Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Blackfoot Community Dinner Table is receiving a helping hand in its fight against food insecurity. Monday, Bingham Ag Services announced a generous donation of over $81,000 to the Bingham County non-profit organization.

This contribution will enable the Community Dinner Table to expand its services and assist more individuals and families in the Blackfoot area who are struggling to put food on the table.

“No one in our community should go hungry,” said Jared Wolfley, President of Bingham Ag Services. “As an agricultural business, ensuring that local families have access to nutritious meals aligns perfectly with our company values. We’re honored to support the incredible work being done by the Community Dinner Table.”

Jackie Young, the President of the Community Dinner Table, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it would have an immediate impact on their ability to serve vulnerable populations.

The donation comes at a critical time when many families continue to face economic pressures affecting their ability to put food on the table. In 2023, approximately 250,260 residents of Idaho, or 12.7%, experienced food insecurity, marking a notable increase from the previous year, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap.

Local officials praised the partnership between the backfoot non-profit and Bingham Ag Services as a model for how businesses can meaningfully address community challenges.

“Our success is intertwined with the community’s wellbeing,” Bingham Ag Services’ service coordinator, Diane Carey, explained. “Supporting organizations like the Community Dinner Table isn’t just charitable giving—it’s an investment in the health and stability of our hometown.”

The Community Dinner Table offers warm meals weekly during winter and organizes various food distribution programs year-round. The organization depends significantly on community partners and volunteers to achieve its mission.

For more information, click HERE.

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Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Salvation Army Pocatello Corps is asking people in the area to help them buy a new box truck, after a recent breakdown left them without the necessary equipment for their community support programs.

The Pocatello Salvation Army lost their last treasured truck when an engine failure ground the 15-foot vehicle, and the programs it helps support, to a halt.

“It is totally unusable, and it’s really caused issues for us to continue to do what we do on the day to day basis here,” said Mareah Makowski, ministry leader for the Salvation Army Pocatello Corps. “From food collections and picking things up, bringing things in, taking things out––we’re really worried about when Christmas time comes around, how we’re going to get things like our kettles out to the locations, how we’re going to pick up toys and bring them into us so we can pass them out.”

The Pocatello Salvation Army serves around 50 local people daily through their soup kitchen, food pantry, and clothing donations.

During Christmas, Salvation Army leaders coordinate dozens of volunteers for their Red Kettle donation drives from the Pocatello headquarters, and last year, the Salvation Army Pocatello Corps brought Christmas gifts to over 600 area kids during their Christmas Angel program.

Pocatello Salvation Army leaders say their box truck has been a vital resource in helping them fulfill their mission to serve people in the Portneuf Valley, and now they are asking people to help them raise the $25,000 they need to replace their vehicle.

“We would really appreciate the community’s help,” said Makowski. “…It is very important for the Pocatello area to have programs like this because that’s what community is: we take care of each other, we look out for each other, and that’s all that we try to do here is we try to serve our community and love on our community the best that we can––we just need the necessary tools to do that.”

Makowski said they would like to have a new box truck ready for action by the end of June. For more information, you can visit the Salvation Army Pocatello Corps website.

To support the Salvation Army’s box truck fund, you can mail or deliver donations to the Pocatello headquarters at 400 N. 4th Ave.

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Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The driver killed in Friday afternoon’s head-on collision along the Lewisville Highway has been identified.

The driver has been identified as Doris Prine, a 61-year-old resident of Terreton, Idaho. Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez confirmed that Prine’s next of kin has been notified.

The accident occurred shortly before 3 PM on Friday, May 9. Initial reports suggest that a pickup truck traveling southbound crossed the center line and collided with a smaller sedan, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they found both vehicles overturned in the yard of a house next to the highway. According to the BCSO, both drivers had been ejected from their vehicles due to the crash. But the victim’s husband tells Local News 8 Prine had to be cut out of her seatbelt when emergency responders arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, a 21-year-old male, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with severe injuries.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

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Zach Glancy

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been corrected from a previous version:

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – A semi-truck accident closed down the US-26 westbound lane near Rainey Creek, west of Swan Valley, Monday morning.

According to Idaho State Police, the semi veered off the highway around 4:30 am and hit a tree and the side of a mountain, causing dozens of bottled water containers to spill across the road.

Credit: Swan Valley Fire Chief Travis Crystal

Credit: Swan Valley Fire Chief Travis Crystal

Swan Valley Fire says the lane could be closed for the next few hours as crews work to clean up the crash.

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Noah Farley

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Mothers throughout Idaho were wished a “bear-y” happy Mother’s Day when Yellowstone Bear World celebrated the holiday.

