Wednesday, May 14, 2025
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This Old Hat

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Bryce Angell – The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.

The other day I pondered, was it time to buy a hat? A hat to fit my budget.
Were there miracles like that?
The brand-new store in town was advertising cowboy hats for sale.
I figured now or never ‘fore I wised up and turned tail.
There were 10X hats on every wall. The straw hats hung below.
I was looking for a good felt hat to brag on and for show.
I pointed to a Stetson and it had the name of Gus.
The attendant rolled his eyes at me. The doggone dirty cuss!
He said, “You sure you want this hat? It’s got a hefty price.”
I asked how much. He said, “Three hundred!” Didn’t have to tell me twice!
The clerk in all his smirking said, “Your hat’s a sad sad story.”
But I needn’t call him dirty cuss, more arrogant in glory.
This hat of mine was given to me some fifty years to date.
A 10X Stetson from my folks, in hopes I’d graduate.
My hat ain’t got a fancy shape like Yellowstone or Gus.
Not every hat is Hollywood. So pardner what’s the fuss?
This hat has kept my head warm from the frigid winter days.
And blocks out all the sunburn from the sunshine’s hottest rays.
I remember when Jake tossed me high. I slammed hard to the ground.
But my hat never moved and there is no disgrace for a lid that keeps your head sound.
Now the top of my head ain’t seen a hair’s thread since forty-odd years passed me by. But my hat don’t complain. It stays just the same,
slightly cocked there above my right eye.
To my daughter’s despair, I wore my hat to see my grandson born.
Yet I did take it off when Grandma passed, hat in hand we all did mourn.
I’m wearing my old hat again. How long will it be around?
Each morning it’s still on the hook. I know where it can be found.
I’ll dust the dirt and grime off from my Stetson cowboy hat.
And treat it much more kindly than a plain old head hat rack.
It’s more than just a hat. My Stetson’s full of history.
It don’t matter ‘bout its looks, my hat is good enough for me.
So with luck for years I’ll keep this hat. It’s a classic at this place.
‘Cuz it fits down snug, guarding my mug. Yes, I think it adds grit to my face.

– Bryce Angell

Andy Soloman of The Trailhead Bicycles

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WRW
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Andy Soloman and Lewin, the family dog. Photo credit: Isaiah Frizzell

BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL

Passionate cycling enthusiasts take note! The Trailhead Bicycles is THE community spot for everything pedaling two wheels.
Trailhead’s mission: “Owned & operated by Kyle, Andy, Erin, & Adam. We believe walking into a bike shop should be a fun, welcoming experience! Together we are building a space for our cycling community to start and end their rides, whether a local jaunt out Quigley or an epic multi-day adventure. We are a year-round, full-service bicycle shop with retail and rentals to keep you pedaling.”

Motion and Passion
Andy Solomon is the most animated and knowledgeable bike tech you’ll ever meet. He spoke (pun intended) while servicing two bicycles — one he’d been working on while the other came in, that moment, for a tune-up. Sparklingly busy, they know no slack.
Solomon with wife Erin (who produces their community events and coaches the middle school Devo Mountain Bike team), left Victor, Idaho, having worked bike shops there and in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Seeking a fresh scene, Hailey found them. With partner Kyle Wies, they opened The Trailhead in 2022 and haven’t had a chance to look back.

Solomon’s Ring
Solomon’s ebullience is infectious and, as that client came in for a quick tune-up, she was as excited as he. His knowledge and immediate expertise, coupled with pure cheer, is precisely what this community is about and what he adds.
“I feel like I’ve seen a lot of differences from Victor to here, in a positive way, with my family, my daughter (8 years old), and just the biking community. But it’s the community in general. We’ve made a lot of friends really fast.. It’s beautiful, it’s so beautiful.”
Solomon spins wheels and adjusts gears while speaking, absolutely in tune with passion – almost a ballet. A huge music fan, he loves local bands and frequents The Liberty Theater for its fresh offerings. Bluegrass was jangling the shop and he’s “open-book,” loving everything from New Age to Hip-Hop.

Pro Tip
Revealing their current schedule on the computer, there’s 106 work orders THIS WEEK.
“At the beginning of the season, we ask people, if you get your bike tuned up every year, do it in the winter. We’re open in the winter, can do it then, and you miss the line! Right now, we have that line!”
Indeed, 10 cyclists were in the store an hour before closing!
If you bike, or want to, pop into The Trailhead and ask for Andy. Love on Lewin, a two-year-old gentle and delightful Old English sheepdog who’s been there since six weeks old.
The Trailhead Bicycles is next door to Iconoclast Books adjacent to Atkinsons’ Market, 17 E. Bullion St., Hailey, ID 83333.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Phone: (208) 788-0883.
https://www.thetrailheadbicycles.com/

Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

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WRW
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BY ANNA & MICHELLE

With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances.

But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia:

“Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate.That’s not to say that real estate prices aren’t ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008 financial crisis are just one memorable example—but stocks are more prone to large value swings.”

