19 April 2017 by The Weekly Sun

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

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APRIL 19 - 25, 2 0 1 7 | V O L . 1 2 - N O . 1 6 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Environment News Earth Day To Highlight Seed Saving

Nonprofit News Camp Rainbow Gold To Appeal P&Z Denial

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Kids Camps Special Section See Insert

~Native American proverb

Pac-Man rides up Bald Mountain on Saturday during the first weekend of Sun Valley Co.’s “Baldy Bash” end-of-the-season celebrations. Joining him are three ghosts from… For more information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Photo courtesy of Smiley’s Mountain Photo (www.smileysmtphoto.com)

Breaking News School Bus Rolls, Injuring Students

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

fly SUN

in the air

THIS WEEK A P R I L 1 9 - 2 5 , 2017 | VOL. 10 NO. 16

Education News School District Looks At New Budget

The Weekly Sun’s Calendar Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

Community Bulletin Board Find A Job, Odds & Ends

ON THE COVER Continued from page 1: …the classic video game. From left to right: Bashful (aka Inky), Shadow (aka Blinky) and Speedy (aka Pinky). For more information about this weekend’s Baldy Bash, see page 14. Photo courtesy of Smiley’s Mountain Photo (www.smileysmtphoto.com)

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Most flights are now available for booking online. United fall flights will be confirmed and available for booking online soon. The 2017 SUN summer/fall flight schedule can be found at www.flysunvalleyalliance.com REMINDER! SUN Airport CLOSED 8am June 5 – 8pm June 7 for runway maintenance Sign up here for airfare deal alerts and news too!

Wood River Orchestra will present its Spring Concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 23. For a story, see page 12. Photo courtesy of Wood River Orchestra

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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).

THE WEEKLY SUN STAFF 13 W. Carbonate St. • P.O. Box 2711 Hailey, Idaho 83333 Phone: 208.928.7186 Fax: 208.928.7187 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & AD SALES Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • brennan@theweeklysun.com NEWS EDITOR Dana DuGan • news@theweeklysun.com CALENDAR EDITOR Yanna Lantz • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Jean Jacques Bohl • Dick Dorworth • Jonathan Kane • Jennifer Smith news@theweeklysun.com INTERN Jill Palmer DESIGN DIRECTOR Mandi Iverson • 208.721.7588 • mandi@theweeklysun.com

Wood River Orchestra p r e s e nt s

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PRODUCTION & DESIGN Chris Seldon • production@theweeklysun.com ACCOUNTING Shirley Spinelli • 208.928.7186 • accounting@theweeklysun.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • publisher@theweeklysun.com DEADLINES Display & Community Bulletin Board Ads — Monday @ 1pm bulletin@theweeklysun.com Calendar Submissions — Friday @ 5pm calendar@theweeklysun.com www.TheWeeklySun.com Published by Idaho Sunshine Media, LLC

S u n d ay, A p r i l 2 3 , 2 0 1 7 | 4 p m W R H S Pe r f o r m i ng A r t s T h eate r 1 0 5 0 Fo x A c r e s R o a d | Ha i l e y w r c o r c h e s t ra .o r g F R E E CO N C E RT | D O N AT I O N S W E L CO M E

T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

NEWS ENVIRONMENT

City of Ketchum Airport Closure Planned for June Runway maintenance takes place from 8 a.m. on June 5 to 7 p.m. on June 7 – weather permitting. Updates at iflysun.com.

Register for Summer Youth Recreation Program Registration begins April 24 for the Summer Youth Recreation Program. The program offers tennis, gardening, art, golf, swimming, skateboarding, mountain biking, yoga, geocaching, and more. Register online at ketchumidaho.org/registration.Contact John Kearney at 726-7820 or jkearney@ketchumidaho.org.

Requests for Proposals PUBLIC ACCESS/REC USE - City requests plan for public access and recreational use at the Northwood Natural Area. Contact Jen Smith at 727-5081.

Collecting, saving and sharing seeds wil be the focus of Earth Day events. Photo by Dana DuGan

EARTH DAY OFFERINGS MARK THE HOLIDAY

Women’s Entrepreneur Event at KIC Join Boise State University Director of Economic Development Cece Gassner and KIC board member and author Kathryn Kemp Guylay on April 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. at 311 First Ave.

Public Notice MOTOR VEHICLE FUELING STATIONS: The Planning and Zoning Commission will continue the public hearing on text amendments on zoning regulations for fueling stations on Monday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. in Ketchum City Hall.

Public Meetings CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday • May, 1 • 5:30 pm • City Hall PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING Monday • May, 8 • 5:30 pm • City Hall

Keep Up With City News Visit ketchumidaho.org to sign up for email notifications, the City eNewsletter and to followus onFacebookand Twitter. Email questions and comments to participate@ketchumidaho.org.

BY COSMIN CRISTANI

he conversation about planet Earth and its health is a topical trigger point in politics and for the average citizen. Earth Day was created in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a staunch environmentalist who hoped to provide unity to the grassroots environmental movement and increase ecological awareness. The first Earth Day saw millions of Americans, including students of all ages, participating in rallies, marches, and educational programs. That same year, Congress passed the Clean Air Act, which remains one of the most significant and comprehensive air-quality laws in the world. Every year on April 22 more than a billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest observance in the world. In 1990, Earth Day became a global holiday with 141 countries

participating. In 1995, Sen. Nelson received the Medal of Freedom for his part in founding the influential holiday. Here in the Wood River Valley, environmental organizations come together to continue the conversation activated nearly 47 years ago. John Caccia, a founding member of the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, which helped form the Wood River Seed Library at The Community Library, helps put together events on Earth Day. “Seed stewards are people who take one or more variety of seed from his or her garden and share it with the community,” Caccia said. “The Earth Day Exchange has been going for three years to empower people to have more common sense and respect for their environment.” Around the world, seed banks are proliferating. One of the most important is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, in Norway, that currently houses more than 430,000

