Day 3: Lori Vallow murder conspiracy trial Update

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Curtis Jackson

DAY 3 UPDATE:

PHOENIX (KIFI) – Lori Vallow Daybell questioned the woman who met with her late husband the night before he died.

Nancy Jo Hancock testified in the Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder conspiracy trial in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Hancock said she met Charles Vallow on an LDS dating site about a week before he was killed.  She said they met for the first time for dinner the night before he died.  She said they discussed many topics, including meeting JJ the next day, Lori’s and Charles’s expected divorce, and briefly discussing changing his life insurance plan.

They made plans to meet on July 11, 2019, but he never answered after sending texts to him.  It wasn’t until December when she learned of his death on the news.

“I was watching the TV and it was talking about a case and his picture came on the screen, and I…shocked was an understatement,” Hancock responded when asked how she learned about his death.

In Lori’s cross-examination, Lori questioned their relationship and how she met Kay Woodcock and her brother, Adam Cox.

“Can I go back and change how I met your brother? I forgot this until right now. So, on a dating app, your brother’s picture came up on my dating app. And I sent him a message and said. But he had a different name that he used, not Adam. And so, I just sent him a message and said if he was going to use someone else’s pictures, he should probably pick someone different than Adam Cox,” Hancock said.  “That’s how I met him,” she said.

“That’s how you met my brother Adam?,”asked Lori.

“Correct,” said Hancock.

“Do you know what perjury is?” Lori asked.

“Absolutely, Yep,” Hancock answered as the prosecutor said, “Argumentative.” In which the judge agreed.

Prosecutors called Christina Atwood to the stand. She was a friend of Lori when they lived in Arizona.  

Prosecutor Treena Kay asked Atwood about meetings she attended about dark spirits and how Charles may be possessed by one.   

After a meeting on June 9, 2019 meeting, Atwood said she was uncomfortable because of a conversation with Lori and Alex Cox. Cox stated he wished he could kill Charles.  Atwood said Lori mentioned she would crush some of JJ’s medicine and put it in Charles’ drink mix.

She told Lori if anything happened to Charles she would go to police. Lori said they were being silly and meant nothing by it.

Lori Vallow Daybell did not question Atwood for cross-examination. 

The trial will continue on Thursday morning, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time (11:30 a.m. Mountain).

ORIGINAL STORY:

PHOENIX (KIFI) – The Lori Vallow Daybell murder conspiracy trial resumes on Wednesday.

Vallow Daybell is accused of conspiring to kill her then-husband, Charles Vallow.

It’s expected that Vallow Daybell, who is representing herself, will continue to question retired Chandler Police officer, Daniel Coons. On Tuesday, Coons described the shooting scene at Charles Vallow home.

Charles was shot by Lori Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alex Cox, in July 2019. Cox said he shot Charles in self-defense when he was hit with a baseball bat.

Coons answered questions about a diagram of the scene and evidence found at the scene. Coons confirmed there was no biological material found on the baseball bat Cox claimed Charles hit him with.

Lori Vallow cross-examined Coons asking several questions about the gunshots.

You can watch the trial proceedings above.

Wednesday’s testimony is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time (11:30 a.m. Mountain). Per the judge’s order, the live feed must be delayed by 30 minutes.

ITD launches effort to combat wrong-way drivers on Idaho highways

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Ariel Jensen

UPDATE: Wed April 9 4:16PM –

 REXBURG, Idaho – (KIFI) Several cases of drivers going the wrong way at the Thornton interchange off US-20 have caused the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to look for solutions.

ITD has been looking into public feedback and are addressing the signage at the exit.

“One thing we do is pay attention to the details of what might need to happen, said Sky Buffat Public information officer for ITD. “The specific angle of the sign, some different interchange we have found that the sign needs to be angled differently because it is confusing or potentially misleading. So we will get in the details of every single spot that we have to put signs up. This one is is a fairly standard scenario that, you know, so long as you are dealing with a sober nondestructive driver, it is effective communication.”

While IDT does not have an exact number of recent wrong-way driver they are aware of at least 4 cases of wrong-way driving at the exit since last march.

