Author: KIFI

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – One Idaho Falls woman is paying it forward after her transformational journey from a broken life in the criminal justice system to a business owner helping others build up their lives.

Stephanie Taylor-Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Wellness & Recovery – Idaho Falls’ newest counseling agency – shared her story at a “Recover Out Loud” event Saturday to inspire others.

“16 years ago, I walked out of an Idaho prison with a 17-year sentence hanging over my head and absolutely no idea what my future would hold,” she said.

On that bleak day, Taylor-Thompson could never imagine how many lives she would be helping less than two decades later.

“When I walked through those gates, I had no idea, no home to return to, almost nothing to my name, and no understanding of how I was supposed to rebuild a life that felt shattered beyond repair,” she said.

Taylor-Thompson says the burden of fear and guilt was suffocating.

“I carried the weight of my past everywhere I went – the consequences of my choices, the pain of what had been done to me, and the shame of what I had done to others,” Taylor-Thompson recalled. “I couldn’t imagine a future bigger than my criminal record.”

But with the help of mentors, a counselor, and two pardons from two Idaho governors, Stephanie rebuilt her life, determined to lift the lives of others.

16 years later, she is working towards a Ph.D. and opening a new business.

Cornerstone Wellness and Recovery, located at 522 Lomax Street, held its grand opening Friday.

To those fighting addictions and fears, Cornerstone offers a beacon of hope and a promising future.

“I believed my worst chapters had already been written, the ending of my story. But God had another story for my life,” she added.

Now she and Cornerstone owner Jeremy Manwaring share their personal struggles overcoming addiction to inspire, provide treatment, and extend hope to others.

“I’m a person in long-term recovery, and so I’ve walked the path,” Manwaring said. “It’s difficult at times.”

Their efforts are helping bring addiction out of darkness into the light of recovery in our community.

Idaho’s drug overdose rate increased 46 percent from 2012 to 2024, according to Idaho State Police.

Cornerstone is helping bridge the gap between individuals seeking help and a better life.

At a ribbon cutting Friday, Taylor-Thompson thanked those who believed in her and gave her another chance that she’s now passing on to others.

“I share my lived experience with them, and say, ‘Hey, you know what? I have walked the same path that you’ve been on,’” she told Local News 8.

Cornerstone offers individual and group therapy, youth and family services, substance use treatment, housing, peer support, case management, recovery coaching, and more.

“What we’re trying to offer is just a handout and help up at some of the darkest times that people pass through when they’re in active use and active addiction,” Manwaring said.

At ‘Recover Out Loud’ on Saturday, Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw encouraged people to be real about their struggles, saying people should not be defined by their worst moments.

“We think we know somebody. We think we know something about somebody. But it is out of context,” Burtenshaw said. “When you put their whole context together, that’s what’s priceless. Where have they been? Where are they right now? Where will they be? That’s what makes somebody priceless, is because they have an entire story.”

The message is that with faith, support, hard work, and perseverance, addiction and despair can be overcome.

“Anything is possible. Recovery is possible,” Taylor-Thompson said. “Your past does not define who you are.”

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Kaelyn Blessinger

BAKER, Idaho (KIFI) — The beloved Baker Country Market has risen from the ashes after a tragic fire destroyed the popular landmark earlier this year.

The store has been a part of the staple of the community for over a decade, with various Amish goods and beloved products. But on February 21st, the local staple was ripped away. The cause of the fire was ruled an accident, sparked by wind-driven embers.

The loss was truly felt by the Salmon community and those who cherished the store, and left the future uncertain.

“It was pretty traumatic. I wasn’t sure what the future was at that point,” store owner Paul Miller reflected. “I guess you always wonder what God’s trying to tell you. And then we just took some time to make the decision. Talk with different people.”

“I’ve got more friends than I ever knew I had”

Paul Miller leans next to freshly grown produce as he restocks the Backer Country Market.

That loss didn’t last long, however, as the Miller family and the local Amish community announced plans to rebuild and the broader community banded together to rebuild their community treasure.

Volunteers poured in from across the region to offer a helping hand. By April, dozens of volunteers finished the structure’s frame. When it came time for the roof, they had it on in a matter of hours.

“I feel very, very blessed,” Store Owner Paul Miller said. “I’ve got more friends than I ever knew I had. The community has been very, very, very, very supportive. Way beyond what we deserve. Let’s put it that way.”

The Millers have been blown away by the support. Still finding it hard to believe their store, which was ashes just six months ago, is fully operational once again.

“It was pretty traumatic. I wasn’t sure what the future was at that point,” Paul said. “I guess you always wonder what God’s trying to tell you. And then we just took some time to make the decision. Talk with different people. But yeah, there was help all through the whole project. There was plenty of help. We’re just blessed with the community. The eastern Idaho community has blessed us beyond what words can describe. Thank you.”

Today, the scene at the market is truly transformed. The store’s reopening had long lines stretching out the door, not just to buy goods but to say hello to a rebuilt friend. Visitors can once again browse the shelves and endless aisles of pickles, explore handmade goods, and enjoy beloved fresh bakery treats like their famous fry pies.

