Category: kifi-local-news

Linda Larsen

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — New developments emerged Tuesday in the Boise River Greenbelt murder case as a judge ordered a mental health competency evaluation for the man charged in the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Jordan Harbst.

Ross Wardlaw, 41, appeared in Ada County court for a preliminary hearing on a first-degree murder charge stemming from Harbst’s death. However, proceedings were put on hold after questions were raised about Wardlaw’s competency to stand trial.

The court’s decision marks the second time in less than a year that Wardlaw’s mental competency has been challenged in a criminal case.

Survivor of Previous Encounter Speaks Out

For Hannah French, who is a Fremont County native, the latest developments are deeply personal. In 2025, she worked as a shelter worker at the Interfaith Sanctuary in Boise and survived a previous alleged attack involving Wardlaw.

Hannah said Wardlaw threatened her with a knife while she was intervening in a fight.

“It was very preventable, and my heart was broken for the victim,” Hannah said. “This was 100% preventable. It’s very unfortunate that in order to get Ross Wardlaw help with his mental health, an individual had to be murdered.”

Following that incident, Wardlaw spent several months at State Hospital South after a psychologist determined he was not competent to stand trial. According to Hannah, he was later found competent, and a jury acquitted him in May before he was released.

“I knew I was in a dangerous situation when he was coming at me with a knife,” she said. “I have never been scared at work or scared of any of the individuals I serve, but seeing someone charge at you with a weapon is a scary feeling.”

Mental Illness, Not Homelessness, Hannah Says

Hannah emphasized that the tragedy should not be blamed on Wardlaw’s housing status.

“I think it’s important, aside from the fact that the system failed this 25-year-old victim,” she said. “But I think it’s also important to understand that people don’t commit crimes because they’re unhoused. People commit crimes because there’s more internal factors that play into it. There is not a reason that people commit murder.”

She said the larger issue is a system she believes failed both the victim and the broader community.

Calling for Changes to Mental Health Care

Reflecting on her experience testifying in the earlier case, Hannah described the process as emotional and intimidating.

“[He] basically said everything that I testified to wasn’t true,” said French. “It was just also very intimidating. You know when you’re explaining how you’re scared for your life, and that you know you have the feeling that you actually are going to be stabbed. It’s intimidating when you know he’s sitting on the stand telling you that ‘he catches what he’s gonna kill.'”

Hannah said she refuses to stay silent. She said the real accountability must extend beyond the courtroom to state laws that continue to release severely mentally ill individuals without long-term care.

“I’m an individual who utilizes mental health resources and things like that And so just making them easier access, not just for certain populations to have access to that, but access for everyone.”

What Happens Next

Prosecutors did not object to the court-ordered competency evaluation but said they reserve the right to challenge its findings.

The case is now scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 25.

Vital Resources for those in Need

While Wardlaw’s case highlights systemic gaps in Ada County, the trend of homelessness and unaddressed mental illness remains a statewide challenge. According to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, nearly 3,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness across Idaho.

In eastern Idaho, community organizations are working to bridge these gaps by pairing shelter services with immediate psychiatric care. The Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, for example, partners directly with the local Behavioral Health Crisis Center to identify and provide mental health support.

“I can think of one instance where a gentleman came to us who was dealing with undiagnosed schizophrenia,” said Chris Aspinall, Director of Development at the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. “We were able to get him in front of mental health professionals, get him diagnosed, and start him on medication. From there, we placed him in permanent housing where he receives regular care.”

With success stories like these, the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission hopes to continue making a difference in people’s lives. Their partnership with the Behavioral Health Crisis Center helps them provide more resources for anyone experiencing a crisis or is in need of mental health support.

“Most of the time, there are underlying struggles, and people just need help,” said Kenneth Boll, program supervisor for the Rescue Mission’s men’s shelter. “We provide several resources beyond just a bed. We run 100% on community donations to serve nightly dinners, distribute food boxes, and connect people with care.”

How to Get Help or Support

Local Resources: Idaho residents experiencing a housing or mental health crisis can dial 2-1-1 or text 898211 to connect with local support services.

If you want to get involved with the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, they have an upcoming fundraiser with Jersey Mike’s (2681 E Sunnyside Rd., Ammon, ID 83406) on July 31st, where 10% of all proceeds will go towards the Rescue Mission.

