Annual Fish and Game Fur Auction To Run Online April 6-20

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April 5, 2026

(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, March 17, 2026)

This year’s auction of furs, hides, antlers and other items will be run through Wears Auctioneering West. The online auction opens on April 6 and ends on April 20 at 3 p.m. (MDT). Buyers can preview photos of auction items on Wears Auctioneering West’s website. There will be no in-person viewing of items.

As always, furs, whole carcasses, antlers, skulls and other items are up for grabs at the auction. All items were either found, seized as evidence or salvaged. All carcasses are considered unfit for human consumption and are sold for use of non-edible portions only. Antlers may be sold as bundles by weight or as single sets attached to skull plates.

A Taxidermist-Fur Buyer license is required to purchase raw bear, mountain lion or wolf skins, or parts of bears, mountain lions or wolves or any raw furbearer hide, skin or pelt. Resident licenses are $40 for one year, and a resident 5 year is $176.75. Nonresident licenses are $187 for one year or $74.25 for three-days. The licenses can be purchased at any Idaho Fish and Game office and are required at the time of pick up.

Nonresident purchasers should be aware that their state may not allow import of certain animals or animal parts. Be sure to check your state’s regulations before purchasing.

A person who has killed an animal illegally, and that animal has been confiscated and put up for sale at the auction, may not buy that animal or any part of it at the auction; nor may another person buy the animal or any part of it on their behalf. A violation would be considered an illegal purchase of wildlife.

A ten percent buyer’s premium will be added to each sale. Sales tax will be assessed against all sales unless the buyer provides a Sales Tax Resale or Exemption Certificate.

Winning bidders must pick up their items at the Idaho Fish and Game Southwest Regional Office 15950 N. Gate Boulevard Nampa, ID 83687

Pick up dates and times are April 22-24 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MST). Appointments should be made 24-hours prior to pick up. Shipping is not available.

For more information about the auction visit www.wearswest.com or contact the Southwest Regional office at 208-465-8465.

2026 Pocatello Youth Leadership Academy Now Accepting Applications

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Observer Staff

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April 5, 2026

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(Pocatello Police Department, March 31, 2026; Cover photo credit: PPD FB)

Pocatello Police Youth Leadership Academy is accepting applications!

June 8–13, 2026

Are you a high school student—or do you know one—who wants to build leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence all through police tactics? This one-week program is designed just for you!

Open to High School Students
Free to Attend
Led by Pocatello School Resource Officers

This hands-on academy provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn about law enforcement, and challenge themselves in a supportive team environment.

Questions? Contact PPDLeadership@pocatello.gov
Or call (208) 234-6131

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming a stronger leader!
https://pocatello.gov/909/Youth-Leadership-Academy

U.S. Army and Navy Continue Tests of Hypersonic Missile

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Observer Staff

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April 5, 2026

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(Department of War Press Release, April 2, 2026)

The U.S. Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs, conducted a successful launch of a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on March 26, 2026.

The Army and Navy partnership to field a common hypersonic missile across land- and sea-based platforms supports the National Defense Strategy by accelerating timelines, reducing costs, and delivering a highly survivable capability to defeat time-sensitive, heavily defended, and high-value targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5.

Registration Open for Pocatello’s 29th Annual “Run with the Big Dogs”

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Observer Staff

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April 5, 2026

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(City of Pocatello Press Release, April 1, 2026)

Leash up, lace up, and get ready to run—registration is now open for the 29th Annual “Run with the Big Dogs,” happening Saturday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. This year’s event will take place at Centennial Park, located at South Grant Avenue and Idaho Street.

Hosted by the Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter, this tail-wagging community favorite features a 2K walk/run and a 5K run, perfect for runners, walkers, and their four-legged companions.

Registration is $40 per participant. Sign up before April 3 to snag an official Run with the Big Dogs T-shirt. Dogs who join in on the fun will receive a bandana and a “doggy bag” packed with fun freebies (while supplies last). Participants can register online or in person at Pocatello Animal Services, 3100 Avenue of the Chiefs.

“It’s wonderful to see so many members of the community come out to support the shelter,” said Sarah Moore, Pocatello Animal Services Assistant Manager. “This incredible event brings people and their dogs together to make a real difference for animals in need, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter.”

The event is more than just a run, it’s a celebration. Enjoy vendors, raffles, a silent auction, splash pools for pups, and refreshments for both humans and their furry friends.

Proceeds from the Run with the Big Dogs directly support shelter animal adoptions, helping more pets find their forever homes.

Ready to join the pack? Register at pocatelloshelterfriends.org/run-with-the-big-dogs. For more information on Pocatello Animal Services or to view adoptable pets, visit pocatello.gov/animal or like the department on Facebook at facebook.com/PocatelloAnimalServices.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the City of Pocatello to offer its public programs, services, and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. If you are disabled and require an accommodation, please contact Skyler Beebe with two (2) business days’ advance notice at sbeebe@pocatello.gov; 208.234.6248; or 5815 South 5^th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.

Bannock County DMV: Legislative Update

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Observer Staff

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April 5, 2026

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

It feels like 2026 just started a few days ago, but we’re heading straight into summer, I guess (temps included). The nice weather has made for a busier March than usual for us. Patrons are getting a jump on their boat registrations, invasive species stickers, and recreational vehicle permits so they can enjoy the season early! We’ve also seen an increase in vehicle registration and title foot traffic in our office.

Last month, we shared updates on legislation. In a recent meeting with ITD, they mentioned that 20 bills have been introduced this year and are at various stages of the legislative process, impacting ITD DMV and the County DMV offices. Here is the latest update on some issues our office has monitored.

