Category: kifi-local-news

News Release

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

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Idaho Falls is notifying developers, builders, and the public of upcoming changes to the City’s residential impact fee assessment structure that will take effect June 1, 2026.

Impact fees help fund the infrastructure and public facilities needed to support new development, including parks, transportation systems, and public safety facilities. They help ensure growth pays for growth, rather than shifting the cost of new infrastructure and public facilities onto existing taxpayers.

Idaho Falls first adopted impact fees in 2022. As part of an update to the City’s impact fee ordinance approved by the Idaho Falls City Council on April 23, 2026, the city will transition from assessing residential impact fees on a per unit basis to a square footage-based assessment structure.

The updated structure is intended to more proportionally assess impact fees based on the size of residential development and anticipated demand for public infrastructure and facilities.

“Idaho Falls continues to experience steady growth, and it’s important that infrastructure planning keeps pace with community needs,” said Community Development Services Director Wade Sanner. “Impact fees play an important role in our city by providing a way for new developments to contribute to the cost of public facilities and infrastructure resulting from growth.”

Impact fees play an important role in helping Idaho Falls plan for and accommodate continued growth while maintaining the level of service residents expect. Projects funded through impact fees include the growth-related portions of the Idaho Falls Police Complex, the northside Fire Station, improvements to Heritage Park, Utah Avenue roadway improvements, the pathway along the Idaho Canal south of Sunnyside Road, and improvements to Holmes Avenue.

Additional information, including the updated ordinance, and impact fee study, is available on the City of Idaho Falls website.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Posted: 9:43 PM, May 24, 2026

By: Allie Triepke

BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — As rat sightings continue to spread across the Treasure Valley, one Boise woman is hoping a community-driven map can help neighbors track the growing problem — while promoting a more humane approach to pest control.

Boise neighbor Robin Hadder created a website featuring an interactive map where people can anonymously report rat sightings and signs of infestations throughout the Treasure Valley.

“And I just thought… I know how to do that,” Hadder said.

The map allows neighbors to report sightings of live or dead rats, along with evidence such as droppings, burrows and chewed materials.

Hadder said the response from the community has been immediate.

“Well, we’ve had dozens of, um, sightings already put on the map,” she said.

Concerns over rats have increasingly become part of the public conversation in Idaho. Earlier this year, lawmakers discussed whether rats should be declared a public nuisance during the legislative session after growing concerns from residents across the Treasure Valley.

No formal action was ultimately taken.

Now, Hadder hopes the map can help identify infestation hotspots and provide useful data for communities, researchers and pest control companies.

Friday, Hadder met with Idaho News 6 near one of the latest reported sightings near the Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve parking lot off McMillan Road.

“And so when we find hotspots in towns, we’ll be able to do things like do a trial of rat birth control in an area and document the results. And I am going to be giving the results for free, like open source to the city and to like local universities if somebody wanted to do a study on rats in the area,” Hadder said.

Hadder is advocating for pest control companies to use rodent birth control instead of rat poison, saying it offers a more proactive and humane way to reduce rat populations while limiting unintended consequences for pets, wildlife and the environment.

Earlier this week, Idaho News 6 reported on a Treasure Valley family whose cat died after coming into contact with rat poison.

“Stories like the one that you had about that cat dying… I don’t want to hear stories like that anymore,” Hadder said.

Hadder is now inviting exterminators to partner with the project and become preferred pest control businesses listed on the website.

“Anybody that partners with us will, uh, not use the rodenticides, but use rat birth control instead. It will knock out their ability to reproduce, and rats usually only live a year or two, and so… just the natural die-off in the area will drastically cut the populations,” she said.

Neighbors can report rat sightings through the website’s map feature.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — To celebrate and commemorate Memorial Day, POW/MIA hosted the 23rd Annual Thunder Run.

As part of the ceremony, organizers held a flag retirement ceremony, where worn flags were respectfully retired.

Properly retiring an American flag is considered a way of showing respect not only for the flag itself, but also for the country and those who have sacrificed for it.

“The flag burning is it’s called a retire with respect ceremony. Just basically the dignified way of disposing of used in tattered flags, American flags,” Joe Fitzen the POW*MIA Board Chair said. “Just out of respect, just, you know, just showing our respect and can’t think of the words, but, you know, just basically taking good care of our country’s flag, you know, showing respect to it and the fallen that have died protecting, protecting it.”

