Author: KIFI

News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Beginning tomorrow, the Idaho Transportation Department will chip seal the System Interchange in Pocatello. Once this work is complete, the roadway will be restriped to indicate the final lane configurations.

Chip sealing covers temporary lane markings used throughout various phases of construction and maximizes the taxpayers’ investment by extending the lifespan of the pavement. A sticky slurry is sprayed on the pavement, then rock chips are applied on top for a long-lasting seal. This treatment protects pavement from sun, oxidation, weather, water, oil and gas, and increases traction for safety.

Tabs will be placed on the new chip seal to indicate lanes for the short time before striping work can occur.

The previous connection between I-86 and I-15 was originally built in the 1960s. Now nearing completion, the System Interchange is a $112 million redesign to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure that began construction in 2022.

Motorists should carefully follow signs and slow down to posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night at the System Interchange, it is especially important that drivers be alert and travel safely.

Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of related detours. Project details are available on ITD’s website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/i-86i-15-system-interchange.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

TETON COUNTY, Wyo. (KIFI) — A man is recovering after getting hurt in Phillips Canyon. On Sunday, June 22, the 35-year-old man was trail running alone when he went down with a knee injury.

A volunteer team with Teton County Search and Rescue found him 2 miles up from the trailhead on Fish Creek Road.

Volunteers used a wheeled litter and brought him down the trail to a waiting ambulance. This is the third time Teton County Search and Rescue has had to use the wheeled litter in the past week. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Chris Nestman

MONTEVIEW, Idaho (KIFI) – “It’s been emotional, very emotional. I’ve cried a lot,” said Elizabeth Roundy, the mother of Rachelle and Allen Fischer, the victims of Monday’s (June 23, 2025) Amber Alert.

The suspects are likely family members of Roundy who are still a part of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or FLDS church.

“I used to be a part of the FLDS church,” said Roundy. “But I had been sent away to repent. When I decided to come back and get my children, who had been left in the church with other people, then they [the FLDS church] automatically banned me as an apostate.”

Elizabeth Roundy, mother of missing teens.

Rachelle Fischer

Allen Fischer

Roundy says when someone is labeled as an apostate, the FLDS church tells its members to cease any contact with that person. For Roundy, this meant they tried to keep her kids away from her, even after a court order gave her sole custody.

“And that’s part of what’s been going on with my children,” said Roundy. “Their father’s been trying to get them away from me because I left the FLDS church, and he believes I’m an apostate.”

Roundy told Local News 8 that ever since she won sole custody in court, she’s seen people from the FLDS church drive by her home in Monteview. “Sometimes more than once a week,” she said. “I think they’ve been planning this for a while.”

Recent revelations within the FLDS church may explain why members worked so hard to get Roundy’s children back. The same revelations also have law enforcement and other entities worried.

“There are some revelations out… that talk about [children] becoming translated beings,” said Tonia Tewell, the executive director for the non-profit Holding out HELP. “But it says they [the children] must die first and then they’ll be risen like Jesus Christ in two-and-a-half, three days.”

“It’s a five year revelation, and we’re three years into it,” said Tewell. “And so I think she [Roundy] is worried that her kids lives may be taken at the end of the day.”

Holding out HELP is an organization that helps former FLDS members who have left the church integrate into normal society.

“The FLDS culture is a very insular culture and so many decisions are made for you,” said Tewell. “So we we put a roof over their heads, food and clothing, education and job skills, and even the whole basic life skills to get them on their feet.”

Tewell said she’s seen other people who have left the FLDS church fight similar battles. “They will come after you,” said Tewell. “I think a lot of it is parents losing the rights to access and see their kids.”

For Elizabeth Roundy, this nightmare can’t end soon enough. She’s hoping above all hope that she will see her kids again and thanks police for how much they’ve done so far.

Authorities have issued an amber alert for the missing children. The suspected vehicle is a gray Hyundai with Utah license plate: 4BYT6. Anyone who spots them or the suspected vehicle is asked to contact the Jefferson CSO at 208-745-9210.

The children were last seen wearing traditional FLDS attire. Rachael was in a dark green prairie dress with braided hair, and Allen was wearing a light blue shirt with blue jeans and black slip-on shoes, similar to Crocs. Roundy believes her children were traveling en route to her sister’s home in Mendon, Utah, approximately 10 miles outside of Logan.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Idaho State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 15, just south of Idaho Falls.

