Drew Dodson here with this week’s edition of the Valley Lookout newsletter. Every now and again, a story comes along that I count myself lucky to be involved in. I knew I had one of those stories on my hands last week as I chatted with Christian Quarm, who you will meet below (if you don’t already know him personally).

See, Christian was recently the beneficiary of something all of us want in life at one time or another—a second chance.

A lot of us would take our good fortune in stride, perhaps make some well-meaning promises, and then move on as we were. And who could blame us? Most of us go to great lengths just to meet our day-to-day obligations, be it to employers, friends, spouses, children, or any number of other people who play a role in our lives. That’s all before we even think about doing something for ourselves!

So, Christian’s follow-through really stands out. It’s one thing to be gracious and thank those who saved your life weeks earlier. It’s another to, immediately upon recovery, take action to make sure you would be able to return the favor should you be called upon. May we all take a little inspiration from Christian and strive for that level of accountability in our lives.

First up

Payette National Forest wildfire update

Two wildfires are burning in remote parts of the Payette National Forest following lightning strikes earlier this month.

The Rush Fire is in the far eastern reaches of Valley County along the Salmon River, while the Big Bear fire is in southwestern Idaho County. Both fires are within the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness.

Here are the Payette’s July 22 updates on each fire:

Big Bear Fire: The Big Bear Fire is a lightning-caused fire started on July 9 and is approximately 7,041 acres. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity, along with a trace of rain, fell over the area yesterday. The fire reached Sandy Hole River camp and Nixon Creek drainage to the west. Artic Creek Lodge and River of No Return Lodge are in patrol status. Water pumps and sprinklers are set up at both lodges. The Forest is working closely with the Salmon-Challis National Forest related to rafting on the Salmon River. The Salmon-Challis National Forest is communicating with Main Salmon outfitters and permit holders.

More information here.

Rush Fire: Rush Creek Trail Closure Order was issued on July 18 and remains in place due to existing fire behavior. The Rush Fire is a lightning-caused fire started on July 10 and is approximately 6,082 acres. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity, along with a trace of rain, fell over the area yesterday. The fire was active yesterday in Rush Creek, Pioneer, and Cliff drainages. Today, fire personnel are mopping up along Pioneer Creek drainage to the south of Taylor Ranch. The Soldier Bar airstrip burned over and is closed for public safety. Rush Creek Trail closures are posted here.

More information here.

(Taylor Ranch as the Rush Fire burns nearby. Photo: Courtesy Payette National Forest)

Sewer rate hikes coming for McCall residents

McCall residents will soon start paying nearly 25% more on monthly sewer bills.

Last week, the Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District Board of Directors approved a rate increase that will add about $13 per month to most residential bills.

Most customers will see their monthly bill rise from about $55 currently to about $68 starting in September.

The rate increases will raise about $947,000 more per year for the sewer district, which needs the extra money for payments on a $7 million bond issue district voters approved in May, as Valley Lookout reported.

“We are setting ourselves up for when we take out the bond next spring for the best possible interest rate,” Richardson said. “We need to show we can make the payment.”

The rate increases were recommended by Michael Keith of Zions Bank, the district’s municipal loan advisor.

Civic Lookout

• Valley County Commissioners: Today starting at 9 a.m. Commissioners to consider McCall Impact Area Decision at 2 p.m. Full agenda available here.
• Cascade City Council: Tonight at 6 p.m. to consider adopting 2026 budget. Agenda available here.
• New Meadows City Council: 2026 budget workshop tonight at 6:30 p.m. Agenda available here.
• McCall City Council: Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. Agenda available here.
• McCall City Council: Budget workshop on Friday morning at 9 a.m. Agenda available here.
• New Meadows City Council: Monday night at 6:30 p.m. Agenda to be posted here.
• Pine Creek Ranch Neighborhood Meeting: Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m. in the basement of Idaho First Bank. More information available here.

Valley Lookout Original Reporting

‘Encore performance’: McCall man surprises CPR class weeks after surviving ‘widow-maker’ 

Christian Quarm, lucky to be alive after a heart attack less than a month ago at Shore Lodge, wanted to make sure he would be able to pay forward the life-saving CPR administered to him by bystanders and first responders. Read the full story on Valley Lookout.

‘Regulating STRs is rational’: Court hands McCall victory in short-term rental suit as cities statewide grapple with laws

A ruling with major implications for short-term rentals in McCall and across the state was recently entered by a district court judge in a lawsuit filed against the City of McCall last year. Read the full story on Valley Lookout.

‘We assembled a local team’: P&Z likes redesigned downtown McCall subdivision

A new iteration of a previously embattled subdivision proposal received a warmer reception than its predecessor from the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission. Read the full story on Valley Lookout.

Mountain Happenings

McCall

• Farmer’s Market: Every Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Second Street.
• Beers for Bears: Snowdown Wildlife Sanctuary fundraiser at Salmon River Brewery from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.
• Mile High Open Water Swim: Saturday at 9 a.m. at Legacy Park. Registrations open here.
• Forestry Festival: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ponderosa State Park Activity Center.
• SUPP – Stand Up Paddle & Paint: Watercolors class led by Rachel Morton on Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Little Payette Lake. Registration costs $40 and is open here.

Donnelly

• Farmer’s Market: Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Donnelly City Park.
• Laughs & Legacy: Idaho Youth Ranch to host buffet dinner and comedy night fundraiser on Saturday starting at 5 p.m. in The Lodge at Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort. Registration is $150 per person.

Cascade

• Live Music: Grant Webb to perform at The Local at Clear Creek on Friday at 7 p.m., while ViBeka Amador will play at North 55 Social on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
• POTATO Debut: Unscripted Idaho-based documentary to air at The Roxy on Sunday at 3 p.m. More information available here.

New Meadows

• Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament: Friday is the registration deadline for the 40th annual charity tournament to be held August 2-3 at MeadowCreek Golf Resort.
• Dinner and Trivia Night: Saturday at 5 p.m. at the MeadowCreek Golf Resort Clubhouse.
• Farmer’s Market: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Dorsey Warr Memorial Park.

Mountain Pet of the Week

Meet Liberty, a Blue Heeler who loves to hike and chase squirrels. Owner Michaell Gurney of McCall says Liberty can often be seen at coffee shops waiting for her regulars to give her treats.

Click here to nominate your pet for Mountain Pet of the Week for a chance to be featured on a weekly newsletter!