(BOISE) – Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and the Idaho State Tax Commission are warning Idahoans about a scam targeting Idaho homeowners. Individuals have reported receiving a flyer in the mail about Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program. The flyer looks official and implies that it’s from the Idaho State Tax Commission or another government entity. It is not.
The flyer is an attempt to get personal information from Idahoans. It contains inaccurate details about the state’s property tax reduction program.
Please disregard the flyer if you receive it and shred it before you throw it away. Do not call the number listed on the flyer.
If you have questions about Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program, please call your county assessor’s office or call the Tax Commission at (208) 334-7736 in the Boise area or toll free at (800) 334-7756.
If you’re ever concerned about the legitimacy of tax information you receive, please call the Tax Commission directly and verify that it’s from them.
Starting July 1, 2022, a ban on certain types of fires will be in place for most parts of Bannock County, including Inkom, Downey, Arimo, McCammon, Lava, Pocatello Valley, Chubbuck, Pocatello, and North Bannock Fire District. Fire officials from the municipalities and fire districts throughout Bannock County are working together to create a unified burn ban with the intent of reducing the risk of wildfires.
No open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of Bannock County because of current fire danger and fuel moisture levels. The use of commercial gas fire pits and appliances designed for food prep, such as gas grills and/or charcoal briquettes, are exempted from the ban when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Only non-aerial fireworks are allowed in non-wildland urban interface areas. Per Idaho State Code no aerial fireworks are allowed anywhere except for approved professional firework displays.
“I strongly encourage all citizens to heed the ban and potentially save the lives and homes of fellow residents,” said Pocatello Fire Marshall Nick Christensen.
The ban will remain in place until October 1, 2022, or until conditions allow it to be lifted.
Residents with questions about the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department/district.
The Bannock County Commissioners, sitting as the Bannock County Board of Equalization, have begun hearing appeals submitted by Bannock County Residents regarding the dramatic increase in their homes’ assessed values.
The heartbreaking video, embedded below, shows two Pocatello seniors appealing the assessed values of their homes. In both cases, although the Commissioners appear to sympathize with the homeowners’ plight, the assessments done by the Assessor’s office are upheld.
Idaho Stands Prepared to Protect and Preserve Life
By: District 31 Representative Julianne Young
Representative Julianne Young
Respect for the sanctity of life is a defining value of civilized society.Since Roe v. Wade (1973), states throughout the United States have stood by as an increasingly-calloused minority publicly advocates for, and even celebrates, a supposed ‘right’ to destroy innocent and defenseless human lives, even to the point of demanding a supposed right to destroy life post-delivery.Once the value of life is abandoned, it seems that there is no defining authority sufficient to rein in human behavior over any extended period of time, and the portended effects of this mind-set should be enough to send chills down any thoughtful person’s spine.
The overturning of this ruling does not come in a vacuum, nor has it caught the state of Idaho off-guard.It is the culmination of decades of persistent pro-life advocacy and arguments.Many of these arguments have been made within the halls of state legislatures, and Idaho is no exception.In 1973, when Roe v. Wade was handed down, Idaho was one of a small handful of states that actually chose to make that ruling part of state law.This included language which came straight from Roe v. Wade listing reasons an abortion is justified.These incredibly transient and subjective justifications include “potential stigma,” “potential stress,” or the fact that a child is “unwanted.”
Since that time, with education and a defined shift in public sentiment, the landscape of the Idaho legislature has also changed significantly.During the 2022 legislative session, it was my privilege to carry House Bill 521 (H521), removing this offensive Roe v. Wade language from Idaho state code in anticipation of a renewed commitment on the part of the Supreme Court to the protection of life.H521 passed both the Idaho House and Senate with a solid super-majority and was signed into law.
In addition, Idaho passed a heartbeat bill in 2021.This law is a trigger law, meaning that it stipulates that it goes into effect 30 days after Roe v. Wade is overturned.This will happen without any further action on the part of the legislature and will begin saving lives long before the next legislative session.This new addition to Idaho state code was re-visited in 2022 and further refined.It is modeled after a Texas heartbeat bill which has been upheld and provides a cause of action in court against an individual performing an abortion.These preparations have been effective and abortion providers do not have to wait to know that Idaho stands solidly on the side of life.Even prior to the formal issuance of the ruling, these facilities have been preparing to terminate the performance of abortions in Idaho.
As we move forward into 2023, there will likely be continuing discussion about how to most effectively protect life in the state of Idaho.Whatever new proposals may come forward, Idahoans should know that their representatives have taken substantive, proactive steps in anticipation of a post-Roe world where Idaho representatives will exercise our Constitutional prerogative.As a woman and a mother, I stand prepared and ready, along with many of my legislative peers, to advocate for this most fundamental value of civilized society: the preservation and sanctity of human life.
(City of Chubbuck, June 27, 2022; Photo credit: City of Chubbuck FB)
We need your input! As part of the grant that the City received from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation, the City of Chubbuck is in the early stages of creating a new community gathering space. Please share your thoughts by completing this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YN8TRYD
June 28, 2022 (Photo credit: Bundy for Governor campaign)
Ammon Bundy, independent candidate for governor of Idaho, has released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision overturning Roe v. Wade:
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade is constitutionally correct. I am grateful that we have enough justices, at that level, that finally recognize state sovereignty in this matter.
Now we will see if Governor Little and the legislature of Idaho do what is necessary to outlaw abortion in the State of Idaho. Piggybacking off of another state’s heartbeat bill, in my opinion, is insufficient in protecting the most innocent.
My heart is more at ease now that our nation has moved in this direction.
