Be On The Lookout For Mountain Lions
The City of Sun Valley is warning residents and visitors to be aware of reported mountain lion sightings within the Elkhorn area of Sun Valley, specifically near the Sunburst condominiums.
If you see a mountain lion, do not approach it, and please report it to the police department at (208) 622-5345.
20 Historical Plaques To Be Placed At Hailey’s Historic Buildings
The Hailey Arts & Historic Preservation Committee (HAHPC) has recently completed a Historical Interpretive Plaques project which showcases the rich history of the city through its historical architecture. The HAHPC identified 20 historical buildings in the Hailey downtown area, researched their history, and then worked with local signmaker Andrew Hawley, of Hawley Graphics, to produce and mount the historical plaques.
On Aug. 26 at 4 p.m., the HAHPC and city officials will hold a special ceremony to commemorate the completion of the project. The public is invited to attend the event and take a guided walking tour of a few of the plaques with local resident historians, Joan Davies and Robert Lonning. The ceremony will begin at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the corner of 2nd Avenue S. and Bullion Street. That intersection is a crossroads upon which four historical buildings are located, one at each corner.
“Honoring and celebrating our history is an important aspect of our community. This commission spent months of volunteer work on this project and we are excited to add another unique asset to the city that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” Daniel Hansen, chair of the HAHPC, said.
Indie Film On Teen Mental Health To Premier For Free
A film aimed at starting a conversation about mental health, self-love, and the power of one person’s story is being brought to the public for free on Sept. 4 at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater.
“I Am Maris” is a film that paints an unguarded portrait of what life with a mental health challenge is like for millions of teens and young adults around the world. It showcases the power of self-love and acceptance that we so often withhold from ourselves.
A free intro to yoga for youth will be offered from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., thanks to the support of the Blaine County Recreation District (space is limited to the first 20 to attend). Partners will provide an expo of resources from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The screening will take place at 6 p.m. and is most appropriate for sixth-grade students and older, organizers said.
The film’s trailer can be viewed here: tinyurl.com/y6xa3mlr
Couple Rescued With UTV
On Aug. 19, at approximately 2:47 p.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Boulder City historical area, in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, for a report of a utility task vehicle (UTV) accident.
It was reported that the UTV had rolled on its side approximately five miles up Boulder Creek from Highway 75 north of Ketchum, located near milepost 141. The elderly couple who were operating the UTV we not injured but they needed assistance getting out.
Two Blaine County sheriff’s deputies and a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer responded to the area to assist. The Blaine County Search and Rescue Polaris General UTV was utilized to access the area and the couple was located approximately 4.5 miles up Boulder Creek from Highway 75. The couple was given a ride to their vehicle and have made arrangements with a towing company to remove their damaged UTV.
The Blaine County Search and Rescue Polaris UTV was purchased with a grant awarded from the Wood River Women’s Foundation in 2016.
“This valuable piece of equipment has been used many times for rescues and patrol functions,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins. “We are thankful for this donation and also the ability to give assistance to this couple in need.”
Redfish Drowning Case Under Investigation By Air Force
The tragic drowning of Christopher Joseph Tanney and his 5-year-old daughter Claire has been sent to the United States Air Force for further investigation, spokespersons for the military confirmed this week. However, officials remained tight-lipped on the reason for the investigation, with one possibility being that the incident was due to a possible suicide.
“It’s still under investigation and we’re waiting on a number of pieces of information from a number of entities,” USAF Commander John Steiner said.
According to Military.com, 325 active-duty members died by suicide in 2018, the highest number since the Defense Department began collecting the data in 2001. Nationwide, the suicide rate has been increasing for civilians, too. The American Psychological Association reports there are 30 percent more suicides yearly now than compared to data from roughly 20 years ago.
