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City of Pocatello Announces Stage 2 Reopening Changes

By
John Crowder
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0

(Press Release, May 15, 2020)

Have your morning coffee or tea in these mugs celebrating the American Farmer and Trucker!

With Governor Brad Little’s announcement that businesses can move to Stage 2 of reopening, the following City of Pocatello departments will be making changes to their services.

Starting Monday, May 18, the Animal Services Department is expanding hours for appointment-only services from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  To schedule an appointment, please call 208-234-6156.

Zoo Idaho will open to the public starting tomorrow, Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. for weekends only.  Entrance to the zoo will be capped at 300 people to allow for patrons to socially distance.  Signs encouraging proper social distancing will be placed at high-traffic exhibits.

The Community Recreation Center will open Monday, May 18.  Measures to ensure social distancing (e.g. every other cardio machine will be closed) and additional cleaning measures will be implemented.  The multipurpose gym, steam room, eucalyptus room, and sauna will remain closed.  Fitness class attendance will be capped at eight participants.  All water fitness classes, swim lessons, dance classes, and public swim sessions remain canceled.  Racquetball court use will be open to only those from the same household with a maximum of two patrons on the court at any time.


Tentatively, Bannock Baseball is planning to begin practices May 30 and spectators will be limited to immediate family members.  Adult softball and soccer leagues are scheduled to start June 15.  Picnic shelters are scheduled to reopen June 13.  Meanwhile, park playground structures will remain closed until stage 3.

The Cemetery offices will reopen to the public at 9 a.m. Monday, May 18.

Outside organizations seeking to use Parks & Recreation facilities are asked to contact Parks and Recreation Administration staff at 208-232-3901.  Groups will be required to provide a Southeastern Idaho Public Health approved operations plan.

Starting May 18, the Marshall Public Library will begin offering curbside pick-up of items by appointment only.  For more information on curbside pickup, visit https://marshallpl.org/ or call 208-232-1263.  Tentatively, the Library is planning to reopen when Governor Little allows Idaho to move to stage 3 of reopening.

City Hall (Building, Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Mayor’s Office, Planning & Development Services, and Utility Billing) will continue to have limited access for citizens.  Citizens are strongly encouraged to utilize phone or email first to contact City employees and officials as most issues can be taken care of through these channels.  Citizens are also encouraged to utilize the City’s website, https://pocatello.us/, to answer their questions, find forms, etc.  If a citizen must visit City Hall, they are asked to make an appointment.  When they arrive, citizens will be required to call from the lobby the department they are trying to reach.  A directory of City departments located in City Hall will be posted for citizens.  An employee will then meet citizens at the interior doors.  Floor markings are placed in the lobby indicating where citizens should stand while waiting.

To view the Stages of Reopening outlined by the Governor, visit:

Stages of Reopening

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

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

(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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Editorial: Portneuf Valley Farmer’s Market is Back! Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

By
John Crowder
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0

May 16, 2020

by: John Crowder

John Crowder, Publisher, Pocatello-Chubbuck Observer

The Portneuf Valley Famer’s Market is back!  Beginning last Saturday, May 9, the Farmer’s Market opened in downtown Pocatello.  It will continue every Saturday throughout the season from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 420 N. Main Street in downtown, Pocatello, currently in the Union Pacific parking lot.

Following the Governor’s rules for social distancing, the approximately 20 vendors at today’s market were spaced several feet apart, face masks and gloves were being worn, markings on the ground helped attendees estimate distance, and hand sanitizer was available for everyone at the entrance.  Foot traffic is one-way around a large oval.

Food, drinks, facemasks, and farm produce, from jams to microgreens, are available.  I was told that about 1000 people attended throughout the four hours they were open last week.  A steady pace of customers means the market is not overcrowded.

Loaded Street Fries from Thanks A Brunch

Vendors at today’s market included: Bake My Day, Girl Scouts, Himalayan Flavor, KDR Ranch, Mighty Micro-Greens, and more!

Not having had breakfast yet, I stopped by Thanks A Brunch for a heaping helping of their famous Loaded Street Fries.  Nothing like carne asada, cheese sauce, and cilantro plus additional toppings over fresh cut fries for a delicious meal!

The Farmer’s Market staff sends their thanks to the Pocatello-Chubbuck community for their support.  Check them out every Saturday through October.  To learn more, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PortneufValleyFarmersMarket/

(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!)

