Category: kifi-local-news

Phillip Willis

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — A town hall meeting for the community of Teton County began at 6:00 p.m. Thursday. It’s purpose, to allow the community to discuss their thoughts on the Grand Targhee Resort’s plans to expand. Brad Wolfe opened the meeting, and turned the time over to presenters who laid out several downsides and considerations to be made concerning the expansion.

“I believe that they should be allowed to expand,” says Craig Van Wagner, a snow sports enthusiast who has traveled the world looking for the best slopes. “I mean they’re very very careful about their environmental impact and making sure everything is preserved as much as possible.”

“The DEIS is a biased, flawed document with misinformation and omissions. Grand Teton paid for this study, so that explains the biased right there,” said Howie Garber, a concerned citizen who came with prepared remarks to the meeting.

A 2022 study showed that an expansion would economically benefit Wyoming, but that Idaho would “experience only costs” according to former County Commissioner Cindy Riegel, who championed the $50k study. Riegel said expansion would not be in Idaho’s favor, and according to Commissioner Michael Whitfield, she is still concerned about the expansion years after the completion of the study.

The three current commissioners have been debating this topic fiercely.

Things came to a head a few months back when the commission could not decide who to send to an open house held by Grand Targhee Resort on April 10th. Commissioner Michael Whitfield tapped Rob Marin, the county’s point person in the expansion so far, who would share the results of the study. Commissioner Ron James wanted an elected official, himself, to represent Teton county instead. He said Marin was not open minded about the expansion. This meeting is part of the commission’s attempt to serve their community better by getting their thoughts about the expansion.

Geordie Gillett, owner of the Grand Targhee Resort, was invited to the meeting but did not attend.

A representative from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Jay Pence, was the first speaker of the meeting. He says the expansion is a complex situation with many facets to consider, including the cumulative effects of the expansion.

Hilary Eisen, a representative from Winter Wildlands Alliance, spoke about the current forest plans. In a brief summary, she spoke about how wildlife would be affected by expansion, including white bark pines, wood peckers and keeled bladderpod. She also spoke about the aquatic influence zones and concerns about what will be done with waste water in isolated structures.

Kim Keeley, the Teton county clerk, spoke about the economic detriment that the expansion would have on Teton county. She talked about how the city budget was not robust enough to handle the current situation. She says the need to repair roads as tourism increases would be devastating, and that tourists will not increase the sales tax revenue of the county because of the way taxes are divided up by Idaho.

“I’m all about building bridges, but it sounds like we need to build a toll booth at the state line,” shouted an attendee. Others agreed, at least in principle, with the statement.

The meeting was recorded, and can be found online.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Governor Brad Little visited Idaho Falls Thursday, May 8, to highlight the 2025 legislative wins, as well as securing funding for water, public education, and the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Governor Little spoke about the progress made to protect Idaho’s water and promote public education during the 2025 legislative session.

With fire season coming up, Governor Little says Idaho is learning from and with other western states to keep firefighters and communities safe.

“Minimize private and public property damage, but also do it effectively to where the taxpayers don’t have to write great big blank checks,” said Little.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The eyes of the Catholic world were turned toward Vatican City Thursday, as the conclave announced the historic election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

“Peace be with you” were the first words spoken by new Pope Leo XIV to the watching world, and the East Idaho Catholic community watched as the first American pope, once considered impossible, became a reality.

Father Flores from Pope Saint John Paul II Parish in Idaho Falls recalls where he was when the white smoke was spotted over the Vatican.

“I had gone to a hospital call, and I was in my car. I was in the car for less than a minute when I heard on the Catholic station that the announcement was coming. So really, I got in my car. And 60 seconds later, I’m hearing the announcement of Robert Prevost as the pope,” said Father Flores.

Father Flores tells us the announcement of a new pope is very exciting, especially since “he’s an American to boot.”

The Parish will host a bilingual mass on Thursday night, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Church in Idaho Falls in celebration of the new pope. All are welcome to attend.