Caritas To Celebrate 20 Years With Roaring 20s Party
Nostalgic music from the Roaring 20s will be highlighted at Caritas Chorale’s annual benefit dinner on Sept. 8 at the Limelight Hotel, organizers have announced. Festivities will get underway at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a short concert by Caritas members featuring old favorites, including “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “It’s Ragtime,” “Bye, Bye Blackbird,” and “Anything Goes.” Dinner will be served after the program.
The 20th anniversary gala will also feature a raffle, including the following exciting prizes: a ski pass for the 2019-2020 season donated by Sun Valley Company; a weekend for six at the Perins’ log home in Stanley; a guided fishing trip on the Salmon River donated by Silver Creek Outfitters and guide Verlon Herndon; a fabric art wall hanging donated by Terry Lee of Carbondale, Colo.; a night’s stay with breakfast for two at The Grove Hotel in Boise; and dinner for eight in your private home, catered by Judith McQueen Entertaining. Raffle tickets will be sold at the dinner, as well as at Atkinsons’ Market in Ketchum prior to the event.
Founded in 1999 by Dick Brown, Caritas Chorale is dedicated to bringing the best in classical, traditional and contemporary music to the Wood River Valley. The Chorale is a non-auditioned community chorus of men and women, open to all who love to sing. The group is comprised of approximately 70 singers, many of whom are original chorus members. Any interested singers in the community are invited to join us; no auditions required. New members are welcome.
The tradition continues under the artistic direction of legendary Sun Valley musician R.L. Rowsey. Rowsey is also education programs artistic director for the Sun Valley Music Festival School of Music, a core artist with Company of Fools, musical director for Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center, and director of the B-Tones and Enchante at Wood River High School.
“Join us to celebrate the work that we have done together over the past 20 years. What an honor to offer free choral concerts to this amazing community. We couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing donors,” commented Rowsey.
Hailey Man Rolls Truck Near ‘Blinking Light’
On Sunday, Aug. 18, at approximately 2:46 p.m., deputies from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 75 near milepost 97 south of the Timmerman junction.
Crash scene investigation determined that Jason A. Quintana, 39, of Hailey, was driving a grey 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road, overcorrected, and lost control.
The vehicle went off the road, rolled, and came to rest on its roof in a field on the east side of the highway. Quintana was transported by air ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello. Quintana, who was wearing his seatbelt, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Education Volunteers Seek Scholarship Funding
A student, teachers, parents and representatives from the Blaine County Education Foundation are teaming up to put more money in the coffers of scholarships awarded to students yearly. They seek to do this by asking individuals and businesses around the Wood River Valley to consider launching their own annual scholarship award and/or contributing to some of those existing now.
“As a senior at Wood River High School, I am very aware of the rising cost of college tuition. It is my hope to work with businesses and individuals in the Valley to increase the number and amount of scholarships awarded to the class of 2020,” Jake Gorham, student rep and new scholarship development director, said.
In addition, the volunteers said they will be holding a scholarship fair Sept. 23 to promote the scholarships available to middle and high school students and their families. Printed books describing each scholarship and their specific requirements will be handed out at the fair.
Historically, scholarship amounts have varied from $100 to $2,000. Scholarships can be a one-time award for an incoming freshman, or a four-year scholarship to contribute to a student’s undergraduate college education.
For more information, contact Gorham at (208) 721-2865 or by email at jakegorham88@gmail.com.
ITD To Drivers: Follow These Tips To Keep Kids Safe
With school in session, more kids will be on Valley roads heading to class by foot, bicycle, school bus, or even driving themselves. The Idaho Transportation Department has put forth the following tips to help keep everyone safe.
Be engaged
One thing you can always predict with kids is that they can be unpredictable—that’s why it’s important to drive in the moment and free from distraction. Being an engaged driver and aware of what is happening on the road around you will give you a better chance to respond if a child were to dart out into the street.
Plan ahead
If your morning commute takes you through a school zone, or if you’re dropping your kids off for their class, be kind and patient. Plan ahead to give yourself time to safely arrive at your destination. Crosswalks, school buses, and parents dropping their kids off could all cause delays to your commute. Give yourself the time you need to make it to your destination on time while keeping school zones safe.
