Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

UPDATE:

MADISON COUNTY, Montana (KIFI) — State Highway 87 has reopened this morning near the Idaho/Montana border as crews continue to fight the Horn Fire. The fire, which was started by a lightning strike on Wednesday afternoon, has burned an estimated 2,000 acres, according to the Montana DNRC.

Crews worked through the night, taking advantage of easing winds to slow the rapid spread of the fire. Despite this progress, the Madison County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning of possible evacuations for residents on both sides of the highway.

ORIGINAL:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews in Madison County, Montana, are actively combating the Horn Fire, a 30-acre brush fire burning along the Idaho/Montana border. According to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Highway 87 is closed in all directions. Montana authorities are directing travelers to use alternate routes.

“Do not stop along the highway, and please do not use or operate any drones in the area. Any personal drones will require air suppression helicopters to leave the area and will hamper firefighting activity,” said the Madison County, Montana, Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

The fire began around 2:24 PM, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, and is reportedly visible from the Henry’s Lake area of Island Park. Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputies are directing residents near Island Park and the surrounding area not to report the fire to 911, as emergency services are already aware and are being overwhelmed.

For updates on the Hwy 87 closure, visit https://511.idaho.gov/#:Alerts. This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more updates as new details become available.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a rash of recent thefts reportedly targeting storage units, vehicles, and small buildings.

Deputies have received multiple reports from the Idaho Falls, Ammon, and Swan Valley areas. Thieves have allegedly made off with valuable items, including a 1980s Honda CR60 motorcycle from a storage unit, as well as tools and fishing gear from unlocked vehicles and small buildings, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

1980s Honda CR60 motorcycle, Courtesy Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office

Authorities are urging residents to lock and secure all vehicles and buildings, including sheds, homes, and storage units.

While deputies are continuing to follow up on leads and suspect information, anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip to East Idaho Crime Stoppers at www.IFcrime.org. The Sheriff’s Office is also asking the public to report suspicious activity as soon as possible to Bonneville County dispatch at 208-529-1200. 

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News Release

The following is a news release from Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Attorney General Raúl Labrador launched Operation Robocall Roundup, a multistate effort by the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force to crack down on robocalls across the country. Attorney General Labrador and a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general are sending warning letters to 37 voice providers demanding that they act now to stop illegal robocalls being routed through their networks.  

“Idahoans are sick of scammers targeting their families through illegal robocalls,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We’re putting these telecommunications providers on notice that they must follow federal rules immediately.”

These providers haven’t complied with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules about responding to government traceback requests, haven’t registered in the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Databases, or haven’t filed a plan that describes how they will reduce illegal robocalls on their network. By disregarding these simple rules, these companies are allowing robocallers onto their phone networks and then passing their calls on to other downstream providers until they reach the phones of Idahoans.

The task force is also sending the letters to 99 downstream providers that accept call traffic from the 37 companies, so that they know they’re doing business with bad actors that are not willing to follow the rules that apply to everyone equally. 

The FCC is also taking a close look at several of these companies. It announced yesterday that it will be removing seven of these providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database, which means that other providers will no longer be allowed to accept and route any calls from their networks.   

The voice service providers receiving warning letters are: 

Advantage Investors LLC 

Alpha Stream 

Ananya Traders LLC 

Ariyan Khan 

BBT Voice Private Limited 

Belthrough 

BPO VoIP 

Collection 3 LLC 

Communications and Telephone Systems Co. 

Dial Vista Corp. 

DigitalOcean, LLC 

Dtel Network LLC 

End Zone Financial Services 

EON Telecom Inc. 

Family Communication Inc. 

Fiber Flux VOIP 

First Tele Communications Inc. 

Flow VOIP LLC 

Globe Tech Solutions 

Higher Response Marketing, Inc. 

HK KwaiFong Group Limited 

Infinity SIP LLC 

Lexico Telecom LTD / Lextel LTD 

Mexico IP Phones LLC 

Nexusphere VOIP LLC 

Pleedex LLC 

Quantum Link VOIP LLC 

Ringnition 

SK Teleco LLC 

SkyPulse VOIP 

Stacy Newsome LNCC LCC 

Telnextrix LLC 

Terra Voip 

TheVisionConnect 

Tiera Enterprises LLC 

Voip Torque 

 Whisl Telecom, LLC / Telconus / Telcon US / Telcon Voice 

In 2022, 51 attorneys general joined forces to create the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, which is led by North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The Task Force investigates and takes legal action against companies responsible for significant volumes of illegal and fraudulent robocall traffic routed into and across the United States. 

