Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Judge Steven Boyce has officially announced his re-election campaign for Idaho’s Seventh Judicial District, setting the stage for the region’s first contested judicial election in over a decade. The announcement comes only days after Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal announced his decision to challenge him for the Judge’s seat.

In a news release, Judge Boyce outlined his goals to focus on continuing to strengthen the administration of justice, supporting problem‑solving courts, and ensuring that the Seventh Judicial District remains a model of fairness and professionalism

“I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted with my role in Idaho’s judiciary, and continue to be completely committed to ensuring justice for my community here in Southeast Idaho,” Judge Boyce said. “I look forward to continuing that work.”

A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho College of Law, Boyce’s legal career spans several decades of both public and private practice. He served 7 years in the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office, including a tenure as Chief Deputy, before spending more than ten years as a solo practitioner in Idaho Falls.

His private sector career continued with the firms of Smith & Banks and Hawley Troxell, where he specialized in real estate litigation. Boyce also spent fourteen consecutive years as a Criminal Justice Act attorney in federal cases.

Judge Boyce’s recent judicial tenure has been defined by his role presiding over two of the longest and most high-profile criminal cases in Idaho’s history, the murder cases of Chad and Lori Daybell.

This significant trial experience led the Idaho Supreme Court to honor him with the prestigious 2024 George C. Granata Award, according to the release. In granting the award, the Court noted that jurors from those complex trials felt that Boyce’s conduct on the bench “restored their faith in the rule of law.”

In 2025, Boyce was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as the Administrative District Judge for the Seventh Judicial District. He currently chairs the Seventh Judicial District Magistrate Commission and presides over two juvenile drug courts, roles that reflect his ongoing focus on accountability, rehabilitation, and community safety.

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Sean Dolan

By: Sean Dolan

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 18, 2026

POCATELLO, Idaho — Lower enrollment led Pocatello-Chubbuck trustees on Tuesday night to adopt an adjusted budget with a $1.3 million decrease in state revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30.

The district budgeted for a decrease in three support units this school year, but the district’s enrollment has decreased to the equivalent of 11 units, said Jonathan Balls, the district’s director of business operations, in a Tuesday interview.

Support units determine state funding, using a formula largely based on average daily attendance.

To compensate for the decrease in state revenue, the district is delaying a $1.2 million adoption of a new math curriculum, Balls said.

Internal enrollment fell from 11,235 to 11,089 — a decrease of 146 students — between October and March. At the end of last school year, in April 2025, the district’s internal enrollment report showed 11,361 students.

Balls said decreasing enrollment is due in part to smaller family sizes.

“Those older classes are graduating more than the kindergarten and first grade classes that are coming in,” he said.

Courtney Fisher, the district’s director of communications, said the issue is multifaceted. “I think that you can look statewide and see, even nationally, that school districts are facing declining enrollments, and I think that you can’t just identify one factor contributing to that.”

Trustees conducted a public hearing before adopting the budget adjustments, but no one commented.

The declining enrollment will likely lead to reduced staffing next school year, but Fisher said no final decisions have been made. The district will wait to see how many teachers retire at the end of the school year.

“Just aligning our staffing to our enrollment is the best way to say that,” Fisher said.

The district was not blindsided by the decreased enrollment this school year, Fisher said. Leaders knew the incoming cohort would be smaller.

“It’s just you never know until the rubber meets the road,” Fisher said.  

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KIVI Staff

 By: Sahana Patel, KIVI

Originally Posted 8:45 PM, Mar 18, 2026

NAMPA, Idaho (KIVI) — Officials have confirmed that Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam died from a medical emergency he experienced during a Regional Town Hall in Eagle on Wednesday evening. He was 47 years old.

Neighborhood Reporter Sahana Patel was inside the public meeting when she saw Hogaboam collapse while speaking at around 6:45 p.m. The nature of what caused the medical event is currently unknown.

Mayor Brad Pike of Eagle, a former fighter, immediately responded, as did the Eagle Police Chief, who was already on scene, the Treasure Valley Partnership said in a press release. Mayor Pike began administering CPR.

TVP staff called 911, the meeting was adjourned and all attendees were asked to leave.

The Eagle Police, Eagle Fire District, and Ada County EMS services responded quickly to the emergency call, TVP said.

Hogaboam was sworn in as the Mayor of Nampa on Jan. 5, 2026.

“On behalf of every mayor and county commissioner in our Partnership, and of our citizens, we are heartbroken to have lost one of our esteemed colleagues,” TVP said. “While he was new to our Partnership this year as a Mayor, he was not new to us; his years of work for the City of Nampa and Canyon County led us to cross paths frequently, and his wealth of knowledge on policy was unmatched.”