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specimens of plants from around the world, and has the capacity to hold 4.5 million seed samples. Organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance bring education and awareness to the importance of biodiversity in seed varieties. Seeds are essential to the maintenance of human, plant, and animal life. Seed libraries provide a valuable service by protecting these small but important resources and making the seeds accessible to home farmers. “Nowadays, only one out of 100 American citizens is a farmer,” Caccia said. “This is a very low number. And it’s getting no easier to make a living off of agriculture. Money is trumping the environment. Most farmers are buying seeds from chemical corporations. The seed exchange is a natural alternative.” For information on the seed exchanges and other earth-friendly events, visit woodriverseeds.net. tws

Thursday, April 20 Environmental Resource Center will screen Rachel Carson, a documentary at The Community Library, at 5:30 p.m. Carson’s 1962 book, “Silent Spring” warned the public of the impact of pesticides on the environment and unleashed an extraordinary national debate about science and safety. Saturday, April 22 Environmental Resource Center will celebrate with the Konditorei restaurant in Sun Valley on Earth Day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ERC will share information about its educational programs and initiatives that inspire and cultivate a healthy environment. Some of the items on the Earth Day menu will include earth-themed pastries, locally roasted organic and Fair Trade coffee, and Idaho beer and wine. As a show of the Konditorei’s commitment, the restaurant will donate 10 percent of the Earth Day event’s proceeds to the ERC. South Valley Seed Exchange at the Grange Hall in Hailey from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This exchange will include commercial seed vendors and potted plants for sale. If you have locally grown seeds to share, questions, concerns or ideas, and would like to participate in either of these events, contact Manon Gaudreau at anon8@cox.net. Garden, Seed and Local Food Fair at The Community Library in Ketchum from 3-6 p.m. This fair will have booths, speakers, food and beverages included. For more information, contact John Caccia at jc@mountainangels.com. Wednesday, April 26 Basic Seed Saving for Edibles and Native Wildflowers: The Community Library, Ketchum, from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn how to save seeds from your home garden or landscape and why it is important to do so. John Caccia, co-founder of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, and Kelley Weston, local native plant aficionado, will present this informative class. This presentation will provide easy-to-understand information and simple steps to help local growers rejoin the ancient, fun and vital practice of seed saving. Saturday, May 27 Sun Valley Wellness Festival will feature Dr. Vandana Shiva, the internationally acclaimed author, eco-feminist and seed activist, 7 p.m. at the Sun Valley Inn. Dr. Shiva is the founder of Navdanya, an agricultural research center that seeks to protect seed biodiversity and the livelihoods of small farmers. The organization believes that people should have a right to save and share seeds, and has created a seed bank that conserves only unpatented seeds. For tickets and more information, visit sunvalleywellness.org/portfolio/vandana-shiva.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Rachel Carson Documentary To Be Screened

Join the Environmental Resource Center at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 at The Community Library in Ketchum, for a showing of PBS’s newly released Rachel Carson documentary in honor of Earth Day. Rachel Carson inspired the modern environmental movement through the publication of her 1962 book, “Silent Spring.” The book warned the American public of the impact of pesticides on the environment and unleashed an extraordinary national debate about science and safety. This 120-minute documentary provides an illuminating and inspiring portrait of a seminal figure whose writings changed the course of the nation and are still highly relevant. Before and after the film, ERC staff will answer questions about its Pesticide Action program, which is working to reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers in the Wood River Valley. Additionally, students from Wood River High School’s W.A.T.E.R. Club will provide information on their current project, which is focused on native plants and the protection of local pollinators. For more information on this program, contact Hadley DeBree at (208) 726-4333 or hadley@ercsv.org.

The Peregrine Fund To Open ERC’s 2017 Spring Science Series

Join the Environmental Resource Center and College of Southern Idaho on Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m., April 19 through May 18, for the Spring Science Series. This program is offered in conjunction with the ERC’s Spring Exploration Series, which brings presenters from across the Northwest to all secondand third-grade classrooms in Blaine County during the school day. The presenters deliver exciting and interactive presentations on various scientific topics ranging from force and motion to unusual fossils to plant and animal life histories. Participating organizations this year are The Peregrine Fund, National Park Service’s Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Working Dogs for Conservation, Zoo Idaho, and the Idaho National Laboratory ESER [Environmental Surveillance, Education and Research] program. This program is free and family-friendly.

The Peregrine Fund will open the series this year on Wednesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. in the Minnie Moore Room at the Community Campus. They will present on raptor life history and will have live raptors for all to see. The series is supported by the College of Southern Idaho, Little Black Dress Club-Wood River, Knob Hill Inn, and Limelight Hotel. For more information on this or other ERC programs, visit ercsv.org or (208) 726-4333 or alisa@ercsv.org.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

NEWS NONPROFIT

CAMP RAINBOW GOLD BOARD TO APPEAL P&Z DENIAL

BY DANA DUGAN

fter having its conditional use permit denied by the Blaine County Planning and Zoning Commission in early April, Camp Rainbow Gold’s board of directors has decided to appeal the decision. The P&Z denied the request on April 6 by a 4-3 vote. Camp Rainbow Gold, a camp for Idaho children diagnosed with cancer and their families, has been in operation for 34 years and for the past 25 years has been held at the Cathedral Pines Baptist Camp north of Ketchum. The site for which the permit was applied lies east of the town of Triumph. Residents of East Fork Road and other oponents to the proposal have said the camp, as planned on the 260-acre property east of Triumph, wasn’t right for the area, which is zoned for one home per 40 acres. Issues of traffic concerns, protecting wildlife and noise were also top most in opponents’ minds. Present at the hearing were many residents of the East Fork and Triumph areas as well as Camp Rainbow Gold board president Jeremy Chou, executive director Eliz-

abeth Lizberg, various board members and members of the team associated with the project. “It was a long evening,” Lizberg said. “The applicant and opposition were there to listen, but were not allowed to speak. The discussions mostly involved the impact on neighborhoods—it was very specific.” In fact, of the nine standards on which the commission did a straw vote, six received yes votes. The standards that received a no vote were: • Will (the project) be harmonious with and in accordance with the general objectives or with any specific objective of the comprehensive plan and/or this title; • Will (the project) be designed, constructed, operated and maintained to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and that such use will not change the essential character of the same area. All outdoor lighting shall comply with chapter 29A of this title; • Will (the project) not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or future neighboring uses.

