Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Fremont County Emergency Management is reporting a crash along National Forest Road 34 (NF-34) near the Riverside Campground. The incident has completely blocked the roadway in both directions near milepost 375 of US Highway 20.

Emergency managers are currently on the scene and are urging all drivers in the area to use caution and expect delays.

Details surrounding the crash are limited. There is no indication at this time as to how many vehicles were involved or any potential injuries.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide an update as more information becomes available.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Teton Auto Group:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Falls business leader Mario Hernandez, dealer principal of Teton Toyota and founder of Teton Auto Group, has been nominated for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award, one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors.

Hernandez is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be recognized at the 109th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, NV, on February 5, 2026. The award honors the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service and leadership.

This year marks a milestone for Hernandez and Idaho Falls—the 20th anniversary of Teton Auto Group, founded right here in East Idaho. Hernandez’s journey from purchasing a struggling dealership to building one of the region’s most respected automotive groups is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and community values that define Idaho Falls.

Hernandez purchased Teton Toyota in 2005 with a minority stake and a performance-based path to ownership. Backed by results, he completed a buyout in 2012—supported by Toyota Financial Services—and today owns 95% of the business (with shared ownership held by his daughter Crystal Zmak and son-in-law Travis Zmak). The dealership employs 176 team members in Idaho Falls.

“In 2005, I bought Teton Toyota with a 15% ownership interest and the idea to take a very underperforming store to a high-performing store,” Hernandez said. “In 2012, I was able to execute that buy-sell… I became 100% owner and Dealer Principal of Teton Toyota.”

Over the past two decades, Hernandez has transformed Teton Toyota into a high-performing, guest-focused operation. Facilities have been continually upgraded to elevate both the customer and employee experience, including:

A brand-new, state-of-the-art, image-compliant facility opened in 2009.

A 2013 expansion of the sales, finance, and showroom areas.

A 2015 service lounge and shop addition to improve customer comfort and technician efficiency.

Additional employee parking completed in 2023.

And in 2025, a new used-car reconditioning, accessories, and detail center designed to improve speed-to-market and personalization.

“All of these were designed to improve the customer and employee experience,” Hernandez noted.

An early advocate for digital retailing, Teton Toyota became the first CDK SmartPath launch in the Northwest, with Hernandez serving on the SmartPath Advisory Council. He even hosted a platform developer on-site in Idaho Falls to collaborate directly with his team.

Teton Toyota also built a full-service accessories program staffed by advisors and certified technicians, integrating Toyota’s Accessory Interactive Menu (AIM) into SmartPath—making the dealership one of the top AIM users nationally.

“We recognize that as a dealer body, we have a choice: embrace innovation or allow others to define the customer experience for us. We chose to lead,” Hernandez said. “Our goal was simple—make Teton the one-stop destination for everything automotive.”

A hallmark of Hernandez’s leadership is a people-first culture that reflects Idaho values of hard work, family, and community. Teton Toyota offers an annual wellness challenge, biometric screenings, paid training, HSA/benefit contributions, a 4% 401(k) match, and an annual Women in Automotive event that has grown female representation from 5% to 23% over 13 years.

Notably, after two years of service, the company pays college tuition for employees’ children at Idaho universities—supporting more than 20 students to date.

“From wellness challenges to tuition support, we invest in our people,” Hernandez said. “Our success is built on their success.”

During the pandemic, Hernandez chose stability over cost-cutting. 

“During the COVID shutdown, we committed to not laying off any employees,” he said. “We guaranteed 80% of wages or commissions, whichever was higher. That decision created immense loyalty and lasting confidence in our organization.”

For 17 consecutive years, Teton Toyota has donated a new vehicle to local school-district raffles—a signature program that has raised approximately $2.1 million for Idaho Falls-area students in programs like robotics, debate, arts, and athletics.

“Over the last 17 years, local students have benefited by approximately $2.1 million,” Hernandez said. “Thousands of students have been able to participate in activities they might not have otherwise afford.”

