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Pocatello

50-year-old Idaho man dies from Flu as officials urge immediate vaccination

This marks the second influenza-associated death of the season in the Gem State. Last flu season, 87 people were reported to have died from flu-related illnesses in Idaho. 

“It is important for all of us to take precautions to avoid influenza infection,” said SIPH officials in the announcement. “If you haven’t already, visit your health care provider, local public health district, or pharmacy to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated today will help protect you and your family for the rest of the influenza season.”

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Pocatello crews battle two water line breaks; Repairs underway

Crews with the City of Pocatello are responding to multiple water line breaks across the area.

The initial incident took place early Friday morning, when a 12-inch water main break occurred at the corner of Pole Line Road and Eldredge Road. City of Pocatello crews arrived at 5:29 AM and initially instructed residents near the break to remain indoors as a safety precaution, as the leaking water flowed into a power grid area.

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Indian Hills closes early due to waterline break; Parents must pick up students at reunification site

UPDATE: POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —  Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has issued an emergency closure for Indian Hills Elementary School due to a major waterline break on Cheyenne Avenue. With classes already started, parents must now make arrangements to pick up their children. Families of Indian Hills students are directed not to go to the school,

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Urgent Call to Action: Families of Kratom victims rally for awareness and change

Families of Kratom victims are taking a stand to expose the serious dangers of Kratom and advocate for awareness and change. Kratom products continue to be sold and marketed heavily around Idaho, despite the official FDA warnings of the drug’s life-threatening effects. Now, officials and the victims’ loved ones are speaking out.
In the last 18 months, the Bonneville County Coroner’s office has investigated six kratom-related deaths. A staggering four of the fatalities were determined to be solely due to the acute drug toxicity of mitragynine, the primary active compound found in Kratom. One of these four victims was 23-year-old Kielee Rustici of Idaho Falls.

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“We’re Heartbroken”: Zoo Idaho mourns the passing of beloved Mountain Lion, Sinbad

Tuesday, Zoo Idaho staff in Pocatello announced the passing of Sinbad, the beloved mountain lion who had been a resident at the facility for the last 13 years. Sinbad was humanely euthanized after his health rapidly declined, a difficult decision made by the animal care team and veterinarian.

Zoo Idaho staff stated on Facebook, “Although he had a full and happy life, we’re heartbroken that we had to say goodbye so quickly.”

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Missing Judge William Woodland has been found deceased

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Endangered Missing Person Alert for an unnamed 84-year-old man last seen at the intersection of Lone Pine Road and Gay Mine Road.

The man is believed to be in danger, according to the alert. He was last seen wearing a blue suit jacket, tan slacks, and cowboy boots. According to a post on the Facebook group Life in Pocatello, the man may be driving a dark red Lexus ES350 sedan, license # 1B G8404.

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Pocatello officer cited for hitting pedestrian

A Pocatello Police Officer has been cited for failure to yield after striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk with their patrol car on Thursday afternoon, December 4th.

A security camera at a neighboring business captured video of the incident; however, the business, wishing to remain anonymous, told Local News 8 they would no longer be releasing the video after conversations with Pocatello Police. The initial security video was released by an unnamed employee.

A Pocatello Police officer and a subsequent vehicle were spotted leaving the business as Local News 8 arrived Friday morning.

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Pocatello City Council approves Rich Morgan as new CFO/City Treasurer

After an extensive months-long search, the City of Pocatello has officially filled its Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer position. During Thursday’s City Council meeting, Council Members voted to approve the hiring of Rich Morgan as the City’s next CFO/City Treasurer.

“I am excited and honored to step into this role and serve our community during this important transition,” said Morgan. “My focus will be strengthening the city’s financial foundation, supporting the dedicated staff in the Finance department, and ensuring that our work reflects transparency, accountability, and service to residents.  I look forward to working closely with Mayor-Elect Dahlquist, the council, and the entire Pocatello team as we move the city forward together.”

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Former Downard Funeral Home owner Lance Peck loses private counsel over $37K in unpaid legal fees

A major shake-up has taken place in the criminal case against Lance Peck, the former owner of Downard Funeral Home. Peck’s private attorney, Richard Blok, formally withdrew from the case on Monday, December 1, after the defendant accrued more than $37,000 in unpaid legal fees. A public defender has now been appointed to take over the high-profile case.

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Bannock County community gathers at Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge this Sunday; Governor directs flags to half-staff

This Sunday, December 7th, the Bannock County community is taking the chance to remember, reflect, and stand together, while marking the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The community ceremony will take place at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge on W. Fremont Street at 3:00 PM.

“Most of us were not alive when the horrors of the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolded 83 years ago, but it is so important this generation and future generations take the time to honor the thousands of men and women who lost their lives in that unprovoked attack on American soil. Idaho will also forever honor the brave service members who fought for our country and all of humanity during World War II in the years that followed the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Governor Little said.

