WRW 7 September 2022 by woodriverweekly

“Since my post two days ago, the Ross Fork Fire has nearly quadrupled in size and is only 4% contained. Plus, the winds have shifted and are now out of the northwest, which means the smoke and fire have moved this way. I have been chained to my desk all weekend, working 55 hours since Friday, but preparing for this has now become my top priority. If my clients who are reading this are eager to get back to work after their weekend or summer holidays, please understand if I am not quick to return your calls.”

By Eric Valentine Under a smoke-filled Valley sky that, as of Tuesday morning, hit an ‘unhealthy’ 187 on the air quality index, let’s start with some good news about the blazes in and around Blaine County. A two-fire onslaught—one a wildfire, the other a structure fire—has not taken any human lives. And the wildfire part of that onslaught has thus far only spurred home evacuations, not housing devastation. Meanwhile, the folks who reside, recreate, and do business across the Valley seem to be pulling together to help those in harm’s way. Already, accommodations for those displaced, clothing and essential items, and finan cial support are coming together via local organizations (see this article’s sidebar The HelpAndList).then there’s the news that isn’t bad—yet, and hopefully never.

“This is deeply concerning,” said North Valley resident Dave Concannon on Face book, who as a fellow of The Explorers Club is no stranger to challenge or adventure.

Ross Fork Fire On Monday, a Type 2 Incident Management Team arrived in the Sawtooth Valley, bringing more personnel and equipment to fight the now 14,000-acre blaze. Blaine County Sheriff’s Office had already ordered a mandatory evacuation over the weekend for residents and visitors in the area spanning Smiley Creek, Sawtooth City, Beaver Creek and Alturas Lake. For families like Concannon’s, the situation is more of a mandatory state of limbo. “We may start ferrying valuables and vehicles down to Hailey today,” Concannon said around 8 a.m. Tuesday. By 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office posted this: “At this time Highway 75 is open to the public, however, it may close at any time. If fire activity increases with higher temperatures and wind it may be closed for the safety of the public and fire personnel.”

In addition to the Sheriff’s Facebook page, the following Facebook pages also serve as reliable and current information: • U.S. Forest Service-Sawtooth National Forest • Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Thank you firefighters!

Free | September 7 - 20, 2022 | Vol. 3 - No. 18 | woodriverweekly.com WOOD RIVER WEEKLY S UN VALLEY KETCHUM HAILEY Y OUR VOICE IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY BELLEVUE PICABO CAREY STATENEWS A Little TaxPGRefund4 CRIMENEWS Behavior’‘WorryingappPG5 STATIONOPEN North Blaine County FirePGDistrict6 ABLAZE IN BLAINE Wildfire, structure fire uproot Valley residents FIRESContinuedPage 2 A mutual aid request for additional firefighting assistance was called in by the Smiley Creek fire chief on Sunday, Sept. 4, as the Ross Fork Fire continued to grow in renewed hot, dry, windy conditions, threatening homes and structures in the area. Photo credit: SVFD Submit a photo of your pet to see it printed in this special section! PET SECTION&THEANIMAL Please include the name of your pet, breed/type and your name and contact information. Submit pictures to mandi@woodriverweekly.com Coming Soon! The winning picture will recieve a $50 gift certificate from jane’s ar ti facts arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party

THE HELP LIST Short or long-term accommodations: City of Ketchum Housing Strategist Carissa Connelly cconnelly@ketchumidaho.org or 718-200-6055

Introducing the St. Luke’s Health Plan. It’s not just health insurance. It’s health insurance created by the most sought-after health care system in Idaho. Which means fewer barriers between you and the care you deserve. Learn more at stlukeshealthplan.org

Continued from Page 1 Fires Uproot Valley Residents

On Saturday, Sept. 3, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a structure fire broke out at the Limelight Condomini ums at 2107 Warm Springs Road. Firefighters began the initial search for people in side the building before attacking the fire. There were no human casualties. It is not yet confirmed wheth er pets were lost in the blaze. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. A state fire marshal inspector will be on scene to investigate and make the final de termination.

2 WOOD R IVER W EEKLY • S EPTEMBER 7 20, 2022 NEWS FIRE

Image credit: AirQuality.com Limelight Structure Fire

Clothing and essential item donations: The Gold Mine Thrift Store 331 Walnut Ave. N. 208-726-3465 Financial donations: Blaine County Charitable Fund www.blainecf.org American Red Cross service post: Ketchum Fire Station 107 Saddle Road

The city is currently working on connecting those who have lost their homes with housing offered by generous members of the community. Short- and long-term accommodations are being sourced by the city’s housing strategist, Carissa Connelly. “Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and some who may have lost their pets,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “This community is coming together once again and I thank them for the support we have received so far, whether it be from providing temporary shelter, clothing or financial assistance.” Ketchum Fire Department received the call at 7:38 p.m. and was on-scene within 4 minutes. Sun Valley, Wood River, and Hailey fire departments also re sponded to the call. The crews fought the fire through out the night, containing it by 4 a.m. Crews were still on scene extinguishing hotspots this morning. “I am thankful to all the crews that responded val ley-wide,” said Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin. “This type of collaboration is critical when fighting a fire of thisRepresentativesmagnitude.” from the Idaho Falls American Red Cross arrived Sunday at the Ketchum Fire Station, 107 Saddle Road. They will provide packages of essential items, immediate financial assistance and assist in re filling lost prescriptions, eyewear, etc. If you can as sist with housing, donations of clothing and essential items, or would like to make a financial contribution, please see the How To Help list in the sidebar. Blaine County Charitable Fund is working in con junction with the City of Ketchum to assist the house holds affected by the fire that took place at the Lime light condo building A on Sept. 3, 2022. It appears the building is a total loss, according to city officials. The city is working with residents and the short-term rental company Vacasa to find temporary housing for the people who called the building home.

Doctors theinsuranceandonsameteam. Yours.

Ross Fork fire infrared from Tuesday morning, Sept. 6. Red pixels indicate recent heat levels and how the fire is moving signifi c antly east into the headwaters of the Salmon River. The second photo shows it relative to the highway and the red arrow is the Galena Overlook. Image credit: Blaine County Fire & Flood Information (Facebook group page)

W OOD RIVER WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 7 - 20, 2022 3 WRW STAFF PUBLISHER Christopher Seldon (208) publisher@788-4789woodriverweekly.com MARKETING & SALES Mandi Iverson (208) mandi@woodriverweekly.com721-7588 NEWS EDITOR Eric news@woodriverweekly.comValentine CALENDAR calendar@woodriverweekly.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey PRODUCTION & DESIGN Mandi chris@woodriverweekly.commandi@woodriverweekly.comIversonChristopherSeldon ACCOUNTING accounting@woodriverweekly.com DEADLINES Display & Classified Ads, Monday 5 p.m. Calendar Submissions — Friday 5 p.m. CONTACT Wood River Weekly P.O. Box 3483 Hailey, Idaho 83333 (208) 788-4789 woodriverweekly.com JOIN THE HUMANEMOUNTAINTEAM! 101 Croy Creek Rd, mountainhumane.orgHailey208-788-4351 We are hiring an Animal Care Provider to join our awesome team! This position includes performing basic duties associated with providing, and maintaining a safe, sanitary, humane atmosphere for all of the shelter’s animals. Apply for this position and see all the great benefits and more at mountainhumane.org/employment. IRiverWoodnsurance A Member of Asset Protection Group Paid for by Karma4Idaho, Lorie Race Treasurer Cupcakes with Karma CONVERSATION AND CUPCAKES Hosted by Iconoclast Books 15 E. Bullion St., Hailey and featuring Bubbly — mobile mimosas and fresh pressed juices September 7th, 6 - 8 p.m. Submit A Pet Obituary Honor the memory of your pet in The Wood River Weekly. This year, we’re offering 20% OFF our regular obituary rate for pet obituaries. Pet obituaries cost just 16¢ per word and include a large color photo. To reserve space for an obituary or pet obituary, call Mandi at (208) 721-7588 “Frankie” — 2003-2018

With prices at historic highs and the Nov. 8 general election—in which all 105 seats in the Ida ho State Legislature are up for grabs—just 10 weeks away, Gov. Brad Little called for a special legislative session to pass a bill that responds to the harm infla tion is inflicting on Idaho taxpay ers and the education system. It was only the fifth such session in the last 22 years.

• Exempts the first $2,500 from taxation for single filers or $5,000 for joint filers.

