Category: kifi-local-news

Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A member of the Pocatello High School maintenance staff died early Tuesday morning while at work on campus, according to school officials.

Earlier in the day, Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 notified families that emergency responders had been called to the school for a medical emergency involving an adult.

In a statement to Local News 8, district officials confirmed the individual was a member of the school’s maintenance staff.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm a member of the Pocatello High School maintenance staff passed away early this morning while at work on campus,” the district said in a statement.

School officials said they worked closely with emergency responders and communicated with staff, students and families following the incident.

The district said there was no threat to students or staff, and classes continued as scheduled.

Out of respect for the employee and their family, the district said it would not be releasing additional details.

Full statement from Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25

“It is with great sadness that we confirm a member of the Pocatello High School maintenance staff passed away early this morning while at work on campus.

Our thoughts are with their loved ones. The school worked closely with emergency responders and took steps to communicate with staff, learners, and families.

Out of respect for the individual, their family, and the sensitive nature of this loss, we will not be sharing additional details.”

Click here to follow the original article.

CNN

Originally Published: 02 JUN 26 15:49 ET

By Mythili Gubbi

Click here for updates on this story

    OGDEN, Utah (KSTU) — A little girl’s trip to the emergency room a few years ago inspired a family’s mission to help others. The Mack family is trying to help kids in scary situations, one stuffed animal at a time.

“It’s scary for little people; they just don’t know,” said Alex Wilson, the emergency room manager at Ogden Regional Medical Center.

Wilson says kids can be frightened at hospitals if they are hurt or if they see a sick loved one. So having something like a stuffed animal to give them can help calm kids down.

“It’s just that little extra something that helps, that gives them that comfort and makes things better,” said Wilson.

The nonprofit “Savvy’s Stuffies” is helping keep hospital shelves stocked with comfort bears for the staff to give out.

“We are donating stuffies to hospitals to make people smile,” said 7-year-old Savannah Mack. The nonprofit is named after her because of an experience they had a few years ago.

“February of 2022, Savannah fell and we had to take her to the hospital,” said her dad, Stephen Mack. “When she got there, all she wanted was her teddy bear. The medical staff there were so fast, so quick on their feet, they blew up a medical glove and drew a face on it, and gave it to her to comfort her.”

After that, they decided to find a way to help make sure every child gets the support they need.

In May, the Mack family brought almost 100 stuffed teddy bears to MountainStar Healthcare’s Ogden Regional Medical Center.

“We try and make smaller deliveries like this because we know you guys have only so much storage,” Stephen said.

The family says they have given more than 800 bears to different hospitals, foster care organizations and law enforcement agencies to hand out to kids.

“Makes us feel great to know that our teddy bears are going to a great cause and that they’ll help,” Stephen added.

Stephen said what they do is more than just about helping kids but also teaching his daughter valuable lessons.

“It’s not always about receiving; it’s good to think outside of ourselves and give back,” he said.

Hospital staff said what they do is making a difference, whether it’s to comfort kids or help explain to them what care could look like.

“It is so helpful for us to have just that little bit of something else that we know that we have, and that we can get it for them in a moment’s notice. To see those kids’ faces, it just lights up the room when you walk in with a little stuffed animal,” said Wilson.

“We just want to give as many teddy bears out as we can,” Stephen added.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —The Idaho Falls Fire Department issued a reminder to residents about summer safety, encouraging people to take extra precautions around water, bicycles and grilling this season.

As temperatures begin to rise heading into the summer, the fire department is warning residents about the dangers of cold water caused by snowmelt.

According to a statement from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, “Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, cold-water shock, and rapid muscle failure, creating life-threatening conditions even for experienced swimmers.”

Residents should be especially cautious around the Snake River, irrigation canals, diversion structures and other waterways where strong currents, undertows and hidden hazards may be present.

Water Safety Tips

The department recommends always wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or participating in water recreation. Officials also encourage residents to never swim alone and to closely supervise children around water at all times.

Residents are also urged to stay out of irrigation canals, where swimming, wading and tubing are prohibited and can be extremely dangerous. The department recommends checking weather and water conditions before planning activities on local waterways.

Bicycle Safety Tips

The Idaho Falls Fire Department is also encouraging bicyclists and motorists to share the road safely this summer as more people take advantage of warmer weather.

The department recommends wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride and following traffic laws when sharing the road with vehicles. Cyclists riding at night should use lights and reflectors and wear bright or reflective clothing to remain visible.

Officials are also reminding cyclists using the Idaho Falls River Walk to yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning before passing.

Grilling Safety Tips

Summer cookouts are another popular activity this time of year, but the fire department says residents should take extra precautions when using gas and charcoal grills.

Residents are encouraged to keep grills away from buildings, decks, fences, dry vegetation and other combustible materials. Grills should never be left unattended while cooking and should always be placed on a flat, noncombustible surface.

