East Idaho NewsTonight on 'Courtroom Insider,' Nate Eaton sits down with RPD Detectives Chuck Kunsaitis and Eric Wheeler to talk Daybell money, the arrests and the investigation.
Plus the latest on Kohberger and two people who were inside the courtroom today.
Let us know where you're watching from in the comments below.
COURTROOM INSIDER | Detectives talk Daybell money and arrestEast Idaho News2024-09-27 | Tonight on 'Courtroom Insider,' Nate Eaton sits down with RPD Detectives Chuck Kunsaitis and Eric Wheeler to talk Daybell money, the arrests and the investigation.
Plus the latest on Kohberger and two people who were inside the courtroom today.
Let us know where you're watching from in the comments below.Pho King Tas Tea brings traditional Vietnamese and Chinese dishes to the Pocatello communityEast Idaho News2024-10-19 | POCATELLO – Busy traffic whisks by an unassuming building, occupied by a restaurant serving both Chineses and Vietnamese dishes.
While the sign outside reads Ming’s Cafe, the restaurant is actually Pho King TasTea. Opened in 2020, the owners of the memorably named restaurant want their customers to feel at home.
“We’re a family-owned business. I want everybody to feel welcome,” said owner Grace Perez.
The last time anyone heard from Dustin Kjersem was the afternoon of October 10, when he climbed into his black Ford F-150 and headed to a remote campsite in the Montana wilderness.
He had made plans to meet a friend the next day for a weekend of camping and other outdoor activities. When he didn’t show up, his friend went looking for him — and made a gruesome discovery.
On Saturday morning, the friend called 911 and said he’d found Kjersem’s bloodied body in a tent about two-and-a-half miles up Moose Creek Road, east of Big Sky. He told the dispatcher that Kjersem appeared to be a victim of a bear attack.
But authorities are now saying they think Kjersem was murdered.
An autopsy determined the 35-year-old suffered “multiple chop wounds,” sheriff’s deputies say. And they’re urging anyone with information to come forward.
“This is a homicide, and we are working all hours of the day and night to find his killer,” Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said at a news conference Wednesday.
“He was brutally killed at his campsite. And we need your help,” Springer added. “So if you’re out in the woods, you need to remain vigilant.”
Kjersem was a gifted builder and hard-working handyman who could pour foundations, frame houses and install countertops, said his sister, Jillian Price.
She implored anyone with information to help find her sibling’s killer.
“This weekend, we lost our brother, our son, our uncle, our best friend and our dad in the most unimaginable way,” she said at the news conference, her voice cracking. “He was a loving, helpful and adoring father who in no way deserved this.”
Though remote, the Moose Creek area is a popular spot among hunters and campers. Kjersem’s body was discovered on US Forest Service land east of Highway 191, authorities said.
Authorities don’t have much information to go on. The area of the crime scene has spotty or no cellphone service, complicating the investigation, Springer said.
“People have asked me if there’s a threat to the community and the answer is, we don’t know. We don’t have enough information to know at this time,” he said.
Investigators hope someone will come forward with crucial camera imagery or other details that will help determine what happened.
“It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle,” Springer said. “When you’re working on these cases, you will get little pieces here and there and eventually that creates a big, large picture that makes some sense.”
Kjersem left his home in Belgrade, Montana, last Thursday in his truck, which has a black topper and a silver aluminum ladder rack, authorities said. He last contacted his family that afternoon, then he went quiet.
He had brought lots of equipment for his weekend outdoors, authorities said. Kjersem’s friend, who authorities did not identify, told them he found his body around 10 a.m. Saturday.
After the 911 call, investigators from several agencies, including a bear expert from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, examined the site but did not find any signs of bear activity.
Springer said investigators don’t know what weapon was used, “but we do know it was something hard enough to cause significant damage to the skull as well as some flesh areas of the body.”
Investigators are seeking information from anyone who was in the area between Thursday and Saturday.
“Anyone with trail or game cameras in the Moose Creek area, please reach forward, even if the footage seems irrelevant,” Sheriff’s Capt. Nathan Kamerman said.
“Anyone with in-car cameras traveling in the Moose Creek area during this time frame … anyone who saw the victim’s truck,” he added. “Anyone who saw something out of place, out of the ordinary in the area … please reach out to us.”
Investigators are following up on multiple leads, he said.
Western Montana is bear country. In July, a 72-year-old man fatally shot a grizzly bear that attacked him while he was picking huckleberries near Glacier National Park. The bear charged at the man, who was hospitalized with injuries.
Investigators have not determined Kjersem’s time of death and have not made any arrests.
“Please help us find out who did this,” his sister told reporters. “There is someone in our valley who is capable of truly heinous things.”
EastIdahoNews.com is partnering with Ashley and Ashley Outlet of Idaho Falls to honor people in our community for Feel Good Friday. Every week, we surprise someone deserving of special recognition.
We received an email several months ago about a crossing guard who is making a difference in the community. It said:
"I don’t know this person by name, but I feel like I know her by her actions. Every morning, rain or shine, hail or wind, she shows up at Sandcreek Middle School with a smile. She is the crossing guard, yes, but she does so much more. Every morning, she greets EACH child with knuckles, a smile, and a cheery, 'Have a good day!' Middle school is hard, but she is a bright light to these children, making them feel loved and seen. I don’t think she understands the impact she is having on these young impressionable kids. I’ve never talked to her, only watched from my car, but that is enough for me! I can feel her love and goodness. Please thank her for being so amazing!!!"
We found out the crossguard's name is Sheri and she also works as a paraprofessional helping students with special needs at Sandcreek. We knew we had to surprise her for Feel Good Friday - check it out in the video player above!
POCATELLO — A wild crash caught on camera Wednesday afternoon had a witness describing the scene as a “rampage” with one car a “ballistic missile locked in and going for a target.”
It happened at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Alameda/Pocatello Creek Road around 4 p.m.
Noah P., who asked EastIdahoNews.com not to use his last name for privacy reasons, was waiting at a red light on Alameda Road when a white car two lanes over suddenly drove into the intersection and stopped.
“The lady (driver) was honking, yelling in her car and then turned on music and smiled before she pulled out of the turn lane,” Noah says. “She stopped and waited for the oncoming traffic to go when she turned into a Chevy.”
