Month: February 2012

The man convicted 15 years ago for the 1996 murder of Idaho Falls woman Angie Dodge wants his confession thrown out. Christopher Tapp, 35, was in the Bonneville County Courthouse on Tuesday. Tapp is represented by Bonneville County public defender John Thomas, who was joined at the defense table by counsel from the Idaho Innocence

A location has been announced for Mitt Romney’s Thursday visit in Idaho Falls. Republican Mitt Romney will be in town at a rally at 1:10 p.m. at the Skyline High School gym. If you are interested in attending, RSVP to TeamID@mittromney.com or (208) 278-6115.

Pocatello police have released the name of the man they say was shot in the chest at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. They also said the gun, an antique, was stolen. According to police, Jorden Petersen was shot in the chest by Andrew C. McKnight Owen, 26, in a vehicle near the 400 block of West Custer.

A bill that would allow Idaho ranchers to use helicopters and live-bait traps to hunt wolves has died in the Senate. This comes after legislators acknowledged the bill could risk putting wolves back on the federal endangered species list. Senators sent the bill back to the Resources and Environment Committee Tuesday where it is expected

Idaho Fish and Game said this year’s mild winter is helping beef up the local deer population that took a hit from last year’s storms. The survival of those female deer has been pretty high this year, and a lot of it does have to do with the lack of snow. Wildlife technician Cindy Austin

Fracking has become one of the biggest buzz words of 2012. It’s a divisive issue, sparking strong opinions and passion for and against the latest employment craze.. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s time to bone up on induced hydraulic fracturing, shortened to fracking. Scores of eastern Idahoans are traveling out to North

Dog owners in Bingham County will soon face some tougher penalties for breaking ordinance rules, after commissioners approved changes on Monday. Law enforcement and prosecutors asked commissioners to revisit the ordinance after a couple of incidents, in particular with people who have more than four dogs without the proper license. It’s always been against the

Have you ever been pulled over in a traffic stop and then fumbled through your glovebox, only to realize you didn’t have a proof of insurance card with you? The Idaho state Legislature is working on a solution to this issue in the form of a new bill passed Tuesday in the Senate that would

Wednesday was the second day of testimony in the evidentiary hearing to throw out the 1997 confession by Christopher Tapp to the murder of Angie Dodge in the summer of 1996. Dodge was raped and murdered in her Idaho Falls apartment, and nearly 15 years ago Tapp was convicted solely on his confession to police.

During the winter living in Idaho can be a bit pricey, but many Idahoans qualify to receive assistance to pay the heating bill. From August to January the utility bill can be drastically different. If you can’t afford to pay the bills you’re not alone. Idaho Falls municipal services said they never collect half a

After a rough few years, economists predict 2012 will be the year to invest. Ameriprise Financial senior economist Russell Price said the country is on its way out of the difficulties that caused the recession. Price said compared with the rest of the nation, Idaho has seen lower unemployment numbers because of its diverse economy

The National Weather Service is urging drivers to be careful. The agency has issued a winter weather advisory for snow in southeastern Idaho, which means snow is causing difficulties in travel. Numerous accidents and slide-offs are being reported. Snow arrived in the area Wednesday morning and will change to a rain and snow mixture during

The higher education budget in Idaho has fallen fast over the past four years, but it could be bouncing back. Lawmakers approved a budget that will increase state support of public universities by more than $18 million. After trying to find ways to save money without any layoffs, Idaho State University is glad to see

Pocatello police and fire units responded to a break-in and attack at 855 1/2 North Garfield just after 2 p.m., said Lt. Paul Manning. The victim said that an unknown number of suspects entered and attacked him with a blunt instrument, Manning said. Detectives are unsure what the blunt object was at this point, he

The Idaho Falls bomb squad is dissecting a possible bomb to find out exactly what it is. A painter in Blackfoot found a suspicious device on Tuesday night while he was working in an apartment complex on Walker and Broadway. The owner has been renovating the complex. The apartment where the device was found had

Some Wyoming state lawmakers want to study the possibility of creating a state currency to prepare for the possible collapse of the national government. The so-called “doomsday” bill won initial backing in the state House on Monday after lawmakers dropped a proposal to study whether Wyoming should organize its own army and acquire an aircraft

A group of concerned citizens has filed a petition in Bingham County to recall Blackfoot school board member Peter Lipovac. Prosecutor Scott Andrew said the group turned in 20 verified signatures Tuesday claiming Lipovac violated policy when he attended a New Mexico conference and had the district pay without permission. Andrew said some are also

