Author: KIFI

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Wildlife officials are urging southeastern Idaho residents to exercise caution after a bat in Bannock County tested positive for rabies, and a raccoon in Pocatello tested positive for canine distemper.

Idaho Fish and Game and Southeastern Idaho Public Health are tracking the cases and are encouraging people to be aware and know the best practices for dealing with sick or unusually bold wildlife.

Bats and Rabies: What to Watch For

Bats will typically be seen near water or lamps to feed on insects, or occasionally to roost in a location like a building, tree, on patio furniture or a woodpile. In May, Southeastern Idaho Public Health announced it tested a bat positive for rabies, which officials say isn’t uncommon.

“We know that bats can get rabies and once they contract the virus, they are going to die from it, so people should not be alarmed,” said Tessa Atwood, volunteer services coordinator with Idaho Fish and Game. “They’re not perpetual carriers of the virus so it shouldn’t be any kind of fright for people.”

Most of the time, Fish and Game says a bat roosting outside somewhere can be left alone and it will move on within a few hours. However, if the bat is in a vulnerable position where it may have contact with people or pets, there are safe guidelines for moving the bat.

“You should never handle one without gloves, preferably leather gloves. You should have long sleeves and long pants on,” Atwood said. “When you capture it, you can place a small paper box, or a bucket or something like that over the top of it and then slide a piece of cardboard underneath, and then just kind of move it out of the way, to a better location.”

Atwood said people are welcome to call the Fish and Game regional office with concerns, however, if the animal isn’t going to cause any harm to people or pets, they’ll probably suggest they leave it alone. If there has been direct contact with the bat or a suspected contact, it’s best to call your physician.

“If you have a bat in your home and you suspect that a person in the home or a pet has come in contact with the bat, that can be by a scratch or if somebody in the home was asleep and they’re just unaware of maybe they had contact, it’s good to contact your physician or your local health department,” Atwood said.

She added that a physician will give guidance on how to move forward and may ask the person to collect the bat for sampling. In order to test for rabies, they need the specimen. If you come across a bat that looks sick, injured, weak or lethargic, Fish and Game can give you guidance on what to do next. If you’re suspicious of your pet coming in contact with a bat, it’s best to call their veterinarian.

“It’s really common for cats to come and want to show off a bat they caught outside. We would advise that you contact your veterinarian immediately if a situation like that happens and keep up on your pet vaccinations for distemper and rabies,” Atwood said.

Distemper Outbreak in Local Raccoons

Fish and Game has also received multiple calls over the past several weeks regarding raccoons in the area acting sick and lethargic, even appearing in broad daylight. They said more carcasses are being sent out for testing.

“The best prevention is to keep your animals on a leash, keep them up to date with their vaccinations, and keep things like pet food and bird feeders cleaned up for a few weeks,” Atwood advised.

Officials say if people see a raccoon while hiking the trails around Pocatello and Chubbuck or out in a nature area, it’s best to give the animal space. However, if it’s in a backyard and residents are worried about letting their pets outside, Fish and Game can help.

For up-to-date information on all things wildlife and safety, click HERE.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello hosted the “Meet the Robot” open house, where visitors could see and use the Da Vinci 5 medical robot. The robot is used in surgeries, particularly for hernias and abdominal operations. Children and people of all ages were able to cosplay as a surgeon and operate on plastic pieces, emulating a surgery.

“It’s interesting because if you’re looking at a crane and you want to operate it, you’re looking at a cool device and want to use it, we never really get a chance to,” said Dr. Jorge, a general and trauma surgeon at Portneuf. “This is the time that you can see how the robot works and take out the fear of having robotic surgery because we control the robot, and then patients and families have a chance to actually use it and see how it works.”

The robot used for the event is a demo robot, not the one used in the operating room at Portneuf, to ensure the community doesn’t come in contact with OR equipment.

The surgeons at Portneuf gave a presentation about the robot and how it helps with efficiency and recovery for operations. The optics on the robot are better than the naked human eye. Dr. Jorge showed the audience the writing on a five-dollar bill using the robotic optics broadcast onto a screen.

People could maneuver the different tools the robot has, placing tiny elastics on plastic mountains and unwrapping candies. By placing fingers into the VR-type operating hand-holds, the arms and tools on the robot become one with the surgeon’s movements.

“It’s a very unique thing that not a lot of other professions get to do, especially being able to practice on it,” Dr Jorge said.

Dr. Roberts explained that up-and-coming surgeons complete a full training certification to use the Da Vinci 5, the latest technology for these kinds of surgeries. Roberts has been to the headquarters in California to receive training later in his career. He also said the robot has overall decreased costs for the hospital, as patients are leaving sooner and not returning with complications after surgery.

