Author: KIFI

Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Art brings communities together, and right here in Idaho Falls several local organizations gathered people to enjoy a “Postcard Art Show” in support of Happyville Farms.

Joyful Revolution is committed to brightening our communities through expression and artwork. Since their founding in July, they have worked to create a partner show for local artists to showcase their work. People of all ages, levels, and art mediums can create work, donate it and allow Joyful Revolution to sell it.

Meanwhile, Happyville Farms has a mission in nutrition. They’ve been growing and selling crops since 2020 to donate fresh vegetables to feed people in need.

“We all know that the best thing you can get off your plate is garden fresh vegetables,” said Claudia Pine, Director at Happyville Farms. “That’s what we like to do. We grow it, we teach people how to grow it. We teach people how to enjoy preparing it and eating it in classes for all ages on our outdoor farm.”

The collaboration began when Jayden Anderson, a co-founder of Joyful Revolution, noticed Happyville’s community farm down the street from her house. As it turned out, the missions for each organization coicided perfectly, both intended to bring health and happiness to Idahoans.

“We couldn’t think of a better organization to partner with and support, because they do so much,” said Alex Petersen, co-founder of Joyful Revolution.

The Postcard Art Show featured 160 artists and 173 pieces of artwork donated from people in the community. All ages, levels and mediums were welcome, with the youngest entry being from a three-year-old artist and the oldest 87.

“We were so lucky that we had 173 pieces donated,” Petersen said. “We’re so excited to see the community’s outpouring of love and seeing them express themselves and witness and be a part of the art community and supporting them in a way we haven’t really ever seen in Idaho Falls.”

The event featured live music and food for guests. Joyful Revolution also partnered with Little Bluebird Studios to host the event in the lively space where guests could browse the art show.

“We’re a small nonprofit and what this shows is how big people can dream when they partner together,” Pine added. “Some of the artists are actually people who have come to the farm, some of the works were done by community ‘youth in action’ teams who also volunteer and take classes there. This is just another way for them to jump in and get involved and show what they can do.”

If you weren’t able to donate by purchasing any postcard artwork at the showcase, there are still ways to give to both local organizations. You can find Joyful Revolution on Instagram at joyfulrevolutionidaho and Facebook at Joyful Revolution SE Idaho to navigate to their website and donate.

For more information about Happyville Farms, you can visit www.happyvillefarm.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Ice skating and ice hockey are two of the world’s lesser known sports, however there are clubs providing athletes the opportunity to play them right here in Idaho Falls. Expenses for ice time are steep, with tonight’s “Ice Gala” serving as a fundraiser for the Idaho Falls Figure Skating as well as the Snake River Youth Hockey Association.

The masquerade-themed ball was held at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls. The goal is to keep the sports affordable for local families.

“I think that what a lot of people don’t realize is when you have an athlete in a sport like this, you’re not just paying for your kid’s time on the ice,” said Sydnee Nethery with Idaho Falls Figure Skating. “The organizations have to meet anywhere from $215 to $300 every hour that they’re on the ice. And so that adds up weekly to thousands between the two organizations.”

They like to provide athletes with training opportunities, even bringing in Olympians. In order to continue these programs and allow competition at larger tournaments, the clubs host events like the Ice Gala to fundraise.

“We would love to be able to have an ice rink that has ice year round in this area. There’s one in Rexburg but we’d like one in Idaho Falls,” said Darby Heyrend with Snake River Youth Hockey Association. “Our mission is just to keep the kids on the ice and out of trouble, keep them interested in sports and keep life positive for them.”

For the young athletes within these programs, it’s about more than honing their craft and competing with passion.

“I think that between the two organizations, they learn so much more than just how to play hockey or figure skate through working with a team,” Nethery added. “You learn accountability and learn responsibility, things like that. For the figure skaters, they learn all the performance skills that will carry them through one day leading a meeting in a boardroom or being able to connect themselves in a way that represents them and their organization really well. So the lessons they learn go far beyond the ice, and that’s what’s really important.”

To donate to Idaho Falls Figure Skating, you can visit https://www.idahofallsfsc.org/.

To donate to Snake River Youth Hockey Association, you can visit https://www.yetishockey.com/.

Click here to follow the original article.

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – In honor of celebrating Earth Day this weekend, 70 organizations, businesses, agencies and vendors set up at Lookout Point in downtown Pocatello for the annual Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair.

The event brings people together to walk through vendors and learn about local organizations promoting environmental awareness. Fries were available from Lamb Weston as well as hot dogs for attendees. Live music added to the joyful atmosphere at the Lookout pavillion.

