Governor Little visits Power County to celebrate ongoing American Falls Dam rehabilitation project

Sam Ross

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little visited the American Falls Dam on Monday to celebrate the ongoing Spillway Rehabilitation Project, one of 90 projects across the state planned to modernize Idaho’s water infrastructure.

The Idaho Water Resource Board approved $56 million for water infrastructure repair projects across the state in 2023. Updates to the American Falls Dam include repairing aged components on spillways, fixing leaks in service gates, and replacing intake gates to the adjacent Idaho Power plant.

“We are making great progress as we strengthen the resiliency of our water system, which everybody knows is the lifeblood of the state of Idaho,” said Governor Little in his address on Monday. “This dam, which is one of the workhorses of the upper Snake [River] system, with 1.6 million acre feet of storage for farmers, ranchers, cities, industry, is critically important.”

The American Falls Dam and Reservoir are used primarily for irrigation of the over 62,000 acres of farmland served by the American Falls Reservoir District.

The Spillway Rehabilitation project is projected to cost $24 million, $12.5 million in funding will come from the Idaho Water Resource Board’s ARPA funds approved for infrastructure improvement, and the project is expected to be completed in fall 2032.

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I-15 lane reductions begin Tuesday near Blackfoot for paving project

Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will reduce traffic on Interstate 15 between Rose/Firth Exit 98 and one mile north of West Blackfoot Exit 93 down to one lane in each direction. This closure will be in place as ITD works to repave and reconstruct the southbound lanes, fixing rutting and potholes that have impacted driving conditions.

For the duration of the project, traffic in both directions will be shifted onto the northbound side of I-15 to allow crews to safely and efficiently work on the southbound roadway.

The project is expected to continue until mid-August. For the latest updates on project detours and impacts, click HERE.

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Staying hydrated this summer

Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, IDAHO (KIFI) — Staying hydrated is essential year-round, but it becomes even more crucial during the summer when long days leave you feeling depleted.

Proper hydration supports everything from energy and focus to muscle function and recovery, especially for active people.

Registered dietitian Amy Goodson said, “It’s actually easier than you think to become dehydrated. That can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and even lightheaded.”

Goodson said this matters especially for kids and older adults who may not realize they are getting depleted.

“The good news is that drinking adequate fluid can help with both focus and recovery,” Goodson said.

Besides water, Goodson says that 100% orange juice is a great way to stay hydrated this summer. It’s 90% water and contains electrolytes like potassium, which help maintain fluid balance and replenish fluids.

Another option to stay hydrated is to consume fruit. According to the Mayo Clinic, watermelon is 92% water and is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Strawberries are also packed with water and Vitamin C. Cantaloupe is 90% water with 2 grams of fiber per cup. Tomatoes are 94% water with vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants, according to Healthline.

For more hydration tips and recipes, click HERE.

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Summer allergies: What causes them and how to beat them

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Summer allergies are upon us, and tree and grass pollen are some of the main allergens to look out for.

Allergies are caused when a person is exposed to an allergen like pollen, dust, pet dander, or foods. The immune system identifies the allergens as harmful substances, then produces an antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E).

IgE makes the body release chemicals like histamine, which leads to allergy symptoms. These symptoms can be mild (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes) to severe (hives, anaphylaxis). The level of allergic reactions differs from person to person.

There are ways you can lessen your exposure to seasonal allergens. You can keep your windows closed and make sure your air filters are clean so they can catch dust and pollen. You can also shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside.

People can often fight seasonal allergies by taking medications like antihistamines. If over-the-counter medications don’t help, talk with a doctor or allergist.

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Motor Vu drive-in briefly halts showing after small fire Saturday

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Everyone is safe after a fire at Motor Vu Drive-In over the weekend. Motor Vu staff had to pause the movie early Saturday morning after a small kitchen fire broke out during the showing of How to Train Your Dragon.

Motor Vu says that the fire department responded quickly and was able to give the all clear. Business was back to normal for Saturday and Sunday night showings.

Motor Vu posted on Facebook that they were proud of their team and grateful to loyal customers who stuck with them. 

