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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Women connected with women across a variety of backgrounds at an annual awards banquet recognizing exceptional ladies in the region.

The Alturas Institute, a non-profit organization promoting democracy and women’s rights, held its “Conversations with Exceptional Women” ceremony Thursday at the Downtown Event Center in Idaho Falls.

The event’s theme “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” recognizes the myriad responsibilities and hats women manage on a daily basis.

• Previous Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper received the John and Abigail Adams Award recognizing her service to the city across three terms in office for 12 years.

  “You can do anything you want if you are motivated enough and you take the time to educate yourself and get there and do something,” Casper said.

Other women honored at the event include:

• Randy’L Teton, the model for Sacajawea on the 2000 U.S. one dollar coin and author of the graphic novel “It’s Her Story: Sacajawea.”

  “I am the official model for the Sacajawea golden dollar coin that was released in 2000, and ever since then, it’s been a big responsibility to represent not only my family and my tribe, but all of Native American women and women of color,” Teton said. “We’re from the same tribe. She is from Salmon, Idaho, and it’s important just being able to share her story and keep her legacy alive.”

• Kris Millgate, an Emmy-winning outdoor journalist, previewed and spoke about her upcoming film “Sage Wisdom West,” which premieres at 7 P.M. on April 2 at the Colonial Theater.
• Karole Honas, a former Local News 8 anchor with about four decades of broadcast experience, emphasized the importance of engagement with a wide variety of media sources to cut through bias prevalent in much of today’s media environment.
• Dr. Heather Pugmire, an OB/GYN from Blackfoot, addressed women’s health. She has delivered more than 1,500 babies in 13 years.
• Lisa Morton, a certified pilates instructor trainer and Idaho’s sole Certified Merrithew Instructor Trainer was also recognized. She is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
• Alturus Institute Board of Directors Chairwoman/political scientist Dr. Caroline Heldman and film producer Christine Kunewa Walker were also honored but were unable to attend.

  “My message to other women is continue to be brave, continue to dream big,” Teton said.

Ammon, ID (KIFI) – Looking for a fun and free way to get yourself and the kids outdoors this Spring? As we welcome springtime in Eastern Idaho, the City of Ammon is encouraging residents to get outdoors with its one-month Spring Scavenger Hunt, featuring various prizes from local businesses.

The Ammon Parks Spring Scavenger Hunt runs from March 20 through April 20, inviting participants to explore thirteen parks throughout Ammon.

Organizers say the goal is simple: visit each park, find the hidden clue, and complete the full hunt for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.

The first clue — along with full instructions — will be posted on the City of Ammon’s Facebook page Friday morning, March 20th, marking the official start of spring and the event.

Participants who successfully locate clues at all thirteen parks will be entered into a drawing for prizes, adding an extra incentive for families to stay active and engaged during the spring season.

City officials say the scavenger hunt is designed to encourage residents to explore local parks, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the community.

Local businesses also have an opportunity to get involved. Those interested in donating prizes for the event can contact the organizers by email at rmiller@cityofammon.us or by phone at 208-612-4041.

With warmer weather on the way, the event offers a fun, family-friendly way to get outside and experience everything Ammon’s parks have to offer.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) – With Idaho’s AAA reporting another week of pain at the pump for drivers, Idahoans are likely making the connection between gas prices and U.S. actions in Iran.

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher updated Local News 8 on the Middle East situation today, outlining his expectations for a timeline for U.S. actions to be completed, and clarifying some of the factors at play in rising fuel prices.

“Nobody has an appetite for a forever war,” he said. “But at the same time, we’ve got to support the men and women who have engaged over there now, and we need to get this job done. And I think that it will be sooner rather than later.”

On the rising cost of fuel, Fulcher said the U.S. gets very little oil from Iran.

“Here are the interesting facts on that. So the U.S. really doesn’t get hardly any of its fuel [there]. There is one or 2%. However, the rest of the world is somewhere in the neighborhood of 20%.”

“So it’s that world market,” he continued, “world market force in terms of gas prices, its impact. It’s in the short term. I think the good news there is, look, we are keeping or we’re opening back up the Hormuz Strait. That’s where so much of this commerce goes through.”

Fulcher added that global supply is showing signs of recovery.

“And so that, and the rest of the world supply is responding as well. Venezuela is now coming back up and increasing the production there. So it might take a little bit. But this should be a short-term problem with the increase in gas.”