POCATELLO — A woman severely injured in August when she was struck by a pickup truck driven by an alleged drunk driver in Pocatello has filed a lawsuit against that individual.

Pingree resident Avelinda Garza, 32, claims in her lawsuit that she was crossing the parking lot at The Sand Trap bar and grill on Bannock Highway on the night of Aug. 10 when she was struck by a 2003 Ford F350 pickup truck.

The lawsuit identifies the pickup’s driver as Dr. Kraig McGee, 67, of Pocatello, and states that he struck Garza while backing out of a parking spot.

McGee then struck multiple parked vehicles in the parking lot, the lawsuit states.

McGee, who’s also facing a felony drunk driving charge for striking Garza with his pickup, was not available for comment regarding the lawsuit she filed against him in district court.
Garza suffered critical injuries including multiple fractures to her pelvis when she was struck by McGee’s pickup.

She was initially transported by ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello before being flown by emergency helicopter to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City for further treatment.

McGee was arrested by Pocatello police at the scene for felony aggravated drunk driving and police said his blood-alcohol content was well above the .08 percent legal limit at the time of his arrest.

Garza’s lawsuit claims that the investigating officer had McGee perform the standardized field sobriety tests, which McGee was unable to complete in a satisfactory manner.

Further, according to Garza’s lawsuit, McGee voluntarily submitted to breath tests at the scene and produced two samples indicating his blood-alcohol content was .208 and .195 percent — both over twice the legal limit.

McGee then requested that officers transport him to PMC for a blood test at his own expense, the lawsuit states, and the result showed that he had a .212 percent blood-alcohol content — nearly three times the legal limit.

The suit also claims that McGee told police he consumed approximately two whiskey drinks with his family at The Sand Trap prior to striking Garza with his pickup, but there are other reports that McGee was consuming alcoholic beverages at the nearby Juniper Hills Country Club prior to arriving at The Sand Trap.

In addition to legal costs related to attorney fees and filing the suit, Garza is seeking compensation in the amount of at least $10,000 relating to her incurred expenses for medical and therapeutic treatment.

McGee is expected back in court for a pre-trial hearing regarding the criminal charge against him in December.

If convicted of aggravated drunk driving, McGee faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $5,000 fine and the loss of his driver’s license for five years.

Garza is being represented by attorney Eric Rossman of Boise.

This article was originally published in the Idaho State Journal. It is used here with permission.

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ST. ANTHONY — The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the Upper Snake Highlands.

A mountain snow storm is expected to hit Clark, Teton and Fremont counties on Sunday. The snow will impact mostly mountainous areas with 1 to 3 inches expected in the Pine Creek Pass, Raynolds Pass and Targhee Pass.

CHECK OUT THE 7-DAY FORECAST HERE

Areas above 7,500 feet may see up to 6 inches of snow, according to NWS.

The communities of St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Driggs, Victor and Dubois may see some snow.

Officials advise caution is driving in the area this weekend.

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UPDATE:

Idaho State Police report all lanes are open again. The driver of the SUV was not injured.

ORIGINAL STORY:

IDAHO FALLS — Idaho State Police are investigating a single vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 15 near the Pancheri Drive overpass in Idaho Falls.

The crash, which involved an SUV pulling a trailer, occurred at about 11:15 a.m. Saturday.

As of 1:30 p.m. both southbound lanes of travel are blocked while crews work to clean up the scene, according to ISP officials.

Units from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho Transportation Department are diverting traffic off the interstate at the Broadway and Grandview exits.

It is expected that the road will be cleared within the hour.

No major injuries have been reported and no one was transported to the hospital.

The post UPDATE: Lanes clear after crash on I-15 appeared first on East Idaho News.

OGDEN, Utah — The family of a couple who died in a plane crash in Weber County in July filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Weber County District Court.

West Haven residents Perry and Sarah Huffaker, ages 45 and 42, and Taylor residents Layne and Diana Clarke, ages 48 and 46, died July 26 when the Beech A36 Bonanza plane they were in crashed on I-15 in Riverdale. The plane had taken off from Ogden-Hinckley Airport just before 1 p.m. on July 26 and crashed about half a mile away from the airport.

