Author: KIFI

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Downtown Idaho Falls is about to light up like the scene of a classic holiday film. The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), the Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls inviting the entire community to the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22nd.

“We’re not only lighting up a tree, but we’re also lighting up downtown – the heart of our city,” says Kerry Hammon, Executive Director of the IFDDC. “This is more than an event; it’s a cherished tradition, a perfect evening for making memories with your family and beginning the holiday season with a touch of old-fashioned cheer.”

The festivities kick off at 3:00 PM with the start of complimentary, horse-drawn trolley rides on Memorial Drive, beginning and ending at Civitan Park. Later that afternoon, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Holiday Market will be in full swing, featuring over 100 local vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats.

The evening will culminate with the ever-popular Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6:00 PM at the Broadway Plaza near the corner of Memorial Drive and Broadway. The magnificent Bank of Commerce “Idaho’s Brave” Christmas tree will be the centerpiece of the evening, adorned with beautiful lights and ornaments as a powerful tribute to each branch of the military.

Hammon notes, “We are especially honored to have the ‘Idaho’s Brave’ tree as a way to recognize the profound sacrifice of our service members, including special gold star ornaments for those who died in action.”

The ceremony itself will feature a patriotic tribute, as the Color Guard ceremoniously posts the colors while Carmen Peters, National Guard Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator, sings the National Anthem. Shortly before 6:00 PM, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper will arrive in style aboard the Farr’s Candy antique fire engine to help flip the switch.

When the switch is thrown, Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation will light up the Friendship Gardens and the 20-foot “Idaho’s Brave” tree, the adjacent Friendship Gardens. Thanks to volunteers from Phoenix Rising Community Re-entry Center, the trees along Memorial Drive will also sparkle brightly for the holiday season.

Attendees are encouraged to warm their hands with hot cocoa, take a trolley ride, shop locally, capture a cherished family photo with Santa, and honor Idaho’s military.

In a news release, the IFDDC extended a special thanks to all partners and sponsors who made every element of this event possible, including: The Bank of Commerce, Kiewit, Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls.

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News Team

TREASURE VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — An out-of-state cocaine dealer is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being caught drug trafficking in Idaho.

William Charles Jones, 34, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on Thursday, November 13, for distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Following his release, Jones must also serve four years of supervised release.

Court records show Jones was a high-volume cocaine distributor in the Treasure Valley area. Investigators say the 34-year-old would travel to Missouri to purchase several kilos of the drug and have it shipped to himself at a residence in Idaho. He would then distribute the cocaine into the community through several mid-level dealers.

On one occasion, Jones travelled to Canada, purchased two kilos of cocaine, and shipped it tohimself in Idaho, following the same process. However, through the efforts of Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration, that shipment was seized at the U.S./Canadian border.

Following Jones’s indictment, investigators executed a search warrant on his home, uncovering evidence of a trafficking operation. Authorities seized one and a half kilograms of cocaine in brick form, an additional five one-ounce bundles of cocaine, and several psilocybin mushroom bars. They also discovered a dedicated workstation in his garage, complete with a scale, packaging material, and a heat sealer, used to prepare the drugs for distribution. Investigators also found sixteen illegal firearms strategically placed throughout the home.

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the extensive collaborative work of the federal and local law enforcement agencies whose efforts led to Jones’s arrest and conviction. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Falls Power:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — After three years of negotiations with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Idaho Falls city leaders approved a 20-year power supply contract that will continue to keep local electric rates stable and affordable for years to come.

“Idaho Falls Power is a city-owned utility and a tremendous asset to our community. City elected officials always strive to protect our community from the ups and downs of the energy market,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “This contract, paired with our soon-to-be-operational Peaking Plant, gives us the flexibility to adapt to unpredictable energy markets, keep monthly bills low and help meet future energy needs.”