Idaho State University students from the nursing program also got involved at today’s event.

“We actually split into two groups to be able to go to two different events,” said Hailey Bernard, an ISU nursing student. “We all chose to come to the environmental fair because we wanted to be a part of all this, so we’re out here taking vitals for the community.”

Around 4,000 total people attend the environmental fair, which ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

“We’ll check blood pressure, your pulse, your oxygen saturation,” added Bernard. “And then how fast you’re breathing and all those work together just to help see how well your body is functioning. It’s just good to know, and so important to stay on top of it and know when things change.”

Many Pocatello and Chubbuck organizations were in attendance offering hands-on activities for children, providing giveaways and prizes. Their purpose is to teach people about protecting the Portneuf Valley for generations to come.

Click here to follow the original article.

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every summer, volunteers and the Reconnect Southeast Idaho organization work together to bring fun, education and performing arts to kids in Pocatello at the Constitution Camp. This year is extra special because it’s the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This year’s camp is June 15-19 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On the Friday of the camp, the kids come back for a performance at 6 p.m. The entire community is invited to the free performance at Calvary Chapel on June 19. It will showcase all the history knowledge the campers learned throughout the week.

It takes over 60 volunteers to make the camp experience memorable for the children. Some are teachers from the community and others put on costumes to play historical heroes like George Washington. Throughout the week, the campers have countless hands-on learning opportunities.

“They rotate through stations and they do really fun activities like they march through the icy river with rags tied on their feet with George Washington,” said Michele Holyoak, Camp Director. “They learn what it’s like to live like a 17th century kid by feeding chickens and making bread and root beer.”

The week also includes practices for Friday’s performance, memorizing important documents like the preamble to the Constitution, and other crafts like sewing stars.

“This year, we decided that we wanted to celebrate as much of the 250 years as we could. So, instead of just learning about the revolution we are going to take them on a journey through the early colonists from the Mayflower all the way up to World War I and World War II,” said Holyoak.

The camp isn’t about the memorization of small details like dates of events in U.S. history, but rather to give children a memorable experience they’ll carry with them, as well as teach them valuable themes.

“The point is to get them to have an associated feeling with this country of patriotism and love and courage and freedom,” Holyoak said. “So that when they go out into their lives and into adulthood, that they remember that spirit of freedom and spirit of patriotism and love of country, and having these true heroes in their pockets.”

The camp expanded this year to accommodate 100 campers and there’s just under 30 spots remaining. In order to secure a T-shirt with registration, you must do so by April 30. For more information and how to register your child for Constitution Camp, visit reconnectsoutheastidaho.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Department of Water Resources Director Mat Weaver has lifted the curtailment order on Butte County farmers through May 4th.

The decision means farmers in the Big Lost River and Little Lost River Basins will be able to water their crops for the next two weeks.

During that time, “good faith” negotiations will continue between the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators and the Surface Water Coalition over accepting three ground water districts in the Big Lost River and Little Lost River basins into the 2024 Mitigation Plan. 

Weaver’s decision only applies to farmers who are members of the ground water districts applying to join the plan.

Local News 8 spoke with representatives from both the SWC and IGWA before Weaver issued his decision.

“Those farmers out there – those growers – had their crops dying on the vine because it’s been a very dry, warm spring, and they have very rocky, kind of shallow soil,” said Idaho Ground Water Appropriators Chairwoman Stephanie Mickelsen. “So for them, this is the critical time where they may not end up with a crop if we don’t get this resolved.”

The Butte County farmers started the process to join the 2024 mitigation plan late last summer.

“They have to first set up a ground water district. Then they have to go hire an attorney,” Mickelsen explained. “All of this takes time because you have to have public notices and all those kind of legal requirements met in order to do that. So they have been working on this for a significant period of time.”

Tensions between the two groups culminated when Weaver declined to lift an order to cut off the Butte County farmers’ water on Thursday.

That decision brought both two groups of irrigators closer together, with negotiations continuing in earnest.

“I think over the next two weeks, we’ll continue to meet and discuss those and try and reach a resolution,” said Surface Water Coalition Attorney Travis Thompson. “That’s really the point for today is to agree to continue those good faith negotiations.”

On Friday afternoon, the traditional rivals – SWC and IGWA – jointly asked Weaver to allow Big Lost River and Little Lost River Water District farmers to continue to irrigate.

“Just some real hard work on both sides – attorneys getting together and trying to find a path forward for some negotiations to continue that dialogue,” Thompson said.

For full coverage of the latest developments, check out our article from Friday afternoon.