Editor’s Note: AI tools were utilized in the initial research and structural development of this article. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Seth Ratliff

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — A motorcyclist is recovering after an accident Sunday night left him unconscious in a canal along Sunnyside Road. Thanks to the quick action of several bystanders and an off-duty first responder, both the driver and his passenger are safe.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened in the 5000 block of Sunnyside Road near the Ammon Cemetery.

Eyewitness Brady Wirick told Local News 8 that a motorcycle carrying two people left the roadway, causing the driver to lose control and launch both riders into the canal.

As the crash unfolded, Fire Marshall Scott Grimmett was heading home while his son Cael Grimmett was parked nearby at the intersection of Sweeder Range and Sunnyside, preparing to head back to work on a Wyoming ranch.

“All I saw was my son [Cael] sprinting along Sunnyside,” recalled Grimmett. “That’s when I saw the motorcycle on the side of the canal.”

Scott Grimmett says his son Cael was parked along Sunnyside at Elkington Ranch, preparing to head back to work on a ranch in Wyoming. He says he had been heading home in his truck towing a trailer at the time, when he suddenly saw his son racing towards the canal.

“All I saw was my son sprinting along Sunnyside,” said Grimmett. “That’s when I saw the motorcycle on the side of the canal.”

While the female passenger managed to crawl out on her own, the driver remained unresponsive, face down in the water. Cael Grimmett leaped into the canal, flipping the man onto his back to keep his airway clear. Scott Grimmett joined him to stabilize the driver’s spine and hold him against the current, while Wirick and other bystanders jumped in to help anchor them to the steep bank.

Emergency crews arrived within three minutes. Working together, five bystanders and three sheriff’s deputies—along with an Idaho Falls Fire Department engine and ambulance crew—secured the driver to a spine board and collar before lifting him out of the canal.

Both the driver and passenger were transported to a local hospital. BCSO Sgt. Bryan Lovell confirmed that the driver’s injuries were non-life-threatening.

“Cael is the hero. Scott is a bad***,” said Wirick positively. “Also impressed how fast the first responders showed up!”

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A major federal initiative is bringing over $40 million to Idaho and Wyoming to advance next-generation nuclear energy, with Idaho National Laboratory leading the charge.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Monday a major federal investment aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in industries essential to our economic competitiveness and national security. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) intends to award $169 million across six selected Tech Hubs nationwide, with a significant share slated for the Intermountain West.

Idaho and Wyoming have been designated as the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor Tech Hub (INEC), receiving $31 million in federal grant funding. Coupled with $9 million in local matching funds and private investments, the initiative will inject more than $40 million into the region over the next five years.

The project aims to accelerate reactor deployment, speed up the commercialization of next-generation nuclear tech, and strengthen U.S. energy security, according to the EDA.

The news comes after the Department of Energy celebrated the fourth advanced reactor to achieve the criticality milestone

National Focus on Emerging Technologies

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick says the funding comes as part of a broader push to advance U.S. leadership in essential industries, including pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and nuclear energy.

“President Trump remains firmly committed to strengthening American manufacturing and ensuring that jobs are created and remain in the United States,” said Lutnick. “Today’s $169 million in EDA awards will advance critical manufacturing processes…while accelerating the deployment of emerging technologies.”

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo emphasized the award will fund  “advanced fuel fabrication, … train workers in nuclear construction, manufacturing, fuel fabrication and operations and support firms entering the nuclear supply chain.”

“The INEC Tech Hub, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, will build on Idaho’s unmatched expertise and innovation in small modular reactors and reinforce our nation’s technological leadership while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical energy capabilities,” Crapo said.

INL Takes a Leading Role

The grant will be administered by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC), bringing together more than 45 regional partners. Idaho National Laboratory, a founding partner of the consortium, will play a key leadership role in scaling advanced nuclear technologies, enhancing America’s nuclear-ready workforce, and developing key parts of the nation’s nuclear energy supply chain.

“This investment recognizes what we’ve long known at INL—that advanced nuclear energy is essential to powering America’s future,” said INL Director John Wagner. “This Tech Hub brings together the capabilities, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to move from research and development to deployment at scale.”

Through the INEC Tech Hub, INL will focus on removing the biggest barriers facing nuclear energy expansion, including:

Strengthening U.S. Energy Independence: Reducing reliance on foreign fuel sources to build a self-sufficient domestic fuel supply.

Accelerating Commercialization: Helping private industry navigate regulations, engage local communities, and test advanced construction methods to bring technologies to market faster.

Workforce Development: Creating new training programs for high-quality jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades.

