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Pocatello

Two historic southeast Idaho Coca-Cola bottling plants set to close, new facility opening 2027

“This investment will provide a modernized working environment for our employees and additional capacity to service our customers,” Swire Senior Director of Communications Carl Foster said. “We remain committed to Pocatello and the local community, our customers, and our employees – some of whom will continue to live and work in Pocatello.”

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

Pocatello Police warn ISU students of campus public safety phone scam

The Pocatello Police Department is warning Idaho State University students to be on high alert after reports of scammers impersonating campus Public Safety officers.

According to police, the scammer or scammers are calling students by phone, claiming that “evidence” has been found in their vehicle and threatening them with an immediate investigation unless they take swift action. This typically involves a demand for payment or personal information.

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Pocatello-Chubbuck D25 trustees adjust budget to account for lagging enrollment

Lower enrollment led Pocatello-Chubbuck trustees on Tuesday night to adopt an adjusted budget with a $1.3 million decrease in state revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30.

The district budgeted for a decrease in three support units this school year, but the district’s enrollment has decreased to the equivalent of 11 units, said Jonathan Balls, the district’s director of business operations, in a Tuesday interview.

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Critchfield outlines second-term vision, vows to protect school funding amid state budget crunch

As the 2026 legislative session enters its final stretch, the race for Idaho’s top education post took center stage in Pocatello on Wednesday. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield met with parents and educators at the Magnolia Mansion to outline a second-term vision focused on “the basics,” even as school districts brace for a tightening financial belt.

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Community rallies to give Pocatello’s ‘Ambassador of Smiles’ a new set of wheels

If you’ve grabbed a coke or a burger at the Pocatello McDonald’s at any point over the last three decades, chances are you’ve been greeted by the city’s unofficial ambassador of smiles.

Delynn Wilson is known for his pristine and his infectious optimism, but recently a hurdle with his transportation threatened the independence he has worked so hard for.

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Bomb Squad Investigating: Bannock County shop explosion hospitalizes local man

The Idaho Falls Bomb Squad team is currently on the scene of a small explosion in Bannock County that sent a middle-aged man to the hospital with serious bodily injuries.

The explosion took place around 8:30 Wednesday morning, March 4th, at a shop at 11621 N. Nelson Lane. Bannock County Sheriff and North Bannock Fire rushed to the scene, where first responders found the injured 44-year-old man. The man was rushed by ambulance to the hospital; his current condition is unknown.

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Jurassic toe: Idaho State paleontologists investigate possible new dinosaur

Turns out the key to discovering a new type of dinosaur might be a weird toe in an Idaho museum. 

Or a skull in Switzerland. 

Idaho State University paleontologists are examining whether these and other fossils represent one or more previously unidentified dinosaur species. They’ve laid their research out in a new study that has scientists rethinking long-confusing plant-eating Jurassic dinosaurs known as ornithopods.

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Pocatello business under repair after SUV crashes into storefront

Restoration crews are working rapidly to repair Marshall’s Tile in Pocatello after a speeding SUV crashed through the building’s storefront early Tuesday morning.

The incident took place around 12:30 AM, after a silver Audi SUV ran a stop sign, going 80mph, flew over the curb, and crashed into the front of the building on 215 East Cedar Street. Following the crash, the driver fled the scene on foot. The driver has yet to be identified, but the incident remains under investigation by the Pocatello Police.

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Nevada man sentenced to 17 years for eastern Idaho drug trafficking

A 45-year-old Nevada man will spend more than 17 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that funneled methamphetamine and fentanyl into Eastern Idaho.

U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Franklin Ryan, of Sparks, Nevada, to 210 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.

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Victims Identified in Sunday Night Stabbing; Suspect in Custody

Following the arrest of their alleged attacker, authorities have identified the victims of a violent Sunday night stabbing. The victims have been identified as Rajah Keller, 32, and Starla Keller, 49, both of Pocatello.

Marita Gonzales, a 32-year-old woman from Pocatello, has been booked into the Bannock County jail on one charge of attempted murder and one count of aggravated battery related to the attack.

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ISP investigates Thursday’s multi-vehicle crash north of McCammon

Idaho State Police are investigating a chain-reaction collision that snarled traffic on southbound I-15 last Thursday.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:20 AM on February 12, 2026, near milepost 50, just north of the McCammon exit. According to an update from ISP investigators, the sequence of events began when a 2017 Honda Accord, driven by a 46-year-old Pocatello man, rear-ended a 1992 Toyota pickup, which was towing a flatbed trailer loaded with vehicles.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

‘A difficult moment’: ISU announces sweeping changes amid budget constraints 

Idaho State University is reshaping itself with sweeping changes in the face of current and looming state budget cuts.

That includes merging colleges, restructuring programs, “modest” student fee hikes and a range of other changes starting July 1 to try and save and generate millions by year’s end. The university released a complete budget restructuring plan Wednesday. ISU President Robert Wagner overviewed the changes in an accompanying video.

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Bannock County announces property tax relief Open Houses for eligible residents

The Property Tax Reduction (PTR) program, formerly known as the “circuit breaker,” helps lower property taxes for qualifying Idahoans, including seniors, widows and widowers, recognized disabled individuals, disabled veterans, former prisoners of war, and those who are vision impaired. To qualify, applicants must have an annual income of $39,130 or less.

