Category: kifi-local-news

Chris Nestman

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is a program that helps lower income Americans purchase baby formula, produce and other nutritional goods. The current government shutdown means the nationally supported but state run program has not been funded for the new fiscal year, which started October 1st.

In a statement issued just as the federal shutdown began, the National WIC Association (NWA) expressed concern their finances would deplete soon, if they weren’t funded by the government.

The full statement can be found HERE, but one key paragraph states: “As we head into a partial federal government shutdown, NWA anticipates that WIC has enough funding on hand to remain open for the short term—likely one to two weeks. The timing of this shutdown at the start of the new fiscal year puts WIC at risk of rapidly running out of funds. This failure needlessly jeopardizes the health and nutrition of millions of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children who rely on WIC.”

Local News 8 reached out to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which is over the WIC program, to see what they’re current funding status was and if they had the means to continue normal operation. We were unable to get a response in time for this story. The National WIC program generally funds state programs in lump sums, meaning it is possible the state could have extra money to support the program for a time without federal support. We are will update this story when we get a response.

Local News 8 was able to talk to representatives from local offices in eastern Idaho. They were unable to comment directly about the financial situation. However, they’ve been told to operate as normal, despite the funding issues at the national level.

“From the local area WIC offices, we are open and operating as normal,” said Kami Christensen, a WIC representative from Preston. “Of course, that does depend on funding. But for now, if we are able to, [we] operate as normal and function as usual.”

Christensen says that if something does change, they will notify WIC users and pivot as needed, but says those that qualify and need WIC’s services shouldn’t back away from getting help.

“I would just encourage participants to keep your appointments as scheduled,” said Christensen. “We’re here, we’re ready to see you, and ready to help with any needs that you may have.”

Local food bank leaders say they hope programs like WIC are funded soon. They say a shutdown of federal programs like WIC, even if its temporary, would force a lot of families to make hard choices.

“We’re actually really worried about it, about any food program of ending or running out of funding,” said Ariel Jackson, the Executive Director of the Community Food Basket in Idaho Falls. “The charitable food system can’t absorb everyone who is getting assistance on these programs.”

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Domestic violence and abuse continues to be an issue around the world, but in Southeast Idaho, resources are available. Sarah O’Bannion is the executive director of family services in Pocatello and explained the signs of domestic violence

She defines domestic violence as “any behavior that is meant to scare someone or is aggressive in nature, something that is trying to get power over another person. And so that can look like anything from coercive behavior to threatening behavior to physical harm, like hitting or kicking or strangling.”

Signs of someone being an abuser can be telling, but O’Bannion says abusers rarely show signs of violence at the start of the relationship.

“We see things like a lot of jealousy, threatening behavior, doing things that bother you, like think about the fact that you live in the home, often with the person who is harming you,” O’Bannon said, “Many people who use power and control mask their behavior to people outside of their home. So sometimes you will think, ‘oh my goodness, this is the nicest person in the entire world, they’re a rock star in the office,’ They’re a great person to hang out with, but they’re also harming their partner at home.”

There are also telling signs that someone close to you may be experiencing domestic abuse.

“A couple other things that we often see in survivors that are just trying to survive on a daily basis is a lot of isolation. Often people who use power and control stop their victims from connecting to their friends and their families and their resources and their churches and their neighborhood barbecues. We see that a lot. And then just some general changes in someone’s personality,” O’Bannion said.

To help, the best way you can be there for the victim is to understand and have compassion.

“When you are concerned about a friend or family member, I think the one thing that you can really do for that person is to love them. You can really love them and believe them. When someone comes to you and they’re willing to share those really difficult things, those, things that feel embarrassing and have been a secret. Sometimes when you are able to listen without judgment, that can be incredibly empowering and incredibly healing,” O’Bannion said. 

There are always resources available, if you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The Family Services Alliance also provides free and confidential help for victims. They can assist you with housing, emotional support and court matters.

They will also host a free pumpkin decorating event to raise awareness against domestic violence, which will be on Oct. 27, 2025 from 4:00-5:30 P.M. at the OK Ward Park in Pocatello, Idaho.

The Family Services Alliance’s 24 hour hotline is 251-HELP, or (208)-251-1435.

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Curtis Jackson

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) – Thousands of mourners are bidding farewell to President Russell M. Nelson.

Crowds lined up at the Conference Center to pay respects to the late church president. According the church, Nelson’s body is lying in repose in an open casket in the Hall of the Prophets on the Conference Center’s third floor. Bronze busts of each of the Church’s presidents line the walls of the Hall.

“It felt very sacred being able to pay my respects to the prophet, a man that we look up to so highly,” said Alan Johnson, 24, who taught the words of President Nelson while he served as a full-time missionary in New Jersey.

