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KAT KOUNTRY 106 | MAGIC VALLEY NEWS
It's Veterans Day across the Magic Valley, and we're saying thank you to the men and women who have served our country! 🇺🇸 Plus, a gun found at a Twin Falls middle school, growing concerns over a proposed data center near Declo, new developments in the disappearance of five-year-old Michael Vaughan, and a busy day of Idaho sports!
Here's a look at what's happening across Southern Idaho and beyond.
A security scare at a Twin Falls middle school is over after police discovered a firearm on campus Tuesday morning.
Twin Falls Police say they received a report around 9:30 Tuesday morning that a student at Robert Stuart Middle School had a gun.
As a precaution, both Robert Stuart and nearby Perrine Elementary were placed in Secure and Teach status while officers investigated.
Police located a firearm on campus and took the student believed to be involved into custody. Perrine Elementary returned to normal operations after safety checks were completed, and Robert Stuart has since lifted its security restrictions.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to students or staff. The investigation is continuing, and because the suspect is a juvenile, their identity will not be released.
A proposed data center near Declo is raising some serious questions from residents, with many making their concerns known during a packed public meeting.
TerraVolt Holdings has secured an option on nearly 1,100 acres of farmland in Cassia County for a potential data center campus.
Residents questioned company leaders about everything from water and electricity consumption to noise, lighting, and the potential impact on nearby homes and farms.
TerraVolt CEO Joel Stone says the actual development would occupy between 300 and 400 acres, leaving much of the remaining land available for farming.
The company says the facility would generate its own electricity using natural gas and rely on a closed-loop cooling system designed to reduce water consumption.
But some neighbors remain skeptical, expressing concerns about their wells, property values, and overall quality of life.
The proposal is still in its early stages. TerraVolt's next step is to submit a land-use permit application to Cassia County Planning and Zoning.
Buhl City Councilman Cortlin Runyan is stepping down following his arrest earlier this year.
Runyan announced his resignation Tuesday in a Facebook post, apologizing to the community for his actions and the unwanted attention brought to the city.
He was arrested in August following an alleged fight with another man outside a Buhl bar.
Runyan faces charges of aggravated battery, possession of a controlled substance, and bringing contraband into a correctional facility.
He's scheduled to enter a plea November 23rd.
Meanwhile, Buhl Mayor Doug Howarth says the process of filling the vacant council seat is already underway.
Anyone interested must be a registered voter and live within Buhl city limits. Letters of interest can be submitted to the mayor's office at City Hall or emailed to the mayor.
The mayor expects to nominate a replacement in December, subject to City Council approval.
A Twin Falls man is behind bars, accused of sharing child sexual abuse material through an online messaging app.
Court records show 52-year-old Virgil Heck is facing a child sexual exploitation charge following an investigation that began when the messaging app Kik flagged several videos.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted Idaho authorities, who traced the files to an internet account at a Twin Falls apartment registered to Heck.
Investigators say they later seized Heck's cellphone and discovered at least one matching video in a hidden photo gallery.
Heck is currently being held in the Twin Falls County Jail. He's also facing a controlled substance possession charge in an unrelated case.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 4th.
A major development has emerged in one of Idaho's most heartbreaking missing-child cases, more than five years after a little boy disappeared from his Fruitland home.
Sarah Wondra is now facing first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and concealment of evidence charges in the disappearance of five-year-old Michael "Monkey" Vaughan.
Wondra was booked into the Payette County Jail Tuesday, with bond set at one million dollars.
Michael vanished from his family's home in July of 2021. Despite years of searching, his remains have never been found.
Investigators searched Wondra's former property in 2022 but found no remains.
Her ex-husband, Stacey Wondra, was charged with murder and kidnapping last year and has pleaded not guilty.
Sarah Wondra is scheduled to appear in court Thursday. Authorities have not yet revealed what new evidence led to the charges against her.
Boise-based Micron Technology is facing questions from Congress over its reported multimillion-dollar donation to President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has sent a letter to Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, demanding records and details about the company's contribution.
The Washington Post reports Micron pledged two-and-a-half million dollars toward the project.
Blumenthal claims Micron has failed to adequately respond to previous requests for information.
The senator is investigating whether corporate donations were connected to favorable treatment from the Trump administration.
Micron is among 58 companies and donors receiving letters, with a January 4th deadline to voluntarily provide the requested records.
With Democrats set to take control of the Senate in January, the investigation could gain subpoena power.
