Author: KIFI

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Idaho State University received a grant of around $141,000 from the Idaho Office of Emergency Management to fund a project to increase the Pocatello area’s resilience to wildfires.

The ‘Disaster Mitigation Response Capacity Enhancement’ project is the joint effort of the Bannock County Office of Emergency Management, ISU’s Geographic Information Systems department, and students and faculty from the university’s Master of Public Administration program.

The team will use the grant funds to conduct studies and map Pocatello’s most wildfire-prone areas as well as ensure homes in Bannock County’s wildland-urban interface areas are up to modern fire code.

“In Idaho, wildfires have occurred every year… so this is not a question about whether it will occur, but it’s actually more about when it will occur,” said Dr. Shin Kue Ryu, chair of ISU’s Political Science Department and faculty lead on the project. “With recent events, we’re made very aware of the circumstances and that pattern; [the grant] adds additional capacity to existing stakeholders in terms of not only thinking about response, but thinking about mitigation that will eventually save more money and lives and property in the long run.”

The team on the Disaster Mitigation Response Capacity Enhancement initiative will conduct studies and mapping surveys until July 2027; results will be used to inform emergency response and mitigation strategies for disaster preparedness organizations in the Pocatello area.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office is asking people to review a draft of a new budget plan which would increase and add fees to campgrounds around Southeast Idaho.

The 2025 ‘Recreation Fee Sites Business Plan’ includes proposals to increase the cost of camping and boat ramp use at the Blackfoot Reservoir Campground near Soda Springs, the Redpoint Campground near Preston, and the Maple Grove Campground near Thatcher. The plan would also add fees for camping, boat ramp use, and RV amenities at the Pipeline Campground near American Falls.

Bruce Hallman, public affairs specialist with the BLM, said the fee increases are designed to keep the campgrounds ‘self-sufficient’ and make up for increased costs of labor needed to maintain the public spaces, which have had a steady influx of visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.

“[The COVID-19 pandemic] really drove people outdoors… we applaud that, we want people to go out and enjoy our public lands,” said Hallman. “The problem is that it has impacted it, so lots more people, lots more use, lots more abuse––it takes work to try to deal with that, to handle trails, to handle people not following trails, to handle people camping, wanting more camping, inventing their own version of camping, dumping all sorts of things that are appropriate and not so appropriate; so, it takes a lot of managing to manage these different public lands.”

Camping fees are proposed to increase by $10 across all four campgrounds; if the business plan is accepted, Blackfoot Reservoir camping would cost $20 per night, camping at Redpoint and Maple Grove would cost $15 per night, and Pipeline Campground camping would cost $10 per night.

Under the proposed plan, boat ramp use for the day would increase to $10 per vehicle per day at the Blackfoot Reservoir and $5 per vehicle per day at Pipeline.

BLM is asking people to review the proposed business plan and leave comment until August 15. People can find the plan on the BLM website.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — VAST Apparel in Idaho Falls has raised $10,000 to support the injured firefighters in last month’s Coeur d’Alene shooting.

 A close family friend of Dave Tysdal, a Coeur d’Alene firefighter who was shot, reached out to VAST Apparel asking if they could help create some items in support of Dave. 

Without hesitation, they said yes.

They are working with the Red and Blue Foundation to make sure 100% of the profits from this campaign go directly to Dave’s family.

“I think people really have a sense of patriotism and belonging. I think when I think of a firefighter as someone who is brave, like they run into burning buildings to help us, the least we could do is to give back to them to support them as they have fallen or been hurt, and in a tragic time, such as something like this,” said Jonathan Madsen, Sales Manager at VAST Apparel.

If you are interested in supporting the cause, visit here.  

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Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from Idaho State Police.

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (ISP)– Idaho State Police is investigating a three-vehicle property damage crash which occurred, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 12:17 PM, on Interstate 15, just north of Blackfoot.

The vehicles involved were:

2021 Freightliner with a 2021 Utility Trailer – Driven by a 31-year-old male from Manitoba

2013 Dodge Grand Caravan – Driven by a 24-year-old male from Pocatello

2025 Peterbilt with a 2018 Utility Trailer – Driven by a 47-year-old male from California

All northbound traffic was coming to a stop in the construction zone. The 2021 Freightliner semi failed to stop in time, colliding with the back of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, pushing it into the back of the 2025 Peterbilt.