Five days after the decision, Camp Rainbow Gold’s board decided to move ahead with an appeal. “We’re still identifying our strategy,” Lizberg said. “The findings will be released at a (Blaine County Planning & Zoning Commission) hearing Thursday, April 27. We will have 20 days after that to turn in an appeal. Then the commissioners have time to respond. We are putting all our energy on this. Right now we’re focused on following through on this piece of property.” Tom Bergin, the land use and building services director for Blaine County, explained that after the appeal is received, the Blaine County Board of Commissioners can review, approve, support or modify the decision. “They can even disagree [with the P&Z's decision],” Bergin said. “They might remand it by sending it back and have [the P&Z] approach it from a different direction for reconsideration.” The process will not happen overnight. Bergin said whether Camp Rainbow Gold stays in Blaine County and builds on the East Fork property will probably not be finalized until sometime this summer. tws

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

NEWS EDUCATION

SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSIDERS NEW BUDGET

• Department budgets: $100,000 • School budgets: $100,000 uring the regular April meeting of the • Communication supply budget: $10,000 Blaine County School District School • Transportation: $310,000 Board of Trustees, district superintendent • Transferring district food services employees GwenCarol Holmes and district business managto Chartwells, a food contractor: $75,000 er Brian Pletcher unveiled the district’s proposed • Community Campus and facilities use: $50,000 budget for the fiscal year 2017-2018. This budget • Professional development: $132,000 calls for $1.1 million in assorted cuts. The district • Technology department: $60,000 already cut $1.3 million from its budget last year. • Buildings and grounds: $60,000 In a document presented to the board, the district • Summer Friday closings of district office outlined four guiding principles (a total of six days): $20,000 behind the budget choices: • One teaching position: Provide support to accomplish $100,000 the district’s strategic plan goals. • Elimination of extended The final budget may Prioritize and provide equity be different from the one contracts in student services: in resources to ensure all stu$11,500 dents meet and exceed standards. proposed.” • Donation of six days of Maintain district commitment salaries by the superintendent Ellen Mandeville to its class size policy, which valand year-round Trustee ues small classes. administrators: $30,000 Maintain a balanced budget while building an unassigned Last year the $1.3 million cuts fund balance. created quite a controversy among some district The budget document also states that the district patrons. There were two rancorous town hall meetanticipates revenues of $53,635,192 for 2017-18. ings held respectively by school board members The two main sources of revenue are state funding, Cami Bustos and Rob Clayton in which those in disbursed through a state formula, which does not attendance expressed strong opposition to the profavor Blaine County (due to a higher income level), posed cuts. An online petition opposing some of and the stabilization levy paid via property taxes. the cuts received about 300 signatures. Ultimately, The latter is still frozen at the 2006 levels. It also the district submitted an amended budget restoring anticipates $54,794,193 in expenses, $1,177,000 of some of the original eliminated positions, includwhich is the cost of certified employees (teachers) ing the Latino Outreach Liaison and the Special moving on the salary schedule. The desired cuts Services Parent Liaison. will offset that additional expense. The budget voting process takes about two Final numbers will have to wait for the conclu- months. The school board will discuss this prosion of the annual negotiations between the district posal further during its May 9 regular meeting. A and the Blaine County Education Association. The final vote is expected during the June 13 budget negotiations will start on April 25 and will be con- meeting. sidered in early May. “Ultimately, it is the board who votes the budThe proposed cuts are across the board and in- get,” said Ellen Mandeville, board member. “The clude: final budget may be different from the one proposed.”

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BY JEAN JACQUES BOHL

tws

NEWS IN BRIEF

YMCA Hires New CEO

The Wood River Community YMCA announced that it has hired a new chief executive officer. Jason Shearer is an accomplished and respected leader with 20 years of YMCA experience. He began working at the Ketchum YMCA on April 1. His family will move from their home in Missoula, Mont., later as they complete the school year. Shearer was most recently a CEO with the Golden State YMCA in Visalia, Calif. He has also served in various roles at the Missoula Family YMCA beginning in 1995, where he worked his way up from marketing and membership director to associate executive director and interim CEO. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Montana in Missoula.

School Of Music To Present Honors Recital

WOW-Students Work At Community Service

Student leaders and Wow-Students collaborated for Wood River High School’s second annual “Senior Day” community service project last Tuesday, April 11. For three hours that morning, the 220 WRHS seniors ventured out in groups to complete acts of generosity for local nonprofits. Projects included working with the City of Hailey to make sandbags to deal with flooding in the Wood River Valley, organizing The Attic to help The Advocates, working in The Hunger Coalition’s Hope Garden, and helping the Blaine County Recreation District with spring bike path cleanup. After a morning of community service, the students had a group lunch before listening to leaders from the respective nonprofits will remark on the impacts of the seniors’ work on their organizations. Students shared their experiences and the impact that the acts of generosity had on them. Wow-Students donated $25 on behalf of each student to the nonprofit with which he or she worked and, at the end of the day, representatives from Wow-Students presented a check to the respective nonprofits on behalf of the students. The WRHS Senior Day community service project, partnered with Wow-Students, is now in its second year under the leadership of principal John Pierce. The program has been successful in engaging students with their community and has left a positive impact on the seniors and local nonprofits alike. “Projects like the WRHS Senior Day are the lynchpin of our organization. Morley Golden, Wow-Students founder, said, “After these ‘generosity experiences,’ the students report feeling a stronger sense of empathy, a better understanding of the world around them, and the joy of giving. It’s really a win-win.”

