Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — A 34-year-old Idaho Falls school teacher is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children unit. Benjamin Simms was arrested on Thursday, March 12, following allegations that he recorded videos of himself molesting a 4-year-old child.

Simms has been charged with 1 count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and 1 count of Lewd Conduct with a Child Under 16.

At the time of his arrest, Simms was a K-3 music teacher at American Heritage Charter School in Idaho Falls. Local News 8 has reached out to American Heritage for comment and will provide more details as we receive a response.

However, investigators and Idaho AG Raúl Labrador emphasize that the charges are not connected to his work at the school, and they’ve found no evidence that any students were victimized.

“Last week, investigators in my ICAC Unit arrested a man employed with a charter school in Idaho Falls. At this time, we have found no evidence of any student victims,” said Attorney General Labrador. “I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners across eastern Idaho who helped with this arrest and share our commitment to keeping Idaho families safe.”

Investigation Background

The investigation began in early January after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a “cybertip” from Snapchat. The social media platform flagged an account for uploading 15 files containing suspected child pornography.

According to court documents, five videos involved an adult man molesting a child later identified as 4-years-old.

Investigators traced the IP addresses used by the account to a local medical facility and Simms’ residence in Shelley, Idaho. Detectives then used social media and law enforcement databases to identify Simms as the man in the illicit videos.

On March 12, ICAC investigators, working in partnership with several local law enforcement agencies, obtained a search warrant for Simms’ home and took him into custody. While in custody, Simms admitted to investigators that he had created lewd videos of the child, according to court documents.

Simms was subsequently charged and booked into the Bingham County Jail. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little signed the 2026 Budget Rescissions Act into law late Monday night without fanfare, narrowly beating a deadline to approve the sweeping budget cuts detailed in Senate Bill 1331. The legislation imposes a 4% reduction across nearly all state agency budgets.

The act adds a 1% cut on top of the Governor’s previous 3% state budget reduction mandate, reflecting the Governor’s Enduring Idaho Plan promises for state agencies to “tighten their belts.” While the belt-tightening is widespread, Idaho’s public schools, Medicaid, the Idaho Department of Corrections, and the Idaho State Police will avoid the additional cuts per the Governor’s request.

In a statement released Tuesday, Gov. Little defended the move as a necessary step to maintain a balanced budget.

“Idahoans expect their state government to operate efficiently and effectively, and the balanced budget we approved for the current fiscal year delivers on both fronts,” Little said in a statement to IdahoEdNews on Tuesday. “I appreciate my partners in the Legislature for working closely with my office to right-size state government to match the taxpayers’ means while minimizing the impact of spending reductions.”

A Thin Margin and Sharp Criticism

The path to the Governor’s desk was narrow. The bill cleared the Idaho Senate by a razor-thin 18-17 vote after a more comfortable 48-22 victory in the House. Idaho Democrats and holdouts from Little’s own party are labeling the cuts as irresponsible.

Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) pinned the blame on the $450 million revenue reduction passed by Republicans in 2025. Wintrow argued that the current shortfall was an avoidable, self-inflicted crisis.

In a statement released Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) took aim at the $450 million in revenue reductions Idaho Republicans passed in 2025, calling the shortfall now forcing cuts to essential services across Idaho a Republican-created problem.

“Republicans created this crisis when they cut more than $450 million in revenue in 2025 after years of tax breaks that favored the wealthiest Idahoans,” Wintrow said. “We have more than $1.7 billion in reserve funds built for moments like this. What Idaho does not have is a governor willing to make that choice when it matters most.”

Eyeing the Midterms

House Democratic Leader Ilana Rubel echoed Sen. Wintrow’s sentiment, warning that the “devastating blow” to infrastructure and healthcare would have real-world consequences. Rubel specifically highlighted the recent elimination of Assertive Community Treatment, which she linked to four recent deaths in the state.