Economic Impact on Idaho and the West

The Tech Hub is projected to deliver significant economic returns, generating hundreds of high-paying energy jobs across the Intermountain West over the next five years and thousands of secondary industry jobs nationwide. The INL and EDA also anticipate it will help lower long-term energy costs and strengthen grid reliability and energy security across the region.

“What we’re building here is bigger than any one lab, any one company, or any one community,” said Hope Morrow, Workforce and Economic Development programs manager at INL. “The INEC Tech Hub is what American innovation looks like when everyone brings their best, and the people of the Intermountain West are going to see the benefits in jobs, opportunity, and long-term energy security.”

State leadership also praised the grant award as validation of Idaho’s long-standing leadership in nuclear research. Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke says, “Today’s award proves the rest of the country is taking notice.”

“This is a win for Idaho, and it’s a win for American energy dominance,” Bedke said in a statement Monday. “The federal government looked at Idaho and saw a state that delivers. This is the result of decades of investment in Idaho National Laboratory, in our universities and community colleges, and in the workforce and infrastructure that makes this state the nation’s proving ground for advanced nuclear energy.”

The other five selected Tech Hubs include:

Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Tech Hub (Virginia) $16 million to develop and scale advanced, AI-enabled domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Bloch Quantum Tech Hub (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin) $30 million to scale U.S. production of quantum materials, components, and subsystems. 

Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub (Missouri) $38 million to boost the region’s ability to convert locally sourced minerals into critical materials essential for advanced manufacturing. 

Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub (Maine) $20 million to unite state, university, industry, and workforce partners to strengthen domestic supply chains for sustainable forest‑based technologies.  

Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub (Kansas, Missouri) $34 million to modernize manufacturing processes, strengthen and retool domestic supply chains, and accelerate the translation of biologic discoveries into scalable, resilient, and agile U.S. production.  

Editor’s Note: AI tools were utilized in the initial research and structural development of this article. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Curtis Jackson

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (KIFI)—Visitors who want to recreate on the rivers and lakes in Grand Teton National Park can now borrow life-jackets.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton National Park announced the loaner program on Monday, July 20, 2026. They said many of the thousands of visitors to the park are unaware that life jackets are an essential piece of safety equipment.

Loaner kiosks are installed at Jackson Lake Dam, Pacific Creek Landing, String Lake, and the Colter Bay Swim Beach. They said people can borrow the jackets from the kiosk and return them to the same kiosk or one downstream when finished.

“Spending time on the water is one of the best ways to experience Grand Teton National Park,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “By making life jackets readily available, we’re helping remove a barrier to safe recreation and encouraging everyone to make wearing a life jacket part of every trip on the water.”

“Grand Teton’s waterways draw visitors from around the world, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience them safely,” said Leslie Mattson, president of Grand Teton National Park Foundation. “This program is a natural extension of the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, and we’re proud to bring it to life this summer.”

The project was funded by Grand Teton National Park Foundation with support from the Snake River Fund, a local organization that has operated a similar program on sections of the Snake River south of the park.

Volunteers for the Snake River Ambassadors will help recreationists understand how the kiosks work and inform them about water safety.

Visitors are reminded that children under the age of thirteen must always wear a life jacket while on a boat, and all boaters should wear a properly fitted life jacket or have one readily accessible.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE: IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Work on the intersection of Holmes and 49th South has been pushed back to Monday, August 3.

Crews were scheduled to begin work on Wednesday, but it has been delayed.

Currently, the intersection is an all-way stop. Over the past decade, traffic has increased with the development in the area. A news release from the city of Idaho Falls said that between 2018 and 2023, there were 17 crashes reported near the intersection, one resulting in multiple deaths.

The intersection will include designated left turn lanes and ADA compliant pedestrian ramps and sidewalks.

ORIGINAL STORY:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Bonneville County will be adding a new traffic light to an intersection south of Idaho Falls.

According to social media posts, Bonneville County will close the intersection of 5th East (Holmes Ave.) and 49th South (Township Road) beginning Wednesday, July 22. The closures will include at least a quarter mile of the roads surrounding the intersection.

The social media post didn’t mention how long the intersection will be closed.

The county also posted that Iona Road between Ammon Road and 45th East is now open after being closed since last fall. A center turn lane was added to improve traffic flow. Florian Ave, north of Iona Rd., is still closed but expected to open by July 25th.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Falls Power:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Falls Power proudly sponsored 10 local high school students to attend the 2026 Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association (ICUA) Youth Rally, where they joined 90 students from Idaho, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska for a week of leadership development, teamwork and personal growth.

