Author: KIFI

Maile Sipraseuth

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A new report is raising concerns about health insurance coverage for Idaho and Wyoming’s youngest residents.

According to a report from Idaho Voices for Children, Idaho ranks among the five states with the highest rates of uninsured children younger than 6 in the nation.

“We’re seeing even higher rates of uninsured kids across the state. And primarily in this report, we’re focusing on children younger than six years old because it’s such a critical time in their early childhood for their physical, cognitive and emotional development,” Ivy Walker, policy associate for Idaho Voices for Children, said.

The report found Idaho’s uninsured rate for children under 6 increased from 5.8% in 2022 to 7.9% in 2024.

The number of uninsured children in that age group also increased during the same period. In 2022, an estimated 7,900 children younger than 6 were uninsured in Idaho. By 2024, that number had climbed to 10,700, a 36% increase in two years.

“The data that we’re seeing is just confirming what we were really fearing since the Medicaid unwinding started,” Walker said.

Idaho was one of the first states in the nation to begin reviewing Medicaid eligibility after federal pandemic-era protections expired.

Walker said the issue may be especially challenging in rural areas.

“We have seen from previous reports that there is a higher percentage of children who are covered by Medicaid in Idaho’s rural counties than in our urban areas,” Walker said.

The findings come from a report by Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, which examined health insurance coverage trends for young children across the country.

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Par Kermani

BURLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — As drought conditions and water shortages continue to impact southern Idaho, some farmers are turning to new technology to help stretch every drop of water.

Producers in the Mini-Cassia region are using soil moisture sensors that provide real-time data about moisture levels underground, helping them make more informed irrigation decisions.

The project, now in its third year, involves farmers in the East Cassia, Minidoka and West Cassia soil and water conservation districts.

According to the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission, several farmers using the sensors discovered they had been overwatering their crops and were able to reduce sprinkler rotations after monitoring soil conditions more closely.

“It’s been really insightful to see what the soil moisture conditions are,” East Cassia farmer Jason Webb said. “It’s been a good tool for us.”

The sensors, made by Soiltech, are buried several inches below the surface and measure soil moisture, humidity and temperature in the plant root zone. Farmers can track the information through an app on their smartphones or computers.

Photo by Soiltech

The technology comes at a critical time for many producers facing reduced water supplies. An AT&T-Soiltech case study found irrigators using soil moisture sensors reduced water use by about 10%, according to the conservation commission newsletter.

University of Idaho Extension Irrigation Specialist Emily Bedwell said the sensors can help producers better understand how much water is available in the root zone, where crops absorb moisture. Different crops also have different water needs throughout the growing season.

Photo by Soiltech

The Mini-Cassia moisture monitoring project began in 2024 when local conservation districts partnered with growers to test whether the technology could improve irrigation management. Twelve farmers signed up for the project and 52 sensors were purchased. At the conclusion of the three-year project, participating growers will keep the equipment.

Officials say conserving water is becoming increasingly important as drought conditions continue and water supplies remain tight across parts of southern Idaho.

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Danielle Mullenix

Island Park, Idaho (KIFI) – The Island Park Planning and Zoning Commission has denied a controversial proposal for further development in the Henry’s Lake Flats area, marking a major win for residents and conservation advocates who opposed the project.

On May 28, the commission rejected a request from Burtenshaw Land and Cattle to rezone land in the Henry’s Lake Flats along the east side of U.S. Highway 20. This land was previously targeted for annexation and rezoning to allow higher-density residential development dating back to 2015.

This decision comes after months of public debate over the future of Henry’s Lake Flats, a vast wetland and wildlife habitat widely regarded by residents as one of eastern Idaho’s most critical environmental areas.

Opponents argued that more residential development could have significant consequences, citing risks such as wetland damage, disruption of migration corridors for big game, pressure on water resources, and broader harm to the ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife.

Supporters of conservation say the commission’s decision reflects the community’s wish to shield the Flats from intensive development.

However, advocates warn that the issue may not be fully resolved.

Community groups are urging residents to stay engaged and to ask Fremont County commissioners to reject any future appeals or proposals for increased housing density.

While conservationists celebrate the commission’s denial as a key step in protecting Henry’s Lake Flats, they note that the area’s long-term future depends on decisions still to be made at the county level.

