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City of Pocatello Details Changes to Services Following Governor’s Roll Back to Stage 2

By
John Crowder
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0
City of Pocatello City Hall

(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 20, 2020)

Following Governor Brad Little’s announcement that Idaho is moving back to a modified version of Stage 2 of the Idaho Rebounds Plan, the City of Pocatello will be making the following changes to City services.

All City Council and Advisory Committee meetings will be held via GoToMeeting.  In-person attendance is extremely limited in accordance with the Governor’s order limiting in-person gatherings to 10 or fewer people.  Masks/face coverings are required.  Citizens are encouraged to watch the proceedings online at streaming.pocatello.us or on television at Government Access Channel 56 with a Sparklight (formerly CableOne) subscription.

The Pocatello Animal Shelter is limiting the number of citizens in the shelter to 10.  If capacity is reached, citizens will be asked to wait in their vehicle, and shelter staff will call once room is available.

The Marshall Public Library is switching to their winter hours.  The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Patrons are encouraged to utilize the library’s quick pick-up and curbside options and for more information visit, marshallpl.org/library-information/check-out.html.

At the Community Recreation Center (CRC), no more than 10 people will be allowed in one designated facility area (e.g. weight room, swimming pool) at a time.  Hot tub, dry sauna, and eucalyptus room use are limited to one patron or one family at a time.  The gym and basketball area will be closed to the public until further notice.  Swim lessons and aquacise classes are canceled until further notice.

Dance classes offered by the Parks and Recreation Department will utilize a drop off and pick-up system for participants.  Instructors will meet arriving participants and parents in the CRC lobby.  Staff asks that only one parent/family member accompany the participant when possible.  Parents/family members cannot remain inside the Community Recreation Center facility during classes.  Following the class, departing participants will exit via the back door and adjacent parking area.  Class sizes are limited to 10 or fewer participants.

In the Junior Jazz and D-League Basketball programs, only players, no more than two coaches, officials, and facilitation staff will be permitted at practices or games.  Players are to be dropped off at the main entrance areas for program gymnasiums.  Following the game or practice, players can be picked up in the main entry areas.

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 siphidaho.org/coronavirus.php, coronavirus.idaho.gov, and cdc.gov.

More information and resources can also be found at pocatello.us/coronavirus.

 

Fleet Reserve Association Offering Scholarships up to $5000 for Trade School, College, Graduate School to Veterans and Their Families

By
John Crowder
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0

November 20, 2020

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) has opened their annual scholarship application process.  Scholarships of up to $5000 per person are available for individuals affiliated with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard through their own service or that of a spouse, parent, grandparent or great-grandparent. The current application period for the scholarships is from September 1, 2020, through April 15, 2021.

People interested in learning more, or in applying for one of the scholarships, should visit the FRA Education Association website page at:

https://www.fra.org/fra/Web/Events_and_Programs/Fra_Education_Foundation_Scholarships/Web/Content/FRA_Education_Foundation.aspx?hkey=fe5fe4c8-48b6-4003-be7b-5f3f317c6600

Additionally, Idaho residents with questions about the scholarships may contact Roger Christopher, Branch 382 Secretary, at (208) 794-6637, or by email at frabranch382@gmail.com.

 

Pocatello City Council Adopts Face Covering Ordinance

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 19, 2020)

2020–2021 City Council: Linda Leeuwrik, Rick Cheatum, Roger Bray, Claudia Ortega (back row); Heidi Adamson, Brian Blad, Chris Stevens (front row) (Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

At Thursday’s Regular Pocatello City Council meeting, Councilmembers voted to approve a public health emergency ordinance requiring masks to be worn in all public places or when six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.

Under the ordinance, “every person shall, when in any indoor or outdoor public place, completely cover their nose and mouth when members of the public are physically present for otherwise unprotected social interaction with persons other than household members.”  The ordinance goes into effect November 21 at 12:00 a.m.

Exceptions are provided for:

– Children under the age of 5.

– Persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.  A person is not required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.

– Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

– Persons, including on-duty law-enforcement officers, for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

– Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose, face, or head for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.