It could take more than a year for officials from the National Transportation Safety Board to determine exactly what caused the crash.

A complaint filed Friday in Weber County District Court says Layne and Diana Clarke were owners of the plane and were operating it at the time of the crash.

RELATED: Report on deadly plane crash on I-15: Group was headed to Island Park

Two of the Huffaker’s children and both sets of the couple’s parents are named as plaintiffs in the complaint. The lawsuit is filed against Donette Crayton, who represents the estates of Layne and Diana Clarke.

The complaint alleges that the Clarkes failed to “use reasonable care” in the operation of the airplane, which led to the wrongful deaths of Perry and Sarah Huffaker.

Family members tell EastIdahoNews.com that the suit, while filed by the Huffaker family, was initiated by their insurance company to seek damages.

The Clarkes and the Huffakers were close friends and were traveling to Island Park for a vacation together when the crash occurred in July.

RELATED: 4 dead after plane crash closes I-15 northbound in northern Utah

The Huffakers are seeking a jury trial to determine damages to pay for medical and other expenses, other financial losses and to provide relief for emotional suffering the family experienced as a result of the crash, as well as court and attorney fees, according to the complaint.

This article was originally published by KSL.com. It is used here with permission.

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In this edition of East Idaho Newsmakers, Nate Eaton speaks with Gentri: The Gentlemen Trio.

GENTRI was established in June 2014 and is comprised of three highly trained tenors: Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever. Pioneering a signature sound that can only be described as “Cinematic Pop,” the music of GENTRI is transfused with lush, epic orchestrations and rich, dynamic three-part harmonies all composed by the group’s producer Stephen Nelson.

GENTRI’s self-titled, debut EP spent ten consecutive weeks in the Top 10 on two different Billboard charts, including three weeks at No. 2 on both the Classical and Classical Crossover charts.

On the heels of their first album release, the Gents debuted their first music video to their original hit single, “Dare,” which made international headlines on news outlets around the world, including ABC World News, NBC Nightly News and Inside Edition.

The Gents recently released their full-length album, RISE, which included eight new GENTRI original songs as well as two covers. It debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Classical and Classical Crossover Charts, right behind John Williams for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Andrea Bocelli.

GENTRI has performed with world-renowned talent, including international tenor sensation Alfie Boe, Tony Award-winning vocalist Idina Menzel, and legendary rock band Journey.

The group spoke with Nate Eaton about their music, careers, success and more. Watch the entire interview above and, if you missed the unforgettable Feel Good Friday surprise with GENTRI surprising their biggest fan in east Idaho, click here to watch it.

EAST IDAHO NEWSMAKERS ARCHIVE

REGIONAL GIRL SCOUTS CEO PAT PYKE

REXBURG NATIVE GARRETT SMITH – ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP BULL RIDERS

ANNE ROSE HART – THE WOMAN WHO WANTS YOU TO BE TRULY AWESOME

LOCAL NEWS ICON TERRY MILLER

BONNEVILLE COUNTY DEMOCRATS CHAIR MIRANDA MARQUIT

9/11 FIRST RESPONDER, TETON COUNTY SHERIFF TONY LIFORD

NEW IDAHO FALLS POLICE CHIEF BRYCE JOHNSON

GAY MORMON BLOGGER, LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER JOSH SEARLE

CONGRESSMAN & GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE RAUL LABRADOR

PIZZA PIE CAFE FOUNDER MATT SMITH

ATTORNEY, GOP LEADER BRYAN SMITH

SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVOR MATT MORGAN

STEPHANIE MICKELSEN

‘NAKED & AFRAID’ STAR, POCATELLO NATIVE JEFF ZAUSCH

LT. GOV. BRAD LITTLE AND HIS RUN FOR GOVERNOR

DEORR KUNZ’S GRANDMOTHER TRINA BATES CLEGG

JUDGES DANE WATKINS, MICHELLE MALLARD & OUR LEGAL SYSTEM

DON ASLETT: AMERICA’S #1 CLEANING EXPERT

REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE TOMMY AHLQUIST

AMMON MAYOR DANA KIRKHAM

BONNEVILLE JOINT SCHOOL DIST. 93 SUPERINTENDENT CHUCK SHACKETT

THE OWNERS OF FIN FUN

SHOULD EITC BECOME A COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

OUTDOOR ACTIVISTS ROB THORNBERRY & ROB PARKINS

MORMON TEMPLE DEPT. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ELDER LARRY WILSON

