Author: KIFI

News Release

Editor’s Note: The following is a news release from Yellowstone National Park.

YELLOWSTONE — Beginning Aug. 12, Yellowstone National Park will lift the fishing restrictions on rivers and streams that went into effect on July 29. The restrictions were implemented because low water flows and high water temperatures can be lethal to fish. Cooling weather and water temperatures in the forecast allow for these restrictions to be lifted. Anglers will be able to fish on most park rivers, streams and lakes daily from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

The existing full fishing closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers that were implemented on July 15 will remain in effect until conditions improve to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries. These rivers run warmer due to the influence of nearby geothermal areas that increase water temperatures.

Staff will continue to monitor the water temperatures. The closures may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place, depending on condition assessments.

Anglers: Please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries and may prevent the need to prohibit fishing at all times of the day on some rivers and streams if conditions worsen.  

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Danielle Mullenix

The persistent dry weather of the past few days is finally coming to an end, as scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this Wednesday afternoon and evening. Some of these storms may feature gusty outflow winds, and localized heavy downpours will likely precede a significantly wetter outlook on Thursday.

An abnormally moist airmass will overspread eastern Idaho Wednesday evening into Thursday, bringing cooler temperatures along with showers and thunderstorms starting Wednesday evening and continuing through the weekend. Thursday and Friday will be the most impactful days. Moderate to Heavy Rain, if it were to occur over recently burned areas or urbanized locations like city centers, could lead to localized flash flooding. Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Big Rock burn scar. The chances of this will increase into Thursday as the amount of rainfall picks up for the next few days.

Expect high temperatures to still remain fairly warm today, with temperatures sitting in the upper 80s along the Snake River Plain and overnight lows cooling into the 60s. Some minor impacts from the rainstorms today could increase wind gusts into the afternoon hours, but overall temperatures will begin to cool down on Thursday and Friday into the lower 80s and 70s.

Potential impacts are expected from the thunder and rainstorms on Friday and Saturday, as the wet weather pattern will continue into the second portion of the week. Cloud coverage, on top of the residual haze from wildfire smoke, will mean continued gray skies for the next few days.

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Seth Ratliff

THAYNE, Wyo. (KIFI) — A routine cleanup of a newly purchased barn led to a full-scale bomb squad response on Monday after a local homeowner made a dangerous discovery: six boxes of suspected mining explosives.

Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson said the discovery was made Aug. 10 at a home on Duffin Circle, south of Thayne. The man had been cleaning out the loft of the barn when he discovered several boxes clearly stamped with “HIGH EXPLOSIVES” and “DANGEROUS”.

The man immediately called the authorities, and Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded alongside the Teton County Sheriff’s Office/Jackson Police Department Joint Regional Bomb Squad.

“Upon arrival, bomb technicians deployed portable X-ray equipment to inspect the boxes,” stated Sheriff Johnson. “After confirming the compounds were stable, the explosives were removed and transported for further testing and final disposal.”

Sheriff Johnson says once the bomb squad tests the boxes to determine the exact contents, law enforcement will either detonate the explosives in a controlled manner, neutralize them with other compounds, or safely disperse them.

Praising the homeowner’s quick thinking, Johnson urged anyone who finds suspected explosives or vintage military munitions not to touch them and contact law enforcement immediately.

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Danielle Mullenix

ROBERTS, Idaho (KIFI) – A cross-country road trip usually involves a car, a suitcase, and plenty of gas. For Roberts’ Riley Mickelsen, his journey involves his Mustang named Dasher — and a much bigger goal.

Mickelsen is currently making his way north from his home in Eastern Idaho with plans to reach Canada while riding Dasher. But Canada isn’t the final destination. Mickelsen says his ultimate goal is to ride Dasher from Canada to Mexico.

The first part of the journey is taking him north from Roberts to Canada. Once Dasher and Mickelsen reach Canada, Mickelsen plans to trailer the two back home before heading south toward Mexico this fall.

Mickelsen has been documenting the adventure on social media, giving followers a front-row seat to the journey as he and Dasher make their way across America.

The daily videos are attracting plenty of attention online, with viewers following along as Mickelsen rides, travels, and works with horses along the way.

Mickelsen is a professional farrier at the Idaho Horseshoeing School in Roberts, so his journey also offers viewers a look at his work with horses — something that has helped him build a following online.

For now, the next big milestone is Canada.

If Mickelsen and Dasher make it there, they’ll have completed the first major leg of a journey that could eventually take them from the northern border of the United States all the way to Mexico.

Mickelsen continues to document the journey online as he and Dasher work their way toward Canada.

Follow Riley and Dasher’s journey: Dash­er the Mustang on YouTube

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – As the Idaho Falls City Council prepares to adopt its $393.5 million budget later this month, Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw opened her office for an exclusive interview Tuesday.

