Slipping and sliding in a winter wonderland

By Andrea Dell

"When I was your age, I waded through 20 feet of snow for 10 miles just to reach the bus stop!"

I exaggerate (a bit), but you're probably grinning after reading that first sentence, either because you've heard this from your parents or grandparents, or you've said something similar to your children or grandchildren.

Clearwater County's winters over the last several years have been comparatively mild. Maybe a few inches of snow here and there, and a couple weeks of near-zero degree weather. 

We'd hear stories of the east coast getting hammered with two or three feet of snow and raging wind gusts, and think, "Thank God it's not like that here."

Then came winter 2016.

No, it's still not as bad as the east coast.

But, it's had more snowfall than I can remember in several years. Even people dreaming of a white Christmas are saying, "Okay, I'm over it!"

The National Weather Service says this particular weather system comes along every four years or so. Seems like it's been longer than that since we've seen this much snow here in the valley.

Next week, yet another rare weather system is supposed to descend with a round of bitterly cold temperatures, where the HIGHS will "struggle to reach zero degrees." That's Fahrenheit, not Celsius.

The lows, meanwhile, could drop down to -15 or so a couple days next week, in some areas.

As of this writing, the actual forecast for Orofino says highs in the mid-teens and lows around zero degrees, give or take a couple of degrees.

Orofino often doesn't get hit quite as hard as other places by these extreme weather conditions. Surrounding areas often do.

Meanwhile, we can expect more snow until that cold snap arrives to welcome us to the new year.

Take a look at the photo with this post. It's the rear entrance to Orofino City Park. There's even more snow piled up there than is pictured, and this image was taken less than a week ago.

The roads aren't going to improve for the foreseeable future. Neither are the sidewalks, many of which are slick with ice or three inches of gooey slush.

The town is quiet, and business is slow, as people wisely stay off some very scary roads. Those who don't often find themselves stuck, or in a fender bender. If they're lucky, they get by with a white-knuckle, fish-tailing round trip.

Wherever you are as you're reading this, I hope your new year is the best one yet. And if you're huddling in the throes of a real winter, as we are here in Clearwater County, stay warm and safe. We at the Clearwater Tribune will see you next year.

Orofino City Park's rear entrance is pictured in late December, 2016. Photo by Charlie Pottenger.

Clearwater County Fair: The pedestrian’s revenge

By Andrea Dell

One year, while walking home from the fair, I encountered a chalk drawing of a human outline, in the street.

It was in the middle of a crosswalk beside the old Orofino Junior High—the intersection next to First Christian Church. It looked like the type of outline drawing crime scene investigators make around a murder victim’s corpse.

My first thought was a little evil: An Orofino pedestrian bites the dust.

Obviously no one died there, or any such thing. No doubt it was drawn by someone having a little fun.

Still, being a pedestrian in Orofino isn’t easy.

Clearwater County’s Fair and Lumberjack Days weekend is the one time of year when pedestrians rule the streets in downtown Orofino. You can step casually off the curb and know you aren’t in danger of being run over, because everyone else is doing the same thing.

Normally, this is not the case.

Like me, you’ve probably been to communities where cars will basically slam on their brakes to stop for you.

In Orofino, you don’t often see such a thing from motorists. To be fair, when you attempt to cross the street, it doesn’t usually take more than a few seconds before someone will stop for you.

Even so, most pedestrians know to be extra wary if there is any traffic when they’re trying to cross the street.

Often, a couple of drivers in either direction will breeze on by as you stand there waiting. It’s hard to say if they weren’t paying attention, or simply didn’t want to spare that three to five seconds it would take you to cross their lane.

Sometimes, a driver will speed up when they see you. Perhaps they think they’ll be out of your way faster if they hurry, plus they won’t have to stop. Everybody wins!

When you’re the driver, and perfectly willing to stop for pedestrians, it’s tricky for you, too. Cars behind you may not notice a pedestrian even if you do. Do you try to stop, and risk getting rear-ended, or do you cruise on by, leaving the pedestrian to wait on someone more curteous?

The larger issue for drivers is figuring out what the heck a pedestrian is trying to do.

Because pedestrians here are conditioned to be extra wary of traffic, the way we handle that wariness is fairly confusing to motorists.

For example, one species of Orofino pedestrian you’ll notice is the timid lurker. You’ll find them hovering shyly on the sidewalk, a body length from the edge of the curb.

They’ll be tentatively glancing back and forth, hoping the traffic will clear, or at least figure out what they’re wanting and slow down.

Maybe they’re even rocking back and forth a bit, the way you do when you need to use the restroom pretty badly. It’s difficult to tell that they even want to cross the street.

When they do cross, they break into a fast walk, or even a jog, as if they feel it’s only a matter of seconds before the vehicle that finally slowed down for them decides to floor it and mow them down.

Another type of Orofino pedestrian is the one a driver does see, and does stop for, because they are standing at the edge of the curb, clearly waiting.

In this case, instead of crossing, they wave the driver on by. Do they not want to cross after all? Or, do they want to be free and clear of all traffic before they cross, so they can take their time? Perhaps they’re just being courteous.

The only way to know is to glance in your rearview mirror after you’ve driven past. Sometimes they’ll be right where they were, leaving you to wonder why they’re just standing there.

More likely, you’ll see them step into the street and cross, or waving on some other vehicle that showed up.

During the Clearwater County Fair, this timid pedestrian business doesn’t exist, particularly on Main Street (only a block from where the fair is set up).

Pedestrians march boldly into the street whenever and wherever they please, sparing barely a glance at any motorists who try and brave downtown Orofino.

Sometimes droves of pedestrians pass in one giant pack. Other times, there are just a couple of people, or small groups, spaced just far enough apart that cars can’t simply speed by without running over someone.

If you’ve never noticed it before, or never thought about it, take a minute to check it out at this year’s fair.

And, enjoy it while you can—once things wrap up on Fair Sunday, you’ll be back at the bottom of the food chain, Orofino pedestrian!

Dworshak Reservoir makes Bassmaster Magazine’s list of Top 100 best bass fishing spots for fifth year in a row

For the fifth year in a row, Dworshak Reservoir, a water-recreation destination managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District, made the nationwide Bassmaster Magazine Top-100 list of best places to fish for bass, according to information released June 20 by B.A.S.S. Communications at https://www.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes.

Dworshak Reservoir, located near Ahsahka, on the north fork of the Clearwater River, ranked as number five in the Western Region. In previous years’ Top-100 lists, it ranked: 2015 - 74, 2014 - 47, 2013 - 26 and 2012 - 85. This year marks Bassmaster’s fifth year of publishing the Top-100 list.

