REXBURG – Officials with Rocky Mountain Power are reporting power has been fully restored to customers impacted by an outage Friday night.

More than 17,000 customers across the upper valley were without power beginning at 8:15 p.m. Crews responded and were able to restore power to many households. At 11 p.m., there were still about 5,300 customers without power.

RELATED | Upper Valley power restoration estimated at 10:30 p.m., Hart building serving as shelter

Power was fully restored at 2:27 Saturday morning, according to company spokeswoman Tiffany Erickson. She tells EastIdahoNews.com a transmission line at the Rigby substation was down. The exact cause still has not been determined, but the reason the impact was so high is because the line that went down took out five substations.

Outages were reported from as far north as Ashton and south to Thornton and between Rexburg and Newdale.

Erickson says they encourage people to be prepared when outages occur.

“When there are outages, it’s always handy to have a preparedness kit — blankets, flashlights, water, cell phones and a way to charge them.”

Outages during the winter can be particularly dangerous if you’re not prepared, Erickson says. You can always report outages through their mobile app or website. You can also call or send a text to 1-877-508-5088.

POCATELLO — Requiring drivers to put their phones down is becoming a trend across eastern Idaho.

The Pocatello City Council approved a new ‘hands-free’ ordinance during Thursday’s city council meeting. Blackfoot is now considering its own ‘hands-free’ ordinance as well.

“Being focused on the road is the best way to prevent a crash. We all too often hear about crashes where someone was distracted by their phone and this ordinance firmly says that the City of Pocatello takes the issue of distracted driving very seriously,” Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said in a news release.

Pocatello’s ordinance will go into effect Wednesday, Dec. 12. Violators face an $80 fine for the first three offenses. A fourth offense within two years constitutes a misdemeanor. Meaning the offender could face up to a year in prison.

Blackfoot’s hands-free ordinance was proposed during Thursday’s city council meeting. Blackfoot city councilman Chris Jensen said it was brought up because of Pocatello and Idaho Falls adopting hands-free ordinances.

RELATED: Cell phone use while driving now banned in Idaho Falls

“We’ll get it set up in ordinance format and take a look at it. See if it’s something we want to do,” Jensen said.

The Idaho Falls city council approved the ordinance on Oct. 11 and has since gone into effect. The city council set infractions at $100 for the 1st offense, $200 for the second and a misdemeanor for the 3rd in a two year period.

Rexburg is one of eastern Idaho’s cities that doesn’t seem to be jumping on the bandwagon.

“If it comes up then we’ll discuss it,” Rexburg city councilman Chris Mann said. “I haven’t heard any groundswell of either negativity or support.”

Mann went on to explain Rexburg was one of the first cities in Idaho to adopt a ban on texting while driving.

“That applies not only to (drivers) but also to pedestrians. It’s actually against the law to text and cross the sidewalk at the same time in Rexburg,” Mann said.

The equal application of the law is what has Jensen concerned about the possibility of Blackfoot adopting the hands-free ordinance.

“I quite often see our police officers (speaking on their cell phones while driving). A lot of times it’s in the actual fulfillment of their duties as a police officer. But if they’re doing it and people around town see that they’re going to say ‘well how come they can do it and we can’t?'” Jensen said.

Another of his concerns is so far only cities have adopted hands-free ordinances and none of the counties. He said someone could begin a phone call in Bingham County and not break any laws. However, as soon as they are in city limits they would be in violation and could face a citation.

“If it’s going to be done it really needs to be done statewide and I really don’t think it should be the city’s doing it,” Jensen said.

But Idaho Falls City Councilman James Freeman says Blaine County has an ordinance.

During the October city council meeting, Idaho Falls City Councilman Thomas Hally called cell phone use while driving “a plague.”

According to a news release, the Pocatello Police Department noted texting or cell phone use in around 33 percent of inattentive driving citations.

IDAHO FALLS — After 30 minutes of shopping at Target Saturday morning, 7-year-old Kambree had Christmas gifts for nearly every member of her family.

“Daddy’s got some tools and I got the boys some nerf guns and I got a present… but I don’t know what it is yet,” Kambree said as she pointed to all the gifts in her cart.

The cart was being pushed by her newest friend, Idaho Falls Police Department Officer Justin Hegstrom. The veteran officer carried an infectious grin on his face, as Kambree jumped around the cart, obviously thrilled to be out with the officer.

The pair were participating in the annual Shop with a Cop event in Bonneville County. Kambree was one of about 30 local kids, and Hegstrom was one of 35 officers who participated from the Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Iona Police Department, Idaho State Police and Idaho Probation and Parole.

