Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Following a massive multi-agency response to the Snake Fire on Thursday night, the Central Fire District in Jefferson County has issued an immediate burn ban for the surrounding area.

The fire consumed an estimated 30 acres along the border of Jefferson and Madison counties, prompting fire managers to issue the ban to prevent further incidents and protect fire personnel.

RELATED: Snake Fire: Madison Sheriff lifts evacuation order as fire is contained

Wildland fire crews returned to the scene Friday morning to patrol the perimeter, manage hotspots, and secure the area.

“We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work to fully contain this incident,” stated the Central Fire District.

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Seth Ratliff

HEYBURN, Idaho — Idaho State Police is investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a school bus crippled and several students stranded on Interstate 84 Thursday evening.

The crash took place around 8:23 p.m. on April 9, 2026, near milepost 208 on eastbound I-84. According to ISP, the bus struck a series of concrete “jersey” barriers, causing significant damage to the front and undercarriage and leaving it stranded, blocking the left lane.

Fortunately, police say no passengers were seriously injured, and all students were taken by ground ambulance to reunite with school officials and their parents. The driver of the bus suffered minor injuries and had to be taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

While the bus was the only vehicle on the scene when police arrived, troopers quickly determined that another vehicle was involved. After further investigation, a second driver was identified and cited in connection with the hit-and-run.

“ISP reminds all drivers to remain at the scene of a crash and report the incident as required by law,” stated the agency in a news release. “Leaving the scene increases risk to others and may result in criminal charges.”

The crash remains under investigation.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – With the IRS tax deadline just around the corner, excitement filled the air as author and financial coach Kim Scouller made a special stop in Idaho Falls during her book tour. Yesterday, she engaged and inspired the audience at the “How Money Works for Women” Luncheon, held at the Residence Inn and hosted by WealthWave, to empower local women through financial literacy. Local News 8 caught up with Scouller, who shared valuable insights on the best strategies for filing taxes and highlighted essential resources to enhance financial knowledge.

Kim Scouller, Author of “How Money Works for Women” and award-winning financial coach

“Taxes are at the top of everyone’s mind,” Scouller said. “They create a time when you’re kind of taking an inventory of your income. What I would encourage everyone to do is not to stop at your income. Let’s take an inventory of your entire financial picture. What’s coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re growing…Do your research or work with a financial professional to figure out what the tax consequences are for you and growing wealth.”

The luncheon, featuring a presentation by Scouller on the current state of female financial literacy, was an inspiring event aimed at helping women take control of their financial futures. Scouller also shared valuable insights on the best strategies for filing taxes and highlighted essential resources to enhance financial knowledge.

“There are a lot of great resources online,” said Scouller. “Investopedia has some great articles in there. I would also say AARP is another really good resource for people in retirement. Another surprising resource is the IRS: you could do a whole lot of research on its website to better understand your situation.”

Scouller also took time to share more about her publication “How Money Works for Women”, a collaboration with coauthor Sharon Lechter to help women in all demographics better understand their sources of income and how to utilize them toward successful avenues.

“Money doesn’t care whether you’re a man or a woman, but the way women approach money, and the situations that women find themselves in, are so much different, especially because for most women, we are the caregivers of our family, and that can hurt us financially,” said Scouller. “This book is a real-life resource for women to use to celebrate that we are the caregivers and the educators, and to help women understand how they can improve their financial situation and take care of their family at the same time.”

Heather Goodworth, a financial educator with Wealthwave and organizer of the Idaho Falls luncheon, says this event with Kim Scouller marks the beginning of a long-term financial literacy campaign that will launch across Idaho and Utah.

“We started with women because really, we are so influential in what happens in our homes and what happens in our communities,” said Goodworth. “And, where Kim is such an advocate for women in finance, it just made sense to begin there and then branch out.”

When asked for parting advice on tax filing and increasing savings, Scouller shared this wisdom for anyone looking to better understand their finances.

“There are things that are taxed at the beginning, and there are things that are taxed at the end, and there are things that are taxed all along the way. Do your research or work with a financial professional to figure out what the tax consequences are for you and your growing wealth,” said Scouller.

“For people who are just starting out or starting over, or maybe you haven’t started yet because you think it’s overwhelming and you’re never going to achieve success: just start,” said Scouller. “Whatever it is, a little bit out of time, whether that little bit is what you’re saving for the future or that little bit is what you’re using to pay off that.”

The IRS tax deadline is on Wednesday, April 15th, which is also known as the 15th day of the fourth month following the fiscal year. For those who still need more time, you can fill out an extension by visiting the IRS website here.

For those interested in learning more about Kim Scouller’s financial literacy courses, book, and involvement with Wealthwave, click here.

