May 26, 2024 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho
Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Note: If you are not receiving the YPTimes emails, check your spam folder.
Community Calendar:
Apr 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 – Oct 20 Burn Permits Required
May 15 – Nov 30 – Firewood Season
Jun 3 – Special Water Meeting 1030am Community Hall
Jun 4 – Idaho Power Firewise Meeting 11am-1pm
Jun 12-15 – Free Dump Days
Jun 20 – Master Craft coming
Jun 20 – 2nd half property taxes due
Jul 5 – Parade and Firewise celebration
Jul 6 – Golf Tournament
Jul 25 – Ride to Dagger Falls
Aug 21 – YPFD Meeting at 11am
Sep 4 – YPFD Meeting at 11am
Sep 26-28 Free Dump Days
Dec 11 – YPFD Meeting at 11am
(details below)
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Local Events:
May 10 – Oct 20 – Burn Permits Required
Valley County Sheriff’s Office: Burn permits are required from May 10th – October 20th
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May 15 – Nov 30 – Firewood season
Personal use fuelwood permits for the Payette National Forest will be available beginning May 15, through Nov. 30.
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Jun 3 – Special Water Meeting 1030am Community Hall
Monday, June 3rd, YP Community Hall 1030am
Mountain Water Works presents a Powerpoint review of the modifications and status of the water treatment plant replacement project by Greg Dye
Tim Aldrich, Chrm. YP Water Users Assoc.
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Jun 4 – Idaho Power Firewise Meeting 11am-1pm
Idaho Power will have a presentation about Firewise at the Hall June 4th 11am-1pm.
Update from Dylan Martin at Idaho Power, May 23: “Our Wildfire Mitigation Plan meeting is at the Community Hall on 6/4 from 11am to 1pm. All residents in the area will be receiving postcards in the next few days with details.”
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Jun 12-15 – Free Dump Days
From Valley County: our spring and fall free dump days coming June 12-15 and September 26-28.
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Jun 20 – Master Craft coming
Master Craft will be in Yellow Pine to do maintenance on propane and pellet stoves on June 20th (Saturday). Please contact them if you are interested in having maintenance done on your stove. Master Craft hearth and home 208–6 34–2123
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Jun 20 – 2nd half property taxes due
As a reminder, the second half of your taxes for 2023 are due by June 20th at 5pm.
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Jul 5 – Parade and Firewise celebration
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Jul 6 – Golf Tournament
Benefit for the YPFD
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Jul 25 – Ride to Dagger Falls
Thursday, July 25, 2024. Ride to Dagger Falls to support the community hall. Meet at the community hall at 9am. BBQ lunch served at Dagger Falls. Donations welcome.
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Aug 21 – YPFD Meeting at 11am
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Sep 4 – YPFD Meeting at 11am
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Sep 26-28 Free Dump Days
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Dec 11 – YPFD Meeting at 11am
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Village News:
May 17 – Johnson Creek
River peaked at midnight and has been dropping the last few days.
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May 20 – Morning Snow
courtesy Eye-n-Sky
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May 20 – Grading Stibnite Road to commence
From Belinda at Perpetua May 17th: OK Gravel mobilizing grader to YP and will start grading Stibnite Rd. next week.
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May 20 – sighting of a Lewis’s Woodpecker in the ‘hood
courtesy LI
see: Bird of the week: Lewis’s Woodpecker
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May 21 – 945am Water Emergency Notification
“A major water leak has been found and water will need to be shut off.”
If you have Facebook, here is a link to a video:
courtesy AP
Update 1pm – “Fix in place but temporary.”
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May 21 – Transfer Station
Burn Pile closed for now (due to abuse.)
Report (unverified) that the gate to the transfer station will be locked today. Open dates are Tuesdays Thursday and Sundays 10am to 5pm.
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May 21 – Pioneer Cemetery
Ready for Memorial Weekend thanks to the Cemetery Committee.
photos courtesy MF
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May 21 – Update on Mountain Passes from Valley County
Memorial Day Weekend 2024 is upon us and we wanted to provide some updates on popular mountain summits used to access many of our favorite remote locations. Some mountain summits are still impassable.
PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!
