ELECTION NEWS
CRIME NEWS
No Trafficking In 2020 PGS 4-5
A Valley Power Shift? PG 2
SUN VALLEY
KETCHUM
COWBOY POETRY
HAILEY
He Kicked the Horse PG 9
BELLEVUE
PICABO
CAREY
WOOD RIVER WEEKLY
YOUR VOICE IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY
Free | Oct 6 - 19, 2021 | Vol. 2 - No. 20 | woodriverweekly.com
“The herd instinct among forecasters makes sheep look like independent thinkers.”
IT’S BAAAAAACK! ~Edgar Fiedler
After a COVID-caused hiatus, the Valley’s landmark festival returns Oct. 6–10. Photo credit: Michael Edminster
25th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival under way through Oct. 10
D
By Eric Valentine
espite remaining in “critical” condition as it relates to COVID-19 cases and hospital capacity across the region, the festival that gathers a whole bunch of people—and sheep—in one place is under way. Ketchum’s five-day, landmark Trailing of the Sheep Festival kicked off Tuesday with a special Farm to Table Dinner with American Lamb and Local Produce at Al’s Sustainable Mercantile in Hailey. And on Oct. 10 festivities will wrap up with the annual sheep parade down Main Street in Ketchum, followed by the closing party at Ketchum’s Town Square. Even in the face of a pandemic there is much for residents here to be proud of and tourists here to be compelled by. Sheep have been trailing through the Wood River Valley of Idaho for well over a century. For the past 25 years, sheepherding, history, culture and food have been the focus of the annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which has been recognized as one of the “Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World” by msn.com. For its 25th anniversary, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival is planning a special celebration, with new programs and events, including the unveiling and dedication of The Good
Shepherd Monument, a legacy tribute that includes 11 life-sized bronze sculptures featuring eight sheep, a sheepherder, horse and dog to be installed in Hailey. The festival honors the 150-plus-year annual tradition of moving (trailing) sheep from high mountain summer pastures down through the Valley to traditional winter grazing and lambing areas in the south. As in non-pandemic times, there will be nonstop activities in multiple venues, organizers said, including folk arts, a Sheep Folklife Fair, lamb culinary offerings, a Wool Festival with classes and workshops, music, dance, storytelling, Championship Sheepdog Trials and, of course, the Big Sheep Parade down Main Street in Ketchum. • • •
2021 Festival Highlights Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep trailing down Main Street in Ketchum Championship Sheepdog Trials with 100 of the country’s most talented border collies and sheepdogs competing for prizes Sheep Folklife Fair featuring Basque, Scottish and Peruvian dancers and musicians, sheep shearing, folk, fiber and traditional artists, children’s activ-
•
•
• • • •
ities and more Sheep Tales Gathering will present author and essayist Gretel Ehrlich who will share stories rom her latest book “Unsolaced: Along the Way to All That Is”—tales of arduous expeditions, observations, meditations and conversations on trips from the Arctic to Zimbabwe and more, and including stories of land, communities, families and traditions now affected by climate chaos even in the most remote places Ehrlich traveled 25th Anniversary Celebration PERUVIAN BALLET FOLKLORICA, performed by the Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance and Chaskis Peruvian Musicians, and focusing on Andean music and dance Culinary events with lamb tastings, a Lamb Fest at the Folklife Fair, lamb cooking classes, and Farm to Table lamb dinners Wool Fest with classes and workshops Hikes and Histories featuring Idaho’s sheep ranchers and renowned storytellers Happy Trails Closing Party at Ketchum Town Square with live music by Cindy & Gary Braun and Gator Nation in partnership with the Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival
2
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
NEWS
•
OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
A Valley Divided
ELECTIONS
‘Sectional disunity’ sited as a ‘major concern’ at redistricting session, throughout history By Eric Valentine
“Polarized”—it’s the description many Americans, from the political pundits to the plain spoken, use these days to describe their country. On one hand, it’s the key ingredient in civil discord soup. On the other hand, it’s the idyllic ‘melting pot’ stew where compromise—and not just one side or special interest—is what wins out in the end. Note: See current debt-ceiling debate or [insert media coverage of favorite issue here] for real-time examples. So when it comes time to decide in a representative democracy who will get to make decisions for us—aka redistricting—vitriolic and sometimes accurate words like gerrymandering get hurled. To be clear, gerrymandering is the redrawing of congressional or electoral districts in order to gain a political advantage over another party. Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries. Both are legal, one is frowned upon. As recently as 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States majority opinion (5–4 if you are keeping score at home) established that “extreme partisan” gerrymandering is unconstitutional, but it is up to Congress and individual state’s legislative bodies to find ways to restrict or regulate that. Translation: Everybody, as you were. What does it mean for the Valley? It could mean absolutely nothing since the Idaho Commission for Reapportionment—the six-member bipartisan panel charged with establishing districts—has one plan on the table that changes nothing at all. Or it could spell big changes for the Valley if they go with a second proposal that would lump Blaine County with its southern neighbors of Lincoln and Jerome counties. “I’m not unhappy (with the second option) but of course I don’t want to lose Camas County,” said Debbie Oneill, a self-described Republican activist who serves as candidate Eric Parker’s campaign manager. “Under the new redistricting map, I think Eric would win.” Parker ran as a Republican for the District 26 state senate seat in the most recent election. He lost to Democrat incumbent Michelle Stennett. Although Oneill believes a Parker candidacy would garner several hundred Camas County votes, she said she isn’t convinced Parker would need those votes. That’s because she says the uptick in the number of conservative Republicans across the Valley becoming more active and involved here could make things sway red. “Right now we don’t have representation at the state,” Oneill said. “It doesn’t matter that Idaho is red. If a conservative resident has an issue in District 26, they don’t have a conservative representative who will hear their voice. Our voices are going unheard.” The Idaho Commission for Reapportionment is to have the new district’s approved and in place by Feb. 28, 2022—when the filing period for 2022 primary
Eric Parker, Bellevue, Republican candidate for District 26 Senate seat currently held by Idaho State Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, Ketchum, speaking at last year’s public debate. Photo credit: Wood River Weekly archives
election candidates open. The state’s redistricting commission comprises three former politicians who are Republicans and three public servants who are Democrats. Whichever redistricting plan they choose will need to be approved by at least four of the six commissioners. To submit testimony or learn more, visit legislature.idaho.gov/redistricting/2021.
Strong. Brave. Dedicated. Thank you, health care workers. Every day, you make a difference. Spanning diverse professions, we stand united by a common goal: to provide exceptional care for patients when and where they need it most.
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
• OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
WRW STAFF PUBLISHER Christopher Seldon (208) 788-4789 publisher@woodriverweekly.com
all yOur DiaMOnD WiSheS FOunD here!
MARKETING & SALES Mandi Iverson (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Eric Valentine news@woodriverweekly.com COPY EDITOR Patty Healey PRODUCTION & DESIGN Mandi Iverson mandi@woodriverweekly.com
Save The DaTeS
Christopher Seldon chris@woodriverweekly.com ACCOUNTING accounting@woodriverweekly.com DEADLINES Display & Classified Ads, Monday 5 p.m. Calendar Submissions — Friday 5 p.m. CONTACT Wood River Weekly P.O. Box 3483 Hailey, Idaho 83333 (208) 788-4789 woodriverweekly.com
ThurSDay, OcT. 7 ~ 10 aM TO 6 PM 40% OFF FriDay, OcT. 8 ~ 10 aM TO 6 PM 50% OFF SaTurDay, OcT. 9 ~ 10 aM TO 6 PM 60% OFF 120 North main, Hailey • (208) 788-1123
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Valley Residents, As the splendor of autumn arrives, we hope everyone is looking forward to a snowy winter and the many indoor and outdoor activities that brings to the Valley. I know we are.
