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:Blackfoot City is spraying Jensen’s Grove on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week with weed control chemicals and fertilizers. They are asking the public to avoid the treated areas until the warning signs are removed. This means that if you are fishing in the pond for the Fish & Game fish salvage season, be careful to avoid the sprayed areas. Remember the temporary open season ends on Oct. 15.

Remember this is Hispanic Heritage Month, creatively running from Sep. 15 — Oct. 15. Por qué? Tengo curiosidad.

To celebrate Native American Week, the Blackfoot School District has themed days. Monday was Spirit Animal Day, Tuesday is Rock Your Mocs Day, Wednesday is the day to wear beaded items, and Thursday is School Spirit Day. The Native American Dancers will also be touring the schools to share their talents and culture.

An important native day to remember this week is Tuesday, Sep. 30. It is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, otherwise known as the Orange Shirt Day, a day to honor the lost children and survivors of the Indian residential school system. Wearing orange next Tuesday is a way to remember that history and its lasting impacts — and to positively counter those impacts by declaring that “Every Child Matters.” Locally, it will be celebrated on Thursday, as noted below.

In Shelley, the schools are out for the next two weeks for their Harvest Break. School will resume Monday, Oct 6.

Happenings:Tuesday, Sep. 23 –

The Wiggly Bookworms Storytime at the North Bingham County District Library will be about “Please and Thank You and Kindness.” Storytime is at either 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. at the library located at 197 W. Locust St. in Shelley. Will they include Por favor and gracias as well? (It is Hispanic Heritage Month.) Kindness is understood universally, beyond language barriers, thankfully.

Native American Dancers will be at Wapello Elementary at 9 a.m., Ridge Crest at 9:45 a.m., Independence High School at 10:30 a.m., Mountain View Middle School at 11:10 a.m., Riverbend at 12:30 p.m., and Blackfoot High School at 1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, Sep. 24 –

Native American Dancers will be at Groveland Elementary at 9 a.m., Blackfoot Charter Community Learning Center Middle School at 9:40 a.m., Donald D. Stalker at 10:25 a.m., Blackfoot Heritage Sixth Grade at 11:05 a.m., and Fort Hall Elementary at 12:35 p.m.

Blackfoot Wiggly Wednesday Storytime is focusing on Dragons this week. The fun for kids 3-5 years old starts at 10 a.m. at the Blackfoot Public Library located at 129 N. Broadway. Wonder if Fire Chief Howell is aware of the fire-breathing wiggly dragons there will be?

Friends of the Blackfoot Library’s annual meeting is at 6 p.m. in the Library conference room. It is time to choose the governing board for the next two years. Only members can vote for the 15 governing board members — but any Blackfoot resident can be a member by registering and paying a $1 annual due before the meeting. To nominate someone, email Sue Doran at okys45@gmail.com or text 208-680-3228. Please indicate that the email or text is about nominations.

NBCD Library Little Einstein Storytime’s theme this week is “C is for Construction.” Come at either 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to explore building through songs, stories and crafts. Wonder what they will build — and out of what?

Thursday, Sep. 25 –

Bingo & Dinner from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Shelley Senior Center located at 193 W. Pine St. The fundraiser promises delicious food, plenty of fun and great prizes. It costs $15 per 3 cards to play. Dinner may cost extra. For further details, call 208-357-3621.

Every Child Matters Social Powwow will be at 4-8 p.m. at Timbee Hall in Fort Hall. Come in orange and in remembrance of the lost children. A light dinner will be served to the first 200 attendees.

Friday, Sep. 26 –

Shoshone-Bannock Indian Day is Friday and Saturday this week. Held in Fort Hall, the Newe Tavai starts at 8:30 a.m. with an Indian walk/run, and continues throughout the day with Indian games, a royalty contest, free BBQ and dance.

Family Country HoDown — 4-9 p.m. at Senior Elite Retreat Center in Shelley. Wear your favorite western outfit and come prepared to dance and dine. This 4th annual event is open to everyone- young and old. Call 208-357-3621 for more information.

The Elite Heat Classic 2025 Golf Tournament is at 10 a.m. at the Blackfoot Golf Course and lunch is provided. This year, the proceeds will be used by the Blackfoot Fire Department to purchase a thermal imaging camera. For details, contact Elite Restoration at 208-919-0923.

Saturday, Sep. 27 –

Origami and Radio Taiso morning workshop at the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, starting at 9 a.m. Most of us have at least attempted origami at some point. What about Radio Taiso? Come learn about this energizing Japanese exercise practice from Pastor Marvel, who was raised in a Japanese neighborhood in Brazil. He suggests you wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or towel to work out on. Everyone is welcome to come “create, stretch, and enjoy!”

Shoshone-Bannock Indian Day continues with a parade at 10 a.m. and a Powwow at 1 p.m.

Country Dance at the Blackfoot Rec. Center from 6-10 p.m. Don your best duds and join the clapping and stomping. It costs $5. The Rec Center is located at 275 W. Sage St.

Monday, Sep. 29 –

Motion Monday Storytime will all be about Princes and Princesses at the Blackfoot Public Library for those kids among us ages 18-36 months old. The fun starts at 10 a.m. Time to roll out the red carpet for our toddler tyrants — oops, I meant to say royalty.

Ribbon cutting for Bridges of Hope and Valley Wide Therapy will be at noon at 370 N. Meridian, Suite A. Come and learn about this new option for support.

The Happenings of the past week are the rest of the story in photo form. This week, corn was harvested, spuds celebrated and the fall season welcomed — all on one day!

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

Until next week...