* Secesh Summit (target open date Memorial Day Weekend)
* Warm Lake Summit (target open date is mid-June)
* Lick Creek Summit (target open date is mid-June to Fourth of July)
* Deadwood Summit (target open date is Fourth of July)
* Profile Summit (target open date is Fourth of July)
These are, of course, targets! We will continue to update you here as we work to clear roads depending on weather and the rate of snow melt.
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May 22 – YPFD Meeting at 2pm
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the meeting on 5/22/2024 of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the above named Fire District will be changing the time from 11 am to 2 pm, at Yellow Pine Community Hall, 210 Yellow Pine Ave., Yellow Pine, Idaho 83677.
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May 23 – Snow at Big Creek
courtesy Eye-n-Sky
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May 24 -26 – The Corner opens for summer – Memorial Weekend Events
We’re thrilled to announce that the Corner Pub is officially opening its doors for the season on May 24th, just in time for Memorial Day weekend! It’s not just any opening; it’s a celebration to honor and pay respects to all veterans, past and present.
Join us as we kick off the summer season with a heartfelt tribute to those who’ve served our country. Throughout the weekend, from May 24th to May 26th, we’ll be serving up delicious street tacos.
But that’s not all! We’re cranking up the excitement with live music by the incredible Northern Bastards on May 26th, starting at 7pm. Get ready to groove to their tunes and raise a glass in honor of our heroes.
So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us at the Corner Pub for a weekend filled with good food, great music, and heartfelt gratitude. Let’s come together to celebrate and remember the sacrifices of our veterans. See you there.
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May 24-27 – Yellow Pine Tavern Memorial Weekend Events
Friday 24th and Saturday 25th Food Specials. Sunday 26th & Monday 27th Breakfast Buffet 8am – 2pm.
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May 24 – Wildflowers blooming in YP
Wild Violets
Heart Leaved Arnicas
courtesy LI
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May 25 – Community clean up day on golf course
Had a good turn out for the community cleanup day, 14 people showed up. We accomplished a lot in the golf course. Thanks to everybody that came out to help make this a successful day.
Food at the Fire Hall
courtesy YPFD
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May 25 – Big Creek Lodge Opening for Summer
courtesy Eye-n-Sky
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May 26 – Community Memorial Potluck and Celebration 3pm
Memorial Potluck and Celebration for the Yellow Piners that passed in 2023
Community Hall May 26, 2024 at 3pm
Burgers provided please bring a Potluck dish if you would like
Contact Lorinne Munn for details 208 739-7086
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Cascade Medical Center
CMC’s Donnelly Urgent Care will be open 7 days a week, starting May 24th, to serve the healthcare needs of the Donnelly community. Full family care is available by appointment, ensuring that everyone receives the best primary care.
For appointments and more information, call us at (208) 382-4285.
Located in Roseberry Plaza – Donnelly, 454 West Roseberry Road #103
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Medicap Pharmacy now open in Cascade
(208) 382-4204, 220 S. Main Street (corner of Main and E. Payette Street)
They have a form to fill out so they can have you on file, and need a copy of your insurance card and ID. Doug Christison has extra copies of the form.
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Wanted – Cemetery Volunteers
Interested Yellow Piners who would like to volunteer for the cemetery committee are needed. We now have two spots for interested people.
* The people should be interested in the Village of Yellow Cemetery and people who are there. The history of the people is valuable.
* At least one should be in Yellow Pine at least part of the winter.
* The volunteers should be good at communicating with the other committee members as well as people who want their loved ones at the cemetery.
* The volunteers should be willing to meet with the other committee members.
Contact Marj Fields if you are interested at: fieldsmarjie @ yahoo.com (remove spaces)
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Attention 1970s Yellow Pine Alumni
Looking for folks who attended the “University of Yellow Pine” in the 1970s who are willing to share their school memories and photos. Please contact rrSue via email.
We have school stories and photos from 1920 to the 1960s compiled by the Yellow Pine Times History Project. Thank you
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Notice – Yellow Pine Times Deadline
In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sunday.
A reminder – if your group or business wants an event, photo, minutes, news or advertising posted in the Yellow Pine Times, please write what you want posted in text form (for copy/paste) and send it by email. Remember to include the “who, what, when, where and why.” Images or groups of images must be under 10 megs per email.
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Yellow Pine US Mail
The 3-day a week mail delivery started Nov 1st. The Post Office in Yellow Pine is open six days a week year around: M-F 845am-245pm Saturday 9am-245pm. Support our local post office and purchase your stamps here. Anyone can call the P.O. and ask Nik to mail them stamps paid for with a check or money order. Price of 1st class stamps went up to 66 cents on Sunday, July 16, 2023.
