MAGIC VALLEY NEWS
LAW ENFORCEMENT SHAKEUP – JEROME COUNTY
Jerome County Commissioners have appointed Gary Taylor as the county’s new sheriff following the retirement of George Oppedyk. Taylor served eight years as undersheriff and was selected after a competitive process.
GAS PRICES HOLD—BUT STILL PAINFUL
Gas prices across Idaho are holding steady for now. AAA reports an average of $4.31 per gallon—unchanged from last week, but still nearly a dollar higher than this time last year.
DROUGHT RELIEF LOANS AVAILABLE
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to Idaho businesses impacted by drought. Eligible counties include Twin Falls, Ada, Canyon, Elmore, and Owyhee. Loans can reach up to $2 million, with applications open through December 10th.
UNEMPLOYMENT HOLDS STEADY
Idaho’s unemployment rate remains at 3.7% as of February. The labor force and total jobs dipped slightly, while Twin Falls posted the strongest job growth at 1%.
GOVERNOR RECAPS LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Governor Brad Little visited the Twin Falls Public Library to recap the legislative session. He highlighted a balanced budget, tax relief, and education funding increases—up 70% since he took office—focusing on long-term growth.
SCHOOL BUS CRASH IN MERIDIAN
A bus carrying preschool students was involved in a crash in Meridian. Six children were on board. One student and a bus monitor were taken to the hospital for evaluation.
KETCHUM ENDS POLICING CONTRACT
The Ketchum City Council has officially ended its contract with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. Services will continue during a 120-day transition period.
HOUSE FIRE DESTROYS LAWMAKER’S HOME
A late-night fire in Caldwell destroyed the home of Idaho State Representative Kent Marmon. He and his wife escaped safely. Officials say the fire may have started outside the home and remains under investigation.
NAMPA MAYOR DECISION STILL STALLED
Following the death of Mayor Rick Hogaboam, the Nampa City Council is still working to appoint an interim mayor. A June 15 deadline is set, but disagreements remain over the selection process.
SPORTS
KIMBERLY BACK ON TOP
Kimberly is right back in control of the Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference after going 9-1-1 in their last eleven games. Zane O’Toole threw a complete game with eight strikeouts in a 16-4 win over Filer, though Filer bounced back in game two. The standings are tight—Kimberly and Buhl tied at 5-2, with Filer just one game back.
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL ROUNDUP
Twin Falls swept Mountain Home 6-3 and 15-0. Burley dominated Wood River 19-6 and 20-0.
Softball saw Wood River edge Twin Falls 9-8 before Twin Falls answered 8-7. Jerome fell to Gooding 18-10.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
Preston at Burley (3 PM)
Meridian at Mountain Home (3 PM and 5 PM)
Minico vs Century (3:30 PM and 5:30 PM)
Idaho Falls at Wood River (3:30 PM)
NEW HEAD COACH AT VALLEY
Jim Rife has been named the new head coach for Valley football, replacing Brian Ayers. A Valley alum, Rife inherits a team that went 6-4 last season and finished third in conference.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Twin Falls will celebrate Arbor Day this Friday at the City Pool starting at 3 PM with a tree planting and mayoral proclamation, followed by a ribbon cutting and facility tour at 4 PM.
BOISE STATE LOCKS IN COACH
Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson has signed a five-year extension through 2030. His salary starts at $2.1 million this season and increases annually. Since 2023, he’s led the Broncos to three conference titles and a 24-8 record.
WEATHER
TODAY – WARM & WINDY
Mostly sunny with a high near 80. Winds 9 to 18 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
TONIGHT – RAIN MOVES IN
Slight chance of showers before 11 PM, then likely after 3 AM. Low around 42 with gusty winds. 70% chance of precipitation.
WEDNESDAY – COOL & STORMY
Showers throughout the day with possible thunderstorms. High near 51, breezy with gusts up to 38 mph. 90% chance of rain.
REST OF THE WEEK
Thursday: Slight chance of showers, high near 54
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 54
Saturday: Sunny, high near 57
Sunday: Slight chance of showers, high near 59
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 61
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