Category: kifi-local-news

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD) formally marked the grand opening of Fire Station 6 today, with a ceremonial hose uncoupling at 2767 N. Spitfire St. The event signifies the completion of construction and the official opening of a new fire station on Idaho Falls’ north side, which will support emergency response in a rapidly growing area of the community.

“The opening of Fire Station 6 represents a critical investment in the safety and well-being of our growing community,” said Interim Fire Chief Paul Radford. “As development continues to the north, this station ensures our residents receive the rapid, professional, life-saving services they expect and deserve. Station 6 strengthens our operational readiness, reduces response times, and reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting lives and property.”

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards call for emergency medical service response times of under four minutes and fire response times of under five minutes. The decision to construct Station 6 and its location were guided by these standards, along with analysis of IFFD dispatch call data and growth projections. The station is intended to address continued growth along North River Road, Sage Lakes, and toward the northern county line.

IFFD responded to more than 17,000 calls in 2025 and receives well over 1,000 additional calls for service per year, providing fire protection within the City of Idaho Falls and most of Bonneville County. The department also delivers emergency medical services to all of Bonneville County and portions of Jefferson and Bingham counties through service agreements.

While the facility is now officially open, Station 6 will not immediately respond to emergency calls. The department is in the process of staffing and expects Station 6 to be fully operational by Jan. 5, 2026, once dispatch and operational systems are implemented.

“This station represents a commitment to our residents,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “Through thoughtful planning and strong leadership, we delivered a critical public safety facility that strengthens emergency response while being fiscally responsible. As Idaho Falls continues to grow, investments like this ensure our firefighters and paramedics can reach people quickly when it matters most—protecting lives, property, and the long-term well-being of our community.”

The City of Idaho Falls approved the purchase of the seven-acre property for Station 6 on July 28, 2022, for a total cost of $900,000. The land was purchased without using property tax dollars, funded by $658,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $252,000 from the auction of the former Fire Prevention Building on 8th Street.

Construction of Station 6 was awarded to Big D Construction, with an original bid of $2,746,908.46, approved on November 26, 2024. Construction funding included approximately $1.4 million in ARPA funds, with the remaining balance funded through Wildland resources of approximately $900,000 and impact fees of approximately $600,000.

Additional project costs include the purchase of a KG60 generator and transfer switch for backup power at a cost of $117,545, funded through the Fire Station capital improvement projects budget. The total cost of the Fire Station 6 project is approximately $3.7 million.

The station was designed using proven layouts from existing fire stations to ensure operational efficiency while controlling costs. When fully operational, it will house a Class 1 fire engine and an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance staffed with five personnel every day, allowing IFFD to deliver faster fire and medical response to City residents. The facility was also built with capacity for a wildland engine, a water tender, and a future second battalion chief ensuring we are positioned to meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.

This milestone advances IFFD’s mission of Providing Professional Life Saving Services across Idaho Falls.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello Sanitation Services is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year as the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach.

City offices will be closed Thursday, December 25, in observance of Christmas, and Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. As a result, garbage and recycling collection will be delayed one day for Thursday and Friday during both holiday weeks.

From December 25–26 and January 1–2, residents are asked to place their autocarts out for collection by 7 a.m. the day after their normal collection day. Thursday service will move to Friday, Friday to Saturday.

From December 26 through December 31, the department will offer a special holiday pickup for extra bags and boxes. Extra items should be placed in the same location as regular garbage. Christmas trees should not be placed with extra trash.

Christmas tree collection sites will be available from December 26 through January 11. Drop boxes will be removed the morning of January 12. Trees will be chipped and reused for City landscaping projects. Please remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, wires, and other materials before disposal to avoid damage to wood-chipping equipment.

Christmas tree drop-off sites will be available from December 26 through January 11 at City Hall (911 N. 7th Ave.), Rainey Park (900 South Arthur Ave.), and near the entrance to Sister City Park on Pocatello Creek Road. Trees will be chipped and reused for City landscaping projects. All decorations must be removed prior to disposal.

For questions, contact the Sanitation Department at 208-234-6192.

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Maile Sipraseuth

WILSON, Wyo., (KIFI) — Emergency crews responded to a life-threatening avalanche on Teton Pass Saturday afternoon after a Jackson Hole skier was fully buried on the popular “Bear Claw” trail.

The slide was triggered around 2:15 p.m. Emergency responders and bystanders worked to find the man, who was completely buried by the avalanche. According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide, the man was rescued and rushed to St. John’s Health. As of Monday morning, his current medical status has not been released.