The Sun Valley Summer Symphony will present its School of Music Honors Recital at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater at the Community Campus in Hailey. The School of Music’s signature concert of the spring season will feature 21 students selected to appear in the program based on their outstanding performances in auditions for a panel of faculty members. Symphony School of Music string, piano and voice students will perform a wide variety of classical and contemporary pieces from Chopin, Bruch, Grieg and Vivaldi to Gershwin and Rodgers & Hart. The concert is free of charge and open to the public. “This performance is an opportunity for us to showcase the exceptional work that goes on during the year at the School of Music,” said Kim Gasenica, educational director at the School of Music. The concert is expected to include about 90 minutes of music and the announcement of the Carol Nie Outstanding Music Student Award winner. The annual award is named in honor of former SVSS board president and founder of the School of Music, Carol Nie. The Sun Valley Summer Symphony School of Music provides tuition-free, year-round music-educational programs for students, grades 4 through 12.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

NEWS BREAKING

SCHOOL BUS ROLLS, INJURING STUDENTS BY JENNIFER SMITH WITH JEAN JACQUES BOHL AND

DANA DUGAN

t 12:49 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, a Blaine County School District bus rolled over near mile marker 175 on Idaho State Highway 26/93 east of Shoshone, while traveling from the Carey School to a track meet in Gooding. Aboard the bus were 39 students, three adults and the bus driver, identified as Rick Mecham. There are no seat belts on the school buses. Many parents were alerted to the accident before the school was made aware of the event, due to students texting the news from their cellphones. Though another bus was immediately sent from Carey to the site, many parents went to the site to personally pick up their children. Nine stu-

dents were transported back to Carey by the second bus, where they and their parents adhered to a previously drilled “reunification” process. It was a very somber atmosphere at the school as parents of all-age students waited outside for the second bus to return and for more news. Adrenaline ran high and students at the school seemed scared, since information was filtering in via students onsite. Teresa Smith, the parent of an eighth-grader who was on the bus, was working as a substitute teacher. “It was a pretty scary deal when I heard,” she said. “My heart dropped, but when I heard no one had life-threatening injuries, I immediately said ‘thank you.’ I think they were protected. The school did a great job of informing everyone and taking care of everything.”

Smith’s son was one of the nine students who returned via the second bus. Another parent, who declined to give her name, said that with such a “tight-knit community, when one kid is hurt, it may as well be your own child.” Social workers will be on hand at the school today to help if needed. Lincoln County emergency responders took care of injuries at the site and at least five students were taken by air to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, with non-life-threatening injuries. Ambulances also transported students to facilities in Jerome, Gooding and to St. Luke's Wood River. Carey School Principal John Peck went immediately to the scene of the accident while Blaine County School Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes traveled to the Carey School.

A Blaine County School District school bus rolled over Tuesday afternoon, with 41 people, including students, aboard. Courtesy photo of Teresa Smith

There were no fatalities at the Tuesday. Follow The Weekly Sun scene. The Lincoln County Sher- on Facebook for daily updates on iff’s Office was unavailable for this developing story. comment at press deadline on

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hailey Issues Call For Artists

PHOTOS THE WEEKLY SCENE

The City of Hailey and Hailey Arts and Historic Preservation Commission seek Idaho artists and art students to submit two-dimensional artwork for a crosswalk and street exhibition, to be located on all four crosswalks across Main Street and an in-street design to be located at Carbonate Street. Crosswalk and street installation is planned for Saturday, June 10. Selected artists will be paid $500 for four crosswalks and $1,000 for the in-street design of Carbonate Street. There is no entry fee to apply. The following link graphically shows the locations for the art, and further explains the project: haileycityhall.org/documents/CrosswalkDesigns2017-Final.pdf. The deadline is April 25. The project is open to artists who reside full-time in Idaho. It’s open to artists regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or disability. Incomplete, ineligible or late applications won’t be reviewed. Design elements could celebrate the Hailey Farmers’ Market (for Carbonate Street), be inspired by the history of Hailey or the natural landscape of Idaho, utilize graphics that are bold in color and simple in design, and result in a design that doesn’t compete with safety-required white crosswalk lines. Applications must include: • 8-inch-by-11-inch colored designs for four crosswalks and Carbonate Street in the form of a hardcopy and electronic copy (maximum electronic size of 10 MB). • A one-page cover letter and/or artist statement describing how the proposed designs reflect the design guidelines. • Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of materials, if desired by artist. Artists are asked not to call the Arts and Historic Preservation Commission or City Hall to ask about the selection panel’s recommendations. Artists will receive notification of the decision by letter. Applications accompanied by return envelope with sufficient postage will be returned. Every effort will be made to ensure the safe handling of the submitted materials; however, the City of Hailey will not be responsible for any loss or damage. Applications and questions should be submitted to lisa.horowitz@haileycityhall.org.

POWER’s Services Support Solar Plant Projects In Sierra Leone

POWER Engineers, Inc., of Hailey, is providing services that will support the development of power generation in Sierra Leone, in West Africa, where only about 13 out of every 100 people have some access to electrical power. POWER’s services will support plans for a two-phase solar power project near Bo, the second largest city in Sierra Leone. The first phase involves a 5-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant and the second phase would add a PV-diesel hybrid plant of at least 20 MW and may include energy storage. Solar Era Holdings, Ltd., in Sierra Leone, will invest $9 million in the first phase of the project. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the U.S. government’s project preparation agency, awarded a grant to Solar Era of $856,000 for the feasibility study. POWER’s study will include evaluations of the solar generation potential, diesel hybrid and energy storage options that may reduce the need for diesel, electrical interconnection, and estimates of capital and operating costs. POWER also will develop bidding specifications for engineering, procurement and construction services. “We are pleased to be part of this first solar project in Sierra Leone, which will bring new sources of clean, renewable energy to the people of the region,” said Mike Long, POWER’s senior project manager. “Delivering reliable power will allow the country’s leaders to pursue their goals for economic growth.”

Group To Discuss Sawtooth Fire Contingencies

The Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative will hold an open meeting from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the Stanley Community Center in Stanley. Formed after the Halstead Fire burned 179,000 acres in 2012, the Wildland Fire Collaborative is a broad-based group of stakeholders that includes federal, city and county government, private landowners, businesses, and citizens. It is co-chaired by Steve Botti, president of the Stanley City Council, and Gary O’Malley, executive director of the Sawtooth Society. The meeting will present plans, which have been developed over the past four years, regarding prescribed fire and tree-thinning operations for two projects, of 3,000-4,000 acres each, to the west of Stanley on Hwy. 21 in the Salmon-Challis National Forest and Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to further explore the current implementation of the Road 210 project and tentative future projects between Redfish and Alturas lakes. Attendees are encouraged to attend and suggest any other wildfire hazard mitigation issues that are of interest. For more details and information, contact Steve Botti at sjbotti@gmail.com or Gary O’Malley at gary@ sawtoothsociety.org.

