Author: KIFI

Abi Martin

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Every year, the Idaho Library Association awards the men and women working to support and improve libraries across the Gem State. This year, a woman from Rigby was named as Idaho’s top school librarian.

Heidi Robbins, librarian for Rigby High School, has spent the last three years working tirelessly to apply for and receive numerous grants to provide new books for students to read. 

“I get there early in the morning before I even need to be there,” Robbins said. “And I always have kids waiting outside. They come in, they get books, but they also play games and they interact. And it’s great.”

And now, she’s using that experience to run a writing conference in East Idaho this Saturday, October 11. Robbins hopes the conference will help anybody who’s interested in writing find more resources.

Her desire to run a conference like this originated with her students.

“A lot of my students are readers.” Robbins said. “And because they’re readers, they want to be writers. I just want to facilitate that for them. I think it’s a need for our community. It’s the need for our side of the state. And I’m really excited to provide it.”

Keynote speakers at the Idaho Storytellers Summit will include Cynthia Hand, author of the My Lady Jane Series, and Jeff Wheeler, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over 30 fantasy novels.

The event will also feature over 30 other local published authors.

Beginning at 9:00 am, those attending can expect over 30 classes on a variety of topics from all steps along the writing journey, including how to develop ideas, writing exciting action scenes, and working with a publisher.

Aspiring authors will also be able to attend a writing lab, where authors and editors can help their story seeds flourish.

And Robbins has included a benefit for teachers attending the conference as well. By attending the Idaho Storytellers Summit, you can earn 1 – 2 credits from Northwest Nazarene University. 

Registration is still open. Tickets are $25 dollars and can be purchased here or be bought at the door.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — After a four-day jury trial, a Rigby man has been found guilty of a serious sex crime in Bonneville County.

23-year-old Eden Avery Danvers was convicted of one count of Forcible Penetration by Use of Foreign Object related to sexually assaulting someone back in November 2024, Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal announced late Thursday night.

The jury found Danvers *not guilty on a separate count of rape.

Danvers will be sentenced on December 15th and could face up to life in prison, a $50,000.00 fine, and restitution

He’ll also be required to register as a sex offender.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the impressive lineup of nominees for the 2025 Hall of Fame Awards, an annual ceremony celebrating local businesses.

“The Hall of Fame Awards celebrate the businesses, organizations, and individuals who embody the spirit of the Greater Idaho Falls area, those who build, serve, and inspire,” said Paul Baker, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a chance to honor the legacy of community builders and spotlight those shaping our future.”

The 2025 Hall of Fame Nominees

The following businesses and organizations have been nominated for induction into the prestigious 2025 Hall of Fame class:

Idahoan foods

Teton Toyota

The Museum of Idaho

Oswald’s repair

Broulim’s fresh foods

Barrett Business Services

Mountain View and Idaho Falls community hospitals

Reed’s dairy.

In addition to the main Hall of Fame inductees, the ceremony will announce winners in three distinct special categories:

4 Under 40 Awards, recognizing emerging leaders under the age of 40

Community Hero Award, celebrating extraordinary service and civic contribution

Rize X Leadership Award, honoring individuals demonstrating visionary leadership and innovation in business

The winners for all categories will be announced at the official ceremony on Thursday, November 6th, held at the Downtown Events Center in Idaho Falls.

For more information on tickets or to attend, click HERE.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 09 OCT 25 18:17 ET

By Robyn Oguinye

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    HOLLADAY, Utah (KSTU) — It is legendary: the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. helping break ground on not only Utah’s first Black-owned bank, but the first Black-owned bank to open in the western U.S.

Redemption Bank is the only Black bank in the history of the country that’s not physically located within an economically underserved community, and it’s also currently the only one located in the Black-banking desert that stretches from California to Texas.

“It’s very personal because most people, when they think of my father, they only think about him as being a civil rights leader, but my father talked about the importance of economic justice along with racial justice. In fact, he called them inseparable twins,” said Bernice A. King, the youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr. “So, this is an opportunity for me to continue part of that legacy.”

