Author: KIFI

David Pace

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – A $100 million federal grant to Salmon-based Jervois for a cobalt refinery could help restart the nation’s largest cobalt mine.

“The mine in Salmon is not operable right now. It’s not operating because it’s not economic at the moment,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson told Local News 8 on Monday. “Again, reshoring that refining capacity and that supply chain here in the United States will make opportunities for economic mining come back to America.”

The mine shut down in 2023 due to a flooded supply of cobalt on the global market.

But the promise of a refinery on American soil could eventually reopen the mine’s operations with its 300 jobs.

“The U.S. does not have a cobalt refinery, and Jervois is working to build one here in the United States,” said Jervois USA President Matthew Lengerich. “… We’re ultimately working towards a pathway that brings that mine into production. This refinery, by now having a refinery in the United States, will certainly help in that.”

The refinery will likely be constructed at an industrial site in Pennsylvania or Louisiana, Lengerich said, and will employ 100 full-time, highly-paid employees.

The project is part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to bring mining and manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.

“We have been in a 30-year period of deindustrialization, 30 years of shutting down mines and shutting down factories,” Robertson said. “It’s been 30 years plus of learning how to not make things in this country.”

The grant will cover 40 percent of the estimated $250 million required to build a refinery.

“We’re really appreciative and excited about the DOE’s support,” Lengerich said. “It’ll make a massive difference in our ability to bring this project into construction and ultimately into operations.”

A little bit of cobalt goes a long way. The mineral is an essential ingredient in jet engines, cell phones, artificial knees, paint, missiles and much more.

“It is so important across semiconductors, across all different types of electronic equipment,” Robertson explained.

Lengerich readily agreed, adding, “It’s such a great move forward for the U.S. in terms of securing critical minerals to be able to have a refinery that we haven’t seen in over a generation, and to be producing cobalt, which is critical for the national defense, for military supplies, for batteries.”

Ultimately, the refinery is about securing America’s cobalt supply chain and onshoring jobs back into America’s manufacturing sector.

“If we don’t have the ability to manufacture things in this country, we will be a slave to other nations that do,” Robertson asserted. “That is not the American way. That is not the America we grew up in.”

She assured that the cobalt refinery will meet America’s clean air and environmental regulations.

“People see today big industry and building – whether it’s processing plants or manufacturing facilities – as a negative for their communities. Those are not negatives,” Robertson said. “Those are absolute strategic positives for both communities and America.”

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Students at Ethel Boyes Elementary School will begin classes as scheduled tomorrow, but will be dismissed early at 1 p.m. because of an issue with the school’s air conditioning system.

The Idaho Falls School District 91 Maintenance team is currently working to repair the system. A replacement part that was ordered last week was delayed in delivery but is expected to arrive this evening.

Once the part arrives, crews will install it as soon as possible so repairs can continue. In the meantime, fans have been placed throughout the building to help circulate air and reduce temperatures.

District officials say the early release is intended to reduce discomfort for students and staff as high temperatures are in the forecast for tomorrow afternoon.

Regular bus routes will run at the 1 p.m. dismissal to take students home.

The early release only applies to Ethel Boyes Elementary and does not affect other District 91 schools.

The district says it will provide an update tomorrow on the repair work and the schedule for the following days.

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Abi Martin

UPDATE: Power was restored Monday night around 11:50 p.m.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – According to Idaho Falls Power, approximately 2500 are without power on the western side of the city.

According to a post on the company’s Facebook page, there is a downed line near Neptune Drive that crews are currently working on.

They say dispatch is doing some switching and rerouting of power to isolate the problem and restore service as quickly as possible.

Local News 8 will keep you updated as we receive updates.

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Seth Ratliff

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Custer County Sheriff’s Office is actively responding to an alleged bomb threat at Challis High School.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the threat was called in via telephone at approximately 3:30, August 24.

Although school was not in session at the time of the call, emergency personnel immediately cleared both Challis High School and the Elementary School. First responders have established a secure perimeter around the area, and as of 4:45 p.m., the bomb squad is en route to conduct a thorough search of the building.

In a post on social media, the Sheriff’s Office stressed that while the threat is likely a hoax, all precautions are being taken.

