Month: October 2025

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Israel and Sariah Garcia’s love story began like any other, until tragedy struck just two weeks after their engagement. While moving steel beams at BYU-Idaho, Israel was critically injured when a stack of approximately 900 pounds of steel collapsed onto his head. Rushed to the hospital, he showed no signs of brain activity, and doctors gave little hope for survival. “I was very confident that he wasn’t going to make it,” Sariah recalled.”I just remember, sitting there thinking, like, it was perfect this morning. This can’t be real.”

Their perfect life, captured by the photographs on Sariah’s wall, each containing a promise from the man she hoped to marry, had been shattered. Sariah was left to face the possible loss of the man she loved.

Despite the grim outlook, Sariah experienced a profound shift in belief just three days after the accident. “I, without a shadow of a doubt, knew that he was going to live,” she stated. Israel, who had shown no signs of brain activity for five days, was suddenly responding to commands.

Israel’s recovery consistently defied all medical expectations. It was initially believed he would never move, talk, or walk again. But months later, Israel not only relearned how to walk and talk, but he went on to take the biggest step of all: marching down the aisle to marry Sariah just months after the accident. Now, he plans to be the husband and father he promised he would be.

Local News 8 was able to speak with the young man who has proven to be Stronger than Steel. Watch the full story above.

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Danielle Mullenix

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) – The Wall of Warmth, a community project devoted to providing winter clothes for East Idahoans, is gearing up for its 8th year of donations. The popular outdoor wall displays will begin reappearing this morning, Monday, October 13, across the southeastern Idaho area.

The Wall of Warmth’s goal is simple yet powerful: to provide Idahoans with winter gear and clothes, with no strings attached.

What started as a one-wall project in 2017 has since expanded to over nine locations across Eastern Idaho, with over 55 donation drop-off points.

The project invites community members to donate their clean and gently used coats, pants, hats, or gloves. With previous years showing rocketing numbers of donations, they anticipate a great turnout for this year’s drive.

This year, the Wall of Warmth has set a goal of over 9,000 coats.

Individuals are encouraged to grab any winter gear from the fences in the community, with all donations available from November 10th to 21st.

Valorie Blanchard, the project’s founder and longtime director, will step down from her position following this year’s donation drive. She hopes to find a new leader to continue the project’s legacy.

“Starting this project was one of the most rewarding decisions of my life,” said Blanchard when announcing her intention to pass the torch. “Over the years, I’ve seen some truly touching moments—people helping neighbors, strangers looking out for one another. It’s reminded me how strong and compassionate our community really is.”

For more details on wall sites, drop-off locations, or involvement opportunities, click HERE.

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Danielle Mullenix

Free annual memberships offered to foster families across Eastern Idaho

IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI) — The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is proud to announce the launch of “Foster the Arts”, a new initiative offering free family memberships to families who open their hearts and homes to children in foster care in Eastern Idaho.

By supporting foster families and the vulnerable children they care for, the museum hopes to do its part in creating a more connected, compassionate, and thriving community.

“Foster families play such a vital role in our community,” said Amy Thompson, Development Director at TAM and former foster parent. Thompson’s family provided foster care for six years, ultimately adopting one of their children through the foster system.

“They are helping children heal, grow, and find their footing again—and we believe art can be an important part of that process. We’re honored to create a space where families can connect, create, and find joy together through art.”

Through this program, TAM is providing free annual family memberships to foster families as a way of showing gratitude for the vital role they play in our community.

The initiative underscores the museum’s belief that art can be a powerful force for connection, healing, and belonging.

Each annual membership provides unlimited free admission for a full year, as well as discounts on classes, workshops, and special events. Foster families are invited to enjoy exhibitions, participate in family-friendly programs, and make art a part of their shared story.

The Foster the Arts program is made possible through the support of generous donors who believe in the power of art to build community and strengthen families. The program will begin operating on November 1st.

For more information about the museum, CLICK HERE, or stop by the museum at 300 S. Capital Ave., Idaho Falls.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As the holiday season approaches, some people are turning to a new trend to abstain from alcohol for a “Sober October.” The challenge encourages people to give up alcohol for 31 days. While some see it as a way to detox before a holiday season of indulgence, many are using this challenge as a gateway to giving up alcohol altogether.

The challenge, originally launched in the United Kingdom to support Macmillan Cancer Support, challenges participants to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of October. While some join the official fundraiser, others use the month as a personal reset, especially with the holidays approaching, to take a break from drinking for health or financial reasons.

Experts and participants point to a variety of benefits associated with a month of sobriety. According to health resources like Healthline, abstaining from alcohol for 31 days can lead to improved sleep, better memory, stronger immune function, and a reduced risk of cancer. Individuals may also notice marked improvements in heart health and weight loss. Beyond the physical, the month offers a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on and reassess their relationship with alcohol.

For those participating in the challenge, sources like Clean.co highlight several key strategies for staying on track: For example, participants suggest healthy coping mechanisms like engaging in new hobbies or surrounding yourself with a strong support system. It is also essential to the challenge to prioritize self-care, such as having a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.

Lastly, it is also important to seek professional help when needed, such as a therapist, counselor, or support group.

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News Team

The following is a news release from the Wyoming Department of Education:

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) — Michelle Roundy, a 10th- and 12th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Jackson Hole High School in Teton County School District #1, has been named the 2026 Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

An educator for 18 years, Roundy has developed a deep belief that strong, authentic relationships—amongst teachers and students—are at the heart of meaningful learning. Her teaching centers on cultivating genuine curiosity about the world while nurturing student agency.

“Michelle Roundy is an inspiring leader,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder. “Her dedication to cultivating deep relationships, empowering students with agency and choice, and elevating student voices models the excellence we strive for across our state.”

Roundy is a National Board Certified Teacher and a strong advocate for literacy and student-centered practice. Over her career, she has consistently modeled the importance of being held to high standards and using leadership to elevate the voices of others.

“Everything Michelle does begins with the relationships and trust she builds with her students daily,” says Bennett Lieberman, Principal at Jackson Hole High School. “She also makes her colleagues better teachers by sharing best practices and is a master diagnostician when coaching others to improve their craft.”

Teton County School District #1 Interim Superintendent Scott Crisp adds, “Michelle embodies the very best of the teaching profession, serving as a positive cultural influence for both students and staff. Beyond her classroom, she guides colleagues in effective instruction, mentors new and experienced teachers alike, and serves as the leader of TCSD’s New Teacher Program, fostering the next generation of educators in our community.”

“I am deeply humbled and honored to represent Wyoming as the 2026 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, an opportunity to serve the students and educators of Wyoming in a new capacity,” says Roundy. “Many dedicated educators have supported my journey and modeled the importance of servant leadership for me. It is my wish that I can fill this role in a way that honors them.”

As Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Roundy will represent the teaching profession in Wyoming and serve as a spokesperson for education. She will also attend state and national education events and conferences, acting as a liaison between the teaching community, the Wyoming Legislature, the Wyoming Department of Education, districts, and communities.

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