As the state grapples with the projected revenue shortfalls and subsequent budget cuts, Rubel signaled that the budget battle would be a focal point of the upcoming November midterm elections.

“Idaho families are paying the price for failed GOP leadership,” Rubel said. “It is past time for change. This November, Idahoans have the opportunity to elect leaders who will truly fight for working people.”

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Seth Ratliff

ROBERTS, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Roberts has officially lifted its drinking water advisory today, after laboratory testing confirmed the water supply is safe to drink.

The warning was originally issued on Saturday, March 13, after the city’s water system suffered a significant loss of pressure. The City traced the issue to a series of power fluctuations and outages that caused the backup generator to cycle rapidly. This “on-and-off” activity eventually tripped a breaker, cutting power to the main water pumps.

With the “all-clear” given, Roberts residents may now safely use the water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. In a news release, the City thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.

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KIVI Staff

Originally Published 1:48 AM, Mar 16, 2026 and last updated 5:09 PM, Mar 16, 2026

By: Victoria Rodriguez, KIVI

BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — A bill that would have required local law enforcement agencies across Idaho to seek cooperation agreements with federal immigration officials is no longer moving forward this session.

Lawmakers on the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee voted 5–4 Monday morning to hold House Bill 659 in committee, preventing it from advancing to the Senate floor.

The bill, sponsored by Dale Hawkins, would have required police departments and county sheriff’s offices to apply for partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the federal 287(g) Program. The program allows trained local officers to assist with certain immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision.

Supporters argued the proposal would create a more consistent statewide approach to immigration enforcement.

“There’s no major cost to this. It’s actually a revenue generator, and I think 287(g) can help solve some of these problems,” Hawkins said during the hearing.

But several law enforcement leaders testified against the bill, including Canyon County Sheriff, Kieran Donahue, who said requiring local agencies to participate would shift federal responsibilities onto local law enforcement.

“Right now, the system is working. It’s been working for decades,” Donahue said. “This is a solution looking for a problem. We don’t have a problem.”

Donahue argued the proposal would require sheriffs and local officers to take on duties typically handled by federal authorities.

“The sponsors of this bill wanted the legislative body to mandate that a constitutional officer — the sheriff — or other local law enforcement officers do the job of the federal government,” Donahue said. “I contend the federal government should do their job. I do my job every damn day.”

Other law enforcement leaders and community members echoed those concerns, arguing the mandate could strain already limited staffing and resources and potentially expose agencies to lawsuits.

Some residents also spoke about the possible impact on trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

“As a Boise resident, I don’t want our local police policing people’s immigration status. Being undocumented is not a crime,” said Mary Brown during public testimony.

Leaders from smaller departments also raised concerns about community relationships.

Homdale Police Chief, Jeff Emiler said trust between law enforcement and Hispanic residents in his community has already declined in recent years.

“Thirty-four percent of Homedale’s population is Hispanic,” Emiler said. “Over the last three to four years we’ve seen the trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the Hispanic community erode to the point where it’s almost nonexistent.”

He warned that requiring local agencies to participate in immigration enforcement partnerships could further damage that trust.

“If we force this upon local law enforcement agencies, it’s going to cause those communities to not report crimes,” Emiler said.

Donahue said he related to those concerns, noting Canyon County faces similar dynamics.

“I thought he had a great perspective on that rural community with a very high Hispanic, Latino population — same as my county,” Donahue said. “It’s a continual erosion of that relationship.”

The Idaho House passed the bill earlier this month on a 41–27 vote, but Monday’s committee decision means the measure will not move forward this legislative session.

READ MORE | Idaho House passes bill requiring local law enforcement to seek ICE agreements

This story has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Friends of the Marshall Public Library are celebrating 30 years by bringing back seasonal book sales.

The first sale is coming up on Friday, March 20th, and Saturday, the 21st, at the Marshall Public Library’s community room.

“From sci-fi to historical fiction to mysteries and hobbies, there are hundreds of books tochoose from in all genres and all reading levels,” said the Friends of the Marshall Public Library in a news release.

