RIGBY — Local fitness enthusiasts have put a dramatic spin on an old bowling alley in Rigby.

“When we purchased the building, it was empty and it was freezing and it was pretty rundown,” co-owner Sarah VanSteenkiste says.

After six months of renovation, the shell of a dilapidated bowling alley from 1959 has been drastically transformed into a high-end fitness center.

“It’s turned out awesome. The beams were all existing and so the bones were really, really great. We just had to see past the old and get through,” VanSteenkiste says.

What started out as a nickname has become the gym’s formal title – The Alley. The gym has attracted hundreds of people to the modern and industrial styled facility.

“I like the atmosphere and I like showing up and having my workout ready for me,” gym member Jenny Wilder says. “It offers a lot of variety. He mixes it up so there’s a lot of different things that we do and they offer a lot.”

Owners say the gym, which has been open for about a month, is filling a demand in the community.

“I think there’s a massive need for good quality, world-class athletic training here in southeastern Idaho and this gives a chance for athletes to come train like a professional,” co-owner Mike VanSteenkiste says.

The Alley formats its programs through Dave Stroshine and his gym Stroformance, their sister facility. Stroshine is a master trainer and has trained 25 NFL athletes plus placed 100 division one athletes.

“We want to really put eastern Idaho on the recruiting map for every major sport in America,” General Manager Jon Hemsley says. “We just want to be an aide to the existing coaching platforms and programs that are here in the area and just deliver them better athletes,” Hemsley says.

The gym is holding an invitational featuring Stroshine as its special guest. Owners have reached out to the top 30 athletes in the state to be exclusively trained by Stroshine.

“We’ll do a combine every year and this is the first invitational,” VanSteenkiste says.

Trainers say regardless of athletic background, everyone is welcome at The Alley. The first fitness class and the first week of jujitsu instruction is free.

“Don’t be intimidated by our facility. My average client right now is probably a 35-year-old mother of three. We want people to know the doors are open,” Hemsley says.

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IDAHO FALLS — Firefighters are currently battling a structure fire at 10655 North 26th West.

A detached shop is burning and crews are working to control the blaze, according to Idaho Falls Fire spokeswoman Kerry Hammon.

The building has been evacuated and nobody has been injured. The cause of the fire has not been determined yet.

EastIdahoNews.com will post updates when we receive it.

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POCATELLO – City leaders in Pocatello are determining whether to permanently ban all billboards within city limits.

The city has placed a moratorium on billboards to give community members a chance to discuss the issue and determine what action to take before moving forward.

“We keep seeing and approving more and more billboard applications. So we thought, because there are so many coming in, we better stop and reevaluate what we are going to accept as a community for having the billboards here,” Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad tells EastIdahoNews.com.

Blad says this discussion began with an application for an LED billboard. He says there were concerns that a lit billboard would impact a neighborhood.

“We’ve asked (the city council) to work with sign companies and those who own the billboards. We want people to have their voice heard, and we want to know where businesses are coming from as well,” Blad says.

Businesses had a chance to weigh in on the measure at a city council meeting last week.

“The reality is that we have an established business and (Pocatello) is talking about removing that business from us after it was already awarded,” Bill Fuerst, the general manager for Riverbend Communications, told the Idaho State Journal. “We feel like we are in jeopardy because of some rulings that are quickly approaching a definitive position, and it seems as if it was a knee-jerk reaction.”

Blad says city officials have asked for a committee to be formed before the council votes on the measure.

“It’s a hot topic. I could argue both sides of this. I think billboards are an effective way for a business to advertise, but when you drive to Salt Lake City, the freeway is packed full of billboards,” says Mayor Blad.

The moratorium is coming to an end in November. Blad says the city council will have to make a decision in the next 60 days.

The post Pocatello mayor addresses proposed billboard ban appeared first on East Idaho News.

RIGBY — William “Bill” Gray was a big man in every way. He was big in person, big in heart, big in personality, big in compassion and caring, big in loyalty and big in ethics.

The 43-year-old Rigby reserve police officer, who died Sept. 25, was remembered during a public memorial service Friday morning at Rigby High School.

RELATED | Community honors Rigby Officer Bill Gray as his body is escorted home

Nearly 200 people stood in silence as Gray’s coffin was wheeled into the school auditorium. A group played bagpipes and Gray’s sister, along with Rigby police chief Sam Tower, spoke during the service.

“Bill was one of the happiest people I knew,” Tower said. “He could make you laugh in any type of situation. Bill was the true example of selfless service. We can be like Bill. We miss Bill. We love Bill.”

