24 May 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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M AY 24 - 30, 2 0 1 7 | V O L . 1 0 - N O . 2 1 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Featured Event News Wellness Fest To Host Seed Rock Star

Election News Voters Renew Local-Option Tax

“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seed of today.”

Business News Occupancy Rates Down In County

~Croft M. Pentz

For information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Courtesy photo by Michael Edminster

Environment News County Permit Required For River Work

HAILEY MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY Photo by Steve Ferguson

20 th ANNIVERSARY

PRESENTATIONS

May 25-29, 2017 MOVEMENT CLASSES WORKSHOPS SPEAKERS EXPERIENCE HALL

OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON Courtesy photo by Sheryl Schowengerdt

FOR MORE INFO SEE PAGE 7

Founder of Huffington Post and Wellness Revolution Advocate

Arianna Huffington Co-Presented by SUN VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors

Full schedule, passes, tickets and more information at SunValleyWellness.com #svwellness2017

SHOP THE WORLD AT KETCHUM KITCHENS THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY Cutlery • Bakeware • Small Electronics • Cookware

COOKING SHOULD NEVER BE DULL

THANK YOU

Keith, Gene, Kathy & Don have RetiReD We Plan to Relax & enjoy life it has Been an extRaoRDinaRy 22 yeaRs We WeRe & aRe Continuously oveRWhelmeD By the tRemenDous loyalty & suPPoRt We have ReCeiveD the fRienDshiPs Will alWays Be CheRisheD

"BON APPÉTIT" 9-6 MON-FRI • 10-6 SAT & SUN (208) 726-1989 GIACOBBI SQUARE, KETCHUM SERIOUS KITCHENWARE

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

fly SUN

in the air

THIS WEEK M A Y 2 4 - 3 0 , 2017 | VOL. 10 NO. 21

Heritage Court News Sue Rowland Honored By Historical Museum

Community Bulletin Board Find A Job, Odds & Ends

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

ON THE COVER Lupine enhances the scene at Magic Reservoir over the weekend. Courtesy photo by Michael Edminster 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 PRODUCTION & DESIGN Chris Seldon • production@theweeklysun.com ACCOUNTING Shirley Spinelli • 208.928.7186 • accounting@theweeklysun.com

NEW!

• Extended United SFO service June 10 – October 28 • Extended United DEN service June 30 – October 3 • Extended Alaska SEA service June 9 – December • Extended Alaska LAX service June 9 – October 15 • New PDX summer service June 14 – September 16

Flights are now available for booking online. See summer/fall ﬂight schedule at www.ﬂysunvalleyalliance.com

United to Serve SUN with E175 Nex Gen Regional Jet

United Airlines will begin service with the next generation of regional jet, the Embraer E175, for its ﬂights serving SUN from San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN), beginning June 30. The E175 is about the same size as the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet currently operating at SUN, but it provides an enhanced passenger experience with more headroom, larger windows, wider seats and aisles, and larger overhead bins. Sign up here for airfare deal alerts and news too!

Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, at both the Hailey and Ketchum cemeteries. For a story, see page 12. Photo by Steve Ferguson

FULL SUN 2017 SUMMER AND FALL FLIGHT SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

www.ﬂysunvalleyalliance.com

Fly SUN. Nonstop to DEN, LAX, PDX, SEA, SFO, SLC. ONE STOP TO THE WORLD.

Have you been thinking about switching your insurance? Switching insurance companies can be easy and painless! Let Wood River Insurance do the work for you. WRI is an Independent agency which allows us to search for the best coverage at the best price so you don’t have to. Whether it’s home, auto, life, health or any of your commercial policy needs; WRI has the experience and knowledge to make the switch easy.

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • publisher@theweeklysun.com DEADLINES Display & Community Bulletin Board Ads — Monday @ 1pm brennan@theweeklysun.com • bulletin@theweeklysun.com Calendar Submissions — Friday @ 5pm calendar@theweeklysun.com www.TheWeeklySun.com Published by Idaho Sunshine Media, LLC

Check SUN fares ﬁrst!

www.woodriverinsurance.com

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

NEWS HERITAGE COURT

City of Ketchum

MRS. SUE CHOSEN FOR HERITAGE COURT BY JENNIFER HOLLY SMITH

City Holds Meeting for Business Owners Thursday, June 1, the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley, St. Luke’s Hospital, Sun Valley Company, Sawtooth National Recreation Area and emergency services personnel will provide information on preparations for the total solar eclipse that will take place on August 21. Two meeting times are being offered, 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Community Library. Please RSVP to participate@ketchumidaho.org or 727-5077.

Sandbags Available There is still plenty of snow at higher elevations so please continue to protect your property. Sandbags are available at the Ketchum Street Department, 200 Tenth Street. For non-emergency flood-related questions call720-9992.

Call for Artists City is seeking artists for original artwork installation at the Ketchum Innovation Center. Visit www.ketchumidaho.org/arts or contact Jen Smith at jsmith@ketchumidaho.org or 727-5081.

Invitation to Bid Bid request, to furnish and deliver one new/used 2015, 2016 or 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 Diesel Long Bed, 4 door truck. Visit ketchumidaho.org or contact Brian Christiansenatbchristiansen@ketchumidaho.orgor 720-0756.

Public Notice DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS: On Apr. 21, a 60-day waiting period began for the historic demolition of the nexStage Theatre at 120 S. Main St. and 111 S. Leadville Ave. The public is invited to comment through June 19, 2017at 5:00 p.m. On May 10, a 60-day waiting period begins for the historic demolition of the Bellemont Radio Station located at 620 N. Main St. The public is invited to comment through Aug. 10, 2017at 5:00 p.m. Address written comments to Ketchum Planning & Building Department, P.O. Box 2315,Ketchum, Idaho 83340,or email participate@ketchumidaho.org.

Public Meetings CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday • June 5 • 5:30 pm • City Hall PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING Monday • June 12 • 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 on Facebookand Twitter. Email questions and comments to participate@ketchumidaho.org.

