7 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 7 - 13, 2018 | V O L . 1 1 - N O . 1 0 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Politics News State Senator Stennett Works Through Her Ninth Session

Gallery W See Inse alk rt

Election News Factions At Odds With Purpose of School Levy

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

MARCH 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS POLITICS

SEN. MICHELLE STENNETT PREFERS DIPLOMACY AND POLICY BY DANA DUGAN

Ketchum resident, Sen. Michelle Stennett, is in her ninth session at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. Photo courtesy of Michelle Stennett

proofers. The bill has to fit the section of code that it’s adding, or amending. “They help the government run from that office,” Stennett said. “Sometimes you bring a policy from another state and say let’s make this Idaho-centric— take the language and make sure it matches our code. It’s important to make sure that whatever you do, you aren’t disassembling city government codes.” Stennett mentions all of the above because, in this era of deeply divided political views, there’s a tendency to push things through for a small minority while ignoring the bigger picture. For instance, there were five different gun bills this session, including a controversial Stand Your Ground, Stennett said. That bill passed the Senate 29-6 last Friday. “In Idaho, 80 percent of the voters like what our gun laws already look like; we have some of the most lenient, time-tested gun laws in the nation,” Stennett said. “But in politics, when they want to divide and conquer, they’ll bring in abortion, guns, and tax bills.” A redistricting bill would dramatically change the state’s independent commission in charge of drawing

congressional and legislative maps every decade. The end result would be that the majority party always has final say, contrary to the commission’s original bipartisan purpose. “People from all over the country were telling us what to do,” Stennett said. “I don’t want someone in Wisconsin telling me what to do and then shoot me because I disagree. I delete those emails. I only need to talk to my constituents.” Indeed, hate mail and nasty social network behavior is driving at least one long-serving member of the Idaho Senate, Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, to an early retirement. Keough said in an interview last July with the Spokesman-Review that the “increasing lack of civility on the part of some and focus on issues unrelated to the duties of serving in the state Senate have taken a toll, particularly on my husband.” Stennett said the redistricting doesn‘t need any tweaking.

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.

OIL PAINTING CLASSES

With Deanna Schrell, 6:30-9 p.m., Monday nights, Sawtooth Botanical Garden. All levels and mediums welcome. $25/ class. January 8 through March 19. Call Deanna at 208-720-3737.

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Continued STENNETT Page 5

PRICING

enator Michelle Stennett rattled off the numbers. “I began in 2010,” she said. “This is my eighth year, and ninth session; I have to run every two years. We’re the most purple district in the state.” Indeed, other than the blue-leaning Blaine County, the other counties in the district—Gooding, Lincoln and Camas—are very red. Stennett, the senate minority leader, is a Democrat, one of only six out of 35 in the Senate. There is only one state senator from each of Idaho’s 35 districts. Stennett will run for her seat again in the November elections; at press time, no one had announced as a challenger. “I’ve known this legislative body—it’s changed out, somewhat—over the last 24 years,” Stennett said. She succeeded her late husband, Clint Stennett, who passed away in 2010 after nearly 20 years as a democratic representative, and then senator, from District 25. Working in the Statehouse when there is a solidly one-party majority has its issues. Clint handled it in a courteous way, and Michele carries on that tradition. “The voice I was elected to bring is what I bring,” she said. “We have as much right to be in that room as anybody. I come at it as these are my friends, we’ll have an open discussion. The person who disagrees with me today might be my cosponsor tomorrow. “The Senate is different than the House; the House is scrappier,” she said. “The Senate is more deliberative. I prefer the diplomacy. National politics is all turf and no policy.” Stennett said she’s determined to try to keep the “decorum and open dialogue. I don’t want us to devolve into partisan bickering. We need to get back to consensus building, statesmanship—the good qualities of what politics should be.” To that end, Stennett happily admits that her approach can be wonky. “I like policy,” she said. “I want it to be constitutional, enforceable and well written.” For help in writing policy, there is a legislative services office, created by the Legislature to consolidate the nonpartisan staff support to Idaho’s citizen legislators. A member of the Legislature will bring an idea to policywriters, analysts and auditors, editors and

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CLASSIC SUDOKU answer from page 15

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PUBLIC TALK WITH BUDDHIST TEACHER

Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center will host a public talk with Buddhist teacher Anam Thubten on Friday, March 9th, at 7 p.m. Donation: $15 at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Info: 208-720-5138.

CROSSWORD

answer from page 15

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 7 - 13, 2018

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

Wood River Orchestra will present its Spring Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. For a story, see page 12. Photo courtesy of Wood River Orchestra

THIS WEEK M A R C H 7 - 1 3 , 2018 | VOL. 11 NO. 10

The Weekly Scene

This week’s top photos (including Kindercup), Student Spotlight

Commentary

Calendar

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

ON THE COVER Bria Smiley races in the five-year-old girls category at the Papoose Club’s 62nd annual Kindercup on Saturday. Photo courtesy of smileysmtphoto. 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).

