Category Archives: News 2021

Oct 17, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Oct 17, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Nov 30 – Firewood Season
Oct 17 – YPFD Fire Training 2pm
Oct 20 – Planned Power Outage
Oct 25 – Halloween and Salmon Feed YP Tavern 7pm
Oct 28 – The Corner to close for the season
Oct 31 – YPFD Fire Training 2pm
Nov 7 – Time Change – Fall back 1 hour
(details below)
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Local Events:

Planned Power Outage Oct 20th

Dylan from Idaho Power called. They have equipment maintenance scheduled for our area, and have planned to shut the power off for approximately 3 hours on October 20th beginning around 1030am until about 130pm.
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Halloween/Salmon Bake Party at the Tavern

Monday, October 25th at 7pm. Salmon provided by Tom Wood. Bring a Potluck Dish if you wish. Halloween Costumes encouraged or come as a Hunter.
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Fire Training

Winter Structure Fire Response Plan & Training
Two Sessions Sunday Oct. 17 And Sunday Oct. 31, 2021 At 2:00 pm Yellow Pine Fire Station
To All Residents:
This is your opportunity to review and practice winter structure-fire response procedures. These sessions are recommended for all residents spending the winter in Yellow Pine. The session includes:
Engine operation, driving, communications, and logistical support will be discussed including:
Structure attack and structure protection techniques.
Actual practice opportunities to deploy engines including driving, spraying water, and refilling engines.
All winter residents are encouraged to attend one or both sessions.
Volunteer agreements will be available for those interested and not yet signed up.
Yellow Pine Fire Protection District (YPFPD), Valley County, Idaho
Dated this 15 day of October 2021 at 09:00. Notice posted at the Fire Station and other locations.
Lorinne Munn, Fire Chief
Merrill Saleen, Deputy Fire Chief
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Village News:

Internet Issues

We experienced internet (and some phone) connection issues starting late Sunday night, Oct 10th, and continuing all day Monday. The internet would be OK for a few minutes then drop the connection (or phone call.) MTE said they were trouble shooting on their end. Connection problems persisted until Tuesday morning and then returned to normal.
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Fall Color

20211017Larch

Western Larch (Tamarack) Oct 17, 2021 – rrS
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Notice – 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 want 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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Road News

Link: to current road reports.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.
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Critters

Be Bear Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

While bats are an important part of our ecosystem and most do not carry rabies, CDH offers the following tips to protect yourself and pets:
* Never touch a bat with your bare hands.
* If you have had an encounter with a bat, seek medical attention.
* If you come in contact with a bat, save the bat in a container without touching it and contact your health department to arrange testing for rabies. Whenever possible, the bat should be tested to rule out an exposure to rabies. During regular business hours in Ada, Boise and Elmore Counties, call 208-327-7499 and in Valley County, call 208-634-7194. After business hours in all counties, call 1-800-632-8000.
* Always vaccinate your pets for rabies, including horses. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.
* Bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging all holes in the siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows. Bats can enter through holes the size of a quarter.
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Yellow Pine US Mail

Aug. 29th the price of first-class postage stamps went to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Attention Mail Route Customers – FedEx Ground has changed their policy, and they will no longer pay for Mail Plane or Truck freight. If you can avoid it, we strongly encourage you to use UPS or USPS to receive packages. If you do order a FedEx Ground package, you will be billed for: Air Freight @ $0.45/lb, or Mail Truck Freight @ $0.05/lb. We are truly sorry this is the case, and are working very hard to make sure you still receive your orders. – Arnold Aviation

The 6-day a week mail delivery started June 1st. The Post Office in Yellow Pine is open six days a week year around: M-F 845am-245pm Saturday 9am-245pm. Forever Stamp: 58 cents. Support our local post office and purchase your holiday stamps here.
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Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b 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

Dump Tips

Do you know where your trash goes after it leaves Yellow Pine?

90 tons per week of Valley Co.’s solid waste comes to the Adams Co. landfill. (Valley Co. has a contract with Adams Co.) When Valley Co.’s weekly trash exceeds 90 tons, the rest is then taken to Payette. The more garbage, the more cost in transferring it further away.

Tips to reduce trash:

1. When purchasing groceries refuse plastic bags as they reek havoc at the Adams Co.’s landfill, causing problems with equipment.

2. Garbage: recyclables, compost, trash

If each household would have containers for these three categories this is the place to start.

– B. Dixon
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Local Groups

YPWUA News:

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water.

July 25, 2021 Update:

The Yellow Pine Water Users Association Board asks that individuals refrain from using domestic water to dampen the road. The Water Corporation is doing its best to provide water for domestic use during the low water period but as the supply becomes more limited, it is incumbent upon each of us to be judicious with its use. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all community members have an adequate supply of water.

The corporation has received the first $150k grant of the anticipated $450k. We are hoping to have some of the supply lines replaced by winter. Thanks to those who wrote letters of support. They were very beneficial in securing the grants. – Willie Sullivan

Oct 11, 2021 Water Update

Warren Drake has been in this week and shut down the summer tank, took samples, and spent time on the winter drip points. He built a small, insulated box from pressure treated wood, around each [trickle] point that will allow better winter access, make it so [he] can use each point for sampling, and also ensure that things don’t freeze.

DRINKING WATER WARNING October 11, 2021
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 180 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: 10-11-21.
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YPWUA 2021 Annual Shareholder Meeting July 4, 2021 at the Community Hall at 10am. Link: to 20210704 YPWUA minutes
YPWUA 2020 Annual Shareholder Meeting held July 5, 2020 at the Community Hall 2pm. link: to 20200705 YPWUA minutes

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
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VYPA News:

Notice to all VYPA Members:

I have accepted a position on the board of directors of the Yellow Pine Area Coalition (YPAC).
I will be relinquishing all my VYPA responsibilities by January 1, 2022.
I will complete my responsibilities as Project Manager for the Community Hall Repair Project prior to stepping off the Council.
If you are interested in filling the position of VYPA Chairman; leading the Harmonica Festival committee; coordinating the YP Escapades; managing the village’s online presence; or working on the Community Hall committee, please contact one of the Council members.
Over the next 2 1/2 months, the VYPA Council will be working toward a smooth transition for my successor. Thank you for allowing me to serve our community for the last 13 years.
Deb Filler, VYPA Chairman

Sept 11, 2021 – VYPA Meeting minutes link: (see document at link for attachments)
Aug 14, 2021 VYPA Meeting Canceled (lack of quorum.)
July 10, 2021 VYPA meeting minutes link:
June 12, 2021 VYPA Meeting Minutes link:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Josh Jones, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
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YPFD News:

Remember to clean your chimney before lighting your first fall fire, and check the fittings. Chimney brushes are available to borrow from the YPFD.

Sept 11, 2021 YPFD Budget meeting (no minutes yet.)
Aug 28, 2021 – YPFD Meeting to discuss upcoming election (no minutes yet.)
July 10, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
June 12, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
May 15, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:

Sept 30, 2020 YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

Also 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 a 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

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

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Fire Chief: Lorinne Munn
Deputy Fire Chief: Merrill Saleen
YP Fire Commissioners:
Lorinne Munn – District 1
Phil Jensen – District 2
Merrill Saleen – District 3
Secretary/Treasurer – Nikki Saleen
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Biz Listings:

The Corner (208) 633-3325
As the season comes to an end, we are starting to dwindle our inventory. To ensure our stock is fresh and kept to our standards, we will only be taking reservations until the end of our season (October 28). To make arrangements, please call The Corner at 208-633-3325 or call/text Hailey Harris at 970-275-7336. Thank you for a great summer!
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Yellow Pine Tavern (208) 633-2233
Open daily: 8am to 9pm Sunday: 8am to 2pm
Indoor Dining and Outdoor Dining Available.
Full Breakfast Menu. Burgers, Pizza, Fajitas, Beer Wine and Pop
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Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Open through the end of hunting season.
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Yellow Pine General Store (208) 633-3300
Store hours: 10am to 5pm, Monday – Sunday. Gas and Diesel now available. The Liquor Store is now reinstated. Now Selling Black Rifle Coffee.
The store is stocked with basic convenience store items such as food, fuel, liquor, beer, wine, tobacco, ice, non alcoholic beverages, snacks, ice cream. New Yellow Pine branded shirts, hats and koozies have arrived. We are going through the process of installing a propane dispenser and bottle exchange service.
For any particular store item requests, please call 208-633-3300 or Email
For room reservations, please call 208-633-3300 or Email for reservations
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Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
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Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
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Buck Horn Outfitters LLC 208-633-3614
Our Elk & Deer hunts are booked for our 2021 season, we do have a couple openings for our 2022 Elk & Deer hunts. We Also have a couple openings for Mountain Lion hunts December 2021 through February 2022 and Spring Bear hunts May of 2022. Please see our Website site for further details.
Tom & Sarah Lanham
156 Yellow Pine Ave, Yellow Pine Id 83677
website:
Facebook:

Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
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Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
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:

Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Garden Mountain Contractors
We would like to extend our services into the Yellow Pine area if there may be a need. We dig a lot of dirt! If you need this give us a shout on our FB page below. – Larry Williamson Garden Valley, Idaho FB Page:
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:

Monday (Oct 11) Internet connection spotty after midnight and and still spotty this morning. Rain changed to snow early this morning. Low temperature estimated to be 30 degrees (equipment error.) Measured 1/4″ new snow on the board, the 24 hour precip. total = 0.24″. This morning low overcast, flaking snow. Internet connection spotty all morning. MTE is trouble shooting on their end. Downy woodpecker and a chipmunk visiting. Still snowing at lunch time and socked in low. Stopped snowing early afternoon, no accumulation. Still rather cold mid-afternoon, low clouds sitting down on VanMeter Hill, chilly light breezes and occasional flakes of snow, high of 37 degrees. Overcast, light breeze and a few flakes of snow at sunset. Intermittent internet connection continues. Looked cloudy before midnight.

Tuesday (Oct 12) overnight low of 27 degrees. Yesterday’s light snow gave us 0.01″ of water in the gauge, no accumulation. This morning mostly cloudy, breezy and cold. Snow line about 6000′ although the webcam shows snow on the ground at Big Creek Lodge. Hairy woodpecker, jays, pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Mostly cloudy, cool and breezy at lunch time. Mostly cloudy with bits of sunshine and breezy mid-afternoon, high of 41 degrees. Looked overcast at sunset and calmer. Appeared cloudy before midnight.

Wednesday (Oct 13) overnight low of 25 degrees. This morning overcast and light breeze. Jays, a hairy and a downy woodpecker, chipmunks, a pine squirrel and a flock of starlings visiting. Overcast and chilly at lunch time. Mail truck made it in on time, reports a little snow on Warm Lake summit and upper Johnson Creek. Raven flying over and calling. Overcast with chilly light breezes mid-afternoon, high of 40F. Light rain shower late afternoon. At sunset broken overcast cool and calm. Partly clear before midnight.

Thursday (Oct 14) started snowing before 6am. Two loud gun shots at 730am. Overnight low of 26 degrees. This morning measured 3/8″ new snow (SWE=0.20″) on the board with patchy snow on the ground, overcast (top of VanMeter foggy) and still flaking lightly. Early street traffic. Hairy woodpecker, jays, chipmunks and pine squirrel visiting. Stopped snowing before lunch time, melted snow dripping off the roof and breaks in the clouds. A pair of flickers stopped by. Dark overcast and light cold breeze mid-afternoon, high of 42 degrees. Dark overcast, chilly light breeze and light sprinkles of rain for a short while at sunset. Looked cloudy before midnight.

Friday (Oct 15) overnight low of 29 degrees. This morning mostly cloudy. Jays, hairy woodpecker, pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Partly cloudy, light breeze and warming up at lunch time. Raven calling, possible hawk in the area. Warmer, partly cloudy and light breezes mid-afternoon, high of 60 degrees. Looked clear at sunset, calmer and cooling off quickly. Bright moon and some stars before midnight.

Saturday (Oct 16) overnight low of 25 degrees. This morning partly cloudy (high thin haze) frosty and light breeze. Hairy woodpecker, jays and chipmunks visiting. Mostly sunny, warm and light breeze at lunch time. Warm, sunny, mostly clear (a little haze) and light breeze mid-afternoon, high of 71 degrees. Ravens calling. Clear and calm at sunset. Clear before midnight, bright moon.

Sunday (Oct 17) overnight low of 27 degrees. This morning mostly high thin haze, frosty and light breeze. Jays, male hairy woodpecker, chipmunks and a pine squirrel visiting. Flock of starlings in the neighborhood. Mostly cloudy and breezy at lunch time. Mostly clear, sunny, warm and gusty breezes mid-afternoon, high of 72 degrees. Streets are dusty again. Loud gunshot at 430pm. The gusty breezes are stripping the colored leaves off the aspens. Mostly clear and calmer at sunset.
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RIP:

Nicole Irving Musgrove

Nicole Irving Musgrove, 43, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.

Services are pending and will be announced when scheduled.

If desired, online condolences may be left at McCall Funerals (link)

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

source: The Star-News October 14, 2021

Yellow Pine sends sincere condolences to Clint, Dennis and Dee Dee.
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Idaho News:

Two new local deaths to COVID-19 reported

Hospitals say number of new cases decline

By Tom Grote for The Star-News October 14, 2021

Two new deaths of local residents due to complications from COVID-19 were reported this week.

Valley County’s two hospitals last week continued to report a decline in new COVID-19 cases.

A total of 41 new cases were reported in the last week by St. Luke’s McCall and Cascade Medical Center. That compares to 63 new cases reported the previous week, 90 new cases reported three weeks ago and 92 new cases reported a month ago.

“We are definitely happy to see the case trend down,” Cascade CEO Tom Reinhardt said. “But we are heading into winter, which means people are heading indoors.”

“We have already seen this pandemic ebb and flow, and I would not be surprised if we have another surge this winter,” Reinhardt said.

It is too soon to tell if the downward trend will continue, St. Luke’s Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer Amber Green said.

“Now is not the time to let our guard down,” Green said. “We need everyone to continue to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and we urge people who have not yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 to choose to get vaccinated.”

The two hospitals have reported 1,524 cases of cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic started in March 2020.

full story:
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COVID-19 Updates: 1,520 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 34 new deaths

October 15, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,520 new COVID-19 cases and 34 new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 276,080.

The average age of Idahoans with COVID-19 is 39.6 years… The age group with the most cases is 18-29 with 65,411 cases.

The state said 59 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 12,024, and 14 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,998.

34 new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 3,251.

full story: [Valley County 1403 cases, 10 deaths.
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Tamarack Resort bringing back golf course, hopes to have grand opening in 2023

by CBS2 News Staff Monday, October 11th 2021

Tamarack Resort is hitting the links once again.

The resort outside of Donnelly on Monday said it has reached an agreement to acquire its former 18-hole golf course, Osprey Meadows. The golf course opened in 2005 and was in operation through the 2015 season.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached agreement for the acquisition of Osprey Meadows,” said Scott Turlington, Tamarack president. “With this milestone behind us, we are now eager to turn our attention toward restoration and getting golfers back on our course.”

continued:
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Mountain Community School partners with Tamarack to bring a school to the Resort

By Lynsey Amundson Oct 15, 2021 KIVI

Among a ski resort and other recreational activities, Tamarack will now be home to a school.

Through a partnership with Tamarack Resort and Mountain Community School, a new and unique opportunity for learning in the outdoors is coming to the McCall-Donnelly School District area.

continued:
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Impacts of exceptional drought in the Gem State as water managers look to winter 2022

by Sarah Jacobsen Friday, October 15th 2021 CBS2 Idaho

Leaves are changing across the Gem State, but drought conditions remain.

Idaho’s spring drought was exceptional, and the term exceptional means that conditions like this are only seen once in 50 to once in 100 years.

Photo: Idaho Department of Water Resources)

And with an upcoming La Niña winter, water managers are watching closely.

continued:
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Tips & Advice:

Tips to help drivers prepare for fall, winter weather

October 11, 2021 Local News 8

If your vehicle is long overdue for a tune-up, you’re not alone.

According to AAA, 35% of Americans put off needed repairs and routine maintenance. October Car Care Month is a good time to catch up before the cold, wet weather returns.

The average age of the American automobile fleet is 11.6 years, the oldest ever. As vehicles age, delayed repairs can quickly lead to a roadside mishap – last year, AAA rescued 33 million people who were stranded by dead batteries, fuel shortages, misplaced keys and flat tires.

continued:
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Last day to send gifts: Major mail carriers release 2021 holiday shipping deadlines

by Katie Caviness Sinclair Broadcast Group Wednesday, October 13th

With the holidays right around the corner, mail carriers released their shipping deadlines for the 2021 season.

The nation’s three largest carriers, UPS, FedEx and the United States Postal Service, have varying recommended days to ship last-minute gifts.

USPS: 2021 Holiday Shipping Dates for the Lower 48 States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska)

* USPS Retail Ground Service — Dec. 15
* First-Class Mail Service — Dec. 17
* Priority Mail Service — Dec. 18
* Priority Mail Express Service — Dec. 23

full story:
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Public Lands:

DEQ lifts Lake Cascade algae advisory

Toxic blooms have covered reservoir for the last 4 years

By Max Silverson for The Star-News October 14, 2021

A health advisory for toxin producing cyanobacteria on Lake Cascade was lifted last Friday but Central District Health warned people to stay away from isolated areas where the bloom may still be visible.

The advisory was lifted after Idaho Department of Environmental Quality monitoring found that toxins had returned to normal and safe levels. It had been in effect since Aug. 13.

It was the fourth harmful algal bloom on Lake Cascade in as many years. The 2020 and 2019 advisories also lasted about eight weeks while the 2018 advisory lasted only six weeks.

continued:
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Fire Season links:

Fall Burning on the Krassel RD

Sept 29, 2021 Payette NF

The Krassel Ranger District, Payette National Forest is planning to implement prescribed fire this fall east of Yellow Pine. The unit is located east of Yellow Pine, on the North side of the East Fork Rd, between Quartz creek and Profile creek. See attached maps for more specific areas affected. Ignitions should take 1 to 2 days for each. Hazards from the prescribed fires including fire spread, smoke, rolling debris, ash pits and fire weakened trees may be present in the area until significant weather (precipitation and cooler temperatures) occurs.

Ignition is anticipated to take place in October or early November.

Please contact Patrick Schon at 208-634-0623 patrick.schon@usda.gov or Laurel Ingram at 208-634-0622 laurel.ingram@usda.gov with any questions or comments, or if you will be operating in or close to that area this fall.

Map

Thank you,
Patrick Schon
Fire Management Specialist
Payette National Forest, East Zone
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The Payette National Forest will be conducting prescribed burns beginning today, October 12th, between Brundage Mountain Resort and McCall.

Burning will include both broadcast burning and slash pile burning. Residual smoke may be visible for several weeks. Use caution when recreating within recently burned areas. Hazards may include falling snags, burning stump holes, etc.
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Bureau of Land Management to conduct prescribed burns

Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting two prescribed burns this fall as part of an effort to reduce wildfire threat by removing hazardous fuels. Burns will occur in both Elmore and Valley counties with timing dependent on weather and ground conditions.

Martha Avenue Prescribed Burn – Located about eight miles north of Mountain Home, this burn will occur between Oct. 20 and Nov 20. The burn will remove 25 acres of Russian thistle that has grown within the Paradigm Fuel Break Project, a network of roadside buffer zones in which highly flammable vegetation has been reduced or removed to prevent fire starts and spread.

Round Ridge Pile Prescribed Burn –– Located about six miles east of Smiths Ferry, this burn will occur between Oct. 15 and Dec. 30 and will involve burning 30 large piles of logging slash, spread over 250 acres, that accrued from a 2020 timber harvest. Burning these piles under cooler, moist conditions will eliminate what might otherwise be a hazardous fuel source during a wildfire.

Before starting any burn, fire managers will wait for adequate moisture levels in the project area to minimize unintended fire spread. Once initiated, prescribed burning operations are expected to last up to three days, with personnel and equipment patrolling areas up to five days afterwards. Smoke from these prescribed burns has the potential to be visible from large distances due to the projects’ locations, fuel types and burning conditions.

For more information, contact the BLM Boise District Fire Information Line at 208-384-3378.
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Teens playing with fireworks started Boise Foothills fire, ACSO says

KTVB Staff October 14, 2021

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, the Goose Fire burned more than 425 acres in the Boise Foothills. Soon after, investigators from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office found the blaze was started by fireworks.

Now, the Eagle Fire Department Fire Chief told KTVB on Thursday that the fire was started after a group of juveniles played with fireworks north of the Eagle Bike Park in the Boise Foothills. The fire was started in unincorporated Ada County.

According to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, four teens were identified as being responsible for the fire. The teens, a 15-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys, were lighting off aerial fireworks at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday near a trail by the Eagle Bike Park.

Officials added that a man in the area saw the teens and told them to stop and leave.

The Ada County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the teens later moved towards Goose Creek Road and lit off more fireworks, which sparked the Goose Fire. The teens then ran off without trying to put out the grass fire.

continued:
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Fire Season links:

InciWeb Fire info link:
Air Quality McCall link:
National Fire Heat Map link: (zoom in to our area)
Weather Station at Stibnite link:
Real Time Lightning Map link: (zoom to our area)
GOES-West Satellite Maps Pacific Northwest link:
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Critter News:

Best in the Business

Retrievers, handlers awarded coveted pewter plates at Master National

By Max Silverson for The Star-News October 14, 2021

A total of 658 of the 1,035 dogs that started the 2021 Master National hunting retriever test in Valley County qualified for a coveted pewter plate to memorialize their achievement as the best hunting dogs in the business.

The Master National Retriever Club wrapped up its weeklong test of hunting dogs from across the country on Sunday.

In the event, dogs were required to retrieve dead or downed ducks to prove their hunting ability as judged against a set standard of performance.

This year’s social events were canceled due to COVID-19 worries.

full story:
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Idaho reaches deal to reimburse hunters who kill wolves

By Associated Press Oct 11, 2021

Idaho officials will make available up to $200,000 to be divided into payments for hunters and trappers who kill wolves in the state through next summer.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game late last month entered into an agreement with a nonprofit hunting group to reimburse expenses after a proven kill. The agreement follows a change in Idaho law aimed at killing more wolves that are blamed for attacking livestock and reducing deer and elk herds.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Rare grizzly bear confirmed in northern Idaho forest

by Associated Press Friday, October 15th 2021

Wildlife managers in northern Idaho are warning people to be on the watch for grizzly bears after one was recently reported in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reports Idaho Fish and Game regional wildlife biologist Barb McCall Moore wrote in a prepared statement that the bear was confirmed northeast of Magee on Oct. 6. Bears are active this time of year as they try to consume enough food to prepare for winter.

McCall Moore says bears can be active throughout the day and night, covering large areas of ground as they search for food. Black bears are common throughout northern Idaho but grizzlies are rarer.

source: CBS2 Idaho
————–

Fish & Game News:

Windows to Wildlife – beavers, bats, and ground squirrels!

In the fall edition of Windows to Wildlife:

* Beavers: the original habitat restoration engineers
* On the Idaho Birding Trail: Boundary-Smith Creek WMA
* Bat Week: October 24-31
* Species Spotlight: Merriam’s ground squirrels

link: (PDF file)
— — — — — — — — — —

Idaho Fish and Game untangles buck from backyard hammock in Pocatello

By Jennifer Jackson, Regional Communications Manager
Friday, October 15, 2021

Earlier this month a mule deer buck discovered first hand that hammocks aren’t always as relaxing as they are claimed to be.

Idaho Fish and Game received a call on October 8 from a concerned Pocatello resident who had discovered that a two-point buck had its antlers completely entangled within the support ropes of a backyard hammock and could not free itself.

It took two Fish and Game personnel to grab and hold the buck while another cut the twisted, knotted ropes from the antlers. The buck was released unscathed for the most part, though its antlers were bobbing loosely as a result of the animal’s struggle with the hammock.

continued: w/tips
— — — — — — — — — —

More F&G News Releases

link:
———————————-

Crazy Critter Stuff:

Squirrel stores 350 pounds of nuts in man’s pickup truck

by Peter Barker Zenger News Monday, October 4th 2021

Bill Fischer

In a battle between man and squirrel, the squirrel is winning.

