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Tank Farm Rd Shooting UPDATE: Roadway Reopened and Victim Status Improved

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, April 4, 2026)

POWER COUNTY, Idaho — The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force (EICITF) is processing the scene near the river today. Tank Farm Road is now open to traffic.

Victim Status Update

  • The victim from the original shooting is in stable condition.
  • The victim located in the boat has been discharged from the hospital.

Investigation Status

Power County Sheriff’s Office continues to be assisted in the homicide investigation by Idaho State Police, Bingham County, and Bannock County. The Idaho Falls Police Department remains the lead agency for the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:

POWER COUNTY, Idaho — The Power County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred on Tank Farm Road on the afternoon of Friday, April 3, 2026. The incident resulted in three fatalities and two injuries. Law enforcement has confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.

At approximately 2:38 p.m., dispatch received reports of three people shot on Tank Farm Road in northern Power County. Emergency responders arrived to find two individuals deceased and one injured. The injured person was transported to Portneuf Medical Center via ambulance.

During the initial investigation, authorities located a suspect hiding near the Portneuf River. While at the scene, officers heard additional gunshots and discovered another injured individual suffering from gunshot wounds. That individual was life-flighted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect. The suspect presented a threat to deputies, brandishing a firearm, at which point law enforcement responded with deadly force. The suspect died on scene.

The community is safe, and law enforcement remains on-site to process the scene. The names of the deceased and injured are being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those lost today and those recovering in the hospital,” said Sheriff Kasey Kendall. “We are grateful for the quick response of our deputies and regional partners who worked to ensure no further harm came to our community.”

The Idaho Falls Police has been called in to lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The investigation into the original shooting will be led by Idaho State Police, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

Power County Sheriff’s Office is assisted by the Bannock County and Bingham County Sheriff’s Offices, Blackfoot, Chubbuck, Pocatello, American Falls and Idaho State Police, Idaho Fish and Game, and Portneuf Air Rescue. Pocatello, Fort Hall, and Power County provided EMS and ambulance services.

UPDATE: LEOs Respond to Fatal Shooting on Tank Farm Road; Community Safety Secured

By
Observer Staff
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April 4, 2026

POWER COUNTY, Idaho — The Power County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred on Tank Farm Road on the afternoon of Friday, April 3, 2026. The incident resulted in three fatalities and two injuries. Law enforcement has confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.

At approximately 2:38 p.m., dispatch received reports of three people shot on Tank Farm Road in northern Power County. Emergency responders arrived to find two individuals deceased and one injured. The injured person was transported to Portneuf Medical Center via ambulance.

During the initial investigation, authorities located a suspect hiding near the Portneuf River. While at the scene, officers heard additional gunshots and discovered another injured individual suffering from gunshot wounds. That individual was life-flighted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect. The suspect presented a threat to deputies, brandishing a firearm, at which point law enforcement responded with deadly force. The suspect died on scene.

The community is safe, and law enforcement remains on-site to process the scene. The names of the deceased and injured are being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those lost today and those recovering in the hospital,” said Sheriff Kasey Kendall. “We are grateful for the quick response of our deputies and regional partners who worked to ensure no further harm came to our community.”

The Idaho Falls Police has been called in to lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The investigation into the original shooting will be led by Idaho State Police, Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

Power County Sheriff’s Office is assisted by the Bannock County and Bingham County Sheriff’s Offices, Blackfoot, Chubbuck, Pocatello, American Falls and Idaho State Police, Idaho Fish and Game, and Portneuf Air Rescue. Pocatello, Fort Hall, and Power County provided EMS and ambulance services.

Labrador Letter: Urging the Supreme Court to Block Federal Agencies from Writing Criminal Law

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Observer Staff
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April 3, 2026 (Cover Photo Credit: Karyn Simmons)

Dear Friends,

Raul Labrador (Photo Credit: Raul Labrador FB)

In 2021, Gregory Pheasant was arrested for riding a dirt bike without a taillight on federal land near Reno, Nevada. A federal district court dismissed the charges, ruling that Congress had violated the Constitution by letting the Bureau of Land Management decide what conduct is criminal without defining the crimes themselves. However, the Ninth Circuit reversed that decision, upholding BLM’s authority. Pheasant asked the Supreme Court to review the case, and last week, Idaho filed a brief urging the Court to take the case and restore the constitutional requirement that Congress, not unelected agencies, must write the laws that define criminal conduct.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws and the Executive the duty to enforce them. But in Section 303(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Congress handed the power to define crimes on public lands to the Bureau of Land Management. The law allows BLM to issue any regulations deemed “necessary” for the “management, use, and protection of the public lands” and attaches criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and $1,000 fines to violations. Congress prescribed maximum penalties but left it entirely to BLM to decide what conduct triggers those penalties.