St. Luke’s To Hold Health Fair

Join friends and neighbors for a multicultural, family-friendly event featuring fun and exciting hands-on exhibits at St. Luke’s Discover Health Fair, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Community Campus, in Hailey. • Air St. Luke’s advanced lifesaving equipment • Check out local emergency response teams, vehicles, and equipment Health screenings, including skin cancer screenings (limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis), HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis, A1c (for those with diabetes, $5) • Prescription medication take-back disposal • Test drive a “drunk buster” go-cart to simulate drunk driving • Blood pressure checks, anatomy and fitness demos • Prenatal and parenting information • Car seat safety inspections and information (the regularly scheduled car seat safety inspection on Wednesday, April 19 is canceled) • Local health and wellness education, activities, resources, raffles, snacks . For more information, please call St. Luke’s Center for Community Health, (208) 727-8733.

Jury Deliberates In Bundy Standoff Trial

A federal jury started deliberating Thursday in the conspiracy trial of six people charged as gunmen in the April 12, 2014 Cliven Bundy standoff in Bunkerville, Nev. Among those six are two men from Hailey, Steven Stewart and Eric Parker. Defense attorneys, in closing arguments, insisted their clients had no knowledge of a conspiracy to threaten, intimidate and extort federal agents into abandoning roughly 400 cows seized from public land near Bundy’s ranch for lack of fee payment over many years. The defense strategy tried to show there had been misconduct of Bureau of Land Management officers. Defense attorneys played videos from days before the standoff, when authorities clashed with protesters. The videos showed law enforcement officers using stun guns, police dogs and physical force. Parker’s attorney, Jess Marchese, referenced one of the videos that depicted Bundy’s son, Ammon, with a bruised face after he was arrested several days before the standoff. “It was Eric’s belief that a man was arrested simply for taking photos,” Marchese said. Parker felt it was his obligation to protect the spectators watching from inside Toquop Wash. Jurors spent a full day at work on Monday before sending questions to the judge that appeared to suggest they may not reach a unanimous verdict for each defendant, said a report by the Associated Press on Tuesday.

SUN BULLET THE WEEKLY

NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT

Connection Recovery Support Group is back! Ongoing support group for people living with mental challenge; share coping strategies, offer encouragement, receive support. Every Thursday, 6:00 - 7:30pm. Sun Club (North Room), 731 N 1st Ave, Hailey. Info: 208-481-0686

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HORSE BOARDING

Top care for your horse very close to Hailey! Chemical-free environment on sustainable acre off Buttercup Road near trails. Riding arena and wellmaintained corrals. $500/mo. 720-6711

HOUSEKEEPING

Responsible, experienced & great references, housekeeper now accepting new clients. Free estimates available for: homes, condos & offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com, 208720-5973

HELP WANTED

Admin & Finance Assistant for the Animal Shelter The Administrative & Finance Assistant is responsible for the organization’s bookkeeping functions, including accounts payable/receivable, accurate entry of income and expenses, and general administrative support. Position as listed is part-time, but could have expanded duties if applicant is interested in full-time. Job description and application instructions at www.animalshelterwrv.org/contacts.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Highway Work To Begin Throughout Sou

Roadway rehabilitation and preservation will highlight many h throughout south-central Idaho beginning later this month, weat several projects along the Interstate 84 corridor and U.S. 93 in Tw counties. The largest paving projects will take place along I-84 and along projects on U.S. 93 will add a traffic signal at 500 South Road and through the 400 South intersection in Jerome County. Ongoing projects include three major bridge replacements, in Twin Bridges over the Snake River near Declo, the Big Wood Rive 75 near Ketchum, and the Big Wood River bridge on U.S. 20 at St of Timmerman Junction. Additionally, several other sections of ro pavement-preservation work, 15 bridge-preservation jobs, and m of roadway seal coats. The bridge projects at both St. Luke’s Wood River and Stanton ed last year, are ongoing and are each expected to be completed hospital bridge in late summer and Stanton Crossing by the end o “The micro-seal coat north from East Fork Road will like no specific start date has been determined, said Nathan Jerke, Id Department public information specialist. “By contract, it must b tween mid-June and the end of August. The same for the Magic t coat; no date has yet been set but will be complete in the heat o Overall, about $36 million of new construction work will be un southern Idaho in 2017.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

APRIL 19 - 25, 2017

SPONSORED FEATURE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

The mayhem begins as egg hunters take off in search of tasty prizes at Bell Mountain Village on Sunday. Photo by Brennan Rego

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Participant’s in Bell Mountain Village’s annual Easter Egg Hunt in Bellevue on Sunday pose with their booty after a successful search. From left to right: Joe Duvall, Asher Stouffer, Nolan Casperson, Evan Casperson and Gabe Avila. Photo by Brennan Rego

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Additional projects-specific information can be found at itd.idaho.gov/d4 under the construction tab. Traffic impact information can also be found at 511.idaho.gov after each project has been scheduled to begin.

Idaho Power Warns of Flooding

Idaho Power says localized flooding is a growing problem for residents as well as its electrical equipment. Residents should: • Stay away from flooded or submerged electrical equipment. • Call Idaho Power at (800) 488-6151 or within the Treasure Valley at (208) 388-2323. • If patrolmen deem an area unsafe, they may disconnect the equipment. This could result in a temporary power outage for nearby customers. It’s possible for the “green boxes” in subdivisions and elsewhere, which contain electrical equipment, to become submerged. Prevention options are limited; sandbags only work to divert flowing water, and standing water will seep through sandbags. Idaho Power patrolmen are looking for trouble spots and monitoring flooded facilities. Customers should contact Idaho Power immediately if they see submerged or flooded equipment. Increased flooding could result in power outages. While the electrical grid is designed to withstand these types of events, some small, localized outages have occurred. We are doing our best to provide safe and reliable electric service.

