Wendell Idaho Newsletter Winter 2025 | | Please send all comments regarding the newsletter to info@wendell.id.gov. | | Wendell’s annual Trunk or Treat celebration was a huge success, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors for a night of Halloween fun. Each decorated trunk showed off creative themes and spooky flair, with plenty of candy to go around—including one trunk that even handed out delicious homemade cake pops! Volunteers from the American Legion and the Wendell LDS 1st and 2nd wards kept everyone warm with free hot chocolate and soup, adding to the cozy community spirit. The town is so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate and make the evening such a memorable one | |
HONORING AND PRESERVING WENDELL'S
HISTORY
| | As the city has been renovating the "Old Ag Building" workers made a surprising discovery behind a few heaters- an accidental time capsule! What was once considered trash has become a treasure: candy wrappers, notes, and school assignments left behind by students more than 50 years ago. It turns out students in the 1960's weren't so different from today's- passing notes, sneaking candy, doodling, and even asking friends to "swing" after school. This unexpected find offers a charming glimpse into Wendell's past. The artifacts will be preserved and displayed in the new library once it's finished for everyone to enjoy. | | MAYOR VIPPERMAN EARNS $1000 FOR THE CITY | | Mayor Rebecca Vipperman proudly participated in the annual Mayor’s Walking Challenge, hosted by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. This was her 4th year participating in the program. Throughout the month-long challenge, Mayor Vipperman logged over 310,000 steps, demonstrating her commitment to health, wellness, and community engagement. Thanks to her efforts, Wendell earned funding from the Foundation, which will be put toward the city’s new public library—an investment that will benefit residents of all ages for years to come. Thank you Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health for the opportunity! | | CITY MANAGING TWO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS | |
City Shop Receives an Update
The Old Ag Building once served as storage for city equipment that needed to be kept indoors. When the City Council voted to renovate the building into a beautiful new library, that equipment needed a new home. To meet this need, the Council also approved an expansion of the city shop, adding three new garage bays—two of which will be pull-through to make vehicle maintenance easier. The updated facility will provide secure indoor storage for much of the city’s equipment, helping protect the city’s investment in essential tools and machinery. To keep costs down, the Public Works crew has been completing much of the construction work themselves.
| | | The Public Works crew has been busy preparing city equipment and roads for the upcoming winter. This has included general maintenance as well as a few new additions. The city’s snowplow—affectionately named The Fast and the Flurrious—is ready for action, and a new sander will help keep roads safe when conditions get slick. After last spring’s exceptionally muddy season, several sections of road were also paved to ensure residents can access their homes and continue to receive mail and garbage services even during wet weather. | | GENERAL WINTER SAFETY TIPS | | |
Stay safe this winter by dressing appropriately, preparing your home, and being aware of the risks associated with cold weather.
Dress in Layers: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to trap heat. Ensure your outer layer is tightly woven and water repellent. Don't forget a hat, scarf, and gloves to protect your extremities
from frostbite.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Minimize time spent outdoors, especially for
vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children. If you must go outside, take frequent breaks to warm up.
Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather reports and warnings. Sign up for local alerts to stay updated on winter storm warnings and other emergencies.
Home Preparation: Insulate your home to keep out the cold. Ensure that
your heating system is working properly and that you have backup heatingsources in case of power outages. Keep a supply of food, water, and
medications in case you are snowed in.
Driving Safety: If you must drive, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, food, water,
and a flashlight. Drive slowly and cautiously on icy roads.
Recognize Cold-Related Illnesses: Be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and fatigue, while frostbite can cause numbness and a pale appearance in extremities. Seek medical attention if you or someone else shows these symptoms.
Carbon Monoxide Safety: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially if you use gas appliances or generators. Never use a gas oven to heat your home, and ensure proper ventilation when using kerosene heaters.
By following these winter safety tips, you can help protect yourself and
your loved ones from the dangers associated with cold weather and winter storms. Stay warm and safe
| | WHEN IT SNOWS, PLEASE MOVE YOUR CAR OFF THE STREET IF POSSIBLE. IT HELPS PROTECT YOUR CAR AND HELPS OUR SNOW PLOWS CLEAR THE ROADS. | | FIBER INTERNET COMING TO WENDELL | | |
If you saw a long line of cones around town recently and wondered what was going on, you weren't alone. It's the first step to bring fiber internet to Wendell!
ETS Telco has been hired by Gooding County to install the infrastructure for fiber internet throughout the county. ETS has been cutting a small "micro trench" into our roadway to install the line.
