Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The community of Pocatello enjoyed some Valentine’s Day festivities at the Bannock Event Center. The “Heart Fest” is an annual event put on by the Snake River Doodles Traveling Therapy Animals organization.

The event featured many fun activities for children and their families. The kids could participate in Valentine’s Day crafts, get their face painted, or even win a cake during the cake walk competition. The event ran until 3pm today.

Local vendors were also on site at the Bannock Event Center selling their handmade crafts. The items available ranged from crochet crafts to homemade bread. The event serves as a fundraiser for the organization to continue rescuing and taking care of animals.

More information about upcoming events put on by SRD is available on their Facebook.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Three members of local law enforcement have been cleared in two separate officer involved shootings back in December.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal released his review of both shootings late Friday afternoon.

The report brings insight and clarity into what happened in each case, reviewing body cam footage that was released to the media.

December 22nd Incident

In the first case, an Idaho Falls Police officer was cleared in a December 22, 2025 shooting on Cleveland Street. 

That shooting happened days before Christmas.

The man killed was Eduardo Trejo de Arcos. 

The incident began when his girlfriend’s father called 911, and reported that De Arcos was threatening her with a knife and choking her. 

Officers were allowed into the home where they saw a knife sitting out.

De Arcos denied threatening and choking his girlfriend. He then said he was prepared to kill his girlfriend’s dad if he were to come over, and that the knife was just out for self-protection.

Officers told the man he was under arrest, and De Arcos lunged for the knife. A struggle followed, and one officer fired his service weapon, hitting de arcos.

The prosecutor deemed the officer’s actions justified.

December 17th Incident

In the second case, Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal found that Bonneville County Sheriff deputies acted in self-defense in a shooting on December 17.

Neal determined that Landon Smith, who was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident in Madison County, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Smith first encountered law enforcement in Madison County after he stole a Jeep and was observed driving recklessly multiple times, but he sped off when officers attempted to stop him.

On County Line Road in Bonneville County, Sheriff deputies executed a P.I.T. maneuver, spinning Smith’s jeep off the street. 

Smith then swerved back on the road, hitting a Bonneville County Sheriff’s vehicle head on.

A second deputy vehicle then hit the jeep to stop it. 

Dash camera footage clearly shows Smith drew a gun and held it to his own head. Only one casing was located in the Jeep.

The report states Smith then shot himself when confronted by deputies.

It also says deputies started shooting when they heard the gunshot, but it appears none of those bullets hit Smith.

The prosecutor determined the actions of the deputies who responded were in the line of duty.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Celebrations of the 250th Anniversary of America kicked off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence on February 13th in the Bonneville County Courthouse.

“In the Declaration of Independence, along with the powers that are given to the people, the government rests with us,” said Jon Walker, a Bonneville County Commissioner. “Local governments are a great place for people to understand that’s where their influence is strongest.”

The event opened with Blaiklee Capserson singing the national anthem.

She was followed by Chaplain Kathy Carroll, the executive director of Chaplains of Idaho, who led the audience in a moment of silence in honor of “men and women who died defending our country.”

Three mayors, County Commissioners and elected officials from Bonneville County took turns as they recited the entire Declaration – honoring the founding of our nation with a look back to 1776.

Participating dignitaries included:

Karl Casperson, Commissioner District 1

Jonathan Walker, Commissioner District 2

Michelle Mallard, Commissioner District 3

Chris Poulter, County Clerk

Craig Tibbitts, Treasurer

Randy Neal, Prosecuting Attorney

Samuel Hulse, Sheriff

Lisa Burtenshaw, Idaho Falls Mayor

Brian Powell, Ammon Mayor

Cameron Manwaring, Swan Valley Mayor

Attendees could sign a replica Declaration of Independence on a scroll that will be displayed in the Idaho State Capitol.

“I also liked coming here, seeing everyone participate in reading the Declaration of Independence. It was a really fun time,” said 11-year-old Nixon Landon.

Bonneville County will hold an event each month leading up to the Fourth of July in honor of the freedoms we enjoy and to enhance civic education.

19-year old Ryan Reilly traveled from Ashton to Idaho Falls to honor our nation’s founding.

“It’s fun to see all different kinds of generations here to celebrate our country,” she said.

A 13-star flag is displayed under the historic skylight of the Bonneville County Courthouse.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal has cleared 3 officers of any wrongdoing during two separate officer-involved shootings.

Neal released two reports on Friday, February 13, 2026, explaining why he cleared the officers.

