Local News Archives

Officials urge anglers to adjust fishing practices due to heat, drought

July 13, 2021 11:14 AM News Team

Due to high temperatures and drought conditions across Wyoming, the state’s streams and rivers are flowing with less water and at a warmer temperature.

US officials extend consideration of Montana bison proposal

July 13, 2021 10:25 AM Associated Press

Federal officials say they’ll give the public more time to comment on a contentious proposal to expand bison grazing on public lands in north-central Montana.

‘Scary:’ Fuel shortage could ground firefighting aircraft

July 13, 2021 10:24 AM Associated Press

Airport officials facing jet fuel shortages are concerned they’ll have to wave off planes and helicopters that drop fire retardants during what could be a ferocious wildfire season, potentially endangering surrounding communities.

Grassy Arena at Teton County Fairgrounds to close for 2 Weeks

July 13, 2021 11:39 AM News Team

In preparation for the 65th Annual Teton County Fair, the Teton County Fairgrounds Grassy Arena will be closed for the next two weeks.

Idaho man convicted in shootout gets 18 years in prison

July 13, 2021 9:47 AM Associated Press

A former participant in an armed occupation in 2016 at an Oregon wildlife refuge has been sentenced to 18 years in prison in connection with his role in a police shootout in Idaho last year.

Idahoan Foods helps SNAP participants attend Museum of Idaho

July 13, 2021 1:14 PM News Team

Some families who can’t afford to see the Museum of Idaho will get a little help from a local company.

Central Idaho Dispatch Zone moves to extreme fire danger

July 12, 2021 4:40 PM News Team

Due to weather and fuel conditions, the Central Idaho Dispatch Zone has moved to extreme fire danger.

Teton Education Association sues Teton School District 401

July 12, 2021 5:52 PM News Team

The Teton Education Association is suing Teton School District 401 along with five members of the school board of trustees.

WWII aircraft visits Pocatello Airport

July 9, 2021 12:48 PM Cole Sams

If you always wanted to take a ride on a historic war fighter plane, now is your chance.

Lawmakers eye special session on mandatory COVID-19 vaccines

July 12, 2021 3:17 PM Associated Press

Republican state senators plan to meet this week to discuss the possibility of a special session after three large health care providers announced policies requiring employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations.

Emergency trail closure near Mud Lick Fire

July 12, 2021 9:46 AM News Team

UPDATE 3:05 p.m. The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a Mud Lick Fire Emergency Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐21‐001.

DEQ issues Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for Lemhi County

July 12, 2021 3:00 PM News Team

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Lemhi County of degraded air quality.

Wildfire NW of Henry’s Lake grows to more than 2,200 acres

July 12, 2021 5:15 PM Curtis Jackson

Strong winds are helping grow a wildfire west of West Yellowstone, near Hoodoo Pass.

2 fires slow traffic on US 20 near Idaho Falls

July 12, 2021 4:18 PM News Team

Two separate brush fires started along near US 20 Monday afternoon.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 297 new Idaho COVID-19 cases

July 12, 2021 4:59 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 297 new COVID-19 cases and zero new deaths over the weekend.

Target shooting causes fires

July 12, 2021 3:29 PM News Team

The Idaho Falls Fire Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Land Management – Idaho Falls District wants to remind you the smallest of ignition sources during hot and windy conditions could easily cause a fire and result in a misdemeanor or a felony.

Man arrested for aggravated assault

July 12, 2021 1:06 PM News Team

Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the area of 115th E. and Swan Valley Highway to a reported weapons offense Sunday around 7 p.m.

Armed, intoxicated man arrested after fleeing from deputies

July 12, 2021 12:38 PM News Team

A Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle driving across multiple lanes of traffic and exceeding the speed limit Sunday afternoon on Ammon Road near 17th St.

East Idaho teachers learn how to fly drones, plans to add to STEM curriculum

July 12, 2021 11:51 AM Emma Iannacone

East Idaho teachers are learning how to fly drones so they can implement the technology into their STEM curriculum.

Pocatello Utility Billing to switch payment system

July 12, 2021 3:07 PM News Team

The City of Pocatello Utility Billing Department will start using a new payment processing system this month.

