REXBURG — A Rexburg man was arrested Thursday after allegedly sending sexually explicit images and words via Snapchat to a 16-year-old boy.

Police reports show on Wednesday, Madison County deputies were notified of the Snapchat exchange and obtained nude and sexually explicit photos of 34-year-old Thane Rose from the victims phone.

On Thursday, deputies made contact with Rose and took him into custody. During interviews he admitted to sending nude photos of himself and receiving nude photos of the teen through Snapchat.

He was booked into the Madison County Jail and charged with one count of felony sexual battery of a minor.

He appeared in court Friday was given a $75,000 bond.

DRIGGS — A man charged with killing his girlfriend and her unborn baby is asking to represent himself at his June 2019 murder trial rather than take advice from his current public defenders.

Erik Ohlson, 41, is facing two counts of first-degree murder as well as a slew of additional misdemeanor and felony charges in connection to the killing of Jennifer Nalley, 39, on July 5, 2016, and her unborn child. Nalley was eight to 12 weeks pregnant when Ohlson, her ex-boyfriend, allegedly shot and killed her in a cabin near Driggs.

Ohlson is facing the death penalty in this case.

RELATED: Teacher remembered as ‘wonderful’ after being shot to death

According to court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com, last week Ohlson said he was unhappy with R. James Archibald and John Thomas, who currently serve as his appointed counsel. He requested the court either appoint him new counsel or allow him to be his own representation. This is not the first time Ohlson has requested to be provided new counsel, which has so far been denied.

District Judge Bruce Pickett is allowing Ohlson to file a motion to represent himself, but Pickett is concerned with Ohlsen’s ability to do so, according to court minutes.

Pickett is requiring Ohlson to have stand-by counsel, who ensure Ohlson has the ability to represent himself.

Ohlsen will be required to file a motion to represent himself or request the court to appoint separate counsel. The motion will be heard on Dec. 28 at the Teton County Courthouse.

On the same day, the motion for the state to dismiss count two of first-degree murder will also be heard. In a motion filed Nov. 9, Ohlson’s attorneys argued the fetus was fully dependent on the mother and thus was not a viable organism at the time of the alleged crime. Therefore the fetus cannot legally be considered a person and thus cannot be murdered.

RELATED: Murder suspect argues charge should be dropped, saying fetus has no right to life

“An embryo or fetus in its first trimester does not have a right to life. A woman and her doctors can kill a fetus in its first trimester without repercussions. To kill fetal tissue which is not viable is not a crime,” the motion states.

“There was no autopsy of the fetus. There was no death certificate of the fetus. Erik Ohlson is charged with two murders, but there’s only one autopsy and death certificate,” the motion states.

Ohlson’s jury trial is set to begin June 3, 2019, in Blackfoot. Jury selection is expected to begin on May 6 at Blackfoot High School.

IDAHO FALLS — University Boulevard will soon bear the name of a long-time Idaho congressman.

The Idaho Falls City Council voted five to one to change the name of University Boulevard to MK Simpson Boulevard on Thursday. The decision came after Idaho National Laboratory officials asked to rename the street after Rep. Mike Simpson.

“We have an employer who has 4,300 employees and an average salary of $98,000,” Councilman John Radford said during Thursday’s city council meeting. “That didn’t happen by happenstance. We have a congressman who took some initiative when in 2003 President (George W.) Bush proposed cleaning up and closing down the lab.”

EastIdahoNews.com spoke with INL officials who said Simpson is responsible for bringing billions of dollars to the lab during his time on the appropriations committee.

“I want to commend Mayor Casper and the City Council for taking this step to honor the work of Congressman Simpson and Kathy Simpson,” said Idaho National Laboratory Director Mark Peters in an emailed statement. “This is a fitting tribute to their efforts on behalf of INL and the entire community and a gracious acknowledgement of the work that went into revitalizing the lab over the past 15 years.”

Radford said the growth along University Boulevard is a result of Simpson’s efforts to support INL. Many of the buildings along the street — including the Center for Advanced Energy Studies — were built for use by the INL to further growth in recent years.

According to the city council’s website, notices of the possible change were sent to property owners along University Boulevard with no comments or concerns.

Councilman Jim Francis parted with the rest of the council and voted against the name change. He said his decision was because changing the name of the street while Simpson is still in office could appear as a political endorsement on the part of the council.

“What I think is right is political leaders get their recognition when they retire. If we don’t take that approach, it does become a political endorsement whether we like it or not,” Francis said. “I think that longterm, where we put ourselves is a very awkward position.”

Francis explained other groups could come to the council and request their political leader have a street named after them. He said that will eventually devolve into the council having to discuss voting records and positions of politicians.

“We will be in a position we really should not be in,” Francis said. “It’s so much wiser, in my view, to say this kind of honor comes when the leader has stepped aside from the position.”

The council will decide on a time and place to hold an official ceremony to change the name at later date.

Simpson has served in the United States House of Representatives since 1999. He was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee in 2003 served as the chair of the Energy and Water Subcommittee ever since.