A red squirrel keeps filling a North Dakota pickup truck with walnuts in order to prep for winter.

Bill Fischer, an insurance agent from Fargo, said he has been trying to stop the pesky squirrel from filling his car with nuts for eight years — without success.

Last month, the squirrel set a new record: Fischer found and removed 348 pounds of walnuts from his truck.

continued: CBS2 Idaho
————

Seasonal Humor:

Squirrel32-a

CovidCorpProbs-a
[h/t CP]
——————

Oct 10, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Oct 10, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions rescinded Sept 17th

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Firewood Season, permits at The Corner
Sept 17 – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded
Oct 25 – Halloween and Salmon Feed YP Tavern 7pm
Oct 28 – The Corner closing for the season
Nov 7 – Time Change – Fall back 1 hour
(details below)
———-

Local Events:

Halloween/Salmon Bake Party at the Tavern

Note Date Change: Monday, October 25th at 7pm. Salmon provided by Tom Wood. Bring a Potluck Dish if you wish. Halloween Costumes encouraged or come as a Hunter.
———

Village News:

Notice to all VYPA Members:

University of Yellow Pine

20211009School October 9, 2021 – rrS
— — — —

October 5th Fall Fuel Delivery

The Diamond Fuel and Feed tanker truck delivered fuel on Tuesday, October 5th.
— — — —

Notice – New Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sunday.

Life Flight

It is a very good idea to have Life Flight insurance if you live or recreate in the back country. If you already have Life Flight, consider it as a gift to a loved one.
— — — —

Road News

Link: to current road reports.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.

Hwy 55 projects
Smith’s Ferry area: Starting Tuesday, Sept. 7, drivers can expect full road closures Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., the road will be open to one-way alternating traffic. Please note: the delays may be significant immediately after the road reopens due to large traffic volumes. Once this traffic clears, drivers can expect 15-minute delays. We encourage drivers to plan ahead and use U.S. 95 as an alternate route. Project Website link:
Donnelly to McCall: One lane during the week and two lanes on weekends. Project is slated to last until September.
— — — —

Critters

Be Bear Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

Mosquitoes – West Nile

* Remove standing water
* Wear long sleeves and pants during morning/evening hours
* Use a good repellent with DEET (our bugs laugh at “backyard” formulas.
* Vaccinate your horses and mules! West Nile can be fatal to equines.
— — — —

Yellow Pine US Mail

Aug. 29th the price of first-class postage stamps went to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176

Dump Tips

Do you know where your trash goes after it leaves Yellow Pine?

Tips to reduce trash:

1. When purchasing groceries refuse plastic bags as they reek havoc at the Adams Co.’s landfill, causing problems with equipment.

2. Garbage: recyclables, compost, trash

If each household would have containers for these three categories this is the place to start.

– B. Dixon
———-

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water.

July 25, 2021 Update:

Sept 10, 2021 Update

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 180 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: 9-10-21.
—

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
— — — —

VYPA News:

Village Of Yellow Pine Association Meeting Minutes September 11, 2021
Attending Council Members: Deb Filler, Chairman; Ronda Rogers, Treasurer; Hailey Harris, Secretary; Rhonda Egbert, Member At Large.
Attendees: Sue Holloway, Sue Matlock, Christie Harris, Belinda Provancher, Josh Jones, Candy Sullivan, Willie Sullivan, Lorinne Munn, Cindy Fortin, Leslie Jensen, Ginny Bartholomew, Lynn Imel, Merrill Saleen, Niki Saleen, Steve Holloway, Tim Rogers.
Deb Filler called to order the regular meeting of the VYPA at 1400 at the Yellow Pine Community Hall.
Approval of minutes from last meeting-Deb Filler asked attendees if there were any outstanding questions/concerns with prior meeting minutes. All attendees agreed that there were no questions/concerns. Minutes approved.
Treasurer Report: Breakdown of ledger given by Ronda Rogers (see attached). Lorinne Munn requested a breakdown of how funds were appropriated. All VYPA minutes and attachments are available via Cloud Access. Joshua Jones to assist Council with technology solution to having documents available.
Community Hall: outside kitchen door replaced; upcoming, prioritized improvements will be done with available grant funds.
Cemetery: Chappy’s was stone set.
Infrastructure: Lorinne Munn, Susan Matlock, and Dawn Brown volunteered to be on the infrastructure team.
Harmonica Festival: Lorinne expressed great concern about proceeds made at Community Breakfast versus prior years. First Aid booth is provided as a courtesy not a requirement-all incidents were handled appropriately.
Stibnite Foundation Update: Ronda Rogers handed grant check to VYPA council. Community Hall project was awarded $6200.00.
Water Dept: Steve Holloway gave update on fire hydrants, sand filter replacement, and the pressure regulators that will be put into place with grant funding that has been granted.
YPFPD: Meeting held today at 1000. Phil is going to be presented new procedures.
Perpetua Resources: Belinda Provancher-Annual pig roast/community potluck cancelled; field work is starting late September/early October prior to winter season.
Old Business
Fireworks research update: Rhonda Egbert-Completed research on fireworks requirements. All 2021 fireworks followed the law.
New Business
Community Reps Named: Stibnite Advisory Council-Lynn Imel requested continuation. Unanimous election. Stibnite Advisory Council-Ronda Rogers requested continuation. Unanimous election.
2022 Festival Chairman: Deb Filler-motioned by Ronda Egbert, second by Hailey Harris, motioned carried.
Escapades Ride: September 18, 2021, next ride to Thunder Mountain. Proceeds support the Community Hall.
Lorinne Munn expressed concern about retired fire truck. Information was given about current ownership of the truck and the restoration process that the new owners are working on. A letter addressed to The Council was provided by and orally delivered during the meeting by Lorinne Munn. All questions/concerns were addressed, and a meeting to address pain points will be scheduled with the Council and Business owners with Adam Pellegrini to facilitate. (See attachment for Munn’s letter).
Respectfully submitted by,
Hailey Harris, VYPA Secretary
A complete, audio recording of this meeting can be accessed at: (link)

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Josh Jones, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
— — — —

YPFD News:

Remember to clean your chimney before lighting your first fall fire, and check the fittings. Chimney brushes are available to borrow from the YPFD.

Sept 30, 2020 YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

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

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Biz Listings:

Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Open through the end of hunting season.
— — — —

Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
— — — —

Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
— — — —

Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
— — — —

Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430
— — — —

Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Garden Mountain Contractors
We would like to extend our services into the Yellow pine area if there may be a need. We dig a lot of dirt! If you need this give us a shout on our FB page below. – Larry Williamson Garden Valley, Idaho FB Page:
— — — —

Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
———————–

Local Observations:

Monday (Oct 4) overnight low of 32 degrees. This morning mostly clear sky and good air quality. Trio of chipmunks and a few jays visiting, later the local pine squirrel showed up. Mostly sunny at lunch time, slight haze. Quite warm mid-afternoon, almost clear sky, gusty breezes, high of 82 degrees and haze building to the south (Boundary Fire.) Most of the sky had small clouds at sunset, cooling off and calmer. Clouds or haze before midnight.

Tuesday (Oct 5) 24 hour low of 34 degrees (from Monday’s reset.) This morning it appears clear above haze of smoke and poor air quality. Early loud air traffic. Jays, a male hairy woodpecker and chipmunks visiting. Increasing traffic and dust. Haze of smoke at lunch time, light breeze and probably mostly clear. Diamond Fuel and Feed delivered fuel today. Warm, mostly cloudy, haze of smoke and dust and breezy mid-afternoon, high of 76 degrees. Mostly cloudy and haze of smoke (and some dust) at sunset and calmer. Clouds or haze before midnight.

Wednesday (Oct 6) overnight low of 39 degrees. This morning partly cloudy and light haze of smoke. McCall air quality is Yellow, but ours is better. Early loud air traffic. Jays, chipmunks and male hairy woodpecker visiting. Gusty breezes blowing colored leaves off the trees and bushes at lunch time. Mail truck made it in on time. Helicopter at 215pm. Mild, partly cloudy, good air and gusty breezes mid-afternoon, high of 71 degrees. Grasshoppers clacking around. Internet spotty around 535pm. Partly cloudy at sunset, lighter breezes. Clouds to the east before midnight.

Thursday (Oct 7) overnight low of 42 degrees. This morning dark overcast, good air quality and sprinkled lightly just after 10am (not enough to get wet.) Internet connection spotty around 1045am. Jays, a pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Cool and overcast with slight breeze at lunch time. Cloud of smoke behind the Fire Hall (controlled burn.) Cool, cloudy, drops and sprinkles of rain mid-afternoon, high of 58 degrees. Short rain shower after 4pm. Partly cloudy just before sunset and calm. Looked cloudy to the east before midnight.

Friday (Oct 8) overnight low of 40 degrees. Yesterday’s sprinkles amounted to a trace in the rain gauge. This morning it started raining around 955am, dark overcast and good air quality. Light street traffic. Break in the rain between 1130am-1230pm, then more rain until a little after 1pm. Cool and low overcast (socked in mid-way down VanMeter Hill) mid-afternoon, high of 50 degrees. Overcast and a “freckle” of rain drops on the roof at sunset, light chilly breeze.

Saturday (Oct 9) overnight low of 41 degrees. Yesterday’s showers added up to 0.07″. This morning mostly cloudy, patches of blue sky and light breeze. Hairy woodpecker, pine squirrel, chipmunks and jays visiting. Mostly cloudy at lunch time. Light traffic for a Saturday, streets are starting to dry out. Cool light breeze and mostly cloudy (thin high wispy) mid-afternoon, high of 58 degrees. Almost clear at sunset, light breeze and cooling off. Some stars shining to the east before midnight.

Sunday (Oct 10) overnight low of 31 degrees. This morning overcast and good air quality. Jays, a pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Dark overcast at lunch time. Mostly cloudy and chilly gusty breezes mid-afternoon, high of 58 degrees. Overcast, light breeze and light sprinkles of rain started around sunset.
—————-

Mining News:

2nd gold mine proposed near Yellow Pine

Stallion Gold project would border Perpetua mine

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News October 7, 2021

A Canadian mining company has begun exploring for gold and antimony on 5,600 acres of land bordering Perpetua Resources’ proposed Stibnite Gold Mine near Yellow Pine.

Crews from Stallion Gold Corp of Vancouver, British Columbia, began collecting soil and rock samples from the largely under-explored Horse Heaven Project this past summer, Stallion Gold CEO Drew Zimmerman said.

A Stallion Gold investor presentation said that deposits at Horse Heaven “share similarities” to Perpetua’s Stibnite project, which is predicted to produce 6 million ounces of gold.

Spokespeople for both Stallion Gold and Perpetua said the two projects are unrelated and that neither company has a business relationship with the other.

The Horse Heaven project is located on the Boise National Forest, which would be in charge of issuing permits for exploratory drilling and other approvals for the proposed mine.

Zimmerman had no estimate on when the company could begin mining.

Perpetua Resources began exploratory work on its Stibnite Gold Project in 2009. An extensive review of the project led by the Payette National Forest has been underway since 2016.

A decision on the Stibnite Gold Project is not expected until 2023, or 14 years after the start of the project.

The Horse Heaven project area takes in 8.8 square miles of land near the confluence of Johnson Creek and the East Fork South Fork Salmon River. Parts of the project zone are within one mile of Yellow Pine.

By comparison, Perpetua’s project area totals 46.6-square-miles, but the company proposes to mine only about three square miles.

Stallion Gold raised $2 million in July through a private stock offering to fund exploration of the Horse Heaven Project, the company’s only current project.

A $953,000 deal to acquire the mineral rights for the land was completed in May.

Zimmerman told The Star-News that Stallion Gold is “not affiliated with Perpetua Resources in any way,” a statement echoed by Perpetua.

“To be explicitly clear, there have been no conversations about expanding our project or merging with Stallion Gold,” said Mckinsey Lyon, a Perpetua spokesperson.

Exploration Zones

The main area Stallion Gold wants to explore for gold and antimony is Golden Gate Hill, which is less than a mile from Yellow Pine, a village of about 25 year-round residents.

Golden Gate Hill is flanked by Johnson Creek to the west and the East Fork South Fork Salmon River to the north.

The Golden Gate mineral zone stretches 1.8 miles and could include high-grade gold deposits, according to Stallion Gold.

Another area Stallion Gold wants to explore is Antimony Ridge, a smaller mineral zone located about one mile southeast of the Golden Gate Zone.

Antimony Ridge has historically been mined as far back as World War I for antimony, a mineral used in munitions and renewable energy, among other things.

However, no work has been done on the Antimony Ridge zone since 1987, when Amselco Minerals and Meridian Gold Company did some exploratory drilling.

Benefits of the project’s location include year-round road access, nearby power lines, water rights availability and the nearby Johnson Creek airstrip, the investor presentation said.

Stallion Gold was known as Hybrid Minerals Inc. until the company announced a name change on June 2 after it acquired the Horse Heaven Project.

Hybrid’s main focus was exploring a cobalt mine near Salmon in Lemhi County. That project was abandoned in April 2019 due to falling cobalt prices, according to the company.

Profiles of Stallion Gold Officers

Drew Zimmerman – CEO

Nine years of experience in public markets

Rose from investment advisor to portfolio manager.

Certified by Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. No past experience running mining companies

University of Victoria: Bachelor of Commerce – International Business.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

William “Bill” Breen – President and VP of Exploration

41 years of experience with mining companies. Minex exploration (31 years)

Consultant for Horse Heaven Syndicate (10 years). Member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration

Professional geologist certifications in Wyoming and Washington

University of Idaho: Bachelor of Science – Geology

Based in Idaho: Mayor of Hope in northern Idaho.

Dong Shim – CFO

14 years of experience in accounting and finance.

Member of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. President of SHIM Accounting Corporation (2013 to present)

Simon Fraser University: Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting and Finance

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Kelly Pladson – Corporate Secretary

12 years of experience in corporate governance and regulatory compliance

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia

source: © Copyright 2009-present Central Idaho Publishing Inc. All rights reserved (Used with permission.)
— — —

Stallion Gold – Horse Heaven

Map

(click image for larger size)

link: to website
————

Idaho News:

Valley County hospitals report fewer new COVID-19 cases

Two new deaths reported among county residents

By Tom Grote for The Star-News October 7, 2021

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported by Valley County’s two hospitals slowed last week, with 63 new cases reported.

That compares to 90 new cases reported the previous week, 92 new cases reported three weeks ago and 119 new cases reported a month ago.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 55 new cases in the last week, while Cascade Medical Center reported eight new cases.

Two new deaths in Valley County due to COVID-19 were reported this week by Central District Health. Both deaths were men over age 70, the health department reported. No other details were released.

A total of six confirmed deaths and two suspected deaths related to COVID-19 among Valley County residents have now been reported by Central District Health.

Youths age 17 and younger made up the greatest number of McCall residents to test positive at all St. Luke’s Health System testing locations in the past month, the hospital reported.

That group accounted for 28% of new cases among McCall residents, followed by ages 30 to 39 and ages 50 to 69 with 18% each.

A total of 91% of people hospitalized for COVID-19 at all St. Luke’s Health System hospitals are unvaccinated, the hospital said.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 1,419 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Valley County in March 2020.

continued:
— — — —

COVID-19 Updates: 1,682 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 53 new deaths

October 8, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,682 new COVID-19 cases and 53 new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 267,664.

The state said 889,233 people have received the vaccine, and 1,622,114 total doses have been administered. 798,684 people are fully vaccinated.

The age group with the most cases is 18-29 with 63,817 cases.

The state said 51 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 11,620, and 14 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,927.

53 new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 3,117.

full story: [Valley County 1367 cases, 10 deaths.]
— — — — — — — — — —

1 dead, highway blocked for hours in Idaho 55 pileup

KTVB Staff October 4, 2021

One woman was killed and two other people were hurt in a four-vehicle collision north of Cascade Monday.

The pileup happened at about 3:30 p.m., and blocked Idaho 55 for more than four hours.

According to Idaho State Police, a 53-year-old man from Ogden was headed north in a Dodge Ram pulling a trailer when one of the trailer tires came off and flew into the opposite lane.

A southbound 32-year-old from Caldwell, who was driving a Ford F350 pulling an enclosed trailer, hit the tire and lost control. The man swerved into the northbound lane, hitting an oncoming Honda Accord head-on.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Idaho man, 71, killed in crash after vehicle crashes into Payette River

by CBS2 News Staff Wednesday, October 6th 2021

A 71-year-old Garden Valley man died Wednesday following a crash on Highway 55.

Idaho State Police says the man was driving south when his vehicle went off the southbound side of the road and overturned north of Horseshoe Bend.

The vehicle ended up in the Payette River. The driver was ejected and died at the scene.

He was not wearing a seat belt, troopers say.

source:
— — — — — — — — — —

State, feds probe logging accident near New Meadows.

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News October 7, 2021

A fatal logging accident near New Meadows last month is under investigation by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The Sept. 10 accident killed Luis Garcia, 50, of Mexico and critically injured Christian Vargas, 20, also of Mexico, according to a news release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Vargas was transported by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, where he was listed as being in “good condition” as of Tuesday, a hospital spokesperson said.

Garcia died before first responders arrived shortly after 11 a.m. on Sept. 10, the sheriff’s office said.

continued:
—————

Idaho History:

1918 to now: How Idaho weathers pandemics

Almost 103 years ago, Idaho’s Spanish flu response began similarly to March 2020.

Carolyn Komatsoulis (Idaho Press) October 6, 2021

Credit: Idaho Press Courtesy Photo
When Boise celebrated the end of the Great War on Nov. 11, 1918, it was a dangerous gathering in the Spanish flu epidemic that killed millions.

Christmas and New Years were quiet affairs in Nampa in 1918, since the influenza ban prevented any public gatherings.

Almost 103 years ago, Idaho’s Spanish flu response began similarly to March 2020. Restrictions were put in place.

“That there is some fear of the Spanish influenza becoming epidemic in Idaho is shown by the fact that the State Board of Health held a (meeting) in Boise Tuesday,” read the Nampa Leader-Herald on Oct. 11, 1918. “And after (considering) the matter decided to close all places of public meeting against schools.”

The Spanish influenza was one of the deadliest pandemics in history, lasting for the most part from Spring 1918 to Summer 1919.

The disease infected around 500 million people worldwide, which at the time was around a third of the planet’s population. Somewhere between 20 million and 50 million people died.

In just one year, 1918, American life expectancy dropped 12 years.

full story:

[To read more about the Influenza in Idaho, check out the table of contents on the Yellow Pine Times’ Idaho History Page:]
—————-

Scam Alert:

Common election season scams to watch out for

By Nicole Camarda Oct 07, 2021 KIVI

Scammers and hackers are always looking for ways to steal personal and finical information from whoever they can and one of the largest targets is voters.

According to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, election scams are common during this time of year and people will try to get access to addresses, ID information and even banking information.

October is Cyber Security Awareness month and elections are right around the corner which means more Idahoans need to be aware of the risks.

continued:
—————–

Public Lands:

Fall Burning on the Krassel RD

Sept 29, 2021 Payette NF

Ignition is anticipated to take place in October or early November.

Map

Thank you,
Patrick Schon
Fire Management Specialist
Payette National Forest, East Zone
————–

Fire Season:

Firefighters knock down Goose Fire in the Boise Foothills

KTVB Staff October 6, 2021

Firefighters worked overnight to get the upper hand on a grass fire that scorched 200 acres of land near homes in the Boise Foothills.

The Goose Fire began at about 5 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Idaho Highway 55 and Beacon Light Road, near the Eagle Sports Complex and a number of houses.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, all of the active flames had been knocked down as of 8:35 p.m. Wednesday. Crews remained at the scene overnight, but were aided by late-night rainfall.

continued: w/photos
— — — —

441-acre Goose Fire contained Thursday morning

by CBS2 News Staff Wednesday, October 6th 2021

Courtesy Karen Lesh

A large fire, fueled by gusty winds, that erupted in the foothills near Eagle on Wednesday was contained at 10 a.m. Thursday morning, the Bureau of Land Management reports.

The 441-acre fire started near the Eagle Sports Complex and then spread to Hill Road between Horseshoe Bend and Seamans Gulch roads. At one point Wednesday evening, deputies had called for voluntary evacuation recommendations for several homes north of Hill Road and near Seaman’s Gulch, but they’ve since been given the OK to return to their homes.

Multiple emergency crews from across the Treasure Valley fought the fire including Boise and Eagle. The Bureau of Land Management has dubbed it the Goose Fire.

continued: w/photos
— — — —

ACSO: Goose Fire in the Boise Foothills was started by fireworks

According to the Ada County’s Sheriff’s Office, the Goose Fire was started by fireworks that were lit in the middle of W. Goose Creek Road.

KTVB Staff October 7, 2021

story:
— — — — — — — — — —

Boundary Fire in Frank Church Wilderness scorches 137 square miles, 88% contained

In this story is a list and interactive map of large wildfires burning in Idaho and Oregon.

KTVB Staff October 9, 2021

link:
—

Boundary Fire
Salmon-Challis National Forest
The lightning-caused Boundary Fire ~2 miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch was detected on August 10.
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — —

Mud Lick, Haynes, and Iron Fires
Salmon-Challis National Forest
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — — — — — — — —

Some useful links:

Critter News:

Apples picked up in Eastern Idaho to avoid attracting bears

October 5, 2021 Local News 8

Conservation officers and biologists from Idaho Fish and Game teamed up with a group of volunteers recently to pick and gather apples around the city of Ashton in an effort to prevent the juicy fruits from attracting bears into backyards.

Fish and Game regularly responds to bears wandering into neighborhoods this time of year as they search for fruit trees and other easy meals to provide them with quick calories in preparation for winter.

“An apple tree can be quite the find for a hungry bear, but it comes at a price,” wildlife biologist Jeremy Nicholson said. “Bears that become accustomed to spending time near humans and eating human food are commonly removed from the population because of the danger they pose to the public.”

continued: with bear tips
— — — — — — — — — —

Idaho trooper, volunteer rescue owl tangled in trash along Interstate-84

by CBS2 News Staff Tuesday, October 5th 2021

Courtesy Idaho State Police

An owl is thanking its lucky feathers for an Idaho State Trooper and an animal rescue volunteer.

Idaho State Police says drivers along Interstate-84 spotted a Great Horned Owl tangled in some plastic in Nampa on Tuesday. The trooper parked her patrol vehicle between the owl and traffic and waited until a volunteer from Animals in Distress could arrive.

“The owl is OK and released away from the freeway,” ISP said.

source:
————–

Fish & Game News:

Hunters: If your tag isn’t properly notched, it’s invalid

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor
Thursday, October 7, 2021

Sara Cassinelli/Idaho Fish and Game

This applies to all permits that require you to notch the month and date

Reminder for hunters, after you harvest your animal, you must validate your tag by completely removing the correct day and month – just like in the picture – and attaching it to the largest portion of the carcass.

source:
— — — — — — — — — —

Don’t be tempted to shoot that road-side deer or elk, it might not be what you think

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor
Wednesday, October 6, 2021

F&G uses decoy to nab poachers in problem areas.

That buck or bull standing next to the road might be a tempting target, but it could also be a very costly mistake that causes you to lose your money and hunting license.

Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers deploy “artificial simulated animals” during hunting season to catch law-breaking hunters. Commonly called ASAs, they are life-like copies of deer, elk and other game species that look and act like the real thing.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Elk hunters are reminded to know their bulls before pulling the trigger

By Brian Pearson, Regional Communications Manager
Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Multiple moose were illegally killed by elk hunters in Southwest Idaho last year

Moose are an iconic Idaho species, and moose hunts are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Idahoans. Populations are carefully managed through an exclusively controlled hunt framework, and these hunts are among the most sought-after in the state. In Southwest Idaho, densities of moose are low, and the moose population isn’t large enough to support a hunt, so even one moose killed – mistakenly or intentionally – is too many.

After multiple moose were mistaken for elk and illegally killed in Idaho Fish and Game’s Southwest Region in 2020, Fish and Game is reminding hunters that it is their responsibility to positively identify their target before pulling the trigger, and that they need to “know their bulls” before heading out for rifle seasons.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Dressing for hunting: hope for the best weather, but prepare for the worst

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor
Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Wear the right hunting clothing so you can stay in the woods and make your hunting time count

Fall hunting happens in all kinds of weather and conditions, so don’t underestimate the importance of your clothing. It may determine how long you’re able to stay outdoors and hunt, and more time in the woods often equates to a higher chance of success. Dressing for Idaho’s variable fall weather takes preparation and investment, but it can pay dividends.

