Two Riders Caught In Avalanche Sunday
On Sunday, Jan. 20, a skier and snowboarder were skiing out of bounds on Bald Mountain when they triggered, and were caught in, an avalanche. The two were carried about 100-150 yards in the Warm Springs Creek drainage, an area also known as Bruce’s Shoot.
The skier was fully buried, but dug himself out of the debris in approximately 25 minutes. The snowboarder was partially buried, with his head and torso beneath the snow. He also extricated himself. Neither rider was injured. The crown, or start of the slide, was at about 8,000 feet, northwesterly facing, and at least 150 feet wide, said Ethan Davis, Sawtooth Avalanche Center avalanche specialist.
“These individuals are fortunate they were not seriously injured or killed,” Davis said. “Safely riding in backcountry avalanche terrain—including areas right outside ski area boundaries—requires specialized education, equipment and experience. Avalanches big enough to bury and kill people will remain likely while the weak layers of snow near the ground adjust to the weight of all the new snow that has fallen in January.”
For more information and forecasts, visit sawtoothavalanche.com.
Domestic Battery Charge Elevated To Felony
Tuesday morning, a misdemeanor domestic battery charge was amended to a felony based upon the discovery of a traumatic injury.
On Tuesday, Jan. 8, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a domestic battery on Pioneer Drive, west of Hailey. Mauricio Pedraza-Rodriguez, 23, of Hailey, was arrested on misdemeanor charges based upon the victim’s visible injuries.
The victim, a 21-year-old female, chose not to be transported for medical evaluation. However, during a follow-up interview the following day, the victim said she had sought medical care for a broken finger and would require surgery.
“According to Idaho Code, the existence of a traumatic injury elevates the charge to a felony level,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins.
Ketchum To Host Community Conversations
The City of Ketchum will host two Community Conversations, from noon to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum. The conversations discuss—with residents, business owners, employees and customers—ways to protect and stimulate the uses in the light industrial districts, and provide housing that is affordable for Ketchum workers and families that want to live where they work and play.
“Our community’s need for housing is dire,” said Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “With help from the citizens of Ketchum, I believe we can reach a solution that preserves the needs of the light industrial area and provides the housing we desperately need.”
In October, the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission approved zoning changes to the light industrial districts. Information obtained from the community prior to the recommendations going to City Council for approval is valuable in helping city leaders make important decisions for Ketchum.
There will be free pizza served.
Ford Motor Co. To Be Sun Valley Film Festival Presenting Sponsor
The Sun Valley Film Festival will have a new presenting sponsor this March for its eighth annual event. Ford Motor Company will be its new presenting sponsor.
“We are excited to take on the role of presenting sponsor and build upon Ford’s presence in Sun Valley, which dates back to the 1940s,” said Al Uzielli, head of Ford Global Branded Entertainment. “Over the past seven years, the Sun Valley Film Festival has become a rising star in the world of destination festivals, attracting an audience that is spot-on with our Ford Ranger.”
The Ranger, a mid-sized truck, will be used to transport filmmaker and industry guests during the SVFF, including to the Vision Award Dinner and screenings at the new Argyros Performing Arts Center, which will be branded as the Ford Main Street Theater.
“Our partnership with Ford not only allows us to take the festival to the next level but gives our industry guests an opportunity to enjoy Sun Valley’s breathtaking outdoor offerings to the fullest, with opportunities to interact and inspire as they quite literally get above it all,” said Teddy Grennan, SVFF executive director. “This year our attendees will not only watch movies, but have new experiences in ways they never imagined.”
Four SVSEF Students Compete In Finland
Sun Valley Community School students and cross-country skiers—seniors Sophia Mazzoni and Bentley Walker-Broose, along with juniors Johnny Hagenbuch and Sydney Palmer-Leger—all qualified to compete at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships now being held in Lahti, Finland, through Jan. 27.
All four students are members of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation cross-country team and Sun Valley Community School’s Sun Valley Ski Academy.
Mazzoni, Palmer-Leger and Hagenbuch each qualified based on their results at the U.S. Nationals held in Craftsbury, Vt., in early January.
