Pocatello Fire Department welcomes new aerial ladder truck next week with push-in ceremony

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello is celebrating the newest addition to the Pocatello Fire Department’s arsenal. Next week, the city is hosting a traditional push-in ceremony next week to officially welcome the department’s new tractor-drawn aerial (TDA) ladder truck, designated Truck 1.

“This new aerial truck represents a major investment in public safety and emergency response,” said Pocatello Fire Chief Ryan O’Hearn. “We’re excited to show the community what it can do and to carry on a proud fire service tradition with this ceremony.”

The welcoming event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th, at 5:15 PM at Pocatello Fire Department, Fire Station #1, 408 E. Whitman Street

The event will include brief remarks from city officials, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an open house, giving community members a chance to explore the station, meet their local firefighters, and see Truck 1 up close.

The celebration will culminate in the time-honored push-in ceremony. This unique fire service tradition dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire equipment when firefighters had to physically push the heavy apparatus back into the bay. Today, PFD says it symbolizes the commitment of firefighters to protecting the community and formally placing the truck into service.

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Idaho AG seeks dismissal of abortion lawsuit, citing doctor’s misunderstanding of the law

KIFI on October 23, 2025

News Release

The following is a press release from Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s Office:

BOISE, Idaho — Attorney General Raúl Labrador filed a motion for summary judgment asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s Defense of Life Act. The motion reveals that Dr. Stacy Seyb, the physician bringing the challenge, never understood Idaho’s law nor read the January 2023 Idaho Supreme Court decision clarifying the state’s abortion laws when he transferred pregnant women out of state.

Dr. Seyb, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at St. Luke’s Health System, sued Idaho, claiming the state’s abortion restrictions are unconstitutional. But his own deposition testimony undermines his claim because he referred patients out of state without learning what Idaho’s laws allow. He admitted he didn’t understand Idaho’s law, which permits physicians to perform abortions when the doctor, in good faith medical judgment, believes an abortion is necessary to prevent the woman’s death—without requiring certainty or imminence.

Dr. Seyb testified he never read the Idaho Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Planned Parenthood v. State that clarified doctors may use “good faith medical judgment” without “objective certainty” or requiring death to be “imminent.” He also claimed that he received no training on the Defense of Life Act from St. Luke’s. When asked how close to death a woman must be before he can perform an abortion, he testified: “I wish someone would answer that for me”—even though the Idaho Supreme Court answered that question a year before he airlifted patients out of state.

“The Idaho Supreme Court told doctors in 2023 they have broad clinical judgment to provide necessary care,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Dr. Seyb did not educate himself on what Idaho law permits, which is required of every doctor in Idaho. His patients suffered from his lack of understanding, not because of our laws.”

The case is Seyb v. Members of the Idaho Board of Medicine, pending before Judge B. Lynn Winmill in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.

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Applications are open for new Habitat for Humanity homes in Bend; here’s how to apply

KTVZ on October 23, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity announced Thursday it is now accepting applications for homeownership opportunities at Bear Creek Village, a new community located across from Bear Creek Elementary, in the heart of Midtown Bend. 

Bear Creek Village is Habitat’s newest neighborhood development in Bend, expanding access to affordable homeownership for Central Oregonians who are priced out of the market, the organization said in a news release that continues below:

The community will include safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes designed to support stability and opportunity for hardworking local families. 

“Habitat makes homeownership possible for people who are vital to our community, including educators, healthcare workers, grocery and retail employees, who simply can’t afford to buy in today’s market,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity.

“Bear Creek Village is about building stability and opportunity for Bend’s workforce and ensuring that the people who make this community thrive can afford to live here.” 

Homeownership Through Partnership Future Habitat homeowners qualify based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Applicants complete homebuyer education and financial readiness courses, gaining the skills and confidence to succeed as long-term homeowners. 

Each home is purchased with a mortgage tailored to the buyer’s budget, and broad community support bridges the gap between what it costs to build and what local families can afford. 

“Our homeowners aren’t given houses – they buy them,” said Colgan. “They prepare, learn, and work alongside Habitat to build a foundation for their future.” 

