Author: KIFI

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Pocatello Water Department is hosting their annual Water Week Open House to teach people about water conservation and pollution in honor of National Drinking Water Week through May 8.

At this year’s 31st annual open house, people can visit with workers from the city’s Water Pollution Control, Sanitation, and Science and Environmental departments and learn how the city provides clean drinking water and maintains the area’s aquifer.

“Water is an important resource for us to be able to use and to be able to access,” said Levi Lusk, utility data technician and community outreach and education coordinator for the Pocatello Water Department. “It’s important for us to all understand where it comes from and to understand what goes into keeping it clean and keeping it drinkable for us.”

The Water Week Open House will be open to the public Monday, May 5 through Thursday, May 8 at the Pocatello Water Operations Facility at 1889 North Arthur Avenue. For more information, you can visit the Pocatello city website.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Zonta Club of Pocatello is working to support local women and girls by raising awareness for sexual and domestic violence, providing scholarships, and collecting donations to provide basic necessities to those in need.

Zonta is an international organization with chapters around the United States. In Pocatello, the clubs 30 plus members host regular events and fundraisers with the mission to provide a better world for local women.

“Often, women and girls don’t have a voice, and they need somebody to stand up and cheerlead for them, and that’s what our organization tries to do,” said Molly Beseris, president of the Zonta Club of Pocatello.

Zonta will soon be rolling out scholarships for area women to attend Idaho State University. For more information on the scholarships and how to apply, you can find the Zonta Club of Pocatello on Facebook.

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Power reached a major milestone on Monday, May 5.

Four of eight natural gas-burning generators arrived at the new $36 million Peaking Plant and Clean Energy Research Park in Idaho Falls. 

The generators, which will be operational in December, will be used during peak hours and can provide lower operating costs than other methods of power production.

Idaho Falls residents pay about seven cents per kilowatt hour for electricity, which is half the national average.

The generators can also burn on a hydrogen-natural gas mixture, paving the way for research into next-generation clean fuels.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (BCSO) – A man was arrested after punching a Deputy early Saturday morning (May 3rd) during a traffic stop and DUI investigation. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a vehicle driven by 27 year old Mikayla N. Hill near Lindsay Blvd and Hwy 20 just before 2:00am and observed signs of intoxication. During the stop a passenger in the vehicle, 25 year old Jordan T. Pence, began to get aggressive with Deputies.

As the DUI investigation with Ms. Hill continued, Mr. Pence exited the vehicle and attempted to gain access to the trunk despite commands from Deputies to stay in the passenger seat. Pence slammed the trunk lid and got face to face with a Deputy yelling obscenities. As the Deputy was pushing him back, Pence shoved the Deputy and punched him in the face.

Mikayla N. Hill, 27 of Idaho Falls

Deputies moved in and gained control of Mr. Pence, securing him in handcuffs after he continued trying to fight on the ground. In the process, a handgun fell out of a waistband holster underneath Mr. Pence’s clothes. Deputies secured the firearm, finding it loaded with ammunition.

Pence complained of injuries during the struggle and was taken to the hospital for a medical clearance before being transported to the Bonneville County Jail. Mr. Pence was booked into jail on a Felony charge for Battery on Certain Personnel and Misdemeanor charges for Resisting Arrest and Possession of a Concealed Firearm While Intoxicated.

Deputies continued the DUI investigation with Ms. Hill, who admitted to consuming alcohol earlier that evening. Breath testing results from Ms. Hill at the scene indicated a BAC of .12, over the legal limit of .08. Hill was placed under arrest and transported to the Bonneville County Jail where she was booked on a Misdemeanor charge of 2nd Offense Driving Under the Influence. Ms. Hill was also cited and released for Driving While Suspended.

The injured Deputy was taken to the hospital and treated for a contusion injury to the face before being released.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Lands.

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Starting May 10, Idaho residents outside city limits are required to obtain a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities. The annual closed burning season runs through October 20, ensuring compliance with Idaho law (Idaho Code 38-115) and the reduction of unwanted human-caused wildfires.

Who needs a permit: Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho, who plan to burn for any reason including yard waste and crop residue must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.

How to get a Burn Permit: Visit the self-service website https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/  Permits are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. A permit may also be issued by your local IDL office. Burn Permits are free and good for 10 days. You must have your permit with you when burning. No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits. Using burnpermits.idaho.gov also connects you to tips for safe burning practices.

Why get a Burn Permit: Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly, potentially reducing the liability of the burner. Permits also help prevent false runs to fires that are reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for instances when they truly are needed. And it is the law.

How to know if burning is allowed: Visit burnpermits.idaho.gov to learn about the types of burning allowed in your fire protection district. Some types of burning may not be allowed at times due to heightened wildfire risk. Additionally, some local jurisdictions and counties may have other burning requirements or restrictions in place. Always check with your local fire department or county sheriff’s office before lighting.

Air quality restrictions: Ensure your burn complies with air quality regulations. Visit the Idaho DEQ website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/ for more details or contact your Tribal government if burning within Reservation boundaries.

Additional assistance: If you have questions about Burn Permits and requirements, contact Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 769-1525.

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Noah Farley

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police is still investigating the crash on Hwy 20 in Island Park. Most of the victims were tourists from China. A driver from Texas also died in the crash.