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

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 7 - 13, 2018

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SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL LEVY ELECTION WILL BE TUESDAY Taxpayers Wouldn’t Pay More, $2.99 Million Would Be Reallocated

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n Tuesday, March 13, voters in Blaine County will choose whether to approve a ballot measure for a new Supplemental Levy for $2.99 million per year for two years for use by the Blaine County School District. If approved, the district’s current Plant Facilities Levy would simultaneously be reduced by $2.99 million, so taxpayers would see no net increase in how much they pay per year for the district’s levy. According to the Blaine County School District’s website, this shift is required to “continue to meet the community’s expectations for class sizes and offerings that exceed the state requirements, continue to improve student achievement for all students, and recruit and retain the best staff.” There are several items addressed in this financial reallocation. The district wants smaller class sizes across the board, according to its website and recent news releases from the district. It wants to accelerate its effort to close achievement gaps among students, some of whom live below the poverty line, speak English as a second language or are identified as learning disabled. The reallocation would provide continued funding of programs to help all students meet state standards, according to the district. As well, it would provide a modest salary increase to retain and recruit the best staff. All staff salaries are on a schedule and are negotiated through the Blaine County School District Board of Trustees. The new levy would also address additional unfunded objectives from the district’s Strategic Plan, adopted in 2015, including programs for outdoor education for middle school students. The Board of Trustees approved the ballot measure on Jan. 16. Neither the levy rate nor taxes collected will increase if voters approve the reallocation. No matter the outcome (whether the reallocation is approved or the current levy stays as is), the levy will expire in two years. The Plant Facilities Levy was passed in 2009, when the district stated it needed a new elementary school. It collects about $6 million per year, earmarked for buildings and technology, but, since elementary school enrollment has grown less than expected, a new school is no longer the district’s top priority for those funds. To be clear, voters will decide whether to reallocate nearly $3 million per year from the current Plant Facilities Levy to the above-mentioned issues. Meanwhile, the remaining funds in the Plant Facilities Levy, about another $3 million per year, would be used for

continued building maintenance of almost 845,000 square feet of buildings, technology purchases and debt payment. There are factions in Blaine County at odds with this proposal. Idaho Citizens for Accountable, Responsible Education (I-Care) mounted a campaign against the reallocation based on what they claim to be high salaries for administrators in the district, including Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes. The average salary for an Idaho school superintendent is between $145,000 and $152,00. In Blaine County, Holmes will earn $173,880 per year under the terms of a contract approved by the Board of Trustees in January, which will run through 2021. She is the only employee of the Board of Trustees and, as such, does not have the same benefit package as the rest of the administration. Redacted from her publically released contract was information on benefits, retirement and deferred compensation, and vacation and leaves. The administration staff accounts for 5 percent of the district’s workforce and 10 percent of its salaries. I-Care’s worry is that the reallocated funds could benefit administrators more than students and teachers. Put Kids First, another group, is in favor of the levy. “Lack of funding from the state is an Idaho problem but it’s also a nationwide problem,” Lee Dabney, Put Kids First member, wrote in a recent letter to the editor sent to The Weekly Sun. “It’s now up to our community to keep educational opportunities like full-day kindergarten, world languages, music, art, and AP classes. The levy will enable the school district to continue these offerings while seeking more cost savings and looking for ways to continue to streamline the budget going forward.” In the past two years, the district has reduced its general fund budget by $2.5 million through reduction of school budgets, reducing central services, supply budgets and personnel, and both voluntary and mandatory salary cuts for year-round administrative staff. “People in Blaine County have very high expectations about the district,” said Heather Crocker Blaine County School District communications director, in an interview. She added that approving the reallocation would help the district meet those expectations over the next two years. The polls will be open throughout Blaine County from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information about where to vote, visit tinyurl.com/twswheredoivote. To see a sample ballot, visit tinyurl.com/twsschoollevy. tws

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS POLITICS

Stennett discusses current legislative session Continued from Page 2

“It’s totally adequate as it is,” she said. “The Democrats haven’t gained a seat since we’ve had that commission; it’s overseen by the Supreme Court, but the Republicans want the control. It’s as though they are sore winners. Politics has gone to fear and anger.” In Blaine County, Stennett feels that because the community is active and close-knit, there is still a certain civility to the elections. “We talk about our strengths in our debates,” she said. “We don’t send out letters bashing our opponents. Candidates need to have a platform, a plan; what are you going to do for Idaho, what is your vision?” Stennett was a fan of the cannabidiol bill, which would have allowed the sale of the medical oil to help people with epilepsy and other seizurerelated illnesses. “It passed the House,” she said. “The pharmaceuticals we give now are rotting patients’ brains. We’re desperate to find things that will help them. Parents say the natural plant works better and is easier on the body.” Gov. Butch Otter, and Lt. Gov. Brad Little, prefer the pharmaceutical option, Epidiolex, which can cost up to $60,000 a year. However, on Monday, the Senate, after heated discourse, killed the bill. Another bill in the Senate this week is legislation banning local cities and counties from adopting residential building code provisions that are more stringent than those already approved by the state. Stennett heard from contractors in her district strongly opposed to the bill. “Contractors don’t want it; it’s a uniform code for the whole state,” Stennett said, calling it a lazy bill. “But things are different in each district. That’s an example of your constituents getting ahold of you and saying, ‘This is not going to work for us.’” She said good legislators should reach out to people in departments and specific areas if they’re writing a bill about that subject. “We need to have an open dialogue; I see a thousand pieces of legislation and I may miss something,” she said. “We

