In a community that at the very moment seems filled with dissent and controversy I have chosen to speak my truth concerning the untruths quoted by two reporters in both of our newspapers. I can never remember ever living here when I was saddened by climate of hostility and fear. I certainly do not want to be represented as the Wood River Journal and the Mountain Express have portrayed me.
The farmer's market debacle started when I was not properly notified of my street closure by the city of Ketchum, nor by any city official or farmers market representative. Just simply, I was told the day of the market that my end of Fourth Street would be closed for 18 Tuesdays, for the second year in a row. As a retailer it is no fun to have surprises of this magnitude as Fourth Street is a major artery through town and street closures impede circulation. After two farmers markets the manager of the farmers market and myself have become friends we have rearranged the market so it fills the whole street. We are brainstorming ways and places for it to go next year and as for this year I am staging events in front of the store, Zumba dancing every Tuesday and a fashion show next week. Just give me some warning and I will rise to the occasion.
The continuous problem with the failure to notice and the lack of information given to local business owners has been discussed constructively with the city staff. We have come up with a better noticing policy and an events calendar posted at the city hall and on line. Road closures are now being treated as a category two special event that gets more noticing so businesses can prepare their customers and possibly do something special to add to the event during the closures.
Street closures are tough on us. This year and last spring was challenging for all of us on Fourth Street. Summer is here and we have all been waiting for it, so strike up the bands put out your clothing racks and let's tries to have some fun. As for the newspaper writers find some good news to report, help your community members to thrive do not report untruths that are malicious and hurtful have integrity and please do not make up quotes. I am a cheerleader and I have served my community for many years. Can't we all try to get along and enjoy this wonderful place? Do we need to be just like the rest of the world and media? Do we need to go on witch-hunts for news?
Deborah Burns
Ketchum
