Author: KIFI

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By Danya Gainor, Holly Yan, CNN

(CNN) — Far below the piercing spires atop every Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel rests a sign that beckons, “Visitors welcome” – a testament to the faith’s robust evangelizing efforts.

But on Sunday morning, a former Marine and Iraq War veteran took advantage of the denomination’s open arms – plowing his truck into an LDS church in Michigan, shooting worshippers with an assault weapon and setting the chapel on fire.

At least four people were killed at the church in tranquil Grand Blanc Township. Eight others were wounded. And up to seven people could be unaccounted for as search crews resume a harrowing search in the charred debris of what used to be a haven of hope.

The assailant died in a shootout with police. It’s not clear why he unleashed multifaceted horror at this particular church, about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of targeted violence, authorities said.

“The FBI is currently executing multiple search warrants at the residences and the family homes of this perpetrator to try to get to the bottom of why he would commit such an act of evil,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Monday morning, citing her earlier conversation with FBI Director Kash Patel.

“Based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith, and they are trying to understand more about this, how premeditated it was, how much planning went into it, whether he left a note,” she said, adding the killer’s family is cooperating.

The chapel on McCandlish Road, a quiet stretch dotted with houses near a sprawling golf course and lake, was among 324 mass shootings this year in the US. It’s also the latest place of worship devastated by America’s unrelenting gun violence – from a Catholic church in Minneapolis to a synagogue in Pittsburgh to a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.

Sundays are “supposed to be a time of peace and a time of reflection and worship,” Timothy Jones, who belongs to an LDS congregation 15 minutes away from Grand Blanc, told the Associated Press.

But in the wake of violence at houses of worship, a shooting “feels inevitable,” he said, “and all the more tragic because of that.”

‘A big bang, and the doors flew open’

It had been what the denomination calls a “fast Sunday,” when members globally are encouraged once a month to forgo two meals and donate the food, or the money they would have spent on food, to the poor.

“This is a Sunday in which members of the church are being told to think of other people, to be charitable, to be kind, to reach out and give,” said Matthew Bowman, professor of history and religion at Claremont Graduate University.

Fasting is also common in the church in times of grieving – and those headed to the weekly 10 a.m. service in Grand Blanc had reason for it.

Just a day earlier, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson, had died.

Late Sunday morning, the worshippers had just finished the Sacrament – the first half of the two-hour service, after which some congregants leave – when the attack unfolded, a churchgoer named Paula told CNN affiliate WXYZ.

“We heard a big bang,” she said, “and the doors flew open.”

A four-door pickup with two American flags sitting straight up against the back window in the bed rammed into the front of the chapel.

The 40-year-old attacker, Thomas Jacob Sanford, fired several rounds from an assault weapon at the worshippers, police later said.

Churchgoer Brian was trying to help some elderly ladies into his car when the gunman opened fire on their vehicle, he told WXYZ.

“We were trying to gather as many people as we could,” said Brian, his button-down shirt stained with blood and right hand wrapped in gauze. “I saw the active shooter come out of the building, and at that point, I just started trying to drive away.”

Paula couldn’t see the shooter, she said, and didn’t know whether he had entered the church.

“I didn’t know if we had to get down because we couldn’t see anybody,” she said.

Churchgoers rushed to protect children, shielding them and moving them to safety, Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said Sunday.

When nurses on strike at nearby Henry Ford Genesys Hospital heard about the shooting, some left the picket line and ran to the nearby church to help first responders, Teamsters Local 332 President Dan Glass said.

“Human lives matter more than our labor dispute,” he said.

But gunfire wasn’t the only danger. A fire had started in the church’s red brick meeting house.

“All of a sudden, I saw smoke coming out,” Cindy Walsh, who was at home near the chapel, told WXYZ. “And then people were coming out.”

Exhaustive search for victims continues

Police officers descended on the scene some 30 seconds after the first 911 call, Renye said. Two pursued the suspect and “engaged in gunfire.”

Eight minutes after police arrived, the gunman was killed in the parking lot.

Meanwhile, the raging fire moved rapidly, quickly engulfing the chapel – with an unknown number of people still in the church – as it billowed massive plumes of thick, black smoke.