Deputies have urged the public to avoid the area to avoid interrupting emergency operations.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide further updates as the investigation continues.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Gas prices are officially a dollar higher than last year at an average cost of $4.49 a gallon across the Gem State.

Only 17 states saw a price increase this week. Despite being one of the seventeen states that went up, Idaho’s ranking fell a rank, from 7th down to 8th for the most expensive fuel in the country.

“The market is under a lot of pressure right now. Upward pressure. And that’s going to move prices higher at least in the short term,” Matthew Conde, the Public and Government Affairs Director for AAA, said. “There are no immediate signs that we’re going to change course right now. Unfortunately, we’re on this pattern. We saw a seven-cent jump last week. We saw another one this week. So continuing to move on that upward trend.

Gas prices continuing this upward trend could put a strain on travelers; however, AAA believes there won’t be much strain for long. The American Automobile Association (AAA) found people will not travel as frequently or as far once summer comes to a close.

“The kids are back in school. The weather starts to get a little bit rougher,” Conde said. “People start reducing their long trips to more of like weekend getaways that are closer. So if demand starts to go down, that could provide a little bit of a relief.”

Even if there is a decrease in demand, crude oil prices remain high. The cost of a barrel of crude oil is $85 a barrel, which is $20 more than a year ago.

Idaho’s gas prices have been among the highest in the country, mainly due to distribution.

“We’re often in the top ten here in Idaho,” Conde said. “A lot of it has to do with how our distribution is spread out across the West, and so it takes a little bit longer for a tanker truck to get to some of the places in the West than it might in the East.”

The prices may be high, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your weekend getaway. AAA has a few tips to help save some money on your trips.

“It’s miserable for everybody,” Conde stated. “But you know, one of the things that we always say is try to think like a delivery driver. Make sure you’re bundling your trips wherever possible and avoid that traffic congestion as much as you can. And then from a practical standpoint, make sure those tires are properly inflated and that you don’t have anything heavy in the back of your vehicle that you don’t need.”

Although the future costs of gas prices remain uncertain, we will continue to monitor them and keep you informed on how to save some much-needed gas mileage.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Paul Baker, the former CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, publicly denounced allegations Monday by a local podcast about his actions and financial management at the Chamber.

In a statement released through his attorney, John Malek, Baker “denied these allegations and any suggestion of financial wrongdoing or other misconduct,” calling recent claims made on the IFAF Podcast “false and defamatory.”

Baker stepped down from his position as CEO in July after public scrutiny regarding his ties to Cristie Stone. Stone, the former Portneuf Valley Soccer Club president, was charged in June with felony grand theft following an internal audit that uncovered financial irregularities.

On recent episodes of the IFAF Podcast, hosts Mike Nelson and Karley Morgan openly speculated about Baker’s potential involvement with the soccer club’s finances, his relationship with Stone, and his oversight of Chamber funds.

According to Malek, Baker initially held back from taking public action to protect the Chamber’s standing.

“[Baker] exercised restraint in an effort to protect the important work and reputation of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and to avoid unnecessarily escalating an ongoing public dispute,” states Malek.

However, according to Malek, the “false and defamatory” allegations have continued. Baker is now calling for a full retraction, a public apology, and a formal correction from the podcast hosts.

In response to an email from Local News 8, IFAF Podcast and its hosts Mike Nelson and Karley Morgan provided a statement categorically denying any wrongdoing.

IFAF Podcast Responds

“Despite repeatedly calling our reporting and commentary ‘false and defamatory,’ Mr. Baker has yet to identify a single actual statement made on IFAF that is false, much less defamatory,” state Nelson and Morgan. “Nor has he addressed the substantive concerns that have been raised. Instead, he has chosen to attack the people raising them.”

The hosts added that if Baker believes specific details were reported incorrectly, he is welcome to provide facts to correct them. “Until then, we will not be intimidated by vague legal threats or deterred from speaking about matters of legitimate public interest,” the statement read.

Audit Status and Legal Next Steps

The Chamber’s Board of Directors released a statement in July that “to date, the Board has not found any evidence that Chamber funds have been misappropriated.” The Chamber’s finances are currently undergoing an independent audit by the accounting firm WIPFLI.