While your stocks or 401(k) might see a lot of highs and lows, home values are much less volatile.

A Drop in the Stock Market Doesn’t Mean a Crash in Home Prices
Take a look at the graph below. It shows what happened to home prices (the blue bars) during past stock market swings (the orange bars):

Even when the stock market falls more substantially, home prices don’t always come down with it.

Big home price drops like 2008 are the exception, not the rule. But everyone remembers that one. That stock market crash was caused by loose lending practices, subprime mortgages, and an oversupply of homes – a scenario that doesn’t exist today. That’s what made it so different.

In many cases before and after that time, home values actually went up while the stock market went down, showing that real estate is generally much more stable.

This graph shows how stock prices go up and down (the orange line), sometimes by more than 30% in a year. In contrast, home prices (the blue line) change more slowly (see graph below):

Basically, stock values jump around a lot more than home prices do. You can be way up one day and way down the next. Real estate, on the other hand, isn’t usually something that experiences such dramatic swings.

That’s why real estate can feel more stable and less risky than the stock market.

So, if you’re worried after the recent ups and downs in your stock portfolio, rest assured, your home isn’t likely to experience the same volatility. And that’s why homeownership is generally viewed as a preferred long-term investment. Even if things feel uncertain right now, homeowners win in the long run.

Bottom Line
A lot of people are feeling nervous about their finances right now. But there’s one reason for you to feel more secure – your investment in something that’s stood the test of time: real estate.

Kiwanis Supports Latinos in Action

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WRW
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BY JAMES FOSTER

OUR VOICE COUNTS

The Latinos in Action group at Wood River High School recently attended the spring conference in Ogden, Utah, at Weber State University. The students attending were inspired by a keynote address by Xiye Bastida, who spoke about climate activism and her journey to become a climate leader. They celebrated the winners of art, short films, writing, and scholarships focused on this year’s theme, “progress, not perfection.”
Performers from schools in Utah and Idaho performed dances, songs, and skills in front of over 1200 students from across Idaho and Utah. The students also had the opportunity to visit Idaho State University along with two breakout sessions focused on opportunities in higher education and how to be successful in college. This opportunity was sponsored by the Kiwanis with the support of Herbert Romero and Gigi.
Mr. Romero came to speak with the students several weeks before the conference and encouraged them to engage in their community outside of school hours. He invited them to help with Dia Del Nijo, which was held at the Community Campus. Nineteen students showed up to help with the event that was sponsored by Mr. Romero.
During the year, students organize events and volunteer to help local nonprofit organizations. Recently, a group of students contacted Mountain Humane to hold an event to raise funds to support the shelter. Other students have helped at Bloom, packing boxes with food. A group of seven students helped at the Bug Zoo sponsored by the Sawtooth Botanical Garden this past Saturday. The students spend time connecting with their community, helping tutor elementary students, and working to become college and career ready.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA
El grupo Latinos en Acción de la Preparatoria Wood River asistió recientemente a la conferencia de primavera en Ogden, Utah, en la Universidad Estatal de Weber. Los estudiantes asistentes se inspiraron en la conferencia magistral de Xiye Bastida, quien habló sobre el activismo climático y su trayectoria para convertirse en líder climática. Celebraron a los ganadores de arte, cortometrajes, escritura y becas, enfocados en el tema de este año: “Progreso, no perfección”.
Artistas de escuelas de Utah e Idaho presentaron bailes, canciones y habilidades frente a más de 1200 estudiantes de ambos lados de Idaho y Utah. Los estudiantes también tuvieron la oportunidad de visitar la Universidad Estatal de Idaho, donde participaron en dos sesiones paralelas enfocadas en las oportunidades en la educación superior y cómo alcanzar el éxito en la universidad. Esta oportunidad fue patrocinada por Kiwanis con el apoyo de Herbert Romero y Gigi.
El Sr. Romero visitó a los estudiantes varias semanas antes de la conferencia y los animó a participar en su comunidad fuera del horario escolar. Los invitó a colaborar con el Día del Niño, que se celebró en el Campus Comunitario. Diecinueve estudiantes se presentaron para ayudar en el evento patrocinado por el Sr. Romero.
Durante el año, los estudiantes organizan eventos y se ofrecen como voluntarios para ayudar a organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro. Recientemente, un grupo de estudiantes contactó a Mountain Humane para organizar un evento y recaudar fondos para apoyar al refugio. Otros estudiantes ayudaron en Bloom, empacando cajas con comida. Un grupo de siete estudiantes ayudó en el Zoológico de Insectos, patrocinado por el Jardín Botánico Sawtooth, el sábado pasado. Los estudiantes dedican tiempo a conectar con su comunidad, a dar clases particulares a estudiantes de primaria y a prepararse para la universidad y el mundo laboral.

