Wood River Weekly - 22 January 2020

HOUSING NEWS

ACCIDENT NEWS

Bellevue Plays Bell-ringer To Sustainable Housing PG 2

SUN VALLEY

KETCHUM

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTE

Baker Creek Avalanche Kills Snowmobiler PG 6

HAILEY

Young Latina Making It Happen PG 14

BELLEVUE

PICABO

CAREY

WOOD RIVER WEEKLY YOUR VOICE IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY

Free | January 22 - 28, 2020 | Vol. 1 - No. 3 | woodriverweekly.com

“I am nearest to the gods in that I have the fewest wants.” ~Socrates

For information about this photo, see “On The Cover” on page 3. Photo credit: Carol Waller

S un

Valley THE MET

2020

pera

FEB 15/16

JAN 27

BROADWAY & MORE!

inter

festival

MELODY WILSON and ZACHARY JAMES

Vienna Meets New York The Community School Theater 6:15 pm doors open | 7:00 pm Concert

sunvalleyopera.com

JAN 27 tickets: sunvalleyopera.com or 208-726-0991

“Hamilton” star BRYAN TERRELL CLARK FEBRUARY 15 DIVA PARTY! 6:00 pm in a private home Performing three songs Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres

by Vintage Restaurant Valet Parking

FEBRUARY 16 TWO SHOWS! 4:00 pm (and) 7:30 pm Sun Valley Opera House Followed by Meet & Greet Sings Songs of Love and Founding Fathers

For tickets: DIVA 208-726-0991 CONCERT: sunvalleyresort.eventbrite.com or 208-622-2135

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Wood River Weekly

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January 22 - 28, 2020

NEWS

HOUSING

Shipping Container Houses Hit Valley

Boise-based company puts Bellevue in forefront of sustainable housing industry

T

By Eric Valentine

his last April Fools’ Day, annual anonymous Ketchum-based pranksters “remodeled” Clear Creek Disposal dumpsters to resemble tiny houses. It was a faux attempt at solving the Valley’s housing crisis—that conundrum that makes it unaffordable for the workforce here to live here.

It was a joke with a serious sustainable/ affordable-housing editorial side, as noted

by Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw who, at the time, said, “This local humor highlights a local issue that is on the top of everyone’s minds and is not going to go away until we solve it or at least make a significant dent into our housing requirements.”

Enter indieDwell, a Boise-based company currently erecting two homes on the southeast corner of 4th and Cedar streets in Bellevue. The sustainable/affordable part: the homes are constructed from old shipping containers. And an aesthetically pleasing part: the homes are far more attractive than Ketchum’s prank dumpsters.

That’s not to say there aren’t some constructive concerns.

“I wasn’t especially taken by the look of the structures as presented on (indieDwell’s) website,” said Kristin Fletcher, a neighbor to the new home in Bellevue. But … “One of the things needed most desperately is affordable housing for couples in their 30s and 40s.”

Because the construction put not just a single-family home on the formerly vacant lot, but also a second dwelling unit, Fletcher was alerted by the City of Bellevue about the development.

“The first thing I did was read the city’s document and visit the (indieDwell) web-

site,” Fletcher said.

And then she hoped for the best. What she observed from that point forward was pleasing.

“I have to say, as a neighbor, one thing that was fascinating to watch was the flatbed trailers coming in with sections of the home and then a crane placing each section onto the foundation,” Fletcher explained. “It happened so quickly and so quietly. That’s a big plus.”

Although Fletcher would have hoped for the more woodsy version of the two sidings indieDwell offers, she praised the City of Bellevue for making sure the lilacs, Douglas fir and other large trees that line the property stay in place and intact.

“The color of the house is a sort of receding color, not something like bright yellow, and with the trees surrounding the home, everything just works,” Fletcher said. “Bellevue has small lots and these homes could fit nicely here.”

Modular homes built using shipping containers come to Bellevue. Photo credit: Patty Who Builds There?

Founded as a public-benefit corporation Healey in 2016 by Scott Flynn and Pete Gombert, indieDwell’s mission statement says they had grown “tired of seeing the most vulnerSource: IndieDwell able people being forced to live in inferior, low-quality and unhealthy homes” and they HOW MANY CONTAINERS ARE IN EACH MODEL? were on a mission “to offer high-quality, • Model 3 (single family) = 1 shipping container sustainable, healthy homes to underserved • Model 6 (single family) = 2 shipping containers communities.”

Locals are not alone in their desire for • Model 9 (single family) = 3 shipping containers more affordable and sustainable housing WHAT ARE THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE MODELS? options. In May of 2019, indieDwell was invited to display one of its homes on the • Model 3 (single family) = 320 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bath & full kitchen National Mall in Washington, D.C. In five • Model 6 (single family) = 640 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1 bath & full kitchen days, the company said, it had nearly 6,000 • Model 9 (single family) = 960 square feet; Multiple configurations people tour through.

Container Housing Design Configurations

THE IDAHO DEPT OF LANDS DOESN’T GIVE A RIP ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY! Here in Blaine County, we have worked hard to keep our visual corridor scenic, as it is valuable for our tourist economy and to our residents alike. We have an extensive process for anyone who would want to site a communications tower.

However, the IDL believes that it doesn’t have to work with us at all and instead has put up for auction a communications tower site off Buttercup Rd, near Indian Creek.

While IDL claims that it values partnerships, it doesn’t even want to talk to us; Blaine County residents will have no say.

This tower will be sited with no planning process and will impact us for at least 20 years.

Contact IDL at comments@idl.idaho.gov 300 N. 6th Street, Suite 103 Boise, ID 83702 (208) 334-0200

Contact the IDL Board:

Governor Brad Little Chairman

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden

State Controller Brandon Woolf

Secretary of State Lawerence Denney

Paid for by Kiki Tidwell

Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra

Wood River Weekly

WOOD RIVER WEEKLY

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January 22 - 28, 2020

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CONTENTS

“The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” will be presented by Company of Fools on Thursday, Jan. 23. For more information, see story on page 8. Photo credit: Company of Fools

UGH O R D TH L O TS S YROS! at: E K C RG n line TI A L E L A TH e or o s.org ffic o gyro r x A e Bo .Th www

This Week J a n u a r y 2 2 - 2 8 , 2 0 2 0 | Vol. 1 No. 3

ADVERTORIALS CALENDAR COMMENTARY Sponsored Opinion, Share Your View PG 14

Arts, Events, Music & More PG 8

Columns, Student Spotlight, Fishing Report PG 12

ON THE COVER A Baldy skier takes a moment to take in a heavenly view. Photo credit: Carol Waller Local artists & photographers interested in seeing their art on our cover page should email submissions to: mandi@woodriverweekly.com (photos should be high resolution and include caption info such as who or what is in the photo, date and location).

WRW STAFF PUBLISHER Christopher Seldon (208) 788-4789 publisher@woodriverweekly.com MARKETING & SALES Mandi Iverson (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Eric Valentine news@woodriverweekly.com ARTS & EVENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Dana DuGan dana@woodriverweekly.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey PRODUCTION & DESIGN Mandi Iverson mandi@woodriverweekly.com Christopher Seldon chris@woodriverweekly.com ACCOUNTING accounting@woodriverweekly.com DEADLINES Display & Classified Ads, Monday 5 p.m.

Calendar Submissions — Friday 5pm CONTACT Wood River Weekly P.O. Box 3483 Hailey, Idaho 83333 woodriverweekly.com

THE ARGYROS FRI, JAN. 31st 7pm SAT, FEB, 1st 7pm MON, FEB, 3rd 7pm

TUES, FEB 4th 7pm Tues, a collection of the previous three nights For more show info: www.mountainfever.us

WINTER 2020 Winter Classes

ALL LEVEL THROWING SESSION 2 ~Cost $150.00 Mondays with Lauren: 9:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

February 10, 17, 24, & March 2 Tuesdays with Diane: 5:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.

February 11, 18, 25, March 3

CHILDREN’S CLAY DAZE ~Cost $148 Tuesdays, 3:00p.m. – 4:30p.m. ~ January 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 TEEN THROWING ~Cost $150 Wednesdays, 4:15p.m. – 6:15p.m. January 29, Feb 5, 12, 19

FAMILY CLAY ~$45 for 1 adult & 1 child, $10 for each add-on A Dozen Roses: Saturday, February 1, 2:30p.m. – 4:30p.m.

EASTER Baskets: Saturday, March 7, 2:30p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Throw a Plate or 2 with Lauren ~Cost $25 Wednesday, February 19th 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

Surface Design and Glaze Class w/ Lauren Street ~Cost $25 Wednesday, February 12th 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED 208-726-4484 bouldermtclay@gmail.com www.bouldermtnclay.org Boulder Mountain Clayworks is a 501©3 nonprofit organization Partial Scholarships Available

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Wood River Weekly

ski for air

service day

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

NEWS

ENVIRONMENT

‘No 5G In 5B’ Effort Picks Up Steam

$50 Full Day Lift Ticket

Plus!…

& 50% OFF Rentals & Demos* *On Jan 26

50% OFF Select Lodging

JA

Y R A U N

0 2 0 2 , 6 2

Advance Purchase Jan 15-25 ONLY At:

Board Bin • Formula Sports PK’s Ski Rentals • PK’s Ski & Sports Ski Tek • Sturtevants (Ketchum & Hailey) Elevation Sports (Twin Falls)

*No $50 tickets sold on January 26. LOST TICKETS CANNOT BE REPLACED. A 5G tower. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

flysunvalleyalliance.com

“Why do YOU need an Independent Insurance Agent?”

1. If YOU like choices for the best rates and coverages.

2. If YOU want to be able to customize YOUR insurance.

3. If YOU need someone who’s looking out for YOU.

Petitions, presentations and the open ears of city councils spearhead movement

D

epending on who you ask, the advent of 5G is either the beginning of a more innovative and connected world or the start of a health risk and privacy hazard for each and every community. Now there’s a local group doing what they can to make sure the excitement for the former won’t reel back vigilance toward preventing the latter.

