Sticks out 4 Carter: Local hockey fans honor youth player Carter Barnes

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Local Hockey enthusiasts and the Idaho Falls Spud Kings are expressing their condolences to the family of a youth hockey player who died in a tragic car accident over the weekend.

Carter Barnes skated into the world of the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association at the age of 5, where he not only played the game he loved but later stepped up as a youth hockey referee,” according to his official obituary.

Carter passed away at the age of 17 on April 12, 2025.

The Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association posted on Facebook honoring Carter and calling him “more than a teammate–he was a remarkable young man who brought kindness, grit, and positivity to every rink he stepped on. His loss is deeply felt, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, coaches, and teammates.”

Hockey fans and players across the region have joined an online movement, #sticksout4carter, placing their hockey sticks outside their doors to honor Carter and express their condolences for the Barnes family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Carter’s family and the entire local youth hockey community during this incredibly difficult time,” wrote the Idaho Falls Spud Kings and Mountain America Center in a post on Facebook.

“We at Snake River Youth Hockey Association would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Barnes family,” wrote the group on Facebook. “Carter was not a member of our Yeti family, and we didn’t know him personally, but many of our players and coaches did! Today, we honor Carter by placing our sticks out for him!”

The young hockey player is survived by his loving parents, siblings, and stepsiblings. For more information on Carter or how to support the Barnes family, click HERE for the obituary information.

Crown Linen’s processing plant in Audrain County to close next week

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Crown Linen will close its processing plant in Mexico, Missouri, on Friday, April 25, according to a press release from the company.

The company has been at the facility since 1904. The release says that a fire that destroyed two buildings last May and a decision was made to transition from a full processing center to a depot after looking at bids to rebuild.

The release says 50 employees work at the Mexico plant and that sales, service, administration and distribution operations will stay in Mexico. A total of 31 jobs will be impacted. All other operations will be moved to Crown’s location in Columbia, Illinois, the release says. The release says customers will not experience any changes to their service or product.

The release says that costs were high to maintain and rebuild the old buildings, “which no longer meet the operational efficiency or safety standards required for a commercial laundry service in today’s market.”

“This decision was not an easy one. We explored multiple options and sought assistance from local and state resources to facilitate the rebuilding and continued operation of our historic location. While we are disappointed to end our 134-year tradition in Mexico, we are grateful that Crown Linen will continue to serve as a premier commercial laundry service in the region,” owner Tim Williams said in the release.

The release says that impacted employees “will receive retention offers based on seniority, and all employee benefits will remain in place until at least May 31, 2025.”

CLSI MC1 Press Release 2025Download

Portneuf District Library to host annual accessible Easter egg hunt on Saturday

Sam Ross

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) – The Portneuf District Library is hosting their 10th annual ‘EggCessible Easter Egg Hunt’ for people with special needs and their families on Saturday, April 19.

The Easter event will have hunts throughout the day specially designed to be sensory friendly, wheelchair accessible, and catered to people with visual impairments.

“Children need to feel included and seen regardless of their circumstances,” said Amanda Bowden, children’s librarian at the Portneuf District Library. “This gives those children who may not be able to participate in a traditional Easter egg hunt with lots of candy, lots of chaos, the opportunity to participate in a community event that really just caters to their strengths and their abilities.”

The annual EggCessible Easter Egg Hunt is organized by the library in partnership with local business and disabilities organizations including A New Hope, Life Inc., Idaho Power, and Idaho Central Credit Union, among others.

The event is free, but tickets are required––tickets are available at Portneuf District Library.

The EggCessible Easter Egg Hunt will start at 11am at Stuart Park (across the street from the Portneuf District Library) in Chubbuck on Saturday, April 19.

How to survive spring allergies, according to a local allergist

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Warmer weather means spring allergy season is around the corner in East Idaho, and it may be time for allergy sufferers to start taking precautions.

Dr. David Parry, allergist and immunologist at Pocatello Allergy and Asthma Clinic, said spring pollen may start hitting the air soon, and, when coupled with mold left over from winter, it could be time to start thinking about dosing up on antihistamines.

“We do want to be outdoors, so it’s a matter of trying to manage that because we just don’t want to stay inside,” said Dr. Parry. “If people haven’t started taking their over-the-counter antihistamines, the longer lasting ones… all of those are available over the counter now and can be very effective for many patients. When symptoms are more severe, that’s when it’s time to talk to a doctor or medical person and get some additional help.”

In the spring, tree pollen is the most common allergen that hits the airwaves, before grass and weeds take over in the summer and fall.

Dr. Parry said sensitive groups, including people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory illnesses, should start treating allergies early to avoid triggering other infections.

For more information, you can visit the Pocatello Allergy and Asthma Clinic website.

Traffic Alert: South Capital Avenue detour for water tower project

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Contractors continue to make significant progress on the new Idaho Falls water tower, and work will soon begin to connect the tower to the water supply system.

Beginning Wednesday, April 16, JM Concrete will install the water main in South Capital Avenue. This will result in a detour of South Capital at Cliff Street and the west entrance of the Idaho Falls Public Library. It’s anticipated that the detour will last approximately four weeks. 

During the construction, drivers will need to seek alternative routes. However, access to the Idaho Falls Public Library and nearby Idaho Falls Power will remain open.

