July 25^th, 2025

Felix Santiago Torres Sentenced to Life in Prison for First-Degree Murder of Stepson

Canyon County, Idaho — On July 23, 2025, Felix Santiago Torres was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his stepson, Danny Borges. Under the terms of the sentence, Santiago Torres will have to serve 27 years before being eligible for parole.

The sentencing was handed down by Third Judicial District Judge Thomas Whitney following Torres’ conviction on May 21, 2025, for first-degree murder with a weapon enhancement.

The conviction stems from an incident on April 17, 2024, when Torres shot and killed Danny Borges following a domestic dispute involving Borges’ mother. After an argument escalated into a physical confrontation, Torres retrieved a firearm and fatally shot Borges outside the family home.

The State was represented by Canyon County Deputy Prosecutors Andrew Haws and Tracy Stoff. During sentencing, Haws urged the court to impose a sentence of 50 years fixed plus life, citing the lasting impact on the victim’s family and the gravity of the crime. “It is a crime that demands the full weight of justice—justice for the life taken and justice for the lives irreparably altered,” Haws said.

The defense, represented by attorney J.W. Bond, requested a sentence of 15 years fixed plus life, citing mitigating circumstances. Ultimately, Judge Whitney imposed a sentence of life in prison with 27 years of fixed time.  “What you did poses a great threat to society,” Judge Whitney said. In addition to the prison sentence, Torres was ordered to pay a $2,500 civil penalty to each of Danny Borges’ parents.

“This sentence represents a measure of accountability for the defendant’s unthinkable decision to end the life of a young man with his whole life ahead of him,” Prosecuting Attorney Chris Boyd said. “While no sentence can take away the loss of Mr. Borges’ life, we hope it offers a sense of justice and closure for his family.” The Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office also extended its appreciation to the Caldwell Police Department for its investigation and handling of the case.

###

For more information, please contact our Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (208)-754-7391

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17th, 2025

 CANYON COUNTY MOSQUITOES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS FOR THE FIRST TIME

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected July 15, 2025, East of Caldwell, Idaho. “This is the Third Treasure Valley County reporting positive mosquito pools,” said Jim Lunders, Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District.

Lunders explained that the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District routinely sets gravid traps and dry ice baited EVS Traps at over 100 locations throughout Canyon County to monitor for adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector borne diseases. To date, the District has tested over 1100 mosquito pools this season for West Nile virus, Tuesday’s pool was the first to test positive.

The areas where the mosquitoes were collected, has been treated for both larval and adult mosquitoes. The District will increase control measures in response to the increased public health threat. “With the increased risk of West Nile virus we encourage people to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Lunders. He offered the following suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:

• Eliminate or treat all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes, such as:
• • Flooded fileds
  • Birdbaths
  • Wading & swimming pools not in use
  • Clogged gutters
  • Old tires (If it holds water for 7 days, it can produce mosquitoes)
• Wear repellents while outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
• Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or undecanone, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
• Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
• Vaccinate horses for WNv, WEE, and other diseases.
• Use EPA registered residual insect sprays on horses, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
• Have your livestock watering troughs stocked with mosquitofish for free by submitting a service request to CCMAD.
• Notify the District at (208) 461-8633 if you have a site that is too large to be eliminated so it can be properly treated.

Additional information on mosquitoes and the diseases they carry can be found at:

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html

Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District

https://www.2cmad.org/

###

For questions about this please contact, James J. Lunders, District Director Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District (208) 461-8633

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9th, 2025

CELEBRATION PARK BOAT RAMP AREA WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 July 14^th, 2025 – Until Further Notice

Melba, ID – Starting July 14^th, 2025, construction crews will be making improvements to the boat ramp area at Celebration Park. Construction is expected to last until Spring 2026. During this time, some sections of the parking lot, campground areas, and the boat launch will be closed to the public at various stages of construction. The public may access alternate day-use parking areas throughout the park, and additional camping can be found at our East End Campground sites.

