Category: kifi-local-news

Maile Sipraseuth

IIDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — One year ago, Anna and Jacob Ames faced unimaginable uncertainty when their son, Logan, was born at just 22 weeks and one day of gestation. Today, Baby Logan Ames is celebrating his first birthday.

“It’s kind of an end of a chapter. Just a nice milestone to capture that. He survived. He made a wonderful little celebration,” his mother, Anna Ames, said.

Logan Ames was born on June 22, 2025, four months before his actual due date, weighing only 1.3 pounds. Due to his extreme prematurity, Logan spent 169 days in the Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center before finally going home with his parents, Anna and Jacob Ames, on Dec. 8, 2025.

According to EIRMC, Logan is the youngest surviving NICU baby in the hospital’s history.

“When baby’s born at 22 weeks, the chance of survival, we usually don’t give families their survival, meaning the baby lives. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they have a good quality of life, that’s around 30%. And then babies surviving with a good quality of life is usually about 12%. So it’s pretty low for 22 weeks. That’s why we call him the miracle baby,” Dr. Jordan Simpson, a NICU physician and medical director at EIRMC, said.

For Logan’s parents, the birthday celebration represents far more than cake and presents. It marks a year filled with uncertainty, hope and perseverance.

“Not to get too religious, but I would emphasize what a miracle he is,” his father, Jacob Ames, said. “I want him to remember that he has a purpose here.”

Logan’s story continues to inspire the staff at EIRMC, many of whom still talk about the tiny patient who defied the odds.

“Whenever we talk about little babies, we’re always bringing up Logan,” Dr. Simpson said. “He was a miracle baby, and everybody still loves him.”

His parents hope their son’s journey can offer encouragement to other families currently facing long days and sleepless nights in the NICU.

“There’s hope at the end of the road,” Anna said. “It’s hard, but it gets better.”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – As the Fourth of July holiday draws closer, people are preparing to celebrate by purchasing fireworks, while local fire departments are urging people to follow safety precautions.

Warnings from the Fire Department

“We see people lighting fireworks off near dry weeds, open fields, next to vehicles, which is a big problem, or next to structures like sheds or their homes,” said Brian Curtis, fire chief with the North Bannock Fire District. “Typically, we want people to light fireworks off in an open space where they have a clearing with no shrubs, trees, bushes or grass to burn.”

Aerial fireworks are prohibited in the city of Pocatello, with ground-safe fireworks and sparklers permitted.

“We really hope people will proceed with caution, be safe and adhere to the recommendations of not doing aerials,” Curtis added. “Everything is so dry and there’s no moisture in the fuels around right now. It’s going to be super dangerous.”

Eastern Idaho has already seen an active fire season due to dry conditions and high winds. One ember from a rogue firework can start a wildfire in the area, making it more important that people follow the rules for celebrating on the Fourth of July.

“We’re pleading with the public to really take into consideration the dangers of the aerials. Please do not light them,” he said.

For sparklers and smaller fountain fireworks permitted in the city, the fire department says people should have a bucket of water or a hose nearby. After the firework is done, spray everything down with water or place it in a bucket of cool water.

“We want everybody to count the cost,” Curtis said. “What we mean is that a sparkler can reach 1,200 degrees and cause third-degree burns very fast. Count the cost of a trip to the emergency room. Count the cost of a surgery if you have to have one on your eye for getting too close to a firework.”

Most of the North Bannock Fire Department’s resources will be at the Bannock County Fairgrounds on the Fourth of July, with other trucks stationed throughout the area to respond to emergencies. Firefighters commonly see dumpster and garbage can fires on the holiday because fireworks are thrown away before they are completely extinguished.

Even fire chiefs are “astounded” by how dry the area is this year and are concerned about an increased fire risk.

“It’s dangerous out there, so we’re asking that people remain vigilant,” Curtis said.

Fireworks Stands on Having Fun Safely

Several fireworks stands in Idaho Falls have already opened for the season, while Pocatello stands will open next week. Pow-Wow Fireworks in Fort Hall is already selling thousands of fireworks ahead of next month’s America250 celebration.

Owner Karri H. Deschine said they take safety precautions seriously.

“We give every client or patron that comes through a punk,” Deschine said. “We give them the safety of using it, and if it’s a family, we’ll give them a few.”

A punk is a long bamboo stick that smolders slowly, allowing people to light fireworks from a safer distance.

Deschine also said the reservation is available for people who want to use aerial fireworks, which are illegal within city limits. The rodeo grounds and the area behind Shoshone-Bannock High School are popular locations.

“The tribe has officially approved those. Just make sure that you bring a trash bag or box, make sure to clean up after yourself,” she said. “Out of respect for the land, this is a sovereign place, and it’s a great way to save yourself a $700 fine.”

