Category: kifi-local-news

Curtis Jackson

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – Two pets remain missing after a fire damaged a home west of Driggs on Tuesday night.

The Teton County Fire and Rescue reported the fire occurred around 8:50 p.m. on June 9, 2026, off of Bates Road.

When they arrived, the home was “well established.” Firefighters had to deal with winds ranging between 15 to 20 mph and worked to protect a large propane tank, multiple cars and a large shop nearby.

The fire department reported the homeowners were out of town when the fire started.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the home, but one vehicle sustained significant damage.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported, but two pets remain missing.

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Max Gershon

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Dozens of young baseball players from across eastern Idaho gathered for the Idaho Falls Bandits Youth Camp, where campers had the opportunity to sharpen their skills alongside members of the Bandits summer baseball team.

The camp featured a variety of drills and stations focused on hitting, fielding, baserunning and other baseball fundamentals. But for the Bandits players leading those activities, the day was about much more than teaching the game.

“I love how they get to come here and we get to teach them all about the stuff that we’ve learned,” Bandits player Cole Croft said. “Coach Ryan Alexander has taught us a lot over the last couple of months, and it’s amazing being able to pass along what we’ve learned to the younger kids.”

Bandits head coach Ryan Alexander said the camp also benefits his own players by reinforcing the lessons they work on throughout the season.

“It’s fun to watch our guys teach the things that we’re teaching,” Alexander said. “Sometimes they have a hard time putting those concepts into their own game, so being able to teach the youngsters helps reinforce those ideas. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Throughout the day, campers rotated through stations run by Bandits players, who offered instruction, encouragement and plenty of answers to baseball-related questions. Among the most popular topics: favorite Major League Baseball players.

Names like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Corbin Carroll and Cal Raleigh quickly came up among the young athletes.

For many campers, however, the biggest highlight wasn’t talking baseball stars—it was getting the chance to play the game themselves.

Some campers practiced sliding techniques, while others worked on fielding and baserunning drills. Many simply enjoyed spending a day on the same field where the Bandits play their games each summer.

While the campers arrived hoping to improve their baseball skills, Alexander said the organization’s goal extends beyond wins and losses.

“We hope baseball prepares them for anything life is going to throw at them,” Alexander said.

For one day, the focus wasn’t on the scoreboard. Instead, it was about passing down lessons, building confidence and helping the next generation develop a love for the game.

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Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – We’ll continue to experience a slight cold front push through the area this Wednesday, as gusty winds bring the possibility of a midweek frost. Pockets of rain will continue to push northward towards the more mountainous region near Island Park, and we’ll begin to see drier and warmer weather reappear by Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday morning begins with a bit of a chill, as breezes from the wind advisory continue to blow through from the southwest. Cooler temperatures to start the morning will be in the low 40s, warming to the upper 50s and 60s by this afternoon. Humidity chances drop off to the 20th percentile throughout the region, and conditions will continue to dry out as we approach the end of the week. A wind advisory continues to remain in place until 9:00 pm Wednesday evening. The radar of potential impact includes the cities of St. Anthony, Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Mud Lake, and Craters of the Moon National Monument, as well as the Idaho National Laboratory. Winds 25 to 35 mph are expected with gusts up to 50 mph.

On Thursday morning, a frost advisory will be in effect for the Arco Desert, stretching toward the Upper Snake River Plain. By Thursday afternoon, we will climb back up into the 60s for our high temperatures. A warming trend will begin on Thursday with sunny skies and a high near 70. Calm winds will have speeds in the single digits. Clear conditions are expected at night with a low near 38 degrees. Sunny skies and warmer temperatures will continue, with many areas reaching the upper 70s and into the 80s by the weekend.

Wind Advisory issued June 9 at 1:04PM MDT until June 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

* WHAT…West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…Eastern Magic Valley, Shoshone/Lava Beds, BlackfootMountains, Marsh, and Arbon Highlands, Raft River Region, andSouthern Hills/Albion Mountains.

