SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) – President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is currently hospitalized for treatment related to ongoing health complications, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“He is receiving expert care and is with loved ones during this Christmas holiday,” the Church said in a statement.
The Church also said President Holland and his family have expressed gratitude for the many prayers offered on his behalf, and extend greetings of faith and peace during this Christmas season.
An unsettled wet weather pattern is hovering above the Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming region this Christmas Eve, with warmer temperatures continuing to create an irregular holiday atmosphere. Expect continued rain showers moving through the valley, with a wintry mix turning to snow in the highland areas this evening.
Another weather front is approaching, bringing rain showers by 3 PM, and may affect Santa’s travel schedule later on this evening. Winter weather advisories are in effect for Teton and Lincoln counties until 5 PM on Christmas Day. Sun Valley is under a winter storm warning, with forecasts predicting up to a foot of snow over the next few days.
Furthermore, a Wind Advisory is in place for the lower Snake River Plain, Magic Valley, and Treasure Valley, where gusts have already exceeded 45 mph in the southern Snake River Plain. Blackfoot and Pocatello recorded wind gusts nearing 50 mph this morning. Today’s high temperatures are expected to reach the 50s, making it the warmest day in this stretch.
Snowfall is not anticipated until late tomorrow evening, Christmas night, and continuing into Friday morning. We can expect light, intermittent snowfall in Idaho Falls, with approximately 1 to 2 inches in Rexburg. Jackson could receive 2 to 4+ inches of snow. Following the second front on Friday, scattered snow showers are likely as colder air moves in, with potential accumulations in the eastern highlands and southeast mountains ranging from 4 to 8 inches.
Furthermore, a foot of snow may fall in Island Park and West Yellowstone, albeit just after the Christmas holiday. Tomorrow will remain relatively mild, with temperatures in the 50s and brisk winds gusting to over 30 mph.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — “During the holidays, we do typically see an influx in adoptions, especially before Christmas. People are wanting to get Christmas pets for their families or friends.” said Danyelle Harker, Lead Animal Control Officer at Idaho Falls Animal Control.
Three area shelters agree that “buyer’s remorse” often stems from a lack of research into a pet’s needs before adoption. shelters note that the real issue occurs in the weeks following when pets are surrendered due to unforeseen challenges.
“This is a big commitment. They live 10 to 15 years plus, so you want to make sure that you’re able to care for the pet for the duration of its lifetime,” Harker noted.
The common theme among shelter staff to combat these returns is thorough preparation and research.
“Make sure you bring your children, your other dogs with you to make sure it will be a good fit for the family dynamics. And of course, take the advice of your adoption counselor at the shelter, who is going to give you great advice on what what pets are going to work best for you.” said Executive Director, Michelle Ziel-Dingman
While young kittens and puppies are often quickly adopted—sometimes within hours of becoming available—shelters report that older animals, like senior cats, are frequently overlooked and wait for months to find a home.
Adopting a pet during the holidays can be a wonderful gift, but only if the family is fully prepared for the dedication and care required long after the ornaments are packed away.
SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A local family is picking up the pieces after their trailer home went up in flames in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The Shelley-Firth Fire District was called to the blaze around midnight. While the home was a total loss, the three people inside escaped without injury.
Fast and Furious
Manuel Alvarez, one of the three residents, says he was asleep when the fire broke out. Speaking in Spanish through a neighbor who assisted with translation, Alvarez described a terrifying scene that escalated in seconds.
“In the night when we were sleeping, I saw flames coming from the back side of the refrigerator,” Alvarez said. “Like fast and furious, it just started to spread through the house.”
Alvarez was told by fire crews on the scene that the fire appeared to be accidental, likely sparked by a space heater. While Local News 8 has reached out to the Shelley-Firth Fire District for official confirmation, they have not yet returned a request for comment.
Community Spirit Amid Heartbreaking Loss
The devastation of the fire spread beyond the Alvarez property. Cindy Jarquin, who lives next door, watched as the heat and flames charred her family’s most recent sacrifice: a brand-new car intended as a surprise Christmas gift for her daughter, Alyssa.
“We actually bought it for her for Christmas,” Cindy said. “She goes to college in Arizona. Since she can’t afford it herself, we took the last dime we had to purchase it for her.”
For Alyssa, the surprise was revealed under the worst possible circumstances. “She didn’t know about it until now,” Cindy added. “She found out the hard way that her gift just went up in flames.”
Despite the loss of her Christmas surprise, Alyssa says some things are more important than a car.
“It’s truly heartbreaking, especially since I am going back to college,” Alyssa said. “But I’m more worried about my neighbors because they lost their home and their cars. I feel terribly sorry for them.”
Because the Alvarez family lost their phones and personal belongings in the fire, Alyssa is currently setting up a GoFundMe page to help them cover immediate expenses. Local News 8 will provide the link to the GoFundMe campaign as soon as it becomes available. Check back here for updates on how you can support the Alvarez family during this difficult time.
