📰 Magic Valley News Update | Friday, July 17

Good morning, Magic Valley! Here’s what’s making headlines across Southern Idaho. 👇

🔥 Highway 26 Reopens After Wildfire

Highway 26 near Richfield is back open after a wildfire forced closures. Yesterday’s thunderstorms sparked several lightning-caused fires across Southern Idaho, including the Baja Fire, which burned more than 80 acres. Fire crews expect full containment today. ⚡🚒

🛻 Tragic ATV Accident in Jerome County

An 11-year-old boy was killed Monday after an ATV rolled over on private property in Jerome County. Investigators say he was riding with his 8-year-old brother, and neither child was wearing a helmet. The younger boy suffered minor injuries and has been released. 💔🪖

💧 Buhl Asking Residents to Conserve Water

The City of Buhl is urging residents to conserve water after a pump at Well 5 failed. Please turn off sprinklers and limit water use to essential needs while repairs are completed. Officials hope to restore normal service by tomorrow afternoon. 🚰🌱

🏠 Idaho Warns of Rental Scams

The Idaho Attorney General is warning renters to be cautious of fake rental listings. Scammers are advertising homes at low prices and requesting deposits before potential renters can view the property. Always verify listings and never send money before seeing the home. ⚠️💰

🦇 Rabid Bat Confirmed in Blaine County

South Central Public Health has confirmed the first rabid bat of the year in South Central Idaho. Health officials remind everyone to avoid handling bats and ensure pets are current on their rabies vaccinations. 🐕💉

⛪ Methodist Conference Leaving Idaho

The Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to move its 2027 annual conference out of Idaho, citing concerns over the safety of LGBTQ+ and immigrant members. Church leaders say the move reflects ongoing concerns about Idaho’s political climate. 🏳️‍🌈

🎯 Lincoln County Shooting Range Changes

Due to repeated vandalism, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office now requires visitors to sign a range use agreement before using the public shooting range. 🎯📝

⚖️ Payette Mother Faces Murder Charges

Investigators say a Payette mother is accused of suffocating her 18-month-old twins last year. Andrea Shaw faces two counts of first-degree murder and is scheduled to return to court on August 18. ⚖️

🤖 AI Data Center Appeal Denied

The Pocatello City Council voted 4-1 to uphold the denial of a proposed AI data center. The developer says it plans to challenge the decision in court. 🏢💻

🏆 Sports

⚾ Burley Legion stayed unbeaten at the Area C District Tournament with convincing wins over Wendell and Pocatello. The team now faces Blackfoot today with a trip to the state tournament on the line!

🔥 Twin Falls Cowboys and Red Hawks also survived elimination games and continue tournament play today. Wendell’s season has ended, while Buhl moves into the consolation bracket.

⚾ The Twin Falls AA Cowboys wrapped up the regular season with two losses to Idaho Prime and now turn their attention to the postseason.

🎓 Three College of Southern Idaho standouts are moving on:

🏐 Mina Benucci ➜ University at Albany
⚾ Cade Burnham ➜ University of Nevada
🥎 Courtney Christiansen ➜ Weber State

🏈 Kimberly Bulldogs linemen Brandon Elizondo and Kaden Dille earned preseason recognition from Idaho Sports as two of the state’s top players heading into the 2026 season.

🏈 Former Boise State football coach Lyle Setencich has passed away at age 81. He coached the Broncos from 1983-86 and led Boise State’s first game on the famous Blue Turf.