Sheriff Accused Of Raping Minor Allowed To Visit With His Kids
Blaine County 5th District Court Judge Ned C. Williamson made good on his promise to let former Lincoln County Sheriff and Bellevue Marshal Rene Rodriguez spend time with his minor, biological children so long as adequate supervision could be established.
Williamson amended a no contact order Monday for the former law enforcement officer who is accused of seven felony counts of a sexual nature, including two charges of raping a 17-year-old. The judge interviewed two witnesses who testified they would be present for the supervised visits before amending the order. Rodriguez will be allowed to see his children for three hours every Saturday and can contact them by phone three times during the week.
The judge also pushed back Rodriguez’s trial to Oct. 29. It was originally slated for Aug. 6. Defense attorney Cheri Hicks made the request, citing the need to coordinate witnesses from as far away as California since the charges span multiple counties and years.
Rodriguez remains free on a $100,000 bond as he awaits jury trial. He has been ordered to avoid all contact with the alleged victim and the victim’s mother. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms.
Degn Decides Against Another School Board Run
In a reverse-course decision, Blaine County School Board trustee Ryan Degn told The Weekly Sun this week he will not seek re-election to the school board. Degn did not elaborate on his decision before press deadline Tuesday.
Degn represents the district’s Zone 1, which covers areas south of US-20 and the Big Wood River, east of Highway 75 from the southern Blaine County line north to, and including, Bellevue city limits, and south of Muldoon Canyon Road east to the county line (including the Bellevue Triangle, Picabo, Carey and Yale areas).
As recently as June, Degn said he would seek re-election to his seat that expires this year.
Degn is the second trustee to announce they would not be running for re-election. Trustee Ellen Mandeville said she would not seek re-election since she and her family expect to be moving out of the district’s Zone 3, which she represents. Zone 3 includes south of Deer Creek Road, west of the Big Wood River, north of Colorado Gulch Road/Croy Creek Road/Camp Creek Road (including Northridge, Northstar, Old Cutters, Curtis Subdivision, Deerfield, Broadford Highlands, Della View; excludes portions of Little Indio).
Three seats are up for grabs in November at the school district and only one seat—Kevin Garrison’s Zone 5—has a candidate, as of now. Garrison’s zone includes areas north of Quigley Drive, east of Quigley Gulch, north of Myrtle Street and east of Buttercup Road, east of Highway 75 to Ketchum, east of Trail Creek to rejoin Highway 75 near the Bigwood Golf Course, north to the county line.
Two-Vehicle Highway Collision At Ohio Gulch
On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Blaine County Communications received a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of State Highway 75 and Ohio Gulch Road, north of Hailey.
Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputies and personnel from Wood River Fire and Rescue and Ketchum Fire Department responded to the scene. A Blaine County Sheriff’s deputy who was patrolling in the area arrived within a minute of the accident. All lanes of Highway 75 were blocked from the vehicles and crash debris.
Investigators determined that Aurelia Sproule, age 63, of Ketchum, was driving an orange 2004 Honda Element. Witnesses indicate Sproule was attempting to turn left onto southbound Highway 75 from Ohio Gulch Road. Sproule pulled onto Highway 75 directly into the path of Lindy R. Brewer, age 68, of Hailey, who was driving a grey 2011 Nissan Murano. Brewer was traveling northbound on Highway 75, in the left lane of travel. Brewer struck Sproule’s vehicle on the driver-side area, causing Sproule’s vehicle to rotate. Sproule was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected.
Both drivers were transported to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum. Sproule was later flown by air ambulance to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise for her injuries. Sproule is currently listed in Intensive Care. Brewer, who was wearing a seatbelt, was treated and released with minor injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle. Highway 75 was closed or had reduced lanes of travel for approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Lower Parrott Cabin Restoration Project On The Salmon-Challis National Forest
Salmon-Challis National Forest staff and volunteers will soon be embarking on a preservation project at the Lower Parrott Cabin at the confluence of Nugget Creek and the Middle Fork Salmon River within the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. The Lower Parrott Cabin consists of a small log cabin built around 1917 by Earl King Parrott—“The Hermit of Impassable Canyon.”
Scheduled for mid-July, the project will stabilize the cabin for the future enjoyment of Middle Fork visitors. The river cobble foundation will be fixed and several deteriorating sill logs will be replaced. In addition, purlins and roof shakes will be reinstalled following the original design of the cabin.