Idaho Falls Power operates four city-owned hydroelectric plants on the Snake River, which generate about one-third of the community’s electricity. Most of the remaining power (approximately 60%) comes from power purchased through BPA, which distributes energy from federally owned dams throughout the Northwest. Any remaining energy needs are purchased on the wholesale energy market.

“Idaho Falls Power has a long history of building on the past to address the needs of the future,” said Stephen Boorman, Interim General Manager of Idaho Falls Power. “Our city’s self-reliance, technical expertise and commitment to public power makes continuing our 60-plus-year business relationship with BPA a wonderful opportunity.”

Based on predicted energy prices and the value of the federal generation resources, Idaho Falls Power estimates that ratepayers will save around $105 million over the life of the contract versus purchasing energy on the open market. Combining this guaranteed energy allocation, with the stability of our existing hydro resources and the recently completed Peaking Plant, IFP has greatly reduced our exposure to volatile market prices.

“For 125 years, Idaho Falls Power has focused on providing customers with power to light our homes and power our economy,” Lisa Burtenshaw City Council president said. “One of our goals has always been to protect ratepayers from unpredictable energy costs, and this agreement along with our newly constructed Peaking Plant, ensures reliable, affordable power for decades.” Idaho Falls Power customers already benefit from some of the lowest electric rates in the country, just over 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the national average.

Idaho Falls Power’s strong financial position, city-owned generation resources and long record of successful operation under past BPA contracts provide a solid foundation for the future. The utility’s ability to manage risk while maintaining dependable service continues to make it one of the most stable and community-focused power providers in the region.

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Seth Ratliff

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A lengthy career in Idaho politics is coming to an early close. Long-time Twin Falls Republican lawmaker Lance Clow announced Thursday that he will resign from the Idaho House of Representatives at the end of November, citing health issues that have limited his ability to serve.

“This decision comes with the full support of my family and deep appreciation for the citizens of Twin Falls,” Clow wrote in a news release. “You have honored me with your trust and encouragement throughout my career. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I hope I have lived up to your expectations-and perhaps even exceeded them…”

The 78-year-old politician has been a staple in Twin Falls politics for 32 years. His service includes time as a city council member, Mayor, and, most recently, a state representative. Clow was first elected to the legislature in 2012, where he chaired both the education and business committees.

Touching on his early resignation, Clow emphasized he wants to avoid serving in a “diminished or ‘lame duck’” capacity. Instead, he plans to focus on family and personal goals while his health still allows.

His departure creates an immediate vacancy in Legislative District 25. The district committee will now be tasked with nominating three candidates for Governor Brad Little’s consideration. The appointed successor will serve the remainder of Clow’s term, offering an advantage to potentially stand for election in 2026. The process for filling the seat is expected to begin immediately, with no word as of yet on who might fill his seat.

Representative Clow’s full letter announcing his resignation has been included below:

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Confessed killer Bryan Kohberger has been ordered to pay more than $3,000 in additional restitution to the families of two University of Idaho victims. Kohberger is currently serving consecutive life sentences for the murders.

Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole this past summer after pleading guilty to the November 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

On Thursday, the third anniversary of the killings, District Judge Steven Hippler issued a ruling requiring Kohberger to pay approximately $1,420 to Kaylee Goncalves’s family and over $1,500 to Madison Mogen’s mother, covering the cost of urns for their daughters.

Kohberger’s public defender, Elisa Massoth, argued that he could not afford the additional restitution. However, Judge Hippler disagreed, pointing out that Kohberger has received more than $28,000 in donations while in custody and can also earn prison wages.

“Given his limited needs in prison and his youth, it is foreseeable that through employment and donations, Defendant may receive sufficient amounts over his life to at least come close to meeting his financial restitution obligations,” Hippler wrote.

RELATED: Kohberger attorneys fight victim funeral costs; Judge questions ‘no income’ claim

The court concluded that his age, low living costs while incarcerated, and the possibility of future donations make it reasonable for him to pay the amount over time.

