Author: KIFI

Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The magic of the Christmas Season will come alive once again as the59th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Elk’s Lodge, located at 640 E. Elva Street, from Monday, November 17th, through Friday, November 21st. This Year’s Theme, “A Storybook Christmas,” invites families and friends to step into a world of festive wonder and imagination with heartfelt gratitude and giving.

The Festival of Trees is held at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls on November 18, 2024.

A VIP Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting will open the event at 12:00 Noon on Monday, the 17th, with a special appearance by Santa Claus. All of the donated beautifully decorated Christmas trees, mantelpieces, and door displays will be open for purchase or a silent auction.

Festival guests will also be entertained by a variety of talented local groups and performers, with a new lineup of entertainment posted daily.

Visitors can also visit the Craft Boutique from local artisans, Santa’s Workshop (and Santa), and try the tasty dishes from the famous Festival Café, Fancy Desserts, and Bakery.

This cherished Idaho Falls Tradition welcomes everyone to join in the festivities. There is a nominal entrance fee, and all proceeds will benefit persons with disabilities in the greater Idaho Falls area through the DWI Foundation (Development Workshop Inc.).

DWI is a nonprofit agency with a mission of assisting individuals who have a disability or who aredisadvantaged to recognize and to achieve their chosen level of economic and social independence.

The festival will be open on Monday, the 17th, from noon to 9:00 PM, and from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Friday. Volunteers are welcome and appreciated.

For more information on volunteering and attending, click here. You may also visit the official Festival of Trees Facebook Page here.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – At Mountain View Cemetery, where parents come to remember loved ones, every small token of love matters. So when Meri Sistrunk found the hand-painted gnomes on her 14-year-old son’s grave missing, it felt like losing a piece of him all over again.

Jesse Sistrunk passed away in 2014 at 14 years old. He always had wanted to grow a beard, so the gnomes symbolize him.

“I came out to put out his Thanksgiving decorations, and he had two gnomes sitting out here, Beasty and Ninjy. And when I got out here, all the rest of the decorations were here, but they were gone,” Jesse’s mother, Meri Sistrunk, said.

Jesse’s sister, Sheila King, says the stolen gnomes bring her and her mother heartbreak.

“I don’t think that people realize the emotional impact that stealing from a grave in general, let alone a child’s grave has on grieving parents, or grieving families in general. Obviously, they can’t celebrate holidays or anything with their children in the living world. And this is the little that they can deal with,” King said.

King took to Facebook post in hopes to find someone with information. Other grieving parents from the area said they also experienced gravesite robberies at the Mountain View Cemetery.

Unfortunately, there are no leads, but many supportive comments.

While some families have stopped decorating headstones because of the consistent robberies, Sistrunk will never quit.

“I will never stop until I’m dead. Stop decorating or stop celebrating him,” Sistrunk said.

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Five people from Eastern Idaho have received the 2025 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veteran Service award.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo created the award in 2002 to recognize the invaluable contributions of Idaho veterans, as well as to those who volunteer in service to veterans.

The five East Idaho recipients include: 

From Pocatello:

Eva Ackerman

Cheri Honas

Lynn Leggat

From Idaho Falls

Larry Auman

Allen Arnold

These five make up a total of 10 veterans and 14 volunteers who were honored in local ceremonies across the state.  

“I am honored to recognize these remarkable individuals for their extraordinary service to our nation and Idaho’s veterans,” Crapo wrote in a press release. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans who bravely served our nation with honor and to the volunteers who continue to serve them with unwavering dedication. Their spirit of service inspires us and upholds the values our nation’s veterans fought to protect.” 

About the Recipients

Larry Auman – Idaho Falls

Larry Auman served our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  After six years in the Navy, Larry worked for more than 40 years in the nuclear industry as a health physicist in nuclear power operations at U.S. Department of Energy facilities across the United States, including the Idaho National Laboratory. 

