Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

WESTERN WYOMING (KIFI) — Starting in late September, the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will begin a series of prescribed fire operations in the Upper Gros Ventre area near Slate Creek, about 25 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyoming. The project is set to run through early October, weather permitting.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, controlled burns are a proactive forest management strategy designed to reduce the risk of large, destructive wildfires. By systematically removing overgrown vegetation, the operations help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources while also improving the overall health of the forest ecosystem.

The planned burn area covers 557 acres in the Slate Creek area. While there are no expected area closures, residents near Jackson may encounter temporary traffic delays as fire personnel work to ensure public safety. The Jackson Ranger District is directing all residents to watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. 

Residents can also expect to see and smell smoke in the area. Drivers are being told to slow down and turn on their headlights when they encounter smoke on the road. For more detailed information on air quality, click HERE.

To stay up-to-date on the prescribed burn schedule, click HERE.

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Maggie Moore

The following is a press release from Idaho Falls School District 91

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — School will be cancelled at Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Boyes Elementary today, Thursday, September 25th.

Last night, a student made a comment about a threat with a gun. The comment was reported to the SRO. An investigation was conducted, and the threat was found to be noncredible. The student will be facing disciplinary action in accordance with board policy. 

In a separate report, last night during the dance, a rumor was reported of a car in the area with a person that had a gun. The Idaho Falls Police Department is investigating this rumor. Out of an abundance of caution, school will be cancelled Thursday, September 25th.

Any student who may have heard or seen something is encouraged to report it to the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200.

Idaho Falls School District 91 takes these matters seriously. As a district, we are committed to keeping students and staff safe.

I am grateful for the quick response by Skyline High School and the Idaho Falls Police Department. I appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our families as we work together to keep our schools safe.

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Seth Ratliff

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — A judge will decide next month whether a voter fraud case against Chad Vanderbeek will proceed after a day of testimony centering on his legal residency and intent.

Vanderbeek is one of eleven people charged with using an Island Park address to vote in a 2023 Fremont County election while allegedly living with his parents in Bonneville County.

RELATED: Island Park Voter Fraud Investigation

Prosecution’s Argument

Prosecutor Lindsey Blake called several witnesses to the stand to lay the foundation that Vanderbeek’s residency was in Bonneville County. Bonita Sutton, a former Fremont County Election clerk, testified that Vanderbeek’s voter registration was requested via absentee ballot and that he registered to vote online, an action done under penalty of perjury. She mailed his ballot to an Idaho Falls mailing address.

RELATED: New details in Fremont County voter fraud case: FBI’s early involvement confirmed in court docs

However, during cross-examination, defense attorney John Malek asked if the paperwork or Sutton’s knowledge indicated Vanderbeek was not a resident of Island Park.

“I would have no problem saying he was a resident of Island Park because I have limited information,” Sutton responded.

Detective John Harding of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office also testified for the prosecution. He explained that his investigation into Vanderbeek’s residency included looking into employment history and homeowners’ exemptions. Harding stated that in an August 2025 conversation with Vanderbeek, the defendant said his “primary residence” was in Idaho Falls, where he was living with and caring for his parents. Court documents also indicate that, in their conversation, Vanderbeek confirmed the Island Park home had become a “summer home” since 2022.

Defense’s Argument

The defense attorney, John Malek, challenged the prosecution’s claims, arguing that Vanderbeek’s driver’s license was registered to the Island Park address, and he had no record of voting in another county. During a heated cross-examination, Malek grilled Harding on whether he told Vanderbeek he had to vote in Bonneville County.

“I told your client, since he stated that he lives with his parents and takes care of them, and because they have a homeowners’ exemption in Idaho Falls, which is Bonneville County, that the three of them would need to then vote in Bonneville County,” Detective Harding stated.

“So is that a yes?” Malek retorted.

“Yes,” Harding replied.

Chad Vanderbeek’s sister, Cammie Vanderbeek, testified on behalf of the defense. Much of Cammie’s testimony was struck from the record due to objections of hearsay from the prosecution. However, she did testify that her brother Chad had lived in Island Park since at least 2018.

Cammie’s testimony revealed that Chad had become his parents’ primary caretaker after their father was diagnosed with cancer and his mother had a full spinal replacement surgery.

RELATED: Sister of the accused man claims “situation has been mishandled”

The Central Issue: Intent and Residency

The core of Malek’s arguments centered around Vanderbeek’s intent. In the closing arguments, the defense argued that Vanderbeek’s move to Idaho Falls was temporary to care for his parents, and he never intended to change his residency.