Dashcam video from Noah’s car (watch in the player above) shows the driver of the white car hitting and pushing the driver’s side of a gray Chevrolet. After a few seconds, the driver of the white car backs up and drives in a reverse circle motion until she hits the passenger side of the same Chevrolet. The impact happened seconds after the passenger attempted to get out of the car, but got back in before being hit.
“I thought when she hit the Chevy at first it was targeted. She acted like a ballistic missile locked in going for her target,” Noah says. “Then she backed right into it and I thought, ‘You gotta be kidding me. This looks like a vendetta.'”
The driver of the white car then pulls away and drives into the rear of a blue SUV turning onto Pocatello Creek Road. The white car pushes the SUV over the median and into at least one other vehicle stopped in the other lane.
“I thought she was going to keep on going straight but for whatever reason, she locked onto that SUV and smacked it too. Then, not only that, it hit cars in the other lane,” Noah explains.
The driver of the white car then drives away down Pocatello Creek Road.
Noah and other witnesses got out of their vehicles to make sure everyone was OK. Pocatello Police officers, paramedics and a fire truck were called to the scene.
Pocatello Police Lt. Joshua Hancock tells EastIdahoNews.com officers apprehended the driver of the white car, who appeared to have suffered a mental episode. She was in the hospital on a mental hold as of Thursday afternoon and charges are pending, according to Hancock.
Nobody was seriously hurt in the incident, and Noah is glad his dash camera was recording.
“I keep a dash cam because a few years ago, I had some drunk drivers sideswipe my car. It cost me about $5,000 to $6,000,” he says. “I’m glad I was there in the front row, but it sucks for the cars that were damaged in her rampage. I gave them the video, and they can send it to their insurance companies.”
Every week I’m interviewing interesting people in Idaho and around the world!
My guests today might look familiar to you. I spoke with them four years and they are some of my all-time favorite guests.
Mike Rowe has hosted many hit programs, including “Dirty Jobs” and “Returning the Favor.” He’s also behind the popular podcast “The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe.”
His mother, Peggy Rowe, is America’s favorite grandmother and has written several amazing books. Her newest one came out this week and is called “Oh No, Not The Home.”
I had a wonderful chat with Mike and Peggy. Here’s what I asked them:
Peggy, what made you decide to write another book and what is this one about? Mike, what did you think when your mom told you she was writing “Oh No, Not the Home” and were you worried she might share embarrassing facts about you? Mike and Peggy, does your family have any special traditions that you can share with me? Peggy, you’ve done a lot over your life. Is there anything you still hope to accomplish? Mike, I have the same question for you. What is one thing you really hope to do in the next few years? Mike, a few months ago, you released a movie called “Something to Stand For.” Have you ever had to stand up for something while others around you were staying silent or felt differently than you? Peggy, what was your favorite meal to make Mike, Scott and Phil when they were growing up? Do you still cook for them when you’re all together? BONUS QUESTIONS
Mike, when I interviewed you in 2021, you told me a story you’d never shared before about your most embarrassing moment on TV. My grandma laughed so hard she cried. Can you share another funny moment you’ve had in public? Peggy and Mike, I live in Idaho and we are known for our potatoes. What’s your favorite way to have a potato? Peggy and Mike, can you share a piece of advice that might help me and other kids my age? You can watch my entire interview with Mike and Peggy in the video player above and order Peggy’s new book (and all her other ones too) here.Klim is a world-renowned brand based in eastern Idaho. See how some of the products are madeEast Idaho News2024-10-17 | #eastidahonews #bizbuzz #klim
RIGBY – Teton Outfitters was just a small shop that provided high-end gear for ski patrol and search and rescue personnel when Justin Summers opened it on the third floor of what is now Journeys at 111 East Main Street in Rigby in the mid-1990s.
Today, it’s a world-renowned brand called Klim. It’s headquartered in a 16,000-square-foot building at 3753 East County Line Road with three separate distribution centers in Ohio, Canada and the Netherlands. The company provides ski, snowmobile, motorcycle and lifestyle apparel for customers across the globe.
The business is celebrating its 25th year of operation and company president Paul Hepworth tells EastIdahoNews.com it’s a thrill to reach this milestone.
“I remember when we hit 20 years. We thought we had the world by the tail. Looking back over the last five years coming through COVID and all the disruptions in the supply chain, we’ve had a lot of challenges. Here we are at 25 years and we’re even better than we were at 20,” Hepworth says.
To still be experiencing growth after a quarter century of operation “reinforces the power of the brand,” Hepworth says, and he’s grateful to industry partners and customers who have brought them to this point.
Summers was a college student at the University of Utah when he founded Klim. He built it from the ground up, getting all his initial funding from credit cards and student loans. In a video about the company’s beginnings, Summers recalls staying home with his wife on Friday nights doing quality control on Klim gear while all their friends were out having fun.
“I didn’t have the financial means to not deliver,” Summers explains. “One of the most important things in starting a business is … refusing to lose.”
Refusing to lose was his mantra from the beginning and it remains an important part of the company’s culture today.
After graduating from college, the Summers moved back to Rigby and changed the name to Klim. It refers to Summers’ enjoyment of climbing a mountain for skiing or snowmobiling and its unique spelling is based on marketing principles he learned in college.
The appeal of the logo is that it’s concise and it stands out, Hepworth says.
After all these years, Klim’s most popular product is the snow boot.
“Having wet feet when you snowmobile is one of the easiest pain points that people experience. Your boots have to work. They’re right next to a hot motor, lots of powder splashing up on them and it turns to moisture instantly,” says Hepworth.
Gloves are popular as well. See how some of the products are made in the video above.
IDAHO FALLS — When Stephen Johnson, Ph.D., tells most people what he does for a living, they’re usually surprised – especially when they learn what’s happening in the desert west of Idaho Falls.
Johnson is the director of the Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies Division at the Idaho National Laboratory’s Materials and Fuels Complex.
In other words, “I’m part of a group that provides small power systems for NASA applications,” Johnson explains. “I’d say most people that come in here have no idea that this work is done here.”
INL Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies Division members work on RTGs inside this building. | Jordan Wood, EastIdahoNews.com It all happens inside a highly secure building, where cell phones, smart watches, Wi-Fi, and anything that transmits a signal are strictly prohibited.
