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Columnist Barb Lissow: When All Else Fails

By
John Crowder
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by: Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer Columnist Barb Lissow

July 29, 2020

When All Else Fails

God who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9

My husband likes to travel…not so much by airplane, but especially in his crew-cab Ram pickup.  One of the biggest challenges, however, with traveling for my husband, is taking along his wife, and usually the dogs, and ALL of the suitcases, bags, boxes, ice chests, paper goods, healthy snacks, books, writing supplies, Bibles, dog food, water and dog food bowls, extra bottles of water (for the pups), towels, hand wipes, hand sanitizers, pillows, blankets, glass cleaner (for sloppy dog-nose prints on EVERY window in the truck), our vitamins, flashlights, hats, gloves, coats, my travel neck pillow, chewing gum, toothpicks, Chapstick, plenty of clothes for every kind of weather, extra socks and undies…well, perhaps he has a reason to start complaining three days before we leave: “How much stuff are you taking this time?”  But, my thinking is just in case something happens, there has to be a plan, and then a back-up plan…right?  Now, most people have a Plan A; some of those even have a Plan B, but some of us Type-A-personality-control-freaks (that would be me) must also have Plans C, D and E.  And “Why?” you might ask, does there need to be the excessive, extra stuff packed into those suitcases, boxes and bags? Here’s my simple answer:  Just in case all else fails.

But what is it that I really fear?  Not being able to whip out a scrumptious snack of apple slices and cheese cubes at a moment’s notice?  Really?  Is there anywhere we might travel where a store of some kind is not just around the corner?  Or is this really an issue of control, being in charge, thinking and planning ahead for any and all possible circumstances, just in case all else fails?  If I am that controlling in my worldly life, am I likely to carry the same Type-A personality into my spiritual life as well?  Can I truly let go of my tight-fisted grip on things and learn to trust that God is the True One in control of my life?

God Bless Truckers Tote Bag, by americanbreadwinner, Pocatello, Idaho.

Worry and fear are NOT of the Lord! (Matthew 6:25-26: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?)  Giving up the desire to control all of life’s circumstances is truly a gain….a gain of FREEDOM, my friends, especially when we surrender that desire to control our lives to the ever-faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus is always there…He is faithful, even when all of my best-made plans fall through or don’t come into being.  Is there any burden that can’t be relinquished by laying it down at the feet of Jesus – just as long as we don’t pick up, take back that old garbage bag of stuff, and start toting it around again?  Truly, I am unable to count the times and ways He has been faithful to me in all my years.  However, many such times are recognized only in looking back, rather than seeing and understanding His goodness and faithfulness in the middle of my distress or challenges.

Christ always knows our needs even before we ask; His goodness is tender and sure, and His guidance and wisdom are provided in His Word.  When I fail, He is there to pick me up, and when I’m weak, it is my Lord’s strength that gets me through.  I can rely on Him in ALL circumstances (Psalm 40:5: Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.  None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.)

Truly, I do understand that God has given us the gift of reason and wisdom to plan for ourselves and our families because He is a God of order, justice, and love.  But, I don’t want to wait until all else fails to turn and rely on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His will for my life…I want to learn to trust and rely on HIM FIRST!!  I yearn to lift my tightly clenched hands into the air and to open them up in praise to Him who saved me!  Yes, to quote an old saying, “I want to let go and let God!”

So, my dear husband will be glad to know, there is hope for our future travels….I’m cutting back to a Plan A (and maybe a Plan B).  God’s provision is sufficient! (2 Peter 1:3: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.)

Don’t wait until all else fails!

Barb Lissow, Faith Lutheran Church, Pocatello

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

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Pocatello Police Department Advisory: Incoming Delay of Cellular Calls to the 911 Dispatch Center

By
John Crowder
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(Pocatello Police Department Advisory, July 28, 2020)

Last evening (July 28, 2020) the Pocatello Police Department issued the following advisory:

The Pocatello Police Department has been made aware of a problem with certain incoming cellular calls to the dispatch center.  At this time the problem appears to be with Verizon customers placing non-emergency and 911 calls on cellular phones.  As a result, there may be some delay or disruption in calls made to the 911 Dispatch center.  These calls are going through; however, it is taking several rings on the caller’s end to actually connect.  Verizon is working diligently with Century Link to correct the problem.  At this time, it is unknown how long this disruption will remain.  The Pocatello Police is working with the utility companies to help address, identify, and fix this issue as soon as possible. 