The amount of robotic surgeries being done in the United States is increasing rapidly, but the fear around them remains. Events like these, where the OR is opened up to the public, can help ease fears people have and show them the surgeon is always in control; the robot cannot operate on its own.

“It’s important we try to minimize the gap in knowledge between the community and us,” Dr. Jorge said. “We need to let them know it’s a great tool, but we are in control of that tool to make your procedure safer, better, with less pain and an earlier return to work, all of that.”

Portneuf Medical Center says that connecting with the community is an important piece of their mission.

“We love inviting community members to our campus to meet our team of experts, learn about the services we offer, and see the technology we use,” said Katie Damron Quayle, director of marketing at Portneuf Medical Center. “We strive to provide attendees with memorable experiences, and our Meet the Robot event achieved that by allowing people of all ages in the community an opportunity to interface with our surgeons and have a rare, hands-on experience with a surgical robot.”

For future community events similar to Meet the Robot, follow Portneuf Medical Center on Facebook.

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News Team

UPDATE: Thursday, July 2nd

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews from local, state, and federal agencies successfully contained a fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire in the foothills southeast of Ammon on Wednesday afternoon. While emergency personnel are finishing up operations around the perimeter, law enforcement and fire officials warn that the region is still not out of the woods yet.

The blaze began around 2:00 p.m. on July 1st in the Henry Creek area near Packbridge Lane, and burned around 100 acres of brush and grass. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

According to Hayli Egbert, Public Information Officer for the Idaho Falls Fire Department, IFFD was first to arrive on the scene. Battalion Chief 1 established command as firefighters began an aggressive fire attack. As additional resources arrived, IFFD transitioned into a unified command alongside Bonneville County Fire District No. 1 and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Despite challenging, wind-driven conditions, Egbert says firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire through a coordinated response.

“The successful containment of the fire was made possible through the efforts of local, state and federal firefighting partners, whose rapid response prevented further spread despite difficult fire conditions,” stated Egbert.

Crews stayed on-scene through the night to extinguish hot spots and prevent any rekindling. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by a BLM fire investigator.

UPDATE:

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews from multiple agencies have successfully contained a nearly 30-acre wildfire in the foothills southeast of Ammon. While emergency personnel are finishing up operations around the perimeter, law enforcement and fire officials warn that the region is still not out of the woods yet.

Sgt. Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office stresses that fire danger in the area is still very high despite recent rainstorms, as proven by today’s incident.

” With the 4th of July approaching and throughout the summer, Emergency Personnel stress the importance of being safe with fireworks and avoid lighting them anywhere close to open fields, dry grasses, or uninhabited areas,” stated Lovell in a news release. ” Always have water and extinguishing equipment nearby, and place used fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.”

Fortunately, officials confirmed that no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office also extended its thanks to the public for cooperating and avoided the area during the height of the firefighting efforts.

ORIGINAL:

AMMON, Idaho — Local emergency crews are currently on the scene of a grass fire burning in the foothills southeast of Ammon. While the immediate threat to nearby homes is currently limited, law enforcement stresses that unnecessary traffic is hindering firefighting efforts.

Multiple units are currently on the scene. According to Hayli Egbert, Public Information Officer for the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD), an IFFD Battalion Chief is in command as their crews work with the Bonneville County Fire District and BLM to combat the blaze.

“Crews are getting a handle on the fire, and there are units positioned for structure protection as a precaution,” said Egbert.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, a large plume of smoke visible across the region has attracted a significant amount of unnecessary traffic, blocking narrow roads and preventing large fire apparatus from accessing the area of the blaze.

In a press release, Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office directed anyone “who doesn’t need to be in the area of 65th S. and Highwillow Ln./Packbridge Ln. and East of 45th E at Ledgerock Drive (Upper Southeast area of Comore Loma Subdivision)” to avoid the area to prevent operations from being hindered. 

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A man wanted in connection with a robbery in Meridian was arrested in Idaho Falls after being tracked down by U.S. Marshals and lolcal law enforcement agencies.

Francisco Salazar was wanted in connection with a March 16, 2026 robbery that happened at a Meridian, Idaho residence, where a firearm was allegedly stolen.

A warrant for Salazar’s arrest was issued in Ada County on May 7th. On May 11th. the Meridian Police Department forwarded the arrest warrant to the U.S. Marshal Service for investigation after an invesitgation found Salazar had fled the Treasure Valley area.

On June 29th, the U.S. Marshals Task Force received a tip about Salazar’s location in the IdahoFalls area. The U.S. Marshal Service maintains a network of agencies throughout the State of Idaho asmembers of the Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force. They were able to cooperate with task force members from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Chubbuck Police Department, Rexburg Police Department, and the Idaho Falls Police Department to locate Salazar.

