Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Teton County Search and Rescue is urging outdoor enthusiasts to be extra cautious during the unpredictable spring transition after crews responded to multiple emergency calls over the weekend.

Avalanche Victim Short-Hauled Near Teton Pass

The first rescue began at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, when a local snowboarder was caught in an avalanche while descending the Great White Hump, north of Teton Pass. The man severely injured his leg in the snowslide.

According to TCSAR, this incident marks the second time this month a backcountry skier or snowboarder has been caught and injured in an avalanche within this specific zone.

Members of the snowboarder’s group provided immediate first aid while TCSAR flew in a short-haul helicopter team. Volunteers reached the scene within 54 minutes of the initial 911 call and flew the injured man to an awaiting ambulance on the Teton Pass.

“This incident is another reminder for skiers and snowboarders to be extra cautious during this transitional period in the Tetons, when snow conditions may change rapidly from hour to hour, day to day,” said TCSAR in the post.

Exhausted Hikers Rescued Near Game Creek

Less than 24 hours later, at 4:53 p.m. Sunday, crews received a second call for help. Two hikers attempting a loop from Cache Creek to the Game Creek Divide via the Skyline Trail found themselves unable to complete the trek.

After reaching the Game Creek Divide, the pair called 911 and told dispatch they were too exhausted to continue. Dispatchers told the hikers to make their way toward the Cache/Game junction to meet rescuers.

Two TCSAR volunteers responded in a side-by-side vehicle up Cache Creek, bringing with them food and water. When the hikers were not at the junction as expected, the volunteers hiked in on foot about 1.5 miles up the trail, where they found the tired hikers.

The volunteers gave them food and water and assisted them back down the trail to the vehicle. From there, the team transported them to their vehicle at the Cache Creek trailhead.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Governor Brad Little came to Idaho Falls to discuss the 2026 legislative session and what it means for Idahoans moving forward. He highlighted budgeting, education funding, public safety, and investments in infrastructure.

In January, Gov. Little introduced the “Enduring Idaho” plan, which rolled out ahead of the legislative session.

RELATED: Gov. Little unveils ‘ENDURING IDAHO’ plan, calls for ‘right-sized’ budget amid “demanding restraint”

“At its core, our Enduring Idaho plan was about balance between growth and restraint, between meeting today’s needs and planning for the future, between investing in our people while respecting the taxpayers who make the investments possible,” Little said.

Budgeting

The first point that Little mentioned was passing a balanced budget. He said lawmakers passed a balanced budget aimed at keeping the state on solid financial grounds while preparing for future growth.

“We submitted in the legislature, passed a balanced budget. Just like that. All families sit around their kitchen tables and make decisions about what they can afford. We did the same at the state level. We live within our means. We did not raise taxes. We ensured every dollar spent reflects a priority that benefits the people of Idaho,” Little said.

Education funding

Education was a central focus during the session. Little noted that state support for public schools has increased significantly during his time in office.

“Since I took office, state support for public education has increased by 70%. That’s a significant investment in our future and reflects the value Idahoans place on strong schools and strong communities,” Little said.

Investments in infrastructure and healthcare

Little also approved funding for infrastructure projects, including water systems and transportation. Little called water “the lifeblood of Idaho,” due to its importance for agriculture, communities and energy needs.

In healthcare, the state is directing new resources toward rural areas, where access and affordability remain ongoing challenges. Officials also approved funding to address shortages in medical professionals.

Going forward

Governor Little says his top priorities for next year will continue to focus on budgeting along with decreasing the cost of healthcare for Idahoans.

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News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — After nearly 35 years of service, Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes has announced his retirement, effective June 30.

“I have been most fortunate to be part of this very dedicated team who serves Idaho in transportation during a great period of growth and need. And the support of our Governor, Legislature, and transportation board has allowed us to make long-lasting improvements,” said Stokes in a news release announcing his retirement.

