Category: kifi-local-news

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, The Skin Cancer Foundation says one in five people will be diagnosed with Skin Cancer in their lifetime.

A simple sunburn can cause significant damage in the long-run.

“All these things are cumulative over a lifetime,” Doctor Christopher Valentine, the Medical Director of Optum Care said. “And every time you get sunburned, that is significantly increasing your future risk.”

The effects of sun damage don’t always appear right away, but they can linger for years. Each sunburn you receive greatly increases the risk.

And people who work outside and frequently have the sun bearing down on them, have a much greater risk of skin cancer.

“I think the comment the doctor said when I was in my 40s is that my skin was that of like a 70 year old,” Adam Blessinger, an Athletic Trainer said. “I’ve been dealing with getting things cut off for probably 15 years already, but it’s really starting to it’s really starting to get thinner as I’ve gotten older.”

Adam Blessinger is my father, he constantly has to work outside as a part of his job. For nearly twenty years, he’s been constantly visiting the Dermatologist to have something potentially cancerous cut or frozen off of his skin. Due to the continued sun exposure, his skin has become paper thin.

“The other day I had a dog jump up to say hi, and it put its paws on my arm,” Adam said. “Then, I looked down and I had blood stains. It’s just, you know, it’s nothing that the dog did. It’s just the skin is is thin. And that was with a long sleeve shirt over the top.”

The biggest skin cancer causer is the UV rays from the sun, however, the rays from tanning beds can also cause complications and increase the risk of skin cancer.

“Tanning beds are, you know, basically the way that they work is they bombard the body with intense ultraviolet radiation,” Dr. Valentine said. “I mean, that’s the intent is people are trying to get a quote unquote base tan but over time, too much UV exposure. It does lead to different types of skin cancer.”

A good way to tell if you could have skin cancer is by using the ABCDE’s of Detection.

A – for Asymmetrical, a spot on the skin is asymmetrical

B – for Border, a spot on the skin has a fuzzy border

C – for Color, a spot has gotten darker

D – for Diameter, a spot has grown

E – for Evolving, a spot has changed over the past few weeks or months

To protect against the UV rays, experts recommend wearing sunscreen, a large hat, or SPF clothing when experiencing prolonged sun exposure.

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News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – The Snake River Miniature Horse Club, founded in 2003, offers a variety of competitions for miniature horses and their caretakers. Their miniature horse show began this morning and continues tomorrow.

People of all ages can compete in events designed as family-oriented activities. Tomorrow’s show is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.

The club’s competitions include various events including costume, halter, obstacle, jumping and driving classes. Participants can lead smaller miniature horse breeds over jumps and obstacles, while sport ponies are large enough to be ridden.

Karen Drake, a founder of the Snake River Miniature Horse Club, said the smaller horse breeds are put “on a line so that they can jump because we can’t ride them.” She added that obstacles involve “all kinds of maneuvers they have to do.”

Halter classes judge the horses on their conformation and good looks. Drake emphasized the versatility of the miniature horses, saying “They are wonderful little animals. They are very versatile and just fun,” she said.

The club encourages participation from all ages, including young children. Drake described how younger kids can walk and interact with the horses and foals can even be picked up. Miniature horses can be as small as 28 inches tall when fully grown, a size comparable to a dog.

The club’s activities are considered family oriented. Drake also noted that participants can show their miniature horses through 4-H programs, which hold similar classes at events like the 4-H Fair in August.

Tomorrow’s show will begin at 8 a.m., featuring obstacle and jumping events at the Eastern Idaho State Fair Grounds.

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Abi Martin

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Rexburg is remembering the Collapse of the Teton Dam that happened 50 years ago next week.

The week of commemorating the flood began tonight with the crowning of the Teton Dam royalty.

Verla Archibald lived through the flood and was crowned the teton dam flood queen 2026.

The event featured a song about what it was like to clean up the mud left in the flood’s wake. She remembers some of the most unique things she found after the flood.

“My husband kept finding a left boot, cowboy boots, and he came and he had a great big pile of them, and he said, surely there’s got to be a right foot somewhere,” Archibald said. “But we found out they were from the army store, and the other boot was on the shelf. “

There will be events happening all next week, including A 70s fashion show, a car show, even a float trip down the Teton River from the dam site.

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Nick Anderson

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Centennial Carousel has officially opened for the 2026 summer season. The carousel was opened with the annual summer kickoff event hosted by the Recreation Department.

The carousel will be open starting today and run until Labor Day this year. The attraction is open from Monday to Saturday from noon to 7pm.

Admission for the carousel will be $2 per ride, per person. Non-riders, an adult holding the child on a horse, receive free admission.

You can also reserve the carousel for exclusive and non-exclusive use. You can find more information about the carousel on the City of Rexburg’s official website here.

