Author: KIFI

News Release

The following is a news release from the Acting U.S. Attorney for Idaho’s office:

POCATELLO – Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced the results of three separate drug distribution cases in eastern Idaho today.

In one case, Andrea Nichole O’Brien, 38, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others. After law enforcement officers stopped O’Brien for a traffic violation, a dog, which was trained and certified to detect the odor of illegal drugs, alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle. During a search, police officers located 106.3 grams of methamphetamine under the driver seat and a loaded Glock 43 handgun in the driver’s door.

Andrea Nichole O’Brien, courtesy Bannock County Sheriff’s Office

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered O’Brien to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. O’Brien pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Pocatello Police Department for their investigation that led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case.

In the second case, Curtis Lee Campbell, 40, of American Falls, was sentenced to 143 months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. According to court records, in April and June 2024, Campbell sold methamphetamine to another person on three occasions in eastern Idaho. The first sale consisted of 7.24 grams, the second 27.23 grams, and the third was 28.62 grams, totaling 63.09 grams of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the Court determined that Campbell was a career offender because he had at least two prior felony convictions for controlled substance offenses.

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Campbell to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Campbell pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Pocatello Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their investigation which led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case.

In the third case, Jessica Dona Elison, 44, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others. According to court records, Elison traveled to Mexico or Arizona to get methamphetamine from her supplier. Bingham County Sheriff’s detectives were granted a search warrant to place a tracking device on the vehicle that Elison was driving. Detectives observed her vehicle coming back to Idaho. After Elison’s vehicle broke down in Pocatello, she moved the methamphetamine from her vehicle to another vehicle. During a search of that vehicle, officers found a bag that contained 281.53 grams of methamphetamine and 68.5 grams of marijuana.

Jessica Dona Elison, Courtesy: Bannock County Sheriff’s Office

Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Elison to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Elison pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the BADGES Task Force, which is a HIDTA-funded task force that includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pocatello Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chubbuck Police Department, for their investigation which led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — US-20 near Lindsay Boulevard has seen quite a few crashes, including the one on Friday, August 29. Four vehicles collided, but all passengers walked away with only minor injuries. 

Local News 8 asked the Idaho Department of Transportation if they plan to make improvements to the area. They say they are working to make the roads safer and less congested, as part of their plans to relocate the I-15 exit and US-20 and widen the roads.

“Because we know that area right in town in Idaho Falls is so busy, it has been on our radar for many years already to make a very large scale improvement,” said ITD Public Information Officer Sky Buffat.

There is no specific timeline just yet on when the project will be finished, but Buffat says we are closer to seeing the improvements they have in mind than ever before.

A lot goes into a road project. Every time ITD plans to start one, it has to present an Environmental Impact Statement, a 200-plus page-long document that lists all the things the project will affect.

“The noise, the cultural, historical, wetlands, so much more,” Buffat said. “All of those things have to be studied and analyzed and then put into a document for the Federal Highway Administration to overview, review and approve.”

Buffat says the public can help by being especially careful when driving through work areas to make sure no accidents put the road work on pause. 

More information about ITD’s plans involving US-20 can be found here.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews in Rexburg are actively working to repair a gas leak along West 7th South, as of 6:10 PM. According to the Rexburg Police Department, West 7th South is closed between Center Street and 2nd West.

They’re asking residents to avoid the area to allow technicians room to work. The cause of the leak has not been released at this time.

Local News 8 is tracking this developing story and will provide updates as information becomes available.

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News Release

The following is a news release from AAA Idaho.

BOISE, Idaho (News Release) – AAA and the Idaho Association of School Resource Officers (IDASRO) are working together to promote school zone safety.  Governor Brad Little recently proclaimed the week of September 7 as School Zone Safety Week.

“School zones require drivers to slow down and watch for children on their way to and from school, but anytime kids and vehicles share the same space, it can be risky,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “As drivers, we take the lead in keeping others safe.”

Safety tips for drivers and students

For drivers

Look for signage and flashing lights that indicate the location of a school zone.  Slow down and actively scan the road for children.

