Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Two methamphetamine dealers in separate Eastern Idaho cases were each sentenced to five years in federal prison for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

Tamrik Paul Day, 27, of Spokane, Washington, and Jessie Kim Mitchell, 64, of Pingree, Idaho, both received the 60-month sentence from U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye. The cases were investigated by the multi-agency BADGES Task Force.

Case Details: Tamrik Day

Day was sentenced for distributing a total of 82 grams of methamphetamine through the mail in early 2024.

According to court records, Day distributed the substance between January 30 and February 15, 2024, to two individuals who paid using a mobile peer-to-peer financial platform. Day pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2024. Following his prison term, Judge Nye ordered him to serve four years of supervised release.

Case Details: Jessie Mitchell

In a separate, unrelated case, Mitchell was sentenced after selling over 150 grams of methamphetamine on three occasions in November 2024.

Court records indicate Mitchell was previously convicted of delivery of a controlled substance in Bingham County in 1995.

U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Mitchell to serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Mitchell pleaded guilty to the charge in June 2025.

In his release, U.S. Attorney Davis specifically commended the Idaho State Police for leading the investigation on behalf of the BADGES Task Force, along with the Pocatello Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chubbuck Police Department.

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Linda Larsen

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Funeral services have been announced for former Bannock County Judge William “Bill ” Woodland. The family tells Local News 8 the services will be held on Friday, December 19, at 11:00 AM.

 Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 930 East Alameda Road. The family will also greet friends on Thursday, December 18th, at the Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck.

Judge Woodland was the subject of a two-day search and rescue operation with help from thousands of community members.

RELATED: Missing Judge William Woodland has been found deceased

He disappeared after a church service on Sunday, December 7th. After an extensive search, he was found deceased on Tuesday, December 9th.

For more information about Bill Woodland’s life and distinguished career, click HERE for his obituary.

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News Release

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

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – In a continual effort to minimize snowplow strikes and increase safety, the Idaho Transportation Department is installing and testing upgraded lighting packages this winter.

When encountering ITD snowplows on the road, drivers through eastern Idaho may see

Two higher-mounted over-cab strobe lights

Four larger, sturdier wing lights mounted atop and at the side of the wing blade itself

Six total lights at the back of the truck, both strobing and alternating

New reflective orange and yellow checkerboard striping at the back of the plow truck

A whip-style, green rod light that extends six inches high at the edge of the wing plow

The green whip light has been met with success in other states around the country and is a significant change for Idaho.

“Yes, green means go but it also gets your attention,” ITD Operations Manager Ty Winther said. “And ultimately, that’s what we’re trying to do, what it’s all about- grabbing people’s attention.”

All trial lighting was chosen and installed by ITD plow operators, mechanics and welders. These changes will be placed on newer plow trucks as a standard across Idaho if they are found to be more effective at preventing snowplow strikes and increasing visibility for road workers year-round.

In 2023-24, ITD tracked 17 strike occurrences, and 11 during 2024-25. Many of these crashes involve vehicles hitting the wing plow that helps clear both the road lane and shoulder at the same time.

“When any strike happens, we’re asking ourselves what we could have done to prevent it” Winther said. “We can’t track the lives we save but we still look at it like that- how many crashes were prevented because of these ideas?”

While improved lighting is a helpful preventive measure, ITD reminds drivers to use common cautionary practices on winter roads. Slow way down, give extra space to other drivers and surroundings, brake carefully and slowly, drive with your lights on at all times, and put down or turn off any distractions.

Helpful winter road condition and driving reports can always be found on the Idaho 511 app and at http://511.idaho.gov .

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — One good deed is always followed by another; That’s the important lesson Students at Dora Erickson Elementary are learning with a cereal box food drive.

Jami Moore, a gym teacher and a volunteer for the school’s outreach program, came up with the idea of doing a cereal box domino food drive.

“We were trying to find a fun way for kids to bring in cereal for Outreach Pantry, which feeds the kids at our school who need food over the weekends or over long breaks. Because if you don’t learn at a young age that we can help each other, then we will probably not help each other when we get older,” said Moore.

Around 600 boxes of cereal were collected by students and other donors.

They plan to line them all up around the school and knock them over like dominoes. 

The school has tried to do food drives in years past and found little success. They decided to turn it into a fun competition.

The winning class that brings in the most boxes will have a donut-and-dodgeball party. 

