Month: September 2012

The West Menan Fire has burned 200 acres fire about 10 miles west of Rexburg along Highway 33. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the fire started around 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. There are eight engines, one dozer and one aircraft directing two air tankers fighting this blaze. The BLM believes the cause of

The Eastern Idaho State Fair is featuring a rock band that’s been releasing hits for decades. “It’s exciting, it’s cool, it’s for me, a once in a lifetime (chance),” said fan Jose Naber, of one of his favorite bands, Heart, coming to our area. “It’s been amazing,” said Becky Clapp, another fan. Heart is the

Below are final scores from Friday night’s high school games. Scores will be posted as they come in. If you know a score, contact us at (208) 525-2520 or sports@localnews8.com. If you are reading this page in full-browser view, your team may not be listed on the first page — use the page numbers below.

We’ve heard quite a bit about every ninth graders will be given some type of technology next year in the classroom, but now one area school district is looking at a new idea. They’re going to give an iPad to every student in elementary school. From kindergarten through sixth grade, every young student at Paul

Friday marked a major turning point in the Idaho Falls North Loop Project. A U.S. District Court judge handed a victory to landowners by ruling that the city does not have the right to use eminent domain outside its limits for electric power purposes. “We weren’t surprised. We were satisfied with the decision,” said Bryon

Teton County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the death of a 16-year-old girl in Wilson. At about 7 p.m. Thursday, the sheriff’s office received an emergency call about a resident of C-V Ranch who had been found face down under water in a bathroom and was not breathing. When emergency crews arrived, CPR was already in

With school back in session it’s time to start up our United Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished Student reports. We begin with a talented young woman from Snake River High School – Janalyce Turpin.Janalyce is a beautiful actress and singer who just completed performing the role of Lily in Snake River’s production of The Secret Garden.“It’s

Local News 8 has obtained a copy of a petition that could alter the case against Christopher Tapp, who was convicted 15 years ago for the 1996 murder of Idaho Falls woman Angie Dodge. The Idaho Innocence Project has filed a Verified Petition for Post Conviction Relief Based on Due Process Violations Pursuiant to Brady

After nearly a decade of being a popular stopping point for locals and out-of-state tourists, the Eastern Idaho Visitor Information Center is moving across the river. Beginning Oct. 3, the visitor’s center, Chamber of Commerce, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Better Business Bureau and the Downtown Development Corporation will all be housed in one

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office revised the evacuation levels along U.S. Highway 93 on Thursday. The sheriff’s office said it made the changes due to the recent fire behavior and the fire’s current location relative to the highway. The sheriff’s office said residents, business owners and visitors need to be aware that further changes to

Biologists are blaming a parasite for killing whitefish in the Snake River and other eastern Idaho rivers. Idaho Fish and Game Regional Fisheries Manager Dan Garren said the parasite hasn’t turned up in any fish species beside the mountain whitefish so far, though it remains a possibility. Garren said it shouldn’t pose any danger to

As the city of Idaho Falls searches for new legal council, we’re learning more about why city attorney Dale Storer decided to quit. Storer and his law firm had been overbilling the city for his services, but not billing them frequently enough. This was all uncovered following a public records request, and the faulty billing

Idaho Power released the following statement on Thursday’s deadly accident in Blackfoot, in which three people died after stepping into a ditch. The water was electrified due to a broken ground wire. “The deaths of three Blackfoot residents last Thursday night were a terrible event. On behalf of our over 2,000 employees across southern Idaho,

Idaho Power Company is attempting to replace a power pole that was badly damaged in a Thursday morning crash. Pocatello Police said a driver appeared to have suffered a seizure or some other medical emergency before leaving Broadway and traveling some distance on the sidewalk before impacting the power pole. Idaho Power Company said power

Police arrested a Pocatello man after a confrontation with officers Wednesday night. Police said a patrol officer watched Lony M. Bissegger, 23, throw debris out the passenger side window of a mini-van. After the officer pulled over the vehicle, Bissegger exited and started arguing with the officer, striking the policeman in the chest and pulling

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL (SETS WON) Skyline 0Bonneville 3 F Idaho Falls 3Hillcrest 1 F

The man accused of shooting his friend in the leg two weeks ago in Island Park faced his first court appearance Wednesday. Jerrod Hillman sat in front of Judge Keith Walker at the Fremont County courthouse for a preliminary hearing. The victim was also present. Hillman and his attorney asked for a continuance of that