Chief Ingram with the Caldwell Police Department shared a statement on social media Wednesday night, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of my friend and colleague,” Inghram writes, “Rick was a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick was an amazing father and husband.”

“We ask the community to please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” said Amy Bowman with the City of Nampa.

Idaho News 6 sends its deepest condolences to the Hogaboam family.

After attendees were asked to leave the meeting, Patel said she saw Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips receiving attention from medics outside City Hall.

According to Patel, he was later transported by Ada County Paramedics for what appeared to be a separate medical issue. As of Thursday morning, the city says that Mayor Phillips is “doing well.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – With spring break just around the corner, parents in Idaho Falls who are still searching for activities to keep their kids engaged have a new option—but spots are filling quickly.

The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a three-day Spring Break Adventure Camp for children ages 8 to 13, offering a mix of hands-on learning and physical activity throughout the week.

Each day of the camp features a different experience across the city. Campers will spend one day at the Idaho Falls Zoo, where they’ll take part in interactive animal encounters. Another day will take place at the Idaho Falls Aquatic Center, focusing on swim skills and water safety. The final day will be held at the Idaho Falls Recreation Center, featuring games and sports.

Organizers say the camp is designed to blend education with fun, while also giving kids a chance to stay active and social during their time off from school. Aquatic Center Supervisor Ashely Johnson says the collaboration between facilities makes this a unique opportunity for participants.

“We are looking forward to this brand-new program, because it’s entirely new and it’s a collaboration throughout the city,” Johnson says. “Everybody will get a little taste of everything that parks and recs have to offer.”

The camp runs March 24 through March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. However, space is limited—only a handful of slots remain out of 30 slots.

The cost is $157 for city residents and $172 for non-residents, with a small discount available for zoo members.

Registration must be completed either online or in person, and organizers encourage families to sign up as soon as possible before the remaining spots are filled.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every year, Idaho State University hosts students from across all programs and disciplines to present their research. This includes undergraduate and graduate students, who are judged on their posters and presentations by faculty members.

This event gives students the opportunity and experience of presenting research to those outside their field of work. Associate Dean of the Graduate School Tracy Collum said students from both the Pocatello and Meridian campuses participate. She also said this was the largest number of participants in the 12 years of the symposium, with around 250 students. Organizers had to split the group into several sessions to accommodate.

“It gives them a sense of what a professional conference can look like, and they’re able to present in a way that they haven’t been able to probably in class or with colleagues,” said Collum. “It just gives them a wider immersive experience to put on their resume, especially if they win. But also it gives them a very good experience to provide information to another audience that might be outside their discipline, to be able to provide information about their research and the work that they’ve been doing.”

Students presented research of all kinds, from the tiniest cell biology to major patient rehab in physical therapy.

One student, Sydney Walsh, showcased her case study from a patient in physical therapy with fear avoidance in treatment. She said this case from her clinical rotation in South Carolina stuck with her and is going to help her in the future.

“I think what I’ve learned from this the most is to have patience with the patients. And to treat the individual themselves not just the injury using a bio psychosocial appraoch,” Walsh said.

The projects the students have worked on are helping them further their knowledge and skills for the workforce. The winners of each session got cash prizes. Collum said the event has more than just the student presentations.

“We also have the keynote speaker each year. This year we have doctor Dr. Devaleena Prada, who’s from the biology department, and she is giving a talk about soaring into the light for research,” she said.

The presenting students also enjoy a luncheon prior to the event. Community members and fellow students stopped by to see the packed student union building ballroom all afternoon.

For many of the student presenters, it wasn’t just about the experience of a professional conference, it was about passing along their passion for the projects.

“I think fear avoidance It’s it’s really important to talk about, lots of our patients experience it,” said Walsh. “I think this is really important to discuss. And this was a case that really stuck with me when I was on my first rotation, so i just really wanted to share.”

For details on this year’s winning presenters, see the Idaho State University Graduate School Instagram page.

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Stephanie Lucas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) – With Idaho’s AAA reporting another week of pain at the pump for drivers, Idahoans are likely making the connection between gas prices and U.S. actions in Iran.

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher updated Local News 8 on the Middle East situation today, outlining his expectations for a timeline for U.S. actions to be completed, and clarifying some of the factors at play in rising fuel prices.

Watch our complete interview with Rep. Fulcher below:

“Nobody has an appetite for a forever war,” he said. “But at the same time, we’ve got to support the men and women who have engaged over there now, and we need to get this job done. And I think that it will be sooner rather than later.”

On the rising cost of fuel, Fulcher said the U.S. gets very little oil from Iran.

“Here are the interesting facts on that. So the U.S. really doesn’t get hardly any of its fuel [there]. There is one or 2%. However, the rest of the world is somewhere in the neighborhood of 20%.”