Bassmaster made a significant change in organizing the rankings for this year’s list: “The Top 10 lakes in the nation are ranked regardless of location, but instead of ranking the remaining lakes through 100, as has been done in the past, Bassmaster divided the nation into four regions: Northeast, Southeast, Central and Western. Now, readers will see the Top 25 lakes closest to them. This also created four No. 1 regional fisheries.” 

“We’re extremely pleased to be recognized for providing some of the best bass fishing in the nation,” said Paul Pence, Dworshak Dam and Reservoir natural resources manager. “Combined with our campgrounds, marinas and boat launches, we offer some great outdoors recreation experiences for our visitors.”

Bass clubs and other outdoor recreation groups frequently choose Dworshak for group events and tournaments, according to Corps park rangers at the dam. Organizations interested in scheduling an event at Dworshak, call the visitor center at 208-476-1255 to find out how to apply for a special use permit.

Dworshak reservoir extends 53 miles upstream of Dworshak Dam, with a surface area of 17,090 at full-pool, about 175 shoreline miles, and dozens of secluded inlets, streams, rocky points, stumps and long bars creating ideal bass-fishing conditions. The state-record smallmouth bass record, weighing in at 9.72 pounds, was caught on Dworshak Reservoir by Dan Steigers of Juliaetta, on Oct. 28, 2006. Dworshak Dam is a large straight-axis concrete gravity dam 717 feet high and 3,287 feet long. Its construction led to the development of various marinas, boat launches and camping facilities on the reservoir. 

The Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, downstream of McNary Dam to Portland, managed by the Corps’ Portland District, ranked number 18 in the Western Region. This stretch of the river also regularly made the cut on past years’ Bassmaster Top-100 lists.

Natural resources recreation opportunities are managed by the Corps’ Walla Walla, Portland and Seattle districts along much of the Columbia River’s length through the United States. 

The Columbia River runs about 1,200 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia, Canada, through Washington and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. The Corps operates five dams on the Columbia River mainstem, each forming a lake and water recreation opportunities including fishing.

More information about Walla Walla District outdoor recreation opportunities is available at www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors. Portland District recreation information is available at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.

A photographic slide show of all top bass locations and their rankings in the Western Region is available on the Bassmaster Magazine website at http://www.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/25-best-bass-lakes-west.

Orofino Activity Connection Plan update

By Elizabeth Morgan

The Fitness and Youthful Activity group, a subcommittee of Orofino Chamber of Commerce, met with a wide variety of interested residents on April 20 to share ideas and comments on the draft of Orofino’s Activity Connection Plan (ACP) created by Chris Danley with Vitruvian Planning. The focus of this meeting was to present and gather information. 

“The Orofino City Council meets April 26 and it would be great to have all of our comments compiled by then so I can present to Council; We want the Council to go through the draft and identify any suggestions which are not feasible or do not mesh with the city’s future plans. We want to apply our efforts to those goals which are realistic to attain.

St. Germaine will also present to the School Board at their next meeting on May 16, to learn how the city might be able to incorporate the ACP there.

The draft of the 19-page plan held some really wonderful ideas, here are but a few of them:

One of the activity sites in the draft was Canoe Camp, noted for its historical and cultural assets as well as one of the sites available and in close proximity to residents along Hwy. 12.

Unfortunately, most residents must cross Hwy. 12 to access the park. Is there a way to provide a safe way to get there? Could a median or some type of signal be install to make the crossing less hazardous? This would be considered under infrastructure improvements and most likely, a costly one. But not all of the recommendations are as expensive.

Danley goes on to suggest other site improvements for Canoe Camp, such as installing aquatic bird interpretative panels at regular intervals along the trail with pneumatic bird sound stations; the addition of bike parking at the east end of the site.

“Clearly, we need to approach the National Park Service to show them they are being recognized in this plan. I believe once we have a final plan, there will be an opportunity to present this to them and engage them in a more formal manner.”

The plan has several recommendations for various street infrastructure to accommodate various desired trails and connect existing trails. The plan suggests narrowing the traffic lanes and removing on-street parking to allow room for bike paths throughout the community. “I don’t see these being accepted,” admits St. Germaine, “the lack of parking has long been an issue.”

But the best part of putting all our heads together is that a wide range of solutions are offered. There are some creative thinkers out there, and I especially liked the suggestion of constructing a multi-level parking garage!

The Chamber’s main focus will be on trails and pathways connecting existing trails to desired trails. Many are hoping to see a substantially longer trails or paths available, which can be accessed throughout our community.

In the attempt to create trails away from state highways, St. Germaine’s has offered to check into the possibility of making a proposal to Mike Williams, the owner of Camas Prairie and Bountiful grains Railroad to see if portions of the railroad right of way can be used for paths.

The Fitness and Activity group has reached out to Director Todd Hurt of State Hospital North. Hurt is presently reviewing the draft and is anticipated to convey his comments.

Mayor Ryan Smathers shared an item of interest which was recently discovered by the City which may help our cause. Idaho Statute 36-16-04 limits landowner liabilities for recreational trespass on private land. As long as there is no collection of fees, the property owner cannot be held liable for any injury or mishaps that might occur. This may help persuade private landowners to allow access for trails, etc. and open up more possibilities.

“At one time this area had a BMX bike track on private land, it would be interesting to find out why it closed down. Was it a liability issue?” St. Germaine’s next question was “Is there somewhere else we could have one? If there’s a demand for an activity, we should probably look to see how it could be facilitated.”

“Once I have the input I’ll relay the feedback to Danley for revisions,” said St. Germaine. “He hopes to have a final plan completed by June 30.” In the meantime, please email your ideas and comments to ecodev@clearwatercounty.org.

It will be up to the city to implement the plan. It doesn’t need to be completed overnight, but it provides an overview of goals we would like to put into action.

There are grants out there which may help with some of the funding that will be needed. Of course we have our amazing Specialist St. Germaine to work her magic with finding funds. We are so fortunate to have her expertise.

Just last week, she shared that the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) recently announced a grant which may be used to fund bike paths, sidewalks and other facilities. St. Germaine will explore the specifics of the grant to see if it could bring Orofino just a few steps closer to our destination.

Summer fire season is just around the corner—are you ready?

By Janet Boyer

Believe it or not, the summer fire season is just around the corner. Sunnyside Rural Fire District is hosting a “Firewise” presentation for the area residents on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., at the Sunnyside Fire Station.

Kip Kemak, Fire Prevention and Mitigation Specialist for the Nez Perce Tribe, will explain how you can prepare your home to better withstand a wildfire in your neighborhood.

