WRW 11 January 2023

Photo credit: Carol Waller

By HAYDEN SEDER

Community members will have their final opportunity for public input on the future plans of the Warm Springs Preserve, also known locally as the Dog Park, at the final Warm Springs Preserve Open House, held at Ketchum City Hall on Monday, February 13 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4:30–6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide comments on detailed conceptual plans, including landscaping ideas and river restoration at Warm Springs Preserve.

After acquisition of the Warm Springs Preserve in April of 2022, the City of Ketchum began the master planning process, which would maintain current uses of the park while prioritizing new developments that would ensure all-season, multi-functional use; restore and maintain a healthy ecosystem; provide accessible access for all users; and more for the 65 acres of open space.

Two open comment periods took place in September and November of 2022. Each of these began with an online survey sent to community members, followed by a public open house at City Hall, and ending with a joint council P&Z meeting. The surveys presented some of the proposed changes to the Preserve with a five-point scale from “not quite” to “spot on!”

Some of the proposed changes to the Preserve include paving the parking lot and adding handicap-accessible spaces; building a small structure to house two yearround toilets, storage, water fountains, trash receptacles, a donor recognition wall, trail map, bike racks, and sheltered seating; restoration to the creek to enhance hydrologic and ecological health, including improving fish habitat; expanding the lower creek edge and enhancing the floodplain, which will reduce the flood risk to homes adjacent to the creek; replanting part of the Preserve referred to as the “middle terrace” with native grasses and meadow plants, which will not be irrigated; upgraded irrigation system; and the addition of benches and picnic tables.

Survey results from the November comment period indicate that the majority of the 50 people surveyed felt the concept design was on the right track. Some of the comments from participants included whether the disc golf course will be maintained, concern for the possible introduction of bikes to the Preserve, keeping dogs from the creek due to adverse environmental impact, the need for more parking, and requests for official entrance from the Norwegian Woods area.

The biggest takeaways thus far from survey results are protecting the existing ecosystem, improving access points, adding ADA accessibility and handicap features, adding flush toilets and bike racks, prioritizing Nordic skiing in the winter, the impact on homeowners along the Preserve, dog-and-wildlife interface management, dog-waste management, expanding parking and paving of the lot, and support for creek restoration efforts.

es to the Preserve is conducted by City Council.

“Public input is essential to the success of the master planning process for the Warm Springs Preserve,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “The Preserve was purchased through the generosity of this community. Our obligation is to ensure that the master plan accurately reflects the values we hold dear as a community.”

After the final comment period in February, the city will submit for final permit approval to the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 after months of permitting, design, and construction planning.

The feedback provided by the public in these open comment periods is shared with City Council, the Warm Springs Preserve design team, Planning & Zoning, and also posted on the project’s website. According to Aly Swindley, management and communications analyst for the City of Ketchum, these comments, along with direction from City Council and P&Z as well as recommendations by professionals involved in the project, such as the design team, are all used in tandem to decide which ideas to move forward with in the proposals. Ultimately, the final vote for proposed chang-

Ketchum dog park has been a favorite with dog owners for decades. Photo credit: WRW file photo

PUBLISHER

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CONTACT

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

and delightful, this little love bug will instantly steal your heart. She loves human interaction and wants to be your BFF! Ellery is looking for a loving home where she can be your snuggle buddy.

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

By Claudia Mohr

The Wellness Connection was created in June 2022 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health issues in our community. We publish our journal in the Wood River Weekly monthly, as a four-page insert. We are motivated by our community’s fragmented and threadbare mental health system.

Currently, there are 170 psychiatrists for a population of 1.9 million statewide and zero psychiatrists in Blaine County. We have no 24-hour, highly skilled treatment facilities for people with serious mental health issues. When members of our community with mental health issues go untreated, they end up in crisis care at an emergency room, a state hospital, or jail. How do we address this mental health crisis?

Our alarming housing crisis is a direct cause and consequence of our mental health crisis. Housing instability is a major cause of toxic stress and suicide, and contributes to our overburdened and understaffed health providers.

Idaho has the lowest ratio of patient to provider in the country (3,180 patients per physician), according to Mental Health America, a leading nonprofit mental health organization. For the third consecutive year, Idaho was ranked 49th out of 50 states as the most underfunded mental health provider.

According to a report by St. Luke’s, housing instability and substance abuse are significant contributors to suicide. Last year, in 2022, we had eight suicides in the eight weeks between January and February. The majority were men in their 40s. All had access to firearms and used these lethal means as the method of suicide.

They also reported “the lack of availability of mental health providers is a significant need across the St. Luke’s service area. Suicide is a public health problem and a leading cause of death in Idaho.”

In the past six months, The Wellness Connection has

Image credit: Adobe Stock

featured nonprofits such as NAMI, Crisis Hotline, The Advocates, Hospice of the Wood River Valley, Rainbow’s End Recovery Center, Men’s Second Chance Living and Higher Ground. The services these nonprofits provide to our community are beyond what we would have expected. We hope our journal encourages you to take advantage of these services.

At The Wellness Connection, our goal is to bring these issues to light and educate the community on the various resources the local nonprofit organizations can provide to ameliorate some of these problems. We hope the community can move past crisis management to a more balanced approach to handling mental health issues.

Ski for Air Service Day - $60 Lift Tickets at Sun Valley

After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, Fly Sun Valley Alliance (FSVA) and the Sun Valley Resort have teamed up again to present Ski for Air Service Day by offering a full-day $60 lift ticket for skiing at Sun Valley on Sunday, January 22, 2023. All proceeds from Ski for Air Service Day will support air service at Sun Valley.

