 16 SCBAs. Every SCBA requires two air bottles, which cost $1,100 each, and two masks at $268.50 each. The SCBA frames cost $5,748.45 each. According to Elle, it was more than time to replace the old and outdated SCBAs that were not up to current National Fire Protection Association standards. “They were becoming more expensive to maintain and keep in service,” Elle said. “In addition, the air bottles would reach their endof-life date in March 2018 and would need to be replaced at $1,500 each. We need two air bottles per pack.” SCBAs are an integral part of a firefighter’s personal protective gear for structure firefighting and hazardous-materials incidents. They must work properly and safely every time they are worn for emergency incidents. The failure of an SCBA while in a dangerous environment could mean the serious injury or death of a firefighter. In addition, the Sun Valley Fire Department, Wood River Fire and Rescue and the Hailey Fire Department have all upgraded to the same SCBAs in the past year, thus maintaining a high degree of safety while working together on emergency incidents. “We all have mutual-aid and automatic-aid agreements and frequently respond together to structure fires and other major incidents,” Elle said. “Being collaborative with other agencies creates a higher degree of safety for firefighters and the public we serve.” Ketchum will put the new devices into service on Wednesday. The other departments are already using theirs. tws

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS NONPROFIT

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sawtooth National Recreation Area To Offer Family Snowshoe Tours

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters will offer Saturday snowshoe treks for the whole family, 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3 and March 17, meeting inside the SNRA Visitor Center. “We will learn about winter ecology and animal tracking, enjoy fun snow activities, and explore at a slower pace,” said Susan Kranz, Sawtooth National Recreation Area Visitor Center manager. “Using snowshoes will give kids and adults a chance to investigate snowy habitats and discover what animals do in winter. We might find tracks leading to a home under a log, or witness a chickadee nesting in a tree.” The tours are free to kids 17 and under, and a limited number of snowshoes will be available. Be sure to register as soon as possible and reserve your snowshoes, if needed, to ensure a spot on the tour. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The Sawtooth NRA North Fork Visitor Center will also be open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 10 through March 17. During this time, you can purchase Nordic passes for all the Blaine County Recreation District trails by credit card or cash at the Visitor Center. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a Snow School site through the Winter Wildlands Alliance. Sawtooth National Recreation Area employees and volunteers who are knowledgeable about winter habitats and animal tracks will guide the tours. The tours last about an hour and a half; distances will be based on how far families want to go, averaging 1 to 1.5 miles. For more information and to register, call (208) 727-5000.

Campers sing to the guests at Share Your Heart Ball in 2017. Photo by Dana DuGan

CELEBRATE THE HEROES IN OUR MIDST Share Your Heart Ball To Support Camp Rainbow Gold