NEWS IN BRIEF

get everything from guns to healthcare to cosmetology— everything that impacts people if there’s a law or action attached to it. You can’t know everything unless you talk to your people.” Of course, not everything can go through a state representative. Stennett said she hears from people about all sorts of things over which she has no jurisdiction, but this is part of why she loves her job, despite the low pay. A state senator makes just over $17,000 a year, with a minimal perdiem if they establish a second residence in Boise. It ensures that representatives maintain a primary career away from the Statehouse. “I’m a state senator, but if people come to me and it’s federal stuff, I can refer them, but I was elected to represent my district,” she said. “But we’re still so accessible here in Idaho; being able to know and reach your senator, it’s the way it should be.” Stennett is what we used to refer to as a lady—kind, gracious and thoughtful. It’s a rough world she was thrust into by widowhood and inclination. Her awareness of Idaho’s issues is acute, especially in her place within the minority party. “We are the fastest growing state and the highest in minimum earners,” she said. “It’s a job; it’s not a living. At this rate, we won’t have a skilled workforce by 2024. We are the second highest in job generation and third in tech sector, but we’re unprepared. In a Boise State survey, 80 percent said taxes are fine, but, please, get better services and work on roads and bridges. Idaho has 700 bridges deemed unfit by Idaho Transportation Department. And yet they go after a tax bill, which penalizes single mothers with two kids, and married families with three kids or more. It’s not a level playing field. We gained 17,000 more kids in the last decade in the school system, and we have 400 less teachers, because we don’t pay.” Stennett’s frustration is still underscored by her determination to make things better for everyone. “You have to have political courage,” she said. “I’m there to do the job, not worry about whether I’ll be reelected. I only have control over doing the best work I can do and encourage people to be involved.” tws

Student Gathering On School Safety To Be Held Students at Wood River High School will hold an approved 10–10:30 a.m. gathering at Wood River High School on Wednesday, March 14. The Fox Acres campus, that includes Wood River High School, Silver Creek High School and the Community Campus, will be closed to visitors at that time. The student gathering will be held during the student advisory period. Students will have two choices: they can attend the gathering or stay in their advisory class. The gathering is not about gun rights but is about school. Students who choose to leave their advisory class for the gathering have permission to do so. Staff will remain neutral on political topics and support students with varied opinions. This event is led by students and for students only.

Wood River Orchestra presents

The Music of

C amille S aint -S aënS Featuring soloist

Ellen Sanders performing

Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor Brad Hershey, Conductor Sunday, March 11, 4 p.m. WRHS Performing Arts Theater 1050 Fox Acres Road, Hailey FREE CONCERT DONATIONS WELCOME wrcorchestra.org

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FEBLiberty 21–MAR 10 Theatre, Hailey

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TICKETS & INFORMATION:

208.578.9122 • sunvalleycenter.org Clybourne Park is generously sponsored by Anonymous, Carol & Len Harlig, Marcia & Don Liebich, and Big Wood Landscape. Company of Fools’ 22nd season sponsors: Anonymous, The Shubert Foundation, Carr Foundation, Linda & Bob Edwards, Ken Lewis, Scott Miley Roofing, Priscilla Pittiglio, Linda & Bill Potter, Mary Ann & John Underwood, Barbara & Stanley Zax and media sponsor The Weekly Sun

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

MARCH 7 - 13, 2018

NEWS ARTS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

South Central Public Health District Calls for “Health Heroes” Nominations

South Central Public Health District is accepting nominations for “Health Heroes.” Through this annual event, the Health District looks for individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to promote health in the community by working to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and protect the health and environment of southern Idaho citizens, from March 2017 through March 2018. This year, there are four nomination categories: youth, adult volunteer, adult professional, and group/organization/business. The nomination must include a brief description explaining why the nominee deserves the Health Heroes Award. Examples of qualifying activities including: • promoting a healthy lifestyle through activities at schools, churches, and places of work • activities that help reduce suicides • promoting physical activity • activities that reduce obesity • preparing a community for a disaster • decreasing workplace injuries • promoting policies that lead to healthy outcomes Nominees must be residents of or do business in Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, or Twin Falls counties. Nominations are due by April 1, 2018. Nominate Health Heroes at phd5.idaho.gov/HealthHero or pick up the form at any SCPHD office.

Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 11

DESPITE TAKING ON NEW WORK, R.L. ROWSEY TAKES A BREATH

BY DANA DUGAN

.L. Rowsey is one of the most recognizable men in the Wood River Valley. He’s also one of the hardest working. In the nearly 20 years that he’s lived in the Wood River Valley, he has become the epitome of a doer, an influencer and a creative force of nature. And it’s no wonder. Rowsey arrived with a lot of credibility. In his former home of Washington, D.C., he was musical director for new American opera; sang the title role in Michael Nyman’s “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”; and taught and directed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Studio Theatre and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. He later worked as musical director and conductor for the national tours of several Broadway musicals. But here in the Wood River Valley, Rowsey’s first gig was as a member of Company of Fools, a group founded by Rusty Wilson, Denise Simone and the late John Glenn, among others, in Richmond, Va., where Rowsey grew up immersed in music. “I was around the Company of Fools all the time but I was not a founder,” he said while sitting in the Fools’ home, the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. But in 2000, when he and his partner, John Glenn, joined their friends Wilson and Simone, who’d moved Company of Fools to Hailey, it was a challenge: how to present quality theater in a small community with limited funding. Rowsey excelled in his role as actor, director, musical director and accompanier, administrator and host. Among his favorite memories are being onstage as “Cosme with Debra Wagoner in ‘Souvenir,’” he said. “Playing with the most amazing ensemble for the most extraordinary singers during ‘Songs for A New World,’ creating a musical underscoring for Denise Simone in ‘The Syringa Tree,’ teaching Stages of Wonder, and watching my husband so graciously create magic.” In 2010, he left to focus his efforts elsewhere. “It was time for me to take an administrative break,” Rowsey said. “This was before we merged five years ago with the Sun Valley Center,” which now handles much of that work. Instead, Rowsey committed to his music with Caritas Chorale, where he is the conductor; at the Sun Valley Summer Symphony, where he is artistic director for the School of Music; and as musical director for Light on the Mountains Center for Spiritual Living. He and Glenn married legally a few years ago and each was well-regarded and accomplished in his own right. “My world was zipping along perfectly,” Rowsey said. “I teach kids and have them teach me, and that was great. Caritas is fun. Light on the Mountains is great. My life was full, but then it changed radically.” In June of 2017, Glenn died unexpectedly at the age of 55. The tragedy occurred not long after Simone had also recently moved out of COF’s front office. “They were still righting the ship from Denise leaving,” Rowsey said. “Though that was planned, it was still profound.” The merger has been a good move. Each of the members of COF wore many hats; taking reservations, reading new plays, rehearsing, administrative work, marketing, cleaning the theatre, and fundraising, to name just a few jobs one can find to do in a theatre. “The way the work is distributed is different now,” Rowsey said about the merger with The Center. “The staff is doing it really well. That left this organization in phase one. “Ilana Becker was brought in as assistant artistic director after Denise left, so the season was all crafted with John. The next part was to look for a managing director. And suddenly, there were none. “Ilana took over and directed the play John had chosen for last season, appropriately titled ‘Life Sucks.’ It was bizarre, and somehow just right. She knew the piece and did a great job. Then began phase two.” Along with friends and the audience at large, the

R.L. Rowsey returns to Company of Fools part time. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Center for the Arts

staff and board of directors at The Center grieved over the death of Glenn and what should happen next. \Within The Center’s family, there were also many discussions about COF—its present and its future. “Is there another chapter for Company of Fools?” Rowsey asked. “It’s been nine months into this transition. So, the answer is yes, but we have no idea what that chapter looks like.” Which is why, in early February, Rowsey returned to COF part time. He sits in the theatre sometimes privately grieving, and he sits at Glenn’s desk. It is, after all, a home of sorts. “My role is now season producer,” he said. “I’m looking at plays for next season, and things people have stacked up for me—not necessarily as artistic producer—but to give opinions as per budgeting, which is what I did while managing tours. One of the goals is to make sure the next season is exciting, rewarding and has breath in it. I will shift away when Sun Valley Summer Institute and Symphony need me full time.” To make the transition even more efficient, The Center hired a theater consultant who will be in the Valley eight to 10 days a month. “Kent Thompson is American theatre,” Rowsey said. “He loves theatre in small communities, and is fascinated by this. His job is to chat with all the players, find out why the Company of Fools has been a cornerstone in the Valley for two decades. He will have thoughts on structure and articulate what’s important.” Thompson, a theatre director and producer, was most recently artistic director at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. “I’m interested in John’s theater having a legacy,” Rowsey said. “Some days it’s so easy. Some days it’s so weird. Some days I need to stop and take a breath. But I’m in that year when I get to do whatever I want. I don’t know what I want to do tomorrow—it might mean I move. It might mean I stay. I’m not in a rush. I’m way too invested here. I will, as I always have, trust my gut. It won’t be because I don’t find value in this. “John and I had many conversations about our intentions and desires about quality of life. I’m at peace with all of that. Lots of people went through loss in this transition; I can honor that, and sit in pride that I got to spend 25 years with someone who was so kind. Now the opportunity to look to the future while honoring the past is exciting. And I love walking into this building, and love hearing kids claim the Liberty as their theatre when they tws walk by.”

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

MARCH 7 - 13, 2018

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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

Students in The Spot Young Company are given top-notch performance training, technical training and mentorship in how to produce a musical. Courtesy photo by Yanna Lantz

EMPOWERING YOUNG ARTISTS THROUGH THEATRE BY YANNA LANTZ

ood River Valley teens will perform an original adaptation of “Across the Universe” as part of The Spot’s Young Company project March 10-14 in Ketchum. This project aims to inspire youth of the Wood River Valley to engage passionately and artistically in the process of bringing a piece of theater to life. “The Young Company was started to give students another opportunity outside of school to perform during the year,” Brett Moellenberg, director and Spot co-founder, said. “We also wanted to give them pieces to perform that they wouldn’t have access to at school.” The 2018 Spot Young Company features a cast and crew of students from Community School, The Sage School and Wood River High School. Twenty-six students are involved directly in the project with six professional mentors to ensure individualized attention. “It’s been amazing working with the mentors,” said Isaac Brannon, WRHS student. “They are incredibly talented.” “It’s been really interesting working with this group of mentors versus other directors I’ve had, because we have so much input on what we do and they really give us freedom of our creativity—so they actually listen to what we want to do,” said Christine DuFur, CS student. “When they direct us, they always make sure we are comfortable with everything and it’s very collaborative.” Students in the Young Company are given top-notch performance training, technical training and mentorship in how to produce a musical. Starting in January, multiple weekly rehearsals cover everything from reading sheet music to learning about objectives/tactics, ensemble work, choreography and more. “We are learning so much,” said Ethan Hunt, CS student. “Rehearsals have been a lot different than any other show I’ve worked on. Because we’ve been able to learn the material and be familiar with the songs so quickly, it’s been really transformative in the way we can apply that work to the musical numbers.” “There’s more of a sense of

