Category: kifi-local-news

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — People gathered in Russ Freeman Park on Saturday for a car show and to raise suicide awareness and prevention.

Everyone came together to enjoy the cars and each other’s company. They also had an open mic so people could share their experiences related to suicide, whether they involved themselves, their friends, or their family.

“We have a lot of faith, lot of hope, lot of love to give to people and let people know they’re not alone. And we just want to be together and unite,” said the event’s organizer, Joshua Worrell.

Worrell says there are plenty of places to turn to if you’re struggling with mental health, like the Behavioral Health Center or Center for Hope.

If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, contact the 9-8-8 hotline for professional assistance.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

UPDATE 6:44 p.m. Tatiana Fuentes has been located in Colorado and is safe, according to the Idaho Falls Police Department..

The suspects are in custody.

Update 4:57 p.m: An amber alert with details has now been sent out.

Idaho Falls (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Police Department is searching for a missing 12-year-old girl who is believed to have left home in the middle of the night with two adult men.

Tatiana Fuentes was last seen at her Idaho Falls home around 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Tatiana was reported missing shortly after 11:00 a.m. when family couldn’t find her.

Authorities believe Tatiana is traveling with Marvin Juan Godoy Castillo, an 18-year-old man possibly from Texas, and another unidentified man believed to be around 20 years old.

Law enforcement says the group may be in a dark blue 2012 Ford Focus with Texas license plate WBP6759.

The suspect vehicle has a distinctive spoiler on it, pictured here.

A potential sighting occurred Saturday morning around 9 a.m., when a Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped the vehicle for speeding in the Swan Valley area. Tatiana was reportedly in the back seat during the stop, but at that time had not yet been reported missing. After her disappearance was circulated to law enforcement later in the day, the deputy recognized her and shared the information with investigators.

Tatiana is described as a Hispanic female with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 75 pounds, and has pierced ears. She may also have a temporary butterfly tattoo on her left forearm and could be wearing pink Air Jordans.

Godoy Castillo is described as having dark brown or black hair and dark eyes. The second man was last seen wearing a black shirt and black hat.

Anyone with information about these three individuals or the car they are traveling in should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency or the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208)529-1200.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

UPDATE 9:02 p.m.

EJ has been safely located. Due to tips from the community, Idaho Falls Police Officers were able to find EJ at the Ammon Walmart. 

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI)-The Idaho Falls Police Department is searching for a missing 12-year-old child who has autism.

“EJ” Emerson Murray was last seen around 6:50 p.m. in the 3000 block of Hartert Drive.

EJ was riding his orange and black bike.

He was wearing a brown shirt and denim shorts. EJ is 4′ 10″ and 90 pounds. He has hazel eyes and light brown hair.

Anyone with information about EJ’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208)529-1200.

(The following information is from an Idaho Falls Police Department news release)

Click here to follow the original article.

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho brought artists of all ages together for its annual Chalk Fest Community Day on Saturday.

Visitors got to draw on the sidewalks, learn techniques, and see professional artists make colorful creations.

Some of the artists were working on their chalk art since Friday.

“I usually work off of what’s called a grid system. So I have an image that has a grid on it, and then I can put a grid on the ground, and then use the grid from my image to get it to the larger size in proper proportion,” said Artist, Sara Nybo.

Nybo says there’s a beauty in the fact that chalk art is not permanent. She feels the art doesn’t need to be perfect. When they eventually wash away, it’s like giving the art back to the universe.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — As of 7:37 Sunday evening, July 13, crews in Fremont County have contained the Grassy Fire near St. Anthony. The fire, which started Friday afternoon, 14 miles northeast of Hammer, burned an estimated 2,018 acres according to the Bureau of Land Management.

The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY (KIFI)-The Grassy Fire is estimated to be at about 2,018 acres on Saturday morning, according to the South Fremont Fire Department.

Fire Chief Chris Hill says crews are working on fully containing the fire and taking care of hot spots in the area.

He also reminds everyone to be mindful of fire danger and red flag warnings.

Local News 8 will continue to provide updates if we receive more information.

FREMONT COUNTY (KIFI)-A fire named the Grassy Fire has grown to 4,400 acres north of St. Anthony according to the Fremont County Emergency Management.

The fire is located near St. Anthony and Hamer.

A number of aircraft including large air tankers are assisting.

Local News 8 will continue to monitor the Grassy Fire and provide updates if more information is released.

ST ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — Emergency responders in St. Anthony are on the scene of a fire near the Siddoway Elk Ranch off Red Road in the Sand Dunes area. Witnesses have photographed a pillar of smoke rising from the area, visible from the Ashton area.

Multiple agencies, including the South Fremont Fire District, Hamer Fire District, and BLM, responded initially. Madison County Fire and Central Fire District are also responding.

Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies are asking people to avoid the area so responders can do their jobs.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police is currently responding to a single-vehicle rollover crash on US-20 near Exit 313. Witness video from the scene reportedly shows an overturned Road Ranger RV, which was being towed by a red SUV.

