Author: KIFI

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– The Seventh Grade Bonneville Grid Kid Gold Team donated 104 blankets to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, giving families a little extra warmth and comfort while they spend time at the hospital.

The blanket drive is part of the team’s annual service project, giving the players a chance to make a difference off the field.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at EIRMC says they provide about 60 blankets each month to parents and children who have extended stays at the hospital, so their donation will go a long way.

“Having 104 new blankets to put out for them to choose from is going to be fantastic,” Family Room Manager Lori Priest said, “It’s going to bring a lot of warmth and comfort to families that are at the hospital here.”

For one player, the donation was very close to his heart. Lincoln Braithwaite remembers when his little sister had a ruptured appendix and his family spent time at the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

He remembers the toys and other items that helped brighten a difficult time for his family.

“I was really, really scared,” Braithwaite said, “And seeing her cheer up, it made me feel happy.”

The team’s coaches say the lessons they’re learning extends beyond football.

“These boys are awesome. They’re great young men,” assistant coach Kyler Arave said, “There’s more to life than just winning a football game. It’s about being good young men and being able to serve the community.”

And for the players, they hope to give back to a community that always shows up for them.

“My team and the community is very important to me. It always has been,” player Zedidiah Hansen said.

Their coaches want them to take what they learn on the field into the community.

“Our coach is hoping to get us to be good men, be good to the community, and help others when they need it,” player Rulon Morgan said.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is located at EIRMC’s East Falls Clinic on the south end of the hospital and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Those interested in donating, volunteering or providing a meal can find more information HERE.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Hunting is underway across Idaho, and the season’s early days are already putting people in the woods and on the range. As hunters gear up to bag a buck, hunter safety is the first thing to lock in, and not an afterthought once you’re miles from the truck.

Although not all locations are open for every form of hunting just yet, archery is giving many hunters a solid start.

“Populations for most species are pretty abundant and fairly easy to find,” James Brower, regional communications manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in the Upper Snake region, said. “I’ve already heard of a lot of archery hunters who are having some pretty good success, and finding animals and having fun.”

That early success is exactly when habits matter. Brower and Fish and Game stress the basics that keep hunters and others in the outdoors safe:

Wearing an orange hat or vest (hunter orange is highly recommended in Idaho and required in some upland/pheasant and sponsored-hunt settings) Properly maintaining firearms Sharing your hunting plan Packing emergency essentials

Safety courses are required for many hunting licenses. Even if you already have your license, Brower says it never hurts to brush up on these lessons before heading out.

“We teach a lot about first aid and preparedness, but we do focus on firearm safety,” Brower said. “So make sure that you’re pointing that muzzle in a safe direction. Only shooting at the target that you intend to shoot.”

Children as young as 9 can take the courses and join family hunts once they’re certified and licensed as required.

“That’s one of my favorite things to see is when a 12-year-old boy or girl can look up at mom and dad and say, ‘hey, I learned this in hunter safety class, and we need to point that muzzle in a safe direction at all times, or use the safety or whatever it is’,” Brower said.

For more information on classes, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Teton County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help locating a driver involved in an early-morning hit-and-run along Main Street in Driggs on Wednesday, September 23.

According to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 12:20 a.m. in front of Barrels & Bins Community Market. Investigators say the driver of a white Ford pickup truck, with a white dog in the truck bed, appeared to attempt a burnout before losing control, jumping the curb, and crashing into a street sign and light post.

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses captured the truck sliding sideways into the light pole and sign before the driver fled the scene.

“The truck is expected to have damage to the driver’s side from the impact,” stated TCSO in a social media post.

Anyone who recognizes the truck, knows someone with a matching vehicle, or has information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Teton County Sheriff’s Office.

“And remember,” TCSO added in the post, “burnouts are generally best left to the professionals—and preferably somewhere that doesn’t involve curbs, light posts, or public roadways.”

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Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Rigby man faces felony battery and assault charges after allegedly forcing his 84-year-old neighbor to the ground during an argument involving a dog and a gun.

On Friday, September 25th, Austin Farmer, 43, was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault.

Around 7 p.m. Friday, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 4500 block of East 250 North and detained Farmer at the scene.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the altercation began after the unnamed neighbor reportedly drew a handgun and pointed it at Farmer’s dog. The neighbor later told investigators that the dog had previously bitten him and was acting aggressively toward him at the time.

When Farmer saw the gun pointed at his pet, an argument broke out, and Farmer reportedly forced the elderly man to the ground. Farmer was still yelling, “I will put a bullet in his head over my son and my kids” when deputies were on scene.

Central Fire Ambulance responded to evaluate the neighbor, who was later transported to a local hospital by family members to treat non-life-threatening injuries.

Farmer is set to make his initial appearance in court Monday, September 28th, before Magistrate Judge Trent Belnap.

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Consumer Reports

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIVI) — Recent recalls involving baby food and infant formula have raised new questions about what’s in these products. Consumer Reports recently tested nearly 50 baby foods for heavy metals and other contaminants, and the latest results are more reassuring than they were a few years ago.