Gray was seriously burned in July following a head-on crash caused by a man in a pickup truck who was fleeing police on U.S. Highway 89 in Utah. He spent two months in the University of Utah burn center before he passed away.

After the service, Tower said the police department is having a hard time coping with Gray’s loss but his death is a reminder to everyone that life is short.

“It doesn’t matter how much time we have. It matters what we do with it. Bill choose to do good things. He was taken from us by somebody who was making bad decisions. But Bill was probably the first one to find him and forgive him because that was Bill.”

WATCH THE VIDEO TRIBUTE ABOVE TO OFFICER WILLIAM GRAY

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UPDATE

Authorities have reopened I15 between Idaho Falls and Roberts after the section of the interstate was closed for several hours Saturday due to blowing dust.

ORIGINAL STORY

IDAHO FALLS — Interstate 15 between Exit 118 (US 20, US 91, Broadway Street) in Idaho Falls and Exit 143 (ID 33) near Roberts is closed in both directions due to dust storms, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Vehicles are not allowed on the interstate and commuters will need to use alternative routes.

Multiple vehicles were involved in a car crash on I15 near the Osgood exit Saturday afternoon before officials closed the interstate.

Witnesses say blowing dust is extremely bad in the area and visibility is limited.

A National Weather Service wind advisory for Burley, Shoshone, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, St. Anthony, Island Park, Driggs, Soda Springs, Lava Hot Springs, INL Complex and all districts of the Fort Hall Reservation until 8 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION

Winds at 25-35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected. Locations across the Arco Desert east toward I-15 may see gusts closer to 55 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials are waiting for wind to calm down before reopening the road.

Stay with EastIdahoNews.com for updates.

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Battling a snow storm between Rexburg and Idaho Falls with slush pulling multiple vehicles off the road makes one wish to be a migrating bird headed south. It was potato harvest in the Upper Snake River Valley and my family was not the only homo sapiens following the birds. Slowing down allowed us to work through the slush and auto-maze on Highway 20.

St. George and Zion’s with their 80 degree days and 68 degree nights were my wife’s dreams of enjoying the first snow of the season. Eating breakfast at our St. George hotel, we ran into a neighbor family that lives less than a mile from us who were on their way to spend the week in a beach-front house in California.

Monday was dedicated to hiking trails in Zion’s National Park with the first hike to the Emerald Pools for our mixed family group. This short hike was enjoyed by all of our group in part or in whole with no pressure from others to go further than they desired. The pools were a little shy of water but had enough H2O to cause dripping on our heads. I looked for the famous Canyon treefrog but found none but enjoyed listening to the Stellar’s jay and Cedar waxwings.

Here again I found another Upper Valley family escaping the wet and cold looking for the dry and warmth. Also I found two types of hikers – those out for a stroll, enjoying the wildness which I will refer as “strollers” and those with an agenda to rush through, around and over others in an attempt to notch another hike on their walking stick; called “notchers.”

Half way between the second and third pool on the way down I met a group of strollers coming up. They were from a tour bus, mostly my age and not in great hiking shape, but were enjoying every small step. Behind them came four notchers trying to push past the strollers, cursing the “foreigners” and the “feeble.”

After a leisure lunch on the wet grass by the Zion Lodge, we took another short hike to Weeping Rock. Everyone on this hike appeared to be strollers as it is much too easy and short for serious notchers and everyone I stopped to visit with were pleasant.

Last hike of the day for us was very enjoyable – for us at least. We had struck up some friendships of different people during the day as it seemed everywhere we went they were also there. We were on the Riverside Walk to the Narrows.

I was the slow one of the bunch because I was taking pictures of squirrels, flowers, deer and cliffs when I heard someone say, “I know you.” Several families from my hometown of Rexburg were enjoying the hike also, enjoying the lack of cold and wetness.

People can be more interesting than you can imagine. A couple were coming down the trail; she was hurrying and he was dragging his feet.

“I’ve had enough; I am done!”

“We are not done – we have two more hikes to do today!”

“I am sitting on this rock while you go do those and you can come back and get me!!!” he said as he sat down.

I am sure I smiled as I passed him because he winked at me as I strolled by. Not a hundred yards up the trail I met the four notchers from the Emerald Pools coming down the trail with wet leggings from crossing the Virgin River at the Narrows. Another smile came across my lips.

“Hey guys, how far up did you go?” I asked the first one as he passed.

“None of your d— business,” he snorted.

“Where are you from?” I asked the third one.

“You writing a book,” he sneered back.

“Yip!”

I found the rest of my family group wading and playing in the river where the Narrows begin. They and many other strollers were enjoying the deepening light, taking pictures, visiting and generally enjoying the experience. I even got some notchers to stop and visit with me. They had spent six hours on the hike up the Narrows.