Idaho gas prices continue to increase

July 12, 2021 11:36 AM News Team

Idaho gas prices have risen 7.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.53/g, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 802 stations in Idaho.

Idaho Labor reopens mobile offices statewide

July 12, 2021 11:35 AM News Team

Re-opening remote locations in 40 cities throughout Idaho is allowing the Department of Labor to return to its pre-pandemic service delivery levels for job seekers and employers.

1 rescued on Hell Roaring Trail

July 12, 2021 10:22 AM News Team

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers rescued a rider who had come off their horse on the Hell Roaring Trail Sunday around 1:50 p.m.

Yellowstone invasive mussel find both reassuring, alarming

July 12, 2021 11:03 AM Associated Press

The recent discovery of an invasive mussel that was about to enter the waters of Yellowstone National Park was both concerning and reassuring for park employees.

Missing Montana hiker believed to have died in accident

July 12, 2021 9:55 AM Associated Press

Searchers looking for a Montana State University graduate student who went missing while hiking in the Beartooth Mountains in southern Montana say they do not think she’s still alive.

Accident slowed traffic near Henry’s Lake

July 12, 2021 9:00 AM Curtis Jackson

Idaho State Police report a crash on US 20 just south of Henry’s Lake is blocking the eastbound lane of traffic.

Teton Pass will be closed briefly Tuesday to traffic

July 12, 2021 9:00 AM News Team

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will be closing all through traffic in both directions briefly on WYO 22 Teton Pass from mile marker 7 to mile marker 9 on Tuesday, July 13 for the arrester testing.

Shady Grove Music Camp comes back to Pocatello

July 11, 2021 6:43 PM Cole Sams

The Shady Grove Music Camp is back for their second annual event at FMC Park.

Hazy Skies Continuing through the Weekend

July 10, 2021 4:38 PM Evan Thomason

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY for Fire Weather Zone 410 Upper Snake River
Valley/Idaho Falls BLM, Fire Weather Zone 425 Middle Snake
River Valley/Twin Falls BLM north of the Snake River, Fire
Weather Zone 475 East Salmon River Mountains/Salmon NF and
Fire Weather Zone 476 Lemhi and Lost River Range/Challis NF

Latest on Mud Lick fire burning in Salmon-Challis National Forest

July 11, 2021 10:20 AM Rachel Fabbi

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI)- The Mud Lick fire is approximately two miles northwest of Blackbird Mine and nearing 2,500 acres. The lightning-caused fire is burning in grass, brush, dead/down timber, and trees in the 2000 Clear Creek Fire scar on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. The fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain with limited access

Man airlifted to hospital after crash near American Falls

July 10, 2021 9:48 PM Linda Larsen

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) On Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 4:38 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated an injury crash, westbound on I86 at mile marker 42, east of American Falls. Sergio Colchado, 39, of Jerome, was driving westbound on I86 in a 2003 Dodge Ram. Kevin Mathews, 69, of Boise, was driving westbound on I86 in

Hundreds gather for this year’s Scooper Bowl

July 10, 2021 6:56 PM Cole Sams

On Saturday, Snake River Landing hosted this year’s Scooper Bowl.

Acton Children's Business Fair in Idaho Falls, ID

Acton Academy hosts Children’s Business Fair

July 10, 2021 6:28 PM Cole Sams

On Saturday, the brand-new Acton Academy in Idaho Falls hosted its first annual Children’s Business Fair at Tautphaus Park.

Officials talk about water levels during drought conditions

July 9, 2021 5:13 PM Rachel Fabbi

“We are anticipating our reservoir system, all the reservoirs, from Grassy Lake, Island Park, Jackson Lake, Palisades, American Falls, Ririe, and Minidoka Dam, or Lake Walcott, when you take all those storages together at the end of the year, we’re looking at the system being approximately 12% full to end the year,” Stevens said.

Fire contained in Ross Fork area

July 9, 2021 4:00 PM News Team

The Fort Hall Fire Department reports a fire is burning in the Ross Fork area.

Rigby Middle School teacher awarded for heroism

July 9, 2021 5:58 PM News Team

Krista Gneiting, the teacher who disarmed and comforted the school shooter at Rigby Middle School, is being honored.