A Community Effort Habitat’s work is powered by the strength of its community partnerships. Volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors, and public funding partners all play a vital role in making affordable homeownership possible. This collaboration ensures that homes like those in Bear Creek Village are attainable for hardworking local families and individuals who help our region thrive. 

“Together, we build opportunity in Central Oregon,” added Colgan. “Every partner, whether swinging a hammer, making a donation, or advocating for housing, helps create lasting impact for families and for the future of our community.” 

Apply Today Applications for Bear Creek Village are now open. Interested applicants can learn more about eligibility requirements, income guidelines, and the application process at https://bendredmondhabitat.org/habitat-homeownership/. 

About Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity At Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home—a safe, stable, and healthy environment where families can thrive and communities can flourish. Since 1989, we have partnered with over 250 families to make homeownership possible and revitalized 145 homes, transforming the lives of more than 1,100 children and adults.  

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St. Joseph preps launch of new emergency operations center, a situation room in times of disaster

News-Press NOW on October 23, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Housed beneath St. Joseph’s newest fire station lies the future home base for emergency coordination in the event of a disaster.

With roughly 3,000 square feet of space and fortified concrete walls nearly a foot thick, city officials are prepping the launch of a new emergency operations center located below Fire Station 8 on Mitchell Avenue.

Whether it’s responding to flooding, a tornado or a public health crisis, the ongoing project is designed to provide a centralized and secure location for deploying resources and coordinating among a wide range of officials in critical situations.

“It’s incredibly helpful to work through, in a time of disaster, flooding or whatever the problem may be. To have everyone in the same place, the ability to make decisions right there,” City Manager Mike Schumacher said. “When they built Fire Station No. 8, they had the foresight to go ahead and build that in anticipation.”

St. Joseph Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein and St. Joseph Emergency Manager Bill Lamar walk through the early stages of the Emergency Operations Center in October at Fire Station 8 on Mitchell Avenue.

Constructed in 2022 along with St. Joseph’s newest fire station, city leaders have ramped up discussions in recent months as they work to bring the once-dormant space online and operational for the first time.

In addition to the necessary technology for communication and press conferences, the EOC will also have existing equipment transferred over to provide backup dispatch service capabilities.

“Once we get some input and guidance from Council, then we’ll go through the process to select the architect to kind of lay out the floor plan,” Schumacher said. “It’s intended to really consolidate those decision makers in one location to communicate to the public on whatever’s going on live.”

Depending on the type of emergency and the scale of impact, flooding, for example, live-to-the-minute coordination is critical between numerous entities, from public works to the school district, public safety, utility companies and experts in science.

In 2019, thousands of residents in parts of south St. Joseph were forced to evacuate due to flooding on the Missouri River, which crested at a record 32.11 feet, breaking levees and causing damage across a four-state area.

“In these emergencies … Public Works immediately becomes important. Your stormwater teams become important. If you need to offer transportation to citizens to get them out of harm’s way,” Schumacher. “It would be nice to have utility partners right there with you as well. It’s very much a collaborative effort.”

Various equipment is shown in October in one corner of the future Emergency Operations Center below Fire Station 8 on Mitchell Avenue.

While nothing has been finalized, the cost for the project is estimated between $800,000 and $1.2 million, paid for by unencumbered funds remaining from last fiscal year. Schumacher said the goal is to keep costs around $800,000.

One key to the facility is security. Although the EOC is located below the fire station, access is separate from the station itself. Backup generators for Station Eight also provide additional power if needed.

The EOC would not require any level of full-time staffing. Discussions are also currently ongoing with Buchanan County officials about the project as well.

With close to a dozen acres of land adjacent to the fire station and EOC, ongoing plans could be just the start of expansions in the future if funds allow.

“Through that process, there may be an opportunity for a second phase, if you will. So we’ll continue working the project. We want to be very mindful of costs,” Schumacher said.

First and foremost for the city and community partners, though, is solidifying a vision that can be brought to life.

To this point, St. Joseph has gotten by with its current infrastructure in times of emergency coordination, but officials see a prime opportunity to make necessary and beneficial upgrades.

“We’re grateful we have it. And really, the folks that built the station did a great job of making sure that it’s ready to go whenever the time comes to build it out. We’re proposing that time has come,” he said.

