Idaho Falls leaders proclaim September 14th as Missing Person Day

KIFI on September 10, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI) — Bonneville County Commissioners, Idaho Falls City Council members, and the Idaho Falls Mayor gathered at the Bonneville County Courthouse this afternoon to sign a joint proclamation declaring September 14, 2025, as Missing Persons Day.

Traditionally, the annual event has been centered around September 14th, the day 20-year-old Amber Hoopes went missing from her grandparents’ residence in Bonneville County. This year will mark 24 years since her disappearance.

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper highlighted the importance of this united front. She emphasized that the city and county are committed to working together and are asking for community support in these investigations.

This sentiment was echoed by law enforcement leaders. Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson stressed the importance of timely reporting, noting that it allows agencies to begin investigations and collaborations as soon as possible. Captain Glenn added that even seemingly insignificant information should be shared, as every detail could be crucial. He urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward to ensure no leads are missed.

“I think that the signing of this proclamation tells the families of those who are missing that it’s still something that matters to the community, that people are still looking and that they care. And I think that’s the most important part of doing this, but it also is bringing awareness,” said Emily, the host of “She’s Missing” podcast.

Audra Burgener, Amber Hoopes’ aunt, has been a central figure in organizing these yearly events. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend the signing as she is recovering from a double lung transplant surgery.

In a statement, Burgener emphasized the importance of remembrance: “I just want people to still remember those missing and remember the families. We had over 2,000 people missing in the first of the year in Idaho. We aren’t having an event this year like we did last year and the year before, because I’m here. But I miss her every day.”

   Notable missing persons cases from our area, in addition to the Amber Hoopes case from 2001 include:

Darwin Vest, missing since June 3rd, 1999 from downtown Idaho Falls (Investigating Agency: Idaho Falls Police Department)

Chris Holverson, missing since May 16th, 1998 from the Table Rock Campground area east of Heise (Investigating Agency: Madison County Sheriff’s Office)

Deor Kunz, missing since July 10th, 2015 from the Timber Creek Campground (Investigating Agency: Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities urge anyone with information about the Amber Hoopes case or any other missing persons in the area to contact the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office or their local Law Enforcement.

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“I’m just so grateful for the donor for this gift”: Idaho Falls woman begins recovery after lung transplant

KIFI on September 10, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls woman who received a life-saving double lung transplant has been released from the hospital and is now one breath closer to a full recovery.

Back in 2018, Audra Burgener was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Then, she got COVID twice. In 2020, she was diagnosed with COPD. Her breathing continuously got worse over the course of four years since her COPD diagnosis, and she was placed on the lung transplant list in early July.

When Local News 8 first covered this story, Burgener was unable to speak. Now, she shares her experience in Utah and further endeavors.

RELATED: “Miracle Workers”: After years of illness, Idaho Falls woman begins new life with double lung transplant

“We have three months here for pulmonary rehab, and then we get to go home, and then it depends on if I totally graduate from rehab and whether I do more rehab in Idaho Falls,” Burgener said.

Her companion of 40 years, Chad Williams, is still by her side today.

“My last conversation with you, you know, was quite emotional. So things have gotten better, and I’m excited to get her rocking and rolling on this,” Williams said.

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The Historic Presidio Neighborhood in Santa Barbara Could Be Getting More Attention

KEYT on September 10, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – There could be some improvements and branding to one specific historic neighborhood in Santa Barbara.

An online survey has just been completed for the Presidio neighborhood.

The results will be evaluated for possible changes to promote the area and enhance it image.

This is a nine square block area bordered by State street, Ortega street, Garden street and Carrillo street.

Within that is the El Presidio State Park, Old Chinatown, several historic homes and adobes and some of the cities original buildings.

There have been maps and limited promotion in the past.

This latest effort could integrate it more directly with the overall downtown experience.

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Body of missing Minnesota man found in Jackson Lake

KIFI on September 10, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from the National Park Service, Grand Teton:

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — On Sunday, September 7, 2025, nonprofit search and recovery organization Bruce’s Legacy located a body believed to be Wesley Dopkins in Jackson Lake. On Monday, September 8, Bruce’s Legacy successfully recovered the remains. Dopkins, of St. Paul, MN, has been missing since June 15, 2024.

Bruce’s Legacy, known for its specialized sonar technology, joined the search effort last fall before returning last week. Their expertise, experience and advanced equipment enabled them to successfully locate the remains within the search area, at a depth of about 420 feet.

Dopkins was last seen paddling a foldable Oru kayak across Jackson Lake and was not wearing a life jacket. Shortly after his disappearance, his kayak, paddle, and dry bag were discovered floating off Moose Island near Leeks Marina. At that time, National Park Service rangers conducted an extensive interagency search, using boats, ground teams, dog teams and the Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter.

The National Park Service is deeply grateful for Bruce’s Legacy, whose dedication and unique capabilities made this highly technical mission possible.

Positive identification will be made by the Teton County Coroner’s Office. However, based on the characteristics of the remains and the location where they were recovered, they are believed to be those of Dopkins.

