Category: kifi-local-news

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two local Grocery Outlet Bargain Markets will be closing their doors in the coming weeks.

Prior to the announcement, Idaho had 17 Grocery Outlets, and the Idaho Falls and Pocatello locations are just two of the 36 Grocery Outlets being shuttered nationwide, according to New Jersey Biz.

The California-based chain has approximately 570 stores in 16 states, according to Grocery Outlet President and CEO Jason Potter in an earnings call this month.

Customers said they are devastated their favorite store is leaving the area.

“I am so sad to learn that Grocery Outlet is closing later this month,” said Jennifer Duarte, a Grocery Outlet shopper. “It’s been my favorite grocery store. I’d usually find something I wasn’t expecting that turned out to be really great, too.”

The close-out sale at both locations begins on Sunday, March 8.

“We’re really upset about it because no other places are as affordable here,” said Jessica Supry, a frequent Grocery Outlet Shopper. “That impacts us money-wise, ’cause we’re low income.”

The Grocery Outlets’ final day for shopping will be Saturday, March 21.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – More than 800 boxes of food will be distributed to 400 families in need at the Elks Lodge starting at 9 A.M. Saturday. 

Forty-five volunteers helped stuff those boxes with pasta, canned soup, oatmeal, rice, cereal, canned chicken and tuna Friday in preparation.

Among them were 37 students from Elevate Academy.

“One in six American children or one in six Americans face hunger every day,” said their teacher Jess Jenkins. “A lot of these students that were here today truly are affected by hunger at different points. Sometimes not all of them, but there are quite a few of our student body that have experienced hunger themselves.”

In two hours, the students packed 500 boxes.

“There’s still so many families and so many people, especially our veterans, our senior citizens, that don’t have the help that they need to just make it through the week, let alone a month or a winter,” said Julie French, the food drive organizer. “So we try to use a lot of the staple items that they can actually use to build on – when it comes to making meals and making things stretch further.”

The Elks Lodge is located at 640 East Elva Street in Idaho Falls.

Each family will receive two boxes of food, along with a 10-pound bag of potatoes.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The most beloved car show in Idaho is back this weekend: Chrome in the Dome at the ICCU Dome in Pocatello. The show runs both Friday and Saturday and features all kinds of automotives including new and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Some car owners have been coming to the show for years to support the automotive program at Idaho State University. Susan Newman owns a 1919 Ford Model T Truck, and has been showing it at Chrome in the Dome for ten years.

“I went to Idaho State and studied dental hygiene,” Newman said. “I’ve kept coming back to continue to support the students here and the professors.”

One of the best parts of Chrome in the Dome is there are no age limits for competitors. Sam is a young student who enjoys building cars and motorcycles with his grandpa. This is his first year competing in the show with his 1978 Honda Z-58 Mini Trail bike.

“My grandpa, he got it from another guy and called me and asked me if I wanted to do it,” said Sam. “He said ‘do you want to do a project?’ and I’m like ‘sure’ and I ended up doing this and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed doing it and I learned a lot.”

Every car at the show has its own personality and story. For Newman, it’s years of driving and working on her Model T truck.

“I love tools, I was raised with tools,” said Newman. “[this car] is mischievous, challenging, tools everywhere. A lot of respect and a privilege to own and share.”

There are over 150 cars at the show this year. Attendees will also enjoy food trucks, vendors and entries to win prizes. Each vehicle may be voted on by attendees, and trophies will be presented on Saturday.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The intersection of Lincoln Road and 35th East became the center of another walkout sweeping the state Friday as District 93 students staged a protest against current immigration enforcement policies. The demonstration drew both community support and heated opposition.

Dozens of students gathered at the roundabout, waving flags and hoisting handmade signs to support the local immigrant community. This latest action follows a similar demonstration held last month on the Broadway Bridge, which drew sharp words from some community members.

Many critics have dismissed these student-led movements, characterizing them as excuses to “skip class” or suggesting the participants didn’t understand the nuanced issues they were protesting. When asked by Local News 8 about these critics, the student protesters fired back.

“I don’t care what people say… we understand what’s going around,” said protestor Alexander Munoz. “We’re all still kids, [but] we understand what’s going on in the world.”