The South Valley Connector could finally break ground this year after 16 years in the making. On Tuesday, the city of Pocatello held a public meeting to show off the final design elements and get local people’s opinions on how the connector looks. People came to speak out about the environmental impact, the connector’s placement

Six Madison High School students are going where no student from their school has gone before – the VEX Robotics World Championship. It’s the team’s first year building robots, and they have already taken home the first-place prize in the region. Before school started this year, the students on the team knew very little about

A snowmobiler from Minnesota is dead after getting caught in an avalanche near Togwotee (TOE’-guh-tee) Pass in western Wyoming. The Jackson Hole Daily reports (http://bit.ly/xWvbUI) the man was snowmobiling with a party of 10 when the avalanche overtook him Monday. Teton County officials on Tuesday identified the victim as 35-year-old Jack Loxtercamp of Villard, Minn.

Alexis Gonzales, who is charged with harboring Joseph Chavez, the suspect in the Christmas Day stabbing death of 20- year-old Buck Garner, was in court Monday and may have reached a plea deal. His attorney, however, was not, though he was reached by Judge Dane Watkins Jr. by speaker phone. Gonzales, 18, expressed to the

The man police say fired a rifle at a patrol car after leading officers on a chase through Idaho Falls was back in court today, this time for a short appearance. Scott Parker’s attorney said his client is in negotiations with the state to reach a plea agreement. He said Parker had some decisions to

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office wants the public?s help in identifying those responsible for a burglary at Corner Drug in Driggs at about 6 a.m. Friday. As they responded to an alarm, deputies said, they found a door to an adjoining business was open. They discovered a large amount of prescription, Schedule 2 narcotics were

Leaders at Areva said a letter sent to its subcontractors on Monday is not as bad as its sounds. Areva officials clarified on Tuesday they are continuing with the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility, just at a slower pace. They’re looking for funding and need $1 billion in addition to the conditional loan of the $2

Idaho Falls police arrested a 51-year-old man Tuesday morning on a warrant for felony grand theft. The warrant for the arrest of Stanley William Mills of Idaho Falls stems from a police investigation into the alleged embezzlement of more than $550,000 from Environmental Management Inc. between 2002 and 2008. Mills was the company’s chief financial

An outspoken animal activist made a gruesome discovery, waking up to five dead animals on her driveway. That woman believes she’s a victim of a deliberate act, and has the local sheriff’s office investigating. Local animal advocate Andi Elliott is used to dealing with animals. However, what she saw at her home Friday morning is

It is an election year and medical marijuana has made it into the political playing field. A group in Idaho wants it legal here and a bill is already before the legislature. I talked to both sides of this controversial issue. “As a physician, I can tell you there have been people dying with cancer.

Idaho Fish and Game has two new proposals for hunters, and a third idea that could be considered for legislation. The agency is taking those ideas on tour around our area to see what hunters have to say about the possible changes to their favorite sport. The first proposal would split the archery antelope controlled

A 46-year-old Idaho man is facing a felony theft charge after authorities say he snatched another man’s bag from a Salt Lake City airport carousel and stole some of its contents. Charges were filed against Edwardo Jaramillo of Pocatello last week in Salt Lake City’s 3rd District Court, and were first reported by KSL. After

The state of Wyoming is one step closer to passing a bill that would require some welfare recipients to undergo drug testing. It passed the full House on its third reading Monday. Nearly two dozen states are currently considering similar legislation. Should people in need have to trade a clean drug test for welfare benefits?

Eyewitness News is ready for another installment of our “Buy Local” series. It’s a chance to showcase local businesses making a splash here and outside the region. Last week we took you inside the Grand Teton Brewing Company in Victor. Now, it’s time to take a trip to Rigby, and Manwaring Cheese — a handmade,

A controversial bill on the senate floor could potentially void the agreement Idaho has with the feds and put wolves right back under federal protection. Environmental groups are not happy after Senate Bill 1305 made it to out of committee and onto the floor last week. The bill would allow Idahoans to hunt wolves from

While Mitt Romney continues his campaign in Michigan ahead of Tuesday’s primary, his son, Josh, paid a visit to eastern Idaho. Romney’s support in the Gem State has been questionable since Ron Paul won the straw poll in January, there’s still quite a bit of confidence amongst quite a few people that Romney will win

Unlike year past, Idaho GOP voters won’t be heading to their usual polling locations. This year, Republicans throughout the state will choose the presidential nominee through a caucus instead of a primary. In a caucus, everyone votes at the same time ? this year, on March 6 at 7 p.m. On election day we’re used

