WRW 19 May 2021

EVENT NEWS

COVID NEWS Mask On Mask Off PG 4-5

1st Annual Cross Walk PG 6-7 SUN VALLEY

KETCHUM

COWBOY POETRY

HAILEY

Two Old Friends PG 11

BELLEVUE

PICABO

CAREY

WOOD RIVER WEEKLY

YOUR VOICE IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY

Free | May 19 - June 1, 2021 | Vol. 2 - No. 10 | woodriverweekly.com

“Every flower blooms in its own time.” ~Ken Petti

FANNING THE FLAMES

Local firefighters battle a blaze on a hillside above Elkhorn Road in Sun Valley in 2019. The fire was caused by a biker attempting to burn toilet paper after relieving himself off the trail. Fire officials are extremely concerned about the upcoming fire season in the Wood River Valley and beyond—and especially with all the new people moving to the Valley and outdoor recreation expanding. Photo credit: Wood River Weekly

Local fire officials expect a ‘pretty nasty’ fire season

H

By Eric Valentine

ow dry is it?

It’s so dry … that fire officials across the region, let alone the Wood River Valley, are preparing for record blazes, both in number and intensity.

It’s so dry … that at last week’s Idaho fire chiefs conference in Sun Valley, the mantra there was there’s no such thing as fire season anymore, it’s closer to year-round.

It’s so dry … that you should seriously consider reviewing the FireWise USA fact sheet on how to protect your home from being part of any blaze this year. That one-pager can be found at this shortened URL: tinyurl.com/duhfk8m2 And if a back-to-back-years drought condition isn’t already—literally and figuratively—adding fuel to the fire, the influx of new residents in the Valley and across central and southwest Idaho is the match that could ignite the blaze. Already by June 1, local fire officials will be banning all open burns regardless of federal guidelines.

Continued FIRE SEASON Page 2

The Idaho SNOTEL Snow/Precipitation Report, as of Monday, May 17, shows drier than normal conditions in and around the Wood River Valley. Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service

2

Wood River Weekly

NEWS

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

‘Pretty nasty’ fire season

ENVIRONMENT

Continued from Page 1

If everything goes right—such as folks following regulations and other guidance—all of this may be looked at in hindsight as hyperbole and overreaction. But for fire officials like Sun Valley Fire Chief Taan Robrahn and Assistant Fire Chief Rich Bauer, the high likelihood of a nasty fire season is on the forefront of their minds.

“When all the factors line up just right, we’re due to have a significant wildfire in the Valley,” Bauer said. “We have to be on top of this because what we can’t do is overstress our resources early.”

Bauer pointed out that last year in April there was an early fire event out East Fork. This year, a similar fire event took place in Indian Creek in April, but a week earlier.

The Factors In a recent arson fire that turned brushfire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazes remarked that he woke that morning and it was raining, there was a relative humidity in the 60s with winds well below 10 miles per hour all day, but that the blaze was still going strong and less than 25% contained.

“Fire just doesn’t behave that way,” Terrazes said.

Like our part of the West, California has experienced back-to-back years of drought. So wildfire fuel is robust.

But Robrahn and Bauer point out an additional stressor here: growth.

“With so many new people, we get first-time campers, more recreational vehicles, etc.,” Robrahn said. “People don’t realize how many fires get started just because their [tow] chains are dragging.”

Unextinguished campfires are also a common spark.

According to Robrahn and Bauer, at one point last year 28 unattended campfires had to be put out by forest crews, in just one day.

“Right now, we’re in the education phase,” Robrahn said.

And that’s why both men have been meeting with homeowner associations in the area to talk about homeowner fire prevention methods and evacuation plans. They have meetings lined up with federal officials to coordinate contingency plans and fire regulations, among other items.

Local fire departmernts often send vehicles and crews to assist other states with wildland fire. It is a balancing act to weigh helping neighbours and keeping resources for possibe local fires. Pictured is Ketchum Rural Fire (now North County Rural Fire) E-20 in California. Photo credit: Wood River Weekly

Thank You, Health Care Workers!

You’ve worked tirelessly this past year saving lives, keeping spirits up, and comforting the sick and grieving. On behalf of all the lives you’ve touched, thank you.

Wood River Weekly

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

jane’s artifacts

WRW STAFF PUBLISHER Christopher Seldon (208) 788-4789 publisher@woodriverweekly.com

arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party

106 S. MAIN, HAILEY • 208.788.0848 • JANESARTIFACTS@COX.NET

Visit our NEW JANE’S STATIONERY STORE on Bullion Street across the alley from Jane’s Artifacts featuring:

MARKETING & SALES Mandi Iverson (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Eric Valentine news@woodriverweekly.com ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan dana@woodriverweekly.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey

• FUNNY CARDS • PARTY GOODS • STATIONERY • GIFTS • WRAPPING SUPPLIES

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Mandi Iverson mandi@woodriverweekly.com Christopher Seldon chris@woodriverweekly.com ACCOUNTING accounting@woodriverweekly.com DEADLINES Display & Classified Ads, Monday 5 p.m.

Calendar Submissions — Friday 5 p.m.

DON’T FORGET YOUR GRADUATION GIFTS AND SUPPLIES.

CONTACT Wood River Weekly P.O. Box 3483 Hailey, Idaho 83333 (208) 788-4789 woodriverweekly.com

Voted “Best Asian Cuisine”

For the safety of the community and to slow the spread,

TAKEOUT & DINE-IN

Mon: 3:00pm - 8pm • Tue-Sat: 12pm - 8pm • Sunday CLOSED Thank you and stay safe!

310 MAIN STREET IN HAILEY

(208) 928-7111

FR ITZ

Neutered Male 2 Years Old Looking for an active, loyal, well-mannered companion?

Fritz checks all those boxes and more. Fritz is truly the jack of all trades, a master of none- but doesn’t believe you have to be perfect at anything to really enjoy it... And this sweet boy certainly lives his life to the fullest, but is still looking for that forever home to call his own.

101 Croy Creek Rd, Hailey mountainhumane.org 208-788-4351

Wood River Insurance

A Member of Asset Protection Group

3

4

Wood River Weekly

FLY SUN

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

NEWS

ANNOUNCING SUN SUMMER FLIGHT SCHEDULE! MORE SPRING & SUMMER FLIGHTS - NONSTOP TO 5 CITIES

Masking Mashup

COVID

We are happy to announce the SUN spring and summer 2021 flight schedule, with more flights and more convenience for spring and summer travel!

NEW THIS SPRING! Alaska SEA flights April 10 - late May (Sat) NEW THIS SUMMER! Delta SLC 4th daily flight added

SEA: Nonstop flights Sat in April/May, daily May 20 through Sept 6, 2x week Sept-mid Dec

SLC: Nonstop flights 3x daily in April & May, 4x daily summer

DEN: Nonstop flights daily June 3-Sept 6 SFO: Nonstop flights weekends June 4-27; daily July 1-Sept 6 LAX: Nonstop flights Sat/Sun June 5-27, daily July 1-Sept 6 All flights are available for booking online.

«

Sign up here for airfare deal alerts and news too!

www.flysunvalleyalliance.com

Check SUN fares first!

Fly SUN. Nonstop to DEN • LAX • ORD • SEA • SFO • SLC ONE STOP TO THE WORLD

Mask mandates across the valley have been getting rescinded, but establishments still have the right to require masks. Photo credit: Wood River Weekly.

CDC guidelines, multiple mandates and a lawsuit stir confusion, controversy

I

By Eric Valentine

f you’re in Ketchum indoors, mask up, unless you’re in your car headed to Hailey. There you can take your mask off anywhere, except when you’re in certain retail establishments—that’s up to each and every private owner—and the airport because, you know, “out of towners.” Then, when you go past Bellevue toward Picabo or Fairfield … well, just do whatever you want; folks are busy making and watching TikTok videos.

We kid.

But ever since the CDC told Americans that anyone who is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is fully safe to go maskless indoors and outdoors, that simple statement has become a complex mashup of the masked and the maskless, the vaccinated and the vulnerable.

Confusing matters even more—for some, at least—is the litigation brought against the City of Hailey and its mayor, Martha Burke.

On Friday, the newly organized Health Freedom Defense Fund, Inc., filed suit against Burke and the city in federal court. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of five adult Valley residents and the minor children of four of those individuals, contends that the use of face coverings by the general population is “experimental” and that Hailey’s mask mandate “is a forced human experiment.” The lawsuit goes on to claim that physical, mental and emotional harm has been suffered by the plaintiffs. The parties are asking the court to: • Enter a declaratory judgment that the mask mandate violates due process rights.

• Issue an injunction prohibiting enforcement of the mask mandate.

• Order the city and Burke to cover plaintiff legal fees.

• Order further relief, as the court deems just.

Continued CDC GUIDELINES Next Page

Wood River Weekly

NEWS

Masking mashup

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

COVID

NEWS

5

IN BRIEF

Continued from Page 4

By Friday afternoon, Burke rescinded the mask mandate, citing the new CDC guidelines and data from the South Central Public Health District regarding the relatively high number of people in the Valley who have been fully vaccinated and the relatively low number of new cases here. Also by Friday afternoon, at least one founding member of the Health Freedom Defense Fund sent out an email claiming in the subject line “Victory!”