* WHEN…From 9 AM to 9 PM MDT on Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could make driving difficult, especially forhigh-profile vehicles. Unsecured objects may be blown around.Strong winds and rough waves on the area lakes will create hazardous conditionsconditions for small craft.Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for highprofile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Secure outdoor objects.

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David Pace

Celtic band Teton Skye performs Tuesday at the Toyota Stage on the River Walk.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Twelve local bands will take the stage this summer performing free concerts along the River Walk in downtown Idaho Falls.

The Idaho Falls Arts Council ‘s “River Concert Series” is hosting the community performances every Tuesday this summer at 7 PM.

“This is a really fun series because it’s a lot of local talent, so we like to feature a lot of our local bands,” said Idaho Falls Arts Council Executive Director Gray Augustus. “We’ve got ‘Teton Skye’ that’s gonna be down here with us. We have the ’40 Somethin’ Band’ that’s coming up next week with us, and then there’s just a ton of really popular, well-known local favorites.”

Celtic band Teton Skye welcomed in summer on June 9 with a mix of Celtic, Scottish and Irish music on the banks of the Snake River.

“This is probably our fifth or sixth time doing the Snake River concert,” said Teton Skye Guitarist Eric Laing. “It’s always a great time. So, we’re excited to to kick off the season this year.”

The group has been performing for nine years, has published two albums and has a YouTube channel.

“My family is Scottish going back centuries, so I kind of grew up in [Celtic music] as well,” said lead singer Liz Clark.

Various bands will perform weekly all summer long.

“You will hear everything from Celtic to rock, jazz, oldies, cover band,” Augustus said. “It’s a little bit of everything.”

You can catch the music at the Toyota Greenbelt Stage next to the roundabout on Memorial Drive by D and E Streets.

Bring a blanket or chair, and come enjoy the beautiful sounds along the Snake River.

River Concert Series Summer Schedule

June 9: Teton Skye – Celtic

June 16: 40 Somethin’ Band – Classic Rock

June 23: East Idaho Community Band – Band

June 30: 22nd Street Jazz – Jazz

July 7: Jazz House Big Band – Big Band

July 14: Pre Dawn Flight – Classic Rock

July 21: Mountain Strings Bluegrass – Bluegrass

July 28: Abstract Class – Classic Rock

August 4: Lil’ Red – Classic Rock

August 11: High Desert Heathens – Country Rock

August 18: Olivia Rose – Country

August 25: Mike Banks Jazz Quartet – Jazz

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Abi Martin

UPDATE 8:05 P.M – Tyson McLorance has been located and found safe. On their Facebook page, the Madison County Sheriff’s office extended gratitude to the community for their help.

ARCHER, Idaho (KIFI) – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing child from the Archer area.

Ten-year-old Tyson McLorance was last seen leaving his residence shortly before 7 p.m.

Deputies are actively searching for Tyson and are asking anyone in the area to remain alert and report any possible sightings immediately.

Anyone who has seen Tyson McLorance or has information on his whereabouts, is asked to contact Madison County Dispatch at 208-372-5001.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With the job market proving challenging for some teens this summer, local organizations are offering volunteer opportunities that can help young people build their resumes while giving back to the community.

The Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center offers volunteer opportunities for people interested in learning practical skills while earning volunteer hours.

“We have them making little outfits for the newborn kits and they’re so fun,” Nancy Dasha, a coordinator in the yarn department, said. “What they do is they’ll take an afghan that’s been donated, and then they’ll make an outfit to go with it.”

Volunteers can learn a variety of skills, including:

Crocheting

Knitting

Woodworking

Quilting

Sewing

Organizers say those skills are used to create products that help people in need throughout the community.

“If people want to just come in and have a few hours to spare, they’re welcome to come in and we’re happy to teach them what to do,” Rhea Jones, assistant supervisor of the quilting department, said.

Volunteers say their work can have a meaningful impact on people facing difficult circumstances.

“This guy was struggling with alcohol and he was sleeping in his car,” Eric, who works in the distribution center, said. “She came to me and got a quilt. She gave him the quilt, and now he doesn’t have to drink to stay warm.”

In addition to volunteers, the Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center is also seeking donations this summer.