“So it’s that world market,” he continued, “world market force in terms of gas prices, its impact. It’s in the short term. I think the good news there is, look, we are keeping or we’re opening back up the Hormuz Strait. That’s where so much of this commerce goes through.”

Fulcher added that global supply is showing signs of recovery.

“And so that, and the rest of the world supply is responding as well. Venezuela is now coming back up and increasing the production there. So it might take a little bit. But this should be a short-term problem with the increase in gas.”

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Linda Larsen

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — As the 2026 legislative session enters its final stretch, the race for Idaho’s top education post took center stage in Pocatello on Wednesday. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield met with parents and educators at the Magnolia Mansion to outline a second-term vision focused on “the basics,” even as school districts brace for a tightening financial belt.

The visit comes at pivital time for Idaho Education, as school districts across eastern Idaho grapple with significant budget gaps.

Addressing the anxiety surrounding mid-year budget adjustments, Critchfield emphasized the need for stability in district contracts.

“We are in the teaching business,” Critchfield said. Recognizing that for contracts that have been set, having mid-year cuts would have been devastating. I support the Governor in championing no cuts for the current year.”

“So far, the legislature hasn’t proposed any, and we are hopeful that remains the case as we look toward maintaining current funding levels in the coming year.”

Critchfield announced that she has officially placed her $50 million funding request for special education on hold for the current cycle. But says they are still making upgrades to the program by identifying new solutions and finding ways to move forward responsibly.

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News Team

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — Firefighters successfully stopped the spread of a massive haystack fire Tuesday morning, after 200 bales burst into flames on Gas Plant Road.

The Fort Hall Fire Department responded to reports of the blaze at approximately 10:50 AM. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the large haystack fully engulfed in flames.

With help from the Power County Fire Department, Fort Hall crews worked quickly to contain the blaze. Fortuantely no injuries were reported, and no structures were threatened during the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. For more information, click HERE.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Nearly 1,000 students sang out with pride to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States in a “Patriotic Program” tonight at Skyline High School.

“This is a tradition we’ve had in Idaho Falls for almost 50 years now, and we’ve had fifth graders all in the district all come together and sing patriotic songs together for one night,” said Music Director Jennifer Korenke-Stanger.

Fifth graders from across Idaho Falls School District 91 united singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God the USA,” “Here We Have Idaho,” and “My Shot” from Hamilton, along with eight other patriotic favorites.

“It has so much feeling to me, and it makes me have a lot of feelings about America and why it’s so special,” said singer Ivy Hillam.

The production is one of district’s largest events, with parents, family members and friends filling the gym in support.

“I’m here to sing for America and for the program,” said performer Mya Mayes.

The students paid honor to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, performing a “Armed Forces Medley” as veterans stood up during the song from their respective branches.

“I’m excited for the Armed Services when all the people who served stand up,” said fifth grader Choya Evans.

The performers sang out the words of the Declaration of Independence, along with crowd-favorite “50 Nifty United States,” proudly proclaiming, “Idaho is the best!”

“I have always wanted to be a singer, so it’s really helped when my school has things like this, because I really want to be a singer when I grow up,” said performer Gwendolynne Bradley.

Superintendent Karla LaOrange said the tradition is now estimated to be in its 45th year.

“I appreciate that we are able to do so many things … and we’re free,” said fifth grader Zoe Fraisse.

Fifth graders share their enthusiasm for America at Wednesday’s Patriotic Program performance.

Fifth graders wave to family members and friends at District 91’s Patriotic Program.

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Par Kermani

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — After 26 years of patrolling the streets and leading the ranks in Blackfoot, Police Chief Gordon Croft is concluding his career as he obtains one of the highest achievements a chief or sheriff can achieve in the state of Idaho. 

The Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) council recently awarded Croft the Executive Certificate. 

The path to the certificate is a rigorous vetting process that factors in decades of specialized training, including leadership, internal investigations, and patrol procedures. Croft applied for the credential in July 2025, undergoing nearly a year of verification by state officials. 

During his 26-year tenure with the department, Croft has navigated a shifting landscape for police work. He says that public expectations for professional, well-trained officers have never been higher. 

“The number one thing that hits my desk when there’s ever a concern is officers need more training,” Croft said. “We’ve tried to set that bar high and continue to send our officers to the training that we feel they need.” 

A lifelong resident of the community, Croft raised three sons in Blackfoot alongside his wife. While he is stepping down from his appointed role, he does not plan on slowing down. Following his final day in office, Croft intends to serve a senior mission for his church. 

“Everything that I’ve ever read as far as what to do with retirement is to have purpose and do service,” Croft said. 

The mayor of Blackfoot is expected to announce his replacement in early April. 

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