Johnson took EastIdahoNews.com on a rare tour inside the building where Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, or RTGs, are constructed. Each RTG costs around $100 million and takes years to complete.
“Typically, they go for deep space missions – missions that are orbiting Saturn, Jupiter, flying by Pluto, going into the Kuiper Belt, which is the asteroid belt around our solar system,” Johnson says. “They will go down to the surface of Mars and will go explore the various moons.”
Since the 1960s, RTGs produced at INL have supported over 24 missions to space, including Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17.
Before the power generators arrive in Idaho, they’re at Oak Ridge and Los Alamos National Laboratories, where the components and heat sources are produced.
“We’re the last step in a chain of events of the Department of Energy labs. We integrate pieces and parts from all the labs and from private industry in order to take heat sources made of Plutonium 238, harness that heat, and put it into a converter system that will supply power for NASA missions,” Johnson says.
The materials arrive at INL from Los Alamos in heavy-duty stainless steel containers that are welded shut. Inside are heat sources that are put into module assembly glove boxes which are used to make the RTGs.
This process takes about six weeks to complete. Once the generator is ready, it is moved into the inert atmospheric assembly chamber, where controllers use robotic arms to place radioisotope heat sources inside the RTGs.
“When we’re actually doing operations, the chamber is filled with about one foot of water. Water is a very effective neutron shield, so it protects the people,” Johnson explains.
The last generator finished at INL was in 2019 for the 2020 Mars Perseverance Rover. They take around four months to build and undergo a series of tests to make sure they’ll work.
Inside one room, loud equipment simulates vibration and shock similar to what occurs on a spacecraft launch pad.
“We have an armature that will move up and down at a fairly high frequency – about 20-2,000 hertz is our testing profile with up to 30,000 pounds of force,” says Craig Dees, the Radioisotope Power Supply Group lead engineer. “We’ll test the Z axis, and the shaker head will move up and down. As we reorient the shaker to attach to the slip table, we’ll do the X and Y shake on a slip table.”
Johnson describes the room as essentially “one big woofer.” The walls are covered with sound-deadening foam, and workers wear hearing protection.
“This is the one piece of equipment that could physically damage the generator if we twist the knob a little bit too hard,” Johnson says.
After vibration testing, scientists measure the generator’s magnetic field to ensure it won’t interfere with the delicate instruments on the spacecraft.
A magnetic field in space is an invisible area surrounding objects like planets and stars where moving charged particles create a force that can influence the movement of other charged particles.
“If you’re on a rover, you’re going to have instrumentation nearby. You’re pretty interested in making certain the magnetic fields don’t screw up your instruments, or else you have a really fast mission to Mars and zero data,” Johnson says.
IDAHO FALLS -- Idahoans will head to the polls next month and decide whether the election system in Idaho should be overhauled.
Proposition 1 is a ballot initiative that would repeal Idaho’s closed-party primary elections and create nonpartisan top-four primary elections. These would be open to all candidates and voters, regardless of party affiliation.
The proposition would also create ranked-choice voting in the general election. If passed, patrons would vote for their favorite candidate and have the option of ranking the remaining candidates in order of preference – second choice, third and fourth. If no candidate receives over 50% of votes, the candidate who receives the fewest votes is eliminated. Their votes are transferred to the voter’s next highest-ranked remaining active candidate. The process continues until there are two candidates remaining and the candidate with the most votes is elected the winner.
Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot sat down with EastIdahoNews.com to explain why he is against the proposition and believes it's a bad idea for Idaho.
Watch our interview with VanderSloot in the player above.
IDAHO FALLS -- Idahoans will head to the polls next month and decide whether the election system in Idaho should be overhauled.
Proposition 1 is a ballot initiative that would repeal Idaho’s closed-party primary elections and create nonpartisan top-four primary elections. These would be open to all candidates and voters, regardless of party affiliation.
The proposition would also create ranked-choice voting in the general election. If passed, patrons would vote for their favorite candidate and have the option of ranking the remaining candidates in order of preference – second choice, third and fourth. If no candidate receives over 50% of votes, the candidate who receives the fewest votes is eliminated. Their votes are transferred to the voter’s next highest-ranked remaining active candidate. The process continues until there are two candidates remaining and the candidate with the most votes is elected the winner.
Hyrum Erickson, a precinct committeeman with the Madison County Republican Party, sat down with EastIdahoNews.com to explain why he supports the proposition and believes it's a good idea for Idaho.
Watch our interview with Erickson in the player above.
Nate Eaton appears on 'Closing Arguments with Vinnie Politan' on Court TV to discuss the phone call Lori Vallow had with her son Colby Ryan.
Watch Nate and Vinnie chat about the call in the video player above.Crust Club in Preston is required dining for pie loversEast Idaho News2024-10-12 | #eastidahonews #eastidahoeats #crustclub
PRESTON – If you love pie, then Crust Club in Preston is a place you need to visit.
The restaurant at 46 South State Street offers a variety of sweet and savory pies. The menu includes dozens of items, which can be ordered online or in person.
EastIdahoNews.com sampled the signature item, chicken pot pie, along with four other popular dishes — a raspberry cheesecake pastry, key lime pie and white chicken enchiladas. Take a look in the video above.
EastIdahoNews.com is partnering with Ashley and Ashley Outlet of Idaho Falls to honor people in our community for Feel Good Friday. Every week, we surprise someone deserving of special recognition.
David and Bonnie have been running the Grab and Go Lunch in Idaho Falls for several years now.
It started as a service to the community in 2020 with a desire to provide meals for anyone who needs a bite to eat - no questions asked.
David and Bonnie serve diligently every day, and work hard to obtain, cook and provide meals for those who need it the most. They are an example of service and love to everyone.
We wanted to honor them for Feel Good Friday. Watch the surprise in the video player above!COURTROOM INSIDER | Ted Bundys cousin tells allEast Idaho News2024-10-11 | Tonight on 'Courtroom Insider,' Ted Bundy's cousin talks about her book 'Dark Tide.' It's the first memoir written by a Bundy blood relative and Edna Cowell Martin, together with Megan Atkinson, tells all.
