Category: kifi-local-news

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The New Year has arrived – and with it a flurry of resolutions to power goal-setters toward healthier, better lives.

From relationship goals to spending more time with loved ones, getting out of debt to going on a dream vacation – people throughout eastern Idaho are taking charge and implementing plans for self-improvement as we all push aside the holiday junk food and tackle real issues to enhance our lives.

Here are a smattering of resolutions from your friends and neighbors in the greater Idaho Falls region.

“For 2026, I’m planning on finishing my master’s degree and starting to be a teacher for preschool,” said Idaho Falls resident Ann Caruso.

Idaho Falls High School Math Teacher Sharon Oliver is focusing on incremental improvements in her personal life.

“Personal organization, taking time for friends, taking time for relaxation and health, then just making the most of every day,” she said.

Todd DeVries, a local clinical therapist / social worker, is reaching out to friends for a European vacation.

“I’m excited because I have a trip to Vienna planned, and my New Year’s resolution is to intentionally have more fun this year,” DeVries said.

Local resident Rick Whittaker is starting January off with a brisk jaunt.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get 25 pounds off. So I’m here with my dog right now, just kind of getting started walking,” he said.

Rigby residents Melanie and Kennedy Sullivan set multiple objectives for the coming year.

“I’m trying to find the goals for the five F’s – which is faith, family, finances, fitness, and friends,” Melanie said.

Her daughter Kennedy is prepping for a Color Run at Utah State.

Norman Southworth said he’s hoping to enjoy his retirement and stay healthy.

“I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I usually just fix problems as they come along,” Southworth said.

Finally, Desiree Nason emphasized personal care.

“My main New Year’s resolution is to get my mind healthy,” she said. “So focus on myself, don’t worry about saying no if it upsets other people, and just being able to live my life and be happy.”

All these resolutions may spark additional ideas for ways you can improve this year.

Idaho Falls area residents share their New Year’s resolutions along the River Walk.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Guests at the Idaho Falls Snow Park are in for a wild ride this winter.

The popular snow tubing park is open for the New Year in Bone, Idaho.

Dozens of people flew down steep slopes, caught air on a massive jump and enjoyed full winter fun on ice-packed snow at the grand opening on Wednesday.

In spite of warmer temperatures, the owner says the manmade snow is here to stay at the careening snow park east of Idaho Falls.

“We’re making snow so you can make memories,” said Jamie Rhoda, Idaho Falls Snow Park owner. “What we want to do is have you guys come out to have a good time. Whether we have snow or not, as long as the weather’s cold enough, we make the snow so you guys can come out and enjoy it.”

The park is in its fourth year and features three tube runs that stretch 1200 feet downhill.

Local News 8 reporter David Pace flies into the air on the ‘Big Jump’ at the Idaho Falls Snow Park.

“We provide tubes, bathrooms, parking, conveyor magic carpet ride, and then we have fire pits, indoor/outdoor seating,” Rhoda said. “So all you have to do is show up in your winter clothes.”

A four-hour session on the hill costs $15.

“What I like about the ski hill is that, sometimes you go flying and sometimes you don’t, but it’s still a little fun,” said snowtuber Ila Echler.

The Jackson family, from Idaho Falls, spent the entire afternoon with friends and family.

“I think my favorite part is when all of us link together and you just start spinning,”  said snow tuber extraordinaire Tyler Jackson.

With a major jump, the park promises plenty of surprises.

“When you’re, like, at the bottom, it sprays you in the face,” Carina Jackson said. “And also, I like going in a group.”

The park is located at 207 Bone Road, Iona, and will be open for the rest of Christmas break and all winter long.

For tickets, operating hours, and more information visit IdahoFallsSnowPark.com.

A line of snow tubers rides the magic carpet to the top of the hill at Wednesday’s grand opening.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) – The family, friends, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said goodbye to President Jeffrey R. Holland on Wednesday.

Holland, 85, was serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when he died from complications of kidney disease.

His funeral was held at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Holland is the husband of Patricia Holland, proud father of three children and grandfather of thirteen.

He was ordained an apostle in 1994 and previously served for nine years as President of Brigham Young University.

Holland was known for his firebrand missionary work and touching sermons that reached out to millions around the world.

“My father was an irresistible force for righteousness,” said his son Elder Matthew S. Holland, of the Quorum of the Seventy. “His unique gifts for friendship, intellect, language, and mirth disarmed and drew in virtually anyone who came within his orbit.”

