Category: kifi-local-news

News Release

The following is a scam alert news release from the Idaho State Police:

IDAHO — The Idaho State Police (ISP) is warning the public about a scam in which callers are spoofing ISP phone numbers, making it appear the calls are coming from official ISP dispatch centers. These calls are not from the ISP.

In recent days, ISP received multiple reports of individuals receiving suspicious calls from numbers that appeared to be from ISP. In one disturbing incident, a parent answered back-to-back calls from a man claiming to be a medic and insinuated that their child was in distress. He requested the child’s name, and the parents heard the sound of crying in the background. Thankfully, the child was safe at school, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the manipulative tactics employed by scammers.

“These calls are not coming from the Idaho State Police. This scam is designed to play on the hearts of potential victims and undermines trust in first responders,” Captain Tyler Jussel of the ISP Regional Communications Center said. “By spoofing first responders and dispatch centers, these scammers try to gain credibility in their deception. We want the public to know that ISP will never call in this manner.”

Protect yourself against spoofing scams:

Don’t provide personal information such as names, addresses, or account details over the phone unless you are certain of who is calling.

Hang up immediately if the call seems suspicious.

Verify before trusting – if a caller claims to be law enforcement, hang up and call the agency back directly using their publicly listed phone number.

Scammers thrive on fear and urgency. Take a moment to pause and verify before responding to any call. If you receive a suspicious call, don’t hesitate to hang up and report it to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Your caution could be the difference between falling victim to a scam and staying safe.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an open house on Thursday, September 4, to discuss proposed improvements to U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Arco. The meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Snake River Event Center at the Shilo Inn, located at 780 Lindsay Blvd in Idaho Falls.

The highway, first built in the 1950s, serves as an important roadway for the over 6,000 Idahoans who work at the Idaho National Laboratory. However, in order to continue to serve motorists for years to come, ITD says the roadway requires “robust improvements.”

“We know this route needs improvements and have been very focused on working towards them,” ITD District Engineer Jason Minzghor said. “We’re excited to get public input on the design and see construction happen in the very near future.”

Proposed designs aim to boost safety and capacity by widening the road to two lanes in each direction, starting in Idaho Falls and heading west. This expansion will make the route safer for everyone, including freight, agricultural, and commuter traffic, by providing more passing opportunities and improving visibility.

The open house will serve as an opportunity for the public to review the designs, learn about project timelines, and see how ITD plans to reduce construction impacts. Construction could begin as early as next summer with additional funding.

If you can’t make it in person, you can view the materials and submit comments online from September 4–18 at us20arcotoif.com.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Ground was broken at Idaho National Laboratory for a new experimental nuclear reactor Thursday, August 28.

INL is working with Aalo Atomics, a company that mass-manufactures nuclear plants. Representatives from both companies broke ground together for Aalo-X, “the nuclear industry’s first experimental extra modular nuclear reactor (XMR).”

“We’re getting back into a new nuclear age,” said INL Director, John Wagner. “Multiple companies like Aalo, their first groundbreaking, are paving the way toward to this new nuclear age where we will see a lot of growth in clean nuclear power for the nation. And this is particularly important in terms of the energy demand growth that we’re experiencing as a nation and across the world.”

Aalo Atomics was recently chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to participate in President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program.

The new nuclear reactor is planned to start operating by July 4, 2026.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Eastern Idaho State Fair:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Eastern Idaho State Fair is proud to announce the winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Best Fair Food Contest, where local media members served as judges to crown the best new and returning fair food offerings.

The competition featured four categories judged by local media representatives, with vendors being evaluated on both appearance (1-10) and taste (1-10) for a total possible score of 20 points.

Contest Winners:

Best New Entrée

First Place: La Quesabirra from La Casita Mexican Food

Second Place: Monte Cristo from Camille’s Crepes

Third Place: Hulu Hog from Blackhawk BBQ

Best New Sweet

First Place: Peachy Keen from Camille’s Crepes

Second Place: Campfire Secret from Sweet Temptations

Third Place: Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake from Creamy Creations

Fairest Entrée of Them All

First Place: Crazy Corn Nachos from Mexican Crazy Corn

Second Place: Triple Mac from Blackhawk BBQ

Third Place: Salmon on a Bagel from C & R Fish

Fairest Sweet of Them All

First Place: Devil’s Delight from Sweet Temptations

Second Place: Strawberry Butter Cake from Creamy Creations

People’s Choice

First Place: The Warhawk from Blackhawk BBQ

Contest Participants:

Best New Entrée Category:

Monte Cristo from Camille’s Crepes

Hulu Hog from Blackhawk BBQ

Pig Wings & Bacon Mac from Pig Wings & Things

Queso Birria Taco from Morel Homemade Tacos

Hot Honey Buffalo Fries with Chicken from The Chop and Crab

La Quesabirra from La Casita Mexican Food

Crazy Pulled Pork Nachos from Mexican Crazy Corn

Midway Curd Melt from Between the Buns

The Baked Barnyard from Smokin Bs

Best New Sweet Category:

Campfire Secret from Sweet Temptations

Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake from Creamy Creations

Deep Fried Cookie Dough/Ice Cream from Yankee Kan Kook

Chocolate Cheesecake Crepe from Camille’s Crepes

Chocolate Covered Strawberry with Oreo Mousse from Snack Shack

Mango Cup from Morel Homemade Tacos

Fried Peaches and Cream from Pig Wings & Things

Peachy Keen from Camille’s Crepes

The Rhuby Curd Churro Donut from CR Fish

Fairest Entrée of Them All Category:

Crazy Corn Nachos from Mexican Crazy Corn

The Whole Damn Farm from Billmans

Smoked Salmon on a Bagel from CR Fish

Triple Mac from Blackhawk BBQ

Surf N Turf from Between the Buns

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich from Yankee Kan Kook

Fairest Sweet of Them All Category:

Strawberry Butter Cake from Creamy Creations

Peachy Keen from Camille’s Crepes

Devils Delight from Sweet Temptations

The judging took place on Thursday, August 28, with local media members evaluating each entry based on visual presentation and taste. The competition showcases the creativity and culinary expertise of Eastern Idaho’s fair food vendors.

“The Eastern Idaho State Fair food contest continues to highlight the incredible talent of our local food vendors,” said Brandon Bird, General Manager. “Each year, we’re amazed by the innovative dishes our vendors create, and this year’s competition was no exception.”

Winners will receive recognition during the fair and special signage at their booths. The contest serves as a way to highlight new offerings and celebrate the fair’s diverse food scene.

For a complete schedule of events, entertainment lineup, and ticket information, visit www.funatthefair.com or follow the Eastern Idaho State Fair on social media.

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Seth Ratliff

NAMPA, Idaho (KIFI) — A Catholic Priest at Nampa’s St. Paul’s Catholic Church has been arrested and charged with sexual battery of a minor, the Nampa Police Department confirmed Thursday.

45-year-old Robert Mendez Esquivel was arrested on Wednesday and is being held at the Canyon County Jail. He faces one count of sexual battery against a minor between the ages of 16 and 17. Authorities have stated that the alleged incident did not involve a minor from the church or its affiliated school.

Diocese of Boise Responds

In a statement, the Diocese of Boise confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement and has immediately removed Esquivel from all priestly duties. The bishop, Reverend Peter F. Christensen, released a statement to the community asking for prayers for the alleged victim and the parish.

“I humbly ask for your fervent prayers, for the alleged victim, for the faithful of St. Paul’s community in Nampa and for our entire Diocese as we navigate this painful situation,” Reverend Christensen said.

According to the Diocese’s website and the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Esquivel previously served as chaplin for ministries called “Courage and Encourage,” which reportedly support individuals with same-sex attraction in living according to Catholic teachings and “ministers to family members of people with same-sex attraction.”

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to determine if there are any other victims. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact Crime Stoppers at 208-343-2677 or online at www.343cops.com. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Bannock County Commissioners voted unanimously to implement their controversial 2026 proposed county budget at a regular meeting on Thursday, August 28.

The budget has drawn sharp criticism from Bannock County residents and non-profit organizations for its drafted 14% raises to the Board of Commissioners and cuts to programs like the Aid for Friends homeless shelter, the Pocatello Free Clinic, and the Veterans Memorial Building.

At the commissioners’ meeting on Thursday morning, Commissioner Ken Bullock said funding cuts were made in an effort to lower taxes for residents, but admitted cutting non-profit support may not have been the best course of action.

“One of the biggest mandates we have from the county is to keep their property taxes low; that is probably the number one mandate–we try,” said Commissioner Bullock. “Sometimes in our efforts, maybe we miss, and we probably did as we got down to it. One of the areas that we probably did miss a little bit was some of the charities, some of the non-profits.”

Commissioner Bullock also said the board’s raises were drafted using funds previously allocated to a commissioner’s chief of staff’s job position (with a $75,000 annual salary), which was not filled this year, and the raises would not come from cuts to area non-profits.

Because the proposed budget has already been published, commissioners voted to pass the budget with plans to add revisions, potentially reinstating some county support to cut non-profits.

“I, like Commissioner Bullock, apologize for my narrow view and some of the incorrect information I had,” said Bannock County Board of Commissioners Chair Jeff Hough. “…I’ve been looking for ways to restore some funding to some of the nonprofits that we’ve talked about; we don’t have a solution today, but we have a path forward… I think we can find a way to do some things a little bit differently and correct the wrong.”

Commissioner Hough said budget revisions for county support of local non-profits could come in the next couple of weeks.

For more information or to view the county’s fiscal year 2026 budget, you can visit the Bannock County website.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Fish and Game:

MACKAY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued a fish salvage order for Mackay Reservoir, effective August 30 through October 31, 2025.