The group that calls itself Protect The Wood River Valley and has developed the mantra “No 5G In 5B!” has already been collecting petition signatures at 11 Ketchum establishments as well as one in Hailey and one in Bellevue. And on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m., at the YMCA in Ketchum, the group will host what they are billing as an “educational meeting” on 5G technology. The event will include a talk by Ryan Blaser of Test My Home who will discuss the environmental and health impacts of 5G. The event precedes the group’s Ketchum Town Square presence on Jan. 25 to collect more signatures, which will be followed up by a presentation at the Ketchum city council’s Feb. 3 meeting. The group says a Change.org online petition drive is soon coming, too.

“It’s kind of one step at a time. We’re all discovering information as we go and we’re all at different stages of awareness,” said Michelle Sandoz, the group’s main organizer.

Sandoz explained that the overarching goal is twofold: •

Call Wood River Insurance — your local Independent agency, and let us work for YOU.

By Eric Valentine

•

Place a moratorium on 5G development across the Wood River Valley Create a so-called 5G-free preserve

If that sounds business unfriendly, Sandoz thinks otherwise.

“Imagine the possibility of people wanting to come to the Valley for a wellness vacation, for example,” Sandoz explained.

Just like the Dark Sky Preserve in place across the Valley, a similar line in the sand—or snow—could be marketed in a way that signals people to spend their vacation time and appreciation for nature here.

How Risky Is It? Ask an executive at Verizon or T-Mobile about the health risk of 5G and they’ll likely tell you the radiation levels are no different than that of visible light and the radio frequencies we use daily. Ask an anti-5G advocate and they’ll tell you we’re going to receive thousands of times more radiation than we do currently and all living cells are in jeopardy.

“Any time there’s a new technology introduced, there’s always opinions about the safety, even expert opinions and expert studies, Continued NO 5G IN 5B Next Page

Wood River Weekly

No 5G In 5B

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January 22 - 28, 2020

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Continued from the Previous Page

but it seems the findings can be different based upon who is funding those studies,” observed Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw.

Nonetheless Bradshaw says the city is open ears to the fledgling group and that the Feb. 3 session will allow residents to present their concerns and dialogue with the council. Bradshaw said it’s also an opportunity for city staff to discuss the legal challenges in front of anyone trying to block the spread of wireless technology.

“We’re looking to hear what the facts are when it comes to health risk and then what if anything we can do about it,” Bradshaw said.

How Legal Is it?

As with assessing health risk, opinions on the law are all over the map, too. That’s why Protect The Wood River Valley is working with James Hungelmann, a Ketchum resident and a senior member of the Idaho Bar who is involved professionally with an organization called The White Room LLC. The organization is imploring local jurisdictions to invoke their right to establish moratoriums on 5G development.

Imagine the possibility of people wanting to come to the Valley for a wellness vacation.”

Michelle Sandoz, Protect The Wood River Valley But it’s not that simple. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says the 5G rollout is protected by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which prevents states, counties, cities, and the like from prohibiting interstate or intrastate telecommunications service.

“It’s my opinion that that 25-year-old federal law doesn’t extend to 5G,” says Hungelmann.

That’s because the same law also says states can impose on “a competitively neutral basis” requirements to “protect the public safety and welfare.”

Translation: It all comes back to whether there’s a health risk.

What To Expect With the recent release of the so-called “International EMF Scientist Appeal” and headlines in recent publications like Scientific American’s October 2019 opinion piece “We Have No Reason to Believe 5G Is Safe,” you can expect someone to sue someone else soon.

In the meantime, Protect The Wood River Valley anticipates more public sessions like the one in Ketchum. At a recent Hailey City Council meeting, several residents wanted to speak about their concerns with 5G. When Mayor Martha Burke saw how many people had concerns, she suggested the city set up time to address the matter more fully.

All this coincides with Burke’s sweeping proposal to establish climate-change policies and initiatives in Hailey, as well as Blaine County’s forming a so-called office of sustainability that assesses environmental sustainability when it comes to purchases, personnel policy, code implementation and other county operations.

18 Meadow Road, Lane Ranch, Sun Valley | This delightful family-sized home resides on one acre in the lovely Lane Ranch subdivision. With a generous master bedroom on the main level, three bedrooms adjacent to an upstairs sitting area, and lower level with recreation room, storage/wine cellar and an additional bed and bath- everyone will enjoy their privacy and space. A beautiful patio and mature landscaping will invite you to enjoy the outside. The amenities of Lane Ranch pool, tennis, and clubhouse are a simple stroll on a quiet walkway. $2,675,000

Jim Figge Broker/Partner Office: 208-622-4100 • Cell: 208-720-0479 • Fax: 208-622-9567 www.svassociates.com • jim@svassociates.com

SHARE YOUR CREATIVE GRATITUDE AT NAMI’S ART SHOW Poo Wright Pulliam, Marie Stewart, Kirk Anderson, and David Rau cordially invite the public to participate to end mental health stigmas in our community.

Journey to Wellness Art Show THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020

KIC Building, 180 6th St. W, Ketchum, from 5:30-7:30pm GRATITUDE is an ongoing part of our four support groups, now totaling 25 a month, for teens, adults, and families. We invite all artists to share in their own creative style, a piece of art, large, small, whatever medium, with a title (preferably) and focused on the theme of GRATITUDE, and suggesting the manifestation of health and wellness from a mentally challenged life.

TIMELINE

• February 17-28, 9am-5pm: Art Submissions drop off NAMI office at the Community Campus • Friday, February 28, 9am-5pm: Art Submissions drop off at Ketchum Innovation Center (KIC) • March 2-5: Art displayed on the NAMI website • Thursday, March 5: 2020 NAMI-WRV Journey to Wellness Art Show at KIC

jane’s holiday house & gift

We hope you will engage your artistic talents on behalf of NAMI WRV, to further the education, support, and advocacy which we are aggressively working to share with as many people as possible, in order to open more doors to others who have mental challenges within their families, with friends, or themselves.

Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year, with as many as 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children

experiencing mental health challenges. Suicide is the second leading cause of death today for people ages 10-34, and this number has increased by 31 percent since 2001. YOU CAN HELP NAMI-WRV MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Let’s join hands, hearts, and intentions to embrace these challenges for all ages so that we can help make lives better and stronger for a better tomorrow.

Don’t Forget the holiDay house is open all year THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. We need YOU to make this year’s art exhibit even better than last year!

LOTS OF VALENTINE’S DAY & SPRING GIFTS & ITEMS

OPEN DAILY 10 - 5

For art show information, please contact the NAMI office at 208-481-0686 or info@namiwrv.org

12 EAST BULLION, HAILEY • 208.928.7055 • JANESARTIFACTS@COX.NET

Looking for front house staff to join our amazing team

A 4G tower. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

315 S Main St., Hailey, Idaho 83333 • (208) 788-0772 • teambbqidaho@gmail.com

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Wood River Weekly

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January 22 - 28, 2020

NEWS

ACCIDENT

Baker Creek Avalanche Kills Snowmobiler Second Recreation Fatality In Young Season

T

By Eric Valentine

he “perfect storm” of avalanche precursors resulted in the death of a snowmobiler last week north of Ketchum. The tragedy marks the second recreation-related fatality in the Valley’s still-young winter sports season.

On opening day in Sun Valley, a Boise man who reportedly clipped skis with another skier was killed after colliding with a snowblower on Bald Mountain. Then, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Blaine County Emergency Communications received a report of an avalanche with snowmobilers possibly buried in the Baker Creek area, approximately 20 miles north of Ketchum.

Blaine County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Sun Valley Fire Department, Ketchum Fire Department, Ketchum Ambulance, Wood River Fire and Rescue and Sun Valley Heli-Ski were all dispatched to the scene, but by the time they had arrived, Kirk Douglas Rongen, of Jerome, was dead. He was 50.

“It was a fourth-party report, so we responded with a medic and a monitor and the assets to perform a rescue, but it was too late,” explained Taan Robrahn, Sun Valley fire chief.

Robrahn said Rongen was snowmobiling with another person who survived the avalanche and came across a guided party. Guides in that party were able to message their headquarters, who then contacted emergency dispatch.

“It’s such a remote area,” Robrahn observed.

Robrahn said the Sawtooth Avalanche Center conducted an investigation. The center could not be reached for comment before press deadline Tuesday.

However, according to the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were able to determine that two people were riding snowmobiles in the area of the trailhead at the end of Baker Creek Road when the slide occurred. After the slide, one of the riders began looking for the second rider. Rongen was located by his transponder, but was unable to be revived and passed away at the scene. Initial reports indicate that a slab avalanche failed on a wind-loaded south/ southwestern slope near 9,000 feet. Avalanche conditions for this zone were rated as considerable that day. The Sawtooth Avalanche Center publishes daily forecasts at sawtoothavalanche.com.

“A slope of 30 degrees is what’s considered a dangerous pitch,” Robrahn said. “When there are early snows, we get layers. It’s like dominos. The layers on the bottom can’t always hold the layer on top.”

Robrahn said Sun Valley Fire Department will go out to the scene this week to conduct its own investigation.“From our perspective, we need to get out there and observe the terrain and the access points.

We always want to improve anything we can about our response and better understand the risks,” Robrahn said.

Pink dye marks the spot where the snowmobiler was dug out of the avalanche debris. The origin of the avalanche can be seen in the background. Courtesy photo.

Human-Triggered Avalanches Past 30 Days Source: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

12/22/2019: Sawtooth and W Smoky Mtns – Snowslide Creek - Remotely triggered by ski check on lower angled slope above fracture.

12/28/2019: Galena Summit & E Mtns – Galena Summit - Roadcut just up from lower Cross parking apparently triggered by skiers.

12/29/2019: Galena Summit & E Mtns – Salmon Headwaters - Remotely triggered from 30 feet away by snowmobiler.

1/1/2020: Soldier & WRV – Carbonate - Hiker triggered from below. Wind-loaded terrain.

1/2/2020: Soldier & WRV – Vorberg Gulch - Snowboarder trigger from the side.

