Category: kifi-local-news

Bailee Shaw

PARK CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Convicted killer Kouri Richins will face sentencing as scheduled next month after a judge rejected a defense motion to postpone the hearing.

Richins was found guilty on March 13 of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, two counts of insurance fraud, and one count of forgery. The conviction stems from the poisoning of her husband, Eric Richins, in March 2022.

Richins’ defense team had asked for more time, saying they needed additional preparation — and noting that one of her attorneys had a death in the family. But Judge Mrazik was not convinced.

In his ruling, Judge Richard Mrazik said the request did not clearly explain what still needed to be done or how much time was needed.

Judge Mrazik pointed out that Richins still has two other qualified attorneys working on her case and cited concerns that a delay in sentencing would cause “significant prejudice” to the victims—specifically, Eric Richins’ three children.

“The court concludes the minor victims, in particular, would endure significant prejudice if the sentencing hearing is continued beyond its current setting,” states Mrazik’s ruling.

Sentencing is now set for May 13th — what would have been her husband Eric’s 44th birthday.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Utility construction work is underway along Lewisville Highway, south of 65th North, this week.

Crews with Bybee Excavation began work on Monday to install underground lines for nearby development.

The roadway will remain open to northbound traffic throughout the construction. However, southbound drivers are being detoured at 65th north to 5th west, then back around the work zone.

According to the City of Idaho Falls, the project is expected to last through June, depending on the weather. City Officials are asking drivers to “watch for crews and equipment, obey all posted traffic control signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone to ensure the safety of both workers and the traveling public.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Eastern Idaho (KIFI) – “I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 5000 more…” A cross-country odyssey is making its way through Idaho—one determined step at a time.

Noah Coughlan is in the middle of a massive coast-to-coast run, his fifth and final journey across the United States. This time, his mission is tied to a milestone: honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday through a 5,500-mile trek spanning 260 days.

courtesy of John Kucko & Noah Coughlan

“This is insane, what I’m doing. This is crazy. This is 5,500 miles,” Coughlan said.

Now past the halfway point of his journey, Coughlan continues to push forward through Idaho, running day after day across changing landscapes and long stretches of highway. While his determination remains strong, he admits his running shoes are starting to feel the wear.

“I’ve been through nine pairs of shoes and will swap out for my tenth tomorrow,” Coughlan said while glancing down at his once bright white New Balances.

The inspiration behind this Run for America is deeply personal. Coughlan says the journey began back in 2011, in honor of two friends who were diagnosed with a rare brain disease. 15 years later, the mission has grown into something larger—something he hopes all Americans can connect to.

“If you’re an American—350 million of us—no matter what state you’re in or even abroad, you can celebrate the fact that we’ve made it this far,” he said. “That’s the spirit of this run.”

As he makes his way through Idaho, Coughlan has faced windy conditions and shifting terrain, but he says the physical challenge is only part of the experience. For him, the journey is about bringing people together.

Facebook / Noah Coughlan

Along the route, he’s met countless Idahoans, sharing stories and encouraging others to pursue their own goals. A lover of filmmaking, Coughlan documents the World War II veterans he meets around the nation, in the hope of cementing their legacy as real-life heroes. One glance at his social media reels shows the hundreds of veterans Noah interviews for his thousands of followers to connect with. His message of unity resonates with many who stop to cheer him on or follow his progress online.

“I feel like I’m just a messenger,” Coughlan said as we jogged down the middle of Highway 33. “Social media has been such a gift, and I’ve been able to highlight others along the way of this experience. I’ve met so many families and kids that are interested in geography and veterans now, and I just want to continue to thank them.”

Coughlan is pushing everything he needs in a 90-pound jogging stroller, packed with food, gear, and even bear spray—something he joked about after recently passing through Island Park.

Facebook / Noah Coughlan

“Glad I didn’t see any,” he said with a laugh.

His route has already taken him through parts of eastern Idaho, including the stretch from Ashton to Rexburg. And it’s in these communities where he says the support has stood out the most.

“I did not expect this massive a response from the people of Idaho,” Coughlan said. “When I came down into Ashton, it really struck me how many people were pulling over—law enforcement, families, kids. It’s been overwhelming.”

From small towns to open highways, each mile brings new scenery—and new supporters.

“I’m no different than many other Americans,” Coughlan said. “I have three grandparents who came here from different countries. And, you know, this is the nation I love. This is a chance to not just run, but to celebrate the people around us, to celebrate the states, and to end it on America’s 250th birthday.”

