Chamber - Hailey Idaho Chamber of Commerce

Chamber
The
membership directory and community guide
DISCOVER THE
WOOD RIVER VALLEY
EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
LEISURE AND RECREATION
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
40
Celebrating
Years
Supporting our residential
and commercial real estate
community since 1976.
Contact a REALTOR® today!
www.sunvalleyrealtors.org
P.O. Box 1937 / 200 E. River St., #2 / Ketchum, ID 83340 / (208) 726-7764
2 2 THE
THE
CHAMBER
CHAMBER
GUIDE
GUIDE
2016
2016
Can we
Please
go to
5B paws
N Claws?
• Self-Service Doggie Wash
• Dog + Cat Supplies + Toys
• Premium Natural Food + Treats
208.788.7888 • 131 N. Main St., Hailey
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
3
IDAHO
LUMBER
Chamber
The
& HARDWARE
PUBLISHER
CENTERLYNE Design, LLC
WE KNOW
LUMBER
MANAGING PARTNERS
Sarah Shepard
[email protected]
Nancy Glick
[email protected]
EDITOR
Nancy Glick
COPY EDITOR
Danni Dean
ART DIRECTOR
Nancy Glick
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Carson Johnston
Nancy Glick
All the tools, products and
expert advice you need
for your next project.
Big or small, we can
help with it all.
CONTRIBUTORS
Dev Khalsa
Carol Waller
Paul Kenny
Mike McKenna
Chris Millspaugh
David Stilwill
Danni Dean
Jeff Bacon
Joan Davies
Jennifer Stahl
Richard Stahl
ADVERTISING
Steve Johnston
[email protected]
Nancy Glick
[email protected]
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
CENTERLYNE is a boutique web and graphic design firm
that has partnered with the Hailey Chamber of Commerce
to develop this annual community guide for its members,
community and visitors.
921 Airport Way, Hailey
208-788-3333
www.idlumber.com
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THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
ON THE COVER
Todd Kaplan, www.toddkaplanphotographics.com, winner of
the 2014 Wood River Land Trust’s Heart of the Valley photo
contest. Learn more about the Heart of the Valley contest at
www.woodriverlandtrust.org.
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65
36
24
Chamber
The
2016 COMMUNITY GUIDE &
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
6
Letter from the President
8
Welcome to the Wood River Valley.
Need to Know Numbers
Local Resources.
10 Chamber Contacts
Chamber Board and Staff.
11 Area Maps
Hailey and the Wood River Valley.
14 A Local’s Story
Tales of a Wood River Wanderer.
18 Education
The Education Equation.
24 Healthcare
World-Class Healthcare Right Here at Home.
28 Sustainability
Sustainability Takes Center Stage.
35 History
Lead, Gold and Silver—Oh My.
36 Calendar of Events
Small Town, Big Events!
45 Lodging
It’s Okay to Rest.
47 Membership Benefits
What’s in a Membership.
52 Dining
The Food Scene.
54 Camping
Blessings of the Wild.
55 Campion Ice House
Community Pride and Vision.
56 Real Estate
A Good Investment in Life.
62 Recreation
A Little Bit of Paradise.
66 Retirement
Encore Living.
68 Economy
The Wood River Valley & What Makes Us Tick.
70 Idaho Lumber
A Whole New Meaning for Idaho Lumber.
74 Day Trips
A Few Places We Think Are Out of This World.
80 Member Directory
Get to Know Your Neighbors, and Much More!
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
5
WELCOME TO
THE CHAMBER
The Hailey Chamber of
Commerce is proud to bring
you the first publication of
The Chamber, a community
guide and membership
directory highlighting the
many things we love in and
around the Wood River Valley.
PHOTO BY DEV KHALSA
O
ur mission is to partner with our member businesses and
organizations to promote the growth and development of
Hailey and the greater Wood River Valley area. We accomplish this by marketing local events, hosting regular networking opportunities for our members, offering workshops and
seminars, and providing information to the public about this very
special community.
We created this guide in response to the thousands of inquiries
we receive each year about our member businesses, our local events,
and the numerous cultural, educational and recreational offerings
across the valley. Many who reach out to us are planning to visit or
move to the Wood River Valley, and we are always pleased to provide information that makes one’s vacation—or relocation—more
informed and enjoyable.
Hailey is a place where people are connected to the land and the
extraordinary natural resources that surround us. Located just nine
miles south of Ketchum and Sun Valley, Hailey offers a charming
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THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
small-town atmosphere with access to some of the finest recreational
and cultural opportunities available anywhere.
The Chamber’s member businesses are as varied and unique as
the wildflowers that adorn our hillsides in the spring. You’ll find
that they offer a full range of goods and services combined with
helpful and personal service. We welcome you to our valley and our
community!
