Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Lori Vallow Daybell is back in Idaho, where she will spend the rest of her life behind bars. New video from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona shows Daybell leaving their facility.

She was booked into the Idaho Department of Corrections at Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center.

Daybell has been held in Maricopa County’s Estrella jail in Arizona since November 2023.

While in Arizona, Daybell was convicted of conspiring to murder her former husband and her niece’s husband. She was sentenced to life in prison.

In Idaho, she is serving a life sentence for the deaths of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and conspiring to kill her current husband’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.

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Chris Nestman

Those that want to run for local electable positions that open this year like city council or mayor, can officially register at their respective city or county offices.

Idaho state law dictates that the last two workweeks of August is the official window for potential candidates to register. For 2025’s elections, that means from August 18th until 5pm on August 29th potential candidates can register to be on this year’s ballots.

This year in Idaho Falls, the mayor’s office and three city council seats are open. Emily Geisler, the Idaho Falls City Clerk encourages anyone who’s interested to research what’s needed before they submit for candidacy.

“I recommend that if anyone has questions about, the campaign process, campaign finance reports, even the documentation that they reach out to Bonneville County or even, voteidaho.gov,” said Geisler. “Those people are the experts…, and they can point you in the right direction.”

Those who don’t make the August 29th deadline can still run for office if they register by September 5th, but only as a write-in candidate.

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Chris Nestman

It seems like scammers are always trying to find new ways to steal your money. A recent one that local leaders say are on the rise are online General Educational Development (GED) scams.

“We had someone actually just a couple of weeks ago that had $700 into it,” said Anne Johnson a GED Program Director for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC) in Idaho Falls. “They finally came and talked to us and I said, I’m really sorry, but you didn’t accomplish anything.”

Johnson says the most common thing they see are programs that advertise fast, easy, and test free GED programs. Once people pay, they either get enrolled in an unaccredited program or they get nothing in return and lose their money.

Another common method is to create websites that look legitimate and look related to local high schools or community colleges. In reality, they have no connection to those schools and are there to steal people’s information.

“The only program that’s used in the entire program is ged.com,” said Johnson. “And it does require study, effort, and tests.”

Johnson said there are plenty of avenues for people to get their GED here in eastern Idaho, including with them at the DVSAC.

“The only requirement is that you have to be 16 years of age… and have a valid ID. That’s it,” said Johnson.

DVSAC’s GED program covers the costs of signing up to get your GED and covers the costs of going to testing centers, like the College of Eastern Idaho.

They also provide guidance, tutoring, and flexibility to help people complete the program; including inmates at the local county jail.

To find out more about their program, you can go to geddvsac.org.

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News Team

ASHTON, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews have made “significant” progress on the 851-acre Sand Creek Fire, located eight miles west of Ashton. The fire, which was started by a lightning strike, is expected to be 100% contained by 8 p.m. this evening.

Firefighters are now shifting from active firefighting to mopping up remaining hot spots. A slight rain last night reportedly assisted crews in cooling down the fire’s edge.

According to BLM Idaho Fire, air support has been released after crews made “tremendous progress today getting around the north end of the fire, knocking heat out of the timber and heavy fuels.”

With gusty winds and high temperatures predicted for the rest of the week, crews will remain on scene for a few more days to patrol the area and ensure no new hot spots flare up.

All evacuations were lifted yesterday afternoon, and county resources have been released from the scene. Fire officials expressed their gratitude to the county resources for their dedication to protecting their communities.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Tonight, Texas Roadhouse in Pocatello is partnering with Bridle Up Hope to raise money for a great cause. From now until 10 p.m., 10% of all dinner profits will go directly to Bridle Up Hope’s scholarship fund. This money will help more women and girls in the Pocatello area access a unique program that uses horses to build confidence and resilience.

“We’re trying to build our scholarship fund so that we can offer scholarships to girls and women who want to take it, but may not be able to afford it,” said Program Director Lana Davies.