An initial assessment by the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center indicates the “crown,” the upper edge where the snow broke away, averaged about one foot thick. Due to these conditions, experts have categorized this as a D2 avalanche.

Local authorities are reminding backcountry users that even “small” slides can have devastating consequences and urge everyone to check the daily advisory at jhavalanche.org before heading out.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Following Representative Wendy Horman’s resignation from the Idaho House of Representatives, Legislative District 32 leadership is taking steps to fill her seat for the remainder of the legislative term. This formal selection process, scheduled for January 6, 2026, follows Horman’s recent announcement that she is stepping down to join the federal government as the Director of the Office of Child Care within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In accordance with state law, the Republican precinct committee officers from District 32 will now nominate three qualified candidates to fill the vacancy. Those names will be forwarded to the Governor, who holds the final authority to appoint one individual to serve out the remainder of the legislative term.

The public nomination meeting is set to take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2026, at the Bonneville County Elections Office located on the second floor of 497 N. Capital Avenue in Idaho Falls. During this session, precinct committee officers will review applicants and vote on the final trio of nominees to be presented to the Governor’s office.

“This process is an important responsibility entrusted to the precinct committee officers under Idaho law,” said Chairwoman Maria Hatch. “We are committed to conducting a transparent and orderly nomination process that reflects the values of Legislative District 32 and ensures continued representation for our constituents.”

Qualified Republican residents of District 32 interested in the appointment are invited to submit their resumes and letters of interest to the party leadership at info@bonnevillegop.com. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026, which provides the committee members time to review all materials prior to the public meeting. For more information, call 208-497-1211 or click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

CASSIA COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The man accused of killing four people across two southern Idaho counties has accepted a plea agreement to avoid the death penalty, the Cassia County and Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices announced today. On December 22, 2025, Benjamin Roy Naylor, 56, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder for a killing spree that spanned two southern Idaho counties in exchange for four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.

According to court documents, Naylor is accused of killing Kelly and Donna Jenks in their Burley home in Cassia County, and the killings of 25-year-old Angelica Medina and 77-year-old Dennis Mix in neighboring Minidoka County.

Throughout the plea agreement process, prosecuting attorneys from both Cassia and Minidoka counties stated that the resolution was reached only after extensive consultation with the victims’ families. The prosecutors praised the families’ extraordinary strength and invaluable input.

“This plea agreement represents justice for the victims and their families. While no outcome can undo the devastating loss these families have endured, this resolution ensures that Benjamin Roy Naylor will never walk free again. The victims’ families showed tremendous courage throughout this process, and their input was critical in reaching this agreement,” said Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney McCord Larsen.

Larsen noted that the “certainty and finality” of the consecutive life sentences spared the families from years of trial proceedings and appeals.

“I want to thank the law enforcement officers and investigators from both counties whose tireless work on this case made this outcome possible,” said Larsen. “Our office remains committed to supporting the victims’ families as they continue to heal from these unimaginable losses.”

Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney Lance Stevenson emphasized that the focus of the prosecution remained on community safety and ensuring the defendant would never walk free again. He credited the collaborative efforts between the two jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies for the successful outcome.

“This resolution brings a measure of closure to an unspeakable tragedy that has impacted our community deeply…” adds Minidoka County Prosecuting AttorneyLance Stevenson. “The families of the victims have shown remarkable strength and dignity. Their voices were heard, and their wishes were respected in reaching this agreement. Four consecutive life sentences mean that Benjamin Roy Naylor will be held accountable for each life he took.”

Both offices expressed gratitude to the investigators and victim advocates who supported the grieving families throughout the legal process. Judge Blaine P. Cannon has formally scheduled the sentencing hearing for March 9, 2026, at 1:15 PM in Cassia County.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls man was killed early Monday morning in an officer-involved shooting after he allegedly lunged for and grabbed a knife during a domestic disturbance call. The East Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce has opened an external investigation into the incident.

The shooting took place shortly after 5:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2025, after the Idaho Falls Police Department responded to a call of a woman being threatened by her boyfriend. According to investigators, the victim had texted a third party to call emergency services.

As they arrived on the scene, officers spoke with the couple separately inside their apartment and learned from the woman that the man had allegedly threatened her with a knife and choked her. A knife was in plain view, sitting on a piece of furniture.