– Persons who are eating or drinking at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, so long as the person is able to maintain social distancing, as recommended by the CDC, from persons who are not members of the same household or party as the person.

– Persons who are incarcerated.

– Patrons of gyms so long as the gym is following a plan approved by the local health district.

– Outdoor and/or indoor public places where people can maintain social distancing as recommended by the CDC.

The ordinance includes a 30-day time period for educating the public about the ordinance.  After 30 days, those who don’t comply with the ordinance would be cited with an infraction and fined $50.  Additionally, the “ordinance shall be revisited at the first Regular City Council meeting of January 2021, and every first Regular City Council meeting of each month thereafter, unless sooner repealed.”

“We need to keep people safe and keep our businesses open.  Wearing a mask is a simple step we can take to achieve that and we don’t want to have to go back any further in the stages of reopening than we already have,” said Mayor Brian Blad.  “In addition to wearing a mask, we encourage all Pocatellans to follow the guidance from the health experts including washing your hands, practicing social distancing, staying home when you’re sick, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoiding touching your face, and cleaning surfaces regularly.”

To view the ordinance, visit bit.ly/3ffLWi8.

 

Idaho: Capitol Christmas Tree to be moved November 23

By
John Crowder
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0

(Idaho Governor’s Office Press Release, November 19, 2020)

Governor Brad Little (Official Photo)

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite Idahoans to view the Idaho State Capitol’s Christmas Tree and Capitol Christmas decorations beginning the week of November 23.

“COVID-19 has adjusted the way we do things this year,” Governor Little said.  “Though we will forego a formal Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, we invite you and your family to spend time together at the Idaho State Capitol viewing the beautiful décor and Christmas Tree.”

This year’s tree is donated by Doug Cobb.  The Capitol Christmas Tree is currently located between 24th & 25th on Hazel in Boise’s North End, on the Booth Home property.

The relocation process is a joint effort.  The Idaho Department of Lands will cut and rig the tree for lifting, Boise Crane will load, and the Idaho Transportation Department will haul the tree to its destination at the Statehouse.  Boise City Police will provide the escort.

Cutting begins about 9 a.m. on Monday, November 23.  Its journey to the Statehouse is estimated to begin sometime around 11:30 a.m.  The Idaho Department of Administration’s Facility Services crew will begin stringing thousands of LED lights on the tree and decorating the interior of the Capitol the next morning.

“There is much to reflect upon this year,” Governor Little said.  “I hope you take this time appreciate the things that are truly important and find any joy and blessings this year has brought.”

 

City of Pocatello Sister Cities Committee Announces Vacancies

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 18, 2020)

The City of Pocatello’s Japanese Sister Cities Subcommittee has two vacancies open for appointment.

This volunteer subcommittee was established to advise the Mayor and City Council in all matters relating to Pocatello’s membership in Sister Cities International, especially in relation to our sister city affiliation with Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, Japan.  Responsibilities include active cultivation of relationships, coordination of cultural, educational, economic and other exchanges, and implementation of fund raising efforts.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m.

Interested persons 18 years of age or older can obtain an application by contacting the Mayor’s Office at 911 North 7th Avenue, visiting the Advisory Committees link at pocatello.us or calling 208-234-6163.

Applications must be received by December 4, 2020.

 

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bipartisan Group Introduce Legislation to Revitalize America’s Nuclear Infrastructure

By
John Crowder
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0

(U.S. Senator Mike Crapo Press Release, November 17, 2020)

(U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, official photo)

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) in introducing bipartisan legislation to revitalize the United States’ nuclear infrastructure.  S. 4897, the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020, will enable U.S. international leadership, preserve America’s nuclear fuel supply chain, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen the nation’s economic, energy and national security.

“Over the last couple of years, Congress has ushered in a new chapter in U.S. nuclear energy by enacting legislation promoting nuclear innovation,” said Crapo. “The advancement of clean, reliable nuclear energy is paramount to maintaining the United States’ eminence in nuclear power, research and innovation.  The American Nuclear Infrastructure Act will further facilitate our country’s nuclear competitiveness through enhanced collaboration with allied nations, nuclear energy workforce development and improved review processes to help deploy advanced nuclear technologies.  This bill, in conjunction with our other work, will help ensure research at the Idaho National Laboratory continues to contribute to and empower the long-term viability of our diverse domestic energy portfolio.  I thank Chairman Barrasso for his leadership on this important effort.”