SERVPRO®️ of Blackfoot/Pocatello Partners with Firehouse Subs to Serve Portneuf Medical Center Staff

By
John Crowder
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0

May 15, 2020

Tyler Hargis, Owner of SERVPRO®️ of Blackfoot/Pocatello and his team believe in giving back to the community and helping others.  This positive mindset has very much come through during the difficult time many have experienced due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Last month, the SERVPRO®️ team provided complimentary cleaning for local first responder vehicles to the high standards recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  They cleaned ambulances in Blackfoot and fire engines, ambulances, and police department vehicles in Pocatello.

This week the SERVPRO®️ team once again stepped up, this time to serve our local medical professionals.  SERVPRO®️ teamed up with Firehouse Subs to clean the personal vehicles of medical staff at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello…and provide them with a free meal as well.

In order to ensure that they were able to serve as many of the medical staff as possible, the SERVPRO®️ team worked three different shifts over three days, disinfecting all hard and touch surfaces, and then fogging to disinfect the cabin air and any porus surfaces.

Hargis said, “We greatly appreciate our first responders and medical personnel who are on the front lines during this global pandemic.  We are doing all we can locally and in the surrounding areas to use our knowledge, expertise, resources, and manpower to help any way we can.  We have an amazing community and have been able to partner with some amazing people and businesses to accomplish our goals of helping all we can.  Remember, we are in this together, and we will get through this together.  It may be raining right now, but the rain doesn’t last forever. Let us be your umbrella and safety during the storm.”

You can learn more about SERVPRO®️ of Blackfoot / Pocatello, experts in deep cleaning services, by visiting:

https://www.servproblackfootpocatello.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/servproblackfootpocatello/posts/?ref=page_internal

https://www.instagram.com/servproblackfootpocatello/?r=nametag

Firehouse Subs, Pocatello, is located at 231 West Quinn Rd., Ste. F
Pocatello, ID 83201.  Reach them by phone at (208) 238-6333, or find them online at:

https://www.firehousesubs.com/locations/id/rail-crossing/

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

(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!)

Small Businesses Can Access 30-Day Supply of PPE As State Opens for Stage 2 of Idaho Rebounds Plan Saturday

By
John Crowder
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0

(Press Release, May 14, 2020)

Governor Brad Little (Official Photo)

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today that small businesses have a new resource to access masks, gloves, and sanitizer as the state enters Stage 2 of the four-stage Idaho Rebounds plan to safely and responsibly open Idaho’s economy.

Idaho small businesses can obtain a 30-day supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their employees and patrons at https://supplies.idaho.gov/.

“Health and the economy are not mutually exclusive – they are interconnected,” Governor Little said.  “It’s been a challenge for small businesses to acquire PPE in quantities appropriate for their size.  We don’t want the lack of access to PPE to inhibit small businesses from opening, and this new resource is an interim bridge to help them get back to work safely and build consumer confidence while the supply chain normalizes.”

Idaho is leading the country in its support of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Earlier this week, Idaho small businesses started applying for the Idaho Rebound cash grants.  Governor Little made $300 million available to small businesses in direct cash support – more than any other state.  Idaho’s handling of federal relief funds and prioritization of small businesses has drawn praise from the White House.

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

Governor Little also announced Idaho has met the criteria to enter Stage 2 on Saturday.  Additional details are available at rebound.idaho.gov.

Ninety percent of businesses were able to open their doors on May 1 when Idaho entered Stage 1.  Many more began offering curbside services since mid-April.  As Idaho enters Stage 2 on Saturday, 95-percent of Idaho businesses will be able to open their doors as long as protocols are followed.

In addition, he said he decided to move the opening of bars up from Stage 4 to Stage 3, due to downward trends and after close consultation with public health experts.  If Idaho continues to hit benchmarks, then bars can reopen on May 30 – two weeks earlier than previously anticipated.

Governor Little also said he decided to modify the 14-day self-quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers coming to Idaho.  Only visitors from hot spots – places with prevalent community spread – are required to self-quarantine for 14 days after entering the state.  The move should help Idaho’s vital tourism industry while keeping Idahoans safe.

Nidia’s Creations: Delicious Cakes that are Works of Art!

In Stage 2, starting Saturday:

– Restaurants can open for dine-in as long as protocols are followed.

– Indoor gyms, recreation facilities, hair salons and other close contact services can open as long as protocols are followed.

– Bars should begin making plans to open in Stage 3.  Protocols for bars to open in Stage 3 will be posted Friday on rebound.idaho.gov.