SURVIVORMAN LES STROUD

CINDY COVINGTON: THE CREATOR OF THE POTTY PROTECTOR

NEW BYUI PRES., FIRST LADY HENRY AND KELLY EYRING

FORMER FBI SPECIAL AGENT FRANK MONTOYA

LIFE AFTER PRISON: CHRIS TAPP

AUTHOR & JOURNALIST BRENDA BAUMGARTNER STANLEY

MAMA DRAGONS DEBBIE GLENN AND LORI EMBREE

OUTGOING BYUI PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY CLARK & CHRISTINE GILBERT

The post East Idaho Newsmakers: Gentri – The Gentlemen Trio appeared first on East Idaho News.

BLACKFOOT — Eastern Idaho received some very distant — and very musical — guests this week.

On Wednesday, the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda visited Blackfoot to sing and entertain local families. The choir, made up of 17 children and 10 adults, electrified the sanctuary at Blackfoot Christian Fellowship Church, with their singing and dancing.

All of the children and adults in the choir have suffered the loss of one or both parents and have been taken in and raised in a Watoto Village. Members of the choir told stories about their lives growing up in the villages. One member, Edith, came to Watoto at the age of 10 after the death of both of her parents.

“I lived with my grandparents after my parents died,” Edith said. “They had too many children. I came to Watoto I didn’t have to worry about food, and I had the chance to go to school. That is when I learned about Jesus.”

Edith, now grown, graduated from Makerere University in Uganda with a degree in Human Rights and Ethics. She explained that there are several foster homes in the Watoto villages. Each of these homes has a foster mom with eight children living in the home.

“She is just like a mom to us,” she said.

The Watoto Children’s Choir is the brain child of the Watoto (child) Ministries in Uganda. Since 1994, the ministry has been building villages and providing homes for the orphaned children. According to UNICEF, there are more than 2 million orphans in the small African country of Uganda, and 1.2 million of them have been orphaned by AIDS.

The choir is currently touring the United States. To date, the choir has toured six continents and performed to enthralled audiences in schools, retirement homes, churches, parliaments, state houses and royal palaces. The Watoto Children’s Choir concert acts as a fundraising event for Watoto ministries.

The group brought CD’s, T-shirts handmade jewelry and purses, created by the people in the villages, to help raise funds to build more villages.

For more information about the Watoto ministries visit watoto.com.

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IDAHO FALLS — A strong wind advisory is in effect until about 9 p.m. Sunday in most of eastern Idaho.

The National Weather Service reports the Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Pocatello regions will see strong gusty southwest winds of between 25 to 35 mph. Gusts of up to 45 mph may occur.

NWS officials say there may be areas of reduced visibility due to blowing dust, especially in areas that have been recently cultivated.

The areas most strongly impacted will be Interstate 86 near Pocatello and Interstate 15 from Pocatello north to Hamer. The strongest cross winds are expected across the Arco Desert and INL area, according to NWS.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. If traveling, use caution and keep a firm grip on the wheel. Slow down and use extra caution if you encounter reduced visibility due to blowing dust.

The post Strong wind advisory continues into this evening appeared first on East Idaho News.

IDAHO FALLS — With harvest winding down and a chill in the air, the second annual Idaho Agfest was held at the Pinecrest Event Center in Idaho Falls as a celebration and thank for those who work in the agriculture industry.

Organizers Carl and Linda Taylor, knowing that agriculture impacts the lives of 100 percent of the people in eastern Idaho, decided it was time to say a big thank you.