As the sun went down, crews were still sifting through debris and “working tirelessly to find additional bodies,” Renye said, adding he couldn’t confirm the exact number of people missing.

Up to seven people may be unaccounted for, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN late Sunday.

Chapel building a ‘total loss’

Authorities are “trying to determine exactly when and where that fire ended up coming from and how it got started,” though they believe the shooter started the fire “deliberately,” Renye added.

Some victims were “near the fire and they were unable to get out of the church,” the police chief said.

Sanford used an accelerant, like gasoline, police believe, to light the church on fire, said James Deir, special agent in charge of the Detroit field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Evidence technicians went to process the scene after the fire was extinguished, and investigators said they found “some suspected explosive devices.”

“I’m shaken, I’m very shaken,” Walsh said. “I’ve seen a change in this world. There’s so much hate in this world. I just don’t understand it.”

The chapel, once bathed in sunlight and surrounded by greenery, is now unrecognizable. The building is a “total loss,” Renye said.

Debris piles have replaced pews; the welcoming meeting house has closed its doors; and the LDS church’s mounting grief has swelled.

And the tall white spire, which once towered over Grand Blanc worshippers as it reached toward heaven, is gone.

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CNN’s Josh Campbell contributed to this report.

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By Zoe Sottile, CNN

(CNN) — More than two weeks after Charlie Kirk, the conservative firebrand and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, attorneys for his suspected killer appeared in court Monday – the latest step on the lengthy road to a state trial.

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old who grew up in a Utah suburb and briefly attended Utah State University before dropping out and enrolling in an electrical apprenticeship program, faces a flurry of charges in Utah related to Kirk’s death: aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.

He did not enter a plea to the charges against him at the Monday waiver hearing.

Robinson, who is being held in custody without bail, appeared in Utah’s Fourth District Court virtually, without video. The hearing is part of the state’s case against the alleged shooter, as the possibility of federal charges still looms. The hearing marked Robinson’s defense attorneys’ first appearances as his counsel. They scheduled another waiver hearing for October 30, where the suspect will appear in person.

Prosecutor Chad Grunander said Monday there was a “voluminous” amount of discovery material in the case, which he would provide to the defense shortly. He noted the killing took place in front of thousands of students at Utah Valley University, so the process to identify witnesses could be laborious.

The shocking killing – seen by students in person and many more people in videos that spread swiftly online – has inflamed an already polarized political landscape. The president, who credited Kirk with helping galvanize the youth vote for his reelection, has blamed the “radical left” for political violence and hailed Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom.” And people, including a Washington Post columnist, say they have been fired over comments made in the aftermath of Kirk’s killing.

Thousands of people attended an emotional memorial service for Kirk in Arizona, where the president and other prominent conservative leaders spoke.

Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty for Robinson, if convicted. CNN has reached out to Robinson’s attorney for comment.

Here’s what we know about the evidence authorities have assembled as they build their case against Robinson.

A string of confessions

Robinson appeared to confess to the shooting multiple times, in texts with his partner; in messages with friends on Discord; in conversations with his family; and to a family friend who was a former sheriff’s deputy.

Robinson’s partner, with whom he shared an apartment, shared their text messages with police, according to charging documents released by Utah County officials.

On September 10, Robinson allegedly sent a message to his partner instructing them to “drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard.”

Under the suspect’s keyboard, his partner found a note reading, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” according to police, who said they found a photo of the note.

In subsequent messages to his partner, Robinson seemed to confirm he had shot Kirk and said he “had enough of his hatred.” He said he had planned the attack for over a week and discussed his plans to recover the rifle from where he left it. And he referenced the bullets he had engraved with messages pulled from internet and video gaming jargon, describing them as “mostly a big meme.”

He also instructed his partner to “delete this exchange” and deny media interviews and said he planned to turn himself in to a sheriff’s deputy.

On Discord, an online platform popular among gamers, an account attributed to Robinson also seemed to confess to the crime, according to the Washington Post.

He told a small group chat he had “bad news,” and it was “me at UVU yesterday,” the Post reported, citing sources and screenshots the Post viewed.