“There is no indication under black letter law that my client has established residence somewhere else,” argued Malek. “There is, however, an indication that my client has established residence in Island Park.”

The prosecution concludes that the Island Park address was not the defendant’s primary address under Idaho Code 34-107, which defines “residence” for voting purposes. The code outlines that factors like “residence of parents… and motor vehicle registration” should be considered to determine residence where no homeowners’ exemption has been taken out.

Blake pointed to the parents’ homeowners’ exemption in Bonneville County since 2016, coupled with Vanderbeek’s statement to Detective Harding, as proof that his primary residence was in Idaho Falls.

After closing arguments from both sides, Judge Faren Eddings said the case was “unique” and that he would take the arguments under advisement. Eddings will issue an oral ruling on October 15 at 3 PM to determine if there is probable cause to move the case forward.

Primary hearings for the other 10 defendants charged with voter fraud in Island Park have been scheduled for next month.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– In honor of National Roundabout Week, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has tips for drivers on how to stay safe and what they think are the biggest mistakes that drivers make.

“What we see is people in too big of a hurry. And it’s not just there [in roundabouts], it’s everywhere. But a roundabout in particular, you really need to slow down, and make sure you’re paying attention to that traffic,” Bonneville County Sgt. Brian Lovell said.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts have led to an 82% reduction in fatal crashes compared to intersections.

“The incidents that we do see in these roundabouts are different than we see at other intersections. When we do have an injury crash, it’s a lot less severe,” Lovell said.

For new drivers that may be intimidated by roundabouts, Lovell said to remain calm and pay attention.

“Don’t panic. You know, pay complete attention to your driving and make sure you’re obeying those laws. Maintain your lane and you’ll be just fine,” Lovell said.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Southeast Region is reminding anglers that fish salvage orders are still in effect for some waters in Franklin and Bingham county but will end in the first half of October.

Fish and Game issued salvage orders for Foster, Glendale, Johnson, and Lamont reservoirs in Franklin County in August and the pond at Jensen Grove Park in Blackfoot in September.

Under salvage orders, Fish and Game may remove bag, possession, size, or species limits for certain stocked waters to ensure the fish do not go to waste when water is needed elsewhere.

“Salvage orders are related to bodies of water, typically, that are being used for agriculture,” said Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Fish and Game’s Southeast Region. “…When there are situations like maybe repairs that need to be done to a reservoir or maybe the water levels are just getting increasingly low because of demands for agriculture, we sometimes will see conditions that are so poor for fish we know the fish aren’t going to survive, yet we still want the public to be able to access those fish.”

People hoping to take advantage of fish salvage orders are still required to have a valid Idaho fishing license.

Salvage orders for reservoirs in Franklin County will end on October 1 and orders for the pond at Jensen Grove Park will end October 15.

To check specific salvage order rules at water bodies near you, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.

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Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —Construction crews have added new concrete barriers around the railroad crossing on Anderson Street. 

This creates a left-turn lane for businesses and access to Wadsworth Drive. But it also means cars won’t be able to turn around when a train is crossing. It also blocks left turns into some businesses, which is a concern for businesses like Idaho Steel. 

“We can’t pull out over here to go. There’s a lot of people that pull out to go this way right here. But now they can’t do that over there. And then I have a lot of trucks that need to come in,” said Amy Worrell, logistics coordinator for Idaho Steel. “I know Pacific’s got a lot of trucks need to come in. a lot of them. If they’re coming from this way, there’s hardly any way that they can safely get into that far entrance because of that barrier. A lot of them, they’ve got 48ft, 53ft trailers, and I’m just waiting to watch for one of them to at least the trailer axles hop over that curb just to get in,”

This isn’t the only project happening on Anderson right now. The Idaho Department of Transportation is upgrading the traffic signal on Anderson and Holmes Avenue. 

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Curtis Jackson

MALTA, Idaho (KIFI) – A Utah man died Wednesday morning after suffering a medical emergency while driving on Interstate 84 near Malta.

Idaho State Police said the 74-year-old man from Layton, Utah, was driving a Ford pickup towing a horse trailer when he veered off the road near mile marker 256. The vehicle crashed through a fence, crossed the frontage road, and came to rest upright on the hillside.

It happened around 11:14 a.m.