Local News 8 got new reactions from people in the area.

“I’ve been an Island park for about 15 years. There’s a lot of crazy things that happen up here, but this has to be the worst accident that I can ever remember in those 15 years,” said Island Park resident Larry “Bear” Halverson.

Halverson says there are crashes in Island Park every now and then, but nothing to this extent. He hopes a crash like this will never happen in Island Park again.

Halverson advises everyone to remember to be especially careful while driving in the area. He also reminds drivers that Island Park is an area filled with natural beautiful that people should slow down to enjoy.

“If your destination is Yellowstone, take a little time and don’t be in such a hurry,” Halverson said. “I mean, if you’re on vacation, why are you in a hurry?”

Local News 8 also spoke with Roger Merrill, who got footage of the crash that’s been circling the internet.

“I can’t imagine what those first responders or the good Samaritans that were already on the scene…what they must have experienced,” Merrill said. “My heart goes out to all of them.”

Merrill says he didn’t realize just how big this crash was until after he and his family got home later that day. Looking back, Merrill says this crash has made him think about how suddenly life can change.

“It’s made me more conscious, more careful when I drive,” said Merrill.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing. Since the victims are from other countries, the process to identify them will take longer. ISP troopers will keep working with Ctour Holiday LLC and stay in contact with Chinese and Italian diplomats as the investigation progresses. 

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI)-A small group of protesters gathered on the Idaho Capitol steps on Sunday.

All rallied in support of changes in law enforcement practices following the fatal shooting of Victor Perez on April 5.

As part of the rally, members of ‘the Victor Project’ unveiled a mural dedicated to Perez.

The protest was sponsored by ‘the Victor Project’, a grassroots group with the blessing of the Perez family.

They say their biggest goal is to call for more mandatory trainings in de-escalation.

‘The Victor Project’ petition has already gained hundreds of signatures online.

One of the leaders of ‘the Victor Project’ spoke at the protest about current law enforcement practices.

“How many of our civil servants do you fear? When did we decide murder is acceptable? As long as you have a badge,” said Cyrus Wisdom, the Co-founder of ‘the Victor Project’.

It’s almost been a month since the day Perez was shot by police officers outside his family’s Pocatello home, only seconds after the officers arrived on scene.

The 17-year-old was reportedly threatening members of his family with a large kitchen knife, and police dispatch was inaccurately told he appeared drunk.

Perez had been diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy and was prone to behavioral issues.

The shooting is currently under investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force.

The last time Local News 8 heard from the City of Pocatello, Mayor Brian Blad said it’s going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Snacks, crafts, and pottery, oh my! The Idaho Falls Farmers Market is back in full swing this spring.

Hundreds of people filled Memorial Drive in downtown Idaho Falls on Saturday to buy and sell various products from baked goods, to dog treats, to fused glass artwork.

“I find a lot of pleasure in people buying something that reminds them of their grandmother,” said “The Wandering Kiwi” Owner, Ann Severns. “Sometimes it’s very moving.”

With the fabric retailer “Joann’s” closing down, some craft makers are losing an outlet to buy material. Local News 8 talked with a vendor about how she will keep getting fabric for her business going forward.

“I do a lot of it as locally as I can. I’ll go to Joann’s and buy a lot. Obviously with them going out, I’ll go over to Hobby Lobby,” said “Apron Theory” Owner, Emily Stricker. “That’s where I get a lot of it now. There are a lot of online stores that you can use, so the online fabric store is great.”

Stricker says some of her custom fabrics are bought online, but she tries to buy her materials in person as much as possible to make sure she gets the best quality.

The Idaho Falls Farmers Market will be in downtown Idaho Falls each Saturday from May to October.

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News Release

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – Idaho State Police provided an update on the fatal crash on Highway 20 near Yellowstone on Friday.

ISP tells Local News 8 that, of the 14 occupants in the Mercedes van, the driver was licensed in California. The passengers included 12 individuals of Chinese nationality and one of Italian nationality. The group was traveling to Yellowstone National Park on an excursion organized by Ctour Holiday LLC, a large-scale receptive tour operator that provides international travel services.

Next-of-kin notifications are ongoing and coordinated with appropriate local and international authorities. Due to the international nature of those involved, the process is complex and will take additional time.

As part of the investigation, the deceased will be transported to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for autopsy and formal confirmation of identity. This step is essential to ensure accurate identification and documentation.

ISP troopers continue to work closely with Ctour Holiday LLC and remain in contact with the Consulates of China and Italy as the investigation progresses.

Due to privacy considerations, no information regarding the medical status of the injured will be released.

Additional updates will be provided as information is verified and becomes available.

(The following is from a press release from Idaho State Police)

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As fire season is coming up, Governor Brad Little has declared May as Wildfire Awareness Month.

Governor Little urges Idahoans to do what they can to protect themselves, their property, and the community from wildfires.

The Idaho Department of Lands says it is working with state, federal, tribal, and local partners through the Gem State to teach people how to prevent and prepare for wildfires.

“Fire is part of the Idaho landscape, but it doesn’t recognize boundaries,” said IDL Director Dustin Miller. “It will race across forests, fields and neighborhoods without hesitation. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to do our part to prevent wildfires before they start and prepare in advance.”

For more information and to see the status of active wildfires in Idaho, visit here.

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