Wendell Idaho Newsletter Spring/Summer 2024

Please send all comments regarding the newsletter to info@wendell.id.gov.

How the "Hub City" Got it's Nickname

The most recent Love the Hub post on The City of Wendell Facebook highlighted Wendell history and how it received it's name and nickname.

THE HUB CITY OF THE MAGIC VALLEY

Did you know that Twin Falls fought to be called the "Hub City" and Wendell won that fight? Did you know there are many, many more "Hub Cities" scattered throughout the United States? Anyone new to the Wendell area might find themselves wondering what it means to be the Hub City or how Wendell even acquired that nickname.

The Wendell Centennial Publication by JaNene Johnson Buckway tells us that:

Wendell was laid out in 1907 and incorporated in 1909. By that August, the North Side News described Wendell as a 'prosperous town of a year's growth' and pointed out that the new town is located with Gooding 12 miles north, Jerome 12 miles east, Hagerman Valley 12 miles west and "on the south, 'An Empire'". This centralized location prompted Major Fred R. Reed to nickname is home 'The Hub City.'

The name has been part of Wendell history since 1908-1909, but Wendell has had occasion to defend it's right to be the only city in the area officially called 'The Hub'. The first challenge came in 1909 from the editor of the Buhl Pioneer newspaper who claimed that Buhl should be the hub since it was nearer the center of the Twin Falls tract. Arthur Milligan, editor of the newly organized Hub City Irrigationist responded, "We'll concede that Buhl and Filer are both 'Hubs' according to the map, but there is more to Southern Idaho than the great South Side Twin Falls Tract. This is a feature of Idaho that across the river folks just as well recognize. We meant more than the center and circle on a map. When Wendell is mentioned as 'Hub' it is meant that the town is the center of civic events and that equal distance from this point is Jerome, Buhl, Hagerman, Gooding, and other splendid towns."

When Twin Falls approached it's Golden Anniversary civic leaders felt their town should 'officially' be designated the 'Hub City', stating that Twin Falls was the geographic and commercial center of the Magic Valley. While Wendell's growth had lagged behind Twin Falls, the town fought to keep the historic designation that was a matter of civic pride. Former Mayor R.D. Bradshaw took the problem to Idaho’s congressional delegation. It was discovered that the naming of Wendell as the Hub City had been read into the congressional record during Frank R. Gooding’s term as Senator and so, based on historic evidence, Wendell was officially designated “The Hub City of Magic Valley.”

Wendell is one of just many other sister “Hub Cities” around the US including American Fork, UT, Albany, OR, Compton, CA, Lafayette, LA, Hagerstown, MD, and Jackson, TN.

Wendell being the Hub City means just as much to residents today as it did at Wendell’s founding. Community members have said:

“Many of us grew up in farms surrounding Wendell, which made it our hub when we bought groceries, went to church, attended school, played sports, and so much more.”

“I think of family when I think of Wendell. Wendell is always where we meet in the middle for family reunions, holidays, etc. It was the center of what we did.”

“The Hub City to me has always been a place of gathering for my family. We come from all over. The one place we have in common is home. I’m lucky to call home Wendell! The Hub City of the Magic Valley!”

Updates

Every Child in Wendell Should Be Safe

In April the City partnered with our local Headstart Chapter for "Child Abuse Prevention Month". The Mayor met with children and Headstart employees to "plant" multiple blue and silver pinwheels in the lawn in front of city hall to raise awareness. To report child abuse or neglect dial 2-1-1 or call 1-855-552-5437. Every child deserves to have a childhood free from fear and harm. We at the city appreciate all the work our local Headstart Chapter does on behalf of Wendell's children!

Valley Wide Opens Wendell Location

Valley Wide hosted a soft opening of their Wendell location in April. The store is their largest location and features gas, hardware, feed, and a full service restaurant inside- Lucy's Pizza. A Grand Opening Ceremony will take place on May 4th, 2024.

DAIRY DAYS- An Update

Volunteers Needed!

The Wendell Chamber of Commerce, who organized and sponsored Dairy Days in the past, disbanded in 2022. Without the Chamber, Dairy Days has not happened. Last year an independent committee was formed to work on the problem. If you are interested in being part of that committee to bring a festival back to the Hub City please email info@wendell.id.gov to be connected!

HUB CITY PARK RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY JUNE 14, 2024 @ 1:00PM

Hub City Park is mostly operational but a few last minute items are being finished. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for June 14, 2024 at 1:00pm which the whole town is encouraged to attend!

Community Easter Egg Hunt- All Eggs Found!

For the second year in a row the City picked up where the Chamber left off and hosted the Community Easter Egg Hunt. Also for the second year in a row the Magic Valley Manor graciously co-sponsored the event. Youth from the Wendell LDS Wards filled eggs with candy and helped distribute them all over McGinnis Park. Thank you so much to all who helped!

Children 0-10 showed up to participate and their older siblings and parents showed up to watch (and sometimes help). It was a wonderful part of the city's Easter weekend.