Hernandez’s leadership extends well beyond Idaho Falls. He has served as:

President of the Toyota Dealer Advertising Association (2020–2022)

A member of the Toyota Dealer Council

A Toyota Government Affairs dealer advocate (2024–present)

A board member of both TLMODA and the Toyota Financial Services Reinsurance Board

His dealership has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

Toyota President’s Award (2019–2024)

Toyota Financial Insignia Award (2019–2024)

Toyota Financial Circle of Excellence (2022–2023)

Mario and his wife, Glenda, have three children — Crystal Zmak, Anthony Hernandez, and Connor Hernandez — and have called Idaho Falls home for two decades. Through Teton Toyota and Teton Auto Group, they’ve created hundreds of local jobs, championed education, and helped shape how people in East Idaho view the automotive industry.

“When a customer notices not just the service, but the way our people treat others—and wants to model it in their own business—that’s when you know the culture is working,” Hernandez said. “What we’re doing goes beyond selling cars. We’re shaping how people feel about this industry.”

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News Team

SOUTHERN IDAHO/CALIFORNIA (KIFI) — A more than 20-year veteran California Sheriff’s Lieutenant was killed in a hunting accident in rural Idaho over the weekend.

48-year-old Lieutenant Nathan Kaas, a husband and father of three, was preparing to hunt mule deer with a friend in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest when the incident occurred. According to a report by the The San Bernardino Sun, the friend was removing a rifle from its case when the weapon accidentally discharged, striking and killing Kaas.

Lieutenant Kaas’s dedication to law enforcement and public service began in April 2000 as a Deputy with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout his career, he rose through the ranks, eventually leading the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.

In the wake of this devastating loss, the Riverside Sheriff’s Association has shared a Help A Hero fundraiser on behalf of Kass’s family. As of Thursday, the fundraiser has raised $11,590 of its $80,000 goal.

The Veteran law enforcement officer began his career in April 2000 as a Deputy for the Department, later rising to the rank of Lieutenant over the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.

In the wake of the shooting, the Riverside Sheriff’s Association has shared a Help A Hero fundraiser on behalf of Kass’s family. As of Thursday, the fundraiser has raised $11,590 of its $80,000 goal.

The fundraiser states, “He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. Nathan’s character as a protector and mentor strengthened his impact on the many walks of life he encountered.”

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello Historical Preservation Commission and the Friends of Brady Chapel are inviting the community to a special celebration of Pocatello’s history in honor of Veterans Day.

The group will host a Veterans Day Open House on Tuesday, November 11, at the more than century-old Brady Chapel. The event is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic site, located in Mountain View Cemetery.

“The Brady Chapel has been a part of the Pocatello community for over a century,” said Jim Anglesey, City of Pocatello Long-Range Planner and staff liaison to the HPC. “The open house provides an opportunity for the community to come and celebrate Pocatello’s history, learn more about the Chapel’s significance, and find out what current efforts are being undertaken to preserve this historic edifice.”

The local historical landmark is currently undergoing a multi-phase restoration. In 2024, the City received funding to initiate Phase I of the work, which included a thorough cleaning and repointing of the limestone exterior and the installation of reconstructed pinnacles atop the chapel.

RELATED: Historic Brady Chapel to undergo Phase I Preservation and Restoration Work

The HPC and Friends of the Brady Chapel are continuing to raise funds to continue the restoration of the Chapel. Future phases include repair and restoration of the roof, windows, and doors; the restoration of the interior, including masonry repair, pew restoration, woodwork, flooring, ADA accessibility, and climate control (which will help reduce humidity levels and stabilize historic materials).

The HPC and Friends of the Brady Chapel are continuing their fundraising efforts to undertake the next phase of restoration to the site. Future repairs include restoration work for the roof, windows, and doors, and full restoration of the chapel’s interior.

“Support from the community is crucial in preserving the Brady Chapel,” said Anglesey. “In doing so, we hope the Chapel may be used more often and enjoyed by the public for generations to come.”

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News Team

Originally Published: 10:24 PM, Oct 14, 2025

By Sahana Patel KIVI

MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (KIVI) —  Mountain Home city officials held a press conference Tuesday to address questions about last week’s announcement of a new Qatar Emiri Air Force training facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

The U.S. Defense Department announced the establishment of the facility Friday, with Qatar expected to bring 12 jets to Mountain Home under a partnership similar to the existing arrangement with the Singaporean Air Force.