Remember FedEx will not deliver to Yellow Pine. Have your packages addressed C/O Arnold Aviation 1469 Main St, Cascade, ID 83611, and we pay the freight from Cascade to YP at 25 cents per pound.
Mail and Freight Service
To Our Warm Lake and Yellow Pine Customers, Oct 1, 2023
Broken Felloe Freight (Taylor and Kaylee Tuning) now carry the mail and freight to the back country. They will continue to operate out of and receive deliveries at Arnold Aviation. For more information, please email them at BrokenFelloeFreight (at) gmail.com or call (208) 382-7019.
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Road News
High Mountain Passes
* Secesh Summit (target open date Memorial Day Weekend)
* Warm Lake Summit (target open date is mid-June)
* Lick Creek Summit (target open date is mid-June to Fourth of July)
* Deadwood Summit (target open date is Fourth of July)
* Profile Summit (target open date is Fourth of July)
March 2024: Stibnite Road Spring Breakup Restrictions:
With arrival of warmer weather, the Stibnite road is in spring break up condition. As in past years, the Valley County Road Department has placed a temporary travel restriction to avoid excessive erosion and road damage from Profile Cr. to Stibnite. Travel is authorized for snowmobile, ATV, UTV and two-wheel motorized traffic during spring break up. Full size vehicle travel is temporarily restricted except for administrative use or in the event of an emergency. The size restriction gate with associated signage was placed on the Stibnite road just past the Profile Cr. turn off on Sunday. The gate and restriction will be removed once the road dries out sufficiently, which will be decided by the Valley County Road Department.
April through Fall of 2024: Highway 55 between Horseshoe Bend and State St. should expect delays over the next few weeks as the Idaho Transportation Department makes improvements to the roadway.
High mountain passes, like Profile, Elk and Monumental, have quite a bit of snow and not recommended for wheeled traffic at this time.
South Fork Road Note: End of October the road maintenance goes back to the Valley County Road Department.
Link: to current road reports.
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Yellow Pine Transfer Station
Report May 21: The gate will be locked due to abuse. An unverified report that it will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
Report May 21: The burn pile is closed until further notice.
Report May 15: the bins were emptied and dump cleaned up.
Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.
Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)
Please do not abuse our Transfer Station or we may lose it. Household trash must be placed in the bins, flattened cardboard boxes can also go into the bins. Do not stack trash in front of the doors. Woody yard debris only for the burn pile. No furniture, appliances, tires or construction debris allowed, those items must be hauled out to the Donnelly station by you.
The Yellow Pine Transfer Station is Valley County responsibility. If it is not kept tidy, use of the Transfer Station may be revoked. That would result in residents having to take all household trash and yard waste to the Donnelly Transfer Station.
If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
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Critters
Yellow Pine has a variety of predators such as bears, wolves, mountain lions, coyotes and foxes that folks need to be aware of. Skunks and raccoons will sometimes kill cats or chickens. To avoid an encounter or loss of a beloved pet the following advice comes from experts.
* Remove or secure attractants, such as pet food, trash or bird seed.
* Keep trash cans inside a garage or shed
* Do not store coolers, freezers or refrigerators outside
* Always keep small children nearby and in sight.
* Keep pets leashed and under control.
* Don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised.
* When letting pets outside, especially at night, turn on porch lights and make noise so that any wildlife that might be in close proximity is alerted. Attacks can often be the result of surprise encounters, with both people and pets.
* Clear away brushy areas around your property that predators may see as safe denning or hiding spots.
* Never run away from a predator. Their instinct is to chase and ultimately catch what they perceive as potential prey.
* Never turn your back on a predator. Always face them while making yourself look as large as you can. Yell loudly, but don’t scream. A high-pitched scream may mimic the sound of a wounded animal.
* Slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.
* If you are attacked, fight back.
* Be aware of your surroundings and be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush.
* Travel in groups whenever possible and make noise to alert animals to your presence.
photo courtesy NH
courtesy YP resident
Photo taken Jan 18, 2021 by AP
courtesy NH
We also have moose, elk and deer around Yellow Pine.
* Watch for moose, elk or deer in the road, slow down and give them time to move out of your way.
