Cody Roberts
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Cody Roberts
Keetch Made Farm Shop offers goods from 65 vendors near Pocatello
POCATELLO — A new family-owned farm shop/farmers market called Keetch Made is now offering goods such as eggs, raw milk, honey, fresh produce, cleaning products, freeze-dried goods, baked goods, handmade items and other goods from 65 local vendors. Owner Shyann Keetch told EastIdahoNews.com that the idea for the shop came after she got healthier using locally made, natural products.
Keetch Made Farm Shop offers goods from 65 vendors near Pocatello
POCATELLO — A new family-owned farm shop/farmers market called Keetch Made is now offering goods such as eggs, raw milk, honey, fresh produce, cleaning products, freeze-dried goods, baked goods, handmade items and other goods from 65 local vendors. Owner Shyann Keetch told EastIdahoNews.com that the idea for the shop came after she got healthier using locally made, natural products.
Blackfoot wellness studio now offering aerial yoga
BLACKFOOT — It’s a warm day in One Beat Wellness Studio, and Keshia Polatis is cocooned in a silk cloth. Suspended in the hammock-like apparatus, she gently leans forward and flips herself upside down. As she hangs there, her back stretches out and she takes in a deep, cleansing breath. What she’s performing is called aerial yoga. And her business, One Beat Wellness Studio, is now offering classes on it. “(Aerial yoga) is really playful.
New shop in Spencer offers rocks, gems and jewelry galore
SPENCER — A new lapidary workshop has opened in Spencer, offering rocks, gems and jewelry in all colors, shapes and sizes. The owners of Atelier Yvona, Yvona and Dave Gunderson, told EastIdahoNews.com that what was a hobby they started 14 years ago has become a full-time gig. “When people come in, they go, ‘Man, this is a jewelry store,” Dave said.
Rodizio Grill has all the meat you can eat
IDAHO FALLS — If you’re a carnivore, or something adjacent, you might fit right in at Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse in Idaho Falls. Their customary gauchos will bring you meat until you say “when.” I sat down with an owner of Rodizio Grill, Dean Leavitt, and he told me all about a few different dishes that the restaurant offers. For context, Rodizio Grill is only somewhat new to the local area.
Historic Harvey’s Store in Idaho Falls to be restored to former glory
IDAHO FALLS — A local architecture firm is restoring a building once known as Harvey’s Store on 1st Street. What was once a local hub for the community to get fishing supplies and training — as well as stop and chat with friendly folk — is planned to be a venue for small events. Construction on the building started this spring, and it is anticipated to be complete by this fall.
Dump truck crash kills two, sends four to hospital and closes Teton Pass
WILSON, Wyoming — Teton Pass between the Idaho State Line and Wilson, Wyoming, has been closed after a multi-car fatality crash on Tuesday. The pass is estimated to reopen between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to a press release from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS. Arron Healy, a spokesman for Wyoming Highway Patrol, told EastIdahoNews.com that shortly before noon, a dump truck lost control and struck 6 other vehicles on the pass.
18-year-old BYU-I student walking 1,000 miles for Tibet
REXBURG, Idaho — As many gear up to celebrate the country's 250th Independence Day this week, one local 18-year-old man will be walking 300 miles straight through Idaho, Montana and Wyoming for some folks who cannot celebrate independence. Thomas King Jackson told EastIdahoNews.com that his upcoming trek is part of a personal project he's devised called "1,000 miles for Tibet." The goal is pretty simple: walk 1,000 miles in about two months to raise awareness of China's control over Tibet.
Five major hoax threats reported at local zoos and hospitals this week
IDAHO FALLS — Since last weekend, there have been at least five incidents where false threats were reported at local zoos and hospitals. Law enforcement agencies told EastIdahoNews.com that they do not know whether they are connected or part of a nationwide trend of swatting incidents, but they are continuing to investigate. The first two threats were called in to Idaho Falls Community Hospital and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
Local fireworks sellers, authorities encourage safe celebrations for America250
IDAHO FALLS — As the night is filled with pops, crackles and snaps, local fireworks sellers and city and county authorities are urging locals to celebrate the U.S.’s 250th Independence Day with caution. Becky Leatham, executive director of Community Youth in Action nonprofit which has several TNT Fireworks stands set up around the area, told EastIdahoNews.com that they only sell what are considered “safe and sane” fireworks that are allowed to be set off in Idaho.
