Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – 11 Idaho defendants have been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges after attempting to distribute large amounts of fentanyl in southern Idaho, according to a release by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

According to court documents, the group had recruited recent parolees during their time in prison in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho.

The following individuals have been sentenced for federal drug violations:

Austin Chad Lee, 29, of Twin Falls, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Arafat Ramirez, 43, of Jerome, was sentenced to 140 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Brandon Aaron Dana, 37, of Leadore, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl.

Tina Jane Morris, 46, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Sammy Davey Martinez, 49, of Nampa, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Jamie Lee Coltrin, 36, of Rupert, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl.

Jenika Ann Johnson, 31, of Pocatello, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the distribution of fentanyl.

Daniel Ross Coltrin, 40, of Paul, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Rosa Ramirez, of Jerome, 64, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

Rachel Dixon, 36, of Boise, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for distribution of fentanyl.

Laila Vanessa Ramirez-Martinez, 35, of Jerome, was sentenced to two years’ probation for false statement.

The conviction was the result of a large-scale investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force involving the cooperative efforts of 10 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The success of this investigation is the direct result of cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” wrote Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott in a prepared statement.  “Protecting Idahoans from dangerous drugs flowing up from the Mexico border is one of our highest law enforcement priorities, and I commend each of the agencies involved for their outstanding work achieving justice in this case.”

In Early 2023, detectives with Idaho State Police (ISP) received a tip that 29-year-old Austin Chad Lee of Twin Falls was distributing large amounts of fentanyl in southern Idaho, according to court records. ISP detectives coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies to quickly investigate Lee and identify the source of the drugs.

Investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Lee and other co-conspirators, including Jamie Coltrin, Jenika Johnson, Brandon Dana, Tina Morris, and Daniel Coltrin. 

Investigators uncovered that recent parolees were recruited into the conspiracy during their time in prison. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the conspirators helped traffic fentanyl from the United States/Mexico border to distribute in Idaho, while other members of the conspiracy accepted payment for the drugs.

In July 2023, the investigation expanded to include Lee’s Mexico-based drug supplier and other co-conspirators. From this, investigators identified additional co-conspirators Arafat Ramirez, Rosa Ramirez, Laila Ramirez-Martinez, Sammy Martinez, and Rachel Dixon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The investigation was extensive and resulted in the seizure of over 48,000 fentanyl pills and four pounds of methamphetamine, significantly hindering the flow of fentanyl into Idaho and the Magic Valley area, says Whattcott.

“We are proud the State of Idaho works so well with our federal partners to protect the public,” said Governor Brad Little.  “The goal of our Operation Esto Perpetua initiative is to equip law enforcement with the training and tools they need to keep Idaho safe.  Today’s announcement about the conviction of 11 drug traffickers demonstrates what Idaho is doing is working.”

In addition to the work by the ISP and DEA agencies, Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott aplauded the following agencies for assisting in the investigations and arrests of the above-named individuals:  Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City Police Department, and the Idaho Department of Correction.

Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Regional Airport is adding a new flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Aug. 6, 2025. The flight will be operated by American Airlines.

“This is a route that the Idaho Falls Regional Airport has been after for a number of years, far longer than I’ve been here,” Idaho Falls Regional Airport Director Ian Turner said. “It offers the opportunity for people not only to reach one of our top 15 destination markets in Chicago, but have easy one stop service to another four of our top 15 destinations.”

“The easier we can make it to depart from here, the easier travel is for everyone,” Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper said. “Gone are the days when Idaho Falls residents had to factor in a drive and perhaps even a night stay in Salt Lake before they caught their flights to their favorite destinations.”

This is a huge step forward for the airport, as they prepare for a major expansion in June.

“We’re looking to begin the expansion to this terminal building that was announced almost a year and a half ago,” Turner said. “That will address what we’re looking at with infrastructure and utilities to accommodate the full build out of this terminal building over the coming decade.”

Airport officials are also looking to add flights to other major destinations as well.

“Our most recent study tells us that a lot of people who come here are trying to get to Los Angeles, and so we’re still trying to find the sweet spot to get our residents that direction as well,” Casper said. “But when you think about it, once we achieve, that route, we’ll be able to get people just about anywhere they need to go in a pretty short amount of time.”

Flights will arrive from Chicago at noon, and depart from Idaho Falls at about 12:30 daily. It will be a seasonal service until Nov. 1, 2025.

ORIGINAL:

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Regional Airport are excited to announce American Airlines’ initiation of seasonal nonstop service between Idaho Falls Regional Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on Aug. 6, 2025. This new service will operate midday, allowing travelers to connect to destinations on the East Coast, Florida, and internationally on American’s comprehensive global network. 

“We are thrilled to have this new air service in Idaho Falls,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “The summer months are the busiest of the year for IDA and it is a big win for travelers through our region to have this new flight option to explore. American Airlines has been an excellent partner when it comes to meeting traveler needs.” 

This new service is offered daily from Aug. 6 to Nov. 1, 2025, and will be flown on the 65-seat CRJ-700 aircraft that passengers in Idaho Falls are familiar with.