The Idaho Centennial Carousel was originally built in 1926 in New York. It would be brought to the City of Rexburg and will celebrate its 100th birthday this year.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — After more than a year of planning, a new community garden is taking root in Pocatello. Community members and city officials gathered Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking at King Street and North Arthur Avenue.

About a year ago, Portneuf Valley Partners (PVP) saw a need for a community garden in Pocatello. Neighboring cities like Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Twin Falls have had community garden spaces for years. Organizers said an unused lot across from the Pocatello Water Department gave them the perfect place to make the project a reality.

Organizers said the garden will cover about an acre, with phase one featuring 34 garden plots. Four of those plots will be designated community plots, maintained by volunteers and open for public harvesting.

According to Brittani Hobson, co-chair of the community garden initiative at Portneuf Valley Partners. The other 30 plots will be available for rent for the season, with sizes ranging from 10-by-10 or 10-by-15.”

Community members will maintain the community plots throughout the growing season. For those new to gardening, organizers are offering classes to help people learn how to garden and harvest their produce.

“The beauty of the community garden is that it’s bringing people together,” said Karl Petit, another co-chair at PVP. “There’s also the need in our community for good, sustainable resources for food. Having some healthy products they can manage and grow themselves is huge.”

The project was made possible because of several community partners. Portneuf Valley Partners strives to beautify the land, which Hobson said is exactly what the garden will do for the unused space. She added they’ll be building a fence around the entirety of the garden to keep unwanted wild animals like deer from foraging in the plots.

“We also have six neighborhood associations in our town, and they’re all going to donate a fruit tree,” Hobson said. “We’ll have a little grove of fruit trees, and people can come and pick from them.”

PVP also received a generous grant of $10,000 from the Ifft Foundation to start the community garden project. The city of Pocatello has been supportive along the way, as Mayor Mark Dahlquist was part of the original initiative to begin the garden.

“I was a member of the Portneuf Valley Partners before I took on the mayor’s position,” Dahlquist said. “We had a small task force that we put together because we really wanted a space where the community could come together and have a garden, and there was lots to figure out there.”

The mayor said there was lots of research and fundraising needed to make the project a reality. He added it was a group of dedicated individuals who saw the need in the community and have taken it on since his election.

“It promotes the beautification of our city, which is a high priority, to have good curb appeal and community,” Dahlquist said. “You benefit from growing and raising this produce. It’s another thing that brings Pocatello together.”

The hope is for both phases of construction on the garden to be complete by the spring 2027 season so the first harvest can be taken next fall. Since the idea was born, Dahlquist said the first big steps have been taken, which is an achievement.

“Next year at the same time, I think people are going to walk by or drive by here and see some great, beautiful garden spaces,” he said.

The space will provide fresh produce and an opportunity for residents to engage with fellow community members throughout the warm months.

“When you’re gardening next to somebody and you get to know each other and you’re participating in your community, that builds relationships, gets you outside and gets you some sun,” Petit added.

Portneuf Valley Partners is also looking for help naming the new addition to the community. To cast your vote and find information about getting involved, donating or reserving a plot, visit www.portneufvalleypartners.org/community-garden.

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Par Kermani

GOODING, Idaho (KIFI) — State investigators are looking into a series of livestock shootings across Idaho that have left multiple cattle dead and ranchers facing thousands of dollars in losses.

According to the Idaho State Brand Inspector’s Office, reports have recently come in from Gooding, Jerome, Jefferson and Payette counties.

Officials say at least three cattle have been confirmed as unlawfully killed. In total, eight livestock deaths are under investigation as authorities work to determine whether the incidents are connected.

In several cases, portions of the animals were butchered. In others, the cattle were left where they died. Officials said several of the animals were cows with calves.

“This is a serious crime that directly impacts Idaho ranching families and their livelihoods,” Idaho State Brand Inspector Cody Burlile said in a statement.

Officials say some of the animals suffered before dying from their injuries.

“When people hear about livestock being shot, they often think only about financial loss,” Burlile said. “What they don’t see is the suffering these animals endure, the impact on calves that depend on their mothers, and the effect on the livelihood of those who care for them.”

Under Idaho law, the malicious killing or destruction of livestock is a felony offense. Additional criminal charges may also apply depending on the circumstances.

The Idaho State Brand Inspector’s Office is working with the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible.

Many of the incidents occurred in remote grazing areas where hunters, recreational shooters, off-highway vehicle users and other outdoor recreationists may have been present.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious vehicles, heard gunfire near livestock, observed unusual activity around cattle or saw individuals handling cattle carcasses to contact law enforcement.

Anyone with information can contact the State Brand Inspector’s Office at 208-884-7070 or email ContactBrands@isp.idaho.gov. Information can also be provided to local law enforcement agencies.

