Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

Island Park, Idaho (KIFI) – Health officials are warning people to use caution at Island Park Reservoir after confirming the detection of cyanobacteria in the water. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued a cyanobacteria health alert for the reservoir.

Officials say that field testing confirmed the presence of cyanotoxins, which can make people sick. They also pose a serious threat to pets and livestock. Sicknesses are caused when the cyanobacteria is exposed to skin or by swallowing contaminated water.

It can cause skin irritation, stomach illnesses or more serious symptoms. The department says harmful blooms in the water can appear as mats, foam, spilled paint or scum on the surface. It may also have a foul odor.

Anyone still using the Island Park Reservoir is encouraged to avoid any suspicious water and keep pets completely out.

More information on this health alert can be found on the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website: deq.idaho.gov.

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Seth Ratliff

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) — This weekend, Camp Hayden kicked off its largest summer camp yet at the Aspen Grove Inn and RV Park in Ririe, creating unforgettable outdoor adventures for local children and families with physical or mental disabilities.

Camp Hayden adapts every activity so children and families with physical or mental disabilities can join the fun safely. It’s an adventure that co-founder Jason Chapa says gives these families experiences most people take for granted.

“Hiking, ATV and horseback riding, even inflatable waterslides that they climb up these river experiences, stuff like that,” said Chapa. “We know that being able to do that, and the beautiful outdoors that we have in this area, is just something that’s so impactful to the family that they’ll never forget it. And that’s our mission. We create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.”

The organization’s journey began in 2018, founded by Jason and Kami Chapa to honor their late son, Hayden, who passed away in 2016 from a rare congenital brain disorder. Years later, campers are racing around Aspen Grove Inn, diving into activities that were once out of reach.

Pulling off an camp of this scale takes a village. The non-profit relies entirely on community support, including donors like the Idaho Falls Civitan Club and a dedicated army of hands-on volunteers.

“The amount of work, planning and fundraising that go into creating these camps is significant, but when we get to camp it is 100% worth everything that goes into it,” said Chapa.

“We have no paid staff,” explained Board Member Matt Jantz. “We just have awesome volunteers that, whether it’s their first year or their seventh year, they’re still willing to jump in and just help us make it happen, no matter what.”

What started as a way to honor Hayden’s memory has grown into a community for dozens of regional families, and a deep source of comfort for those who build it every year.

“It’s been a healing experience being able to do all of this and watch these people get impacted,” Chapa shared. “We’ve been very blessed to not have anything go wrong. You know, and we have so many different people involved in what we’re doing to make sure it’s going to be safe. And I think one of the biggest things that has helped us along this way is that we have a guardian angel watching over us.”

While Aspen Grove Inn and RV Park has hosted Camp Hayden for years, organizers say their next big dream is acquiring their own permanent property, which would allow them to expand and serve even more families across the region. For more information on how to get invovled, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

MALAD, Idaho (KIFI) — A truck fire temporarily stalled traffic along southbound I-15 north of Malad on Saturday afternoon, according to the Idaho State Police. Fortunately, the Idaho State Police say no one was injured.

ISP says around 2 p.m. 2025 Ford F350 pulling a toy-hauler trailer was traveling south on I-15 when the engine compartment erupted in flames.

The 31-year-old driver pulled the vehicle onto the shoulder, where the truck became engulfed in flames. ISP says the flames spread to the trailer and surrounding brush in the median and the right shoulder of the interstate.

Traffic was partially blocked for over an hour while crews worked to extinguish the fire and clear the scene.

Idaho State Police was assisted by the Downey Fire Department, Oneida Fire District, the Idaho Transportation Department, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.

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Hadley Bodell

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – For the second year in a row, organizers and volunteers in Shelley are bringing car lovers together for a cause. “Wheels for Compassion” is an annual car show to raise money for Hospice of Eastern Idaho, the only non-profit hospice care in the area.

Attendees could browse dozens of beautiful vehicles at Shelley Park as well as local vendors and food trucks. Car owners could win awards in a variety of categories like “People’s Choice” and “Kid’s Choice” which were given out on Saturday afternoon.

The trophies themselves were handmade by students at Elevate Academy. Raffle prizes at the event were donated by local businesses, including car care merchandise, a grill, paddleboards and artwork.

Trophies made by students at Elevate Academy, given to winners of each category of entered cars.

