INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has begun potash treatments in still-water ponds along the Mid-Snake River near Twin Falls to combat invasive quagga mussels. Officials say the treatment won’t impact public access, but boat inspections remain mandatory between Broken Bridge and Hansen Bridge.
VETERANS CEMETERY EXPANSION
Twenty years after opening, the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise is nearing capacity. However, a new land purchase will expand it for decades. The Idaho Land Board approved buying 15.5 acres for $3.95 million, ensuring space for veterans and spouses for 40 more years.
FATAL CRASH IN TWIN FALLS
A 30-year-old Twin Falls man has died after a two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning at Highland Avenue and Lois Street. One car ran a stop sign before colliding with another vehicle. The driver fled but was later found and taken to a Boise hospital, where he died.
GOVERNOR SUPPORTS SPEED COUNCIL FUNDING
Idaho Governor Brad Little praised the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee for advancing funding for the SPEED Council, aimed at expediting project permits and cutting red tape.
CHILD SEX CRIME CHARGES IN TWIN FALLS
A Twin Falls man is in custody facing multiple child sex crime charges. Police say 20-year-old Brady Eskridge was arrested after an investigation uncovered explicit materials and messages with minors.
FELONY CHARGES FOR KIMBERLY MAN
A Kimberly man faces felony charges for child exploitative material and video voyeurism, plus a misdemeanor domestic battery charge. Police say 42-year-old Kyle Brown hid an iPad in a bathroom, capturing explicit images.
TWIN FALLS RESERVOIR WATER LEVELS LOWERED
Idaho Power will lower Twin Falls Reservoir today for a routine dam inspection. Water levels will return to normal tomorrow.
CEO OF ESI CONSTRUCTION RESIGNS
Tom Hill, CEO of Idaho-based ESI Construction, has resigned after backlash over a viral video showing him making a controversial salute. ESI, known for major projects like Boise State’s Construction Management Building, announced leadership changes and a Corporate Responsibility Task Force. Neil Nelson now steps in as CEO.
SPORTS
DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS HEAT UP
Boys’ basketball teams across the Magic Valley are battling for state berths this week as district tournaments intensify.
- Wendell has already clinched a spot and will face Soda Springs for the SEIC title.
- Valley looks to remain unbeaten against Hagerman, while Declo fights to secure a state spot after a tough loss.
- Minico and Twin Falls face off for the Great Basin Conference title, and Filer aims for a second straight SCIC title.
- Play-in games could also be in store for several local teams.
OAKLEY HORNETS ADVANCE
The Oakley Hornets boys’ basketball team took down Raft River 45-32 after a big third-quarter run and will face Glenns Ferry in the consolation finals today. Meanwhile, Kimberly dominated Gooding and will battle Filer in the district championship tomorrow.
- A Filer win sends them to state.
- A Kimberly victory forces a winner-take-all game on Thursday.
LAST-MINUTE THRILLERS
- In 2A action, Glenns Ferry edged Murtaugh 45-43 after a clutch game-winner by Aaron De Leon.
- In 1A, Camas County beat Hansen 49-45, and Richfield took down Castleford 51-47.
- Hansen and Castleford are eliminated, while Richfield and Camas will battle tomorrow for a shot at a state play-in game.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
- 5A: Twin Falls vs. Minico for the district title tomorrow. Jerome vs. Burley for second place.
- 4A: Gooding vs. Kimberly for a shot at the championship.
- 3A: Declo vs. West Side for a state play-in spot.
- 2A: Oakley, Raft River, and others fighting for a state berth.
- 1A: Dietrich and Carey battling for the top spot.
Stay tuned for more updates as the district tournaments heat up!
WEATHER
Today: 
Scattered rain and snow showers before 11 a.m., then mostly sunny with a high near 47°F. Winds picking up, gusting up to 30 mph.
Tonight: 
Mostly clear, with a low around 29°F. Winds could gust up to 25 mph.
Tomorrow: 
Sunny with a high near 48°F. Light variable winds.
Tomorrow Night: 
Mostly clear, with a low around 26°F.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 51°F.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low 25°F.
Friday: Sunny, high 55°F.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low 28°F.
Saturday: Sunny, high 56°F.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low 32°F.
Sunday: 20% chance of rain, mostly sunny, high 53°F.
Sunday Night: 
30% chance of rain and snow, mostly cloudy, low 35°F.
Monday: 40% chance of rain and snow, mostly cloudy, high 47°F.