The annual event, which is similarly held in many other communities throughout eastern Idaho, allows children from needy families to eat breakfast with a police officer, participate in a police processional, and then go Christmas shopping for their families.

“We’re having a great time, telling jokes, playing with the radio, drove a little crazy and came here to have fun,” Hegstrom said. “Sometimes, children with what they see in TV, movies, and in the news, get an idea that police are to be feared or avoided … this gives the kids a good, positive experience with a police officer.”

Six-year-old Zayah got to hang out with IFPD Officer Tyson Hummer. During the police processional from breakfast at the Eagles Lodge to Target, Zayah got to talk with Santa Claus on the police radio.

“It’s a humbling experience to see how these kids are,” Hummer said. “They’ll think of others before themselves and it’s just such a special experience.”

Seven-year-old Emry spent the morning with Idaho State Police Trooper Teresa Stephenson. She got presents for her parents, clothes for her siblings and even some new toys for her puppy. Emry said her favorite part of Shop with a Cop was the pancake breakfast and riding inside the police car.

This was Stephenson’s first time participating in Shop with a Cop and she said it was a blast.

“It’s super amazing seeing all the agencies come together and seeing the excitement on the kid’s faces,” she said. “It’s awesome to see the selflessness. They want to go out and get presents for their families and are not thinking about themselves. They are concerned about their pets, siblings and parents — it’s really a neat experience.”

Aside from law enforcement, the Idaho Falls Civitan Club spent the morning helping at the event by wrapping presents.

“It’s so awesome because it gives a positive image to the kids that policemen are not bad and they are here to help us,” Civitan spokeswoman Sandy Boyle said. “And Shop with a Cop always brings smiles to the kids faces.”

Editor’s note: This is an opinion column from EastIdahoNews.com business editor Rett Nelson. Portions of this column were originally published on September 12, 2018.

Friday, Dec. 7 marked the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that propelled the country into World War II.

The events of that day are memorialized every year during a ceremony at the site of the USS Arizona in Honolulu, Hawaii. Today, there are five remaining survivors who were aboard the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. Every year, some of these American veterans have been present at the Pearl Harbor memorial ceremonies in Hawaii. This year, however, none of them could make it, according to CNN.

“Clearly, you can do the math. If you were 20 at the end of the war, you’re 95 today,” Rob Citino, senior historian at the Natonal World War II Museum in New Orleans tells CNN. “(Survivors and veterans) have the ultimate irreplaceable quality. They were there. It wasn’t the pages of a book — it was your life. It was your mother, your brother. It was your house going up in flames in bombings. And it isn’t just World War II. The same thing happens for any important period.”

My grandmother, who passed away nearly a year ago after 100 years of life, could remember vividly the events of that day. The day after the attack, on December 8, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered his “day of infamy” speech over America’s airwaves. My grandmother often recalled hearing those words over the radio.

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” FDR said to congress.

World War II had officially begun, but as a 23-year-old young woman, my grandmother did not fully understand the significance of what was happening at the time.

Those who were old enough to witness that day have never forgotten the sense of unity that seemed to prevail in the ensuing weeks in their community and across the country.

Similarly, I recall walking into my first period world geography class at Rigby High School seventeen years ago, on September 11, 2001, for what could be considered my generation’s “day of infamy.”

RELATED | Tragedy may endure for a night, but morning in America will always come

The TV was on. I remember vividly the live footage on “Good Morning America” of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center in New York City.

Just as clear in my mind is the plume of smoke coming from the lower tower and people scrambling in fear.

I also remember seeing President Bush on TV several days later addressing the first responders near the rubble at ground zero.

“I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”

The war on terror had officially begun, but as a 15-year-old kid, I did not fully understand the significance of what was happening at the time.

I will never forget what I witnessed that day and the sense of unity that seemed to prevail in the ensuing weeks in my community and across the country.

“We promised ourselves the country would never forget (9/11),” a business leader recently told me. “As generations come and go, that’s a hard promise to keep. In the face of this new generation, we all have a responsibility to maintain this legacy that’s changed our world.”

What he said about 9/11 also holds true for Pearl Harbor. There’s a reason I’ve posted this column on December 8 rather than December 7.

It’s not the tragedy, but America’s response to the tragedy the following day, that makes these events so unforgettable. On December 8 and September 12, in the wake of an enemy attack, America lived up to the words of its pledge as “one nation under God, indivisible.” On those days, and many weeks thereafter, Americans were on bended knee, united in one cause.