Each student received a $500 scholarship from Idaho Falls Power for representing the utility and the community at the annual leadership conference held at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.

“The Youth Rally is an incredible experience,” said Christopher Jensen, Community Relations Coordinator for Idaho Falls Power. “Watching these students grow in confidence, build lasting friendships and represent Idaho Falls with such character and enthusiasm throughout the week is incredibly rewarding. They are exceptional young people, and we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll make in our community and wherever life takes them.”

Throughout the week, students participated in leadership workshops, team-building activities, government and energy education sessions, an obstacle course, a tour of the Idaho State Capitol, recreational activities and community-building events designed to strengthen confidence, communication and leadership skills.

The Idaho Falls delegation once again distinguished itself by earning numerous scholarships and honors throughout the week.

Recent Idaho Falls High School graduate Anilyn Croft completed her year of service as Idaho Falls Power’s Returning Director after helping lead and plan the 2026 Youth Rally. During the week, Croft was awarded one of only two $800 ICUA Returning Director Scholarships and also received the $500 Bobbi Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship, presented annually by Idaho Falls Power to its Returning Director.

“The Youth Rally gave me two years of real leadership experience I didn’t get in a classroom: public speaking in front of the whole camp, handling conflict and high-pressure situations, and learning how to delegate and trust the people around me instead of doing it myself,” said Croft. “I’m walking away much more confident and a better leader because of it.”

Idaho Falls High School senior Emma Neider was selected by her peers to serve as Idaho Falls Power’s Returning Director for the 2027 ICUA Youth Rally. Neider also earned a $600 ICUA scholarship and was voted Miss Congeniality, an honor selected by fellow students.

Idaho Falls High School junior Hiro Quan was voted Mr. Congeniality and received a $600 ICUA scholarship. “Having both the Mr. and Miss Congeniality awards presented to Idaho Falls students highlights the character, leadership and positive attitudes they demonstrated throughout the week and says a lot about the amazing young people in our community,” said Jensen.

Additional scholarship and award recipients included Idaho Falls High School junior Lucy Okeson, who earned a $600 ICUA scholarship; Bonneville High School junior Cheyanne Clark, who received a $500 ICUA scholarship; and Skyline High School senior Bella Jensen, who was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Students selected by Idaho Falls Power to attend the 2026 ICUA Youth Rally included:

Anilyn Croft – Idaho Falls High School (Returning Director)

Emma Neider – Idaho Falls High School

Hiro Quan – Idaho Falls High School

Lucy Okeson – Idaho Falls High School

Cheyanne Clark – Bonneville High School

Bella Jensen – Skyline High School

Josiah Gerling – Watersprings

Adan Acosta – Skyline High School

Grace Katseanes – Idaho Falls High School

Anna Cochran – Watersprings

Idaho Falls Power has proudly participated in the ICUA Youth Rally for decades as part of its commitment to develop future leaders. The annual scholarship program is open to eligible Idaho Falls area high school sophomores and juniors whose parent or legal guardian is an Idaho Falls Power customer.

Applications for the 2027 ICUA Youth Rally will open next year. For more information, visit www.ifpower.org or call Idaho Falls Power at 208-612-8430.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE: People who were evacuated from their homes near the Ohio are now allowed to return home, but should be ready to evacuate again at a moments notice.

The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office updated their evacuation orders Monday night as fire conditions have calmed. The fire has burned an estimated 2,035 acres and is 60% contained. The sheriff’s office said no structures have been damaged from the fire.

Only residents will be allowed in the Indian Creek Road and Heatherlands area.

Ohio Gulch Road, the transfer station and the Valley Club will be open to the public. Ohio Gulch and Indian Creek are closed for public recreation as fire crews continue to work in the area.

Other areas, including the Hiawatha Zone and the East Fork-Triumph Zone, will remain in “Set” status.

HAILEY, Idaho (KIFI)—Evacuation orders remain in place for homes near the Ohio Fire burning northeast of Hailey.

Fire managers report the fire has burned an estimated 2,035 acres with only 10% containment. The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office said based on current conditions and fire danger assessment, all evacuation orders and statuses will remain in place for Monday.

Evacuation Areas

The evacuation area includes the Heather-Ohio-Valley zone and the Indian Creek Zone. Check here for current evacuation map.

The Heather-Ohio-Valley zone includes the Ohio Gulch neighborhood, the dump, and Wynn’s Compost, the Heatherlands, and the Valley Club.

