Category: kifi-local-news

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) —The Rexburg Police Department is trying to educate and answer voter questions ahead of the vote on the new police station bond, which would cover the construction cost for a modern facility.

The department is hosting a special open house next Tuesday, October 28th, from 4 to 6 P.M., to give Rexburg residents a chance to check out and tour the aging building firsthand and get their questions answered by officers and city officials. Attendees will be able to tour the existing station and learn more about the proposed project.

“This is their city,” said Rexburg PD Chief Finance Officer Matt Nielson. “It’s just an opportunity for them to make a decision on a future asset, in my opinion, that can benefit their community.”

To help voters visualize the project, the department has released a model of the proposed floor plan for the public to review.

Rexburg Police Chief Rhodes previously told Local News 8 that the current building is severely outdated and plagued with numerous issues. The department believes a new facility, featuring significantly more space, is essential for them to effectively and safely serve the growing population of Rexburg.

City council members say this is something that cannot be done without the support of the community.

The city has set up a website to explain more about the bond. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Fish and Game:

ISLAND PARK — On the morning of Oct. 18, a big game hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense after it charged him from a short distance away while hunting in the North Antelope flats area of Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

The hunter was hiking through thick timber when the grizzly came out of the brush, charging directly toward him. The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made. 

The hunter called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as soon as he was able to report the incident. Idaho Fish and Game was notified and immediately responded to the report. After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self-defense as he was being charged by a bear from a close distance.

Grizzly bears are protected under state and federal law, and Fish and Game reminds hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in the Greater Yellowstone area and parts of northern Idaho. Grizzly bears also occasionally visit as far south as the Grangeville area and into the Salmon Region in central Idaho.

Here are some good reminders when hunting in grizzly country:

Carry bear spray and keep it accessible.

Hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans.

Look for grizzly bear sign, including fresh tracks. Let partners know if you do see sign.

Retrieve meat as quickly as possible.

Hang meat, food, and garbage at least 200 yards from camp and at least 10 feet off the ground.

When not actively hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

IDAHO (KIFI) — The Department of Homeland Security is defending a large-scale operation in Wilder, Idaho, over the weekend that resulted in the arrest of 105 individuals on immigration and criminal charges. The raid targeted an alleged illegal horse-racing, animal fighting, and gambling operation and has drawn sharp criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho and the Idaho Democratic Party.

The raid took place while a public horse racing event was in progress, with a large crowd in attendance, according to a report by KIVI. Eyewitnesses reported a significant law enforcement presence, noting that several officers were wearing masks, stating that ICE detained a larger number of people than the FBI during the operation.

Tuesday, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin released a written statement confirming the operation and its focus.

“Over the weekend, ICE dismantled an illegal horse-racing, animal fighting, and a gambling enterprise operation …,” McLaughlin stated. “As part of the operation, ICE law enforcement officers arrested 105 illegal aliens. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we are dismantling criminal networks in the United States.”

ACLU of Idaho Denounces Arrests

In the wake of the arrests, the operation has sparked a torrent of online speculation regarding legal and civil rights concerns.

RELATED: Increased ICE raids raise concerns in Eastern Idaho following federal raid in Wilder

On Monday, the ACLU of Idaho held a press conference to publicly denounce the raid.

“The government came in full force, military-style, helicopters, drones and arrested and handcuffed, everyone … including children,” ACLU of Idaho Executive Director Leo Morales told journalists, as reported by the Idaho Capital Sun. “No person, no Idahoan, no American should ever accept whenever a government does this to its own people.”

In a written statement, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea called the action in Wilder “government overreach at its worst.”

“Hundreds of agents descended on a small community, zip-tied adults and minors, fired rubber bullets into a peaceful crowd, and separated children from their parents, all over an alleged unlicensed betting operation involving only a handful of people,” said Necochea. Those few could have been arrested directly. The vast majority of those detained had nothing to do with the alleged crime. It was inhumane, unnecessary, and dangerous.”

Necochea also criticized Governor Little’s backing of the Idaho State Police (ISP) partnership with ICE under the 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to perform certain federal immigration functions.

“Governor Little promised that coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and state police would focus on criminals. Instead, innocent families, including U.S. citizens and children, were targeted and traumatized,” she added. “The Trump regime’s reckless approach to immigration closes legal pathways and punishes law-abiding people, tearing families apart for no purpose other than fear and control… If the government can treat families like this in Wilder, what stops them from doing it anywhere else?”

Governor Little comments on arrests in Wilder

Governor Brad Little issued a written statement Tuesday supporting the action by DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“Illegal gambling operations involving animals often accompany drug trafficking, animal abuse, illegal weapons trafficking, and large sums of money that end up in the hands of cartel bosses,” Governor Little said.

The Governor also confirmed the state’s involvement, noting, “The State of Idaho provided support in the service of a warrant issued by a federal judge in connection with the illegal activities taking place in Wilder.”

