Author: KIFI

News Team

By: KBZK

Originally Posted 3:01 PM, Apr 05, 2026

Fergus County, Montana (KBZK) — A Montana semi-truck driver is lucky to be alive after his truck was shot at early Sunday morning and erupted in fire, according to a social media post from the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident happened on Highway 191, south of Eddies Corner.

The driver called dispatch for shots being fired, but before first responders arrived, the truck started on fire.

All occupants in the semi were able to escape to a nearby field, but the truck was completely destroyed.

Deputies later found the vehicle matching the suspect’s description and the person was arrested at gunpoint.

Investigators say there is no on-going threat to the public and the investigation continues.

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News Team

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article contained information from a press release over a year old that had been reposted as new. The following article has been corrected with the most recent confirmed information.

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Airmen with the Idaho Air National Guard have been deployed to the Middle East to bolster U.S. Central Command operations as part of the Department of War’s Operation Epic Fury.

They “deployed late March, early April to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Borders with the Idaho National Guard, who confirmed the deployment to KMVT. Lt. Col. Borders could not say how many airmen were deployed or for how long they would remain so.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – At least 150 employees have lost their jobs after Intermountain Packing unexpectedly closed its gates last Friday, April 3rd.

Employees say they were told not to come to work on Friday, and those who did could not enter their workplace. They also claim they received no advanced notice before the closure.

The Idaho Department of Labor confirmed with Local News 8 that the plant has shut down. According to a letter written by Intermountain Packaging HR manager Rebekah Hampton, “Intermountain Packing was forced to cease operations at its Idaho Falls facility on April 3, 2026.”

The 66,000-square-foot facility processed cattle and bison meat.

The company’s April 6th letter to the Department of Labor stated, “The company experienced an abrupt and unforeseeable financial crisis, resulting in an immediate inability to meet payroll obligations. Because these circumstances were not reasonably predictable, we were unable to provide the standard 60-day notice. We are providing this notification as soon as practicable.”

Under the W.A.R.N. Act, companies employing more than 100 employees are required to provide at least 60-days notice prior to a mass layoff.

A Troubled History

The closure comes after a troubled history for the company, which announced construction of its $20 million facility in 2020.

The company’s website stated that it employed 240 individuals. However, in December 2023, it laid off more than 100 employees.

In October 2024, three dairy farms accused the company of failing to pay for $2 million-worth of cattle, according to the Capital Press. The company has also faced numerous complaints about the smell emitted by its facility.

Intermountain Packing was sold to Seattle-based American Farmers Network in July 2025.

Local News 8 has reached out to representatives of Intermountain Packing and American Farmers Network for further details, but has not received a response.

If you have been laid off by Intermountain Packing, feel free to contact Local News 8 to provide the community with more information.

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Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) —A 21-year-old Ammon man is in custody facing felony drug charges after Sheriff’s Deputies discovered a large cache of narcotics while responding to a domestic disturbance Saturday morning.

Jorge Ruiz-Gomez was booked into the Bonneville County Jail on April 4th, on felony charges for Drug Trafficking and a misdemeanor charge for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies were called to a home in the 3000 block of Chasewood Drive around 8:00 a.m. following reports of a domestic dispute. As they arrived on the scene, the officers discovered Ruiz-Gomez and an unnamed woman fighting.

Investigators later determined the pair had been in a previous relationship. The fight reportedly broke out when the woman arrived at the home unexpectedly and refused to leave.

While deputies detained the pair—along with two other adults present at the scene—they spotted a large amount of marijuana, THC products, and drug paraphernalia in plain view.

After obtaining a search warrant, investigators uncovered a virtual cache of illegal drugs inside the home and in Ruiz-Gomez’s vehicle. In all, Deputies seized more than 6lbs of Marijuana and THC edible and vape products, cash, and various other items signaling a drug trafficking operation belonging to Ruiz-Gomez.

While the investigation began as a domestic call, BCSO says Ruiz-Gomez did not want to press charges against the woman involved for illegal entry.

Ruiz-Gomez remains in custody pending his initial court appearance.

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CBS2 Staff

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — New signs and lights are on display outside Boise City Hall showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. Crews were finishing the work early Tuesday morning outside City Hall.

This comes after Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill that fines cities for flying flags that aren’t on the Legislature’s pre-approved list.

The city of Boise took down an LGBTQ+ pride flag that flew in front of its City Hall last week.

CBS2 reached out to the Mayor’s office and Governor’s Office for a response.

The city released a statement to CBS2 saying, “The art additions to city hall demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the people that call Boise home and to the values that we uphold every day of being a safe and welcoming city for everyone.” We have asked the city if it plans add any additional art and will share their response.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Zoo is officially reopening Thursday, April 16th.

This is about a week earlier than the 2025 season. Due to the favorable weather this year, they invite all to once again experience the Zoo’s wildlife and educational opportunities.

The Zoo has also updated its operating hours.

Monday-Sunday: 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Tuesday: 9:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M

Tuesday’s hours have been extended to later. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Visitors can explore a diverse collection of more than 230 individual animals representing over 90 species from around the world.

“We’re thrilled to open our gates early this year and welcome everyone back to the Zoo,” said Zoo Executive Director David Pennock. “By expanding access through updated hours, we’re making it easier for families and visitors to spend time with wildlife, learn something new, and create lasting memories together.”

General admission rates for 2026:

Adults (13–61): $12.50

Seniors (62+): $11.00

Children (3–12): $9.50

Toddlers/Infants (2 & under): $0.50

Military (with valid ID): $9.50

Zoo Members (with valid membership): Free

For more information about the zoo, go to the Idaho Falls Zoo webpage.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 07 APR 26 14:28 ET

By Caroleina Hassett

Click here for updates on this story

    RIVERTON, Utah (KSTU) — Three families are now picking up the pieces after a devastating car crash in Juab County.

