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KAT KOUNTRY 106 • MAGIC VALLEY NEWS
☀️ We've got the latest local headlines, Idaho news, high school sports honors, Boise State football excitement, and a look at the beautiful weather heading our way for Veterans Day! 🇺🇸
A Twin Falls man is facing multiple felony charges following a shooting Sunday morning that sent one person to the hospital. Police say officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of Third Avenue East, where they found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers detained 36-year-old Eddie Gomez at the residence. He was later arrested on 10 felony counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, along with a misdemeanor charge involving the careless discharge of a firearm that injured another person. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
It's a wonderful example of a community coming together when it matters most! ❤️ Jerome Police say it took just six minutes for residents to help identify a little girl found alone, cold and frightened near Main Street and North Fillmore early Monday morning.
The child was unable to tell officers where she lived or how to contact her parents. Police turned to Facebook, posting her picture and asking for the public's help.
Within just SIX MINUTES, the girl was identified and her parents were notified! Police quickly removed the photo and thanked the community for responding so quickly. Officers say appropriate follow-up will be conducted to determine how the situation happened.
There's finally some welcome relief at the pump for Idaho drivers! According to AAA, the average price of regular gasoline in Idaho has dropped another 20 cents over the past week, bringing the statewide average to $4.32 per gallon.
That's 59 cents cheaper than a month ago, although prices remain about a dollar higher than this time last year. Twin Falls drivers are also averaging $4.32 a gallon, while Boise is coming in at $4.46.
Gas prices have now fallen for three consecutive weeks. With Thanksgiving travel approaching, lower crude oil prices could bring even more savings for families planning holiday road trips. 🚗
Drivers traveling through the Twin Falls Interchange on Interstate 84 should prepare for traffic shifts this weekend as construction crews get ready to open new lanes.
Eastbound traffic near Exit 173 will shift Friday night between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday. Westbound traffic will shift Saturday night during the same hours.
The westbound loop on-ramp will also close Saturday night, but another westbound on-ramp will remain available.
Once completed, I-84 will have three lanes in each direction west of the interchange and two lanes in each direction to the east. Occasional lane closures are expected through late November. Motorists should allow extra travel time and check Idaho 511 for updates.
A chain-reaction crash involving six vehicles on Interstate 15 in Bannock County sent two people to the hospital Monday evening.
Idaho State Police say the crash happened around 5:20 p.m. near mile marker 78 in the northbound lanes. Investigators say a GMC Acadia collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, triggering a chain reaction involving four additional vehicles.
The crash also involved a Volkswagen Passat, Ford Expedition, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Outback. The driver of the Nissan Rogue and a juvenile passenger in the Ford Expedition were transported to a hospital. Their conditions have not been released.
A significant election reporting error in North Idaho has prompted a full recount in Latah County.
State election officials say 2,342 early-voting ballots were counted by voting machines but never included in the publicly reported results. The discrepancy was discovered during a routine review by the county clerk's office.
The missing votes could affect several closely contested races, although an initial review suggests the outcomes are unlikely to change.
The recount is taking place at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow and is open to the public. Officials say the issue appears to involve a reporting error rather than a problem with the actual counting of ballots.
Idaho Democrats made some gains in last week's election, picking up six seats in the state Legislature. Their representation increases from 15 to 21 members.
However, Republicans maintained their supermajority in both legislative chambers and retained every statewide office and congressional seat.
Democratic candidates also improved their vote totals in statewide and congressional races compared with previous elections. Despite those gains, Republicans continue to dominate Idaho state government.
Election results remain unofficial until certification November 24th.
Twin Falls could soon have two new City Council members!
Mayor Jason Brown has recommended Lucy Wills and Kelly Hergesell to fill the vacancies left by Grayson Stone and Cherie Vollmer, who are leaving the council to serve in the Idaho Legislature.
Wills has a long history of working in the school district and participating in local boards and community organizations. Hergesell is a lifelong Magic Valley resident with a background in human resources.
Both women say they're excited about the opportunity and plan to run for election in November 2027.
The City Council is expected to vote on the appointments November 16th.
An emergency rescue operation unfolded in the Snake River Canyon Monday afternoon after a BASE jumper reportedly lost control of his parachute near the Perrine Bridge.
The call came in around 2:15 p.m. after the jumper crashed along the Jerome County side of the canyon.