* Keep your dog on a leash when wildlife is present.
* During spring calving, watch your dogs while in the forest as these mothers are very protective and will chase and stomp any threat to their babies including you.
* Never put yourself in a situation where you are between a cow and calf.
* Males are in the rut during the fall, so they can become very agitated and show aggression.
courtesy Yellow Pine FB group
Be Tick Aware
Reports of ticks early April.
* After being outdoors check people and dogs for ticks. Remove any that are attached.
* Tumble any clothing in a hot dryer for 10 minutes. That should kill any ticks left in the clothing.
* When hiking outside where there are ticks, wear long clothing. Tuck the ends of pants into socks.
* Use a bug repellent on shoes, socks and exposed skin.
Tick paralysis is an uncommon, noninfectious, neurologic syndrome characterized by acute ataxia progressing to ascending paralysis. This paralysis is reversed upon tick removal. Can affect dogs and small children.
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Local Groups
YPWUA News:
Yellow Pine Water Users Association
Feb 21, 2024
Mountain Waterworks updates the Board on our Water System Improvement Project monthly. 2024 will be a year of design and work on the water treatment plant only. No other road construction is planned as a part of that project.
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Water Use
| 05/18/24 | 45659641 | 24389 | 24 | 1016 | 17 | S | 2703 | |
| 05/19/24 | 45682982 | 23341 | 24 | 973 | 16 | S | 1048 | |
| 05/20/24 | 45704674 | 21692 | 24 | 904 | 15 | M | 1649 | |
| 05/21/24 | 45725844 | 21170 | 24 | 882 | 15 | T | 522 | |
| 05/22/24 | 45747275 | 21431 | 24 | 893 | 15 | W | 261 | |
| 05/23/24 | 45770702 | 23427 | 24 | 976 | 16 | T | 1996 | |
| 05/24/24 | 45796377 | 25675 | 24 | 1070 | 18 | F | 2248 | |
| 05/25/24 | 45823870 | 27493 | 24 | 1146 | 19 | S | 1818 | |
| 05/26/24 | 45851686 | 27816 | 24 | 1159 | 19 | S | 323 |
We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water.
As of April 17th 2020, Yellow Pine is under a “Boil Order”. This boil order will be in effect until further notice.
DRINKING WATER WARNING
Yellow Pine Water Users PWS 4430059 BOIL WATER ADVISORY Due to insufficient treatment
We routinely monitor the conditions in the drinking water distribution system. On 4-19-2020 we experienced a period of insufficient treatment due to extreme water demand which exceeded the capacity of the treatment system. A drop in water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow, by backpressure, or back-siphonage. As a result, there is an increased chance that the drinking water may contain disease-causing organisms.
What should I do?
* DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
* Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
* The symptoms above are caused by many types of organisms. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
What is being done?
Efforts are under way to curtail water use. Once water use is diminished, the water treatment system will again be operational and the boil water order can be lifted
We will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 365 days.
For more information, please contact Warren at 208-573-6261 or wdrake @ drakediversified.com
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Yellow Pine Water Users Assoc.
PWS ID #: 4430059. Date distributed: 5-10-24.
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Attention Yellow Pine Water Users
You may now apply to WICAP for help with your water bill under the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). You may apply for help with your past-due, as well as your current bill.
Application may be made in person at the WICAP office in Cascade, 110 W. Pine St. You may also apply by phone at 208 454-0675, or on-line at (link).
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Water Conservation Tips
1. Try and conserve water when using the toilet
We’ve heard a simple saying for this “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown flush it down”.
Also don’t use the toilet as a bin, every time you throw a small bit of trash and flush the toilet 5 gallons is gone.
2. Shorten your shower and turn it off when you can
You can also turn the shower off in between, wet yourself, lather up then turn the water off. When you’re ready turn it on and rinse off.
3. If you have any dripping taps – FIX THEM.
A single dripping tap can waste 4 gallons of water a day (or more) or 1450 gallons of water a year.
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Water Board:
Email: yellowpinewaterusers @ gmail.com (remove spaces)
Tim Aldridge
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
Leslie Pellegrini
Lynn Imel
Warren Drake – Water Operator
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VYPA News:
Village of Yellow Pine Association
Paddy Warren, Chairperson
Adam Pellegrini, Vice Chairperson
Lynn Imel, Secretary
Kat Amos, Treasurer
Becky Travers, Member at Large
Cemetery Committee
Ron Basabe
Marj Fields
Joel Fields
Yellow Pine Community Hall Committee
Becky Travers – Chairperson
Members: Ronda Rogers, Deb Filler, Hailey Harris
Yellow Pine Community Hall General Use Procedures are posted at the Community Hall.
