A 32-year-old Oregon man who authorities have dubbed the “Great Outdoors Bandit” has pleaded guilty to robbing multiple banks and credit unions across Idaho and Utah.

Josue Daniel Alfaro, of Portland, Oregon, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to five counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery.

According to the plea agreement, Alfaro admitted to robbing, and attempting to rob, the following banks for the following amounts:

• Dec. 21, 2016: U.S. Bank at 10500 West Overland Road in Boise for $3,174.
• Dec. 21, 2016: Idaho Central Credit Union at 1615 South Celebration Avenue in Meridian for $2,100.
• March 24, 2017: Alpine Credit Union at 351 East 800 South in Orem, Utah, for $12,736.
• Aug. 7, 2017: Bank of the West at 9140 West Emerald St. in Boise. (Attempted robbery, no loss of money)
• Aug. 7, 2017: Pioneer Federal Credit Union at 850 East Fairview Ave. in Meridian for $9,637.
• Aug. 7, 2017: Clarity Federal Credit Union at 555 South Meridian Road in Meridian for $100.

According to the FBI, authorities nicknamed Alfaro as the “Great Outdoors Bandit” because of the outdoorsy attire he wore during each robbery.

In each of the robberies, Alfaro obscured his face with a baseball cap and black sunglasses. He provided the tellers with notes demanding money. Prosecutors said one note threatened that he would shoot a teller if he didn’t get the money.

Alfaro was arrested on Aug. 13 at Los Angeles International Airport while attempting to board an international flight to Brussels, Belgium. In his carry-on bag, authorities said Alfaro possessed $2,826 in cash that he obtained from the bank robberies.

Sentencing is set for March 13, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Boise.

For each count, Alfaro faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and not more than 5 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Boise Police Department and the Meridian Police Department.

POCATELLO — The East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center located south of Pocatello is now open for the 2017-18 winter season.

The nordic center opened last Friday and will feature a series of new classes next month, including the early season backcountry refresher on Jan. 12, women’s beginner classic and skate lessons on Jan. 13 and women’s intermediate classic and skate lessons on Jan. 20.

“Every year we try to adapt to changing demand and bring fresh classes to the community,” said Lance Clark, outdoor recreation program manager for Pocatello Parks and Rec, in a news release. “We also have a staff with very strong skills in specific areas and try to utilize their skills. Adding the backcountry refresher is just a good excuse to come out and shake off the cobwebs for how to use backcountry avalanche gear. It is the type of thing everyone should do regularly but it is hard to find people to practice with.”

According to Clark, the racecourse and the trails up to Ermine are currently in good shape.

“With the snow we’ve received, there are no set classic tracks, just corduroy,” he said in a news release.

For first-timers looking to try out cross-country skiing, the center will host its Ski Free Day on Jan. 6.

“Most runners and bikers already own the right clothing to get started,” Clark said in a news release. “Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing keeps you warm so all you need are a light-wind layer, a hat and some gloves on most days.”

The trails at the nordic center are open to skiers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Passes cost $9 per day for adults, $4 per day for youth and $7 per day for seniors. The rental shop, which is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., has classic and skate rental ski packages for youth and adults starting at $14 per day.

Snowshoe rentals are available for $7 and no trail pass is needed when using the designated snowshoe loop. When snowshoeing or sledding, a $5 per vehicle parking fee is required. Parking is included with all ski packages.

A 30-foot warming hut is available onsite for trail users and can be reserved for overnight stays.

The East Mink Creek Nordic Center is located 7 miles south of Pocatello at the base of Scout Mountain. Season passes are available at the Community Recreation Center and day passes can be purchased onsite through fee boxes if the area is not staffed.

According to the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department, daily grooming at the East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center is possible through volunteers with the Pocatello Cross Country Ski Foundation.

For more information on the East Mink Creek Nordic Center, visit nordic.pocatello.us.

BLACKFOOT — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for Jensen’s Grove Park pond in Blackfoot.

In a news release issued by the agency, Fish and Game officials were notified by the city of Blackfoot that water filling the pond at Jensen Grove Park has been shut off. The fish that are still in the pond will not survive once water levels become too low.

Therefore, the salvage order for Jensen Grove Park pond will become effective through Jan. 1.

According to Fish and Game, during the salvage order timeline at Jensen Grove Park pond:

• Fish may be taken by any method except use of firearms, explosives, chemicals, electric current or prohibited baits.
• All bag, possession, size and number limits are limited.
• A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.

Anybody with questions regarding the salvage order are asked to contact Idaho Fish and Game in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.

Former Pocatello resident and current BMX superstar Colton Satterfield has announced that he is leaving Monster Energy due to “personal religious reasons.”

Satterfield, who brought Ramp Riot to the Holt Arena in 2015 and 2016, is a two-time X Games gold medalist and one of the top names in the BMX world. 

Here is his official statement regarding his decision to leave Monster Energy:

“I want to thank everyone at Monster for all they have done and do for action sports. I have chosen to part ways for personal religious reasons. Some of the marketing and logos that are meant to be edgy simply are edgy in areas that I personally could no longer support. I wish all the great people there the absolute very best and I thank them for their kind understanding.