Sincerely,
Richard E. Stahl
President, Hailey Chamber of Commerce
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PYTHAGORAS,
WE COVER
ALL THE
ANGLES
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3940 Glenbrook Drive
Hailey, ID 83333
208-788-3456
powereng.com
NEED TO KNOW NUMBERS
RELOCATION/VISITOR INFORMATION
Hailey Chamber of Commerce...................... (208) 788-3484
Blaine County DMV..................................... (208) 788-5565
EMERGENCY
Ambulance/Police/Sheriff/Fire....................... 911
Poison Control............................................... (800) 222-1222
NON-EMERGENCY
Bellevue Fire Department.............................. (208) 788-9277
Bellevue Police Department........................... (208) 788-3692
Hailey Fire Department................................. (208) 788-3147
Hailey Police Department.............................. (208) 788-3531
Ketchum Fire Department............................. (208) 726-7805
Ketchum Police Department......................... (208) 726-7819
Sun Valley Fire Department.......................... (208) 622-8234
Sun Valley Police Department....................... (208) 622-5345
Wood River Fire & Rescue............................ (208) 622-4438
Blaine County Sheriff.................................... (208) 788-5555
Blaine County Courthouse............................ (208) 788-5521
TRANSPORTATION
Air Travel
Friedman Memorial Airport (FMA).............. (208) 788-4956
Automobile Travel
AAA (Emergency Road Service).................... (800) 222-4357
Bus Travel
Sun Valley Express......................................... (877) 622-8267
Local Transit
Mountain Rides Transportation Authority.... (208) 788-7433
Taxis
A-1 Taxi......................................................... (208) 726-9351
Airport Cab Company................................... (208) 481-2119
Miller’s Limo & Shuttle Service..................... (208) 720-3861
Mountain Resort Services.............................. (999) 594-9113
GOVERNMENT
Blaine County Animal Control..................... (208) 578-5555
Bellevue City Hall......................................... (208) 788-2128
Hailey City Hall............................................ (208) 788-4221
Ketchum City Hall........................................ (208) 726-3841
Sun Valley City Hall...................................... (208) 622-4438
Blaine County Recreation District................. (208) 578-2273
Passport Information..................................... (208) 788-5505
GREAT RESOURCES
TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT THE WRV
Hailey Chamber of
Commerce
haileyidaho.com
781 S. Main Street
Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 788-3484
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THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
VEHICLE REGISTRATION/
DRIVER’S LICENSE
UTILITIES
Electric
Idaho Power................................................... (800) 488-6151
Gas
Intermountain Gas........................................ (208) 578-7000
Water & Sewer
Bellevue Water & Sewer................................ (208) 788-2128
Hailey Water & Sewer District...................... (208) 788-4221
Ketchum Water & Sewer District.................. (208) 726-7825
Recycling
Blaine County Resource Recycling Center
5B Recycles.................................................... (208) 788-0880
Clear Creek Disposal..................................... (208) 726-9600
Ohio Gulch Transfer Station......................... (208) 788-2351
CABLE/SATELLITE
CenturyLink/DirecTV.................................. (855) 535-5270
Cox Communications.................................... (208) 726-4561
POPULATION (2010)
City of Bellevue............................................................... 2,287
City of Hailey...................................................................7,960
City of Ketchum.............................................................. 2,689
City of Sun Valley............................................................ 1,406
Blaine County.................................................................21,376
SIZE
City of Bellevue...................................................... 1.51 sq. mi.
City of Hailey......................................................... 3.65 sq. mi.
City of Ketchum..................................................... 3.08 sq. mi.
City of Sun Valley................................................... 9.89 sq. mi.
Blaine County........................................................2,661 sq. mi.
WEATHER
Avg. Summer High/Low................................................ 81°/45°
Avg. Winter High/Low....................................................31°/8°
Avg. Precipitation................................................... 17.96 inches
Avg. Snowfall............................................................113 inches
Avg. Sunshine Days............................................................ 205
City of Hailey
haileycityhall.org
115 S. Main Street, Ste. H
Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 788-4221
Blaine County, Idaho
co.blaine.id.us
206 1st Avenue South
Hailey, ID 83333
City of Bellevue
bellevueidaho.us
115 E. Pine St.
Bellevue, ID 83313
(208) 788-2128
Visit Sun Valley
visitsunvalley.com
491 Sun Valley Road
Ketchum, ID 83340
(800) 634-3347
City of Ketchum
ketchumidaho.org
480 East Avenue North
Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-3841
City of Sun Valley
sunvalley.govoffice.com
81 Elkhorn Road
Sun Valley, ID 83353
(208) 622-4438
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!
ifly
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Fly SUN.
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ONE STOP TO THE WORLD.
Whether you travel for work or adventure, check SUN fares first.
HAILEY RANKED #1 OF TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL,
CHARMING SMALL TOWNS IN IDAHO.
The accolades for Hailey keep
rolling in! Most recently, Hailey was
recognized as #1 of Top 10 most
beautiful, charming small towns in
Idaho! “Voted as one of America’s
top 50 small towns, Hailey is
bursting at the saddle seams with
beauty and rural je ne sais quoi.”
CHAMBER CONTACTS
—Jennifer Brooks, Only In Your State
10
CHAMBER STAFF
Top 10
Small Towns
2014
Hailey, ID
Pat Bowton, Operations Director
[email protected]
Administration, Marketing, Accounting
John Blackman
Blaine County School District
[email protected]
Julie Gates, Visitor/Member Services
[email protected]
Visitor Services, Website, Social Media, eNews
Patrick Buchanan
State Farm Insurance
[email protected]
Jeff Bacon, Membership Director
[email protected]
Member Services, Chamber News, I Love Hailey Blog
Erin Crawford
Sawtooth Equine Services
[email protected]
President: Richard Stahl
[email protected]
Stacey Doby
Director of Physicians Services & Clinics
St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center
[email protected]
Vice President: Chris Roebuck
Christopher & Co.
[email protected]
Andy Hawley
Hawley Graphics
[email protected]
Past President: Debra Hall
Hallmark Idaho Properties
[email protected]
Mike McKenna
Wood River Land Trust
[email protected]
Secretary: Vaelene Bryant
Zions Bank
[email protected]
Esmeralda Palomera
Washington Federal Bank
[email protected]
Treasurer: Sandi Viau
S L Viau, MBA, CPA
[email protected]
Sheri Thomas
Boulder Mountain Property Management
[email protected]
CHAMBER BOARD
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
AREA MAPS
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
11
AREA MAPS
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THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
REAL ESTATE - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - CONSTRUCTION
17 East Bullion - Hailey, Idaho 83333
Please welcome
our new agents!
Carl Johnston
720-9081
[email protected]
Heather Johnston
720-9082
[email protected]
Shari Avery
720-4657
[email protected]
BIG OR SMALL, WE SELL THEM ALL!
John Heinrich
720-0838
[email protected]
Debra Hall 720-4181
BROKER/OWNER
Bob Hall 720-4335
CONTRACTOR/OWNER
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.hallmarkidahoproperties.com
208-928-SOLD (7653)
Terri Kyle
720-0642
[email protected]
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
13
Enjoying a life worth living on the lawn at
Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Hailey.
TALES OF A
WOOD RIVER WANDERER
If you moved here for the winter and stayed for the summer,
you wouldn’t be the first.
BY CHRIS MILLSPAUGH T
PHOTO BY DEV KHALSA
he saying goes, “I came to visit for a weekend and ended
up staying all of my life.” That’s what happened to a lot of
people who’ve ended up in the Wood River Valley over the
years—including me.