Infrastructure Committee
Tim Rogers
Cecil Dallman
Ron Basabe
Festival Committee
Deb Filler – Chairperson
VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 link
VYPA meeting minutes and documents archive 2010-2023 Link
VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September at 2pm at the Community Hall.
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YPFD News:
Yellow Pine Fire Department
Here is our new YP Fire fundraiser link. Any support will help us prepare for the 2024 fire season and natural disaster prep.
If you have an emergency, please call 911
Chimney cleaning brushes are available to borrow at the Fire Hall.
If you are burning any piles of forest litter and debris – please have a connected and charged garden hose that can reach your piles. If your hose cannot reach where you are burning, follow the good advice of having a shovel, axe, and water bucket at the scene. Rake away from anything that could ignite. Stop burning if winds become an issue. Make sure your fire is out before you leave the area. Nothing like getting surprised by an escaped fire in the middle of the night!
Better yet, “Rake It and Take It” your yard waste (limbs, pine needles, brush, etc.) to the burn pile at the Transfer Station on the south end of the turn-around. Remember, keep the pile neat. Woody debris only, no nails, no cardboard and no furniture! The Boise NF will burn the pile in the fall when it is safe.
Yellow Pine Fire Protection District Community Service Notice
The purpose of this letter is to show how you as a Yellow Pine Resident can help protect your structure against a wildland fire by being “Fire Wise.” Click the link: to view 20190724 Yellow Pine Fire Protection mitigation
Yellow Pine Fire Management Advisory Group Be Fire Wise Link:
Really good information on how to prepare your house, etc. before a fire burns towards your property.
Valley County Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
A wildfire evacuation checklist that property owners in the Yellow Pine area might find useful. link: Valley County Evacuation Checklist – 2021
Valley County Firewise Brochure Link:
Valley County Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Mitigation Plan Link:
Fire Chief: Tim Rogers 208-633-2005
Assistant Fire Chief: Ron Basabe 208-633-9001
YP Fire Commissioners:
Kat Amos – District 1
Tom Lanham – District 2
Bill McIntosh – District 3
Secretary/Treasurer – Ronda Rogers
Email: ypfiredept @ gmail.com (remove spaces)
2024 YPFD Meeting Minutes:
January 17, 2024 YPFD Meeting Minutes link:
March 27, 2024 YPFD Meeting (no minutes yet.)
May 22, 2024 YPFD Meeting (no minutes yet.)
Link to YPFD Archive of Minutes and Documents
2024 YPFD Meeting Schedule:- All meetings will be at the Community Hall
March 27, 2024, Wednesday at 11am
May 22, 2024, Wednesday at 11am
August 21, 2024, Wednesday at 11am
September 4, 2024, Wednesday at 2pm Budget Meeting
December 11, 2024, Wednesday at 11am
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YPAC
Yellow Pine Area Coalition
YPAC Corp is the non-profit entity (501c3) that will conduct the charitable work of the Coalition.
Dezeray Brockett – President
Bill McIntosh – Treasurer
Deb Filler – Secretary
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
Website (link)
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Yellow Pine Museum
Biz Listings:
Alpine Village (208) 633-6208
Facebook
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The Corner (208) 633-3325
Facebook
Open May 24th for the summer.
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Yellow Pine Tavern (208) 633-2233
Facebook
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11am – 4pm
Thursday 5pm – 9pm
Friday 11am – 10pm
Saturday 11am – 10pm
Sunday 9am – 4pm
Firewood permits available.
You can now get your snowmobile, side-by-side, and ATV, recreational registrations at the YP Tavern.
If you need food or groceries, Let us know at the YP Tavern by Saturday at 5pm. Orders go in on Sunday for a Wednesday delivery.