In her email, the self-described vaccine safety advocate wrote: “Burke could have done nothing or simply repealed the mandate for the vaccinated but she repealed the mandate in its entirety even though President Biden tweeted just yesterday that unvaccinated people will have to continue wearing masks. She felt our pressure and jumped on the first chance to get rid of Hailey’s unlawful mandate. We are grateful Mayor Burke chose to do the right thing for the citizens of Hailey and the Wood River Valley. We hope the city council will confirm on Monday, and expect that they will, given the lawsuit filed against them. Should the other cities of the valley not follow suit, we may sue them too.”

Biden’s tweet: “The rule is now simple: get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do.

The choice is yours.”

To be clear, Biden’s tweet was not a statement regarding the rule of law, but more like an off-the-cuff “rule of thumb.” It was made—advisably or not—on Thursday in response to the new CDC guidelines, which also prompted mask removals mid-meeting inside the Oval Office.

As for Burke, she’s being very clear her action has nothing to do with the lawsuit.

“What this shows is that I’m doing my best to follow science,” Burke said, adding

that the Wood River Weekly’s phone message asking for comment on the lawsuit was the first she had heard about it.

“After I speak with you, I’m calling the city attorney,” Burke said.

Burke made the following points: • If the data starts to indicate an uptick in COVID-19 cases locally, she’ll be reinstating the mandate.

• She will continue personally to wear a mask indoors and is encouraging others to do the same, vaccinated or not.

• Anecdotally, during her Saturday trip to Albertsons and her Sunday trip to Atkinsons’, she saw all staff and patrons still wearing masks.

Since the summer of 2020, Blaine County and four of its cities—Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley—have had mask mandates. What follows is a rundown of where things stand as of press deadline Tuesday.

Sun Valley On Monday afternoon, the City of Sun Valley rescinded its mask mandate.

Ketchum On Monday afternoon, the City of Ketchum rescinded its mask mandate.

Hailey On Friday afternoon, mayor Martha Burke rescinded the mask mandate and the city council ratified the action on Monday night.

Bellevue According to mayor Ned Burns, changes to the mask mandate will be on the May 24 city council meeting agenda.

Brendan Dennehy and his son Dax. Photo credit: Brendan Dennehy GoFundMe campaign

GoFundMe Campaign Launched For Popular Restaurant Owner

Longtime business owner Brendan Dennehy, who many local restaurant lovers know affectionately as “B”, was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumor in March. To assist him and his family with medical bills a GoFundMe campaign, with a goal of $100,000, has been launched. As of press deadline Tuesday, nearly $63,000 has been raised.

Dennehy is the owner of the popular Asian fusion restaurant in Hailey called Zou 75. Recently, he got accepted into an experimental trial based out of Santa Monica, Calif., the campaign said. More details can be found at GoFundMe.com under the search term: Team B-lieve for Brendan Dennehy.

Ketchum To Bring Back The Music

Ketch’em Alive and Jazz in the Park are returning for the summer 2021 season, the City of Ketchum confirmed last week. Ketch’em Alive will kick off Tuesday, June 15, and run through Aug. 10. Music starts at 7 p.m. at Forest Service Park (subject to change) and there will be food and beverage partners participating.

Jazz in the Park will return to Rotary Park every Sunday at 6 p.m. from July 4 to Aug. 1.

Arson Info Reward Now $10K

Make it $10,000.

Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have added another $5,000 to the already $5,000 of state reward money for information about who set the fire that destroyed the Croy Street Exchange building more than two months ago.

Anyone with information about the fire may call the Idaho arson hotline at 877-75-ARSON. All tips will be kept confidential.

Because community matters.

Bellevue branch now open!

731 N Main St, Ste A 208.788.2200

dlevans.com

6

Wood River Weekly

NEWS

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

BEARING CROSSES

EVENTS

Jenni Riley, MBA, FPQPTM

Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalTM Director of Operations

HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC is pleased to announce Louisiana State University has conferred upon Jenni Riley, a Master of Business Administration degree.

HazlettWealthManagement.com 208.726.0605 675 SUN VALLEY ROAD, SUITES J1 + J2 KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340 Hazlett Wealth Management, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

We build nest eggs.

HazlettWealthManagement.com 208.726.0605 675 SUN VALLEY ROAD, SUITES J1 + J2 KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340 Hazlett Wealth Management, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Pastor Robbie Walden (center, green sweatshirt) is launching a Cross Walk event locally, wherein worshippers hike up mountains with a cross. Photo credit: Robbie Walden

Local pastor, war vet, country rocker launches 1st annual Cross Walk

I

By Eric Valentine

erally carried the cross up the local mountain there. The event, Walden said, has also been taking place for about a decade now, in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. While participants should be dressed in athletic wear and hiking or running shoes, Walden said the pace won’t be grueling for the average person. In addition, there will be a shuttle service at seven different locations from Bellevue to Ketchum where people can tap out or tap in.

“The van is going to have everything we’ll need—snacks, water, sunblock, basic first-aid,” Walden said.

On Sunday, the event settles in at Life Church at 931 North River Street in Hailey for a more traditional sermon. Details on meeting times and locations can be found on Walden’s nonprofit ministry website ItTakesAVillageMinistries.org.

The Backstory Walden’s last five years have been spent here in the Valley. But it’s his years prior that led him to his life’s calling. In his youth, Walden was adopted by a family after suffering what he called “severe child abuse” and “something you battle as a kid and as an adult.”

Despite the rough start in life, Walden excelled at both athletics and music. He was offered a fullride scholarship to wrestle for the University of Oregon, but turned it down. The Army had an even better offer: to wrestle for the All-Army Wrestling Team, a sort of feeder program for the Team USA Olympic wrestling. Walden burned out on wrestling rather quickly, but not from life in the military. He earned the rank of sergeant and was a part of special operations unit.

In 2001, during the events of 9/11, Walden was stationed at a

n the film “Gladiator,” Russell Crowe’s character—a general in the Roman army—is asked

by Emperor Marcus Aurelius this question: “What is Rome?” The loyal officer responds: “I’ve seen much of the world. It is brutal and cruel and dark. Rome is the light.”

For Robbie Walden, the harsher world is his personal past, and the light is his focused vocation to share his truth at the local Life Church in Hailey—where he is pastor—and beyond.

“I’ve tried everything under the sun … but only one thing changed anything or fixed anything, my faith in Jesus Christ,” explains Walden, the Iraqi war veteran and Purple Heart recipient who had battled PTSD and other conditions for years.

It is with that level of earnestness and excitement that Walden and his wife Yvonne are launchContinued ing what they plan to be an anCROSS WALK nual weekend of worship here Next Page called Cross Walk. The threeday affair takes place June 11 to 13 with a 33-mile cross-bearing hike on that Saturday, June 12, up two mountains: Quigley and Carbonate.

The Friday event is called “Music on the Mountain” where Walden, a one-time Nashville singer-songwriter with Curb Records, will perform atop Quigley Mountain and hold a prayer service.

“We’ll be praying for our graduates, our country, our Valley.

Everybody’s welcome,” Walden said.

The 33-mile excursion on Saturday will be new for the Valley, but not for Walden. He’s taken part in a 100-mile version of the Walden, pastor at Life Church in Hailey, and his wife Yvonne. Photo credit: Robbie Walden event in Louisiana where he lit-

Wood River Weekly

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

7

Continued from Previous Page

base in New York. He was part of the rescue crews who discovered the remains of the victims there.

By 2004, he was serving in Iraq when his team got ambushed.

Walden survived it but not before taking a bullet to the heart-side of his chest near his shoulder, an injury that produced a Purple Heart Award and three surgeries that has left him with “a system of eight pulleys” in his shoulder so his upper-body muscles operate properly.

“Overall, I’m blessed,” observed Walden, who said more than 10 of his military buddies are no longer alive, not due to war, but to its aftermath—suicide.

So it’s little wonder that many of the people who now worship with Walden and take part in the Cross Walks around the nation are military veterans.

“Seek and you shall find,” Walden says, quoting scripture.

“I love being a pastor but I really see myself as an evangelist.

I want to share my story everywhere I can.”

Two maps indicate the route of the Saturday Cross Walk event (l) and the Friday music/prayer event atop Quigley Mountain (r). Images credit: Robbie Walden

Shine a light on spring savings.

NEW 2021 RAV4 LE

$249 36 $2,999 PER MO.

MOS.

AFTER $500 LEASE BONUS CASH APPLIED TO AMOUNT DUE AT SIGNING

DUE AT SIGNING, PLUS TAXES AND FEES

NEW 2021 VENZA LE

$259 36 $2,999 PER MO.

MOS.

