MAGIC VALLEY NEWS HEADLINES
SHOTS FIRED NEAR KIMBERLY — SUSPECT STILL AT LARGE
Twin Falls County deputies are searching for 32-year-old Jacob Bellus after shots were fired near Kimberly Sunday night. A home was struck multiple times, but thankfully no injuries were reported. Bellus led deputies on a short pursuit before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot. He remains at large, and while the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, authorities continue the search.
I-84 EXIT 173 CLOSED — REOPENING TARGET JULY
Exit 173 at the Twin Falls I-84 interchange remains closed as crews replace asphalt with concrete. The loop is expected to reopen in July, with additional intermittent closures planned throughout the year as construction continues.
TWIN FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSIDERS STAFF CUTS
Twin Falls School District trustees have approved a potential reduction in force due to declining enrollment. Up to 21 positions could be eliminated next year, though most reductions are expected through retirements. Final decisions will depend on student enrollment numbers this fall.
STRONG WATER OUTLOOK ACROSS SNAKE RIVER BASIN
Water conditions across the Upper Snake River Basin are looking solid this year, with reservoirs sitting at about 74 percent capacity overall. Little Wood Reservoir is nearly full at 97 percent. Runoff is projected at about 70 percent of normal, and dam outflows are already increasing to meet irrigation demand.
IDAHO UNEMPLOYMENT HOLDS STEADY
Idaho’s job market continues to show strength, with unemployment holding steady at approximately 3.7 percent, keeping the state among the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
FILER QUICK RESPONSE UNIT AT RISK
Filer could lose its Quick Response Unit due to ongoing funding issues and a shortage of volunteers. Officials say a final decision is expected next Monday.
ARREST MADE IN SEPARATE SHOOTING INCIDENT
Twin Falls County deputies have arrested 27-year-old Jacob Kaster after he allegedly fired shots into a home Saturday night. No injuries were reported in that incident.
MINIDOKA COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW BUILDING
Minidoka County leaders have officially broken ground on a new county services building. The project is funded by federal relief dollars and is expected to be completed within a year.
BUHL ROAD CLOSURE — BURLEY AVENUE SHUT DOWN
Burley Avenue in Buhl is closed through tomorrow. Police are advising no through traffic, with access limited to local residents only.
CALDWELL RAILROAD QUIET ZONE MOVES FORWARD
In Caldwell, the mayor’s veto of a proposed railroad quiet zone has been overridden, allowing the project to proceed. Union Pacific says trains may stop routine horn use, but only after strict federal safety upgrades are completed at crossings.
SPORTS
WENDELL BASEBALL DOMINATES
Wendell baseball stayed hot as Teagen Vanderham drove in six runs on three hits in a 16-6 win over Lighthouse Christian. The Trojans improve to 2-0 in conference play, with Deegan and Krew Prince each adding three hits.
TWIN FALLS ROLLS OVER MINICO
Twin Falls crushed Minico 14-2 in five innings. Hoyt Murray went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Braxton Trenkle struck out five. The Bruins also improve to 2-0 in conference.
WENDELL SOFTBALL SECURES WIN
On the softball side, Wendell defeated Glenns Ferry 10-5. Bre Davis hit a three-run homer, and Audra Bunn added three hits in the win.
FULL SLATE OF GAMES TODAY
Southern Idaho baseball is packed today with games starting at 3:00, including Skyline at Canyon Ridge, Glenns Ferry at Gem State, Wood River at Mountain Home, and Jerome at Twin Falls. Additional matchups follow throughout the afternoon and evening, including Filer at Buhl and Burley at Minico.
Softball action also begins at 3:00, with Wood River at Mountain Home and Canyon Ridge at Twin Falls, followed by multiple evening rematches across the region.
WEATHER
SUNNY, WARM, AND BREEZY
Today will be sunny with a high near 71, but expect breezy conditions this afternoon with wind gusts up to 34 miles per hour. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 41.
EXTENDED FORECAST
Wednesday and Thursday bring continued sunshine, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. By Friday, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms moves in, increasing to a 50 percent chance on Saturday. Sunday looks wetter, with a 60 percent chance of showers and possible thunderstorms, before conditions begin to calm slightly on Monday.