It happened Monday, June 23, 2025, around 6:40 pm at milepost 115.

Troopers say a 26-year-old Menan man was driving northbound in a Volkswagen Tiguan when he hit a 58-year-old man from Washington who was in the lane of travel for unknown reasons.

The pedestrianwas rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Driver of the car was not injured.

The interstate was blocked for about an hour while crews investigated.

ISP is asking if you saw a pedestrian in the area of I-15 and Sunnyside Road around 6:40 p.m. to call them at 208-528-3408.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Detectives with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office said the car thought to be involved in taking two children from the Monteview area was not in Idaho at the time when they believed the children had gone missing.

Detectives released a news release Tuesday morning saying they “have been unable to find concrete evidence regarding a vehicle Rachelle and Allen Fischer may have left in.”

Detectives believe the children went missing between 6 and 8 p.m.on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

“At this time, we are unsure if they have left the immediate area or are still close by,” the news release said.

An Amber Alert was issued Monday for the missing children. It’s feared that the children were abducted by members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS).

In the Amber Alert, the suspected vehicle was reported as a gray Hyundai with Utah license plate 4BYT6.

The children were last seen wearing traditional FLDS attire. Rachael, 15, was in a dark green prairie dress with braided hair, and Allen, 13, was wearing a light blue shirt with blue jeans and black slip-on shoes, similar to Crocs.

The teen’s mother, Elizabeth Roundy, spoke with Local News 8 Monday evening. She believes members of the FLDS church abducted the children. You can read the story here.

Anyone who may have seen the children is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 208-745-9210, option 7, or call 911 for your local law enforcement.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Pocatello Water Department will start replacing a stretch of water main line on South Arthur Ave. between West Whitman St. and West Terry St. in Historic Downtown Pocatello on Wednesday, June 25.

The project will cause street closures and parking restrictions through the area, and residents are asked to park away from the construction zones. Local access will be available through the construction when possible and will be restored at the end of each working day.

The water main replacement could cause temporary disruptions to water service; the Pocatello Water Department is encouraging residents in the construction areas to keep a supply of drinking water available.

The project is expected to wrap up in late August, weather permitting. For more information, you can visit the City of Pocatello website.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

CASSIA COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho State Police is investigating a police pursuit that ended in a fatal crash early Tuesday morning, June 24, killing one man. The incident began after Idaho State Police (ISP) troopers were called to assist Cassia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies at the Sublett Campground off U.S. Highway 84, responding to reports of shots fired.

ISP troopers and CCSO deputies coordinated to locate a suspect driving a 2005 Volvo XC90. When a deputy found the Volvo parked on the roadside, the man sped away. The deputy then initiated a traffic stop, but as the deputy approached the vehicle, the suspect fled once again.

Troopers pursued the Volvo, but lost sight of the vehicle due to its high speed and dusty conditions. Minutes later, troopers discovered the Volvo had crashed and rolled.

The driver was located nearby. Troopers immediately began life-saving measures, continuing until medics arrived. Despite their efforts, the suspect died at the scene.

Investigators recovered a loaded rifle and a shotgun from the Volvo, along with additional ammunition. However, no corresponding firearm was found for the additional ammunition.

The Cassia County Coroner’s Office has taken custody of the deceased. The individual’s identity and the official cause and manner of death will be released pending further investigation by the coroner.

ISP is overseeing the agency’s involvement and investigation into the pursuit. CCSO has secured and impounded the firearms recovered from the vehicle. The Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal crash itself.

No further information will be released at this time, according to the ISP.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Community volunteers and members of Idaho State University’s Theatre Department are bringing Andrew Lloyd Weber’s hit musical “School of Rock” to the stage for the Farm Bureau Summer Theatre 2025 season.

The play is based on the 2003 comedy movie starring Jack Black as a rock musician turned substitute teacher who recruits students at a private school to be part of a band where the kids learn confidence through rock music.

“It’s funny, but it also shows the battles that children can face and how they feel like they can’t be heard,” said Hannah Christensen, a Pocatello High School freshman with a leading role as Summer Hathaway in the musical. “I think that’s really important, and I think the story can convey it to the audience.”

The ISU Farm Bureau Summer Theatre performance of “School of Rock” features a 74-person cast, crew, and production team. Dozens of community volunteers started preparations earlier this spring to star in roles on stage and in the live rock band performing the musical’s 20-song setlist.

