NEWS IN BRIEF

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DISASTER SERVICES WARNS OF FLOODING POTENTIAL

Blaine County Disaster Services reminds residents, especially those living near rivers and their tributaries, that there is still an “impressive” amount of snow in upper drainage areas, increasing the possibility of major flooding in the event of a sudden warm-up.

Thus far, snowfields have been melting at a “slow rate” due to moderate warm-up and rain, Disaster Services reported in a press release. “The fact is that the longer into the season the snowmelt is postponed, the greater the chances of a large water event due to sudden warm-up. So everyone around the rivers and the side drainages should be aware of this situation and make preparations.”

Disaster Services reminds residents that “all stream alterations must be approved by the appropriate jurisdiction, in most cases the county, since most of the river bed is within county jurisdiction.

“It should be kept in mind that all work done to move or control moving water will have an effect, mostly negative unless legally and properly done, on landowners across the stream or downstream,” Disaster Services reported. “Landowners don’t have the right to take actions that will negatively affect their neighbors. Actions should be taken to protect one’s home, but not trying to change the flow of the river.

“Use of sandbags and bladders without a stream alteration permit is permitted, as long as they do not block the stream channel or floodplain and no sediments are released into the stream during or following the flood event.

“Landowners will be, for the most part, responsible for the protection of their own properties. Bladders, sandbags and similar barriers should be close to the home structure, but not against it. Let the constructed barrier, not the building’s foundation, absorb the water pressure.

“Local city and county governments normally work to protect public property and important infrastructures such as roads and bridges. Contact your local authorities if you have questions about procedures and processes in flood response activities.”

Disaster Services further reminds residents and visitors that stream water is currently “extremely cold” and should be avoided by children and pets.

“Be aware of any unusual water events along the rivers and streams and report them to local authorities,” Disaster Services advises.

Additional information is available from Disaster Services at www.blainecounty.org or (208) 788-5570. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the county’s Emergency Alert Program at the county website.

LODGING SALES AND OCCUPANCY UP IN MARCH

Visit Sun Valley reports that the number of lodging room nights sold in the Sun Valley area in March was up 8 percent over March of the previous year, continuing a strong trend in visitors for the 2015-2016 ski season.

For the season, reported as Oct. 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016, room nights sold was also up 8 percent, accounting for an additional 9,408 room nights sold.

Lodging occupancy rates for the ski season were reported at 48 percent in October, 33 percent in November, 55 percent in December, 54 percent in January, 64 percent in February and 57 percent in March.

ITD SEEKS ROADSIDE CLEANUP VOLUNTEER GROUPS

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking volunteer groups to help keep Idaho’s highways free of trash and debris. ITD reported in a press release that approximately 30 percent of the state’s highway roadsides are currently available for “adoption” by volunteer groups.

The highway cleanup adoption program was started in 1990 to support the state slogan “Idaho Is Too Great to Litter.” ITD reported that since the program’s beginning, more than 2.5 million pounds of trash and debris have been removed from Idaho’s roadsides by volunteer groups and inmate crews from the Idaho Department of Correction.

Volunteer groups are asked to spend a few hours at least twice a year to pick up roadside trash within the areas assigned to them.

“In addition to the satisfaction of being a participant in the campaign, groups get a complimentary roadway sign at the beginning and end of the adopted area with the group or memorial name.”

Additional information is available at www.itd.idaho.gov. Interested groups in the Wood River Valley area should contact ITD District 4 Coordinator Joyce Shaw at (208) 886-7871.

abuse awareness
Preschoolers at Head Start in Hailey were given pinwheels by the “Pinwheels for Prevention” organization to help them learn about child abuse prevention. Courtesy photo by Jen Peterson

PRESCHOOLERS LEARN CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS

Preschools at the College of Southern Idaho’s Head Start program in Hailey have been enjoying shining pinwheels this month as a reminder that April is “child abuse prevention awareness month”

The pinwheels were provided by Pinwheels for Prevention, a national organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. Jen Peterson, director of the Head Start program, said the pinwheels are intended to remind “everyone of the joy in simple childlike notions like these, and how every child deserves a chance for a healthy, happy and full life.”

Peterson said children at Head Start have also been taught that “deep breathing is a great stress reliever and a crucial step in problem solving and conflict resolution.

“Studies have shown that deep breathing is not only relaxing, but also is good for the immune system,” Peterson said. “Next stressful situation, take a deep breath before you blow.”

ARTS CENTER AWARDS $49K IN SCHOLARSHIPS

The Sun Valley Center for the Arts announced April 13 that it has awarded more than $49,000 in scholarships for 2016 to help young people and educators pursue art and humanity endeavors.