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Museum of Natural History to host event on cartographic encounters and a rediscovery of the far west fur trade

Experience an evening honoring Indigenous Resilience as Dr. S. Matthew DeSpain presents traditional Far West fur trade history at Frazier Hall on January 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Throughout the event, DeSpain will reconceive traditional Far West fur trade history and emphasize how the mountain men and rendezvous are still heavily rooted in American expansionism, discovery, and exceptionalism. Therefore, encounter and centrality of Native peoples become the better means in rediscovering and rebalancing the history of the Far West fur trade.

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Sen. Ruchti to host three-part 2026 Legislative Town Hall series

Looking to bridge the gap between the Statehouse and the community, State Senator James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) has announced three town halls for District 29 residents and surrounding community members during the 2026 legislative session. Ruchti says these forums are designed as a nonpartisan space for Idahoans to discuss the future of Medicaid, ask questions about policy priorities, and share concerns directly with leadership.

“Our democracy works best when the people are heard,” said State Senator Ruchti. “These events give folks the chance to speak directly with their elected representative, and for me to better understand how the decisions we’re making in Boise are affecting everyday Idahoans.”

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Chubbuck woman faces felony charges for allegedly stealing SUV with infant inside

A 37-year-old Idaho woman faces serious felony charges after allegedly stealing an SUV with a sleeping infant inside on Sunday night.

Rikki Johnson was arrested on January 25 by Chubbuck Police and charged with felony grand theft. She also faces charges related to an outstanding misdemeanor drug warrant. Chubbuck PD says additional charges are currently under review by the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office.

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Six displaced after overnight apartment fire in Pocatello

The fire was first called in just after 11 PM from an apartment at 335 North Hayes Avenue. Only 4 of the 6 apartments were occupied at the time, and all 6 residents evacuated safely, according to Kim Stouse, public information officer for the Pocatello Fire Department.

“We reached out to the American Red Cross, and they’re working to connect them to resources, as well as the landlord who put them up in the day’s inn last night,” said Stouse. “The tenants are now working with the Red Cross and the landlord to get long-term placement.”

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Pocatello seeks public input on city entryway and roadway redesign

“This feedback will help guide future beautification efforts for our city’s roadways and entryways,” said Jim Anglesey, Pocatello’s Long-Range Senior Planner. “The goal is to enhance the City’s appearance while selecting landscaping better suited to our semi-arid environment. These designs will be used as funding becomes available to support landscape and irrigation improvements at various locations across the city.”

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Bannock County Coroner identifies 51-year-old killed in Tuesday’s US 30 crash

Authorities in Bannock County have released the identity of the 51-year-old man killed on Tuesday after his vehicle struck a detached semi-trailer on US Highway 30.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner has identified the man as Bradley Bassett of Pocatello, noting that Bassett’s next of kin have been notified. “My thoughts are with Bradley’s family and friends during this time of loss,” Danner said in a statement.

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Pocatello Police seek public’s help finding ‘critically missing’ endangered man

Matthew Stuart Apted left his apartment and belongings in a damaged state at the end of September 2025. However, he continued to speak with family on the phone through text and phone calls until December 16, 2025, when he said he would be boarding a plane to Colorado on December 23, 2025.

He has not been heard from since. According to the Police, Apted may be suffering from mental health issues and suicidal ideations.

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ISP searching for box truck driver invovled in Wednesday night I-15 semi crash

The Idaho State Police is investigating a semi-truck crash that occurred Wednesday night, January 7, on northbound I-15. The incident took place at approximately 8:46 PM near milepost 73, blocking a northbound lane and off-ramp for 3 hours.

According to investigators, a 47-year-old man from Brigham City, Utah, was traveling northbound in a 2022 white Kenworth semi-truck. A white box truck, driven by an unidentified individual, merged abruptly into the semi-truck’s path.

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New felony drug charges filed against suspect in fatal Pocatello DUI crash

A Chubbuck man already facing charges for a fatal DUI crash that killed 29-year-old Lena Phelps of Pocatello last month is now facing additional felonies related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.

The crash took place on Saturday, December 27, around 7 PM at the intersection of North Arthur Avenue. Initial reports indicate that Guerrero allegedly ran a red light while driving under the influence, striking a passenger vehicle carrying Phelps and a male driver.

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United in Light: How Idaho’s Jewish Community is Finding Warmth in Hanukkahs glow

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.

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Pocatello Announces Open House Ahead of Center Street Underpass Construction

Construction on the Center Street Underpass Project is scheduled to begin in early January 2026. To help residents and businesses stay informed, the City of Pocatello and Historic Downtown Pocatello will host an open house on Monday, December 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Historic Downtown Pocatello offices, 435 W. Center Street. The event will provide a straightforward overview of the work planned and what the community can expect during construction.

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Outgoing Pocatello Mayor Blad to deliver State of the City address on December 18

The City of Pocatello will reflect on Fiscal Year 2025 during the annual State of the City address at the City Council meeting December 18.

Mayor Brian Blad will introduce the State of the City address, which is scheduled as the final agenda item of the evening. The presentation will highlight accomplishments and progress made by City departments throughout the past fiscal year. Mayor Blad will conclude the address with remarks focused on priorities and expectations for the year ahead.

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Violent crime is up … and also down

Early morning shooting in Pocatello under investigation

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers with the Pocatello Police Department located an adult male lying in the roadway near the intersection of 2nd Street and Center Street in Pocatello, Idaho. The male had suffered two gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The individual was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

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