By Eric Valentine

Timing Is Everything Gov. Little is now holding a series of media events across the state to celebrate the legislation. It’s less than two months from when vot ers across the state will say whether his authority should be weak ened by Senate Joint Resolution 102, which would allow the Idaho Legislature to call itself back into session without the governor’s ap proval. A simple majority of votes would approve Senate Joint Res olution 102 and make it easier for the legislature to do things like override mask mandates. New budget projections show the state’s budget surplus will hit a record-breaking $2 billion soon. So of special note is that the $500 million is an immediate one-time income tax relief. Another $150 million in tax cuts will be ongoing by establishing a new, lower flat tax.The $410 million in ongoing support for Idaho education is a new spending record for Idaho. It’s also a potential roadblock to the Qual ity Education Act education funding initiative. The Quality Educa tion Act, which the political activist group Reclaim Idaho got onto the Nov. 8 ballot, will generate $330 million per year in a new fund for public schools by raising the corporate income tax to 8% and creating a new top income tax bracket of nearly 11% for individuals who make more than $250,000 per year. Gov. Little’s aides have told other media outlets that the special session bill would repeal the Quality Education Act because the Quality Education Act would take effect Jan. 1. Little’s special ses sion bill was written to take effect Jan. 3. Reclaim Idaho has said questions remain whether that’s correct.

• Consolidates the income tax brackets to a flat tax at 5.8% for both individuals and corporations, providing a tax cut for all Idaho in come earners and enhancing the state’s business competitiveness.

Gov. Brad Little.

Photo credit: Office of the Governor

Book Signing jane’s ar ti facts arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party 106 S. MAIN, HAILEY • 208.788.0848 • JANESARTIFACTS2@GMAIL.COM FINAL SIDEWALK SALE FRIDAY SEPT 9TH! FILL A BAG FOR $5 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

Specifically, the bill:

The bill, which comes on the heels of the federal government’s Inflation Relief Act, provides a one-time tax rebate of $500 mil lion to help Idahoans struggling with inflation and property tax bills. The rebate is the greater of 10% of tax amounts paid in 2020 or $600 per joint filer ($300 for individual filers). The bill overwhelmingly passed both the Idaho House of Representatives and the Idaho Senate. Gov. Little signed the bill into law at 6:27 p.m. last Friday.

“The people of Idaho expect the executive and legislative branch es to work together to move our state forward. I deeply appreciate my partners in the Legislature for continuing to show the rest of the country how Idaho does it right—we work together to promote a business-friendly tax and regulatory environment, live within our means, pay off our debt, save for a rainy day, routinely cut taxes, and make investments where they count. “Idaho is an incredible success story, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished for the people we serve!”

Governor orchestrates inflation relief 10 weeks before Nov. election A

• Provides $410 million of annual funding directly from the state’s sales tax to the public school income fund and in-demand careers Gov.fund.Little was not shy with words over the success of the legisla tive accomplishment. He said the following: “The successful extraordinary session demonstrates government working for the people. I am proud of my legislative partners for con fronting the substantial impacts of inflation head on by putting our record budget surplus back in the pockets of Idahoans while respon sibly funding education at historic levels to ensure we are meeting our constitutional and moral obligation to Idaho students and fami lies both in the short-term and the long-term. Returning the people’s money is the right thing to do, and the education investments support families, help us keep up with growth, enhance our quality of life, and prepare a workforce to meet the changing needs of employers.

4 W OOD RIVER WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 7 - 20, 2022 NEWSSTATE, LEGISLATURE, POLITICS

LittleSpecialSession

See Tell Now! is paid for by the state, so there is no cost to schools to en roll and make this resource available to their cam pus community. And there are safeguards in place to keep the confidential tip line from being misused. “The key safeguard is this information is given to local school officials and authorities who have the context. They know the difference between whether this is bullying, an interpersonal conflict between students, and if someone is trying to use See Tell Now! inappropriately,” Munger said. We’ve seen way too many times how these trag edies play out. A troubled student signals inten tions but no one takes them seriously, or perhaps their friends just don’t know where to go with concerns. “That’s really what the goal of See Tell Now! is,” Munger said. “To be able to collect and connect the dots so that we can intervene in situa tions before they go critical rather than waiting to see it on the evening news.”

W OOD RIVER WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 7 - 20, 2022 5

Offending Patterns Among Domestic Violence Offenders in Idaho presents results from a study of the criminal history records of more than 56,000 individuals who have been charged with a domes tic violence crime in Idaho over the last 35 years. Key findings in the report include:

• Two measures of violent crime victimiza tion are trending in opposite directions. Both the number and rate of violent crime victims known to law enforcement decreased between 2016 and 2019 (1% and 6%, respectively). However, the number of victims served by federally funded victim service programs in Idaho increased by 38% over the same time. These opposing trends emerged during a time in which Idaho’s population grew by 3%.

1. Existing data does not explain why the op posing trends are occurring; 2. Existing data cannot measure how many crime victims never report the crime to law enforcement and why not, leaving the state with a gap in its knowledge about the true prevalence of crime in Idaho; and, 3. Existing data cannot measure how many crime victims never receive services and why not, or how many access services from programs other than those that are federally funded.

“You can never fully insulate your portfolio against rising inflation. However, you can invest in assets that betterperformduring inflationaryperiods.”

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.

“The failure seems to be very common that people who observe that behavior don’t have the means to communicate that to people who have the ability to change the situation.” People can send an email, text via a dedicated app, or they can call (888) 593-2835. See Tell Now! is staffed 24 hours a day. “They will always answer the phone, they will answer the text, they will answer an email and get that information routed from the person who has the concern to the right parties at the local level,” Munger said. “That could be a local school official, a school resource officer or local law enforcement depending on the nature of the information.” Munger encourages parents to reach out to ad ministrators at their students’ school to see if they are involved. “If your school is not participating, you can visit our website or call our office at (208) 615-6768 and we would be more than happy to talk you through how the process works.” School administrators interested in enrolling in the See Tell Now! tip line can contact the Idaho School Safety and Security Program via email at chris.thoms@osbe.idaho.gov.

• There are three major gaps in the existing data:

SEE TELL NOW! What: A confidential reporting system How: Call 888-593-2835 When: 24 hours a day Visit https://app.seetellnow.com to enroll.

“We have seen a lot of studies that show that prior to committing an act of mass violence, most perpetrators exhibited behavior that was worry ing to those around them,” said Mike Munger, the school safety and security program manager.

HazlettWealthManagement.com208.726.0605

Crimes Seen

Two recent crime-prevention efforts at the state level—one a confidential phone num ber and app for reporting worrisome behav ior, the other a set of research studies on crime— suggest how a little more communication could have made past efforts a lot more effective.

The Number & App Offered by the Idaho State Board of Education’s School Safety and Security Program, See Tell Now! is a confidential reporting system that can connect people who have information, with people who can intervene and prevent a tragedy like what happened three months ago in Uvalde, Texas.

Key findings in the report include:

NEWS CRIME, EDUCATION

KRISTIN DirectorInvestmentHOVENCAMPExecutive,RJFSofBusinessDevelopment

Idaho launches ‘worrying behavior’ reporting system The best deal in local print advertising Full-Page Glossy ...........$665 Full-Page Quarter-PageHalf-Page.......................$335.......................$445.................$225 Rates Space is limited. Call now for ad reservations Mandi: (208) mandi@woodriverweekly.com721-7588THEInsider’sGuideToTheBestKeptSecretsOfTheWood River Valley & Beyond 101 winter + spring 2021/2022 Day Trips Free Fun Family Friendly Winter Wonder-List Start Your Story Here... things to do THE Insider’s Guide To Loving Life In The Wood River Valley & Beyond 101summer & FALL 2022 Day Trips Free Fun Family Friendly Hidden Gems Start Your Story Here... things to do 101 THINGS TO DO WOOD RIVER WEEKLY 2023 10,000 copies distributed to over 250 locations for 6 months! MAGAZINE

• Almost 40% of DV offenders were rearrested for a new misdemeanor or felony charge with in five years of their first DV arrest. The findings also showed that three factors in creased the likelihood of being rearrested for addi tional DV crimes. 1. Males were nearly twice as likely to be ar rested more than once on DV charges; 2. Younger offenders were more likely to be rearrested on additional DV charges; and 3. T hose previously arrested for a violent crime before their first DV arrest were 55% more likely to be arrested on DV charges multiple times. Crime Victimization in Idaho: An Overview of Available Data, and its companion data dashboard, were developed in partnership with the Depart ment of Criminal Justice at Boise State University (BSU) for their Idaho Victimization Clearing house website. BSU and ISAC sought to report on the status of victimization data in Idaho and exam ine data regarding risk and protective factors that may impact victimization. The data dashboard displays data concerning various types of victim ization in Idaho, as well as data regarding services that have been provided to victims in the state.