Are you open to natural solutions to implement in your home? • Do you want live healthier lifestyle? • Are you looking for a more natural way to care for your family? • Would you enjoy helping others do the same thing? • Would you like to earn money and do it all on your own time? doTERRA offers essential oils & blends, skin & hair care products, home care products, supplements, & much more. For more info on products & business opportunities, contact Mandi Iverson mandiiverson3@gmail.com mydoterra.com/mandiiverson

We are grateful to those who have given their lives in service to this country

ue Rowland, of Hailey, was named to the 14th annual Heritage Court for her contributions to life in the Wood River Valley. It is an honor presented by the Blaine County Historical Museum that highlights women who have been especially important in the heritage of Blaine County, are 70 years of age or older, and have lived here for at least 30 years. “They have really honored many grand people, and I was deeply honored when they came and nominated me because I feel like other people deserved it before me,” Rowland said. Rowland and her husband of almost 53 years, Frank, moved to Hailey from Salt Lake City in 1972 when he took a position with the Forest Service here in the Valley. “When we moved here,” said Rowland, “I was very concerned because both my husband and I had an education and we knew it was important, and there was no kindergarten in Hailey.” Rowland received a degree from the University of Utah where she was on the downhill ski team and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Upon graduation, she taught second grade in Salt Lake City before moving to Logan, Utah, where her husband received his master’s degree. While there, she started a preschool because she saw a need in her community; that preschool is still in existence today. When the Rowlands moved to Hailey, Sue saw a similar need for early education. “When we moved here, our girls were tiny and my husband made a room at the back of the house and I started a kindergarten,” said Rowland. “In 1973, there was no kindergarten in the public school system. That’s where it all began and some of these kids are now business people in the community.” Rowland had 13 students in that first kindergarten class, known as Mrs. Sue’s. The school soon outgrew its home. “Dr. Parker, who had the Hailey Eye Center, let me rent a room from him in the back,” said Rowland. “And he was fabulous. I give him credit for my success because I had the school almost 30 years. He kept my rent low. The best thing is he let me do what I wanted. We made a big playground where the cars are parked right now. It was great.” At the time, Rowland says that some folks in the Valley didn’t actually approve of school other than daycare for children young. She went back to Utah for further training in early education in a program called “Workshop Way,” which she used in her classroom. Rowland’s school focused on teaching good citizenship and

Rowland celebrating her most recent birthday at Rasberrys in Ketchum with friends. Photo courtesy of Sue Rowland

Mrs. Sue’s class of 1988. Many of the children pictured are still in the Wood River Valley today. Photo courtesy of Sue Rowland

creative learning based on the five senses. “My classes were well accepted everywhere because the kids were respectful,” said Rowland. “They knew I meant business, but I was always full of love. They knew that they had to cooperate. It was a loving way to teach good citizenship and creative learning. That’s what my two goals were in school.” Rowland later added 3- and 4-year-olds in an effort to bring in more money to pay rent and other necessities. The 3-yearsolds attended twice a week and the 4-year-olds three times per week. Once kindergarten was brought into the public school system in the early 1980s, she focused solely on the 3- and 4-yearold groups. Rowland would move Mrs. Sue’s Preschool once more to a building on Main Street in Hailey. After selling the business to an employee, she retired, though she helped out when needed. Each year, at high school graduations, Mrs. Sue’s students have found a note from their first teacher on their chair. All of Rowland’s students have graduated, but this year the last student she worked with as a substitute will graduate high school, and he, too, will find a note on his chair.

The Rowlands have two daughters and one son, who were raised in the Wood River Valley. Sue volunteered her time with the schools, and was involved in parent-teacher organizations. When her children were in high school, Rowland was instrumental in moving the senior prom off-campus and implementing the overnight party after the dance, a tradition that remains today. “It’s a pleasure living here… an incredible place to raise children,” Rowland said. “All my children went away to college. They all got their degrees. They all came back and they all have their own businesses here in town.” She also has four grandsons that she enjoys spending as much time with as she can. They are also awaiting a first granddaughter. When her husband, who worked at POWER Engineers, was transferred to Wisconsin for several years, they helped with the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski-racing program. When they returned to the Valley, they began to help with the cross-country program here. Rowland and her husband volunteer for the Blaine County Recreation District’s Nordic trail courtesy patrol. 106 S. Main, Hailey 208.788.0848 janesartifacts@cox.net www.iteminfo.com

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

NEWS FEATURED EVENT

VANDANA SHIVA, LIVING THE MISSION BY DANA DUGAN

r. Vandana Shiva, an academically trained physicist based in Delhi, India will appear at the Sun Valley Wellness Festival this weekend. She has a message that is all about health, respect for nature and the connectedness of every living thing with each other. Fiercely determined and a little controversial, Shiva is an anti-globalization, anti-corporate, eco-feminist activist whose campaigns focus primarily on food and agriculture, socioeconomic issues and an opposition to GMOs, free trade and intellectual property rights. She is the author or co-author of more than 20 books, including “Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution and Profit,” “Who Really Feeds the World: The Failures of Agribusiness and the Promise of Agroecology” and “Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability and Peace.” For more than three decades Shiva has tried to be the change she wants to see, to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi. In a statement on the website of Navdanya, an organization Shiva founded in 1991, she said, “When I found that dominant science and technology served the interests of the powerful, I left academics to found the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, a participatory, public-interest research organization. When I found global corporations wanted to patent seeds, crops or life forms, I started Navdanya to

protect biodiversity, defend farmers’ rights and promote organic farming.” This remains Shiva’s mission and her passion. Navdanya (meaning nine seeds) is a network of organic producers and a seed-saving project that empowers communities—that were losing their traditional foods, their cultural foundation and their food security—to establish seed banks in northern India. Shiva believes that industrial monocultures using intensive chemical fertilizers and GMO seeds contribute to diseases related to metabolic disorders, malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. “The loss of biodiversity in our fields and our diet over the last half century, with the spread of the Green Revolution/industrial agriculture, is not just leading to an ecological crisis, but also to a disease epidemic,” Shiva said in a phone interview while on a farm in France. “We used to eat more than 10,000 plant species as humans. Now, we depend on 10 globally traded commodities.” Shiva promotes earth democracy, a movement necessary to restore harmony, people and nature, while pushing for land redistribution, indigenous and peasant farmers’ rights, organic-only food production and Ayurvedic health. “Earth democracy is the basic admission that we are part of the earth,” Shiva said in her lilting Indian accent. “We are in a fam-

