Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

UPDATED:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello High School has returned to normally scheduled classes on Friday morning, Dec. 19, after police determined a rumored threat was unsubstantiated. While the school day continued as scheduled, administrators opted to reschedule a planned assembly out of an abundance of caution.

The incident began on Friday morning when the Pocatello Police Department received reports of a potential threat involving the high school. In response, school staff briefly placed the building under a hall check.

Following a thorough review by school administrators and law enforcement, officials confirmed the threat was unsubstantiated.

“The safety of students, staff, and our community is always our top priority,” said Chief Roger Schei. “When we receive information like this, we take it seriously and respond quickly. In situations like these, it is always better to be cautious while we work to confirm the facts.”

“The safety of students, staff, and our community is always our top priority,” said Chief Roger Schei. “When we receive information like this, we take it seriously and respond quickly. In situations like these, it is always better to be cautious while we work to confirm the facts.”

In a statement posted to Facebook, School District 25 (D25) confirmed that all students remained safe throughout the investigation. The preliminary review of the issue supports their decision to continue the school day as planned; however, today’s assembly has been rescheduled.

“We appreciate your partnership in reassuring your learner and discouraging the spread of rumors. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will share additional information if needed,” states the post.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is leading a coalition of state attorneys general in voicing sharp opposition to the Trump Administration’s recent move to reschedule marijuana.

The pushback comes just hours after President Trump signed an executive order intended to expedite medical cannabis research—a move the administration claims will revolutionize treatment while stopping short of full federal legalization.

Rescheduling Marijuana?

During a signing ceremony in the Oval Office on Thursday, President Trump described the reclassification as “common sense”, according to CNN.

RELATED: Trump signs executive order expediting marijuana reclassification after lobbying from cannabis industry

“This order will make it far easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers, and future treatments,” Trump said. “The facts compel the government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate… especially as a substitute for addictive and potentially lethal opioid painkillers.”

Currently, the DEA classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance, the most restrictive category, alongside heroin and LSD. These drugs are legally defined as having “no currently accepted medical use,” according to the DEA.

Reclassifying it to Schedule III would place it in the same category as ketamine, anabolic steroids, or testosterone, drugs considered to have a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

Labrador’s Concerns: Science and Public Safety

Attorney General Labrador, joined by attorneys general from Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, argued that the science supporting marijuana’s status as a dangerous drug remains clear.

In a joint statement, Labrador emphasized that Idaho has seen “firsthand the harm” the drug causes in local communities.

“The negative impacts of expanded marijuana use, especially on children and adolescents, are worrisome,” Labrador stated. “The public policy challenges, such as the exponential increase in difficult-to-combat driving under the influence, are both significant and serious.”

While Labrador noted that the group is “grateful” for the administration’s willingness to hear their views, he signaled that legal challenges or further formal opposition could be on the horizon. He states the group will “evaluate the order closely to determine how we can best continue to engage, protect the public health, and ensure the safety of our citizens.”

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KIVI Staff

Naylor is accused of killing 4 people in the Magic Valley in July

By: KIVI Staff

MAGIC VALLEY, Idaho (KIVI) — Benjamin Roy Naylor is expected to plead guilty to four counts of murder stemming from a July quadruple homicide that spanned Cassia and Minidoka counties, according to court records.

Under the agreement, Naylor would plead guilty to two counts of murder in each county — four total — in exchange for prosecutors not pursuing the death penalty. If accepted by the judge, sentencing will be left to the court, though prosecutors and the defense are jointly recommending four life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Naylor, 56, is accused of killing Kelly and Donna Jenks in their Burley home, then murdering Angelica Medina, 25, and Dennis Mix, 77, in Minidoka County.

RELATED | Suspect in dual-county homicide investigation faces four counts of first-degree murder

In November, Naylor waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Cassia County following months of psychological evaluations and a court-ordered mental competency exam. His attorneys indicated at that time they were working toward a plea agreement and planned to waive the preliminary hearing in Minidoka County as well.

READ MORE | Quadruple homicide suspect, Benjamin Naylor, waives preliminary hearing as attorneys work on plea agreement

Under the plea agreement, Naylor will also agree to pay restitution, court costs, and other statutory fees, with amounts to be determined at a later date.

Naylor will be back in court in Cassia County at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22. Idaho News 6 will be present in the courtroom and will continue to provide the latest updates.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – Mountain View Hospital will begin offering a new Infant Safety class to the community this Thursday, December 18th. This class will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 6-7 pm in the Cardiac Rehab Unit. 