President Nelson was the 17th president to lead the church. He passed away on Sept. 27 at age 101.

President Nelson’s funeral will be held in the Conference Center on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. MDT.

You can watch the funeral live on Local News 8 – Channel 8.1.

Rosalie Ringwood, daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, and her daughter pay their respects to the beloved leader in the Hall of the Prophets in the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6, 2025. The 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

A bust of President Russell M. Nelson, 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on display in the Hall of the Prophets in the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6, 2025. Thousands of men, women and children traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pay their respects to the beloved leader, who passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

Thousands of men, women and children travel to the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6, 2025, to pay their respects to President Russell M. Nelson, 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

Families pay their respects to the late President Russell M. Nelson in the Hall of the Prophets in the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6, 2025. The beloved 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

Family members of President Russell M. Nelson, including daughter Sylvia Webster and son-in-law David Webster, pay their respects to the beloved leader in the Hall of the Prophets in the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6, 2025. The 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

Family members of President Russell M. Nelson look on as thousands of men, women and children gather in the Hall of the Prophets in the Conference Center on Temple Square to pay their respects to the beloved leader on Monday, October 6, 2025. The 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

Woman wipes away her tears while paying her respects to the late President Russell M. Nelson in the Hall of the Prophets in the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6, 2025. The beloved 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.

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Curtis Jackson

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI)— A two-car crash near Shelley on Sunday afternoon claimed the lives of a Rexburg woman and a 2-year-old girl after their vehicle overturned into a canal and became fully submerged.

According to the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened around 1:41 p.m. on October 5 near the intersection of 1100 E. and 1300 N.

When a Shelley Police officer arrived, several citizens were already in the canal, trying to reach the submerged 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Working alongside first responders, the group managed to turn the vehicle onto its side and pull out four occupants.

The Sheriff’s office said the woman and a toddler were unconscious and not breathing when they were pulled out. CPR was immediately started, and both were rushed to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where they later died from their injuries. The other two passengers, a 43-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy, were also taken to EIRMC with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanches, the Rexburg woman was Jaime Stebelton, 35. She couldn’t release the name of the toddler because of their age.

The other vehicle involved, a 2022 Hyundai Palisade, carried a 27-year-old man and two young boys, ages 6 and 4. The driver was hospitalized with minor injuries; the children appeared unharmed.

Investigators shut down the intersection for about three hours to conduct a crash reconstruction. The Sheriff’s office said the Sonata was traveling south on 1100 E. and failed to yield at a two-way stop, pulling into the path of the eastbound Palisade. The impact sent the Sonata into the canal and the Palisade into a power pole.

Seat belt use was inconsistent. The 2-year-old in the Sonata was properly restrained in a car seat, but the other three occupants were not wearing seat belts. In the Palisade, the children were buckled in, but the driver was not.

The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep gratitude to the citizens who jumped into action and to all responding agencies. “Our hearts go out to the families affected and all that were involved,” the department said. “Please, buckle up every time you ride in a vehicle—it can save lives.”

The investigation is ongoing, and no names have been released.

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Curtis Jackson

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – An Idaho Falls man was killed Monday morning in an accident involving a cow and two vehicles.

Idaho State Police said the accident happened at approximately 6:55 a.m. on US 26 at mile marker 265.

ISP said the Idaho Falls man was driving east in a 2010 Volkswagen CC when it struck a cow that was on the roadway. Due to thick fog and darkness in the area, a Ram Pickup, driven by a 19-year-old Idaho Falls man, hit the Volkswagen from behind.

The driver of the Volkswagen passed away at the scene and the driver of the pickup was not injured.

The road was blocked for nearly 4 hours as they investigated.

ISP continues to investigate the crash.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As the temperatures drop in Eastern Idaho, pests are looking for a warm place to spend the winter—and that’s often inside your home. Taking action now can save you from costly damage and health risks.

Experts say one of the main concerns this season is rodents. Mice and rats are known to chew through wires, insulation, and pipes, which can lead to fire hazards and structural damage. Beyond the damage to the home, rodents can contaminate food with their urine and droppings or even bring other pests into the home.

Cockroaches are common pests in Idaho that can be very resilient. Not only can they thrive throughout the year, but they also present a serious health issue. Cockroaches are notorious for spreading bacteria and triggering people’s allergies.

You can decrease the chances of cockroaches and other pests coming into your home by keeping your home clean. Make sure not to leave food out for too long and take out the garbage before it piles up.

Experts also advise looking around your home for any openings in your walls, doors, or windows. Mice only need a space the size of a dime to squeeze through, so try to plug up any gaps or cracks you find in your home.

