Category: kifi-local-news

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — How should American citizens secure our rights? One constitutional scholar addressed that question and analyzed current events at a Wednesday event presented by the Alturas Institute at the United Methodist Church in Idaho Falls.

“Is this the America we want? You all know that is the central question of our time as we examine what is occurring across America, and particularly in the streets of Minneapolis,” Dr. David Adler said. “We’re asking ourselves, as we observe the tactics and behavior of the ICE officials, is this the America we want where American citizens can be shot down, gunned down and killed?”

Adler, the president of the Alturas Institute, focused much of his presentation on recent actions by the Trump Administration, which he believes acts like an authoritarian regime. 

But, Nick Contos, a local conservative leader, says recent civil right violations stretch beyond the current administration.

“I believe that we should be concerned about all of our elected officials and the power we give them. But when I see someone using hyperbole for the president and his actions, I have to look back at the last five years,” Contos said. “I mean, we all lived through five years ago – the greatest infringement on civil liberties in our lifetimes, I believe – lockdown orders, mandated masks, vaccines, people were fired from their jobs, businesses, the entire economy was shut down with centralized control.”

Both leaders emphasized that protest is an appropriate measure for citizens to petition their government to address concerns and disagreements, but that such events should not descend to rioting.

“I fully support people’s right to their freedom of speech, the right to assembly, the right to protest,” Contos said. “Every American should support that. All too often, protests become riots, and a riot is not a First Amendment right. We’ve seen that on both sides of the aisle.”

“The right of the people to peacefully assemble and to protest is precisely what these times call for,” Adler said. “ … Americans are breaking out all over the country, including here in Idaho Falls and throughout Idaho, to do precisely that.”

In today’s tense political times, the discussion over civil liberties and the proper way to protect them in America will undoubtedly continue.

Dr. David Adler, a constitutional scholar and president of the Alturas Institute, and Nick Contos, a local conservative leader, discuss civil liberties in the United States.

Click here to follow the original article.

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Wednesday’s snow and dropping temperatures didn’t stop a large turnout at White Pine Charter School’s annual Family Dinner Night.

The spaghetti dinner and bingo fundraiser included a student art show, a silent auction, and a penny raffle for younger students.

School Director Ron Cote says while the fundraiser raises a bit of money for the school, the main point of the fundraiser is to bring people together.

“This event is intended to bring the community together,” Cote said. “We sell tickets, make money, it doesn’t put a dent in the needs we have at the school, but the big draw is the community coming together and spending time together.”

White Pine Charter School serves grades K-12. The junior high and high school are also a STEM academy, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.

Click here to follow the original article.

Par Kermani

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Rexburg Police Department is sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in “sextortion” cases, a digital blackmail scheme that investigators say is increasingly targeting high school and college-aged victims in the area.

Detective John Bone is a digital forensics investigator with the department and is concerned with the number of cases he has seen and the mental health impact it is making on community members.

“The bad guys are using those pictures to intimidate the person to send them money,” Bone said. “We’re seeing an uptick in that in the area, and we want to make sure our citizens are knowledgeable about it”.

Police say the scam typically begins on social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. The scammers will often create fraudulent profiles to “catfish” young adults, luring them into sharing explicit photos before blackmailing the individual into giving them money.

Once the photos are sent, the scammers demand payment, often starting around $100 under the threat of sending the images to the victim’s family, friends, or employers.

“My biggest thing is if someone’s demanding money, just stop all communications.” Bone said “There’s opportunities where you can disconnect and turn your profile off. They will threaten they’re going to send it to people that you know or send it to employers. In my experience, I haven’t necessarily seen that actually happen.”

Among young adults, Bone says males are targeted more than females.

“It’s typically people impersonating females and then catfishing or luring these young males into these types of relationships where they think it’s nice and safe. In reality, it’s just to expose them and to extort them.” Bone warns.

The department issued a warning through their social media feed, but was particularly concerned about the mental health toll these cases take on young people. Bone emphasized that the situation, while stressful, is not life-ruining and that help is available.

“We’ve unfortunately seen people take their own lives because they believe this sextortion is going to ruin everything,” Bowen said. “In reality, we can help you, we can document it, and we can get past this. It’s just a bump in the road.”

Police are urging anyone targeted by these scammers to stop all communication immediately and not send any money, as payments often lead to further demands. Also Block the individual and deactivate the social media account to cut off the scammer’s access to the victim’s contact list. And finally Report the incident to local law enforcement.

For parents and youth seeking more information, the department recommends utilizing resources from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Idaho task force. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Maile Sipraseuth

DRIGGS, Idaho — Medicaid cuts and declining reimbursements are having a direct impact in Teton Valley, where Teton Valley Health Care has laid off some staff and closed a clinic amid ongoing financial challenges.

The hospital is one of the largest employers in the valley, but Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Teton Valley Health Care, Leianne Everett, says it is facing pressures similar to rural hospitals across the country. A major factor is a high percentage of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid, along with reimbursement rates that do not fully cover the cost of care.

