Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

SOUTHEAST IDAHO (KIFI) — Despite the mild winter, the Idaho Transportation Department is sounding the alarm after multiple snowplows were hit Wednesday night in southeast Idaho.

According to an ITD Facebook post, both the second and third snowplow strikes of the season happened last night along I-15. The first snowplow was struck at the Malad rest area after a wrong-way driver collided head-on with the plow. The second happened near Blackfoot, when a driver clipped a plow while it worked to clear the interstate.

“Snowplows are out there to keep roads safe and passable, but they need space to do their job,” states the post. “Please slow down, stay alert, and give plows plenty of room.”

Fortunately, ITD says there were no injuries in either incident.

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Seth Ratliff

HOLLISTER, Idaho (KIFI) — A 53-year-old Twin Falls man is dead after an early morning crash on US-93 north of Hollister.

According to the Idaho State Police, the crash took place just after 1:10 AM on March 5th. The man was driving south in the wrong lanes of US-93 when his 2017 Ford F-350 struck the Ford Explorer head-on.

Both drivers were rushed to a local hospital, where the 53-year-old succumbed to his injuries. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt. 

ISP suspects alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. The northbound lanes of US-93 were blocked for around an hour and a half while emergency responders worked at the scene.

This incident is still under investigation by ISP.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls man is facing serious felony drug charges after a major multi-agency narcotics investigation uncovered 40 pounds of illegal substances hidden in his home.

Tuesday, March 3rd, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Markos Gerardo Ramirez in a major drug investigation in partnership with the Idaho Falls Police Special Investigations Unit, the Madison and Teton County Sheriff’s Offices, the Idaho State Police, and the Department of Homeland Security.

The investigation came to a head around 3:30 that afternoon, when Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at a home on Harvest Run. Due to the suspected presence of weapons inside, the BCSO SWAT team was called in to serve the warrant and maintain safety in the surrounding area.

After SWAT issued commands for those inside to leave the home, two adults and two children exited the building and were detained by police. Investigators then entered the home to find Ramirez hiding in a room and refusing to come out. BCSO says deputies entered the room and safely secured Ramirez without incident.

A thorough search of the property uncovered a massive cache of narcotics and evidence of a trafficking operation. Deputies seized over five pounds of cocaine, more than 30 pounds of marijuana and THC products, and multiple pounds of psilocybin mushrooms and drug-infused edibles. Law enforcement remained on the scene for several hours to process the substantial volume of evidence.

Ramirez was taken to the Bonneville County Jail and booked on felony charges for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, as well as misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. The other adults and children present at the scene were released later that day following the search.

BCSO says this investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

Ramirez’s preliminary hearing has been set for March 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Local News 8 will provide more updates as the case progresses through the Idaho court system.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office:

BOISE, Idaho — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today that Idaho has reached a historic settlement agreement ending decades of water rights litigation that threatened existing water users across north Idaho. On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Attorney General Labrador and Governor Brad Little will join Chairman Chief Allan and the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council and affected stakeholders for a ceremonial signing of the water rights settlement agreement, which protects existing water right holders both within and outside the Reservation.

When Attorney General Labrador took office in January 2023, he immediately prioritized resolving the uncertainty surrounding this economically and socially consequential litigation in order to protect all north Idaho communities. The State participated in complex negotiations involving the Tribe, federal government, and more than 300 stakeholders including the cities of Coeur d’Alene, St. Maries, and Harrison, Benewah County, private water users across the basin, and major employers like Buell Bros., Inc, Hagadone Hospitality, Avista Corporation, Hecla Limited, and Potlatch.

“This settlement is a massive win for all north Idaho families, businesses, and communities who depend on reliable water,” said Attorney General Labrador. “For over a decade, this litigation created uncertainty for cities, farms, and employers across the basin. Courts had already held that the tribe was entitled to certain water rights on the Reservation that could affect the region. This settlement avoids continued litigation, protects existing water rights, secures water for future growth, and it is a win for all parties.”

What Idaho Secured:

Protection of most existing water rights: The Tribe agreed to recognize and protect all existing state law-based water rights, licenses, permits or claims with a date of September 6, 2023, or earlier. 

Room for future growth: The Tribe agreed to recognize and protect an additional 10,000 acre-feet per year of future state law-based water rights, ensuring north Idaho cities and communities can grow responsibly.

Restrictions on Federal Overreach: The agreement provides a framework ensuring that use of water protected or established in the agreement isn’t swept up into federal overreach under the Clean Water Act or the Endangered Species Act.

Final resolution: The settlement fully and finally resolves all tribal water rights claims. No future lawsuits, no uncertainty, and significant legal protection for Idaho water users.

Zero cost to Idaho taxpayers: The State will not provide direct funding to the Tribe under the settlement.

What the Tribe Receives:

Certain quantities of water: The Tribe gains defined judicially recognized quantities for their federal reserved water rights and affirms its opportunities to develop the natural resource within the Reservation, while protecting the rights of both tribal and non-tribal Idaho citizens.

