Category: kifi-local-news

Dylan Barfuss

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI)- Pilots flying in and out of Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport will have a shorter runway to work with for the next couple of months. A ruptured irrigation pipe underneath damaged a portion of the runway, causing potential structural weakness and concern that it would not support the aircraft.

The city discovered the damage on June 6th. Airport officials temporarily closed the airport to shorten the runway to 3,850 feet, avoiding the damaged section. The airport is now back open. Pilots who plan to take off or land at the airport must obtain prior permission from Airport Superintendent Billy Cyr at (607) 341-8041.

Repairs to the runway are expected to take 8-10 weeks. City Administrator Doug Self says the 12′ irrigation pipe that ruptured will be abandoned after the city repairs the runway.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho is implementing new entry requirements for animals following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced the restrictions Tuesday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3.

New World screwworm is a parasitic pest that can infect livestock, pets, wildlife and, in rare cases, humans. According to ISDA, the larvae burrow into living tissue, causing severe wounds and potentially significant economic losses for producers.

“Idaho has been preparing for the possibility of New World screwworm reaching the United States, and we are well-positioned to respond,” ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt said. “These state-entry requirements reinforce the critical role that pet owners, livestock producers and animal health professionals play in helping the state respond to the threat posed by New World screwworm.”

To help prevent the spread of the pest into Idaho, state agriculture officials have issued an administrative order establishing additional entry requirements for warm-blooded animals entering the state.

Animals coming from a designated New World screwworm-infested zone must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within five days before entering Idaho, along with a movement permit from the state of origin authorizing the animal to leave the infested area.

Animals coming from a state where New World screwworm has been detected, but outside an officially designated infestation zone, must also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within five days before entering Idaho.

Pets are not immune to the parasite including dogs and cats, State Veterinarian Scott Leibsle urged pet owners to use caution when traveling to affected states.

“Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to the pest as livestock,” Leibsle said. “Owners who do decide to travel with their pets to states affected by New World screwworm will be required to get a health certificate from a veterinarian in that state within five days of their return to Idaho.”

Agriculture officials are encouraging anyone who suspects a New World screwworm infestation to immediately contact a veterinarian. The pest is considered a mandatory reportable disease.

More information, including the full administrative order and a map of affected areas, is available through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Click here to follow the original article.

Stephanie Lucas

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A toddler was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center over the weekend after a dramatic rollover crash left the child trapped underwater. Fortunately, a group of teens and a couple that was four-wheeling in the area — who reportedly volunteer for local fire and EMS services – came to their rescue.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, June 6th, a mother and her two children were driving on Fall Creek Road when her truck flipped over and landed upside down in Fall Creek, pinning her and her two children beneath the water’s surface.

A group of nearby teenagers rushed to the scene, shattering the truck’s back window to get the mother out. With the help of the young ‘Good Samaritans’, the mother was able to re-enter the submerged truck and rescue her children from their car seats. The 4-year-old was quickly brought out of the water, but the younger of the two children was unconscious and not breathing, according to rescuers.

Just moments later, Brandon and Rylie Albertson—a local couple four-wheeling in the area—spotted the crash. In a stroke of luck, both were CPR certified and instantly jumped into action. Together, they successfully performed life-saving CPR and revived the toddler while calling for emergency backup.

An Air Idaho rescue helicopter later arrived at the scene to transport the toddler to EIRMC. BCSO confirms the woman and the second child were unharmed, but the current condition of the toddler has not been released.

The incident highlights that accidents happen when we least expect them. Click HERE to find local CPR certification resources and learn the skills needed to save a life.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State leadership is warning older Idahoans to “hang up” the phone on a new scam targeting residents enrolled in the federal health insurance program.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a consumer alert on Wednesday following a surge of complaints to his Consumer Protection Division involving fraudulent Medicare calls.

According to the Attorney General’s office, scammers are using “spoofed” local phone numbers to appear legitimate. Callers typically claim that the victim’s Medicare card has expired, been lost, or requires immediate account verification. Labrador says the scammer’s goal is to convince vulnerable adults to turn over sensitive personal data, for example, their Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth.

With that information, Labrador says the criminals can bill Medicare for services and supplies that were never provided, costing taxpayers millions.

“My Consumer Protection Division has seen a surge in complaints from Idaho families, and we want seniors and their families to know how these scams work before they become victims,” said Attorney General Labrador. “No one from Medicare will ever call you to ask for your number.”

