26 February 2019 by The Weekly Sun

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

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FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2019 | V O L . 1 2 - N O . 9 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Nonprofit News Crisis Hotline Director Retires After 12 Years

City News SV-Ketchum Emergency Services Merger Seems Imminent

Business News Soldier Mountain Is For Sale

“Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake.” ~ Sara Raasch

Work like you ski... for an hour or all day! No membership needed. ketchumworks.com | 192 Sun Valley Rd. | 208.720.0274

For information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Photo credit: Carol Waller

Submit A Thank You Note Or A Photo To The Weekly Sun’s BLIZZARD OF THANKS •

Did Someone Help Push or Tow Your Car Out Of A Snowbank?

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Has Anyone Removed Snow From Your Driveway Just To Be Nice?

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Is Your Roof Still Standing Due To Someone’s Kindness?

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Do You Have Photos Of People Moving Snow Or Helping Others?

Submit a snow-removal or Good Samaritan photo or a short thank you note (one or two sentences) for anyone who helped you in a snow-related manner during the past week. We’ll publish it next week in a special feature titled “The Weekly Sun’s Blizzard of Thanks.” Full names (both to and from) are encouraged, but not required, for notes. Email your photo or note to publisher@theweeklysun.com by Monday, March 4, at noon.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 2 7 - M A R C H 5 , 2 0 1 9

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ketchum’s Unique Hotel To Host ‘Strange Hotels’

“Strange Hotels,” featuring Ben Braden and Nick Sadler, will be paying tribute to the Hot Water Inn, Ketchum’s quirky pub/hostel. The Portland duo’s music has been described as a wide-ranging project that includes flavors of dance, R&B, vintage pop and indie rock. The event is donation only ($5 suggested) on Friday, March 1, from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The sculpture must be interactive in nature, allowing viewers of varying ages to interact with the piece in some way. Interactivity could include kinetic elements that allow viewers to alter the sculpture or set it into motion, optical devices, elements that allow viewers to create sound, or motion-activated elements. The call for artists can be found at ketchumidaho.org/arts. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on March 25, 2019.

Repeals Of Medicaid Expansion Continue To Fail

Marriages Under 16 Could Become Illegal

A bill that would establish 16 as the youngest age to marry legally in Idaho is heading to the House floor for a vote. Rep. Melissa Wintrow’s (D-Boise) Child Safety bill seeks to align marriage laws with existing statutory rape and child protection laws. “Unfortunately, the current law can shelter someone from being charged with rape or statutory rape by getting married,” Wintrow said. “We have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of children and prevent anyone from shielding themselves from illegal behavior due to a loophole in our law. No one under the age of 16 can consent to sex, which is why we established a floor of 16 (for marriage).” As it stands now, children under 16 can get married with written consent of their parents. In addition to setting the bottom age at 16 years, the proposed legislation would require a teen who is 16 or 17 to first get parent or guardian consent and the court approval to marry. The legislation was created in collaboration with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, an organization devoted to ending violence against women and girls. “Basically, what this legislation does is provide another step of security for children in Idaho,” Wintrow said. “We don’t want to have a situation where a young child is being taken advantage of.”

Interactive Art Contest Promises A $29K Prize

The City of Ketchum is inviting professional artists, architects and designers to apply for a new, long-term interactive sculpture for a site on the city’s Fourth Street Heritage Corridor. The original artwork selected will be displayed on an outdoor pedestal beginning in late fall 2019 and become a permanent part of the city’s art collection. Three semifinalists will be selected by the Ketchum Arts Commission and receive a stipend of $500 upon submission of proposal. The finalist will receive a budget of $29,000, inclusive of artist fee, design, engineering, materials, fabrication, shipping and installation.

Two bills aimed at repealing Medicaid Expansion in Idaho came and went last week without even receiving a bill number. The legislation, sponsored by freshman Representatives John Green (R-Post Falls) and Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot), was voted down in the House Health and Welfare Committee. One bill called for an outright repeal of Medicaid Expansion, while the other would have repealed Medicaid Expansion by July 1, 2022, unless savings were realized within that time. Reclaim Idaho, the organization responsible for the petition drive that put Medicaid Expansion on last November’s ballot, is calling on Governor Brad Little to fight for a “clean” Medicaid Expansion program. Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Proposition Two which calls for Medicaid Expansion in Idaho without restrictions. Reclaim Idaho’s encouragement to the governor comes on the heels of Little’s recent public comments that he would not let the legislature conclude the 2019 session without funding in place.

Governor Hopes To Recruit Young Teachers By Raising First-Year Salaries

Governor Brad Little’s bill to raise starting teacher salaries over the next two school years has gained favor with the House Education Committee, which passed the bill last week, sending it to the House floor with a recommendation it be approved. If the bill becomes law, starting teachers would make $40,000 by 2021—a roughly $2,000 raise. The bill was largely supported by the Idaho School Boards Association, Idaho Business for Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and the State Board of Education. However, lagging state revenue could spell difficulty ahead. To ease any pain, Little opted for a two-year plan to $40,000 rather than a one-year option that would have cost an immediate $11.4 million. The two-year version would cost $3.8 million now and $7.6 in 2020-21.