Micron has not publicly responded to the latest inquiry.
Amazon's drone deliveries are raising new concerns in the Treasure Valley, and this time, it's not just about the noise.
Residents living near Amazon's Prime Air drone hub say the constant flights may be affecting pets and local wildlife.
Some neighbors report drones passing overhead about once a minute.
One homeowner says her chickens initially ran for cover when the drones flew by, while another says she's noticed fewer owls in the area.
Northwest Nazarene University biology professor David Hille says birds may mistake the drones for predators, forcing them to flee, interrupt feeding, and use valuable energy.
He says frequent disturbances could eventually drive some birds away from the area altogether.
Amazon says its drone operations undergo federal environmental reviews and that flight patterns can be adjusted to protect wildlife.
The concerns come during the Treasure Valley's busy waterfowl migration season.
Boise is putting the brakes on large data center development, at least for the next six months.
The Boise City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve an immediate moratorium on new data centers measuring 100,000 square feet or larger, or requiring at least 20 megawatts of electricity.
More than 100 people packed the meeting, with residents raising concerns about water consumption, power demands, noise, and environmental impacts.
Mayor Lauren McLean says the six-month pause will give the city time to study those concerns and develop appropriate regulations before any projects move forward.
City officials say there are currently no large data center applications pending in Boise.
The decision comes as similar projects are generating debate across Idaho, including the proposed data center near Declo.
Bannock County approved a similar six-month moratorium earlier this year.
An Idaho judge has ruled that state agencies improperly withheld public records about law enforcement and correctional officers.
Ada County District Judge Patrick Miller has ordered Idaho State Police and the Idaho Department of Correction to release employment histories, including when officers were hired and whether they resigned, retired, or were fired.
The ruling follows a lawsuit by two investigative news organizations that previously used those records to uncover allegations of sexual misconduct involving Idaho prison guards.
After those reports were published, the agencies stopped providing certain employment information.
The judge ruled that while disciplinary details may remain confidential, basic employment histories are public records under Idaho law.
He also ordered the agencies to search again for requested records and release names that had been improperly withheld.
The decision is being hailed by investigative journalists as a significant victory for government transparency and accountability.
More election counting problems have surfaced in Idaho, this time involving hundreds of ballots in Bannock County.
The Idaho Secretary of State's Office announced Tuesday that 333 ballots from a Pocatello precinct were left out of election night results.
The missing ballots were discovered during a routine post-election review, and officials say counting them did not change the outcome of any races.
Secretary of State Phil McGrane says his office is investigating why the ballots weren't processed in the first place.
This marks the second Idaho county to report missing ballots following last week's election.
In Latah County, more than 2,300 ballots were left out of the initial results, prompting a recount.
Bannock County commissioners will review the updated totals Thursday, while state election officials will begin selecting precincts for audits Friday.
Idaho's election results remain unofficial until they're certified November 24th.
It's Veterans Day, and businesses across the Magic Valley are saying thank you to those who served with free meals and special discounts!
Several national restaurant chains are offering complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel today, including Applebee's, Chili's, Olive Garden, Red Robin, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Here are some additional local and national offers:
🍕 Blaze Pizza: Free one-topping pizza in Twin Falls.
🥞 Denny's: Free Grand Slam breakfasts at locations in Twin Falls and Burley until noon.
🍳 IHOP: Veterans Day food offers at participating locations.
🍔 Wendy's, Little Caesars and In-N-Out Burger: Special offers at participating restaurants.
💈 Great Clips and Sport Clips: Free haircuts.
🚗 Take 5 Oil Change: Free oil changes at the Blue Lakes Boulevard location in Twin Falls.
🛍️ Kohl's, Target, Tractor Supply and Walgreens: Military discounts.
Most businesses require proof of military service, and some offers are dine-in only. Availability and participation may vary by location.
It's a great opportunity to show appreciation for the men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.
From all of us at Kat Kountry 106, thank you for your service! ❤️🤍💙
Scouts across Southern Idaho are getting ready to help fill the shelves of local food banks, and they're asking for your help!
Scouting America's annual Scouting for Food drive takes place this Saturday, November 14th.
The Mountain West Council hopes to collect 250,000 pounds of food and essential supplies to benefit the Idaho Foodbank, local food pantries, and school food programs.
If you received a door hanger over the weekend, you're on the pickup route! Simply leave your donations on your front porch Saturday, and volunteers will collect them.