There are many simple, effective steps you can take this spring to prepare your home before it is in danger. 

One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk during a wildfire is to reduce the level of flammable vegetation surrounding your home. This can also increase the moisture content of the remaining vegetation.

You will learn how to keep your home safer during fire season while still retaining its rural appearance.

Sunnyside Fire Station is located at about mile marker 7 on the Cavendish Highway.

If you have any questions, please contact Janet Boyer, Sunnyside Firewise Coordinator, at 208-476-0102, or Rich Hull, Fire Chief, at 208-827-0127.

Municipal Fire Damage meeting Feb. 22

Another fire meeting, this time covering the Municipal Fire that hit the Orofino area last summer, will be held Monday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. at Orofino City Hall (217 1st St.)

The purpose of this meeting is to share with the public the results of a study done by the Corps of Engineers and Forest Service BEAR team. These studies looked at the damage done by the 2015 fire and the possible impacts.

They will discuss the possible landslide and debris flows along Orofino Creek and what the city and county are doing in relationship to the risk. They will also share what individuals can do.

“SAXsational” free concert with OJSHS band Nov. 17

Rob Verdi, SAXsational, will perform with Orofino’s Junior/Senior High School Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Clearwater Community Concert Association (CCCA) on Tuesday, Nov. 17 is presenting a free concert to the community. This free concert was made possible through grants that were awarded to CCCA this year from U.S. Bank, King’s Store Foundation through the Idaho Community Foundation, the Greatest Needs Fund through the Idaho Community Foundation, and an On the Spot Grant from the Idaho Community Foundation.

These grants were made possible, in part, due to the tireless work of CCCA grant writer and vice president, Barbara-Lee Jordan. Included as part of the grant is a student outreach program (which is required to receive these grants).Through cooperation of Kathleen Tetweiler, Music Director for Orofino Junior/Senior High School, Orofino’s own junior/senior band will be performing with Rob Verdi in SAXsational! Additionally, musicians from the community will be performing along with them. 

Verdi will participate in a two-hour rehearsal with the band members the day of the concert. He will then play lead on a variety of saxophones at the concert itself Nov. 17 beginning at 7 p.m. at Orofino Junior/Senior High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Student outreach programs are a wonderful tool that introduce young audiences to an eclectic mix of rare and unusual saxophones, famous saxophonists and well known popular melodies associated with Adolphe Sax’s 1846 invention. Educational content is designed for each academic level and may include clinics, masterclasses and all school assemblies.

Presentations for high school and college students include hands on participation as further advanced techniques related to jazz improvisation are explored. In our case, students will be invited to perform in the formal concert presentation. Rob Verdi’s unique teaching style and passion for music education is guaranteed to inspire young students.

Back in the early 1920’s, Vaudeville shows were the hot ticket. Saxophone virtuosos Rudy Weideoft and Adrian Rollini, along with famous saxophone ensembles such as the 6 Brown Brothers and the Schuester Sisters, were achieving great success and notoriety. The saxophone was the most well-liked instrument and a popular choice for young, aspiring music students to play in school band. 

Then, in the late 20’s, Vaudeville fell out of favor and the saxophone declined with it. With the drop in saxophone sales manufacturers such as Conn, Buescher, King, and Selmer were forced to create new designs to stimulate interest in the saxophone. What they conjured up was quite extraordinary.

In 2006 Rob Verdi launched an exciting new show entitled SAXOPHOBIA, which offered audiences a glimpse at some of the most unusual saxophones ever manufactured and paid tribute to legendary artists who contributed to the development of jazz and the popularity of the saxophone. Some of the instruments featured were a tiny curved soprano sax, straight tenor, C melody, connosax, slide sax, Grafton plastic alto, and a 6 1/2 feet tall contrabass. 

SAXsational, Rob Verdi's latest musical endeavor, has given Orofino’s high school band the opportunity to share the stage with him and his rare collection of saxophones. This guest artist program includes custom arrangements and puts our student’s center stage.

Together, Rob and Orofino’s talented musicians will explore a repertoire covering a half century of musical styles including toe tapping songs of the Roaring 20’s, hits from the swing era, and popular jazz standards. Throw in a little Pink Panther, Tequila, and Yakety Sax just for fun, and you’ve got an educational, historical and entertaining presentation.

Rob received his Music Education Degree from Arizona State University in Tempe. While in Arizona he was a featured soloist with the Phoenix Symphony, performed in a variety of musical ensembles and enjoyed the excitement of teaching junior high music. In 1983 he was a founding member of the Side Street Strutters Jazz Band, which went on to become the house jazz band of the Disneyland Resort for 22 years. Rob continues to be a regular performer at Disneyland, conducts jazz workshops for the Disney Magic Music Days Guest Talent program and works as a freelance musician in the Los Angeles area.

His passion for collecting saxophones has resulted in a collection of over 100 saxophones and an additional 150 rare wind, brass, and percussion instruments. In 2008, Rob was featured playing his six-and-a-half-foot tall contrabass sax on the soundtrack of “Horton Hears a Who.” He hopes to someday establish a musical instrument museum where visitors of all ages can see, hear, and even play some of his rare instruments.

If you would like further information about CCCA or would like to join the CCCA you can do so by calling Sheila at 208-476-3895 or go to www.clearwaterconcerts.org.

Shopko Hometown store coming To Orofino

Retailer welcomes Glenwood Pharmacy staff and customers

Today Shopko announced plans for the construction of a new Shopko Hometown store located on Michigan Avenue in Orofino. In preparation for the new store, which will contain a pharmacy, the company also announced the purchase of Glenwood Pharmacy, which will become a Shopko Pharmacy effective Aug. 31. 

Construction of the new store is expected to begin next spring. Until the new store opens, Shopko Hometown Pharmacy will be located in the current Glenwood Pharmacy location at 1105 Michigan Avenue in Orofino. The Shopko Hometown store is expected to open in fall of 2016 and the pharmacy staff and operations will move into the new store at that time. 

The Shopko Hometown retail format, developed to augment Shopko’s larger store model and focused on serving the needs of smaller rural communities, combines retail health services with a convenient new community-focused shopping experience that features essential name-brand items. Shopko Hometown carries food, health and beauty aids, products for the home, fashions and more for the whole family.

“We’re excited to bring Shopko Hometown to the Orofino community,” said Peter McMahon, Shopko CEO. “We understand that consumers in smaller towns are looking for the same variety of high quality goods and trend right merchandise that can be found in larger cities.

“Customers of our Hometown stores tell us they appreciate the vastly improved shopping experience and access to a broad, differentiated selection of merchandise, including products and brands previously not available in their community.