SUN BULLETIN BOARD THE WEEKLY

HELP WANTED

PETERBILT FOR SALE

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

FOR RENT; OPTION TO BUY Gorgeous views. Most northern cul de sac in The Meadows. 2-bedroom trailer home to rent; with option to buy. Available now. No pets. (208) 720-3157.

REIKI HEALING

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

KETCHUM CONDO AVAILABLE

Just Available: Sophisticated Ketchum condo: undrgrnd parking. Sleeps 4: 2 bdrms, fplce, great kitchen, w/d. Walk to ski bus, markets, shops, restaurants, theaters. Available Feb. 8 - Mar.9. Photos on request. 1 wk. min. $900/wk. Cleaning $150. (208) 720-4160.

DUC E R E C RI

PRICING

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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS A Touch Of Class Hair Studio Anna McGehee Accepting new clients for cuts, color, Brazilian blowouts, perms.. Walk-ins welcome Salon: (208) 788-9171 Anna’s: cell (208) 716-3114

CLASSIC SUDOKU answer from page 15

1988 Peterbilt. Nice older truck runs great some new parts set up for gooseneck but have fifth wheel plate. $11,000. (208) 309-0916

FOR RENT Unfurnished townhome, 2 BD, 1BA, all appliances, includes washer/dryer, Garage and one assigned parking space. 741 Willow Drive, Unit #B1. Shown by appointment only. References required. 1st.months rent and security deposit. One year lease, no pets, no smoking. $1495 per month. Call Janeen (206) 766-0523.

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

HOUSEKEEPING

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

HANDYMAN

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

HOLY SNOW!

CROSSWORD

answer from page 15

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 2 7 - M A R C H 5 , 2 0 1 9

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

Winter Storms Could Mean Major Flooding This Spring!

Pedrito Martinez and Alfredo Rodriguez will play a concert filled with eclectic Afro-Cuban jazz on March 10 at The Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum. For a story, see page 12. Photo credit: Sun Valley Center for the Arts

THIS WEEK

F E B R U A R Y 2 7 - M A R C H 5 , 2019 | VOL. 12 NO. 9

Arts News

Argyros Performing Arts Center Hopes To Hire Director Soon

• Most homeowner’s policies Do Not Cover flood damage and most include a specific flood exclusion. Flood coverage is relatively inexpensive depending on your flood zone, but there is a standard 30-day waiting period for coverage to begin. Start the process now!

Commentary

Award Winning Columns, Letters, Student Spotlight

• The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is backed by the Federal Government. Maximum coverage on an NFIP flood insurance policy is $250,000 for Dwelling coverage and $100,000 for Personal Property.

Calendar

• Excess Flood coverage is available for increased limits above the max. NFIP flood limits.

Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

Be flood smart and call WRI today for your free flood quote!

ON THE COVER

Large snowflakes fall in Hailey on Saturday night, Feb. 23. As of press deadline on Tuesday, Blaine County received an accumulated total of 2-3 feet of snow over the past three days. Photo credit: Carol Waller 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 Eric Valentine • news@theweeklysun.com ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Aimée Durand • Hayden Seder • Emilee Struss news@theweeklysun.com

www.woodriverinsurance.com

Poo Wright Pulliam, Marie Stewart, Kirk Anderson & David Rau cordially invite you to the

NAMI-WRV

Journey to wellness art show Monday, March 11 • 5:30-7:30pm Ketchum Innovation Center

DESIGN DIRECTOR Mandi Iverson • mandi@theweeklysun.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Chris Seldon • production@theweeklysun.com ACCOUNTING Shirley Spinelli • 208.928.7186 • accounting@theweeklysun.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • publisher@theweeklysun.com DEADLINES Display & Community Bulletin Board Ads — Monday @ 1pm brennan@theweeklysun.com • bulletin@theweeklysun.com Calendar Submissions — Friday @ 5pm calendar@theweeklysun.com www.TheWeeklySun.com Published by Idaho Sunshine Media, LLC

Now in its third year, the Journey to Wellness Art Show asks local artists to generously submit works related to mental health and wellness to be auctioned-off to benefit mental health resources in the community. NAMI-WRV is committed to breaking down barriers of mental health stigmas so those in need can get the help they deserve. All funds raised from this event support NAMIWRV’s free public support groups and services in the Wood River Valley, for youth, individuals, and families. For art show information, please contact the NAMI office at 208-481-0686 or info@namiwrv.org, or visit nami-wrv.com/art. For more information on the Bluebirds, visit namiwrv.org/bluebirds/. For more information, please contact the NAMI office 208-481-0686 info@namiwrv.org or go to www.namiwrv.org

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 27 - M A R C H 5, 2019

LAST WEEK!