Sheriff’s office responds to threat called in at Idaho Falls Community Hospital
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office vehicles sit in front of Idaho Falls Community Hospital on Wednesday morning after a threat was reported. | Nate Sunderland, EastIdahoNews.com Getting your Trinity Audio player ready ... IDAHO FALLS — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office responded to a threat called in to Idaho Falls Community Hospital on Wednesday morning and determined there was no threat to the public or patients, according to the news release from the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s office responds to threat called in at Idaho Falls Community Hospital
Updated Wed, July 1, 2026 at 3:53 PM UTC Bonneville County Sheriff's Office vehicles sit in front of Idaho Falls Community Hospital on Wednesday morning after a threat was reported. | Nate Sunderland, EastIdahoNews.com IDAHO FALLS — The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office responded to a threat called in to Idaho Falls Community Hospital on Wednesday morning and determined there was no threat to the public or patients, according to the news release from the sheriff's office.
Zoo Idaho reopening Tuesday after bomb threat investigation finds no threat to public
Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development Store and/or access information on a device You can choose how your personal data is used.
Zoo Idaho reopening Tuesday after bomb threat investigation finds no threat to public
Updated Mon, June 29, 2026 at 10:23 PM UTC An Idaho State Police patrol vehicle blocks off the roadway leading to Zoo Idaho, on Sunday in Pocatello. Police say the zoo was evacuated following the report of a possible bomb threat. | Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com POCATELLO — Zoo Idaho is expected to reopen on Tuesday after a bomb threat was reported over the weekend.
18-year-old college student walking 1,000 miles for Tibet
REXBURG — As many gear up to celebrate the U.S.’s 250th Independence Day Celebration this upcoming week, one local 18-year-old man will be walking 300 miles straight through Idaho, Montana and Wyoming for some folks who cannot celebrate independence.
Free Family Fun Fest happening Saturday at Smith Group in Idaho Falls
IDAHO FALLS — An event for the whole family featuring free food, bounce houses, side-by-side rides, face painting, go-karts, balloon tying, a mud bog and a professional juggler is coming to Smith Chevrolet and Honda on Saturday, June 27. Bridger Smith, marketing director for the Smith Group, said they’ve been putting Family Fun Fest events annually for about 10 years. “We love being a part of the community and have been grateful to the community and this is our way of giving back,” Smith said.
New restaurant, the Lunch Bowl, bringing fresh salad, pasta and rice bowls to Chubbuck
CHUBBUCK — Opening on July 7, a new restaurant called the Lunch Bowl promises to bring salad, pasta, and rice bowls to the local area, with a focus on fresh, whole, locally sourced and organic ingredients. Keri Kimbrough, who owns the eatery with her brother Sean Kimbrough, told EastIdahoNews.com that the idea for the restaurant came as they were looking for something fresh. “We wanted to have a place in Pocatello where we can get fresh food,” Keri said.
Pocatello police find man dead from possible overdose in Historic Downtown
POCATELLO — Pocatello Police Department officers located a deceased man near North Main Street and West Custer Street on Thursday morning, according to a news release from the department. The death appears to be consistent with a possible drug overdose; however, the official cause and manner of death have not been determined at this time, according to the release. It is under investigation by the Bannock County Coroner’s Office.
Have a robot mow your lawn with Rigby-based business Whispr Original
RIGBY — Most lawnmowers start up with an angry roar and require a little bit of muscle to wrangle around the yard. But one local company’s robot lawnmowers are quieter and require less effort to handle. The business is called Whispr. Ben Farmer, owner of the Whispr franchise based in Rigby, told EastIdahoNews.com that with modern technology, having a robot do your lawn care couldn’t be easier. Farmer was introduced to robot mowers about five years ago.
Three-day music festival coming to historic Ashton Opera House
ASHTON — The fourth annual Meadowlark Music Festival is coming to the Ashton Opera House this week, promising a lineup of 27 performances of Americana and more from June 25 through June 27. Organizers say this is the first year the music festival will be held at the opera house, which has a rich local history.
