Author: KIFI

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Nothing is as raw as a mother’s emotion as she tells of her son’s struggle and ultimate death from addiction.

“His smile would light up the room, and he was the happiest boy. I mean, it makes everything worth it. I miss his voice. I miss hearing him scream. I miss his bullet bike – all of it,” said Mikelyn Bartrop, a person in recovery. “Those are things I will cherish for the rest of my life now because I’ll never be able to hear it again.”

Members of the recovery community held a ‘Moment of Silence’ Monday night as the names of 180 individuals were read for each person who has died from an overdose in eastern Idaho since 2018.

“He was an alcoholic, and I was a meth addict,” Bartrop said. “So I really never really thought I had the choice or the chance to talk to him, because I would make myself a hypocrite. I didn’t know how to help him, and I was under the influence when my son died. So when I got sober this time, it was, ‘if I couldn’t stay sober for him while he was alive, he darn well deserves me to be sober for his death and to live in honor of his name.'”

International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual commemoration held on August 31st to honor those who lost their lives from addiction and drug overdose.

“I’m also here for my son Joshua, who I lost five years ago. We lost him to fentanyl overdose, and a lot of people are dying of fentanyl,” said Chris Barbara, a recovery coach with Stewards of Recovery. ”So I’m just trying to bring awareness that things are still bad, and we just need to work harder.”

Approximately 70,000 people died from overdoses in the United States in 2025, according to government data reported by PBS.

Dozens of individuals in recovery and supporters lit candles along the banks of the Snake River in memory of friends and family members who were lost.

A semicircle of paper luminaries glowing by candlelight displayed the names and photos of those who died.

“”I’ve struggled with addiction since I was 13 years old. My son is one of the boys [memorialized] on a bag today, so I’m here to just spread awareness,” Bartrop said.

Community providers also shone a light on the hope and resources to help people overcome their addictions – including Brick House Recovery, Center for Hope, Probation and Parole, Stewards of Recovery, Tueller Counseling, Lean on Me, One Love, Renaissance Ranch, Eastern Idaho Public Health and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Organizers said that if you are struggling, help is available to overcome addiction and support your loved ones by living a life of recovery.

“If you’re on the wrong path, there’s another way to get there and to get sober and get straight before it’s too late,” Bartrop said.

Chris Barbara’s son Josh Hershberger is memorialized on a luminary on August 31, 2026, in downtown Idaho Falls.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

POCATELLO, Idaho (News Release) Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) and Bannock County Mosquito Abatement have confirmed a West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool near Swan Lake in Public Health District 6, located in Bannock County.  No cases of WNV in humans have been reported, however, a horse in Arimo reportedly tested positive for the virus. 

Bannock County Mosquito Abatement increased its response to the area where WNV was identified, and has treated both larval and adult mosquitoes. Staff will maintain an increase in control and monitoring measures in response to the positive detection. 

West Nile is a potentially serious illness that is usually spread to animals and humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Horses and livestock infected with WNV cannot transmit the virus to humans or other animals.

Most people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms; however, more severe illness can occur. People with symptoms may experience fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash, typically occurring 2 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. More severe infections may involve the central nervous system.

Livestock and pet owners are encouraged to consult their veterinarian about West Nile virus preventative measures, vaccinations, and symptom monitoring.  

To reduce the risk of WNV, the following precautions should be taken:

When outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET or Picaridin (apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Additionally, certain products containing permethrin are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Follow the directions on the package.

Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, pants, and loose-fitting clothing at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and feeding. If possible, consider staying indoors during these hours.

Make sure to have good screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths and feeding troughs at least twice a week. Drill holes in tire swings or old tires to allow water to drain out. Keep children’s wading pools empty or on their sides when not in use.

Don’t over-irrigate your lawns, gardens, or pastures.

For more information on WNV, contact SIPH’s Epidemiologists, Jeff Doerr, at 208-478-6303 or visit SIPH’s website at www.siphidaho.org or https://westnile.idaho.gov.

For information about Bannock County Mosquito Abatement, visit bannockcounty.gov/mosquito. 

#####

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Dive teams continue searching for a man who fell into the Snake River in Idaho Falls.

Idaho Falls Police said Teng Go, 88, of Arizona, slipped and fell from the rocks between the falls and the Broadway Bridge on Sunday around 2:30 p.m.

First responders quickly arrived and began searching for Go. As of Monday afternoon, Go has not been found.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Dive Team stayed late Sunday evening and returned early Monday morning.

Officials said the search has been complicated by river conditions.

The Chaplains of Idaho also assisted by supporting the man’s family.

The Sheriff’s office said they are searching between Broadway and South Tourist Park. Authorities have restricted access to the area and are asking people to stay away while the search continues.

This is the second person to fall into the river near the Broadway Bridge. In June, a Louisiana man also slipped and fell off the rocks. His body has never been found.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Teton County authorities say multiple black bears are causing problems in Teton Valley neighborhoods after finding food in unsecured garbage.

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office says bears have recently been getting into trash left in neighborhoods, including South Leigh Creek, Mountain Drive, and Packsaddle. Officials report the animals have been entering homes and garages, frequenting porches, pushing on doors and window screens, climbing balconies, and feeding from non-bear-resistant garbage cans.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is working with Idaho Fish and Game and considers the situation a public safety concern.