A witness reported seeing the jumper struggle with wind currents before heading toward the cliffside. Another BASE jumper reportedly jumped into the canyon to assist the injured man.
Twin Falls Fire, Magic Valley Paramedics and the Special Operations Rescue Team responded. Rescuers found the jumper conscious and breathing. His injuries have not been released.
The Kimberly School District is going back to the drawing board after voters rejected a school bond and facilities levy in May.
District leaders are now holding community meetings to hear directly from residents about school needs, funding priorities and what taxpayers might be willing to support.
Superintendent Luke Schroeder says communication and transparency have become major priorities during the discussions.
Community feedback will be presented to the school board in January. Trustees are expected to decide in February whether to pursue another levy proposal for the May election.
A Boise man accused of shooting a 15-year-old boy during a doorbell prank is being held on a $1 million bond.
Prosecutors say a group of teenagers were playing ding-dong-ditch at 45-year-old Darin Young's home Saturday when Young allegedly armed himself with a handgun, went outside and hid in some bushes.
Investigators say he chased one of the teenagers toward a vehicle and fired, striking the 15-year-old.
The teenager suffered a shattered pelvis and underwent surgery. He's now recovering at home.
Young appeared in court Monday, where a judge set bond at $1 million and issued a no-contact order protecting the three teenagers involved. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 23rd.
Idaho lawmakers are already looking ahead to the 2027 legislative session, with the Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting in North Idaho this week.
The 20-member committee is responsible for developing budgets for state agencies and departments.
This week's discussions include health and welfare spending, wildfire suppression costs and new correctional facilities.
The meetings come after lawmakers approved budget reductions for most state agencies, including five-percent cuts in the current fiscal year.
The Idaho Legislature returns to Boise January 11th.
Good news for Idaho hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts! The Idaho Fish and Game website is back online after being shut down for nearly three weeks over cybersecurity concerns.
The department took the website offline October 22nd after identifying a potential vulnerability affecting government computer systems.
Officials say the shutdown was precautionary and that no data breach occurred.
The department says its regular online resources are now available again at IDFG.Idaho.gov.
Idaho is receiving nearly $183 million in federal funding to support rural healthcare, although the latest award is about $3.3 million less than last year's allocation.
The money comes through the Rural Health Transformation Program and will help support hospital upgrades, emergency medical equipment, mobile clinics and efforts to recruit and retain healthcare workers.
Governor Brad Little says rural Idaho families often face challenges accessing medical care because of distance and limited resources.
The five-year federal program provides $50 billion nationwide. Idaho's second-year award ranks 40th among the 50 states.
Imagine opening your monthly water bill and discovering you owe more than $21,000! 😳
That's exactly what happened to Glenns Ferry resident Chelsea Inmon, whose October bill showed she had supposedly used more than nine MILLION gallons of water in less than a month.
Normally paying less than $100, Inmon investigated for possible leaks before contacting the city.
It turns out the bill was wrong. Her corrected balance? Just $88.47!
Mayor Susan Case says a software problem caused billing errors affecting 11 customers. The city is working with the software company to prevent similar problems in the future.
That's one water bill nobody wants showing up in the mailbox!
The Jerome City Fire Department is giving back to local veterans just in time for Veterans Day!
The department is donating a portion of the proceeds from its annual T-shirt and hoodie fundraiser to the Northside Military Museum.
The museum preserves America's military history with exhibits featuring uniforms, weapons and other artifacts donated by local veterans.
T-shirts cost $30, while hoodies are $40. Orders are being accepted through Friday, November 13th.
You can order at Jerome Fire Station Number Two on West Yakima Street or call 208-324-2323.
It's time to recognize some outstanding performances on the soccer field! Several Magic Valley high school athletes are taking home major postseason honors.
On the boys' side, Wood River's Hayden Gvozdas was named Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 22 goals and adding 16 assists. His coach, Greg Gvozdas, earned Coach of the Year honors.
Twin Falls' Kayden Clopton was named Goalkeeper of the Year, while Burley's Grant Payne earned Defensive Player of the Year after recording 143 interceptions, 12 goals and six assists.
On the girls' side, Jerome's Alyssa Jensen earned Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 27 goals and adding eight assists. Her coach, Ron Hanson, was named Coach of the Year.
