Stories

The Wood River Land Trust closed on its largest land acquisition in the organization's history on August 13th. The 1,609-acre Timbered Dome Ranch was purchased in order to protect its critical wildlife habitat. The addition of this property equals an ever- growing total of 11,930 acres protected in and around the Wood River Valley by the Land Trust and its members. Timbered Dome Ranch is especially important for sagebrush-obligate species like pygmy rabbits and sage grouse.

The sage grouse is currently classified in Idaho as a species that warrants endangered species status and its habitat and population status are being reviewed annually by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Timbered Dome offers ideal sage grouse habitat and has active sage grouse leks on and near the property which needed protection.

The Pygmy rabbit is highly vulnerable to a loss in sagebrush-steppe habitat and Timbered Dome offers ideal habitat for its population of pygmy rabbits which are classified as a candidate for endangered species protection.... (more)

A couple weeks ago Ketchum-based, LOCAL DOG™ Sun Valley biscuits began arriving on the shelves of stores throughout the valley.  The company is owned by sisters, Leslie Doheny-Hanks and Robyn Watson-Hay.  Always gluten-free, the biscuits are healthy treats that currently come in three flavors: Spinach Lasagna, Veggie Pot Pie and Pumpkin Apple Cobbler.  Although dogs are carnivorous, many suffer from allergies brought on by foods such as wheat, meat products and preservatives. LOCAL DOG™ Sun Valley biscuits are made from healthy, natural and organic ingredients such as CHIA SEEDS, KELP POWDER, RICE FLOUR, MILLET FLOUR  and various fruits and vegetables for added nutrition that make up the different flavors.  “I had a little mixed breed Terrier who broke out in skin irritations one summer” said Robyn Watson-Hay. “She scratched so much her fur fell out. We learned that she was allergic to wheat (Gluten) and beef.  Once those were eliminated from her diet, her itching and hot spots... (more)

KETCHUM, ID (August 24, 2010) – Ducks for the Wagon Days Duck Race are now being sold throughout the valley. Buy a duck for a chance to win valuable prize packages including a chance at one million dollars.

“We encourage our community to adopt ducks to support local students, the annual holiday food basket program, and local non-profit organizations, and for a chance to win incredible prizes offered this year,” said Josh Fields, Ketchum / Sun Valley Rotary Club president.

Over 20,000 rubber ducks are expected to swim down the Big Wood River on Sunday, September 5 during the Wagon Days Duck Race. The Great Wagon Days Duck Race benefits students, charities, holiday food baskets and Blaine County Search and Rescue and is organized by the Ketchum / Sun Valley Rotary Club, the Sawtooth Board of Realtors Charitable Foundation, and the Blaine County Search and Rescue

The Great Wagon Days Duck Raceincludes a party with music and kids activitiesfrom 1 to 4 p.m. at Rotary Park in Ketchum. ... (more)

Bountiful Harvests of Fresh Produce Give The Hunger Coalition Reason To Celebrate!

Harvest time is celebration time at The Hope Garden.  Saturday, September 18 marks the first annual Harvest of Hope Celebration, a community event in support of The Hunger Coalition.  All are welcome to join the festivities from 4 – 7 pm at The Hope Garden located at the corner of Walnut Street and 1st Avenue in downtown Hailey for live music and family activities. 

In its first season, The Hope Garden has produced a bounty of fresh vegetables and herbs for The Hunger Coalition to distribute to the hungry in our community through their Mobile Food Bank program.  Garden & Education Manager, Hallie Reikowsky, is immensely grateful for the hard work and generosity of all who contributed to the remarkable success of the Garden over the last few months.  True to its nature, The Hope Garden provides an opportunity for clients of The Hunger Coalition to empower themselves and give back to their community. ... (more)

The Sun Valley Center for the Arts has been awarded a grant totaling $120,000 from The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, to be used to support its arts and humanities programming through 2012.

“We are very grateful to receive this grant at a time when many foundations are being forced by tough economic circumstances to cut back on their giving,” says Kristin Poole, The Center’s Artistic Director. “We are honored to be among a limited number of non-profits that the Allen Foundation is supporting.”

Founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, the Seattle-based Paul G. Allen Family Foundation supports nonprofits working to strengthen communities in the Pacific Northwest.

“The ongoing support of this very prestigious foundation speaks volumes about the quality, professionalism and credibility of The Center's programs against a huge pool of other grant applicants,” says Sally Boettger, The Center’s Development Director.

The first installment of $40,000 will... (more)

The Wood River Valley is full of athletes of all shapes and sizes, of all ability levels, and from every generation.  That's something desirable about living in this high altitude locale. There are so many ways to be encouraged to get out there and stay motivated by making athletic goals for ourselves.  To choose to do that for something bigger than ourselves can be an even bigger reward than simply crossing the finish line.  

"Seeing the faces of the 8, 9 and 10 year old girls crossing the finish line after completing their own Girls on the Run 5k, I will never forget the expressions of joy, relief, accomplishment and pride of the girls as they crossed the finish line.  To be able to accomplish my own athletic fetes with this in my mind as I do, gives me a unique opportunity to be inspired while making a difference," shared Daryl Fauth who ran the Boise Half Ironman as benefit for Girls on the Run of the Wood River and as a member of the Solemates team. 

"Training for a race like a marthon... (more)

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival's new T-shirt is out and features Ziva, a beautiful border collie and member of the D And M Ranch (pronounced "damranch").  She is part of a small ranch in the Bitterroot Valley where her family raises a flock of Navajo-Churro sheep.  Ziva thinks she is the smartest border collie in the universe.  Ziva's days, we are told, are always busy.  She spends hours keeping an eye on the ranch, greeting visitors and herding the sheep or chickens.  She knows immediately when something is amiss and immediately runs to tell her owners.  She has many special stories, but for the most part, even chores are adventures for border collies.  Have a special border collie story?  We would love to hear about it.  You can email us at info@trailingofthesheep.org or share it on Facebook.  Of course, the T-shirts are also for sale.  The beautiful pen and ink drawing was donated by Peggy Woods who has been designing the Festival T-shirts since the... (more)

There is only a few more weeks until school starts and the days are getting shorter. Take advantage of the YMCA's last Parents Night Out of the summer on Saturday, August 14th from 6:00-10:00pm.  This is your time to play, go out to eat, enjoy the mountains or bike trail while your kids are happy and safe at the Y.  This program is designed for 1-8 year olds and a healthy snack will be provided.  Call up your hubby, wife or friends and start making big plans for Saturday night.  To enusre a quality program, we do ask that all children are pre-registered by Friday afternoon, so call the YMCA today  727-9622.

Join Idaho’s Bounty on Saturday,  August 21st as we visit three Fairfield area farms: Petra, Prairie Sun and Fair Mountain Farm.

Participants will carpool to meet at Petra at 10 a.m., where Teri Backstrom will introduce us to her herd of goats, give us a milking demonstration and give us some goat cheese samples.

Next stop will be at Carol and Jeff Rast’s Prairie Sun Farm where we’ll learn about growing vegetables - including Carol’s famous carrots - in the harsh climate of the camas prairie.

Our final stop will be up towards Soldier Mountain at Fair Mountain Farm, owned and run by Clarence and Tona Stilwill. Clarence and Tona will show us their ancient orchard, herb garden, and gorgeous beds of greens.

Idaho’s Bounty will coordinate carpooling from the Wood River Valley. Please bring water and snacks if needed, and wear appropriate outdoor clothing. This event is suitable for people of all ages, and children are encouraged to attend and learn about where food comes from!

The cost is $5/person or $15/car, payable... (more)

The Advocates' Raffle Prize Winners Richard and Judith Smooke Donate $1500 Idaho's Bounty Gift Certificate to feed the hungry 

Idaho's Bounty, a local food co-op based out of the Wood River Valley that provides healthy, local and ethically produced food to customers direct from producers in Southwest Idaho, today announced that the Co-op's raffle prize support of The Advocates' 2010 Gala resulted in $1,500 in food from Idaho's Bounty being donated to the Hunger Coalition. 