President Jeffrey R. Holland meets with Jewish leaders, including his friend the late-U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, at the BYU-Jerusalem Center in Israel. | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

His daughter Mary Alice McCann emphasized her dad was gave his life to “succor the weak, lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”

“Jeffrey R. Holland was an apostle of hope,” she said. “He believed in the redemption of Jesus Christ, and that through him and because of him all things would be made right.”

The church’s prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, paid personal tribute to the man with whom he served as an apostle for more than three decades.

“President Jeffrey R Holland left a huge mark – loving personal memories of his influence and his unforgettable testimony of God – on all that he touched,” Oaks said.

President Holland will be buried Thursday in his home of Saint George, Utah, next to his wife who died in 2023.

President Jeffrey R. Holland smiles in his office in Salt Lake City. | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Education.

(BOISE) – The U.S. Department of Education announced today that the federal grant program supporting essential staff in Idaho’s community schools will continue, reversing a previous decision that had deemed the program ineligible for funding based on its perceived alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The earlier decision would have frozen nearly $30 million in funding previously awarded to United Way of Treasure Valley (UWTV) as part of a five-year grant scheduled to run through 2028.

“This decision affirms that Community Schools are both effective and fully aligned with federal and state law, and that they reflect the values Idaho families care about most—strong schools and strong families,” said Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. “I’m grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for engaging in a thorough review and for continuing to support this essential program.”

The Full-Service Community Schools State Scaling Grant was awarded to UWTV in 2023 and provides $45.9 million over five years to support 65 schools statewide, including 47 rural public schools. The grant funds services that improve literacy and STEM achievement, expand after-school and career-technical programs, and strengthen access to mental health and family support services. Each organization is locally led by school districts in partnership with families and community organizations. 

“This program works because it respects families as partners in education, and when parents have access to workforce training, healthcare, or adult education, their children benefit,” said Critchfield. “I want to thank United Way of Treasure Valley for its diligent work administering—and defending—this grant. Their leadership has made a real difference when it comes to strengthening our schools, our communities, and Idaho’s future.” 

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch previously submitted a letter to the Department of Education on December 18 in support of the appeal and in favor of keeping the program intact through its original five-year term.

“Idaho has long been a leader in rooting out DEI in our education system,” said Governor Brad Little. “I was pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Education restored Idaho’s grant funding after recognizing the work we have done to eliminate DEI in our programs. The decision confirms these funds were not being used to promote DEI initiatives.”

United Way of Treasure Valley had warned that the earlier decision placed more than 60 full-time staff positions at risk, including community coordinators who connect students and families with food pantries, dental clinics, mental health providers, job training, and GED programs.

For more information about Community Schools in Idaho, visit the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools at idahocoalitionforcommunityschools.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ariel Jensen

KELLY CANYON SKI RESORT, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is well known for its cold winters, and locals recognize that this is not normal weather this season. 

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, near Ririe, is working hard to make its own snow and provide skiers with a winter wonderland.

“We had a really rough start to the year,” said Sam Whitlock, Director of Revenue for the ski resort. “We have spent a lot of time and energy recently investing in our snowmaking. We have great snowmakers. They’re here most nights, all night long, making snow.”

Making snow is nothing new for them. However, in years past, these machines were used to enhance the existing snow. They have now become the cornerstone of making skiing a reality.

“Just complete bare dirt. Just dirt and grass,” said Ryan Mead, lead snowmaker for the hill.  

Mead says making snow requires significant time and effort. “Usually for a run about the size behind me is a, I would say about 2 to 3 days of good, solid 24-hour snowmaking,” Mead said.

People shiver with excitement in a not-so-cold winter.

“Well, the public wants to come ski, and we enjoy seeing people up here. I also thoroughly enjoy making snow, so it’s a great time for everyone,” Whitlock said.

A winter of more rain than snow won’t loom over Kelly Canyon as their team paints a colorful future ahead.

“We just want to lower the barrier of entry to get people on the hill. So, what we can do when there’s not a lot of snow is just make it a nice, welcoming environment. Later this year, we’re going to have a lot of fun things going on. Fun events. So while we can’t control the snow, we can make it as fun as possible,” Whitlock said.

Kelly Canyon plans to be open through the winter, but warmer conditions could change that. 

Be sure to check out their Facebook page for any updates. 

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a news release from Idaho Lottery.

BOISE, Idaho – Long time lottery player and sixth generation Idahoan Sean Klingler, Rigby, claimed one of the $1,000,000 prizes from the popular Idaho Lottery game, the Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle.

