12 December 2018 by The Weekly Sun

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DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2018 | V O L . 1 1 - N O . 5 0 | W W W . T H E W E E K L Y S U N . C O M

Community News Locals Paint Over Hate Graffiti At Carbonate Cistern

Crime & Courts News Hailey Man Sentenced To 41 Days In Jail For Sexual Battery

Health News Body Love Summit To Take Place Dec. 17

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Local resident Beau Stuart paints over one of several swastikas that appeared recently on the inside of the large concrete cistern located partway up the south ridge of Carbonate Mountain in Hailey. The structure has been marked with graffiti… For more information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Courtesy photo by Hallie Star

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12- 18, 2018

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Idaho Rep. Reacts To Investigation Of Nationwide Treatment Of Sexual Assault Kits

According to a press release from the Idaho State House of Representatives, CNN is publishing a report following a nationwide investigation of how sexual assault kits are being handled. The report details hundreds of instances since 2010 involving 25 law enforcement agencies in 14 states—including Idaho—where sexual assault kits were destroyed prior to the statute of limitations running out. The report prompted Washington state’s attorney general to issue a statewide order not to destroy the kits. Representative Melissa Wintrow is quoted in the story, calling for increased training of law enforcement agencies and calling the problem something the “entire country has to do better on.” However, Wintrow is encouraged that many of the reforms contemplated in the report are already on the books in Idaho. Over the last three years, Idaho lawmakers have passed legislation: (1) requiring all kits be tested except under limited circumstances; (2) requiring they be stored for up to 55 years; and (3) that the state pay for the cost of processing the kits. In addition, the Idaho State Police Crime Lab has developed software to track the kits throughout the criminal justice process—software being sought by many other states. The latest phase in Idaho’s transformation on this issue begins in early 2019. The Idaho State Police Forensic Services Laboratories is using federal grant money to conduct training for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (“SANE”) with a goal of certifying 250 nurses statewide. The program is aimed primarily at rural hospitals where trained staff is scarce for this specific discipline.

Temporary Window To Add Medigap Plan For Those Under 65 Closes December 31

There is still time for Idahoans under the age of 65 on Medicare to take advantage of a temporary three-month time period to purchase a Medicare supplement plan, according to a press release from the Department of Insurance. The additional time expires at midnight on Dec. 31. Separate from Medicare’s annual open enrollment period that runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, the three-month window allows those who qualified and enrolled for benefits under Medicare parts A and B to apply for or make changes to part D prescription drug plans and/or Medicare Advantage plans. Newly eligible beneficiaries under 65 may also buy a Medicare supplement policy within six months of qualifying for coverage, effective Jan. 1. Medicare beneficiaries with questions can contact the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) with the Idaho Department of Insurance at (800) 247-4422.

Idaho State Police Warns Of Attempted Scams Of People Listed On Sex Offender Registry

The Idaho Central Sex Offender Registry, part of the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, has been made aware of several attempted scams targeting sexual offenders in several Idaho counties, as well as in other states. According to a press release from the Idaho State Police, one scam involves a caller posing as a law enforcement officer who tells the sexual offender that they have miss-

ing or out-of-date registration information. The caller then threatens that, in order to avoid arrest for failure to register, the registrant must bring a gift/money card to a specified location (other than the local law enforcement’s registration office). The caller may provide a callback number with a voice mail message that sounds as if it belongs to the local law enforcement’s registration office. In another report, the caller says they are with the sheriff’s office and they have a warrant for being noncompliant and the only way to take care of it without being arrested is to go to the store and get a money card and give them the number over the phone. If contacted, those on the Sex Offender Registry should not follow these instructions. Report any such contact to your local sheriff’s office.

Sun Valley Center For The Arts Presents Film ‘The Irish Pub’

The Sun Valley Center for the Arts announced in a press release that the 2018–2019 Film Series continues Thursday, Jan. 10, with “The Irish Pub”—a documentary film that celebrates what is perhaps the greatest institution in Irish society: the Irish pub, and the interesting characters who own and run these establishments. The film, which is presented as part of The Center’s BIG IDEA project, “At the Table: Kitchen as Home,” will be shown twice at the Magic Lantern Cinemas in Ketchum at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members of The Center and $12 for nonmembers. To purchase tickets, visit sunvalleycenter.org, call (208) 726-9491 or visit The Center’s box office at 191 Fifth Street East in Ketchum.

Galena & The Trails Winter Benefit To Be Held Jan. 26, 2019

The Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) announced in a press release that the annual Galena & The Trails Winter Benefit will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in the Limelight Room of the Sun Valley Inn. This fun-filled evening brings Nordic, hiking and biking communities together to help raise crucial funds for the maintenance and sustainment of the beloved Galena Lodge and the surrounding trail systems. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and drinks, followed by dinner, a live auction, the Stand for Galena paddle raise and ends with dancing to the sounds of the High Street Party Band. This annual celebration is brought to you by the Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD), the Galena and the Trails Advisory Council and Tastevin Wines. Reservations are now open for this sell-out event at bcrd.org. Tickets are $100 a person and tables are available for eight and 10.

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12 - 18, 2018

THE WEEKLY SUN CONTENTS

Agnès Varda, an award-winning French director, made and will appear in “Faces Places” Thursday at Magic Lantern Cinemas in Ketchum. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Center for the Arts

THIS WEEK

D E C E M B E R 1 2 - 1 8 , 2018 | VOL. 11 NO. 50

jane’s holiday house SANTA IS COMING ON SATURDAY, DEC. 15 From 12-1 p.m.

