POCATELLO — The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a wind chill warning that will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday.

Areas like Island Park, Kilgore, Dubois, Spencer and Small will be dangerously cold. The NWS expects wind chills as low as -35 degrees.

Avoid outside activities if possible. Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves and a hat if you need to go outside.

According to the NWS, wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or add protective clothing — frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:

• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

See medical care if you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else.

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REXBURG — Mamoru Martial Arts is opening a second location in Rexburg and its third in the area. Beginning on Jan. 19, the dojo will offer judo, Brazilian jiujitsu, self-defense and karate classes in the Rexburg Arts Center.

Mamoru already holds classes in a Rexburg home and the Farnsworth Middle School wrestling area in Rigby.

Alex Greenfield started Mamoru Martial Arts in 2021. He had been doing judo for about 35 years and began teaching classes on a hunch.

“I just had a sense that this was something to start here,” Greenfield told EastIdahoNews.com.

The dojo’s slogan is “Change your kid’s life. Change your life.” In two short years, he has watched martial arts change the lives of individuals and families alike.

“A lot of families call me and say, ‘I have been recommended to try martial arts,’ or ‘I’m wondering if I should try martial arts because my child has ADHD because my child is having difficulty in school.'”

Greenfield said kids who struggle with school, focus or relationships with family come into classes and can “just blossom.” As a special education educator, he is passionate about helping these kids improve their concentration and focus — he wants them to succeed.

Mamoru Martial Arts provides three classes under the guidance of Greenfield, Professor Ned Sands and Ryan Christenson, who offer a learning experience where participants, both young and adult, can hone valuable skills and develop physical well-being.

In Brazilian jiujitsu, Sands teaches students unique self-defense strategies and control techniques. Sands is a former Navy officer and also the founder, owner and head instructor at Impact Jiu Jitsu in Portland, Oregon. This sport offers a great way to improve cardio fitness, agility and coordination.

Karate classes underscore the importance of balance through using one’s entire body. Greenfield and fellow instructor Christenson emphasize traditional kicking, punching, kata (or form) and blocking. Students who are ready and interested can also participate in sparring.

Judo means “the gentle way,” but it may not look gentle, Greenfield said. The sport has been compared to folding clothes with someone still in them. The philosophy behind judo is maximum efficiency, minimum effort and mutual benefit and welfare to all.

Jiujitsu is gaining popularity right now, but Greenfield recommends judo for beginner martial arts students.

“Jiujitsu focuses more on the ground, whereas the judo focus is more standing up,” he said. “So, for that reason … I would say that judo is a better sport for kids to get into because of its focus of standing up.”

Mastering judo, he added, naturally leads up to learning jiujitsu.

Although students learn skills that could “potentially be used to hurt somebody,” Greenfield said the last thing he wants to hear is that one of his students used their skills in a fight.

“We’re teaching how to be peaceful warriors; how to be warrior poets, too,” he said. “We’re trying to teach these kids how to be wiser.”

And classes aren’t just for kids. Adults can benefit from martial arts too.

“It’s kind of like the best weightlifting you could ever ask for because we’re twisting and talking and turning in ways that the human frame is meant to do,” Greenfield said. “It’s incredibly dynamic.”

The dojo is running a New Year’s resolution sale: $50 monthly for unlimited classes. Greenfield stated he is trying to keep prices low so he and his fellow instructors can help as many people as possible. He wants to keep the dojo accessible to everyone who wants to participate.

Mamoru Martial Arts will hold its grand opening at the new dojo, 155 East 2nd North, Rexburg, on Friday, Jan. 19, in the Rexburg Arts Center.

“It’s going to be a party all day,” Greenfield said.

The dojo will award scholarships to 10 Brigham Young University-Idaho students as part of their grand opening celebration. Greenfield is an adjunct professor at the university and hopes to allow some students to participate.

“I know college students don’t always have funds,” Greenfield said.

There will be music by a DJ all day on Jan. 19, he said. The music will continue into the evening. There will also be fitness activities for adults and games for kids. Greenfield recommends wearing something comfortable.

To learn more about Mamoru Martial Arts, or to sign up for a class, visit its website or Facebook page. You may also call (208) 557-3207.

