Author: KIFI

Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Commuters at the intersection of 25th east and 17th street are making right turns on red lights nearly every traffic cycle — despite the posted signage.

Turning right at this intersection from 17th onto 25th, heading south, on a red light is illegal.

Vehicles travel around 40 mph on 25th, and that’s when people are following the speed limit.

Hitt Road is well traveled, and higher volume also brings higher risks.

The addition of a second right turn lane due to ongoing construction, makes it all the more important to follow traffic rules — if both right lanes attempt to turn on red, the visibility is greatly reduced for the inner lane.

The traffic lights were previously standard, and people made legal right turns on red regularly. With the construction, extra signage was added including two “NO TURN ON RED” signs and changing the circular lights to arrows. As a note to current and new Idaho residents, while different in many other states, in Idaho, you cannot turn on a red arrow, no matter what.

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Ariel Jensen

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho State Trooper who answered the call to the fiery crash in Island Park opens up about what he witnessed that day. Idaho state police take calls reporting crashes regularly, some are minor, but others are deadly.

The lead investigator of the island park crash, Trooper Braidan Hill, says he has never seen anything like this before. 

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but as I was getting closer, you could see the black smoke coming up from the van that was already on fire. Then once I got there, both lanes of travel were completely blocked and traffic was starting to back up, and it was pretty chaotic on the scene. There are people just all over on the north and south sides of the crash,” said Hill.

Trooper Hill was the second officer to arrive on the scene. He immediately jumps into action.  

“At first, I didn’t know that there had been other people who had gotten trapped inside of the vehicles. I thought that all of the occupants had gotten out of both of the vehicles until I had spoken with the deputy, who told me there was several people stuck inside of the vehicles. And I was pretty emotional at that point, just seeing those people’s reactions that the other occupants with their friends and family members and that got stuck inside the van,” said Hill.

This crash involved international travelers, making the investigation a lot longer to process than other crashes and more personal.

“We started getting calls from the Chinese consulate and Italian consulate to start making notifications to the family. And then a part of that we had to write a letter to each family stating that their family members were involved in that crash, so they could get expedited visas to come over to the United States and provide DNA samples to positively identify the deceased,” said Hill.

Idaho State Police determined the driver of the Dodge Ram crossed the center line and collided with the eastbound Mercedes van. They did confirm that alcohol was a factor. However, the case is still considered an ongoing investigation.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE: SATURDAY JUNE 14TH, 2025 3:35 P.M.

BALTIMORE, Maryland (KIFI) — The family of Nicholas Manning, the former Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center who was found dead in a Maryland hotel, released a statement regarding his death.

The statement reads as follows:

“In light of recent developments and public commentary surrounding the death of Nicholas N. Manning, Chief Executive Officer at HCA Healthcare West Valley Medical Center, our family feels compelled to issue the following statement:

We possess direct and credible evidence that confirms Nicholas N. Manning was the victim of fraud and homicide.

In regards to the Baltimore Police Department’s comments, there are currently no official reports available to the public.

We, as a family, strongly object to the statement issued by the Baltimore Police Department.

Our family is committed to pursuing every available legal and investigative avenue to ensure the truth is uncovered and justice is served. Nicholas was a respected healthcare executive, a brilliant mind, and a cherished member of our family. He deserves dignity, transparency, and above all—justice.

We sincerely thank those who have offered support and ask for continued respect during this incredibly painful time.”

Nicholas’ sister tells Local News 8 he went missing on June 5th, and was found deceased on June 6th.

ORIGINAL:

BALTIMORE, Maryland (KIFI) — Nicholas Manning, the former Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), was recently found dead in a Baltimore, Maryland hotel. Authorities in Baltimore have confirmed his death. Manning was 46.

“Nicholas Manning was a dedicated and mission-driven leader who loved connecting people to our shared purpose. He spent 17 years serving patients, colleagues and communities as a healthcare leader, including 14 years within HCA Healthcare, most recently as CEO at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell. Throughout his entire career journey, Nick was a thoughtful and inspirational leader, and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives and careers he touched,” said Evan Ray, President, HCA Healthcare’s Mountain Division which oversees EIRMC and West Valley Medical Center.

