(National Park Service Press Release, May 25, 2022)

(National Park Service Press Release, May 25, 2022)
(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 25, 2022; Image credit: GO Drones FB)
You may have seen the viral drone show proposal that took place in Boise last month. That same swarm of drones is making an appearance in the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre skies over Memorial Day Weekend!
As Coffey Anderson and Bret Michaels’ spectacular performances come to an end on May 28, a fleet of drones will take over the sky. As seen at EDC and other festivals, this breathtaking visual light show illuminates the sky with shapes and designs. You don’t want to miss this because it is definitely a “you had to be there” moment!
Make sure to get your tickets because these drone shows are a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Bret Michaels: idahoconcertseries.com
Coffey Anderson: countryconcertseries.com
See other drone shows at godroneshows.com
(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 25, 2022)
One of the most well-known pieces of Pocatello’s history will be celebrating 100 years since its dedication.
The Friends of the Brady Chapel and the Pocatello Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will be hosting the Brady Chapel’s Centennial Celebration and Open House at the Chapel, located in Mountain View Cemetery, Monday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At noon, there will be a presentation on the importance and significance of the Chapel and the history behind it.
“The Brady Chapel has been a part of the Pocatello community for a century,” said Jim Anglesey, City of Pocatello Staff Liaison to the HPC. “The centennial celebration and open house provide an opportunity for the community to come and celebrate the Chapel, learn more about its history, and find out what current efforts are being undertaken to preserve this historic building.”
The HPC, in coordination with the non-profit “Friends of the Brady Chapel”, is raising funds to restore the Brady Chapel. Donations will be accepted at the open house.
“Support from the community is crucial in preserving the Brady Chapel,” said Anglesey. “In doing so, we hope the Chapel may be used and enjoyed by the public for generations to come.”
Those who can’t attend the open house, but would like to donate to the effort can find more information at pocatello.us/171/Brady-Chapel.
Brady Chapel is not accessible to all persons. Program access accommodations may be provided with three (3) days advance notice by contacting Skyler Beebe at sbeebe@pocatello.us; 208.234.6248 or 5815 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.
May 25, 2022 (Cover Photo Credit: Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association)
The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association is sponsoring a Memorial Day Ceremony and luncheon prepared and donated by members of local Veterans Services Organizations. The event is scheduled to take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.
See the flyer, below, for more information.
(May 25, 2022)
Mountain Valley Baptist Church plans to hold a racing-themed Vacation Bible School for children ages 5 to 12, on June 20-24th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each evening, children will enjoy a variety of exciting activities while learning life-changing lessons from the Bible.
All children are welcome to attend. While there is no fee to attend Vacation Bible School, pre-registration is appreciated.
For more information or to register your child, you may call or text Mountain Valley Baptist Church at 208-840-9876.
(Bannock County Board of Commissioners Press Release, May 25, 2022)
BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – On Thursday, May 19, the Bannock County Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with the Bannock County Office of Emergency Management, officially declared a drought emergency in Bannock County. (To see the declaration, click here.)
Due to below normal snowpack in the Snake River Basin, and a low water supply, the cumulative snow water equivalent levels are suggesting that many Southern Idaho reservoirs will not fill, or reach their capacity this year.
The streamflow forecasted in Idaho suggests that it is between 25 and 75 percent of its median levels which will affect commerce in Bannock County. Producers, farmers, and ranchers may be at risk for significant economic losses due to drought-like conditions.
Farm operators are eligible to be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which includes emergency loans. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months to apply for emergency loans. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with more information. A list of FSA county offices can be found here.
On April 18, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, designated Bannock County as a contiguous disaster area because of the county’s proximity to Franklin and Oneida counties, which were named as primary disaster areas due to drought conditions.
The emergency drought declaration will remain in effect until further notice. The Bannock County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the region’s drought status.
(May 25, 2022)
Are your littles looking for something fun to do this summer? Zoo Idaho has special kids’ programs planned for preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday mornings in June and August. Called Zoo-4-Tots, the programs include a short story, activity, and animal encounter. All programs will take place at the Zoo Idaho Education building, located at 3101 Avenue of the Chiefs, in Pocatello. Advanced registration is required. For price information or to register, click here.
