Author: KIFI

Curtis Jackson

UPDATE:

MACKAY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Grace man has been arrested in connection with a home invasion and shooting that took place early Tuesday morning in Custer County.

Douglas A. Flagg was taken into custody on August 13 on an outstanding warrant stemming from the August 11 incident in the Mackay area. Flagg has been charged with felony aggravated assault, attempted burglary, and malicious injury to property.

According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a 911 call around 3:16 a.m. on August 11 from a 47-year-old man who reported he had been shot. Deputies responded to the home, while Mackay Ambulance crews staged nearby until the scene was secured.

Flagg was treated at the scene, transported to a nearby hospital for further care, and later released.

Investigators say Flagg was shot while attempting to force his way into the home. Deputies said that Flagg and the homeowner knew each other, but have not released details about their relationship or what led up to the incident.

ORIGINAL:

MACKAY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has released new details about a shooting reported early Tuesday morning, saying an intruder was shot at a home in the Mackay area.

Dispatchers received a call at about 3:16 a.m. on Aug. 11 from a 47-year-old man who reported he had been shot. Deputies responded to the home, while Mackay Ambulance crews staged nearby until the scene was secured.

Investigators say the man was shot while attempting to force entry into the residence. Deputies said the people involved knew each other, but have not released details about their relationship or what led up to the incident.

The man was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital. He was later released.

So far, the sheriff’s office has not made any arrests or announced any charges. Investigators are continuing to look into exactly what happened.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Back-to-school season is in full swing, and many parents are starting to prepare their children for the classroom.

A major factor in back-to-school preparation is ensuring children are up to date on their vaccinations.

With so much already on parents’ back-to-school checklist, access to affordable and convenient vaccines can ease some of the stress. Meeting school vaccine requirements can be as simple as a quick stop at the grocery store.

“It makes it way more convenient for parents with school age kids,” WanNell White, a pharmacist at Fred Meyers in Idaho Falls,said. “You can come get your school supplies, do that kind of thing, and stop and get your vaccines at the same time. And if you’re not sure which vaccines you need, stop and talk to a pharmacist. We actually have the accessibility to look online and see which vaccines you’ve had if they were in Idaho.”

Idaho law requires students attending preschool and grades K-12 of any public, private, or parochial schools to meet the minimum vaccine documentation requirements upon admission.

An overview of vaccination requirements by grade level administered:

Preschool – 6th Grade:

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Polio

Hepatitis A & B

Varicella

7th – 11th Grade

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Booster

Meningococcal (MenACWY)

12th Grade

Meningococcal (MenACWY) follow up

You can find more information about the requirements here.

One of these required vaccinations is going to look a little different. On Monday, President Donald Trump announced an executive order to separate the MMR vaccine into three separate shots.

The announcement was just made this week, so your local Pharmacy may not have changed its vaccinations to this separate order. The MMR is still a safe vaccine for children to receive.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The College of Eastern Idaho is preparing to cut the ribbon on its new Future Tech Building, bringing several of the college’s technology and workforce-focused programs under one roof.

Local News 8 got an early look inside the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building ahead of the ribbon-cutting later this week.

Inside, students will find hands-on learning spaces for programs including cybersecurity, engineering, agriculture technology, energy systems, robotics, and surgical technology.

In the cybersecurity lab, students will be able to build desktop computers from scratch and then use those computers throughout the program.

Agriculture technology is one of the college’s newest programs. The space is designed to give students experience with technology increasingly used in farming, including building and working with robots and drones.

The building also includes “Innovation Alley,” a space equipped with 3D printers and other tools that students and campus clubs can use for projects.

Many of the programs housed in the building are designed around hands-on training that can prepare students to enter the workforce after earning a two-year degree. CEI is also offering a new Associate of Engineering degree designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year university.

The additional space comes as CEI continues to see enrollment growth. The college says its 2026 fall headcount has reached about 1,911 students and is currently 7.7% higher than last year.

While much of the building focuses on STEM and technical education, it will also include traditional classroom space that can accommodate other courses.

The building will also provide additional space for CEI’s surgical technology program. College officials said the program is moving into the building because the school’s existing health care programs have been consistently full.

CEI will hold its ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday at 1 p.m.

Gov. Brad Little and Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner are among the VIP guests expected to participate in the ceremony.

Following the ribbon cutting, CEI President Lori Barber and representatives from Battelle Energy Alliance/INL and Frontier Credit Union are expected to be available for interviews.