AFTER $750 LEASE BONUS CASH APPLIED TO AMOUNT DUE AT SIGNING

DUE AT SIGNING, PLUS TAXES AND FEES

TOYOTA.COM

318 Shoshone St W • Twin Falls

*

733-2891 • 800-621-5247

Prototypes shown with options. Extra-cost color shown. Excludes TRD Pro models. Customer cash from Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. Must be applied to the transaction. No cash payment will be made to consumer. Lease a new 2021 RAV4 LE for $249 a month for 36 months with $3,499 due at signing on approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. $500 Subvention Cash applied to amount due at signing. TFS lease due at signing of $3,499 includes $2,600 Cap. Cost Reduction, $650 acq. Fee which totals $3,250 down, and 1st month’s payment. Base MSRP excl. freight is $27,550. Cap cost $27,824. Lease-end purchase option $18,846. $350 disposition fee due at lease end. Total lease cost is $12,214. Lease a new 2021 Venza LE for $259 a month for 36 months with $3,749 due at signing on approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. $750 Subvention Cash applied to amount due at signing. TFS lease due at signing of $3,749 includes $2,840 Cap. Cost Reduction, $650 acq. fee which totals $3,490 down, and 1st month’s payment. Base MSRP excl. freight is $32,470 Cap cost $33,127. Lease-end purchase option $22,542. $350 disposition fee due at lease end. Total lease cost is $12,814. Call 1-800-79-Toyota for details. Does not include taxes, license, title/registration fees, dealer fees and Oregon tax (.05%). Down payment may be required. Does not include College Grad or Military Rebate. Varies by region. See dealer for details. †$350 disposition fee due at lease end unless customer purchases vehicle or decides to re-finance through Toyota Financial Services. Customer responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear and $0.15 per mile over 12,000 miles per year. Lease does not include taxes, license, title fees, insurance, regionally required equipment and other dealers’ charges are extra and not included in the amounts shown. Closed-end lease. Payment may vary depending upon final transaction price. Subject to availability. Offers may vary by region. See participating dealer for details. *ToyotaCare Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Offers end 6/1/21.

8

Wood River Weekly

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

WOOD RIVER WEEKLY SUMMER + FALL 2021

101 THINGS TO DO Day Trips | Summer Checklist | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Start Your Story Here...

MAGAZINE

10,000 copies distributed to over 250 locations for 6 months!

Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Food Finds | Start Your Story Here...

101 things to do s ummer + au t u m n 2 0 1 9

Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Food Finds | Start Your Story Here...

101 things to do su mm er + aut um n 2 0 1 9

Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Food Finds | Start Your Story Here...

101 things to do s ummer + aut umn 2019

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Hunt Drawing Results Now Available

Hunters who applied for controlled hunts for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats can see if they drew a tag by going to the controlled hunt results webpage. Email notifications were sent to successful and unsuccessful applicants with an email on their license profile. Licensing staff will issue and mail the tags over the next few weeks, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said.

Customers who purchased their application online or by phone will receive their refund on the credit card used to make the purchase no later than June 30. Those who purchased their application in person at a Fish and Game office or license vendor will receive a paper check, mailed to the address on file, by June 10.

Hunters who applied for moose, sheep and goat cannot apply for most deer, elk and pronghorn controlled hunts, but they can apply for Super Hunt tags, which include deer, elk, pronghorn and moose. Anyone who draws a Super Hunt tag can hunt in any open hunt area for the species drawn, including general and controlled hunts.

Entries are $6 each for a single species and $20 for a Super Hunt combo that includes one tag for each species. Deadline for entries for the first Super Hunt drawing is May 31. Winners will be notified

by June 10 and a second drawing is available in August.

Half-Million-Dollar Cop Lands Book Deal

THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Everything 5B

THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Everything 5B

THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Everything 5B

Rates

Full-Page Glossy ........... $450 Full-Page ....................... $349 Half-Page....................... $269 Quarter-Page ................. $189 Space is limited. Call now for ad reservations

Mandi: (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com

The best deal in local print advertising

Harrison Insurance

an authorized select independent agency “For All Your Insurance Needs!”

One-stop shopping for Business, Commercial, Home, Auto, Umbrella, Life, Health and Medigap insurance policies 208.788.3255 - nathan@harrisonins.com 101 E. Bullion Ste. 2A Hailey, ID

Please consider supporting our newspaper by sending us some Bitcoin (BTC) using the QR code to the left, or signing up for our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/woodriverweekly. ~Thanks!

White privilege, free speech or, more likely something in between, is alive and well. With a new goal of reaching $1 million in his GoFundMe campaign (he’s more than halfway there), Bellevue deputy marshal Nate Silvester has landed a book deal, too.

“Deputy Marshal Nate Silvester shares a revealing look at his life as a cop in 2021, the societal pressures of the job, the concept of being ‘never off duty,’ and standing up to speak on behalf of tens of thousands of silenced police officers and their frightened families,” his publisher DiAngelo Publications says on the page hawking pre-orders of the $25 book, the first 200 copies of which will be signed by Silvester.

Silvester made himself semi-famous in recent weeks when one of his TikTok videos went viral. In the video, Silvester—in uniform and apparently in a squad car—acts out a fictitious conversation between himself and NBA superstar LeBron James. The video aims to poke holes in what Silvester assumes to be James’ view on excessive force by police.

Silvester apparently lost one week of pay when the Bellevue Marshal’s Office put him on leave following the video release. He said he will donate some of the money he’s made from the campaign to a police-focused charity.

Lost Hiker Rescued

On Tuesday, May 11, at approximately 4:54 p.m, Blaine County Search and Rescue was dispatched to a report of a lost adult male hiker in the Adams Gulch/Fox Creek area, north of Ketchum.

Incident command was set up at the Adams Gulch trailhead by Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the Ketchum Fire Department. The hiker reported being uninjured but lost and having trouble locating the trail due to area snow. The victim’s cellphone was pinged to be on the Fox Creek loop trail on the ridge between Adams Gulch and Fox Creek.

Air St. Luke’s was contacted and was able to quickly get their helicopter in the air. The helicopter team was able to locate the victim and pick him up on the ridgeline. The hiker was brought to the incident command at the trailhead. No injuries were reported to rescuers or the hiker.

The St. Luke’s chopper heads out on what would be a successful search and rescue north of Ketchum. Photo credit: Blaine County Sheriff’s Office

‘Local Gems’ Initiative To Relaunch

The City of Ketchum is joining U.S. Senator Jim Risch and the Idaho Department of Commerce to relaunch the second annual Support Local Gems initiative, which will serve as an all-day event to support Idaho small businesses as they come off a year of significant challenges.

On Friday, May 21, Ketchum residents and visitors are invited to Support Local Gems by being a customer to their favorite local shops and restaurants. All Idahoans can get involved by shopping at a small business, dining safely at an independent restaurant, purchasing a gift card for a loved one, writing a review online or simply saying “thank you” to a small business they love.

“We have all been through very challenging times and our local businesses have suffered greatly,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “I am very proud of all of Ketchum’s businesses for applying local protocols to keep their customers and employees safe. Let’s take every opportunity to support them.”

Last year, Ketchum’s businesses faced unprecedented hardships as they worked to remain viable through the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support them, Senator Jim Risch and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched Support Local Gems to encourage Idahoans to shop and dine locally. On the second annual Support Local Gems initiative, Idahoans are encouraged to give their full support once again to the small businesses that make Idaho a special place to live and grow.

Wood River Weekly

OPINION

U

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

9

CAITLIN JOHNSTONE

The Rising Threat Of Nuclear War

By Caitlin Johnstone

S Strategic Command, the branch of the US military responsible for America’s nuclear arsenal, tweeted the following on Tuesday:

“The spectrum of conflict today is neither linear nor predictable. We must account for the possibility of conflict leading to conditions which could very rapidly drive an adversary to consider nuclear use as their least bad option.”

The statement, which STRATCOM called a “preview” of the Posture Statement it submits to US Congress every year, was a bit intense for Twitter and sparked a lot of alarmed responses. This alarm was due not to any inaccuracy in STRATCOM’s frank statement, but due to the bizarre fact that our world’s increasing risk of nuclear war barely features in mainstream discourse. #USSTRATCOM Posture Statement Preview: The spectrum of conflict today is neither linear nor predictable. We must account for the possibility of conflict leading to conditions which could very rapidly drive an adversary to consider nuclear use as their least bad option. pic.twitter.com/4Oe7xkl05L — US Strategic Command (@US_Stratcom) April 20, 2021 STRATCOM has been preparing not just to use its nuclear arsenal for deterrence but also to “win” a nuclear war should one arise from the (entirely US-created) “conditions” which are “neither linear nor predictable”. And it’s looking increasingly likely that one will as the prevailing orthodoxy among western imperialists that US unipolar hegemony must be preserved at all cost rushes headlong toward America’s plunge into post-primacy.

The US has been ramping up aggressions with Russia in a way that has terrified experts, and it looks likely to continue doing so. These aggressions are further complicated on increasingly tense fronts like Ukraine, which is threatening to obtain nuclear weapons if it isn’t granted membership to NATO, either of which would increase the risk of conflict. Aggressions against nuclear-armed China are escalating on what seems like a daily basis at this point, with potential flashpoints in the China Seas, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, India, and any number of other possible fronts.

STRATCOM commander Charles Richard told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that China’s nuclear capabilities are advancing so rapidly that they’re not even bothering with intelligence vetted more than a month ago in their briefings because it’s probably already out of date, urging an upgrade in America’s nuclear infrastructure. Richard reportedly testified that a portion of China’s nuclear arsenal has been recently primed for ready use.

The fact that those in charge of US nuclear weapons now see both Russia and China as a major nuclear threat, and the fact that US cold warriors are escalating against both of them, is horrifying. This is to say nothing of tensions between nuclear-armed Pakistan and nuclear-armed India, between nuclear-armed Israel and its neighbors, and between nuclear-armed North Korea and the western empire.

While China keeps the majority of its forces in a peacetime status, increasing evidence suggests China has moved a portion of its nuclear force to a Launch on Warning (LOW) posture and are adopting a limited “high alert duty” strategy. @US_Stratcom testimony at SASC right now.

— Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) April 20, 2021 The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has the 2021 Doomsday Clock at 100 seconds to midnight, citing the rising threat of nuclear war: “Accelerating nuclear programs in multiple countries moved the world into less stable and manageable territory last year. Development of hypersonic glide vehicles, ballistic missile defenses, and weapons-delivery systems that can flexibly use conventional or nuclear warheads may raise the probability of miscalculation in times of tension. Events like the deadly assault earlier this month on the US Capitol renewed legitimate concerns about national leaders who have sole control of the use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear nations, however, have ignored or undermined practical and available diplomatic and security tools for managing nuclear risks. By our estimation, the potential for the world to stumble into nuclear war—an ever-present danger over the last 75 years—increased in 2020. An extremely dangerous global failure to address existential threats—what we called ‘the new abnormal’ in 2019—tightened its grip in the nuclear realm in the past year, increasing the likelihood of catastrophe.”

In a recent interview with Phoenix Media Co-op’s Slava Zilber, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft nuclear policy specialist Joe Cirincione described a ramp-up in weapons technology among all nuclear-armed nations in the world, the future of which he described as “bleak”:

happening along two fronts, with a bunch of proxy conflicts complicating things even further. There are so very many small moving parts, and it’s impossible to remain in control of all of them.

People like to think every nuclear-armed country has one “The Button” with which they can consciously choose to start a nuclear war after careful deliberation, but it doesn’t work that way. There are thousands of people in the world controlling different parts of different nuclear arsenals who could independently initiate a nuclear war.

Thousands of “The Buttons”. It only takes one. The arrogance of believing anyone can control such a conflict safely, for years, is astounding.

A 2014 report published in the journal Earth’s Future found that it would only take the detonation of 100 nuclear warheads to throw 5 teragrams of black soot into the earth’s stratosphere for decades, blocking out the sun and making the photosynthesis of plants impossible. This could easily starve every terrestrial organism to death that didn’t die of radiation or climate chaos first. China has hundreds of nuclear weapons; Russia and the United States have thousands.

This should be the main thing everyone talks about. There is literally no more urgent matter on earth than the looming possibility that everyone might die in a nuclear war.

But people don’t see it.

On a recent Tucker Carlson Tonight appearance, former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard did a solid job describing the horrors of nuclear war and the very real possibility that it could be inflicted upon us due to America’s insane brinkmanship with Russia.

She spoke earnestly about how “such a war would come at a cost beyond anything we can really imagine,” painting an entirely accurate picture of “hundreds of millions of people dying and suffering, seeing their flesh being burned from their bones.”

Gabbard is correct, and was right to give such a confrontational account of what we are looking at right now. But if you read the replies to Gabbard’s tweet in which she shared a clip from the interview, you’ll see a deluge of commenters accusing her of “hyperbole”, saying she’s being soft on Putin, and admonishing her for appearing on Tucker Carlson. It’s like they can’t even hear what she’s saying, how real it is, how significant it is.

People’s failure to wrap their minds around this issue is a testament to the power of normalcy bias, a cognitive glitch which causes us to assume that because something bad hasn’t happened in the past, it won’t happen in the future. We survived the last cold war by the skin of our teeth, entirely by sheer, dumb luck; the only reason people are around to bleat “hyperbole” is because we got lucky. There’s no reason to believe we’ll get lucky in this new cold war environment; only normalcy bias says we will.

Believing we’ll survive this cold war just because we survived the last one is as sane as believing Russian roulette is safe because the guy passing you the gun didn’t die.

It’s also a testament to the power of plain old psychological compartmentalization.

People can’t handle the idea of everything ending, of everyone they know and love dying, of watching their loved ones die in flames or from radiation poisoning right in front of them, all because someone made a mistake at the wrong time after a bunch of imperialists decided that US planetary domination was worth rolling the dice on the life of every terrestrial organism for.

But mostly it’s a testament to the ubiquitous malpractice of the western media. It’s inconvenient to the agendas of the imperial war machine to have people protesting these insane cold war games of nuclear brinkmanship, so their media stenographers barely touch on this issue. If mainstream journalism actually existed, this flirtation with nuclear war would be front and center in everyone’s awareness and people would be flooding the streets in protest against their lives being toyed with as casino chips in an insane all-or-nothing gamble.

This is so much bigger than any of the petty little things we spend our mental energy on from day to day. It’s bigger than whatever your number one pet issue is. It’s bigger than your disdain for Moscow or Beijing. It’s bigger than my disdain for the US empire. It’s bigger than our political opinions. It’s bigger than whatever argument we might be having on the internet. It’s bigger than whether or not we’ve got a problem with Tulsi Gabbard appearing on Tucker Carlson.

Because once the nukes start flying, none of that will matter. None of it. All that will matter is the fact that this is all ending. If you open the door and see a mushroom cloud growing on the horizon, all of your mental priorities will rearrange themselves real quick.

We should not be in this situation. There is no good reason governments should be playing these games with these weapons. There is no good reason we can’t just get along with each other and collaborate toward a healthy world together. Only the psychopathic agendas of power-hungry imperialists perpetuate this insane balancing act, and it benefits none of us ordinary people in any way.

The rising threat of nuclear war is the most urgent matter in the world, and it’s absolute madness that we’re not talking about it all the time.

Let’s do what we can to change that.

“We right now have a global nuclear arms race. Each of the nine nuclear-armed nations are building new weapons. Some are replacing weapons that are getting old.

Others are expanding their arsenals. But all of these new weapons represent new capabilities for these countries. So you’re seeing a qualitative and a quantitative arms race that is completely unchecked.

“If you look at the data that’s collected by the Federation of American Scientists, for example, you see that – since the 1980s at the height of the Cold War – we have slashed the global nuclear arsenals. We went from a world in 1986 where there were almost 70,000 nuclear weapons in the world down to where we are now where there’s just about 13,500 nuclear weapons. Tremendous progress. 85% reduction in the stockpile…

“But it’s flattened out. There really haven’t been significant reductions for years.

The 2010 New START agreement was the last successful arms control agreement.

That was 11 years ago. There’s been no reduction agreement since then. There’ve been no talks about new reductions agreements. Now I think the future of arms control is bleak. It’s bleak. And I see no interest really in a new round of arms control either from the United States or from Russia. So I’m pessimistic about our prospects.”

As I all too frequently find myself having to remind people, the primary risk here is not that anyone will choose to have a nuclear war, it’s that a nuke will be deployed amid heightening tensions as a result of miscommunication, miscalculation, misfire, or malfunction, as nearly happened many times during the last cold war, thereby setting off everyone’s nukes as per Mutually Assured Destruction.

The more tense things get, the likelier such an event becomes. This new cold war is

Nuclear weapon test Bravo (yield 15 Mt) on Bikini Atoll. The Bravo event was an experimental thermonuclear device surface event. The size of the Castle Bravo test on March 1, 1954 far exceeded expectations, causing widespread radioactive contamination. The fallout spread traces of radioactive material as far as Australia, India, and Japan, and even to the United States and parts of Europe. It was organized as a secret test, but it quickly became an international incident, prompting calls for a ban on the atmospheric testing of thermonuclear devices. Photo credit: United States Department of Energy

10

COMM ENT ARY Wood River Weekly

Fishing R epoRt

NO BONES ABOUT IT THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 19 - JUNE 1 FROM PICABO ANGLER

O

pening day of trout fishing is only a few short weeks away in Idaho.

We are super-excited at Picabo Angler, as all our new product rolls in. We are also super-excited to bring back our Opening Day Eve party. This year it will be on Friday, May 28. Come on down around 5 p.m. Some vendors will be here. We will have rods and targets to cast at.

Sawtooth Brewery will have beer here and we’ll have some pulled pork to purchase, as well. Please come join us and catch up with all your fishing friends. Everyone is welcome!

If you are going to fish Silver Creek on opening weekend, be sure to have your fly box ready.

We certainly may see Brown Drakes on the opener this season, as the date has been pushed back about a week later than the past few years. During the day, have your PMD (Pale Morning Dun) and BWO (Blue-Winged Olive) well stocked. Ants and Beetles are a must-have the first few weeks of the season, as well.

We don’t expect much runoff this season so there is a great chance the Big Wood and all our rivers may be fishing. If you see the freestone streams running clear, then you should have a lot of Stimulators in large sizes.

Royal Stimulators, as well as Orange and Yellow, are the way to go. If you want, hang a Copper John or Prince Nymph off of a Stimulator and start covering water.

The Lost River and South Fork of the Boise should also fish well this season on the opener. Flows may be less than the spring flows we are used to seeing in these dam-released waters. Expect to cast a variety of flies, from Yellow Sallies to Baetis. Big dries with beadhead droppers are going to catch fish.

Ants, Beetles and Spiders are also a great bet.

The rivers are going to be busy this summer and the water is going to be low. If you catch fish, we encourage you to release them without taking them from the water. This is not the year to take fish pics of anything less than the fish of your lifetime.

Let’s all take very good care of the resources, and each other, this year. The better we treat one another, and the fish, the better we are all going to be for it!

Happy fishing, everyone!

Hwy 20 in Picabo info@picaboangler.com (208)788.3536 www.picaboangler.com

I

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

Mouthy Doggies!

By Fran Jewell

have a very strong opinion about dogs that mouth people, even if it is in play or because of youth. Imagine yourself visiting my house. You come in and my 95-pound BIG German shepherd, Brinx, decides to put his mouth on your arm. Most people would absolutely be terrified.

