Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

Originally Posted Wed, March 4, 2026 at 9:39 AM on CBS2

By Ryan Oswald

PAYETTE, Idaho (CBS2) — Stacey Wondra, the man accused of kidnapping and killing 5-year-old Michael “Monkey” Vaughan, is back in court on Wednesday as part of a preliminary hearing to determine whether or not the prosecution can take the case against him to trial.

The hearing began on Tuesday morning. Michael’s mother and father, Brandi and Tyler, were the first to testify. The couple individually testifying to the emotional and terrifying first moments of Michael’s disappearance from their home in Fruitland. Three separate K9 handlers, each who aided in various aspects of the search for Michael, also testified. Two of the handlers have specialized K9s that search for and detect human remains. Both dogs indicated the presence of human remains in the backyard of Sarah and Stacey Wondra’s home, though Michael’s body has not yet been found.

Juanita Kelleher, a Fruitland Police officer, was the first to testify on Wednesday morning. Officer Kelleher was involved in the investigation to find Michael from the very beginning. Officer Kelleher testified that every resource available, including professional search and rescue crews, dogs, and even helicopters, were brought in to assist. She also said that video from surrounding areas shows that Michael didn’t leave the neighborhood on foot.

Officer Kelleher testified that she identified a white Lexus, which belonged to Stacey Wondra, pulled into the parking lot of a park and splash pad near Michael’s home. According to Kelleher, Stacey was seen on video getting out of his car, testing the door handle on the passenger side. Traffic cameras also show a different vehicle belonging to the Wondras, a maroon pickup truck, left their home some time after 8:00 pm the night Michael disappeared.

Video of an interview with Stacey Wondra in 2022 with Fruitland Police was played in court. Wondra was an inmate at the Washington County Jail on unrelated charges at the time, was played in court. Stacey told detectives that he was trying to give them everything he knows, but wants to know what sort of plea deal he could receive. Stacey told detectives on the video, that he “wanted to help find Michael.” The video interview appears to show Stacey attempting to negotiate a deal in exchange for helping find Michael.

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Kevin Richert

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 4, 2026

By Ryan Suppe and Kevin Richert, IdahoEdNews:

BOSIE, Idaho — Betty Grandy showed up prepared Wednesday morning.

She had data. She had a case study from a neighboring state. She’d already bounced her proposal off Gov. Brad Little.

Twin Falls fourth grader Betty Grandy speaks to the Senate State Affairs Committee Wednesday. Her bill to make hunting Idaho’s official sport is now headed to the Senate for a final vote. (Kevin Richert/Idaho EdNews)

Betty also had backup: her parents, a younger sister, her grandfather.

Minutes later, Betty had the Senate State Affairs Committee on her side. Equally persuaded and charmed, the committee unanimously endorsed the Twin Falls homeschooled fourth grader’s bill designating hunting as Idaho’s state sport.

Grandy, 9, told lawmakers that Idaho already has a host of state symbols. But no state sport — unlike other states, like Wyoming, which honors rodeo.

But when Betty polled readers of the Grandy Gazette, a newspaper she shares with family and friends, she found support for a different sport. “Hunting was a clear winner.”

Betty Grandy, 9, second from left, is flanked by her sister Margot, 7, and her parents, Neill and Diana. (Kevin Richert/Idaho EdNews)

Making her subscribers’ case, Betty said a state designation would honor hunting’s place in Idaho’s heritage. And, she said, it would ensure that future fourth graders learn about the role hunting plays in the state.

After presenting the evidence, Betty did what every savvy lobbyist learns to do. She employed some people skills. “I’m grateful you are willing to consider an idea from a kid,” she said.

“You might be the best public speaker in this room,” said Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa.

“Good luck following that,” said Rep. Grayson Stone, R-Twin Falls, as the bill’s Senate sponsor, Meridian Republican Treg Bernt, prepared to close the presentation.

But by then, the committee’s mind was clearly made up.

“Sen. Bernt, sit down,” said Sen. Mark Harris, R-Soda Springs, wryly.

The hunting bill now goes to the Senate floor for a final vote. It passed the House unanimously on Feb. 23.

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Ryan Suppe

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 4, 2026

By Ryan Suppe and Kevin Richert, IdahoEdNews:

BOISE, Idaho — The House Education Committee deadlocked Wednesday on a bill punishing student walkouts, effectively killing it for this legislative session. 

House Bill 794 would have required that public schools count protest walkouts as unexcused absences. A motion to advance the bill failed on a 7-7 tie, amid concerns that the bill would infringe on free speech rights and parents’ right to excuse their children from school. 

“This is an assault on parental rights,” said Rep. Chris Mathias, D-Boise. “And unless we can articulate a significant state interest in this restriction … this is not going to withstand constitutional scrutiny.”

Rep. Steve Tanner, R-Nampa (Brandon Schertler/Idaho EdNews)

Sponsoring Rep. Steve Tanner gave the committee printouts of news articles on recent student protests. Students from Boise to McCall to Idaho Falls have staged school walkouts in recent weeks to protest federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

“It’s a waste of taxpayer money for students to leave their classrooms to (protest),” said Tanner, R-Nampa. “Students are free to protest at any other time.”