The scholarship program is made possible by private donations and the Center’s annual wine auction. Scholarship awards are based on artistic merit, application materials and financial need.

The 2016 Ezra Pound Award, a scholarship made possible by donations from part-time Hailey resident Jennifer Wilson, was presented to Leo Corrales, a high school junior who will use the funds to study with the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Cascades National Park, in Washington.

This year’s Gay V. Weake Award, which supports college students majoring in the arts and humanities, was given to Pierson Carlsen to study film and the performing arts. Four former Gay V. Weake recipients—Ashlie Pulleiro, Haylee Pettit, Caleb Garvin and Chase England—had their awards renewed to continue their college studies.

Also for 2016, 25 high school students received arts and humanities scholarships to attend a variety of summer programs, including music and visual arts. Several students will use their awards to pursue music lessons with the Sun Valley Symphony School of Music, while others will travel to programs around the U.S.

Furthermore, four educators received funds to pursue professional enhancement in fields including languages and educational development.

A reception for recipients and their families was held on April 5.

NEW MUSIC SCHOOL OPENS IN HAILEY

C’s Mountain School is now open in Hailey at 100 South Second Avenue to offer music instruction for adults and children from amateur to professional.

The school was formed by Cintia Scola, a singer and composer, and Jim Paisley, who will teach guitar and bass and produce CDs and manage the school’s recording studio.

Other teachers are Paul Gregory, providing classical and modern piano instruction, Steve Bezdeka, teaching saxophone, Russ Caldwell, offering lessons in Brazilian/Afro/Cuban percussion, and Julie Fox, with dance and physical theater.

Additional information is available at the school’s website at https://cmountainschoolofmusic.wix.com/music.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HERITAGE COURT

The Blaine County Historical Museum has announced the honorees for the 2016 Heritage Court, which is comprised of four women who will be honored this summer for their contributions to the history and heritage of Blaine County.

The honorees were selected by four different organizations or committees. This year’s Heritage Court women will be honored at an invitation-only tea in late May for ladies of the Heritage Court, past and present. A formal coronation ceremony is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. The Historical Museum reported that “the public is most enthusiastically invited to come and enjoy the entertainment, reception and stories about the ladies.”

In mid-July, the Hailey Senior Connection will host a luncheon for the Heritage Court, and the ladies will take part in summer parades throughout the county.

This year’s court includes Teresa Bergin, who was selected for the honor by The Friends of the Howard Preserve. Bergin’s great-grandparents came to the Wood River Valley during the mining boom in 1884. She has lived in Bellevue for 68 years and, with her husband Joe, has raised six children. She has served as a member of the Bellevue City Council, the Bellevue Library Board, the Bellevue Tree Committee, the Bellevue Historical Society and St. Charles Catholic Church Parish.

Lois Glenn was selected to the court by the Heritage Court Committee. Originally from Stockham, Neb., Glenn married her college sweetheart, Jim Glenn, and moved with him to Ketchum, where he worked as a pharmacist and part-owner of Ketchum Drug. Lois Glenn has been active with the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, Blaine County 4-H, the PTA of Wood River Junior High School and The Community Library in Ketchum. She worked at The Gold Mine Thrift Store for 20 years.

The Little Wood River Library of Carey selected Karen Young for the Heritage Court. Young is originally from Huntington Park, Calif., but has lived in Carey for many years. She has been a Scout leader, has taught 4-H and has been involved in activities with the Blaine County Fair and various girls’ projects. She worked for the Blaine County School District for 28 years in the lunchroom and as a bus driver. She and her husband Ross are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The fourth selection for the court is Joan Davies, who was selected by the Kiwanis Club of Hailey. Davies grew up on a family farm near Hazelton, but moved to Hailey 55 years ago after graduating from business school and marrying the student body president, John Davies. Joan Davies is a self-described “outdoor enthusiast, naturalist, educator, historian, hiker, skier, artist and gardener.” She has worked in the retail business and in magistrate court. She has been active with the Blaine County Historical Museum, the Idaho Heritage Trust, the PEO Sisterhood, Rotary and St. Charles Catholic Church.

KIWANIS PURCHASES EQUIPMENT FOR HEAGLE PARK

The Kiwanis Club of Hailey and the Wood River Valley has led a fundraising drive to purchase new playground equipment for Heagle Park in Hailey.

Ordered on April 15 at a cost of $14,680, the Kiwanis Club reported in a press release that the new equipment will take about four weeks to arrive. The City of Hailey has budgeted $15,000 for installation costs and plans to install the new equipment in June.

The equipment consists of a new playground structure that the Kiwanis Club reported “will be safe for kids 2 to 12 years old” and a new four-seat swing set.

