Author: KIFI

Stephanie Lucas

ISALND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — New court documents in the ongoing Fremont County voter fraud case reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been involved in the investigation since at least April 2024. This information comes from a probable cause affidavit filed by the Fremont County sheriff’s office for one of the three individuals charged on September 2, 2025. Local News 8 first broke the news of the additional arrests on Tuesday, September 9th.

RELATED: Three more charged in Fremont County voter fraud case

FBI’s Role Confirmed in Affidavit

The affidavit, filed in the case of Teara Gailbraith, states that on April 26, 2024, Detective John Harding assisted “Special Agent Almeda from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” According to Detective Harding’s sworn statement, the FBI agent was investigating an alleged voter fraud incident that occurred during the May 16, 2023, election in Island Park. This election included a ballot measure regarding the formation of the Island Park Community Auditorium District, to be funded by a lodging tax.

The affidavit further details that on May 2, 2024, Detective Harding obtained a list of challenged voters from the Fremont County clerk. According to the affidavit, Gailbraith’s name was included in that list. She is accused of using a short-term rental address in Island Park, found on the website https://visitislandparkidaho.com, to vote in the election. The affidavit also notes that Gailbraith’s driver’s license, issued on December 26, 2023, lists a North Ogden, Utah, address.

While the exact number of names on this list is not disclosed, ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation so far. According to arrest and property records, their primary addresses are in cities like Rigby, Ashton, Idaho Falls, and Herriman, Utah. Despite the subject matter, the arrests received little attention outside of Fremont County.

RELATED: 7 arrested for voter fraud in Fremont County

FBI’s Role in Election Investigations

Local News 8 has reached out to the FBI field office in Salt Lake City for comment and is awaiting a response. However, the FBI’s website provides insight into its role in such cases. The site states that the “DOJ’s role is limited to investigating and prosecuting violations of federal election laws and deterring criminal conduct.” It adds, “DOJ generally does not engage in overt criminal investigative measures in matters involving alleged ballot fraud until the election in question has been concluded, its results certified, and all recounts and election contests concluded.”

For more information on the FBI’s role in voter fraud investigations, click HERE.

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News Team

SMOOT, Wyoming (KIFI) — After an effort spanning over two and a half weeks, Wyoming firefighters are on the verge of fully containing the Willow Creek Fire. As of Wednesday, September 10, the blaze is 96% contained.

Scattered showers largely missed the area, but according to the US Forest Service – Bridger-Teton National Forest, this allowed crews to continue patrolling the fire’s edge and gain ground on containment. Today, firefighters are monitoring the edge for any hot spots that could threaten the containment line.

Fire crews are also being allowed to return home after finishing their 14-day assignment, as fire management shifts to begin repair work on roads, trails, and fire lines used during suppression.

All previous evacuations have been lifted, and no evacuations are currently in effect. To stay informed of the most current evacuation and emergency updates, click HERE.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man late Tuesday night after he allegedly drove head-on into a patrol car.

Deputies were dispatched to Trevor Allen Clark’s residence in Bonneville County on the 1000 block of Swan Valley Highway around 11:30 p.m. after reports that he was behaving erratically and causing property damage. Deputies had responded to the same location earlier in the day for similar behavior, but Clark had fled before they arrived.

New information from a witness indicated Clark was parked in his vehicle about a mile away on a nearby road. Deputies found him on McMurtrey Road and attempted a traffic stop. Clark responded by swerving off the road, bypassing one patrol car, and then deliberately driving head-on into another. He attempted to reverse and struck the first patrol car again, but his vehicle was disabled in the process.

Clark then exited his vehicle armed with a rifle, shouting at deputies to shoot him. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, one deputy was able to de-escalate the situation and convince Clark to surrender peacefully.

Clark was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. He was later booked into the Bonneville County Jail on multiple felony charges, including Eluding, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Malicious Injury to Property. Deputies also learned Clark had fired shots at a building and damaged household items. They suspect illegal drug use may have contributed to his behavior.

Deputies involved in the crash sustained minor injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

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News Team

VICTOR, Idaho (KIFI) — The city of Victor’s Public Works crews are actively working to repair a broken water line located at the bridge of Crystal and Main streets.

