Category: kifi-local-news

CNN Newsource

By Pat Reavy

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MURRAY, Utah (KSL) — A Murray woman has been arrested and charged Wednesday with filming herself sexually abusing a young boy and distributing the video more than 200 times.

Jodee Davis, 31, is charged in 3rd District Court with aggravated sexual abuse of a child and aggravated sexual exploitation of a child, first-degree felonies.

The investigation began last week when FBI agents in Jacksonville, Florida, discovered “an online account posting child sexual abuse material on the internet. Florida FBI determined that the online account was posting the child sexual abuse material from a location in the state of Utah,” according to charging documents.

The account was traced back to Davis at her home in Murray, the charges state. On Aug. 8, agents served a search warrant on the residence.

“Law enforcement seized electronic devices in the home where the (she) resides, as well as (Davis’) cellphone, which was located elsewhere,” the charges say.

When questioned, Davis allegedly admitted to downloading child sex abuse material from the internet and uploading to one of her accounts. She also claimed she had sexually abused a child, video recorded herself doing it and “admitted to having posted or sent the video … roughly 200 times over the internet,” the charges allege.

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News Release

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

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) — Eastern Idaho Public Health is reporting a second case of measles in an unvaccinated child in Bonneville County. While last week’s confirmed case of measles was an international traveler, this is the first case of measles in an Idaho resident in Eastern Idaho since 1991. EIPH is monitoring any known contacts for potential infection. 

This is an epidemiology linked case, where the individual experienced symptoms after being in contact with the confirmed measles case from last week. At this time, the cases are self-isolating. EIPH anticipated that contacts in this household had the potential to become infected, but EIPH is not aware of potential exposure to the public from these cases.  

EIPH urges the public to check their vaccination records through their primary care provider or through the Docket app. Individuals who have received the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had a confirmed case of measles in the past, or are born before 1957 are considered immune to the measles virus. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles after receiving two doses. 

If you suspect that you or someone in your household has measles, it is important to stay home to prevent the spread of measles. For those who wish to test or receive medical care for symptoms, it is essential to call your medical provider before visiting to prevent further spread of infection.  

For questions about measles symptoms or receiving the MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider. 

*Additional cases involved with this household will be reported to the State and to the CDC, but will not be announced in separate press releases. Cases that involve community spread will be reported. 

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CNN Newsource

By Averie Klonowski

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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (KSTU) — The new report showing homelessness had increased by 18% in Utah came as no surprise to those at the Switchpoint Overflow Homeless Shelter in West Valley City.

Allan Weigand has been at the shelter for the last eight months while he looks for a new job, and says it’s always busy at Switchpoint.

“They take care of you. They listen to you. I mean, we have rules and they’re very strict on them,” said Weigand.

According to the Point-In-Time Count, 4,500 Utahns experienced homelessness on a single night.

“Another thing that really scares me, I’m seeing a lot more younger, younger and younger people,” Weigand added.

Homelessness in Utah shows sharp rise, including increase in children:

Weigand ended up at the West Valley City shelter after supporting his late wife through her illness.

“The bills. The services, and stuff like that,” he explained.

Now, Weigand is looking for his next career opportunity.

“I know there are a lot of people here that want to work, that are having a hard time finding a job,” he said. “That’s all we want, we don’t want a handout. Just a hand up.”

Switchpoint opened its doors in November 2023 and has been busy ever since.

“We have not slowed down at all from the very beginning … three weeks in, we were at full capacity,” said shelter overflow site manager Paulina Barrios.

The shelter, which offers help with food, education, and medical issues, originally opened with 170 guests but has since expanded its capacity to 190.

Weigand explained that even when he does secure a job, high prices will remain a concern. But, each day, the shelter gives him support and hope to get where he wants to go.

“Miss Paulina. She’s amazing. She has to give ____ but she’s amazing,” said Weigand. “She scares me a little bit.”

Allan shared a good reminder that when you can look up, you can get up:

“Sometimes it is, life knocks us down and we’re trying to get up,” he shared.

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News Team

 IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) is moving forward with a revised parking improvement plan following extensive feedback from downtown business owners. The most significant change is the decision not to implement the proposed app-based paid parking for on-street spots at this time.

