Month: April 2026

News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — After nearly 35 years of service, Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes has announced his retirement, effective June 30.

“I have been most fortunate to be part of this very dedicated team who serves Idaho in transportation during a great period of growth and need. And the support of our Governor, Legislature, and transportation board has allowed us to make long-lasting improvements,” said Stokes in a news release announcing his retirement.

Stokes, who became ITD Director after serving 15 years as the department’s chief deputy, oversaw “an unprecedented period of investment in Idaho’s transportation infrastructure,” according to Governor Brad Little. During his tenure, ITD says the department experienced significant increases in transportation funding and earned a reputation for innovative project delivery.

“Scott understood that strategic transportation investments are about more than roads and bridges — they are the backbone of economic prosperity, connecting Idaho businesses to markets, supporting workforce growth, and keeping our state competitive. His decades of service reflect a deep commitment to building a safer, more efficient transportation system that supports opportunity across every region of Idaho,” Governor Brad Little said.

Stokes’ journey at ITD began in 1991 and has included various positions, including state bridge engineer and district engineer in Coeur d’Alene for over a decade.

Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad expressed gratitude for Stokes’ long-term impact on the state’s connectivity.

“His dedication to employees and public resources has made a lasting impact on ITD and the communities we serve,” Moad stated.

Now begins the search for a director to step into Stokes’ shoes. With the recent passage of Senate Bill 1300, Governor Little and the Idaho Transportation Board will now begin the process of selecting a new leader to manage the challenges of Idaho’s evolving transportation needs.

“While we honor his legacy, we are also confident in the strength of the ITD team and the path ahead,” said Moad.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello is continuing efforts to improve the health and safety of its urban forest, with work taking place in Historic Downtown and other areas throughout the community.

Residents will begin to see improvements as crews remove unhealthy trees, replace missing or damaged trees, and address locations where trees have outgrown their space or are causing sidewalk and safety concerns. Nearly all trees that are removed will be replaced.

This work is part of a significant investment in the community. In November 2023, the City was awarded a $1 million Urban Community Forestry Grant and has since received an additional $795,000 in funding. Work associated with the grant is expected to be completed by May 2026.

Courtesy: City of Pocatello

Tree planting efforts are ongoing across the city. In fall 2025, crews planted 209 trees, and approximately 200 more are expected to be planted this spring, including 50 to 60 trees in Historic Downtown.

Maintenance efforts have also been extensive. During the 2025 phase of the grant, several hundred trees were pruned and trimmed, with a significant portion of the work taking place at Mountain View Cemetery. These improvements help reduce potential damage during severe weather events, such as the windstorm experienced in 2024.

Additional work has taken place, or will take place, in several parks and public spaces, including Mountain View Cemetery, Alameda Park, Freckleton Park, Ross Park, Centennial Park, Caldwell Park, and Constitution Park, with more locations planned.

All work is being completed by professional crews with certified arborists to ensure long-term tree health and public safety.

The City of Pocatello continues to invest in a greener, healthier community through strategic urban forestry efforts.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — With spring in the air and baby wildlife season in full bloom, Idaho Fish and Game is issuing an important reminder to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: “Enjoy the sight, but remember it is best to leave young wildlife alone.”

As people head out into the Gem State’s backcountry, IDFG says they’re bound to see young wildlife, but warn that human intervention usually does more harm than good.

Every spring, IDFG offices are flooded with calls from well-meaning citizens who believe they’ve saved an orphaned animal. In reality, these animals are rarely abandoned.

“While these folks typically mean well, the sad reality is they are often doing more damage than good when they intervene,” the department stated in a news release. “Typically, mom was not far away to begin with.”

It may look like neglect to the human eye, but wildlife experts explain that “babysitting” in the wild looks very different from human parenting. Mothers often leave their offspring for extended periods to:

Forage for food

Divert predators

Rest

The department’s advice is simple: Give them space.

“When it comes to wildlife babies, wildlife mothers know best,” states the release. “If you find a baby bird, duckling, gosling, deer fawn, or other critter, the best approach is to leave it undisturbed. Then, if you wish, contact your nearest Fish and Game office. Fish and Game employees are happy to take calls about apparently orphaned or injured animals, answer your questions, and, when it is absolutely necessary, retrieve animals.”

IDFG also reminds the public that it is illegal in Idaho to take most wildlife species from the wild to keep as pets. Wild animals require highly specialized care and diets that the average household cannot manage.

For more information, click HERE.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Posted 7:17 AM, Apr 20, 2026

By: Allie Triepke

MERIDIAN, Idaho — After Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1301 into law, breweries across Idaho may soon have more room to grow — including in neighborhoods throughout the Treasure Valley.

The new law, which takes effect in July, allows breweries to operate up to two remote taproom locations instead of just one, in addition to their main production facility.

For Mike Garcia, owner of Loose Screw Brewing in downtown Meridian, the change comes after years of navigating restrictions that limited expansion.

“This is kind of where the magic happens,” Garcia said while giving a tour of his production taproom.

Inside, the brewery offers around 20 beers on draft, with a focus on variety.

“We’re probably more known for having a diverse selection of beers,” Garcia said.

But earlier this year, Garcia said he faced a difficult decision — closing a North Meridian taproom in order to pursue growth elsewhere.

“Due to the current law as it was written, we were only allowed one taproom,” Garcia said. “So we were forced to close our McMillan taproom… laying off some folks… and it really left a void in that community.”

Customers say the closure was felt.

“I was surprised because I feel like they’re really popular,” said Meridian neighbor Ashley Overs. “People really like coming to Loose Screw.”

Her daughter, Aubrey, said the brewery stands out for its welcoming environment.

“I like that it’s family-friendly and we can bring our dog,” she said.

Garcia, who also serves on the board of Idaho Brewers United, took his concerns to lawmakers, advocating for changes to the state’s brewery laws.

“As a small business owner… I felt like the government was playing an unfair role in restricting and really stifling our industry,” Garcia said.

Originally, Garcia and other brewers pushed for up to four additional remote locations. However, a compromise was reached — allowing one more location, bringing the total to two remote taprooms.

Garcia says the change reflects the role breweries play beyond serving beer.

“I think a lot of people see what breweries bring to a community… whether it’s vibrancy… supporting local nonprofits… or collaborating with other small businesses,” he said. “I’ve seen nothing but overwhelming support once this passed.”

With the new law set to take effect in July, Garcia says he is already looking ahead, with potential plans to expand into Caldwell near Indian Creek and possibly Boise.

The law’s supporters say it could open the door for more small business growth across Idaho — and bring more community gathering spaces to neighborhoods statewide.

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