Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 60-year-old Idaho Falls man was arrested Sunday evening after a drunken disturbance in the parking lot of Boozers/Shari’s off Broadway in Idaho Falls escalated into a brief police standoff.

Police say a man, identified through court records as Danny Oswalt, 60, was allegedly seen blocking a trucker in a truck with his car, refusing to let the trucker leave, and appeared to be trying to start a fight.

The incident took place around 7:00 PM. The Idaho Falls Police said in a Facebook post that Oswalt tried to flee and drove a short distance through the parking lot as their officers arrived on scene. The officers boxed Oswalt in with patrol vehicles and attempted to instruct him to exit the vehicle.

Police say Oswalt refused to leave the vehicle, and after speaking with the man over the phone, it was clear the 60-year-old was intoxicated and should not be driving.

Eventually, police say Oswalt suddenly got out of his car, saying he was going to make the officers shoot him. According to the post, he refused to follow commands and began digging in his pockets. IFPD says an officer used a less-lethal tool: a 40 mm launcher that fires a blue, ping-pong-sized foam projectile, which officers refer to as a “Smurf round.”

The officer fired three rounds, striking Oswalt all three times. The projectiles incapacitated him long enough for officers to safely and quickly approach and detain him. A further search of his vehicle uncovered multiple open containers of alcohol.

Oswalt was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Bonneville County Jail. He faces charges of False Imprisonment, DUI, Eluding, Possession of an Open Container, and Resisting and Obstructing.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Two men are now in custody after crashing into an Idaho Falls neighborhood while fleeing a traffic stop early Monday morning, November 24, 2025.

The incident began around 12:30 a.m. when a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted two vehicles street racing near the intersection of 25th E. and 1st St.

When the Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, one of the vehicles immediately turned onto Mesa St. and sped away. The Deputy followed the vehicle down the dead-end street, where they found the vehicle had lost control and crashed into a tree in the front yard of a home.

As more Deputies arrived on the scene, they found and detained the two men as they attempting to exit the wrecked vehicle. The driver was identified as 18-year-old Augustine Perez Jr., who was placed under arrest for Felony Eluding a Peace Officer. The passenger was identified as 20-year-old Terrin Malik Hopwood, who police discovered was in possession of several THC Vapes.

In the subsequent investigation, Deputies found an AR-15 rifle inside the vehicle and determined that Hopwood had allegedly tossed a 9mm handgun into the front yard of the home just moments before the Deputy pulled up. Deputies also found several THC vape devices underneath the vehicle.

Both Perez and Hopwood were transported to a local hospital for medical clearance due to minor injuries from the crash. They were then booked into the Bonneville County Jail. During the booking process at the jail, Perez was officially booked on a Felony Charge of Eluding, and Hopwood was booked for Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — Ahead of the Thanksgiving travel surge, the Idaho State Police is increasing patrols on the Gem State’s roadways, reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up, and drive sober during one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

AAA of Idaho predicts an astonishing 81.8 million Americans will travel for the holiday, including 478,000 Idahoans. With record numbers of drivers expected to hit the road, motorists can expect the largest presence of law enforcement on the day before Thanksgiving, which ISP projects to be the heaviest travel day.

“Thanksgiving weekend can often turn deadly as it combines heavy traffic with winter weather, and that means drivers need to slow down and give themselves extra time,” Lieutenant Tyler Barrett said. “We just want everyone to get to their destinations safely and return home safely, which is why this operation focuses on visibility and enforcement of driving behaviors that put lives at risk.”

ISP is set to partner with local sheriff’s offices to limit and prevent accidents, focusing on distracted and impaired drivers.

ISP reminds drivers to:

Drive sober or don’t drive at all.

Buckle up — every trip, every seat.

Watch your speed and increase following distance.

Put the phone down and avoid distractions.

