Category: kifi-local-news

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Several law enforcement agencies in Eastern Idaho are hosting youth camps to give teens a first-hand look at what they do and educate them on career options in this field. 

Madison County Sheriff’s Department youth camp ended in a splash.

Sheriff campers wrapped up their week with water safety training and a bit of summer fun at the Black Tail camp area.

“I really like it. I want to go into law enforcement, so this is just super fun to feel the vibe and be around all these awesome people,” said Porter Spencer, Junior, Madison High School.

Campers got to do things like shoot at the range, ride along in traffic stops, and tour the jail.

However, the Madison Sheriff’s Office made safety a focal point of the camp.

They held classes on internet safety, backcountry search and rescue, and taught other skills that might help them later on in life.

The department says they have seen a great influence from this program. 

“We’ve definitely seen a benefit here. We’ve had a couple of our youth camp participants, once they come of age, they’ve put in applications, and they’ve been great applicants for us to pick up and fill some of our needs for employees. And it just again gives them the opportunity to see before they get into this what exactly they’re getting into”, said Paul Fullmer, Corporal, Madison County Sheriff’s 

Corporal Fullmer says this camp program has been offered on and off over the years, but as of now, they are planning to host it again next year. 

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and several local law enforcement agencies are issuing a warning to Idahoans regarding a widely circulating scam text message. The message claims to be from the Idaho Department of Vehicles demanding immediate payment for outstanding traffic tickets. These fraudulent messages threaten penalties if payment isn’t made right away and include a link to supposedly submit payment.

“These messages are fraudulent and do not come from the ITD Division of Motor Vehicles,” said ITD in a press release. ” ITD does not send texts related to unpaid traffic tickets or fines, will not demand immediate payment, will not provide links to unfamiliar websites, and will not use threats of legal action or license suspension.”

According to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, the scam message may not have even come from the United States as the +63 before the phone number indicates the code is from the Philippines.

“Unless you’d like your money to take an international trip without you, take our advice and block and delete any messages like this you may receive,” said the Sheriff’s Office over Facebook.

To avoid falling victim to this scam:

Do not click on unfamiliar links.

Never provide personal or payment information.

Report the message to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Delete the message immediately.

To verify the status of your driver’s license or check for legitimate traffic violations, visit www.dmv.idaho.gov.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho honored Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner with their prestigious’ ‘2025 Partner of the Year’ award for his work with vulnerable communities in the Pocatello area.

The Partner of the Year award recognizes Coroner Danner’s service as co-president of the Southeast Idaho Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force, his fundraising efforts for area nonprofits benefiting survivors of violence and human trafficking, his commitment to accessible suicide prevention resources, and his day-to-day work with families experiencing crisis and tragedy.

“I’m grateful, I’m appreciative–it wasn’t expected,” said Coroner Danner. “…I don’t think anybody does anything for the awards, I do it because it’s the right thing to do; I do it because I believe in what they [the Family Services Alliance] do.”

For more information, you can visit the Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho website.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Aid for Friends is approaching the date of their thirteenth annual ‘Splish and Splash’ fundraiser event, scheduled for August 1, to raise money for Pocatello’s homeless shelter.

The event will be held at the Ross Park Aquatic Complex; a ticket to the fundraiser includes admission to the pools and waterslides, dinner, and entry into raffles for prizes like a television, date night passes to local hotels, and more. All proceeds from the event will go to supporting Aid for Friends shelter operations.

“This shelter belongs to the community; we want the community to be part of everything that goes on here at the shelter,” said Tami Moore, shelter manager for Aid for Friends. “We need the community support, and as we have increased our beds, it takes more money, it takes more supplies, it takes more case management time… we are unable to continue the increase until we’re able to get the money that we need to continue the stuff that we do here.”

Tickets to the Splish and Splash fundraiser are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Aid for Friends is also asking for donations of gently-used or new swimsuits so shelter guests can also enjoy the swimming fundraiser fun on Friday, August 1, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Swimsuit donations can be dropped of at the Aid for Friends shelter at 209 E Lewis St in Pocatello. For more information on the Splish and Splash fundraiser, you can visit the Aid for Friends website or find them on Facebook.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Work to improve and repair the Mack’s Inn Bridge on US-20 through Island Park will begin on Monday. Crews are customizing handrails, repairing guardrails, and installing concrete railings to improve safety for multiple uses in this popular location.

These efforts are expected to be completed by Thursday of next week. If needed, finishing work will resume the week following but will not be in effect through the weekend.