NEWS NON PROFIT

WED, 2/27–SAT, 3/2

By Amy Herzog

FEB 13–MAR 2 Liberty Theatre, Hailey One rewarding trip... A dramatic journey across the generations. FEATURING A STELLAR CAST:

Jana Arnold, Maggie Horan, Adam Turck and Jessi Zhang

4000 Miles is generously sponsored by Big Wood Landscape. Student matinees are sponsored by Hailey Rotary Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Hailey and Wood River Valley Papoose Club 23rd Season Sponsors: Anonymous, Arrow R. Storage, Big Wood Landscape, Cynthia Cranmer and Blair Hull, Cherie and Steve Crowe, Dr Ronald and Beth Dozoretz, Linda and Bob Edwards, Ginny and Peter Foreman, Sue and Mort Fuller, Carol and Len Harlig, Dan and Jodie Hunt and the Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Marcia and Don Liebich, Kenneth Lewis, Mathieu, Ranum & Allaire, PLLC, Jane Rosen and Scott Miley—Scott Miley Roofing, Carol P. Nie, Priscilla Pittiglio, The Shubert Foundation, Richard Smooke and Family in loving memory of Judith Smooke, R.L. Rowsey in loving memory of John C. Glenn, Mary Ann and John Underwood, Maryanne and Jerry Whitcomb, Barbara and Stanley Zax, media sponsor The Weekly Sun, and housing sponsor Wood River Inn & Suites

NEWS IN BRIEF

Employer Stole Your Wages? You May Get More Time To Get Them Back

State lawmakers are considering whether to make it easier for people to get their unpaid wages from employers who shorted them. The bill modifies current law to allow workers 12 months, rather than six months, to file a claim for unpaid wages. Rep. Mat Erpelding (D-Boise) sponsored the bill. He says that this change is necessary because many Idahoans do not realize that they have had their wages stolen until after the six-month deadline. “Most Idahoans realize they have had wages stolen when they start to file taxes,” Erpelding explained. “In many cases, the wages were paid longer than six months ago so the individual can no longer file a claim to get their wages back.” According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, wage theft is an issue across the nation and costs workers billions of dollars every year. Unfortunately, the only way to catch wage theft is to pay close attention to your pay stub.

Veterans Could See Financial Help With Fertility Treatment

A bill to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide fertility treatment to injured veterans is headed to the Idaho’s House floor. “This legislation impacts veterans all over the country,” bill sponsor Rep. Brooke Green (D-Boise) said. Green first heard about the issue from retired Army Captain Micah Andersen. He sustained complex blast injuries while serving in Afghanistan that impacted his fertility. Andersen testified during the committee to explain the importance of the bill to legislators. “It was very important to Rep. Green and myself that I come testify in committee today,” Anderson said. “Because this issue is so difficult to talk about, most people don’t realize the effects the policy has on veterans. I was lucky enough to have the means to pay for fertility treatments, but a lot of soldiers do not. We have to change this policy so that every soldier has the opportunity to have a family when they come home.”

First-Responder Mental Health Bill On Track To Become Law

The bill that would provide the same sort of financial support to first-responder mental health issues as their physical health issues continues to move forward. Senate Bill 1028, sponsored by Rep. Mat Erpelding (D-Boise), now heads to the House floor for a vote, where it is expected to pass and be signed into law by Governor Brad Little. “The First Responder bill has bipartisan support,” Little explained. “I think legislators realize how necessary this legislation is for the health and wellness of those who help us most. Most people are shocked when they hear that more first responders die from suicide than in the line of duty, and, we cannot keep ignoring psychological injuries if we want to lower this number.” Under current law, if a first responder wants to have workers compensation cover any treatment for psychological trauma, they must also have a physical injury. For example, to get treatment covered by workers compensation for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), a first responder would have to break a leg.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this community and to support countless people in crisis or in need of referrals.” –Sher Foster. Photo Credit: Sher Foster

FOSTERING HOPE

Longtime Crisis Hotline leader Sher Foster moves on

BY HAYDEN SEDER

hen most people retire from a career, if they’re lucky, they can measure their success by how many lives they may have helped or changed. For Sher Foster, the metric is even more profound: how many lives she may have saved. After 12 years serving as the executive director of the Crisis Hotline, Sher Foster announced her retirement in early February of this year. Through that position, Foster also served on the advisory council of the Wood River Valley’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WRV). Whereas more than 12,000 residents have utilized the hotline since its inception, the number of lives Foster has saved figures to near that amount. “I’m grateful that I’ve been able to help so many people over the years,” Foster said. “There have been a number of people who have come up to me at community events and functions that said they wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for the Crisis Hotline.” Filling Foster’s role at the hotline is new executive director Tammy Davis. As for Foster, she doesn’t have any specific retirement plans, at least not yet. But she was clear about one thing: “I have an art studio in my home and plan to spend time creating art again.” After studying counseling in college and working a suicide hotline her senior year, Foster went on to work at a 24-hour walk-in crisis clinic in Seattle, which helped cement her interest in helping those in crisis. “I realized how rewarding it can to help others in mental distress,” said Foster, who has worked the phone lines countless times, often taking over to handle a particularly difficult call. Foster eventually moved to the Wood River Valley in the 1990s when she began volunteering at numerous nonprofits here, and then taking over the Crisis Hotline, an organization that has served the Valley for 32 years and is the only 24-hour hotline in Idaho. Under Foster’s guidance, the Crisis Hotline began a school teen outreach program as well as worked to enhance programs every year by bringing in new professionals for different topics and services during a six-week crisis intervention training program for all volunteers each year. “We are always learning new skills,” Foster said. “It’s been a constant learning experience in how to help people in terms of listening skills, coping skills and how to give people the tools to help themselves in crisis.” Foster also worked with Claudia Klokke, a social worker specializing in helping teens, to start the “My Life Matters” teen suicide awareness and prevention program in 2014. The program is credited with saving dozens of lives. In fact, since Blaine County School District implemented these intervention programs, there have been zero teen suicides. The program is presented to all students at Wood River Middle School, Wood River High School, Silver Creek High School, Carey High School and Fairfield High School. Foster continued to work with schools by continuing the teen outreach program started in 2009 which provides important and pertinent information about serious concerns teens face, including abuse, relationship formation, and more. “It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this community and to support countless people in crisis or in need of referrals,” Foster said. “I am deeply grateful to the many volunteers who have helped with the school programs, events, and the phone volunteers who have dedicated their time and support on the hotline phone and to the countless donors who have helped make our work possible.” The Crisis Hotline provides caring and anonymous 24/7 telephone crisis intervention and referrals for anyone in need of support. The hotline can be reached at (208) 788-3596. tws