Slow down and move over for emergency and tow vehicles, as required by Idaho law.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Falls Public Works Street Division:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Beginning Dec. 1, 65th North will be closed between 5th West and 5th East (Lewisville Highway) to allow crews to remove the existing bridge and replace it with a wider structure over the Idaho Canal. During this closure, drivers will need to use 81st North or 33rd North as east- and westbound detour routes. Glen Abby Lane/Circle and the Sage Lakes Golf Course will be accessible from North 5th West, and Ender Lane and Brad Avenue will be accessible from North 5th East. The closure is anticipated to remain in place through April, weather permitting, with paving and remaining construction resuming once conditions allow.

The existing bridge is being replaced to ensure long-term safety and reliability, and the new bridge will be wider to accommodate a turning lane and better pedestrian and bicycle access. Replacing the bridge will bring the structure up to current safety standards, improve the roadway approaches, and provide a safer and more dependable connection for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Please watch for posted signs, use alternate routes, and exercise caution near crews and equipment.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO (KIFI) – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is strongly recommending the cancellation of upcoming equine events in Idaho following confirmed reports of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) that were linked to several recent equine competitive events in Texas and Oklahoma.

ISDA is also looking to temporarily stop the transportation of all horses into or out of the state to avoid the spread from reaching Idaho.

At this time, Idaho has no confirmed cases of EHV-1. But due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, the Idaho State Veterinarian urges horse owners, trainers, and event organizers to take immediate biosecurity precautions.

They recommend temporarily stopping any transportation or hauling of equine to protect Idaho horses.

“One of the most important things to know is that people can act as fomites, which is basically where if you go touch an infected horse, you can get the virus on your hands, and then you go touch a horse that’s not infected. You can technically spread it from the infected horse to the Non-infected horse. Even without those two horses coming into contact,” said Abby Matthaeus, veterinarian and owner of Teton Equine Veterinary practice.

There is a vaccine for the virus, commonly known as the rhino vaccine. Dr. Matthaeus says to talk to your veterinarian if your horse hasn’t been vaccinated.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Carl Hobbs, an icon in Idaho’s agricultural history who co-founded the globally recognized Spudnik Equipment Company and revolutionized potato farming, died peacefully on November 20, 2025, at his Blackfoot home. He was 96. Hobbs was surrounded by his family, including his sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Betty Hobbs.

Alongside his brother, Leo, Carl Hobbs co-founded Spudnik Equipment in 1958. “Carl didn’t just build equipment, he helped build Idaho,” said Hobb’s grandson, Dr. Wade Banner.

Life and Innovation

Born on April 23, 1929, in Wilford, Idaho, Hobbs’ life began in a three-room, dirt-roof log house without electricity, plumbing, or running water, and only kept warm by a single wood-burning stove.

The William Hobbs home built in 1887. The people pictured are members of the Alvin Hobbs family, who lived there for many years. Courtesy: Hobbs family.

From the age of eight, Carl and his brother Leo were immersed in farm life, milking cows and modifying their family’s tractors to improve performance—a habit that would define their careers.

Boyhood photos, courtesy Hobbs family

Carl (Right) alongside Leo (Left) and Bus Gardner (Center). Courtesy: Wade Banner

In 1957, while working for Albert Longhurst on a potato farm north of Blackfoot, in the backbreaking process of manually piling and shoveling potatoes in the cellar, the brothers had an idea that would go on to revolutionize the farming industry.

“There has to be a better way to move potatoes,” Banner recounted his grandfather thinking. “That is when the first self-propelled swing boom potato piler and potato scooper were born.”

Spudnik is born

The name “Spudnik” famously combined the iconic Idaho “spud” with the world’s fascination with Russia’s “Sputnik,” the first satellite launched into space.

The Spudnik scooper and piler transformed potato farming. The self-propelled scooper could gently accomplish the work of twenty men, leading to their company’s logo: “Potatoes Handled Like Babies.”

Their innovations didn’t stay local for long. The Hobbs brothers’ original designs helped fundamentally shape the global potato industry and remain the backbone of modern potato farming today, now expanded into a full line of potato farming machinery used worldwide.