We all hike, and walk, run or drive, for different reasons. Our needs are met by what we enjoy and need out of this life. The stroller was still sitting on the rock, waiting for his notcher to come back for him – maybe he is still sitting there.

The post Strollers and Notchers: An escape from east Idaho appeared first on East Idaho News.

IDAHO FALLS — Even though it’s been weeks since Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston, Texas area humanitarian items are still desperately needed.

Idaho Falls locals have been called on to continue to help with the relief by donating items for hygiene kits that will go to victims in Houston.

“They still need the items we can supply and the hygiene kits and the other items we’re collecting,” humanitarian center assistant director Amy Pancheri said.

The Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center has already begun assembling and boxing kits with the help of volunteers.

“We had a lot of people come in and donate their time and also donate items,” Pancheri said. “It has taken a lot of people… We want to thank everybody in our area because we’re able to make this happen.”

Workers from the inDorStor and Interwest Moving and Storage came to load the first sets of items into a moving truck Friday.

InterWest Moving and Storage has donated a truck that will be driven to Texas with the kits.

Pancheri said 2,000 kits have been organized valued at $10 each. A hand towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, tissue and a 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner are placed into a one-gallon sized plastic bag to make the hygiene kit.

The center is still urging east Idahoans to donate items to the relief to fill the truck by October 13.

People can give throughout the week to the Humanitarian cCnter by bringing items to the iNdorStor’s location, Monday Oct. 9 through Friday Oct. 13, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The iNdorStor is holding items for the humanitarian center.

“We want to fill that truck. We would love to let the people know in Texas that the people in Idaho are supporting them and our hearts are with them. We have had generous donations from our community,” Pancheri said.

The post Idaho Falls Humanitarian Center shipping items to Harvey victims appeared first on East Idaho News.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Saturday that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Idaho to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding from March 29 to June 15.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by flooding in Ada and Canyon counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Timothy B. Manner has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Manner said additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

The following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Donald J. Trump’s disaster declaration issued for the state of Idaho.

Assistance for State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

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MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS — Some tourists are lucky they weren’t injured after getting extremely close to a group of elk in Yellowstone National Park Saturday evening.

Darin Skidmore, an Idaho Falls resident, was in the park around 5 p.m. and noticed the three bull elk resting on the church house lawn at Mammoth Hot Springs.

“A group of people walked literally within five feet of (one of them),” Skidmore posted on his Facebook page. “He stood up and lowered his antlers. The people hurried behind a nearby car. They were very lucky.”

RELATED | Yellowstone tourists put bison calf in car because they’re worried it’s cold

In a message to EastIdahoNews.com, Skidmore says he watched from 80 yards away as the tourists approached what he believes was the six point “herd bull.”

“The people were foreigners – probably not knowing the bull elk are in the rut, which makes them very aggressive,” Skidmore says. “There were no cows – just three bulls. I couldn’t believe these people walked so close. I thought I was going to film an injury.”

Skidmore says he went to his car stereo and began to play bugles and cow calls.

“He wasn’t bugling until I started and got him talking up a storm,” Skidmore recalls. “Then he bugled for a good half hour.”

Skidmore says there was a herd of cows about two hundred yards away in the sagebrush from where the bulls were resting.

Fortunately nobody was injured but the incident serves as a reminder to never get too close to wild animals.

Yellowstone National Park tells visitors to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Tourists have been seriously injured by disobeying the recommendations.

“Never approach wildlife. They make look docile but they are wild and unpredictable,” Skidmore says.

The post Close call for tourists who approach group of elk in Yellowstone appeared first on East Idaho News.

The following is a news release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

CHALLIS — This upcoming October 11, 2017, is a very sad anniversary. Twenty four years ago on October 11, 1993, Stephanie Crane, who was nine-years-old, disappeared from Challis. Stephanie should have celebrated her 33rd birthday with her family and friends this past September 28.

Some people think that Stephanie was headed to the Challis High Scholl football field to watch soccer practice and some others believe she was headed home. Stephanie’s home was approximately five hundred yards away from the Challis Lanes Bowling Alley. Stephanie had bowled on a league that afternoon with her classmates.

Sadly, both of Stephanie’s parent passed way without ever knowing what happened to her. Her mother Sandi Crane passed away August 14, 1997. Her father Ben Crane passed away October 11, 2012. Both passed from natural causes.

Stephanie has sisters, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles that would like to know what happened her.