We ask the public for their patience and cooperation while construction is underway. Visitors should be prepared to move their vehicles if requested to do so by park staff. These improvements will provide new and updated infrastructure, new ADA accessibility, and promote user activities at Celebration Park. It has been over 30 years since this boat ramp area has seen a major improvement like this, and we are excited about this major improvement.

“For decades, this boat ramp has functioned as a boater access for the Snake River downstream of Swan Falls Dam, including river access within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area. This boater access spot has been used by local fishing guides, jet boat groups, law enforcement, and the public for decades,” said Parks Director Nicki Schwend. “This project is going to be an upgraded, ADA-accessible design that will help us better meet the needs of all boat user groups. We’re excited for this project and for all the continued improvements happening at Celebration Park.

Boater Access: We do not anticipate the need to close the boat ramp and dock area until this fall. Alternate access locations (see map and GPS coordinates below) to keep in mind when the boat ramp is closed include Swan Falls, Walters Ferry, Map Rock, and Marsing.

Alternative Boat Access Locations: Coordinates

• Swan Falls River Access: 43.24599328258619, -116.3780289580175
• Walters Ferry Boat Ramp: 43.34147451078338, -116.6033094203061
• Map Rock: 43.405574052091836, -116.68230710272157
• Marsing, Idaho Boat Ramp: 43.54880894158129, -116.80143822214995

Click image to zoom in.

###

For questions about this project or for construction updates, please contact Canyon County Parks at 208-454-6884, or call the Celebration Park visitor center at 208-455-6022.

May 22, 2025

CANYON COUNTY IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE ON THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

Canyon County, ID – Canyon County is currently accepting applications to fill two seats on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Applications are available at the Development Services office or can be downloaded from the County’s website by clicking here.

The deadline to submit an application is  5 p.m. on June 20, 2025. Planning and Zoning Commissioners are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The term of the appointment will be for four years.

The requirements to apply include the following:

• Must have resided in Canyon County for not less than two years prior to appointment and must remain a county resident during his/her service on the Commission.
• Applicants for the open seats must meet reside in one of two locations:
  • outside of incorporated city limits and inside any city area of impact, or
  • outside of any city area of impact.

Residence in the southern or western regions of Canyon County is preferred.

• Diversity in experience and perspectives are crucial to thorough deliberations. Candidate experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred; generational farming, real estate/development, financial services, business management, or being a homemaker.
• Members of the Commission shall make every reasonable effort to attend all regularly scheduled, joint, and special meetings of the Commission – public hearings are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noticed. Candidates must be willing to commit a reasonable amount of time preparing for public hearings on land use cases. This may include a review of staff reports prior to the hearing.
• Planning and Zoning Commissioners are expected to demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Canyon County Board of Commissioners adopted core values of:

1. TRANSPARENCY is open governance and clear communication, embracing honesty, accountability, and integrity.
2. RESPECT is recognition of each individual’s value, experiences, and opinion.
3. UNIFY is a dynamic, dignified process of coming together that seeks best possible outcomes with gratitude for each contributor.
4. SERVICE is excellence in government through service-oriented leadership that benefits the community.
5. TEAMWORK is commitment to involve individuals or groups to achieve a shared goal and to cultivate positive experiences.

Interested parties are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. on  June 20th, 2025- by filling out the Planning & Zoning Commission application and submitting it to Development Services Director either by email at Jay.gibbons@canyoncounty.id.gov or by mailing or hand delivering to 111 North 11th Avenue, Suite 310, Caldwell, ID  83605.

For more information on this release, please contact Canyon County Constituent Services Director Aaron Williams II at (208) 614-5011.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22nd, 2025

Canyon County, ID — Starting May 30, 2025, the Canyon County Recorder & Passport Office will begin accepting credit cards as a form of payment for select services. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Please note that a convenience fee of 2.5% (minimum $2.00) will be applied to all credit and debit card transactions.

“The option of credit card processing is just that, an optional payment method added for the convenience of patrons,” said Clerk Rick Hogaboam. “This will reduce some unnecessary trips of patrons who’ve had to leave and retrieve more limited payment options to proceed with processing their business in our recorder’s office. We’re committed to efficiency and customer service and will continue to explore ways to better serve the public.”