National Weather Service reports record summer heat in Southeast Idaho

July 9, 2021 6:06 PM Cole Sams

The summer of 2021 has set records in Southeast Idaho.

Officials kill grizzly bear near Ovando

July 9, 2021 2:21 PM News Team

Wildlife officials shot and killed a grizzly bear early Friday morning less than two miles from Ovando, where a woman was killed in a grizzly bear attack early Tuesday morning.

Runner attacked by grizzly in Island Park

July 9, 2021 10:49 AM News Team

A runner in Island Park was attacked by a grizzly bear Friday morning.

Gov. Little mobilizes Idaho National Guard firefighters

July 9, 2021 1:20 PM News Team

Amid extreme drought, excessive heat, multiple fire starts, and dwindling firefighting resources regionwide, Governor Brad Little issued an emergency declaration for wildfire Friday and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist in the effort.

Wyoming rancher pinned by ATV survives on beer, water 2 days

July 9, 2021 12:10 PM Associated Press

A Wyoming rancher who was pinned by an all-terrain vehicle survived on beer and bottled water for two days.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 135 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

July 9, 2021 4:59 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 135 new COVID-19 cases and 2 new deaths Friday.

The Tabernacle Choir returns to Temple Square

July 9, 2021 10:45 AM News Team

The Tabernacle Choir, organ recitals, Choir and Bell ensemble and Music & the Spoken Word return after COVID-19 pandemic.

Wasden announces resolution with Purdue Pharma, Sacklers over opioid proliferation

July 9, 2021 12:30 PM News Team

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced a resolution of Idaho’s multistate lawsuit against the Sackler family and their company, Purdue Pharma, that will make public tens of millions of documents related to their role in the opioid crisis, and require payments of more than $4.3 billion for prevention, treatment and recovery efforts in communities across the country.

Jack Chinook Salmon stocked in Mosquito Flat

July 9, 2021 10:20 AM News Team

Idaho Fish and Game’s Sawtooth Hatchery personnel released 250 jack Chinook salmon in Mosquito Flat Reservoir near Challis on Thursday.

North Highland Park concrete improvements to being Monday

July 9, 2021 10:00 AM News Team

3H Construction will begin making improvements to the concrete on Elmore Avenue on Monday.

Half-off cat, kitten adoptions at Pocatello Animal Shelter

July 9, 2021 10:04 AM News Team

You can add a cat or kitten to your family for half-price July 12 through July 24 thanks to The Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter.

Governor’s office aids water users in reaching historic crop-saving settlement amid extreme drought

July 9, 2021 12:30 PM News Team

As the State of Idaho faces the worst drought in years, a group of water users in Blaine County – with the aid of the Governor’s office, House Speaker Scott Bedke, the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and others – came together to reach a historic settlement this week, ensuring the continued growth of crops in the area.

Youth Conservation Program in Grand Teton marks 15 years

July 9, 2021 9:00 AM News Team

Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton National Park are celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of the Youth Conservation Program (YCP).

Bannock County AlertSense app testing, survey

July 8, 2021 7:00 PM News Team

Bannock County Dispatch will be sending out an AlertSense notification Friday between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. in an attempt to test the notification system.

Man rescued after falling 30 feet down manhole

July 8, 2021 2:27 PM News Team

Emergency crews are working to rescue a worker who is trapped after falling 30 feet down a manhole.

Idaho Power served record amount of energy in June

July 8, 2021 4:16 PM News Team

Idaho Power set new all-time records for energy delivered to customers on each of the final three days of June.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 144 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

July 8, 2021 5:29 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 144 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new death Thursday.

Officials seek input on new grazing rate proposal

July 8, 2021 3:33 PM News Team

Idaho farmers could soon pay a new rate for grazing for the first time since 1993.

Carnival comes to Chubbuck

July 8, 2021 3:10 PM News Team

If your kids have been bouncing off the walls this summer and they need something to do, the carnival is in Chubbuck.

New Chubbuck City Hall building almost ready to open

July 8, 2021 3:14 PM Linda Larsen

Chubbuck city officials will spend this week and next packing their bags.

Large Idaho primary care group mandates staff COVID-19 vaccines

July 8, 2021 2:29 PM Associated Press

Idaho’s largest independent medical group will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by mid-September in hopes of keeping clinics open and patients safe when the usual cold and flu season hits school children this fall.

