Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)—Drivers may want to avoid driving through Blackfoot Friday evening, as traffic has become a near standstill. The highway has been closed since Thursday night when a semi truck crashed into a pillar on the Riverton Road Bridge.

The Idaho Transportation Department reported Friday afternoon that they hope to open Interstate 15 between the Blackfoot exits by mid-Saturday morning.

ITD crews have been assessing the damage and working to shore up the bridge.

Traffic is being diverted from I-15 to Highway 91 between exits 89 and 93. The traffic has caused a significant delay through Blackfoot. Drivers are reporting to Local News 8 that it has been taking up to 2 hours to get between Idaho Falls and Pocatello.

ITD reported the bridge suffered structural damage, necessitating the immediate closure of the interstate for the safety of all drivers. At this time the extent, cost and timeline of repairs are unknown.

ITD is working to open the northbound lanes with one lane open in each direction.

“We have been working around the clock to restore the flow of traffic,” District Engineer Todd Hubbard said. “Early next week, we hope to have traffic restored to proper lanes, southbound I-15 will be reduced to one lane until a permanent fix can be made.”  

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Seth Ratliff

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — A small group of alleged scammers is in custody after a traffic stop led to the arrests of five men and one woman accused of preying on multiple victims in parking lots across the state and the local area. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says the group successfully stole the credit card information of multiple victims and executed unauthorized money transfers under the guise of collecting charitable donations.

The arrests stemmed from reports of a group of men soliciting donations in local parking lots.

The Investigation Unfolds

On Thursday, October 30th, around 10 a.m., BCSO says their deputies responded to a call at the Hobby Lobby parking lot in North Ammon, reporting a small group of men were soliciting Venmo donations. This call came on the heels of a similar report the day before involving victims in the Target parking lot who claimed their credit card information was stolen by a group of African American men in a vehicle with an Oregon license plate.

While one group of deputies was handling the Hobby Lobby call, another deputy spotted the suspect vehicle just down the street on S 25th E, near the Target entrance. After initiating a traffic stop, the deputy smelled a wave of marijuana coming from the vehicle, which was occupied by five adult men, one adult woman, and a baby.

Mario T. Sanders, 37

The deputy noticed the front passenger, Mario T. Sanders, 37, eating a green leafy substance. Deputies found containers of marijuana near Sanders’ seat, and he later admitted to ingesting a large amount, prompting a call for an ambulance for medical assessment.

Deandre D. Houston, 32

The remaining passengers were detained while BCSO began a search of the vehicle. The search uncovered multiple items of drug paraphernalia, cell phones, printed flyers, and other items related to the scam activities. The driver, later identified as Deandre D. Houston, 32, was also found to have several Hydrocodone pills in his wallet.

Deceptive Fundraising Tactics

From the evidence they found in the vehicle and the victim’s reports, BCSO deputies quickly pieced together the group’s alleged scheme. The group had used fraudulent flyers promoting causes like “Autism Awareness” to win the trust of victims.

The flyers featured distressing stories and images—including one claiming a 5-year-old child was shot on his way to school—to support the “Jackson Family” or the “James Hoover Funeral Fund.”

BCSO reports that the group primarily targeted older women, convincing them to provide emails, phone numbers, and personal identifying information, and in some cases even assisting them with the electronic transaction to steal their information. Victims told deputies their financial transaction cards went missing and that unauthorized amounts of money had been transferred from their accounts via various cash apps.

Arrests and Charges

While on the scene, deputies discovered that the driver, Deandre D. Houston, had an active felony warrant from Williamson County, Illinois, for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. After being medically cleared, both Houston and Sanders were arrested and booked into the Bonneville County Jail.

The other men traveling with them were identified as 28-year-old Vontrel D. Rendles, 27-year-old Raymond S. Stokes, and 35-year-old Hollis P. Williams, all of Illinois. The remaining members of their group were arrested and charged with a Felony Fraudulent Use of a Financial Transaction Card.