A limited number of the discounted $60 Ski for Air Service Day lift tickets will be available for sale in advance, for cash or credit card purchase only, from Friday, January 13 through Saturday, January 21 at the following local ski & snowboard shops: Sturtevant’s – Ketchum (Main Street, Limelight Hotel, Warm Springs) and Hailey, Board Bin, and PKs Ski & Sports. Board Bin and PK’s Ski & Sports will take phone sales with credit card. No $60 lift tickets will be sold on January 22. Lift ticket purchases are cash or credit card only and not refundable. A processing fee will be added to credit card sales. There is no limit to the amount of tickets an individual may purchase. Lost tickets cannot be replaced.

The participating ski shops will also be offering 50% off on demos and rentals for the day, and several Sun Valley area lodging properties will have discounted deals, making it an extremely affordable ski weekend for both locals and visitors. Proof of purchase of Ski for Air Service Day lift ticket must be provided to secure the ski/board rental and lodging deals.

Details of all the offers can be found at www.flysunvalleyalliance.com/ski-for-air-day/

“Ski for Air Service Day has been big success over the years, and we appreciate Sun Valley Resort continuing to partner with us on this popular event. You can get a terrific deal on skiing Sun Valley while supporting our important air service initiatives,” remarked Carol Waller, Director of Fly Sun Valley Alliance. “We expect the tickets will sell very fast, especially with our amazing snow conditions this year,” she added.

District Implements Winter Range Closure

KETCHUM, Idaho (Dec. 17, 2022) — The Ketchum Ranger District is instituting an area closure in the Warm Springs drainage to protect wintering elk and deer effective immediately due to early season snowfall.

This annual closure, implemented in partnership with Idaho Fish and Game, begins when the presence of wintering big game animals and snow depth indicate that the protection is warranted.

All National Forest System lands from the West Fork of Warm Springs east to Ketchum and north of the Warm Springs Road within the Warm Springs drainage will be closed. Signs will be posted at normal access points.

The closure keeps animals from expending energy in trying to avoid humans. Forest visitors are reminded to keep their distance should they encounter wintering animals in the backcountry.

For additional information, please contact the Ketchum Ranger District at 208-622-0090.

More Help Needed for Greenhorn Firefighter Housing

Of the $2.4 million needed to complete the Greenhorn Housing Project, $868,701 has been raised to date, leaving $1.5 million to be secured. The campaign reached out to nearly 2,000 property owners in the North Blaine County Fire District who gave enthusiastically to ensure firefighters and first responders had housing and were able to respond quickly to emergency needs.

The Valley’s housing crisis has put quick response times at risk by forcing firefighters and paramedics to seek affordable housing further and further to the south. The ability to hire and retain the number of professionals needed as retirements occur and our community’s population grows has also been severely compromised by the lack of viable options for stable and affordable housing.

To counter these realities, the North Blaine County Fire District has committed to provide eight new single-family homes at the Greenhorn Fire Station site south of the East Fork intersection on Highway 75. The City of Sun Valley has joined in this effort, and Blaine County has committed funding as well. The units will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2023 and are forecast to meet our housing needs for at least the next 10 years.

To achieve the expedited timeline, the District is asking for private donations to match the public funding already committed. Donations are tax deductible. The more that can be raised, the less the project must be financed by costly debt. These savings can be passed on in the form of lower rent for the firefighters, paramedics and their families who will live there.

We are asking Blaine County property owners to consider a donation to help protect the safety and security of people’s lives and property, including your own,” said Fire Commissioner Sarah Michael.

The Greenhorn Housing Project includes plans to install eight units of prefabricated housing and an eight-bay garage east of the Greenhorn Fire Station. The 2-acre parcel of land is secured through a lease with the Idaho Transportation Department at $1 per year for 50 years with an option to renew for an additional 45 years.

The eight units are expected to be delivered and ready for occupancy by the summer of 2023.

“It is critical that our first responders live close by in order to be there quickly when we need them,” said Jed Gray, Chair of the North Blaine County Fire District.”

The estimated total cost of the project is $3.2 million.

Nathan Welch, M.D.

Evan Allan, M.D.

Michael K. Taylor, M.D.

James M. Coombs, M.D.

Kyle N. Klingler, M.D.

Jeffery Stevens, M.D. Jason

Conversacion de Ingles and Tutoring Classes Start Up!

After a short holiday break, the Hailey Public Library’s free Conversacion de Inglés returns on Fridays, 6:00-7:30 PM, at Hailey Town Center West starting January 13. The weekly class taught by tutor Leonardo Padilla Sacha is designed for native Spanish speakers of all abilities in a structured but informal atmosphere. Native English speakers are also on hand to assist. Drop-ins are welcome.

HPL is also offering Inglés Tutoría, a new, weekly language learning program every Friday from 5:00-6:00 PM, also at Town Center West. Tutoría is a free one-on-one or small group basic tutoring opportunity with native English speakers. Participants can ask for help on a particular topic, for example to practice numbers, or come simply to engage in conversation at any level. Drop ins are welcome.

“We’ve been delighted by the response to the Conversacion de Inglés classes over the past 9 months,” commented Kristin Fletcher, the library’s programs and engagement manager, “It really meets a need in our community. Many participants asked if we could also provide additional opportunities for them to practice their English one-on-one or with a small group of friends. So, starting this Friday we’ve added Inglés Tutoría, a free, hour-long tutoring opportunity before the regular class. Folks can come for either one or both.”