Yellowstone visitation statistics on Fourth of July weekend 2021

July 8, 2021 3:37 PM News Team

Yellowstone National Park vehicle entries through the Fourth of July weekend showed an 8% increase over the same weekend in 2019.

Top 10 tips before visiting Grand Tetons

July 8, 2021 12:52 PM Bill Cummings

Grand Teton is already on track for record visitation this summer. Here are some tips to Plan Like A Park Ranger by following this list of the top 10 things you should know before visiting the park.

Jefferson County Lake draws in the crowds

July 8, 2021 5:40 PM News Team

With these record setting temperatures, many are headed to the water to find relief from the heat.

Idaho gas prices hit $3.50 mark for first time since 2014

July 8, 2021 12:14 PM News Team

Idaho drivers just reached a sobering milestone.

Burn restrictions issued in Arco

July 8, 2021 12:06 PM News Team

The Arco Fire Department, Lost River Fire Protection District and South Custer Fire District have issued burn restrictions for the their protection areas effective Friday.

IGEM grant recipients announced

July 8, 2021 12:03 PM News Team

Idaho Commerce announced the latest recipients of Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) grants.

Steven J. Lund to speak in online commencement ceremony

July 8, 2021 11:54 AM News Team

Brigham Young University-Idaho will broadcast an online commencement service to recognize the Spring Semester 2021 graduates.

ISU receives corporate-sponsored professorship from PMC

July 8, 2021 11:57 AM News Team

The Idaho State University College of Business announced the establishment of the University’s first-ever corporate-sponsored professorship thanks to a generous $250,000 donation made by Portneuf Medical Center.

East Idaho Fair Food Tour announces 2021 season

July 8, 2021 11:43 AM News Team

The East Idaho Fair Food Tour has announced a 2021 tour for the summer season.

Wyoming governor weighs border assistance in Arizona, Texas

July 8, 2021 11:34 AM Associated Press

Wyoming’s governor says he’s looking at how the state might send National Guard troops or other help to bolster security at the border with Mexico.

ISU breaks ground on new alumni center

June 21, 2021 4:31 PM News Team

Idaho State University will break ground for an $11.5 million alumni center on Thursday, July 8.

Officials kill grizzly bear in Montana, less than 2 miles from where woman was killed

July 9, 2021 2:27 PM CNN Newsource

By Chris Boyette, Neelam Bohra and Justin Lear, CNN Wildlife officials in Montana shot and killed a grizzly bear Friday morning less than two miles from Ovando, where a 65-year-old woman was killed in a bear attack Tuesday, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed. “Given the proximity to Tuesday’s attack, the evidence found at the

Montana man charged with negligent arson, 7 homes burned

July 8, 2021 9:57 AM Associated Press

A Montana man has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he caused a wildland fire north of Yellowstone National Park that burned seven homes and 46 square miles of land.

Teton County Wyo. approves partial fire restrictions

July 8, 2021 9:53 AM News Team

The Teton County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a partial fire restriction ban in Teton County Wyo. Tuesday.

AZ attorney’s office declines to prosecute Chad Daybell over murder of Charles Vallow

July 7, 2021 4:16 PM Bre Clark

The Maricopa County attorney’s office declined Wednesday to prosecute Chad Daybell in the murder of Charles Vallow, his new wife’s, Lori Vallow’s, ex-husband.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 123 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

July 7, 2021 6:42 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 123 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths Wednesday.

Big fine for Burley man who ignited fires on BLM Land

July 7, 2021 5:37 PM News Team

BURLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – A U.S. district judge sentenced Scott Halford for starting five fires in the Milner Recreation Area on Bureau of Land Management land. Halford admitted in court that he caused the fires. The 50-year-old burley man received six months of home confinement and five years on probation. He also has to pay

Officials identify body found in Snake River

July 7, 2021 4:45 PM Rachel Fabbi

The Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Fire Department responded Tuesday evening at about 5 P.M. near Freeman Park, of a report of a body found in the water, near the bank.

Summer heat bringing crowds to pools

July 7, 2021 4:08 PM Rachel Fabbi

“Our official open date was June 7th, but because of the hot weather, we actually opened up two days earlier,” Scholes said.