“I was at the local store having coffee and started checking some of my lottery tickets.  I had eight Raffle tickets and when the clerk checked them, she told me I had won $100,000,” explained Klingler on how he found out he had the winning ticket. “I didn’t believe her.  I thought maybe it was $100.  Then she said to me, ‘no I got it wrong, you won $1,000,000!’  There was a lot of high fiving in the store after that!”

After he signed the winning ticket, he called his wife and daughter to share the good news, then they all drove immediately to Boise to claim his winnings late Tuesday afternoon.  

“Nobody believes you at first, that you won. They think you’re messing with them,” he told Lottery officials once he arrived in Boise.  “That’s why we’re taking a lot of pictures here. The big check will help, too.”

Klingler plans to take a responsible approach with his winnings.  He is going to pay off a few high-interest debts, buy his wife a new car, then put the majority toward his future retirement.  

“I’ve been playing the Lottery for a long time,” said a joyful Klingler when he received his winnings. “You dream about winning and when it finally comes true, it’s weird.”

The $1,000,000 prize from this year’s Raffle game sold in Kootenai County remains unclaimed.  That ticket number is 326200.  Also, the $100,000 sold in Payette County is also unclaimed.  That winning number is 271072.  Players are encouraged to check all their tickets for winners.

$50,000 Winner from Pocatello

Part of winning the Lottery is the thrill of getting to “call in rich” to work, even if it is only for one day.  That’s what Kurt Blaisdell of Pocatello did when he discovered he was the $50,000 winner from this year’s Idaho $1,000,000 Raffle!  Even though he has to return to work tomorrow, after claiming his $50,000 prize, the one big thing he plans to do with his winnings is to get his fiancé an engagement ring! (No spoilers, she was there when he announced it!).

Looking for a $500,000 Winner from Bannock County

The Idaho Lottery is also looking for a winner from Bannock County who had a Lucky for Life ticket for the Christmas Day draw.  The winning ticket matched all five of the first numbers but not the Lucky Ball and is worth $25,000 a year for life.  The winning numbers for the Christmas Day draw were 23, 29, 31, 37 ,45 and the Lucky Ball was 16.  Players are encouraged to check their tickets for winners.

Click here to follow the original article.

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (News Release) – Demolition of the old water tower is scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 5.  Activities next week will include crane/site setup, with tower removal activities anticipated to begin Friday, Jan. 9.

Demolition will begin at the top of the structure and progress downward, with sections being removed by cranes and specialized equipment. The removal of the old tower is anticipated to be completed in February.

Some parts of the tower have been selected for preservation, while most of the materials will be recycled. Distribution of individual pieces to the general public is unavailable due to safety and logistical issues.

Minimal traffic interruptions are expected. Short-term flagging operations on Capital Avenue may occur as equipment is delivered to the site. No major road closures are anticipated, but some minor interruptions may occur at the Idaho Falls Power building main entrance. Library parking will remain accessible throughout the project. 

“This project is an important investment in the reliability and resiliency of Idaho Falls’ water system,” said Chris Fredericksen, Idaho Falls Public Works director. “By replacing the 89-year-old tower, we are ensuring safe, reliable water service for our community for generations to come.”

The water tower is a critical component of the city’s potable water system, maintaining pressure for multiple wells and providing stored, pressurized water for power outages and firefighting. Built in 1937, the 500,000-gallon tower has served the community for decades and is being replaced as part of a long-term investment in Idaho Falls’ water infrastructure. The new elevated water tower will hold 1 million gallons, doubling storage capacity, strengthening system reliability and enhancing the city’s overall water infrastructure.

The city honored the tower’s legacy through the Water Tower Tribute, a series of community events held over the past year, culminating in an October block party celebrating the tower and its role in Idaho Falls’ history.

Click here to follow the original article.

Curtis Jackson

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Intermountain Gas customers will see a rate increase in their next monthly bill.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved a proposed settlement on December 30, 2025, two days before the increase is to take effect on January 1, 2026.

IPUC said the average residential customer will see an increase of $2.45, or 6.02 percent. Businesses could see an increase of $4.42, or 2.46 percent.

The monthly residential charge will also increase by $3.00 to $11.00. For businesses, it will increase $8.00 to $23.00

Intermountain Gas initially requested a $4.69 increase for residential customers and $9.26 for commercial customers. But IPUC felt the increase would be burdensome for customers and settled for the lower increase.

Intermountain Gas sought the rate increase to cover operating and maintenance costs, which they said had increased by an average of 5.4 percent since the utility’s last rate change.