Simpson currently lives in Idaho Falls with his wife.

Christena Womack lost her husband to cancer on Nov. 15. She is going to be living on a very tight income now but her friends and family say she will get by because that’s what she does.

She has decided to start quilting again but she needs some new quilting frames that are easy for her to set up and move. She’s trying so hard to be independent.

She made more than 50 scarfs and 40 hats over the last year while her husband was getting his cancer treatments. She gave a few away to her family but she took the rest to the women’s shelter in Idaho Falls about a week after her husband passed.

Secret Santa decided Christena deserves an early Christmas present and asked the EastIdahoNews.com elves to go visit her in St. Anthony. Watch the video above to see what happened!

BOISE — A federal judge has ordered the Idaho Department of Correction and its medical contractor to provide gender reassignment surgery to a transgender inmate.

Adree Edmo, who was first incarcerated in 2012, will be the first Idaho inmate to receive gender reassignment surgery. The decision was handed down by the United States District Court for the District of Idaho on Thursday.

“Inmates have no choice but to rely on prison authorities to treat their medical needs,” U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill said in his decision. “This constitutional duty also applies to far less routine, and even controversial, procedures — if necessary to address a serious medical need.”

The 31-year-old transgender woman is in prison for sexually abusing a child under 16 in Bannock County. She has been housed in the men’s prison since 2012 and is due to finish her sentence in 2021. Prior to her incarceration, court documents say she lived and dressed as a woman.

According to court documents, Edmo was diagnosed with gender dysphoria by an IDOC psychiatrist shortly after her incarceration. That diagnosis was confirmed by an IDOC psychologist.

Two conditions are required before a gender dysphoria diagnosis can be given, according to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

The first is an incongruence between the person’s expressed gender and their “assigned gender.” The second is the person must experience significant distress or impairment in social occupational or other areas of their life due to their condition.

Once diagnosed the World Professional Association of Transgender Health recommends various treatments. Surgery is the last treatment recommended.

Edmo’s gender dysphoria was treated by undergoing hormone therapy. Despite achieving the maximum physical changes possible through hormone treatment, Edmo continued to experience “extreme gender dysphoria.”

Edmo attempted self-castration twice. The second time she had to seek medical assistance after losing too much blood.

Winmill explained in his ruling, “deliberate indifference” to a prisoner’s need violates the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. To constitute deliberate indifference Edmo needed to show she has a serious medical need and show prison officials were aware of the need yet failed to treat it.

“She has presented extensive evidence that, despite years of hormone therapy, she continues to experience gender dysphoria so significant that she cuts herself to relieve emotional pain,” Winmill wrote. “With full awareness of Ms. Edmo’s circumstances, IDOC and its medical provider Corizon refuse to provide Ms. Edmo with gender confirmation surgery.”

Winmill explained his decision was based on the unique aspects of Edmo’s case against IDOC and Corizon.

“This decision is not intended, and should not be construed, as a general finding that all inmates suffering from gender dysphoria are entitled to gender confirmation surgery,” Winmill said.

BOISE — The number of phone scams that are targeting people in Idaho are increasing, the state’s Attorney General’s Office says.

Brett DeLange from the Idaho Attorney General’s office says if you receive a call that you think is a scam, hang up and ignore the caller.

But how can you tell if the call is a scam? There are many red flags, including threats that come someone saying they are from a government office.

“Anybody that calls you pretending to be from the government and says they want a payment, that is not how the government works,” said DeLange.

There are also scams that tug at the heart strings of people attempting to get money by saying they are supporting firefighters, veterans or different charities.

“Idahoans are generous people, and they are willing to help,” said Delange. “We all need to be careful about our donations and make them really work.”

When callers ask you to give them money in unusual ways like gift cards or Western Unions transitions, you should be aware something funky is happening.

“That’s more than a red flag — that’s a red hurricane,” said DeLange.

You also should not be intimidated into making an immediate decision if a caller is pressuring you to make a quick reaction. Take some time to talk to somebody before making any decision.

6 on Your Side received an email from the Attorney General’s Office that outlines the different type of scams and how people in Idaho can protect themselves against these criminals.

The following scams – or variations of them – are common in Idaho:

Grandparent scam: This scam targets grandparents. A caller poses as a grandchild in legal trouble, often in a foreign country. The caller asks the grandparent to help get them out of trouble by sending money via gift cards, money order, iTunes cards, etc.

IRS scam: A caller purporting to be from the Internal Revenue Service claims the target owes back taxes. The tax problems will disappear, the scammer says, if the recipient of the call pays the taxes via gift cards, iTunes cards, etc. NOTE: The IRS initiates contact via U.S. mail. If you receive a call from someone saying they’re from the IRS, hang up. If you have any concerns about your taxes, initiate contact with IRS to inquire.

Social Security Number scam: A caller pretends to be a government official or law enforcement officer and claims someone in another state is using the target’s Social Security number. The caller may even be able to recite the last four digits of the target’s SSN. The recipient of the call is then asked to share the rest of the SSN to confirm that the “official” on the other end of the line has made contact with the correct person. The main goal of this particular scam is to steal the victim’s identity.

