Author: KIFI

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bonneville and Bingham County GOP honored long-time, former state legislator Dean Mortimer, who served for 14 years in Idaho’s Legislature, at the annual Lincoln Day dinner Saturday.

Mortimer received the “Bonneville County Republican Party Public Service Award.”

Idaho Sen. Dave Lent shared an original poem, “The Measure of a Good Man,” in tribute to Mortimer.

“In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to year,A faithful voice that others hear.

“He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient hand,He served the people of this land.”

(You can see the full poem at the end of this article.)

“I think that ultimately what this event tonight showed is that we have the ability to come together as Republicans under Reagan’s big tent, and that’s what we have emphasized,” said Michael Colson, Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee. “That’s what we have promised to the voters that we were going to bring in more Republicans to Bonneville County to support the kind of conservative policies and principles that have made our state and our county great.”

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke delivered the keynote address.

“Why is Idaho the best place to live, work and to raise a family?” he asked. “It’s because we always have paid attention to the fundamentals of government. We’ve always lived within the taxpayers’ means. We’ve always defended the Constitution. We’ve always supported the law enforcement and first responders in our community.”

But Rep. Mike Simpson acknowledged the complexity and discord present in politics as well.

“Yes, there’s arguments. There’s debates and fights – not fistfights – but there’s fights and all that kind of stuff. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “I would not want a government that was too easy, because a government that can do things easily – even if it’s something that makes sense – can do bad things easily.”

Overall, the event focused on commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and readying for the future.

The Bonneville County GOP will be holding multiple forums for the public to meet and learn the positions of candidates who are interested in running, Colson said.

Idaho’s primary elections are May 19.

Tribute to Former Idaho State Senator Dean Mortimer

The Measure of a Good Man

In quiet ways a life is knownNot by noise and power shown,But steady work from year to yearA faithful voice that others hear.

He walked the halls where our laws are madeYet never sought the grand parade.With careful thought and patient handHe served the people of this land.

Consistency is his wayThe same in word from day to dayNot swayed by winds that quickly turnBut guided by the truths he has learned.

His faith in God is clean and clear,A compass held both far and near.In moments calm and under strainsIt is the ground on which he remains.

At home, his truest place of pride,Where love and laughter does resideHis heart belongs first and always thereTo the wife with whom eternity he shares.

Through every season – side by side  Her steady love – his truest guide,A partnership built firm and trueIn quiet strength that always grew.

A father’s care, a grandfather’s graceWarm kindness written upon his faceFor family is his greatest workThe place from which no man should shirk.

He measures success not by acclaimNor by a spotlight on his nameBut by the lives he helped to riseNew doors opened to clearer skies.

Dean believes that helping others growIs the richest work a man can know.To lift a friend, encourage a startAnd plant good courage and mend a heart.

A Scout leader who showed the wayThrough campfire light and break of day,Not just in words, but life displayedThe Oath and Law – more than just Scouts he made.

And yes with humor, warm and plain,He loves his cheese without refrainA simple joy, a shared delightAt family tables late at night.

So let the record show it’s trueA life of service carried throughSteady in purpose – strong, yet kind,The measure of a faithful mind.

For some build towers – tall and grandAnd some leave quiet marks upon the land,But those like Dean, who served with heart and care,Leave something more precious, More precious everywhere.  

– Senator Dave Lent  

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Broadway and film star Cheyenne Jackson recently returned to eastern Idaho, bringing his nationally touring show “Mid-Life Torso Tour” to the Colonial Theatre in Idaho Falls. But long before the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood, Jackson’s story began in the small towns of northern Idaho.

From growing up in rural communities to appearing in the Oscar-nominated film “United 93”, Jackson’s career has taken him across the country and onto some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stages — all while maintaining a deep connection to the Gem State. Ahead of the 2026 Oscars, Local News 8’s Danielle Mullenix sat down with Jackson to discuss his time on the set of “United 93” and his journey from Idaho to the Academy Awards.

In conversation with actor Cheyenne Jackson at the Local News 8 Newsroom

Small-Town Beginnings in Idaho

Jackson spent much of his childhood in Oldtown, Idaho, growing up in a modest environment that helped shape both his work ethic and his creativity.

“We lived out in the woods. We had no running water and an outhouse,” Jackson recalled. “I grew up singing in the church, and my mom raised my brothers and me to enjoy music.”

He says one pivotal moment came during high school when a teacher introduced him to Broadway.

Jackson’s French teacher organized an exciting school trip by bus to Spokane, where they would witness a touring production of “Les Misérables” at the Spokane Opera House. As he sat next to his classmates in the beautifully ornate theatre, the air filled with anticipation, and Jackson found himself lost in thought, imagining the thrill of a life illuminated by the stage spotlight and the shimmering allure of the big screen.