When tragedy strikes, Americans stand ready to lend a helping hand. America’s people may lose their way for a time. They may endure hard things for a night and even fall flat on their face, but morning in America will always come.

In the face of adversity, we never give up. We triumph over our foes and come out stronger in the end because we know who we are and in whom we trust.

We are Americans, one nation under God.

BOISE – More than 150 clergy are tied to “credible claims of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult, dating back to 1950,” according to a report from a Roman Catholic Jesuit province.

Twenty-two of the names on the list have ties to Idaho. The Associated Press reports most of the men on the list were priests and served at a parish somewhere in the state.

One of the men on the list is Peter O’Grady, who served at the Sacred Heart Church in Boise from 1980-1986. No one on the list is involved in public ministry any longer, reports the AP.

The Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus, the group who compiled the list says inclusion in the list does not imply that the claims are true and correct or that the accused individual has been found guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. They also say many claims were received after an accused priest was deceased.

“While we attempted to be as thorough and accurate as possible in compiling the list, Jesuits West will undergo a review of our files in the spring of 2019,” their report states.

The Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus, which was formed in July of 2017 when the former California and Oregon Provinces became one, is comprised of Arizona, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT AND LIST OF NAMES.

REXBURG – Rexburg Police Department is investigating a single car crash that happened along U.S. Highway 20.

Chief Shane Turman tells EastIdahoNews.com three adult males were traveling northbound in a black Isuzu Trooper. A little after 2 p.m., the car hit the guard rail on the left side of the road between the middle and north Rexburg exits.

RELATED | Mother says two-month-old child has a traumatic brain injury after Rexburg crash

All three men were transported by ambulance to Madison Memorial Hospital with minor to medium injuries but nothing life-threatening.

The cause of the crash is still being determined, but police suspect alcohol was involved.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane in the vicinity of the crash. Officers are hoping to clear the scene in the next half hour.

(CNN) — The Washington attorney general said Tuesday he will notify every law enforcement agency in his state and direct them to ensure that rape kits are not being inappropriately destroyed. His action comes in response to a CNN investigation into the destruction of rape kits nationwide and on the heels of a Missouri police chief’s apology to victims.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the destruction of kits by a police department in his state “disturbing” and directed state police to contact the agency and ensure it is “complying with state law regarding the handling of rape kits.”

Meanwhile, the group credited with convincing state legislators to enact laws requiring the testing of rape kits said it will push for the addition of language that prohibits destruction of the evidence.

CNN’s investigation “shined a bright light on a largely unknown” problem, said Ilse Knecht, director of policy and advocacy for the Joyful Heart foundation, a non-profit whose program End the Backlog focuses on untested rape kits.

“You can’t say all kits should be tested if kits are destroyed,” Knecht said.

End the Backlog altered its model legislation Monday to add a provision prohibiting destruction. It says: “Kits associated with a reported crime that is uncharged or unsolved should be preserved for 50 years or the length of the statute of limitations, whichever is greater.”

The CNN investigation was published last week and revealed that 25 law enforcement agencies in 14 states destroyed rape kits in 400 cases before the statutes of limitations expired or when there was no time limit to prosecute.

The number is likely higher than 400. There are an estimated 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the country; CNN surveyed 207. CNN’s analysis was based on records provided by the departments that reported destroying kits.

The destruction occurred since 2010 and often followed flawed and incomplete investigations that relegated rape kits to shelves in police evidence rooms until they were destroyed. Dozens were trashed mere weeks or months after police took custody of the evidence, records showed.

Almost 80 percent were never tested for DNA evidence, a process that can identify a suspect or link that person to other crimes.

Since 2016, End the Backlog has successfully pushed for the passage of 34 laws and four resolutions in 26 states concerning the testing of rape kits, Knecht said. Its model legislation influenced the wording of laws requiring analysis of rape kits in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and elsewhere.

Georgia state Rep. Scott Holcomb told CNN he plans to use End the Backlog’s new legislative language to introduce a bill prohibiting the destruction of rape kits in unsolved and uncharged cases when the legislature reconvenes next year. He drafted legislation passed in 2016 requiring the testing of backlogged kits in Georgia.

CNN’s investigation was “powerful,” he said, and he wants to make sure it’s illegal to destroy a rape kit in his state.

CNN surveyed three law enforcement departments in Georgia, asking whether the agencies destroyed any rape kits since 2010. All of them reported that they had not. But there are more than 600 agencies in the state, and Holcomb wants to be sure it isn’t happening, or hasn’t happened, anywhere. If it has, he wants it stopped.

