Author: KIFI

Chris Nestman

UPDATE:

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho mother is desperately searching for her two missing teenage children, fearing they may have been abducted by members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). Elizabeth Roundy of Monteview, Jefferson County, reported her 13-year-old son, Allen Larand Fisher, and 15-year-old daughter, Rachelle “Shelly” Leray Fischer, missing on June 22.

The children were last seen wearing traditional FLDS attire. Rachael was in a dark green prairie dress with braided hair, and Allen was wearing a light blue shirt with blue jeans and black slip-on shoes, similar to Crocs. Roundy believes her children were traveling in a gray Honda sedan, en route to her sister’s home in Mendon, Utah, approximately 10 miles outside of Logan.

Authorities have issued an amber alert for the missing children, instructing anyone who spots them or the suspected vehicle to contact the Jefferson CSO at 208-745-9210.

Roundy, a former FLDS member, reportedly told law enforcement she believes her children were taken in response to recent, alarming statements made by imprisoned FLDS leader Warren Jeffs. Jeffs, who is serving a life sentence in Texas for child sexual assault, has reportedly claimed recent “revelations” directing that FLDS children must die to be resurrected as “pure beings.”

Holding Out HELP, a Utah-based non-profit helping people escape polygamous backgrounds, says that Jeffs and other FLDS church leaders have instructed followers to retrieve their children by “any means necessary” and prepare them for an impending “end of times.” FLDS children are reportedly intended to “gather” to assist in building Zion, where they will then “die and become ‘pure’ and ‘translated beings.'”

“There are some revelations out that are really concerning from the FLDS church, that talk about becoming translated beings, but they must die first,” Tonia Tewel, Executive Director of Holding Out HELP, told Local News 8. “…And they’ll be risen like Jesus Christ in two and a half, three days. It’s a five-year revelation. We’re three years into it. And so I think she’s(Roundy) worried that her kid’s life may be taken at the end of the day.”

FLDS members reportedly believe the current church leadership is leading faithful followers to the same fate as those who died in historical tragedies like Jonestown and Waco.

Understanding the FLDS Church

While the FLDS religion asserts a shared history and origin with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church), the two groups have no formal or official connection. The FLDS church leadership has faced numerous charges for illegal activities, including child marriages, child abandonment, sexual assault, and human trafficking, including child sexual abuse.

ORIGINAL:

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two teens reported missing on Sunday.

According to a news release issued Monday morning, they are looking Allen Larand Fisher, 13 and Rachael Leray Fischer, 15. They are believed to have left Monteview to return to Trenton, Utah, where they previously lived due to religious beliefs.

The are possibly traveling ina gray Honda or Hyundai sedan with Utah license plates.

Allen is described as 5’9”, 135 pounds with longer sandy blonde hair and blue eyes.

Racheal is 5’5”, 135 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

The sheriff’s office also said their sister, Elintra Dee Fisher, was reported missing on January 1, 2023, and has not been located. Elintra would be 18 years old now, they said.

Elintra Fischer was reported missing on January 1, 2023, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred yesterday morning, Monday, June 23, on N. River Road, north of Idaho Falls. Daniel William Leary, 34, died after being found with a gunshot wound near the West Snake River Boat Ramp.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies and an Idaho Falls Ambulance were called to the scene around 7:18 a.m. Monday. Leary was found in the roadway and rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Deputies spent Monday gathering and processing evidence at the scene, leading to a multi-hour closure of the area around the boat ramp. They also worked to locate and notify Leary’s family.

The sheriff’s office assures the public there are no known threats to the community at this time. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them through dispatch at 208-529-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online via East Idaho Crimestoppers at www.IFcrime.org.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a shooting on N. River Road, north of Idaho Falls, Monday morning.

They have closed N. River Road between 81st North and 113th North. Drivers will need to find an alternate route around the area, they said.

They said there is no threat to the community and no further information is available now.

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Stephanie Lucas

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Local News 8 had the opportunity to speak with Senator Jim Risch Saturday morning, just hours before the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.

Not only is Senator Risch the Senior Republican on the Intelligence Committee, he is also Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He spoke to the president Wednesday before the attacks.

“We talked about the various options and what they were. But I’m going to keep that right now to myself. I am going to support the president. I know what his options are. He will take one of those options. And I have every confidence it will be the right road that he’s going to go down,” Risch said.