She said about half of her customers choose to set off their fireworks on the Fort Hall Reservation. She added it is common practice to place spent fireworks, including sparklers, into a bucket of water immediately after use.

Choosing age-appropriate fireworks is also important, according to Deschine.

“We don’t encourage sparklers for the really young kids, but we have plenty of other alternatives like swords and ones for the princesses,” Deschine said. “We have some that are bamboo and paper, which parents tend to prefer over the old-school metal ones.”

The stand also features a children’s section with smaller fireworks and a separate section for “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

“Everybody thinks they come out for artillery and they always come home with 80% safe and sane fireworks, so we’re doing our job to make sure that families are getting what they want,” Deschine said. “Artillery will say ‘shoots flaming balls with report’ and the safe and sane ones will say ’emits showers of spark.'”

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Tabernacle Choir is celebrating 100 years since its first performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and communities across the country are being invited to join the celebration through special screenings and watch parties.

In Pocatello, the Portneuf Health Amphitheatre will host a free watch party on Friday, June 26. The event will include food trucks, school donation opportunities benefiting districts in Pocatello and American Falls, and live entertainment before the concert broadcast.

The Lava Flow Fire Show, featuring lava dancers from Lava Hot Springs, will kick off the evening, followed by singer and comedian Emily Pack. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the pre-shows begin at 5:45 p.m.

The Tabernacle Choir’s performance will feature several special guests, including music producer David Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee. Fan favorite Donny Osmond will also perform, along with Broadway performers Sebastian Arcelus and Stephanie J. Block.

“It’s the 100-year celebration of the first time they performed there, and they wanted everyone to be a part of that,” said Ross Hughes, area coordinator for the Tabernacle Choir Watch Party. “So they’re broadcasting it one time across the United States for others to come together to celebrate the culmination of their tour.”

Hughes said the tour, titled “Songs of Hope and Love,” comes at a time when people are looking for opportunities to gather as a community. He added that the choir was once known as “America’s Choir,” making the event open to everyone, regardless of background.

“It’s free to the public, and there will be food trucks available to buy food from,” he said. “You’ll be able to come and have confidence this is going to be a wonderful event for a family to enjoy some great entertainment.”

Hughes and his wife have helped organize the watch party in Pocatello. They have worked alongside volunteers to set up chairs and prepare the venue for the event.

The broadcast begins at 7 p.m. and will be shown on a high-definition screen with a concert-quality sound system. Free parking will be available at the Portneuf Wellness Complex.

The Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls will also host a screening on Saturday, June 27. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m.

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Par Kermani

UPDATED: July 24th 3:15 PM.

ST ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) — After pleading not-guilty earlier this month, Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller has publicly responded to the allegations of drug charges in Fremont County.

On an Instagram post, Miller said he had been traveling through Fremont County with a friend at the time of the arrest. He claims his friend had a “small amount of cannabis and a cannabis pipe in his possession,” which Miller was not aware of.

“I was pulled over for accelerating while passing another vehicle on a highway in Idaho,” states the post. “…We fully cooperated with the officer. I am hopeful the misdemeanor charges will be dropped once the facts are reviewed.”

According to court documents, Miller has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia stemming from an incident on June 6. Fremont County Sheriff’s deputy alleged Miller was in possession of approximately 4.1 grams of psilocybin mushrooms and was taken into custody.

Court records indicate Miller has posted a $5,000 cash bond and retained private counsel. According to court records, attorney Jeromy W. Stafford entered a notice of appearance on behalf of Miller on June 11 and filed a not guilty plea to the charges.

A pretrial conference has been scheduled for July 29th in Fremont County.

The case remains pending. A not guilty plea is not a determination of guilt, and Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — As families across Idaho prepare for the summer vacation season, Idaho Attorney General has issued a warning to be on the lookout for travel scams.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, scammers often create fake online advertisements that mimic airlines, hotels and travel booking websites in an attempt to steal personal and financial information.

They also warn that some scams direct travelers to fraudulent customer service phone numbers or booking websites designed to appear legitimate.

“Scammers count on vacation excitement to cloud your judgment, and they’re getting more sophisticated every year,” Attorney General Raúl Labrador said. “A fake ad, a phishing text, or a too-good-to-be-true deal can drain your account before your trip ever starts.”

The Attorney General’s Office is also warning travelers about text message scams claiming they owe unpaid tolls or traffic fines. Residents are encouraged to verify any payment request directly with the agency involved rather than clicking links included in unsolicited messages.

How to stay safe

Consumer protection officials recommend researching travel companies before booking, reading refund policies carefully and avoiding payment methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency when possible.