Idaho Power/utilities scam: This scam usually targets small businesses – often restaurants. A scammer pretends to be from the utility company and, because of past-due bills, threatens to cut off service unless payment is made immediately. Idaho Power encourages recipients of these calls to hang up and call its customer service line at (208) 388-2323.

Publisher’s Clearing House scam: The caller tells the target they’ve won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes or another, similar prize. In order to cover the related fees and taxes upfront, the “winner” must send money – often several thousand dollars – right away.

Arrest warrant scam: The caller claims a warrant has been issued for the target’s arrest, but if he or she pays the imposter, the warrant will disappear.

Jury duty scam: The caller pretends to be a local official notifying the recipient of the call that they recently missed jury duty. In order to avoid large fines and/or stiffer punishment, the target must send payment immediately.

Microsoft/Apple tech scam: A scammer calls the victim and claims the person’s computer is infected with a virus. The call may come after the victim clicks on a link on Facebook and a popup warning appears on the computer screen. The scammer pretends to be with “tech support” and promises to fix the computer for payment, often $499. A consumer should never click on questionable links that pop up and claim the consumer’s computer is infected.

Payment form is a huge red flag

If you’re being asked to send payment in the form of gift cards, iTunes cards, prepaid cards from companies like Visa, Mastercard or Green Dot, you’re almost certainly the target of a scam. Scammers prefer these types of payments because they’re untraceable and impossible to recoup, Wasden says. Though an older trick, some scammers also ask for wire transfers through companies like Western Union or MoneyGram.

What are other signs of scams?

Many scammers are located overseas, and English is not their primary language. Broken English and oddly worded messaging are signs you’ve been contacted by a scammer. Also, scammers often use computer-generated messaging in their phone calls. This is likely a means of trying to hide poor language skills or accents that might blow their disguise. Threats and pressure to act immediately are also telltale signs.

Whom do scammers target?

Everyone. But scammers tend to find more success with older people. Some scams, though, have been effective in targeting the young.

What to do if you’re contacted

Treat each call from an unknown number with skepticism. Let unknown calls go to voicemail and hang up on suspicious callers immediately.

Wasden: Help get the word out

“Please consider sharing this information with those who are most vulnerable,” Wasden said. “For instance, if you know of a senior who could be prone to the grandparent scam, consider having a conversation with them to make sure they understand how it works. Education is the most effective tool in combating imposter scams.”

The attorney general is also partnering with the Idaho State Broadcasters Association and radio stations across the state to raise awareness of imposter scams. The project will consist of an extensive Public Service Announcement campaign in the first quarter of 2019.

If you have questions about these or other scams, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (208) 334-2424 or toll-free at (800) 432-3545.

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

Two large muley bucks were sparring over a late season doe on a ridge butted up against a large sand dune. Soon two younger bucks joined the group as they headed into one of the many ravines just off the White Sands Road running between the Red Road and the Sand Creek Road.

The snow was knee deep for me and the deer, making it difficult for me as I would drive a short distance, sneak over a ridge or two looking for deer, elk or moose. The elk were still high on Big Bend Ridge along with most of the moose. A few moose cows and calves had migrated down with the mule deer leaving the bulls up near the elk.

As each storm increased the snow depth during late November and early December, the migration of deer from Island Park to desert continued to grow. Most of the deer I observed were small bucks, does and fawns, but after the late buck season closed on Nov. 30, the larger bucks began to get less cautious adding to my desire to stalk them.

The deer congregated in herds of up to 15 in the pockets of tall sagebrush between the sands during the first week of December allowing me to observe and photograph them.

I would station myself near a well-used path and wait for them in the early morning or late evening. The larger bucks never came near where I was, making me shoot pictures of them from a distance while does and fawns came by my hiding spot. Several of the female deer that wandered by were wearing radio collars placed on them last winter north of the St. Anthony landfill.

One morning while hiding near a grove of aspen a flock of sharp-tailed grouse flew into the trees and entertained me for about half an hour. I also saw about 100 American robins and Townsend’s solitaries working the junipers and scrub chokecherry bushes.

The snow depth grew deeper along the Sand Creek Road than the Red Road, forcing the deer to move toward the Junipers west of the Red Road. On the evening of Dec. 12 a herd of 22 mule deer had moved into the junipers just east of the Sand Hills recreation area.

This migration of deer allowed me to spend hours watching and studying them as they interacted with each other. One doe appeared to be late in coming into her rutting cycle and had six bucks including two large ones chasing her over the ridges. She probably had the pick of any fella on the desert for her rutting delay. Boys can act pretty silly when there is a beautiful gal around.

Most of the area will close for all human activity on January 1, and I will have to find other kinds of entertainment on my free days. But until then I will try to sneak close enough to enjoy the mule deer while they run and play across the sage covered sand hills. Most of the area will be closed until sunrise on May 1, 2019 for us humanoids.

