Sun Valley 2020 Ski Passes On Sale
The 2019-20 winter season passes for Sun Valley Resort have gone on sale with special spring pricing and enhanced benefits through May 31. Prices increase on June 1, then are at full pricing for the season starting on Sept. 3.
Passholders of the Sun Valley Challenger or the College Pass will also have the added benefit of receiving a 50 percent discount on the daily lift ticket window rate at Vail Resorts-owned and operated destinations that are a part of the Epic Pass next season. Sun Valley and Snowbasin are partnering with the Epic Pass starting with the 2019-20 season. With 68 resorts and eight countries participating in the pass program, it provides many options for skiers and riders, along with benefits for Sun Valley and Snowbasin unrestricted season passholders.
Another option for the 2019-20 season is the Sun and Snow Pass, offering three days of skiing and riding at both Sun Valley and Snowbasin with no blackout dates and other discounts at each resort.
Idaho Judges Could See More Control Over Sentencing
A bipartisan bill to reform Idaho’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws passed the House with a 48-21-1 vote. The Mandatory Minimum bill, HB99, allows for judicial discretion when sentencing for drug offenses. Under current law, judges are forced to give a mandatory minimum sentence even when they feel it is manifestly unjust given the circumstances.
“In many cases, mandatory minimums result in taxpayers paying to inflict serious injustice,” Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), a bill co-sponsor, said. “Many have heard about the truck driver who was driving industrial hemp through Idaho. Hemp is legal under federal law, and he thought he was just making an honest living delivering legal goods. But Idaho’s mandatory minimum laws could force the judge to imprison him for five years with no possibility of parole, regardless of whether the judge thinks that’s appropriate. Cases like this are a waste of taxpayer dollars and are ruining lives for no reason. I have heard many judges say they wish they could deliver more sensible sentences, but their hands are tied.”
Judges have shown support for the bill. In fact, retired Idaho Supreme Court Justices Jim Jones and Wayne Kidwell, both of whom also served as Attorney General, wrote a letter to the committee expressing their support for the legislation.
The bill now heads to the Senate Judiciary and Rules committee. However, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Todd Lakey, publicly stated that he will not allow the bill to be heard.
Chelsea Handler And Alex Ross Perry Join Sun Valley Film Festival Coffee Talks
The 2019 Sun Valley Film Festival has announced that celebrated host, author, stand-up comic and activist Chelsea Handler will attend the festival as a special guest and participate in the festival’s Coffee Talks on Thursday, March 14. Alex Ross Perry, who will receive the Festival’s Rising Star Award for Directing, will participate in Coffee Talks on Saturday, March 16.
Coffee Talks are moderated one-hour conversations with top industry talent sharing stories about their journey and their craft. Handler and Perry will join previously announced Coffee Talk guests Aaron Paul on Friday, March 15, and Meg Ryan on Sunday, March 17.
State Lawmakers Approve Medicaid Expansion But Repeal Efforts Stay Alive
Idaho’s Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted unanimously last week to fund Medicaid Expansion through the so-called Millennium Fund.
Medicaid Expansion was passed by 61 percent voter approval through a November 2018 ballot initiative known as Proposition 2.
“I am ecstatic to see that the members of the committee are respecting the will of the people,” committee member Rep. Sally Toone (D-Gooding) said. “This vote sends a clear message to all the legislators. We have found a funding mechanism and are ready to implement Medicaid Expansion. Idahoans need access to quality healthcare. There is no time for any more nonsense.”
In the past several weeks, bills that would have implemented particular processes for individuals trying to access Medicaid coverage were proposed by some Republican lawmakers in committee. Those bills failed to garner bipartisan approval. However, a new bill emerged last week in the House Health and Welfare Committee from Rep. John Vander Woude (R-Nampa).
If it becomes law, it would, among other things, put in place work requirement provisions and mandatory review clauses to protect against fraudulent or unwarranted claims. Opponents say the measures would add at least $2 million in implementation costs and would unfairly place a number of people who need healthcare in the so-called Medicaid “gap” population—people who cannot afford adequate private healthcare, but do not qualify for “Obamacare” or Medicare.
South Central Public Health District Calls For “Health Heroes” Nominations
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make your community healthier? Now is your chance to recognize them! South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) is now accepting nominations for “Health Heroes 2019.”
“These are regular people who go out of their way to help our community,” said Pam Jones, chair of the SCPHD Health Heroes committee. “Like the teen on your street who got involved in local government to bring us healthier laws. Or the P.E. teacher who is using personal time to organize field days for the whole community. This is a chance to recognize their hard work.”
You can nominate a group or person for one of the four nomination categories: youth, adult, corporate, and behavioral health. The nomination form is available online at https://phd5.idaho.gov or at one of our five offices.
