Message from Mayor Randy Hall


One of the things I hear from residents, businesses and visitors of Ketchum is that our community is friendly.  I love the feedback because it tells me that we are a kind and compassionate community and that we treat people with respect.  As springtime approaches and as we gear up for what I hope will be a healthy influx of visitors, I'm reminded about the importance of ensuring that we offer guests the best possible experience at every interaction. The welcoming environment we have in Ketchum is exemplified throughout our friendly community each and every day.  It is my hope that we can keep up our reputation as a happy, respectful place to live, work and visit and I encourage everyone to say "hello" to those you meet on the street!

City Seeks to Connect Residents & Businesses with Broadband Strategy

 
The City of Ketchum has undertaken a planning effort around Internet data connectivity in an effort to prepare for a more virtual future.  We call the project "The Ketchum Broadband Initiative."  It's designed to ensure that we have the capacity to handle increasing amounts of electronic data for our residents, businesses and visitors.  

Our goal is to have a service capable of one-gigabit speeds for institutions, such as schools, and 100 megabits for residences as we are planning for increased internet usage, such as streaming video.  

The City recognizes that broadband is a critical infrastructure for our economic growth, and that the advancement of technology and infrastructure associated with broadband will play an important role in our economic future and quality of life.

Working on the initiative is a Broadband Committee made up of appointed business owners, stakeholders and internet providers. A consultant, Magellan Advisors, has been selected and will assist the Broadband Committee in a public planning process. We hope to have the project completed by the end of summer.
 
For more information, please contact Lisa Horowitz at lhorowitz@ketchumidaho.org.

Catch-Up
on ​
Ketchum


*All events held at City Hall (480 East Ave North), unless otherwise indicated



March 21  
Ketchum Arts Commission
(12:00 PM)
900 Third Ave. North

March 22   
SolFest

March 25   
P&Z Meeting
(5:30 PM)

April 1
Youth Rec Program 
Online Registration
       
      April 8       
P&Z Meeting
(5:30 PM)

     April 15     
City Council
(5:30 PM)


Visit our website for more information.

Parks & Rec Superintendent Becomes Certified Arborist

 
The City of Ketchum Parks & Recreation Superintendent, Juerg Stauffacher, was recently confirmed as a Certified Arborist after passing the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Examination. The certification requires education and experiential standards to be met prior to sitting for the exam, including at least three years of full-time working experience in professional tree care.
 
Juerg will assume the role of City Arborist, and will work interdepartmentally to encourage the preservation, expansion, protection and proper maintenance of the community forest of Ketchum. 
 
If you have questions for Juerg or would like to contact him regarding his new position, he is available at jstauffacher@ketchumidaho.org. 
Spring Means Lights Out
In order to preserve the quality of life, safety and cost savings to the City, please remember to turn off your holiday lights no later than April 19th.  Ketchum is lucky to have minimal light pollution so residents and visitors can enjoy the vibrant night sky. For more information about the ordinance, you can review it and other City ordinances here or by emailing your questions or comments to info@ketchumidaho.org.
Smoking Ordinance
The City of Ketchum has been working on a Smoke Free Air Ordinance, which would regulate smoking in public places such as near transportation facilities, on City owned property and in all places of employment.  Share your thoughts on Ketchum’s Smoke Free Air Ordinance at City Council for the third and final reading on Monday, April 15th or by emailing info@ketchumidaho.org.
Cover Art Project
The Ketchum Arts Commission (KAC) is fundraising in order to expand the popular “Cover Art” project to wrap another four to six utility boxes in 2013, allowing residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy more public art throughout the city. To learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Jen Smith at jsmith@ketchumidaho.org. You can see the 2012 Cover Art artists and boxes here. 
Ketchum Planning Manager to Present at APA Conference
Ketchum Planning Manager, Joyce Allgaier, has been invited to present a session at the annual American Planning Association’s National Conference in Chicago this April. She will speak on “Implementing Smart Growth and Sustainability in Small -Town Codes and Plans”.  Ketchum will be one of the case studies highlighted. APA is the national professional organization of land use planning and related professionals.
Ketchum in the News
Following the recent passing of the Anti-Discrimination ordinance, which protects gay, lesbian and transgender people in housing and employment, Ketchum was recognized in the New York Times as one of several Idaho cities implementing similar safeguards. Mayor Randy Hall said, “Who gets the credit here is the lesbian and gay community, who have had the courage to come out.” To read the full article, click here. 
 
Business Highlight: KDPI

Community based radio station, KDPI, is just establishing roots in the Wood River Valley. The community based radio station began as the brainchild of Mike Scullion, formerly of Philadelphia. Inspired by the Prometheus Radio Project, a group made popular for pioneering “low power” radio on the airwaves in Pennsylvania, Mike brought the concept to Ketchum and began fundraising to make KDPI a reality.
 
In 2005, Mike moved from Philly to Ketchum and remained in contact with the Prometheus Radio Project. Replicating their concept of using radio as a means to bring a community closer together, Mike approached the Wood River Community YMCA as a strategic partner to support the radio station.
 
The City of Ketchum and the Wood River Valley was integral in raising the $25,000 start-up expenses required to launch KDPI. The radio station reached that goal in 2013.
 
KDPI focuses on education, news and entertainment programming and is designed to stimulate interest, awareness and participation in culture, education and politics.
Staff Highlight: Juerg Stauffacher
 
Juerg Stauffacher serves as Ketchum’s Parks and Natural Resources Superintendent and is the City Arborist. 
 
Juerg moved to Ketchum from Switzerland 11 years ago.  His wife was drawn to the area after seeing a photo of Sun Valley in a guidebook.  The two had worked as tour guides, but had never been to Idaho.
 
Soon after arriving in Idaho, Juerg took a job as a lift mechanic with Sun Valley Company.  “We were just going to stay for the winter,” he said. “But, we loved it so much, we never left!”
 
Juerg says the best part about this job at the Parks Department is that he gets to work with a lot of really cool people.  And, he likes to play in the dirt, too, so that doesn’t hurt!
 
Juerg’s advice to others is to always work hard and play hard.  His greatest success is his four-year old daughter, Anna.  He never pictured himself as a father, but thinks it’s an amazing experience.
 
What does Juerg hope to accomplish in life?  He hopes that in the future everyone will be able to pronounce his last name.
Communication
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