Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — Search and rescue teams successfully performed a daring high-altitude helicopter rescue Saturday to save an injured 27-year-old man stranded near the summit of McGowan Peak.

The emergency began around 4:33 p.m. on March 21, when Custer County dispatch received a Garmin SOS notification. Details surrounding the rescue are limited, but a post by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office indicates the man had been climbing or hiking in the Pahsimeroi section of the Lost River Range south of Challis, Idaho.

Faced with steep, unforgiving terrain, Challis Search and Rescue, alongside the Idaho National Guard, flew a Black Hawk helicopter to the peaks. Working in thin air, rescue crews hoisted the man from the mountainside at 9400 feet and flew him to a staging area, where he was transferred to an awaiting medical helicopter.

The man’s current condition is unknown. However, following the successful mission, the Custer County Sheriff’s Office took to Facebook to praise the seamless teamwork between the local volunteers and Idaho National Guard crews.

“We appreciate the crew of Talon 70 and Air 4! Another season of cooperation begins!” states the post.

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Danielle Mullenix

We’ll start this first full week of spring with warm temperatures and sunny skies. A pleasant start to the new season will also bring a continued run of record-high temperatures across the region, as a warming trend spills into the first half of the week.

On Monday, we’ll start the day off with temperatures climbing out of the 30s and into the 40s by 9 am. No weather hazards or impacts are expected on this day, as low clouds brush by in the early morning hours. High temperatures are expected to sit in the upper 60s this afternoon, then drop back into the 30s overnight lows. Wind gusts will peak today, generally around 15 to 20 miles per hour. Very little chance of precipitation in the region.

A small wind advisory will be in effect on Tuesday and Wednesday. The highest wind gusts are expected tomorrow, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening, reaching up to 35 miles per hour. High temperatures on both days will remain above average, in the upper 60s and lower 70s.

By Thursday, temperatures will begin to fall slowly as a minor cold front is expected to move across the region for the weekend. Slight precipitation in more mountainous areas surrounding the Island Park area, with stray showers as a possible forecast. We end the week colder than we started, with our highs in the lower 60s by Friday afternoon.

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David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho – Gov. Brad Little emphasized the recent tax relief delivered in Idaho at a Multi-County Republican Lincoln Banquet Saturday at Madison High School.

“Idaho has been leading. We’ve delivered $4.6 billion in tax relief in just the past few years,” said Gov. Brad Little. “Why? Because we believe money belongs in the pockets of the people who earned it. We’re proving something very important. Something the rest of country needs to hear. You can invest in your priorities, grow your economy, and still give money back to your citizens.”

Since he was first elected Governor, K-12 education funding has increased 70 percent, he said, while crime in the state is down 17 percent.

Republicans from six counties – Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton – gathered to hear from the state’s leaders.

“How impressive it is to participate in this, in this, Lincoln Day tonight with the six counties,” said Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke. “This community always producers top-notch educators and legislators. …It’s worth noting that we’ve had decades of good, strong Republican conservative [leadership] – but not just conservative blindly – budget-keeping, pragmatic, doing-the-right-thing year in and year out – the blocking and tackling as it were of government – and we’ve done that for years.”

The Brigham Young University-Idaho Men’s Chorus performed “The Star Spangled Banner” a capella and “Inkosi Namamandla,” a Zulu hymn from South Africa.

Messages from U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Mike Crapo and Republican data strategist Daniel Silver were also shared. 

“Let’s keep Idaho strong,” Little said. “Let’s keep Idaho free, and let’s keep the American spirit alive for generations to come.”

The Brigham Young University-Idaho Men’s Chorus performs a musical number in Zulu, “Inkosi Namamandla.”

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce hosted a legislative town hall meeting on Saturday evening at the College of Eastern Idaho. The topics of the meeting included a proposed ethics bill, LGBTQ prioritization, education, medicaid expansion, AI, nuclear power, mental health resources, statewide budgeting and more.

The panel consisted of six members of Idaho Legislature. Representatives and senators serve on various committees across the state inlucding state affairs committees, agriculture, and Idaho Falls J-FAC.

Attendees of tonight’s town hall meeting were invited to write their questions for the panelists on notecards which were compiled prior to the start of the meeting and asked by the moderator. The session began with questions about prioritizing transgender and LGBTQ-related issues in Idaho.

