Author: KIFI

News Release

The following is a news release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (BCSO) – A man was arrested after punching a Deputy early Saturday morning (May 3rd) during a traffic stop and DUI investigation. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a vehicle driven by 27 year old Mikayla N. Hill near Lindsay Blvd and Hwy 20 just before 2:00am and observed signs of intoxication. During the stop a passenger in the vehicle, 25 year old Jordan T. Pence, began to get aggressive with Deputies.

As the DUI investigation with Ms. Hill continued, Mr. Pence exited the vehicle and attempted to gain access to the trunk despite commands from Deputies to stay in the passenger seat. Pence slammed the trunk lid and got face to face with a Deputy yelling obscenities. As the Deputy was pushing him back, Pence shoved the Deputy and punched him in the face.

Mikayla N. Hill, 27 of Idaho Falls

Deputies moved in and gained control of Mr. Pence, securing him in handcuffs after he continued trying to fight on the ground. In the process, a handgun fell out of a waistband holster underneath Mr. Pence’s clothes. Deputies secured the firearm, finding it loaded with ammunition.

Pence complained of injuries during the struggle and was taken to the hospital for a medical clearance before being transported to the Bonneville County Jail. Mr. Pence was booked into jail on a Felony charge for Battery on Certain Personnel and Misdemeanor charges for Resisting Arrest and Possession of a Concealed Firearm While Intoxicated.

Deputies continued the DUI investigation with Ms. Hill, who admitted to consuming alcohol earlier that evening. Breath testing results from Ms. Hill at the scene indicated a BAC of .12, over the legal limit of .08. Hill was placed under arrest and transported to the Bonneville County Jail where she was booked on a Misdemeanor charge of 2nd Offense Driving Under the Influence. Ms. Hill was also cited and released for Driving While Suspended.

The injured Deputy was taken to the hospital and treated for a contusion injury to the face before being released.

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News Release

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

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Starting May 10, Idaho residents outside city limits are required to obtain a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities. The annual closed burning season runs through October 20, ensuring compliance with Idaho law (Idaho Code 38-115) and the reduction of unwanted human-caused wildfires.

Who needs a permit: Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho, who plan to burn for any reason including yard waste and crop residue must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.

How to get a Burn Permit: Visit the self-service website https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/  Permits are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. A permit may also be issued by your local IDL office. Burn Permits are free and good for 10 days. You must have your permit with you when burning. No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits. Using burnpermits.idaho.gov also connects you to tips for safe burning practices.

Why get a Burn Permit: Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly, potentially reducing the liability of the burner. Permits also help prevent false runs to fires that are reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for instances when they truly are needed. And it is the law.

How to know if burning is allowed: Visit burnpermits.idaho.gov to learn about the types of burning allowed in your fire protection district. Some types of burning may not be allowed at times due to heightened wildfire risk. Additionally, some local jurisdictions and counties may have other burning requirements or restrictions in place. Always check with your local fire department or county sheriff’s office before lighting.

Air quality restrictions: Ensure your burn complies with air quality regulations. Visit the Idaho DEQ website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/ for more details or contact your Tribal government if burning within Reservation boundaries.

Additional assistance: If you have questions about Burn Permits and requirements, contact Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 769-1525.

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Noah Farley

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police is still investigating the crash on Hwy 20 in Island Park. Most of the victims were tourists from China. A driver from Texas also died in the crash.

Local News 8 got new reactions from people in the area.

“I’ve been an Island park for about 15 years. There’s a lot of crazy things that happen up here, but this has to be the worst accident that I can ever remember in those 15 years,” said Island Park resident Larry “Bear” Halverson.

Halverson says there are crashes in Island Park every now and then, but nothing to this extent. He hopes a crash like this will never happen in Island Park again.

Halverson advises everyone to remember to be especially careful while driving in the area. He also reminds drivers that Island Park is an area filled with natural beautiful that people should slow down to enjoy.

“If your destination is Yellowstone, take a little time and don’t be in such a hurry,” Halverson said. “I mean, if you’re on vacation, why are you in a hurry?”

Local News 8 also spoke with Roger Merrill, who got footage of the crash that’s been circling the internet.

“I can’t imagine what those first responders or the good Samaritans that were already on the scene…what they must have experienced,” Merrill said. “My heart goes out to all of them.”

Merrill says he didn’t realize just how big this crash was until after he and his family got home later that day. Looking back, Merrill says this crash has made him think about how suddenly life can change.

“It’s made me more conscious, more careful when I drive,” said Merrill.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing. Since the victims are from other countries, the process to identify them will take longer. ISP troopers will keep working with Ctour Holiday LLC and stay in contact with Chinese and Italian diplomats as the investigation progresses. 

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI)-A small group of protesters gathered on the Idaho Capitol steps on Sunday.

All rallied in support of changes in law enforcement practices following the fatal shooting of Victor Perez on April 5.

As part of the rally, members of ‘the Victor Project’ unveiled a mural dedicated to Perez.

The protest was sponsored by ‘the Victor Project’, a grassroots group with the blessing of the Perez family.

They say their biggest goal is to call for more mandatory trainings in de-escalation.

‘The Victor Project’ petition has already gained hundreds of signatures online.

One of the leaders of ‘the Victor Project’ spoke at the protest about current law enforcement practices.