The Big Lost River Irrigation District is in the process of draining Mackay Reservoir to complete essential dam maintenance and prepare for future infrastructure upgrades. As water levels decline, many fish in the reservoir will be lost. The temporary salvage order is intended to maximize public use of the fishery before that occurs.

During the salvage order:

Anglers may harvest fish without bag or possession limits.

A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.

All methods of take are allowed except the use of firearms, explosives, chemicals, or electric current.

This order applies only to the flatwater portion of Mackay Reservoir. It does not apply to:

The Big Lost River downstream of Mackay Dam.

Any inflowing waters, including those crossing the dry portions of the reservoir bed.

For updates or more information, please visit idfg.idaho.gov or contact the Upper Snake Regional Office at (208) 525-7

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News Team

UPDATE:

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Latah County Judge Megan Marshall has extended a temporary restraining order that blocks the release of images, audio, and video from the bedrooms of the four University of Idaho murder victims. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the families of two of the victims, Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin. The families seek to permanently block the release of these materials.

The families appeared in court on Thursday to request a permanent injunction to prevent the public release of specific crime scene materials. The mother of Madison Mogen filed a legal motion to block the release of police body camera footage and other images that show her daughter’s body or personal belongings. The family of Ethan Chapin has filed a declaration in support of Mogen’s mother.

The families’ attorney, Leander James, stated that graphic images from inside the home were shared with a media outlet and then spread widely online. James argues that releasing these images constitutes an “unwarranted invasion into personal privacy” for both the deceased and their immediate family.

The legal action follows the Moscow Police Department’s recent release of some body camera footage from the crime’s aftermath. While all images of the victims’ bedrooms were blacked out, the families are concerned about the potential for unredacted footage to be released. City officials maintain they were simply following Idaho’s public records law and that they blurred the photos before their initial release.

The extended restraining order will remain in place as Judge Marshall takes the case under advisement.

ORIGINAL:

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Families of two victims in the Moscow student murders are fighting to prevent the release of graphic images from the crime scene. The two families are appearing in court today to ask a Latah County judge to permanently block the release of certain images from the crime scene, according to Fox News.

The mother of Madison Mogen has filed a legal motion to block the release of police body camera footage and other images that would show her daughter’s body and personal belongings. The family of Ethan Chapin has filed a declaration in support of Mogen’s mother.

The move comes after Moscow Police released some documents, photos, and body camera footage from the aftermath of the attack earlier this month. However, all images of the victims’ bedrooms were blacked out.

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News Team

The following comes from ABC affiliate ABC4 by Abigail Jones:

PROVO, Utah — An Idaho man pleaded guilty yesterday to a shooting at the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) back in 2020.

Dallin William Litster, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder (a second-degree felony) and five counts of felony discharge of a firearm (third-degree felonies) in Fourth District Court.

Litster was identified as a suspect in January of this year and charged with 9 counts of felony discharge of a firearm, one count of aggravated assault, one count of attempted murder, and one count of criminal mischief. He was extradited from Idaho to Utah on those charges.

According to a press release from Provo Police, early in the morning of August 3, 2020, there were reports of gunshots at the Provo MTC guard booth, which as occupied by a security guard at the time. Bullets shattered the glass window and entered the booth, striking the desk and the computer but missing the guard. The guard did sustain some injuries from the glass shattering, however.

Provo Police responded to the scene, and detectives worked with BYU investigators to find evidence, review camera footage, and interview the guard. Through interviews and video evidence, detectives determined that a man in a light-colored SUV drove into the area, parked near the booth, got out of the vehicle, and began shooting into the booth with a handgun.

They also determined that if the guard had not reacted quickly and moved to shelter from the gunfire, he probably would have been shot.

Investigators were not able to identify a suspect or the vehicle involved, and it took until 2024 for a suspect to be identified.

In May 2024, a deputy from Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho contacted Provo Police to tell them that after they had arrested Litster for a different crime, he admitted to “shooting at the MTC” in Provo.

Litster said that the booth was empty when he shot it and that it was “just vandalism.” Several roommates of his also told police that Litster had “issues” with missionaries and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Provo detectives determined that Litster was enrolled at UVU in Orem for the fall semester of 2020 and he had rented a room in Provo at that time. He also had access to a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the crime and a handgun. Litster also left the state within a few weeks of the shooting to return to Idaho.

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News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — A local woman is facing up to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of Forgery. Bingham County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Fred Wheeler announced today that April Eschief has been convicted following a one-day jury trial.

According to court documents, on January 4, 2025, Eschief gave a false $20 bill at McDonald’s as payment for her order. Fast Food staff reportedly detected the false bill and contacted law enforcement.

After an investigation and review of the surveillance video at McDonald’s, Officers identified and arrested Eschief and submitted the matter to the Bingham County Prosecutor’s Office for felony charges.

Her sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 3:30 pm.

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