By Eric Valentine and Kurt Liebich

675 SUN VALLEY ROAD, SUITES J1 + J2 KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340

• T he average person arrested on their first DV charge was a male in their early 30s. Nearly half (48%) had previously been arrested for other violent, property, or drug crimes.

• T he criminal history database indicates that just over 45% of DV charges ended in a con viction. The remaining cases, for which data was available, ended with charges amended, pled to a non-domestic violence charge, dis missed, or acquittal.

• ISAC makes three recommendations for fill ing these gaps in knowledge: 1. Develop new and expand existing data sources to include more regional and local data; 2. I mplement a statewide victimization sur vey similar to the old Idaho Crime Victim ization Survey, last conducted in 2012, and survey on a regular basis; and, 3. I mplement a statewide standardized data collection system to collect data on ser vices provided to crime victims.

• Data indicates that 17% of DV offenders were rearrested for a new DV charge, with 40% of them offending within one year.

The Crime Studies The Idaho Statistical Analysis Center (ISAC) has released two new research reports and one new data dashboard on topics related to violent crime victimization in Idaho.

Generational crime data indicates Blaine County is significantly safer than Idaho in general. But, data analysts say more data is needed. Image credit: Idaho Statistical Analysis Center

Editor’s Notes: Portions of this article pertain ing to school safety were reported and written by Kurt Liebich of IdahoEdNews.org. Reports used to produce this article are available online in the ISAC Publication Library (https://isp.idaho.gov/ pgr/sac/library/). The Idaho Victimization Clear inghouse data dashboard is accessible from both the ISAC Data Dashboard repository (https://isp. idaho.gov/pgr/sac/dashboards/) and the Idaho Victimization Clearinghouse (https://idvch.com/).

Gretchen Palmer Patient Assistance Fund Established For Families In Need

TREAT, PLAY, LOVE Celebrate 50 years of saving animal lives with the Valley’s me ga-shelter, Mountain Humane, with three family-friendly events.

Saturday Event: Pet Parade Where: Roberta McKercher Park | Ketchum Towne Square When: @ 11 a.m. | @ 12:30 p.m. More info: MountainHumane.org/celebrate Sunday Event: Baldy Biscuit Group Hike Where: Adams Gulch, Greenhorn, Draper Preserve When: @ 10:30 a.m. More info: MountainHumane.org/celebrate

Fire District, Department To Host Sept. 14 Open House

CORRECTION Earlier this year, in January, the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMoA) and The Liberty Theatre Company (TLTC) reached a final agreement gifting The Liberty Theater building to the Hailey non profit. In the Aug. 24 Wood River Weekly article ‘ The Gift Of Theatre,’ we reported the gift was given just last month. We regret the error and wish TLTC good luck in its efforts to raise funds for keeping the landmark Hailey building. Currently, the group lacks suffi cient resources to cover the $1.7 million of total costs, so a fundraising campaign is underway. Fueling the high price is significant internal reno vation needed to satisfy post-pandemic industry standards, as well as structural renovation due to common aging. And like any good play, fueling the drama is a ticking clock—specifically, TLTC must raise the $1.7 million by Dec. 31 of this year. Our online edition of this story has been revised.

SEPT 15, THUR. TALK ABOUT WELLNESS

Event: Open House Where: 95 Fire Station Drive, Sun Valley When: @ 4 – 7 p.m. More info: NorthBlaineCountyFire.com/post/open-house-at-greenhorn-fire-station

What are the goals for Warm Springs Preserve? What does success look like? What values need to be encapsulated in the design? These are some of the questions the City of Ketchum is asking. The master planning process will take several months, but the earlier planners hear from you the better.

The new pumper/tender engine at Greenhorn Fire Station. Photo credit: Sun Valley Fire Department

Friday Event: Jeff Crosby concert Where: Mountain Humane patio When: @ 6 p.m. More info: MountainHumane.org/50th-concert-registration

EVENT FIRST RESPONDERS

The Blaine County Commissioners awarded $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) funds to the North Blaine County Fire District to help build eight new first-responder housing units at the Greenhorn Fire Station at East Fork Road. The initial four units are expected to be installed by the end of 2022.

Join the Fire District and Sun Valley Fire Department in a dedica tion ceremony for its new fire engine. Meet your fire chiefs, learn about the plan to build more low-cost housing for our Valley’s first responders, what it takes to become a paid on-call firefighter, and more!

The land, 2.3 acres of which is owned by the Idaho Transportation Department, has been se cured with a 99-year lease for $1 a year. That, and a $1.5 million private loan, have allowed the proj ect to move forward without delays. The property is strategically located at Greenhorn Fire Station, on Highway 75 just south of the East Fork light. The fire district already has six housing units on site. The plan calls for installing eight prefabricated homes and an eight-bay detached garage. An order has been placed for six two-bedroom, two-bath units, and two one-bedroom, one-bath units. The first four units are expected to be delivered and ready for occupancy before the end of 2022, with the remaining four units ready by summer 2023.

6 WOOD R IVER W EEKLY • S EPTEMBER 7 20, 2022 CALENDAR

Event: Open House Where: Warm Springs Preserve When: @ 5:30 – 7 p.m. More info: ProjectKetchum.org/warm-springs-preserve/

SEPT 9, FRI.

Blaine County Awards $350,000 for First-ResponderGreenhornHousing

SEPT 12, MON.

SEPT 14, WED.

The county donation adds to the $300,000 that the fire district and the City of Sun Valley have each committed to this $3.2 million first-responder housing project. The fire district is also seeking pri vate donations to keep rental rates to firefighters and paramedics affordable.

STORIES OF HOPE Community Suicide Prevention will be showing the film My As cension, the documentary about Emma Benoit’s inspiring journey. After watching the film, attendees will hear from select community members. Lunch will not be provided, but there are plenty of food options nearby.

The North Blaine County Fire District and Sun Valley Fire Department are inviting constituents to a Sept. 14 open house and dedication ceremony for its new fire engine at Greenhorn Fire Station, 95 Fire Station Drive in Hailey. The District has just taken delivery of a brand new pumper/tender. Attendees can take ‘tours’ of the engine, learning about how the new asset serves the community. There will be a dedi cation ceremony at 5 p.m. The event is an opportunity to meet area fire chiefs, learn about the North Blaine County Fire District and its plan to build more low-cost hous ing for Valley-based first responders, and what it takes to become a paid on-call firefighter. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m.

Donations can be made through the Spur Foun dation. Call (208) 450-2600 for more information.

The Palmer Family is establishing the Gretchen Palmer Patient Assistance Fund through the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation to assist patients in need. The fund will support Wood River Valley patients fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.Manypatients experience financial challenges while receiving the medical care they need. Even with health insurance, most people will have numerous out-of-pock et costs. “Gretchen’s Fund” will assist patients and their immediate families with expenses such as transpor tation, lodging, utilities, gro ceries, medications, medical supplies, and other items deemed necessary.

SEPT 7, WED. SEND DOG PICS Mountain Humane heard that some folks were having difficulty uploading photos, so they’ve extended the deadline to get your pet’s picture in the Names and Numbers phone book. Every year the Sun Valley Names and Numbers folks generously donate space in the upcoming phone book for pet owners to submit photos of their be loved four-legged family members for a $25 donation to Mountain Humane. Event: Deadline Extension More info: TinyURL.com/dog-pics

If successful, the fundraising campaign will leverage the $950,000 already committed by local government partners, pay back the $1.5 million loan, cover the balance of the project budget and create a small reserve for ongoing maintenance.

PRESERVING WARM SPRINGS, YOUR WAY

NEWS IN BRIEF

CHECK OUT THIS ENGINE!

