Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Local authorities are warning Shelley residents about a prank caller posing as a Domino’s Pizza employee and making disturbing claims.

According to police, the caller has told residents that he tampered with their food orders. In some cases, the caller also claimed to have returned to delivery locations to engage in inappropriate activity in the yards.

“Officers are working with Domino’s to determine whether there is any validity to these claims,” said Shelley Police in a Facebook post. “At this time, we have no information confirming that these allegations are legitimate, and the calls are believed to be prank calls.”

Police emphasized that while the calls are concerning, residents should remain calm and avoid interacting with the caller.

“We understand that receiving a call like this can be concerning. If you receive one of these calls, please do not provide personal information or engage with the caller,” said the department.

Residents who have legitimate concerns regarding a food delivery or who observe suspicious activity at their home are urged to contact the Shelley Police Department directly. For more information, click HERE.

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Hadley Bodell

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — The black bears involved in an attack on a family near Salmon are dead after wildlife officers trapped and euthanized the animals over the weekend, according to Idaho Fish and Game and the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office.

RELATED: Dangerous bear attacks two in Salmon neighborhood

The attack happened early Friday morning in the Sunset Heights neighborhood when a young black bear got inside the family’s home, according to accounts shared by the family. Kimberlie Heidemann says her husband Brian confronted the bear as it pushed into the doorway, tackled it into the backyard, and struggled with the animal on the ground.

“To come after us like that was absolutely something out of a horror movie. This is I’m like, this is real; I can’t this didn’t just happen,” said Kimberlie.

The family’s dog also rushed the bear, as both Brian and Kimberlie were injured in the attack. Brian spent two days in the hospital with life-threatening cuts and is now home recovering, according to Kimberlie.

The family’s concerns began a week before the attack, as the bear wreaked major havoc on their property, killing several of their chickens. However, Kimberlie says IDFG directed them not to confront the animals.

“They really don’t want us to shoot the mom and the baby,” said Kimberlie. “They really would like to rather relocate them.”

Friends of the Heidemanns have started a fundraiser to help with medical expenses. For more information, click HERE.

Courtesy Photo: Heidemann Family

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bannock County Coroner’s Office released the name of the man killed in an accident that happened on October 4, 2026, near Lava Hot Springs.

The coroner’s office identified him as Eben Michael Shrum, 24, of Montpelier.

According to Idaho State Police, Shrum, along with another man, was heading westbound on US Highway 30 in a 2006 Toyota Sienna around 6:50 p.m. when the vehicle left the road, overcorrected, and flipped over near milepost 375.

Police confirm neither man was wearing a seat belt. Shrum died at the scene, while the second passenger did not require medical transport.

The roadway was blocked for nearly 6 hours as crews worked to investigate and clear the wreckage.

ISP is continuing to look into the cause of the crash.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier report from the Coroner’s office said Eben Michael Shrum was 27 years old. It was corrected.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A Pocatello man has been found after being reported missing earlier today. 

According to his family, 79-year-old Larry Smith was located this afternoon and taken to the hospital. In a social media post, his family confirmed he will be okay.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — An Endangered Missing Person Alert has been issued for 79-year-old Larry Smith, who was last seen Sunday evening, Oct. 4, 2026, in Pocatello.

Pocatello Police reported that Smith was last seen on Homer Drive around 11 PM wearing a short-sleeved shirt and khaki or camo pants. He is also described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall, approximately 215 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes.

Smith may have been drivingin a 2003 Silver GMC Sierra crew cab pickup Truck with license plate 35CHNOK.

Police say Larry is without his needed medication and may be experiencing memory issues.

If you have any information about Smith, you’re asked to call Pocatello Police at 208-234-6100.

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Some of the most ordinary and overlooked pieces of infrastructure in downtown Idaho Falls are getting a colorful new purpose this fall.

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), in partnership with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, has revived its Downtown Traffic Cabinet Art Program, turning utility cabinets into public art.

The first installation was unveiled at the corner of Broadway and North Capital Avenue on Oct. 1.

Eight traffic cabinets across downtown are expected to be wrapped with original artwork over the coming months, creating what organizers describe as an accessible, beautiful open-air gallery for residents and visitors. What could be better than fall leaves underfoot and a colorful display of local artistry on the horizon?

The program first debuted in 2018, following the popularity of the Idaho Falls Arts Council’s Art You Can Sit On decorative benches (still featured throughout the downtown area and the Riverwalk). The original traffic cabinet wraps quickly became a local favorite.