“We wanted to show an appreciation for those in the industry that probably haven’t gotten the credit they deserve as they help make their ag business successful. The purpose isn’t just to thank them, but to give them some value that will help enrich their lives and their families lives,” Taylor said.

The Taylors went to many of the corporations that deal with this industry and the support was instant.

“We just went to a lot of the ag related businesses to help sponsor the event. All those that deal with fuel fertilizer, tractors, or farm vehicles. They have all been very willing to help sponsor it. It includes all parts of ag processing, ranching, dairy, all different parts,” Taylor said.

The event center was filled with booths of all different types, providing information about things like healthcare, child services, banks and education. The Community Council of Idaho, an agency that offers services and educational resources to help people get GED’s or college tuition, was at the event.

“We were part of Agfest last year. The people who are going to be coming to this event are the people who can directly benefit from what we offer,” council spokeswoman Liliana Olizas said as she worked the booth. “Anything we can do to help the agricultural sector, we will do. It’s a great opportunity for people to understand all of those services are available and it’s here for them to take advantage of it.”

Nichole Phillips, Jared Johnson, and toddler Kennedy were at the Agfest for the first time. Phillips works at Threshers Artisan Wheat in Newdale and was curious to see what the event was about and what they had to offer.

“I think farmers could use more support. It’s been a learning experience for me to experience the life of a farmer and and to see how it works from the grain side of things. I’m impressed at how many people are here,” Phillips said.

She and Johnson were enjoying the kids area with Kennedy who loved the fishing booth. There were multiple jump houses and many other carnival style kid games, all for free.

“It’s great that they have all of the booths for the adults but they also have this kid area and this is great,” Johnson said.

So whether you were there to take advantage of the free French fries, raffle or lunch from a few local food trucks, or booths full of information helpful to everyday life, Agfest was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and a great way to say thank you to a huge industry in eastern Idaho.

“I hope that people can stop by next year because hopefully this will be an ongoing thing. Every single one of these booths are services that can benefit them. As far as for us, if they have any questions, they can get in touch with us and if we can’t help them, we will find an organization that can,” Olizas said.

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IDAHO FALLS — Frank VanderSloot was named by Forbes as one of the 400 richest people in America last week but the Melaleuca CEO hasn’t always been wealthy.

He was raised in poverty on a farm, lived in a laundromat during college and launched a business selling beef jerky and peanuts to bars so he could afford to attend Brigham Young University.

WATCH: Frank VanderSloot talks about Forbes naming him the richest person in Idaho

In a profile released Saturday, Forbes details VanderSloot’s rags-to-riches story and how he went on to become the richest person in Idaho with an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Long before Frank VanderSloot was one of America’s largest landowners, he was a poor boy growing up on his family’s 80-acre farm in Colocalla, Idaho, a tiny town about 70 miles from the Canadian border. His father, a railroad laborer who dropped out of school in the third grade, departed for work every Monday morning and didn’t return until Friday night. The family was left to maintain the farm.

At age 12 VanderSloot found himself in charge of the daily responsibilities, including milking the cows; feeding the horses, sheep, goats and chickens; plus chopping wood for his mother’s cook stove and the stove that heated their home. That’s when his father, who felt that a lack of education had held him back in life, had a heart-to-heart with his young son.

“He sat me down and told me he wanted a better life for me and therefore it was important for me to go to college,” VanderSloot says. “He explained that he would not have the money to send me, so I needed to start saving.”

VanderSloot heeded his father’s advice. He manned the farm’s cream separator twice a day, turning it by hand to separate cream from milk. His dad let him sell the excess cream not used by the family, netting him $2.50 per week. He took jobs on neighboring farms too, building fences, putting up hay and operating tractors. From the beginning, he put the profits straight into a college savings account.

By the time VanderSloot graduated from high school, he had scraped together enough money to cover five semesters of tuition at Brigham Young University. “But I had not saved anything for books or for board and room,” he says. “I planned on figuring that out when I got there.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE STORY FROM FORBES

The post Forbes details how VanderSloot pulled himself out of poverty by living in a laundromat and teaching Dutch appeared first on East Idaho News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: During the course of the William Ellwood trial, an EastIdahoNews.com reporter was reprimanded by District Judge Bruce Pickett for conversing with a juror. While the conversation was innocent in nature, EastIdahoNews.com recognizes the serious breach in court etiquette, and in the interest of transparency, will publish a full accounting of the incident Monday.

