Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Last week, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children task force arrested two Idaho men in separate cases for alleged sexual exploitation of a child, Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today.

On Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, 46-year-old John McGraw of Idaho Falls was charged with 10 counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material. The Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pocatello Police Department assisted the ICAC Unit with the arrest. 

The following day, the ICAC Unit, with the assistance of the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 61-year-old Lesley Marcum of Nampa. Marcum has been charged with 5 counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material.

“Two more arrests—from Idaho Falls to Nampa—prove our statewide partnerships are working,” said Attorney General Labrador. “These coordinated efforts to remove threats from our communities are protecting Idaho families. The ICAC Unit and our partner agencies will not stop fighting to keep Idaho’s children safe from exploitation.”

The AG’s office encourages anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials who wish to find more information and helpful resources, click HERE.

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Curtis Jackson

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Arts Council.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (News Release)—The Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gray Augustus as its new Executive Director. Augustus joins the organization following an accomplished tenure with Teton Toyota, where he served as Director of Marketing, and brings a strong record of civic involvement and passion for the arts to his new role. 

“Gray’s leadership experience, business acumen, and deep roots in the Idaho Falls community make him an ideal choice to guide the Arts Council into its next chapter,” said Jason Littlefield, Chair of the IFAC Board of Directors. “He understands the vital role that the arts play in our region’s cultural and economic vitality.” At Teton Toyota, Augustus became well known for his community-minded engagement, helping to forge partnerships that supported local nonprofits, schools, and cultural events throughout eastern Idaho. His transition to the Idaho Falls Arts Council represents both a continuation of that community focus and a commitment to advancing the arts as a cornerstone of regional life. “I’m honored to join the Idaho Falls Arts Council and build on its incredible legacy,” said Augustus. “The arts inspire connection, creativity, and pride in our community. I look forward to working with the talented staff, board, and supporters to expand the reach and impact of the Arts Council’s programs.” 

The Idaho Falls Arts Council oversees management of the Willard Arts Center, the Carr and Hall Galleries, and the Colonial Theater, offering year-round performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. Augustus will succeed Brandi Newton, who left the organization this summer after twelve years. 

The Idaho Falls Arts Council is a private nonprofit organization which owns and operates: ARTitorium on Broadway, The Colonial Theater, and the Willard Arts Center. The mission of IFAC, in cooperation with other arts organizations, is to educate our community and enrich its quality of life by promoting, advocating, and presenting a broad spectrum of visual and performing arts in eastern Idaho. 

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Baby nutrition company ByHeart has voluntarily recalled two batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, on November 7, 2025, the FDA informed ByHeart of approximately 83 reported cases of infant botulism across the United States since August 2025. Among these cases, 13 infants had reportedly consumed ByHeart formula at some point. The FDA has not found any direct connection between infant formula and the reported cases, and there is no historical evidence of infant formula being a cause of infant botulism.

What is infant botulism?

According to Cleveland Clinic, Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness in babies under one year old. It may start with mild signs like constipation or a weak cry but can progress to muscle weakness and breathing problems.

Symptoms include:

Choking when trying to feed

Constipation

Weaker suck or poor feeding

Eyelid drooping (ptosis)

Lack of facial expressions, being unable to lift their head, or other signs of muscle weakness or paralysis

Weaker crying

Weakness or decreased muscle tone, especially starting at the top of their body and limbs, making your baby feel “floppy” and keeping them from reaching or grabbing

Bowel movement changes, like not pooping for days or even weeks at a time

Causes of infant botulism

Infant botulism happens when a baby swallows spores from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The spores can survive in harsh conditions and, once inside the baby’s gut, turn into active bacteria that make a harmful toxin. This toxin spreads through the bloodstream and affects the baby’s nerves, causing the symptoms of botulism.

The most common way babies get Clostridium botulinum spores in their gut is from honey.

For more information on the recall, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Teton County first responders successfully juggled a series of three simultaneous emergencies Wednesday morning, despite being stretched thin by multiple calls across the region. The chaotic morning began with a serious head-on crash on Highway 33, which quickly escalated as crews were pulled away to handle two urgent medical transfers from Victor and Driggs.

Teton County Fire & Rescue crews initially responded to the serious two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 33. One person had to be taken by ambulance to the Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg. The crash blocked the roadway for approximately two hours while TCFR, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho Transportation Department worked together to investigate and clear the scene.

While responders were focused on the initial crash, a medical emergency call came in from Victor, Idaho, for Air Idaho to transport a patient to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. At the same time, another call came in from Teton Valley Hospital in Driggs for a priority patient transfer, also to EIRMC.

First responders emphasized that mornings like this severely strain their limited resources, noting that crews typically consist of only six to eight responders per shift, a number often challenged by long drive times across the valley.

Following the busy morning, the group issued a plea on social media, urging the community to help emergency vehicles navigate the busy county roads. They reminded the public, “With narrow streets and two-lane highways, it can be difficult for our responders to navigate traffic. If you see lights and hear sirens, please slow down, pull to the right and yield to the emergency vehicles.”

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Seth Ratliff

ARIMO, Idaho (KIFI) — A small earthquake was reported early Wednesday morning, while residents of southeast Idaho slept.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake registered a magnitude of 2.9 and struck at 2:44 AM on November 12. The epicenter was located around 15 miles west-southwest of the town of Arimo.