Bonneville County Sheriff Deputies Kyle Penney and Deputy William Stadtman were investigated for a shooting that took place on December 17 involving Landon Smith.

Idaho Falls Police officer Eric Rose fired his weapon when Eddy Trejo De Arco grabbed a knife.

Below are summaries of Neal’s reports.

Landon Smith Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

In the early morning of December 17, 2025, Bonneville County deputies were looking for a reckless driver in Bonneville County, a orange Jeep operated by Landon Smith.

Smith was observed driving recklessly on Ammon Road. Deputies tried to stop him, but ended their chases for safety reasons.

Smith was seen again driving in the city of Ucon by a Sheriff’s detective in an unmarked car. Three other deputies caught with him near County Line Road that divides Bonneville and Jefferson County east of 85th East. Deputy Kyle Penney conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver on Smith’s car causing him to spin into the north shoulder of the road.

When Smith tried to get away, he hit a Sheriff’s car head-on. Deputy William Stadtman then hit Smith’s car door to prevent him from leaving.

“Dash camera footage clearly shows Mr. Smith drew a gun and held it to his own head, and when confronted by deputies, fatally shot himself,” the report said.

Deputies heard a gunshot and saw glass spray from the driver’s window. Believing they were being fired upon, Deputies Penney and Stadtman returned fire.

Investigators determined Smith died from a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound. His firearm was found near his right hand with one casing inside the Jeep. None of the deputies’ rounds struck him.

Prosecutors concluded the deputies acted in reasonable self-defense, given the perceived threat, darkness, poor visibility, and Smith’s dangerous actions. Under Idaho law, their use of force was justified, and no criminal charges will be filed.

Eddy Trejo de Arco Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

According to the prosecutor’s report, the incident began around 5:05 a.m. on December 22, 2025, when a man called 911 on behalf of his pregnant daughter, reporting threats from her boyfriend, Eduardo “Eddy” Trejo de Arcos. The caller warned police that Trejo de Arcos might be intoxicated and had access to weapons.

Idaho Falls Police arrived minutes later and heard arguing inside the apartment. Body-camera footage shows Trejo de Arcos allowing officers into the apartment. The apartment was mostly dark, making visibility difficult.

Inside, the victim told Officer Eric Rose she had been pushed, choked, and threatened with a large knife throughout the night. She also reported threats toward her father and said Trejo de Arcos had hidden the knife in a drawer on the couch.

According to the victim’s interview, she told Officer Eric Rose that she had been pushed, choked, and threatened with a large knife throughout the night. She also said the knife had been hidden in a dresser drawer on the couch when police knocked.

The prosecutor notes that after lights were turned on, the handle of the silver knife was partially visible in the drawer. Trejo de Arcos admitted to moving it and threatening the victim’s father, giving Officer Rose probable cause to arrest him.

Investigative reports state that while being handcuffed, Trejo de Arcos suddenly broke free, lunged toward the couch, and grabbed the knife. Officer Rose can be heard on body‑camera audio shouting “knife!” to warn other officers.

According to officers’ statements and video evidence, Trejo de Arcos fought violently, broke free from an officer trying to restrain him, raised the knife in a stabbing motion, and took a stance indicating he was about to charge.

At this moment—per the prosecutor’s findings—Officer Rose fired one round, striking Trejo de Arcos in the chest. Officers immediately commanded him to drop the knife, which he did before collapsing.

Body‑camera footage and reports confirm officers rendered aid until EMS arrived. Trejo de Arcos was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A preliminary autopsy confirmed a single gunshot wound with no other bullet injuries, consistent with the body‑camera video. A floor mark that concerned family members was analyzed by a crime‑scene expert and determined not to be a bullet strike.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal concluded that:

Trejo de Arcos posed an imminent threat of death or serious injury

Officer Rose issued commands before using deadly force

The force used was reasonable, lawful, and necessary under Idaho Code § 18‑4009

The prosecutor declined criminal charges, stating Officer Rose acted in self-defense and was protecting himself, fellow officers, and the victim from an aggravated assault or attempted murder.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State University is facing a difficult time as statewide budget cuts to higher education have forced the administration to make decisions which will get them back in the black. President Robert Wagner commented today on all things ISU- from the budget deficit to the subsequent layoffs.

“The balanced budget we celebrated on July 1st lasted about two and a half months,” Wagner said. “By the end of the summer, the governor’s office had announced the immediate 3% holdback for all state agenices, including higher ed.”

