Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said a missing motorcyclist’s body was found Wednesday morning near the Y intersection of Kelly Canyon Road and Heise Road.

Mark Malicoat, 56, of Ririe was last heard from on Friday, September 19. A missing person report was filed on Monday, September 22, prompting Jefferson County deputies to begin a search in the Heise area. Efforts to locate Malicoat using cellphone data were unsuccessful.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, a family friend reported seeing tire marks on Forest Road 218. After several hours of searching, Malicoat’s motorcycle and body were discovered in the brush off the side of the road.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Sheriff Anderson expressed condolences to Malicoat’s family and thanked the Central Fire Department, Tech Rescue, and Ririe Quick Response for their assistance in the search and recovery efforts.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– City construction crews are working on a new, nearly one-mile long stretch of trail along I-15 between Pocatello Creek Road and Monte Vista Drive, with plans to have the path finished before the end of the year.

The new path is a step forward in the city and Portneuf Greenway Foundation’s ultimate goal: connecting Idaho State University and the Portneuf Wellness Complex with pedestrian trails.

“The pathways are very good for the residents and populace of Pocatello to be able to get out, to exercise, to walk, and to get out and enjoy the fresh air,” said Merril Quayle, engineer for the City of Pocatello. “Another part is to be able to walk safely–this is detached from the public right-of-ways and the cars and the other vehicles, for the most part, to be able to get to point A to point B using alternative transportation.”

The new stretch of paved path will connect the recently completed ‘Connecting Communities Trail’ from the Bannock County Events Center to Pocatello Creek Road with the Marshall Racine Trail, which ends at Monte Vista Drive, and the Farm Bureau Insurance Trail.

The Pocatello Creek Road to Monte Vista Drive trail was funded entirely through grants from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and donations from local non-profit organizations.

Portneuf Greenway Foundation leaders said the next step after completing the trail segment is working on a master ‘Trail Improvement Plan’ to streamline the upkeep of Pocatello’s nearly 30 miles of pedestrian pathways and find new ways to connect trails for greater pedestrian accessibility.

“We found that free and safe walking paths are highly valued by the community and it provides exercise and togetherness,” said Dan Harelson, president of the Portneuf Greenway Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re kind of finishing up some of these big projects, and so now we’re looking at how can we help the city, and the community, with landscaping and just making the trails more pleasant places to be.”

The Portneuf Greenway Foundation will hold a meeting on October 1 at 4:30 p.m. starting at the Portneuf Medical Center front entrance to get public input on the new Trail Improvement Plan.

For more information, you can visit the Portneuf Greenway Foundation website.

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Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Boise, Idaho — Idaho and Taiwan signed today a $1.2 billion, three-year letter of intent for U.S. wheat exports. Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, Idaho wheat officials and representatives of Taiwan Flour Mills Association (TFMA) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) attended the signing ceremony.

“This $1.2 billion wheat deal underscores the strength of Idaho’s long-term relationship with Taiwan and the value of our state’s world-class agricultural products,” said Lt. Governor Bedke. “Idaho wheat growers play a vital role in feeding the world, and today’s agreement highlights both the quality of our crops and the importance of international partnerships to our economy.”

“This agreement is a major win for Idaho agriculture and a testament to the strong partnership we share with Taiwan,” said Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt. “Taiwan has long been one of Idaho’s most important and reliable trade partners, and their continued trust in the quality of our wheat is a point of pride for our growers and our state.”

“Idaho produces high-quality wheat that consistently meets the needs of our customers, and we deeply value the long-standing relationship we have with the Taiwan milling and baking industry,” said Cory Kress, Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman. “This letter of intent represents the strength and trust in our partnership, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration well into the future.”

ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt, TFMA Chairman Michael Chang, Director General May Lin of the TECO in Seattle, and Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman Cory Kress joined Lt. Governor Bedke for the signing ceremony.

The U.S. wheat industry has had a working relationship with Taiwan for more than 40 years. TFMA imports wheat on behalf of all 20 Taiwanese flour mills. 

Taiwan imported nearly $3.7 billion in U.S. agricultural products in 2024, ranking as the eighth-largest market for U.S. agriculture. On a per-capita basis, it is the fourth-largest among the top 10 export destinations. Taiwan is the sixth-largest market for U.S. wheat.

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News Team

MINIDOKA COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) —Two men were hospitalized Tuesday night after a dual semi truck crash on State Highway 24 north of Rupert.

According to the Idaho State Police, just after 5 PM, a 2010 Kenworth semi, driven by a 38-year-old Rupert man, was stopped in the northbound lane to make a left-hand turn. A 43-year-old man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, driving a 1983 International semi, then struck the Kenworth from behind.

The driver of the International semi, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was airlifted to a local hospital with injuries. The driver of the Kenworth, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to an area hospital by ground ambulance. The crash is currently under investigation by the ISP.

State Highway 24 was blocked for approximately six hours as crews worked to assist those at the scene.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Falls LDS Temple was dedicated 80 years ago on Tuesday.

“Not many of us make it to 80. And so the 80th anniversary of the dedication when this first temple was was first dedicated and built, is a special day,” Elder Larry Sheffield said.

The temple was dedicated by George Albert Smith, who was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

24,000 people attended the initial dedication in 1945 and was the first LDS temple in Idaho.