ily and that is the first family we have. Also, within that, we have a human family. We are one species of 300 million or more, so we must be respecting the rights of all other species. We can’t take more than our share. Butterflies and worms—even we must respect their space and rights. We must be deeply understanding of our rights and responsibility.” In her work, Shiva stands up to the powers that be and is driven by a sense of democracy. Currently, she is working to keep GMO mustard from coming into India, though Bayer, the German multinational chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences company, has been able to make headway this past month with its GMO mustard product. “It is my duty to defend those rights,” Shiva said. “When they cut down forests or use GMO seeds, I feel compelled, for the sake of the pollinators and farmers, to fight for their rights. When governments become handmaidens of corporate concerns, then I will act.” Shiva explains that, for her, globalization is not a negative thing, but a state of mind. “It’s different from planetary consciousness, which makes us realize we are on earth,” said Shiva. “It’s also different from solidarity. We are one.” For the past 20 years the Sun Valley Wellness Festival has focused on emotional wellness, but Shiva, who will speak on Saturday evening in the Limelight Room of the Sun Valley Inn,

Dr. Vandana Shiva. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Wellness Festival

will bring a different approach to wellness. “We are breaking new ground,” she said. “People are creating systems that work for the planet, for farmers, and for eaters. We’re gaining ground in spite of corporations. Every passing year there’s a realization that small farmers are efficient and produce better food. We have not just the right, but the capacity, to make the system for healthy foods. “And wellbeing is gaining currency by the day. People are realizing wellbeing is what we should be seeking.” Shiva laughs when I ask her how to influence doubters—people who eat industrially raised food. “First, invite them for a feast to taste the difference,” she said. “I was meeting with young people in France today who started a seed-saving organization. The

Staying Safe Around Electrical Equipment in Flooded Areas

Idaho Power crews are patrolling and working in areas at high risk for flooding in the Wood River Valley. Water can damage electrical equipment, creating a hazardous situation. As a reliability and safety precaution, Idaho Power may need to turn off power to some customers.

If you are in an area impacted by flooding: • Stay away from electrical equipment, including lines, poles, green transformer boxes and anything else that looks like electrical equipment or has electric-hazard warning signs. • Homeowners are encouraged to call an electrician if their equipment becomes impacted by flooding. • In advance of possible outages, charge your cell phone and ensure flashlights have batteries. If it is necessary to turn off your power due to flooding, Idaho Power will attempt to reach you via an automated phone call at the number associated with your Idaho Power account. We understand outages are inconvenient and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to safely manage the effects of flooding on our idahopower.com/outage electrical equipment.

leader of it used to be in finance. It’s a movement multiplying very fast. People are realizing that because the planet, soil and climates are so diverse, the more adapted the seed will be, the better, especially in times of climate change.” But for many people, especially those in food deserts, it’s difficult to move out of the dependence on processed and fast foods. “We need more public awareness of what’s going on in the food system,” Shiva said. “Industrial food is empty of nutrients and taste,” and it’s tainted by the pharmaceutical companies like Bayer and Monsanto, which are now involved in the seed business. There is a “legacy of heirloom seeds in India,” Shiva said. “We have to address the need for hyper-local seeds and food.” Tickets to Dr. Shiva’s talk may be purchased at sunvalleywelltws

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

NEWS ELECTIONS

20 th ANNIVERSARY

PRESENTATIONS

MOVEMENT CLASSES WORKSHOPS SPEAKERS EXPERIENCE HALL

May 25-29, 2017

1% LOT FOR AIR PASSES Clayton, Green win school board seats

Arianna Huffington Co-Presented by SUN VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Founder of Huffington Post and Wellness Revolution Advocate

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors

Full schedule, passes, tickets and more information at SunValleyWellness.com #svwellness2017

The American Legion David Ketchum Post 115

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY MONDAY, MAY 29TH, 11 A.M. • KETCHUM CEMETERY

SPEAKER: Colonel David W. Brynteson Commander, Mountain Home AFB FEATURING: A fly over by World War II Vintage P-51 Mustang and Curtiss P-40 from the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho. THE EVENT IS FREE • ALL ARE WELCOME

BY JEAN JACQUES BOHL

oters in Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley approved a five-year extension of the “1% LOT For Air” last Tuesday, May 16. The local option tax was first approved in 2012. It adds an extra 1 percent to certain sales in each town: hotel rooms and car rentals in Hailey, retail sales in Ketchum and Sun Valley. The measure needed a 60 percent approval to pass. Hailey voted 76.19 percent in favor, Ketchum was 74.08 percent in favor, and Sun Valley voted 82.83 percent in favor. The measure wasn’t on the ballot in Bellevue and Carey. “The voters showed they strongly support the successful efforts to improve air service and marketing,” said Carol Waller, executive director of the Fly Sun Valley Alliance. “They know that the results have been good for our community, and we look forward to continuing the positive progress in the years ahead.” The tax generated about $2.5 million in 2016. The proceeds are split between the Fly Sun Valley Alliance and Visit Sun Valley. The funds are split between Fly Sun Valley Alliance and Visit Sun Valley. Fly Sun Valley Alliance works on retaining and improving air service and Visit Sun Valley promotes the area in key air service markets. Currently, there are flights to Friedman Memorial Airport from Denver, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Seattle. The Alliance hopes to add an additional nonstop flight, possibly from Dallas. In other election news, voters