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Yellow Pine General Store and Motel (208) 633-3300
Facebook
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Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Closed Nov 15th for the winter
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Murph’s RV Park & Mary’s Cabins
Facebook
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Local Color Photography
Website
Facebook page
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Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page
Open Tue – Sat, 9-5 Yellow Pine eggs $5/doz
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Buck Horn Outfitters LLC 208-633-3614
See our website for more details. Or give us a call.
website:
Facebook:
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Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:
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Big Creek Lodge
website:
Opening May 25 for Summer
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Deadwood Outfitters
website:
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Local Fuel Suppliers
Amerigas Phone: 1-800-427-4968
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430
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Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:
Cascade:
Medicap Pharmacy (208) 382-4204 220 S. Main Street
Broken Felloe Freight (208) 382-7019
D9 Groceries: (208) 382-4215 Website use this link to order.
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
J & R Septic Cascade (208) 382-8727
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590
McCall
MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter 208.634.3647
PO Box 1375, McCall, Idaho 83638
The Star-News
Website:
Valley Roofing Idaho
Meridian (208) 830-4890 email:
Facebook:
Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473) Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:
Monday (May 20) Overnight low of 32 degrees. Started snowing before 9am, by 930am socked in low and big flakes, starting to stick, then ending by 940am and melting. SWE=0.05″. At 10am it was 35 degrees, clear patch above and foggy ridges. Robins, jays, nutcrackers, female black-headed grosbeak, finches, pine and ground squirrels observed. Report of a Lewis’s Woodpecker in the neighborhood. Service berry bushes are blooming. Mostly cloudy and breezy (max gust 15mph) early afternoon. The high reached 53 degrees. A short blustery rain shower at 630pm (“trace”.)
Tuesday (May 21) overnight low of 29 degrees. “Trace” precipitation. At 945am notification of water shut off for leak repair. At 10am it was 49 degrees, partly clear and light breeze. Robins, finches, jays, hummingbirds and ground squirrels observed. Lewis’s woodpecker in the neighborhood. Mostly cloudy and light breezes mid-day. The high reached 61 degrees. Overcast and breezy late afternoon. Rain early morning, likely between 330am and 830am.
Wednesday (May 22) overnight low of 39 degrees. This morning’s rain measured 0.07″. At 10am it was 43 degrees, dark overcast (top of Van Meter foggy) misting for a short while and light breeze. Robins, jays, nutcrackers, finches, juncos pine and ground squirrels observed. Report of a Lewis’s woodpecker. Mail truck was a little late. Raining before 130pm – ending by 245pm, breezy and dark overcast. Rain/snow/graupel mix 535pm (trace) then light rain ending by 615pm. Elk on the golf course at dusk. Snowed about half inch before 3am – melted by 10am.
Thursday (May 23) overnight low of 32 degrees. Snow total estimated 1/2″ plus rain = 0.37″ water. At 10am it was 37 degrees, overcast (top of Van Meter foggy) and light breeze, a trace of snow still on the ground. Jays, robins, nutcrackers, pine and ground squirrels observed. Report of a Lewis’s woodpecker next door. Overcast mid-day. The high reached 53 degrees. Partly cloudy at 6pm.
Friday (May 24) overnight low of 27 degrees. No new precipitation. At 10am it was 42 degrees, mostly cloudy and light breeze. Tree swallow are back, robins, jays, nutcrackers, hummingbirds, flicker, ground and pine squirrels observed. A Lewis’s woodpecker still hanging around in the neighborhood. Mostly cloudy at lunch time. The high reached 65 degrees. Very slow internet in the evening. Rained early morning.
Saturday (May 25) overnight low of 39 degrees. Rain total = 0.04″. At 10am it was 46 degrees, broken overcast with a dab of fog on top of Van Meter hill. Increasing traffic. Jays, nutcrackers, finches, robins, mourning dove, hummingbirds, chipmunks, pine and ground squirrels observed. Short 10 minute rain shower at 1230pm. Short rain shower around 330pm and another around 515pm. The high reached 59 degrees. Rained some time between 8pm and 9pm.
Sunday (May 26) overnight low of 32 degrees. Rain total = 0.02″. At 10am it was 50 degrees and mostly clear. Tree swallows, robins, jays, nutcrackers, finches, hummingbirds, northern flicker, pine and ground squirrels observed. Mostly cloudy at lunch time. Breezy mid-afternoon. High for the day reached 68 degrees.
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Idaho News:
EMS levy
May 23, 2024 By Drew Dodson and Max Silverson The Star-News
The Valley Countywide EMS District failed to secure a permanent levy override for up to $4.1 million on Tuesday, with a vote of 2,157 to 1,226, or about 64% in favor.