“There’s no excuse for this to happen,” said Holcomb, a former prosecutor. “The system has failed and continues to fail. I hate to say it but the basic reason [this happened] is because women aren’t believed when they report these crimes.”

CNN found that the Seattle Police Department destroyed at least 18 kits while the cases could still be prosecuted. Police officials told CNN the department stopped destroying kits after it identified the practice earlier this year.

While decrying destruction, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson praised the Seattle Police Department for “taking responsibility and revisiting its protocols.”

“Every kit,” he said in a written statement, “is a story that deserves to be told.”

Destroying rape kits “is not who we want to be as a community,” said Emily Petersen, a senior prosecutor who handles sex crimes in King County, where Seattle is located.

“We never want to be in a position where we have to tell a victim that we can’t prosecute their case because we don’t have their rape kit,” she told CNN.

Petersen stressed the importance of testing and retaining kits and adopting a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting sex crimes.

In New York, CNN found the Jamestown Police Department destroyed at least two kits tied to cases police described as first-degree rapes, which carried no statutes of limitations. Dani Lever, a spokeswoman for the governor, related Cuomo’s reaction to CNN. And US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued a statement calling the destruction “deeply offensive to the survivors of these horrific crimes.”

“I am extremely disturbed that some police departments around the country have been brazenly destroying this crucial evidence, even before the statute of limitations has ended — something they almost certainly would not do for any other violent crime,” she said.

In Michigan — where CNN found the Lapeer Police Department had destroyed at least 10 kits, including five belonging to minors — officials from the Michigan Women’s Commission called the findings “disheartening.”

“Without this valuable evidence, our justice system cannot hold those who commit these crimes accountable, nor can survivors receive the justice so necessary to the healing process,” said Mary Engleman, executive director of the commission, which is part of the civil rights department.

“We are supportive of the Lapeer Police Department’s efforts to address insufficiencies identified by the CNN investigation and call on every law enforcement agency in the state to review all relevant policies and procedures to assure survivors maintain the opportunity to pursue justice in our courts.”

Kym Worthy, the Wayne County, Michigan, prosecutor whose testing of some 10,000 backlogged rape kits has identified at least 833 suspects linked to more than one sex crime, said CNN’s investigation should be required reading for anyone in the criminal justice system.

“It has been almost a decade since the Detroit kits were found and this treatise made my blood boil. I am more outraged, infuriated, and incensed than I was then,” Worthy said. “The next person that knowingly destroys a sexual assault kit needs to go to jail. I do not know how anyone that claims to be human can continue to ignore this issue in this country after reading this truth.”

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley’s office did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment on destruction in Springfield, Missouri, which CNN featured in its investigation.

On Friday, Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams issued an apology video to sexual assault victims. He told local reporters the department would end its practice of giving victims a 10-day deadline to engage with investigators and offering them prosecution waiver forms before completing thorough investigations.

A spokesman for US Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said the lawmaker was “concerned” by CNN’s findings. “Nothing is more important in these cases than physical evidence that corroborates the victim.”

In California, two lawmakers reacted to CNN’s investigation on Twitter.

US Sen. Kamala Harris called the report “devastating.” US Rep. Barbara Lee, who represents the Oakland and Berkeley areas, said it was “absolutely outrageous.”

In Idaho, where CNN found five agencies that destroyed kits, state Rep. Melissa Wintrow said she hoped CNN’s investigation would send a clear message to police agencies throughout the country: If somebody reports this crime, vigorously investigate it.

“The entire country has to do better on this crime,” said Wintrow, who sponsored a state law, enacted last year, that mandates retention of some kits for up to 55 years.

“We have to increase our training,” she said, “we have to understand bias, and we need to understand trauma-informed care and interviewing.”

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POCATELLO – Multiple media outlets are reporting Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two suspects in the area of Buckskin, Pocatello Creek and Prospector Hollow.

According to the Idaho State Journal, homeowners in the vicinity were advised a little after 7 p.m. Saturday to stay inside, lock their doors and take precautions because authorities were in pursuit of two suspects during a high speed chase who were believed to be armed and dangerous.

Parts of Buckskin and Pocatello Creek Rd. were later shut down after the suspects stopped and ran from their vehicle.

A news release from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office indicates the suspects may have been seen running through a yard on Crestview Rd.

Information about the suspect’s appearance has not been released, but Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is advising you to contact them immediately if you see anything suspicious. Do not approach the suspects. The number is (208) 236-7114.

EastIdahoNews.com will post more details when they are available.