That breaks a foundational principle of our constitutional system. The People granted Congress legislative authority through the Constitution. Under settled principles of common law and political philosophy embraced by the Framers, delegated power cannot be re-delegated without the consent of the original grantor. When Congress hands lawmaking authority to agencies, it breaks the link between legislation and the consent of the governed.

This matters to Idaho because 61% of our state is federal land, with BLM managing 22%. Across nearly a quarter of Idaho, individuals can face prosecution under rules written by bureaucrats they never voted for and cannot hold accountable. Using this delegated authority, BLM has criminalized conduct traditionally regulated by states, including playing music too loudly, repositioning campground furniture, searching for treasure, and possessing outdated vehicle registration.

The separation of powers exists to prevent tyranny. When the same person or body holds both the power to make laws and the power to enforce them, liberty dies. James Madison singled out “criminal subjects” as ones on which Congress must “leave as little as possible to the discretion of those who are to apply and to execute the law,” warning that otherwise “the whole power of legislation might be transferred by the legislature from itself.”

The Supreme Court has long demanded that Congress be the body that makes criminal law. The Judiciary cannot make criminal law. There are no common-law offenses against the United States. Nor can the Executive prescribe a criminal offense by regulation. For an agency to prescribe a rule carrying criminal penalties, there must be an act of Congress that at least prescribes what conduct constitutes a crime.

Idaho led 18 states in urging the Court to hear the case and reverse the Ninth Circuit’s decision. The case raises fundamental questions about accountability, consent, and the structure of government the Founders designed to protect liberty. What people call BLM land is actually the people’s land, and the people have not agreed to have their liberty restrained under BLM’s conditions, only under conditions set forth by their elected representatives.

Best regards,

Image

ABOUT THE OFFICE

The Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to the State of Idaho. The Attorney General and his deputies represent state agencies and offices, to better the lives of Idahoans.

For more information about the Office, visit our website here.

Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat Controlled Hunt Application Period Open Now

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Observer Staff
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(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, March 27, 2026)

The application period for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat controlled hunts opens April 1 and runs through April 30. Hunters can apply online, at any Fish and Game office, license vendor, or by calling 1 (800) 554-8685.

Apply online at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com.

Resident and nonresident can apply for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunts, but nonresidents are limited to no more than 10% of the total number of tags for each species. To apply, each applicant must possess a 2026 Idaho hunting or combination license. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $16.75 for residents and $45.75 for nonresidents.

Moose, sheep, and goat hunt applicants must pay the tag fee along with the application fee when they apply. The total application fees for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat are:

  • Residents under Price Lock: $183.50
  • Residents without Price Lock: $216.50
  • Nonresidents: $2,672.50

Moose, sheep, and goat drawing results will be online in early June. Tag fees will be refunded to those who did not draw, but hunting license and application fees are non-refundable.

Hunters are reminded that moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat controlled hunt tags are excluded from designation by any parent or grandparent to their minor child or grandchild.

A person is allowed to apply for one of these three species in a year, and those who apply for a moose, sheep, or goat hunt are ineligible for most deer, elk, and pronghorn controlled hunt drawings.

For more information, review the 2025-2026 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat Seasons and Rules booklet, which is available online, at Fish and Game offices, and license vendors.

Moose, sheep, and goat tags are among Idaho’s most coveted hunts and also among the most successful for harvest.

In 2025, hunter success was:

  • Moose: 87%
  • Bighorn Sheep: (California = 71%; Rocky Mountain = 81%)
  • Mountain Goat: 100%

Moose hunters are reminded that in addition to the controlled hunts, there are four moose tags available through Fish and Game’s Super Hunt program. Details on the Super Hunt program can be found on Page 42 of the 2025-26 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat Seasons and Rules booklet. The deadline for entries for the first Super Hunt drawing is May 31.

Idaho Aims to Host Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

By
Observer Staff
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(Governor’s Office Press Release, March 31, 2026)

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the State of Idaho has submitted its response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Request for Information (RFI) inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses — a new federal effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen America’s leadership in advanced nuclear energy.

This initiative would further solidify Idaho’s position as the nation’s leader in nuclear innovation.

“Idaho is prepared to continue our tradition of nuclear excellence and build on the foundation that has already made our state great. Nuclear power presents an opportunity for Idaho families to continue receiving affordable, clean energy far into the future, and I support the growth of Idaho’s nuclear industry. I hope the Department of Energy will recognize Idaho’s historic nuclear leadership and its strong candidacy for this initiative,” Governor Little said.

States selected to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus would serve as central hubs for advanced nuclear development. Securing this designation would bolster Idaho’s economy, expand access to reliable baseload power, and position the state at the forefront of next‑generation nuclear technologies.

