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SUFI Invites Community to America 250 Celebration Garden Party

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Observer Staff
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(Stand Up For Idaho, July 6, 2026)

Mark July 11th on your calendar! Stand Up For Idaho and over 30 sponsors are presenting an America 250 Celebration Garden Party at the Waterfront Event Center in Idaho Falls.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 – The Waterfront – 1220 Event Center Drive Idaho Falls

2:00pm to 10:00pm. Attendance is free and everyone is invited

  • Guest Speakers and Live Entertainment throughout the day
  • Games and Inflatables for Children
  • Children’s Art Show and Car Show
  • Spike Ball and Corn Hole Tournaments
  • Push-up contest, with cash prizes!
  • Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Available for Purchase
  • Dancing to live music 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

This is a community-building event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and reminding everyone the fight for freedom didn’t stop on July 4, 1776 – the fight was only beginning. We owe everything we have to our Founders and we must continue fighting for the freedom they were willing to pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.

Let’s all come together to celebrate the founding of our great nation!

The Waterfront Event Center, 1220 Event Center Drive, Idaho Falls

Major Infrastructure Project Underway to Expand Sewer Service in Johnny Creek

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Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 7, 2026)

Construction is now underway on the Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project, an important infrastructure investment that will bring municipal sewer service to a portion of the Johnny Creek area that currently relies on individual septic systems.

The project is located along approximately one mile of Johnny Creek Road, between Wild Mountain Drive and Juniper Hill Road, west of Bannock Highway. Work includes installing approximately 0.8 miles of new 8-inch gravity sewer main, 24 manholes, and asphalt roadway repairs. Future phases are planned to extend sewer service into nearby neighborhoods.

Once complete, the project will provide a reliable municipal sewer connection for approximately 200 homes that currently rely on septic systems. It is also expected to reduce septic system discharge into local groundwater by an estimated 54,900 gallons per day, helping protect water quality while improving long-term public infrastructure.

The City extends its appreciation to Congressman Mike Simpson for his support in securing this critical infrastructure funding through the federal Community Project Funding process.

During construction, one lane of Johnny Creek Road will remain open at all times. Temporary traffic signals and flaggers will direct traffic as needed. The City appreciates the public’s patience as this important project moves forward. Construction is expected to continue through the summer and fall, with completion anticipated by the end of October 2026, weather and other unforeseen circumstances permitting.

The Johnny Creek Sanitary Sewer Project also advances the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040 and its Environmentally Resilient vision. By expanding municipal sewer service, the project supports the plan’s goal of protecting and enhancing ground and surface water resources in the Portneuf River Valley while advancing the strategy of connecting more areas of the City to the sanitary sewer system to help safeguard local aquifers from contamination. Link: pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/318/Comprehensive-Plan-2040-PDF#page=22

This project is funded through a $1.75 million grant awarded to the City of Pocatello by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. As a recipient of federal funding, the City is required to comply with all applicable grant conditions and federal requirements. Procurement for this project is being conducted in accordance with Idaho Code Title 67, Chapter 28 (Purchasing by Political Subdivisions), the City of Pocatello Purchasing Policies, 2 CFR Part 200, and all other applicable EPA grant regulations. This investment supports critical infrastructure improvements that will enhance public services and benefit the Johnny Creek community for years to come.

Pocatello Projects: pocatello.gov/projects

Department of Energy Celebrates Fourth Criticality Ahead of July 4th Goal

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Observer Staff
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(U.S. Dept. of Energy Press Release, July 6, 2026)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy celebrates yet another win for the American nuclear energy renaissance. Early Saturday, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program, Aalo Atomics’ test reactor, Aalo-X, successfully completed a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration. The experiment took place at Idaho National Laboratory and is the fourth DOE-authorized advanced reactor to achieve the criticality milestone, exceeding the July 4th goal outlined by President Trump in his May 2025 executive order.

“Last month I toured the Aalo facility at Idaho National Laboratory and was impressed by the company’s determination to successfully demonstrate their technology by the Fourth of July,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “President Trump asked for three advanced reactors to be authorized and achieve criticality before the 250th anniversary of our great country. I’m pleased to share that through the dedication and hard work of Aalo, INL and DOE, we have surpassed that ask and delivered four!”

Aalo-X joins a growing list of successful advanced reactor designs and spotlights the continued progress and momentum of participants in DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program and the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative. In June, Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 reactor, Valar Atomics’ Ward 250, and Deployable Energy’s Unity achieved criticality.