“With our best-in-class pharmacy services, focus on excellent customer service and strong commitment to support the local community, we are confident that Shopko Hometown will be well received by customers in the Orofino area.”

Customers of Glenwood Pharmacy are likely to see some familiar faces when filling prescriptions at the new Shopko Hometown Pharmacy as Pharmacist Patti (Peterson) Darling, RPh and members of her staff will be taking positions with Shopko Hometown Pharmacy. The staff at Shopko Hometown Pharmacy looks forward to continuing to meet the healthcare needs of Glenwood Pharmacy customers with prompt, friendly, professional service. 

“Shopko is a leader in healthcare and pharmacy services and we are happy to be joining Shopko in continuing to provide excellent service to our customers,” said Patti Darling, RPh. “We are also committed to looking for new ways to better serve our customers and are excited about some of the programs offered by Shopko which will make our customers’ pharmacy experience as convenient as possible.”

Shopko has a central file prescription system that allows customers to refill prescriptions at any Shopko Pharmacy location and has also introduced a free mobile pharmacy app which customers can use to manage and refill prescriptions anytime from their mobile phones.

Pharmacy customers with questions are encouraged to contact Glenwood Pharmacy at (208) 476-5727.

Follow Shopko at Facebook.com/Shopko.

In addition, Shopko is aware of the wildfires that have caused many evacuations and homes to be completely lost in the community. To show their support, the Shopko Foundation is donating $1,000 to the Orofino Rotary Club, which has set up a fund to help with relief efforts.

“Shopko and the Shopko Foundation value the communities we serve and are proud to assist organizations in need, especially at a time of crisis,” said Shopko in a press release. 

About Shopko

Shopko is owned by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm focused on leverage buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies.

Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shopko Stores Operating Co., LLC is a $3 billion retailer that operates 343 stores in 24 states throughout the Central, Western and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 131 Shopko stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in small to mid-sized cities; five Shopko Express Rx stores, a convenient neighborhood drugstore concept; four Shopko Pharmacy locations; and 203 Shopko Hometown stores, a smaller concept store developed to meet the needs of smaller communities. For more information, visit www.shopko.com.

Wildfires disrupt power to Dworshak’s Dent Acres campground; campers, visitors urged to use Dworshak State Park

Because of multiple fires burning in the region near Orofino, Idaho, electrical service to Dent Acres Campground has been disrupted, also affecting sewer and water availability.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir are closing the camp except for dry-camping in a large parking lot. Water and power services are also unavailable throughout the park, although the boat ramp and day-use area remain open.

Campers, visitors and residents displaced by Clearwater Basin fires are encouraged to go to Dworshak State Park, where full services are available at Freeman Creek Campground, according to Idaho State Parks and Recreation staff. For camping information at Freeman Creek Campground, contact IDPR at 208-476-3132.

“Sometimes internet mapping apps direct drivers to take a gravel road – Don’t go that way. Follow the signs and stay on the pavement,” said Mary Stanley, IDPR visitor assistant at Dworshak State Park.

Stanley recommends drivers arriving from Orofino follow the Cavendish Highway (Old Idaho 7) to Freeman Creek Road, which leads directly to the park and campground. For more information about Dworshak State Park, check out IDPR’s website https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/dworshak.

Clearwater Power crews are deployed to repair power outages, but some areas are still unreachable due to fire conditions. There is currently no estimated power-restoration time. Power outage maps are available at http://www.clearwaterpower.com.

Currently, area fires have not spread to Corps-managed lands at Dworshak. The dam, visitor center and recreation areas are operating as usual, with the exception of the Dent Acres power outage. For information and updates about fires near Dworshak, go online to Clearwater County’s website www.clearwatercounty.org.

The risk of wildfires is extremely high throughout the Pacific Northwest because of exceptionally hot weather, dry landscape and drought conditions, and forecasts for more of the same. To reduce the risk of accidental wildfires, fire restrictions are in effect at all recreation and camping areas at Dworshak and throughout Clearwater County http://firerestrictions.us/id/clearwater-area.

For the latest information about Dworshak outdoor recreation opportunities and updates about facility services, go to www.facebook.com/dworshakdam.

Idaho fall chinook fishing to open Sept. 1, Coho could be added

Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted a fall chinook salmon fishing season to open Sept. 1 on parts of the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon rivers, and Idaho could see its second-ever sport fishing season for Coho salmon on Sept. 1 pending commission approval in August. 

Commissioners approved opening dates for fall chinook fishing boundaries and rules during their meeting in Pocatello on Thursday, July 30. 

The 2015 fall chinook forecast is 37,000 hatchery and naturally-produced fall chinook to the Snake River basin. Last year’s run was 59,000 fall chinook.

Fall chinook fishing on the Snake River will be open from the Washington-Idaho border upstream to Hells Canyon Dam. 

Fishing on the Snake River from the Cliff Mountain Rapids (about a mile downstream of Hells Canyon Dam) is scheduled to be open until Oct.1, but could be closed sooner depending on the actual number of fish that return and the amount of harvest. The stretch between Hells Canyon Dam and Cliff Mountain Rapids is scheduled to remain open until Nov. 17, or until further notice. 

Other areas opening for fall chinook fishing on Sept. 1 are: 

The Clearwater River, from its mouth upstream to Memorial Bridge. Open until Oct. 31, or further notice. 

Salmon River, from its mouth upstream about three-fourths of a mile to Eye of the Needle Rapids until Oct. 31 or further notice.

A valid fishing license and salmon permit are required to fish for fall chinook. Only adipose-clipped salmon may be kept. The daily bag limit is six adult fall Chinook salmon, the possession limit is 18 adult fall chinook. There is no season limit on adult fall chinook. 

Only adult fall chinook (24-inches and longer) must be recorded on the angler’s salmon permit. There are no daily, possession or season limits on fall chinook jacks (those less than 24 inches). 

Coho fishing

Although fewer Coho are expected to return than last year, Idaho Fish and Game and the Nez Perce Tribe are expecting enough to provide a tribal and non-tribal sport fishery proposed to start Sept. 1. 

Fish and Game commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposal during their regular meeting Aug. 11. 

The proposal is to open a non-tribal Coho fishery on Sept. 1 in the main stem and Middle Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to Clear Creek, near Kooskia and the North Fork Clearwater River below Dworshak Dam. 

If approved, the daily limit will be two fish per day and six in possession. 

Because Coho populations don’t have early maturing males, or “jacks,” to help biologists forecast returns, it’s difficult to know how many Coho will be available for anglers. Most Coho will arrive in Idaho in late September or early October. 