A two-thirds plus one vote majority was required for the measure to pass.
“It is not unexpected with current voter sentiment, inflation and the overall burden on our middle-class taxpayers. We were hopeful, and it is disappointing,” said EMS District Chair Travis Smith.
“We came close, we worked hard, we learned from our work, then get back after it. We have to keep trying, because failure is not an option if we want quality EMS and Valley,” Smith said.
The EMS district currently receives about $1.3 million per year in tax revenue, which is split evenly between fire districts in McCall, Donnelly and Cascade. The revenue, however, does not cover the cost of providing one ambulance per district, 24 hours per day.
The levy would have cost about $24.23 per $100,000 in taxable property value per year, or about $2.02 per month.
The result is similar to a proposed levy override in last year’s November election, which also narrowly failed at the ballot, with 1,433 in favor and 812 against, garnering nearly the same margin with 64% in favor.
full election stories: (pay wall)
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Valley County Search and Rescue
(from Facebook May 20, 2024)
Valley County Search & Rescue reports a successful 2023/2024 winter season!
The Valley County Winter Response Team and the Valley County Sheriff’s Office were activated 10 times during the 2023/2024 winter season.
We look forward to the continuing support and training with the Valley County Search and Rescue team; as we always say, “one team, one mission.”
If you are interested in more information about the team, check out their Facebook page or website. They are always looking for volunteers and support.
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3 days, 23 miles, and no food, 73-year-old missing rafter tells survival story
By Cooper McCauley May 23, 2024 KIVI
Valley County, Idaho — 73-year-old Thomas Gray set off on a rafting trip on the middle fork of the Salmon River on Friday, May 17 that was expected to last just two days, but when three days passed with no sign of Gray, officers took action searching for the man. It wasn’t until May 22, five days after Gray initially set off on his trip, that he was found and reported to be safe.
After safely returning home to North Fork, Idaho, Thomas Gray told his story of endurance, strength, and survival to the officers with the Custer County Sheriff.
Gray launched his raft on May 17 from Marsh Creek, but the rafting trip would soon take a turn for the worst when he encountered a series of log jams that left his raft disassembled and his leg injured. Stuck along the Salmon River, Gray camped along the bank of Marsh Creek for the night.
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Fatality reported after vehicle crashes into river south of Banks
By KIVI Staff May 24, 2024
The Boise County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call about a vehicle in the river on Highway 55, south of Banks Friday afternoon.
According to a release sent by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene where the occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead.
The names of those involved are being withheld pending family notification, and an investigation is ongoing.
source:
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Donnelly Public Library to become “adults only” in wake of ‘library porn bill’
by CBS2 News Staff Mon, May 20th 2024
The Donnelly Public Library has announced via social media that they will be transitioning to an “adult only” library as of July 1.
The Library shared on its Facebook account that the change is due to the passage of HB710, legislation referred to as the “library porn” bill that enables anyone to sue the library if children are exposed to inappropriate or adult material. Donnelly Public Library says that due to its small size and the “ambiguous” language of the bill, the change is the only way they can assure compliance with the law, which goes into effect on July 1.
House Bill 710 says that “obscene content” will be “Judged by the average person, applying contemporary community standards.”
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Tamarack Resort to open new golf course and launch summer activities
by CBS2 News Staff Tue, May 21st 2024
According to a recent news release, Tamarack Resort is set to unveil its grand opening of Osprey Meadows 18-hole championship golf course and 19th Gambler’s Hole in July.
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Mining News:
DEQ finalizes IPDES general permit for Small Suction Dredge Mining
May 25, 2024 Local News 8
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has finalized the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) general permit for Small Suction Dredge Mining.
The general permit authorizes small suction dredge mining operators within the state of Idaho to discharge into Waters of the United States. The permit identifies the pollutants of concern, required limits for each pollutant, and monitoring and reporting requirements necessary to ensure compliance with the permit and to protect human health and the environment.
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Letter to Share:
This is FINAL CALL for comments/objections to closing forest roads in Yellow Pine area. If you comment now, you will have “standing” and your comments and opinion will be considered in the future. No written or online comment now means none allowed later. This involves all side roads and trails North of East Fork road, West of South Fork road. Sugar creek to Cinnabar, Fern creek to Cinnabar, side roads off Profile.