A new book called “No Easy Day” by former Navy Seal Mark Bissonnette describes the killing of Osama bin Laden. It has the Pentagon angry. They say he released classified information. But it was a 9-page section in chapter seven that caught our eye. It details several failed rescue attempts for Prisoner Of War Bowe

The team tasked with finding the cause of the electrocution of three people in Bingham County has finished its investigation. The ditch became electrified after a ground wire between the transformer pole and the service pole broke, said Chris Jensen, regional manager Division of Building Safety, for the State of Idaho out of Pocatello. Immediate

With community help, a local charity is getting a few much needed improvements to the Pocatello Veterans Home. The Southeast Idaho Community Action Agency won $25,000 from Home Depot to make their building a better place for former servicemen who might have hit some tough times. During August, the SEICAA shelter competed on the Home

A 13-year-old boy from Lewiston died Wednesday while riding an ATV at the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office said CPR was being performed on Hunter Christensen when they arrived around 12:30 p.m., but Christensen died before being taken to a hospital. He was riding with other members of his family at

The City of Rexburg held a council meeting Wednesday night to approve its 2013 budget. City Treasurer Richard Horner said finances look pretty similar to years past. There will be a slight increase in sewer fees. They will go up by $3 to $4 a month. Water fees will be raised by just $0.30 a

The Eastern Idaho State Fair boasts a maze of vendors and foods. But not too far outside the fair gates, there’s a whole other world of folks offering an alternative to the hustle and bustle inside. You could probably shout your sandwich order to Del Hansen from the fair’s main gate, and you’d have a

A brush fire burning in Madison County was mostly out Wednesday evening. At 6 p.m., firefighters had mostly put out the Pickering Fire and were mopping up the blaze. The fire burned at least 50 acres of land west of the Unified Sportsman’s Club Gun Range on State Highway 33 west of Rexburg. The blaze

Next fall, Rigby High School students will begin classes in a brand new, 275,000-square-foot building. Crews began construction last spring and said they’re on track for completion next year. “We’re on time, under budget and it looks good,” said Superintendent Ron Tolman of School District 251. For Tolman, showing off what will be the newest

Deontae, Kemeatrous, and Keontae are delightful, endearing boys who are optimistic, spirited, and excited about having an adoptive family where they can grow up together. These brothers just want to belong to a nurturing, stable family. All three boys adore sports. They watch and play football, baseball, and soccer. Athletic skill comes more naturally to

A Driggs coffeehouse has been selected as one of eight western-state semi-finalists in the inaugural Da Vinci GourmetAmerica’s Best Coffeehouse competition. Pendl’s Bakery and Caf was selected second behind Klatch Coffee of San Dimas, California after a field qualification that included a secret shopper evaluation and popular votes. Pendl’s will compete for the title at

The Victor Planning Commission will recommend the City Council amend its height regulations to allow for the construction of 75 foot church steeples. On a two to one vote Tuesday, the board determined a steeple could not be habitable, could not impede views from adjacent properties, and must comply with the city’s lighting standards. In

Below is an update on three of Idaho’s biggest fires, as well as one in Wyoming. Mustang Complex FireThe Mustang Complex Fire grew about 4,450 acres Tuesday, scorching 246,160 acres as of Wednesday morning. Fire growth was on the eastern side of the fire perimeter, which is about three miles from Highway 93. Tuesday’s fire

Police say an eastern Idaho man swallowed a small bag of methamphetamine while struggling with officers during a traffic stop in Boise. According to police, 33-year-old Michael K. Nugent of Rexburg was pulled over around 1 a.m. on Tuesday and was being placed under arrest for driving without privileges when officers reported finding the baggie

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A 4-month-old bear with paws burned in an Idaho wildfire is healing faster than expected. The Idaho Statesman reports the bear, which is nicknamed Boo Boo, could be ready for release from care at the Idaho Humane Society to a wildlife sanctuary “in a couple of weeks.” The Idaho Department of Fish and Game hopes

A high speed chase which started in Blackfoot ended in Fort Hall late Tuesday night. It’s unclear if the suspect was arrested. Bingham County Sheriff’s office said the chase started when the driver refused to pull over by a Blackfoot police officer. The chase happened between Blackfoot and Ft. Hall along U.S. Highway 91. No