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kelly Green. Photo courtesy of Kelly Green

reelected Rob Clayton in Zone 4 - Ketchum; and Kelly Green in Zone 2 - South Hailey and Bellevue, to the Blaine County School District Board of Trustees. Incumbent Clayton defeated challenger Johnny Galgano by 338 votes to 290. Clayton is the current vice-chairperson of the board. One of the challenging issues awaiting the new board will be whether or not to seek additional revenues from voters. “I look forward to the next four years working with my colleagues and community to position the Blaine County School District as the highest performing school district in the state of Idaho,” Clayton said. Green defeated incumbent Cami Bustos by 208 votes to 17. They will serve a four-year term and be sworn in during the school board meeting in July. “I am elated and excited for the future,” Green said. “I have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to those that helped me and an amazing sense of accomplishment for all our hard work.” tws

Sun Valley Opera Announces Its Summer Festival Lineup

NEWS IN BRIEF

“Give Where They Live” Helps Members Of The Senior Connection

On Thursday, May 11, the Keller Williams Sun Valley real estate agency spent the day supporting senior independence. Five groups worked throughout the Valley cleaning up the yards of seniors, helped fill sandbags for flood victims, and painted the exterior entrance to the Senior Connection. “Part of our mission is to provide essential services to aging adults,” Teresa Beahen Lipman, Senior Connection director, said. “Help with chores is one of the most desired needs requested, according to a study conducted by the Office on Aging. Many hands make light work and I know our seniors were most appreciative of the labor of love and support for mankind offered by Keller Williams and their remarkable team of realtors.” Since the first RED [Renew, Energize, Donate] Day in 2009, Keller Williams has given thousands of hours of community service. “RED Day is built on the belief that people can and should come together to achieve extraordinary things to help others,” said Lane Monroe, associate broker and RED Day chairman. “This year, we look forward to giving back to the seniors in our community who have given so much to us— they built America and it is our duty to validate their lives and give back.” One senior was so moved by gratitude that he wrote a donation to the Senior Connection and had all the agents who helped on his yard sign the memo line on the check.

Variety is the operative word for this summer’s programming for Sun Valley Opera’s July Festival-Adventures in Music. Kicking off the festival on July 6 will be a fundraising concert celebrating the music of Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, and Led Zeppelin. British Rock Royalty will perform a two-hour production backed by state-of-the-art video, lighting and lasers. This show promises something truly unique and unforgettable. Diva tickets include a cocktail party July 5 in a private home with entertainment by British Rock Royalty lead singer Brody Dolyniuk and premier seating at the concert in the Sun Valley Pavilion. On July 8, baritone Andrew Manea will perform a program, “Sinatra to Opera,” in a private home. Wrapping up the festival will be Maya Lahyani in concert at 7 p.m. July 25 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, co-sponsored by the Wood River Jewish Community. Tickets can be purchased by calling Sun Valley Opera at (208) 726-0991 or online at sunvallleyopera.com.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

NEWS ENVIRONMENT

In Memory of Many, In Honor of All

Monday, May 29 • 11:00 aM • Hailey CeMetery, 511 e. Maple Street Rain or Shine! A FREE event that all are invited to attend A Flyover of a P-51 Mustang and a Curtiss P-40 From the Warhawk Air Museum

Refreshments will be served in the Gazebo at the Cemetery An excavator performs work – with the appropriate permit – on the Big Wood River near the Chanterelle subdivision in Bellevue on Sunday. Courtesy photo by Sheryl Schowengerdt

RIVER FLOODING CREATES NEED FOR NEW MAPPING, PERMITS

BY DANA DUGAN

or riverfront homeowners contemplating placing large boulders in the river to protect their property, be forewarned. There’s an emergency permit necessary for this work through Blaine County. An inspection is required before any changes can be made by homeowners to their riverbanks. “You don’t want people to put rocks in the river willy-nilly,” said Blaine County Commissioner Larry Schoen. “There are federal, state and local laws about altering streams and rivers. An engineer or stream consultant can walk homeowners through the process so it will work and be successful. Everyone is really busy right now.” Permits should go through Kristine Hilt, the county’s floodplain manager, at blainecounty. org or (208) 788-5570. “Any alteration to a stream channel, including discharge of material or displacing floodwaters, must be approved through an emergency stream alteration permit,” Hilt said. “Property owners should start by notifying me of the situation. They should then get a plan in place to address the erosion or threatened structures. I’ll then coordinate with at least two county commissioners and the county engineer to conduct a site visit. We can do it on the same day, depending on the severity of the situation. When we assess a plan, we keep in mind that work cannot adversely impact any adjacent or downstream property owners. Some of these situations are dire, and we’re very responsive.” They’ve been working seven days a week around the clock, and have so far issued 23 emergency permits in the Valley. The permit is actually a bond that costs $1,000. According to the county, within three months the homeowner must file a permanent permit, which costs $350. At this point, the $1,000 bond originally paid will be returned when the project is assessed and

approved. That bond is a guarantee that the property owner will submit a more comprehensive plan to address the entire work area when conditions return to normal. “One reason it’s a problem is that in the past there were ‘uncontrolled actions’ done on the river that affected flows downriver,” Schoen said. “It’s a specialized field.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is contracted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide expertise on such issues as monitoring high water and measuring contours of land using LiDAR radar, a surveying method that measures distance to a target by illuminating that target with a pulsed laser light. “I recently assisted the Army Corps in installing highwater flood marks on bank debris, including trees along Warm Springs, so that in a few months a surveyor could come back to survey these marks for the incorporation of the water levels into a newly modeled, more accurate floodplain,” Hilt said. Accurate floodplain maps help to ensure that flood insurance is appropriate where required, and any future development is outside of mapped high-risk areas. Meanwhile, there is stabilization and maintenance work being done on the Bellevue levee in anticipation of additional high water. Also, there is plenty of debris removal taking place in certain at-risk areas of the Big Wood River. In Hailey, the five-day forecast calls for a peak on Thursday, May 25 at a stage of 5.54 feet and a flow of 3100 cubic feet per second. The Probability Graph shows a 95 percent chance of reaching a river stage of 6 feet over Memorial Day weekend. As a reminder, on May 8 we reached a river peak of 7.82 feet and a flow at 5,950 cfs. It depends on the weather. The county relies on the National Weather Service out of Pocatello for forecasting. tws

FOR MORE INFO Please call 208-788-2007

Thank You

FOG SEAL TO BEGIN ON GANNETT ROAD

June 5, 6, 7 Travelers can expect traffic delays and potential road closures. Please plan to use alternative routes. All is weather dependent. Please refer to the Blaine County Road & Bridge website for questions.

