6 March 2019 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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MARCH 6 - 12, 2019 | V O L . 1 2 - N O . 1 0 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Idaho News Legislature Decides Child Marriage Is Still OK

City News Ketchum Nixes Emergency Services Merger

Gallery W See Inse alk rt

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 9

NEWS CITY

NO DEAL: KETCHUM CITY COUNCIL EXTINGUISHES PROPOSED POLICE-FIRE MERGER BY ERIC VALENTINE

he Ketchum City Council voted 4–0 against a merger of its police and fire protection services with the City of Sun Valley, a move that could have cut yearly operating expenses

slightly and boosted the quality of first-responder services significantly, proponents of the merger say. “We need to take the momentum we’ve witnessed and continue to push ahead to make the valley safer,” Mayor Neil Bradshaw said.

The Sun Valley City Council is slated to make its decision on Thursday, but could amend the agenda to postpone a vote. See next week’s issue of The Weekly Sun for more information. tws

NEWS IN BRIEF

An online character that has gone viral is putting the Blaine County School District into parent-alert mode. “Our school administrators, counselors, psychologists, and social workers have become aware of information about ‘Momo,’ a viral character who entices children to try various ‘challenges’ that encourages them to harm themselves and others,” Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes said in a letter to parents, staff and community members. The character has an account on at least Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp. The district is recommending parents follow the suggestions of EmpowerEducateKids. org which says to first ask your children a general question about whether anything happening online or in social media has been upsetting to them. The organization also recommends being aware of which apps your children have on their phones and which ones they use to communicate to friends and, potentially, strangers

Sun Valley 2020 Ski Passes On Sale

The 2019-20 winter season passes for Sun Valley Resort have gone on sale with special spring pricing and enhanced benefits through May 31. Prices increase on June 1, then are at full pricing for the season starting on Sept. 3. Passholders of the Sun Valley Challenger or the College Pass will also have the added benefit of receiving a 50 percent discount on the daily lift ticket window rate at Vail Resorts-owned and operated destinations that are a part of the Epic Pass next season. Sun Valley and Snowbasin are partnering with the Epic Pass starting with the 2019-20 season. With 68 resorts and eight countries participating in the pass program, it provides many options for skiers and riders, along with benefits for Sun

Valley and Snowbasin unrestricted season passholders. Another option for the 2019-20 season is the Sun and Snow Pass, offering three days of skiing and riding at both Sun Valley and Snowbasin with no blackout dates and other discounts at each resort.

Idaho Judges Could See More Control Over Sentencing

A bipartisan bill to reform Idaho’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws passed the House with a 48-21-1 vote. The Mandatory Minimum bill, HB99, allows for judicial discretion when sentencing for drug offenses. Under current law, judges are forced to give a mandatory minimum sentence even when they feel it is manifestly unjust given the circumstances. “In many cases, mandatory minimums result in taxpayers paying to inflict serious injustice,” Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), a bill co-sponsor, said. “Many have heard about the truck driver who was driving industrial hemp through Idaho. Hemp is legal under federal law, and he thought he was just making an honest living delivering legal goods. But Idaho’s mandatory minimum laws could force the judge to imprison him for five years with no possibility of parole, regardless of whether the judge thinks that’s appropriate. Cases like this are a waste of taxpayer dollars and are ruining lives for no reason. I have heard many judges say they wish they could deliver more sensible sentences, but their hands are tied.” Judges have shown support for the bill. In fact, retired Idaho Supreme Court Justices Jim Jones and Wayne Kidwell, both of whom also served as Attorney General, wrote a letter to the committee expressing their support for the legislation. The bill now heads to the Senate Judiciary and Rules committee. However, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Todd Lakey, publicly stated that he will not allow the bill to be heard.

SUN BULLETIN BOARD THE WEEKLY

HELP WANTED

PETERBILT FOR SALE

Now Hiring: Center for Regional History Hemingway Fellow The Community Library Association seeks a current graduate student for a part time Center for Regional History Hemingway in Idaho Research Fellowship. This position will primarily focus on the Hemingway collection and will work with a Regional History librarian to undertake and complete a research project based on their specific interests and skills. Center for Regional History Hemingway Intern The Community Library Association seeks a part time Center for Regional History Hemingway House Preservation Intern. This position will primarily focus on collection care for the Hemingway collections. Children’s and Young Adult Bloom Truck Librarian I The Community Library Association seeks a part-time Children’s and Young Adult Bloom Truck Librarian I to maintain the mobile library portion of the Bloom Truck. This is a part-time seasonal position. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are highly advantageous. For the full job descriptions and application instructions, visit www.comlib.org, click on “about” and then “employment opportunities.”

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My name is Joshua. I am taking new Reiki clients at my new space in the Tranquility wellness center. Call anytime (208) 718-8078 or email me joshuacambrige@gmail.com blessings see you soon.