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Arts News

Sun Valley Ballet Welcomes New Artistic Director

Commentary

Calendar

“Pay What You Feel Night”

WED, DEC 12, 7PM

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

ON THE COVER

Continued from page 1: …for many years, but this is the first time swastikas have been spray painted on the walls. For a story, see page 4. Courtesy photo by Hallie Star 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

Adapted by Dwayne Hartford from the book by Kate DiCamillo

DEC 12–30 Liberty Theatre, Hailey A HOLIDAY TREAT WHOLE FAMILY! FEATURING A STELLAR CAST:

Scott Creighton, David Janeski, Denise Simone & Aly Wepplo

AD SALES Brennan Rego • 208.720.1295 • brennan@theweeklysun.com INTERIM NEWS EDITOR Jennifer Liebrum • news@theweeklysun.com INTERIM ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Hayden Seder • news@theweeklysun.com

Generously sponsored by Marcia and Donald Liebich. Student matinees are sponsored by Hailey Rotary Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Hailey and Wood River Valley Papoose Club.

ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan • calendar@theweeklysun.com

Arrow R. Storage, Big Wood Landscape, Linda and Bob Edwards, Ginny and Peter Foreman, Carol and Len Harlig, Dan and Jodie Hunt and the Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Kenneth Lewis, Mathieu, Ranum & Allaire, PLLC, Jane Rosen and Scott Miley—Scott Miley Roofing, Carol P. Nie, Priscilla Pittiglio, The Shubert Foundation, Richard Smooke and Family in loving memory of Judith Smooke, Mary Ann and John Underwood, Maryanne and Jerry Whitcomb, Barbara and Stanley Zax, and media sponsor The Weekly Sun.

COPY EDITOR Patty Healey STAFF REPORTERS • Dick Dorworth • Aimée Durand • Hayden Seder • Emilee Struss 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 brennan@theweeklysun.com • bulletin@theweeklysun.com Calendar Submissions — Friday @ 5pm calendar@theweeklysun.com www.TheWeeklySun.com Published by Idaho Sunshine Media, LLC

NEWS IN BRIEF

Middle School Choice: Hemingway STEAM And Wood River Middle School Hold Open Houses For Parents And Students

Blaine County School District will now offer a choice when it comes to middle school, according a press release from the district. Parents can now choose between Ernest Hemingway STEAM School in Ketchum and Wood River Middle School in Hailey. Starting in the 2019-20 school year, Hemingway’s STEAM School will add eighth grade along with the education integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The school offers elective courses and world languages. WRMS already offers a well-rounded curriculum that includes world languages and dual immersion. Elective courses and extracurriculars include art, music, technology and athletics. Transportation is provided for middle school students living in Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue for both middle schools. Parent and student open houses will take place at Hemingway from 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15, and at WRMS from 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16. A tour with the Hemingway principal is available every Friday in January from 1-1:45 p.m. For more information, visit blaineschools.org.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12- 18, 2018

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NEWS COMMUNITY

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DEADLINES The Weekly Sun will not be open: Mon. and Tue., Dec. 24 & 25 Mon. and Tue., Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 The advertising deadline for the Dec. 26 issue is: Thursday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. The advertising deadline for the Jan. 2 issue is: Thursday, Dec. 27, at 5 p.m.

This will help your friends at The Weekly Sun enjoy the holidays as much as we hope you all will too!

Beau Stuart covers up hateful graffiti at the Carbonate cistern. Courtesy photo by Hallie Star

LOCALS COVER UP HATE HELP WANTED GRAFFITI AT CARBONATE CISTERN Lead Our Team Of Talented Wordsmiths The Weekly Sun currently seeks a part-time news editor to produce and edit local journalism.

• About 25 hours per week, pay DOE. • Would need to be in office Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays. • Responsibilities include writing approximately two stories per week, writing news briefs and editing news stories written by reporters.

To apply, email a résumé to: Publisher & Editor Brennan Rego at publisher@theweeklysun.com

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But now, as a man raising two 13-year-olds with his girlfriend, “It makes me wonder, why are they ikers who make the trek up Hailey’s Car- not educated on the fact that that symbol is a symbonate Mountain are familiar with the con- bol of hate?” said Stuart. “Are they not getting it in crete water structure that has been used as school, or from their parents? So many people hike a canvas for graffiti artists of all calibers for many up there with kids and families and I don’t want years, but in recent weeks it has been used as a plat- them to see that. form for hate. “I think people turn a blind eye to it and that’s Erin Sweeney noticed swastikas painted on the part of what’s wrong with our country.” abandoned cistern and took her children up to Star said it’s important to acknowledge that paint them over a few weeks back. But they were hate, hate groups and hate images are everywhere, back again when Hallie Star and her husband Se- even in our Valley. lim hiked up on Dec. 2. “The fact that these have popped up two times “There were more of them (swastikas), and new within a month tells me that whoever is responones,” recalled Star, who is director of the College sible for it feels strongly enough to come back a of Southern Idaho, Blaine Counsecond time,” she said. “It’s imty Center, in Hailey. “Something portant that in this communiIt’s a symbol of hate ty we don’t think we’re exempt absolutely had to be done.” Star posted photos of the hateand I’d like to do all I from this kind of thing just beful graffiti on Facebook and the can to eradicate hate.” cause we live in such a safe and trip she and her half-brother beautiful place.” made to cover it up the next day. Stuart said the Wood River Beau Stuart The post read: “My bro Beau Local Jewish Community called to exStuart and I crushing hate with press their appreciation for what love at the Carbonate cistern in the two had done. Hailey. Please take the time to explain to your kids, Hailey’s mayor, Fritz Haemmerle, a first-generstudents, and everyone else who doesn’t know or ation German American, had a personal reaction understand or doesn’t remember why the image of to the incident. the swastika is a symbol of hate, terror and white “This summer, I travelled to Germany and visitsupremacy and why we must all fight back and ed Dachau and Nuremberg,” Haemmerle said. “At take a stand in the presence of hate. Being neutral Dachau, I was able to feel and sense the complete or not acting in the presence of hate sustains hate. evil perpetuated by the Nazis on other human beShow up. Stop hate.” ings—all of this being done under the swastika The post struck a chord, garnering 91 “likes,” symbol and all it represented. That hateful symbol eight shares on other pages and 16 comments has no place in any society. along the lines of “Great work!” but also “Where “Unfortunately, we live in a culture where hate is this?” from those disbelieving it occurred in this has been unleashed from Pandora’s box. Once uncommunity. leashed, hate is very hard to contain. All of us need Stuart, who runs Crystal Clear Window Clean- to fight evil, however it presents itself. I am grateing, admitted he graffitied some things up there as ful that there are people who are willing to take a teen, and he would like to believe it’s ignorant action on this type of thing.” tws teens leaving the marks, and not a movement.