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Man accused of trying to hire hitman to kill Columbia police detective

KMIZ on October 23, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was already in law enforcement custody has been accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill a detective from the Columbia Police Department.

Nikolaus Harvey, 26, was charged on Thursday with conspiracy to commit a Class A felony. He was moved from the Boone County Jail to the Phelps County Jail. He is being held without bond. A court date has not been scheduled for this case.

The probable cause statement says an inmate told officials that Harvey offered to pay him $5,000 to kill the detective, but the inmate declined. Harvey allegedly wrote a note giving an accurate physical description of the detective, as well as an additional note and map detailing the location of guns that could be used, the statement says.

Harvey had allegedly blamed the detective for being held in jail, court documents say.

The witness handed the map over to law enforcement. He also had told Harvey he knew someone who could carry out the hit, the statement says. Law enforcement gave the inmate a phone number of a police officer that Harvey would talk to, the statement says.

Harvey allegedly spoke with the undercover officer and allegedly admitted to making the map and talked about how payment would occur, the statement says. Harvey then allegedly gave another note to the previous witness saying he would show the undercover officer where the guns were hidden, court documents say.

Harvey was interviewed by law enforcement at the Phelps County Jail and denied all allegations, including that he discussed a hit or wrote any notes, the probable cause statement says.

He was charged earlier this year after he was accused of stealing from 20 vehicles in Columbia over the course of two months. He was charged in one case with misdemeanor stealing, stealing a gun and stealing drugs. A hearing is scheduled in that case for 8:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3.

In another case, he is charged with first-degree burglary, felony stealing and possessing burglary tools.

Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson said conspiracy cases are taken seriously.

“A group of crimes that can be committed without actually finishing the crime conspiracy and attempt are both offenses where you haven’t actually completed the offense,” Johnson said.

While Harvey’s plan did not follow through, Johnson said the plan itself is a crime.

“Conspiracy  is that you agreed with one or more other persons to commit an offense, it has to be a serious felony. In Missouri, it has to be an A,B or C felony,” Johnson said.

Johnson emphasized the importance of of coming forward.

“Normally, we talk about if people have information about crimes that have been committed,” Johnson said. “But it is important, too, if you have information that somebody is going to commit a crime, to go to somebody and share that information. Because maybe we can stop that harm from happening.”

A person convicted of conspiracy can face up to three to 10 years in prison, according to Johnson.

ABC 17 News reached out to public defender Benjamin Ellis — who represents Harvey in several other cases — but he declined to comment.

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Columbia man accused of stabbing his brother in his leg

KMIZ on October 23, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly used a knife to stab his brother in his leg.

Steven Swanson, 32, was charged on Thursday in Boone County with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says police were called at 2:05 p.m. about a possible incident of domestic violence.

A witness told police that Swanson had stabbed his own brother in his right leg and ran away with the knife, court documents say. Swanson arrested shortly after and police found him with the knife, the statement says.  

Swanson allegedly told police that an argument began, he pulled out a knife, his brother told him to put the knife away and Swanson then stabbed him, the statement says.

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Idaho man arrested for DUI after semi-truck plunges into Wyoming river

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO/WYOMING (KIFI) — An Idaho semi-truck driver is facing DUI charges after an early morning crash in central Wyoming that severely injured his female passenger. The truck, which was hauling potatoes, reportedly crossed the median of I-80 near Elk Mountain and crashed into the Medicine Bow River.

The driver, identified as Matthew Berggren, 40, of Idaho, was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol for DUI. Following an initial hearing, Berggren was released on bond.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the crash happened along milepost 228 of I-80, just outside of Elk Mountain. The preliminary investigation suggests the eastbound semi-truck veered off the road, crossed the median, and plunged into the river, spilling hundreds of Idaho potatoes into the river and ditch beneath the roadway.

The female passenger in the truck sustained injuries in the crash and was airlifted to a medical facility in Colorado. No further details on her condition have been released.

The truck and trailer were later recovered from the Medicine Bow River. The EPA also assessed and cleared the scene following the truck’s removal.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol took the opportunity to issue a safety reminder: “Let’s make sure we all get to our destinations safely, make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel. Don’t Risk It, Drive Sober!”

