Uphold helipad denial
To the editor, The Code of the New West published on the county’s website concludes with these thoughts: “People live here and move to Valley… Login to continue reading Login…
November 2023
Read MoreUphold helipad denial
Pray for snow
Brundage Mountain Resort ramped up snowmaking at the resort’s base area this week in advance of a storm system that could bring as much as… Login to continue reading Login…
Bistro 45 to relocate under new ownership
Bistro 45, a McCall landmark that has defined the quiet courtyard in downtown McCall for 23 years, will close next week in preparation for a move across town.The restaurant’s name, wine inventory and menu were purchased by Steve Topple, who owns Ragazza Di Bufalo in Donnelly and Regazza Di Lago in McCall.
New EMS district approved
Valley County Commissioners approved resolutions on Monday that will create a new ambulance district and dissolve the current district.The change was the result of a successful ballot measure in the November general election to create a new district with an independent set of commissioners.The November ballot measure passed with a vote of 1,627 in favor to 642 opposed, or about 72% in favor.
Tamarack to build Lake Cascade marina
Construction of a marina on Lake Cascade with up to 200 slips could begin as soon as this spring, Tamarack Resort announced this week.Work can begin as soon as the Bureau of Reclamation completes its environmental analysis, which is expected in early 2024, said Tamarack Resort President Scott Turlington.The resort hopes to open the marina by Memorial Day with about 70 initial boat slips, on-water fuel, a rental and retail facility, enhanced beachfront access, food and drink offerings, additional parking, and a dedicated sand sports area.The marina will be open from 7 a.m.
Brundage recognized as ‘Whitebark Pine friendly’
Brundage Mountain Resort has been recognized as the first ski resort in Idaho to be certified as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area through the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation.The foundation launched the certification program in 2016 to raise awareness of the whitebark pine species and boost conservation efforts at ski resorts across the west.At Brundage, whitebark pines both dead and alive dot the resort’s ridgeline, with hundreds of new seedlings planted in 2022 to maintain the tree’s population into the future.“Brundage Mountain has been supporting whitebark pine recovery initiatives for more than 15 years, and we’re incredibly proud to be the first certified resort in our area,” General Manager Ken Rider said.Rider labeled the whitebark pine, which was federally listed as a threatened species in 2022, as an “iconic feature” of Brundage.“We hope to raise awareness of the threats it faces and the cooperative efforts to help it survive,” Rider said.The whitebark pine is a slow-growing tree that can live more than 1,000 years.
Valley County tax bills sent
Property tax bills went out last week with tax credits lowering most tax bills for Valley County residents.In general, taxes did not go down, but the new tax credits that were applied mean homeowners will pay about 25% less, said Valley County Treasurer Johanna Defoort.That is higher than the statewide average of 18% for homeowners and 14% for all property owners, including commercial property, according to the Governor’s Office.Taxes to be collected this year totaled about $38.5 million, up from about $37.2 million last year.
A Friendly Face
A couple of former Vandals -- Marcus Wyman and Claire Warren -- met up recently when the United States Merchant Marine Academy football team played the U.S Coast Guard Academy during the Secretaries Cup on Nov.
Thanksgiving theft thwarted
The owners of a home in the Gold Dust subdivision south of Cascade called 911 on Thanksgiving after their doorbell camera captured video of a suspicious person at their home, according to the Valley County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies responded to find Casey Green, 48 of Twin Falls at a nearby residence.
Vandals poised to perform
Perhaps nobody is looking forward to the upcoming basketball season more than Sam Penny.The McCall-Donnelly junior eschews other sports and a lot of activities to play hoops year round, day and night, night and day.The Vandal boys basketball team opens the season Friday by hosting Orofino at 7:30 p.m.