BY HAYDEN SEDER

T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12- 18, 2018

NEWS CRIME & COURTS

HAILEY MAN SENTENCED IN SEXUAL BATTERY CASE Marco Antonio Martinez-Reyes Receives Misdemeanor, 41 Days In Jail

Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the charge was reduced to misdemeanor sexual battery. Hailey man charged with misdemeanor sexAccording to a news release from the Sheriff’s ual battery for an alleged incident involving Office, the Sheriff’s Office received a report from a 16-year-old girl at the Carey hot springs in the victim on Jan. 14 alleging that Martinez-Reyes January, 2018, was sentenced in Blaine County 5th had raped her the previous night at the hot springs, District Court on Dec. 3. east of Carey. After investigating the report, the According to court documents, Magistrate Sheriff’s Office arrested Martinez-Reyes. Judge Jennifer Haemmerle sentenced Marco After a preliminary hearing on Jan. 30, the case Antonio Martinez-Reyes, 19, to 360 days in jail, was bound over to Blaine County 5th District Court with 319 suspended and six days credit for time with an original charge of one count of felony rape served—totaling 41 days, with 35 under Idaho Code 18-6101(4)—rape in more to serve. Martinez-Reyes is eliwhich a victim resists but resistance is gible for work release after serving 14 overcome by force or violence. That more days. The court also ordered him charge carries a maximum penalty of not to have unsupervised contact with life in prison and a minimum of one females under the age of 18, except year. relatives, and ordered him to have no When asked in an interview why the contact with the victim. Prosecuting Attorney’s Office agreed The court fined Martinez-Reyes to the misdemeanor plea instead of $2,000, with $1,500 suspended, and pursuing the felony charge, Matt Fredordered him to pay court costs of back—the prosecuting attorney for the $457.50. He must also complete 24 case—said, “This case is difficult and Marco Antonio Martimonths of supervised probation (in- nez-Reyes I have to be sensitive as to what I can cluding classes for substance abuse say. Rather than speak out of formal and mental health), abstain from alcohol and con- context, which can be dangerous in my position, I trolled substances not prescribed by a physician would refer you to the audio recording of the senand not be in physical control of a vehicle after tencing hearing. It would answer your questions.” having consumed any alcohol or controlled substances. Editor’s Note: The Weekly Sun was unable to Martinez-Reyes was originally arrested by the access an audio recording of the sentencing hearBlaine County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 14, 2018, ing before press deadline on Tuesday. See next under one count of felony rape. week’s paper for a story on why the Prosecuting In August, he struck a plea agreement with the Attorney’s Office agreed to the plea deal. tws BY HAYDEN SEDER & BRENNAN REGO

NEWS PHOTOBOX

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Idaho Trails Association Seeks New Members

Senior Lieutenant Lara McLean, left, and Firefighter/Engineer Brenda Griffin, have been named firefighters of the year by the Ketchum Fire Department and Sun Valley Fire Department, respectively.

The Idaho Trails Association (ITA) announced in a press release that it is conducting its annual membership drive. ITA is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2010 to promote the continued enjoyment of Idaho’s hiking trails. ITA accomplishes this mission by leading field projects to maintain or construct nonmotorized trails and by teaching trail maintenance skills to volunteer workers. The projects that ITA is planning for 2019 range from easy to more difficult and from one-day to two-day and week-long projects. ITA members get preferred status on these projects. And for each $25 an individual donates during the 2018 membership drive, they will get one entry into ITA’s drawing for a chance to win a spot on the spring Salmon River trail maintenance trip. Six lucky winners will start and end their trip with a scenic jetboat ride on the Salmon River (near Riggins) with a group of experienced ITA crew leaders and members of the board of directors. ITA invites membership from those outside of Idaho, as well. ITA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Membership dues are tax deductible. For more information, visit IdahoTrailsAssociation.org.

