Author: KIFI

Ariel Jensen

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Local News 8 is learning more about the Baker Country Market in Salmon that went up in flames over the weekend.

Lemhi County Fire Protection District Chief Mike Warner reported the cause of the fire. He said the store owner was burning boxes about 25-30 ft. away from the building, which was a common practice for store upkeep. The shop owner put out the box fire by 3 P.M. and monitored the area until he went to dinner around 5 p.m., thinking the fire was out. Warner said that by 6 P.M., wind speeds picked up, blowing some of the embers into a pile of pallets that spread to the store and engulfed the building.

Warner says the store is a total loss, sustaining $1.2 million in damages, and was not insured.

Local News 8 has not been able to get updates directly from the owners, as the market is operated by a local Amish family whose practices conflict with modern communication and media. Warner says this Sunday, February 28, the Amish community will gather for a meeting to decide whether to rebuild the store.

Operations and functions within the Amish community differ from those in modern civilian practice and are kept private within their commune. Some neighbors from outside the Amish community told us they are still in shock by the loss of the store and hope to see it return.

“I think I speak for the community as a whole that we wish they would rebuild. And if they do choose to rebuild, the community is behind them and will support them in any which way that they need help,” said Craig Larsen, Salmon resident. “If they choose not to, the community will come together and support them in their choices because that’s what it’s about, a community coming together to support a family in our hometowns.”

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 25 FEB 26 17:22 ET

By Pat Reavy,

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSL) — A Saratoga Springs man with a history of DUI arrests, who was convicted of hitting and killing a 13-year-old boy on a bicycle in 2022 and then driving off, went before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole for the first time on Tuesday.

“I don’t have an excuse. I know the choices I made that day were horrific. They were life changing. Just when I thought I had everything in my grasp and (under) control … I had a relapse,” Mason Andrew Ohms told the parole board.

However, the parents of 13-year-old Eli Mitchell, who was riding his bike when he was hit and killed in West Jordan on April 26, 2022, believe that the state must send a strong message to all repeat DUI offenders in addition to protecting the public against Ohms, and told the board Tuesday that serving four years of a possible 20-year sentence isn’t enough.

“Five times he was given another chance. Five times the system believed in him,” an emotional Jeremy Mitchell, Eli’s father, told the board while adding that Ohms didn’t just “simply make a mistake” that day. His actions were the result of a “series of dangerous, reckless choices” made over many years, he said.

“The grief in our home is constant,” Mitchell said. “This is our life sentence. There is no parole from it.”

In 2022, Eli had just gotten his first debit card and couldn’t wait to ride his bicycle to the store to purchase his favorite treats, Kit Kats and Hostess donuts.

He was riding home with his treats hanging in a bag on his handlebars and in a crosswalk at 1510 W. 9000 South in West Jordan when Ohms made a right turn on a red light and hit the young teen.

Ohms, who was driving a 2007 Chevy Silverado, was waiting at a red light to make a right turn when he “accelerated hard into his right turn, hitting (Eli) just as he entered the crosswalk,” charging documents state.

He never hit his brakes after hitting Eli, the charges state, and then made a U-turn in the street and drove past others who were administering help to Eli, and kept driving. Ohms drove to the parking lot of a nearby business, got out and pulled the bicycle out from under his truck before driving to his Saratoga Springs home, according to the charges.

He parked about a block away from his house but was arrested by waiting police when he arrived home. Hours after the accident, Ohms’ recorded blood-alcohol level was 0.10%, which prosecutors argued meant he likely had a level of 0.22% at the time of the crash.

The incident happened right after Ohms left a bar that he had been at for six hours with co-workers, during which time he claimed on Tuesday he drank four 20-ounce beers and bought additional beers for others. After he made the right turn and saw someone waving him down, he thought that something must have fallen off the back his truck.

“And that’s when I seen someone in the road. I had no clue. I didn’t even understand what happened,” he told the board on Tuesday.

At that point, Ohms claims panic set it.

“As I look back … I let a lot of things just slip through. … I didn’t have discipline. I ran and hid. That’s all I look at (now) is my actions (that day),” he attempted to explain, saying he’s had four years to reflect on what happened. “I couldn’t believe it happened, that I allowed it to happen.”

Ohms says he’s “not proud” of his actions and that the incident was “unbecoming of who I am.”

“It was the worst thing that could ever happen to anybody, yet it was me who did that. No words can describe why I left … why I left someone sitting there. … That’s not me,” he said.

