Category: kifi-local-news

Abi Martin

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Madison County Deputies are currently on the scene of a fatal crash in the area of 11000 East, south of Highway 33.

11000 East is closed from 2000 North to East Highway 33 while deputies investigate the crash with assistance from the Idaho State Police.

There is no disruption to traffic on Highway 33 at this time.

Officials are directing the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Madison County Sheriff’s Office will provide an update once the roadway has reopened.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more details as they become available.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Community members in Idaho Falls participated in the Angel Dash, a fundraiser where families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss are honored.

People ran a 5K Saturday, October 11, to support Rachel’s Gift, which provides free resources for hospitals and families dealing with pregnancy, stillbirth or the loss of an infant.

“I stand here in front of you as a mom who has also lost a baby,” said Ceremony Speaker, Michelle Peterson. “This is an important time, and I’m so grateful for all of you who are here—for the nurses and the staff from the women’s centers from the hospitals, to parents to siblings.”

Peterson said nobody there was facing their pain alone. They could all support each other and go through the pain together.

“I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss,” said Peterson. “And for the things that you’re experiencing and going through as a mom, as a dad, as a grandparent, as a sibling. It affects us all in so many ways.”

After the 5K run, everyone released balloons into the sky, each one with the name of a child who left this world too soon.

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Noah Farley

The following is a release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — October 11, 2025, marks the 32-year anniversary of Stephanie Crane’s disappearance.

For many people that lived in Challis in year 1993, they all probably remember the evening of October 11. That was the evening that Sandi Crane walked into the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and reported that she could not find her 9-year-old daughter Stephanie Crane. Stephanie had been bowling in an after-school league and had been instructed to go home after she was done bowling. She did not make it home. There was speculation that she may have crossed US Highway 93 and was going to the Challis High School football field to watch soccer practice. Sadly, this would set off a search that continues thirty-two years later.

There was the thought that Stephanie may have been lost or possibly injured. It is very unlikely that Stephanie disappeared voluntarily or ran away as she was described as a cautious tomboy that was afraid of the dark.

The search started on Monday the 11th of October shortly after Sandi Crane reported Stephanie was missing and went until 12:30 am on Tuesday the 12th of October and then started again at 7:00 a.m. The community rallied in force in the search for Stephanie; nothing was left unturned. However as of 10/13/1993 no clues were found as to Stephanie’s whereabouts, the search continued and will continue until there is a resolution to Stephanies case.

That week was Challis’ homecoming football game and parade. The banner on the homecoming float read “We’re thinking of you Stephanie”, other banners read “Bring Stephanie Home.” Every float was trimmed in purple, which was Stephanies favorited color.

On September 27, 1994, the day before what would have Stephanies 10th birthday, members of the community gathered at the tree in front of the courthouse lawn and released purple balloons that contained a photo and some information about Stephanie.

While there are no witnesses nor a crime scene, there was a report of a small yellow pick with red pin stripes suspiciously parked at the Challis High School, which is in close proximity to the Challis Elementary School. Many tips have come in over the years, and they have all been checked into. Many searches have been done over the years.

In the spring/summers of 2024/2025 thanks to information received many trips were made to the back country to conduct extensive searches. Participating in these searches were the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Custer County Search and Rescue, Retired Lemhi County Sheriff Steve Penner, Lemhi County Search and Rescue, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Idaho State Police District Six Investigations, Idaho State Police detectives from Meridian, Idaho

State Police Cold Case Team Investigators, Boise State University, Idaho Army National Guard, Idaho Central Mine Rescue and their team members, and many teams of search dogs.

At the time of her disappearance Stephanie was 4’02”, 65-85 pounds she a wearing a maroon and white striped hooded sweatshirt with “GIMME” imprinted on the front, maroon sweat pants and maroon and white tennis shoes. Stephanie has a cowlick on the right side of her hairline and a scar near her right eye. She has brown hair and blue eyes. Her face is freckled and she as a space between her two upper front teeth.

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Noah Farley

IONA, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville Art Association held its annual Fall Art Show October 11-12. People got to see and buy the pieces the members have been working on. This year’s featured artists are Ken Fry and Steve Winchester.

“Some just do watercolors, some do oils, but I like to experiment,” Fry said.

