Author: KIFI

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—It was always a mystery to me how my World War II–era grandparents could walk into a dark basement and not bat an eye, whether it was the West Virginia farmhouse with a coal stove or a dirt-floor cellar somewhere in the South.  

After a couple of history degrees, I realized that until recently, it was function over form for the majority of American homes. So I started to wonder—did earlier generations even think basements were creepy? 

“I don’t think basements were ever designed to be creepy,” says Kristina Frandson, Curator at the Museum of Idaho.

She and her fellow Museum of Idaho anthropologist Camille Thomas met me at ‘Spook Central’, the 1915 home of historian Melissa Danielson-Zaladonis in the Idaho Falls Historic District, to figure out what makes a basement weird.  

“It is, like a cool and dark space that could have been used, depending on what era we’re talking about, for storing food because it’s cool and dry,” said Frandson. “Eventually, people put boilers down there—all sorts of different things.”

As those modern conveniences came along, so did the postwar onslaught of factory line, mass-produced “stuff.”

“Basements often, you know, people and our country especially—we collect things,” says Camille Thompson. “We store things in the basement, and so there’s also this element of—there’s old things.”

And in the case of Melissa’s 110 year old home, shoes. 

 “We found these in the dirt crawl space,” says Melissa. “We learned that it’s something of folklore or legend to bury shoes in your foundation of the house for good luck, so something is not always that scary, just folklore, how it evolves.”

Armed with that logic, our crew descended on the creepiest basement in town, being careful of steep stairs, wires, and an old iron boiler that greeted us almost head-on.

Kristina noted there are quite a few original boilers in downtown Idaho Falls buildings.

“Whatever heating unit they had is just left in the basement because it’s too hard to pull apart and take up,” she says.

If this heavy, rusted boiler were shiny, polished, and brand new, however, would it still be considered creepy?

If this were shiny and new—stainless steel, polished metal—would it be creepy?  

A resounding “no!” is the general consensus – “I think honestly, it would have been a flex,” said one member of our group.

Just a few feet to the left is the coal chute, made of a material that no creepy East Idaho basement could be without—lava rock.

“The lava rock is a good foundation, first of all, because it’s like it’s everywhere out here, obviously,” Kristina says. “And if you’re making a way for a house, you’re going to be moving that lava rock. And so it makes sense to use it in whatever capacity you can. Otherwise you have to cart it off somewhere. “

It’s about this point the outdated technology factor begins to track for this creepy basement.

For example, if you’ve never seen sheet rock, which wasn’t common until the 1950s, lava rock walls wouldn’t look creepy. However, to post-war eyes used to smooth drywall, that stone could feel almost otherworldly—like the knob-and-tube wiring we came across.

“When you go into an old basement,” says Camille.  “Maybe you’ll find black mold or shoddy wiring, old wiring that also adds to the scariness. Even though it’s a real-world problem, something is also scary. Yeah. Again, it’s just like all that unknown, you know?”

Delving even further into the unknown, we finally got a look at the crawlspace where Melissa’s husband found the shoes.

“I posted the shoes online,” Melissa says, “And everyone said, ‘You need to move… or put them back!’ ”  

Melissa isn’t putting them back—because she’s a historian, and historians know: when you misunderstand the past—whether it’s old shoes, lava rock, or a rusty boiler—it’s easy to think of them as creepy.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—In a heartwarming display of community spirit, more than 50 volunteers came together to save the beloved pumpkin patch at Swore Farms from an early frost, rescuing thousands of pumpkins in a single day.

Every fall, Swore Farms becomes a seasonal hub for families and schoolchildren, offering a sprawling pumpkin patch and a popular corn maze. But this year, owner Wendy Swore faced a daunting challenge: a rainy week had delayed the harvest, and with frost looming, only a third of the farm’s 24,000 pumpkin plants had been cut from their vines — a crucial step to prevent rot.

“I put out the word on social media,” Swore said. “Within that day, over 50 people showed up and helped us cut nearly all 24,000 pumpkins off the vine. It was just amazing.”

The swift response from the community ensured the pumpkins were saved in time, preserving a cherished tradition for many local families. One volunteer shared, “Visiting Swore Farms has been a tradition in our family for years. When we heard they might lose their harvest, we didn’t hesitate to help. That’s what community does.”

Thanks to the rescue effort, Swore Farms was able to continue its annual “Pumpkin Fairy” tradition. For over a decade, the farm has distributed extra pumpkins to families and schools in need, accompanied by treats and a heartfelt poem reminding recipients that they are cared for and supported.

“This year, because of the help we received, we’ll be able to deliver pumpkins to about 6,750 students and staff,” Swore said. “It was a big miracle.”

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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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