Idaho Department of Labor: April’s Economic Activity in Southeast Idaho

March 5, 2024 (Idaho Department of Labor, March 4, 2024)

Region

• In February 2024, there were 1,317 unique online job postings in Idaho’s southeastern labor market, up from 1,386 the prior month and 1,312 the previous February. The median posting duration stood at 28 days, up from 27 in January and 23 in February 2023.

• The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho continue to be health care practitioners and technical, sales and related, transportation and material moving, office and administrative support and management. Among specific occupations, retail salespersons are at the top of the list with 66 unique online postings followed by registered nurses (43), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (36), first-line supervisors of retail sales workers (35) and wholesale and manufacturing sales reps (31).

• Health care and social assistance were back at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in February 2024, followed by educational instruction; finance and insurance; operations; construction; manufacturing; professional, scientific and technical services; and retail trade. Looking at specific industries, general medical and surgical hospitals had the most unique job postings while colleges, universities and professional schools jumped 25% year over year, placing them at second most.

• Manufacturing occupations stood out this month for the median number of days an occupational job posting is listed. Snack food manufacturing had the greatest duration with 56 days. Construction machinery manufacturing had one of the lowest durations at 32 days. Job postings for retail occupations like convenience stores and department stores were at 48 and 47 days respectively. New to February’s ranking was snack food manufacturing, up 62% from the previous February, and department stores, up 70%.
• The Idaho Department of Water Resources and federal hydrologists’ outlook for the water year in the southernmost basins saw the most improvement between January and February. As long as the forecast exceeds 70% in the Snake River at Heise, officials expect there will be adequate water supplies. Major storage reservoirs in the Upper Snake River Basin, Jackson Lake, Palisades, Grassy Lake, Island Park, Ririe, American Falls and Lake Walcott were filled to 81% of total capacity. Aggregate for the Upper Snake above American Falls was above normal for precipitation. Snowpack accumulation is lagging in the headwater basins, but the storage system was at 118% of median. Projecting pre-irrigation season toward the first of April looks like the area will be approaching maximum levels dating back to records from 1977. Source: Post Register.

Bannock County

• A new knitting and yarn store, Knotty Twist, located inside Cottonwood Junction, opened in Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Savage Railport intermodal rail terminal, in Pocatello, purchased the Idaho Rail Shop and its property, allowing for expansion to bring its railcar repairs in-house. Source: Idaho Business Review.
• The Yost-Ashcroft Family Exploration Center officially opened at the Marshall Public Library on March 1. Thanks to generous donations from the Yost and Ashcroft families, it is a space made specifically for science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities. Source: KIFI Local News 8.
• The Black Bison Dining Club opened in Pocatello by the same owner of Wild Noodle BBQ food truck. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Pony Express opened in Pocatello on Feb. 6 as the fourth Pony Express Car Wash to open in eastern Idaho. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Vanguard Tactical Laser Tag opened in Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• The Apple Cottage, at Woodland Orchard in Pocatello, re-opened after being destroyed by a fire. Source: KPVI.
• The city of Pocatello will host two open houses for $450,000 in grant money for commercial landowners who want to make assessments on potential Brownfield property — land that is often abandoned or underutilized because of industrial pollution. Source: KIFI Local News 8.
• The city of Pocatello will start new river projects, including river access and a complete water trail from the Gap to the reservation. They are also reportedly restoring Centennial Rainey Park. Source: KPVI.
• In conjunction with PROS Consulting Inc., Pocatello held its first meeting about the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) plan to provide an inventory and analysis of current facilities and programs, a needs analysis, a park design manual, a capital improvement plan, an operations and maintenance plan, and a funding and implementation strategies plan. The Pocatello 2040 plan recognizes the following seven core strategies: being outdoor oriented; economically robust; environmentally resilient, connected, safe and accessible; a community of great civic collaboration; having authentic and affordable neighborhoods; and celebrating the creativity within the community. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• The Portneuf Health Trust has invested in health-focused nonprofits throughout the region with a $135,000 donation to the United Way of Southeastern Idaho. Last year, the United Way, through its community investment fund, provided monetary support to 26 nonprofit programs in the region. The fund provided over $327,000 across organizations including the Bannock Youth Foundation, Family Services Alliance, Idaho Foodbank, Pocatello Free Clinic Access to Care, Health West’s Special Services Fund, among others. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cuttings at Idaho State University College of Education’s new donor wall, and Cornerstone Caregiving’s new office. Source: Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce.
• Pocatello hosted the 44th annual Simplot Games at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in February. Nearly 2,200 high school athletes from across the United States, Canada and Australia competed over the three-day track and field competition. Source: East Idaho News
• Pebble Creek Ski Area, within the Caribou Targhee National Forest near Inkom, just celebrated 75 years of operation. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• The Idaho Health Occupations Students of America-Future Health Professionals, a prominent health care career technical student organization, held its annual State Leadership Conference in March at Idaho State University. More than 900 high school students from throughout Idaho attended. This conference serves as a platform for talented youth to showcase their health science knowledge and skills by participating in 81 competitive events. Source: KIFI Local News 8.
• The Museum of Clean announced the My World Discovery Museum will move into the Clean World Campus. By relocating from its current location inside the Pine Ridge Mall, My World will triple its operational space. Source: East Idaho News.
• Hundreds of middle and high school students gathered at Idaho State University for its annual Bengal STEM Day on Feb. 22. The day is structured to inspire students interested in science, technology, engineering and math careers. Source: KIFI Local News 8.
• Median home listing prices in Bannock County increased 2% from last month to $392,975 and dropped 4% from this time last year. Active home listings dropped 6% month-over-month but increased 1% year-over-year. Median days on the market dropped by eight days to 75. New listings were up from the month prior by 48% and by 39% over the year. Listing prices for 56 homes in inventory fell in February, down 32%. Source: Realtor.com.

