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BOLO: Teton County Sheriff’s Office searching for stolen Nissan Frontier and suspect

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert for a man suspected of stealing a 2006 dark gray Nissan Frontier. The vehicle was last seen yesterday, June 11, at approximately 6:30 PM. Details of the theft and photos of the suspect were shared via the agency’s Facebook page.

In photos released by the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect appears to be a white male with a short, well-kept beard. He appears to be wearing a dark hoodie and a baseball cap with sunglasses on top, and carrying a backpack.

The stolen Nissan Frontier is easily identifiable with its Wyoming truck plate 22-1713, a gray bumper sticker reading “Backcountry Sports,” and a large bike rack attached to the hitch.

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Woman faces DUI charges after destructive Rexburg hit-and-run

A woman is in custody facing DUI charges after allegedly causing significant property damage and fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Rexburg Police responded to the incident on North 2nd East, where security video and evidence at the scene revealed a chaotic path of destruction. According to a Rexburg Police Facebook post, the suspect vehicle reportedly drove “into a private field, ran over a small tree, narrowly missed a power pole, went airborne into an embankment, and then got back on the road.”

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Idaho trucking icon Heber Andrus passes away

Heber Andrus, the former owner of Idaho Falls-based trucking giant Doug Andrus Distributing, passed away on June 11, 2025, at Idaho Falls Community Hospital.

Doug Andrus Distributing honored Heber’s “well-lived life” in a heartfelt Facebook post, acknowledging his impact on the industry over his more than 40-year career. The company stated that Heber “inspired and transformed the industry” and played a “visionary role in building this company from a handful of trucks from his childhood bedroom to where it is today, being the largest Idaho-based carrier.”

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Mistrial declared for local contractor, Brandon Cook, accused of fraud

The criminal trial of Brandon Cook, a local contractor accused of defrauding homeowners out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through his company, Re-Lived Construction, has been declared a mistrial. Cook was charged with grand theft by failed promise and being a persistent violator.

Local News 8 viewers may remember Cook from a multi-week investigation we aired last year. The outcome of Cook’s trial, which began just yesterday, June 12, reportedly shocked homeowner and witness Jennifer Bennett, who was also featured in Local News 8’s exclusive investigation.

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New funds accelerate key I-15 and US-20 projects in Eastern Idaho

Several of Eastern Idaho’s roads could be getting a significant upgrade, and some sooner than expected, thanks to new funds. Thursday, during its regular meeting, the Idaho Transportation Board approved staff recommendations for improvements to key roadways, including projects on Interstate 15 near Blackfoot and U.S. Highway 20 near Idaho Falls.

These projects, designed to tackle congestion and safety concerns, are moving forward thanks to Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds made available by House Bill 25, which was passed by the Idaho legislature earlier this year. The legislation provides an additional $20 million a year to the TECM fund over the next three years and will allow the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Gem State’s transportation system.

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Police redirect traffic after dump truck strikes light at 1st and Woodruff

Drivers are being urged to avoid the intersection of 1st and Woodruff this morning, June 12, 2025, after a dump truck’s raised bed struck and damaged a traffic signal.

The Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD), along with Citizen Watch Volunteers, is actively directing traffic as Idaho Power works on repairs. expected to last into the early afternoon.

IFPD is asking drivers to take alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. They expect repairs to last at least into the early afternoon.

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Junior Jazz players and public invited to meet Utah Jazz player Oscar Tshiebwe

The City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation Department is excited to welcome Utah Jazz player Oscar Tshiebwe to Pocatello!

Junior Jazz players and the public are invited to a special meet-and-greet Wednesday, June 18, from 9–10 a.m. at Irving Middle School (911 N. Grant Avenue). During this FREE event, attendees will hear Tshiebwe share his journey to the NBA, ask questions about his career, and have a chance to get autographs and photos. The stop will include a short basketball clinic with Tshiebwe and the Junior Jazz Players.

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Bannock County emergency manager talks importance of new Sheriff’s app in keeping people connected

“A lot of the things that we do are computer-based with smartphones and smart glasses and smart computers and smart cars,” said Wes Jones, director of Bannock County Emergency Management. “Our approach is we need to be smarter about how we reach out to the communities, and this gives us a more timely and accurate ability to get that information out there and in the hands of the community.”