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

President Trump Takes Historic Action to Reduce Prescription Drug Prices

By
John Crowder
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0

July 27, 2020 (Photo Credit:  The White House)

(Reprinted from 1600 Daily, the White House’s Evening Newsletter)

President Donald J. Trump (White House Official Photo by Shealah Craighead)

Americans have waited decades for Washington to keep its promise to fix soaring prescription drug prices. Now, thanks to President Trump, that long wait is over.

The President signed four sweeping executive orders on Friday, which together will significantly lower the cost of prescription drugs while increasing access to life-saving medications such as insulin:

  • The first order directs federally qualified health centers to pass along massive discounts on insulin and epinephrine from drug companies to low-income Americans.
  • The second order will allow the safe, legal importation of prescription drugs from Canada and other countries where the price for identical drugs is lower.
  • The third order will prohibit secret deals between drug manufacturers and pharmacy “benefit manager” middlemen, ensuring patients directly benefit from available discounts at the pharmacy counter.
  • The fourth order ensures the United States pays the lowest price available among economically advanced countries for Medicare Part B drugs.  The United States often pays 80 percent more for these drugs than other developed nations.

“The four orders that I’m signing today will completely restructure the prescription drug market, in terms of pricing and everything else, to make these medications affordable and accessible for all Americans,” President Trump said.

In 2018, prescription drugs saw their largest annual price decrease in more than half a century.  Average basic premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans have fallen by 13.5 percent since 2017, saving beneficiaries $1.9 billion in premium costs.  Friday’s four executive orders build on this crucial progress.

At the White House last week, a number of Americans shared personal stories about the importance of lowering medicine costs for all patients.

After her husband died in an auto accident, Andrea Eckles ended up with more than $15,000 in medical debt when she had to switch healthcare plans.  “I work in a very small dental office, and so my only choice for healthcare at that time was what I call the ‘Unaffordable Care Act,’” she said.

Paul Madden has lived with insulin-dependent diabetes for 59 years.  “Your work, sir, to ensure that insulin is affordable under Medicare will help guarantee that I and millions of seniors who take insulin realize healthier, more productive, independent, happier lives,” Mr. Madden told the President.

You can watch President Trump sign these historic acts, below:

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

Idaho’s U.S. Senator Jim Risch Discusses COVID-19, China, Small Business in Coeur d’Alene Over the Weekend

By
John Crowder
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0

(Press Release, July 27, 2020)

(U.S. Senator James Risch, Official Photo)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) visited Coeur d’Alene over the weekend where he met with officials from North Idaho College, the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, and former Veteran Small Business of the Month recipient, Critical Power.

During his meetings, Risch spoke with Idahoans about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, rising tensions with China, and the challenges facing Idaho business owners.

“I wholeheartedly believe that any business owner who has persevered through these last few difficult months is setting an example for and serving our state, country and future generations,” Risch told the North Idaho business community.  “I am constantly reminded of this incredible resiliency when I see how Idaho’s business community is adapting to the rapidly changing environment while helping one another through these difficult times.”

God Bless Truckers Tote Bag, by americanbreadwinner, Pocatello, Idaho.

When asked about the most significant foreign policy challenges facing the U.S., Risch focused his remarks on China and his newly introduced legislation to put the U.S. on a stronger path to compete with the country, the STRATEGIC Act.

“China is the single most significant threat facing the United States, and we must act swiftly to protect our sovereignty and push back against the Chinese Communist Party’s malign and increasingly dangerous conduct,” said Risch.  “The STRATEGIC Act will introduce tough new measures aimed at leveling the playing field to safeguard American interests and strengthen and sustain U.S. leadership.”

As it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Risch cautioned that the disease will likely remain an ongoing challenge for the country until a vaccine or treatment is widely available.