“We have much bigger priorities in helping families and children and other things,” said Representative Marco Erickson. “You won’t see me bringing a bill to address that. But when they come before us, we don’t have an ‘I hate this bill’ or ‘I hate this part of it,’ we have a ‘yes’ and a ‘no.’ That’s the only options we have.”

“This issue effects not 1% of Idahoans, doesn’t mean more to 20% of you or have anything to do with you,” said Senator Kevin Cook. “We’re all Idahoans. From an education standpoint, we still need to educate our kids. I don’t care what color, religion, or anything else. They’re children. We need to love and respect them, to teach them and give them an education so that they graduate.”

Keeping parents in the conversation about transgender children has been a hot topic across the state. The panelists talked about what it means to keep children safe both at school and home.

“I felt like one particular bill was striking the balance that was trying to make sure that parents or at least a parent was kept part of that conversation,” said Representative Josh Wheeler. “Those adolescent years are years when the youth of Idaho are making some of the decisions that will have the greatest effect on their life, long term.”

Representative Stephanie Mickelson mentioned a prior bill which passed to require parent consent for healthcare in schools, as simple as giving Band-Aids. “It’s hard when you want to hold schools and teachers accountable for what a child is doing,” said Mickelson.

Idahoans have been concerned with recent legislation attempting to repeal Medicaid expansion in the state. Panelists spoke on this issue tonight, all six of them expressing they are against the repealing of the bill.

“We had a couple options with some sideboarding or we could get rid of the whole program,” said Erickson. “It’s too big of an economic impact for our state to allow that to go away, and too many of our very vulnerable adults that are working really hard and they just can’t afford insurance and it’s tough.”

Audience members wanted to hear panelists’ thoughts on AI. Senator Cook said he’s a big fan of AI and all that it can do for jobs and education in the state, however he emphasized the need for parental involvement.

“We are very strict about no data collected, no data going outside the school district,” Cook said. “Your kids are still safe, they’ll be okay if they use it, but as parents, you need to get involved with it.”

This topic also raised concerns over the amount of water it takes to power AI. Senator Cook said we need to be able to store Idaho water. “Not a single drop should leave the state of Idaho that is not legally required,” he stated.

When asked about the high number of suicides in Idaho schools, panelists focused on human connection and knowing the warning signs of suicide. Amid the statewide budget cuts, attendees asked how mental health resources would be affected.

“Citizens need to learn how to recognize the symptoms and signs and talk about it openly,” said Erickson. “That’s what’s really important. Connection is a really huge and anti-suicide thing.”

“The 988 system has been a revolutionary change in this conversation,” said Wheeler. “It’s important we protect that funding. Those guys run one lean, mean, but absolutely vital service. Not just to our kids, but to everybody.” Representative Wheeler also touched on the legislation passed last session to ask all school districts in the state to have a cell phone policy. He said the cell phone addiction amongst young Idahoans is causing more anxiety and a barrier to human connections.

Representative Erin Bingham offered hope to those struggling. “You are needed, you are loved. Don’t give up,” she stated. “I hope that we can find that connection or be that connection for someone who is struggling.”

Legislative Town Hall Meetings are held for specific reasons, adequately stated tonight by Representative Mickelson: “Just simply being in the same room and taking time to respectfully listen to each other and look somebody in the eye and say, ‘I hear what you’re saying’ is a really important part of this whole process.”

If you’re interested in attending more legislative events to talk to representatives and senators, visit https://idahofallschamber.com/.

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The East Idaho Fly Tying and Flyfishing Expo has gathered fishing enthusiants from around the region for 30 years. This weekend, thousands traveled to the Mountain America Center for all things fly fishing.

The event hosts over one hundred fly tyers demonstrating their skills, tips and tricks to catch the most fish on the water. The expo floor also has dozens of vendors with everything from outdoor attire to fly fishing rods and tackle boxes.

Josh Tylor, announcer for the EIFTE, said here is where you’ll find the latest and greatest of all things fly fishing and fly tying. “There is a lot of different information you can gain from spending time here, and a lot of guys will tell you fly fishing stories.”