Since retiring, Larry has dedicated considerable time to supporting veterans and various veterans service organizations. An example of his service includes his extensive work to make sure veterans are honored through service recognition on their graves. 

Eva Ackerman – Pocatello

Eva Ackerman volunteers with a number of organizations including the Run to Remember with the Field of Heroes and Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association. She also helps coordinate lunches and dinners held at the Pocatello Memorial Building.

She shared, “I’ve met several veterans who are very good. I love to find the good in people.”

Allen Arnold – Idaho Falls

Allen Arnold has been involved in area veterans activities for more than 20 years.  Al, a U.S. Navy retiree, has participated in more than 1,700 graveside honors for veterans, and served in many capacities in veterans service organizations. He is a leader of the Bonneville Memorial Team and the War Bonnet Round Up American Legion fundraising effort.  He and his late wife were honored as Rodeo Volunteers of the Year. 

 Arnold retired as a Lieutenant in 1990 after more than 25 years and earning many honors for his distinguished service.  He served on a guided missile destroyer, fleet ballistic missile submarine and fast attack submarine and as an instructor and supervisor for training of Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operators at the Naval Reactors Facility in Idaho.

Cheri Honas – Pocatello

Cheri Honas’s military family inspired her to offer six years of service to veterans through the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1.  She helps with immediate, short-term needs and helps coordinate the luncheons and dinners held at the Veterans Memorial Building.

She said, “God looks down on all of us and smiles when he sees us making someone happy.  He especially loves his veterans.”

Lynn Leggat – Pocatello

Lynn Leggat has volunteered helping veterans for the past three years.  Lynn’s husband, William Leggat, served in the U.S. Air Force.  After her husband passed away, Leggat says was guided through prayer to serve veterans.  She started out helping with steak dinners at the American Legion after hearing about a dinner on the radio and showing up to help.

She primarily assists veterans through the American Legion Auxiliary, but also she assists with Amvets and other organizations.  The list of projects Lynn assists with is lengthy and includes assisting with the Field of Heroes Information Booth, 9/11 Commemoration, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Veterans Day Luncheon and Veterans Day Parade. 

Nominating for 2026

To nominate someone for the 2026 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veteran Service award, contact Courtney Lehosit in Crapo’s Boise office at 208-334-1776.

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Max Gershon

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — In a rematch of last year’s semifinal clash, the Rigby Trojans (also known as the Red Devils during the state tournament) hosted the Rocky Mountain Grizzlies under the Friday night lights. Led by the red zone weapon Amani Morelli, Rigby punched their ticket to the state championship with a commanding victory, highlighted by Morelli’s unreal six total touchdowns.

Rigby struck first with an Amani Morelli goal line rush to put the Trojans up 6-0.

Rocky answered fast with 40-yard TD pass to Resean Jones. Grizzlies held their only lead of the game 7-6.

But it didn’t last. Amani Morelli went off with three TDs in the first half and three more in the second. Six total touchdowns for the former Serman Service and Electric Student Athlete of the week.

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Ariel Jensen

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — While the appearance of white caps on the mountains this time of year is usually a familiar sight, many Idaho ski junkies are still waiting for the first significant snowfall of the season. The crucial question for winter enthusiasts remains: What do the current weather conditions mean for the approaching ski season?

Local News 8 reached out to Pomerelle Mountain Resort to get an update, and the news is good: Although Idahoans aren’t seeing snow in lower elevations, the ski season is still right on track. According to spokesperson Gretchen Anderson, there is no delay whatsoever.

“We’re ready. We have our crews hired, and the mountain is looking good. We’re making snow up on the mountain. And, you know, it’s just a matter of Mother Nature and a little bit of snowmaking. We should be able to open Pomerelle.”

Pomerelle is officially targeting a Thanksgiving Week opening. Despite the lack of widespread snowfall, the resort is moving ahead with preparations, including currently hosting ski clinics.

