Category: kifi-local-news

Sam Ross

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The American Falls district library is playing host to a jungle’s worth of wild animals. The ‘Sensory Safari’ is making its way around southeast Idaho thanks to the local branch of the International Safari Club.

Library visitors can admire and even touch the dozens of species of exotic animals. Library leaders say the unique exhibit always draws a crowd.

People love it. And this year we did it in August, which was a great time. It’s usually a slower month at the library, and we have had all kinds of people come in. I think because they’re not in school yet. So they bring the kids in, and it’s just been great.

The ‘Sensory Safari’ will only be sticking around American Falls until tomorrow, August 19. But if you missed it, you could still get another chance nearby. The Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck will host the Safari starting Thursday.

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Seth Ratliff

MCCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Starting Tuesday, August 19, at 7 a.m., the city of McCammon will begin a vital upgrade to the city’s water system. To ensure safe and sanitary conditions, crews will shut off the old water main on Center Street while they connect the new line.

For Affected Residents

Residents who received a door hanger notification last week will have their water shut off for up to 12 hours. Once water service is restored, a mandatory 36-hour boil order will be in effect. For detailed instructions on what to do during a boil order, click HERE.

For All Other Residents

Residents not directly impacted are asked to conserve water to prevent additional service disruptions. Please refrain from using water unless it’s absolutely necessary. This includes no watering of yards or pastures, as the rest of the city will be supplied by only one well during this upgrade.

If your water pressure is suddenly lost, you must also follow the boil order instructions.

For updates on the water project, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) —Following a solemn procession to honor Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada earlier today, the Tremonton Garland Police Department continues to mourn the loss of the two officers killed in the line of duty in a recently released social media statement.

Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada were shot and killed Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Tremonton. Their suspected shooter, identified through the Weber County Jail roster as 33-year-old Ryan M Bate, faces two counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, and one count of assault.

According to the Tremonton Garland Police Department, 56-year-old Sergeant Sorensen had 17 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, 16 of which were at the Garland Police Department. He was recently promoted to Sergeant and planned to be sworn into his new role on Friday, August 22.

The department emphasized Sgt. Sorensen’s commitment to service in the community, highlighting how he received the Distinguished Service Award in February from the Tremonton Fire Department for his “unwavering dedication and support to our fire and EMS units during incidents.” In addition, Sorensen and his wife received Garland City’s Wheelon Award in 2020, which recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the city.

Officer Lee Sorensen, Tremonton Garland Police Department (Left), Photo Credit: Tremonton City

He is survived by his wife, Lanette, and their children.

31-year-old Officer Eric Estrada is survived by his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Cienna and Luka.

Eric reportedly began his career in law enforcement in 2017 with the Logan Police Department. He then joined the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, where he first served in the jail. Afterward, he worked as a patrol officer and detective at the North Park Police Department before returning to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office to work again in the jail. Earlier this year, Officer Estrada joined the Tremonton Police Department, where he served as a line officer and a member of the community outreach team.

“He was a dedicated father and husband, deeply loving and cherishing his family. He also enjoyed CrossFit, and his favorite role in law enforcement was being on patrol, where he loved interacting with people and engaging with the community,” states the Tremonton Garland Police Department.

ORIGINAL:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) — The Tremonton Garland Police Department has announced a solemn procession to honor Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, who were killed in the line of duty last night, August 17. The community is invited to pay their respects as the procession travels from Taylorsville to Logan, Utah, later today.

Officer Lee Sorensen, Tremonton Garland Police Department (Left), received the Distinguished Service Award in February from the Tremonton Fire Department for his “unwavering dedication and support to our fire and EMS units during incidents.” Photo Credit: Tremonton City

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has issued an order for the flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers.

“Today, our hearts are broken. Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada gave their lives in service to their neighbors and community. Abby and I join all Utahns in mourning alongside their families, the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, and every officer who puts on the uniform to protect others.

We owe these heroes a debt that can never be repaid. As we grieve, let us also recommit to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless the Sorensen and Estrada families, and all those who are hurting in this time of loss.”

Procession Details

The procession is scheduled to begin at around 4:00 – 5:30 PM today, August 18, starting at the Medical Examiner’s office in Taylorsville, Utah.

