The Local News 08/17/26 – Kat Country 106

🌊 WATER SHORTAGES HIT SOUTHERN IDAHO
Low winter snowfall is catching up with Magic Valley farmers. State hydrologists say the main Snake River reservoir system has just 24% of its water content remaining. 💧 Some canal companies have already shut down, and officials warn water shortages could continue into next year.

🎓 CSI OPENS NEW CAREER CENTER
The College of Southern Idaho has officially opened the new Leroy Craig Jerome Center, bringing more than 10 career and technical education programs under one roof. Programs include food processing, automation and health sciences, all designed around Southern Idaho workforce needs. Classes are expected to begin in January. 👩‍🏭🩺⚙️

🔥 FIRE UPDATE
The Bigfoot Fire northwest of Grand View has been reported contained after burning about 1,200 acres. Meanwhile, the massive Big Grass Fire along the Oregon-Idaho border has burned more than 578,000 acres and is now 72% contained. More than 1,000 firefighters remain assigned, with evacuation orders still in place. 🚒🔥

⚡ IDAHO POWER CREWS JOIN FIRE FIGHT
Crews working on Idaho Power’s Boardman-to-Hagerman transmission line shifted equipment and personnel to help battle wildfires along the Oregon-Idaho border. Officials estimate their efforts helped protect between 10,000 and 15,000 acres. 👏

🎡 WESTERN IDAHO FAIR STARTS FRIDAY
The Western Idaho Fair gets underway Friday, continuing a tradition that dates back nearly 130 years. The first Boise fair opened in 1897. Today, more than 250,000 people attend annually. Big changes are coming in 2027, when the fair moves one week earlier and expands to three weekends. 🎠🍿🎟️

🤠 CASSIA COUNTY FAIR & RODEO
The Cassia County Fair and Rodeo is underway in Burley, and there’s a brand-new event this year: Indian Relay Races, featuring riders switching between multiple horses as they race around the track. 🐎💨

🚌 FREE PRESCHOOL IN LINCOLN COUNTY
The Lincoln County Early Learning Center is offering free preschool for kids ages 2-5, with enrollment open year-round. Free transportation and lunches are included, and there are no income restrictions. Grant funding will keep the program free for five years. 🎒🧒🍎

🏈 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS BACK!

🏈 Canyon Ridge is embracing an underdog mentality after a 3-6 season. The Riverhawks are emphasizing the run game and chasing the first playoff win in program history. They open August 28 against Centennial.

🏈 Castleford enters 2026 with new head coach Jaime Allen after going 2-6 last season. The Wolves are focusing on discipline, teamwork and competitiveness. They open August 28 against Mackay.

🏈 Twin Falls is coming off a 5A Great Basin Conference championship and state semifinal appearance. The Bruins are chasing the blue trophy and open Friday on the road against Sandpoint.

🏈 Valley welcomes alum Jim Rife as its new head coach after a 6-4 playoff season. The Vikings open August 28 against Butte County.

🏈 Raft River returns as defending Snake River Conference champions after going 6-3. The Trojans return their entire offensive and defensive lines plus both running backs. They open August 28 at Idaho City.

⚽ BOISE STATE SOCCER
The Broncos improved to 2-0 with a 4-1 win over Weber State. Four different players scored, including freshman Campbell Wilson, who has scored in both matches. Boise State has now gone unbeaten in a program-record 16 straight matches. They face SMU Thursday in Dallas. 🔵⚽

⚽ IDAHO SOCCER
The Vandals are 2-0 for the first time since 2021 after shutting out CSUN 1-0. Payton Oelkers scored the lone goal, and Idaho has outscored opponents 4-0 this season. The Vandals face Western Michigan Tuesday in Hawaii. 🏝️

⛳ STEELMAN WINS BOISE OPEN
Ross Steelman is your 2026 Albertsons Boise Open champion! The 25-year-old finished at 27-under, three strokes ahead of the field, after firing a final-round 64 at Hillcrest Country Club. He’s already secured his PGA TOUR card for next season. 🏆⛳

🤠 CALDWELL NIGHT RODEO RETURNS
The Caldwell Night Rodeo begins its 102nd year today, with five nights of professional rodeo action running through Saturday. More than 50,000 fans are expected. Tonight is First Responders Night. 🚑🚒🇺🇸

🌤️ WEATHER
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms today with partly sunny skies and a high near 90°. Tonight, there’s another chance for storms before midnight with a low around 63°.

📅 THE WEEK AHEAD:
☀️ Tuesday: 89°
☀️ Wednesday: 90°
🔥 Thursday: 96°
🔥 Friday: 98°
🌤️ Saturday: 89°
🌤️ Sunday: 85°

🔥 Bottom line: It’s a busy week across Southern Idaho — water shortages, wildfires, fairs, rodeos, football and some serious summer heat!

📻 Stay tuned to Kat Kountry 106 for the latest Magic Valley news, weather and sports!