Control of tribal water: The Tribe retains authority to manage its water resources within the Reservation. The agreement also authorizes creation of a tribal water supply bank allowing the Tribe to lease water off the Reservation.

Ongoing collaboration: State support for federal legislation providing funds for tribal water infrastructure. The Tribe will seek $500 million from Congress for implementation of the agreement and for water infrastructure improvements and other uses. The agreement stands regardless of whether or how much Congress appropriates.

Historical Background:

Following creation of the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation by Executive Order in 1873, the question of what water rights the Tribe acquired has remained unresolved for over 150 years. Idaho courts, including the Idaho Supreme Court in 2019, have held that the Tribe was entitled to implied federal reserved water rights on their Reservation with some priority dates reaching back to time immemorial. These rights would have been senior to most every city, farm, business, and homeowner in the Coeur d’Alene-Spokane River Basin. Without the settlement, continued litigation would be required to determine how much water would be held in trust by the United States for the Tribe’s use and development, creating years of uncertainty for water users across the region.

The agreement is a victory for all parties and requires approval from the Idaho Legislature during the 2026 session and authorization from Congress.  Throughout these next steps, Attorney General Labrador will continue his efforts to protect the rights of all Idaho citizens and families. 

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Two local firefighters are being recognized with the state’s highest commendation for their selfless actions during a harrowing water rescue late last year.

Senior Firefighters Travis Adams and Jeremy F. Newman have been selected to receive the Idaho Medal of Honor for their bravery on Oct. 5, 2025, when they jumped into a frigid canal to save a family trapped inside a submerged vehicle.

A Race Against Time

According to initial reports, the accident took place just before 1:50 PM at the intersection of 1100 E. A 2011 Hyundai Sonata pulled into the path of a 2022 Hyundai Palisade, causing a crash that sent the Sonata into the Shelley Canal.

At the time, Adams and Newman were both off duty. However, after receiving a notification via the PulsePoint app, they recognized the seriousness of the call and rushed to the scene—arriving before on-duty emergency crews.

They found the car upside down in the fast-moving water and didn’t wait to jump in.

“Fully aware of the hazards posed by moving water, cold temperatures, and the vehicle’s instability, Adams and Newman entered the frigid water without hesitation,” the City of Idaho Falls stated in a press release.

Disregarding their own safety, the firefighters climbed into the unstable, submerged vehicle. Working together with bystanders and arriving first responders, they rescued the four trapped occupants one by one, carrying them through the current to the canal bank to meet arriving medical teams.

A Bittersweet Outcome

While the firefighters’ actions were nothing short of heroic, the tragedy of the accident remains. According to the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Rexburg woman and a 2-year-old girl, both unconscious at the time of their rescue, tragically succumbed to their injuries at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

RELATED: Woman, toddler killed after car overturns into canal near Shelley

Meanwhile, the other occupants, a 43-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy, were rescued and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite the loss, officials emphasize that without the immediate intervention of Adams and Newman, the outcome could have been even more devastating.

Honoring the Best of the Profession

“Their actions reflect extraordinary courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting life—on duty or off,” said Idaho Falls Fire Department Deputy Chief Paul Radford. “They represent the very best of our profession and of this department.”

Adams and Newman will be formally honored at a ceremony in Boise on Sept. 1, 2026. The Idaho Falls Fire Department, City of Idaho Falls, and the greater community join in congratulating these two men for their extraordinary service.

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Seth Ratliff

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Driggs city leadership is asking for the public’s help after a huge illegal dumping incident threatened the city’s sewer system.

In a Facebook post, the city alerted the community that someone dumped an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of highly alkaline septic waste or sewage straight into a manhole, nearly causing a pumping station to overflow.

“Illegal dumping can disrupt the treatment biology of our wastewater plant, damage pumps and pipelines, create serious public health and environmental risks,” stated the post.

If you saw anyone messing with a manhole or know anything about what happened, you’re encouraged to reach out to Driggs Public Works or the Teton County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Two semi-trucks and a pickup truck are a total loss after a large fire outside the Teton County Transfer Station Tuesday night. But the quick thinking and fast action by the Wyoming firefighters stopped the fire from spreading any further.

Around 6:30 Tuesday evening, Teton County Emergency Dispatch received several calls about a semi-truck engulfed in flames. Firefighters rushed to the scene and found two semi-trucks without trailers and a pickup truck burning dangerously close to a pile of tires and the transfer building.

Crews fought to contain the fire before it could reach the transfer station, bringing it fully under control by 6:48 PM. Fortuantely Jackson Hole Fire/EMS says no one was hurt, but all three vehicles were a total loss.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

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CNN

Originally Published: 05 MAR 26 08:30 ET

Updated: 05 MAR 26 11:57 ET

By Holly Yan, CNN

(CNN) — A suspect wanted in connection with the deaths of three women has been arrested after authorities “tracked him in one of the victims’ vehicles,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said.

The grisly discoveries of the bodies Wednesday in Wayne County spurred a multi-county manhunt, prompting schools to close and businesses to shutter while an unknown killer was on the loose.

