Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — A Blackfoot woman received the shock of a lifetime Sunday night, after a soaking wet pilot emerged from the frigid Snake River and knocked on the door of her nearby home moments after his small plane crashed into the water. Bobette Brown, who initially mistook the crash sound for a car accident, says she was stunned when the injured man, soaking wet and shaken, appeared on her doorstep.

“We were sitting in the living room and heard the doorbell ring, and there stands a gentleman who is soaking wet,” Brown explained. “You can tell he’s kind of in shock, and he’s got some scratches on his face, and his hand is bleeding and… he’s very cold and shaken up.”

According to Blackfoot Police, the small single-engine plane went down sometime before 6:05 PM on November 9th. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, successfully swam and struggled his way out of the river and reached Brown’s home. Brown immediately called for help, and the pilot was taken by ambulance to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Plane Recovery Effort

The Bingham County Sheriff’s office, with assistance from a local wrecker service, began the complicated retrieval process this morning at 10:00 AM, successfully pulling the aircraft from the Snake River.

The pilot’s name and further details regarding the cause of the crash have not been released, pending an investigation by the FAA.

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News Release

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

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department will shift northbound Interstate 15 traffic between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges (Exits 73 and 80) the night of Wednesday, Nov. 12. Northbound traffic will move into the newly constructed lanes in the median to allow crews to begin work on the east side of I-15.

During the traffic shift, motorists can expect:

The northbound on-ramp at the Northgate Interchange (Exit 173) will close for a few hours on Wednesday night, Nov. 12.

Lane closures may occur in the project area.

After traffic is shifted, motorists can expect:

Two lanes will remain open in each direction on I-15 during the daytime.

A concrete barrier will separate opposing lanes of traffic.

Reduced speeds in the work zone.

Once the new northbound lanes are completed in late 2026, crews will complete the southbound lanes on the west side of I-15. Construction on the I-15 Northgate to Fort Hall widening project is anticipated to be completed in 2027. This project is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative and will result in three lanes in each direction on I-15.

For more information and to sign up for email or text updates visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15northgatetoblackfoot or call 208-252-5553.

The safety of motorists and construction crews is ITD’s top priority during construction. When driving through the work zone, please stay alert, follow work zone signage and drive the posted speed limit. Drivers are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the project area and check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 mobile app for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Terri Pickens, a Pocatello native and founder of Pickens Law, P.A., formally announced her campaign for Idaho Governor as a Democrat in 2026. Pickens announced her candidacy through a press release and an accompanying launch video, throwing her proverbial hat into the ring for her second bid for statewide office.

Pickens said her motivation for running is “answering the call to lead during a time of conflict and fear,” asserting that “For too long, politicians have ignored us.” She called for the election of leaders who “listen, who act, and who won’t bend the knee to billionaires.”

In her launch video and release, Pickens urged Idahoans to unify against what she termed “a lawless billionaire class that has captured our government and is plundering our state and national coffers.” She also criticized her political opponents, claiming that an “autocratic virus in the extreme wing of the Republican party has become a full-blown fascist movement.”

“I still believe in Idaho. I know we are decent, courageous, and independent. We are strong together, and together we will reclaim our future,” Pickens concluded her release.

This campaign follows Pickens’ unsuccessful run for state office in 2022. She led the Democratic ticket for the Idaho Lieutenant Governor’s office in that cycle, ultimately losing to Republican incumbent Lt. Governor Scott Bedke. The final vote tally was 30.5% for Pickens and 64.4% for Bedke.

The campaign is scheduled to host an official launch event on November 20 in Boise, where Pickens is expected to address supporters directly about her vision for Idaho’s future. For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Idaho, has reached another major milestone toward joining the U.S. Navy Fleet. The sub, currently undergoing testing in Groton, Connecticut, has completed its initial or “alpha” sea trials with flying colors.

These alpha trials put the submarine through its paces, testing essential functions from maximum speed to critical safety systems, ensuring the Idaho is ready for complex real-world missions.

The alpha trials tested everything from speed to safety to make sure it’s capable of carrying out its U.S. Navy missions.

The crew will continue extensive training and more rounds of testing until the submarine is officially commissioned in spring 2026. At that point, the USS Idaho will begin its anticipated over three-decade-long service.

