Category: kifi-local-news

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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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The US Senate approved the Trump administration’s $9 billion rescission package on Thursday, which aims to cut $1 billion in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a financial backer for NPR, PBS, and local public affiliates like Idaho State University’s KISU radio station.

The proposed cuts will be brought before the House of Representatives on Thursday before being officially enacted, but KISU general manager Jamon Anderson said they are already planning for the potential of losing one of their main sources of funding.

“The impact of the loss of CPB funding is going to be big, it’s going to be huge,” said Anderson. “I think we’ve got funding in place for this current fiscal year, but we’re going to spend the next 11 months really trying to increase the amount that we’re getting from some of those other areas with the goal of continuing on with increased business support and, of course, donations.”

Anderson said federal funding through CPB accounts for around 25% of KISU’s annual budget. Other sources of financial support for the station include local business backing, listener donations, and a small amount from student fees through the university.

The pull-back of federal funding, Anderson said, is likely to interfere with KISU programming, including broadcasting for ISU athletics, for which KISU is the exclusive outlet, and their 24 volunteer-produced shows.

However, Anderson said the real repercussions of the funding cut will be felt by the students who take advantage of KISU resources for class experience, and the people who rely on the public radio station for news, music, and the over 8,000 free public service announcements offered by KISU using CPB funding.

“I start to think about the folks that will be impacted,” said Anderson. “The employees, the students, the educational and nonprofit communities in our area, and we always hope to rebuild and, of course, make that support up in other areas but I think we have a long road ahead to make that happen.”

For more information, you can visit the KISU website.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Transportation Department announced the painting of the final lane markers on the I-86/I-15 ‘Flying Y’ system interchange earlier this week, signaling the end of the three-year-long update project on the busy stretch of interstate.

In a press release, ITD said the project is all but finished except for shoulder work and landscaping in the area around the interchange, and the conclusion of the project is thanks to the planning of ITD engineers and the hard, year-round work of crews and project leads of contractors ‘Sundt-Cannon Joint Venture.’

“It’s an amazing process, three years of construction, 24/7, and all the way through the winter; it’s been a massive undertaking,” said Justin Smith, public information officer for ITD District 5. “Not only that, but keeping traffic moving while rebuilding the entire interchange has just been something amazing to watch play out, and watching the contractors working, the community interacting with us, it’s been really gratifying to see the project coming to this conclusion.”

Throughout the $112 million rebuild, crews built 8 new bridges, laid 116,000 tons of asphalt, and excavated around 1 million cubic yards of dirt.

ITD has produced a short documentary chronicling the project from start to finish. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF6Kyu85DGs

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Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — A box truck driver is recovering from minor injuries after their vehicle lost its brakes on the Teton Pass Thursday afternoon, July 17.

The driver was luckily able to use the Vehicle Arrestor Catchnet System to bring the truck to a stop, avoiding a potential serious accident.

According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the truck struck four of the catchnets before it stopped.

WYDOT crews are working on repairs and expect the catchnet system to be open by Thursday evening.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Police made a massive drug seizure Friday, after a traffic stop led to the arrest of two Montana residents found with approximately 25 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in their vehicle.

Cody Davidson, 38, and Diane Walters, 50, both of Great Falls, Montana, are currently being held at the Bonneville County Jail, potentially facing serious drug trafficking charges following their arrests on July 11, 2025.

Courtesy: Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office

That day, the Idaho Falls Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit received a tip from law enforcement partners that a vehicle suspected of transporting a significant quantity of narcotics was headed towards Idaho Falls. Acting on this intelligence, investigators quickly located the vehicle at the Love’s Truck Stop at 6737 S 45th Road.

Officers initiated a traffic stop along I-15 after observing the driver, later identified as Davidson, fail to make a complete stop before re-entering the roadway. An Idaho Falls Police K9 officer was called to the scene, and during a free sniff of the vehicle, the police K9 reacted to the presence of narcotics.

Courtesy: IFPD

During the subsequent roadside search, investigators made the initial discovery: 13 bundles of suspected methamphetamine, wrapped in black electrical tape, concealed within the panel of the vehicle’s rear liftgate. Inside a purse in the vehicle’s center console, officers also found two small baggies containing 13.9 grams of cocaine and 4.85 grams of methamphetamine, along with various drug paraphernalia. Davidson reportedly claimed ownership of these items, and a further search of Davidson upon his arrest revealed a glass jar also containing methamphetamine.

Their vehicle was taken to the Idaho Falls Police Complex, where, after obtaining a search warrant, a more thorough search was conducted in the vehicle examination bay. The search uncovered additional drug paraphernalia and 11 more black electrical tape-wrapped packages, concealed inside a door panel. One of these packages was opened and tested positive for methamphetamine.

In total, police seized 24 bundles containing an estimated 25 pounds of tested and suspected methamphetamine.

Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson underscored the important role of inter-agency cooperation in such substantial busts. “Often, when large drug seizures like this one are made, it is thanks to a collaborative effort from narcotics investigators and officers from different agencies,” said Chief Johnson. “Those partnerships make it possible for us to make a stronger impact in the fight against illegal narcotics and the harm they do in our communities.”

Chief Johnson thanked the Davis County Task Force in Utah, Great Falls, Montana law enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho State Police for their partnership in this investigation.

According to the IFPD, Davidson admitted to knowing about the methamphetamine in the vehicle and to consuming methamphetamine during the trip. He was arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Walters, his passenger, was arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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Seth Ratliff

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Firefighters in Custer County are on scene battling the Double Springs Fire, a lightning-caused brush and timber fire in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The small blaze is burning about 28 miles southeast of Challis and is estimated to be 0.25 acres in size.