I arrived here in the spring of 1974 with my wife
and two sons in a 1961 Ford Econoline van with carpeted bumpers. (I didn’t want to hurt anyone.) We
were both U.S. Air Force veterans who had elected
to make a living as entertainers rather than going the
traditional 9-to-5 route. We got popular in Houston, Texas and finally made it to “the mecca”—Las
Vegas. After our engagements there were over, we
sat down to contemplate our next move. (Actually,
we threw a dart at a map and it landed on Challis,
Idaho.) Okay, we thought. Is there someplace interesting nearby? What about that ski resort called Sun
Valley? Although neither one of us could ski, we were
ready for a fresh start, so off we went to live in the
mountains.
washer, a cook, a bartender in addition to playing weekend gigs at
The Holiday Inn, The Alpine Saloon in Ketchum, The Muleshoe in
Hailey and Sam’s Club in Bellevue. Soon, we had rented a house
and acquired quite a number of friends who guided us
through the first three years until we officially attained
the status of “locals.” (That was the generally accepted
I have never
rule of thumb for becoming accepted in the Wood
had so much fun
River Valley.)
in my life as just
being a part of this
great community.
You can try your
hand at anything
you ever dreamed
of doing, even
things you didn’t
know existed.
We drove around the area for a while in the drizzling rain, staring at the mountains and the small
towns nestled among the trees. “We love it!” we said.
But now, how would we make it work? “Let’s get jobs and play
music on the side!” A brilliant idea, and we soon discovered we
weren’t alone in our approach. Many other folks were doing the
same thing. I became an office supply salesman, a writer, a dish14
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
At times, it was difficult. During our first winter
we endured minus-30-degree weather conditions—
you know, when your toilet freezes and the thought of
burning the living room furniture seems like a pretty
good idea. With the help of our new friends, we made
it through to our second summer. When the sun rose
in the morning on the mountains, we found it was all
worth the effort. We were living in the most beautiful
place in all the world and we were having fun. What’s
the matter with that?
If you’ve decided to live in the mountains and are
thinking of moving here, let me tell you that you can
do it no matter your situation or your living status.
You must only keep an open mind, adapt to the environment and be willing to accept things the way they are. Man
or woman, rich or poor, married or single, liberal or conservative,
healthy or infirmed, there’s a place for you here if you jump into
the mountain lifestyle wholeheartedly. In three years’ time, you’ll
become a “local,” too, and gratefully accept this badge of honor.
You’ll learn skills you never knew you wanted and your mind will
expand and soar with wonder.
!
E
G
A
L
L
I
AV
S
E
K
A
T
IT
Come join our family of
community-minded
volunteers and donors.
Yes, you’ll love this place and you’ll love the people, as well.
You’ll find that we’re all in this together one harsh winter day when
you’ve driven into a ditch and someone you hardly know stops and
pulls you out, asking for nothing in return. Or, when you have to
run to a meeting but you have a bunch of kids you cannot leave and
your neighbor says, “Bring them over here. I’ll watch them like my
own.” Or, when a forest fire crests Mount Baldy and you fear losing
all of your possessions, kind folks come by and load your valuables
in their trucks and store them in their garages in the next town out
of danger. Or, if you come upon hard times, are ill or injured and
can’t work, these same locals will throw a benefit for you to help you
pay the rent. They’ll celebrate your birthday, your kids’ birthdays,
your successes, your milestones and will be genuinely happy for you.
Soon, you’ll be doing for others as they have done for you. Friends
and families are the great assets up here and strong bonds between
people are quickly formed. Helping others will
make you feeL GREAT!
208.788.0121
WWW.THEHUNGERCOALITION.ORG
Providing a variety of options
for healthy living.
Nutritional Supplements
Chinese Herbs • Specialty Teas • Bulk Herbs
Homeopathy
Personal and Beauty Care Products
Healthy Snacks Grab-and-Go
Open Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 11-4
101 Bullion St E • Suite 1E • Hailey
208-788-4485
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THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
I have never had so much fun in my life as just being a part
of this great community. You can try your hand at anything you
ever dreamed of doing, even things you didn’t know existed. At
various times I’ve been a humor columnist, a radio disc jockey with
my own soap opera five days a week, a producer of a live weekly
comedy show, an announcer at the Wagon Days Big Hitch Parade
(the largest non-motorized parade in the country) and the Trailing of the Sheep parade, wrote three books, became an historian at
The Community Library and a maven on Ernest Hemingway’s life,
played music in almost every bar in three towns, sold firewood and
Christmas tree permits and mapped out wilderness trips for tourists
at the Sawtooth National Recreational Area Headquarters visitor
center. I found ways to make a living up here so that I could stay.
You, too, can enjoy this wonderful mountain life whether you’re a
novice carpenter or a full-fledged movie star.
What does the future hold for the Wood River Valley? A bustling economy, a thriving airport dedicated to bringing more travel
opportunities to the area, a shopping mall in the south county and
perhaps even passenger walkways built over the streets. Businesses,
bars and restaurants come and go, but there’s always opportunity for
those with new ideas and a new plan. Maybe you’ll have the answer.
We’re not alone anymore. First-rate entertainers perform here
and elite athletes compete at world-class sporting events. Visitors
are flocking in after another successful winter season. Maybe you’ll
be one of those visitors. Should you decide to stay, I’ll be here to
welcome you (and pull you out of the ditch if you need it.) TC
PHOTOS: RAY GADD
Tara Hoff Matteson
• 208.788.4046 •
tarabellaflowers.com
Be “Boulder” This Year
Boulder Mountain Collection c
Exclusively at C & Co.
Main Street North, Hailey / 208.788.1123
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
17
THE EDUCATION E
EQUATION
ducation is a big part of the equation that makes life in and
around Hailey so special and culturally rich, and it’s a big
reason so many of us are happy to call this place home.
“We have a very active, supportive and involved community when it comes to education,” says Heather Crocker, the director
of communications for the Blaine County School District. “People
have high expectations and they should.”
A place known for being a
playground prides itself on
its school systems.
BY MIKE MCKENNA
PHOTO BY JULIE ZIMMERMAN
Above: The Sage School during Community Action,
collecting sage seed for Idaho Fish and Game as part of
their post-wildfire restoration efforts. Weekly in-school
community service projects supplement The Sage School's
curricular focus on human ecology and support its mission
to design programming that promotes student self-awareness,
community responsibility and sense of place.
18
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
The real strength of local education is the wide variety of options.