State and tribal managers will modify the fishery based on updates of the Coho run as fish come through the Columbia and Snake River dams.

Communities unite to end sexual violence

During the month of April, in honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, YWCA organizers along with members of the Sexual Assault Response Team invite all local community members to participate in joining together to raise awareness about sexual violence. 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month’s events include the hanging of teal colored ribbons in downtown Orofino on Monday, March 30. This will be done by the local chapter of the YWCA, along with members of the police and sheriff’s department and other volunteers to increase awareness of the problem of sexual assault. 

Coffee shops will also be provided with information labels to put on coffee cups and putting table cards in local restaurants to provide information about this problem.

The month will end with “Denim Day” which symbolizes our solidarity with sexual assault victims and our commitment to their defense and support. This is in response to a rape case several years ago in which the judge ruled that since jeans cannot be removed without the help of the wearer, the rape victim must have consented.

Wearing jeans on this day is our statement that all people deserve to be safe from sexual assault and victims of this crime need to be heard, believed and respected, and the responsible persons brought to justice. 

For more information, please contact Staci Taylor at the YWCA 208-476-0155. The YWCA is a community program that provides advocacy for people who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.

Dworshak gears up for warm-weather recreation

Enjoy springtime in picturesque north Idaho at outdoor recreation facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir.

Merrys Bay day-use, Dam View, and Canyon Creek campgrounds open April 1. Dent Acres campground will open April 13, with campsite fees at $10 per day by self-deposit registration. Regular-season camping will start May 21, with full hook-up sites available for $18 per night. Reservations for the regular season can be made by calling 877-444-6777, or by reserving online at www.recreation.gov.

Dent Acres Boat Ramp opened March 16. The nearby ramp restroom will be open. Canyon Creek, Bruces Eddy and Big Eddy ramps are already open. 

Visitors wanting to launch boats may encounter large houseboats using the ramps to exit the reservoir. Park rangers ask boaters to be patient or use a different ramp, as loading and removing the houseboats can require considerable time on the ramp. 

The State of Idaho Parks and Recreation recently notified the houseboat owners and the Corps that they no longer intend to offer moorages for houseboats as part of their lease to operate Dworshak State Park recreation facilities because of increased liability, staff safety and anticipated moorage failure. 

“What started as a test to determine feasibility of a large-boat marina to provide additional recreation opportunities and economic benefits to the surrounding community has run its course,” said Dworshak Natural Resource Manager Paul Pence. “Over the past decade or so, the moorage buoys have failed because of high winds and the fluctuating rise and fall of the reservoir. We’re down to one functional buoy, and several vessels whose buoys failed have been tied off to various Corps structures - it’s not safe for the boaters or the public property. 

“With no new concessionaire or user group willing to invest in a large-boat marina, it’s time to call this experiment done,” Pence agreed with the State’s decision to no longer renew the annual moorage rental contracts. “It would take a big pot of money to build and maintain the infrastructure needed for these large vessels, and recreation budgets have continually declined.”

Despite a recreation budget almost half of what it was in 2006 (approx. $1.23 million versus about $778,000 in 2015), staff at Dworshak makes the most of what they have to continue improving the quality of recreation on and around the reservoir and providing safe and fun experiences for visitors. 

Safety is the Corps’ top priority! Please, remember to allow plenty of line when tying-off vessels along the reservoir shoreline to allow for water-level fluctuations. Corps officials advise boaters and others using waterways, both in Dworshak Reservoir and below the dam, on the Clearwater River to be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow. The weather may be warming up, but the water in Dworshak Reservoir is still very cold. Always be aware of hypothermia, and wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. 

The region’s snow pack and weather impact flood risk, and consequently Corps Reservoir Management decisions. Current snowpack for the Clearwater sub-basin is 72 percent of normal, and Dworshak Reservoir is just 30 feet from full pool. 

“A low snow year creates good early season recreation conditions for Dworshak since not as much space in the reservoir needs to be reserved for potential inflows,” said Pence. “The higher pool elevation makes it a short hike to the shoreline campsites.” 

Given 2015’s current snowpack outlook, weather and continuing environmental operation requirements, visitors can anticipate seeing the following water-management operations at the Dworshak reservoir through April:

March 1 - water supply forecast for April to July runoff is 74 percent of normal March - currently releasing minimum discharge to conserve water and slowly refill the reservoir April 1 - flood risk management target elevation 1,577.7 feet (22 feet below full pool) April - transition from flood risk management draft to refill; anticipate elevation of 1,580 feet by April 30

For updated water level and boat ramp information, call 800-321-3198. For more information regarding facilities access and current conditions, call 208-476-1255, or stop by the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The visitor center also has fun displays for kids, including a water safety room where they can play in a boat, create water safety posters and try on life jackets.

For more information about activities, programs and recreation opportunities at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, stop by the Visitor Center, or connect with them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dworshakdam.

New firearm created from Idaho-only parts, products

Thirteen Idaho recreation-technology companies joined to create a complete, functioning firearm made only from parts and products manufactured in Idaho. Nightforce Optics of Orofino is among the companies that participated.

The project was organized by tactical Export Strategies organized the project. The firearm will be on display at the 2015 Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV, this week, at the Sands Expo Center in the Idaho Commerce booth (booth 2943).

In addition to Nightforce Optics, who supplied the firearm’s scope and scope mounts, participating companies include: ATK Blackhawk in Lewiston, who supplied the stock, pistol grip, bi-pod, and sling; Seekins Precision of Lewiston, who supplied the lower receiver; Am-Tac Precision of Garden City, who supplied the upper receiver and bolt assembly; ‌Forward Moving Training Center of Boise, who supplied a training donation; and ‌Gem-Tech of Boise, who supplied the suppressor.

Also Hooker Tactical of Arco, who supplied the scope camera for training; Kryptek Outdoor Group of Eagle, who supplied the gun case; ‌Lone Wolf Distributors of Priest River, who supplied the trigger kit, custom engraving, and miscellaneous parts; ‌MCM Firearms of Nampa, who supplied the custom Kryptek camo skin; MGM Targets of Caldwell, who supplied the switchview scope lever; Primary Weapon Systems of Boise, who supplied the barrel and enhanced buffer tube; and Unique AR’s of McCall, who supplied the hand guard and custom cutting of IGC logo, and the paint design.

After being displayed at the SHOT Show, the firearm will be donated to the 2015 Governor’s Cup, a 501(c)(3) that provides scholarship money to Idaho students pursuing post-secondary education within Idaho.

