1 May 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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MAY 1 - 7, 2019 | V O L . 1 3 - N O . 1 8 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Environment News Flood Watch: ‘Everybody Should Still Be On Guard’

City News Sign laws: Business vs. Beauty

Crime & Courts News Former Sheriff Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ To Rape Allegations

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For information about these images, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Image credits: City of Hailey

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Renderings of a proposed Hailey Town Square were presented publicly on Monday by two landscape architectural firms working with the City of Hailey to bring a new community venue to the area that could contain intimate spaces within a public setting. Four renderings were shown for each of the two sites, which were labeled as the City Library Site (on Croy Street between the Hailey Public Library and the former Hailey Hotel) and the Courthouse Site (on privately owned property at the corner of Croy and 1st Avenue, adjacent to the County Annex Building and the Cari’s Hair Care and Jersey Girl building). The first site is flat, and would entail closing a portion of a street and creating some elevation within the otherwise flat site. The second site is sloped, and would require terracing the slope to connect to 1st Avenue and the courthouse lawn, or constructing a retaining wall to create two separate levels. Costs for development of each site are expected to be similar, except that one would require the purchase of private property, which is assessed at $433,000. All renderings drew from previous workshops regarding community vision, amenities and activities. The two-hour workshop was used to create vision and answer questions. Citizens and adjacent businesses attended, and helped evaluate the pros and cons of each site. A follow-up presentation will be made to the city council on June 10.

‘Wolf-Killing Case’ Reinstated By Court

In a victory for a coalition of wildlife conservation groups, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals today overturned an Idaho court’s dismissal of their lawsuit challenging Wildlife Services’ wolf hunting in the state. The lawsuit alleges that the federal agency has failed to properly analyze or disclose the effects of its policy. “With the new decision, we can return to the heart of the matter: whether or not Wildlife Services adequately reviewed the ecological consequences of killing scores of wolves each year in Idaho,” said Talasi Brooks, attorney with Western Watersheds Project. “This lawsuit is all about dispelling the myths and propaganda about the ‘big, bad wolf’ and getting federal agencies to acknowledge the overwhelming scientific evidence that killing wolves to reduce livestock losses or increase populations of hunted wildlife is cruel, pointless, and doesn’t work.”

Wildlife Services is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that allows for the hunting of wolves in coordination with livestock industry interests. The lawsuit calls for new analysis that would consider the impacts of the federal killing program in the context of the state’s management of Idaho’s wolf population.

Wellness Festival Reveals 2019 Event’s Featured Speakers

The Valley’s most health-friendly festival has its slate of featured speakers all set. The Sun Valley Wellness Festival & Conference (SVWFC) released its list of headline speakers for the 2019 Festival, including keynote speaker Dr. Joe Dispenza, an expert on the brain, mind and human potential and best-selling author of “Becoming Supernatural: How Common People are Doing the Uncommon.” He will discuss how people can rewire their brains and recondition their bodies to make lasting changes. Other featured speakers include: Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, author, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care and healing trauma through the medium of mindfulness Roger McNamee, New York Times best-selling author of “Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe,” will discuss his campaign to trigger a national conversation about the dark side of social media Dr. David Hepburn, one of Canada’s foremost medical cannabis educators, and an internationally sought-after speaker to policymakers, physicians, pharmacists, and the general public Dr. Zach Bush, a triple board-certified physician focused on applying the rigor of science, the strength of humanity, and the intelligence of nature to transform the world Chef Sean Sherman, an Oglala Sioux, founder of The Sioux Chef, and James Beard medal winner who has become internationally renowned in the culinary movement of indigenous foods, will discuss the health benefits of an indigenous diet and his work to educate and make these foods more accessible to the public Dr. Steven Gundry, New York Times best-selling author of “The Plant Paradox” and latest release, “The Longevity Paradox,” will translate the complex science of aging into a clear, actionable plan for longevity The event is widely recognized as the longest-running wellness festival in the world. The 22nd annual event will be held June 28 to July 1.

SUN BULLETIN BOARD THE WEEKLY

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING: Children’s and Young Adult Library Assistant The Community Library seeks a part-time Library Assistant for the Children’s and Young Adult Department. The ideal candidate should be able to welcome patrons and provide reader advisory to children, caregivers, and young adults. Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule. This is a paid part-time seasonal position. PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION MANAGER The Community Library seeks a Programs and Education Manager to oversee all aspects of a robust year-round schedule of programs, special events, classes and educational outreach efforts to promote lifelong learning. This is a full-time, year-round salaried position with benefits. REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM INTERN The Community Library seeks a Center for Regional History and Museum Summer Intern. This position will primarily focus on museum operations. This is a paid part-time seasonal position. SUMMER READING INTERN The Community Library seeks a Children’s and Young Adult Library Summer Reading Intern. This position performs a variety of tasks relating to the Children’s Library, the Young Adult Library, and the Bloom Truck. There are three paid part-time seasonal positions available. Application Instructions: Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are highly advantageous for all positions. For complete job description and application instructions, visit (comlib.org/about/employment-opportunities/).

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

BURY THIS POWER LINE!

Samuel Mollner, The Spot’s technical director and resident lighting designer, works the board during a rehearsal of “Julius Caesar” to be staged May 2-11. For a story, see page 12. Photo credit: The Spot

THIS WEEK M A Y 1 - 7 , 2 0 1 9 | VOL. 13 NO. 18

Resort News What Made This Year A Record Winter Season?

Commentary

Calendar

Award Winning Columns, Student Spotlight, Guest Commentary

Left: proposed redundant high-voltage transmission line. Right: current power line. Both will be next to each other most of the way. Redundant means unnecessary.