The route will then head north to the Rudd Funeral Home in Garland, Utah, and will conclude at the Allen-Hall Mortuary in Logan, Utah. Community members are encouraged to find a safe place along the route to show their support. For more information, click HERE.

A Community in Mourning/ Suspected Shooter Identified

Sergeant Sorensen and Officer Estrada were shot and killed Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Tremonton. The incident also left a Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy and a police K9 with non-life-threatening injuries. Their suspected shooter has now been identified as 33-year-old Ryan M Bate.

“The hearts of everyone at the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office are heavy with sorrow,” stated Box Elder County Chief Deputy Sheriff Cade Palmer. “We are mourning the tragic and profound loss of two brave Tremonton-Garland colleagues, friends, and brothers who lost their lives in the line of duty last night.”

The incident began around 9:02 PM on August 17, when officers responded to a 911 call from a home in Tremonton. As the first officer spoke with the caller, a man, identified as Bate, came out of the residence with a gun and opened fire, striking and killing both officers. A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, who was on the way to assist, arrived at the scene and was shot at, injuring both the deputy and their police service dog.

Both the deputy and the K9 were taken to a hospital and a specialty veterinary clinic and are in fair condition. Chief Deputy Palmer of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office noted that their injuries are not life-threatening and they are expected to make a full recovery.

According to a statement from the Brigham City Police Department, bystanders convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, and he was taken into custody. Bate has been booked into the Weber County Jail on two counts of aggravated murder and one count of assault. The Weber County Attorney’s Office is leading the homicide investigation.

A Widespread Impact

The incident has deeply affected law enforcement agencies throughout the region.

“Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state, and even nation,” the Brigham City Police Department stated. “These officers and their families served theirs every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes.”

Chief Deputy Palmer says their focus is on supporting the families and our personnel as they navigate this difficult time together.

“This is a senseless tragedy that has left our entire law enforcement community and our county in immense pain. There are no words to express the magnitude of this loss. In this time of unimaginable grief, we ask for your prayers and support for the families of the fallen, and for all who are grieving,” stated Palmer.

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News Team

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (KIFI) — Grand Teton National Park officials and health authorities are working to contact hundreds of visitors who may have been exposed to rabies from a bat colony found at Jackson Lake Lodge. The potential exposure window is believed to be between May 5 and July 27.

The National Park Service discovered a bat colony in late July, residing in the attic space above several rooms at the popular Jackson Lake Lodge. Health officials are now attempting to reach guests from 38 U.S. states and seven countries who stayed in the affected rooms.

According to Wyoming State Health Officer Alexia Harrist, the primary concern is for individuals who had direct physical contact with bats. “The way that rabies is spread is through the bat’s saliva,” Harrist told Wyoming Public Radio, the outlet which broke the story, “either through a bite or a scratch.”

While the risk is reportedly low for those without direct contact, health officials emphasize that rabies is nearly always fatal if not treated promptly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for anyone with potential exposure, which includes a series of vaccinations.

For more information, contact the Grand Teton Lodge Company, HERE.

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News Team

ALPINE, Idaho (KIFI) — A small wildfire, sparked by a lightning strike, is burning near Palisades Reservoir, having consumed about a quarter of an acre. Fire crews from the Swan Valley Fire District, Bonneville County, the Forest Service, and the BLM are on the scene, according to Swan Valley Fire Chief Travis Crystal.

Crystal notes the fire can only be reached by boat or helicopter, and no structures are currently threatened.

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News Team

MADISON COUNTY, Montana (KIFI) — The Horn Fire near Highway 87 at the Idaho-Montana border is now 50% contained at 2800 acres. The evacuation warning for people in Madison County, Montana, was lifted on Saturday, allowing residents to return to their homes.

Fire officials have determined the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

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News Team

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police (ISP) has launched a new webpage for the public to access records related to the 2022 Moscow homicide investigation. This action follows the complete resolution of the case, after Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students and was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year.

The murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin shook the small college town of Moscow, initiating a months-long, multi-agency investigation. Bryan Kohberger was arrested on December 30, 2022, and later charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. According to ISP, extensive investigation created a large volume of records that are now being made available to the public.

