10 August 2016 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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A U G U S T 10 - 16, 2 0 1 6 | V O L . 9 - N O . 3 2 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Environment News Fires Surround, But Don’t Threaten, The Wood River Valley

Sports News Hailey Man Has Need For Speed

Crime News Sun Valley Treasurer Arraigned For Embezzlement

“Music is the strongest form of magic.” – Marilyn Manson

Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth serenades the Sun Valley Summer Symphony audience during her debut in the Wood River Valley at the Symphony’s annual benefit “Gala” on Monday evening at the Sun Valley Pavilion. For more photos of the Gala, see pages 10-11. Photo by Nils Ribi, courtesy of Sun Valley Summer Symphony

summer CONCERT SERIES Sun Valley Center for the Arts

2016

beautiful RIVER RUN, KETCHUM!

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For more information, see page 5

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

AUGUST 10 - 16, 2016

fly SUN in the air COMING SOON…MORE FLIGHTS THIS FALL!

THIS WEEK 4

A U G U S T 1 0 - 1 6 , 2016 | VOL. 9 NO. 32

Environment News Cities Work Together On Water Use Efficiency

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

Community Bulletin Board Get A Job, Sell Stuff, Odds & Ends

ON THE COVER

Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performs at the Sun Valley Summer Symphony’s benefit “Gala” on Monday evening at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Photo by Nils Ribi, courtesy of Sun Valley Summer Symphony 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 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & AD SALES Jennifer Simpson • 208.309.1566 • jennifer@theweeklysun.com NEWS EDITOR Dana DuGan • news@theweeklysun.com CALENDAR EDITOR Yanna Lantz • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Jean Jacques Bohl • Dick Dorworth • Maria Prekeges • Jonathan Kane news@theweeklysun.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Mandi Iverson • 208.721.7588 • mandi@theweeklysun.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Chris Seldon • production@theweeklysun.com ACCOUNTING Shirley Spinelli • 208.928.7186 • accounting@theweeklysun.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • publisher@theweeklysun.com DEADLINES Display & Community Bulletin Board Ads — Monday @ 1pm jennifer@theweeklysun.com • bulletin@theweeklysun.com Calendar Submissions — Friday @ 5pm calendar@theweeklysun.com www.TheWeeklySun.com

on the ground

The Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s annual fundraiser “Une Fête Dans le Jardin – A Soirée in the Garden” will be held Friday, Aug. 12, at 5:30 p.m. For a story, see page 15. Photo courtesy of Kat Vanden Heuvel

• SEA flights run through Oct 16 • LAX flights run through Oct 2 • SFO & DEN flights run through Sept 18 • SLC daily nonstop flights continue year-round, 3x daily flights through Sept 30 See schedule at

www.ﬂysunvalleyalliance.com

A NEW APPROACH FOR PILOTS MEANS IMPROVED RELIABILITY FOR TRAVELERS!

As pilots descend into FMA on the same glide path as before, new approach procedures provide significantly improved cloud ceiling (old~1800’, new~900’) minimums allowing aircraft to land at the airport in lower cloud cover during times of inclement weather conditions. The take away — FEWER CANCELLATIONS AND DIVERSIONS likely resulting in less diversion bussing. Check SUN fares first! www.iflysun.com

FROM SUN AIR PASSENGERS “As an entrepreneur in Sun Valley, the need for air service for my business has become essential. Every time I learn of a new destination non-stop flight, I feel my decision to start a business and remain in the Wood River Valley is a solid one. In the last year, my business has required more and more travel, and it’s not just about getting there from here. It’s also about how my travel day works. With the non-stop flights from Denver and Los Angeles, I have felt like a first class traveler coming and going. With the addition of Portland, I feel as if people can now come to me. This is a win-win for business, but I also enjoy being able to take vacations from Friedman Airport because they can start the moment I board the jet. I love living in Sun Valley, and Fly Sun Valley Alliance is helping keep my dream alive.” — Sabina Dana Plasse, Ketchum, Lift Talk PR

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

T H E W E E K LY S U N • A U G U S T 10 - 16, 2016

NEWS CRIME

City of Ketchum Public Workshop – Idaho Power Redundant Line Attend this workshop on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 1-3 p.m. at The Community Library to learn about the Hailey to Ketchum transmission line proposed by Idaho Power. Ketchum and Sun Valley City Councils, Blaine County Commissioners and citizen committees will be present to comment and answer questions from the public. Invitation to Bid Seeking bids for design/build of post tension concrete tennis courts at Atkinson Park. Bid documents available at ketchumidaho.org/rfp. Submittal deadline: Friday, Aug. 19, 4 p.m. Job Opportunities Director of Finance and Internal Services (submittal deadline Aug. 12) and Wastewater Division Maintenance Worker. Visit ketchumidaho.org/jobs for full job descriptions and application instructions. Public Notices NOTICE FOR DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDING: Permit application by D.L. Evans Bank for demolition of 50-year-old structure at 260 East River Street (Ketchum Lot2, Block 82, 10’ x 110’ of alley). Comment by Monday, Aug. 22, by 5 p.m. NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION: Sep. 6, City Council, city initiated text amendment to streamline current sign regulations and comply with recent legislation by removing regulations on sign content. Ketchum Municipal Code, Title 17, Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 17.12, Establishment of Districts and Zoning Matrices, and Chapter 17.127, Signage. NOTICE FOR DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC BUILDING: Permit application by Michael and Kristen Spachman for demolition of 50-year-old structure at 451 East River Street (Ketchum Lot 5 Block 21). Comment by Wednesday, Sep. 7, by 5 p.m. Send comments to participate@ketchumidaho.org.

