11 May 2016 by The Weekly Sun

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Free every Wednesday | may 11, 2016 | Vol. 9 - No. 19 | TheWeeklySun.com

Election News Primary Election Is May 17 Voters To Decide Municipal Issues

Education News No School Pay Raises This Year

Court News Trial Scheduled In Bundy Case

“In these times we fight for ideas and newspapers are our fortress.” Heinrich Heine

Hailey resident Shannon Connauton shows off the fruits of her labor after a bountiful morel mushroom hunt in the Wood River Valley on Saturday. For more information about this photo, see ”On The Cover” on page 3. Photo by Frank Smith

Environment News Many Birds Are Part-Time Residents

Presenting a program by Naturalist and photographer,

Buck Wilde

to Benefit Idaho Rivers United

ArborFest 2016 Saturday, May 14th, 2016 Hop Porter Park • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

May 11, 2016

Whiskey Jacques Doors open 6 p.m. $10 donation for entrance The long-billed curlew summers in the arid grasslands and sagebrush prairies of the West. Photo by Michael L. Baird, accessed via Wikimedia Commons

For more, see page 5

Food, Drinks, Local Vendors and more! Annual Mud run! See page 3

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T h e W e e k ly S u n •

The Weekly Sun CONTents

m ay 11, 2016

ArborFest 2016 schedule oF events

Footlight Dance Centre and Sun Valley Ballet School will both showcase students in productions this weekend. For a story, see page 13. Courtesy Photo by Aubrey Stephens

This Week 8

may 11, 2016 | Vol. 9 no. 19

Student Spotlight Peter Wolter Excels at Nordic

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

Community Bulletin Board Buy Stuff, Sell Stuff, Odds & Ends

ON THE COVER

Continued from page 1: Morels are currently popping up throughout the Valley. Publisher’s note: Looking for morels is not an excuse to trespass; be respectful. Also, DON’T eat wild mushrooms if you are not experienced at identifying them; be smart. Local artists & photographers interested in seeing their art on our cover page should email submissions to: mandi@theweeklysun.com (photos should be high resolution).

The Weekly Sun staff 13 W. Carbonate St. • P.O. Box 2711 Hailey, Idaho 83333 Phone: 208.928.7186 Fax: 208.928.7187 Director of Marketing & Ad sales Jennifer Simpson • 208.309.1566 • jennifer@theweeklysun.com News EDITOR Terry Smith • news@theweeklysun.com Calendar EDITOR Yanna Lantz • calendar@theweeklysun.com

11:00 - 1:30 Arbor dAy celebrAtion • Kids Bouncy Forest • Free Tree Seedlings • Meet Smokey Bear and a Forest Ranger • Craft Booths • Forest Education with Susan Kranz, USFS, and Sawtooth NRA • Sign ups for Hailey Mud Run 12:00 ArbordAy ProclAMAtion 12:30 - 1:30 live Music!!!

Saturday, May 14th, 2016 Hop Porter Park • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Food, Drinks, Local Vendors and more! 1:30 - 3:00 AnnuAl Mud run!! (Ages 9 & up) Mud run details • Pre-Register at BCRD & City Hall starting April 19th. • Registration opens at 11:00 am on Race Day. For more information contact the City of Hailey at 208-788-4221 Event Sponsors Include:

Vote for Common SenSe LeaderShip on may 17th

Copy Editor Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Jean Jacques Bohl • Dick Dorworth • Dana DuGan • Maria Prekeges • Jonathan Kane 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 jennifer@theweeklysun.com • bulletin@theweeklysun.com Calendar Submissions — Friday @ 5pm calendar@theweeklysun.com www.TheWeeklySun.com

District 26 District 26 Idaho Seat B Seat A State Senate sutterforhouse.net millerforhouse.net daleforsenate.com Paid for by Sutter for House, Ann Youts, Treasurer

Paid for by Miller for House, Matt McLam, Treasurer

Paid for by Ewerson for Senate, Suzan Stommel, Treasurer

T h e W e e k ly S u n • M ay 11, 2016

news in Brief

HIGHER GROUND BRINGS VIETNAM VETERANS TO RECREATION CAMP

Higher Ground Sun Valley is hosting is first military camp specifically for veterans of the Vietnam War May 13-19 at Middle Fork Lodge. Higher Ground’s mission is to serve combat veterans from all eras, offering therapeutic recreation for those who still need assistance in coping with the realities of everyday life outside of a war zone. Higher Ground reported in a press release that the organization is “honored to be able to offer a true ‘Welcome Home’ for a deserving group of Vietnam veterans and their supporters,” including spouses, siblings and closest friends. The veterans and their supporters will spend a week on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, engaging in outdoor activities including horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hiking, lawn games and archery. The goal of the camp is for the veterans to work with each other, their supporters and Higher Ground recreational therapists to “build a new unit of support for the participants and further enrich their lives through the power of outdoor recreation.” Higher Ground explained in the press release that its “military program uses therapeutic recreation to facilitate a change in perspective, giving injured service members the physical skills, confidence and coping strategies necessary for a successful reintegration into their families and home communities.” Additional information on Higher Ground is available at www.highergroundsv.org. or at www.Facebook.com/HighergroundSunValley.

news Education

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS END WITH NO TEACHER SALARY INCREASE