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

ISU expands international research footprint with new 5-year agreements in Asia and Latin America

“These partnerships connect ISU with leading global institutions, bringing new knowledge, innovation, and research opportunities that would benefit Idaho. From improving infrastructure and water management to advancing energy technologies and education, our collaborations help address challenges that matter to both parties.” said Mustafa Mashal, Special Advisor to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Professor of Civil Engineering at ISU. 

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Pocatello Police’s annual “Give the Cops a Bird” food drive gathers over $4,000 and 71 Turkeys

In a post on Facebook, Pocatello Police officers said they couldn’t have done this without the support of the amazing community.

“Your generosity, energy, and kindness make this event what it has become today,” stated the post. “We are truly grateful to each and every one of you who donated and made a difference this holiday season.”

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“Incredible Idaho Women”: a new book celebrating Eastern Idaho’s unsung heroes and increasing literacy

Eastern Idaho (KIFI) – This month, BoiseDev proudly released its latest work, “Incredible Idaho Women,” a captivating book that celebrates the lives and achievements of 43 remarkable women throughout Idaho’s history, from the pioneering settlers of the past to the trailblazing figures of today. With vivid storytelling and rich illustrations, the book unveils the inspiring

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ISU reveals Benny the Bengal Fierce New Look for school’s 125th Anniversary

“We are delighted to continue the tradition of entertaining fans at ISU events with Benny’s athletic prowess and good-natured humor,” said Pauline Thiros, athletic director. “With incredible institutional support, two ISU students reap the benefits of a financially sustainable education while enjoying their opportunity to engage with Bengals at events throughout their time at ISU.”

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ITD seeks public input on long-range transportation plan; Pocatello & Idaho Falls open houses start Mid-November

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.  

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

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Pocatello Regional Airport cancels upcoming flight on Sunday, November 9th due to FAA cuts

The Federal Aviation Administration’s plan to slash airline capacity is already affecting flights in Southeast Idaho.

As of this morning, Delta Airlines has informed Pocatello Regional Airport that Delta Flight 3702 has been canceled. This cancellation is a result of the FAA’s recent decision to reduce air capacity by 10% due to the ongoing government shutdown.

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‘Operation Green Light’: Bannock County joins national effort to support veterans

If you’ve been in Pocatello this week, you may have noticed a change in lighting around town. The Bannock County courthouse is lit up in green as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans,” a nationwide initiative running through Veterans Day next week.

“Veterans don’t always feel seen or appreciated. It’s important for them to know that we support them, always,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veterans Service Officer.

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“Ready for Change”: Pocatello Mayoral candidates reflect on election and city’s future

Following the local elections, Pocatello is guaranteed a new mayor by December 2, 2025. Mark Dahlquist had 40% of the votes, and Greg Cates had 30%.
“I think the city was just ready for change. You know, they made one thing clear last night in the election is that they’re they’re ready for new leadership. And they just want things to change in our city. And I do believe, that over the last 16 years our city has been going backwards instead of forwards,” Cates said.

“What I was hearing really quite often was that people were ready for a change, that they were yearning for a new direction, a new perspective, a new style of leadership,” Dahlquist said.

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Mayor Blad ousted as candidates Greg Cates & Mark Dahlquist head to runoff election

Pocatello is headed for a high-stakes mayoral runoff on December 2, 2025, guaranteeing that the city will have a new leader in 2026. The final tally from Bannock County confirmed that incumbent Mayor Brian Blad failed to secure a majority, or even a spot in the top two, effectively ending his current term.

Mark Dahlquist led the field, cruising to a first-place finish with 5,135 votes, representing a strong 40.21% of the total. He will face Greg Cates, who secured the second spot with 3,938 votes (30.83%).

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ISU launches new Master’s in Geology with Geology Management Concentration

“This degree is specifically intended for people who are chomping at the bit to enter their geosciences career and move up into managerial roles,” said Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of the geosciences department at Idaho State. “While the traditional research-track offers a student an opportunity to gain expertise in a very narrow application, the new master’s with a concentration in geology management replaces the thesis work with targeted courses from the Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program at Idaho State to ensure that the student has training in how businesses and management actually work.”

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Pocatello Police launch 7th annual “Give the Cops a Bird” Thanksgiving food drive

For the 7th year in a row, the Pocatello Police Department is bringing back a seasonal partnership with the local Idaho Food Bank ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

From now until November 20th, PPD is encouraging residents to donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable canned goods, and monetary gifts at the police department as part of the annual “Give the Cops a Bird” turkey drive. This annual initiative ensures local families facing food insecurity have food on their tables for the holiday.

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Paranormal Investigators probe decommissioned Idaho Falls plane for post-mortem passengers

In the lead-up to Halloween, a team of Paranormal Investigators took a closer look into the strange activity surrounding an old plane at the Idaho Falls airport that’s long been out of service.

For nearly 20 years, Pocatello Paranormal Research (PPR) has established itself as Idaho’s most experienced crew for all things cryptid and creepy. According to the group’s website, the team is known for tackling strange happenings from coast to coast, but their latest case has them looking for residual turbulence in the static air of a grounded jet.