The area is not just home to one of the best public school systems in
the state, it’s also home to some of the finest private schools in the
Northwest. With Hailey being such a family-focused community,
there are also loads of great preschool options.
The Blaine County School District (BCSD) serves over 3,300
students from kindergarten through high school, including a handful of elementary schools, one middle school and three high schools.
With schools that serve the farming community of Carey, the bedroom communities of Bellevue and Hailey, and the resort towns of
Ketchum and Sun Valley, the BCSD has a wide variety of needs to
fill, and takes pride in fulfilling them.
“Our mission for every single student is to have them feeling
inspired and engaged,” Heather said. And it’s working.
Graduation rates at Wood River High School are well above
national averages and its considered one of the top five high schools
in Idaho. The middle and elementary schools are also some of the
best in the Gem State.
Heather explained that there are many reasons for the success of
students in Blaine County. It starts with smaller class sizes; a maxi-
mum of 20 for K–2 and 25 from 3–12. The school district is also
strongly committed to early education, offering a preschool program
at Hailey Elementary.
“There are plenty of
choices here. We have
opportunities for
success for every single
kid that walks through
the door regardless of
where they’re from.”
– Heather Crocker, BCSD
The BSCD also offers an impressive and wide variety of programs
that include everything from art,
music, technology and physical education to special education needs and
a variety of AP and college-credit
options.
YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS,
WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR CARS.
There is also great community
support, as the BCSD teams up
with 40 local groups, such as the
Sun Valley Center for the Arts, the
Sun Valley Summer Symphony, and
the Wood River Land Trust, to help
improve the lives and educations of
the students.
Community School, in the town of Sun Valley, first opened in
1973 and has been sending difference-makers out into the world
ever since. The mission of the private school is to provide a dynamic
academic environment for students from pre-kindergarten through
high school.
The school takes pride in not only helping its few hundred students gain the skills and knowledge to be successful in life, but also
guides them to become life-long learners who will lead impactful
and purposeful lives.
Passionate about cars and our customers.
208.578.2323 • www.svautoclub.com
1930 Electra Lane • Hailey, Idaho • 83333
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
19
CSI BLAINE COUNTY
COMMUNITY CAMPUS
1050 Fox Acres Rd., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 788–2033
www.offcampus.csi.edu
WOOD RIVER HIGH SCHOOL
1250 Fox Acres Dr., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578–5020
www.woodriverhs.blaineschools.org
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
1 Community School Dr., Sun Valley, ID 83353
(208) 622–3955
www.communityschool.org
SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
1060 Fox Acres Rd., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578–5060
www.schs.blaineschools.org
CAREY PUBLIC SCHOOL
20 Panther Ln., Carey, ID 83320
(208) 578–5040
www.careyk12.blaineschools.org
SYRINGA MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
4021 Glenbrook Dr., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 806-2880
www.syringamountainschool.org
One of Community School’s former teachers, Harry Weekes, is
the founder of The Sage School. Harry decided to found the private
school for the same reason his parents originally helped found Community School—he felt there was a need and a place for a different
kind of education.
Before starting The Sage School in 2009, Harry spent two
decades teaching and researching topics ranging from how the
environment enhances learning, to brain development, and
wanted to continue his work, as he jokes, as an “aspiring adolescent
anthropologist.”
The small alternative high school and middle school has continued to grow. Starting with just 16 students, the school now has
nearly 100. The students at the private day school are well known
and very active within the community, which is part of its mission.
The Sage School has partnerships with a couple dozen local, primarily nonprofit, organizations, and the rather unique campus even
includes an attached greenhouse.
HAILEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For younger students in search of a more outdoor and naturefocused education, Hailey is also home to the Syringa Mountain
School. The public charter school provides a rigorous, arts-integrated
curriculum inspired by Waldorf education in the public school setting. Class sizes for the kindergarten through-sixth-grade elementary
school are held to just 25 students each, and their campus includes
a biodynamic garden and a menagerie of animals including sheep,
chickens and horses.
THE SAGE SCHOOL
On the other end of the education spectrum, Hailey is also
proud to be home to the Blaine County branch of the College of
Southern Idaho (CSI). Now in its third decade, CSI offers collegecredit courses as well as a wide variety of adult enrichment classes.
WOOD RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
900 Second Ave. N., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578–5030
www.woodriverms.blaineschools.org
520 First Ave. S., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578–5070
www.hes.blaineschools.org
1451 Aviation Dr., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 788–0120
www.thesageschool.org
ALTURAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1111 Alturas Elementary Ln., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578–5090
www.aes.blaineschools.org
CSI provides quality educational, social, cultural, economic and
workforce development opportunities that meet the diverse needs of
the community it serves. The original home campus was founded
in Twin Falls in 1960. Thanks to the impassioned efforts of locals,
CSI opened a branch in Hailey in 1985 that has been a huge asset
to the community ever since.
MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
“It brings joy and satisfaction listening to the many stories of
success the programs have helped to accomplish,” wrote Joan
Davies, the school’s former program director, in honor of CSI’s 30th
anniversary.
BELLEVUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
From preschool through college, offering some of the best public
education in the state and finest private schools in the West, it’s
obvious that education is a very important part of life in Hailey
and Blaine County.
100 Mustang Ln., Bellevue, ID 83313
(208) 788–3170
www.themountainschool.info
305 Fifth St. N., Bellevue, ID 83313
(208) 578–5080
www.bes.blaineschools.org
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
111 Eighth St. W., Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 578–5050
www.ehem.blaineschools.org
PIONEER MONTESSORI SCHOOL
20
Community School is well respected for its top-notch educators, exceptionally low student-to-staff ratios, and is also known for
producing great athletes, thanks in part to their relationship with
the world-renowned Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF).
Community School even offers housing for student athletes.
211 Second Ave. S., Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726–9060
THE
CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
www.pioneermontessorischool.org
It’s one of the big elements that makes life here so special, and
has become a big part of why families love to live and move here.
“We have people relocating here every year from all over the
country and from many other countries,” Heather Crocker said.
“There are plenty of choices here. We have opportunities for success
for every single kid that walks through the door regardless of where
they’re from. It’s something our community should be very proud
of.” TC
196
6•2016
GRIT HAPPENS HERE.