Baker’s attorney said his client appreciates those in the community who have extended him support and is looking at available legal remedies to respond to the attacks.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Local News 8 has reached out to both Malek and the hosts of the IFAF Podcast for comment, and will provide further updates and coverage as they respond.

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Linda Larsen

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — A 22-year-old man charged with second-degree murder made his first court appearance Monday following a fatal Sunday afternoon shooting in Rigby. Prosecutors revealed during the hearing that the suspect, Tristin John Chase, was allegedly holding a two-year-old child in his arms when the shots were fired.

Chase faces the felony charge in connection with the death of 43-year-old Rafael Valles of Cedar Creek, Texas. During the arraignment, Judge Faren Eddins set Chase’s bond at $750,000.

According to court documents, officers with the Rigby Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving two men on Ashlyn Way shortly after noon on Sunday.

As police arrived at the scene, an officer found a woman holding a child and crying loudly, while another woman attempted to perform CPR on Valles. Noting blood pooling from under Valles’ neck, the officer immediately took over life-saving measures. However, the officer was unable to locate a pulse and found Valles was not breathing.

“Though additional life-saving measures were provided…Valles passed away at the scene,” states the release from the Rigby Police.

Witnesses inside the residence told police they saw Chase shoot Valles before running into a nearby parking lot with the gun. The department alerted neighboring agencies and initiated a search for the suspect.

Court Documents Detail Events Leading to Shooting

The probable cause affidavit paints a picture of the events leading up to the fatal encounter. Court records show officers reviewed text exchanges from earlier that morning between Chase and his Ex.

Around 10:02 a.m., the woman had texted Chase accusing him of forcing himself on her the night before and stating, “I’m going to the cops for a restraining order and to tell them… I want you out of my life,” according to court documents.

According to court records, the child’s grandmother told police Chase had allegedly “forced” his way into the home the night before and made her daughter, his child’s mother, go to dinner with him. The woman told police there were times Chase had “forced himself” on his Ex.

Another text message from 10:27 a.m. shows Chase demanding Valles’ phone number and threatening violence, writing: “I’m gonna make sure this fool n its pain,” and threatening to go to Valles’ Airbnb and “shoot it up.”

The grandmother told investigators that Valles had come to the residence after being unable to reach her daughter for two hours. She told police an argument broke out outside and moved indoors.

According to court documents and Ring doorbell footage timestamped at 11:57 a.m., Chase entered the home carrying his toddler daughter in his left arm and pulled a handgun from his waistband. Valles followed closely behind, kicking the door open as he entered.

The women told police Valles attempted to grab the handgun to protect the people in the home. Two shots were fired shortly after. The grandmother immediately grabbed the child from Chase’s arms and confronted him before Chase ran on foot. Audio from the Ring camera captured screams of “Call 911!” and a woman shouting, “Mom, he’s dead!”

Phone Call with Police

While fleeing the scene, Chase called one of the women at the residence. According to court documents, an officer took over the phone to negotiate his surrender.

During the recorded call, Chase appeared panicked, stating he was “freaking out,” driving around to catch his breath, and considering ending his own life to avoid prison.

Chase claimed to police that Rafael had aggressively approached him while he was holding his daughter, kicked the door open, and tried to hit him. He admitted to discharging the weapon but claimed it was an accident or self-defense.

“I didn’t even (explicative) mean to shoot, I don’t even know how my gun shot,” Chase told the officer, adding, “It was not my fault that it happened.” Afterwards, Chase fell silent before briefly hanging up and calling back.

Officers eventually persuaded Chase to return to town, where he was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop near the 300 block of West 1st South in Rigby, just before 1 p.m.

“This is a very active, ongoing investigation and further details may be released at a later time,” the Rigby Police Department said in a press release. “Our condolences go out to Mr. Valles’ family and loved ones.”

Chase is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail awaiting his next court appearance on Sept. 3.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Local News 8 will continue to provide updates throughout the afternoon.

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Seth Ratliff

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI) — A $20.8 million effort to keep wildlife off the highway and protect drivers along a dangerous corridor of U.S. Highway 30 south of Montpelier is nearly complete.