The American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020 (ANIA) will:

  • Reestablish American International Competitiveness and Global Leadership;
  • Expand Nuclear Energy Through Advanced Nuclear Technologies;
  • Preserve Existing Nuclear Energy;
  • Revitalize America’s Nuclear Supply Chain Infrastructure; and
  • Authorize funds for Environmental Cleanup Programs on Tribal land.

A section-by-section of the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020 can be found HERE.  Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a legislative hearing on August 5, 2020, to consider the draft legislation.

On April 23, 2020, the Department of Energy released its report titled, “Restoring America’s Competitive Nuclear Energy Advantage.”  The report found the decline of our industrial nuclear supply capabilities threatens our national interest and national security.  The report recommends actions that will set the United States back on the right track.  ANIA implements the report’s key recommendations.

In the last two years, President Trump has signed two key pieces of legislation that further nuclear innovation: S. 97, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (NEICA); and S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Modernization Act (NEIMA).  These laws help ensure the research conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory continues to contribute to our diverse domestic energy resources and keeps our nation at the forefront of nuclear innovation.

 

Presidential Message on Antibiotic Awareness Week, 2020

By
John Crowder
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0

(White House Press Release, November 18, 2020)

President Donald J. Trump (White House Official Photo by Shealah Craighead)

When safely and appropriately prescribed, antibiotics are critical tools used to save lives in the United States and around the world.  During Antibiotic Awareness Week, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible antibiotic stewardship and acknowledge the contributions of American medical professionals.

Antibiotics play a powerful role in modern medicine.  They are instrumental in treating countless Americans with serious bacterial infections and preventing infection among others who are at-risk.  Over the years, however, antibiotics have been overprescribed and overused.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 47 million antibiotic prescriptions are written needlessly every year.  This practice can lead to harmful side effects for patients from these drugs and an overall decrease in long-term effectiveness of antibiotics with the potential to drive the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Overuse of antibiotics can be deadly.  Each year, there are more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths in our country.  In addition, there were 223,900 hospitalized cases of Clostridioides difficile, a pathogen that is driven by antibiotic use, in 2017, which killed at least 12,800 people.  Addressing the threat of antibiotic overuse is a public health priority.  Fortunately, our efforts have shown promising results.  Since 2013, deaths attributable to antibiotic resistance have fallen 18 percent.

My Administration has taken several steps to build on this progress.  In March, I signed a memorandum re-establishing the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria to develop a comprehensive approach for infection prevention and control.  In October, agencies across the United States Government joined together for the release of the new National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, which lays out the next 5 years of aggressive actions the United States will take to combat antibiotic resistance.  As part of this effort, CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Solutions Initiative is ensuring adequate educational resources on infection prevention and control and antibiotic stewardship are available to healthcare professionals and the public while encouraging advanced research to guarantee the right antibiotic is used at the right time, dose, and duration.

During Antibiotic Awareness Week, we urge all Americans to be good stewards of this critical resource and commit to supporting the discovery of new therapeutic strategies and evidence-based prescribing practices to slow the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans, plants, and animals.

 

The Federalist Reports on “Corrupt Cash-for-Votes Scheme”

By
John Crowder
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0

November 18, 2020

John Daniel Davidson, Political Editor at The Federalist. (Photo Credit: John Daniel Davidson Facebook Page)

The Federalist has published an article detailing a corrupt cash for votes scheme that has been operating in plain sight in Nevada.

The Federalist’s Political Editor, John Daniel Davidson, states, “Under the guise of supposedly nonprofit, nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaigns, Native American voter advocacy groups in Nevada handed out gift cards, electronics, clothing, and other items to voters in tribal areas, in many cases documenting the exchange of ballots for “prizes” on their own Facebook pages, sometimes even while wearing official Joe Biden campaign gear.”

Davidson goes on to say, “Offering voters anything of value in exchange for their vote is a violation of federal election law, and in some cases punishable by up to two years in prison and as much as $10,000 in fines. That includes raffles, free food, free T-shirts, and so on.”

