Avalanche Warning In Effect
Heavy snow and strong winds are creating very dangerous avalanche conditions across the Wood River Valley, weather officials are warning. Naturally occurring avalanches may run into the valley bottom, they say, and would be large enough to snap trees or destroy a house. Human-triggered avalanches are also very likely, officials said. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Avalanches do not only pose a threat on steep slopes, but under them, as well. This includes trails and roads well out into the valley bottom.
Since Monday afternoon, the following avalanches have occurred: Hwy. 75 was blocked by slides near Hulen Meadows and near Galena Summit (multiple events). Two houses were struck and damaged by a slide that crossed the Big Wood River near the Greenhorn Fire Station. A slide on Della Mountain slid into the Big Wood River in Della View.
Ketchum’s Unique Hotel To Host ‘Strange Hotels’
“Strange Hotels,” featuring Ben Braden and Nick Sadler, will be paying tribute to the Hot Water Inn, Ketchum’s quirky pub/hostel. The Portland duo’s music has been described as a wide-ranging project that includes flavors of dance, R&B, vintage pop and indie rock. The event is donation only ($5 suggested) on Friday, March 1, from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sweet 16 Marriages Could Become Illegal
A bill that would establish 16 as the youngest age to marry legally in Idaho is heading to the House floor for a vote. Rep. Melissa Wintrow’s (D-Boise) Child Safety bill seeks to align marriage laws with existing statutory rape and child protection laws.
“Unfortunately, the current law can shelter someone from being charged with rape or statutory rape by getting married,” Wintrow said. “We have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of children and prevent anyone from shielding themselves from illegal behavior due to a loophole in our law. No one under the age of 16 can consent to sex, which is why we established a floor of 16 (for marriage).”
As it stands now, children under 16 can get married with written consent of their parents. In addition to setting the bottom age at 16 years, the proposed legislation would require a teen who is 16 or 17 to first get parent or guardian consent and the court approval to marry.
The legislation was created in collaboration with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, an organization devoted to ending violence against women and girls.
“Basically, what this legislation does is provide another step of security for children in Idaho,” Wintrow said. “We don’t want to have a situation where a young child is being taken advantage of.”
Interactive Art Contest Promises A $29K Prize
The City of Ketchum is inviting professional artists, architects and designers to apply for a new, long-term interactive sculpture for a site on the city’s Fourth Street Heritage Corridor. The original artwork selected will be displayed on an outdoor pedestal beginning in late fall 2019 and become a permanent part of the city’s art collection.
Three semifinalists will be selected by the Ketchum Arts Commission and receive a stipend of $500 upon submission of proposal. The finalist will receive a budget of $29,000, inclusive of artist fee, design, engineering, materials, fabrication, shipping and installation.
The sculpture must be interactive in nature, allowing viewers of varying ages to interact with the piece in some way. Interactivity could include kinetic elements that allow viewers to alter the sculpture or set it into motion, optical devices, elements that allow viewers to create sound, or motion-activated elements.
The call for artists can be found at ketchumidaho.org/arts. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on March 25, 2019.
Repeals Of Medicaid Expansion Continue To Fail
Two bills aimed at repealing Medicaid Expansion in Idaho came and went last week without even receiving a bill number. The legislation, sponsored by freshman Representatives John Green (R-Post Falls) and Julianne Young (R-Blackfoot), was voted down in the House Health and Welfare Committee.
One bill called for an outright repeal of Medicaid Expansion, while the other would have repealed Medicaid Expansion by July 1, 2022, unless savings were realized within that time.
Reclaim Idaho, the organization responsible for the petition drive that put Medicaid Expansion on last November’s ballot, is calling on Governor Brad Little to fight for a “clean” Medicaid Expansion program. Nearly two-thirds of Idaho voters approved Proposition Two which calls for Medicaid Expansion in Idaho without restrictions. Reclaim Idaho’s encouragement to the governor comes on the heels of Little’s recent public comments that he would not let the legislature conclude the 2019 session without funding in place.
Governor Hopes To Recruit Young Teachers By Raising First-Year Salaries
Governor Brad Little’s bill to raise starting teacher salaries over the next two school years has gained favor with the House Education Committee, which passed the bill last week, sending it to the House floor with a recommendation it be approved. If the bill becomes law, starting teachers would make $40,000 by 2021—a roughly $2,000 raise.
The bill was largely supported by the Idaho School Boards Association, Idaho Business for Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and the State Board of Education. However, lagging state revenue could spell difficulty ahead. To ease any pain, Little opted for a two-year plan to $40,000 rather than a one-year option that would have cost an immediate $11.4 million. The two-year version would cost $3.8 million now and $7.6 in 2020-21.
Wood River Athletic Administrator Kevin Stilling Earns National Accolade
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) has recognized Kevin Stilling, the Athletics & Activities director at Wood River High School, as a Certified Athletic Administrator.
To earn this distinction, Stilling had to demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration, the NIAAA explained. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination. This places Stilling among an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide.
The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 10,000 individual members. It is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of high school athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics.
Are You Eligible For Property Tax Relief In 2019?
The state’s authority on property taxes says you could qualify for some tax relief this year. Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program reduces property taxes on an eligible homeowner’s primary Idaho residence and up to one acre of land by as much as $1,320.
“Many homeowners think you have to be 65 before you can apply, but that’s not the case,” said Pam Waters, coordinator of the Property Tax Reduction program for the Idaho State Tax Commission. “You may be eligible at any age if you meet certain criteria.”
