July trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region

News Release

The following is a press release from Idaho Fish and Game:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license (or the bug spray)!  Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing nearly 10,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during July. Fish on!

Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about some of these fun fisheries!       

Crystal Springs Pond – 1,000 rainbow trout. This spring fed pond is always clear and cool! Located near Springfield, this family friendly pond has a paved walking path and docks for easy fishing access. 

Cub River – 500 rainbow trout. This beautiful little river is located south of Preston. All fish will be stocked in and around the Willow Flat Campground area. Willow Flat is a popular USFS campground located at an elevation of 6,300 feet and surrounded by scenic mountain views.  Visitors enjoy fishing the river and exploring numerous forested trails. 

Kelly Park Pond (Upper) – 250 rainbow trout.  Located in Soda Springs within Arthur Kelly Park, accessing this pond requires a short walk, but it offers a great fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages.  Lace up the boots, grab the fishing poles, and take the kids on a nature walk! 

Mill Creek – 250 rainbow trout. Located about 15 miles north of Malad City, this little creek flows in the shadows of Elkhorn Mountain. Fish will be stocked near the USFS Malad Summit Campground, so bring the whole family for an overnight camping adventure! 

Montpelier Creek – 1000 rainbow trout.  Only a couple of miles from Montpelier, anglers can enjoy good creek fishing and a variety of camping options at the Montpelier Creek KOA (campsites and cabins). 

Montpelier Rearing Pond – 500 rainbow trout. This little fishing spot is tucked into a scenic high desert canyon at an elevation of 6500 feet in the hills east of Montpelier.  It has very basic facilities but offers a variety of fish species in a peaceful setting.  Anglers can fish the pond, or head ½ mile north up Crow Creek Road to Montpelier Reservoir. 

Pebble Creek – 1000 rainbow trout. This pretty creek is home to both rainbows and cutthroat trout.  If you are looking to do some camping while you fish, Big Springs Campground is nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek at an elevation of 6,500 feet, just 16 miles from Lava Hot Springs.  The multi-use Boundary Trail, for hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, begins in the campground and accesses several additional nearby trails.

Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.

If you need detailed information about Idaho’s waters, fish species, facilities, maps and rules, check out the Idaho Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.

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New lions roar into Idaho Falls Zoo

News Team

UPDATE:

The following update is a press release from the Idaho Falls Zoo:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Zoo is thrilled to welcome two new residents to the African lion exhibit: Kenya and Dixie, a sibling pair who arrived on July 1 from the Abilene Zoo in Texas.

The 12-year-old lions spent several days behind the scenes acclimating to their new surroundings, getting to know their keepers, and completing a standard quarantine period before stepping into their outdoor habitat for the first time on July 9. Visitors can now see the lions on exhibit throughout the summer.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kenya and Dixie to Idaho Falls,” said David Pennock, Zoo Executive Director. “They’ve adjusted well and are already exploring and enjoying their new home.”

While 12 years is considered old for lions in the wild, where females typically live around 15 years and males around 12, Kenya and Dixie are under excellent veterinary care in a safe, enriching environment. Staff is hopeful they will enjoy many more years to come in Idaho Falls, as lions in human care often live significantly longer. Kimani, the zoo’s previous lioness, lived to be 21.

As siblings, Kenya and Dixie will not breed. The Idaho Falls Zoo is an active participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), which ensures the long-term survival of species by managing genetic diversity across accredited institutions. Breeding recommendations are made based on genetics and population needs, and Kenya and Dixie’s genes are already well represented in other litters.

Kenya and Dixie’s arrival follows the April departure of Hondo, the zoo’s previous male lion. Hondo was transferred to the Pittsburgh Zoo as part of the SSP to join two unrelated females in hopes of a future breeding opportunity. According to recent updates, he is adjusting well to his new home.

The Idaho Falls Zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. On Mondays, the zoo remains open until 8 p.m., with last admission at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.idahofallsidaho.gov/zoo.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Zoo proudly welcomed two new lions, Kenya and Dixie, who made their official debut in the lion exhibit this week.

