Ketchum, firefighters face off at trial
Initial testimony Thursday in a trial between the city of Ketchum and its firefighters union focused on the union's willingness to negotiate, with firefighters representative Curtis Smith saying that the union is still open to discussions.
Smith, a Pocatello Fire Department member who is serving as a representative of the International Association of Firefighters, and Ketchum Fire Department's Lt. John Rathfon spent the early part of the trial in 5th District Court discussing the impasse that led to the lawsuit.
Lawyers for Ketchum's full-time firefighters' union filed a lawsuit against the city on April 18 after negotiations and mediation over an employment contract failed to yield results. The complaint alleges that violations occurred when Ketchum unilaterally made changes to terms and conditions of employment while the parties were engaged in collective bargaining; the city refused to engage in collective bargaining as required by statute; and it refused to execute the agreement reached between the parties.
City Administrator Gary Marks has previously said that the city negotiated in good faith and is in full compliance with state law.
The trial is scheduled to end today, Oct. 7.
Employee ski passes available
Fly Sun Valley Alliance, in partnership with Sun Valley Resort, is again offering employee ski passes to businesses and organizations. There are three transferable passes for the upcoming season.
First is the basic all-week pass, which allows one employee to ski each day of the season, and two Access Sun Valley cards, for $2,600.
Next is the basic long-weekend pass, which allows two employees to ski each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the season, plus two Access Sun Valley cards, for $2,600.
Finally, there is the $5,000 gold business pass. It provides a basic ski pass and other activities valued at more than $10,000, including a "company day" on Baldy with skiing for 50, two season parking passes at Warm Springs, five virtual-golf sessions, 12 Zenergy Health Club & Spa day passes, 10 Access Sun Valley cards and demo ski rentals from Sturtevants Mountain Outfitters, PK's Ski & Sports, Ski-Tek, Formula Sports and Sun Summit Ski & Cycle.
Sales of the passes help raise money to support air service to the Sun Valley area.
For more information and conditions, log on to www.flysunvalleyalliance.com/business_ski_passes.php or contact Carol Waller at 720-3965.
Festivity board now forming
Terry Murphy, owner of Bellissimo in Ketchum, is hoping to put a more festive stamp on the city during the holidays, and she's seeking other like-minded people to serve as board members to further that goal.
Last year, she organized a citywide contest, awarding $2,000 to the business that demonstrated the most Christmas spirit. This year, she wants to up the decorating contest ante and hopes to formalize the effort with a decorating committee.
A destination resort town such as Ketchum should beautify itself more during the holidays, she said, because more decorations offer a festive feel and can help boost business.
"Lights are a very inexpensive way to decorate, but people could take it a step further, she said. "Less isn't better; more is better."
To join the board or for more information, call 726-0702.
Prizes announced for photo contest
The Croy Canyon Ranch Foundation has announced the top three prizes for the winning photographs in its "Circle of Caring" photography contest.
First prize is dinner for four at Ketchum Grill, second place is a dinner for two at 310 Main restaurant and the third place is a gift certificate from the Cornerstone Bar and Grill.
Entries should be photographs depicting people sharing, enjoying and caring for each other. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 31.
"All of the prizes were donated," said foundation director Kathleen Eder. "We are grateful for the support of these businesses and the support we have been receiving from the community."
Contestants may enter up to three photographs. Details and application forms are available at www.croycanyonranch.com under the "photo contest" tab.
Celebrate the arts this month
The Wood River Arts Alliance has joined thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month in October.
Members have special activities planned during the month at the following events: Sun Valley Gallery Association's Gallery Walk Oct. 7; Sun Valley Center for the Arts lecture by author Jonathan Franzen Oct. 9 and new exhibition "Awkward Stage: Adolescence and Identity," opening Oct. 7; the annual Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree, Oct. 12-16; St. Thomas Playhouse's "The Music Man," Oct. 13-17; The Community Library's Hemingway Symposium, Oct. 19-22; and Company of Fools; "The Velveteen Rabbit," Oct. 20-23 and 27-30. In addition, Claudia McCain will make a presentation on the economic impact of the arts to Sustain Blaine on Oct. 5.