Agreement subject to school board and teacher union approval BY JEAN JACQUES BOHL

he Blaine County School District and its teachers’ union reached a tentative agreement on Friday that provides for no increase in teacher salaries for the coming school year. The district board of trustees was scheduled to consider the proposed agreement at its regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening. Members of the teachers’ union, formally known as the Blaine County Education Association, were scheduled to vote on the proposed agreement after school hours on Thursday. Friday’s final session wrapped up four days of negotiations between the district and the teachers’ union that started on April 28. The agreement to hold salaries at current levels comes at a time when the district is trying to cut operational expenses by $1.3 million for the coming school year. The hold on salaries will not, however, prevent teachers who move on the salary schedule, either by increased education or increased years of service, from receiving pay raises, as the district agreed not to put a freeze on pay increases in its “steps and lanes” schedule movement program. Also as part of the agree-

ment, the district will absorb a 5.7 percent increase in health insurance premiums for benefited employees at a cost of $246,448. Further, the agreement recommends that $122,000 be set aside to anticipate health insurance premium hikes for the 2017-2018 school year. Employees covering their spouses and dependents under the district insurance plan will continue to be charged for the additional expense. For professional development, the agreement provides that teachers will receive two days, subject to school principal approval. Beginning in July 2017, teachers will be able to carry over for three years their annual professional development allowance of $500, thus accruing up to $1500. The parties agreed that the average workday starts 30 minutes before instructional time and extends to 30 minutes past the end of the school day. Other items in the teacher contract were clarified, including voluntary and involuntary transfers between buildings. The sick leave bank allowing employees to use additional sick days once they have exhausted their yearly allowance will be capped at 180 days during the length of employment. Participation in the bank is voluntary and only bank members can draw from it.

Blaine County School District officials and members of the Blaine County Education Association who negotiated a new contract for the 2016-2017 school year. From left are Tim Rierden, Mike Chatterton, Matt Phillips, Paula Doub, John Blackman, Beth Andrews, Rob Clayton, Jamie Harding, Marritt Wolfrom, Brad Henson, GwenCarol Holmes and John Pearce.

The agreement also provides that three ad hoc union members, without voting rights, serve on the district policy committee for discussing a “reduction on force” protocol. Observers of the negotiation sessions would agree that the tone of the discussions was amicable and professional. Members of both negotiating teams were seated next to each other, creating a more convivial atmosphere. The district team was comprised of Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes, Assistant Superintendent John Blackman, Business Manager Mike Chatterton, Principals Brad Henson and John Pearce and school

Trustee Rob Clayton. The teachers’ union was represented by Beth Andrews, Paula Doub, Jamie Harding, Matt Phillips, Tim Rierden and Marrit Wolfrom. Blackman summarized the mood of the negotiations by saying, "We worked well with each other and got it done." Chatterton, who is retiring at the end of this school year, gave an emotional farewell and thanked the BCEA for their trust and collaboration during his 29year tenure. The negotiation sessions were open to the public and many students were in attendance to meet a social studies requirement. tws

ABOUT THE

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND FOR

New Essential Services Facilities YO U ’ R E I N V I T E D !

TOW N H A L L

— MEETING — ABOUT

New Essential Services Facilities Wednesday, May 11th at 5 p.m. CITY HALL 4 8 0 E A ST AV E N U E N . , KETCHUM, IDAHO

— TO U R — THE BUILDING AFTER TOWN HALL MEETING OR:

Thursday, May 12 at noon

— VOTE — Tuesday,

May 17, 2016 HEMINGWAY SCHOOL

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE? Ketchum residents who are registered to vote. Register at the polls on Election Day! For more information visit www.co.blaine.id.us

— CONNECT — www.ketchumidaho.org/esf participate@ketchumidaho.org 208-726-7803

Why are new essential services facilities needed?

1974 Auto Dealership

WHAT WE HAVE HEARD FROM YOU

FACILITIES ARE SUB-STANDARD

THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM

In 2001, the city and community began discussions about the need for new facilities. Since then, two space studies, a site analysis, estimated costs, citizen committee site selection report and building analysis were performed. In 2015, with City Council approval, the Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency provided funding for the 2015 space study.

The existing building, built over 40 years ago, was not designed to be an essential services facility. • Building is not accessible to everyone • Police working areas are awful • Fire facilities are sub-standard • Safety and structural problems exist • Fails to meet current code requirements • Insufficient public meeting spaces • Energy inefficient • Expensive to maintain & repair

Starting in 2001, citizens, staff and elected officials acknowledged the city’s facilities were a problem that needed addressing.

2015 Space Study

2016 Voter Question

2016 Community Input & Design

2017¬2019 Project & Cost Assessment

HOW MUCH SPACE IS NEEDED? WHAT COULD IT COST?

WHAT DOES A ‘YES’ VOTE MEAN?

PUBLIC & CITY WORK TOGETHER

BID / BUILD / ASSESS

A ‘YES’ vote will authorize the city to bond for new essential If Authorized city services facilities.

A Citizen Committee collaborates with the city to gain input from the public: • Arrange Community Meetings • Select an Architect • Community Surveys • Location Alternatives • Design and Drawings

Bid / Build Bids from contractors are solicited. Contractors bidding on the project have an incentive to submit the lowest possible bid, coming in under budget if possible.

1979 City Hall 2001 New Facilities Needed

$ $$$$

$$$ $ $ $ $$

2015 SPACE STUDY RESULTS Current Building: 15,304 sf Space Needed: * • Police & City Operations • Fire Station Operating Space Deficit:

39,096 sf 18,284 sf

The 2015 Space Study confirmed the overdue need for new facilities for now and the next 50-70 years.

- 42,076 sf

*80% of proposed space is for current city operations and 20% for future growth over the next 50 to 70 years.

