Meet new demo director
The public is invited to meet new Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director John Foster at a cocktail party on Saturday, July 21, from 4:30 until 6 p.m. The party will be hosted by Melinda and Alan Blinken at 114 Old Mill Rd. in Ketchum. There is no charge to attend.
West Nile reported in Eastern Idaho
West Nile virus was found recently in a bird from Lemhi County and in a llama in Franklin County, prompting health officials to remind people to "fight the bite" of mosquitoes when they are outdoors and around their homes. Last year, West Nile was discovered in 38 Idaho counties, infecting approximately 1,000 people and contributing to the deaths of 23 people. So far this year, eight Idaho counties have reported the virus.
"Idaho led the nation in West Nile virus infections last year," said Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Leslie Tengelsen. "We know from our experience that West Nile virus infection can cause serious illness, especially in people over the age of 50. We are entering the height of West Nile virus season, and urge everyone to fight the bite of mosquitoes."
People are advised to avoid mosquitoes when they are most active, between dusk and dawn. Cover up exposed skin when outdoors, use insect repellent and reduce standing water.
Join Valley Motor Club show
The Valley Motor Club will hold a show and shine at Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11.
There will be food and refreshments offered, as well as Canyon Radio broadcasting live at the event.
Sign up now to participate. Call club president Lowell Thomas at 720-7091.
Special Olympics hires new CEO
The Games Organizing Committee board of directors of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games announced it has elected one of its own, Gary Dyer, to be its chief executive officer. Dyer recently retired as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Blue Cross of Idaho.
Dyer is a member of the games' board of directors. He spent 34 years with Blue Cross of Idaho. He is also a former board member of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry and of the United Way of Treasure Valley.
"Gary Dyer's great experience in the operations and philanthropic involvement of global business distinguishes him as a leader who will deliver a tremendous success for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games," said Sun Valley resident Jim Grossman, co-chairman of the board.
Dyer was elected to succeed Gary Hunter, who will continue to be involved with the games as a consultant. Dyer, an avid skier, worked for more than 30 years as a ski patrolman at Bogus Basin Ski Resort, where the games' alpine events will be held.
"We are the stewards of a tremendous opportunity for our nation and for the state of Idaho, and we are committed to staging an outstanding athletic competition with humanity at its heart," Dyer said.