Join us for this in-depth conversation - and if you have questions for Edna and Megan, post them in the comments below.Under the Iron Dome: Idaho woman describes life in Israel as war ragesEast Idaho News2024-10-10 | NORTHERN ISRAEL – The regular explosion of Hezbollah’s ballistic missiles intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defenses overhead have melded into normal life for Hannah Geshelin, a 78-year-old Idahoan who moved from Pocatello to Israel in 2017.
While the world recognized the first anniversary of Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack with protests and vigils, Hezbollah ratcheted up their attacks on northern Israel.
“To ‘celebrate,’ Hezbollah has been attacking since last night,” Geshelin related to EastIdahoNews.com. “I am temporarily at a friend's home because she has a safe room, and I do not.”
The increased missile bombardment arrived after the death of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and exploding pagers that injured 3,000 Lebanese citizens in September.
Geshelin spoke with EastIdahoNews.com at length via Zoom, warning that if sirens roared, she would cut off the conversation and head for cover.
Residents have five seconds after an alarm to find shelter in a safe place to protect themselves from falling shrapnel and missile debris that can rain down for up to 10 minutes following the implosion of an incoming missile.
District Judge Bruce Pickett sentenced Gerald Hamlin to a minimum of three and a maximum of 10 years in prison. As part of a plea agreement, Hamlin has agreed to testify against the man charged for Morey Pelton’s first-degree murder, Randy Larkin.
► Subscribe to our free newsletter: eastidahonews.com/newsletterEmmy is asking 7 Questions with Amy and Zac Martin at Pick Me Up DrinksEast Idaho News2024-10-10 | #eastidahonews #7questionswithemmy #pickmeup
Every week I’m interviewing interesting people in Idaho and around the world!
Amy and Zac Martin own Pick Me Up Drinks, a business that has grown from one small soda shed several years ago to multiple locations across eastern Idaho – and one in Hurricane, Utah.
I love visiting Pick Me Up and had a great time chatting with Amy – and playing the “Roll for Soda” game with Zac.
Check out my interview in the video player above and learn more about Pick Me Up on their website, Facebook page and Instagram.
IDAHO FALLS – When Rebecca Brown Mitchell arrived in Eagle Rock with her teenage daughter, Bessie, they had nothing but the clothes on their back and a few belongings.
It was June 5, 1882, and the 48-year-old Illinois woman who would one day become the world’s first female chaplain of a legislative body had come out West in hopes of being a missionary.
Her husband had died 26 years earlier, leaving her a widow at age 22 with two young sons.
Laws prevented women from owning property at the time and when her husband died, it meant their home and everything else they’d acquired became the property of the state. This put Mitchell in a precarious situation.
With the exception of a Bible and a hymnal — her only possessions exempt from reclamation, according to her personal history — she was forced to buy back her own property from the state of Illinois.
She later married her husband’s brother. They had two daughters together, one of which died at age 5, before they ultimately separated.
Once her sons were grown, she attended a missionary training school in Chicago for a few months before heading west with her daughter.
In Mitchell’s personal history, she explains that she began her journey not knowing where she would end up.
“Led by God … I found myself in Idaho, in the town of Eagle Rock, now Idaho Falls, coming as a self-supporting missionary of the Baptist Church,” Mitchell writes.
Years before Idaho Falls became a thriving family community, Eagle Rock was a desert landscape with little more than a handful of shanties, a few company houses built by the railroads and multiple saloons.
With no money left to support themselves, Mitchell and her daughter stepped off the train that June morning into a “new world.” Mitchell had no way of knowing that in just a few years, her efforts would result in the town’s first church building and Idaho becoming one of the first states giving women the right to vote.
Sin City blew a kiss goodbye to the Tropicana before first light Wednesday in an elaborate implosion that reduced to rubble the last true mob building on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Tropicana's hotel towers tumbled in a celebration that included a fireworks display. It was the first implosion in nearly a decade for a city that loves fresh starts and that has made casino implosions as much a part of its identity as gambling itself.
“What Las Vegas has done, in classic Las Vegas style, they’ve turned many of these implosions into spectacles,” said Geoff Schumacher, historian and vice president of exhibits and programs at the Mob Museum.
Former casino mogul Steve Wynn changed the way Las Vegas blows up casinos in 1993 with the implosion of the Dunes to make room for the Bellagio. Wynn thought not only to televise the event but created a fantastical story for the implosion that made it look like pirate ships at his other casino across the street were firing at the Dunes.
Watch the implosion in the video player above.23-year-old given maximum life sentence for 4th street murder and home invasionEast Idaho News2024-10-08 | IDAHO FALLS - A county prosecutor referred to a 23-year-old man as potentially the most dangerous person he's met during a sentencing Tuesday, where the young man was given a maximum life sentence.
District Judge Michael Whyte sentenced Lance Jonathon Broncho to a minimum of 35 years and a maximum of life in prison for the first-degree murder of 51-year-old Eric Leask.
► Subscribe to our free newsletter: eastidahonews.com/newsletterEast Idaho News employee at Florida airport says crowds packed ahead of Hurricane Milton landfallEast Idaho News2024-10-07 | #eastidahonews #weather #hurricanemilton
IDAHO FALLS – Many Florida residents are preparing to evacuate Monday as Hurricane Milton makes its way to the state’s Gulf Coast.
Forecasters are calling the Category 5 storm “potentially catastrophic,” which is expected to touchdown late Wednesday. It’s currently in the Gulf of Mexico, according to USA Today, with sustained winds of 175 mph. It’s expected to reach peak intensity Tuesday morning then weaken to a strong Category 3 ahead of landfall.
Meanwhile, CNN reports officials have declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon.
EastIdahoNews.com Sales Manager Josh Johnson was in Orlando visiting his son. Moments before boarding a flight at Orlando International Airport Monday, he told us the terminal was packed due to numerous flight delays.
“There are people everywhere. You can’t even get in the bathrooms because the lines are so long,” Johnson says.
Johnson says the number of people trying to leave the Sunshine State has led some airlines to offer passengers money to stay behind.
IDAHO FALLS -- Lori Vallow Daybell says her children were not murdered, she is on a mission from Jesus and her case has been blown "way out of proportion."
The convicted killer made the statements to her oldest son, Colby Ryan, in a phone conversation from the Maricopa County Jail in Arizona. She is awaiting trial on conspiracy to commit murder charges in relation to Charles Vallow, her fourth husband, and Brandon Boudreaux, her former nephew-in-law.