HUB CITY COURT NEARING COMPLETION

Striping went down at Hub City Court in City Park! A big thank you to Sutton Concrete for sponsoring the goals, Eco Pro Pest Management for sponsoring the court design, Coach AJ Kelsey, the Wendell boys basketball team, and all the volunteers who have helped put this together including Kari Jo Kelsey, Krista Kelsey, Jordan Lancaster and Shaylyn Lancaster, and Matt Miller and Councilman Shaun Spencer.

The only thing we're waiting on is the design for the backboards and the court will be completed. Thanks to an ARPA grant from the county, labor from the Public Works Department, and generous donations this project has cost the tax dollars zero dollars!

Did you know?

Weed Control: It's everyone's responsibility

It's time for weed spraying! If sprayed early on, getting a handle on your property's weeds can be a much easier task. If left too long it can be much more difficult. Remember that property owners are responsible for weeds from the middle of the alley to the middle of the road and corner lots are responsible for both sides. Weeds are prohibited above 6". Thanks for being a good neighbor!

FLOOD IRRIGATING: A USER’S GUIDE

Irrigation season for the City of Wendell begins on April 15th. Flood irrigation has been in use for over 100 years and is a fairly simple process, but there are still lots of questions every year about how our system works and how to use it effectively. Let’s talk about irrigation!

Flood Irrigation utilizes local system water to “flood” your yard with 2-3 inches of water every 10 days. This flooding method allows water to soak deep into the ground, usually within a few hours, which allows trees and plants to grow strong, deep roots. The water flows from mountain reservoirs, to the North Side Canal Company waterways and laterals, then to City of Wendell maintained ditches, headgates and pipes. Only city employees or the authorized contractors can operate or adjust City of Wendell infrastructure.

Irrigation is managed in the City of Wendell by an Irrigator or “Ditch Rider”. The Ditch Rider in the City of Wendell is an independent contractor position. This person is not a City of Wendell employee. However, we do work closely together to make sure that the service provided is satisfactory. The Ditch Rider’s job isn’t complicated, but it is grueling during the hot summer months. His days start at 5:00-6:00am when the main gate is opened along N. Gooding Street at the canal. Then he helps guide the water to run west down the day’s designated street, going from house to house to house. It's typically a 10–12-hour day. If a problem arises residents should contact the Ditch Rider directly. If the problem continues residents are always welcome to contact City Hall.

BEFORE YOU RECEIVE IRRIGATION:

Check to make sure that your property is ready. Some individuals choose to landscape their yard by using berms and vegetation to contain the water on their property and help it go where it’s needed and stay away from where it’s not. Many residents utilize small equipment such as gates, pumps, pipes, shovels, and syphon tubes to reach hard-to-reach areas on their property. If you have questions regarding these tools and preparing your property please contact the Ditch Rider who would be happy to help advise you.

ON YOUR DESIGNATED IRRIGATION DAY:

On your delivery day the Ditch Rider will open the designated head gate to release water into your neighborhood. From there, it’s carried to your property through a series of ditches and pipes.

At your scheduled time, the Ditch Rider will open the valve that directs water to your property. That is where the ditch rider’s responsibility ends, and the resident’s responsibility begins. Once the water is on your property, for liability reasons, the Ditch Rider is unable to manage the water for you. Getting the water to where you want it, and keeping it out of your neighbor’s basement, is the resident’s responsibility. Each lot in the City of Wendell is allotted 1.5 hours of water. This time has been calculated based on water flow. If your property is more than one lot, you will receive more time based on the size of your property.

If you are unable to monitor the water at your designated time, you can ask a neighbor or trusted friend to be there to take your water. Unfortunately, we are unable to deviate from the set schedule. The water is moved almost entirely by gravity and the Ditch Rider and the neighbors before and after you depend on the set timetable.

We encourage you to get to know your neighbors and your system. Irrigation is a valuable service that depends on good communication and teamwork.

Reminders

SUMMER = ROAD WORK

It's road work season! Although sometimes a pain for travelers, road work is essential to keep our streets in the best condition that we can. We appreciate your patience and your care as you are careful to follow signs and directions and keep our workers safe!

Stay Safe During Irrigation Season

Summer marks the start of irrigation season. It may be tempting to hop in a canal on a hot summer day but please remember that canals are not for public use. They run swiftly and can be very deep. Please especially keep children far away. We appreciate your help in this important issue.

WENDELL NEEDS YOU!

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!

Mayor's Message

I've been working for the city for 4 years now, 2 as a City Council Member and 2 as Mayor. During that time I've loved learning about the ins and outs and processes that keep the city running and I enjoy sharing about those processes both here and on the Wendell Facebook Page. (I'll also talk endlessly about it to anyone that will listen.) What has been most surprising is how MUCH has to happen to keep everything going even for a city as small as Wendell.

As we enter the city's busy season I just have to put a plug in for the excellent staff that we have on our team. They really are all great at their individual jobs and they all genuinely care about Wendell and making it better. I so appreciate them for all that they do. Likewise, our current City Council is amazing. I've heard some horror stories about other town Councils fighting and bickering and struggling to accomplish anything. Not so in Wendell. We're working together and making strides. Everyone is respectful and works together. I feel so lucky to be able to associate with them. The City of Wendell is indeed in good hands.