Baltimore City Police were called to the Marriott Waterfront Hotel at 2:04 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2025, for a reported potential overdose, finding Nicholas Manning “obviously deceased.” However, Manning’s family has said in multiple social media posts that they believe his death was a homicide. Local News 8 has reached out other numerous members of the Manning family for comment, and are waiting for a response.

Baltimore Police tell Local News 8, “no signs of trauma were observed” on Manning’s body. Police say Manning’s remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

“The case is pending, so the final report is not available yet.  On average, final results may take 60-90 days,” said the Baltimore City chief medical examiner’s office in an email to our CBS affiliate.

Manning was appointed CEO of West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell late last year, following a distinguished career at EIRMC. According to Manning’s LinkedIn page, he held an MBA in healthcare management from the University of Scranton and was an alumnus of Weber State University, where he studied Health Administrative Services.

“As we grieve this tremendous loss, we are committed to honoring Nick’s legacy by continuing the work he was so passionate about at our hospital and in the community. To Nick’s partner, his family, and all who had the privilege of working with him, we share our deepest sympathies. We will miss him dearly, and we will carry his legacy forward with purpose and care,” said Isabella Chisholm, Interim Chief Executive Officer, West Valley Medical Center.

During his time in Idaho Falls, Manning also served on the board of directors for the Idaho Falls Symphony and United Way of Bonneville County, and as a member of the East Idaho Champions Committee for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will continue to report on this as more details emerge.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — June is Men’s Health Month, and doctors around the country are pitching healthier habits to combat men’s health concerns.

Almost 15 percent of American men are in ‘fair or poor health,’ with Obesity, hypertension, and mental health problems being the main issues facing men across the nation. But area doctors say they’re trying to help men be more mindful of things they can do to take better care of themselves.

“You’ve got to ensure that you are maintaining and improving the body that you have,” said Dr. Christopher Valentine, MD, Medical Director, Optum HEALTHCARE OF Utah & Idaho. “We can take care of others by starting to take care of ourselves.”

Dr. Valentine says the best things men can do to maintain their health are to eat healthier, including adding more fruits and vegetables in their diets, to exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.

To learn about Men’s Health Month and more tips on keeping men healthy, click HERE.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho High School Rodeo Association’s State Finals are underway at the Bannock County Event Center this week, and top athletes are competing for state titles and scholarships.

Friday marks the penultimate day of rodeo events with breakaway roping, tie down roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and more.

State Finals end Saturday with events starting at 9 a.m. and conclude with award and scholarship presentations at the Indoor Arena.

For more information, visit the Idaho High School Rodeo Association website or find them on Facebook.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Portneuf River Vision group and the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce are hosting the annual Poky Paddle event on Friday.

Vendors, food trucks, and live music will set up at Centennial Park, and volunteers will offer free shuttle services to launch points on the Portneuf River at Edson Fichter Nature Area and Taysom Rotary Park so people can float down the river to the party.

Poky Paddle will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Park at South Grant Avenue and Idaho Street.

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Seth Ratliff

PRESTON, Idaho (KIFI) — The Preston Farmers Market returns for a second season, promising an even bigger and better experience for Franklin County residents and visitors. Building on last year’s success, the market kicks off on July 5th, 2025, offering fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and vibrant entertainment at two locations twice a week.

“We’re so excited to be growing the Preston Farmers Market by adding Saturdays in Franklin starting July 5!” says Jessica Smith, Preston Farmers Market Secretary. “It’s a great way for everyone to get out, support our local farmers and makers, and enjoy all the fresh produce, baked goods, sweet treats, homemade art, and so much more.”