BY DANA DUGAN

or the 16th year, the Share Your Heart Ball will be held to support Camp Rainbow Gold. The Camp, held for the past 30 years at Cathedral of the Pines Baptist Camp north of Ketchum, is free to Idaho children diagnosed with cancer. The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event, with the theme of “Celebrating Heroes.” One of the great benefit galas of the season every year, Share Your Heart Ball, will swing into action in the Limelight Room of the Sun Valley Inn, starting at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17. There will be camp games; a silent and live auction; an elegant sit-down dinner; and dancing to the Salt Lake City band, No Limits. “This magical night is my pride and joy, and I am grateful for all the support,” said event chair Kris Nardecchia. “Camp Rainbow Gold is an Idaho organization that offers critical medically-supervised oncology, sibling and family camps, as well as year-round programming for kids and families diagnosed with cancer—all free of charge to them.” Nardecchia, who co-founded the fundraising event with her then-husband Rob Cronin, continues to be the guiding light for the event. Among her duties is the inspired assembling of the live raffle items. This year, guests may bid on a culinary trip to San Francisco on a private plane for a private dinner for six created by Chef Michael Mina and a Napa Valley wine excursion; “I’m Lovin’ It” VIP trip to Miami that includes a concert and meet-and-greet with Justin Timberlake; a country music fan’s dream trip to Nashville with tickets to two live shows, including the Grand Ole Opry, a Major League sporting event, meals, hotel, and lunch with broadcaster Storme Warren; a golf trip with Baseball Hall of Famer Jesse Orosco in San Diego; private plane trips, dinners and hotel; a seven-night luxury trip to Bali; and a Golden State Warriors basketball trip to San Francisco complete with a new men’s wardrobe, VIP game experience, meals and hotel. As well, there’s a Sun Valley ski package, a five-day Utah rafting trip, a seven-day trip to San Jose del Cabo on the Baja Peninsula, and a San Francisco 49ers VIP package. Finally, there’s Circle Up, a collection of camper artwork combined with a tour of the camp, a dinner and a swag bag. As usual, the campers and their families will be involved in many aspects of the benefit ball. “During cocktail hour, we have camp games such as fishing, archery, a photo booth, and calf roping,” said Elizabeth Lizberg, CRG executive director. “What’s most different, and it’s going to be gorgeous, is honoring our heroes, including Adam West.” A Sun Valley resident, West, who passed away

St. Luke’s Bone Marrow Program Expands Life-Saving Care

Kris Nardecchia, left, with Raimey Dennehy and Sarah Curtis, right, at last year’s Share Your Heart Ball, in Sun Valley. Photo by Dana DuGan

in June 2017, was a frequent donor to CRG over the years. “One of his last wishes was to donate in his name,” Lizberg said. “It’s a tribute to us. He even helped with the auction one year. Our name was everywhere after he died, including in L.A. when they lit the bat light and in his hometown of Walla Walla [Wash.] on Adam West Day. Beyond the fact that he was Batman, it’s fitting for our theme, which is celebrating heroes. “Before he died, West had agreed to auction one of his own artwork. His family is coming and we’re auctioning his piece off. The whole night is really about the heroes of the children and families and, of course, the donors.” Lizberg said they anticipate a sellout event again this year. “This event truly raises funds for the programs, back to what we’ve said all along,” she said. “It’s about the kids, and we’re staying focused.” For more information on Camp Rainbow Gold and Share Your Heart, visit shareyourheartball.org tws

St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) in Boise announced this week it is the first site in Idaho that can collect donations for the national “Be The Match” registry. More than 14,000 people a year need a stem cell or blood and marrow transplant to survive, since some cancers prevent their own cells from developing normally. Instead, they must rely on donors with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) through community “Be The Match” events. For potential donors in the Mountain West, being a match meant traveling to Seattle, Salt Lake City or Denver to make that donation. As well, if potential donors couldn’t immediately clear their schedules, it cost patients precious survival time. “With St. Luke’s now designated as an official donation center, donors can have their stem cells collected right here in Boise,” said Jody Acheson, Bone Marrow Transplant/Hematologic Malignancies Program manager for MSTI. “The cells are then shipped to wherever the patient is that needs them. The hope is this will remove the barriers that prevent donation, and lead to more people stepping forward to help.” MSTI recently conducted its first life-saving donation. A man who signed up to be a donor 20 years ago finally got a call this week that he was a match. According to NMDP/Be The Match, nearly 40 percent of donors travel outside of their region to donate because there is no collection site nearby. This now “decreases costs, allowing us to serve our donors and patients more effectively,” said John Philpott, NMDP’s community engagement representative. “Most importantly, it increases the speed and efficiency with which we can deliver life-saving marrow transplants to the thousands of patients Be The Match serves each year.” St. Luke’s MSTI had to meet specific requirements to earn designation, which took more than a year. Two donations have already been processed so far. Several more are scheduled this month.

