Month: April 2016

After the February snow proclamation, the city was hit with phone calls and complaints from people who weren’t satisfied with the snow removal effort. The city released the results of a 12 question survey. One of the questions asked residents whether they wanted to pay more to improve snow removal operations. “Two items that we

The Idaho State Police are currently investigating a two-vehicle injury crash on State Highway 34. Police say all lanes are currently blocked off at milepost 17.5, north of Preston. Emergency services are on the scene. More information will be released when it is available. Continue to check Local News 8/KIDK Eyewitness News for the latest.

The U.S. Forest Service will not allow oil and gas leasing on nearly 40,000 acres in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the Forest Service on Friday released a draft decision that bans oil in gas leases in the forest. The decision is not final. Forest Service officials say the ultimate determination

An 8th grader’s make a difference project turns big with the community with the help of United Way and other community organizations. Grace Lutheran student Brayden Smith collected 2,000 books for the school project. At first, he didn’t know what to do for it, but was inspired by the amounts of old books in his

The Idaho National Guard got a new change of command at the Pocatello Armory Saturday morning. The Battalion 148th Field Artillery Regiment held the ceremony, as the National Guard watched Lt. Col. Matthew Godfrey leave his command to Lt. Col. George Hansen. Hansen will be taking command following an assignment at the orchard combat training

Update 4:56 p.m.: More details have been released about the stabbing at the Common Cents location on 17th Street in Idaho Falls. According to a press release from the Idaho Falls Police Department, officers arrived at Common Center around 12:16 a.m. for a report of a stabbing. There, witnesses told police Cristian Jesus Salgado fled

The sun is out, and the zoo animals are out to play. The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park celebrated the opening day of the season. Work doesn’t stop at the zoo over winter.“Because many of the animals aren’t acclimatized to the cold weather of our winters they need to be taken indoors where they’re

A Driggs family is living to tell a miraculous survival story after their basement caught on fire- putting the house in a cloud of smoke. “We were just so thankful,” said Eric Reiser, the father of the family who managed to get out of their house before things got dangerous. “Our wonderful 14 year old

The University of Idaho got a $244,000 grant from the Idaho Department of Labor to start a new online fire protection certificate program. University officials said the grant is going to be used to fund a great need that exists not only in this area, but all over. “There’s a need in industry, especially at

The student involvement center at Idaho State University has put together a fun night, not just for students, but for the community as well. It’s called the “Pride Bash,” which will be held Friday night at Barts Field. The design is to get more students involved in the university, which can trigger higher academic success

Update: Damion Loneman was charged with kidnapping and aggravated battery, Elacia Potter was charged as a principal to kidnapping and a principal to aggravated battery. The victim was identified as Jeremy Baldwin, he was treated at the Portneuf Medical Center Wednesday for a stab wound on the leg. Pocatello Police are leading the investigation, as

UPDATE: The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into an incident on the ISU Campus earlier this week, where anti-Muslim DVD’s were placed on car windshields. While that FBI inquiry proceeds, a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney for Idaho Wendy Olsen said she and others from her office will be on campus next Thursday. Spokesperson Becky

GIRLS H.S. SOFTBALLGAME 1:**Century 11 Madison 2 GAME 2: **Century 12 Madison 6 **Rigby 15 Preston 4 F/6 Inn. BOYS H.S. TENNIS**Century 4 Blackfoot 1 GIRLS H.S. TENNIS**Century 6 Blackfoot 0

Controversy over a secret society within Idaho’s GOP continued Thursday afternoon in Bonneville County Court. The fourth judge assigned to the case denied the petition to depose individuals Doyle Beck and Bryan Smith believe have information about the secret group. Initially the judge approved the petition to depose state GOP Chairman Steve Yates and six

The Madison County planning and zoning held a public hearing Thursday nightover gravel pits and landowner rights. A city ordinance states that conditional use permits for gravel pits can only be used on heavy industrial land. A proposed change would make those permits possible for agricultural, commercial, and light industrial land. People living in Madison

April is National Donate Life Month and students at Compass Academy raised a Donate Life flag Thursday in honor of the month. The goal was to raise awareness on the importance of organ donations and how many people are in need of an organ. According to idslife.org, there are currently over 114,000 people are on

Thursday morning started with the 13th Annual Women’s Business Symposium at the Shoshone Bannock Hotel Event Center in Fort Hall. hundreds of women came from all over in seek of ways to grow their business better. The conference offered advice of all kinds, including financial, inspiration, and tips for keeping your eye on the target.