Public Meetings CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday • Aug. 15 • 5:30 pm • City Hall PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING Monday • Aug. 22 • 5:30 pm • City Hall

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

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Shop our OfficE SuPPLy cATALOg at iteminfo.com call 788-0848 or janesartifacts@cox.net for order and bid pricing SAME DAy DElivEry — rESiDEntiAl or CoMMErCiAl NEWS IN BRIEF Public input sought about potential Timmerman junction improvements

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to help plan future improvements to the intersection of U.S. 20 and Idaho 75, more commonly known as Timmerman Junction, by completing an online survey about several potential roadway options. The online survey runs through Aug. 21 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey can be found at the following link: www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2953321/US-20-and-Idaho-75-SH-75Intersection-Timmerman-Junction-Study. The intersection is located in southern Blaine County and is used by many motorists traveling to and from Sun Valley and the Wood River Valley. The online survey is part of the ITD’s Timmerman Junction Study identifying future intersection improvements. The online survey will help ITD evaluate and recommend improvements to enhance safety and provide reliable mobility at this regionally significant highway junction. By taking the online survey, the community can: • Help ITD learn more about why and how often motorists travel through Timmerman Junction. • Review and prioritize criteria for evaluating alternatives. • See and provide feedback on the range of options being studied. • Learn more about the study. The study is built upon previous improvements, planning efforts and recommendations from previous federal, state and local planning efforts. Construction funding has not been identified, so a timetable for intersection improvements is not certain. The public is also invited to attend the final Community Advisory Committee meeting for the Timmerman Junction Study, scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Old Blaine County Courthouse in the Commissioners Meeting Room, at 206 S. 1st Ave., Ste. 300, in Hailey. To learn more about the study and evaluations to date, visit http://itd.idaho.gov/Projects/D4/ US20_ID75_IntersectionStudy/.

Animal Shelter has banner month

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley had a huge July for homeless pets; 67 pets were connected with their forever homes during the month. “Not only did this number beat the adoption goal of the month, but some of our longest-term residents found their forever families,” said marketing coordinator Bekka Montegue. “Elsa the cat, who was at the Shelter longer than any other cat, went home at the beginning of the month, and Katie, one of our most senior dogs, went home at the end of the month.”

Angela Domke Walls Orr. Photo courtesy of Blaine County Sheriff’s Office

FORMER SUN VALLEY TREASURER ARRESTED MONDAY

Orr returns to Valley to face felony charges guard taxpayer funds, the City has engaged the firm of Averti ormer Hailey resident Solutions, an Idaho-based firm, Angela Domke Walls to conduct a full operational Orr, 31, turned herself evaluation of internal processes in to the Blaine County Sheriff’s and procedures.” Office at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8. Based in Boise, Averti SoluA warrant for her arrest was is- tions will look at the fiscal pracsued July 6 by the Blaine Coun- tices – not hiring practices – of ty Prosecuting Attorney’s Of- the city. fice, but her whereabouts were Sun Valley Chief of Police unknown at that point. She was Walt Femling said he worked charged with Misuse of Public closely with Orr’s family memMoney by a Public Officer, a bers to get her back to the Valley. felony. Overnight, Orr was held Femling said rather than beat the Blaine County jail on a ing arrested and extradited in $200,000 bond. another state, the deal they made In April, with her was the City of that she reThe arrest was part of a six- turn to Blaine Sun Valley’s treasurer, Orr, month investigation that start- County to face resigned un- ed with the misuse of a City of charges. Her e x p e c t e d l y Sun Valley credit card family thought from her job, she might be where she had in, or on her been since way to, Ohio. 2012, earning Orr took a bus $76,256 a year. back to Hailey. A 2003 Wood River High At her arraignment TuesSchool graduate, Orr left town day, Judge Jennifer Haemmerle with her young son, and second asked Orr about her employment husband, David Orr, at the end and living situation. of March. Orr said she had no money The arrest was part of a six- and that no one was supportmonth investigation that starting her. Attorney Christopher ed with the alleged misuse of a Simms was assigned as her pubCity of Sun Valley credit card, lic defender. which resulted in Orr resigning Deputy Prosecuting Attorney on March 31. Matt Fredback said the three felThe investigation continued, ony counts against Orr were “selooking at all city funds for Fis- rious charges,” and that “technical Year 2015 and Fiscal Year cally, there could be a charge for 2016. That investigation showed every transaction.” 47 allegedly unauthorized diHaemmerle reduced Orr’s rect deposits into Orr’s personal bond to $20,000 due to her combank account over a 12-month munity ties and the nonviolent period for a total of $127,568. nature of her alleged crimes. “This loss is covered under Her next hearing is slated for 9 the employee dishonesty portion a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. But Haeof the city’s insurance policy, mmerle cautioned that if Orr left which is provided by the Idaho the 5th District (the Wood RivCounties Risk Management Pro- er and Magic Valley areas), her gram,” said Sun Valley Mayor original bail would look like a Peter Hendricks. pittance. Hendricks called the inciOrr, who has a 5-year old son dent “unfortunate,” and added by her first husband, will stay that the “City’s internal control with her parents, Melody and procedures, when applied cor- Ronald Domke, of Bellevue. rectly and monitored, work as designed to prevent and uncover wrongdoing. To further safetws

