Full Post Style

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The New Year has arrived – and with it a flurry of resolutions to power goal-setters toward healthier, better lives.

From relationship goals to spending more time with loved ones, getting out of debt to going on a dream vacation – people throughout eastern Idaho are taking charge and implementing plans for self-improvement as we all push aside the holiday junk food and tackle real issues to enhance our lives.

Here are a smattering of resolutions from your friends and neighbors in the greater Idaho Falls region.

“For 2026, I’m planning on finishing my master’s degree and starting to be a teacher for preschool,” said Idaho Falls resident Ann Caruso.

Idaho Falls High School Math Teacher Sharon Oliver is focusing on incremental improvements in her personal life.

“Personal organization, taking time for friends, taking time for relaxation and health, then just making the most of every day,” she said.

Todd DeVries, a local clinical therapist / social worker, is reaching out to friends for a European vacation.

“I’m excited because I have a trip to Vienna planned, and my New Year’s resolution is to intentionally have more fun this year,” DeVries said.

Local resident Rick Whittaker is starting January off with a brisk jaunt.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get 25 pounds off. So I’m here with my dog right now, just kind of getting started walking,” he said.

Rigby residents Melanie and Kennedy Sullivan set multiple objectives for the coming year.

“I’m trying to find the goals for the five F’s – which is faith, family, finances, fitness, and friends,” Melanie said.

Her daughter Kennedy is prepping for a Color Run at Utah State.

Norman Southworth said he’s hoping to enjoy his retirement and stay healthy.

“I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I usually just fix problems as they come along,” Southworth said.

Finally, Desiree Nason emphasized personal care.

“My main New Year’s resolution is to get my mind healthy,” she said. “So focus on myself, don’t worry about saying no if it upsets other people, and just being able to live my life and be happy.”

All these resolutions may spark additional ideas for ways you can improve this year.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Flu season is here, and Idaho is experiencing some of the nation’s highest flu activity in the nation.

The CDC’s latest surveillance map places Idaho among the states with elevated case numbers. Local reports of flu activity are increasing, driven partly by a variant that has been dubbed by news sites and social media as the “super flu.”

According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, that variant of the Flu is known for spreading quickly and efficiently .

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials emphasized that annual vaccination remains the most effective defense against the virus.

Despite the rise in cases, the Department of Health and Welfare is urging residents to follow standard precautions to curb the spread of all viruses. These reminders are especially critical as people resume their normal routines after holiday gatherings.

To support overall health and prevent viral transmission, officials recommend the following:

• Vaccination: Get a flu vaccine every year if you have not already done so.
• Hygiene: Wash hands frequently.
• Avoidance: Avoid people who are sick.
• Isolation: Stay home when you are ill to prevent spreading viruses to others.
• Wellness: Get enough sleep, eat nutritious food and stay hydrated.

The CDC typically sees the national peak of influenza activity between December and February. This season, the high activity levels are being reported early in the new year.

To learn more

KELLY CANYON SKI RESORT, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is well known for its cold winters, and locals recognize that this is not normal weather this season. 

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, near Ririe, is working hard to make its own snow and provide skiers with a winter wonderland.

“We had a really rough start to the year,” said Sam Whitlock, Director of Revenue for the ski resort. “We have spent a lot of time and energy recently investing in our snowmaking. We have great snowmakers. They’re here most nights, all night long, making snow.”

Making snow is nothing new for them. However, in years past, these machines were used to enhance the existing snow. They have now become the cornerstone of making skiing a reality.

“Just complete bare dirt. Just dirt and grass,” said Ryan Mead, lead snowmaker for the hill.  

Mead says making snow requires significant time and effort. “Usually for a run about the size behind me is a, I would say about 2 to 3 days of good, solid 24-hour snowmaking,” Mead said.

People shiver with excitement in a not-so-cold winter.

“Well, the public wants to come ski, and we enjoy seeing people up here. I also thoroughly enjoy making snow, so it’s a great time for everyone,” Whitlock said.

A winter of more rain than snow won’t loom over Kelly Canyon as their team paints a colorful future ahead.

“We just want to lower the barrier of entry to get people on the hill. So, what we can do when there’s not a lot of snow is just make it a nice, welcoming environment. Later this year, we’re going to have a lot of fun things going on. Fun events. So while we can’t control the snow, we can make it as fun as possible,” Whitlock said.

Kelly Canyon plans to be open through the winter, but warmer conditions could change that. 

Be sure to check out their Facebook page for any updates. 

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.