Author: KIFI

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Anyone who hasn’t experienced addiction may struggle to understand how someone could become addicted to substances. They may believe those who use drugs lack moral principles and willpower when, in reality, addiction is a complex disease. These substances can rewire the brain in ways that make quitting extremely difficult, but not impossible.

“Recovery for me was really tough in the beginning,” Jamie Nicoletti, who is a part of The Center for Hope and has been sober over 2 years. “I didn’t get it my first try. It took quite a few tries over quite a few years.”

Most addictions affect the brain’s reward circuit, causing increased levels of dopamine to flood the brain. As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond. This can lessen the feeling of pleasure or the “high” the person once experienced. To try to regain that feeling, a person may begin using larger amounts of the substance and fall deeper into addiction.

Much like other chronic illnesses, there is no cure for addiction. However, it is treatable and can be successfully managed by people in recovery. Getting help and support and knowing you are not alone can make a difference.

The Center for Hope is a non-profit Community Recovery Center in Idaho Falls providing free addiction and mental health recovery support services to adults.

“We’ve all have lived experience in drugs or alcohol,” Donna Johnson, The Center for Hope has been sober over 12 years, said. “And so when somebody walks through the door for the very first time, we’re there to help. We can’t say we know exactly how you’re feeling, but we’ve been through it so we can help them with the process.”

They offer:

Conversations and Connections Discussions

Community Support Groups

Recovery Coaching

Peer Support

Access to computers, internet, WIFI

Social Activities

QPR 90 minute suicide prevention training

Community Resource Training

Educational Opportunities

Re-entry services following incarceration

Help is always available. If you are in crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis line at 988. You can speak with someone anytime.

There are many treatment and recovery clinics across the region that would love to extend a helping hand to those in need.

You can find recovery and treatment resources near you at FindTreatment.gov.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An estimated crowd of over 220,000 spectators gathered along the Snake River on Saturday night to witness a historic, emotional, and beloved local tradition: the 33rd Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration.

Ranked as the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi River and the fifth largest in the country, this year’s event — coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary – marks what could be the final chapter of the event’s decade-long run at Snake River Landing.

To honor the nation’s semiquincentennial and say goodbye to the community, organizers delivered one of the largest fireworks displays in Idaho’s history, launching more than 18,500 shells over the riverbank. You can view highlights from this incredible milestone year in the gallery below, courtesy of Melaleuca. For more information, click HERE.

Courtesy Photos: Melaleuca

An Emotional Farewell to a Decade at Snake River Landing

In a pre-recorded message broadcast to the attendees, Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot expressed gratitude to the men and women who sacrificed for the United States, his sadness regarding the loss of the massive outdoor venue, and his great appreciation to the Idaho Falls community for making the celebration possible.

“We appreciate Ball Ventures making this wonderful venue available to us for the last ten years. I want to thank everyone in the community for the wonderful support we’ve had from you throughout the years, from all over southeastern Idaho,” said VanderSloot. “It warms my heart every time I hear of kids coming home to Idaho Falls from all over the country to be here on the 4th of July. The response from the community has been tremendous.”

The venue at Snake River Landing originally opened its doors to the celebration under a five-year agreement, which Ball Ventures ultimately extended to ten years to accommodate the incredibly popular event. To view the entire recorded fireworks celebration, click HERE.

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News Team

Update:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce kicked off Independence Day festivities this past Saturday with the annual Liberty on Parade.

Our own Jeff Roper served as emcee of the opening ceremony at 8:30 AM, as former Mayor of Ammon Sean Colletti performed God Bless America and the National Anthem. Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw and Parade Grand Marshall Alan Reed addressed the crowd, sharing their love for the greater Idaho Falls community.

Missed the action or want to relive the highlights? Watch the complete broadcast of the opening ceremony and the full parade in the video player below.

Original:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce is set to kick off Independence Day festivities this Saturday with the annual Liberty on Parade.

The morning celebration begins with an opening ceremony at 8:30 AM, and the parade officially gets moving at 9:00 AM. For those planning to celebrate from home, Local News 8 will provide live television and digital broadcast coverage of the entire event.

For those staying home, Local News 8 will provide live broadcast coverage of the entire parade. Watch it live in the window above.

The parade will begin at the intersection of 4th Street and Freeman Avenue (near Idaho Falls High School). It will then travel west down 4th Street to Boulevard, turn south onto Boulevard, and conclude at Rogers Street by Tautphaus Park.

For information on road closures and safety guidelines, click HERE.

Partnering for the Community: “$25,000 in 25 Hours”

This year, the City of Idaho Falls is once again teaming up with the Community Food Basket for a special “$25,000 in 25 Hours” online giving challenge. The fundraiser officially runs from noon on July 3 through 1:00 PM on July 4 to support local families facing food insecurity.

