Category: kifi-local-news

Par Kermani

Rexburg, Idaho (KIFI) — Rexburg City police found a child alone at a local apartment complex and have safely reunited her with her family.

According to the Rexburg City Facebook page, officers found the child around 10 a.m. at the Mesa Falls Apartments. Initially, the department was unable to identify her or find her parents.

However, after asking the community for tips in a social media post, the department confirmed the child has been located and reunited with her family.

The department also thanked the public for helping assist in the search.

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Danielle Mullenix

Island Park, ID (KIFI) – A proposed subdivision near Henry’s Lake is back under review as a developer appeals a denial from county officials—and time is running out for the public to weigh in.

DK Land LLC, a development group based in Dillon, Montana, is appealing the Fremont County Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to deny the Caldera Flats subdivision.

Photo by Chris Boyer

The proposed Caldera Flats subdivision would bring 32 residential lots to about 160 acres near Henry’s Lake. The project was previously denied by the Fremont County Planning and Zoning Commission in July of 2025, but the developer, DK Land LLC, has since filed an appeal—putting the decision in the hands of county commissioners.

At the center of the appeal is whether the county made the right call in denying the project.

Supporters of the subdivision argue that the proposal complies with the Fremont County development code and say property owners should be allowed to build if regulations are followed.

Opponents, however, point to concerns about protecting rural character, wildlife habitat, and environmentally sensitive land in the Island Park area.

Public Input Deadline

Before commissioners make a decision, the public still has a chance to weigh in.

Fremont County officials say written comments can be submitted to Planning and Zoning, which will be included in the official record reviewed during the appeal process. Written comments for consideration by the BOCC may be submitted in person or by US mail at the Fremont County Clerk’s office, 151 W. 1st North, Suite 12, St. Anthony, ID, 83445, no later than noon, May 4th, 2026. 

After the comment deadline, the Fremont County Board of Commissioners will review the full record, including staff findings, public testimony, and submitted evidence.

A public hearing is expected later this month, on May 20th, where commissioners could:

Uphold the original denial

Reverse the decision and allow the project to move forward

Or send the application back for further review

The Caldera Flats proposal highlights an ongoing debate in Fremont County—balancing growth and development with the preservation of open space and sensitive areas in Island Park.

As the appeal moves forward, this month’s upcoming deadline marks one of the final opportunities for community members to have their voices heard. The outcome could shape not only the future of the Caldera Flats project but also how Fremont County balances growth and development with the protection of its rural character and natural resources.

To submit a comment, click here. If you are interested in following the appeal process of the Caldera Flats subdivision, visit the Fremont County website here.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, ID (KIFI)– The Idaho Falls Farmers Market is back for the season, bringing local vendors and community members together every Saturday from May through October – rain or shine. 

Located along Memorial Drive in downtown Idaho Falls, the market features more than 130 local vendors, farmers, ranchers, and artisans from across eastern Idaho.

Vendors and customers say the market is about more than shopping – it’s about supporting the local community and small businesses. 

“The community support is really amazing,” Casey Etheredge, owner of Ethers Edge said. “It’s so important for the community to support these small businesses because without the community support, we wouldn’t have the farmers market. We wouldn’t have all this amazing stuff happening every Saturday.”

Visitors can shop for fresh fruits, and vegetables, locally made food, flowers, handmade crafts, and other products throughout the market.

“We really love supporting local vendors, local folks, small businesses,” Jacob Hackman, customer said . “I think that’s the backbone of our economy. This is an opportunity for us to get together as a community and support the local vendors.” 

For vendors, the weekly market also creates opportunities to connect with both local residents and tourists visiting eastern Idaho. 

“The farmers market allows me to interact with so many people,” Chris Salmond, owner of Burger Smith said. “It’s kind of like a mini fair. A large amount of people come out, we get to see tons of tourists, and it’s a wonderful experience.” 

Vendors also say the market helps strengthen community connections beyond business sales. 

The Idaho Falls Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will run through October in downtown Idaho Falls.

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Curtis Jackson

SWAN VALLEY, Idaho (KIFI)-Firefighters were called to a wildfire burning near Palisades Reservoir on Friday afternoon. 

Fire crews were called around 5 o’clock to the 4700 block of Swan Valley Highway, about 10 miles west of Alpine. 

Swan Valley firefighters say the fire is burning in heavy timber and is just over an acre in size. 

Some nearby structures are threatened, but they feel they can keep them safe. 

Crews from several agencies are assisting Swan Valley crews in fighting the fire. 

