OHS grad returns for rotation

Stacy Ray, Physician Assistant student and OHS graduate, is doing her rural ER rotation at Clearwater Valley Hospital.

Although an author once said you can never go home again, sometimes you can if it’s a rural rotation on your way to becoming a Physician Assistant. Stacy Ray, 2001 Orofino High School graduate, is back in Orofino at Clearwater Valley Hospital for a five week ER rotation as part of her two year program to earn a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies through Idaho State University.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Boise State University in Health Services, Ray worked for four years in both a chiropractor’s office and at Orthopedic Associates in Boise. “I applied for acceptance into the PA program because I wanted to be involved in all aspects of patient care. Physician Assistants have a lot of autonomy with decision making capabilities which attracted me to the position,” said Ray. “I applied through the Idaho SEARCH program for a scholarship to help cover travel expenses and costs of doing a community project while I’m here. They help place medical and dental students in rural areas with the hope they will stay in Idaho to practice.”

Prior to her August graduation Ray will complete eight rotations during her second year of schooling. Her psychology rotation was at State Hospital North in Orofino. She has also completed OB/GYN, pediatric, inpatient cardiology and orthopedic rotations. Her first year was spent in the classroom studying anatomy and physiology, infectious diseases, the cardio-pulmonary system and all other body systems.

“There are 60 students in the ISU program; half are based in Pocatello and half in the Boise area. Our classes were shared through teleconferencing depending on where the faculty was based,” said Ray, who plans on settling in the Treasure Valley after graduation. “My classmates and I must also take a five hour 300 question exam to test our clinical knowledge before I am certified as a Physician Assistant. We will need to take a rigorous exam every six years to retain our certification.”

Clearwater Valley Hospital employs three Physician Assistants: Hal Joseph, who sees urgent care and diabetic patients in the Orofino clinic and also provides diabetic counseling in the Kooskia Clinic once per month; John Beeh, who primarily works in the Pioneer Medical Clinic in Pierce and Michael Lounsbury, who staffs the Kooskia Medical Clinic. Joseph is serving as Ray’s PA preceptor, but she is spending much of her rotation in the hospital’s Emergency Room.

 “We regularly host medical residents through the Family Medicine Residency program in Boise and other health professionals through the Idaho SEARCH program both at CVHC and at St. Mary’s Hospital,” said Casey Meza, CEO. “We feel it’s important to provide a rural experience for students. They also share their new insights and approaches with us. Of course, we always are looking for health professionals who might want to stay and practice locally. We try to do anything we can do to encourage health professionals to remain in Idaho once they are through with their education.”

Stacy is the daughter of Tom and Wendy Ray. Her sister, Melissa, also an OHS graduate, is an engineer who resides in Portland working for a wind power energy company.

High country still packing lots of snow

Snow Surveyors from the Natural Resources Conservation Service recorded one of the deepest June 1 snowpacks ever measured in Idaho. This year’s late season snows and slow snow melt provide more than enough water for users and creates a potentially threatening runoff season, especially in the upper Snake and Bear River basins. 

“In an average year up to about two-thirds of the snowpack melts during April and May,” said Ron Abramovich, Water Supply Specialist with Idaho NRCS. “This year, the cool spring temperatures prevented high elevation snows from melting.” 

 “Not only do we have more snow, but there’s the potential for a quick runoff period. Warm temperatures in June will intensify the higher elevation snow melt,” Abramovich said. “More water in less time means the streamflow volumes will be much greater than normal.”

Generally, streamflows were above average in May and the peaks on most rivers are still to come. Over 80 of 120 Snow Telemetry sites that automatically measure snowpack conditions around Idaho showed the June 1 snow water content levels at or near record highs.

“Hot temperatures or rain during this critical time period when the snow is receding and soils are saturated, will send a flush of water down many streams and generate big flows,” Abramovich said.

Streamflow forecasts reflect the unusually high June 1 snowpacks. The forecasts around the state range from a low of 120% of average in central Idaho to over 300% in the Bear River basin. 

“The potential for extreme flows can’t be overstated because of the enormous June 1 snowpacks and the continued wet weather pattern,” Abramovich said. “For up-to-date information on specific areas, visit our web site: http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/.”

The full June Water Supply Report is posted on the web site. For current snowmelt and streamflow relationship analyses information, view the snow-stream graphs and streamflow graphs at: http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply/peakflow.html.

Be on alert for potential flooding on national forest system lands

The U.S. Forest Service is alerting the public that record snow pack and rain in Montana, Idaho and portions of North and South Dakota has increased the potential for flooding in all of the national forests and grasslands in the region.