The suspect, 22-year-old Ivan Miller of Blakesburg, Iowa, was arrested Thursday after the vehicle “was tracked through southern Utah into northern Arizona and eventually into Colorado,” Utah DPS said.

“Colorado law enforcement located the vehicle abandoned in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and after a brief search, took the individual into custody without incident,” the agency said.

“There are no ongoing threats to the public, and investigators have no outstanding suspects.”

The case started when authorities received a call Wednesday afternoon about “two deceased females located on a hiking trail” in Wayne County, Utah DPS said.

“During the course of the investigation, a third victim was located deceased at a residence in Wayne County,” the agency said.

The three women were in their 30s, 40s and 80s, Utah Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Cameron Roden said Thursday. The Department of Public Safety previously said one of the victims was in her 60s.

The elderly victim, who was found in the home, did not appear to have any relation to the two victims who were hiking, Roden said. The victims’ names have not been publicly released.

Wayne County, about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City, is sparsely populated with about 2,500 residents, according to the US Census. But the area is popular with hiking and outdoor enthusiasts because of nearby Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Fishlake National Forest.

Officials describe the case as a “homicide investigation,” but they have not said how the three women died.

The Utah State Bureau of Investigation and the Utah Crime Lab are processing two crime scenes in the Lyman and Torrey areas, the state’s public safety agency said.

Before Thursday’s arrest, authorities urged residents to be vigilant and “take extra precautions, such as locking doors, remaining at home or with others,” DPS said.

The Wayne Community Health Center, Kazan Memorial Clinic and Wayne County Courthouse in Loa closed because of the manhunt earlier Thursday, CNN affiliate KSL reported.

The Wayne County School District announced it would be closed for the rest of the week. The district said it “will also have counselors in place to support students when we are back in session next week.”

CNN’s Andi Babineau, Cheri Mossburg and Sara Finch contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – A small donation could make a big difference for hundreds of students in Eastern Idaho.

United Way of Eastern Idaho is inviting the community to take part in its “Power of $10” campaign on Thursday, March 5th — a one-day online fundraising event aimed at helping local children who may not have enough food over the weekend.

Organizers say many families in the region struggle to cover basic expenses even while working full-time. According to the nonprofit, nearly 45% of households in Eastern Idaho fall into the “ALICE” category — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — meaning they earn enough to get by but often have difficulty affording essentials like food after paying for housing and childcare.

To help address the need, the organization runs its Ready. Set. GO! program, which provides weekend food bags to elementary school students. Each week, school counselors quietly distribute bags filled with kid-friendly meals and snacks to more than 200 students, helping ensure they return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn.

“No child should have to worry about their next meal,” said CEO Chris Wiersema. “Power of $10 is our community’s way of saying, ‘We’ve got your back.’ Every single cent raised goes directly toward buying food for these kids.”

The concept behind the fundraiser is simple:

Donate $10, which organizers say provides one child with food for an entire weekend

Tag 10 friends and encourage them to participate

Help reach the $10,000 goal to keep the food bag program stocked throughout the year

Organizers say community members who want to make a longer-term impact can also set up a recurring $10 monthly donation, which would provide weekend meals for one student for the entire school year.

Those interested in participating can learn more or donate online at the Power of $10 campaign page by clicking here.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – In a ‘slam dunk’ event, a special needs basketball team squared off with some of the Grizzlies finest basketball players Wednesday night at Skyline High School.

“The coaching staff has done a great job this year, and the team does phenomenal,” said Kayden McWilliams, one of the key players on the team. “A really good group of guys. I mean, it’s just so good to be on this team. I love it, and Skyline thank you for having us play.”

The special needs Snake River Cobras’ athletes moved the ball up and down the court with some amazing shots, Globetrotter-like passing and stifling defense against Skyline.

“It’s a special needs team here in Idaho Falls,” said Head Coach Emory Holst. “We have 12 to 14 players now. It’s a wide variety. We have high functioning, low functioning. We’ve even got a 12-year-old on our team.”

Smiles, cheers, and high fives abounded on and off the court.

The Cobra squad pulled ahead at the end of the third quarter, and narrowly won the close match-up with Skyline’s boys and girls teams.

“We came out with a win. That’s all that matters. Actually, that’s not all that matters,” said Brayden Taylor, an accomplished ball hander for the Cobras.  “This is more of a team effort for special needs, and then the fact that Skyline welcomes us in with open arms and lets us play with them.”

The final score was 57-55.

The squad has been playing together for three to four years and practices each week at the Idaho Falls Recreation Center.

“We broke off from Special Olympics last year, and kind of formed our own little team, because the team was getting a little big,” Coach Holst said.

The Cobras can’t wait for their next match-up and have another four to five games scheduled this year.

“It went good. We need to like pass the ball more, and we need to win more games,” said Bridger Christiansen, who scored multiple baskets.

The Snake River Cobras special needs squad (black jerseys) defeated Skyline’s boys and girls basketball team on Wednesday night.

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