He told the group he would surrender shortly and thanked them for “all the good times and laughs,” the outlet said.

Robinson’s partner also showed investigators messages attributed to Robinson on Discord, in which he discussed the rifle left at the crime scene and the engraved bullets, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox previously said.

Discord has said its investigation found no evidence the suspect promoted violence or planned the attack on its platform.

Finally, Robinson confessed to his father. After Robinson’s parents recognized their son in surveillance footage released by police, his father confronted his son on the phone, according to the charging document.

Robinson “implied that he planned to take his own life” in that conversation, according to the filing. His parents convinced him to meet them at home, where he “implied that he was the shooter,” says the document.

Robinson’s father eventually convinced him to speak to a family friend, a retired deputy sheriff. Accompanied by his parents, he turned himself in peacefully at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI says he was taken into custody on September 11 at around 10 p.m.

Rifle recovered at crime scene

Another crucial piece of evidence authorities say ties Robinson to the crime is a bolt-action rifle, discovered in a wooded area near the campus. In alleged text messages to his partner, Robinson had discussed leaving the weapon wrapped in a towel and said he hoped to recover it after the shooting.

The weapon was identified as a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle equipped with a mounted scope, according to court documents. The type of rifle and rounds fired – one spent round and three unspent – were consistent with “the facts officers observed at the time of, and immediately after the shooting,” says the charging document.

“I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle … idek if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me,” Robinson allegedly wrote in text messages to his roommate.

When police released images of the weapon, Robinson’s father texted his son, asking for a picture of the gun, according to the charging document.

“my dad wants photos of the rifle … he says grandpa wants to know who has what,” Robinson allegedly wrote to his partner. “the feds released a photo of the rifle, and it is very unique. Hes calling me rn, not answering.”

Robinson’s father told authorities the police description of the suspected murder weapon “matched a rifle that was given to his son as a gift,” according to the filing.

DNA consistent with Robinson’s found on rifle

The towel, rifle and ammunition recovered from the wooded area near the campus were sent for forensic processing, according to the charging document.

“DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger, other parts of the rifle, the fired cartridge casing, two of the three unfired cartridges, and the towel,” reads the document.

Surveillance video shows Robinson arriving on campus, governor says

Surveillance footage from Utah Valley University shows that hours before Kirk was shot in the neck, Robinson arrived at the university in a Dodge Challenger wearing a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, a black hat, and light-colored shoes, Cox previously said.

The FBI’s initial photos of a person of interest show a man in a different outfit: he wears sunglasses, a dark blue cap, and a black T-shirt with a large American flag and bald eagle while walking up a stairwell.

Authorities also released surveillance video showing the suspect running across a rooftop overlooking the event, jumping to the ground and then leaving the scene.

At some point after the shooting, according to a police affidavit, Robinson changed into an outfit similar to the one seen in surveillance video.

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CNN’s Taylor Romine, Aditi Sangal, Holmes Lybrand, John Miller, Emma Tucker, Danya Gainor, Lauren Mascarenhas, Brian Stelter, Sara Smart, and Andi Babineau contributed to this report.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Earlier this year, Local News 8 spoke with an eastern Idaho filmmaker about his comedy-crime indie movie. After over a year of hard work, his film will be out in local theaters this week.

“It’s so fun to finally see the fruits of what you’ve been working on and to share it with people finally. So I’m really excited for people to see it,” said Thrifters Director, Editor, and Producer, Connor McFarlane.

Thrifters is an upcoming indie film made right here in eastern Idaho. The comedy-crime movie is about a young couple who turn to petty crime to deal with their financial troubles. They decide to turn to a more creative way to make money — by creating a thrifting ring.

“[It’s] a story that hopefully resonates with a lot of young people and and a lot of people in general. I think it’s a great film for our time,” McFarlane said.

Filming started in February and wrapped up in about two weeks. Since then, McFarlane and his team have been sorting out the editing, marketing, and working with theaters to distribute the movie.

“It’s a big ordeal to get distribution to theaters, even on a small scale like this,” said McFarlane.