The release by the Governor’s office also clarified that the operation was the culmination of a month-long investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in coordination with the Treasure Valley Metro Violence Crime and Gang Task Force. The Governor’s office also confirmed that of the 105 people taken into custody, none of whom were children.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Nampa man is now in custody, facing multiple felony charges related to the production and distribution of child pornography.

Tuesday, October 14, investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, along with officers from multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested 25-year-old Steven Vasquez of Nampa for alleged sexual exploitation of a child.

Details of the Investigation and Arrest

The multi-agency investigation began on Monday, October 13, as the Idaho ICAC Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The report, submitted by Snapchat, indicated “newly produced and/or homemade content,” suggesting recent hands-on sexual abuse of a child, according to Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office.

The ICAC Task Force worked swiftly to identify the child victim, working alongside investigators with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police, School Resource Officers from the Middleton Police Department, and the FBI. This coordinated effort and quick response led to Vasquez’s arrest the following day.

“Our ICAC investigators acted within 24 hours to stop alleged ongoing abuse and protect a child,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Swift action by our growing statewide network of law enforcement partners makes Idaho safer for children. We will continue working relentlessly with every agency committed to defending our most vulnerable from those who would exploit them.”

Charges and How to Report Child Exploitation

Vasquez was subsequently charged with 6 counts of production of child sexual exploitation material and 6 counts of distribution of child sexual exploitation material. His bond has been set at $2 million. Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is strongly encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

EDITED: Oct. 21, 2025 4:20 PM

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With colder temperatures setting in and frost appearing, homeowners are being reminded not to overlook an important task: winterizing their sprinkler systems.

It is important to winterize your sprinklers as soon as those cold months come in, otherwise you’ll see damages.

“Water as it freezes is extremely powerful. And its expansion into ice will break just about anything,” Owner of OLS Sprinklers, Steve Morales, said.

Morales said the blow-out method is one of the most effective ways to winterize your sprinklers. This method involves using compressed air to clear water from the sprinkler system’s pipes.

Another method is the “drain out” method, which he says customers like, but not as effective since it could be error-prone.

“What we found is that it’s not as good because some of the sprinklers that have gears in the bottom of them will get ice expansion in those gears and then their lifespan is shortened. It should last 12 or 15 years. Sometimes they’re a lot less if you allow them to ice over every winter,” Morales said.

While you may think it’s easier and cheaper to do it yourself, you should always consult with a professional or do extensive research prior to doing a blow-out to ensure accuracy and to avoid injuries.

“If you do it yourself, then the damages when you repair those sprinkler systems are several hundred could be thousands of dollars. But when it’s not done correctly, a lot of the basements in Idaho Falls end up with the water that that after the thaw occurs and the sprinkler systems now broken, sometimes the water will go down and flood a basement and then you’re really done some serious damage,” Morales said.

Original:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With colder temperatures setting in and frost appearing, homeowners are being reminded not to overlook an important task: winterizing their sprinkler systems.

Experts at The Home Depot highlight three common methods for winterizing sprinklers: The manual drain method, the automatic drain method, and the blow-out method.

Local company Ohana Sprinklers and Landscaping emphasizes the importance of the blow-out method. When water is left in the system and freezes, it can bend gears. The blow-out method helps prevent this, extending the lifespan of your sprinkler system.

The blow-out method involves using compressed air to clear water from the sprinkler system’s pipes. However, it can be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t followed. This is why extensive research or professional help is important.

The ideal time to start winterizing is between mid-September and the end of October.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is honoring retired Sheriff Byron R. Stommel, who passed away Monday at his home outside of Idaho Falls.

A native of Idaho Falls, Stommel graduated from Idaho Falls Senior High School in 1960. He furthered his education at Pasadena City College in California and later completed training at the Idaho State University (ISU) police academy, according to his Facebook profile.

Sheriff Stommel spent the early years of his law enforcement career with the Idaho Falls Police Department before being elected Sheriff of Bonneville County in 1993. At the time of his retirement in 2007, Sheriff Stommel was recognized as the longest-serving Sheriff in Bonneville County history, leaving behind a proud legacy of service to the community, according to BCSO.

“Our thoughts are with the Stommel family, mourning the loss of a colleague, mentor, and friend to the BCSO Team,” BCSO stated on Facebook.

Click here to follow the original article.

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 21 OCT 25 12:15 ET

By JR Stone

Click here for updates on this story

    OAKLAND, California (KGO) — Former NFL player Doug Martin, who died in Oakland police custody over the weekend, had been struggling with mental health issues, according to his family.

Martin’s former agent released a statement on behalf of the family, saying in part, “Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges… Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down.”

Police say Martin was involved in a break-in at a home in the Oakland Hills. As officers attempted to detain him, they say there was a brief struggle, and after being detained, Martin became unresponsive and later died at a hospital.

“They dropped the ball! Is it the color of his skin that he thought maybe was someone bad?” asked Kar Raphino as she referenced officers.

Raphino and her family met Martin when he was in college at Boise State, before his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders.

“A lot of people cared for him; he was so caring. Words cannot explain how caring he was,” said Raphino.

We spoke with his former St. Mary’s High School football coach in Stockton.