Hailey Town Center West is located across from the library at 116 S River Street in Hailey. For more information, contact the library at 208-788-2036 or visit www.haileypubliclibrary.org.

The Community Library to hold weekly English Language Learning classes

Beginning Tuesday, January 10, The Community Library in Ketchum will resume its free English Language Learning (ELL) classes. Classes will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Library through March 14.

Students of all levels are welcome and are divided into two sections: one class for beginners and another for intermediate and advanced speakers. Students from Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Madagascar, South Africa, Belarus, Japan, Nepal, and many more countries have participated in the past.

The instructors are Janet Ross-Heiner, M.A. Ed-ESL, and Karen Little, MAT, who have taught in the valley for a combined forty years and are both part-time librarians at The Community Library.

The winter class series will be followed by a spring term, April 4 to May 23.

No registration is required, and students are welcome to join at any date.

Supreme Court Will End Emergency Order, Continue Remote Proceedings

The Idaho Supreme Court’s current COVID-19 emergency order will be rescinded as of April 1, 2023, the Court ordered today.

Current measures governing remote court proceedings will continue, however, while the Court assesses potential long-term changes to court rules on the topic.

These changes were announced in two orders now posted on the Court’s website.

Since 2020, the Court has issued a series of emergency orders to ensure Idaho’s courts remain open to anyone wishing to bring or defend a claim, while protecting the health and safety of court participants and staff. Today’s orders will rescind the most recent such emergency order, which was released in February 2022.

The process to determine long-term rules on remote court proceedings “is expected to take some time,” the Court noted in today’s orders. Development of any proposed rule changes will include a chance for public comment.

Billy Goat Loppet Ski Race Jan.21st , 2023

After a one year hiatus ( because of Covid concerns) we are so happy to bring back once again the Billy Goat 10K Loppet skate race.

Backwoods Mountain Sports is once again sponsoring this popular Nordic event to be held on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at the Sun Valley Nordic Center. This popular event historically was held at Billy’s Bridge, hence the name, but due to limited parking at the Billy’s Bridge Trail Head, past headaches with lack of snow, too much snow (remember the “snowpocalypse” in 2012) it was decided to move the venue. Sun Valley Nordic Center enthusiastically agreed to host this event.

The race course will encompass Proctor Loop and the Trail Creek trails for this 10 k.m. freestyle (skate) event and is the perfect race for getting well tuned for the Boulder Mountain Tour or the Half Boulder two weeks later. It can also be just a fun and low-key event for those wanting to test their racing skills.

Backwoods Mountain Sports, sponsors for the past 18 years, have always been so generous in giving some wonderful prizes. These are given as raffle prizes at the conclusion of the event, so everyone has a chance to win!

Once again, we are looking forward to seeing a great turnout for the event. Registration will beheld inside the Sun Valley Club/ Nordic Center between 9 a.m. and10 a.m. the morning of, withthe mass start for men starting at 10:30 a.m. and mass start for women following 3 minutes later. Entry fee is $10.00. Members of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation may ski the race free.

Chief of Race Course is Kris Thoreson assisted by Steve Haims and Tate Mills. Any further information please contact either Jenny Busdon at 208-720-2540 or Ted Angle at 208-720-2822

By Caitlin Johnstone

Acouple of months into Elon Musk's control of Twitter, it's fair to say that from an anti-censorship, pro-transparency perspective there have been a few positive results of the platform coming under new management. The revelations from the Twitter Files about US government involvement in influencing a massive social media company's policies and actions have been indisputably newsworthy information that's absolutely in the public interest to have, and some anti-establishment voices have been saying their accounts have been noticeably more visible since the changeover.

It's also fair to say at this point that Musk has allowed far more negative practices to continue than he has ended. In an excellent new article titled "Under Musk, Twitter Continues to Promote US Propaganda Networks," Fair.org's Bryce Greene breaks down the many different ways that Twitter is still manipulating the information its users see in ways that serve the interests of the US government.

Greene contrasts the wildly unbalanced way media coming from empire-targeted governments is suppressed and labeled "state-affiliated media", while US-aligned accounts which would deserve such a designation are not given it, and are often amplified and aided.

"In short, Twitter is serving as an active participant in an ongoing information war," Greene writes.

I highly recommend reading the article in full, because it paints a very lucid picture of the Silicon Valley platform's facilitation of US information interests and Musk's role in it, but here are a few highlights:

• "FAIR could find no examples of accounts labeled 'United States state-affiliated media,' even though there are many outlets that would obviously seem to fit that description," while "PressTV from Iran, RT and Sputnik from Russia, and China Daily, Global Times, CGTN and China Xinhua News from China are all labeled 'state-affiliated media.'"

• "...none of the accounts for the US Army, National Security Agency or Central Intelligence Agency are currently labeled as a state or government entity"

by Twitter.

• Twitter is still displaying warning pop-ups when people attempt to like or share media from an unauthorized government.

• Twitter's "Topics" feature has been artificially amplifying media funded by the US and other NATO powers to manage narratives about the war in Ukraine.

• US state media outlets Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Voice of America, Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and Middle East Broadcasting Network receive twice as much funding from the US government as RT receives from Moscow, yet are not labeled "state-affiliated media".

• US-funded information ops like National Endowment for Democracy also receive no such label.

