Author: KIFI

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– Chances for Southeast Idaho parents to hit the snooze button are about to come to an end as the school bells are about to begin. August is a stressful time for some parents with school picking back up in just a few weeks.

A local teacher is offering tips to parents on how they can get ready for the school year.

“Kids really thrive on a regular schedule. So start getting that bedtime back in place and getting up on time and eating a regular meal to get them eased back in,” said Kristi Lords, a 2nd-grade teacher for the Madison School District.

While the weeks will be spent back in the classroom, the summer fun doesn’t have to end. 

“This isn’t the end of their life. We still have a couple of months of nice weather here in Idaho, and so this is something to look forward to as they’re going to school all week,” said Lords.

Teacher Mrs. Lords encourages parents to make fun weekend plans so their children know the future is still bright.

“It gives them something to look forward to as they get back into those first few weeks of school,” said Lords.

With kids home for the summer, most parents are probably familiar with the scene of a chaotic household. Once parents get ready for the school year and everything is back in order, they are reminded to give a big focus on their little ones.

“I think it’s important to sit down and talk with your kids about how they are feeling about this year,” said Lord. “Sometimes I’m so worried about how I’m feeling, I forget, hey, they’re going into a new classroom. They’re going in with new teachers and they’re going to have some concerns. And it’s important not to drop that ball.”   

Lords says it’s important to remember that going back to school can be an exciting time.

“Take a breath, alleviate anxiety, and try to find something peaceful to think about instead of getting worked up. Just enjoy the excitement and the fun of a new session of learning.”

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Foodbank is kicking off their Back to School Campaign as part of a statewide effort to support kids all over Idaho. The Back to School campaign will raise awareness of, and funds for, The Idaho Foodbank’s children’s programs.   

  According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap report, 16 percent of children in Idaho experience food insecurity. The Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack and School Pantry programs are an important piece of the collaborative work to solve childhood food insecurity in Idaho. ICCU is the statewide sponsor of The Idaho Foodbank’s Back to School Campaign.      

 The Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack Program ensures that students who are food insecure have access to nutritious food over the weekend by providing nutritious, kid-friendly food at the end of the week during the school year. Meals consist of items that are easy to prepare and meet a child’s needs for Saturday and Sunday. Last year, The Foodbank provided over 68,000 Backpacks for children in Idaho. 

The Idaho Foodbank’s School Pantry program helps provide families with food through a pantry set up inside the school, where access is convenient for students and their families. The Idaho Foodbank has nutritious and non-perishable items to help stock school pantry shelves. Last year, over 15,000 households were supported by School Pantries in Idaho.    

 “Our Backpack and School Pantry programs have a meaningful impact on the lives of Idaho children and their families,” said Randy Ford, President and CEO of The Idaho Foodbank. “We are proud of our partnerships with schools that allow us to work together to help children have access to nutritious food so they can focus on learning.”    

The Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S., recently awarded The Idaho Foodbank a $10,000 grant to support the Backpack Program. This grant will help the community in eastern Idaho by supporting The Idaho Foodbank’s work to ensure kids have the food they need when they are not in school.

“Bayer Fund is honored to support The Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack Program and their ongoing work to address food security in eastern Idaho,” said Michael Parrish, President of Bayer Fund. “Programs like the Backpack Program help combat the critical issue of food insecurity, and we’re proud to play a role with helping even more people gain access to healthy, nutritious food.”

 Community members can help by donating any amount to The Idaho Foodbank’s children’s programs. You can learn more about these programs and how you can support them at: idahofoodbank.org/backtoschool.   

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please go to The Idaho Foodbank’s Food Assistance Locator at idahofoodbank.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a press release from Governor Brad Little’s Office:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little announced today that the Idaho State Police (ISP) completed its first transport of dangerous illegal alien criminals, the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho. The transports are part of the state’s new agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the 287(g) program.

The ISP assisted ICE in transporting an abuser who inflicted traumatic injury, an offender with a violent history, and a drug trafficker. They were taken from a local jail to an ICE-approved detention facility where they await deportation.

All of them were in the United States illegally and will be deported to their country of origin rather than being released back into Idaho communities after completing their sentences.

Mugshots of the criminals are included below.