All occupants were wearing seatbelts.

The roadway was blocked for approximately four hours while crews worked to clear the scene.

Idaho State Police was assisted by Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfoot Police Department, Blackfoot Fire & EMS, and the Idaho Transportation Department.

This crash is under investigation by Idaho State Police

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News Release

The following is a news release from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Wyoming, Idaho to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning May 1.

The declaration covers the Wyoming counties of Campbell, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Lincoln, Niobrara, Park, Sublette, Teton and Weston as well as the Idaho counties of Bonneville, Fremont and Teton, the Montana County of Gallatin, and South Dakota counties of Custer, Lawrence and Pennington.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

 The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue and payments are not due until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than March 9, 2026.

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News Release

The following is a joint news release from Senator Jim Risch office.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal crime to assault first responders.

“Last month’s evil attack on first responders in North Idaho is a stark reminder of the dangers our brave men and women in uniform face every day,” said Risch. “The Graham Hoffman Act is commonsense legislation to properly punish those who assault the men and women who keep our communities safe. Vicki and I continue to pray for the victims of the North Idaho ambush, their loved ones, and all affected by this reprehensible act.”

“The devastating loss of Idaho firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood and severe injury of David Tysdal during a premeditated, deadly ambush last month in Coeur D’Alene remind us of the real dangers and sacrifices first responders make every day to protect our families and communities,” Crapo said.  “Their loss impels us to strengthen the law and deter further violence to ensure justice is fully meted on any individual who attacks our law enforcement or first responders.”

“Graham Hoffman was a courageous firefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the attack. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities. This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law,” said Schmitt.

Risch and Crapo are joined by U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).

On June 29, 2025, two North Idaho firefighters—Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Hardwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison—were killed in an ambush while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Another first responder, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Engineer Dave Tysdal, was seriously injured and remains in recovery.

This legislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City, Mo., who was attacked and killed in the line of duty by a known criminal on April 27, 2025.

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Curtis Jackson

POWER COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police said a reckless driver cut off a semi truck, causing some of the hay bales it was hauling to fall off the trailer and block the highway.

It was reported at 9:38 on Interstate 86 east of American Falls at milepost 44.

Idaho State Police reported that a Pocatello man was slowing down for a construction zone when a driver cut in front of him, forcing him to slam on his brakes, which caused the load to shift. Several large bales fell off.

Both eastbound lanes were blocked for about an hour and a half until crews were able to clear the roadway.

The Idaho State Police would like to remind motorists that loaded semi-trucks do not have the same stopping ability as a typical passenger vehicle or pickup truck. Please follow all posted speed limit signs, especially in construction zones, and increase following distance for everyone’s safety.

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Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – Bingham County Commissioners have issued a burn ban for the county beginning Wednesday, July 16, through September 30, 2025.

The ban involves all open fire, except for campfires built within an approved pit at camprgrounds or picnic areas.

It also doesn’t include smoking within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation site.

They sai no burn permits will be issued at this time in the county.

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News Team

The following is a press release from the Idaho Department of Transportation:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – With the painting of final lane markers on the new roadway, construction at the I-86/I-15 “Flying-Y” System Interchange in Pocatello is coming to a successful conclusion. Begun in July 2022, the three-year $112 million project has dramatically changed the drivability of the interchange.

“We spent over eight years from design to actual construction of the project. We’re pretty proud of it. It’s one of the bigger projects we’ve designed. It’s one of the largest projects ever designed entirely by ITD staff and inspected with ITD personnel. Most of the people on the team live here locally and this has been a really meaningful project for us to make sure we did our very best,” said Project Engineer Aaron Baird.

Critical areas that were improved include the northbound Pocatello Creek on-ramp, the northbound-to-westbound collector distributor, and the eastbound-to-northbound ramp. Each of those improvements made merging from one Interstate to the other smoother and safer for motorists. 

