Author: KIFI

News Release

UPDATE Friday, April 11, 2025: (KIFI)— The City of Montpelier said they have lifted the Boil Water Advisory issued earlier this week.

“All water quality tests have come back negative for contaminants, indicating the water is safe to drink and use,” the city posted online. “However, as an added precaution, the City will be conducting additional water sampling in the coming days to ensure continued safety.”

They also said the water system was treated with Chlorine and residents are advised to flush their water lines. They said that is done by turning on your taps and running the water for several minutes.

For any questions or concerns, you can call City Hall at (208) 847-0824.

Previous story:

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM A NEWS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF MONTPELIER.

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI)–A boil order has been issued in Montpelier after E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply.

What should I do? What does this mean?

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

*E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. *

The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water.

What is being done?

The City of Montpelier will be flushing water system and will be testing more frequently. We will inform you when tests show no bacteria are present and you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 48 hours to 72 hours.

For more information, please contact Montpelier City Hall at 208-847-0824. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by bacteria and other disease-causing organisms are available on the EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water Website at https://www.epa gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water.

*Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.*

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1208 Wednesday, directing a major investment to improve Idaho’s foster care system.

“We all agree, children deserve to live carefree lives, free of abuse and neglect,” said Gov. Little in a press release. “We want Idaho’s children to grow up healthy, well adjusted, and safe. Yet, Idaho has struggled to meet the needs of its most vulnerable children — those who end up in the child welfare system. That stops today.”

Senate Bill 1208 directs the investment of $23.2 million and 63 new workers at the Department of Health and Welfare.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, says the legislation requires a significant budget increase; however, the investment would provide support to safely prevent children from entering the foster care system in the first place, which would “decrease costs in the end.”

“We’re going to invest in keeping families whole and positive outcomes up river and spend less money,” said Wintrow.

The move comes after a lack of available foster care created a crisis for state lawmakers, requiring the state Department of Health and Welfare to send 64 children to out-of-state facilities during the 2023 fiscal year, according to an investigative report by CBS affiliate Idaho News 2.

Governor Little has charged DHW Director Alex Adams with improving the state foster system. Since then, DHW has worked to increase the number of foster homes per foster child and partnered with businesses and religious groups to find appropriate foster homes and support Idaho’s foster parents.

“There is no category of children more in need of protection than those in the child welfare system. Through no fault of their own, children in foster care in Idaho face enormous challenges. They need our support, and so do the foster families who step up to care for them, love them, and provide them safety,” Governor Little said.

Travis Richards

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Travel along 25th E. (Hitt Road) has been reopened after a gas leak late Wednesday night.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says late last night, April 9, crews were able to shut down the gas leak. They say crews will be out making repairs today, April 10, but the road is open for travel.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)–A gas leak caused by a vehicle that hit a junction line is affecting traffic at N. 25th E. (Hitt Road) between 49th N. and 81st N. in Idaho Falls.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Fire Department are currently on the scene. They are working with people who live in the immediate area so they can evacuate safely.

The road is expected to be closed through the night, according to BCSO. Impacted natural gas customers can check any service issues directly with Intermountain Gas.

There are no further details available at this time.

Local News 8 will update this story as more info becomes available.

Seth Ratliff

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyoming (KIFI) – Beginning at 8 a.m. On Friday, April 18, 2025, select entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will open for the summer season, weather permitting, as part of the annual spring opening.

Entrances Open on April 18

North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana)

West Entrance (West Yellowstone, Montana)

From either entrance, visitors may access the following destinations:

Mammoth Hot Springs

Lamar Valley

Norris Geyser Basin

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Old Faithful

Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana

Additional roads within the park will open throughout May, weather permitting. Specific routes and directions can be found at Park Roads.

On Saturday, April 19, entrance fees will be waived in celebration of National Park Week.

Plan Ahead

Check the park’s Current Conditions before arrival.

Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for winter conditions. Many trails and boardwalks are still snow-covered this time of year.

Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans.

Delays of up to 30 minutes may occur due to road improvement projects.

Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions and delays in Yellowstone:

Visit Park Roads.

Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information.

Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions).

Expect limited services in spring and come prepared. Visit Operating Dates for area-specific information.

Reduce wait times at park entrances by purchasing a pass online ahead of time.

For additional details, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/yell or download the National Park Service App.  

During Your Visit and Wildlife Safety

Protect yourself and bears. Stay alert, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Use caution when driving and watch for ice, snow and gravel on road surfaces.

Bison, elk, bears, and other wildlife use roads as travel corridors. Roadside snowbanks prevent them from easily moving off the roads. Do not crowd, harass, or push wildlife. Be mindful as wildlife endures this difficult time of the year.

Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. It is your responsibility to maintain safe distances at all times.