“America 250 is a celebration of our nation’s history, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the values that continue to bring us together,” Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw said. “Whether you can give $2.50 or $2,500, every contribution is meaningful and will make a difference.”

Donations can be made beginning July 3 through the Community Food Basket – Idaho Falls Venmo account or on the organization’s website.

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Dylan Carder

UPDATE AT 10:40PM: Watch Duty reports that forward progress on both fires has been stopped.

Original Post:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) Several fire crews are fighting at least two fires burning in Bonneville County. They are burning uphill towards some buildings.

Per Watch Duty, units are working a fire in the area of Red Bluff Lane and S. High Willow Lane and another fire in the are of E. Comish Drive and E. 65th S.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information is available.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – To kickoff the historic America250 Fourth of July weekend, the City of Pocatello celebrated Idaho’s birthday and the community by sealing the 50-year time capsule. Unlike other time capsules buried underground, this one will be held on the second floor of the Marshall Public Library for the next 50 years.

A special America250 Committee has spearheaded the project, led by Representative Rick Cheatum. He had the idea for the time capsule after seeing other communities preserve snapshots in time in similar ways. The hope is that local leadership will open the steel box in 50 years and have an accurate idea of what life in Pocatello consisted of in 2026.

By 2076, it’s possible the forms of media preserved in the time capsule will no longer exist. Things like newspapers, physical articles, Idaho State University merchandise and more trinkets from everyday life filled the box. The capsule itself was built and donated by Partner Steel, and with over 100 total donations to City Hall for the project, they were able to fit everything submitted into the safe.

“There’s stuff in there from the City of Pocatello, taxes, everything to really show where we’re at now,” said J.D. Hansen, events coordinator for the America250 board.

He added it was challenging to decide how the items would best be preserved for 50 years, with the committee purchasing special preservation tools to make it possible.

“We had to order special papers to make sure none of the ink or anything like that spreads or omits any gas,” Hansen said. “Everything is personally sealed individually so that we don’t have any bleeding over anything else or the natural gasses to destroy it.”

Rep. Rick Cheatum spoke at the July 3 ceremony about the importance of preserving our community’s history and honoring the birthdays of both Idaho and the U.S. this year. Mayor Mark Dahlquist was also in attendance and read the proclaimation, stating that Pocatello officially participated in America250 with the time capsule project.

The mayor and members of the city council wrote letters to place inside. Dahlquist added he is honored to be mayor of Pocatello during this special celebratory year.

He reminded the community to continue celebrating in the downtown area of Pocatello throughout the weekend, with the First Friday Art Walk, the Farmer’s Market and both the parade and fireworks show at the Portneuf Wellness Complex on the Fourth of July.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – With hundreds of thousands of guests preparing for the biggest Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and Liberty on Parade in history, Idahoans across the state are reflecting on the magnitude of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States.

“I’m really looking forward to all the fireworks and see all the different colors of them in the sky,” said Mazen and Wilder Cooper.

When asked her favorite part about America, Aliya Hawker didn’t hesitate.

“Not the gas prices,” she said.

Fybercom employee Alexa Bermudez loves the wildlife and natural beauty found in America’s vast landscapes.

“The national parks are my favorite because I love nature, and I love hiking,” Bermudez said. “I love all the animals and them being able to be in their natural habitat.”

Others appreciate America’s civil liberties.

“The right to vote. I’m very grateful that I have the ability to make that choice of who – whether or not that person gets elected,” said Abby Pexton, a fireworks crew volunteer.

Her friend, fellow fireworks crew member Laura Coles, added, “I love that we have freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom to just say your mind and speak your mind and and talk to people. And, a lot of countries, I know they don’t necessarily have that.”

In America, each individual can choose his or her own path with self-determination.

“I can be whatever I like as long as I put the work in,” said Carson Campbell, who grew up in Bonneville County. “Most countries don’t allow that or try to limit you to what you can do.”

Kids reveled in the joys of life in the U.S.A.

“We can be free and play outside,” said Logan Goodman.

“We can go to national parks like Yellowstone,” chimed in his brother Ryan.

“I love that in the United States that we get to run trains,” Max Goodman added.

“Go America!”

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Paul Baker has resigned as CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, according to an official announcement posted to the organization’s Facebook page.

In the online statement, the Chamber’s Board of Directors confirmed they have accepted Baker’s resignation but noted he will continue to help for a few weeks to facilitate an orderly leadership transition.

“We thank Paul for his years of service to the Chamber and wish him well in his future endeavors,” the board stated.

Social Media Speculation into Soccer Club Investigation

The resignation follows mounting public and online speculation regarding Baker’s ties to the Portneuf Valley Soccer Club. The soccer organization recently announced that the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating potential financial irregularities discovered during an internal forensic audit.

