Mike Shultz
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Articles by Mike Shultz
Bald Mountain has rich history in ski racing (copy)
Bald Mountain at Sun Valley and its world-renowned slopes have witnessed some of the greatest ski racers in history and looks to do so yet again in hosting the 2024 U.S. Alpine Championships. Each year, the U.S. Alpine Championships bring together top athletes from each division and many international athletes to compete for the highest honor in the nation for ski racing. Ski racing on Baldy has been a Sun Valley tradition since the inception of the resort.
Leveraging Sequence Stratigraphy to Accelerate Site Remediation: Pliocene Citronelle Formation, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA
Abstract At Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in the Florida Panhandle, a groundwater extraction and treatment system was installed to contain and remediate a chlorinated solvent plume. After two years of operation, the system was not removing the contaminant mass at the rate predicted or required to meet performance-based contract terms. As a result, a sequence-stratigraphic analysis was initiated to develop a strategy to improve performance.
Community School student wins scholarship drawing from Zions Bank
Hardworking middle school, junior high and high school students in Idaho are paid up to $1 per “A” on their 2022-2023 report cards from Zions Bank. These students are also entered for a chance to win scholarship savings accounts. The bank gives away 36 awards of $500 each and two $1,500 accounts each school year. This round, Sun Valley Community School student Ida Belle Gorby won the regional drawing for a $500 scholarship savings account from the bank’s scholarship program.
Job fair to be held May 10 at Wood River High School
The 2nd annual Blaine County Youth Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 10, from 2-5 p.m. at the Wood River High School Commons. Sponsored by The Chamber and Blaine County School District, the job fair is free and open to any interested students, businesses or nonprofits. The job fair is designed to offer local employers a chance to hire for needed positions and help students get summer jobs.
Journalist Caroline Fairchild named Community School's 2023 commencement speaker
Caroline Fairchild, an alumna of the Sun Valley Community School, will be the speaker for the school’s 2023 commencement ceremony on June 4. Fairchild, who graduated from the Community School in 2008, has had her work in journalism featured in Fortune, Bloomberg Businessweek, The New York Times, CNBC, CBS This Morning, CNN, Politico, Forbes, USA Today, HuffPost and Recode. “I am thrilled to return to Sun Valley Community School to serve as commencement speaker for the class of 2023,” she said.
Coaches earn accolades for Wood River
Wood River High School has earned Level 1 status in the National Federation of State High School Association’s honor roll—the first Idaho school to earn the designation. The association’s school honor roll is a national recognition program that promotes professional development for high school coaches by offering online education courses through the NFHS learning center.
Wood River High earns spot on national honor roll
Wood River High School has earned Level 1 status in the National Federation of State High School Association’s honor roll—the first Idaho school to earn the designation. The association’s school honor roll is a national recognition program that promotes professional development for high school coaches by offering online education courses through the NFHS learning center.
Mountain Rides suspends service at two stops in Hailey
Mountain Rides will no longer be serving the 3:30 p.m. southbound Valley Route at the Albertsons and the Fairfield Inn stops due to a number of reports of misconduct by Wood River Middle School students taking the bus after school, Mountain Ride’s Manager of Transit Operations Jamie Canfield told the Express. "Disrespectful" behavior by middle school-aged children led to the removal of the stops along the long-running route in April, Hailey Police Chief Steve England confirmed.
Early voting now open at county courthouse
Early voting is now open in Hailey ahead of the May 16 elections. Early voting takes place on the first floor of the Old Blaine County Courthouse Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last day for early voting for the May 2023 election is May 12, the Friday before polls open on Election Day. In order to vote, voters must either present a photo ID or sign a personal identification affidavit.
Blaine County boasts only all-women county commission in Idaho
The Blaine County Board of Commissioners will now feature an all-women leadership team with the appointment of Lindsay Mollineaux to the board—the only all-female county commission in Idaho. The all-female leadership is the second in Idaho history, after Canyon County elected an all-women board in 2021. Currently, leadership in Caldwell now includes two male commissioners, making Blaine County the only all-female cast in the state of Idaho.
Clint and Michelle Stennett Social set for May 5
Tickets for the annual Clint and Michelle Stennett Social are now available. The event will be held at The Argyros in Ketchum at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 5. This year, the Blaine County Democrats will be celebrating with Cinco de Mayo-themed hors d’oeuvres with Democratic representatives and local donors. The event will support the Blaine County Democrats. A scheduled special guest is TikTok creator “Socialistly Awkward,” who will keynote the event with commentary on this year’s legislative session.
New Blaine County Commissioner Lindsay Mollineaux takes seat
Blaine County’s new county commissioner, Lindsay Mollineaux, officially joined fellow Commissioners Angenie McCleary and Muffy Davis on Tuesday. The Blaine County Democrats submitted to Idaho Gov. Brad Little three nominees to fill the south-county seat on the Blaine County Board of County Commissioners, which was vacant following the death of Commissioner Dick Fosbury on March 12.