Yet, we let our puppies, who are learning and imprinting machines, chew on our fingers, grab our pant legs, play tug with our bathrobe, and on and on. We think they will grow out of it. I had a client with a full-grown golden retriever grab his owner by her blouse and drag her to the back door to go out! Imagine my German shepherd doing that to YOU! Mouthing seems so cute to many of us, but the reality is that mouthing, even gentle mouthing, is not OK. What we allow and, consequently, TEACH our puppies to do, they will do when they are older. Mouthing is simply a sign of disrespect. It means the puppy or dog sees you as another puppy to be played with. Maybe that sounds cute to some, but the reality is that we should NEVER be seen by a dog as an equal to be gnawed on. To have a healthy relationship with your dog, there must be respect, just like in human relationships.

When dogs find it easy to put their mouths on people in play, it is almost certain they will never learn “bite inhibition.” Some will say that gentle mouthing is OK. Again, I bring up the comparison of a German shepherd, and many other large, protective breeds, coming up to you and putting their full-grown mouth on you. Even if YOU don’t mind it, someone visiting you might. I had an acquaintance whose German shepherd merely jumped on someone, scratching them and then got sued for an aggressive dog.

Not only is mouthing offensive to many, it can land someone in the middle of a lawsuit or even in confrontation with the law. While you may interpret the behavior as cute, gentle, or affectionate, someone else probably will not. If you own a notoriously protective breed, it can be even more serious.

I can’t think of any situation where mouthing is something that should be condoned. EVER. Even puppies can be taught that mouthing and biting is inappropriate. If you have a puppy that is older than 6 months and still mouthing and biting you, you must take this as a red flag. By then, it is almost impossible to stop without some serious intervention.

Prevention is always the best method. Don’t allow mouthing.

Don’t encourage it. There are tons and tons of food-dispensing toys that will engage those teeth in a healthy way. Make those a part of every-day food dispensing instead of a bowl.

Teach bite inhibition as early as possible. How we interpret dog

SCIENCE OF PLACE

I

FRAN JEWELL

BY HANNES THUM

Imagine my 95-pound Brinx putting his mouth on you. The requirements for behavior should be no different for a sweet Maltese or poodle, or ANY dog. Photo credit: Fran Jewell

behavior is almost always different from how dogs actually mean the behaviors. Be sure that you are not encouraging mouthing and biting. This could be a serious legal sentence for your dog later on in life.

Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.

Green Magic

miss a lot. It’s pretty well understood that our human sensory brains have to process and triage stimuli constantly, and that a lot gets cut out by subconscious processes before it ever makes it to our conscious awareness.

That is to say that a great deal of the information that passes through our eyes and ears and noses and otherwise into our nervous system never really makes it into our awareness. Or at least that’s how I feel.

So it strikes me when, for whatever reason, something catches my eye in a new way.

This time, it was a series of young green plants (that I think will prove to be arrowleaf balsamroot, but that’s not really here nor there) pushing themselves out of the ground on some southern hills last week, in a canyon that we frequent. If I kneeled down to look closer, this organism was a pioneer—pushing itself up and out of the soil, shoving small clods of dirt aside, and reaching up toward the sunny sky.

And then, I looked around and realized that, of course (duh), the whole hill was covered in these emerging plants—all of them growing fast and strong and true and filling up what was previously a brown hillside and turning it into a lush garden.

And then, I sat down and looked downhill into the canyon to where aspens and cottonwoods were suddenly catching the late afternoon sun in a brilliant green display of sprouting and blooming and flourishing vegetation.

How can we ever take this crazy process for granted? Or how could I?

This, this making of something out of seemingly nothing. An actual creation of matter. From thin air. Like a rabbit out of a hat.

This has got to be one of the greatest magic tricks that the universe has ever come up with. Taking air and water and light and making new substances out of them, just as easy as pie. Certainly, as far as we humans are concerned, it might be the greatest gift that the universe has ever offered up.

Most of the universe, including our solar system, is bathed in energy. Electromagnetic radiation of one form of another washes over and around us, although most of it does not result in life.

Very little of our universe holds life as we

HANNES THUM

know it. As far as we know, this planet is the only place. And, the reason that life can exist here is because certain creatures, photosynthesizers such as plants, figured out how to capture little bits of that radiating energy and turn it into solid molecules that we can eat.

These plants convert the energy in the universe into biomass—the physical stuff of life. Without them, none of us would be alive.

It’s this insane ability to turn sunlight into organic molecules, in turn feeding every creature that you and I can name, that makes us indebted to photosynthesis.

And it’s this amazing trick that finally made me stop to look.

Wood River Weekly

MONEY MATTERS

KRISTIN HOVENCAMP

GOT INCOME?

•

W

No matter how long volatility lasts, a portfolio with exposure to sustainable dividend-paying stocks can offer income and increase total returns.

Kristin Hovencamp is an Investment Executive and Director of Business Development with HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC, which is independent of Raymond James and is not a registered broker/dealer. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Dividends are not guaranteed and must be authorized by the company’s board of directors. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. 675 Sun Valley Road, Suite J1 + J2 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208.726.0605. HazlettWealthManagement.com

INSPIRATIONS FROM MY HEART

T

JOELLEN COLLINS

By JoEllen Collins

“During the pandemic…” You may often hear these words in our new spring. As most of the lucky ones, many of us imagine we have escaped the worst of this virus, even though we despair when we think of those we have lost and of the devastating rise of cases around the world.

When I think about the effects of this past year-plus, the dominant word in my considerations is “gratitude,” certainly not for the suffering it has entailed, but for the positive personal reminders of having survived, for living where I do, for my friends and family, and for the blessing of freshly experiencing now the things we missed. I am aware even more strongly of being near such amazing medical care and community support. Stressed, under-equipped and protected, our medical and emergency service professionals made it through this disaster with energy, courage and faith. I hope our attempts at gratitude have been clear to them.

Sometimes we take for granted a non-crisis reality. Despite occasional complaints about cost and availability, we have access to physical and mental sanctuaries in the Wood River Valley when we need them. I have always respected my caregivers, wishing I’d had more ability in the sciences to have joined them.

Recently, for the first time in my life, I called 911. I was hideously sick with what turned out to be a different virus, one that attacked my gastrointestinal system so severely I could hardly walk. After I dealt with my family being away, I realized how late the hour, and was so flummoxed that I couldn’t even manage to call faithful friends. Instead, I called St. JoEllen Collins—a longtime Luke’s for advice. When they heard my age, I was instructed resident of the Wood River to hang up and immediately call 911. After I was taken to the Valley— is an Idaho Press emergency room, I was tested for a ream of possible problems Club award-winning columand given time to calm down, hydrate and rest safely. All the nist, a teacher, writer, fabric professionals I encountered, from the paramedics to late-night artist, choir member and doctors and nurses, were kind, caring and consistently alert unabashedly proud grandma to my comfort, explaining that I should not feel “guilty” for known as “Bibi Jo.” being there, but could rely on them.

Even the handsome, strong, and concerned paramedics displayed a sense of humor, a quality I admire more than most. In my feeble but usual talkativeness, I smiled through my mask and told them that I ought to call 911 more often if I could be surrounded by such hunks! (I’m sure they have heard this kind of riposte often, but they laughed anyway, which made this ham feel a bit better.)

When I returned home the next morning to my frantic doggies (who had to be kept in my bedroom all night), I was filled with gratitude that I was not diagnosed with something much more serious or a condition from the ravages of growing older. I am working on better emergency plans and lists, and have added the people I often forget to honor to my gratitude list.

So, thank you all, my true “heroes.”

DOVE

BY DOVE

“grace” was the energy field we were seeking. We received confirmation that we were indeed in a state of “grace.”

To me, a state of “grace” feels like I am totally connected to the earth, to nature, to humanity, health, abundance and, most of all, love. We are always guided and blessed. Just look for the signs.

I use a mantra of “I am divinely guided and protected in all ways.” I trust that to the depth of my being, but it has taken a lot of growth to consistently embrace that belief system. It can be so easy to get caught up in

11

DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Voice Inside

he voice inside is very quiet and you have to be still to hear it. It does not shout or tell you what to do. You can be sure if it is shouting, it is your ego trying to control and keep you trapped at a lower level of existence.

From my experience, the voice inside is always kind. It has no harsh words for any living thing.

It will always give love. That’s how I know I am connected to my higher guidance.

Patience is also required to hear that inner voice, which is your higher self, your guides or your angels. I prefer to leave the label blank as it limits my divine messages.

Your guidance can come from a piece of nature. Nature always gives us a sign but we so often miss the sign because we expect it to be bigger. As an example, today I was mediating out in nature with two friends. We had done a ritual where we had called in the angels by toning. We then went into a guided meditation as we all sat on a log by the river. What was amazing as we sat with Mother Earth and listened to the water, people were walking by, all with their dogs. Each dog checked us out. The guidance came from the names of the dogs that visited. Each was named “Grace.”

That was no coincidence because

ON LIFE’S TERMS

BY KRISTIN HOVENCAMP

e have never seen a stock market rebound as fast as the most recent bear market did. The market returned to record highs within four months. When the downturn began in late February 2020, was your inclination to sell some or all your holdings, or were you decidedly in it for the duration? For income-focused investors, volatile markets are a sharp reminder of why holding quality dividend-paying stocks can offer a sense of confidence.

