Elkhorn Road light needs replacing
Motorists complaining about the flashing traffic light at the intersection of Elkhorn Road and state Highway 75 will get to grumble a little longer, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.
ITD announced Thursday that the light is malfunctioning and beyond repair and will require a new control panel.
"A new signal-control panel will be ordered and installed at the intersection, but a time frame for the replacement is not known at this time," ITD stated in a news release.
In the meantime, a flashing yellow light will greet northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 75. Motorists on Elkhorn Road and River Ranch Road will be met by newly installed temporary stop signs.
ITD urges drivers to use caution and be on the lookout for "other drivers who may be unaware of the signal changes."
Picnic set at Howard Preserve
Wood River Land Trust will present the seventh annual Howard Preserve Community Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 3-6 p.m. at the Howard Preserve in Bellevue.
There is no charge for the riverside barbecue and community celebration. On the menu: grilled chicken, hot dogs, prime-rib chili and more. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Drinks will be available and Slow Children Playing will provide live music.
The Elm Street access road has been closed, so to reach the Howard Preserve, turn west onto Broadford Road from Main Street in Bellevue, then take an immediate left onto Martin Lane. Walking, biking and carpooling are encouraged because parking is limited.
The picnic is sponsored by the Land Trust, Mike Howard of the Inn at Tres Pinos in California and his family, the city of Bellevue and Friends of Howard Preserve. For more information or to volunteer to help, cal 788-3947 or contact mdahl@woodriverlandtrust.org.
Spiritual Film Fest is on hiatus
Organizers of the popular Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival announced plans for a year's hiatus to allow for planning its future by exploring "more permanent fundraising streams."
On its website, a note from Director Mary Gervase explained that while the sixth year was "an overwhelming success in so many ways ... this was the first year our fundraising efforts missed the mark."
The festival starts from scratch each year, with 15 to 20 percent of the costs covered by ticket and pass sales and the rest through fundraising.
"We hope to return for year seven in 2012," Gervase wrote. "As festival supporters, we would greatly appreciate your efforts to help us align with a larger organization that can umbrella us as we move forward."
Gervase invited potential sponsors to contact her at directors@svspritualfilmfestival.org
Trail Care Crew visits valley
The Blaine County Recreation District and Wood River Bicycle Coalition are bringing the IMBA Trail Care Crew to the valley for a series of free presentations and a trail building school this weekend.
Land managers are invited to "Land Manager Training" today, Sept. 16, from 9-11 a.m. at the Community Campus in Hailey. This training educates land managers on the practice of designing, building, and maintaining sustainable trails.
On Saturday, the public is invited to Galena Lodge for "Trail Building School" to learn how to build and maintain sustainable single-track trails.
Pre-registration is encouraged by visiting www.imba.com.
Board approves online requirement
Calling it a major step in preparing Idaho students for their journey to be career/college ready, the Idaho State Board of Education has approved an administrative rule that requires two credits of online learning for high school graduation.
There will be a 21-day public comment period for people to give further input on the rule. The Legislature will then have an opportunity to review and approve the rule in January.
To learn more about the Idaho State Board of Education, visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov.
New book club at Hailey Library
After submitting a grant proposal to the Idaho Commission for Libraries, the Hailey Public Library is one of 16 participants in this year's "Let's Talk About It" series of adult book clubs.
Let's Talk About It brings reading and discussing quality literature into the light of American values, history and culture. What sets it apart from ordinary book clubs is the addition of a program speaker.
"Our patrons love fresh perspective," said library Director LeAnn Gelskey. "We thank the Idaho Commission for Libraries and its partners for helping us give it to them."
Hailey's 2011 theme, "Idaho: Tough Paradise," reveals the Intermountain West as a place of extreme hardship and beauty.
For more information, contact the Hailey Public Library at 788-2036 or visit the library online at www.haileypubliclibrary.org.
Papoose Club welcomes new members
Papoose Club will hold its annual New Members' Night event on Monday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Sawtooth Botanical Garden south of Ketchum. Anyone interested in joining the club is invited to attend this informational gathering, which will be followed by the club's regular September meeting at 7:30. Wine and appetizers will be served.
Papoose Club is a volunteer organization that supports local youth-oriented groups through fundraising activities and events in the Wood River Valley. Over the past three years, Papoose Club has donated more than $77,000 to 44 local organizations that benefit kids.
For more information, contact Tizz Miller at 788-1838 or tizzmiller@gmail.com.