BY DANA DUGAN

T H E W E E K LY S U N â&#x20AC;¢ A U G U S T 10 - 16, 2016

T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016

news local

Bellevue has a beautiful view on the world South Valley city continues to grow inside and outside of city hall BY MARIA PREKEGES

n upheaval of staff in the city of Bellevue has created some new opportunities. Old friends, new faces, and a couple of in-house promotions have filled major vacancies in the city. The vacancies were created when Craig Ecckles, Dee Barton and Dan Black left. Diane Shay replaced Ecckles as community development director. The city promoted Ruth Dey to the position of city clerk. Amanda Karst was hired as deputy clerk. The city also promoted Frank Suwanrit to the head of the public works department to replace Black. New hires in the public works department are Scott Beaver, Nick Schell and Andrew Leckrone. Mayor Chris Koch is excited about the changes. “They are all team players and work great together,” Koch said. “I feel they are a perfect fit for the city. Bellevue is lucky to have these seven new employees. We hope to accomplish lots of great things. They all have lots of fresh new ideas and love to share them with me and the council.” Koch is also excited that they were able to promote within and hire Shay back to

The faces of the City of Bellevue. Front row: Amanda Karst, Diane Shay, Ruth Dey, Andrew Leckrone.  Back row: Scott Beaver, Nick Schell, Frank Suwanrit. Photo by Maria Palomera

the team. “With Frank and Ruth, it was easy. They are both very hard workers and have worked for the city for years. Amanda brings a ton of local experience and a wealth of accounting knowledge.” There was a nationwide search for the community development director, but Koch said they found her in their own backyard, “Diane had worked for the city before, and we brought her back to work in the town she loves and lives in. She brings years of experience to Bellevue.” Bellevue’s planning and zoning administrator from 1996 to 2001, Shay was also the city planner in Hailey from 2001 to 2008, a principal planner for the city of Sun Valley from 2007 to 2012 and the code enforcement specialist for Blaine County from 2012 until this year. “I worked for the city of Bellevue 20 years ago and it’s good to be back,” Shay said. “We have a really good team. We’re a really friendly, functioning staff and anything we can do to help out through any of the processes, we’re here to do that.” Shay said that this is a very exciting time for Bellevue, with a lot going on, including a new hotel development, the Silver Creek Hotel. To be located at 721 N. Main St., developer Greg Anderson also owns a hotel in Salmon. Koch said that the proposed 57-room hotel was designed to specifically appeal to sportspeople, with easy access and places to store gear. “The hotel is going to be fabulous for the city,” Shay said. Anderson hopes to have a building permit early this fall and to have the hotel open by next summer. The hotel comes at a good time, Shay said. “People have been telling me that with the new Campion Ice House in Hailey, there are people coming for tournaments in the winter

The groundbreaking for the new Bellevue library expansion. From left are Bella Hadam, Jerry Hadam, Trinity Hadam, Bellevue Mayor Chris Koch  and Bellevue Library Director Kristin Gearhart. The new expansion will be named for Hadam’s late wife, Betsy Castle. Photo by Amanda Karst

and there isn’t a lot of lodging. There were several families going to Fairfield to get rooms last year, so this new hotel will help with that, as well as outdoor enthusiasts in the summer coming to town.” Koch believes there is an “upbeat, positive vibe in town,” with more and more people becoming involved with different parts of the city. A group of volunteers has revamped O’Donnell field, in the upper east part of town, which is used for softball and baseball. The library and its board offered a successful summer reading program, Koch said. “Just the other day we had our groundbreaking for the new 1,000-square-foot expansion to the library. This will double the size of our little library. Our goals are to make Bellevue an even better place to live. It’s such a great little town with so much potential. It’s a special place with residents who truly care about this little town. I am very proud to be the mayor of Bellevue.” tws

news in brief

School immunization clinics offered at St. Luke’s

St. Luke’s Wood River Family Medicine will offer school immunization clinics for St. Luke’s patients at the Hailey Clinic, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. The clinics will be open only to patients who need immunizations prior to the start of the school year. Well-child exams and physicals will not be available during these clinics. Appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling (208) 788-3434. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to their appointment. If the child has a yellow immunization card, bring this to the appointment. The Vaccines for Children program will cover the cost of the vaccines; however, there will be an administration fee, which many insurance policies cover. Refer to your insurance benefits guidelines for coverage information. The Hailey Clinic is located at 1450 Aviation Drive, in Hailey.

Blaine County Dems set up shop

Blaine County Democrats have a new field organizer and office. Matt Kopydlowski works out of the Dems’ headquarters at 16 W. Croy St., in Hailey, where he seeks additional help manning the office, making calls and knocking on doors in the community. Call Kopydlowski at (208) 2935496 to get involved.

T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016

news sports

Catch Salt Fever

Bonneville Land Speed Racing vrooms back after hiatus By Dana DuGan

o you have a need for speed? It’s a primal urge to go faster, run faster, ski faster, and drive faster. At the Bonneville Land Speed Racing venue, driving fast is the whole purpose, whether it’s in hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, motorcycles, streamliners, or diesel trucks. And they’re there to break records. Run by Bonneville Nationals, Inc., Speed Week is held in August each year on the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Nev. The salt flats were first used for motor sports in 1912, but did not become truly popular until the 1930s. In 1949, when the competitions became official, the salt was thick, snow white and a couple of feet deep. There were a handful of cars, and a few spectators. But Hot Rod Magazine covered it, bringing national attention to a sport that was big in California but little known elsewhere. Today, some 600 cars and vehicles compete in a variety of classes, with about 100,000 spectators over the course of the week. A reduction of available racing surface and salt thickness to about an inch led to the cancellation of Speed Week last year. Due to salt mining on the land, climate change and wear and tear, the available racing surface is much reduced, with just 2.5 miles available instead of the nine-mile courses traditionally needed for the week.