1/3/2020: Soldier & WRV – Couch Summit - Snowmobiler triggered slab while sidehilling above road.

1/15/2020: Galena Summit & E Mtns – Baker Creek - Snowmobiler triggered slab from low on slope.

Special Section

Health& Wellness

RATES (including FULL COLOR)

Quarter Junior Horizontal (5.78” x 3.875”) - $185 Quarter Junior Vertical (3.8” x 7.875”) - $185 Quarter (5.78” x 7.875”) - $275 Half Page (9.75” x 7.875”) - $475 Full Page (9.75” x 16”) - $775 Health & Wellness Services & Shopping Guide Ads Single: $55 (3” x 3.5”) Double: $105 (6” x 3.5”) Triple: $155 (9.15” x 3.5”) Advertorials (you write them, we publish them)* Single Advertorial (250 words plus logo OR photo): $55 Double Advertorial (500 words plus logo AND photo): $100

*Must purchase a display ad in the special section to qualify for advertorials

Contact Mandi at (208) 721-7588 or mandi@woodriverweekly.com

Wood River Weekly

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

THE PEOPLE THAT YOU’LL MEET

T

7

Lara Spencer

o Lara Spencer, clothes are about much more than clothes.

In her newest role as the manager and re-imaginer at Gold Mine Consign, a consignment store in Ketchum that supports the mission of The Community Library, it’s all about connection.

Lara has created a space downtown that not only offers stylish, affordable clothing, but a place to sit, chat, relax, regroup and, yes, connect. Lara explained, “To me, clothing is a vehicle to talk about inspiration and a woman’s soul. That vehicle allows me to get a deeper connection to women. Yes, I love to dress women and help them look and feel their best, but the bigger picture is I have always been something like a counselor to the Valley, too.”

To Lara, clothing is a conduit to conversation, a way to reach out. “Fashion is a vehicle for inner truth. I like to think of it as caring beyond clothes.”

The timing of Lara’s new job working with and for the library seems meant-to-be for her. She lost her mother, Dottie Spencer, a beloved longtime local, on Dec. 3, shortly after the re-launch of Gold Mine Consign.

“I found out that the library had been kind of a haven for my mother as she struggled with dementia,” said Lara. “There, she found companionship and a warm chair by the fire. Now, all these years later, I feel like I can give back to this wonderful place that does so much to serve the community in so many ways. I was given this gift to be able to create this space for mothers and daughters and all the women in our Valley. It is not just a job. I am living my life’s purpose. It is very grounding.”

It was from Dottie that Lara developed a passion for fashion. While the Fairbanks, Alaska, native loved growing up in such a stunning place, there was not a lot of shopping to be had.

“My mom was always a fashionista,” Lara explained. “When we needed clothes, Mom and I would fly down to Seattle and shop with a personal shopper at Nordstroms after the store closed.

That’s where it all began. That’s where I learned not only what I loved to wear, what was beautiful, interesting and unique, but also to connect. In those after-hours shopping trips, my mom and I had deep conversations in the fitting rooms. It was a unique space, a unique moment in time.”

Lara’s love for fashion took her to Seattle to school for fashion design and merchandising before she was hired by Major League Baseball to help create the vision for Safeco Field, working to put excellent retail options into the stadium.

“Adding team shirts that actually were cut for women doesn’t sound ground-breaking, but it was,” she laughed. And while she cut her teeth in a corporate world, Lara was always a thrift shopper at heart. She explained, “When I was a kid, I was all about finding the cool piece no one had.”

When she moved to the Wood River Valley and opened the iconic Dollhouse in Hailey, this passion, and her love for sharing it, made going to work a joy. It was also at The Dollhouse that she discovered her superpower.

“I’m actually an amazing stylist,” Lara confided. “I can just look at a woman’s figure, go to the rack and find the exact jeans or piece that fit perfectly and look fantastic. People can’t believe it.

I am bringing this superpower to all the women of the Wood River Valley at Gold Mine Consign which, by the way, I am nicknaming GMC.” Since the shop’s reinvention, everyone is raving. “The width of inventory is fantastic,” Lara enthused. “We are carrying brands from H & M to Valentino, in size 00 to plus sizes—literally something for everyone. I love that we are able to offer a simple denim skirt that someone might need for work, to a black-tie gown for a memorable event.

It’s all at the right price, too.”

Laura and her mom, Dottie Spencer, in 2008. Photo courtesy of Lara Spencer

Lara Spencer. Photo courtesy of Lara Spencer

The future looks as bright as the selection of items and level of service at GMC and Lara is thinking big.

“I hope to expand floor space and expand the parameters of what we do. I’m not sure what that will look like, but want to be a resource like the online consignment retailers that are so popular right now, selling affordable luxury and style. I am taking the pulse of the community, figuring out what people want and need, and it is my goal to provide that.”

Lara also emphasized that she is not only putting great clothing on people’s bodies, but is also putting money back in people’s pockets.

“To me, it’s all about a spirit of collaboration and connection,” she said. “This is a super-positive place where we can all help each other. For the months of December and January, to date, we paid out more money into the community than has ever been done in this business before. Our consigners receive 50 percent of every sale and can use it to shop at the store or as a check. It’s very empowering for the consigners and our shoppers to know they are supporting the library’s amazing programs and also their neighbors. I couldn’t do my job and provide this service without the support of the community and I am grateful for it.”

Five questions for Lara: What’s the best way to play in the Wood River Valley?

The best days are spent floating the Bigwood. I love to put a tube in in Bellevue, float for ten minutes or so, and when it gets shallow just stay there and let the water run over my feet.

What’s your go-to date night spot (with husband Jamie Canfield)?

I like to go to the movies. Because I vibrate on a high level it helps me relax. The best movie I saw this year was The Joker.

What do you consider yourself an expert in?

I am an expert in inspiring others.

Word has it you have a pretty unique ride?

Yes! Everyone knows the Thunder Bunny. I first painted her to advertise The Dollhouse way before people were putting advertising on their cars. I guess I will need a new ride eventually but I really like to live out loud with this one.

What’s your favorite section in the library to check books out from?

I don’t really have a favorite section but my favorite book of my life that I read and read and read over is Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. I love it so much I am getting a tattoo of “Howard Roark laughed”.

No matter where you live in the valley, it’s worth your time to pop into GMC, grab a seat, warm up, say hi to Lara, check out the designer picks at locals’ prices, and let her work her superpowers on your wardrobe and your life. Whether you have a party to go to or are just looking to freshen up your wardrobe, chances are you’ll walk out with something in hand. And just think … it’s all for a great cause. Gold Mine Consign is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 591 Fourth Street East in Ketchum. If you need more information or want to set up a time to talk about consigning your items, call 208-726-5544.

This is a new weekly feature in the WRW. If you would like to recommend someone that the community should get to know better, please email us at production@woodriverweekly.com with the subject line Someone to Meet.

NEWS

IN BRIEF

A Show Of ‘Gratitude’

The Wood River Valley’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WRV) is encouraging local artists to submit their work for its fundraiser, “Gratitude”—an ongoing part of the organization’s four support groups for teens, adults and families.

“We invite all artists to share in their own creative style, a piece of art, large, small, whatever medium, with a title (preferably) and focused on the theme of GRATITUDE, and suggesting the manifestation of health and wellness from a mentally challenged life,” the art show committee said.

Timeline for submissions and the show is as follows: • • • •

Feb. 17–28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: art submissions drop-off at NAMI office at Community Campus Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: art submissions drop-off at Ketchum Innovation Center (KIC) March 2–5: art displayed on NAMI website March 5: 2020 NAMI-WRV Journey to Wellness Art Show at KIC

For more information, please contact the NAMI office at (208) 481-0686 or info@namiwrv.org.

NAMI-WRV is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of people with mental illness by providing education, support and advocacy. Since 2017, the organization has been hosting art shows to help support the NAMI cause.

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CALENDAR Wood River Weekly

EVENT

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January 22 - 28, 2020

FEATURE

EVENTS WED JAN 22

‘CAPTURED IN SUN VALLEY’

10AM / Regional History Museum / Ketchum

Regional History Museum in Forest Service Park will host the exhibit. “C for the Union Pacific Railroad Publicity Department during the 1940s and potential guests into visiting Sun Valley for some winter recreation and rel

BLOOD DRIVE

10AM-4PM / St. Luke’s WR / Ketchum

The American Red Cross and St. Luke’s Wood River Volunteer Core Boa Run Conference Rooms at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, south o ment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org. Spons

TAIZÉ SERVICE

5:30PM / St. Thomas Church / Ketchum

Taizé is a weekly candlelit service of meditative silence, song and prayer pal Church is located at 201 Sun Valley Road.

ED CANNADY

5:30PM / Hailey Library / Hailey

A replica of the cabin Henry David Thoreau lived in for over two years at Walden Pond, which was the basis for his seminal collection of essays, “Walden.” Photo credit: Adobe Stock Image

When A Transcendentalist Is Jailed For A Night Company of Fools to read ‘The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail’

I

BY DANA DUGAN

n his masterpiece, “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau wrote about the eponymous pond he visited on his daily nature walks. He wrote, “There have been many stories told about the bottom, or rather no bottom, of this pond, which certainly had no foundation for themselves. It is remarkable how long men will believe in the bottomlessness of a pond without taking the trouble to sound it.”

Thoreau was an interesting fellow. He famously spent two years in a small, isolated cabin, focusing on the spiritual rewards of a life lived in harmony with nature. The cabin was located in the Walden Woods, near Concord, Mass., on land owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson. A fellow writer, Emerson was a leader in the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, of which Thoreau was also an adherent. Wondering about the bottomlessness of a pond, as a metaphor for humans’ ability to think and worship as individuals while simplifying one’s life, was right up Thoreau’s woodsy alley.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey, Company of Fools will present a free rehearsed reading of “The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail” by Robert E. Lee and Jerome Lawrence. The prolific playwriting duo is best known for the dramas “Inherit The Wind” and “First Monday in October.”