"The 2010 Advocates Annual Gala: Black & White Soiree raised $200,000 this year with strong support from Idaho's Bounty," said The Advocates Executive Director Tricia Swartling. "The funds that Idaho's Bounty helped generate through its raffle prize donation and raffle ticket sales will help us continue to provide free education, shelter and support services for women and children in need and will also feed the hungry fresh, local foods from Idaho's Bounty." 

The Advocates' teamed with Idaho's Bounty to offer a $1,500 gift certificate... (more)

“Good Dog 101: Understanding Your Best Friend,” a seminar on common behavior problems, will be presented by the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley in partnership with the Wood River Y, on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

 The seminar will be presented by Kelley Bollen, an animal behaviorist from the Shelter Medicine Department at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

 Bollen, who has been influential in helping shelters across the East Coast improve quality of life and adoptability for shelter animals with her behavior modification programs, also will work with the shelter staff during her visit here.

 “I was fortunate to work with Kelley in New York,” said Nadia Novik, shelter operations manager.  “I know how beneficial she will be, not only in further improving the lives of our dogs while they are at the shelter, but also in providing tools for our staff to use with our animals. We are excited to have Kelley help design behavior treatment plans for our dogs, train our... (more)

Local event/television company to produce segment for The Late Show with David Letterman

Carson International, Inc, Special Events Promotions, based in Ketchum will produce a Purina Incredible Diving Dog segment for The Late Show with David Letterman this week in New York City. Carson International will bring in its 40 foot mobile diving dog pool and stage to the outside of the famous Ed Sullivan Theater on 53rd Street for the event. Professional diving dogs from across the country that compete on the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge series, have been invited to try to jump in the show. The segment will air on the Thursday, August 5th broadcast.  Carson Events has produced and televised the highly successful Purina Incredible Dog Challenge since 1999.  For more information visit carsonevents.com.  petcentric.com, or  barknetwork.com. "Worldwide Home for Athletic Dogs".

Rebates for assessments and retrofits will save thousands in dollars and carbon emissions

The details for a new local rebate program have just been announced.   Entitled the Community Audit and Retrofit Rebate Program (CARRP), this effort has now been established by its local government partners.  This program will rebate home and business owners up to $2000 in material/audit costs for conducting an energy audit and implementing recommendations.  This program is open to all property owners, both residential and commercial, in:

• Sun Valley
• Ketchum
• Hailey
• Bellevue
• Fairfield
• Blaine County
• Camas County

What’s even better is that these rebates can be “stacked” together with other state, federal and industry incentives for unprecedented savings.

There’s never been a better and less expensive time to be green.

Background

Last year the ERC convened a small working group of local government representatives to assess a new federal grant opportunity.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly called the... (more)

The new Blaine County Affiliate for Habitat for Humanity is currently seeking interested and qualified families for a unique and exciting opportunity to own an affordable home in Blaine County. 

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to building simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with people in need.  Since 1976, Habitat has built over 300,000 homes worldwide.  Houses are possible through donations of time, labor, materials, and funding. Selected families must meet certain financial guidelines and are required to complete specified “sweat equity” hours and projects toward the completion of their home.

 Each Habitat affiliate is independent and locally run.  The Blaine County affiliate became official in April 2010 and hopes to soon find a family or families to partner on a new building project.

 Information about the application process is available at the YMCA, St. Luke’s Center for Community Health, The Community Library, the Hailey... (more)

The Hunger Coalition Introduces "Language in the Garden" on Monday Evenings

The Hope Garden is growing more than plants this summer.  Beginning Monday August 2

Just as plants need tending, so do our language skills.  Understanding this, “Language in the Garden” seeks to improve the communication skills of intermediate level bi-lingual English and Spanish speakers through weekly practice sessions. Participants will work side-by-side in The Hope Garden while alternating between English & Spanish during each weekly gathering.  Conversation will focus on a pre-determined topic while inviting personal input and interpretation.  Small projects such as weeding, general garden maintenance, and planting provides for an easy-going, comfortable atmosphere where... (more)

Once-in-a-Century Honor among Programs Celebrating Scouting’s 100th Anniversary

Washington, D.C., July 26, 2010 – Amy DiFrancesco, a past Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National Venturing President, from Sun Valley, Idaho, was among nearly 300 Scouts and Scout leaders nationwide named July 25 to the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership.