The brother and sister pair come from a zoo in Texas and are now settling into their new home.

Kenya and Dixie replace Hondo, the zoo’s previous male lion, who left the Idaho Falls zoo in April for a zoo in Pittsburgh to participate in a breeding program with two lionesses.

Courtesy: Idaho Falls Zoo

Visitors can look forward to seeing Kenya and Dixie on regular display throughout the rest of the summer.

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Bannock County veterans running out of time to raise money for historic memorial building repairs

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association is trying to raise $100,000 by the end of August to qualify for a matching donation, which would help the veterans repair flood damage to the historic Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.

In December 2024, flooding in an upstairs bathroom severely damaged the nearly 100-year-old Memorial Building’s ballroom before leaking to lower levels, soaking walls, and washing up other issues, which now need repair.

“[A restoration company] wound up peeling up the whole floor,” said Bud Smalley, veteran of the US Marine Corps and member of the Marine Corps League and Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association. “They had to mitigate for the lead paint that was found on all of the baseboard; there’s also some mold that they found downstairs. Long story short, the bill is $325,000 that we don’t have.”

After being handed the bill, the Veterans Memorial Association started seeking donations and was met with contributions from local businesses, including $5,000 from Idaho Power and nearly $11,000 from Phil Meador Subaru. Local people also pitched in amounts ranging from 50 cents to $1,000.

In March, an anonymous organization sent a check to the Veterans Memorial Building for $100,000, with a promise to send another $100,000 if the veterans could match the funding with donations by the end of August.

So far, the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association has raised $43,000, and they are asking people in the area to reach into their hearts and wallets to help them make the remaining money before their deadline at the end of summer.

“This building was built in 1926 by the citizens of Pocatello and Bannock County, specifically for veterans of Pocatello and Bannock County and the surrounding area,” said Smalley. “It’d just be a shame if, because of this misfortune, we wind up losing this building–we need to repair it.”

Donations for the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building can be sent to their address at 300 N Johnson Ave, Pocatello, ID 83204. Links to the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association Venmo, Angelink, and GoFundMe accounts can be found on their website.

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Sunnyside Road closure for Union Pacific Railroad maintenance July 13–15

News Release

The following is a press release from the City of Idaho Falls Public Works:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Beginning Sunday, July 13, Union Pacific Railroad will close Sunnyside Road at the railroad tracks east of the intersection with Yellowstone Highway to complete scheduled railroad track maintenance. The closure is expected to remain in place through Tuesday, July 15.

The City of Idaho Falls is assisting Union Pacific Railroad during the project. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted detour signage.

Eastbound traffic should detour south on Yellowstone Highway to 65th South or north on Yellowstone to 17th Street to continue east. Westbound traffic should use South Boulevard to 17th Street or follow detour signs via South 5th West to 65th South to continue west.

Motorists should plan ahead for delays and use extra caution in the area. The city appreciates the public’s patience as Union Pacific completes this important maintenance.

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Two men facing charges for illegally killing seven white-tailed deer in North Idaho

CNN Newsource

By Tori Luecking

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COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (KXYL) — Two St. Maries men are facing eight felony charges after illegally killing seven mature white-tailed deer bucks in north Idaho.

According to Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the hunting spree took place in November 2024 and violated wildlife laws 56 times.

The Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office filed the charges June 27 following an Idaho Fish and Game investigation that began with a tip to the Citizens Against Poaching hotline about suspicious deer heads.

Conservation officers said five of the seven deer were killed within a single 24-hour period.

Three of the bucks were classified as trophy white-tailed deer, which carries higher penalties under Idaho law than non-trophy classifications. All seven deer were taken outside legal shooting hours, and meat from three deer was left to waste.

The investigation is still ongoing.

“Fish and Game thanks the public for being diligent in reporting potential wildlife crimes and helping to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage the incredible fish and wildlife to which Idaho is home,” the agency stated.

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Hearing loss rising among Millennials and Gen Z

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Studies show hearing loss is on the rise for Millennials and Gen Z. 10% of Millennials and 17% of Gen Z have been found to have hearing loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over one billion people in the world between the ages of 12 and 35 might be at risk of hearing loss.

