Category: kifi-local-news

Par Kermani

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) — A warmer-than-usual winter and early spring conditions are changing bear behavior across eastern Idaho, according to wildlife experts.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says the mild winter and lack of snowpack could impact where bears search for food this season.

James Brower, regional communications manager for the Upper Snake Region, said bears are waking up hungry and may be forced to look beyond their typical food sources.

“We had a very mild winter, and that could affect the movement of bears looking for food in different places,” Brower said. “Some of the resources they typically rely on may not be available right now, so they’re looking for high-calorie food sources as easily as they can find them.”

That shift could bring bears closer to neighborhoods and campsites.

Sightings are already being reported across the region, including images captured on home security cameras and shared on social media. In nearby Yellowstone National Park, bears have also been observed waking up slightly earlier than usual.

“They are definitely up right now,” Brower said.

With increased activity, Fish and Game is urging people to review basic bear safety practices before heading outdoors.

Hikers and outdoor recreationists are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it, travel in groups, make noise, and stay on designated trails. Officials also recommend avoiding hiking during dawn and dusk, when bears are more active.

“One of the things that we love to teach people to do is to carry bear spray” Brower said “Make sure that you know how to use it. And when you go hiking, hike in a group, make lots of noise. Stay on the trail and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk. “

Brower also explained how to stay safe while camping.

“When you’re camping, prepare food at least 100 yards away from where you sleep and clean up as soon as you’re done,” Brower said. “Anything that smells should be secured, whether that’s in a hard-sided vehicle or hung out of reach.”

If someone encounters a bear, officials say the response depends on the animal’s behavior. In most cases, people should remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away without running.

“Make yourself known as a human by speaking in a calm, low voice,” Brower said. “Don’t run. Back away slowly and give the bear space.”

Spring also brings an increase in baby wildlife sightings, which can lead to unnecessary human intervention.

Officials say many young animals are not abandoned, even if they appear alone. In most cases, their mothers are nearby or will return.

“The best thing to do is leave baby animals where they are,” Brower said. “Keep pets away and give them space.”

Anyone who encounters injured wildlife or has concerns is encouraged to contact Idaho Fish and Game so officials can assess the situation.

As warmer conditions continue, wildlife officials say awareness and preparation will be key to avoiding conflicts during the busy spring and summer recreation season.

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Megan Lavin

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) —  There’s an exciting update for a local Idaho Falls man, David McClelland.

As we reported in December, this engineer by day, LEGO builder by night, had submitted a LEGO design to a national competition. If his build (dubbed “The Excitebike”) got 10 thousand votes, it would move onto the next stage of the competition. And if he wins it all: his build will be mass-produced and sold on actual store shelves.

He and his wife, McKenzi, have been working hard at getting press and getting the word out since then.

Then, he was struck with ANOTHER idea: What if he did a second, similar build based on the pro skater, Tony Hawk?

While David was in California, he reached out to Tony Hawk. And lo behold, Hawk invited David and his family over a few days later.

They were able to watch Tony skate, let Tony play on his LEGO build, and even let their son slide down his skate ramps.

Once Tony got the word out, both builds–the Excitebike build, and the Tony Hawk build hit the required 10 thousand votes.

To follow along on their journey, you can find them on Instagram @Americanbricker and @Arcadebricker. You can also see more about his builds on LEGO’s official voting website here and here.

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Par Kermani

Blackfoot, Idaho (KIFI) — City crews in Blackfoot have rebuilt a key dike along the Snake River after high spring runoff last year damaged the system that supplies water to Jensen Grove.

The repairs aim to restore water flow to the popular recreation area, which has seen significantly reduced water levels after the failure of the original dike, which was built too high and pushed too much water towards the head gate that feeds Jensons Grove. It worked for two months before causing the island that separates the part of the river that feeds the headgate from the rest of the river to blow out. Due to the water levels being too low, the headgate was unable to receive water. 

Stufflebeam said crews initially struggled to fill the channel, as water continued to erode the area during repairs.

“Every time we tried to start filling, this started washing away the island,” Stufflebeam said. “So we had to get a longer excavator, start dropping rocks across, and then build back this way. And that was the only way we could do it.”

The rebuilt dike is designed to help raise water levels enough to push flow toward the city’s head gate, allowing water to be diverted under the interstate and into Jensen Grove.

“That allowed us, by filling this dike in, to actually cause the river to rise over here, which was necessary for us to get water to our head gate,” Stufflebeam said.

City officials say water is now moving back into the system, including areas near the Blackfoot Golf Course that feed into Jensen Grove.

Still, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.

