8 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 8 - 14, 2019 | V O L . 1 3 - N O . 1 9 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Blaine County News Powerline Must Be Buried Underground

Housing News The Advocates Builds New Transitional Units

Ketchum News Fire Dept. Improvements To Be Voted On

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • M AY 8 - 14, 2019

A fire near an under-construction subdivision scorched nearly five acres Thursday, May 2. Photo credit: T.P. Brown

Man’s Toilet Paper Wipes Out Five Acres Of Sun Valley Subdivision

Nearly five acres of the under-construction Lane Ranch subdivision burned Thursday afternoon, May 2, after a man relieved himself along the sagebrush-covered hillside and then disposed of the paper he wiped with by lighting it on fire. Sun Valley and Ketchum fire crews were able to use the recently installed fire hydrants to contain the blaze quickly and have it extinguished entirely within three hours. “We were surprised to have a wildland fire this early, but then we realized why,” said Sun Valley Fire Chief Taan Robrahn. “We’re fortunate this wasn’t midsummer.” Robrahn noted that a 60-acre fire in the Boise foothills in August 2015 had the same cause. He said people need to remember to never light a fire outside a fire ring and that digging a hole is the way to properly get rid of human waste in situations like these. “Any time you put fire on the ground, especially in dry conditions, you run the risk of starting a wildfire,” Robrahn said.

Sheriff’s Office Shepherds In Two New Deputies

The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program is no longer on pause, now that eight paws are the new boots on the street. Corporal Phil Rummel and Deputy Chris Harrison have returned from the Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Training Center, where they spent five weeks selecting and training with the new canines. Along with drug detection, the two teams are trained in human tracking, warrant searches, and evidence location. They will work alongside patrol deputies and the Narcotics Enforcement Team, providing assistance to local law enforcement agencies and probation officers. “We thank both of our deputies and their new K-9 partners for their future service to our community and give them our full support,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins. Becoming a K-9 handler is a substantial ongoing deputy commitment that requires a tremendous amount of time and training to achieve and maintain Idaho State Canine Standards and Certification. The deputies will spend countless hours bonding and caring for their new partners for many years to come.

Aside from their law enforcement duties, the K-9 teams will be involved in community policing efforts by giving demonstrations of their canines’ abilities, providing drug education, and connecting with our community. “We want the dogs and their handlers to be visible and approachable,” Harkins said. “We plan to incorporate the K-9s into our local schools, partnering with the Blaine County School District to Corporal Rummel, pictured right, is partnered with “Eric”—a twoeducate our youth about year-old male German shepherd/Malinois mix. Deputy Harrison, left, is partnered with “Kimber”—a one-and-a-half-yearthe dangers of drug use pictured old female German shepherd/Malinois mix. Photo credit: Blaine and to help keep our local County Sheriff’s Office schools drug-free.” The initial cost of the program has been funded at no expense to Blaine County taxpayers. Startup funding was made possible by a grant from the Idaho Office of Drug Policy and drug forfeiture funds.

‘Blinking Light’ Sees Another Injury Accident, Alcohol Suspected

On Monday, May 6, 2019, at approximately 6:17 p.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on State Highway 75 near milepost 95 south of Timmerman Junction in southern Blaine County. The accident reconstruction investigation indicates Thalia D. Stewart, age 32, of Twin Falls, was the sole occupant in a grey 1997 Toyota 4Runner, traveling northbound on Highway 75, when her vehicle trav- A driver rolled her SUV near Timmerman Junction and was eled off the roadway. Stewart transferred to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boiovercorrected and traveled se, by Life Flight. Photo credit: Blaine County Sheriff’s Office back across the north and southbound lanes, hitting the west embankment. Stewart’s vehicle rolled multiple times before landing on its tires. Stewart was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. She was transferred to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, by Life Flight. It was determined Stewart was not wearing a seatbelt. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Her vehicle received significant damage. The crash remains under investigation.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

jane’s artifacts arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party

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Footlight Dance Centre will revive Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Sleeping Beauty” this weekend for its annual spring extravaganza. For a story, see page 12. Photo credit: Aubrey Stephens and Manon Gaudreau / Footlight Dance Centre

THIS WEEK M A Y 8 - 1 4 , 2019 | VOL. 12 NO. 19

Idaho News

Democrats Unwind After Long, Testy Session

Commentary

Calendar

Award Winning Columns, Student Spotlight, Fishing Report Stay In The Loop On Where To Be

ON THE COVER

Karen Waters, “Taking Care of the Little Ones,” torn paper collage.

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).