The play will be directed by COF veteran David Janeski. The cast includes actors Andrew Alburger, Kagan Albright (Thoreau), Chris Carwithen, Scott Henderson, John Mauldin, Melodie Taylor Mauldin and Ward Loving. The actors, other than Albright, will play multiple roles of fellow transcendentalists who visit Thoreau while he’s in jail.

The play is perfectly paired with The Center’s new exhibition, The Bottomlessness of a Pond: Transcendentalism, Nature and Spirit.

“At this technology-saturated moment, when creating time to pause, breathe, and just be in awe of the world is increasingly difficult, it seems appropriate to look again at the approach of the transcendentalists, who advocated a retreat from the material world in favor of a divine encounter with nature,” said Kristin Poole, Sun Valley Center’s artistic director. “Re-examining their ideas may encourage us to take that pause—to stop and look and perhaps, along the way, find that a deep breath on a crisp Idaho day fills more than just our lungs.”

The play is provocative, timely, and still feels

Ed Cannady, photographer and retired wilderness manager for the Sawtoo reation Area, will share some of his experiences during a three-month solo Canadian Rockies. “Ed’s photographs are magnificent,” said Kristin Fletch coordinator. For more information about this and other talks, call (208) 788 leypubliclibrary.org.

THU JAN 23

SNOWSHOE WITH A RANGER 11AM / Galena Lodge / Galena

Weekly Snowshoe with a Ranger tours run through March. Participants w a 1.5-mile, 2-hour tour exploring the history of mining at Galena Lodge an landscape. Tours are free to the public of all ages. Snowshoes can be rented 727-5000.

CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH

2-3PM / Community Library / Ketchum

Practice French in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. This intermediate to ad verse and share your interest in all things French. Weekly through Feb. 13.

WINTER BOOK GROUP

4-5PM / Community Library / Ketchum

This free winter book group will begin with a discussion with The Comm Davidson, on the first pages of Julie Otsuka’s “Buddha in the Attic.” This g

TIME FOR THREE Scott Henderson will appear in the rehearsed staged reading at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. Photo credit: Company of Fools

relevant even though it was written in 1969, said Scott Palmer, COF artistic director. “‘The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail’ explores Thoreau’s civil disobedience in the face of the Mexican-American War and his protest of the Fugitive Slave Laws,” Palmer said. “It’s smart, very interesting, and nonlinear.”

Thoreau’s experience later provided the basis for his essay “On the Duty of Civil Disobedience” and serves as the inspiration for the playwrights’ fictionalized account of that evening and the events leading up to it.

“Lawrence and Lee made the argument that we still have a lot to learn from Thoreau,” Palmer said. “They were directly relating to his humanism in connecting it to the war in Vietnam, social injustice and the revival of transcendentalism. More recently, the play connects the concepts to current political movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo.” Although admission to the staged reading of “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” is free, a $10 donation is encouraged and reservations are recommended. To reserve seats for the reading and for more information about upcoming events associated with The Center’s upcoming BIG IDEA project, visit sunvalleycenter.org or call (208) 7269491.

7PM / Argyros Center/ Ketchum Presented by the Argyros Performing Arts Center, Time for Three will present Time for 360, an inventive and immersive new show designed to highlight the extraordinary talent, energy and charisma of double-bassist Ranaan Meyer and violinists Nick Kendall and Charles Yang. For tickets, visit theargyros.org.

SCREENING ‘TRUE JUSTICE’

7PM / Community School / Ketchum

Sun Valley Community School’s Parents’ Association will host a free pu “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality.” This feature docume founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative Bryan Steven greater fairness in the criminal justice system.

THU JAN 23-MON JAN 27

LIMELIGHT MUSIC

6PM / Limelight Hotel / Ketchum

In the Lounge, enjoy free live musical entertainment with Jim Salestrom Golay on Saturday; Travis McDaniel on Sunday; and Luc McCann on Mon room for families to enjoy.

Captured in Sun Valley” features photographs taken 1950s. These were designed to entice and excite laxation.

ard will hold a blood drive in the Baldy and River of Ketchum. To schedule a blood donation appointsor code: Ketchum, or call (800) 733-2767.

r. Everyone is welcome to attend. St. Thomas Episco-

oth National Reco journey in the her, adult education 8-2036 or visit hai-

will meet on the porch of Galena Lodge before taking nd the winter ecology and tracking of the snowy d at Galena Lodge. For more information, call (208)

dvanced gathering will offer the opportunity to con.

munity Library’s executive director, Jenny Emery group will run through Feb. 27.

ublic screening of the HBO feature documentary, entary follows Alabama public interest attorney and nson’s life and career and the shared struggle to create

m on Thursday; Black Willows on Friday; Aaron nday. The family-friendly Lounge also offers a play

Wood River Weekly

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

9

CALENDAR FRI JAN 24

LIVE MUSIC

9:30PM / Silver Dollar Saloon / Bellevue Music at the iconic Bellevue saloon will feature the rockin’ tunes of The Nekkid Rednecks at 9:30 p.m. There is never a cover charge and there’s a free shuttle home for those who need it.

NEW MOON DINNER

5:30-8:30PM / Botanical Garden / Mid-Valley Sawtooth Botanical Garden and Idaho Conservation League will host a new moon catered “farm to greenhouse” dinner. The event will be held in the heated greenhouse, with a snow bar, warming fire pits outside the greenhouse, and night sky viewing telescopes outside on the darker north side of the Visitor Center. For more information and tickets, call (208) 726-9358.

FLY FISHING FILM FEST

5PM / The Argyros / Ketchum Eleven films from around the world’s waters will highlight the 2020 International Fly Fishing Film Festival. The 6- to 16-minute films will be hosted by the local Hemingway Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Doors open at 5 p.m. with time for raffle prizes and mingling. Films start at 6:30 p.m. with nearly two hours of fly-fishing adventure screening. The $20 ticket supports the Chapter’s fish rescues, river restoration projects, public access monitoring as well as extensive student, veteran and adult programs in the Wood River Valley. Tickets are available at Silver Creek Outfitters, Lost River Outfitters and Sun Valley Outfitters in Ketchum or at the Trout Unlimited office in Hailey. Online purchase and information are through hemingwaytu.org, or at the event.

SAT JAN 25

WINTER BIRD TOUR

10AM-1PM / Silver Creek Preserve / Picabo The Environmental Resource Center and local birding expert and artist Poo Wright-Pulliam will host Winter Birds of Silver Creek Preserve. There will be an introduction to the Preserve, birding, and local birds before heading out on a snowshoe walk to look for various eagles, swans, grouse and ducks. Bring water, snacks or lunch, warm clothes, and your curiosity. There is a suggested donation of $10/ERC members and $20/non-members. For more information or to register, call (208) 726-4333 or visit alisa@ercsv.org.

SOLUTION SATURDAY – LOW-PLASTIC DIET 5:30-6:30PM / The Mint / Hailey

Wood River High School’s W.A.T.E.R. Environmental Club and the Hailey Climate Action Coalition will present a discussion and workshop to help participants learn how to reduce the amount of plastic brought into our homes and lives. Open to everyone.

GALENA BENEFIT

5:30PM / Limelight Room / Sun Valley Hosted by the Blaine County Recreation District, the Galena & the Trails Winter Benefit will bring together Nordic, hiking and biking communities to raise crucial funds to maintain and sustain the Galena Lodge and the surrounding trail systems.

FRI JAN 24 & SAT JAN 25

MUSIC AT WHISKEY’S

9PM / Whiskey Jacques’ / Ketchum Music at Whiskey’s will feature Hell’s Belles (all-female AC/DC tribute) along with opener Dead Fervor. Doors open at 9 p.m. Purchase tickets online for $18 or $20 behind the bar/day of show. On Saturday, Lost in Bourbon will play. Doors open 9 p.m. Cover will be $5. For tickets, visit tickets.vendini.com or at the bar.

SAT JAN 25 & SUN JAN 26

APRÈS-SKI MUSIC

2:30-5PM / River Run Lodge / Ketchum After a lively day on or off the mountain, enjoy live music in the lodge every weekend. There is no cover and everyone is welcome.

SUN JAN 26

LIBRARY OPEN

12-5PM / Community Library / Ketchum The private nonprofit Community Library will now be open every Sunday afternoon. All regular services will be available.

For more information, visit comlib.org.

TAIMANE IN CONCERT

7:30PM / The Argyros / Ketchum Sun Valley Center for the Arts will present ukulele virtuoso and songwriter Taimane, a native of Hawaii of hapa Samoan descent. Taimane is renowned for both her pyrotechnics on the ukulele and her prowess in using music and movement to paint vibrant images that elicit deep emotional response. Her band consists of Jonathan Heraux (percussion) and Ramiro Marziani (classical guitar), as well as a Polynesian dancer. For tickets, visit sunvalleycenter.org or call (208) 726-9491.

10

Wood River Weekly

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

EVENTS

CALENDAR CONTINUED

SCIENCE TIME

MON JAN 27

STORY TIME

11AM / Community Library / Ketchum

10:30-11AM / Community Library / Ketchum

Science Time is held weekly with local expert Ann Christensen in the Children’s Library’s treehouse.

Story Time, held weekly in the Children’s Library with Lee Dabney, features themed story time with high-quality children’s books, songs, and a fun craft or activity.

Story Time is suitable for ages 3 and up. For more information, visit comlib.org.

SCIENCE AFTER SCHOOL

12:15-4PM / Alturas Elementary / Bellevue

BABY TIME

12-12:30PM / Hailey Library / Hailey Baby Time will be held weekly for caregivers whose babies are aged 0-18 months.

The drop-in program incorporates nursery rhymes, tickling and gestures to help parents teach babies language and motor skills. A registered nurse will be on hand the third Monday of each month. Details at haileypubliclibrary.org.