In April of this year, Attorney General Labrador notified nine voice service providers that they may be violating state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls across their networks.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello’s Riverside Golf Course will soon welcome a new clubhouse, thanks to a 20-year agreement with Connections Credit Union. The new facility is designed to be a community hub, promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

“This is an advantageous opportunity for the City of Pocatello, Connections Credit Union, and golfers in Southeast Idaho,” said Parks & Recreation Director Anne Butler.

The current clubhouse was originally built as a barn 80 years ago. While city leadership says the existing clubhouse has served the community well, it has far exceeded its intended lifespan. The new clubhouse will be a significant upgrade, featuring approximately 3,300 square feet on the main floor, a full basement for golf carts, patio seating, and a modern golf simulator.

Design work is already underway, with the city awarding the project to Construction Services, Inc. The new clubhouse is scheduled to open in 2026, with the demolition of the old building to follow.

“We’re proud to partner with the City on a project that will enhance Riverside Golf Course and benefit the community for years to come,” said Jamie Simmons, CEO of Connections Credit Union. “Riverside Golf Course is an important part of Pocatello’s recreational offerings, and this new clubhouse will create an even better experience for golfers and visitors alike.”

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Pocatello has announced ongoing work on upgrade projects for parks, trails, and the Portneuf River, with many projects scheduled to start over the next two years.

Several of the updated projects include improvements to the Portneuf River to provide better access for swimmers and floaters.

The city is currently working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a Bureau of Reclamation-funded effort to move levees currently located near Centennial/Rainey Park and create better flood prevention, habitat restoration, and river access. The project is slated to begin in 2026.

An additional river access point will also be installed at the Greenway Trailhead, south of the Simplot Don Plant, with construction scheduled to begin in fall 2025.

Other city projects with updated 2025 construction timelines include:

The addition of another stretch of Greenway trail between Monte Vista Dr. and Pocatello Creek Road along I-15.

The installation of three restroom facilities at Optimist/Tydeman Park, Lower Ross Park, and the Upper City Creek parking lot.

A Forest Service-funded wildfire fuels reduction program to remove juniper trees from plots of city land in fire-prone areas.

For more information on the City of Pocatello community improvement project timelines, you can visit the city website.

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Jeff Roper

ARCHER, Idaho (KIFI) — It’s a warning for all of us on social media. An eastern Idaho rancher says scammers stole his identity — and it cost his friends and customers.

Hagen Erickson owns Diamond E Quarter Horses, and while he was out of cell service, scammers were busy stealing his online identity — and using it to target those closest to him.

“So far, I think there’s probably been about $5000, if not a little more money, that’s been sent to this person that hacked my account,” said Erickson. “Years of networking down the drain.”

Watch the full story on how it happened, and what local law enforcement and the FBI are doing to fight back above.

New statistics from the FTC report rip-offs among Idahoans aged 60-69 have lost nearly $2,867,705 to fraud this year so far. The most prevalent scam categories affecting seniors in the state are business impostors, government impostors, and online shopping. Law enforcement agencies say the internet is the perfect disguise for these cyber criminals, with little to no recourse for the victims.

Here is how you can better protect your online accounts:

Use multi-factor authentication on every account — especially social media.

Change your passwords often and make it long, at least 12 characters.

Never use the same password in multiple places.

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Kailey Galaviz

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – America’s young singles are seemingly starting to shift expectations when it comes to dating and finances.

Many singles are more comfortable having that conversation and allowing financial decisions to impact how they choose to date. That is according to ‘Banking on Love,’ a survey through Chime in partnership with former Bachelorette star and Financial Expert Jason Tartick.

“I found some interesting information from the survey that about 50% of millennials and Gen Z actually find it attractive when someone is willing and open to talk about their income,” Tartick says, “Only 23% of boomers agree with that.”

While different generations may not have the same point of view on financial etiquette, Tartick says the best thing people can do, whether single or married, is to remain transparent with each other.

Tartick offers more advice in the interview above. Click play to watch the full interview.

To follow Tartick for more advice, pick up his book ‘Talk Money to Me‘ or watch his ‘Trading Secrets Podcast.‘

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — This Saturday, August 16, the City of Pocatello is calling all volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help with the annual Portneuf River Cleanup.