As of 9:30 a.m, on Wednesday, crews successfully patched the line and began the flushing process.

Residents living west of Main Street may notice their water appears cloudy. According to the city, this issue should only affect the cold water supply in homes within this area.

The city has not yet reported any loss of water pressure or risk of contamination. However, a mandatory boil order may be issued if a pressure loss is detected.

Updates will be posted on the city’s official Facebook page.

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News Team

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — In a town that rallied behind one of its own, the residents of Ammon are now grieving the loss of Tanner Scoresby, a young man who left an indelible mark on his community through his brave fight with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. 18-year-old Tanner passed away on Tuesday, just one day after the city declared Monday “Tanner Scoresby Day” in his honor.

The news was shared by his family, who said Tanner was taken to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday morning after a collapsed lung and high heart rate. In a Facebook update to Team Tanner – Tanner Strong, his family said he “completed his earthly mission surrounded by those who loved him the most.”

In a tribute on Facebook, his aunt, Holly Rose, described him as “a true warrior in his fight” who was “brave, strong, without complaint.”

“He was able to express the love for his parents in only a way Tanner could,” wrote Rose. “How grateful we are that Tanner could be surrounded by those closest to him, his family.”

While known for his fight against cancer, Tanner’s family writes that he should be remembered for the full life he lived as a son, brother, athlete, artist, and friend.

“Tanner is more than cancer….he is a son, brother, nephew, grandson, best friend, artist, athlete, missionary. Tanner is smart, kind, funny, joyful, a friend to all, a believer in the underdog. Tanner is a gamer, a Pokémon collector, a LEGO builder, a muscle-flexing, food-loving, dancing king. Tanner is patient, strong, and unwavering. He is so much more,” writes Rose.

Through Holly’s post, Tanner’s parents, Devin and Missy, say they’re deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support that carried their family through this fight.

“Thank you for loving Tanner and his family unconditionally. Please hold them all in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate their new normal until they are reunited as a forever family,” states the post.

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. For updates, click HERE.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI) — Bonneville County Commissioners, Idaho Falls City Council members, and the Idaho Falls Mayor gathered at the Bonneville County Courthouse this afternoon to sign a joint proclamation declaring September 14, 2025, as Missing Persons Day.

Traditionally, the annual event has been centered around September 14th, the day 20-year-old Amber Hoopes went missing from her grandparents’ residence in Bonneville County. This year will mark 24 years since her disappearance.

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper highlighted the importance of this united front. She emphasized that the city and county are committed to working together and are asking for community support in these investigations.

This sentiment was echoed by law enforcement leaders. Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson stressed the importance of timely reporting, noting that it allows agencies to begin investigations and collaborations as soon as possible. Captain Glenn added that even seemingly insignificant information should be shared, as every detail could be crucial. He urged anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward to ensure no leads are missed.

“I think that the signing of this proclamation tells the families of those who are missing that it’s still something that matters to the community, that people are still looking and that they care. And I think that’s the most important part of doing this, but it also is bringing awareness,” said Emily, the host of “She’s Missing” podcast.

Audra Burgener, Amber Hoopes’ aunt, has been a central figure in organizing these yearly events. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend the signing as she is recovering from a double lung transplant surgery.

In a statement, Burgener emphasized the importance of remembrance: “I just want people to still remember those missing and remember the families. We had over 2,000 people missing in the first of the year in Idaho. We aren’t having an event this year like we did last year and the year before, because I’m here. But I miss her every day.”

   Notable missing persons cases from our area, in addition to the Amber Hoopes case from 2001 include:

Darwin Vest, missing since June 3rd, 1999 from downtown Idaho Falls (Investigating Agency: Idaho Falls Police Department)

Chris Holverson, missing since May 16th, 1998 from the Table Rock Campground area east of Heise (Investigating Agency: Madison County Sheriff’s Office)

Deor Kunz, missing since July 10th, 2015 from the Timber Creek Campground (Investigating Agency: Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities urge anyone with information about the Amber Hoopes case or any other missing persons in the area to contact the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office or their local Law Enforcement.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls woman who received a life-saving double lung transplant has been released from the hospital and is now one breath closer to a full recovery.

