Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Next weekend, Reed’s Dairy is inviting the Idaho Falls community to celebrate a momentous occasion: the grand reopening of their newly rebuilt production and pasteurizing facility. This celebration marks a significant comeback following the devastating fire nearly two years ago that reduced the structure, built from the family’s original milk barn, to a charred husk of its former self.

In the difficult months since the fire, the Reed family demonstrated incredible resilience. They continued serving customers by outsourcing the processing of dairy products while spearheading the construction of their state-of-the-art replacement facility.

The reopening will be marked with a special two-day celebration:

Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting: Friday, November 14th, starting at 2:00 PM.

Public Tours: Friday (3 PM – 6 PM) and Saturday, November 15th (9 AM – 12 PM).

 “We are thrilled to reopen our doors and share our story with the community,” said Alan Reed, President of Reed’s Dairy. “Recovering from the fire was a challenging journey, and this celebration is truly a community celebration and honors the hard work, dedication, and support of our team and neighbors who made it possible.” 

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting is an open invitation to the public. Community members are strongly encouraged to bring their own scissors to join in cutting the ribbon and literally share in the celebration of this milestone.

To guarantee a spot and ensure you don’t miss out on this behind-the-scenes experience, click HERE.

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News Team

IDAHO (KIFI) — A national organization is expanding its reach in the Gem State. Since launching its first-ever chapter here in 2024, The “Gift of Adoption” has already helped connect 68 children with their forever families, awarding over $200,000 in critical grants.

The group helps bridge the financial gaps families have during the adoption process. Since 1996, the “Gift of Adoption” has distributed $22 million in grants, helping to connect nearly 7,000 children with families nationwide.

The new Idaho chapter, driven by dedicated local volunteers, has set the goal to raise enough funds to support every eligible family that applies for assistance this year.

As the organization celebrates National Adoption Month, Gift of Adoption shared this message on Facebook for their Idaho supporters: “Whether you’re considering adoption, know someone who is, or simply want to support this incredible journey—your involvement matters. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families across Idaho.”

For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — If you’ve been in Pocatello this week, you may have noticed a change in lighting around town. The Bannock County courthouse is lit up in green as part of “Operation Green Light for Veterans,” a nationwide initiative running through Veterans Day next week.

Across the country, counties are lighting up government buildings and landmarks green to show their support for veterans and raise awareness about the critical resources available to them and their families.

“Veterans don’t always feel seen or appreciated. It’s important for them to know that we support them, always,” said Melissa Hartman, Bannock County Veterans Service Officer.

Bannock County is asking everyone, including local businesses and community groups, to join in by changing one light to green. “By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said County leadership in a news release.

Residents and organizations sharing their participation are encouraged to use the hashtag #OperationGreenLight on social media platforms.

For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.

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News Team

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Attorneys for convicted killer Bryan Kohberger were back in court Wednesday, challenging a request to pay for the urns and part of the funeral expenses of his victims.

Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison this summer, after pleading guilty to the 2023 murders in Moscow. As part of his plea deal, he was ordered to pay nearly $29,000 in restitution to the victims’ families. But now, two families are asking for an additional $3,000 to cover the cost of urns. 

During yesterday’s hearing, his attorney, Elisa Massoth, claimed Kohberger can’t afford it — not even the original amount, arguing that he had no potential future income. Judge Steven Hippler wasn’t buying it, pointing out that Kohberger received a “five-figure” sum in donations to his jail fund from family and supporters.

While Kohberger’s lawyer countered that the inmate would never be able to profit from any book or movie deal because Idaho law “specifically precludes that,” Judge Hippler pointed out that’s not how the law works. Idaho Code allows the Idaho Treasurer’s Office to collect any money a convict receives from a book or movie deal and earmark that money to cover debts to the victim’s families.

Judge Hippler did not issue a decision that day, but said he would file a written ruling on the docket. Kohberger did not appear for the remote hearing.

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Danielle Mullenix

Island Park, Idaho (KIFI) – Construction of The Playmill Theatre’s new location in Island Park is progressing well. The main building’s metal structure and exterior have been put up before winter hits the area, meaning construction crews are on schedule to complete the project in 2026.

For decades, the Playmill Theatre has been a cherished tradition for countless families and tourists visiting the area.