Many hearts are still aching across eastern Idaho after three people were killed last week when they went into an electrically charged Blackfoot irrigation ditch trying to save a dog and then each other. Funeral services have been announced for Jackie Poulson, Keith Tarpley and Lance Hicks. Poulson’s funeral will be at Idaho State University’s

A volunteer coach and an Idaho Falls gym are teaming up to keep costs down so that all Hillcrest High School swimmers can afford to participate. With city pool fees increasing, Apple Athletic Club is sponsoring the team with free training time twice a week. Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation director Greg Weitzel said the

Bonneville County commissioners have approved next year’s budget without requiring significant hikes in taxes. They also plan on raising government employee’s salaries by two percent. Commissioners will use a surplus in funding to pay for that employee cost-of-living adjustment. When it comes to spreadsheets, the 2013 budget looks nearly identical to 2012. The county levied

Labor Day weekend was a record breaker for the Eastern Idaho State Fair. On Sunday, more than 22,000 visitors came through the turnstiles for food and fun. Last year’s record for the same day was just more than 19,000. With all those people comes the occasional problem. That’s where fair security comes in. Dave Frei’s

No pool, no swim team — that’s the dilemma the city of Rexburg is dealing with. “‘Mom, when can I swim again?’” said Machelle Littlefield, quoating what her daughter asked her the first day she found out her swim team’s indoor pool had closed. Littlefield has struggled trying to get her kids involved in extracurricular

Tuesday is the return of school for Idaho Falls School District 91, and one high school is already looking ahead to next May. Skyline High School is hoping to keep incoming students on track to graduate, and while they may be thinking years ahead, school administrators now is the best time to prepare the classes

Emergency crews reopened the Physical Sciences Building at Eighth and Carter on the ISU campus after a student reported the scent of gas in the building. Firemen said one student complained of feeling ill and was treated and released at the scene shortly after 1 pm Tuesday. Equipment used to detect gas leaks could find

A Driggs woman has been named Interim Executive Director of Friends of the Teton River. FTR Board President Kim Keeley said Amy Verbeten has served as the organization’s Education and Outreach Director since 2007. Her work included the successful Water Wise community education program and oversite of K-12 education programs and teacher professional development workshops.

A man who fled on foot from a traffic stop in Fremont County on Monday night was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Jefferson County. Eric Ferguson, 29, of Jefferson County, is being held in the Jefferson County Jail in Rigby. The incident began at about 8:15 p.m. Monday when the Madison County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance

A methamphetamine lab discovered near Jackson Hole Middle School closed down access to the immediate area Friday. Police were alerted to the lab Friday morning, after school staff noticed a person on property directly across from the campus acting as though under the influence of a controlled substance. When officers made contact with Joseph Schultz,

Pocatello police are trying to find the owners of various items stolen in vehicle burglaries last month. On the morning of Aug. 25, a 2005 Toyota Camry was stolen from the area of North 15th. The vehicle was recovered the next day on the 800 block of Dahl Street. Police said the Camry was possibly

Jordan Lee Stevens, 19, was arrested on a charge of felony vandalism/malicious injury to property. Police responded to a reported disturbance at the home at about 7 p.m. Saturday. The homeowner said Stevens had been living there, but when he was kicked out, became agitated and started destroying property inside the home. Stevens left the

A Soda Springs man was arrested after police said witnesses caught him breaking into his grandfather’s truck. Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Sunset at about 10:30 a.m. Sunday for a vehicle burglary in progress. Officers said when they arrived, Travis Lynn Wheeler, 29, fled. Police searched the area and found him finding

Police said an Idaho Falls woman drove under the influence and struck a pedestrian. Sonja Rae Guzman-Hall, 44, was arrested on driving under the influence, a felony, after Friday’s incident. Idaho Falls police said they responded to the Bank of Idaho parking lot on North Capital Avenue at about 1:15 p.m. Witness told police that

A group of volunteers is working to bring new life and color to the area left charred by the Charlotte Fire. The Charlotte Fire scorched the edges of Susan Swetnam’s lawn, but spared her home. Throughout the area, the landscape was left blackened and scorched, but as the weeks progressed something gave Swetnam some hope.

