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Island Park, ID (KIFI) – The Island Park Planning and Zoning Commission has denied a controversial proposal for further development in the Henry’s Lake Flats area, marking a major win for residents and conservation advocates who opposed the project.

On May 28, the commission rejected a request from Burtenshaw Land and Cattle to rezone land in the Henry’s Lake Flats along the east side of U.S. Highway 20. This land was previously targeted for annexation and rezoning to allow higher-density residential development dating back to 2015.

This decision comes after months of public debate over the future of Henry’s Lake Flats, a vast wetland and wildlife habitat widely regarded by residents as one of eastern Idaho’s most critical environmental areas.

Opponents argued that more residential development could have significant consequences, citing risks such as wetland damage, disruption of migration corridors for big game, pressure on water resources, and broader harm to the ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife.

Supporters of conservation say the commission’s decision reflects the community’s wish to shield the Flats from intensive development.

However, advocates warn that the issue may not be fully resolved.

Community groups are urging residents to stay engaged and to ask Fremont County commissioners to reject any future appeals or proposals for increased housing density.

While conservationists celebrate the commission’s denial as a key step in protecting Henry’s Lake Flats, they note that the area’s long-term future depends on decisions still to be made at the county level.

The debate over growth, development, and conservation in Island Park is expected to continue as officials and residents consider how to balance future housing needs with the protection of one of eastern Idaho’s most sensitive natural landscapes.

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The chief deputy coroner for Bannock County is behind bars following an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused two underage girls over several years.

54-year-old Jonathan Ray Farnsworth, who also served as the North Bannock Fire Chief, faces multiple felony charges. According to court records, Farnsworth has been charged with four counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16, one count of rape, and one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

Investigators state the case came to light after one of the alleged victims, who is now an adult, contacted law enforcement. She reportedly told police she came forward out of concern that the abuse could still be ongoing with other victims.

Farnsworth was arrested last Thursday at the Bannock County Coroner’s Office.

Following his arrest, police transported Farnsworth to the Pocatello Police Department for questioning. He was later booked into the Power County Jail in American Falls.

Farnsworth’s preliminary hearing has been set for June 9th.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

We will start June with cooler temperatures and a brief period of showers moving through Eastern Idaho, heading northward. Although today may require a jacket, we can expect a gradual warm-up throughout the week with minimal impacts anticipated.

Monday morning is expected to start off cool, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the low 40s. High temperatures throughout most of Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming will reach the 60s, while areas further south may approach the low 70s. Humidity levels will begin to dry out, with expectations generally between 15% and 30%. There is a chance of isolated mist, thunderstorms, and rainfall, particularly in the mountainous regions. During the afternoon, wind gusts are forecasted to be between 15 and 20 mph, with slightly stronger gusts expected over the Craters of the Moon Preserve.

Although it will be a few degrees warmer, expect Tuesday to start off a bit chilly, with temperatures in the 30s and some isolated areas in the 40s along the region and the I-15 corridor. High temperatures are expected to reach the 60s and low 70s, gradually warming throughout the day. Humidity levels will be very low, as the chances of thunderstorms and rainfall from today will decrease, reducing the likelihood of any similar weather on Tuesday.

By Wednesday, high temperatures will be in the 70s across the mountains and in the low to mid-80s on the Snake River Plain. By this point in the week, dry weather will return almost entirely. Wind gusts are expected to sit around 15-25 mph.

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Three fishermen are safe after a boat trip on the Fall River took a dangerous turn last Thursday, May 28.

According to Fremont County Search and Rescue, the incident unfolded after Fremont County Dispatch received an emergency text from an Apple device.

Rushing to the reported location, Fremont County Deputies and first responders found three stranded fishermen whose boat had capsized on the Fall River just east of the Fall River Hydroelectric plant.

According to an official Facebook post, the group had launched several miles upstream, but as they floated downriver, their boat struck a rock and started taking on water. Trapped by the steep canyon walls, they continued downstream before their boat struck another rock, overturned, and left them stranded.

Fortunately, first responders say the men were able to reach the south riverbank but remained trapped by the sheer canyon walls.

Rescuers used a cataraft to reach the men and bring them safely to shore.

No injuries were reported.