Reports of Conflict and Traffic Disruptions

Throughout the demonstration, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office received several complaints throughout the afternoon, primarily from motorists alleging that protesters were backing up traffic and blocking the roadway.

Several of the student protestors claimed drivers threw ice or other objects at them as they passed. However, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says they have not received any reports confirming this.

Administrative and Legislative Fallout

The walkouts have placed school administrators in a difficult position. Following last month’s protests, D93 Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme said if students left school for any protest, regardless of the reason behind it, the district would be required to report the absence to the office. After notifying the parents, it’d be up to them whether or not they would excuse their child’s absence.

This localized tension reflects a larger battle happening at the Idaho Statehouse. Last week, the Idaho Legislature briefly considered House Bill 794, a controversial measure that would have mandated that all protest-related walkouts be classified as unexcused absences.

The bill was deadlocked in the House Education Committee following a 7-7 tie. Opponents of the legislation were outspoken in their concerns that the bill would infringe on free speech rights and parents’ right to excuse their children from school. 

RELATED: Idaho House committee deadlocks on bill punishing student protests

“This is an assault on parental rights,” Rep. Chris Mathias, D-Boise, told the assembled lawmakers. “And unless we can articulate a significant state interest in this restriction … this is not going to withstand constitutional scrutiny.”

District 93 students protest in Ammon on Friday.

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Kevin Richert

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 6, 2026

By Kevin Richert, IdahoEdNews:

BOISE, Idaho — After an hour of debate — a wide-ranging airing of fiscal issues — the House Friday easily passed an immediate spending cut.

The 2026 Idaho Rescissions Act, Senate Bill 1331, cuts this year’s general fund spending by $131.3 million. Most of the cuts were already in place; Gov. Brad Little cut 3% from most agency budgets last summer. But the bill also includes an additional $15.3 million in cuts, beyond Little’s recommendations.

The cuts would affect the current budget year, which ends June 30. Legislative supporters say the additional cuts provide more breathing room in a tight 2026 budget as lawmakers turn their attention to next year’s budgets.

House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian (Brandon Schertler/Idaho EdNews)

“It’s a crappy bill that we have to vote on,” said House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, minutes before the House vote.

K-12 is exempt from all of this year’s cuts. The Legislature’s cuts also leave Medicaid, prisons and Idaho State Police untouched. Higher ed is subject to the cuts, however, and is bracing for a disproportionately large share of the hit.

Friday marked the House’s first vote on a spending bill — eight weeks into a 2026 session dominated by budget issues. Lawmakers used the noon-hour debate as a vehicle to discuss years of tax and spending decisions.

Opponents questioned the need for the additional cuts, especially when the state has $1.3 billion in various reserve accounts. Critics also said the Legislature has put itself in a budget box, after passing $450 million in tax cuts and credits a year ago. “That is extremely frustrating to me,” said Rep. Lori McCann, R-Lewiston.

House conservatives said the cuts were past due. Rep. Joe Alfieri, R-Coeur d’Alene, said the cuts didn’t go far enough. Rep. Clint Hostetler, R-Twin Falls, said the cuts reverse years of “irresponsible spending decisions.”

McCann rose to object, saying Hostletler was maligning other lawmakers. Hostletler walked his comment back, slightly. “We are moving back in the right direction.”

Rep. Ben Fuhriman, R-Shelley (Sean Dolan/Idaho EdNews)

Another opponent, Rep. Ben Fuhriman, R-Shelley, said his trust in the complicated  process used by legislative budget-writers has “eroded.”

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is working on two sets of budget bills. First, 10 far-reaching “maintenance” budget bills would roll this year’s spending into next year — but the bills include Little’s 3% cuts and an additional 2% cut from the Legislature. Second, the committee will work on “enhancement” bills that could reverse some cuts.

Furhiman noted that JFAC has deadlocked on restoring $190,000 in scholarships for Idaho National Guard members, leaving him skeptical about the enhancement process. “I’m just supposed to vote for this and trust that this is what we’re going to do?”

JFAC’s House co-chair defended the process.

Rep. Josh Tanner noted that JFAC approved the National Guard scholarships Friday. And he said the committee is responding to concerns about cuts to community colleges and career-technical education, with plans to restore spending.