They said the fire was human-caused from a burning slash pile, a pile of debris left over from a logging operation.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A nationwide protest called “May Day Strong” brought together a small group in Idaho Falls.

Organized through social media, the post described the protest as a “day of action” focused on workers’ rights and economic issues.

“We’ve become more and more of a corporatist society and and more of an oligopoly and oligarchy. And so as that’s starting to rise, the worker is being left behind. And it’s important to remember the worker and and to remember that together we’re strong collectively.” said Chance Marshall a May Day Rally Speaker.

In Idaho Falls, a few dozen people gathered at the Japanese Friendship Garden to take part in the demonstration.

According to the group’s website, organizers are calling for policies that include higher taxes on the wealthy, opposition to immigration enforcement by ICE, an end to war efforts, and limits on what they describe as unchecked federal power.

The local event included speeches and music as participants voiced their concerns and shared messages tied to the national movement.

Similar events were held in cities across the United States as part of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day.

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Par Kermani

Boise, Idaho (KIFI) — Public events set to honor the life and legacy of former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, who died April 24 at the age of 74.

The Governor’s Office announced services will take place May 15 and 16 in Boise, giving the public an opportunity to pay their respects.

Kempthorne will lie in state in the Idaho State Capitol at 10 a.m. Friday, May 15. Gov. Brad Little will preside over a Capitol service, with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane serving as master of ceremonies. Honors will be given by the Idaho National Guard and the Idaho State Police

Following the service, Kempthorne will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16 providing the opportunity for the public to pay their respects.

On Saturday, Kempthorne will be transferred from the Capitol to the Cathedral of the Rockies at 10 a.m., with a funeral service scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The service will be open to the public and livestreamed online.

After the funeral, a procession of family members and invited guests, led by the Idaho State Police, will travel to the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery for a private interment ceremony.

A separate celebration of life will be held at a later date in Washington, D.C.

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Par Kermani

BUTTE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Groundwater users in Little Lost River Basin, Big Lost River Basin, and Upper Big Lost River Basin could avoid water shutoffs this irrigation season after reaching a new agreement to join the state’s 2024 mitigation plan.

“We’ve had our crops planted and the ground’s been fertilized. The worry of being curtailed has been really heavy on everybody’s mind,” said Kirk Nickerson, chairman of the Little Lost River Ground Water District. “… We’re happy for a resolution.”

The agreement impacts 220 farmers and about 65,000 acres of farmland around Arco and Howe.

The Surface Water Coalition and Idaho Ground Water Appropriators announced that the Big Lost and Little Lost River basins have been added to the plan through a newly signed addendum. The agreement was filed with the Idaho Department of Water Resources for approval.

The agreement will put groundwater districts under the same requirements as other participants, including conservation targets, water storage obligations and efforts to recharge the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.

“This is a huge relief for the farmers in our basin and for our families, our crops and our communities,” Nickerson said.

The agreement follows weeks of negotiations between surface water users and groundwater districts after curtailment orders from the state went into effect last month.

“They now have the protection of being under a mitigation plan which prevents them from being curtailed,” said Stephanie Mickelsen, Idaho Ground Water Appropriators chairwoman. “But people that are not in a mitigation plan can still be curtailed by the department, especially this year where it’s so dry. That will enable the farmers in the Little Lost (River Ground Water District) and the Big Lost (River Ground Water District) to be able to operate this year to run their pumps.”

With the irrigation season already underway, a sense of urgency to come to an agreement was necessary.

“Every person at the negotiating table represents Idaho farmers and irrigators who depend on this resource,” said Alan Hansten, chairman of the Surface Water Coalition. “Our goal has always been to build a plan that works not just today but for the long-term stability of Idaho agriculture and the aquifer we all rely on.”

Due to Idaho’s “first in time, first in right,” approach to water rights, senior water rights holders are prioritized during shortages. Mitigation plans are designed to allow junior groundwater users to continue operating under agreements, such as taking measures to stabilize and recharge aquifers.

“I think it’s a win for all the farmers, both on the surface and groundwater side for certainty for the 2026 irrigation season,” said Travis Thompson, attorney for the Surface Water Coalition.

The Idaho Department of Water Resources will hold a status conference Monday to review the agreement and is expected to approve it.

Earlier this month the Idaho Dept of Water Resources declared a drought emergency, citing low snowpack as the main cause.

“There’s only so much water in Idaho, and if we’re all willing to share it – and we don’t know what’s coming from year to year – but if we’re able to share it and equal it out between each other, we’ll make things work,” Nickerson said.

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Linda Larsen

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The celebration for America’s 250th birthday is hitting a high note this weekend. On Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m., the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center will play host to “We Are America,” a free patriotic showcase presented by the Tavaci School of Performing Arts.