The program was revitalized for 2026 after the original cabinets were replaced with larger cabinets last year.

Regional artists submitted more than 135 pieces of artwork during the call for art earlier this summer.

Debut art piece kicks off Fall installations

The first two pieces featured in the program are “It Takes a Village” and “Inner Wilderness,” created by mixed-media artist Jenna Layton.

Artist Jenna Layton poses by her artwork now on display at the corner of Broadway and N. Capital Avenue/photo courtesy of IF Downtown Development Corporation

Layton’s artwork is known for its bold colors, textures, and dynamic linework, often incorporating themes of home, memories, and connection.

“These artworks, created in Idaho, grew from years of moving, settling, and wondering where—and what—home really is,” Layton shared. “They explore the relationship between the outer worlds we spend so much time creating and the inner worlds we carry with us, reflecting both the landscape around us and the landscape of where we are, right now.”

Organizers say the selected artwork also reflects Idaho and the surrounding landscape.

Each traffic cabinet will include a QR code that lets people learn more about the featured artist, including their biography, portfolio, and the inspiration behind the artwork.

“I really enjoyed the selection of artists and the diverse perspectives represented,” added Omar Corona-Sarabia, Art Instructor at the College of Eastern Idaho, who assisted in the artwork selection process. “The selected works capture a strong sense of Idaho and its influence, from the landscape and natural environment to more abstract interpretations of place. Together, they reflect the character, spirit, and visual richness of Idaho Falls and the surrounding region beautifully.”

The project is a collaboration between the IFDDC, local artists, Idaho Falls Power, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the IFDDC Public Art Committee.

The Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Foundation provided $7,500 to support the project, while IF Signs is providing the specialized vinyl wrapping and installation.

Broader effort for more local artistry visibility

The IFDDC says the traffic cabinet program is part of its broader effort to bring more public art and creative placemaking to downtown Idaho Falls.

“I love any opportunity to bring more artwork and color downtown, so I’m thrilled that we are bringing back the traffic cabinet program after the old cabinets were removed,” said Georgina Goodlander, Visual Arts Director at the Idaho Falls Arts Council and member of the downtown Public Art Committee. “I am very pleased with the variety of artwork that will be included this time; we have selected some fun and unusual pieces of art.”

Local businesses, organizations, and community members can also sponsor upcoming traffic cabinet installations. Sponsorships help cover the cost of producing, wrapping, and maintaining the artwork.

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation offers more information about the program and sponsorship opportunities on their Facebook page here or official website here.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Symphony has begun the search for a new Executive Director after Carrie Athay stepped away from the role in September.

As the search continues, two symphony members are stepping in as Co-Interim Directors to lead the organization into its next chapter.

“The process takes a month, two months, three months,” Marta Smith, Co-Interim Director of the Symphony, said. “A lot is happening in the symphony between now and then. So Gabby and I are holding the ship together.” 

Marta Smith and Gabriella Roderer have been a part of the symphony for years, and have developed a close friendship and partnership. As the now leaders for the Symphony, they’re putting that partnership to the test.

“I am so grateful and excited to have these two exceptional women stepping up as interim directors,” Alice Pike, the President of the Idaho Falls Symphony, said. “Gabby is the librarian and Marta symphony manager. They’re amazing women and they work well together.” 

The symphony is looking Nationwide for their next Executive Director, while keeping a close eye on the local talent.

“The biggest thing for the executive director is to keep the symphony relevant and funded and operating,” John Radford, the Symphony Vice-President, said. “We need a dynamic person who can do that and will be the advocate for music and the full symphony. I think we are lucky that Idaho Falls has a deep pool of talent.” 

As for the Music Director, they have already narrowed down the candidates. You can meet the first candidate later this month.

“We have six amazing contestants who are coming each to conduct a symphony over the course of the season,” Pike said. “At the end of the season, we’ll choose our new music director.”

They will have 6 symphonies with each candidate getting the chance to conduct a symphony and showcase their talents. As they work to find the right fit, the symphony is asking the community to share feedback on each candidates work. Making the search a community effort.

And with two new leaders on the horizon, the symphony is entering a new and exciting chapter.

“We are in a year of new frontiers, but on the other side of this new frontier are more beautiful sunset and sunrises,” Roderer said. “So come join, come be a part of us. Whether it’s your first time or your 100,000 time. We want you there. We want you participating in this beautiful human moment of connecting over live music at such a high caliber and excellence.”