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THE WEEKLY SUN STAFF 13 W. Carbonate St. • P.O. Box 2711 Hailey, Idaho 83333 Phone: 208.928.7186 Fax: 208.928.7187 AD SALES Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • brennan@theweeklysun.com NEWS EDITOR Eric Valentine • news@theweeklysun.com ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan • calendar@theweeklysun.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Hayden Seder • Emilee Struss news@theweeklysun.com DESIGN DIRECTOR Mandi Iverson • mandi@theweeklysun.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Chris Seldon • production@theweeklysun.com ACCOUNTING Shirley Spinelli • 208.928.7186 • accounting@theweeklysun.com

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

Call WRI at 208.788.1100 And Let Us Protect You Like We Protect Our Own Family

NEWS BLAINE COUNTY

A satellite map of the proposed backup powerline along Highway 75. Image credit: Laura Midgley

COMMISSIONERS SAY ‘YES’ TO BACKUP POWERLINE, WITH MAJOR CAVEAT

Community. Compassion. Commitment.

Entire line must go underground

B NEWS IN BRIEF

Forest Service Launches ‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign

It’s that time of year when recreationists are ready to get out and enjoy the Sawtooth National Forest. Campgrounds are opening up slowly due to melting snow. Officially, campgrounds will be open with amenities closer to Memorial Day. The Forest Service is asking campers to bring water and pack out trash and reminding campers that at higher elevations snow and wet conditions are expected. “The snowpack is beginning to recede and rivers and creeks are flowing at or near capacity and are very dangerous to pets and children,” the Forest Service said. Typically, seasonally closed secondary roads open on May 1, but forest users should proceed carefully. Driving on muddy roads can damage them and cause erosion and difficult driving for the rest of the year. Forest users may encounter “Road/Trail Closed” signs on some higher elevation roads and trails. “We ask that if you encounter these temporary closures to please turn around and prevent unnecessary damage and increased maintenance cost,” the Forest Service said. All motorized users can pick up a copy of the Sawtooth National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows which roads and trails are open to motorized use. The map is free at Sawtooth National Forest offices and also available as an Avenza map that will show users in real time where they are in relation to the map. For the most current information on road and trail conditions, recreationists and other users are encouraged to contact their local Forest Service office: • • • • • •

Ketchum Ranger Station – (208) 622-5371 Sawtooth National Recreation Area – Headquarters (208) 727-5000 Stanley Ranger Station – (208) 774-3000 Fairfield Ranger District – (208) 764-3202 Minidoka Ranger District – (208) 678-0430 Sawtooth National Forest Supervisor’s Office – (208) 423-7500

Attention Valley Drivers: Get Ready For Road Work

The City of Sun Valley is beginning construction work for the second year of the Road and Path Bond Program, with a focus on the Elkhorn Road and Pathway work, and soon after, the Twin Creeks area. Work on Elkhorn will include: rehabilitation and paving of the roadway and bike path, new curb and gutter, culverts, and ADA accessibility improvements. Construction crews have been setting up traffic control. Elkhorn Road will be closed to through traffic from Skyline Drive to South Village Way. Access to local traffic will remain open at all times. Through traffic will be detoured to Village Way. In addition, the bike path will be closed from Skyline Drive to South Village. Pedestrians and cyclists should use the Village Way bike path as a detour. Work is anticipated to occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Night work and weekend work is not expected. Work will include, but not be limited to, general construction noise, dust, equipment backup alarms, and ground vibration. Access to residences will remain open at all times, although access points are likely to change to accommodate construction.