Hunting is often better when the weather is cold, wet and snowy, and finding clothes that keep you comfortable can be a challenge, so here are things to consider:

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Hunt safe: Survival tips for big game hunters

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor
Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Be prepared for those unexpected situations you might encounter while hunting in the fall

Every hunting season, hunters get lost or disoriented, caught outdoors in cold, wet weather, or experience some other unexpected hazard. While most escape no worse than tired, chilled and hungry, the hazards in Idaho’s woods shouldn’t be underestimated. Hunters can take precautions and prepare for unexpected situations.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

More F&G News Releases

link:
———————————-

Crazy Critter Stuff:

Small horses bring big smiles to Treasure Valley seniors

By Karen Lehr Oct 01, 2021 KIVI

Boise, Idaho — 18 months into the pandemic, we could all use some cheering up.

That’s the goal of the local non-profit Mini Joys, taking miniature horses around the Treasure Valley to meet with children and seniors.

Mini Joys founder Laurie Bell started the non-profit nine years ago, visiting special needs classrooms, foster homes, children’s hospitals, and senior homes. Groups can also visit the Mini Joys farm near Hidden Springs.

continued: w/video
—————-

Seasonal Humor:

MooseVoicemail-a

CovidZoo-a
[h/t CP]
—————-

Oct 3, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Oct 3, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions rescinded Sept 17th

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Firewood Season, permits at The Corner
Sept 17 – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded
Oct 5 – Diamond Fall Fuel Delivery
Oct 28 – The Corner closing for the season
Oct 31 – Halloween
Nov 7 – Time Change – Fall back 1 hour
(details below)
———-

Local Events:

October 5th Diamond Fuel and Feed Fall Delivery

We are planning our fall fuel haul into Yellow Pine for Tuesday, October 5th. Please call or email us so we can add you to the list.
Diamond Fuel and Feed Team
diamondfuel.feed @ gmail.com
(208) 382-4430
———

Village News:

Planned Phone/Internet Outage Sept 30th

MTE needed to replace some equipment and shut down our internet starting before 9am and back on pretty good before noon. However, the afternoon and evening connection was spotty at times.
— — — —

Fish Fry Sept 25th

Our Annual Fish Fry Thanks to Stu for Providing the Fish and Teri also providing fish this year. Willie, Jeff and Ann cooking. Steve and Sue providing the Location. Alpine Village is a perfect place to have the Event. Also thanks for all of the great Potluck dishes. There was around 40 or 50 in attendance Residents and Friends.
20210925FishFry-a photo courtesy Yellow Pine Tavern
— — — —

Fall Colors Sept 26th

20210926FallColor rrS
— — — —

Mouse Nest

20210930MouseNest-a

If someone says your car has an air conditioner filter, believe them.
— — — —

Notice – New Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sundays.

Life Flight

It is a very good idea to have Life Flight insurance if you live or recreate in the back country. If you already have Life Flight, consider it as a gift to a loved one.
— — — —

Road News

Link: to current road reports.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.

Critters

Be Bear Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

Mosquitoes – West Nile

Yellow Pine US Mail

Aug. 29th the price of first-class postage stamps went to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176

Dump Tips

Do you know where your trash goes after it leaves Yellow Pine?

Tips to reduce trash:

1. When purchasing groceries refuse plastic bags as they reek havoc at the Adams Co.’s landfill, causing problems with equipment.

2. Garbage: recyclables, compost, trash

If each household would have containers for these three categories this is the place to start.

– B. Dixon
———-

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

September Water Usage

date	flow	used	hours	gph	gpm		more	less
09/01/21	14497186	26378	24	1099	18	W		3522
09/02/21	14528659	31473	24	1311	22	T	5095
09/03/21	14562089	33430	24	1393	23	F	1957
09/04/21	14597407	35318	24	1472	25	S	1888
09/05/21	14631533	34126	24.5	1393	23	S		1192
09/06/21	14665588	34055	23.5	1449	24	M		71
09/07/21	14702783	37195	24	1550	26	T	3140
09/08/21	14749530	46747	24	1948	32	W	9552
09/09/21	14788402	38872	24	1620	27	T		7875
09/10/21	14823817	35415	24	1476	25	F		3457
09/11/21	14854357	30540	24	1273	21	S		4875
09/12/21	14889770	35413	24.5	1445	24	S	4873
09/13/21	14921434	31664	23.5	1347	22	M		3749
09/14/21	14954314	32880	24	1370	23	T	1216
09/15/21	14989719	35405	24	1475	25	W	2525
09/16/21	15028507	38788	24	1616	27	T	3383
09/17/21	15064968	36461	24	1519	25	F		2327
09/18/21	15106193	41225	24	1718	29	S	4764
09/19/21	15142267	36074	24	1503	25	S		5151
09/20/21	15174293	32026	24	1334	22	M		4048
09/21/21	15204133	29840	24	1243	21	T		2186
09/22/21	15234224	30091	24	1254	21	W	251
09/23/21	15266560	32336	24	1347	22	T	2245
09/24/21	15306678	40118	24	1672	29	F	7782
09/25/21	15352845	46167				S	6049
09/26/21	15384582	31737				S		14430
09/27/21	15415208	30626	22	1392	23	M		1111
09/28/21	15445672	30464	24	1269	21	T		162
09/29/21	15474439	28767	24	1199	20	W		1697
09/30/21	15504210	29771	24	1240	21	T	1004

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water.

July 25, 2021 Update:

Sept 10, 2021 Update

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
— — — —

VYPA News:

Sept 11, 2021 – VYPA Meeting 2pm at Community Hall (no minutes yet.)
Aug 14, 2021 VYPA Meeting Canceled (lack of quorum.)
July 10, 2021 VYPA meeting minutes link:
June 12, 2021 VYPA Meeting Minutes link:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Matt Huber, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
— — — —

YPFD News:

Remember to clean your chimney before lighting your first fall fire, and check the fittings. Chimney brushes are available to borrow from the YPFD.

Sept 30, 2020 YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

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

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Biz Listings:

Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Open thru hunting season.
— — — —

Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
— — — —

Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
— — — —

Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
— — — —

Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430 open 830am-5pm Monday-Friday, closed weekends.
— — — —

Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
———————–

Local Observations:

Monday (Sept 27) overnight low of 36 degrees. This morning clear sky, light breeze, haze of Idaho smoke and Yellow air quality (the satellite map shows the Middle Fork and Main Salmon rivers outlined in smoke.) Jays and chipmunks visiting. Some high thin hazy clouds and getting breezy at lunch time. Mostly clear, breezy and a little better air mid-afternoon, high of 79 degrees. A few airplanes navigating turbulence over the village. Almost clear and much calmer at sunset. Mostly cloudy after midnight. Wind gusts ushered in the rain around 630am.

Tuesday (Sept 28) 24 hour low of 38 degrees (from Monday’s reset.) This morning low overcast (VanMeter socked in mid-way) steady light rain and almost calm. Steady rain and low clouds at lunch time. Jays, chipmunks and pine squirrel visiting. Stopped raining early afternoon and by mid-afternoon breaks in the clouds, but the top of VanMeter is still fogged in and chilly breezes, high of 46 degrees. Broken cloud cover and chilly light breeze before sunset. Clouds on VanMeter finally lifted to reveal fresh snow.

Wednesday (Sept 29) overnight low of 27 degrees. This morning frosty, mostly clear, light breeze and good air quality. Jays, a pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Partly cloudy and chilly breeze at lunch time. Mail truck driver made it in on time (a little snow on the summits.) Mostly clear and chilly light breezes mid-afternoon, high of 61 degrees. Mostly clear at sunset, light cool breeze and good air. Probably clear before midnight.

Thursday (Sept 30) overnight low of 26 degrees. This morning frosty, clear sky and good air quality. A belted kingfisher, 3 hairy woodpeckers and jays visiting. Internet out before 9am, back on before 12pm. At lunch time clear and light chilly breeze. Light air and street traffic. Clear sky, light breezes and great air quality mid-afternoon, high of 72 degrees. Internet connection a bit spotty at times this afternoon. Clear and cooling off at sunset, great air quality. Internet working better around 8pm then spotty again around 930pm. Appeared to be clear before midnight.

Friday (Oct 1) 24 hour low of 28 degrees (from Thursday morning’s reset.) This morning mostly cloudy (like bubble wrap) and light breeze. Early loud air traffic. Jays and chipmunks visiting. Mostly cloudy and cool at lunch time. Mild temperatures, partly clear and light breeze mid-afternoon, high of 74 degrees. Increasing street traffic (and a bit of dust.) Mostly cloudy – partly clear at sunset, calm and cooling off. Looked partly or mostly clear before midnight.

Saturday (Oct 2) overnight low of 30 degrees. This morning clear sky, good air quality and light frost. Air and street traffic (getting a bit dusty.) Clear and light breeze at lunch time. Jays, downy woodpecker, pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Mild temperatures, clear sky, slight breeze and good air quality mid-afternoon, high of 75 degrees. Clear and cooling off at sunset. Looked clear before midnight.

Sunday (Oct 3) overnight low of 30 degrees. This morning clear sky, light frost and good air quality. Jays and chipmunks visiting. Sunny and warming up at lunch time. Quite warm mid-afternoon, partly cloudy, light breezes and good air, high of 79 degrees. Partly cloudy (high wispies) at sunset and calm.
—————

Idaho News:

Valley County hospitals report 90 new COVID-19 cases

By Tom Grote for The Star-News September 30, 2021

A total of 90 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past week by the two hospitals. That compares to 92 new cases reported the previous week and 119 new cases the prior week.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 82 new cases in the last week, while Cascade Medical Center reported eight new cases.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 288 new cases from Sept. 1 through Monday, far exceeding the previous monthly record of 188 positive tests set in December 2020.

Cascade Medical Center reported 55 new cases during September through Monday, which is eight less than the hospital’s high monthly mark of 63 cases reported in August.

Youths age 17 and younger made up the greatest number of McCall residents to test positive at all St. Luke’s Health System testing locations so far in September, the hospital reported.

That group accounted for 33% of new cases among McCall residents during the month, followed by age 30 to 49 (17%) and ages 50 to 69 (16%).

A total of 89% of people hospitalized for COVID-19 at all St. Luke’s Health System hospitals are unvaccinated, the hospital said.

Four confirmed deaths and two suspected deaths related to COVID-19 among Valley County residents have been reported by Central District Health.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 1,419 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Valley County in March 2020.

St. Luke’s McCall offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at St. Luke’s Clinics – Payette Lakes Family Medicine, 211 Forest Street, McCall.

Appointments also can be scheduled online through St. Luke’s myChart or calling 208-381-9500 or by calling 208-634-2225.

Booster shots are available by appointment through Payette Lakes Clinic to those who have a compromised immune system. Patients should schedule the booster shots through MyChart.

Cascade Medical Center offers a walk-in vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

full story: © Copyright 2009-present Central Idaho Publishing Inc. All rights reserved (used with permission.)
— — — — —

St. Luke’s McCall deals with staffing shortage

Job offers turned down due to lack of housing

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 30, 2021

Almost half of the job offers that St. Luke’s McCall has made to prospective employees in the past year have been turned down, primarily because candidates cannot find housing in McCall.

Even more candidates for essential positions drop out of the hiring process before that point, St. Luke’s Chief Operating Officer Amber Green said.

“First and foremost, they don’t even come here…they can’t find housing,” Green said.

The hospital currently has 32 open positions, with the greatest need in support service departments like cleaning, food service, medical assistants and patient access staff, St. Luke’s McCall Public and Community Relations Manager Laura Crawford said.

… Affordable housing is not a new problem affecting McCall, but the pressures have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest housing boom, Crawford said.

The lack of affordable housing has been affecting lower paying jobs at the hospital, but nurses, managers, doctors and other specialists have not been immune from the problem, she said.

full story:
— — — — — — — — — —

COVID-19 Updates: 1,778 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 24 new deaths

October 1, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,778 new COVID-19 cases and 24 new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 259,100.

The state said 878,212 people have received the vaccine, and 1,600,127 total doses have been administered. 786,828 people are fully vaccinated.

The hotspots so far this week are Canyon County, Ada County, Bannock County, Twin Falls County and Kootenai County.

The age group with the most cases is 18-29 with 62,228 cases.

The state said 55 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 11,258, and 9 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,872.

24 new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 2,931.

full story: [Valley County 1307 cases, 8]
— — — —

Covid-19 Hospitalizations Sept 27th

source: KTVB
— — — —

COVID-19 contact tracing: local health districts are thousands of cases behind

Between staffing and technology limitations, local health districts are unable to keep up amid surge of reported COVID cases.

Andrew Baertlein September 29, 2021 KTVB

The Idaho Division of Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard is behind approximately 11,500 outstanding positive cases needing local health district review, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

That backlog not only limits the accuracy of reported COVID-19 cases in real time, but it also limits local public health districts in their ability to properly contact trace. Contact tracing is a process that notifies close contacts they have been exposed to the coronavirus and gathers information about where the virus is spreading in the community.

This backlog of cases has developed due to a lack of necessary manpower to process cases in real time, according to local health districts. However, hiring more staff hasn’t been easy.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

McCall Public Library to offer assistance with voter registration

McCall Public Library is celebrating National Voter Registration Week by helping community members register to vote, check their registration details or request an absentee ballot via mail.

The celebration will continue through Friday, Oct. 8, which is the last day for Idahoans to register early.

There will be a Voter Registration Popcorn Party on Thursday, Oct. 7, for those who come in to register.

The last day for voters to request absentee ballots is Friday, Oct. 22, and early voting will begin on Monday, Oct. 18.

Librarians can answer questions, including about registering at the polls in November, either in person or by calling 208-634-5522.

McCall Public Library is located at 218 E. Park St.

source: The Star-News September 30, 2021
— — — — — — — — — —

Donnelly woman dies after car crash near McCall

by CBS2 News Staff Saturday, October 2nd 2021

One person is dead after a car crash near McCall Saturday.

Idaho State Police say the crash occurred at the intersection of Norwood Rd. and Johnson Rd. just south of McCall.

Police say a 71-year-old McCall man was driving east on Johnson Rd. crossing Norwood Rd.

A 51-year-old Donnelly woman was driving north on Norwood Rd. when the McCall man struck her car, causing her to spin off the east shoulder of the road.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Two hurt in plane crash near Warren

Wreck is second this year in same area

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 30, 2021

Two people were injured on Monday when a single-engine airplane crashed near Warren, according to a news release from the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office.

A Cessna 182 occupied by Gary Haass, 62, and Amy Haass, 58, crashed at about 12:30 p.m. northeast of the Warren Airport, the release said.

The hometowns for Gary and Amy Haass were not available. They were reportedly flying to an unknown destination in Idaho from Wasilla, Alaska, the Idaho County news release said.

The two were taken by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, where they both were reported in “good” condition on Wednesday, a hospital spokesperson said.

The crash started a fire in trees and brush, a Payette National Forest spokesperson said.

Aircraft and firefighters from the Payette responded to the scene and contained the fire at two acres, the spokesperson said.

continued:
— — — — —

CORRECTION

A story in The Star-News last week incorrectly reported the cause of a single-engine plane that crashed 60 miles east of McCall on Aug. 28, killing two people and injuring a third.

The story said the crash was was caused by the plane flying too low in a drainage, but a preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report said the last data from a tracking system showed the plane was flying at an altitude of 6,400 feet, or 2,000 feet lower than the crash scene.

The preliminary report did not cite a probable cause.

source: The Star-News September 30, 2021
— — — — — — — — — —

Two more earthquakes reported near Stanley on Saturday

Celina Van Hyning (KTVB) October 3, 2021

Less than two weeks after a 4.0 magnitude earthquake was reported near Stanley, two more earthquakes were reported in the same area on Saturday evening.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit nine kilometers northwest of Stanley at 5:47 p.m. on Saturday. Less than two hours later, a 2.8 magnitude earthquake was reported 10 kilometers northwest of Stanley at 7:34 p.m.

No damage has been reported as a result of Saturday’s earthquakes and no reports of feeling the earthquake in the Treasure Valley have been made.

continued:
—————–

Idaho History:

Get to know the history of Old Freeze Out Road

There’s a turnoff at the top of Freezeout Hill, outside Emmett, which takes you down the original Freeze Out Road. The long and winding road has a unique history.

Dani Allsop September 30, 2021 KTVB

KTVB

Any map today will show you it’s an easy 30-minute drive from Boise to Emmett. A straight shot down State Street, or Highway 44, with a sharp turn to the right onto Highway 16. Continue driving straight until you drop down Freezeout Hill into Emmett.

But a little more than a century ago, there were many more turns involved when going to Emmett, and you can still go that way today.

At the top of Freezeout Hill there’s a turnoff called “Old Freeze Out Road” – a long and winding road with a colorful history.

The old road has 26 curves.

continued:
————–

Public Lands:

After Trident, 2 new plans for state lands

Payette forest, state to study swap of land around Payette Lake

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 30, 2021

State lands surrounding Payette Lake would become part of the Payette National Forest, under a preliminary proposal being studied by the Idaho Department of Lands.

The proposal would swap 16,125 acres of state land around Payette Lake for 30,895 acres of Payette forest land in Adams County, according to a draft agreement between the agencies.

The draft agreement, which has not been signed, was included in documents obtained by The Star-News in a public records request.

“These discussions have been preliminary and a commitment to execute the exchange has not been made at this point,” said Brian Harris, a spokesperson for the Payette Forest.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Hunters and visitors urged to use caution in Fawn Tussock Timber Sale area

Sept 30, 2021 Boise NF Press Release

The Cascade Ranger District employees are cautioning the public to be aware of road improvement work beginning next week within the Fawn Tussock Timber Sale area. The Timber Sale is located approximately 9 miles south of Cascade, Idaho.

Hunters and visitors using in the area, should be aware, engineers plan to upgrade roads beginning October 4, to meet standards for timber hauling. Anyone entering any section of the roads indicated on the attached map, should do so with caution and in anticipation of encountering vehicles, heavy equipment and eventually logging trucks.

Most of the sale area roads are behind closed gates however, timber managers encourage anyone visiting the area to be aware that there will be timber and silviculture employees accessing roads behind closed gates while working on timber sale preparation.

Fawn Tussock Timber Sale logging and hauling operations are planned to start in fall and continue through December. Main haul routes will be on National Forest System (NFS) road 404 and NFS road 446 near Cabarton. Please be aware, harvest operations and hauling will also be occurring on many secondary spurs in the 404 and 446 road systems.

No road closures are planned at this time for timber harvest or road maintenance activities. Safety signs will be in place to inform the public of ongoing activities.

Please be careful with campfires, as fire restrictions have been lifted for the Boise National Forest.

For more information, contact the Cascade Ranger District at 208-382-7400.

Map

Project link:

Linda Steinhaus
Public Affairs Specialist
Boise National Forest
————-

Fire Season:

Fall Burning on the Krassel RD

Sept 29, 2021 Payette NF

Ignition is anticipated to take place in October or early November.

Map
Bald-Hill-I-and-J-Fall-21

Thank you,
Patrick Schon
Fire Management Specialist
Payette National Forest, East Zone
— — — — — — — — — —

Boundary Fire grows to 84,756 acres

October 1, 2021 Local News 8

InciWeb

The lightning caused Boundary Fire that started on August 10 has burned 84,756 acres and is 68% contained.

A point protection strategy is being applied to the Boundary Creek Fire, which is burning in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The desired end state for this incident is that the fire will have taken its natural course while values-at-risk and firefighters have been protected.

With slightly higher temperatures and lower relative humidity, firefighters saw another increase in fire activity across the fire.

In the Sulphur Group, firefighters completed the burning operation north of the creek at Sulphur Creek Ranch. Today, crews will continue to improve upon their fire lines and wrap up the operation. Fire extended from Blue Bunch Mountain to the north end of Ayers meadow Thursday.

continued:
— —

Mud Lick, Haynes, and Iron Fires
Salmon-Challis National Forest
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — — — — — — — —

Some useful links:

Critter News:

Dog park to be dedicated Sunday at McCall care center

Dog owners can bring their furry friends to celebrate the grand opening of the McCall Unleashed dog park on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The new dog park is located at the McCall Rehabilitation and Care Center, 418 Floyde St.

The event will include dog contests and prizes. Refreshments and dog biscuits will be served.

Alex Johnson, a senior at McCall-Donnelly High School, is organizing the event for his senior project.

Visit the McCall Rehabilitation and Care Center’s Facebook page for more information.

source: The Star-News September 30, 2021
— — — — — — — — — —

Boise State’s newest tee dog, Blitz, carrying on his dads legacy

By Lynsey Amundson Oct 01, 2021 KIVI

Boise — He’s a certified Good Boy with big paws to fill. Meet Blitz, a four-year-old black lab.

But he’s not just any black lab, Blitz is Boise State’s newest tee dog, the Boise Hawks bat dog, and the son of Cowboy Kohl.

“I was really proud of him when he went and grabbed the tee for the first time and just to have the legacy continue,” Devin Martin, Blitz’ owner said. “It was pretty incredible. Kohl was one of the best dogs I have ever known. He loved everything, loved everybody, loved to retrieve, and he takes after his dad in a lot of ways. ”

continued: w/video
— — — — — — — — — —

Boise Airport installs ‘pet restroom’ for service animals

by CBS2 News Staff Tuesday, September 28th 2021

Credit: Boise Airport

Boise Airport installed new amenities including a “pet restroom” for service animals and a private lactation center.

“The service animal relief center is a pet restroom…offering four-legged travelers a space to relieve themselves on artificial grass,” the Boise Airport news release says. The area offers free waste bags and a hose for washing the artificial grass.

This feature, along with the private lactation center, is required in midsized airports by the Federal Aviation Administration.

source:
— — — — — — — — — —

What’s a food-conditioned bear and how to help prevent more bear conflicts

By Lynsey Amundson Sep 30, 2021 KIVI

With winter quickly approaching, bears all across Idaho are on the hunt for food to pack on the pounds before hibernation starts. This time of year, they sometimes search in places they normally wouldn’t, like in neighborhoods and people’s trashcans.

“A food-conditioned bear is basically one that has found a food source and it is going to return to it,” Roger Phillips, IDFG Public Information Supervisor said. “These things cover a lot of territories, they know where to find food, and unfortunately oftentimes this time of year as they get closer to hibernation that might be near humans.”

Idaho has a lot of black bears, and although most of the time they stay out in the wild when they find a food source, it’s more than likely they will keep returning to it for more.

Most recently, IDFG says they have seen an increase in bear conflicts in the Wood River Valley and McCall.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Call to Idaho poaching hotline leads to heavy sentences for Missourians

September 30, 2021 Local News 8

A simple call to Idaho’s Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline of reported illegal wildlife crimes in Custer and Blaine counties, resulted in multiple-year hunting, fishing and trapping license revocations, jail time, and thousands of dollars in fines and restitution to the state.

Missouri residents Grifen Whiteside, age 21, and Dylan Davidson, age 25, pled guilty to six misdemeanors in Custer County and each received a 15-year license revocation, served 14 days in jail, received 10 years of probation and were fined $2,325. A third accomplice, Sydney Wallace, age 20, also of Missouri, received a one year hunting, fishing and trapping license revocation and was fined $715. Final sentencing for the trio concluded the summer of 2021.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Two rabid bats found in Canyon County

KTVB Staff September 27, 2021

Health officials issued a public warning Monday after rabid bats were found at two separate locations in Canyon County.

Southwest District Health (SWDH) said one of the bats was found alive outside an apartment complex. The other one was found dead on the ground in someone’s yard.

While most bats don’t carry rabies, health officials say bats are the only natural hosts for it in Idaho and they should always be avoided. There usually is an uptick in exposure calls from late August through September when bats are often migrating.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Sockeye salmon released into central Idaho lakes to spawn

by Associated Press Tuesday, September 28th 2021

The number of endangered sockeye salmon making it to central Idaho from the ocean this year is one of the worst returns in the last decade, with only 43 fish so far.