Under the direction of Cindy Bowen, 75 local voices—ranging from energetic toddlers to polished teens — are bringing the vocal fireworks to the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center for a free patriotic celebration you won’t want to miss.

In the spirit of community and patriotism, Bowen and her team are making this a truly inclusive event.

The audience is enthusiastically invited to join the “Sea of Patriotism” by wearing their favorite red, white, and blue attire.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – May 1st is National Heatstroke Prevention Day, dedicated to raising awareness of a danger that can be deadly in just a few minutes. As warmer weather approaches our region, Kids and Car Safety has provided Local News 8 with the latest tips and safety reminders that could save the lives of your loved ones.

In Idaho, the earliest recorded month for a hot car death has been reported as May, indicating that residents need to be aware of the danger sooner than expected. Since 1990, over 1,100 children across the United States have tragically lost their lives after being left behind in hot vehicles.

Many parents and caregivers are operating under misconceptions, often believing that a heat-related tragedy involving their child is something that could never happen to them. Alarmingly, in more than half of hot car fatalities, the individual responsible for the child unintentionally leaves them in the car. This situation commonly affects devoted, loving parents. It’s a scenario that has impacted individuals from all walks of life—teachers, dentists, social workers, police officers, nurses, clergy, soldiers, and even rocket scientists. It’s a risk that can touch anyone.

For nearly 30 years, Kids and Car Safety has worked to educate families and push for policy changes. But the group says the problem remains far from solved.

“After almost three decades of public education, children are still dying at alarming and devastating rates,” said Janette Fennell, the organization’s founder and president.

Groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids Worldwide are joining the push for in-vehicle technology that can detect when a child is left behind and alert the driver. Modern cars already include reminders for seat belts, headlights, and fuel levels. Advocates argue similar systems should be standard for child safety.

“Technology can, and must, be an essential part of the solution,” Fennell said.

Simple Habits Can Save Lives

Until systems of progress become widespread, experts at Kids and Car Safety urge families to adopt simple, consistent routines.

One widely recommended strategy is the “Look Before You Lock” method—checking the back seat every time you exit your vehicle.

Another tip: place a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat, then move it to the front seat while the child is riding. The visual cue can serve as a powerful reminder.

Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to:

Place essential items like a phone or purse in the back seat

Ask childcare providers to call if a child doesn’t arrive as expected

They also stress that anyone who sees a child alone in a vehicle should act immediately: Call 911. That quick decision, experts say, could be the difference between life and death.

As Idaho heats up for the spring and summer, safety leaders hope National Heatstroke Prevention Day serves as more than a reminder—but as a turning point toward ending these preventable tragedies.

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Bailee Shaw

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — Prosecutors in the case of the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk are pushing back against a defense motion to hold them in contempt of court over recent comments to the media.

Tyler Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder and multiple felony counts following the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University.

In April, attorneys for Robinson filed a motion claiming Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray and his staff violated a standing gag order. The defense argues that the prosecution made improper comments to the media, pointing to coverage of a ballistics test that came back inconclusive.

In their motion, the defense argued that the Utah County Attorney’s Office is overstepping by publicly offering its opinion of Robinson’s guilt before a jury can deliberate, according to reports by ABC 4 in Utah.

“Declaring that the state has ‘ample evidence to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Tyler Robinson committed this murder’ is the functional equivalent of stating that Mr. Robinson is ‘guilty.'” stated the defense in its motion.

The prosecution has formally requested that the court dismiss the contempt motion, maintaining that they did nothing wrong. According to their filing, the public statements were not an attempt to bias a jury, but a necessary move to correct what they termed “misleading” claims made by the defense.

Prosecutors argue that the defense omitted a crucial detail regarding the ballistics report.

“Defendant’s statement contained a material omission: that the ATF was unable to identify or exclude the bullet as having been fired from the rifle. As a result, Defendant’s statement was misleading,” the prosecution stated in its motion.

Prosecutors say they were just answering media questions and that state rules allow them to answer media questions to clarify public misconceptions about a case. The UCAO further argued that they were only asserting that they believe they have enough evidence to carry the meet the burden of proof at trial.

“A general statement that the prosecution believes that it has the evidence necessary to carry its burden at trial tells the public nothing more than what the prosecution’s decision to file and continue to pursue this case necessarily communicates—that the prosecution believes it can prove its case,” the prosecution’s motion states.

Judge Tony Graf has not yet ruled on whether the prosecution’s comments constitute a violation of the gag order or if the contempt motion will be dismissed.

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