Category: kifi-local-news

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Drivers across Idaho can expect to see more law enforcement on the roads over the next few days as deputies increase patrols for Distracted Driving Enforcement Week.

The enforcement campaign will run over the next week, with deputies focusing specifically on distracted driving violations. Officials say drivers caught using their phones while driving are likely to be cited.

The effort reinforces Idaho Hands-Free Law, which prohibits drivers from holding or using a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle—even when stopped at a red light or stop sign.

Under this law, drivers are not allowed to:

Use a device in any way that requires the use of their hands.

Hold a phone to talk

Text, email, or browse

Hands-free options are still permitted, including Bluetooth, headsets, voice commands, and GPS use if the device is properly mounted or voice-operated.

Penalties for violating the law can quickly increase. A first offense carries a $75 fine, a second offense rises to $150, and a third violation within three years can result in a $300 fine and a possible 90-day driver’s license suspension.

Law enforcement officials say distracted driving continues to be a major contributor to crashes. With more drivers on the road during the spring months, they stress the importance of staying focused behind the wheel. Even without snow and ice, construction zones and heavy traffic can create dangerous conditions if drivers aren’t paying attention.

Deputies say the goal of the increased enforcement is not just to issue citations, but to prevent crashes and keep everyone on the road safe.

Their message to drivers is simple: put the phone down—it can wait.

To stay up to date on our law enforcement and road conditions, visit the Idaho 511 website here.

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Abi Martin

Now that lawmakers wrapped up their work in Boise last week, election season is right around the corner.

Tonight’s “Beyond the Books” is all about ballot measures. Linda Larsen sat down with Devin Bodkin, who says there’s a lot on the line for several school districts.

Watch the video above to find out.

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Stephanie Lucas

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — A Lemhi County landmark is making a comeback after a devastating fire two months ago.

The Baker County Market seems to have popped up almost overnight, with the help of the surrounding community.

Yesterday, 42 volunteers put on trusses and most of the roof in a matter of hours. A family friend of the business owners says the trusses were up and the roof was on by 4:30 p.m.

The structure is ready for siding and shingles that should arrive in a couple of weeks.

Store owner Paul Miller says he is hoping the new Country Market will open in July. In the meantime, a new 7,000-square-foot greenhouse opens this weekend, and the business is still selling storage sheds alongside lawn and garden furniture.

While there will be over 1700 hanging flower baskets in the greenhouse ready for purchase, Paul says you don’t have to buy anything; you can just stop by and say hello.

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News Team

By: KBZK

Originally Posted 3:01 PM, Apr 05, 2026

Fergus County, Montana (KBZK) — A Montana semi-truck driver is lucky to be alive after his truck was shot at early Sunday morning and erupted in fire, according to a social media post from the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident happened on Highway 191, south of Eddies Corner.

The driver called dispatch for shots being fired, but before first responders arrived, the truck started on fire.

All occupants in the semi were able to escape to a nearby field, but the truck was completely destroyed.

Deputies later found the vehicle matching the suspect’s description and the person was arrested at gunpoint.

Investigators say there is no on-going threat to the public and the investigation continues.

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News Team

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article contained information from a press release over a year old that had been reposted as new. The following article has been corrected with the most recent confirmed information.

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Airmen with the Idaho Air National Guard have been deployed to the Middle East to bolster U.S. Central Command operations as part of the Department of War’s Operation Epic Fury.

They “deployed late March, early April to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Borders with the Idaho National Guard, who confirmed the deployment to KMVT. Lt. Col. Borders could not say how many airmen were deployed or for how long they would remain so.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – At least 150 employees have lost their jobs after Intermountain Packing unexpectedly closed its gates last Friday, April 3rd.

Employees say they were told not to come to work on Friday, and those who did could not enter their workplace. They also claim they received no advanced notice before the closure.

The Idaho Department of Labor confirmed with Local News 8 that the plant has shut down. According to a letter written by Intermountain Packaging HR manager Rebekah Hampton, “Intermountain Packing was forced to cease operations at its Idaho Falls facility on April 3, 2026.”

The 66,000-square-foot facility processed cattle and bison meat.

The company’s April 6th letter to the Department of Labor stated, “The company experienced an abrupt and unforeseeable financial crisis, resulting in an immediate inability to meet payroll obligations. Because these circumstances were not reasonably predictable, we were unable to provide the standard 60-day notice. We are providing this notification as soon as practicable.”

Under the W.A.R.N. Act, companies employing more than 100 employees are required to provide at least 60-days notice prior to a mass layoff.

A Troubled History

The closure comes after a troubled history for the company, which announced construction of its $20 million facility in 2020.

The company’s website stated that it employed 240 individuals. However, in December 2023, it laid off more than 100 employees.

In October 2024, three dairy farms accused the company of failing to pay for $2 million-worth of cattle, according to the Capital Press. The company has also faced numerous complaints about the smell emitted by its facility.

Intermountain Packing was sold to Seattle-based American Farmers Network in July 2025.

Local News 8 has reached out to representatives of Intermountain Packing and American Farmers Network for further details, but has not received a response.

If you have been laid off by Intermountain Packing, feel free to contact Local News 8 to provide the community with more information.