Stephanie’s mother, Sandi Crane, came into the Custer County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 8:15 p.m. to report that she could not find her nine-year-old daughter. Stephanie was 4’2”, 65 – 85 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes. She has a cowlick on the right side of her hairline and a scar near her right eye. Her face is freckled and she has a space between her two upper front teeth.

By 9:00 p.m. on Oct. 11 1993, the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue and the Challis Volunteer Fire Department were all out searching for Stephanie. The search was suspended at 12:30 a.m. with plans to resume the search at 7:00 a.m.

On Oct. 12, 1993, 300 hundred searchers, two planes, hundreds of phone calls, FBI agents, Custer County Sheriff’s Deputies, Idaho State Police, Idaho Bureau of Investigation, Fish and Game Officers and a team of tracking dogs failed to turn up any clues as to Stephanie’s whereabouts. Boat crews that checked the river from Challis to Salmon also failed to turn up any sign of Stephanie.

As there were no Amber Alerts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, or Fox News channel, Custer County relied on volunteers to hand out fliers with Stephanie’s picture. Volunteers also stuffed envelopes with fliers of Stephanie and a cover letter for a nationwide mailing.

In hopes of bringing a resolution to this case, the Custer County Commissioners approved a $50,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for the person responsible for Stephanie’s disappearance.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office is still reviewing reports and re-evaluating possible evidence in the disappearance of Stephanie. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has also been re-interviewing people and has traveled out of state to conduct interviews.

In February 2017, a 56-year-old former convenience store clerk was convicted of the killing Etan Patz in 1979. Etan was the first missing child to be featured on a milk carton. In 2012 Pedro Hernandez confessed to killing Etan Patz. Etan’s body has not been found. During Hernandez’s trial, it was brought out that he had confessed that he killed a child in a prayer group as far back as possibly 1981 and also made a confession to his brother-in-law. It appears that no one had reported this to law enforcement.

If someone has told you that they had something to do with Stephanie Crane’s disappearance, you need to report this to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office — even if you think it is not true. All tips and leads are checked into. If someone has told you that they are responsible for the disappearance of someone else, please report that to the appropriate law enforcement authority.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that this is still an open and active case. Stephanie’s case will not be closed until we find out what happened to her.

If anyone has any information, they can call the Custer County Sheriff’s Office at (208)879-2232 to speak with someone or they can call the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (208) 879-5372 and leave a message. Individuals can also call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) and they can remain anonymous.

You may also leave a comment on Custer County Missing Persons page on Sheriff Lumpkin’s Facebook page.

Let’s always remember Stephanie.

The post She vanished 24 years ago this week after bowling with friends. Where is Stephanie Crane? appeared first on East Idaho News.

BLACKFOOT — A Blackfoot man is facing multiple charges after police say his dogs viciously attacked a woman last month.

Troy M. Smith, 47, has been charged with three counts of dog at large, three misdemeanor counts of harboring vicious animals and one misdemeanor count of violation of owner restriction for possessing three or more dogs within the city limits.

The dog attack occurred Sept. 25 around 7:30 p.m. at a home in the area of North University Avenue.

RELATED | Neighbor describes vicious dog attack that severely injured woman

Harmony Jones says she ran out of her house when she heard the 58-year-old woman screaming for the dogs to stop and for someone to call police.

Jones and her husband went to the fenced yard, but did not enter.

She observed three muscular dogs of the same breed on top of the woman and each showed evidence of participating in the attack. She also noticed the woman’s dead dog.

“Her little dog’s body was in the yard and it was pretty tore up,” she said.

Police later determined the victim’s dog was attacked first and killed by the trio of dogs that had come into her yard. The victim went out when she heard the attack on her dog and was then attacked herself.

Witnesses said they believed the dogs, who belonged to a neighbor, were pit pulls or a hybrid breed — and that is what was initially reported to police.

“We called the dogs over to the fence and we were screaming at them so they were no longer on top of her and we called the police,” Jones said.

When officers arrived, they found the victim lying face down in her own backyard. She was severely injured and bleeding from multiple dog bites, including at least one to the face, according to a police news release.

Officers feared for her safety and saw she had already suffered serious harm. To enter the yard and render aid, the officers shot and killed one of the dogs. The other two dogs then ran back to their own yard.

“The dog that got shot was standing between this woman’s body and the fence so the police had no choice but to shoot him to get in there and help this woman,” Jones said.

Officers and EMS were then able to help the woman and she was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment. She has since been released.

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The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Correction.

BOISE — Wrapping his hand around a sagebrush plant, an inmate at Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCC) pulls a seedling out of its “cone‐tainer” to check for root growth. He is just one member of sagebrush teams at ISCC and the South Boise Women’s Correctional Center (SBWCC) who has nurtured young native plants destined for Idaho’s public lands.