On June 30th, task force members went to a residential area of Idaho Falls, where they positively identified Salazar and were able to follow him to an unoccupied area near the Ammon Walmart, where they were able to successfully arrest Salazar.

Although task force members detected that SALAZAR may imminently flee on foot, they deployed a distraction device, which successfully de-escalated the situation and allowed the suspect to be taken into custody safely.

The Boise location of the U.S. Marshal Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is part of a state-widecooperative to locate and arrest violent state and federal fugitives. Member agencies in the TreasureValley area Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, andthe U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, theU.S. Marshal Service Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips atwww.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.go

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Par Kermani

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is advising people who use private wells near Big Springs Avenue in Island Park to boil their water after E. coli bacteria were found in multiple wells.

The advisory affects private wells in the area around Mack’s Inn and SpringHill Suites.

DEQ says residents, visitors and businesses that rely on those private wells should boil water for at least one minute before drinking it, preparing food, making ice or brushing their teeth. Bottled water may also be used.

Officials say E. coli can indicate contamination from human or animal waste and may cause illness, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

In addition to the advisory for private wells, two public water systems in the area are currently under boil water orders:

Big 12 Water Association

Yellowstone RV Park at Mack’s Inn

DEQ says two other public water systems being tested are not currently under boil water orders:

Mack’s Inn/SpringHill Suites

Thompson Well

The agency is encouraging private well owners in the affected area to have their water tested for bacteria.

The advisory will remain in effect until additional testing shows the contamination has cleared.

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Par Kermani

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Drivers in Rexburg may encounter a temporary one-lane closure on a portion of Main Street today after a contractor experienced equipment issues overnight.

The Idaho Transportation Department say the affected area will be repaved tonight and is expected to be smoother than ever in time for the Fourth of July parade.

All traffic control devices will be removed from Main Street from Friday through Monday to minimize impacts during the holiday weekend.

ITD thanked the public for their patience and said crews are working to ensure construction does not interfere with Fourth of July celebrations.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With America’s 250th anniversary just days away, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the third advanced reactor to go critical, meeting the Trump administration’s July 4 deadline.

The reactor, known as Unity and developed by Deployable Energy, successfully achieved criticality at Idaho National Laboratory. Criticality occurs when a nuclear reactor sustains a controlled nuclear chain reaction.

“Last week, I had the opportunity to see the Unity demonstration reactor firsthand and meet with the talented teams from Deployable Energy, INL and DOE whose work made this historic moment possible on the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. “Yesterday, we accomplished a significant milestone on a timeline many thought was unachievable. Advanced nuclear technologies like Unity will help power the next generation of American industry, strengthen our energy security, and ensure the United States remains the world’s nuclear innovation leader.”

Earlier this month, Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 reactor and Valar Atomics’ Ward 250 reactor also achieved criticality through the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program.

Federal officials say the milestone marks the first time three different advanced microreactor designs have reached criticality in the United States within a single month.

The Unity project was completed under the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative, which is managed by the National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory. The program is designed to help companies test and demonstrate new reactor technologies more quickly.

Deployable Energy CEO and co-founder Bobby Gallagher credited the Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory and industry partners for helping the project reach the milestone.

“We are proud to be a part of this historic achievement,” Gallagher said.

Officials say Unity is the first project under the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative to achieve criticality and demonstrates how national laboratory resources can help accelerate advanced reactor testing and development.

Learn more about the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad

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Danielle Mullenix

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – After years of planning and construction, the curtain is drawn back tonight on a new chapter for one of East Idaho’s most beloved summer traditions. The Playmill Theatre celebrates its brand-new home in Island Park with the official opening of its 2026 season.

The opening of the new venue marks a significant milestone and realization of a long-held dream for the theater, which has entertained countless locals and visitors to Yellowstone for generations. This new venue replaces the original Playmill theater in West Yellowstone, which served audiences for many years. The modern space is designed to continue The Playmill’s legacy for years to come.

The 2026 season begins with opening night performances and features a lineup that includes Disney’s Frozen, Les Misérables, and Disney’s Newsies throughout the summer.

Playmill 2026 Inaugural Season Lineup

Excitement has been building among longtime patrons eager to experience the new space.

“I return to Playmill again and again because of the magic that’s on stage and off,” said longtime supporter Annie Dalling.

For Phillip and Catherine Richards, along with granddaughter Kyndal Baker, attending The Playmill has become a cherished tradition since its 1964 opening.