‘VIENNA MEETS NEW YORK’

7PM / Community School Theatre / Sun Valley Sun Valley Opera will present “Vienna Meets New York” starring Zachary James and Melody Wilson. James has performed on Broadway in the “The Addams Family,” as Abraham Lincoln in Philip Glass’s opera “The Perfect American,” and in the Olivier Award-winning production of “Akhnaten.” Wilson will make her debut with Seattle Opera in “Eugen Onegin” and as the mezzo-soprano soloist in Paul Moravec’s “Sanctuary Road” with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, she was in the MET HD production of “Akhnaten” with Zachary James. For tickets, contact rwatson.svo@gmail.com, call (208) 726-0991 or visit sunvalleyopera.com.

TUE JAN 28

The Environmental Resource Center (ERC) will offer the free Science After School program at Alturas Elementary School weekly through February. The program is open to fourth- and fifth-grade students at Alturas Elementary. All materials and snacks are provided. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Attendance for all six sessions is preferred. For information and to register, contact Alisa McGowan at alisa@ercsv.org or call (208) 726-4333.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

5:30-6:30PM / St. Luke’s Clinic / Hailey This information and support group will provide a connection to other people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Occupational therapist Kristin Biggins will do a yoga demonstration, and discuss lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatments. Call prior to attending first time, (208) 727-8733.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

6-8PM / Community Library / Ketchum Free English as a Second Language for adults, cada martes. Abierto a todos los idiomas que quieren aprender ingles o mejorar sus habilidades. ¡Gratis! Open to adults of all languages who want to learn English or improve skills. \

‘UNCHARTED’ BOOK READING

6-7:30PM / Community Library / Ketchum Kim Brown Seely will share tales from her new book, “Uncharted: A Couple’s Epic Empty-Nest Adventure Sailing from One Life to Another.” Honest, self-effacing, and full of humor and generosity, this unforgettable memoir is at once a breathtaking adventure tale and a lyrical meditation on the changing nature of love.

PING-PONG

7-10PM / The Mint / Hailey Get your A-game on for a night of fun competition at The Mint’s weekly table-tennis nights. Bring a friend, eat some dinner, and grab a drink. The action gets hot. For more information, call (208) 788-6468.

COLUMN

It Takes A Ski Village

LIFESTYLE

Proceeds from fundraiser will support air service to Sun Valley

S

BY ERIC VALENTINE

ki resort towns require far more than snow-covered mountains to thrive. One could say “it takes a village” to make this community run well. The reality is: it takes even more than that. It takes people who don’t live here, too.

Getting those tourists here safely, conveniently and affordably during winter depends significantly on reliable air travel. And that’s why the Fly Sun Valley Alliance and the Sun Valley Resort partner up each year to present Ski For Air Service Day. What is it? For Jan. 26, all-day ski lift tickets for Baldy and Dollar mountains will be reduced from $145 to just $50 and proceeds from the sale go toward the improvement of air service at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN).

Where can you get these discounted tickets? A limited number of discounted tickets will be available at the following locations through Jan. 25: ● Sturtevants (Ketchum and Hailey) ● Board Bin (Ketchum) ● PK’s Ski & Sports / PK Ski Rentals (Ketchum) ● Formula Sports (Ketchum) ● Ski Tek (Ketchum) ● Epic Elevation Sports in Twin Falls

It gets better, organizers point out. Two of the participating shops (Ski Tek and Epic Elevation Sports) will

be offering 50 percent off demos and rentals on Jan. 26.

And the following lodging options will also be offering a variety of ways to save 50 percent off one’s stay: ● Alpine Lodge ● BW Plus Kentwood Lodge ● Hotel Ketchum ● Knob Hill Inn ● Sun Valley Inn ● Tamarack Lodge ● Wood River Inn & Suites

Visit flysunvalleyalliance.com/ski-for-air-day for details on those offers since some require multiple-day bookings.

An average of 134,882 passengers arrive and depart from Friedman Memorial Airport annually. The total number of scheduled winter 2019-20 SUN flights is 996, up from 962 flights the previous winter. This is in large part thanks to Alaska and United airlines. From Seattle, Alaska Airlines increased its service to two daily nonstop flights to SUN during this past holiday season. From Chicago, United expanded its offerings, too.

And from Denver, UA is offering daily nonstop flights through March 29.

Air service development is funded through both public and private investment. Public-sector investment is funded by the 1 percent Local Option Sales Tax revenue placed on certain types of businesses, like hotels.

As mayor of Ketchum, Neil Bradshaw is intimately

CALENDAR ENTRIES • Send calendar entry requests to calendar@woodriverweekly.com.

• Entries are selected based on editorial discretion, with preference for events that are free and open to the public.

• To guarantee a calendar entry, buy a display ad in the same issue or the issue before you’d like your calendar entry to appear.

Contact Mandi at mandi@woodriverweekly.com or 208.721.7588.

Skiers will have a chance to help their pocketbooks next week. Photo credit: Carol Waller

familiar with the relationship between more air travel into the Valley and more funds into city coffers. He points out, though, the debate each year comes down to “Do you fill the seat, or do you buy the ticket?”

In other words, funds can go through one of two funnels: a marketing funnel, which encourages non-Valley folks to fly here, and—let’s call it—a subsidy funnel, which covers the loss an airline would incur when a seat is not filled. Bradshaw says there’s a roughly 50-50 split between those two approaches.

“For airlines, it’s all about load factors. Airlines want a full load (of paying passengers),” Bradshaw explained.

“So any time awareness is created, that’s a good thing.”

Wood River Weekly

CHAMBER CORNER

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

MIKE MCKENNA

Fighting For The Fish

11

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY PHARM BRAD!

Photo credit: Hemingway Chapter, Trout Unlimited

Local TU chapter makes positive impacts

By Mike McKenna

T

here aren’t many places that can match the Wood River Valley for fishing, especially if you like to do so with a fly rod.

We are lucky to be nestled in the heart of some of the best trout fishing on God’s green and watery earth and, thanks to the efforts of the local chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU), there is reason to be hopeful that fishing will stay great here for years to come.

“We seek to preserve the most valuable resource we have in this Valley—the Big Wood River,” said Alan Richardson, board president for the Hemingway Chapter of TU. TU was founded in 1959 to conserve, protect and restore North America’s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. While the national nonprofit organization oversees important policy battles and supports hundreds of restoration projects (like the recent work done at Rock Creek, just west of Hailey), it’s really the efforts of the volunteer regional chapters that make the most notable impacts.

“It’s about the river,” said Nick Miller, Hemingway Chapter board member. “Our Valley is gifted with a living ecosystem that drives our quality of life and standard of living. Everyone in the Valley wants the Big Wood River to be healthy.

“Our chapter’s job is to educate and to lead the residents and policymakers to science-based decisions and projects that protect, improve and provide access to the river for all of us.”

The Hemingway chapter was created decades ago, but had faded away like a midwinter midge hatch. It was revived by impassioned local volun-

teers in 2004 and takes four paths to achieve its goals.

It conserves trout by literally saving fish one at a time. Each fall, the group leads efforts to rescue trout stranded in irrigation canals. Last year, another 8,000 native fish were saved and relocated.

It educates local students and the public. Over the last decade, the Hemingway chapter has introduced fly fishing to over 1,000 local students and offers free monthly talks about all things fishing.

It also protects public access by clearing trails and restores and repairs local waters like their recently completed work on five miles of Elkhorn Creek—an important tributary of the Big Wood.

The Hemingway chapter has done lots of great work, but there is still much to be done. That’s why new members of all ages are always welcome.

The only qualification needed is a passion to make a difference.

“We live in paradise,” Richardson said. “We need to take care of it.”

How To Play Sudoku

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

CLASSIC SUDOKU See answer on page 16

For more information, go to HemingwayTU. org or check out their free talks on the first Thursday nights of each month at Whiskey Jacques’ in Ketchum. The chapter is also hosting the 2020 International Fly Fishing Film Festival this Friday night, Jan. 24, at the Argyros Performing Arts Center, also in Ketchum. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds go to support fish rescues, river restoration projects, public access monitoring, and student and veteran programs in the Wood River Valley.

CROSSWORD SPONSORED BY

THETRADER TRADER THE THE TRADER Consignment for the home

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Always available by appointment and if we’re here.

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

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

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

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See answer on page 16

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

Partly Cloudy 10%

high 34º

low 20º WEDNESDAY

Mostly Cloudy `10%

high 38º low 28º THURSDAY

Snow Showers 50%

high 39º low 23º FRIDAY

PM Snow Showers 30%

high 38º low 28º SATURDAY

Snow Showers 50%

high 38º low 26º SUNDAY

Partly Cloudy 20%

high 37º low 21º MONDAY

Mostly Sunny 20%

high 35º low 21º TUESDAY

SKI. BIKE. LIVE!

Elevate your experience.

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

12

Wood River Weekly

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

C OM M EN T AR Y

Fishing R epoRt

NO BONES ABOUT IT

THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR JANUARY 22 - 28 FROM PICABO ANGLER

T

his week’s weather forecast looks conducive to some great local fishing.

We’ll see highs in the upper 30s, with overcast, calm days and perhaps a snow shower or two.

This is ideal for winter fishing conditions on Silver Creek, the Big Wood River, the Big Lost River, and the South Fork Boise River. Get out on the water and take advantage of the great fishing!

For Silver Creek, streamers and leeches will continue to be the most productive patterns.

Follow the tried-and-true adage of “bright day, bright fly; dark day, dark fly,” but don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite streamer patterns. A few midges have been spotted on the Creek, so have some tiny Griffith Gnats, Tie-Down Midges, and Zebra Midges to imitate the naturals.

On the Big Wood, the nymph fishing will continue to be the most productive fishing method, but anglers should be prepared to fish dries and streamers, as well.

The Big Wood is full of sculpins, and the river’s resident rainbows eat plenty of them. Dark olive or brown sculpin imitations fished slowly on the river bottom will move some really nice fish. The same midges used on Silver Creek will be effective on the Big Wood, and a size 22 or 24 Parachute Adams is also a great midge imitation. For nymphs, think Girdle Bugs, Rubber Legs, Copper Johns, Rainbow Warriors, San Juan Worms, and dark Hare’s Ears in a variety of sizes and colors. A bright egg pattern can be a fantastic winter fly, as well. Mountain whitefish spawn throughout the late winter, and eggs are an easy meal for hungry trout.