 The adult woman and baby traveling with the group were released from the scene. Their identities have not been released at this time.

Public Safety Warning

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have been approached or victimized by this scam to contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately through dispatch at 208-529-1200 and ask to speak with a Deputy.

In a news release, SGT. Bryan Lovell reminded the public to be vigilant against such scams

“The Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to keep their personal and financial information safe by monitoring accounts, changing passwords often, and utilizing security measures provided by your financial and online institutions,” writes SGT. Bryan Lovell. “Never provide this information to unverified entities or people and always be suspicious of fundraising causes and solicitations that can’t easily be vetted or researched.”

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News Team

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Earlier this month, a rare EF-1 tornado touched down in Teton County, Wyoming, marking only the third time a tornado has been confirmed in the county since the 1980s and the latest season tornado.

The National Weather Service in Riverton officially confirmed that the tornado, dubbed the “Teton Canyon Tornado,” touched down at approximately 1:35 p.m. on October 15th.

The storm caused significant damage in a section of the Caribou–Targhee National Forest near Alta, Wyoming. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped along the track, which began at an elevation of about 7,900 feet and ended near 6,900 feet, according to NWS. Forest crews quickly cleared fallen trees to reopen roads and trails, assisting drivers and hikers who had been temporarily trapped in Teton Canyon.

Confirmation of the tornado’s track and intensity was a collaborative effort. The NWS used drone imagery from the Teton County, Wyoming, Sheriff’s Office and compared satellite images from before and after the storm. They ultimately used the Enhanced Fujita Scale’s “softwood tree” damage indicator to accurately classify the event as an EF-1.

This confirmation was made possible through the combined efforts of the National Weather Service, Teton County, Wyoming Emergency Management, the Teton County, Wyoming Sheriff’s Office, and Caribou–Targhee National Forest.

Historical Context: Tornadoes in Teton County

Tornadoes remain extremely rare in Teton County. With the latest event, there have been only three recorded tornadoes in the area since modern weather records began:

July 21, 1987 – Teton–Yellowstone Tornado (F4): Among the highest-elevation tornadoes ever recorded in the United States, this F4 storm remains the strongest in Wyoming history. It tracked across the Teton Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park, damaging thousands of acres of forest with estimated peak winds between 207 and 260 mph.

June 12, 2022 – Gros Ventre Range Tornado (EF-2): A high-elevation tornado near Crystal Creek Campground northeast of Jackson with peak winds near 130 mph. It traveled about two miles through remote mountain terrain. Following the June 12 storm, the Bridger– Teton National Forest temporarily closed Crystal Creek Campground due to downed trees and hazard conditions.

Oct. 15, 2025 – Teton Canyon Tornado (EF-1): The most recent event occurred in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest near Alta, producing winds up to 104 mph. This is the latest tornado for the season ever reported in Wyoming going back to 1950 when records started. Prior to this, the 10/7/1969 Goshen County tornado was the latest tornado of the season.

In a news release, the National Weather Service assures residents and travellers that tornadoes remain extremely rare in Teton County, and three documented events are not enough to indicate any measurable trend. To learn more about hazards and preparedness in Teton County, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

PAYETTE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office has officially filed murder charges in the case of Michael Vaughn, the 5-year-old boy who vanished from his Fruitland, Idaho home in 2021.

It has been over four years since Michael, known by his family nickname “Monkey,” disappeared.

On Friday, the Payette County Prosecutor announced that Stacey Wondra has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and destruction of evidence. At the time of Michael’s disappearance, Wondra and his wife lived just a few blocks from the Vaughn family. Wondra is currently serving a sentence in an Arizona prison on unrelated charges.

The remains of Michael Vaughn have never been found.

Prosecutor Michael Duke stated that his office’s “fondest hope is to recover Michael,” but they are moving forward with the investigation and charges to ensure justice and to not pose further risk to Michael’s loved ones.

