Category: kifi-local-news

Curtis Jackson

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Eastern Idaho State Fair will maintain its long-standing schedule starting the Friday before Labor Day, despite recent date changes made by other major regional events.

General Manager Brandon Bird announced the decision Wednesday following discussions by the Fair Board regarding potential scheduling shifts across the regional fair circuit. The question arose after date changes at the Western Idaho State Fair prompted by scheduling shifts at the California State Fair.

“This tradition has been around for a while. We feel that it is the best decision for our community,” said Bird. “The Eastern Idaho State Fair is kind of part of the end-of-summer rhythm for how people do things as families and get together.”

While date changes at other fairs can create scheduling conflicts for traveling exhibitors, Bird noted that the majority of vendors in Blackfoot are local and could still meet the timeframe.

“We’re protecting this tradition and choosing to do what is best for the fair and the fair families,” said Bird.

The nine-day event draws an average of 255,000 visitors annually, with more than 50,000 traveling from over 50 miles away. Fair officials estimate the fair creates a nearly $75 million annual regional economic impact.

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Bailee Shaw

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — A dirt-bike rider is recovering after crashing in the Packsaddle Lake area earlier this week. Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue was called out Monday afternoon to assist the injured rider.

12 volunteers responded to the call. The rescue team located and stabilized the rider before transporting them out of the area to the trailhead.

Once at the trailhead, the rider was flown via Air Idaho to a local hospital. Teton County Fire and Rescue also assisted in the response operation.

“Thank you to our partner agencies, Teton County Fire & Rescue and Air Idaho for helping ensure a safe and coordinated response,” stated TCISAR in a post. “We wish the injured rider a full and speedy recovery.”

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Family YMCA is celebrating a major milestone Wednesday with the completion of new turf at its Indoor Sports Arena in Ammon.

The YMCA will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the facility located at 3500 S. Ammon Road. Community members, families, donors, partners, and local leaders are invited.

The new turf marks another step forward in the continued development of the Indoor Sports Arena and is expected to expand opportunities for youth sports, recreation, training and other YMCA programming.

The YMCA says the improved playing surface will allow the facility to better serve local athletes, children and families while creating a more versatile space for the community.

“This is an exciting milestone for the Indoor Sports Arena and for the families we serve,” YMCA CEO Tanner Rohne said. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors, organizations, and community members who believed in this project and helped make the new turf possible.”

What’s Coming Next for the Idaho Falls YMCA

While the new turf is now complete, the YMCA says the project is not finished.

The organization is working toward its next major improvement: installing an HVAC system inside the Indoor Sports Arena.

The YMCA says it needs to raise an additional $90,000 for the system, which would improve temperature control and make the arena more comfortable and functional year-round.

“The ribbon cutting is an opportunity to celebrate how far this project has come, but there is still more work ahead,” Rohne said. “Adding HVAC is an important next step toward realizing the full potential of the arena as a truly year-round community resource.”

The YMCA says community members and organizations interested in supporting the next phase of the Indoor Sports Arena project can contact the Idaho Falls Family YMCA to learn more about giving opportunities.

The Idaho Falls Family YMCA provides programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, including fitness, childcare, youth sports, and community programming.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the YMCA Indoor Sports Arena in Ammon.

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David Pace

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 125 years of supporting business and economic growth in southeast Idaho.

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, (R)-Idaho, visited Pocatello on September 8 to recognize the Chamber’s long history. 

“Chambers of Commerce around Idaho really do amazing things, and this Chamber is particularly well-known for its continuity and for the kind of service that it gives to the people who are members,” Risch said.

Risch met with Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist, Chamber President Matt Hunter, leaders from the United Way of Southeastern Idaho and business representatives to congratulate the Chamber on its impactful work and historic anniversary.

The Chamber started as the Pocatello Commercial Club in 1893, and officially organized on December 10, 1901, to promote Pocatello as the “Gateway to the Northwest.”

“This Chamber really goes back to the beginning of this community when Idaho State University was created,” Hunter said.

He spoke of the Chamber’s ongoing contributions – including supporting new housing developments in Pocatello and Chubbuck, to address the critical need for residences in the area.

“We got a lot more housing being built in this community than we’ve had for a long time.” Hunter said. “… I have six kids that live here. Two of them own homes. The other four don’t, and they would like to. I want to keep my children here. So affordable housing is an important thing, not just to me, but to this whole community.”

The Chamber is also looking for a new tenant for the L.A. Semiconductor property andsupports the proposed A.I. data center project in town.

“We think we need it,” Hunter said. “We think it’s a good economic project, especially for where they’re planning to put it.”

