Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls man, Logan Dakota Stephens, will spend up to the next 20 years in prison for shooting a 35-year-old bystander during a confrontation at the Melaleuca building parking lot in June 2024.

Seventh District Judge Michael J. Whyte handed down a unified sentence of 20 years, with at least five years fixed before Stephens is eligible for parole. The sentencing comes after Stephens pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and a deadly weapon enhancement earlier this year.

Shooting Background

The shooting took place just before midnight on June 30, 2024, near the Melaleuca building on 330 North Capital Ave. According to court records, Stephens was walking with his girlfriend when they were approached by another woman.

A fight broke out between the three, and several bystanders attempted to separate them. One bystander, the 35-year-old shooting victim, told police he’d attempted to pull Stephens away from the woman when Stephens brandished a knife.

The man backed away and began recording the incident on his cell phone.

Rather than leaving, court records say Stephens went to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, put it in his waistband, and returned to the scene. Walking toward the man, he fired multiple rounds, striking the victim in the leg, abdomen, and arms. Stephens, however, later told officers the man was threatening him and challenging him to a fight.

The shooting victim was rushed to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment, and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the victim survived the attack.

Court Details

Stephens was initially charged and pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and two counts of use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a Felony.

In early 2026, Stephens entered a change of plea, pleading guilty to felony aggravated battery.

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News Release

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Zoo is inviting the community to its annual Community Clean-up Day on April 11, to help prepare the zoo for the new season. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join and assist in refreshing the zoo grounds after winter.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in available between 9 a.m. and noon at the William J. Maeck Education Center, near the zoo entrance.

Participants will help with raking, cleaning, and general grounds maintenance to get the zoo ready for opening day. Individuals, families, schools, and volunteer groups are welcome to attend and contribute as much time as they can.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, both this year and in years past,” said Zoo Director David Pennock. “Clean-up Day has become a wonderful tradition, and the dedication our volunteers show year after year makes a lasting impact on the zoo. Their efforts help us create a welcoming environment for our guests and provide the best possible care for our animals.”

Volunteers are asked to bring their own supplies if possible, including work gloves, brooms, grass rakes, large shovels, and wheelbarrows. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor work and to be ready to get a little dirty while helping.

“Why should the community come out? Why not? You know, that’s the big question. Why not? … it’s just fun to be in the zoo,” Pennock said. “It’s fun to do a little community service and, know that the service that you offer is to an institution that the city loves and the city uses and our citizens use.”

Each participant must complete and submit an individual City of Idaho Falls Volunteer Release of Liability form before volunteering. Forms are required for every volunteer and cannot be shared. Volunteers under 18 must be part of a family or organized group, and their form must be completed and signed by a legal guardian. Group leaders or supervisors must remain with all youth participants while at the zoo.

For questions about Community Clean-up Day, contact the volunteer team at ZooVolunteers@idahofallszoo.org.

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Seth Ratliff

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County authorities have released the names of two Pocatello residents killed in a violent shooting incident on Friday afternoon, April 3rd, in northern Power County.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the victims as 40-year-old Brandon Lee Madden and 36-year-old Amanda Ann Christian, both of Pocatello.

“My heart goes out to the families involved and Power County community affected by this tragedy,” said Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner.

Community Support and Family Tribute

In the wake of the shooting, Jocelyn Baker, Madden’s sister-in-law, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Madden’s wife and children.

Madden and Family, Courtesy GoFundMe

She confirmed the victims were siblings and characterized Madden as a devoted father and the heart of his family. Baker says the funds they gather will go toward funeral services and allowing the victim’s family to grieve.

“This was not just a loss—it was a violent, sudden tragedy that has left an entire family shattered,” wrote Baker. “We are asking for support to help lift some of the overwhelming burden during this incredibly difficult time.”

As of April 7, the fundraiser has collected $1,407 toward a $20,000 goal. For more information, click HERE.

Shooting Details

The violent incident took place along Tank Farm Road. According to the police, Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the area around 2:40 p.m. to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Madden and Christian dead at the scene and located a third victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The surviving victim was treated at the scene and rushed by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

While securing the perimeter, investigators heard additional shots fired nearby. A fourth victim—a bystander in a boat—was struck by gunfire as the suspect attempted to escape police. Emergency responders stabilized the man at the scene, and he was airlifted to the Portneuf Medical Center for further treatment.

Surviving Victims and Ongoing Investigation

As of Saturday, Bannock County Public Information Officer Emma Iannacone confirmed that both surviving victims are in stable condition, with one already released from medical care. The identity of the shooter is being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin.

According to Iannacone, the identity of the shooter will be released pending next of kin notification.

Power County Sheriff’s Office continues to be assisted in the homicide investigation by Idaho State Police and Bannock County Coroner’s Offices. The Idaho Falls Police Department will lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

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Danielle Mullenix

Yellowstone National Park, WY (KIFI) – While this winter has been relatively warm across eastern Idaho and parts of Wyoming and Montana, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors—including a unique opportunity inside Yellowstone.

Inside the Yellowstone National Park, April 2026.

For a few weeks each spring, before the park fully reopens to vehicle traffic, Yellowstone looks a lot different. Roads that are typically packed with cars become quiet, open pathways—creating ideal conditions for cyclists.

According to the National Park Service, bikes are allowed on select park roads during this early-season window, until the roads reopen to vehicles later in the spring.

That means visitors can ride past geysers, rivers, and even wildlife in a way that’s nearly impossible during peak tourist season.

“The craziest thing I’ve seen in springtime biking is baby bison being born,” said local cyclist Kelli Hart, as she poured an espresso shot for the new customer who listened to her across the small bike shop cafe countertop.

Just outside the park’s entrance in West Yellowstone, MT, Freeheel and Wheel Bike Shop is helping visitors make the most of the short biking season. Shop owners Kelli Hart and Melissa Alder say this time of year offers a completely different Yellowstone experience.

Freeheel and Wheel Bike Shop, located in West Yellowstone

“My favorite part about biking in Yellowstone this time of year is being able to just go in there without the cars,” Hart said.

She says the experience is all about slowing down and taking in the natural surroundings.

“We tell people—it’s so calm. You can ride side-by-side with somebody and not feel the danger of cars and vehicles,” Hart said.

From bike rentals and repairs to gear and local expertise, the shop sees more visitors eager to hit the road during this limited window.

While biking is typically limited to April, warmer weather and clearer road conditions this year have allowed cyclists to get an early start, with some already riding in March.

Still, conditions can change quickly. Park officials encourage visitors to check current road conditions before heading out and to be prepared for limited services inside the park this time of year.

Cyclists are also reminded to stay alert, share the road with wildlife, and plan ahead for changing weather conditions.

Yellowstone is set to reopen to vehicle traffic on April 17th, bringing this quiet biking season to a close.

As more people look for unique outdoor experiences, spring biking in Yellowstone is quickly becoming a must-do adventure—offering a rare chance to see the park in near silence before the crowds return.

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David Pace

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – As astronauts today journeyed to the furthest distance in deep space ever reached by humankind, an Idaho State University (ISU) graduate is one of three scientists advising the Artemis II team from Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center.

Angela Garcia graduated from ISU with a master’s degree in geosciences around 2019, and has taken her career to new heights ever since.

“She’s just a brilliant scientist and researcher who’s been working with NASA in the years since, doing a lot of work to be able to prepare for these missions, and has been qualified as a flight controller to be in the flight control room supporting science for Artemis II,” said Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, a professor and chair of Idaho State University’s Geosciences Department.

“She is going to be monitoring all the science work that the astronauts are doing up there – answering questions for them, relaying questions that they have to the science evaluation room in the back, helping make sure that we’ve got solid support for those astronauts as they do science.”

Dr. Kobs Nawotniak said the astronauts will be researching the impact of meteorites on the far side of the moon.

“This is our first human return to the moon, circling around it in over 50 years. … You can imagine if we’re trying to ultimately put a lunar base up there, it really behooves us to know a lot more about how the stuff is going to go,” she said. “We’re also interested in sort of the size of the distribution, the changes, all of these different things. So that’s going to be one of their key things, is looking for these micrometeorite impacts through flashes on the surface as they’re going by.”

Researchers from ISU have been heavily involved with NASA from 2014 to the present, performing work at Craters of the Moon for the FINESSE (Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration), BASALT (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains), and IDEAS (Integrated Display and Environmental Awareness System) programs. 

“The FINESSE program, we’re actually doing work out here with the lava tubes, with the alteration of the rocks, things like that, to understand how the shapes of the landscape and the geochemistry of the rocks all tie together,” Dr. Kobs Nawotniak said.

The research was vital preparing for the Artemis program and an eventual mission to Mars.

“BASALT was about using volcanoes here, in the space here, and in Hawaii as a testbed for high-fidelity simulations of crewed missions,” Dr. Kobs Nawotniak said. “In that case, we were actually aiming it for Mars, but all the stuff we were doing there was also relevant to this, and we used s some of those lessons learned also to be able to inform later tests where they’re actually preparing for Artemis to be able to design the backroom team. How do you support these phenomenal astronauts?”

The lunar-like volcanic landscape at Craters of the Moon is also ideal for practicing astronauts’ navigation techniques required on the moon.

