Author: KIFI

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Mummies of the World exhibit is wrapping up this weekend after an exhilarating seven-month run at the Museum of Idaho.

Nearly 50,000 guests have visited the museum so far to see mummified bodies of people and animals from across the globe. 

“This exhibit is incredible for the community because it’s one of the largest exhibits the Museum of Idaho has ever brought,” said Camille Thomas, the museum’s director of marketing.

The exhibit takes guests through 4,500 of history, showcasing mummies embalmed both by man and nature.

“We have mummies from every continent,” Thomas added. “We have mummies from Peru, which really surprised me. We have ancient Egyptian mummies, mummies from Europe, and even one from the U.S. that was mummified in 1994 for science.”

The body of one-year-old Johannes Vac was mummified naturally in a crypt, after the baby likely died of ‘white fever’ or tuberculosis.

The exhibit includes a family of three from Hungary, who likely died from tuberculosis, and German mummies preserved in a vault.

Across the ocean in Peru, people were mummified in baskets so they could be carried around during rituals, Thomas explained.

Many people are also surprised by the Burns display, she said, which showcases the work of a Scottish doctor who mummified human medical specimens for research.

Idaho Falls is one of the exhibit’s final stops in its 16-year tour across America. 

You can catch a final glimpse from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday. After closing, the mummies will leave forever and make one final trip to an exhibition in Los Angeles.

For more information, visit museumofidaho.org.

MUMAB, an American mummy preserved in 1994 using Egyptian techniques, is displayed at the Museum of Idaho.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A man is facing two felony counts of battery on an officer after deputies say he became violent with first responders following a suspected drunk driving crash just after midnight on New Year’s.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Brian Lovell said deputies and Idaho Falls Fire responded to an injury crash at the intersection of South Holmes Avenue and 49th South on the south side of Idaho Falls shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day.

Two vehicles were involved. Investigators say one driver failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the collision. That driver was identified as Colby Clark, who showed “a lot of signs of intoxication” and other impairment, according to Lovell.

Lovell said Clark quickly became belligerent with deputies and fire personnel at the scene.

“At one point, [he] spit in one of our deputies’ face,” Lovell said.

Clark was detained, placed in an ambulance and taken to a hospital for medical clearance. While there, deputies obtained a warrant for a blood draw to determine his level of intoxication in connection with the crash.

Lovell said Clark continued to struggle with hospital staff and deputies and at one point bit a deputy on the arm.

“He actually bit one of our deputies on the arm,” Lovell said. 

Clark was booked on two counts of felony battery on an officer, Lovell said. Potential charges related to driving under the influence are pending the results of the blood test.

Despite the crash and confrontation, injuries were minor.

Lovell said the occupants of the other vehicle were evaluated and released at the scene.

“Overall, there weren’t any significant injuries to anybody, which is very lucky,” he said, noting that crashes involving alcohol often result in serious or fatal injuries.

The deputy who was bitten and the deputy who was spat on were checked after the incident and were able to finish their shifts. Lovell said the bite did not break the skin.

Possible penalties for the felony charges will depend on the judge and any additional charges that may follow the DUI investigation, Lovell said. In Idaho, felony convictions can carry fines and a year or more in state prison, along with the possibility of probation.

Lovell said the incident is a reminder of holiday safety messages from law enforcement about not driving while intoxicated.

“Luckily no one was killed or seriously injured,” he said. “But a crash did happen, there were injuries, and there were behavior issues as well that had to be dealt with.”

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Curtis Jackson

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct a typo.

AFTON, Wyo. (KIFI)— An Afton man was killed following a snowmobile accident.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said a call for help came in around 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Sheriff Shane Johnson said the accident happened near the LaBarge Guard Station. He said it’s unknown what caused the accident, but it was not an avalanche.

The man was identified as Jaram Arnold, 46. The Lincoln County Coroner will investigate the cause of death.

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Curtis Jackson

A man is recovering after being hit by an SUV in Pocatello.

Pocatello Police said the man was hit while walking along West Quinn Road and Sunny Brook Drive around 5:30 p.m. January 1, 2026.

Officers said the man was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries, but is expected to live.

The driver of the SUV was cited.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls continues to say good-bye to a beloved landmark.

Demolition of the 89-year-old water tower starts next week.