The article lists the groups involved in the scheme, which have been posting about their “success” on Facebook.  Images of the Facebook posts are included in the article.

To read the full article, visit:  https://thefederalist.com/2020/11/18/in-nevada-a-corrupt-cash-for-votes-scheme-is-hiding-in-plain-sight/

Pocatello Police Department Opens New Substation

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 18, 2020)

Shaun Menchaca, CEO of the Portneuf Health Trust, left, and Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei Schei stand in the department’s new substation at 500 South 11th Avenue. The new substation space is provided at no cost to the Pocatello Police Department by the PHT. (Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

The Pocatello Police Department has added a new substation to its ranks thanks to the Portneuf Health Trust (PHT).

The approximately 500 square-foot substation at 500 South 11th Avenue features additional places for officers to complete their reports, conduct interviews, and other police-related duties.  The new substation space is provided at no cost to the Pocatello Police Department by the PHT.  The City of Pocatello will be responsible for the maintenance of the substation.

“This space simply worked perfectly for the officers and our campus.  It’s located in the Idaho State University neighborhood, it’s easy to access for the officers, and really, the whole community wins.  We are pleased to be able to contribute the lease to the Pocatello Police Department and count them as a valued partner,” said Shaun Menchaca, Chief Executive Officer of the Portneuf Health Trust.

“We appreciate the Portneuf Health Trust providing this location and the equipment for this substation,” Chief Roger Schei said.  “This will allow members of the department to be out in the community more because they can complete their reports and other duties at this location instead of returning to the main station.”

The department also has another substation located at 800 Yellowstone Ave.

For more information on the Pocatello Police Department, visit pocatello.us/police.

Additional information on the Portneuf Health Trust can be found at portneufhealthtrust.org.

 

Pocatello City Council to Consider Face Covering Ordinance at Thursday Meeting

By
John Crowder
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0

(City of Pocatello Press Release, November 17, 2020)

2020–2021 City Council: Linda Leeuwrik, Rick Cheatum, Roger Bray, Claudia Ortega (back row); Heidi Adamson, Brian Blad, Chris Stevens (front row) (Photo Credit: City of Pocatello)

At the Pocatello City Council’s Regular Meeting Thursday, Councilmembers will consider a public health emergency ordinance requiring masks to be worn in all public places or when six feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.

Under the proposed ordinance, “every person shall, when in any indoor or outdoor public place, completely cover their nose and mouth when members of the public are physically present for otherwise unprotected social interaction with persons other than household members.”

Exceptions are provided for:

– Children under the age of 5.

– Persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.  A person is not required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.

– Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

– Persons, including on-duty law-enforcement officers, for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

– Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose, face, or head for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.

– Persons who are eating or drinking at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, so long as the person is able to maintain social distancing, as recommended by the CDC, from persons who are not members of the same household or party as the person.

– Persons who are incarcerated.

– Patrons of gyms so long as the gym is following a plan approved by the local health district.

– Outdoor and/or indoor public places where people can maintain social distancing as recommended by the CDC.

The proposed ordinance includes a 30-day time period for educating the public about the ordinance.  After 30 days, those who don’t comply with the ordinance would be cited with an infraction and fined $50.  Additionally, the “ordinance shall be revisited at the first Regular City Council meeting of January 2021, and every first Regular City Council meeting of each month thereafter, unless sooner repealed.”

To read the proposed public health emergency ordinance, visit bit.ly/3pBC339.

The meeting is not a public hearing and testimony from the public will not be accepted during the meeting.  Before the meeting, residents can submit their comments about the ordinance via email to the Mayor at bit.ly/35AtU74 and the City Council at bit.ly/2UGW2yV or by calling 208-234-6163.

In-person attendance is extremely limited in accordance with Governor Little’s Modified Stage 2 order limiting in-person gatherings to 10 or fewer people.  Masks/face coverings are required.

Citizens can watch the proceedings online at streaming.pocatello.us or on television at Government Access Channel 56 with a Sparklight (formerly CableOne) subscription.

Thursday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

 

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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.
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