Police say a suspicious package left on the doorstep of an Orem home was not a bomb, but was rigged to look like one. Officials with the Utah County Sheriff’s office say they found no explosives when they examined the box that was left at the home about 5 p.m. Sunday. Orem police told the

A proposed gondola connecting a Park City ski resort with another nearby resort is receiving the backing of a Utah Senate panel. Republican Sen. Wayne Niederhauser of Sandy says the gondola would provide an economic boost to the area with minimal environmental impacts. Niederhauser is sponsoring Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, which passed a Senate committee

NPG of Idaho, eastern Idaho and western Wyoming?s #1 News organization, is looking for a full-time newscast director. Responsibilities include directing live newscasts, pre-production, and special projects. Candidate must be capable of directing and switching fast-paced, multi-camera, co-anchored evening newscasts. Candidate will gain valuable skills using some of the most advanced equipment in the industry.

KIFI is seeking an Account Executive to call on local businesses and develop new business. If you are smart, eager to train and seeking a long-term future with a fast growing company, we want to meet with you. Previous sales experience is preferable, but the primary qualifications are: Intelligence, Energy and Ambition. Benefits include health

The Twin Falls Police Department is seeking help in locating a runaway teenager. Jordan Ritter, 16, of Twin Falls was last seen in the early hours of Feb. 23. She is described as being 5′ 4″ tall and weighing 130 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. Police said she may be heading to Boise.

A bill to protect the safety of bicyclists has moved out of the House State Affairs Committee. Now it actually stands a chance of becoming a law, said Rep. Roy Lacey (D-Pocatello). The bill would require cars to drive at least three feet away from cyclists, joggers, people on horses and people in wheelchairs. Bike

Wind gusts reaching over 60 mph in Idaho Falls last week completely destroyed signs outside the Cal Ranch store on Anderson Street, and Salon 720 about a mile away on Holmes Avenue. But possibly the most incredible wind damage is on Ada Avenue where a huge pine tree was completely uprooted. A neighbor who lives

The flood waters have receded in Ammon, leaving many to face the ruins in their basements. It’s been almost two days since the flood waters rushed through the Cortland Ridge neighborhood, but the ground is still soggy, and in many spots, still covered with sandbags. “Just … gone,” said Chris Nish, as he surveyed the

The heavy winds have abated, but they will soon return. A high wind warning is in effect for southeastern Idaho from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. The area will see winds from 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, similar to the weather Wednesday that caused power outages and property damage.

In Blackfoot on Saturday, some local knights in shining armor trained to go sword on sword in a battle of the nations. Three men from southeast Idaho have been chosen to join Team USA in an international medieval combat tournament in Warsaw, Poland. To raise money for the trip, the local Medieval Chivalry Reenactment Society

A city in northern Idaho is cracking down on people who indecently expose themselves to others. The Coeur d’Alene City Council voted earlier this week to expand an obscene conduct ordinance. It now specifically addresses people who indecently expose their “frontal regions” to annoy or offend others, as opposed to those who expose themselves with

The U.S. Postal Service plans to end mail processing in three Wyoming cities to save money. Under a plan released Thursday, mail processing now done in Rawlins and in Wheatland will move to Cheyenne and operations in Wheatland will shift to Salt Lake City. The Postal Service plans to move ahead with a total of

Service and leadership are two qualities of many winners of the United Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished Student Award. Those traits are certainly evident in this week’s award recipient, Idaho Falls High School senior, Hailey Weatherby. Hailey is one of the talented students in the Idaho Falls High School A Cappella choir. Music is a big

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is taking comments on a proposed settlement to a Pocatello manufacturing plant?s request to amend its contract with Idaho Power Company. Idaho Power threatened to disconnect service to Hoku Materials Inc. in December because production delays caused by market conditions made it difficult for the polysilicon manufacturer to make a

After five months of study, the US Postal Service has announced it will move its mail processing operations from the Pocatello Customer Service Mail Processing Center to the Salt Lake City Processing and Distribution Center. Once the transfer is complete, the mail processing operation of the Pocatello Center will cease. USPS says there will be

An Idaho Falls police officer shot in the line of duty, and another who was injured, are being honored for their actions last summer. Officer Malin Reynolds was awarded the Purple Heart in connection with the June 17 incident, and Officer Bart Whiting was given the Chief’s Commendation. In the early morning hours of June