Argyros Performing Arts Center Update To Be Held

With only 10 months to go in construction of the Argyros Performing Arts Center, there will be a talk to discuss construction and fundraising. The free and open meeting will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Silver Creek Room at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ketchum Mayor, Council Consider New City Hall Option

The Ketchum City Council took its first step in finding a new home for city administrative offices and the police department. On Monday, the council approved spending $25,000 to secure an option-tobuy on an existing building in the city’s downtown. If the city does not move forward on the option, the payment will not be returned. If the option is exercised, the $25,000 will go toward the sale price. According to Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw, the building, which has three stories and more than 11,000 square feet, would meet the city’s needs, now and into the future. Purchasing the option immediately is important because it secures the right to purchase the building and allows time for the city to get community input. “Given that the city has been trying to solve this facilities puzzle for a long time, I’m very encouraged by the emergence of this new opportunity,” Bradshaw said. “During the option period, not only will we seek community feedback, but we will also undergo detailed due diligence on the building as well as compare it to other options.” The property being considered is located at 191 W. Fifth Street, on the corner of Fifth Street and Second Avenue. Known as the “Fifth Street Building,” it was built in 1996 and is compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, one of Bradshaw’s key initiatives in bringing the City of Ketchum into compliance. The selling price is $3.1 million, which Bradshaw noted is much less than the cost of purchasing real estate and then undergoing new construction. “We believe this can be done without burdening taxpayers and without going out for a bond or incurring debt,” Bradshaw said. “There is plenty of study and consideration ahead—we’re just at the start of a thorough and thoughtful review process.” Bradshaw said city staff will hold an open house at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at City Hall to present more details of the proposal to residents and gather feedback.

sun THE WE EKL the weekly

Idaho Athletes To Compete In Winter Olympics

With the XXXIII Winter Olympics scheduled to begin Thursday, athletes from around the world are descending on Pyeongchang, South Korea. From the United States, there will be about 242 athletes competing, including six with ties to Idaho. These include former Boise State track athlete Nick Cunningham (bobsled), former Idaho track athlete Sam Michener (bobsled), Sun Valley resident Hilary Knight (women’s hockey), Hailey native Chase Josey (halfpipe), Idaho Falls native Jessika Jenson (slopestyle and big-air), one-time member of the Sun Valley Ski Team Simi Hamilton (cross-country ski), and the youngest member of the U.S. Ski Team, 22-yearold Victor native Breezy Johnson (Alpine ski). Knight will play in her third Olympics, having won silver medals with her team in both Vancouver (2010) and Sochi (2014). Josey, 22, won his first Toyota U.S. Grand Prix event two weeks ago, the second major victory of his career. He won a bronze medal at the 2016 Winter X Games and ranks 12th in the FIS World Cup standings. Jenson, 26, is headed to her second Olympics after finishing 13th in women’s slopestyle at the 2014 Olympics. Slopestyle, which made its Olympic debut in 2014, includes a course with three jumps and three rails. NBC will broadcast the Olympics opening ceremony early Friday in the U.S., but will re-air it that evening. Otherwise, most events will be aired in real time with evening replay beginning each day at 6 p.m., MST.

On Sunday, Bellevue Mayor Chris Koch, always at the ready, showed up promptly to help with diversion activities from the flooding across Spruce Street at 3rd, 4th and 5th streets. Photo by Mandi Iverson

With the unseasonably warm weather in the m Bellevue was unable to drain properly and wat

A backhoe from Sluder Construction dug holes to help floodwater drain into the ground. Photo by Mandi Iverson

Mark Martin place. Photo

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 7 - 13, 2018

LY S CENE

SPONSORED FEATURE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Wood River High School junior Luke Dean with the transmitter to control the full-size robotic car in the project performed by the physics and robotics team. Courtesy photo by Chris Cey

LUKE DEAN

mountains after freezes, snow and ice are melting rapidly in the Wood River Valley. The Eccles-owned field in northeast ter spilled down neighboring streets. Photo by Mandi Iverson

