(Idaho House Republican Caucus Press Release, January 22, 2021)
Today, Idaho Governor Brad Little spoke to Idahoans in an address in which he said, “Idaho Legislature’s actions threaten vaccine rollout and Idaho’s prosperity.” The Idaho House, in particular, has been holding hearings and considering legislation to end all or part of the restrictions imposed by the declared State of Emergency.
In response, the Idaho House Republican Caucus issued the following statement:
“Members of the House Republican Caucus will continue to work to address the concerns of the Idaho families whom they represent. The inflammatory comments from the Governor’s office do nothing but complicate the process. The life-altering concerns revolving around the COVID-19 emergency continue to be in the front of our minds. Our members are working on various forms of legislation to help the state on its road to the recovery that Idahoans have been demanding for months and we call on the Governor to work with us in this process.”
(Idaho Governor’s Office Briefing, January 22, 2021)
Today, Idaho Governor Brad Little addressed the citizens of Idaho in a video that streamed on Idaho Public Television at noon.
In the video, which also features Major General Michael Garshak, the Commanding General of the Idaho National Guard, on the Guard’s role in fighting the pandemic, Governor Little accused the Idaho House of taking actions that threaten the vaccine rollout and Idaho’s prosperity.
The video can be seen, below:
Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!
(City of Chubbuck Video Release, January 22, 2021)
Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England discusses the State of the City in his January 22, 2021, Mayor’s Video Blog. To watch the video, click on the link, below:
(City of Pocatello Press Release, January 22, 2021)
Jim Krueger (Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)
The City of Pocatello has a new leader in the Finance Department.
January 19 marked the first day as Chief Financial Officer for Jim Krueger. Jim brings over 34 years of municipal finance director experience to the City of Pocatello. He comes to the Gate City from Coronado, California where he served as the Director of Administrative Services for the City of Coronado. Prior to his time in Coronado, Jim was the City Administrator/City Treasurer-Clerk/Finance Director for the City of Garden City, Idaho, Deputy City Manager/Finance Director/Internal Services Director for the City of Lodi, California, Finance Director for the City of Bend, Oregon, and Finance Director for the City of Sutherlin, Oregon. He has also taught Business Management and Accounting courses for Southern Oregon University and Ventura Community College, respectively. He also served on the City Council of Phoenix, Oregon.
“Everything I have heard about the Mayor, City Councilmembers, department heads and the City staff is very encouraging to me and I look forward to working together with them to provide excellent service to the citizens of Pocatello,” said Jim. “I am looking forward to meeting the Mayor and City Councilmembers in-person, getting to know each one of them better, and learning of what they believe are the most pressing financial challenges facing the City will be one of my most important goals.”
“Jim’s extensive experience in municipal government is impressive,” said Mayor Brian Blad. “He is exactly the type of person we were looking for to fill this important role for the City. The beginning of the calendar year is a busy time for us, and he’ll be able to step right in with no issues.”
Jim holds a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Cal Poly University, Masters of Business Administration from Southern Oregon University, and a Certified Public Accountant license.
Jim and his wife, Diane, have three children and five grandchildren. He enjoys hiking and golf in the summer months. In the winter, you can find him skiing, both cross-country and downhill.
“After living in busy Southern California for the last five years, I am looking forward to the peaceful environment of Eastern Idaho,” Jim said. “I believe Idaho is one of the most beautiful states in the union and look forward to enjoying the outdoor recreational activities that are available in the Pocatello area.”
His appointment was confirmed by the Pocatello City Council November 19.
For more information on the City of Pocatello Finance Department, visit pocatello.us/finance.
(Idaho Governor’s Office Press Release, January 22, 2021)
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little will make an announcement regarding the COVID-19 emergency on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 12 p.m. MT. The announcement will be broadcast on Idaho Public Television (.1) and online.
Parents Should Be Able to Attend Their Children’s Activities
by: John Crowder
John Crowder, Publisher, Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer
One of my greatest joys in being a parent comes from watching my children participate in the activities that they love. Whether it is a sporting event, drama, public speaking, or some other performance, parents want to be with their children, supporting them in their endeavors, cheering them on, sharing the moments in which they take justified pride in their accomplishments.
Yet, with the orders restricting gatherings to 10 people currently in effect, parents and children are missing out on sharing these occasions.