Men’s Second Chance Living is hosting a Wellness Speaking Event featuring Erica Spiegelman, who will provide an overview of the four cornerstones of self-care — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual and will explore how they are intricately connected to recovery from addiction. This event provides attendees with a rich opportunity to connect with Erica, learn adaptive coping habits, identify triggers and challenges, and discover new pathways for personal growth. Event: Wellness Speaking Event Where: The Community Library in Ketchum | The presentation will be livestreamed on the library’s Vimeo, and a recording will be available for 24 hours after the event ends. When: Speaker @ 6 p.m. Book signing @ 7 p.m. More info: Please register to attend. Martha Williams (208) 7263493, info@comlib.org SEPT 23–25, FRI. THRU SUN.

“ The assistance provided by the Gretchen Palmer Patient Assistance Fund will help ease the stress of patients and families facing medical challenges and give them the ability to focus on their health and well-being,” commented Megan Tanous, Chief Development Officer for St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. To learn more and to donate to the Gretchen Palmer Patient Assistance Fund, visit inse@slhs.orgtance-fund/www.slwrf.org/gretchen-palmer-patient-assishttps://orcontactBetsyMullinsatmullor(208)727-8419.

Event: 2022 Suicide Prevention Conference Where: Idaho State University Pond Student Union Ballroom | 921 South 8th Avenue | Pocatello, ID 83209 When: @ 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. More info: Free | 1.5 CEUs available | For questions, contact communitysuicideprevention@gmail.com or (208) 243-9411.

A rendering of the housing unit style that will provide affordable living to Valley first responders. Image credit: North Blaine County Fire District

Gretchen Palmer. Photo credit: St. Luke’s

INSPIRATIONS FROM MY HEART DOVE

Let’s start connecting with one another in whatever way we can. I greet everyone when I ride my bike on the path. Many ignore me, many cannot hear me because they are plugged in and miss all of the sounds of nature. They also miss when you call out a warning to them that you are on their left, completely oblivious to what is around them. Many also respond with a cheery greeting back. In Austria they have a greeting that people say as they meet you. It is “Gros Got.” It means God’s Greeting. What a lovely custom. Can we all make an effort to connect in the old- fashioned way. You never know when that little bit of energy shared may save a life. “Gros Got” to each of you. Blessing, Dove.

Hemingway is perhaps more relevant now than he was in his lifetime. The Nick Adams Stories tackle the crushing effect of PTSD, Up in Michigan is perhaps the first piece of literature to graphically portray date rape. Ban all the books you like, but realize a teenager who has read and processed Up in Michigan may be a bit less likely to unwittingly become the victim or perpetrator of toxic masculinity. Hemingway is generally misused by the education system. His novella The Old Man and the Sea is wasted on teenagers and rarely read by those who need it most: middle-aged, middle-class people grappling to make sense of the seemingly arbitrary nature of life. The war novels, despite their revolutionary prose style, are wonderful, but arguably no greater than those of any number of literary luminaries (hard to beat the Russians in the war novel competition). For my money, Hemingway’s most revelatory and relevant work is The Sun Also Rises, a cautionary tale with a dazzling cast of characters headlined by a eunuch and a slut. It delves into the issues of entitlement, excess, pettiness, betrayal, manipulation, self-delusion and general vacuousness that are at the core of what is currently Ameri ca’s best-selling political brand. I strongly suggest that if you are going to reside in the Wood River Valley, you should school yourself in ‘Papa.’ PBS’s American Experience profile of Hemingway (streaming and DVD) is a fascinating documentary that celebrates the man’s genius and his very human foibles. Read his work. Revel in the art of literature. School your self on a legend worthy of the title. And if self-appointed ‘beacons of all truth’ try to school you or fool you with fancy airs, slick talk, long legs and ‘alternate facts,’ feel free to tell them all to go educate themselves.

What Would Papa Write?

Ignorance might be bliss, but it’s still ignorance. Any way you slice it, ignorance will limit one’s options. And what you don’t know can certainly hurt you. In Ketchum, in any given year, hundreds of kids attend a school named for bon vivant, adventurer and Nobel Prize-winning writer Ernest Hemingway—a former short-term Wood River Valley resident (and permanent long-term occupant) whose life and work is the intersection of: • The need to immerse oneself in the act of living on a global canvas, and • The desire and skill—genius, really—to share that worldview first as a journalist and then through literature—an art form that, at its best, creates a reading expe rience that transcends plot. No doubt the school’s name was intended to be not merely a memorial but a beacon. The Hemingway narrative – the scope, color, innovation, achievements, influence – is extraordinarily seductive. It’s the kind of story that could easily inspire an individual to plunge headfirst into life as a means of crafting his or her best self. It’s also a very human story. Will it be easy? No. Will it be complicated? Certainly. Will it be unique? Authentic? True? One would hope so. After all, who would want to craft a life that was essentially a fiction?

It’s back! September, that is. For time immemorial, the ninth month of the calendar year was also the start of a new academic year. Although the calendar year is 2022 anno Domini, today’s academics might be better described as 2 anno Covid. While in-class learning has resumed for the most part, many aspects of education are not remotely back to the pre-pandemic paradigm, and let’s not forget that the state of education pre-pandemic was hardly rosy. A nationwide teacher shortage, denigration of teachers, censorship, soaring education costs, inadequate funding, bureaucracy, anti quated facilities, the trend to devalue in-person instruction (the list goes on) are daunting challenges. Yet, arguably, the single greatest threat facing education in America today is the enthusiastic embrace of anti-intellectualism by a sizable and very vocal segment of the American population. The word ‘educate’ is rooted in Latin and translates roughly as ‘to lead out.’ Out of the darkness and into enlightenment, a fact-based, never-ending process which expands knowledge, broadens horizons and forces a person to constantly evolve his or her view of the world. The whole point of education is to expose oneself to new experiences, environments, people and points of view to learn something one doesn’t know, not to repeat the same information incessantly or reinforce one’s beliefs. The opposite of education is not mere ly close-mindedness, it’s willful ignorance. Born of fear, cultivated in grievance, em powered with condescension and lacking any anchor in facts or reality whatsoever, this New American Anti-Intellectualism is some really toxic shit. Knowledge truly is power.

Common Sense Continued

By Ken Stokes

COME TO PAPA

A mob pulls down a gilded lead equestrian statue of George III at Bowling Green, New York City, 9 July 1776. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

The book cover of “Hemingway’s Sun Valley: Local Stories Behind His Code, Characters and Crisis.” Image credit: The History Press BY DOVE The powers that be can teach our children that there are eight genders but they aren’t teaching our chil dren how to sew on a button, hem a pair of jeans, change a tire on a car or fix a decent balanced meal. They can’t even recognize a carrot or onion growing in a gar den let alone know how to plant a garden. Some schools are providing this type of education, practical and usable, but for overall education much of the necessary skills are bypassed in favor of technology. I understand the rapid expansion of technology chang es our world daily, but don’t we have to know how to perform the simple skills of life first, then technology? I would like to know how tearing down a statue from history changes the history. The statue, whether you ap preciate what the statue represents, still does not change the past. We learn from the past, either good or bad, but to destroy property and culture takes away from the rich ness of our life. The destruction of something does not destroy the energy of the event — it only draws attention to anger. What’s even worse is that the anger is not gen uine; it has been paid for by outside sources for the sake of destroying our culture and country. I ask, is the anger serving a purpose or is it just a misuse of energy, causing more harm than good? It is destruction for the sake of destruction — senseless. Respect is earned, and at some point in time the person represented by the statue was deserving of respect. There is not one human on Earth who can say they walked the path and never used energy in a harmful way. We all do. It is part of the journey of being human. In stead, let us focus on the good that each of us brings to the planet. See how you can be of service and forget trying to destroy the past. Have you ever been to a restaurant and there will be four young people sitting at a table, unable to carry on a conversation because they don’t know how? Everyone is on their cellphone, communicating without any personal interaction. That is not living! They might as well be robots because they have not developed the skills to look someone in the eye and be honest. This is where technology is failing us. You text, and you don’t get to hear the inflections in someone’s voice, which is a major part of the communication. Communication by technology is pretty sterile and the benefit that comes from interaction is missing. I ask, how do we improve our ability to connect?

Well, so-called ‘reality’ television, in combination with a celebrity-obsessed culture, is who. And it’s manufacturing a small army of influencers who at best possess absolute ly no substance and demonstrate no real curiosity; at worst these influencers put the most repugnant of Hemingway’s characters to shame.

W OOD RIVER WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 7 - 20, 2022 7 THE REPUBLIC THE REPUBLIC

Without connection to other humans, we become lost and isolated. We believe that no one cares. This is one of the major contributors to the suicide rate in our country.

