Author: KIFI

Ariel Jensen

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Dozens visited the Bonneville County Courthouse this afternoon for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of its newest courtroom.

Courthouse employees and community members were the first to fill the benches of the new Bonneville County Courtroom 11.

This courtroom will provide space for the new District and Magistrate Judge positions recently created by the Idaho legislature to be chambered in Bonneville County.

This courtroom was designed to accommodate bigger and complex trials by providing space for more attorneys and jurors.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the public was invited to tour the new courtroom for an open house tour. Attendees learned that the courtroom is 100% ADA accessible (Americans with Disabilities Act). 

“The county has grown. It’s just that we are the fourth largest county in the state of Idaho, and it’s just grown. And we have more judges than we have court facilities. It’s just hard to schedule trials as well as the ADA compliance. This courtroom makes it more accessible as the needs of the community grow,” said Penny Manning, Bonneville County Clerk.

Manning tells Local News 8 that this project was conceived around the time the Idaho Falls Police Department was moving out of the building. This left a lot of space to decide what to do with the facility.

While plans to bring in a new courtroom took several years in the making, the renovation timeline exceeded expectations.

The actual project itself started in September, and thanks to construction engineers, they completed the remodel in less than a year. 

“We were just trying to get it up and running, knowing that we had been approved for a new district judge and a new magistrate judge, and not having chambers that we could house them in. So we were trying to figure out a path forward, and this seemed like the best choice,” said Manning.

Manning says there are still a few things that need to be done before the new courtroom can be put into action. They anticipate it’ll have its first trial in a few months. 

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Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, WYO (KIFI) — The Teton County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert for a man suspected of stealing a 2006 dark gray Nissan Frontier. The vehicle was last seen yesterday, June 11, at approximately 6:30 PM. Details of the theft and photos of the suspect were shared via the agency’s Facebook page.

In photos released by the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect appears to be a white male with a short, well-kept beard. He appears to be wearing a dark hoodie and a baseball cap with sunglasses on top, and carrying a backpack.

The stolen Nissan Frontier is easily identifiable with its Wyoming truck plate 22-1713, a gray bumper sticker reading “Backcountry Sports,” and a large bike rack attached to the hitch.

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle to contact Deputy Erik Elizondo directly at (307) 231-5900. Details of the theft and suspect description were shared via the agency’s Facebook page.

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News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A woman is in custody facing DUI charges after allegedly causing significant property damage and fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Rexburg Police responded to the incident on North 2nd East, where security video and evidence at the scene revealed a chaotic path of destruction. According to a Rexburg Police Facebook post, the suspect vehicle reportedly drove “into a private field, ran over a small tree, narrowly missed a power pole, went airborne into an embankment, and then got back on the road.”

Officers found the suspect’s vehicle, which had obvious front-end damage and grass protruding from it, several blocks away in a parking lot. The driver, who has not been identified, was found unconscious and unresponsive, with the car still in drive. Police reportedly strategically blocked the vehicle to prevent her from escaping or losing control of the vehicle before safely waking the driver.

As she woke up, the woman’s car reportedly lurched forward, striking a patrol car. Fortunately, the police vehicle reportedly sustained only minor damage thanks to the car bumper.

The officers observed multiple signs of drug impairment, including slow responses, constricted pupils, and difficulty with motor skills. After a precautionary hospital visit, police say she was booked into the Madison County Jail on charges of drug DUI.

Rexburg Police emphasized the importance of public safety and acknowledged the difficulties of drug addiction, stating in their post, “We understand that there is more to every story, often with very difficult issues involving addiction, substance abuse, and other hard topics. However, we also recognize the importance in getting dangerous drivers like this off the street to protect the public.”

The department urged all drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspected impaired drivers to 911.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Heber Andrus, the former owner of Idaho Falls-based trucking giant Doug Andrus Distributing, passed away on June 11, 2025, at Idaho Falls Community Hospital. He was 75 years old.

Doug Andrus Distributing honored Heber’s “well-lived life” in a heartfelt Facebook post, acknowledging his impact on the industry over his more than 40-year career. The company stated that Heber “inspired and transformed the industry” and played a “visionary role in building this company from a handful of trucks from his childhood bedroom to where it is today, being the largest Idaho-based carrier.”

Born into the trucking business founded by his father, Doug Andrus, in 1937, Heber was raised with a strong work ethic. According to the company website, he embraced the philosophy that “hard work, making smart decisions, and surrounding themselves with quality people could bring success, even in tough times.” Heber, alongside his brother, bought Doug Andrus Distributing from their father in the mid-1970s.

“He was one of those owners who would run around and talk to everybody to see how their day was,” said Nathan Lewis, a former driver for Andrus. “He was a really good man.”

The company’s tribute post further emphasized his far-reaching influence: “Countless employees and business associates considered him a mentor and a friend. His influence on all of us is a testament to his remarkable legacy.”

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Several of Eastern Idaho’s roads could be getting a significant upgrade, and some sooner than expected, thanks to new funds. Thursday, during its regular meeting, the Idaho Transportation Board approved staff recommendations for improvements to key roadways, including projects on Interstate 15 near Blackfoot and U.S. Highway 20 near Idaho Falls.

These projects, designed to tackle congestion and safety concerns, are moving forward thanks to Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds made available by House Bill 25, which was passed by the Idaho legislature earlier this year. The legislation provides an additional $20 million a year to the TECM fund over the next three years and will allow the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Gem State’s transportation system.

With this new funding, the following projects have been recommended for further design and construction:

U.S. Highway 20 Improvements

US-20 west of Idaho Falls: This project will increase capacity by widening the road to two lanes in each direction, starting at Idaho Falls and moving west as funding allows. Widening will increase safety for freight, recreational, and commuter traffic due to limited passing opportunities and lines of sight. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026, two years earlier than planned. 