There were plenty of hurdles to get over throughout the movie making process between scheduling, cold weather, and figuring out how to best portray the characters.

“I lean more towards trying to, you know, find things I’ve actually been through, things I’ve actually gone through in relation to what the character has gone through,” said Thrifters Lead Actor, Hondo Hendricks.

The cast and crew still had a lot of fun making the movie together — and learned a lot.

“I’ve never been a part of a project this big. It was really cool to find and make new connections and make new relationships, personally and professionally,” said Thrifters Lead Actor, Alexis Van Leuven. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot as an actress.”

The cast and crew say the movie a fun experience, especially since eastern idahoans will get to see parts of their community in it.

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News Team

UPDATE:

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan (KIFI) — The death toll from the attack on a Michigan branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has risen to four, police confirmed Sunday evening.

During a press conference, Police Chief William Renye announced that investigators have discovered two additional bodies in the burned-out remains of the church building in Grand Blanc Township, bringing the confirmed number of fatalities (not including the shooter) to four.

Police are working to identify each victim “as quickly and accurately as possible.” Due to the extensive damage, the church building is considered a total loss, and the search for more victims is ongoing. Officials currently do not have a confirmed number of people unaccounted for but believe they may find additional victims as they continue to search the rubble.

The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, treating the incident as an act of targeted violence.

“This act of violence has no place in our state or in our country,” said Reuben Coleman, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI is committed to continue finding out the facts, circumstances and motives behind this tragedy.”

The deadly attack began when police say the gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire on the congregation, and then set the building ablaze during a Sunday service.

The 40-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford of Burton, Michigan, was killed by responding police officers.

Chief Renye took a moment to acknowledge the heroism of both first responders and the people inside the church at the time of the shooting.

“They were shielding the children who were also present within the church, moving them to safety,” Chief Renye said of the worshippers. “Just hundreds of people practicing their faith.”

For more details and updates on the investigation into the shooting, click HERE.

ORIGINAL:

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan (KIFI) — Authorities are preparing to hold a critical media briefing at 5 p.m. ET this afternoon, where Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye is expected to deliver the latest details on the deadly attack at a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Local News 8 will be livestreaming the press conference above.

The attack, which occurred during a Sunday service, has so far resulted in the deaths of at least two people and left eight others wounded after a gunman rammed a vehicle into the church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze. The 40-year-old gunman was killed by responding police officers. Police believe they may find additional victims when it is safe to enter the building.

Officers exchanged fire with the gunman and killed him, according to police. He has been identified as a 40-year-old Michigan man. For more details and updates on the investigation into the shooting, click HERE.

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Originally Published: 28 SEP 25 15:33 ET

By Nick Lentz, Joseph Buczek

Click here for updates on this story

    GRAND BLAC, Michigan (WWJ) — At least two people are dead and eight others are in the hospital after a shooting during a worship service at a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday morning.

According to police, it happened around 10:25 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4825 McCandlish Road.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye said in a news conference on Sunday afternoon that the suspect, identified as a 40-year-old man, drove his vehicle through the front doors of the church, exited his vehicle and fired “several rounds” of an assault rifle at hundreds of churchgoers.

Ten people with gunshot wounds were taken to the hospital, where two victims have since died. Renye said “multiple” individuals who were injured are in critical condition, and expects there will be more victims.

Henry Ford Health confirmed that it is treating nine patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.

“Our hospital is fully staffed with experienced caregivers, and we are grateful to our team members who continue to care for all our patients at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital. Counselors and spiritual care are available to provide confidential support and counseling services for our patients and team members,” said the health system in a statement.”

Police said the man, from Burton, Michigan, died after responding officers from Grand Blanc Township and the Michigan DNR “engaged in gunfire” with him.

According to investigators, the man deliberately started a fire at the church at some point, though it’s not yet known how the fire was started. Crews have since contained the blaze.

Police are expected to hold another news conference at 5 p.m. You can watch it at the video player above.

Officials have set up an on-site reunification site at a movie theatre on Trillium Circle Avenue. Anyone who needs to connect with someone who was at the church is asked to call the American Red Cross at 248-705-7352.

