The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
May 26, 2021
Vol 45 Num 21
Soldier Mountain Bike Park Now Open Memorial Day Weekend in the Forest
Soldier Mountain opened its new mountain bike park for the summer on Friday, May 21st. It will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as Memorial Day and Labor Day, through the end of October depending on weather. Operating hours are 1:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays and holidays. Tickets normally cost $29 for adults (ages 18-69) and $24 for youth (ages 9-17). The resort extends seniors (ages 70+), veterans, and military personnel a $10 discount. Adult and youth summer season passes are currently reduced to $179 and $129, respectively, through June 15th. continued on page 3...
Idaho Governor's Cup Scholarship Recipients
Governor Brad Little has announced the recipients of the 2021 Governor's Cup Scholarships. Last year's Governor's Cup fundraising drive brought in enough money for 27 new scholarships to be awarded this year, despite the cancellation of the annual event. Recipients were chosen from among more than 2,000 applicants by the Idaho Governor's Cup Scholarship Fund Inc.'s 14-member board of directors. Selections were made based on each applicant's commitment to public service, academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The award is $3,000 per year, renewable for up to four years, or two to three years for careertechnical programs, contingent upon the length of the program. This year's recipients include two students from our area: Aspen Stinemates from Wendell High School, will attend Idaho State University; and Gardner Davis from Gooding High School, will attend College of Southern Idaho. "We are so impressed with the recipients for the 2021 Governor's Cup Scholarship, especially for completing their senior year of high school during such an unprecedented time. These students have demonstrated their commitment to their neighbors, communities, and the state, and we are proud to have them become the next generation of Idaho leaders," Governor Little said. "Additionally, we would like to express appreciation for the generous sponsors and donors who contributed to the scholarship program last year despite the event cancellation. Providing opportunities for these students has always been at the heart of the Governor's Cup and being able to continue that legacy amid uncertain times is important." The Governor and First Lady will host a reception honoring the recipients on June 7 at the Capitol in Boise. The 2021 Idaho Governor's Cup annual fundraising event return seewill page 5.....to Sun Valley Sept. 9-11, where the continued support from numerous donors will allow the scholarship fund to continue serving students next year.
The Sawtooth National Forest would like to encourage everyone to get out this Memorial Day holiday weekend and enjoy your National Forest, but... KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. People planning on recreating on the Sawtooth National Forest over the Memorial Day holiday weekend will find facilities open and operating; however, due to the lingering snowpack at the higher elevations a number of roads and trails will be closed. Visitors are reminded to avoid driving or riding on muddy roads and trails to avoid damaging the running surface. Check with your local Forest Service office for current road and trail conditions - Motor Vehicle Use Map shows what roads and trails are open to motorized use - download at www.fs.usda.gov Many campsites are first come-first serve but there are also campsites that can be reserved in advance. These sites can be reserved at www.Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. Another important reminder for visitors is to be sure to put your campfire out when leaving your campsite for the day or for the weekend. Two fires have occurred on the Forest in the last week. Please if it is too hot to touch the embers in your fire ring it is too hot to leave, make sure it is cold to the touch. Visitors to the Sawtooth National Forest are encouraged to bring their own drinking water and be prepared to haul their trash back home. Even though many of the developed campgrounds will be open, there may be sites that do not have full service. Minidoka Ranger District Current road and trail conditions can be obtained by calling the Minidoka Ranger District at 208-678-0430. Ketchum Ranger District Current trail conditions for the Ketchum Ranger District can be found at: www.trails.bcrd.org. Sawtooth National Recreation Area As of May 1st, a 10 day stay limit/occupancy is in effect for all developed and dispersed camping/occupancy on the SNRA. Also, a Bear Food Storage Order will be in effect and enforced through Labor Day weekend on the SNRA. Fairfield Ranger District Roads over Couch, Wells and Fleck Summits are open. Dollarhide Summit and many other higher elevation roads are closed due to snow. Buttercup Roads #418 and #418A are closed due to washouts. Deadwood Creek Trail #054 is closed.