Bonneville County issues burn ban

July 7, 2021 11:11 AM Bill Cummings

Due to higher-than-average temperatures and low moisture levels, the County Board of Commissioners determined the need to implement a burn ban.

Some Pocatello Council members hosting information meetings at local parks

July 7, 2021 11:35 AM Emma Iannacone

Pocatello City Council members Claudia Ortega, Roger Bray, and Chris Stevens will be conducting a city-wide listening and information tour during July and August.

Duck races are back

July 7, 2021 10:54 AM Evan Thomason

Today, the Idaho Falls Rotary Club was happy to unveil the 1st Place Prize and Grand Prize for this year’s Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race.

Grizzly bear kills bicyclist camping in western Montana

July 7, 2021 12:03 AM Associated Press

A grizzly bear attacked and killed a bicyclist who was camping in a western Montana town early Tuesday.

Identity of captured wanted man released

July 6, 2021 9:20 PM News Team

An Idaho Falls street was shutdown Tuesday evening, while the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office served a felony warrant.

COVID-19 UPDATES: 340 new Idaho COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

July 6, 2021 11:53 PM News Team

Idaho officials reported 340 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new death over the weekend.

Heat Advisory expanded for Wednesday, with gusty winds

July 6, 2021 3:28 PM Michael Coats

High pressure over the western states continues to pump in the heat from the south. We’ll see temperature highs well into the 90’s, with some spots close to 100°. We’ll also see gusty winds, thanks to a passing area of low pressure and associated front moving to our northwest. This area of low pressure will

New legal moves in the murder trial of Lori Vallow-Daybell

July 6, 2021 5:30 PM News Team

The lawyer for the woman accused of killing her children Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow has filed several new motions.

Delta variant not dominant in Idaho yet, COVID-19 vaccinations stall

July 6, 2021 3:10 PM Emma Iannacone

The pandemic may not be impeding our everyday lives as much lately, but for some people, it is certainly not over.

Tough choices when high heat threatens fish

July 6, 2021 1:18 PM News Team

The high heat has Biologists on the lookout for area water conditions that could threaten fish.

Famous voice warns us of increased fire dangers in the area

July 6, 2021 1:40 PM News Team

People around Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and National Elk Refuge are hearing Harrison Ford’s message about growing risks amid the drought spreading across the west.

Police busy with illegal firework calls

July 5, 2021 6:27 PM Emma Iannacone

It was a busy weekend for local law enforcement agencies who spent their nights responding to calls for illegal fireworks displays.

Works by Portneuf Valley Woodturners Association on display at Marshall Public Library

July 7, 2021 9:00 AM News Team

A popular display is returning to the Marshall Public Library.

Students secure funding for co-branding efforts between ISU and Historic Downtown Pocatello

July 6, 2021 2:00 PM News Team

Students in the Honors program course “Orange You Creative” have successfully secured funding from three donors to sponsor a variety of Idaho State branded art and active experiences to be featured in the Historic Downtown Pocatello.

Salmon-Challis National Forest trail maintenance

July 5, 2021 4:34 PM News Team

Routine trail maintenance is being completed across the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Students give Kid’s Creek Pond restroom an artistic makeover

July 5, 2021 3:47 PM News Team

Using community involvement as a creative approach to reduce vandalism, maintain cleanliness and instill community pride

Home destroyed in brush fire

July 5, 2021 5:30 PM News Team

A Weiser woman is homeless after losing her home to a brush fire Sunday night.

1 hospitalized after falling asleep, crashing on I-15

July 5, 2021 10:18 AM News Team

Idaho State Police report a 23-year-old Blackfoot woman was hospitalized Monday morning after she fell asleep and crashed on Interstate 15.

Wyoming grizzly near road leads to crowds — and a problem

July 5, 2021 9:58 AM Associated Press

A grizzly bear that often lingers near a highway in western Wyoming is creating a quandary for wildlife managers.

Officials back bison grazing plan for Montana reserve

July 5, 2021 12:06 PM Associated Press

Federal officials have given preliminary approval to a conservation group’s contentious proposal to expand bison grazing on public lands in north-central Montana.