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

BOISE — Idaho Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore on Friday, Dec. 14 announced the hiring of Ed Schriever as the new Fish and Game Director. Schriever will replace Moore on Jan. 13, who in November announced his retirement.

Schriever, 59, has been Fish and Game’s Deputy Director of Operations since 2015, and was the Fisheries Bureau Chief from 2008 to 2015. He held various other positions within the agency, including Clearwater Regional Fisheries Manager, fish biologist and hatchery manager during his 35-year career with Fish and Game.

“I am very proud to have been appointed by the commission to serve as director,” Schriever said. “I am humbled to serve Idaho, lead Department of Fish and Game, and ensure the traditional values associated with people’s ability to interact with their wildlife are professionally managed and sustained. Idaho is one of the last best places in the world. Our legacy of fishing, hunting, trapping and wildlife-based recreation is inseparable with Idaho’s outdoor heritage, culture and quality of life. Your Fish and Game department exists to provide these benefits in perpetuity.”

The Fish and Game Director is the sole employee of the seven-member Fish and Game Commission. The director carries out wildlife management policies set by the commission and runs the day-to-day operations of the agency, which has about 580 full-time positions and an annual budget of $125 million.

“After careful consideration of a pool of highly qualified candidates, we selected Deputy Director Schriever based on his long history of leadership within the agency and deep knowledge of Idaho’s fish and wildlife, as well as his understanding of the issues facing wildlife management,” Fish and Game Commission Chair Derick Attebury of Idaho Falls said. “The commission is confident going forward with the new director that we can continue managing the state’s wildlife in the best interest of Idahoans.”

Schriever has a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries from Oregon State University, and he started his professional career with Idaho Fish and Game as a fish culturist shortly after graduating. He lives in Boise.

DRIGGS — Cheryl Stewart is a colon cancer survivor who works at Teton High School in Driggs as a lunch lady. She also cleans the U.S. Forest Service building and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seminary building.

Cheryl makes rolls for all the funerals in the Teton Valley. She is the only person in her family working as her husband is recovering from prostate cancer and lupus. Cheryl works from sun up to sun down and every minute in-between.

Cheryl is using a car that she borrowed from her parents as the engine blew in her van. She is having surgery on her foot on Dec. 21, during the school winter break, as she can’t afford to miss any work.

Secret Santa sent the EastIdahoNews.com elves to Driggs with an incredible surprise that will change Cheryl’s life forever. Watch the video above to see what happened!

In this edition of East Idaho Newsmakers, Nate Eaton talks with newly appointed Idaho Supreme Court Justice Gregory Moeller.

Moeller has been serving as a Seventh District Judge since April 2009. He was picked to fill the Idaho Supreme Court vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Joel Horton.

Moeller was one of four finalists nominated to the state’s highest court by the Idaho Judicial Council. Prior to becoming a district judge, Moeller was a partner in the law firm of Rigby, Thatcher, Andrus, Rigby & Kam, in Rexburg.

Moeller has presided over more than 50 trials in seven different counties. He also presides over the Upper Valley Mental Health Court and serves on five Idaho Supreme Court Committees, including the faculty for training new judges.

Eaton and Moeller discuss what his new duties will now be on the Supreme Court, his experience as a judge, the unique connection he has with the novel To Kill a Mockingbird and its author, and a whole lot more.

Watch the video above to see the entire conversation.

EAST IDAHO NEWSMAKERS ARCHIVES

HOW MARGO REY, A BILLBOARD TOP 20 RECORDING ARTIST, ENDED UP PERFORMING WITH A LOCAL SCHOOL CHOIR

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

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — A toddler died late Saturday afternoon after what police believe was a “tragic accident” involving a pickup truck in a southeast Boise neighborhood, Ada County Sheriff’s Office officials told the Statesman.

According to sheriff’s spokesman Patrick Orr, the driver of the truck had pulled out of the driveway where the 3-year-old girl lived on the 9500 block of Littlewood Drive shortly after 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. The girl was running alongside the vehicle, which was moving slowly down the street. The driver of the vehicle didn’t see the child and struck her with the vehicle, Orr said.

The driver immediately stopped the vehicle and called 911. Paramedics transported the child to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later. The child has not been identified, nor has the driver.

Police believe the incident was an accident, Orr said, but deputies will continue to investigate.

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

It’s no secret that I’m a huge Marvel Cinematic Universe fanboy. So I hope you understand how painful it is for me to say the following: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” a film made by Sony and produced by many of the same folks who have already run the “Spider-Man” franchise into the ground twice already and has no connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is actually better than the majority of movies in the M.C.U.

“Into the Spider-Verse” introduces us to Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a Brooklyn teenager whose life gets turned upside-down when he’s bitten by a genetically-altered spider. He begins developing strange abilities and takes it upon himself to destroy a plot by The Kingpin (Liev Schrieber) that threatens to annihilate New York City.