Adrian Martinez. Photo courtesy of Adrian Martinez

ADRIAN MARTINEZ Student looks to career in business

BY JONATHAN KANE

drian Martinez, a senior at Wood River High School carrying a 3.5 grade point average, is blessed to have a large, loving, extended family. While most of his free time is spent at work at the Sawtooth Brewery, Adrian still finds time to indulge in his love of cars, and next year plans to attend the College of Western Idaho with a plan to transfer to Boise State University to major in business management. Adrian grew up in the Wood River Valley with a large, extended family. Along with his immediate family, he has six aunts and uncles and 15 cousins in the Valley. “I love being in a large family, but sometimes it can be hard to interact, with so many things going on in everybody’s life,” Adrian said. “I look up to a lot of them, like my cousin in college, and my other cousin with his own diesel mechanics and trucking business in Colorado. “He is my real inspiration,” Adrian said of his Colorado cousin. “He came here from Mexico when he was five years old, went to high school in Colorado, studied diesel mechanics, and now has his own trucking company. It would be so great to run my own company.” Adrian recently visited this cousin. “I learned that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it, and nothing comes easy. I really want my own company based on the work experiences that I’ve had. I’ve trained a lot of people in a management position in restaurants and like to see them do well and to teach guys to be better at their jobs.” As to a career in the food industry, Adrian said, “I like cooking, but restaurants are a lot of pressure.” He also takes special pride in being a role model to his younger siblings. “My sister is entering high school next year. I like to talk to her about how to do better and what to avoid so you don’t lose focus. I really want her to do better than me as a student. She’s carrying a 3.7 gpa right now at the (Wood River) Middle School.” Adrian’s brother is 10 years younger. “I strive to teach him to be respectful and to not make fun of other kids,” Adrian said. “It’s just not good to be that kind of a person. I’m his role model and I want to make sure that he does everything well, whether as a student or as a son to my parents. It’s so important to be a good person at school or at home. Also, I want him to know how important it is to be himself. “I feel that if you are yourself, more people will like you than if you are a copy. I’ve learned that relationships with other friends can come and go, but the right ones will like you for who you are.” tws

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COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

Fishing R epoRt

PET COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 19 - 25 FROM PICABO ANGLER

ith less than a month and a half before opening day of fishing season in Idaho, now is the time to start going through your gear for the coming year. With our high water this season, you may want to make some subtle changes to the way you pack your gear and what you bring. Let’s start with safety. DO NOT go near the water this year without a wading belt. Take the time to make sure it fits and that it is worn tight. This 30 seconds of cinching things down tight could save your life in just as quick a moment. If you are feeling really bold, find a calm channel in the river (side channel) and lay down in your waders on your back. (Heck yes it will be cold!) Suck your gut in and fill your waders with air and then let your gut out, trapping the air behind your wader belt. Anglers have floated down the river on their backs this way in bad situations. It can be a life saver. It is good to practice. DO NOT bring your dog fishing this spring and early summer. The water is too high and each year we hear of people losing their dogs after being swept under log jams or heavy whitewater. It’s just not worth it. If you must fish with your dog, hike into high mountain lakes where you can fish stress-free. DO tell someone exactly where you are fishing. If you change your plans, ping someone and let them know! Better yet, always try to fish with a buddy. This will be a huge benefit to both of you. HAVE plenty of bug spray with you this summer. All this moisture and water we have this year is wonderful, and the bugs should agree. The same may be said for sunscreen. We are at high altitude; use it even on the cloudy days. The grass is NOT always greener on the other side… Don’t get tempted to cross a river because of a good-looking spot. If you stay on the move, you will find just as sexy a spot on the side you are already fishing on. When the water does finally drop to a crossing point, make a chain with a friend or two by holding each other’s forearms. It’s hard to get knocked over in a group! Check the report next week and we’ll go over changes to fishing gear for a high-water season. Happy fishing, everyone!

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

LET YOUR DOG MAKE THE CHOICE

BY FRAN JEWELL

ecently, I was told a story by someone that their 5-month-old puppy was going to a class and barking through the entire class. The instructor told the owner the dog has to decide when it is safe and then she will stop barking and not to correct the dog. So, what if the dog enjoys the barking? Will she stop? Dogs are not capable of making human socially acceptable decisions. Constant barking is not an acceptable behavior. We have to provide guidance for them to be comfortable. What concerns me is if the dog never feels safe because there is no leader to help her feel safe. What if the dog is really screaming for her owner to help keep her safe and the owner does nothing? In the real world, dogs get information about what is good behavior and what is not, even from their fellow dogs. If a dog decides to chase a skunk, he gets sprayed in the face—a natural consequence. If he decides to jump on the counter, he could bite a knife—another natural consequence. If a dog decides to bite another dog, the other dog will retaliate. Natural consequence. When we avoid providing meaningful, fair consequences, are we actually being fair and humane to the dog? Are we really providing a learning experience that he understands that has been programmed into him by nature? Not giving the dog all the information to make the correct decision is like going to the election polls knowing about only one candidate. Can you truly make an informed and critical decision that way? No, you can’t. We must know both sides of the issue to make good decisions. Dogs need the same thing. In fact, all animals must have consequences to survive among their species, and they need positive reinforcement to continue doing the behaviors that are productive. You cannot omit one in favor of the other—they work in concert with each other. The issue, as I see it, is that people have somehow come to the conclusion that all consequence is bad. They are afraid to even raise

