HAILEY, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Idaho Board of Morticians disciplined Blaine County Coroner Russ Mikel after an investigation alleging mishandling of bodies and record-keeping while helping to manage two crematories.

Idaho Board of Mortician Spokesperson Bob McLaughlin told KMVT that the investigation revolved around Mikel’s status as a licensed resident mortician for Wood River Funeral Home and did not address his role as the Blaine County Coroner.

The disciplinary order stems from an investigation into events around June 2024. Mikel owned and operated Wood River Funeral Home, which lacked crematory facilities, according to a stipulation and consent order signed by Mikel. Due to this, Mikel entered an agreement with an unnamed owner of two crematories in Twin Falls County, referred to a

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