IDAHO FALLS – A local man accused of sex crimes has been found guilty on eight of 12 charges against him.

William Ellwood, 37, was found guilty, Saturday, on seven felony counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16 and one felony count of sexual abuse of a child in the form photos taken of the victim.

Ellwood faces a maximum of life in prison for each of the seven counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16. He faces a maximum of 25 years for the count of sexual abuse of a child.

RELATED: Mother of victim testifies in trial of man accused of sex crimes

Bonneville County Deputy Prosecutor John Dewey, told EastIdahoNews.com the jury deliberated for around 11 hours.

“I think it’s pretty clear they went through the evidence and scrutinized it,” he said. “We respect the process and their decision.”

Until discussing the results of the trial with the victim and her family, Dewey is unable to comment on what the state will seek in regards to sentencing.

RELATED: Trial begins for I.F. man charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse

Ellwood’s sentencing is currently set to be held on Dec. 13, in Bonneville county court.

Ellwood was originally charged with ten felony counts of lewd conduct with a minor and one felony count of sexual abuse of a minor in Aug. 2016. He also was charged with one felony count of sexual abuse of a minor in the form of photos taken of the victim.

The sexual abuse took place over five years from the time the victim was 9-years-old to when she turned 14 in 2016. That’s when she told her mother about the assault.

The post Jury finds William Ellwood guilty on eight of 12 charges appeared first on East Idaho News.

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming — An Idaho Falls man died and his wife is recovering after a crash Friday afternoon in Snake River Canyon that resulted in their car plunging into the Snake River.

Authorities say Veldon Max Hix, 78, was pronounced dead on the scene and Arlene Hix, 76, was taken to St. John’s Medical Center for her injuries.

The wreck happened as the couple was driving north on Highway 89 around 1:30 p.m. near Hoback Junction.

“The driver (Mr. Hix) had a medical issue that caused him to hit the guardrail on the southbound shoulder. The vehicle then ricocheted across the highway, went north about 700 feet, hit another guardrail and rolled down an embankment into the river,” Wyoming Highway Trooper Mike Merritt told EastIdahoNews.com.

The car was carried about 600 feet down the water and Arlene Hix, who had been sleeping but awoke during the commotion, began waving her arms out of the passenger window.

“Some fisherman heard people yelling. They looked and saw the lady waving her arms,” Merritt said. “They took their boat down and got her out of the car. They then dropped her off at the Astoria boat ramp where an ambulance was waiting.”

Teton County Search and Rescue recovered Veldon Hix’s body and a towing company removed the vehicle from the water around 5 p.m.

Arlene Hix was in stable condition Monday morning.

The post Idaho Falls man killed, wife injured after car plunges into Snake River appeared first on East Idaho News.

When I was a brand new cub reporter, one of my biggest frustrations was that news editors frequently threw me into the deep end to learn the trade.

As reporters, we’re supposed to be experts on everything we write. It’s challenging when your degree focuses on writing or videography and then you have to suddenly learn the ins-and-outs of crime and court proceedings, public policy, taxing issues, healthcare and the list goes on.

The process usually works because, as newbies, we work hard and we learn from our own mistakes.

Last week one of our newest EastIdahoNews.com reporters made a big mistake. It was not malicious, underhanded or an attempt to get information he shouldn’t have. But it was, in the reporter’s own words, “a really dumb mistake.”

During the trial of a now-convicted sex offender, this reporter made small talk with a juror during a lunch break in the hallway of the Bonneville County Courthouse. During that conversation, the reporter discussed having previously served on a jury and mentioned that he was surprised this particular case went to trial.

That statement (and speaking to a sitting juror in general) was a serious breach of court etiquette and rules. A conversation along those lines could be seen as trying to influence a juror, and result in a mistrial.