“Like many other rural health care facilities, we are in a situation where our reimbursements are declining. Fifty-two percent of our patients do come with Medicare or Medicaid as their coverage, which means that 52% of our population, we are not covering our cost on supplying those services to those patients. So, it has created a reliance upon our cash reserves,” Everett said. “And then recently just based on the critical access hospital reimbursement mechanism it was determined by CMS that we owed them $1.2 million.”

Everett, who is the CEO but also has served as the hospital’s CFO since 2023, said leadership has relied on data to determine whether vacant positions should be replaced or eliminated as part of these efforts.

As part of these cuts, the hospital also shut down its infusion clinic.

“In an attempt to look at how we can have enough money to pay the bills we’re encountering on a monthly basis, we were looking at our service lines,” Everett said. “The ability to order those expensive drugs, administer them, and then wait for reimbursement was not sustainable for us in our current situation. That’s why the decision was made.”

Everett says most of the major changes have already taken place. Moving forward, the hospital will continue evaluating individual service lines to determine whether they are financially sustainable.

If a service is not covering its costs, Everett said the hospital may explore options such as negotiating new contracts or making other adjustments to remain financially viable.

“I think that we do have a lot of county support. We’re in a county that’s growing. I think that together with the community support, we’ll be able to figure out how to retain services. I am confident that we will not be closing our doors as a result of this. We’re just going to have to restructure and figure out how to how to respond to the current market conditions,” Everett said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) — All schools within Ririe School District #252 have canceled all classes through the end of the week as a wave of illness leaves many desks and workstations empty.

Superintendent Jeff Gee announced the closure on Wednesday on Facebook, citing a significant spike in absences among both students and staff.

“Our hope is that this four-day break from school will allow the illness to run its course and will also give our custodial staff additional time to complete a deeper cleaning of our buildings,” Gee stated.

The situation in Ririe mirrors that of Hazel Stuart Elementary School in Shelley, which last week was forced to close its doors for four days due to a combination of influenza and stomach flu. Both closures take place in what doctors are calling one of the worst flu seasons in three decades.

RELATED: Super flu: Worst influenza season in 30 years sweeping Idaho

While the classes in District #252 have been cancelled until Monday, all previously scheduled events will proceed as planned. However, district officials are strongly asking students who are ill to stay home.

“Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our students and staff healthy,” states the post.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 33-year-old local man faces up to five years in state prison after a jury found him guilty of striking a police officer during a confrontation last summer.

On Tuesday, January 27, Christian James Markmiller was convicted of felony battery on a peace officer and misdemeanor resisting or obstructing, according to Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal.

The charges stem from an incident on June 13, 2025, where Markmiller was allegedly attempting to film officers from the Idaho Falls Police Department as they investigated a report of an impaired driver. Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) officers were investigating a report of an impaired driver when Markmiller approached the scene. Though not involved with the driver in the initial investigation, Markmiller began filming the officers with his cellphone while shouting at them.

According to court documents, the officers told Markmiller he could video the traffic stop from a safe distance, but the 33-year-old continued to approach, circling the officers. In their testimony, one of the officers stated they ordered Markmiller to “step no closer,” but instead, he continued to approach.

The officer then told Marmiller he was interfering with the traffic stop and was under arrest. At this point, the officer took hold of him, and Markmiller struck the officer in the head. Court documents detail how Markmiller continued to resist the officers as they took him to the ground and handcuffed him.

During the trial, Markmiller argued that his actions were protected under the First Amendment, claiming he had a “duty” to disobey what he perceived as an unlawful order.

Prosecuting Attorney Neal categorized the incident as a “First Amendment audit,” pointing to several YouTube contributors who make a living by videoing police activity and sometimes antagonize and try to provoke the police.

He noted that while citizens have the right to record police, that right does not grant immunity for physical interference or violence.

“The courts have consistently held that while the First Amendment recognizes several rights, these are not absolute,” explained Neal. “Many of these professional ‘auditors’ actually employ lawyers who advise them on the limits of the law,” Neal said.

“The First Amendment does not excuse someone who interferes with a lawful investigation, commits violence against police officers, or resists a lawful arrest,” Neal added.

Markmiller remains in custody pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for March 25, 2026.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

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

RIRIE, Idaho — The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the purchase of 280 acres during its November meeting, expanding the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in eastern Idaho. Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, onX, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game license dollars. The Department took ownership of the property in early December following Commission approval.

The newly acquired property is located approximately 16 miles east of Idaho Falls and is directly adjacent to the existing Tex Creek WMA. The 280 acres consist of two parcels that will provide important habitat benefits for big game winter range and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse year-round.

The southern parcel includes one of the few remaining juniper stands in the area, which has been shown to be critical winter habitat for mule deer following the Henry’s Creek Fire in 2016. Protecting this parcel helps maintain secure winter range for deer and other wildlife during harsh conditions.

