Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – June is hernia awareness month, and some surgeons at the Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello are highlighting new technology to ensure each hernia surgery goes as smoothly as possible.

The technology has taken off in the world of surgery, changing how doctors operate on many injuries, including hernias.

“We do a lot more complex uses, different planes, different anatomical places to place the mesh,” said Dr. Jorge, a general and trauma surgeon at Portneuf Medical Center. “All of it is because we are so close and we’re so precise that the robot has really revolutionized hernia repair.”

Dr. Jorge explained the surgeries take slighly more time in the operating room, but have been significantly easier for patients to recover from. The patients don’t get as large of an incision and can return to work sooner, sometimes, within days of their operation.

The surgeons also wanted to clarify the robots are under human control throughout the surgery. Doctors can remotely control the arms of the robot, using its specialty tools and optics.

“It’s still our hands controlling the arms, it just takes any little tremor out of the process and holds everything so precise,” Dr. Jorge said. “It’s better than your naked eye cause it’s also so close, I feel like the robot optics are better than my naked eye.”

The optics on the robot are so impressive that it can read the writing on the buildings on a five dollar bill. Dr. Jorge says technology is advancing very quickly, but it’s important to have autonomy and control over the technology in the operating room.

Each hernia case is different and some don’t even require a surgery. A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes against muscle or tissue, causing a bulge in an area of the body, commonly on the stomach or groin area.

“We may have to repair them even though they are asymptomatic,” Dr. Jorge said. “Just based on the characteristics of the hernia, what we find in the CT scan, it’s important to at least get evaluated and we can have a discussion on whether to operate now.”

If the patient doesn’t receive an immediate operation, or is suspicious they have a hernia, it’s important to watch for warning signs of an emergency situation.

“The worrisome complication is when a bulge doesn’t go away,” he said. “It becomes hard and extremely tender. You might have nausea, vomiting and things like that from the obstruction, even a little change in the color of your skin on top of it.”

Those symptoms, Dr. Jorge says, are cause to go to the emergency room.

Hernia is now its own specialty within the medical world, with surgeons like Dr. Jorge receiving specific training and certifications in hernia surgery. Doctors say its become increasingly important to get care from a high-volume center, like the Portneuf Medical Center, meaning the doctors have had many cases in that specific surgery.

“The more you do, like with anything, the better you get,” Dr. Jorge said. “The more touches you have on the robot the better you get. For us, it’s really important to see a lot of hernias, do a lot of repairs because you tweak the process a little bit every time and the results get better with time and practice, too.”

Dr. Jorge said he believes it’s a trend we’ll continue to see with hernia surgeries and more specialized centers will pop up around the country. Even with the new robots, doctors still encourage outpatients to take it easy for several days before returning to work or physical activity after the surgery. Patients can leave the same day they arrive for their operation, with patients receiving a full abdominal reconstruction being the only ones kept at the hospital for several days.

If you’re concerned you may have a hernia, local surgeons encourage you to come to the Portneuf Medical Center office to get it checked immediately.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As Southeast Idaho continues to grow, so do the appearances of Flock cameras. With that, a growing debate is emerging over how much surveillance is acceptable in the name of public safety.

According to Flock website, Flock cameras are solar-powered automated license plate readers. They also record different types of vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color of a car. They’re typically used by police departments, municipalities, and private communities.

Sgt. Bryan Lovell from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office claims that Flock cameras are no different than an officer taking down information with a pen and paper.

“I know it since they’ve been in Idaho (it’s) been a factor in a lot of those cases where it’s narrowed down a search, it’s eliminated people as possible involvement or suspect activity in that, it’s narrowed down suspects and information and helps us kind of, narrow down a search for someone that might be involved in a crime,” Lovell said.

According to Sgt. Lovell, that data is only accessible by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and data can only be shared with other agencies in the case of investigation purposes.

But not everyone is convinced, some Idahoans are concerned about who can access the data.

“This idea of tracking people, and the government surveilling us versus just having a camera like we have in our town. But when you change trying to protect an area or secure the playground from vandalism, and then you shifted from that into tracking people to the point of all their comings and goings. I think that that takes a significant shift in what our purposes of protecting people versus surveilling people,” Tyler Cain, a member of DeFlock Idaho, said.

Cain argues the technology goes beyond reading license plates.

“If you’re taking a picture of a car with a license plate, you can still see through the windshield so you can see who’s driving. It’s not they’re not only tracking license plates,” Cain said.