– Just like in Stage 1, there is no requirement for people to self-isolate.  But vulnerable individuals are strongly urged to continue to self-isolate if they can.

– Only out-of-state travelers from hot spots are required to self-quarantine for 14 days after entering the state.

– Employees should return to work in phases and continue to telework whenever possible.

– We should all minimize non-essential travel.

– Gatherings, both public and private, of less than 10 people can occur where appropriate physical distancing and precautionary measures are observed.

– Social distancing and sanitation protocols should be followed, including washing hands and cleaning surfaces regularly and wearing a face covering in public.

– Large venues such as large sporting events and movie theatres remain closed until later stages.

“Generally, things are better in Idaho than elsewhere.  We were one of the last states in the country to have a confirmed case, and now – because of the great people of Idaho – we are one of the first states to reopen our economy responsibly with a staged plan.  But the strength of our economy depends on employee and consumer confidence.  We cannot be inattentive to the practices that got us here.  We all must continue practicing preventive measures such as wearing face coverings in public, washing hands and surfaces frequently, and limiting exposure to others,” Governor Little said.

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

(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 Fleet Services Dept. Featured in The Municipal Magazine

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 13, 2020)

Show Your Support For America’s Truckers! Click on the Image to see all americanbreadwinner apparel!

Despite being less than a year old, the City of Pocatello’s Fleet Services Department is being spotlighted on the national level.

The March issue of The Municipal magazine features the department in an article titled “Pocatello, Idaho, bids silos farewell with new fleet services department.”  The story highlights the department’s beginnings, its structure, and the benefits of having a centralized point for fleet maintenance.

“We are very honored to be recognized for our efforts in establishing our new Fleet Services Department,” said Tom Kirkman, Deputy Public Works Director.  “The department is a proactive step in finding more effective and efficient ways to manage the City’s vehicle fleet.”

The Fleet Services Department is located at the Public Works Annex at 2405 Garrett Way which consolidates repair and maintenance of vehicles in the City of Pocatello’s Street Operations, Sanitation, Water, Parks and Recreation, Police, and City Hall-based departments.  The Public Works Annex is also home to the Street Operations and Sanitation departments.

The Municipal’s “circulation reaches over 35,000 municipal executives and decision makers across America: Police, Fire & Rescue; Public Works & Utility; Parks & Recreation; Transportation & Fleet; Facility, Street & Highway and other municipal management departments.”

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

(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: Senior Building Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting Time Change

By
John Crowder
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0
Pocatello Senior Activity Center providing free lunch pickup service for seniors.

(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 12, 2020)

The City of Pocatello has released the following information:

Notice is hereby given that the time of the Senior Building Ad-Hoc Committee meeting is changing from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

The Senior Building Ad-Hoc Committee will live-stream its meeting Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at https://www.pocatello.us/718/Live-Streaming and Sparklight Cable channel 56.

(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!)

U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Introduce Energy Infrastructure Protection Act

By
John Crowder
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0

(United States Senate Press Release, May 12, 2020)

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced the Energy Infrastructure Protection Act, a bill to boost protections for critical electric infrastructure.  The bill updates provisions in the Federal Power Act and restricts federal disclosures of certain sensitive energy information.

“It’s crucial that the federal government and electric industry work in tandem to defend our critical electric infrastructure,” said Risch.  “The Energy Infrastructure Protection Act includes measures that will enable the federal government to protect utilities’ sensitive information from disclosures that could compromise our national security.  I thank Chairman Murkowski for her shared leadership on this legislation, and I look forward to moving it through the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.”

“Protecting our nation’s electric infrastructure is a matter of national security,” Murkowski said.  “Our bill equips the federal government with additional tools to safeguard the utility industry’s sensitive information.  It also takes important steps to ensure that information critical to utility operations is not unintentionally exposed, as that could surrender America’s energy security to foreign adversaries.”

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) currently protect information received from utilities.  The Energy Infrastructure Protection Act enhances those protections through provisions that:

  • Direct DOE and FERC to improve methods to protect critical energy information;
  • Grant explicit authority to DOE and FERC to help energy companies improve security;
  • Allow federal, state, and local authorities to request that their own critical energy information be protected under special designation by DOE or FERC.

Murkowski is Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.  Risch is a senior member of the committee.

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

(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’s Promise of Tomorrow Mayoral Scholarship” Recipients Announced

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 12, 2020)

The American Farmer…The American Trucker…Vital to our Economy and our Well-Being.