DUC E R E C RI

Text (up to 25 words): $5 Additional Text: 20¢ per word Photos: $5 per image • Logo: $10 Deadline: Monday at 1 p.m Space reservations: bulletin@theweeklysun.com

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PAINTING CLASSES With Deanna Schrell, 6:30-9 p.m., Monday nights, Sawtooth Botanical Garden. All levels and mediums welcome. $25/class. January 7 through March 18. Call Deanna at (208) 720-3737.

PUPPIES FOR SALE

Australian Cattle Dog Puppies! $350. Red and blue heelers, males and females available. Happy to send pics of individual pups! Call/text for details: 208-810-5277 m HOUSEKEEPING

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PRICING

School District Addresses ‘Momo Challenge’

7-8 pm at USA Grappling Academy! 208-720-3519 713 N. Main St. Unit A, Bellevue.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 9

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

Wood River Orchestra

NAMI’s annual art auction on Monday, March 11, will feature fine art as well as birdhouses made by community members. For a story, see page 12. Artwork credit: NAMI-WRV

THIS WEEK M A R C H 6 - 1 2 , 2019 | VOL. 12 NO. 10

Sports News

Commentary

Calendar

150 Skiers Participate In 8th Annual Baldy Challenge

Award Winning Columns, Student Spotlight

presents the

2019 Spring Concert

Mozart

MENDELSSOHN BRAD HERSHEY, CONDUCTOR SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 4 P.M.

Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

WRHS PERFORMING ARTS THEATER COMMUNITY CAMPUS, HAILEY

ON THE COVER

The Wood River Valley received a huge amount of snow last week. This aerial photo, looking north, was taken on Thursday, Feb. 21, after much of the snow had fallen and with much more still to come. Photo credit: Alex Macdonald 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).

WRCORCHESTRA.ORG FREE CONCERT / DONATIONS WELCOME

Winter Storms Could Mean Major Flooding This Spring!

THE WEEKLY SUN STAFF 13 W. Carbonate St. • P.O. Box 2711 Hailey, Idaho 83333 Phone: 208.928.7186 Fax: 208.928.7187 AD SALES Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • brennan@theweeklysun.com NEWS EDITOR Eric Valentine • news@theweeklysun.com ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Aimée Durand • Hayden Seder • Emilee Struss news@theweeklysun.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Mandi Iverson • mandi@theweeklysun.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Chris Seldon • production@theweeklysun.com

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 12, 2019

AFTER SNOWPOCALYPSE

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NEWS IN BRIEF

South Central Public Health District Calls For 'Health Heroes' Nominations

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make your community healthier? Now is your chance to recognize them! South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) is now accepting nominations for “Health Heroes 2019.” “These are regular people who go out of their way to help our community,” said Pam Jones, chair of the SCPHD Health Heroes committee. “Like the teen on your street who got involved in local government to bring us healthier laws. Or the P.E. teacher who is using personal time to organize field days for the whole community. This is a chance to recognize their hard work.” You can nominate a group or person for one of the four nomination categories: youth, adult, corporate, and behavioral health. The nomination form is available online at http://phd5. idaho.gov or at one of our five offices.

Twin Falls School Board To Consider Yoga Curriculum

Commending the efforts being made in Twin Falls School District (TFSD) in Idaho to introduce yoga courses for juniors and seniors, Hindus are urging for launching yoga courses in all the public schools of Idaho. The TFSD Board of Trustees will reportedly consider a course proposal for “Yoga Life” in its March 11 meeting. Hindus have called it a step in a positive direction. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has already urged Idaho Governor Brad Little, Idaho State Board of Education President Linda Clark and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra to work toward formally introducing yoga as a part of curriculum in all the public schools of the state.

NEWS IDAHO

Idaho had the most married children on a per-capita basis among states that provided data from 2000 to 2010. Photo credit: The New York Times. source: Unchained At Last

LAWMAKERS REJECT BILL ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE IN IDAHO