Amy represents the Snake River Council of South Central Idaho, located in Twin Falls, Idaho.   She was the first National Venturing President from the Western Region and the first high school student to serve in the national leadership position.  Amy DiFrancesco’s leadership has inspired thousands of youth to share Scouting’s values by serving others and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.  Although young, Amy’s volunteerism has elevated her to the highest levels of three premier youth programs: Boy Scouts, where she served as National Venturing President; Girl Scouts, where she earned the Gold... (more)

Old Cutters and Coldwell Banker are proud to announce a donation concert to benefit the new Hailey Y Kids Club.  On July 29th from 7:00-9:00pm, the Spare Change Band will be performing during a family friendly concert at Old Cutters Park in Hailey.  This free concert will provide fun for the whole community.  There will be a bouncy castle and fantastic new playground for the kids to play on while the parents sit back and listen to the music surrounded by beautiful views.  If you don’t have time to prepare dinner, then grab a bit to eat at the concert.  Toni’s ice cream, Frank You Very Much hot dog stand and a bake sale will satisfy hungry bellies.  In addition, Miss Idaho, Kylie Kofoed, will be present to help collect donations for the YMCA and to sign autographs.. 

           Grab your bikes and your friends and head over to Old Cutters for the concert. The concert is free of charge, but a $5 donation is suggested. All proceeds... (more)

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley raised more than $300,000 at its annual “Dog Days of Summer” benefit, dinner and auction, which attracted approximately 340 people.

Winner of the raffle prize, a $10,000 gift certificate at Atkinsons’ Market, was Robin Robertson, a part-time Sun Valley resident and long time shelter supporter.

 The annual event, held at Trail Creek Cabin at Sun Valley earlier this month, included a live auction and a silent auction with more than 300 items donated by local businesses and residents. The silent auction included 35 birdhouses made by local residents. 

At the live auction a trip to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City was so popular that it sold twice, after donors agreed to provide a second one. Master of ceremonies was David Frei, co-host of the USA Network’s annual broadcast of the Westminster show.

Special features included a fashion show of clothing from the Barkin’ Basement thrift shop, which supports the... (more)

The Artists’ Market….NEW Location in Ketchum! YES! We have moved to the newly renovated Ketchum Town Square! Tuesday is market day in Ketchum and not only can you peruse the great produce at the Farmer’s Market but stroll on down to the Ketchum Town Square and check out some amazing local art. Ketchum Artists’ Market Hours are from 2-6 every Tuesday! We also offer a free Children’s Activity at our market. This week the Toy Store will be sponsoring the children’s activity. So, bring the kids by and get inspired. Also, give Tom Abbott’s fresh BBQ a try! Still TWO great markets on one HAPPENING Street! Read on for other artists attending the Ketchum Artists’ Market this week!

Jon Adams wood working, Lisa Patterson's fun and affordable jewelry, Pearl Girl Tags, Sally Kern and her fun napkins & pillows, Julie Lines' rock slice night-lights, Julia Abrams piñatas, Heidi Weaver's hand painted gourds, candle holders & jewelry, Sheila Kelley's unique photo collages and Darcie Olsen with eco-cool bags in any size and shape... (more)

Ketchum — The Sun Valley Center for the Arts is offering TWO in-depth opportunities to taste and learn about wine during its annual Wine Auction fundraiser July 22-24.

Each 90-minute symposium is hosted by a top expert and looks at a different aspect of the pleasures of drinking wine. Symposia will be held from 11:30 am to 1 pm each day on Friday and Saturday, July 23 & 24.

 On Friday, July 23, 11th-generation glassmaker Maximilian Riedel will present a primer on using proper stemware, transforming you from a skeptic to an all-out believer that high quality stemware makes a difference in your appreciation of fine wines. Savor wines from Calera Wine Company, Lail Vineyards, Leonetti Cellar, Realm Cellars and Woodward Canyon Winery as you meet and talk with some of the country’s most knowledgeable wine experts. Plus, you’ll go home with a set of four fabulous Riedel wine glasses—recognized as the best in the world.