“The hardest problem in nuclear was never the physics, our country simply forgot how to build. The success of the Department of Energy Reactor Pilot Program is proof America can execute again,” said Yasir Arafat, President and CTO, Aalo Atomics. “We are proud to play a major role in America’s nuclear renaissance, going from breaking ground to a sustained chain reaction in just eight months, one of the fastest reactor builds in modern American history.”

The fourth criticality of a DOE authorized reactor design surpasses what many skeptics thought American reactor developers could achieve in answer to President Trump’s precedent-setting directive. The Reactor Pilot Program leverages DOE authorization to expeditiously certify and construct first-of-a-kind advanced reactor designs for demonstration. The new authorization pathway is a shining example of how regulatory reform can accelerate innovation and help usher in a golden age for the nuclear energy industry and advancement of President Trump’s Energy Dominance agenda.

Learn more about the Reactor Pilot Program.

Bannock County DMV: New Laws Took Effect July 1

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Press Release, June 30, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)

Happy Summer!

While our late spring kept us guessing with unpredictable weather, true summer has finally arrived. Things are heating up fast at our office, too! We are seeing an early surge in park permits and recreational registrations this year as everyone prepares to head outdoors.

As your full-service parks and recreation vendor, we have you completely covered for all your seasonal adventures. Stop by to secure your permits and registrations for:

  • Off-Road Vehicles: Motorbikes, UTVs, and ATVs
  • Watercraft: Motorized boat registrations
  • Waterway Protection: Invasive species permits for non-motorized and floatable watercraft

Important Updates Effective July 1, 2026

New state legislation goes into effect tomorrow, bringing a few exciting changes to our processes and license plate options:

  • New ISP Support Plate: A sleek, minimalist white plate with black lettering is now available, with proceeds directly funding the Idaho State Police.
  • Agriculture Plate Redesign: The traditional red barn graphic is shifting to a fresh, modern look featuring Idaho’s iconic mountains and farmland alongside the phrase “Harvest the Future.” Fees from this plate continue to fund the vital Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom program.
  • Identity Validation Law: All persons seeking an Idaho vehicle credential will be required to provide valid government-issued ID and/or SSN, a denial letter from SSA, or an ITIN. The biggest change here is having to get a denial letter from SSA if a person does not have or does not qualify for an SSN or ITIN.
  • License Plates (metal plate) no longer expire: Plates will no longer expire at their 10-year mark. It will now be up to the customer to let us know they need a replacement plate if it is wearing out, cracked, broken, or peeling.
  • No registration decals required: Registration decal stickers will no longer be printed or required for license plates on your motor vehicles, RV’s, and street legal motorcycles. Decals will still be printed and required for these items: Idaho Pass Passport, RV registration sticker (not plate), off-highway, vessel, and snowmobile registration/permitting.
  • Reminder: Limited Edition America 250 Plate: Previously enacted in April 2026. You can commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial with the exclusive new Idaho Heritage plate, available for a limited time, featuring the America 250 logo. Funds from this plate go to the Idaho Heritage Trust.

Plan ahead for the 4th of July weekend: With the holiday just days away, our team is looking forward to celebrating the historic 250th anniversary of American Independence. To ensure your holiday weekend goes off without a hitch, please visit us to register your vehicles, RVs, and recreational machines before you head out. Avoid the last-minute rush so a missing permit doesn’t throw a wrench into your holiday plans!

City of Pocatello Opens Cooling Shelters to Help Residents Beat the Heat

By
Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 8, 2026)

With daytime temperatures expected to climb into the upper 90s and exceed 100 degrees in the coming weeks, the City of Pocatello will open three cooling shelter locations beginning Friday, July 10, to provide residents with a safe place to cool off.

The cooling shelters will be available for 45 days. At the end of that period, the City will evaluate weather forecasts to determine whether the program should be extended.

Cooling shelter locations and hours are as follows:

City Hall Lobby
911 N. 7th Avenue
• Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

At City Hall, visitors will have access to bottled water, electrical outlets for charging devices, and a comfortable place to escape the heat. When the Council Chambers are not in use for meetings, that space will also be available to the public.

Marshall Public Library
113 S. Garfield Avenue
Regular hours of operation:
• Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Closed Sundays

Pocatello Animal Services
3100 Avenue of the Chiefs
Regular hours of operation:
• Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Closed Sundays

Residents seeking relief from the heat are welcome to bring their pets with them while using the cooling station at Pocatello Animal Services. This location provides a comfortable, pet-friendly option for those who don’t want to leave their animals behind.

