Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 50-year-old Texas woman is in custody after allegedly attempting to rob an Idaho Central Credit Union branch and dragging an Idaho Falls Police Officer with her car during an escape attempt.

On Tuesday, June 9, Idaho Falls Police (IFPD) received a panic alarm from the ICCU building at 3330 S 15th East. The caller reported that a woman, later identified as Wendy Bess, was inside the bank attempting to withdraw a substantial amount of money using a stolen ID.

The first officer on the scene spotted Bess’s vehicle, a white GMC Terrain, as she exited the bank and began to back out of a parking spot. The officer ordered her to stop and attempted to unlock the car through an open window. However, Bess rapidly accelerated, dragging the officer approximately 50 feet. The officer was able to let go of the car and roll along the pavement as Bess sped out of the parking lot. The officer sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital.

As Bess fled the parking lot, additional officers arrived and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Bess reportedly ignored their commands, speeding south on S 5th East, then turning east onto W 49th South. During her escape, she struck a fence, drove at speeds up to 80 miles per hour, and dangerously veered into oncoming traffic, forcing other vehicles off the road.

While the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD) initially followed, they pulled out of the chase. However, officers observed Bess’s car turn off W 49th South shortly after the intersection with S 45th East.

Concerned people living in the area contacted Idaho Falls Police dispatch, reporting that they had seen the vehicle turn into a dead-end driveway. Idaho Falls Police Officers, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, and an Idaho State Trooper quickly surrounded the area to search for Bess. Using police drones, the officers discovered the woman had abandoned her vehicle on the property and was likely on foot.

Homeowners in the area shared the following photos of the search on the Facebook page Life in Idaho Falls.

Photo Credit: Sarah Barbato

During the search, an Uber driver approached an officer on the perimeter and reported that his passenger might be the suspect. The driver said he had picked up a passenger from the tree line just south of the search area and, noting the suspicious circumstances and the heavy police presence, drove his vehicle and the passenger directly to the closest officers.

In an interview with Idaho Falls Police investigators, Wendy Bess admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and her involvement in the attempted theft. Investigators learned that Bess had successfully made a fraudulent withdrawal of $10,000 from another bank earlier in the day and had also failed in an attempt to withdraw money from a third bank.

Wendy Bess has been arrested and booked into the Bonneville County Jail on multiple charges, including Felony Battery on an Officer, two counts of Felony Attempted Grand Theft, Grand Theft, Felony Eluding, and Misdemeanor Resisting or Obstructing.

“This incident highlights great partnerships and community members within Idaho Falls and the surrounding area,” said IFPD in a press release. “The Idaho Falls Police Department appreciates the bank employees, neighbors, and the Uber driver who each were paying attention and recognized suspicious activity in their sphere and worked with law enforcement to hold the person accountable for their actions. As always, the Idaho Falls Police Department appreciates partners at the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho State Police who assisted in the resolution of this incident.”

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Ashley Chilcutt

UPDATE:

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County coroner has identified the 76-year-old man who died Wednesday in a single-vehicle crash as Allan Daugaard, originally from South Dakota.

Daugaard was driving westbound on US 20 east of Ucon in a 2023 Nissan Rogue, with a 72-year-old female passenger, when his car went off the right shoulder of the road and struck a tree. Both were wearing seat belts and their airbags deployed, but the Daugaard succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

His next of kin has been notified.

UPDATE:

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) —  Idaho State Police is investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed a 76-year-old driver from Box Elder, South Dakota.

According to ISP, around 12:28 PM, the man and his 72-year-old female passenger were traveling westbound on US 20 east of Ucon in a 2023 Nissan Rogue, when the Rogue went off the right shoulder of the road and struck a tree. Both were wearing seat belts and their airbags deployed, but the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

His 72-year-old passenger was reportedly taken by an ambulance to an Idaho Falls hospital.

ORIGINAL:

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police is on scene investigating a rollover crash 1 mile near Ucon. The accident is slowing traffic down to one lane along U.S. 20 between Exits 318 and 315.

This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales make their grand return to Eastern Idaho this July.

Here’s where you can catch the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales:

Wednesday, July 3: Pre-Game Spectacle at Melaleuca Field (Idaho Falls)

Time: 4:45 PM – 6:45 PM

Location: Melaleuca Field, 900 Jim Garchow Way, Idaho Falls

Details: Get ready for the Chukars’ pre-game festivities with a special one-horse appearance by a Budweiser Clydesdale. This event will also feature a meaningful Folds of Honor check presentation, supporting military families.