“This car show is about raising money for our patients and families,” said organizer and founder Seirra McNeil. “Any funds we raise go back to our patients and families and help us take care of them and make sure our community is taken care of.”

The organizers are passionate about quality care in the local communities. Some of the programs provided by Hospice of Eastern Idaho are grief support, Heart Stone for Children, Three Wishes and Final Wishes for patients. They said this year “blows last year’s out of the water” with car entries, community support and organization.

“We have more cars here than last year, just a better turnout,” added Carol Annis, organizer and founder of Wheels for Compassion. “The support and the community coming together has been amazing.”

Organizer Carol Annis and her husband with their winning car at Wheels for Compassion, July 25

People pay to enter their cars in the show as well as vendor fees to be at the park, raising funds for the cause. Visitors can also buy raffle tickets and T-shirts to donate.

“Our programs really do help a lot of people in the community, so any support is greatly appreciated,” McNeil said. “It’s also just fun!”

The goal is to hold the Wheels for Compassion car show every last Saturday of July, with the hopes to continue growing the number of entries and visitors every year.

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – One local man in Idaho Falls with a passion for hunting and fishing led to the creation of a brand-new event for the Eastern Idaho community– the Idaho Outdoor Expo. In a family-friendly environment at The Waterfront in Idaho Falls, people can explore dozens of vendors for outdoor hobbies like fishing, hunting, camping and more.

“We have some really cool vendors here,” said founder and organizer Matthew Smith. “We’ve got Olin and Archery Idaho and several sponsors inside the building.”

Hoffman Custom Rods donated a custom fly fishing rod to give away at the event. Other giveaways are available like a guided fishing trip, youth bow, gift certificates, and more.

“If you like the outdoors, today, this is the place to be,” Smith said.

Friday’s windy weather caused some vendors to take down their booths outside, but Saturday’s sunny afternoon drew hundreds out to the expo.

“I love to hunt and fish,” Smith said. “And I know a lot of people who like to hunt and fish. We’ve got really fun shows over in Boise and Salt Lake, I just thought it would be great to have something like that here.”

Smith said they plan to do the expo again next year, however, to move it entirely inside. They will look into alternative venues in the area as they also expect more vendors than the 55 they had this year.

Some of the vendors are brand new businesses with innovative projects, like one team who developed a new kind of hammock. In the parking lot, off road vehicles and four wheelers were also on display.

“If you love the outdoors, you’re going to find something cool here for you,” Smith said.

The event is free and open to the public. The outdoor expo continues until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 25.

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David Pace

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – Residents and officials are sounding off after Fremont County Commissioners’ decision to approve the Caldera Flats development on Henry’s Lake Flats in Island Park last Monday.

“Nobody who’s seen the flats – the Henry’s Lake Flats – will be surprised that a lot of people are concerned about what happens there. It’s a beautiful place,” said Tom Cluff, Fremont County’s Planning and Building Administrator. “It’s one of the scenic gems of Fremont County. There’s a subdivision proposed there and a lot of concern about what effect that subdivision will have – how it will impact wildlife, water quality, scenic views, those sorts of things.”

The 160 acres north of the Island Park Cemetery could soon be turned into 32 single family homes, on minimum five-acre lots.

The project is owned by Doug and Kevin Button, of DK Land LLC.

Hundreds of Island Park residents protested development on the flats, with 500 showing up at a previous Planning and Zoning meeting – most in opposition.

“The idea that they had is not bad. It’s just where they put it was a problem,” said Loy Schroeder, former Fremont County Planning and Zoning Chairwoman. “The biggest concern initially was wetlands. It is a wetland area, and when you put homes on wetlands, they tend to be destroyed. You can’t go back on them if they fail. It has antelope that have their babies there. It has elk. It has long-billed curlew that nest on it.”

She’s also concerned about the impact on the Henry’s Fork world-class fishery.

“The Henry’s Fork that runs through the adjacent property – within less than a quarter of a mile from the Button property – stands to be contaminated,” she said.

The Fremont County Planning and Zoning Commission initially denied the application for the subdivision in May.

But in a 2 to 1 vote, Fremont County Commissioners Rick Hill and Mark Chandler overrode that decision. Commission Chairman Blair Dance disagreed, stating the application should be sent back to Planning and Zoning for further consideration.