Freedom Never Felt So Good
Wood River Weekly will continue publishing every other week, as there still seems to be much trepidation regarding the current COVID spike and what the future holds. Normalcy still seems to be a ways off. On the brighter side, we would like to welcome Larry Barnes, former teacher, who joins Hannes and Harry as the writers of our very popular Science of Place column. Cheers! Chris & Mandi
COOPER Neutered Male 2 Years Old
Cooper is a dog-friendly, peoplefriendly gorgeous Husky boy. He knows his behavior basics and would love to spend time with his new family learning more. His ideal home would be living with a family inside the home with a doggy door for this housetrained pup to manage his own affairs. Call the number below to come meet Cooper! 101 Croy Creek Rd, Hailey mountainhumane.org 208-788-4351
Wood River Insurance
A Member of Asset Protection Group
3
4
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
•
OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
NEWS
Idaho Human Trafficking Report Reveals Zero Crimes
“We ask the important questions and listen carefully until we understand exactly where your financial life stands today, and where you’d like it to be tomorrow.”
Z
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Certified Investment Management Analyst®
HazlettWealthManagement.com 208.726.0605 675 SUN VALLEY ROAD, SUITES J1 + J2 KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340 Hazlett Wealth Management, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
We are currently looking for part-time sales representatives. Flexible hours, make your own schedule. HOUSING NEWS
SUN VALLEY
KETCHUM
KETCHUM NEWS
SCIENCE OF PLACE
Skatepark Gets Scooter-Friendly PG 2
HAILEY
‘Scapes PG 8
BELLEVUE
PICABO
CAREY
WOOD RIVER WEEKLY
YOUR VOICE IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY
Free | June 2 - 15, 2021 | Vol. 2 - No. 11 | woodriverweekly.com
“ J u n e i s t h e g a t e w a y t o s u m m e r. ”
OH DEER CREEK ~Jean Hersey
Wood River Fire & Rescue crews battle flames from a May 29 blaze at Deer Creek Ranch north of Hailey. Photo credit: Wood River Fire & Rescue
Ranch property suffers severe fire damage
T
By Eric Valentine
he 7,000-square-foot home known as Deer Creek Ranch, located approximately two miles west of Highway 75 out Deer Creek Road north of Hailey, was victim to a five-hour blaze that took more than three dozen firefighting personnel to put down on Saturday. According to Wood River Fire & Rescue fire chief Ron Bateman, a passing motorist called 911 at 12:08 p.m. Saturday, May 29, after observing flames at the property. When the first crews arrived, they observed 10- to 15-foot flame lengths from the rear of the porte cochere (covered driveway) on the west side of the main living quarters. The fire was declared knocked down just after 5 p.m. There were no civilian injuries or deaths because of the fire, although one firefighter was injured and treated and released from St. Luke’s Wood River. “My wife and I were about a half-mile up the Marshall Lakes Trail when the call came in,” said WRFR Chief Ron Bateman. “I didn’t get to the fire scene until 2:30 p.m. By that time, the crews had been working incredibly hard for more than two hours. I am very impressed by the effort and thankful for all the agencies and personnel that helped out.” Crews remained on scene until 9 p.m. and, with the help of a private company, secured the scene. WRFR made checks
on the structure throughout the night. Multiple additional departments had to be called to put down the blaze. In total, more than three dozen personnel with a dozen fire apparatus were on scene. Wood River Fire & Rescue, Hailey Fire Department, Bellevue Fire Department, North Blaine County Fire & Rescue, Sun Valley Fire Department and Ketchum Fire Department were dispatched to the structure fire. The Carey Fire Department was requested later in the incident. Because of the size of the structure and the dollar loss incurred, the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s office was contacted to lead the investigation into cause and origin, Bateman said. The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s office arrived Sunday morning and determined the cause to be electrical in nature. No estimated property loss figure is available. Bateman noted that the deputy fire marshal commented on the “great stop” made by the crews preventing something much worse from spreading across the Valley. “I believe that we took some very specific lessons learned from a fire in East Fork late in 2020 and applied them on this incident with some success,” Bateman said. The property made headlines 30 years ago when the so-called “Donald Trump of the West” purchased it. An article from Aug. 24, 1990, in the “Lewiston Tribune” read as follows:
A host of Valley fire crews were needed to battle the flames from a blaze that severely damaged the main living area at Deer Creek Ranch. Photo credit: Wood River Fire & Rescue
Billionaire California developer Donald L. Bren has bought the 6,800-acre Deer Creek Ranch from Bill Burt. Hailey is located just south of Sun Valley. Bren said he plans to build a home and maintain the property as a working cattle ranch, Burt said. ‘’There were several people who offered me more money who wanted to subdivide,’’ Burt said. ‘’I picked him because he said he was not going to subdivide.”
By Eric Valentine
ero new criminal human trafficking cases were filed in federal courts in
Suzanne Hazlett, MBA, CIMA®, CFP®
‘Nomadland’ Hits the Valley PG 5
CRIME
Bren, 57, the son of the late Hollywood film producer, is estimated to have a net worth of $1.85 billion, making him the 16th wealthiest person in the country, according to Forbes magazine. He is the largest landowner in Southern California, with thousands of apartments, 11.4 million square feet of commercial space and the prevailing interest in a company that owns nearly one-sixth of the land in Orange County.
Email publisher@woodriverweekly.com Send a résumé, and/or ask questions.
2020. That’s a fact you’d think the organization whose mission it is to “decimate modern slavery” would be celebrating. At the very least, it seems it should be one of those pandemic-caused anomalies those same folks could explain away. You’d be wrong on both counts. “All the data points to the fact that human trafficking crimes are everywhere. What this report shows you is that the laws are not being enforced,” Alyssa Currier Wheeler, associate legal counsel for the Human Trafficking Institute, said. “If you look at the reports from non-COVID years, you can see that the number of cases are very low.” Wheeler is correct. Some excerpts from this year’s report on human trafficking in Idaho: ● “In Idaho, zero new criminal human trafficking cases were filed in federal courts So many zeroes. Federal courts have never ordered a convicted Idaho in 2020. Zero defendants were human trafficking defendant to pay restitution. (Graphic continued next convicted. There were zero page.) Image credit: Human Trafficking Institute active defendants, so zero percent of active defendants were charged with sex trafficking, and zero percent were charged with forced labor. Since zero defendants were convicted federally, none were ordered to pay restitution to their victims. Federal courts have never ordered a convicted Idaho human trafficking defendant to pay restitution.” ● In 2018, 4 new criminal cases of human trafficking were started ● In 2017, 1 new civil case of human trafficking was started ● In 2016, 1 new criminal case of human trafficking was started And all that’s not necessarily a critique on Idaho law enforcement nor federal law enforcement as it pertains to Idaho. Yet, it may be a critique on what our society tolerates and/or even recognizes as criminal in the first place. From the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: “Unfortunately, since many children are never reported missing, there is no reliable way to determine the total number of children who are actually missing in the U.S. When a child is reported missing to law enforcement, federal law requires that child be entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, also known as NCIC. According to the FBI, in 2020 there were 365,348 NCIC entries for missing children. In 2019, the total number of missing children entries into NCIC was 421,394. In 2020, NCMEC assisted law enforcement, families and child welfare with 29,782 cases of missing children.” NCMEC goes on to explain that the 365,348 number represents reports of missing children. That means if a child runs away multiple times in a year, each instance would be entered into NCIC separately and counted in the yearly total. Likewise, if an entry is withdrawn and amended or updated, that would also be reflected in the total. Regardless, any resulting number seems enormous. “Missing children and the trafficking of humans (children and adults) are two distinct issues. But the vulnerabilities that exist for each are often the same,” Wheeler said. Wheeler said two of the most common things that make someone vulnerable to exploitation are: ● Whether a person has a substance abuse issue ● Whether a person has gone through foster care Defining the Problem For Wheeler, she hopes reports like the one her organization has been issuing over the years triggers urgency not apathy. Step one: Know the problem. Step two: Know the problem is global. From the United Nations: “Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.” Or, as Wheeler puts it: “This is not a Liam Neeson movie. This is not a child being pulled into a van off the side of the street.” Rather—in some instances at least—it’s a little more like one party (the victim) somehow believing they are complicit in some way. That’s not to say the victim believes they are committing a crime; it’s saying they believe something they did has put them in a situation where they want the matter to go away and that whatever they are doing now—be it selling drugs during sex work or working for free or on the cheap at a nail salon—they must. Some classic examples include paying off a debt or fleeing one bad situation for something they thought better but could be worse. Seeing the Problem There is a step 3 to all of this, and if you are still reading, it involves you. “Educate yourself. Report it when you see it,” Wheeler said. And report it correctly. The phone lines are clogged up, Wheeler said, with reports of trafficking that are not trafficking, taking resources away from the cases that need law enforcement’s intentions. A number of resources online can help clarify matters and direct concerns. One example is StopTheTraffick.org which has examples of trafficking and signs it may be happening. Examples of trafficking: ● Sexual exploitation Continued TRAFFICKING Next Page
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
NEWS
CRIME
Idaho Human Trafficking Continued from Previous Page
•
OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
PET S E C T I O N
& ANIMAL
THE
Submit a photo of your pet to see it printed in this special section! (Please include the name of your pet, breed/type and your name and contact information)
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
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
● Labor exploitation ● Domestic servitude ● Forced marriage ● Forced criminality ● Child soldiers ● Organ harvesting Signs they may be happening are if a person: ● Acts as if instructed by another ● Demonstrates signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as lacking self-esteem, seeming anxious, bruising or untreated medical conditions ● Seems to be bonded by debt or has money deducted from their salary ● Has little or no contact with family or loved ones ● Is distrustful of authorities ● Has threats made against themselves or family members ● Is not in possession of their own legal documents
2020—A Whole Lot of Zeroes ● New criminal human trafficking cases were filed in federal courts = 0 ● Defendants convicted = 0 ● Active defendants = 0 ● Active defendants charged with sex trafficking = 0 ● Active defendants charged with forced labor = 0 ● Defendants ordered to pay restitution to their victims = 0 ● Federal courts that have ordered a convicted Idaho human trafficking defendant to pay restitution (ever) = 0
NEWS
IN BRIEF
Contact Mandi at 208.721.7588 or mandi@woodriverweekly.com
WOOD RIVER WEEKLY WINTER + SPRING 2022
101 THINGS TO DO Day Trips | Winter Checklist | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Start Your Story Here...