WHAT IS THE NOT-TO-EXCEED COST? The not-to-exceed estimate is a MAX of $23.1 million, including any property acquisition. Creative proposals, design and the bidding process could reduce project costs. Construction Cost of Police and City Operations/Emergency Network Communications Building Potential location at current City Hall site, approx. $261/sf

$10,185,000

Construction Cost of Fire Station Potential location on city-owned property on Lewis St., approx. $358/sf

$6,540,000

Demolition Could be higher if hazardous materials are found

$250,000

Relocation and Temporary Facilities The required level of temporary facilities would be evaluated in the bid process

$963,000

Soft Costs Typically one-third of total construction cost Surveying and utilities connections Architectural, engineering and legal fees Signage, furniture, fixtures, equipment and technology systems Builder’s risk insurance Bidding & construction cost contingency

$172,000 $1,307,000 $840,000 $322,000 $2,592,000

With each phase of the project, beginning with the selection of the architect, there will be community review of decisions, budgets and costs. All contracts will be reviewed and approved by City Council in public meetings. WHICH CAME FIRST? The chicken or the egg? The proverbial question is similar to the question facing Ketchum. Where is the design? What is the location? Is there a way to reduce the costs? Finding the answer takes money and staff time. Why take these resources to design buildings unless we know citizens are willing to pay for them? Why explore various locations and alternative budgets unless we have a commitment from citizens to move ahead once the answers are found?

• A long-term solution is needed to ensure quality service • Facilities are too small ¬ essential services are operating in a space 27% of the size recommended by the 2015 space study • Now it is time to ask for funding from you, the people our city government serves

Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) The city plans to pay project costs incrementally by using BANs, shortterm loans issued to a municipality to borrow against a voter-approved bond. Comparable to construction loans, BANs would be issued as project costs were incurred and only for amounts as needed. Property Assessed at Project Completion This approach allows costs to be managed throughout the project and ensures only the actual costs are levied on properties, which could be several years after the May 17 vote.

T h e W e e k ly S u n •

M ay 11, 2016

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Trial set to begin in 2017 for defendants in ‘Bundy Ranch Standoff '

BY terry smith

wo Hailey men remain incarcerated in Nevada, facing multiple federal charges for their alleged participation in a standoff with federal officers in 2014 in a case that is now commonly known as “The Bundy Ranch Standoff.” Eric J. Parker, 32, and Steven A. Stewart, 36, are among 19 defendants charged in the Bundy case, including Cliven Bundy, a Nevada rancher who faced confiscation of his cattle herd by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management near Bunkerville, Nev., on April 12, 2014. The BLM contends that Bundy owed nearly $1 million in grazing fees for illegally grazing his cattle on federal land over a 20-year period. Parker and Stewart were among hundreds of Bundy supporters, some of them armed, who flocked to the Bunkerville area to support Bundy. Faced with the threat of an armed confrontation, the federal officers backed away from the situation. However, some 700 days later, in February and March of this year, a federal grand jury issued indictments charging Bundy, Parker, Stewart and the other 16 defendants with crimes that could place them in prison for the rest of their lives. With issuance of the indictments, Parker, Stewart and the other defendants were arrested. A federal judge in Las Vegas has set a trial date for Feb. 6, 2017 and has ordered that all 19 defendants be tried together. Attempts for pretrial release of some of the defendants on bond have not succeeded. According to the Associated Press, the federal judge has determined that the defendants present a threat to society. The defendants are charged with the federal crimes of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime

of violence, assault on a federal officer, threatening a federal law enforcement officer, obstruction of due administration of justice, interference with interstate commerce by extortion and interstate travel in aid of extortion. Parker and Stewart are both members of the constitutional rights organization 3% of Idaho, which organized a rally in support of the defendants at the state capitol building in Boise on April 30. Some 200 Idaho people and out-of-state visitors attended the rally. Reporter Anthony Dephue wrote in the online conservative publication Eagle Rising that the purpose of the rally was “to collectively voice growing dissatisfaction with what is rapidly becoming a crescendo of unlawful federal overreach in land disputes, unjust incarcerations, suppression of Constitutionally guaranteed rights, and… questionable, at best, use of lethal force.” Dephue wrote further that some of the defendants have been unjustly held in solitary confinement and the refusal for a pretrial release is unwarranted because most of the defendants have little or no Fresh FreshVision, Voice, New Enthusiasm Vision, New Enthusiasm New New Fresh “substantial Voice,Voice, New Vision, New Enthusiasm criminal history.” Professional natural resource planning expertise. Brandon Curtiss, president RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS of 3% of Idaho, is quoted in theOF ACCOMPLISHMENTS RECORD AND PROVEN AND PROVEN LEADERSHIP Experienced in: LEADERSHIP improving :our local food supply and choices. Dephue story as calling AND on “libPROVEN LEADERSHIP : erty-minded patriot groups to set Natural Resource Planning, Consultant Natural Resource Planning, Consultant aside their differencesNatural and work Resource Planning, Consultant Leader on funding active youth programs. to collectively raise voices that Wood River Freeride, Director WoodFreeride, River Freeride, Director Wood River Director cannot be ignored.” MountainCoordinator Rides, Bike-Ped Coordinator Bike-Ped Master Plan. Mountain Rides, Bike-Ped Manage County’ s Community Curtiss said further that Mountain Rides, Bike-Ped Coordinator changes in the way government Wood River Farmers’ WoodFarmers’ River Farmers’ ManagerMarket, Manager Wood River Market,Market, Manager operates can be addressed in Paid for by the committee to elect Kaz Thea, Elizabeth Zellers, Treasurer Idaho’s Bounty, Founder elections. Idaho’s Bounty, Founder Idaho’s Bounty, Founder “We need to make the change Kids Director Mountain Fund, Director Kids Mountain Fund, on the ballot,” he stated. “We Kids Mountain Fund, Director need people right here to get Youth on Youth Outdoor Program, Leader Outdoor Program, Youth Program, Leader Leader the ballot. Sitting back in Outdoor the “ Iwork will continue to workinto hard shadows isn’t going to get done “ Iitwill continue a to lead us into a “ I will continue to worktohard tohard leadto uslead into us a anymore. more vibrant, sustainable future.” more vibrant, sustainable more vibrant, sustainable future.”future.” “We’re not extremists, we’re paid for by the committee to elect Kaz Thea, Treasurer Elizabeth Zellers paid for by the committee to elect Kaz Thea, Treasurer Elizabeth Zellers not anti-government,” paid for by theCurtiss committee to elect Kaz Thea, Treasurer Elizabeth Zellers stated. “We love our government the way our Constitution set it up.”