“This is more than just an expansion of operations at our base. This international partnership presents a milestone for Mountain Home,” Rich Sykes, Mountain Home Mayor, said during the press conference.

Colonel Michael Perez, Group Commander of 366th Maintenance Group at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, emphasized the collaborative nature of the arrangement.

“I think the key word here is ‘hosting.’ We are excited to host the Qataris and partner with the Mountain Home Air Force Base. This is nothing new; this has been in the works as far back as 2017,” Col. Perez said.

Mayor Sykes said he learned about the finalized deal around the same time as the public, but confirmed discussions have been ongoing for years. The city conducted site visits to Qatar in May 2023 to better understand the partnership.

Related: Air Force documents show Qatari training base at Mountain Home has been years in the making

“They flew myself and our military liaison Marty Anderson out to Qatar to talk to their Air Force and what their needs are, what they expect,” Mayor Sykes said.

The mayor expressed optimism about the economic benefits the partnership will bring to the community.

“This partnership will strengthen our economic foundation. Increased space operation means potential job creation, sustained investment in our community infrastructure and continued support of our local economy,” Sykes said.

Beyond economic impacts, Sykes highlighted cultural exchange opportunities for Mountain Home neighbors.

“Our residents will have the opportunities to engage with international partners, to learn more about different cultures and to broaden our community’s global perspective. That’s an enriching experience for everyone, especially our youth,” Mayor Sykes said.

Addressing potential community concerns, Mayor Sykes encouraged residents to approach the partnership with an open mind.

“I just hope that people don’t have a closed-minded thought process of a culture just because they see something that might not be true, or they hear things, just do your homework, do your research, because we are all one people at the end of the day,” Mayo Sykes said.

The Qatari Air Force personnel are expected to arrive by 2030 under a 10-year contract.

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Danielle Mullenix

The following is a news release from the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Thanks to generous donations, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center has built a new and unique feature, the Healing Garden, outside the main entrance.  It is designed for patients, family, and community members to seek calm, relaxation, and renewal.  The Healing Garden also serves as a place to honor and remember patients and employees who have passed.   

The Healing Garden is freshly landscaped, contains brick walking paths, and comfortable furniture for rest.  A local artisan has also handcrafted beautiful garden bells that will hang in the trees.  

The Healing Garden was made possible by generous donations from Insure-It-All, a local insurance company, and the EIRMC Auxiliary, an independent 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides comfort items for patients and their families.  

For more information about the services provided by EIRMC, click here.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent public service announcement following a surge in local cases where children became victims of online exploitation and extortion over the past month.

Local detectives and patrol officers have investigated multiple incidents involving children from elementary school to high school age. Sheriff Ron Ball warns parents that “no age group is off limits to online predators.” While the exact number of cases remains unspecified, the trend has prompted the Sheriff’s Office to ask parents to take immediate action.

Sheriff Ball took to Facebook to urge parents to have an important conversation with their children about online safety this week, stating: “We’re asking all parents to take a few minutes this week to talk with your kids about their online activity. Know what apps they use, who they’re talking to, and how to report something suspicious.”

The Sheriff’s Office specifically identified the following as platforms involved in the recent cases:

Snapchat

Roblox

BeReal

X (formerly Twitter)

“Many parents give their young children access to these popular games and apps without having any idea that they have unrestricted access to strangers on the Internet,” adds the Rexburg Police Department. “Please be involved in your kids’ Internet and computer usage!”

If you need to report exploitation or extortion, please contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 208-372-5001. For trusted tips and tools to help keep your family safe online, click HERE.

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News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Madisonhealth has announced its intent to sell its interest in the joint venture of Madison Carriage Cove, a short-stay rehabilitation facility it has co-owned for the past 12 years.

The local community healthcare system is stepping away from direct ownership, but has legally stipulated that the facility must continue to serve the same patient population for a minimum of 10 additional years, ensuring local continuity of care.

The decision was made with the future of local healthcare in mind, according to Madisonhealth CEO Dr. Rachel Gonzales.