They have no reports of any accidents at this time, but they want to put a stop to it before it gets out of hand. ITD is teaming up with local law enforcement, asking them to keep an eye on drivers at the exit. 

 “Any time a wrong-way driver enters the highway and it’s called in, it is a high priority,” said Chief Joshua Rhodes with the Rexburg Police Department. “So our officers will respond code. They will respond with lights and sirens to make sure we stop the wrong way driver.”

If you are not intoxicated and driving the wrong way, you can still receive a charge for reckless driving. 

ORIGINAL:

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is pushing drivers to know which way they are driving. The new initiative comes after several cases of impaired or distracted driving led to DUI arrests.

ITD met with the Idaho State Police and other local law enforcement this morning, April 9th, at 11:00 A.M.

The group met at the Thornton interchange off US-20 to address multiple occurrences of wrong-way driving recently.

This issue has caused a lot of public inquiry.

Local News 8 will look into how that plan to put a stop to this, updating this story throughout the day.

Visiting Rabbis to lead Southeast Idaho Jewish community in the Fourth Annual Passover Seder

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Local Jewish community is marking the start of one of the most important holidays in the Hebrew calendar. Saturday, April 12, visiting rabbis will lead the city of Idaho Falls and surrounding Jewish communities in the region’s Fourth Annual Passover Seder.

The seder will be led by Rabbi Sholom Smith, a visiting rabbi from Miami, and joined by Rabbi Ari Sasonkin and Rabbi Mendel Berghoff of Brooklyn.

“The trio is traveling to Idaho Falls with one mission…” write the Roving Rabbis of the Chabad Jewish Center, “…to bring the joy, meaning, and warmth of Passover to local Jews in an area without a synagogue or ongoing Jewish community programs.”

The evening will include inspirational songs, humor, insights, and stories as participants enjoy:

– Traditional handmade shmurah matzah

– Four cups of fine kosher wine

– A delicious, full-course festive meal

The event begins Saturday, April 12, at 7:45 PM at the Idaho Falls Shilo Inns. For more information or to reserve a seat, you can contact Rabbi Sholom Smith at 754-303-4578.

Local bison ranchers share their story and plans to rebuild after devastating house fire

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Sam Ross

MCCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI)– Diamond P GrassRoots Bison Ranch, the dream project of McCammon couple Rob and Jenny Perkins, grew from humble beginnings in Utah to a popular East Idaho destination that promises to come back bigger and better after a massive house fire last month.

Rob Perkins said bison ranching was always an aspiration, and after a fateful family discussion over a decade ago, the family decided to launch into ranch life with no previous experience.

“We wanted to do something with a little bit different lifestyle, so we wanted to be active, and we wanted to get into ranching a little bit,” said Rob. “And the timing that we got into it, which was around 2013 and 2012, was a really good time to get into the bison market–bison have always interested me, they’ve been a very monumental North American animal, and so we just had a ton of respect for the animals and we did some research and decided we would just jump in.”

The Perkins started their ranching dreams with 9 baby bison on a plot of leased land in Utah, but as the animals grew, so did the family’s need to move on to bigger, greener pastures.

Rob and Jenny settled on relocating their ranch to their current McCammon location. At the time, however, the family did not have the means to move a small herd of fully-grown bison from Utah to Idaho, but help came, unexpectedly, from a friend looking for livestock to feature in a major TV series.

“They took all their cowboys and their trailers, and they loaded up all of our animals, took them up above Park City, Utah, where they filmed for about two and a half weeks and dropped them right here in the field for us,” said Jenny. “The bison that you see on Yellowstone, Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone, those are ours, and that was the blessing that got them here.”

Since then, the Diamond P GrassRoots Bison Ranch has become a popular destination offering bison meat, school tours, bison-watching wagon rides, and the ever-popular ‘Baby Days’ event.

But last month, tragedy struck the ranch when a fire devastated the family’s home. No people or animals were harmed in the fire, and the family is choosing to look on the bright side by cherishing the support they have received from people in the area.