NEWS CITY

BETTER SERVICE, BETTER PRICES TOUTED BY PROPONENTS OF POLICE-FIRE MERGER

Planners predict a $500,000 savings if Ketchum and Sun valley cities merge services

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 27 - M A R C H 5, 2019

BY ERIC VALENTINE

Transparency Two members of the public and one member of the media expressed concern over what they characterized as a lack of public input. For instance, the public was not allowed to ask questions Monday night. Bradshaw explained that the meeting was for elected officials to ask questions, but for the general public it was “not a Q&A session” but, rather, an opportunity to gather information and express support and/or concern about the merger. Meanwhile, the full informational packet presented to city council members was not made available to the public before the meeting. However, it was published online once the session ended.

mproved emergency services, facilities and equipment—all at a reduced cost now and over the long-term—is what Sun Valley’s and Ketchum’s city councils were promised should they merge their fire and police departments. The cities would see a $511,553 savings, presenters said, with the lion’s share—roughly $500,000—headed toward Sun Valley. That means only a fraction of the cost savings would reach Ketchum, but the vastly improved services would justify it, proponents of the merger said. “At the outset, we said ‘Let’s take our city badges off’ ... and focus on providing the best services we Rehiring Process can for the area,” Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw A merger between the two cities’ emergency sertold council members and members of the public vices will come with a lot of new contract agreeinside the conference room at the Limelight Hotel ments and some organizational restructuring, too. where the joint city council session was held. Perhaps the most significant one is the dissolution Because of the random nature of the Ketchum Fire Departof when and how emergencies 'Let’s take our city ment. Technically, that means occur, merger proponents exbadges off’ ...and members of the fire department plain there are instances where focus on providing the are out of a job until they get rethe two cities can collectively hired by Sun Valley. benefit from each other’s avail- best services we can for Tom McLean, a longtime the area.” able assets and personnel. Ketchum paramedic, described Specific examples of the imhimself as a supporter of the Neil Bradshaw merger. provement in services for each Ketchum Mayor department included: “I’ve been looking forward to Police—More boots on the something like this for 30 years,” ground, including an uptick in so-called “commu- McLean said. But he added that he was concerned nity policing.” about the rehiring process. Police—Reducing the percentage of time with Femling, when asked about the process after only two officers on duty from its current 80 per- the meeting, deflected concern, but acknowledged cent mark down to just 8 percent of the time. there was no guarantee someone would get hired. Fire—The ability to staff and make available “Like any government hiring, there is a process; two ambulances at any one time. qualifications have to be met,” Femling said. Fire—Reducing the $2.8 million equipment replacement cost by 50 percent. Contracts and Other Legalese The two city councils will now have to decide The contracts the two cities have with, for infor themselves what’s best. For Ketchum, that will stance, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, will happen March 4 at their 4 p.m. regular city council need to be revisited and, in some cases, end. meeting at 480 East Ave. N. The Sun Valley City Femling and Bradshaw said that each affected orCouncil will meet at their regular session at 4 p.m. ganization has been contacted and all have been March 7, at 81 Elkhorn Road. amenable to working something out. City council members from both cities had the Technically, the cities would be entering into chance to ask questions about the merger, and a police and fire service agreement between Sun members of the public were given a chance to com- Valley and Ketchum. Adding complexity to the ment. Sun Valley’s director of Public Safety, Walt transition, however, is that each city will need to Femling, along with Bradshaw, made the presenta- make sure they have unbiased legal representation. What follows is a summary of the questions tion. Currently, the cities use the same attorney, so and concerns raised. council members requested a legal ethics opinion on how to navigate the new agreement. tws

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$5 Dollar Suggested Donation NEWS IN BRIEF

Affordable Housing Location Still Up In The Air

The City of Ketchum will propose a mutual agreement with Brian Barsotti and Valkyrie, LLC, to terminate the contract to exchange 6th and Leadville with 290 and 298 Northwood Way. This follows a legal challenge on the exchange of properties. The city said it does not believe the legal challenge has any merit and does not want to spend taxpayer money embarking on a lengthy legal process. The city said it will continue to pursue other alternatives to secure this land and other land suitable for workforce housing. “When we support workforce housing projects, we are building bridges to the next generation,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “This unwarranted legal challenge just makes me more determined to build those bridges.”