Loretta Sargeant and her three young children lost their husband and father, Rory, this July after a long battle with cancer. He was their provider and their whole world.

Even though Rory was so sick and dying, he worked up until his last few weeks of life in hopes to make his passing less of a hardship for his wife and young family.

In spite of the horrible disease that took their father and turned their world upside down, the Sargeants continue to love and serve those around them. Loretta is courageously moving forward as she is trying to find ways to support her young family.

Her 14-year-old son is working hard to earn money, her 10-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter willingly help out with household responsibilities.

Secret Santa asked the EastIdahoNews.com elves to go visit the Sergeants with an early Christmas gift. Check out the video above to see the special moment.

BOISE – Idaho’s per-pupil spending is No. 50 in the nation — and holding, ahead of only neighboring Utah.

That’s one takeaway from a U.S. Department of Education report released Thursday.

In 2015-16, Idaho spent $7,178 per pupil.

Across the United States, per-pupil spending came in at $11,841 — meaning Idaho spent about 61 percent of the national average.

Utah ranked dead last among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at $7,006 per pupil. New York ranked No. 1 nationally, spending $22,231 per pupil, more than tripling Idaho’s spending rate.

When adjusted for inflation, Idaho’s per-pupil spending increased by 2.9 percent, slightly ahead of the national increase of 2.8 percent.

The new report, issued by the feds’ National Center for Education Statistics, also breaks down where states get their education dollars — and, ultimately, where those dollars go.

Idaho schools are more heavily dependent on state and federal dollars than their counterparts across the country. Local dollars account for only 24 percent of Idaho’s education spending, compared to 45 percent nationally.

Idaho spends about 80 percent of its education funding on employee salaries and benefits, mirroring the national average.

This article was originally published by IdahoEdNews.org. It is used here with permission.

The following is a news release from the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Friday, Dec. 7 approved an agreement to keep most steelhead seasons open, but steelhead fishing in two areas will close effective 11:59 p.m. Dec. 7, 2018.

Closures include:

• The Main Salmon River between Warren Creek and the Copper Mine Boat Ramp.
• South Fork of Clearwater River upstream of the Mount Idaho Grade Bridge. (See maps below)

The commission also acted to continue the one steelhead daily bag limit through the end of 2018 and into the 2019 spring season.

“I’m glad our anglers and outfitters can continue steelhead fishing,” Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore said. “It’s unfortunate that a delay in receiving federal authorization for our recreational steelhead fisheries created contention and hardship for river communities and anglers. This resolution achieves the commission’s objective to limit impacts to steelhead fishing as much as possible while we remain focused on finally receiving federal approval of our steelhead fishery plan for the long term.”

The continuance of steelhead fishing results from an agreement between Fish and Game, the Idaho River Community Alliance, Inc. and five groups that threatened to sue Idaho officials over the lack of federal authorization for steelhead fishing in the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater River systems.

Moore said he appreciates various parties working together, and commended Idaho Rivers United for dropping its involvement in a potential lawsuit and helping forge the agreement among the various groups.

The agreement is in effect until the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approves Idaho’s steelhead fisheries plan under the Endangered Species Act, or March 15, 2019, whichever date is earlier.

As part of the agreement, members of the Idaho River Community Alliance, Inc. will voluntarily take a few additional measures when steelhead fishing. These measures are separate from the commission’s decision, and they are not Fish and Game rules.

Idaho sought renewal in 2010 for an expiring NMFS authorization for wild steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act that could potentially be harmed during Idaho fisheries for hatchery steelhead. NMFS’ permitting backlog delayed approval for years, but Idaho steelhead fishing seasons continued with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency’s (which NMFS is within) knowledge and consistent with Fish and Game’s submitted plan.

Earlier this year, NOAA began reviewing the plan, and an updated plan is available for a public comment through Dec. 13, 2018. Fish and Game expects NMFS approval of its plan later this winter.

In October, a group of six organizations threatened a lawsuit over Fish and Game’s lack of formal federal authorization from NMFS. To avoid the potential for court-ordered changes and payment of these organizations’ legal costs, Fish and Game commissioners voted on November 14 to suspend the most steelhead fishing effective at the end of Dec. 7. That is the earliest day the organizations could file a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act, but that suspension is now voided except in the new closure areas.

Salmon River closure

South Fork Clearwater River closure

In this edition of East Idaho Newsmakers, Nate Eaton talks with Billboard Top 20 recording artist Margo Rey along with Becky Rhodes – the director of the popular Fox Hollow Elementary after-school choir ‘The TrebleMakers.’