SAVE OUR SCENIC CORRIDOR

Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

ON THE COVER

These renderings show four proposed concepts for a Hailey Town Square on each of two possible sites. For more information, see “News In Brief” on page 2. Image credits: City of Hailey

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

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

NEWS RESORT

Valley visitors and residents enjoy this year’s Warm Springs street party. Photo credit: Sun Valley Resort

SUN VALLEY WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL SKI SEASON Total skier tally tops 20-year high

BY HAYDEN SEDER

un Valley Resort’s 2018-2019 winter season wrapped up on Sunday, April 21, with the last day’s large crowds basking in sunshine, listening to live music and adorned in fun costumes. Record-setting snowfall in February and one of the highest skier counts to date in the past 20 years had stakeholders calling the season a big success. Several factors helped contribute to the success of the season, not least of which was the good weather that provided high snowfall all season long. According to a press release from Sun Valley Resort, the number of skiers and riders at Sun Valley this season was one of the highest in the past 20 years with over 426,500 skiers days tallied this season and a record-setting snowfall of 136 inches in February. “We appreciate the support of our guests, Mother Nature and the dedication of our outstanding resort team for making this an exceptional season,” said Tim Silva, Sun Valley Resort’s vice president and general manager. “We had one of our strongest seasons to date with record-setting snow in February and conditions that kept the momentum going through spring.” Another possible factor contributing to higher numbers of skiers this season was an increase in flights and passengers this winter. According to Carol Waller, di-

rector of the Fly Sun Valley Alliance, Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) had a 12 percent increase in seats this past winter (Nov-March) due to the addition of the Delta third daily flight from Salt Lake City that was added for the period of October through March. “We had an estimated 3 percent increase in passengers for the winter season,” Waller said. “We know from past airline and air passenger survey data that the increase in our air service with new nonstop flight markets and service expansion over the past five years has directly related to an increase in new and repeat visitors to Sun Valley.” Waller and the rest of the Alliance are in the process of short- and long-term planning for air service at SUN. “We hope to build on the positive results we have achieved to date and will continue to seek new potential opportunities to continue to increase business through air service and marketing,” Waller said. While the resort did have some of the highest skier days it has ever seen, there has been criticism of its ability to compete with other similar ski resorts. Ralf Garrison, a consultant in the mountain resort industry for several decades, discussed the resort’s problems in terms of marketing and keeping up with competition at a Sun Valley Economic Development forum at the Limelight Hotel in April. Garrison was contracted last October by Visit Sun Valley to use the data he has accu-

mulated over the years to inform the organization about how they’re doing and how Sun Valley is doing based on certain metrics. While Garrison has seen the numbers that Sun Valley Resort boasts of its record-breaking year, he is quick to point out that the mountain had more skier days and not necessarily more visitors and that part of the growth may have been the same number of people simply skiing more. “It could be that there are more people skiing, but that’s an important distinction,” Garrison said. “People skiing more doesn’t help the economy.” Garrison also said that other mountain resorts reported a similar 10- to 15-percent increase in volume as Sun Valley Resort did, suggesting that the snow this season was responsible for more skiers rather than efforts made by the resort specifically. In an effort to continue to keep visitors interested in the Sun Valley area and entice new ones to the area, the resort will cease its participation in the Mountain Collective pass and join the EPIC pass next season. In the long run, Garrison has posited numerous changes Sun Valley could make to the mountain, such as meeting capacity on more skier days, but the consultant is hopeful looking to next season. “The opportunities for this coming winter look really tws good to me,” Garrison said.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

NEWS ENVIRONMENT

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WED-THUR: MY FAIR LADY BEST OF ENEMIES DRUNK PARENTS

Starts Friday

A popular Hailey hiking spot, the Draper Wood River Preserve, was closed due to flooding. Photo credit: Eric Valentine

HERE COME THE HIGH WATERS River level drop is good news, but officials warn it won’t last forever

BY ERIC VALENTINE

Now Playing

Specific areas where residents need to be especially vigilant are:

irst it was the avalanches, now it’s the floods. And although this past week’s predicted 5.2• In Bellevue: Riverview Drive foot “water stage elevation”—the technical • In Hailey: Cedar Street, War Eagle Drive and way of saying river height—never happened, area Della Vista Drive in the Della View subdiviofficials are quick to point out the Big Wood River sion could still bring big flooding in May and into June. • In Ketchum: Wood River Drive and the Gim “We’re still there. Everybody should still let subdivision be on guard,” said Brian Yeager, Hailey’s city engineer and public works director. The most memorable recent local flooding took According to Yeager, the river height over the place in the spring of 2017, which was preceded past week was between 4.3 and 4.7 feet. That’s a by a large-snowfall winter much like February this significant drop from the water year. Numerous homes in Hailey levels that flooded the Draper that year were under emergency Everybody should evacuation. Preserve and surrounding neighborhood over Easter weekend. Residents in and around floodstill be on guard.” The sigh of relief, however, could plains have been encouraged by be short-lived as the National Brian Yeager area officials for weeks to preWeather Service is predicting Public Works Director pare in numerous ways, from that by May 6 the river could hit City of Hailey sandbag usage to signing up for flood level—5 feet high. the Code Red alert system at “There’s about a 20 percent chance of that hap- public.codered.com. In addition, river level predicpening, but in the beginning of June that goes up to tions can be viewed online as well on the Nation90 percent,” Yeager explained. al Weather Service website at water.weather.gov, where you can search for your specific area. tws

NEWS IN BRIEF

Underage Driver Rolls SUV, Avoids Serious Injury

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On Friday, April 26, at approximately 7:58 p.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Muldoon Canyon Road, approximately .6 miles east of Bayhorse Road in Bellevue. A black 2002 GMC Envoy rolled two and half times, coming to rest on its roof on the north side of the road. The driver, a 15-yearold juvenile, reported losing control as he came around a curve while heading west. Both the driver and his 13-year-old passenger were transported to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants were wearing seatRollover crash in Muldoon Canyon. belts. The vehicle sustained substantial damage and was towed from Photo credit: Blaine County Sheriff’s Office the scene. No citations were issued.