ROUTE FOR SALE

MISSION TORTILLAS AND TIM’S CHIPS • • • • • • •

Distributorship and territory are purchased through seller and contracted through Mission Foods, and Tim’s Cascade snacks. In addition I sell other items. Current sales route includes the area from Carey, the Wood River Valley, and up to Stanley. Estimated yearly sales : $441,040 Gross income : $110,916 (average of 25% of sales) Net income : $58,501 Expenses : $52,425 Expenses and overhead include, but not limited to: Fuel, stales or damaged product, computer, vehicle maintenance, auto insurance, business insurance, rent, office supplies, hired help.

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SUN BULLETIN BOARD THE WEEKLY

NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT

HELP WANTED

• Science Teacher • ENL Teacher • Spanish Teacher • Summer Grounds Crew • Guest Positions

¡Grupo De Apoyo NAMI Conexión Ha Regresado! Grupo de apoyo para adultos que viven con los retos asociados con los desafíos mentales; este programa está diseñado para unir, motivar y apoyar a sus participantes. Se habla ingles durante el grupo. Todos los jueves.

HORSE BOARDING

To be considered for the above posted jobs, a fully completed online application is required for each job. To receive an email notification of job opportunities, apply online for our Job Notification System.

answer from page 15

HOT TUB

FLEA MARKET

Huge P.E.O. Flea Market: Sat., May 27, 8-1--415 S. Main, Hailey. Great items at great prices. Thirty-five families treasurers are there to raise funds for women’s education.

HOUSEKEEPING

Responsible, experienced & great references, housekeeper now accepting new clients. Free estimates available for: homes, condos & offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com, 208-720-5973

KETCHUM/SUN VALLEY HOTEL OCCUPANCY RATES ARE DOWN

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Great condition, Sundance Capri. $1,500. 208-7265947

NEWS BUSINESS

he occupancy rates for hotels in Ketchum and Sun Valley the last few months are noticeably down compared with the same time in 2016, according to statistics gathered by Visit Sun Valley, a nonprofit marketing organization. The overall estimation of rates was compiled from Sun Valley Resort, the Limelight, Tamarack, Tyrolean, Knob Hill Inn, Les Saisons and property management groups Alpine Lodging and Natural Retreats. According to Aly Swindley, head of membership and visitor services for Visit Sun Valley, the data does not include everybody, but is a “great sample.” The sample indicates that in February of 2016 available rooms were 66 percent filled, and in 2017 that figure was 59 percent. In March, of 2016 58 percent of available rooms were filled, and in 2017 that figure was 50 percent. Based on samples of properties that submit data to Sun Valley Marketing Alliance, the occupancy rate from April 26 to May 2, 2017 was 22 percent, compared to 47 percent during the same time in 2016. During the week of May 3 through May 9, the occupancy rate was 23 percent compared to 32 percent in 2016. These figures are based on 5,874 room nights available in 2017 and 1,327 of them being sold, and 5,441 being available in 2016 and 1,756 of them being sold. Reasons for the decrease in local hotel occupancy rates might include the rise in Airbnb rentals. Airbnb was started in 2007 by two roommates, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, who couldn’t afford the rent on their San Francisco loft apartment and decided to put an air mattress in the living room, turning it into a bed and breakfast. Today, Airbnb is an online marketplace broker receiving commissions from both host and guests with every booking. It has 3 million rentals in 65,000 cities in 191

answer from page 15

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

Visit our WEBSITE for: • LIST OF OPEN JOBS • DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTIONS • BENEFIT PACKAGE DETAILS • ONLINE APPLICATIONS

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6-7 p.m. Sun Club (North Room), 731 N 1st Ave, Hailey. Info: 208-481-0686

Various Application Deadlines

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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

CROSSWORD

Connection Recovery Support Group is back! Ongoing support group for people living with mental challenge; share coping strategies, offer encouragement, receive support. Every Thursday.

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www.blaineschools.org (208) 578-5000 Jobs@blaineschools.org

PRICING

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

countries. More than 300 of those listings are in Blaine County. The Idaho Academy of Physicians Assistants held a conference in Sun Valley over the weekend of April 7-9, 2016, and again in 2017 on the weekend of April 6-8. According to executive director Steven Sumter, around 200 people attended both conferences, though this year attendees occupied more rooms than last year. Tim Mott, assistant manager of the upscale 29-room Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum, has some other thoughts about what has contributed to declining room occupancy rates in his industry. “Occupancy rates have been down for the first quarter of the year throughout the state, not just in Sun Valley,” he said. “Last year Sun Valley was one of the few Western ski resorts with enough snow for good skiing. People came here because the rest of the West was hurting for snow. This year everyone had lots of snow and people didn’t need to leave their home ski area and travel for good skiing.” Mott also opined that the Mountain Collective ski pass, which allows skiers access for two days each season at 16 of America’s finest ski resorts, including Sun Valley, has affected room occupancy rates. He said, “Instead of visiting Sun Valley to ski for a week, a skier with the Mountain Collective will come for two days and then move on.” The Limelight Hotel is the latest addition in the north Valley, while in Hailey a new three-story, 41,836-square-foot Fairfield Inn and Suites was just approved last week by the Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission. It will be located at 711 North Main Street at the current Goode Motors site. As well, in Bellevue, a new three-story, 28,000-square-foot hotel is under construction that will have 57 rooms, eight of which will be suites. tws