The AG’s office reminds Idahoans that official Medicare communication arrives via U.S. mail. Medicare will never call you out of the blue to:

Request sensitive personal information

Charge fees for replacement cards

Demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or cash

What to Do If You Get a Call:

Hang up IMMEDIATELY and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly to verify

Do not provide your Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth

Do not make any payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer

If you have received a suspicious call or believe you have been targeted by Medicare fraud, report it immediately at ReportScamsIdaho.com or contact local law enforcement.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two pets remain missing after a fire damaged a home west of Driggs on Tuesday night.

The Teton County Fire and Rescue reported the fire occurred around 8:50 p.m. on June 9, 2026, off of Bates Road.

When they arrived, the home was “well established.” Firefighters had to deal with winds ranging between 15 to 20 mph and worked to protect a large propane tank, multiple cars and a large shop nearby.

The fire department reported the homeowners were out of town when the fire started.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the home, but one vehicle sustained significant damage.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported, but two pets remain missing.

Click here to follow the original article.

Max Gershon

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Dozens of young baseball players from across eastern Idaho gathered for the Idaho Falls Bandits Youth Camp, where campers had the opportunity to sharpen their skills alongside members of the Bandits summer baseball team.

The camp featured a variety of drills and stations focused on hitting, fielding, baserunning and other baseball fundamentals. But for the Bandits players leading those activities, the day was about much more than teaching the game.

“I love how they get to come here and we get to teach them all about the stuff that we’ve learned,” Bandits player Cole Croft said. “Coach Ryan Alexander has taught us a lot over the last couple of months, and it’s amazing being able to pass along what we’ve learned to the younger kids.”

Bandits head coach Ryan Alexander said the camp also benefits his own players by reinforcing the lessons they work on throughout the season.

“It’s fun to watch our guys teach the things that we’re teaching,” Alexander said. “Sometimes they have a hard time putting those concepts into their own game, so being able to teach the youngsters helps reinforce those ideas. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Throughout the day, campers rotated through stations run by Bandits players, who offered instruction, encouragement and plenty of answers to baseball-related questions. Among the most popular topics: favorite Major League Baseball players.

Names like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Corbin Carroll and Cal Raleigh quickly came up among the young athletes.

For many campers, however, the biggest highlight wasn’t talking baseball stars—it was getting the chance to play the game themselves.

Some campers practiced sliding techniques, while others worked on fielding and baserunning drills. Many simply enjoyed spending a day on the same field where the Bandits play their games each summer.

While the campers arrived hoping to improve their baseball skills, Alexander said the organization’s goal extends beyond wins and losses.

“We hope baseball prepares them for anything life is going to throw at them,” Alexander said.

For one day, the focus wasn’t on the scoreboard. Instead, it was about passing down lessons, building confidence and helping the next generation develop a love for the game.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – We’ll continue to experience a slight cold front push through the area this Wednesday, as gusty winds bring the possibility of a midweek frost. Pockets of rain will continue to push northward towards the more mountainous region near Island Park, and we’ll begin to see drier and warmer weather reappear by Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday morning begins with a bit of a chill, as breezes from the wind advisory continue to blow through from the southwest. Cooler temperatures to start the morning will be in the low 40s, warming to the upper 50s and 60s by this afternoon. Humidity chances drop off to the 20th percentile throughout the region, and conditions will continue to dry out as we approach the end of the week. A wind advisory continues to remain in place until 9:00 pm Wednesday evening. The radar of potential impact includes the cities of St. Anthony, Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Mud Lake, and Craters of the Moon National Monument, as well as the Idaho National Laboratory. Winds 25 to 35 mph are expected with gusts up to 50 mph.

On Thursday morning, a frost advisory will be in effect for the Arco Desert, stretching toward the Upper Snake River Plain. By Thursday afternoon, we will climb back up into the 60s for our high temperatures. A warming trend will begin on Thursday with sunny skies and a high near 70. Calm winds will have speeds in the single digits. Clear conditions are expected at night with a low near 38 degrees. Sunny skies and warmer temperatures will continue, with many areas reaching the upper 70s and into the 80s by the weekend.

Wind Advisory issued June 9 at 1:04PM MDT until June 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

* WHAT…West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…Eastern Magic Valley, Shoshone/Lava Beds, BlackfootMountains, Marsh, and Arbon Highlands, Raft River Region, andSouthern Hills/Albion Mountains.