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Missing 10-year-old found safe

The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office is urgently asking for the public’s assistance in locating 10-year-old Eli Barker, who has been reported missing. Eli has been diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal.

Eli was last seen at an unspecified location within Bingham County, wearing a purple shirt, gray shorts, red and black glasses, and carrying a dragon toy

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Turned in by Uber Driver: Texas woman arrested after dragging officer in attempted Idaho bank robbery

A 50-year-old Texas woman is in custody after allegedly attempting to rob an Idaho Central Credit Union branch and dragging an Idaho Falls Police Officer with her car during an escape attempt.

On Tuesday, June 9, Idaho Falls Police (IFPD) received a panic alarm from the ICCU building at 3330 S 15th East. The caller reported that a woman, later identified as Wendy Bess, was inside the bank attempting to withdraw a substantial amount of money using a stolen ID.

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Update on Train Derailment: No immediate timeline for full cleanup, Intersection remains closed

A train derailment near Chester has forced the indefinite closure of the intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20, causing significant travel disruptions. While the incident has resulted in substantial damage, authorities confirm there are no reported injuries.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced the closure via a Facebook post, urging drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to seek alternate routes.

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National ALS support organization hosting fundraiser walk in Pocatello Saturday

ALS of Nevada is hosting their ‘Walk for ALS’ in Pocatello to raise awareness and collect donations for research into the deadly disease on Saturday.

ALS of Nevada hosted its last Walk for ALS in the Gate City in 2019. Event director, and Pocatello native, Jen Robinson said the walk is a way for people to contribute to furthering a cure for ALS and gives people a chance to show their solidarity for those suffering from the illness.

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Two new parent spaces added to Idaho State University’s Pocatello campus

Idaho State University recently added two new ‘lactation pods’ to their Pocatello campus to give breastfeeding mothers a private space to feed their children.

The pods are located in the lobbies of the Physical Science Complex and Garrison Hall and feature lockable doors, outlets for breast pumps, and space for strollers; with the new additions, there are six total designated parent spaces on Idaho State’s Pocatello campus.

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Bank robbery suspect sentenced 5 years for fleeing traffic stop, ramming ISP vehicle

Rulon J. Olson, 35, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison after fleeing a traffic stop last year, ramming an Idaho State Police vehicle during the pursuit. In addition to his prison term, Olson has been ordered to pay over $3,600 in restitution.

Olson was identified by Pocatello Police last year as a suspect in the May 7, 2025, robbery of the Mountain America Credit Union located at 1012 Yellowstone Avenue in Pocatello. Authorities located the getaway vehicle later that week and issued an arrest warrant for Olson.

He was captured later that month, on May 22, 2025, in Idaho Falls, following a high-speed pursuit by Idaho State Police (ISP). According to an initial ISP report, Olson fled a traffic stop after troopers discovered his outstanding warrant.

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Secretary Rollins signs Idaho’s waiver to remove “unhealthy foods” from SNAP benefits

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signed three new food choice waivers to Make America Healthy Again. The signed waivers will amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, each commencing in 2026.

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Help ID Suspect: Vandal with BB gun damages Idaho Falls apartments

The Idaho Falls Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual responsible for damaging several apartment windows on St. Clair Avenue with a BB gun on Monday.

A Ring doorbell camera captured footage of the suspect, which the department shared on its Facebook page. In the short video, the individual appears to be a male wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

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New Jersey man gored by bison in Yellowstone

A 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, is recovering after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, June 10, underscoring the importance of keeping a safe distance from the wildlife.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), a large group of visitors had gotten too close to the animal, leading to the incident. Fortunately, the man only sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel.

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Pocatello man arrested after crashing through local truck stops while fleeing traffic stop

A Pocatello man is facing a slew of felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly escalated a traffic stop for erratic driving into a physical altercation, in a destructive attempt to flee from Idaho State Police. Monday night, ISP reportedly arrested 43-year-old Joshua Edward Maddock after he reportedly fled a traffic stop, crashed through two truck stop properties, and attempted to hide from law enforcement.

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Idaho Democrats launch “All In for Idaho” initiative ahead of 2026 elections

“For too long, Republican politicians have taken this state for granted, and the result is a set of laws that are completely out of touch with working Idahoans,” said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea. “After a long day of work, you ought to be able to put food on the table and afford a home for your family. But the math doesn’t pencil for too many Idaho families, and the Republican supermajority refuses to do anything. Instead, Republican rule is making it even harder for the next generation by gutting education funding and closing doors to career training for good jobs. All In for Idaho is how we start turning the page.”

