Governor Makes Life-Saving Drug Easier To Get
A drug that can be quickly administered to an individual having an opioid overdose will be easier to dispense, thanks to a bill passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Brad Little last week. The drug, called Naloxone, is so effective that it can sometimes bring someone back to life shortly after an overdose.
“Sometimes, legislation really can be the difference between life and death,” said bill sponsor Senator David Nelson (D-Moscow). Representative Jake Ellis (D-Boise), a former first responder, joined Nelson at the signing ceremony. Ellis said he witnessed over 50 lives saved by the drug.
“During my time as a first responder, I came to understand the importance of making this drug more accessible,” Ellis said. “Naxolone will be invaluable to people who know that they must act quickly to save someone. There is no reason that we should deny people a second chance at life.”
Burley Woman Bails From Vehicle On I-84
For reasons currently unknown, a driver exited her vehicle on the driver’s side while heading eastbound on Interstate 84 in the early hours of Monday morning.
Maribel Villeda, 33, of Burley, was driving in a 2006 Ford F-150 along with her passenger, Aguilar-Romero Cruz Lorenzo, 26, of Mexico. Sergio Ramirez Cornejo, 21, of King Hill, was driving behind the Ford F-150 in a 2000 Freightliner commercial vehicle pulling a trailer. Ramirez Cornejo swerved to avoid striking Villeda who was in the roadway, but struck the rear of the Ford F-150. Villeda’s vehicle stopped in the lane of travel and the commercial vehicle came to rest in the median.
Villeda was transported by ground ambulance to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Villeda and her passenger were not wearing seatbelts. Ramirez Cornejo was wearing a seatbelt.
For Sale: Soldier Mountain
A skiers’ haven the past 70 years is once again available to the highest bidder. Matt and Diane McFerran have put their ski resort property on the Idaho real estate market. Since buying the 2,000-acre Fairfield property, the McFerrans made continuous improvements to the lodge, cat skiing areas, equipment, and marketing efforts.
The McFerrans have invested substantially in the property, but to truly realize the resort’s potential, Soldier needs the capital for improvements like snowmaking equipment for the main runs, their announcement said.
“A new owner could be as involved as they want to be,” Matt McFerran says. “This is a turnkey operation. We want to see Soldier Mountain thrive, and we’re willing to help to make that happen.”
A new owner would have the option of keeping the McFerrans on to run day-to-day operations. The future the McFerrans see for Soldier is within view—the ski area is centrally located between the southern Idaho towns of Boise, Ketchum/Sun Valley, and Twin Falls—with increasing numbers of skiers visiting from out of the area to experience Soldier’s pristine snow. Soldier’s new owner will also have a relationship with a key partner: the U.S. Forest Service, which leases land to the ski area.
“We have the best relationship with the Forest Service,” Diane McFerran says. “It’s a super-strong partnership.”
That partnership includes proposed access to a backcountry yurt that could be rented year-round. Soldier Mountain offers recreational opportunities 12 months a year. In the summer, the area is known for its scenic hiking. Mountain biking opportunities are in the works.
Open Land To Become More Open For Recreation
Public access to shooting ranges and public awareness of hunting, fishing and other recreational areas figures to spike across the western United States, thanks to a package of bipartisan bills passed by the U.S. Senate last week. One particular bill, sponsored by Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), would also commit funding to improve a recreation facility at Smith Gulch, near Salmon and North Fork, in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
The Natural Resources Management Act reflects a bipartisan Senate-House agreement to bundle together over 100 individual lands bills. Proponents say the package strikes a balance between creating new opportunities for natural resource and community development, primarily in Western states, with limited, locally supported conservation.
Detectives Confiscate Pet Shop’s CBD Oil Products
Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies last week confiscated a number of products containing CDB oil from the popular Thunderpaws Pet Shoppe in Hailey. According to shop owner Dain Hamilton, detectives told him a concerned citizen filed a report claiming the products contained THC. CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant. THC is the psychoactive component, which is illegal in Idaho.
Hamilton began selling the homeopathic treatments at both his Ketchum and Hailey pet stores last May and he believes there was no THC in any of the three brands he was selling at his store.
“I did my homework last year, checked all the rules, and here we are,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said detectives are testing the product for THC now. There is no specific timetable for the results.
“They said turnaround is pretty quick, so I’m guessing weeks, not months,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton called Ketchum police to ask what he should do with product at the store there. They instructed him to stop selling it and try to get a refund from the suppliers, Hamilton said.
“All products are off the shelves, but not all suppliers want to cooperate with refunds, so I’m waiting to see what the test results show,” Hamilton explained.
Two Dead In I-84 Head-On Collision
On Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at approximately 8:56 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a two-vehicle fatality crash on westbound I-84 at milepost 199.6, west of Burley.
