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POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Local police held their annual Cops and Kids holiday shopping event at the Chubbuck Walmart, serving 65 families in need.

This is one of the most beloved events in the community, as it establishes a strong relationship between the local law enforcement and children, all while helping those in need during the holidays. The day began with a breakfast at McDonald’s, followed by a ride for all the children in a patrol vehicle.

The fleet of cop cars rolled into Walmart with lights on and sirens blaring. The cops and the children they were partnered with were welcomed by high school cheerleaders and Benny the Bengal for high fives and cheers. The children got to pick out toys for themselves and their families. They also grabbed art supplies, clothes and winter gear with their toys.

FOP vice president Gabe Rollene said, “We’re out here giving back to the community and making sure every kid has a Christmas.” Rollene has been a part of Cops and Kids for four years, and enjoys seeing the community come together to donate to the cause.

“It’s just been awesome and it’s always great to be out here with the kids and seeing how excited they are to be part of this,” said Rollene.

Cheerleaders helped the kids and cops wrap the presents they chose from Walmart before showing them off.

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State’s Reed Gym Pool hosted it’s first collegiate competition in 6 years this Saturday, December 6th. The ISU Swim club hosted Boise State, Utah State, and Weber State for the Bengal Invitational meet. The pool at Reed Gym hasn’t been completely unused since the renovation though. It has played host to numerous high school meets since the re-opening in 2024.

Swim Club President Abigail Couch is working on building up the school’s club. “I’ve been trying to really grow the club this year,” she said. “So we’ve been having practice five days a week, been trying to recruit more kids from ISU to swim on the club.” Now with the reintroduction of collegiate meets at the school, now is as good a time as any to continue building up the group.

This meet was a collaborative effort between members of the club, ISU athletics administrators, and intramural/club officials. “We kind of all worked together to organize this and hold off other club meets we’d seen or ran in the past,” said Couch. “Honestly, I’m just hoping that the swim club members that are competing here can have a good time because it’s been so long…”

The ISU swim club is certainly looking forward to hosting more meets at Reed Gym in the future.

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Aid For Friends Shelter in Pocatello hosted their annual homeless encampment at Caldwell park overnight on Saturday, December 6th. Participants raised awareness and money for the shelter to continue helping the homeless population in the area by sleeping in cardboard boxes overnight at the park.

The event began with a winter weather training at a nearby church. Participants learned about winter weather safety and how to stay warm in their boxes overnight.

Throughout the afternoon, the encampment grew, with people setting up their boxes for 1-2 people. They filled them with blankets and sleeping bags to make them as comfortable as possible for the frigid night.

Aid For Friends Grants and Programs Administrator Jessica Buckley told us they’ve been doing the encampment for 19 years. The shelter was at risk of funding cuts, and they wanted to show the community and legislators what would happen if the people who use the shelter were forced into Pocatello’s local parks and streets.

The shelter estimates around 70 people living outside the shelter during the winter months. Even then, Buckley says this is an undercount because of the “invisible homeless” population.

“We want the folks that pass by to see the number of invisible homeless people in our area represented by the boxes,” said Buckley.

A local boy scout troop has been participating in the campment for years and makes the dinner each time. Those who made it through the night without bailing for warmer places got to enjoy a breakfast in the morning.

Buckley encouraged us that there is always hope and someone to help. The shelter has local partnerships with other organizations for connecting to those in need.

Donations are always welcome to the Aid For Friends shelter, both food and funds. You can learn more about how to support the cause at aidforfriendspocatello.com.

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — 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.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, law enforcement is directing you to contact the Bannock County Sheriff at 208-236-7111 immediately.