Pocatello

The Land Use and Development Ordinance (LUDO) has been quietly under construction in Bannock County for the last two years, as the county commissioners debate over topics including how to potentially allow renewable energy resource projects into the county. Previously, the LUDO was a total of eight separate documents, while the new, finished version combines the documents into a simplified single code. Residents have the opportunity to review this document and propose changes to Bannock County at the end of the month.

As the weather turns colder, several major projects in Pocatello are expected to finish by the end of October. One is the new traffic signal at the intersection of Hiline Road and Pearl Street/El Rancho Boulevard. Since July, crews have been working to transform the cumbersome four-way stop into a stoplight interchange with dedicated turn lanes and ADA-approved pedestrian accomodations.

On Thursday, September 17, the Pocatello City Council voted to affirm the hearing examiner’s decision from May 19, 2026, in which she denied Lex Developments a conditional use permit for an AI data center project on land in Pocatello. However, their motion included the exemption of a 12-month waiting period before the applicant can reapply. Plus, when the decision is made official on October 1, the applicant will have 28 days to file a petition for judicial review, placing the City of Pocatello in a potential lawsuit.

A beloved furniture store from Idaho Falls has officially expanded to Pocatello. On September 23, members of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce and employees and owners of Modern Home cut the ribbon on their new location.

The storm systems blowing through Eastern Idaho have left behind significant damage, including cracked windshields from hail the size of golf balls. The day after the massive lightning and thunderstorm hit communities, one local business is picking up the pieces, while the National Weather Service urges caution for the coming days.

Idaho State University boasts many opportunities unique to its Pocatello campus, including its being the only university in the state with a Bachelor’s program for nuclear engineering. Now, those students will receive a secondary hands-on education through a new advanced research and test reactor located at the ISU Business and Research Park.

Drivers and pedestrians have navigated orange cones, cranes and lower speeds through the historic downtown district in Pocatello all summer. Yesterday, the city announced two of the projects are complete, with two others expected to wrap up before the end of the year.

The City of Pocatello is gearing up for an annual volunteer opportunity– the Portneuf River Cleanup. The river is one of the city’s biggest natural resources and assets for tourism and representatives say the event will continue for years to come in an effort to maintain its natural beauty.

Flock cameras have sparked debate across the country, with residents concerned their data may be released out of their control. As part of the Pocatello City Council’s work session agenda today, they heard from the Pocatello Police Department and a representative from Flock about the purpose of using the camera system.

The Marshall Public Library has been collecting donations of school supplies and hygiene products every year since 2018. Between August 3 and September 12, a donation bin near the front desk of the library will collect new, unopened supplies for students in School District 25.

As potential data centers continue to dominate conversation in Eastern Idaho, the Bannock County Board of Commissioners enacted a temporary moratorium on Thursday, July 30, pausing acceptance of data center permit applications. The moratorium will last 180 days, completely stopping review on any data center proposals within county jurisdiction.