ISU Theatre Department students and staff stepped in to help make costumes, design and build sets, and choreograph original dance numbers for a wide age range of cast members.

“This play has the full community; we have kids, we have parents, some mother-daughter duos,” said Cedar Lemrick, the show’s choreographer. “…it’s been really cool just to see the collaboration between all age levels and just everyone who has such a passion for the arts to be able to come and show that to the audience.”

The 2025 ISU Farm Bureau Summer Theatre performance of “School of Rock” marks the first season since Farm Bureau signed on to fund the program for another five years. The musical debuted under the direction of Jef Peterson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, on June 20.

You can see “School of Rock” from June 26-28, shows start at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Idaho State University Department of Theatre and Dance website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Center Stage Theatre is drawing back the curtain and shining a spotlight on their 2026 Season of shows. The theatre says they are thrilled for their fourth season.

Winter – Guys and Dolls

“We are so excited to bring this classic Golden Age musical set in the early 1950s in New York City, to Center Stage Theater right here in Idaho Falls,” said “It is such a fun story about vice and virtue and love and love, and we are excited to bring that to life.”

Spring – The Sound of Music

Center Stage will bring the Rogers and Hammerstein classic to life in Spring 2026. Theatre owner Justin DaBell says this is his favorite show. This classic musical is well loved by audiences of all ages.

Summer – Shrek: The Musical

Center Stage is taking on this Dreamworks musical that took Broadway by storm like a “fat kid would take on cake,” as Donkey would say. The theatre promises endless entertainment with this “big, bright, bold, and beautiful show,” says DaBell

Fall – The Addams Family

Just in time for Halloween, Center Stage will bring the creepy and kooky family to life.

“We have been trying to do this show for a couple of years now, and we are so excited to tell this tale of the most famous, unconventional family. And we think that you might have a little bit more in common with them than you think,” says DaBell.

Christmas – A Christmas Carol

Center Stage will revive a show for the first time with this modern take on the Charles Dickens classic. The theatre plans to perform the show triannually,” going forward.

“This is the classic Charles Dickens story that we all know and love, and there is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than bringing your family and coming and watching A Christmas Carol,” says DaBell.

Shows will begin next year. To buy tickets for the 2025 Season, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

BANCROFT, Idaho (KIFI) — The community of Bancroft is picking up the pieces after a fire swept through Main Street Friday, affecting two homes and damaging a nearby shed and apartment building.

Ellis and Elizabeth Call had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary weeks before, when the fire devastated the home. They say their “belongings, keepsakes, and all the comforts they built over five decades together,” were gone in an instant.

Courtesy: Emma Stanger

Ellis was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for burns to his left hand. On Saturday, Emma Stanger, the couple’s daughter, says Ellis underwent surgery for his injuries.

“He’s doing better, (but) he is in a lot of pain still,” Stanger told Local News 8. “It looks better each day.”

Their family has started a GoFundMe to help the couple rebuild. As of Monday afternoon, the fundraiser has raised nearly $8,000. For more information, click HERE.

The fire began in the Call’s yard, where Ellis had been burning some cardboard. He reportedly put the fire out and left the fire pit, but the high winds picked up the embers, re-igniting the blaze.

“Some ash just landed on the back porch,” said Stranger. “With the wind, it was so fast, It took only seconds to catch fire, and the house was gone within 15 to 30 minutes from the time it started.”

Video of the chaotic scene shows the fire engulfing the Call’s home, which Stranger says was a total loss.

Mrs. Koefed, whose historic home was damaged by the blaze, told Idaho Enterprise Caribou County the fire “felt even closer than it was…it was blowing big chunks of stuff.”

Mrs. Koefed and Bancroft fires aftermath, Courtesy: Idaho Enterprise, Caribou County

Both homes that were damaged were built by Ira Call, Stanger’s great-great-great-grandfather.

Of the Call’s home, all that remained was the central fireplace. Stanger said on the GoFundMe that the family is “taking it one day at a time” and waiting until they know it is safe before they return to the home and “start moving the ashes around.”

“We are very appreciative of all the love and support the community has provided,” Stanger told Local News 8. “We have a long road ahead. My parents have a temporary place to stay for the next 3 weeks…They will be able to start taking donations after they have a more permanent place to stay.”

Click here to follow the original article.