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

uke Dean, a junior at Wood River High School, is an aspiring engineer, a strong athlete, and a motivated student who excels in math, French, physics, and robotics. “Over the past three years, Mr. [Chet] Olson, my French teacher, has inspired me to enjoy the language and have confidence speaking it,” Dean said. “When I was working at L.L. Green’s two summers ago, I was able to use my skills to help a French customer who didn’t speak a word of English, and that was really neat.” Dean also enjoys his time in Kevin Lupton’s engineering lab, working on VEX robotics projects over many lunch periods and late nights. “Mr. Lupton’s creative teaching style and our hands-on experiences in his classroom really suit my learning style,” Dean said. “We work in small teams that code, build, and drive robots designed to meet specific engineering challenges. The 20172018 challenge is stacking plastic cones on goals within a 12-footby-12-foot field. We compete with students across Idaho and around the world. This season, all the WRHS teams, including my own, will be competing at the Idaho State Championships in March.” Dean is especially proud of the code he and his teammate have written to control the robot. “I’ve been interested in engineering ever since I was very young,” Dean said. “An electronics kit I received for Christmas one year turned out to be a great way to teach myself the basics, and I continue learning on my own. For my sophomore Personal Project, I built an electronic rocket launcher from scratch and

was psyched when it worked perfectly in the final presentation.” Since then, he has built myriad other projects to further his knowledge in the field. In addition to the challenges of academics and robotics, Dean has a passion for sports—especially alpine skiing and mountain biking. “I’ve been downhill and cross-country skiing since I was little,” he said. “These days, I ski recreationally on weekends with my friends.” Dean is also co-captain of the Wood River Mountain Bike Team, a role he has played for the past year. “I thrive on the adrenaline rush of the sport and the camaraderie I have with my teammates,” he said. “In addition, Joel Zellers, the head coach of our bike team, has had a tremendous positive influence on me. It’s because of his leadership that our team has been so successful.” Dean has lived in the Wood River Valley since he was 2 years old. “I am an only child, and I’m lucky to have the support and encouragement of my parents in everything I do,” he said. “The three of us have always been a tight unit.” After graduation, Dean plans to study engineering in college, where he hopes to take his skills to the next level. “I’m excited about pursuing engineering at the college level and expanding my current knowledge into new areas. The opportunities are endless.” Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact JoEllen Collins at joellencollins1@gmail.com. tws

This Student Spotlight brought to you by the Blaine County School District

Our mission is to inspire, engage, educate, and empower every student. and Walker Sand & Gravel delivered sandbags, and many residents came out to help with the efforts of putting them in by Mandi Iverson

BLAINESCHOOLS.ORG

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 7 - 13, 2018

Fishing R epoRt

PET COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 7 - 13, FROM PICABO ANGLER

e can’t say enough great things about the fishing right now! The conditions, although not great for skiing, are epic for fishing. Warm afternoons and clear skies are in the forecast and the fishing should remain strong through the next few months. If you are looking for something fun to do, or even looking to learn how to fly-fish, now is the time! We have literally waited years for the conditions we have on Silver Creek right now. With a foot of visibility, the fish are chasing Streamers with abandon. Cast, strip and take a step, then repeat. Move down the river fishing a Steamer like this, on a tight line. Fish heavy tippets—up to 2X and even 1X if it’s cloudy. Just stay on the move and you’ll get some great fish. Basic Buggers are all one needs. If you hook up, give that area a few extra minutes as the fish are congregating in certain spots. They will often hit the fly multiple times before they hook themselves on the tight-line technique. If you go through a turn or section without as much action, be ready, as that is probably where the BIG one lives. The giant browns and rainbows that are solitary will protect their area from other fish, driving them away to have an area all to themselves. So, just because you don’t get a quick strike in a great-looking area, don’t give up! Just change your stripping speed and depth a little bit and see if that induces a strike. The Big Wood and Lower Lost are also fishing really well. A mix of dry-fly action and Nymphing with Midge patterns is all one needs. Fish them under a strike indicator in tandem. We like to fish two colors—normally red and black. Once we find which color the fish are keyed on, we’ll switch both flies to that one color. Try olive colors, browns and tans, as well. Finally, don’t be deceived by the nice weather. The water in all our rivers is very, very cold right now and if you travel to fish, please be sure to bring an extra set of warm, dry clothes to change into, should you decide to inspect the river a little too closely! Enjoy the fishing conditions. We have guides available and free access to private water on our winter guide trips. Happy fishing, everyone!