Image Credit: City if Sun Valley

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 27 - M A R C H 5, 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Chamber Of Commerce To Host Morning Event

NEWS BUSINESS

The Chamber – Hailey & The Wood River Valley is hosting its free monthly gathering called “Wake Up with The Chamber” from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Hosted by Windy City Arts, at 1911 Electra Lane, next to Sun Valley Auto Club, in the Hailey Business Park, attendees can visit with Chamber members, catch up on local happenings and help Windy City Arts celebrate their 15th anniversary. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact The Chamber at (208) 788-3484 or visit ValleyChamber.org or HaileyIdaho.com.

Sun Valley And Snowbasin Team Up To Keep Ski Prices Down

Sun Valley Resort and Snowbasin Resort in Utah announced today that a new joint season pass, named the Sun and Snow Pass, is launching for the 2019-20 season. The season pass offers three days of skiing and riding at both ski areas, then 50 percent off the daily lift ticket rate for additional days. For the best pricing and benefits —$359 for adults and $89 for children—purchases must be made by May 31.

Snow Load Causes Concern For Older Buildings

As of Feb. 26, the current roof snow load is estimated to be 70.20 pounds per square foot, raising the eyebrows of officials concerned about older structures (pre-1977) that were designed only to withstand up to 80 pounds per square foot. Older flat-roofed structures are at greater risk and it is strongly advised that those roofs be shoveled when loads reach 60 pounds per square foot. The weight of one inch of snow on your roof can vary from 3 to 21 pounds depending on how wet the snow is. Ice buildup can weigh even more. “I am fairly concerned about exhaust and intake stacks for chimneys, fireplaces, water heaters and gas furnaces,” Jim Lynch, Hailey building official, said. “If these are blocked, they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Local Real Estate Professionals Attend Invite-Only Global Real Estate Conference

Local real estate professionals Anna Mathieu and Michelle Sabina of Windermere Real Estate SV joined an accomplished group of real estate leaders from around the world at the Luxury Portfolio Agent Summit, Feb. 18-20 at the Wynn Las Vegas. The invitation-only event was open exclusively to sales associates who specialize in the high-end market and whose firms are affiliated with Luxury Portfolio International.

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Contact Brennan at 208.720.1295 or brennan@theweeklysun.com

Preparing a snowcat. Photo credit: Marjorie McBride

FAIRFIELD SKI RESORT FOR SALE AT FAIR MARKET PRICE

Owners opt to sell storied property sans realtor

BY HAYDEN SEDER

childhood dream, four years of sweat equity, and close ties with the U.S Forest Service won’t be enough for Soldier Mountain’s current owners to hang on to their beloved property. More capital investment—primarily for a snowmaking machine, trail enhancement and ski shop improvements—is what Matt and Diane McFerran say the ski getaway needs to be profitable year after year. “Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to fund those things and we believe Soldier Mountain needs someone with deeper pockets to truly realize this area’s potential,” Diane McFerran said. In the four years the McFerrans have owned the mountain, the couple has made a number of key expenditures. Snowcats, lodge renovations and working closely with the Forest Service to put plans in place for year-round recreation are among the most notable. The McFerrans said recreational items, such as lift-assisted mountain biking, a maintenance shop and year-round yurt use, would increase profitability. And then there are the promotions and packages the McFerrans put together. Over the years, they added several options to enhance guest experiences, such as the “Ride or Ski in 3” program, which allows first-timers to buy three lift tickets, three lessons and three days of rentals for $299. It includes a free season pass for the remainder of the season after the completion of all lessons. In addition, the McFerrans also partnered with five other ski areas to provide season passholders with additional benefits. Adding more events like the Fox Den Mug Club and the annual Pray for Snow party and archery shoot in the summer helped position the resort for success, they said. “We’ve laid the groundwork for improvement and year-round operation,” Diane McFerran said. “An ideal buyer would see the potential this mountain has and be able to invest in it.” “A new owner could be as involved as they want to be,” Matt McFerran said. “This is a turnkey operation. We want to see Soldier Mountain thrive, and we’re willing to help to make that happen.” Soldier Mountain has seen many changes over the years, including ownership. The McFerrans purchased the ski area in November 2015. The first owners were Bob Frostenson and Harry Durall, who were visiting Sun Valley in 1947 to watch the Olympic team tryouts. When they found Soldier Mountain nearby in Fairfield, they raised $10,000 and built a base lodge by hand, investing in two rope tows to get skiers up the hill. The first chairlift on the mountain was installed in 1971 with a second getting added in 1974. In the late 1990s, actor Bruce Willis purchased the ski lift, and in spring 2012, he donated the mountain to a nonprofit. The McFerrans entered the picture when they began to pursue Matt’s childhood dream of owning a ski area. After skiing on a team in high school and falling in love with the sport, the Mc-

