Category: kifi-local-news

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO (KIFI) – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is strongly recommending the cancellation of upcoming equine events in Idaho following confirmed reports of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) that were linked to several recent equine competitive events in Texas and Oklahoma.

ISDA is also looking to temporarily stop the transportation of all horses into or out of the state to avoid the spread from reaching Idaho.

At this time, Idaho has no confirmed cases of EHV-1. But due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, the Idaho State Veterinarian urges horse owners, trainers, and event organizers to take immediate biosecurity precautions.

They recommend temporarily stopping any transportation or hauling of equine to protect Idaho horses.

“One of the most important things to know is that people can act as fomites, which is basically where if you go touch an infected horse, you can get the virus on your hands, and then you go touch a horse that’s not infected. You can technically spread it from the infected horse to the Non-infected horse. Even without those two horses coming into contact,” said Abby Matthaeus, veterinarian and owner of Teton Equine Veterinary practice.

There is a vaccine for the virus, commonly known as the rhino vaccine. Dr. Matthaeus says to talk to your veterinarian if your horse hasn’t been vaccinated.

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Carl Hobbs, an icon in Idaho’s agricultural history who co-founded the globally recognized Spudnik Equipment Company and revolutionized potato farming, died peacefully on November 20, 2025, at his Blackfoot home. He was 96. Hobbs was surrounded by his family, including his sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Betty Hobbs.

Alongside his brother, Leo, Carl Hobbs co-founded Spudnik Equipment in 1958. “Carl didn’t just build equipment, he helped build Idaho,” said Hobb’s grandson, Dr. Wade Banner.

Life and Innovation

Born on April 23, 1929, in Wilford, Idaho, Hobbs’ life began in a three-room, dirt-roof log house without electricity, plumbing, or running water, and only kept warm by a single wood-burning stove.

The William Hobbs home built in 1887. The people pictured are members of the Alvin Hobbs family, who lived there for many years. Courtesy: Hobbs family.

From the age of eight, Carl and his brother Leo were immersed in farm life, milking cows and modifying their family’s tractors to improve performance—a habit that would define their careers.

Boyhood photos, courtesy Hobbs family

Carl (Right) alongside Leo (Left) and Bus Gardner (Center). Courtesy: Wade Banner

In 1957, while working for Albert Longhurst on a potato farm north of Blackfoot, in the backbreaking process of manually piling and shoveling potatoes in the cellar, the brothers had an idea that would go on to revolutionize the farming industry.

“There has to be a better way to move potatoes,” Banner recounted his grandfather thinking. “That is when the first self-propelled swing boom potato piler and potato scooper were born.”

Spudnik is born

The name “Spudnik” famously combined the iconic Idaho “spud” with the world’s fascination with Russia’s “Sputnik,” the first satellite launched into space.

The Spudnik scooper and piler transformed potato farming. The self-propelled scooper could gently accomplish the work of twenty men, leading to their company’s logo: “Potatoes Handled Like Babies.”

Their innovations didn’t stay local for long. The Hobbs brothers’ original designs helped fundamentally shape the global potato industry and remain the backbone of modern potato farming today, now expanded into a full line of potato farming machinery used worldwide.

Carl and Betty Hobbs visit Spudnik. Courtesy: Hobbs Family

“Behind each one is a piece of Carl Hobbs’ legacy,” said Banner. “Today, as Idaho farmers harvest their crops using machines inspired by his earliest designs, Carl’s legacy lives on in every row, every season, and every family that depends on the land and potatoes.”

After 45 years of business, Carl Hobbs sold Spudnik to the GRIMME GROUP in Germany in 2003, which continues the Spudnik line to this day.

“My proudest moment was from the time we built it til I sold out,” Hobbs said. “And I’m still proud of it because we couldn’t have found a better person in the whole world to take it over and we did.”

Husband, Father, Grandfather, Community Member

For Idaho potato growers, Spudnik was an integral part of the community. Banner says his grandfather made it a point to know the farmers personally, often visiting them to learn of their specific needs. Generations of Idaho families have worked with Spudnik, and the company is credited with creating thousands of jobs, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and recognized potato equipment brands worldwide.

“Ask anyone who knew him — Carl was a builder, a problem-solver, and the kind of man who would drop everything to help a neighbor,” said Banner. “He loved Idaho, the potato industry, and he treated employees like family.”