The man denied threatening or choking her, but reportedly admitted to the officers that he had threatened the woman’s father, saying he would “kill her father if he came over.” He then claimed to have grabbed the knife in self-defense.

The situation escalated when officers told the man he was under arrest. According to IFPD, the man immediately lunged for the knife, leading to a physical struggle as the officers attempted to stop him. During the struggle, one officer fired his service weapon, striking the man.

Officers on the scene immediately began life-saving medical aid until Idaho Falls Fire EMS arrived. However, the man was ultimately declared deceased at the apartment.

Per department policy, the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave while the Rexburg Police Department leads an independent investigation into the use of force. The findings of the investigation will eventually be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office to determine if the officer’s actions were legally justified.

The Idaho Falls Police Department has pledged full cooperation with the taskforce, including the handover of all body camera footage. At this time, the names of the involved officer and the suspect are being withheld to ensure proper notification of next of kin and to allow the taskforce to conduct initial interviews.

At this time, IFPD says Cleveland Street will remain closed between Wabash Avenue and N. Fanning Street as investigators process the scene. While authorities state there is no ongoing threat to the public, they are directing residents in the area to expect a significant law enforcement presence throughout the day and to follow all on-site directions regarding neighborhood access.

IFPD expects to release additional information, including body camera footage, as the investigation progresses.

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Megan Lavin

(Idaho Falls, Idaho) — David McClellan of Idaho Falls hopes he’ll see his LEGO design turned into an actual set sold in stores.

Lego runs an online contest, and after hundreds of hours of work, he’s hoping his piece connects with voters.

“That’s my dream in life — to make my own official LEGO set.”

INSPIRED BY CLASSIC NINTENDO GAMES

Not only would people be able to build his set if it gets mass-produced, they could turn it on and play it, too. It’s based on the popular 1980s motocross video game Excitebike. McClellan hopes this interactive LEGO build has all the right pieces.

The build has gone through multiple iterations, and he’s spent more than $1,000 of his own money, lovingly paying attention to even the smallest details.

“I created these custom minifigs, and since I couldn’t find a place that was able to print them in complex 3D shapes, I actually hand-painted them.”

You can even swap out the riders, who use a conveyor belt controlled by a joystick to move over various obstacles, making it interactive.

“So this allows them to catch some air… you can pull it and push it, and you can change lanes. You can do wheelies. You can tilt it forward. You can even do flips.”

HIS LOVE OF LEGOS GOES DEEP

McClellan is heavily involved in the LEGO community. He and his wife both have LEGO-specific Instagram accounts, amassing more than 20-thousand Instagram followers and traveling to LEGO conventions.

It’s not just fun — it’s family time, too — and they get both of their boys involved.

“My older son — I’m going to help him work on his first build, which is a guy that runs down a track and jumps over stuff. So I’m starting to get him into it, starting to get him interested. And even my younger son is really taking to it.”

If McClellan wins, he won’t be the first Idahoan to make his mark. He spoke with a past recipient who won with an idea for a ship-in-a-bottle set. The winner told Dave to focus on the details — and focus he has. He’s spent more than two years on the project since its conception.

“So these are custom dirt bikes. So I think that’s a huge selling point. And then you’ve got custom stickers here.”

He says he started building LEGO around age four, but stepped away from it until adulthood.

“I took like a 20-year break, maybe, and then rediscovered it as an adult.”

Reporter: “And what made you rediscover it?”

“I don’t know — just being an adult and needing a break from adult stuff.”

Now, his basement LEGO laboratory has an entire wall of builds he and his family have created.

WHAT HE’LL WIN–BESIDES BRAGGING RIGHTS

If he wins, he’ll receive one percent of all sales, plus ten free sets — which he says he’ll pass on to his boys. When asked if his parents will receive a set as a thank-you for getting him started, he replied:

“They’re definitely on the list.”

Dave needs 10,000 votes to move on in the competition. And if he doesn’t win — he won’t need to quit his day job. He says he’ll keep right on building. That’s because Dave is an engineer at the INL.

If you’d like to vote for Dave’s creation, click here.

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Seth Ratliff

LEWIS COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Two Idaho State Police Regional Communications Officers are being recognized for their pivotal role in rescuing a kidnapped woman and capturing a suspect in Lewis County earlier this year. Regional Communications Officer Thomas Conrad and Senior Regional Communications Officer Jamielyn were honored with Distinguished Achievement Awards, recognizing them for their investigative work that allowed law enforcement to locate a victim being held under dangerous circumstances in Kamiah.