Hwy 20 in Picabo info@picaboangler.com (208)788.3536 www.picaboangler.com

MARIAH’S PUPPY JOURNEY – INSTINCTUAL BEHAVIORS BY FRAN JEWELL

t’s been a long few weeks of not much sleep for me, and even less for Mariah. The puppies are growing so quickly. Their eyes are just about ready to open now. Soon, I will begin incorporating the puppies into my “pack.” I have three other boys that have been more than curious about the puppies. But, what began as a journey through precious puppyhood has filled me with extraordinary experiences not many will get a chance to see in their lifetime. I am not encouraging anyone to go out and breed their dog to experience these incredible behaviors. Having a litter of puppies means a huge commitment to their welfare for their entire lives, and their owners with them, as the pups grow and get old. I do, however, hope to share some of these astonishing observations with you to help you see into the world of who dogs are. Even for a young dog, Mariah’s instincts came into play even weeks before her puppies were born. She started looking for places to “nest” or “den” to have her puppies. Since she lives in the house with me, she would look under tables and in corners. She would dig at the carpet and spin around and around. When she was outside, she continued her quest to find a place to have her babies. I put up her whelping box and started encouraging her to be in there by giving her some meals and treats whenever I saw her go there. I gave the whelping box a name and called it the “puppy place.” The day the puppies were born, Mariah’s denning instinct became even more apparent with frantic and desperate behavior. As each puppy was born, she knew exactly what to do. She immediately and gently removed each birthing sack from the puppy and began licking and cleaning the puppy so the puppy would be stimulated to breathe. As each baby came, she was more experienced. She knew what to expect, and, after each birth of a new puppy, she soon began to check on the others born before. She would push them to her side for nursing and warmth, and then began licking their bottoms to stimulate their digestive systems. Puppies are not able to “go” on their own without the mother dog’s help for the first two weeks. I gave Mariah her privacy from the other dogs during the birthing. Once the birthing was over, I provided her with more privacy and time to bond with her pups, taking my other dogs past her by holding their collars and leading them to the back door. As the days continued, the other dogs gave her room on their own and passed quickly to get outside. Then, a new behavior arose. Mariah, who adores her pack, started protecting the puppies from the other dogs. She would run out of the puppy place and herd the other dogs away. If they came too close, she would nip them or give them a “hard eye,” letting them know, in no uncertain terms, that they

The birthing event of puppies is wonderment to us because, when we watch, instinctual behaviors are so prevailing and clear. Having puppies is a lifelong commitment to each puppy and its new home, until they are old and gray. Photo by Fran Jewell

were not to come near. This is not aggression, but natural protective instinct. Dogs are still 99.9 percent wolf by their DNA. Along with that comes “instinctual” behaviors we humans are sometimes unable to see. When you experience the birth of a litter of puppies, you run head-on into those behaviors and experience the wonder of those behaviors that were intended for survival in the wild. Instinct in dogs is not something we control; it comes “hard-wired” in every dog. Some dogs have more instinctual behavior than others. Regardless of how much we humans believe we have domesticated our dogs, they will always be dogs related to the wolf and have preprogrammed behaviors to help them survive. The birthing event so clearly captures this. Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call (208) 578-1565.

