Good morning, Moscow.

The Palouse Land Trust will host a Winter Solstice Stroll on Sunday, Dec.

21 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve, where guests can enjoy hot cocoa and cider, learn about local history and wildlife, and bring their pets while dressing for cool weather.

Moscow High Cheer is hosting a taco night fundraiser today at Moscow High School Gym from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Attendees pay $10 per plate to enjoy tacos, games, and an auction supporting the cheer squad.

Sacred Heart Church in Pullman will present its Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Saturday, Dec.

20 at 5:30 p.m., featuring gospel readings and hymns (commemorating the Nativity of Jesus).

The Mason Oyler Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, Dec.

20 at 3:30 p.m. The ensemble of University of Idaho students and alumni will play new arrangements and fan favorites, and tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Alchemy Dance Projects and Moscow Movement Arts Center will present the fifth annual production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec.

20 at Jones Theater in Daggy Hall at WSU. The show will have two performances with 35 performers bringing the classic holiday tale to life.

Three Idaho Technical Career Academy students earned an artificial insemination certification after completing a three-day course at the University of Idaho’s Nancy M.

Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center in Carmen. They are preparing to take the state licensure exam later this month to build skills for agriculture careers.

Intense winds damaged historic trees on the University of Idaho campus on Wednesday in Moscow.

Officials said 15 trees fell, including ones planted by former presidents, and damage is being assessed as seedlings become available for replacement.

Scientists reported that the Northwest just finished its record warm fall with temperatures nearly 6 degrees above normal and snowpack below average in Idaho and eastern Washington.

Warm rains have melted remaining snow and experts warn the region faces increased drought pressure as winter nears.

On Wednesday, the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department responded to 51 calls (including emergencies related to downed trees and power lines) during a historic windstorm, handling issues despite a radio dispatch outage.

Fire officials thanked local law enforcement, utility crews and city public works teams for their support.

Avista restored power for 86% of affected customers as of 4 p.m. yesterday after Wednesday’s windstorm, and crews in northern Idaho are working for nearly 11,875 customers; restoration is expected to continue through Sunday.