• Zach Smith has 20 years’ experience selling Teton Valley real estate and has closed more than 265+ transactions in Victor alone
• Represented clients in 325+ transactions
• $105+ million in sales between 2019 and 2024
“Zach did an outstanding job assisting us in the sale of our home. He demonstrated a command of market expertise, customer service and professionalism throughout the entire process. He was very responsive to our needs and always worked in the capacity of maximizing our homes sales potential. We have had the privilege of working with Zach on the multiple homes we have purchased in the valley. We frankly would not work with anyone else. He is an amazing person and exceptional at his craft. We love Zach!”
Transitional Care Today, Back Home Tomorrow!
The Teton Valley Health Care swing bed program is a multidisciplinary transitional care team that provides support and expertise to help you or your loved one recover from:
Major surgeries such as total joint replacements, cardiac, or general surgery
Stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions
Severe infections, illnesses, or chronic disease management
Recovery after intensive care unit (ICU) treatment or extended hospital stays
Advanced wound care and specialized treatment
IV antibiotics, ostomy care, and tube feeding assistance
Our care team consists of 24/7 hospitalists and nursing support with daily physician rounding. Providing patients with:
Skilled nursing care tailored to individual needs
Access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Complete medication oversight and expert wound care
Assistance with daily tasks to promote independence
Weekly care conferences to discuss progress
End-of-life care planning, ensuring compassionate support
Give yourself the time you need to heal with Transitional Care at Teton Valley Health Care. Call 208-345-2383 or scan the QR code.
Lucy Meadows
Victor’s Newest Residential Community
FEATURING SPACIOUS 2.5-ACRE LOTS, minimal HOA restrictions, sidewalks, a serene community pond, and an unbeatable location just minutes from downtown Victor, ID and only 35 minutes to Jackson, WY. Lucy Meadows allows short-term rentals and guest houses, making it one of the most flexible and valuable opportunities for both primary residences and investment properties.
779 LUCIA LANE is the first completed home in Lucy Meadows, with four more underway. This stunning 3,283 sq ft residence features 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a 915 sq ft 3-car garage, all on 2.5 acres. Designed for luxury and comfort, the home includes a private mother-inlaw suite with kitchenette, whole-house hydronic in-floor heating, soaring 19-foot ceilings, engineered white oak floors, custom metal siding and fireplace, quartz countertops and window sills, surround sound, hidden-hinge doors, and sleek LED accent lighting throughout.
528 Valley Centre Dr. #4 (307) 284-9577
Before I dive into the contents of another vibrant summer issue of Teton Valley Magazine, I first want to express my deep gratitude to all who help make this magazine happen year after year—particularly this issue.
My family welcomed our baby girl, Annie, into the world on February 18. She arrived early, just as we kicked off the busy season in the magazine world, and in the middle of a wild and windy Teton snowstorm. Newborns don’t particularly care to adhere to press deadlines—or road conditions, for that matter. (I’ll educate her on the importance of staying abreast of Bruce Mason’s weather reports at a later date.)
Yet, between sleepless nights and a bit of extra planning where we could, the magazine came together, while a lot of life was going on behind the scenes. This happened in large part thanks to our fantastic writers, editors, and photographers, our incredible Powder Mountain Press team, and the amazing businesses that fill our pages.
As I reflect on what has been a busy and blissful time, I keep coming back to how lucky Sage and I are to create a magazine in this community. We work with business owners that we are grateful to count as colleagues, friends, and neighbors. And we remain continually inspired by the creative folks who make up the Teton Valley Magazine contributors list.
This chapter has highlighted all the things we juggle to make life’s puzzle pieces fit. And in those moments, I am reminded that, in Teton Valley, ‘community’ truly is a verb. So, a big “Thank you!” for the extra grace extended our way as we put a magazine together while experiencing some of life’s big moments.
Now, in more ways than one, I’m ready to celebrate summer! Learn about our new south-end farmers market, now with a longer season and even more vendors (page 110), and find inspiration from one woman’s efforts to combat food injustice with her gratis growing operation, Owl Meadow Farm (page 40).
Take in a snapshot of the cowboys and cowgirls who buck and barrel race at the Friday night rodeo (page 80). Find out what’s in store for our local library system (page 86)—the future is truly looking bright!—and learn about the City of Driggs’ colossal efforts to amend the water treatment plant’s nagging issues (page 72).
This season is short but sweet. So, get out and soak up the delight of summer in the Tetons—from the artisan and farmers markets to the hiking trails, rivers, and vistas. May you be inspired by the lives showcased in our pages, in tandem with the magic of your own.
Publishers Kate Hull and Sage Hibberd with their families.
Featuring craft sandwiches, house-made soups and salads, gourmet cookies, and signature seasoned potato chips.
PHOTOS: LARA AGNEW
Anne Fish Private Office Advisor Top Producer 2001-2024
ENGEL & VÖLKERS
Mobile: +1 307-413-1159
Office: +1 307-201-8800
Internet: annefish.evrealestate.com
Email: anne.fish@evrealestate.com
Publisher + Editor in Chief
Kate Hull kate@powdermountainpress.com
Publisher + Art Director
Sage Hibberd sage@powdermountainpress.com
Project Manager
Abbi Sarthou abbi@powdermountainpress.com
Publisher Emeritus
Nancy McCullough-McCoy
Editor at Large
Michael McCoy
Design Advisor
Linda Grimm
Copy Editors
Chloe Eichler
Kate Ready
Contributors
Molly Absolon
Lara Agnew
Judy Allen
Natalie Behring
Dargie Bowersock
Camrin Dengel
Cody Downard
Devin Dwyer
P.M. Fadden
Tom Hallberg
Meghan Hanson
Julie Martin
Christina Shepherd McGuire
Unity Minton
Josh Myers
J. Patrick Phalan
Kristen Pope
Kate Ready
Linda M Swope
Aaron Theisen
Winner of 1st place in the Magazine - General Excellence category, Idaho Press Club’s Best of 2024
Teton Valley Magazine is published twice yearly by Powder Mountain Press, LLC
Celebrating forty-two years in the Tetons—twenty-six of them in Teton Valley—Judy Allen (Who Was Fred Mugler?, page 52) writes, teaches, consults, and grows organic produce year-round. In her solar greenhouse and garden, Darby Canyon Gardens, she rents beds to the public. Through her work in Teton Valley, Judy enjoys getting to know a sampling of the creative, committed people who call this community home.
Camrin Dengel
Camrin Dengel (A Hoop and a Heart, page 40, and Progress > Perfection, page 64) is a Teton Valley-based freelance photographer. She works with editorials, nonprofits, commercial clients, and bespoke brands to tell visual stories centered around returning to our roots. Through a photojournalistic approach, the heart of her work focuses on regenerative food systems, sustainable trades, outdoor lifestyles, and environmental allyship. Camrin loves to photograph real people doing real things, often outdoors in wild places.
Cody Downard
Cody Downard (Victor Farmers Market, page 110, and Bear 399, page 119) grew up outside Eureka, Kansas. The day after graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Park and Natural Resource Management, he moved to the Rocky Mountains. It was while he was working as a ranger in Yellowstone that Cody’s love for nature inspired his photography, and his hobby became his career when he moved to Vail, Colorado in 1999. A resident of Victor since 2013, Cody photographs nature, outdoor sports, weddings, and more. He enjoys mountain biking, Nordic skiing, fly fishing, paddleboarding, and hiking. He and his wife Colleen own Teton Pines Nordic Center in Jackson Hole.
Christina Shepherd McGuire
When Christina’s (A Hoop and a Heart, page 40, and Ducking the Muck, page 100) not whittling away at words, she’s helping her daughter plan a semester abroad or biting her nails on the sidelines of her son’s free-ride ski competitions. Christina is the managing editor of Teton Family Magazine and Grand Wedding Magazine, where she aims to help individuals live a slower, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Check out her digital works in Real Simple, Food & Wine, and Better Homes and Gardens, or catch up with her at christinashep herdmcguire.com
Kate Ready
Kate Ready (A Family in Motion, page 58, and Herding Heritage, page 94) is not particularly autobiographical. When she must be, she misses her deadline and writes in the third person. Raised in Denver as the youngest of three, she once lamented: “Why do we go hiking? It’s just walking around and looking at stuff.” She now loves to walk around and look at stuff. Kate once worked in textbook publishing, enjoys travel blogging for Jackson Hole Traveler, and cut her teeth in beat writing for the Jackson Hole News&Guide for three years. She believes her mission on Earth is to listen deeply to others. By simply listening and taking a genuine interest, she hopes to uplift the people around her by making them feel seen and heard. Anyway, how are you?
Save the Date
Friends of the Teton River is turning 25! Join us for a free community celebration!
DATE: July 11, 2025
TIME: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Driggs City Center Plaza, Driggs, Idaho
Food & drinks, live music, & raffle
RSVP using the QR code to learn more and to help us track attendance.
Are you floating the Teton River this summer?
Did you know that over 65,000 visitors recreate on the Teton River during the summer! With this many river users, everyone’s individual actions add up to a large impact.
The river relies on your stewardship to ensure that the river ecosystem stays healthy for people, wildlife, and fish that call the river home.
Use the QR code to view a digital river map and learn more about river stewardship! friends of the
Everyone says it. Few deliver.
At St. John's Health, patient-centered care isn't just a phrase, it's a promise. And as a small, independent health system, it's one that guides every decision we make.
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DOWNTOWN SOUNDS CONCERTS
All Concerts at Driggs Plaza 60 South Main Street | 6-8pm | Free!
JUNE 20
THE IDAHO ROVERS (Irish)
JULY 3
JB STRAUSS (Country/Soul)
Partnership with Teton County Idaho Fairgrounds
JULY 21
BELLE NUIT: A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT OF SONG (Classical Voice & Piano) 6-7pm Indoors at Teton Geo Center | Partnership with Teton Valley Chamber Music Festival
JULY 27
LOCAL KIN (Indie Folk)
AUGUST 22
HENRY & THE MOGULS (Folk Country)
SEPTEMBER 5
NICOLAS MEIER TRIO (World Jazz)
SEPTEMBER 19
YELLOW DOG STRINGBAND (Contra Dance)
Partnership with Seniors West of the Tetons
PRESENTED BY:
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS
JULY 26
HENRY V | 6pm, Free Teton County Courthouse Lawn, 150 Courthouse Dr.
DRIGGS PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
July 26 - August 2 | Art Sales All Week! Driggs Plaza & Gallery
OPENING RECEPTION, PAINT OUT & CONCERT WITH LOCAL KIN
July 27 | 6-8pm
DOWNTOWN VICTOR PAINT OUT
July 29 | 8-11am
PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING
July 29 | 12-2pm
COLLECTOR’S PARTY & ARTIST TALK July 31 | 5-6:30pm
COMPETITION AWARDS CEREMONY
August 1 | 5-6pm
EXTENDED SHOW & SALE
August 2 - September 30 | Teton Geo Center
PRESENTED BY:
Ways to Play 30
LOOK TO THE SKY at sunrise to spot hot air balloons overhead—book your scenic outing with Elevated Ballooning
SAMPLE CROISSANTS over a cup of Joe at Wydaho Roasters look for the new shop opening this summer
ENJOY LOCALLY ROASTED BREW from Victor’s Alpine Air, perfectly paired with sweet and savory toast offerings
STOCK UP ON GEAR from WorldCast Anglers’ fly shop, then book your next fishing adventure
MUNCH A BURRITO from the Seniors West of the Tetons chef, available at the Driggs’ Friday farmers market—then shop for produce
SIT OUTSIDE with a latte at Rise Coffee House in Driggs—don’t miss live music on weekends
SAVOR A BRUNCH OF BISCUITS and poblano sausage gravy at Butter Cafe in Victor
LOSE YOURSELF IN THE LANDSCAPE on a Third Thursday Walk with Teton Regional Land Trust
SPOIL A GOOD WALK (as Mark Twain would say) by golfing at one of our three public courses
PAMPER YOURSELF with a manicure and facial at Victor’s Renew Salon & Spa
FIND GIFTS AND MORE from local and regional makers at Fireweed Shop & Studios
FUEL UP FOR A TETON CANYON HIKE with hearty, delicious sandwiches from Figgie’s Deli
RENT A MOUNTAIN BIKE and brush up on your skills with a lesson from Grand Targhee Resort
PLAN A BACKCOUNTRY EXCURSION by way of llamas with Paul Forester’s Wynfromere Farms llama rentals
DELVE INTO THE CHARACTER of the valley at the Teton Geo Center and the Teton Valley Museum
TRY OUT AN E-BIKE from Endo Peaks on the Ashton-Tetonia Trail, following the historic Union Pacific Railroad grade
COOL OFF with a huckleberry shake from the Victor Emporium or a lime freeze at Corner Drug in Driggs
LISTEN FOR THE BUGLE calls of sandhill cranes before they head south for the winter
MAKE PLANS to attend the Teton Valley Fair, August 3 through 9, and don’t miss the rodeo (more on page 80)
ENJOY A POST-HIKE BEER or wine at Victor’s hot spot, Refuge Taphouse on Main Street
ORDER UP CRAB RANGOONS at Mama Su in Driggs, from the team at Teton Thai
CATCH LIVE MUSIC , Shakespeare in the Parks, and more, all hosted by the Downtown Driggs Association
CELEBRATE TWENTY YEARS of Music on Main with a night of dancing, community, food, and fun
SAMPLE CURATED WINES from across the globe, paired with delicious small plates, at Lula Wine Bar & Bistro
SHARE A SPECIAL DINNER with family and friends at Linn Canyon Ranch
SOAK UP THE SUNSHINE with sushi and sashimi on the patio at King Sushi in Driggs
KICK OFF HAPPY HOUR at Grand Teton Brewing with burgers on the lawn from Otto’s Kitchen
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY to incredible acts at Grand Targhee’s Bluegrass Festival in August
HANG WITH THE LOCALS at the Royal Wolf where “snow sagas and fish tales are told nightly”
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC over cocktails at the Tetonia Club or Victor’s Knotty Pine Supper Club
Let’s Dance
FOR WHITNEY MCKEE , lifelong dancer and owner of Summit School of the Arts in Driggs, their new permanent studio space is the realization of a dream many years in the making. “I started dance classes when I was five years old and haven’t stopped dancing since,” she says. “I’ve been lucky enough to consistently find a dance home through every season of my life. In 2020, after more than a decade of contributing to the growth of the dance community in Teton Valley, studio ownership developed as a natural next step in my artistic journey.”
While Summit School of the Arts has had several locations throughout the valley over the years, its new home ensures dance is available to the community, with room to grow.
“It has taken years to find a space large enough to really start to do what we knew was possible,” Whitney says. “This is a space that will allow people of all ages to
leave the heaviness of the world outside and come experience the transformative power that dance has on the body, mind, and spirit.”
Located at 1251 Arrowhead Plaza, the studio is open and full of light, inviting creative expression. “Currently we are offering ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, as well a class designed specifically for preschool aged children,” Whitney says. “We are constantly adding a variety of adult classes, as well.”
Summit has welcomed guest instructors in swing, tango, reggaeton, salsa, and singing, just to name a few. No matter the style, Whitney and her studio are providing a way for the community to express themselves through movement. Look for a musical theater camp happening this summer, as well as a variety of summer programming. Fall registration begins August 1. Visit summitschoolofthearts.com to learn more and register.
Darlin’ Clementine!
THERE WAS NOTHING quite as iconic and characteristic of Driggs than a sighting of the valley’s unofficial mascot, Clementine, clomping about town with her best friend and owner, Vancie Turner, riding bareback. Vancie and the community said goodbye to this beloved quarter horse in January. To honor her legacy and impact on so many, Downtown Driggs Association is hosting the Driggs’ Darlin’ Clementine Exhibit at the Teton Geo Center.
The exhibit, featuring stories, quotes, artwork, photography, and more, opens May 28 with a public celebration, followed by a Valley Voices story slam to honor the beloved horse. View this community-curated exhibit at the Teton Geo Center through November 30. Thanks for the memories, Clementine! Learn more: downtowndriggs.org.
Sip & Savor
WHEN OWNER CRYSTAL BORUP dreamt up the idea for Lula Wine Bar & Bistro, the newest wine bar and restaurant in downtown Driggs, she wanted to create a destination that could become a social hub for the community to gather, connect, and share great wine.
“Whether you’re here for a lively night out, a meaningful conversation, or a quiet moment with a great glass of wine, I hope it feels like a space where you truly belong,” she says. Located at 75 West Little Avenue, Lula features an expansive wine list encompassing just about every vintage from dry, crisp sauvignon blancs to a savory syrah. The selection spans the globe and even offers some regional favorites. For Crystal, a great wine tells a story.