For information on Pomerelle Mountain Resort, visit HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) —  A planned Lifetime movie based on the murders of four University of Idaho college students by Bryan Kohberger has been met with a wave of online backlash. The Idaho community and the victims’ families have strongly denounced the film, arguing it exploits their trauma for commercial gain.

In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, Bryan Kohberger entered an off-campus King Road home near the University of Idaho in Moscow. He brutally stabbed and murdered four students: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Earlier this year, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders in a deal to avoid the death penalty, and he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lifetime Announces “The Idaho Murders”

As originally reported by Deadline, the Lifetime network is adding a new film to its controversial “Ripped From the Headlines” series, with the working title The Idaho Murders. According to IMDb, Miles Merry (Untamed) has been cast in the role of Bryan Kohberger, with a slate of other actors set to portray the victims.

The film’s synopsis, provided by IMDb, states: “After four University of Idaho students are brutally murdered in their off-campus home, detectives race against time to identify the killer, uncovering chilling clues that lead to Bryan Kohberger, a quiet criminology PhD student.”

Victims’ Families Condemn the Film

The announcement of the project was met with immediate and fierce public condemnation. The family of victim Kaylee Goncalves publicly expressed their grief and anger in a deeply emotional post on Facebook.

“With everything that our family has been through, it’s hard to fathom that people are now making a movie,” wrote the Goncalves family. “This is a nightmare for us. We do not want Kaylee being portrayed in a slasher film. They are not characters, they are REAL people. It’s heartbreaking. It’s embarrassing, and Kaylee would not want this. I wish people would just stop.

“Please, we just want it all to stop. I don’t think people realize how hard this is for our family. It’s November 4th. The days are tightening around us. It gets harder and harder to breathe. There’s no relief from the pain, that radiates through your entire body. We are doing our best just to try to get through these days.”

Community Organizes Online Petition to Stop the Film

Shortly after the film was announced, members of the greater Idaho community initiated an online petition to stop the production, accusing Lifetime of exploiting trauma for commercial gain.

Emily Leontiy, the petition’s organizer, argues that creating a film about this tragic event not only disrespects the memory of the victims but also causes immense pain to their families and friends who are still grappling with their loss.

“Turning their harrowing story into a movie risks sensationalizing their deaths and undermines the gravity of the loss experienced by their loved ones and communities,” wrote Leontiy. While Leontiy did not know the victims personally, she writes that the announcement has stirred deep emotions within her community and countless others.

As of Friday, November 14, just one day after the third anniversary of the horrific crime, the petition has already garnered over 14,000 signatures urging Lifetime to cease production immediately. The Goncalves family shared the petition in a separate post, encouraging people to sign.

For more information, click HERE.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Downtown Idaho Falls is about to light up like the scene of a classic holiday film. The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), the Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls inviting the entire community to the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22nd.

“We’re not only lighting up a tree, but we’re also lighting up downtown – the heart of our city,” says Kerry Hammon, Executive Director of the IFDDC. “This is more than an event; it’s a cherished tradition, a perfect evening for making memories with your family and beginning the holiday season with a touch of old-fashioned cheer.”

The festivities kick off at 3:00 PM with the start of complimentary, horse-drawn trolley rides on Memorial Drive, beginning and ending at Civitan Park. Later that afternoon, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Holiday Market will be in full swing, featuring over 100 local vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats.

The evening will culminate with the ever-popular Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6:00 PM at the Broadway Plaza near the corner of Memorial Drive and Broadway. The magnificent Bank of Commerce “Idaho’s Brave” Christmas tree will be the centerpiece of the evening, adorned with beautiful lights and ornaments as a powerful tribute to each branch of the military.

Hammon notes, “We are especially honored to have the ‘Idaho’s Brave’ tree as a way to recognize the profound sacrifice of our service members, including special gold star ornaments for those who died in action.”

The ceremony itself will feature a patriotic tribute, as the Color Guard ceremoniously posts the colors while Carmen Peters, National Guard Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator, sings the National Anthem. Shortly before 6:00 PM, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper will arrive in style aboard the Farr’s Candy antique fire engine to help flip the switch.

