WHITE BIRD -- Can we say "snow!" Well, we got it in White Bird last Sunday, but by noon the sun was out and warming. Use common sense, don't drive in this and if you have to, be safe.

WHITE BIRD – I can't figure out if spring is on its way or not? The groundhog predicted an early spring, but when you count the weeks, it's still six weeks to the first of spring. No changing that or Mother Nature, I guess.

WHITE BIRD -- The end of January has come and will soon be in to February. We are getting a hint of spring although it will be a couple of more months for that. Enjoy the sun while we can as I'm sure there will be more snow on the way.

Things are changing at the chamber, so join us for the election of new officers tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. This will be at Red’s Café. Great new ideas are popping up and some of the old are going away. Anyone who would like to become a chamber member, plan to attend and see what we are all about. This is short notice, but Char is needing your information for the newsletter by Jan. 23, and they will be mailed out on the 30th. This newsletter will cover all the happenings for the rest of January and into February. If you have anything that you may want listed in it, give her a call at 208-839-2261 or e-mail at pathurt9@gmail.com.

The new year started and hope it has been good for everyone so far. Welcome 2019, as this brings on new events for the year. Stay tuned for information on all the happenings around our little town. Upcoming dates: WBARD will be have their meeting on Monday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. Remember to come check out the breakfast on Sunday, the 27th, at 8 a.m. We are serving elk steaks and eggs. Come have breakfast with us and enjoy some great conversation, too. Donations are always welcomed for this event. SRAG will be meeting on the 10th at 10 a.m., and then the chamber is meeting at 10:30 a.m., at the Baptist church. Plan to attend as they will be needing members to step up and help with some of the upcoming events that have been scheduled. They are also looking for new officers to continue with this organization. Check out the next phase of the new fire station, they have walls going up and the inside of city hall is looking good, too.

’m hoping everyone had a very nice Christmas. We did get our white Christmas and now I think winter has set in for the next few months. Temperatures are going to dip down, which can cause some hazard effects. Keep warm, but also if you have wood heat, remember to clean your chimneys and burn dry wood. The roads will be slick at times, so take that extra five minutes to get to wherever you plan to travel. Dates to remember are the food bank pickup on the 3rd at noon. City Council meets on the 9th at 6 p.m. SRAG will meet on the 10th at 10 a.m., followed by the chamber at 10:30 a.m. Pinochle winner last week was Smiley. Cribbage winners last week were Bones winning 1st and Smiley taking 2nd.

Early deadline for the paper, so this will probably just a reminder of upcoming events. Hoot’s Cafe will be hosting the annual New Year’s Party on the 31st. Dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m., with your choice of New York steak, prime rib, or baby back ribs, all with salad bar included. There will be a charge for this. Then join them for music provided by Joaquin, Verna and Dave starting at 8 p.m. Drinks will be available at the back bar. Remember to call for your reservations at 208-839-2265.

Saturday night was the place to be, as the town came alive with lights, Santa Claus and our sky lit up with the great fireworks rounding out the evening. A huge “thanks” to all the residents, volunteers and the businesses that came out to help set up, tear down and whatever else was needed. Winners of the lighted Christmas contest was 1st: Carl & Linda Norton, and 2nd was won by John & Cheryl Zehner. Best Business went to the Silver Dollar.

“Baby, it’s cold outside” and I’m not talking about the song! The temperatures have dropped, so stay warm and remember the fur babies, too. One last reminder that Santa is coming to town! Join in for our lighted at-night Christmas Parade on Dec. 15 in downtown White Bird. Parade starts at the entrance to White Bird at 6 p.m., lineup is at 5:30 p.m. Then join us for hot drinks, food, bonfire, and fireworks to follow at the Memorial Park in town. Contact City Hall at 208-839-2294 or 208-839-2457 to enter or for information. Spread the word as everyone is welcomed! Set up that morning and anyone who can lend a hand is needed, starting at 11 a.m.

The snow has arrived, along with that brings on the holiday festivities. The town has been decorated, with more activities coming in the following weeks...stay tuned as to what’s happening! Food pickup is Dec. 6. WBARD will hold their meeting on Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. City council will meet on the 12th at 6 p.m. Then on the 13th, at 10 a.m., will be the SRAG meeting, followed by the chamber meeting at 10:30 a.m. at city hall.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Now, on to the last month of the year - yes it’s the end of the year already and that brings on the fun of the next holiday. Do you love the twinkling of lights, the sights and sounds of Christmas, as well as people coming together in friendship? Then join us for the annual decorating of our little town on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The frost is slowly taking over, ice is forming in the river, and there is not too much heat left in the sun...guess winter is on its way regardless if we are ready or not. One last reminder that the chamber newsletter deadline is today, Wednesday, Nov. 21. If you have anything for the holidays that you want listed give Char Hurst a call to get it in there. Encouraging all businesses to let her know of winter hours, sales, or whatever you may have going on! They will then be mailed out on the 28th.

November is upon us, so that means for the next two months the holidays will be here, too. Let’s not forget the true meanings of the upcoming holidays, remember families, not only of the present, but of the ones who no longer have families to celebrate with. Far and near, good friends are also family, so stay true to yourself and help to continue your family traditions.

Once again we are at the end of another month. Boy, they are really passing fast and along with that, comes an end to Daylight Savings Time...remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday, Nov. 3, as it officially starts Sunday morning. Food bank pickup will be on Nov. 1 at noon. Then on the 8th, the SRAG will have their meeting at 10 a.m., with the chamber meeting following at 10:30 a.m.