“The development code says you can have a subdivision in that zone. They felt like if we say you can have a subdivision and you follow our rules, your subdivision should be approved,” Cluff said. “There’s a property rights element that they felt was important, that whatever other concerns we have don’t outweigh that.”

The County Commissioners placed requirements on the developer – including that each home provide wildlife-friendly fencing and connect to Island’s Park sewer system rather than installing individual septic systems.

“A subdivision has to set aside a certain amount of property as open space. In this case, the requirement was 65 percent. The developer’s setting aside almost 70 percent,” Cluff said. “The subdivision has to have a plan to mitigate wildlife impacts. … They have to have a master plan. They have to address stormwater design.”

Fremont County’s Planning and Building staff has also recommended that the HOA require native vegetation in open spaces and restrict planting trees to minimize impacts on wildlife and the environment.

But for Schroeder and others, the changes don’t go far enough.

“The biggest problem right now is that the development code has not been updated since 2008,” Schroeder said. “… Adding into the development code for protection of water areas, hydrology areas – the hydrology that feeds the Henry’s Fork, [and] feeds the Buffalo. All of those things need to be added into our development code and our comprehensive plan. … It can be done in a year.”

Schroeder left the Planning and Zoning Commission in December.

“My biggest question, which I was unable to ask at the last meeting because it was not a public hearing, was what changed? I just want to know what changed. Why did they pass it the first time and deny it during the appeal?”

The project still requires final approval from the County Commissioners before construction can begin, which could be within the next two years.

Some residents in Island Park have threatened to file a lawsuit over the development.

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Par Kermani

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — An adult man was injured after being attacked by a bear while jogging with his dog early Friday morning at Henrys Lake State Park.

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the attack happened along the Aspen Loop Trail.

The man suffered injuries but was able to walk out of the area on his own. His dog was not injured and followed him out safely. Around 8 a.m., the man was taken by ambulance to Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg for treatment.

Following the attack, Idaho Fish and Game and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office secured the area and launched an investigation. Trails will be closed for a week, Deputies used a drone to help search the trail system and surrouding area, while crews also searched on the ground.

Investigators located the site where the attack occurred but did not find any bears in the area.

Henrys Lake State Park remains open for camping and boat launches.

Visitors are asked to respect the closure and stay out of the trail system until officials determine it is safe to reopen.

For updates on trail reopenings, contact Henrys Lake State Park at 208-558-7532.

The incident serves as a reminder that all of Island Park is bear country, according to Fish and Game. Officials say bears can be encountered anywhere and encourage anyone recreating in the area to always assume bears are present.

Fish and Game recommends the following safety tips while recreating in bear country:

Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never intentionally approach a bear.

Stay alert for signs of bear activity, especially in wooded areas, dense vegetation and near streams.

Travel in groups whenever possible.

Make noise by talking or clapping to avoid surprising a bear.

Carry bear spray where it is easily accessible and know how to use it.

Avoid hiking or running at night, dawn or dusk.

Stay away from animal carcasses or areas where scavenger birds are gathered.

Remember that people moving quickly, including trail runners and mountain bikers, are at greater risk of surprising a bear.

Fish and Game encourages anyone spending time outdoors in Island Park to review additional bear safety information before heading into bear habitat.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – In the spring, a raccoon from Pocatello tested positive for canine distemper. Another positive test followed, leading Idaho Fish and Game to investigate the outbreak and animal services to push vaccinations to protect domestic pets.

Distemper in Raccoons

“These numbers are kind of rare,” said biologist Jon Dixon with Idaho Fish and Game. “[we’ve] never seen a year like this, where we’ve had this number of calls fro raccoons. This is definitely an outlier.”

Dixon said earlier in the spring, IDFG was getting at least one call per day about raccoons in the urban areas of Pocatello and Chubbuck. When a raccoon has distemper, they may wander around throughout the day, exhibiting runny eyes and lethargic attitudes.

While the disease can’t affect humans, we can transmit it, meaning its important to limit contact with wildlife. Dixon says the disease is nearly 100 percent fatal for raccoons, so if you see an ill raccoon, it’s best to leave it be.

If the animal is posing a direct threat to you, your property or pets, call Idaho Fish and Game.

“Raccoons do really well in urban environments because there’s a ton of food around, and if you can limit that and access to your property, the exposure level will go down for your pets,” Dixon said. “Try to clean up piles of trash and don’t keep pet food outside.”

