Events

Shante Sanchez has always had a passion for the complexities of forensics, mental health and death investigation. Having moved to Idaho when she was in high school, Shante has been an active and devoted member in the community for over a decade and hopes to serve with compassion, empathy and understanding of the impact of Idaho’s unique qualities.

After graduating at Idaho State University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she embarked on a journey to achieve the upmost level of understanding of the abnormal mind and criminological experiences. She received her Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University in 2020 with an Emphasis in Investigative Criminology and a Specialization in Severe Mental Illness and Violent Crime.

In addition to her entrepreneurial and academic achievements, she spent multiple years in mental health intervention as a case manager, skills training coordinator, behavioral interventionist for juveniles and administrator for various mental health agencies. After developing a deeper understanding of the impact of mental illness, she realized the importance of mental health services, victimology services and continued crisis intervention in the community.

Shante received her Medicolegal Death Investigation certification through the University of North Dakota. She also is actively working towards her American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator (ABMDI), a nationally recognized achievement. Shante is a devoted mother of two rambunctious boys, professional business owner and dedicated community member. She is proud to serve the residents of Bonneville County and bring peace, closure and dignity to those that have passed.

Julie Thomas, Regional Director Make-A-Wish^® Idaho

Ag Outlook in Eastern Idaho with Andy Lundquist
Agriculture plays a vital role in Eastern Idaho’s economy. Andy will present current ag conditions, market trends, and what the coming season might bring for our farmers and ag businesses.

Andy Lundquist is a seasoned Relationship Manager at AgWest Farm Credit, bringing over 13 years of experience in agricultural lending and financial services. Based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Andy began his career as a Credit Officer and has since built a strong track record of supporting agricultural producers with tailored financial solutions. He holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University–Idaho and is committed to fostering long-term relationships that help clients thrive in the ag industry.

Economic Outlook & Market Trends with Darren Puetz

What does the future hold for our local economy? Darren will share an overview of regional economic indicators, growth projections, and how real estate fits into the bigger picture of our Idaho Falls and regional economy. 

Darren Puetz joined TOK Commercial’s Eastern Idaho team in 2020. Darren enjoys assisting businesses and individuals achieve their commercial real estate goals. His trademark laser focus on clients’ objectives allows him to advise clients on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing strategies and the development of residential, multi family, office, retail and restaurant properties in Eastern Idaho. More notably, in 2022, he won the Gold Award for Commercial Real Estate Agent in Idaho Falls. Darren has previously been involved in a wide-range of real estate related careers, including as an operations and managing partner of a private equity real estate investment company where he was responsible for real estate investment analysis, asset planning and positioning strategies, property acquisitions, construction of improvements, property repurpose and rehabilitation inititaives, project lease-up, property management and investment sales.

Installation of Officers/Directors 2025-26

Rotary Club Meeting will be held at Sandy Downs in celebration of the War Bonnet RoundUp!

DUCK RACE PEP RALLY with Kevin Call and Mike O'Bleness

Presentation of the Duck Race Winners & Prizes to kickoff the meeting - Speaker is Idaho State Senator Kevin Cook - topic "750K by 2100:  Keep Idaho's Water Here

Senator Kevin Cook's early years were spent on a modest farm in Utah. He completed his high school education in a public school and later earned a computer science degree from Weber State University. During his time at Weber State, he had the opportunity to meet the love of his life, Cheri, and after two years of persistent pursuit, he successfully convinced her to marry him.

 

In 1999, Kevin relocated to Idaho Falls to broaden the scope of his Software Consulting business. Presently, he works as a Software Engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory. 

 

Kevin is currently in his third term as an Idaho State Senator, and he actively serves on several committees.

 

Jaydene (Jay) Wiles is the founder of The Koha Project, a grassroots, volunteer led initiative supporting Haiti’s maternal health crisis, where maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. The project provides postpartum care kits containing reusable pads, underwear, and basic hygiene supplies to mothers and women fleeing gang violence and displacement. 

Koha a Māori word meaning “a gift from the heart” reflects the projects mission to offer dignity and care through handmade kits sewn by volunteers and delivered in partnership with trusted local clinics like Kay Manman Yo.

City Council Member, Jim Francis "A Land Use Decision:  A City Council Faces the Delaration of Independence and the Constitution

Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Idaho - "Education In Idaho"

Previously, she served as a seven-year member of the Idaho State Board of Education and was president during her final two years. Debbie was co-chair to Governor Little’s Education Task Force in 2019 and committee chair for Governor Otter’s Higher Education Task Force in 2017. She chaired the Re-Open Idaho Schools Committee in 2020 and was a member of the Governor’s K-12 Council.

Debbie was an elected school board member in Cassia County for ten years, five as board chair, and was on the executive committee of the Idaho School Boards Association. She is a former local library trustee and Oakley Valley Arts Council president.

She worked as the public information officer for Cassia School District for nine years, stepping down before her election as state superintendent.

A fourth-generation Idaho farm family, Debbie and her husband Dave live in Oakley, where they raised their four children. They have three grandsons.

  Karla LaOrange, Superintendent for Idaho Falls School District - "Strengthening Education in Idaho Falls”

Kathy Buck - "A Visit With Our District Governor"

Senator Dave Lent - "Idaho's Education Movement

Graduate of Eastern Idaho Technical College and Idaho State University; national credential in Radiation Protection; site-wide training manager for Fluor Idaho at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) where he was responsible for both regulatory and facility specific training programs; served as chair for the Energy Facilities Contracting Group; received a Distinguished Leadership award at the Department of Energy Headquarters in Washington D.C. for regulatory reform and cost-cutting initiatives; consulted in the nuclear power industry in both radiation protection and training; managed several multimillion-dollar projects and participated in mission critical activities at the INL since 1980; served on the Idaho Falls School District 91 Board of Trustees since 2006, playing a key role in replacing four elementary schools and transitioning a junior high into a successful project-based high school; invited by Idaho Falls Mayor Casper to participate on committee that recommended the creation of the College of Eastern Idaho; enjoy hosting family and friends at Spencer cabin and boating on area waters; wife Terri is known throughout the community for her work teaching the performing arts to youth; five children; 14 grandchildren.

Helena Welling, Bonneville County Supervisor of Elections - "The Mycorrhizae of Local Elections"

The arts are more than entertainment—they are a catalyst for empathy, connection, and shared understanding. In this presentation, we’ll explore how the transformative power of music and the arts strengthens community bonds, inspires creativity, and fosters inclusive growth. By cultivating empathy, the arts lay the foundation for economic vitality and lasting community prosperity. The Idaho Falls Symphony demonstrates how investing in culture enriches not only individual lives but the future of our entire region.

Celete Eld, Executive Director of Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Inc. - "Palliative Care...What?" 

November is Rotary International "The Rotary Foundation" month.

November Program Chair:  Cindy Ozaki

November Sergeant-At-Arms:  Ian Turner

November Greeter:  Margaret Wimborne

Michelle Ziel-Dingman, Executive Director of The Snake River Animal Shelter - "An Update"

November is Rotary International "The Rotary Foundation" month.

November Program Chair:  Cindy Ozaki

November Sergeant-At-Arms:  Ian Turner

November Greeter:  Margaret Wimborne