BY ERIC VALENTINE

laine County Commissioners say a backup utility line Idaho Power wants to install east of Highway 75 to serve the northern Wood River Valley is OK with them, as long as the entire powerline is buried underground—a caveat that will cost at least $30 million. It’s a victory for a group of local stakeholders who created an online petition against the project, including Kiki Tidwell—a 2020 candidate for a Blaine County Commissioner seat. The group has been asking commissioners to protect the scenic beauty of the corridor ever since the county had approved permitting for the line. There’s clear interest Then, two formal appeals came and demand to bury forward in April asking commissioners to make those permits the lines, but no one has conditional: that any so-called volunteered to pay for redundant powerline be placed it yet. We’ll see now if under the ground. All of this figures to trigger people are willing to invest significantly more discussion in undergounding.” and debate over the next sevDick Fosbury eral months. That’s because Blaine County Commissioner Idaho Power considers the undergrounding to be above and beyond their fiduciary responsibility to ratepayers. In other words, residents in the area of the undergrounding project should foot the bill. “There’s clear interest and demand to bury the lines, but no one has volunteered to pay for it yet,” said Commissioner Dick Fosbury. “We’ll see now if people are willing to invest in undergounding.” The Payment Options Fosbury said there are essentially four ways the county can decide to fund the project. Option 1: Establish a so-called Local Improvement District (LID) wherein mostly the residents who benefit from the project would pay for it. “I have experience using the LID and I know it’s a system that can work,” Fosbury said. Option 2 involves a fee hike on power bills. The so-called franchise tax would require voter approval. Option 3 also involves voter approval—of a bond that would increase property taxes over a to-be-determined number of years. Option 4 would be some other one-time or annual levy over a portion of the county. The Project Details Specifically, the project is to construct, maintain, and operate a 138-kV redundant (backup) transmission line from the Wood River Substation north of Hailey to the Ketchum Substation located on Sun Valley Road in Sun Valley. The transmission line is proposed to run east from the Wood River Substation to Buttercup Road, then north along the west side of Buttercup Road, and then north along the east side of Hwy. 75 until it crosses to the west side of Hwy. 75 north of the East Fork traffic light. This proposed line would then continue north along the west side of Hwy. 75 to Hospital Drive and then along Hospital Drive and the bike path to an undergrounding transition structure at the intersection of Hwy. 75 and Elkhorn Road. This transmission line will range from 4 feet to up to 15 feet higher than the existing powerlines along this route. The line is proposed to run through six different zoning districts before entering the cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum. tws

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

NEWS HOUSING

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

THE ADVOCATES IS ADDING A NEW TRANSITIONAL HOUSING APARTMENT COMPLEX IN HAILEY $1.4 million still needed to complete the project

BY HAYDEN SEDER

he Advocates is on time and on budget to open new transitional safe housing in Hailey this October. The nonprofit organization operates the only shelter and subsidized housing program for survivors of abuse in rural central Idaho and serves Blaine, Camas, Custer and Lincoln counties. The project, which was initiated in September of 2017, seeks to meet the demand for transitional housing for the community. The project will expand the organization’s current transitional housing units from four at their pilot housing units in an offsite apartment building to a total of 18. Twelve of those units will be located in the new building adjacent to The Advocates’ headquarters, and six of them will be located in a stand-alone building that will open in late 2020. The newly-constructed, 13,000-square-foot building is located on a lot donated by a board member and his wife. The building will include four one-bedroom, eight studio, and six two-bedroom apartments, many of which can be combined to create larger living spaces. The units will be located on the top two floors while the ground floor will be dedicated to 4,500 square feet of private, on-site client and program support services. A community meeting, workshop and gathering space that fits 25 people will potentially serve as a meeting space for other local nonprofits and open space, play yards and a community garden will ensure the space remains family- and pet-friendly. To date, the new transitional housing project has raised 74 percent of the $5.5 million worth of funds needed to complete the project on time. Donations are being sought for the remaining $1.4 million. The need for transitional housing for those affected by abusive situations cannot be understated; according to a press release from The Advocates, many families assisted by the organization are waiting nine to 12 months for a housing solution in our community. “When they need affordable, private, autonomous housing, it is just not readily available,” said Tricia Swartling, The Advocates’ CEO. “One of the things that all of our professional advocates have said is that once somebody is ready to transition out of shelter, it’s so hard for them to find safe, affordable housing,” added Shannon Nichols, The Advo-

The Advocates’ new transitional housing is under way. Photo credit: Hayden Seder

cates’ director of Development & Engagement. A shortage of this kind of housing may put people at risk to stay in dangerous living situations or become homeless. Having transitional housing and the built-in support systems it provides can change the trajectory of an entire family or generation’s lives. “It’s not just a house,” Nichols said. “It’s the 24-hour support, it’s case management, it’s helping recalibrate how you parent. All of those things are disrupted in an abusive home.” Before delving into a fullblown transitional project, The Advocates purchased a fourplex on River Street three years ago, which has seen tremendous success. Already the waiting list for transitional housing is long enough to fill the new building as soon as it’s completed. “We didn’t invent the idea of transitional housing,” Nichols said. “It’s something that’s been going on nationally and is really a successful way to prevent future violence and stop that cycle of violence from continuing on generationally. When people are able to have safe, stable housing with their kids, they’re able to learn a new way of interacting with family members in a respectful way.” While The Advocates’ shelter is short-term, the organization