The 2026 cuts are a hedge, as state tax collections lag behind projections. “We’re really pretty thin on the bottom line right now,” said Tanner, R-Eagle.

Despite the lengthy debate, Friday’s House vote wasn’t close.

The budget bill passed on a 48-22 vote, a marked departure from Monday’s narrow 18-17 Senate vote to pass the measure. And while four of JFAC’s 10 Senate members opposed the bill — and two debated against it — JFAC’s 10 House members generally held the line. Only two of these 10 lawmakers opposed the cuts: Reps. James Petzke, R-Meridian, and Brooke Green, D-Boise.

Senate Bill 1331 now goes to Little’s desk.

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News Team

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Victor filed a lawsuit against the City of Driggs on Thursday, alleging years of contract breaches, environmental pollution, and financial mismanagement regarding their shared wastewater treatment agreement.

The complaint, filed in Teton County Court, claims Driggs failed to operate its treatment plant in compliance with state and federal standards, effectively turning the facility into a “perennial polluter.” Victor officials argue these failures have forced their residents to absorb higher costs of a facility that could not meet legal standards, leaving the city with no choice but to pursue its own $35 million treatment plant.

Background and Lawsuit

Victor and Driggs initially entered into the Inter‑City Agreement in 2011. Under the agreement, Driggs would accept, convey, and treat Victor’s wastewater at Driggs’ upgraded wastewater treatment plant, which was to be “of sufficient size and capable” of treating anticipated flows from both communities in accordance with federal and state water‑quality requirements.

Victor alleges that Driggs repeatedly violated EPA permit limits, overbilled for debt service and maintenance, and failed to conduct required independent audits until 2024. The lawsuit also accuses Driggs’s leadership of breaching a confidential mediation agreement by leaking details to the media to damage Victor’s reputation.

“Driggs has repeatedly failed to meet its obligations under the wastewater agreement, and Victor is taking this step to protect our residents and our aquifer,” said Will Frohlich, Mayor of Victor.

“Confident with our legal position…”

In response, Driggs Mayor August Christensen expressed deep disappointment, suggesting that Victor is using the lawsuit to fund its new facility.

“The City of Driggs is confident with our legal position and will let the case play out in the court, which will likely take multiple years,” said August Christensen, Mayor of Driggs. “As mayor of Driggs, I am very disappointed with the City of Victor’s chosen path to fund a new wastewater treatment plant through a lawsuit against the City of Driggs, especially after multiple efforts where Driggs extended significant accommodations to address their concerns. This almost certainly severs the long-term partnership with our community neighbor for future endeavors.”

Despite the pending litigation, Mayor Christensen confirmed Driggs will continue to treat Victor’s wastewater for the near term while proceeding with its own facility upgrades.

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Seth Ratliff

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — In a much-anticipated update, the owners of the Baker Country Market have officially announced they will rebuild the store. The decision comes just two weeks after a catastrophic fire leveled the beloved local store.

The announcement was shared Thursday morning by Tracy Krekeler, a friend of the family and member of the Lemhi Live Facebook group. According to Krekeler, the Amish family that owns and runs the market decided to rebuild after “much prayer and conversation” within their community.

In a heartfelt post, Krekeler expressed the family’s deep appreciation for the local support.

“They all would like me to extend their deepest, most sincere gratitude to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of kindness during this time,” Krekeler wrote in a post. “They have been incredibly touched in ways they could not begin to imagine from the love, kindness, and generosity that has been extended to them these last 2 weeks.”

Wind Blown Embers Destroy Beloved Local Landmark

The fire fully destroyed the former store on the evening of February 21. Investigations by the Lemhi County Fire Protection District concluded the fire was accidental, sparked by wind-driven embers.

RELATED: Firefighters battle massive blaze at Baker Country Market in Salmon

The owners had burned a pile of cardboard earlier that afternoon and believed the fire was fully extinguished. However, shifting winds reignited lingering embers, which spread to a nearby stack of pallets before quickly spreading the flames to the entire building.

How to Help

Krekeler says financial donations can be made at Frontier Federal Credit Union via cash or check; all donations must be made to the Salmon River Amish Church.

“The Millers and the Amish community are so very grateful for the continued outpouring of love, kindness, and caring from our Salmon community and beyond,” says Krekeler. “May God bless all of you as abundantly as you have blessed them.”