“I didn’t know what Broadway was,” Jackson said. “That was the first time I realized you could do that for a living.”

Building a Broadway Career

After high school and several side jobs, Jackson moved to Seattle to pursue a career in performing. By the age of twenty-seven, Jackson had built a strong resume of theatre credits in Washington and decided it was time to make a one-way flight to New York City. It wasn’t long before he found success on Broadway.

He went on to appear in several well-known stage productions, including Xanadu, All Shook Up, and Finian’s Rainbow, among many others. Fresh off a run from the Tony-winning production Oh, Mary!, Jackson decided to take his musical talents on the road in his current “Mid-Life Torso Tour”.

XanaduCredit Photo: Peter Lueders/Paul Kolnik Studio

Jackson’s stage presence eventually opened doors in television and film, helping him build a career spanning multiple entertainment genres.

A Breakout Film Role in “United 93”

After achieving success on Broadway, Jackson made his way onto film studio lots, where he began his early film and television career. One of his notable roles was in “United 93,” the critically acclaimed 2006 film that dramatizes the events aboard one of the hijacked planes during the September 11 attacks.

“United 93” film poster, nominated for Best Director and Best Film Editing at the 2007 Academy Awards

Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film was praised for its emotional realism and powerful storytelling. Jackson reflected on the film’s 20th anniversary and how its impact resonated during the shooting process.

“That was my first major movie,” Jackson said. “The takes were about 15 minutes long, and it was incredibly daunting and heartbreaking.”

Rather than impersonating the real passengers, Jackson said the cast approached the film with a sense of responsibility to honor the real people involved.

“It wasn’t about trying to do an impersonation,” he explained. “It was the duty that we all felt because we were playing real people.”

The film ultimately earned an Academy Award nomination for Greengrass’ direction.

Even now, Jackson says he still enjoys watching the Academy Awards — something that reminds him of his childhood in Idaho.

“I love the Oscars,” he said. “It reminds me of being a kid sitting there with my parents watching. It’s one moment where we all kind of come together.”

Advice for Future Academy Award Actors

For aspiring actors and performers growing up in small towns, Jackson says the most important thing is to stay open to opportunity.

“Take every opportunity that comes to you,” he said. “I didn’t go to college, but I learned by doing. Watch every person, stay inspired by their work, and absorb their creativity through osmosis. Be the sponge.”

Jackson’s journey from rural Idaho to Broadway stages and Hollywood screens serves as a reminder that big dreams can grow even in the quietest corners of the Gem State.

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Hadley Bodell

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – Families across the country deal with their childrens’ health complications every day. However, not all of them are lucky enough to have an entire town of support during their difficult times. Tonight, the community of Shelley rallied around Austin Currall and his family, uniting in love and support for the 4-year-old going through his second round of cancer.

Jenel Andersen is the mastermind behind the community fundraiser. “I just called six or eight of my friends and told them this is what I want to do for this family, will you guys help? And they said yes,” said Andersen. “We had a meeting and made some plans and went with it!”

Tanys Searle was another behind-the-scenes volunteer for tonight’s fundraiser. “We split off into teams and put everyone in charge of something,” said Searle. “So many people donated food and were so generous and we’re so grateful for that.”

The best part is that many people in attendance as well as helping with the event, didn’t even know the Curralls. “I know maybe a quarter of the people here,” said Michael Currall, Austin’s dad. “Everybody’s coming up and introducing themselves like they already know us, which in a way, they kind of do at this point. It’s just super cool, I’ve had a couple of times tonight where I’ve forgetten that we’re all here for Austin.”

The event included ticket and t-shirt sales, dinner and pie, games like a pie walk for the kids as well as a silent auction. Community members and local businesses donated to the silent auction, with all the proceeds going to the Currall family and their medical expenses.

It’s rare that a community unites in support of one cause, but locals tell us this is who Shelley is. “This is Shelley,” said Andersen. “And it’s Firth as well. This is what we do, this is what our community does.”

The Currall family could not be more grateful for the turnout and the positive experience their family had at tonight’s fundraiser.

“We just want to give a giant thank you to everybody, there’s no way we can say it enough at this point,” said Michael.

For more on Austin’s story and where you can donate, visit https://localnews8.com/news/2026/03/13/slices-of-hope-shelley-community-to-rally-for-4-year-old-battling-cancer/

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Hazardous driving conditions and low visibility have forced the closure of Interstate 15 in both directions North of Idaho Falls.

As of 11:48 AM, the Idaho Transportation Department has closed I-15 from exit 119 to mile marker 145 in Roberts due to a large dust storm brought on by the high winds.

For updates, visit Idaho 511 HERE.

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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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