Twin Falls School Board To Consider Yoga Curriculum
Commending the efforts being made in Twin Falls School District (TFSD) in Idaho to introduce yoga courses for juniors and seniors, Hindus are urging for launching yoga courses in all the public schools of Idaho.
The TFSD Board of Trustees will reportedly consider a course proposal for “Yoga Life” in its March 11 meeting. Hindus have called it a step in a positive direction.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has already urged Idaho Governor Brad Little, Idaho State Board of Education President Linda Clark and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra to work toward formally introducing yoga as a part of curriculum in all the public schools of the state.
Committee Drives Pet License Plates Bill Forward
The bill that would raise funds for spay and neuter programs in Idaho by offering specialty license plates featuring a dog and a cat continues to find favor with lawmakers. The House has already approved the bill, and last week the Senate Transportation Committee forwarded the bill to the full Senate.
The specialty plate will cost an additional $35 for drivers, with a $25 annual renewal fee. The bill stipulates that $22 of the initial fee and $12 of each renewal fee will go toward spaying and neutering pets. Proponents say the program will help solve pet overpopulation issues.
Support Grows For Fertility Treatment For Veterans
The call for the federal government to cover fertility treatment for injured and disabled veterans passed in the House last week and will now have a hearing in a Senate committee, where it is expected to gain support so it can head to the Senate floor. Currently, Veterans Affairs (VA) will not cover fertility treatments like IVF when a veteran cannot produce their own biological material. This prevents many veterans from getting treatment.
Retired Army Captain Micah Andersen has been working alongside lawmakers to develop the bill. After suffering from a complex blast in Afghanistan, Andersen needed fertility treatment to have a child. When his VA insurance did not cover it, he was forced to pay thousands of dollars.
“I am so glad that Rep. Green recognized the importance of this issue,” Andersen said. “When veterans are told that they cannot have a family when they come home, it’s devastating.”
Parents Invited To A Talk About Having ‘The Talk’
South Central Public Health District (SCPHD), with the Idaho Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program, is offering a free dinner for parents who want to learn how to talk to their kids about safe sex.
“Talking about sex is uncomfortable and scary, but it’s important that kind of information comes from parents first,” said Adria Masoner, SCPHD Health Education Specialist. “Even if your kids are waiting until marriage, they will have questions. If they don’t get facts from you, they may turn to friends or the Internet to try to understand sex on their own.”
Research shows that, in Idaho, 37 percent of high school teenagers say they have already experimented with sex. Of those, only about half said they used a condom to protect against unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Meanwhile, Idaho has reported an increase in sexually transmitted diseases across the state.
“There is so much bad information online that teens can easily access. It is important parents have the tools they need to intervene and separate the truth from any harmful myths their teens may have heard or read about sex,” said Masoner.
The “Bridging the Gap” dinner and discussion is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Doc’s Pizza, 514 6th Street, in Rupert. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Friday, March 8. Space is limited.
Hailey Woman Booked On Felony Charges For Contraband
On Thursday, Feb. 27, Elizabeth Morgan, age 37, of Hailey, was booked into the Blaine County Detention Center for the felony charge of Introduction/Possession of Certain Articles into Correctional Facilities.
Morgan is charged with allegedly introducing or possessing a controlled substance into the Blaine County Detention Center on Oct. 30, 2018, while in custody on unrelated charges.
Morgan was served Feb. 22, 2019, in Canyon County on the Blaine County warrant and then transferred to the Blaine County Detention Center. Bond is set at $150,000. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 5.
Mental Health Assistance For First Responders On Its Way
Rep. Mat Erpelding’s (D-Boise) First Responder bill passed on the House floor with a 59-10-1 vote on Thursday, paving the way for Governor Brad Little signing it into law. The legislation requires workers’ compensation to cover treatment for psychological trauma such as Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) for first responders. Currently, if a first responder needs workers’ compensation to cover treatment for psychological trauma, they must have an accompanying physical injury.
“Every day, first responders see things that most of us could not even imagine,” Rep. Erpelding said. “Many of these individuals who are affected are in desperate need of care but can’t afford to take the necessary actions.”
Have You Seen Your Meter Lately?
With the recent heavy accumulations of snow, Intermountain Gas Company is encouraging customers to inspect their natural gas meter and furnace vent areas to make sure there is not a buildup of snow and ice.
Customers are encouraged to clear the snow and ice away from the meter set and the furnace vent area. Also, anyone operating snow removal equipment needs to be aware of objects buried under the snow, which can include natural gas meters and risers.
Accumulations of snow and ice can cause the regulator and meter to malfunction and result in a hazardous situation. A buried or iced-over regulator may become clogged, affecting the supply of gas to the appliances. When melting occurs and the snow becomes wet and heavy, it can put pressure on the meter setting and cause strain on the associated piping. In extreme cases, the possibility exists that the piping could break.