The various groupings spawned a variety of questions. Cataloguing Sulfur Buckwheat, Parsnipflower, Great Basin Wildrye, Choke cherry and Golden Currant made me ask, “Are all of these edible?” Something about Yarrow, Silver Worm wood, and Common Lambsquarters made me wonder, “Are these medicinal? If so, what would they be used for?” And Leafy Fleabane and Pitcher’s This tle brought images of witches and warlocks crumbling dried leaves into steaming pots. Ultimately, this small bouquet of plants amounted to eight different families with their attendant complicated Latin names (Grossulariaceae, Polygonaceae, Scrophu lariaceae) joined to more playful common names (Gooseberry, Knotweed, Figwort). As each plant was occupying some small stretch of the side of the road, I never even ventured off the driveway, and spent only a brief mo ment thinking about how many plants had long since flowered and vanished from the late summer landscape. In other words, I only met a sliver of my neighbors, and it was the briefest of introduc tions.

What magic is held in these plants? What would they tell me if I knew more about their lives? About where and how they grow? About what insects they repel and what nu trients they need? I am certain they could tell me where pockets of minerals lie in the ground, or help me get rid of a sunburn, or offer a small snack, or a tangy spice. Meeting someone starts with a simple in troduction. Getting to know them is about spending time with them, asking questions, and being curious. I look forward to this new conversation. A conversation with plants I have known—Mullein, Prairie Sunflower, Cottonwood—and those whose names create a starburst of imaginative associations. Look for me on the road, cookie in my hand, talking to my new sidekick, Curlycup Gumweed.

Fishing R epoRt Summer

just doesn’t quite want to give in to fall yet. Hot days have been the norm and will remain so through the week. The smoke has made things unpleasant but watch the forecast for wind and pick your fishing spots accord ingly. Despite the smoke being unpleasant, it does act as a light filter, which will keep the bigger predatory fish on the prowl later in the morning and earlier in the evening.Silver Creek is starting to see changes in the hatches. Trico is waning and Baetis are picking up steam. Callibaetis should come to the forefront of the hatches, as we transition. If you are going to fill your fly boxes for the coming hatches, think Mahogany Duns, October Caddis and Fall Baetis. These will be the next big hatches we see, and the last of the big bugs for the season. No worries, though — these hatches can sometimes last up to Thanksgiving with the weather permitting. In the meantime, Hoppers are still fishing on the Creek and will continue to catch fish until the first hard frost kills the remain ingThepopulation.BigWood and upper Lost will begin going through changes, as well. Cooler weather will bring the first of the West ern Red Quill hatches. These are huge bugs that bring all the fish up when it is happening.

THE FROMFISHING“WEEKLY”REPORTFORSEPTEMBER7-20PICABOANGLER

Photo credit: Cory Maylett, accessed via Wiki pedia. Make your walks something special and an intentional learning experi ence for your dog.

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

In the middle of August, I decided to meet my neighbors. Armed with a cookie and my phone, I started down the driveway. I should probably stop here and expand. I was holding a cookie (singular), which was rapidly becoming no cookie, as I took my evening cookie walk. I was carrying my phone because I was hoping to capture the call of the Common Poorwill, a bird that lives in the sage hills around my house. As I walked, a whole slew of insects flitted about, amongst them a Skipper (which now, according to recent taxonomic shuffling, are grouped with the butterflies). “Ooooh,” I thought, “a perfect chance to use my Seek App.” Seek is an app developed by National Geographic and the California Academy of Sciences that helps identify species from pic tures of them.

Photo credit: Fran Jewell

Cool days will also bring larger hatches of the Fall Baetis. The Fall Baetis is a little different than what you see all summer. They are smaller, brighter and never stop wiggling in the water. These hatches can get so big, that even the old man brook trout will come out from under the log jams to eat off the top! Continue to fish Hopper / Dropper setups throughout the day, as well as small Streamers. With cool weather also comes the pre-spawn activity of the brown trout. This means big predatory browns are going to be looking for calories and they aren’t going to care where they come from. Fishing Streamers on any of our area waters in the next few weeks is going to be veryWhenproductive.thegood fall hatches do begin, be sure you fish with some stealth, as this low-water time of the season does make the fish careful. Look for fish rising in the heads and especially the tailouts of the pools. These slick-water sections hold a lot of fish in the fall! Happy fishing, everyone!

8 WOOD R IVER W EEKLY • S EPTEMBER 7 20, 2022

JEWELL COMMENTARY

Harry Weekes is the founder and head of school at The Sage School in Hailey. This is his 50th year in the Wood River Valley, where he lives with Hilary and one of their three baby adults – Simon. The other mem bers of the flock, Georgia and Penelope, are currently fledging at Davidson College in North Carolina and Middlebury College in Vermont, respectively.

By Fran Jewell

Hwy 20 in

BY HARRY WEEKES

Most of us dog owners love to walk our dogs. We are so bless ed to have some of the most magnificent places to walk our dogs that are postcards at every turn along the path! We love the time we spend with our dogs and this special place we call home. Taking our dogs with us also brings some special responsibilities. We must be sure that our dog has a dynamic recall and will come back even in the face of chasing a deer, a bunny or a chipmunk. We must also be sure that our dog will not mug or jump on others that are out enjoying our wilderness trails, too. There are so many owners that will deceive themselves into believing a dog that runs up to a person or dog while barking is just being “friendly” when, in fact, that can be fear based, or even territorial behavior. It is not friendly behavior. Saying it is is just an excuse for having a poorly trained dog. There are many ways to help prepare your dog for these encoun ters along the trail so it is enjoyable for everyone. Mastering the “come” command at home before allowing a dog to run off leash is imperative. Teaching “come” takes a lot of time for it to be reliable in any situation; it is not something that a dog learns in one or two teaching sessions. There are lots of modalities to teach “come,” as well. It should be something practiced every day in the house, in the yard, on a long line, as long as the dog lives. Setting your dog up for success is part of that mastery. Take your tools: a leash, food or toy reward, and poop bags along as part of the commitment you must make before you put on those hiking shoes or skis. A really helpful skill is the idea of coming WITH YOU, not just TO you. Keep walking. If your dog wants to stop and sniff another dog, keep walking by. Pick up your pace. Always reward your dog for deciding to come with you instead of stopping to sniff. Many times that stop to sniff can turn ugly if two dogs don’t like each other. In many ways, dogs are like people; they don’t like every dog (or person) they meet. Most dogs will choose to stay with you if you keep moving. If they don’t come along with you, change direction and start to run, then reward the dog for coming along with you. Most dogs do not like to be left behind. The same is true for ski ing. Most people don’t have issues when they are skiing because the movement is fast and most dogs don’t have time to stop and sniff. Again, most dogs will not want to be left behind. Walking is a tremendous activity if used correctly. For dogs that have never met each other, it can be a good tool for introductions. A walk on a leash with another dog can help smooth over a rocky dog relationship or even get a new doggie relationship off to a good start. The key here, though, is for each dog to be on a separate leash with a different person. That gives the dogs a chance to get to know each other without a lot of pressure, and it gives the dogs a sense of leadership from the humans. Walking is good for us, our dogs and/or dog relationships with others. Being thoughtful about how to use walking as a tool instead of just something you do can make a wonderful difference in your dog’s behavior with others. Keep on walking!!

There I was, partial cookie in hand, work ing to close the gap on a camera-shy Skipper, when I accidentally identified a plant (when the Skipper flew off, the plant it was perched on came into focus, and the Seek App started identifying it).

Walking, Walking, Walking

SCIENCE OF PLACE HARRY WEEKES

www.picaboangler.cominfo@picaboangler.comPicabo(208)788.3536

Meet The Neighbors

NO BONES ABOUT IT FRAN

I stood up, looked around, and realized, for the 100th time in my life, how little I know about plants. My walk down the driveway turned into a zigzagging creep from one un known species to another. The cookie ran out long before the new plants, and by the time I got to my turnaround point (about a quarter of a mile), I had added 18 species to my list, earned myself a Bronze Plant Badge, and moved up to ‘Surveyor Level’ in the app. Rather than accomplishments, these latter were implications of the obvious — how few plants I have even tried to record in the app. Immediately, a whole new world came to life, filled with fantastic characters like Smooth Brome. Willow Dock. Yellow Sal sify.