Micro trenching is an installation technique that cuts a shallow, narrow trench into existing pavement or concrete, typically on roadsides or sidewalks. Unlike traditional trenching, which involves deep, wide excavation, micro trenching minimizes disruption and environmental impact. Crews then place the fiber optic conduit into the trench, and the trench is filled and sealed with a durable material.
The City would like to thank Gooding County for their efforts to receive the grant that is making this all possible.
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BURNING LEAVES REQUIRES A PERMIT
If you want to burn your leaves this fall, remember that any burning within the city limits requires a burn permit. This permit costs nothing, is available at City Hall, and then is sent over to the Fire Department so that if they see smoke they know that there's not an emergency.
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Is your permit current?
The end of the year means that many permits will be expiring. If you are a dog owner, or business owner please check in with city hall regarding dog and business licenses. This is especially important for home-based businesses. If your business license lapses, you may be required to re-apply for a special use permit. Help us keep you up to date!
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Many small towns have three things that Wendell currently does NOT have: A Planning and Zoning Commission, a Chamber of Commerce, and a Historical Society.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: A Planning and Zoning Committee is made typically of 3-5 members and usually meets monthly to hear requests for variances, rezone, special permits, planned developments, and subdivisions. Hearings are also held on elements of the Comprehensive Plan and changes or additions to zoning ordinances.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: This is a local organization that gathers business leaders working in the community. The intention is to advance the goals and interests of your organization and others operating in the area. It's usually a group of locally owned businesses that have a common interest.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY- A historical society is non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of a particular place, group of people, or topic.
All of these organizations are comprised of volunteers. While the city cannot provide these functions, we can help connect and facilitate members and missions. If you feel that you would be a good fit for any of these organizations please email info@wendell.id.gov and continue to help Wendell as it grows!
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Election Day was this last Tuesday and despite knowing that I was running unopposed, I was still a little anxious. I take the responsibility of Mayor very seriously and I was looking to the future and another 4 years of doing this job.
This job is not always easy and fun. There are many headaches that I've become acquainted with, many people with complaints, many problems that come up on a regular basis. Unlike in 2021 when I ran for office, this time I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I would be lying if I didn't say that it's daunting.
However, we have a quite a few things on the horizon that I'm very happy to be able to see to fruition. Our new library is a constant source of excitement. The City is currently applying for two grants which would equal around a million dollars in funding if awarded in 2026. We have grand plans, and I feel lucky to be a part of them.
As always, the only thing that makes this job even remotely manageable is the City's amazing staff. Our Public Works Crew, Clerk's Office, Fire Department, Code Enforcement, and Library Staff help us run excellent programs and projects every day. They are knowledgeable and professional in their positions and I'm so grateful, personally, for how they help me in my position and how they keep this city rolling forward.
Thank you for your faith in allowing me to hold the reins for another 4 years. I don't take it for granted.
| | | Community Calendar and Events | | |
Wendell City Council Meetings- 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6:30 at City Hall
Wendell Senior Center Breakfast- 3rd Saturday of each month 8:00am-10:00pm
Wendell Senior Center Exercise Classes- M/W/F 9:30 am
NOV 11- Veterans Day
NOV 24-27- Wendell School District Thanksgiving Break
NOV 27- Thanksgiving Day- City Hall Closed
NOV 28- City Hall Closed
NOV 28- Wendell Christmas Light Parade down ID Street- 6 PM
Wendell Christmas Tree Lighting 7 PM- Flag Plaza
DEC 24- Christmas Eve- City Hall closes early
DEC 25- Christmas Day- City Hall Closed
DEC 31- New Years Eve
JAN 1- New Years Day- City Hall Closed
Want to see your event included in the next newsletter? Email info@wendell.id.gov
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WENDELL CITY HALL 208-536-5161
GOODING COUNTY SHERIFF NON-EMERGENCY 208-934-4421
WENDELL CITY FIRE- 208-536-5431
WENDELL HIGHWAY DISTRICT- 208-536-6157
IDAHO POWER 800-488-6151
IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT 208-334-8000
NORTH CANYON MEDICAL CENTER 208-934-4433
POISON CONTROL- 1-800-222-1222
SUICIDE AND CRISIS HOTLINE-988
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| Is the content of this email relevant to you? | | | | Please send all comments regarding the newsletter to info@wendell.id.gov. | City of Wendell | website | contact us at info@wendell.id.gov |
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