The failure of the bill to protect kids draws national scrutiny

BY ERIC VALENTINE

rom celebrity TV judges to national religious websites, the decision by lawmakers to kill the bill that would have ended child marriage in Idaho has been drawing shock and scrutiny far beyond this Pacific Northwest state. Newsweek Magazine, in their online headline, made it clear that a “Republican Controlled [Congress]” blocked the legislation, but in fairness it should be noted 14 Republicans joined the 14 Democrats who supported the bill. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), ultimately failed on a 28–39 vote. So how did a bill aimed at protecting kids in a family-friendly state get shot down? It depends on who you ask. For Wintrow, it all comes down to not taking the protection of children seriously enough. “The existing law has loopholes that allow for someone to commit rape or statutory rape and not be charged,” Wintrow said. “The state is complicit in setting the stage for an opening for coercion and abuse of our children.” For other legislators, it comes down to trusting that parents and judges will make a better decision on behalf of children than a generic law. Rep. Christy Zito (R-Hammett) pointed to the irony that the legislation would make it easier to obtain an abortion at 15 years old than it would be to marry and form a family. Rep. Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot) told fellow lawmakers that existing law allows families to decide if their child is ready for marriage and that that was sufficient. And then there were the more nuanced opinions, like that of Rep. Bryan Zollinger (R-Idaho Falls), who voted against the bill. “I’m actually open to a cutoff age. Kids in Idaho need protecI’m actually open to tion, but this bill was just too a cutoff age. Kids in broad in scope,” Zollinger said. Idaho need protection, but Specifically, Zollinger did not like that the new law would have this bill was just too broad required 16- and 17-year-olds to in scope.” get permission from both a parRep. Bryan Zollinger ent and a judge. Currently, they (R-Idaho Falls) would only need parental consent. “I don’t think government should be in the marriage business,” Zollinger said. When asked if that applied to same-sex couples and people who want multiple spouses, he paused. “It’s a broad statement I’m making but in general it should apply to all individuals. I haven’t thought about how that would apply to people who want to marry more than one person,” Zollinger said. “My vote against the bill didn’t have to do with the 16-year limit, it had to do with 16- and 17-year-olds requiring permission from an already overloaded judiciary. They already require parent permission.” But for lawmakers like Wintrow, and for child advocacy groups, certain realities cannot be overlooked. Reality number one: Almost all of the child marriages were girls wed to adult men, according to Unchained At Last, a leading anti-child-marriage organization. Another reality, the group says, is that when girls marry underage, their likelihood of living in poverty and not getting an education increase dramatically. Patheos, an online religious magazine, penned an editorial about the Idaho Legislature’s vote. In it, the author concludes, “There is no world in which it makes sense to me for a 15-year-old to get married, but here’s the rub—conservatives disagree. If a 15-year-old is pregnant, they really do think it is better for her to marry than either have an abortion or bear a child out of wedlock. Their opposition to bans on child marriage is not so much that they don’t think girls are pressured into marriage as children as it is that they think pregnant girls should be pressured into marriage as children.” From 2000 to 2010, more than 4,000 children under 18 married in Idaho. And for now, existing law allows children under 16 years of age to marry so long as they have both the consent of a parent and a judge. In court, it must be shown the child is fit for marriage and that marriage would be in the benefit of society at large. tws

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 12, 2019

NEWS COMMUNITY

HEROES OF THE SNOWPOCALYPSE

BY HAYDEN SEDER

ebruary was a crazy month for snowfall in the Wood River Valley, with a record-breaking accumulation of more than 120 inches falling in the short month. Anyone living in the area certainly felt the difficulties of so much snow: cars getting stuck, roofs getting weighed down by snow, difficulty just driving around town, difficulty finding a parking spot your vehicle could get out of. But thanks to some of the Valley’s hardest working individuals, like bus drivers, snowplow drivers and more, the lives of Valley residents went mostly undisturbed and these everyday heroes of the “snowpocalypse” are to thank behind the scenes. This rundown of some of those heroes is part of The Weekly Sun’s special series, “Snow Inc.,” where we’ll cover the business of snow—how it impacts daily lives, city budgets, local businesses and private homeowners. Name: Jose Luis Victorino Job title: Mountain Rides Bus Driver Trainer Winter job description: Performing a pre-trip inspection, driving the bus defensively, maintaining the safety of the passengers, all while being a professional. Years working: 10 Biggest challenge of the job: “Getting my passengers safely to their destinations and on time during the winter.” Proudest moment in your job: “The satisfaction of my passengers and the smiles on their faces.” Name: Stuart Gray Job title: Mountain Rides Transit Operations Manager Job description: Boots-on-the-ground management, such as routes and drivers, all aspects of interface, schedules, payroll, and more. Years on the job: 11 Biggest challenge of the job: Writing the weekly schedule is the basis for the heartbeat of our agency. The difficulty facing Mountain Rides is that being small, we do not have a roster of extras to fill the “outages” that occur on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. One person out can trickle-down to affect several! Proudest moment in your job: With all of the above going on, including bus and equipment failures, maintaining and managing a consistent Winter Transport Flow during another super-heavy snow season. We have an amazing team of drivers and mechanics that make it happen. Name: Cameron Cooper Title: Owner of Cooper Landscapes Job description: Plow Driver/Snow Remover Years on the job: 48 Biggest challenge of the job: “Sleep deprivation and physical and mental exhaustion from all-nighters, and all day long and all-nighters again, and how to drive safely when it has to be done.” Proudest moment in your job: “I love it when we complete all our routes and everyone’s taken care of, but what I love the most is someone elderly shoveling a berm the city put there and being able to drop a blade and help them in such a short span of time.” Snowplow driver Ross Cooper relax-

D E V E LO P M E N TA L S C R E E N I N G Blaine County School District is responsible for identification and evaluation for all students suspected of having a disability residing in Blaine County. This includes children from ages 3 -21 who are in public schools, private schools, are being home schooled, or not yet enrolled in school. Early identification and intervention is essential to help ensure school success.

es after completing a roof snow job.

