Mountain Valley Baptist Church Pastor Don Whitecar and Family
Members of Mountain Valley Baptist Church, 202 S. 7th Avenue in Pocatello, will be celebrating their three-year anniversary and dedicating their new building this Sunday, May 16, and the public is invited to attend.
The dedication service begins at 11:00 a.m., along with a children’s service. After the service, church members are hosting a complimentary lunch.
Join Mountain Valley Baptist Church this Sunday, hear the amazing story of how God has blessed this ministry, and get to know Pastor Don Whitecar, his family, and the members of their congregation. They look forward to welcoming you and celebrating together.
(Idaho Governor’s Office Press Release, May 14, 2021)
Governor Brad Little (Official Photo)
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little commented today on the 2021 legislative session following the Idaho Senate’s vote to adjourn sine die and the Idaho House of Representatives’ vote to recess for up to the end of the year.
“This was a truly historic legislative session in many ways – some good, and some not as good. I have spent my time as Governor listening to the people about their expectations of state government and how we can deliver on what’s really important to them. Fully funding schools, addressing the impacts of unprecedented growth by investing in our roads, and supporting individuals, families, and businesses through responsible tax policies top the list. I believe the people of Idaho vote for their elected officials with the expectation they will prioritize the issues that impact their day-to-day lives. I was able to secure legislative support for historic tax cuts, historic investments in transportation and other critical infrastructure, and a financially solvent state budget.
“This is the longest legislative session in Idaho history. That’s not something anyone should aspire to happen. This is Idaho, not Washington, D.C. Our citizens expect legislators to get in, do the work of the people, and leave expeditiously. That is what the Idaho Constitution intended. I appreciate the Idaho Senate for upholding the spirit of the Idaho Constitution and voting to adjourn.
“An unknown end-of-session date and important work left undone create major dysfunction in state government, namely with the implementation of administrative rules. I know that’s not an exciting topic, but it comes down to the nuts and bolts of state government and our ability to provide service to Idahoans. My executive administration and I will find ways to make state government function and move forward – as we have before – but it will cost time and money.
“I recently received a note from a mayor whose grandpa, Jack Murphy, served as Idaho Lieutenant Governor for eight years until 1975. When he left the Senate chambers for the last time, he said, ‘There can be no personal victory or triumph for those who serve here. There can be no individual defeat… The only victor when we are wise – is Idaho. The only victim if we are unwise – is her People.’
“The people of Idaho have a lot to celebrate for what we accomplished for them this session, but in other ways we can do much, much better.”
(Idaho Governor’s Office Press Release, May 14, 2021)
Governor Brad Little (Official Photo)
Boise, Idaho – During this National Police Week, Governor Brad Little is showing our law enforcement that Idaho “backs the blue” by providing $1,000 hazard pay bonuses to frontline personnel at Idaho State Police.
“Idaho truly is a state that ‘backs the blue.’ While other places seek to ‘defund the police,’ here in Idaho we are defending the police! Our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us. The new $1,000 ‘Defend the Police’ payments are one small way we can recognize their courage and sacrifice, especially during the pandemic. I encourage all Idahoans to thank a police officer this week, and throughout the year,” Governor Little said.
More than 360 commissioned officers and regional communications center personnel at the Idaho State Police will be the recipients of the $1,000 Defend the Police payments.
The Pocatello Police Department has issued the following advisory notice:
The Pocatello Police Department is issuing a warning that anyone using illegal drugs is placing themselves at risk of ingesting unknown toxic substances that could be lethal.
Over the past few weeks, officers have responded to multiple overdoses of opioids where illegal pills and heroin were ingested containing toxic substances, like fentanyl. Several people experienced medical emergencies like respiratory failure that required life-saving measures and the administration of Narcan by emergency medical personnel and officers.
If you or someone you know uses narcotics and experiences a medical emergency, immediately call 911. Under Idaho Code 37-2739C (https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title37/t37ch27/sect37-2739c/), “a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for any person experiencing a drug-related medical emergency shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance… for using or being under the influence of a controlled substance… or for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia was obtained as a result of the person seeking medical assistance.”