American flags are not the only flags that should be retired respectfully. State and country flags should also be properly retired when they become worn or damaged.

Worn flags that can no longer be flown should not be thrown in the trash. Instead, they can be respectfully retired through methods such as burning, burial, cutting, repairing or recycling.

The U.S. Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

While burning is still considered an acceptable method of retirement, the Flag Code was written more than 100 years ago when most flags were made from wool or cotton.

For more information about properly retiring worn flags, several organizations provide educational resources and retirement guidelines.

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Par Kermani

Wilson, Wyo. (KIFI) — Fire crews remain on scene Monday after a structure fire broke out at an office building in the Teton Pines area of Wilson early Monday morning.

According to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS, Teton County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received the initial report of the fire around 3:01 a.m. on May 25.

Jackson Hole Fire/EMS and Teton Village Fire Department crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions.

One firefighter with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS was injured during operations and transported to St. John’s Health. Officials say the firefighter is in stable condition.

No other injuries to firefighters or the public have been reported.

Officials say the fire remains contained to the office building and no evacuation orders have been issued.

Multiple agencies responded to assist during the incident, including Lower Valley Energy and the Aspens Water and Sewer District, which helped coordinate utilities and infrastructure support. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the fire.

The Good Samaritan Mission also provided food and water for firefighters working at the scene.

“From utility coordination to water system support, investigation and fireground operations, every partner organization has played a critical role in maintaining an efficient and unified response,” said Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Battalion Chief Chris Stiehl. “Our crews remain on scene conducting suppression and overhaul work to ensure the structure is fully secured and the area is safe for the community.”

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the immediate area as emergency crews and apparatus remain on scene throughout the day. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Dangerous days are ahead for teen drivers as the weather warms up and more people hit the roads. Between Memorial and Labor day traffic increases and risky driving behavior becomes more common among teens.

According to the National Road Safety Foundation, car crashes are the leading cause of death for American teens. During the “100 Deadliest Days,” teens are 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than during the rest of the year.

According to Matthew Conde, director of government and public affairs for AAA Oregon/Idaho, summer driving conditions create additional dangers for inexperienced teen drivers.

“We know there’s a new group of teens every year learning the ropes,” Conde said. “That youthful inexperience tends to play a role in crashes. They don’t always have the judgment and decision-making skills that come with experience, which helps many of us intuitively recognize dangerous situations.”

Several factors contribute to the increase in fatalities during this time period, including:

Summer break putting more teenagers behind the wheel

Inexperience. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teen drivers have crash rates nearly four times higher than drivers 20 and older per mile driven

Distracted driving

Speeding

Drunk driving

Parents and guardians can help make these 100 days safer by encouraging smart driving habits early. Experts recommend reminding teens to never drink and drive, stay off their phones behind the wheel, always wear a seat belt and follow speed limits. Modeling safe driving behavior can also make a major difference.

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Par Kermani

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A Hindu and interfaith leader is set to speak at Brigham Young University–Idaho later this week during an event hosted by the university’s Interfaith Leadership Society.

According to organizers, Rajan Zed will address students on May 28 in Rexburg. Faculty members from the university’s Department of Religious Education have also been invited to attend.

The Interfaith Leadership Society is a student-led organization founded in 2020 at BYU-Idaho. Organizers say the group has grown to more than 400 members.

Zed serves as president of the Universal Society of Hinduism and has been involved in interfaith dialogue efforts both nationally and internationally. Organizers say he has received the World Interfaith Leader Award and serves on several interfaith advisory boards and organizations.

Zed is also familiar with Idaho audiences. Over the years, he has delivered opening prayers before the Idaho State Senate, county commissions in Bonneville and Owyhee counties, and several city councils across the state, including Boise, Meridian, Burley, Star, St. Anthony and Arimo.

Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion and the third largest globally, with roughly 1.2 billion followers worldwide, according to organizers.

BYU-Idaho states students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are required to complete 14 religion credits before graduation.