The debate over growth, development, and conservation in Island Park is expected to continue as officials and residents consider how to balance future housing needs with the protection of one of eastern Idaho’s most sensitive natural landscapes.

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David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Rexburg’s launched its ‘Flood 50’ week-long celebration Monday, honoring the 50th anniversary of the day the Teton Dam burst.

The disaster on June 5, 1976, inundated the Upper Valley with 80 billion gallons of water.

Rexburg commemorated the milestone with a blast to the past – hosting a Classic Car Show Monday on Center Street.

Classic car collector Paul Sorensen shared his memories from the day of the flood.

“It was one of the biggest disasters that we’ve ever been through. But the community pulled together, and we had a lot of help from people outside, and we survived,” Sorensen said. “I was In fifth grade, just going into fifth grade. So I spent my entire summer shoveling mud out of the bottom of basements because we were small enough, we could get in the crawl spaces, drag the buckets over half full, and then let men lift them up and get them out.”

The evening culminated with a ’70s Flashback Fashion Show and Tribute Band” concert at the Romance Theater.

Students from Brigham Young University-Idaho strutted across stage, showing off custom 70’s outfits.

Much of the clothing was designed by the students themselves.

Additionally, Rexburg is hosting ‘Flood 50’ events each day this week.

Downtown walking tours are available every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can pick up a map at City Hall to follow the path of the flood.

A “Flood of Memories” documentary will be shown at the Romance Theater every day from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Daily service projects are also being hosted by Madison County, Brigham Young University-Idaho and the Kiwanis Club.

On Saturday, the week culminates with a massive “Celebration of Service” at the BYU-Idaho Center.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit tetonflood50.org.

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Par Kermani

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A years-long drug trafficking investigation in Madison County has led to the seizure of thousands of THC products, multiple firearms and other illegal drugs, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said detectives recovered more than 1,600 THC cartridges containing more than 6 pounds of THC, along with 79 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 2.8 pounds of marijuana, 180 grams of THC wax, 56 grams of THC honey, 81 grams of THC edibles and 6 grams of heroin.

Investigators also seized 11 firearms and multiple vehicles.

The sheriff’s office said the operation involved several local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and was aimed at disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into area communities.

“The operation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the investigators and partner agencies involved,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement on their social media page.

The investigation remains ongoing and additional updates may be released as the case progresses.

Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Rexburg Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Today was the first day of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Career Camp. Students got a firsthand look at what it takes to work in law enforcement through hands-on activities.

The program began with students introducing themselves and giving a two-minute speech about a randomly selected item.

Participants also tested their coordination by riding tricycles while wearing “drunk goggles” and attempting a mock field sobriety test. Students learned how drones are used in law enforcement investigations, including search-and-rescue missions, and watched officers demonstrate how a PIT maneuver can safely stop a dangerous driver during a pursuit. They also got a close-up look at a mock crime scene and participated in a SWAT room-clearing simulation.

“This program is designed for kids who want to potentially work in law enforcement when they grow up or who have an interest in law enforcement,” Sgt. Daniel Sperry said. “Maybe they have a family member in law enforcement. This gives them the opportunity to learn about a career.”

Another highlight of the camp was rappelling with Bonneville County Search and Rescue.

“To be able to step off the edge, that’s quite frightening for many people,” Lovell said. “When they’re supported by their peers and by deputies through the different things that we do, watching them grow is my favorite part.”

Aside from recruiting future law enforcement officers, organizers say one of their biggest goals is helping students build confidence by pushing them outside their comfort zones.

“My favorite part is watching the kids grow. We intentionally put them in groups with people they don’t know. We take them out of their comfort zone,” Sperry said.

Lily De La Cruz said having family members in law enforcement inspired her to attend the career camp and consider a future career in the field. This is her second year attending.

“Before, I was a little hesitant about it,” De La Cruz said. “But being here and meeting all of the officers and all the amazing people who are also considering it really made me fall in love with it even more and want to pursue a career in it.”

The camp continues through the rest of the week, with a second session scheduled to begin June 15.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

SUGAR CITY, Idaho (KIFI) — To reflect on and remember the Teton Dam flood, as well as the unity shown by those who came together in its aftermath, Sugar City will host its Flood 50 event June 5-6 at Madison Junior High School.

