Category: kifi-local-news

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello invites community members to participate in an upcoming open house and online survey as part of the development of a 10-year plan for neighborhoods within the University area.

The open house will be held Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Activity Center, 427 N. 6th Ave., Pocatello, Idaho. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents, property owners, and stakeholders to share feedback and help shape the future of the area.

Area, or neighborhood, plans were identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The University Area Plan will establish a shared vision for these neighborhoods and guide future decisions related to development, affordable housing, transportation options, public amenities, and other priorities for growth.

As part of this planning effort, the public is also encouraged to participate in an online survey, available at: arcg.is/eaqmL1

The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan can be viewed online at: storymaps.arcgis.com

For more information on this project, contact Jim Anglesey at 208-234-6514 or janglesey@pocatello.gov.

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Jeff Roper

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — After recent escaped open burn fires in Teton County, Wyoming, and eastern Bonneville County last week, it’s becoming more evident that property owners are using the nice weather as a chance to clear property. 

While property owners often view nice weather as the prime time to clear their property, local experts say the current conditions are deceptively dangerous.

Fire officials note that the region is currently in the window “before the green-up,” a time when vegetation is dry, dead, and highly flammable. Without the moisture of new spring growth, fires can quickly turn from controlled piles to “racing” wildfires in seconds.

“They’re burning quite often and intensely this time of year because we’re still in the dormant brown phase,” warned Fire Warden Kelly Hoffer, Idaho Department of Lands. “They need to know that weather is a big factor in prescribed burning.”

If you do plan an open burn, fire officials have provided the following guidelines to keep you and your community safe:

Notify Dispatch: Always call your local non-emergency dispatch line before burning. This prevents unnecessary 9-1-1 calls and ensures crews aren’t taken from real emergencies.

On-Site Suppression: You must have immediate access to water – a working hose, a large water source, and hand tools like shovels to manage the perimeter.

The ‘Cold Trail’ Rule: Never leave a burn unattended, even if it appears out.

Check the Forecast: Avoid burning on windy, hot, or exceptionally dry days.

For more information on your regional forecast, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Ada County Coroner has released the cause of death for Nampa Mayor Hogaboam.

According to our partners at KBOI in Boise, Mayor Hoganboam died of a cardiac tamponade, a buildup of fluid in the sac surrounding the heart.

Governor Brad Little has ordered that U.S. and State of Idaho flags be flown at half-staff immediately to honor the life and legacy of Nampa Mayor Hogaboam.

The order applies to the State Capitol and all state buildings in Canyon County, remaining in effect until sunrise on Monday, March 23.

“We are heartbroken over the sudden passing of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam. Rick served with a genuine heart for public service and an unwavering commitment to the people of Nampa,” said Gov. Little. “He cared deeply about his community and worked every day to make it stronger and better for those he served.”

RELATED: Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam dies from medical emergency during town hall meeting

Hogaboam had only recently begun his tenure, having been sworn in as Nampa’s Mayor on January 5, 2026. Governor Little extended his condolences to those closest to the Mayor, noting that the entire state joins Nampa in its grief.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, city staff, and the entire Nampa community as they grieve this tremendous loss,” Governor Little said.

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Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Hobbs Middle School student is facing disciplinary action after allegedly using stolen science lab equipment to start a fire in a boys’ restroom on Monday afternoon. While the fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries, the incident led to a full evacuation of the building and an investigation into several students who were involved.

The Shelley Police Department and the Shelley-Firth Fire District rushed to the school just after 2 PM on March 16. Although property damage was described as minimal, the district’s maintenance department and a restoration company were brought in immediately to ensure the environment safe for students to return to class.

After the fire was extinguished, an investigation determined that a single student had set the trash can on fire using items stolen from the school science class. Authorities also identified several other students involved and documented their respective roles in the incident.

Due to state and federal privacy laws regarding minors, the Shelley Police Department and Shelley School District #60 have not released the names of the students or the specific disciplinary measures taken. Both organizations issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to the safety of the staff and student body.

“The Shelley Police Department and Shelley School District #60 take incidents of this nature seriously and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community,” stated the Department on Facebook.

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Fox13

Originally Published: 19 MAR 26 12:51 ET

By Michael Martin

Click here for updates on this story

    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — Three people have been arrested, including two listed as juveniles, after the site of the proposed ICE detention center in Salt Lake City was vandalized.

The vandalism at the warehouse located west of Salt Lake City International Airport included graffiti with a swastika that had a line going through it, and the words, “Kill all Nazis.” Several windows at the facility were also smashed, and what appeared to be paint was on the door.