But board member Dan Bokovoy, who conducted Tuesday’s hearing, pressed the repeat DUI offender on what will be different the next time he is in public. Bokovoy noted that even though Ohms, now 53, had no arrests between 2013 and 2022, he keeps “going back to the same behavior” after being sober for a while.

Likewise, Eli’s parents, Jeremy and Lisa Taylor Mitchell, both told the board they can’t understand why Ohms acted the way he did and why he was given so many chances.

“I miss you so much. I miss you every minute of every day. We’re doing everything to honor you,” an emotional Lisa Mitchell said Tuesday, first speaking to Eli before directly addressing the board.

“I lost Eli because of this man’s repeated choices,” she said. “His history shows a pattern that cannot be ignored.”

Jeremy Mitchell noted that 18 victim impact statements had been submitted to the board prior to Tuesday’s hearing, and Eli’s three best friends were in attendance for the parole hearing. He noted that he has enjoyed watching the friends get their driver’s licenses, go on dates and grow into young men. But “these are moments I’ll never share with my son. And it will only get harder,” he said.

Mitchell concluded his comments by saying his desire to have Ohms remain in prison is “not about anger or revenge” but rather about preventing another family from suffering the same fate.

Ohms replied to the Mitchell family by reading a letter he had prepared. He apologized and called his actions “inexcusable, outrageous and morally unacceptable.”

Ohms’ two sentences for convictions of automobile homicide, a second-degree felony, and failing to remain at an accident involving death, a third-degree felony, were ordered to run consecutively. In total, he was ordered to serve a minimum one year in the Utah State Prison and up to 20. If he serves his full sentence, he will be released in the year 2042.

The full five-member board will now vote whether to grant parole or set another parole hearing. A decision isn’t expected for about a month.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – In an era of fiscal reckoning, District 91’s Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) may be moving to a new home.

CTEC and Compass Academy

“The board asked us to research different ways to utilize our facilities more fully,” said District 91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange. “They’ve asked us to take a deeper dive into researching the costs of combining CTEC, which is located downtown, and Compass [Academy] into the existing Compass building.”

The district’s five-year lease at the former Deseret Industries building in downtown Idaho Falls expires in December, and while the district intends to extend month-by-month temporarily, it is exploring options that would allow for additional expansion of its Career Technical Education programs.

CTEC currently provides career and technical training in 14 programs – including cybersecurity, digital communications, graphic design, pharmacy tech, welding, construction, mechanics, culinary, law enforcement, fire fighting, ag science, Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant and auto tech.

“Career technical is a high priority,” LaOrange said. “We have really an incredibly strong program, and a surprising number of students that have gotten jobs straight out of high school that are well-paying and allow them to move straight into the workforce.”

The existing CTEC building has a 35,000 square-foot footprint, while Compass Academy covers 112,000 square feet, according to District 91 Facilities and Maintenance Director DeAnna Harger.

A move to Compass Academy would potentially create space for greater program expansion and reduce the costs of renting the former Deseret Industries building.

While the Compass location would be shared, administration and staff for Compass and CTEC would remain separate, LaOrange clarified.

Elementary schools

Changes could also be in the works for elementary students down the road.

“The board also asked us to research how we might better utilize our elementary schools by balancing our student enrollment across the various schools in our district,” LaOrange explained.

Idaho Falls High School

The Board of Trustees is identifying its top facility priorities as it moves forward toward developing a five-year plan. 

“Some of the things that they discussed in depth tonight were a better facility for CTEC so that we can grow the program a little bit more, and also how to address Idaho Falls High School,” LaOrange said. “We know it’s a building that is 70-plus years old, and that there are some constraints in that building when it comes to electricity and the size of the classrooms. So they’re asking us to take a deeper and closer look at that, and then come back to them with more information.”

No final decisions were made Tuesday night, and the Board of Trustees will continue to weigh how to best utilize its $42 million modernization funds allocated by the state, potential construction costs and the district’s enrollment trends in making final decisions.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Women athletes and students gathered tonight at Reed Gym on the Idaho State University Campus to play games and enjoy freebies and smoothies. The event was a collaboration between students and ISU Recreation and Wellness.

Laney Forsmann is a graduate student at ISU in the Human Performances and Sports Studies program and a graduate teaching assistant who organized this event for the ISU womens’ community. She says events like these are essential to helping female students feel a sense of belonging in the gym.

“I want to create a community for us here where we feel heard,” she said. “And we can just embrace each other in leadership positions.”

This event comes just days after the women of Team USA brought home an outstanding six gold medals in the Winter Olympics. Forsmann says role models like the women Olympians are also essential for women in sports.

