Traffic Alert: South Capital Avenue detour for water tower project

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Contractors continue to make significant progress on the new Idaho Falls water tower, and work will soon begin to connect the tower to the water supply system.

Beginning Wednesday, April 16, JM Concrete will install the water main in South Capital Avenue. This will result in a detour of South Capital at Cliff Street and the west entrance of the Idaho Falls Public Library. It’s anticipated that the detour will last approximately four weeks. 

During the construction, drivers will need to seek alternative routes. However, access to the Idaho Falls Public Library and nearby Idaho Falls Power will remain open.

In the coming weeks, when construction progresses, water line work must also be completed in the Idaho Falls Power parking lot off South Capital. Temporary customer parking will be clearly signed in the already designated city-owned public parking in the adjacent Key Bank parking lot. 

Please reduce speeds, obey posted traffic control signage, and watch for construction crews throughout the work zone.

Scammers find new ways to take victims’ money

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Scammers are putting in more effort to take money away from people.

Some are doing phone scams where they impersonate Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Deputies. These scams are similar to the ones where callers claim to be deputies and tell victims they are wanted for a missing court or jury hearing. 

This time, scammers are upping their game by sending the victims pictures of documents designed to look like Bench Warrants. These fake documents list charges and consequences the victims could face for missing these nonexistent hearings.

“The document also lists names of Seventh Judicial District Judges and Bonneville County Deputies, with obviously fake signatures,” says the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. “Additionally, the document is made to appear real with case numbers, codes to state statute, and the address to the Bonneville County Courthouse.”

The BCSO reminds the public there is never a situation where law enforcement or court personnel will ask to take your money to address legal process or court action.

“Even if you had a warrant or owed fine money, those are things that the person needs to go and present themselves in person at the courthouse to deal with,” said Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office PIO, Sergeant Bryan Lovell.

You can find more information about these scams here.

Wyoming Department of Transportation announces brief traffic hold for bridge work

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the Wyoming Department of Transportation:

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) – The Wyoming Department of Transportation will begin paving the new bridge deck on the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming State Highway 22, Tuesday, April 15. In order for a loader and concrete truck to access the area, crews will hold traffic at 10 a.m. for roughly 5-10 minutes near the bridge.

Crews are encouraging travelers to avoid the construction area during that time if possible, or expect delays around the morning hours and plan accordingly.  The brief closure should only last 5 to 10 minutes, but traffic could potentially see slower speeds following the closure.

Crews are continuing to work hard in order to hit the last major milestone in the project—pouring the other half of the new bridge deck—by the end of June. Crews will also be adding an epoxy overlay to the bridge, which will likely push the work past the completion date.

Unpredictable weather and other variables may necessitate last-minute changes to the plans. WYDOT remains committed to updating the public with timely information. For more information about the current work going on at the WYO 22/WYO 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit https://wy22wilsonsrb.com.

The work is part of the Snake River Bridge and Intersection project, which was awarded in November of 2022. The work includes the replacement of the Snake River Bridge on WYO 22, the reconstruction of the intersection of WYO 22 and WYO 390, wildlife crossings and other work on approximately 1.80 miles of WYO 22 and WYO 390 in Teton County. The completion date for this project is June 30, 2025.

Last-minute taxes: What to do if you haven’t filed yet

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Tuesday, April 15, marks the final day for Americans to file their taxes without an extension. If you’ve pushed taxes off to the last minute and feel like you’re scrambling, you still have time, but not much.

But, with many resources available, Idahoans who have put off filing should still be able to finalize their taxes before the cut-off.

Derek Barnes, a tax professional with Liberty Tax, says that if you can’t make the April 15th deadline, you should at least figure out if you’re going to owe money or get money back.

“If you do owe money, however, there are fees and penalties that will begin after the 15th of April,” said Barnes. “So, if you do believe you’re going to owe some money, I recommend making an estimated tax payment. As long as you paid as much taxes as you owed last year, you will not be subject to additional penalties for underestimated tax penalties.”

If you do owe money, tax experts say you can file an extension by tax day and make an estimated tax payment to avoid penalties.

Barnes says while it is possible to file last minute, the best way to prepare ahead of time is to meet with a tax professional at the end of the year.

