ELECTION RESULTS
Unofficial results are in for yesterday’s area elections.
SCHOOL DISTRICT LEVIES & BONDS
Buhl Joint School District Levy
Approved (66.33% to 33.66%)
$650,000/year for two years (2025–2027) to fund staff, curriculum, transportation, and supplies.
Estimated cost: $57.79 per $100K in assessed value.
Castleford School District Levy Approved (73.43% to 26.57%)
$385,000/year for two years (2026–2028) for maintenance, salaries, and supplies. Tax increase: $14.31 more per $100K than current levy.
Filer School District Bond
Rejected (21.81% in favor)
$52 million bond for a new middle school, football field, and CTE improvements. Estimated cost: $380 per $100K annually for 20 years.
Valley School District Levy Rejected (48.88% in favor)
$300,000/year for two years (2026–2028) for salaries and student travel. Estimated cost: $89.95 per $100K.
LIBRARIES & CEMETERIES
Burley Library Levy Approved (64.66% to 35.33%)
$360,000 for general operations, staffing, books, and tech support for two years. Estimated cost: $27.88 per $100K.
Camas County Cemetery District Levy Approved (78.23% to 21.77%)
$28,363 override levy (2025–2026) to maintain and improve four cemeteries. Estimated cost: $9.44 per $100K.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Gooding County Ambulance District Levy Failed (65.08% in favor; needed 66.67%)
Proposed permanent override levy of $411,392 to support ambulance services. Estimated cost: $17.74 per $100K.
HIGHWAY DISTRICT RACES
Burley Highway District Commissioner
Sub-District 1: 
Bart Bowers (60.02%)
Sub-District 2: Mark Webb (67.84%)
Buhl Highway District Commissioner Neal D. Gier (51.81%) over Chuck Reinke (48.19%)
LEGAL & GOVERNMENT NEWS
Kohberger Trial Update
The defense has introduced a new “alternate perpetrators” theory in the Idaho student murders case. The court has sealed further details and will hold a hearing next month to decide if the theory proceeds.
DOJ Sues Troy Over Church Permit Denial
The federal government is suing Troy, Idaho, for denying a permit to Christ Church. The DOJ says the city violated federal religious land use law and discriminated based on far-right evangelical beliefs.
Caregiver Pay Ending
A pandemic-era program paying parents/spouses to care for disabled family members ends in 60 days. Families and advocates worry about losing essential support.
GOP Leadership Change
The Idaho Republican Party has named Anthony Tirino its new executive director. He starts May 27 and brings experience in fundraising, messaging, and data security.
Federal Indictment in Pocatello
Former District 25 school employee William Strength has been indicted on federal child pornography charges. Arrested in April, he is no longer employed by the district.
Vaccine Mandates and FDA Rules
The FDA now requires clinical trials for COVID booster approval in healthy adults under 65. Meanwhile, Idaho has banned all vaccine mandates in schools and businesses. Updated vaccines remain available.
COMMUNITY & EDUCATION
Free Summer Meals in Twin Falls
With nearly 18% of kids in Twin Falls County facing food insecurity, the Twin Falls School District will offer free meals for all kids 18 and under starting May 27. Available at 10 schools and parks. No registration needed.
SPORTS
College of Southern Idaho Softball
The Golden Eagles ended their NJCAA World Series run with a 5-1 loss to Southern Union State.
- Season Record: 40-16
- Pitching: Emerson Fuller took the loss; Ella Farrell pitched 3.2 scoreless innings.
- Offense: Abbie Banning recorded a double and RBI.
- Fourth straight national tournament appearance and Region 18 title.
WEATHER
Today: Sunny, high near 69. Southwest wind at 8 mph becoming northwest.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, low around 43.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 78. Wind gusts up to 30 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, low near 46.
Friday: Sunny, high near 74.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 48.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 74.
Saturday Night: Clear, low near 48.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 82.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 53.
Memorial Day: Sunny and warm, high near 87.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 56.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 86.
