Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Hundreds enjoyed a Valentine’s Day themed night at the annual Chocolate Lover’s Affair at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center at ISU, where guests enjoy a variety of sweet treats provided by local bakeries in support of the Pocatello Rotary Club.

The event is a favorite amongst the Pocatello community. Guests enjoy sampling the vendors’ baked goods, which range from handcrafted chocolates, to cheesecakes, caramel apples, hot chocolate, banana breads and even crepes.

Camille’s Crepes, a beloved food truck and crepe business in the community, made red velvet crepes on site tonight so that guests could watch the cooks in action. One vendor, CreeAnna’s LLC, told us they’ve been to the Chocolate Lover’s Affair before and felt the effects.

“Especially around the holidays, I’ve had customers come in and tell me they’ve found us from the Chocolate Lover’s Affair,” said Tiphanie, owner of CreeAnna’s LLC. “It makes me feel good and I love it because it makes it feel like this is worth it.”

Live jazz music was performed throughout the evening by students of Idaho State University. There was also a silent auction for guests to bid on items like a free trip for two, paintings, handmade crafts, a photography session and more.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Pocatello Rotary Club, and wouldn’t be possible without the sponsors of the event like title sponsor Cole Cheverolet. They’ve been sponsoring the Chocolate Lover’s Affair for the past five years.

“It’s a great organization, the Rotary Club of Pocatello,” said Ryan Cole, General Manager of Cole Cheverolet. “They do a lot for our community and I’m really excited and happy I can help in any way. The best part about this entire event is just experiencing the people come in, eat the chocolates, see all the different vendors that this town has to offer and really kind of open their eyes to what we have here in Pocatello.”

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David Pace

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – A wintery “Snowscapes” wonderland will be on full display in downtown Driggs Saturday.

“What better thing to do during cold weather than make snow sculptures?” said Ralph Mossman, one of the original founders of the snow festival, now in its 14th year.

More than 10 huge snow sculptures tower above guests, the compilation of hundreds of hours of work by local artisans and teams hailing from as far away as Michigan and Wisconsin. 

After five days of painstakingly creating intricate, white masterpieces, the completed works will be on public display Saturday during a “Final Frost” festival and celebration.

“We wanted to do a fish – and especially a beta fish – because they’re so beautiful, and they have lovely, flowing fins,” said Jane Lineville, a local snow sculptor on a team from Teton Valley.

“They’ve been sculpting all week,” said Fallon Ryan, Downtown Driggs Association’s development and business engagement manager. “We’ve got five out of ten teams from out of state.”

Tourists are coming from out-of-state to enjoy the festivities.

“Saw these amazing artists setting up all these crazy ice sculptures, and the detail and just the precision that they have to do it is unreal,” said Raul Sanchez, of Jackson, Wyoming, who stopped by Snowscapes after skiing at Grand Targhee.

This year Driggs is hosting the Idaho Snow Sculpting Championship, continuing the competition that was long held in McCall, Idaho.

“Every year it’s gotten bigger and better,” Mossman said. “So whoever wins here gets to go to the Nationals in Wisconsin.”

Families and people of all ages are invited to Saturday’s “The Final Frost” celebration at Driggs Plaza on 60 South Main Street.

You can vote on your favorite snow sculpture for People’s and Kid’s Choice awards from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

You can also watch a quick sculpt competition at 3 P.M. and the final awards ceremony starts at 5 P.M.

Free cookies and warm drinks will be available. Local food trucks will also lunch and dinner.

A local rock band, the Rock Skis, will provide music beginning at 4:30 P.M., and the festival concludes at 7 P.M.

Visitors can view the sculptures all weekend, but don’t wait too long. The sculptures could begin melting away as soon as Wednesday.

“This is an ephemeral art installation. So they have worked so hard to create beautiful masterpieces that will disappear They will melt – so there is a beautiful poetry to that,” said “Lisa Simmons, Downtown Driggs Association Executive Director. “So come soon, come tomorrow, come this weekend. Hopefully they’ll be up next weekend. We’re never sure how long they’ll stay up.”

Magnificent snow sculptures grace Driggs Plaza this week in Driggs, Idaho.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If you have driven past College of Eastern Idaho lately, it would be hard to miss the construction of the brand new Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech building that is nearing completion. 

“We are very excited that both Frontier Credit Union and Battelle Energy Alliance came together to name this building, and it’s going to house some of our most high-tech programs here on campus,” says CEI President Lori Barber.

The Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building now dominates the campus skyline. Introduced last August, Barber says the facility is designed to address a growing demand for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields throughout eastern Idaho.

College officials will be given the keys to the building in July, which allows teachers time for a summer move-in before students begin using the classrooms and spaces at the start of the fall 2026 semester.

The facility will serve as the primary home for several of the college’s most advanced technical programs. Its halls will house the cybersecurity, mechatronics, and energy systems engineering transfer programs, alongside specialized spaces for surgical technology.

Beyond its laboratory capabilities, the building is intended to solve space problems for the campus. 