Sagebrush seedlings are in high demand by land managers seeking to restore thousands of acres decimated by wildfires, including important habitat for the imperiled greater sage‐grouse.

To address this need, in 2015 a collaborative effort was formed among the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), Sustainability in Prisons Project, local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices, and Idaho Department of Correction to engage inmates in the production of sagebrush.

In May, teams of incarcerated men and women filled 90,000 cone‐tainers with soil and sowed miniscule sagebrush seed. Every day since, they have carefully watered, fertilized and thinned their seedlings – and soon crews from BLM and the Idaho Department of Fish & Game will be collecting them for planting.

According to Nancy DeWitt, the local IAE contractor, the seedlings grown by inmates help more than just sage‐grouse.

“They will also provide food and cover to other wildlife that depend on intact sagebrush habitat, such as pygmy rabbits, pronghorn, and Brewer’s sparrows,” DeWitt said.

The inmates working in the program benefit as well.

“By propagating and nurturing sagebrush and other plants needed for restoration, adults‐in‐custody gain skills in occupational horticulture, problem solving, team building, and restoration ecology that they can use after their eventual release,” said DeWitt.

The project also provides an opportunity for inmates to give back to their community, generates a sense of accomplishment, and reduces idleness and stress,

Inmate Joel G. has worked with the project since it began.

“It has been an overwhelming success, producing top notch seedlings and rehabilitating many broken, incarcerated men,” he
says. He has watched the inmates gain confidence and build a sense of worth and pride.

“The project has also changed and improved my outlook on being successful when I am released from prison.”

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IDAHO FALLS — On a given day, the staff at the Bonneville County Extension Office are answering questions, teaching classes, developing programs and so much more. They are a busy bunch, but they have one over-reaching mission: to help people in the area develop skills and find their passions.

“We are the best kept secret in town,” said Wayne Jones, plant pathologist and educator at the UI Extension, Bonneville County office. “We focus on the needs of the community. If they call and ask about it, we’ll try to help by answering questions and offering classes.”

The extension office, which is located at 2925 Rollandet in Idaho Falls, has three areas of expertise: plants, 4-H, and family and consumer sciences.

PLANTS

Jones is the plant guy and has been for many years. He keeps close tabs on the latest university research of plant diseases and best practices for growing garden vegetables and trees; he also does some of his own research. His job is then to offer that information to the public.

“Unbiased, science-based plant advice is important,” Jones said. “Have you ever gone on the Internet? There is some dangerous information on there.”

A county extension office is invaluable as each area is unique with different weather, soil and elevation. Local residents often call Jones with all sorts of interesting plant questions, or they bring in plants for him to diagnose. He gives science-based advice appropriate for this area. It’s been interesting to see what comes through the door sometimes.

“About 50 percent of the questions I get are about trees—diseases, root problems, fruit problems, construction, irrigation, insects,” he said. “A lot of the tree issues around here come down to environment. Like a short fall that causes stress on the trees because they don’t have time to acclimate. I anticipate I’ll have a lot of calls in the spring when people see stressed trees.”

Another big part of his job is helping gardening enthusiasts. The extension office offers a Master Course, which is quite popular. Part of the course requires the Master Gardeners to offer volunteer hours and many of them help by also diagnosing common plant problems for the general public.

Jones puts together lots of programs and classes, which are based on what people are interested in. There is a sprouts program, a horticulture symposium, cereal school, Junior Master Gardeners, a beekeepers club, classes on grafting trees, roses, and herbs, and there is always something new in the words.

Right now he’s also heavily into high tunnel gardening which allows people to garden year-round. He’s always searching for whatever can help people in Bonneville County grow better plants.

“I love what I do,” Jones said.

4-H DEPARTMENT

At the extension office, Alaena Wilfong heads up the 4-H department, which includes everything most people expect from 4-H: animal, sewing, crafts and cooking projects for youth. But perhaps what people don’t know is that 4-H changes over time as people show interest in different areas.

“The focus of 4-H is to help kids find their passion. That’s what 4-H did for me,” Wilfong said. “I had so many awesome role models.”

Lately she has been really diving into a newer part of 4-H—robotics. She goes into schools to teach robotics to students, and she also instructs teachers who can then teach robotics. It’s been a very fast-growing area of the 4-H program.

Of course, animals are still a big part of what she does. Wilfong oversees many volunteer 4-H leaders in the area who are integral to helping youth raise and enter their animal projects at the Bonneville Count Fair, which keeps growing each year.

“Last year there were 100 more animals than the year before. This year there were 25 more than last year,” Wilfong said.