The northern parcel is primarily grassland habitat, consistent with much of the former agricultural landscape within the WMA. This habitat supports Columbian sharp-tailed grouse throughout the year and contributes to the long-term conservation of the species.

Tex Creek WMA is managed to help wildlife when they are most vulnerable, while also providing unique hunting and recreational opportunities for the public. “Thanks to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and onX for helping to make this acquisition possible,” says Ryan Walker, Tex Creek Habitat Biologist. “Adding these additional acres will protect them in perpetuity and allow the wildlife populations that depend on these landscapes to thrive.” 

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho State University:

POCATELLO, Idaho — Experience an evening honoring Indigenous Resilience as Dr. S. Matthew DeSpain presents traditional Far West fur trade history at Frazier Hall on January 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Throughout the event, DeSpain will reconceive traditional Far West fur trade history and emphasize how the mountain men and rendezvous are still heavily rooted in American expansionism, discovery, and exceptionalism. Therefore, encounter and centrality of Native peoples become the better means in rediscovering and rebalancing the history of the Far West fur trade.

While Jedediah Smith is a key figure in this popular story of exceptionalism and the “opening of the West”. Smith’s “discoveries” resulted from numerous encounters with Indigenous peoples who informed and guided Smith with Indigenous cartographic knowledge through various Indigenous geopolitical worlds.

DeSpain is a professor of history and director of Native American Studies at Rose State College in Oklahoma. Originally from Orem, Utah he attended Brigham Young University then completed his graduate work at the University of Oklahoma. He served the Chickasaw Nation in their Culture and History Division and taught at OU in both history and NAS before landing at Rose State. Teaching and research interests span the Native American history, history of the West, the imagined West, stereotypes and Indian mascots, federal Indian policy, masculinity in the West, and the Far West fur trade. When not pursuing history and Indigenous studies you can find him fly fishing, playing bagpipes, or seeking out the next best extreme rollercoaster.

This event is made possible by the Mary and Melvin Jackson endowment. A reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation and film in the lobby of Frazier Hall.

The IMNH has served Idaho since 1934. To learn more please visit isu.edu/imnh or call (208) 282-3168.

Click here to follow the original article.

Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Blackfoot is calling on the public for help after an intentional act of vandalism that left local homeowners facing costly repairs and hazardous sewage backups over the weekend.

According to a post on the City of Blackfoot Facebook page, an unknown individual, or individuals, intentionally destroyed a sewer manhole lid and filled the opening with sand. The incident took place between Friday, Jan. 24, and Monday, Jan. 26, on Hill View Drive, just off E. Walker Street.

The resulting blockage didn’t just damage city infrastructure; City officials say it caused immediate sewage drainage issues and backups inside nearby homes. The post describes the fallout as a significant “hardship” for Blackfoot residents who are now dealing with the financial aftermath.

The Investigation

In the wake of the act of vandalism, the Blackfoot Police Department is currently canvassing the neighborhood and asking residents to check their Ring doorbell cameras or security footage for any suspicious activity during the weekend in question. City officials are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or has more information on what happend to come forward.

“Even small details can make a big difference,” states the post.

In a direct message to the vandal or vandals responsible, the City did not mince words, labeling the act as “sabotage” and highlighting the severe legal stakes involved.

“To the individual or individuals responsible for this recent act of sabotage (this can be considered an act of Domestic Terrorism and prosecuted under Federal law), we encourage you to reach out to City Hall so we can discuss any concerns you may have about the City operations directly,” states the post. “Constructive conversations help us improve our community, while vandalism only harms the very neighborhoods we all care about.”

If you have information regarding this incident or captured suspicious footage on Hill View Drive, please contact the Blackfoot Police Department. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Team

SODA SPRINGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) announced Tuesday that he has secured over $9 million in federal funding to overhaul the stretch of US-30 through the heart of Soda Springs.

The investment, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan 341-88 vote. The project aims to modernize aging infrastructure and bolster the local economy.

Simpson says the project is a long-time priority for Idaho and will help keep Soda Springs’ economy strong.

“This project will provide essential infrastructure improvements, enhancing public safety,” said Rep. Simpson.  “Additionally, it will attract more visitors, which will help keep Soda Springs’ economy thriving. Since this has been a concern, I am proud to advocate for this project that will bring necessary improvements and benefit the people of Soda Springs and throughout the state.”

The funding will be used to fix the damaged base and surface pavement of US-30, fill in thin spots, and add a center lane to address safety concerns with an eastbound left turn into the Caribou County Sheriff’s Office. The project will also replace old and failing water pipe connectors during construction that are located within the roadway section.

The reconstruction is a key part of Idaho’s 2025–2031 State Transportation Improvement Plan.

“ITD is grateful for Congressman Simpson’s assistance in securing funding for this important project in the heart of Soda Springs. This is a great example of coordinating transportation improvements that benefit the city, county, and the state in a single project,” said Zak Johnson, ITD District 5 Planning and Scoping Engineer.

Click here to follow the original article.