Additionally, “a person who experiences a drug-related medical emergency and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance… for using or being under the influence of a controlled substance… or for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia… if the evidence for the charge of possession of or using or being under the influence of a controlled substance or using or possessing drug paraphernalia was obtained as a result of the medical emergency and the need for medical assistance.”
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers “a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders” at 1-800-662-4357.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Disorder Services Program “provides statewide treatment and recovery support services for qualifying individuals and families struggling with the disease of addiction.” They can be reached at 1-800-922-3406.
A variety of children’s day classes are scheduled to begin at Zoo Idaho on June 2.
According to the posting on the City’s website:
“These short, single-day classes are perfect for children (ages 5–13) who have an investigative mind! Groups study various topics with age-appropriate activities. Registration required!
Roots to Fruits: June 2 Have a green thumb? Interested in learning about native plants and their usages? This is the class for you. Dive into ethnobotany and give it a go at cultivation your own plants.
Pollinators Nature’s Most Important Job: June 9 What is a pollinator? Why are they important? Find all this out and more as we investigate Idaho’s pollinators.
Are You Afraid of the Dark….I Mean Bats?: June 16 Find out why bats are one of the coolest mammals on earth and how important they are to ecosystems.
Birds of a Feather: June 23 If you think feathers, flying, and dinosaurs are cool than you’ll want to sign up for this adventure into the life of birds!
Wild Hunters: June 30 If cougars, coyotes, and bears are your thing, join us in this investigation into our wild Idaho hunters.”
Youth rock climbing lessons are set to begin on June 3 at Ross Park in Pocatello.
The City’s website states:
“Kids come and hang out at Ross Park with instructors who know how to make the day fun and keep little hands busy on the rocks. Our system maximizes time in the rocks and minimizes time spent in lines. Teens learn to belay one on one and begin to build anchors. Once you are comfortable with Ross Park check out the City of Rocks trips. Feel free to sign up for multiple sessions. Classes are limited to 25 kids.”
Over 120 retired U.S. generals and admirals have reportedly posted an open letter warning that the United States is in a fight for the survival of our constitutional republic. Writing under the name, Flag Officers 4 America, they say, “The conflict is between supporters of Socialism and Marxism vs. supporters of Constitutional freedom and liberty.”
After outlining the danger, the flag officers conclude by saying, “We urge all citizens to get involved now at the local, state and/or national level to elect political representatives who will act to Save America, our Constitutional Republic, and hold those currently in office accountable. The “will of the people” must be heard and followed.”
You can read the full text of the letter and view the names of the signers, here:
Late last night the Idaho House voted to recess until December 31, while the Senate voted to adjourn Sine Die.
In a post on Facebook, Idaho District 3B Representative Tony Wisniewski explained:
“At 11:25 PM tonight (May 12), the House voted on a Motion to Recess until no later than December 31, subject to the Call of the Speaker. Before the motion could be voted on, there was a motion made by the Minority Party to adjourn Sine Die, which took priority. That motion was soundly defeated.
The Senate, on the other hand, did adjourn Sine Die.
By recessing, the House may be brought back into session without the governor’s permission. When the governor calls the Legislature into an Extraordinary Session, as he did last August, the Constitution allows him to specify the areas in which legislation can be passed. Since we are still in session, we can now meet on our schedule to appropriate Federal funds sent to Idaho, or to react to any conditions that the governor or the Federal government may impose on Idaho. I am proud of all the House members who voted to retain some level of our legislative power!”
SD 25 School Board members received a COVID update yesterday at their work session meeting.
It was reported that last week the school district reported zero staff members and five students. The board members were told, “These numbers put our school community in the low to no spread when you look at our district…”
Noting, in addition, that the City mask ordinance had been removed, it was recommended by staff to, “suspend the District mask mandate effective after the last day of school.”
The COVID discussion begins at the 56:24 minute mark in the video, linked below:
