Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — Craving a coffee and a chance to do good? The Human Bean in Chubbuck is making it easy to help those in need today with its annual “Food Drive Give Back” event.

For every drink purchased, the coffee shop will donate a dollar to the Idaho Foodbank. The timing is intentional, as employees point out that hunger doesn’t take a summer break.

“Hunger is a year-round concern. A lot of businesses… do food drives during the holidays,” said Human Bean Barista Amanda Hansen. “But August is a great time to give back. Any time is a good time to give back to the community.”

Customers can also bring in non-perishable food items and receive a dollar off their drink.

The Human Bean is open until 8 p.m., so there’s still plenty of time to grab your afternoon pick-me-up and help make a difference.

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News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) ­­— The Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to alert motorists of changes to their commute beginning next week.

Starting Monday, paving operations within the INL site will limit usual turning movements at the Puzzle, the junction of US-20, US-26, and INL. During morning and overnight hours, traffic will be able to make right turns only off US-20 into the site.

From 4 to 6:30 p.m., traffic at the Puzzle will be restricted to outbound only movement, with no inbound turns allowed.

Speed will be reduced to 50 mph on US-20 near and through the Puzzle while this work is completed.

Both inbound and outbound site traffic will be able to access US-20 from an alternative route at West Portland Avenue, Gate Three, one mile west of the Puzzle. No dedicated turning lane exists on US-20 at this intersection, so motorists are urged to be alert and slow down.

Flaggers will be present as needed when INL paving work is near the intersections of US-20 or US-26. Traffic control signs and lower speed limits will not be in effect when work is not actively ongoing along these roadways.

INL paving operations are expected to be complete and traffic running as usual by late September. 

INL employees should refer to internal communication regarding effects to their commute on roads within the site. Effects to US-20 and US-26 will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

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News Team

UPDATE:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Authorities have identified the elderly woman killed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 near Blackfoot over the weekend as Nancy Northman, 81, of Brocket, Alberta, Canada.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner confirmed the victim’s identity and extended his condolences. “My heart goes out to Nancy’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Danner said.

According to Idaho State Police (ISP), the crash took place just after 5 a.m. at mile marker 89. A 21-year-old man from Idaho Falls was driving a 2015 Buick Verano southbound in the left lane when he struck the rear of a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country minivan. The minivan was driven by an 80-year-old man from Brocket, Alberta, Canada, and had Northman as a passenger.

Both vehicles came to a stop in the median following the collision. The driver and Northman were taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where Northman later died from her injuries. All parties involved were wearing seatbelts.

Next of kin has been notified, and the incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

ORIGINAL:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — An 81-year-old woman is dead and an 80-year-old man is injured following a two-vehicle crash on I-15 near Blackfoot early this morning.

According to Idaho State Police (ISP), the crash occurred just after 5 a.m. at mile marker 89. A 21-year-old man from Idaho Falls, driving a 2015 Buick Verano, was traveling southbound in the left lane when his vehicle struck the rear of a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

The minivan was driven by an 80-year-old man from Brocket, Alberta, Canada, who had an 81-year-old female passenger. Both vehicles came to a stop in the median after the collision.

The driver and passenger of the Chrysler were taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where the woman later died from her injuries. All people involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts. The Idaho State Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash.

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Stephanie Lucas

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A plan to start paid parking in downtown Idaho Falls has been put on hold following a major backlash from local business owners.

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) announced plans last week to implement a new app-based parking system this October. However, during a packed meeting on Thursday, August 7, more than 30 downtown merchants voiced their concerns, saying they were “blindsided” by the decision.

In response, the IFDDC staff and Board of Directors formally requested that the Mayor and City Council postpone the proposed on-street parking rates on its upcoming fee schedule hearing scheduled for Thursday evening, August 14.

“We believe it is crucial to pause and take additional time to engage with the business community, share more information, and facilitate more productive dialogue before moving forward,” IFDDC Executive Director Kerry Hammon said in an email to downtown merchants.

“We were thrilled to see that there’s been a little bit of a halt put to the app for parking that I don’t think a lot of people were happy about the thought of having to download an app to be able to park in the downtown,” said Cindy Napier, Sales Manager and building owner at Idaho Mountain Training.

“We’re going to have some more talks and negotiate more and find a better solution than an app for paid parking in the downtown, said Richard Napier, owner and General Manager at Idaho Mountain Trading. “One, we want to keep it free. And two, we don’t want to have an app. We still live in a rural area, and we’re a regional hub, and we don’t want to turn anybody away from the downtown. The downtown’s a special place. It always has been, and we want to keep it that way.”

Terri Ireland, owner of the downtown metaphysical store “Healing Hands,” has launched a petition to completely halt the city’s new paid parking plans. As of 2 p.m. Friday, August 8th, the petition has already garnered over 1,800 signatures. For more information, click HERE.

In the press IFDDC release, Hammon added that they are committed to working with downtown businesses to develop a parking solution that “serves the best interests of our entire downtown community.” The corporation will communicate with business owners through its IFDDC Downtowners Private Facebook page and Mailchimp distribution list.