“We want people to know that with wet conditions in many parts of the region to be prepared in the event their plans have to suddenly change due to the weather,” said Elizabeth Slown, spokesperson for the Northern Region of the Forest Service.

Snow pack depths and moisture content are well above average in numerous river systems.  High temperatures or rain at high elevations could cause the snow pack to melt at high rates. These events coupled with streams already at high spring runoff rates have already led to flooding in some areas and could lead to many other areas.

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.  Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. However, all floods are not alike.

Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area near rivers, streams or downstream from an engineered or maintained earthen dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying grounds that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.  Forest officials are asking the public to consider several safety factors if flooding occurs in your area.

Monitor the radio, television and internet for information. Emergency warning weather radio receivers are available at stores that sell electronic equipment.

Have an evacuation route and alternative routes selected ahead of time.

Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.  Do not camp in gullies or low areas that could be susceptible to flash flooding.

Carefully assess steam crossings before you attempt to cross a stream in a vehicle, on horseback, or on foot.  Two feet of flowing water can sweep away vehicles.

Roads and bridges open to public travel may become impassable during flood conditions and sections may be undercut or the surface washed out.

Forecasts, flood potential and weather advisories can be found on the following websites: National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/ and Western U.S.: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/

For more information on local conditions, please contact your nearest national forest or grassland.

Driver's license office closure scheduled; driver’s licenses will change

Idaho driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards will have a new look, state-of-the-art security features, and a new way of being issued beginning this summer.

To prepare for the transition, the county licensing office in Orofino will close Monday, June 20 for staff training, equipment upgrades and installation. Schedules are subject to change. Similar equipment upgrades are happening at all of Idaho's 53 county driver licensing locations between May and July.

The updated system will help protect drivers and ID card holders from identity theft and fraud by incorporating security features that are nearly impossible to counterfeit. The switch also means cards will be issued from a central secure location instead of over-the-counter.

With this new central issuance process, applicants leave the county office with a temporary paper document, valid for 30 days. The new plastic license or ID card is produced at the central production facility and mailed to the customer within about 10 business days. Because it is mailed, it will be critical for applicants to provide a correct address.

The temporary card is issued for driving and identity purposes until the new plastic card arrives in the mail. It includes a photo, the same information that appears on the plastic card (name, address, date of birth, height, weight, etc.), and a machine-readable bar code containing that information.

Current Idaho licenses or ID cards remain valid through their expiration date; however, individuals can opt to renew a license or ID card within one year of the expiration date.

There's no additional cost to the consumer. License and ID card fees remain the same: $30 for as four-year license and $55 for an eight-year license (if it's within a year of expiration); $15 for duplicate licenses; $10 or $20 for ID cards. Individuals with valid licenses or ID cards that are not within the one-year renewal window have the option of surrendering the card and applying for a duplicate card.

All other license and ID card application processes will remain basically unchanged. Fees for all driver’s licenses and ID cards will also remain the same.

The new cards incorporate numerous security features, including micro-printing, ghost images and a laser-perforated pattern that reveals the shape of Idaho when held to the light.  Not all security features are evident, and the enhanced security features make it obvious when a card has been tampered with.

Idaho habitat, research projects funded by RMEF

Controlling noxious weeds, managing overgrown forests and researching wolf predation on elk population dynamics headline a list of 2011 grants for Idaho from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The new RMEF funding totals $72,013 and affects 17 counties: Adams, Bear Lake, Bingham, Blaine, Boise, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Idaho, Jefferson, Lemhi, Teton and Valley counties.

A wolf/elk research project based in Clearwater County has statewide interest.

“This research will help state and tribal biologists better understand and predict the specific impacts of wolves on elk. Those data will provide for better management of both species,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Elsewhere, fire suppression and noxious weed infestations are taking a toll on areas elk use as winter range, summer range, migration corridors and calving grounds. The habitat projects that we’re funding this year will help restore habitat quality, and could add over 25,000 acres to the 377,487 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife across Idaho.”

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million-acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organizations grant coffers in Idaho, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects in Clearwater County.

In Clearwater County, RMEF grants will help purchase GPS radio collars to assist with research on wolf predation and elk population dynamics (also affects Boise County). Results will be used to develop models to improve wildlife management statewide.

A lot of history in one picture

By Don Gardner

Saturday, May 21, the Orofino Fire Department held a commemorative dinner to celebrate its 100 birthday. Brought together were past and present Orofino firefighters. Everyone enjoyed a potluck dinner and slide show at Orofino Fire Station #1. Three of the department’s fire chiefs were on hand to help tell stories and share photos.