“So we have a really big campus, but it has historically been a commuter campus,” said President Lori Barber. “So we don’t have a lot of spaces for students to gather, study, and collaborate. And so this building is going to be full of those spaces.”

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Just because there’s no snow on the road doesn’t mean that plow operators aren’t on the roadways. Normally, this time of year, Local News 8 warns drivers to be vigilant on icy roads, as snowplow crashes are pretty common.

This year, the Idaho transportation department is taking advantage of the lack of snow. They are working on things like asphalt repair, guardrail repair, and tree removal. ITD is still asking drivers to look out for crews on the roadways.

“So this winter, as you’re driving, I guess just be more cautious of those traffic control devices in places that you might not typically expect to see them for January and February, but at least that means we are getting caught up and making sure that the road is as good as it can be all year long,” said Sky Buffat Public Information Officer for the Idaho Transportation Department.

Just because it has been a mild winter, Buffat says they are prepared for weather changes and will adjust their crew schedule accordingly. 

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Stephanie Lucas

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments today to determine whether Parental Choice Tax Credits, a program that provides public funds to families for non-public education expenses, are constitutional.

Lawyers representing the Idaho Education Association (IEA) and the Moscow School District argue that it drains resources from Idaho’s public school system. On the other side, supporters say the bill simply returns tax dollars to families choosing to use options outside of the system.

In today’s hearing, lawyers for the Idaho Education Association and the Moscow School District asked the Supreme Court to block the credit.

“The clear meaning we believe under the dictates of the constitution is that any time public moneys are being funneled to private enterprise, even if it is an impermissible funding,” argued Marvin M. Smith, attorney for the plaintiff.

The defense maintains that Article One, Section 9 of the Idaho Constitution does not impose a limit on the legislature.

“All the text requires is that the legislature establish and maintain a thorough system of public schools. And nobody here today disputes that it’s done that,” said Deputy Solicitor General Michael Zarian.”That should be the end of the analysis.”

Program Details and Impact

The program, established by House Bill 93, was signed into law by Governor Brad Little on February 27, 2025. According to HB 93’s statement of purpose, the program allows parents and guardians to receive up to 5-thousand dollars per student for “non-public school related expenses and up to 75-hundred for students with disabilities. 

Since taking effect, over 46-hundred families have applied for the tax credit

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — State leaders and fire service professionals from across Idaho gathered at the State Capitol in Boise on Jan. 20, 2026, as Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week, reinforcing a statewide commitment to prevention-focused public safety. Idaho Falls Fire Department Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett attended the proclamation signing in support of these statewide efforts, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to applying Community Risk Reduction principles locally.

The proclamation underscores Idaho’s emphasis on prevention, preparedness, and coordinated public safety efforts and supports the work of the Idaho Community Risk Reduction group, led by Meridian Fire Department community risk reduction manager Carly Shears.

During the ceremony, Shears outlined the intent and purpose of Community Risk Reduction and emphasized the importance of proactive, data-informed strategies to reduce risk before emergencies occur.

“Community Risk Reduction is the process fire departments use to identify risk before tragedy occurs and to take intentional action to reduce it,” Shears said. “As Idaho continues to grow, Community Risk Reduction provides the strategic framework and mindset shift from reactive to proactive.”

This year’s Community Risk Reduction message focuses on the five Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response. Together, these elements form a comprehensive approach that ensures prevention efforts are not isolated programs, but coordinated strategies that reduce risk before, during, and after emergencies.

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, bringing increased call volume, higher population density, expanding development, and growing wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface. At the same time, fire departments are facing staffing and budget limitations while emergencies become more frequent, complex, and severe. Community Risk Reduction provides a framework for addressing these challenges through collaboration, planning, and prevention.

This recognition by Gov. Little reinforces Community Risk Reduction as a foundational element of modern fire service work statewide. In Idaho Falls, that commitment is carried out through the Fire Prevention team, which applies data-driven strategies to reduce risk and help protect the community before emergencies occur.

Additional information and resources related to Community Risk Reduction Week are available at crrweek.org.

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News Release

The following is a news release from Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25:

POCATELLO, IDAHO – At its January regular meeting, the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees conducted its annual reorganization and elected officers to serve for the year.

The Board elected the following officers:

Raymond Knoff, Chair

Deanna Judy, Vice Chair

Megan Furniss, Assistant Treasurer

Heather Clarke, Assistant Clerk

Jim Facer, Member

In addition to officer elections, the Board approved committee assignments for 2026:

Calendar Committee: Heather Clarke, Megan Furniss

CIP/Long Range Planning Committee: Raymond Knoff, Deanna Judy

District Curriculum Committee: Raymond Knoff, Megan Furniss

Textbook Adoption Committee: Deanna Judy, Raymond Knoff

Raymond Knoff Elected Board Chair

Raymond Knoff, who was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2023, was selected by his fellow trustees to serve as Board Chair. As chair, Knoff plans to focus on fiscal responsibility and long-range budgeting with careful consideration of the state’s current budget shortfall. Additional priorities include addressing the impacts of state and federal unfunded mandates—particularly in special education—and guiding thoughtful discussion around the role artificial intelligence will play in classroom instruction and educational choice.