MAGAZINE
10,000 copies distributed to over 250 locations for 6 months! Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Winter Wonder-List | Start Your Story Here...
101things to do winter + spring 2019/2020
Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Winter Wonder-List | Start Your Story Here...
to do 101 things winter + spring 2019/2020
Day Trips | Free Fun | Family Friendly | Winter Wonder-List | Start Your Story Here...
101things to do winter + spring 2019/2020
Car Crashes Into Cow That Didn’t Move
On Monday, Sept. 27, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff deputies responded to a motor-vehicle-versus-cow collision on U.S. Highway 20 at milepost 179, approximately one mile east of the State Highway 75 intersection. Crash scene investigation determined that Arthur Francis Callery, age 70, of Picabo, was driving a silver 2002 Audi A6 traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 20 with a passenger, Carla Ann Koeplin, age 57, of Bellevue. Callery collided with a black cow standing in the middle of the eastbound lane, causing significant vehicle damage and injuring his passenger. Koeplin was transported to St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. The Audi was towed from the scene. The cow was released to its owner and was later euthanized due to its injuries. Both occupants of the vehicle were wearing seatbelts.
THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Everything 5B
THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Everything 5B
THE Insider’s Guide To The Best Kept Secrets Of The Wood River Valley & Beyond Explore: Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Stanley, Sun Valley & Everything 5B
Rates
Full-Page Glossy ........... $450 Full-Page ....................... $349 Half-Page....................... $269 Quarter-Page ................. $189 Space is limited. Call now for ad reservations
Mandi: (208) 721-7588 mandi@woodriverweekly.com
The best deal in local print advertising
5
6
W O O D R I V E R W E E K L Y • O C T O B E R 6 - 1 9 , 2 0 2 1
Drive Thru Now Open
NEWS
IN BRIEF
order online
Burntriverfarms.com
TAKE EXIT 374 1055 NW Washington Ave. Ontario, OR 97914 DIRECTIONS
Open 7 days a week! 7am - 10pm
(541)216-1000 OR Licencse: 050 1003704D5A3 Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children
jane’s artifacts arts / / crafts / / papers / / office / / party 106 S. MAIN, HAILEY • 208.788.0848
HOUSE DECORTING CONTEST!
$200 for the best decorated house. Come to the store for an entry form.
Get your Spooky on!
Come see our NEW store!
Harrison Insurance
an authorized select independent agency “For All Your Insurance Needs!” One-stop shopping for Business, Commercial, Home, Auto, Umbrella, Life, Health and Medigap insurance policies 208.788.3255 - nathan@harrisonins.com 101 E. Bullion Ste. 2A Hailey, ID
‘Legends Never Die’ Trail Run Virginia McConnell and Jakub Galczynski cross the finish line first, winning the full-marathon segment of the inaugural Elephant’s Perch “Legends Never Die” Trail Run held Oct. 2. The event was staged at Oregon Gulch with half-marathoners completing one loop of the 13.1-mile course and full-marathoners completing two loops at 26.2 miles. Race director Thomas Smiley said the event was sold out, with 39 runners in the half-marathon and five in the full-marathon.
St. Luke’s To Help Heal Housing Crisis
A partnership between the Valley’s healthcare system, that system’s fundraising arm, and the area’s affordable housing developer have announced plans to help solve the region’s housing crisis—for healthcare workers, at least. St. Luke’s Health System (SLHS), St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation and ARCH Community Housing Trust (ARCH) said they will partner on the development of 12 three-bedroom single-family homes at Quigley Farms. Construction is slated for this fall and should wrap up in 12 months. St. Luke’s will provide funding for the construction while ARCH is contributing the land and will oversee construction. The homes will be long-term rentals for St. Luke’s Wood River (SLWR) employees who meet criteria as determined by the hospital and the leases will stipulate that continued employment is a condition of housing. “St. Luke’s Wood River currently has 69 vacant positions with a vacancy rate much higher than the three hospitals in our region. Nursing positions account for 28% of the vacancies. Despite offering significant financial incentives, the lack of available housing and the cost of living are frequently cited as the primary reason for declination of employment offers,” Carmen Jacobsen, the COO/ CNO of St. Luke’s Wood River, said. To help support housing for healthcare workers, visit www.slwrf. org or contact Megan Tanous at (208) 727-8444.
Ski Swap Returns To Valley
The annual Rotarun Ski Swap is back, and organizers say they are making the process easy and efficient for anyone looking to sell winter sports equipment and clothing. Admission is free and masks will be required at all times at the Ski Swap, which will be held outdoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 at Sturtevants in Hailey. All marked goods will be 50% off during the final hour and 25% of all sales go to support Rotarun Ski Area programs and operations. “It always feels like an official kick-off to getting ready and gearing up for the upcoming season, and it’s an opportunity for gently used gear to find a new home, while supporting our affordable youth snowsport programming—and a way for people to make a few extra dollars in the process,” said Riley Berman, mountain manager at Rotarun. Questions? Please contact Riley Berman at riley@rotarun.org or call (280) 720-6557.
From Sheepherder To Financier
The Hailey Public Library will host “Stories from My Early Days as a Sheepherder,” a virtual conversation with local financial planner Alberto Uranga, on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 5:30 p.m. Originally from the Basque country of Spain, Uranga will share sheepherding stories from years in the mountains of Idaho over half of the century ago. RSVP to kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org. “The Hailey Library is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Trailing of the Sheep by hosting a conversation with Alberto Uranga, the last of the original Basque sheepherders,” said HPL’s programs and outreach manager, Kristin Fletcher. “Alberto traveled to the United States as a 22-year-old adventurer in 1968 and took the only job he could find—sheepherding in the mountains around the Wood River Valley. He worked three lonely, yet adventurous, years and will share some of those stories with us.” Uranga was born and raised in a small Basque village in northern Spain, founded in 1209 with an economy tied to the sea. After serving in the Spanish Navy, he decided to seek a life of adventure and made his way to Idaho, not speaking a word of English. He became a U.S. citizen in 1974 and started selling insurance door to door before opening his own financial services business in 1984. He has been a board member of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for 20 years and is the founder of Lasaii Benefits, a financing company that helps clients purchase real estate.