The event will feature an exhibit highlighting the history of the flood and its impact on the community.

Organizers will also offer a walking tour of Sugar City, showcasing 30 locations that existed before the flood destroyed many of the area’s buildings. Plans are also underway to reconstruct a train depot that stood in the city before the flood.

On June 6, the event will showcase local talent, with nearly 100 participants expected to perform in a celebration of the community’s resilience and unity.

The Sugar City Museum

An unused portion of the former Sugar City Hardware building is being transformed into a new museum.

The Sugar City Area Historical Society has been working to establish a museum dedicated to preserving the city’s history. However, legal issues involving the original property delayed the project.

The Sugar City Hardware building later offered the historical society temporary space for a museum while efforts continue to secure a permanent location.

If you are interested in supporting the museum, here is a link to their website

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Par Kermani

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Foster children in eastern Idaho now have more space to shop for clothing, hygiene products, birthday gifts and other essentials following the opening of a new, expanded home for The Village Foster Care Closet in Blackfoot.

The Idaho Foster & Adoptive Parent Association celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the facility Friday at the Bingham Community Outreach Center.

Children in foster care can visit The Village and choose clothing, shoes, hygiene products, sensory items, birthday gifts and other necessities at no cost.

Organizers say the program is designed to give children a sense of choice during a time when many decisions are being made for them.

“The purpose of The Village is not just to provide items, but to give children in foster care the chance to choose for themselves,” said Jacque Burt, president of the Idaho Foster & Adoptive Parent Association. “When children enter care, many of their choices are taken away. At The Village, they have a voice.”

The new facility marks a major expansion for The Village, increasing the space available to foster youth from about 1,700 square feet at its previous location to roughly 5,000 to 6,000 square feet of dedicated shopping space.

The new location includes private dressing rooms, a prom attire room and a birthday room stocked with new toys, electronics and other gifts that can be selected by foster parents, social workers and CASA volunteers for children in their care.

The Village is now housed within the Bingham Community Outreach Center, which also includes the Blackfoot Community Dinner Table and Blackfoot Food Bank.

According to the Idaho Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, The Village provides a storefront-style experience where foster children can select items they need free of charge while maintaining a sense of dignity and independence.

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Par Kermani

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Health officials are warning people to stay out of parts of Flat Creek after recent testing found E. coli levels above federal safety standards for recreational use.

According to the Teton County Health Department, water samples collected near Hunt Bridge and in the Rafter J Ranch area exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contamination levels for recreational waters.

As a result, the department has posted E. coli caution signs along the affected sections of the creek.

Officials say E. coli bacteria can cause illness if contaminated water is swallowed. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The presence of E. coli may also indicate that other harmful bacteria or pathogens are present in the water.

The health department is urging residents and visitors to avoid swimming, floating or participating in other activities that could result in swallowing water from the affected areas until contamination levels decrease.

Officials say the caution signs will remain in place until follow-up testing shows E. coli levels have returned to safe levels.

Anyone planning to recreate in the area is encouraged to watch for posted warning signs and check local conditions before entering the water.

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News Team

UPDATED:

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — A Utah judge has denied a request to close portions of the upcoming preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.

According to ABC4, Judge Tony Graf ruled Monday that the public and media will be allowed to attend the hearing, which is scheduled for July.

Defense attorneys argued that extensive media coverage could impact Robinson’s right to a fair trial. However, the judge found the defense did not demonstrate that public access would prevent a fair hearing.

The preliminary hearing is expected to provide the first detailed look at evidence prosecutors plan to present in the case, including surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness testimony.

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — Judge Tony Graf is expected to decide Monday whether to close portions of the upcoming preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Tyler Robinson, 23, is scheduled to appear in court July 6–10, where prosecutors must prove there is enough evidence to bring him to trial. Robinson’s defense attorneys have motioned that parts of the hearing be closed to the public and the press, citing concerns that media coverage of the evidence presented could jeopardize Robinson’s right to a fair trial.

The prosecution has filed a motion urging the court to keep the proceedings open, but consented that the “media should be restricted from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used in a future trial,” according to the Associated Press.

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