Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Volunteers at Camp Hayden hosted their annual Grinch and Santa event tonight to provide gifts for children and families in need in the community. This was the seventh year Camp Hayden hosted their event with a Christmas gift truck at the Friendship Garden in downtown Idaho Falls.

Camp Hayden is a volunteer-run organization whose mission is to provide unforgettable experiences for children with special needs. This holiday season, they extended their offer of help for the holidays to all families responding to their call for assistance. They were able to raise thousands of dollars in donations as well as recieved hundreds of toys from Toys for Tots.

The plan this year was to surprise 15 families, but because of the overwhelming requests and generosity of donors, they were able to help 30 families.

Children lined up outside the truck, eagerly awaiting their turn to meet Santa. The Grinch himself is a volunteer with Camp Hayden, and told us none of this would be possible without the donors.

“A big part of this is Toys for Tots, we couldn’t do this without them. They gave us enough toys we were able to get them into bags for 30 different families,” he said. “Then, Camp Hayden donors brought money out so we were able to bless these families and help them give a Christmas to their kids.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – On the weekend before Christmas, there are still chances to get a homemade, special gift for your loved ones. Pocatello hosted two different winter markets today for last-minute shoppers.

The Museum of Clean hosted the Portneuf Valley Winter Market this afternoon complete with food trucks and live music. Shoppers enjoyed local vendors selling everything from homemade treats to crochet animals.

The indoor market offers shoppers a warmer option for small-business support as the market moves inside for the winter months. The Grinch and Santa even made special appearances for families to enjoy at the Museum of Clean. Over at Station Square, 25 local vendors show off their crafts every weekend.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The semester just wrapped up at ISU and for some, that meant the end of their college education. The ICCU Dome was packed this morning with loved ones to watch the students in the winter class of 2025 walk the graduation stage.

The university conferred more than one thousand degrees at this mornings’ ceremony. The alma mater was performed by the ISU treble choir and the National Athem by student Jacob Williams.

Speakers at this semester’s commencement included State Board of Education trustee and ISU alumna Cindy Siddoway and student speaker Tamisha Green.

President Robert Wagner also gave his remarks, celebrating graduates from each college on the campus as well as the doctoral and masters’ programs.

On Friday, graduates walked back through the arch near the Frazier Hall building on campus, an ISU tradition to mark the end of the graduates’ educational journies. As freshmen, students walk through the arch one direction and walk through it the other way on their graduation weekend to signify their accomplishments and obtaining of their degrees.

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Danielle Mullenix

A wet and active weather pattern takes us through the upcoming Christmas week. An active weather pattern will remain in place throughout the holiday week, bringing periods of rain to the valleys and moderate to heavy snow in the mountains. Temperatures will stay well above normal for late December, making a white Christmas unlikely for most lower elevations.

For the remainder of Saturday, the forecast indicates a brief reprieve from the active pattern. Anticipate clear, sunny weather with cool, seasonal temperatures around 40 degrees. Southwest winds will be moderate, gusting up to 30 mph. Another wintry system is set to arrive Saturday night. While snow accumulation is expected to be minimal—likely less than half an inch—travel conditions may become slippery, especially at higher elevations.

By Sunday afternoon, most of Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming will experience rain replacing earlier precipitation. Temperatures are expected to rise into the low 40s, with steady rain at times, and a 100% chance of precipitation during the day, continuing into Sunday night and early Monday morning. Rain continues through Monday, with highs near 46°.

While snow levels remain high, mountain regions will continue to accumulate snow, whereas valleys will remain mostly rainy. Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the following days, the forecast remains wet. With temperatures significantly above normal, a white Christmas in lower elevations is unlikely. Any snow on Christmas morning will probably fall early and melt quickly as warmer air settles in.

Checking our region’s forecast for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after, it remains wet. With well-above-normal temperatures, the chances of a white Christmas in lower elevations are slim. Any snow that falls on Christmas morning would likely fall early and melt quickly as warmer air moves in.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Law enforcement and mental health specialists are sounding the alarm after state cuts eliminating services for individuals with serious mental illness.