BY THE NUMBERS

hopes to provide transitional housing to families for nine months to a year which will hopefully provide families enough time to stabilize, get better jobs, and feel secure emotionally. Rent for each unit is formulated based on a percentage of each family’s income and may range anywhere from $50 per month to $250. The ground floor of the project will be dedicated to a client service center which will help service not just those living in shelter, but provide walk-in services to community members as well. The area will include a reception space, advocacy rooms and a community room as well as alarmed access to the upstairs units for residents. “Most of our clients are outreach clients, not shelter guests,” Nichols said. “Those clients get support, financial assistance, referrals, safety planning so we’ll be able to shift those services to this new center rather than getting them at the shelter.” Each apartment unit includes a living space, sleeping space ranging from studio to multi-bedroom, private bathroom and access to laundry. The decision was made to keep building materials simple and solid so as not to require a lot of upkeep but maintain its integrity for years to come. tws

5,060 – nights of safety every year for people and their pets at The Advocates 97 percent – of all women and children who receive housing support increase their sense of wellbeing 27 – years The Advocates has been serving Blaine County 1 in 3 – women in our community who will experience verbal, financial, physical or sexual abuse For more information visit theadvocatesorg.org.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

NEWS KETCHUM

KETCHUM PREPS FOR NEW FIRE STATION, EQUIPMENT UPGRADES, NEW HIRE Voters to determine in November if they want to pay for it all

NEWS IN BRIEF

New York Times Bestselling Author To Speak At Sun Valley Community School’s Graduation

Sun Valley Community School has landed a New York Times bestselling author and former Stanford University dean of freshmen to address graduates at this year’s commencement ceremonies that will take place on Sunday, June 2 at 1 p.m. in the Sun Valley Pavilion. Thirty-nine seniors will graduate along with one exchange student who will receive a certificate of completion. Julie Lythcott-Haims is the author of the 2015 New York Times bestseller “How to Raise an Adult,” which details how a parent can rob a child from developing agency by overparenting. It emerged from a decade as Stanford University’s dean of freshmen, where Lythcott-Haims was known for her fierce advocacy for young adults and fierce critique of the growing trend of parental involvement in the day-to-day lives of college students. Her 2016 TED talk on the subject became one of the top TED talks of 2016 with over 4 million views.

Julie Lythcott-Haims, a New York Times bestselling author, will deliver this year’s commencement speech at Sun Valley Community School. Photo credit: Sun Valley Community School

Carey Teenager Dies In Rollover Accident

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, at approximately 10:05 a.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover on U.S. Highway 20 near milepost 191 near the Susie Q Ranch east of Picabo. Dakota R. Pettit, age 19, of Carey, was the sole occupant in a 1996 white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling eastbound on Hwy. 20. Deputies determined Pettit’s vehicle left the right side of the road and traveled briefly on the shoulder. As the vehicle re-entered onto the roadway, it began an uncontrolled skid into the westbound lane. The accident reconstruction investigation indicates Pettit attempted a steering correction, but the vehicle overturned and rolled approximately one and a half times before landing on its roof. Pettit, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected in the crash and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. “We have seen an increase in serious accidents for this time of year,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins. “Please remember to drive safely, wear your seatbelts and obey all traffic laws.” Corporal Rummel, pictured right, is partnered with “Eric”—a two-year-old male German shepherd/Malinois mix. Deputy Harrison, pictured left, is partnered with “Kimber”—a one-and-a-halfyear-old female German shepherd/Malinois mix. Photo credit: Blaine County Sheriff’s Office

BY ERIC VALENTINE

n 11th-hour plan by the City of Ketchum to save its contract with the Ketchum Rural Fire District was well received at the city council’s May 6 meeting. Councilmembers voted unanimously to move forward with a bond on the November ballot, meaning voters will be asked to “yae or nae” a property tax increase that would bring Ketchum a new fire station—at least—and several equipment upgrades and a new administrative position, at most. As for a much-overdue fire truck, the city council approved the acquisition of a $935,000 aerial tower. “That’s a done deal,” said council president Michael David. “It’s just a matter of how we’re paying for it.” The basic options are to drain the reserves through a purchase, or to lease the vehicle and make regular payments that are more affordable in the short term but more expensive over the long haul. The improvements are all part of a roadmap to consolidation between the rural fire district and the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley that has proved elusive for years. The three entities were nearly fully aligned earlier this year until the Ketchum City Council voted unanimously against entering into a contract for services with Sun Valley. Councilmembers expressed concern at that time that a contract would not be a sufficient way of guaranteeing emergency services protection to Ketchum residents, businesses and visitors. They preferred to establish a joint powers agreement (JPA) instead, since JPAs essentially form a new government body made up of representatives from multiple jurisdictions. This triggered the rural fire district to cancel the contract it had with Ketchum since the 1950s and enter into discussions that would team them up with Sun Valley instead. The rural fire district told Ketchum officials they’d hold off on entering into a contract with Sun Valley if Ketchum could propose a plan sooner than later. “There is a cost to doing nothing,” Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw warned then. The New Plan Depending on which location the city decides to purchase and whether the Ketchum Rural Fire District re-ups, the bond would cost between $10 million and $15 million. The two locations councilmembers prefer are the city-owned lot north of the YMCA and a privately owned lot north of the Sun Valley Community School known as the Barsotti lot. The price difference? More than $3 million, potentially, to purchase the private lot. A number of other equipment upgrades could add $500,000 to the bond, too. And one personnel position—an $84,000 assistant fire chief—would be necessary if the rural fire district doesn’t sign the new contract with Ketchum, David said. Ketchum has until mid-September to finalize the bond details and verbiage for a November ballot.