Earl Parrott’s life symbolizes wilderness living and his lower cabin is a popular stop for visitors wishing to embrace the wilderness experience. Parrott spent 30 years living a solitary existence in the Middle Fork country, panning for gold, hunting, trapping and growing his own fruits and vegetables. He would make an annual trip to Shoup for supplies, such as salt, matches, tea, and bullets for his .30-30 Winchester. Most of the time he lived in a cabin/dugout several thousand feet in elevation above the river where he had an extensive garden. A series of ladders and ropes provided access up the steep canyon walls to his main residence.
Artistic Brainstorm Session Slated For August
The Idaho Commission on the Arts is inviting creative minds across the state to collaborate. Sixteen separate events billed as a “conversation about cultural participation in your community” are being held, including a session Aug. 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey.
Arts administrators, artists, arts educators and arts enthusiasts are invited to brainstorm ideas, define priorities, and identify challenges for the Commission’s next long-term plan. Plan on attending one of these meetings? Please call (208) 334-2119.
Transportation Department Seeks Public Comment On Planned Projects
The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment through Aug. 2 on the FY 2020-26 draft of the Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), and all transportation stakeholders are encouraged to participate.
The ITIP is a seven-year “roadmap” for planning and developing transportation projects, including highways, bridges, airports, public transit and more.
The ITDt is offering an online, interactive map that allows users to choose specific project categories, and learn about work that is planned for the area of Idaho they’re interested in. It’s called the Idaho Transportation Project Map. To view the draft version and interactive map, please visit itd.idaho.gov/funding/?target=draft-itip.
The projects start in 2020, and go through 2026. Some notable upcoming projects in south-central Idaho include:
- Reconstruction of both eastbound and westbound lanes on Interstate 84 between Jerome and Twin Falls.
- Widening and realignment of US-93 near 300 South Road in Jerome County.
- Replacement of the Big Wood River bridge on Idaho Highway 46 near milepost 113 in Gooding County.
- Replacement of the Elk Creek bridge on Idaho Highway 21 near milepost 123 in Custer County.
Comments can be emailed to adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to ITIP – Comments, Attn: Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.
Slow Down, Move Over For More Than Just Fire And Police
Motorists on Idaho roads have to abide by new rules when it comes to the flashing lights of first responders. On July 1, “slow down, move over” guidelines were expanded to include all responders to roadside emergencies, such as highway workers. The original version of the law required motorists to slow down and move over when law enforcement signals were in play, but did not specify the flashing lights of other first responder and roadwork vehicles.
“The expansion of the ‘Move Over’ Law to include highway workers makes an inherently risky job safer for our staff,” said Jerry Wilson, the Idaho Transportation Department’s operations engineer in north Idaho. “At highway speeds, it only takes a split second for an accident to happen, so making some space to allow our crews to maintain the roads makes the highways safer, both for us and the traveling public.”
ITD’s Incident Response unit in the Treasure Valley is an obvious beneficiary, but the expansion of the law also extends protections to maintenance workers removing tires, animal carcasses or other objects from the road, filling potholes, fixing guardrails, and other common activities that benefit the safety and mobility of motorists.
Dems Applaud Their Efforts As New Laws Take Effect
On July 1, numerous bills passed by the Idaho Legislature in 2019 took effect and the Democratic Party wants folks to know about it. The following bills, spearheaded by Democrats and passed by a Republican-loaded legislature, were signed into law by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter during the legislative session and have now taken effect:
First Responder: Representative Mat Erpelding (D-Boise) led the effort to pass the First Responder bill. The new law will allow first responders to get workers’ compensation for treatment for psychological trauma.
Pet-Friendly License Plate: Representative Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) teamed up with former Representative Hy Kloc to pass legislation that creates a pet-friendly license plate. The sales from the plate will fund low-cost spaying and neutering.
Test All: Rep. Wintrow also spearheaded legislation that requires that all sexual assault kits be tested. From now on, there will only be extremely rare exceptions to testing.
Solar Panels: Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) passed legislation that stops homeowners associations from unreasonably restricting the use of solar panels. A homeowner will now have the right to choose solar energy for their home.
Wage Theft: Rep. Erpelding passed legislation that gives workers the ability to claim stolen wages for a year after it was unpaid. This will make it easier for workers to get the money they have earned.
Historic Theaters: Rep. Erpelding also spearheaded legislation that will allow theaters to sell beer and wine. This will help to revitalize many small communities that rely on the theater for entertainment.
Legend Drug Donation: Rep. Sue Chew (D-Boise) passed a bill that allows Idahoans to donate their unused prescription medications. The bill does not include opioids.
E-Bikes: Sen. David Nelson led the effort to pass a bill that clarifies the definition of e-bikes. This clarification in Idaho code will allow for cities, counties and the state to better regulate their use.