The office says requests for payment through those methods are often red flags for fraud because recovering lost money can be difficult or impossible.

Idahoans are also encouraged to be skeptical of travel deals that seem significantly cheaper than similar offers.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a travel scam can report it through the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Power employees spent Monday giving back to the community by helping improve public spaces along the Idaho Falls Riverwalk.

About 40 employees participated in Idaho Falls Power’s first Public Power Day of Giving, volunteering on several beautification projects throughout the Greenbelt and Riverwalk areas.

Projects included staining Riverwalk viewing decks overlooking the Snake River, installing bark mulch in landscape planters, cleaning and maintaining rock gardens, and trimming brush along pathways between South Tourist Park and Sunnyside ahead of Fourth of July festivities.

“One of the things that makes public power unique is that we’re owned by the people we serve,” said Chris Fredericksen, general manager of Idaho Falls Power and Idaho Falls Fiber. “This Day of Giving is an opportunity for us to demonstrate that commitment in a hands-on way while helping care for the community assets that residents and visitors enjoy every day.”

The volunteer effort was held in partnership with Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation for partnering with us on this event and for the tremendous work they do year-round to maintain the Riverwalk, Greenbelt, parks and public spaces that make Idaho Falls such a special place to live,” Fredericksen said.

The event was part of the American Public Power Association’s Public Power Month of Giving, a nationwide initiative encouraging public power utilities to support their communities through volunteer service and community engagement.

Idaho Falls Power officials say the effort reflects the utility’s commitment to serving the community beyond providing electricity and broadband services.

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Danielle Mullenix

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho (KIFI) – A long-running dispute over the Sandbox RV Park near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes may be headed back before Fremont County commissioners — and potentially into the courts.

A group of Fremont County residents has formally requested that county commissioners reconsider their June 8 decision involving the controversial development, arguing the county’s findings contain factual errors and fail to reflect the public record.

The request for reconsideration was filed June 18 with the Fremont County Clerk and asks the Board of County Commissioners to revisit its decision regarding the Sandbox RV Park near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. According to the filing, residents believe the commissioners relied on flawed information and ignored evidence presented during the appeal process.

“For years, concerns over the Sandbox RV Park near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes have divided residents, business owners, and county leaders,” said St. Anthony resident and author of the reconsideration request, Cathy Koon.

Koon says the request is not an effort to stop development, but rather an attempt to ensure county decisions follow the law.

“We want to hold the commissioners accountable. This is not a vendetta against Sandbox. This is simply citizens who want those decisions made according to the law.”

Earlier this month, county commissioners ruled that the Fremont County Planning and Zoning Commission improperly extended Sandbox’s Class II conditional use permit. Commissioners directed the RV park to submit a new permit application.

Residents opposing the project argue that the development has expanded beyond what was originally approved and that additional amenities and operations were never properly reviewed.

“As we started looking at the public record, we found a lot of inaccuracies and missing information,” Koon said. “As a group, we decided that the only way we could get the commissioners to be attentive to these issues was to file a request for reconsideration.”

The six-page reconsideration request alleges factual errors within the county’s findings and identifies several procedural issues dating back to the original permit process in 2023. Supporters of the request claim the development has experienced “mission creep,” with additional amenities and expanded operations occurring without proper approval.

The filing also alleges that evidence and public comments may be missing from the official record of the appeal hearing. Residents argue that portions of the public record were either overlooked or omitted during the decision-making process.

Under Idaho’s Local Land Use Planning Act, the commissioners now have up to 60 days to reconsider their decision. They may issue a new decision, modify their findings, deny the request, or take no action. If the request is denied or no action is taken within that period, residents could pursue a petition for judicial review in the district court.

The dispute over Sandbox RV Park has spanned several years and involved appeals, public hearings, and ongoing debate over growth and development near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. At this time, the RV is operating in the St. Anthony area with plans to officially open this summer.

The reconsideration request was signed by residents from St. Anthony, Island Park, Chester, Salem, and Egin. Commissioners are expected to respond by mid-August.

“We’re not anti-growth,” Koon said. “We just want the law to be upheld.”

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 59-year-old Idaho Falls woman died Monday evening following a four-vehicle collision northwest of Iona.

Idaho State Police say the crash happened just before 5 PM. The incident began when a 39-year-old man from Camarillo, California, was driving a 2019 Nissan NV200 van eastbound on East 49th North and ran a stop sign. The Nissan struck a 2017 Dodge Challenger driven by the Idaho Falls woman, who was traveling on U.S. 26.

The force of the impact pushed the Dodge into the westbound lanes of the highway, where it collided with a 2017 Ford F-250 and a 2008 Ford Focus.