Books start at just 25 cents, with hardcover books sold for two dollars, and paperbacks will go for just one dollar. 

This year, shoppers can also enter raffle baskets to celebrate the 30th anniversary.

“For every $30 spent at our book sales, you will earn a raffle ticket to enter to win one of our fabulous prize baskets,” said the release. “All raffle baskets have been generously donated to, and created by, both local businesses and FOMPL board members.”

All proceeds support library programs, equipment, and community resources.

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Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A local man faces a new felony charge after allegedly claiming to have a bomb during a weekend altercation at the Bourbon Barrel Bar.

Bret Kynaston has been charged with felony false reporting of explosives in a public or private place. At the time of the incident, Kynaston was already out on bond for several felony drug charges stemming from a separate case last October.

Details of the Incident

According to court documents, on March 14, officers from the Pocatello Police Department responded to a call around 12:30 AM. The caller reported a suspicious man walking out of the bar who claimed to be carrying a bomb.

Officers found the man matching the caller’s description walking one block north of the bar. The man, later identified as Kynaston, reportedly admitted to an earlier argument with a group at the bar after they accused him of using a marijuana vape pen.

Kynaston told police that he later encountered one of the men from the argument in the bathroom. Seeing him, Kynaston said he shoved his hand into his front jacket pocket, rolled it into a fist, stuck out the end of a cigarette, and said: “I have a bomb”.

According to court documents, two people overheard Kynaston’s threat, leading to a short fight before Kynaston left the bar and was stopped by the officers.

Kynaston was taken into custody and transported to the Bannock County Jail. Because he was out on bond for prior felony drug offenses at the time of this arrest, his bond has been set at $50,000.

Kynaston’s preliminary hearing has been set for March 25th at 9:45 AM. In his separate court case, he initially pleaded guilty to all charges. However, a change of plea hearing has been set for March 30th at 8:30 AM.

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATED: March 17, 2026, at 3:50 PM

TETON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — An early morning accident on U.S. 33 turned deadly Tuesday after a driver struck an elk and was thrown from the vehicle.

According to Teton County Fire and Rescue, the accident occurred shortly after 7:00 AM near mile marker 119. The driver, a 35-year-old Rexburg man, was traveling east on U.S. 33 in a 2003 Ford F150 pickup.

His truck struck an elk in the roadway, and the driver lost control as the Ford rolled off the right shoulder of the road. TCFR says their crews arrived on the scene to find the driver had been thrown from the vehicle and died of his injuries at the scene.

The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

While the victim’s identity has not yet been released, TCFR issued a statement saying, “Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and those close to the victim.”

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – In a tradition that has gone on for decades, the North Hi-Way Cafe in Idaho Falls continues to bring the flavor of Ireland to the Gem State in a delicious celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The 93-year-old cafe serves up a platter of traditional Irish foods every March 17th, greeting regulars and newcomers with a warm smile and a warm plate.

The Irish menu includes a wide array of food options, including classic corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and Irish soda bread, and homemade carrot cake.

For Chef Todd Holverson, the tradition means a culturally diverse menu and a community coming together through culinary means.

“We try and make it special for everybody,” Holverson said. “We see alot of faces come out that we’ve haven’t seen for awhile, it’s all about the commradery and social gathering.”

This special begins at 11am and is available until food runs out. You can learn more about the North Hi-Way Cafe by visiting their website here.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – As hungry kids struggle to for school lunch throughout East Idaho, Potandon Produce is challenging other businesses to help pay off outstanding school lunch balances at local elementary schools.

“Over Christmas, my sister and I were talking. She’s a former educator, and she had suggested [helping] school lunch programs,” said T.J. Christenson, a Potandon Gives ambassador. “They have negative balances typically, so I reached out to my nephew’s school, Dora Erickson, to see what their negative lunch balance was, and it was a hefty total.”