Never overtake a stopped school bus with flashing lights.  It’s dangerous and illegal.

Follow directions from crossing guards and teachers.

If possible, design your route to avoid residential neighborhoods and school zones.

Ditch the distractions.

For students

Before crossing the street, look left, then right, and then left again.  The closest vehicles will usually come from the left.

Avoid darting between cars.  Cross at crosswalks.

Step back at least five feet from the street while waiting at a bus stop.

Never board or exit the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

If you’re biking or on a scooter or skateboard, please wear a helmet.

Parents may also coordinate a “walking school bus,” where adults trade off days or weeks accompanying children to and from school as needed.

“As the days grow shorter, bright clothing. backpack lights and reflectors are a big help,” Conde said.  “We ask drivers, including our newest group of young drivers, to keep safety top of mind.  Every child deserves a safe and successful school year, and no one wants to jeopardize that.”

School Zone proclaimationDownload

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge.

HAMER, Idaho (News Release) — The Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge invites the community to our annual Birds, Bugles, and Brunch celebration on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Camas National Wildlife Refuge. This free, family-friendly event runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon and provides an opportunity to explore the refuge and spend time outdoors.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, followed by a variety of activities including hayrides, guided bird walks, activities for kids, and a “Find Your Wild” bingo scavenger hunt. Visitors will also have opportunities to explore the refuge’s pollinator garden, meet local wildlife partners at educational booths, and learn more about the refuge.

This year’s event is part of the nationwide Find Your Wild initiative, sponsored by America’s Wildlife Refuges and the Public Lands Alliance, an official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Camas is one of only two national wildlife refuges in Idaho participating in this nationwide celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Birds, Bugles, and Brunch is a perfect way to experience the beauty and diversity of Camas Refuge while learning about the importance of preserving our public lands.

The event will be held at the Pavilion near Refuge Headquarters (2150 E 2350 N, Hamer, ID 83425). Guests are welcome to arrive at any time during the morning.

The Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge support the refuge’s mission to preserve, protect, and restore biological diversity and historical resources, while providing opportunities for recreation, education, and scientific discovery.

Join us and “Find Your Wild” at Camas National Wildlife Refuge!

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Bannock County Landfill is hosting their monthly ‘Household Hazardous Waste Day’ on Saturday, September 6.

People can drop of any unused pesticides, motor oil, batteries, aerosols, and other common, hazardous household wastes for free to be segregated, packaged, and disposed of differently than regular trash to protect the local ecosystem.

“It’s kind of one of those things where we look at the environmental impact that you may have on any kind of a landscape, and at the cost of cleanup, the cost of handling, disposal… what’s best for the environment,” said Dillon Evans, operations manager of the Bannock County Landfill. “It’s kind of a natural thing that a lot of landfills do is we try and mitigate the waste from going into the lined cells.”

Evans said the landfill accepts hazardous wastes for a cost any day they are open; Household Hazardous Waste Day lets people dispose of unwanted waste from their garage or cleaning supplies free of charge.

People wishing to dispose of approved hazardous waste can bring the items to the Bannock County Landfill from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Landfill managers ask that people follow signs to the pickup point and stay in their cars while staff unload the waste.

For a full list of approved items that can be brought to the landfill on Household Hazardous Waste Day, visit the Bannock County Landfill website.

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Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)— A local farmer agrees to stop irrigating his crops for the rest of this year’s growing season, according to the Department of Water Resources.

District Court Judge Darren Simpson accepted a settlement between IDWR and Jerry and Valerie Bingham on Thursday.

The Binghams chose not to join the local water district, arguing that their water rights from the 1950s have seniority.

Because their water rights are junior to the priority date of 1900, the Binghams had to agree to stop irrigating for the rest of the 2025 season. As part of a settlement, the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) agreed to begin processing the mitigation plan the Binghams submitted on August 19. IDWR confirmed it had already taken the first step by publishing notice of the plan.

