Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)— A peaceful demonstration against current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies is planned for Saturday, February 1, at noon at the Broadway Bridge. According to a new release, organizers expect a diverse crowd of community members, students, and activists.

“We want to take a stand against systemic racism and unjust immigration policies,” said Shantelle Duran, one of the demonstration’s organizers. “We invite the community to stand with us and show support for our neighbors who are likely to be targeted under increased ICE raids and detentions.”

The gathering point for the demonstration will be the southeast corner of the Broadway Bridge.

Organizers emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful and civil atmosphere and urge participants to adhere to all laws regarding obstruction. Duran said she has communicated with the Idaho Falls Police Department and the City of Idaho Falls to ensure a safe and lawful event. A key focus of the organizers is nonviolence and nonaggression, particularly towards any counter-protesters or individuals who may attempt to disrupt the demonstration.

“Together, we can fight for justice and build community,” Duran said. “We encourage like-minded people to join us in this show of solidarity.”

Curtis Jackson

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – A man has died after a police chase in Power County on Thursday night, January 30, 2025.

Idaho State Police said it started when they got a call about a guy who was struggling emotionally just before 9 p.m. They were told he might be armed and possibly intoxicated. Power County deputies tracked him down in a white 2019 GMC Terrain on I-86 and tried to pull him over, but he took off, starting a chase.

State troopers jumped in to help, even setting up spike strips to try and stop the car. Those didn’t work, but the GMC eventually left I-86 and ended up on Highway 30, west of the interstate. When officers approached the car, they found the driver dead from a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Power County Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death and will release the person’s name later. No one else was injured.

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is now in charge of the investigation.  The road was shut down for nearly three hours.

Curtis Jackson

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department will close the bathrooms at the Clark Hill Rest Area on US 26 east of Ririe in February.

The bathrooms will be closed from Monday, February 3 through February 28. 

The rest area at milepost 357 features a view of the South Fork of the Snake River.  They said the parking lot and scenic overlook will remain open during the work.

The building will undergo a deep cleaning and fresh paint in preparation for the busy summer months.

The nearest rest area/public bathrooms are at the Hilltop gas station in Ririe.    

Noah Farley

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield is proposing a new budget to optimize and modernize the way schools are funded.

The new budget would be distributed based on the unique characteristics of students in each district, instead of gathered averages. The budget will focus to especially help kids who are in special education, are economically disadvantaged, at-risk, or gifted and talented.

Critchfield says this new model will allow a budget that “aligns with student needs rather than one built on averages or what a neighboring district or charter looks like.”

“We don’t need to blow up the entire funding mechanism,” Critchfield said. “But we can make some very impactful and strategic updates and improvements with some of these changes.”

The following is a release from the Idaho Department of Education.

01.30.25 Critchfield – Let’s Make Idaho’s School Funding Formula Work for All CommunitiesDownload

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) –  In light of Tuesday’s [Jan. 28] house explosion, people might be wondering about safely operating propane tanks in their homes.

Most people living in residential areas use natural gas in their homes, however, a lot of houses in rural locations use propane. 

Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl is reminding homeowners how to protect the gas lines in their houses.

“One of them is to have the propane piping below ground, which would protect it from any physical damage,” said Sandahl.

The second method would require a little work.

“Build a small roof, if you will, or some type of structure that would protect the regulator and the piping from any type of slope snow slide,” said Sandahl.

The fire service is seeing new homes are being built with the propane service on the gable end of the home, which prevents any issues with snow slides.

However with the older homes, very often it’s on the slope side of the houses.

“So what we want to do is protect them. We have had a couple of instances where snow slides have caused fractures of the pipe coming into the house and it fills up the lowest part because propane is heavier than air and it’ll fill up in there. And once it finds an ignition source, it could result in a fuel explosion,” said Sandahl.

Tucker Robertson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Transportation Security Administration said on Facebook that an inert mortar was found in one Idaho Falls Regional Airport passenger’s checked bag. 

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport was evacuated on January 11. Officials said it was evacuated because of a suspicious device, but they didn’t say what.

On Friday, Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Eric Grossarth confirmed that the mortar was the device that prompted the evacuation.

If you plan to fly, just remember explosives are not good flight companions and are prohibited, inert or otherwise.

Sam Ross

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI)– The Portneuf District Library will host an early Valentine’s Day Party with crafts and cookies on Monday, February 3.

Every year, the library hosts a Valentine’s Day event, but Portneuf District Library director Cresta Craner said this is the first year they have hosted a party on this scale.

“Having this space available and then having activities that people can do, provide that resource for the community. It’s a fun thing that everybody can participate in,” said Craner.

The party will give guests the opportunity to decorate and enjoy Valentine’s Day cookies and make Valentine’s cards that will be delivered to local seniors.

The Portneuf District Library’s Valentine’s Day party will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at their building on ​5210 Stuart Ave. in Chubbuck.

Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello.

POCATELLO, Idaho (City of Pocatello)—The 1st Avenue Storm Sewer project will begin mid-February. 

The construction work includes installing a new storm sewer system along 1st Avenue from East Clark Street to East Whitman Street. The purpose of the project is to mitigate flooding issues around the Center Street Underpass. 

The project was made possible through funding the City received under the American Rescue Plan Act. During the first phase of construction, South 1st Avenue will be closed from East Center Street to East Whitman Street for approximately six weeks. Phase two will follow on North 1stAvenue and is projected to be completed in ten weeks.

Thank you for your patience while crews update the storm sewer. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Engineering Department at 208-234-6513.

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Downtown Idaho Falls became the scene of protest Saturday afternoon as people in southeast Idaho gathered to voice their concerns about current U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Broadway Bridge with homemade signs, each with a message denouncing ICE enforcement taking place across the county. Several drivers on the road honked and cheered in support of the protest.

“I think right now there’s a lot of blame and negative [talk] on immigrants,” said protester Jennifer Vidales. “People fail to realize that we’re people. We’re out here, we’re family members, we go to school, we’re neighbors. I think that’s really important to what our message today is.”

The protest’s organizers worked with the City of Idaho Falls and the police department so everyone would be safe. Protesters were instructed to avoid violence, especially if people of opposing views tried to anger them.

“We want to take a stand against systemic racism and unjust immigration policies,” said Shantelle Duran, one of the protest’s organizers. “We invite the community to stand with us and show support for our neighbors who are likely to be targeted under increased ICE raids and detentions.”

Protesters say this demonstration is only the first step.

“We’re going to keep fighting. I’m going to keep fighting,” said Vidales. “I’ve always cared for immigrant rights. I’m an immigrant advocate and I will continue to use my voice as much as I can for those who can’t.”