Senator Risch also clarified that the Iranian people are not the same as the Iranian regime.

“When I talk about the Iranians, I’m not talking about the Iranian people. I’m talking about the regime. The Iranian people are a very different… group from the from the regime. Don’t want anything to do with the…what the regime wants. But you cannot trust the regime.”

Risch says the Iranian regime has their own agenda.

“They are motivated by a radical religious view of the world where they will be in charge of the world. They believe their path is to get a nuclear weapon,” he said. “They’re going to do everything they can to get a nuclear weapon. And they will they will make agreements. They’ll do whatever it takes.”

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News Team

(The following information is from a press release, originally written by Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Jessica Clements)

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a vegetation fire last night that got as close as 50 feet to some homes at the 4700 block of Pevero Drive.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Idaho Falls Fire responded to a report of a fire that had started on a northern piece of property owned by the Bonneville County Transfer Station, located at 3690 Recycle Road. The fire was reported to be in a grassy area behind residences.

Due to wind conditions and the flat terrain, the fire was able to grow quickly.

When Idaho Falls Fire Fighters arrived on scene the fire was approximately 100 yards wide and 100 yards long. In some areas the fire was as close as 50 feet to houses.

Two light brush trucks from Idaho Falls Fire were able to quickly access the fire and start fighting it.

Idaho Falls Police Officers and Bonneville County Deputies responded and notified residents in the 4700 block of Pevero Drive and Rock Hollow Lane to be ready to evacuate by knocking on doors and using an Alertsense sent by Emergency Communications Officers. Neighbors and residents used hoses to fight a section of the fire that made it into a backyard.

Two heavy brush trucks, two water tenders, a ladder truck and a Battalion Chief from Idaho Falls Fire arrived. Together, fire crews were able to quickly contain and knock down the fire. Crews remained on scene until approximately 11:00 p.m.

Fortunately, damage from the fire was limited to vegetation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As we move into the warm and dry weeks of the year, community members are reminded to be vigilant about safety when engaging in activities that come with a fire risk.

Recreational fires, fireworks, outdoor cooking, controlled burns, and hot cars driving through dry grasses, among other things, can spark fires. Dry and hot conditions paired with Idaho winds provide ideal conditions for fires to grow rapidly. Report fires quickly by calling 911.

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Kailey Galaviz

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and for children who have and are facing this battle, it can feel isolating. But one special camp nestled in the mountains of Swan Valley is working to change that.

Camp Magical Moments is more than just summer camp; it’s a refuge for young cancer survivors to find peace, healing, and growth.

From archery to art, rock walls to camaraderie, kids can come to camp to escape life’s biggest challenges, even for just a week.

Kids nationwide are invited to camp regardless of where they are in their treatment journey. Cohen, a camper at CMM, says, “It’s kind of nice because instead of like being sensitive if somebody asks you about your cancer, you just know that everybody else had cancer, and so you’re fine talking about it.”

Camp also provides something that often can’t be found in a clinic: hope. For some, it’s a chance to finally feel like a kid again, which is why many come back year after year.

Camp Director Heather Olsen says, “It’s great to watch them grow up because some of these kids don’t get the chance to do that. It’s just a great place for them to come and have that extra support and know that there are people who love them and care for them and will help them and be there for them.”

Beyond the summer oncology camp, CMM offers retreats all year long for families affected by cancer.

To get involved in camp, volunteering or donations, visit their website.

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CNN Newsource

(CNN) — President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States has completed a “very successful attack” on nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

The president said all planes are now outside of Iranian air space and “on their way home.”

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Saturday evening.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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Stephanie Lucas

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Hundreds gathered at the Calvary Chapel in Pocatello Saturday for the Idaho GOP summer meeting.

“The Idaho GOP gathers twice a year to work on rules and resolutions,” explained Idaho GOP Executive Director Anthony Tirino. “The rules make our party better. The resolutions hopefully make our state better.”

Delegates from all over the state voiced opinions on any changes they think need to happen within the Idaho Republican Party. Public officials and lawmakers from across the state made appearances.

U.S. Senator Jim Risch attended the morning session, and spoke to Local News 8 in an exclusive interview about a big water cooler topic at the summer meeting – Mike Lee’s recent proposal to sell off public lands.

“This is not going to pass. This is not going to pass. I can give you a whole list of things to lie in bed at night and worry about. Don’t put this on that list,” Risch said, referring to the number of Idahoans expressing misgivings about Lee’s proposal.