Ryan posted the 64-minute conversation Sunday on his YouTube program, "The Scar Wars podcast."It's the first time he has spoken with his mom in four years, and the first time the public has heard from Daybell since she read a statement at her sentencing in Fremont County in July 2023. Judge Steven Boyce ordered her to serve life in prison for the murders of Tylee Ryan and Joshua "JJ" Vallow, her children, and Tammy Daybell, the former wife of her current husband, Chad Daybell.
At times, the call between Ryan and Daybell is interrupted and hard to hear due to background noise at the jail. But for the majority of the conversation, Daybell maintains she is "following Jesus" and "doing her job."
"There is higher knowledge for people who need to know it. People who don’t need to know it, don’t need to know it. It comes directly from Jesus to me. It doesn’t come from any other source. It comes from Jesus Christ directly to me," Daybell says.
Daybell stood by statements she made during her sentencing that nobody was murdered; rather, accidents, suicides and "fatal side effects of medications happened."
She blamed Tylee for the deaths, saying shortly after the family moved to Rexburg, her daughter was mad at her. Daybell insinuated that while Tylee was babysitting JJ at their apartment, she accidentally killed him and then took her own life.
"What if Tylee was holding JJ down and trying to get him not to scream and be loud in an apartment? What if she held him down too long and realized afterward what she had done?" Daybell said to Ryan. "When I came in on that scene and they were gone, I thought Tylee did it to get back at me. I thought it was all my fault. I thought she was mad at me, and that’s what happened."
Daybell told Ryan that once she found her dead children, she "ran out," and someone else did something with their bodies.
"I wasn't aware what happened to them after I left that scene," she said. "Their spirits were gone from their bodies. They were already in heaven."
Daybell's explanation does not match the timeline investigators laid out during her trial - that Tylee died first, on Sept. 9, 2019, two weeks before JJ was killed on Sept. 23, 2019. Their bodies were found buried on Chad Daybell's property in June 2020.
JJ was found wrapped in plastic and duct tape with a plastic bag taped over his head. Tylee's body had been cut up and burned before she was buried. Parts of her are still missing.
"She was brutally mistreated after her death. It wasn't even human. It's the most brutal thing I've ever heard in my life," Ryan told his mom.
She responded, "When I found my little precious babies, there was no bag. There was no duct tape. There was nothing like that. They were just gone. Anything that was done was after the fact - long after the fact."
After the children died, Daybell said JJ and Tylee visited her, presumably in spirit form, and Tylee "told me, 'I’m sorry, Mom, for being such a brat.'"
"The reason Tylee and JJ visited me right after that is to tell me it wasn’t my fault. I was blaming myself 100%," Daybell said. "I didn't want anyone to know what Tylee had done to JJ. I wanted to continue to protect Tylee as her mother who has been trying to protect her for her whole life."
Ryan told his mom he does not believe her claims, and she is "beyond deceived." Daybell responded that her case has been blown out of proportion and the "media flood" against her is from Lucifer.
The aquarium is home to 2,143 animals and 204 species. More than 100,000 annual visitors can touch and feed stingrays, giant river fish, saltwater fish, trout, iguanas and more.
East Idaho Aquarium Executive Director Arron Faires and marketing representative Ryan Joos share the aquarium’s story, respond to allegations of animal mistreatment from whistleblowers and PETA and describe significant steps the aquarium has taken to improve how it cares for its animals.
IDAHO FALLS -- It takes around 110 people to staff the Bonneville County Jail with employees booking, processing, feeding and taking care of inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The jail has 533 beds but around 70 more will be added later this year as the facility expands and becomes the second largest jail in the state of Idaho.
The Bonneville County Jail is home to the Wood Court project, a problem-solving court rehabilitation program, along with work release and work detailing programs.
We decided to take a closer look at what it takes to work as a deputy inside the jail. Watch the video in the player above.
IDAHO FALLS – When Charlene Goetz set out to find the brother she’s never met, she never imagined there’d be other siblings she didn’t know about. But that’s exactly what she’s discovered.
In August, the 53-year-old Wisconsin woman told EastIdahoNews.com about her “horrible” upbringing with Pansy Jones, who was involved in the murder of her 5-month-old sister in eastern Idaho 59 years ago. It happened years before Goetz was born and she was 8 when she first heard about it.
She paid a visit to Idaho Falls this summer after learning that her sister, Ellen May Jones, is buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery. During her visit, she met Shelley Ramey, the daughter of former Bonneville County Sheriff Lester Hopkins. He investigated Ellen’s death and visited her gravesite every year. Hopkins has since passed away, but Ramey has continued that tradition as an adult.
Goetz recently discovered her mom had a son while serving a prison sentence in Nebraska. She doesn’t know his name or what happened to him, but she spoke with us in hopes of finding him.
Several months after beginning the search, she still hasn’t found her brother. But through DNA testing, she’s discovered an additional 10 siblings.
She’s spent the last week connecting with some of them through social media and phone calls and is looking forward to meeting them in person soon.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Goetz tells EastIdahoNews.com. “I set out to find one brother and I’m having all these siblings pop into my life. I’ve found a family that I’ve never had.”
WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH GOETZ IN THE VIDEO ABOVE.
Fatboy Burgers, owned by Florida-native-turned-Idahoan Gary Dobson, has a simple but deliciously different menu consisting of three burger options, funnel cake fries, and local Idaho potato french fries.
We were lucky enough to get to try nearly the entire menu.
► Subscribe to our free newsletter: eastidahonews.com/newsletterA Broulims greeter who makes everyones day better gets surprised for Feel Good FridayEast Idaho News2024-10-04 | #feelgoodfriday #eastidahonews #kindness
EastIdahoNews.com is partnering with Ashley and Ashley Outlet of Idaho Falls to honor people in our community for Feel Good Friday. Every week, we surprise someone deserving of special recognition.
We have received several messages over the past few weeks about a man named Brian who works at Broulim's in Rigby. Here's one:
This gentleman sits in a chair just beside the second set of doors to Broulim's and greets EVERYONE! He not only greets us but does it with enthusiasm. It seems like he remembers us and tells us, “I’m so glad to see you both today!” He does this for every single person and you can’t help but smile when you walk into the store. If you call the store, they will know exactly who this gentleman is because he just stands out so much. He is exceptional.
