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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The favorable weather of this year led the Idaho Falls Zoo to reopen early this year. But Thursday’s weather is anything but favorable.

Despite the near-freezing temperatures, chances of snow, and winds, the zoo is still open for the start of their 2026 season.

“There’s lots of animals that love the cold. And then there are the surprising bunch of animals that enjoy the cold. And you wouldn’t think so,” David Pennock, the Zoo’s Executive Director, said. “Like, our lions are out in the cold and enjoying it, even though they could choose to go inside and be warm. They come outside and romp in the snow.”

They planned to reopen a week early due to how unseasonably warm the weather has been. But today, in a twist of irony, the weather is much colder than they anticipated.

“Well, it’s a little chilly, but every day is a good day at the zoo. Bundle up and come to the zoo. There’s plenty of animals that love the cold,” Pennock said. “You need to come on the chilly days and the warm days to get the full Idaho Falls Zoo experience.”

So, if you plan on going to the zoo for opening week, be sure to grab your coat.

UPDATED: 9:10 p.m. (Response from Surface Water Coalition)

BUTTE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) has denied a motion to pause a curtailment order, forcing groundwater irrigators in the Big Lost and Little Lost basins to shut off their spouts despite already having crops in the ground.

IDWR Director Matt Weaver finalized the decision after a Wednesday status meeting between state officials and water districts, upholding a shutdown order that the Idaho Ground Water Appropriators (IGWA) warns will be devastating for local agriculture.

While all parties have agreed to an expedited technical review to potentially allow the districts to join the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation plan, restoring their water access, IGWA argues the process could take weeks, time farmers say they do not have.

RELATED: IDWR launches technical review to resolve Butte County curtailment, Surface Water Coalition appluads path forward

The Core of the Conflict

The shutdown stems from Idaho’s “prior appropriation” doctrine, which dictates that senior water rights holders (those with older claims) must get their full allocation of water first, before junior groundwater right holders.

Following a statewide drought declaration in April 2024, senior surface water users in the Surface Water Coalition (SWC) issued “delivery calls” for their water.

Under Senate Bill 1341, junior groundwater users in the Big and Little Lost basins were required to join an approved mitigation plan to avoid curtailment. Because these three districts failed to join an approved mitigation plan by the November 2025 deadline, they were subject to IDWR curtailment orders to protect senior rights.

In a news release, SWC President Alan Hansten supported efforts for additional groundwater districts to join the 2024 Mitigation Plan but emphasized that the process must be “done right,” following legal requirements and ensuring fair treatment for those already in the plan.

“The 2024 Mitigation Plan was the result of months of negotiation between senior surface and junior groundwater users, with the goal of protecting all Idaho water users. The process to adjust this plan needs to be done right,” Hansten said. “We are committed to moving forward with decisions based on sound data and consistent standards to ensure the success of the 2024 Mitigation Plan and the longevity of practical water management.”

Farmers Claim “Good Faith” Efforts

However, IGWA claims these farmers followed every legal step to join the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation Plan, but the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and the Surface Water Coalition (SWC) are blocking their inclusion.

While critics have argued that the districts had months to prepare and created the crisis themselves, IGWA argues the timeline reflects steady progress, not delay.

“We had to build everything from scratch—form a district, seat a board, hire an attorney, and vote to join a mitigation plan,” said Kirk Nickerson, Chairman of the Little Lost River Ground Water District. “We did every single thing that was asked of us, and we did it in good faith.”

They argue that the denial of the stay in curtailment pending good faith negotiations is equivalent to holding the irrigation districts “hostage.”

According to IGWA, the SWC refused to agree to a temporary stay in curtailment if one of its own members, the A&B Irrigation District, is excused from its own mitigation requirements.

A&B has proposed a separate plan that IGWA argues would require a “fraction” of the mitigation expected of other groundwater users. IGWA characterizes this demand as “unfair and unequal treatment under the law.”