Photo credit: Ross Cooper Name: Ross Cooper Job title: Snowplow Driver/Snow Remover for Cooper Landscapes Job description: Help father Cam remove snow in winter. Years on the job: “I’ve been helping my dad since I was 7 years old!” Biggest challenge of the job: “Having to keep going as long as the snow is falling; roofs are leaking no matter how tired we are. I pulled a 107-hour work week that first storm of February.” Proudest moment in your job: “My proudest moments are plowing out and pulling out stuck and bermed-in folks just in time for work, school, or first chair.”

Name: Sara Gress Job title: Ski Patrol/Medical Coordinator for Ski Patrol Job description: First-aid, avalanche mitigation, find people’s lost skis in the powder, drive toboggans, fix boundary ropes, organize medical certifications, etc. Years on the job: 4 Biggest challenge of the job: “Finding time to go ski touring when not at work!” Proudest moment in your job: “Uncovering the snow stake in Feb- Ski patroller Sara Gress. Photo credruary—the public needed to know what sort of epic conditions we it: Sun Valley Ski Patrol were experiencing! I also had someone I helped earlier in the season walk into the shack and say thank you. I didn’t even recognize them because I had only seen them having such a bad day due to life-threatening injuries. We took a run down Limelight together; it was so good to see them skiing after how I saw them last.”

For further questions, please contact Debi Gutknecht, Director of Student Services at (208) 578-5004. For children ages 3-5 screenings will be held:

March 15, 8am-12pm at the Blaine County School District Office To schedule your appointment please call Susie Reese at (208) 578-5007.

Nominate Your

Debi Gutknecht Director of Student Services (208) 578-5004 www.blaineschools.org

HEALTH HEROES

Do you know individuals or groups who, over the past year, have worked to protect, promote, and enhance the health of southern Idaho citizens? Nominate them as a Health Hero!

Nominations are due April 1, 2019 (866) 710-9775 phd5.idaho.gov/HealthHero

Name: Reed Stokes Job title: Winch Cat Operator for Sun Valley Resort Job description: Operate winch cat on Baldy Years on the job: 5 seasons Biggest challenge of the job: “This has been a challenging year due to the relentless snowfall; new snow makes it difficult to climb up runs and frustrating—sometimes even downright scary and fast— going down runs. The cats have to work very hard for long hours in these conditions and inevitably they sometimes break down.” Proudest moment in your job: “I take pride in my ability to safely and efficiently operate these machines in difficult conditions, and (hopefully) without mechanical issues, thanks to a number of years’ experience and plenty of mishaps to get me there!” tws

If a child is having significant difficulty with vision, hearing, speech, behavior, is experiencing slow development typical for his/her age, physical impairments, or learning difficulty, he/ she may be a child with a disability. If you are a parent of a child or there is a child attending your school/program whom you suspect may have a disability, please contact the following Blaine County School District personnel so we can initiate the process for possible referral and assessment.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Want To Chime In On School Budgeting?

Ski patroller Sara Gress on the mountain. Photo credit: Sara Gress

Blaine County School District is inviting the community to join the Board of Trustees and learn about the 2019-20 budget. What’s most important to you in education? What are your priorities in the budget and why? Those are the questions district officials say they want to hear from parents and other members of the public. The session will include a brief presentation on projected revenues and expenses and an update on impact of the Supplemental Levy. The meeting will take place at the Carey High School auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Call (208) 578-5000 with any questions.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 9

OBITUARY

RANDALL ‘NASH’ HARTDEGEN

NEWS EVENTS

SKI EVENT PUTS THE ‘FUN’ IN FUNDRAISER

150 skiers take part in eighth annual event

BY HAYDEN SEDER

his year’s Baldy Challenge came to an official close on the night of Monday, March 4, as more than 150 participants in the yearly event brought their score cards to Whiskey Jacques’ for a party of drinks, food, camaraderie and prizes. Now in its eighth year, proceeds from this year’s PK’s Baldy Challenge will be going to The Hunger Coalition, organizers said. Created by Chelle and Baird Gourlay of PK’s in 2012, participants pay a fee to receive a score card and then have the entire month of February to complete every run on Baldy, in addition to other challenges. The couple created the event, they said, as a way to help people support local charities while also enjoying the Sun Valley lifestyle; hence, their term “funraiser” as opposed to fundraiser.