MONEY MATTERS

Healthcare is more than just the cost of insulin

T he four main components of GDP are:

• Personal consumer expenditures.

• G ross private domestic investment.

JoEllen Collins—a longtime resident of the Wood River Valley— is an Idaho Press Club award-winning colum nist, a teacher, writer, fabric artist, choir member and unabashedly proud grandma known as “Bibi Jo.”

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

The only good news from this disaster is that there weren’t any human fatalities. After “my” fire, I had a powerful surge of grat itude that my baby daughter and I escaped just 15 minutes before our house imploded. Others since haven’t been as fortunate; the worst images of fire I have seen in the past few years are of people trying to escape the flames in Paradise, Califor nia, but instead dying in their trapped cars. So, our neighbors’ grief, which will naturally come, at least doesn’t include mourning for friends and loved ones, though some pets may have perished –a truly painful thought. However, the loss of treasured mementoes, pic tures and sentimental keepsakes is debilitating. As I tearfully recorded ours for insurance purposes, I still sensed that we were young enough to foresee a full life ahead. Some of my neighbors couldn’t rebound as easily, like the comedian Morey Am sterdam’s brother, who remained for years in a trailer provided after the fire. Also, the memories that lay in ashes were precious because of the peo ple I associated with them; those 30-plus years of loving relationships could never be removed from my soul. Eventually, I found ways to honor all that I had learned through the challenges that ensued. The most important lesson, though, was the evident generosity and care from my friends and family. I had no clothes except those I was wearing but was im mediately presented with “care” packages of items such as diapers, toothbrushes, and offers of places to stay. For the rest of my life, I also disdained undue satis faction from any material possession. I need very little. Some people deride our small town because “everybody knows everything about everybody.” However, when tragedy hits one of us living in THIS paradise, we are certain that loving comfort is rapidly available. The support of our com munity should help heal some wounds. I have faith that it will. Finally, as in all facets of life, a sense of humor helps. The Monday after the fire, I stood before my students at Santa Monica College and announced that I was O.K. and had accepted the destruction of my tangible possessions. Oddly, though, among the few items inadvertently saved in my getaway car were over 90 composition papers still needing to be corrected — my first chore now in my temporary digs! We all laughed at the irony. I remember when I worked as a post-surgery R.N. I’d see patients suffering side effects from surgeries back then. Each morning when the elevator opened on my floor, I would get a list of pa tients who were feeling mighty sore. They all had major surgery. Let’s say they’d been tuned up. But now were nauseated ‘cuz they seemed to be plugged up. I’m not talking ‘bout their sinus or that brown stuff in the ear. I’m talking down there farther south and a little to the rear. There is an old-time remedy of mineral oil to cure. It’s awful to the taste, but it will loosen you for sure. That mineral oil will clean you out. It’ll find a way somehow. I told an older patient, “Just be glad you’re not a cow.” That fellow gave a look at me like, “Have you lost your mind?” He was hob bling for the toilet, left me standing there behind. I couldn’t help but notice how he hobbled extra fast. He was ‘bout to feel relief, his constipation wouldn’t last. I said, “You see, when I was young, we milked cows on the farm. Those danged old cows would get plugged up. A sure cause for alarm. “But we always had a quart or two of mineral oil on hand. We’d pour it down the cow. If not, the cow would soon expand.” I wondered how a cow could drink a quart of mineral oil. It wasn’t long before her innards rumbled in turmoil. The growling and the gurgling gas would soon come flying out. The mineral oil had remedied the plugged-up cow, no doubt. I learned that you should never, ever stand back at their rear. My cousin caught a blast and it was more than just a smear. So then I told him, “Sir, I see you’ve been up twice to go. The mineral oil has done its job, and not a bit too slow. “I’ll stand back here and help you make your way back to the john. But please give me a warning if a cough is coming on.”

WRANGLER’S RECKLESS WRITINGSBRYCE ANGELL

– Bryce Angell

Kristin Hovencamp is an Investment Executive and Director of Business De velopment with HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR DAVID ROTH

ECONOMYTHE

The Fire This Time

BY KRISTIN HOVENCAMP

Investors are rightfully concerned that efforts to calm inflation, following years of easy monetary policy, will spark a prolonged recession. Speaking in Jackson Hole, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell confirmed that interest rates would remain higher for longer, and we are unlikely to see interest rate cuts in 2023. As we labor through the dog days of summer, here are some data points we will be watching in anticipation of a cooling economy.

There has been a lot of attention the last few weeks about the cost of insulin. Unfor tunately, both of our U.S. Senators voted against capping the monthly cost of insulin for the majority of Americans. And, while insulin is absolutely critical for the 9 million or so insulin-dependent diabetics in this country, it is not the only medication out there hitting Americans in the pocketbook. According to NiceRX.com, the average per-capita cost for pharmaceuticals in the United States is $1,228.66 per year — just over 37% higher than the next highest country, Switzer land. Many of these medications are for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. About 30% of diabetics are insulin dependent. The rest of us, like me, who has Type 2 diabetes, manage our diabetes quite well with other medications. Imagine my shock this past month when I went to refill my prescription. What had previously been a $74 copay, after insurance and manufacturer discount card, was now about $324. It worked out to be a 337% increase. The only explanation given? The drug is now simply more expensive due to demand. While we all understand that prices do tend to increase, one has to wonder what is driv ing this increase. Especially since it seems to be felt most here in the United States — more than anywhere else in the world. What have they figured out that we have not? This seems particularly egregious considering a recent article in the Washington Post reporting that AbbVie, the maker of the best-selling drug in the world, Humira, generates 75% of its sales in the United States. Thanks to the Trump tax law changes, though, Abb Vie can shield 99% of that income from U.S. taxes. 99%! To be clear: these companies are charging Americans more than they charge anyone else, and at the same time ducking out on their responsibility to pay U.S. taxes on those ill-gotten gains. Based on current votes, and statement releases by our Republican leaders, they are not only proud of this fact, but would seek to expand it. They also appear to oppose any measure designed to hold Big PharmaWhereaccountable.doesthatleave the average American? It leaves about 35 million of us, myself included, completely dependent on our Affordable Care Act insurance and the protections guaranteed to us against discrimination due to a preexisting chronic condition. Without that lifeline there would be no way that I could afford to insure myself and get the medica tions that I need to remain healthy and support my family. We need to focus on increasing access to affordable healthcare, especially among vul nerable populations. That is one reason I am proud to be a Democrat. We are looking for solutions to real problems, while the other side is simply fixated on sunsetting programs such as the ACA, Medicare and Social Security — with no real plan to replace them.

• Net exports. Consumer spending is the most significant percentage of GDP. Still, a decrease in pri vate investments is often the first sign (residential and non-residential investments, change in inventories) of a slowing economy.

Iwill not regale you here with accounts of the loss of my and my husband’s first house in a brush fire so many years ago. However, I feel compelled to share some insights I gained from that sad event. Comparing my experience to anyone else’s may not be very useful, but I did absorb some lessons from that catastrophe that have indeed become part of my character. Regarding the recent Ketchum fire that destroyed a Warm Springs apartment complex, my heart aches for those who must deal with the loss of possessions and pets and the fear of the future without a home that has been a shelter and sanctuary.

T he usual culprits, like a tight job force, weaker corporate earnings, and a sharp slow down in consumer spending, are still missing from today’s inflation equation. We will be keeping a close eye on future economic indicators.

W OOD RIVER WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 7 - 20, 2022 9

Inflation increases the economy’s overall price level of goods and services. Over time, inflation reduces the purchasing pow er of your savings. We see the result of inflationary pressures in everything from the price of gasoline to grains. The Health of the Global Economy T he U.S. is far from the only economy fighting off a reces sion. Other central banks such as the European Central Bank (ECB), the Bank of Canada, and the Bank of England are raising rates to fight rapidly spreading inflation. These moves may have a wide-reaching, adverse impact on consumers and businesses. Interestingly, this is the first time the ECB has in creased rates over a decade. The U.S. Gross Domestic Product Gross domestic product (GDP) is the monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced in a country in a given period. GDP is representative of the total output and income generated within a country’s borders.

Future Interest Rate Hikes As it turns out, inflation was not “transitory.” Be it 50 or 75 basis points, the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates until the Fed feels assured that it can bring the economy back to its target inflation rate of 2%.

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, Yellow stone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of person al experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.

• Government consumption and gross investment.

