Maggie Moore
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Air Idaho Rescue hosted a BBQ for emergency first responders on Tuesday.
The BBQ is in celebration of National EMS Week, which recognizes EMTs and paramedics and their lifesaving care across the nation.
The BBQ was at Aero Mark in Idaho Falls, and all area first responders and dispatchers were invited.
Maggie Moore
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Chukars came out on top against the Idaho Falls Bandits 13-4 in their first exhibition game of the season Monday.
The Bandits started off strong, leading the game 4-2 halfway through the game. But the Chukars picked up speed and scored most of their runs in the last three innings.
The Chukars head to Boise Tuesday for a six-game road series against the Hawks. Their official home-opener will be Tuesday May 27 against the Billings Mustangs.
News Team
The following is a press release from the National Park Service:
MOOSE, Wyo (KIFI) — Biologists with the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey will conduct bear capture operations in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway from May 24 to October 15. These efforts support ongoing black bear research in Grand Teton National Park and grizzly bear population monitoring across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The grizzly bear work, carried out by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, is to document recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
When bear capture operations are being conducted, trap sites will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of area closures. For bear and human safety, the public must respect these closures and stay out of the posted areas. All trap sites in the park will be located away from established roadways, hiking trails, and backcountry campsites.
Agency biologists use natural food sources, such as road-killed elk, to bait bears into culvert traps. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols. After handling, bears are allowed to fully recover before being released on-site.
Data gathered from capturing bears informs ongoing research and management efforts and is vital to the continued conservation of black and grizzly bear populations across the region. Information about grizzly bear monitoring is available from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team’s website: HERE.
Noah Farley
UPDATE:
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — People who live in Jefferson County will soon have better access to ambulance services.
The creation of a new ambulance district was approved by voters yesterday in Idaho’s consolidated election. 63% were in favor, per Idaho code, the measure only needed a simple majority to pass.
Now, people living in Rigby can be taken to the hospital much faster, says former Central Fire District Deputy Chief Todd Stowell.
“Not only are we going to have advanced paramedic-trained people…we’ll have the medications that will go along with that, and we will also have an advanced life or an als ambulance equipped with all that advanced stuff as well,” said Stowell.
With the passage, Jefferson County could have its own ambulances ready to go by January 2027.
ORIGINAL:
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Election day is tomorrow, and voters in Jefferson County will need to make a decision if they want a new ambulance service.
Jefferson County currently has only one ambulance district—in Mud Lake.
“We are trying to create an ambulance district here for Rigby, Ririe, Menan, Lewisville…All those areas not covered by the fire district in Mud Lake,” said Retired Fire Chief for Central Fire District, Carl Anderson.
Right now, when areas like Rigby need an ambulance, it often comes all the way from the south side of Idaho Falls. The trip to Rigby can take around half an hour. If there are ambulances on hand in the area, people could be taken to the hospital much faster.
“Not only are we going to have advanced paramedic trained people…we’ll have the medications that will go along with that, and we will also have an advanced life or an ALS ambulance equipped with all that advanced stuff as well,” said Retired Deputy Chief at Central Fire District, Todd Stowell.
If a new ambulance district is created, full-time emergency responders will be on-hand in the Rigby area. That will mean less stress on volunteer first responders, which are getting harder to recruit.
Stowell says some locals are worried about taxes going up if this levy passes. But if Jefferson County gets its own ambulance district, it won’t have to pay to use ambulances from Idaho Falls anymore.
“We are going to have to bring in this new district, which is going to add more money to our tax line on our statements, but it’s not going to be that much.”
Stowell expects a total of taxes going up by $40 for every $100,000 estimated property value.
If the levy passes, Jefferson County could have its own ambulances ready to go by January 2027. That’s why this levy is on the ballot now.
Seth Ratliff
NEBRASKA — Following a significant move in Nebraska, Idaho is on track to potentially enact restrictions on what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook L. Rollins signed the first-ever waiver to prevent SNAP recipients in Nebraska from using their benefits to buy soda and energy drinks, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
This comes just days after Idaho submitted a similar waiver on Friday, May 16, which aims to ban purchasing soft drinks and candy with food stamps. The timing of Nebraska’s waiver increases the likelihood that the Gem State’s request will also receive federal approval.
“Today’s waiver to remove soda and energy drinks from SNAP is the first of its kind, and it is a historic step to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Rollins. “Under President Trump’s leadership, I have encouraged states to serve as the ‘laboratories of innovation.’ Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Governors in Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, West Virginia, and Colorado are pioneers in improving the health of our nation.”
Data from the USDA indicates that approximately 20% of all SNAP spending goes towards sugary drinks and snacks, highlighting the potential impact of these restrictions.
Idaho and Nebraska are among a handful of states that have already submitted waivers to implement the restrictions on SNAP benefits.
The push to encourage healthier food choices within the SNAP program has gained considerable support from the federal government, notably through Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. In March, Secretary Kennedy voiced his strong belief that taxpayer dollars should not subsidize the purchase of highly processed, sugary foods.
“There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks. SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “I’m grateful to have worked with Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration to get this effort across the finish line. It is a tremendous step toward improving the health and well-being of our state. We have to act because we can’t keep letting Nebraskans starve in the midst of plenty.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officially submitted their waiver application last Friday. With the federal government’s apparent support and Nebraska’s waiver now approved, Idahoans could expect a decision from Secretary Rollins on their state’s request in the coming weeks.
News Team
The Following is a press release from Teton County School District:
TETON COUNTY, Wyo (KIFI) — Teton County School District is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Scott Crisp as our interim superintendent.
Dr. Crisp has worked for TCSD since 1998. He started his career with TCSD in 1998 when he was hired as a history teacher at Jackson Hole High School. Scott served as the principal at Summit Innovations School (previously Summit High School) for one year before becoming the Jackson Hole High School principal, where he worked for 14 years. For the last two years Dr. Crisp has served as the TCSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.
Scott will serve as the interim superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year while the Board of Trustees conducts a national search for our next superintendent.
In announcing the selection of Dr. Crisp for this interim role, Board Chairwoman Betsy Carlin stated, “Through this process, I have been reminded of the caliber of educational professionals we have working in our district. I am grateful to all three of the candidates for being willing to step up to serve in this interim position. On behalf of the Board, we are excited to work with Scott and the other leaders in our district to ensure we hire the best superintendent for our district, our employees, families but most importantly, for our students.”
At the May 21st Board Meeting, trustees will consider issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to hire a national search team to help recruit and hire the next superintendent. Trustees are also planning a Board Retreat later this summer to affirm their vision and goals for the new superintendent.
The Board has determined that the position of assistant superintendent of educational services will not be filled during the interim period.
In accepting the position, Scott commented, “I believe that public education is the most vital institution in our country, and that teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible. The daily interactions of students, teachers, leaders, coaches, and others who support students in schools profoundly impacts student growth and success. As interim superintendent, I will remain focused on ensuring that TCSD continues to be a place where students thrive, educators are supported, and families are engaged.”
Over the next year, Scott will focus on implementing the Board-approved TCSD Strategic Plan, including:
Advocate—alongside Trustees, district leaders, and our state representatives—for fair and adequate school funding during this pivotal year of statewide recalibration.
Look, listen, and learn from our students, staff, Trustees, families, community organizations, business partners, and higher education institutions to understand perceptions of strengths and areas for growth.
Support existing school goals, coupled with a focus on increasing innovative learning opportunities that allow for students to take ownership of learning through personalized and real-world application of knowledge.
Prioritize student and staff safety.
Enhance two-way communication across the district and with the broader community.
With this important step in the hiring process complete, TCSD is set to have a terrific 2025-2026 school year as we plan for the future of our school district.
Sam Ross
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Bannock County Assessor’s Office announced property values may rise around the area after a study by the Idaho State Tax Commission found Bannock County prices fell below market real estate prices.
County property values are required by Idaho State law to fall within 90% to 110% of ‘actual market values’–determined by an annual study by the State Tax Commission comparing property value assessments to real estate market prices.
This year, the study found Bannock County property values had dropped below 90% of actual market values due to a continued rise in real estate costs around Idaho. Bannock County Assessor Anita Hymas said they will need to reevaluate and raise property values to remain in compliance with state law.
“I stayed conservative last year at 92%, and, unfortunately, real estate sales are still going up a little bit,” said Hymas. “…They are definitely still going up, which took us out of compliance… I have to bring them back up into the 90% to 110% range… I’m trying to be conservative so that we can keep values a little bit down.”
Hymas said an increase in property value does not necessarily mean an increase in property tax rates. Property taxes will depend on local budget decisions and levy rates set later this year.
But, in an effort to remain equitable under the possibility of increased tax rates later this year, the Bannock County Assessor’s Office plans to increase property values for commercial and residential properties together, which would offset any major tax increases for residential property owners.
Property owners who disagree with their assessed value have the right to appeal through the Board of Equalization. Anyone wishing to appeal their assessed property value is encouraged to visit the Bannock County Assessor’s Office and speak with an appraiser.
For more information, you can visit the Bannock County Assessor’s Office website.
News Team
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Workers at the Idaho Falls Zoo arrived Friday morning to find a new addition.
Sometime overnight, Zasu the Bactrian camel gave birth. The zookeepers say they knew Zasu was pregnant.
Courtesy: Idaho Falls Zoo
“Please join us in welcoming the newest addition to our zoo family — Gankhuyag (pronounced Gon-Que-og), the baby Bactrian camel! Gankhuyag was born May 11th, and both he and his amazing mom, Zazu, are doing great,” said the zoo in a post on Facebook.
The zoo asks that we give them some privacy by not parking along the back fence for the next few days or trying to call the camels over when visiting the zoo.
Sam Ross
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Ann Swanson, a lifelong Pocatello resident, is running for city council during the next election cycle in November.
Swanson said, if elected, she plans to focus on providing affordable housing, drawing small businesses to the Pocatello area, and establishing better lines of communication between the city and the public, especially in times of emergency.
“My run is really a thank you note to Pocatello in some ways,” said Swanson. “It’s always been a driver of mine to be of service and to look for opportunities to give back to the community.”
City council elections will take place in November.
Swanson will hold a campaign kickoff event on May 28 at 5 p.m. at Caldwell Park in Pocatello.
Sam Ross
CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI)– The Pocatello Rotary Club and students at Ellis Elementary School celebrated the dedication of a brand new ‘Little Free Library’ on the school’s grounds.
Little Free Library is a national nonprofit organization providing books in small, designated boxes as easy access to literature for people who may not live close to a traditional library or have the means to buy reading materials.
Bringing the new Little Free Library to Ellis Elementary was a joint effort between school staff and students and the Pocatello Rotary Club.
“Reading is magic, and at the Pocatello Rotary we like to bring some more of that magic to our community,” said Michael Strickland, member of the Pocatello Rotary Club. “Little Free Libraries are great because, in today’s society, so many things cost money––it’s nice to have something that people and children and families can do that doesn’t cost anything.”
The Pocatello Rotary Club said they plan to install Little Free Libraries at Lookout Point and the Bonneville Commons in Pocatello.
