🌱 9th Annual 9/11 Banquet Raises $280K + Shelters At Full Capacity

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Idaho Falls Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Kimberly and Craig Anderson, with the Anderson Hicks Group

Looking for a realtor team that cares about the community as much as they care about buying and selling homes?

Look no further than Kimberly and Craig Anderson with the Anderson Hicks Group — your neighborhood Realtors.

This husband and wife team is known for their client-focused activities and transparent communication. You'll likely recognize this A team as a regular sponsor of local middle and high school teams and events, and when Craig and Kimberly Anderson aren't selling homes, you can find them volunteering in the local community.

But where the team truly shines, is of course, in helping clients with everything from first-time home buying to investing, making them the #1 rated Real Estate Team in Eastern Idaho.

Contact Kimberly and Craig Anderson to join the many families in Idaho Falls who have trusted them for their real estate needs. To stay up to date on market trends, follow them on Instagram here!

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 77 Low: 43.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 79 Low: 41.

Here are the top three stories in Idaho Falls today:

1. The "9th Annual 9/11 Tribute Banquet" hosted by Heroes Defense in Idaho Falls attracted hundreds of attendees over the weekend, generating over $280,000 in funds dedicated to supporting first responders and veterans. The event featured heartfelt accounts from retired FDNY Capt. Kevin Calhoun and retired FDNY firefighter Billy Carlson, who shared their experiences during the 9/11 attacks. Additionally, the banquet included silent and live auctions that raised substantial contributions toward assisting these essential heroes and constructing two memorials. (East Idaho News)
2. As summer ends, animal shelters across Idaho are facing full capacity due to an increase in surrendered and stray animals, exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shelters are unable to accept surrendered animals, and the situation is worsening. A shortage of affordable housing and people moving to places that don't allow pets, along with allergies or medical issues, contribute to the surge in animal surrenders. (East Idaho News)
3. Idaho Falls School District 91's Career & Technical Education Center has secured grants totaling $133,134 from the Idaho Department of Career Technical Education to improve their welding, health sciences, and industrial mechanics programs. The welding program will acquire a plasma cutter with its $12,000 grant to enhance metal fabrication skills. In addition, the health sciences program received a $11,258.36 grant to purchase an AED and ambulance cot for student training. (LocalNews8.com)

Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Thursday, September 14

• City Council Meeting At City Council Chambers (7:30 PM)

Friday, September 15

• Masquerade Ball At Idaho Falls Zoo At Tautphaus Park (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Idaho Falls area at the link! (Idaho Falls Patch)
• The Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center supports over 100 nonprofit organizations and relies on donations and grants to provide essential items to the homeless and those facing hardship. They are open to volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (East Idaho News)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Idaho Falls area! Get all the property details at the link. (Idaho Falls Patch)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Idaho Falls? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (September 19)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.