A new bill being discussed in the Idaho Senate could relieve the companies that own canals of any liability, should they flood. The bill passed the House yesterday, and could affect the people in Ammon who are dealing with flood damage from Wednesday night. “Mud and dirt and grime from the canal,” Ashley High said

Emergency crews and residents worked to stop flooding in Ammon on Wednesday night. Homes along Tildy Lane and Tildy Circle had their basements flooded with “several feet” of water that overflowed from the nearby canal Wednesday. Paytinn Webster, 13, was babysitting at a neighbor’s home when she heard four big booms and then heard water

Statistics show that 12.5 million children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese. In southeast Idaho, although childhood obesity isn’t all too common, it still exists. About 27 percent of Idahoans are considered obese. It’s statistics like these that have the United Way of Idaho Falls and the Apple Athletic Club teaming up to lower

With farmers and ranchers growing older each year, the government is trying to help new blood get into the business. Chris Dalley and his family run Pale Horse Cattle Company, a ranch southwest of Blackfoot. Dalley said the average farmer across the country is getting close to retiring, and the industry needs young people getting

A new get rich quick scam is striking people across the nation. The “work at home” scam is ripping people off for thousands of dollars, and it is claiming a local address. Opportunity calls in the form of Franklin Financial Solutions. Their representative tells you that you can make good money by selling and managing

The BBB Serving the Snake River Region is warning residents to beware of gold scams. Advertisements in newspapers, Internet and television make it sound simple to take those gold in and exchange it ounce for ounce. Although many businesses and websites are legitimate, there are just as many illegitimate ones, Chief Storyteller Robb Hicken said

Here at Local News 8 we’re always keeping an eye on crime rates, but we stumbled on one that caught us completely off guard: one of the most violating and invasive crimes is actually higher in our area — rape. In fact, in 2010 in Idaho Falls it was 45 percent above the national average.

Authorities say a 16-year-old boy accused in a plot to blow up his high school is being released to his parents. Utah courts spokeswoman Nancy Volmer says a judge in Ogden’s 2nd District Juvenile Court ordered the release Friday. The Roy High School student spent about a month in a detention facility on a charge

Senators voted 17-16 to give hunters more chances to open their wallets for exclusive opportunities to shoot big game. Friday’s narrowest of victory margins underscores lawmakers’ concern such high-priced tags turn over Idaho wildlife to the wealthy few. Sen. Steve Bair of Blackfoot argued the chance to raise $200,000 annually for the Department of Fish

Flash flooding devastated a home near Ririe Wednesday. The extremely high winds and warm temperatures caused snow to melt in the higher elevations and flow toward the home on Birch Creek Road. Flood waters filled up the home’s basement and washed out the sewer. Much of his front yard is now a mud pit. Todd

The Senate overwhelmingly backed a bill that would slap repeat animal cruelty offenders with a felony. The bill won on a 31-1 vote Thursday and now heads to the House. It makes a third animal-cruelty conviction within 15 years a felony crime punishable with jail time. The measure is being pushed by the livestock industry,

A bill to increase the separation between cars and bikers narrowly won House introduction, after a majority agreed to at least talk about making cycling in Idaho safer. But Tuesday’s State Affairs vote margin was razor thin, with nine representatives supporting it and eight opposed. The measure requires passing motorists to keep a 3-foot distance

The wind and rain on Wednesday may have caused a lot of damage, but it had a whole different effect on expecting mothers. Portneuf Medical Center was flooded with babies Wednesday afternoon, and on Thursday, there was hardly an empty bed in the labor unit. Krew Hampton came into the world at around 3:30 a.m.

BOYS DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS 4A DISTRICT 5Century 47 Pocatello 45 F 4A DISTRICT 6 Hillcrest 52 Madison 60 F 1A DIV. 2 DISTRICT 5 & 6Rockland 47 Clark County 38 F

A 12-year-old boy is being charged with first-degree murder in his father’s death. The preteen boy accused of shooting his father to death in Swan Lake appeared in court Tuesday. Cuffed and in chains, the 12-year-old murder suspect made his way to the courtroom to hear the charges against him. “(The suspect) charged with murder

Business and Idaho politicians are among the more than 3,000 people who honored the life and leadership of Steve Appleton, the former Micron Technologies Inc. killed in a plane crash earlier this month. The public memorial was held Thursday at Taco Bell Arena on the Boise State University Campus, where Appleton earned his undergraduate degree.

The Snake River Junior High School principal facing allegations he sexually abused a former student has resigned. Christopher Cox, 38, is charged with three counts of sexual abuse against a minor under the age of 16. He appeared in court Feb. 16 to be arraigned on those charges. Cox had been placed on administrative leave.