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Danielle Mullenix

We will observe this year’s Memorial Day with temperatures climbing into the lower 80s and isolated thunderstorms that will persist through the entirety of this week’s forecast. While most of these thunderstorms will be dry, a slight possibility of precipitation will sit in the air for most of this final week of May.

We start off the morning in the upper 40s and 50s with high clouds passing through the region. Some scattered thunderstorms will pass through on this Memorial Day with gusty winds as a result. High temperatures will be warm and above average, with the Snake River Plain reaching the mid 80s and more mountainous regions in the upper 70s. Dry humidity is expected throughout Monday, with chances of rainfall looking slim overall. Wind gusts will range between 15 and 25 mph for the afternoon hours.

Tuesday will be slightly cooler with extra cloud coverage expected. High temperatures will range from the 70s across the mountains and highlands to right around 80 for the Snake River Plain. Chances of rainfall remain small, but a slight increase in likelihood is expected toward Lemhi County and the Eastern Highlands. The Jackson area can expect around 75% chance of rain and storms.

Temperatures will remain above average but slightly cool off as we progress into the week. Expect isolated and scattered thunderstorms by Wednesday afternoon. Gusty winds to accompany the week’s overall forecast.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Memorial Day is a time for us to honor the brave veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for our freedom.

There are over 16,000 Veterans in Southeast Idaho, and thousands more across the state, all who are taking the time to remember their fallen friends this weekend.

“We don’t want to forget our veterans,” Robert “Bob” Skinner, a retired U.S. Navy Veteran, said. “The veterans have fought for our freedom. Some have even died for our freedom. And the veterans write a blank check when they start military service, payable up to and including their life.”

Idahoans are remembering the many veterans that are no longer with us. From placing American flags on their graves, to remembrance speeches, and many gathering together to remember the lives of the departed Veterans.

“I’d like to honor Staff Sergeant Daniel Kerr. He was one of our groomsmen that we served with in the Air Force at our first duty assignment was in our wedding, and he served for eight years,” Mindi Anderson, a retired U.S. AirForce Veteran reflected. “He came back with a lot of trauma from the war. We could see that he was struggling after he got out of the military. And unfortunately, just over time, it really was too much to bear for him and not getting the resources and the services that he needed. He ultimately ended up committing suicide.”

“I went to recruit training with Sean Cordell, he didn’t come back from Iraq,” Scott Brown a retired U.S. Marine Corps Veteran reminisced. “He was kind of the class clown of the platoon. He was always doing funny things. Wild, out of control things that if the drill sergeant ever found out what he was doing, we all would have got in trouble.”

Memorial Day is a day to remember but honoring and reflecting doesn’t always have to be somber.

“I don’t want Memorial Day to be just, you know, remembering those who have just paid the price,” Brown said. “Let’s celebrate the individuals themselves and remember who they were as a person, before they were in the service. And, you know, sharing stories of fallen service members is fantastic.

Telling stories, recounting memories, reliving moments; that is what Memorial Day is really about. Remembering our fallen veterans for who they were and the impact they’ve left on our lives.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Day two of the Bannock County PRCA rodeo brought more excitement, talent and fierce competition to Pocatello at the matinee show on Saturday afternoon. The PRCA team of announcers, bullfighters and of course, Dustin “The Jester” Jenkins as rodeo clown, bring the event to life. As the final results rolled in, Idaho cowboys made the top three in multiple competitions.

Rodeo announcer Kade Rogge is from Paul, Idaho and says it’s something special to bring pro rodeo back close to home in Pocatello. “It was always a big moment for me as a kid to come and see all my heroes,” Rogge said. “It means a little more to me this week that pro rodeo is back in Pocatello, I tell everybody that Idaho is the Texas of the north.”

He said pro rodeo can be overlooked in Idaho, but the local talent is truly inspiring. “In my humble opinion, the Wilderness Circuit is one of the toughest circuits in pro rodeo out of the 12, and they [Idaho cowboys] prove themselves time and time again at the national finals, NFR open, places like that,” Rogge said.

With so many nationally ranked cowboys, the competition is fierce right in Bannock County.

Sage Allen, from Blackfoot, Idaho, riding “Most Wanted” in bareback competition

Hundreds came to the Bannock County Fairgrounds both for the evening show on Friday night and the matinee on Saturday. The afternoon show also featured a horse race following the rodeo, which many fans were excited for.