If you can’t make it tonight, Bridle Up Hope is hosting another fundraiser next month featuring champion rodeo athlete Amberley Snyder. For more information, click HERE.

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Sam Ross

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The American Falls district library is playing host to a jungle’s worth of wild animals. The ‘Sensory Safari’ is making its way around southeast Idaho thanks to the local branch of the International Safari Club.

Library visitors can admire and even touch the dozens of species of exotic animals. Library leaders say the unique exhibit always draws a crowd.

People love it. And this year we did it in August, which was a great time. It’s usually a slower month at the library, and we have had all kinds of people come in. I think because they’re not in school yet. So they bring the kids in, and it’s just been great.

The ‘Sensory Safari’ will only be sticking around American Falls until tomorrow, August 19. But if you missed it, you could still get another chance nearby. The Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck will host the Safari starting Thursday.

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Seth Ratliff

MCCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Starting Tuesday, August 19, at 7 a.m., the city of McCammon will begin a vital upgrade to the city’s water system. To ensure safe and sanitary conditions, crews will shut off the old water main on Center Street while they connect the new line.

For Affected Residents

Residents who received a door hanger notification last week will have their water shut off for up to 12 hours. Once water service is restored, a mandatory 36-hour boil order will be in effect. For detailed instructions on what to do during a boil order, click HERE.

For All Other Residents

Residents not directly impacted are asked to conserve water to prevent additional service disruptions. Please refrain from using water unless it’s absolutely necessary. This includes no watering of yards or pastures, as the rest of the city will be supplied by only one well during this upgrade.

If your water pressure is suddenly lost, you must also follow the boil order instructions.

For updates on the water project, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) —Following a solemn procession to honor Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada earlier today, the Tremonton Garland Police Department continues to mourn the loss of the two officers killed in the line of duty in a recently released social media statement.

Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada were shot and killed Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Tremonton. Their suspected shooter, identified through the Weber County Jail roster as 33-year-old Ryan M Bate, faces two counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, and one count of assault.

According to the Tremonton Garland Police Department, 56-year-old Sergeant Sorensen had 17 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, 16 of which were at the Garland Police Department. He was recently promoted to Sergeant and planned to be sworn into his new role on Friday, August 22.

The department emphasized Sgt. Sorensen’s commitment to service in the community, highlighting how he received the Distinguished Service Award in February from the Tremonton Fire Department for his “unwavering dedication and support to our fire and EMS units during incidents.” In addition, Sorensen and his wife received Garland City’s Wheelon Award in 2020, which recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the city.

Officer Lee Sorensen, Tremonton Garland Police Department (Left), Photo Credit: Tremonton City

He is survived by his wife, Lanette, and their children.

31-year-old Officer Eric Estrada is survived by his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Cienna and Luka.

Eric reportedly began his career in law enforcement in 2017 with the Logan Police Department. He then joined the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, where he first served in the jail. Afterward, he worked as a patrol officer and detective at the North Park Police Department before returning to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office to work again in the jail. Earlier this year, Officer Estrada joined the Tremonton Police Department, where he served as a line officer and a member of the community outreach team.

“He was a dedicated father and husband, deeply loving and cherishing his family. He also enjoyed CrossFit, and his favorite role in law enforcement was being on patrol, where he loved interacting with people and engaging with the community,” states the Tremonton Garland Police Department.

ORIGINAL:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) — The Tremonton Garland Police Department has announced a solemn procession to honor Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, who were killed in the line of duty last night, August 17. The community is invited to pay their respects as the procession travels from Taylorsville to Logan, Utah, later today.

Officer Lee Sorensen, Tremonton Garland Police Department (Left), received the Distinguished Service Award in February from the Tremonton Fire Department for his “unwavering dedication and support to our fire and EMS units during incidents.” Photo Credit: Tremonton City

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has issued an order for the flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers.