This budget holdback hit ISU leadership particularly hard. After spending their first couple of years in office working to get the university out of their debt, President Wagner’s administration found themselves right back where they started.

Leaders of the university met to discuss where the budget could be adjusted following the statewide cut.

“We spent nearly three months engaging with our institutional community at an unprecedented level,” said Wagner. “We held town hall meetings, our colleges and departments met, offices met, all in an effort to solicit feedback, information, and ideas to go towards our fantastic people.”

Wagner said these meetings and online forums left the university with hundreds of ideas. He said the engagement from the institutional community has been incredibly rewarding and satisfying, especially when the restructuring of the university is something the administration didn’t want in the first place.

“It’s something we didn’t ask for,” Wagner said. “It’s something that honestly, I wish we didn’t have to experience because we worked so hard to get to that balanced budget point.”

In creating the new plans, the focus was on the institutional values Idaho State University has held for so long. these include transparency, inclusivity, and integrity. Their top priority has been the people.

“We took the first two weeks to talk to our people, to talk to the offices, divisions and colleges that would be the most impacted,” said Wagner. “Most importantly, to talk to people. Our plans involve a reduction of positions and people on this campus and we needed the time to talk to them individually.”

Employees had meetings with HR and the university Provost where they were notified of their job status. Laid-off employees told Local News 8 these meetings were respectful and empathetic. The university has expressed their deep concern for those who have lost their positions and has made every effort to limit the impact on personnel.

“It was very important we let them know now,” the President stated. “They have about a four and a half month runway where they can look at other opportunities and our human resource office is prepared to help them with that.”

In the wake of the legislation, Idaho State University is also undergoing a major restructuring. The College of Arts and Letters is combining with the College of Education. The administration says these restructuring efforts will allow for more student interdiciplinary studies and operational efficencies.

President Wagner reassures students in every program that their path to graduation is not impacted. “They’ll see the benefits programmatically. The programs are not going away,” he stated.

The university sees this restructuring as an opportunity for students to have greater collaboration between the faculty and staff. On paper, the programs and colleges within ISU will look different, but the programs themselves remain to be what President Wagner calls “flourishing.”

President Wagner also told us this kind of change is necessary as time progresses. “We’re going to do different. 2026 is different than 1901, we need to be a different institution, just like at one point we were an institute, then an academy, and a Southern branch.”

By adapting with the times and always having the students best interest and experience in mind, the administration will spend the next several months implementing these changes and following the plan of the President’s Bold Path Forward.

“We’re going to adapt and evolve and we’ll change as an institution,” said Wagner. “Our faculty, our students are engaged and doing incredible things, they’re getting awards. We’re adding programs and building them in the health sciences. Our creative arts programs are flourishing and really serve the needs of our community. Our roots are strong and we will be successful.”

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Idaho Ed News

RIGBY, Idaho (IdahoEdNews) —Jefferson County students will have to find new ways to spend their Fridays next school year.

Trustees unanimously approved moving to a four-day school week at the board’s regular meeting Wednesday.

Jefferson County enrolls 6,554 students, making it the second-largest Idaho district to adopt a four-day school week behind Nampa, which made the move in 2024.

The decision tentatively changes Jefferson County’s school start and end times across the board:

8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for elementary school

8 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. for Middle and High school

Leaders could still adjust these times by up to five minutes to accommodate busing, superintendent Chad Martin told trustees.

Wednesday’s decision follows the results of parent and staff surveys.

Of 1,507 parents surveyed, about 18% of said moving to a four-day week would negatively affect their family’s routine. The rest said it either wouldn’t affect them or would be positive.

Of 250 teachers surveyed, 68% support of the move.

Fridays are already early-release in the East Idaho district.

“I feel like a lot of our students are already doing four-day school weeks,” said trustee Debbie Bagley.

The change lengthens class time Monday through Thursday, allowing teachers to hold student interventions, Martin explained.

Teachers will come to school monthly on the second and fourth Fridays for professional learning, collaboration, and to share insights and experiences to improve instruction.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 13 FEB 26 11:13 ET

By Julia Sandor

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    SYRACUSE, Utah (KSTU) — Dance can be a form of expression. For one Syracuse teen, Hannah Moore, she wants to take her passion for dance overseas.

Many people are familiar with tap, or hip hop, but Moore is a Professional Clogger.

“Clogging is a very American style dance. Clogging has kind of changed over the years, but the dances that we focus on are more traditional style clogging,” Moore said.