Major donors for the equipment included the Little Black Dress Club at $3,000, Kiwanis International at $2,500, the Papoose Club at $2,000 and the Heart of Gold Foundation at $2,000. The Kiwanis Club also thanked the many other contributors for purchase of the equipment.

The club is now seeking an additional $5,000 for additional equipment for the park. Donations can be made at a parks program account at Mountain West Bank or by check mailed to Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 901, Hailey, ID 83333.

KETCHUM BEGINS WAR ON NOXIOUS WEEDS

The City of Ketchum announced that it will begin mitigation measures this week against designated noxious weeds on city properties and rights-of-way.

The offending weeds are invasive species not native to the ecosystem. They include Russian and spotted knapweed, Dalmatian toadflax and hoary alyssum.

The city announced that mitigation will continue throughout the summer by hand-pulling and mowing, re-seeding, and biological and chemical means.

“A strict public notification policy is adhered to when chemical herbicide is necessary,” the city reported. “Posted signs indicate when and where a chemical herbicide application occurs. Professional applicators use a ‘spot spray’ method, treating only the individual targeted plan. Blue dye indicates which plants have been treated. Once the herbicide is dry – about 20 minutes after application – it is considered nontoxic to humans and pets.”

City policy prohibits the use of chemical pesticides in public parks, except “in the case of an infestation.”

The Blaine County Noxious Weed Department can assist with identification of noxious weeds and provide strategies for removal on private property.

The City of Ketchum advises that residents who wish to hand-pull noxious weeds in a right-of-way adjacent to their property must contact participate@ketchumidaho.org for more information.

IDAHO POWER SEEKS RATE HIKE FROM IPUC

Idaho Power filed for its annual “power cost adjustment” on April 15 with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission in a move that will mean a price increase for customers if approved. Idaho Power reported in a press release that the filing also provides for $3.2 million in “revenue to be shared with customers.”

If approved by the IPUC, the proposed will increase the amount Idaho Power customers pay for electric service by $17.3 million. The typical residential customer, using 1,000-kilowatt hours of energy per month, will see an increase of about $1.32 on their monthly bill beginning June 1.

The filing is subject to public review. Copies of the application are available at the IPUC offices at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise, ID 83702, at Idaho Power offices, at the Idaho Power website at idahopower.com or the IPUC website at puc.idaho.gov. Written comments on the Idaho Power proposal can be filed with the IPUC. Additional information is also available at the Idaho Power and IPUC websites.

HAILEY MAN DIES IN HOUSE FIRE

A 70-year-old Hailey man died of smoke inhalation in a fire at his home early Sunday morning at 620 1/2 North Main Street.

“He was overcome by the smoke,” Blaine County Coroner Russ Mikel said Tuesday.

Hailey Fire Department identified the victim as Michael Root. He was found near his bed when firefighters arrived at the home. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The fire department was called to the home when employees of the nearby Base Camp gas station and convenience store, at 600 North Main Street, noticed smoke coming from the home and called 911 when opening for business at about 5 a.m.

The fire department reported in a press release that the fire started in the living room and is believed to have been burning for several hours before the department was notified.

While the cause of the fire had not been determined, firefighters suspect it was started by a discarded cigarette. The home did not have a smoke detector. No one else was in the home at the time of the fire.

The fire department reported that it has a free smoke detector program. For more information call (208) 788-3147.

SUN VALLEY RESORT THANKS COMMUNITY FOR SUCCESSFUL SKI SEASON

Sun Valley Resort reported on Monday that its 80thwinter season “was a huge success, with over 419,000 skier days.”

The resort stated in a press release that early-season snow, community support, excellent skiing conditions and a “constant focus on taking care of guests” made the 2015-2016 ski season “one of the best in the resort’s history.”

“Thank you to our guests and community for making this season truly exceptional,” said Tim Silva, general manager and vice president of Sun Valley Resort. “We had great snow, improved air service, the Mountain Collective and successful U.S. Alpine Championships. Thanks to everyone who helped make our 80th winter one of the best in memory.”

Jenny Krueger
Jenny Krueger

SUMMER SYMPHONY SELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Sun Valley Summer Symphony announced Tuesday that Jenny Krueger has been selected as the organization’s new executive director.

Krueger is currently executive director of the Acadiana Symphony & Conservatory of Music in Lafayette, La. She holds a B.A. in music from New Mexico State University and also has studied at the Aspen Music Institute and Mannes Conservatory of Music in New York City.

“We are impressed with Jenny’s passion for music education, her musical knowledge and orchestral management experience and her magnetic presence,” said Jim Moberg, president of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony Board of Directors. “She comes from an organization with a dual focus on performance and education. This makes her the perfect choice to help the Sun Valley Summer Symphony continue to be the largest privately funded free-admission symphony in the country, as well as to expand our focus on music education.”