RELATED |  Surface Water Coalition, Groundwater Districts seek emergency stay on Butte Co. curtailment

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As spring projects ramp up across eastern Idaho, the East Idaho Home and Garden Show is giving homeowners a chance to get a head start — but a freeze warning could impact early planting.

The event is underway at the Mountain America Center, bringing together nearly 200 vendors offering everything from landscaping and gardening advice to home improvement services.

Vendors say the show is designed to help residents plan ahead as temperatures begin to warm.

“We’ve got trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals—everything you need to make your yard look great, and it’s really a good way for people to come out, see what does well in this area, and get ideas before they start planting,” said Kennedy Haslam with Sunnyside Gardens.

However, a freeze warning remains in effect across eastern Idaho through Friday and into Saturday, creating potential challenges for early planting.

Garden experts say timing is critical this time of year, especially for more delicate plants.

“The average last frost date is around May 22nd, so if you’re buying plants right now, you really want to babysit them until then, and if temperatures drop, you can use things like frost cloths or even blankets to help protect those more sensitive plants,” said Cassidy Barnes with Sunnyside Gardens.

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show continues Friday from noon to 7 p.m., with free admission for senior citizens and military veterans from noon to 2 p.m.

The event resumes Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with teachers and first responders admitted free from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers say the show offers a chance for residents to connect with local experts and prepare for the spring season despite changing weather conditions.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A supplemental levy aimed at keeping key programs in place will be on the ballot for Bonneville Joint School District 93 voters in May. 

The proposed measure would provide $9.6 million per year for two years. If passed, it would replace the district’s existing levy while adding the necessary funding to bridge a growing budget gap.

District 93 Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme warned that the district has reached a financial breaking point. For the past two years, the district has stayed afloat by relying on savings to maintain programs—but that funding is running out.

“We’ve been using our fund balance—basically our savings account—to support programs that have lost state funding to support,” Woolstenhulme explained.

Superintendent Woolstenhulme cited two reasons for the loss of funding: declining enrollment and budget reductions to offset that enrollment.

If approved, the levy would help fund programs like Full-Day Kindergarten, Gifted and Talented Education, and elementary P.E. and Music. District leadership confirmed that if the levy fails, these programs will likely be phased out over the next few years, as the district will no longer have the “savings” required to subsidize them.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) — Spring projects are top of mind for many across eastern Idaho—and one event this weekend is helping homeowners get a head start.

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show is currently underway at the Mountain America Center, bringing together nearly 200 regional vendors as a hub. From heavy-duty landscaping and home renovations to delicate gardening and interior design, experts say the event is a “one-stop shop” for spring inspiration.

For those looking to add a pop of color to for their patio or yard, Kennadee Haslem and Kassidy Barnes from Sunnyside Gardens gave Local News 8 a tour of their display focused on vibrant textures and local favorites.

“A really hot seller right now is our Prairie Fire Crabapple tree,” said Barnes. “It has that really pretty pink color, and you can see them blooming all over town. The Spring Snow Crabapples are also very popular.”

While the expo floor feels like a springtime oasis, the reality outside remains unpredictable. With a freeze warning in effect for the region tonight, experts are urging gardeners to hold off before digging into the soil.

“We always tell people that the average last date of frost is May 22nd,” Haslem explained. “Around Mother’s Day or Memorial Day—that’s the safe spot. If you are buying plants now, you have to ‘babysit’ them until then.”

The East Idaho Home and Garden Show continues through the weekend. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

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

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Idaho Falls is inviting residents and community partners to provide input that will help guide the development of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan through two public surveys now available online.

The surveys are part of the federally required five-year planning process for CDBG program, as well as an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. Administered through the City’s Community Development Services Department. These efforts help the City assess community needs and identify barriers to housing access. Community members and service providers and organizations are encouraged to complete the surveys.

This outreach is one component of a broader engagement effort that also includes stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and coordination with local partners.

This survey process is a routine requirement conducted every five years and does not represent a specific policy proposal or predetermined outcome. Feedback gathered will help inform future planning and decision-making and ensure community priorities are reflected in long-term planning.

Both surveys will remain available for approximately two weeks to allow for broad community participation. They close on May 3, 2026.

Residents can access the surveys at the following links:

Community Development (CDBG) Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/share/0fc18076-d4e5-4eb7-a13f-c42a6dba5460

Fair Housing Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/share/379d1568-287d-4663-8838-132e48240da1

The city encourages all residents to participate and share their perspectives to help shape future planning efforts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

UPDATED: 3:43 p.m.

BUTTE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — In a potential breakthrough for Butte County agriculture, the Surface Water Coalition (SWC), along with the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators, filed a joint request Friday afternoon asking the state to hit the “pause” button on an ongoing water curtailment order that has paralyzed local farms.