The lower Big Lost River and the South Fork Boise River are also great winter fisheries. The same flies used on the Big Wood will produce on these rivers.

Remember to check weather and road conditions before driving into the South Fork Boise canyon, and bring emergency supplies just in case.

Our mountain snowpack levels for the Big Wood, Little Wood and Big Lost river systems are hovering between 70-75 percent, so keep your fingers crossed for additional high-mountain snow for the rest of this winter. More snow = more water in the rivers = better fishing!

Have fun and be safe out there.

Happy Fishing Everyone!

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

FRAN JEWELL

More Ways To Exercise Your Puppy!

A

By Fran Jewell

n energetic puppy sure can be hard to live with! A smart puppy is inquisitive and busy. Much of her energy can be enjoyable as we watch her explore and learn about life every day. It can wear us out just as fast as your pup can make it from one end of the house to the other!

There is so much encouragement to exercise puppies to tire them out so they are easier to live with. This is very true, but there can be some physical dangers to OVER-exercise. Young puppies are growing and need to play to grow to be the best they can be.

However, somewhere we have equated physical exercise as the only way to do that. A very energetic puppy can force us to spend way too much time running pups on the bike path (which is a hard, hot surface in the summer and can be very hard on their feet in the winter) or for long walks in the woods. Those long walks in the woods or on many of our trails can be extremely dangerous because of the interface with winter wildlife.

The question then becomes, how DO YOU exercise a puppy to take the edge off. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. In fact, some training and exploration time at home can produce a tired, happy and emotionally fulfilled and well-adjusted puppy, too. I hear all the time that after I leave from a lesson, a puppy will sleep for hours.

Scenting games use up enormous amounts of energy. House or yard time can be just as exhausting for your pup if you do some simple planning. Food-dispensing toys for every meal can use enormous amounts of energy.

Hiding portions of meals around the house for your pup to find is another excellent educational game. In the summer, you can toss your pup’s entire meal out into the grass for him to find. There are new “snuffle pads” that mimic grass. You put food in the pad for dogs to snuffle and eat. You can place a food trail around your yard. Just walk around your yard with the food bowl and drop food

SCIENCE OF PLACE

A

I train all my puppies to scent. It’s so much fun for both of us, it’s educational, and it uses up so much energy. There are things to smell everywhere—even in the snow! Photo credit: Fran Jewell

in your tracks as you walk. Then, let your pup out to follow the food steps for her meal.

If you go on a walk, leave your pup in the car and place a food trail for her to follow when she gets out.

I teach all my puppies to use their noses.

Some pups are naturals, but others take a little effort to teach. It doesn’t matter, though.

Scent work really uses up so much energy and is SO much fun for your pup.

Of course, there is the brutal commitment to “training!” Yes, puppies take a commitment to train. However, training basic obedience can be so much fun for both of you and help build an everlasting bond. When we do manner training, puppies feel much more comfort in your home. They know what the rules are. So many times I see that an over-energetic puppy is actually expressing its anxiety over not knowing what the rules are. Some simple rules include off the counter, sleeping in a bed or crate, or even

learning how to sit at doors to keep you safe from being run over. Think about yourself.

Have you ever gone to a new job and no one tells you what they expect of you, then they yell at you when you do something wrong?

That is anxiety and dogs can feel anxiety from not being shown what the rules are at home. Expression of that anxiety in dogs can be frantic, overexcited behavior.

Walks are great for training a puppy to “come” and take some energy off. Just don’t forget the quiet, educational games you can do with your pup at home to take the energy off. There are just so many fun things to do.

Fran Jewell is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columnist, IAABC-certified dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor #1096 and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC, in Sun Valley. For more information, visit www.positivepuppy. com or call (208) 578-1565.

Keeping Time

BY HANNES THUM

lmost everybody has heard of Carl Linneaus. Most folks that have taken a high-school biology class have come across the name, even if the name is buried in some long-forgotten, murky corner of our brains.

Most notably, Linneaus is credited with the idea of naming all of the species on Earth in a standard way—do you remember binomial nomenclature, where we give each species Latin names, such as Turdus migratorius (our local American robin) and Populus tremuloides (our local aspen trees) and Homo sapiens (our local humans)?

He also did some other things, as many smart people in history tended to do. And one of the more fascinating things that he did was to design a clock that could tell the time of day using only flowers. Yep, just flowers.

No sundials, no wristwatches, no cuckoos.

Linneaus had spent enough time studying plants that he noticed that a lot of flowers open and close throughout the day. This probably had to do with things like sunshine and photosynthesis and attracting pollinators, he figured, but that became somewhat beside the point. What he did was design an entire garden where flowers that opened at dawn were in one corner, flowers that opened midmorning were in another corner, and so on. He claimed that this garden would be an accurate enough timepiece that he could walk out into

it and guess within an hour or so what time of day it was by looking at the flowers.

Patterns in nature that repeat on 24-hour cycles are called circadian rhythms, and our backyards are full of them. I don’t have the patience to garden or even really to watch flowers open and close, but I wonder: could somebody here dream up a clock like that, based on the daily timing of local species?

Could fishermen and fisherwomen who know the insects on the Big Wood really well estimate the time of day based on a morning caddis hatch? Could birders know that it’s morning based on a bird’s song, and that it’s evening based on another song?

Or, could it be more like a calendar? Instead of relying on the Gregorian calendar (the one you and I use every day) to tell us the date, could we take cues from regular natural systems to align our year? I could picture it: “Alright, so I’m going to rebuild your roof starting on the day that the kestrels return to Croy Canyon at the start of summer.” Or maybe, “We’re having a party at our place when the elk come out of the high country and herd up in those fields along the highway near Hailey.”

We are surrounded by more time cues from our local ecosystems than we probably realize, even if they are a little fuzzy at times (Linneaus’ clock design has shown some mixed results over the years). And if we tried to follow them each day, we’d likely be late (or early) to a lot of appointments. But, in

HANNES THUM

Carl Linnaeus, 23 May 1707 – 10 January 1778, also known after his ennoblement as Carl von Linné, was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician who formalised binomial nomenclature, the modern system of naming organisms.

Photo credit: Public Domain photo

any case, it’s good stuff to ponder on a walk outdoors.

Hannes Thum is a Wood River Valley native and has spent most of his life exploring what our local ecosystems have to offer.

He currently teaches science at Sun Valley Community School.

Wood River Weekly

GUEST COMMENTARY

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

ILANA RUBEL & DAVE LENT

Idahoans Deserve A Second Chance

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By Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) and Sen. Dave Lent (R-Idaho Falls)

ur criminal justice system is intended to ensure there is an appropriate penalty associated with crime. We refer to this as paying one’s debt to society. However, under some of Idaho’s current laws, the payment never seems to stop. Our courts assign formal penalties, like prison time, probation and fines, but these can often be the least of a former offender’s difficulties.

The bigger problem is the long list of “collateral consequences” that are not part of the sentence but follow individuals far beyond the end of any time served. It is not hard to link these collateral consequences with the unacceptably high rate of people returning to the correctional system.

Often those affected are friends or family members who committed relatively minor offenses, learned their lesson, and are ready to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, these records will follow them forever, and can severely affect their ability to find housing or a job.

Inquiries into their criminal record will follow them to every job and housing application, and can be the first and last question that companies ask before turning them away. The resulting higher rates of unemployment, underemployment and homelessness for these individuals actually increases the risk that they will reoffend. With no money and no roof over their head, it’s no surprise that Idaho’s recidivism rate is 35 percent for felony offenders.

In Idaho, if you were 18 or over at the time of the offense, everything on your record, even misdemeanors, stays in public view to your dying day. The majority of states don’t operate this way.

In fact, 41 states and the District of Columbia offer some mechanism for record-sealing for adults, and it has proven successful.

The most comprehensive study we could find showed that for those with relatively minor offenses who had gone several years without reoffending and then had their record sealed, they were 22 percent more likely to be employed, and if previously employed, their wages were 25 percent higher after sealing. Most importantly, this was accomplished with no threat to public safety; in fact, there was substantial benefit. The recidivism rates for these former offenders were extremely low, and arrest rates for those with sealed records were actually 29 percent lower than those of the public at large.

Remember Idaho’s 35 percent felony recidivism rate? This study showed a 1 percent felony recidivism rate for those who had successfully

INSPIRATIONS FROM MY HEART

had their records sealed.

It turns out that, having been given a chance to get their lives back on track, they did not want to blow their opportunity by reoffending.

Only infractions, misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies that fall below a defined threshold would be sealed. Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-BoiThis means those with se) a need to know, like law enforcement and judges, would still have access to ensure repeat offenders are accounted for.

The point is to better define when justice has been served and allow individuals to move on with their lives.

We think it’s time for Idaho to seriously start addressing reform of our Sen. Dave Lent (R-Idaho criminal justice system. Falls) Many of these folks deserve a real second chance, but we continue to hand out these collateral life sentences.

We are proposing legislation referred to as a “Clean Slate” bill that would allow those who have committed non-violent, non-sexual offenses, who have completed their sentence (including probation and parole), and who have gone at least three years without reoffending, to petition a court to have their public record sealed. If they can make their case to the judge that they are no longer a threat to society, they can earn a real shot at getting their lives back on track.

With the cost of our correctional system being second only to education in our state, it is time to consider different approaches to enable those who have paid their price to society to move forward.

We need those with criminal records to succeed, not reoffend. Taxpayers are footing the bill every time a person is reincarcerated in our already overburdened prisons, and it’s better for all of us when more of our citizens are employed.

Instead of setting former offenders up for a life of frustration and desperation that may push them to commit another crime, let’s work to remove barriers to employment and empower them to learn from their mistakes.

Loving Yourself

DOVE

Is the hardest thing you will ever do.

H

By Dove

ow often do you get up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror and not see only the physical you, but all the energy you are, which is magnificent.

We find it has become a habit to look at ourselves in the mirror and see only that which we believe needs correcting, or comparing ourselves to others.