Customers should also inspect the area around the furnace vent to ensure snow and ice is not blocking the vent. Blocked vents can cause your equipment to stop working properly. Vents can be either PVC pipe or galvanized cylindrical steel. PVC vents can be found extending through the exterior walls of the home or the roof; galvanized vents are found extending through the roof.
If you are unsure of where your meter is located, need assistance clearing accumulated snow and ice, or believe damage has occurred around the meter set, you can call Intermountain Gas Company at (800) 548-3679.
Arts Center Pulls In Large NEA Money
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts announced that it has been recommended for a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of The Center’s upcoming visual arts exhibition, “Mirage: Energy and Water in the Great Basin,” which will run from June 12 to Aug. 23.
The Center applied for funding through Art Works, the Arts Endowment’s primary grantmaking program. After convening panels to review 1,605 eligible applications, the agency will award 972 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 and totaling more than $27 million.
Focusing on a vast expanse of land that covers much of the American West (including parts of Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and California, and nearly all of Nevada), “Mirage: Energy and Water in the Great Basin” will feature the work of contemporary artists who have been inspired by this singular and often paradoxical region. The $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts will help support the visual arts exhibition and the production of a catalog and video to accompany it.
Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Creek
The Soldier Creek recreation improvement project and the proposal to build a new warming hut facility at Salt Creek in Fairfield are open for public comments from now until March 22. The Fairfield Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest is proposing to improve three parking lots, install two trail bridges and construct two short segments of trail in the Soldier Creek drainage. The warming hut facility, which will include a vaulted toilet, is being proposed for the Salt-Bowns groomed snowmobile route.
You can submit comments via e-mail to: comments-intermtn-sawtooth-fairfield@fs.fed.us with a subject line of “Soldier Creek Recreation Improvements” or “Salt Creek Warming Hut.” Questions regarding these proposals can be directed to Steve Frost or Jennifer Stevens at (208) 764-3202.
Want To Chime In On School Budgeting?
Blaine County School District is inviting the community to join the Board of Trustees and learn about the 2019-20 budget. What’s most important to you in education? What are your priorities in the budget and why? Those are the questions district officials say they want to hear from parents and other members of the public.
The session will include a brief presentation on projected revenues and expenses and an update on impact of the Supplemental Levy. The meeting will take place at the Carey High School auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6.
Call (208) 578-5000 with any questions.
School District Addresses ‘Momo Challenge’
An online character that has gone viral is putting the Blaine County School District into parent-alert mode.
“Our school administrators, counselors, psychologists, and social workers have become aware of information about ‘Momo,’ a viral character who entices children to try various ‘challenges’ that encourages them to harm themselves and others,” Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes said in a letter to parents, staff and community members.
The character has an account on at least Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp. The district is recommending parents follow the suggestions of EmpowerEducateKids.org which says to first ask your children a general question about whether anything happening online or in social media has been upsetting to them. The organization also recommends being aware of which apps your children have on their phones and which ones they use to communicate to friends and, potentially, strangers.
Caritas Chorale Gives Two Music Scholarships
The board of Caritas Chorale approved donations to two Wood River High School music programs: $500 to the Olivia Stimac Scholarship Fund and $1,000 to the Wood River High School Choral Department in support of the annual music competition in Anaheim, Calif.
“This is a great example of how musicians have supported younger generations
throughout history,” Max Stimac, Wood River High School music director, said.
Caritas Chorale has been performing in the Wood River Valley for 20 years. About 70
soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers rehearse with R.L. Rowsey for three months in advance of their
performances. The chorus is open to all, no auditions are required, and all performances are free.
Solar Panel Bill Heads To The Senate
Legislation preventing homeowner associations (HOAs) from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting the installation of solar panels has passed the House and is moving on to the Senate. The legislation applies only to homeowners—it cannot be used by those who are renting or leasing a home.
“Homeowners should have the ability to make their own choices about what kinds of energy they want to use in their homes. This bill strikes a sound compromise between the interests of homeowners and HOAs,” Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise), the bill’s sponsor, said.
In the past, HOAs have prohibited the placement of solar panels on homes because they did not believe they were aesthetically pleasing. However, recent advances in technology have made the solar panels sleek and less conspicuous.
Inaugural Wood River Valley Conservation Symposium
The Community Library and Idaho Conservation League will be presenting an exploration of Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead, Wednesday, March 13, from 6-7:30 p.m., and Thursday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Community Library main library in Ketchum. This two-day event will discuss the science, history and policy of Idaho’s wild fish, through the eyes of Idaho conservationists.
The symposium will cover two days and will examine how sustainable and affordable energy efforts are impacting conservation efforts. There will be storytelling, presentations and interactive discussion on developing issues, policy prospects, energy and advocacy challenges ahead.