You Can Guide Sawtooth National Recreation Area On Guide Permit Proposal

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is proposing to renew 16 outfitter and guide permits that are expiring at the end of April 2019. Outfitters and guides provide a valuable service to the public and benefit the local economy. Their specialized knowledge, skills, and experience provide opportunities for people to recreate on national forest lands regardless of their skill level or prior experience. Comments regarding this proposal will be most useful if received before May 17. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Tom Winter at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters office at 5 North Fork Canyon Road in Ketchum or by phone at (208) 727-5000. Comments may also be emailed to: TWinter@usda.gov Services provided by these outfitters are primarily land based and include overnight pack trips, horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, fishing, mountain biking, skiing, backcountry hut rentals, mountaineering, snowmobiling, and hunting. The majority of use occurs in the spring, summer and fall. Winter use is primarily backcountry skiing with some snowmobiling and lion hunting. The new permits would reflect the types of activities, number of service days, and operating areas as currently authorized.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Middle School Braves Student Threats

Wood River Middle School in Hailey spent last Tuesday night and the early hours of last Wednesday morning reacting to possibly threatening statements made by a student, increasing police presence on the campus through the week and raising the possibility classes might be cancelled. The threats were made within a note left in a bathroom Tuesday. After investigating, law enforcement and school officials agreed that no credible threat had been established. By Wednesday afternoon, however, officials continued to look into the credibility of the threat to WRMS because students came to administration officials to report other information. Each student statement was investigated fully and additional interviews took place throughout the day, the district said. According to the district, Wood River Middle School Principal Fritz Peters asked that law enforcement officers have a visible presence in the school and to assist in any further information gathering that may come forward. All district schools remained open as usual through the week.

Attention US-93 Drivers: Expect Delays In Lincoln County

Construction is beginning on a portion of US-93 in Lincoln County. The project will involve the addition of northbound and southbound climbing lanes near Notch Butte, south of Shoshone. Work is expected to be complete this coming fall. “The addition of climbing lanes will allow drivers to safely pass slower vehicles that may be traveling along the elevated stretch of roadway,” said south-central Idaho project coordinator Kenny Lively. “Overall, this project will help improve safety in the corridor for both commercial and passenger vehicles alike.” Reduced speeds will be in place throughout the project. Drivers should be aware of crews and equipment present during working hours—Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Western Construction is the general contractor for this project.

Survey Results To Be Unveiled May 1

The advisory board for Visit Sun Valley has been attempting to get your opinions concerning this winter season, especially when it comes to how your business performed. And on Wednesday, May 1, they will unveil their findings. The session will be held at The Community Library in Ketchum at 10 a.m. The six-question survey was sent to area businesses with the goal of receiving feedback that would help direct where, and to whom, the efforts of Visit Sun Valley go, the organization said.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

NEWS CITY

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Aquatic Center Floats Its Summer Season Schedule

The Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) Aquatic Center in Hailey is gearing up for its summer season with limited pre-season pool hours beginning Saturday, May 25. Regular summer hours start Friday, June 7. The Aquatic Center offers a 25-yard, six-lane outdoor pool, a kiddie pool with spray feature, a snack bar, a playground, and an in-pool log roller and climbing wall. Swim lessons, youth swim team, adult and family lap swim, masters swim team, aquarobics classes, and recreational swimming are offered throughout the season. Season passes are available for online purchase and early-bird pricing is offered through May 27. Early-bird pricing on season passes is offered for a family of four (two adults + two children) for $154, an adult for $80, a child (17 and younger) for $66, and seniors (62 and older) for $66. Masters swim team will be offered this year providing coached workouts to adult swimmers throughout the summer. The program will run June 10 through Aug. 16, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 6 to 7 a.m. Swimmers can enroll for the entire season for $90 or pay an $8 drop-in fee per workout. For more information on BCRD Aquatic Center programming, call (208) 573-2273 or visit www.bcrd.org.

Local Engineering Firm Earns National Ranking

Engineering News-Record, an industry-leading magazine that publishes a yearly list of top-notch firms, has once again recognized POWER Engineers, Inc., as one of the top design firms in the United States. The company, which is headquartered in Hailey, has ranked among the top 100 design firms since 2005. ENR ranks the top 500 design firms in the U.S. each year based on annual revenue. POWER has consistently ranked within the top percentiles for overall design firms, the power section, and pure design. POWER solidified its place on these exclusive lists, ranking 36th in overall design firms, fourth in the power sector, and 20th for pure design. POWER Engineers is a global consulting engineering firm specializing in the delivery of integrated solutions for energy, food and beverage, facilities, environmental and federal markets. POWER Engineers offers complete multidiscipline engineering, architectural, and program management services. Founded in 1976, it is an employee-owned company with more than 2,500 employees and 45 offices throughout the United States and abroad.

BY HAYDEN SEDER

rom Sun Valley to Bellevue, the details of what business owners can and can’t do to storefront signage can vary. Something that’s consistent? The dilemma cities face—especially in a resort area—in trying to balance what looks pretty and what helps businesses promote their goods and services. What follows is a series of briefs on Valley cities’ recent handlings of issues involving commercial signage. Sun Valley The City of Sun Valley recently amended its sign regulations, specifically addressing for-sale signs and political signs. Over the years, depending on where the signage was located, gray areas would emerge where it wasn’t clear if permitting was required. Enter Ordinance 536. According to Sun Valley Community Development Director Bryce Ternet, the new ordinance will clearly define that “for sale” and “political” signs on private property will be exempt from requiring a sign permit from the city. It will also increase the maximum size for these signs to be consistent with current practices for real estate signage. The proposed changes to sign regulations were reviewed by the city’s planning and zoning commission at a January 2019 meeting where the commission unanimously recommended approval of the changes. The City Council reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed ordinance at their April 4 meeting. The amendment also specified that certain signs are exempt from requiring an approved sign permit from the community development director and the planning and zoning commission, including: • Signs in a public right of way by a public agency controlling or directing traffic • Banners hung across public rights of way which comply with applicable city ordinances • Governmental and/or utility warning signs • Temporary holiday decorations, flags, windsocks • Any sign inside a building not visible from the exterior of the building • Signs in or upon a vehicle • H-frame signs on private property (commonly used for real estate signs and political signs) • L-stake signs commonly used for real estate sales Ketchum Although the City of Ketchum has not made any recent changes to its sign regulations, officials are letting business owners know what they say works and doesn’t work for the city. Maureen Puddicombe, planning technician for the City of Ketchum, said officials have been trying to encourage retailers to use blade signs—a type of projecting sign mounted on a building façade or storefront pole—for their business, as it is more