“This is a dynamic scene,” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said in a video recorded at the scene. “The time where we are right now, there’s going to be more updates. Just know that there’s a lot of things that are happening that we are not able to communicate just because of the work that needs to be done.”

Swanson said there is no active threat to the community.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a written statement that it’s been in communication with law enforcement and that it’s thankful for the emergency responders who are helping the victims and their families.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayers and concern from so many people around the world,” the statement said. “In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a written statement on social media that said, “My heart is breaking for the Grand Blanc community. Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable. I am grateful to the first responders who took action quickly. We will continue to monitor this situation and hold the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc close.”

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency is tracking reports of the shooting and that agents are at the scene to assist local authorities.

“Violence in a place of worship is a cowardly and criminal act. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this terrible tragedy,” Patel said.

Grand Blanc Township police said at least 100 FBI agents are responding to the shooting.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has received briefings about the incident.

“Such violence at a place of worship is heartbreaking and chilling. Please join me in praying for the victims of this terrible tragedy,” Bondi said.

President Trump said that he has been briefed on the shooting.

“I have been briefed on the horrendous shooting that took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The FBI was immediately on scene, and will be leading the Federal Investigation, and providing full support to State and Local Officials. The suspect is dead, but there is still a lot to learn. This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America. The Trump Administration will keep the Public posted, as we always do. In the meantime, PRAY for the victims, and their families. THIS EPIDEMIC OF VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY MUST END, IMMEDIATELY,” Mr. Trump said in a Truth Social post.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, her agency is in communication with “interagency partners.”

Noem added in a social media post on X that, “Sacred places of worship should never fear violence in America. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.”

The New York Police Department said early Sunday afternoon that it was deploying “additional resources to religious institutions across the city,” in response to the shooting.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday that out of an abundance of caution, the Los Angeles Police Department will be increasing patrols at places of worship across the city.

The Grand Blanc Township Police Department said it will have counselors at its facility starting on Monday and through the rest of the week.

Please note: 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.

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By Alaa Elassar, CNN

(CNN) — We’ve moved to Live Updates for coverage of this developing story. Follow the latest here.

Multiple victims have been injured in a shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday, according to police.

The shooter is down and there is no ongoing threat to the public, according to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department. The church is currently on fire.

Police are urging the public to avoid the area as emergency response efforts continue.

Grand Blanc is a suburb of Flint, Michigan.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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News Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Communities worldwide are mourning the passing of Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a former world-renowned heart surgeon. President Nelson passed away peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City shortly after 10 p.m. MDT on Saturday at the age of 101, according to the Church.

Nelson became the prophet and leader of the global faith on January 14, 2018, after serving as an Apostle for the Church since April 7, 1984. His time as President was marked by a commitment to global engagement and unprecedented growth.

Legacy of Global Outreach and Historic Expansion

During his tenure, President Nelson visited 32 countries and U.S. territories, connecting with Latter-day Saints and government and religious figures. He spoke conversationally in 11 languages, underscoring his emphasis on global unity. A key theme of his leadership was the exponential increase in temple construction, with 200 new temples announced worldwide, a historic number for the Church.

His efforts to build relationships extended beyond his own faith. In March 2019, he held a notable meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, which he described as a “cordial, unforgettable experience.”

Courtesy: The Vatican

“His Holiness, he was most gracious and warm and welcoming,” President Nelson said of his visit with Pope Francis. “What a sweet, wonderful man he is, and how fortunate the Catholic people are to have such a gracious, concerned, loving, and capable leader.”

President Nelson also established a significant relationship with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), meeting with its leaders multiple times, most recently in June 2021, to promote civility and racial harmony.

Courtesy Photo: President Russell M. Nelson shakes hands with Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City, May 17, 2018. The Rev. Amos C. Brown, NAACP board member, far left, and NAACP chairman Leon W. Russell, far right, looks on.

In a speech to the NAACP’s annual convention in Detroit in July 2019, President Nelson emphasized unity: “We don’t have to be alike or look alike to have love for each other. We don’t even have to agree with each other to love each other.”