The City encourages anyone needing relief from the heat to take advantage of these locations. Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors, family members, and friends who may be more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, including older adults, young children, and individuals without access to air conditioning.

“As temperatures rise, we want to make sure everyone has a safe, comfortable place to cool off,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of these cooling shelters if needed and to help spread the word so those who could benefit know these locations are available.”

For additional information, please contact the City of Pocatello at 208-234-6163 or visit pocatello.gov.

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.

One Year Later: President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Are Delivering for American Workers

By
Observer Staff
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(White House Press Release, July 3, 2026)

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this week, our nation is stronger with President Trump at the helm— a leader who believes that people who work hard every day deserve to keep more of what they earn. One year after President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, this once-in-a-generation legislation is delivering on its promises and unleashing a blue-collar BOOM.

The success of President Trump’s widely popular tax breaks, like No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security and Made in America Car-Loan deductions, is undeniable. A look at the first-year’s results shows that nearly 70% of filers who received a tax cut earned less than $100,000.

President Trump and Republicans are rewarding hard work, strengthening families, and restoring the American Dream by putting more money back into the pockets of the people who earned it. The American people will not forget; while Republicans fought for the largest tax cut in history for middle and working-class Americans, every single Democrat voted against them and opposed this landmark legislation in their unrelenting pursuit for free healthcare for illegal aliens.

The results speak for themselves —President Trump’s signature tax cuts are delivering:

  • Millions of Americans received historic tax refunds this tax season with the average refund exceeding $3,400 — an 11% increase from last year.
  • American families and workers claimed $82 billion in direct tax relief, with 97% of filers receiving a tax cut.
  • More than 29 million workers claimed the No Tax on Overtime deduction with an average deduction of over $3,100.
  • More than 35 million seniors have claimed No Tax on Social Security with an average deduction of over $7,500. 
  • Nearly 8 million workers claimed No Tax on Tips with an average deduction of over $7,000. 
  • Over 1.4 million filers have claimed No Tax on Made-in-America Car Loan Interest with an average deduction of over $1,800. 
  • Nearly 40 million families claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit.
  • Nearly 6 million Trump Accounts have been opened, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.
  • More than 127 million taxpayers benefited from the permanently doubled standard deduction. 

 
The Working Families Tax Cuts is not just good policy, it’s a demonstration of Republicans’ commitment and belief in the American worker and the American Dream.

Employment Opportunities: Bannock County

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Observer Staff
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(Bannock County, July 6, 2026)

Bannock County is hiring for the following positions:

Temporary 4-H Service Assistant
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Facilities Assistant
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Deputy Prosecutor III
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Accountant & Payroll Specialist
Bannock County – Pocatello, ID
Read the full job description:  CLICK HERE!

Seasonal Laborer
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

 

 

Bannock County Commissioners Meetings, July 6-19, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(Bannock County Commissioner’s Office Press Release, July 6, 2026)

Monday, July 6, 2026:

There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026:

9:00 AM Business Meeting (action items)

10:00 AM Introduction to and discussion with the Data Center team

10:30 AM Board of Equalization Administrative Reviews (action items)

Wednesday, July 8, 2026:

There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

6:00 PM Nuclear Energy Forum

NOTE: This meeting will be held in the auditorium in the Marsh Valley High School – 12651 S. Old Highway 91, Arimo, Idaho

Thursday, July 9, 2026:

9:00 AM Work Session and Claims Meeting (action items)

The Work Session Agenda will be updated on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Friday, July 10, 2026:

There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

(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 Calendar for July 6-10, 2026

By
Observer Staff
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(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 6, 2026)

MONDAY, JULY 6
Street Renaming Ad Hoc Committee Meeting, 6:15 p.m., Council Chambers
TUESDAY, JULY 7
Site Plan Review, 1:30 p.m., Paradice Conference Room
Pocatello Arts Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
Golf Advisory Committee Meeting, 1:00 p.m., 144 Wilson Avenue
Planning & Zoning Commission Clarification Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
THURSDAY, JULY 9
City Council Work Session, 9:00 a.m., Council Chambers
Hearing Examiner, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers
FRIDAY, JULY 10
No Meetings Scheduled

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The Pocatello Chubbuck Observer seeks to be a fair and objective portal, where readers can find the local, regional and national news, recent facts and entertainment.
Contact us: jcrowder@pocatellochubbuckobserver

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