Regional religious leaders extend prayers to Pope Leo XIV

In response to Pope Leo XIV’s election, regional religious leaders have expressed their desire to work together toward following “the example of Jesus Christ.” The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement on Thursday, May 8, 2025:

“On behalf of the leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we extend heartfelt prayers and greetings to Pope Leo XIV. This significant moment in time for the Catholic Church is a reminder of the enduring importance of faith to people everywhere.“As fellow followers of Jesus Christ, we look forward to continued opportunities to work together to bless the lives of God’s children everywhere. May we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ to care for the poor and needy, become peacemakers and create a world where faith and goodness can flourish.”

– The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —  May marks mental health awareness month, and local veterans are highlighting resources to help their fellow servicemen and women struggling with their mental health.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, those who have served in the armed forces are twice as likely to develop mental illness or commit suicide as civilians. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for veterans under age 45.

Bannock County Veterans’ Services officers say there are resources for veterans living with mental illness.

“If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. There are things that we can do to help. Nobody has to suffer with mental illness by themselves,” said Veteran Service Officer Melissa Hartman.

Family or friends of veterans struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide are being encouraged to call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. For more information on mental health resources for local veterans, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Two men, one from Pocatello and the other from Utah, have been sentenced to several months in federal prison after being convicted in separate and unrelated cases involving fentanyl distribution in eastern Idaho.

Thursday, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced that 32-year-old David Erik Traversa, of Utah, and 38-year-old Casey Steven Evans, of Pocatello, were sentenced to 156 months and 60 months in federal prison, respectively, for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.

Traversa’s case began in May of 2024, when officers initiated a traffic stop and arrested an unnamed individual carrying 200 fentanyl pills, according to court documents. Police discovered two hotel room keys during the stop and subsequently applied for and were issued a search warrant to investigate the hotel rooms.

David Erik Traversa

Courtesy Bannock County Jail

According to court documents, in the search of the rooms, officers found Traversa overdosing, and immediately began lifesaving measures, transporting the 32-year-old by ambulance to a local hospital, where he received treatment for the nonfatal overdose.

Throughout their search, law enforcement discovered multiple fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia used to package the drugs for distribution. While treating him, hospital staff also discovered a black drawstring bag holding over 500 fentanyl pills attached to Traversa’s genitals. According to court documents, including the drugs seized in the traffic stop, on his person, and in the hotel room, the 32-year-old possessed 84.42 grams.

Traversa pleaded guilty to the charge in November 2024. In this week’s sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered the Utahn to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Casey Evan’s case also began in May of 2024, when law enforcement officers stopped a blue Range Rover.

Casey Steven Evans

Courtesy Bannock County Jail

During the traffic stop, the officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle and discovered a black metal safe in the trunk containing 107.94 grams of fentanyl pills and a loaded handgun, according to court documents. Upon further search of the vehicle, the officers found another loaded handgun on the front passenger floor.

The Pocatello man pleaded guilty to the charge in February 2025. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Evans to serve five years of supervised release following his 60-month prison sentence.

Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott praised the efforts of the BADGES Task Force, which is funded by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. This task force includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho State Police, the Pocatello Police Department, and the Chubbuck Police Department.

The information above comes from Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville School District 93 is partnering with the Summer Food Service Program to ensure that no child goes hungry during the summer. Meals will be provided at no cost to all children ages 1 to 18.

Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Cloverdale Elementary School Cafeteria – 3999 Greewillow Lane, Idaho Falls, ID 83401

Breakfast 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Lunch 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Hillview Elementary Playground – 3075 Teton St., Ammon, ID 83406

Lunch 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sugar Mill Park – 895 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83401

Lunch 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tiebreaker Park – 3000 East Backhand Dr., Ammon, ID 83406

Lunch 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Ucon Elementary – 10841 N 41st E, Idaho Falls, ID 83401

Lunch 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Meals will be served from June 2 to June 26, 2025, on Mondays through Thursdays.

The Summer Food Service Program will also include children in Pocatello and surrounding areas. For a full list of the Pocatello/Chubbuck locations, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As the iconic game show aired Thursday, an Idaho Falls woman finally fulfilled her lifelong dream of competing on The Price is Right.