In the coming weeks, when construction progresses, water line work must also be completed in the Idaho Falls Power parking lot off South Capital. Temporary customer parking will be clearly signed in the already designated city-owned public parking in the adjacent Key Bank parking lot. 

Please reduce speeds, obey posted traffic control signage, and watch for construction crews throughout the work zone.

Man pleads guilty to stabbing woman in 2023

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a pair of felonies in Montgomery County.

David Glispie Jr. pleaded guilty to first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Glispie pleaded guilty to stabbing the victim 14 times in 2023, according to court documents from previous reporting. A trail of blood was seen coming from the victim’s apartment.

Witnesses allegedly told deputies they saw Glispie check on the victim while they were on the ground and then “gleefully shouting and cheering that the victim was dead,” the statement says.

Law enforcement found Glipsie after a roughly eight-hour search in Montgomery County.  

BLM’s Priest Hole Recreation Site on the John Day River reopens with 14 new campsites, other upgrades

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management said Monday it is reopening the Priest Hole Recreation Site on the John Day River. Following major renovations, BLM managers invite everyone back to enjoy the site’s improvements.

“We are excited to welcome the public back to the Priest Hole Recreation Site,” said Stephanie Mckinney, the BLM’s Acting Central Oregon Field Manager. “Thanks to our partnership with Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District, these improvements will enhance the visitor experience and support local wildlife, contributing to sustainable recreation in this beautiful area.”

The renovation, led by the Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District, includes the addition of 14 new campsites; two group day use areas; and improved access with necessary amenities, including signs, fire rings, picnic tables and an additional vault toilet.

Additionally, the project has enhanced fish and wildlife habitats through the planting and irrigation of vegetation across 45 acres.

The BLM, Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board came together to make this project a reality, while local organization volunteers from the Oregon Hunters Association played essential roles in improving the landscape and restoring habitat.

The BLM invites visitors to enjoy new campsites, revitalized habitats, and the beauty of the John Day River.

For questions regarding the reopening, contact the Prineville District Office at 541-416-7600.

For information about recreation opportunities at the Priest Hole Recreation Site and other BLM-managed public lands, please visit: Priest Hole Recreation Site | Bureau of Land Management

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Man accused of exposing himself at Douglass High School charged with misdemeanor

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man has been charged with a misdemeanor after he allegedly exposed himself while he was in front of Douglass High School on Thursday.

Mark Dennis Jones, 64, was charged with first-degree sexual misconduct. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A hearing was held on Monday afternoon.

According to court documents, a member of the high school’s administration told police that Jones exposed himself in front of a student and their mother while he was urinating in front of them. Court documents say video footage showed the victims in a vehicle in the school’s parking lot about two minutes before Jones began urinating in front of the vehicle.

The administrator allegedly told police they recognized Jones because he “frequents the grounds of the school and observes Jones on school property ‘at least once a day,’” court documents say.

The student – who is a youth – allegedly told police they saw Jones urinate on school property and then continue to walk south while urinating, the statement says. The mother gave the same details to police.

Police allegedly asked Jones why didn’t ask the school to use a restroom and he replied that he did ask, the statement says. Police then asked why he didn’t use the bathroom at Douglass Park and Jones replied that he did not know, the statement says.

SJSD School Board holds reorganization meeting, Prop 2 follow up

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization work session on Monday.

The Board honored Isaura Garcia and welcomed incumbent, Kim Miller and new Board member Jennifer Kerns.

After four rounds of voting, LaTonya Williams was re-elected as Board president.

Ronda Chesney was elected as Board vice president, taking over from Mike Moore.

“I’ve know Ronda for years and we already work together really, really well,” said Board president, LaTonya Williams. “In our jobs, outside of the School Board. So, I know that we will also work really well in the School Board.”

The board also saw the departure of member, Rick Gehring.

“As a member of the board, it is hard to take the beating every single day for years. It is exhausting and it’s easy to say, ‘It’s what you signed up for,” No. It is not what we signed up for, you know?” Williams said. “I don’t blame Rick at all, as a matter of fact, all of us do. It’s no anger or animosity. He was my friend prior to getting on the board, and he is still my friend.”

The board will move to appoint a replacement for Gehring’s position until the April 2026 election.

The work session also saw a wide demographic throughout the audience, with a majority of the audience being kids.

“There were lots of students in the audience, and there were not only angry students … As a matter of fact, there wasn’t any angry students, it was just interested students,” said Williams. “They were asking us (the board) lots of questions afterwards, and we encouraged that. I mean, I want the kids involved. It’s what we do it for.”

The next BOE meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28 at the Troester Media Center, located at 3401 Renick St.

Crash proves fatal for St. Joseph woman

Jess DeHaven

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A St. Joseph woman is dead following a one-vehicle crash on Sunday afternoon on Interstate 29 in northern Platte County.

The woman, 39, was a passenger in a van driven by a 52-year-old St. Joseph man. The driver was going north on I-29 at about 3:30 p.m. when he approached a slow-moving vehicle and overcorrected, traveling into the median and causing the van to overturn near the 27-mile marker, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The driver suffered moderate injuries in the accident, and a 15-year-old passenger from Hopkins, Missouri, had minor injuries. Both were taken to Mosaic Life Care.

The woman who was killed and the two people taken to Mosaic were not wearing seat belts, according to the patrol report.