“Maybe the story now is about, you know, mental health issues, and people who are really struggling,” said Coach Tony Franks. “We miss him. We’re grieving. We’re hurting. Tough, tough loss for a lot of people of people that loved Doug.”

“Well, you know, it hasn’t been too long ago he was in rehab and out recently from that. And I think a lot of our hopes were that, you know, maybe some of the personal demons that he was facing was getting behind him,” said Nick Perkins.

Perkins also met Martin in Boise. He says he was a fun-loving, stand-up guy who was very involved with the community and who helped put Boise State on the map nationally for football.

While the mental health concerns here are front and center. Raphino says she wants to see the body camera video from officers to see how much force was used to detain him.

“And I know justice will be done. We love you Doug! I’m so done, sorry,” said Raphino as she fought back tears.

Please note: 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™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A major two-vehicle collision on Interstate 15 has left two people dead and severely snarled northbound traffic between Fort Hall and Pocatello this morning.

Idaho State Police (ISP) Sgt. Teresa McClure confirmed to Local News 8 that the fatal crash involved a Peterbilt semi-truck and a Ford F450 flatbed pickup, both traveling north.

ISP has confirmed that the two people killed were the driver and passenger of the Ford pickup, who were not wearing seatbelts and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The driver of the flatbed pickup was identified as a 42-year-old male from Rupert, Idaho, and the passenger was a 44-year-old male from Paul, Idaho.

According to preliminary reports, the pickup left the road and overturned. The driver of the semi-truck, a 75-year-old male from McCammon, Idaho, was wearing a seatbelt and was not transported for injuries.

Northbound traffic between Fort Hall and Pocatello has been periodically blocked and rerouted by emergency personnel as they work the scene. Commuters should expect major delays.

The cause of the crash is still under active investigation by ISP troopers.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A major two-vehicle crash brought traffic to a screeching halt along I-15 between Fort Hall and Pocatello.

First responders are on the scene at Milepost 77 north of Pocatello. The right northbound lane is currently blocked.

Multiple outlets are reporting that the crash was fatal; however, ISP has not released an official statement at this time. Local News 8 has reached out to ISP to confirm these details.

The Idaho Transportation Department is urging drivers to use caution when traveling through the area.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more details as they become available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Chris Nestman

With the floors clean, the paint dry, and the ribbon cut, Pocatello’s city-owned recycling center is officially fully operational.

It’s a far cry from what at one point threatened to become a shuttered and locked building. Last summer, Western Recycling/Republic Services had announced it was no longer financially feasible to do recycling with the city and would be leaving town.

“We were told it was going to close,” said Tom Kirkman, Pocatello’s Public Works Director. “And so we had to make a decision of whether or not we were going to stop recycling or going to purchase facility and keep it moving.”

With a recycling rate of more than 70 percent among its citizens, cancelling recycling all together did not seem like a valid option. It meant the city would have to buy the facility and its associated monthly losses.

“So what we’ve done, once we purchased this facility, we were able to broker a lot of our own materials. Now. within the first month, we dropped our operating costs from about $20,000 a month, down to under $5,000 a month” said Kirkman.

Losing less than $5,000 a month for recycling is good by national standards for a city of its size, but some like Kirkman still saw opportunities to drop that rate even lower.

“[In] June, we started a commercial curbside cardboard route and we were able to actually, send that straight to a paper mill and get paid,” said Kirkman. “So it lowered the total out the door costs by by quite a bit.”

Both Kirkman and Pocatello’s mayor Brian Blad said the city now makes a small profit on recycling, something that’s very rare in today’s market.

“I think the ultimate goal was to keep recycling available to our citizens, and we’ve been able to do that,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “Now the ultimate goal is to watch it continue to pay for itself. Ideally, it won’t cost our citizens anything to recycle.”

While the new facility is fully operational and operating efficiently, sanitation leaders and workers ask Pocatellans to review the standards of what’s recyclable and what’s not. Landfill trash in the recycling system slows it down and ultimately costs taxpayers more money.

A link to what’s allowed in the city’s blue bins can be found HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho National Laboratory building was evacuated Monday afternoon following a report of a possible steam explosion.

The evacuation was already underway at the INL facility located at 750 MK Simpson Blvd. when Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) first responders arrived on the scene, according to IFPD spokesperson Jessica Clements.

Clements confirmed that the incident was minor from the first responders’ perspective and that there were no injuries to personnel.

Idaho Falls Police Department spokesperson Jessica Clements says the evacuation was in process when first responders arrived at the facility at 750 MK Simpson Blvd.. There were no injuries, and after a brief response, all first responders left the scene. Clements confirmed the incident was fairly minor from the first responders’ perspective.

“It appears to have been a minor issue with a piece of equipment,” Clements stated. “But I would defer to the INL to share any additional details of what that equipment was or the extent of any property damage.”

After a brief on-site response, all first responders cleared the scene.

Local News 8 has reached out to the Idaho National Laboratory for a statement regarding the specific nature of the equipment failure and any resulting damage. We will provide updates as more information is made available.

Click here to follow the original article.