Stokes, who became ITD Director after serving 15 years as the department’s chief deputy, oversaw “an unprecedented period of investment in Idaho’s transportation infrastructure,” according to Governor Brad Little. During his tenure, ITD says the department experienced significant increases in transportation funding and earned a reputation for innovative project delivery.

“Scott understood that strategic transportation investments are about more than roads and bridges — they are the backbone of economic prosperity, connecting Idaho businesses to markets, supporting workforce growth, and keeping our state competitive. His decades of service reflect a deep commitment to building a safer, more efficient transportation system that supports opportunity across every region of Idaho,” Governor Brad Little said.

Stokes’ journey at ITD began in 1991 and has included various positions, including state bridge engineer and district engineer in Coeur d’Alene for over a decade.

Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad expressed gratitude for Stokes’ long-term impact on the state’s connectivity.

“His dedication to employees and public resources has made a lasting impact on ITD and the communities we serve,” Moad stated.

Now begins the search for a director to step into Stokes’ shoes. With the recent passage of Senate Bill 1300, Governor Little and the Idaho Transportation Board will now begin the process of selecting a new leader to manage the challenges of Idaho’s evolving transportation needs.

“While we honor his legacy, we are also confident in the strength of the ITD team and the path ahead,” said Moad.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello is continuing efforts to improve the health and safety of its urban forest, with work taking place in Historic Downtown and other areas throughout the community.

Residents will begin to see improvements as crews remove unhealthy trees, replace missing or damaged trees, and address locations where trees have outgrown their space or are causing sidewalk and safety concerns. Nearly all trees that are removed will be replaced.

This work is part of a significant investment in the community. In November 2023, the City was awarded a $1 million Urban Community Forestry Grant and has since received an additional $795,000 in funding. Work associated with the grant is expected to be completed by May 2026.

Courtesy: City of Pocatello

Tree planting efforts are ongoing across the city. In fall 2025, crews planted 209 trees, and approximately 200 more are expected to be planted this spring, including 50 to 60 trees in Historic Downtown.

Maintenance efforts have also been extensive. During the 2025 phase of the grant, several hundred trees were pruned and trimmed, with a significant portion of the work taking place at Mountain View Cemetery. These improvements help reduce potential damage during severe weather events, such as the windstorm experienced in 2024.

Additional work has taken place, or will take place, in several parks and public spaces, including Mountain View Cemetery, Alameda Park, Freckleton Park, Ross Park, Centennial Park, Caldwell Park, and Constitution Park, with more locations planned.

All work is being completed by professional crews with certified arborists to ensure long-term tree health and public safety.

The City of Pocatello continues to invest in a greener, healthier community through strategic urban forestry efforts.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — With spring in the air and baby wildlife season in full bloom, Idaho Fish and Game is issuing an important reminder to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts: “Enjoy the sight, but remember it is best to leave young wildlife alone.”

As people head out into the Gem State’s backcountry, IDFG says they’re bound to see young wildlife, but warn that human intervention usually does more harm than good.

Every spring, IDFG offices are flooded with calls from well-meaning citizens who believe they’ve saved an orphaned animal. In reality, these animals are rarely abandoned.

“While these folks typically mean well, the sad reality is they are often doing more damage than good when they intervene,” the department stated in a news release. “Typically, mom was not far away to begin with.”

It may look like neglect to the human eye, but wildlife experts explain that “babysitting” in the wild looks very different from human parenting. Mothers often leave their offspring for extended periods to:

Forage for food

Divert predators

Rest

The department’s advice is simple: Give them space.

“When it comes to wildlife babies, wildlife mothers know best,” states the release. “If you find a baby bird, duckling, gosling, deer fawn, or other critter, the best approach is to leave it undisturbed. Then, if you wish, contact your nearest Fish and Game office. Fish and Game employees are happy to take calls about apparently orphaned or injured animals, answer your questions, and, when it is absolutely necessary, retrieve animals.”

IDFG also reminds the public that it is illegal in Idaho to take most wildlife species from the wild to keep as pets. Wild animals require highly specialized care and diets that the average household cannot manage.