Potandon launched a community giving initiative last June, seeking to give back and strengthen the community. 

“We have an entire list – up and down the valley – of the negative lunch balances,” Christenson said. “So we started with Dora Erickson and donated to them.”

The Potandon Gives program donated $2,500 to cover all of the negative lunch balances (with extra to assist through the end of the year) at the school on Thursday.

Those unpaid school lunches sure add up fast.

In District 91 alone, elementary students and their families owe about $25,000 for school lunches, a number that continues to grow, she said.

“We wanted to be able to ensure that the kids are getting fed and that they have food security,” Christenson said. 

She hopes other people and corporations will help step up to the plate.

“We’d love for the community to go out and support their local schools – whether it’s an individual or whether it’s a business, go out, pay off the school lunch balance,” she said. “If it’s the school in your neighborhood, your kids go there, your grandkids go there – go and support the kids.”

In the past nine months, Potandon Gives has donated a total of $74,100 to a variety of youth sports organizations, D.A.R.E., Rocket Club, Business Professionals of America, an eSports team, St. Vincent de Paul, Shepherd’s Inn and Elks Lodge. 

Last week, it provided $12,000 total in checks to Dora Erickson Elementary, the Community Food Basket, American Falls High School’s band and first aid buckets at Fairview Elementary.

With so many non-profit organizations in the region, Potandon Gives has not duplicated a donation.

Potandon is the exclusive distributor of Green Giant Fresh potatoes and onion.

If you would like to assist covering school lunch balances in District 91, you can visit this website on the District’s official page. (You can type in the name of the school you are helping under “Memo.”)

Potandon Produce invites you to give back by helping cover unpaid student lunch balances at your local school.

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Stephanie Lucas

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) — Teton County has issued a rare apology and a nearly $30,000 refund to a Jackson couple after admitting it “incorrectly calculated” an affordable housing fee that sparked a years-long legal battle. What the county called a staff mistake, business owners Trey and Shelby Scharp called a “hostage” situation over their building permit.

“Teton County made a mistake. We required you to pay an affordable housing mitigation fee that you did not need to pay,” county leadership said in a statement Monday. “We are sorry. We regret every minute of distress this litigation caused you,” the statement continued.

The case began in 2021 when local business owners Trey and Shelby Scharp bought a five-acre property with a 1,000-square-foot cabin on it. They planned to build a new family home on the property while living in the cabin, then turn the cabin into a rental after their new home was ready.

Teton County officials told the Scharps their cabin was too big to be considered an auxiliary dwelling unit. Then, when they applied for a building permit for the new house in 2022, the county said they were required to pay $25,000 for an “affordable workforce housing fee.”

The idea for the fee is that building in the Jackson area will create construction jobs and service jobs; however, because it is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, these workers will not be able to afford housing in the same area. The resulting fee to the builder is meant to fund subsidized housing for the area workforce.

The Scharps sued Teton County in May 2025. “Teton County cannot hold building permits hostage until property owners pay excessive fees unrelated to their projects,” said their attorneys at the Pacific Legal Foundation, “Such requirements unfairly burden families like the Scharps who simply want to build a home and help solve local housing problems,” referencing the Sharp’s plan to rent out the smaller cabin once their new family home was finished.

“The residential site included a historic structure,” Teton County said, in reference to the existing cabin, “and credit for the historic structure was applied incorrectly. When this credit was properly applied, the floor area for the overall project dropped below 2,500 square feet, negating the affordable housing mitigation fee.”

The Pacific Legal Foundation says under the settlement agreement, “the County will refund the Scharps the $24,325 in ‘affordable workforce housing’ fees, as well as 7% interest since the fee was imposed, for a total of $29,909.00.”

The mitigation fees have been controversial and challenged before. Wyoming House Bill 141 would have prohibited cities and counties from imposing those fees; however, it failed in Wyoming’s 2026 Legislative session.

Teton County housing-fee Lawsuit 03162026Download

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