(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 24, 2022)
On May 12, 2022, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced $2.25 million dollars of funding that was awarded to revitalize communities in Idaho. This investment will help revitalize and clean up Brownfield sites across Idaho into hubs of economic growth and job creation. Of the $2.25 million dollar award, $500,000 was awarded to the City of Pocatello for a Brownfields Assessment Grant and $1M was awarded to the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Inc for a Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund.
According to the EPA website, a “Brownfield” is a property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S.
Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment.
EPA Regional Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, “With this announcement, we’re turning blight into might for communities across America…EPA’s Brownfields Program breathes new life into communities by helping turn contaminated and potentially dangerous sites into productive economic contributors.”
The Assessment Grant Funds awarded to the City of Pocatello will be used to conduct environmental site assessments, prepare reuse plans, conduct community meetings, develop a project webpage, and conduct other outreach activities.
Brent McLane – City of Pocatello Planning and Development Services Director stated, “The City of Pocatello is working hard to provide opportunities to revitalize properties in the heart of the City. There are many properties within the City that are potential Brownfields and this grant will offer possible resources to property owners to help with environmental studies or site planning. I am also excited to engage with the public in creating a vision for some blighted areas within Pocatello.”
The Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, a non-profit member organization of 33 cities and 7 counties in Southeast Idaho, was also awarded a $1M Revolving Loan Fund which will provide loans and subgrants to support cleanup activities throughout the region.
“SICOG is excited to have this opportunity!” noted SICOG Board member and local Realtor Jim Johnston. “With these funds, we are able to help communities, developers, realtors, contractors, and small business owners improve properties with Brownfield issues.”
“We are thrilled to receive this award and to partner with the City of Pocatello in this effort!” noted SICOG Executive Director, David Doran. “These valuable resources offer solutions to help small businesses redevelop blighted space and support vibrant communities!”
Brownfields sites can be anything from railyards, gas stations, dry cleaners, auto service facilities, machine shops, slaughterhouses, historic buildings, or other local industrial or agricultural facilities. These sites are often contaminated or perceived to be contaminated, with hazardous substances making these locations difficult to repurpose or redevelop.
In recent weeks, SICOG was also awarded 1.15 million dollars in funding from the US Department of Agriculture’s Intermediary Relending Program, and 2.25 million dollars in funding from the Economic Development Administration’s – Economic Adjustment Assistance program. With this funding, SICOG provides “companion” loans in partnership with local banks to support small businesses throughout Southeast Idaho.
May 24, 2022 (Cover photo credit: Art da Rosa)
Speaking on the Steph Lucas show, KID NewsRadio 92.1 earlier today, Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veterans Services Coordinator, described the thousands of manhours that go into creating one of the nation’s most unique tributes, the Idaho Field of Heroes Memorial.
Every year, beginning on the Monday prior to Memorial Day, volunteers meet at Century High School in Pocatello, where they spend the next few days, from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., transforming a sports field into a one-of-a-kind tribute to every service member who has died in Afghanistan since 9/11.
Adults, children, and local businesses all get involved in the effort. Today, 3rd grade students from Connor Academy came out to help. The chemistry class taught by Mr. Patch at Century High School participates every year. Local businesses and organizations provide the volunteers with food and drinks throughout the day. This week, ARBY’s provided lunch on Monday, McDonald’s provided lunch today, and AMVETS Idaho Post 1 provided breakfast today and are doing the same on Thursday.
On Friday, a dedication ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. That evening, at 6:00 p.m., a youth ceremony, led by Century High School Student Kiersten Young will be held. Events continue throughout the weekend, including a USO Show which will take place on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Monday at 6:00 p.m.
To volunteer, call 208-643-9289 or email idahofohm@gmail.com.
For more information, click on the flyer, below.
May 24, 2022
Simplot currently has several job openings in Pocatello. Positions for managers, engineers, technicians, trainees, and interns are available. Some of these include:
Manager: Production Area Manager, Maintenance Area Manager, Environmental Project Manager (2 positions), and Procurement Category Mananer, MRO/Parts
Engineer: Environmental Engineer
Technician: Electrician or Instrumentation Technician
Intern: Process Engineering Intern
Trainee: Maintenance Trainee
To learn more about these and other positions available at Simplot, click here