For more information, click HERE.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Posted 7:17 AM, Apr 20, 2026

By: Allie Triepke

MERIDIAN, Idaho — After Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1301 into law, breweries across Idaho may soon have more room to grow — including in neighborhoods throughout the Treasure Valley.

The new law, which takes effect in July, allows breweries to operate up to two remote taproom locations instead of just one, in addition to their main production facility.

For Mike Garcia, owner of Loose Screw Brewing in downtown Meridian, the change comes after years of navigating restrictions that limited expansion.

“This is kind of where the magic happens,” Garcia said while giving a tour of his production taproom.

Inside, the brewery offers around 20 beers on draft, with a focus on variety.

“We’re probably more known for having a diverse selection of beers,” Garcia said.

But earlier this year, Garcia said he faced a difficult decision — closing a North Meridian taproom in order to pursue growth elsewhere.

“Due to the current law as it was written, we were only allowed one taproom,” Garcia said. “So we were forced to close our McMillan taproom… laying off some folks… and it really left a void in that community.”

Customers say the closure was felt.

“I was surprised because I feel like they’re really popular,” said Meridian neighbor Ashley Overs. “People really like coming to Loose Screw.”

Her daughter, Aubrey, said the brewery stands out for its welcoming environment.

“I like that it’s family-friendly and we can bring our dog,” she said.

Garcia, who also serves on the board of Idaho Brewers United, took his concerns to lawmakers, advocating for changes to the state’s brewery laws.

“As a small business owner… I felt like the government was playing an unfair role in restricting and really stifling our industry,” Garcia said.

Originally, Garcia and other brewers pushed for up to four additional remote locations. However, a compromise was reached — allowing one more location, bringing the total to two remote taprooms.

Garcia says the change reflects the role breweries play beyond serving beer.

“I think a lot of people see what breweries bring to a community… whether it’s vibrancy… supporting local nonprofits… or collaborating with other small businesses,” he said. “I’ve seen nothing but overwhelming support once this passed.”

With the new law set to take effect in July, Garcia says he is already looking ahead, with potential plans to expand into Caldwell near Indian Creek and possibly Boise.

The law’s supporters say it could open the door for more small business growth across Idaho — and bring more community gathering spaces to neighborhoods statewide.

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David Pace

UPDATE:

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Olympic hero Jaelin Kauf was welcomed to Driggs today with a boisterous hometown parade.

The 29-year-old athlete and three-time Olympic silver medalist returned from the icy slopes of Cortina to the sunny streets of the community where it all began.

“Getting to compete on the Olympic stage is so amazing and to be representing such an amazing place, such an amazing community, and group of people on that stage just makes it extra special,” Kauf said.

Now the most decorated American moguls skier in history, she grew up carving the slopes at Grand Targhee Ski Resort.

“She got silver in both single moguls and dual moguls, the first U.S. athlete to ever do that,” said her mother Patti Kauf.

Children and Teton Valley residents thronged the streets, holding iconic “J” signs – eager to meet a local Olympic athlete.

Teton County Commissioners declared Monday “Jaelin Kauf Day” in her honor, following her return from the Milan Cortina Olympics.

“Being able to compete in the first ever dual moguls on the Olympics stage and take home a medal from that was amazing,” Jaelin said. “I mean, it’s historic!”

ORIGINAL:

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Downtown Driggs is set to make some noise Monday as the community gathers for a homecoming celebration for hometown hero Jaelin Kauf. Fresh off her performance at the 2026 Winter Games, the Teton County native is being honored with a parade and public celebration.

Winning the silver in 2022 and two silver medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Kauf cemented her legacy as the most decorated mogul skier in U.S. Olympic history.

Updated Parade Schedule

The updated schedule for today’s events shows:

2:45 p.m. – Kickoff: The parade begins at Driggs Elementary, weaving through local Teton County School District campuses to give students a front-row seat to history.