But he won’t have to go it alone. Spider-people from several different alternate universes join in the fight. Among Miles’ new pals are a schlubby alternate Peter Parker (Jake Johnson), who reluctantly mentors Miles, and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who’s taken on the mantle of Spider-Woman in her universe. Together with several other alternate Spider-heroes, Miles battles to stop Kingpin Wilson Fisk and get his friends home. Along the way, Miles learns that heroism requires toughness and perseverance.

“Into the Spider-Verse” works, big-time. It works because it’s a well-written story full of relatable emotional story beats and themes that will resonate with moviegoers. This story has real emotional weight, and it’s easy to understand how Miles feels even in the midst of the most insane situations. Peter Parker also gets a great, well-written story arc that explains why he’s let himself go and it warms the heart to see him take to Miles.

This flick also works because the voice actors do a fantastic job. Moore gives us the full range of emotions, from excitement over what he can do to fear that he can’t do the job to good old teenage discontent. Johnson knocks it out of the park as the ultimate slacker Spider-Man. Nicholas Cage steals scenes as Spider-Man Noir. Steinfeld, John Mulaney and Mahershala Ali all own their characters and supply the film with warmth, laughs and a few scary moments.

The look and animation style of “Into the Spider-Verse” also work fantastically well. This is probably the closest a movie has ever gotten to showing us a comic book brought to life. We get dialogue bubbles, onomatopoetic sound effects words and epic moments broken into panels. The action scenes crackle with classic Marvel comics visual elements that could have come directly off the table of legendary artists like Steve Ditko or Jack Kirby.

But there are also images of painterly beauty, like shot of the New York City skyline or a sunset streaming through a window behind Miles. The animation isn’t completely smooth, appearing like it’s dropping frames at times, and this really helps add some punch to the action scenes. Whether in quiet or action-packed scenes, “Into the Spider-Verse” always looks striking.

Though “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” wasn’t made by Marvel Studios, it’s better than many of the M.C.U.’s lesser offerings, like “The Incredible Hulk” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” Not only that, but it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the Marvel movies, like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

It’s got the sci-fi fun of parallel universes, pulse-quickening action set pieces and a lot of laughs. Best of all, this movie has a ton of heart and is about relatable themes. If you’re a fan of Spider-Man or comic book movie in general, you owe it yourself to check this movie out. You won’t be sorry!

5 Indy Fedoras out of 5

MPAA Rating: PG-13

IDAHO FALLS — Residents living in Bonneville County, Rigby or Shelley are eligible to receive one of 100 gift vouchers to get their cat spayed or neutered this holiday season.

At 9 a.m. Wednesday, the East Idaho Spay Neuter Coalition is holding a giveaway at the Idaho Falls Animal Services located at 2450 Hemmert Avenue. During the event, the coalition will give away the vouchers on a first come, first served basis.

Essentially, the vouchers make it so customers only pay $20 for the spay or neutering operation, while EISNC picks up the rest of the tab. Depending on the veterinarian, the service typically costs between $60 to $120, officials tell EastIdahoNews.com.

During the event, EISNC will help customers choose a local veterinarian and secure an appointment. Participants will pay $20 to the veterinarian at the time of their appointment, and will work directly with the veterinarian on any other needs such as vaccinations.

Afterwards, the local veterinarians will bill EISNC for the remaining balance of the spay or neuter procedure.

This is a very special event for EISNC because the coalition is celebrating a grand total of 1000 Spay Neuter certificates in the two and a half years since the coalition began. EISNC is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and fundraising, and is focused narrowly on reducing cat populations through aggressive spay and neuter programs and education.

EISNC attributes its success to fundraising events such as Spayghetti No Balls dinner, Taco Bout dinner, and Wine for Whiskers. These annual events will soon be announced for the 2019 community calendars.

The long term goal for EISNC is to assist Idaho Falls in becoming a No Kill City – a goal which has been reached for dogs for quite a number of years. With the focus now on the cat population, the city of Idaho Falls is coming closer to achieving a No Kill status, according to a news release.

IDAHO FALLS — A former Bonneville County employee has been sentenced for felony misuse of public funds after making personal purchases using a county issued credit card.

Shalee Sibbett Claiborne appeared in court Wednesday, and was sentenced to five years in prison. However, District Judge Bruce Pickett suspended that sentence and she was released.

Additionally, Claiborne received 180 days of jail time at the discretion of her probation officer (with two days credited from her arrest), she received four years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and must pay 1,805.50 in fees, according to court documents.

Claiborne was originally charged with two counts of felony grand theft and a count of felony misuse of funds. However, as part of a plea agreement, those charges were amended to one felony count of misuse of public funds by a public officer or employee.

RELATED| County employee pleads guilty to using public funds for personal use

Her illegal spending was discovered in August 2017 by a coworker “who had concerns because there was a lot of expenses that where unaccounted for,” according to court documents. Claiborne was the community service coordinator with Bonneville County Juvenile Probation. She worked as a contractor and then a full-time employee with the department for over 10 years.