Arts Center To Showcase Student Artwork

The Sun Valley Center for the Arts is inviting members of the community to a special event celebrating the opening of the 2018–2019 Classroom Enrichment Exhibition on Thursday, May 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. The visual arts exhibition, which explores how art deepened student learning throughout the year, will be on view at The Center’s museum through Saturday, June 1. The so-called Deepen the Discussion exhibition showcases artwork created by students who participated in projects associated with The Center’s Classroom Enrichment program during the 2018–2019 school year. This innovative arts integration program brings professional museum educators and teaching artists into the schools to work with non-arts classroom teachers at the secondary level in developing a project and co-teaching an element of planned curriculum through a hands-on art project. Enrichment projects are offered annually to core subject teachers and sixth- to 12th-grade students across the Blaine County School District. These projects provide students with new tools for interpretation and problem-solving; encourage three-dimensional learning, critical thinking and self-expression; and deepen student engagement with academic course material. Generously sponsored by Wendy and Alan Pesky, the program reaches up to 700 secondary students in their classrooms each year, including 740 students who participated in enrichment projects during the current school year. “This program provides students with a new platform for creatively engaging with classroom topics and expressing their understanding in a way unique to themselves,” Jordyn Dooley, art enrichment coordinator at The Center, said. For more information, visit sunvalleycenter.org or call (208) 726-9491.

A chart shows the property tax burden for Ketchum homeowners should a bond get voter approval in November. Image credit: City of Ketchum

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

NEWS IDAHO

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Janie Davidson, chair of the Blaine County Democrats, addresses attendees at the annual Clint Stennett Social held at The Valley Club, May 3. State Representative Muffy Davis and other Democratic leaders look on. Photo credit: Janie Davidson

