MAGIC VALLEY NEWS HEADLINES

Top stories this morning: a devastating barn fire near New Plymouth, a fatal pedestrian crash in Twin Falls, statewide $1 Christmas tree and firewood permits from the BLM, and Boise State headed to the LA Bowl.
More below

BARN FIRE KILLS 28 HORSES NEAR NEW PLYMOUTH

A tragic barn fire near New Plymouth early yesterday killed 28 horses and sent two employees to the hospital for smoke inhalation. About 40 firefighters from multiple agencies battled the blaze, which was fully engulfed when crews arrived. No firefighters were hurt. The Idaho State Fire Marshal is investigating, and crews expect to remain on scene throughout the day.

ATV CRASH IN TWIN FALLS INJURES TWO

Twin Falls Police responded late Saturday night to a crash on Valencia Street where a side-by-side ATV hit a parked vehicle. The adult driver and passenger were both injured and taken to St. Luke’s. Police say neither was wearing a helmet or safety restraints. The crash remains under investigation.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON BLUE LAKES HAS DIED

Idaho State Police say the pedestrian struck on Blue Lakes Boulevard in Twin Falls on November 14th has died from his injuries. The crash happened around 8:56 p.m. when an Impala hit an 80-year-old man in the roadway. He was taken to the hospital but passed away on December 1st. The southbound lanes were blocked for two hours, and the investigation continues.

BLM CUTS CHRISTMAS TREE & FIREWOOD PERMITS TO $1

The Bureau of Land Management is cutting holiday costs statewide, reducing Christmas tree and firewood permit fees to just one dollar through January 31st. The BLM is also opening new cutting areas and raising household limits to help Idahoans gather more firewood and up to three trees while supporting forest thinning and wildfire prevention. Officials say the effort boosts affordability and improves forest health.

JOSE SANCHEZ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR COUNTY CLERK

Air Force veteran Jose Sanchez has launched his campaign for Twin Falls County clerk. Sanchez, a Christian conservative Republican, says his priorities are change, accountability, and transparency. He criticizes county spending on out-of-county inmate housing and supports hand-counting ballots. Sanchez plans more campaign events ahead of the May 2026 primary.

FATAL ATV CRASH IN CARIBOU COUNTY

Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal ATV crash in Caribou County. Around 5:55 p.m. Saturday, a side-by-side went off Kelly Toponce Road and overturned. The 58-year-old Blackfoot driver died at the hospital. His 66-year-old passenger was also injured but is expected to recover.

SPORTS

BOYS’ VARSITY HOOPS

A big weekend in boys’ varsity hoops: Richfield, Snake River, Sugar-Salem, Murtaugh, Hansen, and Raft River all picked up strong Friday wins, with Shoshone edging Hagerman and Valley beating Oakley. Saturday brought big results too—Centennial topped Canyon Ridge, Buhl bounced back over Fruitland, Mackay stayed unbeaten, and Twin Falls pulled out a one-point thriller over Columbia. Wendell wrapped things up with a 56–43 win over Mountain Home.

GIRLS’ VARSITY HOOPS

In girls’ varsity action, Wendell, Jerome, Mackay, Leadore, Carey, Timberline, Glenns Ferry, and Kimberly all grabbed Friday wins, with Gooding falling just short to Cole Valley Christian. Saturday highlights included Butte County edging Twin Falls, Raft River slipping past Jerome JV, Castleford beating Watersprings, and Carey taking a tight one over Wendell. Burley stayed perfect with a dominant win over Vallivue, and Firth closed the weekend with a win over Murtaugh.

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is set for December 22nd at noon, featuring Utah State and Washington State at Albertsons Stadium. Utah State makes a record sixth appearance, while WSU plays in the bowl for the first time. The game airs on ESPN, with tickets available now.

BOISE STATE: MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPS AGAIN

Boise State made Mountain West history, winning a third straight title with a 38–21 victory over UNLV. Maddux Madsen threw three touchdowns in his return and earned Offensive MVP, while Ty Benefield took Defensive MVP honors.

LA BOWL BOUND

Boise State is LA Bowl–bound, taking on Washington December 13th at SoFi Stadium after winning a third straight Mountain West title. It’s the Broncos’ 28th straight bowl appearance, and they ride a three-game win streak into the matchup.

BRONCO BASKETBALL (MEN)

Boise State took down Butler 77–68 on the road. The Broncos dominated late at the free-throw line and return home Wednesday to face Duquesne at ExtraMile Arena.

BRONCO BASKETBALL (WOMEN)

Boise State women edged Cal Baptist 82–80 in a thriller at ExtraMile Arena. The Broncos stay perfect at home and extend their win streak to five as they head to Utah on Wednesday.

CSI MEN & WOMEN

CSI men fell 73–66 to No. 16 Odessa. CSI drops to 10–1 and heads to Arizona next week.
CSI women rolled past Western Nebraska 71–47, outscoring them big in the second half. The undefeated Golden Eagles move to 13–0 and head to Florida next.

IDAHO VANDALS (MEN)

Idaho edged South Dakota State 84–81 behind 22 points from Kolton Mitchell and five Vandals in double figures. Idaho hit 11 threes, extended its streak to 55 games, and moves to 6–3 heading into Wednesday’s matchup at Notre Dame.

IDAHO VANDALS (WOMEN)

Idaho women blasted Denver 84–54, improving to 8–2 for their best start in over 20 years. The Vandals hit 10 threes and now head to Cal on Wednesday.

IDAHO STATE (MEN)

Idaho State lit it up from deep, hitting 15 threes in a 93–79 win over Denver — their first over the Pioneers since the mid-70s as ISU improved to 6–4 heading into Utah Valley next week.

IDAHO STATE (WOMEN)

Idaho State fell 68–58 to Oral Roberts after a tight first half. Tasia Jordan led the Bengals with 24 points, but ISU committed 25 turnovers despite dominating the paint. The Bengals drop to 5–3 and visit BYU on December 11.

MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER

Mostly sunny today with a high near 52. Clouds move in tonight with a low around 41. Tuesday stays mostly cloudy, warming to 55, with a slight chance of rain late Tuesday night. Breezy and partly sunny Wednesday, high near 60. The rest of the week stays mostly sunny and mild with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. West southwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Tuesday Night: 10% chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West southwest wind 9 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 60. Breezy, west-southwest wind 16 to 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 42.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 60.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 38.

Friday: Sunny, high near 58.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 33.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 55.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 31.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 53.

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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.