Thursday, July 4: Independence Day Parade (Historic Downtown Pocatello)

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Historic Downtown Pocatello

Details: Celebrate Independence Day in style as the full, magnificent eight-horse hitch of Budweiser Clydesdales proudly parades through Historic Downtown Pocatello. This is a rare opportunity to see the entire team in action, pulling their iconic red wagon.

Friday, July 5: Afternoon Delight at Fireside Grill (Ammon)

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Fireside Grill, 2891 S. 25th E., Ammon

Details: Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a one-horse show featuring a Budweiser Clydesdale at the Fireside Grill in Ammon. This more intimate setting will allow for a closer look at one of these incredible animals.

You can follow their journey and see their upcoming stops across the nation on the official Budweiser Clydesdales tour schedule, HERE.

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CNN Newsource

By Kate Jacobson

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NEW PLYMOUTH, Idaho (KIVI) — An Idaho bow fisherman has shattered the state record for grass carp after catching a fish weighing nearly 68 pounds.

Riley Farden of New Plymouth was bow fishing on the Snake River when he shot and caught a grass carp weighing 67.65 pounds. The massive fish measured 49 inches long with a girth of 32.75 inches.

The catch surpasses the previous state archery record for grass carp of 39.5 pounds, also taken from the Snake River. Farden’s fish also easily surpassed the current rod and reel record of 46.7 pounds.

Idaho Fish and Game maintains separate state records for carp caught by archery and those caught using traditional rod and reel methods. Learn more about Idaho’s state fish records here: idfg.idaho.gov/fish/record

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Rulon J. Olson, 35, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison after fleeing a traffic stop last year, ramming an Idaho State Police vehicle during the pursuit. 2 years of the sentence are fixed and 3 years are indeterminate. In addition to his prison term, Olson has been ordered to pay over $3,600 in restitution.

Olson was identified by Pocatello Police last year as a suspect in the May 7, 2025, robbery of the Mountain America Credit Union located at 1012 Yellowstone Avenue in Pocatello. Authorities located the getaway vehicle later that week and issued an arrest warrant for Olson.

He was captured later that month, on May 22, 2025, in Idaho Falls, following a high-speed pursuit by Idaho State Police (ISP). According to an initial ISP report, Olson fled a traffic stop after troopers discovered his outstanding warrant.

During the pursuit, Olson, who had a 26-year-old passenger and a juvenile child in his vehicle, rammed a patrol car. Troopers successfully employed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle. Olson then attempted to escape on foot into a nearby field but was quickly captured and arrested by ISP personnel.

The prosecutor characterized Olson’s actions as “the height of anti-social behavior, because he put the lives of the officers and the public in danger.”

Olson initially faced a litany of charges, including felony child endangerment, eluding, assault on a law enforcement officer, damage to state property, resisting and obstructing officers, related to his attempt to flee the traffic stop. While he initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, Olson changed his plea earlier this year in exchange for reduced charges.

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Kailey Galaviz

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Miss Idaho Falls, Reagan Eubanks, and Miss Idaho Falls Teen, Kirra McCarty, are taking the stage at the 2025 Miss Idaho and Miss Idaho Teen pageant, competing for the title.

The pageant is scheduled to take place on June 14 at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls.

Eubanks and McCarty stopped by the studio to talk with our Local News 8 in the Morning crew to talk about their titles and how you can come out to support.

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News Team

The following is a press release from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office:

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of a new mobile application designed to enhance communication and public safety services for residents. Developed in partnership with TheSheriffApp.com, the app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play by searching “Bannock County Sheriff, ID.”

“We’re excited about launching this app to improve the community’s access to our services,” said Sheriff Tony Manu. “They’ll be able to easily access what they need when they need it, and we’ll be able to alert them when we need to.”

The app offers residents convenient access to a wide range of information and services, including news releases, the current jail roster, a searchable database of registered sex offenders, and more. Users can also receive real-time push notifications for weather alerts, emergency warnings, and other critical updates.

All future activity reports—previously shared on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page—will now be posted exclusively through the mobile app. These reports will be updated in real time, allowing users to stay informed about local law enforcement activity as it happens, all in one reliable and easy-to-access platform.

One of the app’s key features is the ability for users to submit crime tips directly to the Sheriff’s Office. It also provides information on employment opportunities, offering a new and convenient way for job seekers to connect with the agency.

In addition, the app includes a dedicated page for the Bannock County Office of Emergency Management. This section provides helpful resources for preparing and responding to emergencies—before, during, and after a disaster strikes.

“I am very excited to share details about Emergency Management and the inclusion of community-like partnership activities for the benefit of the whole community through this app,” said Wes Jones, Bannock County Emergency Director.