Sgt. Lovell says these cameras do not collect biometric or personal device information.

“They don’t collect biometrics or anybody’s mobile device information. It collects basically the same things that anybody in the public can see on a vehicle out with their eyes,” Sgt. Lovell said.

As Southeast Idaho continues to install flock cameras, the debate is likely to continue. The question comes down to where the line should be drawn between public safety and personal privacy.

To see a map of Flock cameras near you, visit HERE.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Drivers in Idaho Falls should prepare for a temporary closure on Yellowstone Highway next week as crews repair drains in the Yellowstone Underpass.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the southbound lanes of the U.S. Highway 26 Business Loop at the underpass will be closed June 16 and 17.

The closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

ITD says crews will level drains in the roadway to create a smoother ride for drivers.

During the closure, southbound traffic will be detoured onto Boulevard and through the roundabout at Broadway Street before reconnecting with Yellowstone Highway.

Northbound traffic will not be affected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and watch for crews in the area. Additional information on road closures and construction projects is available through Idaho 511.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello residents are limited to two yard sales per year under city code, and the city is reminding people of the rules as summer yard sale season begins.

According to the City of Pocatello, residents may hold one yard sale between January and June and one yard sale between July and December.

The city of Pocatello recently shared the reminder on social media, encouraging residents to review local regulations before posting signs and setting up sales.

In addition to the limit on the number of sales, residents are required to include sale dates on yard sale signs and remove those signs within 48 hours after the sale ends.

Officials say the rules are intended to reduce clutter and help keep neighborhoods clean and safe.

More information about city code requirements is available through the City of Pocatello.

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Dylan Barfuss

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI)- Pilots flying in and out of Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport will have a shorter runway to work with for the next couple of months. A ruptured irrigation pipe underneath damaged a portion of the runway, causing potential structural weakness and concern that it would not support the aircraft.

The city discovered the damage on June 6th. Airport officials temporarily closed the airport to shorten the runway to 3,850 feet, avoiding the damaged section. The airport is now back open. Pilots who plan to take off or land at the airport must obtain prior permission from Airport Superintendent Billy Cyr at (607) 341-8041.

Repairs to the runway are expected to take 8-10 weeks. City Administrator Doug Self says the 12′ irrigation pipe that ruptured will be abandoned after the city repairs the runway.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho is implementing new entry requirements for animals following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced the restrictions Tuesday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3.

New World screwworm is a parasitic pest that can infect livestock, pets, wildlife and, in rare cases, humans. According to ISDA, the larvae burrow into living tissue, causing severe wounds and potentially significant economic losses for producers.

“Idaho has been preparing for the possibility of New World screwworm reaching the United States, and we are well-positioned to respond,” ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt said. “These state-entry requirements reinforce the critical role that pet owners, livestock producers and animal health professionals play in helping the state respond to the threat posed by New World screwworm.”

To help prevent the spread of the pest into Idaho, state agriculture officials have issued an administrative order establishing additional entry requirements for warm-blooded animals entering the state.

Animals coming from a designated New World screwworm-infested zone must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within five days before entering Idaho, along with a movement permit from the state of origin authorizing the animal to leave the infested area.

Animals coming from a state where New World screwworm has been detected, but outside an officially designated infestation zone, must also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within five days before entering Idaho.

Pets are not immune to the parasite including dogs and cats, State Veterinarian Scott Leibsle urged pet owners to use caution when traveling to affected states.

“Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to the pest as livestock,” Leibsle said. “Owners who do decide to travel with their pets to states affected by New World screwworm will be required to get a health certificate from a veterinarian in that state within five days of their return to Idaho.”

Agriculture officials are encouraging anyone who suspects a New World screwworm infestation to immediately contact a veterinarian. The pest is considered a mandatory reportable disease.

More information, including the full administrative order and a map of affected areas, is available through the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

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Stephanie Lucas

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A toddler was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center over the weekend after a dramatic rollover crash left the child trapped underwater. Fortunately, a group of teens and a couple that was four-wheeling in the area — who reportedly volunteer for local fire and EMS services – came to their rescue.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday, June 6th, a mother and her two children were driving on Fall Creek Road when her truck flipped over and landed upside down in Fall Creek, pinning her and her two children beneath the water’s surface.

A group of nearby teenagers rushed to the scene, shattering the truck’s back window to get the mother out. With the help of the young ‘Good Samaritans’, the mother was able to re-enter the submerged truck and rescue her children from their car seats. The 4-year-old was quickly brought out of the water, but the younger of the two children was unconscious and not breathing, according to rescuers.

