ELK CITY — Elk City is blessed with numerous “unsung” volunteers that freely work hard, quietly and without thanks or recognition, to serve our community in many ways. We all should be very thankful for their heart-felt love for our town-folks and visitors.

ELK CITY — There will be a tree decorating and lighting celebration at the Elk City Park on Saturday, Dec. 5. Decorating starts at 3 p.m. with the tree lighting scheduled for 5 p.m. Hot chocolate, treats and music will be featured. Maybe even a surprise visitor will drop in – Santa? Donation…

ELK CITY — Coming home after more than 80 years. In 1930, Elk City proper burned down and most of the buildings, except the bank and the general store, on Main Street, were destroyed. While the town was burning, this piano (see photo) was rescued from the Parr Hotel and made its way to Grang…

ELK CITY — Quilt club members have determined they will not be participating in the veterans dinner. so there will not be any quilt presentations. With the governor moving Idaho back to Stage 3 and with the significant uptick in Idaho County COVID cases, they are just not comfortable. They w…

ELK CITY — Thought I would share with you out there the beautiful sunset we witnessed the other day from our front porch!

ELK CITY -- The VFW Auxiliary would like to welcome the community to their annual Veterans Day Dinner on Nov. 11, at the VFW Post #8311. The dinner will start at 5 p.m. and be a tasty affair: a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and dessert. The evening will include essay selections fr…

ELK CITY -- As many of you know, we have a small museum housed in the Elk City Hotel. Many people come by and enjoy looking at the numerous photos dated from 1898 to the 1960’s, as well as some artifacts that have been found and/or donated from our area. I have the pleasure of meeting these …

ELK CITY -- The Elk City Sew Help Me Quilters are holding a Quilt Raffle. The quilt is titled “On The Prowl”, and can be seen hanging at the Elk City Hotel’s front window. Tickets are $1 each, or 6 for $5, and can be purchased at businesses around town. The drawing will take place Nov. 11, a…

ELK CITY -- Certainly, the talk around town the last week or two, centers around an event/crime that is rumored to have occurred up on the Motherlode road recently. It’s hard to keep anything “secret” in small communities, especially if there is potential to merit some real safety concerns f…

ELK CITY – From 9/11 through the Great Recession, there has been a cloud of heaviness which has been reflected in the lack of tourism in our area. The last year, indeed, the last 2-3 years, the cloud has lifted, and an enthusiasm has taken its place as evidenced by the increased traffic/tour…

ELK CITY -- Elk City Community Library changed their hours with the beginning of school. Patrons can now visit the library from 3:15 to 5 p.m., on Tuesdays. Story time for preschoolers has changed to 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday and all are welcome. Children three years old and younger should be ac…

ELK CITY -- I attended the September water and sewer meeting and learned that repairs to the water tower are anticipated to occur within the next few weeks. Additionally, discussions included the addition of a donation box installation at the water spigot in front of the fire department buil…

ELK CITY -- We’ve had some beautiful days this last week.  On Sunday, I went for a walk with my daughter-in-law, and 3 grandchildren, along Elk Creek Road. Some trucks drove by and didn’t even slow down as they passed us!  Please, have the courtesy to slow down when you see people walking, e…

ELK CITY -- If you live in the Elk City area, you are aware of the Shissler Fire and other incidents in our area. But for those of you who read this article from other areas, thought I would give you an update. As of Saturday, Aug. 22, it was up to almost 2,000 acres. It is located southeast…

ELK CITY -- As promised, here are the winners of the 2020 Logging Competition: PeeWee Rolling Pin Toss - Ryle Chaffee; Kids Rolling Pin Toss – Carson Schilling; Womens Rolling Pin Toss – Lacey Chaffee; Kids Choker Setting - McKenzie Woody; Womens Axe Throw - Lacey Chaffee; Mens Axe Throw – P…

ELK CITY -- Lots of people turned out for the annal Elk City Days celebration. Enjoy the photos. I will have the winners of the logging event in next week’s column. Would love to have others send me their photos for our historical records – even past years. I plan on printing a few from each…

ELK CITY – The historic Elk City Days celebration in Idaho County will continue this year amid COVID-19 guidelines. Festivities are planned this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8. Whether you want to watch the parade or compete in the logging show, organizers say there is sure to be fun for ever…

ELK CITY -- Another great volunteer in our community is Sue Phillips. She has been a continual resource for the school and children of Elk City. The volunteer work she has been involved in are: classroom assistant, tutoring and reading with students since 1974; holding offices in the PTO, le…

ELK CITY -- Back in April, I missed that there was a week set aside to honor volunteers. I would like to take this time to highlight a couple around our town. 

ELK CITY -- Sue Phillips writes: "Things are progressing in preparation for Elk City Days with posters up around the area. Although there are concerns about COVID-19 and possible exposure to the virus, there are already so many people visiting and staying in the Elk City area, it's doubtful …

ELK CITY -- VFW Wilderness Post Auxiliary 8311 held its annual installation of officers July 16, in Elk City. Outgoing president, Sharon McKee, officiated the proceedings.

ELK CITY -- Marlene would like Auxiliary members to know that the meetings for VFW No, 8311 Auxiliary have been changed from the second Thursday each month to the third Thursday, at 7 p.m.

ELK CITY – Most of the plans for Elk City Wagon Road Days have been canceled. See the community page in this week’s Free Press for details.

Maxed out on screen time and looking for a break? With restrictions for COVID-19 being lifted, libraries are reopening in local communities. Some changes will be in place, but the public will be able to resume accessing computers and information.

ELK CITY -- The annual yard sale, up at the airport, is scheduled for July 3 and 4. It will start at 8 a.m. and go until 6 p.m.

After the past few months of homeschooling and social isolation, a welcome change has come to many local communities with the start of summer reading programs. Libraries across the region are set to begin activities with some new safety guidelines in place, and some events are under way. Dai…

VFW Post #8311 recognized Flag Day June 14, with a very patriotic and moving flag disposal ceremony.  Community members were invited to drop their worn and torn flags at the VFW and there were many flags that had reached the point of retirement.

Plans are progressing for Elk City Days events (unless, of course, there is another shutdown in August).  For information please contact Sue Phillips.

ELK CITY -- For those of you who don't live in Elk City but read the column, it snowed Monday morning! I remember back in the late 1970s, it snowed in September. We had a garden at our cabin below the hot springs, but the lettuce survived. Then, again, several years later, it snowed lightly …

ELK CITY -- Sue Phillips says that as we move “through Governor Little's four stage plan, the Elk City Community Library will open Tuesday, June 2, from 2-5 p.m. The need to follow CDC's guidelines is very important and they will be posted on the front door of the school. Social distancing o…