“The objective is to make sure that our students and others within the community have food over the extended breaks. And as far as the participation of our students, we really hope that the students can understand that everybody can help everybody else out just a little bit. And I think it brings a little bit of awareness that not all families have the basic necessities that some of us take for granted,” said Steven Andrew, Principal, Dora Erickson Elementary.

The school is recognizing Mrs. Jess Watrous’s 6th-grade class, who brought 116 boxes of cereal and Ms. Jessica Hanson’s second-grade class, who brought in 61 boxes.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Health Officials are urgently promoting Idahoans to get vaccinated against the flu after a 50-year-old Southeast Idaho man died from influenza-related illness. Southeastern Idaho Public Health officials announced the death on Friday afternoon, Dec. 12, expressing their condolences to the family of the man.

This marks the second influenza-associated death of the season in the Gem State. Last flu season, 87 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho. 

“It is important for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infection,” said SIPH officials in the announcement. “If you haven’t already, visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family for the rest of the influenza season.”

The respiratory illness typically causes symptoms that include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a cough and sore throat. Doctors say most people who get influenza recover after a few days, but some people may develop serious complications and even die. 

People who are especially vulnerable to complications of the flu include: 

Pregnant women,

People 50 years of age and older,

People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung diseases,

People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.

Health officials say everyone over six months of age is recommended to get the flu vaccine.  Along with the vaccine, SIPH says people should follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent infecting other people. Avoid people who appear sick.

Stay home from work or school when sick, 

Wash your hands frequently, especially after being out in the public. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you have washed your hands. 

Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat nutritious foods and take part in physical activity to stay healthy. 

For information about influenza and how to stay healthy, please contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 233-9080.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello Police Department is honoring K9 Frank, a seven-year-old yellow lab who has faithfully served the Pocatello Police Department for a little over five years.

The move comes after K9 Frank’s health declined significantly in recent weeks. After consultation with his veterinarian, Pocatello PD determined that the most compassionate course of action was to let him go.

Alongside his handler, Sgt. Eborn, K9 Frank has taken part in countless deployments and community events.

On December 11, 2025, at 8:45 a.m., K9 Frank received his final radio call before passing peacefully. The Pocatello Police Department says they are deeply grateful for his loyal service and the many ways he contributed to the safety and well-being of our community.

To watch K9 Frank’s end of watch, click HERE.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews with the City of Pocatello are responding to multiple water line breaks across the area, forcing several school closures.

RELATED: Indian Hills closes early due to waterline break; Parents must pick up students at reunification site

The initial incident took place early Friday morning, when a 12-inch water main break occurred at the corner of Pole Line Road and Eldredge Road. City of Pocatello crews arrived at 5:29 AM and initially instructed residents near the break to remain indoors as a safety precaution, as the leaking water flowed into a power grid area.

The water was successfully turned off at around 6:32 AM. Traffic control remains in place at the Pole Line and Eldredge intersection, restricting it to one-way traffic as crews work on clean-up and repairs. Residents are being told to avoid the area due to ongoing operations.

A second water line break, this one involving a smaller service line, was reported just before 9:30 AM near Bannock Highway and Cheyenne Avenue. The break forced an emergency closure for Indian Hill Elementary School.

As of 10:13 AM, City of Pocatello crews are on-site inspecting the area and beginning any necessary repairs.

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News Release

BOISE, Idaho – Two lucky Idaho Lottery players who participated in the 2025 Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle will begin the New Year as Idaho’s newest millionaires! All 500,000 tickets in the Idaho Lottery’s traditional holiday game, the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle, have been sold, and the game has officially ended. The last ticket was sold Thursday, December 11, 2025.

This year’s game was one of the fastest selling in the nineteen-year history of the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle. After last year’s very successful game, the Idaho Lottery continued the game with TWO top prizes of $1,000,000.  They also added a $100,000 prize and a $50,000 prize.

It is the eighteenth sellout and the eleventh time the game has sold out before Christmas.

“We want to remind everyone this game features two, one-million-dollar top prizes. Last year, unfortunately, one of those $1,000,000 prizes was never claimed,” said Andrew Arulanandam, Idaho Lottery Director. “So, please keep your tickets in a safe place and remember to go online and check them after the drawing.”

The winning numbers will be announced at 5:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, December 29, 2025.