Series Of Open Houses Slated For Ketchum Fire Station Options
The City of Ketchum is holding a series of open houses to provide information on a bond for a new fire station.
The events will take place at Ketchum City Hall at various times from now through October. The city will provide updated and new information on the location concept, floor-plan concept, estimated costs, timelines and tax impact. Mayor Neil Bradshaw and city staff will be available to answer questions and address citizen concerns.
The opportunities for the public to provide comment are as follows:
- City Council Meeting – July 15
- City Council Meeting – August 5
- Open House III – August 13
- City Council Meeting – August 19
- City Council Meeting – September 3
- Open House IV – October 1
- Open House V – October 15
- Open House VI – October 29
Information on specific times will be made available at ketchumidaho.org. If you cannot attend, you can submit comments and questions to participate@ketchumidaho.org.
Company Of Fools Names Fund, Stage After Longtime Artistic Director
Company of Fools (COF) has found two ways to honor its former artistic director John Coleman Glenn. Glenn, who moved to Hailey in 2000, oversaw 21 seasons and more than 150 productions at the Liberty Theatre during his tenure. Glenn passed away June 9, 2017, at age 55.
To honor Glenn’s lifetime of dedication and commitment to theatrical excellence at the Liberty Theatre, COF and the Sun Valley Center for the Arts (SVCA) announced June 30 that the stage at the Liberty would be renamed the John C. Glenn Stage. In addition, COF and SVCA announced the creation of the John C. Glenn Legacy Fund as a way for community members, artists and patrons to donate funds in his memory. The purpose of the Legacy Fund is to secure donations to support “the physical, structural, and programmatic needs of the Liberty Theatre in accordance with John Glenn’s wishes.”
The Legacy Fund received a lead donation of $100,000 from the von der Heyden Family Foundation. COF and SVCA hope to raise upward of $750,000 for the Legacy Fund.
Scott Palmer, the recently appointed producing artistic director of COF, said, “One of my first experiences here at the Liberty was finding a manila folder in a drawer of my desk. Inside that folder was a stack of papers; floor plans of the Liberty, with notes scrawled in John’s handwriting, reflecting his thoughts and dreams for the future of this building he loved so well. The Legacy Fund will act as a powerful vehicle both to honor John’s legacy and support his vision of renovating and refurbishing this amazing venue.”
Testing Of Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir Reveals Harmful Algae Bloom
A public health advisory has been issued by the South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir. The DEQ said results from water testing on July 1 show levels of a cyanotoxin and microcystin are now at unhealthy levels because of a recent harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the reservoir.
SCPHD advises the public to protect their health by taking the following steps:
- Avoid exposure to water in reservoirs under a HAB health advisory. Make sure children, pets and livestock are not exposed to the water.
- Do not drink water with a HAB advisory. Boiling and disinfecting DO NOT remove toxins from water.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
- If fishing in HAB water, remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking. Toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues. Wash hands after handling.
“Children and pets are especially at risk,” said Josh Jensen, SCPHD public health program manager. “These toxins can cause acute health effects in humans, such as eye, ear and skin irritation, as well as gastrointestinal distress, and they can severely affect neurological systems.”
Algae blooms such as this are not unusual in warm summer months and typically shrink quickly as the water temperature drops in mid to late fall. SCPHD will issue another press release when DEQ tests show Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir is at safe cyanotoxin levels again.
Writers’ Conference Announces More Free Lecture Details
More details have emerged regarding the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference evening talks held on the Pavilion lawn that are free to the public the weekend of the Conference at the Sun Valley Resort, Saturday, July 20, to Tuesday, July 23.
The local community is invited to attend these four free events, and the talks will be broadcast live to the Pavilion lawn screen.
On Sunday, July 21, from 4 to 5 p.m., the first annual Frank McCourt Memorial Lecture, honoring this writer who was such a big part of the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference founding family, will feature National Book Award-Winning novelist Alice McDermott in a talk titled “Remembrance of Things That Never Happened.”
Following the McCourt Lecture, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., biographer, historian and journalist Andrew Roberts will address the Pavilion and lawn in a talk titled “Churchill: Walking with Destiny.”
On Monday, July 22, from 4 to 5 p.m., The Chamber Singers of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus will be performing from their “I Raise My Voice” program. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mitch Landrieu, author and former mayor of New Orleans, will bring his perspective on division in America to our audience in a talk titled “E Pluribus Unum: How a Divided America Can Win the Future by Finding Common Ground.”
No advance reservations or tickets are required for Lawn Talks. Gates will open for access 30 minutes prior to the first lawn talk each day. Please visit www.svwc.com for more information, email tickets@svwc.com or call (208) 726-5454 with any questions.