Be specific, i.e. Missouri Ridge road should be open to vehicles; Sugar Creek road should allow access to Cinnabar. [Note: Quartz Creek road near Yellow Pine is important.]
Vague comments like “I feel all roads should be open.” Are discarded.
IMPORTANT: COMMENTS CLOSE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE, 2024
Note: Quartz Creek road may be affected.
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Public Comment Period Opens for the Payette National Forest East Fork South Fork Restoration and Access Management Plan
McCall, Idaho, May 7, 2024 – The Payette National Forest invites the public to comment on the proposed East Fork South Fork Restoration and Access Management Plan Draft Environmental Assessment. Acting Forest Supervisor Kevin Knesek and his staff value public comments to help inform Forest Service officials as this project is developed. Comments will be accepted for 30 days from the publication of the legal notice in the Idaho Statesman. A copy of the legal notice will be available on the project’s web page. A public open house has been scheduled for May 16, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Valley County Emergency Operations Center at 108 W. Spring Street, in Cascade, Idaho. The open house will offer members of the public an opportunity to discuss the project and view displays. Only written comments will be accepted at the open house.
The project area encompasses 99,942 acres of lands administered by the Forest Service in Valley County, Idaho, in the East Fork South Fork Salmon River drainage and the headwaters of the Middle Fork Salmon River. It is located approximately 22 air miles east of McCall, Idaho. The project is proposed to complete travel planning and make determinations regarding the status of roads and trails within the project area. This project would determine the minimum road system needed for the management of the project area, decommission unneeded routes, and designate routes open for public motorized use. It would also improve watershed conditions and fish habitat by reducing impacts from dispersed recreation and by managing motorized use.
The draft environmental assessment, a copy of the legal notice, other project documents, and information on how to participate in the comment period are available online at the project’s web page at (link). To receive notifications on the project status, subscribe to the project mailing list by clicking on “Subscribe to Email Updates” under “Get Connected” on the project web page. In addition, the project Story Map, a different format for exploring the actions described in the draft environmental assessment, is available online at (link).
For additional information, please contact Dave Hogen, Krassel District Ranger, at 208-634-0601 or david.hogen@usda.gov.
Brian Harris
Public Affairs Officer
Tribal Liaison
DFO – Southwest Idaho RAC
Payette National Forest
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Public Lands:
Revisiting the site of the 2022 Four Corners Fire
How Idaho fire officials keep people safe after a fire and how long it takes for landscapes to recover.
Author Sophia Bliss May 23, 2024 KTVB
In September of 2022, the Four Corners Fire broke out in Cascade, Idaho. The fire inched closer to cabins and homes, and officials were forced to evacuate about 600 people. The fire was stopped in mid-August and burned at about 14,000 acres.
While the fire left behind a charred landscape, Payette National Forest District Ranger Dana Harris told Environment Northwest that fires are natural.
“If you look across at the mountain, it’s not burned black with just sticks all the way across,” explained Harris. “As far as the severity of this fire, about 98% of it was moderate and low severity. And about 2% of it was high.”
She said that the area is recovering and it has a positive outlook for the future.
continued: (w/video)
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Critter News:
Tips to protect your pets as tick season has arrived in Idaho
By Steve Dent May 19, 2024 KIVI
My dog Chief and I are experiencing spring for the first time and with that comes tick season. I’ve already pulled about a half dozen of these tiny insects out of my dog’s fur.
“We are mostly worried about ticks because they carry bacteria diseases,” said Dr. Adrian Dannis of the Idaho Humane Society. “If a tick bites your dog it can transmit disease and your dog can get pretty sick. It can cause blood disorders, long-term kidney damage and arthritis.”
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Turkey hunter attacked by female moose with calves near Blackfoot
May 25, 2024 Local News 8
Late Friday afternoon, a turkey hunter was attacked by a female moose on a section of Bureau of Land Management land bordering the Snake River downstream of Wadsworth Island, a few miles south of Blackfoot city limits.
The individual was hunting turkeys when he inadvertently startled a female moose with her twin calves. The moose began to charge, and though he fired two warning shots at the ground in front of her, she was not deterred. As the moose knocked him to the ground, he was able to fire a third shot which made contact with the animal. The moose ran off, and the hunter was able to leave the area safely.
continued: with safety tips
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Fish & Game News:
F&G News Releases
link:
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The Yellow Pine Times 