To qualify, you must be in one of the following categories by Jan. 1, 2019:
- Recognized as disabled by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board, Federal Civil Service, a public employee retirement system not covered by these agencies, or by Veterans Affairs
- Widow(er)
- Blind
- Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years old
- Former prisoner of war
- Age 65 or older
The program requires that you have no more than $30,450 in total income in 2018. You also must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and own and live in your home by April 14, 2019. You can get an application for property tax reduction on the Tax Commission’s website or from your county assessor. You must file an application with your county assessor by Monday, April 15, 2019.
Employer Stole Your Wages? You May Get More Time To Get Them Back
State lawmakers are considering whether to make it easier for people to get their unpaid wages from employers who shorted them. The bill modifies current law to allow workers 12 months, rather than six months, to file a claim for unpaid wages. Rep. Mat Erpelding (D-Boise) sponsored the bill. He says that this change is necessary because many Idahoans do not realize that they have had their wages stolen until after the six-month deadline.
“Most Idahoans realize they have had wages stolen when they start to file taxes,” Erpelding explained. “In many cases, the wages were paid longer than six months ago so the individual can no longer file a claim to get their wages back.”
According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, wage theft is an issue across the nation and costs workers billions of dollars every year. Unfortunately, the only way to catch wage theft is to pay close attention to your pay stub.
Veterans Could See Financial Help With Fertility Treatment
A bill to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide fertility treatment to injured veterans is headed to the Idaho’s House floor.
“This legislation impacts veterans all over the country,” bill sponsor Rep. Brooke Green (D-Boise) said.
Green first heard about the issue from retired Army Captain Micah Andersen. He sustained complex blast injuries while serving in Afghanistan that impacted his fertility. Andersen testified during the committee to explain the importance of the bill to legislators.
“It was very important to Rep. Green and myself that I come testify in committee today,” Anderson said. “Because this issue is so difficult to talk about, most people don’t realize the effects the policy has on veterans. I was lucky enough to have the means to pay for fertility treatments, but a lot of soldiers do not. We have to change this policy so that every soldier has the opportunity to have a family when they come home.”
First-Responder Mental Health Bill On Track To Become Law
The bill that would provide the same sort of financial support to first-responder mental health issues as their physical health issues continues to move forward. Senate Bill 1028, sponsored by Rep. Mat Erpelding (D-Boise), now heads to the House floor for a vote, where it is expected to pass and be signed into law by Governor Brad Little.
“The First Responder bill has bipartisan support,” Little explained. “I think legislators realize how necessary this legislation is for the health and wellness of those who help us most. Most people are shocked when they hear that more first responders die from suicide than in the line of duty, and, we cannot keep ignoring psychological injuries if we want to lower this number.”
Under current law, if a first responder wants to have workers compensation cover any treatment for psychological trauma, they must also have a physical injury. For example, to get treatment covered by workers compensation for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), a first responder would have to break a leg.
Affordable Housing Location Still Up In The Air
The City of Ketchum will propose a mutual agreement with Brian Barsotti and Valkyrie, LLC, to terminate the contract to exchange 6th and Leadville with 290 and 298 Northwood Way. This follows a legal challenge on the exchange of properties.
The city said it does not believe the legal challenge has any merit and does not want to spend taxpayer money embarking on a lengthy legal process. The city said it will continue to pursue other alternatives to secure this land and other land suitable for workforce housing.
“When we support workforce housing projects, we are building bridges to the next generation,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “This unwarranted legal challenge just makes me more determined to build those bridges.”
Chamber Of Commerce To Host Morning Event
The Chamber – Hailey & The Wood River Valley is hosting its free monthly gathering called “Wake Up with The Chamber” from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Hosted by Windy City Arts, at 1911 Electra Lane, next to Sun Valley Auto Club, in the Hailey Business Park, attendees can visit with Chamber members, catch up on local happenings and help Windy City Arts celebrate their 15th anniversary.
Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact The Chamber at (208) 788-3484 or visit ValleyChamber.org or HaileyIdaho.com.
Sun Valley And Snowbasin Team Up To Keep Ski Prices Down
Sun Valley Resort and Snowbasin Resort in Utah announced today that a new joint season pass, named the Sun and Snow Pass, is launching for the 2019-20 season. The season pass offers three days of skiing and riding at both ski areas, then 50 percent off the daily lift ticket rate for additional days. For the best pricing and benefits —$359 for adults and $89 for children—purchases must be made by May 31.
Snow Load Causes Concern For Older Buildings
As of Feb. 26, the current roof snow load is estimated to be 70.20 pounds per square foot, raising the eyebrows of officials concerned about older structures (pre-1977) that were designed only to withstand up to 80 pounds per square foot.
Older flat-roofed structures are at greater risk and it is strongly advised that those roofs be shoveled when loads reach 60 pounds per square foot. The weight of one inch of snow on your roof can vary from 3 to 21 pounds depending on how wet the snow is. Ice buildup can weigh even more.
“I am fairly concerned about exhaust and intake stacks for chimneys, fireplaces, water heaters and gas furnaces,” Jim Lynch, Hailey building official, said. “If these are blocked, they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Local Real Estate Professionals Attend Invite-Only Global Real Estate Conference
Local real estate professionals Anna Mathieu and Michelle Sabina of Windermere Real Estate SV joined an accomplished group of real estate leaders from around the world at the Luxury Portfolio Agent Summit, Feb. 18-20 at the Wynn Las Vegas. The invitation-only event was open exclusively to sales associates who specialize in the high-end market and whose firms are affiliated with Luxury Portfolio International.
