This is the place to find announcements, things to do, services available, ways to contribute, and “the rest of the story” about events that have happened or updates on those currently happening.

Announcements:

Idaho Fish & Game has declared Sept. 8 — Oct. 15 as a temporary open fishing season at Jensen Grove Pond, due to the rapidly decreasing waters. Any legal method of fishing is allowed to salvage the fish — without daily bag or possession limits. It encourages the public to fish safely and respectfully.

The City of Blackfoot has declared Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week to honor the 238th anniversary of the drafting of this fundamental document of our country. Mayor Marc Carroll is asking all citizens to “reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.”

Life is a Highway is the theme of this year’s Spud Week in Shelley, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Shelley. The fun started last week with chalk art and pageants. This week’s events include the final Miss Radiant Pageant, street festival, tater trot, spud run, QRU pancake breakfast, car show, potato derby, corn hole tournament, potato picking contest, French fry eating contest, potato sack races, spud tug, lip-sync contest, baking contest and, of course, a parade. For a full schedule of the events, check out idahospudday.com/full-schedule. This is its 98th year! Impressive.

Due to Spud Days, the North Bingham County District Library in Shelley will be closed.

There is one more way to celebrate this month: the Hispanic Heritage Month, which is from Sept. 15 — Oct. 15. Fiesta time?

Happenings:

Tuesday, Sept. 16

The North Bingham County District Library in Shelley Wiggly Bookworms Storytime will be about Imagine If! Storytime is at either 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. All wiggly dreamers are welcome at 197 W. Locust St.

The SBA Federal Contracting webinar today will help businesses sanely get through the federal contracting process that could help access federal purchases of goods and services. The webinar will also cover business development and various federal certifications. The online learning will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

The Blackfoot Wiggly Wednesday Storytime is focusing on Princes and Princesses this week. The fun for youth 3-5 starts at 10 a.m. at the Blackfoot Public Library located at 129 N. Broadway St. Can royalty squirm and wiggle too?

The NBCD Library’s Little Einstein Storytime at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. with a theme of Butterflies. Question — what is the difference between butterflies and moths? Come and discover.

The Greater Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is today at 11:30 a.m. — this time at the Blackfoot Golf course Bogey Café located at 3115 Teeples Drive This month’s speaker will be Layne Bourgeous, the Executive Director of the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments known as SICOG. They provide programs and resources to strengthen southeast Idaho’s communities and economic development.

Thursday, Sept. 18

For all those dancers out there, there is a West Coast Swing Upper-Level Basics class starting in Blackfoot. The class will be held on Thursday nights, starting today, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Blackfoot Recreation Center, located at 870 S. Fisher St. For the 8-week class it costs $40 per person ($20 for college students) No partners are needed as participants will rotate during the evening.

Friday, Sept. 19

The Senior Elite Retreat Center in Shelley is having a Spud Day Street Fair tonight from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at its center, located at 193 W. Pine St. There will be vendors, food, music and lots of fun for the whole family. All funds will be used to support the center.

Saturday, Sept. 20

The Community Dinner Table and the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist church are hosting its annual Day of the Corn from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church grounds. This is the day donated fresh corn is shucked, cooked, cut, bagged and frozen to feed the community this winter — whether at the CDT weekly free dinners or through their Food Pantry program. The church is located at 168 S. University Ave. in Blackfoot.

It’s Downtown party time! North Broadway Street in Blackfoot is again going to be full of music, food and fun for the Fall Festival. Come enjoy the activities from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 22

Colors are the focus of Motion Monday Storytime at the Blackfoot Public Library for those youth among us ages 18-36 months. Sometimes I think the “pot of gold” of the rainbow is all the countless colors within — our world is certainly colorful.

Ripple notes — a place for ideas to do some good and trust that positive ripples of good will spread out to reach and encourage others.

September is the Suicide Prevention Month, as proclaimed by the county commissioners. Unfortunately, there is a need since there have been several completed suicides in the county this year. Remember to be aware of your loved ones and neighbors and their struggles. Make sure they know how valuable they are and that they don’t stand alone. For anyone struggling, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you have events or announcements to be included — contact me at jannmmneish@gmail.com.

Until next week...