“It’s just a place where friends get together from many different beliefs, denominations,” Paul said. “Everyone is welcome. We want to make it a comfortable place for everybody.”

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Heads up, Idaho Falls Drivers! There is some new summer road work that you want to know about ahead of your daily commute this week. Drivers across Idaho Falls should expect lane closures, restricted parking, and traffic delays as contractors begin a citywide chip-seal project.

HK Contractors began chip-seal work Monday, Aug. 17, on streets throughout the city, including several major arterial roads. The project is expected to continue in phases and is anticipated to be completed in September.

The city says the work schedule may change depending on weather, equipment availability and other factors.

But exactly is a chip seal treatment? During active construction, drivers can expect crews to:

Clean the roadway (leading to loose gravel)

Apply a chip seal

Remove excess chips

Apply a fog seal

On-street parking will also be restricted in areas where crews are working.

Idaho Falls Streets Affected:

The chip-seal work will generally follow this order, although the schedule is subject to change:

Holmes Avenue and 1st Street

22nd Street, 23rd Street, 24th Street, Lee Avenue, Emerson Avenue, Jennie Lee Drive, Mojave Street and St. Clair Road

Resilient Lane, Radiant Drive, Autumn Lane, Sandpiper Way, Sand Springs Road, Palm Springs Drive, Boardwalk Road, Dune Village Way, Glass Mountain Boulevard, Beach Park Drive, Sand Castle Place, Desert Peak Drive and Providence Drive

Skyline Drive and Lindsay Boulevard

Broken Stone Way, Hideout Drive, Cold Springs Drive, Loscha Street, Palisade Drive, Galena Summit Drive and Columbia Street

Montezuma Street, Chapelle Avenue, Crispin Drive, Edna Street, Wyndham Street, South 8th West, South 9th West and Adeline Court

Pancheri Drive and Old Butte Road

Woodruff Avenue and Utah Avenue

Lindsay Boulevard and Riverside Drive

Fremont Avenue and Cypress Creek

Grassy Hill, Lake Ridge, Rock Hollow Lane, Eaglewood Drive, Sage Lakes Boulevard, Rock Hill Lane, Rockland Drive, Saddle Rock Lane and Pevero Drive

Lincoln Road

The city has an interactive GIS map showing road construction projects throughout Idaho Falls.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down around construction zones, watch for crews and equipment, follow posted traffic-control devices and allow extra travel time.

Get road construction alerts

The City of Idaho Falls offers free text alerts for upcoming road work and traffic impacts.

Residents can sign up by texting RoadsIF to 38276.

The city says the chip-seal project is part of its ongoing effort to extend the life of existing roadways and reduce the need for more expensive future repairs.

The city is asking drivers to be patient as crews work throughout Idaho Falls over the coming weeks.

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Abi Martin

UPDATE:

TETON COUNTY, Wyo. (KIFI) — A juvenile was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries late Monday night, August 17, following a two-vehicle crash on Teton Pass.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 9 p.m. on Wyoming Highway 22. Initial emergency calls reported a massive multi-vehicle collision involving five vehicles—including a commercial tanker truck—along with a major fuel spill, people trapped in cars, and multiple injuries.

Fortunately, when troopers arrived on the scene, WHP troopers determined the initial reports were exaggerated.

Investigators confirmed the crash involved only two vehicles: a passenger car and an RV pulling a trailer. A minor fuel leak was contained at the scene.

However, a juvenile passenger of the motorhome was airlifted with serious injuries.

According to the group Teton Valley Weather, the Pass was reopened around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, after being blocked for several hours. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details.

ORIGINAL:

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – A multiple-vehicle crash shut down Teton Pass on Monday Night.

According to Idaho 511, drivers are being asked to consider alternative routes. The estimated opening of the pass is unknown at this time.

This is a developing story.

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Par Kermani

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Students in the Blackfoot School District will begin observing a daily 60-second moment of silence under a new Idaho law taking effect in public schools across the state.

Blackfoot School District Superintendent Brian Kress notified parents and guardians of the change in an update posted by the district.

According to Kress, House Bill 623, passed during the 2026 legislative session, requires all Idaho K-12 public schools to observe a moment of silence lasting at least 60 seconds each school day.

RELATED: Local schools brace themselves for new mandatory moment of silence law

Blackfoot schools will hold the one-minute period at or near the beginning of the school day.

“The goal of this new law is to provide students with a quiet moment to prepare mentally for the day ahead,” Kress wrote.

Students can choose how to use the time, including sitting quietly, reflecting, meditating or praying, as long as the activity is silent and does not disrupt others.

School employees will supervise students during the moment of silence but are not allowed to direct students on what to think about or how to spend the time.

Students will also be expected to remain quiet and respect other students during the 60-second period. Kress said disruptive behavior will be handled through normal classroom management procedures.

The district said the law also requires schools to notify families about the change and encourage parents to discuss it with their children.

