Man’s Toilet Paper Wipes Out Five Acres Of Sun Valley Subdivision
Nearly five acres of the under-construction Lane Ranch subdivision burned Thursday afternoon, May 2, after a man relieved himself along the sagebrush-covered hillside and then disposed of the paper he wiped with by lighting it on fire. Sun Valley and Ketchum fire crews were able to use the recently installed fire hydrants to contain the blaze quickly and have it extinguished entirely within three hours.
“We were surprised to have a wildland fire this early, but then we realized why,” said Sun Valley Fire Chief Taan Robrahn. “We’re fortunate this wasn’t midsummer.”
Robrahn noted that a 60-acre fire in the Boise foothills in August 2015 had the same cause. He said people need to remember to never light a fire outside a fire ring and that digging a hole is the way to properly get rid of human waste in situations like these.
“Any time you put fire on the ground, especially in dry conditions, you run the risk of starting a wildfire,” Robrahn said.
Sheriff’s Office Shepherds In Two New Deputies
The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office K-9 program is no longer on pause, now that eight paws are the new boots on the street.
Corporal Phil Rummel and Deputy Chris Harrison have returned from the Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Training Center, where they spent five weeks selecting and training with the new canines. Along with drug detection, the two teams are trained in human tracking, warrant searches, and evidence location. They will work alongside patrol deputies and the Narcotics Enforcement Team, providing assistance to local law enforcement agencies and probation officers.
“We thank both of our deputies and their new K-9 partners for their future service to our community and give them our full support,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins.
Becoming a K-9 handler is a substantial ongoing deputy commitment that requires a tremendous amount of time and training to achieve and maintain Idaho State Canine Standards and Certification. The deputies will spend countless hours bonding and caring for their new partners for many years to come.
Aside from their law enforcement duties, the K-9 teams will be involved in community policing efforts by giving demonstrations of their canines’ abilities, providing drug education, and connecting with our community.
“We want the dogs and their handlers to be visible and approachable,” Harkins said. “We plan to incorporate the K-9s into our local schools, partnering with the Blaine County School District to educate our youth about the dangers of drug use and to help keep our local schools drug-free.”
The initial cost of the program has been funded at no expense to Blaine County taxpayers. Startup funding was made possible by a grant from the Idaho Office of Drug Policy and drug forfeiture funds.
‘Blinking Light’ Sees Another Injury Accident, Alcohol Suspected
On Monday, May 6, 2019, at approximately 6:17 p.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on State Highway 75 near milepost 95 south of Timmerman Junction in southern Blaine County.
The accident reconstruction investigation indicates Thalia D. Stewart, age 32, of Twin Falls, was the sole occupant in a grey 1997 Toyota 4Runner, traveling northbound on Highway 75, when her vehicle traveled off the roadway. Stewart overcorrected and traveled back across the north and southbound lanes, hitting the west embankment. Stewart’s vehicle rolled multiple times before landing on its tires.
Stewart was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. She was transferred to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, by Life Flight.
It was determined Stewart was not wearing a seatbelt. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash. Her vehicle received significant damage. The crash remains under investigation.
New York Times Bestselling Author To Speak At Sun Valley Community School’s Graduation
Sun Valley Community School has landed a New York Times bestselling author and former Stanford University dean of freshmen to address graduates at this year’s commencement ceremonies that will take place on Sunday, June 2 at 1 p.m. in the Sun Valley Pavilion.
Thirty-nine seniors will graduate along with one exchange student who will receive a certificate of completion.
Julie Lythcott-Haims is the author of the 2015 New York Times bestseller “How to Raise an Adult,” which details how a parent can rob a child from developing agency by overparenting. It emerged from a decade as Stanford University’s dean of freshmen, where Lythcott-Haims was known for her fierce advocacy for young adults and fierce critique of the growing trend of parental involvement in the day-to-day lives of college students. Her 2016 TED talk on the subject became one of the top TED talks of 2016 with over 4 million views.
Carey Teenager Dies In Rollover Accident
On Saturday, May 4, 2019, at approximately 10:05 a.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover on U.S. Highway 20 near milepost 191 near the Susie Q Ranch east of Picabo.
Dakota R. Pettit, age 19, of Carey, was the sole occupant in a 1996 white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling eastbound on Hwy. 20. Deputies determined Pettit’s vehicle left the right side of the road and traveled briefly on the shoulder. As the vehicle re-entered onto the roadway, it began an uncontrolled skid into the westbound lane. The accident reconstruction investigation indicates Pettit attempted a steering correction, but the vehicle overturned and rolled approximately one and a half times before landing on its roof. Pettit, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected in the crash and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
“We have seen an increase in serious accidents for this time of year,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins. “Please remember to drive safely, wear your seatbelts and obey all traffic laws.”