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Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) —A 21-year-old Ammon man is in custody facing felony drug charges after Sheriff’s Deputies discovered a large cache of narcotics while responding to a domestic disturbance Saturday morning.

Jorge Ruiz-Gomez was booked into the Bonneville County Jail on April 4th, on felony charges for Drug Trafficking and a misdemeanor charge for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies were called to a home in the 3000 block of Chasewood Drive around 8:00 a.m. following reports of a domestic dispute. As they arrived on the scene, the officers discovered Ruiz-Gomez and an unnamed woman fighting.

Investigators later determined the pair had been in a previous relationship. The fight reportedly broke out when the woman arrived at the home unexpectedly and refused to leave.

While deputies detained the pair—along with two other adults present at the scene—they spotted a large amount of marijuana, THC products, and drug paraphernalia in plain view.

After obtaining a search warrant, investigators uncovered a virtual cache of illegal drugs inside the home and in Ruiz-Gomez’s vehicle. In all, Deputies seized more than 6lbs of Marijuana and THC edible and vape products, cash, and various other items signaling a drug trafficking operation belonging to Ruiz-Gomez.

While the investigation began as a domestic call, BCSO says Ruiz-Gomez did not want to press charges against the woman involved for illegal entry.

Ruiz-Gomez remains in custody pending his initial court appearance.

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CBS2 Staff

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — New signs and lights are on display outside Boise City Hall showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. Crews were finishing the work early Tuesday morning outside City Hall.

This comes after Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill that fines cities for flying flags that aren’t on the Legislature’s pre-approved list.

The city of Boise took down an LGBTQ+ pride flag that flew in front of its City Hall last week.

CBS2 reached out to the Mayor’s office and Governor’s Office for a response.

The city released a statement to CBS2 saying, “The art additions to city hall demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the people that call Boise home and to the values that we uphold every day of being a safe and welcoming city for everyone.” We have asked the city if it plans add any additional art and will share their response.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Zoo is officially reopening Thursday, April 16th.

This is about a week earlier than the 2025 season. Due to the favorable weather this year, they invite all to once again experience the Zoo’s wildlife and educational opportunities.

The Zoo has also updated its operating hours.

Monday-Sunday: 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Tuesday: 9:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M

Tuesday’s hours have been extended to later. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Visitors can explore a diverse collection of more than 230 individual animals representing over 90 species from around the world.

“We’re thrilled to open our gates early this year and welcome everyone back to the Zoo,” said Zoo Executive Director David Pennock. “By expanding access through updated hours, we’re making it easier for families and visitors to spend time with wildlife, learn something new, and create lasting memories together.”

General admission rates for 2026:

Adults (13–61): $12.50

Seniors (62+): $11.00

Children (3–12): $9.50

Toddlers/Infants (2 & under): $0.50

Military (with valid ID): $9.50

Zoo Members (with valid membership): Free

For more information about the zoo, go to the Idaho Falls Zoo webpage.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 07 APR 26 14:28 ET

By Caroleina Hassett

Click here for updates on this story

    RIVERTON, Utah (KSTU) — Three families are now picking up the pieces after a devastating car crash in Juab County.

“It’s been unfathomable. I mean, it’s just been something that is the worst nightmare you could ever go through,” said Ava’s father, Aaron Olivarez. “My heart just absolutely breaks for Xander and Ava. I mean, I don’t know how I’m going to move on.”

Last Thursday, 17-year-old Ava Olivarez was driving 15-year-old Xander Hover and 15-year-old Corey Wayman along Weiss Highway when they came up to a turn.

“She turned too wide and it was all silent. Next thing you know, I was on the floor looking at the roof, and it blacked out, and then I woke up with paramedics around me,” Wayman said.

The three teens, all from the Riverton area, were ejected from the car. Wayman was the only one to wake up.

“I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet,” Wayman said. “I hate to think about it, because they’re my best friends, best ones I’ve ever had… The thought that I was with them and they’re gone and I’m still here — sucks.”

All three met through the racing community and were attached at the hip.

“That gives me comfort… just the three of them, they were together,” said Xander’s dad, Jessie Hover. “They were inseparable in life and would talk on the phone and joke around. I mean, it was the old married couple kind of, is what it seemed like to us.”

The families just want parents to educate their kids on seatbelt safety, so no child has to become a memory.

“The most heart-wrenching thing right now is we all taught our kids to wear seat belts,” Olivarez said. “Ava was so insistent on always having a seat belt on, and that’s the thing that we have to talk about here is just keeping our kids safe because it only takes that one second.”

“Buckle up and always be cautious, because I don’t know how, but it’s a miracle that I’m here today. I’m standing here; the other two aren’t,” Wayman added.

Every parent had an answer to the question: how do you want your child to be remembered?

“For exactly who she was: a champion. She was a fierce competitor on one hand, [but] she was so good to people. She treated people so well, and just had a genuine love for people,” Aaron Olivarez said through tears.

While Wayman still has a long road to recovery with a broken collarbone, broken nose and brain bleeding, he believes there’s a reason why he’s still here.

“Everybody’s told me that there’s a reason I lived. I think it’s, don’t know what it is yet, but it’s probably just to carry on Xander and Ava’s legacy,” he said.

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