December 4, 2020
The City of Pocatello has announced that the regularly scheduled December meetings for two advisory committees have been canceled for lack of business.
The next regular meeting of the Pocatello Regional Airport Commission is scheduled for January 12, 2021.
The next regular meeting of the Sister Cities Committee is scheduled for January 12, 2021.
(White House Press Release, December 3, 2020)
On December 3, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed the Executive Order on Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government, which establishes guidance for Federal agency adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to more effectively deliver services to the American people and foster public trust in this critical technology. This order recognizes the potential for AI to improve government operations, such as by reducing outdated or duplicative regulations, enhancing the security of Federal information systems, and streamlining application processes. It also directs agencies to ensure that the design, development, acquisition, and use of AI is done in a manner that protects privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and American values.
The Executive Order (EO) underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to accelerating Federal adoption of AI, modernizing government, cultivating public trust in AI, and exemplifying world leadership in the use of trustworthy AI.
The EO includes four important actions by the Trump Administration:
Through this EO, the United States is signaling to the world its continued commitment to the development and use of AI underpinned by democratic values.
This action builds upon the momentum and tremendous achievements of the Trump Administration to maintain our global leadership in AI, modernize government, and secure a safe and prosperous future for all Americans.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, December 1, 2020)
Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad’s December newsletter has been posted on the City’s website.
In this issue, Mayor Blad discusses the arrival of winter in Pocatello and how the Street Operations department handles the snow and the important base of knowledge maintained by the many city employees. The newsletter also contains the 2021 recycling schedule.
To view the newsletter, visit: https://pocatello.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1475
December 4, 2020
The City of Pocatello has posted new job opportunities on the City’s website. Open positions include:
To learn more, or to apply for one of the positions, visit the City of Pocatello’s Employment page at: City of Pocatello Employment Opportunities | City of Pocatello
(Idaho Governor’s Office Press Release, December 4, 2020)
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the hiring of Idaho lawyer Brady Hall to serve as General Counsel for the Office of the Governor.
“Brady will serve Idahoans well in his new role as General Counsel for my office and a member of my leadership team. He is an experienced and skilled attorney. I look forward to his work and leadership on important legal and policy matters affecting the people we serve,” Governor Little said.
An Idaho native, Hall received his law degree and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, political science, and sociology from the University of Idaho. He has been a partner at Boise-based law firm Moore Elia Kraft & Hall since 2007 and served as an intelligence officer for the U.S. Department of Defense where he deployed to Iraq in support of U.S. counterinsurgency operations.
Hall is an experienced litigation and trial attorney who has spent the last dozen years defending Idaho and other governmental entities in complex state and federal lawsuits. He represented Idahoans and their businesses in courts throughout the state. Hall also handled numerous cases in the U.S. District Court of Idaho and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and was recently lead counsel in a case filed in the U.S. Supreme Court. Hall has volunteered hundreds of hours protecting the interests of children in court proceedings.
Hall took over for Brian Wonderlich, who is leaving the Governor’s Office to work in the private sector.
“I sincerely thank Brian Wonderlich for serving the people of Idaho so capably as my General Counsel for the past two years and as the chair of my transition team after my election. He is a loyal friend and an intelligent lawyer, and he will be deeply missed in my office. I wish him well as he takes another career step,” Governor Little said.
In addition, Governor Little announced he promoted Bobbi-Jo Meuleman to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff. She will retain her duties as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Governor’s Office. In her new role, she will direct day-to-day management of the Governor’s Office and engage in a variety of other projects while still serving as the primary liaison between the Governor’s Office and legislators, tribes, the business community, and officials in federal, state, county and city government.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, December 3, 2020)
The City of Pocatello’s Community Recreation Center (CRC) will be offering three Lifeguard Training Courses starting January 23.
Interested participants must complete a pre-course session that includes water skill testing prior to being accepted into the class. The pre-course session will offer a swim test, stroke improvement, and conditioning for those who may need pointers to pass the pre-requisite swim test. The pre-course session is free and is being held at the Community Recreation Center every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. through March 2.
Registration for the required pre-course session is now open online at register.pocatello.us. Interested participants can also register by calling 208-232-3901, or by visiting the CRC at 144 Wilson Avenue. Participants may register for as many sessions as needed to pass the swim test.