Don’t pass school buses
When you see a school bus with the red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, stop your vehicle. Children may dart out if they’re running late. Putting them at risk isn’t worth the few minutes you might save on your drive. The state legislature also doubled the fine to $200 for passing a school bus during the 2019 legislative session. Just don’t do it.
Women’s Group Offers Unique Learning Forum
Elevating and improving philanthropic impact is key to the Wood River Women’s Foundation’s (WRWF) mission, so on Aug. 21 the group is offering a unique learning opportunity by presenting a panel of local women influencers and invites the Wood River Valley community to join them.
The forum, “Charitable Giving for Maximum Benefit: Why, How and in What Way” is a group of top-tier professional women who will discuss charitable giving opportunities and impacts. Audience members will have the opportunity to learn about ideas to support nonprofits in the Wood River Valley community in an open, free-ranging discussion. Topics and questions will range from tax laws, financial strategies, and how to assess the impact of giving. Panelists include Suzanne Hazlett, financial advisor; Sandra Clapp, estate and trust attorney; Cate Cox, marriage and family therapist; and Terri Bullock, WRWF president.
“The collective expertise of these women offers a unique opportunity to improve philanthropic efforts throughout the Valley,” said Louisa Moats, WRWF education committee chair. “This forum will help identify the financial and legal strategies available, as well as the personal and psychological benefits of charitable giving.”
The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Community Library Lecture Hall in Ketchum. The event is free and no reservations are required. For more information contact the WRWF office at (208) 309-2530 or online at www.woodriverwomensfoundation.org.
Bald Mountain To Have Temporary Closures Due To Forest Service Work
Sun Valley Resort, the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are coordinating three forest health projects happening on Bald Mountain as a part of the ongoing Healthy Forests Initiative. The tree-thinning work on Bald Mountain will improve glade skiing, reduce fuels, and maintain long-term forest health and resiliency for future generations.
Work began Aug. 19 on 22 acres in the Cold Springs area. As a part of the Bald Mountain Expansion, the glading will allow for better skiing terrain where the chairlift installation is happening next summer. Closure of the Cold Springs Trail will be in effect for the duration of the project.
The second phase for forest health work, scheduled to begin on Aug. 26, will be 17 acres in the area between the Can-Can and French Dip ski runs. The third phase is also 17 acres and located between the Can-Can and Graduate ski runs, with work to start around Sept. 1. Both areas will take around two weeks to complete.
To accommodate the glading process and for the safety of guests and employees, the Traverse Trail, French Connection and Roundhouse Connector will be restricted for four weeks starting on Aug. 26. The Bald Mountain Trail will also have some reroutes, adding a small amount of mileage to the path that runs from the base of River Run to the top at Lookout.
Alternative routes on Bald Mountain for trail users during this time include the Warm Springs Trail and all of the lift-served mountain biking trails: Lupine, Saddle Up, River Run, Mindbender, and Pale Rider. The Roundhouse Express gondola and Christmas lift are running daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last day of the summer season on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Bald Mountain Trail will also be closed on Aug. 24 for the Discrete Cirque Series running event, and Sept. 6 and 7 for the Full-Tilt Enduro mountain bike race. Signage will be at the River Run base area to remind trail users of the restrictions on these days.
As a reminder, the River Run trail is downhill-only mountain biking during the daily lift operating hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Multi-directional and multi-user access is available before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Rec District Dives Into Hailey Pool Improvements
The first day of school brought big changes to a beloved Hailey facility. The Blaine County Recreation District began construction Aug. 19 on Phase 2 of their Aquatic Center Revitalization Project. BCRD launched their Aquatic Center Revitalization Project in 2017 to fulfill the need for aquatics by teaching more kids to swim, sustaining an accessible resource, renewing an aging facility, and increasing facility capacity in our growing community.