“I paint primarily scenery. I do some individuals,” said Winchester. “I like landscaping and flowers and stuff like that.”

The Bonneville Art Association offers workshops and classes for anyone who wants to learn how to paint. Fry and Winchester shared their advice to anyone who wants to learn, but might be hesitant to try.

“Just start,” Winchester said. “You don’t have to have an incredible talent to paint. You just have to have a desire to paint. The more you paint, the better you become.”

Even these featured artists didn’t create masterpieces when they started. We asked them how their current work compares to what they painted when they first started out.

“There’s no comparison,” Winchester said as he laughed. “My first piece of art was just a brown line on a piece of paper.”

“I have a whole lot that’s in the closet,” said Fry. “There’s a lot of failures when you’re doing art.”

Fry and Winchester agree no matter what your experience level might be as an artist, the main thing to create art is to start.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Israel and Sariah Garcia’s love story began like any other, until tragedy struck just two weeks after their engagement. While moving steel beams at BYU-Idaho, Israel was critically injured when a stack of approximately 900 pounds of steel collapsed onto his head. Rushed to the hospital, he showed no signs of brain activity, and doctors gave little hope for survival. “I was very confident that he wasn’t going to make it,” Sariah recalled.”I just remember, sitting there thinking, like, it was perfect this morning. This can’t be real.”

Their perfect life, captured by the photographs on Sariah’s wall, each containing a promise from the man she hoped to marry, had been shattered. Sariah was left to face the possible loss of the man she loved.

Despite the grim outlook, Sariah experienced a profound shift in belief just three days after the accident. “I, without a shadow of a doubt, knew that he was going to live,” she stated. Israel, who had shown no signs of brain activity for five days, was suddenly responding to commands.

Israel’s recovery consistently defied all medical expectations. It was initially believed he would never move, talk, or walk again. But months later, Israel not only relearned how to walk and talk, but he went on to take the biggest step of all: marching down the aisle to marry Sariah just months after the accident. Now, he plans to be the husband and father he promised he would be.

Local News 8 was able to speak with the young man who has proven to be Stronger than Steel. Watch the full story above.

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Danielle Mullenix

EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) – The Wall of Warmth, a community project devoted to providing winter clothes for East Idahoans, is gearing up for its 8th year of donations. The popular outdoor wall displays will begin reappearing this morning, Monday, October 13, across the southeastern Idaho area.

The Wall of Warmth’s goal is simple yet powerful: to provide Idahoans with winter gear and clothes, with no strings attached.

What started as a one-wall project in 2017 has since expanded to over nine locations across Eastern Idaho, with over 55 donation drop-off points.

The project invites community members to donate their clean and gently used coats, pants, hats, or gloves. With previous years showing rocketing numbers of donations, they anticipate a great turnout for this year’s drive.

This year, the Wall of Warmth has set a goal of over 9,000 coats.

Individuals are encouraged to grab any winter gear from the fences in the community, with all donations available from November 10th to 21st.

Valorie Blanchard, the project’s founder and longtime director, will step down from her position following this year’s donation drive. She hopes to find a new leader to continue the project’s legacy.

“Starting this project was one of the most rewarding decisions of my life,” said Blanchard when announcing her intention to pass the torch. “Over the years, I’ve seen some truly touching moments—people helping neighbors, strangers looking out for one another. It’s reminded me how strong and compassionate our community really is.”

For more details on wall sites, drop-off locations, or involvement opportunities, click HERE.

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Danielle Mullenix

Free annual memberships offered to foster families across Eastern Idaho

IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI) — The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is proud to announce the launch of “Foster the Arts”, a new initiative offering free family memberships to families who open their hearts and homes to children in foster care in Eastern Idaho.

By supporting foster families and the vulnerable children they care for, the museum hopes to do its part in creating a more connected, compassionate, and thriving community.

“Foster families play such a vital role in our community,” said Amy Thompson, Development Director at TAM and former foster parent. Thompson’s family provided foster care for six years, ultimately adopting one of their children through the foster system.

“They are helping children heal, grow, and find their footing again—and we believe art can be an important part of that process. We’re honored to create a space where families can connect, create, and find joy together through art.”

