Category: kifi-local-news

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Throughout the week of June 14-20, Sport Clips in Idaho Falls is turning every trim into an opportunity to support Camp Hayden and local students in need.

Beginning on Sunday, June 14, Sport Clips on East 17th Street is hosting “Haircuts with Hearts” week, where a portion of all proceeds from haircut services will go to Camp Hayden. One dollar for every full-priced MVP haircut experience and $3 for every ultimate MVP haircut will be donated.

“(this) campaign is near and dear to us because we know that not all individuals are going to have access to the same activities. And we want to bring that to different families in the community and help them to be able to have activities as a whole family and to be able to enjoy that together,” Laura Hafen, Sport Clips Area Manager, said.

Camp Hayden is a local organization working to provide accessible adventures for people with disabilities and their families. They host a variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities for disabled community members every year, regardless of ability. Sport Clips is encouraging everyone to look sharp while giving back and making a difference to those in need.

“Since it’s benefiting Camp Hayden, it’s a pretty awesome little spot. I mean, giving kids, opportunities that they might not normally have in an understanding, supportive environment. So I think it’s great when we can help out the kids,” Bryan Shumway, a longtime patron, said.

Sport Clips will also have QR codes available for clients to donate.

The business is also collecting hair care products from purchases in store for District 93 school closets to help students who may not have easy access to hair products at home.

The idea of came to Sport Clips’ manager, Vi Moon, when she saw her son getting ready.

“So as many people know, 16 year olds are very particular about their hair. And it kind of just hit me one day as (my son) was loading up his hair with products and making sure that everything was ready for his school day, (and) that some people probably don’t have the opportunity to have those extra products for things that kids want daily,” Moon said.

The fundraisers go on until June 20, and clients who donate will receive a coupon for their next visit.

For more information, call Idaho Falls Sport Clips at (208)-522-2212.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Senior Activity Center hosted their annual Oldies Rod and Custom Car Show on June 13, bringing out 85 cars and hundreds of community members. Organizers said the car show is one of two major fundraisers the organization hosts, bringing in extra money for programs and services offered by the local non-profit.

“The money allows us to do some of the extra things and fill in the gaps where our funding doesn’t meet,” said Tara Contreras, Executive Director of the Senior Activity Center. “This has been incredible, it just speaks to the amazing car community that we have that they all showed up.”

Contreras said the car show has grown significantly since last year. With last year’s show bringing in 40 cars to vote on and admire, this year’s event had 85 entries. She said the car owners traveled from Idaho Falls, American Falls, Blackfoot, Preston, Malad and even some from Utah.

Oldies Rod and Custom Car Show at Outer Limits Fun Zone, June 13

Many local businesses helped to sponsor the car show, with other locals donating over $5000 in raffle prizes. Previously, the event was held at the Center Street underpass grass area, but with the current construction, the organizers had to find a new location. Leaders at Outer Limits Fun Zone became involved and offered their large parking lot for the event.

Contreras said they already have plans for a bigger and better car show next year. During her first year leading the event, the director said she was “blown away.”

“I’ve been going and visiting with people at Poky Cars and Coffee, trying to get embedded with the local car community and talking to them about the Senior Activity Center and our cause,” she said. “They don’t know who we are or what we do or the people we serve, so we’ve really tried to promote the event and get great partners.”

Through word of mouth and promotion work, the Senior Activity Center hosted a record-breaking car show with an astounding turnout. Many cars also drove through the parking lot unregistered, eager to join the show with their vehicles. Prizes and awards were given to the winners of different competitions, including the participant’s choice award. The winner of participant’s choice gets the honor of being printed on the following years’ T-shirts.

The Senior Activity Center will host their golf tournament fundraiser in September.

“I would like to thank all of our car community, the participants, Stacy with Outer Limits, Gate City Insurance’s Josh Randall who matched donation, and all of our volunteers,” Contreras said. “Thank you so much.”