The Main Stretch: The procession will then roll down Little Avenue and Ski Hill Road.

3:20 p.m. – The parade will conclude at Driggs Plaza.

Fans are encouraged to line the route between 2nd and Main Street to cheer her on.

The celebration doesn’t end when the parade stops. The 29-year-old Olympian will host a community meet-and-greet at Driggs Plaza around 3:20 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

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Maile Sipraseuth

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 20–24 with a push for safer driving across the state. This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives,” and it highlights how everyday choices behind the wheel can help prevent crashes and protect the crews working on Idaho’s roads.

In 2024, Idaho saw 904 work zone crashes, including nine fatalities. In the same year, crashes resulted in nearly $188 million in economic impact.

“If the number be high or low, whatever it be, any fatality on the road, in a work zone, anywhere at all, for any reason is a tragedy. And it’s felt deeply by those of us that feel a responsibility for our state transportation system,” Sky Buffat, ITD’s Public Information Officer, said, “You don’t come to work planning on losing your life that day.”

With construction season ramping up, transportation officials say those numbers mean the need for drivers to stay alert and slow down in work zones.

Matthew Conde from AAA says the minute you see signs of a construction zone, that would be the time to minimize distractions in the car.

“Keep the conversation down a little bit so that you’re focused on those sudden turns. If you need to merge, pull over, or detour, those are the things you need to be able to do safely,” Conde said, “We need to make sure all those road workers are getting home.”

ITD has launched a weeklong video campaign featuring real stories from work zones across the state. The series aims to put a human face on the issue and remind drivers that the people working roadside are members of their own communities.

“It’s not just traffic cones and blockades, but the men and women that wear high vis colors and are out there on the road working. They have families at home too,” Buffat said.

Buffat is stressing the importance of educating new drivers to put away any distractions when approaching a work zone. But even for long-time drivers, it’s important to stay alert.

ITD is encouraging all motorists to plan ahead by using Idaho 511, following posted signs and staying engaged every time they drive.

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News Team

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a global change to its Young Women program on Monday. Effective immediately, the faith will adopt new age-group names for the program intended to emphasize ‘spiritual identity and progression,’ according to Church leadership.

The move impacts hundreds of thousands of the faith’s youth across the globe, including Idaho, where members of the LDS faith make up nearly a quarter of the state.

According to the faith’s First Presidency, the highest governing body of the faith, the new names are designed to help young women understand their “divine place in God’s work.”

The new age-group names are as follows:

Builders of Faith: For young women turning 12 or 13.

Messengers of Hope: For young women turning 14 or 15.

Gatherers of Light: For young women turning 16 or older.

The Church states that each name reflects specific religious attributes, such as uplifting others through service, sharing messages of peace, and seeking divine guidance through covenants.

Local Leadership and Organization

While the names are now uniform across the faith, the faith says local faith leaders are allowed the flexibility to “seek inspiration as they organize the young women in their congregations for instruction and activities.” Bishoprics and adult Young Women leaders may choose to have age groups meet together or separately for instruction and activities based on the size of their local groups.

Each of the three age groups will be led by a youth president. In congregations where it is possible, these presidents will be assisted by one or two counselors and a secretary.

“It is our hope,” the First Presidency concluded in its announcement of the change, “that these age-group names and the principles they teach will help young women become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, prepared to participate in the great work of the Relief Society.”

For more information on the change, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — A fire ripped through a local storage facility early Monday morning, leaving nearly a dozen units in ruins. The Central Fire District is now investigating the cause of the blaze at Snowcap Storage in Rigby to determine if it was an accident or potential arson.

According to Central Fire District Fire Chief Nic White, the blaze started at 2 a.m. Monday morning, April 20th. Firefighters say the blaze spread from a candle that was left burning by a tenant. 

When firefighters arrived on the scene, two units were fully engulfed in flames as the fire spread to eight others. Chief White says the first responders worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent further damage across the facility.

While the circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation, Chief White says charges are pending based on the outcome of the investigation.

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