“How Money Works for Women” is available for preorder at a bookstore near you.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – 100-year-old Norma Morton Parker received her high school diploma on Thursday, proving it’s never too late to finish your education.

“I was ready to graduate, but my husband was going into the army, so we got married,” said Parker, the honorary South Fremont High School graduate.

Parker was scheduled to graduate from St. Anthony High School in 1943, but World War II threw her plans in turmoil.

In 1942, she married her husband Ray Parker before he was deployed as a tank destroyer to the European Theater, serving in Italy, France, Austria, Belgium and Germany.

“After he’d gone [to war] and my class graduated, I was pregnant with my first son, and so it took me this long to get it [the diploma].”

Norma Parker in the 1940s.

Parker has two sons and a daughter who passed away three years ago of cancer.

Today, the family has expanded to 90 members, with twin great-grandchildren on the way. A large gathering of them reunited to honor her Thursday.

“You made the selfless decision to leave school early,” said granddaughter Karen Ramsay. “Not because you didn’t value education, but because you value family, sacrifice and doing what was needed in a moment that mattered. You stepped into responsibility, strength, and into a life that would go on to bless all of us.”

While her husband was in the war, she worked in a dried peas factory in St. Anthony.

“Usually, I would say something at a graduation like, ‘Now with this diploma, we’re going to need to go out and make something of ourselves in the real world,’ right?” said Fremont County Joint School District #215 Superintendent Brandon Farris. “But you’ve been out in the real world already for many, many years.”

Farris and School District #251 Trustee Julieann Hill presented Parker with the diploma.

“It makes me pretty proud and happy,” Parker said. “I didn’t ever feel bad because I got married and didn’t get my diploma, but there was times I wished I had it. So this day means a lot to me.”

She has a word of advice for those following in her footsteps.

“Do the right thing and smile,” Parker said. “They are always telling me to smile, you know? That must be important.”

The Parker family rallies around their exceptional mother, grandma and great-grandma.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The weather has been unseasonably warm and dry this year. With the lack of snowpack and many plants starting to come out of hibernation, it might be time to start watering your lawn.

“So usually we get that snow, and then it melts, and it saturates the soil with water. We didn’t have that option this year. So a lot of plants are starting to require moisture,” said James Flemming, supervisor of Town & Country Gardens.

When it comes to actually watering your plants, here are some tips from Flemming: “Lawns, you’re looking at watering maybe once or twice a week. With trees, I would, especially with the evergreens, I would give them a deep soak at least once a week.”

However, this comes with some precautions. Due to the lack of snowpack, we will be experiencing a drought, so being conservative with our water is very important.

From a statement from Falls Water Co. “It is necessary to implement a restriction for outside watering of lawns and landscaping. Starting April 15th through October 15th each year, outside water use will be limited to every other day”

This schedule will be based on the last number of your home address. The watering schedule will look like this:

Even numbered homes (0, 2, 4, 6, & 8)

Water lawns on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Odd-numbered homes (1, 3, 5, 7, & 9)

Water lawns Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Anyone may water on Sunday

“As we increase our daytime temperatures and we get more and more into the season, they just need to increase the watering,” Flemming said.

Just be mindful of how much water you use, as we are in a drought. Follow your region’s water regulations to ensure we have enough water to last the season.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE 10 PM:

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – Fire crews continue to put out a fire along the Snake River that started early Thursday afternoon, April 9.

The fire has been contained and burned approximately 30 acres with 15 acres in Jefferson County and 30 acres in Madison County.

The fire started when a ditch burn on the Jefferson County side spread out of control and into a grove of cottonwoods along the river. Winds help the fire jump the river and spreading on the Madison County side.

Firefighters were ferried on boats to help fight the fire, and a helicopter also helped in fighting the fire.

For a time, Sheriff deputies were going to nearby homes telling residents to prepare and evacuate as a precaution. The order was lifted around 7:30 PM Thursday evening.

“We’re monitoring the conditions tonight, we’re gonna have firefighters on each side of the fire monitoring the behavior, the public is gonna see a lot of fire activity, but rest assured that we’re watching it and that things are under control for the evening,” Madison County Fire Department Chief Troyce Miskin said.

No injuries were reported.

UPDATE 7:45 PM

Madison County Sheriff’s office said evacuation orders have been lifted as the fire has been contained.

They said fire crews will remain on the fire for several days. A helicopter has been added to help with the fire on the Snake River. Madison County deputies are continuing to shuttle firefighters up and down the river to put out hotspots.

Contained means the firefighters have established a solid perimeter around the fire and should not spread.

UPDATE: 6:30 PM

The Snake Fire has grown to consume about 15 acres on the Jefferson side of the Snake River. Madison County Wildland Firefighters are still working to determine how large the fire has grown on the Northern side.