Attendees can also enjoy free presentations or sign up for classes taught by fly fishing professionals. Tylor says it doesn’t matter what level of fisher you are, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“If you’re in need of a hobby, this is a great place to start,” he said. “Or if you’re somebody who doesn’t know anything, this is a great place to get information.”

There is a casting pond where vendors selling fishing rods allow customers to test out the rod before purchasing. Tylor says it’s important to find the rod that is the right fit for you. Other vendors offer tickets for fishing trips and discounts on gear. The post-expo dinner began tonight at 5pm at the Mountain America Center, where guests will enjoy a live auction and additional raffles.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Blackfoot Fire Department is applauding the quick action by off-duty firefighters and volunteers after multiple emergency calls stretched its resources to the limit.

The busy morning began around 11:00 AM when crews rushed to a shop fire near 200 N and 400 W. The fire had fully engulfed the shop, threatening a nearby home. Fortunately, firefighters were able to knock it down within minutes before it could spread.

While on-duty teams battled the fire, a separate medical emergency came in. Because the primary crews were tied up at the blaze, off-duty and volunteer members answered the call.

The department took to social media to praise their team’s dedication.

“Without the willingness of these members to interrupt their lives and drop what they are doing on their days off, there would be severe gaps in coverage of fire and EMS,” wrote the Department on Facebook. “As always, we are proud to serve the citizens of Blackfoot and Bingham County!”

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News Team

PRESTON, Idaho (KIFI) — A weekend rollover crash north of Preston has claimed the life of a Georgia man and left another in the hospital.

Idaho State Police say the crash happened around 9:45 Saturday morning on US 91. A 22-year-old man was driving a Toyota Highlander southbound when he went off the road, overcorrected, and rolled over the guardrail.

His 23-year-old passenger died at the scene. The driver was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. ISP says both men were wearing seatbelts, and the crash is still under investigation.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every year since 2019, The Comedy Project – a local non-profit improv group in Pocatello – has gathered performers together for a three day marathon of improv shows. They call it “Improvathon” and it’s running this weekend Thursday – Saturday at the Westside Players.

The improv group plans and prepares months in advance for the grueling weekend. On Friday, March 20th, some members are teaching and performing until 2 a.m.

Daniel Sheldon, President of The Comedy Project (TCP), says the goal is to “bring as much improv as we possibly can cram into a single weekend.”

This means having over 26 hours of improv showcases ranging from TCP shows, to high school improv sessions performed by local high schoolers, workshops taught by local and national performers, and guest performances. Sixty-five improv actors travel to Pocatello for “Improvathon.”

“We want to do as much improv as we can with as many friends as we can,” Sheldon said. The Comedy Project gathers performers from neighboring states for the event.

“Our outside troops are coming from California, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Washington and Montana,” said Jacob Andrysiak, TCP member and “Improvathon” Committee Chairman. Andrysiak fell in love with improv comedy when he went to his first workshop. He now lives out of town, but travels back to Pocatello every year for this event.

“I just love the growth of comedy. I love what it can do for people’s lives from an education standpoint,” Andrysiak said. “Year after year, I want to see kind of who’s showing up and supporting them and watching some of those improvisers grow in their craft.”

Some of the showcases involve audience participation. Sheldon said to be prepared to answer questions, offer storyline ideas, or even be pulled up on stage.

“You get to engage with the performers. You give us suggestions, you’re the ones who really shape the stories that emerge on stage,” said Andrysiak. “That’s something fun and unique about improvathon.”

TCP members take “shifts” during “Improvathon,” but they’ve taken care to ensure that whether audience members show up at 10 am or midnight, they’ll have an excellent experience and laugh a lot.

“We’re going to be on stage for hopefully quite a while over the course of the weekend, and we try to keep that energy up, making sure that if somebody comes in at midnight or somebody comes in at 10 a.m. it’s still going to be a good show either way,” said Sheldon.

Sheldon said there is nothing quite like “Improvathon” in this area.

“If you are one, if you’re a fan of comedy of any sort, we’re going to have troops that perform absolutely insane, wacky, weird things,” Sheldon said. “We’re going to have troops that are going to be very similar to what you might expect from other improv networks. We’re going to have just a absolutely massive collection of some of the most talented people that we’ve come across when we’ve been traveling across states. It’s just a one of a kind event.”