May 17th May 17th May 17th

KAZKAZ KAZ

THEA THEA THEA

Blaine County Commissioner Blaine County Commissioner Blaine County Commissioner May 17th Fresh Voice and A New Choice

tws

Presenting a program by Naturalist and photographer,

Buck Wilde to Benefit Idaho Rivers United May 11, 2016,

Doors open 6 p.m., Presentation starts 6:30p.m. Whiskey Jacques $10 donation for entrance Come mingle, swap stories, and cultivate your inspiration for wilderness and river protection

T h e W e e k ly S u n • m ay 11, 2016

news Environment

City of Ketchum

TOWN HALL MEETING Wednesday • May 11 • 5 pm • City Hall Presentation by Mayor Nina Jonas, Police Chief Dave Kassner and Fire Chief Mike Elle on the upcoming special election for a general obligation bond to fund essential services facilities. Q&A and building tour will follow.

CITY HALL TOURS Police Chief Dave Kassner and Fire Capt. Tom McLean lead tours through City Hall. To attend, call 726-7803 or email participate@ketchumidaho.org. UPCOMING TOURS May 11, after Town Hall • May 12, noon

Questions About Upcoming Election? Visit with Mayor Jonas for more information on the election. SCHEDULE Thursday • May 12 • 4-5 pm at Atkinson’s Market Friday • May 13 • 9-10 am at Ketchum Post Office Monday • May 16 • 12-1 pm at Ketchum Post Office ketchumidaho.org/esf

ketchumidaho.org/jobs Summer Youth Program Assistants • Interns • Qualified Law Firm Community Housing Analysis and Feasibility Study ketchumidaho.org/rfp

Public Meetings CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday • May 16 • 5:30 pm • City Hall PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING Monday • May 23 • CANCELLED SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday • May 23 • 5:30 pm • City Hall City budget discussion.

Keep Up With City News Visit ketchumidaho.org to sign up for email notifications, the City eNewsletter and to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Email comments to participate@ketchumidaho.org.

MIGRATORY BIRDS FACE NUMEROUS DANGERS Bird expert to speak at Wood River Master Naturalist Spring Series

BY MARIA PREKEGES

any migratory birds make the Wood River Valley their home at some point throughout the year. Outdoor enthusiasts interested in learning about these birds, their migration paths and the hardships and dangers they encounter should attend a migratory bird discussion from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. The discussion will be led by Terry Rich, former Partners in Flight national coordinator. In a presentation titled “Bird Migration and Conservation,” Rich will talk about how people can get involved in not just enjoying birds, but in learning how to help protect them. The presentation is part of the Wood River Master Naturalist Spring Series. Rich is considered an expert on migratory birds. He has a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.S. degree in Zoology from Idaho State University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Boise State University, where he is learning and teaching about the application of conservation. Rich served as the National Migratory Bird Program coordinator for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from 1992-2000, and as Partners in Flight national coordinator from 2000-2014. Rich noted in an interview that numerous species of migratory birds pass through the Wood River Valley each year, displaying various types of migratory behavior. “This is complicated,” he said. “We typically think of the species that spend the winter south of Idaho, in Mexico, Central America and South America, and then return to Idaho to breed. But there are also species that only go as far south as Arizona and New Mexico. “Further, there are species that migrate into Idaho during the winter from the Arctic,” Rich said. “There are also species that migrate downslope from the mountains and winter in the valleys of Idaho. We call these altitudinal migrants. There are dozens of species in each category and it would take me a while to tally them.” Idaho Department of Fish and Game Regional Wildlife Biologist Ross Winton said the Valley is visited by a variety of migratory birds. “We have a very diverse group

The sandhill crane is one of many part-time residents of the Wood River Valley. Photo by Steve Emmons, access via Wikimedia Commons

of migratory species that move through the Wood River Valley each year,” Winton said. “We see everything from hummingbirds to songbirds to swans and sandhill cranes. “While many species merely travel through as they head north, hundreds of species will migrate to the Valley to breed, nest and raise young before they head back south in the fall. Some of the more visible species are swans, sandhill cranes and long-billed curlew, which like to forage in agricultural fields in the spring and fall, in addition to many of our birds of prey species, almost all of which migrate, to some extent.” When asked about declining numbers of migratory birds, and the dangers they face, Rich said the issue is complicated.

“There are species listed by the federal government as threatened or endangered,” Rich said. “But there are many more species of conservation concern due to declining populations. The latter have been identified by bird conservation partnerships such as Partners in Flight. “The ultimate problem is always human population growth,” Rich said. “This is unending and not addressed by leadership due to the many taboos in our society. Human population growth causes every other problem. Chief among these is loss of habitat due to roads, buildings, agriculture, and disturbance. “The leading direct cause of death of birds is cats.” tws

PROTECTING MIGRATORY BIRDS Migratory bird expert Terry Rich offers a few simple steps that people can take to help protect migratory birds that live parttime in the Wood River Valley. 1. Do not let cats outdoors, and work to prevent all cats from going outdoors in your community; 2. Take steps to prevent birds from killing themselves by collid ing with windows in buildings; 3. Support measures that protect and restore native habitat in the area; 4. Plant native flowering and fruiting species in yards; 5. Support nongame conservation initiatives of the Idaho De partment of Fish and Game; 6. Become involved in lobbying Congress to greatly increase funding for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, State Wild life Grants, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, expan sion of National Wildlife Refuges, and similar legislation. Rich says further that birds play vital roles in our world, consuming untold quantities of insects every day, pollinating flowers, and dispersing seeds.