“Just huge blessings have come out of this–the community, our friends, family, like everyone… we’ve been truly amazed,” said Jenny. “It’s overwhelming for sure,” said Rob.

The Perkins said the ranch will continue to operate as usual through the summer, and they plan to rebuild their home on the same site.

Rob and Jenny’s children have also set up a GoFundMe page to help the family collect donations for the rebuild. For more information, you can visit the Diamond P GrassRoots Bison Ranch website.

Crews to begin work on West Broadway Street water valve repairs Thursday

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Idaho Falls Water Division will be replacing a water main valve at the intersection of West Broadway Street and Buckboard Lane on Thursday, April 10.

Work is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and is anticipated to be completed around 5 p.m. Water service for residents and businesses in the immediate area will be interrupted for an approximate four-hour period during the repair. The actual duration of the water being shut off to nearby properties will depend on the conditions encountered. Everyone whose water service is being impacted is being personally notified by Water Division staff.

Businesses and residents are asked to take appropriate steps to store water for their anticipated needs for the day.

Additionally, when water is restored in the area, residents may notice discoloration in the water. It is recommended residents impacted run their cold water until clear before consumption.

Traffic on Broadway will also be shifted to one lane in each direction in the immediate work zone. Please reduce speeds, obey posted traffic control signage, and watch for construction crews throughout the work zone.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we replace the water valve as quickly as possible.  

For questions or concerns, contact the Water Division at (208) 612-8471.

Gov. Little signs bill directing the largest ever investment into Idaho’s foster care system

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1208 Wednesday, directing a major investment to improve Idaho’s foster care system.

“We all agree, children deserve to live carefree lives, free of abuse and neglect,” said Gov. Little in a press release. “We want Idaho’s children to grow up healthy, well adjusted, and safe. Yet, Idaho has struggled to meet the needs of its most vulnerable children — those who end up in the child welfare system. That stops today.”

Senate Bill 1208 directs the investment of $23.2 million and 63 new workers at the Department of Health and Welfare.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, says the legislation requires a significant budget increase; however, the investment would provide support to safely prevent children from entering the foster care system in the first place, which would “decrease costs in the end.”

“We’re going to invest in keeping families whole and positive outcomes up river and spend less money,” said Wintrow.

The move comes after a lack of available foster care created a crisis for state lawmakers, requiring the state Department of Health and Welfare to send 64 children to out-of-state facilities during the 2023 fiscal year, according to an investigative report by CBS affiliate Idaho News 2.

Governor Little has charged DHW Director Alex Adams with improving the state foster system. Since then, DHW has worked to increase the number of foster homes per foster child and partnered with businesses and religious groups to find appropriate foster homes and support Idaho’s foster parents.

“There is no category of children more in need of protection than those in the child welfare system. Through no fault of their own, children in foster care in Idaho face enormous challenges. They need our support, and so do the foster families who step up to care for them, love them, and provide them safety,” Governor Little said.

Boil Water Advisory lifted in Montpelier

KIFI on April 11, 2025

News Release

UPDATE Friday, April 11, 2025: (KIFI)— The City of Montpelier said they have lifted the Boil Water Advisory issued earlier this week.

“All water quality tests have come back negative for contaminants, indicating the water is safe to drink and use,” the city posted online. “However, as an added precaution, the City will be conducting additional water sampling in the coming days to ensure continued safety.”

They also said the water system was treated with Chlorine and residents are advised to flush their water lines. They said that is done by turning on your taps and running the water for several minutes.

For any questions or concerns, you can call City Hall at (208) 847-0824.

Previous story:

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM A NEWS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF MONTPELIER.

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI)–A boil order has been issued in Montpelier after E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply.

What should I do? What does this mean?

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

*E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. *

The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water.

What is being done?

The City of Montpelier will be flushing water system and will be testing more frequently. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48 hours to 72 hours.

For more information, please contact Montpelier City Hall at 208-847-0824. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by bacteria and other disease-causing organisms are available on the EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water Website at https://www.epa gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water.

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.*

How to protect financial plans in a struggling stock market

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – With a potential trade war and drop in the stock market, many people’s first instinct is to pull out of their investments.