“Filing close to the deadline just doesn’t give you much time to prepare for that tax payment,” said Barnes. “Come in January or February, or even do an end of the year… That way you can estimate what your income is going to be. It’s important to know where you’re at ahead of the time that you have to make that payment.”

If you’re worried about making that payment, Barnes says there are relief plans for both federal and state taxes.

“Both taxing agencies have relief and options for us as taxpayers because they want us to pay our tax,” said Barnes. “They understand that life gets crazy sometimes and our finances get really difficult. so we can actually do an income based payment plan as well… So there’s a lot of relief out there. The worst thing we can do is to ignore everything and not try to figure things out.”

Tax experts say that if you have a simple tax return, you’re probably ok to use a free online service like TurboTax. However, if you have a more complicated tax situation, for example, if you are self-employed or have kids, it might be a good option to meet with a tax professional to get the best return. 

Barnes tells Local News 8 that many accountants and tax professionals will make extra time for people who haven’t filed yet, especially on tax day. 

Multiple agencies combat Jefferson County wildland fire Thursday

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – A Wildland fire in Jefferson County caused quite the scene over the weekend. Fire crews responded to the fire shortly before 8 p.m. On Thursday.

Luckily, one side of the fire bordered an agricultural water canal, which helped slow it down, according to fire crews.

The Swan Valley Fire Department says they dug lines and were able to spray water to prevent the fire from moving further.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

New ruling broadens exceptions to Idaho’s abortion ban

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – On Monday, an Idaho state court issued a ruling allowing more exceptions to the state’s total abortion ban.

Idaho’s current abortion law previously allowed for abortions only when necessary to prevent the death of the mother.

The ruling broadens the exception, allowing pregnant women to access abortion care if they have a health condition or pregnancy complication that would put the mother at risk of death.

The judge ruled that the exception should be interpreted broadly by doctors and could apply to numerous serious health conditions.

However, according to the ruling, pregnant women do not qualify for an exception if just the fetus is at risk. The court also ruled that people at risk of death from self-harm due to mental health conditions cannot access abortion care.

Today’s ruling comes after the court heard testimony from the four women who brought the case, all of whom were denied abortions despite doomed pregnancies due to lethal fetal diagnoses. They were forced to travel hundreds of miles out of state for care.

“Pregnant Idahoans whose health is in danger shouldn’t be forced to remain pregnant, and we are glad the court recognized that today. But this decision leaves behind so many people, including some of the women who brought this case. No one should have to choose between carrying a doomed pregnancy against their will or fleeing the state if they can,” said Gail Deady, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights. “Medical exceptions do not make abortion bans acceptable. Too many are suffering in Idaho and across the country. We will not give up until everyone has the freedom to make their own pregnancy decisions.”  

Lori Vallow Daybell trial enters week 2

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Seth Ratliff

DAY 5 MORNING SESSION REPLAY:

DAY 5 AFTERNOON SESSION REPLAY:

UPDATE: Phoenix (KIFI)—Several witnesses took the stand on Monday in the Lori Vallow Daybell murder conspiracy trial.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner was the first testimony of the day. 

Dr. Derek Baumgarner described the autopsy he performed on Charles Vallow, Lori Vallow’s husband.

Baumgarner talked about the wounds found on Vallow and the angles suggesting the angles the shots came from.   

The next witness was Mark Saari with the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.  He testified how Lori could receive thousands of dollars between her and her son JJ, following Charles’s death.

Lori mentioned in cross-examination that she may have tried to notify them about Charles’s death while in Hawaii.

An employee with Banner Life Insurance took the stand next to talk about how Lori called about Charles’s death and to file a claim with their office. This is how Lori learned she was not the beneficiary.  The phone conversations were played in court.

Next on the stand was Jeff Mobert with the Department of Public Safety.  He testified about the gun allegedly used to kill Charles by Adam Cox.

The final witness was Detective Casandra Ynclan with the Chandler Police Department.

She interviewed Lori shortly after Charles was killed.  Prosecutor Treena Kay played portions of the taped interview.  

Trial is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

PHOENIX, Arizona (KIFI) – Continued testimony is set to begin in the Lori Vallow case with additional witnesses taking the stand Monday morning.

Ahead of the weekend, Lori questioned her brother, Adam Cox, and Charle’s Vallow’s sister, Kay Woodcock.