Trails open To Uncertain Season

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publisher
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Yellow lupine lines a popular hiking and biking trail out Quigley Canyon. Photo Credit: Carol Waller

Maintenance Volunteers Step Up With Federal Staff Stretched Thin

BY Mark Dee

A profusion of wildflowers brighten a trail out Greenhorn Gulch. Photo credit: Carol Waller

Earlier this month, Greg Travelstead headed south out of Hailey to get an early start on spring. But at public campsites and popular trailheads through Utah and Arizona, he saw a bleak vision of the summer ahead in central Idaho.
“Mountains of trash—mountains,” said Travelstead, president of the Pulaski Users Group, a central Idaho-based trail maintenance nonprofit. “It looks like a garbage strike in New York City already, and it’s only April.”
With federal land managers stretched by the job cuts, hiring freezes and incentivized resignations—plus reports of employees bracing for further layoffs—Travelstead’s PUG and other partner groups are preparing for an uncertain summer in the Sawtooth and Wood River valleys. That’s especially true on the trails, which require steady maintenance to keep pace with mounting recreational demand—work that often depends on federal coordination and funding.
“It’ll only take one season of not doing trail maintenance for people to feel the hurt,” he said.
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which at last count saw some 600,000 of the 1.8 million people that visit the Sawtooth National Forest annually, has “zero” summer staff dedicated to recreation for the upcoming year, Travelstead told the Wood River Weekly. (By press time, neither the U.S. Forest Service nor the BLM responded to requests for comment on summer trail and maintenance plans.)
“They’re dropping like flies,” said Travelstead. Many have been reassigned, or took early retirement, or are on some sort of administrative leave. It’s a changing of the guard—and it’s chaotic. Morale is low, and they’re going to ground.
“We’re an extended family. You’re doing the same thing—whether you’re with the agency or outside, we’re stewarding public lands. And we’re grieving.”
Idaho’s public lands host more than 10,000 miles of defined trails, according to state figures. About two-thirds are maintained by “partner agencies,” volunteer groups, contractors and outfitters that work with federal land managers to clear priority trails on public lands. Many, like the statewide Idaho Trails Association, rely on federal grants to reimburse their costs.
Last year, the ITA worked on 332 miles across 75 projects, Melanie Vining, executive director, told the Wood River Weekly. This year, they hope to cover 400 miles over 90 projects, she said—just 4% of the state’s trail system. The ITA and Forest Service formalized those plans last fall, and Vining said they’re already funded for 2025. Going forward, though, she’s in “wait and see mode” about future efforts.
“It’s kind of like being on a treadmill, in some ways,” she said. “You think you’re making headway, but there are just still so many trails out there that haven’t seen maintenance in 10 or 15 or 20 years. It takes a lot more work to get those back. This hit to the Forest Service is going to be a huge detriment toward making forward progress every year. It will just require a lot more from partners if this is the new normal, or at least the normal now.”
Trail users may not immediately notice changes on remote backcountry trails, which year to year are less likely to be cleared anyway, Vining said. She expects popular trailheads closer to town—with their parking lots, trash cans and vault toilets that Forest Service staff typically prioritize—to feel the pinch more acutely.
“That’s what’s going to be catastrophic,” Travelstead said. “I don’t think they have anyone to clean the toilets.”
With that in mind, Travelstead urges anyone interested to get in contact with local organizations for quick-hit front country days. (PUG’s trips, often five- or six-day packs, aren’t casual affairs.) Locally, the Blaine County Recreation District and Wood River Trails Coalition aim to maintain the roughly 400 miles of trails around the valley, with the latter hosting volunteer events weekly throughout the summer.
“We don’t know what the next few years are going to hold, but we do know that public lands and trails aren’t going to maintain themselves,” Vining said. So, she hopes, Idahoans will make an extra effort to leave no trace, or clean up campsites, or volunteer in whatever capacity they can. And, she urges recreationists to call their elected officials and let them know the value of Idaho’s trails.
“It’s what we can do right now that helps. It helps me not feel so powerless,” she said. “A lot of decisions are out of our hands. There are things we can’t do anything about. But we can still definitely get out on the ground and find ways to support Idaho’s public lands.”

BCRD Emphasizes
Early-Season Trail Etiquette
With snow melting and trails drying fast, the BCRD’s network is already seeing “a lot of foot and bike traffic,” Ashley Knox, Blaine County Recreation District trails coordinator, said.
“Trail users need to be flexible with their plans when they head out on trails in the spring since some sections of trails take longer to dry out than others,” she said. “Trails that pass through north-facing slopes and that are at higher elevation will hold snow and stay wet for longer. This time of year, it’s common to start out on a dry trail and run into snow or mud along the way.”
If you do hit wet or snowy sections, turn around and find a better option. Only use trails that are dry or totally frozen, Knox said; if you’re leaving footprints or ruts in the trail, it’s not ready. Don’t ride around snow or mud.
“If turning around is not an option, walking through the mud is much better than walking or riding off trail,” Knox said.
Here are a few more points of etiquette to remember this spring, according to Knox:
–Bikes yield to hikers and horses, hikers yield to horses. Then, downhill yields to uphill traffic. When yielding to another trail user, bikers should put one foot down on the edge of the trail providing space for hikers or uphill traffic to pass. Please do not ride off the trail to go around people.
–Dogs must be under voice control or on a leash. Never let your dog chase wildlife.
–And remember, Knox says, “Be kind on the trails.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Summer Camps in Blaine County

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WRW
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Youth clay camps at Boulder Mountain Clayworks are always a big hit. Photo courtesy of Boulder Mountain Clayworks.

BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL

Summer is nearly here, can you believe it! Yes the chill is still in the morning and evening air, and snow still falls on occasion. It’s been a mild winter if not lasting a bit longer, considering your tolerance for cold. This is springtime but when school’s out the kids need a place to play!
There are any number of things for the young ones to do for entertainment and education during the summer months. Want to try something new this year? The facilities are open and the time is nigh.
A list of camps for everything from outdoors to cooking:

Ketchum 2025 Summer Youth Recreation Program
The “granddaddy of all the valley’s summer youth programs” returns! Fun, safe, and affordable activities for kids take place at Atkinson Park from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. There is an optional adventure on Fridays.
The first session of programs runs June 16-July 17. Session two begins July 21 and runs through August 14. Scholarships and payment plans are available.
Register at ketchumidaho.org/registration or contact Recreation Supervisor Nate Sheehan (208.726.7820 or nsheehan@ketchumidaho.org) for more information.

Sun Valley Music Festival Summer Programs
Experience the joy of studying music through orchestras, ensembles, classes, and master classes with leading instructors, musicians, and guest artists of the Sun Valley Music Festival.
For grades 2-12, from August 4-8, this week-long course will challenged students to have fun, and leave with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration, to return to their local programs with a renewed interest in music.
Students arrive with different skill levels and the programs are designed to embrace that diversity. Students should be challenged, have fun, and leave with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration to return to their local programs with a renewed interest in music.
Navigate to svmusicfestival.org/summer-programs/ for details.

Sun Valley Youth Adventure Camp
Just the right camp for your child’s age, Sun Valley offers summer camps with Tennis, Pickleball, Ice Skating, Golf; Swimming, Paddle Boating, Gondola Rides, Hiking/Mountain Adventures, River Explorations, Scavenger Hunts, Hayrides, Bowling, Soccer, Biking, Archery, Yoga/Zumba, STEAM Activities, Themed & Costumes Parties, and more! See sunvalley.com/explore/kids-programs for details.

Summer Program at Community School
Sun Valley Community School’s Summer Program offers opportunities for kids of all ages to play, learn, and explore on our Trail Creek and Dumke Family Sagewillow campuses in Sun Valley, Idaho and in the surrounding area.
Programs are available for children of all grades, which include both academic and recreational activies. See communityschool.org/summer-program/ for more.

Galena Youth Adventure Camp
Offering mountain biking, paddle boarding, white water rafting, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and exploring.
Galena Youth Adventure Camp — Ages 8-12, offering mountain biking, paddle boarding, white water rafting, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and exploring.
Galena Mountain Bike Camp — Ages 8-12, kids should be comfortable on a mountain bike and plan to ride 2-3 hours not including on swim days. Bike rentals are available.
Galena Kids Adventure Camp — Ages 6-8, kids will explore the Galena Lodge trail system, play in the creeks, rock climb, and mountain bike. Ultimately preparing them for the Youth Adventure Camp.

Call 208-726-4010 to sign up or go to galenalodge.com/gyac.html for information and registration.

Camp Perkins
Camp Perkins offers overnight camps for children and teens, featuring outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and Christian-based programming in a beautiful mountain setting.
Daily activities include boating, archery, Bible studies, crafts, music and skits, hiking or biking (age appropriate), outdoor games, and water play. For an additional fee, you can add either a horseback ride or a rafting trip for your camper on one day. Specialty camps offer campers a more in depth experience in an area of interest like backpacking and hiking, art, fly fishing, sailing, or guitar.
See campperkins.org for more.

Idaho BaseCamp
Idaho BaseCamp gets kids outside to develop the next generation of confident, kind, and empathetic leaders.
It can be a challenging world out there, and young people often bear the brunt of societal pressures and shifts. At Idaho BaseCamp, we believe in the power of connection with self, others, and nature through intentional play, curiosity, exploration, and community. Our set of values remain consistent throughout our five distinct programs.
Idaho BaseCamp offers three programs for ages 4-6, 6-8 and 9-11. Visit roaring waterfalls, tromp through muddy creeks, or even visit the fire station
Go to idahobasecamp.org for details.

SummerBridge Education Camp
This camp began as a YMCA program and has grown to include partnership from Blaine County School District, College of Idaho, Sun Valley Community School, Far + Wise, and Lee Pesky Learning Center. This program provides summer education coupled with traditional summer camp experiences. This is a fun way to recapture lost learning days, while experiencing the adventure of summer camp. Camp activities will include field trips, group games, camp songs, and outdoor play. Student Campers will need to bring sunscreen, closed toe shoes, a water bottle, 3-4 snacks and backpack. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
This program is free and transportation and meals are provided. To register contacy Melanie Blacker at mblacker@blaineschools.org or 208-578-5090.