NEWS IN BRIEF

pedestrian friendly. “As for future plans, we would like to discourage flag signs, multiple signs and lighted signs,” Puddicombe said. No specific proposals have been presented yet. Hailey The City of Hailey recently considered proposing sign ordinance changes, but The Chamber – Hailey & The Wood River Valley asked the city to let an advisory group offer business-friendly suggestions before any specific proposals were written by staff. City officials obliged. “We want to make sure voices in the business community are heard,” said Mike McKenna, executive director of The Chamber. “It’s nice to see our leaders are listening.” McKenna said the main signage concerns are that with new restrictions on materials and lighting, costs are likely to increase, which is hard on small businesses. Large national franchises, he said, could be impacted, too, because restrictions on digital signs and other rules could go against brand guidelines for some companies. The next sign meeting won’t take place until June, so The Chamber is still putting its advisory group together. Bellevue In Bellevue, signage issues triggered the question of what is art and what is advertising. Last summer, Pete Prekeges—owner of the Silver Dollar Saloon—gave full artistic license to a local artist to mural the outside of his building. Prekeges left town on vacation and came back to a widely popular piece of art depicting the Sawtooths, trout, morels and more. The more? The words “Silver Dollar Saloon” in the middle of the mural that turned the painting from a work of art into commercial signage, at least in terms of city code. The situation did not result in any changes to code, but the city did ask Prekeges and the artist to address the matter at a city council meeting. “Did the mention of the Silver Dollar make it an advertisement? Sure. But it’s also a cool piece of art,” said Mayor Ned Burns, who was a councilmember at that time. Essentially, the city wanted to make sure other businesses would go through the proper permitting channels if using their name in a piece of art, or simply refrain from using a business name in any new mural so the work would not violate signage laws, the mayor explained. “I think our ordinance is working for now,” Burns said.

Hailey’s Main Street Is About To Get More Colorful

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The City of Hailey’s newly formed Hailey Flower Committee is set to begin their pilot summer beautification project in early May on two blocks of Main Street, between Croy and Carbonate streets. The committee, in partnership with local businesses and with support from public and private donations, plans to add hanging flower baskets along storefronts and planter boxes along much of the curbside, as well as spruce up the existing planter beds with a variety of flowers and additional landscaping. The committee also hopes to incorporate seating and ambient lighting on a few major street corners, such as on the corners of Main and Carbonate streets, outside of Christopher & Co. jewelry store, and in front of the Hailey library on Croy Street. The installations will be in place by late June. Due to cost, the pilot project will be limited to the three designated blocks this summer only. However, the Flower Committee hopes to expand the program to all of Main Street in future years. “Let’s make Hailey as beautiful in the summer as it is in the winter,” Jane Drussel, longtime local business owner and member of the Flower Committee, said. For more information about the project or to make a donation, please contact Hailey Flower coordinator Maddy Waller at maddy.waller@haileycityhall.org.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

NEWS CRIME & COURTS

‘NOT GUILTY’ SAYS RODRIGUEZ TO 7 FELONY COUNTS INCLUDING RAPE

YA P PY H O U R AT M O U N TA I N H U M A N E May 2nd | 5-7pm

Trial slated for Aug. 6–9

BY ERIC VALENTINE

he former Bellevue marshal and Lincoln County sheriff embattled with seven felony charges, including two counts of rape of a child 16 or 17 years of age, says he’s not guilty. That was the formal plea of Rene Rodriguez on Monday at his plea hearing and arraignment in front of Blaine County 5th District Court Judge Ned C. Williamson. The case is now slated to go to trial Aug. 6 in what prosecution and defense lawyers predict will take three to four days to complete. Rodriguez appeared in court Monday for the first time in this case without shackles and county jail garb, instead wearing a navy blue suit after posting a $100,000 bond. Williamson agreed to lower bail from $500,000 to $100,000 at an April 15 hearing. In addition to making his “not guilty” plea Monday, Rodriguez was asking the court to remove a no-contact order placed on him preventing him from meeting with and speaking to his four biological children. Through his public defender, Cheri Hicks, Rodriguez claimed his children want to see their father and

text-message their father. Deputy Attorney General Kristina Schindele said Rodriguez had already violated the court order when he, allegedly, told his biological children their older adopted sister made these allegations and told his 13-yearold daughter with developmental disabilities that “bad people in Shoshone” want him to go to prison. Schindele also said Rodriguez’s ex-wife claimed one of the children had spent the night in the same bed as their father. Although there was no accusation of physical inappropriateness, Schindele said it showed a potential lack of judgment by Rodriguez. Judge Williamson denied Rodriguez’s request, for now. Williamson said the court could revisit the matter if and when Rodriguez’s defense could provide detailed information about the supervising adult and the condition of the home where Rodriguez and his kids would visit. The judge directed Hicks to present the information at a future hearing when ready and offered to issue a court order if necessary for an agency such as the Department of Health & Welfare to conduct a thorough evaluation.

Join 6 great local nonprofits at Mountain Humane’s first “Yappy Hour” during Idaho Gives!