Idaho Fish and Game says this year was a “perfect storm” for the disease to spread quickly throughout the large raccoon population. When there is high density of a wildlife population, contact rates increase and distemper can rapidly spread. The raccoon sample sent for testing from Preston, ID did not come back positive.

“Our positives are really focused here in urban Pocatello,” Dixon said. “It’s very localized and that’s where the calls were coming from as well.”

IDFG wants to emphasize there is no threat to people when a distemper outbreak happens, as the disease only effects raccoons and other canine species.

If you find a carcass of a raccoon, fish and game recommends putting on some gloves and double-bagging it before throwing it away. They will also come take care of the raccoon for you if you give them a call.

Dixon said they aren’t worried about the raccoon population being effected by the distemper outbreak, because usually an outbreak indicates overpopulation.

“We’ve seen so far with this disease that it will come in and reduce the population to lower densities, a more appropriate level,” he said. He added the virus doesn’t survive long in the heat of the summer environment, and they’ve already had less calls since the start of the season.

Idaho Fish and Game hasn’t had any reports of distemper in foxes, wolves, skunks or other canine species.

“Don’t feed them, remove attractants like food from your property, and call us if you feel concerned that you can’t handle what you’re seeing,” Dixon said.

Protecting your pets

Distemper can spread to domestic pets like dogs, and, if unvaccinated, can be deadly. Liam Hughes, manager of Pocatello Animal Services, said dogs may present the disease by acting like they’re drunk, lethargic, experiencing sudden weight loss or a decrease in appetite.

“The best prevention for this is vaccination, there’s no cure for it and it’s very expensive to treat and there’s no guarantee of success,” Hughes said. “Getting simple yearly vaccinations from your veterinarian to make sure your pet is up to date is the best.”

Distemper vaccinations are available at veterinary clinics or at one of the rabies/microchip clinics offered by Pocatello Animal Services.

Raccoon populations also thrive in urban areas because of the excess of food available. Keeping trash bins closed and food trash contained is essential to keeping raccoons off your property.

“Limit the time your animals have outside that are unattended, so if you have a doggy door, close it and make sure you’re monitoring your kids and pets to make sure they’re not interacting with wild animals,” Hughes said. He said the key tip is to avoid interacting with wild animals as it can lead quickly to a bad interaction and spread of disease.

“If you see an animal acting weird or see anything weird, definitely report it right away to be safe and keep diseases out of your yard and home,” he said.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Dozens of local families lined up at the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) this afternoon to get some much-needed relief for their youngest family members. The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Idaho Falls began distributing free diapers to local families this week.

“It’s been amazing to me how many people have come out looking for help,” said Brenda Jackson, EICAP Family Services Director. “We didn’t anticipate this turnout.”

The effort is funded by generous community donations made through the 2025 Light the World Giving Machines.

Diapers cost an average of roughly $100 per month per child nationally, which can quickly overwhelm a tight family budget.

“The cost of having a baby is just crazy,” said Jackson. “There are so many things that you have to pay for—formula, diapers, and supplies. Having these diapers available helps ease the burden for households who are struggling.”

Jackson noted that Eastern Idaho had one of the highest turnouts in the nation for the Giving Machine initiative, raising thousands of dollars to support local nonprofits like EICAP.

What’s Available for Families

The diapers and supplies are available to any family in need, regardless of financial circumstances. Eligible families can receive:

Diapers / Training Pants: Up to 4 packs per child (25 count per pack)

Baby Wipes: Up to 4 packs per child

Socks: 1 pack of children’s socks per child

The aid is already making a difference for local parents and grandparents alike, including Army veteran Mike Jensen, who stopped by to pick up supplies for his family.

“It’s helping support my daughter with her babies. My little grandbabies!” said Jensen.

EICAP plans to hold additional diaper distributions throughout the summer months while supplies last.

For more information on pickup dates, locations, or how to support the program, click HERE or follow EICAP on Facebook.

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Stephanie Lucas

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the deceased following the two-vehicle crash in Malad earlier this week.

Jacob Reynolds, 31, of Pocatello, was identified after a collision northbound on Interstate 15 at milepost 20 in Bannock County on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Next of kin has been notified and the incident remains under investigation by Idaho State Police.

“My deepest sympathies go out to Jacob’s family and friends who are grieving this unexpected loss,” said Coroner Torey Danner. 

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