Boulder Mountain Clayworks — Youth Clay Camps are themed summer clay camps for kids aged 6-12. All classes are 9:30-12:00 and tuition $155.
Teen Throwing Camps are for middle school and older, who will learn the basics of pottery throwing while making mugs, ice cream bowls and all things round. The potters with more experience will design their own projects and try a set of mugs, bowls, etc. All classes are from 1:30-4:00 and tuition $175.
Go to bouldermtnclay.org/spring-classes/ for registration and details.

Sturtevants Mountain Bike Camps — Professional Instruction and lots of fun riding bikes in the dirt! Teach kids to ride safely; Develop skills (braking, shifting, cornering, ascending and descending); Demonstrate trail etiquette and more!
These camps are for kids aged 9-13, who have mountain bike experience and a functional bike. See sturtevants-sv.com/mountain-bike-camps for dates and details.

5B Anglers — New for 2025, we will be hosting two Kids Camps! Emergers, our beginners 101 camp, will be JUNE 25-27, 2025 and Streamers, our advanced 201 camp, will be JUNE 18-20, 2025. To register, go to 5banglers.org.

Lost River Outfitters — For ages 7-13, Lost River Outfitters offer a half day fishing camp which teaches the kids the basics of navigating the river corridor along with casting, entomology, stream-side etiquette and safety. Go to lostriveroutfitters.com/kids-camp for details and dates.

Footlight Dance — Offers special workshops during the school year and many over the summer months.
DANCEcamp is held twice during the summer in Hailey (Session #1 June 16-20, 2025 or Session #2 July 14-18, 2025). DANCEcamp North in Ketchum July 7-11, 2025. This week long camp explores all forms of dance for 2nd-4th graders.
DANCE TAPESTRYis a three day dance intensive with guest artists. July 29-31,2025, workshop with artists from Ballet Idaho & others; Ballet, Contemporary/Modern & Hip Hop. Junior workshop for Grades 5-6, Intermediate level for middle school/high school age, Advanced level for high school – adults.
CECCHETTI BALLET workshops. Graded levels 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6 will be offered. July 21 – 25 (levels 1-5). Syllabus work based on the teachings of Enrico Cecchetti.
BALLET SUN VALLEY – 2025 June 28-29, with master teachers National Ballet of Canada. Visit balletsunvalley.org to apply for this 1-2 day intensive here in Sun Valley.
Get details on the summer schedule at footlightdance.com/summer-workshops.

Laughing Stock Theater Company — Offers Camp Little Laugh 2025, which focuses on giving students the opportunity to learn firsthand that there is a place for everyone in the performing arts. Little Laugh runs from June 30 – July 11 and is for ages 5 – 14 Details are available at laughingstocktheater.com/classes.

Sun Valley Museum of Art – Multiple art programs, classes and events for kids are offered by this long-standing local organisation. Go to svmoa.org for registration and details.

One Soccer Schools Day Camp – This school has been coming to the valley every summer for years. camps will be in Hailey July 7-11, and in Sun Valley July 14-18 and 21-25. Onesoccerschools.com will have all the details.

Bug Zoo Festival – Hosted by the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens, the Bug Zoo Festival will be on May 17 from 11-2. Get in on the fun with hands-on educational activities in a festival atmosphere. There will be pollinator exhibits, live critters, fun activities, face painting, food trucks, snow cones, plant and honey sales and much more! Entrance tickets: adults $10, youth 3-18 years $5, and littles 0-3 years free. Sbgarden.org/events has the details.

Jr. Mountaineers – Designed to inform, inspire and challenge young explorers ages 10-16, Jr. Mountaineers offers multi-day adventures focused on hiking, biking, climbing, camping, backpacking, and mountaineering. See svguides.com/youth-programs for all the details.

HSBCAMPS Basketball – Returning to the Wood River Valley for the nineteenth straight summer, HSB’s SVCS Day Camp will offer boys and girls in the elementary, middle, and high school grades, a chance to train one-on-one with actual pros. Curriculum includes player development drills, station work, organized team competitions, contests, and guest lectures. Navigate tohsbcamps.com/sun-valley-basketball-camps/ for details and sign up.

Bobbin Winders Sewing Camps – Sun Valley Fabric Granary presents Beginning Sewing on July 14-17, and on August 11-14. Register at sunvalleyfabric.com or call (208) 788-1331.

Sheriff Ballis On The Cost of Public Safety

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WRW
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Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies train on Baldy, in preparation for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Ketchum. Photo courtesy of BCSO.

BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL

Sheriff Ballis and Smokey the Bear at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Ketchum. Photo courtesy of BCSO.

While Sun Valley hosted the prestigious Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals from March 22 to 27, marking the culmination of the alpine ski racing season, the 5850 Fest, a live music, culinary and wellness festival, ran concurrently, posing a unique challenge for new Blaine County Sheriff Morgan Ballis and the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
While Ballis weathered the storm in fine fashion, these events offered him and the BCSO a fresh look at public safety and how it is funded.