“How many of our civil servants do you fear? When did we decide murder is acceptable? As long as you have a badge,” said Cyrus Wisdom, the Co-founder of ‘the Victor Project’.

It’s almost been a month since the day Perez was shot by police officers outside his family’s Pocatello home, only seconds after the officers arrived on scene.

The 17-year-old was reportedly threatening members of his family with a large kitchen knife, and police dispatch was inaccurately told he appeared drunk.

Perez had been diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy and was prone to behavioral issues.

The shooting is currently under investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force.

The last time Local News 8 heard from the City of Pocatello, Mayor Brian Blad said it’s going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Snacks, crafts, and pottery, oh my! The Idaho Falls Farmers Market is back in full swing this spring.

Hundreds of people filled Memorial Drive in downtown Idaho Falls on Saturday to buy and sell various products from baked goods, to dog treats, to fused glass artwork.

“I find a lot of pleasure in people buying something that reminds them of their grandmother,” said “The Wandering Kiwi” Owner, Ann Severns. “Sometimes it’s very moving.”

With the fabric retailer “Joann’s” closing down, some craft makers are losing an outlet to buy material. Local News 8 talked with a vendor about how she will keep getting fabric for her business going forward.

“I do a lot of it as locally as I can. I’ll go to Joann’s and buy a lot. Obviously with them going out, I’ll go over to Hobby Lobby,” said “Apron Theory” Owner, Emily Stricker. “That’s where I get a lot of it now. There are a lot of online stores that you can use, so the online fabric store is great.”

Stricker says some of her custom fabrics are bought online, but she tries to buy her materials in person as much as possible to make sure she gets the best quality.

The Idaho Falls Farmers Market will be in downtown Idaho Falls each Saturday from May to October.

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News Release

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – Idaho State Police provided an update on the fatal crash on Highway 20 near Yellowstone on Friday.

ISP tells Local News 8 that, of the 14 occupants in the Mercedes van, the driver was licensed in California. The passengers included 12 individuals of Chinese nationality and one of Italian nationality. The group was traveling to Yellowstone National Park on an excursion organized by Ctour Holiday LLC, a large-scale receptive tour operator that provides international travel services.

Next-of-kin notifications are ongoing and coordinated with appropriate local and international authorities. Due to the international nature of those involved, the process is complex and will take additional time.

As part of the investigation, the deceased will be transported to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for autopsy and formal confirmation of identity. This step is essential to ensure accurate identification and documentation.

ISP troopers continue to work closely with Ctour Holiday LLC and remain in contact with the Consulates of China and Italy as the investigation progresses.

Due to privacy considerations, no information regarding the medical status of the injured will be released.

Additional updates will be provided as information is verified and becomes available.

(The following is from a press release from Idaho State Police)

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As fire season is coming up, Governor Brad Little has declared May as Wildfire Awareness Month.

Governor Little urges Idahoans to do what they can to protect themselves, their property, and the community from wildfires.

The Idaho Department of Lands says it is working with state, federal, tribal, and local partners through the Gem State to teach people how to prevent and prepare for wildfires.

“Fire is part of the Idaho landscape, but it doesn’t recognize boundaries,” said IDL Director Dustin Miller. “It will race across forests, fields and neighborhoods without hesitation. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to do our part to prevent wildfires before they start and prepare in advance.”

For more information and to see the status of active wildfires in Idaho, visit here.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is presenting a new exhibit to the public, “Unity, Dissonance, and the Spaces Between.”

The exhibit’s pieces reflect on topics like belonging, isolation, and “the invisible spaces that shape human relationships and our place in the natural world.”

“We hope that people from all over the state will come and think about what it means for them to be with other people, the meaning that that creates in their life, and how art can, demonstrate that for us here in the museum,” said Boise State University Director of University Art, Fonda Portales.

This is meant to be more than a typical gallery viewing experience. It will also have interactive tours meant to encourage conversations.

“We hope that people come away having interacted with the art and gained both a relationship with the art and the museum, but also with each other, that it ends up being kind of a relationship building thing,” said Art Museum of Eastern Idaho’s Developmental Director, Amy Thompson.

The opening coincides with the Idaho Falls Artwalk, so visitors will have even more opportunities to enjoy art together. The exhibit will run through July 12.

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Stephanie Lucas

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – Seven people are dead after a fiery two-vehicle crash on Thursday evening, May 1, on eastbound U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake.

Idaho State Police responded to the crash at milepost 399 just before 7:15 p.m. The collision involved a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van, both of which caught fire after the crash.

Seven people died because of the crash. Six were occupants of the van, and the driver of the pickup. The van had 14 occupants and was reportedly transporting a tour group.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. Due to the severity of the injuries, one air ambulance and additional air and ground resources were dispatched.

The Fremont County Coroner’s Office will release the names of the deceased after the next of kin have been notified. That office will also determine the cause and manner of each death.

U.S. Highway 20 is open Friday morning after the crash.

ISP is leading the investigation with assistance from local and regional partners. The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time.

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News Team

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI)-Part of U.S. Highway 20 near mile marker 399 has closed due to a major crash, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office asks drivers to avoid the area, and to plan on significant delays.

Lanes in both directions are closed North of Henrys Fork to the Montana state line, which is milepost 399 to 406, according to the Idaho Transportation Department 511 page.

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