Former Lincoln County Sheriff Rene Rodriguez. Photo credit: Blaine County Sheriff’s Office

“I want to make sure it’s going to be a healthy and safe visitation,” Williamson said. Rodriguez is facing up to life in prison if found guilty. The felony counts are: • Sexual abuse of a minor under 16 years of age • Lewd conduct with a child under 16 years of age (4 counts) • Rape of a victim who is 16 or 17 years of age and perpetrator is 3 years or more older than the victim (2 counts)

NEWS IN BRIEF

Business Magazine Honors The Advocates’ CEO

Each year, Idaho Business Review recognizes top leaders in business, government and the nonprofit sector who the magazine describes as “leading the charge toward growth and prosperity.” This year, local nonprofit leader Tricia Swartling, CEO of The Advocates, was selected as one of nine honorees. “I’ve put my heart and soul into my work with The Advocates. I am thrilled to receive the recognition,” Swartling said. The CEO of Influence program is in its ninth year. Applications were reviewed by past honorees, who considered each candidate’s track record of leadership, vision, innovation, competitiveness, financial performance and community leadership. At the helm of The Advocates for over 23 years, Swartling grew the organization from a fledgling nonprofit to one that is considered a leader in the community and model program in Idaho. Along the way, she raised $23 million to support the vision of a compassionate community free from emotional and physical abuse. “The Idaho Business Review is proud to produce a program that honors CEOs across the state of Idaho for their talent,” said Cindy Suffa, IBR publisher. “This year’s honorees join an impressive group of leaders from past years, representing a variety of business sectors.” Swartling commented that she was selected in part due to her ability to think big and continue to develop and implement innovative programs that meet the needs of our clients and the community. The Advocates is recognized as a leader in the state for its focus on implementing results-based programs with the goal of social change over time such as Green Dot Bystander Empowerment, Every Teen Has A Choice Youth Activists, Skills for Success Employability Program, Smart About Money Economic Empowerment Program, and Domestic Violence First Housing. Their newest initiative is Safe Housing First, the construction of 18 units of transitional housing apartments and a new client services center in Hailey. This will address a serious need for affordable, transitional housing for many women, children, men, and even their pets. A networking reception, dinner and awards event featuring videos of the honorees will be held in their honor on May 9 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Boise Centre. The leaders will be featured in a magazine published with the Idaho Business Review on May 10. The public can reserve tickets to the event on the magazine’s website.

Mental Health Organization Organizes Mental Health Awareness Month

The organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness issues has sets its schedule for May—aka Mental Health Awareness Month. The Wood River Valley affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WRV) will have a membership drive that will highlight the national StigmaFree campaign and will provide updates on mental health accomplishments in the Valley over the past year. These efforts will bring attention to mental health challenges and encourage wider acceptance and change within the community by removing negative connotations commonly attached to mental health needs. The community is invited to take part in the annual bike ride this month, NA-

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Make a donation of $10 or more at Yappy Hour to any participating non-profit and you’ll receive a complimentary beverage from our Yappy Hour Sponsors: Party Animal Vodka, Warfield Distillery, and The Red Shoe! Every gift will also earn you a raffle ticket for some fun prizes! Live music provided by Travis McDaniel

Participating Yappy Hour Non-profits: • The Advocates • Higher Ground • The Hunger Coalition • Mountain Humane • Sawtooth Botanical Garden • Wood River Land Trust On-leash friendly dogs welcome (must be supervised at all times)

208-788-4351 | mountainhumane.org

MI-WRV Executive Director Christina Cernansky said. One way employers, big and small, can make a difference this May is to participate in an HR presentation in partnership with The Chamber and KIC on Wednesday, May 15 at KIC (180 6th St. W., in Ketchum). The event includes a free lunch and will provide information on mental health and the workplace: what these challenges look like, what you can do as a supervisor or manager, and what resources are available for help. On Saturday, May 18, groups and individuals can get involved by joining the Biking for Mental Wellness, a StigmaFree Ride event. This family-friendly bike ride is a great way to come together and show support for those in the community who are impacted by mental health conditions. NAMI encourages business, faith, government, and nonprofit leaders to utilize this ride as a way to communicate with members of their organization the importance of creating a culture free of stigma, and organized with procedures protecting and helping those with mental health needs. The ride is also a great team-building opportunity to start the conversation, show you care and build a safer, more open community. The ride starts with check-in at either the YMCA in Ketchum or Blaine County Recreation District in Hailey from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The bike route follows the BCRD trail, with suggested stops at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, the City of Hailey ArborFest at Roberta McKercher Park, and the Home & Garden Show at Campion Ice House.

Forest Service Proposes To Realign Deer Creek Road, Relocate Bridge

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to relocate a road bridge and realign a section of Deer Creek Road near mile marker 9.3 on the Ketchum Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest. The purpose of the proposed work is to mitigate flood risks, reduce long-term road maintenance costs, and improve floodplain and riparian conditions, the USFS said. The project would involve removing an existing undersized bridge, relocating the road crossing downstream to a more sustainable location, and constructing a new 35-foot span timber bridge. The project will also realign approximately 1,200 linear feet of road out of the floodplain into an upland location. The USFS received funding to complete the proposed work through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program from Federal Highways. The project is the next phase in post-fire restoration and recreation access enhancements in the Deer Creek drainage, and is located immediately downstream from the road and floodplain restoration projects completed in 2017-2018. Comments regarding this proposal will be most useful if received by May 29, 2019. Additional information may be obtained from the Ketchum Ranger District Office, located at 206 Sun Valley Road in Ketchum, or by calling (208) 622-0090. Comments may also be emailed to comments-intermtn-sawtooth-ketchum@fs.fed.us.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Redundant Powerline Project Charges Up Controversy

A grassroots effort to stop construction of an above-ground backup powerline along the Blaine County Scenic Corridor is getting more serious. A group called Protect The Wood River Valley has started an ad campaign and online petition opposing Idaho Power’s plans to add 65-foot high-voltage transmission lines along Buttercup Road and Highway 75 between Hailey and Ketchum. The group says Blaine County should require the utility company to put the backup line underground instead. “By signing this petition we will let the (Blaine County) commissioners know the community supports burial of the entire high-voltage transmission line and that protecting Hailey and the mid-Valley is just as crucial as burial in Ketchum,” the group says. The group’s full statement and petition can be found on change.org by searching “Burial of Wood River Valley 2nd High Voltage Transmission Line.” Time will tell if the community supports financing what could be a $30 million project. In the meantime, the Blaine County commissioners will be meeting May 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the County Annex Building to hear two formal appeals to their earlier decision regarding Idaho Power’s plan.

sun T the weekly

Public Invited To A Trashy Competition

The Environmental Resource Center (ERC) is hosting its longest-running program, Clean Sweep—a trash-collecting team effort where businesses get awarded points based on how many bags of trash they collect around town. Winning businesses will be announced and highlighted on the ERC’s website. The event happens Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Memorial Park in Bellevue. Trash collection runs until noon. After that, Mahoney’s restaurant and Atkinsons’ supermarket will provide participants with a free lunch. If you are interested in becoming a 2019 Clean Sweep sponsor, email hadly@ercsv.or or call (208) 726-4333.