Even puppies are aware of consequences to their behaviors. It’s not all positive reinforcement. Photo by Fran Jewell

their voice with a dog. Dogs raise their voices with other dogs all the time. They show their teeth, snarl, and posture (intimidate), among a plethora of other behaviors, to show that certain behaviors of another dog are not appropriate. The lack of consequences will not contribute to learning. In the same breath, it is important to not use more consequence than is necessary to encourage change. I think that it has become very difficult for humans to discern what the difference is between brutality and cruelty—and informed, fair and effective consequence when it comes to our dogs. And what that has done for our dogs is make them more uncomfortable, more fearful, more reactive, more aggressive than dogs have been in years past. We have been led to believe that somehow no consequences are better for dogs. I contend

that no consequence for bad behavior actually increase stress and stress-related behaviors for dogs. And, it increases our stress and reduces the tools we might need to help our dog become a good citizen. Dogs that disrespect their owners can be as abusive to the owner as it might be to use all punishment-based training for the dog. Use the three “F’s”—fair, friendly and firm. Be direct and use effective consequences in concert with lots of positive reinforcement for the great things our dogs do. 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

BROKEN BRANCHES

BY LESLIE REGO

he snow this year has been unusually wet and heavy, and as I look around, I see many broken branches. Some of the branches have completely fallen off and are strewn throughout the remaining snow and slowly emerging ground. Weathered sculptures will be formed around these pieces. Other branches are barely clinging to the trees, listlessly leaning to one side or another. The broken areas are full of jagged edges, creating a bit of abstract art. The tenuous holds are quite lovely. If the limb is not too broken, scars will form. Most likely these branches will continue to live and produce leaves. The tree will just take a detour from its normal growth pattern. The trees that show the wear and tear of the seasons are artistically interesting to me. There is a lot of history in these blemishes. I like that I can see how they have struggled but continued to mature. All along the trunks are markings where animals have clawed, winds have challenged

Leslie Rego, “The Abstract Nature of Broken Branches,” nib pen and brush, sepia ink.

the upright structure and winter nacity. The struggles of a tree has ravaged the limbs. The im- throughout time only add to its perfections add to the strength romance. and the character of the tree. I admire Nature and its te-

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 • A P R I L 19 - 25, 2017

COLUMN ON LIFE’S TERMS

REMEMBERING ROAD TRIPS

pressed the deep concerns of their generation. The song we sang most enthusiastically was ately, my columns have exhibited a bitter- Parton’s “Nine to Five.” Though we didn’t persweet sense of nostalgia. Of course, I en- ceive it then as a manifesto exposing women’s joy many activities now, this minute, and roles in the mode of the “Mad Men” workforce, I will grab them rather than wallow in sentimen- the melody and Dolly’s voice were infectious! We tality. However, sometimes events crop up which truly were enriched by those family sing-alongs. harken back to my younger days, memories often Luckily, my grandchildren also join their felaccompanied by a rueful sigh. low passengers in singing to CDs and radio, For example, I adored going on road trips when perhaps enjoying that as much as the solitary I was young, adventures still evident today but viewing of omnipresent videos and other game under quite different circumstances: on most of sources during long automobile excursions. our forays we experienced flat tires Last week, I recalled another reor other vehicular problems, so the minder of my youthful travel when travels weren’t always carefree. a Facebook post displayed several When I would drive my daughpictures of Burma Shave signs. ters to a dude ranch in Arizona They disappeared in the ’50s, but during spring break, we covered were there when I, as a very young long stretches on highways like girl, sat in the back seat of my parRoute 66, singing along with the ents’ Packard and drove from San memorable lyrics and music from Francisco to what then were far citthe likes of Cat Stevens, Linda ies like Los Angeles and other desRonstadt, Simon and Garfunkel, tinations. They were hallmarks of Dolly Parton, The Beach Boys, and advertising that entertained while Joan Baez. promoting products. Several signs Thus, I rejoiced when I saw the were spaced a sufficient distance Eagles honored by the Kennedy JoEllen Collins—a longtime apart along the roads in order for resident of the Wood River Center in this year’s awards. How Valley— is an Idaho Press motorists to anticipate the next one. we delighted in accompanying Club award-winning columSome early examples: EVERY their songs! When Joan Baez was nist, a teacher, writer, fabric SHAVER/NOW CAN SNORE/ just inducted into the Rock and artist, choir member and SIX MORE MINUTES/THAN Roll Hall of Fame, I searched back unabashedly proud grandma BEFORE/BY USING/BURMA through my old cassettes and discs known as “Bibi Jo.” SHAVE, or, urging safety: DONT to find some of her most special TAKE/A CURVE/AT 60 PER/ albums. I finally ordered one from iTunes con- WE HATE/TO LOSE/A CUSTOMER/BURMA taining “Dangling Conversations,” a piece that SHAVE. A WWII series said: LET’S MAKE still brings tears to my eyes and reflects changing HITLER/AND HIROHITO/FEEL AS BAD/AS mores about relationships during my twenties and OLD BENITO/BUY WAR BONDS/BURMA thirties. SHAVE. Baez expressed surprise at being honored by I miss them, their simple meter and rhyme, and that organization; Bob Dylan seemed equal- our innocent laughter at the punchline. My own ly daunted at receiving a Nobel Prize this year. Burma signs might say: HERE TODAY /GONE Nonetheless, they share accolades with others TOMORROW/SO MY HEART/FILLS WITH who performed not only rock and roll but ex- SORROW/AT NO MORE/BURMA SHAVE.

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

COLUMN SCIENCE & PLACE

A GRUMBLING OF GROUSE

BY SARAH BAHAN

ollowing last week’s homage to the sagebrush steppe and stunning cover photo, a celebration of the Greater sagegrouse and its elaborate spring courtship rituals seems in order. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) practice a rare behavior known as “lekking” in which males congregate at a single location during mating season in hopes of attracting females. Much like males of our own species gathering at a local watering hole (or a pond-skimming contest), leks provide females with an easy place to find and evaluate multiple males in a concentrated area before selecting their mate. A group of grouse found in such gatherings is variously known as a chorus, a leash, a drumming, or—my personal favorite—a grumbling of grouse. As the first rays of light spill over the horizon each morning, male sage-grouse begin their celebrated courtship displays. These “prairie dancers” dance and whoop around their piece of the lek, trying to outperform dozens of neighboring suitors. Males puff out their chests, revealing striking yellow or orange air sacs, which produce a range of pops and whistles as they bob their heads and shake their fanned tail feathers. Females casually cruise between them, evaluating their skills and the underlying fitness that each performance belies. The most skilled performers, and presumably robust males, end up mating