Knoff brings extensive experience in education, technology, and district-level administration to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education in Technology Education from the University of Idaho and completed his student teaching at Moscow Middle School. His professional background includes serving ten years as a District Technology Coordinator in Oregon, serving both the Umatilla School District and the West Linn/Wilsonville School District.

In addition to district leadership experience, Knoff has taught at Blue Mountain Community College in Hermiston, Oregon, and served as an instructor for Idaho S.T.A.R. Motorcycle Rider Safety. He previously held Idaho high school teaching certifications in Industrial Arts, Technology Education, Mathematics, and Physics, as well as vocational certification earned through his years of district-level service.

About the Board of Trustees

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the school district. The Board’s authority is established by the Idaho State Constitution, state statutes, and regulations of the Idaho State Board of Education. Authority is granted to the Board as a whole, not to individual members. Trustees are locally elected officials who serve four-year terms, while the Superintendent of Schools, Douglas Howell, oversees the district’s day-to-day operations.

More information about the Board of Trustees and PCSD 25 leadership is available at www.sd25.us/district/board.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Today marks a historic milestone for the region’s airwaves. January 23, 2026, officially marks the 65th anniversary of KIFI Local News 8, celebrating over six decades of dedicated service to southeast Idaho and western Wyoming.

Local News 8 Day

In honor of this achievement, Idaho Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed January 23, 2026, as “KIFI Local News 8 Day.” The declaration honors the station’s unwavering commitment to excellence in broadcast journalism, providing essential coverage in news, weather, and sports.

Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw also provided a local proclamation, inviting residents to recognize the station’s “long history of impactful service and continued essential contributions informing generations past, present, and future across our community.”

Pioneering the Airwaves

KIFI first aired on January 23, 1961, as an NBC affiliate. At the time, the station broadcast at 316,000 watts, making it the most powerful television station in the state of Idaho. For its first 44 years, KIFI-TV was owned by the Brady family, the longtime publishers of The Post Register.

Our station’s history and legacy have been defined by several “firsts” and major transitions for the region.

1962: Local News 8 became the first station in Idaho to broadcast a live remote sporting event, telecasting a basketball game from Reed Gym at Idaho State University.

1967: KIFI led the way again by becoming the first Idaho station to transition to color broadcasting.

Looking Ahead: A Year-Long Celebration of Local Storytelling

While today is about looking back, the celebration is just beginning. Throughout 2026, Local News 8 will feature a series of special reports reflecting on the people, places, and pivotal stories that have shaped our station and Southeast Idaho over the last 65 years. Join us on Thursday nights throughout 2026 for our special celebratory coverage.

KIFI Local News 8 Day 2026_260120_103133Download

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho political community is mourning the loss of a former state representative and historian. Linden Bart Bateman, of Idaho Falls, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the Lincoln Court Retirement Community. He was 85 years old.

Bateman’s career in the Idaho Legislature spanned nearly two decades across two different eras, serving from 1977 to 1986 and returning to the Statehouse from 2010 to 2016.

A native of Salt Lake City, Bateman’s path to the legislature was rooted in education. After studying political science at Brigham Young University, he spent years teaching high school history and government. He later shared his expertise as a supervisor of student teachers at BYU-Idaho.

Beyond the halls of the Capitol, Bateman was a founding member of the Bonneville County Historical Society and took part in forming that county’s history museum.

Tributes from State Leaders

Governor Little released a statement on the former legislator’s passing, saying: 

“Linden Bateman was a close friend of mine and a true statesman. Linden was passionate about Idaho history and played a key role in establishing March 4 as Idaho Day. He listened thoughtfully, led with principle, and always sought to do what is right. Idaho is better because of his work, and his legacy of character and public service will not be forgotten.”  — Governor Brad Little.

The Republican Party of Bonneville County also paid tribute to Bateman’s influence on the region, noting his “genuine care for people” and his commitment to conservative principles.

“Linden dedicated his life to education, public service, and preserving the history and values that make our community strong. His love for Idaho’s heritage, his commitment to conservative principles, and his genuine care for people leaves a lasting mark on our county and our state.” — Bonneville County Republican Party.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield reflected on Bateman’s significant contributions to Idaho’s educational communities.

“Linden Bateman dedicated his life to public service, education, and preserving Idaho’s history. As both a longtime educator and former member of the Idaho Legislature, he brought a deep respect for learning into every role he held.

Linden understood the value of passing knowledge from one generation to the next. His advocacy for the teaching of cursive writing reflected his belief that students benefit from understanding where we have been as they prepare for where they are going.

Idaho’s educational community is stronger because of his contributions, and his legacy will continue to be felt in classrooms across our state. On behalf of the Idaho Department of Education, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were impacted by his life and service.” – Superintendent Debbie Critchfield

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