Three-day music festival coming to historic Ashton Opera House
The Meadowlark Music Festival will be held June 25 through June 27 at the Ashton Opera House. | Courtesy of the Meadowlark Music Festival ASHTON — The fourth annual Meadowlark Music Festival is coming to the Ashton Opera House this week, promising a lineup of 27 performances of Americana and more from June 25 through June 27. Organizers say this is the first year the music festival will be held at the opera house, which has a rich local history.
Parents Night Out Co. is ready to give parents the night off
IDAHO FALLS — Parents Night Out Co., a business that will babysit your kids while you hit the town, reports that they recently obtained all necessary licensing from the state and are ready to give local parents the night off. “It’s a great way for the parents to get a few minutes or a few hours to go out on a date or do some shopping or whatever they need to do without having to worry about their kids being in a safe spot,” Nicole Marks, an owner of Parents Night Out, told EastIdahoNews.com.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ contestant coming to Idaho Falls for Pride events
IDAHO FALLS — Mirage, a former contestant on season 16 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” is coming to kick it with locals at The Heart events center this weekend. Sam Rodriguez, who coordinates all LGBTQ+ events at The Heart, told EastIdahoNews.com that they picked Mirage because she was a fan favorite and organizers wanted to bring in someone locals could really get excited for. He said such a big performer coming to the local area helps uplift the LGBTQ+ community in the current political climate.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ contestant coming to Idaho Falls for Pride events
Updated Mon, June 22, 2026 at 11:23 PM UTC Mirage, a former contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race," is coming to The Heart on June 27 and June 28. | Courtesy IDAHO FALLS — Mirage, a former contestant on season 16 of "RuPaul's Drag Race," is coming to kick it with locals at The Heart events center this weekend.
Pocatello Pride event features patriotic drag for America’s 250th birthday
POCATELLO — People of all kinds gathered at Centennial Park on Saturday for the Gate City Pride Festival. The event opened with a special patriotic story time hosted by Reading Time With the Queens, a nonprofit where drag artists read books, sing and teach American Sign Language to youngsters. Miss Cali Je, a drag queen with the nonprofit, told EastIdahoNews.com that Saturday’s reading time was special as this year’s Pride event corresponds with America250.
Pocatello Pride event features patriotic drag for America’s 250th birthday
A drag performer dances at the Gate City Pride Festival on Saturday. | Cody Roberts, EastIdahoNews.com POCATELLO — People of all kinds gathered at Centennial Park on Saturday for the Gate City Pride Festival. The event opened with a special patriotic story time hosted by Reading Time With the Queens, a nonprofit where drag artists read books, sing and teach American Sign Language to youngsters.
The Smith Group putting on free Family Fun Fest for the community
IDAHO FALLS — An event for the whole family featuring free food, bounce houses, side-by-side rides, face painting, go-karts, balloon tying, a mud bog and a professional juggler is coming to Smith Chevrolet and Honda on Saturday, June 27. Bridger Smith, marketing director for the Smith Group, said they’ve been putting Family Fun Fest events annually for about 10 years. “We love being a part of the community and have been grateful to the community and this is our way of giving back,” Smith said.
Tche Brazilian Steakhouse reopens as full Rodizio Grill in Idaho Falls
IDAHO FALLS — What was formerly known as Tche Brazilian Steakhouse has been remodeled and is now a full Rodizio Grill. “That means more meats, more variety and more abundance for you,” a Facebook reel from the steakhouse said. “Come try our expanded menu as we become Rodizio Grill.” Dean Leavitt, an owner of Rodizio Grill, told EastIdahoNews.com that Tche was originally a small-market concept for Rodizio, and Idaho Falls piloted it.
Local Juneteenth event will highlight history and heritage behind the holiday
IDAHO FALLS — East Idahoans looking for a way to celebrate Juneteenth are invited to attend an evening of musical performances and storytelling centered on the holiday, Friday at the Colonial Theater. Organizers say “Juneteenth: An Evening at the Colonial” will highlight the history and cultural significance of the country’s newest federal holiday, and admission is free.