NEWS IN BRIEF

WRHS Robotics Teams Win State Championship, Headed To Worlds

The 2018 Spot Young Company features a cast and crew of local students from Community School, The Sage School and Wood River High School. Courtesy photo by Yanna Lantz

professionalism to this project than anything else I’ve done,” said Sophie Harder, CS student. “They treat us as they would treat any other actor—they don’t treat us like we are sophomores and juniors in high school.” March 10-14, The Spot Young Company will perform “Across the Universe” for six sold-out audiences at The Spot’s intimate venue in Ketchum. “Because it is important to us to keep theater both affordable and accessible, especially to the youth of our community, there is no fee associated with participation in The Spot Young Company project, and we will proudly present this project free to community audiences,” said Kevin Wade, mentor and Spot co-founder. The cast varies in experience, from seasoned veterans to first-

time actors and technicians. “I’ve never done a play or a show in my life before this, but I’ve grown up on the Beatles, which piqued my interest for this show,” said Dane Thompson, WRHS student. “Being immersed in this group, with the people working on it and in it, has been such an amazing experience. It’s a unity that isn’t found in other places.” “We have all grown super-close to each other and have become a family over the past weeks,” added Julia Ott, CS student. “Everyone here is so nice and supportive. I’m very excited for the show.” Tickets for “Across the Universe” are sold out. To learn more about The Spot Young Company or to donate to the program, visit spotsunvalley.com. tws

Two robotics teams from Wood River High School were part of a three-team alliance that won first-place honors at the 2018 Idaho VEX Robotics State Championship on Friday, March 2. The competition, which was held at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, brought together 31 of the top high-school and middle-school robotics teams from across the state. After finishing the qualifier rounds in second place overall, WRHS juniors Luke Dean and Ethan Wilson (team “Atomic Box”) formed an alliance with two other teams, “HAVOC,” from Ridgevue High School in Nampa, and “Yung Gravy,” composed of WRHS freshmen John Chen and Griffin Connelly, for the final rounds of the contest. This alliance advanced through the draw to the final match of the day, and won after a fierce challenge from an alliance led by the 2016 and 2017 defending champions, the “Wayne Enterprises” team of WRHS seniors Carter Gerringa, Dawson Hicks, Cameron Maxwell, Drew Merrick and Carson Smith. Dean, Wilson, Chen and Connelly will now prepare for the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship, in Louisville, Kentucky, in late April, where they will compete with more than 550 of the top high-school robotics teams from across the country and around the world. Over the coming weeks, the students raise funds to finance their trip; a GoFundMe page (gofundme.com/ wood-river- robotics) has been established for those who wish to support their efforts.

Heavy Snowfall Over Weekend Results In Accidents In Sun Valley, Tragedies Elsewhere

On Friday, on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley, a little after noon, two snow-immersion suffocation accidents were reported within minutes of each other. The first, a 61-year-old male, was resuscitated after being rescued by Sun Valley Ski Patrol and others, brought down the mountain and taken by Ketchum Fire and Rescue to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, conscious and alert. While that event was proceeding, another SIS call came in about a 16-yearold girl. She was resuscitated on the mountain after being rescued, was transported by Ketchum Fire and Rescue, and was also in stable condition. The same day, a skier and a snowboarder at Mount Bachelor in Oregon died after being caught in 6-foot-deep tree wells. Two snowboarders were found dead, Friday, at California ski resorts, one of them after an intensive search at Squaw Valley. Several people were caught, but able to free themselves, at Mammoth Mountain when a large slide hit an open ski area. In another snow-related accident, a mother and her son were killed just feet from their front door at Kirkwood Ski Resort in California, on Tuesday.

sun T HE WEEK LY 8

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 7 - 13, 2018

the weekly

Participants and spectators enjoy the scene at Papoose Club’s 62nd annual Kindercup at Dollar Mountain on Saturday. For a full list of results, visit papooseclub.org. Photo courtesy of smileysmtphoto.c

A bobcat enjoys a prowl by Penny Lake out Warm Springs Canyon on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Michael Kane photography

S CENE

com

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M A R C H 7 - 13, 2018

SPONSORED FEATURE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Devin Karst. Courtesy photo by Cindy Karst