“It’s about balance, craftsmanship, and a connection to where it comes from,” she says. “I love wines that are made with integrity,
minimal intervention, and a sense of place. But honestly, the best glass of wine is the one you enjoy in good company.”
Those looking to sip something that doesn’t come from the vine will find a variety of flavorful mocktails, beers, ciders, and nonalcoholic options like kombucha and organic teas.
Pair your drink of choice with cheese boards, grazing platters, and small plates like bruschetta, smoked salmon spread, meatballs in marinara, and more. “For summer, it’s all about bright, fresh flavors,” Crystal says. “Our ‘White Flights’ are perfect for warm days … plus light reds and the alwayspopular rosé. For food, our grazing platter is great for sharing.”
The space is intimate yet has room for a crowd. Look for live music, special events, and wine tastings throughout the summer. Learn more at lulawinebar.com
8TH ANNUAL
September 17-20
TETON VALLEY, IDAHO
Come stay in Teton Valley!
Sponsored by: Pattie & Earle Layser Memorial Trust
For more information on the week’s activities, please visit tetonlandtrust.org or scan the QR code.
35TH ANNIVERSARY BARN PARTY
August 2, 5pm
SIX SPRINGS RANCH
For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to tetonlandtrust.org or scan the QR code.
Sponsored by:
We now have two Farmers Markets in Teton Valley!
Tuesday nights in the Victor City Park from 4 - 7pm; July 8 - Sept 9 Friday mornings in the Driggs City Plaza from 9am - 1pm; June 6 - Oct 3
Twenty Years of Music
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF MUSIC ON MAIN, TETON VALLEY FOUNDATION’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES HELD THURSDAYS FROM JUNE 19 THROUGH AUGUST 14 AT VICTOR CITY PARK.
JUNE 19
NEAL FRANCIS with Sister Karee & The Other Brothers
JUNE 26
VANDOLIERS with Adeem the Artist
JULY 10
BAMBA WASSOULOU GROOVE with Jason Fritts Project
JULY 17
KELSEY WALDON with The Balsamroots
JULY 24
OBJECT HEAVY
with Henry Pepin & The Moguls
JULY 31
FRUITION with Mama Magnolia
AUGUST 7
LINDSAY LOU
with Lonesome Ace Stringband
AUGUST 14
HORNBREAD with Sunday Killers
HARM ONY
DE SIG N & ENG INEERIN G
Designing and creating conservation-minded projects that encourage a sense of community. Experience collaboration that enhances value, ensures better results, offers seamless communication and focuses comprehensive attention on your project.
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LUXURIOUS MOUNTAIN RETREAT IN TETON SPRINGS
Discover an extraordinary blend of elegance, comfort, and natural beauty in this newly built luxury home, designed by the renowned Michael Upwall. Nestled among serene aspens and peaceful ponds within the prestigious Teton Springs Golf Community, this stunning mountain retreat offers the perfect balance of privacy and access to world-class amenities.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT, firefighters
Corey Rafeld, Becca Parkinson, and Charis Schreiber are the three women on the county’s twenty-five-member Fire and Rescue crew. Nationally, women account for less than five percent of all career firefighters.
BY MOLLY ABSOLON PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNITY MINTON
Blazing a Trail
Corey Rafeld and the women of Teton County Fire and Rescue
Corey Rafeld didn’t grow up dreaming to be a firefighter. In fact, she stumbled into the occupation by chance. She was working as a ski patroller at Grand Targhee Resort, and wanted to upgrade her first-aid training.
Teton County Fire and Rescue was offering a free Emergency Medical Technician course to people who were also willing to take—while getting paid—a fire-training course. Corey chose the economic option. She had time, but little money.
“I was just trying to figure out how to live here,” she says.
Corey grew up in Maryland. After graduating from Wesleyan University in 2005, she came to Teton Valley to work in the equipment room at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Driggs base for the summer. Her plan was to head back in the fall to an investment banking job in Washington, D.C. But like so many people who land in the valley— thinking it’s only for a season—she fell in love with the mountains.
“People seemed so happy here,” Corey says. “I wanted that kind of life.”
She began working a series of seasonal jobs to support herself. Those jobs included managing that same equipment room for NOLS, working at Pendl’s Bakery in Driggs, and landscaping. It was while she was landscaping that her boss, Joe Calder, who is also the head of Grand Targhee’s ski patrol, suggested she consider ski patrolling.
“At the time, I didn’t think my skiing
was up to ski patrol standards,” Corey says. “But I took the first-aid course, and after I finished, I thought to myself, ‘I’m good at this. I’m good at staying calm in stressful situations.’ Plus, I found the work interesting. So, I started ski patrolling, which eventually led to my EMT course and the fire-training course, and on to becoming a reserve for the fire department.”
In 2012, Corey went from being a reserve, or volunteer, to a full-time employee. She was Teton County Fire and Rescue’s first woman firefighter to join the ranks in that capacity. And as of last April, she and fellow firefighter Becca Parkinson became the department’s first women captains.
The nation’s fire teams remain predominantly male. The first credited female firefighter in the United States was also its first known black woman to take up the mantle. At age 71, the formerly enslaved Molly Williams volunteered with the Manhattan brigade in 1818. It wasn’t until much later, however, that women became official members of the nation’s fire teams. In 1974, there was only one woman firefighter in the country. By 1980, there were two hundred. Today, there are roughly 15,000 women career firefighters and 78,000 volunteers. Still, that represents less than 5 percent of all
BOOTS STAND AT THE READY to be slipped into at a moment’s notice, a common practice in a firehouse that’s facing an increasing call average of three per day.
career firefighters and 11 percent of volunteer firefighters in the country.
Teton County Fire and Rescue has three women working as part of the official firefighter/EMT crew and, on the administrative side, a female chief financial officer.
“Those numbers are too small and obviously are far behind where they need to be,” says Mike Maltaverne, Teton County Fire Chief. “I believe the low numbers are related to the challenges that women
“For the most part, everyone was welcoming when I came on board,” Corey says. “Some people were a little less friendly at first, and I heard things through the grapevine that a couple of folks thought women should not be working here, but that was it. Now it has come full circle. I think time, and proving my strength and worth, smoothed things over, and it definitely helped having Becca start working, so there were two strong women… I’m treated as an equal now.”
KEEPING UP WITH their male counterparts, the women say is a “self-induced” pressure. Corey gets the women together for challenging workout plans that test their stamina.
“We show up on the worst day of someone’s life. I like helping people in those stressful times. It’s rewarding.”
Corey Rafeld Teton County Fire and Rescue
face in a male-dominated workplace. It is a very physically demanding job; women may not be widely accepted by their male counterparts; and some organizations may not provide the benefits and leave that allow a woman to have children. I don’t believe we have those issues in Teton County. Women are accepted and embraced in our organization and, quite honestly, they are bad-ass firefighters.”
Becca Parkinson joined the fire department about a year after Corey. A third woman, Charis Schreiber, has been on the team for the last six years. The rest of the roughly twenty-five-member crew is male, but both Corey and Becca say any differences they feel at work come from themselves rather than their male counterparts.
“The three of us are more concerned than some of our colleagues about being fit enough, strong enough, but that pressure is totally self-induced,” says Becca. “We want to know we will be able to drag a two-hundred-pound person out of a building.
Now, as captains, each supervises the crew of the shift and station they are assigned to. “I’m flattered by the recognition and hope it inspires girls to check out Fire & Rescue,” Becca says. “But at the end of the day, I’m just here doing my job. Being promoted to captain from a skilled and capable pool of coworkers
validates the work and commitment Corey and I put into developing our skills and our experience to be good at our job, and capable of leading a crew.”
Corey likes not knowing what a shift will bring. One day, she’ll spend hours transporting patients to the hospital in Idaho Falls. On another, she’ll be called out on an automobile accident, a house fire, or a medical emergency. The variety keeps her sharp and engaged, but it can be stressful.
“We show up on the worst day of someone’s life,” Corey says. “I like helping people in those stressful times. It’s re-
warding. And, for me, the variety means you never know what you are going to get. I’d get bored if I had to do the same thing over and over again. But I have to deal with stress. Your adrenaline starts flowing whenever a call for something big comes in.”
In 2024, Teton County Fire and Rescue received the largest recorded number of calls for the department, at just over one thousand, or an average of three per day. Of those calls, 68 percent were medical in nature and 32 percent were fire, rescue, or service-related. Some days are more intense emotionally and physically than others. One of Corey’s first calls as a reserve involved a house fire with a fatality. She says training, practice, and exercise help her deal with such difficult situations.
“For me, the best way to deal with stress is to move,” Corey says. “I don’t work out to look good. I want to be strong, but it’s 80 percent mental. Mov-
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ing is what clears my mind. Getting outside doing something, breathing fresh air; it’s the only time I feel I can forget about stuff. When I’m biking hard uphill, I can’t think of anything else.”
Corey has two daughters, a 10-yearold and a 2-year-old. Surprisingly, she says, the fire department’s shift scheduling—48 hours on, 96 hours off, on a rotating six-day week—works well for her as a mother. Her husband works from home, so he covers childcare while she is at the station. When she is off, she is completely available for her kids.
STANDING HIP TO HIP, the women feel the others’ strengths help to cement their own in the male-dominated field.
“Women are accepted and embraced in our organization and, quite honestly, they are bad-ass firefighters.”
Mike Maltaverne Teton County Fire Chief
“With two days a week on, I get four days off with the girls,” she says. “It’s not just getting them ready for school and then putting them to bed at night. I have all day.”
“Corey’s attitude is a standout blend of discipline, passion, and humility,” says Dayne Toney. Dayne and her husband run Targhee Athletics, where Corey has trained since the facility opened eleven years ago. “Despite her many strong roles as a firefighter, an athlete, and a mother, Corey remains remarkably humble, serving as a powerful example of how women can excel in multiple demanding roles with grace and resilience.”
Combine grace and resilience with physical and mental strength, and you have the ingredients for an effective, successful firefighter … regardless of gender.
SARAH PARKER, a registered nurse, has transformed her half-acre farm on South Leigh Creek into a battleground for food justice. Her mission at Owl Meadow Farm is to make fresh, fertilizer-free produce accessible for all.
BY CHRISTINA SHEPHERD MCGUIRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMRIN DENGEL
A Hoop and a Heart
One woman’s quest for food justice at Owl Meadow Farm
Hidden beneath cottonwood trees lies Owl Meadow Farm, a one-woman growing operation that sits in a sink, or low point, on South Leigh Creek—one of the valley’s coldest spots.
But the fact that Sarah Parker, a registered nurse at Teton Valley Hospital, is growing produce in such a challenging microclimate doesn’t seem to faze her. She’s following a passion she’s had since childhood, growing up among the farms of West Virginia and, later, studying agroecology in college. Now she is pursuing her mission of providing food equality for residents of Teton Valley.
After Sarah and her husband Josh bought their dream property, they soon realized the spot they were planning on farming flooded every spring and had a growing season three to four weeks shorter than that enjoyed by farms up the road in Victor. So, Sarah began taking notes before starting her small garden, which consisted of a few raised beds that often fell prey to a killing frost each August. Soon after, she purchased and erected a substantial hoop house—a game-changer—and started donating her harvest’s surplus to Food for Good, a food rescue program run by the Community Resource Center of Teton Valley.
Mission Accomplished
Sarah’s personal assignment of making farm-fresh food accessible to all was
inspired by Sky High Farm in New York State, an organization she stumbled upon while conducting research online. This nonprofit “committed to addressing food security and nutrition by improving access to fresh, nutritious food” became her aspiration.
“Food is already political; the socioeconomics of it are so crazy,” Sarah explains. “Like, if I’m selling something for premium, and then I’m giving that same product to someone else for free, I’m inherently building on that disparity even more … Sky High Farm’s model [in contrast] is to grow amazing quality food, feed thousands of people in New York City, and then raise the money to pay for it.”
Sarah started out small, donating her meager surplus to the community through nontraditional avenues. Andrea Swedberg, program manager for Food for Good, remembers the first day Sarah came into her office.
“It was 2023, and Sarah approached us with a cooler full of kale, greens, and Swiss chard,” recounts Andrea. “The size and magnitude of her Swiss chard and kale was impressive. It, seriously, was the most beautiful produce I’d ever seen!”
Last year, Sarah’s harvest expanded to
SARAH PARKER SHOWERS a variety of herbs and vegetable starts. Last summer, Sarah donated between 40 to 100 pounds of food to the Teton Valley Food Pantry and other organizations every week.
GEARUPAND GETOUT
the point where she reached her goal of providing large varied boxes of produce every week to food pantries. Her donations are as fresh and local as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, but with no price tag. She says 2025 is going to be even better.
Let the People Eat
All told, Owl Meadow Farm occupies only about a half-acre of ground, but provides well over forty to fifty—and sometimes even over a hundred—pounds of food to community organizations each week. Sarah picks the produce herself, with occasional help from friends. She estimates that she spends about ten hours a week in her garden during the growing season, with the exception of what she calls “manual labor May.”
Owl Meadow Farm’s seasonal offerings include spinach, arugula, chard, kale, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, winter squash, carrots, beets, flowers, raspberries, shelling peas, and beans, all grown free of fertilizers and pesticides. Sarah plans to till more space this year for potatoes and other roots and bulbs, like onions, garlic, and shallots.
“People want stuff that is easy to snack on, like tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and radishes,” she explains. “I think it’s important to grow culturally relevant food for people. I don’t think you can expect people to fall in love with Lacinato kale if it’s something they’ve never seen.” She grew epazote and Mexican grey zuc-
chini this year and is planning to try more hot peppers and tomatillos next season.
Sarah has yet to do any fundraising, although Owl Meadow Farm achieved nonprofit status in 2024. Right now, her operation is fully self-funded. Still, she foresees subsidizing her efforts by of-
Our name says “lumber” but we do so much more. We sell the biggest names in hardware, hand and power tools, indoor and outdoor paint, and power equipment. We also carry a full range of rental equipment.
LAST SUMMER Sarah was able to provide CSA-style donations to the Teton Valley Food Pantry, Food for Good, and other organizations every week.
“People want stuff that is easy to snack on, like tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and radishes. I think it’s important to grow culturally relevant food for people.”
Sarah Parker Owl Meadow Farm
fering a farm dinner on her property as a way to introduce local residents to her operation and gain donors. She’d also like to apply for grants through the National Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Anybody that’s getting her produce, especially for free, is getting the best of the best,” says Andrea. “It’s just amazing to me that someone who came on the scene so quickly offers both the quality and quantity Sarah provides.”
Because Food for Good is a food rescue program that mainly sources excess
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and outdated food from grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants, Andrea feels it’s important to throw farm-fresh finds into the mix.
“Getting anything fresh is monumental,” she says. “Fresh produce is the base of any meal and it’s what, ultimately, is going to offer the most nutrients.”
The “Good Food” Movement
Sarah says that today’s “wellness culture marketing” labels food as either “good” or “bad.” She notes that we live in an economy of convenience where good food is expensive and non-nutritionally dense food is cheaper. Still, she believes in the concept of food justice for everyone.
“I see [my efforts] eliminating the disparity that ‘good food’ is only for rich people and ‘bad food’ is for everyone else … We [in the U.S.] don’t do a good job of making it easy for people to eat well,” she says.
“Plus, there’s something powerful about eating food from your community,” Sarah asserts. “And while farmers markets bring the community together, they can also be othering to folks who feel the prices are out of reach … Our nonprofits here have done a good job of making sure people have quality food, while also maintaining a really nice sense of community dignity without making it feel like charity.”
This one-woman farm in a chilly little nook of Idaho is definitely moving the food justice needle, and Sarah embraces her community with produce offerings as big as her heart is wide. Andrea believes that Sarah’s donations “keep people going … and it sparks creativity and makes people resourceful.”
What Sarah Parker is providing is more than just food equality. Her impressive efforts encourage an inclusivity that, similar to nature, doesn’t discriminate between the haves and the have nots. Instead, she invites others in to connect to the circle of life, from the first greens of spring to the hardy roots of fall.
USING A TECHNIQUE to digitally layer several photographs before adding her own artistic splash,“retired” photographer Linda Swope has amassed a dedicated following.
FROM IDAHO WITH LOVE
GOOSE MOON
PONY, EXPRESS YOURSELF
BY KRISTEN POPE
In the Swirl of Swope
Local photographer and artist leaves her mark on Teton Valley
It seems that lens woman Linda Swope has photographed it all: Brides perched on buckrail fences before a Teton backdrop. Professional basketball players tussling for the ball in San Antonio. Texas rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, college fraternity and sorority parties, meandering Teton Valley creeks, migrating sandhill cranes, and rocking Music on Main concerts.