• Prior to the Musk takeover Twitter announced that it supports NATO and seeks to prevent Russia from "undermining faith in the NATO alliance and its stability.” Neither that declaration nor the policies put in place alongside it have been repealed under the new ownership.

• Twitter's top editorial position for the Middle East and Africa is still held by Gordon MacMillan of the British military's psychological warfare unit.

Since Elon Musk is center of attention right now, it's important to know that he is not (as he portrays himself) some radical outsider, but a crucial part of the US surveillance and national security states.

For

a bit funny how the public narrative about SpaceX is mostly about Mars and futurism and the exploration of space, when in reality its existence predominantly revolves around aiding the US war machine's campaigns of terrestrial conquest.

So it's not surprising that we find ourselves with a New Twitter that's essentially the same as the old Twitter, just with more tolerance for right wingers and their culture war quagmires.

When Musk's Twitter purchase was first announced, journalist Michael Tracey tweeted an interesting observation that I've been referring back to ever since the change in ownership.

"The biggest test for Elon Musk will not be whether he rolls back the most obvious 'woke' content policies -that should be a given -- but whether he continues to let Twitter be used as a vehicle for the US national security state to 'counter' official enemies like Russia and China," Tracey said.

After two months of the same old same old in the facilitation of US information interests, I think it's fair to say that when it comes to this question, the jury has returned with a verdict.

good measure Greene spends the latter part of his article discussing Musk's extensive role in the US military-industrial complex through his military and intelligence contractor company SpaceX, which would of course present a massive conflict of interest when it comes to resisting the US government's attempts to tilt the flow of information in its favor online. It is

FROM PICABO ANGLER

Winter has arrived in full force here in the Wood River Valley. The past few days have seen good snowfalls locally, and the snowpack for area rivers is looking good. While we still have a ways to go between now and the season opener, we are optimistic for the coming season.

Silver Creek has been “hot” on some days and “cold” on others. If you’re fishing it during the right conditions (calm, overcast, mild days), the winter streamer bite can be quite good. A good rule of thumb to follow in regard to fly selection is “bright day, bright fly, and dark day, dark fly.” Typically, fishing your streamers on a slow, steady swing will produce more action than actively stripping and moving your fly. That will come as the weather and water warms.

It’s a bit cold on the Big Wood River at the moment, so concentrate your fishing during the warmest part of the day. Ski in the morning, and fish in the afternoon!

Nymphing with tiny midge pupa imitations, BWO nymphs, and small black stonefly imitations is the way to go. Trout love to group together during the winter in slower, softer water; find a few of these winter holes and you can be into fish all day long.

The South Fork of the Boise River has been fishing well for those willing to make the trek, with stable winter flows of 300 CFS. Before you go, check the road conditions and the weather; the road into the canyon can be treacherous during heavy snow, ice, and bad weather. Don’t forget your tire chains, survival kit, and extra food and water.

Nymphing is the name of the game right now, and it’s hard to beat a big stonefly nymph followed by your favorite midge pupa. A big, meaty streamer fished low and slow in some of the deeper holes can produce a big fish or two.

Happy fishing, everyone!

JUMPING ON PEOPLE

By Fran Jewell

This is probably one of the biggest problems people come to me with. I think of jumping as an invasion of my personal space and lack of respect from the dog, at ANY age. It is not “attention seeking” or “just being friendly.”

The bottom line is that the dog has not learned some basic respect and that people are the leaders. I also see jumping up as the dog’s attempt to get “higher.” Dogs are literalists. In their world, the “higher you are, the higher you are in social status.” This is why, so many times, when dogs greet each other, one dog will try to stand on the other’s shoulders or back. Do you have any friends with little dogs (especially terriers) that run to the back of the sofa when you come in the door, then they start to bark at you? This pup may be really friendly, but friendly doesn’t mean he respects people. The same can be true for other dogs, too.

It is critical to realize that larger breed dogs that do not learn to respect you both physically and emotionally as a young puppy will almost always learn to use their bodies as adults to push you around and get what they want. THIS has incredibly dangerous consequences for people!

Many people have hidden disabilities that can cause them balance problems. When you take your dog into pubic or invite people to your home, you also take the risk that you will come into contact with someone with a disability. A dog jumping (even small dogs) on someone who has a balance issue can cause them to fall and severely injure themselves, which becomes your liability. When you take your dog out in public, or even on walks in the woods, you don’t have choices about who your dog is going to meet and potentially jump on. This behavior is not just an annoyance, it literally could be a lifeand-death situation for someone that the dog jumps on. It is NOT CUTE or AFFECTIONATE or being FRIENDLY.

Calling this “attention seeking” minimizes the seriousness of it and reduces our per-

sonal responsibility to train our dogs. I see jumping as a mortal sin, almost as serious as biting because it can be so dangerous.

I know this is not a popular way to view jumping, but I have a special view into this behavior, since I train service dogs for the disabled and I myself have been disabled. I see day after day the danger it poses.

Jumping on people is not only dangerous but, as I see it, is a lack of leadership in the household. A good instructor will help you recognize IF your dog is lacking respect, in general, but also how to go about gaining that respect in a way that the dog understands. Beating a dog up is not how to gain respect. It is about requiring manners on a daily basis. How you go about that may be different for each dog, depending on what is meaningful to the dog.

There are exercises that you can learn that encourage respect from the dog on many levels, and will help the dog naturally have respect, not just at the moment of jumping.

