(Bannock County HR, August 7, 2026)
Deputy Sheriff – Detention
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description: CLICK HERE!
Juvenile Probation Officer
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description: CLICK HERE!
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description: CLICK HERE!
For a complete list of available jobs… please visit our career site at: https://bannockcounty.applicantpro.com
August 7, 2026
Idaho Opens the Kitchen Door:
New Opportunities for Families, Farmers & Entrepreneurs
By: Idaho Representative Heather Scott
What if that homemade salsa everyone asks you for could become a small business? What about your grandmother’s famous cinnamon rolls, cookie recipe, homemade jam, or other family favorites? In Idaho, these opportunities can now become reality.
This year, Idaho passed the Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Law, reducing regulations and expanding the freedom of Idahoans to produce and sell homemade foods directly to consumers. Instead of requiring small producers to operate expensive commercial kitchens under regulations designed for large food manufacturers, the new law creates a simpler path for entrepreneurs to turn homemade products into small businesses and neighbors to sell directly to neighbors.
Idahoans can now produce and sell baked goods, jams and jellies, pickles and fermented foods, sauces and condiments, soup mixes, candy, granola, honey, dried and dehydrated foods, freeze-dried foods, pasta and dough, certain jerky products, cooked vegetables, certain nonalcoholic beverages and more, directly to consumers!
The idea behind the law is simple: Idahoans should have greater freedom to produce food, be entrepreneurial, and choose who they buy their food from.
Think of the potential economic boost this will have for families across Idaho.
A mom who loves baking could earn extra money for her family. A retired couple could turn produce from their garden into jams and pickles. A young entrepreneur could test a freeze-dried food business without investing tens of thousands of dollars into a commercial facility. A family recipe passed down for generations could become the beginning of a new Idaho business venture. The possibilities are endless.
This isn’t just about entrepreneurship, it’s also about food security, healthy food products and stronger more self-reliant communities. COVID reminded us how quickly store shelves can empty and supply chains can be disrupted. The more Idahoans who know how to grow, preserve, prepare and sell food locally, the more self-reliant our communities become. It also encourages skills Americans relied upon for generations like gardening, canning, preserving, baking, fermenting, dehydrating and turning locally grown food into products that can be stored, sold and shared.
More gardens. More farms. More home producers. More local food. More choices. Better health. Stronger families.
Greater freedom comes with responsibility, and producers still have requirements involving disclosures, ingredients, contact information, safe handling of applicable foods and recordkeeping. Certain products, like meat and dairy products, may be governed by additional requirements, and this law primarily creates a framework for direct-to-consumer sales within Idaho, not wholesale commercial food manufacturing.
Government doesn’t always have to respond to an issue by creating another license, fee, permit or bureaucracy. Sometimes the better answer is to remove unnecessary barriers and give responsible people room to create.
And maybe, the next great Idaho food company won’t begin in a corporate boardroom, but rather begin with a garden, a family recipe, and an Idaho kitchen.
If you’ve ever had someone tell you “You should sell this,” now might be the time to give it a try!
In Liberty,
Rep. Heather Scott
(City of Pocatello Press Release, August 7, 2026; Cover photo credit: City of Pocatello)
The City of Pocatello is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Grow as the City’s new Fire Chief, effective August 8, 2026.
A Pocatello native, Grow brings nearly 25 years of experience with the Pocatello Fire Department and a lifelong commitment to serving his hometown.
After graduating from Highland High School, Grow earned his bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University before spending several years in Portland, Oregon. He returned to Pocatello to begin his career with the Fire Department, where he has since served in numerous leadership and specialized roles.
Throughout his career, Grow has held nearly every position within the department. He served as a paramedic for 17 years, has been a member of the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team for 23 years, and has served on the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team for 15 years. Most recently, he served as Battalion Chief for three years before being promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations, a position he has held for the past four years.
“Shane Grow has a 24-year track record with the Pocatello Fire Department. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him over the past few months. He’s taken on positions of increasing responsibility and performed each one of them admirably. He is calm and decisive under pressure and will use his tactical training background to the community’s benefit. I look forward to working with him in his elevated role. We are fortunate to have someone of Shane’s caliber as our new fire chief,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist.
As Fire Chief, Grow will oversee the department’s operations, personnel, emergency response, fire prevention, and community risk reduction efforts.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief in the community that has given so much to me,” said Grow. “The men and women of the Pocatello Fire Department are among the best in the profession, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue providing exceptional service and protecting the people of Pocatello.”
(Bannock County Press Release, August 7, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: Bannock County)
Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, August 10-14, 2026
Monday, August 10, 2026:
Tuesday, August 11, 2026:
View Agenda and Meeting Packet
Wednesday, August 12, 2026:
Thursday, August 13, 2026:
The Work Session Agenda will be updated on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Friday, August 14, 2026:
(The information packets for the business meeting and work session can be found at http://www.bannockcounty.gov. Scroll down and click on “Agendas and Minutes” then click on the information packet for the meeting that you are interested in.)
