Small Town News

Chamber plans events, projects

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The Chamber of Commerce members were brought up to date on the current Tunison Grant for the Downtown Native Plant. Garden This $10,000 Grant is being finalized this month and will be complete when the ten menu-style signs are installed at an estimated cost of $2,000. Several of the beds will be planted this fall so the seeds can germinate in the spring. Many of the plants are being supplied by the Council High School greenhouse. Jim Mahon outlined some possible goals for 2016, including another round of grants which could include repainting the exterior of the Museum and adding underground power and a sprinkler system for the undeveloped area of the Boise Cascade Community Park.

Plans to make Council an attractive stopping stop for travelers after the Highway 95 Bypass is completed, will include signage outside the city detailing the reasons to stop in town rather than just pass by. The Chamber wants to emphasize the clean water, the clean air, and the clean living environment of the area to attract visitors to town. Highway signs will need to be located in existing commercially zoned areas if they are built outside the city limits of Council. Ron Hundahl attended this meeting and reported on his plans to add a bicycle workshop at the Weiser River RV Park that he owns and manages. He feels that biking on the Trail will become more popular as the Trail gets more well known among area bikers and that he might provide a shuttle vehicle to pick riders up and drop them off at various points along the trail. The Public Broadcasting System filmed parts of the October Bike event, covering the ride from Rubicon to Weiser with an overnight stay at the Mundo Hot Springs. The program is scheduled to air on PBS early in 2016.

The Chamber voted to ask the City of Council to consider planting a living Christmas tree in the Downtown Park this year, since getting a cut tree gets more difficult for the Chamber each year. A living tree would add to the park and could be enjoyed all year around.

Plans for the Christmas Event will include a bonfire this year instead of a parade, and will feature the tree lighting and carol singing in the Downtown Park. Council will also host the Christmas

Craft Show on the same weekend: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting December 4 and running through December 6. The Chamber is looking for a group to prepare and serve hot drinks during the Tree Lighting Ceremony when the bonfire is lit. The Chamber booth could be moved to the park for use as a stand for the hot drinks service.

Superintendent Murray Dalgleish reported that the school will be raising funds to rehab the football field and the track area, and that might mean that future Porcupine Races will need to be relocated to the Softball Field west of the football field.



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