But intrepid drivers and motor heads will still make the trip and attempt their own records. Mark Miller, of Hailey, is one such enthusiast. Owner of Mark’s Automotive in Bellevue, Miller is the holder of five world records, and says he’s broken “probably 30 or more” of his own previous records. Miller began working in earnest on cars at age 13 and went to Bonneville for the first time 20 years ago.

It makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.” Mark Miller, Driver “In 1996, a man we knew was building a car for Bonneville, and I helped him,” Miller said. “He let me drive it. Next year I brought my own car, a MR2 Toyota, then a ’52 Chevy pickup.” The Chevy, which he bought in 1999, once belonged to Steve McQueen for use on his ranch. And it looks as if it’s still in use. “It’s got an old pitch fork with one tine and busted up broom,” Miller said. “They call it the farm truck, but they don’t let me run it with all the stuff on it. It’s got a chicken coop with life-sized stuffed chickens and eggs in it. A guy brought me his mother’s stuffed chicken once year. It’s all oxidized. All I did was put numbers on it. It’s pretty unique. The

first year a guy chased me down and said ‘whatever you do, don’t paint that truck.’” But the farm truck is more than a gimmick. Miller set a record at 155 mph and still holds two records. He now races a 1979 Pontiac Firebird with which he holds three records. His last record had him clocked at 228 mph. “I’ll be there again as long as it doesn’t rain,” he said. People may have a vague notion of Bonneville from the movie, “The World’s Fastest Indian,” about Burt Munro, a New Zealand motorcycle racer. He’s famous for setting an under-1,000 cc world record on his 1920 Indian motorcycle at Bonneville in 1967. This record still stands. Munro is a legend at Bonneville, but there are plenty of records, and characters in abundance. “There are a lot of oldtimers out there,” Miller, 58, said. “I’m a relatively young driver in comparison. Machinists and engineers retire and this is what they’ve always wanted to do.” Miller said he built both cars in his garage at home, though he’s the owner of a shop he opened in 2007. “It’s about the speed, the self-satisfaction,” he said. “And there’s something special about setting your car down on those salt flats. It makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. It’s like being on the snow but it’s a hundred degrees.” Besides being known for his speedy farm truck, Miller is the guy with an all-woman pit crew.

New mixed media work from

Christine Warjone can be viewed at the

Sun Valley art Fair (Booth D11-12)

In addition to her series focused on leaving corporate life for the beauty of this Valley, she is also showing a nature series. cwarjone.com

POB 4570, Ketchum, ID 83340

Mark Miller stands before his many medals and a photo of his Pontiac Firebird. Photo by Dana DuGan

His wife and daughter, Rustin and Jozey, and even his mother-in-law, before she died a couple years ago, are always with him. His late father, a mechanic himself, would also come to watch. One thing is obvious from the tales people tell, whether you’re a driver or a spectator, it’s a thrill to be on the white salt surrounded by vehicles of all shapes, sizes and abilities. “It’s like going to Vegas with the people watching,” Miller said. “Everything you can imagine is there. It’s truly unique stuff.” Miller said one year a guy came with his unicycle. They made a category just for him; he was the

solo racer, suited up in proper gear despite the 100-degree heat. “If they don’t have a category for your vehicle, they’ll make one,” he said. Wood River Valley resident Paul Bates, a frequent attendee at Bonneville in his 1948 Helms bread truck, said at Bonneville drivers don’t use jet engines like they do at other tracks. Rather, the vehicles are all wheel driven. “Peter Vincent, a photographer from Moscow, Idaho, and I were given permission to go to the fiveContinued Speed Racing Page 10

T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016

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news Environment

Cities monitor drought in the Valley

Municipalities work together By Dick Dorworth

O By Yasmina Reza

AUGUST 9–13 Liberty Theatre, Hailey “Chic, short, and wickedly, perceptively funny.” —Evening Standard

Tickets and information at:

208.578.9122 sunvalleycenter.org Thank you to Company of Fools’ 21st Season Sponsors:

Ali Long/The Springcreek Foundation, High Country Fusion, Ken Lewis, Priscilla Pittiglio, Mary Ann & John Underwood, The Shubert Foundation, Linda & Bob Edwards, Arrow R Storage, Scott Miley Roofing and media sponsor The Weekly Sun.