T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12- 18, 2018

NEWS ARTS

SUN VALLEY BALLET WELCOMES NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ALEXANDER TRESSOR

Broadway performer for 11 years, ballet master and Parkinson’s advocate BY EMILEE MAE STRUSS

ussian-native ballet master and former Broadway dancer Alexander Tressor moved to the Wood River Valley from New York City in September, to accept the position as artistic director of Sun Valley Ballet. “I had heard of Sun Valley growing up in Russia,” Tressor said, “through that jazz blackand-white movie where they used Glenn Miller’s song, ‘Sun Valley Serenade.’” Now entering its 41st season, Sun Valley Ballet, which is supported by the nonprofit Sun Valley Ballet Foundation, is located in Hailey just off of 1st Ave. N., in the Meriwether building. The challenge for Tressor is to grow the company and that will entail broadening its mission and expanding the opportunities. “My hope for Sun Valley Ballet is to bring awareness,” Tressor said. “I would like to see us turn this place into an arts center with a children’s theatre.” Tressor wants to see students evolve from “content consumers to content creators.” He sees an opportunity to incorporate technology into dance and include acting and other artistic talents to

provide the tools for students to be successful in various creative arts fields in the future. “Growing up in Russia,” Tressor said, “it was very different.” In Russia, there are many large ballet schools that select only the best of the best based off of a series of physical characteristics, which are selected by ballet masters. “Your feet, your legs, your body, the shape of your head, and your height is what determines if you’re a ballet dancer in Russia,” Tressor said. “And the professionals choose from thousands of perfect kids, which are chosen when they are only five or six years old.” The process can be emotionally traumatizing for students; however, Tressor expressed that that is how Russian ballet dancers become top performers. Conversely, in the United States, students have many choices of sports and extracurricular activities to be involved in. Ballet, being the narrow field it is, doesn’t always hold the number of students that the schools would like. Tressor wants to take the best of both worlds to create a new program for the company to present. Part of that will include

integrating the historical roots of ballet and dance into the learning process, and also partnering with other ballet studios, such as Ballet Idaho in Boise, to bring their students to the Wood River Valley to perform and send Sun Valley Ballet students to Boise to perform. Tressor is no novice to challenging situations. In 2006, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive degenerative neurological disorder. Through exercise and eating healthy, Tressor works hard to reduce his symptoms. He is a cycle instructor at Zenergy, where he teaches classes specially adapted to those who suffer from neuromuscular disorders. He has chosen not to take medication, citing many negative side effects. Tressor has created a program called “Parkinson’s On The Move,” where he encourages others with the disorder along their journey. Tressor offers personalized plans for individuals with the disease, as well as free resources on his website, pdonthemove.com. The public will have an opportunity to learn more about the company and its new direction thanks to a community donor who funded two childrens’ win-

Alexander Tressor with his miniature Schnauzer, Lucky. Tressor, the new artistic director at Sun Valley Ballet, is a ballet master, Broadway performer and Parkinson’s advocate. Photo courtesy of Alexander Tressor

ter season recitals this weekend. at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sun Valley Ballet will be the To learn more about Sun Valfirst performers to break ground ley Ballet, visit their website, in the new Argyros Performing sunvalleyballet.com. Arts Center in Ketchum, Dec. 15 tws

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T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12- 18, 2018

NEWS HEALTH

LOVE THE BODY YOU’RE IN

Free online Body Love Summit to take place this week

o encourage women to love their bodies, Jennifer Ludington is launching a free online Body Love Summit, Dec. 17, with 29 guest stories, including her very personal struggles with exercise addiction and eating disorders. “Loving our bodies is not always easy in a culture obsessed with physical perfection,” said Ludington, a fixture in local fitness for 13 years. Behind the scenes of her years as a fitness trainer, yoga instructor and nutrition bar founder, as well as a studio and gym owner, Ludington harbored a dark secret: She was caught in a vicious cycle of looking fitness-perfect all the time and knowing that no matter how hard she exercised or restricted her food intake, her mirror image would never be enough. In October 2018, desperately trying to decide how to share her story, Ludington realized that she was not alone, and that other women struggled, too. A friend remarked that she desired to look fit, like Ludington, but, despite all

the effort and using Ludington as a role model, she could cause she knew a purge would follow. not meet the goal. Ludington knows now that body-image conflicts like “I just cried,” Ludington said. “I realized I was part of hers are not just an issue for women but also for all those the problem.” who love them. Husbands and children suffer Ludington decided to stop perpetuating the right alongside. false image of what healthy looks like. She “You get so consumed with achieving perstarting talking to other women, including fection that you forget who you are,” she said. actress Mariel Hemingway and Pirie GrossLudington admits that she still gets caught man, and from that conversation the idea of in the cycle of wondering if she should eat the Body Love movement grew. Both women something or not, but her project is helping shared their personal stories for the series. her—and hopefully many others—heal. “Each speaker brings so much to the sum“When I hear these wonderful human bemit,” Ludington said. ings speaking for the summit, it heals me On her birthday last week, Ludington demore,” she said. cided to finally grant herself the gift of free- Jennifer Ludington Ludington wants to give people something dom from her own shame and penned a per- pictured here ready to tangible to help them heal. A real approach for launch her free online sonal blog post from a painful memory. real people is what she is hoping for. Late-night hunger pangs had led her to the Body Love Summit, Dec. “Just stop the madness,” she said. “This is 17. Photo courtesy of kitchen, where she dug into a jar of peanut Jennifer Ludington my purpose, it is my mission. I’m going for it.” butter, using her fingers, because she did not To register for the free summit, go to want to make any noise. The tears flowed bewww.bodylovesummit.net. tws

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PUPPIES FOR SALE

AKC CHOCOLATE LAB CHRISTMAS PUPPIES! Champion bloodlines. Exceptional hunting AND family dogs. Born 11/2/18 ready for new homes 12/21/18. Suzy Olsen 208-356-0007 https://www.icloud.com/ photos/#0lDKva2qhLRD5RB_aG8tBRBPw

7-8 pm at USA Grappling Academy! 208-720-3519 713 N. Main St. Unit A, Bellevue.