Hearing vacated for 9th Circuit judge charged with battery and injury to property
IDAHO FALLS — A pre-trial conference for 9th Circuit Judge Ryan Nelson, who was recently charged with misdemeanor battery and malicious injury to property, was vacated on Thursday. Nelson’s attorney, Curtis Smith, told EastIdahoNews.com that it’s very common to have multiple pre-trial conferences in misdemeanor cases such as this, and most often go to a second or third pre-trial conference. Smith said he had no other comment on the status of the case.
Restored With Love offers consignment on vintage home decor and collectibles Original
IDAHO FALLS — For such a small shop, Restored with Love can prove to be quite the maze of knick-knacks. But that means that no matter who you are or what your taste is, there’s some item in there for you to love. Shop owner Christy Monroy told EastIdahoNews.com that everything in Restored With Love is on consignment. Most of the items they sell are vintage home decor. And all of it is cataloged on the shop’s website so customers can shop from home and pick up their items from the store.
Westgate Theatre opens its doors in West Yellowstone
WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana — Westgate Theatre has been revamped and reopened this month, bringing a theatrical charm to the western gateway of Yellowstone National Park. “(Theater) is a great way to wrap up your day in the park,” Kyle Benson, a partner of the theater, told EastIdahoNews.com. “Come see a show and relax with the family. It’s good for all ages.” Benson said he and his wife attended the opening-night showing of “See How They Run” and laughed for two hours straight.
Family-run window tint shop celebrates a growing business
IDAHO FALLS — After 23 years of running his window tinting business, Flavio Rodriguez still does everything. He’s an owner, he’s a worker, and he’s the employees’ father. But this month marks a special time for Flavio and his family. Not only is the tint shop celebrating 23 years of business, but the Rodriguez family’s business has also moved to a new building with more space. With the additional space, they can do more work, and they’ll soon be teaching classes on window tinting.
Melaleuca inviting students to AI and IT technology camp
IDAHO FALLS — Melaleuca will host a free, hands-on technology camp for high school students at its Global Headquarters in July. A news release from Melaleuca said that during this year’s annual camp, which has been going on since 2016, students will create their own web apps, learn a variety of AI-assisted development skills, and build interactive webpages that use animation, calculations, and other features.
PHOTO GALLERY | Community Heritage Music Festival held in Idaho Falls Original
IDAHO FALLS — Near the weekly farmers market on Saturday, people gathered around drums, horns, fiddles, guitars and dancers for the third annual Community Heritage Music Festival. Several groups performed, including the Aztec Dancers, Eastern Idaho Jazz Quartet, Salt Lake City and Ogden Taiko Drummers, Idaho Rovers, ShoBan Dance Troupe and Drummers, and Bill Growney.
Heritage Music Festival will bring the community together Saturday on the Greenbelt Riverwalk Original
IDAHO FALLS – The Community Heritage Committee of Eastern Idaho and the Eastern Idaho Jazz Society will be presenting a Community Heritage Music Festival on Saturday, June 13, at the Riverwalk Bandstand on Memorial Drive. According to a news release, the event will feature a variety of musical and cultural performances representing traditions from around the world. Community organizations will also have informational booths highlighting their history and contributions to the community.
Record-breaking sponsorship reported for downtown beautification program
IDAHO FALLS — Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations and residents, downtown Idaho Falls will soon “bloom bigger than ever” with seasonal flower installations, according to a press release from the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC). The IFDDC reports that this year’s downtown beautification program achieved record-breaking sponsorship support.
Sixth annual Rexburg Pride event scheduled to welcome all and celebrate
REXBURG — Rexburg Pride Inc. will be putting on the sixth annual Rexburg Pride event in Porter Park on Saturday, June 20, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m, according to a news release. The free event will include a program featuring local performers, vendors, food, local businesses and nonprofits, community art projects, a unity walk around the park, and a number of family-friendly activities, according to the release.
Haviland’s Old West Adventures in Harriman Park wants you to horse around
Published at 8:30 pm, June 10, 2026 Haviland’s Old West Adventures in Harriman Park wants you to horse around Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts Keyboard Shortcuts Shortcuts Open/Close/ or ?