When the switch is thrown, Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation will light up the Friendship Gardens and the 20-foot “Idaho’s Brave” tree, the adjacent Friendship Gardens. Thanks to volunteers from Phoenix Rising Community Re-entry Center, the trees along Memorial Drive will also sparkle brightly for the holiday season.

Attendees are encouraged to warm their hands with hot cocoa, take a trolley ride, shop locally, capture a cherished family photo with Santa, and honor Idaho’s military.

In a news release, the IFDDC extended a special thanks to all partners and sponsors who made every element of this event possible, including: The Bank of Commerce, Kiewit, Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls.

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News Team

TREASURE VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — An out-of-state cocaine dealer is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being caught drug trafficking in Idaho.

William Charles Jones, 34, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Thursday, November 13, for distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Following his release, Jones must also serve four years of supervised release.

Court records show Jones was a high-volume cocaine distributor in the Treasure Valley area. Investigators say the 34-year-old would travel to Missouri to purchase several kilos of the drug and have it shipped to himself at a residence in Idaho. He would then distribute the cocaine into the community through several mid-level dealers.

On one occasion, Jones travelled to Canada, purchased two kilos of cocaine, and shipped it tohimself in Idaho, following the same process. However, through the efforts of Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration, that shipment was seized at the U.S./Canadian border.

Following Jones’s indictment, investigators executed a search warrant on his home, uncovering evidence of a trafficking operation. Authorities seized one and a half kilograms of cocaine in brick form, an additional five one-ounce bundles of cocaine, and several psilocybin mushroom bars. They also discovered a dedicated workstation in his garage, complete with a scale, packaging material, and a heat sealer, used to prepare the drugs for distribution. Investigators also found sixteen illegal firearms strategically placed throughout the home.

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the extensive collaborative work of the federal and local law enforcement agencies whose efforts led to Jones’s arrest and conviction. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Falls Power:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — After three years of negotiations with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Idaho Falls city leaders approved a 20-year power supply contract that will continue to keep local electric rates stable and affordable for years to come.

“Idaho Falls Power is a city-owned utility and a tremendous asset to our community. City elected officials always strive to protect our community from the ups and downs of the energy market,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “This contract, paired with our soon-to-be-operational Peaking Plant, gives us the flexibility to adapt to unpredictable energy markets, keep monthly bills low and help meet future energy needs.”

Idaho Falls Power operates four city-owned hydroelectric plants on the Snake River, which generate about one-third of the community’s electricity. Most of the remaining power (approximately 60%) comes from power purchased through BPA, which distributes energy from federally owned dams throughout the Northwest. Any remaining energy needs are purchased on the wholesale energy market.

“Idaho Falls Power has a long history of building on the past to address the needs of the future,” said Stephen Boorman, Interim General Manager of Idaho Falls Power. “Our city’s self-reliance, technical expertise and commitment to public power makes continuing our 60-plus-year business relationship with BPA a wonderful opportunity.”

Based on predicted energy prices and the value of the federal generation resources, Idaho Falls Power estimates that ratepayers will save around $105 million over the life of the contract versus purchasing energy on the open market. Combining this guaranteed energy allocation, with the stability of our existing hydro resources and the recently completed Peaking Plant, IFP has greatly reduced our exposure to volatile market prices.

“For 125 years, Idaho Falls Power has focused on providing customers with power to light our homes and power our economy,” Lisa Burtenshaw City Council president said. “One of our goals has always been to protect ratepayers from unpredictable energy costs, and this agreement along with our newly constructed Peaking Plant, ensures reliable, affordable power for decades.” Idaho Falls Power customers already benefit from some of the lowest electric rates in the country, just over 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the national average.

Idaho Falls Power’s strong financial position, city-owned generation resources and long record of successful operation under past BPA contracts provide a solid foundation for the future. The utility’s ability to manage risk while maintaining dependable service continues to make it one of the most stable and community-focused power providers in the region.

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