Idaho Falls

Members of the Idaho Falls Police Department are urging drivers to make safe and responsible choices when driving, after officers responded to two “serious accidents” over the weekend.

“Spring burning offers the opportunity to take advantage of snowdrifts and high ground moistures which help to limit fire spread,” said Ryan Baum, South Fork Zone Fuels Assistant Fire Management Officer. “Our overall goal is to reduce the amount of hazardous vegetation and stimulate aspen regeneration to improve wildlife habitat.”

Visitors will get a taste of design and culture throughout over a hundred years of Idaho history.

“It’s a great opportunity. We come, we get some really cool experiences with the animals, go to places you shouldn’t go or feel like you shouldn’t be going and get kind of a backstage pass to the zoo.”

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking input on proposed geothermal leasing of one parcel totaling approximately 3,740 acres in Bonneville County. This public feedback period ends May 5, 2025. Leasing of these parcels will allow a lessee to explore the potential for future geothermal development.

20-year-old Gabriel Perkins pleaded guilty Wednesday to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Alex Barber and Aggravated Battery in the shooting of an Idaho Falls man at the Compass Academy in Idaho Falls, in February 2024. 

Under a plea agreement, the parties will recommend that Perkins face up to 40 years in prison, according to Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal.

Starting April 15th, Bonneville County is reopening parts of the backcountry road system that were closed for the winter.

While some roads are now open, deputies are reminding motorists that others are still being plowed or maintained by Road and Bridge crews and will remain closed until they are safe for travel.

On April 7th, the Bonneville County Commissioners passed an Ordinance Imposing an Emergency Moratorium on the processing of applications for mining operations associated with water recharge facilities.

The move comes with the support of a representative from the Idaho Board of Water Resources, to “create a better path forward.” The Bonneville County Commissioners announced their preliminary decision on the Moratorium during a public hearing on April 1, 2025.

Local Hockey enthusiasts and the Idaho Falls Spud Kings are expressing their condolences to the family of a youth hockey player who died in a tragic car accident over the weekend.

Hockey fans and players across the region have joined an online movement, #sticksoutforcarter, placing their hockey sticks outside their doors to honor Carter and express their condolences for the Barnes family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Carter’s family and the entire local youth hockey community during this incredibly difficult time,” wrote the Idaho Falls Spud Kings and Mountain America Center in a post on Facebook.

According to the Idaho State Police, 29-year-old Samual Zane Erickson was arrested in a traffic stop after the Soda Springs Police Department alerted ISP officers that he had violated a no-contact order in the area.

The Local Jewish community is marking the start of one of the most important holidays in the Hebrew calendar. Saturday, April 12, visiting rabbis will lead the city of Idaho Falls and surrounding Jewish communities in the region’s Fourth Annual Passover Seder.

The seder will be led by Rabbi Sholom Smith, a visiting rabbi from Miami, and joined by Rabbi Ari Sasonkin and Rabbi Mendel Berghoff of Brooklyn.

“If you have a need for non-emergency police, fire, or EMS assistance in Idaho Falls or Bonneville County, please call (208)529-1110,” Idaho Falls PD writes on its Facebook page.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernize the facility, the renovation will triple the size of the lobby, improve pick-up and drop-off areas, and include essential ADA upgrades, such as accessible restrooms and a ramp for easier access. These improvements are designed to enhance the overall experience for guests and to ensure the Frontier Center continues to be a vital cultural hub for the community.

Police in Shelley are asking drivers in the community to avoid Highway 91 north of Anderson and South of 1400 N as they respond to a car accident.

Dispatch received a call around 3:40 am from 18-year-old Austin Carter Goodwin, reporting that another vehicle had struck his vehicle at a bonfire in the foothills, and he was now chasing him. Goodwin was told by dispatch multiple times to stop chasing the other vehicle but refused, and at one point told dispatchers he physically struck a female in the vehicle and choked the male driver until he was unconscious.

“We just try to bring people joy. We hope that people are able to feel that tonight.”

The funds from the sale will go towards an expansion on the museum, which needs more space since opening in the early 2000’s.

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) is calling on individuals, organizations, and businesses to join efforts in enhancing the beauty of our historic, vibrant downtown!

The IFDDC is proud of its long-standing and beloved flower program that fills downtown Idaho Falls with colorful, overflowing baskets and pots of flowers each summer. Over the past ten years, these flower displays have become a hallmark of downtown, welcoming the warm days of summer and adding color to our streets. During the winter months, the stunning holiday wreaths adorning downtown lampposts evoke warmth and tradition, adding charm and character to Idaho Falls during the holiday season.

Another staple of nineties rock is headed to the Mountain America Center this year. Chevelle has announced their highly anticipated return to the stage with special guests Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society coming to the Mountain America Center on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

“Being a police officer gives you an opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives and in the world,” said Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson. “Idaho Falls Police Officers get to have a great career making an impact every day, all while serving in a great community.”

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM) is inviting area art lovers and collectors to a “one-of-a-kind art buying experience.” TAM will host their first ever “Off-the-Wall-Art-Sale March 28-29.
“Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, this is your chance to own something truly special while supporting the local arts community,” write TAM directors.

The City of Idaho Falls’ ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption have been recognized with the Idaho Award for Leadership in Energy Efficiency. The award honors the city’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and lowering costs for local taxpayers through energy-efficient lighting upgrades. In 2023 alone, Idaho Falls Power’s energy efficiency projects in the City of Idaho Falls saved over 711,267 kilowatt-hours (kWh) across 11 city-owned facilities, cutting energy use and reducing taxpayer costs by more than $50,000 annually.

Another major country star is making his way to the Mountain America Center as the venue continues to add on to its Summer Lineup. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band are coming to Idaho Falls on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The Bonneville Joint School District 93 has selected Tyler Mills, former Assistant Principal, as the next Principal of Hillcrest High School.

“I am incredibly honored and blessed by this opportunity. Hillcrest holds a special place in my heart—I love our students, our staff, and our community. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing mentors throughout my career, and I am excited to continue serving Hillcrest in this new capacity. This is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I look forward to the journey ahead,” said Mills.

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM) is partnering with the J.R. Simplot Company to meet the growing needs of the community and strengthen the museum’s mission of fostering education, creativity, and cultural enrichment.

Thanks to the generous support of the J.R. Simplot Company Foundation, TAM will be expanding it’s museum’s facilities.