HB533 – No Registration Decal/Stickers bill was passed and signed by the governor in February and will take effect 7/1/2026. Registration will still need to be renewed and paid for annually or biannually. This bill just eliminates the need for the decal stickers, not the registration itself.

HB577 – Plate replacement date changing from 10-year requirement to “as necessary.” This was passed and signed in March, with an enactment date of 7/1/2026.

HB663 – New agricultural plate design. The previous AG plate design will be discontinued, and the committee and program behind this plate will be able to adjust it through a vote. The new plate will be available 7/1/2026.

HB825a – NEW Idaho America 250 specialty plate. This new plate will help fund the Heritage Trust program in Idaho, and the specialty plate fee will be $35 in addition to the standard registration fee for the first year and $25 each year thereafter. This bill was signed by the Governor on Monday, and the new plate will be available within 2-3 weeks. More to come on the release of this plate.

HB532 – The Identity Validation bill will modify how DMV offices across the state verify identities, including motor vehicle and driver’s licenses. These changes have not yet been communicated or discussed with us by ITD. They have assured us that training will be provided. The bill was passed and signed in March, with an effective date of 7/1/2026.

HB629a – This bill will allow electronic vehicle registration, in addition to paper registration. This bill has been passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. This will take effect on 7/1/2026 if the Governor signs it into law. More details to come.

SB1325 – NEW specialty plate design: a white plate background with black lettering and the word Idaho on the plate. It will look similar to the black-and-white ones that came out last year. However, this plate program will be funding the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund. The specialty fee for this plate will be $70 in addition to the standard registration fee for the first year, and $50 each year thereafter.

We are also watching additional bills, and we will cover more of them when we get more information from ITD on how they will change or affect our business offerings. Until then, enjoy your springtime, and we look forward to seeing you in our office!!

FBI Surges Personnel to Support Operation Not Forgotten 2026, Expanding Investigative Resources Across Indian Country

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Observer Staff

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April 5, 2026

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(FBI Press Release, April 2, 2026)

The FBI on April 2 announced a personnel surge in support of Operation Not Forgotten 2026, the latest deployment under Operation Steadfast Promise demonstrating the Bureau’s sustained commitment to addressing violent crime and improving public safety in Indian Country.

In its fourth year, Operation Not Forgotten focuses on unresolved cases in Indian Country with a priority placed on cases involving violence against women and children, including those who are missing or murdered.

Operation Not Forgotten is a major initiative under FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise, a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases, while working to improve public safety measures impacting Tribal communities. The FBI, in coordination with U.S. attorneys’ offices; the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Missing and Murdered Unit; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Tribal and other federal law enforcement partners, is working across multiple territories to bring investigative aid to cases and resolution for victims and their families.

“We will never accept the high rates of violence suffered by American Indian and Alaska Native people,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This surge will comprehensively address Indian Country violent crime—from gangs, guns and drugs, to domestic and sexual violence—while strengthening partnerships and public safety in Tribal communities.”

“For far too long, our tribal partners have been forgotten while their communities suffer unacceptably high rates of violent crime,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year’s Operation Not Forgotten was a tremendous success in delivering the resources long needed in Indian Country—and we are just getting started. This FBI will continue working together with our Tribal and federal partners to again surge personnel to block violent actors who think they can act lawlessly within these revered communities.”

“This surge represents the federal law enforcement at its best; coordinated, intelligence-driven, and focused on delivering justice,” said ATF Deputy Director Rob Cekada. “ATF is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring the full weight of our investigative and forensic capabilities to fight violent crime in Indian Country. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no community is overlooked and that every victim receives the justice they deserve.”

“Operation Not Forgotten reflects the Department of the Interior’s unwavering commitment to Native families and the strength of our partnership with the FBI to deliver justice where it is long overdue,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Established during President Trump’s first term, the Bureau of Indian Affair’s Missing and Murdered Unit has brought national focus to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis—driving stronger investigations, tighter coordination across jurisdictions, and renewed attention to cases that for too long were left unresolved. That work continues with urgency and purpose today, as we stand alongside the FBI to pursue answers for families and uphold our trust responsibility to Native communities.”

Building on prior deployments that have provided investigative support to more than 700 cases, resulting in the recovery of child victims, arrests, and federal indictments, Operation Not Forgotten 2026 represents the Bureau’s continued commitment to ensuring that the most serious unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country receive the full weight of federal investigative resources.

Surged personnel, including investigative, intelligence and victim service support, will be deployed on rotating temporary duty assignments across Indian Country in 11 FBI field offices, in Albuquerque; Billings, Montana; Detroit; Denver; Jackson, Mississippi; Las Vegas; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Omaha; Portland, Oregon; and Phoenix. Working in close coordination with Tribal law enforcement agencies, the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit, and U.S. attorneys’ offices, together law enforcement will work to advance open investigations and pursue accountability for victims and their families.

At the start of this fiscal year, the FBI’s Indian Country program carried approximately 4,100 open investigations including death investigations, child abuse cases, and domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations underscoring the persistent and urgent need for sustained resource investment in these communities.

The FBI remains committed to standing alongside Tribal communities, federal partners, and local law enforcement to address the violent crime threats that continue to impact Indian Country. To learn more, visit fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/indian-country-crime.

The FBI encourages anyone with information related to unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country to contact their local FBI field office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.

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

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Observer Staff

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April 4, 2026

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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

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Observer Staff

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April 4, 2026

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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.