COLUMN
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
ATTN: This just in. We have found the source of all the world’s problems, or at least the reason your teenage daughter has an eating disorder and your 20-something felon son is on suicide watch. It’s not the Russians’ fault or even the Chinese. And Satan had no hand in this peril, either. Instead, all eyes are on the real public enemy number one, a Jewish, coastal-elite, college-dropout recluse named Mark Zuckerberg. Last month, The Wall Street Journal—thanks to an anonymous whistleblower who actually did the majority of the work—published a series of articles that revealed Facebook knew about the harm its products were causing its users, such as teenage girls who said that Instagram made them feel worse about themselves, teenage boys who said that social media made them feel suicidal, and all voting-age adults who said they now can’t stand their creepy uncle and overtly racist aunt. The data from Facebook’s scientifically devised, peer-reviewed study… woops, sorry, wrong study… The data from Facebook’s own surveys reveal that the social media giant’s apps, like Instagram, have a profound negative effect on mental health, especially that of teenage girls. So profound, a U.S. Senate subcommittee held a televised, political ad campaign in which lawmakers… woops, sorry, wrong TV appearance… So profound, a U.S. Senate subcommittee held a hearing last week in which lawmakers described the disclosures as a “bombshell.” Although, at least one aide to a senator—who spoke on condition of anonymity—said that description was referring to Payton, that hot new student intern from Des Moines. Other things that impact teenage mental health, in no particular order, include, but are not limited to: • Other teenagers • Hormones • Bad parents • Good parents
C
OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
7
Mark, An Easy Target By Eric Valentine
OPINION
•
• • • • • • • •
4TH ESTATE
Siblings Drugs (both the abused and prescribed versions) Mondays Tests Looking at them crooked All forms of physical and/or sexual abuse Their favorite football team losing … again The realization that they just aren’t a very good person
The realization that they are literally the best person they will ever meet because humans are a rather broken species and even if climate change is total b.s. our species is doomed because the Sun is going to explode in 4 billion to 10 billion years … and they won’t even be around to post about it on Instagram In all honesty now, when I read the actual statistics from the Facebook surveys, I thought the percentage of people whose views of themself were negatively impacted by social media would be higher. Please don’t misconstrue that as me giving a pass to social-media providers. The problem is a real one, and the problem should not be used by those providers to stimulate profits. But as real as the problem is, it’s also even older. And the ineffective “solutions” we’ve seen before from Congress are so troubling they’ll make one feel bad about their country. From banning “Catcher in the Rye” to putting labels on Heavy Metal albums, we’ve seen this play out before. We find an enemy, punish them, and then realize we are our own enemy; and that a J.D. Salinger novel didn’t make someone a little too socialist and Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t responsible for anyone’s suicidal thoughts … because everyone knows now that was entirely Marilyn Manson’s fault. Incidentally, on Monday this week, Facebook and Instagram both went down for roughly six hours. The data is only anecdotal at this point, but according to the rumor mill … Becky in accounting … the entire planet drank a Coke, taught itself to sing, and lived in perfect
harmony. But I’m still not going to be complicit in my uncle’s creepiness and my aunt’s racism by re-friending them once the system comes back online. And I’ve learned my lesson on using social media to invite Becky to any party this Halloween. Before leaking thousands of company documents, the latest and most litigious whistleblower, Frances Haugen, said that although the public already understands there are negative impacts from social media, the public doesn’t understand just how bad it is and how little Facebook actually cares. Haugen said: “If people just hate Facebook more because of what I’ve done, then I’ve failed. I believe in truth and reconciliation—we need to admit reality. The first step of that is documentation.” I disagree. Documentation is just a red-tape delusion in the algorithm’s aftermath, a verification of what we already knew. The first step is not to admit reality but, rather, take part in it by “swiping left” on social media and hitting right-click, then delete.
CAITLIN JOHNSTONE
How Is The CIA Still A Thing?
iting "conversations with more than 30 former U.S. officials," a new report by Yahoo News has confirmed earlier allegations that the Central Intelligence Agency not only spied on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his associates, but also drew up plans for kidnapping, renditioning, and assassinating him. These plans were reportedly made in coordination with the Trump White House as then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo and then-Deputy CIA Director Gina Haspel raged over WikiLeaks' 2017 Vault 7 release which revealed that the CIA had lost control of an enormous digital arsenal of hacking tools. These included tools which enabled the surveillance of smartphones, smart TVs and web browsers, the hacking of computerized vehicle control systems, and the ability to frame foreign governments for cyber attacks by inserting the digital "fingerprints" of the hacking methods they employ for investigators to find. It was the single largest data leak in CIA history. Normally we have to wait decades for confirmation that the CIA did something nefarious, and then people absurdly assume that such things no longer occur because it was so long ago, and because changing your worldview is uncomfortable. But here we are with an extensively sourced report that the agency plotted to kidnap, rendition and assassinate a journalist for publishing authentic documents in the public interest, just four years after the fact. Journalists for Yahoo! News finally confirmed a narrative around Mike Pompeo and the CIA's war on WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange, which I outlined back in October 2019. It's an important report. Thread. https://t.co/MLrNvv3bnV — Kevin Gosztola (@kgosztola) September 26, 2021 Which is about as spectacular a violation of virtually every value that western society claims to uphold. Particularly the assassination bit. The authors of the story (who for the record insert their own flimsy spin insinuating ties between Russia and WikiLeaks) say it's not known just how serious the assassination plans were taken at Langley. But they make it abundantly clear that such plans were made: "[A]gency executives requested and received 'sketches' of plans for killing Assange and other Eu-
rope-based WikiLeaks members who had access to Vault 7 materials, said a former intelligence official. There were discussions 'on whether killing Assange was possible and whether it was legal,' the former official said." And that, right there, just by itself, should be reason enough to completely abolish the Central Intelligence Agency. Just the fact that this is an institution where such conversations even happen and such plans even get made, to say nothing of the obvious implication that they wouldn't have such conversations and make such plans if they did not act on them from time to time. I just can't get over how this claim was openly confirmed by a mainstream journalism investigation and the public response has been "Oh wow what an alarming news story," instead of, "Okay well the CIA doesn't get to exist then." I mean, is it not out-of-this-world bizarre that we just found out the CIA recently drew up plans to assassinate a journalist for journalistic activity, and yet we're not all unanimously demanding that the CIA be completely dismantled and flushed down the toilet forever? I’m seriously confused at the people who are opposed to abolishing the CIA? Is the argument that they are doing good work? How can anyone hear about the history of the CIA and what they do and be like, “I approve” — Nick is a Fred Hampton Leftist (@SocialistMMA) September 27, 2021 This would after all be the same lying, drug-running, warmongering, propagandizing, psychological terrorizing Central Intelligence Agency that has been viciously smashing the world into compliance with its agendas for generations. It is surely one of the most depraved institutions ever to have existed, comparable in terms of sheer psychopathy to the worst of the worst in history. So why does it exist? Why is there still an institution whose extensive use of torture has reportedly included "Rape, gang rape, rape using eels, snakes, or hard objects, and rape followed by murder; electric shock ('the Bell Telephone Hour') rendered by attaching wires to the genitals or other sensitive parts of the body, like the tongue; the 'water treatment'; the 'airplane' in which the prisoner's arms were tied behind the back, and the rope looped over a hook on the ceil-
ing, suspending the prisoner in midair, after which he or she was beaten; beatings with rubber hoses and whips; the use of police dogs to maul prisoners"? I am of course being rhetorical. We all know why the CIA still exists. An agency which exerts control over the news media with ever-increasing brazenness is not about to start helping the public become more well-informed about its unbroken track record of horrific abuses, and if anyone in power ever even thinks about crossing them they have "six ways from Sunday of getting back at you." (Chuck Shumer in a one-onone with Rachel Maddow.) The date of the absolute last time the CIA ever did anything evil keeps getting moved forward. The CIA just casually had plans drawn up for the assassination of Julian Assange in case they decided that was something they wanted to do, but you're a crazy conspiracy theorist if you think they might be doing other bad things right now. The reason the latest Assange story isn't getting more traction and causing more people to think critically about the CIA is because the US government making plans to kidnap, rendition and assassinate a journalist for telling the truth is so incomprehensibly evil that it causes too much cognitive dissonance for people to really take in. Our minds are wired to reject information which disrupts our worldview, and people who've spent their lives marinating in the belief that they live in a free democracy will have worldviews that are resistant to information which shows we are actually ruled by secretive power structures who laugh at our votes. So to recap, the CIA made plans to kidnap and rendition Julian Assange and to assassinate him and his associates. The CIA also spied on Assange and his legal team, and a notoriously untrustworthy key witness for the prosecution in his case has admitted to fabricating evidence. And yet the CIA is not being burnt to the ground and its ashes scattered to the Langley winds, and the UK is still somehow proceeding right along with the US appeal to extradite Assange. I've said it before and I'll say it again: as much light as WikiLeaks has shone on the dark inner workings of the powerful over the years, the persecution of Julian Assange by those very same power structures has revealed far, far more. The more they seek to persecute him the brighter that light shines on them, making it easier and easier for us to see who they are, what they do, and how they do it.