When Consumer Reports tested baby and toddler foods in 2018, roughly two-thirds of the products contained potentially harmful levels of at least one heavy metal. This time, the results were much better: 96 percent of the 48 baby foods tested had heavy metal levels below CR’s level of concern.

Consumer Reports’ Jessica Waller says that’s good news, but the products were not completely free of contaminants.

CR tested cereals, purée pouches and jars, puffs, teething biscuits, and juice from 11 brands. Two products had concerning levels of inorganic arsenic that were well above what CR experts say is safe for babies to consume every day.

Phthalates were found in 39 of the 48 products tested, and microplastics were found in all 15 foods CR examined for them.

Consumer Reports contacted all 11 manufacturers about their testing practices and contaminant limits. Nine responded, with some saying their products meet applicable safety standards and undergo regular testing. Earth’s Best and Plum Organics did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Some states now require more transparency around heavy-metal testing, but food safety experts continue to call for stronger federal limits on contaminants in baby food. Waller says making test results public can create accountability and put pressure on manufacturers to reduce contamination.

Health experts also point out that contaminants cannot be completely eliminated from food and water because some occur naturally in the environment, while others come from industrial practices and pollution.

Consumer Reports says parents should continue introducing solid foods and focus on variety. CR recommends limiting rice-based cereals and snacks, rotating root vegetables, and choosing non-plastic packaging when possible.

Consumer Reports’ complete list of products tested and the full results are available below. 

https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-food/baby-foods-heavy-metals-microplastics-testing-a5925463846

FULL RESULTS OF CR’S TESTING:

https://article.images.consumerreports.org/image/upload/v1789567145/prod/content/dam/CRO-images-2026/Babies/Consumer-Reports-Contaminants-in-Baby-Food-Test-Results.pdf

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Seth Ratliff

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A local hunter is safe today after becoming separated from his group in Fremont County over the weekend, leading to a sizable search and rescue response.

Fremont County Search and Rescue (FCSAR) was dispatched around 8:30 p.m. Sunday to assist in locating a hunter who had split up from his partner near Warm River Butte.

Because the missing man did not have a cell phone, FCSAR could not find his exact location via GPS coordinates or a cell ping. With limited information on his last known location, FCSAR immediately launched a ground and air search. Two teams swept the areas west of Warm River Butte, while an Air Idaho Rescue crew conducted a grid search of the surrounding terrain from above.

Fortunately, a breakthrough came later that night around 10:30 p.m. when a separate group of hunters stopped by the search command post. They told FCSAR that while calling elk near Fish Creek Road, roughly three miles west of the main search area, they thought they heard a faint voice shouting in the distance.

FCSAR deployed a team to investigate the tip and found the missing hunter in good condition about an hour later. The hunter told rescuers that once the sun went down, he made the smart decision to stop moving and build a fire to stay warm and visible until help arrived.

“Fremont County Search and Rescue would like to thank the hunters who took the time to report what they believed they had heard. Their information provided an important clue that helped searchers locate the missing hunter,” stated the agency in a press release. ” FCSAR also thanks Air Idaho and all personnel involved in the search for their assistance.”

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Jeff Roper

MONDAY: We’ll start Monday morning on the cooler side, with temperatures in the lower 40s and a few clouds hanging around. There’s a small leftover chance for a shower early, but most of the day stays dry. By late morning, we’re into the 50s, reaching the lower 60s around lunchtime. The afternoon tops out near 67 with partly sunny skies. Winds stay fairly light, so it’s a comfortable day once you get through that cooler start. Monday night, skies clear out and temperatures drop back into the lower 40s.

TUESDAY: A much brighter start. We’ll be in the lower 40s early Tuesday morning, but sunshine gets to work quickly. By 9 AM, we’re around 50, climbing through the 50s and 60s by lunchtime. Expect a sunny afternoon with temperatures topping out around 68. Winds will be light in the morning, becoming a little breezier from the southwest during the afternoon. Tuesday night is clear and cool, with lows around 42.

WEDNESDAY: Another beautiful fall day. We start in the lower 40s with clear skies, then sunshine takes us through the 50s during the morning and into the 60s by midday. By afternoon, we’re pushing toward 70 degrees. It stays sunny and dry through the evening, with temperatures slipping back through the 50s and eventually into the mid-40s overnight.

THURSDAY: More of the same—and that’s a good thing. Sunshine gets us going with temperatures in the 40s, climbing into the 50s by mid-morning and the 60s around lunchtime. We’ll reach the lower 70s during the afternoon, making this another great day for outdoor plans. Thursday night stays mostly clear with lows around 45.

FRIDAY: We finish the workweek with more sunshine and temperatures around 73. It’s a cool start in the mid-40s, but we warm quickly through the morning. By lunchtime, we’re in the 60s, and the afternoon brings those low-70s temperatures. Friday night turns partly cloudy, with temperatures settling back into the mid-40s.

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Danielle Mullenix

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (KIFI) – A potential Major League Baseball game in Grand Teton National Park is drawing attention — and concern — in Jackson Hole after a report that the MLB has approached the Trump administration about building a baseball park inside the national park.