The coworker became suspicious following several incidents where Claiborne did not turn in receipts for purchases made on her county issued credit card. Instead, Claiborne accused her coworker of losing the receipts.

According to court documents, Claiborne purchased over nine gallons of gasoline at the Maverick in Soda Springs in June 2017 totaling $25. When questioned by coworkers, she said she purchased a Barnes and Noble “Hello Kitty” gift card worth $40 but was able to buy it on sale for $25.

In another incident, Claiborne’s coworkers received a billing statement that showed a $150 charge to Dixon Horseshoe Design. Claiborne did not turn in a receipt for this purchase, according to court documents, and when she was asked to provide proof of purchase, she emailed a receipt with a hand written note describing the purchase.

According to court documents, Claiborne made a handful of additional purchases on the county issued credit card.

Tales of the Dinner Belle

There are several things I love about my garlic cheese stuffed chicken. It’s a flavorful and easy dish to make, but it’s also one that can be put together in advance and then baked right before you need it. That’s a real plus during this busy time of year.

I also love the ease of serving this dish. You have individual serving sizes and each piece bakes up crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. I will often double or triple this recipe and make it for big gatherings. It’s so easy and yet special enough for a party.

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.

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

IDAHO FALLS – If you haven’t tried ice fishing in Idaho yet, you’re missing out on a winter activity that is not only fun and inexpensive, it’s a great way to catch lots of tasty fish. Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why you should go ice fishing:

Ice fishing is a good reason to get outside during winter

Winter can give us all a nasty case of cabin fever, but unlike many other activities that make you wait until spring, you can keep fishing during winter. A day on the ice is not just another fishing trip, it’s a whole different fishing experience.

It’s surprisingly beginner friendly

Ice fishing may seem specialized, and part of it is because it’s the only type of fishing that requires an ice auger. But aside from that, nearly any fishing gear will work. You can also build your own ice fishing rods, or a batch of them, for a reasonable price. Here’s a DIY example. If you decide to buy your gear, an ice fishing rod/reel combo is inexpensive, and honestly, a lot of fun to fish with because even a modest-sized fish feels big. After that, all you need is a hook, weight and bait. You can make it as simple or as sophisticated as you want. Check out Fish and Game’s ice fishing page for more information about ice fishing basics and important safety information.

Ice fishing can be a combination of fishing and tailgating

The fishing part is always fun, but you can add more fun with the tailgating part. Bring a camping stove or grill, some food, your favorite beverages (hot or cold), lawn chairs, heater, etc. The only challenge is getting it out on the ice, and an inexpensive kids’ plastic toboggan can haul a surprising amount of gear. If you have a snowmobile or ATV, there are trailers and sleds that are great for hauling cargo.

You can take the whole family, and more

There’s no shortage of space on a frozen lake when there’s adequate ice thickness, so the more the merrier. That’s not always the case when you’re trying squeeze people into limited boat space, or even limited bank access to prime water. The whole lake, reservoir, or pond is available, so you can make it a social gathering as well as a fishing trip. Naturally, everyone should be dressed for the weather, and bring lots of snacks and warm drinks for the kids. They love ice fishing because they can scamper around and have fun on the ice if fishing is a little slow.

The fish taste better

That may sound like an old wive’s tale, or a boast by ice anglers, but there’s scientific evidence that it’s true. The “muddy” taste you sometimes hear about from fish can be caused by blue green algae, which can proliferate during warmer months. Blue green algae is gone, or greatly diminished, in cold and frigid water, so it no longer affects the fishes’ taste. Regardless of the scientific reason, few anglers argue that winter-caught perch and trout (the most common quarry) are not tasty. You can catch a batch of them and have an awesome fish fry, and if you want, you can get it started while you’re still on the ice. Ice fishing is traditionally about catching fish for eating, so indulge, but stay within the bag limits, which you can find in the fishing rules booklet.

It’s not as cold as it might seem

There’s no getting around it: it’s dead of winter and you’re standing on a sheet of ice. The temperature is what it is, but think of it as the opposite of the old cliche “but it’s a dry heat.” On a calm, sunny day, it can be amazingly comfortable on the ice, even when the thermometer is showing single digits. Part of that is the radiant heat from the sun, and the other part is dressing so all your exposed skin is covered and you’re dressed in layers so you can add and subtract clothing and adapt if conditions change.

Fishing can be fast, furious and fun

Like all fishing, there are no guarantees the fish will bite, but ice fishing is different than other types of fishing because you can fish up to five different lines at once. When the fish start biting, it can be fast paced because you’re trying to hook and land fish and keep all the lines baited and in the water. When you experience that first hand, you will understand why people look forward to ice fishing.

You could set a record

Think that’s a long shot? Maybe, but consider this: Lake Cascade is a popular ice fishing spot that has produced two world record perch since 2015, as well as numerous state records. Ice anglers were responsible for a string of record yellow perch. If you’re curious, here are the state certified weight records, and the catch-and-release records. Keep them handy when you’re fishing this winter and see how close you can come to a record.