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POCATELLO — A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow to the Magic Valley, southern Idaho and much of eastern Idaho from Saturday evening until early Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a winter storm warning for the following eastern Idaho counties: Franklin, Oneida, Caribou, Bannock, Bingham, southern Bonneville, eastern Madison and western Teton. Pocatello, Soda Springs, Blackfoot, Preston and Malad City will all be affected.

NWS officials say the region may see between 6 to 13 inches. Ridge tops and higher elevations could get between 8 to 20 inches.

Wind gusts could reach 40 mph, and areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, according to the warning. Expect widespread winter driving conditions and plan on slippery roads.

NWS suggests keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Click here for an updated list of road closures.

Click here to check out the road conditions. Click here to view the weather in your area, webcams of roads and recent weather stories.

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DRIGGS — A skier was hospitalized on Friday after being rescued from an avalanche, according to Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue.

TCISR was notified that someone had been injured in an avalanche around 4:30 p.m.on Friday, the agency said in a Facebook post. The avalanche was above State Line Canyon in the Tetons, less than two miles from State Highway 33.

“Twenty-three team members responded, including three K9 teams,” TCISR said.

The victim, a man whose name wasn’t released, remained on the surface of the snow field, “likely due to his airbag deployment,” TCISR stated in the post — five other skiers who found the man had already started rescue efforts.

The man sustained significant trauma from hitting trees, according to search and rescue officials. He had multiple injuries to his upper extremities, as well as face and head trauma.

RELATED | Avalanche warning issued for areas in Idaho and Montana

Crews stabilized the patient and took him to the trailhead at ID-33, where he was handed off to Teton County Fire and Rescue and taken to Driggs. His status is unknown at this time.

Responders searched the avalanche with transceivers and canines, the post stated, as some of the debris had covered a popular ski track into Mount Oliver. No other victims were reported.

The current avalanche danger in the area is high. Although the number of avalanches may decrease over the next several days, authorities warn the size of avalanches may increase due to weather conditions.

“Please choose your lines and areas responsibly, be sure to have proper avalanche response gear and look out for each other,” the post said.

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REXBURG — Madison County is set to have a “significant transformation” in its technological landscape, thanks to an almost $13.7 million grant, according to county leaders.

Rexburg city and county officials met with area residents to announce the project Wednesday evening.

The State of Idaho Capital Project Fund awarded the county a grant totaling $13,673,938 for the development and implementation of a broadband high-speed fiber-to-the-home project.

Grant-match money from Madison County and Fybercom — partnering with the county on the project — will increase the budget to over $17.6 million.

The initiative aims to provide high-speed fiber internet connectivity to almost 3,000 households throughout Madison County and represents “a significant leap forward” in the county’s infrastructure, officials said.

RELATED | Rexburg kicks off next phase of broadband internet project

“This grant is a game-changer for Madison County. We are thrilled to embark on this crucial partnership with Fybercom, enabling us to expand broadband access and provide our residents with the high-speed internet they deserve,” said Paul Sorensen, county information technology manager.

Residents can look forward to faster internet speeds, increased reliability, enhanced connectivity for remote work, improved access to online education, and more significant opportunities for local economic growth and innovation, officials said.

“We are proud of the opportunity to use this grant money to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to county residents,” Sorensen said. “Multiple years of effort in preparation and zigs and zags in plans have cumulated in us getting this grant.”

Work has already begun on the project, Sorenson said. Areas south of Rexburg, including Archer, Sunnydell and Thornton, can look forward to service this summer. Folks in the Burton and Hibbard areas are slated to receive high-speed in 2025. Sugar City, Salem and other outlying areas are scheduled for 2026.

Once complete, monthly rates for the new internet will range from $68.99 per month for 1,000 megabits per second to $39 per month for 100 megabits per second. There are no installation or activation fees. Sorensen said that families with lower incomes may be eligible for help with the monthly costs, with reimbursements ranging from $30 to $75 monthly, depending on gross annual income.

RELATED | Is high-speed internet a human right?

Officials said that investing in high-speed fiber infrastructure underscores the commitment of the state and private enterprises to fostering inclusive growth and development for Idaho communities.

Those interested in signing up for the new internet service can do so here.