“Right now, there are farmers in Butte County who planted crops in good faith, completed every required step, and still can’t turn on a pump,” said IGWA Executive Director Lara Herway. “That’s not a water law problem – IGWA acted in good faith. Our members acted in good faith. The only party that hasn’t is the one blocking an agreement that’s already signed.”

Surface Water Coalition Responds

In response to the arguments by IGWA, representatives for the Surface Water Coalition sent an email to Local News 8 reaffirming its support for Director Weaver’s decision to uphold the law while the technical review moves forward.

SWC emphasizes that the stakes for senior holders are equally high amid the ongoing drought emergency. Director Weaver has forecasted a massive water deficit for 2026: 137,700 acre-feet for Twin Falls Canal Company and 43,900 acre-feet for American Falls Reservoir District #2. SWC members report they are already seeing reduced deliveries and expect further restrictions.

In a statement, Alan Hansten, chairman of the Surface Water Coalition, emphasized that they understand the challenges facing farmers. However, Hansten argues that rushing any changes to the 2024 Stipulated Mitigation agreement would “put the long-term stability of the plan” and the availability of Idaho’s most valuable resource at risk.

“A full review of data for the three groundwater districts seeking to join the Mitigation Plan is following the same standards we set forth in the creation of this plan. We want to make sure we get it right, and to do that, we need adequate time to review every detail,” said Alan Hansten, chairman of the Surface Water Coalition. “We never want any farmland in Idaho to go without water. But our members are also irrigators gearing up for the irrigation season and farmers with crops in the ground. We need our water, too. Our members appreciate IDWR and Director Weaver’s commitment to following Idaho’s Constitution and for putting the law and future of Idaho water first.”

Hansten concludes that any changes to the agreement must be based on sound science and fair process with input from all parties.

What Happens Now?

All parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 4, 2026, for a follow-up status conference to go over the findings of the technical review and determine the next steps for the 2024 Mitigation Plan.

Local News 8 has reached out to representatives for the Surface Water Coalition for comment on Director Weaver’s decision and will update this story pending their response.

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Contrary to the colder weather of the past few days, spring is in the air in eastern Idaho—and for many homeowners, that means it’s time to start planning their next big project.

The East Idaho Home & Garden Show is returning to the Mountain America Center on April 17 and 18, 2026, bringing together nearly 200 experts and vendors to help transform homes and outdoor spaces across the region.

Hosted by Elite Events, the annual event has become a staple kickoff to renovation season in the Snake River Valley. Organizers say this year’s show will be bigger than ever – expanding throughout the arena, concourse, plaza, and conference center.

“Our goal since 2015 has been to bridge the gap between big dreams and local reality,” said Kimberly Bronson, owner of Elite Events. “We’ve brought the best of East Idaho together under one roof.”

A one-stop shop for home inspiration

From kitchen upgrades to backyard makeovers, attendees can connect directly with professionals offering advice, services, and inspiration. The event’s “Ask an Expert” series will feature consultations with companies like KVO Cabinets & Countertops, Bullfrog Spas, and Amazing Exteriors.

Visitors can also explore garden displays from Sunnyside Nursery and discover options for everything from fencing to financing.

This year’s event offers more than just browsing booths—it’s designed to be interactive and family-friendly.

Highlights include:

• The Interactive Zone: Guests can take part in a community paint-by-numbers mural and a seed-planting station. Giveaways will be held every 15 minutes, including a chance to win a $6,000 shed from Strong Sheds.
• Dual stages: Live cooking demonstrations featuring seasonal Idaho ingredients, along with performances from local talent.
• Outdoor lifestyle exhibits: A food truck roundup and displays from companies like Briggs Steel and DaBella Exteriors.

Where and When to catch the show:

The East Idaho Home & Garden show will run:

• Friday, April 17: Noon to 7 p.m.
  • Free admission for seniors and veterans from noon to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, April 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Free admission for teachers and first responders from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $5, and children 12 and under get in free.

Organizers say they anticipate the event to grow each year, connecting the community with local businesses and sparking ideas for homes across eastern Idaho.

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just looking for inspiration, the East Idaho Home & Garden Show aims to take your project from dream to doorstep. For information on how to get tickets, click here.