The theatre has operated out of a building in West Yellowstone, Montana, since 1964 and announced its official move to Island Park last summer. They closed their doors in West Yellowstone after the final season in that location this past summer. It remains unknown what will happen to the original theatre’s building.

“We’ve outgrown the space we were in, but it will always be like home to us,” Sam Merrill, one of the Playmill’s family owners, said. “The magic of the original space will be put into this new theatre, and be even greater with better technology and experiences.”

The new site will feature a 22,000-square-foot building at 4111 North Big Spring Loop in Island Park, near the Springhill Suites by Marriott. The new building will be five times larger than its previous West Yellowstone location, with the theatre’s seating capacity expanding from 267 patrons to 480.

The Playmill Theatre will expand its new space with two additional features: a steakhouse restaurant and a gift shop. Steakhouse 64 will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a menu of steaks and other fine dining. The restaurant’s unique space will include a small stage where servers can sing at the mic while awaiting tables. Inside, there will also be a gift shop named Mill Creek Mercantile.

The construction of the new theatre was initially scheduled to begin in 2020, but the Merrill family faced significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other varying factors.

Sam Merrill says there are multiple reasons for building a new theater. One of the main factors is the age and wear of the previous building in West Yellowstone. Originally a pharmacy, it was built in the late 1920s and “not up to code with Playmill’s audiences or the show’s demands”.

After the 1959 Hegben Earthquake, the original occupants locked the doors and abandoned the space. Later in 1964, a group of BYU-I theatre students created a small row of audience chairs for a performance in the space, and it has grown ever since.

The Playmill was originally owned by Lynn Benson. Roger Merrill purchased the business from John Bidwell in 2005, but the business has always operated in a leased building in West Yellowstone. Now a family business, the Merrills are eager to create a space where audiences can continue to enjoy Playmill in an exciting and enhanced way.

The construction is expected to be completed by spring 2026, with the theatre set to launch its inaugural season in the summer of that year. The Playmill Theatre has announced a year-long expansion of its production season, which previously operated as a summer stock regional theatre.

The 2026 Production Season will feature the regional premiere of Disney’s “Frozen”, along with Disney’s “Newsies” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Additionally, the theatre will present two shows in the fall and winter: “The Foreigner” and an original production titled “A Very Playmill Christmas.”

2026 marks the theatre’s 63rd year in operation and the first in its new location in Island Park, Idaho.

To purchase season tickets for the new theatre and learn more, click here.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — On this day in 1605, an unsuccessful regicide attempt was made in London.

The effort was led by Robert Catesby. The plan was to ignite 36 barrels of gunpowder, destroying the House of Lords during the state opening of Parliament, and killing most of the government, including King James the First.

But an anonymous letter was sent to one a member of the House of Lords, Lord Monteagle, basically saying, “I like you, don’t come to tea tomorrow.”

After the member of parliament reported the letter, a frantic search led to a mountain of explosives being found in the undercroft, with the now infamous Guy Fawkes guarding it.

There were thirteen unlucky conspirators who were motivated by what they saw as unfair treatment of Catholics in a country that was increasingly becoming Protestant.

Guy Fawkes was tortured and hanged, some conspirators were killed in a standoff, and those that weren’t were drawn and quartered. In the end, anti-catholic laws tightened.

Interesting fact, the term guy comes from Guy Fawkes. It’s British tradition that on November 5th, a bonfire is lit to commemorate the failed assassination attempt. As part of the ceremony, children make Guys, little dolls meant to represent the traitor, that are then thrown into the fire. Calling someone a “guy” was referring to a person who dressed weird, like how the doll would look, and then overtime, it just became a reference to any man.

Here’s a famous poem to go along with this story:

“Remember, remember, the 5th of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason

Why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent

To blow up the King and the Parliament

Three score barrels of powder below

Poor old England to overthrow

By God’s providence he was catch’d

With a dark lantern and burning match

Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring

Holler boys, holler boys

God save the King!”

Sources for this story:

United Kingdom Parliament

British Broadcasting Corporation

Words for Life

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Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The first members of the Peace Officer Standards and Training, or Post academy, at College of Eastern Idaho graduated today. 

The new Post training allows officers to stay in their own community while they learn the vital skills necessary for police work over the course of 17 weeks.

Previously, new police officers needed to travel to Pocatello or Meridian to receive this state-required training to be certified law enforcement officers. 