After grilling, charcoal ashes should be thoroughly soaked with water and allowed to cool completely before disposal. Fire officials say hot coals can remain dangerous long after cooking has ended and may reignite if not properly extinguished.

“Summer is a time for making memories outdoors, but it only takes a moment for an enjoyable activity to become an emergency,” Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett said. “By taking a few simple precautions and staying aware of your surroundings, you can help protect yourself, your family, and our community all season long.”

The Idaho Falls Fire Department encourages residents to stay aware of local fire restrictions and check conditions before heading outdoors this summer.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

JEROME COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A 66-year-old Buhl woman was killed Monday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Jerome, according to Idaho State Police.

Troopers say the crash happened around 11:08 p.m. at the intersection of East 700 North and U.S. Highway 93.

According to investigators, a 40-year-old Shoshone woman was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Equinox north on Highway 93 when a 2002 Ford F-150 traveling east on East 700 North entered the intersection.

Idaho State Police said the Ford driver failed to yield at a stop sign and collided with the Chevrolet.

The driver of the Ford died at the scene.

The driver of the Chevrolet was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Her condition has not been released.

Idaho State Police was assisted at the scene by Jerome Fire, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Magic Valley Paramedics and the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash remains under investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A new report is raising concerns about health insurance coverage for Idaho and Wyoming’s youngest residents.

According to a report from Idaho Voices for Children, Idaho ranks among the five states with the highest rates of uninsured children younger than 6 in the nation.

“We’re seeing even higher rates of uninsured kids across the state. And primarily in this report, we’re focusing on children younger than six years old because it’s such a critical time in their early childhood for their physical, cognitive and emotional development,” Ivy Walker, policy associate for Idaho Voices for Children, said.

The report found Idaho’s uninsured rate for children under 6 increased from 5.8% in 2022 to 7.9% in 2024.

The number of uninsured children in that age group also increased during the same period. In 2022, an estimated 7,900 children younger than 6 were uninsured in Idaho. By 2024, that number had climbed to 10,700, a 36% increase in two years.

“The data that we’re seeing is just confirming what we were really fearing since the Medicaid unwinding started,” Walker said.

Idaho was one of the first states in the nation to begin reviewing Medicaid eligibility after federal pandemic-era protections expired.

Walker said the issue may be especially challenging in rural areas.

“We have seen from previous reports that there is a higher percentage of children who are covered by Medicaid in Idaho’s rural counties than in our urban areas,” Walker said.

The findings come from a report by Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, which examined health insurance coverage trends for young children across the country.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

BURLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — As drought conditions and water shortages continue to impact southern Idaho, some farmers are turning to new technology to help stretch every drop of water.

Producers in the Mini-Cassia region are using soil moisture sensors that provide real-time data about moisture levels underground, helping them make more informed irrigation decisions.

The project, now in its third year, involves farmers in the East Cassia, Minidoka and West Cassia soil and water conservation districts.

According to the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission, several farmers using the sensors discovered they had been overwatering their crops and were able to reduce sprinkler rotations after monitoring soil conditions more closely.

“It’s been really insightful to see what the soil moisture conditions are,” East Cassia farmer Jason Webb said. “It’s been a good tool for us.”

The sensors, made by Soiltech, are buried several inches below the surface and measure soil moisture, humidity and temperature in the plant root zone. Farmers can track the information through an app on their smartphones or computers.

Photo by Soiltech

The technology comes at a critical time for many producers facing reduced water supplies. An AT&T-Soiltech case study found irrigators using soil moisture sensors reduced water use by about 10%, according to the conservation commission newsletter.

University of Idaho Extension Irrigation Specialist Emily Bedwell said the sensors can help producers better understand how much water is available in the root zone, where crops absorb moisture. Different crops also have different water needs throughout the growing season.

Photo by Soiltech

The Mini-Cassia moisture monitoring project began in 2024 when local conservation districts partnered with growers to test whether the technology could improve irrigation management. Twelve farmers signed up for the project and 52 sensors were purchased. At the conclusion of the three-year project, participating growers will keep the equipment.

Officials say conserving water is becoming increasingly important as drought conditions continue and water supplies remain tight across parts of southern Idaho.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Mullenix

Island Park, Idaho (KIFI) – The Island Park Planning and Zoning Commission has denied a controversial proposal for further development in the Henry’s Lake Flats area, marking a major win for residents and conservation advocates who opposed the project.

On May 28, the commission rejected a request from Burtenshaw Land and Cattle to rezone land in the Henry’s Lake Flats along the east side of U.S. Highway 20. This land was previously targeted for annexation and rezoning to allow higher-density residential development dating back to 2015.

