Author: KIFI

Bailee Shaw

UPDATE:

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating 32-year-old Jacob Bellus, the primary suspect in a “targeted shooting” that led to a shelter-in-place order and high-speed chase late Sunday night.

The investigation began at around 9:30 p.m. when deputies responded to reports of gunfire near 3100 North and 3500 East. The initial caller had told dispatch they’d heard multiple gunshots and a vehicle speeding away from the area.

Deputies arrived on the scene to discover a home at 3127 N 3500 E had been hit multiple times, and a parked vehicle had been rammed. Fortunately, police say no one was injured.

Shortly afterwards, deputies spotted Bellus’s vehicle—a cream-colored 1990 GMC Jimmy. When officers attempted to stop him, Bellus sped away northbound on Orchard Drive.

After a brief chase, Bellus abandoned his GMC near the intersection of Beno Street and Highland Avenue and ran on foot into the area of a nearby stockyard.

Investigators issued a shelter-in-place order at 10:24 p.m. while the TFCSO, Twin Falls Police, and Idaho State Police (ISP) used drones to search the area. The order was lifted at 3:18 a.m. after investigators determined the incident was targeted and did not pose an immediate threat to the area.

Police are still actively searching for Jacob Bellus. He should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see Jacob Bellus, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately or contact the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information, click HERE.

ORIGINAL:

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office is on the hunt for an armed suspect after reports of shots fired led to a brief car chase near a local sugar factory late Sunday night.

While the suspect remains at large, police lifted a localized shelter-in-place order on Monday morning after determining the incident was isolated, and the individual does not pose a threat to the general public.

The incident took place late Sunday night, sometime before 11:30 p.m., as deputies responded to reports of shots fired outside Twin Falls city limits. According to a Facebook post by Twin Falls police, as they arrived on the scene, the officers found a vehicle linked to the incident. The unidentified driver immediately sped away, leading to a brief chase ending as the vehicle crashed into a nearby stockyard.

The driver ran away on foot into the stockyard area. Police described the suspect as armed and dangerous, issuing the shelter-in-place order as police searched the area. After a search of the area, authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order Monday morning.

No injuries or arrest details have been released in connection with the initial shooting or the following crash. The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released a description of the suspect or the vehicle involved.

Local News 8 is closely monitoring this developing news story and will provide updates as more information becomes available. 

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – April marks National Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to honoring organ, eye, and tissue donors, celebrating lives saved, and encouraging others to register as donors.

Located outside the Main Entrance at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls

In Idaho Falls, the Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition partnered with Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) to raise awareness and inspire community members to consider giving the gift of life.

As part of the month’s events, a Donate Life flag-raising ceremony was held on Friday, April 3rd at EIRMC. The ceremony honored donors and recipients and recognized the life-saving impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

A highlight of the event was a powerful story shared by a donor family from Indiana. They spoke about their daughter, Jordyn Wilson, an 18-year-old BYU-Idaho student who passed away in December 2021, just days before her wedding.

Through organ donation, Jordyn saved the lives of three fathers, offering hope and healing in the midst of profound loss. Her family has since traveled to share her story and encourage others to register as donors.

During their visit, Jordyn’s parents also expressed gratitude for the care they received at EIRMC. They reflected on the compassion shown by hospital staff, including an ICU nurse they remembered as “Nurse Bruce,” whose kindness left a lasting impression. The family said returning to Idaho Falls gave them a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with caregivers and thank those who helped honor Jordyn’s legacy.

According to national data, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. One donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of more than 75 others through tissue donation.

Local leaders also showed their support during the event. Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw was on hand to read a proclamation officially recognizing April as Donate Life Month in Idaho Falls.

“There are so many families that benefit from the donation of organs, it’s not just a single person – it affects multiple people,” Burtenshaw said. “I think that being able to know that is a respectful procedure and it’s done in love is such a moment of tenderness.”