“This was not a decision I made lightly. Getting such an energy drink sponsor is a big achieving step in action sports; they provide more than just financially, they help their athletes in many ways. The decision was not a light one by any means. I regret something seemingly so small, to some, as logos and various marketing, has to divide us; but I know it is the correct decision for me.”

Satterfield later sent a follow-up to his original statement that was posted to VitalBMX.com’s website:

“I can imagine some non religious people thinking this is wild or crazy, and not that long ago I would have been one of those people. Previously I had been a far too logical person in life to go deeply into religion and still am that logical minded person. But I had a strait up real and wildly profound experience that shockingly confirmed serious religious truth to me. I had always been one to learn as much as I can. This experience was at the end of a knowledge or a deep world wisdom, most don’t find, that seemingly discounted it; then that ‘wisdom’ was confounded as the bible describes and had my eyes opened in a real profound way. Some perceived ‘wisdom’ of the world is certainly a stumbling block that ensnares if one is not careful.  There is an actual dark side of things that deceives. Most who find this ‘knowledge’ sit in their pride of having it and don’t actually step back and analyze it and can be pulled down into darkness; those who analyze it fully are already – or then become – Christians. My experience was profound.  Whole countries don’t allow missionaries or other religions because their leaders trust this false or highly partial wisdom so hard. It is also wild to later read prophets of old, like Paul and many many others, who were wise dudes that essentially described every step of this knowledge that leads ‘wise men’ away and then describes each step up to the confounding and true light for those who seek. These were real, and actual very wise dudes of old. 

“So for me, I do my best to walk uprightly before a very real and good God and, with some of their marketing and logos, it just wasn’t something I could keep supporting. God is very real, Christ in actual reality lives. That’s from a dude who has to logically understand things all the way around. Christianity is actually totally real. I was furthermore blown away to see the LDS religion understands literally everything in a very clear way. I know them to have the entire fullness of the gospel of Christ. It is His church. Something not long ago I would have sadly laughed at. But it is in actual true reality. God can show you this far better and more profound than even logically getting it. The highest form of wisdom is being humble before God. Everything else falls. It’s true. A truth that is sadly scoffed at by many before ever given a fair shake. A truth too precious not to share. Love is what’s up. It’s real.”

POCATELLO — Pebble Creek Ski Area is offering classes for persons wanting to learn how to teach skiing or snowboarding. This program is for people ages 15 and up.

The eight-week classes start Monday for snowboarders and Tuesday for skiers. Time is from 7 to 9 p.m. Classes are held in Pocatello with some weekend days on the slopes in December.

Employment with skiing/boarding privileges is available for course graduates. Instructors are mostly needed for mornings and weekends. As an added benefit, clinics are offered throughout the season for instructors to work on their skills and technique.

According to the ski resort, this is a perfect job for retired people, parents with kids in school and students. Hours are flexible.

For more information or to register, call Pebble Creek Ski Area at 208 775-4452.

MACKAY — Authorities said a Blackfoot man who was camping over the weekend has been found dead.

The body of Kerry Poole, 56, was recovered on Monday morning approximately 1 1/2 miles from his campsite near Mackay.

Poole was reported missing on Sunday morning by another camper, Russell Vickers. Poole had been camping in the Alder Creek Drainage approximately 5 miles south-southwest of Mackay. Vickers told authorities that Poole was long overdue returning from a ride on a 4-wheeler.

The Custer County Search and Rescue began a search, with the Civil Air Patrol supplying a plane to fly over the area. However, by nightfall there was no sign of Poole.

On Monday, ATV search and rescue teams from Bonneville County and Butte County joined the search. An A-Star helicopter out of Twin Falls was also chartered to fly search patterns.

Poole’s body was found Monday at approximately 11 a.m. in Saw Mill Canyon.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office said no official cause of death is being release. However, the agency did confirm that no foul play was involved in Poole’s death.

A press release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office said that Poole had a history of heart-related illness and was dependent on insulin. Authorities said Poole had been wearing light clothing and had left his insulin behind when he left camp.

In total, one plane, one helicopter and seven rescue teams were involved in the search efforts. 

MACKAY — Authorities said a Blackfoot man who was camping over the weekend has been found dead.

The body of Kerry Poole, 56, was recovered on Monday morning approximately 1 1/2 miles from his campsite near Mackay.

Poole was reported missing on Sunday morning by another camper, Russell Vickers. Poole had been camping in the Alder Creek Drainage approximately 5 miles south-southwest of Mackay. Vickers told authorities that Poole was long overdue returning from a ride on a 4-wheeler.

The Custer County Search and Rescue began a search, with the Civil Air Patrol supplying a plane to fly over the area. However, by nightfall there was no sign of Poole.

On Monday, ATV search and rescue teams from Bonneville County and Butte County joined the search. An A-Star helicopter out of Twin Falls was also chartered to fly search patterns.

Poole’s body was found Monday at approximately 11 a.m. in Saw Mill Canyon.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office said no official cause of death is being release. However, the agency did confirm that no foul play was involved in Poole’s death.