City officials say the change is necessary to plan for the area’s growth.

“So we have contractors who will be on site on Monday, and they will spend a few days getting the site prepped, putting up fencing, setting up their crane,” said Kimberly Felker, spokeswoman for the City of Idaho Falls. “Then on Friday, they will begin work to actually start bringing the tower down. Most of the tower will be brought down using a crane, and they’ll work from the top of the tower down to the bottom.”

The project is expected to extend into February.

Local News 8 spoke with multiple residents about their reaction to the former tower’s demolition.

“I think it just signifies growth in the town, which a lot of people may not like, but a lot of people view as a good thing,” said Ed Roberts, a resident of Idaho Falls.

His friend Nick Rogers agreed.

“I’ve lived in Idaho Falls my entire life and not very far from the water tower. I used to go down and see it daily, and it’s going to be kind of a new thing,” Rogers said. “I’m coming in to see new things in my life, and I’m actually really glad to see new things for this town.”

Rylan Veselka said the tower has served as a beacon ever since he was a young boy going to visit the Idaho Falls Public Library.

“I’m a little sad about it, but I understand why it needs to come down, so, you know, can’t be too sad,” he said.

The city’s new water tower has double the capacity of the former one – carrying 1 million gallons of water, according to a city press release.

The tower helps pressurize multiple wells and provides a reservoir of water for firefighting and power outages.

The red, white and blue Idaho Falls Water Tower has dominated the skyline for decades.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Flu season is here, and Idaho is experiencing some of the nation’s highest flu activity in the nation.

The CDC’s latest surveillance map places Idaho among the states with elevated case numbers. Local reports of flu activity are increasing, driven partly by a variant that has been dubbed by news sites and social media as the “super flu.”

According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, that variant of the Flu is known for spreading quickly and efficiently .

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials emphasized that annual vaccination remains the most effective defense against the virus.

Despite the rise in cases, the Department of Health and Welfare is urging residents to follow standard precautions to curb the spread of all viruses. These reminders are especially critical as people resume their normal routines after holiday gatherings.

To support overall health and prevent viral transmission, officials recommend the following:

Vaccination: Get a flu vaccine every year if you have not already done so.

Hygiene: Wash hands frequently.

Avoidance: Avoid people who are sick.

Isolation: Stay home when you are ill to prevent spreading viruses to others.

Wellness: Get enough sleep, eat nutritious food and stay hydrated.

The CDC typically sees the national peak of influenza activity between December and February. This season, the high activity levels are being reported early in the new year.

To learn more

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) – It’s a new day, a new year, and a new you. That’s the mindset for many people on January 1. When picking a New Year’s resolution, many choose to live a healthier lifestyle as their goal.

“Start now instead of later. It’s a great way to put that first step in,” said Isaac Luna, membership coordinator at Gold’s Gym. “It’s a really good way to break the ice and feel uncomfortable. You’re supposed to feel uncomfortable to improve. Change is scary, but that’s the best part of the journey.”

Local News 8 spoke with gym trainers at Gold’s Gym in Idaho Falls. They tell us that every year, people want to lose weight. This year, they have noticed more people are setting a goal to build muscle and get stronger.

It’s commonly known that people tend to fall short of their New Year’s goals. Gym trainers suggest including a friend in your goal-making to help you stay on track. 

“So the biggest thing for me is accountability, right? So I myself, I even have a coach, said John Morton, personal trainer at Gold’s Gym. “I’m doing bodybuilding, and he keeps me accountable. So the best thing that I have to offer for somebody else is find somebody to keep you accountable. That’ll help you the most.”

There’s also helpful information about setting healthy lifestyle goals on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website. They suggest setting realistic goals, focusing on small, consistent steps. They also recommend prioritizing mental health along with physical health. 

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Danielle Mullenix

Welcome to 2026!

For New Year’s Day, we’ll continue to see scattered snow and rain showers throughout the day. This comes after a dry, cooler end to the final days of 2025. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible with high temperatures in the mid to upper 30’s. There is a tiny window for freezing rain and drizzle at the leading edge of rainfall on Thursday afternoon. We could get a quick blast of snowfall, then mix with freezing rain throughout the day.

Light rain and snow will spread north on New Year’s Day. Little to no impacts from snowfall are expected. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch is possible for the Snake River Plain. Light winds are expected throughout the day, with winds only reaching 5 mph. Rain and snow will continue into the later hours of Thursday night, with a low temperature of around 30°.