Construction on three new wildlife underpasses along US-30 is expected to be finished this fall. Today, local and state officials, along with wildlife advocates, toured the site to see how the project is coming along.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the Rocky Point area sees around 100 wildlife-vehicle collisions each year, mainly involving mule deer. Beyond the physical danger to motorists, these accidents carry a heavy financial toll: wildlife collisions cost Idaho an average of $143.7 million every year.

The agency says wildlife underpasses and overpasses have proved an effective tool, cutting crashes with large animals by as much as 97 percent while keeping important migration routes open.

“The Idaho Transportation Department’s primary responsibility is the safety of the travelling public,” said ITD project manager Bo Frasure. “With approximately one hundred wildlife collisions a year at Rocky Point, this project’s need was clearly apparent. By funneling wildlife through underpasses, the animals are kept off the road and safely away from traffic. We are excited to see this project come to fruition.”

The project combines three underground passes with directional fencing to guide animals safely beneath the highway instead of across it.

“This project is about more than moving wildlife across the road—it’s an investment in public safety and the mule deer resource in this part of the state,” said Dan Garren, regional supervisor for Idaho Fish and Game’s Southeast Region.

The nearly 21-million-dollar project was funded through a federal wildlife crossings grant program. Idaho Conservation Manager at the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Matt Lucia, says the Rocky Point wildlife crossing project shows what’s possible when agencies, conservation and sporting groups, and local communities work toward the same goal.

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Danielle Mullenix

We will start the final week of August with warm, humid air as the storm patterns from this weekend move out of Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming. Expect rain and wind gusts to pick up into the afternoon, with highs climbing into the upper 80s.

This Monday will look a lot like yesterday, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible across the South Hills, Snake Plain, and southeastern highlands into the afternoon hours. Strong, potentially damaging wind gusts will again be the main concern. Clouds and precipitation at the start of the day will mean cooler temperatures and strong afternoon humidity. An unsteady cooling trend in our high temperatures should be felt through Thursday, with very few locations experiencing humidity below 15 percent.

High temperatures on Monday should peak around 89 degrees, with very few places crossing the 90-degree mark in the afternoon. Winds will pick up this afternoon as the rainstorms become more active, with the Snake River Plain seeing gusts in the upper teens and 20s. As the sun sets and we work into the overnight lows, expect most of the region to sit in the 50s and upper 40s this evening.

The weather is expected to stabilize on Tuesday and Wednesday as high pressure returns to the Great Basin. Valley temperatures may rise into the upper 80s and lower 90s, with a chance of a few afternoon thunderstorms.

Later in the week, conditions are likely to become breezy again. A storm system moving through Washington and British Columbia on Thursday is predicted to bring stronger winds to eastern Idaho on Thursday and Friday.

The system may also weaken the ridge of high pressure, bringing temperatures closer to normal by the weekend, with valley highs reaching the low to mid-80s. The exact extent of the temperature decrease remains uncertain, but a return to more typical late-August weather seems increasingly likely.

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Maile Sipraseuth

UPDATE 8/25/26 9 a.m.: The Bonneville County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of the Sunday morning motorcycle-car accident as Anthony Kent, 30, of Idaho Falls.

ORIGINAL STORY:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– An 18-year-old man is facing felony charges after a vehicle struck and killed a motorcyclist Sunday morning in Idaho Falls in a hit-and-run.

At about 10:31 a.m. Aug. 23, Idaho Falls Police and Idaho Falls Fire & EMS responded to the intersection of East Anderson Street and North Holmes Avenue for a reported vehicle and motorcycle crash.

Police say the motorcyclist was stopped at a red light on Holmes Avenue when the vehicle struck him and continued through the intersection before leaving the scene.

Witnesses told dispatchers the motorcyclist was injured and that the driver of the other vehicle had left the scene.

When officers and EMS arrived, they found an adult male who had been riding the motorcycle. A witness was providing help before EMS took over medical care.

The victim was then transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Daniel Hartman, was booked into the Bonneville County Jail on felony charges of vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an injury accident.

Police have not released the victim’s name. Immediate next-of-kin notifications have been made, but additional notifications are still being completed.

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