This marks American’s newest route serving IDA since 2021. American Airlines also flies year-round service daily to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and seasonal service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

“American looks forward to welcoming customers on our new service between Idaho Falls Regional Airport and our Chicago O’Hare hub,” said Joe Hughes, Managing Director, Government Affairs at American. “This new flight will offer customers convenient access to all that Chicago has to offer and shorter travel times with American to destinations like New York, Washington, D.C., and global cities such as London and Barcelona.” 

Whether you’re craving deep-dish pizza, eager to stroll along the Magnificent Mile, or planning a family day at Navy Pier, Chicago offers big-city excitement with Midwestern charm. Known for its stunning skyline, award-winning restaurants, iconic sports teams, and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago is the perfect destination for a getaway or a last-minute adventure.

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

ARIZONA (KIFI): The prosecution and Lori Vallow Daybell have rested their case in Vallow’s high-profile murder conspiracy trial.

Closing arguments and jury instructions will be held on Monday, April 21. The court will be back in session at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time (11:30 a.m. Mountain Time).

Watch the afternoon recap below.

Watch the morning recap below.

UPDATE:

ARIZONA (KIFI) – Prosecutors may be able to rest their case today as the court enters the seventh day of Lori Vallow Daybell’s second murder trial on Wednesday.

The trial will resume after a brief lunch break at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (2:30 p.m. Mountain)

Local News 8 is streaming the trial below.

Wednesday morning, the prosecutor called Chandler Police Detective Nathan Duncan to the stand. Duncan was working on July 11, 2019, and responded to the scene of Charles Vallow’s murder after learning of the shooting on his police radio.

Duncan’s testimony further explained the scene of Charles Vallow’s Arizona home following the shooting, as evidence of Lori’s private emails and text messages made on Charles’s phone after his death.

ORIGINAL:

ARIZONA (KIFI) – Prosecutors may be able to rest their case today as the court enters the seventh day of Lori Vallow Daybell’s second murder trial on Wednesday.

The trial will continue on Tuesday morning, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time (11:30 a.m. Mountain). There is a 30-minute delay as per the Judge’s orders.

The state has called a total of 18 witnesses in the trial so far, and less than a handful remain to be called, according to reports by Fox 10 Phoenix.

Tuesday, the jury heard testimony from two members of the Chandler Police Department, Det. Cassandra Ynclan and Det. Ariel Werther.

Det. Werther presented a PowerPoint of the geographic location of Charles’s cell phone following his death. The location data confirmed that Lori Vallow had taken her children to buy flip flops and to a fast food restaurant directly after her fourth husband’s death.

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) –  Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center is celebrating a week of service in honor of April National Volunteer Month.

Early Tuesday, April 15, dozens of staff members and community volunteers gathered at the hospital cafeteria to prepare period product kits for local girls.

Over 40,000 period products were packed and bagged into thousands of kits that will be distributed to girls across Southeast Idaho. 

“Through the Idaho Period Project, they’ll be given to school administrators and counselors who then identify the girls who are in need of these,” said Brooke Nelson, Vice President of the Idaho Period Project. “So a girl can simply come to the office or to that faculty or staff member and say, ‘Hey, I might not have what I need for this summer,’ and then they can take them home.” 

Nelson tells us they surveyed schools in Idaho and found that one in four girls are experiencing period poverty.

“Period poverty is simply the lack of access to period products,” said Nelson.” And that leads them to miss out on full class periods, full days of school, and a lot of important activities that they want to participate in.” 

Dozens of ERIMC staff and volunteers sorted through hundreds of boxes of feminine products as part of the organization’s ‘We Show Up For Our Communities’ days of service.

Coleen Niemann, Director of Communication for EIRMC said, “This is an opportunity to show up outside of our building for residents and our neighbors. We are proud to be helping out girls who are in need and schools in our area.”

The goal is to provide girls in the community a chance to fully participate in all their school activities and have a worry-free summer.

Devyn Hinson, Licensed master social worker and Counselor at Bonneville High School, tells Local News 8 this project is greatly needed in our community.

“I often have several female students that come to my office several times a day asking for period products. And it’s so wonderful to be able to have these products available in the office that they can just come and grab when they need,” said Hinson.

The supplies will be going out next month, in the middle of May.

EIRMC is serving the community all month long in a variety of ways.

Other projects they have going on this month include:

Building period product kits for local girls and women in need.  Partnership with Idaho Period Project.

Collecting school supplies for students.  Partnership with F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here).

Preparing weekend food kits for children in need. Partnership with United Way of Bonneville County.

Hosting a non-profit agency fair with fifteen local organizations to educate staff about the vital role these organizations play in our community.

Promoting donations to the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund, which supports EIRMC colleagues experiencing unforeseen financial crises.

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the Eastern Idaho State Fair:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Dust off your boots and tighten your cinch—because the Eastern Idaho State Fair is back and this year’s theme is a full-blown invitation to Saddle Up! From August 29 to September 6, 2025, fairgoers are in for nine rip-roarin’ days of entertainment, food, and fun that’ll have you hollerin’ “yee-haw!” all the way home.