It will be mostly cloudy on Friday, with a few spots of rain and snow. Temperatures will remain mild and above average for this time of year, with a high near 40°. A bit windy, with southwest winds around 10-15 mph, gusts as high as 20 mph.

There is a chance of rain and snow for late Saturday. High temperatures will climb into the mid-40s for the Snake River Plain. More scattered rain and mountain snow for Sunday as highs once again reach the 40’s.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The New Year has arrived – and with it a flurry of resolutions to power goal-setters toward healthier, better lives.

From relationship goals to spending more time with loved ones, getting out of debt to going on a dream vacation – people throughout eastern Idaho are taking charge and implementing plans for self-improvement as we all push aside the holiday junk food and tackle real issues to enhance our lives.

Here are a smattering of resolutions from your friends and neighbors in the greater Idaho Falls region.

“For 2026, I’m planning on finishing my master’s degree and starting to be a teacher for preschool,” said Idaho Falls resident Ann Caruso.

Idaho Falls High School Math Teacher Sharon Oliver is focusing on incremental improvements in her personal life.

“Personal organization, taking time for friends, taking time for relaxation and health, then just making the most of every day,” she said.

Todd DeVries, a local clinical therapist / social worker, is reaching out to friends for a European vacation.

“I’m excited because I have a trip to Vienna planned, and my New Year’s resolution is to intentionally have more fun this year,” DeVries said.

Local resident Rick Whittaker is starting January off with a brisk jaunt.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get 25 pounds off. So I’m here with my dog right now, just kind of getting started walking,” he said.

Rigby residents Melanie and Kennedy Sullivan set multiple objectives for the coming year.

“I’m trying to find the goals for the five F’s – which is faith, family, finances, fitness, and friends,” Melanie said.

Her daughter Kennedy is prepping for a Color Run at Utah State.

Norman Southworth said he’s hoping to enjoy his retirement and stay healthy.

“I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I usually just fix problems as they come along,” Southworth said.

Finally, Desiree Nason emphasized personal care.

“My main New Year’s resolution is to get my mind healthy,” she said. “So focus on myself, don’t worry about saying no if it upsets other people, and just being able to live my life and be happy.”

All these resolutions may spark additional ideas for ways you can improve this year.

Idaho Falls area residents share their New Year’s resolutions along the River Walk.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Guests at the Idaho Falls Snow Park are in for a wild ride this winter.

The popular snow tubing park is open for the New Year in Bone, Idaho.

Dozens of people flew down steep slopes, caught air on a massive jump and enjoyed full winter fun on ice-packed snow at the grand opening on Wednesday.

In spite of warmer temperatures, the owner says the manmade snow is here to stay at the careening snow park east of Idaho Falls.

“We’re making snow so you can make memories,” said Jamie Rhoda, Idaho Falls Snow Park owner. “What we want to do is have you guys come out to have a good time. Whether we have snow or not, as long as the weather’s cold enough, we make the snow so you guys can come out and enjoy it.”

The park is in its fourth year and features three tube runs that stretch 1200 feet downhill.

Local News 8 reporter David Pace flies into the air on the ‘Big Jump’ at the Idaho Falls Snow Park.

“We provide tubes, bathrooms, parking, conveyor magic carpet ride, and then we have fire pits, indoor/outdoor seating,” Rhoda said. “So all you have to do is show up in your winter clothes.”

A four-hour session on the hill costs $15.

“What I like about the ski hill is that, sometimes you go flying and sometimes you don’t, but it’s still a little fun,” said snowtuber Ila Echler.

The Jackson family, from Idaho Falls, spent the entire afternoon with friends and family.

“I think my favorite part is when all of us link together and you just start spinning,”  said snow tuber extraordinaire Tyler Jackson.

With a major jump, the park promises plenty of surprises.

“When you’re, like, at the bottom, it sprays you in the face,” Carina Jackson said. “And also, I like going in a group.”

The park is located at 207 Bone Road, Iona, and will be open for the rest of Christmas break and all winter long.

For tickets, operating hours, and more information visit IdahoFallsSnowPark.com.

A line of snow tubers rides the magic carpet to the top of the hill at Wednesday’s grand opening.

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