Tonight, Idahoans can get a behind-the-scenes look as Idaho Public Television premieres a new documentary called “America’s Sagebrush Navy,” highlighting the Gem State’s extensive Navy history and major contribution in the development of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, as well as the future USS Idaho and its crew.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls community leader Carrie Scheid, who passed away late last month, is set to be posthumously honored with the 2025 Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year Award, one of the state’s highest distinctions for civic and philanthropic service. The Idaho Community Foundation is bestowing the honor in recognition of Scheid’s contributions and unwavering commitment to the Idaho Falls region and beyond.

The award, named in honor of Idaho’s late Governor Cecil D. Andrus, honors Idahoans whose extraordinary volunteer service has strengthened communities, elevated the work of nonprofits, and inspired others to give back.

Carrie Scheid’s volunteer work spanned over thirty years, leaving an immense legacy across the Idaho Falls community. Scheid notably played a key role in the restoration of the Colonial Theater and the development of the Willards Arts Center. Beyond the Arts, Scheid also helped launch Idaho Gives, one of the state’s most successful nonprofit fundraising initiatives, co-founded the Snake River Animal Shelter, and served on several nonprofit boards throughout the region.

RELATED: Idaho Falls community leader Carrie Getty Scheid passes away

Through her many years of service in the Idaho Falls area and beyond, the Idaho Community Foundation says Carrie’s leadership epitomized the spirit of the award.

“Carrie embodied the spirit of volunteerism that Governor Andrus championed—quiet, consistent, and profoundly effective,” said Steve Burns, President and CEO of The Idaho Community Foundation. “She didn’t just give her time; she gave her vision. Idaho is better because Carrie believed in the power of community.”

Carrie passed away on October 21, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Her husband, Jerry Scheid, and her step-daughter will accept the award on her behalf during the Gem Ball featuring the Idaho Philanthropy Hall of Fame on November 20 at the Boise Centre East.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 10 NOV 25 15:15 ET

By Allie Triepke

Click here for updates on this story

    BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — Mark Cronjaeger tells Idaho News 6 he was driving through Boise, heading home to Texas from Oregon, when just after 9:40 p.m., another car slammed into him on the Connector.

He says he’s lucky to be alive.

“All of a sudden there’s a black sedan, at [my] 10 o’clock, pushing the front end of my car across [the lane],” said Cronjaeger.

He said his car spun into the median before coming to a stop.

“The car came to a stop. I was like, ‘Okay, I’m still alive.’ There was smoke coming out of the hood, so I just jumped out of the car, and then I was like, ‘What the heck happened? Why would somebody do that to me?’” Cronjaeger recounted.

Several drivers stopped to help, including the McDaniel family from Meridian, who saw Cronjaeger’s car hit the inside median. They said the impact was so intense, they feared he had been seriously hurt.

Cronjaeger said he’s lucky to have walked away with only minor injuries. “That’s a first-degree airbag burn there, and then a big chunk of skin came off on that side. I’m okay,” he said.

His car, however, is now totaled. The McDaniel family stayed with him as police and fire crews arrived, and later drove him to the hospital, making sure he wasn’t alone in a place where he didn’t know anyone.

Witnesses told Idaho News 6 they believe the car that hit Cronjaeger may have been racing, possibly going around 100 miles per hour, along the stretch of the Connector where the speed limit drops from 60 to 45.

Cronjaeger said he’s concerned reckless driving may be common in the Treasure Valley, but he’s grateful he was wearing his seatbelt — and especially thankful for the McDaniel family.

“I’d walk away from Boise thinking I never want to come back here based on the [first] part of the experience. Now, I hope they come to Dallas, or I’d love to meet them again. It restores your faith that there are good people,” added Cronjaeger.

The scary experience has inspired him to help others and pay it forward should he ever come across a crash in the future.

Idaho News 6 has reached out to local and state law enforcement for information about the crash and any ongoing investigation, but has not yet heard back.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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News Release

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking input on long-range planning for transportation across the state through a series of public meetings in the next month.  

Comments will inform the update to ITD’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, a federally required strategy document that is updated every five years and is used by the Idaho Transportation Board and planning staff as a guide to program future studies and projects.  

Open houses will be held in each region of the state with upcoming local dates to include:   

Nov. 18 in Pocatello at the Portneuf Medical Center (777 Hospital Way) 

Nov. 19 in Idaho Falls at the Crosspoint Community Church (1900 Grandview Drive)

Both events will take place 3 – 7 p.m. The same material will be shared online, with comments sought through Jan. 10. 

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.  

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”  

The plan comes at a time of extraordinary growth and funding uncertainty. Besides seeking public feedback, ITD is engaging with other planning organizations as the plan will look at the transportation network as a whole, which extends beyond state-managed highways to locally owned routes and alternative modes of transportation.  