Organizers say community awareness plays a critical role in increasing donor registration. In Idaho last year, 55% of people renewing or obtaining a driver’s license chose to register as organ donors. That generosity led to 73 organ donors, saving approximately 292 lives.

“Donations have come a long way in the last few decades,” Leslie Anderson, hospital services specialist at Donor Connect, said. “And it’s just getting better and better.”

In addition, 351 cornea donors helped restore vision to about 702 people, while 191 tissue donors improved the lives of more than 14,000 individuals through skin, tendon, and bone donations.

“A lot of transplant folks, no matter what the organ is, are living long lives,” Alex McDonald, the development coordinator of Envision Sight, said. “Talk to your families, say yes on your license, and if something should ever happen to you, know your life’s going to live on – your legacy is going to live on through others.”

Local organ donor-recipient Tina Watson attended the event and expressed her gratitude to her donors, who saved her life over 27 years ago.

“I’m so grateful for my donor and the sacrifice that her family made to give that gift of life to me,” Watson said. “There are no words that I could ever express that could fully explain the gratitude I feel. Organ donation is the second most selfless gift that anyone can give. It changes people’s lives.”

Registering as a donor can be done online at yesidaho.org or through the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. You can also visit Donor Connect’s website here to find a regional branch located near you.

Organizers encourage Idahoans to take time during National Donate Life Month to honor donors, support donor families, and consider giving the gift of life.

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Curtis Jackson

POWER COUNTY, Idaho — Power County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that left three people dead and two others injured Friday afternoon along Tank Farm Road in Power County, according to the Power County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Watch the news conference from Friday night below.

Dispatchers received reports of a shooting at about 2:38 p.m. Friday, April 3. When emergency responders arrived, they found two people dead at the scene and a third person injured, the sheriff’s office said.

As deputies continued their investigation, a suspect was located hiding near the Portneuf River. While officers were at the scene, they heard additional gunshots and discovered a fourth victim who had also been injured. That person was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Deputies attempted to negotiate with the suspect, but the situation escalated when the suspect brandished a firearm and posed a threat to officers, according to the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement officers then used deadly force. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, officials said.

“The community is safe,” the Power County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that deputies and assisting agencies remain on scene processing evidence.

The names of the deceased and injured are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those lost today and with those recovering in the hospital,” Sheriff Kasey Kendall said in a statement. “We are grateful for the quick response of our deputies and regional partners who worked to ensure no further harm came to our community.”

The Idaho Falls Police Department will lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting, authorities said. The investigation into the initial shooting will be conducted by the Idaho State Police, along with the Bingham County and Bannock County sheriff’s offices.

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David Pace

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – Five hundred fifty Rigby students are enrolled in a unique Chinese Immersion Program in Jefferson School District 251.

The students celebrated with a Chinese cultural celebration Friday night for the whole community to enjoy.

“We had no idea that Rigby, Idaho, has the only Chinese immersion program in the state,” said Tamara Lass, Chinese Cultural Night organizer.

A delegation from China’s Embassy in San Francisco attended the event, teaching students about terracotta warriors using miniature replicas.

The district has been offering the program K-12 for about thirteen years – providing courses at South Fork Elementary, Rigby Middle School and Rigby High School.

“It’s very fun to learn Chinese,” said third grader Thomas Stewart.  “It helps you learn more Chinese and different languages if you go to different schools.”

The district also offers Spanish immersion at other elementary schools.

The program is rigorous – students at South Fork Elementary spend fifty percent of their day speaking Mandarin in class and fifty percent in English.

“We were super excited about it and really excited for our kids to start it because Mandarin is a language that I can’t teach them and they can’t get anywhere else,” Lass said. 

The event helped bridge cultures and establish greater appreciation for Chinese language and heritage.

“It’s all the way from kindergarten, so those students, they come to the class, learn Chinese … at a very young age, and the second grade, third grade and all the way up to high school,” said Jusong Su, one of nine Chinese Immersion teachers in the district.