Seth Ratliff

Below are the 2025 Easter celebration events going on in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. Although the list is long, it is not complete. If you have information on an event that is not listed, share it with us at https://www.localnews8.com/share, and we will update this page as soon as possible.

IDAHO FALLS – AMMON

Saturday, April 12, 2025

The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Snake River Landing – 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us for the 10th annual FREE easter egg hunt event for the whole family, Saturday, April 12th at Snake River Landing. Age groups will be spread out across much of Snake River Landing by the Waterfront.   Times will be staggered to allow families to travel to the different areas starting with the first hunt at 9:45 am with the 1-2 year-old age group. (See below for all age group times.) With over 25,000 eggs, large egg-hunting zones, thousands of pieces of candy, over 250 prizes for kids, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and truly hidden eggs for older age groups, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt is also adding 10! Golden Anniversary eggs to the area’s. Age groups:1-2 years 9:45 am3-4 years 10:05 am5-6 years 10:25 am7-8 years 10:45 am9-12 years 11:05 am

Camp Hayden Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs – begins at 11:15 a.m. at Snake River LandingThis will cater to individuals with developmental or physical disabilities and their families. There will be an accessible easter egg hunt, sensory games with prizes, yard games, balloon animals, and an All Access Physical Therapy tent, plus the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures and to meet the families. This event is free and open to the public, but we ask that only children with special needs (and their siblings) take part in the Camp Hayden activities. Special Needs Hunt: 11:25 am

“We have been blown away by the support we’ve received from our sponsors, partners, and the local community and how well everything ran last year,” said Amy Smith, Board President of Campy Hayden. “With their support, we will continue to make this a free, annual event in addition to the yearly Adventure Camp and numerous Mobile Adventures we create each year. It is so important to provide opportunities for the special needs community to enjoy experiences that the general population might take for granted and we’re honored to be able to provide this service to the community we serve.”

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Ammon Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at McCowin ParkCome join the fun. Thousands of eggs for different age groups. Candy and prizes! Don’t be late, it goes fast! Children will be divided up by age, up to 2 years, 3 to 5, 6 to 9, and 10 to 12 years.

Find the Easter Bunny, A Downtown Scavenger Hunt – 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Civitan Plaza

ISLAND PARK

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Island Park Community Easter Egg Hunt – 11:00 a.m. at the Island Park Golf Course Clubhouse. This beloved community event invites children ages 2 to 12 to partake in a fun-filled search for thousands of Easter eggs overflowing with candy and exciting prizes. The event also features an opportunity for families to capture memorable moments with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held both indoors and outdoors, ensuring a delightful experience regardless of weather conditions. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and bring their Easter baskets to collect their treasures.

“Each year, the Island Park Community Easter Egg Hunt brings families together to celebrate and enjoy the spirit of the season,” said Patty Bithell, President at Mountain Life Charity. “We look forward to welcoming children and families for a day of fun and joy.”

Island Park Easter Bingo Night – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lodgepole Grill

POCATELLO

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

EggCessible Easter Egg Hunt – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stuart ParkAn Easter Egg Hunt for individuals with special needs, and their families. Hunts include: sensory friendly, wheelchair/walker accessible, hunt for the blind/visually impaired, and general hunts by age group. All hunts have many candy alternatives, so this is a great event for those with dietary restrictions. Free event, but a ticket is required. Tickets will be available starting April 1 at the Portneuf Library and various therapy agencies.

BLACKFOOT

APRIL 14-19

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 623 N 675 E The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites you to bring your family to The Living Christ display that will feature events in Christ’s life, starting with His birth and finishing with His resurrection. You will see a wide-variety of pictures and artwork depicting His life and ministry.

APRIL 20

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 623 N 675 E

FIRTH

APRIL 16-17

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 623 N 675 E

REXBURG

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Community Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at Porter ParkHosted in collaboration with the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rexburg Kiwanis Club, the itself hunt is for ages 0-12 years old. Local businesses continue to support the program by sponsoring bikes for kids!

ASHTON

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Community Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at North Fremont High School

ST. ANTHONY

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Ball Diamonds (weather permitting)Ages 0-12 welcome. Only 0-4 age group can have a basket to gather eggs

SHELLEY

APRIL 14-18

The Living Christ – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 675 South Milton Ave

April 19

The Living Christ – 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 675 South Milton Ave

APRIL 20

The Living Christ – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 675 South Milton Ave

JACKSON, Wyo.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

The Town Square Easter Egg Hunt – 10 a.m. at Jackson Hole Town Square Hop on over to the Jackson Hole Town Square for an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt, presented by Austin O’Bryhim and State Farm Insurance! Join us for a family-friendly event where children can search for colorful eggs throughout the square. Enjoy a day of fun, laughter, and sweet surprises as we celebrate the joys of Easter together.