What is a dividend-paying stock? Dividend payers tend to be larger, well-established companies with steady net profits, or cash flow, and long track records. These companies do not have the rapid growth potential that smaller, newish companies might offer, so they attract investors by paying Kristin Hovencamp, Direcregular dividends. Shareholders are potentially re- tor of Business Developwarded for owning equity in the company through ment at HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC appreciation and cash flow.

Why invest in dividend-paying companies?

The prospect of inflation, an uptick in interest rates, and less-than-compelling bond yields make dividend payers an excellent option. Dividend-paying stocks may deliver performance and capital preservation in most interest rate environments. When reinvested, dividends can amplify total stock portfolio returns.

How do you decipher which dividend-paying stocks are right for you? An investor seeking to cut risk and have exposure to stocks with a track record of consistent dividend payouts might invest in utilities, financials, materials, or the consumer staples sectors. If you are willing to ride out volatility, dividend-paying technology stocks could provide income and growth.

Do not get blinded by high yields. Yields can be deceiving. If a dividend yield is rising, is it due to increased profits or a decrease in share price? Be sure to research a company’s financial condition, including current earnings and guidance reports. Compare a company’s dividend growth rate, yield, and ability to pay dividends over time with their peers.

May 19 - June 1, 2021

the drama of everyday life. I still slip every day on embracing this belief, but I mostly am catching myself because the doubt and anxiety defeat my peace of mind.

At this stage in my life, I choose peace of mind, health of body and abundance of love.

Take time every day to chose to be divinely guided because that will build the trust that you are guided for the greatest good. This is about learning to love yourself.

Be kind to yourself and remember that there is always help. Just take a moment to release the offending issue and solutions are presented.

COWBOY POETRY

BRYCE ANGELL

Two Old Friends

I placed the saddle on his back, then pulled the cinch up tight.

Old Cyruss turned and looked at me. He knew we’d be all right.

I’d seen that look a thousand times. We’d earned each other’s trust. And at my age a gentle horse for dang sure is a must.

Old Cyruss ain’t no young one. I’d say prob’ly twenty-two. In human years we’re ‘bout the same. They say a rest is due.

I wonder if old Cyruss feels the stiffness from his age? The way my crooked fingers feel from rheumatism’s rage.

It seems like only yesterday, when I went off to work. The old men called me youngster and that drove me plumb berserk.

But now I look at Cyruss. He and I have both grown old. Now no one calls me youngster. It’s the wrinkles, I’ve been told.

And Cyruss doesn’t seem to have that spring left in his step. It’s obvious the two of us have up and lost our pep.

Some cowboys say that when a horse has lost his usefulness, “Just take him to the sale. It’s not a sign of selfishness.”

I can’t imagine any other fellow on my horse. The bond between a horse and rider shares a mighty force.

Old Cyruss has been good to me and I’ve been good to him. The chance of selling Cyruss, well, I’d say it’s mighty slim.

Most trainers tell you that a horse should never be a friend. I guess I broke that rule, ’cuz he’s my friend right to the end.

And soon enough we’ll turn him out to pasture for a time. I’ll feed and keep him company and hope that God is kind.

And when I get so doggone old and need someone to care, I hope I’m treated kindly ’til I meet old Cyruss there.

— Bryce Angell Bryce Angell - The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area.

Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.

12

Wood River Weekly

4TH ESTATE

By Eric Valentine

I

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

Unemployment Ploy

thought all the comments on social media about the reported labor shortages some businesses are finding themselves in were just that, comments on social media. But last week, Governor Brad Little made them policy. He forfeited the federal monies Idaho could use toward extended unemployment relief because, according to him, Idaho conservatives don’t want people on unemployment, they want them working (as if non-conservatives want the opposite).

Little, like other social media commenters, essentially had this knee-jerk reaction: Because unemployment payments are more lucrative and long-lasting now, people are opting to Netflix and chill Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. It’s a common-sense sort of reaction—you have to give people an incentive to work—that plays well in self-reliant American consciousness. He went on to boast of our state’s low unemployment numbers before officially denying our state coffers the federal money that I suppose will just go to Oregon now—same as weed.

What’s the non-knee-jerk reaction? To look a little at the data, and the law. If you’re on unemployment, you know you have to seek (or pretend to seek) at least two jobs per week to continue receiving benefits. You also have to report if you refused work. If you don’t, you can lose benefits or even pay them back. So, if there really is a laziness problem, it seems the first place to look is the actual Department of Labor itself (which receives state money), not the labor force (which was receiving federal

money).

Then there’s the issue of livable wages. As housing rates increase and as a pandemic increases on-the-job risks and as tip-friendly industries like food and hospitality still have capacity limits, a free market triggers higher pay rates. Ironically, it is anti-capitalist for the state government to step in and remove funds from the equation to prevent market factors from balancing themselves out. Sit with it, reflex won’t help wrap our heads around that one.

Now, the really big reason for the labor shortage: women. Depending on your source, the number of women who have had to remove themselves from the workforce is enormous—roughly 3 million. And many of those ladies aren’t coming back until schools are fully reopened and daycare access is more fully attainable. To Gov. Little’s credit, he is urging the passage of Senate Bill 1193. He says: “A strong foundation of learning before age 5 helps our youngest Idahoans prepare for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning. The availability of high-quality care is also one of the biggest factors in ensuring a strong workforce. A bill to provide $6 million for programs for kids 5-years-old and under is stuck in the Idaho House.

Please encourage your House member to pass SB 1193.

This is important legislation for Idaho kids!”

Reflex: The Idaho Freedom Foundation called it “ugly stuff” on social media, claiming the program would (somehow) teach Critical Race Theory to toddlers.

HAILEY GROCERY OUTLET

H

Hailey Grocery Outlet is located at 615 N. Main Street, Hailey.

HEALTH BEAT

AVAILABLE POSITIONS Grocery Manager Closing Manager

• • • • • • • • • •

Produce Team Deli/Dairy Team Frozen Team Cashiers Health & Beauty Lead General Merchandise Lead NOSH (Natural Organics Specialty and Healthy) lead Beer & Wine Lead Grocery Team Stockers/Floor Workers

All positions are Full Time or Part Time. Candidates must have flexible schedules and availability on weekend/holidays. Wage is based on experience.

Apply online at: groceryoutlet.com OR email resumes to: hailey@groceryoutlet.com

Guidance For Masks

ST. LUKE’S WOOD RIVER MEDICAL STAFF AND CARMEN JACOBSEN, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/CNO, SLWR

O

Timmy can’t tie his shoelaces Jane can’t spell her name And when both can no longer see color The IFF will go insane

Now Hiring

ELLO... to one and all in the Wood River Valley. My name is Shane Anderson, Owner of Hailey Grocery Outlet. We will be opening on June 24th at 8 a.m. We are just as excited as you are to have a very different grocery store in the area.

What makes us different? Stay tuned.... Come see us when we open and give us a like on Facebook (Hailey Grocery Outlet) to learn more.

It’s time to hire our Team. We are looking for great customer service, wonderful attitudes and awesome personalities. We can teach anyone with those qualities the grocery business. Please apply and I will be in touch with you soon ~Shane • •

n Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines and announced that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks and resume normal activities, with some specific exceptions. The revised CDC guidelines are based on “a growing body of evidence that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others.”

ERIC VALENTINE

What is not yet known, and under investigation, is how well the vaccines protect against emerging variants or how long protection from the vaccine will last.

It is encouraging to be able to resume activities and to be able to see each other’s smiling faces.

The CDC’s recommendations have caused some confusion and concern, particularly around relaxing mask guidance for indoor activities since it is not possible to determine whether a person is vaccinated or not without requesting verification.

As you think about resuming normal activities and whether to wear a mask or not, we ask that you take the following into consideration: There isn’t an easy way to identify who has been vaccinated and who has not. Our community will not be requiring vaccine passports or other means to verify vaccination status.

South Central Public Health District has provided vaccination rates for the cities within Blaine County, and it varies significantly. Sun Valley and Ketchum are at least 50% higher than Hailey, Bellevue and Carey. We are a mobile community, and the total vaccination rate should be considered.

Individuals in the 12–15-year-old group just became eligible to be vaccinated on Wednesday, May 12. It will take time (a minimum of 6 weeks) before this group begins to be fully vaccinated and protected. Children under the age of 12 are not able to be vaccinated at this time. Masking and other precautions will help protect younger residents.

While our current local vaccination rate is high and has contributed to our lower case rate as of late, we are currently in between our peak busy season and the decline in our case rate may be partially attributed to fewer

ST. LUKE’S

people being in town.

It will be important to continue to monitor and respond to the metrics utilized in the Blaine County risk assessment, including cases per 100,000, positivity rate, hospital capacity and other epidemiological factors.

St. Luke’s applauds people who have made choices throughout the pandemic that protect themselves and others. Getting vaccinated or wearing a mask is not just about protecting ourselves; it is about protecting others.

When questions arise about the vaccine, we encourage people to get answers from trusted, credentialed sources to make an informed choice.

The choices individuals make can and do make a difference—whether it is to wear a mask, physically distance, practice good hand hygiene, stay home when sick, or getting vaccinated People who choose not to be vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue to wear a mask and to practice other protection measures. The CDC mentions numerous exceptions to non-masked activities, such as travel on public transportation and visiting healthcare facilities, and has specific recommendations for those experiencing symptoms or who have been exposed to COVID. Thank you for your time and for your consideration.