IDWR will still seek civil penalities against the Binghams at $300 per acre for their illegal diversion of water.

IDWR said most junior water users in Eastern Idaho have signed on to approved mitigation plans including those agreed in the 2024 Water Settlement Agreement. Because of that, they have avoided any impact from the curtailment order issued in July.

IDWR said the Binghams initially refused to curtail their water use on four wells.

IDWR provided the following background of events:

IDWR staff and the local Watermaster had several conversations with Jerry Bingham, where he was informed of the curtailment order and its requirements. 

The Binghams’ attorney sent a letter to IDWR confirming their intent to not shut off their water use and refusal to join a groundwater district for the purposes of mitigation. 

IDWR has started the review process on the Binghams’ mitigation plan; public notice of the plan will be forthcoming. 

On Aug. 20, 2025, the Department filed a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO). The motion asked the Court to order the Binghams to cease diverting water until the hearing on the Departments motion for preliminary injunction. 

On August 25, 2025, the Court granted the Department’s motion for a TRO and issued an order telling the Binghams to cease diverting water until the September 4 hearing. 

The Watermaster has confirmed that the Binghams complied with the TRO. 

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Idaho Falls Police have released bodycam video of an officer-involved shooting that killed an Idaho Falls man.

The video includes the initial 911 call and sections of body camera footage from three officers. You can see the above.

On August 19, 2025, police were called to an apartment on Clubhouse Circle around 10 p.m. A woman reported that a man, later identified as Derrand Zimmerman, 39, was acting “erratically” and armed with a gun, had allegedly pointed the weapon at her.

While officers were searching the area, the man came back and reportedly tried to force his way into the apartment. According to a statement from Idaho Falls Police, the caller said the man was pounding on the door, trying to get inside. Emergency dispatchers told the woman and children inside to stay put and shelter in place.

Police found the man outside and attempted to calm things down by giving him commands to surrender. When he didn’t respond, they deployed a K-9 unit to help take him into custody, but that also didn’t work.

Around 10:50 p.m., things escalated. The man allegedly pulled out a gun, shouted threats, and fired a shot at the officers. In response, two officers fired back, hitting the suspect, according to the police statement.

Zimmerman was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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News Release

UPDATE:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews from multiple agencies are actively battling the Buckum Fire, burning in the rugged Hells Half Acre lava flow area near East River Road.

Firefighters from multiple agencies are on the scene, including the BLM Idaho Falls District, the Shelley and Firth fire departments, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. According to the Bureau of Land Management Idaho Fire Program, aerial support is also on site, with a Forest Service Helitack Type 3 helicopter and a large air tanker assisting with suppression efforts from above.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time. Officials have confirmed that no evacuations have been ordered, and no structures are currently under threat.

Fire managers are urging the public to avoid the area to ensure the safety of both residents and fire personnel. A strict warning has also been issued to the public: flying drones near the fire is prohibited. “If you fly a drone over a fire, air operations could be suspended,” warns BLM Idaho Fire.

Local News 8 is tracking this developing story and will provide updates as more details are released.

ORIGINAL:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — A 40-acre wildfire, named the Buckum Fire, is currently burning between Blackfoot and Shelley. The fire was first reported around 2:52 PM.

Details are limited, but the smoke is reportedly visible from the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds. Witnesses have reportedly seen large planes and helicopters on the scene dropping fire retardant. The specific crews responding to the fire are not yet known.

Local News 8 is tracking this developing story and will provide updates as more details are released.

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Abi Martin

A nursing student at the College of Eastern Idaho is representing the Gem state on the national stage.

Ellie Daniels was crowned Miss Idaho earlier this summer and will now compete in the Miss America pageant tomorrow evening.

She’s currently in Orlando, Florida, preparing for the big night while juggling her studies in CEI’s registered nursing program.

The competition highlights leadership, academic achievement, and community impact. 

These are values Daniels says reflect her own journey as a student and scholarship recipient.

You can watch the Miss America pageant Sunday at 5:00 p.m. on the Miss America Youtube channel.  

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