Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Briefs

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Voters oppose driver texting

The vast majority, or 87 percent, of Idaho voters support prohibiting texting while driving, according to a November survey conducted for AAA.

The survey shows there's support for other related concepts, including enhanced penalties for drivers cited for moving violations while distracted by a cell phone or other electronic device. The rise of the use of cell phones and corresponding growth of distracted-driving crashes has led 35 states and six Idaho communities to enact ordinances to address the issue.

The survey shows little support among Idaho voters for higher transportation user fees or gas taxes. Just 38 percent of the respondents in the survey support the idea; 55 percent oppose higher fees even if it means waiting until the economy picks up for road improvements.

Only 12 percent support a measure to remove driver training from public schools. That's at odds with legislation drafted and eventually pulled late last session. Nearly 8 in 10 voters support the current use of driver's license and other fees to help cover the cost of driver education in their local schools.

The survey, conducted by Riley Research Associates in Portland, polled 400 Idaho voters in 41 counties.

Ski/ride behind the scenes

Sun Valley Co. is offering tours of its snowmaking system, the largest automated system in the world, every Thursday and Saturday through Feb. 25. The 90-minute tours, for intermediate and better skiers and riders, start at 11 a.m.

Sign up at the River Run ticket desk. Availability is limited, and a lift ticket is required.

Ketchum URA launches new website

The Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency launched its new website Friday. The website, www.Ketchumura.org, provides information about the URA, including its past work and future plans, its mission and vision, staff information, bylaws, budget and frequently asked questions.

"Most general questions can be answered by looking at the website," said Lisa Enourato, assistant to URA Executive Director Gary Marks.

People may subscribe to email updates notifying them when new information is posted to the site.

The URA contracted in October with Hailey-based Clean Web Design, which developed the website. URA staff and board member Trina Peters provided the content.

The contract was for $1,939.

The city of Ketchum's revamped website is set to launch later this month.

'Oh, Boy!'

"Oh, Boy," a puberty class for boys ages 9-12 and their parents, will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1:30-5 p.m. at St. Luke's Hailey Clinic in the Carbonate rooms

The course is designed to help boys and parents get a better idea about the bodily changes and emotional ups and downs that accompany early adolescence. Boys must be accompanied by at least one parent.

Registration is required by calling 727-8733. Cost is $10 and $5 for each additional sibling.

Warm Springs Ranch plans on track despite co-owner's death

Representatives of the Warm Springs Ranch Resort project in Ketchum say the plan will proceed despite the death of co-owner Anton Vonk.

Vonk died Dec. 30 at age 71.

Vonk and his wife, Diane Boss, are the owners and driving force behind Warm Springs Ranch Resort, according to a news release issued by project spokeswoman Joy Kasputys.

Project representatives are scheduled to appear before the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, Jan. 23, for pre-application design review.

"We will proceed with that meeting as planned," Kasputys said.

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