BLAINE COUNTY DEMS RECHARGE AT ANNUAL CLINT STENNETT SPRING SOCIAL

in for the event from Reclaim Idaho, a grassroots organization started in the summer of 2017 that olitically, the Gem State is firmly in the red. spearheaded the initiative campaign to get MedSo when Democratic leadership needs a icaid expansion on the 2018 ballot. Shroder adblue-friendly spot in the state to celebrate—or dressed the logistics of the fight that took place at mourn—the end of a legislative session, they turn to the Capitol this year. the Wood River Valley and the annual Clint Stennett Representative Sally Toone also spoke on the Spring Social, named after the longtime minority matter at last Friday’s event, addressing some of leader of the Idaho Senate. On May 3, The Valley the frustrations, too. Club, in Hailey, played host to the party’s party. “The vote on Medicaid [expansion] was clear. As is customary, Idaho legislators offered their Why did it take all session?” Toone said. “That assessment of the 2019 legislative session, which left me feeling very frustrated. There were no was the third longest in Idaho history, at 95 days. conversations across the aisle and people were left During that time, 329 new laws out of conversations; those are were passed (11 fewer than last Turnout was great. We frustrating events. Medicaid year), with a number of laws was passed but now had about 130 people expansion that proved contentious for it’s going to take extra time Idaho Democrats, such as the and proceeds from the online and it’s kind of a slap in the ballot initiative measure and auction exceeded our goal. It face to Idaho citizens.” Medicaid expansion. Toone said she was also diswas a great party.” The event was a relaxed, intiappointed that a hemp bill did mate opportunity to hear from Janie Davidson not get passed, as Toone sits on Idaho legislators post-session, Blaine County Democrats Chair the House Agricultural Affairs support Democrats through a Committee, but acknowledges silent auction, and mingle with fellow Idaho Dem- the strides they have made in even being able to ocrats—namely, Idaho Senator Michelle Stennett, talk about it. District 26 Representatives Sally Toone and Muffy Despite those frustrations, Toone said there was Davis, and guest speaker Rebecca Shroder, execu- some semblance of bipartisanship during this last tive director of Reclaim Idaho. legislative session. The event cost $50 per person, although tickets “There was an increase in funding in education, were $30 for those under the age of 30 and schol- which is something to be proud of,” Toone said. arships were even available for students at Wood “I’ve been a career educator for 36 years so educaRiver High School to attend. tion is my passion. Governor Little (a Republican) “We’re trying to make sure that we include peo- put some money into beginning-year teachers, but ple that can’t afford to come, especially those 30 now we have to talk about veteran teachers and and under,” said Janie Davidson, Blaine County how to keep them in Idaho.” Democrats chair. The Party The Party Politics “It’s always an interesting group of people but While the event is informal and gives everyone it’s also so encouraging because we all want what’s a chance to socialize, Senator Michelle Stennett best for Idaho,” Toone said. did discuss some of the more serious aspects of The annual event features a silent auction, which, this year’s session, such as disappointments expe- during election years, helps finance Democratic rienced on the Democratic side—specifically, for campaigns. As a non-election year, funds from the Stennett, the funding of the Medicaid expansion event’s auction will go to the Blaine County Demvoters approved in 2018. ocrats’ new full-time office at 16 West Croy Street, Republican lawmakers had originally sought to in Hailey, and the political coordinator who has protect against any abuse of Medicaid funds by set- been employed to help build the party. ting stronger work requirements on a segment of “That’s why we need the money,” Davidson said. Medicaid-eligible residents. Democrats called it an “We’re trying to do a lot of outreach to the Latino unnecessary hurdle that could cost the state mil- community and to young people and make sure we lions in enforcement and leave thousands without get a big turnout for the elections.” insurance. The silent auction was a success, organizers “Twenty-nine out of 35 districts passed Medic- said. Prizes from the auction included Idahound aid,” Stennett said. “That was a pretty strong mes- products, a one-night stay at The Limelight, phosage and all we were supposed to do was fund it. tographic art, meals at various restaurants in town, It is frustrating when legislators don’t want to do and more. what they’ve been asked to do and then, as a reacGrace Ayers-Doyle was also the recipient of the tion, try to pass a law that will make it even more Betty Murphy annual scholarship to attend Forddifficult to have a voice in the future.” ham University, in New York City, next year. Guest speaker Rebecca Shroder was brought tws

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Senior Connection To Benefit From Keller Williams RED Day

On Thursday, May 9, real estate professionals from Keller Williams will participate in their annual RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, their annual day of service. It marks the second year in a row the Senior Connection will be the recipient of their service. One team will be cleaning up the yard of a senior who can no longer get outside. Another team will be building bird houses to be delivered to homebound seniors. After, they will enjoy a barbecue at the Senior Connection. Help with chores like yard work, helps keep seniors living in their own home, allowing them to “age in place.”

Sun Valley Resort Loses Dispute Over Domain Name

A dispute over the Internet domain name sumvalley.com—the m is not a typo—has been resolved, but not to the liking of Sinclair Finance Company, the owner of Sun Valley Resort. When it was discovered that a Texas small-business owner registered the sumvalley.com domain name, Sinclair filed for arbitration. They complained that the smaller company was using the domain name to divert Internet traffic away from the ski resort, thereby disrupting its business. The Texas-based company is registered as a tech-coding company and claims that it was playing off the term “Silicon Valley” for marketing purposes. The website is still under construction. The arbitration panel sided with the Texans. “The Panel finds that the disputed domain name is confusingly similar to a mark in which Complainant (Sinclair) has rights. The Panel further finds that Complainant has not proved that Respondent (the Texas business) lacks rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name, nor that the disputed domain name was registered and is being used in bad faith,” the official decision states.

Vendors Wanted At 2019 Sheep Festival

The 2019 Trailing of the Sheep Festival isn’t until Oct. 11–13, but openings to be a vendor at the three-day event are available now. Typical vendor booths include items attractive to dog lovers and sheep/wool enthusiasts. Over the three days, up to 4,000 people are in attendance. For more information, visit trailingofthesheep.org.

sun T H E W E E K 8

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M AY 8 - 14, 2019

the weekly

Sun Valley and Ketchum fire crews extinguished a roughly 5-acre fire that broke out within the new Lane Ranch subdivision after a biker disposed of his used toilet paper by lighting it on fire. Photo cred “News In Brief” on page 2.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Power Prices Could Drop, Again