8
W O O D R I V E R W E E K L Y • O C T O B E R 6 - 1 9 , 2 0 2 1
Fishing R epoRt
COMM ENT ARY
NO BONES ABOUT IT
BREED DIFFERENCES AND WHY THAT IS IMPORTANT
THE “WEEKLY” FISHING REPORT FOR OCTOBER 6 - 19 FROM PICABO ANGLER
T
his October is shaping up to be a fishy one. The cool weather has fired fish up, which has resulted in some amazing fishing, so go test your skills on some happy fish. Fall fishing has been fair on bright and clear days, but has been exceptional when we get a day of cloud cover and wind. The bugs have been active, but we are coming up on a cold snap, so make sure to get in your last good week of dry-fly fishing. After the cold snap, expect to see fishing change over to more subsurface. Be careful of spawning fish on redds (spawning beds). The brown trout will start to spawn soon, so be cautious wading and avoid stepping into cleared, clean gravel areas. Silver Creek still has good Mahogany Dun hatches when the weather is right. October caddis has been prevalent in the evenings. Try using a size smaller than your typical big October caddis bugs. This can help any finnicky fish that aren’t too confident to smack the big bug. Get out there soon; the weather will be changing and the surface activity will start to diminish. Watch out for moose on the creek—there are a lot around and during the rut they can be ornery! The Big Wood is fishing well in the lower river and a little better higher up near Ketchum. Traditional patterns like the Rusty Spinner and the H and L Variant have been working lately if you are wanting to throw bugs on top. If you are fishing subsurface, make sure to have some small nymphs and big rubber legs on you. The upper Lost is fishing well, so make sure to bring your best dropper nymphs. Try and find some deeper holes where fish are congregating. If you find the right hole, you can pick plenty of fish up on streamers or nymphs. Cover a lot of water. Once you find some fish, work hard over them… you can end up with some extra strikes if you do. The lower Lost River is tough fishing and low, so approach the water slow. Those fish are closer to the bank than you may think. If you can get up close and make some good presentations, you’ll be rewarded. You will also find some Fall Baetis bringing up a few fish and remember to go small and trick those big rainbows. Happy fishing, everyone!
Hwy 20 in Picabo info@picaboangler.com (208)788.3536 www.picaboangler.com
FRAN JEWELL
By Fran Jewell
Because of the popularity of rescues, there are many mixed-breed dogs in our lives. There are many pros and cons to mixed breeds; however, we can do a few things to help us see more clearly how to live with and nurture our mixed-breed dogs. We are now capable of doing fairly reliable DNA testing, which is so easy to do with a cheek swab, to find out why our dog may be behaving a certain way. Just as it is so important to know the history of your dog—where it came from; did it live in a barn, or was hit abandoned, or even left by the side of the road?—it helps us to understand our dog and direct our training. I am a huge fan of DNA testing because there are so many breed characteristics that simply give us more understanding, compassion and direction about how to help our dog be the best he can be. Herding breeds, such as the border collie, have certain characteristics that can be mistaken for aggression. They have what is known as the border collie stare. They are inherently going to stare at stock or at you. This stare can be mistaken for aggression very easily. If you have DNA testing on your dog and realize that there is border collie in your mix, it can greatly influence the direction and understanding you have for your dog. Once you have DNA testing done, and you now know the breeds of your dog that are combined genetically, you can research those breeds and start identifying behaviors you thought might, in fact, be something else.
your dog is a “nose” dog, scenting everything high and low and never hearing your commands. Genetics can influence whether the dog will have the ability to learn “come,” which can be VERY difficult for a hound dog! Genetics can even influence whether your dog will have tendencies to fight or flee. Some dog breeds are more “biddable” than others. Biddable means easy to train and LIKE to work for their owners. For instance, Labrador and golden retrievers tend to be more biddable than terriers, which is why they are so widely used for service work. Because terriers have so much drive to find and kill vermin, they can be very independent. You may be able to train a terrier quickly, but when they are in their hunt mode, all bets are off. That hunting instinct can be so powerful—nothing else is important to them, and they may be more apt to want to “spar” with other dogs. Of course, the examples I gave are just examples. Every dog is an individual, just like a person. Understanding your breed(s) is one My first search-and-rescue dog, Tazzi, was half of the keys to having a deeper understandRottweiler and half German shepherd. She was a ing of who your dog is and help you to direct scenting machine and had several obedience titles. She was so easy to train! Knowing her mixes his training needs so he can fit into your life helped me to direct how I was going to train her AND you can keep him safe. to help her be the best dog she could be. Photo credit: Fran Jewell
There are many influences to behavior. Environment can influence behavior and instill fearfulness or confidence in a young puppy. It can influence aggression, dominance or even submissive behavior. Another influence is genetics. Genetics can influence whether
Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.
SCIENCE OF PLACE
A HINT OF RACCOON
I
BY HARRY WEEKES
ther beaver or otter. There was a nice ambling evidenced in the footprints as they crossed to nearby bushes, but no other evidence of the beast that left them, who could have been anywhere. There is something about footprints that moves you along the spectrum from totally unsure to fully certain. If totally unsure is that you have no evidence, and fully certain is you are standing and looking at the thing, then footprints represent that “I am pretty sure” in between. If you can identify the tracks. As mysterious to me as when the raccoons first showed up here are the meanderings of most every animal. While I am pretty sure
HARRY WEEKES
that most things don’t simply drift about aimlessly, even the little things that drift about, truly understanding the intention of another animal is always more of a leap than a step. And that is a span that is as difficult to access as it is difficult to cross. Unlike the boardwalk. Which this raccoon seems to have vaulted him or herself onto, and then two or three loping strides later left behind. Like its tracks. A cluster of frozen remembrances. In this case, saying, “I was here, even though you didn’t quite see me.” So, I am not totally sure that there is a raccoon at Draper Preserve. There are, however, some muddy little tracks that are somehow as important as knowing.