Another email said:
I have never met Brian. While I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post about the man who works at the door at Broulim's and how happy he made the individual making the post. Then I started reading the comments and there are many about him singing, "You Are My Sunshine" and just sharing love and joy to the customers at Broulims. So many people spoke of his kindness. So Brian touched my heart and made me smile without me even having the opportunity to even personally experience his kindness. The ripple effect of his love is reaching those who don't even know him and I now plan to make a special trip to Rigby to meet my friend Brian in person to thank him for the joy he has brought to my heart.
We decided to go meet Brian and surprise him for Feel Good Friday. Check out his reaction in the video player above!
Let us know where you're watching from and if you have any questions.Its child trafficking! Former FLDS mother speaks out about her missing daughterEast Idaho News2024-10-04 | #eastidahonews #FLDS #missing
Elizabeth Roundy is speaking out about the disappearance of her teenage daughter Elintra Fischer.
Every week I’m interviewing interesting people in Idaho and around the world!
Chances are you’ve seen my guest on Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials over the past few years.
Kaleb is now 16 years old and has shared his inspiring story of courage with millions around the world.
Today I’m honored to be chatting with him! Here’s what I asked Kaleb:
Many of us have seen you in the Shriners commercials. Can you tell us about why you needed to go to Shriners? What are the doctors and staff like at Shriners Hospital? What are some things you like to do for fun? How do you stay positive and upbeat when you’re in pain and things are hard? Are you friends with any of the other kids or adults you met at Shriners? What is your favorite subject in school? Can you share a piece of advice with me? Watch my entire interview in the video player above and learn more about Shriners Hospitals for Children here.
Missed any of my previous interviews? Watch them all here. And if you have an idea of someone I should interview or just want to say hi, email me: emmy@eastidahonews.com.
RIRIE – Fly fishing on the South and Henrys Fork of the Snake River is a popular pastime for Troy Keller.
Though the Utah man owned a small lot about a mile from Mountain River Ranch in Ririe, he wanted something closer to the river bottoms. In 2021, he noticed the venue was for sale and ended up buying a portion of it.
Trent Tyler bought the RV park and campground portion and Keller bought the other half. It’s now a resort called Snake River Meadow that includes the old Meadow Muffin event center, the barn and rodeo arena, along with a ranch house and cottage the original owners, Tran and Annie King, used to live in.
Many people had fond memories of the Christmas dinner shows in the Meadow Muffin building, which Tyler resurrected in 2021. He rents the space from Keller during the Christmas season.
The rest of the year, Keller rents it out for weddings, corporate retreats, reunions and other occasions.
“People use it like a sandbox and do their own thing with it,” Keller tells EastIdahoNews.com.
Guests use the houses for lodging during these events.
On Oct. 12, Keller is holding a ribbon-cutting and open house for a brand new building on the south side of the Meadow Muffin building with six hotel-style cabins. The community is invited to attend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shocking video showing the killing of a Kentucky judge in his chambers was played Tuesday at the preliminary hearing for the former sheriff accused of his murder.
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, who officially resigned Monday as sheriff of Letcher County, appeared in court in a jail uniform and handcuffs as prosecutors presented their evidence in the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins.
Judge Rupert Wilhoit found probable cause to refer the first-degree murder charge to a grand jury. Defense attorneys did not deny that Stines shot Mullins, 54, last month, but suggested Stines was experiencing an “extreme emotional disturbance” at the time of the shooting.
“I think they’ve established probable cause for manslaughter first, but not murder,” defense attorney Jeremy Bartley told the judge.
Stines entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder at his arraignment last week.
A clip of surveillance video from the judge’s chambers – which has no audio – appears to show Mullins crouching behind his desk as Stines shoots him multiple times. As Stines prepares to walk out of the room, Stines appears to see Mullins moving again under his desk and fires several more shots.
As the video played, Stines turned his head away from the screen and then lowered his eyes. Several people in the gallery on the prosecution side of the courtroom could be heard sobbing and moaning.
The video only played in court for 20 seconds, but the Kentucky State Police said the full recording of their interaction, which wasn’t shown, was much longer.
Stines and Mullins had eaten lunch with a group at a restaurant prior to the shooting, and no witnesses observed any anger in their conversation, according to Kentucky State Police Det. Clayton Stamper, the only witness who testified at the hearing. But Stamper said witnesses at the lunch told police about one notable exchange.
“I was told that the judge made a statement to Mickey about, ‘Do we need to meet private in my chambers?’” said Stamper.
The prosecution did not present a motive in the shooting, but the detective affirmed Stines was seen in a section of the surveillance video not played in court calling his daughter on his own phone, and then asking to see Mullins’ phone, and the judge complied.
The full video shows Stines stood up and began shooting only seconds after looking at the judge’s phone, the detective testified.
“I was told that Sheriff Stines had tried to call his daughter, and he had tried to call his daughter from the judge’s phone also,” said Stamper, who confirmed that phone records showed that the cell phone of Stines’ daughter had previously been called from the judge’s phone.
Stines surrendered himself to law enforcement immediately after the shooting, according to Stamper, and made a confusing statement.
“When he was taken into custody, I was told by one of the other officers there that he made the comment, ‘They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid,’” he said.
Stamper said Stines was “mostly calm” by the time he arrived at the shooting scene. “Basically, all he said was, ‘Treat me fair,’” Stamper said.
Tuesday’s hearing took place in West Liberty, Kentucky, nearly 100 miles from the Letcher County Courthouse where Mullins was killed.
The state appointed a special judge to preside over the case since Mullins normally would preside over preliminary hearings for crimes allegedly committed in Letcher County.
The hearing came one day after Stines formally resigned his position as sheriff, according to a letter from his attorneys obtained by CNN affiliate WKYT.
“Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him,” Bartley, the defense attorney, wrote.
Wilhoit informed Stines at his arraignment last week that he could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder.NEW: Dylan Rounds investigation records to be released todayEast Idaho News2024-10-01 | #dylanrounds #eastidahonews #investigation
The Dylan Rounds investigation records will be released today - Oct. 1. Nate Eaton spoke with Candice Cooley, Dylan's mom, this morning about why she wants people to read them. Here's the conversation. We will post the link later today once the records have been released.
Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit, partnered with Construction Solutions Company and Home Depot to build a she shed for Sage Webb of Firth. It’s 12 by 16 and shaped like a mini house.
“A she shed is similar to a man cave, a place that she can go,” said Julie Thomas, the regional director for Make-A-Wish in Idaho. “I’m honored that families will allow us to step into their lives. They’re going through something pretty serious. So to open the doors and let us in and help their child determine their most heartfelt wish is an honor and a privilege.”
The she shed will act as a therapy studio at home for Sage and as a comfortable place to go as a family.
She is nonverbal and does not walk.
“When she was four months old, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and then progressively, she was diagnosed with a brain disorder called periventricular nodular heterotopia or PVNH,” said Catherine Webb, Sage’s mother.
Catherine said it wasn’t until Sage was about a year and a half that she and her husband Brandon found out Sage had a disorder called Aicardi syndrome.
“That is basically the root cause of everything else that is going on with her. It causes uncontrollable seizures, developmental delay and all sorts of health issues. She has five to 10 seizures a day,” Catherine said. “The life expectancy of it is pretty low and so we are happy to have her as long as we possibly can.”
Sage’s older sister, Clover, 5, loves her and helps her on a daily basis. During the interview with EastIdahoNews.com, Clover held hands with Sage and smiled at her. The two were wearing matching pink outfits and bows in their hair.
Catherine said it has been a huge blessing to be able to have an amazing crew come and take the time to gift them the shed.
“We honestly never thought we’d be able to have this extra space for therapy at home,” she said.
Kelsey Huston with Construction Solutions Company said the shed has a loft at the top where the family can store items or where Clover can play and hang out.
“It’s already drywalled and insulated. We’re going to paint it. It’s going to have flooring. It has electrical ran to it, so they’ll be able to plug stuff in it. It has lights,” Huston said.
Huston added that she loves being a part of helping make wishes come true.
“This is probably our fourth or fifth Make-A-Wish project that Construction Solutions has done. We love it. It’s the best work we do,” she said.
Crews volunteered hours to finish the project, which took over three days. Other companies that helped with the project include Nava’s Drywall, S&S Electric, Mountain West Rentals, and B’s Portable Toilets.
Make-A-Wish just wrapped up its fiscal year and granted 140 wishes in the state of Idaho, which is record-breaking, according to Thomas. The year before, 127 wishes were granted.
Thomas knows more children are eligible for a wish.
“If anybody has questions about Make-A-Wish, like if their child would be eligible or a company that wants to get involved, they should reach out to me,” Thomas said.
► Subscribe to our free newsletter: eastidahonews.com/newsletterMan swears at judge after being charged with meth trafficking amid search for “suspicious devices”East Idaho News2024-09-30 | REXBURG — A 53-year-old man was arrested after police say they found methamphetamine in his car while searching it for suspicious devices. He later yelled profanities at a judge after learning about the allegations.
Abel Oliveras is charged with felony trafficking methamphetamine. He is accused in another case of felony bringing major contraband into a correctional facility.
► Subscribe to our free newsletter: eastidahonews.com/newsletterHave you received a gift from Secret Santa? We want to hear from you.East Idaho News2024-09-30 | #eastidahonews #secretsanta #christmas
The East Idaho News elves are gearing up to help an anonymous Secret Santa surprise deserving people in our community this Christmas season.
This will be the 10th year Secret Santa and EastIdahoNews.com have partnered to spread holiday cheer with surprises watched by millions of people around the world.
We want to look back and post updates on some of the hundreds of recipients who have received gifts over the past decade. If you received a gift from Secret Santa and want to participate, here’s what we ask:
Record a 1-2 minute video stating your name, where you live, what year Secret Santa surprised you and the gift you received.
Share a little about your situation at the time you received your gift and tell us how the gift changed your life.
If you want, share a message directly for Secret Santa and add anything else you want to include.
Email your video to neaton@eastidahonews.com. by Oct. 15. You can also send it via messenger to the East Idaho News Facebook page or upload your video to YouTube and send us the link. The sooner the better!
Different videos will be posted on EastIdahoNews.com beginning in November.
We are excited to hear from you as Secret Santa continues his tradition of giving in eastern Idaho!The drive from Chad Daybells house to the Salem ChurchEast Idaho News2024-09-30 | #eastidahonews #daybell #investigation
Nate Eaton shows the distance from Chad Daybell's home to the Salem Church - the church where Alex Cox's device pinged on the night Tammy Daybell died.
BOISE – A large-scale Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has resulted in the federal indictments of ten Magic Valley defendants on drug trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced this week. An additional ten defendants have been charged in Idaho state courts for their actions connected to the conspiracy.
“This investigation is the result of outstanding partnerships and teamwork between local law enforcement in the Magic Valley, the Idaho State Police, and the DEA,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “I am grateful for the trust they have placed in my office to work hand-in-hand with them to keep their communities safe.”
According to the indictments, the defendants possessed and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Magic Valley area. During these investigations and arrests, federal and state law enforcement officers seized over 30 pounds of methamphetamine.
According to court records, it is alleged that several of these individuals traveled to Arizona and California to obtain methamphetamine that they brought back to Idaho for distribution.
As part of this OCDETF investigation, the following individuals have been charged with federal drug violations:
• Oscar Alejandro Perez-Gomez, 32, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Patrick Delacruz, 40, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Leonardo Espinoza-Romero, 31, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Daniel D. Thomas, 47, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine;
• Artemio Morgan Hurtado, Jr., 34, of Shoshone, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and the use of a communication facility to commit or facilitate a felony;
• Luis Enrique Gonzalez, 40, of Jerome, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Jesus Arturo Torres-Herrera, 36, of Twin Falls, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Raquel May, 28, of Twin Falls was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Robert Troglia, 52, of Jerome, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
• Liliana Morales-Caliz, 34, of Jerome, was indicted for four counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
The investigation also included nine other defendants who were charged in state prosecutions for possession of controlled substances, trafficking in methamphetamine, and other crimes.
Federal drug distribution charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences depending on the amount and type of drugs distributed. Maximum prison sentences range from up to 20 years to life in federal prison.
“DEA stands with our partners in the Idaho State Police and law enforcement around the state to stop criminals and hold them accountable,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The Magic Valley is safer today because of our cooperative efforts.”