The longer you wait to teach your dog NOT TO JUMP, the harder it is to stop this very dangerous behavior. Puppies should be learning this respect for you and others the moment they come home. Explain to your friends and visitors that petting a jumping dog is simply not allowed in your household.

First, always reward sitting with LOADS OF AFFECTION! Teach sitting nicely for petting. Then, NEVER PET a jumping dog or puppy, especially one that belongs to someone else that is trying to train them. One pet for jumping signals to the dog that this is a good behavior and to do it again. Never encourage jumping for anything.

I encourage people (both on someone standing and on someone who is sitting) to “reclaim” their personal space from the dog by stepping into the dog. Most people are capable of doing this. It doesn’t require a lot of timing, but does require that the person have some confidence to just keep walking into the dog when he jumps. This is not a knee in the chest—it is reclaiming your personal space. Even after the dog gets off, walk a few steps right into him until he moves away

willingly. That movement of the dog away from the person tells the person that the dog has finally respected the human’s space.

If you are in a sitting position and the dog puts his feet on you, you can simply stand up and walk into the dog. Again, this says to the dog that he has invaded your space and he must yield to you. I also use the command “GET OFF,” or just “OFF,” not “DOWN.” If you use “DOWN,” then try to teach the dog “DOWN,” your dog will be very confused.

In short, jumping is NOT a behavior to encourage for anything. It is simply dangerous and does not teach a dog to be respectful. To motivate yourself, think about how lovely it is to have clean clothes, and no scratches on your arms or legs! Starting the second you bring your dog home, puppy or older, is imperative to make the training much easier. It will help an older dog or rescue make the transition to your home easier, too, because they will learn what is acceptable and what is not.

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.

‘I Have No Idea’

I have no idea.

BY HARRY WEEKES

Many years ago, I was introduced to the phrase “productive frustration” in a newspaper piece. In the article, the author bemoaned how quickly we get answers to questions in the digital era. The author longed for a different time and went on to discuss the benefits of not knowing, or the productive frustration that comes with mulling over something for a stretch of time when you don’t know the answer.

I have strived to embrace productive frustration — to let a topic turn in my mind. And in the great laundry machine of my thinking, to let the idea or the observation cycle in and out of the window of my perception, sometimes lingering, often times just flickering for a moment before disappearing into the pile of other thoughts vying for attention.

This fall I have been able to say “I have no idea” many, many times, and have been able to ponder a lingering puzzle. The puzzle? “Why did so many trees hold onto their leaves this fall and winter?” This often came accompanied with a flurry of other questions: “Why did the aspen on our doorstep keep all of its leaves, and keep most of them green well into December?” “Why was I chasing dried leaves across the snow outside my house?” “Why wasn’t it all the aspens?” “Why was it so many different kinds of trees?”

OK, I have inklings. Around a warm fall. Around a quick frost. Around the timing and convergence of the two.

So far, I have resisted finding any kind of definitive answer (as though there is one — another dangerous line of Internet thinking — “This is the answer” syndrome) other than chasing the ideas that pop up in my mind. Something about abscission layers came and went. As did wondering about climate trends and past examples. And looking into the precipitation patterns over the last couple of years to see if there was something more global, more ‘meta.’

It has been wonderful to see what bubbles up, both in terms of this one topic, and then around other “I have no ideas.” Here is my current short-list of favorites:

• T here is a rabbit who consistently eats my lawn. As soon as it snows, he stops grazing on the open grass in favor of hopping into the snow, and digging down to the grass underneath — seemingly much more inconveniently located. Why does he do this? I have no idea.

• We have bugs in our house that are frequently found around the bathtub, walking along a faucet, or at the edge of the floor. You know, the usual haunts. If you crush one of these, they smell exactly like oregano. Why? I

have no idea.

• P uppy breath. How is it that puppies have puppy breath and then it ends? I have no idea.

A wonderful thing I have realized about all this not knowing is that many people have their own lists of things they are curious about. I simply bring up the leaves, and immediately people ask right back, “Yeah, what’s up with that?” “And you know what, what’s up with those logs at Redfish? You know, how some of them float, but not like logs, like growing trees?” Nope. I have no idea.

My take on the idea of productive frustration and its loss in the digital era is a little bit different. It is not longing for a different time, but rather a reminder to myself to embrace a different process. Resist the computer. Let these little items of intrigue continue their curious dance in my mind. The answer is being OK simply with the question.

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 members of the flock, Georgia and Penelope, are currently fledging at Davidson College in North Carolina and Middlebury College in Vermont, respectively.

SCIENCE OF PLACE HARRY WEEKES

Jumping is a result of lack of respect, not attention-seeking behavior. Respect comes from leadership in a manner that the dog understands. Photo credit: Fran Jewell

‘WHERE ARE THE CUSTOMERS’ YACHTS?’

BY SUZANNE HAZLETT, MBA, CIMA®, CFP®

Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? initially published in 1940, is a book by Fred Schwed, Jr., a former trader on Wall Street and later author, after losing much of his wealth in the stock market crash of 1929. In his book, Schwed used wit and sarcasm to provide some transparency to the murkiness of the investment world. His title originates from an anecdote about a New York tourist who, when seeing the impressive array of yachts owned by Wall Street money-changers, asked the enduring question. When engaging a financial professional, take a hint from Schwed and consider the following.