Linda says she has always loved people and nature, and photographing anything that moves. So it’s no surprise she was drawn to the Tetons.
Today, Linda is retired after decades as a portrait photographer in Jackson, Wyoming, where she frequently shot weddings. But she uses the term “retired” rather loosely. Her day-to-day is a flurry of creativity, with a lot of her energy focused on fine artwork that involves digitally layering several photographs and adding her own artistic impression to each one. She sells her work around the valley at art shows and the farmers market, and she keeps a dedicated following. Her art hangs in homes on every continent except Antarctica.
When not crafting fine art, Linda is on photojournalism assignments, including capturing events in her beloved Teton Valley for this magazine, as well as volunteering her time to shoot images for numerous local nonprofits.
Growing up in Seguin, Texas, Linda delved into photography at the age of ten when she got her first camera. As the oldest of four kids, she became her family’s photographer, chronicling their life in a small Texas city. She learned quickly. “That was film,” she says, “and film cost money every time you clicked the shutter. You learned fast.”
In college, her budding portrait business found a home in her dorm room at the University of Texas at Austin. The Episcopal church grounds just a few blocks away became her studio, with its large lawn and stately live oak trees, creating a scenic backdrop for outdoor portraits, which were just becoming popular. For $10 a session, her services were in demand to create gifts for boyfriends and Mother’s Day. Sometimes, she would accompany a fellow student home over the weekend to shoot portraits of the whole family. She would also document events like fraternity and sorority parties. “They
AS LAYERED AS HER ARTWORK, Linda Swope counts portrait photographer, fine artist, and photojournalist among her many hats. Here, Linda angles her lens toward sandhill cranes at dusk.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARA AGNEW ARTWORK BY LINDA M SWOPE
were moving—parties are moving,” she says.
After graduating with a double major in sociology and psychology—which Linda says is very useful in the portrait photography business—she set up a studio in her hometown. For ten years, she captured images of top-tier athletes as a photographer for the San Antonio Spurs, as well as snapping bull and bronc riders at rodeos and teenage gridiron stars at high school football games. And more.
But eventually, the pull of the mountains called Linda away from Texas. She had learned to ski in Colorado, and the time she’d spent there stayed with her. In 1986, friends of hers shared a slideshow of a recent trip to Grand Teton National Park. Linda couldn’t get the images off her mind. She heard a quote describing someone’s “compass point[ing] north,” and it resonated with her. The following summer, she took a trip up to Jackson Hole, and in 1988 she made her move.
As is the case with so many long-time residents, she initially told her family she’d only stay for a year. But that year turned into decades. She bought a lot on Snow King Mountain in Jackson and built a cabin. Now, in 2025, she has spent more than half of her years in the Tetons.
“There’s something so spiritual about the mountains,” Linda says. “If you ask
Linda works in her distinctive fine-art technique. Each incorporates at least three photographs, using what she calls “pixel magic” to create digital art.
what I love about the Tetons, it is being one with the universe. I find nature’s beauty everywhere, but the mountains call my name.”
The Tetons were a perfect studio for Linda, and she found herself very busy shooting weddings and portraits in and around the national parks. Jumping over sagebrush and climbing fences to get the perfect shot became routine parts of her days. She loved being in nature, and always made time to photograph the natural world, whether that was bison or mountains or owlets. “Portraits were my bread and butter, but nature is my soul food,” she says.
After a long career in portrait and wedding photography in Jackson, Linda decided to move to Teton Valley in 2016. Whether you call it a retirement move or simply slowing down, her interpretation remains a swirl of activity.
CRABAPPLE MOON
Linda devotes hours to her distinctive fine-art technique. Each incorporates at least three photographs, using what she calls “pixel magic” to create digital art. Elements of nature shine, and her love of texture is evident. One piece incorporated horses galloping amidst details of chopped wood in the background obscuring a hidden stream. Another features sandhill cranes soaring in front of a full moon in a snowy scene dotted with river rocks. The interwoven images create something new, nonpareil, and visually captivating.
During the summer of 2024, Linda’s art was displayed in the Victor City Hall Gallery as a one-woman show. She has been recognized as the Best Photographer of Teton Valley in the Teton Valley News’ annual “best of the valley” contest for the past four years.
Linda is also a volunteer extraordinaire, lending her skills to local nonprofits, capturing everything from the Tin Cup Challenge celebration and Music on Main concerts to a variety of projects for the Teton Regional Land Trust. Linda’s unique experience in the field has led her to teach photography workshops for the annual sandhill crane festival. She participates in local nonprofit activities like the Christmas bird count and cookie exchanges for Seniors West of the Tetons. She loves to be involved and share her time and expertise.
“Our nonprofit community is so in-
PHANTOM OF THE FOREST
“If you ask what I love about the Tetons, it is being one with the universe. I find nature’s beauty everywhere, but the mountains call my name.”
Linda Swope
credibly strong, visible, present, and active—what a great way to meet people and immediately do good,” she says. “It’s a working-class rural community that I’m crazy about. It echoes some of my Texas roots that way. You see the need, but you see the people working so hard to fill the needs.”
Linda is a key part of that important community effort, maybe even more so now in her so-called retirement. Look for her work this summer at select Teton Valley Farmers Market—and keep an eye out for Linda roaming the mountains, too.
AS KALEIDOSCOPIC as his legendary mountaineering store, Fred Mugler was a weather enthusiast, hobby pilot, cheeky eggnog spiker, philanthropist, and beloved boss.
BY JUDY ALLEN
BY J. PATRICK PHALAN
Who Was Fred Mugler?
From the cultural to the catch-all, his biz was the center of Teton Valley
On a warm summer evening in downtown Driggs, a handful of people stroll through the curiously open lot sandwiched between the Colter and Fremont buildings on Main Street. A family laughs while playing chess with life-sized rooks, pawns, and bishops, and a couple relaxes at a picnic table.
An inconspicuous placard dubs the area “Mugler Plaza: Cultural Hub of the Universe.”
Developed and then dedicated in August 2018 by the nonprofit Downtown Driggs Association, this odd space was transformed from a weedy vacant lot into a memorial to Fred Mugler, the iconic businessman and all-around Teton Valley character who lived and worked on this site from 1971 until 2003. Long-time locals will remember Fred, but newer residents may require an introduction to the life of this colorful, beloved man and his timeless contributions to Teton Valley.
One of the original “move-ins,” Fred relocated to the valley from Austerlitz, New York, at the forefront of a burgeoning wave of outdoor enthusiasts who headed here in the 1970s and ’80s. Though he’d been educated as a civil engineer and had worked in the field for some years, Fred took a position with an outdoor equipment store in his home state to learn the retail business. Upon arriving in the valley, Fred purchased a building on the west side of Main Street and in 1971 opened his
To anyone who frequented his store, as I did in the 1980s, both Fred and the space were more than memorable. A mash-up of Army-Navy surplus store and Patagonia outlet, the enterprise was an overwhelming floor-to-ceiling clutter of clothing and gear, both hanging up and tossed into giant cardboard boxes. Its inventory included anything you’d need or want for outdoor recreation. A classic roll-top desk housed all of Fred’s paperwork next to the cash register. Fred’s white head of hair and beard poked up above the chaos as he directed you to your desired item. While customers might have weaved through the narrow aisles searching and searching, it’s said that Fred knew exactly where everything was. He knew the place as if he lived there, which he did. Grandfathered in before most codes or required permits, he resided in an apartment he built onto the rear of the store.
To the general public, Fred was legendary for his Christmas eggnog parties. According to Lynda Olesen, Fred’s
a gathering place with picnic tables, chess, and board games that pay homage to the quirky businessman. His passing inspired a group of community members to band together and help downtown thrive by creating the Downtown Driggs Association.
PHOTO
FRED MUGLER PLAZA stands on Main Street,
employee and store manager for fifteen years, the event was held annually on Christmas Eve. Fred spent the morning concocting his notorious eggnog—a large pot of his spiked recipe for adults and a smaller, alcohol-free pot for kids. Served in two-ounce paper cups, “it took all the enamel off my teeth,” Lynda claims. Clever Fred knew a little of his high-test eggnog would loosen the purse strings of many last-minute shoppers. His strategy
Lesser known were Fred’s invitational “SCUM” parties... dedicated to those who weren’t invited to the fancier valley “soirées,” as Fred called them.
cipitation, and reported this data to area television stations who called daily. Busy as he was, he cherished routine. He’d get cheeseburger chowder every Wednesday for lunch from the bakery next door.
A licensed pilot, Fred loved flying, generously inviting friends to accompany him in his four-seater Cessna 182.
worked, and as the valley youth came of driving age, some were recruited each year to drive their parents home from an afternoon of Christmas shopping at Fred’s Mountaineering Outfitters.
Lesser known were Fred’s invitational “SCUM” parties. Held on the Saturday closest to the full moon in August, Lynda says this event was dedicated to those who weren’t invited to the fancier valley “soirées,” as Fred called them. Held on ten acres he’d purchased from mountaineering icon Paul Petzoldt on Valley View Drive, Fred cooked up Dutch oven meals on an open fire, while guests brought sides and desserts to set up on plywood tables. Booze of all varieties was abundant. After dark, Fred set up a long line of fireworks and lit them with his blow torch.
A licensed pilot, Fred loved flying, generously inviting friends to accom-
pany him in his four-seater Cessna 182, housed in Hangar 4 built by Fred at Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport. While he frequently flew back East, his favorite excursion was to fly his friends to regional airports with good restaurants, like Chico Hot Springs in Montana. As Lynda tells it, he would call ahead to advise the staff of his arrival and management would barricade the access road so he could land, making him an instant celebrity.
But his home and business were his world. Fred was a familiar sight each day on Main Street, walking with his border collie, Felicia, to the post office and back. Working with Fred full-time, six days a week, Lynda observed his character and mannerisms at close range. On returning from the post office, Fred labeled each bill with the date to mail and then arranged them chronologically in a stack on the rolltop desk. He set aside The Wall Street Journal and numerous catalogs to peruse later.
When he traveled, he’d call Lynda every night to check on finances and correspondence. With his home-built kit weather station on site, Fred graphed daily highs, lows, wind speed, and pre-
While Fred was a frugal businessman, he was a generous boss. As Lynda remembers, he insisted she reuse small pieces of tape, plus other odds and ends. “But he always had a thermos of hot coffee waiting to share when I got to work,” she recalls. In what he termed “profitsharing,” he sometimes left a $100 bill for her on the rolltop. One Christmas, from the pile of catalogs he collected, he sent her a necklace from Tiffany’s, the famous New York City jewelry store.
An enduring example of Fred’s humor are the well-known “Cultural Hub” T-shirts. The first, and more rare, edition from the 1980s featured art by Sue Tyler with the motto, “Driggs Idaho, Cultural Hub of the Rockies.” The classic version from the 1990s declares, “Driggs Idaho, Cultural Hub of the Universe.” Its graphic was a drawing by a friend of Fred’s, crafted from an aerial photo of the town. (This shirt is still available; see postscript for ordering info.)
In fact, Fred’s store itself was a hub, with a steady stream of customers flowing in and out of the shop on any given day. Valley children were raised coming into Fred’s. Wealthy tourists wandered the aisles, marveling at the quaint spot with the phenomenal inventory. As his business gained regional notoriety, Fred was even featured in the 1990 Patagonia catalog.
VISIT US IN JACKSON AND TETON VALLEY
When day dawned on the morning of February 10, 2003, Teton Valley reacted with shock and despair to see that Fred’s entire building had been devastated by
fire. The remains of his body were found in his apartment in the recliner next to an unattended pot on the stove. Piecing together events leading to the tragedy, the fire marshal and coroner concluded Fred had been incapacitated by a medical emergency as dinner cooked. His dog Felicia died next to him.
In his death at age 67, Fred was as generous as he had been in his life. “Fred cared deeply about the development of this valley,” Lynda says. After working with Michael Whitfield, then of Teton Valley Regional Land Trust, Fred donated a substantial portion of his estate to the organization in his will. Part of the Land Trust’s Woods Creek Fen is designated “The Fred Mugler Outdoor Classroom.” He also remembered Lynda, his long-time friend and employee, with an inheritance.
The demise of Fred and Mountaineering Outfitters left a literal hole in the heart of downtown Driggs. But Mugler Plaza, on the very spot where Fred lived and worked, is a wry and fitting reminder of the man who lives on in the memories of so many.
View a sample of the “Cultural Hub of the Universe” T-shirt, with contact info for ordering, at Barrels and Bins Natural Market.
A FIRE claimed Fred’s life and business in February 2003, Mugler Plaza now stands in its place as an invitation to slow down and stay a while.
A Lasting Influence: The Creation of Downtown Driggs Association
Fred Mugler and his eclectic shop were an anchoring part of the Teton Valley community. After the devastating fire, there was a gaping hole in the framework of Downtown Driggs. Main Street businesses began shutting their doors and the writing was on the wall: the idea of a vibrant downtown was fading away. A group of residents, however, took matters into their own hands and established a grassroots association to bring life back to the area and to reshape the cultural identity to encourage engagement, commercial growth, and tourism. Today, that group has morphed into the nonprofit Downtown Driggs Association (DDA). A mammoth of the Teton Valley community, DDA provides free music, art, and theater programs for residents and visitors alike, from Driggs Snowscapes to the Driggs Plein Air Festival.
In addition to shaping the town’s cultural scene, DDA honored Fred’s legacy with the creation of Mugler Plaza, a vibrant public
where Fred’s shop once stood. Learn more: downtowndriggs.org
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FOLKLÓRICO, A MEXICAN DANCE TROUPE, helps connect Teton Valley youth with their heritage and share that vibrant culture at community celebrations. Each region in Mexico has its own spin on traditional folklórico dances, with different footwork and tempos; some may tell regional stories while others embody local animals.
BY KATE READY PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARA AGNEW
A Family in Motion
Folklórico
hermanas keep Mexican heritage alive
For 57-year-old Gabriela Hermosillo, folklórico is family. Folklórico, a Hispanic heritage dance troupe that comprises around sixteen students, lights up Teton Valley celebrations with fleet-footed performances at such events as the Fourth of July parade in Victor.
The girls twirl in voluminous, ribboned skirts called faldeos in electric shades of pink, blue, orange, and yellow.
Gabriela is the one behind the scenes, juggling her full-time job at the Teton County Courthouse with evening dance practices in the school cafeteria, not to mention sewing costumes into the early hours of the morning. Sometimes the thirteen-hour days work her to the bone, but she does it to offer local youth a safe haven.
“Yes, this is a dance group, but this is a family,” Gabriela says. “If you have something I can help with that has nothing to do with dance, I’ll find a way to help you. I want the group to have unity.”
Gabriela didn’t intend to become such an integral thread in the tapestry of the valley’s Latinx community. As a deputy clerk and interpreter for the Teton County Courthouse for nearly twenty-three years, Gabriela found herself fielding questions about translation services for acquiring passports, birth certificates, and power of attorney in the valley. Around 2010, Gabriela and her sister, Juanita Flores, decided to start a
nonprofit, the Hispanic Resource Center, to better connect the Latinx community with resources.
The sisters hosted an informational night about DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that allows some undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to work legally and avoid deportation. Gabriela and Juanita wanted to help kids apply for that program. One volunteer that night from Jalisco, a state in west-central Mexico, did a dance performance.
“All of a sudden, we thought, ‘Why don’t we start doing a Folklórico for all the kids?’ Just to bring our heritage back out here and share it,” Gabriela says.
Gabriela was about seven years old when her family emigrated from Tijuana to San Diego. “I didn’t really have a lot of my culture,” she says.
Folklórico is nestled under the umbrella of the nonprofit resource center. Now, in addition to connecting the Latinx community with resources, the organization also promotes cultural heritage. That’s where Folklórico comes in, enlivening quinceañeras (traditional ceremo-
A SISTER DUO, Gabriela Hermosillo and Juanita Flores, founded Folklórico thirteen years ago. It has blossomed into a “family” for dancers like those pictured above (from left to right) instructor Victoria Hernandez, Natalie Sosa, instructor Carla Hernandez, and Amy Hernandez.
“That’s
what I always envisioned our group to be, a family. A group for kids to feel safe and for kids to have something to do. It’s mostly girls and I think they enjoy the togetherness most of all.”
Gabriela Hermosillo
COLORFUL, RIBBONED SKIRTS and flowers in the hair imbue dancers with a sense of grace, femininity, and beauty. A cumbia-style dance that originated in northwestern Mexico is an especially popular choice for the local Folklórico students.
nies marking a girl’s fifteenth birthday), weddings, and community-wide celebrations like the Tin Cup Challenge and the sandhill crane festival. The bright shades and exuberant movements carry a message in every step: “I am here.”