Sunrise snowcat. Photo credit: Diane McFerran

Ferrans thought owning a ski resort might be the perfect retirement career. Looking for a change of pace from their previous lifestyle, they plunged headfirst into owning what they knew to be a family-friendly area for backcountry snowcat skiing and boarding and overnight yurt stays. Today, the ski area features 1,150 skiable acres, two chairlifts reaching up to 7,177 feet, backcountry bowls, a magic carpet for young ones to learn, a lodge and a pub. Unique to the mountain are two things in particular: its 2,000-acre snowcat skiing area where one can reach 10,095 feet on Smoky Dome and all of its private powder, where only 12 skiers at a time can ski the cat skiing area. The beauty of the area and Soldier Mountain’s storied history are only part of the reason the Wood River Valley would benefit for its legacy to continue. The other reason is economic. Many Blaine County residents are employed at Soldier Mountain, and other community establishments— like restaurants, stores and lodging—are patronized by visiting skiers. “This community has a sense of ownership and pride in the mountain and many generations of local families have learned how to ski here,” Diane McFerran said. tws SOLDIER MOUNTAIN BY THE NUMBERS 1,150 skiable acres 3 chairlifts 12 skiers at a time on cat skiing areas 12 months of recreational activities per year 2,000 cat skiing acres—more than triple the size of Grand Targhee Resort’s cat skiing space 3 cats, 2 groomers, and 1 box cat onsite 4 cat skiing guides 1 national award-winning ski patrol director

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 27 - M A R C H 5, 2019

NEWS ARTS

ARGYROS’ SEARCH FOR LEADERSHIP SHIFTS MORE LOCAL

Up to 75 candidates have applied for the executive director role so far

BY ERIC VALENTINE

etchum’s new performing arts center is fine-tuning its hunt for an executive director, a one-anda-half-year search so far that has seen three stakeholders step into the role on an interim basis. Previously, the search has involved personal recruiting efforts of existing executive directors as well as job postings within the publications of the two foremost national organizations of arts presenters. This week, job postings were sent out through regional organizations of arts presenters, as well.

We have a great staff here. We just need one more.” Greg Phillips Lead recruiter for The Argyros “It has been a challenge to find the right leader from outside the Valley,” recruiter Greg Phillips said. “I think it has a lot to do with the fact that many people in these types of roles live in large metropolitan areas and have easy access to seeing new work.” In other words, an executive director role in a large urban center is not the same role in a mountain resort area. Phillips said the Argyros Performing Arts Center executive director search is a national one that has received at least 75 applicants to date, with a couple of candidates who show a lot of promise. But the need for a leader that has Wood River Valley roots and a local understanding is becoming more evident, he said. “If we can find someone in the community that has that charismatic personality and successful leadership experience, we would even consider hiring someone outside the performing arts world,” Phillips said. “There

A rendering of the Argyros Performing Arts Center. Image credit: Argyros Performing Arts Center

are a lot of aspects to this role that would transfer over well from another industry.” Sun Valley Performing Arts, a nonprofit established in 2001, opened the state-of-the-art performing arts center in Ketchum in 2019. The 25,000-square-foot facility is named after its founding benefactors, Julia and George Argyros. It includes a flexible 450-seat theater, studio/ theater, a lobby/café and a large outdoor plaza. The Argyros presents local, national and international artists, ensembles and events. The executive director would be responsible for the overall operation of the organization and facilities, re-

porting to the board of directors and overseeing critical components of the center, such as marketing, event promotion, and business development. The Argyros is seeking someone with at least a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience as a director of a performing arts presenting or producing organization. The center is promising a “significant salary, based on experience and expertise, and a comprehensive benefits package.” Relocation assistance, if needed, is available. “We have a great staff here,” Phillips said. “We just need one more.” tws

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T H E W E E K sun 8

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2019

the weekly

A group of students from Wood River High School and Silver Creek High School met last week for the first class of a life/work skill course at Lago Azul restaurant in Hailey. Over the next three months, the students will learn all aspects of working at a professional restaurant, from cooking to table service. Restaurant owner Sandra Castillo said the course is intended to provide the students with tools to succeed in the workforce; she plans to continue the course with another set of students after the first run. Photo credit: Lago Azul

The first annual City/County to City Tour—a two-day trek to Boise and Meridian—was launched last week. The trekkers were elected officials, government staffers, business leaders, and not-for-profit executives from around the Valley. Front row, left to right: David Patrie, Courtney Hamilton, Wendy Jaquet. Back row, left to right: Michael David, Ned Burns, Neil Bradshaw.