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T h e W e e k ly S u n •

m ay 11, 2016

news election

PRIMARY ELECTION SET FOR NEXT TUESDAY Voters to decide on party candidates, municipal issues and judges BY DICK DORWORTH

his year’s primary election takes place next Tuesday, May 17, when Blaine County voters will cast ballots on a number of national, state and local candidates and issues. Candidates for U.S. President were voted upon by the state’s electorate at special elections and caucuses held in March. Locally, voters in Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley will have their say on matters involving increases in property taxes, an extension of a local option sales tax and annexation of land for a cemetery. Hailey’s vote involves a special levy to increase property taxes for two years to raise $800,000 for the city’s infrastructure. If approved, the money will be used to repair, design and construct sidewalks, bike paths, trails and bike-pedestrian systems. The city’s stated intent is to “more safely move pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles on key streets through Hailey.” A simple majority is needed for approval. Voters in Ketchum will decide on a general obligation bond for a new city hall and fire department headquarters. The city is asking for $23.1 million in a 30-year general obligation bond to replace the 42-year-old old structure at the corner of East Avenue and Fifth Street and to relocate the fire department building to a new location on Lewis Street. A two-thirds majority is needed for approval. Ketchum’s electorate will also vote on whether the Ketchum Cemetery District will annex a parcel of land. The City of Sun Valley is asking its voters to approve a 10-year extension of the city’s local option taxes. Un-

der the existing LOT, the city charges a 3 percent tax on lodging, restaurant food and beverages, liquor by the drink, recreational memberships, leasing of property and event admissions. A 2 percent tax is charged on general retail sales, excluding building materials, and a 1 percent tax is charged on ski lift tickets. In addition to asking for a 10-year extension of its LOT assessments, the proposal adds a 1 percent tax to sales of building and construction materials. Approval requires 60 percent voter support. The primary election is also when political parties select their candidates for the general election in November. On May 17, party members will vote on candidates for county offices, the state legislature and the U.S. Congress. For national office, Democrat candidates include Jerry Sturgill for the U.S. Senate and Jennifer Martinez for the Second District House of Representatives position. Democrats running for state legislature are: Legislative District 26, for state senator, Michelle Stennett; for representative in the legislature position A, Kathleen J. Eder; and for position B, Sally Toone. All are unopposed. Three Democrats, incumbent Jacob Greenberg, Kaz Thea and Gary Whitworth Brower, are running for Blaine County Commissioner Second District and incumbent Angenie McCleary is running unopposed for the Third District seat. Steve M. Harkins is running unopposed for county sheriff and Jim J. Thomas is the only candidate for prosecuting attorney. Republican candidates for national office include incumbent Mike Crapo for U.S. Senate. Candidates for the House of Representatives Second District position are Lisa Marie and incumbent Mike Simpson. For the state legislature, Republicans running are Dale

Remember to vote on Tuesday, May 17. Courtesy graphic by Dwight Burdette

Ewersen for Legislative District 26 state senator; incumbent Steve Miller for representative position A; and Alex Sutter for representative position B. No Republicans have filed for county office. The Constitution Party has several candidates on its ballot, including “Pro-Life,” a man formerly known as Marvin Richardson, and Ray J. Writz for U.S. Senate. Running as a Constitution Party candidate for the House of Representatives is Anthony Tomkins. Also up for election on May 17 are judges, who run nonpartisan. Incumbent Roger S. Burdick is running unopposed for the Idaho Supreme Court. Running to replace retiring Idaho Supreme Court Judge Jim Jones are Robyn Brody, Sergio A. Gutierrez, Curt McKenzie and Clive J. Strong. Incumbent Molly J. Huskey is running unopposed for her position on the Idaho Court of Appeals. tws

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T h e W e e k ly S u n • m ay 11, 2016

Sponsored Feature Student Spotlight

news in brief

Community School junior Peter Wolter excels at Nordic skiing. Courtesy photo

U.S. District Court in Oregon on May 4 ordered invalid a federal government 2014 Columbia Basin salmon biological plan that was intended to mitigate salmon and steelhead fish loss because of four dams on the lo Snake River that empties into the Columbia River in Oregon. Judge Michael Simon ruled that the plan, as has been done with four predecessor plans, violates the fede Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. In the ruling, Simon sided with plaintiffs in the case, including fishing businesses, environmental groups, alternative energy advocates, the State of Oregon and the Nez Perce Indian Tribe, finding the latest federal for protecting Snake River and Columbia River salmon and steelhead “fatally flawed.” Among its findings, the court determined that the plan “failed to adequately assess the potentially catastrophic impact of climate change on the basin’s salmon and steelhead populations.” “Hundreds of thousands of adult salmon died last summer because of warm water in the Columbia and S reservoirs,” said Todd True, of Earthjustice, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs. “The court’s sha rejection of yet another illegal plan for operating the dams on these rivers amplifies the clear warning that agement of these dams must change dramatically, and very quickly, if wild salmon are to inhabit these river the future. “We need to seriously consider a plan that retires and removes the four lower Snake River dams,” True sa “Only action on this scale has the potential to allow wild salmon to survive and recover in the light of the vi threat they face from a warming climate.” Judge Simon ordered that a new plan, in full compliance with the law, must be developed no later than Mar 1, 2018.

