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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 known
Not 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 made
Yet 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 known
Not 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 made
Yet never sought the grand parade.
With careful thought and patient hand
He served the people of this land.

Consistency is his way
The same in word from day to day
Not swayed by winds that quickly turn
But 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 strains
It is the ground on which he remains.

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

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

A father’s care, a grandfather’s grace
Warm kindness written upon his face
For family is his greatest work
The place from which no man should shirk.

He measures success not by acclaim
Nor by a spotlight on his name
But by the lives he helped to rise
New doors opened to clearer skies.

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

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

And yes with humor, warm and plain,
He loves his cheese without refrain
A simple joy, a shared delight
At family tables late at night.

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

For some build towers – tall and grand
And 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  

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.”