Hailey Words and Music postponed
McClain's Pizza in Hailey will not host a Hailey Words and Music show on Sunday, Jan. 23, as previously scheduled. The next Hailey Words and Music will take place Sunday, Jan. 30, at 5:30 p.m. at McClain's Pizza. For details, visit www.haileywordsandmusic.com.
Adaptive group hires new director
Sun Valley Adaptive Sports' board of directors has appointed Ketchum resident Erin Rheinschild, a former board member, as executive director.
"I've always been very passionate about Sun Valley Adaptive Sports' mission and the dedication of its board and staff," Rheinschild stated in a news release. "I would like to thank the local community for its continued support and outreach for our incredible programs."
The organization will welcome wounded veterans for one of its Higher Ground snow-sports events from Feb. 6-11.
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Mental health services slashed
BOISE (AP)—The economic downturn has left deep scars on Idaho's public services for the mentally ill, including efforts to help some of the state's most-vulnerable children.
Gov. Butch Otter's recommended budget for the Department of Health and Welfare's mental health services division for fiscal year 2012 is $32.4 million, down 4.6 percent from 2011 and a full 19 percent less than in 2008.
The division has laid off or left unfilled 35 full-time positions to assist adults with mental health problems, and another 14 positions to help kids.
Administrator Kathleen Allyn said limited funding and staffing have forced her to prioritize. She said that at the top of her list are intervention services for people in imminent danger to themselves or others.
As funding has dived, demands have risen: Allyn's staff is completing some 400 crisis evaluations monthly.