Following the conversation, the juror reported in court what had occurred and a motion was made to declare a mistrial. The judge called a recess, spoke with our reporter, provided a needed teaching moment (and a stern warning) and gave the defense and prosecutor the option to question our journalist. They both declined and the trial proceeded.

The reporter immediately told me what happened and I contacted the judge to see if any corrective action needed to be taken. We have agreed that our entire staff will be better trained when it comes to court procedure.

As the managing editor, and the person ultimately responsible for the actions of my reporters, I am committed to ensuring a mistake like this does not happen again.

As for our reporter, he has learned a lesson in a hard and public way. I think it’s safe to say he will not make the same mistake again.

— Nate Sunderland, EastIdahoNews.com Managing Editor

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The following is a news release from the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

JACKSON HOLE — With a new daily year-round direct flight from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Texas, to Jackson, Wyoming, slated to start in spring 2018, it will be easier to travel to the Cowboy State than ever before. The new daily flight, offered by American Airlines, will include travel on a CRJ700, which complements their current A319 service during summer and winter.

“The expansion of this route from Dallas to Jackson will make it easier for visitors to choose Wyoming as their vacation destination,” said Diane Shober, executive director for Wyoming Office of Tourism. “A daily flight from a strong airport like DFW–that also has many direct international flights–delivers on new opportunities for Wyoming.”

The current winter flight schedule on American Airlines from Dallas to Jackson includes daily flights from Dec. 15, 2017 through Apr. 2, 2018, making Wyoming an easy-to-visit winter recreation destination that includes world-class skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and incredible downhill terrain at nearby Snow King Resort and Grand Targhee Resort, as well as a chance to experience winter in Yellowstone National Park.

While Jackson Hole Airport has long had a seasonal direct flight on American Airlines from DFW, a daily year-round flight will help to grow the quantity of international travelers looking to explore the West, especially from one of Wyoming’s key international markets–Australia.

“Australia is one of the top inbound international markets for Wyoming,” said James Scoon, director of global sales and services for Wyoming Office of Tourism. “With this new year-round direct flight offering from Dallas to Jackson, it makes Wyoming more accessible for Australian travelers and tour operators to visit.”

In addition to Australia being one of Wyoming’s top international markets, it’s the biggest international market for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Jackson Hole Airport has direct flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, New York City (JFK), Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The post American Airlines announces daily flights from Dallas to Jackson appeared first on East Idaho News.

IDAHO FALLS – A local man confessed to molesting a 12-year-old girl known to him for the past three years, according to court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com.

Bryan Brown is facing one felony lewd conduct with a child under 16 charge and could face up to life in prison if found guilty.

Documents show the victim reported the abuse to her middle school counselor and said the last incident occurred on Oct. 8, 2017.

She told law enforcement Brown had raped her nearly every weekend for the past three years while at a relative’s home, according to court documents, and she felt forced to allow the abuse because she didn’t want to get in trouble.

A sexual assault nurse examiner revealed the victim had significant scarring in her genitals – something unusual for a 12-year-old that could indicate extensive sexual activity.

When confronted by law enforcement, “Bryan initially denied and eventually fully admitted to have sexual intercourse with (the victim) both the day previous and on multiple other occasions over the past year,” court documents state.

“Bryan was advised that (the victim) stated these sexual acts took place over the course of the past three years. Bryan advised that (the victim) was not lying but added most of the sexual contact took place over the course of the past year,” the documents read.

Brown was arrested and booked into the Bonneville County Jail on Oct. 9. His preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday, Oct. 24.

The post Man charged after girl tells school counselor she’s been molested for the past 3 years appeared first on East Idaho News.

SALINAS, Calif. – Mann Packing of Salinas, California is voluntarily recalling dozens of minimally processed vegetable products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Mann Packing is issuing this recall in response to a single positive result found on one of our products during random sampling by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Mann Packing is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution. To date, public health officials have not reported any illnesses associated with these products.

The recalled product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.The recalled products are sold under the following brand names: Mann, Mann’s, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Cross Valley Farms, Sysco Natural, Signature Farms, Little Salad Bar, HEB and Archer Farms.