Corporal Rummel, pictured right, is partnered with “Eric”—a two-year-old male German shepherd/Malinois mix. Deputy Harrison, pictured left, is partnered with “Kimber”—a one-and-a-half-year-old female German shepherd/Malinois mix. Photo credit: Blaine County Sheriff’s Office
Arts Center To Showcase Student Artwork
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts is inviting members of the community to a special event celebrating the opening of the 2018–2019 Classroom Enrichment Exhibition on Thursday, May 30, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. The visual arts exhibition, which explores how art deepened student learning throughout the year, will be on view at The Center’s museum through Saturday, June 1.
The so-called Deepen the Discussion exhibition showcases artwork created by students who participated in projects associated with The Center’s Classroom Enrichment program during the 2018–2019 school year. This innovative arts integration program brings professional museum educators and teaching artists into the schools to work with non-arts classroom teachers at the secondary level in developing a project and co-teaching an element of planned curriculum through a hands-on art project.
Enrichment projects are offered annually to core subject teachers and sixth- to 12th-grade students across the Blaine County School District. These projects provide students with new tools for interpretation and problem-solving; encourage three-dimensional learning, critical thinking and self-expression; and deepen student engagement with academic course material. Generously sponsored by Wendy and Alan Pesky, the program reaches up to 700 secondary students in their classrooms each year, including 740 students who participated in enrichment projects during the current school year.
“This program provides students with a new platform for creatively engaging with classroom topics and expressing their understanding in a way unique to themselves,” Jordyn Dooley, art enrichment coordinator at The Center, said.
For more information, visit sunvalleycenter.org or call (208) 726-9491.
Senior Connection To Benefit From Keller Williams RED Day
On Thursday, May 9, real estate professionals from Keller Williams will participate in their annual RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, their annual day of service. It marks the second year in a row the Senior Connection will be the recipient of their service.
One team will be cleaning up the yard of a senior who can no longer get outside. Another team will be building bird houses to be delivered to homebound seniors. After, they will enjoy a barbecue at the Senior Connection.
Help with chores like yard work, helps keep seniors living in their own home, allowing them to “age in place.”
Sun Valley Resort Loses Dispute Over Domain Name
A dispute over the Internet domain name sumvalley.com—the m is not a typo—has been resolved, but not to the liking of Sinclair Finance Company, the owner of Sun Valley Resort.
When it was discovered that a Texas small-business owner registered the sumvalley.com domain name, Sinclair filed for arbitration. They complained that the smaller company was using the domain name to divert Internet traffic away from the ski resort, thereby disrupting its business.
The Texas-based company is registered as a tech-coding company and claims that it was playing off the term “Silicon Valley” for marketing purposes. The website is still under construction.
The arbitration panel sided with the Texans.
“The Panel finds that the disputed domain name is confusingly similar to a mark in which Complainant (Sinclair) has rights. The Panel further finds that Complainant has not proved that Respondent (the Texas business) lacks rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name, nor that the disputed domain name was registered and is being used in bad faith,” the official decision states.
Vendors Wanted At 2019 Sheep Festival
The 2019 Trailing of the Sheep Festival isn’t until Oct. 11–13, but openings to be a vendor at the three-day event are available now. Typical vendor booths include items attractive to dog lovers and sheep/wool enthusiasts. Over the three days, up to 4,000 people are in attendance.
For more information, visit trailingofthesheep.org.
Forest Service Launches ‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign
It’s that time of year when recreationists are ready to get out and enjoy the Sawtooth National Forest. Campgrounds are opening up slowly due to melting snow. Officially, campgrounds will be open with amenities closer to Memorial Day. The Forest Service is asking campers to bring water and pack out trash and reminding campers that at higher elevations snow and wet conditions are expected.
“The snowpack is beginning to recede and rivers and creeks are flowing at or near capacity and are very dangerous to pets and children,” the Forest Service said.
Typically, seasonally closed secondary roads open on May 1, but forest users should proceed carefully. Driving on muddy roads can damage them and cause erosion and difficult driving for the rest of the year. Forest users may encounter “Road/Trail Closed” signs on some higher elevation roads and trails.