THANKS FOR THE SNOW Winter images holiday cards for handwritten notes available locally at Chapter One Bookstore, Ketchum and the Hailey Atkinsons’ card stand, by Edith Pendl photos. Happy longest nights of the year!

RAFT FOR SALE

AIRE SUPER DUPER PUMA RAFT with NRS ADJUSTABLE FISHING FRAME. Brand new minus 9 hours. This raft is playful and responsive! Suzy Olsen 208-356-0007 https://share.icloud.com/photos/0ai06Fz-j_ XQ7uo1MYUxoypww.

CROSSWORD

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T H E W E E K LY S U N •

NEWS IN BRIEF

Spirit N’ Motion To Host 2nd Annual ‘Christmas Classic in Sun Valley’ Gymnastics Meet

Spirit N’ Motion Athletic School (SMAS) is set to host the second annual “Christmas Classic In Sun Valley” regional gymnastics meet. This two-day event will take place Dec.15-16 at the Wood River High School gymnasium in Hailey. Around 300 athletes from all over Idaho and Utah are registered to compete. Everyone from the community is invited to attend. Spirit N’ Motion is home to several of the top-ranked gymnasts in the state and region (Region 2). In March 2019, SMAS will also be hosting the Xcel Idaho State Championship gymnastics meet, which will bring over 500 athletes to Hailey. To learn more about the Spirit N’ Motion and its upcoming gymnastics meets, visit spiritnmotion.com.

DECEMBER 12- 18, 2018

sun T H E W E E the weekly

Sun Valley Resort’s Annual Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting This Weekend

Sun Valley Resort announced in a press release the beginning of the holiday season with the annual Winter Wonderland festivities and events happening throughout December. This year’s theme in the Sun Valley Village highlights the magical scenes in a snow globe. This weekend’s first event is “Holiday Storytelling” in the Sun Valley Lodge Sunroom on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Presented by The Community Library, children of all ages can hear old and new Christmas classics, as read by the library staff. Admission is free and open to the public. On Friday, Dec. 14, Warren Miller’s “Face of Winter” is screening at the Sun Valley Opera House at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5.50 at the door. The open-air holiday market on the Sun Valley Village lawn happens from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16. The tree-lighting ceremony in the Sun Valley Village begins at 5:30 p.m., featuring Santa, live music and free hot cocoa and cookies. A Winter Wonderland scavenger hunt in the Sun Valley Village is happening through Dec. 31. Details and additional information about the Winter Wonderland holiday events can be found at sunvalley.com/holidays.

St. Luke’s Wood River To Offer Complete Health Improvement Program In February

St. Luke’s Wood River announced in a press release that it will be offering the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), beginning in February. CHIP provides education and tools focusing on all aspects of health, including nutrition, physical activity, becoming resilient, managing stress, building and strengthening relationships, finding meaning and purpose, and maintaining positive change. CHIP is delivered in 18 sessions using a group format. These sessions include viewing educational and entertaining videos followed by facilitated group discussion and food samples. The participants receive a textbook, workbook, cookbook and exercise workbook. A health risk assessment, blood tests (lipids and hga1c), and biometrics (weight, waist circumference, blood pressure) are done on every participant, pre- and post-program. The cost of the course is $379 per person and you can bring a spouse or a friend for support. Sarah Seppa is a certified CHIP instructor as well as a registered dietician and clinical nutritionist at St. Luke’s Wood River. Seppa will provide a sneak peek of what lifestyle medicine and CHIP entails at two free information sessions this week, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the St. Luke’s Hailey Clinic, Carbonate Rooms, and 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13 at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, Ketchum, in the Baldy Rooms. No registration is required for the information sessions. For more information, call (208) 727-8356.

“Snow Cone” by Nils Ribi. Photo taken on November 30 in Sun Valley.

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

K LY S C E N E

DECEMBER 12- 18, 2018

SPONSORED FEATURE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

WRHS senior Curtis Larsen hopes to pursue a degree in sound engineering. Photo by Julia Larsen

CURTIS LARSEN

Writes three-part novel series and welds his own desk

BY EMILEE MAE STRUSS

t all began to click for Wood River High School senior Curtis Larsen around 2012 after tracing the sounds from his favorite electronic dance music song, “Flight,” by Tristam & Braken, back to its Canadian record label, Monstercat. Through this, Larsen discovered a potential career path in audio engineering. “When you go to a concert,” Larsen explained, “everybody that’s singing has a mic and that mic needs to be set up with wiring, mechanics and software to make it sound right—that’s what audio engineers do.” Audio engineers tweak the productions according to how they want the listener to feel. Larsen makes his own electronic music using Logic Pro X, a digital audio workstation produced by Macintosh. Larsen’s creativity does not stop there. With help from Destry Duncan and Diamond D Welding in Bellevue, Larsen used his personal project graduation requirement to design and weld his own metal desk. The 600-pound desk is actually easy to move as it was designed to be easily taken apart with removable screws and locknuts. The top is fitted with half-inch-thick polycarbonate glass. Larsen has other passions, including mountain biking and singing with an all-male choral group that came along by happenstance. “I was never confident in my own singing,” Larsen said. “But I was at work at the movie theatre in Hailey one time and my friend and I were randomly singing Christmas songs and he asked me why I was not in the B-Tones.” Larsen tried it out this year and said, “It has been great so far!” Larsen also plans to continue mountain biking, as he has competed with the WRHS mountain