ACTIVE ART COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

COTTONWOODS IN WINTER

BY LESLIE REGO

couple weeks ago I wrote about the aspen tree and its triangular winter shape. The wispy upper branches are certainly an ubiquitous sight in the Valley during the cold months. Another common shape is the broader outline of the cottonwood tree. Unlike the aspen, the cottonwood does not narrow at the top but spreads out, forming a half circle or at least a portion of a circle. The cottonwood’s trunk is much chunkier than the aspen. It is not as supple either, and breaks easily. When this happens, an auxiliary branch takes over, transforming itself into the main trunk. The many fractures of the branches are noticeable in the winter. Without the leafy coverage, I always think the cottonwood tree has a clumsy and awkward outline. The cottonwood also has many more branches than the aspen. All these branches and subsequent twigs overlap every which way, producing a helter-skelter look. The limbs leave the trunk of the cottonwood at a less acute angle than they do in the aspen. They continue their journey in a slight curve toward the rounded top. Many of them form “elbows.” At the ends are tiny knob-like protrusions. These

Leslie Rego, “Aspen and Cottonwood Tree Tops,” nib pen and ink, watercolor.

protrusions really stand out against a deep blue sky. Spring blooms are housed in these knobs. Each species of tree has general characteristics but within the boundaries of these established attributes a tree can still appear odd. Perhaps there is a

branch that twists in growth, or takes a tortuous bend. Maybe one side of the tree is sheered off from the wind and branches follow the natural growth pattern only on the windless side. These quirky developments are apparent in the winter. If one knows the normal growth patterns

within a species of tree, even the most bizarre tree becomes instantly recognizable. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit leslierego.com

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2018

COLUMN ON LIFE’S TERMS

410 NORTH NAOMI STREET, A SWEET RECOLLECTION

of Tuscany and Umbria, my memory and dreams are dominated by 410 North Naomi Street, in BurLast week I drove by the first home I remem- bank. ber, upon a hill off 19th Street, overlooking GoldI have recurring nightmares where I am trying en Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge in San to get to a plane to go home and can’t seem to dial Francisco. The last time I saw it a few years go, it a phone or catch a bus to an airport. Thus, I am was an uninhabited wreck but has been renovat- unable to connect with my father, who is planning ed and now resembles our lovely home two doors to meet me, and I consistently imagine my mother from my kindergarten friend and two blocks from awaiting me at Naomi Street, either Columbus elementary school. We in the old house or a remodel. Inlived there until I was seven but variably, I am shocked that she is moved to Southern California bestill alive or has an altered appearcause of an illness in the family reance and wonder how this person quiring special hospitalization. could be my mother. Nonetheless, I I remember it well, but there is yearn for that home. a more modest though important Psychological analyses aside, place my family finally found in why that place? Perhaps, in spite of Burbank, California, where I lived unrequited adolescent crushes and from sixth grade until I went to thinking I was too skinny, I was college. It is the most memorable truly happy there. My family was home of my life. It was a small, loving and affectionate, and I had post-WWII cookie-cutter tract a vibrant circle of good friends. I house meant for returning veterans JoEllen Collins—a longtime could cuddle my terrier when and built in a time of great opti- resident of the Wood River sad, walk to school and the public mism about our country’s future. Valley— is an Idaho Press swimming pool, hang out at Bob’s Though now considered “chic” as a Club award-winning colum- Drive In, or take my pals in “Denmid-century modern, it was in re- nist, a teacher, writer, fabric ton,” my ancient car, to see the ality quite ordinary, and, except for artist, choir member and latest movies in Hollywood, at the the lush garden my mother created unabashedly proud grandma Egyptian, Pantages, or Grauman’s known as “Bibi Jo.” in our backyard, plain and simple. Chinese. It certainly was not at all like some of the draIt was a relatively wholesome and safe time, matic homes I later inhabited. Instead of center- when kids could play kick-the-can or hide-anding on the home in Malibu (not on the beach but go-seek on the neighborhood street until called with a spectacular sunset view), or the cozy log for dinner, and a TV presence which stirred envy home alongside the East Fork of the Big Wood of the lives of the rich and famous was minimal. River in Idaho, or the flat a couple of blocks away Actually, I think Naomi Street housed the sweet from St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames in Lon- innocence of my youth. don, or even the Italian farmhouse near the border BY JOELLEN COLLINS