The center is accepting items such as diapers, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — People looking to add a new four-legged family member will have a chance to meet adoptable dogs this weekend during a special adoption event at Massacre Rocks State Park.

Pocatello Animal Services is partnering with Massacre Rocks State Park in American Falls to host the event Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shelter staff and volunteers will be on hand to introduce visitors to adoptable dogs, answer questions and assist with adoptions.

Organizers say the outdoor setting gives potential adopters an opportunity to learn more about each dog’s personality, energy level and compatibility with their family and lifestyle.

“We’re excited to bring our adoptable dogs out into the community and help them connect with potential families,” Pocatello Animal Services Management Assistant Sarah Moore said. “Whether you’re actively looking to adopt or simply want to meet some wonderful dogs, we encourage everyone to stop by and say hello.”

Courtesy of Pocatello Animal Services

Adoptions may be completed on-site when a suitable match is found.

According to Pocatello Animal Services, all adopted dogs will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before joining their new families.

The event is free to attend.

More information about the shelter and adoptable animals is available through Pocatello Animal Services.

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Par Kermani

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A preliminary hearing for former Bannock County Chief Deputy Coroner and North Bannock Fire Chief Jonathan Farnsworth has been rescheduled for July 14.

According to court records, Farnsworth faces four counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16, one count of rape and one count of sexual exploitation of a child. He also faces 11 counts of possession of child sexually exploitative material.

The Bannock County Courthouse was packed Tuesday afternoon as community members gathered for the hearing. However, the proceedings lasted less than 15 minutes before the hearing was postponed.

Farnsworth’s appointed attorney asked the court for a 30-day waiver, citing that he had recently been assigned to the case. The prosecuting attorney did not object to the request, stating that additional investigation is expected to take place over the next month.

Investigators say an alleged victim reported sexual abuse involving Farnsworth, leading to his arrest.

The prosecuting attorney told the court that special arrangements are being made for victims arriving at and leaving the courthouse in accordance with a no-contact order involving the two accusers.

Farnsworth previously served as Bannock County’s chief deputy coroner and held a leadership position with North Bannock Fire.

Magistrate Judge Carol Jarman scheduled the preliminary hearing for July 14 at 1:30 p.m.

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Authorities have released the identity of a 70-year-old Bingham County man found dead along the Snake River over the weekend.

Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez identified the man as Daniel Fuentes of Firth.

Fuentes’ body was discovered Friday evening after emergency crews responded to the west bank of the Snake River, south of 65th South, around 6:35 p.m. First responders from both Bonneville and Bingham counties were already in the area assisting with an unrelated search upstream when the report came in.

Investigators believe the man had likely been at the location for several hours after suffering fatal injuries falling down a rocky embankment near the river.

The sheriff’s office stated the incident appears to be accidental, though the investigation remains ongoing.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A bystander rescued a female driver from a canal in Bonneville County on Tuesday before emergency crews arrived at the scene.

According to Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Bryan Lovell, the incident happened near a meat packing plant in the area of 1090 E. Iona Road.

Lovell said the witness entered the canal and helped remove the driver from the vehicle after it left the roadway and entered the water.

The driver was safely rescued and did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Brandunn Griggs is a father of four who was on the way back from a nearby wrecking yard, when he saw a car in the canal.

“…as I approached the bridge here to cross the bridge, I didn’t see the car, and I glanced over and saw the car in the water and, decided to pull over and jump out,” Griggs said, “I went down to the doors trying to open the door to see if I could help get her out of the car, door was locked. She’s trying to unlock the door… I ended up just punching the window to unlock the door.”

I asked him what was racing through his mind in that moment.

“I guess more or less to kind of think that someone’s from someone’s family member, you know?” Griggs said.

This act of kindness did not go unnoticed from the woman.

“She was thanking me.She’s telling me how thankful she was that I showed up to help her,” Griggs said.

Deputies are continuing to investigate what led to the crash. Lovell said investigators currently believe impairment from marijuana may have been a contributing factor, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Crews later removed the vehicle from the canal and reopened the roadway.

Local News 8 spoke with the man who rescued the driver and will have more on his actions later.

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