CHECK OUT YOUR INVESTMENT

PROFESSIONAL Investment Adviser Public Disclosure w ww.investor.gov

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sponsors this website. Here you can search for an Investment Adviser firm and view an individual’s professional background and conduct, including current registrations, employment history, and any disclosures about certain disciplinary events involving the individual. Disclosures can be customer complaints or arbitrations, regulatory actions, employment terminations, bankruptcy filings, and certain civil or criminal proceedings.

BrokerCheck www.finra.org/brokercheck

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is an independent, non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business with the public in the United States. Congress tasks FINRA to protect investors by requiring the securities industry to operate fairly and honestly. BrokerCheck is a tool to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers, and firms.

CREDENTIALS

Suzanne Hazlett, MBA, CIMA®, CFP® is the founder of Hazlett Wealth Management, LLC.

When vetting advisors, you may encounter several financial industry designations. Financial certifications represent expertise and may indicate a commitment to professional ethics standards.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

(CFP®)

The CFP® designation includes all areas of financial planning, including investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.

Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)

CIMA® designation holders tend to have careers that involve extensive engagement with clients and the management of their portfolios.

Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)

The CPWA® is a professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth clients with sophisticated wealth strategies and family legacy planning.

Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)

CFA® charterholders tend to be analysts who work in institutional money management and investment analysis and less in personal financial planning.

Certified Public Account and Personal Financial Specialist (CPA and PFS)

The PFS designation is only granted to Certified Public Accountants and is awarded by the American Institute of CPAs.

Suzanne Hazlett, MBA, CIMA®, CFP®, is an investment advisor and financial planner at 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 through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. 675 Sun Valley Road Ketchum, Idaho, 208.726.0605. HazlettWealthManagement.com

TOO MUCH BRAKE

Our 1969 Cornbinder truck was loaded with eight geldings and one mare. Horse trailers weren’t as available back then as they are today so most everyone used a two-ton truck. We were a caravan of large trucks loaded with horses. The pickups were loaded with saddles, pack saddles, camping equipment and food enough for twenty teenage boys. I was 18 years old and two of my cousins, Ross and Lane, were riding with me. We were on our way to ride into the Bridger-Teton National Forest for a week away from the farm.

But first we had an obstacle that would require some experienced driving and mostly guts. Teton Pass could put the final fear into anyone driving a truck loaded with horses who continually shift their weight, causing the vehicle to sway, as well.

We geared down, to make it to the top of the pass, engines rumbling almost to a roar. At the top, the caravan pulled over to allow the trucks to cool down.

After half an hour or so, we started our descent. The trucks were in lower gears to let the engine do most of the braking, preventing the brakes from overheating. I attempted to shift into third low but slipped into fourth gear and I couldn’t get back into third gear. Not a good situation at all. It seemed we were picking up speed exponentially. I hit the brakes hard, to no avail. Lane, sitting by the door, wanted to bail but after seeing how fast the pavement was flying by, decided to stay with the truck.

By now I had both feet on the brake pedal, butt up off the seat and using the steering wheel as leverage to push down. Smoke was rolling out of both front wheels and it wasn’t looking good for anyone or anything riding in the truck.

About that time a wool-headed, nosy, expert-advisor tourist managed to pull up alongside us and holler, “You’re using too much brake!” Ya think! Both cousins managed to yell back with not so nice words of encouragement to get the heck out of the way.

Someone up there in a higher place must like me because the truck started to slow down. I was able to gear down to third, then second, and come to a blessed stop.

Our caravan was parked alongside the Teton Pass highway and we were in the way of every passing vehicle. We still managed to keep our place alongside the road and cool the brakes down for about 45 minutes. Once again, with the trucks in lower gears, we were able to drive safely to the bottom of the pass. For some reason I was wanting the brainless tourist to be waiting at the bottom to give us his two cents worth. I was hoping to deliver him some change.

I climbed out of the truck and walked back to the pickup that was hauling my personal gear. My bag just happened to be close to the top and so I started going through my clothes. My cousin asked me what the heck was I doing? My answer was simple, “Just looking for clean underwear.”

– 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.

LOOKING FORWARD

BY DOVE

One of the blessings that we are given living in the earth plane is that our thoughts don’t often manifest instantly. We are given some time to contemplate our creations before they manifest.

I still catch myself having fearful thoughts about the future, or “what ifs” running along in my mind, particularly when I am not focused on a creation I am excited about doing. What this tells me is that I always need to have a positive place for my thoughts to focus; otherwise, the negative can slip in so easily and that is not helpful.

So, I suggest you keep a list of the things you are interested in even if it is just reading a good book, fixing a delightful meal, having a heartfelt conversation with family and friends. Remember the saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Well, this is true because your brain will pick up all the energy that is flowing around you. Make a list of positive thoughts and keep your list in a prominent place for reference as to what to do with your energy. For those of you that have to go to work every day, your mind is occupied with the tasks at hand. However, when there is an idle moment, it is easy to let a lower-frequency thought take over. Keep music handy that raises your soul. Take your pet for a walk, breathe fresh air and soon your energy will shift.

In my book there is nothing but energy and I think the potential for a whole new paradigm of being is coming our way. Are you ready to embrace that new frequency comfortably? Can you let go of old patterns and observe what is? Do you retain old judgments that keep you trapped? Maybe we can all open our hearts and declare that we are free from sickness, or lack, or being divided. Let’s keep our thoughts focused on how we can fill ourselves with hope.

Try to get 10 things on your list, even if it’s just taking a warm bath with wonderful oils in the water. Sometimes I have to mentally push myself to do something that raises my vibration. It is easy to just zone out in front of the TV but that does not help. Take a class online, change your perspective and trust that 2023 will be the year to be free of all limitations.