“These events were unique, not just because of the influx of people, but due to international media coverage,” said Ballis. “Additionally, we were on the heels of a nationally covered vehicle-ramming attack as well as a recent bomb threat to the Limelight Hotel.”

What Did BCSO Response Cost?
Ballis reported his deputies worked a total of 1,058 regular hours between the event itself and prior planning.

Overtime hours for the event totaled 1,172.25 hours encompassing county, detention, and Ketchum deputies as well as training for the Mountain Strike Team. The total cost for these hours was $63,622.65.

Ballis said the overtime hours would be covered by ‘current vacancies,’ and should not impact the current budget, explaining, “I inherited a budget that did not consider the financial burden of the World Cup. The five vacancies during this period will offset the overtime costs. However, we anticipate our patrol teams to be fully staffed in the next three months, something that hasn’t happened in years. These funds will not be available in the future.”

Nuts and Bolts
How can vacancies be used to supplement overtime?

“Salaries, wages, and overtime all fall within the A budget as individual line items,” said Ballis. “If we go beyond what is allocated for overtime in a fiscal year, funds can be taken from what was allocated from wages on a vacant position. At the end of the fiscal year, overtime may be over what was budgeted but the entire A budget can be under due to vacancies.”
Ballis offers this information as he believes public scrutiny of public safety funds is warranted and those costs must be shared in the future but wanted to highlight the human element behind the numbers.
“Many deputies worked seven to 10 days straight and upwards of 90 hours during the operational period during spring break. I want to specifically recognize our BCSO families for their personal sacrifice allowing deputies to provide the highest level of safety to our Valley at the expense of their loved ones.”
Great duty requires sacrifice as well as smart planning and expert use of resources—something Ballis has consistently shown innovation and conscientious attention for and has the numbers to back it up.

Taxpayers Funded All This?
“We are committed to fiscal responsibility. Our taxpayers should not be fully subsidizing private companies with public safety funds,” Ballis stated.
Ballis’ recommendations included seeking additional funding from Sun Valley Company, 5B Productions, and the municipalities to cover overtime costs. Ballis also stressed the need to budget for additional overtime hours during future events.

Prior to the World Cup, BCSO signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the Sun Valley Police Department, Hailey Police Department and the Bellevue Marshal’s Office.
ISP provided 17 troopers conducting 430 traffic stops, issuing 220 infractions, giving 200 warnings, and making 10 misdemeanor arrests. The increased presence was felt throughout the Valley with some residents feeling it was too much, prompting Commissioner Angenie McCleary to ask Ballis what message this sends. “The message is, don’t drink and drive,” Ballis replied.

Ballis said, “Our increased presence and the support of ISP and local agencies correlated to the low-number DUIs.” There were 11 DUIs during the week of the World Cup. “This was far less than we anticipated,” according to Ballis. “We greatly appreciate the support of our local, state and federal partners. This allowed us to maintain our normal level of service while increasing event safety.”

Intelligent Design
On April 22, Sheriff Ballis updated the Blaine County Commissioners on the financial impact of the World Cup for BCSO. During the eight-day operational period, Ballis commanded 112 assets as the Law Enforcement Unified Commander. These assets represented 13 different agencies, including local, state and federal partners. Ballis oversees the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and the Ketchum Police Department (KPD) through a contract with the City of Ketchum. Deputies worked a total of 1,058 regular hours between the event itself and planning prior.

Ballis explained, “Many of our deputies moved from one event to the other based on needs and assignments. As a result, we do not have specific numbers for the cost for each event; however, we can determine a general number allowing us to negotiate with each organization separately.” Ballis continued, “This was a key takeaway, and we plan to track this information on a daily basis in the future, rather than pulling reports at the end.”
Off to an excellent start, the new sheriff was thrown a curveball and with his team at BCSO and help from ISP and the Mountain Strike Team, knocked it out of the park.

Dogs Roaming Loose In Bellevue

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A dog roams off leash in Bellevue. Photo credit: WRW Staff

Dogs Rule The Streets

BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL

Dog caught on home security camera at night, on the loose in Bellevue. Photo credit: Kath Swanson

Mounting complaints of free-roaming dogs around Bellevue has some citizens calling for more strident enforcement claiming reckless owners are disturbing the sanctity and safety of those roaming the bike path, canyons, streets and their own yards.
A number of residents recounted harrowing details of encounters with unsociable, and even dangerous dogs, and uncivilized owners.
Janel Brown, a Bellevue resident for 14 years,.recounted a particularly disturbing scene that unfolded while she and