“Qualifying for this international competition as representatives of the U.S. is an extraordinarily huge achievement,” said Anneliese Turck, Community School’s communications associate.
Walker-Broose, who is Australian, met his qualifications based on Australian criteria.
“For the last three years I have been coming to Sun Valley for the winter season to train with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Ski team and to be a part of the Sun Valley Ski Academy,” said Walker-Broose. “This move has helped me improve both as a person and as an athlete. The school has been amazing—incredibly helpful and supportive as they helped me reach my goals.”
Hailey Girl Scouts Shine At Inaugural Ball
Girls Scouts from Troop 349 helped serve refreshments at Idaho’s 48th Inaugural Ball as part of their community service. Giving back is a Girl Scouting tradition. The opportunity to be part of the inaugural festivities was a community service opportunity filled with fun.
“The girls were honored and very excited to be seven of the 44 girls who were invited to represent Girl Scouts for the State of Idaho at the inaugural event, and they were thrilled to have the chance to snap a quick photo in front of the Capitol,” said Judy Morgan, troop leader.
Most of the girls have been Girl Scouts since first grade and have dedicated themselves to “making the world a better place,” part of scouting’s promise and law. They are planning to complete the Gold Award—Girl Scouting’s highest award, which includes at least 80 hours of planning and execution of a project that helps others. All of the Gold Award plans must be pre-approved by the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council in Boise.
Billy Goat Loppet Results Are Announced
The Billy Goat Loppet cross-country ski race drew nearly 50 Wood River Valley Nordic skiers Saturday, Jan. 19, to a 10km and 5km race course at the Sun Valley Nordic Center. Racers ranged in age from 7 (Thijs Young) to 92 (Charlie French), both pictured in photo.
The race was held on the Proctor Loop and Trail Creek Loop for the 10km. The 5km course was the Trail Creek Loop only.
Overall winners for the men’s 10km were Bill Nurge, Sam Young and David Knoop, and in the women’s category, Betsy Youngman, Muffy Ritz and Tricia Swartling.
Overall winners for the men’s 5km were Chad Ripp, Bailey Kuntz and Dwane Reed, and for the women, Darlene Young, Francette Labatut and Judith Steinbeck.
Talk To Be Held On Marsy’s Law For Idaho
Marsy’s Law for Idaho organizers will hold a talk with Pamela Lasseter Cathey at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Hailey Public Library. Cathey is the founder and president for the Institute for the Prevention of Relationship Violence, an author of two books on relationship violence, and an expert on the healing process for victims. She is also the director of advocacy and research for Marsy’s Law for Idaho.
Marsy’s Law for Idaho is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require victim notification when an offender escapes or absconds from probation and parole, give victims the right to confer with prosecutors and put victims’ rights on equal standing with those accused or convicted of offenses.
“There is a real need to take victims’ rights in Idaho to the next level and Pamela Cathey understands the benefits of giving victims a better sense of safety and involvement in our legal system,” said Sara Westbrook, state director for Marsy’s Law for Idaho. “This event will provide valuable information and tools to victims of crime, those who advocate for victims, and anyone interested in supporting stronger victims’ rights in our state.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Girl Scout Cookie Sales To Help Those In Need
Idaho dairy farm families have partnered with the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council for the Cookies from the Heart program. For every box of cookies sold, Idaho dairy farmers will donate $1. A $5 purchase will provide a box of Girl Scout cookies and help purchase milk by The Idaho Foodbank to help fight hunger in Idaho.
Over the previous three years of this program, 23,621 boxes of cookies and more than $33,000 worth of milk were donated to The Idaho Foodbank.
“Milk is one of the most requested, but least available, items at foodbanks,” Cindy Miller, with Dairy West, said. “Dollar for dollar, it’s one of the most nutrient-packed items a family can have on the table, providing protein, calcium and eight other key nutrients.”
In addition to traditional sales, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council are also participating in the Digital Cookie Program, which allows girls to sell online. These customers will also be able to take advantage of this double-donation opportunity.
All Girl Scout cookie purchases support girls and the mission of Girl Scouts, which is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Visit girlscouts-ssc.org for more information and to find where you can purchase a box of Cookies from the Heart.
