Idaho

'We are Idaho'

Published

2 years ago

February 18, 2024

COEUR d’ALENE — Speakers at the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee’s Lincoln Day Dinner called on members to stand strong for their country, or risk losing it, and support Donald Trump for president.

About 600 people attended the event at The Coeur d’Alene Resort on Saturday. With a large flag as the backdrop, firearms as prizes and babies in red, white and blue, patriotism was on full display.

A video warned people that Idaho could turn into another California, while another featured families and friends shouting, “We are Idaho.”

Dorothy Moon, chair of the Idaho Republican Party, criticized rank-choice voting and the media before asking the crowd for help.

“Please stand with me to stop the cronyism that’s happening in our capital,” she said. “Please stand with me to stop the woke corporations that are taking over this state. I really need you to help me stop the overreach of our state and federal government.”

“But I really need you to stand up with me to save the Idaho Republican Party and save our faith, our family and our freedom,” she said.

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher said the widening partisan divide is preventing Congress from getting anything done.

He said he has endorsed and is working on behalf of Donald Trump to become the country’s next president, which drew a cheer from the crowd.

“Whatever corruption there is in Congress, and there is significant corruption, the corruption in the intelligence community and the DOJ (Department of Justice) is worse,” Fulcher said.

He said Congress has oversight, but it is inadequate.

“This has got to be addressed to remain a free nation, and there is no one who can address that like Donald Trump,” Fulcher said.

Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare asked what it would take to save the country as it suffers the consequences of open borders and a growing national debt.

“I do believe Trump is part of that solution, but we need a longer-term one,” he said.

Mattare said there is a way to “put a stop to this madness and preserve our country.”

He called on the audience to pledge their lives, fortunes and honor to each other.

“He cannot win, we cannot win, until we are willing to risk our comfort and our material wealth to fix these problems,” Mattare said

“It’s impossible to defeat a people with that mindset,” he said.

Sebastian Gorka, a British-born Hungarian-American media host and commentator and former deputy assistant to President Trump, delivered the keynote speech.

Gorka was born in London. His parents fled to the United Kingdom from Hungary after an uprising against the Soviet Union failed in 1956.

He said he moved to America 16 years ago. When he did, he made fun of his fellow conservatives who said communists and socialists were here.

“I used to laugh at them,” he said.

Gorka said his life changed when he was 8 years old and one day, he noticed pale, white lines on his father’s wrists.

“What’s that?” he asked his father.

“Son, that’s where the secret police bound my wrists together with wire behind my back so they could hang me from the ceiling of the torture chamber,” his dad responded.

Gorka said that his life was never the same after that.

“Because from that point onward, I understand here in my soul that evil is real and that evil walks the Earth in the hearts of men,” he said.

He said he no longer laughs about communism in America.

“It’s real. It’s here,” he said.

Gorka said people always ask him of the upcoming election, “Are we going to win?” which he said makes him angry.

Here’s the answer he gives them: “What the hell are you doing about it?”

The crowd applauded.

He said no one can save the country alone. It must be done together.

“This is our country. We save our country,” he shouted.

Veterans stand after being asked to do so at the Lincoln Day Dinner at The Coeur d’Alene Resort on Saturday.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the Lincoln Day Dinner at The Coeur d’Alene Resort on Saturday.

Veteran Jeff Broadhead was part of the Color Guard at the Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday.

The crowd listens to a speaker at the Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday.

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Idaho

Idaho State Police Sgt. Amanda Ward honored with MVP award

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Press Room

Idaho State Police Sgt. Amanda Ward honored with MVP award

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.

RELATED | Local law enforcement officers honored during awards ceremony

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

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Idaho

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

Published

1 day ago

February 7, 2026

Press Room

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

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.”

RELATED | Skijoring event overcomes warm weather challenges to debut in Treasure Valley this weekend

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.

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Idaho

Idaho State Police sergeant honored with MVP award – East Idaho News

Published

2 days ago

February 7, 2026

Press Room

Idaho State Police sergeant honored with MVP award – East Idaho News

Idaho State Police Sergeant Amanda Ward was named the Idaho State Police MVP during the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation award ceremony. | Daniel V. Ramirez, EastIdahoNews.com

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

RELATED | Local law enforcement officers honored during awards ceremony

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.

Watch Ward’s video in the player above.