f there were raccoons living in the valley when I was a kid, they would have been living in my house. They probably would have come to school with my siblings and me. My mom’s bakery was in our garage. We had anywhere from five to seven full-grown dogs, as many cats, horses, a pig and, for a brief period, chickens. From a raccoon’s perspective, there was food and opportunity everywhere. But raccoons were nowhere. Not that I remember. I am pretty sure the first raccoon I ever saw was when I was in college, and that striped bandit was across the country in Vermont when I was a teenager. Over the last two decades, though, it seems that raccoons are everywhere. My sister, who had a house similarly filled with cats and dogs, used to have a family of raccoons come in the dog door, eat her dog and cat food, and then disappear into the night. A couple of years ago I was at school, working early on a Saturday morning, and watched a huge raccoon trundle across the Hailey Greenway, navigate between our modular classrooms, and disappear under the porch outside my window. I jumped two of the masked marauders on the edge of a huge dumpster one dark night in Ketchum. Most recently, an early morning frost covered the boardwalk at the Draper Preserve. Light was just coming on as I turned from the mallards and headed toward the Bow Bridge. And there were the prints. A series of wet, elongated fingers, unmistakably and characteristically human-hand-like. There was enough distance between the water and the edge of the boardwalk to rule out a skunk or a muskrat, and no telltale drag signs of ei- Photo credit: David Menke, accessed via Wikimedia
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
MONEY MATTERS
•
OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
KRISTIN HOVENCAMP
MAKING CENTS OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
9
ON LIFE’S TERMS
JOELLEN COLLINS
PLAYING
T
By JoEllen Collins
HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC is independent of Raymond James and is not a registered broker/dealer. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investing involves risk, and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy selected. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. 675 Sun Valley Road, Suite J1 + J2 Ketchum, Idaho 83340 208.726.0605. HazlettWealthManagement.com
he other day I had a chance to work with small groups of young children in a class setting, and I found it a delight. I wasn’t really PLAYING with them, but it felt like it, and at the end of my time with them, I was inordinately happy. In thinking about it, “play” is part of a way young students learn at school, and normally I would not use that term when I work with upper school students. However, somehow I feel as elated after I’ve been with teenagers as well as with second or third graders. I simply like the openness of my interactions with young people. I have been reviewing why I am so joyful about these instances. Certainly, playing with my grandchildren provides me an inexplicable sense of delight, even though I’m not very good at ice-skating, pickleball, or almost any sport requiring hand-eye coordination. Never have been. But unexpected blessings happen when I interact with them. Children instinctively know how to make a grown-up feel good. Several months ago, I was throwing balls to my grandson on the slanted spot of grass in front of his San Francisco home. When he tossed them back, I often missed, but after I had a run of three good catches, he shouted, “Oh, Bibi Jo, you’re a natural!” That is the most unabashed, unknowing falsehood this klutz has ever heard, as I remember usually being the last kid picked on any relay team. I also appreciate how eager children are to share almost anything with trusted adults. When I was a school’s administrative assistant, I had to pull a deep splinter out of a second-grader’s left hand. I was upset that I was hurting him, so I kept telling silly stories and assuring him that we were “getting there.” Soon I felt his right hand tap my shoulder. When I JoEllen Collins—a longtime looked up, he said, “Please don’t worry. I’ve seen resident of the Wood River WORSE.” He made my day, week, and perhaps year Valley— is an Idaho Press Club award-winning columdue to his kind and sympathetic response. I know I’ve been afraid of “play” as I have grown nist, a teacher, writer, fabric older and even less proficient in physical games, but artist, choir member and unabashedly proud grandma now the times I spend with children remind me that known as “Bibi Jo.” I need more activity, even though it won’t be cycling or rock-climbing. I find being around younger people a miraculous way to revive the excitement and openness of youth. I’m lucky I can love, talk, comfort, and sometimes play with generations following mine. Keeps me happy. At school lunch last week, I noticed two small boys exchanging insults and a punch or two. I went over to them and told them that when my two daughters were little and started to argue or hurt each other, I would say, “No laughing allowed” more than once, and soon they would forget the anger and reluctantly start to laugh. The boys did laugh! I believe that being around children offers a way to avoid negativity. How can I be upset when I see the smile on a dear young face?
INSPIRATIONS FROM MY HEART
DOVE
By Kristin Hovencamp
T
he most significant real estate investment most people ever make will be their home. But what about owning real estate in an investment portfolio? Unlike stocks and bonds, alternative vehicles such as hedge funds, private equity and real estate are less straightforward for investors to gain entry. One way to add commercial or residential real estate to a portfolio is by purchasing shares in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). A REIT is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing real estate properties. Access. Before Dwight Eisenhower created the 1960’s Cigar Excise Tax Extension, most individuals did not have the resources to invest in private, large-scale real estate funds. According to the National Association of REITs, the evolution of REITs has transformed the commercial and residential investing landscape. REITs are a vital part of the economy, investors’ portfolios, and local communities. Liquid securities. Unlike private assets, a REIT can trade on major stock exchanges and extend transparency to shareholders. Investors buy and sell shares just as they would a stock, ETF, or mutual fund. “Billions of dollars have poured into REITs this year,” writes Jason Zweig, author of multiple books, and Wall Street Journal columnist. Regular income stream. Capital appreciation, inflation protection, and dividend income are qualities that attract long-term investors to REITs. REITs are required by law to distribute at least 90% of their annual taxable income to Kristin Hovencamp is an Investshareholders in the form of dividends. ment executive and director Portfolio diversification. Investors seek exposure to of business development with stocks, bonds, and alternative investments to generate re- HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEturns independent of one another and spread risk across the MENT, LLC. asset classes. REITs complement traditional investments because of their low correlation and risk-adjusted returns. In times of market uncertainty, a REIT can help dampen portfolio volatility. There’s something to be said for owning a real asset. Income-producing REITs can play an essential role in a sustainable, diversified portfolio.
W
BY DOVE
here our focus goes, energy flows. As I observe the continued separation of humanity, it makes my heart hurt that we as a species can allow our common kindness to each other to be forgotten. How can we let gender, sexuality, masking or vaxxing, race, religion or abortion draw lines in the sand about who we are comfortable with? The media seems to relish the goal of separation. In September of 1959, Nikita Khrushchev stated, “Your children’s children will live under communism. You Americans are so gullible. No, you won’t accept communism outright; but we will keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you will finally wake up and find you already have communism. We will not have to fight you; we will so weaken your economy that you will fall like overripe fruit into our hands. Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” This is where we find ourselves right now. What are we going to do about it—just let it happen because we are afraid of offending someone? United we stand, divided we will surely fall. So, I look for things that we can come together on, beliefs that we know we can be united with. The place I want to focus my energy on is an abundance of water—
WATER
not enough to cause flooding problems, but enough to keep the reservoirs full, the streams running merrily and the rivers just right for fishing. Currently, Trail Creek is barely a trickle. In the 33 years I have lived here, I have never seen it this dry. The stream by my house dried up in June; most of the years it had water all year long. So, if energy flows where our focus goes, let us all feel the joy of abundant, clear pure water. Feel the joy of a perfectly cool drink of pure water. When I was in college at Moscow, the water was so terrible you had to hold your nose to drink it. And, if you washed white clothes with bleach, they would all come out with black flecks of ferric chloride. We are so blessed to have pure water. Let us cherish it. Let’s not take our water for granted! If enough of us focus on the
blessings of pure water, we can energize its presence. If we can come together on water, which we can, we can come together on all those things that separate us. Choose to think for yourself, find your truth, but don’t impose it on others. We all have a mission on this planet. Bless and honor each of us with our own truth. Now is the time to think critically about what you want for a county, a state and a nation. I choose freedom, I choose truth, which is so hard to find, but I will continue to search. You have to dig deep within to find your truth, but if not now, when? Join me in the search; not propaganda with an agenda, but pure unvarnished truth. Then we can move forward. Blessings, Dove
COWBOY POETRY
BRYCE ANGELL
HE KICKED THE HORSE
I grabbed my knife and nippers first, a habit or routine? Which brings me to my story ‘bout a “hippie” name of Gene. Gene would talk your ear off, then he’d start in on the other. He weren’t a bit religious but he always called me brother. I’d have to say Gene had less brains than a juniper fencepost. I’m not saying he was stupid—maybe a hippie overdosed? Before I even had a chance to reach the horse’s leg, Gene’s Harley roared on in and, to the seat, a strapped-on keg. Gene claimed the keg was empty and it never left his bike. He called it, “Conversation, and it’s what the ladies like.” He said, “I saw you out here slapping on a few horseshoes. I’m here to spend some time and give advice that you could use.” I told him he could help me even though he had no clue. ‘Cuz shoein’ ornery horses ain’t no Sunday barbecue. So, I reached the sorrel’s right-front foot, pulled it up between my knees. But the sorrel pulled on back. I gave my knees an extra squeeze. I hollered whoa, then Gene flipped out, the looney, crazy nut! He stepped up to the sorrel and he kicked him in the gut. Gene scared the sorrel half to death, jumped six feet in the air. All I could see was thrashing hooves—not a worse place anywhere! They say a horse won’t step on you; they’d rather go around. I’d like to find who made that up and stomp him in the ground. So, the sorrel took off running. Gene offered me a hand. But the words I soundly blessed him surely shook the Motherland. Gene hopped up on his chopper. Never saw him past that day. If you see a keg strapped to a Harley, stay the heck away! – Bryce Angell Bryce Angell - The outdoors has always been a large part of my life. My father was an outfitter and guide for 35 years and I was there to shoe and care for the horses and help him do the cooking. We took many great trips into the Yellowstone area. Even now that I’m older, we still ride into the Tetons, Yellowstone and surrounding areas. My poems are mostly of personal experience. I am now retired and enjoying life to the fullest. I plan to do more riding and writing.
