Author: KIFI

Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Fish and Game is reminding East Idaho residents to use caution around wildlife after confirming distemper in raccoons in the Pocatello and Chubbuck area and sharing guidance for safely handling bat encounters around homes.

Over the past three weeks, Fish and Game personnel in southeast Idaho have responded to numerous reports of raccoons appearing sick, lethargic or injured. Officials say some of the animals were also seen lingering in plain view during daylight hours, behavior that is not typical for raccoons.

Fish and Game has since confirmed distemper in the local raccoon population.

Wildlife officials are urging residents not to approach or handle sick raccoons.

The agency is also reminding residents what to do if they encounter a bat in or around their home.

Bats are common throughout Idaho, particularly near rivers, ponds, reservoirs, forests and agricultural areas. While most encounters are harmless, Fish and Game says residents should never handle a bat with bare hands.

If a bat is found inside a home and there has been no direct contact with people or pets, officials recommend wearing heavy gloves and using a container and piece of cardboard to safely capture and release the animal outdoors.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat, or who finds a bat in a room with a sleeping person or child, should contact a healthcare provider or local public health district. In some cases, the bat may need to be captured and tested for rabies.

Fish and Game says bats found outdoors hanging from trees, walls, shrubs or other surfaces are typically resting during the day and should be left alone.

Residents who discover bats living in attics, garages or outbuildings are encouraged to contact their local Fish and Game office for guidance on safely removing them.

Officials say the common message for both situations is to avoid direct contact with wildlife and keep pets vaccinated.

Anyone with questions about sick raccoons, bats or other wildlife concerns can contact the Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region office at 208-232-4703.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho ranks in the top 10 states with the most fatal falls for the elderly. With nearly 23 percent of Idaho seniors living alone, being proactive in preventing falls can make the difference between a minor bump and a debilitating injury.

According to the CDC, 14 million older adults in the U.S. report falling each year. Installing devices such as grab bars in bathrooms and showers could help prevent accidents.

“They also have grab bars for recliners and chairs,” Anna Bisharat, the head nurse at The Gables Assisted Living of Idaho Falls, stated. “They can be installed in the chair to help them push off. And they have ones that you can also attach to the side of beds, and that’ll help them get in and out of bed and can still keep their personal items close to them.”

Grab bars are a great way to still have independence while providing support. They don’t just contribute to preventing environmental falls, but health-related falls as well.

“Even blood pressure, we’ve noticed it will be high then drop, and then it will cause them to fall more,” Jennifer Packer, the administrator at The Gables Assisted Living of Idaho Falls, said. “If they’re becoming dizzy, get [them] something that can monitor their vitals [and] take their blood pressures daily. If they can, get a blood pressure cuff and look online for normal and out-of-range parameters that they can follow.”

Falling is a part of life and can’t always be prevented, but providing safety alerts and tools can help keep them from being fatal.

Getting involved in elderly care

You do not need to become a nurse or caretaker to care for the elderly; you can become a volunteer.

Meals on Wheels America does daily meal deliveries Monday through Friday where volunteers frequently check-in on the elderly who receive these services. When a patient has fallen or is injured, the volunteers remain with them until help can arrive. Whether it’s an ambulance or emergency contact, the volunteers will ensure they are safe.

They have saved numerous lives with wellness checks and constant visits. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to deliver meals and check on elderly patients, you can find the volunteer form here.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—A Pocatello man is being held on aggravated battery charges for stabbing a man in the neck in the early morning of June 24, 2026.

According to court documents, Pocatello Police were called to a home shortly after 3 a.m. When officers arrived, Dylan Michael Myler was sitting on the porch and was arrested.

Inside the home, police found a man with stab wounds on the left side of his neck, one of his fingers was cut, and wounds on his left arm.

Officers wrote that blood was found on the bedroom floor and pills were scattered on the floor.  The victim told police the pills were Myler’s, who has schizophrenia.

The victim said he was trying to give Myler the pills after he was acting strange.   That is when Myler jumped out of bed with a knife, stabbing him in the neck.