t is with great heartache that Kimberly Coonis and Chet Hartdegen announce the passing of their youngest son, Randall “NASH” Hartdegen, on March 1, 2019. Nash passed from a colonic seizure in his sleep that caused him to aspirate and was unable to be resuscitated. He was with his fiancée, Mariah McMannus, his father Chet and his mother Kim at the time of his passing. Nash was an avid reptile rescue enthusiast, Transformer collector, scuba diver and loved all things military. From the time Nash was 12 years old, he spent summer months away at military training camps and eventually graduated from the prestigious Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California, graduating at the rank of captain. He then spent two years at the University of Idaho. Nash attended Wood River High School until he left for the Army and Navy Academy in 2012. Nash and Mariah were engaged four weeks ago and she is devastated over the loss of her soulmate. Nash is going to be missed horribly by the surviving members of his family: Chet Hartdegen, Kim Coonis, his brother Zac Gilstrap, grandmother Lu Larsen, aunt Kari Caruso and her family, Brian, Kassidy, Bailey and Coby Caruso, and by his adopted siblings, Ostin Arters and Shalyssa Thelan. We will be holding a celebration of Nash’s life on Saturday, March 9, from 1–4 p.m. at our private home in Nampa, 411 E. Locust Lane, Nampa, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to our family 501(c)(3) rescue so that we can continue to care for the animals and reptiles that Nash loved. You can donate through our webpage at www.fureverhaus.org , through Patreon at www.patreon.com/ fureverhaus or through PayPal to fureverhaus@gmail.com.

The Funds The event is set up so that a new nonprofit receives the proceeds every two years. So far, the following nonprofits have been recipients: Bald Mountain Rescue Fund, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Higher Ground, and last year, The Hunger Coalition. Almost $6,000 was raised this year to go to the local nonprofit. In addition to the regular Baldy Challenge of skiing every run on the mountain in a month, there are many side challenges, including the “Lift/ Lodge Challenge,” which includes riding every lift in one day and having a cocoa in every lodge; the “Butch Challenge,” which includes skiing every run without stopping or falling and repeating the run if either of those happen; the 1/2 Baldy Challenge (completing half the runs on Baldy); the “Leisurely Janet” Challenge, which includes riding all the runs on Dollar; and the “Happy Challenge,” which includes doing every run on Baldy twice. Of course, some participants choose to make things interesting and make their own challenge. Chelle and Baird’s daughter Charlotte got a late start on this year’s Baldy Challenge and decided to do the entire thing in just two days, recruiting her brother Ben to do it with her even though he had already completed his Baldy Challenge. “She skied 66,000 vertical feet the first day and finished the challenge the next day, skiing 41,000 vertical feet,” Chelle Gourlay said. The Fun All of this year’s participants gathered upstairs at Whiskey Jacques’ this week for the closing ceremonies, where prizes from sponsors like the Warfield Distillery & Brewery, Grumpy’s, Whiskey Jacques’, The Cellar Pub, Knob Hill Inn, Sun Valley Resort, and more are given out and funny incidents from the event are rewarded. Grumpy’s owner Pete Prekeges emceed the event and gave out prizes for trivia questions, best crash (the winner broke his back and several ribs), oldest and youngest participants, and more. A prize even went to a couple who got engaged while doing the challenge. The premiere prize each year is a pair of K2 skis as well as a full-season pass donated by Sun Valley Resort. To be eligible to win the pass, you must have had to complete the entire Baldy Challenge. This year’s pair of K2 skis went to Glenn Thomas, while the ski pass was won by ski patroller Emily White, who was not in attendance but who communicated by phone that night that she indeed wanted the pass. Many participants said that a February challenge like this is usually meant to combat boredom and keep people wanting to ski, but with so much powder this February, it was anything but boring. Said last year’s K2 skis winner, Larissa DeHaas, “This year was hard because all of the non-main runs of the challenge were so good, there was a lot of pow to ski.”

tws

This year’s oldest and youngest participants, Will Hausmann, left, and Jim Briggs. Photo credit: Hayden Seder

The winner of this year’s pair of K2 skis, Glenn Thomas. Photo credit: Hayden Seder

Baldy Challenge score sheet. Photo credit: PK’s Baldy Challenge

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 1 2 , 2 0 1 9

NEWS IDAHO

CONTENTIOUS BILLS AND PHOTOS PLACE SPOTLIGHT ON IDAHO LAWMAKERS

BY ERIC VALENTINE

epending on your filter, February made Idaho lawmakers look like either option A) white supremacists who would prefer teachers to carry firearms rather than educate kids about sex, or option B) family-friendly advocates who care about protecting children and being a voice for the wrongfully convicted. In today’s sociopolitical climate of zero-sum games and infotainment, it’s not much surprise that the same set of events can be seen in such different ways. So how did all this surface during the current legislative session in Idaho?