The Indian Creek Zone includes all homes in the Indian Creek subdivision and the Indian Creek drainage area.

Homes in the Hiwatha Zone and East Fork-Triumph Zone are in the set status, meaning residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at Life Church, 931 N. River St. in Hailey, for those who need assistance.

The fire started Saturday afternoon. Authorities have not said what caused the fire.

Fire crews made steady progress on Sunday with securing fire lines, and extinguishing hot spots. Aircraft also helped support firefighters on the round by dropping fire retardant and water.

Fire managers say you may see more smoke during the late afternoon as temperatures climb. Officials also remind people to stay out of the fire area and to keep their drones grounded.

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Stephanie Lucas

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A group of Roving Rabbis, part of a global initiative to bring Jewish learning and presence to rural communities, is returning to East Idaho this week.

Rabbi Yossi Bistritzky of the Chabad Jewish Center says the group will be in the Idaho Falls and Pocatello area for about two weeks. There will be two opportunities to observe Shabbat, the weekly holy day of rest, with the Roving Rabbis.

A Shabbat dinner will be held in Pocatello on Friday, July 24, and in Idaho Falls on Friday, July 31, for a chance to “relax, connect, and welcome Shabbat together,” says Rabbi Yossi Bistritzky.

The Rabbis would prefer that attendees for Shabbat reach out personally at www.rovingrabbis@jewishidaho.com to obtain times and locations for the Shabbat dinner.

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Maile Sipraseuth

YELLOWSTONE (KIFI) — A 65-year-old grandfather is on the mend after a viral encounter with a 2,000-pound bison in Yellowstone National Park, an ordeal bystanders say he survived by putting himself directly in harm’s way to save his young grandson.

It’s been over a week since Carl McDaniel was charged and launched into the air by the massive animal. Now recovering, McDaniel and the bystander who caught the attack on video are sharing the untold details of the split-second decisions and the strangers who came together to save his life.

A Split-Second Sacrifice

The incident was captured on camera by Mike McCleod, a nearby camper and photographer with a degree in wildlife biology. McCleod had initially started recording because he noticed a bison rolling in the dirt right next to McDaniel’s campsite.

“I’m taking video at this point because it’s pretty funny—the juxtaposition of the domestic picnic table and tent, and this huge 2,000-pound animal,” McCleod recalled. “But you could tell he was already in an aggravated state for whatever reason.”

McCleod later noted that a nearby pickup truck honked its horn shortly before the attack, which McDaniel believes may have further provoked the animal.

When the bison suddenly charged toward McDaniel’s 13-year-old grandson, McDaniel made an immediate choice to draw the animal’s attention toward himself.

“Carl led the bull in the opposite direction to protect his grandson,” McCleod said. “As he said to me later, ‘[He] is 100% my responsibility.’ Classic grandfather move.”

Strangers Step Up

After McDaniel was launched by the bison, the surrounding campers didn’t hesitate to step up. A group of campers rushed the aggressive animal, scaring it off before it could cause further harm.

“I had maybe a dozen campers rushing behind me,” McCleod said. “The bison thought, ‘Hey, I’m out of here,’ so it turned and ran. At that point, we ran up to Carl, and everybody just kind of assigned themselves a role—whatever needed to be done.”

McDaniel recovered from the attack at Bozeman Health in Montana, where, on July 17, he spoke with the marketing team. Despite the traumatic event, McDaniel stated, “I always felt safe and secure. I wasn’t ever terrified.”

The Road to Recovery

Park officials confirmed in a report to TMZ that the bison involved will not be euthanized. Meanwhile, McDaniel is making steady progress toward recovery, celebrating a major milestone on Friday by walking 175 feet for the first time since the attack.

Both McCleod and McDaniel have stayed in touch since the incident. McCleod revealed that McDaniel is deeply involved in his community, often playing Santa Claus. McCleod joked, “I will henceforth be known as the photographer who saved Santa.”

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News Team

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — A 47-year-old Jackson man was arrested Thursday night after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through downtown in a stolen vehicle.

Aaron Feuerstein faces several charges, including fleeing law enforcement, resisting arrest, and reckless driving, according to court documents.

Details surrounding the chase are limited at this time. Video obtained from SeeJH.com shows the stolen vehicle speeding past the Town Square’s iconic elk antler archway with a convoy of sheriff’s vehicles with lights blaring following closely behind.

The Jackson Police Department is continuing to investigate the vehicle theft, and police expect to release more details this week. Additional charges against Feuerstein remain possible, according to the sheriff’s office.

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