Local News 8 will have continuing coverage of the new facility following Thursday’s ribbon cutting.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is one of only two states left in the U.S. without a cat cafe. Shannon Fox and her fiancé are taking the leap of faith and entrepreneur journey of building “Caturdays208” from scratch: a “two spaces, one roof” business that’s half cafe, half lounge with adoptable cats.

The key is to keep the two sides of the new community destination separate, but cohesive. Fox ensured that no cat hair would be in the food or drinks. Rather, the cats will be in a separate lounge section of the establishment. Customers will be able to enjoy food or drinks from the cafe and interact with adoptable cats.

“It allows a really great partnership with other animal rescue services to provide more spaces for cats, so that way our community can help navigate the overpopulation problems,” Fox said.

She added the inspiration for Caturdays208 came from understanding many people want to interact with animals regularly, but don’t have the capacity to own them. With a background in social work, Fox also said animals are excellent for mental health.

“I want to build a grounding business versus a consumption based business,” she explained. “That means having people come to a place where they can kind of center themselves, have some fun, interact with animals and reduce their stress.”

Pocatello is also known for being a college town, home to thousands of students at Idaho State University. Fox says this makes Pocatello the perfect home for a cat cafe, with many students unable to have their own animals nearby, the cafe will provide a comfortable space to regularly care for cats without the responsibilities of being a pet owner.

Currently, Fox and her team are in the beginning stages of the establishment– looking for the perfect space to transform into the cat cafe. She said they’re aiming for somewhere in between the ISU campus and the historic downtown district. They also have begun raising awareness and funds via their website and social medias.

“We’re currently in the fundraising stage as well, with a three-pronged approach,” Fox said. “We have a Go Fund Me going right now and everyone who donates gets a little free gift. We want to respect everyone who contributes to this idea. Crowdfunding is huge for us.”

Caturdays208 is also selling merch like T-shirts, available on their website to help fund their new business. They’re also running a Kickstarter, a program where donations are accepted for a certain amount of time or it goes back to the donators.

“You must reach the goal that you set for your campaign or else you don’t get any of the funding, so that’s a pretty critical campaign for us,” Fox said. The Kickstarter will begin in September, with a goal of all three fundraising tactics to bring in between $40,000 and $50,000.

Fox also said that Caturdays208 will have reservations and walk-ins available to see the cats. People who want to interact with specific cats or have extended, secure time with the animals can book an appointment in advance. If a customer wants to adopt a cat, Fox said they’ll be working closely with their community partners’ regulations to give the kittens forever homes.

“We want to be an asset to the community instead of creating anything that would harm the rescues currently,” she said.

Caturdays208 is partnering with the Pocatello Animal Services shelter as well as other local rescues to make the cat cafe a reality in the coming months. Fox said they hope to have the lease on a space secured by October, with a grand opening in January 2027.

“The best way to help now is just share and spread the word,” Fox said. “We’re looking to see our merch pop up everywhere as soon as possible and get funds through presale. Just jumping on our website or socials, it’s been really fun to see all the comments and see how excited people are about the idea.”

To donate to Caturdays208 and be part of the original group of supporters for Idaho’s first cat cafe, visit their website at Caturdays208.com. To donate to the GoFundMe, visit gofund.me/base.wall.moon.

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Curtis Jackson

MACKAY, Idaho (KIFI) – Another bat has tested positive for rabies in Idaho.

Eastern Idaho Public Health reported on Wednesday that a bat found in Mackay tested positive for the virus. Southeast Idaho Public Health reported in May, a bat tested positive in Bannock County.

Health officials say bats carrying rabies are detected throughout Idaho each year, and Eastern Idaho typically records at least one rabid bat every season. While most bats are harmless and do not carry rabies, they are the only natural reservoir for the virus in Idaho.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect humans and animals. Pets and other animals can become exposed after interacting with sick or injured bats that are no longer able to fly normally. Because of this risk, EIPH is encouraging pet owners to keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations up to date.

“Bat bites or scratches can be very hard to see; they may not cause pain or leave blood,” said Jordan Adam, epidemiologist with Eastern Idaho Public Health. “If you know or suspect that you came into contact with a bat, call your health care provider immediately. Rabies is fatal once symptoms start, but the vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing rabies infection.”

 To protect yourself and your pets, EIPH offers the following tips: 

Do not touch a bat with your bare hands. If you have had contact with a bat or wake up to find a bat in your room, seek medical advice immediately. The teeth of a bat are very small, and people are sometimes bitten in their sleep without feeling it. Any bat found in a home should be tested for rabies if there is any suspicion that an exposure to a person or pet might have occurred. 