As youth participate in projects, they not only learn about what they are doing, but they build confidence and learn about themselves in the process, she added.

The extension office also held a beef camp for teens so they could learn about beef cuts and best methods for cooking; Wilfong has also offered a chicken hatching unit for students who can see life developing right before their eyes.

It’s all about teaching kids the truth about where their food comes from.

“The media has an interesting perspective about food. We want to inform people at the base. If we can teach youth, they can then teach their parents,” she said.

At the extension office, the family and consumer sciences side also focuses on research-based information, with the goal of improving the lives of those in the community. There are lots of classes throughout the year on healthy eating, exercise, and so much more.

For more information about everything offered at the extension of office, visit the
University of Idaho, Bonneville County website and the UI Extension, Bonneville County Facebook page.

The post Bonneville Extension Office can you help find your passion. Here’s how. appeared first on East Idaho News.

(CNN Money) — Look out, Amazon: Soon you can return items at Walmart in just 30 seconds.

The company will allow customers to start the return process on the Walmart app. Then they can take the unwanted product to a physical Walmart store, hop in an express lane, scan a code and hand the item to a Walmart employee.

The system will be available in November for items that Walmart sells and ships online. It will expand to store purchases early next year. Walmart also wants to streamline returns for products sold by third-party retailers on its website.

It’s part of the company’s push to establish itself not just as a dominant brick-and-mortar retailer, but as a digital power player, too.

Related: Cool or creepy? Walmart to deliver food and put it in fridge

Last month, Walmart announced it was testing a service that lets customers buy products from Walmart.com and have them delivered even if there’s nobody home.

Walmart recently acquired Parcel, a startup delivery service, as it works toward same-day delivery in New York. And it’s trying to cater to younger customers with Uniquely J, a brand for Millennials that’s being rolled out by Walmart’s Jet.com unit.

Amazon, of course, is a formidable competitor, and is trying to cement and even expand its dominance. The company is spending $13.7 billion to acquire Whole Foods. An Amazon analyst earlier this year called groceries the company’s largest “untapped opportunity.”

The post Walmart wants your returns to take 30 seconds appeared first on East Idaho News.

The following is a news release from the Chubbuck Police Department.

On Oct. 9 at 5:48 p.m., officers with the Chubbuck Police Department responded to the area of Briarwood and Eagle Street in Chubbuck in reference to a shooting.

We are still requesting the public’s assistance locating an adult male involved in the shooting.

The suspect fled the scene in a white “boxy” hatchback newer model car. Witnesses indicated there were possibly four occupants in the vehicle. The suspect is described as a white male approximately 5’7″ thin with short hair. He was wearing a black baseball hat, black hoodie and black jeans.

Our investigators and evidence personnel have cleared the scene, and all indications are that this was not a random shooting. Our investigation is still on going at this time.

The victim in this case is an adult female who was treated at released from the hospital.

We would like to take a moment to thank the Chubbuck Fire Department, Bannock County Ambulance, Pocatello Police Department and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office. Their assistance in this case is greatly appreciated.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Chubbuck Police Department at (208) 237-7172.

Do not attempt to take action on your own as the suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous.

The post Chubbuck Police: Shooting was not random, search continues for suspect appeared first on East Idaho News.

Dear Dave,

What is your opinion of buying a vacation home, then renting it out when you’re not there?

J.P.

Dear J.P.,

I see nothing wrong with it, as long as you’re buying with cash and you’re also debt-free. A vacation home is a wonderful “extra” as you start building wealth. Remember though, it’s still basically a very large, very expensive toy. In most cases it will go up in value, and if you rent it, it might become something of a money maker for you.

But here’s another side to vacation home rentals. You’ll probably make some money, but in most cases there will be several weeks during a year when it sits empty. You’re not going to get rich renting it out. So, they’re not really great investment properties. What you’re talking about is more of a plan to offset the annual costs of your toy. If you look at it that way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

If you’re determined to go this route, be ready to deal with spills on the carpet and damage from your guests, along with general maintenance and repairs. There’s always something that needs attention when you own a property. But if you can handle all that emotionally and financially – and you’re not looking for it to be a big-time investment that will make you rich – you’ll be fine.

—Dave

Dear Dave,

My wife and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan. We have about $60,000 in debt left to pay off before we’ll be debt-free, and a household income of $140,000 a year. We have one child, but we would like to expand our family. We would have to do this using in vitro fertilization. We’ve talked to a doctor, and he’s given us a ballpark figure of about $20,000 for the procedure. Should we wait until we’re debt-free to have this done?

Jim

Dear Jim,

Babies are wonderful, important things. Having kids, even the thought of having kids, is a big emotional deal. But sometimes it can cause people to change their financial plans and directions.

