Author: KIFI

Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – With high prices at the grocery store, it’s hard to find Easter baskets that don’t break the bank. Here is a comparison of two affordable options, Walmart and Dollar Tree.

For baskets, Walmart takes the cake. Their baskets are only $1.24 for a bigger basket than Dollar Tree, which costs $1.25.

You’ll have to take your pick for candy. I was able to find the same Reese’s peanut butter eggs at both stores, but the size and price varied drastically. Walmart had a 9.1 oz bag for $4.48, while Dollar Tree had a 2.68 oz bag for $1.25.

Dollar Tree had much cheaper chocolate bunnies, but Walmart gets a point for more variety of chocolate animals. Dollar tree had a Russell Stover solid chocolate rabbit for $1.25, while Walmart’s Easter buddies chocolate rabbit came out to $1.36. But, Walmart also had filled chocolate rabbits, Reese’s chocolate rabbits.

Walmart also takes a point for Peeps. They sell a 10-pack for $1.47 while Dollar Tree sells a 5-pack for $1.25. Both had a variety of flavors and colors as well.

Other basket fillers were interchangeable. Walmart had more options for stuffed animals for less money. I got a stuffed rabbit for $2.97 at Walmart. Dollar Tree had a lot less Easter related stuffed animals. I found a stuffed rabbit for $5 at Dollar Tree, although I will note it is scented.

Dollar Tree had more activities and games to put in baskets. I found an Easter painting set for $1.25, while the closest thing I could find at Walmart was a set of coloring pages for $3.

I ended up spending $21.76 for a full basket from Walmart, and $10.96 at Dollar Tree.

So what’s the verdict? Walmart is probably a better option if you need to make more than one basket. They have more variety, bigger bags of candy, and prices that are competitive with Dollar Tree. But, Dollar Tree does give Walmart a run for their money, especially if you’re only making a couple of baskets or baskets for younger children that don’t eat as much candy.

Linda Larsen

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – On Tuesday, family, friends, and the Pocatello community said a final goodbye to Victor Perez, the disabled teen who died Saturday after being shot by Pocatello Police officers earlier this month.

Nearly 100 people, several wearing shirts reading “Justice for Victor,” attended the funeral services for the 17-year-old. Victor’s mother told the mourners that when her son was born, they knew he would be a special gift and a joy who would need attention and love.

“His legacy is gonna be…it was all the public services,” said Perez. “Everybody need(s) to know and need(s) to learn how to work, not just with the autism (autistic) kids. (But they) need to learn how to work… (with) others mental issues.”

The Victor Project

The shooting, which was captured on video by watchful neighbors, has created uproar and online controversy in the Pocatello community and beyond. Multiple protest groups have responded to the incident, many calling for a larger investigation into Pocatello PD and accusing the responding officers of “excessive use of force” and “police brutality.”

A new group organized in response to the shooting, dubbed the Victor Project, has organized an additional protest on Friday, April 19, at 3 PM at the Idaho State Capitol. The Victor Project’s mission statement says their goal is to be a catalyst for change in law enforcement practices.

“We strive to achieve this by advocating for enhanced and standardized de-escalation training for all law enforcement officers,” writes the group. “Through community engagement, legal advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to foster a culture of understanding, respect, and accountability within police forces, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. We are committed to creating a future where interactions between law enforcement and individuals, especially those with mental health challenges, are handled with compassion, expertise, and a focus on preserving life.”

For more information, click HERE.

The investigation into the April 5th shooting

The shooting is currently under investigation by the Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce, and the four responding officers have been placed on administrative leave.

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has also agreed to review their investigative findings regarding the officer-involved shooting at the request of Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney Ian Johnson.

“As with all such matters, the Office of the Attorney General will conduct a thorough and impartial review once the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce completes its investigation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Given the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigation, our office will not be making further public comment at this time.”

For more information, click HERE.

According to Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, the city will be releasing the body camera footage of the four responding officers. For Mayor Blad’s full address, click HERE.

Local News 8 will continue to follow and update this story as the investigation develops.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The family of Victor Perez, the disabled teen shot by Pocatello Police officers, has announced that his funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 15.

Services will begin at 3 PM at the Cornelson Funeral Home at 431 N 15th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83201. Victor’s family says the funeral is open for all to attend.

The news comes after Victor’s family chose to take the 17-year-old off life support, following the heartbreaking news that he was brain dead.

For more information, click HERE.

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With the temperatures warming up, many people are anxious to get out on the water. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says it typically sees one or two water incidents a week once we get closer to the summer months.

Even if the water is warm one day, the temperatures can change very quickly. It can be dangerous to be in the water even on a cool day.

“If you were to find yourself in the water, your ability to swim and your physical abilities to self-rescue are going to diminish very, very rapidly, and you’re going to get the symptoms of hypothermia,” said Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office PIO, Bryan Lovell.

Whether you’re doing water sports or you’re just hanging out on a boat, always wear a life jacket. It’s also a good habit to let others know where you will be when you go out on the water, since cell coverage can be spotty. 

More information on water safety can be found here.

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.

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.