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Idahoans can get out and fish for free on Saturday

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s annual ‘Free Fishing Day’ returns Saturday, June 14, and regional offices are hosting events to make it even easier to catch the big one.

Free Fishing Day has been an annual tradition on the second Saturday in June since 1992. Idahoans can fish without a license anywhere in the state open for fishing; bag limits, size restrictions, and area closures stay in effect.

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New “Rides to Recovery” program offers vital transportation for addiction and mental health treatment in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Individuals in Eastern Idaho grappling with addiction and mental health challenges are set to receive crucial support on their journey to recovery, thanks to a new initiative launched by Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH). In a partnership with Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT), EIPH has introduced “Rides to Recovery,” a

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Pocatello to host Town Hall on fireworks safety

Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and the City Council are holding a Town Hall meeting near the end of June to discuss fireworks safety and enforcement. The discussion comes as the region prepares for the upcoming July festivities, including Independence Day and Pioneer Day, both periods when fireworks use is common.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. It will take place in the City Council Chambers, located at 911 North 7th Avenue.

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Pocatello transitional care center remodeling to include first-of-its-kind respiratory unit in Southeast Idaho

Gateway Transitional Care Center is remodeling their facility to include a new ‘Vent/Trach Unit’ for patients recovering from injuries or respiratory illness; the unit will be the first of its kind in Southeast Idaho.

Gavin Monteath, CEO of Gateway Transitional Care Center, said over the past seven years, the basement levels of their building have gone through multiple potential project designs, but the care center settled on a respiratory rehabilitation wing when they saw patients coming out of the hospital traveling out-of-state to get care for breathing problems before the could return home

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US-20 Exit 320 northbound ramp into Rigby to close Monday

Traffic leaving U.S. Highway 20 to access South Rigby will be detoured on Monday while the exit is closed for bridge repairs. The closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and last only the one day.

Travelers can take Exit 322 (North Rigby) or Exit 318 (County Line) as detours. Those leaving Rigby to get on to US-20 will still be able to use the southbound ramp at Exit 320 toward Idaho Falls as normal.

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I-15 corridor improvements closing Main Street in Inkom next week

Main Street in Inkom will be closed for two nights due to bridge demolition. This is the first part of the Inkom Corridor Project that includes demolition and reconstruction of three bridges.

The Main Street closure will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 11, weather permitting.  Bridge demolition will produce a considerable amount of noise.

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Food Truck Summer kickoff: A tantalizing start to summer

The Idaho Innovation Center is getting ready for a flavor-packed summer this Friday with its Food Truck Summer Kickoff. From 11:30 am to 8 pm, the Yellowstone Food Village’s seven vendors will be offering 10% off on all their mouthwatering dishes.

“We’re thrilled to host the Summer Kickoff and welcome everyone to experience the best of what Yellowstone Food Village has to offer,” said Bryan Magleby, Executive Director of the Idaho Innovation Center. “Our goal is to create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere where people can enjoy delicious food and make lasting memories.”

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Gov Little announces new partnership between Idaho State Police and ICE

The Idaho State Police (ISP) has entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program, allowing ISP to transport hundreds of convicted criminal immigrants directly from Idaho jails to ICE detention facilities for deportation. Governor Brad Little announced the partnership on Thursday, emphasizing the program’s focus on removing “dangerous illegal alien criminals” from Idaho communities.

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Grand Teton National Park celebrates groundbreaking of reimagining Taggart Lake project

Today, Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton National Park marked a significant milestone with a groundbreaking event at the Taggart Lake area, celebrating the launch of the Reimagining Taggart Lake initiative—a transformative, multi-year effort to create a more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable trail experience for all at the park’s most popular, year-round destination.

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Idaho Falls Chamber launches search for July 4th anthem singer

The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce is kicking off an exciting new opportunity for local talent to shine. Starting immediately, the chamber is introducing an online competition where aspiring singers will compete for the honor of singing the National Anthem at the opening of Idaho’s largest 4th of July Parade.

“This parade is one of the most cherished traditions in our state,” said Whitney Bates, Commercial Director of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to give the community a chance to be even more involved and spotlight the amazing talent we have right here in Idaho Falls.”