With dozens of days still ahead, Coughlan says he has no plans of slowing down.

“We’re the American people. We’re brave. We reach for the stars,” he said.

Coughlan’s “Run for America” is less about speed and more about perseverance, unity, and the celebration of progress: some journeys are about the milestones met, one step at a time.

“I have to have a lot of faith in myself, in God, and in the people of the United States in order to pull this off,” Coughlan said. “This fifth and final run is my large thank you to the country and its support for me over the past 15 years.”

Coughlan plans to continue traveling through Idaho toward the Boise area. In time, he will complete his coast-to-coast trek on the Pacific with large crowds of supporters before ultimately finishing his journey on July 4th in Hawaii.

Those interested in following Noah Coughlan’s progress can find updates on social media or by visiting his official website here.

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David Pace

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho National Laboratory’s first female fire chief took the helm today, protecting over 890-square miles of critical nuclear and energy infrastructure in southeast Idaho.

Chief Jennifer Porter will lead a team of 75 firefighters at three stations. She comes equipped with 18 years of experience fighting fires with the department.

“My main priority is to support my team. We are an all-hazards department, so I want to ensure that they have the tools and the equipment to respond safely to any hazards that may be thrown at them for whatever they respond to,” Porter said.

INL’s Fire Department includes five fire engines, a 3,000-gallon water tender, five ambulances, a haz mat truck and a rescue vehicle.

The new chief is an Eastern Idaho native and graduate of Madison High School.

At INL, she served as deputy chief of operations since 2022, and as a battalion chief for five years, including during the largest fire in the site’s history – the Sheep Fire in 2019.

The fire burned 112,000 acres, and firefighters successfully protected all major facilities, although some infrastructure was damaged.

That experience may prove invaluable as she leads the INL Fire Department during what is expected to be a severe fire season.

“We try to plan for the worst case scenarios this year because of low snowpack, warmer than average winter conditions, and the consistent drought,” Porter said. “We are preparing early for those conditions to be extreme fire behavior here on the INL on the desert.”

Firefighters at INL also receive specialized training to handle situations with hazardous or radiological materials.

“We do Hazmat; we respond to radiological emergencies. We do special operations, some rope rescue. We do wildland fires,” she said. “We do structure fires and respond to EMS events.”

Outgoing INL Fire Chief Jim Blair touts the laboratory’s overall safety record.

“Our hazmat team primarily is responding to the same things that you’re seeing in normal industry. You know, laboratory chemicals, fuel spills from semi trucks, semi trucks that have overturned, you know, normal chemicals,” he said. “But as far as radiological, it’s rare at the desert that we respond to radiological emergencies, just because the lab runs a very safe operation.”

Most often, INL firefighters respond to calls that are not related to wildfires.

Porter acknowledges she has big shoes to fill and says leadership “isn’t about a title – it’s about serving others and earning trust over time.”

“I’m really super excited that Chief Porter is taking over for me,” Blair said. “We have really, really super good people – Chief Porter amongst that group. I think that the lab did a very good job of selecting the next fire chief. She’s a strong candidate. She’s a strong leader. And most importantly, she cares about her people.”

To other women and men following in her footsteps, Chief Porter says, “Stay committed to your values, work hard, and be consistent in how you show up.”

Fire Chief Jennifer Porter will lead 69 firefighters and six battalion chiefs at Idaho National Laboratory.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The City is gearing up for the annual Clean & Green citywide cleanup effort, a partnership between Idaho Falls Code Enforcement and Idaho Falls Sanitation Division. 

As part of this initiative, code enforcement officers and sanitation staff will host a series of neighborhood cleanup events throughout May, providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of unwanted items and help keep Idaho Falls a beautiful and safe place to live.

Cleanup sites around the city will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday for three consecutive weeks, starting May 7. Dumpsters will be available, and staff will assist community members with proper sorting and disposal of household goods, construction debris, and yard waste.

Community members are encouraged to bring unwanted items to the following locations:

May 7 – 9 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Sweeper Dump, at the intersection of Lake Avenue, North Boulevard, and K Street

Russ Freeman Park, access off Fremont Avenue (glass recycling bin)

May 14 – 16 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Aquatic Center parking lot, corner of 7th Street and Lee Avenue

Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park, north side of Sunnyside

May 21 – 23 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Garfield Substation, at the intersection of Northeast Bonneville Drive and Garfield Street

Old Butte Soccer Complex, maintenance shed at 425 N Old Butte Road

Certain types of waste, such as hazardous waste, demolition materials, tires, large appliances, and select metals, cannot be accepted and will require alternative disposal. See the attached flyer for more information on other disposal sites.