COURT INVALIDATES COLUMBIA BASIN SALMON PLAN

PETER WOLTER

Avid cross-country skier BY JONATHAN KANE

eter Wolter loves Nordic skiing and excels at the sport. The Community School junior, carrying a 3.9 grade point average and a member of the school’s Outdoor Leadership Academy, is also carrying a heavy course load, including Honors Physics, American History, Precalculus, Spanish V, Twentieth Century American Literature and Expedition, Planning and Leadership. He also believes in minimizing stress in his life when possible. “I like to make everything in life as fun as possible,” Wolter said. “I really don’t like being stressed because it brings down all aspects of life and makes things not enjoyable.” Wolter is a longtime Community School student, having started as a preschooler and now enrolled in his 15th year. “I describe having fun in my life as trying to be lighthearted about every situation and, if something is bad, turn it into something good and don’t let it faze you,” he said. “For example, if I get a bad grade on a test, there is nothing I can do about that now so I resolve to study harder and improve. This attitude works out pretty well. For one thing, I wasn’t stressed at all this winter and I didn’t get sick.” Wolter started Nordic skiing with his family at the age of 2 and has been participating with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation team since elementary school. He has progressed from the Devo team to the Middle School prep team to the High School comp team. “My earliest memory, besides being with my family, was being with my friend Zach Williams and we would hide in the snow so we wouldn’t have to ski with the team in elementary school because we wanted to ski off jumps into the powder on our Nordic skis.” Wolter’s father grew up in Minnesota and introduced him to the sport. “All my friends were doing it and I took to it right away,” he said. Wolter said he prefers classic skiing to skate skiing because “it’s more relaxing because it’s more of a natural movement. “I love the sport because of the team bonding and the amazing trips we get to go on,” he said. “It has individual aspects and team aspects, which I really like. You get the chance to compete against teammates, but you push them and they push you. Also, the feeling you get after a race is indescribable, and it’s similar to a runner’s high, whether you win or not.” This winter Wolter had the thrill of competing in the U18 Nation’s Cup in Estonia near the Russian border. First, he had to qualify in Michigan at the U.S. Senior Nationals. He was only one of six boys that qualified and the only one from the Wood River Valley. “There was three days of training and three days of races,” Wolter said. “It was the best racing experience that I have ever had and I was able to learn a lot about the way they ski in Europe. The Norwegians and the Swedes are much better, but I learned a lot from them and got motivation from them. I learned that their mental and physical drive is unstoppable.” tws

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‘BLOOM’ BRINGS BOOKS AND FOOD TO KIDS

An orange trailer labeled “Bloom” will be traveling around the Wood River Valley this summer delivering fresh food and inspiring books to children in outlying areas. The trailer and its program are the result of a partnership involving The Community Library in Ketchum, The Hunger Coalition, Blaine County 4-H, Footlight Dance Centre and other public libraries in the Valley. Bloom is funded in large part by the Nancy Eccles & Homer M. Hayward Family Foundation, the Peco Foundation and a grant from the Wood River Women’s Foundation. “This trailer will be full of healthy local food, prepared by the Wood River Sustainability Center, and books available for checkout from The Community Library for children who live on the outskirts of our small towns, removed from the abundance The orange “Bloom” trailer will be traveling of available resources,” the Bloom program reported in a press around the Wood River Valley this summer release. “Bloom will connect children to books and learning and delivering fresh food and books to children also provide a free, nutritious lunch to those who are often left outlying areas. Courtesy photo without access to healthy foods and summer activities.” “It’s time to bring these services to the kids who need it the most,” said Naomi Spence, associate director of The Hunger Coalition. “This year, Bloom is in its pilot stage, traveling the Valley five days a week to locations from North Fork to Carey. Bloom provides a fresh approach for accessing healthy food, books and activities to help chil thrive.” DeAnn Campbell, librarian for children and young adults at The Community Library, said that childr tend to lose some of their reading skills over the summer if they do not keep reading. “We refer to this as ‘summer slide,’” Campbell said. “Our summer reading program is designed to k kids reading and exploring ideas over the summer vacation, so that they return to school primed to keep gr ing their skills.”

KETCHUM BOY SCOUTS ATTAIN EAGLE RANK

Two Boy Scouts from Ketchum Boy Scout Troop 192 were named Eagle Scouts at a Court of Honor in Elkhorn on April 13. Earning the top honor for the Boys Scouts of America were Derek Thompson, the son of Gwen VanDooren-Thompson and Steve Thompson, and Wesley Brimstein, the son of Sara Baldwin and Bill Brimstein. The Court of Honor was led by Troop Leader Chuck Williamson, with the assistance of Assistant Troop Leaders Gary Donofrio and Steve Thompson and several members of Troop 192. Obtaining an Eagle rank, a feat achieved by only about 5 percent of Boy Scouts, requires earning 21 merit badges, fulfilling several leadership roles with the troop and planning and executing a service project. Thompson’s and Brimstein’s service projects involved more than 100 hours each in relocating and restoring user-created trails in the Sun Valley area

From left are new Eagle Scou Derek Thompson, Troop Lea Chuck Williamson and new E Scout Wesley Brimstein. Cou photo

DIANE PEAVEY REELECTED LAMB BOARD VICE CHAIR

Area rancher and writer Diane Peavey was recently reelected as vice chair of the American Lamb Board, a 13-member national association representing the lamb industry in the United States with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Peavey was first appointed to the American Lamb Board in 2013 by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and was elected vice chair in 2015. The purpose of the American Lamb Board is to increase public awareness of the “high-quality, nutritionally rich lamb produced by American sheep ranching families.” Peavey, along with her husband John Peavey, is the owner of Flat Top Sheep Co. near Carey. In addition to being an outspoken advocate for lamb and the sheep ranching industry, Diane Peavey is the author of the book “Bitterbrush Rancher Diane Peavey has Country: Living on the Edge of the Land.” She has written essays about ranchbeen reelected vice chair o ing life, conservation and Western land issues that aired weekly for 18 years on American Lamb Board. Cou public radio and she has been published in numerous magazines and Western photo anthologies. Diane and John Peavey are the founders of the annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival in the Wood River Valley, an event that drew approximately 26,000 visitors from around the countr last year and has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Best Fall Festivals in the World” by MSN Travel. Diane Peavey readily admits that she and lamb go back a long way together. “It was always my meal of choice when I was growing up and even after I left home,” she said. “So when Idaho sheep rancher John Peavey asked me to marry him, I was overwhelmed; a lifetime of lamb chops. Wh could be better? And of course, John, too.”