with the majority of females. If a predator, such as a golden eagle, is attracted to the boisterous scene, the colorful, noisome display halts instantly as the grouse hunker down and seemingly melt into the landscape of soft greens and browns. The moment that the threat subsides, however, the flashes of orange and soft booms resume. Male grouse do not help brood or raise their offspring. Leks are often found in open spaces and surrounded by prime nesting habitat, which is characterized by dense sagebrush. The sagebrush provides the perfect habitat for females to build their nests and raise their young in protected space where they can feed on insects, grasses, and forbs. Juvenile sage-grouse diets are comprised mostly of insects, whereas adult sage-grouse tend to graze on plants, such as dandelions and legumes, in the spring and summer months. All of the birds then transition to a sagebrush-based diet in the fall. As a result, sage-grouse are completely dependent on the eponymous plant for both food and physical cover. Many populations of sagegrouse do not migrate, though they may seek lower elevations in colder months. Others may rotate through seasonal sites over a distance of up to 150 miles, as demonstrated by recent genetic and telemetry studies. Sagegrouse are reliant on sagebrush “pathways” and “stopover” sites to make these migrations. Like many migrating species, habitat fragmentation is likely one of the

biggest threats to sage-grouse. It is estimated that sage-grouse populations used to number in the millions. Stressed by pressures from development, industrial agriculture, energy exploration and development, for example, their numbers have fallen precipitously over the past century and there are probably closer to 100,000 remaining today. Current conservation efforts, spearheaded by the collaborative work of dozens of public and private organizations, link critical sagebrush habitat via 98 amended Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service land-use plans. These modifications strive to preserve over 70 million acres (of the 170-plus-million acres of the species’ historical range), spread across 10 Western states of viable sage-grouse habitat. With the new administration, however, these federal plans may be overridden by a movement to see grouse conservation efforts decided at a state level. In February, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) proposed a bill that would give the governor the authority to dismiss federal conservation plans that are not in accordance with state-approved plans. This was on the heels of a similar action by U.S. Senator Rob Bishop (R-Utah). Based on this news, a grumbling of grouse may take on another meaning. Sarah Bahan grew up in the Wood River Valley and currently works as a veterinarian at Sawtooth Animal Center in Bellevue.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BOB ROSSO

Support The 1% LOT For Air

Having lived in this Valley for many years, and being closely involved with the business community, our tourism economy, and the development that has helped this entire community to grow and expand as the years go on, I believe it is vitally important that our entire community step up and support the 1% LOT for Air on May 16. Our jobs, our businesses and the quality of the guest experience is 100 percent relying on the continued strength of the air support for our visitors and locals alike. The 1% LOT has worked great, and now we need everyone to step up and continue that support for our recreational and business communities. Let’s all continue to grow and maintain a strong community. Tourism is our lifeblood. Please vote in favor of the 1% LOT for Air on May 16. Bob Rosso Owner, The Elephant’s Perch Ketchum resident

LETTER TO THE EDITOR DENISE FORD

Quigley City Annexation Imminent – Here’s Why

TOMORROW, April 20, the Hailey City Council reviews Quigley development’s transportation impacts as the LAST topic before voting May 3 to ANNEX Quigley canyon into Hailey. Did you know: Quigley developers’ application is filed at BLAINE COUNTY, not Hailey City. Hailey Council has intercepted county planning processes and solicited Quigley developers to consider city annexation because city representatives want development tax revenues. Hailey’s public meetings focus on determining—NOT IF—how Council should ‘annex’ the Quigley development; developers need not even apply! City is lobbying for a satellite community with commercial clusters despite city’s Comprehensive Plan advising commercial development stay in downtown core. Additionally, county’s Comprehensive Plan advises keeping commercial development inside existing city, not scattered out nearby canyons. There’s a significant inventory of lots already zoned for development within city boundaries. Subdivision developers do not guarantee housing! Like Cutters, unsold lots do not get houses built on them! Engineering analysis projects $700,000 necessary expenditures for city water/sewer upgrades to accommodate annexed development. Once city commits to annexation, taxpayers are legally bound to guarantee adequate water/sewer; upgrades likely funded via bond or levy. City Council has superseded Hailey P&Z, skipping this level of review to fast-track annexation, stating it is unfair to make developers go through planning and zoning commission procedures again, since they spent so much time and money the last time they actually applied. Is city acting in citizens’ or developers’ best interest? City Council directed P&Z to make only three specific recommendations to Council regarding annexation boundary, density, zoning districts. Despite a dozen citizens speaking against rushed annexation last P&Z meeting (only two in favor for sake of Sage School), P&Z felt compelled in deliberations to also recommend annexation, primarily to get tax revenues and “control” development next to city boundaries. With P&Z volunteering this unrequested recommendation against overwhelming public opposition in attendance, what’s to stop City Council from annexing? City Council is NOT objectively analyzing whether or not to annex but, rather, actively assisting developers, without an application for review, via a truncated planning process; all without transparent stepby-step review by citizens through comprehensive P&Z processes. City’s public Quigley meetings are forums to promote/justify predetermined annexation, not to sincerely involve citizens. City’s decision has clearly already been made—a disappointing, farcical, non-process. Denise J. Ford Landscape architect/land planner Hailey resident

LETTER TO THE EDITOR NOA RIES

Vote In Favor Of The 1% LOT For Air

I recently relocated my business, VieActive, to Sun Valley. More nonstop flights make it much easier to move my employees here and to grow my business. I think the 1% LOT for Air is an important tool to create good jobs here because it allows businesses like mine to envision a long-term future in the Valley. Air service is an integral part of creating a vibrant local economy beyond simply increasing tourism. Better air service is important for tourism. But, a vibrant economy also includes growing locally-owned businesses of all types to create jobs and strengthen our community. Air service plays a meaningful role in that as well. Please vote in favor of the 1% LOT for Air on May 16. Noa Ries CEO & founder, VieActive Ketchum resident

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

APRIL 19 - 25, 2017