The Lifeguard Training Courses will be held in three groups beginning Saturday, January 23 for those who successfully complete the pre-course session and pay the fee. The sessions will be held as follows:
Group 1
Saturday, January 23 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, January 30 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Group 2
Saturday, February 13 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, February 20(9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Group 3
Saturday, March 6 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, March 13 (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
After completing the pre-course session, participants must sign-up for their group. They are also required to complete an online learning session prior to attending the class. Each group is limited to six participants.
The cost is $100 and includes the American Red Cross lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR/AED instruction. For those who successfully complete the course, the certification will be valid for two years. Participants must be at least 15-years-old to be eligible to participate.
For more details on pre-course requirements and skill testing, visit pocatello.us/pr or contact the Community Recreation Center at 208-232-3901.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, December 2, 2020)
Now is your chance to brighten the holidays for the animals at Zoo Idaho.
Through December 12, you can sponsor “Stockings for Wildlife” for one of the zoo’s resident animals. The stocking includes enrichment activities and treats for the sponsored animal. The cost is $75 and in addition to providing some entertainment for Zoo Idaho animals, the proceeds will help fund one school classroom outreach program by Zoo Idaho staff for a school that cannot afford to pay. Sponsors will also be invited to see their
stocking given to their animal at a private event Saturday, December 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A stocking purchase allows ten or fewer people into the event. Refreshments will be provided. Masks are required.
“‘Stockings for Wildlife’ is a great way to support Zoo Idaho while also getting to attend a wonderful holiday event with your family,” said Rachael Shearouse, Education Curator at Zoo Idaho. “We are happy to provide this unique fundraising event for the community. What better way to celebrate the holidays than with treats and animals in the beautiful outdoors.”
If you have questions about the program, contact Rachael Shearouse, Education Curator, at 208-234-6264. To register, visit zooidaho.org/edzoocation/stockings-for-wildlife/.
Zoo Idaho is an indigenous species zoo and is home to orphaned or injured animals from the region that would have likely not survived in the wild.
For more information on Zoo Idaho, visit zooidaho.org.
December 2, 2020
Salvation Army volunteer bell ringers help raise money for the important work done by the group, often using their musical talents to draw a happy Christmas crowd. In Pocatello, Brian Martin is one such worker who was inspired to go a step further, wearing a Victorian costume while singing Christmas music.
“I started bell ringing last year,” said Martin, and “I had the sudden inspiration to wear one of the Victorian outfits I have and sing Christmas carols. I had a ball doing it, and it was so well received that I signed up for twice a week for the rest of the season. It was such a wonderful experience that I couldn’t wait for this year to do it again.”
Martin enjoys meeting people as he performs, and is happy for the chance to brighten someone’s day. Martin shared, “The wonderful thing that happens is that people who may be dealing with some difficulty see me there, having a joyous time dressed for the season and singing away, and it uplifts them and fills their heart with the Spirit.”
Another thing Martin enjoys about the experience is seeing parents use the opportunity to teach their children. “Many parents teach their little children the joy of giving by handing them a handful of coins for them to slip into the kettle’s slot,” he said.
Martin prefers the jazzy upbeat Christmas tunes to sing when he performs. He can be found ringing the bell at the entrance to Fred Meyer every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
The Salvation Army – Pocatello, needs additional bell ringers. If you would like to be a part of this Christmas tradition, contact the local Post as indicated on the flyer, below. Click on the flyer to go to the Salvation Army – Pocatello’s Facebook page.
December 1, 2020 (Photo Credit: POW*MIA Awareness Association)
The POW*MIA Awareness Association is sponsoring the 15th Annual Bikers for Blood Community Blood Drive on Thursday, December 10. The blood drive will take place at the Mountain View Event Center, 1567 Way to Grace Avenue, in Pocatello, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Click on the poster, below, to visit the POW*MIA Awareness Association Facebook page.
December 1, 2020 (Photo Credit: Idaho State Veterans Home Facebook Page)
This Christmas there is an opportunity to “Be the Light,” by sponsoring one of the outdoor trees at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello.
Drive-by viewing of the trees will be available from December 7th through January 4th.
Click on the image below to visit the Idaho State Veterans Home – Pocatello’s Facebook page.