Orofino woman injured in Lewiston truck crash

Joyce Vanmeeteren, 69, of Orofino, was seriously injured in a car vs. semi-truck crash in Lewiston Tuesday afternoon, according to the Lewiston Police Department (LPD).

On Dec. 2 at approximately 1:40 p.m., Lewiston Police and EMS were dispatched to a report of a car vs semi crash on US 95/ US 12, at the Hwy 128 off-ramp next to the Rose Gardens.

According to LPD, Vanmeeteren was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. She failed to yield from a stop sign at the Hwy 128 off-ramp, and drove into the path of David Welch of Lewiston, who was driving a 2001 Peterbilt logging truck. Welch was heading into Lewiston on US 95/US 12.

Vanmeeteren reportedly has a broken leg and injuries to her hands and face, according to LPD. Medics transported her to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.

Vanmeeteren was cited for failing to yield, according to LPD.

The highway was blocked for approximately an hour and a half, while towing crews removed both vehicles.

The Lewiston Police Department would like to remind drivers to use caution anytime they are behind the wheel, and to be sure to buckle up.

Dworshak announces seasonal recreation changes

With summer recreation season coming to a close, Dworshak Dam and Reservoir’s Visitor Center hours of operation, boat ramp availability and camping reservation procedures have changed.

The visitor center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Sept. 2, and will be closed on federal holidays. Visitor tours are not offered during the Fall-Winter recreation season.

All campgrounds at Dworshak are open. Dent Acres offers 50 campsites with electric, water and sewer hookups, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dent Acres campsites cost $10 per day, with self-deposit registration; Golden Age Senior or America the Beautiful Senior pass-holders receive a 50-percent discount.

All camping fees are waived for armed forces service members on mid- or post-deployment leave. Please present approved leave documents to a Corps park ranger or volunteer park attendant.

Looking ahead to next year’s Spring-Summer recreation season, remember that reservations for Dent Acres camping can be made up to six months in advance, and the group shelter can be reserved up to a year in advance. To make reservations, call 877-444-6777 or go online to www.recreation.gov.

All other camping areas, including minicamps, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dworshak staff remind visitors that the reservoir is dropping about one foot per day, as reservoir outflows are used to help keep downstream rivers cool for migrating salmon and steelhead.

Remember when using mini-camps to leave extra line when tying off your vessel. The following boat ramps are open for use; Big Eddy, Bruce’s Eddy 1, Granddad, Dent Acres Park, Freeman Creek (Dworshak State Park). Please, check water level and current boat ramp information, by call 800-321-3198 or go online to www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nww/rreports.htm.

As always, safety is the Corps’ greatest concern—safety is everyone’s responsibility! Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while having fun at Dworshak:

Changing weather conditions can create unsafe situations on open water. Know the weather and have a float plan.

Keep life jackets on children while on or around the water, and don’t let small children out of your sight.

Fire danger is present, so be careful with your campfire, and extinguish smoking materials.

Check the serviceability of your boat, and avoid drinking alcohol while boating.

Ensure proper fitting, accessible, and serviceable life vests are available for each occupant on your boat. Better yet, wear them!

Familiarize yourself with the area in which you will be boating before traveling at high speeds. There may be rocks, stumps, or shallow areas not visible from the surface.

For more information regarding facilities access and current conditions, call 208-476-1255 during business hours.

The New Old Time Chautauqua seeks local musicians

The New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC) is a group of volunteers comprising of performers, musicians and educators who have since 1981, been touring the Northwest from Alaska to Northern California and Oregon to Montana. The group will be here in Orofino a little later this summer, July 31 – Aug. 3. Typically the group makes a three-day visit to each community they tour

The first day of their arrival, a huge potluck dinner is shared to enable everyone to meet, greet, eat, and share a few laughs.

The second day of their tour is comprised of community service. The band, performers and educators will visit State Hospital North, the prison, and the Teweepuu Center on Highway 12 outside of Orofino.

On the last day of their visit, a parade leads onlookers to the workshops. The family style Vaudeville Show will be held at the high school as a grand finale.

In Idaho, they have performed at Salmon, Boise, Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene over the past 30 years. This year NOTC plans to make a special trip to Orofino as their final stop; the reason being, that their eldest member, folk singer, Faith Petric passed away on Oct. 24, 2013, at the age of 98.

To honor her and the land she came from, the final show of this year’s tour will take place in Orofino.

Faith was raised as the daughter of the Methodist Circuit Rider, Stephen Merrill Craig. Her grandfather was Thomas Curry Craig, a Chaplain who came to Idaho following the Civil War.

As a young girl, Faith attended the Chautauqua which came to Orofino almost one hundred years ago. The show must have made a huge impression on her because Faith eventually joined the organization in 1982. “She was the best ice breaker ever and literally knew over a thousand songs by heart, many of them she learned in Orofino.” said Paul Magid, coordinator of this year’s New Old Time Chautauqua.

There are many photos of her taken by her mother that will be featured at the Clearwater Historical Museum beginning in mid June.

The exact location of the Craig homestead was ambiguous for quite some. After many questions and a great deal of searching, the coordinator of the group discovered through the Clearwater County Assessor’s Office that the old Craig cabin homestead was located on the North Fork of the Clearwater River, near Grandad Bridge. A few close family members and members of the NOTC group were hoping to disperse her ashes near the Craig homestead while they were here.

The Chautauqua group is very proud of their marching band and is inviting all local musicians to perform with them in the parade.

The group will even send the music ahead of time so you can start warming up now. Those interested may contact Mrs. Kathleen Tetwiler (the music director at OJSHS) via email at tetwilerk@jsd171.org. to receive sheet music written specifically for their instrument or to receive music with the lyrics of the song to accompany the choir.
 

Another area of the Chautauqua in which the public is invited to participate is the workshops, which will be held after the parade on day three (Aug. 2).

The workshops are an eclectic mix of song swaps, quilting workshops, juggling classes, knot tying, local cartography, etc. Chautauqua encourages members of the community to share whatever workshops they would like to lead as well.

For questions, workshop ideas or more information, contact Paul Magid at pauldmagid @gmail.com.

DISH Network scam reported in Orofino

An Orofino resident this week contacted the Clearwater Tribune regarding a phone call from DISH Network that she believed to be a scam.

On Monday, out of the blue, an individual claiming to be a representative of DISH Network called her to say that her satellite receiver needed to be replaced. The caller said it would cost $100 to replace the receiver, but that they would give her $10 off her monthly bill, over a period of 10 months, to pay for the receiver.

The caller then asked for her debit card. By this time, she had given the phone to her son, who refused the caller’s request for a debit card.