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News Team

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police are investigating a motorcycle crash that happened just before noon on Saturday, June 13 on US93 at milepost 225 near Craters of the Moon in Butte County.

The fatal crash involved a 65-year-old male of Pocatello traveling southbound on highway 93 on a 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The motorcyclist lost control and exited the roadway. He crashed into the lava rocks beyond the road.

The driver was wearing a helmet, but died on scene due to injuries from the crash.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — From Power Rangers and Rainbow Brite to Star Wars and Jem, Retro X is bringing generations of pop culture fans together in Idaho Falls this weekend.

The two-day event at the Elks Lodge features celebrity guests, cosplay, collectibles, artists and vendors, drawing fans from across eastern Idaho and beyond.

For Samantha Newark, the voice of Jem and Jerrica Benton from “Jem and the Holograms,” the event is a chance to reconnect with fans who grew up watching the cartoon in the 1980s — and meet a new generation discovering it for the first time.

“I’m here to represent Jem, kind of the ambassador for Jem, and to meet the grown-up ’80s kids and the batch of young fans, which we’re calling the next generation,” Newark said.

Newark said it’s still surprising to meet younger fans who weren’t even born when the show originally aired.

“You’ll get a kid coming up to you who’s like 12, and they’ll either be in full Jem cosplay or they’ll be like, ‘Oh my God, I love you so much,'” Newark said. “They found it themselves and fell in love with the show.”

That same multi-generational appeal was a common theme among the celebrity guests.

Bettina Bush, the voice of Rainbow Brite, said she enjoys attending smaller conventions because of the passion fans bring.

“I absolutely love coming to the smaller conventions in the smaller towns because the people are so invested and they come out because they love the characters and they love the shows,” Bush said. “It’s so important to be able to be here for the fans.”

Bush said classic characters continue to connect parents and children decades after their debut.

“The great thing about Rainbow Brite and My Little Pony is that they really span all of the generations,” Bush said. “Their moms share this joy from their childhood with them. It’s all happiness. It’s all color and love.”

Power Rangers stars David Fielding, who portrayed Zordon, and Christopher Khayman Lee, who played Andros in “Power Rangers in Space,” said they’re grateful the franchise continues to resonate with fans around the world.

“We’re lucky enough to be a part of a franchise that continues to inspire people throughout the years,” Lee said. “We’re just very grateful to be able to go where we can meet people and talk about our experience on the show and their love of it as kids.”

Beyond the celebrity guests, Retro X also welcomed members of the 501st Legion, an international Star Wars costuming organization known for its screen-accurate costumes and charitable work.

Erin Atwood said the group uses its love of Star Wars to give back to local communities and raise money for children’s charities.

“We like to say we get paid in smiles from old kids, young kids, kids of all ages, zero to 99,” Atwood said.

Atwood said the organization is currently raising money through its partnership with Make-A-Wish, helping grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

For many attendees, Retro X is about more than meeting celebrities or finding a rare collectible.

It’s about sharing childhood memories, discovering new fandoms and connecting with others who love the same characters and stories.

Retro X continues Saturday at the Elks Lodge in Idaho Falls from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets and event information are available at ifretrox.com.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – If you’ve passed through the historic downtown area of Pocatello recently, you’ve likely run into many road closures, detours, road cones and closed sidewalks. The City of Pocatello currently has multiple construction projects underway downtown, including rebuilding walls on the Center Street underpass, replacing the Portneuf River Bridge on Benton Street, and, though not a city-affiliated project, Google Fiber is being installed throughout neighborhoods.

Tom Kirkman, the public works director for the City of Pocatello, said they’re also completing pedestrian safety programs on Main Street this summer. Parks and Recreation received a significant tree grant and has been removing dying trees and replacing them.

The Construction Projects

For those who have lived in the area for a few years, the Center Street underpass closure may feel all too familiar.