Some of the most-needed food items include:
They're also collecting everyday essentials like diapers, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
It's a simple way to make a big difference for families right here in the Magic Valley. If you received a door hanger, remember to put those donations out Saturday!
The high school football season may be winding down, but the postseason honors are still rolling in for some of the Magic Valley's top players!
The 4A Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference has named Kimberly's Joe Barrett its Offensive Player of the Year, while Wood River's Max Fife takes home Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Barrett had an outstanding season for the Bulldogs, hauling in 53 catches for 901 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also forced 10 turnovers.
Fife was a force on defense for the Wolverines, recording seven interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, along with 68 tackles.
Kimberly led the way with several first-team selections, including quarterback Gunner Beckstead, running back Monroe Whitten, wide receiver McKay Hollist, and offensive linemen Brandon Elizondo, Colt Rudner, and Kaden Dille.
Gooding and Wood River also had several players recognized.
Meanwhile, in the 3A Canyon Conference, Buhl's Raidyn Pugsley was named Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 930 yards and 16 touchdowns in just eight games.
Declo's Dane Garrard earned Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 107 tackles, including 14 for loss, along with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Congratulations to all the players recognized for their outstanding seasons! 👏
The College of Southern Idaho volleyball team is celebrating some major postseason honors, with four players and their head coach earning All-Region 18 recognition!
Kimberly native Emerson Heatwole has been named Region 18 Libero of the Year after recording 471 digs this season.
She's the sixth consecutive Golden Eagle to win the award and also earned First-Team All-Region honors.
Joining her on the first team is freshman Emma Pannell, who led CSI with 240 kills.
Vivian Goto earned second-team recognition after finishing with 216 kills, while freshman Laura Grasel landed on the third team with a team-leading 78 blocks.
Head coach Andria Parker was named Co-Coach of the Year after guiding the Golden Eagles to a 21-and-6 regular-season record and a share of the conference championship.
CSI is now hoping for an at-large bid to the NJCAA National Tournament, which begins November 18th in Kansas.
The ninth-ranked College of Southern Idaho volleyball team came within two points of upsetting an undefeated opponent, but now the Golden Eagles will have to wait to learn their postseason fate.
CSI fell to Arizona Western in a thrilling five-set Rocky Mountain District Championship Monday night in Yuma, losing the deciding set 15-to-13.
Arizona Western entered the match unbeaten at 27-and-0, but the Golden Eagles pushed the Matadors to the limit, with all three sets they lost decided by just two points.
CSI recorded an impressive 24 team blocks, led by Laura Grasel with 11 block assists.
Vivian Goto finished with 15 kills and 15 digs, while Kimberly native Emerson Heatwole collected a match-high 32 digs.
The Golden Eagles are now 22-and-8 on the season.
Their hopes of reaching the NJCAA National Tournament aren't over just yet. CSI will find out during Wednesday's selection show whether it receives an at-large bid to next week's tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Boise State is moving up in the College Football Playoff rankings, and the Broncos are riding some serious momentum into this weekend!
Boise State climbed one spot to number 24 in Tuesday night's rankings, remaining the only Group of Six team in the top 25.
The Broncos are now 8-and-1 overall and a perfect 5-and-0 in Pac-12 play, riding an eight-game winning streak.
Boise State is averaging more than 40 points per game during that stretch, while boasting the nation's seventh-best rushing offense.
Running back Dylan Riley leads the nation with 1,241 rushing yards and is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award.
Up next, the Broncos host Oregon State this Saturday at 4 o'clock on The Blue.
And it's a big weekend in Boise, with ESPN's College GameDay coming to town ahead of the matchup!
Oregon State enters the game at 5-and-4, while Boise State looks to extend its winning streak to nine games.
The Boise State women's basketball team is off to a perfect start, improving to 3-and-0 with an 82-to-59 victory over Cal State Northridge Tuesday night!
The Broncos got off to a rough start, missing their first five shots and falling behind 9-nothing before finding their rhythm.
Boise State turned things around, taking a 40-to-27 lead into halftime and never looking back.
Izzie Harms led the Broncos with a career-high 16 points, while Grace Foster added 11.
Zia-Daye Anderson nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
The Broncos' bench was a big factor, contributing 46 points in the win.
Boise State has now won 25 straight nonconference home games and has scored at least 80 points in each of its first three games.
Up next, the Broncos host Utah this Friday night at 6:30 inside ExtraMile Arena.
