28 March 2018 by The Weekly Sun

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

F R E E | MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2018 | V O L . 1 1 - N O . 1 3 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Community News Muffy Davis Races Into New Pursuits

Sports News New Girls’ Initiative Trains Future Ski Patrollers

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Sports News Alpine Junior Nationals To Hit Bald Mountain

~Saint Augustine

WORKSPACE RIGHT IN DOWNTOWN KETCHUM

Office Suites and Short Term options available 208.622.9300 • 191 Sun Valley Rd ketchumworks.com

Stop By For Your Free Day Pass Today

Community work space tting your needs with the perks of Membership. Available by the hour, day, week or month. Conference and meeting room facilities. 191 Sun Valley Road www.ketchumworks.com nicky@ketchumworks.com 208 371 9686

Coming December 2017

tchum Works.indd 1

12/11/2017 12:09:07 PM

For information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (NilsRibiPhotography.com)

Community News Hailey Family Finds Purpose In Mexican School

Sun Valley Center for the Arts &

Mon, April 2, 5:30–7pm

208.726.9491 ‧ sunvalleycenter.org ‧ Liberty Theatre

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

IN BRIEF

Copper Ranch Condominium Complex To Build Fitness Center Residents at Copper Ranch on Woodside Boulevard in south Hailey have waited several years for the completion of the state-of-the-art, 41,000-square-foot public health and fitness center. The unfinished facility has sat empty since the housing crash occurred in 2008. It was originally intended to be the central focus of the 125-unit condominium development. Finally, completion seems possible. Idaho First Bank will finance the health and fitness center, which will be built by Dan Young Construction of Hailey. Completion is estimated for September 2018. The reimagined club will include healthy and environmentally friendly features such as 12-inch European breathing walls on the exterior, atrium skylights in workout space, and Solatubes in yoga and aerobics areas to provide abundant natural day lighting and operable windows for maximum enjoyment. The club amenities will include three indoor tennis courts. “We are very close to a deal with a very exciting and very experienced person who will run the tennis program,” said J. Edward Smith, who, along with Darrin Klotz, is the developer of Copper Ranch and The Club. There will also be free weights, circuit training and cardio areas all with state-of-the-art equipment; three group exercise studio rooms; a more-than-4,000square-foot turfed functional training area; daycare center; his and hers locker rooms; and multiple lounge areas. An expansive class curriculum will be developed for all skill levels and ages. This multi-functional facility will be family-oriented, and affordable, the developers said in a press release.

The Club at Copper Ranch will be open to the public on a membership basis and is dedicated to creating a family-friendly environment that inspires, energizes and supports health from the ground up.

Registration Now Open For Girls On The Run The Girls on the Run program will be offered at six sites in Blaine County this spring, starting April 2, including Community School, Hemingway Elementary, Hailey Elementary, Alturas Elementary, Bellevue Elementary and Carey School. The nonprofit Girls on the Run of the Wood River Valley is a physical-activity-based positive youth development program that inspires girls in third through fifth grades to be joyful, healthy and confident. The program uses fun running games, dynamic discussions and personal reflection to teach valuable life skills, including standing up for yourself and others, creating supportive relationships and healthy decision-making. At the end of the 10-week program, girls are physically and emotionally prepared to complete a 5k event. “Girls on the Run taught me to be true to myself and

be proud of who I am,” said Lily, a participant who is in fifth grade. Each team will meet two times a week for 75-minute practices that will take place after school. The program fee for the spring season is $115, and scholarship funding is available to those who qualify. The program fee includes registration for the end-of-season Color Me Fearless 5k event, a shirt, water bottle and season-ending goodies. More information about the program and registration can be found on the Girls on the Run of the Wood River Valley website at girlsontherunwrv.org.

Governor Appoints New Serve Idaho Commissioner Idaho Governor Butch Otter has appointed Susan Potucek, human resources manager with Clif Bar Baking Co., to be the new Serve Idaho commissioner. Serve Idaho is the governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. “Potucek brings a wealth of knowledge about the Twin Falls community and great enthusiasm for the role of volunteers,” said Renee Bade, program manager for Serve Idaho. In her position as human resources manager with Clif Bar, Potucek helped establish the company’s employee volunteer program. In 2017, employees at the Twin Falls bakery donated nearly 6,000 hours in the Magic Valley and raised more than $18,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Idaho. Potucek also volunteers with the Valley House homeless shelter and serves on the board of directors. To learn more about Serve Idaho and volunteering, visit the Serve Idaho Facebook page or ServeIdaho.gov.

SUN BULLETIN BOARD THE WEEKLY

NAMI SUPPORT GROUP

NAMI Connection Support Group is an ongoing gathering for people living with a mental health challenge to share coping strategist, offer encouragement and receive support. Every Thursday, 5:30-7pm, Sun Club South, behind McDonald’s in Hailey. 208-481-0686.

HOT TUB & SPA REPAIR

Idaho Hot Tub & Spa Repair. Making Hot Tub Repair Affordable. Low cost Repair & Maintenance 208-420-5027 or 208-420-5027

HANDYMAN

Jack of all trades. Reliable, insured, clean. Small jobs to large remodel projects, or the “honey-do” list. Call Mark, 208-573-1784.

GARAGE SALE

Saturday, 3/31 at 1021 Silver Star Dr. Hailey from 11-1. Lots of women’s size 8, jeans, tops, some ski wear, sorels, unique furniture, clocks, weed wacker, English garden fencing, Weber and more.

GARAGE SALE 720 S. 4th Ave. Hailey, Garland Meadows. Saturday, 3/31, 8-11.

NOW HIRING

Positions Starting Between $10.50 - $35.50 For our Safe Haven Health Care Bell Mountain Village & Care Center Pick up/Drop off applications at 620 N 6th Street Bellevue, ID 83313 Immediate Openings: 2 Full Time RN’s Sign on Bonus! 2 Full Time LPN Sign on Bonus! 2 Full Time CNA 1 Part time CNA Sign on Bonus! 2 Full Time Cooks 1 Full Time Caregiver/Med Tech

HELP WANTED

PRICING

NEWS

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

CLASSIC SUDOKU answer from page 15

Now Hiring: Center for Regional History and Museum Summer Intern The Community Library Association seeks a part-time Center for Regional History and Museum Summer Intern. This position assists the Regional History Director and will primarily focus on Museum Operations. 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.

CROSSWORD

answer from page 15

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. Gold Mine Consign Manager The Gold Mine seeks a full-time Gold Mine Consign Manager. This position is responsible for the effective daily management of all aspects of the Consign store. This is a fulltime exempt position with competitive salary and benefits. Gold Mine Thrift Processing Manager The Gold Mine seeks a Gold Mine Thrift Processing Manager. This position supervises multiple staff to manage all aspects of processing thrift store donations. This is a full-time exempt position with competitive salary and benefits. 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.”

