Author: KIFI

Danielle Mullenix

Island Park, Idaho (KIFI) – Construction of The Playmill Theatre’s new location in Island Park is progressing well. The main building’s metal structure and exterior have been put up before winter hits the area, meaning construction crews are on schedule to complete the project in 2026.

For decades, the Playmill Theatre has been a cherished tradition for countless families and tourists visiting the area.

The theatre has operated out of a building in West Yellowstone, Montana, since 1964 and announced its official move to Island Park last summer. They closed their doors in West Yellowstone after the final season in that location this past summer. It remains unknown what will happen to the original theatre’s building.

“We’ve outgrown the space we were in, but it will always be like home to us,” Sam Merrill, one of the Playmill’s family owners, said. “The magic of the original space will be put into this new theatre, and be even greater with better technology and experiences.”

The new site will feature a 22,000-square-foot building at 4111 North Big Spring Loop in Island Park, near the Springhill Suites by Marriott. The new building will be five times larger than its previous West Yellowstone location, with the theatre’s seating capacity expanding from 267 patrons to 480.

The Playmill Theatre will expand its new space with two additional features: a steakhouse restaurant and a gift shop. Steakhouse 64 will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a menu of steaks and other fine dining. The restaurant’s unique space will include a small stage where servers can sing at the mic while awaiting tables. Inside, there will also be a gift shop named Mill Creek Mercantile.

The construction of the new theatre was initially scheduled to begin in 2020, but the Merrill family faced significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other varying factors.

Sam Merrill says there are multiple reasons for building a new theater. One of the main factors is the age and wear of the previous building in West Yellowstone. Originally a pharmacy, it was built in the late 1920s and “not up to code with Playmill’s audiences or the show’s demands”.

After the 1959 Hegben Earthquake, the original occupants locked the doors and abandoned the space. Later in 1964, a group of BYU-I theatre students created a small row of audience chairs for a performance in the space, and it has grown ever since.

The Playmill was originally owned by Lynn Benson. Roger Merrill purchased the business from John Bidwell in 2005, but the business has always operated in a leased building in West Yellowstone. Now a family business, the Merrills are eager to create a space where audiences can continue to enjoy Playmill in an exciting and enhanced way.

The construction is expected to be completed by spring 2026, with the theatre set to launch its inaugural season in the summer of that year. The Playmill Theatre has announced a year-long expansion of its production season, which previously operated as a summer stock regional theatre.

The 2026 Production Season will feature the regional premiere of Disney’s “Frozen”, along with Disney’s “Newsies” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Additionally, the theatre will present two shows in the fall and winter: “The Foreigner” and an original production titled “A Very Playmill Christmas.”

2026 marks the theatre’s 63rd year in operation and the first in its new location in Island Park, Idaho.

To purchase season tickets for the new theatre and learn more, click here.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — On this day in 1605, an unsuccessful regicide attempt was made in London.

The effort was led by Robert Catesby. The plan was to ignite 36 barrels of gunpowder, destroying the House of Lords during the state opening of Parliament, and killing most of the government, including King James the First.

But an anonymous letter was sent to one a member of the House of Lords, Lord Monteagle, basically saying, “I like you, don’t come to tea tomorrow.”

After the member of parliament reported the letter, a frantic search led to a mountain of explosives being found in the undercroft, with the now infamous Guy Fawkes guarding it.

There were thirteen unlucky conspirators who were motivated by what they saw as unfair treatment of Catholics in a country that was increasingly becoming Protestant.

Guy Fawkes was tortured and hanged, some conspirators were killed in a standoff, and those that weren’t were drawn and quartered. In the end, anti-catholic laws tightened.

Interesting fact, the term guy comes from Guy Fawkes. It’s British tradition that on November 5th, a bonfire is lit to commemorate the failed assassination attempt. As part of the ceremony, children make Guys, little dolls meant to represent the traitor, that are then thrown into the fire. Calling someone a “guy” was referring to a person who dressed weird, like how the doll would look, and then overtime, it just became a reference to any man.

