Author: KIFI

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Arts Council:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Long-time Idaho Falls Arts Council Executive Director Brandi Newton, who brought prominence to the Willard Arts Center, Colonial Theater and ARTitorium on Broadway during her 12 years at the post, will redirect her attention by joining The Bank of Commerce in Idaho Falls.

Newton, who is well known in the Idaho Falls community for championing musical, theatrical, and educational events for Eastern Idaho, will be a natural fit at The Bank of Commerce, which prides itself as a community bank. Newton, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Idaho, will take on the role of Vice President, Director of Marketing at the financial institution.

“Brandi has left an indelible mark not just at the Idaho Falls Arts Council, but within the arts and entertainment scene in Idaho Falls,” said Jason Littlefield, Chairman of the Board for the Arts Council. “To say she’ll be missed is an understatement, but I know the talents she’ll bring to The Bank of Commerce will be such an asset to the employees and customers of the bank.”

Mike Morrison, President and CEO of The Bank of Commerce, agrees. “Brandi brings so much to our organization,” he said. “She ran a successful non-profit, was loved by patrons and business leaders alike, and most importantly, she has a passion for serving her community. Those are the types of traits that make her a perfect fit for our staff”. 

Littlefield said a search will begin immediately for Newton’s successor. The board hopes to name a permanent replacement by this fall.

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News Release

The following is a press release from Yellowstone National Park:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY –  Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect Aug. 12 in Yellowstone National Park due to the VERY HIGH fire danger level.

Stage 1 fire restrictions

Frontcountry and developed areas

Prohibited: Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle, single-family dwelling, developed campground, day-use picnic area, or within a 3-foot diameter area that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Permitted: Campfires in designated fire rings in frontcountry developed campgrounds (Madison, Mammoth, Slough Creek, Tower Fall, Canyon, Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Grant Village and Bridge Bay) and day-use picnic areas. All campfires must be attended. Charcoal and ash must be soaked, stirred, extinguished, and cold to the touch prior to leaving a campfire unattended. Soak, stir, feel, repeat.

Permitted: Self-contained gas and charcoal grills.

Permitted: Stoves and lanterns that use pressurized liquid, jellied petroleum, or gas fuel, and fully enclosed, sheep-herder type stoves with a ¼-inch spark-arrestor screen in areas which are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

Backcountry and trails

Prohibited: Charcoal and wood campfires in the backcountry, including those in established fire rings.

Permitted: Stoves and lanterns that use pressurized liquid, jellied petroleum, or gas fuel, and fully enclosed, sheep-herder type stoves with a ¼-inch spark-arrestor screen in areas which are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

Permitted: Smoking only in areas adjacent to the provided fire ring in designated campsites or within a 3-foot-diameter area barren of all flammable material. Smokers must ensure that all cigarette butts are extinguished.

Always prohibited

Discharging fireworks or firearms

Using explosives or pyrotechnic devices

Abandoning or failing to attend a campfire

Driving vehicles off-road

Smoking in thermal areas and all posted and designated areas such as trails

Wood campfires at the Fishing Bridge RV Park, Shoshone Lake backcountry campsites or any backcountry campsite without a rock or metal fire ring to contain the spread of the fire

Negligently starting a wildland fire may result in fines and/or imprisonment. Stay informed about current fire activity in Yellowstone.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — It was all hands on duck at Development Workshop, Inc. as they cleaned all the ducks from this weekend’s annual Duck Race.

The workers with disabilities worked with DWI to get the ducks clean and ready to be sent off for their next race. All 30,000 ducks were checked, cleaned, and thrown out if they were broken.

The employees look forward to preparing the ducks for the race and cleaning them afterwards each year.

“When they’re not working on different projects, we have sewing, we have assembly packaging, and we do some injection molding products,” said DWI Sales and Marketing Manager, Glenn Guzman. “When they’re not working on those types of things, they love coming out. They will look forward to the ducks. This is like their favorite project for the year.”

The annual Duck Race was held Saturday, August 9. The rubber ducks were poured into the Snake River. Big prizes were given to people who paid for the first ten ducks to reach the finish line.

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News Team

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Over the next 3 weeks, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) maintenance crews are set to begin work on various sections of Wyoming State Highway 22, the Teton Pass. Beginning today, August 11, crews will be cleaning ditches and performing various maintenance work during the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM Monday through Thursday for the rest of the month.

Commuters should anticipate lane closures, flagger-controlled traffic, and short delays during these times. No work is planned for weekends.

WYDOT is also reminding drivers that this schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. For the latest information on road conditions and the project schedule, visit WYDOT 511.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The City of Idaho Falls has released its proposed Budget Book for the upcoming fiscal year, providing residents with a detailed and accessible overview of how city funds will be allocated.

“The Budget Book offers a clear and comprehensive look at how property taxes, fees and other revenues are invested to support essential services, programs and growth,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “This document reflects careful planning and collaboration to ensure a balanced budget that benefits our community.”

The not-to-exceed preliminary budget totals $389.6 million, funding 11 city departments, key services such as Idaho Falls Power, public safety, the airport and several capital projects. Approximately $52 million, about 16% of the total, is funded through property taxes, with the remainder generated from utilities, fees, savings, grants and other sources.