Blaine County to implement new emergency alert system
Blaine County announced it has launched a new emergency alert capability that will permit police, fire and other emergency officials to send integrated public alert warnings. These alerts will include wireless emergency communications without requiring users to opt-in or subscribe to the service.
Mountain Humane puts dogs on the trail to meet their forever families
The Mountain Humane animal shelter’s “Hikin’ Buddies” program aims to give shelter dogs a new lease on life this summer. The Hikin’ Buddies program—in which adoptable shelter dogs can be walked, petted and socialized with—will be conducted every Wednesday of the month starting June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Adams Gulch Trailhead near Ketchum.
Young SVSEF snowboarders impress at USASA Nationals
Nine riders from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation snowboard team qualified for the 2023 USASA National Championships March 31-April 6 at Copper Mountain, Colorado. This event was the first experience at nationals for all the athletes except Naomi Gorringe, and the team had two-time Olympian and SVSEF snowboard team alumnus Chase Josey along in a coaching capacity.
School District seeking new committee members
The Blaine County School District board of trustees is looking for new members to serve on its board advisory committees. The committees work with nearly all aspects of the School District and make recommendations to the board throughout the school year. The district is currently looking to fill openings on the Calendar Committee, Finance Committee, Policy Committee and Curriculum Committee.
Potential county commissioners share their perspectives on the position
The Blaine County Democrats have submitted to Idaho Gov. Brad Little three nominees to fill the south-county seat on the Blaine County Board of County Commissioners, which is vacant following the death of Commissioner Dick Fosbury on March 12. The three nominees are Bellevue Mayor Kathryn Goldman, Blaine County HR Generalist Justin Highhouse and Environmental Resource Center Executive Director Lindsay Mollineaux, Blaine County Democrats Chair Pedro Manuel Miramontes Ortiz told the Express.
Capitol Roundup: District 26 Legislators reflect on 'objectively terrible' session
"Disappointing." "Disheartening." "Objectively terrible." That's how District 26 lawmakers described the state's 2023 legislative session, which adjourned Thursday after 88 days in the Statehouse. “This session was objectively terrible,” Rep. Ned Burns, D-Bellevue, said last Friday. “We did terrible things for the people of Idaho on a weekly basis, and hopefully the governor reads all the legislation we passed very carefully, and I hope ... we see 25-30 vetoes on the governor’s desk.
Valley outfitters holding fishing camps for summer 2023
Lost River Outfitters’ fishing camp Lost River Outfitters’ kids fishing camp is now in its 20th season. The fishing camp takes place from the middle of June through Sept. 1 and is held as a single-day, four-hour session for kids ages 7-13 years old. There are also more advanced camps available for avid young fishers, and the special camps can be held anytime with a minimum of three participants.
Mountain Humane holding Hikin' Buddies program for the summer
The Mountain Humane animal shelter’s Hikin’ Buddies program is back for summer 2023. The Hikin’ Buddies program, in which adoptable shelter dogs can be walked, petted and socialized with, will be held every Wednesday of the month starting June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Adams Gulch Trailhead near Ketchum.
Spirit N' Motion looks to keeps kids active
Spirit N’ Motion Athletic School in Hailey is holding weeklong summer camps from June 6-Aug. 19. The school offers full gymnastics programs at their state-of-the-art facility that features a 7,500-square-foot spring floor. According to the organization, the camps look to develop skills physically, mentally, emotionally and morally. The program also looks to help kids develop respect, sportsmanship, self-esteem building and leadership skills during their summer break.
Bloom Truck rolls into its seventh year of service
The Hunger Coalition and The Community Library will continue their collaboration to deliver books and healthy foods for kids all across the Wood River Valley this year. The result of that partnership, the Bloom Truck, provides students nutritious food options and access to books during their summer vacations.
Carey halts development over sewer line damage
Citing damage to a sewer line, the Carey City Council on March 20 approved and adopted an emergency development moratorium halting the processing and approval of all building permit applications or development applications with sewer connections or components within the city. Effective immediately, the moratorium will last for 182 days from signing, or earlier if the City Council deems the situation resolved.
Blaine County Democrats nominate three for open commissioner seat
The Blaine County Democrats have submitted to Idaho Gov. Brad Little three nominees to fill the south-county seat on the Blaine County Board of County Commissioners, which is vacant following the death of Commissioner Dick Fosbury on March 12. Little is expected to appoint one of the nominees to the board in the coming days.