Through this program, TAM is providing free annual family memberships to foster families as a way of showing gratitude for the vital role they play in our community.

The initiative underscores the museum’s belief that art can be a powerful force for connection, healing, and belonging.

Each annual membership provides unlimited free admission for a full year, as well as discounts on classes, workshops, and special events. Foster families are invited to enjoy exhibitions, participate in family-friendly programs, and make art a part of their shared story.

The Foster the Arts program is made possible through the support of generous donors who believe in the power of art to build community and strengthen families. The program will begin operating on November 1st.

For more information about the museum, CLICK HERE, or stop by the museum at 300 S. Capital Ave., Idaho Falls.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As the holiday season approaches, some people are turning to a new trend to abstain from alcohol for a “Sober October.” The challenge encourages people to give up alcohol for 31 days. While some see it as a way to detox before a holiday season of indulgence, many are using this challenge as a gateway to giving up alcohol altogether.

The challenge, originally launched in the United Kingdom to support Macmillan Cancer Support, challenges participants to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of October. While some join the official fundraiser, others use the month as a personal reset, especially with the holidays approaching, to take a break from drinking for health or financial reasons.

Experts and participants point to a variety of benefits associated with a month of sobriety. According to health resources like Healthline, abstaining from alcohol for 31 days can lead to improved sleep, better memory, stronger immune function, and a reduced risk of cancer. Individuals may also notice marked improvements in heart health and weight loss. Beyond the physical, the month offers a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on and reassess their relationship with alcohol.

For those participating in the challenge, sources like Clean.co highlight several key strategies for staying on track: For example, participants suggest healthy coping mechanisms like engaging in new hobbies or surrounding yourself with a strong support system. It is also essential to the challenge to prioritize self-care, such as having a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.

Lastly, it is also important to seek professional help when needed, such as a therapist, counselor, or support group.

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News Team

The following is a news release from the Wyoming Department of Education:

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) — Michelle Roundy, a 10th- and 12th-grade English Language Arts teacher at Jackson Hole High School in Teton County School District #1, has been named the 2026 Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

An educator for 18 years, Roundy has developed a deep belief that strong, authentic relationships—amongst teachers and students—are at the heart of meaningful learning. Her teaching centers on cultivating genuine curiosity about the world while nurturing student agency.

“Michelle Roundy is an inspiring leader,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder. “Her dedication to cultivating deep relationships, empowering students with agency and choice, and elevating student voices models the excellence we strive for across our state.”

Roundy is a National Board Certified Teacher and a strong advocate for literacy and student-centered practice. Over her career, she has consistently modeled the importance of being held to high standards and using leadership to elevate the voices of others.

“Everything Michelle does begins with the relationships and trust she builds with her students daily,” says Bennett Lieberman, Principal at Jackson Hole High School. “She also makes her colleagues better teachers by sharing best practices and is a master diagnostician when coaching others to improve their craft.”

Teton County School District #1 Interim Superintendent Scott Crisp adds, “Michelle embodies the very best of the teaching profession, serving as a positive cultural influence for both students and staff. Beyond her classroom, she guides colleagues in effective instruction, mentors new and experienced teachers alike, and serves as the leader of TCSD’s New Teacher Program, fostering the next generation of educators in our community.”

“I am deeply humbled and honored to represent Wyoming as the 2026 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, an opportunity to serve the students and educators of Wyoming in a new capacity,” says Roundy. “Many dedicated educators have supported my journey and modeled the importance of servant leadership for me. It is my wish that I can fill this role in a way that honors them.”

As Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Roundy will represent the teaching profession in Wyoming and serve as a spokesperson for education. She will also attend state and national education events and conferences, acting as a liaison between the teaching community, the Wyoming Legislature, the Wyoming Department of Education, districts, and communities.

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Seth Ratliff

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI) — Evacuations have been lifted in Bear Lake County, hours after emergency crews rushed to the scene of a gas leak in Montpelier this afternoon.

Bear Lake County Emergency Management confirms the hazard has been mitigated, and residents are now being allowed to return to their homes.

The gas leak was first reported on N 9th Street near Grant and Lincoln Street around 1:30 PM, prompting evacuations in the blocks surrounding 9th and Grant streets and a strict order to avoid the area.

The cause of the leak has not yet been confirmed.

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