One student had a special message for his father, who’s currently undergoing chemotherapy in the hospital.

“I love my Dad and I miss him,” Thomas Stewart said in Mandarin Chinese.

Kindergartners from South Fork Elementary dance in a Chinese musical performance.

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KIVI Staff

By: KIVI Staff

Originally Posted: April 3rd, 2026 KIVI

PAYETTE, Idaho — Stacey Wondra appeared in Payette County Court on Friday afternoon, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder, kidnapping, and destruction of evidence.

Wondra is accused of kidnapping and killing Fruitland boy, Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan, in 2021.

READ MORE | Accused killer describes duct tape & duffel bag in Michael Vaughan case, interrogation video played in court

Vaughan’s body was never found, and no murder weapon was ever discovered.

A jury will now be tasked with delivering a verdict as to whether Stacey Wondra is guilty of the crimes of which he is accused. He will be back in court on April 15 for a scheduling conference ahead of the trial.

RELATED | Stacey Wondra to stand trial for the murder of Michael ‘Monkey’ Vaughan

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen is no longer serving lunch on Sundays and Mondays. However, those in need of a meal will still have a place to go on those days.

The Idaho Falls Rescue Mission is stepping up to fill that gap. Starting this weekend, IFRM is expanding its regular meal services to include lunch on Sundays and Mondays. Currently, the IFRM serves hot meals every night at 6:00 pm at 380 E Street.

Lunch services at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen will continue Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 1 pm.

Both organizations are always looking for volunteers. Click the links for the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission and Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen to find out how you can help or to learn more about the assistance they offer

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KIVI Staff

By: Sahana Patel

Posted 7:19 PM, Apr 02, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — A bill sitting on Gov. Brad Little’s desk could make Idaho’s Medicaid expansion requirements the strictest in the country.

House Bill 913 would require people on Medicaid expansion to prove they have met work requirements over a three-month period.

Randy Johnson, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Action Network, said the bill would be among the strictest in the nation if signed.

“The parameters aren’t even established yet, and so there’s already confusion about what people are going to have to [do] to put in the paperwork,” Johnson said. “Idahoans are going to lose their health insurance from this bill, not because they’re not eligible, but because of not being able to fill out the paperwork.”

Randi LaSalle, a former Medicaid expansion recipient, worries that tightening access could do more harm than good and cause instability for families.

“We’re not asking for Medicaid to be selfish. We’re asking for Medicaid to be healthy and sustainable,” LaSalle said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LaSalle and her family qualified for Idaho’s Medicaid expansion program. The program provides coverage for adults who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but still cannot afford private insurance. LaSalle said having that coverage made a critical difference for her son.

“He was already in sepsis, and he was 3 weeks old, and we had no idea. The only way I felt comfortable going was because we had Medicaid; had we had private insurance, I might have second-guessed it,” LaSalle said.

RELATED | Idaho DOGE Task Force recommends repealing Medicaid Expansion, defunding Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Two years later, LaSalle said her family was suddenly cut off from the program, even though she said their financial situation had worsened following the pandemic. She believes outdated income information may have played a role.

“They never reevaluated us. They didn’t give us a notification. They didn’t call us, they didn’t email us, nothing, and we were just dropped,” LaSalle said.

The then-single mother of four said she turned to private insurance to keep her children covered, paying close to $1,000 a month.

“I got a 3rd job. I would work eight hours in a day. Two days a week, I would clean the offices that I worked for, and then at night I would drive for DoorDash,” LaSalle said. “I didn’t want to lose my kids because I couldn’t feed them.”

LaSalle said she is worried other families could face the same kind of instability if the bill becomes law.

“You know, we don’t need handouts. We don’t. We need people to just understand what it’s like. Not to be poor, but to be that family who’s trying and can never catch a break,” LaSalle said. “Not having to pay for insurance at $1100 a month or $900 a month or however much it’s going to cost you, that’s something that can go back towards the family.”