The City of Idaho Falls announced today that one northbound lane of US 20 just west of Snake River Bridge will be closed on Friday for construction work in the area. DePatco Inc. is scheduled to close the right lane of northbound US 20, just west of Snake River Bridge, on Friday, April 8 from

Idaho Falls based Melaleuca announced a record-setting year in 2015 with annual sales revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. According to the company, Melaleuca grew more in both revenues and customers than in any previous year. “Melaleuca is experiencing an era of explosive growth. We expect that to continue,” said Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot. VanderSloot also predicted

Madison County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 27-year-old Jacob C. Hartill and 36-year-old Scott M. Thomas for burglary and theft. On March 25th 2016, Madison County Sheriff’s Office started receiving called from owners of storage units north of Rexburg about locks to their storage units being cut off and items missing. Over the next week, several

The Bridger-Teton National Forest has identified four alternatives for oil and gas leasing in the Wyoming Range. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement addresses 30 parcels across 39,490 acres of National Forest Land. The Forest withdrew its decision against leasing on the parcels in 2011. The Forest Service identified a need to supplement its air

Idaho Falls Police arrested 39-year-old James D. McCord for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Wednesday afternoon. McCord of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail. According to reports, police received an anonymous tip McCord was unlawfully in possession of several firearms he was trying to sell. Officers made contact

As the population as a whole grows older, the need for senior citizen services will increase. A new advocacy class at Brigham Young University – Idaho is focusing on that concern. One of the big problems is lack of awareness of what resources are available for seniors. Places like the Idaho Falls Senior Citizens Center

H.S. BASEBALL**Idaho Falls 6 Highland 5 Skyline 0**Hillcrest 10 F/5 Inn.

The human rights group 2Great4Hate is encouraging the community to speak out, and hold those behind the anti-Muslim DVDs recently found at Idaho State University accountable. This week, a number of DVDs were left on Idaho State University students’ cars on Monday. Marked “Idaho Muslims and Tommy Robinson,” once played the DVD shows a number

Science and math teachers at Alameda Middle School worked together to create a fair-of-sorts in an effort to get their students and their families to be more interested in STEM-related fields. (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.) STEM Night featured a number of local businesses, organization and community partners to showcase different activities.

Bonneville school district 93 has entered negotiations with Headwaters construction company to build its new high school. This comes after controversy about whether Hughes General Contractor, the original choice, had the correct licensure. Headwaters out of Victor tells Local News 8/KIDK Eyewitness News it’s excited to start the process. “You know,it gives us a sense

Mississippi’s governor signed a “religious freedom” law Tuesday and it has sparked a lot of backlash. The law allows businesses, landlords, medical professionals and other groups to discriminate against gay and transgender people, without consequences from the government. The new law is scheduled to take effect in July. The law has been called the “Magnolia

The process will begin soon for selecting a new Bannock County Commissioner.This comes after Commissioner Howard Manwaring announced his resignation last week. The Bannock County Republican Party will open the nominations up to the central committee, they will then vote. After that, three candidates will be selected. Governor Butch Otter will then have 15 days

It’s no secret that people in Idaho tend to donate more and serve more than their peers in other states. A recent WalletHub survey ranks the Gem State as the third most charitable state in the union, behind Utah and Maryland (survey found HERE). Knowing where and how to serve can sometimes be a challenge.

Blackfoot City Council members voted Tuesday night unanimously for the annexation of several properties which means that some businesses are going to have to pay almost an 80 percent increase in taxes. Businesses that are going to be annexed are near the intersection of Highway 39 and Highway 26, west to the intersection of Highway

NPG of Idaho and VistaWest Media, a cluster of television stations that includes ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX and Telemundo affiliates in Idaho Falls, Idaho has an opening for an Integrated Media Consultant. We are looking for an individual who can develop, along with the advertising sales team, relationships with independent and franchise businesses, assess

Vista West Media is seeking a full-time Local Sales Manager to lead our team of professional account executives on the CBS, Fox, and CW Television Stations and Digital Properties. Experience in managing sales operation in television or related industry and the ability to develop and implement strategic plans with goals and deadlines are a must.