“Idaho Raffle tickets are popular holiday gifts. So, this year, two lucky Idahoans could be instant millionaires because of their stocking stuffers!” added Arulanandam.

Players can check their tickets for winning numbers at idaholottery.com, at all Idaho Lottery retail locations, on the Idaho Lottery winning numbers hotline at 208-334-4656, or by using the Idaho Lottery Check-a-Ticket app for their iPhone or Android phone.

Besides the guaranteed top prizes of $1,000,000, there are over 21,500 additional prizes ranging from $15 up to $100,000. This year’s game also featured twenty, $1,000 prizes mid-game for players who purchased one of the 25000th tickets. There were 15 daily, $1,000 winners during the first 15 days of sales. All players are encouraged to check their tickets for these promotion winners manually by visiting idaholottery.com.

All winning tickets of $1,000 and higher in this game must be claimed at Lottery offices in Boise. Players will have 180 days after the draw announcement on December 29, 2025, to claim their prizes.

This year’s Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle generated over $1.7 million for the Idaho Lottery’s beneficiaries, Idaho public schools and buildings.

During this gift giving season, the Idaho Lottery would like to remind everyone to gift Lottery tickets responsibly. You must be 18 years old to buy, sell, or redeem Lottery products in Idaho.

The following is a current list of $1,000 promotional winning tickets that remain unclaimed from this year’s Raffle:

035429

099040

122908

149710

158289

173160

192289

350000

425000

450000

475000

500000

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News Team

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —  Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has issued an emergency closure for Indian Hills Elementary School due to a major waterline break on Cheyenne Avenue. With classes already started, parents must now make arrangements to pick up their children.

Families of Indian Hills students are directed not to go to the school, but instead must proceed to the designated reunification site at the LDS Church Building at 5425 S. Bannock Highway.

Students will be released by their classroom teacher to parents or guardians who must present a photo ID for checkout. D25 staff and first responders are on site, and parents are asked to please follow all directions to ensure a smooth and orderly process. All students and staff have been accounted for and are currently being safely taken to the reunification location.

This closure comes on top of classes being canceled at D25’s Hawthorne Middle School due to a separate waterline break near Poleline Road and Eldredge Road.

For questions regarding the Indian Hills closure or the reunification process, please contact the District Office at 208-232-3563.

ORIGINAL

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Hawthorne Middle School will be closed today (Friday, December 12) after a water main line break caused flooding in a nearby power grid area. School district officials say the closure is being made out of an abundance of caution, emphasizing that the safety of students and staff is their top priority.

The break occurred near Poleline Road and Eldredge Road, where Bannock County Emergency Management reports that water has entered a power infrastructure zone. Residents in the immediate area are being asked to remain inside their homes and avoid the area until further notice.

District officials stress that the closure impacts only Hawthorne Middle School. All other Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 schools are open and operating on their regular schedules. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are working to restore normal conditions as quickly as possible.

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Hadley Bodell

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Chubbuck hosted their annual City Hall-I-Days Christmas festival at the Chubbuck City Hall earlier this evening, December 11th.

Mayor of Chubbuck Kevin England was excited to host the community for a night filled with holiday cheer. The event was supported by ICCU, The Human Bean, Lamb Weston and more. Outside the City Hall building, guests could grab hot chocolate and french fries.

Families and children enjoyed taking photos with Santa inside. Buddy the Elf was also there to bring the holiday cheer. Guests could make their own Christmas ornaments and take home coloring pages provided by the city.

The event also included a fundraiser for Toys for Tots. The Public Works Department and Parks Department work to make the event happen with sponsors and ensure the City Hall building is decorated for Christmas. It began years ago at Cotant Park in Pocatello, but has since moved to the beautiful City Hall building.

“We started many years ago with Christmas in the Park, but then we got this beautiful building and we thought we’d better use it as such,” said Mayor England. “We’re grateful that people come out and have a good time.”

Mayor England said events like these are important to bring the community of Chubbuck together and recognize it outside of the business world. Without the concious effort to put on events like the City Hall-I-Days, community culture could fall to the wayside.

“It’s important for us to celebrate and to just enjoy one another. And that’s what these events like Movies in the Park and Chubbuck Days and this event, that’s exactly what they’re for, is just to come together and have a good time with one another,” said England. “So we’re really dedicated to those experiences, just to give the community some fun things to do together.”

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