But state wildlife managers said Tuesday a hatchery program intended to prevent the species from going extinct allowed the release earlier this month of over a thousand sockeye into Redfish and Pettit lakes to spawn naturally.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game in August also started an emergency trap-and-truck operation at Lower Granite Dam in Washington due to overly warm rivers and captured 201 fish. The agency brought the fish to its hatchery in southwestern Idaho.

source: (CBS2)
—————–

Letter to Share:

Raffle tickets are in short supply.

The good news is that we are down to less than 200 Raffle tickets. The winner receives a new 7 cu. Foot freezer with a cut and wrapped heritage pig in it. Second prize is 2 BBQ baby pork rib racks. # 3 and 4 prize is 10 TGBF cups and coasters. If you want to win or have the best chance you need to get tickets now. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 tickets for $20.00. All money from this project goes to the Game Bird Foundation to raise baby pheasant and Red-leg Partridge chicks to be released at the ripe old age of 10-12 weeks.

You can order the tickets by going to our web page (link) and order and pay for them. You can email me and order and send check to The Gamebird Foundation at PO Box 100, Viola, Idaho 83872. Or you can give me a call at 208-883-3423. And make a deal. We will fill out the stubs and send your half to you vi slow mail. The filled out stubs go in the stub box. You can also email me and I will do the hard work for you. jhagedorn611 @ gmail.com. The Pheasants and other birds will love you.

The drawing will be October 10th at the banquet in Moscow. More on this later.

Jim Hagedorn
Executive Director
The Gamebird Foundation
thegamebirdfoundation.org
jhagedorn611 @ gmail.com
208-883-3423
————-

Fish & Game News:

Friendly reminder to hunters: 10 common violations that can easily be avoided

By Mike Demick, Staff Biologist
Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Brushing up on basic rules can help hunters avoid common blunders and a possible citation

With many of Idaho’s hunting seasons underway or about to begin, the Idaho Fish and Game staff reminds hunters that they can avoid running afoul with the law this fall by simply reviewing the regulations and avoiding common mistakes.

“Accidents happen and simple mistakes are made every year that get hunters into trouble,” said David Silcock, Fish and Game regional conservation officer based in Salmon. “We see many violations that can be avoided if hunters just take the time to review and understand the regulations.”

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Hunters: Please fill out your big game hunter reports

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor
Monday, September 27, 2021

Hunter reports are critical to effective big game management, and hunters are needed to do their part

Idaho Fish and Game needs all big game hunters to help by taking a few minutes to fill out their mandatory hunter reports regardless of whether they harvested, or even if they bought a tag, but didn’t hunt.

You can help effective wildlife management and do it quickly and easily on the new licensing system, or by calling (877) 268-9365. The phone option is available 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Please have your hunting tag number when calling. If you don’t have it handy, you can find it in your account at gooutdoorsidaho.com, which has tag information on file (and you can file your report there, too).

continued: w/link to submit report
— — — — — — — — — —

More F&G News Releases

link:
———————————-

Crazy Critter Stuff:

Kuna animal sanctuary seeks volunteers to snuggle piggies

by CBS2 News Staff Monday, September 27th 2021

(Courtesy Dominifarm)

Dominifarm Animal Sanctuary is looking for helpers to make their rescued farm animals feel loved.

The sanctuary is a charity that cares for elderly, disabled and abandoned farm animals such as pigs, cows, chickens and horses. Dominifarm says volunteering helps the animals socialize, but it also helps the volunteers.

“At first, I started the sanctuary to help animals,” said Dominique Delobbe, president and operator of Dominifarm. “But over time, what has become beautiful to me is the beneficial impact of the animals on people who come to visit. The visitors get as much from the animals as the animals get from the visitors.”

continued:
——————

Seasonal Humor:

BearTrashShred-a

CovidCentaur-a
——————-

Sept 26, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Sept 26, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions rescinded Sept 17th

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Firewood Season, permits at The Corner
May 25 – Johnson Creek road fully open
June 7 – Lick Creek road open
June 13 – Profile road open
Sept 17 – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded
Sept 30 – Planned Phone/Internet Outage
Oct 5 – Diamond Fall Fuel Delivery
Oct 28 – The Corner closing for the season
Oct 31 – Halloween
Nov 7 – Time Change – Fall back 1 hour
(details below)
———-

Local Events:

Planned Phone/Internet Outage Sept 30th

MTE called to let us know they need to replace some equipment and that will entail taking our phones and internet down on September 30th “during daylight hours.” They apologize for the inconvenience.
— — — —

October 5th Diamond Fuel and Feed Fall Delivery

Village News:

Unplanned Power Outage Saturday

Saturday, Sept. 25th, the power went off at 225pm. Idaho Power recording said that approximately 221 customers affected, cause unknown. Eventually the recording was updated with an estimated restoral time of 838pm. In the mean time, locals fired up generators. The lights came back on at 820pm, but were dim for a little while.

The land line telephone service was a bit spotty during the afternoon.
— — — —

Covid in the Community

Covid has hit Yellow Pine and due to exposure though minimal by yours truly the Tavern will be closed until Thursday September 23rd. Per advise from Cascade Medical I should be clear by then. Thanks for your support and patience, Lorinne

The Yellow Pine Tavern Reopened Sept 23rd.
— — — —

Corner Bar

Hi Friends – As the season comes to an end, we are starting to dwindle our inventory. To ensure our stock is fresh and kept to our standards, we will only be taking reservations until the end of our season (October 28). To make arrangements, please call The Corner at 208-633-3325 or call/text Hailey Harris at 970-275-7336. Thank you for a great summer!
— — — —

Jim Adkins

A good turnout for Jim Adkins’ “retirement” potluck Saturday, Sept 18th, at the Yellow Pine Tavern.

20210918AdkinsPotluck-a
(photo courtesy YP Tavern)
— — — —

UTV Rally Sept 18th

Great turn out. Wonderful stories and history thanks to Sandy McRae. Terrific food. Even cutting out downed trees was part of the adventures. Was great to meet so many of the Emmett Rough Riders group.

20210918UTVRally-a
photo courtesy DF
— — — —

Flu Shots Sept 18th at the YP Tavern

About 14 folks received their fall flu shots at the potluck. Thanks Cascade Medical Center and Ann.

More Flu Shots on Sept 25th at Alpine Village

20210925FluShotsAlpineVillage-a
— — — —

Annual Fish Fry Sept 25th

On Saturday, Sept. 25th the annual Fish Fry was held at Alpine Village.
— — — —

Not an Explosion

20210923Contrail-a

Actually just a contrail… not an explosion. I wanted a picture of the contrail in the blue sky and the sun photo bombed it. – LI (9/23/2021)
— — — —

YPFD Hose Brigade

A small group worked on reclaiming the fire hoses that got used during the Buck Fire last Summer. Thanks to our Volunteers on the Fire Department.

20210926YPFDHose-a
photo courtesy Yellow Pine Tavern
— — — —

Notice – New Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sundays.

Heating Season

Before firing up the woodstove, clean your chimney – brushes available from the YPFD. And for those with propane or oil furnaces, take the covers off and vacuum out the summer dust before lighting. Put in a clean air filter if your unit has one.
— — — —

Life Flight

It is a very good idea to have Life Flight insurance if you live or recreate in the back country. If you already have Life Flight, consider it as a gift to a loved one.
— — — —

Road News

Link: to current road reports.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are still Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.

Critters

Be Mountain Lion Aware

Note: A report of a mountain lion hanging around the upper end of the village early summer.

* NEVER run away from a mountain lion. The lion’s instinct is to chase and ultimately catch what they perceive as potential prey.
* NEVER turn your back on a lion. 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 with the lion.
* Safety equipment you may choose to carry could include bear spray, a noise device, like an air-horn, and if you walk in the dark, a very bright flashlight.
* If you are attacked, fight back!

Be Bear, Fox & Coyote Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

Ticks

* Know where to expect ticks. Many ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. When possible, avoid wooded and brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails, particularly in spring and summer when ticks feed.
* Wear appropriate clothing. When in tick habitats, wear light-colored, tightly woven long pants and long-sleeve shirt. Tuck your pant legs into socks or boots, and your shirt into your pants. This helps keep ticks on the outside of your clothing where you can spot them more easily.
* Use tick repellent when necessary, and carefully follow instructions on the label. Apply an EPA-registered repellent effective against ticks, such as those containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin, and permethrin to clothes and gear. Take care when applying repellent on children. EPA’s search tool can help you find the repellent that best suits your needs.
* Check clothing, gear, and pets after being areas with ticks. Ticks can hitch a ride into your home on clothing and pets, then attach to you or a family member later. Carefully examine coats, camping gear, and daypacks. Don’t forget your dog, see CDC’s where to check your pet for ticks.
* Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming can reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tick-borne disease. Showering can wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
* Check your body, your child and pets thoroughly for ticks. Carefully inspect areas in and around the hair, head, neck, ears, under arms, inside the belly button, around the waist, between the legs, and behind the knees. Ticks can be very small before they feed—look for what may appear like a new freckle or speck of dirt. Continue checking for two to three days after returning from areas with ticks.

Mosquitoes – West Nile

Yellow Pine US Mail

Starting Aug. 29, USPS will raise prices of first-class postage stamps to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Report Saturday (Sept 25) the dumpsters were about 1/10th full and area is clean, the burn pile is tall and tidy. Road from YP to the dump is in good shape.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
———-

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water. No outside watering after 2pm, nor on holiday weekends and especially not during the festival.

July 25, 2021 Update:

Sept 10, 2021 Update

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 180 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: 9-10-21.
—

YPWUA 2021 Annual Shareholder Meeting July 4, 2021 at the Community Hall at 10am
Link: to 20210704 YPWUA minutes.rtf

YPWUA 2020 Annual Shareholder Meeting held July 5, 2020 at the Community Hall 2pm.
link: minutes 20200705YPWUA.docx

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
— — — —

VYPA News:

Sept 11, 2021 – VYPA Meeting 2pm at Community Hall (no minutes yet)
Aug 14, 2021 VYPA Meeting Canceled (lack of quorum.)
July 10, 2021 VYPA meeting minutes link:
June 12, 2021 VYPA Meeting Minutes link:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Matt Huber, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
— — — —

YPFD News:

Remember to clean your chimney before lighting that first fall fire, and check the fittings. Chimney brushes are available to borrow from the YPFD.

Elections for Commissioners for both District 2 and 3 will be held in November 2021.

Sept 11, 2021 YPFD Budget meeting (no minutes yet.)
August 28, 2021 – YPFD Meeting to discuss upcoming election (no minutes yet.)
July 10, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
June 12, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
May 15, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:

Sept 30, 2020 YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

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.pdf

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Biz Listings:

Yellow Pine Tavern (208) 633-2233
Open daily: 8am to 9pm
Sunday 8am to 2pm
Indoor Dining and Outdoor Dining Available.
Full Breakfast Menu. Burgers, Pizza, Fajitas, Beer Wine and Pop
— — — —

Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Opened June 12th for Summer
— — — —

Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
— — — —

Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
— — — —

Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
— — — —

Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430 open 830am-5pm Monday-Friday, closed weekends.
— — — —

Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
———————–

Local Observations:

Monday (Sept 20) overnight low of 35 degrees. Sunday’s rain total = 0.10″. This morning overcast, top of VanMeter fogged in for a while and good air quality. Jays and hairy woodpeckers visiting. Bits of blue sky, cool and breezy at lunch time. Cool, cloudy, slight breeze and good air mid-afternoon, high of 62 degrees. Mild and mostly clear at sunset, good air. Clear and bright full moon up after 11pm.

Tuesday (Sept 21) overnight low of 28 degrees. This morning clear sky, good air and heavy frost melting as the sun hits it. Robin calling, a pine squirrel and jays visiting. Sunny, clear and light breeze at lunch time. Warm, light breeze, mostly high thin haze and good air mid-afternoon, high of 76 degrees. Clear beautiful evening, and great air quality. Looked clear at 11pm, bright moon.

Wednesday (Sept 22) 24 hour low of 33 degrees from Tuesday’s reset. This morning mostly high thin hazy clouds and good air quality. Streets are drying out with increasing traffic. Jays and hairy woodpeckers visiting. Mostly hazy sky, warm and good air at lunch time. Mail truck made it in on time. Mostly cloudy, mild temperatures and light breezes mid-afternoon, high of 78 degrees. Broken overcast before sunset. A short breezy shower of rain after dark, enough to dampen things. Partly clear before midnight, bright moon.

Thursday (Sept 23) overnight low of 35 degrees. Wednesday evening’s rain barely made a trace in the rain gauge. This morning mostly hazy sky and roofs wet with dew. Jays calling. A few patches of blue sky and light breezes at lunch time. Warm, mostly clear and light breezes mid-afternoon, high of 74 degrees. Jays, pine squirrel, a chipmunk, grasshoppers and dragonflies were afternoon visitors. Clear, pleasant and nearly calm just before sunset. Looked clear before midnight, bright moon.

Friday (Sept 24) overnight low of 32 degrees. This morning clear sky and good air quality. Quite a bit of morning air traffic, light street traffic and a little dust. Jays calling. Ed Staub truck delivering propane. Clear and good air at lunch time. Idaho Power crew inspecting power poles, drilling and adding a preservative. Quite warm, clear and sunny and very light breeze mid-afternoon, high of 82 degrees. Warm and clear before sunset. Seems like a light haze of smoke in the air right after sunset. Bright moon before midnight.

Saturday (Sept 25) 24 hour low of 37 degrees from Friday’s reset. This morning clear sky and good air quality. Jays and chipmunks visiting. Clear and warm at lunch time. Power out at 225pm, approx 221 customers affected, cause unknown. Increasing street traffic, dust and haze. Very warm mid-afternoon, light breezes, clear sky and hazy poor air quality, high of 86 degrees. Local pine squirrel and jays visiting. Sound of generators running and increased street traffic this afternoon. Cooling off before sunset, clear and hazy (can smell the dust.) Power back on at 820pm. Bright moon above the ridge quite a ways north of Golden Gate peak before midnight.

Sunday (Sept 26) overnight low of 37 degrees. This morning clear sky above light haze (Yellow AQ.) Jays, a robin, male hairy woodpecker and chipmunks visiting. Hazy and clouds building to the south after lunch time. Low flying helicopter at 126pm. Breezy early afternoon. Mountain Larch (Tamarack) are getting some color, some aspens are more yellow than green, and bushes turning color as well. Quite warm mid-afternoon, gusty breezes, one big patch of thin high clouds in a mostly clear sky and light haze of smoke, high of 83 degrees. Warm and about half clear and half cloudy sky (high wispies) haze of smoke and much calmer before sunset.
————–

Idaho News:

St. Luke’s McCall sets record for COVID-19 cases in month

Hospital sends staffers to Boise to aid care efforts

By Tom Grote for The Star-News September 23, 2021

St. Luke’s McCall has broken its previous record for new COVID-19 cases in a month, the hospital reported this week.

The hospital reported 210 positive cases in September through Monday, exceeding the previous high of 188 cases in all of December 2020.

Cascade Medical Center reported 47 new cases so far in September, less than the 63 cases reported in August, which were the most new cases recorded in one month by the hospital.

Youths age 17 and younger made up the greatest number of McCall residents to test positive at all St. Luke’s Health System testing locations in September, the hospital reported.

That group accounted for 36% of new cases among McCall residents during the month, followed by age 40 to 49 (19%), ages 30 to 39 (17%) and ages 50 to 69 (16%).

St. Luke’s McCall has suspended all elective surgeries in order to send staffers to St. Luke’s hospitals in Boise and Meridian to aid in treating those seriously ill with COVID-19.

“We are seeing more COVID-19 patients who are much sicker and require transfer to our facilities in the Treasure Valley and even Twin Falls, than the last winter surge,” said Amber Green, St. Luke’s McCall chief operating officer and chief nursing officer.

A total of 92 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past week by the two hospitals. That compares to 119 new cases reported the previous week and 67 new cases the prior week.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 77 new cases in the last week, while Cascade Medical Center reported 15 new cases.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 1,329 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Valley County in March 2020.

Vaccines Offered

St. Luke’s McCall offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at St. Luke’s Clinics – Payette Lakes Family Medicine, 211 Forest Street, McCall.

Appointments also can be scheduled online through St. Luke’s myChart or calling 208-381-9500 or by calling 208-634-2225.

Cascade Medical Center offers a walk-in vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The Moderna vaccine, approved for age 18 and older, is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Pfizer vaccine, approved for age 12 and older, is available on Wednesdays.

Booster shots for those with compromised immune systems are available through a person’s primary physician. Booster shots for the rest of the community were not available this week at the Cascade hospital.

Booster shots are available through Payette Lakes Clinic to those who are immunocompromized, by appointment. Patients need to schedule through MyChart.

full story: © Copyright 2009-present Central Idaho Publishing Inc. All rights reserved (used with permission.)
— — — —

COVID-19 Updates: 1,646 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 34 new deaths

Sept 24, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,646 new COVID-19 cases and 34 new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 249,740.

The state said 867,498 people have received the vaccine, and 1,580,299 total doses have been administered. 776,792 people are fully vaccinated.

The state said 37 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 10,925, and 12 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,825.

5,605 vaccine breakthrough cases have been reported.

34 new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 2,753.

full story: [Valley County 1240 cases, 6 deaths]
— — — — — — — — — —

St. Luke’s hospital in McCall defaced with swastikas

“It is very troubling, to say the least, to have such a hateful act occur on our campus.”

Katie Terhune September 20, 2021 KTVB

Police are investigating after someone spray painted multiple swastikas outside of St. Luke’s McCall Medical Center over the weekend.

According to hospital spokeswoman Laura Crawford, the vandalism happened sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The swastikas were scrawled on three outdoor signs at the hospital in orange paint, she said.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

WICAP to close Cascade office, go mobile

Services to low-income families to continue

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 23, 2021

WICAP Community Collaborative will close its Valley County office in Cascade in December but will continue to provide services to low-income families in the county, a WICAP spokesperson said.

The Valley County WICAP office has been housed rent-free in a county-owned building at 110 W. Pine St. in Cascade that also houses the program’s thrift store.

The thrift store will close, but people who need clothing can call WICAP staffers who will seek help, WICAP communications and marketing specialist Brenda Davis said.

“We are going to become more mobile and more visible in the entire Valley County area,” Davis said.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Johanna Defoort appointed as new Valley County treasurer

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 23, 2021

Johanna Defoort was sworn in as the new Valley County Treasurer on Monday.

Defoort will serve the remainder of the term of former treasurer Gabe Stayton, who resigned in August for personal reasons.

Defoort, 33, has worked as an accountant for Perpetua Resources for the past seven years.

“I have a passion for both accounting and public service,” she said.

“While I loved my job at Perpetua, this was an opportunity that I could not pass up,” Defoort said. “I look forward to using my experience at the county and getting to know the operations there.”

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Report: Plane that crashed was flying too low

Wilderness wreck killed 2 passengers, injured pilot

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 23, 2021

A single-engine airplane crash that killed two people east of McCall last month was the result of the airplane flying too low in a drainage near Mormon Mountain, according to preliminary findings by the National Transportation Safety Board

Passengers James Robert Atkins, 56, of McCall and Donald Scott MacRae, 62, of Las Vegas, were killed after the airplane crashed into a mountainside in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness on Aug. 28.

Seriously injured was pilot Bryan Grey, who works for McCall Aviation, which owned the plane.

continued:
—————

History:

COVID has killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 flu

by Carla K. Johnson AP Medical Writer Monday, September 20th 2021 CBS2

File – In this November 1918 photo made available by the Library of Congress, a nurse takes the pulse of a patient in the influenza ward of the Walter Reed hospital in Washington. (Harris & Ewing/Library of Congress via AP, File)

COVID-19 has now killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic did — approximately 675,000. And like the worldwide scourge of a century ago, the coronavirus may never entirely disappear from our midst.

The 1918-19 influenza pandemic killed an estimated 675,000 Americans in a U.S. population one-third the size of what it is today. It struck down 50 million victims globally at a time when the world had one-quarter as many people as it does now. Global deaths from COVID-19 now stand at more than 4.6 million.

The Spanish flu death toll numbers are rough guesses, given the incomplete records of the era and the poor scientific understanding of what caused the illness. The 675,000 figure comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In many ways, the 1918-19 flu — which was wrongly named Spanish flu because it first received widespread news coverage in Spain — was worse.

Spread by the mobility of World War I, it killed young, healthy adults in vast numbers. No vaccine existed to slow it, and there were no antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. And, of course, the world population was much smaller than it is today.

full story:

Note: To read more about the 1918-1920 pandemic in Idaho, see the Idaho History Page for links to Idaho news clippings 1918-1920.
——————-

Public Lands:

Idaho Land Board denies Trident request to reconsider McCall land exchange proposal

By Anna Azallion Sep 22, 2021 KIVI

The Board of Land Commissioners denied Trident Holdings LLC’s request to reconsider its proposal during a meeting on September 21st, 2021.

Trident Holdings LLC requested for the body that oversees the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the Board of Land Commissioners to rescind the Idaho Department of Land’s rejection of its proposed land exchange. Trident also asked the board to hold a contested case hearing.

The board voted unanimously to deny both requests.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

United Payette submits proposal for future of McCall endowment land

By Anna Azallion Sep 23, 2021 KIVI

Another group is pitching a proposal to the Idaho Department of Lands on the future of endowment lands in McCall.

United Payette, a collective of citizens and organizations, announced a proposal Thursday that outlines a plan for the endowment lands located around Payette Lake.

The plan was submitted to IDL Wednesday and suggests short-term and long-term solutions for the land, focused on conservation.

continued:
—————–

Fire Season:

Shy Bear Fire

September 21, 2021 Payette NF (via FB)

Firefighters have responded to a 1/2 acre fire in Bear Basin just west of McCall. The fire is actively burning, but the potential for fire spread is low. Engines, ground based firefighter and a helicopter are working the fire. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Update 820pm: Firefighters have constructed a containment line around the fire and are conducting mop-up operations now and throughout the night. No additional growth to the fire as it has been held at 1/2 acre.

Update 745am Wednesday, September 22: No additional growth of the Shy Bear Fire took place over night. Firefighters worked on holding and mopping up the fire throughout the night. The fire is contained and expected to be declared as controlled later today.

Payette National Forest Fire Information Hotline: 208-634-0820.
— — — — — — — — — —

Boundary Fire
Salmon-Challis National Forest
The lightning-caused Boundary Fire ~2 miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch was detected on August 10.
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
—

Lowman Ranger District has temporarily closed the roads and area near Fir Creek Campground and the Blue Bunch Trailhead

9-21-2021

The Lowman RD of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to all public entry to roads and area near Fir Creek Campground and the Blue Bunch Trailhead due to a wildfire.

The purpose of the closure is to provide public health and safety during the potential growth of the Boundary Fire. The emergency closure was ordered as the result of the Boundary Fire’s spread over a fire management action point. The adjacent portion of the Frank Church-River of No Return is also closed due to the Boundary Fire (Salmon Challis National Forest Closure Order Number: 04-13-21-015)

This Order will be in effect from September 21, 2021 and shall remain in effect until October 31, 2021, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor. (0402-05-88)

source w/more info:
—

Boundary Fire 57% contained

Sept 24, 2021 Local News 8

The Salmon-Challis National Forest Boundary Fire Emergency Area, Road and Trail Closure Order #04-13-21-015 has been reduced in size to exclude the southwest portion of the Wilderness.

The lightning caused fire that began on August 10 has burned 79,856 acres and is 57% contained.

A point protection strategy is being applied to the Boundary Creek Fire, which is burning in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority.

continued:
— — — —

Dixie Fire

Sept 23, 2021 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (via FB)

The existing area closure in place for public safety due to the Dixie Fire on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests’ Red River Ranger District has been updated. Forest Service Road #222 is now OPEN between Dixie Guard Station and Mackay Bar.

For full details of the updated closure order, please see the map below and view the closure order document online at (link)

For questions, please contact the Elk City Ranger Station at (208) 842-2245.