State Rep. Ben Fuhriman said while infrastructure repairs and a new agreement with the Snake River Valley Irrigation District have addressed legal and maintenance issues, water availability remains the biggest concern.

“The big problem is, is there water? And that’s something that nobody can really control,” Fuhriman said.

Jensen Grove is a centerpiece of the Blackfoot community, hosting recreation and events throughout the year.

Stufflebeam said keeping the grove filled is important not only for residents, but also for the local economy.

“It’s a great recreation area, but it’s also important for our businesses,” he said. “People see that, they want to come here, they want to visit.”

Officials say they will continue monitoring water conditions through the summer as they work to keep Jensen Grove full.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A small plane was damaged after landing at the Pocatello Regional Airport Thursday, by what officials speculate may have been a large gust of wind.

Airport Director Alan Evans confirmed Friday that incident took place around 4:20 PM involving a small single-engine plane. Evans says the plane had landed and come to a stop on the runway without incident, when it experienced “some kind of issue” while it began to taxi toward the hangar.

According to the National Weather Service, a 45 mph WSW wing gust was measured at the airport around that same time.

Evans confirms that no one was injured, but plane did suffer some damage and the airport did receive a call to remove the plane from the runway. An airport crash rescue truck responded and taxied the single-engine plane to a parking spot.

The airport will not be conducting a formal investigation into the mishap. Under standard aviation protocol, the pilot or owner of the aircraft will have to file the inicdent with the NTSB.

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Seth Ratliff

GROTON, Connecticut (KIFI) — The U.S. Navy has a powerful new addition to its arsenal honoring the Gem State. This Saturday, after years of construction, the USS Idaho (SSN 799) will be formally commissioned into active service.

The official commissioning ceremony begins at 9 a.m. MST, Saturday, April 25. You watch the historic event via the livestream below:

The future USS Idaho is the fifth vessel to bear the state’s name, carrying on a naval tradition that dates back over a century.

Built by Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class sub. The sub was christened in March 2024 before undergoing “rigorous sea trials,” to “ensure that the performance of the ship was in accordance with its plans and specifications.”

After this series of tests, the submarine was accepted by the U.S. Navy in December 2025.  With the commissioning ceremony this coming Saturday, the USS IDAHO will become an active part of our nation’s military strategy. When it joins the fleet, it will operate quietly, gather intelligence, and carry out missions worldwide.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Eastern Idaho residents are being encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets this weekend as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, happening Saturday, April 25th.

The event, organized by Eastern Idaho Public Health in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement agencies, aims to provide a safe, secure way for people to dispose of unused or expired medications.

In Idaho Falls, a drop-off site will be set up at the College of Eastern Idaho from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional collection sites will be available across the region at this time, including in Driggs, Rigby, Rexburg, and St. Anthony.

Eastern Idaho Drop-Off Locations, April 25th:

Driggs Location:

Teton County Sheriff’s Office: 230 N Main Street, Driggs, ID 83422

Hours 10am to 2pm

Idaho Falls Location:

College of Eastern Idaho: 1600 South 25th East Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Hours 10am to 2pm

Rigby Location

Broulim’s Fresh Foods: 150 N. State Street, Rigby, ID 83442

Hours 10am to 2pm

Rexburg Location

Rexburg Walmart: 1450 N. 2nd E, Rexburg, ID 83440

Hours 10am to 2pm

St. Anthony Location

St. Anthony City Building: 420 N Bridge St, St. Anthony, ID 83445

Hours 10am to 2pm

Health officials say the effort is about more than just cleaning out clutter—it’s about protecting families and communities. Unused medications left in homes can increase the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, and environmental harm if they are thrown away or flushed improperly.

During the event, officials will accept prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even veterinary medications. Vape pens and e-cigarette devices will also be accepted, as long as batteries are removed. Needles will not be accepted.

The impact of these events can be significant. During the last Take Back Day in October 2025, more than 480 pounds of unused and expired medications were collected in Eastern Idaho alone, with a total of 6,038 pounds collected statewide.

Community members who participate may also receive educational materials while supplies last. For those unable to attend Saturday’s event, Eastern Idaho Public Health offers year-round options, including free drug deactivation packets and information on permanent drop-off locations.

Officials say taking just a few minutes to properly dispose of medications can make a big difference in preventing drug misuse and keeping communities safe.

To learn more about the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA website here.

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William Syslo

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Today at Eagle Rock Middle School, the Skyline High School Alumni Association put on an NFL Draft watch party. The reason? Kenyon Sadiq, a former Skyline High School football player, was projected to be a first-round pick.

“This is a really, really cool opportunity,” Skyline Principal Josh Newell told me, ahead of the party. “Kenyon is a great young man, and we had the opportunity to have him here for a few years… we all kinda feel like we’re part of it you know? So tonight we’re really excited to be able to do that.”

As fans streamed in, they had plenty to do and eat before the draft began. Olive Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings provided food for those in attendance. Vantage Point Homes provided pizzas, and Discovery Construction provided beverages.

The Skyline band was playing all night, Skyline’s student government ran trivia, the baseball and football teams ran a 50/50 to raise funds, and they had a “guess where Kenyon will be drafted” game.

This was a huge undertaking that all resulted in one electrifying moment when Sadiq was announced as the 16th overall pick to the New York Jets, sending the Eagle Rock auditorium into a frenzy. A camera streaming to ESPN was present to capture it all, and when the watch party was shown on the national broadcast, the crowd erupted yet again, maybe even louder the second time around.

“To celebrate a kid like this is easy,” Bridger Taylor, who coached Kenyon at Skyline, told me. “…He was one of the best kids you’d ever wanna be around…”

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Skyline High School will remain closed for the third day in a row as maintenance continues on the school’s air conditioning system. 

According to a press release from District 91, All water from the AC system has been removed. 

Local News 8 will continue to follow this story.

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David Pace

Newdale, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Transportation Department employee Brandon Bates flew into the air, blacking out instantly, as a speeding car barreled into him at more than 50 miles per hour a year and a half ago in Newdale.

“I was waving my arms, jumping around, trying to get him to slow down and stop. And he never touched the brakes,” Bates said. “He hit me. … From the time I saw him come across the tracks to when he hit me, he never looked up from the center of his car.”

Construction season is back in session, and Bates is sharing his harrowing story of survival as part of National Work Zone Awareness week, after coming face-to-face with death at the hands of a distracted driver.

“Ended up getting life flighted. I had a brain bleed. I am 100 percent deaf on my left side now,” Bates said. “I still have a few surgeries I have to get done to fix my left shoulder and my left arm.”

After sustaining bleeding on the brain and serious trauma, he was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

But he’s back on the job, plowing roads Wednesday night near Palisades until 4:30 in the morning.

Hundreds of transportation workers throughout the state place their lives on the line every day – hoping a distracted driver doesn’t spiral into a disaster as they repair roadways, direct traffic and ensure the public’s safety.

“Basically [follow] rules of the road. Don’t be texting and driving. No distracted driving,” said ITD Transportation Technician Colby Norlund. “The biggest thing is when you enter a work zone, pay attention to your signs. “

“Pay attention to what it’s telling you. Try and watch for cues such as lights on a truck, arrow boards,” he said. “We have pictures being shown – diamonds, signaling caution. We have arrows signaling to move over.”

Drivers should move over to the opposite lane if possible, when crews are on the road.

“Don’t get complacent,” Bates said. “ You might drive it every day, but things change all the time. Just pay attention and stay off your devices and just make it so everybody can go home at night.”

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Fox13

Originally Published: 23 APR 26 16:49 ET

By Ben Winslow

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — Utah’s contributions to a national time capsule to be opened 250 years from now were laid out on a table.

“It’s a collection of things representing events and individuals that helped shape Utah,” said historian Ron Fox, who helped gather some of the items.

The items were briefly on display Wednesday at the Utah State Capitol before they were packed up to be shipped off to the nation’s capital for events marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. On the table were cards of numerous Utah historical figures and their biographies. Those will be printed on cotton so they can withstand the ravages of time.

“We have silver dollars from 1896, the year of our statehood,” Fox pointed out. “The silver from many of these coins came from Utah’s mountains. Park City, specifically.”

There were old tickets from the early days of Lagoon, Liberty Park and Saltair; collectible pins from the 2002 Winter Olympics and the upcoming 2034 Games; coins from executive branch offices and legislative branches of government; a collection of signatures of lawmakers, the Utah Supreme Court and congressional representatives.

Fox’s personal favorite?

“A gold medal that was actually presented to people at the wedding of the rails, May 10th, 1869 in Promontory, Utah,” he said.

Utah’s tribes will also be contributing items. They will all be packed into a small box that will be Utah’s part of the national time capsule. Every state and territory in the United States is contributing something.

Some 4-H students who stopped by the Capitol on Wednesday got a glimpse at the items and were fascinated.

“I thought it was amazing,” said Ethan Barton, a Box Elder County student. “I love to see all the things they could see in 250 years from now. I was just trying to imagine what that would be like, what the world would be like.”

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