Idaho Power has filed the final piece of its spring cost adjustments with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC). If all filings are approved by the IPUC as requested, this will be the second consecutive year that residential customers see an overall price decrease. The typical residential customer will see a combined decrease of $0.59 per month. On top of that, three classes of business customers, including irrigators, will see a decrease of more than 5 percent. Overall, Idaho Power prices are about 20 percent lower than the national average. If approved as filed, the following four cost adjustments will become effective June 1: • The annual Power Cost Adjustment (PCA), a cost-recovery tool that passes on both the benefits and costs of supplying energy to Idaho Power customers. Idaho Power’s 2019 proposed rate chart. Image credit: Idaho Power • The annual Fixed Cost Adjustment (FCA), which adjusts prices based on changes in energy use per customer during the previous year. • This year, Idaho Power also filed a rate adjustment to recover costs related to the company’s planned exit from the North Valmy power plant (Valmy, Nev.). • This year, Idaho Power also requested a downward adjustment to the Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider (EE Rider).

Ketchum To Recognize Local Olympians

The City of Ketchum is inviting the public to celebrate the Valley’s most recent Olympians. The celebration takes place at Town Square on Thursday, May 9, and begins at 5 p.m. Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury will emcee the brief ceremony. The names of Jake Adicoff, Jasmine Campbell, Chase Josey and Hilary Knight will be unveiled on the Olympic panels. Two-time Paralympian, Adicoff, claimed a silver medal in the men’s 10-kilometer cross-country ski event at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Campbell, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics in the slalom and giant slalom ski events. Josey finished sixth in the snowboarding halfpipe event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And three-time Olympian, Knight, along with the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Snacks, drinks and commemorative posters will be provided by the city.

Hailey resident Steve Snyder won $25 for fin Clean Sweep in Hailey, a purple monster hat plastic fencing ‘hair’). Photo credit: Steve Sn

K LY S C E N E

dit: T.P. Brown. For more information, see

nding the most interesting object during t (which he accessorized with some orange nyder

T H E W E E K LY S U N â&#x20AC;˘

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

Above and below: Many people participated in the ERCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Clean Sweep in Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum on Saturday, May 4. More than 215 volunteers picked up nearly 150 bags of trash, according to the ERC. Photo credits: City of Bellevue, ERC, Starbucks and Taan Robrahn

COMME N TA RY

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Fishing R epoRt

M AY 8 - 14, 2019

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 8 - 14, FROM PICABO ANGLER

pening Day is right around the corner! Are you ready? Opening Day is on Saturday, May 25, this year and, of course, our Opening Eve Party is the evening of Friday, May 24. Once again we will have our favorite emcee, Hank Patterson, and our favorite band in Idaho, Hillfolk Noir. All the fly-fishing industry manufacturers will be here, as well, and there will be great events, games, beverages and more. See you on the 24th! If you are getting ready for the season, it is time to think about gear being organized and in good order. Some things to think about as we get closer and closer to the end of May: First, be sure your fly boxes are full of the good, early-season patterns. Silver Creek may be the only game in town with the spring runoff on other rivers. For the Creek, be sure to have Baetis, PMD, Callibaetis, Ants, Beetles and Brown Drakes. Come on in and check out all the new patterns here at Picabo Angler. Anglers should check boots and waders. How are those boot laces looking—the ones you meant to replace all of last season? How about those pinholes in your waders? Is it time for a patch or even a new pair of warm, dry waders? Some waders may even be due for new straps, or a wader belt. Wader belts are very important in the early season, and a simple belt can even save your life. Wear one. It’s time to throw out those old leaders and tippet spools, as well. Are you still using your tippet from three seasons ago? It’s probably gone bad, as all tippet does, eventually. Replace it with new stuff and lose a lot less fish this summer. How about your boats and float tubes? Are they clean and patched up? Need a new tube or that spare oar you keep thinking about purchasing? Are the trailer lights working for your boat? Do you have your invasive species sticker? So much for all of us to do! Finally, take a moment and think about the fun we are all going to have together this summer. Fly fishing is for everyone and anyone. Let’s all “be kind and stay kind” as we encounter one another this early season. We will be fishing close together until the runoff abates and fisheries open up. In the meantime, let’s remember it’s about fun and camaraderie. Happy fishing, everyone!