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Woman riding 3,000 miles through the west with her horses and dog

At three miles an hour, the world slows down. Trees seem taller. Mountains feel grander. The horizon stretches a little farther. And for Patricia Petrina, that’s the whole point.

“You’re moving through a country which is this gorgeous, gorgeous place,” said Petrina, gently stroking the muzzle of one of her horses. “You just have a lot of time to appreciate everything.”

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Michaels is expanding its fabric selection following Joann’s collapse

Michaels is jumping into the void left by the collapse of Joann, announcing Thursday that it’s buying the fabric retailer’s private label and drastically expanding its sewing selection.

In a press release, Michaels said that searches on its website for the word “fabric” have jumped nearly 80% over the past year and “sewing” has increased by about 40%, prompting the retailer to make a “significant investment” in the category in hopes of attracting Joann’s fans.

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Jeff Blauer named principal of Hillcrest Elementary School in American Falls

The American Falls School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Blauer as the new principal of Hillcrest Elementary School, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. Mr. Blauer, a respected educator with 19 years of service in the American Falls School District, currently teaches second grade in the district’s Dual-Language Immersion Program and brings a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success.

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Idaho Falls to celebrate Second Annual Juneteenth CommUNITY Heritage Music Festival

The City of Idaho Falls is proud to support the Second Annual Juneteenth Community Music Festival, hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Juneteenth Organizing Committee in partnership with the Eastern Idaho Jazz Society.

Juneteenth is a national, state and local holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Similar to Independence Day, it celebrates freedom and the ongoing effort to achieve liberty, equality and justice for all.

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Perez family lawyers to host “Truth and Reconciliation” forum June 28, Venue still pending

Attorneys for the family of Victor Perez, the 17-year-old autistic teenager with cerebral palsy who was shot by Pocatello Police on April 5, 2025, are organizing a series of public forums aimed at fostering community dialogue and addressing concerns surrounding the incident.

Attorneys from the law firm Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy are spearheading a Truth and Reconciliation Conference on June 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3PM.

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Local Ukrainian refugees left worrying about future after Federal Government suspended program

Vlad Horbachov, Olena Kharkiv, and their daughter are three of nearly 200,000 Ukrainians who escaped war and made their way to the US through the Biden Administration’s ‘Uniting for Ukraine’ (U4U) program, which was suspended by executive order earlier this year. But Horbachov and Kharkiv say their fears of being forced out of the country and their new lives are growing as their time with the refugee program runs out.

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Ammon gears up for annual Summer Kickoff

The City of Ammon is ready to officially launch into the summer season with its highly anticipated Ammon Summer Kickoff event, Saturday, June 7th.

This annual community gathering promises an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment and activities, including free swimming, a giant water slide, music, vendors, food, and giveaways

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Gov. Little appoints Brendon Taylor to Seventh Judicial District

Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Brendon Taylor as District Judge to the Seventh Judicial District.

Taylor is a Magistrate Judge in Bonneville County, serving since 2022. Taylor serves as the presiding judge for the Domestic Violence Treatment Court program. He previously practiced civil and criminal litigation for 22 years at Merrill & Merrill in Pocatello. Taylor earned his undergraduate degree from Idaho State University, and juris doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.

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Idaho man charged with distribution and possession of child sexual exploitation material

An eastern Idaho man is in custody facing multiple felony charges related to child sexual exploitation material, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced.

Jole Clarke, 23, was arrested last Wednesday, May 28, by investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. He has been charged with three counts of distribution of child sexual exploitation material and seven counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material.

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Former BYU-I adjunct professor charged in Utah with sexual exploitation of minor

An eastern Idaho man is in custody facing multiple felony charges related to child sexual exploitation material, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced.

Jole Clarke, 23, was arrested last Wednesday, May 28, by investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. He has been charged with three counts of distribution of child sexual exploitation material and seven counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material.

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Defamation lawsuit against Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris tossed out on statute technicality

A judge dropped a defamation lawsuit against Kootenai County Sheriff Robert “Bob” Norris due to a technicality involving an Idaho statute.

Pennie Collinson retained attorney Mark Ellingsen with the law firm Witherspoon Brajcida McPhee last fall to sue Sheriff Norris over claims he pointed at her during a Kootenai County Republican Party candidate forum in Cataldo and said she likes to give oral sex and photograph child pornography at the library.

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