“It made it a little bit more difficult for people to have the temple like they’ve been waiting for so long. So when it was dedicated, it was a very exciting time and they were very happy to have it here,” Sister Emily Sheffield said.

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Sam Ross

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The American Falls Reservoir is starting autumn on the low side, being only 3% full. The low water levels have exposed some of the American Falls’ history and highlighted issues with supplying water to the area.

Brian Stevens, Operations Supervisor for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the reservoir and connected dam site, said the reservoir water levels have dipped over the past few days to only a small fraction of what the site can hold.

“The primary reason why American Falls is so low is because of irrigation,” Stevens said.

The reservoir first filled up in 1926 after the original dam was completed. With less water in the reservoir, you can see the foundations of the original American Falls townsite, which was moved in 1925 to make way for the incoming water.

Since then, the dam and reservoir have been a powerhouse of southeast Idaho irrigation.

“America Falls supplies irrigation water to southern Idaho. Which is, approximately 1 million acre-feet of area irrigated lands that American Falls provides water for.” Stevens said. 

The water is allocated to irrigation districts based on yearly contracts and their specific needs. This year, the need has been great, but nature’s supply has been lacking.

“Natural flow has been relatively low this summer and fall, and so we’ve had a large draw on the reservoir system due to irrigation demand being about what it was last year, but with lower or less natural flow in the system. And so we’ve seen a bigger drop in the reservoir system this year than we did last year,” Stevens said.

The Bureau of Reclamation monitors the reservoir on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. They say the only thing to do to get water levels in the reservoir back up in time for farmers next season is to pray for rain.

“We’re hoping that we get really good precipitation, during the fall and winter and spring time frame to really bolster the irrigation supplies for next year,” Stevens said.

As of Tuesday, Palisades Reservoir is at 11% full. The whole Upper Snake River system is at 23% of capacity. That includes Jackson Lake, Palisades, Grassy Lake, Island Park, Ririe, American Falls, and Lake Walcott.

To see the Upper Snake River reservoir storage graph click here.  

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News Release

The following is a news release from Portneuf Health.

POCATELLO, Idaho (News Release)—Portneuf Health invites the community to participate in its 26th annual Brake for Breakfast activities as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This fun, free drive-thru event will begin at 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1 at Portneuf Medical Center. Breakfast, information, and gifts will be available until 10 a.m. or until supplies run out. 

According to the American Cancer Society, roughly one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Routine mammograms are performed to detect abnormal breast tissue that may be cancerous, sometimes before any symptoms appear. While there is no cure for breast cancer, early detection can lead to better treatment options and a higher survival rate.

The purpose of Brake for Breakfast is to raise awareness about breast cancer and remind women to schedule routine clinical breast exams and mammograms. Women considered to be at average risk for breast cancer should begin yearly mammograms at age 40. Women 55 and older should get a mammogram every one to two years. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health. Consult your primary care provider about your risk of developing breast cancer.

Our Brake for Breakfast event is designed for today’s on-the-go women. On your way to work, school or other morning activity, drive through our campus and pick up breakfast, breast cancer education and a special gift.

To schedule your mammogram, call 208-239-1500 or visit Portneuf.org/mammo today.

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Curtis Jackson

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI)—A routine traffic stop in Rigby on Monday night led to the discovery of a significant quantity of illegal drugs and the arrest of a 16-year-old male juvenile, according to the Rigby Police Department.

At approximately 9:05 p.m. on September 22, a Rigby Police officer observed a car fail to signal while turning from East Short Street onto South Clark Street. During the stop, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a black backpack containing 74 grams of suspected marijuana, 43 flavored THC vape cartridges, 21 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, scales, plastic baggies commonly used for drug distribution, and $306 in cash.

Rigby Police display items found in a car on Sept. 22, 2025.

The juvenile driver was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including Felony possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, Misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance (psilocybin mushrooms).

Due to his age, the juvenile’s name has not been released. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office assisted Rigby Police during the traffic stop.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Police are investigating a crash involving at least two cars at the intersection of 17th and Ashment on Tuesday afternoon.

Police have not reported whether anyone was injured.

It was reported around 2:40 p.m.

The crash has caused traffic to back up on 17th Street.

A car ends up on it top at 17th and Ashment in Idaho Falls on Sept. 23, 2025.

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Curtis Jackson

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – A hiking trip on Diamond Peak ended in tragedy last Saturday when a 52-year-old woman fell and disappeared from sight while descending the mountain with two companions. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the incident around 3:10 p.m. on September 20.

According to the sheriff’s office, the group was navigating steep and unstable terrain when the woman lost her footing. One of the hikers attempted to reach her but was unable to do so due to the hazardous conditions.

Sheriff’s Deputies and Search and Rescue teams responded swiftly, but the terrain was too hazardous for a ground recovery. Sheriff Dave Hansen requested aerial assistance from 2 Bear Air Rescue, a specialized team based in Flathead County, Montana. The crew arrived and successfully extracted the two uninjured hikers.

At approximately 8:00 p.m., the rescue helicopter located the missing woman, who was confirmed deceased. Due to darkness and fuel limitations, her recovery was postponed until the following morning. At 9:00 a.m. on September 21, 2 Bear Air Rescue returned and removed the victim from the mountain.

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and expressed gratitude to 2 Bear Air Rescue for their critical role in the operation.

“Without their expertise and equipment, this mission would have taken significantly longer and posed greater risks to everyone involved,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

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