Map
20210925BoundaryClosureMap
— — — —

Mud Lick, Haynes, and Iron Fires
Salmon-Challis National Forest
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — — — — — — — —

Some useful links:

InciWeb Fire info link:
Air Quality McCall link:
National Fire Heat Map link: (zoom in to our area)

Weather Station at Stibnite

Real Time Lightning Map (zoom to our area)

GOES-West – Satellite Maps: Pacific Northwest
—————–

Critter News:

National retriever trials to draw 1,110 dogs, 300 people to Valley County

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 23, 2021

More than 1,100 dogs and almost 300 handlers from across the country are set to compete for bird hunting certifications in the Master National Retriever Club competition.

The prestigious bird dog event, sanctioned by the American Kennel Club will be hosted at several ranches in Valley County from Sept. 30 through Oct. 10.

The 1,115 dogs participating in the event are tested on their ability to retrieve dead or downed ducks to prove their ability as hunting companions.

The Master National is the largest event of its kind in the country and this year will be the largest field of dogs in the event’s history.

Spectators are not encouraged to attend in order to both reduce the risk of potential COVID-19 spread and to minimize distractions for the dogs, Winch said.

full story:
— — — — — — — — — —

Veterinarians urge vaccination as dog flu cases rise

By KESQ Staff Sep. 24, 2021

It is flu season and not only are humans being advised to get the flu shot, but also our furry friends to protect them from canine influenza.

Kathryn Carlson, the owner of Village Park Animal Hospital, says dogs can get really sick with canine influenza.

“It actually develops into pneumonia,” she said.

The pneumonia can go undetected and eventually land a dog in the emergency room. …

“The most important thing to know is that there is a vaccine that prevents it,” Carlson said.

full story:
— — — —

Can dogs get the flu from humans? Yes, and your cat can too

Kate Barber Insider

Hugs, pats, hanging out. These are all things you do on the regular with your pet. But they’re also exactly what can get your pet sick if you’re fighting off the flu. Unlike the common cold , which cannot be spread from human to canine, the flu virus can jump between species. But just like humans, dogs can get a vaccine that will help prevent them from getting the flu.

Since the flu is mostly spread through the air, your pet can get infected just by being close to you while you’re sick. And it can be especially bad when the flu virus jumps between species because the receiving species generally hasn’t built an immunity to that particular viral strain. Like when the H1N1 flu virus jumped from swine to humans in 2009, sparking the influenza pandemic that killed an estimated 150,000 to 600,000 people, from 2009 to 2010, and a few cats, as well.

Warning signs that your pet might be sick with influenza are similar to human symptoms:

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Hunters shoot charging sow grizzly in Island Park

Sept 23, 2021 Local News 8

On Thursday, Idaho Fish and Game received a report of a sow grizzly bear that charged two elk hunters in the Stamp Meadows area near Island Park.

As the bear charged, one of the hunters deployed bear spray while the other discharged a firearm at close range, mortally wounding the bear.

Neither hunter appeared to be injured during the encounter.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Mule deer buck illegally killed with pellet gun in Pocatello

Sept 22, 2021 Local News 8

Tyler Peterson/Idaho Fish and Game
This mule deer buck was found dead in a residential yard on the 900 block of Bryan Road in Pocatello on Aug 30, 2021. The deer had been illegally killed with a pellet gun.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the illegal killing of a mule deer buck in Pocatello.

On the afternoon of Aug. 30, Idaho Fish and Game received a call about a dead deer located on the 900 block of Bryan Road in Pocatello in a residential yard. Fish and Game personnel thought they were responding to the aftermath of a deer/vehicle collision—an event that happens all too often in the Pocatello and Chubbuck communities. However, after further investigation, Fish and Game officers determined the buck had been killed with a pellet gun.

Neighborhood residents had seen the buck, a frequent visitor to the area, alive at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug 29. Though officers are not sure when or where the deer was shot, the deer was reported dead at 4:15 p.m. the next day.

continued:
—————-

F&G euthanizes black bear in southeast Boise industrial park compound

By Brian Pearson, Regional Conservation Manager
Friday, September 24, 2021

On the morning of September 18, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers euthanized a black bear in a southeast Boise industrial park compound between South Federal Way and I-84. The black bear was a subadult male that had been captured and moved from a north-end Boise residential neighborhood 4 months earlier. Despite having been relocated to the mountains 40 miles away, the bear returned to town.

Fish and Game was first notified about the black bear by the Boise Police Department who had responded to multiple public reports of a bear wandering the area in recent days. A responding officer observed the bear entering a fenced industrial yard and contacted Fish and Game. After assessing the circumstances and location, Fish and Game staff determined the appropriate course of action was to euthanize the bear.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

F&G euthanizes black bear in residential north Boise neighborhood

By Brian Pearson, Regional Conservation Manager
Friday, September 24, 2021

On the morning of September 24, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers dispatched an adult male black bear in a north Boise neighborhood, close to the foothills and near the junction of Hill Road and Lancaster Drive. Fish and Game dispatched the bear due to concerns for public safety.

Fish and Game’s Southwest Regional Office received numerous reports of a black bear wandering the area on Friday morning, and conservation officers and biologists located the bear in a cottonwood tree in the back yard of a Hillway Drive residence.

Fish and Game officials attempted to chemically immobilize the bear. Before the immobilization drug could fully take effect, the bear fell out of the tree and ran downhill toward Hill Road. Officers from Fish and Game and the Boise Police Department dispatched the bear before it could move further into more densely populated residential areas.

This is the second incident involving a bear in Boise in the past week that has resulted in the bear being euthanized.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Area hunters asked to help monitor for CWD and prevent it from entering Idaho

By Mike Demick, Staff Biologist
Friday, September 24, 2021

Big game hunters are asked to help Idaho Fish and Game increase its monitoring efforts for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a contagious and always-fatal disease that affects mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, caribou and moose.

CWD has not been detected in Idaho. However, Montana, Utah and Wyoming have confirmed cases of CWD in animals close to the Idaho border. Several states with CWD in their wild deer and elk herds have documented population declines and fewer mature bucks and bulls.

This fall, successful hunters can help get more Idaho big game animals tested for CWD by doing one of the following:

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) continues to cause deer deaths across the Clearwater Region

By Jennifer Bruns, Regional Communications Manager
Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Deer can continue to be infected by EHD for about two weeks or more after the first significant frost.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) continues to cause an increase in the number of deer deaths across the Clearwater Region. Every year, Idaho Fish and Game receives reports of deer potentially infected with EHD in small, isolated outbreaks. Although EHD is a naturally occurring disease in Idaho, this summer’s prolonged hot, dry summer with little rain caused animals to congregate intensifying the occurrence and duration of this year’s EHD outbreak.

As usual water sources become scarce on the landscape, more deer use any water that is available. As deer gather around these water sources, more deer in the population may become exposed to infected biting midges, which spread the disease via bites from the insects. Higher deer concentrations can further exacerbate an outbreak as more deer frequent these watering holes.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Crazy Critter Stuff:

Backyard Squirrel Maze 2.0 – The Walnut Heist

————

Seasonal Humor:

Bear911-a

CovidWarNetflix-a
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Sept 19, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Sept 19, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions rescinded Sept 17th

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Firewood Season, permits at The Corner
May 25 – Johnson Creek road fully open
June 7 – Lick Creek road open
June 13 – Profile road open
Sept 17 – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded
Oct 31 – Halloween
Nov 7 – Time Change – Fall back 1 hour
(details below)
———-

Local Events:

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded Sept 17

Lifting the restrictions means the public is free to build a campfire, use a charcoal barbecue, or smoke outside of designated campgrounds and recreation sites. However, fire managers would like to remind the public that the accidental start of a wildfire can still be devastating. Be alert and be aware. Follow these tips to help prevent wildfire:

* NEVER leave a campfire unattended.
* Keep water, dirt and a shovel near your fire at all times.
* Make sure your fire is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave it.
* Never use fireworks, exploding targets or tracer rounds on or near public land.
———

Village News:

Busy Labor Day Weekend in Yellow Pine

20210604LaborDay-a
photo courtesy Yellow Pine Tavern
— — — —

Corner Bar

Hi Friends! As the season comes to an end, we are starting to dwindle our inventory. To ensure our stock is fresh and kept to our standards, we will only be taking reservations until the end of our season (October 28). To make arrangements, please call The Corner at 208-633-3325 or call/text Hailey Harris at 970-275-7336. Thank you for a great summer!
— — — —

Yellow Pine Tavern

Mushroom Steve and Brad did a great job refinishing the porch of the Tavern. After who knows how many years the old porch floor was crumbling and dangerous.

20210915YPTavernPorch-a
photo courtesy YP Tavern Sept 15th
— — — —

ATV-UTV Ride to Thunder Mountain

Was held Saturday, September 18, 9am – 4pm
— — — —

Sept 18th Pot Luck for Jim Adkins

Jim Adkins “retirement” party at the Yellow Pine Tavern.
— — — —

Flu Shots Sept 18th at the YP Tavern

20190918FluShots-a
— — — —

Notice – New Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sundays.

Heating Season

Before firing up the wood stove, clean your chimney – brushes available from the YPFD. And for those with propane or oil furnaces, take the covers off and vacuum out the summer dust before lighting. Put in a clean air filter if your unit has one.
— — — —

Life Flight

It is a very good idea to have Life Flight insurance if you live or recreate in the back country. If you already have Life Flight, consider it as a gift to a loved one.
— — — —

Road News

Link: to current road reports.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.

Critters

Be Mountain Lion Aware

Note: A report of a mountain lion hanging around the upper end of the village early summer.

Be Bear, Fox & Coyote Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

Ticks

Mosquitoes – West Nile

Yellow Pine US Mail

Starting Aug. 29, USPS will raise prices of first-class postage stamps to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
———-

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water. No outside watering after 2pm, nor on holiday weekends and especially not during the festival.

July 25, 2021 Update:

Sept 10, 2021 Update

YPWUA 2021 Annual Shareholder Meeting July 4, 2021 at the Community Hall at 10am
Link: to 20210704 YPWUA minutes.rtf

YPWUA 2020 Annual Shareholder Meeting held July 5, 2020 at the Community Hall 2pm.
link: minutes 20200705YPWUA.docx

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
— — — —

VYPA News:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Matt Huber, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
— — — —

YPFD News:

Remember to clean your chimney before lighting that first fall fire, and check the fittings. Chimney brushes are available to borrow from the YPFD.

Elections for Commissioners for both District 2 and 3 will be held in November 2021.

Sept 11, 2021 YPFD Budget meeting (no minutes yet.)

August 28, 2021 – YPFD Meeting to discuss upcoming election (no minutes yet.)

July 10, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
June 12, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
May 15, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:

Sept 30, 2020 YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

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.pdf

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

YP Fire Commissioners:
Lorinne Munn – District 1
Phil Jensen, Acting – District 2
Merrill Saleen – District 3
Tim Rogers – Fire Chief
Secretary – Ronda Rogers
Treasurer – Nikki Saleen
——–

Biz Listings:

Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Opened June 12th for Summer
— — — —

Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
— — — —

Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
— — — —

Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
— — — —

Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430 open 830am-5pm Monday-Friday, closed weekends.
— — — —

Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
———————–

Local Observations:

Monday (Sept 13) overnight low of 37 degrees. This morning mostly cloudy (high cotton balls) and haze of smoke, Yellow air quality (AQI=59). Jays and flicker calling. Light air and street traffic. Mostly high thin clouds at lunch time and a little breezy. Warm and breezy mid-afternoon, partly cloudy and light haze of smoke, high of 80 degrees. Local aspens starting to turn yellow. Report of a few quail in the village. Clear sky and light breeze before sunset, warm and increasing smoke towards the river. Cooling off after sunset, dark by 830pm. It appeared to be at least mostly clear before midnight.

Tuesday (Sept 14) overnight low estimated at 35 degrees (gizmo error.) This morning clear blue sky and no smoke – but poor air quality from road dust. Jays calling and visiting. Blue sky and light breeze at lunch time. Warm, clear blue sky and light breezes mid-afternoon, no smoke (but traffic on main street kicking up dust clouds), high of 81 degrees. Pine squirrel visiting. Clear and warm before sunset, occasional gusts, no smoke and quite dusty. Appeared to be clear or mostly clear before midnight.

Wednesday (Sept 15) overnight low of 36 degrees. This morning mostly clear (a few small clouds) blue sky and no smoke – clouds of dust from street traffic making air quality rather poor. Jays, a pine squirrel and chipmunks visiting. Warming up, mostly clear, light breeze, no smoke but dusty at lunch time. Warm with gusty breezes and mostly clear sky mid-afternoon, no smoke but a haze of dust in the air, high of 81 degrees. Helicopter flying around at 330pm. Warm, breezy and partly cloudy before sunset, no smoke but there is a light haze of dust in the air. Sunset before 724pm. Mostly cloudy by dusk.

Thursday (Sept 16) overnight low of 34 degrees. This morning clear sky, light chilly breeze, light dew and no smoke – Green air quality. Haze of dust hanging over main street. Early air traffic. Jays, flicker, hairy woodpecker and robin calling and visiting. Sunny and cool at lunch time. Clear, light breeze and slight haze by mid-afternoon, high of 70 degrees. Cool, clear and a bit hazy before sunset. Temperature dropping after dusk. Hazy, maybe some clouds before midnight.

Friday (Sept 17) overnight low of 27 degrees. This morning clear above moderate smoke and poor air quality. Smoky at lunch time, breezy early afternoon. Warming up mid-afternoon, almost clear, haze of smoke and gusty breezes, high of 81 degrees. Strong wind gusts at times late afternoon. Still warm just before sunset, clear sky and haze of smoke, air quality a little better than earlier. Got the impression that it was clear and hazy before midnight.

Saturday (Sept 18) 24 hour low of 36 degrees (from Friday morning.) This morning it is likely clear above moderate smoke and Yellow air quality. A couple early loud air planes and light street traffic. Jays and 2 hairy woodpeckers visiting. Breezy before lunch time and internet connection spotty. Mostly cloudy and windy (gusts estimated up 30+mph) after lunch time. Warm, windy and mostly cloudy mid-afternoon, less smoke and better air quality, high of 79 degrees. Rain started late afternoon, cloudy and light breezes. Internet connection spotty. Much cooler, low overcast and steady light rain before sunset. Rained for approx. 4 hours. Not raining at midnight.

Sunday (Sept 19) overnight low of 43 degrees. Yesterday’s rain = 0.23″. This morning overcast with patches of fog mid-mountain. Short light sprinkle of rain around 10am, enough to wet the roof. Cloudy and breezy before lunch time. Cool, dark overcast and lighter breezes mid-afternoon. Sprinkles and showers on and off during the afternoon, high of 49 degrees. Late afternoon air traffic. Jays and hairy woodpeckers visiting. Light shower before sunset and patches of blue sky.
————–

Idaho News:

Valley hospitals report 119 new COVID-19 cases in past week

By Tom Grote The Star-News September 16, 2021

A total of 119 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past week by Valley County’s two hospitals. That compares to 67 new cases reported the previous week and 42 new cases the prior week.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 99 new cases in the last week, while Cascade Medical Center reported 20 new cases, including a record one-day high of seven new cases reported on Monday.

“We don’t test everyone who requests it – if we did, we would see many more positives,” Cascade Medical Center CEO Tom Reinhardt said.

“For example, if a family drives up with symptoms, we test the sickest one,” Reinhardt said. “If that person has COVID, we don’t test the others; no need, they probably all have it.”

In those cases, those known to be exposed to COVID-19 must not leave home for 10 to 14 days, he said.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 167 new cases in September, nearly equaling the 171 new cases reported in all of August.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 1,118 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Valley County in March 2020.

St. Luke’s McCall offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at St. Luke’s Clinics – Payette Lakes Family Medicine, 211 Forest Street, McCall.

Appointments also can be scheduled online through St. Luke’s myChart or calling 208-381-9500 or by calling 208-634-2225.

Cascade Medical Center offers a daily walk-in vaccination clinic Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

full story:
— — — —

St. Luke’s: Many new COVID-19 cases are kids

93% of new cases are not vaccinated

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 16, 2021

School-age children are now being infected with COVID-19 more than any other age group, the McCall City Council was told last week.

Data from COVID-19 tests at St. Luke’s McCall show that the delta variant of the virus is spreading more effectively among children than previous strains of the virus.

“The majority of the positive tests from McCall residents are coming from our age group zero to 17, which is not what we’ve seen previously,” Chief Operating and Nursing Officer Amber Green said.

Hospital Capacity

On Monday, St. Luke’s McCall suspended elective surgeries and procedures in response to a lack of capacity in St. Luke’s hospitals in the Treasure Valley.

That will allow the McCall hospital to send employees to work in Treasure Valley hospitals that are overrun with virus patients and struggling with staffing.

“We’ve had to send patients as far as Twin Falls because we can’t get them into Boise,” Green said.

full story:
— — — —

City of McCall again requires masks in all city buildings

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 16, 2021

Masks are again required in all City of McCall buildings in response to the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

The mask precaution and others were put in place on Monday after being aired to the McCall City Council last week during its regular meeting on Thursday night.

City buildings include McCall City Hall, McCall Public Library, McCall Golf Course clubhouse, McCall Police Department, the city building at the McCall Airport, and buildings housing the city’s public works and parks and recreation departments. Masks will not be required at city parks.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

COVID-19 Updates: 1,730 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 13 new deaths

Sept 17, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,730 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 241,263.

The age group with the most cases is 18-29 with 58,695 cases.

The state said 60 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 10,580, and 10 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,757.

13 new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 2,613.

full story: [Valley County 1191 cases, 6 deaths)
— — — — — — — — — —

All of Idaho now under Crisis Standards of Care as COVID-19 surges

by KBOI Staff Thursday, September 16th 2021

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has activated Crisis Standards of Care across the entire state of Idaho due to the state’s massive influx of COVID-19 patients being hospitalized. The surge, IDHW says, has exhausted existing resources in all areas of Idaho.

Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) was activated in northern Idaho back on September 6. This activation now expands that declaration to the rest of the state.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Idaho

September 14, 2021 Local News 8

#20. Valley County, ID
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 421 (48 new cases, +20% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 10,121 (1,153 total cases)
— 22.7% less cases per 100k residents than Idaho
– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 53 (6 total deaths)
— 61.6% less deaths per 100k residents than Idaho
– Population that is fully vaccinated: 50.3% (5,732 fully vaccinated)
— 25.1% higher vaccination rate than Idaho

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Six vehicles involved in chain-reaction wreck on Idaho 55

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 16, 2021

A McCall woman was cited for driving under the influence after causing a chain reaction accident on Idaho 55 just south of Lake Fork last Thursday, Idaho State Police said.

Laura Larimore, 30, was driving north in a pickup at about 6 p.m. and failed to stop for traffic in a construction zone.

The pickup rear-ended a sedan driven by a 38-year-old Nampa man who was not identified, according to the Idaho State Police.

The collision caused a chain reaction that involved the pickup and five other vehicles.

Three people, including a 30-year-old man in Larimore’s pickup as well as a 42-year-old woman and 30-year-old man from Boise, were transported by ambulance to St. Luke’s McCall, where they were treated and released. Their identities were not released by ISP.

continued:
————

Public Lands:

Preliminary Advertisement Sale of National Forest Timber

The Forest Service intends to advertise timber designated for cutting in the following proposed timber sale area on the Payette National Forest prior to February 1, 2022.

The Big Creek Fuels sale contains 118 acres more or less within the Big Creek/Edwardsburg area. This sale contains an estimated volume of 1,731 hundred cubic feet of timber (CCF) designated for cutting. We estimate that 1,080 CCF is in sawtimber, 23 CCF in post and pole with 627 CCF being firewood. The species composition is 79% lodgepole pine, 14% subalpine fir and 3% each for Engelmann spruce and Douglas-fir. Estimated 14 acres of jammer logging.

This advance notice is to afford interested parties time to examine the sale area prior to winter. Interested parties may obtain information and maps from Jeremy Greenwood (jeremy.greenwood@usda.gov) or 208-347-0315. The final advertisement will contain final minimum stumpage rates, bidding provisions and other sale conditions.

(via FB Sept 18th)
— — — — — — — — — —

Land Management Agencies lift Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in all Zones of the Payette Fire Restriction Area

Date: September 15, 2021
Contact: Brian Harris, Payette National Forest, 208-634-6945

McCall, Idaho – With cooler temperatures and chances of precipitation increasing over the next few weeks, local land management agencies will lift Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in all zones of the Payette Fire Restrictions Area effective Wednesday, September 15, 2021 just after midnight at 0001 hours. The Fire Restrictions are rescinded by agencies managing state, private and public lands in the area, including the United States Forest Service (USFS), United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association (SITPA), and the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). See map for the location of the Payette Fire Restrictions Area.

The restrictions were put into effect on July 16 when fire danger and burning conditions were unusually high. Recent storms have brought moisture with much cooler temperatures to the area, and with the days getting shorter, fire conditions have moderated. Forest visitors are reminded that vegetation is still dry, and to be careful with all use of fire in the outdoors. The accidental start of a wildfire can still be devastating.

Be alert and be aware. Follow these tips to help prevent wildfire:

* NEVER leave a campfire unattended
* Keep water, dirt, and a shovel near your fire at all times
* Make sure your fire is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave it
* Fireworks are never allowed on National Forest and State lands and are prohibited on BLM lands during closed fire season (May 10 through October 20).
* Exploding targets or tracer rounds are prohibited on all public lands.

Area closures may still be in effect on some public lands. Contact the land management agency for your area of interest for specific information regarding fire closures.

Fire restrictions are being lifted but burn bans may still be in place in some areas. Fire

Restrictions and burn bans address different types of activities. Burn bans pertain to controlled burning activities such as debris burning, slash burning, or agricultural burning, for which a fire safety burn permit from IDL is required. Visit (link) for more information.

Brian Harris
Public Affairs Officer
Tribal Liaison
Payette National Forest
— — — — — — — — — —

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions rescinded for southwest Idaho

Date: September 15, 2021
Contact: Sharla Arledge (IDL)- 208-334-0286
Fire Information (BLM)- 208-384-3378
Venetia Gempler (USFS)- 208-373-4105

Boise, Idaho — Effective Friday, Sept. 17 at 12:01 a.m., the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Idaho Department of Lands will remove Stage One Fire Restrictions for federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangelands in the following Fire Restriction Zones:

Owyhee Mountains Fire Restrictions Zone –

All of Owyhee County west of the Bruneau Canyon.

Treasure Valley Fire Restrictions Zone –

All of Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette and Washington Counties. Portions of Boise County including the administrative boundary of Lucky Peak Lake to Arrowrock Dam, south shore of Arrowrock Reservoir and that portion of Elmore County that lies south of the South Fork Boise River to Anderson Ranch Dam, south along Anderson Dam Rd (FS134) to Hwy 20, east on Hwy 20 to the Elmore/Gooding County line south to I-84.

West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Zone –

Boise National Forest, Boise District BLM and State and Endowment Lands within Elmore County and Boise County. Boise National Forest lands within Valley County. From the point where the Boise National Forest boundary intersects Idaho State highway 20 near Dixie following the Boise Forest boundary west and north along the ridge of the Danskin to Boise front foothills and extending North encompassing the Idaho Department of Lands to its intersection back with the Boise National Forest boundary near Sagehen reservoir and State and Endowment Lands in the High Valley Area (Valley County). The far northern boundary includes all Boise National Forest lands excluding those within the Frank Church Wilderness. All lands north of Sagehen reservoir including Tripod Mountain and West Mountain within the North Fork Payette River drainage north to near Tamarack Resort.

The BLM Fire Prevention Order remains in effect for all BLM-managed lands within Idaho. This order prohibits discharging, using or possessing fireworks, discharging a firearm using incendiary, steel core or tracer ammunition, or burning, igniting or causing to burn explosive material, including exploding targets.

Together for Idaho, we can keep south-central Idaho safe from wildfires. For more information on wildfire prevention, up-to-date fire information and resources on becoming Firewise, visit (link):
http://www.idahofireinfo.com
— — — — — — — — — —

Boise NF Fall Campground Closure Dates by District

View the Document (You will need to use the percent + zoom tool to see the information.)

If the campground is closed, that means that there are no longer any services like reservations, campground hosts, fees, trash pick up, water and many of the out-houses and gates will be locked. Schedule for out-house and gate closures will vary depending on the District. If a gate is locked, you may choose to pack in and pack out of the campground. Please remember to take your trash with you.