Bear Lake County

• A pickleball tournament in Montpelier raised over $2,300 for Bear Lake Education Foundation Scholarships. Source: News Examiner.
• Broulim’s Fresh Foods in Montpelier is undergoing a major expansion including a construction of a new service center and offices. The store will have a new self-checkout along with an expanded deli, bakery and produce section. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Median home listing prices for Bear Lake County increased 18% to $576,000 in February and 46% from this time last year. Active home listings slipped by 1% month-over-month but increased 52% year-over-year. Median days on the market increased by 14 days to 102. New listings were down 67% from the month prior and didn’t change over the year. Listing prices for four homes in inventory dropped in February. Source: Realtor.com.

Bingham County

• Pony Express Car Wash opened its new Blackfoot location. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• A new beauty salon, Beauty DeTour, opened on Parkway Space in Blackfoot. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Busy Bee Preschool donated over 360 blankets and stuffed animals to the Bingham County Sheriff’s Department for children involved in traumatic calls or accidents. Quilters from the Mennonite church sewed handmade quilts for the project. Source: The Aberdeen Times.
• The Idaho Career Ready Students Council recently distributed $7,437,410 in grants to support Career Technical Education programs within Idaho’s public and charter schools. Aberdeen School District received $4,336 for greenhouse equipment upgrades at Aberdeen High School and Shelley School District won $98,000 for materials for the student-led Save the Spuds project. Source: Big Country News.
• The Nuart Theatre in Blackfoot was selected by the Idaho Heritage Trust to receive $49,000 to support restoration of the historic building. Funds will go directly to refurbishing seat cushions. Source: KIFI Local News 8.
• Mayor Carroll of Blackfoot delivered his State of the City address, highlighting that the city was losing employees until some salary and benefit adjustments were made. According to the mayor, the city now has a stable core of 114 full-time employees, including 51 new hires and a fully staffed police and fire department. City goals include hiring a domestic violence investigator, finding funds for a drone to aid investigations and finding people, hosting a fentanyl awareness town hall event, mental health support and counseling for first responders, establishing a community care fund from a $20,000 Blue Cross of Idaho grant and initiating the Downtown Revitalization project. For anyone struggling with addiction, the city and county are partnering to establish and maintain a Center of Hope. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Median home prices in Bingham County decreased 2% to $399,500 in February and dropped 4% from this time last year. Active home listings increased 6% month over month and 4% year over year. Median days on the market decreased 14 days to 71. New listings were up 90% from the month prior and down 5% over the year. Listing prices for 18 homes in inventory dropped in February, down 25% from January. Source: Realtor.com.

Caribou County

• Pace Development Group plans to build new housing in a 28-to-32-acre area west of Kelly Park, most of it residential. They are also considering other amenities for the community, such as a daycare or RV storage. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• A group of local citizens recently restarted the Soda Springs Chamber of Commerce after five years, raising hope for business owners who look to gain more tools to help grow the local economy. Source: Idaho State Journal.
• Creative Center Daycare, in Soda Springs, received help through the Just Serve program from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A group of 20 volunteers painted the walls of two rooms and the facade. The daycare also earned grant funds from Just Serve to pay for new flooring. Source: The News-Examiner.
• Mayor Barthlome of Grace outlined her city goals, one of which included opening up lines of communication with citizens. The goals stemmed from a concern that city council meetings are only attended by city council members. Long term, Barthlome would also like to create a good city savings fund for when emergencies arise. Source: News-Examiner.
• Median home listing prices in Caribou County increased marginally in February to $341,500 and increased 11% from this time last year. Active home listings showed no movement month over month but dropped 21% year over year. Median days on the market increased by 12 days to 94. New listings were unchanged from the month prior but down 67% over the year. February listing prices were reduced for four homes in inventory. Source: Realtor.com.