HOUSEKEEPING

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

Happy Easter

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

fly SUN

in the air

Join the community for the annual Fools Day Celebration from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. For a story, see page 12. Courtesy photo by Kirsten Shultz

THIS WEEK M A R C H 2 8 - A P R I L 3 , 2018 | VOL. 11 NO. 13

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Calendar

• SLC Delta 2-3x daily flights all year • SEA Alaska daily flights June 9 – Sept 17; 2x daily (Sat/Sun) June 30 – Sept 2; 3x week Sept 18 – mid Dec • LAX Alaska daily flights June 9 – Sept 17; 3x week Sept 18 – Oct 14 • PDX Alaska 2x week flights June 14 – Sept 16 • DEN & SFO United daily flights June 29 – Sept 4 See flight schedules at www.flysunvalleyalliance.com

Award-Winning Columns & Letters To The Editor Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

ON THE COVER Ryan Cochran-Siegle soars to a first-place finish in the men’s Super-G at the Toyota U.S. Alpine National Championships on Friday. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (NilsRibiPhotography.com) 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).

SUN WINTER WEATHER DIVERSION BUSING RUNS THROUGH APRIL 15 Ah, winter - we sure do love that snow, but not when it affects air travel. Occasionally winter weather will affect ﬂights into and out of our airport (SUN). But if that happens, fortunately our airlines, FSVA and the airport have partnered to provide a unique diversion busing program that will allow passengers to arrive and/or depart from an alternative nearby airport on the same schedule. If you are traveling to/from SUN this winter, please make sure you are informed about the diversion busing procedures here for your airline. GET FULL DETAILS AT www.ﬂysunvalleyalliance.com/weather-diversions/ Sign up here for airfare deal alerts and news too!

The Weekly Scene

SUMMER/FALL FLIGHTS ANNOUNCED

WEATHER ALERT WINTER WEATHER CAN AFFECT FLIGHTS PLEASE BE INFORMED AND PREPARED LEARN ABOUT OUR UNIQUE WEATHER DIVERSION BUSING PROGRAM HERE

www.ﬂysunvalleyalliance.com

Check SUN fares ﬁrst!

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

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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 Dana DuGan • news@theweeklysun.com CALENDAR EDITOR Yanna Lantz • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • JoEllen Collins • Dick Dorworth • Kelly Eisenbarger • Emilee Struss news@theweeklysun.com 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 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

LAST CHANCE!

Selected Easter Stuff ON SALE

JANE’S HOLIDAY HOUSE IS OPEN IN ALTURAS PLAZA

GREAT SUPPLY OF MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS SHOP EARLY FOR MOM Just Arrived: New Stickers, Come Check Them Out Also New: Reader Glasses, All New Styles, Great Selection 106 S. MAIN, HAILEY • 208.788.0848 • JANESARTIFACTS@COX.NET

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

NEWS COMMUNITY

DAVIS RACES FROM SPORTS INTO POLITICS

BY DANA DUGAN

ood River Valley native Muffy Davis has earned her credibility: Davis was a top-ranked U.S. Junior ski racer in the late 1980s when she had an accident that crushed her spine, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. Nevertheless, she graduated from Stanford University, and went on to earn a combined four medals at the 1998 and 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in alpine skiing. She then picked up competitive cycling and raced to gold in three separate events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2002, Davis became the first female paraplegic mountaineer to summit a peak over 14,000 feet when she successfully climbed California’s Mount Shasta with three other paraplegics on SnowPods. She also successfully climbed Colorado’s Pikes Peak twice in her wheelchair. In 2017, Davis was elected to the International Paralympic Committee governing board. She is a longtime advocate for disability rights and champion for the Paralympic movement. She also serves on the U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Advisory Committee, the UCI Para-cycling Commission, the IPC Women in Sports Committee and the Sun Valley Adaptive Sports/Higher Ground Sun Valley board of directors as an honorary member. Recently returned from the 2018 Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, Davis remains aglow from her time there. “It was wonderful, really cool,” she said. “And the U.S. was number one in medal count, with 36. We’re really proud of the athletes. Our snowboarders and Nordic skiers were amazing. We do need to cultivate our alpine team. My goal is to get more Paralympic development here in Sun Valley.” The 15th Paralympic Games were held just two weeks after the 2018 Winter Olympics in the same locations. Besides what sounds like endless meetings as a member of the IPC, there were rounds of parties, meet and greets, receptions and lively moments cheering on the games. “I gave medals to my friends Oksana Masters, Amy Purdy and Brenna Huckabee, and also to the men’s hockey team. That was one of the greatest honors of my life. You realize how many people work so hard so you can have your moment in the spotlight.” After her accident, Davis’s plans to be an Olympic athlete were crushed, but she pushed thorough the adversity to become a Paralympian, and a voice for disabled people.

NEWS SPORTS

“Anything I can do to give back to kids and adults with disabilities, I’ll do,” she said. Her 9-year-old daughter, Elle, was able to accompany Davis and her husband Jeff Burley to the Paralympics. “It was such a great experience for her,” Davis said. “She bonded with the athletes and hung out in the tents with the Koreans.” This was Davis’s first Paralympic Games as a member of the IPC governing board, though she was an athlete and ambassador previously. “They take really good care of the athletes,” she said. “This is my passion and I feel a responsibility. I was elected to a four-year term, and I’ll run again in 2021.” On reflection, Davis returns again to the community of athletes—in particular, in Sun Valley. “We’re a powerhouse,” she said. “I love how many young athletes come through here. It’s an honor to be back and back part of the community.” Being a part of the community is enlarging for Davis. She announced this winter that she will run, as a Democrat, for the Idaho Legislature to represent District 26, which includes Blaine, Camas, Gooding and Lincoln counties. The incumbent is Steve Miller, of Fairfield. District 26’s other representatives, Sen. Michelle Stennett and Rep. Sally Toone, have introduced Davis around at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise and she has spent time watching the proceedings in Boise. “Every citizen should go and watch the process,” Davis said. “It’s our house and that’s what we forget. I’m running because every voice is not being heard. That’s why we need more Democrats, so we can at least have debate. We learn by hearing the arguments and hearing other perspectives.” Based on her ability to overcome obstacles, Davis is on a crash course—again, though somewhat safer—to learn more about the many issues that can come up during annual legislative sessions. “It was interesting to imagine being there,” she said. “The Democrats are such a small group, and a lot of legislation doesn’t even get to the floor. Voters have to come out. They have to vote their will and we have to listen.” In a state like Idaho, where the majority representation has long been very conservative, there’s a challenge to jumping into the fray. Democrats hold just six of 35 seats in the Senate, and 11 out of 70 seats in the House. Davis is intent on hearing all sides. “The issues in other areas of the district are important,” she said. “I will do better the more well-rounded I am. My initial plan is to do a listening campaign in Camas,

