The City would like to remind the community about the 1 percent increase to the local option tax (LOT) that takes effect in 2014. The measure was approved by 64 percent in November 2013 with the main goal of maintaining and increasing commercial air service to Friedman Memorial Airport and promoting and marketing air service.  As an additional reminder, per City Council vote, the Idaho State Tax Commission is taking over LOT collection to ensure that the tax is collected fairly and equitably.  

For more information about the LOT increase, click here.  

With the New Year in full swing, the City decided to check in with some of its community members to find out more about their resolutions for 2014. The survey, conducted on the Fourth Street Corridor, included more than 30 people.

The results of the survey found that Ketchum citizens are generally happy with their lifestyle and as a result, didn't feel the need to make a new year's resolution for 2014. For those who did have resolutions, they commonly centered on healthy living and positive relationships.

With the public's progressive responses, the City couldn't be happier to ring in the New Year with such a gratified community. 

Fly Sun Valley Alliance

The City of Ketchum recently conducted a survey about communication. For those who participated, thank you for helping us reach you better! If you have suggestions or comments about how to make our communication better, please email us here.

Join the City in welcoming its new and returning councilmembers! Former Councilwoman Nina Jonas was sworn in as Mayor on Monday, Jan. 6 during the first City Council meeting of the new year. Returning Councilman Baird Gourlay and newly elected Councilwoman Anne Corrock were also sworn in. Councilman Michael David was elected City Council President. He and Councilman Jim Slanetz will continue their designated terms.

To learn more about your Councilmembers, their initiatives and how you can contact them click here.

Along with ski events like the Alpine Touring Race and AXCS National Masters Racing, this year's festival includes a Galena and Trails Benefit, Twilight Ski Dinner, Nordic Hall of Fame inductions and reggae performances at Reggae in the Mountains, featuring headliners Soul Horizon and Natural Roots.

During the 10-day festival, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundations' (SVSEF) Olympic/Paralympic training site will be opened up to registered participants and its 500 local athletes alike.  The training site, which opened on November 22, 2013, is located at the base of the Warm Springs ski lift in Ketchum.  The site is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including a tuning and waxing room, workout space and audio-visual facilities. 

Ketchum Arts Commission (KAC) is currently seeking applicants for its sixth annual "Art on Fourth" event.  The outdoor art exhibition will showcase three-dimensional artwork along the Fourth Street Corridor between Washington and Walnut Avenue during the summer and fall months.

Following the deadline for artwork submission on March 7, 2014, selected artists will receive a $500 stipend and can submit up to three works for consideration by the KAC.  Artwork will then be judged by the KAC, which is comprised of art professionals and other community members.

The Fourth Street Corridor, a wide pedestrian and art-friendly street, attracts tourists during the summer months and has showcased local, regional and national artists in previous years.  KAC contributes the success of the event to the City's active visual arts community and its proximity to four season recreation destinations.

For more information about the "Art on Fourth" submission process, please visit our website, email the office of Sharon Arms, Arts & Events Coordinator or call 208.726.7820. 

Brian Poster has served the City as a Paid/On-Call Firefighter for 19 years and was recently honored for his efforts as Firefighter of the Year for Ketchum. Poster has dedicated his life to serving the Ketchum community and says he is proud to serve the City of Ketchum as a firefighter. 

In the early 1980's, Poster became interested in firefighting after following his brother's career through paramedic school in Southern California. Around the same time, Poster's other brother was living in Ketchum and drew him to Idaho's mountains for skiing during a semester off from college. Since then, Poster and his family have called the Wood River Valley their home.

In his role as a firefighter, Poster sees the value and power community service plays in the City. "The community really gives to me, and I want to give back to it," Poster said.

Please welcome the National Brotherhood of Skiers as they return to the valley February 22 to March 1.  Let's show 'em another good time!