I would urge you not to accept the first opinion and pricing model you receive on something like this. I’ve heard prices of $35,000, but that includes as many attempts as it takes until your wife becomes pregnant. I’ve also heard of single attempts priced at $7,500 each. There are all kinds of options and guarantees, because they understand someone who is willing to do this really wants a baby.

If I’m in your shoes, I’m not accepting the idea that there’s one approach and one pricing structure to all this. I would explore other options, as far as doctors and clinics are concerned. Then, with your income, you could consider taking off a couple months from paying down debt and put some money toward the IVF. If it doesn’t work pay off a little more debt, pause the debt payoff, and try for a baby again.

Take some time, learn a little more, and go from there – always using cash for the endeavor. God bless you two!

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 13 million listeners each week on 585 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

The post DAVE SAYS: Should we wait until we’re debt-free before having in vitro fertilization? appeared first on East Idaho News.

EastIdahoNews.com is hosting several forums over the coming days featuring men and women who are running for local political office in Pocatello, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby and Rexburg.

Each candidate is given 90 seconds to make an opening statement. They are then given 90 seconds to respond to questions and they get a final 90 seconds for a closing statement.

The forums will be posted over the next two weeks on EastIdahoNews.com.

In Idaho Falls, there are five people running for mayor.

REBECCA CASPER

Rebecca Casper has been serving as mayor of Idaho Falls since 2014.

CLICK HERE to visit her website and CLICK HERE to visit her Facebook page.

BARBARA EHARDT

Barbara Ehardt has been serving on the Idaho Falls City Council since 2014.

CLICK HERE to visit her website and CLICK HERE to visit her Facebook page.

RONALD JORDE

Ronald Jorde works as a waste water operator for the city of Idaho Falls.

CLICK HERE to visit his Facebook page.

KENLY OSTERHOUT

Kenly Osterhout is a Republican strategist.

He does not have a website or Facebook page.

JEFF THOMPSON

Jeff Thompson has served as an Idaho state representative since 2008 representing District 33 in the A seat.

CLICK HERE to visit his website and CLICK HERE to visit his Facebook page.

The post EAST IDAHO ELECTS: Idaho Falls Mayoral forum appeared first on East Idaho News.

The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS — A significant and sudden weight loss in July was the first sign that alerted Zookeeper Dallas LaDucer that something was changing with the 7-year-old male snow leopard, Ketu.

“We spend every day with over 300 animals that are as close to us as family members. We know them very well,” states Idaho Falls Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Rhonda Aliah. “We recognize how they vary in age, level of care required, personalities, and preferences. When one of them begins to act differently, or show physical signs of change, we notice. That level of familiarity is how we noticed something was going on with Ketu,” explains Aliah.

At the Idaho Falls Zoo, every animal is observed daily by documenting food intake, examining waste output and observing behavior. Exams are done at intervals as prescribed for each species. Each exam includes a standard physical exam, bloodwork and vaccinations as needed, as well as examination of teeth, claws, beaks, etc. If a concern arises, the zookeeper alerts veterinary staff immediately. The animal is then examined and necessary testing is conducted right away.

The zoo’s cats are trained to step on a scale to record their weight at least once each month. While it is normal for a cat’s weight to fluctuate with the seasons, Ketu’s weight loss seemed more pronounced. “An obvious weight loss was my first red flag, even though he was eating well and acting normally at the time,” says LaDucer who documented the weight loss and reported it to veterinary staff Dr. Rhonda Aliah and Veterinary Technician Alison Holderman.

Within 2-3 days, Ketu’s appetite suddenly declined and he began acting lethargic. The animal care team then sedated Ketu and took blood for testing. The results that came back were definite and disheartening. At only 7 years old, Ketu was diagnosed with acute renal (kidney) failure.

Kidney failure is a common problem among domestic cats and a leading cause of death in household pets. Why would an otherwise healthy, middle-aged cat have kidney failure? “Unfortunately, we don’t know,” states Dr. Aliah who contacted veterinarians around the country involved in the care of snow leopards. They discussed treatment options and devised a treatment plan for Ketu. “You could say it’s similar to an otherwise healthy person getting an unexpected illness,” states Holderman. “We don’t really understand what the causes are.”

“Despite all our best efforts to provide the best treatment, testing and professional consultations, it is probable Ketu will eventually succumb to his illness,” states Dr. Aliah. “As with any illness, no one knows how long he has left.”

“Rolf, our red-ruffed lemur who passed away last month from age-related illness at 34 years old had exhibited signs of kidney failure for over six years,” states Dr. Aliah. “Our goal is to make Ketu as comfortable as possible for the remainder of his life.”