THROWING DOWN
FOR 50 YEARS.
STRONG MINDS, STRONG BODIES, STRONG FUTURES
WWW.SVSEF.ORG
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
21
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11 full-time, 103 seasonal
ANNUAL REVENUES: $2,787,693 (FYE 2016)
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SVSEF
TWITTER: @SVSEF
INSTAGRAM: SVSEF
HOW TO SUPPORT SVSEF: Your donation makes a
difference! Tax-deductible and in-kind donations can be made at
any time throughout the year.
Visit www.svsef.org/ways2give or call 208-726-4129 to donate.
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1966
TYPE OF ORGANIZATION: Competitive Snowsport
Programs for Youth —Alpine, Cross Country, Freestyle,
Freeskiing and Snowboard. 501(c)(3) Tax ID# 82-0264946
MISSION: To provide exceptional snowsport programs for the
youth of the Wood River Valley thereby enabling each participant
to reach his/her athletic potential, while developing strong
personal character through good sportsmanship, strong values,
and individual goals.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
The SVSEF
endowment allows
us to provide
financial aid to
98% of qualified
applicants.
Capital fundraising,
4.5% of our budget,
makes it possible
to maintain and
upgrade training
facilities.
ADVERTISEMENT 22
OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS: Janss Pro-Am, Olympic Day,
Rob Clayton
Golf for Gold, Baldy Hill Climb, Wild Game Dinner
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS:
OUR PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS: The vision
of SVSEF is to create the best junior snowsports development
program in the nation. Named United States Ski and Snowboard
Association (USSA) Club of the Year in 1999 and again in 2013,
SVSEF received the honorable designation by the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC) in 2015 as the only national
Olympic and Paralympic Training Site supporting alpine, cross
country, freestyle, freeskiing, and snowboard. Year-round training
camps and USSA-certified coaches support efforts to provide
the best opportunities to youth from second grade through high
school post-graduate. SVSEF athletes train on Bald Mountain,
Dollar Mountain, on over 300 miles of trails from Hailey to
Galena, and now at Rotarun Mountain in Hailey.
Sam Adicoff, President
Charlie Dunn, Vice President
Kelly Allison, Secretary
Jim DeWolfe, Treasurer
Brick Blackburn
Nick Maricich
Hank Minor
Kipp Nelson
Kathinka Tunney
Rebecca Waycott
Dave Wilson
SVSEF underwrites
45% of the cost
of our programs,
allowing us to
keep tuition at a
minimum.
WHY WE MATTER: 50 years strong, SVSEF is a cornerstone
institution in our community that exemplifies the Wood River
Valley traditions of excellence, good sportsmanship and mountain
adventure. Team members acquire the tools for success, not only
in their winter sport, but also in the pursuit of their ultimate
goals and dreams. Our athletes and their families enrich our
community, fortifying the economic sustainability of our area
and affirming that SVSEF is a vital organization in the Wood
River Valley.
SVSEF 2015 INCOME
TUITION +
OTHER PROGRAM
FEES (51%)
DONATION +
FUNDRAISING
INCOME (49%)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Volunteer
opportunities are available throughout the ski season and during
the summer. We are always looking for volunteers to help with
fundraising events and local competitive events. For more
information write to [email protected] or contact Jody Zarkos (jody@
svsef.org) to volunteer.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: Your tax-deductible donation
helps SVSEF offer need-based financial aid, academic assistance,
and world-class training to young skiers and riders of the Wood
River Valley. Donations can be made to the annual fund, capital
acquisitions, or designated specifically to any one of our programs.
SVSEF accepts monetary gifts, gifts-in-kind, gifts of stock, and
planned giving.
Visit www.svsef.org/ways2give or call 208-726-4129.
196
celebrating
our past,
safeguarding
our future
OPERATING REVENUE
2013–2014
2014­–2015
4%
4%
tui$on tui$on 45%
45%
dona$ons endowment 51%
6•2016
dona$ons endowment 51%
www.svsef.org
Tuition & other Program Fees $1,047,000
tui$on Donations & Fundraising $1,178,000
dona$ons Fundingtui$on from Endowment
$86,000
endowment Tuition & other Program Fees $1,246,420
tui$on Donations & Fundraising $1,385,010
dona$ons Fundingtui$on from Endowment
$114,000
endowment dona$ons Total Operating
Revenue$2,311,000
dona$ons Total Operating
Revenue$2,745,430
endowment endowment OPERATING EXPENSES
tui$on dona$ons 5%
tui$on dona$ons 2013­–2014endowment 2014­–2015 endowment 10%
10%
15%
8%
3%
Management & General 15%
2%
Management & General program program facili2es facili2es financial aid financial aid fundraising fundraising 67%
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 203
Sun Valley, ID 83353
Physical Address:
215 Picabo Street, #302
Ketchum, ID 83340
Phone Numbers:
Office: (208) 726-4129
Fax: (208) 726-3548
65%
Management & General $408,000
Management & General $1,739,000
Program Expenses Program Expenses tui$on Facilities
tui$on $82,000
endowment dona$ons Financialdona$ons Aid
$134,000
Facilities
tui$on dona$ons Financial
Aid
endowment $203,000
Fundraising Expenses
Fundraising Expenses
Management & General Total Operating Expenses
program $2,566,000
facili2es (net operating
tui$on loss of $255,000)
dona$ons financial aid endowment fundraising $401,829
$1,717,326
tui$on dona$ons $55,605
$202,463
endowment endowment $264,756
Management & General Management & General Total Operating Expenses
program $2,641,979
program efficiencies result in income of $103,856)
facili2es (operational
tui$on facili2es financial aid dona$ons financial aid endowment fundraising Management & General program THE CHAMBER
facili2es financial aid GUIDE 2016
23
WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE
RIGHT HERE AT HOME
To find a doctor or to learn more about the services
provided by St. Luke’s, contact the Center for Community
Health at 208-727-8733 or visit www.stlukesonline.org.
PHOTO BY KEVIN SYMS
S
t. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center (SLWRMC) opened
in 2000 with overwhelming support of the community,
which raised more than $20 million to help fund the cost
of constructing and equipping the new hospital.
project and has secured approximately $900,000 in donations and
pledges. In FY 2015, the Foundation contributed over $522,137 to
St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center and an additional $129,652
to community health nonprofit partners.