“We have heard the feedback and have been meeting with many of our downtown community members to better understand their current unique needs,” said Kerry Hammon, Executive Director of the IFDDC. Hammon noted that downtown parking has been a complex issue since 1971, and the current plan reflects a consensus to pause the on-street parking initiative for now. The option may be re-evaluated in the future, but there is no set timeline.

Instead of the app-based system, the IFDDC will focus on other elements of its plan. These include:

Upgrading signage in existing paid parking lots.

Refining the permitting process for these lots.

The primary goal of these efforts is to increase on-street parking availability for customers. The IFDDC will continue its enforcement efforts and work to educate the downtown workforce about the importance of using off-street parking lots—both paid and free—to keep prime on-street spaces open for shoppers and visitors.

The IFDDC will continue its dialogue with downtown stakeholders and the City of Idaho Falls to explore additional solutions. For the latest updates, the community is encouraged to visit the IFDDC website or sign up for the Downtown E-newsletter.

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — University of Idaho murderer Bryan Kohberger is reportedly making complaints to prison guards that he is facing verbal abuse and taunts from fellow inmates.

The 30-year-old former Washington State University criminology Ph.D. student pleaded guilty to the murders of four undergrads at the nearby University of Idaho last month – Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

The deal – which allowed Kohberger to avoid the death penalty – ensured that the convicted killer would be housed in a secure housing unit with individual cells called J Block, at the Idaho State Correctional Complex in Kuna, Idaho. Although he is separated from other inmates in J block, it’s reported that inmates are yelling at him through grates, taunting him through vents in his cell.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, which broke the story, the inmates are taking turns yelling at the convicted killer through a grate. “They are literally getting up into the grate and yelling at him,” Chris McDonough, a former detective who is now with the Cold Case foundation, told the outlet. “The inmates are taking turns doing it. It’s relentless.”

Kohberger is also reporting to guards that he cannot sleep amidst the harassment. However, it seems the convicted killer is receiving little sympathy from former convicts, prison officials, or the community at large. In an interview with Fox News Digital, former prison pastor Keith Roverea said Kohberger is, “lucky it’s only verbal abuse right now.” He believes Kohberger is only making the situation much worse by complaining.

“I have no doubt he’s contemplating suicide already because he’s not even a month in, and he’s losing control,” Rovere told the outlet. “Most serial killers tend to be control freaks. Throw autism on top of that, and the chaos that the inmates are causing him is making him lose his mind. And it’s only going to get worse.”

In response to the reported complaints, the Idaho Department of Corrections said in a statement, “Incarcerated individuals commonly communicate with each other in prison. Bryan Kohberger is housed alone in a cell, and IDOC security staff maintain a safe and orderly environment for all individuals in our custody.” 

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News Team

 IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —A 49-year-old Madison County man has died following a fatal motorcycle crash on 160th E. near Old Ririe Highway. The rider, identified as Jeremy Paul Hurst, was pronounced dead at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a parked garbage truck.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with an Idaho Falls Ambulance and Jefferson Central Fire, were dispatched to the scene around 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the motorcycle rider trapped underneath the truck. Air Idaho Rescue was called to assist, and emergency responders worked to free him from the truck and began life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Hurst succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the preliminary investigation suggests Hurst was traveling north on 160th E. when he failed to notice the garbage truck parked on the side of the road in time to maneuver around it safely. Witnesses reported that Hurst had laid his motorcycle on its side just before the collision. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and no other individuals were injured.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing to investigate the crash.

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News Team

OGDEN, Utah (KIFI) — The 745-acre Willard Peak Fire continues to threaten homes and has forced evacuations in North Ogden, Utah. The fire started around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the foothills near North Ogden and grew to over 700 acres overnight.

Over 150 homes are under an evacuation order, though fire crews made significant progress overnight and have successfully protected all structures so far, according to the North View Fire District. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at 3602 North 500 West, Pleasant View.

The fire is currently 0% contained, and fire crews are working in steep, rugged terrain, according to Utah Fire Info. Multiple helicopters were dropping water on the blaze last night, and additional hand crews have been requested to help with suppression efforts today.