Rep. Clint Hostetler, who supported the bill, said walkouts are disruptive and students are being used as a “political tool.”

“When we have large groups of children walking out to protest, many times, probably, for what they don’t understand or what they’ve been told without critical thinking itself, there’s some big issues there,” said Hostetler, R-Twin Falls. 

A Boise junior high student and his mother testified against the bill during Wednesday’s public hearing.

Cruz Beazer from South Junior High School said he helped organize a recent walkout. It occurred in the last 20 minutes of the school day — during a class period designed for students to catch up on late work. “We made sure we were not in disruption of other classes,” Beazer said. 

Jenn Beazer said she excused her son from school to protest — and to testify Wednesday. “I have lots of opportunities to be proud of my son,” Jenn Beazer said, through tears. “I was very proud that day, and I’m very proud this day, too.”

Rep. Dan Garner, who opposed the bill, recalled a walkout during his school days. Garner, R-Clifton, said he protested a school policy that forbade girls from wearing Levi’s jeans. “We learned more about government and how it should work in the democracy of the United States in that afternoon than I did the whole year in government class,” he said.

Rep. Dan Garner, R-Clifton (Brandon Schertler/Idaho EdNews)

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News Team

KEMMERER, Wyoming (KIFI) — U.S. Senators for Wyoming are applauding the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for officially issuing a construction permit for TerraPower’s “groundbreaking” advanced nuclear reactor. This approval marks the first time in over 40 years that a non-light water reactor has received such approval in the United States.

The permit authorizes TerraPower to build a Natrium reactor, a sodium-cooled advanced design, on a site adjacent to a retiring coal-fired power plant in Kemmerer. This decision represents the first NRC approval for any commercial reactor construction in nearly a decade.

“This is a historic step forward for advanced nuclear energy in the United States and reflects our commitment to delivering timely, predictable decisions grounded in a rigorous and independent safety review,” NRC Chairman Ho Nieh said.

“The Energy Capital of America”

Wyoming’s Congressional delegation praised the move as a dual victory for energy independence and the state’s local economy.

“Wyoming is the energy capital of America. We are also the number one producer of uranium in the country,” said Senator Barrasso (R-WY). “That’s why Wyoming is the right place to build modern nuclear energy infrastructure that provides safe, affordable, and reliable energy. This groundbreaking project is another way to help diversify Wyoming’s already strong energy economy.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released a statement calling the approval a “landmark day” for Wyoming, linking the project to the Trump Administration’s broader goals of national energy independence.

“Wyoming has long powered this nation, and I’m proud that we are leading the next generation of nuclear energy,” said Lummis. “TerraPower’s advanced reactor will bring economic opportunity to Kemmerer and western Wyoming, while proving that America can build the technologies of the future right here at home.”

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Par Kermani

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI)— The wait for the “One Love” in East Idaho is nearly over. Raising Cane’s has officially announced that its newest restaurant will open its doors in Chubbuck on Tuesday, March 31.

Located at 4310 Yellowstone Ave., the restaurant is finally coming to the local community.

“We’re thrilled to bring Raising Cane’s to Chubbuck,” said Restaurant Leader Gavin Allen. “This new restaurant gives us the chance to connect with the Idaho community, share our ‘One Love,’ and create a space where neighbors and families can come together.”

Beyond the food, the restaurant plans to partner with area schools, sports teams, and non-profits through various sponsorships and fundraising opportunities.

To prepare for the March 31 launch, Raising Cane’s is currently looking to hire 135 crewmembers, including cashiers, fry cooks, and customer service associates.

Interested candidates can apply online at jobs.raisingcanes.com to schedule an interview. In-person interviews are being held daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the restaurant site on Yellowstone Avenue through Saturday, March 14.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The young man charged with the fatal shooting of a Blackfoot mother in her home last year will spend up to the next six decades behind bars.

16-year-old Bobby G. Jackson was sentenced to 24 years fixed and 36 years indeterminate for Second Degree Murder in the death of Rebecca Rivera, the Blackfoot Police Department announced today.

On October 23, 2025, prosecutors say Jackson stole a firearm before meeting with and shooting Rivera in the head while at a Blackfoot trailer park. The teen ran on foot, making his way to Chubbuck and eventually to Pocatello, where he was taken into custody without incident late the same night.

RELATED: 16-year-old charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of Blackfoot’s Rebecca Rivera

Last month, Jackson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a binding agreement with prosecutors.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rebbeca Rivera,” Blackfoot Police stated in a news release. “Incidents of this nature leave lasting pain and grief, and our thoughts remain with all who continue to mourn her loss…The family and friends of Rebbeca remain in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

The Blackfoot Police thanked their regional law enforcement partners for their “swift cooperation and assistance” in apprehending Jackson on the night of the homicide.