Franklin County

• A new restaurant, Sydney’s, opened its doors in Preston at the former New York Deli location. Source: Preston Citizen.
• Franklin County Commissioners accepted a construction bid for a Search and Rescue building. Also, Twin Lakes Canal Company and Consolidated Irrigation District updated the commissioners on recent decisions to protect water from invasive species, including Quagga mussels, and requested funds to help with mitigation. Condi and Winder reservoirs have been closed to all flotation devices and will allow bank fishing only until further notice. Other reservoirs, such as Glendale, remain open, but if the risk is too great, they could also be closed to flotation devices. The commissioners approved the funding request of $5,000 for each entity, which is the same as last year. Source: Preston Citizen.
• West Side School Board met to discuss current issues, including replacing a damaged steel roof out of tight building funds and installing snow brakes over the Elwell gym and elementary classrooms to protect roof vent pipes and HVAC equipment. Next, the district’s open enrollment policy has been changed to allow a fixed 60 students to move into the district from outside the boundary. Also, a change to the rental policy was put into place, charging by the hour instead of by the day for school facilities, namely the Dahle Performing Arts Center. And finally, issues were discussed regarding PowerSchool staying up to date with student grades. Source: Preston Citizen.
• After three years of planning, the Bear River Massacre site is to begin construction on a wetland project. Utah Nature Conservancy donated $25,000 to the project for restoration of an active floodplain, including beaver dams and wetland marsh habitats which are expected to improve overall water quality in Battle Creek and in Bear River. With the help of 400 volunteers, about 10,000 native plantings have been placed along the banks. Trout Unlimited, the Bear River Environmental Coordination Committee, Utah State University and the Sageland Collaborative provided funds and expertise to the project. Source: KSL.
• Child and Protective Services is working on a contract to utilize space in the hospital. Plans are to have at least two full-time employees in Preston in the future. Source: Preston Citizen.
• The Larsen-Sant Library Committee in Dayton is looking for donations for expansion. The library has already raised $1 million toward that goal; however, due to increased costs of building supplies, the expansion went from a cost of $1.5 million to $3 million. Source: Preston Citizen.
• Preston City approved a $2,500 donation, the same as in prior years, to Consolidated Irrigation to monitor and protect local reservoirs against Quagga mussels. Source: Preston Citizen.
• Median home listing prices in Franklin County decreased 1% to $475,000 in February and dropped 2% from this time last year. Active home listings grew by 4% month over month but decreased 19% year over year. Median days on the market dropped 20 days to 35. New listings were down 57% from the month prior and 50% over the year. Listing prices for homes in inventory were unchanged in February. Source: Realtor.com.

Oneida County

• The Idaho Career Ready Students Council recently distributed $7,437,410 in grants to support Career Technical Education programs within Idaho’s public and charter schools. Oneida County School District received $40,100 for auto lift and safety equipment upgrades at Malad High School. Source: Big Country News.
• Oneida County median home listing prices slid 15% in February from to $229,500 and 18% from this time last year. Active home listings dropped 41% month over month and are down 53% year over year. Median days on the market increased by 3 days to 46. New listings were down 67% from the month prior and unchanged over the year. There were no homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices in February. Source: Realtor.com.

Power County

• The Idaho Career Ready Students Council distributed $7,437,410 in grants to support Career Technical Education programs within Idaho’s public and charter schools. Rockland School District received $49,350 for welding program equipment upgrades at Rockland High School and American Falls School District received $908,775 for an agricultural building expansion at American Falls High School. Source: Big Country News.
• The American Falls Lions Club donated $1,500 to the American Falls High School Ag Barn program teaching animal husbandry. Source: Power County Press.
• The city of American Falls removed trees in front of the courthouse to make way for curb and gutter, ADA-compliant ramp and asphalt for a total project cost of $52,206. Source: Power County Press.
• Power County median home listing prices for the month of February didn’t change from last month’s $376,750 but increased 3% over the year. Active home listings increased 5% month over month but dropped 36% year over year. Median days on the market increased by 16 days to 74. New listings were unchanged from the month prior and over the year. Listing prices were reduced for two homes in inventory. Source: Realtor.com.