“Since our educators cannot give guidance on how to spend this time, we encourage you to talk with your child(ren) about how they can best use this time of silent reflection,” Kress wrote.

Additional information about the policy is available through the “Superintendent Updates” section of the Blackfoot School District’s website.

Kress said the district is no longer including direct links in some emails because of concerns about phishing and artificial intelligence-generated attacks impersonating district communications.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general are taking Meta to trial over allegations the company designed Facebook and Instagram in ways that encouraged compulsive use among children and teens.

The states allege Meta knowingly designed features intended to keep young users on its platforms longer while misleading parents and the public about potential risks.

“Protecting children in Idaho is one of the most important responsibilities of my office,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Meta deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young, developing minds while misleading parents about the dangers of its platforms. Meta put profits ahead of the well-being of children, and we intend to hold the company fully accountable.” 

The coalition originally filed the lawsuit in October 2023 following a multiyear nationwide investigation.

According to the attorneys general, Meta allegedly designed its platforms to exploit vulnerabilities among younger users and encourage compulsive use. The lawsuit also claims the company knew about potential harms to children and teens but failed to adequately warn users and parents.

The states further allege Meta collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent, in violation of the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

Meta has challenged portions of the case in court.

In 2025, a judge rejected the company’s attempt to dismiss key claims involving allegedly addictive platform design and failure to warn users about potential risks.

The company later sought to stop the case from proceeding to trial after another court ruling in June 2026, but both the district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected those requests.

The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.

The states are asking the court to order Meta to stop practices they allege are unlawful and comply with laws protecting children and consumers. They are also seeking monetary penalties and other relief available under federal and state law.

Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are leading the trial, with support from Idaho and more than two dozen other states.

Meta has not been found liable. The allegations are being litigated in federal court.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses is warning licensees about scammers impersonating the agency or professional licensing boards.

DOPL says scammers may contact licensees by phone, email or other methods while claiming to be investigators with the division. In some cases, scammers tell licensees they are under investigation for illegal activity and threaten to suspend or revoke their professional license.

The agency says scammers may also claim federal agencies or law enforcement are involved and ask for sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, payment information or other identifying details.

DOPL says licensees should be especially cautious of unexpected messages that ask them to provide personal information, make a payment, click a link or take immediate action.

According to the agency, DOPL will not initiate contact with a licensee to request sensitive personal information.

The division also warns that professional license numbers are public information, meaning scammers may use a real license number in an attempt to make a fraudulent call or message appear legitimate.

DOPL recommends licensees avoid providing personal or financial information in response to unexpected communications and not click links or open attachments in suspicious messages.

Anyone unsure whether a communication is legitimate should end the call or message and contact DOPL directly using information listed on the agency’s official website.

Licensees can also verify their license or registration information through DOPL’s online services.

DOPL’s main office can be reached at 208-334-3233 or dopl@dopl.idaho.gov.

The agency also encourages anyone targeted by a scam to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public after a person was found dead Tuesday afternoon at Guns N Gear.

Police spokeswoman Jessica Clements told Local News 8 officers responded to the business at 1315 South Utah Avenue around 3:30 p.m.

Clements said the death appears to be a suicide.

Police have not released the identity of the person or any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Back-to-school shopping is in full swing, and the cost of getting students ready for the new school year is adding up for families.

A study shows that back-to-school costs are up 8% this year.

Using a D-91 school supply list for a kindergartner, Local News 8 compared prices at Target and Walmart.

For one student, the school supplies alone came to about $70.

That total includes basic classroom items such as notebooks, crayons, markers and other supplies.

It does not include other back-to-school expenses such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, classroom donations, school fees or extracurricular activities.

Families looking to save may want to compare prices between stores, shop sales and check what supplies they already have at home before buying new items.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little has appointed Judge Jason Scott to serve on the Idaho Supreme Court.

Scott will fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice Richard Bevan, effective Oct. 30.

“Judge Scott has dedicated his career to the law and to serving the people of Idaho,” Little said. “His experience as a practicing attorney and a district judge gives him a strong understanding of both the courtroom and the broader legal system.”

Scott is an Idaho native and earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from Idaho State University. After passing the CPA examination, he attended Duke University School of Law and earned his law degree in 1997.

After law school, Scott returned to Idaho and clerked for a U.S. District Judge.

He later spent about 15 years at Hawley Troxell, including seven years as a partner. His practice focused primarily on civil litigation and business-related disputes.

Scott was appointed a District Judge in Idaho’s Fourth Judicial District in 2014. He is chambered in Ada County and also serves as the presiding district judge in Valley County.

“For twelve years, I’ve given my all to serving the people of Idaho as a district judge,” Scott said. “I’m grateful to Governor Little for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue in public service as a justice of the Idaho Supreme Court.”

Scott said he looks forward to working with his new colleagues and deciding cases with care and fidelity to the law.

The Idaho Supreme Court recently selected Justice Robyn Brody to serve as chief justice after Bevan retires.

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