Here’s a famous poem to go along with this story:

“Remember, remember, the 5th of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason

Why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent

To blow up the King and the Parliament

Three score barrels of powder below

Poor old England to overthrow

By God’s providence he was catch’d

With a dark lantern and burning match

Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring

Holler boys, holler boys

God save the King!”

Sources for this story:

United Kingdom Parliament

British Broadcasting Corporation

Words for Life

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The first members of the Peace Officer Standards and Training, or Post academy, at College of Eastern Idaho graduated today. 

The new Post training allows officers to stay in their own community while they learn the vital skills necessary for police work over the course of 17 weeks.

Previously, new police officers needed to travel to Pocatello or Meridian to receive this state-required training to be certified law enforcement officers. 

The five graduates had previously been hired at law enforcement agencies across east Idaho. Each agency paid for the training and schooling for those attending. 

One graduate going to the Bonneville County, Jacob Miller, reflected on his time training.

After this, graduates will spend the next six weeks riding along with senior officers and completing field training. 

“Every day was a challenge,” Miller said. “Every scenario we went through, involved all the skills that police work that we’ve learned. And, I believe that shaped and will help shape me into the officer that I want to become.”

Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse shared what the academy means for his office.

“There are changes as technology changes, different resources that are available, different, procedures that, become the norm for our profession,” Hulse said. “We’re always trying to hone and sharpen our skills. So we’re always looking at what can we do better. And we’ll do that with this academy.”

After tonight’s ceremony, graduates will spend the next six weeks riding along with senior officers and completing field training. 

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Ariel Jensen

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County Fire District #1 has earned a high achievement, securing an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating.

This elite rating places the department among the best in the nation and is expected to help businesses and homeowners save money on property insurance premiums.

The ranking assesses the value of the District’s response, effectiveness, and quickness of their staffing. This rating is scaled from 1 to 10, and last year they were at a 4.

“You know, it’s great. It shows that we can provide proper, quick care to our citizens. They can go throughout their day and know that they’re protected and that if they do have an emergency, that we will be there quickly and that we can respond appropriately to do the best that we can,” said Jon Molbert, Chief of Bonneville County Fire District #1.

Chief Molbert noted that achieving a Class 2 rating is extremely difficult. Currently, only five fire departments in the entire state of Idaho hold a Class 2 rating, and none have achieved the top Class 1 designation.

BCFD ISO Class 2 Press ReleaseDownload

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Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Jefferson School District 251 has extended a school closure for Harwood Elementary, after a minor pipe break caused flooding earlier this week.

Although the pipe has been repaired, D251 says they’ll require additional time to ensure the building is safe and fully dry for students and staff. Harwood Elementary School will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. Classes are scheduled to resume on Friday, November 7th.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Fish and Game:

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (IDFG) — On Nov. 4, Fish and Game responded to reports of a black bear sow and three cubs that had been frequenting a Teton County neighborhood for over a month. The bears repeatedly received food rewards from unsecured garbage and other attractants, which prompted them to spend much of their time in yards and around homes. Due to their food conditioning and habituation, the decision was made to euthanize these bears in the interest of public safety. 

Relocating bears that have become extremely habituated and food-conditioned is not an option, as research shows they can quickly travel long distances to seek out human foods in their new locations. When it becomes evident that a bear has become excessively habituated to that food source or has lost its wariness of people, biologists and conservation officers often have no choice but to trap and kill the bear. 

Unfortunate situations like these serve as a reminder for residents living in bear country to properly store attractants and report bear issues quickly, to keep both people and bears safe. These bears were known to have been frequenting the neighborhood for over a month before they were reported to Fish and Game, making hazing or relocation efforts impractical.