Rey joined Rhodes and the choir earlier this week to sing her original holiday song “This Holiday Night” at a concert in the Eagle Rock auditorium. The song is reportedly the No. 1 most played original holiday song of the last six years.

Last Christmas, as Rhodes was looking for songs for this year’s Christmas concert, she discovered “This
Holiday Night.” She reached out to Rey’s publicist to see if she could get permission for the choir to sing the song. Rey herself called Rhodes back. She not only gave the choir permission to sing her song, she face-timed students during rehearsals this week and then expressed interest in coming to Idaho Falls for the show.

During the interview, Rhodes and Rey discuss their new friendship, and Rey opens up about working in the music business.

Watch the video above for the entire conversation.

EAST IDAHO NEWSMAKERS ARCHIVES

MICHAEL MCLEAN DISCUSSES THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS, HIS 9-YEAR FAITH CRISIS AND HOW HIS GAY SON HELPED HIM

CAPTAIN RANDY LEWIS REFLECTS ON HIS 44 YEARS OF POLICE SERVICE

WHY THIS YOUNG MAN IS UNASHAMEDLY SHARING HIS EXPERIENCE AS A PORN ADDICT

MEET TURTLE, THE LOCAL TEENAGER WHO WILL PERFORM IN A BROADWAY SHOW ABOUT HEMOPHILIA

FROM HARVARD TO AIR FORCE PILOT TO PIZZA RESTAURANT. THE STORY BEHIND RIGHTEOUS SLICE.

SUMMER ANDERSEN AND HER MISSION TO STOP AVALANCHE FATALITIES

JULIE ZAHN – THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SHEPHERD’S INN

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT IN EASTERN IDAHO

AFTER ROBBING A CASINO, HIS FAMILY IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET HELP FOR HIS MENTAL ILLNESS

MADISON COUNTY CORONER RICK DAVIS REFLECTS ON 37 YEARS OF SERVICE, UNUSUAL DEATHS AND WHAT HE’LL MISS ABOUT THE JOB

YOUNG MEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THEIR FRIENDS

LANCE PEKUS – THE LOCAL RANCHER WHO HIT NATIONAL FAME AS THE ‘COWBOY NINJA’

KEVIN MEEHAN, HIS DOG ISOSCELES AND THEIR STORY OF ABUSE AND RESCUE

SUPPORTERS AND OPPOSERS DISCUSS THE D91 SCHOOL BOND

DAMOND WATKINS ON HIS LIFE, CAREER, POLITICS AND SURVIVING A PLANE CRASH

IONA NATIVE JEFF SWEAT AND HIS NEW TEEN NOVEL ‘MAYFLY’

MEET THE OWNERS OF FIN FUN

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Two Idaho moms are jumping into the legal fray over Medicaid expansion. And they’re joined by Idaho’s doctors.

They filed a request Thursday to intervene in a lawsuit between the Idaho Freedom Foundation and the Idaho Secretary of State. The lawsuit is scheduled for a hearing before the Idaho Supreme Court in January.

RELATED: Idaho Supreme Court will hear challenge to Medicaid expansion

Deleena Foster, 32, is a stay-at-home mother of three in Pocatello. Her husband, Stuart, is a roofer; his job doesn’t offer health insurance, the court filing says.

Pamela Blessinger, 36, has two children with disabilities. She lives in Boise and works as a contractor for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare — but only part-time so she can take care of the children. She doesn’t qualify for insurance. Her husband, Joshua, is a military veteran who can’t work due to multiple sclerosis and a service-related disability, the court filing says.

Both families are below the poverty level, so they don’t qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies to buy insurance on the state exchange.

They are joined in their request by the Idaho Medical Association, which represents about 3,000 Idaho doctors, and Bruce Belzer, a family physician in Boise who treats uninsured patients. Belzer also is treasurer for the pro-expansion group Idahoans for Healthcare.

Idaho voters last month approved ballot Proposition 2 with about 61 percent of the vote, expanding Medicaid to cover low-income and childless adults. The expansion would add tens of thousands of Idahoans to the Medicaid program, with most of the costs covered by federal funds.

Soon after the election, the Idaho Freedom Foundation filed a lawsuit to block expansion. The conservative group has been the most prominent opponent of expansion. It argues the ballot measure was worded in a way that violates the state constitution — giving too much control to the federal government and to a single state agency, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Belzer, a co-owner of Primary Health Medical Group, takes patients regardless of whether they have health insurance, the court filing says. While not being paid is a business challenge, his uninsured patients have trouble getting specialist care, diagnostic testing, medications and medical devices that PHMG doesn’t offer, the filing says.