Many in Idaho Falls are bracing for big clean-ups on Thursday, after wind gusts Wednesday reached upwards of 70 miles per hour in some locations of eastern Idaho. The weather knocked down trees and damaged homes and businesses. It blew apart a heavy plastic sign, leaving shattered pieces sprawled across Yellowstone Highway. The falls on

A new claim has surfaced that the Mormon church has posthumously baptized a Holocaust victim, this time Anne Frank. The allegations come just a week after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apologized when it was brought to light that the parents of Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal were posthumously baptized at temples in

Hundreds of volunteers, anchored by Ammon firefighters battled through the night to hold back flood waters along a canal in Ammon overnight. Bonneville County authorities say the flooding affected the area along the Ammon foothills including neighborhoods near 55th East and Lincoln Road and the Cortland Ridge neighborhood near Woodland Hills Elementary School. Local News

Weather was disrupting traffic Wednesday after a semitruck flipped on Interstate 15 on Wednesday, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office said. The crash occurred near Milepost 51 near McCammon. Wind gusts in Idaho Falls reached speeds over 50 mph with sustained winds in the 40s. In the desert, winds were even higher. The average gust at

At 5 p.m. on Monday, the Occupy Pocatello group has to vacate its current spot at the corner of Oak Street and Yellowstone Avenue, or else it will get kicked out by the police. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed the Occupy bill into law that prohibits camping on state property, and Occupy Pocatello just happens

Pocatello took one step closer to redeveloping Alameda Plaza at the corner of Alameda and Yellowstone Avenues on Wednesday night. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended to the City Council that it split Alameda Plaza into five different plats, in the hopes that it will lure developers to the prime real estate. The giant empty

A man surrendered after Idaho Falls police surrounded an apartment and evacuated several nearby on the east side of town, Lt. Dennis Tremayne said. According to police, at approximately 9 p.m., Timothy Murphy barricaded himself with a sawed-off shotgun inside his Chelsea Court apartment at 2235 12th St.when police attempted to serve him an Idaho

The graduation rate in the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District have shot up from 86 percent to 96 percent in the last five years, said secondary education director Bob Devine. The jump is due to several initiatives, including the district’s ISAT graduation alternative, Plato. Because the ISAT is a graduation requirement, the state also requires every school

As authorities scrambled to mount a rescue for a downed Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter Feb. 15, one injured team member pulled his two companions free of the wreckage. Authorities say Fire/EMS Chief Mike Moyer dragged pilot Ken Johnson and volunteer team member Ray Shriver from the mangled Bell 407 airship after it crashed

It may be one of the most simple dangers behind the wheel: not wearing a seat belt. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s office just finished an intensive two week saturation to get drivers educated about seat belt safety. Officers also compiled some numbers during the focused efforts and said seat belt infractions are up in Bonneville

There is a little girl in Salmon, Idaho, who has almost everything going against her. She can’t walk, talk, or feed herself. Yet Adisyn Bertram doesn’t evoke feelings of pity. She brings out the love and support of everyone she meets. Adi was born with a rare birth condition called rhomboid encepalosynapsis. ?It’s a crippling

A local professor has tested the economic winds and is forecasting some bright years for Idaho’s economy. Economics professor Scott Benson said there are better times ahead for people in Idaho. While not growing extremely fast, he said the economy here is on a steady upwards climb. “Yes, things are looking up compared to the

Internet purchases may soon cost a little more — the state legislature is considering adopting a way to collect sales tax from online purchases. The House Taxation Committee introduced a new bill Tuesday that would help the state collect tax from online sales by allowing the state to join the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board

A federal judge in Boise has ordered the father of four children who live in Kuna to pay nearly $90,000 in back child support. KTVB-TV reports 48-year-old Rusty Haile pleaded guilty in November to willful failure to pay nearly $120,000 in child support. As part of the plea agreement, he paid $30,000 before his sentencing

Lawmakers in the Idaho House set the stage for more debate on state worker pay raises moments after legislative budget writers set the increases at 2 percent. Republican Rep. Stephen Hartgen of Twin Falls introduced two pieces of legislation Tuesday. One measure that supports giving state workers a 2 percent pay raise but gives agency

For the especially adventurous set of winter sports enthusiasts, the back country terrain may be where it’s at for the best skiing and snowmobiling. But recreating off the beaten path means safety is a must. “Really your best safety device is education,” said Dean Lords. Lords is the snow safety adviser for Kelly Canyon Ski