Haviland’s Old West Adventures in Harriman Park wants you to horse around
Granger Haviland speaks with EastIdahoNews.com reporter Cody Roberts. | Jordan Wood, EastIdahoNews.com ISLAND PARK — If you're a city slicker like me, you probably didn't grow up on the back of a horse. But at Haviland's Old West Adventures, they're happy to show you the ropes — and the reins. I visited Haviland's Old West Adventures on Wednesday and took a horseback ride through the beautiful Harriman State Park.
Fall River Electric to host annual Energy Expo in Driggs
DRIGGS — Fall River Electric Cooperative will be holding its annual Energy Expo and business meeting for owner-members on Saturday, June 13, at Teton High School. The Energy Expo is a free event for all customers of Fall River Electric, a news release states. A free breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and a beverage will be served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. inside the Teton High School, 555 E. Rose Ave.
BoiseDev wants eastern Idaho businesses to apply for list of state’s fastest-growing companies
; More for You
BoiseDev wants eastern Idaho businesses to apply for list of state’s fastest-growing companies
BOISE — BoiseDev, a business news outlet, is ranking the top 43 fastest-growing companies in Idaho and it wants businesses on this side of the state to apply. BoiseDev managing partner and co-founder Kara Jackson, said the upcoming event will feature a diverse set of businesses, everything from construction companies, tech companies and landscaping companies to mom-and-pop shops. The media outlet is highlighting 43 businesses because Idaho is the 43rd state.
9th Circuit judge charged with battery and injury to property after heated clash in Idaho Falls parking lot
IDAHO FALLS — Ryan Douglas Nelson, a judge for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, is facing two misdemeanor criminal charges after allegedly grabbing a man’s glasses, throwing them, and stomping on them in April during a dispute over a parking space. Nelson, a 52-year-old from Idaho Falls, was nominated by President Donald Trump for judgeship and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2018. According to court documents, the incident originally happened on April 2.
9th Circuit judge charged with battery and injury to property after Idaho Falls parking lot fight
Judge Ryan D. Nelson addresses an audience of roughly 300 people after taking the Oath of Office in Idaho Falls in 2019 | EastIdahoNews.com file photo IDAHO FALLS — Ryan Douglas Nelson, a judge for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, is facing two misdemeanor criminal charges after allegedly grabbing a man's glasses, throwing them, and stomping on them in April during a dispute over a parking space.
Chris Canfield confirmed as new public works director for Idaho Falls
IDAHO FALLS — The city council confirmed the appointment of Chris Canfield as the city’s new public works director on Thursday evening. Canfield previously served as the assistant director of Idaho Falls Public Works for 13 years. During his time there, Canfield has worked on city development and federal aid projects that have enhanced transportation, water, wastewater and sanitation services throughout the community, according to a news release.
First advanced reactor criticality in the US announced at INL
IDAHO FALLS — Antares Nuclear, a private nuclear fission energy company developing microreactors, achieved a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration on its Mark-0 advanced reactor at Idaho National Laboratory on Thursday, according to multiple news releases. “It is fitting that on the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are witnessing a historic moment for American energy,” U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a release from the Department of Energy.
Idaho Falls City Council bans local sale of kratom
IDAHO FALLS — The city council unanimously voted to ban the sale of kratom within city limits on Thursday night. The ordinance will take effect on July 1. The ban does not prohibit the possession of kratom, only the sale. The council’s decision came after months of consideration and was prompted by the Bonneville County Coroner’s Office issuing a public warning about kratom. Earlier in Thursday’s meeting, people spoke for and against the ban.
Ammon hires new public works director after going many months without one
AMMON — The City of Ammon has selected Rick Gehrke as the city’s new public works director. Ammon City Administrator Micah Austin told EastIdahoNews.com that the city has not had a dedicated public works director since Tracy Bono left in August of last year for a job in the private sector. Since then, Austin said the role’s responsibilities have been split among City Engineer Morgan Stewart, Wastewater Superintendent Nathan Riblett, and Streets and Sanitation Superintendent Tony Black.
Ammon hires new public works director after going many months without one
Rick Gehrke | Courtesy of the City of Ammon AMMON — The City of Ammon has selected Rick Gehrke as the city's new public works director. Ammon City Administrator Micah Austin told EastIdahoNews.com that the city has not had a dedicated public works director since Tracy Bono left in August of last year for a job in the private sector.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Cody
Contact Cody, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack