Author: KIFI

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Just because there’s no snow on the road doesn’t mean that plow operators aren’t on the roadways. Normally, this time of year, Local News 8 warns drivers to be vigilant on icy roads, as snowplow crashes are pretty common.

This year, the Idaho transportation department is taking advantage of the lack of snow. They are working on things like asphalt repair, guardrail repair, and tree removal. ITD is still asking drivers to look out for crews on the roadways.

“So this winter, as you’re driving, I guess just be more cautious of those traffic control devices in places that you might not typically expect to see them for January and February, but at least that means we are getting caught up and making sure that the road is as good as it can be all year long,” said Sky Buffat Public Information Officer for the Idaho Transportation Department.

Just because it has been a mild winter, Buffat says they are prepared for weather changes and will adjust their crew schedule accordingly. 

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Stephanie Lucas

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments today to determine whether Parental Choice Tax Credits, a program that provides public funds to families for non-public education expenses, are constitutional.

Lawyers representing the Idaho Education Association (IEA) and the Moscow School District argue that it drains resources from Idaho’s public school system. On the other side, supporters say the bill simply returns tax dollars to families choosing to use options outside of the system.

In today’s hearing, lawyers for the Idaho Education Association and the Moscow School District asked the Supreme Court to block the credit.

“The clear meaning we believe under the dictates of the constitution is that any time public moneys are being funneled to private enterprise, even if it is an impermissible funding,” argued Marvin M. Smith, attorney for the plaintiff.

The defense maintains that Article One, Section 9 of the Idaho Constitution does not impose a limit on the legislature.

“All the text requires is that the legislature establish and maintain a thorough system of public schools. And nobody here today disputes that it’s done that,” said Deputy Solicitor General Michael Zarian.”That should be the end of the analysis.”

Program Details and Impact

The program, established by House Bill 93, was signed into law by Governor Brad Little on February 27, 2025. According to HB 93’s statement of purpose, the program allows parents and guardians to receive up to 5-thousand dollars per student for “non-public school related expenses and up to 75-hundred for students with disabilities. 

Since taking effect, over 46-hundred families have applied for the tax credit

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State leaders and fire service professionals from across Idaho gathered at the State Capitol in Boise on Jan. 20, 2026, as Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week, reinforcing a statewide commitment to prevention-focused public safety. Idaho Falls Fire Department Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett attended the proclamation signing in support of these statewide efforts, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to applying Community Risk Reduction principles locally.

The proclamation underscores Idaho’s emphasis on prevention, preparedness, and coordinated public safety efforts and supports the work of the Idaho Community Risk Reduction group, led by Meridian Fire Department community risk reduction manager Carly Shears.

During the ceremony, Shears outlined the intent and purpose of Community Risk Reduction and emphasized the importance of proactive, data-informed strategies to reduce risk before emergencies occur.

“Community Risk Reduction is the process fire departments use to identify risk before tragedy occurs and to take intentional action to reduce it,” Shears said. “As Idaho continues to grow, Community Risk Reduction provides the strategic framework and mindset shift from reactive to proactive.”

This year’s Community Risk Reduction message focuses on the five Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response. Together, these elements form a comprehensive approach that ensures prevention efforts are not isolated programs, but coordinated strategies that reduce risk before, during, and after emergencies.

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, bringing increased call volume, higher population density, expanding development, and growing wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface. At the same time, fire departments are facing staffing and budget limitations while emergencies become more frequent, complex, and severe. Community Risk Reduction provides a framework for addressing these challenges through collaboration, planning, and prevention.

This recognition by Gov. Little reinforces Community Risk Reduction as a foundational element of modern fire service work statewide. In Idaho Falls, that commitment is carried out through the Fire Prevention team, which applies data-driven strategies to reduce risk and help protect the community before emergencies occur.

Additional information and resources related to Community Risk Reduction Week are available at crrweek.org.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25:

POCATELLO, IDAHO – At its January regular meeting, the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees conducted its annual reorganization and elected officers to serve for the year.

The Board elected the following officers:

Raymond Knoff, Chair

Deanna Judy, Vice Chair

Megan Furniss, Assistant Treasurer

Heather Clarke, Assistant Clerk

Jim Facer, Member

In addition to officer elections, the Board approved committee assignments for 2026:

Calendar Committee: Heather Clarke, Megan Furniss

CIP/Long Range Planning Committee: Raymond Knoff, Deanna Judy

District Curriculum Committee: Raymond Knoff, Megan Furniss

Textbook Adoption Committee: Deanna Judy, Raymond Knoff

Raymond Knoff Elected Board Chair

Raymond Knoff, who was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2023, was selected by his fellow trustees to serve as Board Chair. As chair, Knoff plans to focus on fiscal responsibility and long-range budgeting with careful consideration of the state’s current budget shortfall. Additional priorities include addressing the impacts of state and federal unfunded mandates—particularly in special education—and guiding thoughtful discussion around the role artificial intelligence will play in classroom instruction and educational choice.

Knoff brings extensive experience in education, technology, and district-level administration to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education in Technology Education from the University of Idaho and completed his student teaching at Moscow Middle School. His professional background includes serving ten years as a District Technology Coordinator in Oregon, serving both the Umatilla School District and the West Linn/Wilsonville School District.

In addition to district leadership experience, Knoff has taught at Blue Mountain Community College in Hermiston, Oregon, and served as an instructor for Idaho S.T.A.R. Motorcycle Rider Safety. He previously held Idaho high school teaching certifications in Industrial Arts, Technology Education, Mathematics, and Physics, as well as vocational certification earned through his years of district-level service.

About the Board of Trustees

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the school district. The Board’s authority is established by the Idaho State Constitution, state statutes, and regulations of the Idaho State Board of Education. Authority is granted to the Board as a whole, not to individual members. Trustees are locally elected officials who serve four-year terms, while the Superintendent of Schools, Douglas Howell, oversees the district’s day-to-day operations.

More information about the Board of Trustees and PCSD 25 leadership is available at www.sd25.us/district/board.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Today marks a historic milestone for the region’s airwaves. January 23, 2026, officially marks the 65th anniversary of KIFI Local News 8, celebrating over six decades of dedicated service to southeast Idaho and western Wyoming.

Local News 8 Day

In honor of this achievement, Idaho Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed January 23, 2026, as “KIFI Local News 8 Day.” The declaration honors the station’s unwavering commitment to excellence in broadcast journalism, providing essential coverage in news, weather, and sports.

Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw also provided a local proclamation, inviting residents to recognize the station’s “long history of impactful service and continued essential contributions informing generations past, present, and future across our community.”

Pioneering the Airwaves

KIFI first aired on January 23, 1961, as an NBC affiliate. At the time, the station broadcast at 316,000 watts, making it the most powerful television station in the state of Idaho. For its first 44 years, KIFI-TV was owned by the Brady family, the longtime publishers of The Post Register.

Our station’s history and legacy have been defined by several “firsts” and major transitions for the region.

1962: Local News 8 became the first station in Idaho to broadcast a live remote sporting event, telecasting a basketball game from Reed Gym at Idaho State University.

1967: KIFI led the way again by becoming the first Idaho station to transition to color broadcasting.

Looking Ahead: A Year-Long Celebration of Local Storytelling

While today is about looking back, the celebration is just beginning. Throughout 2026, Local News 8 will feature a series of special reports reflecting on the people, places, and pivotal stories that have shaped our station and Southeast Idaho over the last 65 years. Join us on Thursday nights throughout 2026 for our special celebratory coverage.

KIFI Local News 8 Day 2026_260120_103133Download

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho political community is mourning the loss of a former state representative and historian. Linden Bart Bateman, of Idaho Falls, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the Lincoln Court Retirement Community. He was 85 years old.

Bateman’s career in the Idaho Legislature spanned nearly two decades across two different eras, serving from 1977 to 1986 and returning to the Statehouse from 2010 to 2016.

A native of Salt Lake City, Bateman’s path to the legislature was rooted in education. After studying political science at Brigham Young University, he spent years teaching high school history and government. He later shared his expertise as a supervisor of student teachers at BYU-Idaho.

Beyond the halls of the Capitol, Bateman was a founding member of the Bonneville County Historical Society and took part in forming that county’s history museum.

Tributes from State Leaders

Governor Little released a statement on the former legislator’s passing, saying: 

“Linden Bateman was a close friend of mine and a true statesman. Linden was passionate about Idaho history and played a key role in establishing March 4 as Idaho Day. He listened thoughtfully, led with principle, and always sought to do what is right. Idaho is better because of his work, and his legacy of character and public service will not be forgotten.”  — Governor Brad Little.

The Republican Party of Bonneville County also paid tribute to Bateman’s influence on the region, noting his “genuine care for people” and his commitment to conservative principles.

“Linden dedicated his life to education, public service, and preserving the history and values that make our community strong. His love for Idaho’s heritage, his commitment to conservative principles, and his genuine care for people leaves a lasting mark on our county and our state.” — Bonneville County Republican Party.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield reflected on Bateman’s significant contributions to Idaho’s educational communities.

“Linden Bateman dedicated his life to public service, education, and preserving Idaho’s history. As both a longtime educator and former member of the Idaho Legislature, he brought a deep respect for learning into every role he held.

Linden understood the value of passing knowledge from one generation to the next. His advocacy for the teaching of cursive writing reflected his belief that students benefit from understanding where we have been as they prepare for where they are going.

Idaho’s educational community is stronger because of his contributions, and his legacy will continue to be felt in classrooms across our state. On behalf of the Idaho Department of Education, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were impacted by his life and service.” – Superintendent Debbie Critchfield

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – This weekend, outdoor enthusiasts and film lovers have the incredibly unique opportunity to experience the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival – a celebration of adventures on the big screen.

Happening at the Colonial Theatre in downtown Idaho Falls, the international film festival is bringing a collection of independent outdoor films that have traveled to thousands of communities worldwide.

The festival, which originated in Banff, Alberta, is known for its breathtaking cinematography and storytelling, showcasing extreme sports and environmental journeys set against some of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes.

Here in Idaho Falls, film lovers will have three nights of films beginning at 7 pm from January 23-25th, with each evening featuring a different lineup.

Tickets are still available for the weekend’s schedule, offering locals a chance to see some of the most compelling adventure filmmaking, sure to make an outdoor enthusiast out of people of all ages.

To purchase tickets and view the film festival’s weekend lineup, visit the Idaho Falls Arts Council’s website page here.

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David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Rats and rodents were front and center at a public hearing today in Boise.

As reports of a rat infestation in the Treasure Valley flood the media, Ada County Director of Weed & Pest Abatement Adam Schroeder said the county is not currently authorized to target the rat population, nor have they been named an invasive species.

He played video of rats crawling around inside a home in northwest Boise.

“It’s very alarming when, you know, you can walk outside somebody’s house and see rats crawling inside there,” Schroeder said. “We have detected Norway and roof rats, rising public sentiment is that these populations are increasing.”

The reported spread is concerning as both species can carry potentially deadly pathogens.

“Both species have the ability to harbor nasty and devastating diseases, including hantavirus, plague, leptospirosis, salmonellosis and others,” Schroeder explained.  “And the status of rat infestations right now? The populations are unknown.”

Schroeder recommended a “statewide effort” to inhibit rats from spreading across the state and prevent outbreaks leading to loss of human life.

Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt said the department is ready to act if enabled by legislators.

She evaluated the efficacy of sanitation/exclusion treatments, trapping, repellants, rodent poison and predation as possible solutions.

She also cited the department’s work targeting quagga and zebra mussels, grasshoppers and Mormon crickets, Japanese beetles and noxious weeds as examples of the agency programs to prevent and respond to past infestations.

Idaho lawmakers are expected to take action to address the rodent problem later this session.

A rat nibbles at a discarded coleslaw container. | Courtesy Chuck Homler / FocusOnWildlife.Me

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David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – The romance is sparking in Rexburg, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Two student entrepreneurs at Brigham Young University-Idaho have invented “The Date Machine” – a vending machine with date kits that come with ready-to-use activities, icebreaker questions, and a complimentary dessert or dinner – all at an affordable price.

“It’s the best dating experience in all of the world, in my opinion,” said Donovan Strader, co-CEO of The Date Machine. “… They’re supposed to be more creative than normal date nights.”

From spa night to fancy dinners, treasure hunts to blind-deaf cooking, and birthdays to fake proposals, this machine is popping with creative outings for a first date or a couple’s night on the town.

“We’ve sold over 200 date kits,” reports co-CEO Carter Felt.

The machine offers a unique opportunity to liven up the dating routine in Rexburg.

“I think that the guys here in Rexburg tend to be slacking a little bit or, you know, not being so original when it comes to dates,” said student Audrey Scheiner. “So I think that, like, by adding that [machine], like, they can step up their dating game, you know?”

The machine’s creators partnered with ten local businesses to offer a dessert or dinner in each package.

The coupons include local favorites Kainoa’s Hawaiian Grill, Cupbop, Millhollow Restaurant, Taco Time, The Bowl Place, The Cookie Place, Pick Me Up Drinks, Jamba Juice, Snake River Soda, and Homestead Bowling.

“I had a blast doing this. It was an adventure map one,” said Date Machine customer Kyle Nelson. “It was like a treasure map. … It took us on a walk around town and ended up at Mill Hollow and gave us coupons for free sandwiches.”

The “Date Machine” isn’t just for students. Couples young and old can make it a date night by visiting the machine in the lobby of the Cedars at Hemming Village in Rexburg.

“You want to go on a date, want to find your eternal spouse?” Felt said. “Come here, and we will find it for you.”

The Date Machine co-founders Carter Felt and Donovan Strader are helping match couples with a vending machine in Rexburg.

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