Man survives 3 days in wilderness
A 31-year-old man relocating from New York to the Wood River Valley survived an epic challenge in the wilderness northeast of Sun Valley earlier this month.
Todd Peebler's adventure started while he was driving the last leg of his trip to the valley on April 2 in preparation to start a new job in Ketchum. Following the prompts of his GPS unit, he drove his Audi A6 from Mackay toward Trail Creek Summit, not knowing the sometimes-treacherous road is closed in winter. Disoriented from a medical condition, Peebler drove toward Trail Creek Summit and eventually his vehicle got stuck in deep snow.
Without food or water, he and his dog started a lengthy trek through deep snow and cold water toward the summit and onward toward Sun Valley, some 23 miles away. On April 4, Peebler and his pet miniature pinscher were discovered by valley resident Maria Corbit and he was later transported to St. Luke's Wood River by ambulance.
To read Peebler's first-hand account of his ordeal click here.
Express to host Pizza and Politics
The public will have an opportunity to get to know candidates for Ketchum City Council in a public forum later this month.
The Idaho Mountain Express will host a Pizza and Politics forum Thursday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Ketchum City Hall. All candidates competing in a May 15 special election for Ketchum City Council have been invited to attend the event to present their ideas and answer questions. Two seats on the council are up for election.
The Express will buy the pizza, but the public needs to bring their questions. Press and public attending should take note that questions cannot be asked specifically of one candidate but must be answerable by all.
The nonpartisan forum will begin with introductory speeches given by each candidate. Then reporters will be given a chance to ask questions, followed by questions from other audience members. Candidates will also be able to ask one question of their competitors. The events will end with 30-second closing statements from each political hopeful.
Walker Center receives trees
The Walker Center has received a donation of nearly 100 mature trees from Gooding residents Lewis and Donna Pence. The Pences have donated the trees along with providing equipment to transplant the trees to the Walker Center's 25-acre facility in Gooding.
Volunteers from across Southern Idaho are helping plant, water and stake the trees.
According to a press release from the Walker Center, it helps more than 1,000 people annually through its residential alcohol and drug-addiction treatment program in Gooding and outpatient offices in Boise and Twin Falls. More than 250 Wood River Valley residents have been through the residential program over the past 10 years.
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Cholesterol screening on Saturday
The second and final day of St. Luke's Wood River's "Heart of the Matter" cholesterol testing is Saturday.
Screening includes a blood cholesterol test for HDL and LDL, triglycerides and glucose level, and blood pressure check for $10 (cash or check preferred). A prostate cancer screening for men will be available at no additional charge.
As a new incentive this year, all participants in the Ketchum screening this Saturday will receive a complimentary day pass to Zenergy, valid on either Saturday, April 21, or Sunday, April 22. The Zenergy day-pass certificates will be available at the screening registration desk.
People wishing to be tested must fast for at least eight hours, preferably 12, prior to testing. Drinking plenty of water is encouraged. Refreshments will be provided after blood tests are administered.
Screenings are available from 7 to 10 a.m., April 21, at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, 100 Saddle Road, in Ketchum. Appointments are not necessary.
For more information, call 727-8733.
ITD working on Ketchum stoplight
A recent malfunction with the underground traffic detection for a traffic signal at the intersection of Main and First streets in Ketchum has required a timing change there, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The signal remains in operation with a specific time allotted for traffic in each direction.
ITD personnel initiated the signal timing change on April 12. The signal will continue to operate by timing until a new system of traffic-detection cameras can be mounted from the signal poles in the coming weeks.
Drivers are urged to use caution through the intersection and watch for other drivers unaware of the signal changes.
In the past, the signal changed to allow traffic to cross from First Street following detection from an underground system of magnetic "loops" or wires placed in the asphalt roadway. The loops were installed with the signal in 1996 and lost connectivity with the signal control cabinet recently. Without the detection loops, traffic on First Street was not recognized by the control cabinet.