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One dead, one in custody, after Salt Lake City “No Kings” protest shooting

News Team

SALT LAKE, Utah (KIFI) — Salt Lake City police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened during Saturday night’s “No Kings” protest.

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, a Utah resident who investigators believe was a bystander, was shot at the demonstration. Despite life-saving efforts from SWAT medics and Salt Lake City Fire, Ah Loo died at an area hospital, according to a report by the Idaho Capital Sun.

Officers arrested 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who had an AR-15-style rifle and a gas mask and was injured in the incident. But police say he wasn’t the shooter.

According to a report by our Fox affiliate, Fox 13 Salt Lake City, 2 armed men wearing neon vests, identified as peacekeepers, noticed Gamboa separate from the crowd, go behind a wall, and prepare the rifle. The men confronted Gamboa, but he reportedly raised his weapon and ran into the crowd.

One of the peacekeepers opened fire, hitting both Gamboa and the victim, Ah Loo.

Gamboa was arrested and is reportedly facing a felony murder charge. The two ‘peacekeepers’ are reportedly cooperating with the investigation and have not been arrested.

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Idaho Falls Police capture ‘armed and dangerous:’ stabbing suspect

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The person of interest in connection with a Madison County stabbing incident has been arrested by police in Idaho Falls, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Daytona “Tony” Travis

IFPD spokesperson Jessica Clements says their officers received a report this morning that Daytona “Tony” Travis’s truck had been spotted on 16th Street in Idaho Falls. IFPD officers found and surrounded Travis after surveilling the area and were able to arrest him without incident.

ORIGINAL:

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Daytona “Tony” Travis, a person of interest in connection with a stabbing that occurred Sunday afternoon on West Highway 33.

Travis was last seen leaving the area in a white Ford F-150 pickup truck, traveling in an unknown direction. He is considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information regarding Daytona “Tony” Travis’s whereabouts, immediately contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 372-5001.

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Caregivers are needing support

Kailey Galaviz

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Many Americans are, or at some point will become, family caretakers. But as Edward Jones has found, caregivers are facing financial, emotional and career impacts due to a lack of support or resources.

A new study from Edward Jones shows 50% of caregivers have had to cut back on personal spending, 25% have quit their jobs, 24% scaled back their work hours and 16% are using their personal retirement savings just to keep up. Overall, 95% are concerned about how caregiving will affect their ability to retire.

But there are resources available. Click the video to find out what is out there.

For more information and support, visit the Edward Jones caregiving website.

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Idaho State Police investigating crash after driver goes off Perrine Bridge

News Team

(The following information is from an Idaho State Police press release)

JEROME COUNTY, Idaho – A person is dead after driving off the Perrine Bridge on US Highway 93 near milepost 50.

The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon.

Idaho State Police troopers located a green pickup that had gone off the bridge and hit multiple surfaces as it fell into the canyon.

The involved pickup was a green 1995 Ford Ranger.

Investigating troopers are asking for the public’s help. If anyone witnessed the crash or has video footage of the incident, please contact ISP District 4 at (208) 324-6000 and reference Case Number T25000717.

The Jerome County Coroner’s Office took custody of the deceased. They will release the individual’s identity, as well as the cause and manner of death, once the next of kin has been notified and their investigation concludes.

Jerome County Sheriff’s Office and the Twin Falls Police Department responded to assist.

The roadway is open for normal traffic.

This crash remains under investigation, and further information will be released as it becomes available.

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Dads visit the zoo with their kids on Father’s Day

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Many people are celebrating fathers across the country, including here in Eastern Idaho.

Hundreds of people went to the Idaho Falls Zoo, where dads got to visit for only $0.50 with a regular paid child’s ticket.

Some fathers told us they were taking their kids to the zoo for the first time. They said they loved seeing how much their children enjoyed seeing the animals.

Most fathers in the mammal world are absent and leave raising the children to the mothers. However, there are a rare few mammal fathers who step up and help raise the kids.

Male wolves are known to provide food and protection for the pack, including the pups.

Male silverback gorillas often protect their children, let them sleep in their nests, and care for their kids when the mothers are absent.

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