Ketchum Woman Drives To Sheriff’s Office Under Influence Of Alcohol

A drive to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office in Hailey resulted in the arrest of a Ketchum woman with a history of drunk-driving offenses. On Thursday, April 25, at approximately 5 p.m., Christine Obeline Cordeau, age 35, was arrested for felony Driving Under the Influence at the Blaine County Public Safety Facility. Deputies determined that Cordeau had driven to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office under the influence. A review of Cordeau’s criminal history during booking indicated she had prior convictions for DUI in 2012 and 2017. Cordeau was also charged with Driving without Privileges, Open Container of Alcohol, and Failure to Obtain Liability Insurance. Cordeau was arraigned on Friday, April 26, and later released from the Blaine County Detention Center on a $7,500 bond.

You Can Guide Sawtooth National Recreation Area On Guide Permit Proposal

TEDxSunValley Seeks Speakers With Ideas Worth Spreading

The application process is now open for the fourth annual TEDxSunValley with the theme “Beyond the Summit.” The event will take place Sept. 21 at the Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum. This independently organized event, licensed by TED and organized by the TEDxSunValley committee of volunteers, seeks speakers to share their ideas worth spreading. Organizers especially encourage speaker applicants from the Sun Valley area and from those with connections to Sun Valley, but also welcome applicants from beyond. “The theme this year, Beyond the Summit, hearkens to ambition, insight and vision, and we welcome inspiring ideas worth spreading from those with depth of expertise and experience,” said Aimée Christensen, TEDxSunValley founder and co-organizer with Kim and Andy Castellano. “Speaking at TEDxSunValley is an opportunity to reach the world through the TED platform, with Jody Stanislaw’s 2017 talk already with over a million views, and climbing.” Applications should be filled out online and submitted by June 1 on the TEDxSunValley website at tedxsunvalley.com/application.

Hailey Elementary Principal Thad Biggers, left, far right, accept a check from District 26’s repr Michelle Stennett, in middle left, and Rep Sally noon. The check from the Blue Cross Steps for the PE program at Hailey Elementary.

“This check is from Blue Cross of Idaho throug legislature called Steps for Schools,” Davis exp the month, each leg would get $500 for a scho tivities for the kids. I chose Hailey Elementary. program and Sally chose the Camas County sc

Gooding Couple Killed In Head-On Collision

On Monday, April 29, at 3:52 p.m., Idaho State Police responded to a crash on State Highway 46 at milepost 106, between Wendell and Gooding. Melvin Brooks, 87, of Gooding, was driving northbound on State Highway 46 in a 2003 Mercury Marquis. Jaime Perez-Aguilar, 41, of Jerome, was driving southbound on State Highway 46 in a 2019 Peterbilt semi-tractor hauling a milk tanker. Brooks drove over the center line into oncoming traffic and struck Perez-Aguilar head on. Brooks and passenger Nacoma Brooks, 87, of Gooding, succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the crash. Perez-Aguilar was wearing a seatbelt. The highway was blocked for approximately 4.5 hours while crews worked to clear the scene. Idaho State Police was assisted by Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, Wendell Police Department, Gooding County EMS, Gooding County Fire Department, Gooding County Coroner’s Office and Idaho Transportation Department. The crash is under investigation by Idaho State Police.

Female-friendly Film Festival Says Farewell, But Not For Long

The Family of Woman Film Festival, a 12-year-old week-long event featuring films about women and by women, has been put on pause. Founder Peggy Elliott Goldwyn said this year’s event would be the last edition in its current format. She cited “other obligations” of hers and staff’s as the main factor behind the decision. A bright spot? Goldwyn said she is working on presenting the festival in a new format in both Boise and Sun Valley, and at a time of year where unreliable weather won’t dim the festivities. “In the interim, because the festival was founded to support the work of UNFPA, the United Nations agency for reproductive health and rights, please sign up to receive updates on the critical work of UNFPA through friendsofunfpa.org,” Goldwyn said.

Traffic Stop Leads To Felony Drug Arrest Of 19-year-old Woman

On Monday, April 29, 2019, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a deputy from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for excessive speed on Highway 75 near milepost 93, just north of the Lincoln County line. The driver of the vehicle, Marisol Perez Gamino, age 19, of Gannett, was arrested for Driving without Privileges, I.C. 18-8001, a misdemeanor. During a search of her vehicle, deputies discovered a small bag containing a controlled substance. Perez Gamino was additionally charged with felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and misdemeanor Possession of Paraphernalia. Perez Gamino remains in custody at the Blaine County Detention Center pending arraignment.

Charities Prepare To Get From Idaho Gives

The Gem State’s largest one-day fundraising endeavor kicks off Thursday, May 2. Idaho Gives—an online giving event run by the Idaho Nonprofit Center—represents more than 6,000 registered nonprofits across the state. Since its inception, Idaho Gives has raised over $5 million for charities here. This year’s goal is to raise $1.7 million, which represents $1 for every resident. “What I love about Idaho Gives is that donors can choose exactly where their funds go, plus it’s a wonderful example of Idaho’s nonprofits coming together in collaboration and community,” Amy Little, Idaho Nonprofit Center president and CEO, said. Additional details and events may be viewed at IdahoGives.org/info/events. Donors, supporters and nonprofits are encouraged to post photos and talk about their favorite causes across social media using the hashtag #IdahoGives.