biking team since its inception. His favorite trails to ride are Centerline on the Croy Creek Trail System west of Hailey and Panther Gulch out Deer Creek. Larsen mentioned during this interview that he placed 10th out of 77 competitors in the JV category at state this past year, which took place at Bogus Basin Resort in Boise. In school, Larsen is enrolled in A.P. Physics, College Algebra, College English, Financial Planning and A.P. Government & Politics. He has also devoted a lot of his time to writing a three-part novel series called the “Untitled Series.” The first three books, “Untold,” “Unheard” and “Unkept,” follow a fictitious storyline where the characters find a way to use stem cell research to alternate DNA. Catastrophic things start to happen and the storyline follows the characters as they try to turn back the hands of time and undo what they started. Larsen hopes to publish the series one day. Larsen’s inspiration as a writer stems from Greek mythology and published authors, including Erin Hunter and Christopher Paolini. His parents, Troy and Linda Larsen, also inspire him to continue his passions. “My parents really encourage me, both as a child and as an adult,” Larsen said. “They encourage me in everything I do, [including] biking, music, and writing…” After graduation, Larsen will continue to hone his skills toward being a music producer by attending either Boise State University or Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. tws Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact Emilee Struss at emilee.struss@gmail.com.

COMME N TA RY

T H E W E E K LY S U N • D E C E M B E R 12- 18, 2018

Fishing R epoRt

COLUMN NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 12- 18, FROM PICABO ANGLER

ith the spirit of the holidays upon us, now would be a great time to stop for a moment and think of all the ways we could give back to the rivers, lakes and fish we all love so much. On a local level, that starts with the most basic things, from how we deal with one another to how we take care of our resources. To find a beginning, let’s look at access points and what takes place there. We rig our rods, make a plan, and maybe fuel up on water and snacks. Many access points on our local streams are found in neighborhoods or close to local businesses or on beautiful country lanes. One thing they all have in common is “access.” To keep these access points from ever being contentious places with those who live near them, it is up to us, the angler, to keep them clean and better than we found them. This means picking up after ourselves and, if need be, picking up after others. Without question this simple act also needs to extend up and down the river corridors, as well. Access points also offer us an opportunity to encounter our fellow anglers, who are also out looking to have fun. This is a moment for us to practice kindness and a spirit of shared experiences. When we encounter our fellow angler, the number one thing we can do is engage them. Ask a few basic questions, like have they fished much in the area? Is there somewhere particular they were wanting to fish? Then we can act graciously. We can acquiesce and fish elsewhere. We can go about our plan, and kindly make clear what we planned to do. We can share a fly or a tip about the hatches, or maybe we can be the benefactor of someone else’s kindness and good nature! Finally, we can use the access points for just that—access!!! We can appreciate all the public access in the state of Idaho and vow to always fight to protect these areas from fences or those who would try to turn everyone’s Idaho into their own private place. Our public lands and supporting laws are part of what makes Idaho great. So, this winter, take a moment, breathe the fresh air, feel the cool on your cheeks, and then ask yourself, “How can I make a fellow angler happy today while I pursue my happiness?” Two is better than one and you just may make some new friends at an access point. Happy winter fishing, everyone!

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

LEASH TRAINING PUPPIES

BY FRAN JEWELL

eaching puppies about a leash is critically important, since puppies don’t come with the command “come” pre-programmed in their heads. Letting a young puppy run free can be life threatening, particularly because of its size and the fact that we have some very serious wildlife predators throughout the Valley. Some of those predators are overhead, such as eagles and owls, whose strength allows them to pick up almost any puppy with great ease. How we start a puppy on a leash is critical because it is a skill you will imprint for the rest of the puppy’s life. Many people might reply with the belief that their puppy will never need to be on a leash in this Valley because it is so dog friendly. If you travel, and need to stop at a rest area, a car may hit a free-running dog. If you go to the veterinarian, and your dog is not on a leash, he or she may run into a very sick dog that will not be kind to an overly-friendly dog. One thing many people don’t think about is that if a puppy or dog jumps on someone that has a hidden disability, that person can be easily knocked over and injured, leaving you responsible! The list of reasons to have a nicely trained dog is as long as my arm. What is incredibly simple is how to start that leash training so you can keep your pup safe in those first few weeks until you have taught a reliable “come” command. Before you bring your puppy or your older rescue home, go out and buy a 30-foot to 50foot cotton long line—not a retractable leash. The smaller the breed, the shorter the long line can be—maybe 20 feet long. You can buy several long lines in different sizes to accommodate your needs as your puppy grows. Long lines are very easy to find in local pet stores. Yes, you can make your own long line with a snap on one end, but I do like

A long line can be so much easier and safer in the teaching process for you and the dog!

the cotton training leashes because of their weight, how easy they are to clean, and that they don’t slip through your hand like a nylon leash will. When you use a long line, hold onto the handle. Don’t try to keep rolling it up in your hand to keep it off the ground. Be VERY CAREFUL not to get tangled in the line! Let your dog or puppy sniff, play, or go potty. When she gets to the end of the long line, call her back and reward her. Then, tell her to go play again. This very simple technique will give her lots of freedom to run and play, start teaching her about “come,” and learn about her environment in a safe manner and under your control. It also teaches her that being on a leash is not a bad thing or something to pull on. With very young puppies, this becomes a great outing just to walk around the yard.