The recalled products were distributed throughout the United States and Canada with “best if used by” dates from October 11 to October 20 listed on the front of the packaging.

Mann Packing is fully cooperating with U.S. and Canadian health officials on this recall. Mann Packing is contacting all affected customers to confirm that the recalled product is removed from store shelves.

Consumers who have purchased any recalled products are urged not to consume them, discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with further questions may contact Mann Packing on our 24-hour consumer line at 888-470-2681 or visit veggiesmadeeasy.com/products.

“As an owner of this company and a mom, providing safe and healthy foods to our consumers and their families is always our top priority,” said Gina Nucci, Director of Corporate Marketing. “This voluntary recall is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring the safety of our consumers.”

For a full list of the recalled Mann products, click here.

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IDAHO FALLS — A Bonneville County man charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 16 was sentenced Monday after admitting to paying a teenage girl for sex.

District Judge Joel Tingey sentenced 36-year-old Jeremiah Ammon to 25 years in prison with seven years fixed and 18 years indeterminate.

Ammon, a registered sex offender, was also sentenced for possessing child sexually exploitative material and will serve ten years in prison with seven years fixed and three years indeterminate.

The sentences will run concurrently and Ammon must pay a fine of $1,000 on each count.

Ammon was originally charged with felony lewd conduct with a child younger than 16, prostitution with a person younger than 18, enticing a child through the internet and child sexual exploitation by possessing sexually exploitative material in May. As a part of a plea agreement in September, two of the charges were dropped.

Ammon’s defense attorney, John Thomas, recommended his client go through rehabilitation courses and be sent on a rider program while the court retains jurisdiction. Upon his release of the rider program, he could be eligible for probation. Thomas suggested a nine year sentence with four years fixed and five years indeterminate.

“My client thought he was engaging in a prostitution type of relationship with a person who was over the age of 18,” Thomas said. “This person put an add on Craigslist and was soliciting customers.”

Thomas said the judge needed to consider that the minor victim was actively pursuing clients through the use of the internet and other means and that she indicated she was over the age of 18.

Bonneville County Prosecuting attorney John Dewey recommended a prison term of 25 years with 12 years fixed and 13 indeterminate.

Dewey’s reasoning is that Ammon is currently on parole for a sex crime committed in 2008. He was sentenced to a 12 year term with three years fixed and nine indeterminate for sexual battery of a minor child.

Ammon was sent on a rider program and received probation but violated probation in 2009 by asking a minor coworker for nude photos of herself. He was then sent back to prison to serve six years.

Ammon was released on parole after completing the Idaho Department of Correction sex offender’s program in April 2014 and has been supervised by the Probation and Parole Department.

“He’s getting treatment, he’s on supervision and he still goes on and does these things,” Dewey said.

Dewey said Ammon was made aware of the victim’s age after detectives got involved with the case and were posing as the victim.

The two first met up on Feb. 28 where Ammon paid the teen to perform sexual acts. After the initial act, Ammon communicated with the teen again to set up another meeting.

Detectives had contact with Ammon using the teen’s phone in an undercover capacity. They told Ammon she was 15-years-old and Ammon continued to be persistent. He also requested the victim bring friends who were around the same age. He offered to pay cash and provide a cell phone in exchange for sexual favors.

Ammon set up a time and place to meet the victim and was instead met by deputies who took him into custody.

Ammon admitted to paying the 15-year-old for sexual favors, to possessing explicit photos and a video of her and to attempting to pay for sexual favors from multiple female juveniles under 16.

At the end of the hearing, Ammon remarked, “I have no right to ask for forgiveness or leniency in this matter. I know what I did was wrong and I’m sorry for doing what I did.”

Tingey responded, “Every once in a while you get a case like this where the minor, to a degree, is the aggressor. The whole point of having these laws on the book is we understand that minors do not make good decisions. Minors deserve protection regardless of their decisions and the adults are the ones that are responsible.”

The post Convicted sex offender who paid teen for sex while on probation sentenced to prison appeared first on East Idaho News.