St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center is the only hospital
within a 75-mile radius of Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey and Bellevue. SLWRMC maintains 25 inpatient beds with approximately
440 employees, 120 active volunteers and 45 physicians on active
staff. Services range from OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Family Medicine,
Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Neurology, Orthopedics,
and more as well as ENT, Gastroenterology, Urology, Cardiology,
Oncology and more through visiting specialists. SLWRMC offers
a full range of diagnostic laboratory testing: x-ray, CT, EEG, MRI
as well as state-of-the-art 3D mammography at the Women’s Imaging Center. SLWRMC is part of St. Luke’s Health System which
has multiple hospital campuses and a broad mix of diagnostic and
clinical sites that together serve Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon.
Air St. Luke’s transports patients in critical situations via helicopter,
fixed wing or ground transport. SLWRMC also utilizes telemedicine, particularly Tele-neurology, Tele-wound and Tele-ICU.
•
Our medical center is designated as a “Critical Access
Hospital”—a hospital located at least 35 miles from any
other hospital, with 25 patient beds or less.
•
St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center is the only facility in
Idaho, of its size, to have board-certified emergency physicians providing care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
•
Since 2001, the hospital has received accreditation from the
Joint Commission as a result of its demonstrated compliance with the Joint Commission’s nationally recognized
healthcare standards. Only four of 26 critical access hospitals in Idaho have received accreditation from the Joint
Commission.
•
The hospital-acquired infection rate at SLWRMC for 2015
was just 0.3 percent, far below the national benchmark of
3.2 percent.
In 2015, the hospital began construction on a $1.5 million project which will create a state-of-the art Oncology Infusion Services
Department. Hospital Administration has been working closely
with Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) on the design and
scope of services to be offered in the new space. The St. Luke’s
Wood River Foundation has committed to raise $1 million for this
•
Since 2003, the hospital has received awards for “Exceeding
Patient Expectations” each year. The Emergency Department is also ranked in the top 5 percent of critical access
hospitals by patients according to the Press Ganey Small
Hospital Database.
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
25
•
SLWRMC was one of two rural Emergency Departments to
partner with University of Washington’s (UW) Emergency
Medicine Residency program.
•
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) named
SLWRMC among the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for
Quality.
•
Truven Health Analytics has named St. Luke’s Health System as one of the Top 15 Health Systems in the country.
St. Luke’s Wood River also operates a clinic in Hailey which
serves the community with Family Medicine, Neurology, Mental
Health Services, Rehab and the Center for Community Health.
The St. Luke’s Center for Community Health serves the community through bilingual, comprehensive and coordinated health
and wellness prevention services, including health promotion and
education, health screenings, information and referral to local and
regional health and social services, access to insurance and health
care, emergency financial assistance, support groups, parent and
family education, and community action.
Individuals with limited or no resources seek our assistance in
a variety of ways:
•
•
26
Financial assistance for medical care, mental health services,
prescriptions, transportation, rent, medical equipment, food,
housing, etc.
Government assistance such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social
Security Disability, Veterans Benefits.
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
•
Understanding of complex medical or government systems
such as Health and Welfare and in understanding and
applying for insurance.
A wide spectrum of individuals, regardless of their resources,
interact with us through our multitude of health promotion and
prevention services, such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Health education talks
Information and referral to health and social services
CPR/First-Aid classes
Puberty classes
Childbirth education
Health screenings
Discover Health Fair
Fitness classes
Breast cancer support group
Car seat safety checks
Additionally, we partner with our clinical providers by referring
to their services, being a resource to their patients who need additional support, promoting their expertise through our education
programs and screenings, and providing office space for them to
deliver services out of the Center.
Our small staff at the Center is committed and passionate about
removing barriers people face in developing and maintaining their
optimal health and creating accessible opportunities for people to
actively engage in their well-being. TC
A
Cody Langbehn, CEO
St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center
s the CEO of St.
Luke’s Wood River
Med ic a l C enter
(SLWRMC), I often
interact with community
members in a variety of settings regarding their experience with St. Luke’s. People’s
comments frequently begin
with complimenting our
amazing state-of-the-art
facility and then quickly
expand to relay how their
experience was made exceptional due to the attention
and care given by one or
more of our 425 dedicated
employees.
Jerome. This new model has spurred several partnerships where
specialists in the fields of Ear, Nose and Throat, Gastroenterology, Urology, General Surgery and Hospital Medicine now practice at multiple locations throughout the region to fill previously
unmet community needs. Initiatives such as eICU and infusion
services allow patients who would have otherwise had to leave
the community for care to stay close to family and friends.
St. Luke’s and all of us who get to be part of our organization play a rare and amazing role in the life of the community,
providing a growing and expanding array of services with exceptional care and compassion, whether it be the birth of a child
or saying goodbye to a loved one. I value all the relationships
we’ve built together and look forward to those we’ll build going
forward.
In the three and a half years I’ve had the privilege of serving
as the administrator, I have witnessed how the scope of care at
SLWRMC has expanded as a result of our being part of the
greater St. Luke’s Health System.
When St. Luke’s decided to form a governance and operating structure based on where patients seek their care, East and
West regions of St. Luke’s were formed. SLWRMC became part
of the East Region along with the hospitals in Twin Falls and
The
Expert Care
You Need
Right Here in the Wood River Valley
To learn more about our programs and services,
visit stlukesonline.org or call (208) 727-8733.
stlukesonline.org
St. Luke’s brings you a network of expert providers working
together to help you achieve your best health. From our
nationally recognized hospital to our physician specialty clinics,
classes and events, and community health partnerships,
you’ll find the care you need right here at home.
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
27
SUSTAINABILITY
TAKES CENTER STAGE
BY MIKE MCKENNA PHOTO BY DEV KHALSA
L
ife is pretty special here in the Wood River Valley. With so
much fun stuff to do, it’s easy to get so caught up in enjoying each day that you forget to look ahead. Luckily, there
are several local organizations putting their time, energy and
talents toward figuring out ways to sustain this truly blessed place
we call home.