ISP-generated police reports are currently available. To view these records, click HERE. As more records are reviewed and approved for public release, ISP says they will be added to this online folder.

Despite the extensive nature of the online records available, ISP has clarified that only its own records will be included on the site. Records from other law enforcement and partner agencies—such as the Moscow Police Department, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI—are maintained by those organizations. ISP is directing that individuals making requests for additional records make their request to the respective custodian agency.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) — Two Tremonton Garland police officers were shot and killed Sunday night while a Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy and a police K9 were injured, all while responding to a domestic disturbance in Tremonton, Utah.

The incident began around 9:02 PM on August 17, 2025, when multiple 911 calls were made from a home in the area of 700 N. 200 E. in Tremonton. Two officers from the Tremonton Garland Police Department responded to the home. As the first officer spoke with the caller, a man came out of the residence with a gun and opened fire, striking and killing both officers.

A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, who was on the way to assist, arrived at the scene, and the man fired into the deputy’s vehicle, injuring both the deputy and the police service dog. Both were taken to a hospital and a specialty veterinary clinic and are in fair condition.

According to a statement from the Brigham City Police Department, bystanders convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, and he was taken into custody by other responding officers. He was booked into the Box Elder County Jail on charges of aggravated murder. The Weber County Attorney’s Office is leading the homicide investigation.

Due to the violent nature of the incident, a SWAT team was called to clear the home and ensure there was no remaining threat.

The Brigham City Police Department released a statement saying, “Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state, and even nation. These officers and their families served theirs every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tremonton Garland Police Department, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, and the families of those involved. We are grateful for the swift response from multiple agencies from Box Elder, Weber, and Cache Counties.”

ORIGINAL:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) – Two police officers were killed in a shooting Sunday night in Tremonton, Utah.  A Sheriff’s deputy and a K9 were also injured in the shooting.

It happened when the officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on 700 North and 200 East around 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Police said after the officers arrived at the home, a man with a gun came out and shot two officers.

Other responding officers soon took the suspect into custody.

The deputy and K9 are expected to be okay.

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Noah Farley

UPDATED 10:38 a.m. Aug 18:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Monday, August 18, is Back to School Night for School District #91, but it comes as the district and the Idaho Falls Education Association are still working on a contract.

In July, the Education Association said they were not happy with the budget D-91 presented to them.

Jake Snarr said the Education Association is trying to set up another meeting with D-91 to discuss contracts and budgeting. They are not planning to strike. Teachers will still be working when the new school year starts on Wednesday.

“Essentially, it was just a number that they put across the table. It was about $35.3 million. They’re saying that they’re okay with anything that we do within that $35.3 million, but it’s up to us to figure out where all that money goes,” said IFEA negotiator, Jake Snarr.

D-91 said the board proposed a different approach to the budget this year with a new method meant to let the Education Association decide how the money would be distributed.

“Giving that to the teachers to allocate in a way that they think would best meet their teachers’ needs,” said D-91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange. “So it is different, but it is still a proposal and one that has been used effectively in other districts.”

The organizations had another hours-long meeting on August 1, where D-91 reached a tentative wage agreement with teachers.

IFEA later voted to reject the proposal. On August 13, dozens of teachers and supporters gathered outside the Idaho Falls School District Office to express that they don’t feel valued or supported.

“We’ve made a number of proposals related to both financial and non-financial items,” Snarr said. “What we’re hearing from our members is both of those things are important. Through [these] negotiations, we have worked as a team to do what we can. But ultimately, this decision is up to our members.”

With a new school year upon us, D-91 and the teachers’ union are expected to resume their negotiations and try to come to a new agreement.

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Abi Martin

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — A man is dead following a fatal car accident in Fort Hall yesterday. The accident occurred yesterday at approximately 10:30 am on Highway 91 near the area of Moccasin Drive in Fort Hall.

The victim has been identified as Michael Joe Lee,  a 39-year-old from Idaho Falls, who succumbed to his injuries on scene. Two other passengers are in critical condition, but are stable at this time. 

This accident remains under investigation. 

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