Category: kifi-local-news

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS (KIFI) – High winds have necessitated changes to the festivities at Paddy’s on Park in Idaho Falls today, March 14. While the event is still happening, a few things but it shouldn’t put a damper on the fun.

“The important thing to remember is, the party is still happening,” stressed Kerry Hammon, Director of the Downtown Development Corporation. “We want you to wear green, come to Downtown Idaho Falls, connect with friends, and support local businesses for St. Patrick’s Day.”

Park Avenue is still hosting the event; the street will be closed to traffic until 9 PM tonight as planned.

Beer will have to be served inside the participating Park Avenue bars.

ID checks and wrist banding will happen inside the bars with beer purchases.

Liquor must be bought and consumed inside the selling establishment, per the City of Idaho Falls code.

Outdoor bands and dancers have been cancelled due to high winds.

Hammon also reminded party-goers the importance of drinking responsibly. “Nothing is more important than returning home safely to your loved ones,” she said. “Please remember Idaho Falls GIFT On‑Demand is available on March 14, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.”

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The state of Idaho’s economy and budget loomed large at a Leadership Session featuring Governor Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson on Friday.

Three of Idaho’s top leaders addressed “5 I’s” – Idaho’s economy, Idaho Launch, Immigration, Irrigation and Iran at a forum hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber at the Downtown Event Center.

Idaho EconomyGov. Little struck an optimistic tone for the state of Idaho’s economy.

“One thing that I’m proudest of is Idaho – from top to bottom – has the fastest growing personal incomes of any state in the union,” Little said. “… We’re going to get by. We’re going to have a balanced budget guaranteed.”

Bedke warned that legislators overshot in appropriating $600 million in tax and revenue cuts for 2027, triggering this year’s budget cuts.

“The people you sent to the Legislature chose to create a list of things that had short-term political bang to it – mostly tax cuts,” he said. “…C’mon Idaho, you’re acting more like the federal government than Idaho. You don’t have the luxury to go over the top here.”

On the federal level, Congressman Simpson said that 72 percent of the federal budget is spent on entitlement programs and 28 percent on discretionary programs.

“We have to have courage to tackle the entitlement programs. That doesn’t mean take away Social Security or anything else, but you better change it,” Simpson said. “… That’s the only way you’re going to address this deficit and get the economy going.”

Idaho Launch

Idaho’s executive branch highlighted the success of Idaho Launch preparing students for well-paying careers.

“There’s an Idaho job waiting for every child commensurate to their education,” Bedke added. “I think that puts Idaho in a pretty good spot frankly.”

In this year of budget cuts, the Governor acknowledged he’s battling for funding for the program.

“What I thought was probably one of the most important investments we can make was increasing post-high school opportunities, [but funding] was limited,” Little said. “In fact, I’m still trying to just hang on to the appropriations that I proposed so far.”

Immigration

Simpson also addressed immigration, highlighting his support for the HALO bill to protect ICE officers from violence and harassment.

“There’s a legal way to come into this country,  and unfortunately what’s happening right now, what you’re seeing with ICE and all this other stuff, and I don’t mean to sound partisan, but it is,” he said. “We’re trying to correct four years of an open border where 20 million people illegally came across the border.”

Irrigation

Lt. Gov. Bedke highlighted a tough year ahead for agriculture with an impending water shortage.

“We have planned before the crisis,” he said. “Now we’re going to stress test our plan, and I think we’re as well positioned as we possibly could be. We don’t have any problems a couple of wet snow storms won’t solve.”

Iran 

On foreign policy, Rep. Simpson expressed his support for the current military action in Iran.

“Every president for 50 years has made the commitment to the American people that Iran can never had a nuclear weapon,” he said. “They would not commit to not enriching uranium. Even though we took out their major enrichment facilities, they still have others that they worked in. This is the first president that’s been willing to say, you know what, we’ve got to end this now.”

Making a difference

Back at home, Gov. Little told youth in the Chamber’s Emerging Leadership program to stay involved and participate in their communities and government.”All our decisions are based on how do we create the runway, the enduring runway, for these kids to prosper here in Idaho?” he said.

Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke, and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson address the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber Leadership Session on Friday.

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Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The high winds have caused significant damage to local neighborhood properties across eastern Idaho. Thursday winds gusts topped out at 75 MPH, reaching speeds of a category 1 hurricane.

