Idaho
First Responders remind drivers of Idaho Codes that could land them in jail
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — This week is “Crash Responder Safety Week” which highlights the critical need for drivers to be alert when passing first responders and law enforcement on the road. KMVT spoke with local first responders about the issues they’ve seen when on scene of an incident.
“Most of what I see is people passing by– they’re trying to record,” says Corporal Michael Guest.
You may remember back in 2022 an Idaho State Police Trooper, Michael Wendler was struck by a distracted driver on I-84 while responding to a vehicle fire in Jerome County.
“The motorist was on her phone when he was trying to direct traffic,” says Guest.
Wendler suffered critical injuries and even lost part of his memory. By 2023 he was medically retired from the ISP. However, incidents like this are why “Crash Responder Safety Week” is so important.
“We would definitely recommend drivers to keep their attention to the roadway and driving and not be concerned with recording an accident while driving,” says Twin Falls Fire Department Station 2′s Battalion Chief, Corey Beam.
First responders have been urging drivers to follow the law. Specifically, Idaho Code 49-624, which states that drivers are required slow down and move over when approaching a stationary vehicle.
“The proper thing to do is pull to the right, as its safe, pull to right and get out of the way,” says Manager of the Magic Valley Paramedics, Stan Flint.
According to Flint, first responders usually have back-up support to avoid rescuers from getting injured by distracted drivers. Including the Jerome Sheriff’s Office.
“A lot of times there are troopers that will actually stop at my scene and specifically watch for that,” says Guest.
At the Twin Falls Fire Department, they’re trained to be prepared for possible accidents when responding to an incident on the roads or highways.
“Guys and gals who are trained to drive our engines, often they will park those fire engines in a way that protects the scene, so if someone were to crash into a scene, they will crash into the truck before they crash into our responders,” says Beam.
The consequence for not slowing down or moving over for stationary vehicles is a citation and a $90 fine. If any first responders are injured, you could face jail time.
“In response to what happened to Wendler, they since passed an aggravated reckless driving law that makes it a felony for anybody that causes severe injuries,” says Guest.
Copyright 2024 KMVT. All rights reserved.
REXBURG, Idaho — In 2030, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will commemorate the bicentennial of the organization of the Church. It will also commemorate the beginning of the Savior’s mortal ministry 2,000 years ago.
“This convergence will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” noted Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in October 2024 general conference, “These events will result in extraordinary opportunities to serve, to unite with members and friends and to introduce The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to more people than ever before.”
To thousands of BYU–Idaho students gathered in the I–Center auditorium on Sunday, June 14, Elder Caussé issued a simple invitation: “Be prepared.”
To read the full story, visit TheChurchNews.com.
James “Jim” Franklin Arehart, 91, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away June 12, 2026, at Turtle and Crane Assisted Living Center.
Jim was born June 11, 1935, in Coltman, Idaho, to Joseph Howard Arehart and Lena Idoma Hunsaker. He married Afton Wilson on May 28, 1953, in Montana.
Jim worked for the City of Idaho Falls in the Streets and Sanitation Department, where he served as a foreman. He lived most of his adult life in Idaho Falls and Roberts, Idaho.
Jim enjoyed stock car racing, bronc riding, and boxing with the Pal Club. He was also a horse trainer and loved cutter and flat track racing. He loved, loved, loved hunting and spending time with his family. He coached baseball and enjoyed being involved in the lives of others through sports and community activities.
He is survived by his children: Roxie Anne Steele (Gordon) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Tony Jim Arehart (Kim) of Meridian, Idaho; Byron Todd Arehart (Scott) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Timothy Joe Arehart (Karlene) of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Afton Arehart, and 16 brothers and sisters.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Grant Central Cemetery, 154 N 3300 E, Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends prior to the graveside from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West main Street, Rigby, Idaho.
IDAHO FALLS — Temperatures in the 80s and dry conditions are in store for east Idaho this week.
That’s the outlook from the National Weather Service in Pocatello. Meteorologist Dan Valle tells EastIdahoNews.com daytime temperatures will be in the 80s most of the week.
“There is a couple days where it’s warmer — we’ll probably hit 90 (degrees),” Valle says. “Those days will be Tuesday, and we’ll come close on Friday.”
No rain or thunderstorms are expected as of Sunday afternoon.
Valle says Monday is one of the rare occasions when there will be no wind, but it will pick up again on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the Pocatello area, wind speeds will approach advisory levels, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph.
“Down towards Burley, it could be a little stronger in the 40 to 50 mph range,” he says.
Breezy conditions will continue on Thursday and Friday.
For the latest weather conditions and a complete seven-day forecast in your community, click here.
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