ALSO READ | Idaho lawmakers bring 2026 session to a close, final bills await governor’s decision

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 03 APR 26 15:51 ET

By Victoria Rodriguez

Click here for updates on this story

    CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (KIVI) — Former Nampa pastor Matthew Masiewicz was sentenced to up to 17 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to charges related to child pornography.

Canyon County District Court Judge Thomas Whitney sentenced Masiewicz to a unified 17-year prison term, with five years fixed and 12 years indeterminate. Masiewicz will serve the sentence in the custody of the Idaho Department of Corrections.

“Your actions have caused great grief and pain and embarrassment to your family and those you’ve worked with,” Whitney said.

Masiewicz, formerly a pastor at Sovereign Grace Fellowship, previously pleaded guilty to four felony counts related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Nine other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Prosecutors said investigators found multiple images and videos of minors on a laptop at the church where Masiewicz worked, showing children as young as 5. They said he sent those images to others on the app Kik. Prosecutors also noted that some material involved the use of artificial intelligence to generate explicit images appearing to involve minors.

During the sentencing hearing at the Canyon County Courthouse, family and church members listened as Masiewicz admitted wrongdoing.

“I was a coward,” Masiewicz said.

“I should have confessed this to my wife, I should have confessed this to my elder who’s sitting over there,” Masiewicz said.

Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Gregory Swanson told the court Masiewicz struggled to acknowledge the severity of his actions. Prosecutors said Masiewicz laughed while discussing his psychosexual evaluation and attempted to shift blame.

“Apparently even mimicking a chef’s kiss when discussing it with the pre-sentence investigator,” Swanson said.

Masiewicz’s attorney, Clarissa Greensmyth, pushed back against the prosecution’s claims. Greensmyth argued her client showed remorse, deleted material, and reflected on his actions. She described Masiewicz as isolated, struggling with the pressures of faith and his role as a pastor.

“He can be awkward in how he expresses himself. People process extreme events differently,” Greensmyth said.

“And that was really hard and all he had was his faith and prayer,” Greensmyth said.

Masiewicz expressed deep remorse to the court, calling his actions a moral evil and asking for grace and mercy.

“I’ve lost my church community. I have been excommunicated,” Masiewicz said.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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News Team

UPDATE 9:50 PM

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County Sheriff’s office says three people are dead including the shooting suspect. Two other were injured.

The sheriff’s office will be holding a news conference at 10:30 p.m. to release more information.

You can watch the news conference below.

UPDATE 8:20PM:

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County Sheriff office says the suspect involved a shooting incident this afternoon is dead and there is no longer a threat to public safety.

No other details have been released.

UPDATE:

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Multiple law enforcement agencies are currently responding to an active shooter incident on Tank Farm Road, just outside the Bannock County line.

According to Bannock County spokesperson Emma Iannacone, the emergency call came in at 2:38 PM reporting 3 people were shot. At this point, there is no information on the possible victims or if any police have been injured in the massive response.

“Our priority right now is securing the scene and ensuring the safety of the surrounding neighborhood,” said Power County Sheriff Kasey Kendall. “We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we begin the preliminary investigation.”

A massive police presence is currently on-site. Local News 8 has confirmed that several ambulances and a Life Flight helicopter are on the scene.

At this time, Tank Farm Road is closed between Rowland Lane and Siphon Road. Iannacone emphasizes that the scene is still active. The Sheriff’s Office is directing residents to stay away from the area and use alternate routes. If you are in the immediate area, stay indoors.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County Sheriff’s Deputies are responding to an active shooter on Tank Farm Rd. near Pocatello.

Local News 8’s reporter on the scene describes a massive police response in the area. It is currently unknown if anyone has been injured, but Local News 8 can confirm that several ambulances and a Lifeflight helicopter are on the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office is directing residents to stay away from the area and use alternate routes. If you are in the immediate area, stay indoors.

Local News 8 is closely watching this developing incident. We have a reporter heading to the area and will provide updates as we learn new information from the Sheriff’s Office.

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