Stories from Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Weeks after announcing plans to develop a casino and resort west of Mountain Home, representatives with the Shoshone-Paiute tribes gathered to honor the ancestral land where they plan to build this multi-acre complex. Rooted in tradition and a deep spiritual connection to the land, the sacred tribal blessing ceremony served “as a moment of gratitude to the Creator and a prayer for guidance, protection and prosperity as the historic project moves forward,” tribal officials said...

Following a year’s worth of work to restore the community’s outdoor swimming complex, Mayor Rich Sykes announced the city’s pool may officially reopen by early July. In a video shared on social media, the mayor took time to highlight the key features and upgrades to the pool at Richard Aguirre Park in addition to the improvements this facility offers those in the Mountain Home area...

Before I started taking journalism classes during my early days in the Air Force, I still remember the comments our first sergeant shared with myself and the others who prepared to tackle the huge challenges we would face over the next couple of months. I’m almost positive the message he shared with us came after he watched so many airmen who struggled to survive those three months of intensive, hands-on work...

In today’s political world, social media doesn’t wait for facts. Accusations are made, repeated and amplified until they start to feel like truth. A few likes, a share or a quick comment, and suddenly a false narrative gains traction, often with no evidence to support it...

An effort aimed at helping military veterans overcome the mental and emotional struggles they face returns to Mountain Home this Saturday as organizers host the Eighth Annual Freedom For Fighters walk and run. The event begins at 9 a.m. for those wanting to take part in a seven-mile walk that starts a half mile off Bypass Road west of the local granaries that continues along Canyon Creek Road before continuing along other designated roads leading these participants to Legacy Park...

As construction on the indoor pools at the Western Elmore County Aquatic Center wrapped up in recent weeks, work continued to build the future locker rooms and install the utility systems needed to officially open this recreational facility. Located on South 18th East Street across from Tiger Field, upcoming projects involving this community pool complex include the construction of interior walls and ceilings in addition to adding necessary plumbing, showers, sinks and restroom facilities for those who plan to swim in these pools.. ...

Requests for the continued financial support of non-profit groups in the Mountain Home area highlighted the discussion members of the city council addressed during a public meeting June 10. The discussions began as officials continued work on the city’s proposed budget for the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1...

James Walling keeps an eye on the bobber resting on the pond’s surface as he watches for possible signs of fishing wanting to gobble up the bait on the fish hook situated below the surface of the community pond as he takes part in this year’s free fishing day on Saturday...

City firefighters work to contain the flames from a brush fire off Northeast Frontage Road on June 18. First reported at 9:47 a.m., the fire erupted just days before a county-wide burn ban was set to go into effect.

Note: A typo in this week's edition of the Mountain Home News listed the wrong day of this year's run. The corrected information is featured below. A federal observance marking the final days of slavery in the United States returns to Mountain Home as organizers host this year’s Juneteenth events this week. This year’s celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, as organizers host the Aaron Thomas Memorial Juneteenth Scholarship 5K Run/Walk event starting at Legacy Park...