Category: kifi-local-news

Kailey Galaviz

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Miss Idaho Falls, Reagan Eubanks, and Miss Idaho Falls Teen, Kirra McCarty, are taking the stage at the 2025 Miss Idaho and Miss Idaho Teen pageant, competing for the title.

The pageant is scheduled to take place on June 14 at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls.

Eubanks and McCarty stopped by the studio to talk with our Local News 8 in the Morning crew to talk about their titles and how you can come out to support.

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News Team

The following is a press release from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office:

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of a new mobile application designed to enhance communication and public safety services for residents. Developed in partnership with TheSheriffApp.com, the app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play by searching “Bannock County Sheriff, ID.”

“We’re excited about launching this app to improve the community’s access to our services,” said Sheriff Tony Manu. “They’ll be able to easily access what they need when they need it, and we’ll be able to alert them when we need to.”

The app offers residents convenient access to a wide range of information and services, including news releases, the current jail roster, a searchable database of registered sex offenders, and more. Users can also receive real-time push notifications for weather alerts, emergency warnings, and other critical updates.

All future activity reports—previously shared on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page—will now be posted exclusively through the mobile app. These reports will be updated in real time, allowing users to stay informed about local law enforcement activity as it happens, all in one reliable and easy-to-access platform.

One of the app’s key features is the ability for users to submit crime tips directly to the Sheriff’s Office. It also provides information on employment opportunities, offering a new and convenient way for job seekers to connect with the agency.

In addition, the app includes a dedicated page for the Bannock County Office of Emergency Management. This section provides helpful resources for preparing and responding to emergencies—before, during, and after a disaster strikes.

“I am very excited to share details about Emergency Management and the inclusion of community-like partnership activities for the benefit of the whole community through this app,” said Wes Jones, Bannock County Emergency Director.

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office invites all residents to download the app and stay informed, connected, and prepared.

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Stephanie Lucas

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Bingham Healthcare celebrated its 75th anniversary Tuesday on the steps of Bingham Memorial Hospital.

“What began in 1950 as a modest 60-bed rural hospital has grown into Eastern Idaho’s leading healthcare network,” said Bingham Healthcare in a press release.

The American Hospital Association joined the ceremony to recognize Bingham Healthcare’s 75 years in rural Idaho.

“For 75 years, we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors—delivering not just care, buthope,” said Jake Erickson, CEO of Bingham Healthcare. “This celebration isn’t just aboutlooking back on our accomplishments. It’s about recognizing the people who’ve made thisjourney possible—our patients, providers, and community—and looking forward to how we’llcontinue raising the standard of rural healthcare for decades to come.”

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Students got to dive into some fun while still learning a serious lesson. Local high school-aged students are getting an inside look at what it takes to work in law enforcement. 

“We’re doing our Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office teen career camp. This morning, we took them scuba diving. Today we’re at the jail learning about our detention facility and what our detention officers and the people who work in this facility do for the sheriff’s office,” said Sergeant Daniel Sperry, with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

Many students want to know what it means to serve and protect.

American Heritage Charter School Freshman Lane Dominck said, “I mean, I kind of wanted to see what the police people did to, like, protect us and stuff.”

The program seems to be inspiring these local teens to consider law enforcement as a possible career.

Bonneville High School Junior Ashley Anndelehanty said, “At the beginning, I did this more for the fun things, the scuba diving, but as I’ve gone along and I’ve seen the different positions, I really do think that law enforcement might be something I’m interested in.”

Bonneville High School junior Alexis Ruesch said, “I’m hoping to go into maybe being a K-9 officer or just like a patrol officer of some sort.”

Students say the experience has been exciting and encourage others to consider taking part in the camp.

“I love the community with people, and that’s like such a big part for me, just getting to know so many different people. And if I were going to do it, I’d probably do more of a tech side of it,” said Ethan Norman, a Bonneville High School Sophomore.

The program was also very effective in keeping teens in line with the law, just so they wouldn’t have to eat jail food.

“I don’t think I would ever commit a crime or be anywhere near here because this is disgusting,” said Macy Hill, a Hillcrest High School freshman.

The camp has a capacity of 24 students per week, and they are completely full for this year.

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Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the United States Department of Agriculture:

Washington, D.C. (KIFI) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signed three new food choice waivers to Make America Healthy Again. The signed waivers will amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, each commencing in 2026.

“The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer. Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Rollins.

“Thank you to the governors of Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, and Nebraska for their bold leadership and unwavering commitment to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Kennedy. “I call on every governor in the nation to submit a SNAP waiver to eliminate sugary drinks—taxpayer dollars should never bankroll products that fuel the chronic disease epidemic.”

Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy were joined at the event by Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Governor of Indiana Mike Braun.

“This approval sends a clear message: President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly grateful for Secretary Rollins’ quick approval of our waiver. Arkansas leads the nation in getting unhealthy, ultra-processed foods off food stamps and helping our most vulnerable citizens lead healthier lives.”

“Indiana is proud to be a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and I’m proud to join Secretary Rollins, Secretary Kennedy, Congressman Baird, and my fellow Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today to discuss returning SNAP to its proper purpose of nutrition, and how my Make Indiana Healthy Again agenda supports Indiana agriculture and empowers Hoosiers to live longer, healthier lives,” said Governor Braun.

Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products. This historic action expands the list of products excluded from SNAP purchases in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah. Arkansas’ waiver excludes soda, low and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, other unhealthy drinks, and candy, and it will take effect July 1, 2026. The waiver for Idaho excludes soda and candy, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. The waiver for Utah excludes soft drinks, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. Secretary Rollins has previously signed waivers for Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana.