The aftermath of the dog caught on home security camera at night, on the loose in Bellevue. Photo credit: Kath Swanson

her husband were walking their dogs around town when an unleashed dog accosted theirs. A deer was wandering nearby and distracted the dog, which ran down the deer.
“That deer wasn’t even dead yet when Fish and Game got here,” Brown said. “They had to take it back up the hill and shoot it because it was ripped up. It was just lying there dying.”
Resident Kath Swanson has nightly videos from her security cameras of owners letting their unleashed dogs do what they want on her property and never pick it up.
Swanson likewise spoke of the aggression and lack of respect that these encounters often display.
“I have the pictures on camera. The dog came right into my step and the owner was out in the intersection. I said, ‘Why do you not hang on to your leash?’ She goes, ‘It has a leash!’ I say, ‘Yeah, and it’s right here on my front step.’ She yells, ‘Oh, you stupid old woman!’ I kept telling the dog, get out of here! You know, and it’s a nice dog. It’s not the dog’s problem. It’s the owners.”
Many residents said they have become so traumatized by unleashed dogs charging them and their own leashed dogs that they have begun strategizing when, or even whether, to go for a walk.
Brown said that “It’s not only aggressive dogs with their owners, off leash on walks, but, in general, unleashed and unattended dogs running rampant across the city. It’s all the time.
“Even tonight, taking our dogs around the school about a block away, I saw two dogs just running down the road. Luckily, they were running down the crossroad, but there were no people with them. You see this every day.”
Some reported they are carrying citronella spray, bear mace, sticks, or even baseball bats for protection, simply to take walks with or without their own dogs.
Of course, it’s not the unleashed dogs themselves, but those dogs’ owners who choose to ignore the leash law, let their animals do as they please. Sometimes tempers flare, patience is exhausted, and misunderstandings between neighbors are had.
Bellevue Marshal Kirtus Gaston oversees the office where the calls come in. The Marshal’s Office is precisely where to report such incidents, he said. Most calls can be remedied with a visit to the offending owner..
“The biggest thing is talking to the people when it happens, because some people don’t understand. A lot of people think that they have better control of their animals than what they actually do.”
Mayor Christine Giordani explained that she had not heard of many reports but that there’s a recently added blue button on Bellevue’s website where you can report any incident.
According to Bellevue City Code §5-3-3-1, it is unlawful for any person to allow a dog to roam on private property without permission, even if the dog is on a leash. (https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/bellevueid/latest/bellevue_id/0-0-0-700) This means that dogs must be under control at all times and are not permitted to trespass onto private properties, regardless of whether they are leashed.
In §5-3B-1, a dog may be declared “potentially dangerous” if it displays behavior posing a threat to public safety. Unprovoked attacks, aggressive behavior toward humans or other animals, this is a dangerous area for all involved and constrained only by the restraint of the person or animal being attacked. No one wants to shoot a dog, but it could happen.
The residents we spoke to seem to think that unleashed dogs running amok is at an all-time high, and that it has been going on for years.
Leashed dogs are certainly not bereft of wild moments. When being walked, at times they behave erratically, snarl or even attack. However, being on a leash, the dogs are under ‘direct physical control’ and this is where the law pops in.
Control is paramount in how dogs are able to function in society. Many believe their own dogs to be under strict verbal command control, which means saying “come,” “sit,” “heel,” etc., and the dog obeys immediately. There’s also electronic control (using remote devices), containment (fences), and tethered stationary control (tied to a post or fixed point).
Marshal Gaston urges all incidents reported immediately; however, “It would kind of depend on the specific area on what agency to call, but if they call our non-emergency dispatch number, our dispatchers are absolutely outstanding on getting the information that’s needed so they can determine who needs to go out, if it’s city, county, and vice versa.”
Brown shared an experience during a canyon walk.
“We had one incident at Slaughterhouse. Another pit bull. We saw it and went clear on the other trail so as not to encounter it. As we were getting closer, probably a quarter of a mile away, the dog saw us and came bounding through the snow and sagebrush to go after our dogs. My girl at that point snapped her leash, which is one of the heavy-duty double nylon leashes and got in front of our other dogs. That dog did not make contact with our dogs because my girl wasn’t gonna have it.”
Jamie Bridge has stories upon stories with the same lack of accountability or respect from a dog owner during a snarling attack. I yelled, “Control your dog!” and the guy said to me, “Go back to where you came from, Portland or wherever. I was born and raised here. I said, You go back to where you came from!”
So, he started screaming obscenities at me. I’ve had other people whose dogs have gotten out who then start screaming at me. One time a very large German shepherd came at us, and the problem is, my dogs are really nice, but one will protect me at all costs. I was really scared, and the guy just kept screaming at me that he was already going to hell, so he didn’t know what he should do about it, so I’m just like, okay, but get your dog under control.
“There’s some weird stuff that goes on on the bike path.”