The five graduates had previously been hired at law enforcement agencies across east Idaho. Each agency paid for the training and schooling for those attending. 

One graduate going to the Bonneville County, Jacob Miller, reflected on his time training.

After this, graduates will spend the next six weeks riding along with senior officers and completing field training. 

“Every day was a challenge,” Miller said. “Every scenario we went through, involved all the skills that police work that we’ve learned. And, I believe that shaped and will help shape me into the officer that I want to become.”

Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse shared what the academy means for his office.

“There are changes as technology changes, different resources that are available, different, procedures that, become the norm for our profession,” Hulse said. “We’re always trying to hone and sharpen our skills. So we’re always looking at what can we do better. And we’ll do that with this academy.”

After tonight’s ceremony, graduates will spend the next six weeks riding along with senior officers and completing field training. 

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Ariel Jensen

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County Fire District #1 has earned a high achievement, securing an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating.

This elite rating places the department among the best in the nation and is expected to help businesses and homeowners save money on property insurance premiums.

The ranking assesses the value of the District’s response, effectiveness, and quickness of their staffing. This rating is scaled from 1 to 10, and last year they were at a 4.

“You know, it’s great. It shows that we can provide proper, quick care to our citizens. They can go throughout their day and know that they’re protected and that if they do have an emergency, that we will be there quickly and that we can respond appropriately to do the best that we can,” said Jon Molbert, Chief of Bonneville County Fire District #1.

Chief Molbert noted that achieving a Class 2 rating is extremely difficult. Currently, only five fire departments in the entire state of Idaho hold a Class 2 rating, and none have achieved the top Class 1 designation.

BCFD ISO Class 2 Press ReleaseDownload

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Seth Ratliff

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — Jefferson School District 251 has extended a school closure for Harwood Elementary, after a minor pipe break caused flooding earlier this week.

Although the pipe has been repaired, D251 says they’ll require additional time to ensure the building is safe and fully dry for students and staff. Harwood Elementary School will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. Classes are scheduled to resume on Friday, November 7th.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Fish and Game:

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (IDFG) — On Nov. 4, Fish and Game responded to reports of a black bear sow and three cubs that had been frequenting a Teton County neighborhood for over a month. The bears repeatedly received food rewards from unsecured garbage and other attractants, which prompted them to spend much of their time in yards and around homes. Due to their food conditioning and habituation, the decision was made to euthanize these bears in the interest of public safety. 

Relocating bears that have become extremely habituated and food-conditioned is not an option, as research shows they can quickly travel long distances to seek out human foods in their new locations. When it becomes evident that a bear has become excessively habituated to that food source or has lost its wariness of people, biologists and conservation officers often have no choice but to trap and kill the bear. 

Unfortunate situations like these serve as a reminder for residents living in bear country to properly store attractants and report bear issues quickly, to keep both people and bears safe. These bears were known to have been frequenting the neighborhood for over a month before they were reported to Fish and Game, making hazing or relocation efforts impractical.

All of Teton County is bear country, and reports of bears getting into garbage occur every year. Bears become particularly active in the fall, as they search for easy calories to fatten themselves up for winter. This often drives bears to seek easy food rewards from carelessly or improperly stored attractants like garbage. For the safety of both the community and the bears, Fish and Game is asking residents to properly store their garbage and other attractants, making them inaccessible to bears. 

Keeping bears wild and away from homes takes effort and cooperation

Luckily, there are a lot of things that people can do to prevent bears from becoming habituated, protecting both the residents in their neighborhood and the bears moving through it.

The key to keeping Idaho bears wild is to not allow them to access human food sources around neighborhoods and homes. 

Following the steps below helps protect both you and the bears:

Remove bird feeders between April and mid-November.

Feed pets inside.

Get a bear-resistant trash can and use it properly; don’t tamper with latches, prop them open, or overfill them. If you don’t have a bear-resistant can or if there is too much trash to fit in the can, keep it in a garage until the morning of pickup.

Do not keep coolers, refrigerators, or freezers outside.

If a bear has already visited your place and found food, take the above steps right away and call Fish and Game immediately. The bear will likely pay you a couple more visits, but if it finds no food, it will eventually move on.

Teton County residents can report bear problems to the Teton County Sheriff’s (208) 776-8200 or the Upper Snake Region Fish and Game Office (208) 525-7290.

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