Myler told police he was listening to music in his bed when the man entered his room and stood there creepily. That’s when he said, “I grabbed my pocketknife and stabbed him in the neck.”

When police asked why he stabbed the man, he said, “I wanted to kill him.”

Myler is being held at the Bannock County Jail.  His next court hearing is scheduled for July 8.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Zoo Idaho will reopen Tuesday after closing for a day while authorities investigated a bomb threat reported over the weekend.

The zoo was evacuated Sunday, June 28, as a precaution after the threat was reported. Zoo Idaho remained closed Monday while the investigation continued.

Related: Bomb threat prompts evacuation at Zoo Idaho

“The safety of our residents and visitors will always come first,” Mayor Mark Dahlquist said. “I’m grateful to the Zoo Idaho staff, the Pocatello Police Department, and the FBI. Thank you to our community for your patience and understanding as they worked through this investigation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Zoo Idaho on Tuesday.”

The Pocatello Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, continues to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information related to the bomb threat is asked to contact the Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100.

Zoo Idaho is expected to resume regular business hours Tuesday, June 30.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Alan Reed, owner and operator of Reed’s Dairy, has been named the grand marshal of the 2026 Idaho Falls Independence Day Parade.

“For generations, the Reed family has been synonymous with hard work, quality, and community service in eastern Idaho,” The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber said in a statement.

Reed’s Dairy was founded in 1955 and has grown into one of eastern Idaho’s best-known local businesses. The company is known for its dairy products and ice cream, as well as its support of schools, youth programs, charitable organizations and community events.

“Alan Reed represents the very best of Idaho Falls,” said Paul Baker, CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. “His dedication to family, business excellence, and community service has positively impacted countless lives throughout our region.”

As grand marshal, Reed will lead the annual Independence Day Parade on July 4.

The parade is part of Idaho Falls’ America250 celebration and is one of the city’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions. It brings together community organizations, businesses and residents to celebrate the nation’s independence.

The parade will begin with staging on John Adams Parkway and Fourth Street.

For more information, contact the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce at (208) 523-1010.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho’s Attorney General is warning consumers about a scam targeting people applying for permits and development projects in the Treasure Valley.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, scammers are obtaining public information submitted to local planning and development departments and using it to send fraudulent emails and invoices demanding payment.

Officials say the scam has affected planning departments in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell.

“Idaho’s growth has made families a target,” Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. “Scammers are pulling public permit records and sending fake invoices designed to look official and counting on people to panic and pay first, ask questions later.”

The emails often contain official logos, employee names, contractor information, project details and addresses, making them appear legitimate. The messages typically claim a project will be delayed or canceled if payment is not made immediately.

Authorities say payments are often requested through wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency ATMs which are common warning signs of fraud.

“As scams continue to evolve, we encourage our customers to please reach out to us to confirm any requests for funds,” said Rodney Ashby, planning and zoning director for the City of Nampa.

Boise officials say the city will never request payment by wire transfer for planning application or permitting fees.

“Phishing scams continue to be a concern, and we want to be clear that the city will never request payment by wire transfer for planning application or permitting fees,” said Maureen Brewer, director of Boise’s Planning and Development Services.

Consumers are encouraged to contact their local planning department directly before sending money if they receive a suspicious payment request.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam can report it or file a consumer complaint at ReportScamsIdaho.com.

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Par Kermani

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that left a 49-year-old woman dead Sunday evening.

Deputies were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. to a residence at 4021 N. 5725 E. in Madison County following a report of a shooting.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies found Lesa Perrenoud, 49, unconscious inside the home. Deputies and emergency medical personnel immediately began lifesaving efforts.

Perrenoud was flown by air ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, where she later died from her injuries.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Authorities have not released additional details as detectives continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews.

Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The sheriff’s office extended its condolences to Perrenoud’s family and loved ones.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 208-372-5000.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available

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Fox13

Originally Published: 29 JUN 26 13:59 ET

By Scott McKane

Click here for updates on this story

    JUNCTION, Utah (KSTU) — With flames from the Cottonwood Fire now visible on the Piute County side, and smoke filling the valley below, residents gathered Friday to go over emergency plans in case the situation gets worse and evacuations are ordered.