Rep. Janice McGeachin’s Facebook post shows her posing with supporters of Todd Engel, who flash “Three Percenters” signs. Photo Credit: Staff of Rep. Janice McGeachin

Social Media Meditation Photos posted last week on Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin’s Facebook page showing her posing with two men flashing controversial hand signals received widespread scorn and have since been taken down. But not before allegations of white supremacy and a vehement defense of Idaho’s first female lieutenant governor were unleashed. McGeachin posed for a photo with the two men wearing orange prison jumpsuits in support of Todd C. Engel, who is serving time in federal prison for his role in the Cliven Bundy standoff. Many folks across the state view Engel as entirely innocent, at best, and too harshly convicted, at worst, but around the rest of social media, two men wearing orange prison jumpsuits inside the State Capitol flashing a hand signal interpreted by some as the white power gesture was jarring. To others who are familiar with the Three Percenters movement in general, and Engel’s case in particular, the hand signals are patriotic. The Three Percenters movement derives its name from the claim that only 3 percent of the population took up arms against Great Britain during the American Revolution. It should be noted that the lieutenant governor’s hand signal is the heart shape. “Sending love to Todd Engel …” is how her post begins. In a written response, McGeachin said, “The photo was intended to show support for Engel and nothing more. No other messages were intended in this photo. To claim otherwise is ridiculous, and is part of a larger narrative to paint conservative leaders as embracing identity politics.” Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby Meanwhile, a sex education opt-in bill was introduced to lawmakers last week. Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls) sponsored the sex-ed bill, saying sex-ed courses taught in Idaho schools do not align with Idaho values. Specifically, Ehardt took issue with a course being taught in 17 high schools across Idaho that she says goes beyond health education and into shaping beliefs and behaviors. The Idaho School Boards Association opposed her bill, but the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise was among the organizations supporting it. An overflow room needed to be opened to accommodate members of the public (largely, students, parents and educators) attending the introductory committee-level hearing. Pushback centered on the fact that the onus would be placed on parents who want their kids to learn sex education. Current law allows parents to opt their student out of the curriculum, but the new law would require them to do the legwork to opt in. The bill now heads to the full committee for a vote on Friday. Let’s Not Talk About Guns Sponsored by Rep. Chad Christensen (R-Ammon), a concealed carry bill would allow people with enhanced concealed-carry permits to bring their firearms on to school campuses and not report that they have a weapon on them to any school official or fellow educator. Current law lets local school boards decide to let teachers or others carry guns in schools, but Christensen’s bill takes away the local option and allows it across the state. To supporters of the bill, it’s a common-sense approach to protecting students from being victims of a mass shooting. In addition, the language of the bill requires anyone carrying a firearm to have “immediate control” of the weapon and indemnifies schools from liability for any claim that arises out of the lawful concealment of a firearm and prevents schools from taking retaliatory action against a teacher or employee who is lawfully carrying a weapon. The only instance where the permitholder would be required to disclose their possession of a firearm is if a law enforcement officer asked about it in a “reasonable” investigation. The law would not impact private schools. Opponents—mostly moms all wearing red T-shirts—attended the meeting in droves and had to remain in the hallway and in an overflow room. Public comment was not allowed. tws The bill now heads to the full House.

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Chelsea Handler And Alex Ross Perry Join Sun Valley Film Festival Coffee Talks

The 2019 Sun Valley Film Festival has announced that celebrated host, author, stand-up comic and activist Chelsea Handler will attend the festival as a special guest and participate in the festival’s Coffee Talks on Thursday, March 14. Alex Ross Perry, who will receive the Festival’s Rising Star Award for Directing, will participate in Coffee Talks on Saturday, March 16. Coffee Talks are moderated one-hour conversations with top industry talent sharing stories about their journey and their craft. Handler and Perry will join previously announced Coffee Talk guests Aaron Paul on Friday, March 15, and Meg Ryan on Sunday, March 17.

State Lawmakers Approve Medicaid Expansion But Repeal Efforts Stay Alive

Idaho’s Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted unanimously last week to fund Medicaid Expansion through the so-called Millennium Fund. Medicaid Expansion was passed by 61 percent voter approval through a November 2018 ballot initiative known as Proposition 2. “I am ecstatic to see that the members of the committee are respecting the will of the people,” committee member Rep. Sally Toone (D-Gooding) said. “This vote sends a clear message to all the legislators. We have found a funding mechanism and are ready to implement Medicaid Expansion. Idahoans need access to quality healthcare. There is no time for any more nonsense.” In the past several weeks, bills that would have implemented particular processes for individuals trying to access Medicaid coverage were proposed by some Republican lawmakers in committee. Those bills failed to garner bipartisan approval. However, a new bill emerged last week in the House Health and Welfare Committee from Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Nampa). If it becomes law, it would, among other things, put in place work requirement provisions and mandatory review clauses to protect against fraudulent or unwarranted claims. Opponents say the measures would add at least $2 million in implementation costs and would unfairly place a number of people who need healthcare in the so-called Medicaid “gap” population—people who cannot afford adequate private healthcare, but do not qualify for “Obamacare” or Medicare.