High school junior Jennifer Jordan—a vocalist, ol Nie Outstanding Music Student Award at th Honors Recital on Sunday, April 29. Photo cred

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

T H E W E E K LY S C E N E

, and Physical Education teacher Patty Olsen, resentatives Rep. Muffy Davis, in front, Sen. y Toone, on middle right, on Thursday afterr Schools challenge will be used to enhance

Eighteen students from USA Grappling Academy in Bellevue competed in the Northwest Submission Challenge grappling tournament at Capital High School in Boise on Saturday, April 27. From left to right: Storm Anderson (coach), Kaiden Cross, Keira Cross, Merridith Hoskins, Maddison Hoskins, Treagan Dowd, David O’Crowley, Dustin Stellers and Lee Anderson (coach). Not shown: Angel Canyas, Wyatt Stone, Carlos Martinez, José Martinez, Tayah Hamilton, Emma Madsen and Cole Bertoni. Photo credit: USA Grappling Academy

gh a program they did in February with all the plained. “If we averaged 10,000 steps a day for ool of their choice to use for healthy living ac. Michelle chose the Carey elementary school chool.” Photo Credit: Dana DuGan

, violinist and pianist—received the 2019 Carhe Sun Valley Music Festival Music Institute’s dit: Sun Valley Music Festival

Aries, a bearded dragon, greets a young attendee at Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s 15th annual Bug Zoo Festival on Saturday, April 27. About 400 people (plus 25 volunteers) enjoyed the scene at the festival, according to the Botanical Garden. Insects, reptiles and other critters will offer educational opportunities to anyone who drops in from 3-5 p.m. through May 3 and also from 3-5 p.m. May 6 through 9. The garden will host Bug Zoo Festival II on May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate Arbor Day. Photo credit: Sawtooth Botanical Garden

Sun Valley Music Festival’s Music Institute presented its annual spring Honors Recital—featuring solo and ensemble performances by 22 of the institute’s most outstanding students—on Sunday, April 29, at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater in the Community Campus in Hailey. Photo credit: Sun Valley Music Festival

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

Fishing R epoRt

PET COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 1 - 7, FROM PICABO ANGLER

pring has settled into the Valley in all of its “wait5-minutes-for-the-weather-to-change” glory! This is the norm in the spring and it makes the available fishing somewhat fickle. At the very least, it makes anglers pay close attention to what is happening on the water, as the need to switch flies or go from wet to dry can happen quickly. Finding fish this week is the key. There really aren’t many rivers right now that aren’t being affected by some amount of runoff. The good news is the runoff is coming down slowly right now. Each day that goes by with these conditions will help ease the odds of flooding. It is definitely time to get your stillwater game on. The reservoir fishing in the next few weeks will be good and accessible. Fishing from the bank, a boat or a float tube are all effective. If the wind is down, there may also be a great opportunity for dryfly anglers to catch fish taking Midges and Midge Emergers. This can really get going in the evening and is well worth your fishing time. If you fish Magic Reservoir, currently the water has more clarity near the dam and the smallmouth bass fishing has been decent off the rocky shorelines. The rainbow bite is best in the shallow bays and the points throughout the reservoir. Fly selection can be as simple as fishing buggers when blind fishing the area or stripping big Nymph patterns. If the fish begin to rise in the evening, have your very best Midge flies and especially any Emerger patterns you may have. You can even try bigger Emerger patterns like Callibaetis or Green Drakes. Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble fishing the evening rise… it’s always a challenge, but always rewarding. If Magic Reservoir is busy, or too big for your tastes, then try Little Wood Reservoir, Fish Creek Reservoir, Mormon Reservoir or Anderson Reservoir. They all have their moments and are full of trout or bass—or both! Finally, for the super-adventurous, it’s time to start thinking about ice-off on the lowest-elevation mountain lakes. These will require careful homework, planning, skill and a lot of hit and miss. Despite the efforts, if you time it right, these ice-off days can be among the most memorable days in an angler’s lifetime. Happy fishing, everyone!

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

PACK HIERARCHY AND SOCIAL RANK

BY FRAN JEWELL

can remember in seventh grade learning about the caste system in India and being appalled at the social rank people accepted. I grew up in a household where my sisters and I were encouraged to follow our dreams and we treated all races and genders equally. Now, as a certified dog-behavior consultant, I spend every day, all day, observing and living with dog behavior. But, of course, I watch bird behavior and any other animal I can get a glimpse of because animals are my passion. I tried to swallow the new beliefs called “science-based” dog behavior that debunk the existence of the dog pack and claim that domestication has removed all evidence of the canine social hierarchy. Having lived with over 30 German shepherds over the years, I have learned to re-accept the existence and requirements of the dog pack and social hierarchy. There is one dog in my household that all visiting dogs go to, either to challenge him or to lick his lips. That is Brinx. Every puppy goes to him first and tries to climb on him, then learns to lick Brinx’s lips as an honoring gesture. There simply is no way to explain dog behavior until you understand and accept dog-pack dynamics. As I see it, dog social struc-

ture is much like the military and visually like a pyramid. The high-ranking dog is like a general; they are few and far between. They are completely knowledgeable, confident, and give directions. They never fight. They are calm and even a look can control all the dogs in their vicinity, as if every other dog recognized a uniform and stars on his or her shoulders. At the bottom of the pyramid are all the enlisted dogs, or privates. They do all the work. They are happy to do what they are told and don’t usually, if ever, challenge authority. Then there are the midranks—the lieutenants, sergeants, etc. They give orders, but they recognize those that are of a higher rank than they are, always yielding to higher authority. What confuses us is that we think that if our dog is “higher ranking,” he or she is higher ranking than all the other dogs. We don’t often understand why a high-ranking (notice I don’t say alpha) dog would yield to another dog. The answer is simple. We humans don’t always know the rank of our dog and can’t see the “uniforms” like dogs do. We don’t understand how one minute our dog seems to be the authority, but the next might submit to the authority of another dog. We don’t understand or often recognize their challenges to each other to explore rank. And, often we brush off critical social inter-

