Category: kifi-local-news

News Release

(The following information is from an Idaho Transportation Department news release)

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department is warning drivers about upcoming construction along U.S. 20.

Exploratory drilling along U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Rigby, as well as pavement replacement within the active roadway north of Rexburg, begins Monday.

The Idaho Transportation Department is urging travelers to be aware of equipment and crews through these particularly busy areas.

“Last year, we had three near miss occurrences as we were drilling on US-20 near Idaho Falls,” ITD Geologist Shawn Enright said.

“We want people to be particularly aware so we can make sure everyone gets home at night and the work gets done too.”

Over the next three weeks, contractor partners will have drill rigs and traffic control in operation near the ramps, overpasses and canal crossings from Interstate 15 Exit 119 in Idaho Falls to Rigby to gather data for potential future widening of US-20. Work will happen within the shoulder or roadside.

More efforts to improve US-20 from North Rexburg Exit 337 to Driggs/ Jackson Exit 339 are also beginning Monday and will continue throughout the next three weeks. Contractor partners will be repairing the worst sections of roadway to provide a smoother ride for motorists.

The northbound ramp to access US-20 at Exit 337 will be closed through the day on Tuesday, April 29. Once work has progressed north, motorists will see closures of the northbound on-ramps at Sugar City/ Salem Exit 338 and Driggs/ Jackson Exit 339. Each closure is expected to last no more than a few days and will only remain through daytime hours.

This work will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and 511.idaho.gov. Drive aware and drive safe while crews make Idaho’s roads better.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Power has been restored to the neighborhoods affected by Monday morning’s power outage.

According to a post by Idaho Falls Power, the issue was due to a switch in one of our substation yards while transferring power.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Crews with Idaho Falls Power are looking into a power outage on the south side of the city, which is affecting neighborhoods off Sunnyside Road.

The news comes from a post on the Idaho Falls Power Facebook page.

“Our crews are headed to investigate the problem and get power restored as soon as possible. Please hang tight,” wrote Idaho Power in the post.

This is a developing story that Local News 8 will update as we learn new information from Idaho Power.

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Kailey Galaviz

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Teton Valley Food Pantry has a mission to end hunger in the area, but 89-year-old Jeanenne Green takes that mission even farther, adding smiles to every plate.

Though she would describe her work as “just filling orders,” Green’s impact goes beyond her typical volunteer duties. Teton Valley Food Pantry Executive Director Sue Heffron says, “She has helped the pantry in ways that we can’t do what we do without people like Jeanenne.”

Green has been volunteering her time since 1999, spending a handful of those years at the food pantry. She stocks the shelves and bags food orders, with no plans to stop anytime soon. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to be like at 90, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Green says.

For Green, volunteering isn’t just about keeping busy, it’s about making connections and improving the lives of others. “I just think that we need to look out for our neighbor,” she says, “I just hate to see anyone struggle. And if I can do something to help with that, I would love to do that.”

Thanks to her dedication and warm spirit, Jeanenne Green is this week’s Community All-Star – proving that no matter the age, the heart makes all the difference.

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Noah Farley

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Hundreds of people enjoyed songs performed at the Big Sky Handbell Festival at Hillcrest High School on Saturday.

This the first time the free handbell concert has returned to the area in 11 years.

Silence fell over the audience as the musicians played the peaceful melodies of songs like “Come, Christians”, “Join to Sing” and “The Rhythm of Life.”

Over 200 musicians played together to deliver a harmony of angelic ringing. Most of the players were from Idaho or Montana, while some came from as far as Iowa.

The musicians were conducted by Leanna Willmore, who recently retired as the conductor of the ‘Bells at Temple Square’ in Salt Lake City.

The concert was endorsed by Handbell Musicians of America, which works to bring people together “through the musical art of handbell and handchime ringing.”

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News Release

(The following is a news release from the Idaho State Police)

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho – Idaho State Police is investigating a single vehicle fatality crash that occurred on Sunday April 27, at 1:30 a.m., on Government Dam Road north of Soda Springs.

Idaho State Police is investigating a single vehicle fatality crash that occurred on Sunday April 27, at 1:30 a.m., on Government Dam Road north of Soda Springs.

A 2007 GMC Sierra pick up, driven by a 19-year-old male from Soda Springs, was driving southbound and failed to navigate a curve going off the roadway.

A juvenile passenger succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Another passenger was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. One other passenger was transported by air ambulance to a local hospital. The driver was wearing a seatbelt, and all other passengers were not wearing seatbelts. Alcohol is a contributing factor.

The roadway was blocked for approximately three and a half hours to allow emergency responders to assist those involved.

Idaho State Police was assisted by Caribou County Sheriff Office, Soda Springs Police Department, Classic Air, and Caribou County Ambulance.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

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Noah Farley

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Spring has sprung, and so has a new flower that glows in the dark.

The Firefly Petunia is a flower genetically modified to give off a soft, greenish light. This is the first year the plant is available to the public through garden centers.

The entire flower glows, including its roots and leaves. This is made possible through bioluminescence, just like how certain mushrooms glow.

“This was developed with the genes from the mushroom. So they spliced the genes from the mushroom, [and] genetically modified it into a petunia, and that’s where the bioluminescent glowing comes from,” said Sunnyside Gardens Owner, Aaron McCracken.

McCracken says even though the flower glows, it should be cared for like any other petunia. You can have it in your house or on your patio. It does better in a pot than in the ground.

“It’s an annual, just like a normal petunia. So it will die during the winter. So have it outside, enjoy it during the spring and summer, and then, before freezing temperatures in the fall, bring it inside and enjoy it as a houseplant for years to come.”

If you’d like to see the firefly petunia, Sunnyside Gardens has a dark room where you can go in, let your eyes adjust to the dark, and see the flowers in their glowing glory.

You can find Sunnyside Gardens’ location and hours here.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Marshall Public Library is taking a page out of the world of Comic Books in a celebration local superhero and science fiction fans won’t want to miss.

In collaboration with Pocatello’s Captain Bengal’s Comic Cove, the library is participating in the 24th annual Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

“This event is absolutely free and welcomes everyone, no registration needed. Along with your free comic book, enjoy a comic-themed craft project, challenge yourself with a fun puzzle, and capture the moment at our hero-themed photo spot,” writes the library staff. “The library thanks Bob Beason, owner of Captain Bengal’s Comic Cove, for his help and support with this event. Mr. Beason helped provide the comics for giveaway as well as the hero cutouts for the photo spot.”

Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event where comic book shops and libraries open their doors to new and longtime fans, offering a selection of special edition comics at no cost.

The event began on the same weekend as the premiere of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man in 2002, where over two million books were given away.

This year, the official Free Comic Book Day Retailer Selection Committee has chosen forty-six exciting titles, including popular franchises like Star Wars, Godzilla, Transformers, Mega Man, and Street Fighter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering the world of comics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information on the worldwide celebration and a full list of available titles, click HERE or contact the Marshall Public Library at (208) 232-1263.

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