For the Moore family it’s a tradition that goes back generations.

“My mom did clogging when she was younger since she was eight. One of her friends started a studio a while back, and my sister joined and I thought it was cool,” Moore said. “So I joined a year after, when I was four, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Moore is trading in her competition trophies and banners to head to Portugal and the Basque Country to represent the United States on tour.

“We go and represent the country and that style of dance.” Moore said. “It’s nice to be able to talk to people in other countries. Especially with things going on, they don’t have a very good view, so it’s nice to show them who we are and what we’re about.”

She just so happens to be following the beat of her own sister, who also performed overseas in France.

“Each country had their own type of dance that they did. In all the festivals, there were different kinds…” Sarah Hall said. “I’m so happy for her. It is like a bittersweet thing to see that she can do the same thing I did. And that type of view of dance, in the non-competitive side of it. Just performing and doing what you love.”

While Moore’s trip isn’t until the summer, she said she still needs help with expenses like travel, lodging, costumes, and program fees. She started a GoFundMe to help with those expenses.

“To me, clogging is just like this little sport. Not many people know about it, and it’s just my little thing,” Moore said. “But the fact that it’s got me to the point where I can travel outside the country and represent people. I’m also a teacher for our studio, so it’s nice to show the little girls what you can do with clogging.”

With a brush, drag, and step, Moore’s hoping to take a new stage and leave a lasting impression on dancers across the world.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 13 FEB 26 11:20 ET

By John Franchi

Click here for updates on this story

    HOLLADAY, Utah (KSTU) — A couple celebrating 65 years of marriage may have the answer to the timeless question: What’s the secret to a successful marriage?

Gordan and Joann Westover were married in 1961. This week, they took part in a “newlywed” style game at The Ridge Cottonwood retirement community to see just how well they know each other after decades together.

The questions weren’t easy, and sometimes the answers weren’t perfect. But Gordan and Joann Westover sure seem to have a perfect marriage. “We were never angry when we went to bed. I don’t think we had fights like some people do,” Joann Westover said. “I really liked him from the beginning.”

Some 65 years together and counting, Gordan still remembers the day they met at a college in California. “The person sitting between us asked, ‘Are you married. She wants to know,” Gordan recalled. “So I went home and told my mother, ‘The girls over there are quite forward.'”

The rest, as they say, is history.

These soulmates have every reason to celebrate not just Valentine’s Day, but every day. “She is such a support, and we have adventures with each other that are really wonderful,” Gordan Westover said.

“I know that he loves me and he tries to please me. If I ask him to do something, he is always willing,” Joann Westover said.

They are a couple that stands the test of time.

When asked for advice to young couples, Gordan’s response was simple: “Hang in there and continue to love each other.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSTU editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho lawmakers from both parties are sounding off about the budget at the Idaho Statehouse.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Democratic leaders warned that Idaho has a revenue problem, not a spending problem.

“Over the last five years, the Idaho Legislature cut income tax revenue by like $4 billion. Last year alone, it cut taxes by $450 million,” said Idaho’s Assistant Senate Minority Leader James Ruchti, D-Pocatello.

GOP Rep. Rod Furniss, R-Rigby, who serves on the state’s budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee agreed that this year’s cost-cutting measures have led to a tight situation.

“Last year, we lowered the tax rate. We increased the grocery tax credit. And then we didn’t know that the Big Beautiful Bill was going to come, and that was another $155 million hit to our budget,” Furniss said. “With that, we’ve had some increases in expenses. So we’ve had to be really careful.”

Those revenue reductions lead to difficult decisions as elected officials continue to cut back on state agencies and programs – with an additional one and two percent cut passed by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Friday.

“Each year moving forward, we have 1.1 billion fewer dollars to spend on our public schools, our universities, our roads, our courts, our law enforcement and our prisons,” Ruchti said.

In a press release, Democrats also recommended “reexamining expensive giveaways, pursuing targeted tax conformity reforms, reinstating a child tax credit, bolstering the Idaho Child Care Program and reindexing the homeowner’s exemption.

But Furniss reiterated Idaho’s state constitution’s mandate to not spend more than it takes in.

“Idaho does not print money like the federal government. We have to balance our books every single year,” he said.

Citing Ronald Reagan’s economic philosophy, Furniss stated. “If you reduce taxes, the revenue will increase. You give the money back to the people, you’ll see a better day, and you’ll actually see more taxes in the future. I believe that to be the case, and our projections show that over time.”