T h e W e e k ly S u n •

m ay 11, 2016

Letters to the editor

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School District & Syringa Partnership Would Benefit Community

Editor’s Note: This letter was originally sent to the Blaine County School District Board of Trustees. I would like convey something that changed my life and enriched the lives of my family and our community as a whole. Syringa Mountain School offers Blaine County students the Waldorf teaching methodology, which the school describes in its literature as an “academically rigorous liberal arts curriculum presented in a developmentally and arts-integrated context. The method emphasizes educating the whole child—head, heart and hands—through sustainable living, gardening, farming, experiential learning and minimal use of technology in the early grades.” That was where the discussion began on where our firstborn would attend school. When I first read that statement I wasn’t sure what it really meant. Anyone can make statements and promises that are just unattainable. I love the schools in the Wood River Valley and that was a major factor on why we were going to raise our children here. We are longtime Blaine County residents and both my wife and I attended public school in Blaine County. The school district has always encouraged nonlinear learning and offered the best possible education for their students through critical inquiry. I still remember Brad and Terry Thode’s tech classes at the middle school and Ernest Hemingway Elementary as being one of the greatest experiences in my life, and ski days, too. That’s most likely the reason I ended up in the technology field (the tech classes, not the ski days). We now find ourselves with our first child finishing kindergarten at Syringa Mountain School and our twin boys will be starting there this fall. Syringa was not exaggerating what they do. Our daughter is excited to get to school in the morning and even more full of excitement and creativity when she arrives home after school. Screen time has been abandoned for invention and experience in sustainability, arts and a whole lot of fun digging dirt. We also own multiple homes in the Valley and enjoy being able to give back to the community any way we can; it’s what we do here. Syringa Mountain School should be given every opportunity to help enrich the lives of all those in our community. They have already surmounted monumental tasks to further innovation in education and have proved that their mission is warranted and necessary. A partnership between BCSD and Syringa would only increase the fantastic options available to county residents. The Alturas ESL [English as a Second Language] program and Silver Creek High School have been immensely successful, and giving parents yet another choice for the success of their children only makes the community that much better. I ask, through the name of fairness, that my children be allowed to share the same resources available to other Blaine County students through the Blaine County School District for their innovation in education and success furthering our public school options. Sincerely, Spencer Gorringe Bellevue

Kudos To Citizens of Ketchum On 4/21/16 my husband and I arrived in Ketchum. We were to go to a house on Bald Mountain Road. Feeling pretty lost, I stopped in at the Les Filles dress shop to inquire about Bald Mountain Road. There were three or four patrons in the shop. I explained that I was from Tennessee – there for a wedding. All the ladies gathered round me and one lady with a beautiful braid in her hair explained clearly what direction I should take. Then a Ms. Murray joined in and said, “I’ll take you over there. Just follow me in my car.” The dear lady did just that and helped me locate the house I needed. Where do you find such nice people? I’m forever grateful for the kind way I was helped. Gwen McLaughlin Chattanooga, Tenn.

news in brief

ENCAUSTIC PAINTINGS DISPLAYED AT CITY HALL

Three local artists are displaying their work at Ketchum City Council Chambers as part of the city’s Art in City Hall annual exhibition. This year, the exhibition is featuring “encaustic” paintings, also known as hot-wax painting, a process that involves adding colored pigments to heated beeswax, which is then applied to a hard surface. Tools and brushes are often used to shape the paint before it cools. The exhibition includes “Tomorrow Night” and “Verdigris,” courtesy of artist Suzanne Hazlett and Gail Severn Gallery. Hazlett owns the local financial services firm Boulder Financial Alliance and is co-founder and president of the Wood River Valley Studio Tour. Also being displayed are “Rusty Shores,” “Solace Found” and “Journey,” by artist Alison Higdon, who teaches arts and crafts to children and adults, plays an active role in children’s theater arts and has spent many years as a doula, assisting women during childbirth. Sharon Maley is displaying four paintings: “Spirit,” “Distant Echo,” “Aqua Weave” and an untitled piece. Maley’s work has been published in the book “100 Artists of the West Coast.” Artists were selected in a juried process by the Ketchum Arts Commission. Each artist receives an honorarium of $350 for lending their work to the city for a year. “We want to have art throughout our community,” said Ketchum Mayor Nina Jonas. “We appreciate the willingness of our local artists to lend us their work, and the exhibition in city hall underscores the importance of art in our city.”

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CORRECTION

A story in the May 4 issue titled “New Scholarship Honors Legendary Bud Purdy” incorrectly named a son of Bud Purdy. The son’s name is Nick Purdy.

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The Weekly Sun welcomes and encourages submissions of local photography and letters to the editor to be considered for publication in the newspaper. For photos: we like shots with people or animals best! Please include caption information (Who or What is in the photo, Where the photo was taken, When the photo was taken). For letters: we prefer constructive, solutionbased letters, not rants!