Senator Risch presented the Chamber with a joint Congressional Record Statement he signed alongside U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson.

The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce also honored Sam Nettinga as its first-ever Hall of Fame recipient in a separate ceremony Tuesday night.

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Doug Long

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted media representatives Tuesday for a tour of its new temple in Montpelier, Idaho. The building marks the 266th operating temple belonging to the faith around the globe.

First announced in April 2022, the Montpelier Temple holds deep significance for members of the faith across southeast Idaho. Latter-day Saints consider temples the most sacred places on Earth. Elders Mark D. Eddy and Karl D. Hirst, members of the Quorum of the Seventy for the church, led the tour for members of the press. During the walkthrough, they described the meaning and function of the various rooms within the building.

“Montpelier might feel anonymous to some, but to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s hugely significant,” said Hirst, a native of England. “The faith roots were here as soon as the people were here. For me personally, coming from England, it’s really precious because the British were among the first settlers of this area. I feel a real connection to that, especially on a day like today when the fruits of their faith are flourishing decades later.”

Right now, the Temple is open to anyone who would like to take a tour inside.

“Any age, any denomination, any faith, or any absence of faith—come and see,” Hirst added.

The public open house runs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 26, excluding Sundays. Following its formal dedication on Oct. 18, entry into the temple will be reserved exclusively for church members holding a valid temple recommend.

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Maile Sipraseuth

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)– The Eastern Idaho State Fair brings thousands of people to Blackfoot each year, but for many fairgoers, finding a place to park can be one of the biggest challenges. For some residents who live near the fairgrounds, that parking headache has become an opportunity to make extra money and, in many cases, help others in their community.

Teanna Hutchins said she takes time away from work and school during the fair to run a parking area. The extra income is helping her pay for college.

“ I took off work, and I’m missing some classes so that I can be here and I can run this,” Hutchins said. “This is actually paying for some of my college right now.”

The parking spots can fill quickly as different groups of fairgoers arrive throughout the day.

“They start coming in, and then they’ll leave by 4 or 5, and all the night crowd comes in, and then it fills up really fast,” Hutchins said.

Bailey Davenport offers her yard for fair parking. She said the parking areas were especially busy over Labor Day weekend, with large crowds coming to the fair and horse races.

“I think probably for the horse races,” Davenport said.

Virginia Bronco uses a nearby house to help a longtime family friend who moved out of state after becoming sick. Bronco said the woman’s property taxes were one reason she had previously offered parking during the fair.

“This house was one of my best friend’s houses,” Bronco said. “I grew up with her daughters, her three daughters. And I love their mother dearly. She was always a big part of our lives.”

She also said she tries to keep her parking prices affordable so families can enjoy a day at the fair.

“I kind of back down on my prices because I feel like everything’s gone up, and let them enjoy a day at the fair,” Bronco said.

For Bronco, seeing children excited to attend the fair makes the busy days worthwhile.

“I like watching all the kids get so excited to go to the fair,” she said. “It’s really enjoyable here.”

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Kaelyn Blessinger

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Blister’s Barbecue is celebrating 15 years in business along Main Street, marking a major milestone for a restaurant that started as a modest roadside spot.

Before becoming a staple in downtown Rexburg, Blister’s had humble beginnings out of a gas station off Highway 33, where space was tight, and seating was hard to come by.

“We now have seating for over 100 people,” Brady Gardner, the co-owner of Blister’s Barbecue, said. “When it used to be in the gas station, it was like 20 people. People are peering over your shoulder like, ‘ Hey, are you done yet? Because I need a seat. And that kind of got awkward sometimes.”

While the expanded Main Street location solved the seating crunch and brought new menu items, Gardner credits the restaurant’s lasting success to their customer’s unwavering loyalty.

“We continue to be grateful for the awesome customers in East Idaho,” Brady said. “I mean, my wife and I grew up here our whole lives. I went to Ricks College back in the day. A lot of people that are locals will come in here. We employ about 20 locals. We do employ a couple of students, but we employ locals because that’s really important to us.”

When the community gave them love and support, the owners of Blister’s gave the love back. After spending his entire life in Rexburg, it means a lot to him to keep the heart of Rexburg in his business. Even the potatoes they use for their fresh-cut fries served daily come straight from Summerco Farms.

“We work with a local potato farmer who has just really taken care of us,” Gardner said. “We have his son as a player of mine on the local football team. And he brings in potatoes for us every 2 or 3 days.

To thank the community for 15 years of loyalty, Blister’s Barbecue is offering an anniversary special today featuring $1 fries and $6 pulled pork sandwiches.