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The passing of a public servant: Former Idaho U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings passes away at 85

“Richard reminded us that politics at its best is about people, not power. It is about understanding our neighbors’ struggles and standing up for them,” stated Nechocea. “His legacy endures in the leaders he inspired, the communities he strengthened, and the countless Idahoans who saw in him what public service should look like: humble, principled, and tireless in pursuit of the common good. Our hearts are with his family and all who loved him.”

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Habitat Improvement Team allocates over $900,000 for 5 Southeast Idaho conservation projects

Five conservation projects across southeast Idaho have received a major boost to enhance and protect the Gem State’s landscapes and wildlife habitats. The Habitat Improvement Team (HIT) has allocated more than $900,000 to these five initiatives. This funding is slated for critical work like restoring rivers and wetlands, bolstering fish and wildlife habitats, and protecting the region’s expansive open spaces.

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Coroner ID’s Pocatello man in Fatal I-15 Crash

The name of the Pocatello man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 in Bannock County on Friday has been officially released.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the man as 47-year-old Randell Case of Pocatello. His next of kin has been notified. “I want to express my condolences to Randell’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Coroner Danner.

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Wandering cow moose captured, relocated from Chubbuck backyard

A large cow moose that took an unexpected detour into a Chubbuck neighborhood was safely captured and relocated Wednesday morning thanks to a joint effort by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) and City of Chubbuck Animal Control.

Wednesday morning, the massive animal wandered into the backyard of a home on Whitaker Road, in a suburban area of Chubbuck. Fish and Game staff were able to successfully tranquilize the moose at the home. Once sedated, the cow was carefully loaded and transported to a more suitable, remote habitat, far from homes and traffic.

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Highland High School in Pocatello, ID

Highland High evacuates after false fire alarm; Incident linked to water pressure loss

Students and staff at Highland High School were forced to evacuate Wednesday afternoon after a blaring fire alarm interrupted classes, an incident that comes seven months after the school broke ground on its massive post-fire reconstruction.

According to Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 (D25), the evacuation was a precautionary measure made out of “an abundance of caution.” A preliminary investigation indicates the alarm system was triggered by a loss of pressure in the school’s water lines.

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Pocatello man arrested for alleged Idaho Capitol bomb threat

A Pocatello man has been arrested in connection with a bomb threat made earlier this month to a state government building in Boise.

On October 8, 2025, at approximately 10:14 a.m., the Pocatello Police Department responded to a report of a 58-year-old man making multiple threatening phone calls to employees of a property management company in Pocatello. During those calls, he allegedly made statements threatening violence, including threats to “blow them up.”

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Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID

Idaho State University secures $1.2 million grant for scholarships for future STEM educators

“Scholars are engaged in an array of outreach and support activities to learn more about STEM teaching and learning; some of them are volunteering in schools,” said Cory A. Bennett, Ph.D., professor in the Teaching and Educational Studies (TES) Department and a leader of the project. “Some of them are helping out with different kinds of science or engineering fairs, and they’re getting involved with the education community in many different ways before they start taking their formal coursework in education.”

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Boo! It’s Science: ISU’s Haunted Science Laboratory returns October 25th

Now’s your chance to see the not-so-spooky side of science.

Idaho State University Department of Physics and Kiwanis Club of Pocatello’s Haunted Science Laboratory will be open to the public on Saturday, October 25, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Bannock County Event Center, Commercial Building B, just north of the Pocatello Downs Grandstand. The Haunted Science Lab features a Van DeGraaf generator, lasers, and multiple educational and interactive science activities designed to delight, fright, and educate kids of all ages. Some exhibits use the same principles as Disneyland’s Haunted Science Mansion, except they are explained.

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Honoring History: Brady Chapel to host Veterans Day Open House

“The Brady Chapel has been a part of the Pocatello community for over a century,” said Jim Anglesey, City of Pocatello Long-Range Planner and staff liaison to the HPC. “The open house provides an opportunity for the community to come and celebrate Pocatello’s history, learn more about the Chapel’s significance, and find out what current efforts are being undertaken to preserve this historic edifice.”

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Edson Fichter Nature Area to close Tuesday, Oct. 7 for repairs

Idaho Fish and Game is tackling necessary repairs to the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello, prompting a temporary closure to the public.

The closure will begin Tuesday, Oct. 7. IDFG anticipates the area will reopen to the public later the same day, depending on the project’s progress. IDFG urges the public to prioritize safety, respect the hard-working repair crews, and strictly obey all posted closure signs during this time.

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Pocatello Animal Shelter and Subaru to host name-your-price adoption event on October 4

“This is a good way to help make sure that there are hardly any barriers to coming and picking a pet, especially financial barriers,” said Sarah Moore, administrative assistant for Pocatello Animal Services. “It helps us get some of our more overlooked animals–like cats who have been here for months, dogs who have been overlooked for months–helps them get seen and hopefully get the home that they’ve been waiting for.”

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