📰 SOUTHERN IDAHO NEWS: YOUR TUESDAY HEADLINES

🌅☕ Here’s what’s happening across the Magic Valley and around the Gem State this Tuesday.

🚨 Serious Crash Shuts Down Highway 30 Near Buhl

A serious crash west of Buhl shut down Highway 30 for about five hours Monday night. 🚑

According to Idaho State Police, a Mercedes rear-ended a utility vehicle. The 70-year-old driver of the utility vehicle was airlifted to a hospital, while the Mercedes driver suffered minor injuries.

Police say neither driver was wearing a seatbelt.

🚸 New Safety Measures Planned Near Minico High School

Drivers near Minico High School could soon see a new 35-mile-per-hour speed limit.

The change follows a review by the Idaho Transportation Department after years of requests for additional safety measures. Flashing school-zone signs are also planned to alert drivers when school is in session. 🚗⚠️

⛽ Gas Prices Continue to Climb

If you've filled up lately, you've probably noticed the difference at the pump.

AAA reports the average price for regular gasoline in Twin Falls is $5.08 per gallon, while Idaho's statewide average is $4.99.

The statewide average is up 13 cents in just one week, putting Idaho among the states with the most expensive gasoline in the country. 💸⛽

💧 Upper Snake River Reservoirs Remain Extremely Low

Water levels continue to be a major concern across the region.

The Bureau of Reclamation's September 21 report showed Upper Snake River reservoirs at just 9% of capacity.

Here's how some local reservoirs were reported:

• 💧 American Falls: 3%
• 💧 Palisades: 11%
• 💧 Lake Walcott: 70%

Officials note that those numbers are provisional and could change.

🌾 Smoke Near Elba-Oakley Pass Comes From Prescribed Burn

If you're seeing smoke near Elba-Oakley Pass, officials say it's coming from the Stinson Creek prescribed burn.

About 80 personnel are working on the project, which is targeting approximately 5,000 acres.

The prescribed burn is designed to reduce fuels and improve wildlife habitat. 🔥🌲

🎓 Idaho Universities Appear in New National Rankings

Three of Idaho's largest universities were included in the latest U.S. News college rankings.

The University of Idaho ranked 208th nationally, followed by Boise State University at 229th and Idaho State University at 382nd.

The University of Idaho also ranked 23rd nationally for best value. More than 1,700 colleges were evaluated. 🎓📚

🏫 School Funding Measures Head to Magic Valley Ballots

School funding will be an issue for voters across the Magic Valley this November.

Supplemental levy requests include:

💰 Twin Falls: $14.4 million
💰 Jerome: $3.5 million
💰 Buhl: $2.5 million

The levies would cover two years, and other school districts also have funding measures on the ballot. 🏫🗳️

🐄 Idaho Dairy Industry Raises Worker Concerns

Idaho dairy leaders are warning that increased immigration enforcement could make existing worker shortages worse.

Rick Naerebout of the Idaho Dairymen's Association estimates that 90% of the state's dairy workers may lack legal status. He says increased enforcement could create staffing problems on farms and potentially disrupt food production.

That assessment is an estimate from the industry group, rather than a government count. 🐄🥛

🖥️ Major Data Center Projects Proposed for Idaho

Southern Idaho could see significant development from proposed data centers.

Copia's proposed project in Jerome, Lincoln and Gooding counties is entering environmental review.

Meanwhile, the proposed Rhea project south of Boise would cover more than 3,200 acres of federal land and could become Idaho's largest data center. 🖥️🏗️

☢️ Nuclear Innovation Campus Proposal Draws Debate

Forty-six Idaho lawmakers support bringing a nuclear innovation campus to the state, pointing to potential jobs and research opportunities.

However, the proposal would involve accepting spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

Opponents have raised concerns about the Snake Plain Aquifer, while Governor Brad Little has said protecting the aquifer is nonnegotiable. 💧☢️

⚽ MAGIC VALLEY SPORTS

⚽ Buhl Boys Get a One-Goal Victory

Daniel Caliz scored the only goal as Buhl edged Bliss 1-0 Monday night.

Elsewhere, Gooding shut out Kimberly 3-0, while Filer defeated Declo 6-2.

On the girls' side, Declo beat Filer 4-3, while Kimberly blanked Gooding 2-0. ⚽

Tonight's schedule includes unbeaten Kimberly, which takes its 12-0 record to Gooding. Canyon Ridge also travels to Pocatello to face Highland.

🏐 Oakley Volleyball Picks Up Conference Win

The Oakley Hornets are on the board in conference play after beating Shoshone 3-1.

Kayzlie Beck had an impressive night, recording 48 assists. 🏐👏

Several other local teams also picked up victories, including Carey, Hagerman, Lighthouse Christian, Castleford, Dietrich and Murtaugh.

Seven volleyball matches are scheduled for tonight.

🏈 Boise State's Maddux Madsen Earns Weekly Honor

Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen has been named a Manning Award Star of the Week after throwing for 204 yards and three touchdowns in the Broncos' 32-7 victory over Western Michigan.

Madsen now has 59 career touchdown passes, sixth in school history.

Boise State, ranked No. 22, hosts Utah State Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in its first Pac-12 game. 🏈💙

🎣 More Trout Coming to Magic Valley Waters

Calling all anglers! 🎣

Idaho Fish and Game plans to stock more than 210,000 rainbow trout statewide during October.

Locally:

🐟 Lake Walcott: 24,000
🐟 Dog Creek Reservoir: 5,000
🐟 Burley Pond: 2,000
🐟 Blair Trail Fishing Pond: 2,000
🐟 Freedom Park Pond: 1,500

So if you've been waiting for a reason to grab the fishing gear, October could be a good time to get out there. 🎣