Hulen MeAdoWS SuBdiviSion CHip SeAling To Begin Blaine County Road and Bridge crews will begin fog sealing the Hulen Meadows subdivision which includes: Bitterroot Lane, Buckwheat Lane, Foxglove Lane, Laurel Lane, North Hulen Way, South Hulen Way, Mesquite Lane, Paintbrush Lane, Sego Lane, Sorrel Lane, Syringa Lane, West Sage Road and Yarrow Lane starting at 8:00 a.m. on August 24, 2016. The project will begin on the north end and work through the subdivision to the south. . Residents are asked to not park or store items in the right-of-way, to use caution while driving and to follow all traffic-control directions. Expect road closures and delays from 45 minutes to an hour.

ne year ago, 100 percent of Idaho was in drought rated as abnormally dry and 30 percent was rated in extreme drought, according to the U.S. government National Integrated Drought Information System. Today, because of last winter’s better snowfall, only 60 percent of Idaho is rated as in abnormally dry drought, according to NIDIS. These ratings indicate that there’s not enough water to satisfy everyone’s needs or, at least, historical uses. As human population continues to increase and available water supply decreases, those needs and uses become more difficult to satisfy. Drought in the short term does not cause water shortages, but it does exacerbate them. According to Lisa Horowitz, community development director of the City of Hailey, writing in “Big Life Magazine,” “We use a lot of water in Idaho. Idaho’s billion gallons of water use ranks fourth in the nation behind the greatly more populated states of California, Florida, and Texas…We also have green golf courses and lush lawns… On average, Wood River Valley residents use 700 gallons of water per day. The average Idahoan uses 200 gallons per day whereas the average U.S. citizen uses 100. All of this adds up to too much water use.” Last February, the Big Wood & Little Wood Water Users Association, on behalf of 63 senior surface water users south and east of Silver Creek, filed delivery calls with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, claiming that junior rights users are depleting surface-water flows in the two rivers. There are 567 junior groundwater rights users in the cities of the Wood River Valley that could be affected by the calls, including cities, businesses and private citizens. According to Wendy Pabich, Ph.D., water advisor to Ketchum, the state rejected those calls for not following the proper filing procedures. Two years ago Pabich was hired by the City of Ketchum as an independent contractor to be its water and energy advisor and to create a water and energy strategic analysis and plan for the city. This was a consequence of Mayor Nina Jonas’ longtime championing of water and energy conservation policies. Pabich is president of Water

Wendy Pabich, Ph.D., water advisor to Ketchum. Courtesy photo

Futures, where she provides strategic technical and policy consulting services related to water risk and security, water rights, land and water conservation, sustainable water use, wastewater planning, and the water-energy nexus to clients including ranchers and ranching associations, canal and irrigation companies, private equity firms, private investors, county governments, municipalities, attorneys, land trusts, nonprofits, technology firms, and Fortune 500 companies. Papich is a scientist, educator, speaker, adventurer, yogi, and artist. She taught for Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The Sierra Institute, and has taken students to the wilds of Patagonia, the Himalaya, and Alaska. According to Pabich, Ketchum is working collaboratively with the other Wood River Valley municipalities to more efficiently use water. Ketchum has joined such communities as Park City, Utah, Roseville and Oakdale, Calif., and Greeley, Colo., in offering its water users access to Water Smart software, which allows users to view and track water usage in real time, and learn to pay attention to how much water is used for what purposes. At this writing, the Water Smart website (www.watersmart.com) claims that its users have saved 4,237,057,058 gallons of water, $22,204,874 and 37,291.35 tons of CO2 , and growing by the minute. The drought continues. The citizens of the Wood River Valley are learning to adapt. tws

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T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016

SUSAN P. PERIN

news Environment

Wildfires threaten wilderness, not valley

MOSTLY IDAHO PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPES

By Dana DuGan

everal fires are burning around the perimeter of the Wood River Valley, though none are threatening the Valley at this time. As of press time Tuesday, the Pioneer Fire near the town of Lowman has increased to 64,351 acres, with 28 percent containment. There are currently 1,603 people working on the fire, including 43 crews, 11 helicopters, 63 engines, eight dozers, 21 water tenders and six masticators (machines that chew and grind trees). On Monday, firefighters successfully contained a small start north of Lowman called the Ridge Fire. The Idaho Transportation Department cleared hazardous trees along Highway 21 from Idaho City to Lowman. Highway 21 between Lowman and Idaho City reopened to public travel Tuesday morning, and Boise County has lowered the evacuation notice for Lowman back to a Level 1. Drivers should use caution through the fire area because fire crews are still working along the highway. Highway 17 from Lowman to the Danskin Boat Launch and all Forest Service roads within the Boise National Forest closure area will continue to remain closed. A spokesperson for the Boise National Forest said the Pioneer Fire is burning in timber, grass and understory – a layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest – about half a mile from Lowman. The fire is currently burning in the Deadwood Creek drainage area and moving west. On Saturday, Aug. 6, a lightning storm went through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, starting another wildfire. Located six miles west of Stanley, the Dry Creek Fire has decreased to approximately 730 acres. Type 3 Incident Commander JW McCoy is managing the fire. The Stanley Lake area was immediately evacuated. Also closed are nearby campgrounds and trails. On Sunday, Aug. 7, firefighters aided by aerial resources were able to strengthen lines and prevent any growth around the perimeter of the fire. As of Monday, the fire was 20 percent contained and the estimated date to contain the fire is Aug. 15 and controlled, approximately Sept. 15. The Rough Fire, also ignited