10
W O O D R I V E R W E E K L Y • O C T O B E R 6 - 1 9 , 2 0 2 1
NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA
HispaniCarey On, With The Fest!
ADVERTORIALS BETTER HOMEOWNERS NEWS
ANNA & MICHELLE
BY Herbert Romero
OUR VOICE COUNTS Dear readers, We are excited to share that we had our first annual Carey Hispanic Heritage Festival this past Saturday, Sept. 25, at Itty bitty Farms in Carey. We are so grateful to the event coordinator and resident Berenice Crowder—she was instrumental in making it happen! In addition, our host, Itty Bitty Farms, a family-owned business, jumped on board and created a safe and fun environment. Families with children came and had a great time playing, dancing and, most of all, having an empowering cultural experience. Vendors from different colleges also were able to highlight their programs. Boise State University was one of those institutions and was thankful for the event and the opportunity to share with community members. The Community Table (a student-led and staff mentor made up of Sun Valley Community School and Wood River High School students, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and I have a Dream Foundation members) were able to sponsor the food. It was an eye-opening experience seeing these youth leaders interacting with the children and their families enjoying music of all cultures. The Hispanic/Latinx community in Carey is growing, and it was key to move forward with this festival. A diverse group of the community showed up to show support and that’s what this festival was all about, like how the [Blaine County] Sheriff’s Office was acknowledged and received a plaque for their achievements; specifically, building better relationships with the Hispanic community. NUESTRA VOZ CUENTA Estimados lectores, Nos complace mencionar que tuvimos nuestro 1er Festival Anual de la Herencia Hispana de Carey el pasado sábado 25 de septiembre en Itty bitty Farms. Estamos muy agradecidos con la Coordinadora del Evento y residente Berenice Crowder, ella fue fundamental para que esto sucediera. Además, nuestro anfitrión Itty Bitty Farms, una empresa familiar, se subió a bordo y creó un ambiente seguro y divertido. La familia con sus hijos vino y se lo pasó muy bien jugando, bailando y, sobre todo, tuvo una experiencia cultural empoderadora. Los proveedores de diferentes universidades también pudieron destacar sus programas. La Universidad Estatal de Boise fue una de esas instituciones y agradeció el evento y su oportunidad de compartir con los miembros de la comunidad. La Mesa Comunitaria (un mentor dirigido por estudiantes y personal, compuesto por estudiantes de Sun Valley Community School y Wood River High School, Neighbors Helping Neighbors y miembros de I have a Dream Foundation) pudieron patrocinar la comida. Fue una experiencia reveladora ver a estos líderes juveniles interactuando con los niños y sus familiares disfrutando de la música de todas las culturas. La comunidad hispana / latina en Carey está creciendo, y fue clave para seguir adelante con este festival. Un grupo diverso de la comunidad se presentó para mostrar su apoyo y de eso se trataba este festival, como la forma en que el departamento del Sheriff fue reconocido y recibió una placa por sus logros, específicamente la construcción de mejores relaciones con la comunidad hispana.
Encouraging Multiple Offers
B
BY ANNA & MICHELLE
ased on the current competition due to lower than normal inventories, it is possible for a seller to find themselves on the beneficiary side of a multiple offers. Two or more parties may be trying to buy your home at the same time and because of the competition, they increase the purchase price, possibly, remove unnecessary contingencies and try to make their offer as attractive as possible. This can pleasantly result in you realizing higher-than-expected sales price and proceeds of sale. While it may not materialize, it is good to understand what could happen and the best way to handle it. Your real estate professional is positioned to offer you specific advice but the following are some things to consider. One tactic is to delay showings for a short period of time. Some agents will create this by putting a sign on the property with a rider that indicates “coming soon” and depending on the local MLS rules, it may even be put in the system. No showings will be allowed until a publicized date, usually, a few days, at which time, the goal is to have prospective buyers standing in line to see the home. This might even be combined with an open house scheduled for the initial showings. Agents using this method have sometimes found lines of people waiting outside the home to see it first. When multiple offers are made, invariably, there will be some disappointed people and for that reason,
it is essential to follow a strict procedure to see that no one is given an advantage over other buyers. Discuss the following suggestions with your professional: All offers are countered by asking the buyer to make their “best and final” offer which will include not only price but terms also. The seller may authorize the listing agent to disclose that there are multiple offers. Discuss with your professional their thoughts on revealing information, like price and terms, on other offers you are considering. In most cases, they are allowed to do so with your permission, and it may make a difference in the negotiations. If one offer is substantially better than the other offers, the seller can accept or counter-offer. Have your real estate professional advise you of countering more than one offer which could result in contracting to sell your home to more than one person. They can advise you alternative ways to do this. Keep this in mind. Sometimes, the highest offer is not the best offer. Even though the buyer is willing to pay a high price for your home and possibly, willing to remove the financing condition, if they are going to get financing and it doesn’t appraise, it can cause issues. Have your real estate professional tell you about asking for proof of funds from a cash buyer or confirming their ability to pay above appraised value. Your real estate professional can help you realize the most out of your home.
SENIOR CONNECTION
SHAWNA WASKO
‘Alzheimer’s – Balancing Safety And Risk’
I
BY SHAWN WASKO, M.OLP
have facilitated widowed support groups for over 40 years. During that time, I have heard thousands of stories about spouses dealing with their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is astonishing how many caregivers are in danger from their loved ones with AD. I also facilitate the CSI Office on Aging Caregiver Support Group and have done so for almost 15 years. The stories I have heard would make you shudder. I was reading an old newsletter from Caregiver Assistance News today. It was sent to me in January of 2017. I have used this newsletter article in many of my groups over the years and have copied out the article many times. It is titled, “Alzheimer’s – Balancing Safety and Risk.” I have heard countless stories on AD— many stories on how their loved one still drives with AD and gets lost constantly. We should never say an elderly person with AD can’t drive; they can drive, they just don’t know where they’re driving to, or how to get back home, or if they go on red or green. I also hear horrifying stories on how a person with AD
will beat their spouse. I have caregivers walk into my office with black eyes and bruises all over them. Males and females. AD does not discriminate. The article stated that, “At some point in the course of the disease, people with AD may become physically aggressive… they may hit, kick, bite or pinch the caregiver. Violent behavior may be the way this person is responding to changes in his brain or to events that he doesn’t understand and interprets as dangerous.” Examples of this are when we try to take something away from an AD patient and they may feel threatened, or the person who is asking them to do something they no longer remember and think they are a stranger in their home. Part of my job, as I have always felt, is to tell caregivers in this situation that keeping a violent AD loved one at home may no longer be feasible. It opens the conversation. Often, they tell me how their wife was the best mom and spouse that ever lived. Many tell me that their husbands were their knight in shining armor, the greatest solider, and most wonderful father. Alzheimer’s steals all of that away. But the issue is safety. I tell them I know your spouse was wonderful, but right now we need to keep you both
safe. I give them resources offered at the Office on Aging that may help. I recommend they call their doctor and find out if the person has a UTI or is sick (sometimes it is that simple). We also talk about the possibility the doctor may recommend drugs. And if that does not work, I offer them the CSI Office on Aging Ombudsman Program as a resourse to help them find an assisted-living or nursing home that has the staff that can work with their loved one. Please open up the conversation to someone you trust if you are in this type of situation. Remember, it is the disease that causes this behavior, not your loved one and not you. Sincerely, Shawna Wasko, M.OLP CSI Office on Aging (208) 736-2122 swasko@csi.edu
W O O D R I V E R W E E K LY
•
OCTOBER 6 - 19, 2021
YOU CAN FIND IT IN BLAINE! SUN VALLEY 3D PHOTO
SCOTT MILEY ROOFING
3D Virtual Tours Real Estate Teaser Videos CAD Ready Floor Plans SCAN FOR 3D VIRTUAL TOUR
From Your Roof to Your Rain Gutter, We’ve Got You Covered!