Six local lawmakers met with providers on Friday at the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office to hear concerns about the elimination of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program in Idaho on December 1.

“We deal with the extremely mentally ill people in our community,” said Tom Tueller, owner of Tueller Counseling. “… Without this program, we want the counties to understand that their budgets will go up extremely high.”

The cuts will eliminate “community-based care,” he said, which allows providers to travel and assist individuals who otherwise would not come to office visits.

The end of the program also cut funding for peer support specialists; employment specialists; and nurses who provide medication compliance, delivery, injections and support. 

Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse warned that eliminating support programs has a cost far beyond dollar signs.

“The truth is, if we can’t keep people stable in the community, then they’re going to end up in the crisis services – that means the emergency rooms, that means our jails, and that puts an increased burden on law enforcement.”

Hulse also serves as president of the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association, which recently released a letter to Gov. Brad Little and leaders in the Idaho Legislature, warning of a “significant public-safety concern.”

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Ric Boyce told lawmakers the $13 million Idaho saves by eliminating the ACT program will ultimately cost the state’s counties and taxpayers $150 million in property taxes for increased incarcerations, hospitalizations and legal services.

“Now the state comes in with a wrecking ball because they mismanaged the budget, and they train wreck everything,” Hulse said Friday. “Then they anticipate that they’re not going to have problems. We’re here to tell you as sheriffs, you’re going to have problems, and some of these problems are not going to be measured on a spreadsheet about budgets, but they’re going to be measured in human cost.”

The legislators said they recognize the importance of the mental health services, but warned of a political climate in Boise where a majority of lawmakers are looking to “DOGE” or cut entire programs and potentially repeal Medicaid expansion.

Tueller said he’s hopeful the Legislature will take action to restore mental health services for those who need it most.

Tom Tueller owns Tueller Counseling and serves as the director of Assertive Community Treatment in the region.

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Doug Long

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — December 20th, 1951, was a big day for the United States and southeast Idaho. On that day 75 years ago, EBR-1, the experimental breeder reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory, became the world’s first nuclear reactor to generate usable electricity from atomic energy, initially powering four light bulbs, then an entire building, and eventually the town of Arco.

Tomorrow, the INL will celebrate the 75th anniversary of this breakthrough in energy production.

“At the end of World War two, the whole world knew the United States could destroy something by splitting an atom. Demonstrated that pretty powerfully. And this is the first time they have made electricity, a peaceful application by harnessing that same power.”

The INL is inviting the community to join them in celebrating the occasion at the EBR-1 museum for a free, family-friendly event. The morning bus leaves at 9 AM, and the afternoon bus will leave at 12:15 PM.

The museum is typically open in the summer. This event offers a rare winter opportunity to explore the historic EBR-I museum, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and hear a festive EBR-I themed holiday poem read by Liza Raley, INL ambassador and former local radio personality.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate a pioneering achievement in science and technology — right here in Idaho.

The museum is located 50 miles west of Idaho Falls on U.S. Highway 20. Hours for December 20th are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

To register for a seat on the free bus ride to the site, click HERE.

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News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Several suspected drug traffickers and a convicted felon are off the street as a result of a multi-agency narcotics investigation that culminated in three arrests. The investigation recovered several pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and illegally possessed firearms.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD), investigators seized approximately 11.85 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 pounds of fentanyl, 6 ounces of cocaine, and one pound of marijuana. Additionally, officers recovered two firearms and $6,793 in suspected drug proceeds.

The sweep was conducted by the IFPD in partnership with the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

First Warrant and Arrest

The arrests each took place on December 4th, 2025, as police executed a batch of search warrants. Starting in the 200 Block of Water Avenue, investigators detained Juan Carlos Marquez-Nevarez at his residence without incident. A search of the property reportedly uncovered four pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen 9mm pistol, and $3,637 in cash.

Juan Carlos Marquez-Nevarez was arrested for Drug Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Stolen Property.