Back in 2018, Audra Burgener was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Then, she got COVID twice. In 2020, she was diagnosed with COPD. Her breathing continuously got worse over the course of four years since her COPD diagnosis, and she was placed on the lung transplant list in early July.

When Local News 8 first covered this story, Burgener was unable to speak. Now, she shares her experience in Utah and further endeavors.

RELATED: “Miracle Workers”: After years of illness, Idaho Falls woman begins new life with double lung transplant

“We have three months here for pulmonary rehab, and then we get to go home, and then it depends on if I totally graduate from rehab and whether I do more rehab in Idaho Falls,” Burgener said.

Her companion of 40 years, Chad Williams, is still by her side today.

“My last conversation with you, you know, was quite emotional. So things have gotten better, and I’m excited to get her rocking and rolling on this,” Williams said.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the National Park Service, Grand Teton:

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — On Sunday, September 7, 2025, nonprofit search and recovery organization Bruce’s Legacy located a body believed to be Wesley Dopkins in Jackson Lake. On Monday, September 8, Bruce’s Legacy successfully recovered the remains. Dopkins, of St. Paul, MN, has been missing since June 15, 2024.

Bruce’s Legacy, known for its specialized sonar technology, joined the search effort last fall before returning last week. Their expertise, experience and advanced equipment enabled them to successfully locate the remains within the search area, at a depth of about 420 feet.

Dopkins was last seen paddling a foldable Oru kayak across Jackson Lake and was not wearing a life jacket. Shortly after his disappearance, his kayak, paddle, and dry bag were discovered floating off Moose Island near Leeks Marina. At that time, National Park Service rangers conducted an extensive interagency search, using boats, ground teams, dog teams and the Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter.

The National Park Service is deeply grateful for Bruce’s Legacy, whose dedication and unique capabilities made this highly technical mission possible.

Positive identification will be made by the Teton County Coroner’s Office. However, based on the characteristics of the remains and the location where they were recovered, they are believed to be those of Dopkins.

The NPS reminds all visitors that wearing a properly fitted life jacket is the most important step you can take to stay safe on the water. Even experienced paddlers and swimmers are at risk without one.

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News Team

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Custer County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a mudslide on Bayhorse Road, about 1 mile from the Bayhorse Townsite south of Challis.

Preliminary details are limited, but the National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rains along with a flash flood warning in place until around 7 PM tonight.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will update this story as we learn more information.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Eastern Idaho Public Health:

LEMHI COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — EIPH has confirmed that a bat found in Lemhi County has tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral illness in humans and other animals. Household pets and other animals can be exposed to the virus by playing with sick bats that can no longer fly normally.

While most bats are harmless and do not carry rabies, they are the only animal in Idaho that is a natural reservoir for the virus. Vaccination against rabies for humans and animals is important to protect against illness.

Ken Anderson, Epidemiologist at Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) states, “It is important if you have been bitten, scratched, or have come in close contact with a bat to contact your health care provider immediately. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, but it can be prevented almost 100% of the time when the rabies vaccine and other medical therapies are administered soon after the exposure occurs.”

To protect yourself and your pets, EIPH offers the following tips:

Do not touch a bat with your bare hands. If you have contact with a bat or wake up to find a bat in your house, seek medical advice immediately. Collect the bat in a plastic bag without touching it, wash your hands thoroughly, and call your local public health office for possible testing. Any bat found in a home should be tested for rabies if there is any suspicion that exposure to a person or pet might have occurred. The teeth of a bat are very small, and it is possible to be bitten while sleeping without feeling it.

Because household pets and other animals can be exposed to the virus through contact with sick bats, it is important to make sure that animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) are up to date on vaccinations against rabies. If your household pet brings a dead bat home, collect it in a plastic bag without touching it, wash your hands thoroughly, and call your local public health office for possible testing. Also, contact your veterinarian to make sure your animal’s rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.

Parents should teach their children to avoid bats, never bring them to school for show-and-tell, and to let an adult know if they find one.

Bat-proof your home by plugging all holes in siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows. Bats can enter through holes the size of a quarter.

Call EIPH epidemiologists at (208) 533-3152 to determine whether testing the bat for rabies is indicated. If it is determined that you or your pet may be at risk of exposure to rabies, testing of the bat is a free service.

For information about bat proofing your home, visit the CDC Rabies page.

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