MAGIC VALLEY NEWS

FATAL CRASH IN JEROME COUNTY

A man is dead after a crash in Jerome County yesterday morning. Deputies say a vehicle went off the road near 500 West and 500 South and over a canyon edge around 6:50 a.m. The driver died at the scene. His identity hasn’t been released. Several agencies assisted in the response.

FREEZE WARNING ACROSS THE VALLEY

A Freeze Warning is in effect across the Magic Valley this morning until 10 a.m. Temperatures dropping into the upper 20s—cold enough to damage crops and plants. If you’ve got sensitive vegetation or outdoor plumbing, now’s the time to protect it before things warm up later today.

DUI PLANE CRASH CASE

A Twin Falls man is facing jail time after a 2025 plane crash near Boise Airport. Michael Verzwyvelt pleaded guilty to flying under the influence—his BAC was more than five times the legal limit. He’ll serve at least 29 days in jail, pay over $50,000 in restitution, and be on probation for two years.

WATER RESTRICTIONS IN TWIN FALLS

The City of Twin Falls is reminding residents to conserve water as Governor Brad Little declares a statewide drought emergency. Watering is limited to specific days based on your address, and only before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Officials say following the rules helps protect water supplies for everyone.

HOUSE FIRE IN TWIN FALLS

Fire crews responded to a house fire on Washington Street South in Twin Falls last night. Crews found flames in the attic and had to cut into the roof to get it under control. No one was home, but two dogs were rescued. The cause is still under investigation.

POWER RATE INCREASE PROPOSED

Idaho Power is proposing a rate increase that could raise monthly bills by about 3 percent. That’s roughly $3.64 more for the average customer if approved. The change would take effect June first, driven by higher power costs and lower hydropower production.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN CASE UPDATE

A trial date is now set for Stacey Wondra, accused in the kidnapping and death of 5-year-old Michael Vaughan in Fruitland. The trial begins September 14th, with a court hearing in June. Prosecutors say they have interview recordings, video, and witness testimony. Vaughan’s remains have not been found.

FOREST SERVICE REORGANIZATION

Changes could be coming to how Idaho’s forests are managed. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing a major reorganization, including a new state office in Boise. Supporters say it brings decisions closer to home, but critics worry it could limit public input on projects.

SPORTS

BUHL VS FILER SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER

Buhl and Filer split a conference doubleheader Wednesday—Buhl takes game one 10-8, Filer comes back to win game two 4-2. In that opener, Buhl pounds out 13 hits—Porter Higley, Ryker Oparnico, and Kannon Gambrel all leading the charge. Broc Caldwell strikes out seven over five innings. Filer answers in game two behind Bridger Phillips with two RBIs, and freshman Bryker Darrington tosses a complete game, allowing just two unearned runs.

BASEBALL SCORES

Declo over Wendell 6-3, Gooding rolls Kimberly 14-4, and Lighthouse Christian beats Idaho City 15-5.

SOFTBALL SCORES

Declo tops West Side 16-6, Glenns Ferry over Horseshoe Bend 23-10, Gooding sweeps Buhl 13-3 and 18-3, Kimberly sweeps Filer 17-7 and 18-7, and Wendell shuts out Mountain Home 5-0.

TODAY’S MATCHUPS

It’s a busy day on the diamond across Southern Idaho with conference matchups in both baseball and softball.

BASEBALL SCHEDULE

Mountain Home heads to Twin Falls for a doubleheader this afternoon at 3 and 5. Mountain Home comes in at 7 and 13, while Twin Falls is sitting strong at 16 and 3.
Over at Wood River, Burley—11 and 4 on the season—takes on Wood River at 2 and 15, with games at 3 and 5.
In Jerome, Minico—11 and 10—faces Jerome, who’s 8 and 10. First pitch at 3:30, second game at 5:30.

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

Jerome, 7 and 9, travels to Canyon Ridge—3 and 11—for games at 3 and 5.
Twin Falls, 5 and 10, is on the road at Mountain Home, 2 and 13, also at 3 and 5.
Burley, 7 and 7, takes on Wood River, 7 and 9, with games at 3:30 and 5.

WEATHER

TODAY

Scattered snow showers early, then partly sunny with a high near 41. Breezy, with gusts up to 35 mph.

TONIGHT

Clears out, low around 25. Still windy, with gusts up to 37 mph.

FRIDAY

Sunny and warmer, high near 51.

WEEKEND WARM-UP

63 Saturday, 73 Sunday, and pushing near 80 by Monday.

NEXT WEEK

Shower chances return Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Terry "Tdub" West

I am an award-winning broadcaster and voice over artist with nearly 30 years of experience. I know the truth about the One Ring, how to gank a demon, The Doctor’s name, and the Death Star’s one weakness. I am a father, writer, broadcast professional, and Voice Over Talent.