Idaho
One-of-a-kind NASA jet donated to Idaho State University – East Idaho News
The DC-8 was the first and largest flying science laboratory for 37 years. | Logan Ramsey, EastIdahoNews.com
POCATELLO — The engines of a historic research jet roared as it flew low toward its new home.
On Wednesday, this DC-8 jet, which belonged to NASA and served as the first and largest flying science laboratory for 37 years, landed at the ISU Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program Hangar. Now, ISU students will get the opportunity to prepare for their field by training on this aircraft.
“This aircraft has served as a premier flying science lab, contributing to groundbreaking research, and now it embarks on a new journey here at Idaho State University that will significantly impact our students and their futures,” said ISU President Robert Wagner.
While many people think of rockets when they think of NASA, the organization’s research extends below the stars. For nearly four decades, the DC-8 assisted scientists in their research by gathering useful data.
“I’ve been part of missions where we do air-quality research, so we’re flying low over big cities like New York and Chicago to get air quality data,” said Kirsten Boogaard, the DC-8 deputy project manager of four years, in an interview with EastIdahoNews.com.
NASA also runs the Student Airborne Research Program, where students would come onboard the DC-8 and learn how to conduct scientific research.
“We always have grad students that are doing research real-time for their papers, their dissertations, real-time work on the aircraft,” Boogaard said.
Taylor McWane, product support manager at the Logistics Management Division Headquarters of NASA, said that it was a difficult decision to twilight the aircraft that had served NASA for so long.
“You have to analyze the budget and make the determination of, ‘Does NASA have the resources to keep this older platform up and running for the next several years?’ And oftentimes, you have to make that difficult call and say no,” McWane said.
So how did this research plane ended up in the hands of an Idaho university?
Receiving this donation, the largest ever made from the federal government to the state, was spearheaded Ed Foster, a clinical instructor and coordinator with the College of Technology.
“His hard work and commitment have been instrumental in making this day possible, and we are incredibly grateful for his efforts,” Wagner said.
Wagner also offered thanks to Alan Evans — an ISU alumnus and the Pocatello Regional Airport manager — as well as the airport’s whole staff.
Dean Jerry Anhorn of the College of Technology first became familiar with the prospect of receiving the jet when he got an email from Foster.
“Hey, suppose we could get this jet?” Anhorn said that the email read. “And it’s sitting here today.”
But Foster’s work began many months before that, when he found out that Idaho was selected by the federal government to receive the jet. To do this, Foster and Evans had to coordinate to make sure they would have the space to hold it.
ISU was the only entity in Idaho to apply to receive the donation, Foster said, so if they hadn’t been able to take it, the DC-8 would’ve gone to a different state.
Anhorn said that the College of Technology prides itself on a hands-on approach to education, so receiving this aircraft was a pivotal moment.
“This is more than just a learning enhancement. It is the preparation for real-world challenges. The DC-8 will serve as an integral part of our curriculum, where students will conduct actual maintenance and repair tasks,” Anhorn said.
Foster is excited that his students will have the opportunity to train on the DC-8.
“It’s actually rare for programs like ours across the country to have one because most people still want to use these aircraft, so we’re very fortunate and excited about that,” Foster said.
Boogaard said that throughout its use, the DC-8 has benefited education, and she’s happy to see it continue to serve students.
“Now it (will) continue that for future generations on the aircraft maintenance side, and I think that that’s really a beautiful thing,” Boogaard told EastIdahoNews.com.
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The Idaho Transportation Department has quite a few large projects happening around the state. One of those is the replacement of the I84 interchange to Burley and Heyburn. The work began in 2024, and a new step in the progress begins this week.
There will be a number of bridge and ramp closures that will affect traffic on Interstate 84 this week while crews work. The closures will also impact access and traffic on State Highway 24, Centennial Drive, Highway 30, and State Highway 25 in the area.
Part of I84 Will Close This Week in Southern Idaho For Bridge and Ramp Work
The Idaho Transportation Department shared an update and the details of the closures today on social media. Drivers should be cautious and pay attention to signs regarding traffic changes during the closures, which are expected to last through Friday, May 15th.
Beginning on Monday evening, at 6 PM, crews closed Interstate 84 at exit 211 to work on the new bridge. Traffic in the area should use exit 211 to bypass the closure. Work should be finished by 7 AM on Tuesday, but it could still affect the morning drive for some travelers.
READ ALSO: 5 Injured in Southern Idaho Head-on Collision
On Tuesday, the Exit 211 on and off ramps will close intermittently while crews repave SH24. Centennial Drive will also close at some point during this work. The ramps will alternate closures for 6 to 8 hours, and work is expected to continue through Friday. The social media post shares suggestions on alternate routes for drivers during the closures.
Lane reductions are expected to last through June on State Highway 24. Details on the project can be found on the ITD website.
36 of the Worst Idaho License Plate Rejections From 2025
We have to admit that we don’t understand all of these, but the ones that we do really make us question why someone would want these on their car. This isn’t even all of them – we were sent 28 pages with 25 to 30 submissions on each page of rejected personalized plates from 2025.
Gallery Credit: Credit N8 Bird
There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.
Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.
Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.
Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.
Idaho Costcos
Where to find Costcos in Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!
Look at those chicken tenders:
Costco Foodcourt’s New Item
It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts
Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?
Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM
You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people. The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams. Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.” One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school. His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus. Some of our early leaders were devout Christians. Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service. They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.
They Mock Good People of Other Faiths
I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention. Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke. She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!” Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people? Or would God prefer a gentler approach? For instance, you could pray for conversions.
Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?
Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument. “We’re all going to be judged,” she said. What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates. A group of liberal women demonstrated outside. I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational. They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event. If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered. Let me add a caveat. Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple. I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people. Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.
Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists. Do we need to draw them some pictures?
Brad Little Through The Years
Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller
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