RELATED: Internal forensic audit triggers prosecutor investigation into financial irregularities at Portneuf Valley Soccer Club

In late June, the prosecutor’s office charged Baker’s longtime associate and former Portneuf Valley Soccer Club President, Cristie Stone, with felony grand theft.

RELATED: Former Portneuf Valley Soccer Club President charged with Felony Grand Theft

While several online groups — including the local podcast IFAF — have publicly speculated about Baker’s potential involvement with the soccer club’s finances, authorities have not filed any charges against him. As of publication, Local News 8 has verified there is no legal allegation connecting Baker to the alleged theft.

Chamber Addresses Rumors, No Evidence of Misappropriation

The Chamber’s press release appears to directly address the ongoing rumors, reassuring members that its own finances remain secure.

“To date, the Board has not found any evidence that Chamber funds have been misappropriated,” the statement read.

Moving forward, the Chamber emphasized that business will continue as usual while they search for new leadership and review their own financial books.

“The Board remains committed to the Chamber’s mission of serving its members and supporting a strong business community. Chamber operations will continue uninterrupted as we move forward with a leadership transition and an independent audit,” the release concluded. “We appreciate the continued support of our members, partners, and the community, and we will provide additional information as appropriate.”

Local News 8 has reached out to Paul Baker for comment and will update this article if we receive a response.

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Stephanie Lucas

McCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — A Bannock County Sheriff’s deputy and a neighbor rescued a trapped homeowner from a burning mobile home Thursday night near McCammon.

According to the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner called emergency dispatch reporting his mobile home near Highway 91 and Dixon Road was on fire and that he and his dogs were trapped in a rear bedroom.

A deputy arrived within minutes and, with the help of a nearby resident, reached the homeowner and pulled him from the burning home.

The homeowner was later airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Officials believe the man’s dogs were able to escape the fire on their own.

The mobile home was destroyed in the blaze.

Neither the deputy nor the neighbor was injured during the rescue.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials also thanked the neighbor who assisted in the rescue, along with responders from the Inkom Fire Department, McCammon Fire Department and Bannock County Search and Rescue.

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Seth Ratliff

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — A juvenile girl was hospitalized Thursday evening after an off-highway vehicle accident in the Mill Creek camping area of Island Park.

According to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were called to the scene around 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 2nd. The girl was airlifted via life-flight helicopter to a local hospital. Her current condition remains unknown, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Sheriff’s deputies noted that the incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of outdoor safety.

“The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all recreationists to always use protective gear and watch your surroundings,” the department stated in a press release.

Free OHV Safety Classes Available

In light of several OHV accidents in recent months, in late May the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced they would be offering free OHV Safety Classes throughout the summer until August 19th.

All ages are welcome. The classes will take place at the Fremont County Search and Rescue Building, 331 W 1 S in St Anthony. For more information, click HERE.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Fourth of July plans are seeing increased costs for both cookouts and travel this year, with inflation affecting family budgets.

Smart Substitutions at the Grill

The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates the average cost of a 10-person cookout in the West at $73.82, or about $7.38 per person, reflecting the highest price seen in a decade. Jesse Smith of Fred Meyer in Idaho Falls suggests substitutions could be the key to stretching your dollar.

“Let’s say you don’t want to do ribeye right. Ribeye is a little bit spendy…But if you don’t want to part ways that much, maybe stick with just hamburgers!” Smith said. He added that hamburgers can be just as delicious and are often easier for children to eat outdoors.

To keep costs down, Smith recommends Fourth of July shoppers look for discounts, coupons, digital deals, and store-brand items.

Record Travel Despite High Pump Prices

Meanwhile, travel plans also face increased costs due to high gas prices. Despite the costs involved, AAA projects that 72 million Americans — including over 400,000 Idahoans — will travel for the Fourth of July weekend, setting a new record for holiday travel.

“It’s going to be very busy no matter how you go,” said AAA spokesperson Matthew Conde.

Conde explained that while the current average price of gas sits at $4.06 a gallon, travelers are comparing it to the record highs of recent years.

“Just four years ago, it was $5.25 a gallon. That’s the highest we’ve ever paid,” says Conde. ” And so you can imagine that now, looking at $4.06… Our pain thresholds kind of move with the inflation.”

According to AAA, vacationers are now prioritizing the journey over minor holiday extras.

“People are a lot less fickle based on what the pump prices are doing; they still go. And if that means one fewer firework or one less, you know, Rocket Pop, they’re going to go ahead and spend the money on the gas. That’s the lifeblood of the trip. The rest will take care of itself.”

AAA recommends several strategies to make every gallon count, for example, lightening your vehicle’s load. Every 100 pounds of extra cargo can cause a 25% decrease in fuel efficiency on the interstate. For more information, click HERE.

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