DEVIN KARST

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

rack-and-field athlete and musician Devin Karst is a junior at Wood River High School, where he maintains a 3.7 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society. “Right now, I think I am managing well a full load of junior-year academic subjects,” Karst said. “I really like the math and science classes I’ve had so far and can envision using them in the future in something related to science.” Karst looks forward to many of the AP classes available to him as a senior. “In the future, I may pursue a career in some field of psychology, and the classes will help,” he said. Currently, Karst divides his time between his studies, music, track and field, and volunteer work. “From the sixth until the 10th grades, I was in Concert Band, and now I enjoy playing the saxophone, guitar, drums, and piano—my favorite instrument— in a jazz band that meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 a.m.,” Karst said. “We have participated in the annual Jazz Festival at Idaho State University. I also practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. in a percussion group consisting of snares, basses, cymbals and quads, called Drumline. Sometimes we play at sporting events.” Karst said that playing musical instruments fills up much of his time, but he also sings bass for WRHS’s all-male group, the B-Tones. “I am excited at the prospect of going to the Heritage Festival in Anaheim [Calif.],” he said. “I am also involved in sports,

mainly track and field, where I do the discus and shot put. We have a good team, and we have more throwers than usual this season. I’m just glad to be able to be at these meets and develop my skills.” When Karst can sneak it into his busy schedule, he volunteers at Souper Supper, The Hunger Coalition, and the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley. “Maybe having two dogs and two cats is one of the reasons I love animals,” he said. “Last November, when the Hailey fire and police chiefs gave me one of two honors in the ‘Do the Right Thing’ award, it reinforced my activities in the community.” Karst’s main focus at the moment is his participation in the Idaho Drug-Free Youth Organization, something he’s participated in since sixth grade. “Our main focus is reaching young people in high school,” he said. “Now I serve on the organization’s Youth Advisory Board for all the chapters in the state as a representative from Blaine County. I plan on attending the Idaho Youth Summit Conference in Coeur d’Alene in June.” Karst is from a large family with nearby supportive cousins and other relatives. He credits his older cousin Sebass as his prime mentor and guide. “I am pretty lucky to be where I am and with good people,” he said. “That makes me confident about the future.” 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 7 - 13, 2018

Fishing R epoRt

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT

MARIAH PUPPY JOURNEY – LITTLE SPONGES

THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MARCH 7 - 13, FROM PICABO ANGLER

arch madness is here! In the Wood River Valley, March has certainly come in like a lion, dumping almost 2 feet of snow in the upper elevations. This was a much-needed boost to the local snowpack, and it appears that more snow is in the forecast for the next couple of weeks. Flows on the Big Lost River below Mackay Dam are holding stable at about 125 cfs, allowing for easy wading and concentrating fish in winter holding areas. Nymph fishing is incredibly productive, and midges will appear during the afternoons. When nymphing, concentrate your efforts on pockets, runs, and current seams. Effective flies include Rainbow Warriors, Copper Johns, Zebra Midges and San Juan Worms. Hint – a bit of orange or red on your nymphs is a very good idea! Surface-feeding fish are often found in slow, skinny water; a stealthy approach is necessary. Baetis activity will ramp up toward the end of the month, extending through April. This can be some of the finest angling of the year on the lower Lost. Trail Creek Road is closed for the winter, but fishing the lower Lost in March is well worth the longer drive. Keep in mind that, as the month progresses, there will be significant spawning activity on the river; be aware of fish on redds and let them do their thing. Fishing on the Big Wood River remains good. Anglers are having success nymphing, fishing midge dries, and throwing sculpin patterns for the river’s biggest fish. Look for the best midge activity to occur during the afternoons. Griffiths Gnats, Trailing Shuck Midges, Sprout Midges and Zebra Midges should all be in your Big Wood winter fly box. The South Fork of the Boise continues to fish fairly well with stable flows. Flies used on the Big Lost and Big Wood are equally as effective on the South Fork. Be prepared for any weather if you make the drive. All of Silver Creek is now closed as of March 1. Anglers that fished the open water north of Highway 20 during the month of February had some incredible fishing. Streamers were by far the most productive offering, and plenty of fish were caught on mouse patterns. Opening day on the Creek is only 83 days away; keep an eye on Picabo Angler’s social media for a rundown of opening weekend festivities! Happy fishing, everyone!

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

“down” next to the exercise pen when I am beside the pen. I describe my command to them to identify what they are doing. If one sits, then I say “sit” and pet just that one. If one lies down, I say “down” and pet that one. Within a minute, they are all calm and sweet, giving me charming licks and rolling over to show me their tummies for lovies. Then I say, “Oh, what good boys you are!” Now, when they begin their hooligan madness, if I only say in a soft voice “Boys…,” they stop and listen and will come to the side of the exercise pen. How lovely is that?! While “sit” and “down” are not yet firm commands, they are starting to listen to my voice and trying to figure out what it is I want them to do. With my last litter, Brinx and Baewulf at this age knew all their basic obedience. But, there were only three puppies in that litter. With five puppies, there is so much to do every day to keep them clean and exposing them to new adventures to help round them out and desensitize them to scary things like the vacuum or the hairdryer. I surely don’t want them to grow up being afraid of loud noises or thunderstorms. I have also been tuning into TV programs with storms so they hear those noises. We have had a struggle with finding the right kibble for them to eat without getting sick. So, until their tummies have settled, I have not been doing any food training. Now that is over and the food training will start this week. I am so excited!