Bia Ra sho Ste om

NEWS IN BRIEF

Volunteer In The Outdoors

The Sawtooth Society’s volunteer and stewardship program conducts over 20 restoration projects a year in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The Austin Kraal Memorial Volunteer Program is the largest-of-its-kind volunteer program involving hundreds of urban and at-risk youth. This volunteer program also partners with other groups to accomplish its goals. Any interested group should contact the Society to discuss helping advance the work to preserve, protect and enhance the SNRA. For summer 2017, there will be general Trail Days on June 22, July 12, Aug. 30 and Sept. 8. In addition, the Society will lead multiday-trip volunteer projects, including stewardship training offered in conjunction with the Idaho Trails Association. These will be crosscut-saw training with U.S. Forest Service certification, June 16-18; a Hell Roaring Trail trip, June 27-30; and a Boulder-White Clouds and Boulder Chain Lakes trip, Aug. 14-18. Main volunteer projects include trail clearing and maintenance, stream bank restoration, removal of wildlife-unfriendly fencing, installation of wildlife-friendly fencing to protect riparian areas, restoration of campgrounds, and much more. To learn more on the Sawtooth Society’s volunteer program email Stewardship Coordinator Greg Travelstead at greg@sawtoothsociety.org.

Museum To Open In Stanley For Season

The Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association will kick off the summer season with the opening of the Stanley Museum, in Stanley, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28. After Saturday, June 3, the Stanley Museum will remain open every day, through Tuesday, Sept. 5, and will be open weekends for the remainder of September through Sunday, Oct. 1. “I’m thrilled about my position with the Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association,” said Sarah Cawley, new executive director. “It’s an honor to work with this organization and continue the excellent work it does in the Sawtooth Valley.” The historic exhibits at the Stanley Museum include the restored ice house, outdoor displays and medical equipment exhibit. Museum docent Kenny Werth and historic

specialist Caroline W summer to educate museum and exhibi many new titles, as for the area. For more informa contact info@discov

Law Enfo For Un

Memorial Day we with it comes the bu across the state pre vacation, the Idaho Highway Safety and minding drivers acro From May 22 thro across Idaho will be not to wear seatbel effort to improve se “It’s such a simpl next step after sittin kins of the Office of According to the ministration, nearly occupants killed in c Idaho, 93 people kil more than half of th by a seatbelt. “Most people in I Jenkins. “We had an in 2015 but have to lives.” For more informa mobilization, please

Public U.S. 20

The public is invit proposed reconstru U.S. 20 in Blaine and day, May 24, at Bell Bellevue. The upcom and fill crossings at bridges. Those interested during the meeting illustrations, propos related information Representatives f ment design team w

NEWS ARTS

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

M AY 24 - 30, 2017

WOW-Students draw on nonprofits for inspiration

aniel Contreras, 16, a sophomore from Ketchum, poses with his poster for Mountain Rides with Kim MacPherson, ft, and Kaz Thea, right, both employees of the organization. “I use the bus a lot,” Contreras said. WOW gave $24 to ach student in the art class and then let them decide where to donate the money. Rather than choosing separate arities, the class culled all the money and donated it to Mountain Rides.

anca Cena, 18, a senior from Hailey, chose Swiftsure anch for her project. “I used to mentor ranch hands and owed them what to expect,” said Cena. “I worked with ephanie Miller the summer before freshman and sophmore year. I like that people love being there.”

Wickes will be available throughout the e and provide information about the its. In addition, the bookstore will have well as useful guidebooks and maps

ation, visit discoversawtooth.com or versawtooth.org.

orcement On Lookout nrestrained Drivers

eekend is just around the corner and usy summer travel season. As families epare to hit the road for their summer Transportation Department Office of d its law enforcement partners are reoss the state to “Click It. Don’t Risk It.” ough June 4, law enforcement agencies e on the lookout for people who choose lts. This is part of a larger, nationwide eatbelt usage across the country. le thing, and it should be an automatic ng down in a vehicle,” said Sherry Jenf Highway Safety. National Highway Traffic Safety Ady half of the 22,441 passenger vehicle crashes in 2015 were unrestrained. In lled in car crashes were unrestrained; hose deaths could have been prevented

Idaho wear their seatbelts,” said n observed seatbelt rate of 81 percent do better. It’s easy to do and it saves

ation on the “Click It. Don’t Risk It” e visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot.

Meeting Slated For 0 Bridge Crossings

ted to review and comment on the uction of two bridge crossings along d Camas counties at 4-6 p.m., Wedneslevue City Hall, 115 East Pine Street, in ming projects will replace aging culvert Willow Creek and Rock Creek with

d in the project may drop in anytime to view preliminary designs, project sed traffic control plans and other n. from the Idaho Transportation Departwill be on hand to answer questions

Wood River High School junior Khoi Pham, 17, is from Vietnam. He and his family relocated to Hailey last year. He chose, for his WOW-Student project, to do a poster for the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley. “I like what they do to find a home for every pet and are a no-kill shelter,” Pham said. WOW-Students create generosity experiences for all classrooms in the Wood River Valley. For this project, the organization worked with Betty Erwin’s Wood River High School art class to create posters for Valley-based nonprofits.

Emilia Morgan, 16, from Hailey, chose to highlight the Sawtooth Botanical Garden for her WOW art project. All photos by Dana DuGan

and gather input. Written comments will be accepted at the meeting and may be submitted through June 2. Comments may be mailed to ITD’s District 4 Office, 216 South Date St., Shoshone, Idaho 83352 or emailed to nathan.jerke@itd.idaho.gov.

Students’ work will hang in bus shelters around the Valley. Hailey resident and birthday girl Aspen Vincent, 16, is a sophomore. She chose Wood River Land Trust. “This Valley is so beautiful,” said Vincent. “I know how hard they work. My dad works for the water department, so we are connected with the Valley. I enjoyed painting this piece. This project made us get more involved in the community.”