In Idaho Falls, residents on Sand Creek Street suffered the loss of entire sections of wood fencing.

Around 1:30 pm yesterday, locals noticed the power going in and out. Resident Kayla Hayes stepped outside to get the mail and noticed a few sections of her neighbor’s fence were down. Upon checking her own backyard, she found half of her fence on the ground.

“Only part of it was down at first,” said Hayes. “But as the day went on, it got stronger winds, and it just tore out the rest of it. It was pretty amazing that it took out eight fence posts.”

Hayes’ neighbor across the street saw sections of her fence buckling in the wind, only to fall moments later.

Many residents, including Hayes, are paying for the replacement wood themselves. They plan to wait for the winds to subside before starting the rebuilding process.

“We’ll be working on it in the next few weeks, working on repairing. We’ve got to wait for the wind to calm down. And then it’ll be digging up the post holes. So it’ll be a job,” said Hayes. She said they are able to reuse a lot of the lumber they had on the pre-existing fence.

In preparation for the continuance of the high wind speeds, many residents have propped up their wood fencing with other posts.

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Linda Larsen

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A local family of nine is finding out that in the city of Shelley, no one has to fight alone.

This Saturday, the community is invited to “Pi Day with a Purpose: Slices of Hope for Austin,” at Shelley High School from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is dedicated to supporting 4-year-old Austin Currall as he begins his second battle with kidney cancer.

A Sudden Diagnosis

The Currall family’s world changed two years ago when Austin was just a toddler. His father, Michael Currall, recalls the chilling phone call from the pediatrician that sent them on an immediate, open-ended trip to a hospital in Salt Lake City.

“They found the tumor on his kidney,” Michael said. “He said, ‘It doesn’t look good… you’re going to go home, you’re going to pack a car, and you’re going to go down there right now.’”

The prognosis was grim. Austin’s mother, Bridget Currall, said the family had to prepare for the unthinkable.

“We prepared ourselves from the very beginning that we might not get to see him as a three-year-old,” Bridget said. “We really believe that children are a gift from god, and they are not necessarily ours to keep. So we just decided that we would take one day at a time, do whatever we needed to do, and be grateful for whatever amount of time [we had].”

The Battle Returns

Austin proved to be a fighter, making it through a grueling first round of treatment. The family, who moved to the Shelley area in 2023, was finally beginning to settle into a sense of normalcy when the cancer returned, forcing them back into a battle that they thought they had won.

Bridget says the second diagnosis carries a different kind of weight. “It’s harder going back in the second time. We really felt like we were kind of done with everything.”

Despite the “uphill climb” ahead, Austin’s spirit remains unbroken. His parents describe him as a “resilient little warrior” who currently remains in good spirits—a sign that gives the family much-needed encouragement.

Building a “Community Family”

Because the Curralls are relatively new to the area, they haven’t had decades to build the deep roots many Shelley residents share. Neighbor Janel Andersen recognized their need and decided to fill it.

“They don’t have that community back for generations and generations,” Andersen said. “So we want to help them build a community family for them.”

The “Pi Day” event aims to do more than just raise funds; it’s designed to introduce the Curralls to their neighbors. For Michael Currall, the hope is for lasting connections.

“The kids walk away with some friends, I may walk away with a fishing partner or two, and people put in a lot of prayer for Austin,” Michael said. “Then we won.”

For a family of nine, navigating the toughest of times, a few slices of pie and a room full of new friends might be just what the doctor ordered.

“When we help each other shoulder hard things in life, it unites us,” Andersen said. “It’s a feeling that only comes when you come together and lift someone who is hurting.”

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The Idaho Falls Rescue Mission is inviting the community to bundle up and step outside during its “A Walk in the Cold” event Saturday, March 14 at the Waterfront at Snake River Landing.

Organizers say the frosty 5K is about more than running or walking. It’s designed to raise awareness for people in the community experiencing hunger and homelessness. By braving the cold together, participants get a small glimpse of the challenges many without shelter face every day.

In 2025, IFRM sheltered 860 totals guests providing 24,366 total nights of safe sleep. It also served 49,043 meals and gave away 9,131 articles of clothing.

Director of Development Chris Aspinall says demand for shelter remains high in Idaho Falls. On any given night, the organization is housing about 100 to 110 people, which is currently its full capacity. He says when a bed becomes available, it is typically filled immediately.