Distinguished Medical Career

Courtesy Photo: Russell M. Nelson in 1982. He was a world-renowned heart surgeon for many years before being called to be an Apostle in 1984.

Before his call to full-time Church service, Dr. Russell M. Nelson was a world-renowned pioneer in cardiothoracic surgery. His distinguished medical career includes performing the first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955. He was also a key figure in developing a compact artificial heart and lung machine, an advancement that saved untold numbers.

His professional leadership included serving as president of the Society of Vascular Surgery, a director of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, and chairman of the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery for the American Heart Association.

“I think a surgeon is in a unique position to understand one of God’s greatest creations — the human body,” President Nelson once said, reflecting on his career, linking his medical expertise to his faith.

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, who was called as an Apostle on the same day as Nelson in 1984, praised his character: “All of us who have worked with Russell M. Nelson… have marveled at his extraordinary modesty for a man of his great accomplishments… And [we] have marveled at his gentleness. He is just the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with.”

President Nelson is survived by his wife, Wendy, eight of his 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren.

A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Nelson’s funeral. Local News 8 will provide updates on the funeral arrangements as details become available.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Friends of Marshall Public Library held their seasonal book sale on Friday.

The organization provides support to the library through seasonal events, such as the book sale, all for the benefit of the library and its patrons.

“We purchase things and pay for programs that fall outside the scope of the general library budget,” Linda Davis, Vice President, Friends of Marshall Public Library, said. “In addition, we support by volunteering. If we’re asked. Sometimes we’ve hosted author signings here or whatever they need, whatever they ask us for, we try to fill that need.” 

Donated books are either used in the library or sold at the ‘Friends of Marshall Public Library’ store.

The books are rotated monthly and sold for two dollars each. 

The book sale continues Saturday at the Marshall Public Library from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls area is celebrating the 60th annual Emotion Bowl, where Idaho Falls High School and Skyline High School football teams play against each other.

“I’m going for the Skyline Grizzlies,” said Idaho Falls resident Stephanie Lamb. “Because my nephew plays on the team over there. I think they’ve got a great chance. They’ve done really good. Been working really hard.”

“I’m an alumni from Idaho Falls High School. My dad went to Idaho Falls High School. A lot of my family went to Idaho Falls,” said Idaho Falls Resident, Sadie Despot. “So we’re big Tiger fans over here.” 

Several local businesses show their support for either school by painting on their windows.

“Through the decades, we’ve always enjoyed letting the students paint the windows, if they’ve asked us. Whether it’s Skyline and/or [Idaho Falls],” said Idaho Falls resident Ken Despot.

The Emotion Bowl dates back to when Skyline High School split off from Idaho Falls High School in 1966. The rivalry over the game has been going strong ever since, but that makes it all the more fun for the community.

“It’s such a long-time, ongoing rivalry that they have. It’s just really important to everybody around here,” Lamb said.

“I just love the tradition of the whole thing,” said Sadie Despot.

“You’re just out there enjoying these young people who put so much effort into their craft, into football, into their sport,” Ken Despot said. “And just the rivalry itself is amazing.”

Since both schools share their football field, whichever team wins gets to paint the goal posts their school colors.

“We hope to see those goalposts turn orange sometime soon,” Sadie Despot said.

The Emotion Bowl kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. at Ravsten Stadium.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – It’s officially spud harvest season, and drivers are being reminded to be cautious on the roads.

Local drivers can find themselves stuck behind farming equipment on the road as it moves slowly. 

Potato truck crashes are common during this time of year.

Local News 8 has already reported on two potato truck crashes this year.

Area police say the best way to avoid a crash is to just be patient.

“With slow traffic ahead of you, be patient. Make sure you’re being safe in what you’re doing. If you’re impatient and you’re trying to pass that slow moving vehicle or farm equipment and you can’t see all the way around it, you’re adding risk to your travels. You’re adding risk to yourself and the people in your car. So, take your time, be patient, wait for a good spot, a safe spot to get around where you can adequately see down the road,” said Sgt. Bryan Lovell, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

If you do find yourself behind farming equipment on the road and you want to get ahead of it, it is recommended that you keep a distance between you and the truck so you can better see ahead. 

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