The hospital intends to provide the Infant Safety course at no cost. In this course, participants will learn infant CPR (including compressions and mouth-to-mouth), choking relief, and other general safety tips to help keep their new baby safe and healthy.

While this course does not meet OSHA requirements for workplace certification, it is a general safety course designed to help parents prepare for emergencies.

The hospital has suggested that participants dress casually and bring themselves and a support person or partner to learn the basics of infant safety. The class venue will be located at 3101 Valencia Dr., Idaho Falls, 83401.

To reserve a ticket for the December 18th course, click here. Each ticket is good for one couple. 

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – The Recovery Churches of America will hold its 30th annual St. Nicolas Toy Outreach today, with its annual “It’s A Wrap” Christmas drive. The festivities will take place at the Idaho Falls Public Library from Noon to 6 pm.

Since 1995, the organization has donated thousands of toys to children around the country. Volunteer Santas will hand-deliver all toys donated. Here at the Idaho Falls Public Library, people can donate and wrap toys in meeting rooms 1 and 2 on the first floor.

For those most interested in donating this year, Rev. Trimelda McDaniels recommends the most-requested toys on wish lists, including LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels. McDaniels, head of the Recovery Churches of America, hopes this year’s drive will help blue-collar families in the area facing economic stress.

“These toys benefit the children of blue-collar workers,” said Rev. Trimelda McDaniels. “These people work hard every day, but their children often slip through the cracks of society because their parents don’t have money for toys after paying for food and shelter.”

Rev. McDaniels will lead outreach at the Idaho Falls Public Library, continuing the Church’s tradition of giving back to the community this holiday season.

“This is what Christmas is all about,” Rev. McDaniels said.

To learn more about upcoming holiday events at the Idaho Falls Public Library, click here for the events calendar.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Transportation Department has appointed Dave Kuisti as ITD Chief Deputy.

Kuisti has worked at ITD for 35 years. He has served in several engineering roles throughout his career, including design engineer in North Idaho, an engineering manager in Boise and district engineer in Lewiston. He has most recently served as chief engineer and division administrator over Highways Construction & Operations.

Kuisti is now responsible for overseeing more than 12,000 lane miles of highways and more than 1,800 bridges on the State Highway System. He will lead nearly 1,200 employees across multiple work areas, including the six district offices across the state, Highway Development and Highway Construction & Operations.

“Dave is an excellent leader who is well-prepared to take on this critical role in our agency,” said Director Scott Stokes. “His technical experience and leadership skills will serve him well as we continue our work to deliver a safe and mobile transportation network to the people of Idaho.”

Kuisti is a licensed civil engineer who graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Kuisti replaces Dan McElhinney, who had served in the role since 2022.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Representative Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) announced that she has accepted a position to serve as the Director of the Office of Child Care in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

“I first ran for elected office because I want every child to have the opportunity for an excellent education. This is an opportunity to continue that work,” Horman said in a release. “The principles of limited government, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility that guide Idaho will continue to inform my work at the national level.”

She is the second Idahoan selected for a significant role in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this year, following Dr. Alex Adams, who was confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Family Support over the Administration for Children and Families by the U.S. Senate on October 7.

“I am grateful and honored by this opportunity to again serve with Dr. Alex Adams in a new capacity to help make this nation a better place for children,” she added.

Horman will serve under U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

She will officially resign from the Idaho House of Representatives on January 5, 2026, and begin serving in Washington, D.C. later that month.

“As I transition to this new role in the Trump Administration, I will carry with me the values and lessons learned from serving the people of Idaho,” Horman said.

Horman currently serves as co-chair of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, which sets the budget for the state of Idaho and has been an influential voice in the Idaho Legislature since 2012.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Following tonight’s regular city council meeting, Mayor Brian Blad gave the annual State of the City Report, offering a recap of the city’s biggest accomplishments in 2025.

One item of note on tonight’s meeting agenda was the acceptance of the votes for the general November mayoral election as well as the December 2nd runoff election. Mayor-elect Mark Dahlquist was in attendance at tonight’s address.

The State of the City Report was shown as a video to all at the City Hall this evening. The video speech showcased the city’s proudest moments of the year. Mayor Blad mentioned projects like the new skate park and the implementation of the new city logo. He said it’s all part of the major plan to modernize the city through facility updates.

Other mentionables of the year included the Pocatello Fire department getting a new truck with a 107 foot arial ladder and the Mountain View Cemetary recieving an irrigation replacement. Mayor Blad also spoke about the extra police and firefighter training that occured this year.

Significant progress was made to programs like the Child Pedestrian Safety initiatives as well as improvement plans for local trails and programs. Mayor Blad expressed extreme gratitude for the employees of the city, stating they “show up everyday with a vision for a brighter tomorrow.”