“We can do anything that men can, and I just think that every once in a while we need a voice or we need one person to step up and take that role,” Forsmann said. “It’s so inspiring to see other girls do these big things because you feel inspired to do the same when you see that.”

One of the most exciting parts of the event was the opportunity for students to blend their own smoothie, while biking! Campus dining provided recipes for attendees to follow which were then blended using pedaling power.

Forsmann is part of a special group of female students working towards an inspiring community for women athletes. Tonight’s event capped off the February events put on by groups at ISU for women at the university. However, ISU Recreation and Wellness has fitness classes every week ranging from yoga to rock climbing.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — For Paralympic gold medalist Hunter Woodhall and Olympic champion Tara Davis-Woodhall, the Simplot Games changed their life when the two first met as high school athletes, sparking a marriage that would lead them to international fame.

This past weekend, the couple returned to their roots to mentor a new generation. While they came to inspire hundreds of high schoolers, the weekend’s most enduring moment involved a 5-year-old boy named Joel.

Joel, a spirited youngster who shares Woodhall’s journey as a double amputee, arrived at the track with a singular mission: to meet his hero. Born without shin bones or bones in his feet, Joel underwent a double amputation to gain mobility. On Saturday, he stood in the stands sporting a new pair of prosthetic running legs.

“When we saw him immediately, it was just so overwhelming,” Woodhall said.

Recognizing a kindred spirit, Woodhall brought Joel down from the stands to the track. The introduction quickly escalated when officials announced a 30-minute break in the scheduled races. Seizing the opportunity, Woodhall challenged the 5-year-old to a spontaneous dash.

In a move that brought the arena to a standstill, the Paralympic champion and the preschooler lined up. As the crowd cheered, Joel sprinted ahead, crossing the finish line first to officially “beat” the fastest man in the Paralympic world.

For Woodhall, the loss was his most meaningful second-place finish. He praised the boy’s “courage, grit, and excitement for life,” noting that the encounter was just as inspiring for the mentors as it was for the youth.

As the Woodhalls left the arena where their own story began, they left behind more than just advice for high school athletes. They left a young boy with the unwavering belief that he belongs in the fast lane.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)— February is Career and Technical Education Month, a nationwide celebration highlighting the power of hands-on learning to prepare students for high-wage, high-skill and in-demand careers.

At College of Eastern Idaho, more than 20 CTE programs are helping students gain practical experience while meeting the workforce needs of eastern Idaho.

“It really kind of builds off of some of the academics. But really, what makes it unique is that it is applied hands on learning,” said Matthew Taylor, dean of Health Sciences.

According to ACTE, 71% of Idaho technical college completers obtained employment related to their CTE training.

“When you really look at both local and national trends, they’re both pretty similar,” Taylor said. “And what people want, meaning both students and employers, is they want job-ready applicants. So a student wants to go through a training that gives them the skills, ability and knowledge to go into the job field. And employers want to hire people who are prepared in that way. And so really, CTE programs are well positioned and they’re designed to deliver those things.”

CEI offers programs across trades, technology, healthcare, and business: Automotive Technology, Heavy-Duty Diesel, Welding Technology, Energy Systems Technology, Mechatronics, Cybersecurity, Information Technology Services, Business Management, Legal Studies & Paralegal, Digital Media Specialist, and a wide range of healthcare pathways. CEI’s new Dental Hygiene program is also scheduled to begin enrolling students for Fall 2026.

Their most enrolled program is their nursing program.

“Health sciences and healthcare fields are always going to have really high enrollment,” Taylor said. “Our nursing program is continuously full and at capacity. Students really like that, and other fields such as welding or the auto tech programs are also seeing a lot of demand.”

For more information on their programs, visit https://www.cei.edu/academic-programs.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– A group of local barbers are cutting more than just hair; they are snipping off some of the burden that comes with being a new parent. Oley’s Barber Shop in Idaho Falls is offering haircuts in exchange for donations to the Nest Pregnancy Care Center. The Nest offers programs like one-on-one education, prenatal care, life skills, and more.

From being raised by a single moms, or having been a single fathers themselves, the group of barbers says they have first-hand experience in the challenges parents face. They are hosting a free haircut event where people can do a little good, feel pretty good, and leave looking good too.

“As someone who’s a younger parent myself, and was raised by a single parent who was my mom..I just know the struggles, and know what everyone’s kind of up against that way,” said Cole Tremelling, Barber at Oley’s Barbershop. “And the smallest little bit can help. So, if all I can do is provide a haircut and, you know, it’s going to fold or go tenfold towards somebody or ten other people in the community. All because I did one haircut, then that’s the least I can do.”