(Pocatello Police Department Advisory, June 27, 2022)
The Pocatello Police Department wants everyone to enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July holiday but reminds the citizens of Pocatello to use Safe and Sane fireworks while celebrating. Safe and Sane fireworks are permitted from June 28th through July 6th of every year. Please use good fire safety techniques while lighting fireworks: read the directions listed on the firework packaging, have an adult present, have a bucket of water or a hose nearby, never point or throw fireworks at another person, and never use near dry grass or other flammable materials.
Dangerous and Special fireworks are not permitted for use within the City of Pocatello. A good rule of thumb in determining if your fireworks will be considered dangerous, is if the firework leaves the ground, it is a Dangerous or Special firework, but refer to the list below for additional information. For detailed information covering the City of Pocatello firework regulations, visit https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/…/pocat…/latest/overview and click on Ch. 15.10, Fireworks Regulations under Title 15.
DANGEROUS FIREWORKS AND SPECIAL FIREWORKS:
• Firecrackers, cannon crackers, giant crackers, salutes, silver tube salutes, cherry bombs, mines, ground bombardment, grasshoppers, and other explosive articles of similar nature.
• Blank cartridges. • Skyrockets and rockets, including all similar devices employing any combustible or explosive materials, which rise in the air during discharge; except model rockets and model rocket engines designed, sold, and used for the purpose of propelling recoverable aero model rockets.
• Roman candles, including all devices, which discharge balls of fire into the air.
• Chasers and whistles, including all devices that dart or travel about the surface of the ground during discharge.
• Snakes and hats containing Mercury bichloride.
• Sparklers more than ten inches (10”) in length or one-fourth inch (1/4”) in diameter.
• All articles for pyrotechnic display such as aerial shells, salutes, flash shells, sky battles, parachute shells, mines, dago bombs, and similar devices.
• Fire balloons or balloons of any type, which have burning material of any kind.
Please keep in mind this ordinance has been enacted to keep you, your family members, your neighbors, community members, and the surrounding areas safe. There will be no tolerance for using fireworks considered Dangerous or Special Fireworks, and the Pocatello Police Department will be issuing citations to violators. Citizens are encouraged to report violations to Pocatello Police Dispatch at 208-234-6100, but the specific address of the violation will need to be provided.
POCATELLO, ID–The Purpose Building, located in the heart of Pocatello’s Historic Old Town, is accepting commercial lease applications. Formerly known as the Peterson Building, this century-old building, now renovated and modernized, features 4,500 square feet of fully customizable office space on both the 3rd and 4th floors. Large windows flood the workspaces with natural light. A secure entrance and ample parking at the back of the building further enhance the potential of this newest addition to Pocatello’s downtown.
For more information, click on the flyer below. To arrange of tour of the Purpose Building, contact Yadon Properties at (208) 681-6028.
BOISE, ID-– Governor Brad Little commented today on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
“I join many in Idaho and across the country today in welcoming the high court’s long awaited decision upholding state sovereignty and protecting preborn lives. The decision provides clarity around landmark cases at the center of passionate debate in our country for nearly five decades. This is now clear – the ‘right’ to an abortion was a judicial creation. Abortion is not a right expressed in the U.S. Constitution, and abortion will be entrusted to the states and their people to regulate.
“Idaho has been at the forefront of enacting new laws to protect preborn babies. The pro-life bill I signed into law in 2020 will go into effect later this summer.
“Today’s decision is the culmination of pro-life efforts to defend the defenseless – preborn babies who deserve protection. It also is affirmation of states’ rights, a fundamental aspect of our American government.
“However, we fully acknowledge this monumental moment in our country’s history means we must confront what know will be growing needs for women and families in the months and years ahead. We absolutely must come together like never before to support women and teens facing unexpected or unwanted pregnancies. Families, churches, charities, and local and state government must stand ready to lift them up and help them and their families with access to adoption services, healthcare, financial and food assistance, counseling and treatment, and family planning. We are being called to support women and our fellow community members in extraordinary new ways, and I’m confident Idahoans are ready to meet this responsibility with love and compassion,”Governor Little said.
In July of 2021, Governor Little joined 10 other governors in submitting an amicus brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case centered around a 2018 Mississippi law prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks except in medical emergencies or severe fetal abnormality. Lower courts held that Mississippi’s law violated the holdings in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), in which non-elected justices recognized a right to abortion, contrary to the text and original meaning of the Constitution. The SCOTUS decision today rejects the lower courts’ rulings and holds that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden also joined more than 20 other attorneys general in a similar amicus brief.
In 2020, Governor Little signed Senate Bill 1385 prohibiting abortion in Idaho except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman or when the pregnancy is the result of incest or rape. The prohibition, however, did not become law when signed. Rather, the bill contained a provision – commonly referred to as a “trigger” – stating that the prohibition will not take effect until 30 days after SCOTUS issues judgment in a case that “restores to the states their authority to prohibit abortion.”
There were 1,680 induced abortions in Idaho in 2020. The Idaho Care Line, 2-1-1, is a resource available to all Idahoans directing them to a variety of resources that support individuals and families.
The realty world can be confusing for buyers and sellers alike. Magazines, websites, and conventional wisdom offer conflicting views on how to maximize your home’s value and your buying power. Chris and Margaret Schnitzler, of HomeSmart Premier Realty, are shedding light on the subject by sharing Realty Tips on their Facebook page.
Chris and Margaret advise buyers, “Talk to your local bank or credit union about the highest interest accounts they offer to store your down payment but are still liquid enough that you can access your cash when you’re ready to purchase. These could be checking accounts, some short term CDs, or money markets.”
For sellers, they point out, “As much as possible you want to help buyers imagine themselves living in your home. That can mean taking down the ‘family’ decor, cutting back on pictures, and storing personalized keepsakes until you’re in your new home.”
To contact the Schnitzlers about your realty needs, call 208-852-6112.