Idaho Falls Police arrested 54-year-old Rodney R. Newton for aggravated assault Tuesday evening after he threatened his neighbors with a BB gun. Newton of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail. According to reports, officers responded to the 200 block of 9th Street around 8:40 p.m. for a report of Newton threatening neighbors

Idaho Fish and Game announced today that grizzly bears are beginning to emerge from winter hibernation in the upper Snake River region. Those heading into territory that is the natural habitat are reminded to carry bear spray and follow suggestions for safety in those areas. Below is the full release from Idaho Fish and Game:

Bonneville County deputies arrested an Idaho Falls couple at around 12:25 a.m. Tuesday on charges of drug trafficking. Brett D. Murdock, 42, and Valerie J. Murdock, 43, were in a vehicle pulled over by a deputy for a traffic violation on Sunnyside Road near the Interstate 15 exit. The deputy became suspicious and requested a

Idaho Falls Police arrested 50-year-old Jerry M. Aquirre for grand theft, possession of stolen property, driving under the influence, driving without privileges and failing to notify upon striking an unattended vehicle early Wednesday morning. Aquirre of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail. According to reports, officers responded to the 200 block of

Idaho Falls Police arrested 33-year-old Sara J. Ramey and a 15-year-old Lewiston girl for burglary after they stole more than $1,700 in merchandise from various stores at the Grand Teton Mall on Tuesday. Ramey of Blackfoot was also booked into the Bonneville County Jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 15-year-old teen

It’s a new chapter in the life of 19-year-old Usifu Bangura. His story began in Sierra Leone, Africa when his poverty stricken mother allowed him to be adopted to an American couple so he could have a better life in Montana. A few years ago he reconnected with two birth siblings who had been adopted

H.S. BASEBALL**Highland 4 Idaho Falls 2 GAME 1:**Hillcrest 5 SSkyline 6 GAME 2: **Hillcrest 6 Skyline 1 Marsh Valley 2**Shelley 10 **Snake River 9 Teton 2 GIRLS H.S. SOFTBALLGAME 1: **Highland 16 Hillcrest 0 GAME 2: **Highland 16 Hillcrest 0 South Fremont 2**Rigby 12 F/6 Inn. **Marsh Valley 14 Shelley 5

Sometimes, Jackie Lodder needs help around the house. Often, her neighbor’s daughter helps move furniture to vacuum, change lightbulbs, and even grab something too low in her freezer outside. A lot of it has to do with her poor eyesight. As a result of macular degeneration, Lodder is legally blind, and because of that she

After a series of high profile protests across several Western states, the Bureau of Land Management is working to improve the way it functions and interacts with land users. This in turn would hopefully reduce the level and frustration people have towards the agency. “Planning 2.0 is our new initiative that’s out there to improve

Attorneys met with a judge Tuesday to give an update on the progress in DNA testing in the Christopher Tapp case. Tapp was convicted of the 1996 murder of Angie Dodge after confessing to police. Tapp’s attorney, John Thomas, said one thing they’ll be testing, which hasn’t been tested before, is swabs taken of Angie

Marcos Narvaez-Zamora is sentenced to 10 years fixed, and jail time for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. Narvaez-Zamora was sentenced for the crime Tuesday in Teton County. He pleaded guilty to the charges in December of 2015. The victim at the time of the rape was 11 years-old and became impregnated. A psycho-sexual evaluation

If you’re feeling hungry and looking for “bear-sized portions,” a new diner in Chubbuck might be the perfect place for you. The Black Bear Diner is now officially open. The diner is best known for its breakfast, which is served all-day. They also offer a variety of lunch and dinner items. With lots of bears

Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello was recognized Tuesday with a national award for excellence and distinction in wound healing. The award was presented to the hospital’s wound and hyperbaric center. It was awarded by Healogics, the largest wound care service in the nation. According to Healogics, PMC was given the award for high quality standards.

Pocatello now has blue and silver pinwheels all around town. They are “Pinwheels for Prevention,” a national campaign to bring awareness to child abuse. They are part of Child Abuse Awareness Month, which is in April. The goal is to inform the community about how to help. The director of Family Services Alliance in Pocatello,

In a press release today, BYU-Idaho leaders announced plans to demolish the old women’s on-campus dormitory housing to make room for new parking. Below is the full release: After housing students for more than 50 years, four former women’s dormitories on the Brigham Young University-Idaho campus will be coming down this spring. In its place

Two 20-year-old Madison County men were arrested Friday for the sexual assault of two 16-year-old girls March 31. Thor Fitzgerald Ware and Jose Guadalupe Nevarrez-Portillo were accused of forcing the girls into sex acts at a trailer in Sugar City. According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, one of the girls’ mother took her daughter

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch today announced that Idaho District Judge David C. Nye of Pocatello has been nominated by President Barack Obama to fill the open U.S. District Court judgeship in Idaho. The nomination was done after negotiations with the White House and upon the advice given by the senators from Idaho.