See if you can determine which dog in this photo is the high-ranking dog. What body language helps you make that determination? Photo credit: Fran Jewell

actions, calling them something else. Frequently, we humanize their behaviors, which makes no sense. When we are confused, usually our dogs are confused as well. Social—or dominance—confusion, as I call it, is the primary reason for aggression. When a dog is puzzled about his status, he can become defensive or fear aggressive. The ambitious dog might take that as an open door to move up in social rank. Our confusion about their pack order or social rank can be the reason for aggression. Most dogs, due to domestication, have learned to look to us for direction. When we don’t provide direction, many dogs become nervous or anxious and,

consequently, can become defensive. The ambitious dog will take advantage. Understanding and accepting that dogs must have social structure, just like every other species on the planet (even humans), is the first step to having a peaceful dog that is happy and well adjusted. 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.

ACTIVE ART COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

THE IMPORTANCE OF BARKING

BY LESLIE REGO

hroughout history, the bark of trees has been utilized for medicinal or economic purposes. Barking, the harvesting of the bark, generally took place in the early spring. In some areas, barking became almost a holiday since it meant extra money for the family and a social respite from the daily routine. The harvesting of the oak-tree bark was particularly important to the local economy. Everyone in the village or town would meet by the oak trees—even the children would take a break from school to help with the harvest, much to the teacher’s chagrin. The inner bark of the oak tree was used in the tanning process to make leather crafts such as shoes, boots, bottles, and harnesses. Without leather, soldiers could not march to war nor could animals plow the ground. Liquids could not be carried. Winter work would be impossible without strong boots. The western hemlock (which is more prevalent in northern Idaho) has also been utilized in the tanning process, but we have many trees in our area with a storied history of harnessing the bark in various ways. The outer bark of white or paper birch was used by Native Americans as wigwam coverings and also in the construction of canoes. Birch-bark containers were assembled to collect and store food. Toys, musical instruments, and hunting and fishing gear were made from the paper-birch tree bark. The bark from the aspen tree produces a compound called salicin, which is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. A concentrated tea of the bark can relieve joint pain and fever. If the bark is infused into beeswax, it can be applied over sunburns, bug bites or acne. The astringent properties of the bark help with inflammation. Willow bark also has the active ingredient salicin and has been used for thousands of years as a pain reliever. In texts dating back to the Egyptians, willow bark appears as relief from pain. In Chinese traditional medicine, 2500 years ago, there is a recorded use of the bark as an analgesic. The inner bark of the lodgepole pine tree is often scavenged by black bears. Sometimes you can see the claw marks where the bears have scraped away the outer bark. Native Americans and western settlers in the springtime chewed the inner bark like gum to cure toothaches or to soothe sore throats. The bark can also be softened in

Leslie Rego, “Lodgepole Pine Bark,” pencil on toned paper.

water and applied as a dressing for scalds, burns or skin infections. Festivities have come and gone throughout the ages. The barking holiday in the springtime belongs to a bygone era, but the joy felt during the “barking” time when communities were working together is a timeless appeal. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit leslierego.com

T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 1 - 7, 2019

COLUMN ON LIFE’S TERMS

OKLAHOMA ON MY MIND

ments in combination, was how grateful I was to be so far away from the fabled coastal bastions of performance, literally in the middle of the counyear ago I seldom used the state name of try, and have this experience. Oklahoma. Those of you who have been Then last week I again felt the presence of mumy readers thus far know about the discov- sical magic in Oklahoma right here in the Wood ery of my birth family at this late stage of my life, River Valley, far away from Broadway or The so I will not dwell on the circumstances. Howev- Met, in a tribute at the Hailey library (again, an er, two events from the past couple of weeks have anniversary celebration, in this case of 100 years reminded me of the gifts I have resince it first opened its doors). ceived both as a young person and R.L. Rowsey, our energetic, even now. talented and generous conductor, On April 15th I returned from teacher, mentor and patron saint a few days spent with my “found” of performing arts, held a onebrother and his family in Oklahohour session celebrating the muma City, a beautiful metropolis in sic of the ’40s, one of the decades a part of our country I had never when the library served its small explored. But one event especially town. One work R.L. presented delighted my sense of blessing at was “Oklahoma,” first produced this new source of joy and warmth. in 1943, in the midst of war, a harOn Saturday, the 13th, my brother binger of the rich store of musical and I attended a celebration of the theater to follow. The audience in 50th anniversary of the Canterbury the library even got to sing “Oh, Voices and three brilliant soloists JoEllen Collins—a longtime What a Beautiful Morning,” a song performing “Carmina Burana” resident of the Wood River I have always cherished. I actually with the Oklahoma City Philhar- Valley— is an Idaho Press try to remember those lyrics when monic. I was initially thrilled at Club award-winning colum- I awaken, even when troubled. nist, a teacher, writer, fabric the number of choristers, including So, again, tears filled my eyes, artist, choir member and a hefty section of baritones and unabashedly proud grandma not from sadness, but from being basses. moved by the simple experience of known as “Bibi Jo.” The performance was held in the sharing in such music. architecturally exciting Civic Center Music Hall Here, as on so many occasions in our relatively and presented by the Chickasaw Nation, a list small town, I could be given this happy time. I that may give one a sense of the Plains, the Na- turned to my friends and said, “Boy, are we lucky tive American role in that area, and the oil money to live here,” a phrase I repeat often at the prevthat funds such edifices as those arising from a alence of music, theatre, dance and art available spacious, horizontal downtown to us. My conclusions, through tears prompted by It’s OK to be corny enough to think about “Oh, the sheer depth and richness of voices and instru- What a Beautiful Morning” it may really be.