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

STARTER BIRDS

BY HARRY WEEKES

cross the country, the increasing light of February portends the movement of birds—a great, twitchy mass flocking to points north. In many places, the result is what I call “an impossibility of sparrows” or “an unlikelihood of warblers,” both examples referring to my inability to identify these species with any reliability. Thank goodness for ducks. If you are beginning birding, and you should, start with ducks. We see the world in cartoons. Our first exposure to something is often when the object or idea is most a caricature of itself. This is why ducks, especially ducks here, now are the perfect starter birds and, ultimately, the gateway drug to the other feathered friends that populate our world. It is not a stretch to say that there is little difference between a live duck and a cartoon, especially during winter and early spring. Males and females and species are easily distinguished by their colors and patterns. The birds are generally large, relatively patient, and mostly move back and forth in carnival game-like fashion, where they’ll chortle and grunt and quack while you sit as long as you want with a book open, figuring out what you’re looking at. And the ducks will easily and willingly yield their identities, leading to many moments of “It’s this one!” The how of “ducking” is pretty straightforward: you, an open stretch of water, binoculars, and a bird book, with the final two not really necessary. The why is a bit more elaborate. Why should you do this? Why should you stand or sit or walk and stare at a bunch of feathered dinosaurs bobbing on some pond? Well, there’s that dinosaur thing, for one (which is just plain awesome). Then, there is what birds reveal. Some of what is revealed is immediately obvious, like our natural affinity to count things (in my two scans of the Indian Creek pond, I got to 148 birds). Then, there is our penchant to categorize and catalog the world—you’ll notice ducks that ride high, others that come in low, and right away recognize that what appeared as one mass of ducks is actually masses of different kinds of

LETTER TO THE EDITOR DAVID PATRIE

The School Levy Is About the Kids And Our Community’s Future

I am the parent of a kindergartener in the Blaine County School District and I support the BCSD levy. Many parents I know also support the levy because the quality of our kids’ education is important to us. The state simply does not provide sufficient funding to properly educate our kids. The fact is Idaho ranks 50th in per-student spending among all states. Idaho also ranks 50th in average weekly wages among all states and the District of Columbia. Think about that for a minute. There is little doubt these two statistics are related and our kids deserve better. I have heard opponents say enough already, but our options are really limited. With the state dropping the ball on education, more and more school districts are turning to levies to provide adequate funding for their students. Blaine County is not alone. Failure to approve the levy risks not only keeping Idaho at the bottom of the

heap on education and wages, we risk putting Blaine County at the bottom of the heap in Idaho. This levy is also about what our community’s economic future looks like. If you are concerned about your property values, remember that a well-funded quality school district is essential to maintaining your property’s value. A local levy is absolutely necessary to provide our kids the resources they need to succeed in life. I paid property tax to the BCSD for 18 years before I had a child enter the schools, and I supported every levy in those years because it’s good for our entire community’s future. I hope this Valley continues to value public education. With our kids’ futures and our community in mind, please vote in favor of the levy March 13. David Patrie Ketchum resident