While this morning’s tremor was small, seismic activity is not uncommon in this part of the Gem State. Since the beginning of 2025, the area near Arimo has experienced significant seismic activity, with 177 earthquakes recorded, including those with magnitudes reaching up to 3.8. Over the last year, Idaho has officially documented a total of 973 earthquakes, highlighting the state’s ongoing tectonic movement. However, most residents will not notice or feel earthquakes with a magnitude under 2.0.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — On this day, in the year 1993, the story goes that four bachelors in a Chinese university dorm were lamenting how they were single. It was hard for them, being so alone when all they wanted was to be loved.

They looked at a calendar, and saw the date, November 11th, which appeared as 11/11.

There was a “1” for each of them, surely it was a sign.

They decided to celebrate single life instead of regretting it, and the impromptu holiday spread, through the university and into wider Chinese culture.

It was originally known as Bachelor’s Day, now known as Single’s Day.

Many stores do promotions and sales for the holiday, and it’s actually the biggest day for e-commerce out of the year, world wide.

People also celebrate by throwing blind date parties, and ironically, it’s now also a day to celebrate relationships.

More than 4000 couples got married in Beijing on this date in 2011.

That’s a lot, especially compared to the city’s average of 700 marriages a day.

We’re not sure whether it’s “Single’s Day”, with the apostrophe on the inside, or “Singles’ Day,” with the apostrophe on the outside.

The former suggests the day belongs to each single person individually, while the latter implies it belongs to all singles collectively, a day to be alone, together.

We’ll let you decide.

Sources for this story:

TheFactSite

Time

Shipixy

BBC

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet came to Colonial Theatre tonight in Idaho Falls, and the audience was treated to a holiday-spirited show.

People flocked to the theater downtown to watch the classic Christmas ballet. Talmi Entertainment is a country-wide touring dance production. They tour for two months and do 70 shows of The Nutcracker. Some days, they even have two or three shows.

Dancers in the production come from all over the world, including Ukraine and Japan. The story of The Nutcracker originated in 1816, written by E.T.A. Hoffman. It has since been re-written and re-imagined countless times. Tonight’s version was choreographed by Viktor Davyduik.

Dancer Mariia Molotsiian performs the roles of Snow Queen and Mrs. Stahlbaum in the production. She commented on the ballet, saying, “Everyone is so professional. There are a lot of people working with this company and we have a lot of crew people helping us to make the show perfect.”

Judging by the relentless applause, the audience found it perfect too. Molotsiian said the best part of traveling in the ballet is how she gets to see a new theater and a new crowd with a different atmosphere every day of the tour. She also said The Nutcracker is something special because people begin to feel the Christmas spirit as soon as they watch the ballet.

More information about Talmi Entertainment’s traveling ballet can be found at nutcracker.com.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) —  Locals in Rexburg had the chance to check out a decorative display at Smith Park in Rexburg, the home of the Veterans Freedom Memorial. Dozens of wreaths are hung along the entryway of the memorial site to honor and celebrate local servicemen and women.

With the help of local businesses and the city council, volunteers decorated the park with a total of 22 wreaths. An additional 2 wreaths went to adorn the Sugar City Cemetery.

The tribute is an effort to express their appreciation and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans, both past and present.

“We really want to express our appreciation to those who have served and are currently serving. We appreciate all that you do for us,” said Paul Evans, the Rexburg Area Chamber Board.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Hundreds pack the Madison High School gymnasium to honor and remember those who serve our country.

“They deserve to be honored. But it’s also very important that we do it here at the high school so our young people can see and feel the spirit that was in there of respect and reverence for these individuals who’ve sacrificed and devoted their lives to our country,” Diane Bruce, Rexburg Chamber of Commerce President/CEO.

The event was open to the community and was put together by the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars participate by posting the colors, a time-honored military tradition.

The High school band and choir performed patriotic music, showcasing their respect for local veterans.

School staff says this was not just a chance to honor our veterans but an educational opportunity for our youth.

“This is to teach them how important it is to respect our veterans and make sure they understand that there were a lot of people who came before us to sacrifice so much for us to enjoy a beautiful, free country,” said Zach Lambson, Assistant advisor to the student council.

Bruce says the event was made possible through the collaboration of the school, volunteers, and community support.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Friends and family came together today to give local Air Force veteran Jim Gyorfy of Idaho Falls’ own Collectors Corner Museum a heartfelt Veterans Day tribute. The group presented Jim with a metal American flag with the Air Force insignia on it to hang in his museum.

“We have the greatest country in the world… and it was an honor to serve it… and I know other Veterans feel the same way,” Gyorfy said, teary-eyed.

Gyorfy and his wife, partners in life for over 60 years, proudly operate the Collector’s Corner Museum, where they display a range of pop culture and military memorabilia. Today also marked the museum’s 22nd anniversary.

“You meet a lot of wonderful people, and you serve your country because it’s in your heart. I saw a lot of the world and I’m thankful for that. That’s all. And unfortunately, I’m losing a lot of friends now, but that’s a part of life,” Gyorfy said.

Jim’s friends, family, and wife all said that his kindness and humility are what make him truly deserving of this recognition.

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