 Christl Holzl, The Center’s Wine Auction Director and no novice when it comes to fine wine,... (more)

On Friday July 30th, the film Napoleon Dynamite will be shown as an audience participation movie at Bellevue Memorial Park, in the vein of Rocky Horror Picture Show. So don your moon boots, Preston High School t-shirts and join us at sunset (approx 9pm) for this exciting addition to Hot Summer Nights.

Although, movie-goers who just like to view are of course more than welcome, too!

For those who would like to participate and bring their own props here is the suggested list:

small soft football

small flag of Mexico

*bandana

bubbles

*flashlight

fan - paper or small battery powered/hand-held

*Vote for Pedro sign or flyer

*La Fawnduh cardboard sign

small pieces of wrapped candy

red juice/sports drink

confetti or bird seed

A limited number of prop bags (23) will also be for sale at the movie for just $5 each. The items with an * will not be included in the prop/gift bag. A script to follow along and know when to use which prop will be provided both with the prop bags and to anyone else who would like one.

Hot Summer Nights... (more)

The Lunch Connection Begins Serving Free Hot Breakfast on July 19

It’s the most important meal of the day and it’s free to hungry children under the age of 18 through The Lunch Connection!  Hot breakfast will be served from 7:30 – 8:30 weekday mornings at Woodside Elementary School starting Monday July 19 thanks to the collaborative efforts of The Hunger Coalition and the Blaine County School District.

The Lunch Connection has served over 12,000 free meals to children since its inception in 2008, bringing welcome nutrition and peace of mind to families throughout the county.  For a few weeks, an additional meal is offered daily to those in need – breakfast.  A healthy breakfast goes a long way toward creating healthy, active and engaged bodies and minds.  For many of the students enrolled in summer school classes, this is a welcome and sometimes necessary addition to the regular lunch schedule. 

Breakfast is available from 7:30am – 8:30am every weekday until August 13. Lunch is available... (more)

This Friday July 16th, swim at the BCRD Aquatic Center in Hailey from 6:30-8:30pm in support of the Bellevue Library.

$15 for families, $5 for individuals with a $3 BBQ and raffle tickets sold.

And then head to Bellevue Memorial Park for a free showing of The Little Mermaid at sunset, where hotdogs and popcorn will also be sold and 1/2 of the proceeds will be donated to the Bellevue Library and The Circle Group -  both dedicated to children's education.

Movies are shown for free every Friday (weather permitting) in Bellevue Memorial Park and are always free and family friendly. Movies begin at sunset, scheduled for 9:15pm this Friday. We also accept donations of non-perishable food for the Hunger Coalition.

More than two hundred patrons attended The Advocates’ Annual Gala: Black & White Soiree June 25, 2010, and raised $200,000 to benefit The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (www.theadvocates-aplacetogo.org). The annual fundraiser was held on the grounds of Trail Creek Cabin  with proceeds funding life-changing services for more than 500 women and children in need, and free community-wide prevention education for more than 3,000 students, annually. 

“The Gala sponsors, committee, board, volunteers, staff and donors enable The Advocates to provide much needed services to the victims of domestic violence,” said Executive Director Tricia Swartling. “We are especially grateful for the tremendous spirit of generosity displayed by our sponsors, donors, board, volunteers and patrons. The Advocates benefited from the tremendous commitment of time and talent by gala co-chairs and directors Joy Kasputys and Katherine Schroder, silent auction chair and director... (more)

The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, Idaho’s first “no-kill” shelter, will have it annual benefit, dinner and auction on July 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Trail Creek Cabin.

The shelter draws more than 90 percent of its funding from private donations. This annual event, attended by more than 300 people last year, is the largest source of the shelter’s operating expenses.

"Our shelter, like shelters across the nation, has been overwhelmed the past few years with the numbers of animals that need help," says Jo-Anne Dixon, D.V.M., executive director/medical director. "With so many folks facing the realities of this new economy, the demand on shelter services has risen exponentially. The current economic climate has caused a decrease in private donations, threatening our ability to provide lifesaving services at a time when the need is perhaps the greatest."

The shelter has received national news coverage in the past year for its programs, which include the following:

• Paws for Hunger, in which the shelter works with The...