Both Furniss and Democratic lawmakers proposed dipping into Idaho’s rainy day fund to provide money for essential services facing cuts – including firefighting.

“We just need to get through a hard time that we’re having now,” Furniss said. “I know that a lot of people are concerned about it, but we’ll get through it. Idaho will be better for it.”

Idaho Democrats disagreed strongly with that fiscal outlook.

“Who is going to pay the price for that bad fiscal policy?” Ruchti said. “You will – your school district, your kid’s classroom, your neighbor who’s going to lose their health insurance.”

We’ll have more on Idaho’s budget reckoning in the weeks ahead.

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Devin Bodkin

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on February 12, 2026

by: Devin Bodkin

POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University is reshaping itself with sweeping changes in the face of current and looming state budget cuts.

That includes merging colleges, restructuring programs, “modest” student fee hikes and a range of other changes starting July 1 to try and save and generate millions by year’s end. The university released a complete budget restructuring plan Wednesday. ISU President Robert Wagner overviewed the changes in an accompanying video. 

The overhaul, which follows news of 44 position cuts at the university, reflects campus feedback, Wagner announced.

Details are still emerging, and EdNews will interview Wagner Friday to try and garner more clarity. Still, the latest update brings the university’s roadmap into clearer focus — and underscores what’s at stake for the 125-year-old institution: cutting costs without cutting its core mission. 

“This is a difficult moment in our university’s history,” Wagner said in the nearly 20-minute video. “It is appropriate to recognize that openly and honestly.” 

What’s changing — and why now 

The university’s scramble to adjust its budget follows state cuts that started with a 3% holdback for state agencies — including colleges and universities — last year. 

Robert Wagner

To add to the unease, more proposed cuts are moving through the Statehouse at a rapid pace this legislative session — and higher ed remains on the chopping block.

With those cuts in view, ISU’s adjustments span the gamut: 

Colleges are merging. 

It’s a major reorganization in the university’s academic affairs: 

The College of Arts and Letters will combine with the College of Education to become the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences. 

The College of Health will become the College of Nursing and Rehabilitative Sciences. 

The College of Science and Engineering will consolidate departments.

Arts programs will merge into a new School of Arts

Wagner and other leaders are banking on added revenue from performances through the new arts school. Projected savings include some $1.8 million from the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences merger.

Other cost savings stem from restructuring and eliminating positions at the university’s library, graduate school and Bengal Success Center.

Position reductions are in place. 

The university posted details — including projected dollar amounts — tied to previously announced position cuts.

The breakdown lists 44 positions within administrative, staff and faculty roles. Projected savings are $8.3 million

Here’s a closer look:

About 40% of these positions were vacant or planned retirements at the time of the announcement, the univAbout 40% of these positions were vacant or planned retirements at the time of the announcement, the university says.

Tuition and fee increases are on the table.

The University says it will set tuition and fees according to State Board of Education processes ahead of fee hearings set for March 2026.

The board will set fiscal year 2027 tuition rates in April of next year. ISU will share any changes in tuition following board approval, the university’s budget restructuring plan reads.

Meanwhile, some “modest” fee hikes will go into effect. But these are “market-aligned,” Wagner said, without mentioning a dollar amount. Rather, this new pricing will match the university’s “sister institutions.” 

A range of other changes are coming.

These include:

A heavier reliance on local auxiliary revenue and philanthropy for the athletics budget

A six-center “Innovation Hub” to help buoy an entrepreneurial push, including a new unit to manage health clinics and the Idaho Accelerator Center

Closure of ISU’s Research Data Center

Shifting computing efforts to the state-owned Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls, which the Idaho National Laboratory leases. 

Click here for the entire budgeting plan.

Uncertainty still looms 

Wagner and his university’s budget plan peg financial impacts from the moves at $8.3 million in savings and revenue by 2026. 

But, he added in his video recording, this is the first phase. More cuts could come, and final impacts will depend on lawmakers. 

The prospect of more cuts from the Legislature this session fueled a recent request from state budget writers for ISU and other institutions to lay out scenarios in the event of further belt-tightening. University leaders told lawmakers a second batch in addition to the 3% holdbacks that hit last year would mean mandatory furloughs this fiscal year, affecting employees who make more than $60,000 annually. 

The plan released Wednesday acknowledges that possibility.

Staff reductions and restructuring would also apply if further cuts happen, university leaders told lawmakers, further impacting student services and in-demand workforce programs. 

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