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Bailee Shaw

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A Boise woman accused of crashing a stolen ambulance into a medical office building and attempting to set it on fire must remain behind bars pending her upcoming trial.

On February 23, Prosecutors say that George stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s Hospital and drove it directly into the Portico North Building, which houses offices for the Department of Homeland Security. Following the crash, George poured gasoline around the area in an alleged attempt to set the building on fire.

RELATED: Boise woman faces federal charges after allegedly ramming stolen ambulance into Meridian office building

During yesterday’s detention hearing, the defense asked for her release with GPS monitoring, arguing that no one was physically hurt in the incident. But prosecutors argued the incident put lives at risk and said she would need round-the-clock supervision.

The judge ruled that 43-year-old Sarah Elizabeth George poses a potential danger to the community and denied her request for pretrial release, citing the severity of the incident and the risk to public safety.

George has pleaded not guilty to charges of Attempted Destruction of Federal Property by Fire and Malicious Destruction of Property Used in or Affecting Interstate Commerce by Fire. If convicted, she faces at least seven years in prison, and possibly much more under federal terrorism sentencing rules.

Her trial is set for April 20th.

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Seth Ratliff

PRESTON, Idaho (KIFI) — A 67-year-old Preston man has died from injuries after being hit by a pickup truck while crossing the road over the weekend.

The accident happened around 3:44 p.m. on February 28. The man was using a marked crosswalk to cross South State Street, north of West First Street, when he was hit by a 2003 pickup truck heading south. The driver of the truck has been identified as a 62-year-old male from Nibley, Utah.

Emergency responders rushed the man to a local hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, March 3. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.

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David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – A bill stirring discussion about the potential impacts to Harriman State Park passed the Idaho Senate on Monday.

The legislation’s sponsor, Idaho Senator Doug Okuniewicz, R-Hayden, reached out to Local News 8 today to defend his legislation and share his support for the bill.

“If there were even a remote chance that we thought this could jeopardize a park – let alone Harriman – we wouldn’t do this,” Okuniewicz said.

Senate Bill 1300 proposes that the Governor appoint the directors of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Fish and Game and Idaho Transportation Department, subject to confirmation by the state Senate every four years.

Okuniewicz said the directors are presently appointed by a board or a commission, whose members are appointed by the Governor.

The Senator believes having political appointees would improve relationships between the Legislature and the agencies.

He acknowledged that he’s received opposition claiming that the proposed law would violate the state of Idaho’s 1961 agreement with the Harriman family that established Harriman State Park.

Section 4(b) of that agreement states: “The People of the State of Idaho acting by and through the Legislature of Idaho will establish pursuant to law a professionally staffed career Park Service whose personnel shall be chosen on the basis of merit alone, and which shall be administered under merit system procedures for personnel administration, and the said Park Service shall, when established, be vested with the control and administration of the Park, subject to the advice and consent of the Governor of Idaho.”

Under Okuniewicz’s new legislation, the Senator said the Governor would still appoint directors to the three agencies based on their merit.

“As I said on the Senate floor, there’s zero risk of this somehow violating an agreement with the Harriman family – particularly to such a degree that it resulted in any kind of repercussions,” Okuniewicz said. “So the bill is perfectly in line with that agreement and can coexist with it quite easily.”

A grandson of one of the park’s original owners, Averrell Harriman Fisk, disagrees, sharing in a statement, “The gift is currently under threat by a bill pending in the Idaho Legislature. For years, Harriman State Park has been enjoyed by our family and millions of visitors. It must be protected from political whims. It must be protected for the people of Idaho.”

Senate Bill 1300 passed the Senate by a vote of 21 to 14 on Monday, and now goes to the Idaho House of Representatives for consideration.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFK) — It’s big election year with a May primary election and November general election. Last week was filing week for all candidates, people who could have heavy sway on issues that impact students and educators if they win. Class sizes, programs, and resources are all tied to the purse, and those elected to legislative power will hold those strings.

In the elections, there are rematches, comebacks, rookies, and a few uncontested champions. As races stretch across the state, and campaigning begins, it’s only fitting that we take a look at the one thing that truly matters to education… numbers.

272 candidates filed for the 105 legislative seats

29 are running for seven statewide offices

99 of the 105 incumbents are seeking relection

That’s not a lot of open seats.

There are many more Democrats running this year than in years prior, with twice as many running now than there were in 2022.

There will be 48 Republican primaries and seven Democratic primaries – that is, unless someone drops out. There have been a few cases of that happening, so it’s not without precedent.

Some East Idaho races are drawing attention. The return of past lawmakers Chad Christensen and Julianne Young is making waves – Young lost to Ben Fuhriman of Shelly by only a few votes in the last go-round.

Seven incumbents have no challengers at all, including Representative David Cannon of Blackfoot. He’s set up for another term without a contest.

In statewide races, both the Governor and State Superintendent are facing challengers, but the State Superintendent has no primary challengers for May.

The primary election is on May 19, and the general election is November 3.

You can find further details on these political races and their impact on education by visiting idahoednews.org.

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