Sun Valley Soccer Club Cleans Up At Director’s Cup

Last week, the Sun Valley Soccer Club had one of their most successful soccer tournaments in Boise since they started playing there eight years ago. Twelve teams From left, Kate Horowitz, Kate Stone, Tia competed in Vontver the competitive Director’s Cup. The Under-16, Under-15, Under-14 and Under-10 boys all won their divisions along with the Under12 girls. The Under-16 girls finished second and the Under-17 girls came in third for the state cup. “The boys really came together as a team, had great spirit, accurate passing and a great work rate,” said Kaz Thea, manager of the 2002 boys champions. “Lots of their success came from just having fun out there.” Davy Weller, head coach of the Under-14 boys, said that they had “strong defensive and dynamic attacking line and won all three of their games, outscoring their opponents 11-3.” The team took home the trophy by beating Idaho Rush 5-0. “The U-14 girls only gave up two goals the entire weekend, thanks to stellar defense and goalkeeping, which allowed the midfield and offense to play tactically sound and creative and to score the goals needed to win the title,” said coach Anne Marie Gardner. Pete Woodring, director of Sun Valley Soccer Club, said it was an “understatement” to call the weekend a success. “Most players didn’t even start touching a ball until late April and some didn’t get on the grass until the second week of May,” he said. “Meanwhile, their opponents have had a ball at their feet since March. The motivation, spirit, character and competitiveness that each player displayed was brilliant.” SVSC will host its annual tournament, which marks the end of their season at Wood River High School, on June 3.

Alise Barney, 17, a junior from Bellevue, featured the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. “I used to be part of a service organization called Blaine County Teen Auxiliary Council (BCTAC). I volunteered there, and when I was a kid, I’d go to the Garden whenever I got the opportunity.”

Alex Leon, 18, a senior and captain of the soccer team, is seen here with Megan Thomas, executive director of the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. “I like the message they have of helping, and the spirit of generosity. I tried to incorporate all of it.” Next year Leon will study accounting at Boise State University.

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

Fishing R epoRt

PET COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 24 - 30 FROM PICABO ANGLER

e have arrived! Opening Day is this Saturday, May 27. All that snow that piled up for all those months is about to provide us an epic season of fishing. It all starts with Silver Creek while we wait for the rest of our rivers to come into shape. The good news is Silver Creek has been amazing over the past few weeks, and with outstanding flows and outstanding hatches, we can expect a great time on the water. Hatches for the coming week will be a bit weather dependent. If we are cooler and overcast on Saturday. you can plan on seeing Baetis flies first, followed by PMD and Callibaetis. If the sun does decide to shine all day, this means the Callibaetis and PMD will be more prominent. The hatches in late May turn off and on throughout the day, so do not be discouraged if you run into a lull in the action. Things will turn back on eventually. Ants and Beetles are always a good choice for the opener, even when the hatches are in full swing. Try big stuff, too, like Chernobyl Ants and such. Even Silver Creek fish can be fooled into eating the big stuff off the top the first few days of the season. We’ve been writing about the crowds for Opening Day the past few weeks. This will not change. Silver Creek will be busy, but it is an awesome group of anglers that treats one another with respect and kindness. Be aware also that not everyone you see on Saturday is fishing. Many people, like myself, see Opening Day like Christmas Day. We just like to celebrate the fact that it has started! So, once again, do not be put off by the crowds on Saturday; they will be gone in the afternoon and most evenings will see little fishing pressure. Just join in on being nice, communicate well and be a friend to your fellow angler. Finally, do not forget that on Friday night, May 26, we will have our Opening Day Eve celebration. This means an evening of hilarity with Hank Patterson—no films, just Hank telling us how it is! He begins at 7 p.m. Prior to that we will have Travis Ward from Hillfolk Noir joining us to strum some music starting at 5 p.m. There will be beer, food, raffles and donations gladly being accepted for the folks at Reel Recovery. We look forward to seeing you there! Happy opening weekend, everyone!

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

GOING TO THE VETERINARIAN

BY FRAN JEWELL

visit to the veterinarian is a necessary part of most dogs’ lives. Fifty-three years ago, I remember my first dog, Susie, a Brittany spaniel, and her terror at walking in that door. She would shake, cry, pant and her feet would be soaking wet from sweating pads. As a child, this vision followed me into adulthood and I vowed never to make any of my dogs go through that. These days, the face of that office has changed considerably. The veterinarian’s office is a place to go for very fun daycare, and a place to find loads of toys, chewing items, dog food and even dog clothing. We seem to frequent the office on a much more deliberate and consistent basis, especially considering the level of healthcare options we now have available. We are also blessed, locally, with so many very compassionate veterinarians that are so kind and gentle with our animals. Making the trip to the vet’s office a good one starts as soon as you get your puppy and continues with each visit. One bad experience can linger in a dog’s mind for a very long time. How do we do that? Here are a few tips I have found make the experiences good ones: • As part of your puppy or new dog socialization, take your pup frequently just to go get weighed and ask the front desk staff to give him treats. Having your puppy sit for those treats adds to teaching very polite behaviors as an adult dog. Short visits are always easier for a puppy so they don’t get overstressed. Daycare is a wonderful way for puppies to get socialization after they have the required vaccinations, although, again, visits should be very short at first to avoid overstimulation or undue stress. • Take your puppy or dog in the office on

a leash. If there is another dog present that is sick or injured, that dog may not have the patience to visit with another dog in a friendly manner. You risk exposing your dog to illness with close contact, but also a dog bite or fight if the other dog is pushed beyond their limit. Think of yourself when you are sick. Do you want to have someone new play with you in the waiting room? A conflict between two dogs is an event neither dog will forget, making those visits horribly stressful in the future. All dogs need medical treatment, and some dogs simply are not social dogs. Respecting another dog’s space is crucial ANY TIME, not just at the vet’s office. Even if you are on your way to dropping your dog off at daycare, your dog may come face to face with a sick dog, or a dog that just had surgery. Please be respectful and not allow your dog to visit or jump on other dogs until they get to daycare. • Take your dog’s favorite treat or toy. While waiting in the exam room, sometimes a little toy play or even practicing sits and downs for treats is a great way to keep your dog from feeling stressed about the visit. A few minutes of planning ahead to bring a toy, treats and a leash can make a visit to the vet’s office a delightful experience that continues throughout your dog’s life. Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified Take a few minutes frequently to just go and get dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified weighed. Pretty soon the event is pretty easy for instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive your dog. Photo by Fran Jewell Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy. com or call (208) 578-1565. Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club more information, visit positivepuppy.com award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified or call (208) 578-1565. dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive

ACTIVE ART COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

BY LESLIE REGO

TENDER BEGINNINGS

esterday, my husband and I drove north to see the amount of snow that remains from our intense winter. We were amazed that from Galena to the summit, the drive still felt like winter, with feet of snow on the mountain, coming almost to the edge of the highway. But the meadows before Galena showed obvious signs of spring. There were a lot of runoffs and boggy areas from all of the melting snow, which created deep green areas. One of my favorite meadows had just the beginning of mule’s ear. I could see the leaves poking out of the ground, the shape of a mule’s ear, but only a couple of inches high. Fully grown, these leaves can be over a foot tall, but right now they are tiny and soft, very different from their coarseness when completely formed. In the midst of the leaves, the flower was beginning to form. It looked like tiny spears of broccoli with green florets! I have never seen mule’s ear so young and was amazed at the early development of the bloom. I also found the beginnings of prairie smoke in the meadow. Often I see mule’s ear side by side with prairie smoke. Both tend to like the same conditions of open, sunny, moist meadows. I saw the mule’s ears first but knew

Leslie Rego, “Tender Beginnings,” nib pen and ink, watercolor.

that where I see mule’s ear, most likely prairie smoke would also reside. I poked around a bit and soon found tiny, slightly pink, closed flower heads about an eight of an inch across, three to a stem. These I thought must be infant prairie smoke. As I looked more closely, I saw the small,

distinctly shaped, fern-like segmented leaves, confirming my find. Usually I try to time my trips to be able to see the wildflowers at the very height of their blooms, but I really enjoyed seeing the emergence of these flowers. The stems and leaves barely jutted

out of the wet ground. They were so delicate—a scaled-down version of their future selves. 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 • M AY 24 - 30, 2017

COLUMN LIVING WELL UI-BLAINE EXTENSION TIPS

BLAINE COUNTY 4-H HEALTHY LIVING TEEN ADVOCATES IN ACTION

BY SARAH BUSDON

ay is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Last week, Blaine County 4-H Healthy Teen Advocates held a retreat in Hailey with their counterparts to develop two Health Action Plans. The action plans were the result of the teens applying for and being granted two mini-grants while attending the National 4-H Healthy Living Conference in Washington, D.C., in February. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation sponsored the grants. The D.C. trip and training was possible due to a donation from Peter Curran, who has a deep interest and commitment to healthy living. The Teen Advocates’ Health

Action Plans have two focuses—one on nutrition education and the other on mental health education and awareness. The first Health Action Plan entails teaching nutrition lessons to youth this summer in partnership with the Blaine County Recreation District and The Hunger Coalition. The nutrition lessons were developed by Cornell University Extension office; Nutrition in the Garden lessons are being developed with The Hunger Coalition and the Blaine County 4-H Healthy Living Teen Advocate Program. The teens will be working with Blaine County youth this summer in both the Hope and Bloom gardens, learning to cook nutritional meals, grow their own food, and have fun. The second Health Action

Plan focuses on mental health by teaching healthy communication, awareness, and respect, which the teens have dubbed C-A-R Chat. C-A-R Chat focuses on the issues of bullying, choosing healthy friendships, body language and verbal communication. Healthy Living Teens will use these lessons throughout the summer in the various 4-H camps and programs they are involved in, culminating at the Blaine County Fair in August. Sarah Busdon is an administrative assistant with University of Idaho’s Blaine County Extension office. For more information, visit extension.uidaho.edu/ blaine or call (208) 788-5585.

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

SKYDIVING BEAVERS

BY HANNES THUM

he way that people interact with different species has always fascinated me. Some creatures are put on a pedestal of reverence, such as the bald eagle (whose scientific name, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, by the way, is derived from the Latin for “white-headed sea-eagle”), or the grizzly bear (a subspecies of Ursus arctos, the brown bear that roams in its various forms all over North America). These are examples of species that we have endowed with broad protections and associations with all that is good in wildness. Not necessarily incidentally, tourists to our region will also pay good money to see them. Of course, as the recent hoopla about whether or not we should continue to protect the grizzly bear shows, we humans have a rather short fuse of tolerance once these species begin to

encroach too much on our way of life (as grizzlies are known to occasionally do). A unique story about some people in Idaho getting annoyed enough by an animal to go to great lengths to remove them from the area happened almost 70 years ago in McCall. As the story goes, when McCall and the surrounding towns were growing in population, people building their homes were running up against the hassle of local beavers (namely, the North American beaver, or Castor canadensis) occasionally flooding and chewing through the land that people were trying to live on. Idaho Fish and Game had heard the complaints but, notably, they didn’t want to simply kill the native beavers. It was clear to people at this point that beavers had value on the landscape (although it probably depended on one’s perspective if this was primarily because of

North American beaver (Castor canadensis). Photo by Steve from Washington, DC, USA - American Beaver, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3963858

Courtesy photo

Hannes Thum is a Wood River Valley native and has spent most of his life exploring what our local ecosystems have to offer. He currently teaches science at Community School.

their astoundingly important role in Idaho’s ecosystems or because of their potential future value as furbearers). So, some creative Fish and Game employees devised an elaborate method of packing the “nuisance” beavers into wooden crates, attaching those crates to surplus WWII parachutes, filling airplanes with these soonto-be-skydiving beavers, and pushing the beavers into the airspace above the Frank Church Wilderness to the west of McCall. The image of boxes full of (native) beavers being shoved out of the side door of an airplane makes me laugh, especially because most of the critters survived and started healthy new colonies in the wilderness. But it is also a poignant reminder that how we feel about a species at a given time often is embodied in our actions toward it. Eventually, 76 beavers would be moved over the course of this project. There are great videos about this project on the Internet, if you are inclined to see the footage.