West County Lines - Nov. 6, 2024

Laclede set tree lighting, holiday market

LACLEDE — Laclede officials are holding the city's annual Christmas tree lighting and village market Saturday, Nov. 30.

The event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Laclede Community Center, 24 Moore Loop Road, Laclede.

In addition to the tree lighting, a village market is planned with visits with Santa, hot cocoa and live music. 

A free shopping giveaway is planned. The winner must be present to win.

Memorial fabric sale set

NEWPORT — The community is invited to browse a variety of fabrics and items to help a community family.

The Gina Pugh Memorial Fabric Sale will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, at Create Arts Center, 900 W. Fourth Newport. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to a variety of fabrics, bags and pillows will be available for purchase. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be available for purchase.

All sale proceeds will go to assist Pugh's family.

Grants available to out-of-school programs

Local education agencies in Idaho are encouraged to apply for approximately $1.5 million in grant funding to support out-of-school programs for the 2025-2026 school year.

The grant program, known as the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), provides funding through Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2025.

Eligible applicants include LEAs, community-based organizations, tribal organizations and other public and private entities. The application period opens Monday, Dec. 16, and closes Friday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m. Mountain Time.

The 21st CCLC program currently supports 46 grants serving 98 schools across Idaho. Grant funds can be used to offer academic enrichment, drug and violence prevention programs, and other youth development activities during non-school hours.

To assist applicants, the Idaho Department of Education will host two free virtual workshops in November to review the application process and requirements:

• Monday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT

• Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT

Additional information, including application guidance and scoring rubrics, is available on the Idaho Department of Education's 21st CCLC webpage.

Applicants seeking further assistance can contact Sheena Strickler or Christian Brown at sstrickler@sde.idaho.gov  or cbrown@sde.idaho.gov.