Muffy Davis waves after winning a medal in handcycling at the 2012 London Paralympics. Photo courtesy of Muffy Davis

Gooding and Lincoln. I have a great support system who are teaching me about the important issues.” Among her concerns is pre-K and K-12 education, healthcare, access for disabled people, and prison reform. Each of these issues is about “what’s right for Idaho,” Davis said. After the 2016 election, Davis recalled that her 7-yearold daughter came home crying because she was worried her new friends would have to leave the country. The family had only recently moved back to the Valley from Salt Lake City. “You have to vote for what’s right for the district, not for the party,” Davis said. “That’s why I’m running. We Continued MUFFY DAVIS Next Page

YOU GOTTA CATCH IT AND DOWN IT Enjoy best drinking game on snow

BY DANA DUGAN

elande quaffing, one of the more outrageous ski-town events you’ll ever witness, or participate in, has been called the world’s best drinking game on snow. Maybe someone will invent a better game some day involving chairlifts, towers and drones, but until that time, gelande will have to do. The event smacks of silliness but, done well, it’s a game of skill as well as endurance—it is a drinking game, after all. Here is a snapshot of its history: In the late 1980s, in Jackson Hole, Wyo., an underground crew of the Jackson Hole Air Force was waiting out a huge snowstorm at the Bear Claw Café, waiting for the mountain to open. The bartender would slide a freshly filled beer down the bar to the thirsty patron who’d placed the order. One night a beer mug slid off the end of the bar, took air and was fortuitously caught before it could crash and spill. Thus, was gelande quaffing born. Now, 32 years later, The Cellar Pub, Mountain Approach and Hayden Beverage Co. will host the

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fifth annual Gelande Quaffing Sawtooth Regional Championships outside of Apple’s Bar & Grill at the base of Bald Mountain in Warm Springs. The event will be held Saturday, April 7 at exactly 4:20 p.m. Folks who want to participate should register their teams of five in advance at The Cellar Pub, and plan on being at Apple’s by 3:15 p.m. on the day of the competition. “I’m happy to be a part of bringing the après game back to Warm Springs,” said Rick Lethbridge, a co-owner of The Cellar Pub. “When I first moved here, in 1999, Warm Springs was the place to be: street parties, outdoor concerts, parking-lot parties. Now, there’s not much of a scene and this event brings that back a little.” Did I mention costumes? Well, these not only help maintain the goofy theme of the event but also can add useful team points, as well as qualify teams for prizes. So, dress up and get down. For more information, check out The Cellar’s Facebook page, or email rlethbri@me.com.

Harrison Harrison Insurance Insurance Kathleen Kathleen Harrison Harrison andand Nathan Nathan Ching Ching 101101 E. Bullion E. Bullion #2A#2A Hailey, Hailey, ID ID 83333 83333 208-788-3255 208-788-3255

kmharrison@harrisonins.com kmharrison@harrisonins.com

Independent Independent Authorized Authorized Agent Agent of of

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Costumed for success, one team celebrates after a win during the Gelande Quaffing Sawtooth Regional Championships. Photo courtesy of Gelande Quaffing

Nominate Your

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, 2018 (866) 710-9775 phd5.idaho.gov/HealthHero

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

NEWS SPORTS

POSITIVE PARENTING ADVANTAGE MODULE 1 Saturday, April 14th 9-4 D.L. Evans Bank, Hailey, Community Room $269/Couple, $135/Single Parent Parents raise their children to leave them, ideally with the necessary personal skills to succeed. Positive Parenting Advantage: Module I explores strategies and support to guide parents through typical and stressed childhood developments with a focus on both short-term resolution, the child’s long-term confidence, and life-skill enhancement. The focus is on building healthy relationships with your children. This class is for parents, stepparents, guardians, and any primary caregiver.

Girls learn to bring a toboggan down the hill. Photo courtesy of Christy Pelland

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE SKI PATROLLERS Wild Skills will be offered on Saturday

BY DANA DUGAN

etting kids of all ages outdoors and active is the mission for many organizations, including such youth initiatives as SheJumps and Girls on the Run. This weekend, the Wild Skills Junior Ski Patrol, a part of SheJumps, will be held on Bald Mountain sponsored by Clif Bar, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. The afternoon will end with a Wrap Party at River Run Lodge, at 2:30 p.m. Washington State resident Christy Pelland founded Wild Skills four years ago as a day camp for girls to learn valuable outdoor skills. Last year, Pelland worked alongside her friend and Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol Director Kim Kircher to develop a program that brings the fun day-camp vibe of Wild Skills to the mountain for girls ages 8-18. Based in Salt Lake City, Wild Skills programs teach young girls technical skills, giving them the tools they need to safely adventure in the great outdoors. From navigation to shelter building and proper ‘leave no trace’ tactics, the idea is that knowledge is power, and challenging learning situations build confidence and perseverance. After a year of planning and developing the Junior Ski Patrol program, Wild Skills launched its first foray into snow safety last December. Pelland has since held Wild Skills in Park City, Utah, Crystal Mountain, Wash., and in April, they will be in Big Sky, Mont. “We hope these girls walk away with confidence in new skills they’ve learned and ownership of their local mountain,” Pelland said. “The Junior Ski Patrol experience is jam-packed with everything from how to properly splint a broken bone to sharing local stories only patrollers know. We want these girls to feel they have the right information to make good decisions on the mountain, share that information with others, and know when and how to get help if needed. Yet, we also want them to feel connected to the mountain by knowing the codes, processes and people who keep it safe.” To register for the program, visit jspSunValley2018.eventbrite. com. The fee is $35 per person. tws

NEWS COMMUNITY

Davis has new race

Continued from Page 4

need a balance in our state so that we can get better legislation. I’m about families and education; we can have a better-educated workforce. You have to have long-range plans. I pride myself on longrange vision; that’s what I’ve done all my life. We have to move forward. I don’t want Idaho to race to the bottom.” Along with serving on several boards and being active in sports, Davis most recently worked at the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. “I’ve been active in sports politics,” she said. “That’s what I know. I’ve been blessed. This whole state has been great to me. It’s unique. I want to live in hope

and possibility, and that’s what we should all want for our kids.” Davis is nothing if not outspoken and fierce. She’s the “nasty woman” everyone’s been talking about. A conversation with her can detour into a myriad of tangents that her mind races to expound upon. “I’ve been in hot water,” she said, laughing. “And I’m not afraid to speak up and stand up for what I believe in, and I’m a good listener. I know how to compromise—I’ve been married for 14 years. I’m organized, strongwilled, and I’m not a quitter. I don’t give up when it gets hard. That’s what it takes as an athlete. That’s what I want to do in the Legislature. When elected, these are the things I want to take to the Statehouse.” tws

Call: 208.315.3075

Office: christina.tindle.ma@gmail.com Hailey: 101 E. Bullion St.

