Category: kifi-local-news

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

Click here for updates on this story

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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Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI)— An Idaho judge will lift a gag order in the Bryan Kohberger murder case. This order will permit those involved in the case to speak publicly about it.

Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students on July 2.   

“At this point, i just don’t think that I can justify the continuation of the non-dissemination order. I think the rights of the public to information in this case is paramount, given the fact that a plea has been entered in this case, and so i’m going to lift the non-dissemination order,” Judge Steven Hippler ruled from the bench on Thursday.

The judge said lifting the gag order does not mean the sealed document will be unsealed.  He will determine after Kohberger is sentenced which documents will be unsealed.

“I’m unlikely to unseal much until after sentencing and after the appeals period has run,” the judge added.

Information in the document may need to be redacted due to the presence of personal data, such as social security numbers and dates of birth. He said it could take months for those to be released.

The judge will determine whether to unseal each sealed document after it has been redacted.

Today’s hearing follows the media’s filing of a motion to lift the gag order.  The gag order was initially established to protect the jury selection process.

Kohberger is scheduled to be sentenced next Wednesday, July 23, at 9 a.m.

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News Release

The following is a press release from Yellowstone National Park:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. (KIFI) — At approximately 5 p.m. July 11, Yellowstone National Park staff lethally removed an adult female black bear following a series of concerning incidents at a backcountry campsite located in the Blacktail Deer Creek drainage in the northern part of the park.

On June 7, the bear crushed an unoccupied tent at the campsite. A few weeks later, on July 11, the bear climbed the site’s food storage pole, tore down properly stored food bags, and consumed the campers’ food. Although it is uncommon for bears in Yellowstone to obtain human food, when it does occur, bears can quickly become food-conditioned and may act aggressively or dangerously around humans, putting both people and wildlife at risk. The bear’s escalating behavior – including property damage and obtaining a significant food reward – posed a clear threat to visitor safety and warranted removal.

The decision to kill the bear was based on:

Ongoing concern for human safety

Property damage to camping equipment

The bear learning to defeat the park’s backcountry food storage poles to obtain human food

“We go to great lengths to protect bears and prevent them from gaining access to human food in all areas of the park,” said Kerry Gunther, Yellowstone bear management biologist. “But occasionally, a bear outsmarts us or overcomes our defenses. When that happens, we sometimes have to make the difficult decision to remove the bear from the population to protect people and property.”

In accordance with Yellowstone’s bear management practices, each of the park’s 293 backcountry campsites is equipped with either a food storage pole or a bear-resistant storage box. Park guidelines require backcountry campers to hang food from the pole or secure it in the box at all times except when cooking or eating. Yellowstone reminds all visitors that utilizing these bear safety measures remain crucial in ensuring public safety and preventing wildlife from developing dangerous habits.

The last black bear killed in a management action in Yellowstone was in July 2020, when a black bear injured campers and accessed human food at a backcountry campsite in the park.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Fire crews are working to extinguish two fires burning in southeast Idaho.

The Rocky Knoll Fire is burning 2.5 miles east of Thatcher, near the Trout Creek drainage, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

The fire is estimated at 250 acres. Several crews from the USFS Caribou-Targhee National Forest and the BLM. They said an additional 17 aircraft were assisting in the fight against the fire.

No evacuation have been ordered, but there are some structures threatened by the fire. It’s uknown what caused the fire.

Buckboard Fire

The Buckboard Fire near the Idaho – Utah border is 75% contained. It has burned an estimated 1,695 acres. The fire was burning west of I-15 in the Samaria Mountains area.

Fire managers said it will take a few days for the fire to be fully contained, due to its size, terrain, winds, and other factors.

They said the fire was naturally caused.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office is asking people to review a draft of a new budget plan which would increase and add fees to campgrounds around Southeast Idaho.

The 2025 ‘Recreation Fee Sites Business Plan’ includes proposals to increase the cost of camping and boat ramp use at the Blackfoot Reservoir Campground near Soda Springs, the Redpoint Campground near Preston, and the Maple Grove Campground near Thatcher. The plan would also add fees for camping, boat ramp use, and RV amenities at the Pipeline Campground near American Falls.

Bruce Hallman, public affairs specialist with the BLM, said the fee increases are designed to keep the campgrounds ‘self-sufficient’ and make up for increased costs of labor needed to maintain the public spaces, which have had a steady influx of visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.

“[The COVID-19 pandemic] really drove people outdoors… we applaud that, we want people to go out and enjoy our public lands,” said Hallman. “The problem is that it has impacted it, so lots more people, lots more use, lots more abuse––it takes work to try to deal with that, to handle trails, to handle people not following trails, to handle people camping, wanting more camping, inventing their own version of camping, dumping all sorts of things that are appropriate and not so appropriate; so, it takes a lot of managing to manage these different public lands.”

Camping fees are proposed to increase by $10 across all four campgrounds; if the business plan is accepted, Blackfoot Reservoir camping would cost $20 per night, camping at Redpoint and Maple Grove would cost $15 per night, and Pipeline Campground camping would cost $10 per night.

Under the proposed plan, boat ramp use for the day would increase to $10 per vehicle per day at the Blackfoot Reservoir and $5 per vehicle per day at Pipeline.

BLM is asking people to review the proposed business plan and leave comment until August 15. People can find the plan on the BLM website.

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