When you think of Labor Day, barbeques and camping probably come to mind. But did you know it’s one of the biggest shopping days of the year? In fact, retailers are looking to make it a summertime version of Black Friday, by showcasing deep discounts at stores and online to draw in customers. Jen Munoz

There is a newer high school in Eastern Idaho that not too many people know about.The teaching concept they use is really taking off with the students and it’s getting them ready for the real world. Class is in session at District 93’s newer Technical Careers High School. “It’s almost self explanatory where you’ve got

Emergency crewsresponded to reports of a plane crash in Cassia County. A viewer called KMVT just before 9 p.m. Monday to say a plane had crashed in the South Hills. Cassia County dispatch confirmed the report. Family members at the site told KMVT 82-year-old Joe Tugaw of Twin Falls died in the wreck. He was

Some evacuation levels for the areas around the Mustang Complex Fire were upped on Monday night. All homes on both sides of Highway 93 from the intersection of Salmon River Road north to Hull Creek Road are now under an evacuation level 2. All homes along the west side of Highway 93 from Sheep Creek

Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer, and what a summer it’s been in eastern Idaho. Amid an economic recovery and record heat, people who are in the business of summer say they’ve done quite well this year. Tourist attractions in eastern Idaho filled up fast with plenty of last-minute summer fun-seekers. “I don’t

In this week’s Main Street Buzz, we take a look inside a Shelley furniture store, that for 10 years, has been drawing customers who are looking for special hidden treasures. The store, named “Hidden Treasures,” buys and sells furniture old and new, from hard-to-find antiques to sparkling pieces still in plastic wrap. The business was

A national group is putting a twist on Labor Day. On Monday, members of ImprovingBirth.org held rallies across the country, including one in Idaho Falls. According to the group, America lags behind 49 other industrialized nations in maternal survival rates. That statistic, the group said, needs to change. “We need to stand up for our

Firefighters in the Shelley-Firth Fire District are hoping the second time will be the charm when it comes to passing a $1.7-million bond. Voters will decide again on the issue in the November election, after fire commissioner Scott Searle said the bond failed by just eight votes in May. Searle said the bond isn’t a

A Blackfoot man died in a rollover accident late Sunday. At about 11:10 p.m., Bonneville County deputies and ambulance personnel responded to the one-vehicle crash near 1670 Bone Road in the Bone area. When deputies arrived, they found the victim, Jerry J. Barrins, who had been ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at

A 33-year-old man trapped in a Salt Lake County tunnel for four days says he could hear people walking and biking above him, but they couldn’t hear his cries for help. Daniel Samuelsen spoke to The Salt Lake Tribune about his ordeal from his hospital bed, where he was waiting for news about whether his

A crash in Menan left one dead and five others hurt Sunday night. At about 11:45 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated the accident at 620 N. Menan-Lorenzo Highway. Timothy A. Merrill, 19, of Rigby, was driving a 1992 GMC pickup truck east on the highway. Merrill failed to negotiate a curve at 620 North, and

A house burned down in Inkom on Monday. The fire was reported at 9:30 a.m. Flames engulfed the home on Willow Lane. Inkom police said the family living there was in Pocatello when the fire started and didn’t know about it until contacted by police. There is no word yet on the cause of the

Of course we all try to avoid it, but sometimes it just happens: a speeding ticket. After the initial bummer of receiving a citation wears off, there’s another inconvenience to grapple with — finding the time to pay. Bonneville County is planning on making the whole process easier, with online payments. “Anything online any more

During this heavily traveled Labor Day weekend, Idaho State Police will be out in full force, making sure travelers obey the laws and celebrate safely. “I don’t know what it is with holiday travel, but people seem to think that they need to hurry and get to their favorite camping spot first instead of leaving

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office went head to head with the Idaho Falls Fire Department in a softball game, with all proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The second annual “Guns and Hoses” charity softball game took place Friday night and both teams have their own secret weapon: Steve Cannon and Caleb James. Click on the

Here are the final scores for Friday night’s football games with teams from eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. BONNEVILLE: 76IDAHO FALLS: 32 TWIN FALLS: 21HILLCREST: 35 SKYLINE: 7BLACKFOOT: 46 JEROME: 16CENTURY: 20 CANYON RIDGE: 0MADISON: 68 FIRTH: 12SUGAR-SALEM: 0 WEST JEFFERSON: 18SOUTH FREMONT: 34 PRESTON: 21MARSH VALLEY: 14 BEAR LAKE: 12SODA SPRINGS: 31 AMERICAN FALLS:

Jackson Hole is hosting more than 40 countries for the annual economic conference that kicked off Friday morning with a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The program for this year’s event said discussions would focus on the challenges policy makers are facing in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Bernanke spoke in front