The group strives to learn several different dances, each style hailing from different regions of Mexico. Folklórico encompasses a diverse spectrum, from traditional ceremonial to social dances, rather than one homogenous style. One dance may depict a historical, regional event, while another may impersonate
en in braids and colorful skirts. Jalisco is also the birthplace of Mexico’s national dance, the Jarabe Tapatío or “hat dance.”
The fandango, from Veracruz, known for its lightning-fast footwork, is anoth er popular dance for Teton Valley kids. “When “La Bamba” [a Mexican folk song] blew up in the U.S., that’s from Veracruz,” Gabriela explains.
Folklórico has become a form of outreach for troubled youth. If Gabriela sees a juvenile who is having problems in the court system—a potential probation sentence, for example—she’ll reach out to offer community service by involving them in Folklórico.
Gabriela recalls one middle-schooler who was having problems with fighting. Gabriela convinced the student’s par ents and grandmother to let the girl join Folklórico as community service. Now she’s a high-schooler actively involved in the cheer team.
“Her grades are really high,” Gabri ela says proudly. “We got several scholar ships to help her out with her uniforms and she is a totally different girl.
“That’s what I always envisioned our group to be, a family,” Gabriela says. “A group for kids to feel safe and for kids to have something to do. It’s mostly girls and I think they enjoy the togetherness most of all.”
After more than ten years at the helm of the dance troupe and nearing her six tieth birthday, Gabriela says she is ready to pass the torch to two new instructors, Carla and Victoria Hernandez.
“It’s funny, because we’re doing it by sisters,” Gabriela says. “My sister and I started all this and then they will be con tinuing it and they have little, little kids. They’re going to be the next generation coming to dance.”
DINE IN + TAKE OUT
Focus On e Moment
Forming a foundation in the sustainable building movement
BY KATE HULL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMRIN DENGEL
Sustainable building has historically been a niche market of the home construction industry. Clients looking for ways to ramp up the eco-health of their home might opt for low-impact and non-mainstream materials like strawbale or hemp insulation. Or they might choose to incorporate a passive or active solar system to optimize natural light and heat, and include an energy recover ventilator, or ERV, for healthy air quality. To utilize such features, both the builders and clients often must strike a balance of cutting costs in other areas to stay on budget.
But as the building industry shifts and adapts in response to awareness of the changing global climate, sustainable practices are arguably no longer a luxury. Rather, they are transitioning into a necessity to meet not only environmental needs, but to improve the health of the space for those that call it home now and throughout the lifespan of the structure.
The broader boulevard of “green” building incorporates three main lanes: carbon-free, sustainable, and high-performance. All three are rooted in similar principles, but accomplished in different ways.
“High-performance building is participating in sustainability simply because it's not utilizing resources more than you need to,” says Tim Henderson, the owner of Driggs-based Domicile Construction, which focuses on sustainable, low-carbon footprint homes. “Homes and buildings in general are a huge contributor to the consumption of resources, whether it's resources to keep the home running, or resources to build it.
“And,” he adds, “if you build a highperformance home, you are going to initially consume all those resources, but the end intent is to reduce the usage of them later on. Whereas, for a sustainable home, you’re thinking more about utilizing local and sustainable resources. Can I get the lumber nearby? Things like that.”
Lindsey Love is an architect and founder of the regional natural materials consulting firm Regenerative Building Solutions. “Sustainability, to me, is really about efficiency and resiliency,” she says. “It's streamlining everything to be the most cost-effective in the long run for durability, health, well-being, and happiness. It's holistic efficiency.”
The building and construction sector is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the global authority on the environment. Building produces more than 40 percent of global emissions thanks to the carbon footprint of producing materials like cement, steel, aluminum, and others.
Homes also emit toxins that can be damaging to the health of individuals and the ecosystem. Optimizing indoor air quality by using mineral-based materials and considering the home’s filtration capacity help minimize exposure to damaging chemicals, Lindsey explains.
LOCATED IN CREEKSIDE Meadows, this custombuilt, carbon-free “mountain modern” home utilizes solar energy to power its hot water system.
The UNEP says that over the years, the focus to reduce the construction industry’s impact has been on the manufacturing side of building. The next shift is addressing “embodied carbon emissions” over the life of a structure, which means creating a healthier space for now and in the future.
“THIS LAND HAS GOOD SOLAR EXPOSURE, with water running through it all year long, and we have a lot of wildlife, and shade protection from big trees,” retiree Porter Broughton said. Porter moved to the valley in 1993, bringing his timber framing business with him. This eco-friendly home marks the first time Porter built an entirely new home from the ground up.
The demand for this type of building is growing in both need and interest. Changes in environmental construction codes, an increase in climate disasters like worsening fire seasons that affect air quality, and advancements in building across the industry point to a nearly 10 percent growth in sustainable building over the next five years, according to the research firm Insight Ace Analytics. Here in Teton Valley, some folks are ahead of the game.
A CARBON-FREE HOME
Teton Valley residents for the past three decades, Porter and Ann-Toy Broughton now reside in a custom-built, carbon-free, 2,800-square-foot “mountain modern” home—which also has a 750-square-foot second-floor garage apartment— in Creekside Meadows. The home is completely carbon-free/grid-free (which means Porter and Ann-Toy utilize solar energy and solar-heated
water) and built with highly energy-efficient and sustainable products at every nook and cranny.
After spending decades building timber frame homes back east, Porter and his family ended up in Teton Valley in 1993 in a cabin north of the valley. He and his son brought the timber frame business with them, along with a custom door shop. Most wood products used were from recycled or sustainable sources.
“I really got into energy efficiency and sustainable resources when I moved out here,” Porter says. “I realized that we could really make this work. You do what you can to save the planet.”
The couple had never built a home to call their own from the ground up, so when Ann-Toy came across the property in Creekside Meadows, they realized the potential to build a truly carbon-free home, using eco-conscious products, that would meet all their needs as retirees.
“I saw this piece of property and I thought this could really work for us,” Ann-Toy says. “Then Porter realized we could build an eco-friendly home, so we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”
“We were thinking about what our next chapter would look like,” Porter explains. “This land has good solar exposure, with water running through it all year long, and we have a lot of wildlife, and shade protection from big trees. I had never built a new house for ourselves—always fixer-uppers. It was a big challenge, and we were fortunate to have the right team to do it.”
TRIPLE-PANE WINDOWS coupled with the house’s orientation toward optimal sun exposure year-round help the Broughtons use the sun’s energy to heat and cool their living spaces. Both the exterior and interior of the home utilize reclaimed, sustainably harvested or recycled lumber. Inside, the walls are insulated with densely packed plant-based cellulose.
Ann-Toy and Porter brought on their close family friend and long-time high-performance builder, Adam Riley, the owner of Cloud 9 Builders, as well as an architect friend from Seattle who exclusively designs eco-friendly homes.
“Our business model is we only build healthy, high-performance houses, and fortunately, there's a market for that here in Teton Valley,” Adam says. “We don't have to travel over the pass anymore or up to Montana looking for our projects. There are people who understand and appreciate what we do, like Porter and Ann-Toy, here in Driggs.”
The Broughtons’ home is proof that highperformance mechanics can be combined with beautiful interiors and design. Every detail was considered in optimizing performance, from triple-pane windows to orienting the house for optimal sun exposure, both passive and active. The roof’s dark color enhances heat absorption. The wood used for the interior cabinets, doors, timbers, and trim, as well as for exterior trim and siding was either reclaimed from a burn in Oregon, sustainably harvested, or recycled.
They opted for an ERV system that pulls ambient air into the house and exchanges fresh air every three minutes. Heat from stale air leaves the building as fresh air is distributed throughout the structure. The system also has filters that remove allergens like pollen and particulates from smoke, helping to ensure great indoor air quality, even during the wildfire season.
“Some of the affordable things you can do to create a high-performance building are to utilize a passive solar design, super-insulate the building envelope, and pay attention to the air barrier,” Adam says. “Conventional homes are framed in such a way that there's a lot of leaks around windows and doors and gaps through the wall fram-
ing. The resulting drafts are uncomfortable and waste a ton of energy over the life of the building. We use a blower door test and thermal imaging camera to find and fix those leaks before applying the siding and interior finishes.”
The Broughtons’ home is super-insulated with 12-inch-thick walls full of densely packed cellulose, a recycled plant-based insulation. The "double stud" walls were framed with inner and outer two-by-four walls, separated by a four-inch gap to minimize thermal bridging through the framing members.
Heat pumps are used to warm and cool the home, making the space comfortable no matter the season while using about one-third the energy of a conventional electric boiler.
“This is a great example of a home that will be healthy, comfortable, and affordable to operate for many generations,” Adam says.
“I don’t consider upfront purchases of hightech alternative systems as additional expenses,” Porter says, “[but] rather well-spent necessary expenses to avoid carbon fuel pollution. Our next vehicle will be electric and charged by sunshine!”
The Broughtons are part of a new wave of clients building homes with the eco-friendly values in mind as much as the home’s aesthetics.
“The demand for it is growing, partly because of building codes that are requiring better quality construction, both structurally but also adhering to the energy code,” Adam says. “While Idaho doesn't enforce it, lots of people are aware of their carbon footprint and want to have a house that's comfortable with good indoor air quality. These are easy to achieve if you just pay attention to the materials that you're working with and the assemblies to enclose the house.”
GROWING THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
For the Broughtons, Adam and his team obviously pulled out all the stops to create a carbonfree, eco-friendly oasis. But both Porter and Adam stress that choosing to build this way can start with a few simple choices, like utilizing passive solar design or investing in solar on the front end. They agree that paying more energy-conscious upfront costs actually creates future savings.
The next wave of sustainable and high-performance building is rooted in education, for builders, contractors, and clients alike. Matt and Amanda Engle, the husband-and-wife team behind Engle Built, say that sustainability derives from the use of materials that are healthier to live amongst. “We believe soon people will [understand] that our homes need to be healthy and resilient first, which is sustainable,” Matt says. In their builds, Matt works to create homes that are not just more health-forward in materials used, but resilient to the happenings of the world around it—including features like an off-grid option for long-term power outages.
Tim Henderson is a proponent of smaller footprints and smaller homes with all the bells and whistles of a truly optimized space. “People get scared away from building smaller and worry about appraisals and resale,” he notes.
Plainly speaking: Why spend the extra money for cleaner materials or healthier insulation if it won’t show up in the resale value? The answer is twofold: “It has to not just be about the economic
incentive of building high-performance,” Tim says. “Sure, the performance of the house over the long-term will economically be beneficial to you, but environmentally, you’re creating a more efficient, warmer, more comfortable, and healthier space to live in.”
And shifting the industry perspective must come from both the construction side and the clients. Cameron Mitchell, a carpenter with Domicile Construction, has spent the past five years building his own high-performance, sustainable home in Tetonia, bringing in the guiding principles he’s learned from growing up in the building industry and working with companies like Tim’s and Adam’s that share his values.
“Being raised in the construction world and the house I grew up in, I realized that this style of building, one that focuses on creating a healthy home, with healthy indoor air quality, is good for the occupants and good for the planet,” Cameron says. “That makes a lot of sense to me.”
Cameron hopes the movement continues to shift toward better understanding, from the ground up. “It is becoming more mainstream, and builders are recognizing that it is a better system,” he says. “Smart builders are pairing up with smart clients, and saying, ‘Yeah, this is the way to move forward.’”
and smaller homes to create lasting, healthier spaces.
LEFT Builders help construct a sustainable home in Tetonia.
RIGHT Tim Henderson, owner of Domicile Construction, is a proponent of smaller footprints
One way the industry is shifting is thanks to guidance from experts like Lindsey Love. Lindsey is certified as a passive house tradesperson. She is also a Living Future accredited professional, and holds a certificate in utilizing healthy materials. Her passion for implementing sustainable practices, particularly the use of natural materials like straw, clay, hemp, and lime, led her to focus on consulting and education. With her business, Regenerative Building Solutions, she consults with architects, owners, builders, and contractors on how to utilize natural, healthy, and local materials in conventional buildings.
“It is really cool to have someone around like Lindsey, with her wealth of knowledge aimed at teaching people that there is another way you can do this,” says Cameron, “and that it’s going to work with what you’re doing and help the planet.”
Lindsey and her team also offer hands-on work. Interested in using hemp or straw bales for insulation? Lindsey will act as a subcontractor to teach the crew how to assemble the materials, helping to grow a network of individuals wellversed in these practices.
If you're just going to consider your upfront costs, which is what we do in our culture all the time, we're really missing the boat. The organic food movement has taught us that spending a little more on groceries pays off, for our own wellbeing and the planet. When we build or renovate a building, we are spending several lifetimes’ worth of groceries in one go. Consumers deserve to understand the impacts of their monetary choices."
LINDSEY LOVE
Architect and founder of Regenerative Building Solutions
“I went into architecture because I learned that we could build buildings with materials from the earth, like straw-bale building, which is pretty radical in most people's minds,” says Lindsey. “But for some reason, I was really drawn to that.”
Originally from Jackson Hole, Lindsey got her start in construction in the American Southwest, working on tribal affordable-housing projects. There she learned about adobe. “I fell in love even further with natural materials,” she says.
While her work typically goes from one project to another, consulting for both architects and owners, she is beginning to take on more industrywide educational opportunities to help train contractors and others in how to install and work with natural materials.
“What Lindsay's doing to create a community and educate people is really impactful,” Tim says.
While Lindsey focuses primarily on the sus-
tainable side of building, she acknowledges the need to find a balance between both highperforming and natural materials. “I believe in high-performance, but I really try to balance an understanding of the value of performance and our wellbeing and health.” To her, materials from the earth are the solution.
“Natural materials are the only thing that check all of the boxes of being nontoxic and lowembodied carbon or carbon-storing potential,” she says. “They can be high performing if you use them properly.”
When asked about the higher costs involved, Lindsey echoes others consulted for this story by advocating for shifting perspective on initial costs versus longevity.
"If you're just going to consider your upfront costs, which is what we do in our culture all the time, we're really missing the boat," she says. "The organic food movement has taught us that spending a little more on groceries pays off, for our own
ABOVE LEFT Architect, and owner of Regenerative Building Solutions, Lindsey Love not only educates people on natural building solutions, she also isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.
ABOVE RIGHT Lindsey helps to educate owners, architects, and builders on how to utilize natural materials in buildings.
LEFT Lindsey holds a clay-and-straw wet mix used for an earthen floor. After drying, the floor is then waxed for durability.
wellbeing and the planet. When we build or renovate a building, we are spending several lifetimes’ worth of groceries in one go. Consumers deserve to understand the impacts of their monetary choices."
LOOKING AHEAD
“The challenges are lack of education within the market, within our culture, and lack of acknowledgement of market value,” Lindsey says.
But with a group of hyper-focused industry leaders in Teton Valley, and owners like the Broughtons willing to go the extra mile, there is no doubt that here, the needle will continue to move toward buildings that provide healthier conditions over the long haul.
“It definitely takes more [thought and energy], but it is totally worth it,” Cameron says. “It isn’t that every little detail must be to the next level. Our place is still not done; it is a work in progress. But we are willing to do that because I know the benefits of all that high-end intentional work.”
SINCE 2013, the multi-stage filtration system used in the valley to purify waste water has run afoul of expectations and environmental regulations. A remodeled filtration plant, estimated to cost $25 million, is slated for completion in 2029.
BY TOM HALLBERG ILLUSTRATIONS BY MEGHAN HANSON
Regardless of where you live, you’d probably rather not give a second thought to where your wastewater goes. But maybe you should. Driggs’ wastewater plant has been giving city officials headaches for years due to permit violations. After a federal lawsuit and subsequent settlement, a new plant is on the horizon.
Everybody poops.
AFTER UNDERGOING a series of smaller and smaller filtrations, waste ultimately ends up in a tiny tributary of Woods Creek before joining up with the Teton River. The smaller size of this creek means tighter regulations on pollutant levels allowed.
Legacy family on their homestead? Yep. Renters stacked six deep in a ski bum house? Them, too. Tourists here for a fly-fishing weekend? Even they must “own the throne” from time to time.
Almost no one thinks about what happens when we flush the toilet. It’s indecent. One flick of the handle and that thing we all do but don’t talk about is out of our minds. However, that waste and water need to be filtered, cleaned, and sent back into the natural system. For decades in Teton Valley, that process has been broken.
For years Driggs’ wastewater treatment plant, which currently services Driggs, Victor, and some of the cities’ surrounding developments, has run afoul of its Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permit, a document granted by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) that governs the amount of pollutants such plants release into waterways.
The Driggs facility is not alone. In a 2023 report, the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) found that eighty-four out of 112 wastewater plants in the state had at least one violation between 2019 and 2021. Driggs was one of nine that had more than forty.