Residents who see a bear in their neighborhood are urged to immediately contact the Teton County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 776-8200.

To reduce bear encounters, officials recommend using bear-resistant trash containers, keeping garbage secured indoors until pickup day if bear-resistant cans are unavailable, feeding pets indoors, avoiding outdoor storage of coolers, refrigerators and freezers, and removing bird feeders from April through mid-November.

Wildlife officials say bears that find food on a property are likely to return several times. However, if food sources are removed, the animals will eventually move on.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, the current issue primarily involves black bears, but officials warn it could quickly attract grizzly bears as well.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI)– Residents who pay the City of Ammon by card or electronic check will soon see an additional 3% convenience fee, starting Tuesday, Sept. 1st 2026.

The city will begin passing payment processing costs on to customers who choose to use those electronic payment options. To avoid the processing fee, customers are encouraged to pay by:

Cash

Check

Bank Bill Pay

The City of Ammon says it has historically absorbed the cost of processing payments. However, those fees have continued to increase and are no longer sustainable for the city.

The city says it appreciates residents’ understanding as it makes the change and remains committed to providing convenient payment options while being responsible with city resources.

The City of Idaho Falls already has processing fees of $4.50 per transaction for debit and credit cards.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls School District 91 officials have canceled school at Fox Hollow Elementary Monday morning as smoke filled the hallways due to a mechanical issue.

“For the safety of our students and staff, they should not be in the building until the repair is made and the smoke has cleared,” Superintendent Karla LaOrange said.

Parents were asked to pick up their students from school if they have already arrived at the school.

School will be back in session Tuesday LaOrange said.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A motorcycle crash involving an injured driver shut down First Street in Idaho Falls for several hours on Sunday evening.

The crash took place just after 5:30 PM in front of Bowl-Ero, leading police to close the roadway between North Freeman Avenue and Ronglyn Avenue until approximately 8:00 p.m.

The motorcycle was the only vehicle involved, and the driver was taken to a local hospital.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A police chase in Rexburg ended with a driver facing multiple charges after allegedly speeding through town Saturday night, according to Rexburg Police.

Police say officers spotted a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed without its headlights on near University Boulevard. When officers attempted to stop it, the driver continued and eventually crashed into a ditch.

According to police, the driver then ran on foot but was quickly caught by officers.

The driver is facing charges of reckless driving, leaving the scene of a crash, and resisting arrest.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE 11:17 AM

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello Police Department announced the investigation of the suspicious death is a homicide following a family dispute that turned physical.

During the investigation, officers determined that the victim sustained injuries during the altercation and died. Around 10 P.M. last night, officers took Andrew Scoffield into custody and he was booked into the Bannock County Jail on the charge of Second-Degree Homicide.

Andrew Scoffield

The victim’s identity has not been released.

ORIGINAL: 08/31/26 8:46 AM

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Detectives are investigating a suspicious death after a man’s body was discovered Sunday afternoon in the 800 block of Park Avenue.

Pocatello police responded to the scene at approximately 3:15 p.m. While details regarding the cause of death have not been released, authorities state there is no immediate threat to the public.

Officers are currently interviewing individuals involved, and further details will be provided as information becomes available.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more details as we learn additional information.

Click here to follow the original article.

William Syslo

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Chukars broadcaster John Balginy called his final game before retirement during the team’s last home game of the season. His retirement concludes a 41-year career in the booth.

Balginy has been a staple of Chukar’s baseball, working from the same seat for 41 consecutive summers. After the final out of the game, Balginy reflected on stepping away from the microphone.

“You know, bittersweet. I still love doing the ball games. You know, I had great friendships over the years, but, you know, all good things must come to an end. And I get to hang with my granddaughters. now, after my retirement. So it’s been a good run 41 years. Same seat for 41 straight summers. So it’s been good,” Balginy said.

Balginy’s connection to baseball began long before he entered the broadcast booth. He started in the sport as a bat boy and clubhouse boy in El Paso as a child. His father was a trainer for the Albuquerque Dodgers, giving Balginy the opportunity to spend his teenage years around major league players like Steve Garvey.

“Just being at the ballpark. You know, I was a bat boy when I was a kid in El Paso. I was a clubhouse boy. I did a lot of things with baseball. My dad was a trainer for the Albuquerque Dodgers. And during my teenage years, I got to hang around with Garvey and the Dodger greats. And it’s just been, it’s been part of my life since I was 12 years old. So I’ll miss it. But also, I’ll come to a few games and, you know, root the Chukars on from here on out,” Balginy said.

Over his four decades behind the microphone, Balginy accumulated numerous memories and key moments. He highlighted the Chukars’ 2019 championship as a standout memory and the last title he called. During that series, the Chukars dropped the first game at home before winning two consecutive games in Ogden to defeat the Ogden Raptors.

John also reflected on some of the people he had the pleasure of speaking with over his long broadcasting career. “I’ve had some great celebrity guests in the booth with me, Geena Davis from ‘A League of Their Own’, George Brett, Willie Stargell, I mean, it goes on and on, but, yeah, it’s just been a pleasure.” John then went on to add, “I mean, they actually pay me to watch baseball! You can’t beat that.”

Click here to follow the original article.