The incident occurred during a large protest held at the warehouse Wednesday in which hundreds gathered to express their anger over the planned detention facility after ICE purchased the building last week. Multiple state and city leaders, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Republican Sen. John Curtis, have denounced the proposal for various reasons.

Chase Fredrickson, 18, was arrested early Thursday and faces charges of Property Damage and Riot. According to court documents, Fredrickson was allegedly captured on video throwing rocks at the exterior of the ICE warehouse during the protest.

“The throwing of the rocks caused the glass to shatter and break,” the arrest report said.

The identities of the two juveniles were not released. The court documents do not connect Frederickson or anyone else to the graffiti painted outside the building.

Federal agents on the scene told the arresting officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department that the damage was estimated to be $3,000.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Judge Steven Boyce has officially announced his re-election campaign for Idaho’s Seventh Judicial District, setting the stage for the region’s first contested judicial election in over a decade. The announcement comes only days after Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal announced his decision to challenge him for the Judge’s seat.

In a news release, Judge Boyce outlined his goals to focus on continuing to strengthen the administration of justice, supporting problem‑solving courts, and ensuring that the Seventh Judicial District remains a model of fairness and professionalism

“I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted with my role in Idaho’s judiciary, and continue to be completely committed to ensuring justice for my community here in Southeast Idaho,” Judge Boyce said. “I look forward to continuing that work.”

A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Idaho College of Law, Boyce’s legal career spans several decades of both public and private practice. He served 7 years in the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office, including a tenure as Chief Deputy, before spending more than ten years as a solo practitioner in Idaho Falls.

His private sector career continued with the firms of Smith & Banks and Hawley Troxell, where he specialized in real estate litigation. Boyce also spent fourteen consecutive years as a Criminal Justice Act attorney in federal cases.

Judge Boyce’s recent judicial tenure has been defined by his role presiding over two of the longest and most high-profile criminal cases in Idaho’s history, the murder cases of Chad and Lori Daybell.

This significant trial experience led the Idaho Supreme Court to honor him with the prestigious 2024 George C. Granata Award, according to the release. In granting the award, the Court noted that jurors from those complex trials felt that Boyce’s conduct on the bench “restored their faith in the rule of law.”

In 2025, Boyce was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as the Administrative District Judge for the Seventh Judicial District. He currently chairs the Seventh Judicial District Magistrate Commission and presides over two juvenile drug courts, roles that reflect his ongoing focus on accountability, rehabilitation, and community safety.

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Sean Dolan

By: Sean Dolan

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 18, 2026

POCATELLO, Idaho — Lower enrollment led Pocatello-Chubbuck trustees on Tuesday night to adopt an adjusted budget with a $1.3 million decrease in state revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30.

The district budgeted for a decrease in three support units this school year, but the district’s enrollment has decreased to the equivalent of 11 units, said Jonathan Balls, the district’s director of business operations, in a Tuesday interview.

Support units determine state funding, using a formula largely based on average daily attendance.

To compensate for the decrease in state revenue, the district is delaying a $1.2 million adoption of a new math curriculum, Balls said.

Internal enrollment fell from 11,235 to 11,089 — a decrease of 146 students — between October and March. At the end of last school year, in April 2025, the district’s internal enrollment report showed 11,361 students.

Balls said decreasing enrollment is due in part to smaller family sizes.

“Those older classes are graduating more than the kindergarten and first grade classes that are coming in,” he said.

Courtney Fisher, the district’s director of communications, said the issue is multifaceted. “I think that you can look statewide and see, even nationally, that school districts are facing declining enrollments, and I think that you can’t just identify one factor contributing to that.”

Trustees conducted a public hearing before adopting the budget adjustments, but no one commented.

The declining enrollment will likely lead to reduced staffing next school year, but Fisher said no final decisions have been made. The district will wait to see how many teachers retire at the end of the school year.

“Just aligning our staffing to our enrollment is the best way to say that,” Fisher said.

The district was not blindsided by the decreased enrollment this school year, Fisher said. Leaders knew the incoming cohort would be smaller.

“It’s just you never know until the rubber meets the road,” Fisher said.  

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KIVI Staff

 By: Sahana Patel, KIVI

Originally Posted 8:45 PM, Mar 18, 2026

NAMPA, Idaho (KIVI) — Officials have confirmed that Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam died from a medical emergency he experienced during a Regional Town Hall in Eagle on Wednesday evening. He was 47 years old.

Neighborhood Reporter Sahana Patel was inside the public meeting when she saw Hogaboam collapse while speaking at around 6:45 p.m. The nature of what caused the medical event is currently unknown.

Mayor Brad Pike of Eagle, a former fighter, immediately responded, as did the Eagle Police Chief, who was already on scene, the Treasure Valley Partnership said in a press release. Mayor Pike began administering CPR.