Because of that ongoing demand, the mission relies heavily on community support to keep its services running. Leaders say they are always looking for volunteers to help in different areas around the shelter and encourage anyone interested in donating or volunteering to visit ifrescuemission.org.

Unlike many service organizations, the rescue mission says it operates almost entirely through local donations. Organizers say the funds raised through “A Walk in the Cold” help support shelter, meals, and programs designed to help people get back on their feet.

For some participants, the walk has a deeper meaning. Amanda Mora is the Community Resources Manager for IFRM. She spent about a decade struggling with drug addiction before she discovered the Rescue Mission.

“I would not be where I am today if it were not for God. This organization was here when I needed it, but I did not know about it.” Mora says this event is about giving others hope that that there is “light at the end of that darkness.” 

Registration is $45 per participant, while children 12 and under can take part for free.

Early check in and new registrations begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 with walkers beginning at 11 a.m., followed by runners at 11:45 a.m.

Registration remains open up until the race at walkinthecold.com.

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Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Madison County officials are sounding the alarm following a recent spike in scams related to passport applications.

Spokesperson Teri Aldrich says reports that Madison County staff have recently encountered a growing number of residents who mistakenly believe they have already paid for their passports online through unofficial websites.

“Residents should be cautious of websites that request online payment for passport processing services, as these may be misleading or fraudulent,” said Aldrich in an email to the media.

Madison County does accept and process passport applications, but Aldrich emphasises that the U.S. Department of State never accepts online payments for new passport applications.

When applying for a new passport, passport fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State and mailed to the passport processing center as part of the application. For more information, click HERE.

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News Release

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

POCATELLO, Idaho — The City of Pocatello is excited to announce the launch of a new video series, Mayor’s Minute, featuring Mayor Mark Dahlquist. The series is designed to provide residents with short, engaging, and informative updates about City of Pocatello departments, projects, and services.

Mayor’s Minute serves as a positive and educational platform to highlight the important work happening throughout the City. Each episode focuses on City initiatives, infrastructure improvements, public safety updates, and other projects that contribute to the quality of life in Pocatello.

“This series is a great way to connect directly with our community,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “Mayor’s Minute allows us to highlight exciting things happening within our City organization while also helping residents better understand how City departments and services work.”

Each approximately one-minute episode is designed to be positive, informative, and educational, helping residents better understand how City programs and services benefit the community as well as address important issues that residents have on their minds. Mayor’s Minute will be released monthly, with the potential for additional videos as needed.

Residents are encouraged to watch the introductory video today. The video received more than 15,000 views on the City’s Facebook page in its first week, demonstrating strong community interest.

Episodes can be viewed at: pocatello.gov/979/Mayors-Minute

Submit ideas for future episodes by email: mayor@pocatello.gov

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police are warning motorists to prepare for dangerous driving conditions through the weekend after a massive dust storm triggered a 10 to 14 car pileup on Interstate 15 on Thursday.

The crash occurred at approximately 3 p.m. near milepost 113 in the Melaleuca area, situated between Idaho Falls and Shelley. Master Corporal Chris Jones of the Idaho State Police reported that high winds swept across open fields, carrying topsoil onto the roadway and creating a localized “blackout” for about a mile.

“Those fields have a lot of topsoil, and right now there’s nothing holding it down,” Jones said, noting a lack of winter vegetation or snow cover to keep the dirt in place.

While the roadway has since been cleared, officials have not yet released updates on the conditions of those involved in the pileup.

The disruption was caused by a significant variance in vehicle speeds. While some drivers slowed down to navigate the low visibility, others continued at high speeds and rear-ended the slower traffic. Some motorists were reportedly traveling up to 80 mph at the time of the collision.

Meteorologists and law enforcement expect similar hazards to return on Saturday, March 14. High winds are forecasted to impact the same stretch of I-15, as well as areas near Roberts and Highway 26.

“If you do run into one of these conditions, don’t stop in the roadway.” said Jones “Turn on your flashers. Continue to navigate through the roadway as best you can. And just be aware of what’s ahead of you. Kind of look farther down the road. A lot of drivers tend to look a short distance down the road, but you can kind of see these hazards if you’re paying attention a long distance down the road, maybe 12 to 14 seconds, as opposed to 5 or 10 seconds.”

Jones urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid using mobile phones during these events. 