There is no current timeline for when the store will be rebuilt. Local News 8 will provide more updates as new information becomes available.

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Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Suspected acts of vandalism have forced the closure of Blacktail Park, potentially delaying its seasonal opening, leaving Bonneville County with an estimated $8,000 repair bill. In response, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the public to find the suspected vandals.

While preparing the site for summer recreation earlier this week, Parks and Recreation staff discovered significant damage to the area. Staff found several cut or damaged wires to pumps and sprinkler systems, along with damaged cables and components of floating docks and gangways.

Parks and Rec. closed the park yesterday, Mar. 5th, to make emergency repairs. In a news release, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) highlighted the strain that acts of vandalism put on public resources.

“Use of Blacktail Park and other county recreation areas requires a significant amount of maintenance to ensure docks, ramps, and picnic areas are safe for public use,” BCSO stated. “Use fees and resources from county funds are limited and damage this significant make it difficult for our community to enjoy these recreational resources. “

Until repairs are finalized, all gates and access to Blacktail Park will remain closed.

BCSO Deputies are actively investigating the incident and seeking leads. If you have information regarding the vandalism, contact Bonneville County Dispatch at 208-529-1200. Tips and information can be reported anonymously online through East Idaho Crimestoppers at www.IFcrime.org. 

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Beginning Monday, March 9, crews will begin a roadway and utility reconstruction project on E Street between Memorial Drive and Northgate Mile (Yellowstone Highway).

The project will include reconstruction of the water mainline and storm drain system, roadway reconstruction, and upgrades to curbs, sidewalks, and corner ramps. These improvements will help strengthen critical infrastructure and improve roadway conditions in the area.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in June 2026.

During construction, parking along E Street within the work zone will be restricted. Traffic control will include lane shifts, lane closures and temporary detours as work progresses. Access to businesses will be maintained via nearby side streets, including Capital Avenue, Park Avenue and Shoup Avenue.

Drivers traveling through town between Yellowstone Highway and the river are encouraged to use F Street or D Street as alternate routes during construction.

This project is part of the City of Idaho Falls’ ongoing efforts to invest in critical infrastructure and improve roadway safety, reliability and connectivity throughout the community. The City of Idaho Falls appreciates the public’s patience as these necessary improvements are completed.

Motorists should watch for crews and equipment, follow posted traffic signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone.

For more information about the project, contact the City of Idaho Falls Public Works at (208) 612-8250.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A 42-year-old Pocatello man is free on bond after police say he drunkenly fell out of his moving SUV, causing his vehicle to plow through a local building Tuesday evening, March 3rd.

TJ Christensen was booked into the Bannock County Jail and faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia following the incident that resulted in an estimated $52,000 in property damage.

The chaotic scene unfolded around 6:00 PM at the intersection of Garrett Way and East Gould Street. According to court documents, several witnesses saw Christensen hanging out of the driver’s side door of his white 2008 Chevrolet Suburban while making a turn. He tumbled out of the SUV, which, unmanned, continued through a parking lot and crashed into a building located at 1527 North 2nd Avenue.

Witnesses reported that Christensen immediately jumped up and chased after the vehicle. After the initial crash, he then rammed the SUV through a garage door on the north side of the building and again through a lot gate to flee the scene. Officers arriving minutes later began a search for a bald male in a purple hoodie based on bystander descriptions.

A Lieutenant with the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office eventually found Christensen standing outside his heavily damaged SUV on Jones Drive. According to the report, Christensen was visibly suffering from a ‘head injury consistent with a car accident.’ As the officer attempted to talk with him, Christen appeared to be wobbly and uncooperative.

The officer told Christensen to “Stop right there,” but the 42-year-old drunkenly replied, “not much,” and refused several commands to sit down. After attempting to walk away, Christensen was taken to the ground and placed in custody following a brief struggle, according to the report.

As more officers arrived on the scene, they began a search of the Chevrolet Suburban, which uncovered a marijuana pipe and several plastic bags and containers holding THC-positive wax and residue.

A breathalyzer test later revealed that Christensen’s blood alcohol content was 0.160, exactly twice the legal limit in Idaho.

Christensen was arraigned on Wednesday, where his bond was set at $10,100. He has since posted bond and been released from custody.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 17.

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