She laid out some of the city’s main priorities in its Fiscal Year 2027 city budget.

“We have the library, we have the recreation, and we have parks, we have an airport, we have a sewer company, we have a power company,” Burtenshaw said. “… We have all of those other things that we do for city residents, and so it is a massive undertaking, and it is a big budget.”

RELATED | Idaho Falls unveils new $393.5 million budget for Thursday public hearing

Burtenshaw offered a sneak peak at several major projects coming to Idaho Falls.

“Widening of Rollandet, getting another North-South corridor is a big project for this next summer,” she said. “We have Sandy Downs being able to get that land graded and irrigated using impact fees. … We want to start a [fire] training center, so we’re going to get going on some of those initial plans. Then also, part of that Capital Improvement Plan includes upfitting of our fire apparatus and our EMS vehicles.”

Additionally, this year, the city is adding two new training captains to the Fire Department and a new opioid response detective and dispatcher to the Police Department. 

“This year, primarily, it reflects an increase to our public safety budget,” Burtenshaw said, “and then just generally being able to maintain the same kind of services we’ve been providing.”

Burtenshaw says a place is waiting for those who are passionate about building the community.

“Start joining committees and commissions and boards speak to the departments,” she invited. “Then pretty soon you start to realize maybe where your niche is or where you have a passion. It’s the best way to get involved, because people who have passion and take their time to learn how the city works, they’re really able to influence what happens at the city level.

You can provide public comment on the budget Thursday at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers in downtown Idaho Falls at 680 Park Avenue.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — All 28 state parks across Idaho have announced a 25% discount on camping through the end of August.

All types of camping, from tents and RV hookups to cabins, are discounted. Although camping options vary between parks, state parks across Idaho offer visitors a variety of experiences.

One of those is a hidden gem just west of American Falls: Massacre Rocks State Park.

Park Manager Travis Taylor says camping there in August offers visitors a chance to ditch the crowds and experience the campground’s peaceful atmosphere and solitude.

“The nice thing about these older campgrounds is the sites weren’t built on top of one another,” Taylor said. “So even though there’s 21 sites down in this loop, they’re not so close to one another and you feel like you’re away from the crowds.”

From camping and fishing to hiking, the park has also been working to make its recreational opportunities more accessible. Taylor is currently working on grants to make the park’s fishing docks more accessible.

Through a grant from Idaho for All, Massacre Rocks received a track wheelchair to help guests access the park’s trails.

“We were fortunate enough to receive one of the track chairs on this first go-around from them, and it’s going to be available to use free of charge,” Taylor said. “We’re really excited because most of our trails are dirt and that’s never going to change. So this is an exciting opportunity for everyone here.”

To reserve the track wheelchair, visitors are asked to email the park at least one day in advance to ensure it is available.

Whether you decide to go camping this month or during the winter, Taylor recommends checking the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s website before heading out in case additional deals or discounts are available.

The Parks Email: mas@idpr.idaho.gov

Here is a link to camping reservations at Massacre Rocks.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — First responders are on the scene of a gas leak near the intersection of Boulevard and Anderson Street in Idaho Falls Tuesday evening.

KIFI

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, Anderson Street is closed to all traffic between Boulevard and Holmes Avenue while crews respond to the leak.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

IFPD said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This is a developing story.

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Maile Sipraseuth

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI)– 7N Ranch Resort is back in business after the Big Rock Fire forced it to temporarily close its doors for nearly a week.

7N Ranch Resort has been home for the Newby family for decades and represents years of hard work, family memories and community.

7N Ranch Resort owners, Tennessee and George Newby

Owners Tennessee and George Newby have devoted much of their lives to the resort. They raised their three children on the ranch, including their son Eric Newby, who moved back home three years ago.

“I watched them build it from pretty much nothing,” Eric Newby said.

As the Big Rock Fire burned nearby, Tennessee said she was particularly concerned about the possibility of the flames reaching a grain field near their home.

“I think I was a little bit apprehensive thinking about if it did hit the grain because it was coming down and it was getting dark,” she said. “We live across the field, so I thought, that comes down and hits that grain, it might make it to our house.”

The ranch and the family’s home ultimately remained safe from the fire. But while the resort was closed, the Newbys say they didn’t have much time to dwell on what could have happened.

“We didn’t have time to worry too much about that because we were all pretty busy helping each other,” George Newby said.

The Newbys say support from their neighbors and the surrounding community helped them through the difficult week.

Mountain River Ranch, a nearby business, hosted a fundraiser benefiting 7N Ranch Resort and Heise Hot Springs.

“We got a lot of support from the neighbors and appreciate Mountain River Ranch putting on the fundraiser,” George Newby said. “Just a lot of local community helping each other as well.”

After nearly a week of uncertainty, the Newbys say they are grateful their home and business are still standing and are ready to move forward.

