Power line work begins in Ketchum
Idaho Power will begin three weeks of power line work in Ketchum on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The construction will take place west of Second Avenue and along the east side of Third Avenue, reaching the Hideaway subdivision, according to an Idaho Power news release.
Though no road obstructions will result, excavating will take place at the right of way.
Power service interruptions aren't expected until a couple of weeks into the project. Those in the area will be notified 48 hours prior to the planned outage.
Work will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with occasional work on Fridays.
Picabo road work restarts
The Idaho Transportation Department announced that road construction resumes this week on U.S. Highway 20 near Picabo. Work was suspended in August because of moist soil conditions.
The $3.5 million project involves widening of shoulders and new asphalt on the highway between Gannett Road and the Silver Creek bridge east of Picabo.
The work is scheduled to continue throughout the week. Pilot cars will be used to move traffic through the area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Welcome to the new working week
On Monday, Blaine County offices moved to a four-day work week.
The County Commission approved a plan in July under which offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The county's consideration of the four-day work week was primarily an outgrowth of efforts to cut its carbon emissions in half by 2025. Officials have also cited potential cost savings and better access by the working public during their off hours.
Under the change, most county offices will be subject to the Friday closure, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Planning and Zoning Department.
The change is to be implemented for a one-year trial period. The county will also evaluate its success in three-, six- and nine-month intervals.
Last week to file for candidacy
Political hopefuls have until the end of the day Friday to file for candidacy in November's election.
However, with Blaine County moving to a four-day work week, candidates have only until Thursday to have their candidacy petitions verified by the county clerk. The petitions must have the signatures of five registered voters from their respective cities.
If candidates wait until Friday or do not want to file a petition for candidacy, they can file with their city and pay $40 instead.
Two City Council seats and the mayoral seat are up for election in Ketchum, a pair of City Council seats are up in both Sun Valley and Hailey, three of five council seats will be open in Bellevue, and the mayoral and two council seats will be open in Carey.
Tamarack can keep lifts, for now
The Associated Press reported this week that an Idaho judge has dismissed Bank of America's claim to repossess ski lifts and equipment from Tamarack Resort near McCall.
Tamarack has been shuttered since March.
District Court Judge Michael McLaughlin ruled Wednesday, Aug. 26, in 4th District Court in Cascade that Tamarack Resort can keep its Wildwood and Buttercup lifts, as well as a snowplow, shuttle bus and Mack truck for now, but said Bank of America's demand should instead be part of separate litigation brought against the resort by Credit Suisse Group.
Bank of America's attempt to repossess the equipment, valued at $4.3 million, now could be part of a March 2010 foreclosure title. In that case, Credit Suisse Group seeks to recover more than $300 million from a syndicated loan, plus penalties and interest.
According to the AP, Tamarack hasn't made a payment on the lifts to Bank of America's leasing unit since February; interest and penalties are piling up at more than $1,000 every day.
Get information on breast cancer
The St. Luke's Center for Community Health in Hailey will hold a breast cancer information and networking session on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 417 N. Main St..
Gay Miremont, community outreach coordinator, will facilitate the group.
For details, call 727-8733.
Free blood pressure checks
St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center will offer free blood pressure checks at the Ketchum Post Office on the first Wednesday of every month through October between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
No appointment is necessary.