According to ISP, the SUV was occupied by two adults and three children, all of whom have been transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

No details have been released at this time regarding the cause of the crash. The northbound left lane of US-20 is currently blocked, per Idaho 511.

This is a developing story, and Local News 8 will provide updates as more details become available.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is reporting a crash on US-20 near 105th N. in Idaho Falls. The left lane is currently blocked, according to Idaho 511.

The Idaho Transportation Department is directing drivers to consider an alternative route, expect delays, and use caution.

No details have been released at this time regarding potential injuries or the cause of the crash.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will update with more details as they become available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — In light of what’s happening in Texas, local emergency responders and managers are reminding the public of a few things to consider if you plan on going into Idaho’s great outdoors.

When a public emergency strikes, we get alerts on our phones, we hear it on the radio, and we pop-up on our TV. But this could be a challenge if you are in an area where you don’t have these resources, like campgrounds. 

“I’ve been working with our Parks and Rec director for the county [Madison county], and with all of their payment boxes, they’re putting up a reminder that for updated alerts, you can turn to the weather radio from NOAA to get any emergency alerts. And our 911 center, when we trigger a reverse nine on one, actually triggers that radio channel too,” said Robert Kohler, Emergency Manager for Madison County.

Take a look at this photo of the radio.

We are encouraged to have something like this if you’re out in the wilderness.

It’s hand-chargable and it has a specific channel for the weather broadcasting, it’s called NOAA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Have a second means of communication other than your cell phone. Now, that can be the weather radio that we talked about, or a hand operator license, or a small two-way radio to communicate with other parties. Have some way to communicate out and in,” said Kohler.

If you are in a remote area, emergency responders say it is still your responsibility to go prepare.  

“Know your terrain and the location you’re in. If you’re traveling somewhere, study it out. Find out where the danger zones are and look and pay attention to the forecast as you’re planning your trips,” said Kohler.  

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

ST ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — Emergency responders in St. Anthony are on the scene of a fire near the Siddoway Elk Ranch off Red Road in the Sand Dunes area. Witnesses have photographed a pillar of smoke rising from the area, visible from the Ashton area.

Multiple agencies, including the South Fremont Fire District, Hamer Fire District, and BLM, responded initially. Madison County Fire and Central Fire District are also responding.

The South Fremont Fire District estimates the fire is burning at around 75 acres. They say the blaze is not threatening any structures at this time.

Courtesy: Brett Davis

Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies are asking people to avoid the area so responders can do their jobs.

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

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — After an eight-day search, 16-year-old Alayla Ellsworth, reported as a runaway on July 8, 2025, has been safely located, the Idaho Falls Police Department confirmed this morning.

Meanwhile, authorities are still actively searching for 17-year-old Alyjah Malacara. Malacara was reported as a runaway on May 31. At the time she left, she was with two other juveniles who have since been found.

Despite the Idaho Falls Police Department seeking public assistance in both cases, they’ve clarified that there appears to be no connection between the two runaways.

It is a crime to knowingly harbor a runaway juvenile. Anyone with information about the current or recent whereabouts of Alyjah Malacara is urged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200.

ORIGINAL:

The following is a press release from the Idaho Falls Police Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Police Department is searching for two runaway juveniles, Alyjah Malacara and Alayla Ellsworth. Miss Malacara and Miss Ellsworth did not leave together and are not necessarily believed to be together.

Alyjah Malacara is 17 years old, 5’ 6”, approximately 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Alyjah was reported as a runaway on May 31, 2025. At the time, she left with two other juveniles who have since been located. Miss Malacara’s current whereabouts are unknown.

Alayla Ellsworth is 16 years old, 5’ 5”, approximately 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Alayla was reported as a runaway on July 8, 2025, and was last seen wearing a white shirt with a black corset, dark gray cargo pants, and a light gray hoodie. Alayla may be in the Fort Hall area.

As a reminder, it is a crime to knowingly harbor a runaway juvenile. Anyone with information about either of these juveniles’ current or recent whereabouts is asked to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208)529-1200.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a news release from Yellowstone National Park:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Effective Saturday, July 12, 2025, select Yellowstone National Park rivers will close to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. This closure will protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries and remain in effect until conditions improve.  

What will be closed? 

The Madison River and all associated tributaries.   

The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.  

The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.   

The closure will be reassessed when water temperatures cool and flows return to more typical summer conditions.  

Staff will continue to monitor park rivers and streams for warm temperatures and low flows, and watch weather forecasts. The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions with a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, which contribute to continued low stream flows and warm-water temperatures.  

Additional closures or restrictions may be implemented if necessary.   

What will be open? 

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the Fishing Regulations 2025 booklet.  

All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.   

Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days and flows on many rivers, streams and creeks are low. These conditions are extremely stressful to fish and can be fatal.   

Anglers: On rivers, streams and creeks that remain open or unrestricted, please fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release. Your cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries. 

Click here to follow the original article.