“I think that any public land that’s being sold in the state of Idaho should be left to the state of Idaho to make those determinations,” meeting attendee Kenneth Condon told Local News 8.

“We’ve seen across the country with farmland being purchased by other countries,” said attendee Jenny Smith.  “If they are not a citizen, how do we know that land is then going to be used for our benefit?”

After the Chairwoman’s Lunch, it was back to business. Delegates voted on rules and resolutions well in to the afternoon.

Idaho National Committee Man, Bryan Smith, says they will be focusing on a repeal of Idaho’s grocery tax.

“It is an absolutely immoral tax to be having people be forced to pay tax on their food,” Bryan Smith said. “You shouldn’t have to pay taxes to eat the family dinner.”

New rules and resolutions discussed in committees were voted on by the entire body, and there was a focus on the party’s accomplishments over the past year. 

“I couldn’t be more proud that we had the turnout that we did on proposition one,” said Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon. “70% of the folks turned out to vote against it. They knew the Democrat scheme to bring in this voting technique that was really wonky, wasn’t going to work, and ten other states agree.”

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News Team

UPDATE:

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) —Firefighters on the scene say they have successfully contained the large structure fires that affected several homes in Bancroft. While the immediate threat has passed, a recent video from the scene shows smoke still emanating from the remains of the structures as fire engines continue to douse affected areas.

Local News 8 is on the scene and has contacted fire crews for more information. We will provide further updates as they become available.

ORIGINAL:

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews in Bancroft are working to battle several structure fires affecting homes and other buildings on Main Street.

The fire began around 2 PM Friday, June 20. Bannock County firefighters, along with the Soda Springs Fire Department, have been called in to assist the Caribou County Fire Department and Bancroft Volunteer Fire Department.

People are reportedly being asked to avoid the area and cut off any non-emergency water use to help the firefighters battle the blazes.

Nikki Welker, who witnessed the efforts by fire crews and regular citizens to battle the fires, tells us the blaze affected 2 homes and 2 vacant buildings.

“The original structure is more or less completely gone at this point,” Idaho Enterprise Caribou County editor Brandon Hall told Local News 8.

Idaho Enterprise Caribou County has provided Local News 8 with the following photos detailing the active response to the fire:

Local News 8 has reached out to the Caribou County Sheriff’s Office and other authorities in the area. We will update this developing story as we learn new information.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area and the Idaho Master Naturalists Program, in partnership with Idaho Fish and Game, are hosting a pollinator appreciation event on Saturday, June 21, in honor of National Pollinator Week.

Pollinators include insects or animals that spread pollen between plants and assist in plant reproduction; they are critical in maintaining healthy ecosystems and are vital factors in the agricultural industry.

“Without pollinators, there are a variety of crops, food that we would not even be able to eat; the pollinators are really critical,” said Sarah Jackson, member of the Idaho Master Naturalists Program. “Native bees and the other types of insects are just a foundation of our health for our environment.”

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, pollinators, especially honey bees, are worth an estimated $34 billion to agricultural industries, and about 35% of the world’s food crops rely on pollinators for propagation and production of vegetables and grains.

The ‘Promoting our Pollinators’ appreciation event will be held at the Edson Fichter Nature Area from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature activities and information provided by the Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area, the Idaho Master Naturalists Program, the Idaho Museum of Natural History, Idaho State University’s Biological Sciences Department, and others.

For more information, you can visit the Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area website.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

INKOM, Idaho (KIFI) — Due to bridge demolition, the northbound Inkom entrance ramp onto I-15 (Exit 58) will be closed for two nights. The closure will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 24, weather and other factors permitting.

Traffic will be detoured to Old Highway 91 and then to Exit 63 to head north on I-15. Please watch for crews, use caution, and drive safely.

Due to the nature of the work, considerable noise is expected during the bridge demolition.

The Idaho Transportation Department is in the process of replacing bridges on I-15 at Inkom:

Over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Old Highway 91.

Over Rapid Creek Road (Main Street).

I-15 bridges and reconstructing the West Interchange.

ITD combined and streamlined the projects to reduce the construction timeline to approximately two years rather than doing one location at a time over three years. This approach minimizes disruption to the local community and the traveling public and efficiently uses construction funds.

To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates, click HERE.

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