A small herd of deer braves the storm in Hailey on Sunday, Feb. 24. Photo credit: Carol Waller

Mountain West Bank representatives present a check for $5,000 to ARCH Community Housing Trust at 3920 Woodside Boulevard in Hailey last week. ARCH will use the money to help finance the development of low-income housing at Quigley Farm in Hailey. The City of Hailey has also agreed to split use of the 3920 property in Hailey with ARCH to develop both a park and low-income housing on that land. From left to right: Heather Parton (with Mountain West Bank), ARCH Board President John Flattery, Hailey Park Division Manager Stephanie Cook and Susan Alfs (with Mountain West Bank). Photo credit: Mountain West Bank

The U.S. Small Business Administration will be presenting tips and resources that will help you successfully manage a seasonal business. Learn what to do during slack season and how to plan for it, how to maximize your business during the busy season, and find out how the SBA can help in a time of need. Tickets are free, but you must RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yyw3st4w.

K LY S C E N E

T H E W E E K LY S U N â&#x20AC;˘

FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2019

Six dancers have been recognized and will be inducted as Dance Scholars in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts: Bryn Downey (senior at Wood River High School), Taylor Telford (senior, WRHS), Chloe Henderson (senior, WRHS), Sophia Schoen (senior, The Sage School), Samantha White (junior, WRHS), and Murphy Kendall (junior, WRHS). Most of the dancers started dancing when they were 4 years old. The induction ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 8, at the Minnie Moore Room of the Community Campus in Hailey.

First responders from Sun Valley, Ketchum and the Idaho Department of Fish & Game tend to a female yearling moose that fell into a basement window well last week at a Lane Ranch residence south of Ketchum. Crews pulled the moose to the surface after sedating the animal, but it subsequently died in the process.

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • F E B R U A R Y 27 - M A R C H 5, 2019

Fishing R epoRt

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, FROM PICABO ANGLER

he fresh snow has fallen, giving anglers a week or more of new tracks up and down the river. This essentially will paint a map for anglers of where people have been fishing and where they haven’t. This is one of the best perks to winter fishing. There is something very endearing and special about taking a day and walking where you know no one else has been for several days or weeks. Knowing that you’re making the first cast in a long time in any body of water certainly boosts one’s confidence. Silver Creek has been fishing very well under the clouds and snow. Fish are even rising a bit through the inclement weather. Stick to Streamer fishing for the time being, at least until we see the big Midge hatches we expect in March. The forecast is calling for more clouds and there is no reason there should be any dropoff in the fishing action. Dress warm and come on down to Picabo. Stop by the shop if you need flies or a hot lunch. The Big Wood always fishes well once the weather has settled in. No matter if it’s sunny or cloudy, as long as the days are strung together with consistent weather, you should find consistently good fishing. There is some dry-fly activity to be found, even in the heavy snowfall, but the best Midge action should start two days after the snow stops. Once we settle into a dry pattern, wait one day for the fish to adjust and then get out there, and be ready to fish the surface. In the meantime, if the fish aren’t rising, try nymph rigs that include Brassies or Zebra Nymphs. If you see the Little Black Stonefly, then by all means try a Prince Nymph or Girdle Bug, as well. The word on the South Fork of the Boise is great fishing, but bad road. If you go after the weather calms, be sure to take a friend, a shovel and chains. Even if it’s not snowing, the dam road can be a snowy and muddy mess until the sun and wind get on it. The flies are all the same you would use on the Wood—Midge patterns, both wet and dry, as well as a few Streamers. Finally, the lower Lost River is open for fishing, although still no reports, as very few anglers have made the trip to Mackay so far this winter (sleeper water?). Happy fishing, everyone!

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

THE DOGGIE HONEYMOON

BY FRAN JEWELL

ringing a new dog into your life is an exciting new time. It’s so much fun to get to know your new dog—the things she likes or doesn’t like, what are special toys to her, going on walks and watching her explore her new environment with you and your family. I especially remember bringing my Mavis home. She had lived with a breeder in a kennel for her first three years. It was a gorgeous facility and she got plenty of exercise and training. But, Mavis was one of many, didn’t get to come into the house, and she had no one that she “belonged” to. That is so important for a German shepherd—to have that special person. When I first brought her home, I had to teach her housetraining, not to jump on the furniture, no counter surfing and that night was quiet time. She was much like a puppy, but she was 3 years old! As I began to trust her to “come” to me in the backyard with the distraction of the other dogs, I decided it was time for a walk in the woods. This was not something Mavis had experienced before, nor had she been a member of a pack before. She had never played in a stream and surely never had the fun of scenting wild animals in the forest! When we got to our secret walk area, we practiced a few “comes” on a long line before I went farther. I wanted to make sure she would indeed come, even with all this new distraction and scent overload. Mavis is extremely food motivated and quick to return to me, so I let her off the leash to run. To see her run free in the woods, explore the stream and be a member of my pack gave me a lump in my throat. I