Twin Falls' Keiana Buican earned Goalkeeper of the Year after recording 66 saves while allowing just seven goals. Teammate Josie Carpenter was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Congratulations to all the athletes recognized!
The postseason honors continue across the Magic Valley as the High Desert Conference recognizes its top boys' and girls' soccer players.
Buhl, Wendell and Sun Valley Community School led the boys' selections with four All-Conference players apiece.
On the girls' side, Kimberly, Wendell and Sun Valley Community School also led the way with four selections each.
Among the players recognized were Wendell's Edgar Tena, Buhl's Daniel Caliz, Gooding's Jovany Del Toro and Sun Valley Community School's Tommy Hovey.
A total of 44 boys and girls from eight area schools earned All-Conference recognition. Congratulations to everyone!
The Boise State Broncos are rolling, and three players have even more reason to celebrate after the team's 64-38 victory over Colorado State!
Running back Dylan Riley earned Offensive Player of the Week after recording 300 all-purpose yards, including 192 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Terrious Favors picked up Special Teams Player of the Week honors, while freshman receiver Rasean Jones earned Freshman of the Week for the third consecutive time.
It's the first time since 2022 that Boise State has collected three conference weekly awards in the same week.
The 8-and-1 Broncos return home Saturday to host Oregon State, with ESPN's College GameDay coming to Boise! Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Albertsons Stadium. 🏟️
The Boise State women's basketball team is off to a 2-and-0 start, and the Broncos are looking to extend an impressive streak tonight!
Boise State has won 24 consecutive nonconference home games and will welcome Cal State Northridge to ExtraMile Arena.
The Broncos are coming off a strong 83-68 win over Portland State. Transfer CJ Latta made quite an impression in her Boise State debut, knocking down a school-record seven three-pointers.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Boise.
The Idaho State women's basketball team is building momentum after a 64-51 victory over Cal Poly Monday night.
Aspen Caldwell led the way with a career-high 18 points, including Idaho State's final nine points of the game.
Maggie Hutka added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Clare Valentine contributed 10 points.
The Bengals dominated the boards, outrebounding Cal Poly 36-20.
Idaho State improves to 2-and-1 and travels to Logan tomorrow to take on Utah State.
A major Big Sky Conference matchup is coming Saturday night as 21st-ranked Idaho State travels to face 12th-ranked Montana.
The Bengals are looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking 28-26 triple-overtime loss to Montana State.
Kicker Mason Lindberg tied the school's single-season record with 20 field goals in that game.
Montana has won the last 16 meetings between the programs, with Idaho State's last victory coming in 2003.
Kickoff Saturday is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time on ESPN2.
The University of Idaho women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, falling to Washington State 76-53 in the Battle of the Palouse.
Hope Hassmann led the Vandals with 15 points, extending her streak of double-digit scoring performances to 11 consecutive games.
Keanna Salave'a pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Idaho won the rebounding battle 47-37. The Vandals will look to get back on track Sunday when they host Walla Walla. Tipoff is at 2 p.m. in Moscow.
The Caldwell Night Rodeo is celebrating another major honor!
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's Wilderness Circuit has named it Idaho's Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year.
What makes this award especially meaningful? It was voted on by the cowboys and cowgirls who actually compete at the rodeo!
Competitors considered everything from arena conditions and livestock quality to hospitality and how athletes are treated.
The award comes just two months after Caldwell received its first-ever Remuda Award for outstanding bucking horses.
The 102nd annual rodeo attracted more than 50,000 fans and 700 competitors over five nights. Congratulations to everyone involved! 🐎
BEAUTIFUL VETERANS DAY FORECAST
We're looking at another stretch of beautiful November weather across the Magic Valley! ☀️
Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine with a high near 62 degrees. Mostly clear tonight with a low around 37.
Wednesday – Veterans Day: Sunshine and a high near 65. A beautiful day to get outside and honor the men and women who served our country. 🇺🇸
Thursday: Sunny with a high near 64.
Friday: Mostly sunny with a high near 64. Showers could begin developing late Friday night.
Saturday: Showers likely, especially during the morning. Cooler with a high near 56.
Sunday: Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers and a high near 57.
Monday: More clouds and a 50% chance of showers. High near 50.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, Magic Valley! A cooler and wetter weather pattern is expected to arrive this weekend. 🌧️