Just moments later, Brandon and Rylie Albertson—a local couple four-wheeling in the area—spotted the crash. In a stroke of luck, both were CPR certified and instantly jumped into action. Together, they successfully performed life-saving CPR and revived the toddler while calling for emergency backup.

An Air Idaho rescue helicopter later arrived at the scene to transport the toddler to EIRMC. BCSO confirms the woman and the second child were unharmed, but the current condition of the toddler has not been released.

The incident highlights that accidents happen when we least expect them. Click HERE to find local CPR certification resources and learn the skills needed to save a life.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State leadership is warning older Idahoans to “hang up” the phone on a new scam targeting residents enrolled in the federal health insurance program.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a consumer alert on Wednesday following a surge of complaints to his Consumer Protection Division involving fraudulent Medicare calls.

According to the Attorney General’s office, scammers are using “spoofed” local phone numbers to appear legitimate. Callers typically claim that the victim’s Medicare card has expired, been lost, or requires immediate account verification. Labrador says the scammer’s goal is to convince vulnerable adults to turn over sensitive personal data, for example, their Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth.

With that information, Labrador says the criminals can bill Medicare for services and supplies that were never provided, costing taxpayers millions.

“My Consumer Protection Division has seen a surge in complaints from Idaho families, and we want seniors and their families to know how these scams work before they become victims,” said Attorney General Labrador. “No one from Medicare will ever call you to ask for your number.”

The AG’s office reminds Idahoans that official Medicare communication arrives via U.S. mail. Medicare will never call you out of the blue to:

Request sensitive personal information

Charge fees for replacement cards

Demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or cash

What to Do If You Get a Call:

Hang up IMMEDIATELY and call 1-800-MEDICARE directly to verify

Do not provide your Medicare number, Social Security number, or date of birth

Do not make any payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer

If you have received a suspicious call or believe you have been targeted by Medicare fraud, report it immediately at ReportScamsIdaho.com or contact local law enforcement.

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Curtis Jackson

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two pets remain missing after a fire damaged a home west of Driggs on Tuesday night.

The Teton County Fire and Rescue reported the fire occurred around 8:50 p.m. on June 9, 2026, off of Bates Road.

When they arrived, the home was “well established.” Firefighters had to deal with winds ranging between 15 to 20 mph and worked to protect a large propane tank, multiple cars and a large shop nearby.

The fire department reported the homeowners were out of town when the fire started.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the home, but one vehicle sustained significant damage.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported, but two pets remain missing.

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Max Gershon

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Dozens of young baseball players from across eastern Idaho gathered for the Idaho Falls Bandits Youth Camp, where campers had the opportunity to sharpen their skills alongside members of the Bandits summer baseball team.

The camp featured a variety of drills and stations focused on hitting, fielding, baserunning and other baseball fundamentals. But for the Bandits players leading those activities, the day was about much more than teaching the game.

“I love how they get to come here and we get to teach them all about the stuff that we’ve learned,” Bandits player Cole Croft said. “Coach Ryan Alexander has taught us a lot over the last couple of months, and it’s amazing being able to pass along what we’ve learned to the younger kids.”

Bandits head coach Ryan Alexander said the camp also benefits his own players by reinforcing the lessons they work on throughout the season.

“It’s fun to watch our guys teach the things that we’re teaching,” Alexander said. “Sometimes they have a hard time putting those concepts into their own game, so being able to teach the youngsters helps reinforce those ideas. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Throughout the day, campers rotated through stations run by Bandits players, who offered instruction, encouragement and plenty of answers to baseball-related questions. Among the most popular topics: favorite Major League Baseball players.

Names like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Corbin Carroll and Cal Raleigh quickly came up among the young athletes.

For many campers, however, the biggest highlight wasn’t talking baseball stars—it was getting the chance to play the game themselves.

Some campers practiced sliding techniques, while others worked on fielding and baserunning drills. Many simply enjoyed spending a day on the same field where the Bandits play their games each summer.

While the campers arrived hoping to improve their baseball skills, Alexander said the organization’s goal extends beyond wins and losses.

“We hope baseball prepares them for anything life is going to throw at them,” Alexander said.

For one day, the focus wasn’t on the scoreboard. Instead, it was about passing down lessons, building confidence and helping the next generation develop a love for the game.

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