“A couple of years ago we had the underpass closed and we had some permitting issues that kept us from getting the work completed,” Kirkman said. “It’s something we’re not really proud of, but we’re moving forward from that and learning from mistakes. Now, we’re moving forward on the underpass and making really good progress.”

Kirkman says construction crews are replacing the retaining walls and pieces of the sidewalk on the underpass. The retaining walls are critical to the structure and, if left to decay, could lead to an implosion.

“The retaining walls are what hold back the earth supporting the railroad tracks as well as prevent collapses onto vehicles,” he said. “The underpass is approaching 100 years old, it’s served us well, but it’s starting to show us its age and it’s currently safe, but we need to get ahead of it.”

The Center Street underpass construction, Friday, June 12

The city has planned to replace all the bridges over the concrete levee section of the Portneuf River. The bridge on Benton Street is the last one to undergo construction. It’s age has led to weight restrictions for crossing, and Kirkman said with the help of a grant, they are able to replace the bridge at no cost to the city.

The noise around Benton Street is a result of crews pounding in pilings to get foundation work complete for the bridge installation. Kirkman says the city understands the inconvenience on local residents.

“We appreciate the patience of the neighbors,” he said. “We’re trying to get this done as quick as we can. We know it’s a struggle, but we’ll get there.”

The timelines for these construction projects remain fluid, as crews run into problems associated with the Gate City. The downtown area is famous for large rocks that came in from the flood 50 years ago, creating hiccups in the construction process today. Now, the city says they hope to have the Benton Bridge rebuilt by fall 2026 and the Center Street underpass back open at the end of this year.

“We’ve put a second crew down there, we’re working 50 hours a week instead of 40 now to try to get back on track so we can get this done,” Kirkman explained. “We know it’s been a big inconvenience for the public and for businesses both on the east and the west side in historic downtown.”

The Portneuf River Bridge contruction on Benton Street. Friday, June 12

Another underpass used to stand on Halliday street, but had to be filled in with gravel years ago due to structural issues. The city is trying to avoid the same issues by getting ahead of the Center Street underpass. Kirkman said it’s too valuable to the community and they don’t want to lose the ability to go under the railroad.

Thankfully, visiting tourists can find road closures and detours on Google Maps, an addition to the construction process Kirkman says should ease traffic flow issues.

“The closures will be on Google Maps, it will direct you to one of the overpasses on either end instead of running you into a construction site,” he said. “We think that’s been a big help and we hope it’s helped the businesses try to get some of that tourism back.”

But, local businesses are struggling.

Local businesses see decrease in customers

The Center Street underpass is a major through-way off from Interstate 15’s exit 69 in Pocatello and offers a direct route into downtown, where tourists can support local businesses.

“We’re coming up on six months now that it’s been closed, and it’s certainly affected us quite a bit,” said Bill Kelvie, owner of Gate City Coffee, a local favorite in the heart of downtown. “Our numbers and averages reflect that the foot traffic in downtown is very, very low right now because of that.”

Kelvie said regulars he used to see in the coffee shop multiple times a week are now in only a few times a month. They tell him it’s because it’s just too hard or “out of their way” to make it to their storefront off Main Street and Center.

“While the locals still know how to get around the detours, the tourists don’t,” Kelvie said. “We realize this is a project that needs to be done, we support it, we just feel it’s taken a tremendous amount of time, multiple efforts that weren’t done correctly, and that effects downtown businesses.”

He said the City could invest in larger signage pointing visitors to the historic downtown area, which would help alleviate the low traffic. Most international or regional travelers are headed to Yellowstone National Park through Pocatello, and Kelvie says without a convenient way to get downtown for a coffee or shopping, the tourists forgo it altogether and move on.

While Yellowstone has reached a record number of tourists already this season, the numbers for downtown Pocatello businesses do not reflect that. “We usually have people from all over Europe, South Africa, all over the place,” Kelvie said. “And we’re not seeing them. If the City could really step up and get some really good signs, big signs that say ‘historic downtown Pocatello this way,’ and bring them down here, that would help solve a lot of the problem.”