Carl and Betty’s 4 daughters

Carl’s daughter Jody on a Scooper

To his own family, now 136 strong and growing, Banner says Carl Hobbs was more than an inventor. He was a beloved husband and a compassionate father, and a cherished grandfather.

Funeral Services

Carl Hobb’s extended family will hold a viewing on Friday, November 28th, from 6:00 Pm to 8:00 pm at the Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot. His funeral will be held this Saturday, November 29th, at the Blackfoot LDS Stake Center at 2 pm, with a viewing 1 hour prior at 1:00 pm. Hobb’s family says all are welcome to attend and celebrate his life and the impact he had on Idaho and the world

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Hollie Albertson and her daughters celebrated the grand opening of “Wild as You” boutique and custom denim jacket bar tonight with a ribbon cutting party.

The idea for the boutique and customization bar came about when Albertson took a girl’s trip with her daughters to Arizona. She found a custom denim jacket boutique and realized Idaho Falls could use a space for women to express their creativity and create unique pieces.

Tonight’s grand opening had drinks, snacks and even a raffle to enter to win a custom Ozzy Osbourne jacket.

Albertson said her new space is open for birthday parties, bachellorettes, or any other party you’d like to use the space for. Customers can choose their own decorations and patches to put on cowgirl hats or denim jackets.

She also has salon spaces available to rent for hairdressing or facials. The Albertson family has worked hard to make Hollie’s dream boutique come to live since March of this year.

“And then we just decided to sell clothing and jewelry and other stuff,” said Albertson. “I love creating things and letting people create things and it’s theirs. They get to take it away and they’re like, ‘I made this,’ you know.”

Albertson is excited to have her daughter Brittany manage “Wild As You.” More information about the boutique’s hours and offerings can be found on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Education is asking for the public’s help to reduce federal paperwork and required tests for schools.

Over the past eight months, the department has been exploring ways to improve how the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is being implemented.

They are asking people to review a draft plan that suggests changes to the state board of education. These options are designed to free schools from red tape at the federal level.

They hope this will allow the state to better meet local student achievement goals.

“We are taking every opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Education to increase flexibility in federal programs,” said Chief of Staff Greg Wilson. Our goal is to ensure schools can focus on serving students and addressing local needs rather than getting bogged down in reporting requirements and red tape.

The comment period will remain open through the end of the year. For more information and where you can make a comment about the federal flexibility draft recommendations, click HERE.

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Curtis Jackson

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Students in Salmon are proving that young voices can make a big difference.  

When a group of junior and high school students heard their local food bank was running low, they jumped into action. On their own, the students gathered over 25-hundred items for the food bank at Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership’s location in Salmon. 

The donations filled the length of four blocks down Main Street.

A video created by Amber and Dustin Pace highlighted their hard work. EICAP reps said it helped fill their shelves for the season and are grateful for the help.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Starting next year, travelers flying out of the Pocatello Regional Airport will have more options when traveling to Salt Lake City. The airport officially announced Friday that Delta will add a second daily round-trip flight between the two cities starting on May 7, 2026.

Airport Manager Alan Evans says the new flight will provide passengers with more options and reduce long layovers.

“We are excited to announce the addition of a second daily flight,” said Airport Manager Alan Evans. “We’re grateful for our long-standing relationship with Delta and SkyWest and appreciate their commitment to improving service for our community.”

The new schedule will feature flights out of Pocatello at 11:44 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., with inbound flights arriving from Salt Lake City at 10:31 a.m. and 6:25 p.m.

“This is great news for Pocatello residents and travelers from across the region who rely on our airport,” said Mayor Brian Blad. “We know how important additional flights are for travelers and look forward to this increased schedule.”

Tickets for both daily flights are now available for purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD), in partnership with Idaho Falls Firefighters IAFF Local 1565, is proud to announce the return of the “Fill the Ambulance” Toy Drive, benefiting the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission.

From Nov. 21 through Dec. 12, community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at any Idaho Falls Fire Station. Toys are needed for children ages 0–18, with the greatest need for ages 10–18. Donations will be routinely collected and placed into an out-of-service ambulance with the goal of filling it completely with gifts for local children in need.

This year’s toy drive will support two organizations:

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Idaho, which provides comfort, care, and support to families with children receiving medical treatment. Donated toys will go to children in the hospital and their siblings.

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission (IFRM), which serves families and individuals in crisis.

