Idaho
Idaho agriculture department plans second quagga mussel treatment in Snake River in November • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is planning a second round of treatment in the Snake River in November to target invasive quagga mussels.
This second round of treatment comes just one month after the department treated 8.5 miles of the river between Oct. 8-19 with Natrix, a copper-based pesticide registered by the Environmental Protection Agency used to kill invasive aquatic species.
The treatments are a part of an effort to eradicate quagga mussels that were first discovered in the Snake River in September 2023, and again on Sept. 24 this year, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.
Idaho officials are finding fewer invasive quagga mussels – and dead fish – in Snake River
Officials have said the invasive mussels pose a major threat to Idaho as they can spread and clog pipes that deliver water for drinking, energy, agriculture and recreation. The mussels are a highly competitive species that can also disrupt fish populations and wildlife habitat.
The second round of this year’s Natrix treatment is focused on eradicating the mussels in still water and deep pool sections of the river. Exact dates for the November treatment will be determined at a later time, according to a press release from the department.
The copper levels are dissolving as anticipated, and the river is expected to return to normal levels by early November, the department said in the release.
The current river access closure from Hansen Bridge to Yingst Grade will remain in place until further notice.
What did this year’s treatment plan look like?
On Oct. 8, Idaho State Department of Agriculture staff and partners applied Natrix to the river at a rate of one part per million copper concentration for a total of 200 consecutive hours, according to the release from the department.
This year’s treatment area was extended up-river, just downriver of Hansen Bridge to Centennial Waterfront Park. The dissipation area of the treatment is from Hansen Bridge to the Kanaka Rapids.
The copper concentration applied to the river is the maximum rate provided for on the product label to kill mussels, while it is also below the drinking water standard for humans.
Department staff and partners monitored copper levels at 51 sampling sites in the river throughout the dissipation area 24 hours a day for the entirety of the treatment. Deep pools, waterfalls and hydropower facilities caused challenges for the treatment.
Staff also monitored for mussel presence in water entering the river from irrigation returns and spring systems through traditional mussel sampling, as well as eDNA. This included extensive sampling upriver above the treatment area.
The river experienced color and clarity changes from the impact the copper levels had on organic matter, algae and aquatic plants in the river.
The department reported limited fish mortality. Sentinel species, including non-native Asian clams, were planted in strategic locations throughout the treatment to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The department continues to evaluate the impact of the treatment to the sentinel species.
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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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