Household hazardous waste, such as paint thinner, batteries, fertilizer, and antifreeze, can be disposed of at the Bonneville County Transfer Station, 2455 Hemmert Ave., on May 9 and Sept. 12. 

The neighborhood cleanup events are part of the city’s broader Clean & Green initiative, which promotes community pride, environmental responsibility, and neighborhood revitalization.

For more information about the Clean & Green initiative and disposal guidelines, review the flyer below or visit www.idahofallsidaho.gov/1696/Clean-Green-Citywide-Cleanup.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello residents may notice a change in their water tonight. Today, April 27, the city’s Water Department began its annual system flushing, a three-week process to keep drinking water clean and safe.

“While portions of the region are experiencing dry conditions, this routine maintenance is carefully managed and remains essential to protecting water quality and system reliability,” said the City in a news release. “The water used during flushing is part of maintaining a safe and effective distribution system, and the City continues to monitor supply conditions closely while encouraging residents to use water wisely, especially during the warmer months.”

Crews will be clearing out sediment, testing hydrants, and making sure everything is functioning properly.

During the three-week process, residents may notice lower water pressure or water that looks cloudy or rust colored. City Officials say the discoloration is temporary and not harmful, and should clear up within a few hours.

“If you notice crews flushing hydrants on your street, please avoid using tap water, especially for laundry or dishwashing, until the work is complete,” the Water Department asked in a press release.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO (KIFI) — The passing of former Idaho Governor and U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on April 24, 2026, is shining a spotlight on the importance of Colorectal Cancer screening in the face of increasing CRC cases among young adults.

Kempthorne died Friday in Boise at age 74, just over a year after his March 2025 diagnosis of colon cancer. As Idaho flags fly at half-staff in his honor, health officials are emphasizing the former governor’s plea from when he was first diagnosed with the disease: Urging “everyone to be current in their testing and remain vigilant on updates.”

What is Colon Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. When Kempthorne was first diagnosed, he called it “the challenge of his lifetime” but expressed hope that sharing the message would help others, according to reports by the Idaho Statesman.

It is recommended that once you turn 45, you should get screened for colon cancer. However, if a family member was diagnosed with colon cancer, you should go in even earlier, starting at 35.

According to Yale Medicine, CRC rates are increasing among adults ages 20 to 40 and are now the “leading cause of cancer deaths overall in this age group.”

Doctors say you should get a Colonoscopy once every 10 years once you turn 45. The procedure is where a doctor uses a flexible camera to view the entire colon and remove polyps. A polyp is a small growth made of extra cells that forms on the lining of organs like the colon, uterus, or nose. Most are harmless, but some can turn into cancer over time, so doctors often remove them when they’re found.

Deborah Fuelling, the Director of Oncology Services at Teton Cancer Institute, had her first Colonoscopy this past year, and urges everyone to get their done, even if they’re scared.

“I think that something that kind of keeps people from wanting to do it is just the embarrassment or the, you know, discomfort. But it really wasn’t that bad. And they actually did, on me, find a precancerous polyp that was removed and that prevented a cancer that could have developed. All the discomfort, all those different things are worth it.”

There are various at-home stool tests you could take, but if you test positive on one, you will have to follow up with a doctor.

If caught early, Colon Cancer is 89% curable. So be sure to screen sooner rather than later.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The road to the May 19 Primary Election officially opened today as early voting began in several counties across Idaho. While the rollout varies by location, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane is urging every citizen of the Gem State to take advantage of the expanded access to the ballot box.

In a recent news release, Secretary McGrane emphasized the Primary’s important role in shaping the “Gem State’s” future, encouraging “everyone to make a plan to vote.”

“Our goal is to make voting as easy and accessible as possible,” said McGrane. “With early voting, Idahoans have the flexibility to participate in a way that works with their schedule.”

While many counties launched their early voting sites this morning, for others—including Bonneville County—early voting will be available from May 4 through May 15, 2026.

For more county-specific voter information, click HERE.

Idahoans who are not yet registered to vote may register at an early voting location by bringing an accepted form of photo ID and proof of residence.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Posted 7:18 AM, Apr 27, 2026

By: Leslie Solis

CALDWELL, Idaho — With Idaho under a statewide drought emergency, farmers face tough decisions heading into this year’s crop season.