Non-Emergency Phone Number: (208) 578-3831
https://bellevueidaho.gov/ (Blue button-top right: Report an Issue)

 

 

 

The Impacts of Wood River Women’s Foundation

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By Mike McKenna

One of the great things about being a girl growing up in the Wood River Valley is that you don’t have to look very far for some great role models.
A stroll down Sun Valley Road leads past statues of some famous local female athletes like skier Gretchen Fraser, Paralympian and politician Muffy Davis or snowboarder Kaitlyn Farrington. Olympic skier Picabo Street even has streets named after her in both Hailey and Ketchum.
But the Wood River Valley is also blessed with lots of female role models off the slopes, as well. Women who are making positive impacts in the lives of just about everyone lucky enough to call our slice of Idaho home.
The Wood River Women’s Foundation (WRWF) is celebrating 20 years of making big, and small but important, impacts throughout the Valley. Fittingly, the idea for the nonprofit first took place on a chairlift.
Back in 2005, Barbara Thrasher found herself on a chairlift with a member of the Seattle Women’s Foundation. After hearing about what they do, Barbara was inspired to start a similar group in Sun Valley.
With the help of other local women like Jo Murray, a group was invited to tea to discuss the idea. Almost all the women agreed to join with the now late Camille McCray, handing over the first donation, stating, “You must start. You must do this.”
An astounding 52 Letters of Interest for support came in the first year the WRWF started giving out grants. It was instantly obvious that our community needed a lot of help and needed some heroes like the WRWF.
“What’s amazing about this organization is when we ask for help, the hands that go up,” Barbara said. “We have people who are so talented here. I’m constantly amazed at who steps up to help when we need it.”
The WRWF has given out nearly $5 million to 294 different organizations over the last two decades. Membership has also grown tenfold, with around 300 current members, making it one of the largest women’s foundations in the country.
“One of the things that’s makes us different is that you can do something small or do something huge and still make an impact. Time, treasure or talent, any or all, there are a lot of ways to help,” Barbara said. “In a small community like ours, you can see the difference you’re making.”
The WRWF just awarded $375,000 to 25 different local organizations. This philanthropy touches every corner of our community; from small start-ups to well-established organizations to helping build a permanent stage for Hailey’s Hop Porter Park.
“It’s about more than money. It’s about education and community,” Barbara said.
“The real power of our organization is the women we draw from. It’s outstanding, both humbling and inspiring,” WRWF President Jeannie Shrouds said.
From food security to self-confidence, from the arts to the slopes, to just simply having fun and making new friends, life is better for girls growing up—and all us living—in the Wood River Valley because of the efforts and support of the WRWF.

Find out more at WoodRiverWomensFoundation.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serving Up Food And Connection at Café Della

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Caitlyn Mills at Café Della in Hailey. Photo credit: Isaiah Frizzell

Caitlyn Mills

BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL

“I always get a black iced tea and a buckwheat chocolate chip cookie, every day. Every. Single. Day.”

Thus began Caitlyn Mills’ love affair with Café Della. She’d visit while on break from the Hailey Public Library and savor a moment of sweetness right there, merely a few shops over. Now she runs the place.

Isn’t that what a proper downtown is all about? Libraries, cafés, thrift shops, pharmacies, banks, etc. We enjoy the simplicity of having a few centralized blocks to actually walk, get a few steps in, run into friends, pop into the library to check for new books or a café for a cookie, tea or a sandwich. If it’s that kind of day, maybe splurge with a glass of wine and some focaccia. This is the wonderful role novelty destinations and social connection play making for a beautiful day and devotion to a city. Malls are OK, perhaps, if you’re a teen in the ’90s, but really it’s the vibe of open air, exercise and the joy of finding something you absolutely love – a place you begin to crave in your life.

Mills has been in the Valley for over 10 years and has worked at Café Della for the last two—a sweet, charming and beautiful young lady with enough energy and enthusiasm to command her team and regale you with stories while doing it.

A café, bakery and market, you’ll find housemade quiches, soups, stews, entrées (think coq au vin, butternut and sage lasagna, pulled pork, roasted veggies), a host of fresh salads and some of the best sandwiches in Hailey. The smoked trout sandwich is reason alone to pop in. Their selection of fresh teas and coffees is unrivaled and they offer a nice selection of curated wines and beers alongside plenty of packaged snacks like cured meats, chocolates and dips. Mills ensures all quality ingredients and products are sourced from local Idaho producers and farms.

Della is 100% a café experience. When to go? “In my opinion, the best time to come in is around 10, and that sounds crazy but it’s the best time to get your breakfast for the day, get your pastries, and get your lunch at the same time. I think that’s like the smart way to do things, so you can get exactly what you want, or if you come in in the afternoon, get yourself a nice little treat and pick up dinner,” Mills explains.

Mills laughs as she then talks about herself. “I’m a reader. I’m boring. I’m not a skier. I am a master of granny hobbies. I like to knit. I like to sew. I like to bird watch. I like to read.”
Her most recent read? “My favorite author is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She wrote Americanah. It’s one of those books that was so beautiful that I cried when it was over but it wasn’t sad, it was just great. Right now I’m reading Wow No Thank You, by Samantha Irby. It’s the funniest! They’re personal essays and it just makes me laugh and I feel like someone understands who I am as a person by reading her essays.”

A bustling Hailey hotspot, slack has not affected Café Della, which tells you that locals know what’s up. Stop in and chat with Mills, who’s on site often six days a week. The food is clean and perfectly executed, with a spacious, European café vibe. The prices are great.
Additionally, you can order online from their website or peruse the menu to get a feel for the experience. Located at 103 S. Main St. in Hailey, Café Della is open Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m..See cafedella.com.

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