The Idaho Cattle Association is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw has appointed Chris Canfield as the city’s new Public Works director, pending confirmation by the Idaho Falls City Council.

Canfield has served as the city’s interim Public Works director since May 2026 and previously spent 13 years as assistant Public Works director.

“Mr. Canfield brings a clear understanding of the critical role Public Works plays in providing residents with clean water, sanitation, sewer and safe streets,” said Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “I appreciate his knowledge of the city, the department organization, as well as his years of experience with federal grant financing.”

An east Idaho native, Canfield has worked on city development and federal aid projects that have supported transportation, water, wastewater and sanitation improvements throughout Idaho Falls.

A graduate from Idaho State University, Canfield worked for JUB Engineers as a construction and spent eight years with the Idaho Transportation Department as a construction and traffic engineer.

If confirmed, Canfield will oversee the department’s day-to-day operations, long-term planning and infrastructure priorities, including the city’s streets, water systems, sanitation services and other public works projects.

“Public Works plays a vital role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that serves our community for generations,” Canfield said. “It is a privilege to contribute to projects that make a lasting impact on our residents.”

The appointment will be presented to the Idaho Falls City Council at an upcoming meeting. If approved, Canfield will officially assume the role immediately.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Drivers on Interstate 15 near Pocatello should prepare for detours beginning Sunday night as construction continues between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, southbound traffic will be shifted into newly constructed lanes in the median starting May 31.

As part of the shift, the southbound off-ramp at the Northgate Interchange and the southbound on-ramp at the Fort Hall Interchange will close for about two weeks.

Drivers using the Fort Hall Interchange will be detoured to the South Blackfoot Interchange.

Those planning to exit at Northgate will be directed to use Interstate 86, the Chubbuck Interchange and New Day Parkway to get around the closure.

Drivers should also expect reduced speed limits through the construction zone.

The traffic shift will allow crews to continue work on new southbound lanes and ramps as part of the ongoing I-15 expansion project.

Motorists are encouraged to stay alert, follow posted signs and slow down while traveling through the work zone.

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Par Kermani

MCCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Drivers traveling through McCammon can expect a new traffic pattern this weekend as work continues on the U.S. Highway 30 resurfacing project near the Interstate 15 interchange.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, traffic will shift onto newly completed westbound lanes Saturday afternoon, allowing crews to begin work on the eastbound side of the highway.

Idaho Transportation Department

Traffic will remain reduced to one lane in each direction through the construction zone.

The project began in early March and is replacing the existing asphalt roadway with concrete designed to better withstand heavy truck traffic on US-30.

While access to homes and businesses will remain open, drivers should be aware of additional closures and detours.

Old U.S. 91 into downtown McCammon will be closed, with traffic detoured south to Interstate 15B, Jensen Road, Hall Road and East Price Road.

Construction is expected to continue through the end of July.

Drivers can find the latest traffic updates at 511.idaho.gov.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Lainey Moore, of William Thomas Middle School in American Falls, won the battle of the minds at the first-ever National Civics Bee competition held in Idaho.

“It feels good,” Moore said. “I’m happy that I’m able to represent Idaho and just be able to do this for my state.”

Twenty talented students took the stage Friday at the National Civics Bee Friday at Melaleuca’s headquarters in Idaho Falls.

The finalists hail from sixth- through eighth-grade classrooms across Idaho and prepared vigorously for the competition.

“It takes determination, and you have to be brave and have grit,” said Idaho Falls competitor Carolyn Xia.

Each of the finalists previously submitted an essay selecting a problem or concern in the community and developing a solution.

“I wrote my essay about parent and guardian awareness of young children’s mental health,” Moore said. “At my school, there is a group called ‘Sources of Strength’ that helps with teen mental health. … I thought that it was odd that they didn’t have anything like that for younger kids.”

Lainey Moore, McKenna Vaughan, Ali Donahoo, Teagan Eilenfield, and Esmae Hazelton took the Top 5 places at Idaho’s National Civics Bee.

Students advanced through two rounds of 10 difficult questions on government and the U.S. Constitution – with difficult questions ranging from Constitutional amendments to immigration law.

“There’s questions on a computer, and we click which one is right,” Xia said. “Then the third round is the final round, where … the judges will ask us questions and answers.”

All Idaho middle school students participating in public education, private school or homeschooling were eligible to participate in the competition.

Moore earned a $1,000 award, $5,000 for her middle school, a trip to Washington, D.C., and the chance to compete for a $100,000 education savings plan.

Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, Melaleuca, and the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber, the event encourages students to study the mechanisms of government, learning how they can contribute to their hometowns and nation.

All 20 finalists at Idaho’s 2026 National Civics Bee.

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