The meeting at Piute High School in Junction began somberly, with an emotional apology from one of the first responders who was on scene Monday.

“We did everything we absolutely could. We called for every bit of help we could find. And about all we could do was get people out of the way of it,” said Nick Schenk with Great Basin Team 5.

But the dozens of people in attendance knew those responders were facing an uphill battle fighting the now historic Cottonwood Fire.

“Lots of anxiety, lots of worry, lots of stress,” said resident Laramie Leavitt of what this week has been like.

Leavitt is one of the lucky ones, as he went to check on his family’s cabin early Friday and was amazed that anything survived.

“From what I’ve seen, I think [firefighters] are working hard and I’m pretty happy with that,” he said. “Mother Nature is going to do what she’s gonna do.”

Like others, Leavitt realizes it’s not over yet.

“Friends and neighbors have come together. This is a great community. This is my home, this is your home, and by God we’re gonna defend it!” said Piute County Attorney Scott Burns.

Unfortunately, for everyone involved, things may get worse before they get better as the high, unpredictable winds are expected to kick up again throughout Saturday. It means it will be very difficult for crews on the ground and the planes and helicopters overhead to resume attacking the fire in earnest.

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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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 29 JUN 26 13:39 ET

By Mike Anderson, KSL

Click here for updates on this story

    BEAVER, Utah (KSL) — Saturday morning, Mo Larsen and her family were met by a small army of neighbors, ready to help them recover from their loss in the Cottonwood Fire. Larsen says she was hesitant at first to accept the help, but eventually agreed when offered by friends at church.

“I think it’s awesome,” Larsen said in gratitude. “It’s the most Christlike thing that I could think of, to be able to serve a neighbor in need; someone who did lose a home in the fire.”

Larsen and her family were in the process of moving into a home they purchased in Beaver a few months ago. Until a very recent, abrupt turn of events, their condo near the Eagle Point Ski Resort was also their primary home.

“There was still stuff and furniture and memories in that house,” Larsen explained. “And we were going to just be renting it out over the winter and in the summer.”

Larsen says her husband, a volunteer firefighter, happened to be near the condo when the fire erupted, but couldn’t gather their belongings.

“Instead of grabbing our stuff, my husband was knocking doors, making sure everyone else was evacuated because he’s a hero,” Larsen said.

Meantime, Larsen’s home in Beaver was not quite move-in ready. Volunteers on Saturday were helping bury a water main, sanding and painting wooden wall panels, and helping run wires for lighting. Neighbors like Nick Pray were eager to help.

“We’re all kind of a big family around here,” Pray said. “Even people that come from out of town, they notice that and that’s why they end up sticking around.”

Larsen also points out that the community around Beaver, Iron, and Garfield counties is raising funds for people who have suffered losses in the Cottonwood Fire, with accounts set up at Utah Independent Bank and the State Bank of Southern Utah.

“This is an amazing community, and we’re a really tight-knit community,” Larsen said. “And I know that if somebody needed help, then people would be there.”

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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Par Kermani

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Wyoming health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County and are warning the public about several potential exposure locations in northwest Wyoming.

“We are asking people who may have been exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date and consider avoiding crowded public places and high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer.

Officials said monitoring is especially important for people who have not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading down the body.

According to the Wyoming Department of Health, people may have been exposed to measles at multiple locations in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson between June 17 and June 25.

Possible exposure locations include:

• Cafe Court Pizzeria and Ranch House Restaurant at Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park from noon to 10 p.m. on June 17 and June 18.

• Colter Bay Convenience Store in Grand Teton National Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 20.

• Target Jackson Hole from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on June 25.

The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that anyone who develops symptoms call their healthcare provider before seeking care in person to help prevent additional exposures.

Babies too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women who are not immune and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications from measles. Health officials recommend those individuals contact their healthcare provider if they believe they may have been exposed.

The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles, and state health officials are encouraging Wyoming residents to make sure they and their children are up to date on vaccinations.

The Wyoming Department of Health maintains a list of measles cases and exposure locations on its website.

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