Andrysiak pointed out that each performer is doing something unique and brave, which is exciting to witness as an audience member. “It’s a good way to just laugh and kind of just chill out, relax, and have a good time, especially heading into your spring break,” he said.

Improvathon continues until 2 a.m. on Friday, and runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Westside Players Saturday, March 21st. For showtimes, details and tickets, check The Comedy Project’s Facebook and Instagram pages as well as their website at tcpimprov.org/improvathon.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – With travel picking up and Spring Break right around the corner, Idaho State Police is reminding the public to obey the law when they see flashing lights along the side of the road.

When cars are whizzing by at 70 or 80 miles per hour, the job of an Idaho State Police patrol officer can be very dangerous – during the day and especially at night. 

“We’re looking for vehicles that are failing to move over for emergency vehicles,” said Sergeant Justin Ward. “So any time, law enforcement has a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road or other emergency vehicles – fire, EMS, tow trucks – have their emergency lights on, drivers are required to slow down below the posted speed limit.

“If there’s two or more lanes going in the same direction, they’re required to move over when they’re able, so they’re in a non-adjacent lane,” he continued.

Failure to slow down or move over is one of the most common violations officers witness.

“We see it every day. You know, a lot of times people are not aware that they are required to move over,” Ward said. “This isn’t just for law enforcement. So … any emergency vehicles that are on the roadway, if they’re stopped on the shoulder and they have their emergency lights on, drivers are required to move over.”

Idaho State Police is actively enforcing the law as well. Consequences vary from a verbal warning to a $90 citation.

“While we’re doing our paperwork, and the initial car that we’ve stopped has moved away, we might have cars still going by,” Ward said. “When we’re doing emphasis patrols, there might be multiple troopers out on the roadway that are watching specifically for this.”

At the end of the day, the law is about ensuring safety of drivers, officers and emergency personnel as well.

“A lot of times we’re working outside of our vehicles, so we’re out and about around the traffic. Cars going by right now are going 70 miles an hour or so,” Ward said. “Slowing down gives them more of a reactionary time. You know, if something was to happen where we or the person that we have stopped gets out into the lane of traffic, they have time to react and slow down.”

A state trooper makes a traffic stop on Friday.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Unseasonably warm weather is pushing allergy season into high gear earlier than normal across the Intermountain West. Family physician Dr. Gordon Harkness, a medical director with Optum in Utah and Idaho, says changing weather patterns are extending the time pollen is in the air and increasing how much people are exposed.

“When it warms up earlier, the plants start doing their thing,” Harkness said. “They start growing, they start pushing out blossoms, they start pushing out pollen earlier, and sometimes the length of time that those pollen counts are high remains for a much longer period of time.”

A recent national ranking listed Boise as the No. 1 “allergy capital” in the country, with several Utah cities — including Salt Lake City and Provo — also landing near the top. Harkness said that while eastern Idaho did not appear on the list, people traveling or moving between Idaho and Utah are still feeling the effects.

He said tree pollen is a major trigger this time of year, especially in March through May. Even people who have never had allergies before can develop them.

“Just because you haven’t had allergies in the past doesn’t mean you can’t develop them in the future,” Harkness said. “Environmental allergies, especially pollens during the spring, summer and fall, can really impact a lot of people’s lives.”

Harkness said pollen doesn’t always stay outside. It collects on clothing, hair, skin and pets, then comes indoors. He recommends checking pollen counts and reducing outdoor activity when levels are high, washing hands frequently, showering after being outside for long periods of time, and brushing your pets outdoors before letting them come back inside. 

For people who wear contact lenses, Harkness said eye irritation can be a sign that pollen is building up.

“If you’re getting irritated, you might need to remove your contacts for a little while and use regular glasses while your eyes reduce in inflammation.”

Other ways to prevent you from suffering a longer allergy season are over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays, which can be effective for many people. 

Longer-acting antihistamines that are taken once a day are often more convenient and can help reduce side effects such as drowsiness.

“It’s not that they don’t work if you’ve already got symptoms, but they work better before the symptoms actually start,” Harkness said.

Anyone with severe or persistent symptoms should talk to a pharmacist or see a primary care provider to confirm allergies are the cause and to discuss which medications may be safest and most effective.

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