ON LIFE’S TERMS JOELLEN COLLINS

David Roth IdahoDavidFallsRoth is the Democratic Nominee to the United States Senate for the State of Ida ho and the Executive Director of a non-profit.

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. 675 Sun Valley Road, Suite J1 + J2 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208.726.0605. KRISTIN HOVENCAMP COOLING

MINERAL OIL

ANNA AND MICHELLEBETTER HOMEOWNERS NEWS Housing Affordability

El 5º Hailey Hispanic Heritage Fest se llevará a cabo el sábado 17 de septiembre de 10 a.m. a 8 p.m. y el ini cio será organizado por la Biblioteca Pública de Hailey por 2do año en el Hailey Town Center. Además, habrá deliciosa comida gratuita del restau rante Chapalitas, una actuación especial de una banda de padres e hijos, y un orador invitado de California dando una conferencia informativa sobre Frida Kahlo. Los niños podrán experimentar juegos divertidos y culturales, como La Lotería y piñatas para sumergirse completamente en la cultura también. El Mes de la Herencia Hispana es conocido a nivel nacional por tener lugar del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre para reconocer los logros como parte de la co munidad hispana/latina y las contribuciones a este país. Debido a eso, Herbert Romero, organizador comunitar io de este evento, se asegura de honrar y reconocer a los miembros de la comunidad, anualmente. Antes de este festival, nunca habíamos tenido tanto reconocimiento para nuestra comunidad y estoy in creíblemente sorprendido de ver cómo ha crecido. Me ha hecho sentir más cómoda en mi piel y de dónde ven go; Espero que otros miembros de la comunidad sien tan lo mismo también. Para aquellos que viven más lejos de Hailey y aún les gustaría asistir, Carey tendrá su 2do Festival Anual de la Herencia Hispana en Itty Bitty Farm. Call to ARMs

Source: Health Freedom Defense Fund, et al. v. City of Hailey, Martha Burke, Mayor, Case No. 1:21-cv-00389-DCN, United States District Court, District of Idaho, Order dated Aug. 23, 2022

If you assume that the payment would increase to the maximum at each adjustment period, the break-even point will occur at 7 years and 4 months. If you were to sell the property prior to the breakeven, the ARM would produce a lower cost of housing.

Children will be able to experience fun and cultural games, such as La Loteria and piñatas to fully immerse themselves in the culture, as well. Hispanic Heritage Month is nationally known to take place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to recognize achieve ments as part of the Hispanic/Latinx community and contributions to this country. Because of that, Herbert Romero, community organizer of this event, makes sure to honor and recognize those members in the com munity, annually. Prior to this fest, we have never had such recognition for our community and I’m so incredibly amazed to see how it’s grown. It has made me feel more comfortable in my skin and where I come from; I hope other com munity members feel the same, as well. For those who live farther from Hailey and would still like to attend, Carey will have its second annual Hispanic Heritage Fest at Itty Bitty Farms.

It was founded by Leslie Manookian, a Valley resident histori cally at the center of the local vaccine-safety debate.

One of the benefits for lenders making adjustable-rate mortgages is that they have less risk because the yield can change to reflect the current market. Most ARMs must adjust down as well as up, which means if rates do come down, the buyer can continue with the ARM at a lower rate or convert it to a fixed-rate at the, then, current rate. Use the ARM Comparison to see where the breakeven point will be for you. Get mortgage rates for FRM and ARM mortgages from Freddie Mac and download

A particularly popular type of adjustable-rate mort gage is referred to as a 5/1, which means the rate for the first period lasts five years and then each adjustment period after that is for one year. This allows a buyer to have stability in the rate during the first five years. If they plan to sell in less time than that, they will not have to deal with the adjustment.

A 5/1 ARM will have a lower payment for five years because of the lower initial rate and, assuming a worstcase scenario, a conventional ARM could increase a maximum of 2% at the end of the first period, which would put the rate at higher than the fixed rate at the time they started. However, that is not where the breakeven point occurs. It is not until all the savings from the initial period have been exhausted that the ARM will become more expensive than the fixed-rate alternative.

A Little Love For Baldy On The Way

Hailey Awarded Attorneys Fees In ‘Frivolous’ Mask Mandate Case

BY ANNA & MICHELLE Housing affordability is negatively affected by both rising home prices and mortgage rates. A 20% increase in nominal home prices and a 2% increase in the 30-year fixed rate mortgage since January have contributed to a 46-point drop in the NAR Housing Affordability Index. The Index was 143 in June 2021 and is 98.5 in June of 2022. The Housing Affordability Index indicates whether a median-income family can qualify for a mortgage loan with a 20% down payment and 25% qualifying ratio for monthly housing expenses to gross monthly income. 100 points is considered the tipping point. As the In dex rises above that point, housing is considered more affordable, and as it declines, it is considered less af fordable.Withaffordability threatening to limit buyers’ abili ty to purchase, more borrowers are considering an ad justable-rate mortgage. For the last 10 years, fixed-rate mortgages have been so low, only about 3% of borrow ers used adjustable-rate mortgages. There is a lot of misinformation about ARMs that keeps some would-be buyers from even considering them. Even before the housing crisis of 2007, many safeguards were put into place to protect borrowers. As long as the ‘spread’ between ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages continues, more first-time home buyers may choose ARMs because the lower mortgage rate gives them a purchasing power ‘boost’ over the 30-year fixed mortgage rate.” Mark Fleming, First American chief economist The potential ARM candidate is probably not a firsttime homebuyer. They should be tolerant to risk and more financially savvy with predictably increasing in come. These buyers may recognize that they do not intend to stay in the home for a long time. Adjustable-rate mortgages generally start out at a lower rate than a fixed-rate but can adjust, up or down, based on an independent index plus a specified margin and anniversary date that are referenced in the note. Most ARMs have stated interest rate caps that limit per adjustment period and a 5% lifetime cap over the original note rate. Conventional loans, more commonly, have a 2% per adjustment period and a 6% lifetime cap.

Submitted by Raiza Giorgi, for Wood River Baseball Associ ation:Come out and enjoy a day of golf at the annual James Nel son Memorial Golf Tournament to be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at Sun Valley’s Trail Creek Golf Course with proceeds benefiting Wood River Baseball Association (WRBA). “There are many reasons to enjoy a game of golf, especial ly when it benefits local kids’ youth programs. Wood River Baseball is more than just the sport, it teaches the players about being part of a team, building character and the love for America’s favorite pastime,” said Dustin Stone, board member of WRBA.Pricesare $160 for adults and $80 for youth with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Teams of four will compete in a scramble for mat. Total cost for an adult team is $640, and $320 for youths 15 and under. There are incentives this year for registering by Oct. 1, with rewards to be announced. Day-of entries will also be Twelcome.hisevent is open to the public. This tournament is the primary fundraiser for WRBA and brings in at least $10,000 for the program. There will also be a raffle and silent auction. Sun Valley Company has donated a 15-day pass for this year’s event, as well as many other items from family portrait ses sions, gift baskets, and family passes to local attractions such as Miracle Hot Springs in Hagerman. Anyone wishing to golf or sponsor a hole can register at w ww.woodriverbaseball.com, contact Raiza Giorgi at 805350-8786 or email info@woodriverbaseball.com.

In an unusual federal court ruling Aug. 23, District Court Judge David C. Nye ordered that the Health Freedom Defense Fund pay the City of Hailey for its attorneys fees incurred in defending the city’s COVID-19 mask mandate put in place during the pandemic.

An ARM Comparison can help buyers to determine break-even point. Let’s compare a 5.66% FRM with a 4.51% 5/1 ARM with 2 and 6 caps. A $450,000 30-year term loan amount will have a P&I payment of $2,600.41 for the fixed compared to $2,286.76 for the ARM. The $317.65 monthly savings will accumulate for 60 months plus a $6,673 lower unpaid balance on the ARM due to a lower interest rate. The total savings in the first period would be $25,732.

The Health Freedom Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which says it seeks to protect and advance health freedom, educate Americans on informed consent, advocate for human rights and bodily autonomy for all people, and legally chal lenge unethical mandates, laws, and policies when necessary.