summer CONCERT SERIES Sun Valley Center for the Arts

2016

by lightning on Sunday, is about 14 miles northeast of Lowman in subalpine fir and short grass. Highway 21 from Stanley to 10 miles north of Lowman is open. A pilot car will assist vehicles through the fire area. The Twin Falls District Bureau of Land Management and Carey Rural Fire Department also responded to a new wildfire early Sunday morning near the BLM fire station in Kimama. The Mac Rae Fire was reported to South Central Idaho Dispatch around 3:37 a.m., and is approximately 11,000 acres, burning in grass and brush. The fire is currently staffed with 10 engines, two water tenders, two dozers, several aircraft and eight overhead supervisors. Firefighters say it should be under control this week. However, continuing hot, dry conditions and very high fire danger has prompted officials with the Sawtooth National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District and the State of Idaho to place restrictions in Twin Falls, Cassia, Camas and Blaine counties, and parts of Custer County. Stage I, that includes those areas north of Highway 20 into the Stanley Basin, east of Highway 26 and west of Hill City, prohibits fires, campfires or camp stoves in areas other than designated recreation sites with approved fire structures. Stage I also prohibits smoking in open areas except sites that are free of flammable materials with a radius of at least three feet of barren soil or in developed recreation sites. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. For more information about Stage 1 fire restrictions visit: www.idahofireinfo.com/p/ fire-restrictions.html With the fire season well underway, the placement of these restrictions is intended to keep visitors to public lands safe as well as prevent the catastrophic effects of wildland fire. If you plan a visit to public lands in these areas, check with the Sawtooth Ranger District offices, the Twin Falls District BLM or the Idaho Department of Lands for the latest information. You can also check the status of the fires by going to the Sawtooth National Forest Facebook page at www. facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest. tws

Photo by Kevin Syms

New restrictions in place

“Buhl Boxes” - Acrylic

Participant in the WOOD RIvER vALLEY STUDIO TOUR August 20 and 21

Welcome to my Studio: #33 off Bitterroot Road 208 721-1618 • susanpperin@gmail.com • www.susanpperin.com

It pays to work with an Independent Agency Working with Wood River Insurance is like having a personal shopper! Like a real-estate agent helps you sort through properties to find your perfect home; WRI examines many different insurance companies rates and coverage options to find the policy that best suits your unique needs and risks. Best of all, this saves you time and money! Call WRI for a free consultation of your insurance program.

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T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016

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mile mark when Al Teague sped by in his Streamliner at 420 mph,” Bates said. “When you watch something on the ground penetrating the air that fast, you realize it’s an incredible achievement.” Spectators are separated from the speed tracks by 100 feet for safety. But it’s a continuous party. Every state is represented, even other countries. Some teams come with their own backup rigs complete with mechanics for every possibility. People camp out on the flats, but most stay at the casino hotels in Wendover.

‘Save the Salt’ sign in Miller’s office. Photo by Dana DuGan

If you go: Take Route 93 south through Twin Falls, about 4 hours. There are about four casino hotels but rooms may be scarce at this point.

Save the Salt Foundation

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Save the Salt Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the Bonneville Salt Flats and to promote its history and legacy. In 2011, a number of prominent organizations formed the "Save the Salt Coalition" to help the nonprofit organization achieve its goal. In order to restore the salt flats, the Coalition works with government officials, mine operators and others to supplement the current salt replenishment activities. In 2014, the Utah Alliance, an advocacy group was formed to use its expertise and contacts at the local level to protect this historic place listed on the National Register. On BLM land and originally called "The Salduro Marsh,” geologists have described the salt flats as centered in a bowl shaped area rich in concentrated minerals and underlying heavy carbonate mud. Salt and surface crust is being lost due to human interference over the past 100 years. The 1 percent annual loss of salt crust exposes a progressively enlarging ring of mud around the perimeter. This increases dust pollution and rain erosion mud transfers onto the salt crust. Prior to the 1900s, Bonneville's crust was unobstructed from Wendover, 80 miles east to Knolls and stretched some 100 miles to the south. Australia's Lake Gairdner of present day mirrors Bonneville's past condition.

Legendary singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris preforms at River Run, in a Sun Valley Center for the Arts concert, Monday evening. Her band featured longtime friends and fellow singer-songwriters Mary Ann Kennedy and Pam Rose. The show was sold out. The opening act, solo performer Ian Janco, was born in Hailey, raised in Stanley and currently attends the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in England. Photo by Dana DuGan

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Celebrated performer Kristin Chenoweth entertains symphony-goers at the Sun Valley Summer Symphony’s “Gala” benefit show at the Sun Valley Pavilion on Monday evening. The Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer wowed the crowd with her vocal skills and had the audience members in stitches with her knack for comedy. Courtesy photo by F. Alfredo Rego

Total attendance at the Gala was more than 2,000. Photo by Nils Ribi, courtesy of Sun Valley Summer Symphony

“We are extremely grateful for the generous support of those who attended our Gala with Kristen Chenoweth!” states Jenny Krueger, the Symphony’s executive director. “Due to the generosity of those who attended, we will be able to continue to provide high-quality musical education experiences to hundreds of children through our Summer Music Workshops and through our partnership with the Blaine County School District.” Courtesy photo by F. Alfredo Rego

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T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016

n brief

Hearing scheduled for alleged sexual assault perpetrator

a.m. on March 7, deputies from the Ketchum Police Department were disSt. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center for the report of a possible rape. Ofonded and spoke with the 25-year-old female victim. She told them she ly assaulted in a downstairs “green” room of Whiskey Jacques’ restaurant lub a short time earlier. She told officers the alleged suspect was possibly a past employee of Whiskey Jacques’. ed as Ketchum resident Nicholas Mikhail Hilton Ward, 24, the suspect was an of Whiskey Jacques’, but wasn’t working at the time of the incident. engthy investigation, Ward was served a summons on July 20, and appeared ounty Magistrate Court on Monday, Aug. 8 on a charge of Idaho Code 18xual Penetration–Forcible by Use of Foreign Object Against Victim’s Will. xt scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Sawtooth Association offers lecture series and photo contest