Volunteers For Ski Week Sought
Blaine County students are enjoying what is known as “ski week,” which provides outdoor experiences to many students who would not otherwise learn how to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or ice skate. The program is organized by dedicated teachers and relies on volunteers and donations to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate.
Each of the elementary schools needs volunteers. Volunteers can help as many days as they would like. Volunteers go through a simple and quick background check and attend a meeting at the school where they are volunteering. Each school has a ski week coordinator; visit blaineschools.org for more information.
Shelley Man Killed In Car Accident Tuesday Morning
A fatality occurred on U.S. Highway 20 near Carey early Tuesday, Jan. 22. Idaho State Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at milepost 206.8 at about 12:30 a.m.
James L. Brannen, 51, of Shelley, was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound on U.S. Highway 20-26-93. Brannen crossed the centerline and struck an empty cattle truck head-on. The cattle truck came to rest on the right shoulder. The Tahoe spun around in the lane of travel, coming to a stop blocking the westbound lanes.
The cattle truck was being driven by William Featherston, 64, of Sun River, Mont. Featherston was wearing a seatbelt and was not transported. Brannen succumbed to his injuries at the scene. It is undetermined at this time if he was wearing a seatbelt.
The westbound lanes were blocked for approximately four hours. The crash is under investigation by Idaho State Police.
The Argryos Names Tim Mott Executive Director
Douglas Rankin, the current executive director of The Argyros, will leave his position, and Tim Mott will become the new acting executive director.
Mott led both the construction of the new Argyros Performing Arts Center and the associated $15 million building and $2 million performance fund campaigns.
“We’d like to thank Doug for his valued contributions in helping get the new building operational and we appreciate his offer to consult in the future,” said Bill Lowe, Argyros board president. “At the same time, I very much look forward to working with Tim, the very capable staff, and the engaged board of directors to further establish the new programs at The Argyros.”
Mott said he was “eager” to further establish programs at The Argyros that truly befit it.
“I am also excited that Greg Phillips, who worked with us as a consultant from inception, will return to work on programming and booking,” he said.
Ketchum To Host Community Conversations
The City of Ketchum will host two Community Conversations, from noon to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum. The conversations discuss—with residents, business owners, employees and customers—ways to protect and stimulate the uses in the light industrial districts, and provide housing that is affordable for Ketchum workers and families that want to live where they work and play.
“Our community’s need for housing is dire,” said Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “With help from the citizens of Ketchum, I believe we can reach a solution that preserves the needs of the light industrial area and provides the housing we desperately need.”
In October, the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission approved zoning changes to the light industrial districts. Information obtained from the community prior to the recommendations going to City Council for approval is valuable in helping city leaders make important decisions for Ketchum.
There will be free pizza served.
Girls On The Run Registration Is Now Open
The spring season of Girls on the Run of the Wood River Valley will begin Tuesday, April 2, at each of the Blaine County elementary schools and Sun Valley Community School. Groups of 3rd-5th grade girls will meet twice a week for 10 weeks. The culminating event is the Color Me Fearless 5K, a community-wide, paint-themed 5k event to be held Sunday, June 2. Groups are limited to 20 girls, so sign up early at girlsontherunwrv.org. Scholarships are available and based on a sliding fee in the online form.
The Sweet Remains Will Play The Argyros
Presented by the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, The Sweet Remains will perform at the Argyros Performing Arts Center, in Ketchum, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. Rich Price, Greg Naughton and Brian Chartrand met at a chance jam session in a Rhode Island hotel room in 2008 and instantly recognized a harmonious musical blend and kinship. The band’s sound is driven by strong lyrical, melodic writing and lush harmonies.
The Sweet Remains’ educational outreach activities are supported, in part, with funds provided by the Western States Arts Federation, the Idaho Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. All seats are reserved. The Center’s 2018–19 Performing Arts Series is sponsored by Scott Miley and Jane Rosen of Scott Miley Roofing and the Wood River Inn & Suites.
For tickets, visit sunvalleycenter.org, or call (208) 726-9491.