Keep in mind, snow will arrive very soon at the higher elevations. Forest Roads ARE NOT PLOWED and there is NO CELL SERVICE. You may want to call the Districts before you leave for the most current weather and road information. There are no longer Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in effect, but conditions remain very dry and we ask everyone to continue to be very careful with campfires.
—————

Fire Season:

Satellite Smoke Map Sept 17

20210917SatMapIdaho-a
— —

Rush Creek

Rush Creek Fire IR Map 9/10/21 (link)

Rush Creek Heat Map Sept 17
20210917RushHeat-a

Infrared flight allows for updated acreage of Boundary Fire

Sept 17, 2021 Local News 8

A recent infrared flight has allowed for updated acreage figures of the Boundary Fire.

The lightning caused fire that started on August 10 has burned 64,670 acres and is 48% contained.

The Boundary Fire is burning in steep and inaccessible terrain in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Lowman Ranger District of the Boise National Forest. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority.

continued:
—

Boundary Fire

Infrared Map of Boundary Fire Sept 16

Boundary Fire Heat Map Sept 17
20210917BoundaryHeat-a Boundary Fire
Salmon-Challis National Forest
The lightning-caused Boundary Fire ~2 miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch was detected on August 10.
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — —

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Fire Update Sept 15th

(via FB)

The Sheep Creek Fire is now approximately 7,700 acres and located in the Sheep Creek Drainage in the Gospel Hump Wildness area. It is burning in Idaho Fish and Game, Game Management Unit 19. The fire is mainly burning in the 2007 Rattlesnake Fire burn scar and is surrounded by steep, rugged terrain.

The fire is currently burning on both sides of the Sheep Creek drainage and along Forest Service Trail #201. The fire is also currently burning southeast around Elk Butte and Quartzite Butte and has impacted Forest Service Trails #226 and #227. The fire is currently burning in East Fork Sheep Creek near Shinning Butte, and has also moved north near Plummer Point. None of the forecasted precipitation materialized this weekend, but confidence is high among forecasters that widespread rain will be coming this coming Saturday. Trail closures remain in place.

Local resources are currently assigned to structure protection in the Concord and Humptown areas. Frost kill amongst the vegetation is now contributing to this fire’s spread, and potential high winds are being predicted just ahead of this weekends rain event.

Fires in this area can move quickly day or night, and extreme caution should be used whenever in the vicinity especially near adjacent drainages and ridges.

The Lynx Fire is estimated at 6,600 acres. This fire is located 23 miles east of Elk City, Idaho. This fire is being managed at the local unit. Firefighters are periodically patrolling the area and structure protection remains in place and effective at Warm Springs Bar outfitter camp.

The Dixie-Jumbo Fires total acreage is estimated at 46,500 acres. The Dixie fire and Jumbo fires are located 15 miles south of Elk City, Idaho. A local Type 3 organization will be transitioning to a local Type 4 organization tomorrow. Suppression repair and clean-up is continuing to take place. An area closure which includes Forest Service Road #222 from Dixie Guard Station to Mackay Bar remains in place. Fire managers are hoping and expecting to be able to further reduce current road and area closures once a shift in the weather happens.

Official forest closure orders are still in effect for multiple fires.

Note: InciWeb is not being updated for this fire north of the main Salmon river.
— — — —

Mud Lick, Haynes, and Iron Fires
Salmon-Challis National Forest
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — —

Some useful links:

InciWeb Fire info link:
Air Quality McCall link:
National Fire Heat Map link: (zoom in to our area)

Weather Station at Stibnite

Real Time Lightning Map (zoom to our area)

GOES-West – Satellite Maps: Pacific Northwest
—————-

Critter News:

Dog Tired: Surge in animal patients has left vet clinics scrambling

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 16, 2021

MCPAWS purchased the Donnelly Veterinary Hospital and Long Valley Veterinary Hospital in the spring of 2020.

Since then, the MCPAWS Veterinary Hospital north of Donnelly has seen an increase in patients every month.

The pace of business has caused burnout among the staff and longer wait times for pets in need of emergency service and regular checkups, MCPAWS Executive Director Amber Kostoff said.

The clinic treated 2,100 animals in July and August, a 26% increase over the 1,661 patients seen during the same months in 2020, Kostoff said.

The increase is not unique to MCPAWS. The 24-hour emergency services veterinarian office West Vet in Garden City sent an email to MCPAWS and other veterinarians in the area that regularly refer animals for emergency services that they too were overwhelmed and understaffed.

“The reality is that we have reached or exceeded our capacity to continue to deliver exceptional care we pride ourselves on, while also supporting our team’s wellbeing,” the email from WestVet said.

Cascade Clinic

Dr. Keith Ruble also reported a busier than normal year at the Cascade Veterinary Clinic. “When we’re an hour behind and scheduled past closing the staff have to refer them elsewhere,” Ruble said.

“The need for more runs for surgery and emergencies has required us to discontinue animal boarding, there simply is not enough room anymore,” he said noting that the clinic has had to turn away several emergency cases.

The team at the Cascade clinic is tired and every day is full, Ruble said.

full story:
— — — — — — — — — —

BLM rounds up wild horses north of Emmett

by CBS2 News Staff Tuesday, September 14th 2021

The Bureau of Land Management has begun a helicopter-assisted wild horse gather in the Four Mile Herd Management Area north of Emmett to help prevent the degradation of public lands.

The BLM says there should be roughly 37-60 wild horses in the area, but there are currently about 210, including the 2020 foal crop.

“The purpose of the gather is to prevent undue degradation of the public lands associated with wild horses, and to restore a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship on public lands,” the BLM said.

The horses will go up for adoption at the BLM Boise Off-Range Wild Horse Corrals this winter.

source:
————–

Fish & Game News:

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease detected in Southwest Idaho

By Brian Pearson, Regional Conservation Manager
Thursday, September 16, 2021

Editor’s Note: This press release was updated on Sept. 17 after Fish and Game received confirmation that the sample taken from a white-tailed deer in the Garden Valley area was positive for EHD.

A sample collected from dead mule deer in Southwest Idaho has tested positive for epizootic hemorrhagic disease. The deer was recently discovered in the Treasure Valley within the Garden City limits, and Fish and Game wildlife staff confirmed that the deer was positive for EHD on Sept. 13.

Elsewhere in the Southwest Region, there have been five reports of dead white-tailed deer in the Garden Valley area since Sept. 8, and Fish and Game staff on Sept. 16 received confirmation that a sample taken from one of those deer carcasses was also positive for EHD.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Ring-necked pheasants were transplanted into Idaho over 100 years ago and are a prized game bird

By Adare Evans, Wildlife Educator
Monday, September 13, 2021

If you would like to try pheasant hunting, youth seasons for licensed hunters 17 years or younger run Oct. 2-8. Youth must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Adult seasons vary across the state depending on area and whether the hunter is a resident or nonresident. Check the Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer Seasons and Rules booklet for more information on pheasant seasons.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Why is there a fence in the stream?

By Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 14, 2021

By Kat Gillies-Rector, Fisheries Biologist, Salmon Region

During the spring or fall you may have seen Idaho Fish and Game staff building metal picket fences across a nearby stream. These fences are actually an important sampling tool called a picket weir that IDFG biologists use to capture and sample migrating salmon and trout.

Picket weirs were used for centuries to capture fish for subsistence, commercial, and scientific purposes. Native Americans used picket weirs in streams and small rivers to capture migrating salmon for food. Similar structures have also been used to capture returning salmon for commercial harvest and brood stock at hatcheries. In Idaho, IDFG biologists have been using picket weirs for decades to study wild salmon, steelhead, and trout as they migrate to spawn.

A picket weir is made of two panels of pickets that serve to “fence” off the stream and funnel fish towards a trap box. Weirs can be operated to capture fish migrating upstream, downstream, or in both directions, depending on the study and how the weir and trap box is placed. In the example below, fish swim downstream to the panels, then swim along them until they find the opening to the trap box. Fish that swim into the trap are unable to swim back out because of “fingers” placed on the opening to the trap. When biologists arrive, they close off the opening to the box with more pickets, then net fish out of the box to take data.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

More F&G News Releases

link:
———————————-

Crazy Critter Stuff:

No bull: Scientists potty train cows to use ‘MooLoo’

by Seth Borenstein AP Science Writer Monday, September 13th 2021

Turns out cows can be potty trained as easily as toddlers. Maybe easier.

It’s no bull. Scientists put the task to the test and 11 out of 16 cows learned to use the “MooLoo” when they had to go.

Just like some parents, the researchers used a sweet treat to coax the cows to push through a gate and urinate in a special pen. And it took only 15 days to train the young calves. Some kids take quite a bit longer.

continued:
————-

Seasonal Humor:

HuntBirdDog-a

CovidSocks-a
————–

Wind Advisory Sept 18, 4pm to 8pm

Wind Advisory Sept 18, 4pm to 8pm
Red Flag Warning until Sept 18, 9pm

Yellow Pine Forecast

Today Scattered showers after noon. Widespread haze before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South southeast wind 8 to 17 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tonight Rain. Widespread haze before midnight. Low around 41. West southwest wind 6 to 15 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday Rain before noon, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 50. South southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Low around 36. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wind Advisory

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
500 AM MDT Sat Sep 18 2021

West Central Mountains-Lower Treasure Valley ID-Boise Mountains-
Upper Treasure Valley-Owyhee Mountains-Upper Weiser River-
Malheur County-Oregon Lower Treasure Valley-
500 AM MDT Sat Sep 18 2021 /400 AM PDT Sat Sep 18 2021/

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM MDT /3 PM PDT/ THIS
AFTERNOON TO 8 PM MDT /7 PM PDT/ THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...West or northwest wind gusts up to 50 mph expected with
  passage of a cold front.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Oregon and southwest and west
  central Idaho.

* WHEN...From 4 PM MDT /3 PM PDT/ this afternoon to 8 PM MDT /7
  PM PDT/ this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow unsecured objects. Tree limbs
  could be blown down and power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Red Flag Warning

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
810 AM MDT Sat Sep 18 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES...

.Gusty winds and low relative humidities ahead of an upper level
system and accompanying cold front will produce dangerous fire
weather conditions through this evening. The front will enter eastern
Oregon early this afternoon, move into the mountain districts of
Idaho from late this afternoon into this evening, and move into the
remainder of southwest Idaho this evening. Rain will follow these
winds from this evening through Sunday with wetting rains likely in
most areas.

Eastern Payette National Forest-Northern Boise National Forest-
Southern Boise National Forest/Western Sawtooth National Forest-
810 AM MDT Sat Sep 18 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR EASTERN PAYETTE
NATIONAL FOREST...NORTHERN BOISE NATIONAL FOREST AND SOUTHERN
BOISE NATIONAL FOREST/WESTERN SAWTOOTH NATIONAL FOREST... WHICH
ARE FIRE WEATHER ZONES 402...403 AND 421...

* WINDS...Gusts to 30 mph today and 40 mph Saturday.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 20 percent.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will occur shortly.

Red Flag Warning Sept 17, 1pm to Sept 18, 9pm

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions rescinded today.

Yellow Pine Forecast

Today Widespread haze after noon. Sunny, with a high near 74. East southeast wind 7 to 15 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West southwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Saturday Widespread haze before noon. Sunny, with a high near 71. South southeast wind 7 to 16 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night Showers. Low around 44. West southwest wind 6 to 14 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. High near 51. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Red Flag Warning

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
836 AM MDT Fri Sep 17 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITIES...

.Gusty winds and low relative humidities ahead of an upper level
system and accompanying cold front will produce dangerous fire
weather conditions this afternoon through Saturday evening.

Eastern Payette National Forest-Northern Boise National Forest-
Southern Boise National Forest/Western Sawtooth National Forest-
836 AM MDT Fri Sep 17 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
9 PM MDT SATURDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR
EASTERN PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST...NORTHERN BOISE NATIONAL FOREST
AND SOUTHERN BOISE NATIONAL FOREST/WESTERN SAWTOOTH NATIONAL
FOREST... WHICH ARE FIRE WEATHER ZONES 402...403 AND 421...

* WINDS...Gusts to 30 mph today and 40 mph Saturday.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...10 to 15 percent.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will occur shortly.

Moderate smoke this morning, low of 27 degrees.

Sept 12, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Sept 12, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Because of our [water] situation lawn watering is discouraged. No watering after 2pm. If you are asked to turn your water off, it’s because the system is in danger of running out. Please be respectful. There will NO lawn watering on all summer holidays weekends.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are still in Effect

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Firewood Season, permits at The Corner
May 25 – Johnson Creek road fully open
June 7 – Lick Creek road open
June 13 – Profile road open
July 16 – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Sept 18 – ATV-UTV Ride to Thunder Mountain
Sept 18 – Jim Adkins Retirement 2pm at YP Tavern
(details below)
———-

Local Events:

ATV-UTV Ride to Thunder Mountain

Saturday, September 18, 9am – 4pm

Meet at the Community Hall

Ride with us through the fabulous back-country to the historic Thunder Mountain area and support the Yellow Pine Community Hall. This out-and-back ride is rated as intermediate. Participants ride from Yellow Pine Community Hall up Stibnite Road to Thunder Mountain. BBQ Lunch will be served to participants at the end of the road. The timeframe of this event is estimated to be from 9am to 4pm. $25 for online sign up and $30 at the event.

Sept 18th Pot Luck – Yellow Pine Tavern

Yellow Pine Friends, Neighbors and Family

Please join us for a pot luck at the Yellow Pine Tavern on Saturday September 18th at 2:00 P.M.

After 60 years in Yellow Pine, Stibnite and Zena Creek Ranch Jim Adkins has decided to start his next great adventure.

Please join us to wish Jim luck on his new adventure and to meet the new co-owners of the ranch
Shannon and Boyd
Katy and Dave
Debra and Eric
Beth and Bob

Kathy will be providing burgers and brats. Please stop by to wish Jim good luck and meet your new Zena Creek neighbors. Please bring one of your specialty foods to go with the burgers and brats.
— — — —

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions still in Effect

Under the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on state and federally managed or protected lands, roads, and trails:
* Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site and in a permanent concrete or metal fire ring, or on private land, and only within an owner-provided structure.
* Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
———

Village News:

Donation to Yellow Pine Area Coalition

First come, first served for the price of a YPAC donation of $20 minimum (see neighbor -Deb); You haul off! 230 Yellow Pine Ave.

20210911Outhouse-a
— — — —

Internet and Phone Outage update

Sunday, Sept 5th, approximately 330pm, the phone line was accidentally dug up and cut next to Yellow Pine Avenue.

Fire Chief Tim and Cecil used the radio at the Fire Hall to call dispatch to report the outage Sunday afternoon. Dispatch contacted MTE. Nate headed down from Stanley Sunday night and they had a crew and equipment ready to leave Midvale early Monday morning (Labor Day.) Slow internet and landline phones restored by around 6pm on Monday.

The slow (dial up speeds) persisted on Tuesday until around 7pm then just the internet went out – along with cell service via the internet, but our landlines still worked. MTE said the slow speeds was not due to the cable cut – it was a much wider issue.

Internet was restored by 7am Wednesday morning, Sept 9th.
— — — —

Notice – New Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sundays.

Life Flight

It is a very good idea to have Life Flight insurance if you live or recreate in the back country. If you already have Life Flight, consider it as a gift to a loved one.
— — — —

Road News

Local streets are dusty – no dust abatement this year on main street. Please slow down!

Link: to current road reports.

Johnson Creek road was recently graded, but is already getting rough again.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.

Critters

Be Mountain Lion Aware

Note: A report of a mountain lion hanging around the upper end of the village early summer.

Be Bear, Fox & Coyote Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

Ticks

Mosquitoes – West Nile

Yellow Pine US Mail

Starting Aug. 29, USPS will raise prices of first-class postage stamps to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
———-

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water. No outside watering after 2pm, nor on holiday weekends and especially not during the festival.

July 25, 2021 Update:

Sept 10, 2021 Update

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 180 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: 9-10-21.
—

YPWUA 2021 Annual Shareholder Meeting July 4, 2021 at the Community Hall at 10am
Link: to 20210704 YPWUA minutes.rtf

YPWUA 2020 Annual Shareholder Meeting held July 5, 2020 at the Community Hall 2pm.
link: minutes 20200705YPWUA.docx

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
— — — —

VYPA News:

September 11 Meeting Agenda

Village of Yellow Pine Association Meeting Agenda
September 11, 2021; 2pm; at the Community Hall
As requested by VYPA members, this meeting will be recorded and kept to a 1-hour timeframe.
Agenda Item Presenter Time Comments
Call to Order Deb Filler
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes Deb Filler 2 minutes Please read the prior meeting minutes before the meeting to expedite approval
Treasurer’s Oral Report Ronda Rogers 2 minutes
Community Hall Oral Report Rhonda Egbert 2 minutes Accomplishments since last meeting. Progress on project. Update on grant.
Cemetery Oral Report Ron Basabe 2 minutes Please include progress and expected completion date on sign
Infrastructure Oral Report Tim Rogers 2 minutes Please include upcoming plans for infrastructure work
Festival Written Report Deb Filler 10 minutes Please bring several copies of the report for attendees
Stibnite Advisory Council Update Lynn Imel 2 minutes
Stibnite Foundation Update Ronda Rogers 2 minutes
YPFPD Update If anyone available 2 minutes
YPWUA Update If anyone available 2 minutes Update on grants
Perpetua Resources Update If anyone available 2 minutes
Old Business
Fireworks Research update Rhonda Egbert 3 minutes
New Business
Community Representatives Named Deb Filler 2 minutes 2022 Stibnite Advisory Council and Stibnite Foundation representatives
2022 Festival Chairman named Ronda Rogers 2 minutes
Adjournment

Sept 11, 2021 – VYPA Meeting 2pm at Community Hall
Aug 14, 2021 VYPA Meeting Canceled (lack of quorum.)
July 10, 2021 VYPA meeting minutes link:
June 12, 2021 VYPA Meeting Minutes link:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Matt Huber, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
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YPFD News:

Fire Truck No. 1
20100410FireTruck-a photo by Local Color Photography 2010

Remember to clean your chimney before lighting that first fall fire, and check the fittings.

[Note: Due to internet outage this info was received too late for last Sunday’s paper.]

Yellow Pine Fire Protection District (YPFPD)
Fire Commissioner’s Budget Hearing and Meeting Agenda
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at YPFPD Station

AGENDA:
* Fire Chief Update –Tim Rogers – INFORMATIONAL
* Begin Annual Budget Hearing – PUBLIC COMMENT – Nikki Saleen/Willie Sullivan
– Budget Compilation and background– Nikki Saleen – Informational
– Open public comment on the proposed budget for the year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Accepting oral testimony of witnesses on the proposed budget, limit statements to 3 – 5 minutes, Fire Commissioners may ask questions of witnesses. Then END OF HEARING.

Proposed Yellow Pine Fire District Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

Fire Fighting/Support: $9,000
Insurance: $3,000
Wages: $0.0
Advertising: $200
Utilities: $3,000
Repairs and Maintenance: $2,250
Total: $19,471
Note: The above amount is the allocation we receive each year from the Yellow Pine Fire Protection District property owner’s tax dollars. We have received an increase of $659 from last year ($18,812).

Can use additional $1,152 from Forgone Account which will require a 3% increase in property taxes. Under Idaho law, a taxing district is able to raise property tax 3 percent per fiscal year to fund the budget. Should the Commissioners choose not to raise the property tax rate, those funds are considered “forgone.” However, Commissioners can later pass a resolution to reclaim those funds.

* Commissioners open the regular meeting to discuss and adopt the proposed budget – DECISION
* Budget –Nikki Saleen – INFORMATIONAL
– Stibnite Foundation Grant Update– Rhonda Rogers – INFORMATIONAL
– Current budget Status – Nikki Saleen – INFORMATIONAL
– Commissioner discussion on Carryover Expenditures – DECISION
* Update on Meeting with Representative Russ Fulcher’s aide, Matthew Keenan – Merrill Saleen – INFORMATIONAL
* Open Meeting Laws and Executive Sessions complaint, plus request for all financial records – INFORMATIONAL – Phil Jensen
* Proposal for YPFPD Webpage and possible automated outgoing emergency calling platform, plus need for YPFPD laptop with software – Phil Jensen – INFOMATIONAL, POSSIBLE DECISION
* Executive Session per Idaho Code 74-206 1(b): Personnel
—

Elections for Commissioners for both District 2 and 3 will be held in November 2021.

August 28, 2021 – YPFD Meeting to discuss upcoming election (no minutes yet.)

July 10, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
June 12, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
May 15, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:

Sept 30, 2020 YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

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.pdf

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Biz Listings:

The Corner (208) 633-3325
Hours: 1pm-8pm, closed on Tuesdays
We offer smoked tri tip, brisket, and chicken sandwiches and also burgers and chicken wings.
Firewood Permits available May 15th.
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Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Opened June 12th for Summer
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Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
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Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
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Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
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Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430 open 830am-5pm Monday-Friday, closed weekends.
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Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Garden Mountain Contractors
We would like to extend our services into the Yellow pine area if there may be a need. We dig alot of dirt! If you need this give us a shout on our FB page below. – Larry Williamson
Garden Valley, Idaho FB Page:
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:

Monday (Sept 6) overnight low of 38 degrees. This morning clear above haze of smoke – poor air quality. Phones and internet still out. Loud dirt bike and 4-wheeled traffic kicking up dust on the main road. Jays visiting. Warm, clear and smoky at lunch time. Two hairy woodpeckers visiting. Pretty warm by mid-afternoon, breezy, clear sky, haze of smoke and poor air quality, high of 90 degrees. Northern Flicker whooping it up in the neighborhood. Phone service restored around 6pm, internet is back but very slow (0.33Mbps.) Calmer and warm before sunset, clear sky and haze of smoke (and dust) – yellow air quality. Cooling off quickly after dark. Thinner haze before midnight – stars shining.

Tuesday (Sept 7) overnight low of 43 degrees. This morning some high hazy streaks of clouds above the haze of smoke – Yellow air quality. Light air and street traffic. Internet still very slow (0.49Mbps.) Thicker smoke at lunch time, warm and worse air quality. Jays, hairy woodpecker and pine squirrel visiting. Light traffic and heavy dust. Hot by mid-afternoon, slight breeze, moderate smoke and quite poor air quality, high of 91 degrees. Northern flickers whooping it up around the neighborhood. Internet (and cell phones) out before 7pm. Quite warm and mostly cloudy before sunset, moderate smoke and poor air quality. Cooling off quickly after dark and smoky. The brightest stars shining thru the smoke before midnight. Internet still out.

Wednesday (Sept 8) overnight low of 43 degrees. This morning it is likely clear over moderate smoke – Orange air quality – reduced visibility. Internet back on before 7am (6.32Mbps.) Light street traffic and dust. Jays and a pine squirrel visiting. Thicker smoke by lunch time, reduced visibility and worse air quality. Mail truck was on time. Hot and breezy by mid-afternoon, seems to be clear above the smoke, somewhat improved visibility and air quality (high end of Yellow AQ), high of 94 degrees. Warm and really murky looking before sunset, appears partly cloudy, dusty and smoky, very poor air quality. Cooling off after dark and smoky. Cloudy or hazy before midnight.

Thursday (Sept 9) overnight low of 47 degrees. This morning it is possibly clear or mostly clear above moderate smoke – Orange air quality – reduced visibility. The sun was ruby red and the morning light cast an orange glow on things. Street traffic and dust. Jays and hairy woodpeckers visiting. Sky covered with smoke at lunch time, might be some clouds? By early afternoon we had Red Air Quality. Hot by mid-afternoon, sky covered with smoke and breezy, high of 92 degrees. Pretty warm before sunset, light breezes, a bit thinner smoke. Very red sun setting in the notch. Cooling off after dark. Looked cloudy before midnight.

Friday (Sept 10) overnight low of 51 degrees. This morning, light breezes and it appears to be mostly cloudy above a haze of some – Yellow air quality. Northern flicker whooping, hairy woodpecker and jays visiting. Light street traffic kicking up dust. Cloudy and smoky at lunch time. Dark clouds, breezy, mild temperatures and lighter haze of smoke by mid-afternoon, high of 80 degrees. Big hawk in the neighborhood – even the jays are upset. Light rain shower for about 30 minutes late afternoon. Much cooler before sunset, mostly patchy high clouds and much better air quality. Much cooler at dusk, mostly cloudy and fairly good air quality. Short shower after dark and cloudy. Looked cloudy before midnight. May have rained a little early morning.