Best of all, the puppy never learns to pull on the leash. When it is time to teach your puppy to walk on a short leash, it can still be done using a long line. That, however, is for another article! The long line can prevent your dog or puppy from learning how to pull on the leash in a very positive and non-adversarial way. Enjoy those precious puppy moments of exploration in a safe and educational way! 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

CRESCENT MOON, VENUS AND SPICA

BY LESLIE REGO

woke up this morning to a wondrous sight. The crescent moon, just the slimmest of slivers, was hanging in the astronomical dawn, the time of the early morning when one can just begin to make out a few landmarks. A short distance below the bottom point of the crescent was Venus, as bright in the sky as the crescent moon. I was astonished and excited. I had no idea this was going to happen and by pure chance I was awake and had the honor of witnessing this beautiful event. As I watched the moon and Venus, I spied another star a bit to the right (west) of the pair. Later, I realized that I was seeing Spica, Virgo the Maiden’s brightest star. I stood and watched as the morning passed through nautical dawn when there is adequate sun for some objects to be distinguishable and civil dawn when the sun is just below the horizon and there is sufficient light to be able to see with ease. Through all of these phases, the moon and Venus continued shining brightly. Spica slowly faded. Spica is a fascinating star. It is referred to as a 1st-magnitude star, which signifies that it is one of the brightest stars in the night sky to the naked eye. The dimmest stars to the naked eye are 6th magnitude. Spica is really two stars separated by about a 10th of the distance that separates the earth and the sun. Each star burns hotter than the sun. The stars omit huge amounts of ultraviolet radiation, making them appear blue-white. When the star is low in the sky, it can appear to be a blinking blue light. The twinkling is caused by turbulence in the earth’s atmosphere. Spica comes from the Latin word for “ear”; it refers to an “ear of wheat.” Both the star Spica and the constellation Virgo the Maiden are associated with the Greek goddess of harvest, Ceres. Throughout December, both Spica and Venus will be shining brightly. Venus will remain in the morning sky until mid-August, 2019. As the year 2019 progresses, Venus will gradually become Leslie Rego, “Crescent Moon, Venus, and Spica,” oil study on canvas. dimmer. Even so, Venus at its dimmest ranks as the third brightest celestial body after the sun and the moon! Around mid-December, along with Venus we will be able to see Leslie Rego is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, both Mercury and Jupiter before sunup. So now is the time to wake up and enjoy early-morning sky watching to observe a lineup of artist and Blaine County resident. To view more of Rego’s art, visit leslierego.com. beautiful planets!

T H E W E E K LY S U N •

DECEMBER 12- 18, 2018

COLUMN ON LIFE’S TERMS

MIXED FEELINGS

of a way of leadership that seems gone: the dignified and honorable governance of a decent man. ecause my devout mother celebrated The overwhelming display of music, eulogies and Christmas in a thoroughly sweet Swedish apparent love for him made me long for leaders way, this season allows me to indulge in who reflect the decency, humility and civility I happy memories of laughter, music, loving family hope our country still embraces. gatherings, Lucia Day, smorgasbords, and homeThe most healing time for me, fortunately, made ornaments. continues to be my involvement in this supportHolidays always bring me strong feelings of ive and warm community, especially through my nostalgia, an emotion I imagine I participation in several amazing share with many. This year, howchoral options. ever, these emotions have been Last week I sang with the Caritas permeating my daily life in unexChorale in their annual community pected ways. concert. The experience was thrillThis year my recollections are ing because of the joy that arises bittersweet when I think about when people sing beautiful music some dear friends who are no lontogether and are led by the likes of ger here, especially two dynamic, R.L. Rowsey, whose enthusiasm intelligent and thoroughly exemfor music and its performers is plary college friends. I can no loncontagious. ger connect and laugh with them “I Heard the Bells on Christmas through phone calls, holiday cards, Day,” a carol we presented, illusletters or emails. I smile and cry JoEllen Collins—a longtime trates the happiness one can have over them at the same time. while experiencing such works. resident of the Wood River Even the unexpected and blessed Valley— is an Idaho Press Using words by Longfellow, the discovery of my birth family has Club award-winning colum- song’s lyricist expresses his cyniproduced a variety of emotions. nist, a teacher, writer, fabric cism. He says, “Hate is strong and This is the first year I have been artist, choir member and mocks the song of peace on earth, aware that my biological mother unabashedly proud grandma good will to man.” did not die in childbirth. While I known as “Bibi Jo.” Then, however, he hears the had the most loving adoptive famibells pealing. They speak to him: ly, I have wondered how my life would have been “God is not dead nor doth He sleep—the wrong had I been brought home to a small town in Tex- shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, as instead of starting my life in San Francisco. good will to men.” Following this passage, the I wouldn’t change anything about that, but wish choir sings in deep and harmonic unity... “RING that I could have had the chance to become closer THE BELLS... ring them loud, ring them strong.” to my new family, especially my found brother in Singing these optimistic words with other peoOklahoma. We lack shared experiences, and life ple of whatever faith and sharing their joy in that may be too short to develop many. moment was a perfect way to deal with my mixed Viewing the funerals for President George feelings in a positive way. I am grateful for both H.W. Bush also saddened me, as I was reminded season and for song.