“We believe we know the individuals involved and are committed to pursuing justice with or without Michael’s recovery,” Duke stated. He credited the charges to the “unyielding tenacity and perseverance” of the Fruitland Police Department, which has not ceased working the case. “They are continuing to search and investigate so they can bring Michael’s body home.”

“We believe we know the individuals involved and are committed to pursuing justice with or without Michael’s recovery,” stated Duke. The charges are only possible as a result of Fruitland’s unyielding tenacity and perseverance. They have not ceased to work the case since the crime occurred, and they are continuing to search and investigate so they can bring Michael’s body home.”

Local News 8 has recieved a statement from Michael “Monkey’s” mother Brandi. She says, “Our family has mixed emotions. Yes, we are glad charges are coming. We want them to tell us where Michael is. Period. We will let the Justice System take care of the rest.”

Local News 8 will continue to provide updates as this case proceeds through the legal system.

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Jeff Roper

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — In the lead-up to Halloween, a team of Paranormal Investigators took a closer look into the strange activity surrounding an old plane at the Idaho Falls airport that’s long been out of service.

For nearly 20 years, Pocatello Paranormal Research (PPR) has established itself as Idaho’s most experienced crew for all things cryptid and creepy. According to the group’s website, the team is known for tackling strange happenings from coast to coast, but their latest case has them looking for residual turbulence in the static air of a grounded jet.

“We research anything and everything. Paranormal, cryptid, you name it, we’re out looking for it, investigating it,” said Colleen O’Hara, Owner and Operator of PPR.

She emphasizes that their work is often about providing comfort, not just confirmation. “We help them try to determine who’s in their home spirit-wise, and maybe become more comfortable with the activity. You can’t always guarantee you can clear it, but we can see if it’s dead, Uncle Fred or somebody else.”

Armed with thermal cameras, sensors, and what they call a “spirit box”, they’re trying to find out if something — or someone — is still hanging around.

Local News 8’s Jeff Roper tagged along with the ghost-hunting crew as they conducted their spooky stakeout. To see PPR’s full, spectral search and find out if they caught any unusual check-ins, watch the full video above.

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News Team

UPDATE:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — All lanes of Interstate 15 are shut down in both directions near the Riverton Road Overpass, after a severe crash late Thursday night. Police say a tanker truck barreled into a support pillar of the bridge, causing significant damage that has compromised the bridge’s structural integrity.

The Idaho Transportation Department has closed the interstate and the overpass to all traffic indefinitely while they investigate the damage.

Crash Details and Investigation

ISP says the crash took place around 8:7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th, near milepost 92.

Police say a 46-year-old man from Jerome, driving a white 2026 Kenworth towing an empty milk tanker, veered off the left side of the southbound lanes and slammed into the foremost bridge pillar.

The driver was seriously injured in the crash and was air-lifted to a local hospital for treatment. The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

Commuter Alert: Extensive I-15 Detours

Drivers are being told to plan for delays and use detours to exits 89 and 93. All detoured traffic should use the I-15 business loop and US 91. For updates, click HERE.

ORIGINAL STORY:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – All lanes of I-15 are closed south of Blackfoot, following a tanker truck crash that happened late Thursday night at Milepost 93 in Bingham County.

The Riverton Road overpass will be closed until further notice due to damages sustained in the crash.

Traffic is being diverted at exit 93.

Local News 8 will update this story as we receive new details.

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Ariel Jensen

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) – The man responsible for killing 47-year-old Patrick Shelton of Custer County has entered an Alford plea.

70-year-old Alan Douglas Bruce of Challis was arrested in May on felony charges of murder and destruction of evidence related to Shelton’s disappearance.

His body is believed to be scattered in the Salmon River. 

By entering an Alford plea, Bruce admits the evidence surrounding the case is enough to prove him guilty, but he does not admit to committing the crime. The court will still sentence him as if he had pleaded guilty. 

A sentencing date has been set for November 17th. 