“We’re dealing with [the virus], and we are probably going to deal with it until they do make some breakthroughs on the vaccine or on therapeutics, one or the other or hopefully both,” said Risch.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad Issues Proclamation Encouraging Citizens to “Wear a Face Covering”; City to Require Masks at City Buildings, Facilities

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 24, 2020)

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad (photo credit: City of Pocatello website)

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad has a simple message for citizens, “wear a face covering.”

Friday, Mayor Blad issued a proclamation that expresses his “full support of Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s COVID-19 Regional Response Plan” and requests “that Pocatello residents, business owners, and visitors do the same and encourage all who are able to wear a face covering in all indoor and outdoor public places where physical distancing is not possible in order to help Pocatello ‘Stay Safe. Stay Smart. Stay Open.’”  Thursday, Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s Board of Health adopted a four-tiered COVID-19 Regional Response Plan.  To view the proclamation, visit bit.ly/2CJsDPq.  To view Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s plan, visit bit.ly/39oSPe4.

“Southeastern Idaho Public Health has been the lead agency in our region regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Blad.  “They have been doing an incredible job and I want to show my support for their work.  Face coverings are a simple step we can all take to protect our community and our economy.  That is why I’m asking Pocatellans to wear a mask.”

Effective Monday, July 27, Mayor Blad is also implementing face covering measures for City employees and for citizens who enter City facilities and participate in programs and activities.  Citizens are required to wear face coverings when entering any City of Pocatello building or facility or riding in public transportation buses.

“Like our grocery stores, Idaho State University, Bannock County, and many other businesses and organizations, I am asking citizens to respect each other and our staff by wearing face coverings in our facilities,” Mayor Blad said.

Citizens participating in City-sponsored programs or activities in outdoor spaces do not have to wear a face covering unless six-feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.  Individuals in the City’s swimming pools or lazy river also do not have to wear face coverings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”  Additionally, the CDC states “cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others” and “cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.”

City officials encourage all residents to take precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19.  Additional information on ways to help prevent the spread of the disease can be found at siphidaho.org/coronavirus.php, coronavirus.idaho.gov, and cdc.gov.

More information and resources can also be found at pocatello.us/coronavirus.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

Don’t Miss the POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo, Today, at Bannock County Event Center

By
John Crowder
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0

July 25, 2020

Today is the final day of this year’s annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo, and it’s a fun event that shouldn’t be missed!

The event, which is fun for the entire family, provides a variety of entertainment all day long.  The gates opened this morning at 8:00 a.m.  Stop by throughout the day to see the many vendors providing crafts and other items, have some delicious barbeque and a cold drink, and enjoy the entertainment.  Need a patch sewn on?  See the ladies of The Sewing Room, sewing machines at the ready!

Some of today’s highlights include the Kids Bike Rodeo at 11:00 a.m., the Stasia Acrobats Performance at noon, and the Tribute Ceremony at 1:00 p.m., featuring a P-51 Fly By at 1:30 p.m.

Later today, participate in Audience Contests starting at 2:00 and watch the Motorcycle Drag and Rodeo beginning at 2:30 p.m.  At halftime, beginning at 5:00 p.m., check out the Loudest Pipes Competition and Show ‘N Shine Awards.

Finish off your day with the Arm Wrestling Competition beginning at 8:00 p.m., followed by the Light Show and Evening Concert.

The POW*MIA Awareness Rally is a great way to remember those who gave everything for the many freedoms we enjoy in America, to have fun, and to teach our young ones to honor those who served and continue to protect our great nation!

See you there!

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

Time to “Catch Them All,” Pokemon Go Fest 2020, Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26

By
John Crowder
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0

(Information from pokemon.com website.  Photo Credit:  pokemon.com)

Pokemon Go Fest 2020 begins today at 10:00 a.m.  If you’re a Pokemon Go fan, you won’t want to miss this!

The Pokemon.com website (link, here: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-go-fest-2020-is-almost-here-get-details-and-ticket-information/?utm_source=ptcnewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JulyFest&utm_term=hero provides the following information:

“Charge up your mobile devices, Trainers, because Pokémon GO Fest 2020 is upon us! This exciting event will take place on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in your local time zone each day. Both days will be filled with activities for players around the globe. Some activities, such as exclusive Special Research lines, will be available only to players who have purchased a ticket, but there will also be plenty of fun for players who don’t purchase a ticket, too.