As Will Tiedemann, ICL’s regulatory conservation associate and the report’s author, puts it, “It’s something that's in everyone's backyard, more or less, that often goes unnoticed, but does play a significant part in water quality.”
“It’s something that's in everyone's backyard, more or less, that often goes unnoticed, but does play a significant part in water quality.”
WILL TIEDEMANN Idaho Conservation League, regulatory conservation associate
Bathroom Biology
Like about half of Teton Valley's dispersed lots, my property keeps its wastewater. Adjacent to the house is an underground septic tank, into which my drainpipe empties. Inside the tank, solids settle to the bottom, bacteria and microorganisms eat the waste, and clean water is expelled through a series of buried, perforated pipes. Come the middle of the dry summer, the leach field, with its constant “watering,” is the greenest part of my yard.
Despite the potential for queasiness caused by the idea of treated sewage water in one’s yard, septic tanks are generally effective. “Tanks, in theory, should not pose any risk to water quality,” says Peter Adams, IDEQ’s onsite wastewater coordinator. “It's only a failing tank that poses a risk.”
Therein lies the rub. If you live in Driggs or Victor, you pay a monthly fee for someone else to deal with the waste and water-quality risk, whereas those with septic tanks need to have them pumped every three to five years.
“When they get over-full or are not serviced, then they're not decomposing and breaking down the waste, and they're leaching raw sewage through that leach field,” says Will Stubblefield, senior director of programs at Friends of the Teton River (FTR). The nonprofit has for years regarded septic tanks as potentially creating nonpoint source pollution (contamination that doesn’t spring from one definable cause). In an ideal world, Peter says, tanks wouldn’t be a risk, but Idaho has no laws regulating septic tank maintenance. So, it is incumbent on homeowners to follow recommended guidelines.
Groups like FTR worry that this honor system carries a high risk of failure. In the past, FTR has helped homeowners cover the cost of septic tank maintenance, and the organization provides educational materials. The group concluded that in areas with enough population to justify the cost, wastewater treatment plants can be a more efficient, effective way to handle sewage.
In the late 2000s, the Driggs City Council started looking into building a new treatment plant. One with a little
more firepower than its existing lagoon system, which the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had flagged as polluting. The council chose Aquarius Technologies’ Multi-Stage Activated Biological Process (MSABP) system, which was untested in Idaho. In 2013 the former weekly newspaper, Valley Citizen, described it as “the most cutting-edge wastewater treatment plant in the state.”
When wastewater comes into an existing plant, it is first filtered for inorganics—jewelry, rocks, trash, cell phones— then sent to smaller filters that remove anything larger than one millimeter. Everything collected is sent to the landfill. The water then makes one pass through the MSABP system, a series of concrete basins filled with polypropylene cloth that Driggs Public Works Director Jay Mazalewski calls “New York City for the biology,” or the bugs and bacteria that eat everything. It leaves as relatively clear
“When they get over-full or are not serviced, then they're not decomposing and breaking down the waste, and they're leaching raw sewage through that leach field.”
water before hitting a plate settler that pushes out any remaining bug carcasses. Lastly, UV lights disinfect the water before it’s discharged into a tiny, trickling tributary of Woods Creek, which eventually flows into the Teton River.
Two purported benefits of the MSABP system were a reduction in sludge—the bodies of the biology that accumulate— and required staffing. According to Jay, that promise of no sludge never panned out. Aquarius was founded in 2006, so it and the MSABP were relatively new. For reasons that are still not clear, the MS-
Friends of the Teton River, senior director of programs
WILL STUBBLEFIELD
ABP plant never lived up to expectations.
“I have spent the last seven years trying to figure out how to make the existing facility work,” Jay says, although he thinks the valley’s cold groundwater and influent may have slowed the process of the ammonia-eating bacteria.
Aquarius Sales Manager Bryen Woo says the company has installed MSABP systems in other cold-weather climates, including Wayne, Nebraska, and three in Colorado. Wayne’s Public Works Director Casey Junck confirmed his city has enjoyed permit compliance. Bryen from Aquarius says testing of Driggs’ sludge in years past revealed concentrations of
DRIGGS’ SLUDGE contains pollutants such as aluminum, ammonia, arsenic, and zinc, among others. Ammonia is in the hot seat, due to its toxicity for aquatic organisms.
“If I'm being objective and honest, based on what our previous rep told us, Aquarius didn't do a very good job of supporting the customer on a consistent basis.”
BRYEN WOO Aquarius Technologies business development director
els than a smaller one. Driggs’ allowable discharge levels are low because the flow of the Woods Creek tributary is minimal; but, as Driggs Mayor August Christensen says, changing to a Teton River discharge point would have required a pipeline to be built, possibly an unacceptable idea for some in the community.
Permits regulate total suspended solids, coliform bacteria, phosphorus, and toxic metals, among other pollutants. For Teton Valley, the problem has always been ammonia. Decomposition of organic materials creates ammonia, a form of nitrogenous waste. Ammonia can be toxic to aquatic organisms, and nitrogen can feed algae, which cause blooms and other water quality problems.
Over the years, Jay and his team have tried many things to bring down ammonia levels. They’ve limited inflow and infiltration by decreasing the amount of groundwater allowed into the system, which helped with capacity issues. Yet no amount of tinkering has brought the plant into compliance.
“The best we could do was get it to work during summer months,” Jay says. “Then we stopped even getting some of the summer compliance.”
metals, including aluminum, arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, silver, and zinc, that may have inhibited bacterial growth, limiting ammonia consumption. Due to cost and difficulty, pretreatment for those metals likely would not have been possible or effective.
Still, he acknowledges, Aquarius could have done more: “If I'm being objective and honest, based on what our previous rep told us, Aquarius didn't do a very good job of supporting the customer on a consistent basis.”
Several times over the years, the plant exceeded the discharge limits outlined in its permit. IPDES governs all pointsource pollution, including wastewater plants, in an attempt to ensure that effluent meets standards set under the federal Clean Water Act. Allowed pollutant levels change based on the type of water source a plant discharges into; a larger stream or river can absorb and dilute higher lev-
Noncompliance was not simply a nuisance. The EPA, which has the power to fine and sue towns that exceed permit levels, levied penalties over the years to spur action from the city. Finally, in 2020, town staff, the city council (August Christensen was a city council member then), and then-Mayor Hyrum Johnson started considering a full-scale replacement or expansion—something that would permanently fix the problem.
In October 2022, just before the city unveiled the idea, the EPA decided it had had enough.
Feeling Flush, or in the Hole?
Formal enforcement is probably not Troy Smith’s favorite part of his job. As the former wastewater compliance bureau chief for IDEQ, his department oversees permit holders and steps in when they don’t comply.
“Typically, we begin with what we call compliance assistance,” he says, meaning collaborative work to find and fix problems. If jurisdictions continue to violate permits, the department may send warning letters and notices, then issue formal violations that can include fines. Driggs went through the process over the years, to no avail.
The last step is bringing in the EPA, sort of like calling on your big brother to help you face that bully. The feds have oversight control over IDEQ and can call on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to sue cities over violations. “So they have come in and exercised that authority,” Troy says.
Federal litigation is often the final stick, a legal bludgeoning that encourages a permanent solution by slapping unaffordable fines on jurisdictions, then settling for a pittance and an assurance that the problem will be fixed. In Driggs’ case, the fines amounted to $160 million, a bankrupting sum that was reduced to $400,000 with the city’s promise to comply by 2029 after the plant's remodel.
Plans for the original 2013 Aquarius system called for upgrades in 2030, roughly when the new system will come online.
“It was always the plan to be able to do an expansion and an upgrade,” Mayor Christensen says. “It just looks a little bit different now.”
“It was always the plan to be able to do an expansion and an upgrade. It just looks a little bit different now.”
DRIGGS MAYOR AUGUST CHRISTENSEN
MUCH OF THE EXISTING infrastructure will be reused as the facility is remodeled. However, water will soon be recirculated continuously, rather than for just twentyfour hours, until the ammonia is eaten.
The city has chosen an activated sludge system, one of the most common wastewater treatment processes. In the new system, the steps are essentially the same—filter twice, treat, UV disinfect— but the actual treatment media will change. Much of the infrastructure, says Jay at Public Works, will be reused, including the initial filtering systems and the concrete basins.
Another important change should give the biology a better chance to eat all the ammonia. “It's not a one-time pass; it gets recirculated,” Jay says. “So, in the current one, twenty-four hours, you're done. One shot. Here, it just keeps getting recycled.” Giving the organisms more time means they’ll eat more ammonia and other pollutants, even when cold. If problems arise, Kubota, the company that produces the filter system the biological organisms will live in, offers a ten-year guarantee the plant will comply with its permits.
In March 2025, the City of Victor voted to pursue building their own independent wastewater treatment plant facility after their contract with Driggs ends in 2030. This change will alter the capacity and design of the Driggs project, but specifics are still unknown.
Construction is slated to wrap up in January 2029, and, under the consent decree signed with the DOJ, Driggs will need to show permit compliance for two years thereafter. By 2031, city officials could escape this ammonia-infused cloud. Between now and then, Mayor Christensen and her team will be tasked with educating the public and, more importantly, figuring out how to pay for it.
At City Council meetings and wastewater plant workshops, two questions continue to arise. First, why does the capacity of the new design cover only the next twenty years and account for just 4 percent annual population growth?
“In the infrastructure industry, like water and sewer, there's the prediction of twenty years,” Jay says. “Once you get past twenty years, then you're kind of guessing.”
And regarding population growth: U.S. Census data shows an annual growth rate of 3.74 percent from 2000 to 2023, right in line with the city’s projections for the next two decades. Factoring in a higher rate would lead to a bigger, more expensive plant, and if that projection turned out to be wrong, ratepayers would be left footing the bill. Funders also don’t like to back projects with a longer time horizon.
Speaking of costs, the other question citizens have asked is, “How much will my bill go up?” Unsatisfyingly, the answer right now is that city officials don’t know.
Initial estimates, which still included Victor, peg the cost to be around $25 million, but full design and financial plans aren’t due under the consent decree until January 2026. In Idaho, jurisdictions are allowed to pass along costs to ratepayers
for infrastructure improvements, and utility users have already seen a 30 percent increase in charges in anticipation of construction costs.
As part of the consent decree, a judge has given Driggs the go-ahead to secure financing. That could include grants or low-interest loans from the state or the federal government. Several pots of money exist for these types of projects, and city staff will continue to apply annually for that revenue. Mayor Christensen says her last resort is a standard, high-interest bank loan, though that may be needed anyway to cover part of the total sum.
Costs of the loan would be passed along to ratepayers in the ensuing decades.
“We already have a utility bill that's not low, and it will increase,” the mayor says. “But it's very important for me to try to have it at the most reasonable amount as possible.”
That answer may not satisfy everyone or answer all questions at this moment, but in less than four years Teton Valley will, hopefully, be discharging far less ammonia into that tributary of Woods Creek. By then, Mayor Christensen, Jay Mazalewski, and other city officials will be able to do something the rest of us take for granted—flush their toilets without worrying.
“We already have a utility bill that's not low, and it will increase.
But it's very important for me to try to have it at the most reasonable amount as possible.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH MYERS
Come June in Teton Valley, the Friday night lights off Highway 33 aren't from the football field. No, it's rodeo time.
A cowboy climbs the chute, settling atop a snorting bull. One hand grips the rope tight; the other hovers, ready. The bull snorts. The gate swings open and dirt flies. It’s rodeo time. This isn’t just sport— it’s the spirit of the West personified. And in Teton Valley, that Old West heritage is alive and well, and a heck of a good time to boot.
From small western arenas with hometown charm to massive, weeklong rodeos in places like Houston and Las Vegas, rodeo culture stretches far and wide. You may think if you’ve seen one rodeo, you’ve seen them all, but in Teton Valley, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Teton Valley Rodeo kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Teton Fair Grounds on Fridays beginning June 13, including a special 4th of July rodeo and an afternoon event the following day. From the grandstands, spectators watch as cowboys and cowgirls rope, ride, wrestle, and vie to take home the glory. Picturesque views of the Tetons frame the horizon as the summer sun sets. The adrenaline and energy are palpable—whether it's young cowgirls tearing around barrels as fast as their horses will carry them or broncos battling to buck determined cowboys from the saddle. All the while, color, flair, and humor bellows from the loudspeaker. The rodeo commences weekly courtesy of local owners Lane Hillman and Carol Petersen.
The Teton Valley Rodeo brings together locals, visitors, and fans young and old, all to cheer on the grit, courage, skill, and Western tradition in all its beauty. Here, photographer Josh Myers captures the magic. But this is one event best experienced firsthand. See you there.
Teton Valley Fair: August 3–9 Growing Memories
THE LOCAL FAIR is as synonymous with the rodeo as the seventh-inning stretch is with a baseball game. Make plans to experience the 102nd annual Teton Valley Fair, held in early August, as it celebrates the bounty of the season. From must-see events like pig wranglin', the twentieth annual horse pull, and stock dog event to open class competitions featuring pies, produce, jams, crafts, and more—the fair is a true showcase of community spirit, hard work, and celebration.
Don’t miss the Fair Rodeo on August 8 and the week's finale on August 9 with lawnmower and figure 8 races, the perfect ending to a week-long salute to western heritage. Find the schedule, including ticket information and more, at tetoncountyfairgrounds.com
MEETING THE FUTURE WITH MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
BY MOLLY ABSOLON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE MARTIN
IN 2023, IF YOU READ ONE BOOK A YEAR, YOU WERE READING MORE THAN 46 PERCENT OF AMERICANS.
FOR OLDER AMERICANS LIKE ME, libraries were always all about books. When I was a kid, my local librarian knew who I was and what I liked to read. Every two weeks, she’d recommend a stack of new titles for me to check out.
I’d open the pages and find myself transported to another country or even another world.
Through books, I went off on adventures and experienced magic. I lived in a city and on a farm. I could be a detective or an explorer. Books provided me with an escape from my humdrum suburban life, and the library was my sanctuary.
But American reading habits have changed. In 2023, if you read one book a year, you were reading more than 46 percent of Americans. Readers of ten books annually were in the 79th percentile, while less than 12 percent of us finished twenty or more books in a year, according to a 2023 report on yougov.com, an online market research and opinion polling organization.
This change in habits has challenged America’s libraries to evolve.
“When people think of libraries, they think of books,” says Susan Strayer, the communications manager at Valley of the Tetons Library. “We want to broaden the idea of what a library is. You can come and create at our library. We have a makerspace, sewing machines, computers, a laser engraver… People can check out laptops or hotspots. You can come record a podcast or do karaoke with your friends in our sound studio.”
Susan says this evolution has been necessary to meet new demands and changing demographics. A 2019 Gallup poll showed that adults visited their public libraries an average of 10.5 times a year—more than they went to the movies or to sporting events—but the reasons they went have changed. For Valley of the Tetons Library, patrons now visit to access computers, WiFi, and scanners, almost as often as they go to check out a book. Valley residents see the library as a place to borrow a carpet cleaner or a table saw, as well as to read a magazine.
Emily Bahr, the library’s director of external affairs and advancement, says her staff is looking to change the way the community defines literacy. According to her, literacy is not just about being able to read. It’s also about being able to function with confidence in all aspects of today’s society. “Literacy obviously means books, but we’re also dedicated to financial literacy, health literacy, and digital literacy,” she says. “We want to help people become more fluent in all these aspects.”
Valley of the Tetons Library (VTL) has always been a community-driven organization. Back in 1965 a group of women, known as the Chambermaids, decided the area needed a library. They went to the Teton Valley County Commissioners with their request.
“They were basically told to go back home and do the dishes,” Susan says. “That made them mad enough that Fay Rammell drove to Boise the next day to meet with the state librarian about how to bring a library to the valley. Fay became a founding member of the Valley of the Tetons Library Board of Trustees.”
What they needed to do was demonstrate community support. The Chambermaids came back home from Boise and started a petition drive. Seventy-six percent of Teton Valley voters signed their petition and, in record time, they had a library housed in a small building behind what is now the Victor Emporium. Five years later, in 1970, the library’s permanent home was trucked down Main Street and installed at its current location in Victor. Now, there are three branches: one in Victor, one in Driggs along with an annexed Makerspace, and, since May 2024, a cozy cabin library in Tetonia.
“We are forever grateful for those ladies,” Susan says. “They saw a need and decided to do something, and they made it happen. That’s a great heritage.”
Now the library is seeing another need. Its popularity has also become its challenge. The current physical space is tight, particularly in Driggs. Every computer is in use after school hours, and often there are people waiting for a turn. Program participants routinely have to sit on the floor or stand because there aren’t enough chairs. Furthermore, the library does not own its Driggs building, and the rent for that space has gone from $22,000 in 2019 to more than $53,000 in 2024. That increase reflects the addition of the makerspace, but rent still accounts for more than three times the library’s total program budget.
“We are so lucky to have the Valley of the Tetons Library, but the space is tight,” says local financial planner Ty Mack, adding that his family loves the library. His boys are particularly fans of the makerspace. “Even with limited space, they have a great selection of books, lots of interesting events, and an amazing staff,” Ty says.
The library receives roughly 80 percent of its operating budget from property taxes, relying on support from individuals, businesses, and foundations—in particular the newly reorganized Valley of the Tetons Library Foundation & Friends—to cover the rest of its expenses. To address the overcrowding issues, the organization hopes to build a new, permanent home for the Driggs branch sometime in the next few years. That dream means finding new sources of funding and support.
“WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF LIBRARIES, THEY THINK OF BOOKS. WE WANT TO BROADEN THE IDEA OF WHAT A LIBRARY IS.”
SUSAN STRAYER, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT VALLEY OF THE TETONS LIBRARY
In 2024, the library completed the first chapter of its campaign to fulfill that, known as the Inspire, Explore, Belong Campaign.
The goal of this step was to establish foundational pillars for a new Driggs branch. The first—locating a suitable site—was solved when landowner Stefan Merriam donated a parcel on the corner of North Main Street and Harper Avenue in Driggs for the new building.
In addition, a nationally recognized library architecture firm, RATIO, was hired to conduct a needs assessment for Teton Valley. RATIO’s work confirmed community support for the project and provided a roadmap for designing a library to meet the needs of the twenty-first century.
IN 2024, THE LIBRARY COMPLETED THE FIRST CHAPTER OF ITS CAMPAIGN TO FULFILL
THAT DREAM, KNOWN AS THE INSPIRE, EXPLORE, BELONG CAMPAIGN.
With these initial steps completed, Valley of the Tetons Library moved into a planning and strategizing phase this past fall and winter. The VTL Friends transitioned to a Foundation and Friends group to support large project fundraising efforts and the long term financial sustainability of Valley of the Tetons Library. The planning phase will also help the library determine things like the size and design of a new building, as well as how space within will be allocated. It’s a big task.
Libraries around the country range from the likes of Tetonia’s tiny shed, open only a couple of days a week, to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The Library of Congress, the largest
library in the world, contains more than 178 million items in its collection. By comparison, Valley of the Tetons Library has 40,776 items. Within these extremes, a public library may contain teen wings, study carrels, and conference rooms, as well as makerspaces, gallery spaces, and multimedia areas. Just what Valley of the Tetons Library in Driggs will contain is still an open question.
Emily Bahr says they hope to have updates ready for the public by this summer. No dates have been set yet for actual construction, but library staff are confident they have the support needed to bring their dream to fruition. They know their library is loved in Teton Valley.
As a demonstration of that love, in
February 2023, the library reached out to patrons asking for letters of support to include in a grant application. They received more than two hundred responses, ranging from hand-drawn pictures from toddlers who love story time to seniors who view the library as a critical social and intellectual resource.
Gail Baron, a retired English teacher, wrote, “Not to be dramatic, but Valley of the Tetons Library literally saved my life, more than once. Within a year of moving to Teton Valley, I found myself a widow, and it was at my local library that I found friendships, acceptance, and warmth, as well as good books and movies, and a place to volunteer. To me, it is the center of our tiny
“NOT TO BE DRAMATIC, BUT VALLEY OF THE TETONS LIBRARY LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE, MORE THAN ONCE. WITHIN A YEAR OF MOVING TO TETON VALLEY, I FOUND MYSELF A WIDOW, AND IT WAS AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY THAT I FOUND FRIENDSHIPS, ACCEPTANCE, AND WARMTH, AS WELL AS GOOD BOOKS AND MOVIES, AND A PLACE TO VOLUNTEER.”
community where people of many persuasions can come together, and each person can be heard.”
Also in 2024, Valley of the Tetons Library earned an honorable mention in Library Journal’s “Best Small Library in America” competition. Founded in 2005, the annual award recognizes public libraries that provide outstanding service to communities with populations of 25,000 or less. Roughly 7,000 libraries fit that category, meaning the competition is stiff. First prize went to a library in Mendocino, California, while a Minnesota library shared the honorable mention with Teton Valley.
Valley of the Tetons Library has seen an uptick in program participation
Nationally, according to a study by Portland State University for the American Library Association, 428 million electronic items—e-books, digital audiobooks, and e-magazines—were checked out from public libraries in 2020. To give that number some context, the public library in Washington, D.C. doubled its digital
in recent years. In 2024, 2,404 people took part in one or more programs, a record-setting number for the system. In an area with a population of about twelve thousand, that’s an impressive participation rate. Programs range from adult reading clubs to youth cooking classes. The latter are particularly popular and often fill up as soon as they are announced.
What is perhaps the biggest change in the libraries of today from the libraries of yesteryear is digital in nature. StateScoop. com, an online website that covers technology in state and local governments, reported that in 2019 material checkouts from libraries declined 25 percent. Meanwhile, digital offerings boomed.
checkouts from one million in 2022 to two million in 2023.
While Valley of the Tetons Library continues to see an increase in physical circulation, the digital collection circulation has risen as well. Patrons can borrow from the digital collections of twelve Idaho library partners, as well as from Kanopy and Hoopla offered through Teton County Wyoming’s library, which means users have access to tens of thousands of titles online with the click of a mouse.
Raised with technology from the getgo, millennials and Gen Zers have led this shift to digital media consumption. Another Portland State University report showed that 54 percent of people aged 13
GAIL BARON, RETIRED ENGLISH TEACHER
to 40 visited physical libraries within the past year, and 37 percent of them used the libraries’ digital collections.
Younger generations also sought out libraries as comfortable spaces in which to relax and socialize. Susan Strayer says this is in keeping with the library’s desire to make itself into a “third place” for the community. In sociology, a third place is a safe space where people can gather that is separate from the usual social environments of home and workplace. Third places are considered vital to combatting the loneliness and political polarization rampant in today’s society.
And what is perhaps the best thing about public libraries? They are free, which makes them available to all.
“Everything here is free,” Susan says. “That includes our books, our programs, and the tools we check out—we only charge patrons if an item is damaged or lost, and we only charge late fees for tools and laptops, not books. Sometimes people have a hard time believing that. Nothing’s free these days. But we are.”
“EVERYTHING HERE IS FREE. THAT INCLUDES OUR BOOKS, OUR PROGRAMS, AND THE TOOLS WE CHECK OUT ... SOMETIMES PEOPLE HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THAT. NOTHING’S FREE THESE DAYS. BUT WE ARE.”
SUSAN STRAYER, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT VALLEY OF THE TETONS LIBRARY
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES & THE DOG-EARED DEN
For people who like to own their books—at least for a while—there are options for book exchanges throughout the valley.
Little Free Libraries are freestanding, miniature structures where readers can take or leave a book. Created and maintained by volunteers, the boxes in which these little collections reside are often handmade works-of-art, and the books they contain are available 24/7 to anyone who passes by. Several of these libraries can be found placed around Teton Valley. To find the one closest to you, use littlefreelibrary.org/map.
In addition, Valley of the Tetons Library has Dog-Eared Dens at the Victor and Driggs branches, where used books can be purchased for a small donation. There’s also a DogEared Den book bicycle trailer found in front of the Victor Branch during Music on Main throughout the summer, so patrons can pick up a previously loved book at Victor City Park, as well. Guidelines for donating can be found at valleyofthetetonslibrary.org
growing things
FOR THE PAST 140 YEARS, the Siddoway family has herded more than eight thousand lambs across Idaho’s mountainous terrain, producing alpinegrazed, humanely raised, sustainable lamb.
BY KATE READY PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE BEHRING
Herding Heritage
Six
generations of sheep-growers graze new paths forward
For nearly 140 years, or six generations, the Siddoway family’s four-legged wards have been leaving hoof prints across the region’s landscapes.
The family’s sheep-growing enterprise, Grand Teton Lamb, yields alpinegrazed, humanely raised, sustainable lamb. Every June, around eight thousand lambs embark on a four-month journey from the Arco desert near Terreton to high alpine pastures. Unbeknownst to the sheep as they nibble on wildflowers and western snowberry, painstaking preparation goes into planning the ruminants’ route that takes them into meadows as high as 10,000 feet above sea level.
Therein lies the advantage enjoyed by Grand Teton Lamb, whose bestsellers include lamb loin chop and rack of lamb.
“They have this huge buffet. That’s what makes our lamb different than lamb raised in a pasture with a monoculture,” says J.C. Siddoway, the fifthgeneration rancher at the helm of the family business. “That’s the spices that makes our lamb taste the way it does.”
Most people are accustomed to a stronger-tasting lamb, J.C. says, which derives from pasture grazing, usually on some variety of bluegrass. Grand Teton Lamb boasts a milder flavor and more tender texture.
The Grand Teton Lamb story started in 1886 with James Siddoway who settled along Canyon Creek, a tributary of the Teton River, east of present-day Newdale. Living in a canvas tent, James operated a lumber mill before he and wife Ruth turned their hands to farming.
“It was all virgin ground, sagebrush, and rocks,” J.C. explains. “They needed water so they developed a lot of irrigation systems to pull water from the rivers.”
Hailing from Scotland and Ireland, the couple were used to running sheep on pastures, and they started out with a few hundred sheep. They quickly learned that the grazing practices followed in their homeland didn’t quite transfer to the big seasonal swings in the Tetons, which meant drier pastures and a need to move the sheep further than a few miles down the road in the winter months.
So, they sent herders to accompany the sheep and move them from place to place every day, a technique the Siddoways still employ today.
The next two generations kicked it up a notch: one small grazing herd became multiple herds, expanding the breeding of ewes and improving pack trails through the mountains. Six thousand sheep more than doubled to thirteen thousand.
Then came J.C.’s parents, Jeff and Cindy Siddoway, who broke ground of their own, not only diversifying operations by raising elk and bison in addition to sheep, but making history. Cindy became the first female president of the American Sheep Industry Association, while Jeff served in the Idaho Senate.
J.C. and his sister Billie represent the fifth generation of Siddoways, having
J.C. SIDDOWAY (center) is the fifth-generation rancher now at the helm of the family business. His daughter, Emma (left), is still in college and helps with the books, taking the torch for the sixth generation.
grown the grazing range to span parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. In 2022, the family began selling their lamb directly to consumers, restaurants, and grocers.
“Currently, we’re running around eight thousand head of breeding sheep,”
who are with the sheep at all times, have a clear plan for where the animals will go, although that plan changes from year to year. The grazing schedule must be approved in advance by the U.S. Forest Service.
“We’re making adjustments all the time, depending on Mother Nature,” J.C.
J.C. says. “We lost some of our grazing area and had to cut back on our numbers.”
Part of that loss was an allotment the Siddoway family sold in 1994 to protect bighorn sheep in Moose Creek Canyon. The family technically hasn’t lost any additional land, but forest permits allow fewer sheep to graze on the current acreage and some of the ground has been diverted for elk and bison grazing. In the winter, the herd is taken to the Arco desert, where they stay usually until midFebruary, depending on the snow level. Lambing starts in March, when it’s all hands on deck.
The Siddoways and their team ultrasound the ewes, moving the expectant mothers into a “drop herd.” Lambs are born in lambing sheds—three hundred are usually born a day—where they’re carefully monitored for their first week of life.
“It’s a real critical time in their life,” J.C. explains. “Some years, it’s twenty below zero outside and you’re constantly doing everything you can to keep the lambs warm and dry.”
Lambing wraps up by mid-April as the desert starts to warm, allowing the lambs to graze en plein air on crested wheatgrass.
Grazing areas start out at 4,500 feet above sea level with the sheep traveling to altitudes as high as 10,000 feet until mid-September. That’s when the herds are driven back down for the breeding season.
The only way to get the sheep into the mountains is by herders on horseback, following trails the Siddoways clear out before taking the sheep up. Two herders,
LAMB IS TYPICALLY associated with a strong flavor. Grand Teton Lamb boasts a milder flavor and a more tender texture thanks to its wild grazing grounds.
“We just chase the green grass. When the lower desert starts to get dry toward the end of May, we keep moving up higher.”
J.C. Siddoway Grand Teton Lamb
says. “There may be a fire in one area or we have a lot of runoff coming down because it was a high snow year and the sheep can’t cross the cricks.”
Then there are the predators: certain areas mean more bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. Wolves present the biggest challenge to the Siddoways. Since the early 1990s, Great Pyrenees guard dogs have been employed to protect the herd.
“There isn’t much you can do,” J.C. says. “That’s one of our biggest battles. We’re trying to figure it out.”
It all ties into what J.C. considers the biggest misconception the public has about sheep ranching.
“Most people think we turn our sheep out on the forest and then gather them up in the fall,” he says. “People think it’s sheep in a pasture, leave ’em be. [In reality] it’s active management. We move them to a new place every single day; we plan out where they’re going to water.”
Each ewe is capable of having two to three lambs yearly, and will also produce
ten pounds of wool a year. This is sold to Oregon-based Shaniko Wool Company, whose client list includes Ralph Lauren and Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
Every year the ranch is audited to ensure humane treatment of their animals and workers. That audit includes the tools used for shearing, transportation modes, what the sheep are fed, vaccination methods, and range assessments to ensure over-grazing is not taking place.
In 2021, Grand Teton Lamb received its first humane certification and currently holds two, under different companies: the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) developed by the Textile Exchange
The Sheep Herders
Every year, the Siddoway family hires between five and sixteen Peruvian shepherds brought over on H-2A visas that last for three years.
Two employees are stationed with a herd, which typically consists of around 2,700 sheep. Each herder moves one thousand sheep and their lambs to appropriate pastures to graze, beds them down at night, and keeps them safe from predators.
In the summer, as the sheep move up into the mountains, the herders live in wall tents. One worker—the camp jack—operates the base camp, taking care of the dogs and horses, doing the laundry, and cooking meals. The camp jack also rides to a trailhead or cache each week to receive mail and supplies. His partner—the herder—stays with the sheep both day and night.
In 1973, the family hired its first Peruvian shepherd, Thomas Lozano. Over the years, Thomas’ son, nephews, and grandsons have all worked for the Siddoways. Thomas is now an American citizen and owns his own sheep ranch in Montana.
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Scenic Flights
Airplane Scenic Flights
Your visit to Teton Valley is not complete until you have experienced the surroundings from the air. Teton Aviation offers scenic flights that cater to the customer’s interests.
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and the NATIVA Protocol developed by Chargeurs. Both certifications require standards for humane treatment of animals, environmental stewardship, and fair employment practices.
WHILE THEIR MAIN OFFERING is meat, the family also sells wool to Oregon-based Shaniko Wool Company, whose client list includes Team USA at the Winter Olympics.
Grand Teton Lamb currently holds two humane certifications. Both require standards for humane treatment of animals, environmental stewardship, and fair employment practices.
While environmentalists and ranchers haven’t historically been the tightest of bedfellows, J.C. says the tide is turning, with research pointing to an environmental payoff to grazing—when it’s done right. Grazing improves soil quality and reduces the need for fertilizers. As sheep migrate from winter valleys to summer heights, their hooves cultivate the land, aerating the soil and enriching it with organic nutrients.
“I think [in the future] we’ll have more friends than we’re used to,” J.C. says.
Behind the scenes, J.C.’s daughter Emma, still in college, is helping with the books, taking the torch for the sixth generation.
Still, there’s a long way to go to shepherd the future.
“Sheep numbers are the lowest they’ve ever been in the U.S.,” J.C. says. “We’re in a rebuilding phase. We’ve hit rock bottom with our markets, but we’re trying to sell our own meat and add value to keep these ranches going.”
To learn more and to buy product, visit grandtetonlamb.com.
ON EITHER END of the shoulder seasons when conditions make the trails unrideable in the Tetons, cyclists can head just 125 miles south to Pocatello. Here an impressive trail system for all calibers of riders is primed for the pedaling.
BY CHRISTINA SHEPHERD MCGUIRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON THEISEN
Ducking the Muck
Pocatello’s bike scene promises off-season splendor
Avid recreationalists dread the return of spring mud season. While the promise of green grass is just around the corner, Grand Targhee Resort stops spinning its lifts and the backcountry snow is pocked with sun cups, making it unskiable.
Winter wildlife closures may have lifted, but they, predictably, give way to impassible mud- and snow-covered trails. And come fall, early snowfall can have the same effect, causing trail closures for the season.
This is typically the time when we mountain dwellers head south to shed our layers and feel the sun on our skin. We load up our bikes (often un-tuned and caked with mud from our last ride) and head to southern Utah, Nevada, or even Arizona in search of dry singletrack, smooth slickrock, and vibrant red desert sunsets.
That said, there’s not always enough time or money for an extended excursion to the Valley of the Gods or other desert destinations. But you can still find reprieve from gray days and soggy trails with a short out-of-valley jaunt to the neighboring Idaho city of Pocatello.
It’s amazing what a 125-mile drive and 2,000-foot descent in elevation can get you. Pocatello, lovingly referred to as “Poky” by the locals, is a bustling college town that lies on the southeastern edge of the Snake River Plain. And this spot feels just like the desert if you catch it on a warm spring day. Low-elevation hiking and biking trails often dry out by the end
of March, and definitely by early April— and stay dry later into the fall when the snow is flying in the Tetons—making it a welcome, affordable break from mudseason gloom in spring and fall.
My first stop is typically the City Creek trail system, ascending from the edge of the historic Old Town district near Centennial Park. I’ve even rented an Airbnb right at the base of the trailhead. This trail system comprises 3,000 acres laced with singletrack, delivering the most bang for your early-season buck. Park in Centennial Park and climb either the “green circle” Bench Trail or the “blue square” Lower City Creek Trail to get to the goods up high. From there, you can loop your climb with a downhill flow trail called 911, complete with manmade berms and jumps, courtesy of the Pocatello Trail Crew, or take the easy way down (Lifeflight) that skirts along the top of the ravine.
If you hit City Creek when the entire system is melted out, the Upper City Creek lot offers ample dirt parking and starts with a mellower climb up trails and two-track roads to circumnavigate Kinport Peak. Then you descend the notorious Over the Top black-diamond trail, replete with switchbacks and screefield crossings.
A FAVORITE FOR BIKERS, City Creek Trail System consists of 3,000 acres laced with singletrack. The trailhead is found at the edge of the historic Old Town district near Centennial Park.
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It’s nice to know you can spin your slack-season wheels in a kinder climate right here in southeastern Idaho.
Cary Rhodes, outdoor recreation manager for the City of Pocatello, explains that most of the City Creek Trail System is considered open space owned by the city. It’s bordered on one side by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and on the other by U.S. Forest Service acreage.
“You could ride for days,” Cary says. “There’s a [newly-built connector] trail called Sterling Justice that takes you to Gibson Jack, which leads to the West Fork of Mink Creek. These bikepacking trails are not accessible early season like City Creek, however.”
Jaren Novakovich, store manager of CBI Bikes Pocatello, turned me onto a lesser-known trail system across the valley called Pioneer Ridge. Situated on BLM land, the system is used by the local National Interscholastic Cycling Association team for training.
Access this system by taking the Pocatello Creek Road exit off of I-15, and then use a map app to find the landfill. Cory says the trailhead is located directly across the street from the field archers’ access.
Just like in Teton Valley, trail users are expected to follow proper etiquette. This includes not riding if it’s muddy.
“If mud is sticking to your tires, it’s too muddy to ride and you’re leaving grooves,” Jaren says. “This will ruin the trail for the rest of the season.”
You also need to respect the wildlife, like deer, moose, mountain lions, and, in the summertime, rattlesnakes.
All of the trails in both systems per-
DRIGGS, IDAHO
Driggs
Teton School District 401 proudly celebrates a 98% graduation rate. At Teton High School, one-third more graduates pursue college or university compared to the state average. This success is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students, and the support of our engaged community — all working together to prepare students for bright and promising futures.
Where To Shop
• CBI Bikes
• Barrie’s Ski and Sports
• Oregon Trail Bikes
• East Fork Bikes
Where To Eat
• Fifth Street Bagelry
• Jim Dandy Brewing
• The Martlet Brewery & Public House
• Palate Neighborhood Bistro
• Sandbagger ’s Bar & Grill
• Off the Rails Brewing
City Creek Trail Map
Pioneer Ridge Trail Map
mit two-way traffic, except for 911 because “it’s not conducive to pedaling uphill,” says Jaren. Everything is mixed use, including hiking, biking, and horsepacking, and dog-friendly; bikers need to yield to all others.
According to Cary, Class 1 e-bike use is permitted in City Creek. The Forest Service trails have no regulations regarding e-bikes, and the BLM is in the process of implementing e-bike regulations.
“I like that everyone here is super friendly, so just say ‘hi’ and be nice,” says Cary. She gets excited when she sees license plates from other states at the trailheads. “We are working hard to make improvements,” she says. Increased use justifies her efforts, as it means the bike scene in Pocatello is on the map.
It’s nice to know you can spin your slack-season wheels in a kinder climate right here in southeastern Idaho. Don’t forget to stop into the local bike shops for some real-time beta or a muchneeded tune-up. CBI has two mechanics on staff and promises a quick turnaround. Then visit one of the local restaurants or bars downtown, all of which are bikeable from City Creek. It’s a good time and a legit retreat, as Poky’s expanding bike scene is the real deal.
WHETHER DISCREETLY HUNTING SOLO or plucking ripe fruit with a foraging circle, berry-picking is a summer favorite for many in Teton Valley.
BY P.M. FADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNITY MINTON
Rhapsody in Raspberry
Whether the pickings are bountiful or slim, the search is worth the effort
It begins with an innate desire to dip into the deliciousness that awaits outdoors. For as a nature-lover knows, even an oft-traveled trail might hide new treats just around the next bend.
And a good ol’ fashioned berry hunt is a potentially rewarding reason to investigate.
Strawberry or chokecherry; hawthorn, thimble, huckle, or service; every berry revels in its own special space. The berryseeker’s talent, therefore, lies in knowing where to seek and when to pinch.
According to Betsy Hawkins, a veteran forager of Teton Valley, it’s all about getting to know your own backyard.
“I’ve been in the valley almost ten years,” Betsy says, “but my foraging journey began when I bought property very near Darby Canyon. I decided to get to know my ‘backyard’ more intimately by taking frequent hikes in the national forest nearby. To my surprise, once I got to know the trails by heart, all the other details started to come to life.
“I began to notice wild strawberry plants long before they fruited and tiny green huckleberries just biding their time to ripen. It inspired me to take more notes and be even more observant on future outings, both near home and farther away.”
Some of the pickings ripen all summer long, while others are pinchable only within a fickle window of readiness. The intel on both is gleaned best by
lacing up the boots and getting after it. Maybe this is why certain details are just “understood” when conversation within foraging circles drifts into the turf of wild berry harvests.
Yes, “foraging circles” are a thing.
“I’m sure there are many who forage in the valley,” Betsy says, “but I don’t happen to be part of a ‘foraging circle’ or the like. I think folks who forage tend to keep their chosen spots as secret as possible.”
While a berry patch may be a winkwink secret, the wholesome delight of its bounty is definitely enjoyed by a wider ring. The farmers market scene is proof of that.
Amongst the jams, pies, muffins, and juices, a berry cache cultivates imagination and tradition to be passed among dearest company. The crew that harvests together stays together—in fruit-stained clothes.
What to Look For
RASPBERRY is a rebel’s favorite; it’s a lynchpin in recipes that mountain grannies have perfected to iconic status. But golly, this berry’s micro-fine hairs are a pain to clean.
VETERAN FORAGER Betsy Hawkins first got into berry foraging while exploring her Darby Canyon backyard. While all berries are a treat to find, her favorite is the oftenoverlooked thimbleberry.
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SERVICEBERRIES, also known as juneberries, are slightly larger than blueberries. Look for their white blooms in spring and pick when the fruit is dark blueish-purple.
“I began to notice wild strawberry plants long before they fruited and tiny green huckleberries just biding their time to ripen.”
Betsy Hawkins Veteran forager
In the Tetons, a selection of forest sweets just wouldn’t be complete without old Mr. HUCKLEBERRY . He’s the quintessential berry of the region. One is hard pressed to saunter down a street in late summer without happening upon a vendor of this scrumptious berry. Wellsuited for anything from ice cream, jam, and chocolate to scented candles and hand soap, the huckleberry stands alone.
The HAWTHORN is right in there, too, but be aware that bears have a keen tooth for this particular berry. And the only bummer bigger than a slim harvest is trespassing into Grandaddy Grizzly’s private stash. Here, pay heed to a pertinent lesson of nature: share and share alike. Or not, if said bear is around.
Then there’s the STRAWBERRY , surely in contention for the Forager’s Choice Award. The plant produces its fruit from late spring through summer. Once strawberries make their seasonal entrance, there’s little trouble in sniffing out enough to produce a lip-smacking treat.
Meanwhile, CHOKECHERRY (not to be confused with its tart cousin, Bitter Cherry) lives contentedly in cool canyon basins where it ripens over late summer into early autumn. From the earliest indigenous people to today’s homesteader, we’ve known the tiny chokecherry to be big on taste—especially when reduced as syrup.
Then there’s the THIMBLEBERRY , many a forager’s favorite … including Betsy Hawkins’.
“I’m personally a big fan of wild
LINN CANYON RANCH
A Classic Taste of the West
strawberries and huckleberries,” she says, “but my most favorite is the thimbleberry. It seems often overlooked or misunderstood. I would argue that a handful straight from the source is better than most any cultivated berry I’ve ever had!”
Foraging is about more than finding a snack. The offerings spring from the season, while the undertaking itself requires that we slow down and focus on the small things. This can be a challenge in an outdoor environment often geared toward the fast pace of athletics. But out there, what’s yielded in the end is well worth the effort required to achieve it.
“I love so much about foraging,” Betsy says. “Not only does it produce the most tasty fresh treats possible, it also allows me to gather items for herbal tinctures and teas in the winter (rosehips, mullein, and more) to keep me and my family healthy. I always find time to give gratitude for all the Earth has to offer us, the changing seasons, and the opportunity and ability to walk, crouch, and bend, in order to observe and gather.”
Foraging for berries is a testament to the old adage: The juice really is worth the squeeze.
Thimbleberry Jam
For a surprise homemade treat that hails from proverbial ‘left field,’ there’s thimbleberry jam, Mother Nature’s subtle means of reminding us that goodness does grow on shrubs.
Carefully mash two or three cups of fresh thimbleberries, then squeeze in a heaping tablespoon of lemon juice and sugar to your liking. (About a cup of sugar is the suggested amount.) Warm by saucepan over medium heat, bringing to a light boil while stirring often. Cook until desired consistency, about 15 minutes.
Then, enjoy! The possibilities are endless, so get kooky with a slather on toast with chopped herbs, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even charred nuts. With thimbleberry jam, it’s dealer’s choice.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF BETSY HAWKINS
City Park and features local bakers, artisans, farmers,
BY DEVIN DWYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CODY DOWNARD
For almost twenty years the Teton Valley Farmers Market has been a central part of the community and a gathering place for local vendors during the summer months.
The market’s mission is simple: provide a venue for local farmers, food producers, artisans, and nonprofit organizations to connect with the public to enhance the health, economy, and vibrancy of the community.
The Friday farmers market is a part of the weekly routine of many residents and visitors, my family included. Every Friday, we load up our three young daughters in the stroller and walk to Main Street to enjoy the bounty of the season, from locally grown tomatoes and basil to sourdough, eggs, and fresh fruit turned into sweet, tangy jam. It’s a wonderful destination to meet up with friends and support local purveyors.
The team behind the market, however, saw room to grow. “We had been hearing for many years that people with Monday-through-Friday jobs could not come to our market on Friday mornings in Driggs,” says Rob Dupré, board president of the Teton Valley Farmers Market and owner of Chasing Paradise.
In summer 2024, the Teton Valley Farmers Market expanded to Victor, offering a summer evening market on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. It was such a success, that this year it’s expanding to ten weeks, from July 8 to September 9.
“[The Victor market] gives the working people of our community, as well as everyone else, an opportunity to come out and stock up on delicious and nutritious locally-grown and produced food, as well as local art and hand-crafted
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• Extensive local trail systems
• Daily rentals starting at $39
• 40-mile battery range
products,” Rob says.
“The farmers market board is working to help remove barriers for our community to access local, nutritious food,” says Susan Lykes, board member for the farmers market. Offering a second market and accepting federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are two ways they are doing just that.
In summer 2024, the Teton Valley Farmers Market expanded to Victor, offering an evening market on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Teton Valley Music Alliance
The Teton Valley Music Alliance (TVMA) connects the community with our amazing local musicians, artists, and music instructors, as well as the venues to catch acts live.
Stay in tune and follow us for the upcoming musical events in the valley and to connect with our musicians!
Held in Victor City Park, more than thirty vendors fill the grassy field and hometown musicians take the iconic park stage for an afternoon of fun, delicious food, and shopping galore.
Rob says to expect more baked goods and artisan creations like vegan and gluten-free goods from Dulce Baking, cheese and bread from Larks Meadow Farms, and a growing sampling of vegetables and produce from area farms like Growing Acres and the Homestead Institute. Grab a bushel of Mountain Valley Mushrooms and enjoy mead, cider, and pesto from Chasing Paradise.
Expect to see some vendors you won’t typically find at the Friday markets, including local food trucks, Grand Teton Brewing, and more.
Turn a visit to the market into an evening affair. Bring a blanket, grab a favorite treat—we opt for the hand pies from Claire Brandhorst’s Early Bird Bakes— and sit on the lawn to enjoy the live music and soak up the summer evening.
Learn more at: tetonvalleyfarmers market.org.