Big Bucks Pro Rodeo doesn’t just give away money prizes to the winners of each competition, they give away custom belt buckles.

“Not very many people give away belt buckles anymore,” Rogge said. “And not only for the contestants, but if you show up and you’re the wildest, craziest fan and you have the most fun out of anybody, you got a shot to win a belt buckle.”

The crowd and the announcer alike both love the bareback riding competition, when the energy in the stands is high and the stakes on the riders are higher. Rogge said the cast of bucking bulls in Bannock County with Big Bucks and Summit Pro Rodeo bulls is top-notch.

Dalton Allred, 1st place in Bull Riding on “Crunch Time” with a score of 86 points.

“This town is a big time rodeo town, and it’s been over a decade since we’ve had a professional rodeo, we want to keep it here,” Rogge said. “You do that in your town by buying a ticket, come support it.”

Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist was in attendence at the Saturday afternoon show, stating it’s incredibly exciting to have pro rodeo back in Pocatello after such a long hiatus.

“I’m just really pleased and excited that PRCA Rodeo is back in Pocatello,” Mayor Dahlquist said. “I know the organizers have done a really great job of putting this together, so I’m out here to support it. I think it’s going to grow and grow and it’s exciting for our community.”

Kate Flitton, 19, trick riding cowgirl of Big Bucks Pro Rodeo

Several Idahoan cowboys placed in their respective competitions. Details and photos are below.

Kelton Maxfield, from Nampa, Idaho, placed 2nd in bareback riding

Rugar Jarvis, from Challis, Idaho, tied for 4th place in Bull Riding

Lucas Cruz out of New Mexico took the All Around Cowboy first place prize. The PRCA gave out a total of just over $42,000 in prize money over the weekend.

All photo credits to Greg Westfall, pro rodeo photographer.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Cars are streaming into the Motor Vu Drive-In for the theater’s opening weekend in Idaho Falls.

“We’re really excited to be premiering ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’ It’s paired with ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ – two of the biggest movies in the country right now,” said Motor Vu Drive-In Co-Director Jennifer Spalding.

The Motor Vu is one of less than than 275 drive-in theaters remaining in America.

“To have a theater that is a drive-in theater in your hometown is such a treat. It’s such a rarity,” Spalding said. “Because we have this beautiful projector and this gorgeous screen, we’re able to play new features, and you really get a large screen experience.”

The enormous movie screen is one-of-a-kind. It has been lovingly restored by the drive-in’s current owners.

“This screen is a very special screen. The screen is the largest outdoor drive-in screen in the country. It’s over 6400 square-feet,” Spalding said. “It is a labor every year to keep it looking pristine.”

The drive-in has been entertaining East Idaho audiences for generations.

“So this is our 79th year as a drive in theater. We were built in 1947, so we’re getting ready for a big anniversary next year,” Spalding explained. “This is going to be a really amazing summer. There are a lot of good films coming out.”

Visiting the theater provides a fun, nostalgic taste of American cinema at its finest.

Only four drive-in theaters are still operating in Idaho. The Motor-Vu is the only one showing film in the southeast part of the state.

Spalding’s family purchased the theater in 2019.

“We had to buy a brand new 4k RGB laser projector. So we converted to digital. Drive-in theaters who couldn’t make that conversion to digital weren’t able to stay open,” she said.

They’ve also renovated the concession stand – selling delicious cheeseburgers made with locally-sourced beef, famous grilled cheese sandwiches, popcorn, soda and more!

On Friday, kids in the audience were thrilled to catch the latest Star Wars film.

Beckett Autrey instantly identified his favorite character as “R2-D2.”

His sister Sheridan had a different choice.

“My favorite character is Grogu – Baby Yoda,” she said. “It’s because Baby Yoda has a song. ‘Where’s my chicken nuggies gone?’ And that he is just such a cute alien type thing.”

The theater – located at 2095 N Yellowstone Highway – is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of August.

The Motor Vu Drive-In will also be offering free Throwback Thursday movies this summer, films anyone in the community can come enjoy with their family and friends.

Gates open at 8 PM, and the movie starts 30 minutes after sunset.

“We really hope people will come out and see,” Spalding said.

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