Idaho’s response was prepared in coordination with the newly established Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, created by Executive Order in September 2025. The submission is supported by more than a dozen letters from private industry, as well as federal, state, and local leaders, underscoring broad momentum behind Idaho’s proposal.

“During a time of rising energy demand, there is no better place than Idaho to find new solutions for power generation. Idaho’s long history of partnering with the Idaho National Lab has prepared the state for success in the new nuclear renaissance. Idaho is home to the world’s first power‑generating nuclear reactor and is a world‑class partner for the U.S. Department of Energy to continue doing business with,” said Cally Younger, OEMR Administrator and Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force Member.

Idaho’s response can be viewed at: https://nuclear.idaho.gov/

BLM Proposes Expedited Review of Timber Salvage and Thinning Projects

By
Observer Staff
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(Bureau of Land Management Press Release, April 3, 2026)

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management is proposing two new categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act to speed up reviews for timber salvage and thinning projects on public lands. By streamlining efforts to remove excess timber and recover dead or dying trees, the initiative aims to reduce future wildfire risks and bolster rural communities and local economies.

Streamlined reviews help get more salvage and thinning projects underway quickly, supporting local mills, sustaining timber jobs and generating the forest products that many rural economies rely on. By improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk, these efforts also help protect the communities that depend on healthy, resilient forests.

“The Biden administration inexplicably stripped timber harvest authorities from the BLM late in 2024 with little explanation—just after our public lands endured one of the worst fire seasons in more than a decade,” said Kate MacGregor, Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior. “Under President Trump’s leadership, Interior proposes to restore these critical tools to clear dead and dying timber, protect lives and property and defend communities from the devastation of wildfire.”

The proposed categorical exclusions would apply to routine timber salvage and thinning projects under 5,000 acres, replacing current limits on their use for salvage projects up to 250 acres and 70 acres for thinning projects. The categorical exclusions would allow the BLM to remove dead, dying, or overcrowded trees before it loses market value or becomes fuel for wildfires and to remove excess timber for active forest management, essential for long-term sustainability and reducing wildfire risks.

Over the past three decades, forests across the western United States have experienced landscape-scale die-offs caused by wildfire, insect infestations, disease, drought and other disturbances. These impacts have reshaped ecosystems and heightened wildfire risks. Since 2000, wildfires have burned an average of 7.3 million acres annually, with BLM lands seeing an average of 236,530 acres affected each year.

Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that have been determined to not typically have significant environmental impacts, eliminating the need to do a full environmental review. Streamlining National Environmental Policy Act compliance through categorical exclusions removes regulatory burdens and speeds up the process, saving time and resources.

Notices for proposed categorical exclusion for timber salvage and thinning projects will publish in Monday’s Federal Register, which will initiate a 30-day comment period. Additional information is available at the timber salvage and timber thinning BLM National NEPA Register sites, where comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” options until May 6, 2026.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

U.S. Department of State Announces Reforms to the U.S. Foreign Service

By
Observer Staff
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(U.S. Department of State Press Release, April 1, 2026)

The U.S. Department of State is modernizing the U.S. Foreign Service selection and preparation processes to ensure that the United States is equipped with the essential diplomatic corps that it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

These modernization efforts include reinstituting a written examination test, testing applicants on American history, and reforming the Foreign Service orientation to include content on diplomatic theory, economic statecraft, and strategic competition. The State Department invites all Americans with the skill and spirit to represent our nation around the world to apply to join the U.S. Foreign Service.

Preparing the U.S. Foreign Service for the 21st Century

The State Department has made a series of reforms designed to modernize all aspects of foreign service recruitment and training and ensure that our diplomatic corps is ready to deliver results for the American people around the world.

The State Department is reducing barriers to leadership and management roles by emphasizing merit in the selection process so that officers who excel can have opportunities for leadership across the Department earlier in their careers. This will ensure that promising officers stay in government service and can work in rewarding, high-impact roles.

The State Department overhauled the Foreign Service Officer Test, adding questions on American history and logical reasoning while eliminating those intended to test alignment with the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda.

The State Department redesigned the Foreign Service Oral Exam to refocus on testing substantive knowledge of U.S. foreign policy concepts, diplomatic history, and negotiation skills.

The State Department has returned to the use of a Written Examination to replace the Qualification Evaluation Panel given that the ability to think critically and write clear prose continues to be an essential skill for Foreign Service Officers.

A-100, the Foreign Service onboarding program, has been transformed into a rigorous and comprehensive basic training program to best prepare the commissioned officers of the United States diplomatic corps. Foreign Service Officers will now receive substantive content on policy and tradecraft, which includes lectures on diplomatic history and America First foreign policy.