This decision comes after months of public debate over the future of Henry’s Lake Flats, a vast wetland and wildlife habitat widely regarded by residents as one of eastern Idaho’s most critical environmental areas.

Opponents argued that more residential development could have significant consequences, citing risks such as wetland damage, disruption of migration corridors for big game, pressure on water resources, and broader harm to the ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife.

Supporters of conservation say the commission’s decision reflects the community’s wish to shield the Flats from intensive development.

However, advocates warn that the issue may not be fully resolved.

Community groups are urging residents to stay engaged and to ask Fremont County commissioners to reject any future appeals or proposals for increased housing density.

While conservationists celebrate the commission’s denial as a key step in protecting Henry’s Lake Flats, they note that the area’s long-term future depends on decisions still to be made at the county level.

The debate over growth, development, and conservation in Island Park is expected to continue as officials and residents consider how to balance future housing needs with the protection of one of eastern Idaho’s most sensitive natural landscapes.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Rexburg’s launched its ‘Flood 50’ week-long celebration Monday, honoring the 50th anniversary of the day the Teton Dam burst.

The disaster on June 5, 1976, inundated the Upper Valley with 80 billion gallons of water.

Rexburg commemorated the milestone with a blast to the past – hosting a Classic Car Show Monday on Center Street.

Classic car collector Paul Sorensen shared his memories from the day of the flood.

“It was one of the biggest disasters that we’ve ever been through. But the community pulled together, and we had a lot of help from people outside, and we survived,” Sorensen said. “I was In fifth grade, just going into fifth grade. So I spent my entire summer shoveling mud out of the bottom of basements because we were small enough, we could get in the crawl spaces, drag the buckets over half full, and then let men lift them up and get them out.”

The evening culminated with a ’70s Flashback Fashion Show and Tribute Band” concert at the Romance Theater.

Students from Brigham Young University-Idaho strutted across stage, showing off custom 70’s outfits.

Much of the clothing was designed by the students themselves.

Additionally, Rexburg is hosting ‘Flood 50’ events each day this week.

Downtown walking tours are available every day from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can pick up a map at City Hall to follow the path of the flood.

A “Flood of Memories” documentary will be shown at the Romance Theater every day from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Daily service projects are also being hosted by Madison County, Brigham Young University-Idaho and the Kiwanis Club.

On Saturday, the week culminates with a massive “Celebration of Service” at the BYU-Idaho Center.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit tetonflood50.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A years-long drug trafficking investigation in Madison County has led to the seizure of thousands of THC products, multiple firearms and other illegal drugs, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said detectives recovered more than 1,600 THC cartridges containing more than 6 pounds of THC, along with 79 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 2.8 pounds of marijuana, 180 grams of THC wax, 56 grams of THC honey, 81 grams of THC edibles and 6 grams of heroin.

Investigators also seized 11 firearms and multiple vehicles.

The sheriff’s office said the operation involved several local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and was aimed at disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into area communities.

“The operation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the investigators and partner agencies involved,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement on their social media page.

The investigation remains ongoing and additional updates may be released as the case progresses.

Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Rexburg Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Today was the first day of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Career Camp. Students got a firsthand look at what it takes to work in law enforcement through hands-on activities.

The program began with students introducing themselves and giving a two-minute speech about a randomly selected item.

Participants also tested their coordination by riding tricycles while wearing “drunk goggles” and attempting a mock field sobriety test. Students learned how drones are used in law enforcement investigations, including search-and-rescue missions, and watched officers demonstrate how a PIT maneuver can safely stop a dangerous driver during a pursuit. They also got a close-up look at a mock crime scene and participated in a SWAT room-clearing simulation.

“This program is designed for kids who want to potentially work in law enforcement when they grow up or who have an interest in law enforcement,” Sgt. Daniel Sperry said. “Maybe they have a family member in law enforcement. This gives them the opportunity to learn about a career.”

Another highlight of the camp was rappelling with Bonneville County Search and Rescue.

“To be able to step off the edge, that’s quite frightening for many people,” Lovell said. “When they’re supported by their peers and by deputies through the different things that we do, watching them grow is my favorite part.”

Aside from recruiting future law enforcement officers, organizers say one of their biggest goals is helping students build confidence by pushing them outside their comfort zones.

“My favorite part is watching the kids grow. We intentionally put them in groups with people they don’t know. We take them out of their comfort zone,” Sperry said.

Lily De La Cruz said having family members in law enforcement inspired her to attend the career camp and consider a future career in the field. This is her second year attending.

“Before, I was a little hesitant about it,” De La Cruz said. “But being here and meeting all of the officers and all the amazing people who are also considering it really made me fall in love with it even more and want to pursue a career in it.”

The camp continues through the rest of the week, with a second session scheduled to begin June 15.

Click here to follow the original article.