About BOCC Meetings
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is comprised of the three elected County Commissioners: Ernie Moser (District 1, Chair), Jeff Hough (District 2), and Ken Bullock (District 3).
The BOCC generally meets twice a week: regular business meetings are on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and work sessions are on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Meetings are generally held in the Commissioner’s Chambers at 624 E Center, Room 212, Pocatello, Idaho, unless otherwise noted. Times subject to change within 15 minutes of stated time.
During these meetings, the BOCC may: approve contracts, expend funds, hear testimony, make decisions on land use cases and take care of other County matters, and are open to the public.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, August 8, 2026; Cover Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)
City of Pocatello Calendar of Meetings ~ August 10-14, 2026
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
(Idaho State Police Press Release, August 10, 2026; Cover photo credit: ISP)
BINGHAM COUNTY, IDAHO – Idaho State Police is investigating a two-vehicle property damage crash resulting in a fire that occurred August 8th,2026, at approximately 4:20 p.m. The crash occurred at the intersection of US Highway 26 and N 700 W, just west of Blackfoot, Idaho.
A 2018 Nissan Titan, driven by a 26-year-old male and a 24-year-old passenger female from Blackfoot, Idaho was traveling southbound on N 700 W. A 2010 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old female from Blackfoot, Idaho was driving eastbound on US26. The Nissan failed to yield at the intersection and collided with the Ford causing it to strike a power pole. When the Ford struck the power pole both the Ford and the surrounding area caught fire.
None of the occupants of the Nissan and Ford were reported injured. All occupants were wearing seatbelts.
The eastbound lanes on US26 at N 700 W were blocked for approximately an hour and a half. The westbound right lane was blocked for approximately four hours while emergency responders worked on containing the fire.
The Idaho State Police was assisted by Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfoot Police Department, Blackfoot Fire Department, Aberdeen Fire Department, Fort Hall Fire Department, Firth Fire Department, The Bureau of Land Management, and Idaho Power.
This crash remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.
August 9, 2026
Standing Together in the Face of Evil
On August 1, our Idaho family was shaken by the tragic shootings in Twin Falls.
Our hearts break for the victims, their families, the first responders, and everyone whose lives were forever changed by those terrible moments. There are simply no words that can fully explain the grief that follows such senseless violence.
Yet even in the darkness, we witnessed something else.
We witnessed courage.
Ordinary men and women chose to stand between evil and innocent life. Law enforcement responded with professionalism and resolve. Citizens acted with courage. Those who were able to defend others reminded us that, even in moments of unimaginable danger, there are still people willing to risk everything to protect their neighbors.
For that, every Idahoan should be grateful.
We often hear the saying, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” While that phrase has become part of our national conversation, the deeper truth is this: the only thing that stops evil is good people willing to stand against it.
That has always been true.
Like many Idahoans, I remember a different time. I remember seeing rifles in the back windows of pickup trucks parked outside our schools. They were tools for hunting and ranch work, and they represented responsibility more than fear. We had firearms, but we did not experience the horrific school shootings that have become all too familiar today.
The firearm itself has not changed nearly as much as our culture has.
That reality deserves thoughtful conversation.
Recently, someone asked me whether we could come together—regardless of political party—and have an honest discussion about the Second Amendment in the twenty-first century. I appreciated both the sincerity and the spirit of that question.
My answer is yes.
I do not believe the Second Amendment is fundamentally about Republicans versus Democrats. It is about preserving a fundamental liberty that ultimately protects every other liberty we possess. Constitutional rights do not become less valuable simply because society changes.
At the same time, I believe we should always be looking for ways to strengthen families, restore respect for life, address mental illness, rebuild healthy communities, and teach the values of responsibility, accountability, and love for our neighbors. Those are conversations worth having around kitchen tables, in churches, at community gatherings.
Where I become concerned is when the proposed solution begins with limiting the constitutional rights of millions of law-abiding citizens rather than confronting the evil that exists in the hearts of those who choose to commit violence.
The tragedy in Twin Falls did not end because evil suddenly changed its mind.
It ended because courageous people chose to stand against it.
Our constitutional right to keep and bear arms exists not because we celebrate violence, but because we recognize that every human life has immeasurable value and that every innocent person possesses the God-given right to defend that life. Idaho’s protections affirm that law-abiding citizens should never be treated as criminals simply for exercising their fundamental right of self-defense when faced with an unlawful threat.
The blessings of liberty require more than words.
They require citizens willing to defend those blessings, communities willing to stand together, and leaders willing to protect the constitutional freedoms entrusted to us.
But there is another truth we cannot ignore.
If we truly believe that innocent life deserves protection, then that conviction cannot stop at birth.