The onboarding program now features required and recommended readings on American history and international relations, including speeches and writings from George Washington, John Quincy Adams, and James Monroe, selections from the Federalist Papers, and works from George Kennan, Angelo Codevilla, and Samuel Huntington.

A-100 will include lectures on international relations, including on economic strategy, commercial diplomacy, and grand strategy, as well as training on public speaking, negotiation, and leadership.

These lectures and trainings replace exercises that purported to teach communication skills and “team resilience,” including one 90-minute activity that required participants to throw objects into a bucket while blindfolded. Lecture content concerning bureaucratic tedium has been reduced to a minimum.

Bannock County Assessor: Taxes, Elections, and Legislative Updates

By
Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, April 2, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)

Bannock County Assessor Anita Hymas (Official Photo)

I can’t believe we are already in April—this year is flying by!

As many of you know, this is an election year. Several state and county offices are up for election, including six positions here in Bannock County. I am proud to announce that I am running for reelection and honored to be running unopposed. I remain committed to keeping the public informed through newsletters and Facebook, maintaining an open-door policy, and ensuring fairness and equity in all that we do. It is a privilege to continue serving the residents of Bannock County.

Office Updates

Property Tax Reduction Applications

We are currently accepting Property Tax Reduction applications for the 2026 tax year. The deadline is April 15. If you have not yet applied and believe you may qualify, please visit our office or apply online. If you are still working on your income taxes, I encourage you to at least begin the application before the deadline.

Property Value Assessments

We are nearing completion of this year’s property value assessments. I expect to have more detailed information to share in the next newsletter. While there is still work to be done before notices are sent, we are making steady progress.

Legislative Update

During this year’s legislative session, a bill from 2025 regarding the proration of the Homeowner’s Exemption was revisited. The proration language has been removed. This means the Homeowner’s Exemption will remain unchanged.

If you purchase a home that does not already have the exemption, you may apply any time through December 31 and receive the exemption for the full year.

Thank You

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported me during my first term. I am committed to transparency and welcome your feedback and suggestions as we continue working to improve how the Assessor’s Office serves the residents of Bannock County.

Wishing you a wonderful April and a happy Easter!

~ Anita Hymas
Bannock County Assessor

Pocatello Parks and Recreation Highlights: April

By
Observer Staff
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April 4, 2026

Pocatello–The city’s Parks and Rec newsletter is now available.  Highlights include:

  • Registration is now open for the Fun Run Series; for more information, click here.
  • The summer Parks and Rec Activity Guide is now available online; click here.
  • Zoo Idaho opens for the season on Saturday, April 4.
  • The City of Pocatello Hiring Fair will be held at the Public Works Annex (2405 Garrett Way) on Friday, April 10, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • The Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair will be held at Lookout Point Park on Saturday, April 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
  • Registration is now open for the Fun Run Series; for more information, click here.
  • The Midweek Race Series continues through June; for more information, click here. Both running and biking options are available.
  • Reminder: Polite pets are welcome in city parks and the City Creek Trail system.  Owners must keep their pets leashed and under control at all times, and are required to clean up after them.  To read the relevant city ordinance, click here.

UPDATE: LEOs Responding to Shooting Incident West of Pocatello

By
Karyn Simmons
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April 3, 2026

5:41 PM

The Power County Sheriff’s Office has released the following information:

The Power County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident in the area of Batiste and Tank Farm Road.

At approximately 2:38 p.m., dispatch received reports of three people shot on Tank Farm Road in north Power County. Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after.

At this time, Tank Farm Road is closed between Rowland Lane and Siphon Road.Residents and commuters are strictly advised to avoid the area to allow law enforcement and emergency medical services to work unimpeded.

“Our priority right now is securing the scene and ensuring the safety of the surrounding neighborhood,” said Power County Sheriff Kasey Kendall. “We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we begin the preliminary investigation.”

The investigation is in its early stages. Further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting will be released as they become available.

Power County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Bannock County and Bingham County Sheriff’s Offices, Pocatello, American Falls and Idaho State Police, and Portneuf Air Rescue. Pocatello, Fort Hall, and Power County are providing EMS and ambulance services.

3:20 PM

Bannock County Sheriff’s Office deputies are responding to a shooting incident on Tank Farm Rd, which is just west of Pocatello/Chubbuck.  The public is urged to stay away from the area; motorists are to use alternate routes.  Those located in the immediate vicinity are to remain indoors.

Updates will be shared through the Sheriff’s Office app, and will be added to this story as they become available.

 

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The Pocatello Chubbuck Observer seeks to be a fair and objective portal, where readers can find the local, regional and national news, recent facts and entertainment.
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