All of Teton County is bear country, and reports of bears getting into garbage occur every year. Bears become particularly active in the fall, as they search for easy calories to fatten themselves up for winter. This often drives bears to seek easy food rewards from carelessly or improperly stored attractants like garbage. For the safety of both the community and the bears, Fish and Game is asking residents to properly store their garbage and other attractants, making them inaccessible to bears. 

Keeping bears wild and away from homes takes effort and cooperation

Luckily, there are a lot of things that people can do to prevent bears from becoming habituated, protecting both the residents in their neighborhood and the bears moving through it.

The key to keeping Idaho bears wild is to not allow them to access human food sources around neighborhoods and homes. 

Following the steps below helps protect both you and the bears:

Remove bird feeders between April and mid-November.

Feed pets inside.

Get a bear-resistant trash can and use it properly; don’t tamper with latches, prop them open, or overfill them. If you don’t have a bear-resistant can or if there is too much trash to fit in the can, keep it in a garage until the morning of pickup.

Do not keep coolers, refrigerators, or freezers outside.

If a bear has already visited your place and found food, take the above steps right away and call Fish and Game immediately. The bear will likely pay you a couple more visits, but if it finds no food, it will eventually move on.

Teton County residents can report bear problems to the Teton County Sheriff’s (208) 776-8200 or the Upper Snake Region Fish and Game Office (208) 525-7290.

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Maile Sipraseuth

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Following the local elections, Pocatello is guaranteed a new mayor by December 2, 2025. Mark Dahlquist had 40% of the votes, and Greg Cates had 30%. Both mayoral candidates believed that Blad’s shortcomings were due to a time for change.

Left: Mark Dahlquist, Right: Greg Cates

“I think the city was just ready for change. You know, they made one thing clear last night in the election is that they’re they’re ready for new leadership. And they just want things to change in our city. And I do believe that over the last 16 years our city has been going backwards instead of forwards,” Cates said.

“What I was hearing really quite often was that people were ready for a change, that they were yearning for a new direction, a new perspective, a new style of leadership,” Dahlquist said.

Both candidates recognized their challenges within their campaign, including some positives.

“There’s 58,000 people in this city. And just getting everyone to know who you are. Come Election Day is very difficult. So getting out there, and speaking to the community, keeping up with the, with the forums and, and the meetings, making sure that people knew who I was as best I could during that time, what my goals are for the city and the types of things I can do to make our place a bit better place to live for everybody,” Cates said.

“While actually running a campaign, it’s been a very positive experience. I honestly haven’t seen a lot of challenges. I’ve just really learned going through this exercise since late August, that there are a lot of really great people out there in Pocatello. So many people with community spirit and want to see our community grow and go forward. Just the amount of support and enthusiasm that’s out there and people that care that span are really pleasant surprises,” Dahlquist said.

The mayoral candidates both expressed their gratitude towards Mayor Blad for his 16 years of service.

“I would really like to thank Mayor Blad because running the city and doing that for 16 years, it’s a tough job. It’s a challenging job. Mayor Blad has always been a great cheerleader for the city, and he loves the city. events and ribbon cuttings and things like that and events that make Pocatello better… It’s a tough job and I wish him well and whatever his new endeavor is,” Dahlquist said.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Get ready to light up the night! Registration for the Third Annual UTV Holiday Light Parade and Stones KIA Firework Show kicks off this Thursday, November 6th, at 8:00 a.m.

Join the Festive Procession

Hosted by the City of Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, this beloved tradition invites you to deck out your UTV or side-by-side with your best festive lights. Participants will parade from Freeman Park along the east side of the Idaho Falls Riverwalk, cross to the west side near the Pancheri bridge, and finish at Freeman Park.

“It has been exciting to watch this event continue to grow each year,” said Mayor Rebecca Casper. “The UTV Holiday Light Parade is such a fun and unique way to celebrate the holidays together. And I deeply appreciate how this event benefits the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket at the time of year when their shelves become depleted. It’s this kind of community spirit that makes Idaho Falls so special. I encourage everyone to incorporate this night of lights, laughter and giving into their holiday celebrations.”