I am beginning to plan my garden and I rejoice in the level of snow we have. When it melts, the compost I put in last year will really help the soil. Look forward to being in the sunshine. We are blessed to live in this pristine valley. Cherish it and yourself. Make 2023 a year to be free. Dove

WRANGLER’S RECKLESS WRITINGS BRYCE ANGELL

WHO’S A DRAMA QUEEN?

BY JOELLEN COLLINS

Ioften laugh when someone calls me a drama queen. I don’t accept it as a pejorative because I know they are right. In my life as a talkative child, English teacher, and a storyteller, I’m afraid that M.O. is true.

There is a difference between grandiosity and hyperbole, a technique often used through vocal emphasis, timing, or gestures to brighten a tale.

I don’t like a false portrayal, but the exaggeration of a good comic or performer may be essential for shared enjoyment. If you ever get a chance to see a recording of Hal Holbrook’s inimitable performance as Mark Twain, you will know what I mean. Any opera worth loving usually has heightened characters whose personalities match the intensity of the singing. Grandiosity is natural in this context.

I happen to adore the drama queens I know, perhaps because I’ve always been a frustrated actress. My dream was to be on Broadway, an ambition that was not realized, probably due to a lack of true talent or not being daring enough. Also, as the first person in my family to go to college, I honored the wishes of my parents to get a teaching credential. That profession became a perfect receptacle for my drama-queen and ham instincts. Former students have commented on how a particular story of mine made them more likely to enjoy class. When I taught teenagers, I decided that every Friday I would spend fifteen minutes with each class reading from a book I hoped my hormone-active pupils would enjoy. Occasionally, I would see one of them with a book I had introduced. I still get a thrill out of making someone laugh or respond with a story of their own to one of mine.

My closest lifelong friend is a dancer who once studied with Jerome Robbins in New York. She has since served the longest time on record on the board of the San Francisco Ballet. We love to laugh, share tales and see stimulating movies; we’ve never been bored with each other. I admire her drama-queen instincts. If you could watch her dance, even socially, you would know why I sent her a copy of The New Yorker cartoon that hung in her kitchen for years. Pictured standing in a subway car was a woman dressed in a flamenco-like outfit holding on to a strap; her other hand formed a triangle on her hips. Her facial expression matched the theatricality of her pose, and a long-stemmed red rose was clamped in her mouth. Drama queens are always interesting, though I wonder why men aren’t labeled as drama kings.

The next time I toss my head back after a dinner and say, “This is the best meal I’ve ever enjoyed,” please don’t roll your eyes at my effusive repetition. The real drama in life is the ability to fully savor an immediate pleasure and share one’s passion with others. I prefer the exquisite saraband of life. Sometimes it’s worth being hammy with enthusiasm.

MONICA MAKING IT HAPPEN

BY MONICA CARRILLO

OUR VOICE COUNTS

I started the New Year working at the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, working the weekend shift, and while it was an exciting time finding out what New Year’s babies were born and people of the community jumping into shocking-cold water, I recognized that this would also be my last semester as an undergraduate student.

I will be finishing up two degrees at the University of Idaho this spring — a Spanish degree with a minor in international studies, and a journalism degree.

I’ve had incredible support from the Vandal community, clubs and my classmates throughout my time here and more so with the recent tragic events; I’ve felt much closer to my university, especially as I and my team at the Moscow-Pullman Daily News report on incoming details of the case.

As I continue on with my last semester, I will be reporting on the UI quadruple murder, with as many accurate details as we can get to the public, but will also take my time to enjoy what I have this semester.

Although I am not sure where I am headed yet, I know that with my work ethic and my work experience, I will find the right job for me, wherever that may be.

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

Comencé el Año Nuevo trabajando en el Moscow-Pullman Daily News trabajando el turno de fin de semana y, aunque fue un momento emocionante descubrir qué bebés de año nuevo nacieron y personas de la comunidad saltando al agua fría, reconocí que este también sería mi último semestre como estudiante universitario.

Terminaré dos carreras en la Universidad de Idaho esta primavera — una bachillerato en español con especialización en estudios internacionales y un bachillerato en periodismo.

He tenido un apoyo increíble de la comunidad aquí, los clubes y mis compañeros de clase a lo largo de mi tiempo aquí y más aún con

los recientes eventos trágicos; Me he sentido mucho más cerca de mi universidad, especialmente porque yo y mi equipo en el Moscow-Pullman Daily News informamos sobre los detalles entrantes del caso sobre los estudiantes que han muerto.

A medida que continúe con mi último semestre, informaré sobre el cuádruple asesinato de UI, con tantos detalles precisos que podamos hacer llegar al público, pero también me tomaré mi tiempo para disfrutar de lo que tengo este semestre.

Aunque todavía no estoy seguro de hacia dónde me dirijo, sé que con mi ética de trabajo y mi experiencia laboral, encontraré el trabajo adecuado para mí, dondequiera que esté.

BY ANNA & MICHELLE

As the expression goes, “If I could turn back time,” maybe you would do some things differently. If you are wanting to buy a home, the regret may come from not getting a mortgage when rates were half of what they are today. There may not be a way to literally “turn back time” but you may still be able to get a mortgage with last year’s rates.

Let’s say a home was sold in the fall of 2021 for $350,000 with a 3% FHA loan. Today, winter of 2023, the home is on the market for sale at $400,000. T here are buyers who have $40,000 for a down payment, who like the home and want to purchase it.