Doctors say unsafe listening is one of the main reasons for this. Many people are listening to audio at high volumes through their headphones and/or earbuds. Some are also spending long periods of time at venues like concerts.

“So some of the symptoms are just going to be you’re going to notice that soft speech, distant speech. People start to sound like they’re mumbling or not annunciating correctly,” said Miracle-Ear Hearing Instrument Specialist, Jim Williams.

While unsafe listening is one cause, hearing loss can also happen because of genetics or nerve damage. That’s how it is for Cali Ellis, which is why she’s excited to get new hearing aids through the Miracle-Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound program. Ellis told Local News 8, she’s most excited have an easier time singing and playing the piano.

“I’m very emotionally attached to music, so music makes me feel emotion super easily. And when I have the hearing aids and it just makes it even stronger and I just, I love it so much. I’m so excited to go home and play on the piano.”

Williams says some people might be embarrassed to check for hearing loss, but the sooner the better.  When you get hearing aids, your brain needs to relearn how to filter sounds. The older you are, the harder it is for your brain to adjust.

More information on hearing loss, symptoms, and solutions can be found HERE.

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What happend to Deorr Kunz? Ten years and no answers

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — July 10, 2025, marks 10 years since 2-year-old Deorr Kunz Jr. disappeared from Timber Creek campground in Lemhi County. In the years since Deorr’s disappearance, investigators have searched the area, but still no answers have been confirmed.

July 10, 2015

On July 9, 2015, DeOrr’s parents, Vernal DeOrr Kunz and Jessica Mitchell, took a last-minute camping trip to the Timber Creek Campground in Lemhi County. Also on the camping trip was DeOrr’s great-grandpa Robert Walton and his friend Issac Reinwand.

The next day, the parents say they left little DeOrr with his great-grandpa playing at camp while they went fishing. The toddler was never seen again.

In the years since the boy’s disappearance, police have developed three theories as to what happened: an animal attack, a possible abduction, or he was the victim of foul play.

Accusations, lawsuits, and controversy

The boy’s father, Vernal Kunz, has been the target of online theories that he was somehow involved in the disappearance. Those theories were sparked by controversial Private Investigator Phillip Klein, according to Kunz’s lawyer, Allen Browning.

In December, the leaders of a controversial Facebook group called  “Justice for Deorr” settled a libel lawsuit with Vernal.

Browning told Local News 8 that Vernal was working with a private investigator named David Marshburn to uncover what happened to Deorr.

Above the controversy, many still have hope that Deorr will soon be found.

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Camp Hayden set to host 7th Annual Special Needs Camp

Seth Ratliff

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) — Camp Hayden is set to return for its 7th Annual Special Needs Camp, set to welcome 20 families with children with special needs from July 18-20. The camp will once again be held at the Ririe RV Park, transforming it into a hub of adapted adventures.

This year marks a significant milestone for Camp Hayden, as it ties the record for the largest number of families hosted. In celebration, the organization is promising more activities and adventures than ever before.

Camp Hayden’s mission is to create “accessible adventures for the families of children with special needs through support and empowerment.” Past camps have featured thrilling activities like horseback rides, inflatable waterslides, exhilarating zip-lining, ATV rides, and even a candy drop from an airplane.

“We cannot wait for our 7th year of Camp Hayden,” said Amy Smith, Board President of Camp Hayden. “Every year, we’re able to serve more families at our camp, adapt new and exciting activities for our campers, and have a bigger impact on the special needs community.”

The story of Camp Hayden.

The story of Camp Hayden began in 2018 at the Big Elk Creek YMCA Camp. Founders Jason and Kami Chapa spearheaded the effort, spending three summers rebuilding the camp after it had fallen into disrepair. With vital donations from generous local businesses, they transformed the site, making it fully wheelchair accessible and ready to welcome families.

“The amount of work, planning, and fundraising that go into creating these camps is significant, but when we get to camp it is 100% worth everything that goes into it,” said Smith. “We don’t have any paid employees/volunteers, which can make planning/executing events tough, but it also means that all the money we raise goes directly to our families and our mission.”