LETTER TO THE EDITOR LEN HARLIG

School Funding

I attended the School District’s Board of Trustees meetings for the past two months to hear their discussions about education funding, possible levies, and the future of education in Blaine County. The District’s Board of Trustees clearly understands that the present yearly budget exceeds the state-regulated funding that is available. The Board and its Superintendent have cut $3 million in spending over the past three years in an effort to balance their annual budget. The Board needs to evaluate if further cuts can be made without undermining the quality of education that Blaine County provides its children. It will take time to complete this assessment because the Board wants the community, including parents, children, teachers, staff, and taxpayers, involved in decisions about how best to accomplish the goal of having a balanced budget and an exceptional education system. As the Board begins this longterm discussion with the community about how to reconcile future

funding levels and standards of excellence, the Board proposes to reallocate the remainder of the current Plant Facilities levy. Currently, $5.98 million a year goes to the Plant Facilities levy, which expires in two years. By reallocating $2.99 million of the $5.98 million to a Supplemental Levy of $2.99 million, which can be used for operating expenses, and dropping the Plant Facilities collection to only $2.99 million a year, there will be no increase in total District property taxes; but it provides time to make thoughtful adjustments for future expenditures. Both levies expire in two years. I support the two-year reallocation and ask that Blaine County residents vote in favor of the ballot question on March 13 because it maintains the present level of quality education for our children over the next two years. Thank you for putting our kids first. Len Harlig Blaine County resident

LETTER TO THE EDITOR COURTNEY HAMILTON Mallard landing in approach. Photo by Bert de Tilly accessed via Wikimedia Commons

ducks—some in big rafts of similar members, others in little clusters, and still some in pairs. Ten to 20 minutes in a bird book, and you’ll start to name them, happily—mallard, gadwall, wigeon, goldeneye, ring-necked. With even a casual glimpse across the water, you will notice that we also like to characterize and anthropomorphize: the buoy-like, butts-up bobbing of Mallards is playful, and the belly-preening, webbedfoot whacking sidestroke of a Barrow’s goldeneye leads to a whispered, “What’s that little rascal up to?” Each of these revelations is fantastic. Birds also reveal something else, though. Something bigger. Something as palpable as it is ineffable. We haven’t moved away from nature with a 180-degree turn, barreling off to modernity in the opposite direction. Rather, our connection to the natural world, or our disconnection, runs in parallel. Maybe it’s the ducks. Maybe it’s the five or 10 or 20 minutes just sitting and watching. Maybe it’s the mountains lighting up in the background. Maybe it’s all of them. But very quickly you realize you only have to reach out the slightest bit and a memory awakens. Like a bird, something stirs. Harry Weekes is the founder and Head of School at The Sage School in Hailey. He has lived in the Wood River Valley and within five miles of the same mountain for the last 46 years.

Our Schools Need Us And We Need Them

The upcoming school district levy vote on March 13 is about much more than our schools. Quality public schools are one of the single biggest factors in attracting and maintaining talent and businesses that help our local economy thrive, and if we don’t continue to support Blaine County’s high-quality public schools, then all of us will suffer. Public school funding is shrinking and being cut left and right across our country, and it’s at its absolute lowest in Idaho. Programs such as athletics, debate, arts, foreign language and music are disappearing rapidly across Idaho, and a vast majority of school districts are currently running on supplemental levies just to keep their doors open, let alone maintain these programs. We in Blaine County are lucky to still have many of these programs alive and well in our schools, and it’s up to us to fill the funding gap to keep them alive, so that we can not only better educate our children, but also maintain a strong local economy reliant on quality

of life and public education. Without consistent local funding sources for the foreseeable future, the school district will have to resort to cutting programs and terminating employees until they meet their budget. There’s no alternative option—this is what education financing looks like in today’s world, and it’s up to us to embrace the importance of education for the future of our Valley and the future of our world. This levy is simple; it costs you nothing. It just redirects funds toward the more costly budget items so the school district can pay their bills. It’s a first step in meeting our kids’ educational needs as our revenues are shrinking and there will be more choices in the future. This first step has no direct cost to you, but the alternative is a huge cost for our Valley. Please support this levy and join me in the discussion about how we keep our schools and communities strong moving forward. Courtney Hamilton Ketchum resident

T H E W E E K LY S U N •