With this new ruling, Kohberger now owes more than $300,000 in fines, civil judgments, and restitution to his victims’ families.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Local News 8’s Megan Lavin went live and took skating lessons with Natalie Catalano, an ensemble skater who plays Luisa from Encanto. (You know, she’s the strong one.)

This two hour spectacular is only in town this weekend, with shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with both evening and afternoon performances.

Your favorite characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf will be there too, along with aerial stunts, fire, and even a firework or two.

You can find tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Mountain America Center’s ticket booth.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — On this day in 1851, the Denny party landed on Alki Point.

A few men in the Pacific Northwest had sent for their families, urging them to “come at once” to what they described as a perfect place to start a new life — so the families packed up, with big dreams of building a new community, and boarded the Schooner Exact.

But on the day they arrived at Alki Point, those dreams hit their first obstacle… the weather.

It rained, and rained, and rained.

The women were less than impressed already, but were completely horrified when they saw the cabin their husbands had been building. It wasn’t even finished yet! Ugh.

Their first winter was so cold, damp, and miserable that in the spring, they packed up, and moved about a dozen miles northeast as the crow flies, across Elliot Bay to a more sheltered spot.

The Duwamish and Suquamish peoples were led by Chief Si’ahl, pronounced “Seattle” (yes, like the city). They helped the Denny party survive those early days, and the settlement that would eventually turn into the iconic city from the hit movie “Sleepless in Seattle” got it’s name in honor of that Chief.

Today, you can find the Alki Point Memorial, which marks the spot where the Denny Party made landfall.

Sources for this story:

HistoryLink

SeattlePi.com

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Federal Government shutdown is over, but part of the reason for the fight remains—subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Americans are now being faced with some tough choices about medical insurance.

Lance Kolbet, President of University Financial Group and an insurance expert, joined Local News 8 in the studio, to shed light about the finer details of these health insurance tax credits.

Here are the resources he shared with us that you can use for health insurance information:

Idaho Health Insurance Market Place

Idaho Department of Insurance

And if you need help finding a broker:

National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Wall of Warmth has helped many people get through the winter, and this year will be the last for the founder to lead the project. Valorie Blanchard started the project 9 years ago and says the program will continue after she’s gone. 

After this year, the project will be turned over to the Hall Foundation, Good to Go, Convenience stores, and Just for Kids. Blanchard says these organizations joined her cause four years ago, and she is proud they will be taking over. 

“When I told them that I would be stepping down, I was really worried about who would take it over. And because it’s a big endeavor,” said Blanchard. “They went back to their employees and said, ‘No,’ we will be taking it over. So it was such a blessing for me to know that it’s going to be taken care of. They will do a fantastic job, and they will be working hard to continue this on and keep it going.”

The Wall of Warmth started on Monday, November 13th, and they have 62 stands across Eastern Idaho, from St. Anthony to Pocatello, and including Driggs, Tetonia, and Victor.

The wall of warmth is open for two weeks and will be closed on November 21st. 

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Community Food Basket is seeing an outpouring of community support after they posted a challenge called “Show Up and Share IF.”

The Community Food Basket launched the two-week challenge on Monday morning, aiming to raise $10,000 to cover emergency costs. By Tuesday morning, the community had already met and surpassed the target.

The massive outpouring of community support came at a very important time. Local food banks were hit hard when government workers were furloughed and the shutdown stalled SNAP benefits. Amid widespread food insecurity, the Community Food Basket served twice as many families every day compared to their usual numbers.

“We’re incredibly grateful,” said Director Ariel Jackson. “We know this community is amazing. They have been the whole time we’ve been here for 45 years. But, man, when they put their minds together and decide that they’re going to accomplish something, they do it. And we are grateful.”

Though the initial goal was met, the “Show Up and Share IF” challenge is still ongoing to help prepare for future needs. The Community Food Basket has doubled its goal to now raise $20,000, with the new funds intended to help it sustain operations through the high-demand summer months. For more information or to donate, click HERE.

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