“The result is that Dr. Belzer spends significantly more time, per patient, on uninsured patients than on his insured patients,” the filing says. “This time is spent seeking and coordinating charitable or discounted services, or looking for other ‘workarounds,’ rather than actually providing health care services to the community.”

The Idaho Medical Association says its members give unpaid care to patients who have no health insurance. If Medicaid expansion is halted, they will continue to go unpaid, the court filing says.

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

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

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) has a new restaurant open for business and another waiting in the wings to open on Monday.

Tailwind, the airport’s new full service restaurant and bar, is open for business on the second level past security check in and offers a full service restaurant with beverage service to passengers.

The eatery offers a full menu of food and beverages for sit-down meals, in addition to a menu of on-the-go food for busy passengers to take with them. The facility also offers a coffee shop with snacks in addition to the regular fare.

“This is the first time in the history of the Idaho Falls Airport that we have had a restaurant and beverage service on the second floor of the airport,” said IDA Director Rick Cloutier. “This is part of our effort to provide a better, more welcoming experience to our passengers and we are excited for the response we’ve seen so far. This creates a whole new atmosphere for anyone flying through our airport”

RELATED | New vendor taking over restaurant at Idaho Falls Airport in December

The restaurant is operated by Tailwind, IDA, which will also operate the new restaurant on the main level of the airport near the baggage claim. That restaurant will also provide a full service, sit-down food and beverage experience and will be open and available to anyone visiting the airport, without having to go through security.

“Tailwind operates food and beverage services at numerous airports around the country, so they specifically know how to cater to travelers,” said Cloutier. “They have an attractive business model that provides a great dining experience with fantastic food for anyone visiting or traveling through the airport. Not only will it be a great place for travelers, it will also be a great restaurant for anyone wanting to come and enjoy great atmosphere and great food.”

RELATED | City looking to expand dining, retail options at Idaho Falls Regional Airport

The upstairs restaurant will open daily at 5:00 a.m. Closing times will vary, with the restaurant remaining open until after the last flight has departed the airport for the day.

The restaurant located on the main floor of the airport will operate on a fixed schedule and will be open to the public from 10 a.m. daily and will close at 5 p.m.

UPDATE 7 p.m.

POCATELLO – Idaho State Police report the men wanted in connection with Saturday’s police pursuit have been detained and are of no further interest.

PREVIOUS UPDATE:

POCATELLO – The search continues for two men wanted in connection with a police pursuit in Pocatello Saturday night.

RELATED | Photos of two suspects wanted in Pocatello released

Dillon and Daniel Hanson, the names of the two suspects, are brothers wanted out of Montana and are believed to possess weapons.

Not much is known about the brothers, but authorities tell the Idaho State Journal they were first spotted driving a stolen Jeep Cherokee in Bingham County and led officers from multiple law enforcement agencies on multiple pursuits throughout the day in Bingham and Bannock counties. The Hanson brothers were able to get away from the pursuing officers during those chases.

Saturday evening, the two men fled on foot from a stolen vehicle that was involved in a pursuit that started in Bingham County and ended in the Buckskin Road area of Pocatello.

Parts of Buckskin and Pocatello Creek Rd. were shut down as the foot pursuit got underway.

They were last seen running through a yard of a residence on Crestview Road. Residents are still being encouraged to use caution because the Hanson brothers may still be in the area.

Report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office at (208) 236-7114 or call 911.

Tales of the Dinner Belle

Chocolate is something I could eat every day. It’s definitely one of my guilty pleasures, and one of my favorite chocolate desserts is my Chocolate Chess Pie. I love the smooth and rich chocolate flavor. It is so decadent and delicious and yet so simple to make.

I’ve been making regular chess pies for years. These sweet pies became popular during the depression because they didn’t require refrigeration and because of their simple ingredients — butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. However, adding chocolate just elevated this dessert into something that is so good, you almost feel guilty about eating it — but of course I won’t.

Enjoy.

Brenda Stanley is the mother of five children, including two sets of twins and a grandmother of seven. She is a cookbook author and novelist. She lives with her veterinarian husband on a small ranch in Blackfoot, Idaho. For more recipes and information, visit her website www.brendastanleybooks.com.

SHELLEY – Doing good for others is something many people think about during the holidays, but one Shelley woman is taking the Christmas spirit to a whole new level this year.

“My husband and I raised four boys together and this community has been wonderful to my children. My husband and I are by ourselves now but I wanted to do something to give back to my community,” Shelley resident Monica Nelson tells EastIdahoNews.com.