Christina Tindle, LPC

www.christinatindle.com

APRIL CLASS SCHEDULE

Boulder Mountain Clayworks

ALL LEVEL THROWING w/ Lauren Street April 2, 9, 16 & 23

$150 9:30am - 12:30pm

TEEN THROWING w/ Jackson Flynn April 4, 11, 18 & 25

$150 4:30pm - 6:15pm

ALL LEVEL THROWING w/ Stefan Curtis April 5, 12, 19 & 26

$150 6:00pm - 8:30pm

CLAY DAZE w/ Diane Walker April 2, 9, 16 & 23

$135 3:00pm - 4:30pm

HANDBUILDING w/ Cliff Frates April 3, 10, 17 & 24

$150 9:30am - 12:30pm

SCULPTURE w/ Bridgette Aldrich April 4, 11, 18 & 25

TEEN HANDBUILDING WORKSHOP w/ Sun Valley Center for the Arts Make a Bee Bath $45 April 28 10:00am-1:00pm

$150 9:30am - 12:30pm

WORKSHOP WITH JACOB FORAN April 14 & 15

Boulder Mountain Clayworks: A 501©3 nonprofit organization *partial scholarships available 208-726-4484 • www.bouldermtnclay.org • bouldermtclay@gmail.com

HOLY WEEK SERVICES Valley of Peace

Lutheran Church

Maundy Thursday, Seder Service – March 29, 6:30 pm Good Friday Service – March 30, 7:00 pm Easter Egg Hunt – March 31, 10:00 am Easter Service – April 1, 10:00 am Corner of Woodside and Wintergreen, Hailey • 208.788.3066 www.haileyvop.org NEWS IN BRIEF

Idaho’s Larger Counties Continue To Add Population in 2017 The steady shift of Idaho’s population from rural to urban counties continued between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017, according to estimates released last Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Six urban counties – Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, Bannock and Twin Falls – had a combined population of 1,116,173, accounting for 75 percent of the growth in the state’s population and 65 percent of overall population. The state’s total population was estimated at 1,716,943. Adams County had the highest percentage gain at 5 percent, but less than 200 new people. Fifteen counties had a percent increase larger than the state’s 2.2 percent gain. Clark County’s population increased at the same rate as the state. Forty-two counties showed population increases ranging from 12,580 people in Ada County to 18 additional people for Camas County. Six counties reported growth in excess of 1,000 – Ada (12,580), Canyon (5,588), Kootenai (4,493), Bonneville (2,570), Twin Falls (1,588) and Bonner (1,217). Two counties experienced a decrease in population – Clearwater’s population decreased by nine people and Power’s population dropped by 61 people. Population estimates show the net migration in Idaho was 26,525, or 1.5 percent of total population. Nearly 93 percent of the state’s population growth was due to people moving into the state. More people moved into 40 of Idaho counties than moved out, adding 27,334 people.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

NEWS SPORTS

Allison Rathon will compete in the 2018 U.S. Alpine Junior National Championships alongside eight other Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation athletes. Courtesy photo by Glen Allison

CHEER ON THE CHAMPIONS Alpine Junior Nationals to take place on Baldy

T The Weekly Sun’s summer + fall 2018

101 things to do Day Trips | Summer Checklist | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Start Your Story Here...

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10,000 copies distributed to over 225 locations for 6 months! Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Start Your Story Here...

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101 things to do 101 things to do 101 things to do summer + autumn 2017

THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Unincorporated 5B

summer + autumn 2017

THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Unincorporated 5B

summer + autumn 2017

THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Unincorporated 5B

BY YANNA LANTZ

he Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, along with title sponsor Smartwool, will present the 2018 U.S. Alpine Junior National Championships at Bald Mountain. Top junior alpine racers from across the U.S. are set to square off at the championship event, beginning Wednesday, March 28, and continuing through Friday, March 30. “SVSEF enjoys hosting events like the U.S. Alpine Junior Championships, as they bring exposure to our mountain and our town while allowing our athletes to race at home, on runs they train on every day, in front of family and friends,” said Julia Seyferth, director of communications and design. “We are hosting the event this year as it falls on the heels of the U.S. Alpine Championships. It is truly a celebration of ski racing and ski heritage, and it is a great way to round out the season.” The three-day series features one competition in super-G, one in giant slalom and one in slalom, for men and women. “The event is for U21 and U19 athletes, and skiers compete at the event by region; SVSEF athletes are part of the Intermountain division, which is a part of the Western region,” Seyferth said. “Each region has standardized quota selection procedures based on points earned at races throughout the season.” This year, SVSEF has nine athletes who have qualified for U.S. Junior Alpine Championships: Erin Smith, Lily Fitzgerald, Skylar Cooley, Allison Rathfon, Madison Ferris, Spencer Wright, Jack Smith, Hayden Terjeson and John Blackburn. In addition to races, SVSEF will host a Ketchum Welcome Ceremony from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday in Town Square, awards ceremonies after men’s and women’s events each day, and a gathering for

parents, visiting coaches and officials at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum. “The Ketchum Welcome Ceremony is going to be a fun community get-together,” Seyferth said. Awards for Wednesday’s super-G event will take place at the Welcome Ceremony, and will be handed out by Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women’s Hockey Team member Hilary Knight, her teammates Hannah Brandt, Haley Skarupa, Nic Hensley, Kelly Pannek and Lee Stecklein, and snowboarder and Olympic bronze medalist Arielle Gold. “Hilary Knight is a member of the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, a three-time Olympian and a 2018 Olympic gold medalist who calls Sun Valley home,” Seyferth said. “Hilary is a great person to present the awards for this event because of the example she sets for young athletes. With Olympic dreams from the age of five, she is living proof of what can happen when you set goals and fully apply yourself.” Old Death Whisper, a Valley favorite, will perform at the event, and vendors will be on hand with food and beverages. Seyferth believes the Alpine Junior National Championships are a great event for the community to attend. “This event is an opportunity to support the continued heritage of skiing and ski racing, both within our community and the alpine community at large,” she said. “For the younger generation of skiers, it is a brief but important glimpse into the world of ski racing, and a group of athletes to look up to. Finally, it is a nice way to celebrate the season and to recognize the hard work of these young individuals.” For more details and a full schedule of events, visit svsef.org. tws

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The three-day series features one competition in super-G, one in giant slalom and one in slalom for men and women. Courtesy photo by Josie Brownell

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

NEWS COMMUNITY

Sun Valley Center for the Arts &

Invite you to:

join us and celebrate A group of friends from the local school play at home with Lily, middle right, and one of her sisters, Adynne, 9, on far left. Photo courtesy of Snell family