This year’s celebration will also include two spectacular 10-minute fireworks shows, presented by Stones KIA, lighting up the sky over the Snake River. Spectators can find great viewing spots along the entire parade route. Expect a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and a grand fireworks finale!

How to Register

Registration is strictly limited to the first 400 participants. A $10 registration fee is required, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Community Food Basket of Idaho Falls.

Visit the UTV Holiday Light Parade Page to register and find full details on lineup times, decoration requirements, and safety guidelines.

Once all 400 spots are filled, no further registrations can be accepted.

The parade takes place Friday, Dec. 19, beginning at 7 p.m. For more information or to register, click HERE.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 05 NOV 25 14:11 ET

By KIVI Staff

Click here for updates on this story

OWYHEE COUNTY, Idaho (KIVI) — In October, a wildlife technician with Idaho Fish & Game was sent into the Owyhees to initiate a “cause of death investigation” regarding a male mule deer that was collared with a GPS tracker.

When the technician arrived at the deceased buck’s location, she encountered an adult mountain lion and two juveniles near the carcass of the deer.

In what is considered best practice for such encounters, the official did not run away or turn her back from the confrontation but instead shouted at the lion while slowly backing away.

Typically, mountain lions scatter when humans approach such kills, and encounters like this are increasingly rare in the wild.

However, according to an Idaho Fish & Game news release, “mountain lion predation is a leading cause of death in both mule deer and California bighorn sheep.”

Idaho Fish & Game recommends taking the following actions if you encounter a mountain lion in the wild:

Do not run Do not turn your back on the lion, crouch down, or try to hide Remain facing the lion and slowly back away. Leave the animal an escape route Try to appear as large as possible Shout, wave your arms, and throw objects if the lion does not back off

The official’s investigation was just a small part of a larger initiative by Fish & Game to better understand the various factors that contribute to buck survival throughout Idaho.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s Office:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Attorney General Raúl Labrador secured a settlement that voids predatory contracts MV Realty tricked Idaho homeowners into signing. The company lured families with small cash payments, then trapped them in 40-year agreements with hidden penalties—even binding their children to the contract.

MV Realty offered homeowners a few hundred dollars in exchange for using them as their realtor if they ever sold their home. But when homeowners agreed, a notary arrived at their door with a multi-page contract in confusing legal language. The notary knew nothing about the terms and pressured homeowners to sign immediately without time to review.

The contracts contained terms MV Realty deliberately hid because no reasonable family would agree to them. Homeowners were locked into 40-year obligations that transferred to their children when they died. Breaking the contract cost 3% of the home’s value. If MV Realty failed to sell the home in six months, homeowners had only 60 days to sell with another realtor at the same price or higher—or face the penalty.

MV Realty then recorded these contracts on homeowners’ property titles at county recorders’ offices, blocking them from refinancing or selling with another realtor without paying the penalty first.

“Idaho families were tricked into signing contracts that locked them into 40-year obligations with massive penalties if they tried to use a different realtor,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Our lawsuit forced them to void every one of these predatory agreements and leave Idaho for five years, ensuring our families can sell their homes freely without fear of scams designed to exploit them.”

The settlement declares all Idaho “Homeowner Benefit Agreements” null and void as if they never existed. MV Realty must contact every Idaho county recorder to remove the contracts from homeowners’ property records. The company and its main officers—Anthony Mitchell, David Manchester, and Amanda Zachman—are banned from residential real estate work in Idaho for five years.

Idaho homeowners affected by this scam no longer face penalties or obligations. Their property titles are being cleared, and they are free to sell or refinance their homes without restriction.

Idahoans who have consumer concerns or need to report scams can visit ReportScamsIdaho.com and file a complaint on the Idaho Attorney General’s website.

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