“Idaho proudly welcomes the MAHA movement because it is all about looking for new ways to improve nutrition, increase exercise, and take better care of ourselves and one another, especially our children. We are excited to partner with the Trump administration in bringing common sense to the government’s food assistance program with the approval of our SNAP waiver,” said Governor Brad Little.

At the direction of President Trump, Secretary Rollins is ensuring programs work harder to encourage healthy eating and improved lifestyle habits while protecting taxpayer dollars. On Secretary Rollins’ first full day in office, she sent a letter to the nation’s governors (PDF, 88.8 KB), outlining her vision for the Department and inviting them to participate in a new “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative to create bold solutions to long-ignored challenges. Secretary Rollins and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote an opinion piece in USA Today outlining their plan to Make America Healthy Again, including through SNAP waivers like the ones signed today.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual responsible for damaging several apartment windows on St. Clair Avenue with a BB gun on Monday.

A Ring doorbell camera captured footage of the suspect, which the department shared on its Facebook page. In the short video, the individual appears to be a male wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

How to Report Information

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this person is urged to contact Idaho Falls Police dispatch directly at (208) 529-1200.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be reported through East Idaho Crime Stoppers. Tipsters providing information to Crime Stoppers that leads to a successful arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s annual ‘Free Fishing Day’ returns Saturday, June 14, and regional offices are hosting events to make it even easier to catch the big one.

Free Fishing Day has been an annual tradition on the second Saturday in June since 1992. Idahoans can fish without a license anywhere in the state open for fishing; bag limits, size restrictions, and area closures stay in effect.

“Free Fishing Day is just a great way to get the public engaged in fishing,” said Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Fish and Game Southeast Region. “…It’s a great opportunity to get them outside and enjoying the outdoors and enjoying the sport of fishing, and maybe it will reconnect them to that or introduce them to a sport that can be with them for a lifetime.”

Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region is hosting two Free Fishing Day events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello and the Grace Fish Hatchery in Grace. At the events, Fish and Game will provide help for first-time anglers and bait and tackle to use for the day until supplies last.

For more information, or to find Free Fishing Day events near you, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.

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Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE (KIFI) — A 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, is recovering after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, June 10, underscoring the importance of keeping a safe distance from the wildlife.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), a large group of visitors had gotten too close to the animal, leading to the incident. Fortunately, the man only sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel.

This marks the second reported incident of a person being injured by a bison in Yellowstone this year. The first occurred on May 7. There were also two reported incidents in 2024 and one in 2023, highlighting a persistent safety challenge for the park.

The Parks service reminds all visitors that “wildlife in Yellowstone are wild and can be dangerous.” For more information on how to stay safe while visiting the park, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20 near St. Anthony remains indefinitely closed following a train derailment. Eastern Idaho Railroad, the railroad company involved, informed Local News 8 via email that they currently have no timeline for the complete cleanup of the scene or for rebuilding the affected section of the railroad, due to the location.

However, Eastern Idaho Railroad anticipates the affected crossing will reopen in “3-4 days.”

With the intersection remaining closed, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is advising drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to find alternate routes.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released.

ORIGINAL:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A train derailment near Chester has forced the indefinite closure of the intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20, around six miles north of St. Anthony, causing significant travel disruptions. While the incident has resulted in substantial damage, authorities confirm there are no reported injuries.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced the closure via a Facebook post, urging drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to seek alternate routes.

Local News 8 is on the scene, where it appears at least four grain cars are visibly overturned, and sections of the train tracks may be heavily damaged.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released. This is a developing story, and Local News 8 will provide updates as more details become available.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A Pocatello man is facing a slew of felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly escalated a traffic stop for erratic driving into a physical altercation, in a destructive attempt to flee from Idaho State Police. Monday night, ISP reportedly arrested 43-year-old Joshua Edward Maddock after he reportedly fled a traffic stop, crashed through two truck stop properties, and attempted to hide from law enforcement.

The incident began at around 8:28 p.m. when ISP dispatch received a call of a driver swerving from lane to lane, speeding, and almost hitting other vehicles on I-15. An ISP trooper found Maddocks’ vehicle, a 2023 white Toyota Camry, traveling northbound and initiated a traffic stop at a Love’s truck stop in Bonneville County.

During the stop, the driver, identified as Maddock, showed signs of impairment. As the trooper established probable cause for a vehicle search, Maddock reportedly became argumentative and tried to re-enter his vehicle.

ISP says a “physical altercation ensued,” and the trooper attempted to subdue Maddock with a taser multiple times, but it was reportedly “ineffective.” The 43-year-old then forced his way into the Camry and fled the scene, crashing through portions of the Love’s fueling facility.

ISP found the abandoned vehicle shortly after at Rush’s Truck Repair, where Maddock had reportedly crashed through the entrance gate. With assistance from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and Shelley Police Department, Maddock was found hiding on the property.

“This all started with a phone call. A concerned citizen reported a driver speeding and swerving, which quickly turned into something much more serious. This is a powerful reminder that when the public and law enforcement work together, we can keep our communities safer. If you see something suspicious or dangerous on the road, don’t hesitate to call *ISP (*477) or 911,” Captain Weadick said.

Maddock was booked on multiple charges, including felony eluding in a vehicle, malicious injury to property (for both Love’s Truck Stop and Rush’s Truck Repair), possession of methamphetamine, and destruction of evidence. Misdemeanor charges include resisting and obstructing, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a property damage crash (for both locations), trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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