“We are proud the State of Idaho works so well with our federal partners to protect the public,” said Governor Brad Little. “The goal of our Operation Esto Perpetua initiative is to equip law enforcement with the training and tools they need to keep Idaho safe. Today’s announcement about the federal indictment of drug traffickers demonstrates what Idaho is doing is working.”
“The successful investigation and prosecution of this case was the result of relentless dedication, collaboration, and teamwork,” said Colonel Bill Gardiner, Director of ISP. “By working with numerous local jurisdictions and federal agencies, resources were leveraged, intelligence was shared, and criminals were brought to justice. These unified efforts are crucial to ongoing efforts to keep communities safe from the devastating impacts of drug trafficking and should give residents a sense of security and protection.”
The cases were primarily investigated by the Idaho State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration.The Great Bambino has been serving up pizza, pasta, and popular bambinos for over four decadesEast Idaho News2024-09-28 | #eastidahonews #eastidahoeats #italian
RIGBY -- The Great Bambino has been serving up Italian food for decades and the variety, fresh ingredients and signature bambinos keep customers coming back.
Luis and Dalila Valdez are co-owners of the restaurant, which has been in different buildings in the Rigby area over the past 40 years. It's currently located at 205 Stockham Boulevard.
The most popular item on the menu are the bambinos - fried dough pockets filled with sauce, cheese and toppings. Options include pepperoni, chicken ranch, cheese, BBQ pork, meatball, Aloha, veggie, shrimp and fire. The classic bambino is the #1 seller. It's stuffed full of Canadian bacon and pepperoni.
Personal pizzas, calzones, and salads are also popular. You can also try pasta in a variety of flavors with fresh-baked breadsticks on the side.
Customers rave about The Great Bambino French fries and you can order a combo meal that includes the crispy side with a bambino and drink.
Before you leave the restaurant, a scoop of ice cream with a dessert bambino - raspberry or apple - hits the spot.
The Great Bambino is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Catering is also offered across eastern Idaho.
Watch our video in the player above to learn more about The Great Bambino!
EastIdahoNews.com is partnering with Ashley and Ashley Outlet of Idaho Falls to honor people in our community for Feel Good Friday. Every week, we surprise someone deserving of special recognition.
We recently received a call from a woman named Joyce. Every day, a volunteer from Meals on Wheels stops by her Sugar City home with a warm meal.
A few weeks ago, Joyce fell late at night and could not get up. She waited for hours in hopes that someone would find her.
Around 11 hours later, Meals on Wheels volunteer Trevor stopped by and was able to help Joyce off the floor to a safe place.
Joyce asked if we could track Trevor down and thank him for Feel Good Friday. That's exactly what we did! Watch in the video player above.
Senior District Judge Stephen Dunn sentenced Jessica Lawson to a minimum of two years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. She will also be required to register as a sex offender and attend sex offender treatment in prison, and when she is released on parole.
Dunn also ordered a no-contact order for the victim for 20 years.
► Subscribe to our free newsletter: eastidahonews.com/newsletterLIVE | Brian Kohberger appears in Ada County courtroom for the first timeEast Idaho News2024-09-26 | Brian Kohberger has his first court appearance in Ada County. A status conference is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.KLIM President Paul Hepworth answers 7 Questions with EmmyEast Idaho News2024-09-26 | Every week I’m interviewing interesting people in Idaho and around the world!
Paul Hepworth is the President of KLIM, a global leader in designing, developing and manufacturing riding gear, motor sports and other apparel for people around the world. KLIM is based right here in eastern Idaho and has grown over dramatically over the years.
I visited with Paul at KLIM headquarters and asked him the following questions:
Where did the idea for KLIM come from and how long have you been around? How do you come up with the designs and styles for all your different coats and clothes? How many people work for KLIM and what type of jobs do they do? Where do you foresee KLIM in five years? What makes KLIM clothing different than the others? What’s one of the main things you’ve learned working for KLIM? KLIM is known for really warm coats but do you sell other types of clothing too? Watch my entire interview with Paul in the video player above and learn more about KLIM here.
For the first time, Rexburg Police Detective Chuck Kunsaitis and Detective Eric Wheeler are speaking about their involvement in the Daybell investigation. They sat down with Nate Eaton for an interview that lasted nearly an hour.
In this preview clip, the detectives share information with Nate about Chad showing Lori blueprints for their life together in a mobile home.
Watch the entire interview on Thursday at 7 p.m. MDT on Courtroom Insider.Art, finger board and Brians bedroom are part of the experience at Cannon Skate ShopEast Idaho News2024-09-26 | #eastidahonews #skateboarding #skater
IDAHO FALLS – Tyler Cannon is a longtime skateboarder and skate shop associate, but the idea of opening his own skate shop was never something he wanted.
“Only idiots open skate shops,” Cannon tells EastIdahoNews.com. “The only reason you do it is because it’s a passion project and you want to be a part of and give back to the skating community.”
The revitalization of downtown Idaho Falls is something he’s kept a close eye on over the years, and being a part of it has been a dream for a while. When a space became available at 357 A Street, he couldn’t resist.
To get in, he turned to what he knew best.
“We walked by this store and it just yelled at us, ‘This would be the perfect place for a skate shop,'” Cannon says.
Cannon Skate Shop opened on August 24. It sells skateboards and Stance apparel, a popular brand of clothing for athletes, models, designers and celebrities.
The shop’s name has a double meaning. Not only is it the owner’s last name, it’s also a reference to a military cannon because of his family’s support and service in the military. There are several military items used in the shop’s decor and the checkout counter is made from an old skateboarding ramp.
The store also has artwork on display from well-known artist and photographer Mark Oblow, a German-imported finger board ramp designed for finger skateboarding (it’s a real thing!) and a storytelling feature called “Brian’s Bedroom.” Take a look in the video above.
PRESTON - A resort and gun range in the foothills near Preston is Doug Day's pride and joy.
Day Mountain Ranch Resort, at 77 South Spring Creek Road, sits on 2,355 acres about 10 miles east of town and includes six cabins, four gun ranges offering year-round shooting and instruction with pavilion-covered seating and an overhead heater, along with hundreds of trails for horseback, backpacking and hiking trips. EastIdahoNews.com took a tour, which you can watch in the video above.