Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new I-15/US-20 connector could change your daily drive

And check out A Magical Winter Day- The Royal Experience on the Idaho Falls Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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What's up Idaho Falls! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new I-15/US-20 connector could change your daily drive
  • How firefighters stopped this Idaho Falls blaze in under 10 minutes
  • How could new dams reshape water use around Idaho Falls?

Also on today's calendar: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Idaho Fallsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Idaho Fallsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Very windy; rain, with a high of 46 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and windy, temps: high: 37, low: 29.
  • Sunday: An afternoon shower or two, with a high of 43 and low of 38 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Driving forward: Update on the I-15/US-20 Connector Project (localnews8.com) — Idaho transportation officials are weighing three options for a new I-15/US-20 connector that would significantly reshape traffic patterns in and around Idaho Falls, including new Snake River bridges and relocated interchanges. With no funding or construction timeline yet, residents still have time to follow the planning process and consider how each alternative could affect daily commutes and access to key city routes.
   

2. Early morning fire destroys vehicle and chicken coop in Idaho Falls; One injured (localnews8.com) — An early morning fire in Idaho Falls destroyed a chicken coop and a vehicle, injured one resident, and killed 13 chickens, but firefighters stopped the flames before they consumed nearby mobile homes. Idaho Falls Fire Department crews contained the blaze off West Broadway Street in under 10 minutes, limiting damage to one partially affected trailer and about $30,000 in total losses. Multiple engines, ambulances, and utility crews responded.
   

3. Local legislator who led trip to D.C. says Idaho's water supply is priority for our congressional delegates (eastidahonews.com) — Idaho Falls–area Sen. Kevin Cook is pushing major long-term water storage projects that could affect local irrigation, including expanding Ririe Dam northeast of town and even rebuilding Teton Dam. After a recent trip to Washington, D.C., Cook says Idaho’s congressional delegation is engaged as federal agencies begin a massive Snake River Plain water study that will guide future projects statewide.
   

4. Texas man faces sexual battery charge in Idaho Falls (postregister.com) — A Texas man is facing a felony sexual battery charge tied to alleged incidents during a 2023 church mission stay at an Idaho Falls home, with the case handled by local police and prosecutors. He has bonded out after arrest, and a preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 30 at the Bonneville County Courthouse in Idaho Falls.
   

5. ISU Law Enforcement program graduates 20 cadets in one of largest classes (idahostatejournal.com) — Several new Idaho State University law enforcement graduates are headed to serve with the Idaho Falls Police Department, strengthening local ranks alongside agencies in Pocatello and Bannock County. In a recent ceremony, instructors and the class president emphasized professionalism, respect, and mental and physical resilience as these 20 cadets begin their policing careers across eastern Idaho.
   

📸 Around Idaho Falls

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Idaho Falls

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📣 Idaho Falls Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Before and after.
    Removed sod by hand relocated 4 sprinklers away from the house leveled and added 35 of metal edging then spread about 1500 pounds of rock. By myself… (Nextdoor Woodruff)
  • Did anyone happen to get a package delivered that might have been addressed to me?
    It said it was delivered yesterday afternoon, no picture but it’s definitely not at my house. Would love to get it , it’s got co-worker gifts in it… (Nextdoor Canal)
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Retail Service Specialist in Idaho Falls. Apply here.
  • Builders FirstSource, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler in Idaho Falls. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Idaho Falls here.

Ok Idaho Falls! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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