wtooth Interpretive & Historical Association’s Forum and Lecture Series t Wayne Melquist at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Stanley Museum in elquist will speak on “Otter and Osprey: They have more in common than O.” Melquist was formerly a research associate professor at the University of oscow, and retired in 2003 from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. his 18 years with Fish and Game, Melquist was the State Nongame Wildlife State Furbearer Program and Federal Assistance Program coordinator, and dlife Bureau chief. Since 2004, he has worked with the South Dakota Game, ks Department, first on an osprey translocation and restoration project and ntly on river otters. rday, Aug. 13, the Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association will hold its wtooth Association Ice Cream Social from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Stanley Museum. come. Photo contest open to all on, the Association’s annual Sawtooth Valley photo contest deadline is Entry for the contest is free and all photographers are eligible, including ssional photographers. als may submit up to three photos – one in each category: Scenery, Wildlife, e in Nature. Members of the Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association t up to two photos in each category. Submissions will be accepted until

deas, suggestions or recommendations about what to see or experience at h Center & Gallery, visit www.discoversawtooth.org or drop a note in the box at the Redfish Center & Gallery. For more details, call (208) 774-3376 or sh.center.coordinator@gmail.com.

Seal coat scheduled for trail system

ne County Recreation Department will seal coat a section of the Wood River ning Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 26. ject encompasses the section of path from the north side of East Fork Road nning of the path at Hulen Meadows in Ketchum. tion of trail will be closed during the seal coating process. Despite regular ns of the asphalt emulsion, after several years of regular use and the eleworn surface will roughen and crack. In order to preserve the trail’s smooth must be seal coated regularly. he application and drying process it is important that trail users stay off rface for 48 hours. Wet seal coating material will ruin shoes, clothes, bikes, es and the trail surface. e information, contact Janelle Conners at the Blaine County Recreation (208) 578-5453.

Ice Show partners with Higher Ground

ey announced today that they will partner with Higher Ground Sun Valley for lley on Ice show on Saturday, Aug. 13. A portion of proceeds from the generon ticket sales will be donated to HG for their development programs. adliners for show are Ashley Wagner and Adam Rippon. Wagner was the 3 and 2015 U.S. National Champion, 2014 Olympic bronze medalist and 2016 mpionships silver medalist. Rippon is the 2016 U.S. National Champion and e 2012 and 2015 silver medal at the U.S. National Championships. e proud to be giving back to an outstanding community organization such as und,” Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley’s director of public relations and marketing,

Ground utilizes recreation as therapy and is considered one of the premier on programs in the country by the U.S. Department of Defense, military nters and veteran service organizations. HG serves military personnel and with traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress and other polytrauma. Resort is currently a premier sponsor, with some of HG’s winter programpine skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking taking place at resort’s two . open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 9:10 p.m. Tickets may be purchased Valley Recreation Office, or call (208) 622-2183 for additional information.

Michele Atkinson is back and is available for appointments! Schedule with Michele before August 20th and receive an extra 30 minutes FREE! Deep Therapeutic Massage: 90 min $140 * 60 min $110 Swedish Massage: 90 min $125 * 60 min $85 Structural Integration: 90 min $150 Call or Text Michele at 208-720-4266

208-720-3727 • SpaBeleza.com • SpaBeleza@SpaBeleza.com

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Girls on the Run seeks coaches

the Run of the Wood River Valley seeks volunteers to be mentors of anging program for girls grades 3 through 8. ed passionate, confident and engaging role models to be coaches and e way young girls feel about themselves and their bodies,” Mary Fauth, utive director, said. “Your three-hour-per-week commitment will have a act on you as well." eers of all ages and athletic abilities are invited to come make a difference. season will begin Sept. 12, with a new coach training scheduled for Satur7. After-school programs meet twice a week at all of the Wood River Valley's y schools and middle school for 10 weeks. Coaches, who don’t have to be emselves, receive training to facilitate the curriculum and become mentors. individuals should contact Fauth at mary@girlsontherunwrv.org or (208)

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T h e W e e k ly S u n •

Fishing R epoRt

August 10 - 16, 2016

Pet Column no bones about it The “Weekly” Fishing RepoRT FoR AUg 10 - 16 FRom picAbo AngleR

lightly milder temperatures are on hand this week, which will make fishing slightly more comfortable. The hatches are spotty, but still around. It seems to be a matter of standing in the right place. The Trico on the Big Wood is small, but the Spinner Fall seems to be increasing, while over on Silver Creek the early Trico season is beginning to wane a little bit. It really depends where you are on the Creek and, more specifically, which bush you are fishing behind. Hopper fishing continues to pick up everywhere, from the South Fork of the Boise to the Upper Lost to the Lower Big Wood. Expect this action to continue into September and it should get even better and better as summer progresses. The Damselfly activity remains really strong, with most anglers complaining about getting strikes without hookups. WAIT! Let them eat the fly, vanish, count to three, sing the Star-Spangled Banner, whatever it takes to slow your hook set down. Then set the hook with vigor! This means heavy tippets to 3X. Stop worrying about being tippet shy; let the fish have the fly and have it all the way under water until they are gone, then SET THE HOOK HARD! Baetis, in many ways and on many mornings, has been the star of the show. Prolific numbers of Baetis have had the fish percolating most mornings. A Rusty Spinner can be the best fly in your box during these events. Hatch Matchers are also a great fly to have ready. Fish them small, and very dry. Make sure your fly is sitting on its hackle tips. Callibaetis is still present in the slough and the action should continue to pick up into August. Expect late morning and early afternoon activity in the slow water sections of the river, including both sloughs on The Nature Conservancy. Caddis is the name of the game on the Upper Lost and Big Wood in the evenings. Have a decent selection of Elk Hair Caddis and stay late. The Flying Ants are back for the summer. DO not overlook this hatch. It may be in its beginning stages, but if we get to a point like last summer, the Flying Ant may become the one dry the fish will key on for weeks at a time. We brought in a lot of Flying Ant patterns this season, for this reason! Happy fishing, everyone!

