WARM LAKE, Idaho (Jan. 30, 2026) — SNOW ROVERS — Musher John Kunzler from Vernal, Utah, and his sled dog team run the second leg of the two-day, 52-mile Warm Lake Stage Race. Kunzler’s team took fifth place, averaging 9,.02 mph and completing both legs with a combined time of 5:59:22. The race’s organizers and board of directors are discontinuing Idaho Sled Dog Challenge events moving forward after having to cancel or suspend its 300-mile Iditarod qualifier and 100-mile race due to low snow or avalanches the last three consecutive years. (Photo by Melissa Shelby)

IDAHO FALLS — Sgt. Amanda Ward with Idaho State Police was recognized with an MVP award Thursday at the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation luncheon.

Ward was nominated for her exceptional performance, commitment to training new officers, and dedication to public safety. Colleagues described her as a model of professionalism whose influence is felt across every level of the agency.

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Over the past year, Ward has taken on multiple roles, serving as a TAC officer at the Idaho State Police Training Academy, a TAC for the ILEADS Youth Training program, and a member of the ISP Honor Guard. In each position, she has helped set the standard for new recruits while representing the agency at public ceremonies and major events.

Ward has also been recognized for her outstanding field performance. While assigned to a temporary duty post, Captain Mike Mooney said she approached each shift with energy and enthusiasm.

“She had such a great attitude, always smiling and upbeat regardless of the circumstance,” Mooney said. “She was exceptionally productive—staying busy with traffic, drug cases, and even handling a very dangerous ATL for a suicidal subject. I wish we had 20 more just like her!”

In addition to her operational and training duties, Ward serves as a Peer Support Representative for District Six and has completed the FBI’s LEEDA leadership training. She also leads District Six in both DUI and drug arrests—an achievement highlighting her effectiveness in the field.

Ward accepted the MVP Award alongside four other honorees recognized by the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation for their contributions to law enforcement and public safety. EastIdahoNews.com will share a story and video about each recipient this coming week.

This article was originally published by East Idaho News

NAMPA, Idaho — Skijoring combines western culture with ski culture, and it’s a magical mix when these two different disciplines come together.

PRO Skijor is hosting its inaugural professional series this year, and on the fourth stop of the year tour, Nampa produced the largest crowd of the season at the Ford Idaho Center.

WATCH | Check out more of the high adrenaline action

Pro SkiJour draws its largest crowd of the season on the final day of competition in Nampa

“Oh, it was awesome,” said Bryson Threatt, who competes in the pro open division. “Boise’s inaugural event has been super cool, and hopefully Boise will be a good stop on the tour in the future.”

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Bryson Threatt had the fastest run of the day, coming in under 14 seconds, while being carried by Dylan Free and her horse Snowman. Threatt celebrated at the end of his run, because this was redemption after crashing earlier in the day.

“I always get so nervous in the start gate before we do this, and then as soon as I stick a run like that, I always finish and go, that’s exactly why we do this,” said Threatt. “Oh, it is so much fun, man.”

RELATED | Professional skijoring makes first-ever Idaho stop in Nampa

Skijor Boise also gave locals a chance to participate in this unique sport that originated in Scandinavia hundreds of years ago. However, skijoring has quickly grown in popularity in the past few years in the American West.

“My husband is my skier, and my best friend is also my skier,” said Kimmie Moso of Eagle, who competed with her horse Bagel. “It’s high adrenaline, and the two sports coming together has been super cool.”

The results have not been released, but riders competed for 50k in cash, championship buckles and points in the series. The next race in the series will be in two weeks in Teton Valley in eastern Idaho, with the finals being the next weekend in Salt Lake City.

The Wood River Extreme Skijoring Association will also host their annual event next weekend on Saturday and Sunday in Bellevue.