“A few extra minutes on your commute is not a big deal,” Jones said. “It’ll help everybody out and hopefully it’ll save you from seeing one of us”.

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Police:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Police Department recently welcomed Molly, a police therapy dog in training, to the team. Molly, a two-year-old golden retriever, is partnered with Officer Eric Lyke, who is serving as a school resource officer at the Alturas Academy schools.

Molly was previously owned by Brian Walker, former director of the 3B Juvenile Detention Facility. Walker started Molly’s training, including earning her Basic Canine Good Citizen certification, and utilized her within the facility, working with juveniles and staff. When Walker retired, he still wanted Molly to have the opportunity to serve in a similar capacity and offered her to the Idaho Falls Police Department. 

The Idaho Falls Police Department adopted her and placed her with Officer Lyke, with the support of the administration at Alturas Academy. Being paired with a school resource officer means that Molly spends her days interacting with kids and staff, both at Alturas Preparatory Academy (grades 6-12) and Alturas International Academy (grades K-5), and generally assisting her handler, Officer Lyke. 

School resource officers (SROs) have unique roles within law enforcement agencies. Like any other police officer, SROs investigate crimes and respond to safety concerns within their assigned areas. SROs also work to build rapport and familiarity between students and law enforcement, often acting as informal mentors and role models for students. Through the positive relationships they build, SROs often learn about safety or criminal issues from students that may otherwise go unreported. 

Officer Lyke, whose position at Alturas is new as of the 2025-2026 school year, calls Molly a ‘cheat code,’ making him even more approachable and helping him to connect with students who may otherwise be nervous around police officers. 

According to Officer Lyke, it is very common for students to stop by his office, in the halls, or wherever he may be, just to take a few minutes to pet and play with Molly. While often those interactions are casual, on occasion, students have sought comfort from Molly while grieving the loss of a family pet or processing school, social, or home stress. 

Molly has become a popular fixture at Alturas, as a subject for art and photography projects, an incentive and reward for good test scores and positive behavior, and with periodic appearances on the Alturas social media accounts. The Idaho Falls Police Department thanks the administration and staff at Alturas Academy for supporting Molly’s placement with Officer Lyke and for welcoming her into the schools. 

Officer Lyke has also utilized Molly on patrol, responding to calls for service and investigations within the larger community. While assisting with the response to a car accident, Officer Lyke was able to introduce children involved in the crash to Molly, helping them to process the stress of the crash and shift their focus to something positive. In another case, Molly was able to interact with a child at the center of a child abuse investigation, distracting the child while other officers spoke with the parents. 

During a recent political protest, Officer Lyke was nearby when officers were called to respond to a disturbance. After officers addressed the initial concern, Officer Lyke retrieved Molly from his patrol vehicle and spent a few minutes walking through the crowds. According to Officer Lyke, Molly’s presence helped to lower tensions from the disturbance. 

Officer Lyke and Molly also serve as part of the Idaho Falls Police TRUST team, an internal department resource that offers peer support to police officers and other staff. Molly is one of three dogs who are part of the IFPD wellness dog program, including one who is already a certified therapy dog. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation and their $3,000 donation, Molly and her handler are receiving additional training through Idaho Elite K-9. With the help of Idaho Elite K-9, Molly is currently working towards completing her Advanced Canine Good Citizen and Urban Canine Good Citizen certifications. IFPD hopes to continue her training and certify Molly as a therapy animal in the future. 

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Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As gas prices soar nationwide, Idaho’s trucking industry is sounding the alarm. They say the pain at the pump will soon turn into pain at the checkout line.

The surge is being driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory strikes, global oil markets are shuddering.

In the Gem State, AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular is now $3.51, 55-cents more than last month.

Executives at Doug Andrus Distributing say they saw diesel jump by a dollar per gallon in the first week of the conflict. When you’re buying 400-thousand gallons a month, that’s a massive hit to the bottom line.

Jason Andrus says ultimately, those costs will trickle down to everyday Idahoans.

“80% of the goods in the United States are moved by truck. And so, you know, all of those prices will be affected by the cost of gas and energy,” said Andrus. “Not only do the consumers see (the spike in prices) at the gas pump, but they’re going to see it in the price of groceries and everything else they buy that gets moved by trucks.”

The spike in prices shows no signs of slowing. As global shipping traffic stalls in the Middle East, AAA warns oil prices could climb even higher.

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