Idaho Falls Police arrested 20-year-old Anthony M. A. Mestas for felony attempted strangulation and domestic battery following an altercation Friday morning. Mestas of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail. According to reports, officers responded to the 600 block of Vassar Way around 8:30 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance. The

Idaho Falls Police arrested 20-year-old Anthony M. A. Mestas for felony attempted strangulation and domestic battery following an altercation Friday morning. Mestas of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail. According to reports, officers responded to the 600 block of Vassar Way around 8:30 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance. The

Idaho Falls Police arrested 20-year-old Anthony M. A. Mestas for felony attempted strangulation and domestic battery following an altercation Friday morning. Mestas of Idaho Falls was booked into the Bonneville County Jail. According to reports, officers responded to the 600 block of Vassar Way around 8:30 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance. The

Dancers with the Idaho Ballet Theatre in Idaho Falls are preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix competition later this month in New York City. Think of the competition as the “Olympics of Classical Ballet”, 8 dancers will be taking off in a few weeks for the big event. “Three years ago they had the

With spring comes spring cleaning. For a lot of people, that often includes a trip to the dump or disposal site. For people living along the Lewisville highway near the Hatch Pit Disposal Site and the Bonneville County Waste Transfer Station, it means cleaning up other people’s trash. “I’ve seen big branches sometimes in the

Controversy within the Idaho Republican Party continues to grow as two party leaders claim there’s a secret society trying to control party leadership. Now they’re saying the state party chairman, Steve Yates, knows something about this group. “Given what Chairman Yates has said, and what at least one other person has allegedly said, Chairman Yates

A recent study published in the medical journal mBIO suggest the eyes of contact lens users could be host to different bacteria than those who don’t wear them. Led by Maria Dominguez-Bello, an associate professor with the Human Microbiome Program at New York University, the study analyzed bacteria on the eye surface and on skin

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to donate blood this spring. The organization says “Donated blood is perishable and must constantly be replenished to keep up with hospital patient need. Red blood cells are the blood component most frequently transfused by hospitals and must be used within 42 days of donation.” Donors with

There’s Pi Day, there’s even a World Math Day every year. But Monday was Square Root Day, which happens only once every several years. The last Square Root Day was 3-3-09 and the next one won’t be until 5-5-2025. At Pocatello High School, Troy Johnson teaches his class to find a formula for x and

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) holds their fifth annual EMS Conference Saturday. The conference is designed to support CEU requirements for AEMTs, EMTs EMRs and paramedics. First responders attended hands-on training courses such as trauma, special patient populations, medical condition, airway management, pharmacology and pediatric assessment. The Wilderness Medicine course practiced outdoor emergency methods

The National Elk Refuge near Jackson has ended its supplemental feeding of elk and bison for the 2016 season. Refuge Manager Steve Kallin said the decision was made in coordination with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The decision was based on an increase of snow-free areas due to melting, new grass growth, and warmer

Update 4/4/16 2:10 p.m: The Rigby Police Department as added two more businesses to the list of buildings vandalized over the weekend. Two additional cars have been vandalized as well. According to the Rigby Police DepartmentDermatology of Eastern Idaho and Arthritis Specialty Care on South Rigby Lake Drive had windows broken. The two cars were

Ryan Scott Herren, 31, is being held in the Madison County Jail on felony charges of aggravated battery and malicious injury to property. Rexburg Police said Herren confronted a 26-year-old man living at the Brenchley Apartment complex at 430 S. 3rd West in Rexburg at around 6 p.m. Friday. According to reports, Herren got into

Cesar Chavez was one of the most influential activists of the 1960s. In 1962, he created the National Farm Workers Association, which would later become the United Farm Workers that we have today. Idaho State University held its first ever Cesar Chavez Day celebration Saturday afternoon. A documentary of the history of Latinos and farm

The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kicked off the final day of a church conference in Salt Lake City with an announcement of four new temples. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Thomas S. Monson said Sunday that LDS temples will be erected in Zimbabwe, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru. Monson,

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – The Latest on Mormon church’s two-day conference in Salt Lake City (all times local): 3:30 p.m. A Mormon leader is telling members to be more thoughtful and sensitive toward children of all backgrounds, many of whom don’t come from “picture perfect” families. Neil L. Anderson said Saturday at a church

The Wyoming Office of Tourism has a new website designed to entice potential visitors to the state. TravelWyoming.com has a fresh and modern look and features several upgrades over the previous tourism site. The new site can be viewed the same on any device such as a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. It also has