This November, Idaho voters will consider Proposition 1, a measure that would expand legal protections for abortion. Supporters present it as a matter of personal choice, but at its heart it asks us a far deeper question:
Who deserves the protection of the law?
I believe the answer is simple.
Every innocent human life.
The same principles that compel us to defend a child, a neighbor, or a stranger from violence also compel us to defend the most vulnerable among us—the unborn child whose voice cannot be heard and whose life depends entirely upon the courage of others to speak on his or her behalf.
Our commitment to protecting life cannot be selective.
If we celebrate those who risked their lives to save others in Twin Falls, we should also recognize our responsibility to protect those who cannot defend themselves at all.
A society is judged not by how it treats the powerful, but by how it protects the vulnerable.
And that is why I believe we must reject policies that weaken our commitment to the sanctity of human life.
The blessings of liberty are not sustained by government alone.
They are preserved by people of courage, people of conviction, and people willing to stand together—even in the face of evil.
May we continue to be that kind of people.
God bless,
Senator Christy Zito
District 8
Protecting Freedom for Future Generations
P.S. If you haven’t already, subscribe to my Substack (zitoforidaho.substack.com) for straight talk from the Capitol and updates you won’t get from the mainstream press. Let’s stay connected and stay strong.
(Idaho Secretary of State, August 7, 2026)
Starting a new Idaho business is a cause for celebration. It’s the culmination of hard work, an innovative idea, a leap of faith, and high hopes. It’s the ribbon cutting, the first customer, and maybe even the first dollar framed on the wall.
A new business owner may not stop to celebrate a fast filing time for the paperwork that registers, renews, or keeps their business in good standing. But like all the things that build a business, it’s a crucial part of the process, and any slowdown can mean another day a loan, a hiring decision, an expansion, or a new idea has to wait. That’s why our Business Services team has made it their mission to keep Idaho operating at the speed of business.
In practice, it’s five days or less. That’s how long it now takes our office to process most business filings. Just months ago, that same filing took 25 to 30 days. That improvement didn’t happen because filings slowed down. Instead, they’ve continued to grow. It happened because a small team of dedicated public servants refused to accept that long waits were the new normal.
That accomplishment becomes even more impressive when you look at the numbers.
In 2025, our eight-person Business Services team processed more than 640,000 filings, nearly 200,000 more than just five years ago. Every one of those filings represents someone taking a chance on an idea, opening a new location, or investing in Idaho’s future. By every measure, Idaho’s economy continues to grow, and our Business Services team has worked tirelessly to keep pace.
Yet, success has created a bit of a paradox. Last fiscal year, our office returned approximately $1.5 million in excess filing revenue to the state’s General Fund while our eight-person Business Services team processed a record number of filings without adding staff. Every new filing creates both revenue and work. One benefits the entire state. The other lands on eight desks.
It raises a fair question: as Idaho’s business growth shows no signs of slowing, what does it look like to make sure the team processing that growth has the resources it needs? That’s a conversation worth having.
For now, my commitment to the business community is simple: we’ll keep moving at the speed of business so Idaho can compete and our economy can continue to flourish.
Phil McGrane
ABOUT SECRETARY PHIL McGRANE
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022.McGrane holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
(White House Press Release, August 6, 2026)
President Donald J. Trump inherited an economy battered by years of inflation that crushed working families. Through bold action to restore American energy dominance, slash red tape, and secure fair trade, the Trump Administration is quickly rebuilding the foundation for lasting prosperity.
That leadership is producing results. Across the country, private sector companies are responding to President Trump’s call by delivering tangible price reductions on everyday goods and services — putting money back in the pockets of American workers and families.
Major retailers are cutting prices on staples that hit household budgets hardest — putting real money back in the pockets of American families.
President Trump’s Most Favored Nation approach is delivering historic cuts to prescription drug prices, with 17 of the world’s largest drugmakers agreeing to bring U.S. prices in line with the lowest paid by comparable developed nations.
Key energy providers and local networks are delivering targeted savings that lower costs for consumers.
American automakers are making vehicles more affordable for hardworking families.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, August 7, 2026)
The City of Pocatello is inviting community members to help make a difference during the Annual Portneuf River Cleanup Saturday, August 29.
From 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers will remove litter, debris, and invasive materials from the Portneuf River and its banks, helping protect one of Pocatello’s greatest natural resources. The cleanup supports the ongoing goals of the Portneuf River Vision while improving the river for recreation, wildlife, and future generations.
Link: Portneuf River Vision – river.pocatello.gov
Event Details
What to Bring
“Every year, we see more people enjoying the river,” said Brenna Olson, Education and Outreach Coordinator. “Events like this show how much our community cares about protecting and enhancing this natural treasure.”
Businesses, service organizations, families, and individual volunteers are all encouraged to participate. Anyone with a boat who would like to assist from the water is encouraged to contact Brenna Olson in advance at bolson@pocatello.gov or 208-234-6519.
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 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.
