📰 Thursday’s Top Stories Across Southern Idaho | October 15, 2026

☀️ Here’s a look at the latest local news, community updates, and everything happening across Southern Idaho.

🏫 Minico High School Closed for HVAC Repairs

Minico High School will remain closed Thursday and Friday while crews work on the building’s heating and ventilation system. Parent-teacher conferences have also been canceled. School officials say testing found no hazardous levels following an unusual odor earlier this week. 🛠️

🏐 Sports will continue as scheduled, since events are being held outdoors or away from campus.

🚧 Railroad Crossing Closure Coming to Rupert

Drivers in Rupert should prepare for a detour next week. The railroad crossing at State Highway 25 and Oneida Street will be completely closed October 22 through 26 for replacement work.

🚗 Rupert Police are urging motorists to use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

💧 Irrigation Season Is Wrapping Up

The Twin Falls Canal Company will close its diversion gates at Milner Dam Monday, October 19, ending seasonal irrigation deliveries.

Homeowners should remember that shutting off the water isn't enough to protect sprinkler systems from freezing temperatures. ❄️ Turn off your irrigation valve and automatic timer, and arrange to have any remaining water removed from your system.

🔥 Owyhee County Public Lands Reopen

Good news for outdoor enthusiasts! Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Owyhee County have reopened following the Big Grass Fire closure. The affected areas were reopened Wednesday, October 14. 🌲

🔎 Twin Falls Police Renew Search for Missing Man

Twin Falls detectives are once again asking for the public's help in locating Kevin Jay Bowman, whose last known contact with family, friends, and his employer was October 14, 2010.

His vehicle was discovered abandoned in a remote area outside Wells, Nevada, several months after he was reported missing.

📞 Anyone with information is asked to call Twin Falls Police at 208-735-4357 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 208-343-COPS.

🎰 Proposed Casino Resort Could Bring 1,200 Jobs

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' proposed $311 million casino resort near Mountain Home remains under federal review.

Plans include a casino with 2,000 gaming machines, a 250-room hotel, six dining options, an event center, a movie theater, and a bowling alley. Tribal leaders estimate the development could bring at least 1,200 jobs to the area. The project still needs additional federal approvals before moving forward.

⚖️ Albertsons and Kroger Head Back to Court

A major legal battle between Boise-based Albertsons and Kroger is headed to trial. Albertsons is seeking $8 billion in damages, along with a $600 million breakup fee, following the collapse of their proposed merger.

Kroger disputes the allegations, arguing it spent more than $1 billion trying to complete the deal. The trial is scheduled to begin October 19.

🗳️ Idaho Election Campaigns See Millions in Donations

Campaign fundraising continues to grow ahead of Idaho's November election. Supporters of Proposition 1, the abortion-rights initiative, have raised more than $5.6 million, while opponents have collected just over $4 million.

Voters will also decide whether to add English-language requirements to Idaho's constitution. Critics have raised questions about how the proposed amendment could affect access to public information and services.

🏥 Idaho Lawmakers Consider Insurance Changes

A legislative working group is moving forward with proposals aimed at addressing delays in insurance approvals and payments to medical providers.

Potential changes include clearer timelines for prior authorization, standards for timely provider payments, and additional reporting on coverage denials. Any new requirements would need legislative approval.

🏐 Magic Valley Volleyball Tournament Action Continues

District tournament volleyball continues Thursday with matchups throughout the region.

📍 Today's highlights include:

• Carey hosts Hansen at 4:30 p.m., followed by Lighthouse Christian vs. Castleford at 6 p.m. and Dietrich vs. Carey at 7:30 p.m.
• Oakley faces Raft River at Hagerman at 5:30 p.m.
• Murtaugh takes on Hagerman at 7:30 p.m.
• Twin Falls hosts Burley at 6 p.m.
• Wood River hosts Minico at 6 p.m.

Good luck to all our area teams! 🏐👏

🏈 Idaho State Takes on Weber State Saturday

The Idaho State Bengals head to Ogden this weekend to face rival Weber State with the Train Bell trophy on the line. The 4-2 Bengals are looking to snap a two-game losing streak and keep the rivalry trophy in Pocatello.

🏀 Boise State Basketball Fans Can Mark Their Calendars

Boise State will have 22 regular-season men's basketball games televised this season, including every conference matchup.

⭐ Circle February 10, when Gonzaga visits ExtraMile Arena for the first time in more than 25 years. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on the CW.

🐴 Kellen Moore to Receive Bronze Statue at Boise State

Boise State will honor former quarterback Kellen Moore with an 11-foot bronze statue outside Albertsons Stadium on October 31.

Moore led the Broncos to a remarkable 50-3 record as a starting quarterback and became the program's first Heisman Trophy finalist. The unveiling time has not yet been announced.

🌤️ Your Magic Valley Weather Forecast

Sunshine is on the way! ☀️

• Thursday: Sunny, high near 62°
• Thursday night: Mostly clear, low around 37°
• Friday: Sunny, high near 67°
• Saturday: Sunny, high near 71°
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 67°
• Monday: Sunny, high near 70°
• Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, high near 61°

🌅 Watch for patchy fog between 8 and 9 a.m. Thursday. Otherwise, enjoy a stretch of beautiful fall weather across Southern Idaho!

Get your local news, sports, weather, community updates, and more. Keep checking our website for the latest from around the Magic Valley.

❤️ Thanks for making us part of your day!