This is the place to find announcements, things to do, services available, ways to contribute, and “the rest of the story” about events that have happened or updates on those currently happening.

Announcements:The City of Blackfoot has moved their utility payment drop box to be next to the bench across from the library drive through — an easy drop off location on the parking lot side of that bench island.

Happenings:

Tuesday, Jan. 28-

The Community Dinner Table is serving a free community dinner at the Jason Lee Memorial Methodist Church, located at 168 S. University in Blackfoot. Dinner is from 5-6:30 p.m. and they hope everyone comes for a warm meal and good company.

There is a Blackfoot Planning and Zoning meeting at 7 p.m. at the City Hall, located at 157 N. Broadway. On the agenda: a variance on lot sizes for the 92 N. Stout development, the sign ordinance and childcare and adult daycare requirements. There is a zoom option for attendance, listening only, by using the link on the agenda, which is on the city’s Facebook page, or by using meeting ID 884 5007 8083.

Wednesday, Jan. 29-

Have an active 3–5-year-old child? Join the Wiggly Wednesday story time at the Blackfoot Public Library located at 129 N. Broadway. The stories will start at 10 a.m. with wiggles or not.

The Village and CDT are inviting the public to a press conference to announce their new joint venture — the Bingham Community Outreach Center. It will be held at 11 a.m. at 250 W. Judicial Street, which is where the new center will be located. Come see how they will continue to serve the underprivileged, how you can help and have your questions answered. Questions before then? Call 208-681-6448.

In Fort Hall, the Four Directions Treatment Center will have Life Skills class “Jump Into Creativity” at 10 a.m. All are welcome, especially if you need support. They have coaches there to assist.

Thursday, Jan. 30-

The Elite Retreat senior center in Shelley are inviting you to have “some fun on a wintery day.” They will be kicking off their new game table from 11:30 a.m. — 2 p.m. Also available for the kick-off will be finger foods for $3. Games are always happening at the center when they are open from 8 a.m. — 3 p.m. at 193 W. Pine.

The Blackfoot Library is hosting a farewell reception for retiring Library Director Lisa Harral, who has served for 45 years. It will be held at the library from noon to 5 p.m.

The Blackfoot High School Girls Basketball team will be playing Highland at 7:30 p.m. — and it will be Senior Night for the 5 seniors on the team.

Monday, Feb. 3

It’s “Motivation Monday” at the Four Directions Treatment Center in Fort Hall. Need a bit of extra support? Come, learn and get feedback from coaches — starting at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome.

Services:The Four Directions Treatment Center is part of the Peer Recovery Support Services program in Fort Hall. They host life skill classes that use everyday skills and activities to “help individuals on their journey through recovery.” Each week they have a Motivation Monday class and a Jump Into Creativity class on Wednesday. Both classes have coaches on hand for support and a listening ear. Both of these classes are also open to the community.

Want to Help?

Are you a member of the $5.00 a Month Club? And, if you are, is your membership renewed for 2025?

Just what is the $5.00 Club? It is a way to buy a senior a meal through the Meals on Wheels program of the Bingham County Senior Center. They are delivering 80 meals to homebound seniors every day — many of which can’t pay for the meals. If you want to contribute, call 208-785-4714.

And now for the “rest of the story.”

This week we’ll look back to 2024 and celebrate what the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Communications Center achieved.

The Center dispatched 19,233 calls with 15,256 going to law enforcement, 2950 to EMS and 777 to the Fire Station — or 53 calls a day on average.

The Sheriff’s Office handled 5,940 calls for service, with the largest number of 4,067 coming through their direct number 208-785-1234. Another 1,050 calls were officer-initiated reports and 842 were from 911.

They also attended 943 accidents, gave 5,279 warnings and cited 3,677 infractions. As far as arrests, they took in over 1,100 people — 139 for DUI, 253 for drug related offenses, 716 for misdemeanors and 406 for felonies.

Thank You! We support you as you serve us. And, may you have a slower year in 2025.

If you have events or announcements to be included — contact me at jannmmneish@gmail.com by Sunday night.

Until next week.