Located at 107 West Little Ave, Suite 2 in Driggs @endopeaks
Ditch Cat
Alpine Air Coffee Roasting & Cafe
175 West Center Street, Victor Open Mon-Sun 7am–1pm alpineaircoffee.com
Alpine Air Coffee Roasting was born from a long-time passion for coffee, an eco-conscious drive to provide packaging that won’t stay on Earth forever, and a desire to share just how great one of the most consumed beverages in the world can be. Stop by our café and roastery for fresh coffee drinks, bagged coffee roasted in-house, and gourmet toasts, burritos, and baked goods. All Alpine Air coffee is sourced responsibly. Online ordering now available through our website! [p. 43]
Barrels & Bins
Natural Market
36 South Main Street, Driggs 208-354-2307
Open Daily 8am–7pm barrelsandbins.market
Teton Valley’s source for all-natural and organic products including local and organic produce, meats, cheeses, and bulk food; 460 Bread baked fresh daily; beer and wine; nutritional supplements; health and beauty products; all-natural pet foods; and much more! Juice & Smoothie Bar is open 9:30am to 1:30pm daily. Check in for sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as other grab-and-go takeout options. [p. 38]
Butter Cafe
57 South Main Street, Victor 208-399-2872
Visit website for menus, hours, and online ordering butterinvictor.com
Butter Cafe in Victor, Idaho, offers a brunch experience that blends traditional comfort food with globally inspired flavors. With a diverse menu and warm atmosphere, Butter Cafe is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and flavorful brunch. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a curious traveler, stay connected with us on Instagram for the latest updates on hours, specials, and menus, and embark on a flavorful journey with Butter Cafe. [p. 26]
Citizen 33 Brewery & Restaurant
364 North Main Street, Driggs 208-354-2073
Open Daily 4pm–9pm citizen33.com
From the team behind Forage Bistro and Tatanka Tavern, Citizen 33 in Driggs is your go-to spot for fresh, locally sourced food and beer in the heart of Teton Valley. Brew Master John Able keeps the taps rotating with creative craft brews, while our chef serves up a delicious menu featuring elevated bar bites—like local fried cheese curds and crave-worthy smashburgers—and hearty, flavorful entrées. Built for both locals and visitors, Citizen 33 is a place to gather, share a meal, and raise a glass to life on Route 33. Cheers to the citizens! [p. 14]
Figgie’s Deli & Market
528 Valley Centre Drive, Driggs 307-284-9577
Open Mon–Sat 11am–4pm figgiesdeli.com
Fuel up for your summer adventures at Figgie’s Deli, serving gourmet sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, and fresh baked cookies. Stop by for lunch inside or grab a mouthwatering sandwich to go with a side of house-made chips. Try a favorite like the Stallion, featuring pepperoni, salami, ham, pickled red onion, pepperoncini, mayo, provolone, shaved parm, tomato, lettuce, and Italian vinaigrette stacked on a hoagie. We even have vegan options, such as the Faux Bear with tofu bacon, arugula, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, and vegan smoked pepper aioli on wheatberry bread. Enjoy daily specials or build your own sandwich. Online ordering now available! [p. 12]
The Fluffy Cow
At The Rustic Pine Tavern 123 East Ramshorn Street, Dubois, WY 940-923-0631
Open Saturday–Wednesday, 11am–10pm, Friday 9:30pm–1am fluffycow.com
For two decades, Chef Whitney Hall defined Wyoming resort fine dining at Brooks Lake Lodge. Now with her own place, The Fluffy Cow, she serves a seasonal menu that blends old lodge favorites with fresh takes on comfort food and pub classics. In a very short time, we’ve become one of Dubois’ favorite dining spots. The Fluffy Cow is located in Dubois’ historic Rustic Pine Tavern, making it the perfect place for a festive but casual night out. We feature a special late night menu on Fridays after the rodeo. [p. 38]
Food Shed Idaho
139 West Center Street, Victor 208-787-7695
Store Hours 12–6pm, Closed Tues–Wed Online ordering 24/7 @ foodshedidaho.com
Featured in the Wall Street Journal, March 2025. Unique chef-curated specialty grocer featuring local grass-fed meats, charcuterie, and the best imported pasta, olive oil, vinegar, tinned fish, chocolates, and more. House-made cookies and brittle. Gift baskets, mail order, and local delivery available. [p. 50]
Forage Bistro & Lounge
253 Warbird Lane, Driggs 208-354-2858
Open Daily 12pm–8pm Reservations Recommended forageandlounge.com
Located at the Driggs Airport, Forage Bistro offers a unique dining experience with views of the Tetons and a front-row seat to arriving and departing planes. Enjoy a tour of historic Warbird aircrafts before settling in for seasonal mountain comfort food and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, happy hour, or dinner, Forage blends cozy flavors with chef-driven creativity—making it a must-visit spot in Teton Valley. [p. 14]
Grand Targhee Resort
3300 Ski Hill Road, Alta, WY 800-TARGHEE (827-4433) grandtarghee.com
This summer come check out the Powder Cache Bar & Grill. When you join us for a meal, you’ll see why Powder Cache is one of the bestkept secrets in Teton Valley. Our warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent service allow you to sit back, relax, and take in the incredible views from our sunny patio or dining room with floor to ceiling windows. Our culinary team offers fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients to create our American West-inspired mountain comfort dishes. At the Trap Bar and Grill, enjoy a wide selection of local microbrews on tap, great food like the famous Wydaho Nachos, and a large outdoor patio to soak up the sun. Snorkels is your slopeside bistro; enjoy a cup of hot coffee or cappuccino with a Wyoming-style breakfast burrito. Return in the afternoon for grab-and-go lunch and ice cream. [BC]
Grand Teton Brewing: Raising a glass to the Tetons since 1988! Bring the family and come visit our cozy tap room and expansive yard while enjoying our award-winning beer and smashburgers from Otto’s Kitchen. [p. 106]
King Sushi
98 East Little Avenue, Driggs 208-354-5464
Open Tues–Sun 4:30pm–9pm kingsushijh.com
A sushi staple on both sides of the Tetons, King Sushi offers an inspired menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and rolls along with cocktails, wine, and sake crafted from head chef and James Beard nominee, Jason King. Enjoy an ever-changing specials menu with seasonal rolls, delicious nigiri, and more. Located on Little Avenue just off Main Street; stop by for happy hour and grab a seat at the bar or book a reservation at resy.com. Walk-ins welcome. [p. 102]
Linn Canyon Ranch
1300 East 6000 South, Victor 208-787-LINN (5466) linncanyonranch.com
Join us for an exceptional dining experience! We’ll greet you at the lodge with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before being seated at your private table in the historic lodge. Experience the fine hospitality and elevated dining the Linn family is known for. Advanced reservations are required. For holiday and private parties, please call to inquire. [p. 108]
Mama Su
18 North Main Street, Driggs
Open Daily, 4pm - 9pm mamasudriggs.com
From the creators of Teton Thai, we’re excited to introduce Mama Su, your new go-to American Chinese restaurant in a cozy and vibrant setting. Enjoy classic favorites like Lo Mein, Wonton soup, Szechuan dumplings, and Sweet and Sour chicken; pair your dinner with one of our house-brewed beers, sake, or a refreshing cocktail. [p. 61]
Pearl Street Bagels
80 North Main Street, Driggs
Open Daily, 6:30am–2:30pm pearlstreetbagels.com
After 35 years in Jackson Hole, Pearl Street Bagels is excited to now be serving Teton Valley, as well, from its new downtown Driggs location. Offering traditional boiled and baked bagels, sandwiches, salads, organic coffee, and espresso drinks. Order in person or online at pearlstreetbagels.com. [p. 51]
Pinky G’s Pizzeria
37 South Main Street, Victor 208-787-PINK (7465)
Open Daily 11:30am–10pm Delivery 12pm–9pm, Victor and Driggs, order online pinkygs.com
Pinky G’s Pizzeria has brought New York-style hand tossed pizza to Wyoming, Montana, Washington, and our own Victor, Idaho. Founded in Jackson Hole in 2011, Pinky G’s rocketed to fame a year later, when Guy Fieri shot an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” there and was blown away by their hand tossed New York-style pizzas. Stop by the newly renovated downtown Victor location for dining on the outdoor patio. Take-out and now delivering to Victor and Driggs. Enjoy house-made dough and marinara made from scratch daily, with pizzas like the Abe Froman, topped with spicy Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, fresh chopped basil, and a balsamic drizzle; or try Guy’s Pie invented by Guy Fieri himself. [p. 55]
Pizzeria Alpino
165 North Main Street, Driggs 208-354-8829
Open for dinner pizzeriaalpino.com
Open for dinner. Pizzeria Alpino is proud to offer Teton Valley fresh and delicious Italian-inspired Rocky Mountain fare. We are grateful to showcase house-made pasta and pizza served in a cozy historic Teton Valley home turned restaurant. Please come join us on the deck or in the dining room. Reservations are recommended and can be made at pizzeriaalpino.com.
DRIGGS, IDAHO
Refuge Taphouse
2 North Main Street, Victor Sun–Thurs 3pm–9pm; Fri–Sat 3pm–10pm
Ages 21 and over @refuge_taphouse
Stop by Refuge Taphouse on Main Street in Victor for craft beer and wine by the glass. Enjoy twelve constantly rotating taps from top-tier local, regional, and international craft breweries and cideries. Take happy hour home with an eclectic selection of to-go beer and wine. Ages twenty-one and over. Menu features light bar snacks, and outside food is welcome. Refuge Taphouse is the place for apres! [p. 37]
Rise Coffee House 40 Depot Street, Driggs 208-354-RISE
Open Daily 7:30am–2pm risedriggs.com @risedriggs
Rise Coffee House is a place where our community gathers and connects with one another. If you are looking for a beautifully crafted espresso drink, breakfast, or mouth-watering baked good, you’ll be sure to find it here. Come enjoy culture, community, and excellent coffee. Voted best coffee in Teton Valley six years in a row. Cheers! [p. 98]
Tatanka Tavern
18 North Main Street, Suite 315 Colter Building, Driggs 208-980-7320
Open Daily 4pm–9pm tatankatavern.com
Tatanka Tavern offers wood-fired artisan pizza, salads, and the finest of craft beers and wines. Bring in the family for a night out or grab a seat at the bar and watch the game. Enjoy local favorites like the Fungus Amongus for dinner daily. [p. 14]
Voted Teton Valley’s favorite restaurant, Teton Thai offers something for everyone! Enjoy a variety of our family’s favorite recipes like our homemade crispy egg rolls, coconut milk curries, or savory wok seared noodles. Dine in or take out via ChowNow.
Victor Emporium
45 North Main Street, Victor 208-787-2221
Open seven days a week
Over one million served! For more than seventy-five years, the Victor Emporium Old Fashioned Soda Fountain has served delicious milkshakes, including the World-Famous Huckleberry Shake. Gourmet coffee and espresso served daily. The Emporium is also a great place to pick up those unusual gifts. Where the locals meet before enjoying the great outdoors here in Teton Valley. [p. 60]
Victor Valley Market
5 South Main Street, Victor 208-787-2230
Open Daily 7am
Victor Valley Market is your local grocer and the place to get fresh seafood and choice meats in Teton Valley. Offering a unique selection of groceries, from organic and specialty items to your everyday needs, including a full selection of wine and beer. Our gourmet deli counter offers delicious house-made takeout dishes, along with sandwiches made with locally baked bread, fresh salads, house-made soups, and so much more! Victor Valley Market has all that you need to make a delicious meal, whether for eating in or picnicking out. [p. 12]
Grand Targhee Resort
3300 Ski Hill Road Alta, WY 800-TARGHEE [827-4433] grandtarghee.com
After a day ripping singletrack or taking in the views from the top of the mountain, it’s time to relax with the family. Choose one of a variety of western-style slopeside accommodations that invite you to relax in the high alpine setting with a quaint mountain village that offers dining and shopping. Rooms vary in size and budget, from sleeping four to ten guests. The Sioux Two Bedrooms offer a small kitchenette and are perfect for your next resort getaway. The resort is dog friendly and offers pet friendly rooms. Call 800-TARGHEE to book your stay. [p. BC]
Linn Canyon Ranch
1300 East 6000 South, Victor 208-787-LINN [5466] linncanyonranch.com
Our lodging combines the best of luxurious accommodations with nature’s simple pleasures. Sleep peacefully in one of our luxury platform tents, or indulge yourself in creature comforts and rustic elegance in our artisan-built timberframe cabin. Our guests feel relaxed and inspired in our cozy mountain sanctuary. When you make your lodging reservation, we will also book your riding and dining activities at the ranch. We are also happy to help you reserve off-site adventures such as floating, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing. [p. 108]
Moose Creek Ranch
2733 East 10800 South, Victor 208-510-0216 moosecreekranch.com
Tucked away just over the pass from Jackson Hole, Moose Creek Ranch is your ultimate retreat for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning a wedding, family reunion, wellness retreat, or weekend escape, our stunning location offers the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy comfortable accommodations that suit every traveler—from cozy cabins and glamping tents to RV sites and unique Conestoga Wagons. New this summer, unwind in our sauna and cold plunge, nestled along the creek, for a rejuvenating experience like no other. Dive into the best of outdoor recreation—horseback riding, E-bike rentals, hiking, mountain biking, and so much more. With world-class adventure at your doorstep, there’s never a dull moment at Moose Creek Ranch. Make your next vacation truly special. Book your stay today and experience the magic of Moose Creek Ranch! [p. 107]
Teton Homestead
18 North Main Street, Suite 105, Driggs 800-746-5518
mail@tetonhomestead.com tetonhomestead.com
Discover the property management experience you’ve been waiting for with Teton Homestead. Locally owned and operated, we don’t just manage properties—we create effortless, stress-free experiences for homeowners and guests alike. From high-revenue vacation homes to worry-free long-term rentals, detailed caretaking, and pristine housekeeping, every service we offer is designed to maximize your property’s potential and your peace of mind. Ready to elevate your expectations and see results? Teton Homestead delivers. Expect more. Earn more. Choose Teton Homestead. [p. 45]
Teton Valley Cabins
34 East Ski Hill Road, Driggs 208-354-8153 or 866-687-1522 stay@tetonvalleycabins.com tetonvalleycabins.com
Nestled in the heart of Teton Valley, our family owned cabins welcome you for special getaways, vacation home base, family or group reunions, and more. Quaint charm, rustic cabins, and affordable rates await! Enjoy locally owned restaurants and shops, along with easy access to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Targhee Resort, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Staying at Teton Valley Cabins means you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind. We offer various room types equipped with microwave, fridge, satellite TV, WiFi, and pet friendly room accommodations. Check out our website for trip planning and activities in Teton Valley. We can’t wait to see you! [p. 36]
Allow us to find that perfect home or condo to make your vacation memorable. All of our homes are nicely furnished, meticulously maintained, and fully equipped to accommodate your group at a fraction of what you would pay for hotel rooms. All homes come complete with linens, kitchen necessities, smart TVs or satellite TV service, high-speed internet, soaps, and paper products. Book online and receive all the conveniences of home, away from home. [p. 8]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Teton Valley is home to three meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All visitors are welcome.
Sunday worship services are held in Victor (87 East Center Street; 9am, 10:30am, and 12pm), Driggs (225 North 1st Street; 9am, 10:30am, and 12pm), and Tetonia (209 South Main Street; 9am and 10:30am). Worship services are centered on the partaking of the bread and water of the sacrament. This one-hour meeting includes congregational hymns, prayers, and brief sermons focused on the love of God and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Following this meeting, visitors of all ages are invited to attend a one-hour Sunday School class, divided by various age groups. Additional information can be found by calling Zane Calderwood (208-317-3325), Wade Treasure (307-409-0760), or by visiting ChurchOfJesusChrist.org
Church in the Tetons
Driggs City Center | PO Box 1318 | Driggs churchinthetetons.org
We gather for worship in the Driggs City Center at 10am on Sunday mornings. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper once a month. On months with five Sundays, we go out as the hands and feet of Jesus to serve our neighbors however we are able. We are a biblically grounded, Christ-centered, mission-focused, gospel-centric community that exists to serve Teton Valley and the world to the glory of God. We are often described as authentic, relational, genuine, and honest. Education is provided for kids three and over. Feel free to reach out to us at churchinthetetonsidaho@gmail.com or in a Facebook message.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
2559 South ID-33 | Driggs | 208-354-1771
uppervalleycatholic.com
Good Shepherd is a Roman Catholic Church serving the needs of the faithful in Teton Valley. As an ever-growing parish, we welcome all in participation in our liturgies, devotions, ministries, and activities. Mass times on Sunday include a 9am mass in English and an 11am mass in Spanish with Reconciliation after each Sunday mass. In addition, there is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays from noon to 5pm, and Holy Mass Wednesdays at 5pm. Reconciliation is offered on Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm. Preparation is offered for all the Sacraments. The church is open for prayer during the day, and we would love for you to join our Catholic community.
Teton Valley Bible Church
265 North 2nd East | Driggs | 208-354-8523 tetonvalleybiblechurch.org
Teton Valley Bible Church exists to glorify God and exalt Jesus Christ as Lord through Holy Spirit-empowered living and worship. Our mission is to make disciples through gospel-centered outreach, the spiritual building-up of believers, and living in loving fellowship with one another. We gather together to worship the Lord on Sunday mornings; please visit the website for service times. Pastor Jim Otto (MDiv) is committed to expositional preaching and Biblical theology. Childcare is available and all are welcome. [p. 111]
The Learning Academy of Teton Valley 1480 South 500 West | Driggs | 208-354-7898 admissions@learningacademyschool.com learningacademyschool.com
The Learning Academy of Teton Valley is an independent Preschool–Grade 8 school celebrating twenty years of excellence in education. Nestled on a beautiful campus featuring a school farm, greenhouse, and yurt, LATV provides a nurturing, child-focused environment that inspires exploration and creativity. LATV encourages students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally by emphasizing inclusivity and character education. With a commitment to hands-on learning and individual growth, the Learning Academy fosters curiosity and confidence in every child, creating a vibrant, supportive community where students love to learn and grow. [p. 99]
Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools Grades Early Childhood–8th Grade Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming | 307-732-7743 mountainacademy.org
At Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools, learning is in our nature. We are a National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) accredited independent day school serving students from early childhood through 8th grade. Mountain Academy provides an exceptional education that engages all aspects of the individual child. Whether you’re returning or considering joining us for the first time, there’s never been a better moment to be a part of our vibrant community. [p. 37]
Teton School District 401
District Office: 208-228-5923
tsd401.org
Empowering our students to reach their full potential—Teton School District 401 provides a safe and exceptional learning environment where career and college readiness are the academic cornerstones of a relevant and progressive education. [p. 102]
Teton High School
Grades 9–12 | 208-228-5924
tsd401.org
Basin High School
Grades 9–12 | 208-970-6061
tsd401.org
Teton Middle School
Grades 6–8 | 208-228-5925
tsd401.org
Rendezvous Upper Elementary
Grades 4–5 | 208-228-5926
tsd401.org
Teton K-3 Elementary Schools
Victor 208-228-5929 | Driggs 208-228-5927 | Tetonia 208-228-5930
tsd401.org
Elegy For 399
PHOTO BY CODY DOWNARD POETRY BY DARGIE BOWERSOCK
They put the roads through where the rivers went first. This bear with a name like a state route appeared too late through a windshield in the October dark where the Snake River Canyon makes its crack in the world.
Other roadside bears are sideshows in cages (I saw one once, in Tennessee) but she put on a nobler show, minding cubs in a habitat at the verge, a figure for the precarious work of mothering: enlaced among roads, she kept her broods near pavement to ward off shyer predators, even as the roads posed their own threats.
We carry on the elemental work of mothering— use the world as we find it to protect and develop young— we’ll send ours down roads that both smooth their way and threaten harm, hoping by the time they reach the canyon they’re alert for whatever might appear through a windshield in the late October dark.