The Clearwater Tribune is frequently contacted about all manner of telephone scams, from callers purporting to represent legitimate companies or government agencies. These scams usually target senior citizens.

If you receive a call and are at all uncertain about the legitimacy of the call, hang up. Use the internet, a phone book, or some other means to find a legitimate contact number for the business or agency the caller claimed to represent, and call and ask the business or agency whether they actually contacted you.

Victims of these scams always report that the caller was very convincing, but real companies and agencies do not call you out of the blue and request credit card or bank information.

In an interesting twist in this particular case, the Orofino resident said that the day before, this past Sunday, a man claiming to be with DISH Network came to her house and worked on her satellite dish. The resident reported that, while he was working on the dish, she did not notice a marked DISH Network vehicle parked anywhere within sight.

It is unknown whether or not the repairman was involved with the telephone scam, but she and her son reported him to the police.

Tough Mudder: For Wounded Warriors

Two local employees of Nightforce Optics, Christopher Stump of Orofino, and Josh Stuart of Peck, will be traveling to Las Vegas, NV on April 26-27, to take part in the “Tough Mudder” competition.

The competition raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project and is a physical adventure challenge that promotes teamwork and camaraderie. This is something they have chosen to do on their own, without sponsorship or monetary help for any expenses incurred.

Chris and Josh are former Navy servicemen, hence the team name they’ve chosen: the “Idaho Squids.” They are looking forward to tackling the obstacle courses which are designed to test all-around strength, stamina and mental grit, qualities that surely served them well while they were enlisted men.

If you are interested in donating to the Wounded Warrior Project as a gesture of support for one or both of these veterans, please go to the following website to contribute in their name: http://www.eventbrite.com/teams/idaho-squids/564093 click on the “Donate Now” link under either of their names.

If you have any questions about Chris and Josh’s adventure, or wish to extend either of them words of support and encouragement, please send an e-mail to them in care of: jstuart@nightforceoptics.com.

You can check out the Tough Mudder website for more information about this worthy worldwide event at www.toughtmudder.com.

About Tough Mudder

Tough Mudder events are hardcore obstacle courses designed to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses and over one million inspiring participants worldwide, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world.

Tough Mudder is a proud supporter of Wounded Warrior Project. To date, Tough Mudder participants have raised over $6 million to support thousands of warriors returning from the battlefield. Every dollar raised is well spent:

Providing combat stress recovery programs; adaptive sports programs; benefits counseling. employment services.

These are only a few examples of the programs offered to our injured veterans! These programs and services aid in brave Americans’ transition from service-connected injury to civilian life.

Tough Mudder is more than an event; it’s a way of thinking. By running a Tough Mudder challenge, you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time and discover camaraderie with your fellow participants that’s experienced all too rarely these days.

Tough Mudder by the numbers

78%: Average percentage of participants who finish a Tough Mudder.

80%: Percentage of participants who do Tough Mudder as part of a team.

1,000+: Number of people who have the Tough Mudder logo permanently tattooed on their body.

3.5 hours: Average time it takes to finish a Tough Mudder course.

10 to 12 miles: Length of a Tough Mudder course.

If you are interested in participating in this event and participating on a team, please contact Chris Stump or Josh Stuart.

Good luck, Chris and Josh, and thank you both for your past service to our country and for supporting our wounded servicemen and women!

Replacement of bridge on Orofino Creek launches deeper investigation into the region’s history

Clearwater County, with the assistance of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, plans to replace the Orofino Creek Road Bridge. The bridge replacement project is subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, because it will received federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration.

Section 106 requires federally assisted projects to take into account their effects on historic properties included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. So in 2012, ITD performed a pedestrian survey of the project area.

An initial cultural resources investigation identified a pre-contact (short term occupation) lithic (debitage) scatter site in the project’s area of potential effect (APE)). Debitage is the collective term used by archaeologists to refer to the sharp-edged waste material left over when someone creates a stone tool (knaps flint). Some of the waste flakes may be used as tools themselves, as expedient scrapers for example, but by and large the word debitage refers to those pieces which have not been utilized.

Testing the vertical and horizontal extent, content, and integrity of the site within the APE was recommended and SWCA was contracted to complete the evaluation as a result of consultation between the ITD and the Nez Perce Tribe.

Twenty-one shovel probes and three test units were excavated in and around the site along the road. Cultural materials were discovered between 0 and 138 centimeters (or 54.3 inches) below the surface in three of the 21 probes and in the test units. After careful examination of the artifacts found archeologists believe the site was used repeatedly for short periods of time, most likely as one of the Nezperce camps where activities focused on the hunting and processing of animal resources.

The site was recommended as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Accordingly, Clearwater County will take whatever measures necessary to avoid any adverse effects to the site.

From a local perspective

The people who lived on the property in question were in no way surprised to learn of the research to be carried out in their neck of the woods. Violet Bruce and her husband, moved to the area in 1949 and purchased the property which is adjacent to Orofino Creek Bridge to make there home, which is where the archeological tests were performed.

Neighboring residents who were more familiar with the area informed them that the Nez Perce were known to have frequently camped in the vicinity of their property. Various arrowheads and pieces of other elements resembling cultural artifacts surfaced as the Bruces settled in and established their garden and orchard, confirming the information shared by neighbors who had lived in the area over several generations.

Throughout the years, various items of interest have revealed themselves, but perhaps the most obvious and intact artifact discovered was a sizeable tool most likely used as a pestle for grinding, found by Violet Bruce in their orchard.

Brandy Rinke, with SWCA Environmental Consultants, explained “This project has followed the Section 106 process and is a good example of positive relationships between private landowners, the ITD, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the County. SWCA is especially grateful to the Bruce family for allowing us to access their property and for the history they shared with us.”

Perhaps the most obvious and intact artifact discovered was a sizeable tool most likely used as a pestle for grinding, found by Violet Bruce in their orchard.

One of 21 shovel probes excavated to the depth of impenetrable cobbles, excavated in and around the site along the road. 

The Orofino Creek Bridge soon to be replaced is subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, because it will receive federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration.
 

The north wall profile of one test unit showing the layers of soil and its distribution and composition. Testing the vertical and horizontal extent, content, and integrity of the site within the area of potential effect was recommended. The dark layer beginning about 110 centimeters below the modern surface is an old buried soil surface and artifacts were identified throughout the profile to about 140 centimeters or 54 inches deep – the black/red and white sticks are divided in 10 cm increments.

The artifacts shown above were recovered in the latest tests performed at the site. The fragments have been modified to illustrate how the original object appeared when it was first made/used.

