Month: January 2026

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Guests at the Idaho Falls Snow Park are in for a wild ride this winter.

The popular snow tubing park is open for the New Year in Bone, Idaho.

Dozens of people flew down steep slopes, caught air on a massive jump and enjoyed full winter fun on ice-packed snow at the grand opening on Wednesday.

In spite of warmer temperatures, the owner says the manmade snow is here to stay at the careening snow park east of Idaho Falls.

“We’re making snow so you can make memories,” said Jamie Rhoda, Idaho Falls Snow Park owner. “What we want to do is have you guys come out to have a good time. Whether we have snow or not, as long as the weather’s cold enough, we make the snow so you guys can come out and enjoy it.”

The park is in its fourth year and features three tube runs that stretch 1200 feet downhill.

Local News 8 reporter David Pace flies into the air on the ‘Big Jump’ at the Idaho Falls Snow Park.

“We provide tubes, bathrooms, parking, conveyor magic carpet ride, and then we have fire pits, indoor/outdoor seating,” Rhoda said. “So all you have to do is show up in your winter clothes.”

A four-hour session on the hill costs $15.

“What I like about the ski hill is that, sometimes you go flying and sometimes you don’t, but it’s still a little fun,” said snowtuber Ila Echler.

The Jackson family, from Idaho Falls, spent the entire afternoon with friends and family.

“I think my favorite part is when all of us link together and you just start spinning,”  said snow tuber extraordinaire Tyler Jackson.

With a major jump, the park promises plenty of surprises.

“When you’re, like, at the bottom, it sprays you in the face,” Carina Jackson said. “And also, I like going in a group.”

The park is located at 207 Bone Road, Iona, and will be open for the rest of Christmas break and all winter long.

For tickets, operating hours, and more information visit IdahoFallsSnowPark.com.

A line of snow tubers rides the magic carpet to the top of the hill at Wednesday’s grand opening.

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David Pace

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) – The family, friends, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said goodbye to President Jeffrey R. Holland on Wednesday.

Holland, 85, was serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when he died from complications of kidney disease.

His funeral was held at the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Holland is the husband of Patricia Holland, proud father of three children and grandfather of thirteen.

He was ordained an apostle in 1994 and previously served for nine years as President of Brigham Young University.

Holland was known for his firebrand missionary work and touching sermons that reached out to millions around the world.

“My father was an irresistible force for righteousness,” said his son Elder Matthew S. Holland, of the Quorum of the Seventy. “His unique gifts for friendship, intellect, language, and mirth disarmed and drew in virtually anyone who came within his orbit.”

President Jeffrey R. Holland meets with Jewish leaders, including his friend the late-U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, at the BYU-Jerusalem Center in Israel. | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

His daughter Mary Alice McCann emphasized her dad was gave his life to “succor the weak, lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”

“Jeffrey R. Holland was an apostle of hope,” she said. “He believed in the redemption of Jesus Christ, and that through him and because of him all things would be made right.”

The church’s prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, paid personal tribute to the man with whom he served as an apostle for more than three decades.

“President Jeffrey R Holland left a huge mark – loving personal memories of his influence and his unforgettable testimony of God – on all that he touched,” Oaks said.

President Holland will be buried Thursday in his home of Saint George, Utah, next to his wife who died in 2023.

President Jeffrey R. Holland smiles in his office in Salt Lake City. | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Education.

(BOISE) – The U.S. Department of Education announced today that the federal grant program supporting essential staff in Idaho’s community schools will continue, reversing a previous decision that had deemed the program ineligible for funding based on its perceived alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The earlier decision would have frozen nearly $30 million in funding previously awarded to United Way of Treasure Valley (UWTV) as part of a five-year grant scheduled to run through 2028.

“This decision affirms that Community Schools are both effective and fully aligned with federal and state law, and that they reflect the values Idaho families care about most—strong schools and strong families,” said Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. “I’m grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for engaging in a thorough review and for continuing to support this essential program.”

The Full-Service Community Schools State Scaling Grant was awarded to UWTV in 2023 and provides $45.9 million over five years to support 65 schools statewide, including 47 rural public schools. The grant funds services that improve literacy and STEM achievement, expand after-school and career-technical programs, and strengthen access to mental health and family support services. Each organization is locally led by school districts in partnership with families and community organizations. 

“This program works because it respects families as partners in education, and when parents have access to workforce training, healthcare, or adult education, their children benefit,” said Critchfield. “I want to thank United Way of Treasure Valley for its diligent work administering—and defending—this grant. Their leadership has made a real difference when it comes to strengthening our schools, our communities, and Idaho’s future.” 

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch previously submitted a letter to the Department of Education on December 18 in support of the appeal and in favor of keeping the program intact through its original five-year term.

“Idaho has long been a leader in rooting out DEI in our education system,” said Governor Brad Little. “I was pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Education restored Idaho’s grant funding after recognizing the work we have done to eliminate DEI in our programs. The decision confirms these funds were not being used to promote DEI initiatives.”

United Way of Treasure Valley had warned that the earlier decision placed more than 60 full-time staff positions at risk, including community coordinators who connect students and families with food pantries, dental clinics, mental health providers, job training, and GED programs.

For more information about Community Schools in Idaho, visit the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools at idahocoalitionforcommunityschools.org.

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