The NPS reminds all visitors that wearing a properly fitted life jacket is the most important step you can take to stay safe on the water. Even experienced paddlers and swimmers are at risk without one.

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Zoning Vote to Allow Housing in empty spaces delayed to Carve Out Commercial Business District

KEYT on September 10, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara City Council heard staff recommendations about adaptive reuse.

The issue has to do with a housing amendment to municipal codes that would incentivize adaptive reuse projects without delay.

Santa Barbara City Council Members questioned the inclusionary requirements of 10 percent for workforce priced units.

Councilmembers voted 5-2 on a motion to send the ordinance back to staff to reduce the strings on Commercial Business District on the State Street corridor by carving it out of the main ordinance.

Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon voted no.

They both appeared ready to vote on the staff recommendation rather than sending it back for changes.

“I voted no today for moving forward without inclusionary housing and so that is ten percent inclusionary requirement for adaptive reuse but it would also in lieu fees that could charged if they were “not able to make that ten percent in the small space or configuration and then they could pay into our local trust fund,” said Sneddon.

A study about in lieu fees is in the works. She had hope to adjust the ordinance once the study is done.

She said the city has been working on this issue for 7 years.

“There is really the potential that entire floors to be penthouses suites for sale and then I would hate to miss out on that ten percent inclusionary what those in lieu fees could mean for our local housing trust fund.”

Staff also recommended reconsidering a 1200 square foot average maximum.

The adoption is intended to pave the way to building above retail and office space and in place of vacant space.

Public speakers had a chance to share their thoughts before the city council voted on whether to amend the municipal code pertaining to adaptive reuse projects.

The change citywide would have added an inclusionary requirement for decades to come.

One speaker said there is a lack of three bedroom units and thought the wording of the ordinance would hinder developers.

Ben Romo, who represents the Yardi developers, urged the city to remove the 10 percent below market or inclusionary unit requirements.

Romo was not alone.

Other critics said renovation are expensive and financial barriers to seeing a return on investments could drive developers away.

But other speakers and a couple of councilmembers said they support the ordinance and the conversion of non-residential units to housing to increase workforce housing downtown.

Many speakers said they prefer helping residents rather than weekenders.

Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association Executive Director Robin Elander spoke on behalf of the Housing Task Force.

They urge the council to exempt inclusionary housing requirements within the CBD for adaptive reuse, remove average unit size caps and allow additional floor outside existing shells.

Developers would rather not have average unit size caps.

The recommended staff proposal as is waves some reviews and current zoning requirements.

It does not require the current maximum density, setbacks or parking requirements.

Mayor Rowse said after tabling the adoption that he favor requiring parking space.

The city will await the staff’s changes before moving forward.

They are also waiting results of a study about in leui fees that allow developers to pay a fee per square foot if they don’t meet inclusionary housing requirements.

Councilmember Meagan Harmon considered it a victory. She wants to vote on something that won’t need changes down the road.

“I think there is a lot of celebrate out of today’s hearing adaptive reuse is about taking existing spaces and facilitating their development for housing. We all know that is wildly expensive to do in the downtown and there is a lot about bringing folks to live downtown that would be really benefitial for economic revitalization,” said Harman.

She added that it is about taking away hurdles.

“So, today we took a step to make it easier, simpler more cost effective to do that in the downtown core and citywide to do that in existing spaces while maintaining a component of affordability,” Harmon.

She said she believes they are closer to paving the way to revitalize downtown.

For more information from the city visit https://SantaBararaCa.gov

Your News Channel will have more on this vote tonight on the news.

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Traffic shift on I-70 at Little Cedar Creek to begin Thursday

KMIZ on September 10, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A traffic shift has been scheduled on Interstate 70 at Little Cedar Creek, east of Columbia, according to a Tuesday press release from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The release says MoDOT crews will begin shifting both lanes onto different pavement on Thursday evening and will be fully shifted Friday night. This will occur around mile marker 135.

Crews will be extending a large culvert at Little Cedar Creek. The adjusted traffic pattern is expected to last through February, the release says.

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HEALTHY COLORADO: What are the rules for those who want a COVID vaccine in Colorado?

KRDO on September 10, 2025

KRDO News

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) — COVID vaccines have once again been making headlines, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing new guidance. The guidance requires most of the population to consult with a doctor before getting a vaccine.

But Colorado officials have recently acted against that guidance, allowing pharmacists to let Coloradans get the vaccine without a prescription.

Still, some viewers have reached out with confusion and questions on the new policies.

“You do not need a prescription to get a COVID vaccine,” said hospitalist and medical director, Dr. Neha Sharma. “In the state of Colorado, if you are 6 months and older, you can get the COVID vaccine or a booster without a prescription.”

The regulatory shift at the federal level was the result of a change of thinking, shifting towards the thought that annual vaccinations should only focus on high-risk groups. It also questioned the vaccine’s benefit to people who are low-risk of medical complications following a COVID diagnosis.

“Most medical authorities disagree. They’re warning that this will hinder public health and also strain vaccine equity and accessibility,” said Dr. Sharma.