Caritas Chorale Gives Two Music Scholarships

The board of Caritas Chorale approved donations to two Wood River High School music programs: $500 to the Olivia Stimac Scholarship Fund and $1,000 to the Wood River High School Choral Department in support of the annual music competition in Anaheim, Calif. “This is a great example of how musicians have supported younger generations throughout history,” Max Stimac, Wood River High School music director, said. Caritas Chorale has been performing in the Wood River Valley for 20 years. About 70 soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers rehearse with R.L. Rowsey for three months in advance of their performances. The chorus is open to all, no auditions are required, and all performances are free.

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 6 - 12, 2019

Fishing R epoRt

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MARCH 6 - 12, FROM PICABO ANGLER

ow-pressure weather systems make for great conditions and fishing in the winter. The end of this week should supply those conditions as we move toward a partly cloudy weekend. March can certainly be one of the best months to fish when talking about catch rates. It can also be one of the most comfortable months to fish in the winter. This is the very first time we’ve ever been able to report on Silver Creek fishing in March. With the rule changes comes a great opportunity to fish the Creek as we get an additional 30 days. We are happy to report that, after the first week, the fishing is fabulous! The turbid water, coupled with fish that are hungry and about to go into prespawn mode, make for worldclass Streamer fishing. The Creek is open from Kilpatrick Bridge downstream. The best fishing has been in the Point of Rocks or Silver Creek East area, but the fishing can be good from top to bottom. Generally, the slightly warmer water closer to Picabo is the most active. If you decide to fish the Creek, stop by the store and meet Christian Reid. He is our in-house fly tier and his Streamer patterns are well worth fishing. You should take the time to stop and grab a couple along with lunch at Picabo Angler. March is also an incredible time of the season on the Big Wood River. The Midge hatches can be outstanding in March as well as the appearance of the Little Black Stonefly. A lot of bugs means a lot of great fishing. Mid-Valley is the place to be right now; the upper river is too cold to fish and the lower river is just too low to fish well. Stick to the Bellevue-to-Ketchum stretch for the best hatches and easiest fishing. March can be a great dry-fly month, as well, so be ready to fish the surface. When we get closer to the end of the month, the Midge hatches can become enormous and the fish become less concerned with the style of dry fly, as long as black is the primary color. Griffiths Gnats are a great fly to use in March as well as any leftover Trico patterns you may have from last summer. Enjoy the snow! Be conscious of where you park and be ready for deep snow. If you plan on hiking far, think about using snowshoes. Happy fishing, everyone!

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

DO YOU PRESSURE YOUR DOG?

BY FRAN JEWELL

n this day of the purely positive training philosophies that insist dogs do not have to endure pressure of any kind, I am astounded that a wider consciousness has not been taken. I want my training to be humane, honest and fair. This article is not entirely about training philosophies, but more about everyday life that our dogs are exposed to and the expectations we dog owners have of our dogs. I have written before about how I believe canine aggression is more rampant than ever. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear someone tell me how their dog has been attacked by another dog or that their own dog is responsible for attacking dogs, and even sometimes attacking people. The trauma involved in dog fights is unfathomable for both the dog and the owner who witnesses it. Yet, I believe we are not looking at the real reason these dog behaviors are escalating. When I was small, no one ever had multiple-dog households. No one had “play dates” for their dog with other dogs, and there were no such things as dog parks or doggie daycare. If you were not going to have someone home for the dog, you didn’t get one. We didn’t take dogs on planes with us. If you didn’t have a safe, fenced-in yard, you didn’t have a dog. Our family dog went with us on all the family trips and vacations, and we never worried about another dog attacking our dog. She was always on a leash and so were other dogs. She was devoted to our family. She lived a happy life. In our new mode of having our family dog with us everywhere and now believing that every dog must have dog friends, we are forcing our dogs into stressful situations without bad intentions. Our intentions have been to give dogs a better quality of life without seeing the long-term potential consequences.

Somewhere along the line we have internalized that dogs must have doggie friends. We even believe that our dogs must play hard to “take the edge off,” so they are better behaved at home instead of training them to be responsible and happy family members. It is my contention that dogs with too much energy for living at home are suffering from anxiety of not knowing the rules and having no fair training. Or, they are dogs intended for work that are being brought into our lives as pets instead of having a real job. Imagine the pressure that puts on the dog to survive. While some individual dogs do like to play with other dogs, many of them are very uncomfortable with it. As descendents of wolves (yes, they are), dogs are social with their pack—your family. A wolf would never go have a party with the pack next door. When we continually expect and try to force a dog that is uncomfortable with other dogs to get along with every dog, it creates enormous pressure for them and, consequently, many dogs lash out with aggression to protect themselves. Unintentionally, I think we have put dogs in situations they are not intuitively capable of handling. From my point of view, I think dogs that have good homes are dogs that can stay home with a nourishing backyard full of wonderment, smells, toys, games, and an owner that spends time with them playing together. As owners, I suggest that we take the time to be with our dogs to teach them and play with them instead of expecting other dogs to do that for them. Relieving that pressure to get along with every dog could make enormous differences in the number of aggressive attacks and, in the long run, make your relationship with your dog even more enriching than ever.