Resiliency is a key factor in sustainability, and the Sun Valley
Institute for Resilience (SVIR) is leading the charge. Founded in
2015, the nonprofit focuses on policy leadership, public engagement
and targeted investments to advance the economic prosperity, environmental protection and human well-being in its home community of the Wood River Valley and beyond. To that end, the SVIR
has been working with groups of all kinds tackling energy, water,
food, environmental and community issues. As to why the organization decided to base its operations locally, their mission statement
makes that clear: “From the original Native American inhabitants
to the miners and ranchers of the valley’s early days, from the Union
Pacific engineer who designed the world’s first chairlift to those who
challenge themselves in its mountains and rivers today, Sun Valley
is about history and tradition, grit and perseverance, well-being and
quality of life. The risks, assets and values of Sun Valley make it the
perfect home for an institute dedicated to resilience.”
Another key to sustainability is access to affordable and healthy
food. That’s where The Hunger Coalition comes in. The local food
bank led the recent Blaine County Community Food Assessment, a
study that looked at the state of the local food system. With regard
to what’s growing in Blaine County, they found the majority of
arable land is being used for livestock, barley and hay. While our
mountain climate does limit some farming options, greenhouse and
technology-based solutions can significantly extend the growing sea28
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
son. The study concluded that there is great untapped potential to
create a sustainable, local food system.
The region just south of our valley, the Snake River Plain, is one
of the largest “bread baskets” in the nation. Within a relatively short
drive from Hailey you can find everything from Idaho’s “Famous
Potatoes” and the nation’s largest trout farm to some of the best
lamb and beef in the country, to factories for Clif Bar foods and
Chobani yogurt. There are also dozens of smaller farms throughout
the region, many of which participate at the farmers markets in
Ketchum and Hailey each June through October.
These farmers and ranchers also sell their goods throughout the
year at local grocery stores and the Wood River Sustainability
Center in Hailey. Besides offering a small market and popular
monthly “Farm to Table Dinners,” the Sustainability Center serves
“super-local, healthy lunches,” as owner Al McCord calls them, to
students at the Syringa Mountain School. The Sustainability Center
also teams up with The Hunger Coalition to bring healthy lunches
to disadvantaged kids throughout the county during the summer
months.
“If something is grown, processed and produced within 250
miles, that’s local to me. It means I can still drive down there and
check out their operation, meet the farmers or ranchers and see what
they’re all about,” Al said. “What we do is really about connection.
It’s about bringing people together. We connect people with their
food, where it came from and who produced it.”
It’s easy to feel pretty lucky when you get to live in the Wood
River Valley. That’s why there are some strong local groups trying
to do everything they can to sustain and enhance our home. TC
Physical Therapy
Pre & Post Surgery • Spine & Sciatica • Sports Injuries • TMJ/TMD/Jaw
Spinal Manipulation • Manual Therapy
Functional Movement Exercise • Active Therapeutic Movement
TAPPING INTO
OUR LOCAL
RESOURCES
F
or the health of our bodies, our local economy and our environment, Local Food Alliance (LFA) is reviving our regional food
system.
Treat the Problem, Not the Symptom
208-788-6312
1014 Business Park Drive, Suite A | Hailey
www.haileysportandspine.com | [email protected]
boulder mountain
Property
management
LFA strives to optimize existing efforts and organizations at
work on issues related to local food production, processing, distribution, access, consumption and recovery.
Growing the demand for local food is critical, and LFA remains
determined to increase locally sourced food in our Valley.
Since 2013, they have helped launch our community’s first farmto-school programs; Wood River Valley Harvestfest; and Hemingway
School FarmRaiser.
Through their online Local Food Events calendar, film screenings
and social media, they offer multiple ways to recognize the capacity
local food has to improve our community and lives.
Online Local Food Hero profiles spotlight community members
modeling a more sustainable way to grow, eat and think about food.
SHERI THOMAS, CMCA, AMS
208.481.1786 cell
[email protected]
YOUR PROPERTY IS OUR
GREG THOMAS, Contractor
208.639.9890 office
LFA’s coordination is taking effect, and they are resolved to find and
implement the solutions our community deserves.
www.localfoodalliance.org
(415) 306-4551
[email protected]
PRIORITY
Individualized service
Hard working
Get your free quote today!
Hailey, Idaho
bmpmgmt.webs.com
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
29
WE DO THE
WORK
so you can live
the Sun Valley
lifestyle!
Mountain Lifestyles has full management of our
“home
north of Ketchum. They manage a Ketchum
PROPERTY SERVICES
security checks
housekeeping
maintenance
vehicle delivery
grocery shopping
holiday lighting & décor
landscaping
snow removal
construction cleans
HOA management
30
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
townhome in long term rental for us, and they manage
the homeowners association where the townhome is
located. We’ve worked with them for many years and
they do a great job for us in all of these cases!
”
-Jani & Terry Ross
VACATION & LONG TERM RENTALS & MANAGEMENT
(208) 788-2654 svmlps.com
WOOD RIVER
SUSTAINABILITY CENTER
Looking for local? The Wood River Sustainability Center in Hailey
is your one-stop shop for locally produced meats, produce, food
products and more. This year-round market features “beyond
organic” grass-fed lamb and beef, Berkshire pork, pastured chicken
and eggs, wild Alaskan salmon, sausages from Big Lost River Meats,
raw milk, garden supplies, and organic starts from the Wood River
Valley.
www.wrsustainabilitycenter.com
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
31
TAKING CARE
OF OUR LAND
The Wood River Land Trust has a simple mission: Protect and
restore land, water and wildlife habitat in the Wood River Valley
and its surrounding area—now and for the future.
Originally founded in 1994, the Land Trust has now protected
more than 25,000 acres and manages 15 preserves in the region. But
the great news for locals and visitors alike is that they don’t just save
land for the flora and fauna. As executive director Scott Boettger
explains, “One of our major goals is to not just protect nature, but
to make it accessible and enjoyable for people, too.”
To that end, the Wood River Land Trust offers several preserves
along the Big Wood River that are open to the public. The Draper
Preserve in Hailey, the Howard Preserve in Bellevue and Boxcar
Bend Preserve in mid-valley are all popular spots for families, dog
walkers and fishermen. The Land Trust also sponsors the Trout
Friendly Lawn Program and puts on all kinds of free landscaping
and gardening workshops each spring and summer.