The recipients of the 2020 “Pocatello’s Promise of Tomorrow Mayoral Scholarship” have been selected.

In its inaugural year, the scholarship program awarded five students with two-year scholarships each totaling $2,000 ($500 per semester) to Idaho State University.  The students, their high schools, and planned fields of study are:

Deja Revere – New Horizon High School – Forensic Science
Kayden Cummings – Grace Lutheran High School – Physician’s Assistant
Mariana Vera – Century High School – Anthropology
Raquel Martin – Highland High School – Special Education or Social Work
Sophia Eagle (Martin) – New Horizon High School – Welding

“We had 22 graduating seniors apply for the scholarship, and I can tell you the quality of the applications was incredible,” said Mayor Brian Blad.  “These five students stood out, though, and we are excited to award Deja, Kayden, Mariana, Raquel and Sophia with scholarships.  They have specific visions for their futures, and we are honored to be part of their journey.”

Applications were reviewed by the Mayoral Scholarship Committee with consideration given to the applicant’s personal higher learning goals, financial need and possible impediments to higher education.

The scholarship is a partnership with the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is funded by contributions from Idaho Central Credit Union, D. L. Evans Bank, ISU Credit Union, Citizens Community Bank, The Bank of Commerce, and US Bank.

“This program would absolutely not be possible without administration from the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Foundation and contributions from our local financial institutions,” said the Mayor.  “It’s inspiring to see our community come together to support these students with their higher learning goals.”

(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!)

Hawley Troxell Presents: BACK TO WORK: An Employment Lawyer’s Tips for Developing a Legally Compliant Return to Work Plan

By
John Crowder
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0

(Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Press Release, May 8, 2020)

Hawley Troxell Presents: BACK TO WORK: An Employment Lawyer’s Tips for Developing a Legally Compliant Return to Work Plan

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

Governor Brad Little has announced a plan to ease workplace restrictions and to open up businesses in stages.  In this webinar John Ashby, an employment lawyer from Hawley Troxell, will discuss strategies for bringing employees back to work in ways that comply with employment laws and state and federal guidance.

Topics will include:

  • Legal risks in bringing employees back after layoffs, furloughs or telework arrangements
  • Continuing paid leave obligations and strategies for developing employee leave policies
  • Guidance on employee testing, medical inquiries, and temperature checks
  • What to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
  • What to do if employees refuse to return to work

Time:

May 12, 2020 10:00 AM in Mountain Time

To learn more, or to register for the webinar, visit: https://hawleytroxell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kNH1c-olTi-VlEUp_OljQQ

(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 Fire Department Offering Landfill Passes to Residents Living in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, May 11, 2020)

The American Farmer…The American Trucker…Vital to our Economy and our Well-Being.

Thanks to a partnership between the Pocatello Fire Department (PFD) and the Gateway Interagency Fire Front, residents living in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas of the Gate City can get a little help clearing their property of wildfire fuels.

As part of the Gateway Interagency Fire Front Fuel Reduction Project, WUI residents can get a pass from PFD to dispose of flammable vegetation (e.g. brush, trees, tree limbs, and weeds) from their property at the Bannock County Landfill free of charge.

“As wildfire season approaches, residents need to start taking actions now to make their homes more defensible,” said Kim Stouse, Community Relations/Education Specialist with the Pocatello Fire Department.  “Reducing the fuel loads is the first step and these certificates help ease the financial burden on homeowners as they work to make their homes safer.”

To receive the pass, residents must fill out the form at https://pocatello.seamlessdocs.com/f/PFDfuelreduction or by calling 208-234-7083.  Residents are required to provide identification to verify they live in one of the WUI areas.  Once the pass is issued, it is valid for two weeks from the date it is issued.

Nidia’s Creations: Stunning Cakes for Any Occasion!

To see a map of the wildland-urban interface areas of Pocatello, visit https://www.pocatello.us/DocumentCenter/View/2750/2018-Pocatello-Chubbuck-Firework-Zones-Map-PDF?bidId=.  Areas of the map that are colored orange, yellow, or pink are the wildland-urban interface areas.

Residents with questions about the pass can contact Kim Stouse, Community Relations/Education Specialist, at 208-234-7083 or via email at kstouse@pocatello.us.

For more information on what homeowners can do to protect their home from wildfire, visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire.

For more information about the Pocatello Fire Department, visit https://pocatello.us/189/Fire.

Let Your Customers Know You’re Open! Contact the Pocatello Chubbuck Observer and let us help you get the word out!

(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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