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

COLUMN SCIENCE OF PLACE

EXPLORATION

BY HANNES THUM

couple of weeks ago, a robotic lander named InSight touched down on the surface of Mars. It had been flying for more than six months and roughly 300 million miles to get from Earth to Mars. This well-traveled robot is primarily on a geologic expedition: the plan is for it to deploy seismometers and even to drill a hole deep into Mars to see if we can learn a thing or two about how planets form. InSight also has cameras on it. And, in one of those examples of things that absolutely boggle my mind, it is able to send photos of the Martian surface back to us as easily as I text pictures of a plate of food to a friend. I still haven’t gotten my mind around the fact that I can pull up a photo of Mars that was just snapped today by this robot. When I was a kid, the closest thing I could have imagined to this was Marvin the Martian in the Saturday morning Looney Tunes. The places our scientific curiosity takes us. Back here on Earth, I recently came across some ermine tracks way out Quigley Canyon. Ermine tracks are distinctive in the snow. Their front feet land together, making two round, roughly quarter-sized footprints right next to each other. As they lope forward, a process that looks a little bit like a bound and makes them look a little bit like a caterpillar and a little like a horse, the rear feet will use the same footprints as the front. So, what you get is a track with two close footprint marks

GUEST COMMENTARY MUFFY DAVIS

A Big Step In The Right Direction To Combat Sexual Assault BY REP. MUFFY DAVIS

Sexual assault survivors in Blaine County don’t have a lot of choices when it comes to providing police with a key piece of evidence needed to catch their attackers—namely, a sexual assault forensic kit. Not enough local professionals are trained to process the kits, which means survivors may be forced to drive to larger cities like Boise where trained staff work. It’s a similar story throughout rural Idaho. That’s about to change. Idaho is becoming a national leader when it comes to protecting and caring for survivors of sexual violence. Working with law enforcement and stakeholders all over Idaho, lawmakers have passed a series of laws impacting the way sexual assault forensic kits are processed, analyzed, tracked and—importantly— paid for. As a newly elected legislator representing a rural district, I am encouraged by these positive changes and the impact they’re having all over the state. I am committed to making sure the existing changes remain permanent and protections for survivors are expanded. The next big step is happening right now – and it’s directed primarily at rural Idaho medical centers. The Idaho State Police Forensic Services is utilizing a federal grant to hire a statewide coordinator to provide resources to hospitals to train more Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (“SANE”). The goal is to extend standardized training and procedures required to conduct sexual assault exams to hospitals across Idaho. They hope to train an additional 250 nurses statewide. As it stands now, most of the professionals trained to process sexual assault exams work in Idaho’s large population centers. That’s a big problem for survivors in rural areas who must travel great distances to medical centers where the exams can be conducted. How frustrating that must be when there’s a hospital just down the road. Anyone who has been through such a horrific event should be able to stay within their own community where they can get emotional support, professional care and humane treatment. A long trip out of town away from family and community support only makes a traumatic situation that much worse. That’s why these training courses are so important. SANE certification courses will be held in late January/early February 2019 in the following locations: Treasure Valley: Jan. 28–Feb. 1, St. Luke’s in Meridian Pocatello: Jan. 21–25, Portneuf Medical Center Medical professionals throughout southern and eastern Idaho can contact the Idaho State Police at (208) 884-7280, or by email at christina.straub@isp.idaho.gov for more information. This is a vital first step toward training medical professionals all over Idaho so sexual assault survivors can receive competent and humane care in their own communities. It is my hope that we can continue, and even expand, the training to keep their skills sharp. As with so many issues in Idaho, our residents should not be treated differently depending on their ZIP Code. Survivors of sexual assault, local medical centers and local law enforcement across the state should all have the same tools to catch perpetrators, process important evidence and treat survivors with dignity. Please encourage your local medical professionals to pick up the phone and sign up for the SANE training. It could end up being the most important call in a local survivor’s life.

An ermine in winter fur. Public domain photo, accessed via Wikimedia Commons

and then a space maybe 12 to 24 inches apart in the direction of travel where the ermine lept to the next footprints. Often, the animal leaves a linear mark through the snow between the footprints where it, I suppose, dragged its body a little bit. Ermine tracks tell a tale of a creature who is moving across the landscape with a frenetic, “What’s over there?” and “What’s up here?” kind of energy. They are an acutely attuned predator, and their tracks will often suddenly stop and disappear where the ermine dove beneath the snow to tunnel after a hapless rodent who was otherwise just minding its own business below. I rarely see ermines, but I often see their tracks and love to try to sleuth out what they were up to or what they

were chasing. It is amazing to think that our species has figured out how to launch a robot out into our solar system in order to take measurements and photographs of another planet, a speck in our sky that would have seemed infinitely far away for most of human existence. We humans are curious creatures, though. It’s in our nature to follow tracks, whether it is the track of a shining celestial dot far up in the sky or the track of a tiny white weasel hunting in the snow. Hannes Thum is a Wood River Valley native and has spent most of his life exploring what our local ecosystems have to offer. He currently teaches science at Sun Valley Community School.

Muffy Davis is a member of the Idaho State House of Representatives for District 26.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Telemarketers Offer Misleading ‘ACA Compliant’ Insurance Plans To Idahoans Seeking Health Coverage

The Department of Insurance warned via news release that consumers shopping for health insurance should be wary of telemarketers and websites promoting “discount health plans” that allegedly meet requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Consumers are encouraged to visit the Department website or to call (208) 334-4250 to verify the licensing of any individual, agency or company using robocalls or online advertisements to promote discounted plans claiming to be ACA compliant. The Department strongly advises consumers seeking health coverage to utilize the state’s insurance exchange, Your Health Idaho, or call (855) 944-3246 to speak with a Your Health Idaho representative. The DOI has received numerous complaints from consumers who say they were misled. For more information, visit doi.idaho.gov.

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