ISLAND PARK — Last Chance will be without electricity Tuesday morning as Fall River Electric Cooperative works to replace power poles in the area.

The outage, scheduled for 7-11 a.m., will affect some 250 customers in Last Chance, including homes, businesses and anything else that relies on Fall River electricity.

The pole replacement will help ensure ongoing reliable power service, according to a spokesman.

The post One entire section of Island Park will be without power Tuesday morning 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.

You can watch previous forums here and future forums will be posted on EastIdahoNews.com.

In Rigby, there are five candidates running for city council.

CHRISTOPHER DANIELSON

RICHARD DATWYLER

JUAN GONZALEZ

BENSON TAYLOR

CLICK HERE to visit his Facebook page.

NICOLE WEIGHT

The post East Idaho Elects: Rigby City Council appeared first on East Idaho News.

The following is a news release and photo from the Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show.

IDAHO FALLS — Organizers of this summer’s Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show have released final financial and attendance numbers from the July 22-23 event, and have established a grant process to distribute the proceeds.

In total, the air show cost nearly $1.5 million to produce and operate. Income came from dozens of corporate sponsors, ticket sales and value-in-kind services provided by the City of Idaho Falls.

GALLERY: Thousands attend Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show

After accounting for all costs – including performer fees and accommodations, spectator transportation, marketing, equipment purchases, leases, rentals, and many other associated costs – the air show will distribute $120,000 in proceeds to local charity organizations.

“From the very beginning, the mission of Idaho Falls Air Show, Inc. was to bring a spectacular, family-friendly air show to the city of Idaho Falls, while also raising money for local charities,” said Board Chairman Russell Johnson. “With tremendous volunteer effort, wonderful corporate sponsors, a city partnership and a supporting public, we held a fantastic, safe, and affordable air show that has been complimented far and wide.”

Non-profit organizations that wish to apply for an Air Show Community Grant can review eligibility requirements and download an application at www.idahofallsairshow.com.

Twelve $10,000 grants will be awarded to local charity organizations across a six-county region including Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton.

Grant applications can be submitted electronically, and are due by midnight on Nov. 30, 2017. Once applications are received, air show board members will review each application, determine awardees, and make formal funding announcements in December.

The post Air Show giving $120K to local charities. Here’s how to apply for some of the money. appeared first on East Idaho News.

BLACKFOOT – A man arrested in June after his fourth pursuit with police was sentenced Monday to serve time in prison.

Judge Darren Simpson sentenced 22-year-old Wyatt Tripp to a total of 19 years behind bars.

RELATED | Suspect in Blackfoot pursuit has run from police at least 4 other times

On June 16, Tripp was charged with grand theft along with an enhancement for being a persistent violator. As part of a plea agreement, Tripp pleaded guilty to the grand theft charge and the other charge was dropped.

Tripp was sentenced to serve three fixed years in prison with 11 years indeterminate on the theft charge.

Ten days after his June 16 arrest, Tripp was charged with felony eluding a police officer, grand theft, resisting and obstructing an officer and an enhancement for being a persistent violator.

As part of a plea agreement, Tripp pleaded guilty to the felony eluding charge and the other charges were dismissed.
He was sentenced to four fixed years and one year indeterminate on this charge.

The prison sentence will be served consecutively.

“Based on his extensive criminal history, I believe the sentence is appropriate for the protection of society,” Bingham County Prosecutor Cleve Colson told EastIdahoNews.com following the sentencing.

Tripp has been convicted of multiple crimes throughout Bingham, Bannock, Caribou and Franklin counties.

During the sentencing, Simpson mentioned Tripp’s multiple convictions dating back to when he was a juvenile and Tripp asked for mercy.

“I understand that the things I’ve done are wrong. I understand that I’ve had numerous offenses and numerous convictions. But I’d like also for the state and judge to understand that I haven’t been given a considerable amount of chances,” Tripp said to Simpson. “I have been pushing consistently for rehabilitation…and was not given the chance for any retained jurisdiction nor probation in the state.”

Tripp will be given credit for time already served.

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