The move comes less than 24 hours after IDWR Director Matt Weaver denied a motion to pause the curtailment, effectively forcing farmers to shut off their spouts mid-season, despite many having already planted crops. The push for a joint stay in curtailment marks a dramatic reversal for the SWC, which told Local News 8 in an email Thursday its members appreciate “IDWR and Director Weaver’s commitment to following Idaho’s Constitution and for putting the law and future of Idaho water first.”

RELATED: IDWR denies stay on water curtailment, pumps to remain off in Big and Little Lost Basins

Farmers From Both Sides Working Together

The request, filed at 2:00 p.m. on April 17, asks the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) for a temporary stay on enforcement. If granted, it would allow groundwater irrigators in the Big Lost and Little Lost basins to resume pumping while “good-faith” negotiations continue.

The joint filing petitions the IDWR to keep the water flowing through at least May 4, 2026, providing a window for a technical review to determine if three new districts can be added to the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan without harming existing members.

“It is never our desire for any water to be shut off,” said Alan Hansten, chairman of the Surface Water Coalition. “Our members recognize the challenges facing farmers in Butte County. That is why SWC has taken this step in good faith to ask IDWR to keep water flowing while the parties and IDWR complete the necessary technical review of the First Addendum to the 2024 Mitigation Plan.”

In a press release, representatives from the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators say they’re “deeply grateful” that farmers from both sides moved quickly to find a solution that supports the livelihoods of farmers across the area.

“We have taken the right steps to join a mitigation plan and avoid curtailment, so we were disappointed when that relief did not come yesterday,” said Little Lost River Ground Water District Chairman Kirk Nickerson. “We know that kind of cooperation takes sacrifice, and we are thankful for the support shown by this community of water users.”

IGWA President and Idaho Lawmaker Stephanie Mickelsen echoed that sentiment.

“This shows once again that even when water users do not agree on every issue, farmers can still come together, act in good faith, and find solutions quickly when it matters most,” said Mickelsen. “That willingness to act quickly, solve problems, and protect Idaho agriculture is exactly what makes the partnership between groundwater and surface water users so important.”

The Legal Gridlock

The ongoing curtailment stems from Idaho’s “prior appropriation” doctrine—”first in time, first in right” law.

Due to an ongoing drought, Director Weaver projected a shortfall of 181,600 acre-feet for senior surface water users this season, which triggered a water call from Idaho’s Surface water users. The law dictates that senior water rights holders (those with older claims) must get their full allocation of water first, before junior groundwater users can pump.

While IDWR previously ruled that three districts in the Lost River basins missed a November 2025 deadline to join a mitigation plan, the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators (IGWA) maintains that farmers did everything right.

Under Senate Bill 1341, junior groundwater users in the Big and Little Lost basins were required to join an approved mitigation plan to avoid curtailment.

Because these three districts failed to join an approved mitigation plan by the November 2025 deadline, they were subject to IDWR curtailment orders to protect senior rights. However, the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators (IGWA) maintains that farmers did everything right.

RELATED: IGWA Farmers Claim “Good Faith” Efforts

“Right now, there are farmers in Butte County who planted crops in good faith and still can’t turn on a pump,” said IGWA Executive Director Lara Herway in a news release Thursday. “That’s not a water law problem—IGWA and our members acted in good faith.”

What’s Next?

If the IDWR accepts the request, it would provide immediate relief to Butte County agriculture while the parties work toward a solution.

The SWC maintains that adhering to the Idaho Constitution, protecting senior rights, and the long-term success of the 2024 Mitigation Plan remain their top priority. However, Chairman Hansten noted that this joint request reflects a commitment to collaboration and supporting all Idaho agriculture during a “critical growing season.”

“We appreciate the willingness of all parties to engage in a thorough review process for decisions that will impact Idaho water for years to come,” Hansten said. “We are committed to reaching a solution that complies with Idaho law, is fair, consistent, and grounded in sound data, and that simultaneously supports all water users and protects our most valuable resource.”

Over the next three weeks, technical experts from all sides will evaluate data and the terms of a “First Addendum” to the 2024 plan to ensure that adding these new districts won’t negatively impact the users already enrolled in the plan.

According to IDWR, all parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 4, 2026, for a follow-up status conference to go over the findings of the technical review and determine the next steps for the 2024 Mitigation Plan.

Director Weaver is expected to issue a decision as early as tonight, April 17th. Local News 8 is in contact with representatives from both parties and will provide an update once IDWR issues a decision.

Click here to follow the original article.