Idaho has ice fishing in nearly every part of the state

No matter where you live, an ice fishing destination is probably within a couple hour’s drive and likely no more than three hours. If you don’t live near one, make it a weekend trip and stay at a motel, or if you have an RV, check if there’s a place to stay (preferably with electric hookups to run a heater). Think of it as a mini vacation and a fun winter get away.

Here are some place around eastern Idaho to go ice fishing. There are many others, so feel free to get out and explore this winter.

Important safety note: The fishing spots below are listed because they’re popular for ice fishing, but that doesn’t guarantee they will be available at any time during winter. Conditions can change quickly, so use good judgment before heading out on the ice and remember you’re responsible for your own safety. Three to four inches of solid ice is the minimum to support a person, and thicker ice is needed for groups. About 10 inches of solid ice are needed to support an ATV or snow machine.

Southeast Region

American Falls Reservoir

This is a great place to catch some big trout and perch through the ice. Remember, this is a large body of water, so ice conditions can vary greatly across the reservoir. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about American Falls Reservoir.

Bear Lake

Cutthroat, lake trout, rainbow trout, and a unique Idaho fish called cisco can be pulled from this large water body that spans Idaho and Utah. Don’t worry, you just need one fishing license from either state to fish this lake. Just remember, only one line is permitted unless an angler possesses a two-pole permit. As with other large water bodies, the ice conditions can get “tricky” quickly from spot to spot, so be extra mindful of ice conditions as you fish across this water body. Dipnetting for cisco is permitted Jan. 1 through Feb.15. Dipnets cannot be larger than 18 inches in any dimension; however, any size hole may be cut through the ice to catch cisco. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Bear Lake.

Chesterfield Reservoir

This is very productive fishery, and a fun place to catch some really nice rainbows. Imagine pulling a 2-pound fish through the ice! Bannock County maintains the road to this fishery, and sometimes the road is closed for weather. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information Chesterfield Reservoir.

Deep Creek and Devils Creek reservoirs

These bodies of water often see good catch rates during the winter with plenty of 12-inch rainbow trout and even some nicer fish pulling on the line. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information Deep Creek Reservoir and Devils Creek Reservoir.

Pocatello’s Urban Fisheries

The fishing ponds at both Edson Fichter Nature Area and the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello are very popular places to ice fish and offer the convenience of being right in town. There is a two-fish limit for each fishery. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information About Edson Fichter Pond and Portneuf Pond (aka Bannock Reservoir).

Upper Snake Region

Mackay Reservoir

Located north of the town of Mackay this reservoir consistently provides good kokanee and rainbow trout fishing. Kokanee are typically in the 11-inch range with rainbow trout being upwards of 12 inches. Two access points are plowed often during the winter and are located just off Highway 93. Just look for the Joe T. Fallini campground managed by the BLM or the Battleground access site maintained by Fish and Game. Outhouses and vault toilets are available for use at either location. Because of the long ice fishing season, you will see many substantial ice huts pulled out onto the lake by locals for use all season. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Mackay Reservoir.

Ririe Reservoir

Due to its depth, ice on Ririe Reservoir doesn’t typically form until after a solid week of subzero temperatures. It is usually not until mid-January that the ice becomes thick enough to fish. Fish and Game removed Ririe Reservoir from being a special rules water beginning Jan. 1, 2019. This will allow ice fishing on the entire reservoir and remove the previous restriction limiting ice fishing to 1 mile upstream of the dam. Access is by entering the Juniper Campground run by Bonneville County. A $5 day-use fee is required for parking, or a winter-use pass can be obtained for $30. Vault toilets are open year round, and the parking lot is located close to the water with only a short walk down the boat ramp to get you on the ice. Most anglers are targeting the schools of kokanee that circle around the lake and provide moments of intense action for those using multiple rods. During slower periods for kokanee, perch can often be jigged off the bottom closer to shore. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Ririe Reservoir.

Henrys Lake

This world famous lake produces some of the largest trout in Idaho. Hybrid trout called cut-bows can reach up to 10 pounds or more. Ice fishing here usually begins around Thanksgiving week when the ice becomes strong enough to stand on, and this lake has an abbreviated season for ice anglers because all fishing closes on on the lake on Jan. 2, 2019. Early season is usually considered to be the best. As the season progresses oxygen levels in the lake tend to drop making fish less active. Seasoned anglers willing spend the time figuring out where fish are and what they are biting on usually get rewarded for their efforts. Several access points are available around the lake with the most popular being the Fish and Game Hatchery and County Park which are both plowed with restrooms available. Henrys Lake State Park is only accessible in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Henrys Lake.

Salmon Region

Williams Lake and Hyde Pond

These are two popular ice fishing spots where rainbow trout are the main target. Fish and Game stocks trout in Hyde Pond throughout the year, so it can produce excellent catch rates under the ice. Williams Lake rainbow are naturally reproducing and can reach in excess of 20 inches. The trout in Williams Lake tend to suspend in the water column and favor Power Bait, worms or eggs. As winter progresses, fish closer to the surface because oxygen levels in the lake tend to become depleted, thus confining fish to the upper portions of the lake. Move around if you are not finding fish and change your bait often. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Williams Lake and Hyde Pond.