BY FRAN JEWELL

n Wednesday, the puppies will be six weeks old. I hear over and over about people bringing puppies home at this age. Right now, these little guys are little sponges, learning so much from each other and the other dogs. It’s hard for me to imagine them missing that by leaving the litter. At the same time, they are hooligans. They are posturing each other, growling and showing their teeth, screaming, and biting each other with what appears to humans as ruthless aggression. In fact, this is a normal part of development. They roll and dominate with fierceness. It can be easy to see why some breeders want them gone during this stage. When I hear people say that dogs do not dominate each other or have a social hierarchy, I wonder if they have ever seen puppies interact at this age. This is how they learn what is fair and what is gentle. It is interesting to me that not one of them is consistently dominant over all the others. They seem to share this behavior, learning from each other what is okay and what is not and how gentle to be. Pups that are not given this opportunity can be very mouthy with their human families, causing many bites on their hands and arms. I can influence that behavior. I don’t allow any mouthing from them. I don’t let them chew my fingers. At this age, I take my hands away or get up and walk away when they start that. When they are gentle, I lavish them with soft, slow pets and belly rubs. Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club The pups are incredibly responsive to award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified my voice. I have been diligent about pet- dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified ting them only when they come and “sit” or instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive

Raising a litter is hard work and requires the breeder’s attention all the time. For me, it is critical that I know the personalities of each puppy so they will go to the home most suited for everyone. Photo by Fran Jewell

Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy. com or call (208) 578-1565.

COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

BY LESLIE REGO

s the snow falls, I find myself drifting off into fanciful musings. I see giant dragon claws emerging from the snow-laden spruce trees. The needles on the spruce are short and stiff, allowing the snow to build up into lumps, which look like the fleshy parts of a claw. The ends of the branches with all of the needles peeking out appear like talons. This particular dragon has a lot of talons! The snow builds up on a Ponderosa in a more haphazard manner. The long, soft needles do not hold the snow as well as the short needles on the spruce. The heavy weight forces the limbs to droop. The snow drapes over the needles, creating fiordlike endings. The delicacy of the birch during a snowfall is something to be admired. The slender branches, still covered with crinkled autumn leaves, catch the snow in a series of cascades. As the snow accumulates, the cascades turn into a succession of waterfalls. Smaller trees that cannot sustain the weight of the snow become completely encased. They morph into new beings, no longer the known tree of old, but now some mysterious beast yet to be discovered.

VICTORIAN LACE

Leslie Rego, “Victorian Lace,” nib pen and ink, watercolor.

But it is the alders that have really caught my attention. They have transformed into handmade Victorian lace. The catkins remain on the alders yearround and become a perfect foil for the snowy winter vestments.

The snow collects in and around the catkins, forming a weavelike pattern complete with pendants, fashioning a decorative openwork web. Light flickers through the resulting lacework. This lace is not handmade, but

rather nature made! 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

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COLUMN ON LIFE’S TERMS

NO WAY, NO WAY

corner. Luckily, by that time I was in the math building, where the men who dominated that def I were required to carry a weapon in my class- partment subdued the disturbed boy. room, I wouldn’t teach. Right now, of course, After serving in the Peace Corps, I spent some I am semi-retired and not in a classroom full time in California reassessing my options: eventime, but I have vivid memories of my tenure in tually, I returned to the Idaho I had so missed. In large public high schools, most wonderful and L.A., I taught a year in a school on the border of some scary. East Los Angeles and San Marino, which housed The first teaching assignment an excellent English department. I had was at Santa Monica High There was an incipient gang surge School in California, where I there, so before I started my classtaught off and on for many years. es (I roved through five different I had just turned 22 a few weeks classrooms, so might not arrive before the start of the semester with the students), I was required and was placed, as a newbie, in to check for gang apparel, smells a bungalow at the farthest north of alcohol or pot, dilated eyes and edge of the campus. Across from bruises from fellow students or me was Drivers’ Ed, where we parents. Only then could I try to exwere treated daily to the sounds cite my students with “Romeo and of blood-curdling screams and car Juliet.” It was exhausting. Nonethecrashes. Kitty-corner was the band less, I liked my job until one day room, where fight songs blared on a senior, who I had warned that pre-football and rally days, and on JoEllen Collins—a longtime not completing his senior project resident of the Wood River the back side of my wooden build- Valley— is an Idaho Press meant he wouldn’t graduate, stood ing were painted targets for the Club award-winning colum- up close to me and yelled, “I know girls’ gym class to practice hitting nist, a teacher, writer, fabric where you live and I’m going to get balls, bouncing loudly while I was artist, choir member and you!” Luckily, some burly football teaching poetry. I survived that unabashedly proud grandma players came between us. year, even with five classes, four known as “Bibi Jo.” How could I possibly have added preparations and about 165 stuthe responsibility of having a loaddents who thought I was young enough to tease ed weapon near? I could barely find time to pay and disobey. In spite of that year of hazing, of attention to my needy and vulnerable students. As course, I stayed in that profession I loved for al- a natural klutz, I fear that, even if trained, I would most all of the rest of my life. discharge my gun incorrectly or wound an innoThe only time I felt fear at this school was when cent person. I could never reconcile my passion one of my sophomores, high on “bennies,” came for teaching with such close proximity to a weapin after the last class brandishing a knife and on of destruction. threatening to kill his girlfriend, cowering in the