To achieve her dream, Catherine Skelton got tickets for three different studio recordings of the decades-old game show earlier this year. It was only on the third taping that she was told to “come on down” and join her fellow contestants and host Drew Carey on the floor.

“You have to act kooky again and crazy. And you just have a lot of fun,” Skelton said about the experience.

Local News 8 invited Skelton to “come on down” and join Jeff and Kailey at Noon to talk about how she did on the show. Watch the full interview above.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The dry, windy summer weather substantially increases the risk of wildfires in Southeast Idaho during the warmer months, and the Pocatello Fire Department is encouraging people to take precautions now to avoid sparking fires.

According to Kim Stouse, public information officer for the Pocatello Fire Department, wildfires can start in a number of different ways, including driving through tall grass, leaving campfires unattended, and even mowing the lawn late in the day when conditions are particularly dry.

The Pocatello Fire Department is getting its crew and the public ready early for the possibility of wildfires starting in the Portneuf Valley this summer.

“We’re preparing. The crews are doing training, our brush trucks are all ready to go, so when the call comes, they will be ready,” said Stouse. “We would love to see none, but, then, there’s reality–I think the biggest thing is making people aware of it.”

Stouse said people need to be mindful of potential fire risks as they travel and take part in outdoor recreation.

Some tips include making sure campfires are completely extinguished, never driving or parking vehicles in tall grass or brush, using caution when lighting fireworks or flicking cigarette butts, and staying informed by signing up for emergency notifications through Bannock County’s ‘myAlerts’ app.

For more information on summer fire safety and preparedness, you can visit the websites for the Pocatello Fire Department and the Bannock County Office of Emergency Management.

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Noah Farley

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Shelley Joint School District No. 60 is proposing a bond to build a new high school for the next general election.

If the public votes in favor, the Board of Trustees of Joint School District No. 60, Bingham and Bonneville Counties, State of Idaho (the “District”) will be authorized to issue bonds of up to $78,640,000 to:

Build, furnish, and equip a new high school

Build, furnish, and equip a new career technical education (CTE) building

Build a new auditorium

Renovate and improve other existing school facilities

Election Day is Tuesday, May 20.

More information about the ballot for the bond can be found here.

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News Team

The following is a press release from Grand Teton National Park:

MOOSE, Wyo. (KIFI) — The National Park Service plans to improve and expand recreation opportunities at Mormon Row, one of the most photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park. This effort is part of ongoing preservation work designed to offer visitors a richer, more immersive experience at Mormon Row.

As part of the planning efforts, the park is working with Grand Teton National Park Foundation to create a safer, more accessible experience for visitors while preserving the area’s unique cultural heritage.

Proposed improvements:

Pedestrian and cycling-only area: A new pedestrian and cycling-only zone will be established in the historic district, enhancing visitors’ ability to experience the iconic views of Mormon Row and the Tetons. This change will provide a safer environment and minimize vehicle traffic.

 Expanded parking: A larger parking lot will be constructed at the southeast corner of Antelope Flats Road and Mormon Row to accommodate growing visitation while maintaining the integrity of the site. This will help manage traffic, provide parking for large vehicles, and improve access for all visitors.

Enhanced interpretation and signage: New interpretive and wayfinding signs will be installed to help visitors better understand the significance of Mormon Row. The site interpretation will provide a more thorough and accurate depiction of the community’s history and its connection to the broader history of Grand Teton National Park.

Vegetation restoration: Efforts will be made to restore native vegetation and improve the ecological health of the area, ensuring a more authentic landscape.

Improved facilities: Plans also include adding a Grand Teton Association building for visitor information and sales, as well as adding new restrooms and making walking paths easy to see and follow.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation to preserve and renew Mormon Row, a beloved site for park visitors,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “These improvements will create opportunities for visitors to connect with the history and landscape in a meaningful way.”

Some minor site improvements may begin in summer 2025, with the majority happening in 2026 or later. Updates on the project and further details will be shared with the public as the work progresses.

For more information, click HERE.

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