The U.S. Forest Service has confirmed that two engine crews and a helicopter are on scene, actively working to contain the fire. Fire crews say firefighter and public safety is a priority for this fire.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will continue to provide more updates as information becomes available.

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News Team

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (KIFI) — On Tuesday, July 15, injured Coeur d’Alene firefighter Dave Tysdal was flown to a specialized rehabilitation hospital in Colorado, marking a significant step in his road to recovery. Tysdal, who was seriously injured in the tragic June 29 ambush that killed fellow firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood, received a “hero’s send-off” from Kootenai Health Medical Center.

The emotional farewell saw members of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, hospital staff, and local first responders line the hallway in a show of their support. Governor Brad Little also visited Tysdal at the hospital, urging Idahoans to “keep Firefighter Tysdal and his family in your prayers as they begin the long road to recovery.”

According to Coeur d’Alene Fire, Tysdal is credited with helping save the lives of his fellow first responders by warning them to stay out of the area after he was shot in the back. His injuries include a collapsed lung, shattered ribs, and spinal swelling. Since the incident, Tysdal has not been able to move his legs, Coeur d’Alene Fire reports that he started voluntarily moving the toes on his left foot Sunday, July 13.

His transfer to the rehab hospital will continue his care, which specializes in the care of individuals with spinal cord injuries.

VAST Apparel in Idaho Falls has raised $10,000 to support the injured firefighters in last month’s Coeur d’Alene shooting. For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

SODA SPRINGS, Idaho (KIFI) — The iconic Soda Springs Geyser is expected to be out of commission for at least eight weeks due to extensive mechanical failures. The City of Soda Springs announced on June 3rd that the entire mechanical and valve system needed to be replaced after a mechanical failure.

Repair parts are anticipated to take eight weeks for delivery, during which time the geyser will remain non-operational. The City has apologized for the inconvenience via a Facebook post.

Discovered in 1937, the Soda Springs Geyser emerged when local businessmen, drilling for hot water for a commercial bathhouse, accidentally tapped into a pocket of carbon dioxide gas. Hot water erupted from the ground, initially reaching heights of over 45 feet and later 70 feet after the drill bit was removed, according to the City website. Following its discovery, the geyser was capped and set to erupt every hour on the hour, a schedule it maintained until the recent mechanical problems forced its closure.

For updates on the repair progress, check the City of Soda Springs’ official social media page, HERE.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the U.S. Forest Service:

CUSTER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Forest visitors and boaters on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River should expect delays during the 2025 summer boating season as traffic to and from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River Boundary Creek boat launch will be impacted by road and access improvement projects.  Over 10 miles of road will be reconditioned and resurfaced with new surface rock. 

ROAD DELAYS: 

Expect 30-minute delays on the Boundary and Dagger roads (Forest roads #579 and #568) on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Work is expected to last through August.  The public will be notified when work is completed and there will no longer be delays.  

The Forest Service has been able to secure funding to improve road conditions and access for the public.  A portion of the funding comes from the Great American Outdoors Act.  Thus far, over $3.5 million dollars has been spent on the Boundary Creek #579 and Dagger Falls #568 roads as part of these road and bridge projects. 

In 2023 the Forest Service performed the first phase of these road projects.  The first major part of this phase involved replacing a large culvert with a bridge at the Dagger Creek crossing.  The other major part of this phase involved various road improvements: replacing culverts, almost 3 miles of roadbed reclamation, over 10 miles of roadway reconditioning, and installing/replacing 51 road signs. 

Closures and delays are subject to change.  Every effort will be made to communicate these changes to boaters and other users with as much advance notice as possible.  The Salmon-Challis National Forest appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during the short-term inconvenience these projects will cause.  In the long term, these projects will greatly benefit boater traffic and public land access. 

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CNN Newsource

By Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV

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PROVO, Utah (KSL) — Most people come to the Provo River to float, relax, and enjoy a summer day.

Ranger Wyatt Manis is often there for something else.

“Checking to make sure people have life jackets,” said Manis, a ranger with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement.

He’s the kind of person who quietly watches, listens and stands ready for when, and if, something goes wrong.

And a few weekends ago, something did.

Tiffinie Wolf, who lives in South Jordan, was paddleboarding on the river when her foot became trapped under a trestle bridge. Despite wearing a life vest, she couldn’t free herself from the fast-moving current.

“I knew time was of the essence in that moment, and so I knew something had to be done,” Manis said.

Manis, who was patrolling the area, immediately answered the call for help. He ran to the water, took off his vest and got into the cold water.

His body camera on his vest captured the moment he called out to a bystander to grab his radio and call for help.

Manis stayed in the water, holding Wolf’s head above the surface.

“I remember in my head thinking, I don’t have time to feel cold right now. I’ve just got to keep her above water,” he said.

Conservation officer Aidan Hueton arrived shortly afterward.

“And once I got here, I kind of just conveyed what I was seeing to dispatch as well as advising search and rescue … what was going on,” Hueton said.

Manis held Wolf for nearly 30 minutes until Wasatch County search and rescue crews arrived and were able to get her out.

Tuesday, Wolf returned to the bridge, but this time to say thank you to Manis and the team who rescued her.

“I really do admire a lot of the selflessness that goes into that line of work,” she said. “I’m thankful he was there, and I’m thankful there are those who help others.”

Manis, who typically prefers to stay out of the spotlight, said it’s moments like this one that remind him why he chose this career.

“I’m grateful that we had a successful outcome that day,” he said. “There’s been too many other times in my career where it hasn’t been successful, and we’re dealing with the opposite of this, or a tragedy. So we try to be prepared and help out as much as we can.”

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