A new year and new owners for Orofino Physical Therapy

Orofino Physical Therapy changes owners, not services. Darin Tucker and John Garrison (l to r) work together to assure their clients the best care possible, with the same hometown environment.

There has been some talk in the community about John Garrison and his potential selling of Orofino Physical Therapy. The thought of losing one of the area’s favorite physical therapists makes more than a few residents and patients a little sad, maybe even apprehensive about the changes to come as the sale of the clinic will be complete on Jan. 1, 2014.

Since June of 2013 Garrison and Tucker have been in constant communication ensuring that this would be a great “win-win”, not only for them, but also for the community of Orofino.

Darin Tucker and Chip Sands are the new owners, but Tucker is no stranger to Orofino. His wife, formerly known as Tracy Johnson is the daughter of Neal and Jeannie Johnson. Tracy and Darin have three children, Savannah, 17, Stephanie, 13, and Ryan, 9, and presently reside in Boise. The family has been coming “home” to Orofino for the past 20 years. Opening a clinic here has always been in the back of Tucker’s mind.

“Orofino is a stellar community,” said Tucker. “I have worked in several small communities, but I can honestly say that Orofino is different. There is a very strong sense of community camaraderie here. It reminds me of the old TV show Cheers …where everyone knows your name.”

Because of this and due to his long history with Orofino, “This clinic, of all of the others is very special to me; I am going to hold it very close to my chest ensuring that excellence happens. I am very much looking forward to working with John to evolve the clinic and to be a part of a really cool community.”

Tucker continues, “John has created an excellent business, selling it to us is just a natural evolution of business ownership,” explains Tucker. “Because of his historic success, he will continue to work with us and the clinic, as advisor and consultant. We both have such a passion for physical therapy that staying connected only makes sense. By working together, we have more resources to help the Orofino Community. Out of all the clinics I have developed, I am most excited about Orofino.”

About the new owners

Tucker and Sands have owned and operated a physical therapy practice (Peak Physical Therapy) for 15 years. Their first practice started in a basement of a physician’s office and has grown to as many as 10 clinics. Currently they have seven clinics—six in Idaho and one in Colorado.

Both have an extensive background in sports medicine. Their approach involves both hands on care and proper exercise progressions backed with lots of education. The more a patient understands their condition (what causes it, what to do to get better, why certain things are done and how to avoid additional injuries in the future) the better outcome they will have and more long lasting it will be. “We don’t only want to get our patients feeling better,” said Tucker, “we want them to be as functional as possible when they are done with us so that they can resume all the activities (work or recreation) that they want.”

There are four phases of health the new clinic will focus on: 1) Preventative 2) Restorative 3) Maintenance of good Health 4) Enhancement (sports/function performance).

Tucker believes that as health organizations get bigger they become more restrictive often in the form of no longer accepting certain insurances. “We are going to do just the opposite. Our number one founding philosophy is: ‘We are healthcare providers, we are in the field of help’. We will help anyone regardless of their pathology, insurance or financial condition. Everyone deserves great care.”

Great care is derived from a combination of knowledge, experience and passion. Darin Tucker graduated from BSU with a Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training (certified from 1996 – 2010) and a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science; as well as an Associate’s Degree in Health Science (Physical Therapists Assistant).

Tucker holds certifications in the following fields: Athletic Training (1996-2010); Strength and Conditioning Specialist (1996 – 2010); United States Weight Federation (1996 – 2000); Swedish Massage and Reflexology.

Other accomplishments include: Idaho PTA of the Year 2007; First PTA to be a District Chair for the IPTA; Served as on the IPTA board for two years; President of the BNI (Southern Idaho’s most successful Chapter); Member of the Advisory Board for the Boise 100; Board Member for the PTA Program consortium (CWI/LCSC/NIC/CSI); Member of the Program Advisory Committee for Carrington College’s PTA program, and owns/ operates a Physical Therapy consulting company.

Tucker’s partner, Chip Sands, has a Bachelor Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor Degree in Athletic Training.

Sands has a wife of 22 years and has a 14-year-old son. He currently resides in McCall, and provides sports medicine services for the Junior Steelheads. He has worked at the Olympic Training Center (1998) and at the University Games (skiing) in Slovakia (1999) Sands has also worked ski patrol for Bogus Basin.

The new clinic anticipates arrival of a fantastic therapist hired out of Texas: Josh Tilley.

In addition to being a physical therapist, Tilley also a certified athletic trainer and has a strong sports medicine background. He has been fortunate to have spent time working at the Olympic Training Center working with world caliber athletes. The new team is looking to helping out as much as possible with local athletics.

Darin Tucker shared his thoughts about the changes in healthcare, and made these observations. His business background has taught him one thing….be proactive, not reactive. “I personally believe that the reason we might have issues in healthcare is not because the system is broken, it is because people simply don’t use healthcare correctly,” he began. There are two problems that he sees:

1) Most people are “reactive” with regards to their health. They wait so long to see that doctor that by the time they do their condition is twice as bad; hence it takes twice as long and costs twice as much to handle.

Because of the inconvenience and cost of care, people avoid going to doctors, only making matters worse. So as a healthcare business owner, Tucker feels it is his job to provide solutions and recommends that if someone has pain that has lasted longer than two weeks to seek more information. The faster it gets handled, the faster it goes away and the less medical money spent.

The new clinic will be offering free pain assessments to the community to determine what actions one needs to take to protect their health and their pocket book.

2) Healthcare providers often treat the symptoms of the problem instead of the underlying problem that creates the symptoms. This results in the patients having to go back to seek medical services several times for the same thing.

If the problem is addressed initially it will decrease the need for future services. This is one of the goals new owners will incorporate in their practice; to do it well and only do it once. This will lead to long lasting outcomes helping to decrease future healthcare costs.

As for the health club, it will certainly remain open. The new owners aim is to not only maintain it, but to expand upon it.

Some of the things that the new owners would like to offer in the near future are:

1. Community In-services (free)

2. Business programs that will help business owners prevent injuries on the job, save insurance dollars (lower premiums) (free). “We want to do what we can to help other businesses succeed,” said Tucker.

3. Educational literature—information that will help individuals better understand healthcare, how to handle certain aches/pains, when to seek medical help, how to understand insurance, etc (free)

4. Fundraisers (free)

   a. “We have some excellent school/community fundraisers that we put on. These are aimed at increasing funds for schools, athletics, etc.,” said Tucker.

5. Working with local high schools/colleges to help students. (free)

6. Free pain assessments for the community.

As it evolves, the new owners envision more hours, more services and increasing the diversity of equipment. They will be asking existing members and the community about what they would like to see offered.