“Every year, we see more people enjoying the river,” said Hannah Sanger, Pocatello’s Science & Environment Administrator. “Events like this show how much our community cares about protecting and enhancing this natural treasure.”

The cleanup will take place along the river from Raymond Park to Simplot, with a specific focus on removing trash, debris, and invasive materials from both the riverbanks and the main channel. The event supports the long-term goals of the Portneuf River Vision, a community-wide effort to keep the river clean and beautiful.

Volunteers will meet at the Pacific Recycling Trailhead (on N. Main, just off Kraft Rd.) at 10 a.m. on Saturday. All are welcome, including individuals, business groups, and service clubs.

What to Bring

Work gloves (some extras will be provided)

Boots, waders, or water shoes

Handsaws and nets are optional (a limited number of extras will be available for use)

If you have your own boat and would like to use it for the cleanup, the City asks that you please contact stormwater@pocatello.gov or call 208-234-6519 in advance for important float route information.

“Together, we can keep the Portneuf River a vibrant part of Pocatello for generations to come,” said the City of Pocatello in a press release.

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO (KIFI) — A new effort is underway to repeal Idaho’s 6% sales tax on groceries, but this time, proponents are bypassing the legislature and taking their case directly to Gem State voters.

Howard Rynearson, Chairman of the Payette County Republicans, is leading a new initiative to gather enough signatures to place a repeal of the grocery tax on the November 2026 ballot. This move follows a series of failed attempts by lawmakers in past legislative sessions to pass a repeal.

The Idaho GOP recently passed a resolution in support of the initiative. Bryan Smith, a National Committeeman for the Idaho GOP, places the blame for previous failures squarely on legislative leadership.

“It’s the Republican leadership that’s preventing it. And so now the Republican Party has passed a resolution supporting an initiative. We need 70,000 signatures. It’s going to go on the ballot. And when that gets on the ballot, we will finally do an end run around the legislature to and we will get grocery sales tax repeal. People get grocery sales tax relief.”

During a visit to the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, who has previously opposed a full repeal, defended his position. According to Bedke, Idaho’s current grocery tax credit effectively balances the impact of the tax for residents by providing a refund, while still collecting revenue from non-citizens and tourists.

“In my opinion, we have a situation where Idahoans pay the tax, but then they get it back. But non-Idahoans pay the tax, and that helps fund our services here in the state now,” explained Bedke. “So, just a straight-up removal of sales tax on food, while that may sound good, we’re basically doing that right now through the grocery tax credit.”

If passed, the “Repeal Idaho’s Grocery Tax” initiative would eliminate Idaho’s 6% sales tax on food items, effective fiscal year 2028. It would also eliminate the Idaho Grocery Tax Credit.

The debate now moves from the Statehouse to the public, where proponents of the initiative will need to convince Idahoans to sign on and bring the issue to a statewide vote. For more information on the petition, click HERE.

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Curtis Jackson

EASTERN IDAHO, Idaho (KIFI)— Candidates looking to run for city races will be able to file their Declaration of Candidacy beginning next Monday, August 18. The deadline to file is August 29, 2025. Election day is November 4, 2025.

Several eastern Idaho cities will be electing a Mayor and some city council members.

Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the City Clerk, accompanied by:

A nonrefundable filing fee of $40.00;

A petition of candidacy signed by at least five (5) qualified city electors, verified by the County Clerk’s Office.

In addition, candidates must affirm that they:

Have been a resident of the City for at least 30 days prior to filing

Are a qualified elector

Are at least 18 years of age

Are a U.S. citizen

Have their primary residence within the city limits

Have a voter registration address matching their residence address on the declaration

Below is a list of a few cities whose seats are up for election.

Blackfoot:

– Mayor – City Council Seat 1 – City Council Seat 2

Driggs:

– Mayor- Two (2) City Council Seats

Idaho Falls:

– Mayor – City Council Seat 2 – City Council Seat 4 – City Council Seat 6

Iona:

– Mayor – City Council (4-yr term) – City Council (4-yr term)

Pocatello:

– Mayor – City Council Seat 4 – City Council Seat 5 – City Council Seat 6

Rexburg:

– Three (3) City Council seats

St. Anthony:

– Mayor- Three (3) City Council seats

Rigby:

-Mayor- Three (3) City Council seats

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