Phase 1 of the Revitalization Project was completed in 2017 and included the bathhouse renovation. In Phase 2, the existing pool will be renovated, a new, zero-depth entry leisure pool will be built, the mechanical systems will be upgraded, and the overall site will be improved. Phase 2 construction is led by local contractor Conrad Brothers. BCRD plans to have the Aquatic Center open for summer 2020.
“We are so proud to see this project come to fruition. The Aquatic Center Revitalization will breathe new life into the facility and better serve the members of our community,” says Jim Keating, executive director of BCRD.
The total cost of the Aquatic Center Revitalization Project is $2.5 million. This project is 85 percent funded and BCRD continues to work to meet the remaining funding needed. To help close the gap on this community project, please contact Megan Stevenson at mstevenson@bcrd.org or (208) 578-2273.
The new, zero-depth entry leisure pool will be built on the north side of the Aquatic Center, replacing the BCRD’s pump track. BCRD is currently working with Alpine Bike Parks on a new pump track which will be built at the BCRD Trail Park in Quigley Canyon in 2020.
To avoid congestion at Wood River High School and the Community Campus, Conrad Brothers has staged equipment and materials west of the Fox Barn on BCRD property.
Sawtooth Botanical Garden Hosts ‘Gimlets In The Garden’
Join the Sawtooth Botanical Garden (SBG) and friends for the Garden’s annual summer fundraising gala event on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $150 each or a table of 10 for $1500.
“Gimlets in the Garden” provides patrons and supporters of the region’s public botanical garden an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal catered by Rasberrys Food Reverence, a signature gimlet cocktail by Distilled Resources, Inc., hosted bar, and entertainment by Nathan Hudson (DJN8), including disco line dancing led by Dale and Peggy Bates.
The lively evening of philanthropy is held exactly where supporters see and experience the impact of their support: at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden at 11 Gimlet Road, just four miles south of Ketchum on Highway 75. Former executive director Kat Vanden Heuvel will act as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event.
“Gimlets in the Garden” also features silent and live auctions. All proceeds help support general operations at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
Fourth Annual ‘Swing Fore Recovery Golf Tournament’ Set For September
The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Wood River Valley affiliate (NAMI-WRV) will host its annual golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 20, to raise funds to expand educational programs, support groups, and trainings. This is the fourth annual golf tournament that honors National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, raising funds for cost-free suicide prevention and recovery programs.
The event will take place at the Elkhorn Golf Club, in Sun Valley. It will include an 18-hole scramble, reception, silent auction and a community-wide raffle. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with tee-off taking place at noon.
The day of golf will be followed by an evening reception starting at 5 p.m. Raffle drawings will take place at 7 p.m. and include prizes such as: a Sun Valley Challenger ski pass, a Blaine County Recreation District Nordic ski pass, and two $250 Atkinsons’ gift cards. Raffle tickets are available in the following amounts: one for $10; two for $20; and 20 for $100.
Tickets will be sold at the following four locations: Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum, Iconoclast Books in Hailey, both the Ketchum and Hailey Farmers’ Markets through Sept. 19, and online at www.namiwrv.org/golf until 6 p.m. on Sept. 20.
Reno Man Uses Head To Bash Sheriff’s SUV
On Saturday, Aug. 17, at approximately 5:40 p.m., an inmate being transported in custody from the Blaine County Detention Center to the Ada County Jail caused damage to a Blaine County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle.
Deputies stated that while en route on Highway 75 south of milepost 94, Sky TG Thompson, 42, of Reno, Nev., began kicking the right-rear passenger window, hitting his head on the glass, and demanding to be let out of the vehicle.
Thompson, who was secured in the vehicle, bent the door frame of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe by repeatedly kicking it. The right-rear door sustained damages estimated to be over $1,000. Thompson, who was in custody on an Ada County misdemeanor warrant, was returned to the Blaine County Detention Center and remains in custody pending arraignment on the new Blaine County felony charge, Felony Malicious Injury to Property.