A 54-year-old woman from Las Vegas, Nevada, was riding as a passenger. She was wearing a seatbelt and did not require hospitalization.

It’s unclear whether any animals were inside the trailer at the time of the crash.

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Curtis Jackson

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said a missing motorcyclist’s body was found Wednesday morning near the Y intersection of Kelly Canyon Road and Heise Road.

Mark Malicoat, 56, of Ririe was last heard from on Friday, September 19. A missing person report was filed on Monday, September 22, prompting Jefferson County deputies to begin a search in the Heise area. Efforts to locate Malicoat using cellphone data were unsuccessful.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, a family friend reported seeing tire marks on Forest Road 218. After several hours of searching, Malicoat’s motorcycle and body were discovered in the brush off the side of the road.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Sheriff Anderson expressed condolences to Malicoat’s family and thanked the Central Fire Department, Tech Rescue, and Ririe Quick Response for their assistance in the search and recovery efforts.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– City construction crews are working on a new, nearly one-mile long stretch of trail along I-15 between Pocatello Creek Road and Monte Vista Drive, with plans to have the path finished before the end of the year.

The new path is a step forward in the city and Portneuf Greenway Foundation’s ultimate goal: connecting Idaho State University and the Portneuf Wellness Complex with pedestrian trails.

“The pathways are very good for the residents and populace of Pocatello to be able to get out, to exercise, to walk, and to get out and enjoy the fresh air,” said Merril Quayle, engineer for the City of Pocatello. “Another part is to be able to walk safely–this is detached from the public right-of-ways and the cars and the other vehicles, for the most part, to be able to get to point A to point B using alternative transportation.”

The new stretch of paved path will connect the recently completed ‘Connecting Communities Trail’ from the Bannock County Events Center to Pocatello Creek Road with the Marshall Racine Trail, which ends at Monte Vista Drive, and the Farm Bureau Insurance Trail.

The Pocatello Creek Road to Monte Vista Drive trail was funded entirely through grants from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and donations from local non-profit organizations.

Portneuf Greenway Foundation leaders said the next step after completing the trail segment is working on a master ‘Trail Improvement Plan’ to streamline the upkeep of Pocatello’s nearly 30 miles of pedestrian pathways and find new ways to connect trails for greater pedestrian accessibility.

“We found that free and safe walking paths are highly valued by the community and it provides exercise and togetherness,” said Dan Harelson, president of the Portneuf Greenway Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re kind of finishing up some of these big projects, and so now we’re looking at how can we help the city, and the community, with landscaping and just making the trails more pleasant places to be.”

The Portneuf Greenway Foundation will hold a meeting on October 1 at 4:30 p.m. starting at the Portneuf Medical Center front entrance to get public input on the new Trail Improvement Plan.

For more information, you can visit the Portneuf Greenway Foundation website.

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Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Boise, Idaho — Idaho and Taiwan signed today a $1.2 billion, three-year letter of intent for U.S. wheat exports. Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, Idaho wheat officials and representatives of Taiwan Flour Mills Association (TFMA) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) attended the signing ceremony.

“This $1.2 billion wheat deal underscores the strength of Idaho’s long-term relationship with Taiwan and the value of our state’s world-class agricultural products,” said Lt. Governor Bedke. “Idaho wheat growers play a vital role in feeding the world, and today’s agreement highlights both the quality of our crops and the importance of international partnerships to our economy.”

“This agreement is a major win for Idaho agriculture and a testament to the strong partnership we share with Taiwan,” said Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt. “Taiwan has long been one of Idaho’s most important and reliable trade partners, and their continued trust in the quality of our wheat is a point of pride for our growers and our state.”

“Idaho produces high-quality wheat that consistently meets the needs of our customers, and we deeply value the long-standing relationship we have with the Taiwan milling and baking industry,” said Cory Kress, Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman. “This letter of intent represents the strength and trust in our partnership, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration well into the future.”

ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt, TFMA Chairman Michael Chang, Director General May Lin of the TECO in Seattle, and Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman Cory Kress joined Lt. Governor Bedke for the signing ceremony.

The U.S. wheat industry has had a working relationship with Taiwan for more than 40 years. TFMA imports wheat on behalf of all 20 Taiwanese flour mills. 

Taiwan imported nearly $3.7 billion in U.S. agricultural products in 2024, ranking as the eighth-largest market for U.S. agriculture. On a per-capita basis, it is the fourth-largest among the top 10 export destinations. Taiwan is the sixth-largest market for U.S. wheat.

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