You can read the formal documents and approval at puc.idaho.gov/case/Details/7525.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Mullenix

This New Year’s Eve, Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming are full of fun celebrations to welcome 2026. There are several ways to be involved in the community this evening, including concerts and book reading events. See the list below for some of the December 31st events:

December 31st, 2025, New Year’s Eve Events:

New Year’s Eve: Arrival from Sweden, the Music of ABBA – (Idaho Falls, ID) A renowned tribute band, founded in 1995, meticulously recreates the sound and stage presence of the legendary Swedish group ABBA. Touring globally, they perform ABBA’s hits with impressive authenticity, often considered the closest experience to the original. Notably, they are the sole tribute band to have received an unreleased ABBA song.

Heads and Tails Distillery’s Midnight Masquerade – (Idaho Falls, ID) Guests can step into the shadows of New Year’s Eve for an evening of mystery and revelry at Heads & Tails Distillery. The Midnight Masquerade, beginning at 9 pm, invites attendees to don their most beguiling masks and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of elegant intrigue.

A $100 ticket grants you exclusive access to this sophisticated affair, including a commemorative Glencairn glass to take home, a signature welcome drink to start the night, gourmet passed appetizers, and the luxury of bottomless bubbly as we count down to midnight.

Jazz House Big Band New Year’s Eve Bash – (Menan, ID) The Jazz House Big Band is partnering with the East Idaho Community Big Band to host a New Year’s dance. The event will take place at the Menan Town Hall. Admission prices are $10 per person and $18 per couple, with discounts available for large families. Light refreshments will be provided.

A Novel New Year: Turn the Page at Midnight – (Rigby, ID) Get ready to ditch the heels and sparkle for something more comfortable this New Year’s Eve: cozy PJs and a stack of books at “A Novel New Year: Turn the Page at Midnight.” This event offers an escape—no judgment, no crowds, and no obligation to be “on.” It promises pure, unadulterated bookish bliss. Attendees can join a local romance bookstore for a till-midnight read-a-thon designed for booktroverts. The event provides a cozy, low-pressure environment where the only “fireworks” are the spicy scenes on the page.

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Celebration at the Idaho Falls Country Club – (Idaho Falls, ID) Visitors are invited to the Idaho Falls Country Club Bellhouse Restaurant from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on December 31st for live music, drinks, and food. Reservations can be made by calling (208)-523 -5757 ext. 2. The event is open to the public.

The 3rd Annual Glitz & Glamour New Year’s Eve Ball – (Riverton, WY) This event will take place at 307 Bar & Grill, featuring a dinner buffet and live music by Cowboy Hippie. Guests can enjoy complimentary champagne and fireworks at midnight. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8:30 PM. The dress code is semi-formal, and tickets cost $50 per person, available at 307 Bar & Grill. Attendees are encouraged to dress up, show up, and ring in the New Year in style.

Firework Safety

If you plan to stay home and use fireworks on New Year’s Eve, first responders have essential safety reminders to help keep your celebrations safe. Fireworks should only be lit in an empty lot or driveway, ensuring you’re clear of your house and any nearby structures. Sparklers are the most common cause of injuries, so never stick smaller fireworks in your pockets. When disposing of fireworks, wait until the area is clear of debris, and keep a bucket of water nearby to soak spent fireworks.

Authorities urge everyone to celebrate responsibly and take extra precautions to prevent beginning 2026 in the emergency room.

Click here to follow the original article.

David Pace

The Idaho State Capitol in Boise. | File photo

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho will be ringing in the new year with eight new laws on the books on January 1st. 

The measures passed in the 2025 Legislature will cover a range of issues – from changes to how property taxes are assessed to anti-SLAPP legislation.

Senate Bill 1001 protects freedom of speech by allowing courts to quickly throw out Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, known as SLAPPs. The measure aims to protect individuals’ rights to speak out on issues of government and community interest.

House Bill 354 and Senate Bill 1216 change how property taxes are assessed.

Under the new laws, if the value of a home goes up more than 10 percent in a year and the homeowner would like to appeal that decision, the county assessor must provide the burden of proof for the increase.

In the past, it was up to the homeowner to prove the home’s value had not exceeded 10 percent in the previous year.

Additionally, the property tax on electric utilities is being replaced with a tax based on kilowatt hours sold.

Lawmakers also expanded breast cancer screening coverage for “magnetic resonance imaging, contrast mammogram imaging and people at higher risk for breast cancer,” according to the law.

The new laws are among 340 pieces of legislation that passed in Idaho last year.

Click here to follow the original article.