Local News 8 reached out to Shelton’s family to get their reaction. They said this is not what they had hoped for, but they feel this is the best outcome they could get.  

DNA and skull fragments were found in Shelton’s truck in May, but the rest of his remains still haven’t been found, even after a lengthy search by Custer County Search and Rescue.  

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI )—A District Judge will not accept a plea agreement with a former Pocatello funeral home owner charged with mishandling dead bodies.

Lance Peck was scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, but was surprised by the judge’s decision.

Lance Peck is the former owner of the Downard Funeral Home. In 2021, police found dozens of decomposing bodies inside the funeral home, along with unmarked cremated remains.

This past June, Peck agreed to a plea agreement with prosecutors on a long list of charges, including grand theft and fraud.

Lance Peck sits in a Bannock County Courtroom on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

On Thursday, Judge Javier Gabiola said he could not accept the plea agreement. He gave no reasoning as to why he wouldn’t accept the agreement.

A status hearing was set for Dec. 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

In the plea agreement, Peck could have faced three to seven years in prison on each charge.

The funeral home has since been demolished, and the site serves as a parking lot for Pocatello High School.

Families who attended Thursday’s hearing were shocked at the decision.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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Noah Farley

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Insurance has issued a cease and desist order to UnitedHealthcare.

The Department of Insurance says in September 2025, it found UnitedHealthcare was deliberately limiting access to Medicare Advantage products by restricting access to the necessary online applications.

Among other things, the Idaho Department of Insurance says UnitedHealthcare overstates its expenses and increases its profits by not paying the agents who serve their customers.

The order says Idaho Legislature created the Trade Practices Law to define and prohibit any insurance business practices that are unfair or deceptive. The Idaho Department of Labor’s director is authorized to decide what business practices count as unfair or deceptive. 

Therefore, UnitedHealthcare is ordered to stop any action meant to limit or conceal Medicare Advantage plans from consumers in Idaho; altering its contracts with agents to withhold commissions meant to manipulate the insurance market; concealing Medicare Advantage plans on its applications that makes it difficult to apply for another plan; etc.

UnitedHealthcare can file a motion for reconsideration. It also has two weeks from receiving the cease and desist order to request a hearing.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – Cirque Italia is set to dazzle southeast Idaho audiences this year with an all-new, magical dream adventure. The Cirque Italia III show “Water Circus” will be held on October 31- November 3 at the Grand Teton Mall in Idaho Falls.  

Residents of Idaho Falls are invited to experience a show unlike any other, promising unforgettable entertainment for all ages.

This year’s production takes audiences on a retrofuturistic journey through the steampunk Victorian era.

The Platinum Unit cast will transport spectators to an era defined by airships, clockwork automatons, and steam-powered contraptions, and nostalgic appreciation for older technologies and aesthetics. The result is a high-energy show designed to captivate audience members of all ages.

Featuring a talented international cast from Argentina, Brazil, Romania, and beyond, Cirque Italia showcases master jugglers, low wire artists, contortionists, trampoline performers, and the thrilling wheel of death. Attendees will witness breathtaking feats and unforgettable performances throughout the show.

Cirque Italia is committed to providing high-class, family-friendly entertainment. All shows are strictly animal-free, ensuring an inclusive environment for guests of every age.

Dates: October 31 – November 2, 2025

Location: 2300 East 17th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Venue: Grand Teton Mall (Parking Lot)

Showtimes:

Friday, October 31: 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 1: 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 2: 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm

Tickets and Information: Tickets are now available for purchase starting at $10.00-$50.00, based on availability. For every full-priced adult ticket in levels 2 or 3, one child receives free admission (offer not combinable with other promotions). To receive the promotional code for the Idaho Falls shows, please call 941-704-8572.

Box Office Hours:

The on-site box office will open on Tuesday during the week of the show.

Non-show days: 10 am – 6 pm

Show days: 10 am – 9 pm

For more information on ticket purchases and other details, click here.  

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