“We appreciate your understanding and support as we work toward this goal,” Hammond said in the email.

For more information or to be added to the email list, contact Kerry Hammon directly.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Downtown Idaho Falls Development leadership got an earful Thursday afternoon, August 7, over a plan to start charging for parking. About 30 merchants from the downtown area spoke their minds at a packed meeting this afternoon.

The meeting started at the Downtown Development Corporation’s office but had to be moved to the nearby Samoa Club, due to the number of merchants who wanted to voice their concerns about a plan to charge for parking.

The majority of the business owners and building owners expressed they felt “blindsided” by the announced plans and “would love to have had conversations before it got to this point.”  

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation announced plans last week to implement a new paid parking system to increase turnover and parking availability downtown, using an app called PARK SMARTER. They planned on bringing the system to the Business Improvement District in two phases. The first phase is scheduled to start in October 2025.

Today, they seemed to walk things back a bit.

“Nothing is law yet. We are an agent of the city, and so we receive information and cannot do anything without permission of the city.  So we are an advocate and an ally first and foremost, and we want to hear you,” Downtown Development Corporation Treasurer Brandi Newton told the gathered merchants.

Business owners brought up numerous reasons they think parking fees would be a bad idea, ranging from difficulties with technology and fears that the change would drive people away from the downtown area.

But the overarching sentiment was simply put by Amanda Poitevin, owner of Winnie & Mo’s Bookshop: “Business owners should have been consulted about this a lot more.”

As for the Downtown Development Corporation, Executive Director Kerry Hammon stated that the communication with business owners was “what we needed.” Moving forward, Hammond says they plan on addressing business owner concerns over the next several days.

“We are going to talk to the board members next… continuing our conversations, our board of directors have been out on the street going into the businesses and talking to them, over the last week getting additional input, we’re going to continue those communication meetings and whatnot,” said Hammond.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A motorhome towing a passenger car was struck by a train in Rexburg this afternoon, but remarkably, no one was hurt, according to Rexburg Police.

The collision happened at 4:23 p.m. at the intersection of 5th West and Yellowstone. Rexburg Assistant Police Chief Gary Hagen confirmed that no one was injured despite the crash. Video captured by a local business, 0500 Mechanics, shows the intense moment when the train hits the back of the motorhome.

The scene has since been cleared by the Rexburg Police Department. This is a developing story, and we will share new details as they are released.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI)– Chances for Southeast Idaho parents to hit the snooze button are about to come to an end as the school bells are about to begin. August is a stressful time for some parents with school picking back up in just a few weeks.

A local teacher is offering tips to parents on how they can get ready for the school year.

“Kids really thrive on a regular schedule. So start getting that bedtime back in place and getting up on time and eating a regular meal to get them eased back in,” said Kristi Lords, a 2nd-grade teacher for the Madison School District.

While the weeks will be spent back in the classroom, the summer fun doesn’t have to end. 

“This isn’t the end of their life. We still have a couple of months of nice weather here in Idaho, and so this is something to look forward to as they’re going to school all week,” said Lords.

Teacher Mrs. Lords encourages parents to make fun weekend plans so their children know the future is still bright.

“It gives them something to look forward to as they get back into those first few weeks of school,” said Lords.

With kids home for the summer, most parents are probably familiar with the scene of a chaotic household. Once parents get ready for the school year and everything is back in order, they are reminded to give a big focus on their little ones.

“I think it’s important to sit down and talk with your kids about how they are feeling about this year,” said Lord. “Sometimes I’m so worried about how I’m feeling, I forget, hey, they’re going into a new classroom. They’re going in with new teachers and they’re going to have some concerns. And it’s important not to drop that ball.”   

Lords says it’s important to remember that going back to school can be an exciting time.

“Take a breath, alleviate anxiety, and try to find something peaceful to think about instead of getting worked up. Just enjoy the excitement and the fun of a new session of learning.”

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News Release

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Foodbank is kicking off their Back to School Campaign as part of a statewide effort to support kids all over Idaho. The Back to School campaign will raise awareness of, and funds for, The Idaho Foodbank’s children’s programs.   

  According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap report, 16 percent of children in Idaho experience food insecurity. The Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack and School Pantry programs are an important piece of the collaborative work to solve childhood food insecurity in Idaho. ICCU is the statewide sponsor of The Idaho Foodbank’s Back to School Campaign.      

 The Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack Program ensures that students who are food insecure have access to nutritious food over the weekend by providing nutritious, kid-friendly food at the end of the week during the school year. Meals consist of items that are easy to prepare and meet a child’s needs for Saturday and Sunday. Last year, The Foodbank provided over 68,000 Backpacks for children in Idaho. 

The Idaho Foodbank’s School Pantry program helps provide families with food through a pantry set up inside the school, where access is convenient for students and their families. The Idaho Foodbank has nutritious and non-perishable items to help stock school pantry shelves. Last year, over 15,000 households were supported by School Pantries in Idaho.    

 “Our Backpack and School Pantry programs have a meaningful impact on the lives of Idaho children and their families,” said Randy Ford, President and CEO of The Idaho Foodbank. “We are proud of our partnerships with schools that allow us to work together to help children have access to nutritious food so they can focus on learning.”    

The Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S., recently awarded The Idaho Foodbank a $10,000 grant to support the Backpack Program. This grant will help the community in eastern Idaho by supporting The Idaho Foodbank’s work to ensure kids have the food they need when they are not in school.

“Bayer Fund is honored to support The Idaho Foodbank’s Backpack Program and their ongoing work to address food security in eastern Idaho,” said Michael Parrish, President of Bayer Fund. “Programs like the Backpack Program help combat the critical issue of food insecurity, and we’re proud to play a role with helping even more people gain access to healthy, nutritious food.”

 Community members can help by donating any amount to The Idaho Foodbank’s children’s programs. You can learn more about these programs and how you can support them at: idahofoodbank.org/backtoschool.   

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please go to The Idaho Foodbank’s Food Assistance Locator at idahofoodbank.org.

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News Release

The following is a press release from Governor Brad Little’s Office:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little announced today that the Idaho State Police (ISP) completed its first transport of dangerous illegal alien criminals, the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho. The transports are part of the state’s new agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the 287(g) program.

The ISP assisted ICE in transporting an abuser who inflicted traumatic injury, an offender with a violent history, and a drug trafficker. They were taken from a local jail to an ICE-approved detention facility where they await deportation.

All of them were in the United States illegally and will be deported to their country of origin rather than being released back into Idaho communities after completing their sentences.

Mugshots of the criminals are included below.

Today’s transport includes the following criminals:

Alvaro Perez-Soto, Mexico

Been in the United States since before 2008

Criminal history: Battery-Domestic Violence with Traumatic Injury

Tomas Prieto-Servin, Mexico

Been in the United States since 06/10/1991

Criminal history: Reckless Endangerment, Obstructing a Public Servant, Attempted Assault in the 2nd Degree, Probation Violation, six separate convictions for Driving Under the Influence

Jaren Zuniga-Crus, Honduras

Been in the United States since 04/28/2019

Criminal history: Two separate convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance, False Compartment to Store Controlled Substance, Transport/Sell Narcotics/Controlled Substance

The ISP is authorized to spend up to $300,000 in Governor’s emergency funds to carry out up to 100 transports over the next 12 months. Each transport will include multiple dangerous illegal alien criminals. Today’s transport is the first of the Governor’s plan and was completed after ISP troopers completed training required by ICE. 

“Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport dangerous illegal alien criminals to ICE facilities instead of being released back into our communities. These are people who pose the greatest danger to Idaho families. Idaho has taken many steps to increase our coordination with the Trump administration in the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws, and we are further strengthening our state’s partnership with President Trump to help address the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration,” Governor Little said.

Through the 287(g) program, ICE can delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions, under the direction and oversight of ICE, and pursuant to a signed agreement, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Idaho is utilizing the Task Force Model under the 287(g) agreement and the Governor instructed ISP to perform only two of the authorized functions under the model, which are also consistent with the Jail Enforcement Model: (1) taking and maintaining custody of individuals arrested by another state or local agency on behalf of ICE and (2) transporting individuals arrested under immigration law to ICE-approved detention facilities.

Governor Little directed ISP to use the 287(g) authority only to transport out of local jails the most violent and dangerous illegal aliens who have been convicted and have completed their sentences.

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News Team

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — A boil water advisory has been issued for Chubbuck’s city water system because the loss of pressure from a water main break on Thursdsay.

Crews responded to a break in a 16-inch water main along Hawthorne Road.

Water flooded residential roads and homes near the corner of Chubbuck road and Hawthorne and left most of the city without water or low water pressure.

A drop in water pressure could allow contamination to enter the water system. As a precaution, they suggest not to drink the water without boiling it first. The water should boil for one minute and let it cool before usings.

“Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water,” a city advisory said.

City crews will be flushing the line to reduce the risk of possible contaminates. They anticipate the problem will be solved by the end of the day on Sunday, August 10.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Portneuf Greenway Foundation has announced the new ‘Idaho Central Credit Union Connecting Communities Trail’ will be ready for its first pedestrians within the next few weeks.

The Connecting Communities Trail is a 1.5-mile walking/biking path stretching between the Bannock County Events Center and Pocatello Creek Road intersection along I-15. The Portneuf Greenway Foundation planned the new trail in partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department as part of the I-86/I-15 Interchange update project.

“We call it ‘Connecting Communities’ because it’s really going to serve to connect this Highland neighborhood with the rest of Pocatello, help connect Pocatello and Chubbuck,” said Dan Harelson, president of the board of directors for the Portneuf Greenway Foundation. “…we really feel like it’s a connecting facility that will be a big benefit for the community.”

Paving on the trail is now complete, and ITD is finishing fencing along the path before it’s officially open to the public.

ITD and the Portneuf Greenway Foundation are asking people to stay off the path until the fencing is installed for the safety of pedestrians and pets, as the unfenced trail runs near the busy interstate.

The Idaho Central Credit Union Connecting Communities Trail is part of a larger project by the City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation to construct a series of pedestrian paths linking the Portneuf Wellness Complex to Idaho State University.

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