The event is this Saturday, February 28th, from 10 A.M to 6 P.M. at Oley’s Barbershop on 366 N. Holmes Avenue in Idaho Falls.

Donations as low as a dollar will be accepted in exchange for a haircut. Oley’s will also be accepting diaper donations.  If you come in and make a donation but don’t have time to get your haircut, they will give you a voucher to come back at a later date. For more details on the event, visit https://www.oleysbarbers.com/ or check out their Facebook post below.

Address: 366 N Holmes Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83401

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Republican leaders in Wyoming and Idaho praised President Trump’s 2026 State Of The Union address praising the administrations first-year achievments on economy, securing the southern border, and providing relief for working families.

“Under Republican leadership, Idahoans have more opportunity, more freedom, and more money in their pockets,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho). “In 2025 alone, we secured the border, delivered record tax relief for working families, killed the Lava Ridge project, and reined in the wasteful federal spending that fueled inflation.”

Rep. Mike Simpson praised the administration’s leadership after four years of previous policy failures. Simpson highlighted the enactment of what he called the largest tax cut in American history and the introduction of “Trump Accounts,” a new investment program for American children.

“We now have the most secure border in American history, regulatory reform, and our servicemembers and veterans are being taken care of,” Simpson said. “Crime is plummeting, inflation is down, and we’re no longer reliant on countries that hate us.”

In Wyoming, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said, “Republicans promised safety and prosperity for our nation, and we’ve delivered. The border is now secure. Gasoline prices are at a five-year low. Jobs are coming back to America. Wages are up. Things are more affordable.”

Barrasso shared a story of meeting Wyoming sailors on a Navy destroyer near Iran who told him the administration’s policies had saved their fathers’ jobs in the coal and power plant industries back home.

“Tax returns are going to be even higher for this year than they were last year as a result of the Working Families Tax Cuts law,” Barrasso added. “That’s what it means to make America safer and more prosperous.”

Looking ahead Idaho Senator Jim Risch noted the victories the White House has produced in the past year but also added “Our work is not over. I am committed to achieving even more for Idaho in the year ahead by partnering with my Senate colleagues to lower costs, ensure election integrity, and unleash American nuclear energy.”

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea issued a response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Wednesday, accusing the administration of neglecting working families while criticizing Gov. Brad Little for “banking on” the president’s momentum to launch his own reelection campaign.

“Trump had nearly two hours on that stage and offered nothing that would lower rent, cut premiums, or bring prices down, because he doesn’t want to. He wants noise. He wants distractions,” Necochea said.

The chair also connected the national address to Little’s reelection announcement, which coincided with the speech.

“As Trump ranted in Washington,” said Necochea, “Brad Little tried to ride the moment by launching his reelection bid. He is banking on Trump because he cannot defend a record of giveaways for insiders and budget failures that force cuts, threaten public safety, and make life harder and more expensive for Idaho families.”

The Idaho Democratic Party criticized the President over “the ditch” Trump has driven the economy into, citing rising household costs, which include groceries and utility bills. Safety concerns criticizing the “Republican Big Ugly Bill” for increasing ICE’s budget while allegedly taking $1 trillion from working people.

She further accused the administration of “reckless decisions,” ranging from attempts to privatize Social Security to foreign policy moves such as attempting to take control of Greenland.

Necochea concluded her statement by breaking down what Democrats will be focused on this coming election season.

“We will lower costs, protect Medicaid and Social Security, and stop the cuts that threaten essential services and public safety. Republicans are fighting for Trump. Democrats are fighting for Idaho, and we’re ready to win this November,” she said.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 29-year-old Idaho Falls man is facing serious felony charges after he led sheriff’s deputies in a foot chase during an attempted traffic stop.

On Feb. 24, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ryker Thomas Masson on multiple Felony Warrants for Probation Violations, stemming from previous drug-related charges.

Around 4:45 pm, a deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle Masson was riding in near Broadway and Skyline Drive after recognizing him. Masson fled the vehicle from the passenger side and ran on foot to a nearby alleyway.

Deputies caught up to him when he stopped running. During the chase, officers recovered needles believed to be drug paraphernalia and other items Masson had discarded.

A deputy involved in the initial stop lost his footing while chasing Masson and fell on a concrete curb, breaking his arm. An Idaho Falls ambulance responded to the scene, and the deputy was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Masson was booked on the two outstanding felony warrants and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.

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