Sun Valley Sees Record-Setting Snow, Highest Skier Count In 20 Years
The 2018-19 winter season had its final day at Sun Valley on Sunday, April 21, with perfect spring skiing and riding conditions, live music and plenty of costumes to celebrate one of the biggest seasons experienced at the resort.
“We appreciate the support of our guests, Mother Nature and the dedication of our outstanding resort team for making this an exceptional season,” stated Tim Silva, Sun Valley Resort’s vice president and general manager. “We had one of our strongest seasons to date with record-setting snow in February and conditions that kept the momentum going through spring. We look forward to seeing you on the mountain next year.”
The number of skiers and riders hitting the slopes at Sun Valley was one of the highest in the past 20 years with over 426,500 skier-days tallied this season, along with a record-setting snowfall of 136 inches in February.
Locals Spin A Yarn For A Good Cause
Humming Bull—the annual storytelling competition that raises funds for the youth-focused nonprofit Idaho BaseCamp—named its 2019 winners last week. The event, held on April 18 at the popular Ketchum watering hole, Whiskey Jacques’, pitted the top three storytellers from two separate semifinal events against one another. The six finalists were given seven minutes to tell a story based on the theme “Can You Hear Me Now?”
The first-place winner was Kat Cannell, who told a story about a young girl who suppressed her ability to see energy but in womanhood allowed herself to share it with the world. Runner-ups were Michael Marlin, who talked about the idealism of 1960s’ hippie consciousness and how it is alive and well today. C. Gordon told eyebrow-raising tales of a local, legendary rebel-rouser.
Idaho BaseCamp is an educational nonprofit primarily focused on youth and specializing in the building of one’s knowledge of environment, community and individual impact upon nature. Through group and individual exercises, participants gain valuable natural insight. The new perspectives acquired while attending Idaho BaseCamp provide the internal balance needed to confidently and harmoniously navigate within our modern world, the organization states.
Repeat Offender Arrested For Felony DUI
On Wednesday, April 17, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Lance Darin Cole, 49, of Ketchum, was arrested and charged with felony Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by deputies of the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.
A deputy stopped Cole for traveling 66 mph in the 55 mph speed zone on Highway 75 near Buttercup Road north of Hailey. Cole showed signs of intoxication and was asked to perform Standard Field Sobriety tests. Upon failing the tests, Cole was subsequently arrested.
During booking, it was discovered Cole had previous DUI convictions in 2012 and 2014. Cole refused to submit to a breath test and a warrant was issued to draw blood for a blood alcohol test. Blood was drawn without incident at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center and the blood samples were sent to the Idaho State Police Laboratory for analysis.
Cole was arraigned before Blaine County Magistrate Court Wednesday and later released on a bond of $5,000.
Idaho Power Safety Warning: Stay Away From Flooded Electrical Equipment
Wet weather and spring runoff are increasing water levels in many places across the Idaho Power service area. The utility has an important warning: Stay away from flooded or submerged electrical equipment.
When transformers (the green boxes in subdivisions and elsewhere) are flooded, do not approach them because they contain electrical equipment. Idaho Power always recommends staying away and never touching transformers when flooding occurs. Just as you would with downed power lines or damaged equipment, if you see a flooded transformer, call Idaho Power at (800) 488-6151.
In addition, homeowners are encouraged to call an electrician if their equipment is affected by flooding. If power must be shut off for safety reasons, a state electrical inspection may be required before Idaho Power can restore service.
Boaters, anglers and anyone else working or playing near water should take extra caution. Spring runoff, heavy rain, water releases from dams and changes in irrigation diversions can cause water levels to change quickly. Wear flotation devices, pay attention to the conditions and respect all warning signs and buoy lines to keep a safe distance from dams, Idaho Power states.
For more on staying safe in the water, visit idahopower.com/safety.
2019 Heritage Court Honorees Named
The four women who will sit on the 2019 Heritage Court—thanks to their contributions to the history and heritage of Blaine County—have been named. They are:
- Verla Goitiandia, named to the Court by the Blaine County Historical Museum
- Connie Grabow, named to the Court by the City of Ketchum
- Judy Peterson, named to the Court by the Blaine County Fair Board
- Pamela Rayborn, named to the Court by the City of Bellevue
The season of the Heritage Court, a program of the Blaine County Historical Museum, begins with an invitation-only tea for former and current honorees in late May, hosted by The Community Library. Sunday, June 9, will see the gala coronation at the Liberty Theatre with flowers, entertainment, and refreshments. Everyone is invited to attend. The Senior Connection in Hailey will honor the ladies (and ladies from past years) at a luncheon in early August, and the ladies will participate in all the summer parades. The museum’s website includes stories and pictures of everyone honored since the beginning of the Heritage Court in 2004 (bchistoricalmuseum.org).
Lt. Governor To Speak At Republican Women’s Meetup
Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin will speak at the Blaine County Republican Women’s meeting on Wednesday, April 24 at 1 p.m. in the Golden Eagle Clubhouse, 200 S. Golden Eagle Dr., Hailey. McGeachin will reprise the 2019 legislative session. Contact Julie Lynn at (208) 720-3629 or julie@bcrwidaho.com for details.