“This effort is a way for our community to come together and support children and families facing difficult circumstances,” said Idaho Falls Firefighter Donovan Hendrix. “Last year, I witnessed people of all ages and demographics show up to give to those in need. I am honored to help lead this year’s toy drive with the IFFD as we again ask for the community’s support.”

A festive finale to the drive will take place on Friday, Dec. 13, as the decorated ambulance participates in the RMHC 5th Annual Toy Drive, Light Parade and Ugly Sweater Car Show at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) on 3200 Channing Way. The Ugly Sweater Car Show begins at 4 p.m. and the Light Parade begins at 5 p.m., starting at Teton Toyota and ending at EIRMC on the corner of Sunnyside and Channing Way.

Important Donation Guidelines:

All toys must be new due to health and safety concerns.

Toys must remain unwrapped to allow for proper distribution and safety checks.

Donations must be received by 5 p.m. on Dec. 12.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department and IAFF Local 1565 invite everyone to join in the spirit of giving and help Fill the Ambulance this holiday season! For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A group of Idaho leaders, including state representatives, city officials, and farmers, recently returned from Washington, D.C., after successful meetings with the state’s federal delegation. Their goal was to secure important federal funding for new water storage in an effort to combat the state’s ongoing water troubles.

The proposals, as outlined in Senate Joint Memorial 101, include potentially rebuilding the Teton dam, along with expanding the Ashton, Minidoka, and Jackson Lake Dams, and even supporting aquifer recharge projects on federal lands.

RELATED: State and local leaders head to D.C. to push for federal funding to solve Idaho’s water troubles

State Senator Kevin Cook described the meetings with Idaho’s congressmen and senators as “highly positive.” With their guidance, they are now moving forward by mapping out a comprehensive long-term plan, starting with a study across the Snake Plain Aquifer.

“Basically, we want 750,000 acre-feet of new surface water storage by the year 2100,” explained Senator Cook. “They were excited to see that we had plans, that it wasn’t just a short-term fix, but we’re looking now 75 years (into the future.)”

Last session, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 445, which appropriates an ongoing $30 million toward the Idaho Department of Water Resources to fund water infrastructure projects. However, Senator Cook emphasizes that even with the additional funds, the project to rebuild the Teton Dam alone would cost upwards of a $1 billion.

“Frankly, in a project like the Teton Dam, there’s just no way that the state can afford that,” said Cook. “We’re going to need some federal funds.”

Cook stressed the plan must be done right, particularly for the Teton Dam. The study of the Snake Plain aquifer could take up to two years, but they’re attempting to streamline the process by planning potential aquifer recharge and water storage projects amid the ongoing study.

Looking ahead, Cook says the next strategic step is to build support among Western States to gain stronger congressional backing for the necessary federal funding. Cook says the group is already planning a follow-up trip to Washington, D.C., next year to continue developing these long-term projects.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 27-year-old Bonneville County man, Jose Luis Silvas, was arrested yesterday morning, November 20, 2025, and is facing a Felony Rape charge after being allegedly caught in the act of having sex with a 16-year-old girl.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies responded rapidly to a Rape in progress report at a home along 3750 E. shortly after 6:00 a.m. The original caller, who reported the incident, informed deputies they had walked into a bedroom and witnessed Silvas in the act with the minor.

While investigators learned the girl had allegedly consented to the sexual contact, due to her age (16), the contact falls under Idaho’s statutory definition of rape.

Silvas was taken into custody on the scene and subsequently transported to the Bonneville County Jail, where he was booked on the Felony Rape charge.

BCSO says Detectives are continuing to investigate the case, and no further information is available at this time.

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News Team

BURLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Benjamin Naylor, 56, of Burley, was back in court Thursday, Nov. 20, where his attorneys indicated they are pursuing a plea agreement deal.

Naylor is charged with murdering Kelly and Donna Jenks in their home in Burley, along with Angelica Medina and Dennis Mix in Minidoka County, in July.

Yesterday, Naylor voluntarily waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Cassia County. The move follows months of legal and medical evaluations, including a court-ordered competency exam where he was ultimately ruled competent to stand trial, despite his family’s claims that Naylor suffers from schizophrenia.

His attorneys indicated they plan to waive the preliminary hearing in Minidoka County as well, allowing them additional time to review the proposed plea agreement before the case advances.

The case is now set to move to district court for a hearing in Cassia County on December 22. Naylor is currently charged with four counts of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon.

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