VIDEO IN STORY IS A REENACTMENT. A local woman claims an Idaho Falls police officer assaulted her 12-year-old son. The mother is now starting the process to take legal action against IFPD. Amy Olzak’s attorney sent a tort claim to IFPD last week. It claims that an IFPD officer used unnecessary and excessive force on

The state is recognizing Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center as a level II trauma center. The hospital has been working toward this goal for three years and Saturday they received a certificate recognizing their status. Director of the trauma center Brian O’Byrne said “To be recognized as a trauma center you have to be either

Zoo Idaho officially opened for the 2016 season Saturday and guests will find a number of noticeable differences. A number of exhibits have been renovated and animals have been moved around, too. For example, at the grizzly bear exhibit, additional fencing has been built so people can get a better view of the bears Shoni

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will allow Rocky Mountain Power to sell a section of its service territory to Idaho Falls Power. Under a joint agreement, the city utility will transfer the Fielding Cemetery property at 4800 S. Yellowstone Highway for just under $50,000. The transfer includes poles, conductors, and conduits. A 2005 agreement allows

GIRLS H.S. SOFTBALL**Highland 22 Century 6 **Bear Lake 12 Marsh Valley 1

“We ran out of bodies in terms of soldiers. the guys in the front. we lost five or six seniors from the 14 team that were really really dependable, blue collar, cool aid players on every down. last year we were way too young and it was evident early on that we were not going

Ten finalists in grades four through eight made it to the final round of the National Geographic State Bee. Once a student missed two questions they were excused from the round. It came down to Connor Dunstan from Nampa and Nicholas Monahan from McCall. Nick won last year’s bee. They were asked three questions. The

Kid in Blackfoot had a boat race to wrap up swim camp. But these aren’t ordinary boats, they’re made out of cardboard and duct tape. The kids worked on the boats all week. “We’ve got all of the counselors there. It’s safe. It’s fun. It’s a good time,” Dylan Pope, a swim instructor said. “We

Jensen’s Grove is getting some new updates to help with the aquifer recharge program. The Idaho Water Resource Board gave Blackfoot a grant to do this. Water levels in the Snake River Aquifer have been declining for years, and the water recharge effort hopes to bring levels up to what they need to be. Jensen’s

An Idaho Falls girl is living with a rare disease- and her family is desperate to find answers. It’s called Gastroparesis, it makes it difficult for her to eat pretty much anything. “She has a lot to live for and she has a lot she has to do, and I want to make sure she

Idaho’s Attorney General Lawrence Wasden says his office is ready to take legal action in the event the Department of Administration refuses to try to recover money paid out under the illegal $60 million broadband contract. In March, the Idaho Supreme Court agreed that a statewide contract for broadband in public schools was void. The

Two rate adjustments, approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission Friday, will increase a Rocky Mountain Power customer’s rates by about three cents a month. Rocky Mountain Power’s annual Energy Cost Adjustment Mechanism (ECAM) will be a slight decrease to customers of 0.7 percent, or about 58 cents less on an average residential monthly bill.

The 2015 Idaho Wolf Monitoring Progress Report shows wolf numbers remain well above the 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs required to keep gray wolves off the endangered species list. Wolves ranged from the Canadian border south to the Snake River Plain and from the Washington and Oregon borders east to the Montana and Wyoming

Mormon leaders aren’t expected to mention presidential candidates by name at this weekend’s church conference, but they may reiterate their push for more public civility and compassion. Mormon scholar Armand Mauss says the church is careful to maintain political neutrality by refraining from backing one party or endorsing candidates. But leaders sometimes weigh in on

PacifiCorp is closing a coal plant in southwest Wyoming, abandoning plans to convert one of the Kemmerer plant’s coal units to natural gas. The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the coal unit will close at the end of 2017 as a result of declining electricity demands. A PacifiCorp spokesman says the change is also a result

Despite Brigham Young University’s Ultimate Frisbee team currently ranking 16th in the nation, the team will not be competing in the national tournament because they can’t play on Sundays. KUTV-TV reports that the national tournament is scheduled for a Saturday and Sunday, but teams affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-owned university

10 years ago Idaho put in place the “move over” law and still today drivers aren’t following it. The violations are putting lives at risk. Tow-truck drivers say when they go on a call they just hope they make it back to family, but one driver from southeast Idaho didn’t make it home this year.

Two members of Idaho’s Republican Party central committee claim a secret society has been formed to get them voted out of their leadership positions. Bryan Smith and Doyle Beck filed a petition in district court to force state GOP Chairman Steve Yates, former Idaho lawmaker Doug Hancey, Marsha Bjorn, Richard Larsen, Stephanie Mickelsen and Ann