The Washington Post first reported Saturday that MLB officials contacted the administration about the possibility of hosting a game at a national park, similar to the league’s “Field of Dreams” games in Iowa, the “Little League Classic” this year, played inside the Bristol Motor Speedway, and a recent game held at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2024.

According to the Post, sources familiar with the matter said three potential locations inside Grand Teton National Park had been visited by the Trump administration as possible sites for a baseball park.

The White House, however, said no decision has been made and that the National Park Service has not granted any permits.

In a statement to the Post, the White House said MLB had asked whether it was possible to host a game at a national park, but emphasized the idea is not a White House or administration priority.

The White House also disputed the characterization that a National Park Service official was actively scouting locations for MLB, saying the official was on a broader trip to several national parks and that the MLB visit happened to coincide with his time in Grand Teton. ESPN reports this official as National Park Service deputy director Frank Lands.

Local residents react to MLB baseball pitch

The possibility has already sparked large discussion from some Jackson Hole residents and local officials.

Teton County Commissioner Luther Propst told the Washington Post that the federal government had not sought input from the county. He described a baseball park in Grand Teton as a major departure from the traditional purpose of national parks.

Propst later told KHOL that if a baseball field were to be built inside the park, congressional action and county zoning considerations would also come into play.

Joan Anzelmo, a former Grand Teton National Park superintendent and spokesperson, also told KHOL she believes a baseball facility would be inappropriate for the park.

Even some local baseball supporters expressed reservations. George Cartwright, a Jackson Hole Youth Baseball coach, told KHOL that while the Tetons would provide a picturesque backdrop, he believes a large-scale event could leave a significant environmental footprint on the area’s ecosystem.

Conservation groups have raised concerns about the precedent of constructing a sports facility inside a national park.

Betsy Buffington, Northern Rockies regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, told the Post that Grand Teton is irreplaceable and questioned the appropriateness of putting a baseball stadium there.

The National Parks Conservation Association subsequently issued a statement opposing the idea.

“The Department of Interior should reject this idea and publicly say that there will be no baseball stadium in Grand Teton, now or ever.”

Statement by Tiernan Sittenfeld, President and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association

According to the Washington Post, the 2027 MLB schedule is already set, meaning a new specialty game at another location would not take place before 2028.

For now, there is no confirmed MLB game, stadium or permit for Grand Teton National Park.

The issue is expected to receive further attention from local officials as Teton County considers what role, if any, it would have in such a proposal. Teton County Comissioners are expected to discuss the proposal in Monday morning’s comissioner meeting.

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Maile Sipraseuth

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– Families filled the bleachers to cheer on their students as marching bands all the way from from Caldwell, Idaho, to Star Valley, Wyoming, came together at Madison High School in Rexburg for the seventh annual marching band competition and festival.

14 high school marching bands and Boise State University’s Blue Thunder Marching Band participated.

“Kids put in a lot of work and a lot of dedication to their craft. They have to learn the music. They have to memorize their music. Line that music up with their shapes on the field and get that all down,” Band Director at Madison High School, Steve Kingler, said.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

McCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Across the nation, thousands of babies are entered into the “Baby of the Year” competition. The contest offers these babies a chance to earn a cash prize while raising donations for other kids in need through Baby2Baby.

They are halfway through voting, but there are still many in the running, with the winner to be announced in December.

One mother is using this competition to celebrate her little miracle and advocate for many women’s struggles.

Sammy Smith is his mother’s rainbow baby and who she calls her little miracle.

“He’s a miracle in more ways than one,” Keelie Smith said. “Honestly, when I was 20, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Almost died. It was really crazy. I had a germ cell tumor that was roughly the size of a softball when they found it.”

When the tumor was removed, her uterus and one of her ovaries had survived, meaning she could have children. After this experience, she realized she did want children, but she had no idea the struggle that awaited.

“It took two years and six miscarriages before I could get Sammy,” Smith said. “So it was terrible. But we made it through.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one in ten pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen because of random genetic problems that stop the embryo from developing normally. Instead of being able to see the causation, many are quick to look at themselves for the fault.

In a survey by St. Thomas’ Hospital, they found that 82% of families blame themselves when a baby is lost. This leads to extreme feelings of guilt, shame, and alienation due to the stigma around miscarriages.

“That’s the thing about miscarriage is nobody really talks about how normal it actually is and that you can do this,” Smith said. “I think in society women feel responsible for things like that which they’re not, you know. And so it’s hard not to blame yourself or to feel bad about yourself when that stuff starts to happen.”

Keelie feels comfortable to discuss her struggles and experiences because not many would do that for her. She feels miscarriage should be normalized.

“Honestly, not that I am somebody who wants that, per se. But the opportunity to share experiences and to talk openly is is amazing. It feels a little bizarre. I mean, he is a miracle, and I am so proud to have him. So I’m happy to share him with the world.”

Even if Sammy doesn’t win Baby of the Year, he will always be a champion in his mother’s heart.

Here are more Miscarriage resources from the Cleveland Clinic.

And here is a link to the Baby of the Year competition if you are interested in learning more.

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