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RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Transportation Department is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 20–24 with a push for safer driving across the state. This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives,” and it highlights how everyday choices behind the wheel can help prevent crashes and protect the crews working on Idaho’s roads.

In 2024, Idaho saw 904 work zone crashes, including nine fatalities. In the same year, crashes resulted in nearly $188 million in economic impact.

“If the number be high or low, whatever it be, any fatality on the road, in a work zone, anywhere at all, for any reason is a tragedy. And it’s felt deeply by those of us that feel a responsibility for our state transportation system,” Sky Buffat, ITD’s Public Information Officer, said, “You don’t come to work planning on losing your life that day.”

With construction season ramping up, transportation officials say those numbers mean the need for drivers to stay alert and slow down in work zones.

Matthew Conde from AAA says the minute you see signs of a construction zone, that would be the time to minimize distractions in the car.

“Keep the conversation down a little bit so that you’re focused on those sudden turns. If you need to merge, pull over, or detour, those are the things you need to be able to do safely,” Conde said, “We need to make sure all those road workers are getting home.”

ITD has launched a weeklong video campaign featuring real stories from work zones across the state. The series aims to put a human face on the issue and remind drivers that the people working roadside are members of their own communities.

“It’s not just traffic cones and blockades, but the men and women that wear high vis colors and are out there on the road working. They have families at home too,” Buffat said.

Buffat is stressing the importance of educating new drivers to put away any distractions when approaching a work zone. But even for long-time drivers, it’s important to stay alert.

ITD is encouraging all motorists to plan ahead by using Idaho 511, following posted signs and staying engaged every time they drive.

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Teton County Search and Rescue is urging outdoor enthusiasts to be extra cautious during the unpredictable spring transition after crews responded to multiple emergency calls over the weekend.

Avalanche Victim Short-Hauled Near Teton Pass

The first rescue began at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, when a local snowboarder was caught in an avalanche while descending the Great White Hump, north of Teton Pass. The man severely injured his leg in the snowslide.

According to TCSAR, this incident marks the second time this month a backcountry skier or snowboarder has been caught and injured in an avalanche within this specific zone.

Members of the snowboarder’s group provided immediate first aid while TCSAR flew in a short-haul helicopter team. Volunteers reached the scene within 54 minutes of the initial 911 call and flew the injured man to an awaiting ambulance on the Teton Pass.

“This incident is another reminder for skiers and snowboarders to be extra cautious during this transitional period in the Tetons, when snow conditions may change rapidly from hour to hour, day to day,” said TCSAR in the post.

Exhausted Hikers Rescued Near Game Creek

Less than 24 hours later, at 4:53 p.m. Sunday, crews received a second call for help. Two hikers attempting a loop from Cache Creek to the Game Creek Divide via the Skyline Trail found themselves unable to complete the trek.

After reaching the Game Creek Divide, the pair called 911 and told dispatch they were too exhausted to continue. Dispatchers told the hikers to make their way toward the Cache/Game junction to meet rescuers.

Two TCSAR volunteers responded in a side-by-side vehicle up Cache Creek, bringing with them food and water. When the hikers were not at the junction as expected, the volunteers hiked in on foot about 1.5 miles up the trail, where they found the tired hikers.

The volunteers gave them food and water and assisted them back down the trail to the vehicle. From there, the team transported them to their vehicle at the Cache Creek trailhead.

UPDATE:

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Olympic hero Jaelin Kauf was welcomed to Driggs today with a boisterous hometown parade.

The 29-year-old athlete and three-time Olympic silver medalist returned from the icy slopes of Cortina to the sunny streets of the community where it all began.

“Getting to compete on the Olympic stage is so amazing and to be representing such an amazing place, such an amazing community, and group of people on that stage just makes it extra special,” Kauf said.

Now the most decorated American moguls skier in history, she grew up carving the slopes at Grand Targhee Ski Resort.

“She got silver in both single moguls and dual moguls, the first U.S. athlete to ever do that,” said her mother Patti Kauf.

Children and Teton Valley residents thronged the streets, holding iconic “J” signs – eager to meet a local Olympic athlete.

Teton County Commissioners declared Monday “Jaelin Kauf Day” in her honor, following her return from the Milan Cortina Olympics.

“Being able to compete in the first ever dual moguls on the Olympics stage and take home a medal from that was amazing,” Jaelin said. “I mean, it’s historic!”

ORIGINAL:

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Downtown Driggs is set to make some noise Monday as the community gathers for a homecoming celebration for hometown hero Jaelin Kauf. Fresh off her performance at the 2026 Winter Games, the Teton County native is being honored with a parade and public celebration.

Winning the silver in 2022 and two silver medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Kauf cemented her legacy as the most decorated mogul skier in U.S. Olympic history.

Updated Parade Schedule

The updated schedule for today’s events shows:

2:45 p.m. – Kickoff: The parade begins at Driggs Elementary, weaving through local Teton County School District campuses to give students a front-row seat to history.

The Main Stretch: The procession will then roll down Little Avenue and Ski Hill Road.

3:20 p.m. – The parade will conclude at Driggs Plaza.

Fans are encouraged to line the route between 2nd and Main Street to cheer her on.

The celebration doesn’t end when the parade stops. The 29-year-old Olympian will host a community meet-and-greet at Driggs Plaza around 3:20 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Olympic hero Jaelin Kauf was welcomed to Driggs today with a boisterous hometown parade.

The 29-year-old athlete and three-time Olympic silver medalist returned from the icy slopes of Cortina, Italy, to the sunny streets of the community where it all began.

“Getting to compete on the Olympic stage is so amazing and to be representing such an amazing place, such an amazing community, and group of people on that stage just makes it extra special,” Kauf said.

Now the most decorated American moguls skier in history, she grew up carving the slopes at Grand Targhee Ski Resort.

“She got silver in both single moguls and dual moguls, the first U.S. athlete to ever do that,” said her mother Patti Kauf.

Children and Teton Valley residents thronged the streets, holding iconic “J” signs – eager to meet a local Olympic athlete.

Teton County Commissioners declared Monday “Jaelin Kauf Day” in her honor, following her return from the Milan Cortina Olympics.

“Being able to compete in the first ever dual moguls on the Olympics stage and take home a medal from that was amazing,” Jaelin said. “I mean, it’s historic!”