Gov. Little honors Dick Fosbury with gubernatorial proclamation
Blaine County Commissioner and Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury, who passed away on March 12 after a recurrence of lymphoma, was honored by Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday with a gubernatorial proclamation establishing March 27 as "Richard 'Dick' Fosbury Day." Fosbury—a longtime resident of the Bellevue Triangle in southern Blaine County—was in the middle of his second term as a Blaine County commissioner as a Democrat.
Bald Mountain has rich history in ski racing
Bald Mountain at Sun Valley and its world-renowned slopes have witnessed some of the greatest ski racers in history and looks to do so yet again in hosting of the 2023 and 2024 U.S. Alpine Championships. Each year, the U.S. National Championships bring together top athletes from each division and many international athletes to compete for the highest honor in the nation for ski racing. Ski racing on Baldy has been a Sun Valley tradition since the inception of the resort.
Juli Webb, who changed skiing at Sun Valley, earns spot in Hall of Fame
Longtime Sun Valley ski instructor Juli Webb solidified a distinguished career with her induction into the Northwest Ski Museum and Hall of Fame last year, an honor given to only a handful of recipients each year. Her induction capped off a trailblazing career of breaking barriers and rewriting the rules on how women participate in the sport of skiing at Sun Valley.
Camp Invention coming to Hailey Elementary
Camp Invention, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, is coming to Hailey Elementary School the week of Aug. 14-17. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children entering kindergarten through sixth grade to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curricula inspired by some of the world's prominent inventors, according to a press release from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which sponsors the program.
Legislature passes long-awaited property tax bill
A property tax relief bill was passed by the Idaho Senate on March 22 by a vote of 32-3 and as of Tuesday awaited Gov. Brad Little’s signature. The bill was initiated in the House, where it was passed on March 14. House Bill 292 would provide immediate and long-term property tax relief to all property taxpayers in Idaho—up to $355 million worth during the first year, according to the bill’s statement of purpose.
Capitol Roundup: Legislature addresses vouchers, Medicaid and 'Idaho Launch'
Private school funding denied Though it found support from District 26 legislators, a bill that could have been a first step toward some state funding of private schools was shot down 27-43 in the Idaho House of Representatives. House Bill 339 was part of an ongoing debate in the Legislature on the matter of funding for private schools.
Soldier Mountain to open 2 extra days this season
Soldier Mountain will be open two extra Saturdays this ski season. The mountain near Fairfield will be open April 1 and April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., days that were not originally on the schedule. "Soldier Mountain has more than 70 inches at mid-mountain and more than 80 inches at the top, with 10 to 15 inches of additional snow in the forecast," General Manager Paul Alden said.
Karma Metzler Fitzgerald selected as 'afterschool ambassador'
Former District 26 candidate state House of Representatives Karma Metzler Fitzgerald was selected this month as a 2023 “Afterschool Ambassador” for the national Afterschool Alliance. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization that advocates for expanding affordable, quality afterschool programs and increasing public and private investments in afterschool programs for children.
BCSD trustees continue early release debate
At its regular monthly meeting last week, the board revised its original plan for early release to accommodate Wood River Middle School students who use Mountain Rides to get to school. As of now, the majority of the board is still committed to the concept of early release, but will continue to make adjustments to minimize impact on working families in the district before finalizing a plan. The only change from the schedule presented in February involved Wood River Middle School.
Blair Gun brings Southern California sound to Sun Valley
The Sun Valley Film Festival will honor more than a dozen special guests at the 2023 Film Festival Awards Bash featuring stars, dancing and free-flowing Stella Artois at Whiskey’s in downtown Ketchum. Fresh off their new album “Blaspheme Queen,” indie rockers Blair Gun look to break out from the San Diego music scene with a tour of the West. The tour finds its way to the Sun Valley Film Festival Awards Bash on April 1.
County completes payment to Flying Heart Ranch, looks to put settlement in the past
In January, Blaine County finalized an agreement with the Flying Heart Ranch Owners Association regarding public access to fishermen’s easements within Flying Heart Ranch. As part of the deal, this month the county cut a $5,000 check to the homeowners association to cover cleanup costs on site. Trout Unlimited will reimburse the county, officials said.
Democrats seek applicants for new county commissioner
The Blaine County Democratic Party is accepting applications from registered Democrats for District 1 county commissioner, to replace Commissioner Dick Fosbury, who died on Sunday. The party must submit three candidates to the governor, who will appoint one of the candidates.
School board expands 'grow your own' program
The Blaine County School District board of trustees is looking to expand on successes from the district’s “grow your own” program, which began last year. The program helps staff acquire bachelor’s, master’s or technical degrees with the goal of retaining local employees and providing them with the necessary credentials to stay in the area, or to transition to full-time teaching roles.
County commissioners look to tap into money from national opioid litigation
The Blaine County commissioners have taken the first step toward participating in a nationwide litigation settlement with opioid manufactures and distributers. On March 7, the commissioners approved a participation agreement with the Idaho Attorney General’s office to collect a still unknown amount of money. By doing so, the county will be considered for receiving these funds. The allotted money is expected to begin coming into the county’s coffers within the next few months.