At Williamson Orchards and Vineyard in Sunnyslope, co-owner Mike Williamson said the biggest concern is simple but critical.

“How are we going to keep our vines and trees alive through the end of the summer?” Williamson said.

Drought conditions are not new to Idaho’s agricultural industry, but they pose unique challenges for farmers who rely on permanent crops like grapevines and fruit trees. These crops take years to establish and cannot be easily replaced or rotated.

“Our crops out here are permanent, that meaning they’re gonna stay here year in and year out, and as a farmer, it’s my job to guide my employees to care for these that includes applying the right amount of water,” Williamson said.

Unlike other farms that can pivot to shorter-season crops such as beans or peas, Williamson said vineyards and orchards require consistent care and water throughout the entire growing season. He noted the long-term investment makes water management even more critical.

“These vines behind us, they’re over 20 years old,” Williamson said.

To stretch limited water supplies, Williamson said his team will adjust by pruning their grapevines more heavily this season. The strategy reduces the plant’s need for water but also lowers overall production.

“If we use the strategy to reduce our crop through pruning to help mitigate water usage and reduce our water usage, that can reduce our yield, our overall yield, and it does affect our bottom line,” Williamson said.

Earlier this season, Williamson said farmers were warned water access could be cut off as early as August or September, a scenario that could have devastating consequences.

Recent rain helped improve conditions slightly, but uncertainty remains about how long water supplies will last.

Idaho’s agriculture depends heavily on snowpack in the mountains, which feeds reservoir and canal systems used for irrigation throughout the year.

To adapt, Williamson said his family’s century-old farm invested in water-efficient practices and technology.

“We use water-thrifty practices, including drip irrigation. The emitters put the water right where the plant is. We use technology out in the field as well. We have water sensors that go four feet down in the ground… to measure and monitor how the water table in our fields are doing, so that we can more precisely water. And water right when we need to and not overwater,” Williamson said.

Those systems allow farmers to deliver water directly to plant roots and avoid waste, a crucial strategy during drought conditions.

“Water’s a treasure, and we have to spend it wisely,” Williamson said.

Williamson said each farm faces different challenges depending on crop type, water access, and long-term investments. Many are working through the same uncertainty as they try to protect both their harvest and their livelihood.

For Canyon County happenings, news, and more— join our Facebook Group: 2C Neighborhood News – Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Skyline High School is set to reopen Tuesday, April 28, for the first time in nearly a week after an issue with the building’s air conditioning system forced the school to shut its doors.

District 91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange confirmed that the district received updated findings from its Industrial Hygienist from MarCom that support ending the closure.

To maintain transparency with the community, the district announced that all environmental documents from Home Health Environmental and MarCom, including complete test results, will be published on the official district website tomorrow. The district will continue to update that information as it becomes available. For more information, click HERE.

Ahead of tomorrow’s school day, D91 facility staff will thoroughly clean the Skyline building tonight. Superintendent LaOrange says the school district will allow families who are not comfortable with their child returning to the building to keep them home.

“These absences will not count against the student,” said LaOrange. “Still, the student will be responsible for getting assignments from their teachers and staying on top of their work.”

In a news release announcing the reopening, LaOrange expressed gratitude for the patience of the extended Skyline staff and community.

“We are sincerely thankful for the flexibility and patience shown by the Skyline teachers, staff, and family community this past week. We share the same concern for the safety of students and staff, and we are grateful for their partnership,” said LaOrange. “We are also grateful for the work done by D91 Maintenance, MarCom, Home Health Environmental, and the other experts who helped manage this situation.”

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Skyline High School remains closed on Monday as an industrial hygienist conducts another round of air quality assessments.

District 91 officials say that over the weekend multiple areas of the building were checked using a multi-gas meter, and all readings came back normal. The district expects another report today, which will determine when students and staff can safely return.

While tests were promising, District 91 officials say they are awaiting information from Home Health Environmental before reopening the doors to students and staff. The district expects another report today, which will determine when students and staff can safely return.

Once the final “all clear” is given, the building will be thoroughly cleaned before classes resume.

While general classes are canceled until further notice, AP classes continue to be held at other D91 locations so students can continue to prepare for upcoming exams.

In a letter addressed to the Skyline community, the D91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange expressed gratitude for the cooperation of families and staff during the service interruption.

“The Skyline community has already shown a great deal of flexibility as the maintenance work has been done, and I am thankful for that support,” said LaOrange.

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