Full Post Style

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — While the appearance of white caps on the mountains this time of year is usually a familiar sight, many Idaho ski junkies are still waiting for the first significant snowfall of the season. The crucial question for winter enthusiasts remains: What do the current weather conditions mean for the approaching ski season?

Local News 8 reached out to Pomerelle Mountain Resort to get an update, and the news is good: Although Idahoans aren’t seeing snow in lower elevations, the ski season is still right on track. According to spokesperson Gretchen Anderson, there is no delay whatsoever.

“We’re ready. We have our crews hired, and the mountain is looking good. We’re making snow up on the mountain. And, you know, it’s just a matter of Mother Nature and a little bit of snowmaking. We should be able to open Pomerelle.”

Pomerelle is officially targeting a Thanksgiving Week opening. Despite the lack of widespread snowfall, the resort is moving ahead with preparations, including currently hosting ski clinics.

For information on Pomerelle Mountain Resort, visit HERE.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Five people from Eastern Idaho have received the 2025 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veteran Service award.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo created the award in 2002 to recognize the invaluable contributions of Idaho veterans, as well as to those who volunteer in service to veterans.

The five East Idaho recipients include: 

• From Pocatello:
  • Eva Ackerman
  • Cheri Honas
  • Lynn Leggat
• From Idaho Falls
  • Larry Auman
  • Allen Arnold

These five make up a total of 10 veterans and 14 volunteers who were honored in local ceremonies across the state.  

“I am honored to recognize these remarkable individuals for their extraordinary service to our nation and Idaho’s veterans,” Crapo wrote in a press release. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans who bravely served our nation with honor and to the volunteers who continue to serve them with unwavering dedication. Their spirit of service inspires us and upholds the values our nation’s veterans fought to protect.” 

About the Recipients

Larry Auman – Idaho Falls

Larry Auman served our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  After six years in the Navy, Larry worked for more than 40 years in the nuclear industry as a health physicist in nuclear power operations at U.S. Department of Energy facilities across the United States, including the Idaho National Laboratory. 

Since retiring, Larry has dedicated considerable time to supporting veterans and various veterans service organizations. An example of his service includes his extensive work to make sure veterans are honored through service recognition on their graves. 

Eva Ackerman – Pocatello

Eva Ackerman volunteers with a number of organizations including the Run to Remember with the Field of Heroes and Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association. She also helps coordinate lunches and dinners held at the Pocatello Memorial Building.

She shared, “I’ve met several veterans who are very good. I love to find the good in people.”

Allen Arnold – Idaho Falls

Allen Arnold has been involved in area veterans activities for more than 20 years.  Al, a U.S. Navy retiree, has participated in more than 1,700 graveside honors for veterans, and served in many capacities in veterans service organizations. He is a leader of the Bonneville Memorial Team and the War Bonnet Round Up American Legion fundraising effort.  He and his late wife were honored as Rodeo Volunteers of the Year. 

 Arnold retired as a Lieutenant in 1990 after more than 25 years and earning many honors for his distinguished service.  He served on a guided missile destroyer, fleet ballistic missile submarine and fast attack submarine and as an instructor and supervisor for training of Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operators at the Naval Reactors Facility in Idaho.

Cheri Honas – Pocatello

Cheri Honas’s military family inspired her to offer six years of service to veterans through the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1.  She helps with immediate, short-term needs and helps coordinate the luncheons and dinners held at the Veterans Memorial Building.

She said, “God looks down on all of us and smiles when he sees us making someone happy.  He especially loves his veterans.”

Lynn Leggat – Pocatello

Lynn Leggat has volunteered helping veterans for the past three years.  Lynn’s husband, William Leggat, served in the U.S. Air Force.  After her husband passed away, Leggat says was guided through prayer to serve veterans.  She started out helping with steak dinners at the American Legion after hearing about a dinner on the radio and showing up to help.

She primarily assists veterans through the American Legion Auxiliary, but also she assists with Amvets and other organizations.  The list of projects Lynn assists with is lengthy and includes assisting with the Field of Heroes Information Booth, 9/11 Commemoration, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Veterans Day Luncheon and Veterans Day Parade. 

Nominating for 2026

To nominate someone for the 2026 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veteran Service award, contact Courtney Lehosit in Crapo’s Boise office at 208-334-1776.

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — In a rematch of last year’s semifinal clash, the Rigby Trojans (also known as the Red Devils during the state tournament) hosted the Rocky Mountain Grizzlies under the Friday night lights. Led by the red zone weapon Amani Morelli, Rigby punched their ticket to the state championship with a commanding victory, highlighted by Morelli’s unreal six total touchdowns.

Rigby struck first with an Amani Morelli goal line rush to put the Trojans up 6-0.

Rocky answered fast with 40-yard TD pass to Resean Jones. Grizzlies held their only lead of the game 7-6.

But it didn’t last. Amani Morelli went off with three TDs in the first half and three more in the second. Six total touchdowns for the former Serman Service and Electric Student Athlete of the week.