Jennifer Thompson, 39, of Hagerman, was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of travel on I-84 in a 2011 Toyota Tacoma pickup. Ryan Cordie, 21, of Aitkin, Minn., was driving westbound on I-84 in a 2008 Chevy Silverado crew cab pickup. Thompson struck Cordie head-on. Thompson succumbed to her injuries on scene. One of Cordie’s passengers, Monica Buchite, 21, of Baxter, Minn., succumbed to her injuries on scene. All occupants were wearing their seatbelts.
Ryan and another of his passengers, Karrie Cordie, 44, of McGrath, Minn., were transported to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center by air ambulance.
The westbound lanes of traffic were blocked for approximately four hours. Idaho State Police was assisted by the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office.
Designer License Plates Could Spell Help For Spay And Neuter Programs
The bill that would create a pet-themed license plate and give all proceeds to the Idaho Humane Society is moving forward. The funds would benefit low-cost spay and neuter programs in rural Idaho.
Rep. Hy Kloc (D-Boise) has been working on this bill for several years but was met with opposition in the past. With the assistance of a number of co-sponsors this year, he will try again to pass this bill aimed at controlling pet overpopulation. Last year, the legislation was defeated on the floor with a 31-31 vote. However, the makeup of the legislature had changed and several legislators have indicated that they are willing to support the bill.
New Law Would Let Old Theaters Sell Alcohol
A bill to allow historic theaters to sell alcohol passed its first legislative hurdle Monday, receiving committee approval to head to the House floor. The bill will allow a theater that was built before 1950 and on the historic register to sell alcohol. Currently, there are approximately 13 historic theaters that could benefit from the legislation, if they choose.
“Historic theaters can use the opportunity to increase revenues, which will help them remain viable in their local communities. Providing revenue opportunities that offer historic value to communities is important, and it is why I sponsored this bill,” Representative Mat Erpelding, sponsor of the bill, said.
The bill now heads to the House floor for a vote. Rep. Erpelding said he expects the bill to get bipartisan support because the theaters that would be affected are spread out across the state.
“There are historic theaters who are asking for this legislation from Boise to Moscow to Sandpoint,” Erpelding explained. “I think we all understand the value of historic buildings and want to do everything possible to keep them afloat. The way I see it, this is the best thing we can do to ensure that we keep historic theaters in Idaho.”
Ketchum Catches The Eye Of New York City
The travel section of The New York Times featured five spots they say anyone in or passing through Ketchum should hit up. Number one on their list was The Covey, a new restaurant serving “New American” food in a building resembling a small red barn. Maude’s Coffee & Clothes, Johnny G’s Subshack, Apple’s Bar & Grill, and The Lounge at the Limelight Hotel rounded out the top five.
Lawmakers OK Bill To Donate Drugs
A bill to expand the scope of prescription drug donations in Idaho has cleared a key hurdle, passing in the House unanimously. The Legend Drug Donation Bill would broaden the types of organizations that can accept donated prescription drugs which would then be prescribed to low-income Idaho residents. It also would allow members of the general public to donate unused prescription drugs so long as they meet specifications under the law.
Under the bill sponsored by Rep. Sue Chew (D-Boise), long-term facilities, nursing homes, community health centers, free medical clinics, designated regional behavioral health centers and certain state charitable institutions could accept donations of prescription drugs.
“Prescription drug costs are out of control in this country and they’re only going to get worse,” Chew said. “If we can establish a system where unused medications can help those who can’t afford them, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
Only Idaho residents may receive donated prescription drugs under the bill. They also must be ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid and be unable to afford private prescription drug insurance. Chew’s legislation also sets standards for what kinds of prescription drugs can be donated, what condition they must be in and how old they can be.
“This bill is intended for the neediest of our citizens, the ones who truly have no other option to get their medicine,” Chew added.
New Gardening Classes In Bloom At Botanical Garden
Registration for an offshoot of a popular gardening course at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden is now open. Due to the popularity of the Master Gardener course, SBG is offering a “Gardening Boot Camp” series of classes that will address some similar components as those offered by the Master Gardener series.
Gardening Boot Camp will offer pre-season coursework on topics such as soils, irrigation, local food growing, pruning and more. The six-session course may be taken in full for a discount or as individual classes. SBG members will receive a discount.
Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays starting this Saturday and concluding in March. The full schedule is available at sbgarden.org. Instructors for the Gardening Boot Camp course include local experts such as landscape architects and designers, certified arborists, and horticulturists.
“Because Master Gardener filled so quickly and a wait list populated as rapidly, we decided to offer supplemental programming to accommodate those on the wait list,” SBG executive director Jen Smith said.
For more information, visit www.sbgarden.org or call (208) 726-9358. The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is located at 11 Gimlet Road, four miles south of Ketchum.
Sex Kit Testing Bill Moves Forward
A bill to “test all” sexual assault kits passed unanimously in committee and will be sent to the House floor for a vote. Proponents of the bill say it is one more tool in identifying serial rapists and connecting evidence between two different crimes.