Carl and Betty Hobbs visit Spudnik. Courtesy: Hobbs Family

“Behind each one is a piece of Carl Hobbs’ legacy,” said Banner. “Today, as Idaho farmers harvest their crops using machines inspired by his earliest designs, Carl’s legacy lives on in every row, every season, and every family that depends on the land and potatoes.”

After 45 years of business, Carl Hobbs sold Spudnik to the GRIMME GROUP in Germany in 2003, which continues the Spudnik line to this day.

“My proudest moment was from the time we built it til I sold out,” Hobbs said. “And I’m still proud of it because we couldn’t have found a better person in the whole world to take it over and we did.”

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Community Member

For Idaho potato growers, Spudnik was an integral part of the community. Banner says his grandfather made it a point to know the farmers personally, often visiting them to learn of their specific needs. Generations of Idaho families have worked with Spudnik, and the company is credited with creating thousands of jobs, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and recognized potato equipment brands worldwide.

“Ask anyone who knew him — Carl was a builder, a problem-solver, and the kind of man who would drop everything to help a neighbor,” said Banner. “He loved Idaho, the potato industry, and he treated employees like family.”

Carl and Betty’s 4 daughters

Carl’s daughter Jody on a Scooper

To his own family, now 136 strong and growing, Banner says Carl Hobbs was more than an inventor. He was a beloved husband and a compassionate father, and a cherished grandfather.

Funeral Services

Carl Hobb’s extended family will hold a viewing on Friday, November 28th, from 6:00 Pm to 8:00 pm at the Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot. His funeral will be held this Saturday, November 29th, at the Blackfoot LDS Stake Center at 2 pm, with a viewing 1 hour prior at 1:00 pm. Hobb’s family says all are welcome to attend and celebrate his life and the impact he had on Idaho and the world

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Hollie Albertson and her daughters celebrated the grand opening of “Wild as You” boutique and custom denim jacket bar tonight with a ribbon cutting party.

The idea for the boutique and customization bar came about when Albertson took a girl’s trip with her daughters to Arizona. She found a custom denim jacket boutique and realized Idaho Falls could use a space for women to express their creativity and create unique pieces.

Tonight’s grand opening had drinks, snacks and even a raffle to enter to win a custom Ozzy Osbourne jacket.

Albertson said her new space is open for birthday parties, bachellorettes, or any other party you’d like to use the space for. Customers can choose their own decorations and patches to put on cowgirl hats or denim jackets.

She also has salon spaces available to rent for hairdressing or facials. The Albertson family has worked hard to make Hollie’s dream boutique come to live since March of this year.

“And then we just decided to sell clothing and jewelry and other stuff,” said Albertson. “I love creating things and letting people create things and it’s theirs. They get to take it away and they’re like, ‘I made this,’ you know.”

Albertson is excited to have her daughter Brittany manage “Wild As You.” More information about the boutique’s hours and offerings can be found on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Education is asking for the public’s help to reduce federal paperwork and required tests for schools.

Over the past eight months, the department has been exploring ways to improve how the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is being implemented.

They are asking people to review a draft plan that suggests changes to the state board of education. These options are designed to free schools from red tape at the federal level.

They hope this will allow the state to better meet local student achievement goals.

“We are taking every opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Education to increase flexibility in federal programs,” said Chief of Staff Greg Wilson. Our goal is to ensure schools can focus on serving students and addressing local needs rather than getting bogged down in reporting requirements and red tape.

The comment period will remain open through the end of the year. For more information and where you can make a comment about the federal flexibility draft recommendations, click HERE.

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Curtis Jackson

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Students in Salmon are proving that young voices can make a big difference.  

When a group of junior and high school students heard their local food bank was running low, they jumped into action. On their own, the students gathered over 25-hundred items for the food bank at Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership’s location in Salmon. 

The donations filled the length of four blocks down Main Street.

A video created by Amber and Dustin Pace highlighted their hard work. EICAP reps said it helped fill their shelves for the season and are grateful for the help.

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