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T h e W e e k ly S u n • m ay 11, 2016

Fishing R epoRt

Pet Column no bones about it The “Weekly” Fishing RepoRT FoR may 11 FRom picabo angleR

pring continues, with several days of sun followed by several days of rain, otherwise known as normal! It’s about time we had a normal winter followed by a normal spring. It suddenly feels like the 1990s again. The reservoirs are filling while the rivers get a good scrubbing. The benefits to the fish will be outstanding. The fishing in the reservoirs continues to be good. Catch rates at Magic are averaging about two fish per hour for fly anglers. These fish are footballs and are a joy to hook and fight. Fish in Magic include rainbows, browns, smallmouth bass and perch. Anglers fishing near West Magic are doing well. Look for the line of demarcation, where the mud meets the clean water. This is often a productive zone. Little Wood Reservoir is really full and fishing pretty well. The fish are slightly smaller than Magic fish, but the catch rates can be outstanding when the conditions are right. Try the bay behind the dam and along the dam itself. Rainbows are the mainstay, with the occasional brook trout. Mackay Reservoir is always a favorite in the spring. Although best fished from a boat, the back of the reservoir, where the old river channel gets covered by rising reservoir water, can offer excellent fishing, and on a good day it can be fast and furious. Rainbows and brook trout are the targets. The Lost River remains open, but the flows continue to fluctuate wildly. Do not go over without checking the flows first! The river fishes and wades best below 200 cfs, but right now the fluctuation is hurting the fishing more than the higher flows. It remains to be seen how this affects the spawning activity, but it is something to keep an eye on. Opening day is coming, so stay tuned to our website www. picaboangler.com as we begin to head out on the Creek to give you up-to-the-minute updates on conditions, hatches and especially the brown drake. Don’t forget the night before opening day we will have Hank Patterson here hosting movie night in our airplane hangar. Bring your camp chair, tickets are $5 at the door, bring your friends, have a beer and enjoy “The Mystery of the Cuttyrainbrown Trout.” A lot of the movie was filmed here in Picabo! It will leave you laughing and ready for the midnight opener after the movie lets out! Happy fishing, everyone!

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

STAY? BUT, THERE IS ANOTHER DOG! BY FRAN JEWELL

ne of the most difficult but important commands to teach any dog is the self-control of “stay.” Most people seem to try to teach it the same way and have unreliable results. A few of the problems I see happen include: Teaching “stay” and “come” together. Most people put a dog in a sit, then walk away, then call the dog to them. What the dog learns is that coming (or breaking the stay) gets him the reward! Trying to teach a dog to “stay” using sit. A dog will be less likely to break a “stay” if he is in the down position. Never having an end to the “stay,” so the dog learns to just get up when he is bored. There must be a definite beginning to the stay and a definite end to the stay or the dog makes the decision about getting up, not you. The dog learns that if he crawls somewhere, that’s okay. To resolve these problems, try these suggestions: Never teach “stay” and “come” together. When teaching “stay,” start small – just seconds of staying and then a reward. Then move away slowly – one or two steps at a time. Always return to the dog and reward him for staying. Make the stay more fun than anything. Never make getting up fun. Ignore your dog once you “release” him: no praise, no pets, no nothing. Just ignore your dog. We want the dog to think that staying in the down is as fun as eating cake and ice cream! All is fun DURING the stay, not after the stay. Always have a beginning and an ending. Use the word “stay” to begin the exercise, and then use a release word like “release,”

Baewulf and 10-month-old Elsie practice “stay” with downtown distractions in Ketchum Town Square. Photo by Fran Jewell

“alright,” “free dog,” or “all done.” After you say that magic word, the dog gets nothing else. Always place your treat reward in exactly the same place ON THE GROUND in front of the dog, between his paws. If the dog learns the treat always comes THERE on that SPOT, he won’t move or creep. If you hand the treat to the dog from your hand, he may get up to get the treat. Always put the treat on the ground in the same place. Be gradual about teaching stay: short TIMES first, and then short DISTANCES, gradually working up to more. Do the same with distractions. Start in a low-distraction environment and be successful before you ask the dog to stay while there are a bunch of dogs playing nearby. GRADUAL is the

word in teaching a reliable stay. Stay is one of the most useful and life-saving tools any dog can be taught. But, it is not one that comes easily. It takes work and commitment on your part to practice to have the dog learn it reliably. If the dog continually is not reliable, then you are probably asking too much too fast. We all seem to do that! 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 www.positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.

active art Column Sketchbook Hiking

BY LESLIE REGO

THUMBNAIL SKETCHES

ecently I have been hiking, stopping from time to time and drawing little thumbnail sketches. If I take a camera and shoot photographs during the entire hike, I am recording everything. But if I stop and create a thumbnail sketch, I have to pick and choose what I feel is the most important. I like to use them to collect motifs from a given area. When I have many thumbnails, all from the same trail, I have an entire story of the trail. To create a thumbnail, I focus on interesting views, beautiful configurations of trees, little brooks or rivulets. Generally, the sketches are 2 inches by 3 inches, or slightly larger. Since I sketch the small pieces so quickly, I can stop frequently. While sketching the thumbnail, I might move a tree or a bush a bit more to one side or the other to improve the overall image. Or maybe I draw the tree taller or lower. I like to pinpoint patterns and shapes that are particular to the area. I also look at light and how it flows over the scenes. I concentrate on motifs that are specific to the terrain. By the end of the hike, I have a selection of thumbnails depicting small scenes that are very typical for the area.

Leslie Rego, “Scenes from Proctor,” nib pen and brush, sumi ink.

I try to jot down a few words next to my thumbnail: the time of day, sunny or misty, warm or cold. I also write down what I liked about the scene. What was the first thing that drew my attention? What was my initial feeling? Why was I attracted to stop and quickly scribble down the major shapes? I like thumbnail sketches because they serve as a memory bank. I can make note of ideas, sights and features quintessential to the area. I might describe

the scene with a low horizon or a high horizon. Changing the amount of sky that is showing at any time during the hike completely changes the perception of the scenery. These are scenarios one might not think of while hiking. Artists typically use thumbnails to help establish the structure of a painting or to visualize the final painting. I think of my thumbnails as establishing the “structure” of the hike. They pull out the recurring themes which

happen along the trail. Creating thumbnails is best to do when you are alone because it requires stopping frequently, for a few minutes each stop. But by the end of the hike you have a record of your feelings as well as what caught your interest. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit www.leslierego.com.

T h e W e e k ly S u n •

Column Science & Place