On Saturday, look forward to rotating habitats that feature a wide variety of Pokémon to battle and catch. The habitats—themed after fire, water, grass, battle, and friendship—will rotate hourly throughout the day. Trainers who have purchased a Pokémon GO Fest ticket will also be able to join the Global Challenge Arena, where players around the world can work together to unlock rewards. Sunday’s features are still under wraps, but ticket holders can expect a special experience that day.

In addition, a special Pokémon GO Fest hub will feature activities you can check out when you’re taking a break from catching Pokémon. It’ll have live updates, giveaways, and much more throughout the weekend. Plus, the hub will also have downloadable Pokémon GO Fest paper crafts and decorations that you can assemble to liven up your Pokémon GO home base.

Tickets for Pokémon GO Fest 2020 are now available in the in-app shop. Each ticket is US$14.99, plus taxes and fees where applicable. Tickets cannot be purchased with PokéCoins. You need to purchase only one ticket to fully access both days of the event. Your last chance to purchase a ticket will be July 26, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in your local time zone, but be aware that if you purchase your ticket after the event starts, you may miss out on some of the earlier content.

Prepare for two exciting days of challenges and fun when Pokémon GO Fest kicks off on July 25! For more information, visit Pokémon GO Fest 2020’s official site.”

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

2020 Chubbuck Days Event Canceled

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Chubbuck Press Release, July 22, 2020; Photo Credit:  City of Chubbuck)

The City of Chubbuck has canceled the Chubbuck Days event scheduled for August 7th and 8th.

Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England posted the following statement to the community of the City’s Facebook page:

To all concerned,

It is with a sad heart that I write this official announcement of the cancellation of Chubbuck Days on August 7th and 8th. This has been a cherished tradition in this city for decades.  Of all the things that we have had to adjust over the last months this was by far the hardest to decide on.  I am grateful for a thoughtful and diligent staff that worked with me in making this decision.

We all know the impact that the Covid-19 virus has had on our lives.  We see the numbers increasing more, and at greater numbers, daily in our local area.  This calls for more caution as we search for answers as a society.  As leaders in this community, we could not, in good conscience, bring more risk to any of us.  We owe it to the men and women that have dedicated their lives to health care to do our part in bringing this virus into check as much as is possible.  In speaking with those who are tasked with bringing us the best information available on this issue, they assure me that none of us have faced this kind of a general health challenge in our lifetimes.  At this point there is too much that is unknown about Covid-19.  What is known is that it is very contagious and is a killer, especially to a vulnerable section of our fellow citizens.  Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered, and especially those who have lost loved ones.

It is my hope that answers will be forthcoming sooner rather than later.  Let us all do our very best to keep this in check as much as is possible.  We can all look forward to the better days that are to come.

With warm regards,
Mayor Kevin England

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo, Today and Tomorrow at Bannock County Event Center

By
John Crowder
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0

The annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo is today and tomorrow at the Bannock County Event Center!  It promises fun for the whole family.  Come out and enjoy and fun filled afternoon while supporting our local Veterans Community!

Click on the image below for more information.

 

Pocatello City Council to Hold Special Meeting on Emergency Health Plan Today at 9:00 a.m.

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 10, 2020)

2020–2021 City Council: Linda Leeuwrik, Rick Cheatum, Roger Bray, Claudia Ortega (back row); Heidi Adamson, Brian Blad, Chris Stevens (front row) (Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

This morning, Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Pocatello City Council will hold a work session at 9:00 a.m. to discuss an Emergency Health Plan for the City.  Council members will hear from local health experts to help them develop an emergency health plan.  This is an action item.

In-person attendance is allowed, but strict social distancing measures are in place. Attendance is limited.  The full Council meeting will be live-streamed at:
http://streaming.pocatello.us/ and available on Sparklight Cable channel 56.

The meeting will take place in the City Council chambers, 911 N. 7th Avenue.

(Disclaimer: Some links in this article lead to businesses with which the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer has an affiliate agreement. By following the link and purchasing from them, the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer may earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps us to continue to create content that you can use. Thank you for supporting the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer!)

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