The incident took place on June 16, 2025, when a young woman called from a local business stating she was unsafe and required immediate help. However, the young woman vanished before officers arrived on the scene, leaving behind limited information to work with.

Investigators were tasked with identifying the young woman and her suspected captor using only a phone number and a photograph she had shared of herself and an unidentified man. Conrad and Rupe immediately set to work using the limited information to track their possible location.

As the investigation intensified, authorities were able to contact the victim, who confirmed she was being held against her will. Through careful review of available information and law enforcement resources, Conrad and Rupe connected key details that ultimately led officers to a residence in Kamiah.

Because of the high level of threat reported at the scene, the Idaho State Police SWAT team was dispatched to the area. During the standoff, the victim managed to escape the immediate danger after speaking with investigators. The SWAT team subsequently took the male suspect into custody on kidnapping charges.

ISP Trooper Welling credited the dispatcher’s persistence as the deciding factor in the rescue, stating, “What they did was simply outstanding. They are force multipliers, enabling troopers on the road to do their jobs effectively. Without their work, the victim would have remained in serious danger.”

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Max Gershon

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — As the eighth and final night of Hanukkah arrives, families across Idaho light their menorahs, celebrating a miracle of light that dates back over 2,000 years. In a state with one of the smallest Jewish populations in the United States—ranking eighth from the bottom— the history of Judaism here is both deep-rooted and inspiring. From gold rush pioneers to the first elected Jewish governor in the nation, Idaho’s Jewish community has woven itself into the fabric of the state’s mountainous spirit.

Hanukkah commemorates the victory of a small group of Jews, led by Judah Maccabee, against oppressive Greek rulers in 165 BCE. These rebels reclaimed their defiled temple in Jerusalem, where a single day’s worth of oil miraculously burned for eight days. Rabbi Sara Goodman of Temple Emanuel in Pocatello describes Judah Maccabee as “sort of the first Jewish superhero.” She explains how this outnumbered band “fled into the hills outside of Jerusalem” and fought back against a massive army, refusing to abandon their faith.

The holiday is timed for the darkest period of the year, between the winter solstice and the new moon, when sunlight and moonlight are scarcest. “What the rabbis wanted to do is to offer this holiday of light in the darkest time of the year,” Rabbi Sam Klein of the Wood River Valley Jewish Community says. “It’s the idea of bringing light, bringing this miracle of our existence out to the world.” In Idaho’s chilly winters, communities from Pocatello to the Wood River Valley keep these traditions alive, blending ancient rituals with the state’s rugged landscape.

Jews have been part of Idaho’s history since before it became a state in 1890. Ari Goldstein, whose family has ties to the Wood River Valley, traces the earliest arrivals to the 1860s gold rush. “The earliest recorded Jews that we have in Idaho are two gold prospectors,” Goldstein notes. “They came in winter 1861; their names were Harrison and Haas. We only have last names, but gold had been discovered in Idaho in 1860, and people started to come from all over the West, trying to strike it rich.”

Waves of immigration followed: German Jews in the mid-1800s, then Eastern Europeans around 1900. Many settled as merchants in mining towns, contributing to the growing territory. A major milestone came in 1914 when Moses Alexander was elected as Idaho’s governor—the first democratically elected Jewish governor in the United States. “He was the very first elected Jewish governor,” Rabbi Daniel Fink of Boise said. “When that happened, it was really a big deal in the Jewish world. American Jewish newspapers across the country had big stories that a Jew could be elected governor in a state where there were hardly any Jews.”

As Idaho’s Jewish communities light their final Hanukkah candles tonight, they honor a history of resilience—from ancient rebellions to pioneer trails in the American West. In places like Pocatello and the Wood River Valley, the miracle of light continues to shine brightly against the odds. Whether through family gatherings or synagogue services, this small but vibrant community reminds us that even in the darkest times, faith and tradition endure.

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Max Gershon

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI)– The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center has issued an avalanche warning for Island Park, West Yellowstone, and nearby communities.

According to the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center’s website, “Near Island Park and West Yellowstone danger will rise through the day as heavy snowfall and wind-drifted snow add weight to a snowpack with weak layers buried 1-3 feet deep. Natural and human triggered avalanches large enough to bury a person are likely later today. Avalanches can be triggered from flatter terrain below steep slopes. The safest choice is to travel on slopes less than 30 degrees steep, and stay off of flatter terrain below steep slopes.”

The warning is in effect until Monday at 5:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center’s website HERE.

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