WWW.SUNVALLEY3DPHOTO.COM
208.788.5362
sales@sunvalley3dphoto.com
fully insured & guaranteed
208.720.0252
Airport West | Hailey, Idaho 83333
Marc Longley
americansealcoating5b@gmail.com
• • • •
SEAL COATING CRACK FILLING STRIPING POTHOLE REPAIR
11
Firewood for Sale Housekeeper now accepting new clients.
responsible, experienced and great references. Free estimates available for: Homes, condos, offices.
Camp Wood $175 Indoor Wood $275
Call Shon
beatrizq2003@hotmail.com
(208) 450-9411
208.720.5973
Advertise on this page for ONLY $35/week! (includes full color & free ad design)! Space is limited, call today! Call Mandi 208.721.7588
Advertise on this page for ONLY $35/week. (includes full color & free ad design)
Shop Local
Mandi 208.721.7588
Advertise in FiB for ONLY $35/week!
Wood River Weekly Find It In Blaine
CLASSIFIEDS TIRES FOR SALE
HANDYMAN
Jack of all trades. Reliable, insured, clean. Small jobs to large remodel projects, or the “honey-do” list. Call Mark, (208) 573-1784
FINE FINISH CARPENTRY
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow 265/50 R19 110V. Used one winter. $250 (208) 481-0660
TREADMILL FOR SALE
Custom Cabinetry • Interior Finish Remodeling • Kitchen • Baths CAD Cabinetry Design Mike @ (208) 720-7250 Check out our Facebook page www.ffcid.com
CLASSIC SUDOKU
PRICING
(includes full color & free ad design)
Text (up to 25 words): $5 Additional Text: 20¢ per word Photos: $5 per image • Logo: $10 Deadline: Monday at 1 p.m Space reservations: classifieds@woodriverweekly.com
HOUSEKEEPING
Responsible, experienced & great references, housekeeper now accepting new clients. Free estimates available for: homes, condos & offices. beatrizq2003@hotmail.com, (208) 720-5973
LOTS FOR SALE
4 lots for sale north end of Bellevue. $160,000 each. (208) 309-0917
CROSSWORD
answer from page 12
answer from page 12
Excellent condition, $50 or best offer. (208) 309-1099
Wood River Weekly Classifieds
Classifieds (Buy Stuff, Sell Stuff, Odds & Ends, Whatever): Up To 25 Words $5, Each Additional Word 20¢, Image $5, Logo $10
12
W O O D R I V E R W E E K L Y • O C T O B E R 6 - 1 9 , 2 0 2 1
CHAMBER CORNER
MIKE MCKENNA
Hard way Pipeline
Exceeding Expectations With Contemporary Care By Mike McKenna
“Having a healthy mouth helps the whole person,” said Dr. Jeffery Roth, DMD. “When you’re not feeling healthy, especially if you’re having tooth pain, it impacts your mental state and doesn’t allow you to be your best self.” Helping people become their best, healthy and smiling selves is what Dr. Roth and the team at Hailey Dental Studio are all about. “It’s rewarding to do something that works and helps others,” Dr. Roth said. It’s an attitude he doesn’t just bring to his dental studio, but also to the community. Jeffery and his wife, Monica, are both originally from Illinois and met in college. They moved to Hailey because they thought the small mountain town would be a great place to raise their now grown son, Steve. Along the way, Jeffery has done everything from help coach travel Little League baseball to serving on the board of directors for The Chamber. “I like this small town. It has a real sense of community,” Dr. Roth said at a local coffee shop early one morning. “As soon as we first came here, Hailey felt like home.” Dr. Roth and his family also love our area’s easy access to nature and the great outdoors. Jeffery has been skiing since he was 12 and is an avid long-distance runner. He was even a member of the U.S. Summer Biathlon team, competing internationally in the combined running and shooting sport. Whether he’s on a backpacking trip or just running along the local trails, one of the things Jeffery really appreciates about Idahoans is how friendly we are. The Idaho way is to smile, wave and say “Hi” when we cross paths. Dr. Roth enjoys being able to help people feel more confident when they smile. “It’s satisfying to help people look and feel better,” said Dr. Roth, who spent time during the heart of COVID driving over to Boise to volunteer to help people in need with dental emergencies. Besides the reward of helping others, what Dr. Roth likes most about dentistry is that is a combination of two of his favorite subjects: art and science. “There are rules and guidelines you have to follow, but you also need to be creative to be successful,” Dr. Roth explained. “Every time, it’s something different and I’m usually challenged every day and I enjoy that.” The educational requirements of being a dentist are also appealing to Dr. Roth. Even after years of schooling to earn a doctorate, Jeffery still spends lots of time studying the craft and staying up to date on the latest technology. “When you find a better way and learn new things, that always helps, “said Dr. Roth. His “contemporary care” practice no longer does crowns and tries to avoid grinding teeth, instead opting to be “minimally invasive.” “Feeling healthy and looking good are important to people,” Dr. Roth said, “And taking good care of your teeth is a big part of that.”
Steel Fencing
Kelly Wardell 208-309-0916
How To Play Sudoku
The Classic Sudoku is a number placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.
CLASSIC SUDOKU See answer on page 11
For more information about Hailey Dental Studio, call (208) 788-7766 or go to HaileyDentalStudio.com.
CROSSWORD SPONSORED BY
THETRADER TRADER THE THE TRADER Consignment for the home
Consignment for the home
Consignment for the home
Wednesday - Friday 11 to 6 Saturday 11 to 4
TRADER EADER TRADER
Always available by appointment and if we’re here.
Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 to 5:00 Always available by appointment and if we’re here.
ent for the 720-9206 or 788-0216 signment forhome the home
720-9206 or 788-0216 509 S. Main Street Bellevue, Idaho
the home
509 S. Main Street • Bellevue, Idaho
Wednesday through Saturday Thursday Wednesday - Friday Wednesday - Friday 11:00to to 5:00 ednesday - Friday 11 to 611 to 6 available by appointment 11 to 6AlwaysSaturday Saturday Saturday and if we’re here. Saturday 11 to 4 11 to 11 or to 788-0216 44 720-9206 11 to 4
Always available by appointment and if we’re here.
509 S. Main Street • Bellevue, Idaho Always available by le by appointment andappointment if we’re here. and if we’re here.
720-9206 or 788-0216 or S. 788-0216 -9206 or720-9206 788-0216 509 Main Street S. Main Street 09 S. Main509 Street Bellevue, Idaho Bellevue, Idaho Bellevue, Idaho
See answer on page 11
WOOD RIVER VALLEY 7-DAY WEATHER FORECAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Partly Coudy 24%
high 64º
low 43º WEDNESDAY
Showers 42%
high 56º low 39º THURSDAY
Showers 42%
high 52º low 33º FRIDAY
Mostly Sunny 13%
high 56º low 29º SATURDAY
Mostly Sunny 5%
high 54º low 29º SUNDAY
Mostly Coudy 24%
high 46º low 26º MONDAY
Mostly Coudy 24%
high 42º low 22º TUESDAY
SKI. BIKE. LIVE!
Elevate your experience. 340 N Main Street in Ketchum sturtevants-sv.com • 726-4501