For a full rundown of local preserves and free programs the Land
Trust offers, please check out woodriverlandtrust.org or visit their
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and you’ll see why so many
folks #LovetheLandTrust! TG
Go live.
We’ve got
you covered.
Home
Auto
Life
Business
631 2nd St. E., 103
Ketchum, ID 83340
208.726.8866
www.bisnett.com
32
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
INSPIRED
L U X U RY
EXACTING
D E TA I L
B A S H I S TA C O R P
208.622.7900
bashistaconstruction.com
General Contractor
LAGO—GLICK
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
33
fly SUN
Check SUN Fares First
Book Early and Save
Photo: Carol Waller
Fly SUN.
Non-stop to DEN, LAX, SEA, SFO, SLC
ONE-STOP TO THE WORLD
Sign up for email alerts on Flight Deals & News:
www.fl ysunvalleyalliance.com
www.iflysun.com
NONSTOP FLIGHTS to SUN VALLEY from
DENVER, LOS ANGELES, SALT LAKE CITY, SAN FRANCISCO and SEATTLE
Vancouver
To Anchorage
Calgary
Seattle
Portland
Pasco
Eugene
Medford
Spokane
WA
OR
Kalispell/Glacier
Missoula
Lewiston
Redmond
ID
Idaho
Falls
Cody
Jackson Hole
Pocatello
Sun Valley
Twin Falls
CA
Sacramento
Oakland
Reno
NV
Elko
Fresno
Las Vegas
ND
Gillette
Casper
Cedar City
St.George
Burbank
AZ
Ontario
Palm Springs
Long Beach
Orange County
San Diego
Rapid City
Omaha
WV
MO
AR
MS
TX
Dallas
Austin
San
Antonio
VA
NJ
RI
New York-JFK
DE
MD
Charlotte
Nashville
Birmingham
Atlanta
AL
GA
LA
SC
New Orleans
FL
Houston
Tampa
To Guadalajara
Orlando
Fort Lauderdale
Miami
To Mexico City
NON-STOP
FLIGHTS TO
SUN VALLEY (SUN)
Philadelphia
To Paris
Boston
NC
TN
Memphis
Oklahoma
City
Newark
Baltimore
Wash.
Dulles Wash.
DC
KY
Tulsa
OK
Alburquerque
To Puerto Vallarta
Pittsburgh
Cincinnati
St.Louis
KS
Los Angeles
To Los Cabos
OH
IL
Kansas City
Colorado
Springs
Tucson
PA
IN
MA
CN
Indianapolis
Denver
NM
MI
Chicago
Midway
IA
NH
NY
Detroit
Grand Junction
Phoenix
Madison
To Frankfurt
To London
VT
WI
Minneapolis
St. Paul
SD
NB
CO
ME
Montreal
Fargo
MN
Rock Springs
UT
San Jose
WY
Salt Lake City
San Francisco
To Honolulu
MT
Helena
Bozeman
Butte
Billings
Boise
To Tokyo
Great Falls
To Cancun
Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA) – winter/summer
Salt Lake City (SLC) – year round, Los Angeles (LAX) – winter/summer (Sat/Sun)
Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO) – winter/summer
© 2016
Old Triumph Mine Tipple
Triumph was the location of the famous Triumph
mine, which closed in 1957 after a history of producing
millions of dollars in silver and lead since its discovery
in the late nineteenth century.
East of Bellevue, the early mining settlement of Muldoon is evidenced only by a black slag pile and vestiges of 23 charcoal kilns.
West of town along Broadford Road lie the remains of the Minnie Moore and Queen of the Hills mines. Queen of the Hills was
actively mined until 1970.
From a distance, little can be seen of the remains of the mines of
Boulder Basin north of Ketchum. A steep jeep trail leads to Boulder Basin north of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters. The site includes several old cabins, diggings of old mines,
mining equipment, and amazing views. It’s a tough trek, but well
worth the trip.
Galena, the earliest mine in the area, was established by David
Ketchum. It is easily accessible from Highway 75. The lodge, situated on the old town site, has been remodeled and today serves tasty
meals to visitors. Cabins and a network of biking and cross-country
skiing trails now sit on what is left of the town.
LEAD, GOLD AND
SILVER–OH MY!
BY JENNIFER STAHL
The Wood River Valley is a place with a long and colorful history.
One of the most notable chapters is the late-nineteenth-century mining boom that drew fortune hunters from far and wide to this rugged part of Idaho. Numerous small towns and settlements sprang up
to accommodate the thousands of people working in mines. Today,
only three mining towns from that era remain in the Wood River
Valley—Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue. However, several mining
“ghost towns” are still accessible to those interested in local history.
The easiest of these to find is Triumph, located 12 miles from
Hailey on East Fork Road. The Triumph mine was mined until 1957,
and a huddle of small houses (most of which are original buildings)
still form the core of the community along with old mining cars
and mining structures.
In 1880, when silver was discovered in the mountain gulches
near the Wood River, the valley surged with miners, merchants,
mule skinners, gamblers and desperados. They lived in hastily built
cabins and tents as saloons and stores were being constructed.
The first year was one of prospecting and laying out claims.
North of Galena, east of Ketchum and west of Hailey, boom towns
were rising from the dirt. Nineteen different mines shipped more
than 600 tons of ore by wagon to Kelton and then by rail to Salt
Lake City. Most miners spent the winter in Bellevue, where there
was access to a store, a restaurant, a blacksmith and a saloon. The
miners skied by day, danced by night, and stuffed themselves with
venison.
Isaac Lewis was the first to invest money and mining equipment
in the Wood River Valley. The largest and most successful smelter
was the Philadelphia smelter at the mouth of Warm Springs Creek
in Ketchum.
Until the arrival of the railroad in 1883, travel and transport
were limited to stagecoach, wagon and horseback, making the
export of ore both difficult and expensive. Railroads caused prices
to drop both to import goods and export ore, further enhancing the
economics of the time.
The low price of silver and the depression of 1893 ended the mining boom of the Wood River Valley, although a few mines remained
active into the 1950s and 1960s. TC
36
THE CHAMBER GUIDE 2016
IT HAPPENS IN HAILEY.
LOTS OF SUPER FUN
THINGS TO DO IN AND
AROUND HAILEY.
SMALL TOWN, BIG EVENTS
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOOD RIVER LAND TRUST