At today’s mortgage rate of 6.42%, the $360,000, 30-year mortgage payment would

be $2,256.54 for the principal and interest. T hey have been looking for a year and in the past 12 months the mortgage rates have doubled, which will stretch their finances along with all the other inflationary pressures.

Their incredibly savvy agent has learned that the underlying mortgage is an FHA mortgage at 3.00% with a little less than 29 years remaining. T his loan could be assumed by an owner-occupant at the current rate, which would save the buyer a considerable amount of interest.

The problem is that the buyers do not have enough cash to buy the equity. T he unpaid balance is $328,902, which makes the equity about $71,000, which is more than the $40,000 they have available.

The agent believes that with the buyer using

the $40,000, they should be able to get a second mortgage for the difference of $31,000. W hile it may not be possible to get a 30-year term on the second, it may be possible to get a 30-year amortization on the payment and have the second loan due in 10 years.

Sources for the second loan could be the borrower’s local bank, a credit union, a relative or other investor not happy with what they’re earning on cash in the current market.

This could save the buyer over $600 a month. I n addition to a lower payment, assumptions on FHA loans have lower closing costs, they’re easier to qualify for, and the lower mortgage rates allow them to amortize faster than a higher rate mortgage.

Buyer Scenario #1 ... New Mortgage

Purchase Price $400,000

10% Down Payment $40,000 Mortgage at 6.42% for 30 years $360,000

& Interest Payment

Buyer

Future Value at 3% Appreciation in 7 years $493,342

Unpaid Balance on 1st Mortgage in 7 years $266,313

Unpaid Balance on 2nd Mortgage in 7 years $35,379

Future Equity in 7 years $191,649

Increased Equity Over New Mortgage $23,369

ANNA AND MICHELLE

BETTER HOMEOWNERS NEWS

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

Monica Carrillo. Photo credit: Daniel Gonzalez

Continued from

In the early 1980s, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac added “due on sale” and escalation of interest rate clauses to the standard verbiage on notes and mortgages. From a practical standpoint, this ended assumptions of most conventional mortgages.

FHA and VA continued to be assumable by anyone, regardless of credit, until 12/1/86 and 3/1/88, respectively. At that time, an owner-occupant could assume the existing interest rate but had to qualify to do so. Mortgage rates went down over the next three decades with only some temporary increases until January 2022 when they began to increase dramatically.

If a buyer had to qualify to assume a mortgage, espe -

cially if it was higher than the current rates, there was no compelling reason to put more money down for an existing mortgage. Now, in 2023, this environment has changed.

Many buyers who purchased using an FHA or VA mortgage in the past two to three years benefitted from some of the lowest rates in over 50 years. The equities in these properties are still within reason to either assume cash to equity or consider a second mortgage for part of

the equity.

If you’d like to learn more about how to assume FHA, VA or USDA mortgages at lower rates than currently available on new mortgages, contact your real estate professional. Unfortunately, some agents are not aware of how assumptions work. Give us a call and we can walk you through the process and even have a spreadsheet that will analyze the comparison for you.

ANNA AND

by MIKE MCKENNA

There’s an old saying credited to Thomas Edison that goes, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Cassie Worth and Jeff McLaren saw an opportunity recently and they weren’t dismayed by the hard work they knew it would take to make it as small-business owners. Worth Printing opened in Hailey last year and has quickly established itself as a staple of our community.

“We’re striving to serve as a good resource for local businesses, nonprofits, educational programs and recreational organizations,” Jeff said. “And we’ve had incredible support from the community so far.”

Worth Printing offers a wide variety of services, from graphics design and layout assistance to being able to print anything from business cards to banners, calendars to car magnets, postcards to posters, architectural and construction printing to booklets and multi-piece mailing campaigns. They can print a majority of projects on site and even offer “fifth colors,” including white, clear and fluorescent options.

“Our relationships with our customers are our favorite part and we believe they truly have ‘ideas worth printing,’” Cassie said. “It’s a joy to print menus and then pick what we’re going to have for dinner, to design concert flyers that keep music in local venues, and to be a part of the calls-to-action for important topics that affect our lives in this community. We love the personal touch small-town business offers.”

Jeff first started visiting the Wood River Valley in 1993 when he helped his mom move here. He eventually followed suit and moved to Idaho with his family in 2013. Jeff has two children in the local school system; Hunter, who is a senior, and Hannah, who is a freshman.

Cassie is well known to many Chamber members for her graphic design skills and stellar customer service. Cassie has a decade of graphics design experience, specializing in design for print production, as well as a 10-year-old daughter named Evee. After Cassie and Jeff had worked together for a while, they quickly recognized their “yin-yang dynamic” would be ideal to help fulfill an underserved need for the Wood River Valley.

“We were both ready for a change and wanted to do things a little differently,” Jeff said. “We felt like there was a need and that we could offer some different things that would be good for our customers and the community.”

It appears that Cassie and Jeff were right and their business has been robust since they opened last summer. They even had all their office furniture donated by another local business that wanted to help get them going.

“We love this place and the people that make up this community,” Jeff said. “Our goal is to help all the businesses and nonprofits and events grow and thrive, because if they do better, we all do better.”

Find out more about Worth Printing by visiting WorthPrintingIdaho.com. or calling (208) 928-4321 or stop by their shop at 312 South Main Street in Hailey.

SPONSORED BY CROSSWORD