Today’s transport includes the following criminals:

Alvaro Perez-Soto, Mexico

Been in the United States since before 2008

Criminal history: Battery-Domestic Violence with Traumatic Injury

Tomas Prieto-Servin, Mexico

Been in the United States since 06/10/1991

Criminal history: Reckless Endangerment, Obstructing a Public Servant, Attempted Assault in the 2nd Degree, Probation Violation, six separate convictions for Driving Under the Influence

Jaren Zuniga-Crus, Honduras

Been in the United States since 04/28/2019

Criminal history: Two separate convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance, False Compartment to Store Controlled Substance, Transport/Sell Narcotics/Controlled Substance

The ISP is authorized to spend up to $300,000 in Governor’s emergency funds to carry out up to 100 transports over the next 12 months. Each transport will include multiple dangerous illegal alien criminals. Today’s transport is the first of the Governor’s plan and was completed after ISP troopers completed training required by ICE. 

“Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport dangerous illegal alien criminals to ICE facilities instead of being released back into our communities. These are people who pose the greatest danger to Idaho families. Idaho has taken many steps to increase our coordination with the Trump administration in the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws, and we are further strengthening our state’s partnership with President Trump to help address the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration,” Governor Little said.

Through the 287(g) program, ICE can delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions, under the direction and oversight of ICE, and pursuant to a signed agreement, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Idaho is utilizing the Task Force Model under the 287(g) agreement and the Governor instructed ISP to perform only two of the authorized functions under the model, which are also consistent with the Jail Enforcement Model: (1) taking and maintaining custody of individuals arrested by another state or local agency on behalf of ICE and (2) transporting individuals arrested under immigration law to ICE-approved detention facilities.

Governor Little directed ISP to use the 287(g) authority only to transport out of local jails the most violent and dangerous illegal aliens who have been convicted and have completed their sentences.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — A boil water advisory has been issued for Chubbuck’s city water system because the loss of pressure from a water main break on Thursdsay.

Crews responded to a break in a 16-inch water main along Hawthorne Road.

Water flooded residential roads and homes near the corner of Chubbuck road and Hawthorne and left most of the city without water or low water pressure.

A drop in water pressure could allow contamination to enter the water system. As a precaution, they suggest not to drink the water without boiling it first. The water should boil for one minute and let it cool before usings.

“Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water,” a city advisory said.

City crews will be flushing the line to reduce the risk of possible contaminates. They anticipate the problem will be solved by the end of the day on Sunday, August 10.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Portneuf Greenway Foundation has announced the new ‘Idaho Central Credit Union Connecting Communities Trail’ will be ready for its first pedestrians within the next few weeks.

The Connecting Communities Trail is a 1.5-mile walking/biking path stretching between the Bannock County Events Center and Pocatello Creek Road intersection along I-15. The Portneuf Greenway Foundation planned the new trail in partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department as part of the I-86/I-15 Interchange update project.

“We call it ‘Connecting Communities’ because it’s really going to serve to connect this Highland neighborhood with the rest of Pocatello, help connect Pocatello and Chubbuck,” said Dan Harelson, president of the board of directors for the Portneuf Greenway Foundation. “…we really feel like it’s a connecting facility that will be a big benefit for the community.”

Paving on the trail is now complete, and ITD is finishing fencing along the path before it’s officially open to the public.

ITD and the Portneuf Greenway Foundation are asking people to stay off the path until the fencing is installed for the safety of pedestrians and pets, as the unfenced trail runs near the busy interstate.

The Idaho Central Credit Union Connecting Communities Trail is part of a larger project by the City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation to construct a series of pedestrian paths linking the Portneuf Wellness Complex to Idaho State University.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Work is underway on Pocatello’s new ‘Legacy Park’ on Iron Bend Dr. on the city’s east bench, and the Parks and Recreation Department wants people to stay clear so they can finish key projects before winter.

The Pocatello Parks and Rec department will start final grading and grass seeding on the nearly 5-acre plot, and the projects are slated to last for the remainder of the summer. In spring 2026, the city plans to install paved trails, a parking lot, and a playground.

Parks and Rec leaders say the future site of the park is closed effectively immediately to all public access, including foot traffic, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles, to ensure successful grass growth on the newly-seeded land.