Parents should teach their children to avoid bats, never bring them to school for show and-tell, and to let an adult know if they find one. 

If you or your pet has had contact or may have had contact with a bat, save it in a non-breakable container if it is alive, or sealed and double-bagged in clear plastic bags. Only do this while wearing thick gloves. Call EIPH at (208) 533-3152 to determine whether testing the bat for rabies is indicated. If it is determined that you or your pet may be at risk of exposure to rabies, testing the bat is a free service. 

Rabies is deadly for pets, too. Always vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses— even indoor pets could be exposed to rabies if a bat gets into a home. 

Bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging all holes in the siding and maintaining tight fitting screens on windows. For information about bat proofing your home, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/management/index.html.

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Maile Sipraseuth

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI)– A new affordable housing project is taking shape in Teton Valley, with construction underway on 175 Front Street in downtown Driggs. The project aims to bridge the gap in a community where average housing costs are nearly three times what typical residents can afford.

“We’re becoming a place where people come to spend their money more than make their money, which means that folks that work in our community are finding it harder and harder to live in our community,” Jerod Pfeffer, Executive Director of Teton Valley Housing, said.

175 Front Street is being developed through a collaborative effort involving Teton Valley Housing, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and other local partners.

Once completed, the building will provide 23 apartments for households earning between 40-80% of the area median income.

Pfeffer says the need for affordable housing in the valley is significant. Housing costs in Driggs are about three times the median income, making it difficult for many local workers to afford to live in the community where they work, leading them to live farther away and commute.

“What I hear is that it’s getting harder and harder all the time. They’re driving further to access their job,” Pfeffer said. “The trend lines here are that housing is becoming more expensive. It’s becoming a larger share of household income for people, and it’s getting more and more challenging to make ends meet while working and living in Teton Valley. “

Teton Valley Housing launched its first affordable housing unit, Depot Square, three years ago. Recently, residents moved into an affordable housing unit in Jackson. Local leaders view the projects as the beginning of more affordable housing across the valley.

“Our goal is really to keep these, as a housing authority, to keep these units permanently affordable. So not just the first family, but the family after that and then after that,” Pfeffer said.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) is reminding people to ensure they and their children are up to date on vaccinations as newly diagnosed cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, increase across southeastern Idaho.

Pertussis is highly contagious and spread through the air from an infected person by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Health officials say Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that becomes progressively worse over 1-2 weeks. Adults and children with pertussis can develop intense coughing fits accompanied by shortness of breath, vomiting, and a “whooping” noise when they inhale.

Health officials stress that anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, especially infants and young children, should seek medical attention immediately.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent pertussis. Children should receive the DTaP vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, again at 15-18 months, and between ages 4 and 6. Adolescents and adults should receive a Tdap booster at ages 11-12 and a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years thereafter. Because pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women are encouraged to receive a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy.

For more information, contact your health care provider or Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 208-233-9080.

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Stephanie Lucas

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Months after a fire burned the beloved Baker Country Market to the ground, the store is officially reopening its doors.

The scene at the market today is starkly different from the February 21st fire that destroyed the popular Lemhi County landmark.

The cause of the fire was ruled an accident, sparked by wind-driven embers.

Plans to rebuild were announced by the Miller family, who own the store, and the local Amish community.

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. 

This Friday, August 14th, the new Baker Country Market officially opens to customers.

Regular hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. The store will be closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

Join Local News 8 next Monday as we take a closer look inside the new and improved local landmark.

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Curtis Jackson

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI)— Fire crews quickly put out a field fire in the Gibson area of Fort Hall Indian Reservation on Wednesday.

According to Watch Duty, the fire began around 10:45 a.m. in a field along Ferry Butte Road between North Bannock Road and US 91.

The fire threatened nearby homes, prompting evacuations. The fire was under control by 12:30 p.m. and burned around 30 acres. No structures were damaged, and no one was injured.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

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Curtis Jackson

UPDATE: According to the Madison County Sherriff’s office April Jensen has been found.

We’ll have more information as it becomes available.

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s office is looking for a woman who has been missing since Monday.

A poster shared on social media sites says April Jensen, 53, was last seen by her family on Sunday evening at her home in Rexburg. She was also seen leaving her work at the Maverik store in Rigby around 3 p.m. on August 10, 2026.

They believe she may be in a gold colored 2004 Chevy Trailblazer with license plate number ID 1M D149U

If you have any information, or have seen April, you’re asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 208-372-5000.

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