Month: September 2025

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– A Las Vegas company has moved its business to eastern Idaho. Grand Teton Energy Systems has begun manufacturing lithium-ion batteries in Rexburg. 

Currently, they’re located near the development workshop on Second East. The manager says there are about six to seven other lithium manufacturers in the country, and the one in Rexburg is the first in eastern Idaho. The company says they wanted to bring more sustainable jobs to Rexburg. 

“So there’s not a lot of manufacturing in southeast Idaho, and Idaho has been growing, as you can tell, with population and with the university getting bigger. They really do have a really good mechanical and chemical engineering program. And so we wanted to bring it here to be able to almost tap into that university as well as provide higher-paying jobs for the area that has been struggling for quite some time,” said

Next week, they will be hosting an invite-only demonstration for local police, firefighters, and other first responders on how to put out a lithium fire.

Local news 8’s Ariel Jensen will be there to show us how it’s done. 

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Air Idaho Rescue is celebrating 35 years of lifesaving service. The team has transported thousands of patients across the region — from trauma cases to critical medical emergencies.

Five Air Idaho Rescue bases (located in Idaho Falls, Driggs, Salmon, and West Yellowstone, Montana) are meeting together to celebrate the anniversary.

Representatives from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department, and Air Idaho Rescue will share insights on how the program has benefited the community throughout the years.

Air Idaho Rescue is a division of Air Methods, the leading provider of air medical transport services in the U.S.

“Their helicopters and fixed wing aircraft function as flying ICUs, carrying industry-leading clinicians who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, and more,” said Dianne Daniels, Corporate Communications Specialist for Air Methods. “The crews also carry whole blood and are trained to administer it in flight, providing hospital-level care in the air.”

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Snake River Animal Shelter (SRAS) is set to celebrate a significant milestone this October. On Saturday, October 4th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shelter will host a full day of family-friendly activities to commemorate its 10-year anniversary.

“This event is not only about celebrating ten years of saving lives but also about honoring the people and animals who make our mission possible,” says Michelle Ziel-Dingman, Executive Director of Snake River Animal Shelter. “We’re looking forward to honoring SRAS’s past and celebrating its future with our community!”

The anniversary celebration will feature a wide variety of attractions for both pets and their people, including complimentary treats like pup cups, cotton candy, pastries, and a special appearance by Reginald, the World’s Largest Dog.

Guests will also get to see some exciting new additions to the shelter, including the newly renovated Project Liebe Play Yard and the Carrie Scheid Humane Education Project, a new self-guided educational experience for animal lovers.

The event will also feature a Mini Mutt Strut for four-legged guests, offering a chance for dogs to participate in a short, easy-paced walk from 4 to 6 p.m. Leashed, dog-friendly dogs are invited to join, with pre-registration encouraged but not required.

For a complete schedule of events and to register for activities, click HERE.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —  After nearly three decades of service with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, Fire Chief Duane Nelson has announced his retirement, effective Oct. 17, 2025.

Chief Nelson began his career with the department in 1997 as a firefighter and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as Interim Fire Chief in 2014, Deputy Chief from 2015 to 2019, and Fire Chief from 2019 to 2025. His tenure reflects a lifetime of dedication to public service, leadership and innovation in the fire and emergency medical fields.

“Chief Nelson has dedicated his career to strengthening the safety of our local firefighters. He has focused on modernizing our department and adopting sustainable management practices. Consequently, our department’s standing across the state has never been greater. He is also a terrific colleague who has a great mind for numbers. Under his leadership, we are preparing to dedicate a third station,” Mayor Rebecca Casper said. “We are deeply grateful for his commitment to both the community and the men and women who serve alongside him. Idaho Falls is a stronger city because of his nearly 28 years of service.”

During his career, Chief Nelson secured more than $8.5 million in grants to expand personnel, improve equipment and modernize fire stations. He oversaw the construction of Fire Station 6 on the south side of town and the acquisition of Station 7 on the north side of town, led upgrades to existing facilities, and advanced the department’s fleet with new engines, ambulances and critical-care medical technology. He also guided the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and established the TRUST Team, a peer-support program for firefighter mental health and wellness.

Chief Nelson also served in the Idaho Army National Guard for 22 years, retiring in 2019. In 2024, he was honored with the Patriot Employer Award for his support of deployed Guard members and their families.

“Serving the people of Idaho Falls has been the honor of my life. I am proud of what we have accomplished together — growing the department, caring for one another and preparing for the future,” Chief Nelson said. “I will always be grateful to the firefighters, city leaders and community members who have supported me along the way. It has been a privilege to wear this badge and to serve this city.”

According to city statutes, the Idaho Falls Fire Chief is an appointed position selected by the Mayor. Mayor Casper recognizes the need to establish permanent leadership in the department while also being mindful that the incoming Mayor may want to help select the new department leaders he or she will work with.

“We will balance these competing needs as we name an Interim Chief and establish the hiring schedule moving forward,” Casper said.

The City of Idaho Falls extends its gratitude to Chief Nelson for his years of service to the community and wishes him well in retirement.

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News Team

WESTERN WYOMING (KIFI) — Starting in late September, the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will begin a series of prescribed fire operations in the Upper Gros Ventre area near Slate Creek, about 25 miles northeast of Jackson, Wyoming. The project is set to run through early October, weather permitting.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, controlled burns are a proactive forest management strategy designed to reduce the risk of large, destructive wildfires. By systematically removing overgrown vegetation, the operations help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources while also improving the overall health of the forest ecosystem.

The planned burn area covers 557 acres in the Slate Creek area. While there are no expected area closures, residents near Jackson may encounter temporary traffic delays as fire personnel work to ensure public safety. The Jackson Ranger District is directing all residents to watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. 

Residents can also expect to see and smell smoke in the area. Drivers are being told to slow down and turn on their headlights when they encounter smoke on the road. For more detailed information on air quality, click HERE.

To stay up-to-date on the prescribed burn schedule, click HERE.

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