🌱 Idaho Falls Named Best Performing Small City + Increased Patrols

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 82 Low: 44.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 84 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories today in Idaho Falls:

1. The City of Idaho Falls has been recognized as America's Best Performing Small City for the second time, according to the 2023 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Index. The city's strong job and wage growth, as well as its focus on technology, innovation, and cyber-security, contributed to its top ranking. Idaho Falls' economic success is attributed to its talented workforce, supportive business sectors, access to essential services and infrastructure, and its leading role in clean energy research through the Idaho National Laboratory. (nation.lk)
2. The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office has increased patrols for the next two weeks to target seat belt violations and distracted driving as part of a statewide safety initiative. This effort precedes the upcoming "100 deadliest days" between Memorial Day and Labor Day when accidents tend to increase. The sheriff's office aims to remind drivers to prioritize safe driving practices, especially with the increased number of travelers on the road during springtime. (Idaho State Journal)
3. The Idaho Falls Chukars are preparing for the 2023 Pioneer League season and recently held their first-ever Fan Fest, giving fans the opportunity to interact with players. The team has a new manager, former MLB player Dave Clark, and the Pioneer League has implemented the pitch clock rule, aligning it with Major League Baseball. The Chukars will start their exhibition schedule with games in Boise and Idaho Falls before the season opener next Tuesday, followed by the home opener next Friday. (Local News 8)

Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Saturday, May 20:

• Fuel & Flo At Boy Scouts Of America Building (8:00 AM)
• Walk For Wishes At Russ Freeman Park (9:00 AM)

Sunday, May 21:

• Spring Cleanup At Snake River Landing (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Idaho Falls Zoo welcomed a new baby Bactrian camel, born on Thursday night. The zoo staff is giving the mother and baby time to bond and has not yet determined the gender. The public is asked to respect their privacy and refrain from approaching or calling out to them, allowing them to bond and ensuring the baby's well-being. (East Idaho News)
• Bear Creek Road, providing access to the Calamity Campground, day-use area, boat ramp, and residences, is closed due to a lane collapse and erosion caused by snowmelt runoff. The closure spans from Snake River Road to Calamity Road by Palisades Reservoir. The Forest Service is assessing safety conditions and exploring alternative access options while working with Bonneville County to determine future steps. (Local News 8)
• Idaho Falls Retro X is a pop-culture celebration coming to southeast Idaho, featuring classic toys, comics, video games, and a cosplay competition. The event hopes to create a business-driven convention that provides an affordable and sustainable experience for local fans. A two-dollar discount will be applied to entrance fees if attendees bring canned food to support the Community Food Basket. (Local News 8)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.