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

THE RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH

BY HARRY WEEKES

here are some things you can rely on to find you: taxes, outstanding debt, a past relationship poorly managed. A fortunate counterbalance to these is birds. Simply go sit almost anywhere and, eventually, and usually pretty quickly, a bird will find you. Actually, this implies that the bird is looking for you. More precisely, then, a bird will come into your world. And with it will come a glimpse into something wild, unknown, and even unknowable. During Presidents’ Week each year, our entire school spends three days in the Sawtooth Valley. This year, if you were in the 8/9 Band, a small portion of this time found you sitting on the edge of the outlet to a frozen lake, interpreting a crisscross of pine marten tracks, and slowly discovering which parts of your clothing were least insulated. In pointing out the one-twoone galloping gait of our mustelid friend, I heard the twittering of small birds in the trees, and responded with my usual, “Oooh, what do we have here?” A steely gray-blue flicker alit on a lodgepole snag right above our group. We had about five seconds total—just enough time for students to see the bird, but not enough to keep my questions in the present tense: “What did you see?” “What did it look like?” “It was pointing down.” “I saw a black stripe.” “It was small. And kind of blue. And was there brown or orange-y on it?” We had all we needed to identify the bird—the head-downthe-trunk posture a familial

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BRIAN STURGES

Vote In Favor

Over the last four decades in the Wood River Valley, I have been closely involved with the educational system of our Valley, serving on the board of Pioneer Montessori, as a teacher at The Mountain School (Elkhorn), as a board member of the Blaine County Education Foundation and, up until my retirement, as a sixth-grade math and science teacher at the Wood River Middle School. I urge you to vote In Favor on the Supplemental Levy on March 13. I watched my own daughters go off to college and become successful adults, thanks largely to the mentorship and quality of education that they received in our Valley. I’m inspired to see my former students working in healthcare, construction and engineering jobs here in the Valley. Now that I have grandchildren entering school, I want to see those same opportunities available for them. This Supplemental Levy allows our district to wisely use our resources for small class sizes, full-day kindergarten, world languages, career and technical education, and effective guidance counselors WITHOUT raising our taxes. Those of you who know me also know that I have been and will continue to be an active voice working with the community and the school board to create a long-term solution that balances expectations, expenses and revenues. This two-year Supplemental Levy provides the time to make those complicated choices and decisions without destabilizing our schools. Please vote In Favor on March 13 and then join me in the ongoing discussion about the future of education, the future of our work force and the future of our children and grandchildren in the Wood River Valley. Brian Sturges Hailey resident

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TIFFANY SCUDDER

Praise For Brad Little’s Education Plan

Thank you, Brad Little, for showing your commitment to education. Your education plan demonstrates you truly understand the difference between rural and urban schools and the importance of both urban and rural citizens working together to ensure this wonderful state’s continued success. When it comes to fighting for choice and opportunity, for parents, children and teachers, Brad Little gets it. Idaho needs a conservative governor who will advocate for long-term sustainable investments in education and the health and safety of our children and families. Brad Little’s education plan does just that. Tiffany Scudder Sun Valley resident

NEWS IN BRIEF

Botanical Garden To Offer Bee Talk

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), female.

giveaway, the bold, black stripe running across its eye, compact form, and colors, all banners of its species: the red-breasted nuthatch. It came. It flitted. And it was gone. The pine marten tracks were a remnant. This little bird was a thriving individual actively engaged in what we were all doing—surviving winter. Seeds, nuts, and eggs are all tucked into the cracks and crevices of the trees, spread out over hundreds of square miles, with the daily quest simple: keep the books in the black; find enough larder to make lard; repeat or die. The red-breasted nuthatch weighs about a half an ounce, just a little more than four pennies. We gave this one bird a

minute of our attention, then set about our own survival, which mostly entailed eating carefully packaged food from across much of our hemisphere, returning to fully heated cabins, and eventually swaddling ourselves in the feathers of birds and the hair of sheep. I am at home now, separated from outside by several panes of glass, and nearly 60 degrees. I return to that little nuthatch, thinking just how fragile everything is, perhaps me most of all. Harry Weekes is the founder and Head of School at The Sage School in Hailey. He has lived in the Wood River Valley and within five miles of the same mountain for the last 46 years.

The Sawtooth Botanical Garden will host a talk on the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Project, with project director Ross Winton, from 7–8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15. Winton is the regional wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Diversity Program at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. With a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Winton is working to better understand native bees in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. “Part of the project is to recruit an army of trained volunteers armed with cameras and vials,” Winton said. “These citizen scientists can cover large areas quickly, collect quality scientific data, and contribute to the global understanding of bumble bee distributions.” In recent years, much attention has been paid to the importance of pollinators and their contribution to the agricultural economy, in large part because of widespread losses of bees. The causes of these declines are not fully understood and little is known about the current status of many native Idaho bumble bees. Idaho, Oregon and Washington are home to nearly 30 species of bumble bees. Unfortunately, several of them face an uncertain future. Cost for the talk is $10 for SBG members and $12 for nonmembers. Visit sbgarden.org to register.

Enrollment Begins March 12 For Blaine County School District

Enrollment will open to new students for the 2018-2019 school year on Monday, March 12. Students who enroll now will be able to sign up for classes for the upcoming school year. This includes students currently attending The Sage School, Pioneer Montessori, Syringa Mountain School or Community School who are planning to enroll in Blaine County School District next year. School locations and contact information can be found at blaineschools.org. Proof of Blaine County residency is required in August during scheduled registration days at each school. New student enrollment does not include incoming kindergarten and preschool students. Preschool and kindergarten enrollment will be on Wednesday, April 11, from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Community Campus for students attending Alturas, Bellevue and Hailey Elementary. Kindergarten and preschool enrollment for Ernest Hemingway STEAM School will be from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Preschool spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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