Lori’s brother, Adam Cox, took the stand first in the morning.  Cox testified that Charles Cox, Lori’s then-husband, asked him to come to Phoenix to help with an intervention with Lori. He was living in Wichita at the time. He said he flew in on July 10 and was to stay with his brother, Alex Cox.  When he arrived, he couldn’t get a hold of Alex and ended up staying at his parents’ home. 

Adam answered questions about texts between him and Charles on the morning Charles was shot.  Adam said he texted him and never heard back.  Adam didn’t learn of his death until he visited with a friend in Tucson a day later.

Adam answered questions about Alex and others in their family.   

In cross-examination, Lori asked Adam when the last time they saw and spoke with each other was. When Adam said he couldn’t remember, she asked if it was during a family dinner in 2018 and if they were eating her green chile chicken enchiladas. He said he didn’t remember.

She also mentioned all the places Adam had lived and where she lived and asked if they were not physically close, to which Adam said yes.

Kay Woodcock broke down during her testimony as she spoke about learning about Charles’s death.

The trial will continue on Monday morning, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time (11:00 a.m. Mountain). There is a 30 minute delay as per Judge’s orders.

Idaho Falls Mayor declares April as Donate Life Month

KIFI on April 14, 2025

Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper declared April as Donate Life Month at a special event Friday morning.

The event was hosted by Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition at the Melaleuca Ballpark. Members of Lions Clubs International, Envision Eye Bank, and organ recipients were all in attendance.

“April is a time of renewal, and it’s a good time to just let people know how they can save lives and renew lives. We all in April try to make a lot of noise about organ donation and how important it is,” Alex McDonald from Envision Eye Bank said.

The event was held at Melaleuca Ballpark as a tribute to Jim Garchow, a former local radio personality and heart transplant recipient. He gained another 22 years of life because of organ donation. He spent those years as an advocate for organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Andrea Anderson, a liver recipient, also shared her story and the importance of becoming a donor.

“At the time that I was donated, I was so sick that I would not have survived much longer,” Anderson said. “So as time went on and I received my transplant, I’m a mother of four and my wife and, I’ve been blessed with 11 more years with my family.”

The event highlighted the importance of not only registering as a donor, but communicating your plans with family in case of an emergency.

To learn more about becoming a donor, visit yesidaho.org.

‘The Living Christ’ open houses remind visitors of the reason for the Easter season

KIFI on April 13, 2025

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting the public to an open house called ‘The Living Christ’ to help people remember the reason for the season.

The open house will take place at several different building through the area.

The display will feature videos and artwork depicting events in Jesus Christ’s life from His birth to His resurrection. Hundreds of people come to these open houses each year.

“It’ll be kind of like a guided tour. There will be different themes of Christ’s life through different sections of the building. This event is for everyone to come celebrate His life with us, celebrate His resurrection with us,” said Church Member, Patrick Toussaint.

Each room will have a theme based on Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles. Toussaint hopes visitors can find meaning in each room and feel peace no matter what hardship they are going through.

There will be open houses at the following locations.

Blackfoot:900 Riverton Road April 14-19 6pm-8pmApril 20th 3pm-5pm 

Firth:623 N 675 E April 16-17, 6pm-8pm 

Shelley:675 South Milton AveApril 19, 2pm-5pmApril 20, 3pm-5pm

Idaho Falls: 1860 Kearney St. April 18, 6pm-9pmApril 19, 4pm-8pm

Idaho Falls: 2040 Brentwood DriveApril 17, 4pm – 8:30pm

(This is an incomplete list of locations. Please email about other locations.)

Victor Perez dies after being taken off life support

KIFI on April 12, 2025

Noah Farley

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) —Victor Perez, who was shot several times by Pocatello Police, has died after being taken off life support, his family confirms.

The family of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old with autism and cerebral palsy who was shot in a highly controversial officer-involved incident, received heartbreaking news on Friday: Doctors have determined that Victor is brain-dead.

On Saturday morning, members of the Pocatello community came together to support the Perez family in their time of grief.

Members of a candlelight vigil, initially planned for Saturday night, gathered at 9 AM to support the injured teen and his family. The Perez family has told Local News 8 that after the vigil has concluded, they’ve made the difficult decision to take Victor off life support.

Even though they were wishing for a miracle, a Pocatello family received devastating news from doctors about 17-year-old Victor Perez on Friday.