Fresh Pressed Cider and Orchard Hayrides Today

Ferdinand, ID · October 18, 2026

Gray clouds hang low over the stubble fields this Sunday morning. It makes an easy excuse to pull on a fleece and see what’s stirring down the hill.

The Lead

County election officials are opening their doors this week to give voters an up-close look at how local ballots are counted. On Thursday, October 22, the Idaho County Elections Office in Grangeville will run its mandatory public logic-and-accuracy tests on precinct tabulators ahead of the November election.

Under Idaho law, every ballot-counting machine remains completely air-gapped—meaning no network cards, wireless connections, or internet access—and operates strictly on paper ballots. During the public session, staff feed pre-marked test decks with known vote totals through the scanners to confirm that tallies match the results down to the single digit. Observers can watch the entire process unfold from start to finish. The testing begins at 9:00 AM at the courthouse, with results certified on site before the tabulators are sealed and locked for Election Day.

Today's Outlook

High 59°F · Low 39°F — Overcast
- Keep a warm jacket within reach under today's chilly, gray autumn skies.

What's On Around Town

Today

Big Canyon Acres Fall Fest Big Canyon Acres (39754 Peanuts Ln), Peck, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Free Homestead orchard celebration with fresh cider, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.

Tomorrow

Seniors in Shape Cottonwood Community Hall (506 King St), Cottonwood, 9:30–10:30 AM · Free
Cottonwood School Board Meeting Cottonwood Joint School District Office (1916 East St), Cottonwood, 7:00 PM

Tuesday

Storytime at the Library Prairie Community Library, Cottonwood, 10:00–11:00 AM · Free
Senior Citizen Dinner Cottonwood Community Hall (506 King St), Cottonwood, Noon

Spotlight & Story

Ron Riener
- From maintaining the municipal water system to helming the volunteer fire department at 407 Main Street, Riener has spent decades quietly keeping the town running. When emergency sirens echo across the prairie wheat fields, he is usually the first behind the wheel.

Ferdinand Daily Digest — compiled from local sources every morning. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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