He also looks forward to handing off the city to the Dahlquist administration, feeling like he’s leaving the city better than he found it sixteen years ago.

“I can say Pocatello is in better shape today than it was years ago. Financially, we’re the strongest that we’ve ever been. I’m excited about the future for the City of Pocatello,” said Blad. “We are set up to be extremely successful, and I’m confident that the future mayor and council will continue to move our community forward.”

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Big changes could be coming for two busy Idaho Falls thoroughfares, and that could impact your commute — down the road.

Progress on a project to potentially construct a new connector between Interstate-15 and U.S. Highway 20 continues.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) shared three alternatives for the I-15 and US-20 connector project with the public this week.

“In the years past, there were at one time 14 different alternatives,” said Sky Buffat, Idaho Transportation Department spokeswoman. “As of right now, in our Environmental Impact Statement document, we’re carrying forward three of them.”

Officials are concerned about increasing traffic, safety, and the number of accidents in the area.

“Constructed in the 1950s and 60s, the I-15 and US-20 interchanges in Idaho Falls are not expected to provide adequate safety, mobility, and economic opportunity in the city, county, and region given the anticipated future growth,” said ITD Program Manager Jake Nyman in a presentation to Stand Up for Idaho Wednesday night.

The first possibility is a no-build option, she said, which would maintain existing conditions without adapting for future traffic or addressing safety concerns.

A second alternative would construct two flyover ramps, a new bridge over the Snake River, and move US-20 slightly north toward Freeman Park. It would relocate I-15 Exit 119 and change the configuration of US-20 Exit 308 (Science Center/Fremont Avenue).

The second alternative for the I-15/US-20 connector project. | Courtesy Idaho Transportation Department

A third option would realign US-20 north of the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, constructing three new interchanges with a new Snake River bridge and interchanges at North 5th West and East 49th North. Buffat said this possibility is gathering the most consideration.

The third alternative for the I-15/US-20 connector project. | Courtesy Idaho Transportation Department

Josh McAfee, an Idaho Falls truck driver for Grasmich Produce, has been hauling goods since 2016 and takes the route from I-15 to Highway 20 three times a week.

At a Maverick gas station near the Lewisville Highway exit, he said he prefers the second alignment that more closely follows US-20’s current configuration.

“I think, honestly, the overlap where that comes around and then merges back on, I think that might be the best option instead of having to move further down,” McAfee said.

The project is still in the planning stages, and no timeframe has been set for the start of construction as the project has not received funding

“[It’s] our big connector project, right in Idaho Falls, and it would bring just a lot of change and a very massive improvement to the Idaho Falls area,” Buffat said.

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Stephanie Lucas

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – A powerful wind storm tore through Southeast Idaho on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction that has kept local emergency and cleanup crews working around the clock. Bannock County became an epicenter of the weather event that saw recorded gusts reaching near hurricane-force winds.

Now, cleanup is underway – of fallen trees, downed powerlines, and debris – all over the city of Pocatello.

“We lost about three trees, fell in the cemetery, and seven or eight trees city-wide, kind of down the center of Pocatello,” said Pocatello Parks and Recreation Director Anne Butler. “We’re cleaning those up today, but we’re, you know, urging people to use caution in our parks and trails right now.”

The cleanup is moved quickly, with city crew workers cleaning up Alameda Park by afternoon. Downed tree limbs were removed from the Mountain View Cemetery before nightfall, but for many, memories of the damage inflicted by the powerful winds will remain long after cleanup is finished and power is restored.

“All of a sudden, I saw a flash of light come down to the power pole,” says Clint Bohney. “And then the power pole fell and went boom to the top of our house to our roof and scared me to death.”

“We lost electricity,” said Bohney’s neighbor, Ismael Gonezlez. “We have two parrots. And honestly, it kind of hurt them because they can get sick and they can probably die.”

Residents have noticed the city workers throughout Pocatello today.

“It’s been really good,” said Melynda Bohney. “They were quick, and they’ve been really amazing.”

The City is asking the public to avoid trees where there is still a chance they could fall – but branches and twigs are another matter entirely.

“If you see a branch or a twig in the you know, one of our park spaces, help us out, pick that up, throw it in the dumpster. We’re doing the best we can to cover as much ground as possible,” said Anne Butler.

Residents can also help dispose of the fallen trees if they’d like to use any of them for firewood. The City says if you’re interested, come to Lower Ross Park across from the baseball field to get it.

A permit will be needed, but it’s free. A sign with a QR code on it to obtain the free permit is located by the trees.

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