The North Ogden Divide remains closed to allow fire crews to work safely. The Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team is scheduled to take command of the incident later today. Authorities warn that today’s critical fire weather could make conditions more challenging for firefighters.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Bonneville School District 93 celebrated the opening of its new Transportation Center. 

With the support of board members and the superintendent, the school district’s transportation director, Pam Cripps, cut the ribbon for the new bus maintenance building on Wednesday night. 

District leaders said the new facility will centralize their fleet maintenance and streamline operations, as well as enhance safety. 

Superintendent Scott Woolsenhulme said they have been working for a long time to get the new building. 

Funding for the new facility came from savings when building Black Canyon Middle School. 

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — School is in session for some, while others are getting ready to head back.  That means school buses will be on the road as well. The Madison School District is reminding drivers is asking drivers to pay attention to their surroundings as they are moving around 3,200 kids every school day.

“We just want the general public to be aware that the school buses are going to be out on the roads delivering our students, and our goal is to get them there as safely as we can. And we want to make sure that they’re watching out for the buses so that students aren’t getting hit or injured,” said Brandon Caldwell, Transportation Director for Mandison School District 321.

One of the biggest issues they are seeing is that people are ignoring a very important sign.

“They run the stop signs. I’ve had that happen several times,” said Les Hill, Driver/Safety supervisor and Trainer.

In 2024, in the Madison school district alone, they had over 100 stop arm violations with cars illegally passing our school buses. 

“They’re not only endangering themselves and the public around them, but I’ve got a bus full of kids that I’m responsible for,” said Hill.

Local news 8 did a ride-along on a school bus; we made over 10 stops to see how drivers respond. Local news 8 caught two drivers breaking this rule, and we’re told this was actually a good day for them.

If you run the bus’s stop sign and you think you got away with it, think again. 

“Currently, we have about a quarter of our fleet outfitted with stop arm cameras. We currently have 12 brand new buses that we’ve received in the last year, and all of those are outfitted with forward-looking dash cameras out the windshield and stop arm cameras as well on the sides of the bus,” said Caldwell.

The same rules used at stop lights apply to school buses. Yellow means slow down, and red means stop.

As of last year, Idaho increased the fine to $300 for the first offense, but you can’t put a price on a child’s life.

The three main trouble spots they see in Rexbug are Pioneer Road, where they see on average 6 to 8 stop arm violations a day, Highway 33 going out west of town, and then 12th West between Main Street and University. 

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News Release

The following is a news release from Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott’s office:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Caleb Sickinger, 45, of Rigby, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.  

According to court records, in November 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in Alabama arrested an individual on charges of coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography. In a post-arrest interview, the individual told FBI agents that he had received images of child pornography from a “woman” in Idaho. His communications with the “woman” revealed her name and included images of her. FBI agents in Idaho received this information and began an investigation. Agents identified the “woman” and also identified the child depicted in the child pornography. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at the woman’s residence in Rigby, Idaho. However, none of the electronic devices recovered or email addresses used by the woman matched the evidence from the investigation.

Agents eventually learned that the woman had not been involved in the crime. Caleb Sickinger, who was a police officer at the time, ultimately admitted to falsely assuming the woman’s identity—without her knowledge—by utilizing images from her social media account. Sickinger also admitted to obtaining images of the child from social media and having the images digitally altered to appear as child pornography. Sickinger then distributed those altered images to the individual in Alabama. 

Chief U.S. District David C. Nye also ordered Sickinger be placed on supervised release for the remainder of his life following his prison sentence. Sickinger will be required to register as a sex offender. Sickinger pleaded guilty to the charge on April 8, 2025.

“This defendant victimized a child and her mother in committing this horrible crime,” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “I commend the cooperative efforts of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agents who identified him as the perpetrator and held him appropriately accountable.”

“Every image and video created and shared perpetuates the abuse of a child who will carry that trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI is unwavering and united with our partners in the fight to protect our children from predators who seek to exploit and harm them.”

“I want to thank my ICAC investigators, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local and federal law enforcement partners for their efforts in securing today’s outcome,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Idahoans are safer today because of their hard work and dedication to protecting our state.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Pocatello, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Falls Police Department, and the Idaho ICAC Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Paskett prosecuted this case.

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