Kelvie says they were told one lane of the underpass would remain open throughout construction, and he and his wife have been sorely disappointed this isn’t the case. To date, the underpass hasn’t opened, and there’s no word of a usable lane coming soon.

“Historic downtown is the unpolished gem in our area, and it’s the heart of Pocatello,” Kelvie said. “Let the people who want to make downtown Pocatello a nice place, make it a nice place.”

Kelvie said they haven’t had an update for a couple of months about the project and don’t know if it’s still on track to complete at the end of the year. Kirkman still cited the end of 2026 as the project’s completion date, but after every hiccup and disappointment for local business owners, Kelvie isn’t so sure.

“I don’t want to be negative on the project, we like the project and know it needs to be done, and we’re certainly excited for it to open eventually,” Kelvie said.

For now, local business owners say to continue supporting them by traveling by detour into the downtown area.

“We have some really nice stores and businesses down here that are worth coming down and shopping in,” Kelvie said. “We have great antique stores down here and other businesses that really want to earn your business as a customer. They’re your neighbors, they’re your friends, they’re people you know, so come support them.”

Kelvie mentioned several businesses are struggling with the lack of traffic this season, some closing up shop and others moving to more frequented locations. The traffic on Main Street has saved many of them, providing traffic of locals to and from work. Still, the foot traffic in downtown is low.

“I will say the difference is pretty substantial,” Kelvie said. “Enough for me as a person who has been in business for many years to really have to pause and evaluate and say, ‘does the City of Pocatello really support businesses in historic downtown?'”

Comment from the Chamber of Commerce

Organizations like the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce are doing what they can to support local businesses during a drought season.

“The Center Street underpass has been a project for quite a long time, and it really needs to get done, but it’s important that it does get done because we need that structure to be solid. Most of the businesses down here understand that,” said Matthew Hunter, President and CEO of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce. “Their regular customers are finding them with the wayfaring signs the city put up. We support local businesses throughout the community, beyond the downtown area, too.”

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Stephanie Lucas

BEAR LAKE, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho State Police is ramping up resources at Bear Lake ahead of its popular summer season.

According to a June 12 press release, ISP has been “mobilizing additional troopers and specialized equipment to support public safety throughout the busy season,” when “thousands of visitors flock to Bear Lake to enjoy the water, campgrounds, trails and surrounding recreation areas.”

To meet the increased demand, ISP says it will expand its presence through a combination of traditional patrols, off-highway vehicles and aerial resources.

Troopers will continue to patrol the area by vehicle, and ATVs will be used to access the shoreline and off-road locations that are difficult to reach by traditional patrol vehicles. Drones might also be deployed during periods of high activity, search-and-rescue efforts, and public safety incidents.

ISP also said they will work closely with the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Department of Lands, and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to coordinate resources and respond to emergencies this season.

“Bear Lake is one of Idaho’s most popular summer destinations, and that comes with a significant increase in traffic and calls for service,” Captain Clint Skinner said. “We’re doing everything we can to help everyone enjoy a safe summer, but it’s important that visitors do their part by wearing seat belts, wearing life jackets, and never driving impaired.”

The increased law enforcement presence will continue throughout the summer season.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – For generations, the Idaho Falls Family YMCA has been serving kids, youth and adults with sports leagues, summer camps, child care and more.

YMCA staff, community leaders and ambassadors from the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber celebrated the non-profit’s 175th year operating in the United States with a ribbon cutting and community luncheon Friday.

“We are a beacon of hope and connection for members and nonmembers to come together and find a sense of belonging, a sense of connection, and a way to shoot for a healthier and a successful future,” said Idaho Falls YMCA CEO Tanner Rohne. 

Here in Idaho Falls, the center serves 3,000 youth a year with soccer, bowling, t-ball leagues and more.

“We’re also the great hosting site for basketball and volleyball games that take place here,” Rohne said. “We are the host for a whole bunch of members to come in and work on their fitness goals, whether that be working with a personal trainer, seniors coming in and connecting with group exercise classes.”

The YMCA also offers childcare from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for kids from two to preschool and amazing summer camps and after school programs for kindergarten through sixth grade, Rohne added.

The organization has been part of the community for 81 years.

YMCA volunteers, staff, members and Greater Idaho Falls Chamber ambassadors celebrate 81 years in Idaho Falls.

Its renovated exercise facility features state-of-the-art equipment.

The center is also updating its facilities, featuring a major campaign to retrofit its popular sports arena in Ammon.

It has raised $160,000 out of $250,000 to install new turf and HVAC upgrades so soccer can be played all year long, said Marketing Director Kim Schofield.

The YMCA also is preparing to launch a capital campaign to construct a new building.

To help, coach, participate or volunteer with this incredible organization, you can stop by the YMCA at 155 North Corner Avenue.

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Independent country artist Ashley Wineland pulled her tour bus up to Local News 8 to give viewers a live acoustic performance with just her and her guitar.

Wineland is in town as part of her national tour ahead of weekend performances at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming.

An Arizona native, she is familiar with the West and brought her upbeat country song “Love Letter” to Local News 8 viewers.

She has reached more than 1 million streams on several of her songs on YouTube and was excited to share her unique voice and talent with Jeff and Megan.

More information about Wineland and her tour is available at AshleyWineland.com.

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Par Kermani

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — A judge is set to hear arguments today over whether prosecutors violated a gag order in the case against the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Tyler Robinson faces aggravated murder and other felony charges in connection with Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University.

Robinson’s attorneys filed a motion in April asking the court to hold the Utah County Attorney’s Office in contempt, arguing prosecutors improperly commented on the case to the media.

The dispute centers on public statements made after reports surfaced that a ballistics test was unable to conclusively link a bullet recovered in the case to a rifle connected to Robinson.

Defense attorneys argued prosecutors crossed the line by publicly discussing the strength of their case and suggesting Robinson’s guilt before the matter is decided by a jury.

In court filings, the defense argued that statements claiming the state has enough evidence to prove Robinson committed the crime are the equivalent of declaring him guilty.

Prosecutors are asking Judge Tony Graf to dismiss the contempt motion.

The Utah County Attorney’s Office argues its comments were made in response to media questions and were intended to correct what it described as misleading information about the ballistics report.

According to prosecutors, the defense failed to mention that federal investigators were unable to either identify or exclude the rifle as the source of the bullet.

The prosecution also argues that stating it has sufficient evidence to meet its burden at trial is not the same as declaring Robinson guilty, but rather reflects the basis for pursuing the case.

Judge Graf is expected to hear arguments on the issue before deciding whether the comments violated the gag order and whether the contempt motion should move forward.

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Par Kermani

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little joined First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Thursday to support a new initiative she launched “Fostering The Future Accounts”.

The program would allow states to establish savings and investment accounts for children in foster care.

“Idaho is proud to support this initiative. Every young person deserves the tools to succeed, achieve independence, and pursue the American Dream.” said Governor Little in a statement.

According to the Office of the First Lady, the accounts are designed to give foster youth access to long-term savings opportunities similar to those available to other children.

First Lady Melania Trump announced the initiative alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and a bipartisan group of governors.

The program follows new federal guidance allowing state, territorial and tribal child welfare agencies to open and manage investment accounts on behalf of children in foster care.

Trump said the accounts are intended to help foster youth build assets and financial independence before reaching adulthood.

“Fostering the Future Accounts give foster children the same chance for asset ownership and long-term wealth building as every other American child,” Trump said in a statement.

The initiative is part of the First Lady’s broader Fostering the Future effort, which focuses on improving outcomes for children and families involved in the foster care system.

In addition to Idaho, governors from 22 other states have pledged support for the program.

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