One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout this project, with the lane nearest the bridge closed one side at a time. Turning movements at businesses and river access will be monitored and allowed to be made as normal.

Drivers can expect to see large equipment on site to correctly locate a sewer line near the bridge. Travelers and recreationists are urged to observe lower speed limits and stay engaged while driving. Be aware of workers and equipment very near open travel lanes.

 Updates for this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app or at 511.idaho.gov.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Beginning Monday, the Interstate 15 northbound rest stop north of Blackfoot will be closed for maintenance. Crews will be repainting, replacing sidewalks, and landscaping. Work will continue until Monday, July 28.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is issuing a warning to all water enthusiasts, urging them to “be safe on the water.” In a recent press release, Sgt. Bryan Lovell highlighted a concerning trend, highlighting how deputies have responded to at least six water rescue events in just the past week.

Local News 8 has covered several of these incidents, including a rescue where a Utah family’s minivan plunged into the Snake River near the Fall Creek Campground. Only a day later, on July 15, first responders safely rescued two men whose boat overturned in the Snake River just below the falls near downtown Idaho Falls. Fortunately, all individuals involved in these specific incidents escaped with only minor injuries.

However, the Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that some of these six cases involved not only individuals new to water recreation but also highly experienced boat operators. While emergency responses from BCSO and its partner agencies have led to successful rescues without serious injury or fatality, some were “very close calls” that could have had tragic outcomes.

“With Palisades and Ririe Reservoirs and the Snake River being very busy this time of year, it’s important to plan for emergencies and safety before you recreate,” the release stated. “Idaho waters and weather conditions can change quickly, catching the unprepared by surprise.”

They’re reminding water enthusiasts that warm temperatures and sunny skies don’t eliminate the risk of cold water exposure, or excuse you from wearing a life jacket.

“Too often, BCSO Deputies rescue people who ignored basic safety practices because they were confident in their abilities, but suddenly (find) themselves underprepared in an unexpected emergency,” stated the release.

Before you head out on the water, BCSO is asking that you take a moment to:

Ensure you have proper safety gear and equipment.

Know the weather and water conditions beforehand.

Operate within your skill level.

Do not underestimate potential hazards both on and just below the water’s surface.

Be courteous to others using the waterways, whether from a boat or the bank.

Inform family and loved ones of your planned location and estimated return time.

For more safety and outdoor information across Idaho, including resources for safe recreation, click HERE.

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Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Southeast Idaho’s Desert Eagles RC Club is inviting you to a unique fundraiser this Saturday, July 19th, where you can aim a paintball gun at their model radio-controlled airplanes for a good cause.

For just $3, you’ll get 10 shots to test your accuracy on RC planes in flight. All proceeds will go to the Veterans Mobility Corp, an organization that refurbishes electric wheelchairs and donates them to deserving disabled veterans right here in Southeast Idaho.

There will also be flight demonstrations, a remote control airshow, a drawing for RC planes, and the grand prize: A chance to ride in a full-sized Stearman donated by James Hoff.

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the RC Club field, located just north of Andrus Trucking headquarters, directly off I-15 at Exit 113.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Get ready for a day of excitement, delicious food, and incredible local talent! The first-ever Summer Celebration at the Falls Event is happening today, July 18, on the downtown Idaho Falls Riverwalk.

Put on by the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and Visit Idaho, the event organizers promise a full day of fun under the summer sun. Attendees can look forward to a fantastic lineup including:

The Chamber enthusiastically shared on Facebook, “We have a variety of vendors, a rib special from our friends at Snow Eagle, live music with performances from a selection of local singer-songwriters, and fun games for all ages.”

The Summer Celebration goes until 6 PM.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Idaho):

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Jack Edward Newsom, 43, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.  Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Newsom to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence.

According to court records, Newsom was arrested on May 8, 2024, when police officers executed a search warrant on his home and a fifth-wheel trailer parked in a storage facility. The officers seized 48.9 grams of fentanyl powder and a half a pound of methamphetamine from the residence in addition to a pound of marijuana, half a pound of methamphetamine, 79.6 grams of fentanyl powder, and 237 fentanyl pills from the fifth-wheel trailer. The warrant was executed after a months-long investigation in which law enforcement bought three and a half pounds of methamphetamine from Newsom on five occasions between February and April 2024.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the BADGES Task Force. The BADGES Task Force is a federally funded High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Idaho State Police, the Pocatello Police Department, the Chubbuck Police Department, and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

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