A press release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office said that Poole had a history of heart-related illness and was dependent on insulin. Authorities said Poole had been wearing light clothing and had left his insulin behind when he left camp.

In total, one plane, one helicopter and seven rescue teams were involved in the search efforts. 

POCATELLO — Pocatello Parks and Recreation officials aren’t entirely sure how a rock chuck got into its storage warehouse by Ross Park.

But by the time the intruder was discovered, it had already caused hundreds of dollars in damages.

Officials said recently that the rock chuck had entered the warehouse and set up shop during a weekend this summer. Park officials discovered the damage caused by the marmot the following Monday.

By then, the animal had chewed up some foam kayak seats, cords, cardboard boxes and numerous rubber seals around the garage doors.

Some of the damaged items were incredibly difficult to reach.

Though rock chucks have been known to occasionally climb trees, this critter was able to access kayaks that were hanging 10 feet off the ground and a cardboard box that was stored 15 feet above the ground.

Though it took a few days, park officials were able to get the rock chuck out of the building. However, it must have enjoyed wreaking havoc inside the warehouse because it lingered in the area.

“I saw him waiting around outside for the next couple weeks,” said Lance Clark, outdoors supervisor for Pocatello Parks and Recreation. “He probably wanted back in.”

The warehouse is used to store sporting and outdoor equipment used by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Officials have not yet determined whether the rock chuck damaged the items used during the winter and spring months. These items include tents, backpacking gear and team sports equipment.

The kayaks with the damaged seats were retired from future use, while the cords and the rubber garage door seals were replaced. Park employees also had to disinfect and sanitize numerous items because of the animal waste that was left behind.

POCATELLO — Pocatello Parks and Recreation officials aren’t entirely sure how a woodchuck got into its storage warehouse by Ross Park earlier this summer.

But by the time the intruder was discovered, it had already caused hundreds of dollars in damages.

The woodchuck had entered the warehouse and set up shop during a weekend in June. Park officials discovered the damage caused by the marmot the following Monday.

By then, the critter had chewed up some foam hard-shell kayak seats, cords, cardboard boxes and numerous rubber seals around the garage doors.

Though it took a few days, park officials were able to get the woodchuck out of the building. However, it must have enjoyed wreaking havoc inside the warehouse because it lingered in the area.

“I saw him waiting around outside for the next couple weeks,” said Lance Clark, outdoors supervisor for Pocatello Parks and Recreation. “He probably wanted back in.”

The warehouse is used to store sporting and outdoor equipment used by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Officials have not yet determined whether the woodchuck damaged the items used during the winter and spring months. These items include tents, backpacking gear and team sports equipment.

The kayaks with the damaged seats were retired, while the cords and the rubber garage door seals were replaced. Park employees also had to disinfect and sanitize numerous items because of the animal waste that was left behind.

However, park and recreation officials are baffled over how the woodchuck was able to access some of the equipment. For example, the damaged kayaks were hanging 10 feet off the ground, while a cardboard box that was chewed up was stored 15 feet above the ground.

“That will probably remain a mystery forever,” Clark said about the destructive woodchuck’s apparent climbing ability.

Water-related accidents tragically claimed the lives of two men over the weekend.

William M. Datthyn, 45, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died while tubing in the Franklin County area on Sunday, according to law enforcement officials. John Meithof, 54, of Burley died while fishing in Minidoka County on Friday.

The most recent accident occurred when Datthyn, a retired New York City police officer who currently worked as a court bailiff for the Las Vegas County Sheriff’s Office, was tubing in the Bear River, near the Red Point campground, in the Oneida Narrows on Sunday afternoon, according to Franklin County sheriff’s officials.

Witnesses reported that Datthyn’s tube deflated and he was swept into the rapids. He then struck some rocks, officials said.

Family members — one of those on scene was an off-duty police officer for Logan City — pulled Datthyn from about three feet of water, sheriff’s officials said, adding that the victim’s head was reportedly submerged at that time.

There were efforts to revive the man through CPR. But officials said those efforts had been discontinued by the time they arrived on scene, and it was apparent that the man had died.

The victim’s body was transported to Franklin County Medical Center in Preston.

An autopsy was later performed to help determine the exact cause of death, but the results weren’t available as of Tuesday afternoon.

“We send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Datthyn,” according to a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office news release. “We are sorry for the tragic loss of a loved one.”

The second accident occurred in the Snake River below the Minidoka Dam on Friday evening.

John Meithof and his wife, Lori Meithof, 40, were fishing when they were swept away by the current, according to Minidoka County sheriff’s officials, who added that neither individual was wearing a life jacket.

Nearby boaters were able to rescue Lori, but they could not locate John.

Jerome and Cassia county sheriff’s offices, Mini-Cassia Search and Rescue, Life Flight and several citizens assisted in a multi-day search for John, according to Minidoka County sheriff’s officials. Two citizens eventually found his remains on Monday, within a mile from where he was last seen.

“The Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all those who assisted in the search,” according to a news release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.”

Following Friday’s accident, sheriff’s officials are reminding the public to wear life jackets while recreating on the water. They say that even though they are sometimes inconvenient, they can help save lives.