CALL THE KAT KOUNTRY 106 REQUEST LINE! (208) 436-KATT
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Big decisions for Idaho voters, a proposed massive data center near Declo, Elon Musk's interest in jumping the Snake River Canyon, and plenty of local sports accomplishments! Here's what's happening across Southern Idaho this Tuesday.
Idaho voters are heading to the polls today to make some important decisions that could shape the future of the state and local communities.
Polls are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., with voters deciding races and ballot questions involving abortion rights, marijuana laws, and whether English should become the official language in Idaho's Constitution.
Among the biggest issues is Proposition One, which addresses reproductive and privacy rights, including abortion and fetal viability.
House Joint Resolution Four would give state lawmakers exclusive authority over legalizing marijuana and certain other drugs, removing that power from citizen initiatives. Another proposed constitutional amendment would establish English as Idaho's official language.
Here in the Magic Valley, voters in Twin Falls, Jerome, and Buhl are also deciding supplemental school funding levies.
Election officials remind voters to bring photo identification. Eligible residents can also register at the polls with the required documentation.
Check your polling location and sample ballot at VoteIdaho.gov.
Twin Falls could have a new city council member as early as next week!
Six residents are seeking the vacant seat left behind when Grayson Stone resigned in September to focus on his campaign for the Idaho Legislature.
The candidates are Donna Graybill, Kelly Herrgesell, Neil Christensen, Gerardo "Tato" Munoz Bryand, Lucy Wills, and Todd Rambur.
Candidates recently appeared before council members to explain why they want to serve and answer questions about their qualifications.
Mayor Jason Brown is expected to recommend a candidate, with the City Council scheduled to vote on the appointment November 9th.
Whoever gets the position will serve until the next city election in November 2027.
The appointment could have a significant impact on decisions involving roads, development, public safety, and taxpayer dollars in Twin Falls.
How well are Southern Idaho's youngest students learning to read? New statewide test scores are offering some encouraging news!
Blaine County School District ranked ninth among Idaho's 25 largest traditional school districts, with nearly 61% of kindergarten through third-grade students reading at or above grade level.
That's right in line with the statewide average, which reached its highest level in five years this fall.
The results are important because reading proficiency during the early grades is considered a key indicator of future academic success.
West Ada led Idaho's traditional school districts with nearly 77% proficiency, while charter schools dominated the overall rankings.
This is the second year Idaho has used a new artificial intelligence-powered assessment that listens as students read aloud to a computer.
There's finally a little relief at the gas pump for Idaho drivers!
According to AAA, Idaho's average gas price dropped 15 cents over the past week to $4.52 per gallon.
That's 44 cents cheaper than a month ago, but still $1.17 more than drivers were paying at this time last year.
In Twin Falls, the average price is $4.54 per gallon.
Nationwide, the average has fallen to $4.16, leaving Idaho with the ninth-highest gas prices in the country.
AAA credits cheaper winter-blend fuel and lower demand for the recent declines.
However, crude oil remains near $100 per barrel, and international tensions continue putting pressure on prices.
Enjoy the savings while they last, Magic Valley!
A major development proposal could bring a thousand-acre data center campus to the Cassia County area, and it's already generating plenty of discussion.
TerraVolt Holdings has secured an option to purchase more than 1,000 acres east of Declo for the proposed project, which would include its own natural gas power plant.
Supporters see the potential for new jobs, additional tax revenue, and economic opportunities that could help young families remain in the area.
Others are concerned about the impact on farmland, water supplies, and the rural character of the community.
The company says the facility would generate its own electricity and use a closed-loop cooling system designed to conserve water.
However, the project is far from approved. Cassia County officials would still need to give it the green light.
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more and ask questions during a public open house November 10th at 7 p.m. at Declo High School.
One of Idaho's most notorious criminal cases is back before the state's highest court.
Attorneys for Lori Vallow Daybell appeared before the Idaho Supreme Court, arguing that removing her original attorney, Mark Means, violated her constitutional rights.
Her defense claims Means was improperly disqualified because of an alleged conflict involving his representation of Chad Daybell.
State attorneys argue there was sufficient evidence that Means represented both defendants, creating a conflict of interest that justified his removal.
Justices questioned both sides about the procedures involved and whether the original judge had a responsibility to protect Vallow Daybell from potentially ineffective legal representation.
Vallow Daybell is serving life in prison without parole for the murders of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and conspiracy to murder Tammy Daybell.
The Supreme Court has not yet issued a ruling.
Drivers traveling Highway 46 near Camas Creek will need to plan an alternate route for the next couple of weeks.
The Idaho Transportation Department closed the nearly 70-year-old bridge after crews discovered structural problems beneath the crossing.
Although repairs had already been planned, inspections revealed deteriorating timber foundations that required immediate attention.
Crews are working on a temporary repair involving steel supports and concrete reinforcement.
The closure could last up to two weeks.
Passenger vehicles can detour using East 400 South and East 200 South. Larger trucks are being directed to Highway 75 through Immerman Junction, while trucks heading toward Fairfield on Highway 20 can travel through Shoshone.
ITD is asking motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
Could the Snake River Canyon become the setting for another history-making stunt?
More than 52 years after Evel Knievel's famous 1974 attempt, Elon Musk says he might take a shot at crossing the canyon himself — potentially using Tesla's next-generation Roadster!
During a demonstration, the electric sports car reportedly climbed a steep ramp, drove upside down, launched into the air, flipped, and landed using compressed-air thrusters.
Musk has suggested the vehicle could eventually attempt the same canyon jump that made Twin Falls famous around the world.
Of course, there's a little history he might want to remember.
Evel Knievel's rocket-powered Skycycle deployed its parachute too early during the 1974 attempt, sending him into the canyon.
But somebody eventually completed the journey!
In 2016, stuntman Eddie Braun successfully cleared the Snake River Canyon in a rocket named Evel Spirit, honoring Knievel's original attempt.
Tesla expects production of the new Roadster in 2028. Whether Musk actually brings the flying car to Twin Falls remains to be seen!
New federal funding could make a tremendous difference for sexual assault survivors in rural Idaho.
Idaho State Police Forensic Services has received a $500,000 grant to expand access to specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners.
The funding will support at least three years of nurse training, travel assistance, medical equipment, and supplies needed to conduct forensic examinations closer to home.
For survivors in rural communities, getting specialized care can sometimes mean traveling hours away.
State police report that more than 1,800 sexual assault victims were reported to law enforcement in Idaho during 2024.
Since 2017, the state has trained more than 300 specialized nurses and helped establish over 29 examination locations in rural Idaho.
The goal is to provide compassionate, professional care without forcing survivors to travel long distances during an already difficult time.
A new patrol car in Minidoka County is turning heads while delivering a message that could save lives.
The Minidoka County Sheriff's Office has added a specially marked Ford Mustang dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The vehicle features messages including "You're Not Alone" and "Help Is Available," along with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number.
Sheriff David Pinther says the Mustang was selected to grab attention and encourage conversations about mental health.
The project is a partnership with the Karl Studer Foundation, which helped provide the vehicle's decals and lights.
The department also plans to expand mental health outreach in local schools, giving resource officers more opportunities to talk with students.
Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by calling or texting 988.
A new project in the Magic Valley could provide a safe option for parents who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office and Rock Creek Fire Department are working to install the area's first Safe Haven Baby Box at the Rock Creek Fire Station in Kimberly.
The box would allow parents to anonymously surrender newborns up to 30 days old. An alarm would immediately notify firefighters, who would arrange for the baby to be taken to St. Luke's in Twin Falls.
The project carries an $18,000 price tag. Construction costs have been donated, but fundraising is still underway.
Organizers are hosting a pancake breakfast and silent auction Saturday, November 14th, from 7 to 10 a.m. at Rock Creek Fire Station in Kimberly.
The goal is to provide a safe alternative for newborns while connecting struggling parents with resources and support.
The high school volleyball season may be over, but the recognition is still rolling in for some of the Magic Valley's best!
Valley's Sophie Crumrine has been named Snake River Conference 2A Player of the Year, while Vikings coach Katie Clark earned Coach of the Year honors.
First-team selections include Murtaugh's Bristly Perkins, Valley's Emily Huettig and Hailey Malone, Hagerman's Addi and Ava Chizum, and Maggie Bailey from Sun Valley Community School.
Second-team honors went to Murtaugh's Presley Hepworth and Isabelle Roseborough, Shoshone's Reminy Wadsworth, Valley's Kinsey Frudden, Oakley's Kinslee Matthews, and Hagerman's Addison Bingham.
Congratulations to all the athletes recognized for outstanding seasons!
It was a season to remember for the College of Southern Idaho women's soccer team!
The Golden Eagles cracked the national top 20 and made their first-ever postseason appearance.
Now, eight players have earned All-Region 18 recognition.
Avery Charlesworth led the way, earning Goalkeeper of the Year honors after recording seven shutouts and 52 saves while allowing fewer than one goal per game.
Alivia Marshall and Macey Call earned first-team honors, with Call finishing the season with six goals and five assists.
Brielle Cooper and Annie Layton made the second team, while Bailee Collings, Carina Muegge, and Halle Hall earned third-team recognition.
The CSI men's team also had five players recognized, including first-team midfielder Wilf Douglas.
The Boise State women's basketball team opened its season in impressive fashion, rolling past Bushnell 84-48!
CJ Latta led the Broncos with a career-high 21 points, knocking down seven three-pointers on eight attempts. Those seven three-pointers set a Boise State program record for a player making her debut.
Freshman Zia-Daye Anderson added 11 points and four assists in her collegiate debut, while Mason Borcherding grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds.
The Broncos dominated the boards 50-26 and forced 26 turnovers.
Boise State starts the season 1-0 and returns home Friday night to host Portland State at 6:30.
Boise State freshman wide receiver Rasean Jones is collecting some serious recognition!
Jones has been named both Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week following the Broncos' thrilling 46-45 victory over Texas State.
The former Rocky Mountain High School standout hauled in nine catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns.
He helped Boise State erase a late deficit in the fourth quarter and preserve its perfect conference record.
The Broncos are now 7-1 overall and 4-0 in Pac-12 play.
Next up, Boise State travels to Fort Collins to face Colorado State Saturday at 4 p.m.
It was a tough start to the season for Idaho State men's basketball.
The Bengals fell to Utah State 94-58 in Logan after trailing by just eight points at halftime.
MaCarhy Morris led Idaho State with 15 points and five assists. Kenyon DeMuynck added 14 points, four blocks, and three steals, while Ike Palmer chipped in 10 points off the bench.
Utah State took control in the second half, outscoring the Bengals 57-29.
Idaho State will look to bounce back with road games against Wyoming Friday and Air Force Sunday.
A new season gets underway tonight for Idaho State women's basketball as the Bengals travel to Provo to take on BYU.
Idaho State is coming off a 19-11 season but has a dramatically different roster, with 11 newcomers among the 15 players.
Senior point guard Aspen Caldwell leads the four returning players, while head coach Seton Sobolewski begins his 19th season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Marriott Center.
The Idaho Vandals men's basketball team opened its season with a statement victory, cruising past George Fox 97-56 in Moscow!
Kase Wynott led the way with a career-high 20 points, while Kristian Gonzalez and Brady Kennison each added 14.
Hudson Ward made an impressive debut, pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.
The Vandals dominated the boards 58-29 and built a commanding halftime lead they never surrendered.
Idaho starts the season 1-0 and travels to Colorado State Friday night.
The defending Big Sky champion Idaho Vandals women's basketball team picked up right where it left off!
Idaho opened the season with a convincing 71-47 victory over Saint Martin's.
Ella Uriarte led the Vandals with 12 points and four steals, while newcomer Keanna Salave'a grabbed a team-high nine rebounds in her Idaho debut.
Idaho's defense was particularly impressive, holding Saint Martin's to just four points in the second quarter.
The Vandals now travel to Spokane Friday to face Gonzaga at 6 p.m.
A mix of clouds and sunshine is in the forecast for today, with highs near 55 degrees and east-northeast winds reaching 14 miles per hour.
Tonight will turn cloudy, with overnight lows around 36.
Wednesday starts cloudy before gradually clearing, with highs near 52.
Looking ahead, temperatures remain in the low-to-mid 50s through Friday before sunshine returns for the weekend.
By Sunday, highs could reach 62 degrees! ☀️
Enjoy the warmer weekend weather, Southern Idaho!
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