Wood River Weekly

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

13

ADVERTORIALS ‘Mise En Place’ For Homebuying

BETTER HOMEOWNERS NEWS

I

Monica Carrillo in D.C. Photo credit: Rosseli Guerrero

BUTTERFLY IS FLYING HIGH!

BY MONICA CARRILLO

OUR VOICE COUNTS On April 27, a group of us from Idaho were able to go and fight for a new immigration reform in Washington, D.C., with United We Dream for the Butterfly Migration Project.

We marched near the White House and around the streets around 4 p.m. for two hours in hopes to show our support and our willingness to continue our fight for a new citizenship act. Days later, ACLU Idaho member Rosseli Guerrero and I went to CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Patrol) to share our stories about why a new immigration reform is crucial.

With a schedule already at hand, I was able to start our event and sang my song, “Dreamer,” that I wrote three years ago, when DACA was first rescinded. I never imagined myself to have this song be such a prominent factor to who I am and what I do, but it’s been such a beautiful experience to have it be that way. Within these five days, not only was I able to meet many nonprofit organizations and groups, from Wisconsin, Florida and Arizona, who are fighting for this reform in their states, but I was able to see firsthand how people are battling these injustices through these marches, poems, music, and connecting with other community members. It was truly an experience I will never forget.

ANNA & MICHELLE

BY ANNA & MICHELLE

n cooking, “mise en place” describes having all your ingredients measured, cut, peeled, sliced and grated, as well as bowls, utensils and pans ready to use before you begin cooking. The advantage is to inventory the ingredients and recognize if you have everything you need. You are less likely to leave out an ingredient or step because it is “set up” and ready to use.

The same technique works well in the homebuying process, especially in today’s highly competitive environment where multiple offers are normal and bidding wars are commonplace.

Check your credit ... not only does credit determine if you will get a mortgage, but it will also determine the interest rate you’ll pay. The best rates are for the borrowers with the best credit; lower credit scores mean higher rates because of additional risk to the lender. Free copies are available from all three major credit bureaus at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

Determine your budget ... knowing your income and immediate living expenses will give you a feel for what you can afford, but you also need to know what big-ticket expenses are in the future and how much you should be saving for them. Lenders use debt-toincome ratios to qualify borrowers, but it may be more than the buyers feel comfortable with. This is good information to discuss with your mortgage professional.

Meet with a mortgage banker ... their job is to get borrowers approved and instead of using calculators on a website, a trusted, experienced mortgage professional can look at your credit, make suggestions if it can be improved, run verifications on income, assets and liabilities and suggest loan programs to benefit your specific situation. They can even provide a pre-approval letter and phone verification that may be the tipping point to negotiating a successful contract with a seller.

Initial investment ... the down payment and closing costs are related to the type of mortgage, which is generally dependent of how much of the buyer’s savings is available. The down payment can range between zero and 20%. Mortgage insurance is necessary on most loans if the down payment is less than 20%. Buyer’s normal closing costs range between 2 to 5 percent of the mortgage.

Costs of homeownership … most mortgage payments include the principal and interest plus 1/12 the annual property taxes and insurance, plus mortgage insurance if required. Other expenses that will be incurred by the homeowner include maintenance, HOA

dues, utilities, upkeep and replacement of equipment and appliances.

Process and timeline ... people tend to feel more comfortable when they understand the process of buying a home and the length of time it takes for the different steps. Your real estate agent will be able to provide this information to you based on the type of mortgage and local market conditions.

Know the numbers ... being familiar with the basic statistics makes planning and even negotiation easier to predict. Important data, relative to the type of property you are buying, includes the current supply of homes for sale, days on market, sales price to list price ratio, and percent of cash sales in your price range. This is another area in which your real estate professional can be very helpful.

Must-have features ... the concept of a “dream home” is more myth than reality. People rarely get everything they want, even when they are building a home. Especially, in a highly competitive market with rapidly increasing prices, buyers should create a list of their “must-have” and “nice-to-have” features and amenities. This can be helpful when you are determining whether to write a contract on a home.

Build your team ... buying a home is like creating an athletic team. By selecting the best “players” for each position, you will have a much better chance for a successful sale and a satisfactory transaction. Your real estate agent is in a unique position to guide you through the entire process and recommend trusted professionals for each job that needs to be done.

An excellent meal includes fresh, good food, the right ingredients, superb preparation, and execution. Whether you are following a recipe or doing it from memory, each step is important and affects the outcome. The same is true for buying a home. Get everything together before you start looking at homes.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA El 27 de abril, un grupo de nosotros de Idaho pudimos ir a luchar por una nueva reforma migratoria en Washington DC con United We Dream para el proyecto de migración de mariposas. Marchamos cerca de la Casa Blanca y alrededor de las calles a las 4 p.m. por 2 horas con la esperanza de mostrar nuestro apoyo y nuestra disposición a continuar nuestra lucha por un nuevo acto de ciudadanía. Días más tarde, Rosseli Guerrero, miembro de ACLU Idaho y yo fuimos a CBP (EE.UU Aduanas y Patrulla Fronteriza) para compartir nuestras historias sobre por qué una nueva reforma migratoria es crucial.

Con un calendario ya a mano, pude comenzar nuestro evento y canté mi canción, “Dreamer”, que escribí hace tres años, cuando DACA fue rescindido por primera vez.

Nunca imaginé que esta canción fuera un factor tan prominente para quien soy y lo que hago, pero ha sido una experiencia tan hermosa tenerla así. En estos cinco días, no sólo pude conocer a muchas organizaciones sin fines de lucro, y grupos de Wisconsin, Florida y Arizona que están luchando por esta reforma en sus estados, sino que pude ver de primera mano cómo la gente está luchando contra estas injusticias a través de estas marchas, poemas, música y conexiones con otros miembros de la comunidad. Fue realmente una experiencia que nunca olvidaré.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

We are currently looking for sales representatives.

Email publisher@woodriverweekly.com Send a resume, and/or ask questions.

14

Wood River Weekly

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

WRW advertising contact information: Mandi Iverson cell: (208) 721-7588 | office: (208) 788 4789 mandi@woodriverweekly.com

The BEST advertising PRINT deal in the Valley Free Color, Free Design. Affordable Rates.

T

he Wood River Weekly is an independently owned alternative newspaper serving the Wood River Valley. Every Wednesday, we deliver 6,000 – 8,000 copies of our informational and thought-provoking newspaper to 225 locations around the Valley. We cover the latest news and entertainment of interest; our columnists and contributors provide views and opinions on a broad spectrum of subjects of interest to our neighbors and friends throughout the Wood River Valley. Our weekly readership of about 10,000 indulges in local news, culture, arts, and lifestyle. Our readers seek out and find the Wood River Weekly at 100’s of locations throughout the Wood River Valley area. They find us every day on their laptops, phones and tablets. Our readers are your customers: they’re engaged, they’re active and they’re looking for things to do. They are waiting to see what you have to offer.

Why Advertise with us Why Advertise With Us: Sure our rates are affordable, but also consider some of the additional features that make The Wood River Weekly a compelling buy for hundreds of advertisers each month: • Community: We are Your Voice In The Wood River Valley.

• Writers: Our vast array of writers, columnists and contributors - Eric Valentine, Fran Jewel, Harry Weekes, Hannes Thum, Karen Crowson, Joellen Collins, Dove, Suzanne Hazlett, Jenny Riley, Kristin Hovencamp, Mike McKenna, Caitlin Johnstone, Monica Carillo, John Huber and Bryce Angell care about this community and share insight and connections to this valley that resonate with a wide range of readers’ varied interests and passions.

• Free color, and free advertising design.

• Distribution: 225 locations in the Valley, refreshed throughout the week.

• Affordable: Various plans available so we can help maximize your budget.

• Our website, www.woodriverweekly,com, has been growing steadily since launch last year. Viewers are primarily local, but significant readership accesses woodriverweekly.com from Washington, Utah and California. A combined strategy of print and online advertising has proved very effective for our clients.

We offer free color and free design so make use of our designers!

Discount Rate Plans The key to effective advertising is consistency.

• We can tailor any budget to fit your needs.

• Discounts of up to 35% off are available • We can come up with a plan that works for you and fits your budget.

(Discount Rates do not apply to “You Can Find It In Blaine!” Ads, Newspaper Special Section Ads Or Magazine Ads.)

Advertising Rates

All Ads Include Free Color • Rates valid until 12/31/2021

Front Page Ads • Below the fold, full width of paper .................................................. (9.75” w x 3.5” h).........................................................................$425 (Front Page Ads sell out early, please book in advance.)