For more information on the new park, you can visit the City of Pocatello website.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — On Wednesday, August 7, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Junell Williams for allegedly defrauding clients of her businesses, “Williams Tax Service” and “Chester Payroll.” She has been booked into the Fremont County Jail, facing the charges of Grand Theft and 52 counts of Computer Fraud.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who believes they may be a victim or know of a victim of these alleged crimes to contact Detective Overton at hoverton@co.fremont.id.us. For more information or to contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Central Fire District firefighters, along with several local fire departments, responded to two separate fires in Jefferson County yesterday, August 6, as extreme fire danger continues to threaten southeast Idaho.

The first fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of County Line Road and 3400 East. A spark from farm equipment ignited a grain field, and within a short time, the fire had spread to 4 acres. Following a coordinated response from Central Fire District units from Lewisville, Menan, and Rigby, along with support from Ucon, Bonneville County, and Roberts Fire departments, the fire was quickly contained. No injuries were reported, and firefighters successfully protected three structures that were threatened by the blaze.

Later that afternoon, at about 3:30 p.m., crews were called to a second fire in the Ririe area. This fire started when a small ember escaped from a burn barrel on the 4600 block of 250 North, igniting several nearby trees.

“Several trees had to be cut down to fully extinguish the flames and prevent further spread,” the Central Fire District said in a release. “Again, thanks to swift action, the fire was quickly brought under control with no reported injuries.”

These two fires highlight the ongoing risks in the region. Fire Chief Nic White stressed the importance of following the current burn ban, which remains in effect for the safety of local communities and to prevent strain on emergency resources.

“With today’s fires, we were fortunate that our crews responded quickly and that no lives or property were lost,” said Chief White. “But these events show how quickly fires can start and spread. Please take the burn ban seriously.”

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — What began as a routine traffic stop by a Shelley police officer quickly escalated into a significant criminal investigation and recovery of a missing teen. In the early morning hours of August 6, the officer pulled over a vehicle for multiple traffic violations, and during the stop, a K9 unit was deployed, according to a recent press release. The K9’s “free sniff” of the vehicle indicated the presence of drugs, leading to a probable cause search.

During the search, officers found several pieces of drug paraphernalia, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. They also discovered a state-issued ID card belonging to a missing juvenile from Wyoming. The driver of the vehicle admitted to officers that the missing teen was alone at a local Airbnb.

Upon arriving at the Airbnb to conduct a welfare check, officers located and detained 33-year-old Russell Raudman, who was found behind the residence near an open window. The 17-year-old girl was found safe inside the Airbnb. During an interview with detectives from the Bingham County Joint Investigations Division, the teen confirmed she was a runaway and told investigators she had engaged in sexual activity with Raudman in another jurisdiction.

Detectives executed a search warrant on the Airbnb and a vehicle belonging to Raudman. All evidence was turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the alleged criminal activity occurred for further investigation and potential prosecution.

“We commend our graveyard shift officers for their proactive work and attention to detail during what began as a routine traffic stop,” the Shelley Police Department stated in the release. “Their efforts led to the recovery of a missing juvenile and the initiation of a serious criminal investigation.”

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is an urgent news release from Eastern Idaho Public Health:

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) — Eastern Idaho Public Health has reported a case of measles in an adolescent in Eastern Idaho. The adolescent was an international traveler who was unvaccinated against measles. This child was seen by a healthcare provider for symptoms of measles and was not hospitalized. The investigation is ongoing as EIPH is working to identify more details surrounding this case.

The case has self-isolated during the contagious period and is no longer contagious. EIPH does not expect exposure to the public, outside of household contacts who are currently being monitored for potential infection.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease. The virus can easily spread through the air and can survive in the air up to two hours after an infected individual has left. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who have measles is hospitalized. Individuals who have received the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles in the past, or are born before 1957 are considered immune to the measles virus.

If you suspect that you or someone in your family has measles, it is important to stay home to prevent the spread of measles to others.

“Typical initial symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after those symptoms, a characteristic rash appears,” said Rachel Mugleston, RN, Health Strategies Program Manager at Eastern Idaho Public Health. “Measles is highly contagious and can be spread for four days before and four days after the rash appears.”

Although measles is considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Eastern Idaho Public Health encourages everyone to check their vaccination records with their primary care provider. The best way to protect you and your family from infection is through up-to-date vaccination for measles/mumps/rubella (MMR). The measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles after receiving two doses.

If you believe you may have been exposed to anyone with measles, contact your health care provider and monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Public health officials will observe those known to have been exposed to the infected individual.

Click here to follow the original article.