Saturday (Sept 11) overnight low of 42 degrees. This morning mostly clear blue sky and great air quality. First rain of Sept totaled 0.05″ – enough to barely settle the road dust. Hairy woodpeckers and jays visiting. Light street traffic but so far no dust. Mostly clear at lunch time, light breezes and good air. Warming up and drying out by mid-afternoon, clear blue sky and breezy, high of 77 degrees. Blue dragonflies and more grasshoppers. Mild temps, clear sky, calm and smoke settling in before sunset – AQI PM2.5 = 52 (Yellow). Stars out before midnight.

Sunday (Sept 12) overnight low of 36 degrees. This morning partly cloudy (high wispy), light breeze, and light haze of smoke – Yellow air quality. Jays visiting. Mostly cloudy before lunch time. Light street traffic. Mostly cloudy, light breeze, haze of smoke and Yellow air quality mid-afternoon, high of 77 degrees. Flicker whooping it up in the neighborhood. Mostly cloudy, warm, slight breeze and haze of smoke before sunset – Yellow air quality.
—————–

RIP:

JR VanHoover Celebration of Life Postponed

It is with great regret that I want to let everyone know we, as a family, have decided to err on the side of caution and postpone the celebration of life for J.R. VanHoover that was scheduled for this Saturday. Members of our own family have recently tested positive for covid and we simply cannot take the chance this gathering could in any way be responsible for further spread of Covid to any of you. We want to thank you all for the outpouring of love and support we have felt. We will schedule a gathering at a later time.
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Idaho News:

Valley hospitals report 67 new COVID-19 cases in past week

By Tom Grote for The Star-News September 9, 2021

A total of 67 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past week by Valley County’s two hospitals. That compares to 42 new cases reported the previous week and 57 new cases the prior week.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 55 new cases in the last week, while Cascade Medical Center reported 12 new cases.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 1,118 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Valley County in March 2020.

Information on the number of new cases among those not vaccinated for COVID-19 are not available for the two hospitals, but the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported on Tuesday 90% of new cases statewide are among unvaccinated people.

St. Luke’s McCall offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at St. Luke’s Clinics – Payette Lakes Family Medicine, 211 Forest Street, McCall.

Appointments also can be scheduled online through St. Luke’s myChart or calling 208-381-9500 or by calling 208-634-2225.

Cascade Medical Center offers a daily walk-in vaccination clinic Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

full story:
— — — — — — — — — —

COVID-19 Updates: 1,574 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 13 new deaths

Sept 10, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,574 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 232,630.

The state said 840,746 people have received the vaccine, and 1,528,899 total doses have been administered. 750,553 people are fully vaccinated.

The state said 61 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 10,311, and 7 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,715.

13 new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 2,460.

full story: [Valley County: 1135 cases, 6 deaths]
— — — —

Idaho patients in hospital halls amid COVID rationed care

by Rebecca Boone Associated Press Sept 9, 2021

Amid the Idaho coronavirus surge that prompted officials to authorize hospitals to ration health care, Army soldiers sent to one hospital have traded their fatigues for personal protective equipment to help treat a flood of infected patients.

The conference center at Kootenai Health hospital in the city Coeur d’Alene has been converted into a field hospital of sorts — with some of its classrooms filled with hospital beds where patients receive oxygen or get monoclonal antibody treatment, hospital officials said.

At the nearby main hospital building in the city of about 50,000, some emergency room patients receive care in a converted lobby and others get it in hallways. Urgent surgeries have been put on hold and some patients in critical condition are facing long waits for intensive care beds.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Gov. Little activates National Guard again, directs hundreds of new medical personnel to help Idaho hospitals overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients

Tuesday August 31, 2021 Press Release

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today a last-ditch effort to avoid the first-ever activation of statewide crisis standards of care by adding hundreds of new medical personnel for Idaho hospitals, but he said the real solution to the crisis is more Idahoans choosing to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

Nearly all Idaho hospitals are overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. There are more Idahoans in Intensive Care Units (ICU) with COVID-19 than ever before. The vast majority of them are unvaccinated.

“On a daily call with hospitals this morning, we heard there are only FOUR adult ICU beds available in the entire state, out of close to 400. Where hospitals have converted other spaces to be used as contingency ICU beds, those are filling up too,” Governor Little said. “We are dangerously close to activating statewide crisis standards of care – a historic step that means Idahoans in need of healthcare could receive a lesser standard of care or may be turned away altogether. In essence, someone would have to decide who can be treated and who cannot. This affects all of us, not just patients with COVID-19.”

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Trident sues Idaho over McCall swap rejection; asks for Land Board to reconsider alleging ‘bias’

September 8, 2021 By Don Day – BoiseDev editor

A Boise firm that hoped to trade 26 square miles of land in and around McCall with the State of Idaho’s land endowment isn’t taking no for an answer.

The Idaho Department of Lands denied Trident’s application last month. It said, among other things, that the value of timberland it hoped to buy in North Idaho then trade was worth $292 million less than the McCall area land it wants to take possession of.

Yesterday, Trident took two separate actions in hopes it could reverse the decision, according to public records obtained by BoiseDev.

Trident sued for judicial review – asking a judge to step in while also asking that the Idaho Land Board hold a contested case hearing on its swap proposal.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

West Nile virus activity rising across the state, health officials say

September 8, 2021 Local News 8

Human West Nile virus (WNV) infections as well as positive mosquito pools and infections in horses are on the rise in Idaho.

Detection of the virus has been reported in 13 counties, primarily in south and southwestern Idaho, but also in the Salmon area of Lemhi County and Franklin County, areas that don’t often report WNV activity.

Six human WNV infections, all severe neurologic disease, including one death, have been reported in Idaho this year, as of Sept. 1. Only one human infection had been reported in Idaho last year by Sept. 1.

continued:
————-

Public Lands:

DEQ says Toxins found in lakebed of Payette Lake

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 9, 2021

Laboratory tests found low levels of toxins from cyanobacteria in the lakebed of North Beach, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality said last week

The tests were made after a dog fell ill after swimming in Payette Lake last month.

The cyanobacteria and toxins found in Payette Lake are a different variety from the type that has triggered a public health advisory on Lake Cascade the last four years, the DEQ said.

The toxins are from bottom-dwelling cyanobacteria and are considered most dangerous if directly consumed, the agency said.

continued:
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Grimes Creek Closure Renewed for Another Year

Sept 7, 2021 Boise National Forest (via FB)

The Idaho City Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has renewed the closure to all public entry along National Forest System road and area 364 (Grimes Creek.)

This Order will be in effect from September 3, 2021 and shall remain in effect until September 01, 2022, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.

Boise County Sheriff’s Department, Residents, Volunteer Fire Departments and Emergency Managers in partnership with the Idaho City Ranger District will continue to address issues involving the heavy recreation use along the seven-mile strip of land adjacent to Grimes Creek through 2022.

View the closure and map on the Boise NF Alerts and Notices web page. (link)
— — — — — — — — — —

Helicopter Making Low-Level Flights over North-Central Idaho

Sept 9, 2021 USGS

Map shows the airborne helicopter survey west of nearby Salmon, just south of Montana-Idaho border (bold black line). Surveys will be conducted within/near the boundary margins (red polygon). Planned flight lines and survey information can be found online. (USGS map; Public domain.)

Residents and visitors should not be alarmed to see a low-flying helicopter over Lemhi and Custer Counties west of Salmon, Idaho from September 6 to October 18, 2021.

The U.S. Geological Survey and Idaho Geological Survey are co-leading the effort to conduct a helicopter-assisted airborne survey over approximately 1,160 square miles of the Salmon National Forest west of Salmon, Idaho. The instrumentation aboard the helicopter is passive, meaning it receives but does not emit signals for detection, and poses no health concerns or risks to humans, pets or wildlife.

The survey aims to study cobalt and other important mineral resources concealed in ancient rock layers beneath the rugged landscape of north-central Idaho. Aerial coverage will extend north near the Idaho-Montana border and continue about 40 miles south through Lemhi and Custer Counties.

continued:
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Fire Season:

Sept 8, 2021 Satellite Map

20210908SatSmokeMap-a
Cropped to show Idaho fires/smoke – the big plume is the Boundary fire.
— — — — — — — — — —

Brush fire near Blackhawk doused by crews

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 9, 2021

A brush fire on West Mountain Road near McCall on Monday was put out before it could endanger nearby homes, the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association said.

A SITPA fire patrol reported the fire at 2:15 p.m. Monday near Blackhawk on the River five miles south of McCall on West Mountain Road.

Crews cleared the scene at about 10 p.m. after dousing the brush fire with an estimated 85,000 gallons of water and 3,000 gallons of fire retardant, Fire Warden Paul Wagner said.

About 30 personnel, five vehicles, three airplanes and a helicopter were deployed to prevent the fire from growing. The blaze was kept to less than an acre.

Water trucks from McCall Fire & EMS and Cascade Fire & EMS supplied ground crews.

The helicopter dipped a bucket into the North Fork of the Payette River and dropped water on the flames.

Meanwhile, two single-engine air tankers based at the nearby McCall Airport rotated dumping fire retardant onto the flames, Wagner said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation Wednesday.

full story:
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2021 Payette Wilderness Fires
Three fires are burning in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the Payette National Forest. The Club, Rush Creek, and Vinegar fires were started by lightning on July 15, 2021. A Type 3 Incident Management Team took over the fires on July 19th. A closure order for trails has been put in place in and around these fires for public and firefighter safety to prevent any interference with suppression and response operations.
Lightning on July 15, 2021 ignited multiple fires on the Payette National Forest. The Rush Creek Fire was detected on 7/16. The Club and Vinegar fires were detected on 7/17. One additional fire from the July 15th lightning remained small and was called out on 7/18. Lightning on 7/19 also ignited 3 more fires, all of which have remained small.

InciWeb: Maps and closure orders

Rush Creek Size 7,945 Acres

Vinegar Fire Size 2,998 Acres

Club Fire Size 2,331 Acres

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Boundary Fire grows to 49,784 acres

Sept 10, 2021 Local News 8

InciWeb

The lightning-caused Boundary Fire, less than two miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch, was detected on August 10.

It has burned 49,784 acres and is 38% contained.

The Boundary Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority for the Boundary Fire. On Thursday, the fire was active with uphill runs, group torching, and short-range spotting. The fire continues to back in the Fall Creek drainage to the south. Crews are continuing to snag out the Boundary Creek road and are mopping up and securing the fire’s edge at the Boundary Creek administrative sites. Mop-up was completed around Morgan Ranch. Firefighters conducted a burnout operation west of the airstrip at Sulphur Creek Ranch, the fire continues to back to the south towards Sulphur Creek. Fire is established in Sulphur Creek, east of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and is backing down the south side of the drainage.

continued:
— —

Boundary Fire
Salmon-Challis National Forest
The lightning-caused Boundary Fire ~2 miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch was detected on August 10.
Size 50,963 Acres

InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — —

Scarface Fire grows to 7,241 acres

Sept 10, 2021 Local News 8

InciWeb

The lightning caused Scarface Fire that started on August 7 has burned 7,241 acres.

It is 20% contained and is burning 2½ miles southeast of the Middle Fork Lodge; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

The fire is active with running, torching and fire backing down slopes. Firefighters are continuing point protection actions which include burning out above the private land in the area. On Friday, as conditions allow, firefighters will continue those burnout operations with the overall object to bring fire down and tie into the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Fire has crossed into the Little Soldier Creek drainage to the northwest of Thomas Creek. To the south, the fire continues to flank towards Little Creek. Smoke conditions allowed firefighters to access the Cougar Ranch area yesterday. Firefighters are assessing and preparing values at risk in that area so that point protection strategies can be initiated if they become necessary.

continued:
— —

Scarface Fire
Salmon-Challis National Forest
The lightning fire detected on August 7 is approximately 2 1/2 miles southeast of the Middle Fork Lodge; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
Size 7,806 Acres

InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — —

Mud Lick, Haynes, and Iron Fires
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Mud Lick Fire Size 20,857 Acres

InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — —

Nez Perce-Clearwater Lightning Fires
Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
— — — — — — — — — —

Some useful links:

InciWeb Fire info link:
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Air Quality McCall link:
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National Fire Heat Map link: (zoom in to our area)
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Fire Heat Map (Slow to load – be patient)

Zoom Earth (weather and smoke map)

Real Time Lightning Map (zoom to our area)

GOES-West – Satellite Maps: Pacific Northwest
—————

Critter News:

Fish & Game notes reports of bears coming into McCall

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is beginning to receive more reports of bears in town, Regional Wildlife Biologist Nathan Borg of the McCall office said.

“Don’t let your trash can or bird feeder become a bear’s food source! “ Borg said. “Once a bear has learned to eat human food, it can be hard to convince them to leave.”

Fish and Game ends up killing bears in McCall every year because they’ve become dangerous to humans, he said.

“Please make sure that your trash is kept inside and is in a bear proof trash can, keep pet food secured or inside, and don’t feed birds during spring, summer and fall,” Borg said.

For questions or to report a nuisance bear, call 208-634-8137.

source: The Star-News September 9, 2021
— — — — — — — — — —

2021 Four Mile Wild Horse Gather

The Bureau of Land Management Boise District, Four Rivers Field Office, on or about September 14, 2021, will begin the capture of approximately 189 wild horses and remove approximately 173 excess wild horses within and outside of the boundaries of the Four Mile HMA. The current population is approximately 210 wild horses. The Appropriate Management Level is 37-60 wild horses. The BLM expects the helicopter gather to take approximately 3-5 days.

The purpose of the gather is to prevent undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands associated with excess wild horses, and to restore a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship on public lands, consistent with the provisions of Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act and the Cascade Resource Management Plan. The primary issue in this HMA is the availability of water and forage.

Forage is allocated for 37 wild horses or 444 Animal Unit Months (AUMs) in the Four Mile Herd Management Area (HMA). Monitoring data indicate that when the total horse population begins to reach the upper limit of 60 animals (720 AUMs), resource conditions begin to decline, especially in areas near water sources.

continued:
————

Fish & Game News:

Valley County residents can help avoid bear conflicts by storing food and garbage properly

By Brian Pearson, Regional Conservation Manager
Wednesday, September 8, 2021

rokopix/Shutterstock.com

With fall approaching, Idaho’s black bears are on the move and preparing for denning season, seeking out and gobbling up food to help them pack on the pounds.

This annual race to put on as much weight as possible before going into hibernation begins in mid-summer and lasts into early fall. Not coincidentally, this time of year is when Fish and Game staff receive the most reports of black bears causing problems in Valley County neighborhoods. This year is no exception.

“We’ve had a ton of reports of problem bears coming in from all over the Valley County in the past few weeks,” said District Conservation Officer Marshall Haynes. “And the majority of these bear problems are created by bad human habits in our communities.” …

* Valley County residents can report bear problems to Fish and Game staff in McCall so that they can monitor the situation: (208) 634-8137

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Traps, snares and pets can be a bad combination, and here’s how to avoid a problem

By Brian Pearson, Regional Conservation Manager
Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Dog owners are reminded that it’s year-round wolf trapping season on private land

With many wolf trapping seasons open, and many bird hunters taking to the field in the fall, bird hunters and other people recreating with off-leash dogs are reminded to avoid traps and be prepared to act quickly in the event their hunting or hiking companion becomes trapped.

Most traps and snares are simple in design and easy to operate if you know what to do. Some of the larger foothold and body-gripping traps can be challenging because they require more effort to open, but the principles are the same.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

A citizen’s tip helped to solve a case of an illegally-killed mule deer in Southern Idaho

By Terry Thompson, Regional Communications Manager
Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Tips from the public are often key to solving cases of illegally-killed big game.

On August 29, 2021 Idaho Fish and Game Officers Trevor Meadows and Philip Stamer, both stationed in the Magic Valley Region, received a tip from a concerned citizen that someone had illegally shot a mule deer a day before the deer season opened. Both officers responded to the scene but the suspect had left the immediate area. After an unsuccessful initial search for the deer carcass, officers called in one of Idaho Fish and Game’s K-9 teams, Officer Craig Mickelson and K-9 officer Blue who are stationed in Fish and Game’s Southwest Region.

Idaho Fish and Game

K-9 officer Blue and Officer Mickelson were able to locate the deer carcass and Blue also led officers to additional crucial evidence. Using the information gathered by officers Mickelson and Blue, officers Meadows and Stamer were able to find the suspect who was subsequently charged with multiple violations.

continued:
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More F&G News Releases

link:
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Crazy Critter Stuff:

Recognizing & Avoiding Wildlife Traps while Walking your Dog

Idaho Fish & Game Wildlife Biologist Jennifer Struthers takes viewers into the field to demonstrate how wildlife traps are disguised. The idea is to aid viewers in making decisions about leashing dogs or leaving the area.

— — — — —

Releasing your Dog from a Trap

Dog owners should be aware that traps may be present on the landscape. Dogs will be attracted to foothold trap sets due to the scent and bait, and they may also encounter snares and body grip traps. This is an instructional video explaining a variety of traps and how to release your dog from traps.

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Seasonal Humor:

GolfTrap2-a

Covid2020Tpaper-a
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Air Quality Alert Red Flag Warning Sept 8, 12pm to Sept 8, 9pm

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality.

Orange Air Quality PM2.5 = 119

Sept 8 Smoke Map

Yellow Pine Forecast

Today Areas of smoke. Sunny, with a high near 88. East wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Tonight Areas of smoke. Mostly clear, with a low around 58. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Areas of smoke. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 5 to 13 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Patchy smoke. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Air Quality Alert

IDC001-003-015-027-039-045-073-075-085-087-091900-
Ada-Adams-Boise-Canyon-Elmore-Gem-Owyhee-Payette-Valley-Washington-
934 AM MDT Wed Sep 8 2021

...AIR QUALITY FORECAST AND CAUTION FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR ADA, ADAMS, BOISE, CANYON, ELMORE, GEM,
OWYHEE, PAYETTE, VALLEY, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES...

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air
Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Ada, Adams,
Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington
Counties of degraded air quality. Due to smoke from wildfires health
impacts may occur. Air quality is currently in the Unhealthy-for-
Sensitive-Groups category and is forecast to continue through 1 PM
MDT Friday. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter
(PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions: When air quality is
unhealthy for sensitive groups, sensitive persons may experience
health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and
limit time spent outdoors.  The general public is unlikely to be
affected.

Contact: For more information, contact DEQ`s Regional Office in the
Treasure Valley, at (208) 373-0550. For real-time air monitoring
information, visit DEQ`s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov. For
more information concerning local ordinances contact your local city
or county.

Woodstove Burning Restrictions: Voluntary burn ban for residential
wood burning activities

Outdoor Burning Restrictions: All outdoor open burning is prohibited
by the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with local
ordinances

Red Flag Warning

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
113 PM MDT Tue Sep 7 2021

IDZ402-403-082100-
/O.NEW.KBOI.FW.W.0015.210908T1800Z-210909T0300Z/
Eastern Payette National Forest-Northern Boise National Forest-
113 PM MDT Tue Sep 7 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR EASTERN PAYETTE
NATIONAL FOREST AND NORTHERN BOISE NATIONAL FOREST...WHICH ARE
FIRE WEATHER ZONES 402 AND 403...

The National Weather Service in Boise has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT Wednesday.

* WINDS...Gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...8 to 15 percent.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will occur shortly.

Sept 5, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times

Sept 5, 2021 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Community Calendar:

April 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
May 10 thru Oct 20 – Burn Permit season
May 15 – Firewood Season, permits at The Corner
May 25 – Johnson Creek road fully open
June 7 – Lick Creek road open
June 13 – Profile road open
July 16 – Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Sept 11 – YPFD Budget Meeting 10am at Fire Hall
Sept 11 – VYPA Meeting 2pm at Community Hall
Sept 18 – ATV-UTV Ride to Thunder Mountain
Sept 18 – Jim Adkins Retirement 2pm at YP Tavern
(details below)
———-

Local Events:

ATV-UTV Ride to Thunder Mountain Saturday, September 18, 9am – 4pm

Meet at the Community Hall. Ride with us through the fabulous back-country to the historic Thunder Mountain area and support the Yellow Pine Community Hall. This out-and-back ride is rated as intermediate. Participants ride from Yellow Pine Community Hall up Stibnite Road to Thunder Mountain. BBQ Lunch will be served to participants at the end of the road. The timeframe of this event is estimated to be from 9am to 4pm. $25 for online sign up and $30 at the event.

Sept 18th Pot Luck for Jim Adkins – Yellow Pine Tavern

Yellow Pine Friends, Neighbors and Family

Please join us for a pot luck at the Yellow Pine Tavern on Saturday September 18th at 2:00 P.M.

After 60 years in Yellow Pine, Stibnite and Zena Creek Ranch Jim Adkins has decided to start his next great adventure.

Please join us to wish Jim luck on his new adventure and to meet the new co-owners of the ranch
Shannon and Boyd
Katy and Dave
Debra and Eric
Beth and Bob

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions still in Effect

Village News:

Cut Off From The Outside

Literally cut off – on Sunday, Sept 5th, at approximately 330pm, the phone line for Yellow Pine was accidentally dug up and damaged. Our phone lines were dead and of course there was no internet. Early Monday morning, Sept 6th (Labor Day,) MTE came to the village to work on restoring the line. Phones and (slow) internet restored around 6pm.
— — — —

Notice – New Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sundays.

Labor Day Golf Tournament and Potluck Sept 4th

The cannon went off at 1018am to start the annual Labor Day Golf Tournament to benefit the Fire Department.

The winners from our golf tournament fundraiser for the fire department.
First: Tera and Brian
Second: Steve and Jonathan
Third: Luna and Ryan
Closest to the pin: Peter

20210904GolfTourey-a
Prizes!

A potluck at the Yellow Pine Tavern followed at 4pm with Lasagna and Brauts provided by the Tavern, Cory’s and Sullivan’s.
— — — —

Community Hall Repair Project

The first step of the Community Hall Repair Project was completed on Sept. 1st when the new service door was installed in the kitchen. This should keep varmints and weather out of the kitchen.

Before
20210901RecHallDoor1-a

After
20210901RecHallDoor2-a
— — — —

New Cook at the Yellow Pine Tavern

A great Birthday Party was held at the Tavern for Jake, our new Bartender and Cook. Come by and meet him on weekend evenings.
20210901YPTavernJakeCake-a
— — — —

Yellow Pine Avenue

A report that the county grader did the lower end of Yellow Pine Ave (main street) at least as far as the veteran’s memorial on Tuesday, August 31st.
— — — —

Road News

Local streets are very dusty – no dust abatement this year on main street. Please slow down!

Link: to current road reports.

Johnson Creek road was recently graded, but is already getting rough again.

Profile Gap, Lick Creek, Thunder Mountain and Deadwood roads are Open. These roads have not been bladed and are rough. Travel at your own risk.

Critters

Be Mountain Lion Aware

Note: A report of a mountain lion hanging around the upper end of the village early summer.

Be Bear, Fox & Coyote Aware

* Do not feed them human food
* Secure your trash
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Bats

Ticks

Mosquitoes – West Nile

Yellow Pine US Mail

Starting Aug. 29, USPS will raise prices of first-class postage stamps to 58 cents from 55 cents.

Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Saturday (Sept 4) The dumpsters are being emptied on Wednesdays.