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Seth Ratliff

MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A portion of East 2000 North in Rexburg has been temporarily blocked off due to a downed power line, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Utility personnel from Rocky Mountain Power are currently at the scene, near the 3400 block of East 2000 North. According to the sheriff’s office, Rocky Mountain Power estimates the roadway will remain closed for approximately 4 hours while crews work to safely clear the area.

Deputies are actively directing traffic and urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes until repairs are complete.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide further updates throughout the evening.

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Ryan Suppe

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on September 8, 2026

BOISE, Idaho — Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday appointed two new members to the Idaho State Board of Education: Mary Lynn Hartwell of Idaho Falls and Joel Beck of American Falls. 

Pending confirmation by the Idaho Senate, Hartwell and Beck replace William Gilbert and Cindy Siddoway, whose terms expired last month. 

The State Board oversees Idaho’s K-20 public education system, including setting policy and allocating funding for public schools, colleges and universities. State Board members also serve as trustees for Idaho’s four-year higher education institutions.

The governor appoints seven of the board’s eight members, with approval from the Idaho Senate, to five-year terms. The eighth member is the elected state superintendent of public instruction.

“Mary Lynn Hartwell and Joel Beck bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to public service and a strong connection to Idaho’s communities and schools,” Little said in a news release. “Their professional backgrounds and firsthand experience with education and community leadership will be valuable as the State Board works to strengthen Idaho’s education system and prepare students for success.” 

Hartwell worked in the insurance industry for four decades before retiring in 2013 from the Hartwell Corporation, an insurance agency, where she was executive vice president. She serves on the company’s board of directors. 

Hartwell is also a member of the College of Eastern Idaho’s finance committee and is president of the Civic Center Performing Arts Foundation. Previously, she held leadership roles with United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, Zonta Club, Idaho Falls Rotary, Idaho Falls Arts Council and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

“I’m honored to serve Idaho in this role and give back to the state and community that have given me so much,” Hartwell said in the news release. “I look forward to working with the other members of the State Board of Education to support Idaho students, families and educators.”

Mary Lynn Hartwell (Photo: LinkedIn)

Joel Beck (Photo: Ruchti & Beck Law Offices)

Beck is an attorney and former public school trustee. A partner and owner of Ruchti & Beck Law Offices in Pocatello, Beck has practiced law in Idaho for more than two decades. Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, is the other partner and owner of the law firm. 

Beck also serves on the Sixth Judicial District Magistrate Commission and on boards for the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association and Friends of the Children – Eastern Idaho.

“As a product of Idaho’s public schools and a former school board trustee, I understand the importance of ensuring Idaho students have access to a strong education and the opportunities they need to succeed,” Beck said in the news release. “I’m honored to serve Idaho in this capacity.” 

Hartwell and Beck’s appointments are not yet official; they must be confirmed by the Idaho Senate next legislative session. 

The Senate rarely rejects gubernatorial appointees, but that happened in 2023 with Little’s choice for the Idaho Public Charter School Commission. Senators voted down the appointment of Karen Echeverria. 

Meanwhile, Hartwell and Beck will serve as interim State Board members. State Board chairman Kurt Liebich welcomed them Tuesday. 

“We look forward to working together as we remain committed to strengthening Idaho’s schools and universities for the next generation,” Liebich said in the news release. 

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Theatre fans, get ready to “kick off your Sunday shoes!” Center Stage Theatre has announced that the hit Broadway show Footloose will lead its upcoming summer 2027 season, running select dates from July 16 through August 28.

Based on the classic 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, the musical follows Ren McCormack, a Chicago teenager who moves to a conservative small town where rock music and dancing have been outlawed. Audiences can expect classic 80’s hits like “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” in what the theatre promises will be one of its most exciting summer productions yet.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Footloose to Center Stage,” said Head of Marketing Chandler Dye. “There is something incredibly special about this show. It brings back so much nostalgia while still telling a story that feels incredibly relevant today. It’s energetic, funny, heartfelt, and filled with music that people know and love. We cannot wait for our audiences to experience it.”

The theatre will also welcome back fan-favorite director and choreographer Danny Hansen to helm the production. Dye says Hansen’s return is sure to bring an exciting energy to the production.

“We are incredibly excited to have Danny Hansen back at Center Stage,” said Dye. “Danny has such a unique ability to bring energy, heart, and personality to everything he creates. As both director and choreographer, Footloose is a perfect opportunity for him to showcase that talent. We know he is going to bring this story to life in a way that will have audiences on their feet.”

Performance schedules, showtimes, and ticket purchases are available now on the Center Stage Theatre website. For more information, click HERE.

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