I would propose to you to take the first moment in the morning and find something positive you can say to that reflection in the mirror. Not about your physical appearance, but about the love in your heart.

What do you hold the most dear—your family, your pets, nature. Make your first conscious thought one that brings you joy. It will change the flow of your whole day.

Make finding that positive thought a priority; let that become your new habit. You will be amazed at how rapidly your life becomes magical. You become excited about the prospect of a new day. You develop a new energy and vitality and that which you love becomes the dominant force in your life.

Life is a gift, the purpose is joy. Find yours.

13

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Zach Sabina

WRHS student Zach Sabina. Photo credit: Craig Sabina

Learning from challenges, teaching others

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By Eric Valentine

hen Zach Sabina thinks about his hopes for the future, he looks back on his past, and that gives him an understanding of how “community” works.

Five years ago, the Wood River High School senior was a Hood River, Ore., middle schooler. Moving to Hailey at that juncture in one’s life is not easy.

“It took time to adjust to the school,” Sabina acknowledged, but “I felt the most at home when I was running, skating, and skiing, and that is how I have made my best friends.”

Teaching those skills to youth is now a passion of Sabina’s, manifested by his volunteer work with the Papoose Club—a nonprofit focused on educational, cultural and athletic growth for children in the Wood River Valley.

“I would love to travel and continue to teach things I love to the youth because it is important to me that these skills and activities I have had the privilege of learning are passed on to the next generation,” Sabina said. “I have skied and played tennis since I was very young and they are a large source of entertainment and happiness in my life.”

Sabina, whose father was a professional mogul skier, says the sports he’s been able to enjoy in the Valley have helped him develop a strong work ethic. It’s the same principle that drives him while taking A.P. Language, A.P. Microeconomics, Spanish, Algebra 2 and Band.

Sabina doesn’t have a particular school in mind yet, but he hopes to attend a four-year college and major in economics and/or computer sciences.

“I will miss the locals the most that welcomed me into the Valley so graciously when I moved here,” Sabina said while contemplating what he’d miss most about life here if school takes him outside the Valley. “I have met some of the nicest people just by getting involved and participating in a variety of activities here.”

Education available for all people, regardless of race and gender, is Sabina’s biggest hope for a better world. And he’s clear on why.

“I feel like so much potential is being lost from the millions left without education. I imagine what the human race would be capable of if everyone had an education,” Sabina observed.

Sabina’s mother lived in the Valley for 16 years before she moved to Oregon to be with his dad, who loved the steep, challenging terrain of Bald Mountain.

“I was born in Hood River but I had been visiting Sun Valley my entire life,” Sabina explained.

Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for the Wood River Weekly’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact news@woodriverweekly.com.

14

Wood River Weekly

BETTER HOMEOWNERS NEWS ANNA MATHIEU

Make The Dream Of Homeownership A Reality In 2020

1. How Can I Better Understand the Process, and How Much Can I Afford?

The process of buying a home is not one to enter into lightly. You need to decide on key things, like how long you plan on living in an area, school districts you prefer, what kind of commute works for you, and how much you can afford to spend.

Keep in mind, before you start the process to purchase a home, you’ll also need to apply for a mortgage. Lenders will evaluate several factors connected to your financial track record, one of which is your credit history. They’ll want to see how well you’ve been able to minimize past debts, so make sure you’ve been paying your student loans, credit cards, and car loans on time. Most agents have loan officers they trust that they can refer you to.

According to ConsumerReports.org, “Financial planners recommend limiting the amount you spend on housing to 25 percent of your monthly budget.”

2. How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?

In addition to knowing how much you can afford on a monthly mortgage payment, understanding how much you’ll need for a down payment is another critical step. Thankfully, there are many different options and resources in the market to potentially reduce the amount you may think you need to put down up front.

If you’re concerned about saving for a down payment, start small and be consistent. A little bit each month goes a long way. Jumpstart your savings by automatically adding a portion of your monthly paycheck into a separate savings account or house fund. AmericaSaves.org says, “Over time, these automatic deposits add up. For example, $50 a month accumulates to $600 a year and $3,000 after five years, plus interest that has compounded.”

Before you know it, you’ll have enough for a down payment if you’re disciplined and thoughtful about your process.

3. Saving Takes Time: Practice Living on a Budget As tempting as it is to settle in each morning with a fancy cup of coffee from your favorite local shop, putting that daily spend toward your down payment will help accelerate your path to homeownership. It’s the little things that count, so start trying to live on a slightly tighter budget if you aren’t doing so already. A budget will allow you to save more for your down payment and help you pay down other debts to improve your credit score. A survey of Millennial spending shows, “70 percent of would-be first-time homebuyers will cut spending on spa days, shopping and going to the movies in exchange for purchasing a home within the next year.”

While you don’t need to cut all of the fun out of your current lifestyle, making smarter choices and limiting your spending in areas where you can slim down will make a big difference.

Bottom Line If homeownership is on your dream list this year, take a good look at what you can prioritize to help you get there. Let’s get together today to discuss the best steps you can take to start the process.

ANNA MATHIEU

Realtor®, Associate Broker, GRI, MBA 2018 & 2019 Best of the Valley 1st Place Gold: Best Realtor.

Windermere Real Estate/SV, LLC (208) 309-1329 AnnaMathieu@ Windermere.com 5b-realestate.com

January 22 - 28, 2020

ADVERTORIALS AMY ARANDA

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTE

Young Latina Making It Happen

I

n 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr., led and inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where our families can grow and flourish.

If you’re dreaming of buying a home this year, the best way to start the process is to connect with a real estate professional to understand what goes into buying a home. Once you have that covered, then you can answer the questions below to make the best decision for you and your family.

•

M

OUR VOICE COUNTS

y name is Amy Aranda, I am a senior at Wood River High School. I hope this is the beginning of something great. I hope by sharing my story I can inspire others to embrace vulnerability.

I come from a low-income public housing project in Hailey, Idaho. I am also the student body president of my high school.

The path to the student body president was not easy. For a long time my family and I never believed people like us could obtain positions like this. Family members instilled in me the message, “Make something of yourself and be greater than your parents ever could be.” I wanted to leave an imprint within my community. I wanted to challenge their beliefs about what people like us could do.

I am the first Latina to become president at Wood River High. I didn’t want this for the title, though—I wanted to challenge the norms.

To show that moments like these are possible for people like us. Now is the time to stop our chain of almost graduating high school and settling into the workforce to survive.

My only regret is that I waited until my mother passed to find motivation within. She wasn’t there to see me in front of the packed gymnasium, leading the school. Or to hear my peers come up to me, saying I have inspired them. This pain fuels my ambitious dreams.

It doesn’t matter if you come from a small apartment with a single parent. My family may be poor, but we are rich in hope and determination. I will do whatever it takes to challenge those who don’t believe in themselves. Hopefully, I’ve shown them that they should.

To my Latino community, I’ve learned that time is too precious to waste. We must act now and believe in ourselves. We deserve a place at the table. If there is one thing my mother taught me, it was to never give up. Even when you think it’s over, get up and continue to persevere.

I don’t want to be defined by my circumstances—a girl who does not have a mother—but defined by my actions. I will continue to honor my mother’s legacy of hard work, hope, and pure love.

M

NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA

i nombre es Amy Aranda, estoy en mi ultimos ano de secundaria en, Wood River High School. Espero que esto sea el comienzo de algo grandioso. Espero que al compartir mi historia pueda inspirar a otros a aceptar su vulnerabilidad.

Vivo en una vivienda pública de bajos ingresos en Hailey, Idaho. También soy la presidenta del cuerpo estudiantil de mi escuela secundaria. El camino al obtener la posicion de presidenta no fue tan fácil. Durante mucho tiempo, mi familia y yo nunca creímos que personas como nosotros pudieran obtener puestos como este. Los miembros de mi familia me inculcaron el mensaje: “Haz algo de ti mismo y sé más grande de lo que tus padres podrían ser”. Quería dejar una huella

Amy Aranda at the Woman’s March in Ketchum on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Herbert Romero

en mi comunidad. Quería desafiar sus creencias sobre lo que la gente como nosotros podríamos hacer.

Soy la primera latina en ser presidenta en Wood River High. Sin embargo, no quería esto para el título. Quería desafiar las normas. Mostrar que momentos como estos son posibles para personas como nosotros. Ahora es el momento de detener nuestra cadena de casi graduarnos de la escuela secundaria y establecernos en la fuerza laboral para sobrevivir.

La unica cosa que me arrepiento es esperar hasta que mi madre falleciera para encontrar motivación dentro de mi. Ella no estaba allí para verme frente al gimnasio lleno de estudiantes dirigiendo la escuela. O escuchar a mis compañeros acercarse a mí, diciendo que los he inspirado.

Este dolor me motiva perseguir mis sueños ambiciosos. No importa si vienes de un pequeño apartamento con un padre soltero. Mi familia puede ser pobre, pero somos ricos en esperanza y determinación. Haré lo que sea necesario para desafiar aquellos que no creen en sí mismos. Ojala, les he demostrado que tenga fe que si se puede.

A mi comunidad latina. He aprendido que el tiempo es demasiado valioso para perderlo. Debemos actuar ahora y creer en nosotros mismos.

Nos merecemos un lugar en la mesa. Si hay algo que mi madre me enseñó es que nunca me rinda, incluso cuando creas que se acabó, levántate y continúa perseverando. No quiero ser definido por mis circunstancias, una niña que no tiene una madre sino por mis acciones. Seguiré honrando el legado de trabajo duro, esperanza y amor puro de mi madre.

Nuestra Voz Cuenta (Our Voice Counts), by Amy Aranda, is a guest advertorial hosted by Herbert Romero and sponsored by Kiki Tidwell.

ADVERTORIALS Share Your Thoughts with the Wood River Valley

Contact mandi@woodriverweekly.com or call (208) 788-4789

Wood River Weekly

SUN VALLEY INSTITUTE

RESILIENCE

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

COFFEE CHATS WITH KIKI

15

KIKI TIDWELL

Planning For BlackRock Finally Realizes Climate Change Will Community Impact Investment Returns Resilience

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BY SUN VALLEY INSTITUTE TEAM

hile resilience is often seen as a personal trait, many of the challenges we face are collective. Significant economic, social and environmental disruptions shake up the status quo for entire populations. However, we are not simply at the mercy of these large forces! We as a community can cultivate community resilience, and heighten our collective chances to thrive in the face of change.