“We’re all still here. It could have been a lot worse, could have been a lot, lot worse,” George Newby said. “So we’re just happy to be here and want people to know that we’re open again and looking forward to seeing them again.”

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Stephanie Lucas

Editor’s Note: As of May 1st, 2026, the charges against Chad Vanderbeek have been dismissed without prejudice. Charges against Winter Mickelberry, Michelle Green, and Eugene Jenson have also been dismissed on the motion of the prosecutor.

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Prosecutors in Fremont County have dismissed or reduced charges against several individuals following an investigation into alleged voter fraud during a contentious May 2023 election in Island Park.

Out of 11 people originally charged with election interference, four have pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges, several cases have been dropped, and charges against three remaining defendants remain pending.

Chad Vanderbeek appears in court for a preliminary hearing, represented by attorney John Malek.

Most notably, all charges against Chad Vanderbeek of Island Park were dismissed with prejudice on May 1, meaning prosecutors cannot refile the same charges against him.

During a hearing last September, Vanderbeek’s attorney, John Malek, argued that while he had been temporarily living in Idaho Falls to care for his father in hospice, he never intended to give up his primary residence in Island Park.

“There is no indication under black letter law that my client has established residence somewhere else,” argued Malek in the September hearing. “There is, however, an indication that my client has established residence in Island Park.”

According to an online obituary, Vanderbeek’s father, Hans, passed away shortly after the case was dismissed.

Meanwhile, four other defendants entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor illegal voter registration:

Rodney and Marian McKenna: Both pleaded guilty to misdemeanor illegal voter registration, with original felony charges dropped. Each was sentenced to 30 days in jail (with 28 days suspended), $707.50 in court fees, 25 hours of community service, and one year of probation.

David and Christi Rose Spinner: Both pleaded guilty to misdemeanor illegal voter registration, while felony perjury charges were dismissed. Each was sentenced to one day in the Fremont County Jail, a $657 fine, and unsupervised probation.

At the center of the case is a controversial May 2023 ballot measure proposing a 5% lodging tax on short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and cabins in Island Park. Proponents wanted to use the revenue to build a three-million-dollar multipurpose community center.

That measure ultimately failed by just nine votes.

Court documents allege that the defendants fraudulently cast ballots in that election using secondary residences, Airbnbs, or rental properties.

Charges against defendants Teara Galbraith, Marcye Gifford, and Charles Lower remain pending as of publication.

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Par Kermani

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Nearly two weeks after a deadly shooting at the new In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, the Idaho State Police (ISP) has identified the off-duty trooper who confronted the gunman to protect bystanders.

ISP identified the officer as Specialist Steve McClain, a Twin Falls native and 12-year veteran of the agency assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Safety program. The agency says McClain’s identity was temporarily withheld at the request of the prosecutor’s office while investigators completed their initial review of the August 1 incident.

The attack claimed the lives of Ashley Garibay, 23, of Stockton, California; Dale Schultz, 66, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Christopher Claunch, 59, of Hagerman, Idaho. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the gunman, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams.

According to authorities, McClain and an armed bystander, 35-year-old Jordan Salinas of Kimberly, Idaho, fired back when Williams began shooting at the restaurant. In a Sunday press conference following the shooting, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks described the scene as “one of the most chaotic instances a law enforcement officer can face in their career.” Police say McClain and Salinas’ quick actions forced the gunman away from the crowded dining area, preventing further casualties.

“Like many others who were there that day, I simply did what I believed needed to be done,” said Specialist McClain. Many people stepped forward to help complete strangers, often at great personal risk, and I am grateful for their courage and compassion.”

In a statement released alongside the announcement, ISP extended its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, first responders, and the entire Twin Falls community coping with the tragedy.

Colonel Bill Gardiner, director of the Idaho State Police, praised McClain’s decisive action and “decision to confront the threat in an effort to protect others.”

“Years of training, experience, discipline, and commitment were compressed into a matter of seconds,” said Colonel Gardiner. “Faced with an active threat, he willingly put himself in harm’s way to protect others. In doing so, he undoubtedly helped save lives…The public often sees only a single point in time, but moments such as these are built on years of preparation and a commitment to serving others. On August 1, Specialist McClain demonstrated exactly what that commitment looks like.”

Colonel Gardiner went on to praise the countless ordinary people who showed courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Specialist McClain echoed Colonel Gardiner’s words, expressing gratitude for his training and the community’s response.

“I am proud to serve alongside the men and women of the Idaho State Police, as well as those with the Twin Falls Police Department and other members of our law enforcement community,” said Gardiner. “I pray that the community can continue to heal and be strengthened through one another. Twin Falls Strong!”

ISP asks the public to respect the privacy of the victims, their families, Specialist McClain, and all affected individuals as the investigation moves forward.

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