This year’s Bank of Commerce Grandstand has a stampede of a lineup that’s bigger than a prairie sky. Whether you’re into rodeos, wrecks, or rockstars, there’s something for every kind of cowboy and cowgirl:

· August 29 – Country chart-topper Dylan Scott kicks things off with a boot-stompin’ concert

· August 30 – Hang onto your hats for the Bull Riding Championships

· August 31 – Feel the horsepower at the Western Truck & Tractor Pull

· September 1–3 – The Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo rides into town for three nights of world-class action

· September 4 – Comedy outlaw Jeff Dunham brings his posse of puppets for a wild night of laughs

· September 5 – Multi-GRAMMY winners Train take the stage with their chart-bustin’ hits

· September 6 – Wrap it all up with a bang at the September Slam Demolition Derby

Tickets are ONLY available at FunAtTheFair.com —so grab ’em before they high-tail it outta town.

In addition to the nighttime lineup, fairgoers can enjoy daytime attractions including the Indian Relay Races, Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing, livestock exhibitions, and culinary creations from hundreds of local vendors. Of course, it wouldn’t be the fair without the fried food, blue-ribbon livestock, belly-laughin’ attractions, and good ol’ family fun that’s been a tradition in these parts for 123 years.

“This year’s theme, Saddle Up, isn’t just about horses—it’s about takin’ life by the reins,” said Brandon Bird, Eastern Idaho State Fair General Manager. “We’re callin’ on everyone to show up, join the ride, and make memories worth their weight in gold.”

Don’t miss the chance to be part of Idaho’s biggest, boldest, and boot-kickin’est event of the year. For tickets, schedules, and event details, visit FunAtTheFair.com.

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – The state of Idaho is attempting to ban the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from covering the purchase of candy and soda.

Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 109 into law, under which the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will seek a waiver from the federal government to ban candy and soda from being purchased using food stamps, or SNAP benefits.

While similar legislation has failed in the past, the bill’s cosponsor, Senator Ben Toews, R-Coeur d’Alene,   told lawmakers 20 other states are considering similar legislation in a movement called “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), promoted by the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Idaho welcomes the MAHA movement. It is all about looking for creative ways to improve nutrition and increase exercise, the two main factors that influence overall health,” Governor Little wrote in a statement to the press. “Secretary Kennedy said it so well: we need to take better care of ourselves and each other. He said it is an act of patriotism, and the future of our nation depends on it. Idaho couldn’t agree more.”

In a prepared statement to the press, the U.S. Health Secretary applauded Governor Little’s approval of the bill.

“I urge all governors to follow Idaho’s lead and submit innovative SNAP waivers to the USDA to reverse the childhood chronic disease epidemic and Make America Healthy Again,” wrote U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

A “simple issue” or “missing the mark?”

The amended bill passed the Idaho Senate in a 25-10 vote and the Idaho House 48-20.

Opponents of the bill argued that the legislation would create difficulties for Idaho businesses and may even cause grocery stores to stop accepting SNAP benefits.

Other opponents argued that the bill’s definition of candy was too broad and may impact other foods.

The bill’s text defines candy as “a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of confections, bars, drops, or pieces.”

“I do recognize the complexities of defining candy and soda, but at the same time, this issue is not complex at all. It is actually quite simple: assistance from the government should go toward healthy foods, not foods that cause so many health problems,” Governor Little wrote in a prepared statement.

Senator Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, argued that the bill misses the mark in both health and combating the obesity epidemic.

“If we really wanted to address obesity, we would be providing more cash incentives for low-income folks so they could actually purchase foods that cost more, that are healthy,” said Sen. Wintrow. “This is just one more way to control poor people, (and) show our disdain for their lack of good decision making.”

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Spring means mating season for many of Idaho’s native animals, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants to remind people to leave baby animals alone if you stumble across them in the wild.

According to Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Fish and Game’s Southeast Region, Idaho’s wild birds and big game will soon start to find places to make their nests and have their young, and moving into baby season in May and June, it is especially important people remember to let baby animals lie.

“In order for us to continue with an abundant wildlife population, if you want to see wildlife grow, it’s important to let mothers do their job of raising their young and continuing to grow their herds or their flocks,” said Jackson. “When you bring an animal to us, you put that animal in danger.”

Jackson said every year, Fish and Game gets visits from well-meaning outdoorspeople who bring wild chicks or fawns to the department office, thinking the animals were abandoned. In reality, wild baby animals are often left alone for hours at a time while their parents search for food or draw potential predators away from their babies’ hiding places.

The best thing people can do for baby animals is leave them alone and trust their parents are nearby. Fish and Game prioritizes returning baby animals to their parents when they’re brought in to the office, but it is not always possible to find where they came from, and some babies may need to be taken elsewhere for care.

For more information, or if you have questions or concerns about an animal’s safety, you can contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Southeast Regional Office by calling (208) 232-4703 or visiting their website.