Multiple-dog households put enormous pressure on dogs, too. Not all dogs get along, just as not all people get along. I am guilty of a multiple-dog household, and it usually goes with a price to pay. Life and times have changed. Be sensitive to what your dog can handle comfortably. Photo credit: Fran Jewell

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.

COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

MY CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

BY LESLIE REGO

abinets of curiosities came into style in the 1600s. They were small collections of odd and unusual objects that generally related to the natural world. Bizarre and freakish specimens might be collected as well as unfamiliar items. Since most people in this time period rarely traveled, the cabinet (describing a room and not a piece of furniture) told unique stories of exotic lands seldom experienced in daily life. Another term used for these marvel-filled chambers was “wonder room.” Many of these wonder rooms were the beginnings of some of the amazing museum collections we have today. The British Museum owes its genesis to Hans Sloane (16601753), a naturalist and collector who bequeathed 71,000 items to the British nation! I have my own “cabinet of curiosities” that I have collected throughout the years. It does not contain bizarre items but, rather, natural objects that I find particularly beautiful, curious, or arresting. I might place a sliver of wood, which has a lovely design, a pine cone, a pebble, anything that catches my eye as I meander through the natural world. These gems give me great pleasure and I enjoy my quiet sketching time

Leslie Rego, “From My Cabinet of Curiosities, a Cottonwood Winter Twig,” nib pen and ink, watercolor.

as I familiarize myself with their shapes. I like to collect withered leaves, both the male and female catkins of the alder tree, or winter twigs. I search for a story within the wrinkles, cracks, and twists of the objects. A narration of the sunny days, the snowy days, and the rainy days unfolds

before my eyes. These climactic moments are impregnated upon the object, becoming part of its memory and, through drawing, part of my memory. The longevity of the artifact speaks to its incredible strength through adverse conditions. Collecting focuses me, slows me down to look and observe,

but mostly it helps me develop gratitude toward the simple pleasures and beauty in this world. 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 •

MARCH 6 - 12, 2019

COLUMN ON LIFE’S TERMS

WINTER WOES

have noted recently that, like politics, the subject of weather is becoming difficult. A few words am not in my Idaho home at the moment and about any extreme weather may lead to angry am being told by my friends and neighbors in exchanges about global warming or nonsensical the Valley that I’m doing well NOT to be there judgments about the people who choose such in the Valley with the piles of snow, icy streets and locations, as though they could easily find safer generally tricky driving and walking conditions. places to live and work. Right now I am staying in a tiny I have a family member far away pied-à-terre near the opera and symfrom here who disagrees with me phony in San Francisco, owned by about causes of weather change, a woman with whom I originally and we occasionally talk by teleagreed to trade places for the past phone. His much-researched but couple of weeks, even though she deextremely dogmatic opinions cided to go to Mexico instead. While about global warming (he thinks I am away from the worst perils of a it is a farce, possibly part of a govremarkable snow season in Idaho, I ernment conspiracy) make even am beset here by other weather and occasional birthday messages untransportation problems. Exiting the comfortable. He claims that I am BART yesterday in a fierce rain with brainwashed and stubborn not to a broken umbrella didn’t help. It has agree with his studies. I just this been storming sporadically ever morning heard an NPR piece since I arrived, and while California JoEllen Collins—a longtime about a scientist who disputed certainly needs water, this amount at resident of the Wood River the theory that carbon dioxide is this time is dangerous and difficult Valley— is an Idaho Press a major component in the enviClub award-winning columto navigate. ronmental crisis we now face. His My high school friend who lives nist, a teacher, writer, fabric ideas were soon dismissed. Now artist, choir member and in Sausalito knows a woman whose unabashedly proud grandma some have thought that his views house there was removed a couple known as “Bibi Jo.” (I am oversimplifying for the sake of weeks ago from its foundation by of space), along with many other mud and carried a street lower. For some magi- contrary and controversial opinions about weathcal reason, she didn’t perish in the process. Many er, should be reexamined to be sure respected sciCalifornians are fearful as I write this that recent entists have heard all sides equally. fires and sufficiently eroded ground covers now Of course, I am worried about the paths huelicit a response like, “Again? We know this can manity is taking to destroy our earth and sad that happen.” my grandchildren may inherit a more destructive I once noted the truism that talking about the and ugly world. I will keep learning about what weather is an easy icebreaker that most of us em- I can do to help correct this situation. Right this ploy when in an elevator, talking with a clerk, minute, however, I need to simply appreciate not or sitting on a bus next to a stranger, an accept- being soaked by windy rain as I enjoy a lovely, able way of casual communication. However, I sunny sky.