The Madison County Fire Department confirms that the fire jumped the Snake River near 3300 W. Multiple agencies remain on the scene to tackle the fire on both sides.

UPDATE: 6:00 PM

ARCHER, Idaho (KIFI) — As the fire continues to move north from the river, residents along the northeast side of the fire, west of Big Juds and near the Snake River, are being encouraged to be prepared in case they have to evacuate.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting door-to-door notifications for residences south of 6800 South and west of 2000 West. If you live in this area, be prepared to evacuate due to the wildfire moving north from the river.

Madison County Sheriff’s deputies are also on the scene, helping with transporting firefighters by boat to a fire along the Snake River between Jefferson and Madison counties.

Courtesy: Madison County Sheriff’s Office Facebook

ORIGINAL:

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews are combating a small wildfire spreading north of Rigby towards Bonneville and Madison Counties. Wildland firefighters on the scene have confirmed the fire started on the Jefferson County side and has jumped the Snake River, spreading further on the Madison County side.

The Snake Fire is burning around 10 acres north of Rigby along the Snake River.

The fire was first reported by WildCAD at 2:36 PM, Thursday, April 9th. Local News 8 can confirm that wildland firefighters from multiple agencies are on the scene, including the Madison, Jefferson, and Roberts Fire Districts, along with the BLM, Forest Service, and IDL. The Bonneville Fire District and Swan Valley Fire Department are on the scene as well as backup.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 has a crew on the scene and will provide additional updates as we learn new information.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Labor is urging more than 150 employees laid off from Intermountain Packing this week to seek immediate assistance, noting that turnout for support services has been unexpectedly low.

Department officials expressed concern that many impacted workers have not yet utilized available resources despite the sudden loss of income during a period of rising costs for fuel and groceries.

“They should all be coming into the Department of Labor and learning about unemployment and employment-related programs so that we can help them to get back into employment,” said Windy Hahn, a manager at the Idaho Department of Labor. “We want to be there and we want to help”.

For those previously employed in the meatpacking and agricultural sectors, specialized support is available through the “dislocated worker” program and the Community Council of Idaho. These programs are designed to assist workers whose positions were eliminated due to business closures.

The department also highlighted the Idaho Launch program, which can cover 80% of training costs—up to $3,500—for individuals looking to transition into high-growth industries.

To maintain eligibility for unemployment benefits, the state requires claimants to complete five job search contacts per week, which can include attending resume classes or hiring events.

Despite recent layoffs in Idaho Falls and surrounding areas like Rexburg and Saint Anthony, the regional economy remains stable with an unemployment rate of approximately 3.3%.

To facilitate rapid re-employment, the Idaho Falls office will host a major hiring event on April 29, featuring approximately 30 employers. Smaller hiring events are also held every other Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Idaho Falls location.

“Our goal is to help you to land on your feet and become successful,” Hahn, said. “Don’t stay out there just lost and not know where to go. Just come in and talk to us”.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Department of Health and Welfare is issuing a public health alert to Idaho travelers following possible measles exposure at the Boise Airport last month.

According to a news release, if you were at the Boise Airport on Sunday, March 29, between 1:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m., you may have been exposed. Local public health districts are currently working with airport officials to contact passengers who shared direct flights with the infected individual.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus. According to DHW, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.

DHW says to watch for these early symptoms of infection:

Fever

Runny Nose

Cough

Red, watery eyes

A rash

In some cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, brain infection, and even death.

If you have upcoming travel plans, DHW is urging you to talk to your healthcare provider at least two weeks before your trip to ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Doctors say the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective defense against infection.

If you believe you were exposed and are not vaccinated or are immunocompromised, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information, click HERE.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Maggie Price, the director of the Snake River Orchestra, gave us a taste of their unique, high-energy fundraiser concert. Their rock orchestra will be featuring Electrify Your Orchestra with Mark Wood, one of the founders of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

The concert will take place on April 14 at 7:00 PM in the Snake River High School Auditorium. Students from the Snake River Orchestra program will perform hits spanning multiple decades, including:

“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

“Beat It” by Michael Jackson

“High Hopes” by Panic! at the Disco

“Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars

The evening will also feature a silent auction. While the concert is free to attend, donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

You’re going to love listening to these kids playing their hearts out.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Starting Monday, April 13, private contractors will close a section of S 5th W to through traffic to allow for the installation of a new sewer line and water main for Christ Community Church.

The closure will stretch from 49th S and 65th S and is expected to last around 8 weeks. During the closure, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and plan for delays.

Local homeowners property owners will still have access to the area.

In a news release, Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Kimberly Felker stressed that this is a private project managed by H-K Contractors, not a City of Idaho Falls project. However, the City is notifying residents to help keep them informed of impacts in the area.

For questions about this project please contact H-K Contractors at (208) 270-6521

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