Second Warrant and Arrest

Police executed a second warrant targeting a residence in the 1100 block of Mojave Street, detaining Raphael Carranza during a traffic stop shortly before the residence was searched. Inside the home, officers located and detained Billi Carranza.

The search of the home uncovered a .40 caliber handgun belonging to Rafael, a convicted felon prohibited from owning firearms, along with $3,156 in cash, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

According to IFPD, Rafael Carranza was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. Billi Carranza was cited for Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, and Misdemeanor Injury to a Child due to the presence of children in the home.

Third Warrant and Arrest

The final warrant led to the arrest of Griselda Resendiz. At her residence and an associated storage unit, investigators discovered 7.85 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 pounds of fentanyl, and 6 ounces of cocaine.

Resendiz was arrested on an existing federal warrant for the Delivery of a Controlled Substance. She is expected to face additional state and federal charges regarding the bulk quantities of narcotics found during the raid.

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News Team

 WYOMING (KIFI) — U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced Friday that she will not seek re-election in 2026, retiring at the end of her first term in the Senate. The 71-year-old veteran of Wyoming politics cited the physical and mental demands of the office.

In a heartfelt statement, the Senator described her tenure as “an incredible honor,” noting that representing the people of Wyoming has remained her “one-and-only priority.”

Lummis was candid about her decision to step away, comparing her time in Washington to a long-distance race.

“In the difficult, exhausting session weeks this fall, I’ve come to accept that I do not have six more years in me,” Lummis admitted. “I have felt like a sprinter in a marathon.”

Despite her decision to retire, Lummis emphasized her commitment to her remaining time in office. She highlighted her alignment with President Trump, vowing to spend the next year “throwing all my energy into bringing important legislation to his desk” and ensuring Republicans maintain control of the upper chamber in the 2026 midterms.

A Trailblazing Career

A veteran of Wyoming politics, Lummis served as a U.S. representative for the state of Wyoming from 2009 to 2017. In 2021, she became the first woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.

Lummis reflected fondly on her colleagues, noting her time serving alongside the late Senator Mike Enzi, Senator John Barrasso, and Representative Harriet Hageman. “We all put Wyoming first, which has cemented our cohesive working relationship,” she said.

Tributes from Colleagues and Mentees

Reaction to the news of Lummis’s retirement was immediate, with fellow Wyoming Senator John Barrasso praising Lummis as “a perfect senator for Wyoming…” who never stopped fighting for the people.”

“Cynthia is a straight shooter and a trailblazer,” said Barrasso. “We’re going to miss her infectious energy and iconic laugh in the halls of the U.S. Senate. I’m grateful we have another year to work side by side serving the people of Wyoming.”

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder recalled meeting Lummis as a high school student, an encounter that sparked her own career in public service.

“I looked up to her instantly. When I was in college, I jumped at the opportunity to work on her first campaign for Congress and later served as an intern in her Washington, D.C. office,” said Degenfelder. “Throughout her career, she has championed Wyoming’s interests with tenacity and principle. But more than her record, Senator Lummis has been a trailblazer, a lifelong mentor to many, and a dear friend to our beloved state. Thank you Senator!”

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Curtis Jackson

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) – Winter weather conditions have closed the Teton Pass on Wyoming 22 between the Idaho border and Wilson, Wyo.

It is unknown when it will reopen.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO (KIFI) — The season of giving is here, and the Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program is hoping to kids in need a holiday miracle. The program estimates that thousands of children in Idaho have parents who are incarcerated.

“This season won’t be marked by warmth and celebration; it will be marked by loneliness. Children impacted by parental incarceration often carry a heavy emotional burden. But we have the ability to change that,” said Joi Johnson, Account Coordinator for the Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program.

The Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program serves over 200K children nationwide. It delivers gifts and a personal note to children on behalf of their incarcerated parents.

“These are more than just toys—this is a powerful conduit for hope and love,” said Johnson.

Fellowship’s Angel Tree Christmas program is asking for the community’s support.

“The involvement of local Idaho churches and community groups are necessary to ensure every child in the area receives this hope,” said Johnson.

For more information on how you can help, visit here.

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