Nelson recently formed a Facebook group called Shelley Together. For the last several weeks, she’s been busy identifying ways to serve others this Christmas and she’s asking you to join her in the effort this week. Those in the group will be reaching out to aide the elderly, perform random acts of kindness and donate services, clothing, toys, hygiene items and money to various causes.

“We’re taking any type of donation that will help our community, anything people feel inclined to donate,” Nelson says. “We’re trying to pay off city bills and lunch room fines (for many students). We have a bunch of services being donated by doctors/dentists, photographers and hair stylists. We’re also wanting donations of warm clothes.”

Nelson and others will be collecting donations all week. Then on Saturday, Dec. 15, the community is invited to get together at Shelley High School and reap the rewards of what has been donated. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be free soup and bread. Local photographers and others will be on-hand providing free family photos and other services.

“If people are in need of anything, they can come on Saturday (and take advantage of what is available.) It will be in a private room (separate from the community gathering). We don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed,” Nelson says. “A little bit from everybody goes a long way. This community is awesome so I have no doubt this event will be great.”

Donations can be dropped off at Matthew’s Plumbing at 324 S. State in Shelley between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday or between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Friday. To make a monetary donation or help out in other ways, contact Monica at (208) 569-1074. You can also visit the Shelley Together Facebook page to learn more.

FREMONT COUNTY – Authorities in Fremont County arrested Dillon and Daniel Hanson Sunday night, two brothers involved in multiple pursuits over the weekend.

RELATED | Men wanted in connection with police pursuit are in custody

According to a news release, Ashton Police Chief Greg Griffel spotted one of the men stealing a white Chevrolet Impala at the Ashton Quick Stop earlier in the evening. Griffel pursued him north on U.S. Highway 20 at 95 mph. The man driving the Impala drove into a ditch and ran in the opposite direction. He then got into a Chevrolet pickup being driven by the other brother, who was traveling north.

The pickup had a snow plow on the front. They drove between Griffel’s vehicle and another Sheriff’s vehicle, damaging both.

Griffel, Deputy Howard Overton and Deputy Jason Olsen pursued the Chevrolet pickup northbound at approximately 65 mph. At milepost 365, the men hit a pickup towing an enclosed trailer. The Hanson brothers got out of the pickup and ran, but were located by an officer.

They were transported to the Fremont County jail where they face numerous felony charges. The St. Anthony Police Department, Idaho State Police, and the U.S. Forest Service assisted with the arrest.

IDAHO FALLS — Kacie Kite is a single mom raising a very active 10-year-old son. She works two jobs (sometimes three), assists with classroom parties, is the first person to help someone in need and is doing everything she can to keep all the balls in the air.

Kacie’s car recently died, and she has been relying on vehicles belonging to family members. She taps every resource she has, uses coupons and tries to cut corners wherever she can. A friend says Kacie is the most generous and selfless person she knows.

RELATED | Secret Santa just gave this struggling single mother a car, and her reaction is unforgettable

Secret Santa decided to give Kacie an unforgettable Christmas gift. She is a stylist at the Grand Teton Mall JCPenney salon in Idaho Falls, and that’s where the EastIdahoNews.com elves gave her the surprise of a lifetime. Watch the video above to see what happened!

REXBURG — Bottles and packages full of marijuana, wads of cash, cocaine, THC cartridges, mushrooms and paraphernalia were among the items found in an apartment Friday night that led to the arrest of four Brigham Young University-Idaho students.

Police were called to The Gates at Rexburg Apartments on Seventh South after the manager reported the smell of marijuana coming from a tenant’s vehicle. The manager also said there were ongoing complaints of marijuana odor coming from a specific apartment.

Officers arrived, and the tenants authorized a search of their apartment. Police found cocaine, marijuana in multiple forms, 80 vape cartages containing THC, prescription drugs, hundreds of dollars in cash, laptops, phones, packaging and other drug-related material.

“They were packaging it and intended to sell it,” Rexburg Police Chief Shane Turman tells EastIdahoNews.com. “Our officers did a phenomenal job on this case and we want to send the message that we don’t tolerate drug use. We’re going to go after you if you’re selling and distributing. We’re not going to put up with it.”

Trey Hill, 21, and Dallin Elliott, 20, were arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor drug charges.

At least two other students were arrested and released on misdemeanor charges.

The suspects are expected to appear in court this week.

UPDATE: EastIdahoNews.com has added additional information about items allegedly found in the apartment.