This has got to stop. The rules preventing gatherings are infringing on our constitutionally guaranteed rights, are arbitrary and capricious, interfere with parental choice, and insult the intelligence of Idahoans by telling them they don’t have enough sense to make decisions for themselves.
If you agree, there is something you can do about it. Call and/or email your legislators and let them know you support House Concurrent Resolution 002 (HCR2). Do it today.
HCR2 is moving through the Idaho legislature now. The bill, according to a description by the Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), “ends the portion of the existing state of disaster emergency in Idaho that limits gatherings to 10 or fewer people.” (Read the analysis of the bill posted on the Idaho Freedom Index by clicking on the link, here):
Representative Barbara Ehardt (R – Idaho Falls) passionately spoke about the need for this legislation today on Capitol Clarity (seen, here: Capitol Clarity 2). As she noted in her talk, it’s ridiculous that our young athletes are playing in empty stadiums, where social distancing could easily be maintained, while we have scores of people entering big box stores every weekend.
As noted above, now is the time to contact your legislators. Let them know that it’s past time for the lockdowns to end, and to trust Idahoans to think for themselves.
Boise, Idaho – The Leadership in Nuclear Energy (LINE) Commission will meet virtually Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. MT.
The commission makes recommendations to the Governor on policies and actions of the State of Idaho to support and enhance the long-term viability and mission of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other nuclear industries in Idaho.
“There is an incredible opportunity for Idaho, its businesses, and its institutions of higher learning to lead our nation and the globe in pushing the new frontiers of safe, clean nuclear energy development,” Governor Little said. “The LINE Commission remains dedicated to advising us so we can promote the advancement of nuclear energy and ensure the vitality of the INL.”
The full list of presenters, meeting agenda and participation details are available at https://line.idaho.gov/.
Idaho GOP Chairman Tom Luna (Photo Credit: Tom Luna Facebook Page)
Today, a new administration was inaugurated to lead our country for the next four years. Since 1789, the United States has upheld a peaceful transition of power by swearing in a new administration after an election. The Idaho Republican Party upholds and cherishes this peaceful transfer of power as it’s an integral principle of American government. Although we continue to have deep divides as a nation, and strong disagreements on politics, it is incumbent as Americans, and Idahoans, that we move forward as one United States.
President Trump, in his farewell address, said “Now more than ever, we must unify around our shared values and rise above the partisan rancor and forge our common destiny.”
Throughout this new administration, your Idaho Republican Party vows to be the loyal opposition against any legislation seeking to raise taxes, increase regulation, or infringe upon our liberties. We will work with our federal delegation to promote Idaho voices in Washington D.C. and stand strong for our conservative values.
This change of power will not change our values and beliefs. We will always strive to better the lives of all Idahoans through Republican principles and conservative governance.
Do you want to know what the Idaho legislature is doing? Now you can keep up with current actions by watching or attending Capitol Clarity, weekly meetings held every Thursday that the legislature is in session by Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin and Representative Dorothy Moon.
You can also attend in person. The event will be held in the Lincoln Auditorium in the Capitol building located in the basement level on the west end from 12:00 to 1:00 MT.
Today’s agenda features:
Representative Greg Chaney – Chairman of Judiciary & Rules – House Rule 64
Representative Barbara Ehardt – House Concurrent Resolution 2 – HCR 2
“ . . . the Legislature declares that the portion of the December 30, 2020, order regarding the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people is null, void, and of no force and effect.”
(Pocatello Police Department Advisory, January 20, 2021)
Pocatello Police are asking for the public’s help in locating the two adult male suspects in a shooting at 341 W. Clark that occurred on 1-20-21 at 0226 hrs.
The first suspect is described as being a white male in his early 40s, 5 feet 5 inches tall with a stocky build. He has short grayish-brown hair, was wearing a flannel jacket and has tattoos on his face and arms.
The second suspect is described as being a white male in his 20s, 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build. This suspect has fair-colored skin, reddish blond hair and was wearing a dark heavy coat.
A resident at 341 W. Clark approached two males in the hallway of the apartment building. The three became involved in an altercation during which a single shot from a handgun was fired. The resident sustained a single penetrating gunshot wound to his abdomen. First aid was rendered by another resident of the apartment building who witnessed the altercation. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.
If you have any information that can help resolve this case, please contact the Pocatello Police Department at (208) 234-6100.