felt so blessed that I could give her this experience and know that she would continue to have these experiences the rest of her life. Anyone who has rescued a dog, regardless of the dog’s previous situation, knows that incredible feeling of being able to give this incredible lifestyle we have here to a new dog. But, what I tried to include here are some of the things that were critical to helping Mavis adjust. The first seven weeks that you have a new dog in your home is called the “honeymoon period.” During that time some dogs will be angel dogs and lure you into believing that life will be very simple with your new pet. Other dogs are full of complicated behaviors and destruction. When that seven weeks passes, that is when we will see the true nature of your new dog shine through. What you must do is to make this transition period as comfortable as possible for your dog. Comfortable doesn’t mean no rules, no boundaries, sleeping on the sofa or in your bed. It means letting your dog know what the rules are at your house—no going potty in the house, no jumping on the counters, sleeping should be in a controlled area for now, and sitting for everything your dog wants. Establish your benevolent leadership in a manner the dog understands. This is for the dog’s comfort. Spoiling a new dog will not help her feel more comfortable; it will only confuse her and create stress. Mavis learned very quickly what the program was at my house. Her transition was pretty darned good and now, 13 years later, she has been such a joy to live with!

“My beautiful Mavis, now 15, savors her new home and romps with the other dogs because of her comfortable transition from kennel life to home life.“ Photo credit: Fran Jewell

Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call (208) 578-1565.

COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

THOREAU’S MYSTICAL WINTER

BY LESLIE REGO

enry Thoreau, an American naturalist who lived from 1817 to 1862, loved winter. After a huge snowstorm in January 1855, he wrote, “It is like the beginning of the world.” As he walked to town, he mused, “The sight of the pure and trackless road up Bristler’s Hill, with branches and trees supporting snowy burdens bending over it on each side, would tempt us to begin life again.” Thoreau adored the pine trees carrying their heavy burden of snow. He wrote about them over and over again, always searching for a new description or a different allegory to properly detail how glorious they were in their caps of snow. He felt the pine, bowed down with snow, exhibited “a kind of interior and household comfort, a shelter and covert aspect. It has the snug inviting look of a cottage on the moors, buried in snow.” Thoreau wrote complex passages enamored with the appearance of snow draped on branches. “At the same time the lowermost small black and dead horizontal limbs near the ground, where there is least wind and jar, these almost exclusively, say for six or eight feet up, are covered with upright walls of snow five or six times their own height and zigzagging with them like the Wall of China… or rather it is a labyrinth, a sort of cobweb, of broad white belts in the air.” Winter was a mystical time for

Leslie Rego, “From my Sketchbook: Pine Tree Laden with Snow,” watercolor.

Thoreau, full of new formations, perceptions and landmarks. He never felt up to the task of conveying the emotions he felt during a winter storm. And after the storm, with the pristine snow covering the trees and grounds, he felt even less able to chronicle the beauty surrounding him. Even after numerous sentences of descriptive language, Thoreau would bemoan, “I doubt if I can convey an idea of the appearance of the woods yesterday, as you stood in their midst and looked round on their boughs and twigs

laden with snow.” And later that week, a few days after the storm, he once again felt inferior to the task. “I am afraid I have not described vividly enough the aspect of that lodging snow of the 19th.” English is an amazing language with a broad vocabulary—171,476 words in current use, and around 47,156 obsolete words. The extensive vocabulary comes from English accepting words from many different languages. Around Thoreau’s time, there were probably fewer words

in daily speech (although some of the now obsolete words were most likely part of everyday communication), and even so, Thoreau found it arduous to describe winter! Many thanks to Richard Higgins and his book, “Thoreau and the Language of Trees.” Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit leslierego.com.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 2019

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

A BIT OF CONVERGENCE

BY HARRY WEEKES

his is a story in three parts. These parts were separated by less than 20 feet, or 45 minutes, or both. Their relationship, then, is either time or distance, with the jury still and always out on the question of correlation and causation. It was Saturday morning, Feb. 16—that morning that seemed like the first time we had seen sun in more than a week. We were just on the other side of over 4 feet of snow. My car was filled with recycling, two 12-year-old boys, and hockey equipment. I was headed to the rink, the waste transfer station, and the supermarket. It looked as though someone had drawn an enormous white comforter over the world and the morning light highlighted a hundred hills and folds from the Boulders to Bellevue. Part I. I had been ruminating on seasonality and associations and the central role personal experience plays in shaping one’s worldview. Specifically, I had been thinking about red-winged blackbirds. Most people probably associate red-wings with cattails and marshes and summer, each of which is completely understandable. For me, red-winged blackbirds mean midwinter, as every year for the last decade the first ones I see show up sometime at the end of January or the beginning of February, their summery trill a reminder of bird song and coincidental with a noticeable growing light during the days. What used to be a surprise is now normal. It is how I see the world. Invariably, one of these returning birds takes up residence in the cluster of willows right next to the road, his dark body and red and yellow shoulder epaulets obvious even as I shoot past, wondering my usual questions: Is this the same bird as last year? If it’s not the same one, is it a relative? How long do these birds live? And so, this morning, this unbelievably beautiful and cold and snow-covered morning, as glass clinked and boys twittered, I wondered, “Is the bird going to be there?” And does the bird ever think, “I came back a little early this year”? The willows were glazed with the mist rising from the water. “Why are we slowing down?” “Just doing a little drive-by birding.” No black ball. But there was something else, something that look like crystallized air in the form of a bird. “What the….”