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office invites all residents to download the app and stay informed, connected, and prepared.

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Stephanie Lucas

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Bingham Healthcare celebrated its 75th anniversary Tuesday on the steps of Bingham Memorial Hospital.

“What began in 1950 as a modest 60-bed rural hospital has grown into Eastern Idaho’s leading healthcare network,” said Bingham Healthcare in a press release.

The American Hospital Association joined the ceremony to recognize Bingham Healthcare’s 75 years in rural Idaho.

“For 75 years, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors—delivering not just care, buthope,” said Jake Erickson, CEO of Bingham Healthcare. “This celebration isn’t just aboutlooking back on our accomplishments. It’s about recognizing the people who’ve made thisjourney possible—our patients, providers, and community—and looking forward to how we’llcontinue raising the standard of rural healthcare for decades to come.”

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Students got to dive into some fun while still learning a serious lesson. Local high school-aged students are getting an inside look at what it takes to work in law enforcement. 

“We’re doing our Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office teen career camp. This morning, we took them scuba diving. Today we’re at the jail learning about our detention facility and what our detention officers and the people who work in this facility do for the sheriff’s office,” said Sergeant Daniel Sperry, with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

Many students want to know what it means to serve and protect.

American Heritage Charter School Freshman Lane Dominck said, “I mean, I kind of wanted to see what the police people did to, like, protect us and stuff.”

The program seems to be inspiring these local teens to consider law enforcement as a possible career.

Bonneville High School Junior Ashley Anndelehanty said, “At the beginning, I did this more for the fun things, the scuba diving, but as I’ve gone along and I’ve seen the different positions, I really do think that law enforcement might be something I’m interested in.”

Bonneville High School junior Alexis Ruesch said, “I’m hoping to go into maybe being a K-9 officer or just like a patrol officer of some sort.”

Students say the experience has been exciting and encourage others to consider taking part in the camp.

“I love the community with people, and that’s like such a big part for me, just getting to know so many different people. And if I were going to do it, I’d probably do more of a tech side of it,” said Ethan Norman, a Bonneville High School Sophomore.

The program was also very effective in keeping teens in line with the law, just so they wouldn’t have to eat jail food.

“I don’t think I would ever commit a crime or be anywhere near here because this is disgusting,” said Macy Hill, a Hillcrest High School freshman.

The camp has a capacity of 24 students per week, and they are completely full for this year.

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Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the United States Department of Agriculture:

Washington, D.C. (KIFI) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signed three new food choice waivers to Make America Healthy Again. The signed waivers will amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, each commencing in 2026.

“The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer. Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Rollins.

“Thank you to the governors of Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, and Nebraska for their bold leadership and unwavering commitment to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Kennedy. “I call on every governor in the nation to submit a SNAP waiver to eliminate sugary drinks—taxpayer dollars should never bankroll products that fuel the chronic disease epidemic.”

Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy were joined at the event by Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Governor of Indiana Mike Braun.

“This approval sends a clear message: President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly grateful for Secretary Rollins’ quick approval of our waiver. Arkansas leads the nation in getting unhealthy, ultra-processed foods off food stamps and helping our most vulnerable citizens lead healthier lives.”

“Indiana is proud to be a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and I’m proud to join Secretary Rollins, Secretary Kennedy, Congressman Baird, and my fellow Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today to discuss returning SNAP to its proper purpose of nutrition, and how my Make Indiana Healthy Again agenda supports Indiana agriculture and empowers Hoosiers to live longer, healthier lives,” said Governor Braun.

Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products. This historic action expands the list of products excluded from SNAP purchases in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah. Arkansas’ waiver excludes soda, low and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other unhealthy drinks, and candy, and it will take effect July 1, 2026. The waiver for Idaho excludes soda and candy, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. The waiver for Utah excludes soft drinks, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. Secretary Rollins has previously signed waivers for Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana.

“Idaho proudly welcomes the MAHA movement because it is all about looking for new ways to improve nutrition, increase exercise, and take better care of ourselves and one another, especially our children. We are excited to partner with the Trump administration in bringing common sense to the government’s food assistance program with the approval of our SNAP waiver,” said Governor Brad Little.

At the direction of President Trump, Secretary Rollins is ensuring programs work harder to encourage healthy eating and improved lifestyle habits while protecting taxpayer dollars. On Secretary Rollins’ first full day in office, she sent a letter to the nation’s governors (PDF, 88.8 KB), outlining her vision for the Department and inviting them to participate in a new “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative to create bold solutions to long-ignored challenges. Secretary Rollins and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote an opinion piece in USA Today outlining their plan to Make America Healthy Again, including through SNAP waivers like the ones signed today.

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