If you have concerns about pests in your home, contact a professional exterminator.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department has now cleared both lanes of U.S. 26 after a serious crash brought traffic to a halt between Swan Valley and Ririe. The crash was first reported around 7:40 AM on Monday morning, near milepost 365.

As of yet, ITD has not released any information on the cause of the crash, potential injuries, or the vehicles involved. For updates, click HERE.

ORIGINAL:

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is responding to a “serious crash” on U.S. 26 that has closed both lanes of traffic near milepost 365, near Granite Hill and Antelope Flat Road.

“We’re working with law enforcement to clear the area and be able to get traffic through again, though it could be some time until that’s possible,” ITD posted on social media.

Drivers are being told to avoid the area and use alternate routes, specifically U.S. 20, State Highway 33, and State Highway 31.

As of yet, ITD has not released any information on the cause of the crash, potential injuries, or the vehicles involved. For updates, click HERE.

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Noah Farley

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Yellowstone Bear World is wrapping up its season with its annual Hibernation Hoedown. To thank its visitors, the park offers everything for half price during the event, including admission, food, and gift shop items.

“It’s just a great time to get everybody out and having a good time at the end of the season,” said Yellowstone Bear World President, Courtney Ferguson.

Visitors from around the world enjoyed the rides, feeding the petting zoo animals, and of course, seeing the bears.

The park has delivered new things for its visitors to enjoy this year, like opening phase two of Jurassic Creek, adding a new carousel, and building their new dancing water fountains.

“Just a nice expansion for everybody to spread out a little bit and enjoy a little bit more,” Ferguson said.

The Hibernation Hoedown is also how Bear World wraps up its season and prepares for the bears to hibernate. The bears have been bringing joy to visitors for another year, and it’s almost time for them to take a long winter’s nap.

“Their appetites have been increasing over the last two or three weeks,” Ferguson said. “And so we’re feeding more than we do during the regular season. And so they’re getting themselves ready for hibernation.”

Yellowstone Bear World will close on Sunday, October 19. The bears should be back in March or April.

“Generally, it’s [the] middle of March when we start seeing noses poking out of dens,” said Ferguson.

The park thanks everyone who came to visit this year, and its employees look forward to opening the doors again in the spring.

Yellowstone bear world will have its last hibernation hoedown weekend of the year October 11-12.

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Chris Nestman

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) — “From the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, this is the one hundred ninety-fifth semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

It’s a familiar sentence to many members of the Church of Jesus Christ in eastern Idaho. The voice of the man who does it, may be familiar to some eastern Idahoans too.

As of the last three conferences, Dale Spaulding of Idaho Falls is the official conference announcer.

“So I was born in Rexburg, raised in Idaho Falls. We spent about, I don’t know, two or three years in Logan, Utah, then we moved back,” said Spaulding. “Essentially, I grew up [here]. I was baptized in a ward on the west side of Idaho Falls.”

Spaulding said he’s always wanted to be the new “Lloyd Newel” when Newel decided to retire. When the opportunity finally came, Spaulding said it happened pretty fast.

“There was a casting call sent through the talent branch of the church, and they were looking for a replacement voice for Conference,” said Spaulding. “My family and I were traveling on the road that day, so I didn’t even see the announcement until two days later. And we got home an hour before the deadline was to close that audition down.”

Spaulding says the process was as simple as him recording an intro to the conference and sending it in.

“They literally texted me and said, ‘Congrats. You got the part.”

The October 2025 General Conference is the third conference that Spaulding voiced over. He said it was a lot more difficult than previous conferences due to the passing of Church President Russell M. Nelson.

“With the passing of President Nelson, with the dissolving of the First Presidency, I had the recordings done two weeks ago,” said Spaulding. “It meant that I had to go back and do it over again.”

Spaulding says his part is just a small piece of the vast team of people that makes General Conference work, but he says he hopes it makes a difference for someone watching or listening in.

“I hope that those who tune into Conference can feel the love of the Savior. Whether it’s by me, or the voice of the prophets.”

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Snake River Animal Shelter is celebrating its 10th anniversary. For the occasion, it is holding an event featuring vendors, raffles, and fun for families and their fluffy friends.

In the last decade, the shelter has saved about 10,000 animals, all thanks to support from the community.

“The feeling is indescribable,” said the shelter’s Executive Director, Michelle Ziel-Dingman. “To think about all that we’ve accomplished with the support of so many donors, adopters, medical professionals, so many groups of people who have made this possible,”

Ziel-Dingman says it’s amazing to look back and see how the shelter has changed. Now, it has a full-time veterinarian, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic, free pet microchipping, and more.

The Snake River Animal Shelter thanks everyone who helped so many pets find happy homes.

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