The driver of the Dodge was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The driver of the Ford F-250 was also hospitalized via ground ambulance; her current condition has not been released. Two juvenile passengers in the F-250 and the 34-year-old driver of the Ford Focus escaped without serious injury.

ISP noted that the drivers of the Nissan, Dodge, and Ford Focus were all wearing seatbelts. However, whether or not the juvenile passengers in the F-250 wore their seatbelts remains unclear.

The crash blocked both directions of U.S. 26 for approximately five hours. The incident remains under investigation by ISP.

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David Pace

MORELAND, Idaho (KIFI)  – This year’s severe drought is forcing farmers to hold back, planting less crops and restricting irrigation to 40 percent of their water rights.

Moreland farmer Adam Young says his farm has cut 200 acres from production, while neighboring farmers are leaving as much as 50 percent of their land unplanted to stay within their water limits.

“I’ve got several other neighbors who are facing similar situations that are, at least in the current year, more drastic – where they’ve had to fallow up to half of their ground just to be able to stay within the limitation that were that were placed under,” said Young, who raises wheat, barley and hay.

Young just harvested his first hay crop, but has had to adapt what he plants due to the drought conditions.

“On those acres that we are watering, we’re adhering to a very strict and quite a low limit of about 1.6 acre-feet per acre,” Young said. “… That’s less water than you need to grow a good crop of alfalfa. It’s a very tight supply of water for growing a crop of wheat, and it’s a sufficient supply for growing barley. So for us, we have made the decision to take water off of our more marginal ground so that we can take that very low limit and apply it to our most profitable and economical acres.”

Low precipitation this winter has accelerated dire conditions across the state.

“It’s been really tough. It’s tough to have successive years of dry weather like we’ve had. We came out of this winter with a historically low snowpack,” Young said. “We got precipitation, but most of it came in the form of rain. That’s a problem when we’re looking at filling reservoirs and on using that water throughout the season.”

The water scarcity is forcing hard decisions.

“In a year like this, every drop of water matters,” said Vice Chair of Idaho Ground Water Appropriators Lynn Carquist, a multigenerational Idaho farmer in a release. “Surface water users are feeling the effects of low snowpack right away, and everyone is working to adapt. Groundwater users are doing what Idaho farmers always do — tightening operations, making careful decisions and working together to use what water we have as efficiently as possible.”

On the ground in eastern Idaho farms, that means calculating the best use for water.

“Does it make sense to drop off some ground here so that it can apply that water to these other acres?” Young asked. “Some farmers have the opportunity to take canal shares that they haven’t been using up ’til this point,” he said. “Then when the water is available, irrigate using those canal shares and then switch back on the ground water when when the canal water dries up.”

With a super El Niño arriving next year, the dry conditions could further intensify.

“One of the frustrating things or discouraging things is that we may be looking at another dry year next year. I hope that the forecasts turn out to be incorrect and that we do get some snow on the mountains, but we have to be clear-eyed about the real possibility that we’re going to face a third dry year and all the challenges that that’s going to bring.”

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Kaelyn Blessinger

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – As the dust settled at the 2026 Idaho GOP State Convention, an all women executive committee was elected for chair, first and second vice chairs, treasurer, and secretary. With Dorothy Moon, Viki Purdy, Julianne Young, Sandra Eaton, and Carla Mattare, respectively.

Dorothy Moon, who was re-elected for state chair, became the first to win a third term since Dennis Olsen in the early 1980s. Beating out her challengers, incumbent first vice chair Mark Fuller, and former state senator Steven Thayn, with just enough of a vote percentage to avoid a run-off.

Per party rules, the winning candidate needs a majority of the votes (at least 51%). Moon had 306 votes, which was 51.4%, preventing a run-off election, which declares her the winner.

“You know, I’m absolutely thrilled that the Republican base has confidence in the work that we’ve been doing in the office over the years,” Moon said about her win. “A second term is over with, and third one is getting ready to start. And this abortion initiative is huge, and we’re looking forward to taking it down.”

With all five elected officers being women, it creates a unique dynamic for the GOP’s fight against the abortion initiative.

What is the Abortion Initiative?

The Idaho Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act Initiative is a citizen-led ballot initiative, which gathered signatures from around the state to get the act on the ballot for the 2026 elections.

One of the provisions would make abortion legal up to the point of fetal viability.

The GOP believes this initiative is too extreme.

“Folks need to know that this initiative is extreme,” Julianne Young stated. “It is a pro abortion at any time initiative, but it is actually bigger than abortion… It goes beyond what to legally protect anyone who helps someone access that reproductive health care. So there are huge concerns with this initiative.”

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