King will serve as Redemption’s senior vice president for corporate partnerships and community impact.

The building is unassuming, sitting on East Murray Holladay Road. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s been a mainstay in Holladay for more than 40 years, formerly known as Holladay Bank.

And while Salt Lake has a Black population under 3 percent, Redemption’s founder and executive chairman says Utah is the perfect location for a bank of its kind.

“There’s really no better state in America to do business than Utah, so if you’re an investor of any background, you’re looking for a place to do business, you want to go where the regulations are great for what you want to do — which Utah has the best return on assets for banks — it’s amazing,” said Ashley Bell. “And then you stay because of the people. I think our journey to purchase Holladay Bank and Trust has really been highlighted by the amazing investors and collaborators that we found locally.”

The bank is what’s called a Minority Depository Institution, MDI for short. MDIs were formed in the 1800s when Black people couldn’t get loans from traditional banks, so they formed their own banks.

Redemption is only the 24th MDI in the nation.

“While Redemption is a Black-owned bank, it’s certainly not only for Black people,” said Brandon Comer, a managing partner with Alterity Capital. “I think the Black community will certainly benefit from its presence, but I think the community at large will benefit from its presence.”

Comer is one of the bank’s investors and says mission-driven enterprises like Redemption shouldn’t be viewed purely through a philanthropic lens. He says their goal is to do well and do good at the same time, focusing on helping small businesses and budding entrepreneurs get their start.

Last month’s report from LendingTree shows that 39 percent of Black-owned businesses were denied a loan, line of credit or merchant cash advance in 2024 — the highest by race. Hispanic-owned businesses followed at 29 percent, while just 18 percent of white-owned businesses were denied. Twenty-one percent of all businesses that applied in 2024 were denied.

Redemption is striving to be a solution.

“We are excited about extending these new resources and new opportunities to people who are looking at growing their small business, and we think that is what is key; we want to be a part of growing Utah,” said Bell. “We want to be a part of growing Salt Lake City‘s entrepreneurial horizons.”

“The gaps in terms of home ownership, gaps in terms of wealth creation and also just gaps in terms of financial literacy, I’m hoping that we will be able to break some of that as an institution,” said King.

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News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Brekyn has been located and is safe.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urgently appealing to the public for help in locating a missing and endangered runaway juvenile, Brekyn Stultz. The 15-year-old left his home yesterday morning and has since sent messages indicating he is not coming home and may harm himself.

BCSO confirmed that Brekyn Stultz was last seen yesterday morning, Thursday, October 9th, near his home on Cordell St. He was reportedly heading toward school but never arrived. Brekyn then contacted his home this morning and made statements to his family suggesting self-harm. 

Brekyn is described as a white male, approximately 5’7” tall and weighing around 120 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. At the time he went missing, Stultz was last seen wearing a black hoodie and carrying a skateboard.

The Sheriff’s Office has received an unconfirmed tip that Brekyn may have been spotted overnight near the intersection of Fanning and Garfield. The BCSO is asking residents in that area and others to remain vigilant and report any information immediately.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who knows of Brekyn Stultz’s current whereabouts, or has seen a teen matching his description, IMMEDIATELY contact Bonneville County Dispatch at: 208-529-1200. 

EDITOR NOTE: Brekyn Stultz’s name was updated with the correct spelling.

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Curtis Jackson

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a Letter of Acceptance to establish a Qatari Amiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.  The new facility will host a unit of Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, enhancing joint training capabilities and strengthening military operations between the two nations.

“I’m proud to announce that today we’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatari Amiri Air Force facility here at Mountain Home,” said Secretary Hegseth during a joint press conference at the Pentagon. “This location will host Qatari F-15s and pilots, boosting our combined training and increasing lethality. It’s another example of our enduring partnership.”

Hegseth also praised Qatar’s steadfast support during critical operations, referencing the Midnight Hammer exercise. “In those moments when we needed support in the region, Qatar was there—without a doubt, without a blink—and that has meant a great deal. I’ve seen that firsthand operationally,” Hegseth said.

Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister of State for Qatar, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship. “It is an honor to be at the Pentagon and to meet with you, Mr. Secretary. Our nations share a deep defense relationship grounded in mutual respect and a common vision for peace and stability in the Middle East.”

He highlighted Qatar’s role in hosting U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base, calling it a “cornerstone of this alliance” and a testament to the shared commitment to regional and global security. The representative also welcomed President Trump’s executive order reaffirming America’s commitment to Qatar’s security and sovereignty, describing it as a reflection of the strength of the alliance.

“The establishment of the Qatari Amiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Base is a strategic move that strengthens interoperability, enhances joint readiness, and advances our shared defense goals,” the Qatari representative added. “Together, we will continue to deepen our strategic partnership in pursuit of lasting peace and shared security.”

Congressman Mike Simpson also confirmed the news, saying on X.com, “Fantastic news for Mountain Home Air Force Base as @SecWar just announced the Pentagon has agreed to host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots here in Idaho.

This development is beneficial for training, enhances our partnership with America’s allies, and strengthens national security.”

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Seth Ratliff

ROBERTS, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Roberts unveiled its new wastewater collection improvement project today.

The new system replaces the degraded pipes and lift station originally built in the 1960s. Thanks to funding from STAG (State and Tribal Assistance Grants) grants secured through Congressman Mike Simpson’s office and grants from the Department of Commerce, not a penny of the over $2 million project came out of the pockets of the community.

“It took eight years from conception to completion,” explains Mayor Robert “BJ” Berlin. “These projects, we always have to be ahead of the game. And so we have two more phases, we figure on this project. And so hopefully it doesn’t take a year to get to those. But we will we’ll do it as quick as we can.”

Mayor berlin says the new system improvements are set to last the city another 50 years. 

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Catholic Community is inviting the public to join them in prayer at a “Rosary Rally” on Saturday at 3:00 PM. 

The rally is one of 23,000 that will be held across the country as part of a campaign from “America Needs Fatima,” an organization dedicated to spreading the message from events in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, which revolved around apparitions of the Virgin Mary. 

“That was one of the petitions from Our Lady, to pray the Rosary as a way to become more faithful, to grow in your faith, and to get closer to God,” says rally organizer Carlos Estrada.  

He also says you don’t even need to be Catholic to pray the Rosary, and even if you don’t own a set of Rosary beads, they will be happy to provide you with one.  

Estrada also feels this year’s rally is more important than ever.  

“We have thought about all these divisions happening in the United States,” he says. “We need to go back to mercy, really, to be merciful with each other, to be loving with each other. That’s what this nation needs to get back to.” 

Estrada says last year’s event had a great turnout, and organizers are expecting an even bigger one this year. 

It will be held outside Christ the King Church on the corner of 17th and Woodruff in Idaho Falls. 

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Abi Martin

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Madison County Deputies are currently on the scene of a fatal crash in the area of 11000 East, south of Highway 33.

11000 East is closed from 2000 North to East Highway 33 while deputies investigate the crash with assistance from the Idaho State Police.

There is no disruption to traffic on Highway 33 at this time.

Officials are directing the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Madison County Sheriff’s Office will provide an update once the roadway has reopened.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more details as they become available.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Community members in Idaho Falls participated in the Angel Dash, a fundraiser where families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss are honored.

People ran a 5K Saturday, October 11, to support Rachel’s Gift, which provides free resources for hospitals and families dealing with pregnancy, stillbirth or the loss of an infant.

“I stand here in front of you as a mom who has also lost a baby,” said Ceremony Speaker, Michelle Peterson. “This is an important time, and I’m so grateful for all of you who are here—for the nurses and the staff from the women’s centers from the hospitals, to parents to siblings.”

Peterson said nobody there was facing their pain alone. They could all support each other and go through the pain together.

“I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss,” said Peterson. “And for the things that you’re experiencing and going through as a mom, as a dad, as a grandparent, as a sibling. It affects us all in so many ways.”

After the 5K run, everyone released balloons into the sky, each one with the name of a child who left this world too soon.

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