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Idaho SOS McGrane: Idaho absentee ballot and voter pre-registration deadline is Friday at 5 PM

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Ahead of local elections on November 4th, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is encouraging all Idaho residents to finalize their plans to vote. With important deadlines fast approaching, he’s reminding residents they have until 5 PM tomorrow to pre-register to vote and request an absentee ballot.

Secretary McGrane stresses that pre-registering is the simplest path to a smooth Election Day experience. “Pre-registering at VoteIdaho.gov is quick and straightforward, and it’s the best way to ensure you’re prepared,” he noted in a press release. “For those voting absentee, this Friday is especially important, as it’s also the deadline to request your ballot.”

For those who miss tomorrow’s pre-registration deadline, you can still register and vote in person both at early voting locations and on election day.

To register, voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID and proof of residence. For most residents, a current Idaho driver’s license will be enough. Voters can check VoteIdaho.gov for specific early voting sites in their county.

The Secretary of State also reminds Idahoans that local taxing districts have varied election schedules and boundaries, meaning not every resident will have a contest on their ballot. Before heading out to the polls, McGrane urges voters to visit VoteIdaho.gov to check their sample ballot.

“VoteIdaho.gov is your trusted resource to get the information you need and to make your voice heard in your community,” said Secretary McGrane.

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Health Department expected to set up 39 more naloxone distribution boxes throughout Boone County

KMIZ on October 23, 2025

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services is rolling out 39 more naloxone distribution boxes throughout Boone County.

The Public Health and Human Services office, located at 1005 Worley St., is currently the only place with a naloxone box. PHHS announced the first box’s appearance on Tuesday. Boxes of the medicine — which is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses — are available 24 hours a day.

Health Department spokesman Austin Krohn said more boxes will be set up with community partners, like the Reentry Opportunity Center.

The ROC has free naloxone available, but people have to ask for it. Program Director Jessica Chambers said people often feel ashamed for requesting it.

“Well, now they don’t have to ask,” Chambers said. “They could just open up the box and receive it themselves.”

Natalie Rice attended a “Save-A-Life” naloxone event PHHS held Thursday. Rice shared her mom’s story at the start of the event.

Teresa Rice struggled with addiction for 11 years and going in and out of rehab before she died from a drug overdose in June 2022.

“Narcan gave us five, six more times that we had with her, without those, I mean, she probably would have been gone when I was 11,” Natalie said in an interview.

Natalie now carries naloxone with her and encourages her friends to as well because it could save someone’s life.

Missouri drug overdoses declined in 2024 for the second year in a row, according to previous reporting. There were 1,450 drug overdose deaths last year, which is nearly 500 fewer deaths since 2023.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Boone County EMS used 147 doses of naloxone in 2023.

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Wandering cow moose captured, relocated from Chubbuck backyard

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — A large cow moose that took an unexpected detour into a Chubbuck neighborhood was safely captured and relocated Wednesday morning thanks to a joint effort by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) and City of Chubbuck Animal Control.

Wednesday morning, the massive animal wandered into the backyard of a home on Whitaker Road, in a suburban area of Chubbuck. Fish and Game staff were able to successfully tranquilize the moose at the home. Once sedated, the cow was carefully loaded and transported to a more suitable, remote habitat, far from homes and traffic.

Idaho Fish and Game staff Erik Bartholomew (standing over tranquilized moose) and Houston Kimes (foreground) were two of the responders helping to relocate a moose from a Chubbuck neighborhood on Oct. 22.

This incident highlights the potential danger when large wildlife strays into populated areas. IDFG warns that despite their seemingly awkward appearance, moose are powerful, quick, and known to charge people or pets, particularly when they feel threatened.

“If you encounter a moose on the trail or in your neighborhood, remember to give them plenty of space—never approach moose, and keep your pets from doing the same,” advises IDFG.

This is the second such relocation in southeast Idaho in less than two weeks, following an incident where another moose was removed from a Blackfoot neighborhood on October 10.

Regional Wildlife Manager Zach Lockyer of the Southeast Region Fish and Game explained the decision-making process: “Sometimes when moose find their way into developed areas, we can wait it out and see if the animal moves back to where it came from, away from people. However, when moose are in the heart of neighborhoods or commercial areas near busy roads, it is sometimes necessary to relocate the animal in the interest of both public and wildlife safety.”

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