For more information about the Madison County high-speed fiber-to-the-home project, contact Fybercom at (208) 403-0505, Fybercom.net or email info@fybercom.net.

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BURLEY — Dozens of rural power poles were snapped by extreme winds Tuesday evening, according to Idaho Power.

The wind broke 41 poles in the Burley area, according to Idaho Power spokesman Jordan Rodriguez.

Wind gusts in the Burley/Rupert area were recorded between 45 and 50 mph Tuesday evening, according to Dawn Harmon, a meteorologist for the U.S. National Weather Service in Pocatello.

RELATED | National Weather Service issues ‘dangerous’ snow squall alert for most of eastern Idaho

Idaho Power crews are working “around the clock” to repair the damage and restore power to eight rural area residents.

“We are actively communicating with each of them,” Rodriquez said.

Idaho Power estimates repairs will be completed around noon Friday.

The unsettled weather is causing hazardous conditions all over eastern Idaho this week. Many schools and some highways were closed Wednesday, and a blizzard is expected on Thursday evening.

You can view live road cameras here and the latest weather forecast here.

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ASHTON — The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a spree of thefts near Ashton, according to a statement made on the office’s Facebook page.

“An individual or individuals attempted to gain entry into buildings and vehicles that did not belong to them,” deputies said in the statement.

The thefts took place on Sunday night or early Monday morning, according to police, in the area between 3600 East and 3700 East and along Idaho Highway 47. If you live in or near the area, police ask you to check your property for missing items.

Fremont County Chief Deputy Bart Quayle told EastIdahoNews.com the investigation is active and ongoing. He said investigators “feel positive” about how it’s going; however, no further information is available.

If you were in the Ashton area late Sunday night or early Monday morning and saw anything that seemed out of place, or if you are missing items, contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 624-4482 and ask to speak with Deputy Olsen.

“As always, we would like to remind you to make sure your vehicles and property are safely secured,” officials stated.

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INKOM — The Bannock County Coroner’s Office, in cooperation with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed the identity of the victim of a house fire west of Inkom on Monday, according to a news release from Bannock County.

Leonard Damron, 80, of Inkom, died on Tuesday at the Portneuf Medical Center. He was taken there after Bannock County Deputy Michael Coito rushed into Damron’s burning home and rescued Damron from the flames on Monday.

RELATED | Deputy rescues Inkom man from burning house

Damron’s next of kin has been notified.

The incident remains under investigation by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

“My heart is with Mr. Damron’s family during this difficult time,” said Coroner Torey Danner.

The post Victim in Inkom fire identified appeared first on East Idaho News.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman has issued a backcountry avalanche warning for several popular winter recreating areas, according to a news release from the center.

As of Wednesday morning, the following areas have a high avalanche rating:

• Southern Gallatin and southern Madison Ranges
• The mountains around Cooke City
• The Lionhead area near West Yellowstone
• The Centennial Mountains outside Island Park

The snowpack is weak and unstable, officials said in the news release. The recent snowfall and strong wind are creating dangerous conditions. Human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely.

“Backcountry travelers should stay away from all steep slopes,” according to the news release. “Avalanches can be triggered from flat terrain. Steep slopes can avalanche far above and run into lower-angled terrain.”

The avalanche warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

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IDAHO FALLS — Reports of an armed student at Compass Academy on Tuesday turned out to be not credible, according to district officials.

Idaho Falls School District 91 received a report of a possible weapon on campus Tuesday, D91 spokeswoman Margaret Wimborne told EastIdahoNews.com. The district investigated the report with its school resource officers and the Idaho Falls Police Department.

“Idaho Falls School District 91 takes any potential threats to the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously, and always investigates them to the fullest,” Wimborne said.

The investigation showed there was never a weapon on campus, Jessica Clements, spokesperson for Idaho Falls Police Department stated.

The report did result in a large police presence at the school for a short while, Clements acknowledged.

“When it comes to the safety of our students and our community, we would rather have a large response and make sure everyone is safe,” Clements told EastIdahoNews.com.

Clements and Windborne both stated there was never a credible threat to the safety and security of the students or staff at the school.

“We appreciate IFPD’s quick response, and value the strong working relationship we have with our SROs and other Idaho Falls Police officers,” Wimborne said.

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