🌱 Power Line Relocation Begins Jul. 25 + Couple Arrested For Drugs

Good morning, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Idaho Falls Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Near-record temperatures. High: 97 Low: 57.
• Sunday: Very hot; breezy in the p.m.. High: 100 Low: 63.

Here are the top three stories today in Idaho Falls:

1. Idaho Falls Power and contractors will be relocating power lines underground in the alleyway between Park and Shoup Avenues in downtown Idaho Falls, starting on Jul. 25 and expected to be completed by mid-September. During the project, a section of the alley behind the Rogers building will be closed, and there will be scheduled localized power outages as the power is moved underground. Underground powerlines provide better protection from weather events, reducing the likelihood of outages, and anyone with questions or concerns can contact Idaho Falls Power at (208) 612-8430. (LocalNews8.com)
2. A local couple, Michael Todd Hamilton, 57, and Leslie Ann Bassett, 45, were arrested after deputies found them in a storage unit containing allegedly stolen items and illegal drugs. They were charged with felony burglary, felony possession of stolen property, felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The stolen property was returned to the owners, and authorities are investigating possible connections to other cases, with the couple potentially facing up to 36 years in prison if convicted. (East Idaho News)
3. The Idaho Transportation Department will begin micro-surfacing on various roads in the Idaho Falls area from Jul. 25 until Aug. 18. The process aims to improve road surfaces by sealing cracks, waterproofing, and protecting the pavement, extending the roads' lifespan, and during this period, affected roadways will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Drivers are advised to check 511.idaho.gov for updates on traffic impacts on state highways and interstates before traveling. (Idaho Transportation Department)

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Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Saturday, July 22

• Billy Currington At Hero Arena At The Mountain America Center (7:00 PM)

Sunday, July 23

• Coffee With The Pastor At Watersprings Church Homestead (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The 68th annual Eagle Rock Art Guild Sidewalk Art Festival is set to begin today at 9:00 a.m. at the Riverwalk, featuring numerous artists from the area showcasing their work to a crowd of over 15,000 people. This year's two-day event promises to be the best yet, with more artists, vendors, and music, commemorating the guild's 75th anniversary. (Post Register)
• The Idaho Falls Animal Shelter is asking for cat carrier donations to transport 40 cats to a rescue shelter next week, and the carriers must be smaller than 22 inches in length. They are asking for the carriers to be dropped off at 2450 Hemmert Ave. in Idaho Falls. Additionally, after the 40 cats are transferred to the rescue, the shelter will still have another 100 cats in need of forever homes. (LocalNews8.com)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out events happening in and around Idaho Falls this weekend at the link! (LocalNews8.com)

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

— 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.