This year’s proposed budget maintains a strong focus on public safety, with investments in personnel and infrastructure to keep pace with community growth. The budget also reflects a disciplined, fiscally responsible approach, prioritizing core services while carefully planning for future needs.

A public hearing to discuss the proposed budget is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14 in the City Council Chambers at 680 Park Ave. The hearing provides an opportunity for residents to learn more and share their comments before the City Council adopts the final budget on Aug. 28.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with managing public funds,” Casper added. “This budget is built to be both fiscally responsible and forward-looking — supporting the services people depend on today while preparing to meet the needs of tomorrow.”

Residents are encouraged to review the Budget Book, now available online, to better understand how city resources are managed.

2025-07-31 Draft Proposed Annual Budget-Reduced SizeDownload

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News Release

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

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license!  Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing 6500 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during August.  Fish on!

Idaho Fish and Game is stocking 6500 rainbows in various southeast Idaho fisheries this month.

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

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 which is managed by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.  There are 52 single units, 3 double units with 3 group sites, and an amphitheater.  It is open from May through September.  

Montpelier Creek – 1,000 rainbow trout.  Only a couple of miles from Montpelier, anglers can enjoy good creek fishing and a variety of camping options at the Montpelier Creel 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 half-mile north up Crow Creek Road to Montpelier Reservoir. 

Upper Kelly Park Pond – 500 rainbow trout.  This great little fishery is located in Arthur Kelly Park in Soda Springs.  Access to the upper pond is via an easy quarter-mile hiking trail beginning at the parking lot.  This fishery provides fun fishing for anglers of all ages in a pretty setting all summer long.

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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News Team

NAMPA, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) is actively searching for Justin Wallis, a 36-year-old man who walked away from the Nampa Community Reentry Center. He was last seen at a job site in Nampa at 6 a.m. this morning.

Wallis is described as:

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Weight: Approximately 170 pounds

Eyes: Blue

Hair: Brown

Last seen wearing: A black hoodie and tan pants

Wallis has a record that includes burglary convictions in Ada County. He was scheduled to be released from his sentence on January 6, 2026.

If you have any information regarding Justin Wallis’s whereabouts, IDOC is asking you not to approach him. Instead, immediately contact 911 or submit a tip directly to the Idaho Department of Corrections website.

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News Team

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Steven Matthew Hardee of Shelley has been convicted of two felony counts of lewd conduct with a minor child and now faces two potential life sentences. A jury found Hardee guilty after a trial on August 7, 2025, announced Bingham County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney W. Oliver Wimbish.

Details of the Case

Initial booking photo 2024: Steven Matthew Hardee

According to court documents, the charges stem from an incident on the evening of March 17, 2024. A person, identified as a “reporting party,” discovered Hardee alone with a 10-year-old relative in the main bedroom of their home. The child’s pants were reportedly around her ankles. When the 911 caller asked the child if Hardee had done anything sexual, the child nodded yes.

Hardee was arrested on April 17, 2024, after an investigation by the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. At the time, he was 34 years old. He will remain in the custody of the Bingham County Jail until his sentencing.

Sentencing and Potential Penalties

Hardee is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Darren Simpson on September 29, 2025, at the Bingham County Courthouse. He faces a number of penalties, including:

Up to two life sentences

A fine of up to $50,000

Mandatory registration as a sex offender

Prosecutor’s Statement

Wimbish thanked several individuals and agencies involved in the case for their roles in the conviction. “The process of a jury trial is truly a team effort,” he said in a press release. He specifically acknowledged the work of Bingham County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives for providing “strong and admissible evidence,” as well as victim-witness coordinators for supporting the child. He also thanked Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley and Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hart for their assistance.

Steven Matthew Hardee, 2025. Courtesy: Bingham County Sheriff

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News Team

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — Beginning this week, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is shifting traffic on U.S. 20 onto the new overpass bridge at the South St. Anthony Exit 334 as the new interchange project nears completion.

Previously, drivers were routed onto the ramps while the bridge was being built, with a reduced speed limit of 35 mph. Now, traffic will flow on the main U.S. 20 lanes, though a reduced work zone speed will still be in effect.

During this shift, the South St. Anthony ramps will remain closed so crews can finish work on 400 North underneath U.S. 20. Workers and equipment will still be present on site, so ITD is urging drivers to stay aware and be cautious.

ITD anticipates the project will wrap up later this summer. Once complete, the ramps and turning movements onto 400 North will be open.

For updates on this and other projects, you can check the Idaho 511 app or at 511.idaho.gov.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 11 AUG 25 12:35 ET

By Garrett Behanna

Click here for updates on this story

CLAIRTON, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — Multiple people have been injured after a reported explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton plant on Monday.

First responders were alerted to the incident just before 11 a.m.

Sources relayed to KDKA-TV that the explosion occurred inside the “reversing room” of the 13/15 battery. The room acts as a mechanical regulator, making sure the coal bakes evenly in the oven.

Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a brief statement on social media, saying his administration is actively in touch with officials in Clairton. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police have offered assistance.

Sen. John Fetterman (D) also issued a statement on the explosion.

“My team and I are tracking this explosion and waiting for more information. For those in the area, please listen to local officials and avoid the area,” Sen. Fetterman said. “Keeping those injured and all who are impacted in my thoughts right now.”

The Allegheny County Health Department has responded to the scene and is monitoring air quality.

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