Medical experts still advise you to talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

“It’s data-driven. It’s science-based. So you can make your own independent decisions if you want to, yes. Based on data and science, we can, but you know we rely on the CDC and medical bodies to make our decisions,” said Dr. Sharma.

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Oxnard man pleads guilty to murder and other violent crimes

KEYT on September 9, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. – Jacob Saldivar of Oxnard, 23, pled guilty to 12 felonies Monday, including murdering Charles Barber in 2019, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

Saldivar committed several crimes before murdering Barber, including seven counts of robbery, two counts of residential burglary, sodomy of a person under 18 and unlawful sexual intercourse, according to the VCDAO.

Saldviar also admitted to using a deadly weapon to murder Barber and cause great bodily harm to another person over 70 during one of these robberies as a special allegation, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar committed these violent crimes in Ventura from April to June of 2019, beginning when he was 16, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar became angry and attacked Barber with a knife at a parking lot inside of an apartment complex, fatally stabbing Barber multiple times, including a wound to Barber’s brain, according to the VCDAO.

Barber’s murder came during a time when he carried out robberies, assaults and burglaries, often targeting young victims walking from school or the market and elderly victims, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar stole phones, money and jewelry from younger victims, using a knife or physical violence that often resulted in hospital visits, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar’s elderly victims included knocking an 82-year-old man unconscious, causing a concussion, a broken jaw and lasting memory issues, according to the VCDAO.

He also robbed a 75-year-old man in a Home Depot parking lot, yanking at a necklace from the man’s neck which had his dead wife’s wedding ring, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar also burglarized an apartment complex and a private residence where he stole electronics, keys and valuables, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar, just days after murding Barber, lured two underaged girls to a motel with another mean, gave one of them Xanax and engaged in unlawful sex acts on June 27, 2019, according to the VCDAO.

Police later arrested Saldivar that day after he took selfies with a gun and pounded on a motel door, according to the VCDAO.

Ventura County prosecutors argued and succeeded in transferring Saldivar’s case to adult court due to the violent nature of his crimes, according to the VCDAO.

Saldivar is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 7 this year and remains in custody without bail. He is expected to be sentenced to 33 years to life in state prison under the following charges:

Charges pled to:

PC 187(a) – Murder

PC 211 – Second-degree robbery (7 counts)

PC 286(b)(1) – Sodomy of person under 18

PC 261.5(c) – Unlawful sexual intercourse

PC 459 – First-degree residential burglary (2 counts)

Special allegations admitted:

PC 12022(b)(1) – Use of a deadly weapon (knife)

PC 368(b)(2)(B) – Great bodily injury to elder over the age of 70

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Mudslide reported on Bayhorse Road south of Challis amidst Custer County flash flood warning

KIFI on September 9, 2025

News Team

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Custer County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a mudslide on Bayhorse Road, about 1 mile from the Bayhorse Townsite south of Challis.

Preliminary details are limited, but the National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rains along with a flash flood warning in place until around 7 PM tonight.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will update this story as we learn more information.

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Health Alert: Bat found in Lemhi County tests positive for rabies

KIFI on September 9, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from Eastern Idaho Public Health:

LEMHI COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — EIPH has confirmed that a bat found in Lemhi County has tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral illness in humans and other animals. Household pets and other animals can be exposed to the virus by playing with sick bats that can no longer fly normally.

While most bats are harmless and do not carry rabies, they are the only animal in Idaho that is a natural reservoir for the virus. Vaccination against rabies for humans and animals is important to protect against illness.

Ken Anderson, Epidemiologist at Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) states, “It is important if you have been bitten, scratched, or have come in close contact with a bat to contact your health care provider immediately. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, but it can be prevented almost 100% of the time when the rabies vaccine and other medical therapies are administered soon after the exposure occurs.”

To protect yourself and your pets, EIPH offers the following tips:

Do not touch a bat with your bare hands. If you have contact with a bat or wake up to find a bat in your house, seek medical advice immediately. Collect the bat in a plastic bag without touching it, wash your hands thoroughly, and call your local public health office for possible testing. Any bat found in a home should be tested for rabies if there is any suspicion that exposure to a person or pet might have occurred. The teeth of a bat are very small, and it is possible to be bitten while sleeping without feeling it.

Because household pets and other animals can be exposed to the virus through contact with sick bats, it is important to make sure that animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) are up to date on vaccinations against rabies. If your household pet brings a dead bat home, collect it in a plastic bag without touching it, wash your hands thoroughly, and call your local public health office for possible testing. Also, contact your veterinarian to make sure your animal’s rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.

Parents should teach their children to avoid bats, never bring them to school for show-and-tell, and to let an adult know if they find one.

Bat-proof your home by plugging all holes in siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows. Bats can enter through holes the size of a quarter.

Call EIPH epidemiologists at (208) 533-3152 to determine whether testing the bat for rabies is indicated. If it is determined that you or your pet may be at risk of exposure to rabies, testing of the bat is a free service.

For information about bat proofing your home, visit the CDC Rabies page.

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