As each Music Director comes to Idaho Falls, Local News 8 will get an exclusive interview with each one.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The TRIO Program at Idaho State University helps veterans and military family members find resources and opportunities post-service when it comes to education and careers. Throughout Saturday, the program hosted a resource fair at Idaho State University on the Quad.

Vendors ranged from local businesses to programs at ISU, there to provide visitors with an opportunity to connect with mental health, physical therapy, career pathways and other aspects of post-service life that local veterans can benefit from finding. TRIO events like the resource fair ensure local veterans and their families have guidance.

Todays fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. included a program with food trucks and live, free screening of the movie “Major Payne” at the ISU Bengal Theater. Smokin’ Buds BBQ and Amazing Glaze were two local favorites present at today’s event.

“Our goal is to connect southeastern Idaho veterans, service members, and their families with essential regional resources, services and support networks,” said Abigail Woods, Advisor for the TRIO Veterans and Educational Opportunity Center.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is in the running for a proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus that could double the size of Idaho National Laboratory’s workforce. But some are concerned about requirements that the state store more spent nuclear fuel as part of a potential agreement.

If selected, the project would have monumental implications for the state of Idaho.

The U.S. Department of Energy says the campus “has the potential to create about 25,000 new jobs, attract up to $50 billion in capital investment and generate up to $10 billion in state and local tax revenue.”

Local News 8 interviewed both candidates in the State Senate District 33 race to hear their perspectives over the issue.

State Senator Dave Lent, (R)-Idaho Falls, is one of 46 Idaho lawmakers who signed an August 17 letter expressing support for the project.

The project would cover the entire life cycle of nuclear fuel –  including fuel development, nuclear reactors, reprocessing fuel, interim storage and potentially long-term fuel storage, he said.

“They’re primarily offering tens of thousands of jobs, essentially,” Lent said. “If you think about what’s involved with this … we’ve got to get this word out to our youth and say, ‘Hey, there are literally thousands of thousands of potential high-paying great jobs coming to our inner-mountain area.”

He clarified that technological advancements ensure the project could be implemented while maintaing the safety of people and the environment as the top priorities.

“We have some nonnegotiables here. Those are, number one, we will protect our people and the people of the state of Idaho. Number two, we will protect our environment,” Lent said. “That’s where we start and end all these discussions. We believe and I believe, having worked and been around this industry for many, many years, that we have evolved to the point where we can confidently stand up and say we can handle these projects safely and that will be a great benefit to our area.”

Democratic candidate Jan Brown served as a special assistant to Governor John Evans on natural resources and nuclear waste from 1985-1986. She is concerned about the federal government’s ‘carrot-stick’ approach to provide funding in exchange for storing nuclear waste.

“The discussion is that you would get a third of the nation’s waste coming into the state,” Brown said.

She questioned the “aggressive timeline” of the proposal, stating, “There are conditions with this agreement so far that I don’t particularly like, and I think we should have a much more scientific approach looking at which states actually are the best places for ultimate disposal of some radioactive waste. You know, the half lives are over 200,000-year half life. There are certain radionuclides that simply have to be isolated for hundreds and thousands of years, right? So we need to be far more acute in our thinking on what belongs here in Idaho, meaning our our lab and its expertise.”

Gov. Brad Little told the Idaho Capital Sun last week that “disposing spent fuel over the aquifer in Idaho is a nonstarter.”

Currently, six states are in the running to land the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Idaho is competing against Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and West Virginia.

The Department of Energy is expected to announced three host states by the end of this year.

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Abi Martin

POWER COUNTY, Idaho – Idaho State Police is investigating a crash involving a semi-truck Friday afternoon on Interstate 86 in Power County.

A 28-year-old man from Pocatello was attempting to get onto Interstate 86 near mile marker 56. However, he failed to navigate the curve and tipped the truck onto its passenger side.

The drive, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to a nearby hospital.

The on ramp where the accident happened is still blocked. For the latest road conditions, you can visit 511.idaho.gov.

The Idaho State Police was assisted by Power County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Hall Fire Department.

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Seth Ratliff

LINCOLN COUNTY, WYO. (KIFI) — A 16-year-old boy from Diamondville died Thursday evening following a hunting accident involving a firearm, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency dispatchers received a call reporting the accident just before 7:00 p.m. on October 1 from a group hunting near Elk Mountain, outside Kemmerer. Deputies, Emergency Medical Services, and Search and Rescue personnel all responded to the scene.

The teenager’s identity has not been released. Deputies say the investigation remains ongoing and no further details will be made public at this time.

“We ask that the public be mindful of the families in this incredibly difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.

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