Dick Fosbury, acclaimed athlete and public servant with a ‘heart of gold,’ dies at 76
Blaine County Commissioner and Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury—who revolutionized the high jump in the 1960s—died Sunday after a recurrence of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. He was 76 years old. Fosbury—a longtime resident of the Bellevue Triangle in southern Blaine County—was in the middle of his second term as a Blaine County commissioner. On Monday, fellow Commissioner Muffy Davis lamented Fosbury’s passing in Salt Lake City. “We are devastated here at the county,” Davis said.
Capitol Roundup: District 26 legislators sound off on child care, militias and drag shows
The Idaho Legislature removed $38 million from state budgets for the fiscal year that would have gone to child care. After making the cuts, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to approve several budgets for the Department of Health and Welfare. The budgets now go before the House and Senate. House Minority Caucus Chair Ned Burns, D-Bellevue, and Rep. Jack Nelsen, R-Jerome, agreed that this issue is pressing for working families looking for child care.
Idaho Senate sees bills on marriage licenses, adoption and funding for career centers
The Idaho Senate has passed a bill to allow non-Idaho-resident families to adopt children from foster care. “This bill will make adoptions easier for our state,” said District 26 Sen. Ron Taylor, D-Hailey. “That was a huge bill coming through our [Health and Welfare] committee.” Currently, a family can only petition a court for adoption in Idaho if they reside in and maintain a dwelling in Idaho for six consecutive months.
County commissioners approve resolution to create 'impact fee advisory board'
The Blaine County commissioners last week unanimously approved a resolution that establishes an advisory committee that will oversee the collection development impact fees. Municipalities can assess impact fees on developers to pay for infrastructure improvements that must be added due to new construction and associated growth.
Capitol Roundup: House passes loan repayment plan for nurses, kills library bill
Rep. Ned Burns, D-Bellevue, along with the House’s Health and Wellness Committee, advanced a rural nursing loan repayment program that aims to entice nurses to commit to practicing in rural Idaho. “If a nurse goes through school and becomes a licensed RN, and works in a rural hospital, we are going to provide some loan forgiveness for them,” Burns said.
Classic staples make a comeback
There’s no doubt that 2022 was an enormous year for weddings. Millions of couples who delayed or outright cancelled their wedding plans during the COVID-19 pandemic decided to tie the knot after pandemic restrictions fell away. As case-counts dropped, weddings came back on a nearly unprecedented scale. As many as 2.5 million weddings took place last year, according to a sample collected by The New York Times, up from 2.2 million in 2019, the year before the pandemic began.
Idaho DEQ approves $107,000 for assessments to water system upgrades
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced grant awards totaling $107,700 to five drinking water and wastewater systems statewide to help the facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades, as part of Gov. Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” plan. Starweather Owners Association in Blaine County was awarded $25,700 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements.
SVSEF looking for volunteers for alpine championships
The U.S. Alpine National Championships are returning to Sun Valley for the third time in seven years. Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is seeking nearly 200 volunteers to support the event between March 31 and April 5 across a wide spectrum of positions. “We are honored that our community has the opportunity to host another U.S. Alpine National Championships,” Wally Rothgeb, chairman of the organizing committee for the U.S. Alpine Championships said.
Proposed legislation takes aim at fentanyl in Idaho
Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, and Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, introduced two bills to the House floor Tuesday that would add fentanyl to the list of drugs covered by minimum sentencing law, but tighten requirements for drug trafficking charges and allow judges more discretion in applying minimum sentences.
Wood River's 2023 Senior Bash seeks donations, volunteers
Wood River High School will host its annual Senior Bash for the class of 2023 on June 9, and it is seeking donations for goods and services for prizes for graduates. Now spanning more than two decades, this event hosts all Blaine County School District senior graduates from Wood River High School, Carey High School and Silver Creek High School for a safe and sober evening that is community-supported and volunteer-run.
BCSD sees growth in graduation rates, state testing
The Blaine County School District’s four-year graduation rate has outperformed pre-COVID rates and Idaho state averages, according to new data reported to the school board in February. The graduation rate for all BCSD students was higher for the 2021-22 cohort than the 2020-21 cohort.
Capitol Roundup: Vaccines, EMS, property tax-and rattlesnakes
The District 26 House representatives weighed in last week on proposed legislation that, if passed, would outlaw the administering of vaccines that use mRNA technology. The bill would ban already FDA-approved mRNA vaccines, which include COVID-19 vaccines. According to the draft, anyone who provides such vaccines would be guilty of a misdemeanor. The proposed bill was introduced by Republican Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Boise, on Feb. 15, and was referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee on Feb.
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