“I am extremely excited about this piece of legislation,” bill sponsor Rep. Melissa Wintrow said. “For myself and the groups I have been collaborating with, testing all sexual assault kits has been our ultimate goal. We are very eager to take this necessary step to make sure that we are giving victims as many tools as possible.”
Rep. Wintrow has been working with several organizations on her ongoing work with sexual assault kits. Individuals from some of those groups testified on the value of this policy. They included speakers from the Twin Falls Police Department, Idaho State Police, Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, and the Women and Children’s Alliance.
‘Hot Dog’ (And Cat) Bill Picks Up More Political Muster
A bill to protect first responders rescuing dogs and cats left unattended in vehicles is headed to the House floor for a vote. The legislation, passed in committee by a 9-5 vote, would give first responders the ability to save an animal locked in a car during extreme temperatures.
Under current law, if a first responder saves an animal from a car, they can be prosecuted for a crime. Rep. Elaine Smith (D-Pocatello) sponsored the bill to give first responders legal immunity if they took action with the belief that they were saving a life.
“If an animal is freezing or burning to death, a first responder wants to take action. But, right now, they are threatened with being charged with a crime,” Smith said. “My legislation gives first responders the ability to take immediate action. Sometimes, acting quickly can be the difference between life and death for an animal.”
Ex-Cons To Receive State ID Cards
People who have served their time after being convicted of a crime may have an easier time landing a job, officials say, thanks to a new program to release state ID cards to newly released inmates. The purpose of the program is to ensure released inmates have identification so they may secure employment, obtain vital documents like birth certificates or Social Security numbers and otherwise participate in a society that requires photo identification for any number of functions.
“Honestly, if you think for a minute about how many things we do in our everyday lives that require photo ID, it’s almost impossible to function without one,” Rep. Melissa Wintrow said. “This is a low-cost and logical step we can take to reduce recidivism, integrate people who have paid their debt back into society, and increase public safety.”
A catalyst behind this program was Jodi Peterson, executive director of the Interfaith Sanctuary in Boise. Peterson contacted Wintrow following a six-month-long odyssey to obtain a photo ID for a homeless former inmate who was offered a job, but lacked proper identification. Peterson’s efforts were the subject of a TED Talk in 2017.
“Here we had a man who wanted to work and get his life back on track, but because he lacked a photo ID, he couldn’t. It was the most ridiculous thing you could imagine,” Peterson said. “Many of us take for granted that we can obtain photo identification, but for hundreds of people throughout Idaho, it’s a real challenge with real consequences.”
State prisons in Boise, Pocatello and Orofino have installed the new photo ID systems. Officials hope the remaining state prison facilities will be online by the fall of 2019. Wintrow was instrumental in forming a working group to tackle this issue, which included officials from the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
Valentine’s Day Avalanche Cleanup Under Way
Several small avalanches occurred off the face of Della Mountain in Hailey, Valentine’s Day night, sending snow and ice into the Big Wood River in the Della View neighborhood.
Hailey Public Works crews worked to ensure that water backup would be diverted from homes. Motorists should be vigilant to spot any warning blockades at or nearby War Eagle Drive. The area is posted with avalanche warnings.
Hailey crews will continue to work through the weekend nights until the streets are cleaned.
Mountain Humane Cancels Paw ‘N Pole
A popular longtime dog and skiing event won’t be happening in 2019. Paw ‘N Pole organizers announced the event had to be cancelled after a scheduling snafu at Quigley Nordic Center in Hailey.
The event was supposed to take place March 3, but the Quigley Cup had already been scheduled and broadly announced for that date. The Paw ‘N Pole is expected to be back next year.
Meg Ryan, Aaron Paul Among 2019 Sun Valley Film Festival Honorees
The 2019 Sun Valley Film Festival announced its film lineup, four of its honorees and information about its The Film Lab and Screenwriters Lab, all taking place March 13–17. Now in its eighth year, the festival offers five days of films, panels, parties and more, including three world premieres.
In addition to Meg Ryan and Idahoan Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad,” “Westworld”), Alex Ross Perry and Fisher Stevens will be receiving achievement awards. Documentaries “David Crosby: Remember My Name,” produced by Cameron Crowe and directed by Idahoan A.J. Eaton, and David Modigliani’s “Running with Beto” will bookend the festival.
Carey Girls Win State Hoops Championship
The Carey School Panthers girls basketball team took home the State 1A Division 2 title game last weekend, defeating the Salmon River Savages from Nampa, 56–48. The game was part of the Idaho High School Activities Association championship game clash at Ford Idaho Center Arena in Nampa.
Sophomore Kylie Wood was named “Player of the Game,” thanks to a team-high 20 points, including 90 percent shooting at the free-throw line. The teams were all tied up 27–27 at halftime before Carey built and held their lead.