“We ask that if you encounter these temporary closures to please turn around and prevent unnecessary damage and increased maintenance cost,” the Forest Service said.
All motorized users can pick up a copy of the Sawtooth National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows which roads and trails are open to motorized use. The map is free at Sawtooth National Forest offices and also available as an Avenza map that will show users in real time where they are in relation to the map.
For the most current information on road and trail conditions, recreationists and other users are encouraged to contact their local Forest Service office:
- Ketchum Ranger Station – (208) 622-5371
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area – Headquarters (208) 727-5000
- Stanley Ranger Station – (208) 774-3000
- Fairfield Ranger District – (208) 764-3202
- Minidoka Ranger District – (208) 678-0430
- Sawtooth National Forest Supervisor’s Office – (208) 423-7500
Attention Valley Drivers: Get Ready For Road Work
The City of Sun Valley is beginning construction work for the second year of the Road and Path Bond Program, with a focus on the Elkhorn Road and Pathway work, and soon after, the Twin Creeks area.
Work on Elkhorn will include: rehabilitation and paving of the roadway and bike path, new curb and gutter, culverts, and ADA accessibility improvements. Construction crews have been setting up traffic control. Elkhorn Road will be closed to through traffic from Skyline Drive to South Village Way. Access to local traffic will remain open at all times. Through traffic will be detoured to Village Way. In addition, the bike path will be closed from Skyline Drive to South Village. Pedestrians and cyclists should use the Village Way bike path as a detour.
Work is anticipated to occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Night work and weekend work is not expected. Work will include, but not be limited to, general construction noise, dust, equipment backup alarms, and ground vibration. Access to residences will remain open at all times, although access points are likely to change to accommodate construction.
Sun Valley Skating Specials To Air Nationally
Two Ice Dance International American Public Television specials shot and filmed at the Sun Valley Resort by Stellar Adventure Media will air in Idaho and Spokane on back to back weekends May 10 and May 17 on Idaho Public Television in prime time. Both feature the repertory by Edward Villella, Trey McIntyre, Douglas Webster, and Benoit Richaud.
The most recently released special, In Flight: The Art of Ice Dance International, features the work of Trey McIntyre and premiers on May 10 at 8 p.m. The World of IDI airs on May 17 at 8 p.m. and has previously been broadcast in Idaho 15 times.
Power Prices Could Drop, Again
Idaho Power has filed the final piece of its spring cost adjustments with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC). If all filings are approved by the IPUC as requested, this will be the second consecutive year that residential customers see an overall price decrease.
The typical residential customer will see a combined decrease of $0.59 per month. On top of that, three classes of business customers, including irrigators, will see a decrease of more than 5 percent. Overall, Idaho Power prices are about 20 percent lower than the national average.
If approved as filed, the following four cost adjustments will become effective June 1:
The annual Power Cost Adjustment (PCA), a cost-recovery tool that passes on both the benefits and costs of supplying energy to Idaho Power customers.
The annual Fixed Cost Adjustment (FCA), which adjusts prices based on changes in energy use per customer during the previous year.
This year, Idaho Power also filed a rate adjustment to recover costs related to the company’s planned exit from the North Valmy power plant (Valmy, Nev.).
This year, Idaho Power also requested a downward adjustment to the Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider (EE Rider).
Ketchum To Recognize Local Olympians
The City of Ketchum is inviting the public to celebrate the Valley’s most recent Olympians. The celebration takes place at Town Square on Thursday, May 9, and begins at 5 p.m. Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury will emcee the brief ceremony. The names of Jake Adicoff, Jasmine Campbell, Chase Josey and Hilary Knight will be unveiled on the Olympic panels.
Two-time Paralympian, Adicoff, claimed a silver medal in the men’s 10-kilometer cross-country ski event at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Campbell, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics in the slalom and giant slalom ski events. Josey finished sixth in the snowboarding halfpipe event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. And three-time Olympian, Knight, along with the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team, won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Snacks, drinks and commemorative posters will be provided by the city.
Moms Eat For Free At Hailey KB’s
In honor of Mother’s Day, KB’s is letting all Valley moms eat for free Sunday, May 12, at the Hailey location. All menu items at the popular Mexican-fusion eatery will be on the house as long as the restaurant is open that day.
“Mothers work hard every day,” said Rodolfo Serva, the owner of KB’s. “They deserve to enjoy a meal someone else does for them. We’re a family business so we want to do something nice for families.”
Serva said in addition to the regular menu, king-crab tacos would be available on the special day.
KB’s Sunday business hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.