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

COLLARS AND HARNESSES

BY FRAN JEWELL

don’t usually write much about equipment for dogs because I have always believed that equipment should be discussed and recommended for the individual dog. However, I just spent a week with my colleagues at the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors annual conference and had a few eye-openers and reinforcements for feelings I have had about some equipment. I am not a veterinarian, but I am confronted with the use of dog harnesses on a daily basis. The conference did address the use of harnesses and collars with relationship to behavior. Behavior IS something I deal with every day. I have not been much of a supporter of harnesses, although many people feel they do help with stopping pulling. Let’s face it—some harnesses are adorable! What I have seen are improperly fitted harnesses, and harnesses that dogs can get out of. Continued use of a harness can cause pulling resulting in dogs wrenching their shoulders, backs, ribs, elbows and necks while wearing them. Recently, I came across a study done in the UK that showed that natural movement was inhibited by all harnesses, especially the ones designed for attachment at the

front. I wonder, too, if the straps around the chest inhibit breathing because of the pressure on the ribs. This could be enormously important for dogs with very short muzzles, like French bulldogs and the like. Now I see that many breeders are sending puppies home in harnesses. This rather terrifies me for several reasons. First, I don’t believe this can be healthy for the developing structure of a puppy. Secondly, as I discovered at the conference, almost all harnesses lay across the brachial nerve plexus, which can cause pain for the dog. When everyone is touting how humane harnesses are, I have to ask, “Are they, really?” I was unable to find any studies on the Internet about the potential of brachial plexus nerve damage related to harnesses, yet I suspect at some point there will be. This nerve is vital to the proper function of the front legs and it can be damaged or impaired. While everyone feels they are being more humane when they use a harness, I am not quite sure I can buy into that. In most cases where I see dogs in harnesses, the dogs are still misbehaving. There are, of course, reasons for harnesses that can be lifesaving. As with everything, we have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. My feeling is to use another piece of equipment unless the harness is

necessary for a certain activity to keep the dog safe. Now the question is: “What do you use instead?” Well, another fallacy is that flat collars are the best collars to use. Flat collars are supposed to be the most humane. There is also the concern that flat collars hurt the dog’s trachea. Again, I am not a veterinarian, but there is some logic to this. When a dog is wearing a flat, buckle collar with a leash, the leash puts pressure on the opposite side of the neck from where the leash is attached. A flat, buckle collar can, indeed, influence damage, especially for some dogs with known breathing and soft-tissue issues. The alternative is what is called a martingale, or limited slip, collar. This collar allows for pressure to be applied evenly around the dog’s neck without choking when the leash is attached, so the amount of pressure is not directed to one area. For many years I recommended these collars for puppies because it does not allow the puppy to learn how to escape the buckle collar. I almost lost one of my own dogs 25 years ago in downtown Ketchum because she slipped out of her collar. She ran onto Sun Valley Road! From then on, I personally always used martingale collars so my pups never learned how to escape from a collar in the first place.

This is a martingale collar and one I am recommending for everyday use. Photo credit: Fran Jewell

There are many brands. Some are much nicer than others and prices vary enormously. For any breed, this collar is even preferred over a harness because it has so much less potential to physically hurt your dog. Equipment is a very important issue for dog owners. All things should be considered when you start placing them on your dog. Don’t fall prey to the glamorous ads and pretty colors. Do some research and consult a professional if you are concerned. Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy. com or call (208) 578-1565.

COLUMN SKETCHBOOK HIKING

Leslie Rego, “A Host of Glacier Lilies,” watercolor, pencil.

A HOST OF GLACIER LILIES

BY LESLIE REGO

have a tradition of visiting my brother and sister-in-law every year during the end of April or the beginning of May. They live in Hood River, Oregon, and during this time the early wildflowers are in full bloom. We hike every day amongst the local beauties. This year we hiked along a trail lined with a profusion of glacier lilies. I have seen one or two during the early spring months here in the Valley, but I have never seen such profusion before! The bright yellow petals and sepals shone in the sunlight. The forest looked as if it were filled with lantern lights guiding the travelers through the trees. Walt Whitman wrote in “Leaves of Grass,”

“The first step I say awed me and pleas’d me so much, I have early gone and hardly wish’d to go any farther, But stop and loiter all the time to sing it in ecstatic songs.” We certainly did loiter along the trail, gazing from one grouping of flowers to the next, following the light as it caught on one flower head after another. It seemed as if the lilies were fairy dwellings collected together into hamlets, the hamlets into villages. Within the villages, “doors and windows” materialized, beckoning us to come closer. As we journeyed farther along the trail, we arrived at an open area where the flowers were jaunty, much like the daffodils in William Wordsworth’s poem, “fluttering and dancing in the breeze… tossing their heads

in sprightly dance.” The sun streamed in the open space and the glacier lily sparkled. Dozens of them were sprinkled amongst the meadow, dots of light moving back and forth, scattered throughout the green grasses. To paraphrase Wordsworth, one cannot help but be delighted when witnessing a host of glacier lilies stretching in a never-ending line. They make for jocund company. This vision will stay with me, flashing upon my eye, filling my heart with pleasure. Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit leslierego.com.

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