To learn more about Camp Hayden or to donate, visit www.camphayden.org.

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First responders and law enforcement step up to the plate for Make-A-Wish Idaho

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Local first responders and law enforcement are hitting one out of the park for charity. On Friday, July 25, deputies from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8, and the Idaho Falls Fire Department will face off in the 14th Annual Guns vs. Hoses Charity Softball Game.

The event aims to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Idaho, helping to grant wishes for children in Eastern Idaho. Last year alone, the game brought in over $12,000, contributing $100,000 raised over the past 13 years for the charity.

Get in on the Fun and Support a Great Cause!

The Guns vs. Hoses game isn’t just about watching some friendly competition; it’s an interactive experience where the crowd can directly join in on the shenanigans and contribute to Make-A-Wish Idaho. Throughout the evening, you’ll have opportunities to:

Buy points for your favorite team to boost their score.

“Jail” players and then bail them out for charity.

Add a hilarious twist by having batters wear impairment goggles (often referred to as “beer goggles”) as they try to hit the ball.

Beyond the on-field antics, attendees can also look forward to raffle prizes, concessions, and other exciting activities. For more information on Make-A-Wish Idaho, click HERE.

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One father’s love for his daughter helps thousands with barriers get into the great outdoors

CNN Newsource

By Spencer Joseph

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LOGAN, Utah (KSTU) — It’s the dream of every father to provide the best life possible for his children.

A big part of that for one Logan family is the peace, quiet, and rejuvenation of the great outdoors.

LJ Wilde is the founder and “Principal Sherpa” of Huckleberry Hiking in Logan. In his journey to get outside, he faced an uphill battle when his daughter Luci was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.

“We’re told that she might never walk,” Wilde said.

For a family that loves spending time in nature, this presented a significant challenge.

When Luci was younger, they used a hiking backpack, but as she grew older, options became limited since there really wasn’t anything on the market to help.

“I’m faced with this decision — this crossroads of whether we leave her at home when we go out and do things like that, or we just don’t do that anymore,” Wilde said.

But those options didn’t sit well, as he said, “I thought both options were no good.”

As a determined father and a mechanical engineer, Wilde decided to create a third option: a specialized hiking chair for his daughter.

The process was challenging as he worked in his garage to create something for Luci.

He admitted that at one point, he loaded what he had built into his car in a fit of frustration to take it to the dumpster, but a voice in the back of his head urged him to keep trying.

After multiple prototypes and testing, the family took their invention on its first real adventure.

“We took a little family trip to a national park and took it on its maiden voyage. We went on a 6-mile hike, saw a waterfall, and it was just so magical to be back out there together,” Wilde said.

While he knew there was a need for others, he wasn’t sure exactly how big that need was — until literally five minutes into that first hike, when people started asking about it.

Seeing the potential to help others facing similar challenges, Wilde made a bold decision.

“I left my employment and focused entirely on finishing the development. The benefit of being naive is that you just kind of go for it and figure things out as you go,” Wilde said.

With potential customers lining up, Luci began to play a crucial role in the development process as the “Test Pilot.”

“She has endured some experiences that were not great in figuring out what worked and what didn’t,” Wilde said.

The process of building took a while.

“I probably made about seven different models that were all just slightly different,” he said.

Today, Wilde runs his operation full-time in Logan, Utah, with a workshop cranking out the final version of his design.

Almost all of the custom-designed pieces are sourced from Cache Valley, and 100 percent of it comes from Utah, making the Huckleberry Hiking Wheelchair a uniquely Utah entrepreneurship.

Wilde’s hiking chairs have now helped more than 1,200 children, families, and lives experience the outdoors across 23 countries.

“Their barriers have been broken,” he said. “We’ve learned a lot about how much people hunger to be out there.”

While his invention has grown to help many families worldwide, Wilde’s motivation remains the joy it brings to his daughter.

“She told me the other day, ‘Dad, I’m so glad that we have this,'” Wilde said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity and all the people that have helped make it a reality.”

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