“This is about working with local jurisdictions and planning agencies to address congestion in major cities,” Schroeder said. “It’s also about adopting a statewide perspective and recognizing that it’s just as important to look at improving safety and reducing fatalities in our rural areas.”  

An additional public comment period to review the draft plan is planned for summer 2026, and the plan is expected to be released in 2027.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With Veterans Day approaching, the southeast Idaho community takes time to honor the men and women who have served our country. However, with such honorable service also comes significant challenges.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, post-traumatic stress disorder is more common among veterans than civilians. About 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. The condition is also more prevalent among female veterans than their male counterparts.

Local News 8 spoke with Teriann Ness, a certified complex trauma clinician and licensed social worker, about common mental health challenges seen among veterans, particularly Post Traumatic Stress.

“There are a lot of different things that our military do experience that makes it really tough. Also, there’s a lot of stuff that they can’t talk about because it’s classified. or there’s things that they’re learning that we don’t even have a clue about. and then there’s just tough stuff that happens and that can cause both memories, coming back, tough things that they have seen or experienced themselves. Plus just that physical sensation inside of anxiety,” Ness said.

Most trauma that veterans experience stem from different places.

“The memories of what they’ve experienced when they’ve been deployed or even here in our homeland, the different things that they do for our military, the things that they learn, being able to have those thoughts come back and the pictures, the image of what they’ve experienced also affects them internally, where heart starts to race and the breathing changes and get anxious or or traumatic experiences, just their body doesn’t feel comfortable anymore,” Ness said.

Addiction is another obstacle that veterans face in the civilian world is addiction, which is tied to Post Traumatic Stress.

“…addiction comes in when people are trying to find a balance, trying to find that calmness inside. So by using something helps to bring themselves back to a sense of balance so they can keep on doing what they’re doing just to make it through the day or the week or anniversaries too,” Ness said.

If you are a veteran who needs help, contact the East Idaho Veterans Center. For more information, click HERE. Or for veterans in crisis, dial 988 and press 1.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County residents are set to head back to the polls sooner than expected as the upcoming runoff elections take shape. On Monday, the Bonneville County Election Office announced a change to the early voting schedule for the upcoming December runoff election.

Originally planned to start on November 17, early voting will now begin later this week on Thursday, November 13, to ensure voters have two full weeks to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.

The change takes into account county office closures for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, allowing more time for residents to cast their votes.

“Preparing for an election takes months of planning and coordination,” the Bonneville County Election Office said in a press release. “Our team has been working diligently to wrap up the November election and prepare for December’s runoff. The Election Office appreciates your understanding as we continue to work under a tight timeline.”

Election Officials also took the opportunity to address common questions they received during the November municipal election. The office clarified that only residents living within the official limits of any city are eligible to participate in that city’s elections. Specifically, voters residing outside Idaho Falls city boundaries, even if their mailing address includes Idaho Falls, are not eligible to vote in the local city runoff election.

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Maile Sipraseuth

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI)– Standing Shelley Mayor Stacy Pascoe has passed away.

Shelley City council member Kim Carlson Westergard took to Facebook a heartfelt message:

“With the permission of his family… The City of Shelley is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mayor Stacy Pascoe. Mayor Pascoe was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a trusted neighbor, friend, and champion of our community. His loss will be felt by all who knew him and by the many residents whose lives were quietly made better by his service.

Mayor Pascoe served Shelley with integrity, humility, and a genuine love for the people who call this community home. Whether he was working through complex city issues, supporting local events, or listening to residents one-on-one, he consistently put Shelley first.

We will miss Mayor Pascoe more than words can express, He cared deeply about this community and worked tirelessly to make Shelley a better place for all of us. We are grateful for his leadership, his example of service, and the time we were able to work alongside him. Our hearts are with his family during this difficult time.

The City extends its heartfelt condolences to Mayor Pascoe’s family and loved ones and asks the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Information regarding public memorials or services will be shared as it becomes available and at the direction of the family.

Mayor Pascoe’s legacy of kindness, hard work, and dedication to Shelley will live on in the projects he helped lead, the relationships he built, and the community he loved so dearly.”

Pascoe was elected Mayor of Shelley in 2013, after previously serving on the City Council, where he was elected in 2011 and completed two years of his four-year term. A lifelong resident, Pascoe grew up in Shelley and graduated from Shelley High School.

He is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren.

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