The Boise State men's basketball team is looking to keep its perfect start alive as the Broncos host Oakland tonight at ExtraMile Arena!
Boise State is 2-and-0 after opening the season with back-to-back 100-point performances, including Sunday's 100-to-81 victory over Butler.
Aginaldo Neto led the Broncos with 25 points in that win, while Spencer Ahrens added 24.
The Broncos are averaging an impressive 116 points per game, leading the Pac-12 in scoring, scoring margin, rebounds, and assists.
It's just the second time in program history Boise State has scored at least 100 points in consecutive games.
Tonight, they'll face an Oakland team they've beaten in all three previous meetings.
Tipoff between the Broncos and Golden Grizzlies is set for 7 o'clock tonight in Boise.
The Idaho State women's soccer team is celebrating a big postseason achievement, with four Bengals earning All-Big Sky Conference honors!
Leading the way is goalkeeper Aliya Garrett, who was named Big Sky Tri-Top Newcomer of the Year.
Garrett becomes just the fourth player in Idaho State history to receive the honor after an impressive debut season that included 63 saves and six shutouts.
Forward Saydree Cooke earned Second-Team All-Conference honors after leading the Bengals with three goals, four assists, and 10 points.
Defender Gracie East and midfielder Amanda Brayton rounded out the honors, both earning All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition.
It's the largest group of postseason honorees for the Bengals in more than a decade!
The Idaho State women's basketball team is hitting the road today, looking to make it three straight victories as the Bengals take on Utah State in Logan.
Idaho State is coming off a 64-to-51 win over Cal Poly on Monday, led by Aspen Caldwell with a season-high 18 points.
Maggie Hutka added 12 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Krystal Arnason pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked three shots.
The Bengals have been impressive defensively, leading the Big Sky Conference with six blocked shots per game.
Arnason leads the conference with 10 blocks this season.
Idaho State holds a 19-to-17 advantage in the all-time series against Utah State, but the Bengals haven't won in Logan since 2010.
Tipoff is set for 4 o'clock this afternoon.
The Idaho Vandals are one of the hottest teams in the Big Sky Conference, and they're looking to keep that momentum rolling in their final home game of the season!
After starting the year 0-and-4, Idaho has won five of its last six games, including four straight victories.
Now, the Vandals are preparing to host 23rd-ranked UC Davis this Saturday inside the Kibbie Dome, with both teams fighting to strengthen their FCS playoff hopes.
Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood continues to impress, averaging more than 280 passing yards per game while rushing for 11 touchdowns.
The Vandals have already knocked off two top-10 opponents this season, including previously top-ranked Montana State.
Saturday is also Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, with Idaho wearing special red, white, and blue uniforms celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
The game will be televised on ESPN Plus and SWX.
The Idaho Vandals women's soccer team is looking to make a postseason run as the Big Sky Conference Tournament gets underway today in Missoula, Montana!
Idaho enters as the number-four seed and will face fifth-seeded Utah Tech in this afternoon's quarterfinals.
Both teams finished conference play with identical 4-2-and-3 records.
Defense has been the key for the Vandals, who recorded 10 regular-season victories, including nine shutout wins.
Senior goalkeeper Paula Flores leads the Big Sky in goals-against average and shutout percentage, while setting a program record with 26 career shutouts.
Offensively, Miranda Goldner leads the conference with five assists.
Today's winner advances to face top-seeded Weber State in Friday's semifinals, with the conference championship set for Sunday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 Mountain time.
A beautiful Veterans Day is ahead across the Magic Valley!
Expect plenty of sunshine today with a high near 67 degrees and a light east breeze. Tonight, clear skies and a chilly low around 32.
Thursday brings more sunshine with a high near 65, and Friday looks just as pleasant.
But don't put those jackets away just yet! Changes are coming for the weekend.
🌧️ Friday: Mostly sunny with a high near 65. Showers likely after 11 p.m., with a 60% chance of precipitation overnight.
🌧️ Saturday: Showers likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy with a high near 51. Rain chances around 70%.
🌤️ Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 55.
🌦️ Monday: Partly sunny with a high near 53, followed by a chance of showers Monday night.
🌧️ Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a high near 47 and a 50% chance of showers.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, Magic Valley! 🍂
That's your Wednesday update from Kat Kountry 106! 🇺🇸 Stay informed, stay connected, and have a great Veterans Day. And once again, thank you to all of our veterans and active-duty military members for your service and sacrifice! ❤️🤍💙