Display Ads • Back Cover or Full Page on Page 2.................................................. (9.75” w x 16” h)..........................................................................$925 • Full Page, No Placement Guarantee................................................. (9.75” w x 16” h)..........................................................................$825 • Half Page Jumbo, Vertical................................................................. (5.78” w x 16” h)..........................................................................$625 • Half Page, Horizontal........................................................................ (9.75” w x 7.875” h).....................................................................$525 • Half Page Junior, Vertical.................................................................. (3.8” w x 16” h)............................................................................$425 • Quarter Page ................................................................................... (5.78” w x 7.875” h).....................................................................$325 • Quarter Junior .................................................................................. (3.8” w x 7.875” h).......................................................................$225 • Eighth Page ...................................................................................... (5.78” w x 3.875” h).....................................................................$175 • Eighth Junior .................................................................................... (3.8” w x 3.875” h).......................................................................$115 • Banner .............................................................................................. (5.78” w x 1.875” h )....................................................................$85 • Mini Banner ...................................................................................... (3.8” w x 1.875” h).......................................................................$65 You Can Find It In Blaine! Ads (Local Shopping & Services Guide): • Quad ................................................................................................ (9.37” w x 3” h)............................................................................$125 • Triple ................................................................................................ (7” w x 3” h).................................................................................$95 • Double ............................................................................................. (4.6” w x 3” h)..............................................................................$65 • Single ............................................................................................... (2.25” w x 3” h): ..........................................................................$35 (FIB Ads require a four-week minimum. Campaign discounts do not apply.)

Community Classifieds (Buy Stuff, Sell Stuff, Odds & Ends): • Up to 25 words .................................................................................... $5 • Each additional word ........................................................................... 20¢ • Image.................................................................................................... $5 • Logo..................................................................................................... $10 Newspaper Campaign Discounts • We can tailor any budget to fit your needs.

• Discounts of up to 40% off are available • We can come up with a plan that works for you and fits your budget.

(Discount Rates do not apply to “You Can Find It In Blaine!” Ads, Newspaper Special Section Ads Or Magazine Ads.) Advertorials • 250 words plus a logo or photo........................................................ $80 • 500 words plus a logo and photo .................................................... $150 • Custom advertorials.......................................................................... Please call for options Online Advertising • Website Sidebar Ad per week.......................................................... (320px x 320px)...........................................................................$70 • Website Banner Ad per week........................................................... (600px x 75px).............................................................................$125

YOU CAN FIND IT IN BLAINE! Wood River Weekly

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

SUN VALLEY 3D PHOTO

SCOTT MILEY ROOFING

3D Virtual Tours Real Estate Teaser Videos CAD Ready Floor Plans SCAN FOR 3D VIRTUAL TOUR

From Your Roof to Your Rain Gutter, We’ve Got You Covered!

WWW.SUNVALLEY3DPHOTO.COM

208.788.5362

sales@sunvalley3dphoto.com

208.720.0252

fully insured & guaranteed

Airport West | Hailey, Idaho 83333

Housekeeper now accepting new clients.

• • • •

SEAL COATING CRACK FILLING STRIPING POTHOLE REPAIR

Advertise on this page for ONLY $35/week! (includes full color & free ad design)

responsible, experienced and great references.

Free estimates available for: Homes, condos, offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com

208.720.5973

Marc Longley

americansealcoating5b@gmail.com

15

Call Mandi 208.721.7588

Your Voice In The Wood River Valley

WANTED

Pick up your free copy of the Wood River Weekly at stands throughout Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue, Picabo & Carey.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

For more information & advertising rates: Contact Mandi at (208) 721-7588 or mandi@woodriverweekly.com

Email publisher@woodriverweekly.com

www.woodriverweekly.com Send a resume, and/or ask questions.

Advertise on this page for ONLY $35/week. (includes full color & free ad design)

Shop Local

Mandi 208.721.7588

Please consider supporting our newspaper by sending us some Bitcoin (BTC) using the QR code to the left, or signing up for our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/woodriverweekly.

CLASSIFIEDS FINE FINISH CARPENTRY Custom Cabinetry • Interior Finish Remodeling • Kitchen • Baths CAD Cabinetry Design Mike @ (208) 720-7250 Check out our Facebook page www.ffcid.com

HANDYMAN

Jack of all trades. Reliable, insured, clean. Small jobs to large remodel projects, or the “honey-do” list.

Call Mark, (208) 573-1784

We are hiring

SUN VALLEY Ketchum/Hailey

HOUSEKEEPERS

Join our growing Vacasa team

Pay rate: $20/hour + Benefits + PTO + 401k

Apply online today vacasa.com/careers | careers@vacasa.com Text 97211 for information about jobs with Vacasa

RETIREMENT HORSE BOARDING

Retirement horse boarding for geldings. Limited vacancy.

Small family farm environment with excellent facilities.

Experienced geriatric care. Veterinarian references.

Text or call (208) 720-7252

CROSSWORD

answer from page 16

PRICING

Thanks!

Text (up to 25 words): $5 Additional Text: 20¢ per word Photos: $5 per image • Logo: $10 Deadline: Monday at 1 p.m Space reservations: classifieds@woodriverweekly.com

HOUSEKEEPING

Responsible, experienced & great references, housekeeper now accepting new clients. Free estimates available for: homes, condos & offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com, (208) 720-5973

CLASSIC SUDOKU answer from page 16

16

Wood River Weekly

CHAMBER CORNER

•

May 19 - June 1, 2021

MIKE MCKENNA

Hard way Pipeline

Reasons to Celebrate

Hailey’s famous Fourth of July returns!

By Mike McKenna

W

e deserve to celebrate.

After battling the coronavirus like we were in a 15-round heavyweight title bout, it’s about time we all put down our boxing gloves (or masks if we’re vaccinated) and pick up a flag, a cold beverage and make a cheers to America. Independence Day in Hailey is certain to be a special one this year.

The Days of the Old West Fourth of July Parade will return to Main Street after its unique version through the back streets of Hailey last year. The major road construction on that stretch will not begin until after the Fourth and, despite the holiday falling on Sunday this year, all events will take place on the Fourth.

The parade is open to anyone interested and having an entry. It’s a fun and easy way to promote your business, nonprofit, cause or favorite youth sports team.

We always welcome more horses and creative floats of all kinds.

RiverFest returns for its sixth time at a different location and with a new host this year. Sawtooth Brewery will host the parade after-party at Hop Porter Park on West Bullion Street. Live music, food and other vendors, kids entertainment and, of course, Sawtooth’s tasty local brews will be available.

Hailey’s Fourth of July Antique Show returns to Roberta McKercher Park July 2-4. In addition to dozens of vendors offering exceptional wares, the Antique Show will also feature a beer garden and mechanical bull riding.

Just a block to the east of McKercher Park, the Blaine County Recreation District Arboretum will be the place to celebrate Idaho Founders Day on July 3rd. The family-friendly event will be put on by the Hailey Tree Committee and will honor the Idaho state tree, the Western white pine, and the state flower, the Syringa, which can both be found at the Arboretum.

Kids’ activities, like a scavenger hunt and huckleberry- (the state fruit) flavored treats, are also being planned.

The Sawtooth Rangers Rodeo will also be back.

Steel Fencing

Kelly Wardell 208-309-0916

How To Play Sudoku

The Classic Sudoku is a number placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

The classic Western rodeo will run for three nights, July 2-4. A favorite tradition in Hailey since 1948, the Sawtooth Rangers Fourth of July Rodeo will feature Mutton-Busting for the kids and Hometown Bull Riding for the big boys and girls. Barrel racing, bronc riding, breakaway roping, steer wrestling and much more will take place all three nights.

Other traditional, smaller Fourth events, like live music on the patios of places like Jersey Girl, will also be happening and the Blaine County Historical Museum will be open as well that weekend.

The holiday weekend will end in style with Hailey’s Fireworks Show lighting up the night sky just after sunset.

The full scale of Fourth of July festivities are returning to Hailey this year. We hope you will help us have a safe, fun and flag-waving day. After combating COVID for more than a year, we all deserve a reason to celebrate!

CLASSIC SUDOKU See answer on page 11

Fill out a parade entry at ValleyChamber.org. For more information or to let The Chamber know about any events you’re putting on that we can help promote, please call 208-788-3484 or email Info@ValleyChamber.org.

CROSSWORD SPONSORED BY

THETRADER TRADER THE THE TRADER Consignment for the home

Consignment for the home

Consignment for the home

Wednesday - Friday 11 to 6 Saturday 11 to 4

TRADER EADER TRADER

Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 to 5:00 Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

ent for the 720-9206 or 788-0216 signment forhome the home

720-9206 or 788-0216 509 S. Main Street Bellevue, Idaho

the home

509 S. Main Street • Bellevue, Idaho

Wednesday through Saturday Thursday Wednesday - Friday Wednesday - Friday 11:00to to 5:00 ednesday - Friday 11 to 611 to 6 available by appointment 11 to 6AlwaysSaturday Saturday Saturday and if we’re here.

Saturday 11 to 4 11 to 11 or to 788-0216 44 720-9206 11 to 4

Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

509 S. Main Street • Bellevue, Idaho Always available by le by appointment andappointment if we’re here. and if we’re here.

720-9206 or 788-0216 or S. 788-0216 -9206 or720-9206 788-0216 509 Main Street S. Main Street 09 S. Main509 Street Bellevue, Idaho Bellevue, Idaho Bellevue, Idaho

See answer on page 11

THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY 7-DAY WEATHER FORECAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Partly Coudy 6%

high 63º

low 38º WEDNESDAY

Partly Coudy 24%

high 56º low 36º THURSDAY

Showers 43%

high 53º low 35º FRIDAY

AM Rain/Snow 35%

high 54º low 34º SATURDAY

Partly Coudy 24%

high 57º low 36º SUNDAY

Partly Coudy 7%

high 65º low 40º MONDAY

Partly Cloudy 24%

high 69º low 43º TUESDAY

SKI. BIKE. LIVE!

Elevate your experience.

340 N Main Street in Ketchum sturtevants-sv.com • 726-4501