“This facility was created to meet a specific need in our community, and we believe it has fulfilled that purpose with distinction,” said Dr. Rachel Gonzales. “We are confident the new ownership will uphold the values and mission that have defined Carriage Cove from the beginning.

Madison Carriage Cove was founded in Fall 2013 to address the growing need for short-term rehabilitative care. Over the past decade, Madison Health says it has served hundreds of patients in need of skilled rehabilitation following hospitalizations, surgeries, or other medical events. Dr. Gonzales emphasizes that while the organization is stepping away, they are proud of what the partnership has accomplished.

Doug McBride, Executive Director of Business Development, thanked partners and staff for the facility’s success. “Madisonhealth remains committed to supporting this important service and the future of short-stay rehabilitation in our region.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Chubbuck, Idaho (KIFI) – The Human Bean in Chubbuck is inviting coffee-lovers to “drink pink” on Friday, October 17, for their annual Coffee for a Cure breast cancer giveback event. All food and beverage proceeds on that day will be donated to Pocatello Free Clinic, marking The Human Bean’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Each October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Coffee for a Cure aims to raise awareness and provide critical support to breast cancer patients and survivors.

In 2022, the most recent year with complete statistics available, there were 279,731 new cases of breast cancer reported in the United States—equivalent to 133 cases for every 100,000 women, according to CDC data.

“Coffee for a Cure is a great way for our community to come together and support one another,” shares the baristas of The Human Bean in Chubbuck. “So many of us know someone who’s been personally impacted by breast cancer, which makes this day a truly heartfelt giving event.” 

Since launching the Coffee for a Cure giveback program in 2005, The Human Bean locations nationwide have raised over $4.2 million for breast cancer causes. These funds support patients with essential services, including mammograms, post-diagnosis care and support, and education.

With a passion for creating happy ‘Human Beans’, the company’s drive-thrus around the U.S. have established a reputation for friendly baristas and high-quality coffee, teas, smoothies, granitas, Bright® Energy, and good eats. The Human Bean opened its first drive-thru espresso stand in Ashland, Oregon, in 1998, and currently supports over 260 locations open or under development in 23 states.  

To commemorate the company’s milestone 20th anniversary, The Human Bean has designed special cups featuring artwork that aligns with the essential message of hope for breast cancer patients and survivors.

“Coffee for a Cure is all about celebrating strength, honoring loved ones, and spreading a message of hope to breast cancer patients and survivors,” says Rhonda Hawkins, co-founder of The Human Bean. “We’re grateful to our community of customers and franchise partners who show up in a big way every October to support one another.”

The Human Bean is also serving up a special pink-themed drink all month long — the Bright® Energy Pink Lemon-aid, featuring Lime Bright® Energy, raspberry, and sweet almond flavors. 

Customers and supporters are encouraged to spread awareness by sharing their stories and photos on Instagram using #CoffeeForACure.

For more information about the Human Bean, click here.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Residents in Pocatello are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the city’s newly renovated Recycling Services Facility. The event will take place on Monday, October 20, at 5:15 p.m. at 3034 Garrett Way.

The facility, previously operated by Western Recycling/Republic Services, was acquired by the city in August 2024 to prevent its closure and ensure the continuation of local recycling services. Since then, the site has undergone significant upgrades to improve efficiency, safety, and accessibility.

Crews work inside Pocatello’s new Recycling Services Facility.

“We’re proud to reopen this facility as a City-operated service and continue providing accessible recycling options for our community,” said Mayor Brian Blad in a news release sent by the city. “This project is a great example of how partnerships and smart investment can strengthen Pocatello’s future.”

The upgrades were made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy – Idaho Operations Office, as part of a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP).

Recycling bins located outside the Pocatello’s Recycling Services Facility on Garrett Way.

The news release said the recycling facility project is one of several across Idaho resulting from a settlement with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality over alleged violations of the Hazardous Waste Management Act.

City officials encourage community members and partners to attend the ribbon-cutting and learn more about the expanded recycling services. Additional information is available at pocatello.gov/395/Recycling-Services.

Bales of recycled cardboard at Pocatello’s new Recycling Services Facility.

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