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
———-

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

August Water Usage

date	flow	used	hours	gph	gpm		more	less
08/01/21	13372547	47365	24.5	1933	32	S		6162
08/02/21	13410349	37802	23.5	1609	27	M		9563
08/03/21	13446269	35920	24	1497	25	T		1882
08/04/21	13480953	34684	24	1445	24	W		1236
08/05/21	13525686	44733	24	1864	31	T	10049
08/06/21	13563217	37531	24	1564	26	F		7202
08/07/21	13599798	36581	24	1524	25	S		950
08/08/21	13640054	40256	24.5	1643	27	S	3675
08/09/21	13677619	37565	23.5	1599	27	M		2691
08/10/21	13728899	51280	24	2137	36	T	13715
08/11/21	13770218	41319	24	1722	29	W		9961
08/12/21	13808848	38630	24	1610	27	T		2689
08/13/21	13854512	45664	24	1903	32	F	7034
08/14/21	13891073	36561	24	1523	25	S		9103
08/15/21	13930241	39168	24	1632	27	S	2607
08/16/21	13974252	44011	24	1834	31	M	4843
08/17/21	14015490	41238	24	1718	29	T		2773
08/18/21	14052616	37126	24	1547	26	W		4112
08/19/21	14080768	28152	24	1173	20	T		8974
08/20/21	14108902	28134	24	1172	20	F		18
08/21/21	14146329	37427	24.5	1528	25	S	9293
08/22/21	14176943	30614	24	1276	21	S		6813
08/23/21	14202033	25090	24	1045	17	M		5524
08/24/21	14229216	27183	24	1133	19	T	2093
08/25/21	14254825	25609	24	1067	18	W		1574
08/26/21	14282739	27914	24	1163	19	T	2305
08/27/21	14327687	44948	24	1873	31	F	17034
08/28/21	14366935	39248	24	1635	27	S		5700
08/29/21	14402064	35129	24	1464	24	S		4119
08/30/21	14440908	38844	24	1619	27	M	3715
08/31/21	14470808	29900	24	1246	21	T		8944
		1145626		1539.82

— —

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water. No outside watering after 2pm, nor on holiday weekends and especially not during the festival.

July 25 Update:

July 8, 2021 Update

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 180 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: 7-8-21.
—

YPWUA 2021 Annual Shareholder Meeting July 4, 2021 at the Community Hall at 10am
Link: to 20210704 YPWUA minutes.rtf

YPWUA 2020 Annual Shareholder Meeting held July 5, 2020 at the Community Hall 2pm.
link: minutes 20200705YPWUA.docx

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
Willie Sullivan
Dawn Brown
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
— — — —

VYPA News:

September 11 Meeting Agenda

Sept 11, 2021 – VYPA Meeting 2pm at Community Hall
Aug 14, 2021 VYPA Meeting Canceled (lack of quorum.)
July 10, 2021 VYPA meeting minutes link:
June 12, 2021 VYPA Meeting Minutes link:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September (June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11) at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.

Village Council members:
Deb Filler, Chairman
Matt Huber, Vice Chairman
Ronda Rogers, Treasurer
Hailey Harris, Secretary
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)

YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
— — — —

YPFD News:

Elections for Commissioners for both District 2 and 3 will be held in November 2021.

August 28, 2021 – YPFD Meeting to discuss upcoming election (no minutes yet.)

July 10, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes.
Link: to 20210710 YPFD Meeting.docx

June 12, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes.
Link to minutes: 2021 June 12 YPFD meeting minutes.docx

May 15, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes.
Link: to 20210515 YPFD MeetingNotes_Final.docx

YPFD had a budget meeting on September 30, 2020 at 10am at the fire station. (No minutes yet.)

2021 Meeting schedule for the YPFD. All meetings are at the YPFD Station
Sat. May 15 at 10am
Sat. June 12 at 10am
Sat. July 10 at 10am
Sat. September 11 at 10am Budget Meeting

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.pdf

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

YP Fire Commissioners:
Lorinne Munn – District 1
Phil Jensen, Acting – District 2
Merrill Saleen – District 3
Tim Rogers – Fire Chief
Secretary Ronda Rogers
Treasurer Nikki Saleen
——–

Biz Listings:

Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Opened June 12th for Summer
— — — —

Murph’s RV Park and Mary’s Cabins
FB page link
— — — —

Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page link
open Tue – Sat, 9-5
Yellow Pine eggs $3/doz
— — — —

Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:

Big Creek Lodge
website:

Deadwood Outfitters
website:
— — — —

Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430 open 830am-5pm Monday-Friday, closed weekends.
— — — —

Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Arnold Aviation – (208) 382-4844

The Star-News

click to subscribe:
A reminder that those who live in other states can subscribe to the online edition only since the mail can take days for hard copy to reach them.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473), Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:

Garden Mountain Contractors
We would like to extend our services into the Yellow pine area if there may be a need. We dig alot of dirt! If you need this give us a shout on our FB page below. – Larry Williamson
Garden Valley, Idaho FB Page:
— — — —

Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
———————–

Local Observations:

Monday (Aug 30) overnight low of 40 degrees. This morning clear sky and light haze of smoke. A few jays, a pine squirrel and a hummingbird visiting. Increased air and street traffic. Clear, warm, breezy and smoky at lunch time – the southern sky is opaque, to the north is milky blue, and you can smell the smoke. Getting pretty warm mid-afternoon, breezy and smoky, high of 89 degrees. Increasing smoke, Yellow air quality before sunset and calmer. Smoky before midnight – just the brightest stars and Jupiter shining.

Tuesday (Aug 31) overnight low of 40 degrees. This morning likely clear above the smoke, poor air quality. A couple of jays visiting. Increased street traffic. Less smoke and better air quality at lunch time, no clouds and getting breezy. Warm mid-afternoon, clear sky, breezy at times, thin haze of smoke and a little better air quality, high of 80 degrees. Grasshoppers clacking about, pine squirrel trilling, a distant dog barking and street traffic on and off. Clear and calmer before sunset, Green air quality. Cooling off quickly after dusk, clear sky and not too bad of air quality.

Wednesday (Sept 1) overnight low of 31 degrees. This morning clear very blue sky and good air quality. A couple of robins calling and jays shrieking. Sunny clear and good air at lunch time, a bit breezy. Mail truck was a little late, no problems reported. Mild temperatures, clear blue sky, light breezes and good air mid-afternoon, high of 79 degrees. Clear, warm and good air quality before sunset. Clear and cooling off at dusk, good air. Clear before midnight.

Thursday (Sept 2) overnight low of 32 degrees. This morning clear sky above thin haze of smoke – Yellow air quality. Increasing street traffic. Sunny and warming up at lunch time and haze of smoke. Jays visiting, a hairy woodpecker and a pine squirrel calling, grasshoppers clacking about, a few white pine butterflies. Pleasantly warm and partly cloudy mid-afternoon, thicker haze of smoke, high of 78 degrees. Warm, partly cloudy and moderate smoke before sunset. Gusty breezes at dark. Only the brightest stars and Jupiter shining to the east before midnight.

Friday (Sept 3) overnight low of 33 degrees. This morning light breeze, clear sky over smoky haze – Yellow air quality. Early air traffic. Female hairy woodpecker and a jay visiting. Clear sky and smoky haze at lunch time. Warm with light breeze mid-afternoon, light haze of smoke (lower end of Yellow AQ), high of 80 degrees. Warm and light breeze before sunset, clear sky and light haze of smoke (Green air quality.) Bright Jupiter above Antimony Ridge before midnight.

Saturday (Sept 4) overnight low of 34 degrees. This morning partly cloudy (small scattered clouds) and light haze of smoke – Green air quality. Light street traffic raising clouds of dust on main street – even those driving slowly. Cannon shot at 1018am. Increasing smoke before lunch time – smell of smoke in the air. Several gunshots at 125pm. Female hairy woodpecker, jays and a pine squirrel visiting. Pretty warm by mid-afternoon, mostly clear, breezy and haze of smoke and dust – poor air quality, high of 86 degrees. Scarlet clouds to the west before sunset, warm, mostly cloudy, calm and haze of smoke and dust. Cooling off after dark and still smoky. Jupiter looking rather red through the smoke before midnight.

Sunday (Sept 5) overnight low of 38 degrees. This morning clear above haze of smoke – Yellow air quality. Light early air and street traffic – getting dusty. Jays, a hairy woodpecker, a hummingbird and a pine squirrel visiting. Warm and smoky at lunch time. Rapid loud gunfire just before 3pm. Pretty warm mid-afternoon, appears clear above the haze of smoke (Yellow AQ) and breezy, high of 91 degrees. Internet and phones went down around 330pm (line cut.) Quite a bit of street traffic (and dust) this afternoon. Very warm before sunset, smoky and dusty – poor air quality, might be some high flat clouds above the smoke? Ruby red sun setting at 737pm. Pretty hazy after midnight. Internet and phones still out…
———–

RIP:

JR VanHoover
7/27/75 – 8/27/21
RIPJRVanHoover2-a

Leo Edward VanHoover Jr., a true Yellow Pine native, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Mexico on Friday August 27th, 2021.

It is always a shock to lose someone so young so unexpectedly… Someone with so much life left to live. J.R. was a unique spirit with a gypsy soul. He lived his life on his own terms and added friends where ever his travels took him.

When we lose someone, friends and loved ones can be at a loss for words. They often say, “We are so sorry, if there is anything we can do please let us know.” Finding a response to this can often be just as elusive. When someone passes on they can never be truly gone, not as long as we keep them with us in our hearts and minds. So if you truly want to honor J.R., take him with you… Take his sense of humor, his laughter, his wild unpredictable spirit and share it with those you love and care about. Share your favorite J.R. stories and “remember whens”. By doing this, keeping him in your hearts, he will never be truly gone. He will live on forever in the memories and hearts of all of us. We can think of no greater tribute. Remember to take every opportunity to tell those you care about how much they mean to you, hug your babies, say “Yes” as often as you can, and cherish every moment you are given.

J.R. is survived by his wife and best friend Erendira, his five sons David, Kason, Spirit, Leo, and Jess, his parents Leo Sr and Lois, and his four sisters Angela and her husband Don, Cindy and her husband Scott, Stacy and her husband Jay, and Tess and her wife Shane. He is also survived by his grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and of course all of you…his many, many friends.

We will have a Celebration of Life gathering for J.R. VanHoover on Saturday Sept.11th, 2021 at 3:30 pm at the Eagle Senior Center 312 E. State Street Eagle Idaho. We can come together to comfort each other, reminisce, laugh, and share our memories. We look forward to seeing anyone who would like to come. *Please note* Masks are required inside the center; however, there is also an outdoor area we can gather for socially distanced visiting.
————–

Idaho News:

COVID-19 Updates: 1,388 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 0 new deaths

Sept 3, 2021 Local News 8

Idaho officials reported 1,388 new COVID-19 cases and zero new deaths Friday.

That brings the total confirmed and probable cases reported since March 2020 to 225,544.

The state said 828,284 people have received the vaccine, and 1,505,574 total doses have been administered. 739,156 people are fully vaccinated.

The age group with the most cases is 18-29 with 55,568 cases.

The state said 50 new hospitalizations have been reported bringing the total number to 9,992, and 7 new cases have been admitted to the ICU bringing the total to 1,661.

Zero new deaths were reported bringing the total recorded deaths to 2,379.

full story:
— — — —

McCall Golf Course employees test positive for COVID-19

By Tom Grote for The Star-News September 2, 2021

Two employees at the McCall Golf Course’s Pro Shop recently tested positive for COVID-19, said McCall Police Chief Justin Williams, who heads up virus response for the city.

Anyone who visited the pro shop last Friday or Saturday should monitor themselves for symptoms of the virus, Williams said.

42 New Cases

A total of 42 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past week by Valley County’s two hospitals compared to 57 new cases reported the previous week.

St. Luke’s McCall reported 27 new cases in the last week, while Cascade Medical Center reported 15 new cases.

The two hospitals have reported a total of 1,051 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic arrived in Valley County in March 2020

Four confirmed deaths and two suspected deaths related to COVID-19 among Valley County residents have been reported by Central District Health.

St. Luke’s McCall offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at St. Luke’s Clinics – Payette Lakes Family Medicine, 211 Forest Street, McCall.

Appointments also can be scheduled online through St. Luke’s myChart or calling 208-381-9500 or by calling 208-634-2225.

Anyone receiving a vaccine on that day will also receive a free scenic chair lift ride or bike haul ticket good through the end of the summer season.

Cascade Medical Center offers a daily walk-in vaccination clinic Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

full story:
— — — — —

Basin School District: 131 out of 363 students out sick or in quarantine

by CBS2 News Staff Friday, September 3rd 2021

Students in Idaho City will have an extra day off over the long weekend due to COVID-19.

The Basin School District said this week that 131 out of 363 students have been out sick with either the flu, COVID-19 or for quarantine measures. Of the students who tested for COVID, 15 percent tested positive.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Valley gives property taxes to road department

Commissioners dip into property-tax reserve fund

By Max Silverson for The Star-News September 2, 2021

The Valley County Road and Bridge Department will receive funding from property taxes for the first time in its history in the new county budget that starts on Oct. 1.

Commissioners adopted the 2022 budget last week which included a provision to collect the entire “foregone” balance of about $1.23 million, of which about $787,000 would go to the road department.

The foregone balance refers to taxes that could have been collected in previous years but were not collected. Those funds will now be added to the tax roll to fund future year budgets, said Valley County Clerk Douglas Miller.

“There has been encouragement from the Valley County Road Advisory Committee to try to find alternative revenue sources for the road department,” Miller said.

Valley County failed to enact a road levy in a November 2019 vote and formed the advisory board in September 2020 to help advise road policy and funding strategies.

Historically, the road and bridge department received about $3 million per year from timber receipts on federal lands.

That program was dissolved in 2000 and replaced with the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, but the program is not guaranteed, with Congress extending the act on a sporadic basis.

The department received only about $75,000 in SRS funds in 2017, and over $1 million from 2018 to 2020 as well as about $894,000 in 2021.

“At this time, we do not know if SRS will be reauthorized in Fiscal Year 2022,” Miller said.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

DF Development to sell parcels between 30 to 1,000 acres

By Drew Dodson for The Star-News September 2, 2021

DF Development would sell off large pieces of its land near New Meadows under preliminary plans aired last week to the Adams County commission.

The Texas company hopes to create 56 parcels ranging in size from 30 acres to 1,000 acres, said Josh Leonard, a Boise Attorney who represents DF Development.

The parcels are part of 61,000 acres DF owns in Adams County. The large parcel sizes are aimed at preserving the county’s rural culture, Leonard said.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Plane crash kills 2 east of McCall

Pilot survives crash; McCall man dead

By Tom Grote for The Star-News September 2, 2021

A McCall man and a Las Vegas man died and a McCall man was injured when a single-engine plane crashed about 60 miles east of McCall last Saturday, Valley County Coroner Scott Carver said.

Dead are James Robert Atkins, 56, of McCall, and Donald Scott MacRae, 62, of Las Vegas, who were passengers in the six-seat Cessna 206 airplane.

Injured was Brian Gray of McCall, the pilot of the plane who works for McCall Aviation, which owned the plane.

Gray was taken by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, where he was listed in fair condition on Wednesday, a hospital spokesperson said.

The crash was reported about 1:30 p.m. Saturday near Big Soldier Mountain in far eastern Valley County. A preliminary report by the Federal Aviation Administration said the flight plan filed by the pilot said the purpose of the flight was “sightseeing.”

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

First West Nile virus death in 2021 is an Ada County man in his 50s

KTVB Staff August 30, 2021

Central District Health officials have confirmed the first West Nile virus death in Idaho his year is an Ada County man in his 50s who died last week. The man also contracted the virus in Ada County.

Health officials are urging the public to take proper precautions and use of prevention measures.

continued:
————-

Letter to Share

A small reminder to ATV/UTV/Dirtbike riders.

Boise County Sheriff’s Office Sept 1, 2021 (via FB)

1) Please wear a helmet. Many of the serious injuries we saw over the summer were not wearing helmets (even in utvs).

2) Roll cages on UTV’s are meant to provide safety for very low speed rollovers. The roll cages on UTV’s usually provide very hard surfaces for your unprotected head to bounce on. Please adhere to rule # 1.

3) Speed is going to be the # 1 factor in most motor vehicle injuries and deaths. We see many off road vehicles in Boise County traveling way to fast for mountain roads and trails.

4) UTV/ATV/Motorcycle Vs. passenger car is a very bad deal. Vs. Tree, Cliff, Rock, Large animals, and any stationary object is also a very bad deal.

5) Have some respect for the locals! You are usually riding near or around peoples houses and properties. P.S. The locals will be the people saving your life if you crash so please drive respectfully.

6) If recreating in Boise County we highly advise you get a life flight membership. Cost of a helicopter flight from here to Boise is approximately 20k dollars. Life Flight membership is less that $100 dollars.

7) Alcohol kills! The simple safety decisions you make or don’t make when drinking alcohol and driving can mean the difference between life and death.

8) Tell someone where you are, where you are going, and when you will be back. We often hear the following information from family explaining the location of their missing loved ones. “I would like to report my family missing, They are on a dirt road, near some trees, and I think there is a creek nearby.”

9) Seatbelts, don’t be silly! Wear your seatbelt!

Thank you,
Boise County Sheriff’s Office
———–

Public Lands:

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Reminder that campfires are prohibited in disbursed campsites on the national forest, only allowed in approved FS metal fire rings in campgrounds.

Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area Implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking. Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

* Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire outside a fire structure that is provided by the agency. Smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building.

Under these restrictions, campfires are allowed only in recreation sites within metal/concrete fire pits. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant change in fire danger.
——————–

Fire Season:

Idaho’s fire emergency declaration expiring on Saturday

By Katie Kloppenburg Sep 03, 2021 KIVI

The wildland fire emergency declaration issued by Gov. Brad Little in July is set to expire on September 4. The declaration made resources of the state available to help the Idaho Department of Lands in its firefighting efforts.

A news release from IDL says Little’s action and with help provided by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management and Idaho National Guard resources were vital this fire season.

The Idaho National Guard provided 6 UH Black Hawk helicopters and 45 service members supported aviation mission assignments. One Idaho National Guard Type 2 hand crew helped with fire suppression operations on the Cougar Rock Complex. 18 service members were part of the hand crew.

continued:

Note: This does not cancel the State 1 Fire Restrictions on Federal lands.
— — — — — — — — — —

Boundary Fire
Salmon-Challis National Forest
The lightning-caused Boundary Fire ~2 miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch was detected on August 10.
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
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Boundary Fire emergency area, road and trail closure expanded

Sept 3, 2021 Local News 8

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has expanded the Boundary Fire Emergency Area, Road and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04-13-21-015.

The lightning-caused Boundary Fire less than two miles W of Boundary Creek Boat Launch was detected on August 10.

It has burned 14,386 acres and is 15% contained.

On Thursday, the fire was active with group torching, short-range spotting and uphill runs.

full story:
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Mud Lick, Haynes, and Iron Fires
Salmon-Challis National Forest
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
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Nez Perce-Clearwater Lightning Fires
Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
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Dixie-Jumbo Fires
Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests
InciWeb: Maps and closure orders
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Some useful links:

InciWeb Fire info
link:
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Air Quality McCall
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National Fire Heat Map
link: (zoom in to our area)
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Fire Heat Map (Slow to load – be patient)

Weather Station at Stibnite

Real Time Lightning Map (zoom to our area)

GOES-West – Satellite Maps: Pacific Northwest
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Critter News:

Fish & Game gets reports of bears coming into McCall

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is beginning to receive more reports of bears in town, Regional Wildlife Biologist Nathan Borg of the McCall office said.

“Don’t let your trash can or bird feeder become a bear’s food source! “ Borg said. “Once a bear has learned to eat human food, it can be hard to convince them to leave.”

Fish and Game ends up killing bears in McCall every year because they’ve become dangerous to humans, he said.

“Please make sure that your trash is kept inside and is in a bear proof trash can, keep pet food secured or inside, and don’t feed birds during spring, summer and fall,” Borg saiod.

For questions or to report a nuisance bear, call 208-634-8137.

source: The Star-News September 2, 2021
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Fish & Game asks grouse hunters to donate wings

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking grouse hunters to donate forest grouse wings in wing barrels located on West Mountain this fall.

The department uses grouse wings to determine a bird’s age and sex, allowing biologists to track population trends over time, Regional Wildlife Biologist Nathan Borg of the McCall office said.

“When you encounter a wing barrel, please detach and deposit the right wing from each of your ruffed, spruce, or dusky/blue grouse into the slot on top of the barrel.” Borg said.

Wing collection barrels are located at No Business Road, Anderson Creek Road, Snowbank Mountain Road, East Fork Weiser River Road, Mill Creek Road, Middle Fork Weiser River Road, Brundage Mountain Road, Warren Wagon Road At French Creek Road, Lick Creek Road at Rowland Pond parking area, Paddy Flat Road and Gold Fork Road.

Hunters may also drop wings off at the F&G office at 555 Deinhard Ln. in McCall.

source: The Star-News September 2, 2021
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Extreme heat impacting Idaho dairies

The record-breaking temperatures over the summer have not been good for dairy cows. Experts say heat is the most important factor that affects productivity.

Kim Fields August 29, 2021 KTVB

This summer’s blistering heat wave across the western U.S will be remembered as one of the worst in modern history.

The triple digit temperatures began early, in June. The temperatures didn’t just breaking records, they smashed them. July would go on to be the world’s hottest month ever recorded.

We’ve heard how the excessive heat is impacting our environment. In this Scorched Earth report, we take a look at how prolonged heat could is affecting Idaho’s dairy industry.

continued:
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IDFG reduces steelhead bag limit to one due to low return rates

By Lynsey Amundson Sep 02, 2021 KIVI

The steelhead season on the Snake, Clearwater, and Salmon rivers open to anglers on Friday, Sept. 3. But, with it being the lowest return of steelhead Idaho Fish and Game has seen in years they reduced bag limits to one fish per day.

“We typically expect a steelhead run daily count at Bonneville Dam to be over about 3,500 steelheads in a single day,” Lance Hebdon, Idaho Fish and Game Fisheries bureau chief, said during the Commission meeting. “Last year’s peak was under 2,500 and this year’s peak has been under 1,600.”

The return is the sixth-worst in history since 1980. By now, IDFG says they expect over 70% of the steelhead returning to be over the Bonneville Dam by now, but that hasn’t happened.

continued:
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Fish & Game News:

F&G alerting Idaho City residents of dog-aggressive coyotes on Buena Vista Trail near airport

By Brian Pearson, Regional Conservation Manager
Monday, August 30, 2021

On the morning of Aug. 30, Idaho Fish and Game staff received a report of coyotes acting aggressively towards a dog on the Buena Vista Trail near the airport in Idaho City.

According to the reporting party, a woman was hiking with her dog in the area on Monday morning when they were chased for approximately a quarter mile by two aggressive coyotes. Neither the woman nor the dog was bitten during the encounter, but given the aggressive behavior, Fish and Game officials are alerting people with dogs of the potential of an attack by the coyotes.

It is not uncommon for coyotes to be territorial with domestic dogs, particularly small dogs, and it’s possible that the coyotes were protecting their nearby young. Fish and Game will continue to watch closely for any further conflicts. For now, officials suggest recreationists may wish to walk their dogs somewhere else for a few days.

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White-tailed deer test positive for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease throughout the Clearwater Region

By Jennifer Bruns, Regional Communications Manager
Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Disease will likely persist until colder weather arrives

Fish and Game wildlife staff continues to monitor the extent of the disease causing deer to die across the region. Multiple samples taken from dead deer across the Clearwater Region have come back positive for the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) virus.

Outbreaks of EHD are not uncommon to white-tailed deer. Wildlife staff anticipated the potential for a disease outbreak due to this year’s extended hot and dry weather pattern. This summer created ideal conditions for deer to congregate at water sources where the disease-carrying biting gnat resides. The number of dead deer is expected to continue to increase a week or more after a first hard frost kills gnat populations.

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Windows to Wildlife – Late Summer Edition

* Wolverines in the Hidden Alpine of Southeast Idaho
* On the Idaho Birding Trail: Carey Lake WMA
* Species Spotlight: Mountain Goats

link:
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More F&G News Releases

link:
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Crazy Critter Stuff:

Yellowstone’s bull elk can be extremely dangerous during the rut

September 2, 2021 Local News 8

Yellowstone Facebook Page

Yellowstone National Park officials report the elk rut has begun in Yellowstone.

Bull elk can be extremely dangerous during this time.

Officials remind you to stay alert. People have been severely injured by elk who can run quickly and may change direction without warning.

Keep at least 25 yards from elk at all times, and if an elk charges you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.

source:

The Dangers of the Elk Rut – Yellowstone

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Seasonal Humor:

BearDeerGut-a
[h/t SMc]

CovidCarGuy-a
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