The first official meeting we have record of for the Orofino Fire Department, was held on Jan. 22, 1911. A committee was appointed by the Chief E.W. Jewell to draft a constitution and by-laws. Only two days later, on Jan. 24, 1911 the constitution and by-laws were voted on and adopted. At that time they didn’t have a lot of equipment so they set out to acquire what they needed including the hose cart (in the picture).

In 1913 they received a donation by the Eureka Fire Hose Company of a 28 inch fire alarm bell, (in the picture). Some fun fact. The first fire bell was a steel triangle. The Departments first recorded fire was at the Clearwater Lime Company. In 1919 the fire department was instrumental in the development of the county fairgrounds and City Park

Over the past 100 years many brave men and women have served Orofino as firefighters. You know them as your neighbors and friends. The Orofino fire department is always looking for volunteers. Today we are at one of our lowest membership levels. This puts a strain on our current firefighters. A fire department has many positions to make it work. It wouldn’t be hard to find something you can do to help.  For more information on volunteering please contact any Orofino firefighter.

Fire Chiefs Mike Lee 1998 – Present, Leonard Eckman 1989-1998, and Elbert Snyder 1965-1978. The handcart is the oldest known piece of Fire Department equipment. The bell was installed in 1913, Engine 55 the newest piece of equipment.  Photo by Don Gardner

Firefighters Jerame Lee and Max Bausch returning the handcart to the museum. Photo by Sage Gardner

Many past and present Orofino Firefighters enjoying the celebration.  Photo by Sage Gardner

Legislators visit Orofino Chamber

Idaho State Legislators visited with members of the Orofino Chamber of Commerce, giving updates on bills and issues in their areas of concern and expertise. Representatives Ken Roberts (R-8^th Dist.), Sheryl Nuxoll (R-8^th Dist.), and Paul Shepherd (R-8^th Dist.). And County Commissioner Carole Galloway was present also.

Ken Roberts and Paul Shepherd both said this was the most challenging session of Congress they could remember. Approximately one half of legislative time each year is spent defining, administering and revising the rules before actual bills may be addressed. This was Sheryl Nuxoll’s first term in office.

Roberts said there were many tough issues and they went into the session “193 million dollars upside down. At the end of the session,” he said “we had a balanced budget.” He said either the economy would pick up or there would still need to be further corrections next year.

Some specifics they addressed concerned: education budgeting, the ATV bill (Senate Bill #1011), the Tribal Bill (Native American Law Enforcement), the State Land Bond, and State Redistricting,

Representative Nuxoll said that she served on the Health and Welfare, Judicial, and Agricultural Committees. She said she was honored to sponsor the Clearwater County Centennial Bill as well as working on the National Guard Youth Challenge Program which was introduced at the very end of the legislative session.

A question and answer period followed at the end of the meeting.

New members

Roger and Karen Virgin, new owners of The Woodlot Restaurant joined the chamber.

Business after Hours

State Farm Insurance will host a Business after Hours meeting Thursday, June 16 from 5-7 p.m. They will be hosting this function at the Helgeson Hotel at 125 Johnson Ave., Suite 5.

Chamber auction

Tanna Zywina reported that the Chamber Auction did very well. Thank you to all who helped and all who donated towards this auction. It is not too early to be thinking of a theme for next year’s auction.

LoggerXross

The first annual LoggerXross dirt bike race was held Saturday May 14, in Orofino City Park and had a successful turnout. The chamber-sponsored beer garden had a different location this year and did well thanks to the volunteers who helped run it. The gate was organized and overall planning went well. They hope to have more people participate next year.

Run like a Maniac

The posters are out for the Run like a Maniac fun run to  be held at Dworshak Dam June 11. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for youth (which includes a tee-shirt). It is an additional $10 if one registers on race day.

To register, contestants need to furnish an ID. Children will go under their parents’ ID. The event needs volunteers. See Stephanie Deyo or Tanna Zywina if you wish to assist in this fun event.

CCED

Loren Whitten-Kaboth of Clearwater County Economic Development reported the next steps for Deyo Reservoir are to Remove the existing power poles as the lines will go underground. A well also needs to be drilled; and timber and brush need to be removed.

Loren also reported on the Pierce/Weippe Chamber meeting in which 100-125 people turned out to hear Col. Tim Kelly make a presentation on the Youth Challenge Program.

Next meeting

The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 1, at 12 noon, at the Ponderosa Restaurant.