“Two types of choices seem to me to have been crucial in tipping the outcomes [of the various societies’ histories] toward success or failure: long-term planning and willingness to reconsider core values. On reflection, we can also recognize the crucial role of these same two choices for the outcomes of our individual lives.” ―Jared Diamond, Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed To Diamond’s first point, the more we as a community can plan in advance, such as assessing, innovating and strengthening our relationships, infrastructure and priorities, such as making our energy, food and communications systems more resilient, the easier the ride will be. “Every $1 spend on climate adaptation now will yield between $9-$38 in avoided damages in the future.” This is a wildly good investment!

To Diamond’s second point, to plan ahead well, we need to live the values that allow us to thrive in the future, not just that have benefitted us in the past. Strong social cohesion and trust allows a community to work together and problem-solve. Equity, inclusion, civics and civility allows us to access all the creativity and resourcefulness in our community needed to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s vibrant opportunities. We can wisely deploy resources in ways that create jobs, protect the environment, and cultivate community cohesion—all that create a better today as well as tomorrow. Many in our community are working toward this.

Please join us!

T

his past week, the world’s largest financial fund manager, BlackRock ($7 trillion), made huge headlines by announcing that it will now (finally) take into consideration climate-change risk in its investment decisions.

“The evidence on climate risk is compelling investors to reassess core assumptions about modern finance,” Laurence D. Fink, the chief of BlackRock, wrote in his annual letter.”

This founder of BlackRock apparently has realized three things: one, there is tremendous financial risk in not evaluating investments for how climate change may negatively affect their future profits (think coal companies, PG&E); two, clients are demanding financial products that are free of fossil-fuel investments; and three, companies evaluated with a sustainability lens may end up being more profitable. “…BlackRock would begin to exit certain investments that ‘present high sustainability-related risk,’ such as those in coal producers… Had Mr. Fink moved a decade ago to pull BlackRock’s funds out of companies that contribute to climate change, his clients would have been well served. In the past 10 years, through Friday, companies in the S&P 500 energy sector had gained just 2 percent in total. In the same period, the broader S&P 500 nearly tripled”.

However late to the table BlackRock is, this sea change in investment strategy will influence the whole world of financial managers. When wind and solar projects started to make money for Wall Street investors, capital started pouring in to these projects and costs to build them came down due to efficiencies of scale. Financing solar projects has been a huge financial success for investors and, as well, now solar energy has become the lowest-cost energy source. If coal-fired power plants can’t make a financial return, then investors won’t finance them, and they won’t get built.

NEWS

Is Idaho Readying For Legalization Of Marijuana?

Plausible, but not probable—that might be the fairest way to describe the Gem State’s chances for legalizing marijuana or other controlled substances, recreationally or otherwise. And legislation proposed early in the 2020 legislative session could take the temperature for this conservative state’s willingness to consider such bills.

Last week, Senator Grant Burgoyne (D-Boise) introduced drug decriminalization legislation as a personal bill in the Senate. The bill would: • Decriminalize the unlawful use of controlled substances in private places • Repeal the current prohibition on civil commitments for drug abuse Sen. Burgoyne introduced the legislation with the purpose of starting a conversation about shifting the focus from prosecution and punishment to treatment of drug abuse in Idaho.

“I have heard from many of my constituents that there are too many people in Idaho prisons,” Sen. Burgoyne explained. “Idaho has a drug addiction problem and we cannot arrest our way out of it.”

To be clear, the senator noted that he is not seeking to legalize drug use, but to consider decriminalization which, in theory, would lead to treating drug addiction with robust rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

The bill, as it stands now, repeals the current prohibition on civil commitments for drug abuse to remove one of the current barriers to effective treatment. The bill does not excuse crimes that might be associated with illegal drug use, and it retains prohibitions in Idaho law on: • Using and being under the influence in a public place • Drug trafficking • Driving under the influence Sen. Burgoyne plans to bring another criminal justice bill in the form of a constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment would allow law enforcement officers to make warrantless misdemeanor arrests based on probable cause when the offense in question is not committed in an officer’s presence.

“Last June, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in State v. Clarke that such arrests are unconstitutional unless the crime was witnessed by law enforcement,” Sen. Burgoyne said. “The legislature needs to have an open and thorough discussion about the significant changes that Clarke will cause. As long as I can remember, law enforcement was able to make warrantless misdemeanor arrests based on probable cause even if the officer did not witness the alleged crime.”

‘Billy Goat’ Event Hosts 70 Racers

Close to 70 Wood River Valley—and beyond—Nordic skiers gathered at the Sun Valley Nordic Center on a sunny but cold Saturday morning, Jan. 18, to compete in the annual Billy Goat Loppet, sponsored by Backwoods Mountain Sports. The skiers were greeted to a 12-, 10-, 5- and 1-kilometer course impeccably groomed by Sun Valley Nordic Center. The 1k course was created for the enthusiastic kids that turned

And why is all this global finance news important to an Idahoan? With every dollar you put into a bank, or a cd, or a mutual fund, you have a choice. Not only can you make a difference in climate-change efforts by adding your dollars to become a tidal wave of dollars financing renewable projects and sustainable companies, but you can avoid the risk that your ‘safe’ investment could financially fail (think PGE bondholders! BP stockholders). Look into the underlying information of what you are investing in. Here’s a sample statement by one bank: “Can banks be a force for good in the world? We think so. After all, when you deposit money in the bank, it doesn’t just sit there.

Banks send as much as 90 percent of customer deposits back out into the world. At Bank of the West, your deposits do not finance Arctic drilling, coal-fired power plants, fracking, or big tobacco.

Instead, they are helping fund more than $1 billion in renewable energy projects.”

Today, Idahoan, you can change the future for the better just by your banking and investing choices. Call your broker and ask for fossil-free mutual funds to invest in!

Blaine County Commissioner Candidate

www.tidwellcommissionercampaign.com twitter: @kikitidwell

K ik i Tid w e ll

Paid For By Citizens For Kiki Tidwell, Cindy Mann Treasurer.

IN BRIEF out to race—all ending up with big smiles on their faces.

What follows is a rundown of the winners and other accomplishments worth noting: • Oldest skier in men: Charley French • Oldest skier in women: Shauna Thoreson • Youngest boy: Bailey Kurtz and Duncan Fryberger • Youngest girl: Piper Renner • Overall winners for the men’s 12k were Peter Holmes, Sam Wood and Chris Mallory; and in the women’s category were Katie Feldman, Alexia Turzian and Betsy Youngman • Overall winners for the men’s 10k were Tom Liby, Willy McSlowpants and Ralph Johnson; and in the women’s category, Jill Norton, Toni Ramey and Jennifer Oliver • Overall winners for the men’s 5k were Sam East, Mel Dyck and Charley French; and in the women’s category, Linda McClatchy and Aurelie Boloix • Overall winners for the boys’ 5k were Bailey Kurtz, Nicholas Gardiner and Duncan Fryberger; and in the girls’ category, Mazzy Conners and Zoe Liberatore • Overall winners for the 1k boys was Charlie St. George; and in the girls’ category were Stella St. George, Josephine Renner and Sadie Guss

Fiscal Policy Report: Idaho Spends A Lot On Prisons

Over the last 25 years, prison spending in Idaho increased by 207 percent, the sixth-highest increase in the nation, according to a new report released by the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy. The growth in Idaho’s correction budget far outpaced growth in education investment in Idaho (94 percent for public schools and 39 percent for higher education).

Idaho’s spiking incarceration rates are among the highest in the nation, even as crime rates remain low.

“After decades of low crime rates, policymakers could consider common-sense policies being enacted in other states that reduce incarceration rates and the need for prison beds,” said Alejandra Cerna Rios, policy director at the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy.

The report finds several drivers for the incarceration and budget spike: policies that lengthen prison sentences (mandatory minimums, three strikes, and truth-in-sentencing), unaddressed mental health and substance abuse treatment needs among Idahoans involved with the criminal justice system, and barriers to successful completion of parole or probation and reentry into the community.

The Center’s report found that of 4,700 people who entered an Idaho prison in 2019, 35 percent entered for drug possession. At an average maximum sentence of 5.5 years, it could cost Idaho an estimated $203.8 million to keep people in prison for drug possession.

“Strategies to reduce recidivism such as substance abuse and mental health treatment could go a long way toward preventing the need for prison time and associated costs,” Rios said.

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Wood River Weekly

•

January 22 - 28, 2020

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Ereedjames@gmail.com 208.720.2529 208.720.0252 Furnished. No smoking, no pets.

Retirement horse boarding for geldings. Limited vacancy.

(208) 724-8937 Small family farm environment with excellent facilities. nedgregorio222@gmail.com Experienced geriatric care. Veterinarian references.

Text or call (208) 720-7252

HANDYMAN

Free estimates available for: Homes, condos, offices.

208.720.5973

Airport West | Hailey, Idaho 83333

Sterling Davis

208-721-7661

responsible, experienced and great references.

beatrizq2003@hotmail.com

fully insured & guaranteed

Idahome Technology

Computer related services with an emphasis on Information Technology for Business

Housekeeper now accepting new clients.

FINE FINISH CARPENTRY

RETIREMENT HORSE BOARDING

COMPUTER & IT SUPPORT Sterling Davis

Idahome Technical Services (208) 721-7661 Business IT, Home Technology, Computer Services/ Repair

STORAGE AVAILABLE

Storage available, mid valley. Suitable for a car, boat, camper or motorcycles. $100 per month.

Call (208) 309-1088

Stay Warm!

Advertise in this section

Single space $35/week CLASSIC SUDOKU $ Double space answer from page 65/week 11

(includes full color & free ad design)!

Space is limited, call today!

Call 208.720.1295

CROSSWORD

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