US-20 widening from Chester to Ashton: This project is anticipated to expand the existing roadway into a four-lane divided highway. Construction is anticipated to start in 2028. 

I-15 and US-20 Interchange: This project continues to make progress toward relocating I-15 Exit 119 to US-20 and realigning US-20 through Idaho Falls to address safety and congestion concerns. Funding will allow for the purchase of private property for future construction. 

Interstate 15 Upgrades

I-15 and US-26 Interchange (Exit 93): The existing interchange will be replaced to accommodate additional lanes on the interstate and to include longer on- and off-ramps for safer merging. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026, five years earlier than planned. 

I-15 widening from milepost 89 to 93: This project will add capacity by widening the interstate to three lanes in each direction between the US-26 Interchange and the South Blackfoot Interchange. Construction was previously not funded but is now anticipated to start in 2027. 

I-15 and US-91 South Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 89): The existing interchange will be upgraded to accommodate additional lanes on the interstate and include longer on- and off-ramps for safer merging. Construction is anticipated to start in 2028, three years earlier than planned. 

These projects are now included in the draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on these and ITD’s complete list of planned projects for 2026-2032 during the annual public comment period in July. Following this, the draft ITIP will be presented to the board for final approval in September.

“The board’s action today reflects continued investment targeting congestion and capacity in major corridors that were previously funded by TECM bonds as authorized by the Idaho Legislature,” write ITD spokespersons Sky Buffat and Justin Smith. “In East Idaho, TECM funds allowed for the construction at the South St. Anthony Interchange, which was previously unfunded.”

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Gateway Transitional Care Center broke ground on the future site of their new Vent/Trach Unit and Outpatient Therapy Gym on Thursday.

The 14-bed Vent/Trach Unit will be the first of its kind in Southeast Idaho, helping people stay in the Portneuf Valley to receive mechanical breathing assistance after being discharged from the hospital.

“We’ve had to deny referrals of people that live in the area with this need that have had to travel to Utah and to Boise, and that’s been kind of heartbreaking to see,” said Travis Jacobson, Director of Nursing at Gateway Transitional Care Center. “Now, hopefully we’re going to be able to offer that for the community and the patients that need the care.”

The 10,000 square foot Outpatient Therapy Gym will feature state-of-the-art equipment available for physicians to provide rehabilitation services to those recovering from injury or illness.

Construction on the new facilities is scheduled to be completed in late summer 2026. For more information, you can visit the Gateway Transitional Care Center website.

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Seth Ratliff

PHOENIX, AZ (KIFI) — Lori Vallow Daybell has been found guilty of conspiring with her brother, Alex Cox, to attempt the murder of her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, according to ABC 15 in Arizona. The verdict was delivered by a jury after less than a day of deliberations, putting an end to a brief yet at times dramatic trial.

This marks Vallow Daybell’s third conviction. She was found guilty in May 2023 of the murders of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and her husband Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell. In April of this year, she was convicted in Arizona for conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.

The prosecution concluded its case on Wednesday around noon. Vallow Daybell opted not to testify or present any witnesses in her defense.

Sentencing has been scheduled for July 25.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Drivers are being urged to avoid the intersection of 1st and Woodruff this morning, June 12, 2025, after a dump truck’s raised bed struck and damaged a traffic signal.

The Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD), along with Citizen Watch Volunteers, is actively directing traffic as Idaho Power works on repairs. expected to last into the early afternoon.

IFPD is asking drivers to take alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. They expect the repairs to last at least until early afternoon.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation Department is excited to welcome Utah Jazz player Oscar Tshiebwe to Pocatello!

Junior Jazz players and the public are invited to a special meet-and-greet Wednesday, June 18, from 9–10 a.m. at Irving Middle School (911 N. Grant Avenue). During this FREE event, attendees will hear Tshiebwe share his journey to the NBA, ask questions about his career, and have a chance to get autographs and photos. The stop will include a short basketball clinic with Tshiebwe and the Junior Jazz Players.

Oscar Tshiebwe, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, moved to the U.S. to pursue basketball, later signing with the Indiana Mad Ants and joining the Salt Lake City Stars for the 2024–25 season.

Delta Air Lines is donating two free Jazz tickets to youth and Junior Jazz players attending the event. Game dates and ticket information to-be-determined. The first 50 youth and Junior Jazz players to RSVP will also receive a free t-shirt. To RSVP, follow the link bit.ly/JrJazzSummerTrip25.

For more information on Junior Jazz Basketball or other team sports programs, visit teamsports.pocatello.gov. For all other Parks & Recreation offerings, visit pocatello.gov/pr.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– Public information officers are often the link between first responders and the public.

In eastern Idaho, current and future PIOs gathered at the Madison County Fire Department to learn some new skills.

This is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) course taught by local experts in the field. 

This year, Local News 8’s Ariel Jensen was asked to help with the training. 

“So a lot of today’s[06/11/2025] training is based on scenarios and simulations, which is a very effective instruction method. So, having a real reporter just kind of amps up the whole experience, and it’s important to get in front of a camera to feel some comfort there because it can be really intimidating, said Rebecca Squires, Emergency Manager, Jefferson County.

Organizers of the class say it’s important for them to get this training so they can best communicate with the public. 

“This class is mostly geared towards emergency communication, so we try to build trust with the public and credibility with the public so that when an emergency happens, like a disaster or something with law enforcement, that we can get a message out quickly and effectively so that people can be safe,” said Squires.

When an emergency or a disaster happens, it is important that the public has the right information at the right time.

This can save lives, property, business, and animals.

“Information is one of the most critical pieces of an effective disaster response,” said Squires.

It’s a three-day course with 24 hours of instruction.

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