“We’re excited for people to use the final product. We hope it’s something that will last a long time and keep the travelling public safe as they use it,” said Project Manager Greg Roberts.

The scale of the endeavor has been truly historic. Approximately 1 million cubic yards of excavation have been completed. In addition, about 490,000 tons of base material was brought in; 116,000 tons of asphalt were placed; and over 7,700 cubic yards of concrete were poured. Nearly 70,000 square feet of retaining walls were also built throughout the project area. Finally, ITD built eight new bridges. Four of those have precast concrete girders and four have steel girders. In all, over 5 million pounds of steel has been used in the new bridges.

Construction crews worked year-round and around the clock for approximately three years to complete the project. To minimize disruption to traffic, key demolition operations were conducted at night. These efforts minimized the impact on traffic while the interchange was being reconstructed.

In addition to the major changes inside the Flying-Y design, the Chubbuck Road overpass was reconstructed as an underpass to improve site distances and vertical clearance on I-15, and to improve access to the Wellness Center from Chubbuck. The new underpass is significantly wider and includes bike lanes and sidewalks.

ITD also worked closely with the Portneuf Greenway to construct a pedestrian and bicycle path on the east side of the worksite to connect the Greenway to the Wellness Center.

Work left to wrap up the project will be off the roadway and conducted on the shoulders. In addition, ITD will be seeding open ground with native grasses.

“Thank you for being patient with us and seeing our vision, seeing what we’re trying to do to positively impact this community,” said Project Manager Zak Johnson.

District Engineer Todd Hubbard echoed those sentiments, “This project has been a great success and is an important addition to the community for the safety of drivers. It has been a lot of work to get all of it completed and to keep traffic moving. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we have worked on this project over the last three years. And a thank you to the project team and Sundt-Cannon Joint Venture for a project well done.”

Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, move over for workers and emergency vehicles, and follow posted speed limits.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the Bingham County Abatement District:

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bingham County Abatement District’s mosquito control program, operated by Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), has detected the first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool of 2025 in Bingham County. A total of 64 pools (1,629 total mosquitoes) from Bingham County have been tested so far this year, and all have yielded negative results to date. The pool of mosquitoes that tested positive was collected in the Shoemaker/Rich Lane Area, and VDCI has taken aggressive action to reduce the mosquito population in this affected area by expanding the surveillance and West Nile virus testing, and increasing both larval and adult mosquito control activities.

“Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are the primary vector species of West Nile virus in our area and are most common in July and August when the temperatures are warmest,” said Justin Huse, Bingham County’s mosquito abatement program manager. “The number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes has been high as expected this year, so our detection of West Nile virus was also expected and we are taking immediate action to reduce the population of these mosquitoes.” He added, “This early detection of WNV in mosquitoes is one of the primary reasons for our comprehensive mosquito surveillance and control program.”

A WNV-positive mosquito pool indicates that viral activity is increasing in the environment, and people should be more careful and take precautions to protect themselves from the virus.

The Bingham County Abatement Board recommends that all Bingham County residents take the following precautions:

Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon eucalyptus while always following the label directions for use.

Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing while outdoors, especially long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.

Minimize outdoor activity around dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Make sure that all screens on doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.

Encourage neighbors and family members to exercise precautions as well.

Eliminate standing water around your property and encourage neighbors to do the same.

Do not over-irrigate pastures to the point that water stands for more than five days.

Keep grass and weeds cut in order to minimize resting places for adult mosquitoes.

West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans, horses, and other animals by infected mosquitoes after the mosquitoes have bitten infected birds, which are the primary hosts of the virus. Most people bitten by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes experience either no symptoms or possibly a short period of mild flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of human West Nile virus infections typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, and headaches. In rare but severe cases, symptoms can include high fever, neck pain, severe headache, a rash on the torso, and disorientation, which may be signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). If such symptoms occur, residents should seek immediate medical attention from a physician.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection; avoiding mosquito bites and a comprehensive integrated mosquito management program is the best prevention.

If you have any mosquito-related questions, please contact VDCI at 208-684-5112.

For more information about West Nile virus, click HERE.

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