“Today, our hearts are broken. Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada gave their lives in service to their neighbors and community. Abby and I join all Utahns in mourning alongside their families, the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, and every officer who puts on the uniform to protect others.

We owe these heroes a debt that can never be repaid. As we grieve, let us also recommit to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless the Sorensen and Estrada families, and all those who are hurting in this time of loss.”

Procession Details

The procession is scheduled to begin at around 4:00 – 5:30 PM today, August 18, starting at the Medical Examiner’s office in Taylorsville, Utah.

The route will then head north to the Rudd Funeral Home in Garland, Utah, and will conclude at the Allen-Hall Mortuary in Logan, Utah. Community members are encouraged to find a safe place along the route to show their support. For more information, click HERE.

A Community in Mourning/ Suspected Shooter Identified

Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada were shot and killed Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Tremonton. The incident also left a Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy and a police K9 with non-life-threatening injuries. Their suspected shooter has now been identified as 33-year-old Ryan M Bate.

“The hearts of everyone at the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office are heavy with sorrow,” stated Box Elder County Chief Deputy Sheriff Cade Palmer. “We are mourning the tragic and profound loss of two brave Tremonton-Garland colleagues, friends, and brothers who lost their lives in the line of duty last night.”

The incident began around 9:02 PM on August 17, when officers responded to a 911 call from a home in Tremonton. As the first officer spoke with the caller, a man, identified as Bate, came out of the residence with a gun and opened fire, striking and killing both officers. A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, who was on the way to assist, arrived at the scene and was shot at, injuring both the deputy and their police service dog.

Both the deputy and the K9 were taken to a hospital and a specialty veterinary clinic and are in fair condition. Chief Deputy Palmer of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office noted that their injuries are not life-threatening and they are expected to make a full recovery.

According to a statement from the Brigham City Police Department, bystanders convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, and he was taken into custody. Bate has been booked into the Weber County Jail on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of assault. The Weber County Attorney’s Office is leading the homicide investigation.

A Widespread Impact

The incident has deeply affected law enforcement agencies throughout the region.

“Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state, and even nation,” the Brigham City Police Department stated. “These officers and their families served theirs every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes.”

Chief Deputy Palmer says their focus is on supporting the families and our personnel as they navigate this difficult time together.

“This is a senseless tragedy that has left our entire law enforcement community and our county in immense pain. There are no words to express the magnitude of this loss. In this time of unimaginable grief, we ask for your prayers and support for the families of the fallen, and for all who are grieving,” stated Palmer.

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News Team

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (KIFI) — Grand Teton National Park officials and health authorities are working to contact hundreds of visitors who may have been exposed to rabies from a bat colony found at Jackson Lake Lodge. The potential exposure window is believed to be between May 5 and July 27.

The National Park Service discovered a bat colony in late July, residing in the attic space above several rooms at the popular Jackson Lake Lodge. Health officials are now attempting to reach guests from 38 U.S. states and seven countries who stayed in the affected rooms.

According to Wyoming State Health Officer Alexia Harrist, the primary concern is for individuals who had direct physical contact with bats. “The way that rabies is spread is through the bat’s saliva,” Harrist told Wyoming Public Radio, the outlet which broke the story, “either through a bite or a scratch.”

While the risk is reportedly low for those without direct contact, health officials emphasize that rabies is nearly always fatal if not treated promptly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for anyone with potential exposure, which includes a series of vaccinations.

For more information, contact the Grand Teton Lodge Company, HERE.

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News Team

ALPINE, Idaho (KIFI) — A small wildfire, sparked by a lightning strike, is burning near Palisades Reservoir, having consumed about a quarter of an acre. Fire crews from the Swan Valley Fire District, Bonneville County, the Forest Service, and the BLM are on the scene, according to Swan Valley Fire Chief Travis Crystal.

Crystal notes the fire can only be reached by boat or helicopter, and no structures are currently threatened.

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