🌱 New Downtown Pet Mural + Local Man Sentenced To Prison + No-Fee IDs

Hello there, Idaho Falls. I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Sunny; breezy in the p.m.. High: 92 Low: 50.
• Wednesday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 92 Low: 57.

Here are the top three stories today in Idaho Falls:

1. An official ribbon cutting for downtown Idaho Falls' newest mural — The Pets of Downtown mural project — will take place this Thursday, Jul. 20. The mural on the north wall of BlackRock Fine Wine and Craft Beer will feature portraits of community members' pets by artist Marina Zavalova. Pet owners can secure a spot on the mural for their pet for a three-year term by making a $250 donation, of which $50 is given to the Snake River Animal Shelter. (KSL.com)
2. Idaho Falls man Stephen Carston Wells, 27, was recently sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Court records show that police found Wells passed out in his car after responding to a wellness check, and searched the vehicle to find 459 grams of meth, six grams of cocaine, 7.7 grams of marijuana, 13.9 grams of THC oil, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and a loaded AR‑15 rifle. (East Idaho News)
3. The Idaho Transportation Department is now offering free state ID cards for those who do not have a driver's license but would like an ID for voting. The IDs are valid for four years, and those who obtain one can receive one free replacement card and free renewals for as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. You can visit the Bonneville County Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a no-fee ID. (East Idaho News)

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Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Tuesday, July 18

• Idaho Falls Chukars Vs. Grand Junction Jackalopes At Melaleuca Field (7:05 PM)

Wednesday, July 19

• Watercolors In The Wild At Idaho Falls Zoo (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In case you missed it, the City of Idaho Falls received several reports from customers who have been targeted by utility scams. Community members should be aware that Idaho Falls Power and the City of Idaho Falls Utility Office will not call and threaten to disconnect services if a payment is not immediately made. Disconnect notices will be printed on your most current utility bill in red ink. (City of Idaho Falls via Facebook)
• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the ribbon cuttings of several local organizations — Big-D Construction, Highlands Residential Mortgage, and Eagle Rock Indian Motorcycle. Congratulations to these businesses! (Greater Idaho Falls Chamber via Facebook)
• The Idaho Falls Police Department will host its 2023 National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The event will take place at the Freeman Park Bandshell from 5:00-8:00 p.m., and will give kids the opportunity to meet police officers, see patrol cars and specialty vehicles, and more. (Idaho Falls Police Department via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.