“We’re also working on navigation systems to be able to help astronauts as they’re working around the surface of the moon,” she explained. “We don’t have GPS or compasses for the moon, so they’re actually going to be doing dead reckoning navigation, using printed paper atlases with air photos and alphanumeric grids. It turns out that’s really easy to get yourself turned around. … How we can better support the astronauts for their training and the back corrections afterwards, to be able to ensure that we actually have them in the right place at the right time?”

The ISU researchers and rangers at Craters of the Moon hope the Artemis program and its work will help inspire the next generation of scientists.

“What I love about being a park ranger is that I’m able to work with a lot of young people and people that they get really excited about science,” said Craters of the Moon Chief of Education and Interpretation Michael Irving. “I’m able to help nurture and help grow that love and hopefully get them to go on and pursue fields or pursue careers in those types of fields.”

ISU graduate Angela Garcia and Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak smile at Mission Control in the Johnson Space Center.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A local family’s home is still standing tonight thanks to the quick response of Idaho Falls firefighters following a possible propane explosion Monday afternoon.

Emergency crews raced to the home on Deloy Drive just before 4 p.m. in April, finding flames consuming the exterior siding of the building. Smoke had already begun to spread into the interior of the home as firefighters arrived on the scene.

Working quickly, IFFD says crews knocked down the exterior fire, preventing it from spreading to the inside of the home. To ensure the home was truly safe, crews stripped away sections of the siding to check for hidden “hot spots” within the wall.

While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary reports suggest a propane tank connected to a grill exploded, sparking the fire.

In total, the fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage. While smoke entered the structure, IFFD says fire damage inside the home appears minimal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In the wake of the fire, the Idaho Falls Fire Department is reminding residents to use caution when operating outdoor grills and to keep them a safe distance from structures.

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News Team

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Both surviving victims of the deadly shooting in Power County on Friday are now in stable condition, Bannock County authorities confirmed over the weekend. One victim has already been released from the hospital as the investigation continues.

What We Know

The incident began around 2:40 p.m. Friday when deputies responded to reports of gunfire in northern Power County. As they arrived, the officers discovered a grim scene. Two people were dead at the scene, and a third person was injured. The surviving victim was treated at the scene and rushed by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

While securing the perimeter, investigators heard additional shots fired nearby. A fourth victim—a bystander in a boat—was struck by gunfire as the suspect attempted to escape police. Emergency responders stabilized the man at the scene, and he was airlifted to the Portneuf Medical Center for further treatment. Bannock County Public Information Officer Emma Iannacone confirmed Saturday that he has since been released.

As the search continued, deputies located an unnamed suspect hiding near the Portneuf River. As they tried to negotiate, the suspect brandished a firearm. Officers responded with deadly force, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Idaho Falls Police Department will lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The names of the deceased victims and the shooter have not been released at this time pending notification of the next of kin. Local News 8 is in contact with the Bannock County Sheriff’s and Coroner’s offices and will provide updates as more information is released.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho is launching a new Dental Hygiene program with applications closing today, April 6th.

The program was developed in response to a growing shortage of dental hygienists across the region, with many local dental offices reporting open positions and increasing demand for qualified professionals.

This two-year program will admit 10 students each fall semester, giving them the opportunity to train locally and work towards a career in dental health care and strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce.

The program has been granted Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and will welcome its first cohort of students in August 2026.

You can find more information and the application HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Porneuf Medical Center is asking Idaho’s youth for help naming its new air medical rescue helicopter.

From now until 11:59 pm MST on April 21, 2026, the Pocatello-based hospital is accepting names from youth 17 years old and younger throughout the region. The contest finalists and winner will be announced on May 6th, 2026.

For more information or to enter, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI) — Construction is about to get started on three new wildlife underpasses along US-30 near Montpelier.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, the project will add two culverts, one bridge, and six miles of fencing along a key stretch of highway between mileposts 442 and 448, also known as Rocky Point.

The 20-mile stretch of road is a notorious spot for mule deer collisions. In fact, according to data collected by Idaho Fish and Game and ITD, about 70% of deer deaths happen right here.

The project is expected to finish up this fall. Once it’s done, IDFG and ITD say the underpasses will make the highway safer for drivers while protecting deer and other wildlife.

“This project is equally important to both ITD and Idaho Fish and Game and has received broad support from the Bear Lake County community because of the benefits to both human and wildlife safety,” said Regional Wildlife Manager Zach Lockyer with Idaho Fish and Game. “Hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts value this mule deer resource, and protecting it has added benefits to both the economy and quality of life in this part of southeast Idaho.”

The 12 million dollar project is part of a $125 million federal program supporting wildlife crossings nationwide. ITD District 5 Environmental Planner Alissa Salmore says it’s a big win people have been asking for for decades.

We are excited to get this project fully-funded and built,” Salmore said. “Local citizens and our Montpelier shed crew have been asking for a solution here for decades. It will be good to finally deliver this project, both for people and for wildlife.”

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