Mothers got to visit Yellowstone Bear World for free after buying a regular admission. Hundreds of people, even several from around the world, filled the park to see bears, bison, and animatronic dinosaurs.

“We’re just really excited to be able to share these opportunities with the community and to be a little part of the Mother’s Day weekend here,” said Yellowstone Bear World President, Courtney Ferguson.

Ferguson says the park’s Mother’s Day Special has become an annual tradition for many families.

The mother bears were also enjoying the cool day—climbing trees and relaxing in the water, while the cubs jumped around and played with each other.

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Chris Nestman

A rise in heat, humidity, and an unstable atmosphere is creating the perfect environment for severe thunderstorms in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming this afternoon.

The Storm Predication Center (SPC) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8pm. Meaning strong to severe thunderstorms with microburst winds are possible this afternoon.

Strong to severe wind gusts of 60 mph is the most likely threat from these storms. The best thing to do is secure your property to avoid flying debris (see patio umbrellas, trampolines, tree branches, etc.)

Some pockets of hail within these storms is also a possibility. Finally, while its a very small chance, we will be on the lookout for a brief tornado. Strong tornados in Idaho are very rare, but quick moving weaker ones do happen on occasion. These kinds of tornadoes are still dangerous as they can cause some exterior damage to buildings and are a risk for injury to those outside due to flying debris.

The SPC, the branch of the National Weather Service that specializes in severe weather forecasting, has highlighted eastern Idaho for this afternoon for storm risk. Specifically, the I-15/Hwy 20 corridor has a “slight” risk (tier 2 out of 5) for strong storms compared to surrounding regions that are under a “marginal” risk (tier 1 out of 5).

Storms already started firing up around 1 p.m. today and we expect some risk for strong thunderstorms through about 9 p.m. this evening. Keep your phones charged in case of any power outages so you can still receive warnings.

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Kailey Galaviz

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – For many students, high school sports are more than just a competitive outlet – they’re a source of teamwork, discipline and growth. But some families don’t have the luxury to cover the costs of these programs. That’s where Rigby Free Soccer kicks in.

What started eight years ago with only five players, the nonprofit has grown to help more than 1,000 young athletes aim high and shoot for the stars. Their mission is to motivate students through soccer to achieve success both in the classroom and on the field at no cost to families.

Rigby Free Soccer Founder Alex Greenfield says, “We noticed with these kids – the same kids that were underperforming by the time they got to the high school during soccer season – when they were part of the program, they were doing fine. Clearly, it was because they realized, ‘I have to pay to play.'”

These student athletes are noticing improvements in themselves too, helping them reach for the stars. 8th grader Riggin says, “Because I’ve seen more improvement in myself, I’m starting to believe in myself a little more every day. So I will want to eventually build up to playing in high school.”

A national study from Project Play says students who participate in sports are 15% more likely to attend college, less likely to do drugs and have less risk of developing health problems down the road.

None of this would be possible without Mr. Greenfield’s original vision for inclusion, achievement and opportunity. He says, “Not much makes a person happier than knowing you’ve impacted the life of a child and their families.”

For many students, Greenfield is a pivotal role model. 8th grader Brandon says, “He encouraged me to do the soccer program and stuff like that. So yeah, I think he’s a good… figure in my life.”

In the future, Greenfield is hopeful programs like this will expand. He says, “The dream is for middle schools throughout Idaho to have this, because it is it’s a win-win.”

Thanks to a sponsorship from Madison Memorial this year, the program has been able to thrive.

Rigby Free Soccer teams are gearing up for intense games, and they want the community to come cheer them on.

On May 13 and 20 from 4:00-5:00 p.m., the middle school team will compete at the Jefferson District Office fields. There will be food trucks, live music and, of course, a great soccer game.

The game on May 20 is for the coveted Jim Wilson Cup. This game will celebrate the life of long-time Jefferson County School District custodian Jim Wilson, who took a bullet protecting students during the tragic Rigby Middle School shooting four years ago. Wilson died a few years later.

On May 22 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. the elementary school team will compete at Roberts Elementary School, where they will have live music and food trucks as well.

All games are free to attend.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Rehabilitative Health Services held its 10th annual Hustle Mental Health charity 5K Saturday morning.

Hundreds of people gathered at the start line at Snake River Landing. Participants ran and walked to support mental health and local non-profits.

“We raised almost $15,000 this year,” said Rehabilitative Health Services CEO, Devere Hunt. “We’ve raised over those ten years, $101,000. It’s been a great activity, and I think we’ve been able to help the community and help the stigma with mental health.”

The funds from this year’s 5K go towards the People in Need Coalition (PINC), a service that provides almost 2,000 free meals each week to those in need.