Since discovering Ketu’s illness, zookeepers have changed his diet in an effort to improve his weight. He now is offered several types of meat, including chicken, pork, and beef so that he can eat what he chooses.

Ketu is sedated at regular intervals to provide therapy, to examine and re-evaluate his condition, and draw blood for testing. He is provided with other treatment deemed warranted by blood work. “We have seen a very slight improvement in his blood values,” explains Dr. Aliah. “We will continue with the path of treatment.”

Ketu has fathered three cubs, all of which have been born at the Idaho Falls Zoo. The most recent cub, Tashi, was born last year. As part of the Species Survival Plan, Tashi is moving to the Chattanooga Zoo this fall for the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of his species by eventually becoming a father himself.

Snow leopards are normally very solitary animals. Unless it is breeding season, they avoid one another. Mothers with cubs will actively move throughout their territories to keep the family away from male cats. In captive situations, they are not housed together when cubs are present. Ketu, however, is a bit of an exception. He seeks out the female, Sundari, and is tolerant of Tashi. Therefore, to make him comfortable, the family is able to interact with each other whenever they want.

“For anyone who has ever loved another living thing, the hardest part is saying goodbye. We know for Ketu the time will come sooner than later,” says Dr. Aliah. Zoo staff will keep the public updated on Ketu’s situation as is warranted via the Idaho Falls Zoo Facebook page.

The post Idaho Falls Zoo announces beloved snow leopard is terminally ill appeared first on East Idaho News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains graphic details. Reader discretion is advised.

IDAHO FALLS – A local man pleaded guilty to felony lewd conduct with a minor as part of a plea agreement.

Charles Carroll, 85, entered into a plea deal Tuesday morning in a Bonneville County courtroom. The deal stipulates that he will plead guilty to lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16. In return, the prosecution will limit his sentencing to the recommendation of a pre-sentencing investigation.

The investigation requires Carroll to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation to determine the likelyhood of a repeat offense as well as a polygraph test to ensure he has no other victims.

The deal is contingent that Carroll fully cooperate with the investigation. Failure to do so will allow the prosecution to seek whatever sentencing they see fit.

Carroll is accused of engaging in lewd conduct with a 4-year-old girl who he says was like a granddaughter to him.

In a June interview with EastIdahoNews.com, Carroll said he was wearing a robe and no underwear while sitting in his dining room smoking a cigarette. The girl and her mother were at his home.

“My robe had become partially open and I didn’t correct it,” Carroll said. “She walked over and out of curiosity, I’d say, started handling my genitals.”

Carroll said this went on “for three or four minutes” and when asked why he didn’t stop her, he replied, “That’s a good question for which I do not have a good answer. I did not encourage her, but I did not discourage her. I wish I would have, but I did not.”

The specific plea Carroll will enter is an Alford plea – which means he admits there may be enough evidence for a jury to find him guilty but he still maintains that he is innocent.

Carroll was arrested earlier this year after police were informed of inappropriate contact he allegedly had with a 4-year-old girl.

The victim lived with her mother in the same apartment complex as Carroll and they were familiar with each other.

Her mother found her as Carroll was exposing himself to her daughter, according to court documents. The victim told prosecutors of other sexual acts he performed on her.

Carroll is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 18 in Bonneville County.

The post 85-year-old I.F. man will plead guilty to lewd conduct with a child appeared first on East Idaho News.

The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS — Are you looking for a safe environment for trick-or-treating this year? Bring all of your ghosts and goblins to the Bonneville County Courthouse on Sat., October 28 for a family-friendly Halloween event with local first responders and businesses.

The “Real Heroes’ Trunk-or-Treat” Halloween event is hosted by the Idaho Falls Police Department, Idaho Falls Fire Department and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

The event will take place from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the courthouse at 605 N. Capital.

First responders will not only be handing out candy to eager trick-or-treaters, but glow sticks, too!

If you own a business, non-profit or other organization and are interested in joining us in this new, safe and fun event, simply complete the registration form and return it to the Idaho Falls Police Department by October 25. This is a great way to visit with community members and advertise your business while showing off your creative Halloween decorating skills. There is no registration fee, but space is limited so register soon!

If you wish to donate bags of sealed candy, please drop them by the Idaho Falls Police Department, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come join us for a Spooktacular good time with some of our local heroes!

For questions about the event, contact Annake Scholes at (208) 612-8661 or akscholes@idahofallsidaho.gov.

The post Local first responders to host ‘Real Heroes’ Trunk-or-Treat’ appeared first on East Idaho News.