* WHEN…From 9 AM to 9 PM MDT on Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could make driving difficult, especially forhigh-profile vehicles. Unsecured objects may be blown around.Strong winds and rough waves on the area lakes will create hazardous conditionsconditions for small craft.Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for highprofile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

Celtic band Teton Skye performs Tuesday at the Toyota Stage on the River Walk.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Twelve local bands will take the stage this summer performing free concerts along the River Walk in downtown Idaho Falls.

The Idaho Falls Arts Council ‘s “River Concert Series” is hosting the community performances every Tuesday this summer at 7 PM.

“This is a really fun series because it’s a lot of local talent, so we like to feature a lot of our local bands,” said Idaho Falls Arts Council Executive Director Gray Augustus. “We’ve got ‘Teton Skye’ that’s gonna be down here with us. We have the ’40 Somethin’ Band’ that’s coming up next week with us, and then there’s just a ton of really popular, well-known local favorites.”

Celtic band Teton Skye welcomed in summer on June 9 with a mix of Celtic, Scottish and Irish music on the banks of the Snake River.

“This is probably our fifth or sixth time doing the Snake River concert,” said Teton Skye Guitarist Eric Laing. “It’s always a great time. So, we’re excited to to kick off the season this year.”

The group has been performing for nine years, has published two albums and has a YouTube channel.

“My family is Scottish going back centuries, so I kind of grew up in [Celtic music] as well,” said lead singer Liz Clark.

Various bands will perform weekly all summer long.

“You will hear everything from Celtic to rock, jazz, oldies, cover band,” Augustus said. “It’s a little bit of everything.”

You can catch the music at the Toyota Greenbelt Stage next to the roundabout on Memorial Drive by D and E Streets.

Bring a blanket or chair, and come enjoy the beautiful sounds along the Snake River.

River Concert Series Summer Schedule

June 9: Teton Skye – Celtic

June 16: 40 Somethin’ Band – Classic Rock

June 23: East Idaho Community Band – Band

June 30: 22nd Street Jazz – Jazz

July 7: Jazz House Big Band – Big Band

July 14: Pre Dawn Flight – Classic Rock

July 21: Mountain Strings Bluegrass – Bluegrass

July 28: Abstract Class – Classic Rock

August 4: Lil’ Red – Classic Rock

August 11: High Desert Heathens – Country Rock

August 18: Olivia Rose – Country

August 25: Mike Banks Jazz Quartet – Jazz

Click here to follow the original article.

Abi Martin

UPDATE 8:05 P.M – Tyson McLorance has been located and found safe. On their Facebook page, the Madison County Sheriff’s office extended gratitude to the community for their help.

ARCHER, Idaho (KIFI) – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing child from the Archer area.

Ten-year-old Tyson McLorance was last seen leaving his residence shortly before 7 p.m.

Deputies are actively searching for Tyson and are asking anyone in the area to remain alert and report any possible sightings immediately.

Anyone who has seen Tyson McLorance or has information on his whereabouts, is asked to contact Madison County Dispatch at 208-372-5001.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With the job market proving challenging for some teens this summer, local organizations are offering volunteer opportunities that can help young people build their resumes while giving back to the community.

The Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center offers volunteer opportunities for people interested in learning practical skills while earning volunteer hours.

“We have them making little outfits for the newborn kits and they’re so fun,” Nancy Dasha, a coordinator in the yarn department, said. “What they do is they’ll take an afghan that’s been donated, and then they’ll make an outfit to go with it.”

Volunteers can learn a variety of skills, including:

Crocheting

Knitting

Woodworking

Quilting

Sewing

Organizers say those skills are used to create products that help people in need throughout the community.

“If people want to just come in and have a few hours to spare, they’re welcome to come in and we’re happy to teach them what to do,” Rhea Jones, assistant supervisor of the quilting department, said.

Volunteers say their work can have a meaningful impact on people facing difficult circumstances.

“This guy was struggling with alcohol and he was sleeping in his car,” Eric, who works in the distribution center, said. “She came to me and got a quilt. She gave him the quilt, and now he doesn’t have to drink to stay warm.”

In addition to volunteers, the Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center is also seeking donations this summer.

The center is accepting items such as diapers, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.

Click here to follow the original article.