FROM HAILEY TO STONE ISLAND: A CULTURAL EDUCATION

BY DANA DUGAN

he owner of Luke’s Pharmacy in Hailey, Luke Snell and his wife Bonnie have spent the past four months living on Isla de las Piedras (Stone Island), near Mazatlán, Mexico as a cultrual experiment for their bilingual daughers, Lily, Adynne and Brooklyn. The girls are attending the local public school and have helped raise funds for it. The youngest daughter, Pyper, is just 2 years old. “As we were putting the plan together and deciding exactly what type of experience we wanted for our girls, we knew we wanted to be in a Spanish-speaking country,” Snell said. “We knew we wanted to be somewhere warm, preferably near the beach. We needed to be fairly close to an airport so I could access my business in Hailey fairly easily. And we wanted to make sure we were in a place that was authentic to the country and wasn’t filled with tourists so we could truly experience the culture. Stone Island fit all of those criteria.” Isla de las Piedras, which is just across the harbor from Mazatlán, is a very small town, though the Snells are living in a house on a hill with a nice yard where Lily’s friends like to come play, and with a lovely view of the ocean, Lily said. Snell explained that his girls' “teachers were unbelievably supportive of our decision” to take them on the family adventure. Lily is a student at Wood River Middle School in Hailey, and has been in dual immersion since kindergarten, as have her sisters. “The first month we were here, everyone would stare at me when they saw me, and especially at the school, because they don’t usually get new kids from the United States at their school,” Lily said. But she progressed swiftly, thanks to her ability to communicate. “The school is a lot different from Wood River Middle School,” Lily said. “Also, a lot of the kids don’t even have a pencil and they always ask me for one. Another big difference is the uniforms. I don’t really like wearing a uniform because I prefer wearing my own clothes and it’s not very comfortable. It’s so different from what I was used to, but now I’m used to going to this school.” She said the school they attend is very old and the classrooms are very small. “They don’t have any computers in the classrooms,” Lily continued. “They have a computer lab, but less than half of the computers don’t work. So, we use a lot of books and we have to copy things down into a lot of notebooks, and their library is very small, with only a few books.” Lily said she’s made some friends and has taught them some hand games that “they love playing and they even know the songs to the games in English. It’s a lot of fun.” Snell said that because the “school is in dire condition, which we were made aware of when my wife and I first visited Stone Island last year, Lily has been fundraising to get funds to help them improve their school.” Before they left, Lily held lemonade stands, went room to room at WRMS, and made a presentation to the Hailey Rotary Club and the Pocatello Rotary Club, and set up a GoFundMe page, gofundme.com/pesosforpublicschools. The goal is $80,000 in order to reconstruct much of the school and provide new air conditioning, new desks, computers and more. Snell gives a lot of credit to Lily and her sisters’ successes to the teachers in the Wood River Valley, and the dual-immersion program in the Blaine County School District. “Since we’ve been in Mexico, Lily has presented in Spanish to three Rotary clubs in Mazatlán, to the local governing body of Stone Island, and last week she even did a 20-minute live radio interview in Spanish,” Snell said. Lily said the classrooms are in disrepair, with leaking ceilings. “When people donate, it makes me feel very happy,” she said. “Every little donation will help improve the school so that the kids can have a great education. I’ll be excited to get back to Idaho, but I am also going to miss all of my friends that I made while I was here, the school and the whole island. But, hopefully, we will come back next year.” tws

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

the weekly

A crowd cheers on the racers at the finish area on the Warm Springs side of Bald Mountain during a slalom race at the U.S. Alpine National Championships. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (NilsRibiPhotography. com)

AJ Hurt blasts out of the starting gate to triumph in the women’s alpine combined at the U.S. National Championships on Bald Mountain on Wednesday, March 21. Courtesy photo by Nils biPhotography.com)

AJ Hurt negotiates a tight turn to beat her competitors in the women’s giant slalom at the U.S. Alpine National Championships on Bald Mountain on Monday. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (NilsRibiPhotography.com)

Ryan Cochrane Siegle zooms past a gate to win the men’s alpine combined at the U.S. Alpine Championships on Bald Mountain on Wednesday, March 21. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (Nils raphy.com)

NEWS IN BRIEF

Zions Bank Awards Hailey Student For ‘A’ Grades

Wood River Middle School seventh-grade student Amanda DaSilva received a $100 scholarship savings account as a regional winner of a recent drawing through Zions Bank’s Pays for A’s program. Pays for A’s rewards students who put in the effort to make their grades count. Vaelene Bryant, manager of the Hailey financial center, surprised DaSilva with her win during a presentation at the school on Wednesday, March 7. DaSilva was entered into the drawing by bringing her report card to Zions Bank and was paid for every “A” she received. More than 2,100 students entered the drawing throughout Idaho and Utah. “Zions Bank is proud to recognize the efforts and achievements of students like Amanda through the Pays for A’s program,” said Bryant. “It is our goal to partner with teachers and parents to encourage students to do their very best in school.” Pays for A’s is open to all Utah and Idaho students ages 12 to 18. Students can participate by bringing their most current term-end report card into any Zions Bank location. Students don’t need a Zions Bank account to participate. The students receive $1 per “A” deposited into their savings account, or 50 cents per “A” if they opt for cash. For each “A” on their report cards, students are entered into a drawing to win one of 150 regional scholarship prizes each worth $100 and one grand prize worth $1,000 in each state. For more information, visit www.zionsbank.com/pays4as.

Health Rankings Place Ada, Valley and Blaine Counties At The Top Of Charts

For the first time, Ada County has been ranked the healthiest county in Idaho in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Report. Valley and Blaine counties were second and third, respectively. St. Luke’s supports the health and wellbeing of residents in all three counties through direct care, community partnerships and a variety of education, events and programs. Rankings for other Idaho counties served by St. Luke’s are as follows: Twin Falls, 17; Elmore, 20; Canyon, 22;

and Jerome, 31. The study looks at more than 30 factors that influence health, including high scho tion rates, access to healthy foods, clean air, rates of smoking and obesity. Reducing preventable hospital stays is key to controlling healthcare costs. The Ce Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines preventable hospital stays as admissio hospital for certain acute illnesses or worsening chronic conditions that might not h quired hospitalization had the conditions been managed successfully by primary car ers in outpatient settings. According to the Atlas of Health Care study, used in the County Rankings report, p able hospital stays in Idaho and all counties where St. Luke’s has a medical center ar ing the national downward trend. From 2006 to 2015, Blaine County’s rate per 1,000 residents has dropped from 43 able hospitalizations to 15; Ada County dropped from 40 preventable hospitalization and Valley County dropped from 42 preventable hospitalizations to 23. “St. Luke’s Wood River and its partners in the community continue to work to add health needs of the community, particularly around improving mental health, acces and weight management and reducing preventable hospitalizations ” said Cody Lang Luke’s Wood River administrator. The County Health Rankings, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson tion and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, measure the health than 3,100 counties in the nation and rank them within each state. The rankings incl ty of life, economic and social factors, personal health behaviors and environmenta