Jimmy Smith Lake

This lake in the East Fork Salmon River drainage near Challis has become a popular ice fishery in recent years. Rainbow are also the target species. Access is by foot and ATV after about a half-mile walk or ride from the trailhead on Big Lake Creek. Anglers should do well fishing with worms, corn, eggs, mealworms or PowerBait. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Jimmy Smith Lake.

Note: To introduce young anglers to a new winter sport, two kids’ ice fishing derbies are tentatively planned for Saturday, Feb. 2 at Hyde Pond in Salmon and Jimmy Smith Lake near Challis. The derby is for youth ages 16 and under, and a few lucky attendees will walk away with great prizes. Check the Salmon Region webpage later this winter for more details.

Mosquito Flat Reservoir

For those more adventurous anglers, northwest of Challis can be accessed by snowmobile or track machine during the winter months. While access may be more challenging, the 49-acre reservoir will offer anglers solitude, as well as trout and a recent addition – kokanee. Check out Fish and Game’s Fish Planner for a map, fishing rules and more information about Mosquito Flat Reservoir.

For a list of other ice fishing locations in Idaho, click here.

RIGBY — A man accused of sexually abusing two girls is now facing multiple witness intimidation charges.

James Gordan Davis, 39, who was already being held in the Jefferson County Jail on two lewd conduct charges, is now facing four witness intimidation charges for allegedly contacting the victims’ mother and telling her to keep the victims from testifying.

Davis allegedly told the victims’ mother to get the victims to “clam up and not say anything.” He also told her “to disappear for a bit.”

The mother responded that she didn’t want the victims to testify and “she will do what she has to do so none of them have to testify.”

She allegedly told Davis she would try to avoid being subpoenaed.

RELATED: Hearing rescheduled for man accused of sexually abusing two children

Documents indicate detectives monitoring Davis found he used three different inmates’ Telmate accounts to avoid being detected. Telmate requires a PIN and voice recognition to make calls outside of the jail. In each call, the inmate whose account Davis used would start talking for the voice recognition and pass the phone to Davis.

Davis was arrested on July 30 for allegedly abusing two girls who were 11 and 13 respectively.

According to court documents, the 13-year-old said Davis started abusing her when she was 10. She said he punched her in the face recently when she refused to get in the shower with him and that whenever he forced them to shower together, she was sexually abused.

She said at another time, Davis pinned her down, choked her and pulled her hair because she didn’t do the laundry.

The 11-year-old victim told investigators Davis beats her and her siblings “all the time” and forces her to take showers with him, where he sexually abuses her.

When law enforcement arrested Davis, they asked if he beats the victims. He responded that he “disciplines them” and refused to answer any other questions.

According to court documents, members of the victim’s family have expressed they are in fear for their lives. A family member told investigators Davis has held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her in the past.

A jury trial is scheduled for Feb. 11.

POCATELLO – It looks like eastern Idaho is getting some international exposure.

On Dec. 8, Reuters published a story about Inergy Solar in Pocatello. To summarize, the company’s CEO, Sean Luangrath, was looking at moving his operations to Salt Lake City, but decided to stay in Pocatello because of the local workforce and nearby expertise at Idaho National Laboratory.

RELATED | After witnessing hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico, local company gives gift of power

Inergy makes portable solar energy collection and storage systems. Its best-selling home system, the 1,100-watt-hour Kodiak, measures 14 inches by 7 inches by 8 inches and weighs less than 20 pounds. After two hours of charging with solar panels, the unit has enough power stored to keep a refrigerator running for 30 hours.

In 2017 the company received technical assistance from INL battery researchers. To learn more about that, follow this link.

This story was first published at BizMojoIdaho.com. It is used here with permission.

REXBURG — The Rexburg Children’s Choir released its first Christmas music video Monday and its guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.

The arrangement of Silent Night was done by Kamie Bolen and features Elliana Howard on the harp. Ben Watson directs the 170 singers from the historic Rexburg Tabernacle.

This is the second music video produced by the choir, which was founded by Watson less than a year ago.

RELATED | Rexburg Children’s Choir releases beautiful music video ahead of Father’s Day

“We believe in leveraging the power of digital media so these children can share goodness beyond the walls of the Rexburg Tabernacle,” Watson tells EastIdahoNews.com. “Music videos are one way the choir is able to touch the hearts of people all over the world.”

The choir recently performed with Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four to a sold out crowd. They’re taking a break for the holidays but will be back practicing and performing in the new year.

ABERDEEN — A 42-year-old man died in a plane crash Monday morning near the Aberdeen airport.

Daniel Angus was the only person in the plane that went down around 8 a.m., according to Bingham County Sheriff Craig Rowland.

Emergency responders were called to the scene and the area is closed to all air traffic until the NTSB and FAA arrive to investigate.

EastIdahoNews.com will post updates as we receive them.