Christian Moon, a financial advisor with Snake River Investment Counsel says the best thing to do is wait it out.

Moon said that he doesn’t think anything that has happened in the last couple of weeks or the last few months should change any retirees or investors long term plans.

But that can be easier said than done. Moon says that while younger clients probably don’t care too much right now, it’s retirees that are trying to spend that money that worry about stocks dropping.

“If we focus on longer term periods of time, everything’s going to be fine. We just have to effectively wait it out,” Moon said.

So what can investors do during low points in the stock market? Moon said it’s important not to make emotional decisions when buying and selling stocks. Low points in the stock market can also be a good opportunity to re-evaluate your own portfolio.

“I think one of my favorite Warren Buffett quotes is something to the effect of you should be fearful when others are greedy and you should be greedy when others are fearful… A lot of times in these big market swings, it’s an overreaction,” Moon said.

Moon said that it would be rational to assume it’s a bit overblown or that people have oversold their stocks, and this could be a great buying opportunity.

It’s also important to diversify what you invest in.

Moon said that while U.S. stocks are down, bonds are up. So someone with a broad basket of U.S. stocks, international stocks and bonds will feel less of an impact when the stock market drops.

Emergency crews tackle gas leak late Wednesday night

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Travis Richards

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Travel along 25th E. (Hitt Road) has been reopened after a gas leak late Wednesday night.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says late last night, April 9, crews were able to shut down the gas leak. They say crews will be out making repairs today, April 10, but the road is open for travel.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)–A gas leak caused by a vehicle that hit a junction line is affecting traffic at N. 25th E. (Hitt Road) between 49th N. and 81st N. in Idaho Falls.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Fire Department are currently on the scene. They are working with people who live in the immediate area so they can evacuate safely.

The road is expected to be closed through the night, according to BCSO. Impacted natural gas customers can check any service issues directly with Intermountain Gas.

There are no further details available at this time.

Local News 8 will update this story as more info becomes available.

Local non-profit invites you to Casino Night Fundraiser Saturday, April 12

KIFI on April 11, 2025

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the Community Food Basket:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Community Food Basket is excited to announce its upcoming Elvis-themed Viva Las Vegas Night Fundraiser, an event designed to raise critical funds to support the increasing number of families relying on our services. With a 30% surge in demand over the past few years, this fundraiser is more important than ever in ensuring that no family in our community goes hungry in addition to also supporting 30 other nonprofit agencies, schools, senior centers, soup kitchens, and shelters.

Event Details:

Date: April 12, 2025

Time: 5pm-9pm

Location: Holiday Inn and Suites, 3005 S Fork Boulevard, Idaho Falls

Ticket Price: $100

Contact Information: director@feedidahofalls.org

Join us for an evening of fun, games, and philanthropy! Our Viva Las Vegas Night will feature classic casino games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, and more. Whether you’re an experienced player or just looking to try your luck, there’s something for everyone. Guests can enjoy delicious food, drinks, music, games, and the chance to bid on exciting prizes—all while supporting a great cause.

Why Your Support Matters:

The Community Food Basket has seen a significant increase in the number of families seeking assistance, with a 30% rise in need over the past few years. This surge is due to a variety of factors, including economic challenges and rising living costs. Our organization is committed to meeting this increased need, but we cannot do it alone. The funds raised during Viva Las Vegas Night will directly support our efforts to provide nutritious food to those who need it most. Every $1 donated can be turned into $4.30 worth of food for families.

Get Involved:

Purchase Tickets: Visit https://auctria.events/CFBVivaLasVegas to secure your spot at Viva Las Vegas Night.

Become a Sponsor: Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event can do so via https://auctria.events/CFBVivaLasVegas.

About Community Food Basket:

The Community Food Basket is a local non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in our community. Through partnerships with local businesses, food drives, and generous donations, we provide essential food items to families and individuals in need and 30 other nonprofits in our community. Our mission is to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, and with the support of events like Viva Las Vegas Night, we’re able to make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that every family in our community has access to the food they need. We look forward to seeing you at Viva Las Vegas Night!