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Phillip Willis

UPDATE MONDAY, MAY 12, 4:53 p.m. —

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls resident, Lucas James, was arrested by the Idaho Falls Police Department SWAT team on Saturday.

The 40-year-old man’s charges include having illegal drugs. Methamphetamine and three loaded guns were found in his car.

After an investigation, ISP found James has a criminal history with narcotics dating back to at least 2002.

James will have his first court appearance for this case Tuesday.

Court documents say one trooper tried to stop the pursuit, but was not able to because “someone else was talking on the radio.” Another sergeant called the chase off just as the crash happened.

UPDATE SUNDAY, MAY 11, 5:18 p.m.—

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A witness Local News 8 spoke with said he and his family were at one of the red lights when the crash happened.

He said he was impressed when only seconds after the crash, he saw the ISP trooper jump out of his car to help the person in the other vehicle. The witness says he’s very happy nobody was badly hurt.

UPDATE SATURDAY, MAY 10, 7:26 p.m.—

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) — The man involved in last night’s Idaho State Police pursuit has been arrested by the IFPD SWAT team.

The wanted man involved has been identified as a 40-year-old Idaho Falls resident, Lucas James.

Lucas James: Booking photo courtesy Bonneville County Jail

James was at a home at the 1700 block of Burlwood Drive.

James was peacefully taken into custody around 5:30 Saturday night after the SWAT team approached the home with a Bearcat.

When officers started making announcements, James tried to escape out of a back door.

He is facing multiple charges from the Idaho State Police: Felony Eluding, Felon in possession of a firearm x3, Felony Possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

(The following information is from a press release from Jessica Clements, the Public Information Officer of the Idaho Falls Police Department)

UPDATE Saturday, May 10, 1:48 p.m—

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police has released more information about a high speed chase that ended in a crash in Idaho Falls Friday night. ISP says the chase started when a trooper saw a car associated with a felony warrant. Police tried to stop the suspect with spike strips several times, but were not successful.

During the chase, a trooper crashed into an uninvolved car. ISP says both people in the crash had minor injuries—nothing life-threatening.

The suspect who was being chased was not caught, and he remains at large. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.

ORIGINAL—

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—A high-speed chase came to a crashing halt Friday night, when an Idaho State Police car collided with another vehicle in Idaho Falls. The crash happened around 10:20 p.m. at the intersection of 17th and Pancheri.

An ambulance was observed leaving the scene with occupants. It’s unknown at this time who was onboard. The condition of the state trooper and the other driver are unknown.

The chase and crash lit up social media. Members of the Facebook group “Life in Idaho Falls” reported seeing law enforcement officers chasing a white vehicle through west Idaho Falls headed toward town. One member of the group who witnessed the crash said the vehicle being chased got away, but Local News 8 has not been able to confirm this.

At the scene of the crash, Local News 8 met Leighton Johnson, who witnessed police cars involved in the response.

“As I was getting off of work, I pulled onto the Pancheri bridge, and I had a cop coming from South Colorado… as I took a right turn, there was another cop in that left turn lane,” Leighton said.

“He pulls all the way around, bloops me, turns on his lights, and speeds up towards the highway… then I see two more cops coming down from Broadway with their lights on, going 60 mph.

They go past me, and I’m pretty sure they turn onto Pancheri. I’m pretty sure they they figured out [the state trooper] crashed over here, but the highway ones, I’d guess they come through downtown- kind of all ended up right here.

I just saw, I don’t know, maybe six… seven cops, all going different ways. I then went back onto Pancheri, saw an ambulance coming past me near Skyline. I drove around a little bit more, figured out from my parents that the crash happened right here,” Leighton said.

Jessica Clements with Idaho Falls Police tells Local News 8 that Idaho State Police is investigating the high-speed chase and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Idaho State Police says a press release will be coming soon. We are still awaiting a response from the Sheriff’s Office.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two-hundred and forty six (246) teams of soccer players between the ages of 9 and 18 came together in the 4th annual Shoot Out. The event was put on by Idaho Falls Futbol Club.

Teams from the respective age groups played soccer. 400 games were planned for the event.

“We have a lot of referees working really hard, coaches working really hard, and players working really hard,” said Mary Murray, the tournament director.

Teams from all over Idaho, and even other nearby states came to participate in the event.

The event brought in an estimated 1 million dollars to the Idaho Falls area in terms of revenue from restaurants and hotels from all those who attended.

“I feel that the more soccer experiences that we can bring to our area, rather than traveling, is only going to benefit the community here,” said Alex Minton, the IFFC’s executive director.

The event ended with it’s namesake, the Barbecue Shoot Out. The participants reported having fun, and feeling more deeply connected to their teammates.

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