Month: May 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County PRCA Rodeo is finally back in Pocatello, bringing intense competition, clown comedy, and stellar trick riding cowgirls to the community.

“It’s the best show on dirt. Rodeo is the number one sport in America,” stated Dustin Jenkins, rodeo clown for PRCA. “It’s the reason why sporting events go on today.”

The show is partnered with Big Bucks Rodeo to bring nationally ranked and competitive cowboys to perform and compete in many events. Attendees can look forward to 15 bull riders each night, bronco riding, trick riding, team roping and an Indian relay race.

“There’s some NFR stock here, some NFR guys too,” said Lelo Garcia, PRCA bullfighter. NFR means national finals rodeo, meaning cowboys from there compete at the highest level and showcase their top-notch talent. “It’s going to be epic, especially in the bullriding with 15 bull riders each night.”

Something special about the shows is the award given to one lucky fan by Jenkins as the rodeo clown. The “Fan of the Night” Big Bucks Buckle is awarded to the loudest fan in the crowd.

“Each night gets a buckle and I’ll give it away, they can take this thing home, it’s gorgeous,” Jenkins said. “So that’s the fun thing about the performance is getting to give stuff away.”

Jenkins added no matter where he is, the crowd is his favorite part of every show. He not only saves lives by distracting the bulls once they’ve tossed off the rider, but provides entertainment throughout dead spots in the show.

“It’s me and him [the announcer] all night long, we try to put on a performance to make sure everybody’s happy that’s here,” Jenkins said.

The rodeo world isn’t for the faint of heart, but these two have been at it for years, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve always liked mean cattle,” Garcia said. “Since I was a little kid, it didn’t make sense to me that everybody sells them and gets rid of them, I love them. There’s some mean ones that will be out at the shows.”

For tickets and showtimes for this weekend’s shows, visit https://www.bannockcountyprcarodeo.com/.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees is actively seeking applications to fill an upcoming vacancy following the resignation of long-time board member Jim Facer.

On Thursday, May 21, the board accepted Facer’s resignation, which will take effect on June 8, 2026. Facer served two separate tenures on the board—first from 2012 to 2015, and again from 2020 to the present—culminating in more than nine years of combined service.

According to District 25, Facer has been a staunch advocate for public education. During his tenure, he guided the district through major initiatives, including the development of the Pocatello Valley Technical Education Center (PV-TEC), and was widely recognized for his thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to students.

“Jim has served this district with integrity, consistency, and genuine care for learners and families,” said Board Chair Raymond Knoff. “His leadership and dedication to public education have made a lasting impact on our district and community.”

Timeline for Filling the Vacancy

Following the acceptance of Facer’s resignation, the Board adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy for the Zone #3 trustee seat. Under Idaho code, the Board has up to 90 days to appoint a qualified replacement to serve out the remainder of Facer’s term.

The Board has established a preliminary timeline to review applications, conduct interviews, and swear in the new trustee.

Residents of Zone #3 have until Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to submit their resumes and letters of interest. Following a review of residency and qualifications, the Board will host candidate interviews on June 25 and Monday, June 29, in the East Fork / West Fork Board Rooms. If a candidate is selected at the completion of this process, they will be sworn in and administered the Oath of Office at the regular board meeting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

To be eligible for the role, applicants must permanently reside within the boundaries of Trustee Zone #3. Prospective candidates are highly encouraged to review the district’s interactive zone boundary map online HERE.

For more information or to submit an application, click HERE.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Starting on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m., the Century High School soccer fields are no longer for sports, but are a reverent sanctuary and monument for fallen military members and veterans through this Memorial Day weekend. The field was dedicated by community officials and Pastor Doug Smith with American Legion, Post 4 present to post the colors.

The Dedication Ceremony is just the beginning of activities this weekend at the Field of Heroes. It’s not only a place to remember fallen veterans and walk through the 7,086 individual markers, but a place to celebrate hard-fought freedom and liberty.

“It ceases to be a sports field and it becomes a sanctuary, a memory, a landscape of gratitude and a living monument of the ultimate sacrifice,” said Pastor Doug Smith in the dedication address. This year’s program included musical performances by Hiedi Young and the reading of the Joint Federal Delegation Letter by Regional Director for Senator Mike Crapo, Farbana Hibbert.

“They put themselves between us and danger, and threats to our precious republic,” Hibbert read in regards to the fallen soldiers. “They chose bravery and patriotism over their own safety.”

Several veterans were present, including founder of the Field of Heroes, John Rogers. He was honored during the ceremony by Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser.

“We are pledged to never forget the bravery of those who fought for the freedoms of the United States of America,” Moser said. “And to remember the families whose lives were forever changed.”

Military families and Gold Star Families were also recognized at the ceremony. Moser officially declared the Field of Heroes 2026 open to the public. Family and community members decorated markers of loved ones, especially those with larger crosses in the Idaho losses section of the field.

A local pushes a veteran through the Idaho Fallen monument at the Field of Heroes.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, May 22

10 a.m. Dedication Ceremony

6 p.m. Youth Ceremony

Saturday, May 23

9 a.m. Run to Remember

12-2 p.m. Children’s Activities

2 p.m. USO Show

3:30 p.m. Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 24

5 p.m. Concert – Shawn Barnby

8 p.m. Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 25th

5:15 p.m. POW*MIA Thunder Run Tribute

5:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony

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