Technology Council To Offer Apprenticeship For Software Programming

ApprenticeshipIdaho has partnered with the Idaho Technology Council to register nior software programming apprenticeship program called Code-to-Career—a first f Interested candidates will attend a 12-week, immersive coding boot camp at Cod Boise. Near the end of the training, candidates will apply for the registered apprenti those selected will start their full-time, paid apprenticeship with the employer spon Time Tec. The apprentice’s career advances with wage increases while building stronger com during six months of on-the-job training. At the end of the apprenticeship, the appre receive a recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor. Occupations in software development rank No. 1 for hot jobs in Idaho as projecte Idaho Department of Labor. Department analysts expect job opportunities in this ar by almost 37 percent from 2014 to 2024, and jobs pay a median wage above $80,00

SC E N E

GRACE AYRES-DOYLE High School Junior Involves Herself In Causes

Nina O’Brien angles her body for victory in the women’s super-G at the U.S. Alpine National Championships on Bald Mountain on Friday. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (NilsRibiPhotography.com)

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Nina O’Brien takes on a gate at full speed to defeat the rest of the field in the women’s slalom at the U.S. Alpine National Championships on Bald Mountain on Saturday. Courtesy photo by Nils Ribi (NilsRibiPhotography.com)

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SPONSORED FEATURE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Grace Ayres-Doyle participates in many extracurricular activities. Courtesy photo by Zoe Simon

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

By 2022, there are expected to be at least 1.5 million unfilled software jobs nationwide. For more information on Code-to-Career, contact Alisa Bondurant, Idaho Technology Council program manager, at (208) 861-9207.

Prepare Now For Flood Season In Idaho

The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers that flood damage caused by rising water, including snowmelt, is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Flood policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, so now is the time to look into obtaining coverage. Information about flood risks and protection measures can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. “After every flood, we hear about homeowners who did not realize they needed to protect themselves with flood insurance or that their homeowner’s coverage doesn’t coverage floods,” said Dean Cameron, IDI director. “We urge consumers to meet with their agent and review their coverage now and make sure they have the protection they need.” Flood insurance can be purchased through your insurance agent or by calling the National Flood Insurance Program at (800) 427-4661.

Halverson Announces Run For Blaine County Board Of Commissioners

Michael T. “Mick” Halverson, formerly of Bellevue and now of Picabo, has registered as the Republican candidate to represent southern Blaine County in the next primary election for the Blaine County Commissioner seat currently held by Larry Schoen. Halverson is a native of Blackfoot and was raised in Mackay. After high school graduation, Halverson moved to the Wood River Valley and eventually opened Hailey Plumbing and Heating Contractors, which he owned for 30 years. He owns a real estate investment and management firm with both commercial and residential properties in the south Valley. He’s also acted as a consultant to ranchers and farmers in establishing conservation easements on their properties. Halverson and his wife, Jennifer, a retired grade-school teacher, are involved in numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, most notably as leaders in the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, Ketchum. The Halversons were recently featured on the cover of St. Luke’s Wood River Hospital Foundation magazine for their philanthropic estate planning benefiting St. Luke’s hospital. Halvorson’s slogan is “Give Blaine Back to the People.”

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

race Ayres-Doyle, a junior at Wood River High School, carries a 3.75 GPA. She has many passions, including politics. “I have strengthened my knowledge and beliefs through classes like AP Economics, and being in debate,” said AyresDoyle. “We’ve done well in debate tournaments, especially since we have a smaller school population than many of our competitors. My partner and I took second place at a tournament in Idaho Falls and our team placed in the top third in our district, so we went to State.” Ayres-Doyle also initiated a school branch of Next Generation Politics, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and movement dedicated to fostering a culture of bipartisanship and engagement in government. “We have about 20 members and we will grow,” Ayres-Doyle said. “Mr. Hansen is our advisor and has been so helpful in launching this new voice in our school.” Ayres-Doyle also participated in the recent Stand for School Safety held on Wednesday, March 14, at Wood River High School, a month after the killing of 17 high school students in Parkland, Fla. “There may have been a couple of hundred protesters, even on a wet-snow morning, though only students at Wood River High were allowed in the demonstration area, and there were others who would have liked to join us,” said Ayres-Doyle, one of the organizers of the event. “There were speakers and many signs, like the one that simply said, ‘Am I Next?’ During moments of silence, students held up signs, each inscribed with one name of the 17 people killed. It was very moving. We were pleased that

the administration was supportive, allowing this time out from study to practice our free speech and have a memorable social studies lesson.” She also attended the student demonstration last Saturday in Boise. “I have strengthened my knowledge and beliefs through classes like AP Economics, and being in debate,” said AyresDoyle. Ayres-Doyle is a member of WRHS’s tennis team and started this season with strong performances, winning the Great Basin Conference girls’ singles in Minico and then in Twin Falls on Monday, March 19. “I was pleased last year because I was able to play doubles when our team went to State,” she said. “I truly enjoy many sports, especially skiing with my father and younger sister Molly, who is a freshman at Wood River High School.” In addition to school, politics and sports, Ayres-Doyle also works part-time at daVinci’s restaurant as a hostess. “I am appreciating my life in this school and community,” Ayres-Doyle said. “Because of my experiences and education here, I may think about law school. I will definitely maintain my interest in perhaps going into politics and plan to study government, civil rights, and aspects of ways to be a positive force in the future. I have high hopes for my generation’s ability to tackle the problems of our society and, if we keep speaking out, change society for the better.” Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact JoEllen Collins at joellencollins1@gmail.com. tws

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

Our mission is to inspire, engage, educate, and empower every student.

BLAINESCHOOLS.ORG

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 28 - A P R I L 3, 2018

Fishing R epoRt

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, FROM PICABO ANGLER

recipitation for March of this year has been above average, boosting snowpack in our river basins to 100 percent of normal (Big Wood River – 99 percent, Little Wood River – 101 percent, Big Lost River – 109 percent, and Salmon River – 110 percent). Coupled with good base flows and carryover from 2017, the water outlook for the year looks promising. Recent rains have bumped up flows in our local rivers. As of this writing, the Big Wood River is running at 317 CFS, while the Big Lost River below Mackay Dam is flowing at 267 CFS. Exercise additional caution when wading the higher flows, and look for fish in softer current seams, side channels, and behind current breaks. Please be aware of spawning rainbow trout on both rivers; give these fish plenty of space and let them do their thing! The entirety of the Big Wood River closes at the end of this month, while the Big Lost River remains open to fishing. This week on the Big Wood River could be exceptional, with dropping flows and mild weather in the forecast. Nymph fishing remains excellent; with the recent increased flows, it wouldn’t hurt to step up the size of your nymphs and add a bit of flash. Copper Johns, Rainbow Warriors, Prince Nymphs, Rubber Legs, and Hare’s Ears in all black or brown are great choices. Keep an eye out for Midge and Blue-Winged Olive activity in the afternoons. You’ll find these bugs concentrated in foam lines and along softer currents. The same tactics here on the Big Wood apply on the lower Big Lost River. Steelhead season is in full swing, and our guides have been plying the waters of the Salmon River upstream of Challis. They’ve had success swinging black, blue, and purple speystyle flies on medium-weight sink tips. Fish are on the move, and expect that to continue with increased flows. When fishing closer to Stanley, avoid spawning steelhead and look for more active fish in deeper pockets and runs. Swinging flies will take fish, as will nymphing with big stoneflies and egg patterns. The countdown to Opening Day at Silver Creek is on! Just over two months from now, we’ll be back on the Creek, surrounded by green grass, redwinged blackbirds, and rising trout! Keep tuned in to our blog and social media for upcoming information on Opening Day festivities at Picabo Angler. Happy fishing, everyone!

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

DOGS AND PUPPIES MOUTHING

BY FRAN JEWELL

n my job, I have spent thousands and thousands of hours socializing puppies and older dogs. One thing that people do all the time, especially with puppies, is they stick their fingers in the puppy’s mouth and allow the puppy to mouth or lightly bite on them. It doesn’t matter what breed the puppy is, they still stick their fingers in the puppy’s mouth. So, what is wrong with this? There are several reasons this is simply one of the worst things you can allow a puppy to do. First, puppies, as they become adults, will do the behaviors they learned first when they are stressed. If one of those behaviors is allowed to happen, especially during the first 16 weeks, then the puppy is so much more likely to put its mouth on someone when it is stressed—whether it is good stress or bad stress. This sets the puppy up for failure as an adult. When an adult dog decides to use its mouth (it doesn’t matter how gently or how hard), it can become a liability. Now imagine you own a largebreed dog, maybe one that is known for protection, such as a Rottweiler, German shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Akita, Giant Schnauzer, or even a cattle dog. Someone who is afraid of dogs comes near or visits your home. The dog might, in greeting, put its mouth on that person simply because they have been allowed to.

What you see as a friendly gesture is interpreted as an aggressive bite by the stranger. Now imagine you have a little dog—a Beagle, Westie, Poodle, or Ooddle mix. It doesn’t matter what breed. The same thing happens. Now you find yourself in the midst of a lawsuit or a fine and your dog is labeled a vicious dog. It really doesn’t matter what breed you own; if a dog’s mouth is on someone, it can and most likely WILL be misinterpreted as aggression and a bite by someone. Secondly, a dog that is allowed to put its mouth on someone as a puppy will do that behavior in the midst of severe or even light stress. Imagine you take your dog to the vet and the dog is stressed because the vet needs to restrain it for an IV. What happens? Your dog is far more likely to use its mouth to resist and get what it wants— which is to be released. Then the vet muzzles your dog and your dog now has a bad experience with the vet. It’s an endless cycle. What does mouthing mean? Many times it is just play, as a dog would do with another dog. However, it is not respectful to a human. A dog should not play with a human as he would with another dog. Many people do not see the problem with this. People want to play with their dog. In that case, there are many other ways to play with a dog that do not involve a dog mouth on the human. Catching, retrieving, hunting for food in the grass, hunting for items like wallets, even short sessions of

Teach puppies early that putting their mouths on people is not okay. It doesn’t matter what breed you own. Photo by Fran Jewell

teaching obedience and tricks, can greatly enrich the owner/dog relationship, and no mouth is involved. I always ask people, “What if my 90-pound German shepherd put his mouth on you. How would you feel?” No one ever answers that they would like it. There is no difference in a German shepherd mouthing you or a tiny Pomeranian. Stop mouthing dead in its tracks and encourage other forms of play to keep your dog happy and

safe throughout its life. 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

BY LESLIE REGO

THE OWL FLIGHT

t midnight, the snow was falling heavily. It was a soft and moist snow with big fat lumpy flakes. Visibility was low. I was reminded of the American author Henry van Dyke’s astute observation that the first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them can be several months. I drove around a corner and a brown mass came toward my windshield. I gasped in surprise. As the creature emerged from the snowflakes, feathers came into focus. The wingspan was enormous. And then I saw two round yellow eyes caught in my headlights. It’s an owl! A great horned owl! The wings moved up and down, folding in almost entirely to the body and then spreading out again. The large wings relative to the body mass allowed the owl to fly slowly, as if it were floating on the air. The snowflakes surrounded the bird, sometimes encasing it entirely. In just a few seconds, I saw the owl emerge and then disappear within the furiously falling flakes, only to reemerge once again. It always amazes me how much one can see in just a matter of seconds. The owl appeared as if it were flying in slow motion. I saw the shape of the wings, how the wings folded and spread out again. I saw the mottled brown feather pattern. I even saw several different shades of brown. The eyes stood out most of all. For a brief instant, I saw the golden orbs. The owl swerved and settled on a tree branch. The whirring and whooshing motion, which pushed the snowflakes out of the way, calmed. The noble creature stilled.

Leslie Rego, “The Owl Flight,” memory drawing, nib pen and ink, watercolor.

The white flakes descended over its body. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club The owl peered out into the night. At most, award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine five seconds had passed and yet it felt like County resident. To view more of Rego’s an eternity—an eternity within which I had art, visit leslierego.com witnessed an awe-inspiring flight.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2018

COLUMN LIVING WELL UI-BLAINE EXTENSION TIPS

STATEWIDE APP DEVELOPMENT ‘ROADSHOW’ KICKS OFF

University of Idaho and Innovation Collective embark on a 20-city tour of Idaho to inspire new education and economic growth model

nnovation Collective and the University of Idaho are embarking on a five-day, 20-city tour of Idaho to promote a rapid learning initiative called Inspire Idaho. The tour is called “The Experience Tour.” Over the course of the five-day Experience Tour (March 26 - March 30), the Inspire Idaho team are demonstrating app development, programming, and motivating participants to join the rapidly growing “app economy.” The Inspire Idaho team includes not only members of Innovation Collective and the University of Idaho, but also experts from around the country trained in app development in Apple Inc.’s Swift programming language. Each stop on the initial 20-city tour will include hands-on demos of Apple Inc.’s Swift, Xcode and Playground products as well as the ability for participants to use the Apple iPad to program Sphero robots and other interactive activities. Each stop on the Experience Tour will be open to the public and free of charge. “I can’t wait to see young and old alike have a chance to write basic code and then watch it move robots according to these instructions,” said Dr. Charles Buck, AVP at the University of Idaho. “Experiences like this are necessary to remove the fear of the changing economy and allow for inclusive opportunities in our country. This kind of reimagining of education is especially necessary for rural states.” The intent of the Inspire Idaho program, which will launch the full app development program later this spring, is to address access, equity and workforce readiness for all citizens of Idaho by providing those who want to learn Swift code and app development the opportunity to do so at no cost and by bringing the program, experts and computers to your county. The program will utilize Apple Inc.’s Everyone Can Code curriculum.Upon completion of the 180-hour curriculum, each team will generate a fully developed app. “In Idaho, we are one of the lowest average wage states and the shrinking need for humans in certain industries makes a case for us to attempt to connect as many citizens as possible to rapidly growing economies like app development,” said Nick Smoot, founder of Innovation Collective. For more information, visit www.InspireIdaho.org.

GUEST COMMENTARY JIM BRONSON

It’s time to stop politicians’ greed

Now that the Blaine County School Levy election is behind us, citizens and taxpayers should focus on our elected and appointed officials who pay themselves from our taxes. The three Blaine County Commissioners, Schoen, McCleary and Greenberg, established their own annual salaries at over $80,000 contrary to a Citizens Committee that recommended a much lower salary for their part-time position. When benefits are added in, our commissioners are paid in excess of $100,000 annually, second only to Ada County, the most populous county in the state. Our school board established a pay system of automatic salary increases for teachers despite their average salary level that is 52 percent above the state average, not counting very expensive benefits. A nationwide survey ranked Blaine County teachers as the 37th highest paid in the entire country. The total pay and benefit package of Blaine County School District Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes, valued in excess of $235,000, has been well publicized and places her not only as the highest-paid school district superintendent in the state, but one of the highest-paid appointed officials in the state of Idaho. An official public records request to the City of Sun Valley disclosed that a scheme orchestrated by Council President Keith Saks has paid Councilmembers Michelle Griffith, Jane Conard and Mr. Saks a combined total of $52,440.42 in income-tax-free pay in addition to their regular salary since February 2017. Like the Blaine County commissioners, the Sun Valley City Council sets their own pay and benefit levels—all for a part-time position. While greed may be a strong word, citizens need to put a stop to our elected officials’ unfettered ability to grant themselves, their appointees and employees generous salary and benefit packages at the expense of taxpayers. Jim Bronson Sun Valley resident Note: My sources are public data: • Sun Valley City Clerk Nancy Flannigan, 3/2/2018 response to Public Records Request which I will share with you if requested • Idahoednews.org Kevin Richert, Average Teacher Salaries, 1/18/2018 • h t t p s: // w w w.t o p m a s t e r s i n e d u c a t io n .c o m /s c h o ol - d i s tricts-with-highest-average-teacher-salary/ January, 2018 • I served on the Citizens Committee recommending a lower salary for Blaine County Commissioners

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

‘UMWELT’ - ANOTHER CREATURE’S VIEW

BY HANNES THUM

bserving creatures in nature can be both simple and complicated. It can be simple in the sense that we use our eyes and our ears (perhaps our noses or even our fingers and our tongues, depending on the depth of our dedication to the observations at hand) to take note of another species: the way it looks, the way it sounds, the places it goes. A fisherperson on the Big Wood watches rainbow trout fin slowly in the slackwater behind a boulder. The gravelly and shrill (and, I think, eerie) calls of sandhill cranes are unmistakable when they travel through our region on occasion. Elk herds appear on the south-facing slopes near town when winter sets in and they move back into the high country again in the spring. A black-capped chickadee sings a song that sounds like its name, lodgepole pine needles come in twisted pairs, and the ermine’s tail-tip is always black.

OBITUARY

The simpler, one could argue, the better. Either out of a hope that science is best accomplished with objectivity or out of some degree of deference to the idea that we (Homo sapiens) should not try to squeeze our own brains into the skulls of other species, many biologists are most at home when the data they are recording is more-or-less irrefutablle. “Just the facts, ma’am,” said Joe Friday (although he never actually said it). Where things can become more complicated is when we involve our human imaginations in trying to describe what life is like for another animal. Do our local black bears dream when they are hibernating? Do foxes like it when it snows? Do forest grouse get a kick out of waiting in the brush and exploding outwards in loud flight right in front of unwitting people walking through the woods and scaring the bejesus out of them (as one recently did to me)? These are questions that I have heard lately and that I have thought about, but they probably don’t have answers.

There is a niche of biology that has borrowed a German word, “umwelt,” to describe another creature’s worldview: what they see and what they hear; what they smell, touch, taste; and, what they think. The idea of umwelt quickly implies to us that we can never really know what life is like for other species because, basically, our brains are not in their skulls. It will probably be the case that the more we observe a species, the more we will understand it. But, no matter how close we think we can get to the interior space of the mind of a woodpecker or a wolverine or a sculpin, there will always be a distance to struggle with between what we know and what we want to know. 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.

George Richard Ferris 1925–2018

George Richard “Dick” Ferris, Jr., 92, recently of Bellevue, Idaho, passed away early Thursday, March 22, 2018, at St. Luke’s Wood River, Ketchum. Dick was born July 4, 1925, in San Francisco, Calif., to George Richard Ferris, Sr. and Dolores “Dot” Marie Goggin. He graduated from Hayward Union High School, Hayward, Calif. Before graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a paratrooper, he traveled around before being sent to Iwo Jima. Reassigned to intelligence, Dick was part of the amphibious landing at Iwo Jima, where he was active during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. The story goes that he was the only member of his platoon to survive the battle. Always featured on his wall was a framed photo of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima along with a photo of himself during his time in Japan.

When the war ended, Dick was stationed in Japan during the Allied occupation. Dick returned to Hayward, and on June 9, 1946, married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Mary Tomorug, who had waited for him while he was stationed overseas. They had two sons, Gregory and Kenneth. Dick was transferred to Boise while working for Consolidated Freightways as sales manager. After several years, the family moved again to Whittier, Calif. After returning to northern California, Dick and Joyce settled in Danville, where Dick worked for Basic Tool and Supply as their operations manager. Dick and Joyce retired in Roseville, Calif. After Joyce passed away in 2016, Dick moved to the Wood River Valley to be near his boys. He will return to Roseville

to be interned next to his sweetheart. Dick is survived by his two sons, Greg (Leann Goddard) and Ken (Dana DuGan); five grandchildren, Tyler (Michelle Krantz), Lara (Jason Brown), Natalia (Kyle Samway), Rachel (Richard de Alba), and Trevor (Samantha Hutter); six great-grandchildren, Madison and Hannah, Mathew, Riley, Braydon and Hannah; his first cousin, Alan Ferris, as well as two step-granddaughters, Hayley and Piper Andrews, step-great-grandchildren Adrian and Julian de Alba, and by several nieces and nephews, including those who cared for Joyce and Dick in the later days, Eileen (Hoover) Hopper and Jeff Tomorug, both of California, plus a whole lot of granddogs, cats, horses and other creatures. Thanks for your service and kind guiding spirit, Dick.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2018