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

A New Look at Muzzles for Dogs By Fran Jewell

ypically, we assume that any dog with a muzzle is a bad dog. We resist the use vehemently because of the stigma attached. Now, a new approach is quickly gaining popularity among dog-training instructors, veterinarians and behavior experts. If a dog is trained appropriately ahead of time, it can actually have a soothing and calming effect upon the dog and the human company it keeps. There are many advantages to teaching your dog how to accept a muzzle, even if your dog does NOT have an aggression issue. First, there are some dogs that will incessantly eat things along the trail or in the yard, including things that can be deadly. Rock eating is a huge problem for many dogs, sometimes requiring surgery to remove the stones once ingested. Consistently eating dead animals during walks can be another issue. If a dog is wearing a basket muzzle, he can play, pant, drink and take treats from you easily, thus preventing any eating of inappropriate things and thousands of dollars in veterinary bills. If your dog is fear aggressive either to other dogs or people, properly training your dog to a basket muzzle can not only save you from liability, but it can become a warning to others to steer clear, thus easing so much pressure on your dog to interact, and tension for you. A muzzle for a fearful dog can make walks in the woods stress-free for everyone. If you ever fly, teaching a dog to accept a muzzle can also give him the gift of lifesaving oxygen in an emergency because he would already be used to having something over his muzzle – in this case, the oxygen mask. Dogs that are injured during a car accident

A basket muzzle can bring comfort to a dog that is otherwise fearful. Photo by Fran Jewell

or any accident can become aggressive from the pain. In an attempt to examine the dog, the veterinarian and staff may use a muzzle to protect themselves from a potential bite. f your dog already is comfortable with a muzzle, this can eliminate enormous stress for everyone. I recommend basket muzzles. They are inexpensive, and easy to have handy in your vehicle or doggie “go bag” (training equipment) that can be kept in the car. Get a second one to keep in the house if your dog is afraid of unexpected or unknown visitors. There are wonderful videos on YouTube. com to explain a simple process on how to introduce a muzzle to your dog. To me, this skill is as useful as teaching your dog any elemental obedience skills like sit and down.

With forethought and education, you can help your dog enjoy life no matter what comes his way. Becoming familiar with a muzzle can open doors for both of you to enjoy more activities without pressure and tension. And, when the public has more education about muzzles, having a muzzle on your dogs does not have to carry a negative stigma but, instead, a positive association with a responsible, loving dog owner! Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit www.positivepuppy. com or call 208-578-1565.

active art Column Sketchbook Hiking

BY Leslie Rego

Boulder City

ast week I wrote about the hike to Boulder Basin. This hike fascinates me because at 9,000 feet there is a broad flat valley surrounded by the high peaks of the Boulder Mountains. Finding a large valley at such altitude is unusual. Finding an old mining town is even more unusual. Scattered about this flat area are old cabins, an ore-processing mill, a cylindrical boiler, and steel cables strung from the mill to the steep mountainsides where there are mineshaft openings. The first mining claim in Boulder Basin was filed in 1879. But mining the wealth in the mountains was not easy. Besides the harsh living conditions, there were constant arguments between the different owners and the firms that mined the area. There was particular rancor against the Canadian firms which the locals felt were interfering with the Idaho mining laws. In the 1930s, J.A. Schultz, who leased several claims, wrote that the foreign entity “refused to give men a bathhouse or change house, kept powder in where the men eat, refused to pipe water for drinking.” He goes on to write “approximately 10 diamond drill holes were put down, all shallow holes, all missed vein except one, due to their engineers rotten figuring. All told, a waste of money.” When I am in Boulder Basin, I like to imagine life as it must have been. Certainly the daily views were breathtaking. The sunrises and sunsets must have been spectacular. But the reality of day-to-day living would have been tremendously harsh. Just getting all of the heavy equipment up the steep mountain to build the mill amounted to a tremendous achievement. Add to that all of the steel items, the boilers, the tools, the

Leslie Rego, “Old Mining Town of Boulder City”, nib pen and sumi ink, watercolor

dishes, pots and pans and the food to feed the quantity of miners, and the logistics of life become even more complicated. With so many people grouped together under difficult conditions, I imagine there were arguments, skirmishes and fights, but great friendships were probably also forged. When I approached the crumbling structures, I could understand how they have withstood so much time, winter after winter. Even though the buildings are decaying, one can study the construction techniques. The logs are well hewn and beautifully joined. The mill itself was made with heavy timbers

connected into an incredibly complicated scaffold-like structure, which is still mostly standing. Enjoy viewing, but do not attempt to climb onto or enter any of the structures. They are a marvel, but far from safe. Viewing the alpine basin is a journey to the past, but the wet meadows and wooden structures are fragile. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit www.leslierego.com.

T h e W e e k ly S u n • A u g u s t 10 - 16, 2016