“It’s been unfathomable. I mean, it’s just been something that is the worst nightmare you could ever go through,” said Ava’s father, Aaron Olivarez. “My heart just absolutely breaks for Xander and Ava. I mean, I don’t know how I’m going to move on.”

Last Thursday, 17-year-old Ava Olivarez was driving 15-year-old Xander Hover and 15-year-old Corey Wayman along Weiss Highway when they came up to a turn.

“She turned too wide and it was all silent. Next thing you know, I was on the floor looking at the roof, and it blacked out, and then I woke up with paramedics around me,” Wayman said.

The three teens, all from the Riverton area, were ejected from the car. Wayman was the only one to wake up.

“I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet,” Wayman said. “I hate to think about it, because they’re my best friends, best ones I’ve ever had… The thought that I was with them and they’re gone and I’m still here — sucks.”

All three met through the racing community and were attached at the hip.

“That gives me comfort… just the three of them, they were together,” said Xander’s dad, Jessie Hover. “They were inseparable in life and would talk on the phone and joke around. I mean, it was the old married couple kind of, is what it seemed like to us.”

The families just want parents to educate their kids on seatbelt safety, so no child has to become a memory.

“The most heart-wrenching thing right now is we all taught our kids to wear seat belts,” Olivarez said. “Ava was so insistent on always having a seat belt on, and that’s the thing that we have to talk about here is just keeping our kids safe because it only takes that one second.”

“Buckle up and always be cautious, because I don’t know how, but it’s a miracle that I’m here today. I’m standing here; the other two aren’t,” Wayman added.

Every parent had an answer to the question: how do you want your child to be remembered?

“For exactly who she was: a champion. She was a fierce competitor on one hand, [but] she was so good to people. She treated people so well, and just had a genuine love for people,” Aaron Olivarez said through tears.

While Wayman still has a long road to recovery with a broken collarbone, broken nose and brain bleeding, he believes there’s a reason why he’s still here.

“Everybody’s told me that there’s a reason I lived. I think it’s, don’t know what it is yet, but it’s probably just to carry on Xander and Ava’s legacy,” he said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — On Tuesday morning, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 652, designating hunting as Idaho’s official state sport—thanks to the hard work of a determined fourth-grader from Twin Falls.

Nine-year-old Betty Grandy stood alongside the Governor for the signing ceremony, marking the end of a legislative journey that saw the young homeschooler advocate for her idea in front of seasoned Idaho lawmakers.

RELATED: Senate Committee backs 9-year-old’s push to make hunting the official state sport

Governor Little had already met with the homeschooler to encourage her to pursue the proposal.

On March 4th, 9-year-old Betty persuaded the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee to endorse the bill. Introduced by Senator Treg Bernt as the “star of the show,” Betty had to stand on boxes just to reach the microphone.

Introduced to the Senate State Affairs committee by Senator Treg Bernt as the “star of the show,” Betty quickly won the committee members over. She told the lawmakers that Idaho already has a host of state symbols, but no state sport.

Despite her stature, she confidently stood before the lawmakers and told them that while Idaho boasts a long list of state symbols, it lacked a sport that truly defined its spirit.

“Making hunting the official state sport would simply recognize something that has shaped our state and is still important today,” Betty told lawmakers.

Sponsored by Representative Don Hall, Grandy’s bill passed the Idaho Legislature with unanimous support before reaching the Governor’s desk. The new law is set to officially take effect on July 1, 2026.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — A West Yellowstone man reported missing since Sunday has been safely found and reunited with his family, ending a multi-day search.

Police in West Yellowstone shared the news that Ron Henderson had been found in an enthusiastic post on social media.

“Thank you to our community for your vigilance, shares, and tips it truly makes a difference,” states the post. “We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all assisting law enforcement agencies in the Blackfoot, Idaho area for their coordination and quick response.”

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — Police in West Yellowstone are looking for a man who went missing over the weekend. 

Ron Henderson was last seen on Sunday at the Blackfoot Walmart. He was reportedly wearing a grey hoodie, khaki pants, and black Nike shoes.

Police are asking you not to approach him — but to call local law enforcement right away if you see him. For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls man, Logan Dakota Stephens, will spend up to the next 20 years in prison for shooting a 35-year-old bystander during a confrontation at the Melaleuca building parking lot in June 2024.

Seventh District Judge Michael J. Whyte handed down a unified sentence of 20 years, with at least five years fixed before Stephens is eligible for parole. The sentencing comes after Stephens pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and a deadly weapon enhancement earlier this year.

Shooting Background

The shooting took place just before midnight on June 30, 2024, near the Melaleuca building on 330 North Capital Ave. According to court records, Stephens was walking with his girlfriend when they were approached by another woman.

A fight broke out between the three, and several bystanders attempted to separate them. One bystander, the 35-year-old shooting victim, told police he’d attempted to pull Stephens away from the woman when Stephens brandished a knife.

The man backed away and began recording the incident on his cell phone.

Rather than leaving, court records say Stephens went to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, put it in his waistband, and returned to the scene. Walking toward the man, he fired multiple rounds, striking the victim in the leg, abdomen, and arms. Stephens, however, later told officers the man was threatening him and challenging him to a fight.

The shooting victim was rushed to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment, and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the victim survived the attack.

Court Details

Stephens was initially charged and pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and two counts of use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a Felony.

In early 2026, Stephens entered a change of plea, pleading guilty to felony aggravated battery.

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