TVP staff called 911, the meeting was adjourned and all attendees were asked to leave.

The Eagle Police, Eagle Fire District, and Ada County EMS services responded quickly to the emergency call, TVP said.

Hogaboam was sworn in as the Mayor of Nampa on Jan. 5, 2026.

“On behalf of every mayor and county commissioner in our Partnership, and of our citizens, we are heartbroken to have lost one of our esteemed colleagues,” TVP said. “While he was new to our Partnership this year as a Mayor, he was not new to us; his years of work for the City of Nampa and Canyon County led us to cross paths frequently, and his wealth of knowledge on policy was unmatched.”

Chief Ingram with the Caldwell Police Department shared a statement on social media Wednesday night, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of my friend and colleague,” Inghram writes, “Rick was a servant leader and beyond his professional life, Rick was an amazing father and husband.”

“We ask the community to please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” said Amy Bowman with the City of Nampa.

Idaho News 6 sends its deepest condolences to the Hogaboam family.

After attendees were asked to leave the meeting, Patel said she saw Caldwell Mayor Eric Phillips receiving attention from medics outside City Hall.

According to Patel, he was later transported by Ada County Paramedics for what appeared to be a separate medical issue. As of Thursday morning, the city says that Mayor Phillips is “doing well.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – With spring break just around the corner, parents in Idaho Falls who are still searching for activities to keep their kids engaged have a new option—but spots are filling quickly.

The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a three-day Spring Break Adventure Camp for children ages 8 to 13, offering a mix of hands-on learning and physical activity throughout the week.

Each day of the camp features a different experience across the city. Campers will spend one day at the Idaho Falls Zoo, where they’ll take part in interactive animal encounters. Another day will take place at the Idaho Falls Aquatic Center, focusing on swim skills and water safety. The final day will be held at the Idaho Falls Recreation Center, featuring games and sports.

Organizers say the camp is designed to blend education with fun, while also giving kids a chance to stay active and social during their time off from school. Aquatic Center Supervisor Ashely Johnson says the collaboration between facilities makes this a unique opportunity for participants.

“We are looking forward to this brand-new program, because it’s entirely new and it’s a collaboration throughout the city,” Johnson says. “Everybody will get a little taste of everything that parks and recs have to offer.”

The camp runs March 24 through March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. However, space is limited—only a handful of slots remain out of 30 slots.

The cost is $157 for city residents and $172 for non-residents, with a small discount available for zoo members.

Registration must be completed either online or in person, and organizers encourage families to sign up as soon as possible before the remaining spots are filled.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Every year, Idaho State University hosts students from across all programs and disciplines to present their research. This includes undergraduate and graduate students, who are judged on their posters and presentations by faculty members.

This event gives students the opportunity and experience of presenting research to those outside their field of work. Associate Dean of the Graduate School Tracy Collum said students from both the Pocatello and Meridian campuses participate. She also said this was the largest number of participants in the 12 years of the symposium, with around 250 students. Organizers had to split the group into several sessions to accommodate.

“It gives them a sense of what a professional conference can look like, and they’re able to present in a way that they haven’t been able to probably in class or with colleagues,” said Collum. “It just gives them a wider immersive experience to put on their resume, especially if they win. But also it gives them a very good experience to provide information to another audience that might be outside their discipline, to be able to provide information about their research and the work that they’ve been doing.”

Students presented research of all kinds, from the tiniest cell biology to major patient rehab in physical therapy.

One student, Sydney Walsh, showcased her case study from a patient in physical therapy with fear avoidance in treatment. She said this case from her clinical rotation in South Carolina stuck with her and is going to help her in the future.

“I think what I’ve learned from this the most is to have patience with the patients. And to treat the individual themselves not just the injury using a bio psychosocial appraoch,” Walsh said.

The projects the students have worked on are helping them further their knowledge and skills for the workforce. The winners of each session got cash prizes. Collum said the event has more than just the student presentations.

“We also have the keynote speaker each year. This year we have doctor Dr. Devaleena Prada, who’s from the biology department, and she is giving a talk about soaring into the light for research,” she said.

The presenting students also enjoy a luncheon prior to the event. Community members and fellow students stopped by to see the packed student union building ballroom all afternoon.

For many of the student presenters, it wasn’t just about the experience of a professional conference, it was about passing along their passion for the projects.

“I think fear avoidance It’s it’s really important to talk about, lots of our patients experience it,” said Walsh. “I think this is really important to discuss. And this was a case that really stuck with me when I was on my first rotation, so i just really wanted to share.”

For details on this year’s winning presenters, see the Idaho State University Graduate School Instagram page.

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