“Well, it’s always been just terrific talent and great fun,” Phillip Richards said. “We’ve been going ever since we were married,” Richards said, beaming across to his wife Catherine. The couple first saw productions at the theatre in 1969 and have been loyal patrons since.

Others say they’re looking forward to seeing how the new theater enhances the productions they’ve loved for years.

“I’m excited to see the new stage, their new space, and what they’re going to incorporate,” said Erin Madsen, joined by her husband, Aaron Madsen. “We want The Playmill to be something that everybody has to experience and see how awesome it is,” Aaron added.

The theater is prepared to welcome audiences, but Playmill officials kindly ask guests to be patient and open-minded as construction continues outside the building. Some exterior work, including landscaping and parking lot improvements, will take place over the next several weeks as crews put the finishing touches on the property. Additionally, new amenities, including a restaurant called Steakhouse 64 and the Mill Creek Mercantile gift shop, are expected to be completed later this year.

Despite the remaining work, Playmill theater owners Roger and Heidi Merrill say they are thrilled to finally open the doors to a space designed to carry The Playmill tradition into the future.

“Construction on the new building has been nonstop during the day,” Roger Merill said. “And during the day is when the problem-solving process happens. But the minute we walk into rehearsals at night, that’s when all day problems go away. We’ve been blessed with such a prepared cast. They’re ready to go, and we are to.”

“That is why we do what we do,” Heidi Merrill added. “It has nothing to do with the space or the building. It’s about what we are able to give back to the audience.”

In the spirit of this special transition year for the theatre, The Playmill has created a mini-documentary series intended to take audiences behind the magic of building the 23,000 sq ft theatre. To watch the first episode, click here.

The 2026 season begins with its opening weekend to sold-out audiences and features a lineup that includes Disney’s Frozen, Les Misérables, and Disney’s Newsies, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to experience the theater’s new home and family entertainment throughout the summer.

To see the progress of their new space at Island Park during the 2026 inaugural season, audiences can purchase tickets here.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Community Hospital is safe and operating normally this morning after a phoned-in threat triggered a brief lockdown. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded and assessed the situation, determining there was no imminent danger to patients, staff, or the public.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell, hospital staff, alerted on-site security deputies just before 8:00 a.m. after receiving a troubling phone call. The caller claimed they were heading to the hospital with the intention of causing harm.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies responded immediately, placing the facility on a temporary lockdown. Staff and patients were instructed to remain in their rooms while law enforcement cleared the building and the surrounding area.

“Working with hospital administration, deputies quickly determined there was no active threat to the facility and resumed normal operations within the hour,” said Lovell in a news release.

While the lockdown has been lifted, Lovell says deputies are continuing to work with hospital administration to investigate. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement extra deputies will be patrolling the complex throughout the day.

In a joint statement, Idaho Falls Community Hospital (IFCH) administration and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude to patients and the public for their patience and cooperation during the brief disruption. IFCH leadership also extended a special thank you to local law enforcement for their rapid response in ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.

Anyone with information about this or any other criminal activity can report tips anonymously online through East Idaho Crime Stopper at www.IFcrime.org or through the P3tips app on your mobile device. 

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Hundreds of people came together at the Brickyard Event Center to remember a local woman who saved their lives. Jenefer Mitchell passed away June 20, 2026, in a tragic car accident along Highway 26 near Ririe, Idaho.

Although Jenefer has passed on, her legacy has not, and many came out to speak about how she changed their lives.

“If you look around this room today, you’ll probably notice something,” said Jenesa Sasinouski, Jenefer’s sister. “They are softball friends, people from recovery, coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, kids she cheered for, people she argued with, people she laughed with, people from the different parts of her life. She had this incredible ability to make you feel like you matter. She believed in people long before they believed in themselves.”

Recovering from Addiction

Friends and family said one of Jenefer’s greatest passions was helping people overcome addiction and find recovery.

Jenefer believed anyone could find the courage to recover from addiction, and she fought every day to show others who struggled with addiction that they could overcome it too. She answered phone calls, gave rides, sat with people through difficult times and reminded them they were capable of more than they believed.

Anyone who hasn’t experienced addiction may struggle to understand how someone could become addicted. 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.

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.

Jenefer was heavily involved with The Center for Hope Peer Recovery Center.

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.

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.

Idaho Falls Recovery Centers:

Brick House Recovery

Beehive Rehabilitation and Counseling

The Center for Hope Peer Recovery Center

Rexburg Recovery Centers:

Stewards of Recovery

The Center for Hope Peer Recovery Center

Pocatello Recovery Centers:

Freedom Recovery Center

Hope and Recovery Resource Center

Raise the Bottom

Jackson Hole Recovery Centers:

Legacy Healing Center

Curran Seeley Foundation

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