Market Schedule and Locations

The Preston Farmers Market will operate on the following schedule:

Wednesdays: Evening markets will be held at Preston City Park from 5 PM to 8 PM. These will feature lively events including entertainment, classes, and friendly competitions. “Don’t forget our Wednesday night festivals, where you can shop while listening to awesome local musicians,” adds Smith. “We’re also super proud to have youth vendors joining in, showing off the talents of the next generation.”

New for 2025, morning markets will take place at Franklin City Park from 10 AM to 1 PM. This expansion provides even more opportunities to support local businesses and stock up on fresh goods.

Organizers say the Preston Farmers Market has quickly become a community hub, directly connecting consumers with the talented growers and producers of the region. Visitors can expect a diverse selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats, eggs, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.

“It’s all about community, supporting local, and making it easy to find the best our valley has to offer,” says Smith. “This season is going to be so fun, hope to see you there!”

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News Release

The following is a press release from Make-A-Wish® Idaho:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Make-A-Wish® Idaho will hold its annual Walk For Wishes East Idaho fundraiser on Saturday, June 21 at Russ Freeman Park at 1280 Science Center Drive in Idaho Falls. Day-of registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10. There is no entry fee for the event, but walk participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 to earn an official event T-shirt. Funds will go to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.  

There are currently 19 wish kids in East Idaho who are waiting for wishes. Many of these kids have wished to go to Disney World but others have wished for a hot tub, college tuition, to go to a resort as well as several wishes to go to Hawaii. The average cash cost of a wish is $7,500 and Make-A-Wish Idaho hopes to raise $19,500 from the walk, enough money to fully fund two wishes. Participants can sign-up as an individual or team at idaho.wish.org/events.

“Having a child who has a life-threatening illness can be isolating. Idaho is a rural and small state, population-wise, so a lot of these kids and families leave the state for treatment. This splits families up during a tough time. One parent journeys with their sick child, while the other stays behind, holding down the fort – caring for siblings and managing the household. Meanwhile, the world keeps moving on, seemingly indifferent to their plight. Well, people aren’t indifferent. They want to help, and this walk is the community coming together in support of those families,” said Janie Best President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Idaho.

The walk route is approximately one mile in length and is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. The event will also have wish family testimonies, a wish reveal, a DJ, family-friendly activities, and refreshments. This year’s Walk For Wishes East Idaho is presented by the Startups With Stu Podcast and sponsored by the Bank of Commerce, Wood Funeral Home, TitleOne, Kiewit, and the East Idaho Regional Medical Center.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Several people in Idaho Falls say they are angry and horrified after someone posted on Facebook saying a man threw two kittens out of his moving truck.

The initial poster says their friend saw a man in a white Chevy truck throw two kittens out of his window. They say one kitten had a seizure on the road before both kittens were hit by cars and died.

“[My friend] wrapped these poor lifeless babies in her work uniform, and I gave her a box to bury them in,” the post says.

The post goes on to say the kittens will be buried in the person’s backyard “with dignity and love, surrounded with the prettiest flowers.” 

Many people on the Life in Idaho Falls Facebook group have commented on the post, expressing their disgust at the man who threw the kittens out on the road. They’ve also praised and thanked the woman who plans to respectfully bury the kittens.

Local News 8 has reached out to the person who made the post to verify the claim. We are waiting to hear back.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The friend of a family who lost everything in a house fire Monday night, June 9th, has organized a GoFundMe on behalf of the family.

The fire tore through a home on Lorna Avenue in Bonneville County Monday afternoon, destroying the garage and back deck. Dawn Barber of Blackfoot, who created the fundraiser, says the home belonged to a single father and his young son, who were not home at the time.

For more information on the fire and efforts to put it out, click HERE.

The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damages. Barber says the father and son had insurance, but are facing a “pretty hefty deductible.”

“They are displaced but able to stay with family right now, so the immediate needs will be personal/hygiene items like clothes, as well as the deductible. Plenty of worries right now, money shouldn’t be another,” said Dawn Barber of Idaho Falls in the fundraiser.

Barber asks for prayers and help on behalf of the father and son.

For more information on the GoFundMe, click HERE.

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