BOYS DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS 5A DISTRICT 6 Skyline 59 Highland 61 F/3OT 4A DISTRICT 5Century 63 Pocatello 46 F 4A DISTRICT 6 Shelley 78 Hillcrest 80 FCALEB BROOKS MADE THE GAME WINNING SHOT 4A DISTRICT 6 Rigby 54 Madison 43 F 1A DIV. II DISTRICT 5-6 North Gem 31 Rockland 33 F 1A DIV. II DISTRICT

The Idaho attorney general warns of a new scam related to the recent multi-state mortgage service settlement. Callers are pretending to have a list of consumers who are eligible for money from the settlement. According to the attorney general’s office, these scammers are asking for bank account information and credit card numbers. This is against

The chief deputy at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office won’t be in the office this week. The sheriff has put him on administrative leave after declaring his intention to run against him for office. The county policy specifically outlines that’s what is to be done if there is a “reasonable prediction of disruption in the

Salt Lake valley police say they’re investigating after 133 cases of broken car windows were reported in a single night. Officials say it appears one or more suspects used a BB or pellet gun during the vandalism spree late Monday and early Tuesday. Authorities count 30 cases in Cottonwood Heights, 20 in Taylorsville, 20 in

Teton County, Wyoming business offices were closed Tuesday afternoon so that county employees could attend memorial services for Ray Shriver. Shriver was the county Search and Rescue volunteer killed in the failed attempt to rescue a snowmobiler last week. Offices were to be closed from 3:45 to 5 p.m.

Eastern Idaho may be rural, but it produces many products that sell all over the country, even the world. One Teton Valley business has found great success over the last few years despite the national recession. Almost 25 years ago, the Grand Teton Brewing Company opened in Wilson, Wyo. It was the first modern “micro”

Initial autopsy results are back on the man who was shot and killed in Bannock County on Saturday. Paul Danielson died from small caliber wounds to the head, according coroner Kim Quick. He says more information is expected as further tests come back. Danielson’s 12-year-old son was taken into custody after the shooting. Charges are

A Soda Springs man is dead after a snowmobile trip in Caribou County turned tragic on Saturday. The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office is not releasing many details at this time, but said the snowmobile accident happened sometime Saturday afternoon, resulting in the man’s death. Caribou County and Bear Lake Sheriff’s deputies and search and rescue

The family of a man charged with capital murder in the deadly shooting of a police officer has set up a website to help raise money for his defense. The Standard-Examiner of Ogden reports (http://bit.ly/x0BB2L) a post from the family of Matthew David Stewart says they are hoping to raise $70,000 in donations. The site,

An Amber Alert continues for three children out of Nampa. Police said the three may be with their biological mother. Bertha Alicia Guerrero-Castro was to return the children back to their foster parents Saturday and never did, police said. Guerroero-Castro lost custody of the children to the state, according to the Amber Alert. Bertha Alicia

What’s become an annual, unsuccessful push for Idaho to tax Internet sales got started in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. The latest bill was discussed on Monday. Similar bills have failed the last four years Proponents say it’s only fair to tax Internet sales, because not doing so puts brick-and-mortar businesses at a 6

Logan High School’s new policy of fining students between $15 and $45 for being late to class is drawing criticism from some parents. The policy calls for Logan High administrators to issue “truancy tickets” to students who are in halls during class time without authorization. The tickets will run $15 for the first violation, $30

Americans are feeling a lot more pain at the pump as a sudden spike in gas prices has pushed the national average up to $3.57 a gallon, according to AAA. Idaho appears to be maintaining its lucky streak, with an average of $3.13. Still, filling up on fuel is breaking the bank for many Idahoans.

There is movie magic being made in Pocatello. An independent film crew has set up shop in the old Scott’s Ski building in Old Town to shoot a movie called “Serpent in the Bottle.” The crew has been in Idaho for almost a year, but just recently started shooting. When the director, Emmett McKinley, came

The second deadline is looming for states to apply for exemption from some parts of the No Child Left Behind law. After a month of stakeholder and public input, Idaho’s Department of Education plans to submit its request for a waiver. Ten states have already been granted waivers. Some legislators called it a “mean-spirited” set

Elizabeth Smart has gotten married. A family spokesman says the Utah woman who was kidnapped at knifepoint at age 14 and held captive for nine months married Matthew Gilmour on Saturday in Oahu. The 24-year-old Smart is a senior at Brigham Young University. She met Gilmour, of Aberdeen, Scotland, while serving a Church of Jesus