Wood River Baseball To Host Golf Tourney Oct. 8

With a significant number of standing dead and downed trees on Bald Mountain from the bark beetle infestation, an ambitious $1 million replanting project is underway. Led by Bigwood Bread and its employees, the effort aims to remove existing fuels to help prevent forest fires. With council approval, the City of Ketchum will contribute $10,000 that will be matched by Bigwood Bread and further matched 5-to-1 by the Bald Mountain Stewardship fund. The resulting total donation will therefore be $100,000 toward the health of a mountain. Donations are all handled by the nonprofit National Forest Foundation. Alongside contributions from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Sun Valley Com pany, the National Forest Foundation has been able to raise and contribute private funds and organize volunteer efforts to support the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project.

The attorney fees awarded are in the amount of $29,650.

“Attorney fees are very rarely awarded to prevailing state and local governments as defendants in civil rights cases. Successful plaintiffs, on the other hand, are entitled to their fees when they win against the government. To award a government fees, a court must find that the suit against it was frivolous, unreasonable or without foundation. Judge Nye found these exceptional circumstances existed in the case, so the taxpayers of Hailey will not be responsible for the city’s legal bill,” Ferguson said.

NEWS

The 5th Hailey Hispanic Heritage Fest is just around the corner for Blaine County folks as Hispanic Heritage Month approaches. The 5th Hailey Hispanic Heritage Fest will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Roberta McKercher Park, at South 3rd Avenue and Highway 75. The kickoff will be hosted by the Hailey Public Library for the second year at the new Hailey Town Center West. Additionally, there will be delicious free food from Chapalitas Restaurant, a special performance from a father-and-son band, and a guest speaker from Califor nia giving an informative lecture about Mexican paint er Frida Kahlo.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA El 5º Hailey Hispanic Heritage Fest está a la vuelta de la esquina para la gente del Condado de Blaine a medida que se acerca el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

5B Hailey Hispanic Heritage Fest BY MONICA CARRILLO OUR VOICE COUNTS

Hailey had hired Deborah Ferguson of Ferguson Durham who successfully defended the civil rights challenge and secured the Attorney Fees Order. The suit was dismissed with prejudice in March of this year, when the court found the challenge had not “alleged plausible legal claims.” Specifically, the court upheld local government authority to enact public health orders, including those more stringent than public mask mandates.

10 WOOD R IVER W EEKLY • S EPTEMBER 7 20, 2022 ADVERTORIALS

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA MONICA CARRILLO IN BRIEF

W OOD RIVER WEEKLY • SEPTEMBER 7 - 20, 2022 11 YOU CAN FIND IT IN BLAINE! 208.788.5362 fully insured & guaranteed Airport West | Hailey, Idaho 83333 MILEY ROOFING From We’veYourRoofYourtoRainGutter,GotYouCovered! Shop LocalAdvertise on this page for ONLY $45/week. (includes full color & free ad design) Mandi 208.721.7588 Housekeeper now accepting new clients. responsible, experienced and great references. Free estimates available for: Homes, condos, offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com208.720.5973 (208) 720-3519 713 N Main St. Unit A,ANDERSON’SBellevueUSAJiu-jitsuAcademy KIDSJiu-jitsu 208.720.0252WWW.SUNVALLEY3DPHOTO.COM sales@sunvalley3dphoto.com SUN VALLEY 3D PHOTO Real Estate Custom Videos XYZ Files for autoCAD 3D Virtual Tours SCAN FOR 3D TOURVIRTUAL Marc Longley americansealcoating5b@gmail.com•SEALCOATING•CRACKFILLING•STRIPING•POTHOLEREPAIR Advertise on this page for ONLY $45/week! (includes full color & free ad design)! Space is limited, call today! Call Mandi 208.721.7588 • Gary has over 25 years experience in painting. • WoodExcellentRiverValleyreferences. • Lowest rates in the Valley. • Call for a free, no obligation estimate. (208) 481-0934 Lunches $5 for adults 60 and better $8 for those under 60 years of age $4 for children 12 and under **Scholarships are available, ask us! **Bring your own reusable bag to carry your lunch! Reservations are required and need to be made by the day of at 9:00 am. Call the Senior Connection at 208-788-3468 to reserve your lunch! The monthly menu is available in the Senior Connection newsletter, or online at www.seniorconnectionidaho.org/menu Lunch & Lit Please join us for What: Take out lunches from the Senior Connection including a short reading selection presented by the Communiy Library. When: Thursdays, beginning June 2nd, lunch served 11:30 am- 12:00 pm Where: The Community Library, Cimino Plaza, Children’s Library Entrance, 4th and Walnut Why: Come enjoy a nutritious and convenient lunch while engaging with other community members over interesting literature. CLASSIFIEDS PRICING Text (up to 25 words): $10 Additional Text: 20¢ per word Photos: $5 per image • Logo: $10 Deadline: Monday at 1 p.m Space reservations: classifieds@woodriverweekly.com CROSSWORD answer from page 12 SUDOKU answer from page 12 HANDYMAN Jack of all trades. Reliable, insured, clean. Small jobs to large remodel projects, or the “honey-do” list. Call Mark, (208) 573-1784 FINE FINISH CARPENTRY Custom Cabinetry • Interior Finish Remodeling • Kitchen • Baths CAD Cabinetry Design Mike @ (208) 720-7250 Check out our Facebook page www. FFCid.net HOUSEKEEPING Responsible, experienced & great references, housekeeper now accepting new clients. Free estimates available for: homes, condos & offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com,(208)720-5973 HELP WANTED Jane’s artifacts is looking for a long term employee • One full time position available. • Sales and Inventory Management. • Knowledge of Arts & Crafts is a plus! • Opening and Closing Shifts, Weekends. • Great starting pay for the right person. Contact Jane Drussel at janedrussel0@gmail.com CAMPER SHELL FOR SALE Leer Model 180 custom camper shell for 8’ long bed. Was on a 2016 Ford F350. Dark Green. Exterior and interior lights. Perfect Like New Condition. $1200 OBO (208) 720-2509 EXPEDITION FOR SALE 2006 Ford Expedition Limited - $5,555 - Great condition inside and out, runs well, like new tires, remote start, free Satellite radio for life - (208) 720-5056 jane’s ar ti facts arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party 106 S. MAIN, HAILEY • 208.788.0848 • JANESARTIFACTS2@GMAIL.COM FINAL SIDEWALK SALE FRIDAY SEPT 9TH! FILL A BAG FOR $5 Wood River Weekly Find It In Blaine Advertise in FiB for ONLY $35/week! (includes full color & free ad design) Classifieds (Buy Stuff, Sell Stuff, Odds & Ends, Whatever): Up To 25 Words $5, Each Additional Word 20¢, Image $5, Logo $10 Wood River Weekly Classifieds

On Sept. 10, the fun starts with Meet the Fleet at the airport in Hailey from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After stopping by that free event, swing by and help decide who makes the best chili in the Valley at the 5th Annual Firefighter’s 5 Alarm Chili Cook-Off! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. on Main and Silver streets in Hai ley, at the Centennial Building by Click IT and Hailey Heritage. To enter or for more information, please email info@ValleyChamber.org or call (208) 788-3484. The 30th Annual Wood River Toy Run also takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10. The motorcycle ride to help raise money for those in need during the most magical time of the year concludes with a kids’ carnival, music and food at Bellevue City Park at 1 p.m. On Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5–7 p.m., the War field Distillery & Brewery in Ketchum and Wells Fargo Bank will host a Business After Hours in the heart of Ketchum. “BAHs” are al ways free and everyone is welcome to attend and connect with our community. On Saturday, Sept. 17, the 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Fest will kick off at Town Center West in Hailey and run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Rober ta McKercher Park S. 4th Ave and Hwy. 75. Fes tivities include loads of live music, food, drinks, kids’ games and regional leaders will be honored. Sawtooth Brewery’s Ketchum Oktoberfest taps the keg the night before and the fun at Festival Meadow runs from 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. On Sept. 22, Insurance Specialist Group will host a BAH from 5-7 p.m. at 519 South Main Street in Hailey. The next night, Friday Sept. 23, Mountain Humane starts its 50th Anniversary cel ebration weekend with a concert by Jeff Crosby.

ConsignmentTRADERforthehome

The brave (a bit masochistic) folks who love to hike up the face of Warm Springs will be taking part in the 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb on Sat urday, the 24th. There is no day-of-race registra tion and online signups close the Thursday night before the hike. The rocking month of events comes to a close on Sept. 30th as the Night Bocce World Champi onships will return to its new home at Hop Porter Park in Hailey! You can find out about these events and much more at the newly revamped ValleyChamber.org or by calling (208) 788-3484.

See on page 11