Not all services within the Recorder & Passport Office will be eligible for credit card payments. Below is a breakdown of services that will accept card payments and how to access them:

• Copies of Recorded Documents
  Applicants requesting copies of specific recorded documents, either in person or over the phone, may pay by card.
• Certified Copies of Official Documents
  Certified documents signed and stamped by the Clerk’s Office may also be paid for using a card, in person, or over the phone.
• Recording Documents
  Documents must be recorded either in person at the Clerk’s Office or electronically via one of the eRecording vendors listed on the Canyon County website. Card payments are accepted for these services at the counter.
• Marriage Licenses
  Applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license, but the fee can now be paid using a card.
• Passport Services
  The execution fee for processing passport applications at the County may be paid with a credit card. However, the federal passport application fee must still be paid by check, money order, or cashier’s check, per U.S. Department of State requirements.
• Catering Permits & Alcohol License Applications
  Applicants may request a secure payment link via email. The Clerk’s Office will be able to set up an online payment portal to accept credit card payments

###

For more information or to ask about payment eligibility for a specific service, please contact the Canyon County Clerk’s Office at (208) 454-7555 or visit our website at https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/elected-officials/clerk/.

]]> https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/parking-lots-and-boat-ramp-at-lake-lowells-upper-dam-to-close-temporarily-for-sealcoating-and-painting/ Wed, 21 May 2025 22:42:39 +0000 https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/?p=56662 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21th, 2025

 Parking Lots and Boat Ramp at Lake Lowell’s Upper Dam to Close Temporarily for Sealcoating and Painting

Nampa, ID – Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources is warning citizens about some upcoming parking lot and boat ramp closures at Lake Lowell Park and the East boat ramp at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge near Lake Avenue and Iowa Avenue in Nampa.

• The parking lot at Lake Lowell Park will be closed all day on Monday and Tuesday, June 2nd-3rd. It will reopen on Wednesday, June 4th.
• The east boat ramp and parking lot at the Upper Dam Recreation Area will be closed all day on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 3rd-4th. It will reopen on Thursday, June 5th.

Boaters wanting to access Lake Lowell on June 3rd-4th can use the other Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge boat ramps at the west end of the Upper Dam or the Lower Dam Recreation Area (See attached map for additional details here: 2025 Parking Lot Closures

###

For more information, please contact Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources at (208) 454-6884, or Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge at (208) 467-9278

In honor of Idaho’s fallen law enforcement officers, Sheriff Kieran Donahue and the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office held the 13th annual Canyon County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 16, at The Center at the Canyon County Fair. The ceremony is held annually during National Police Week and pays tribute to the 77 Idaho law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2nd, 2025

Canyon County’s Free Dump Day: A Major Improvement

Canyon County, ID — The County’s annual Free Dump Day took place this past April, and thanks to community feedback from 2024, we made big improvements. Last year, some residents waited over an hour to enter and exit the landfill, so our Solid Waste team focused on streamlining the process.

Canyon County’s annual Free Dump Day, held every April, has become a much-anticipated event for residents looking to responsibly dispose of their household waste at no cost. After receiving feedback from the community following the 2024 event, the Canyon County Solid Waste Department made it a top priority this year to improve wait times and enhance the overall experience.

In 2024, residents experienced extended delays, with wait times at the landfill occasionally exceeding an hour. Recognizing the need for change, the Solid Waste team went back to the drawing board to develop an action plan that would ensure a smoother, faster, and more efficient operation in 2025.

Some key improvements this year are outlined below:

• Increased Staffing & Traffic Control: More personnel on site to help manage traffic and assist customers more efficiently throughout the day.
• Optimized Lane Usage: All weigh stations were open throughout the event, with two inbound and two outbound lanes in operation from the start. When traffic volumes increased, the team opened a third inbound lane while reducing the outbound lane to one, ensuring a smooth, continuous flow through the facility.
• Dual Dumping Zones: To reduce congestion at the disposal sites, the landfill was divided into two dumping zones—an upper section and a lower section—allowing for faster unloading while also preventing backups.

David Loper, the Director of Landfill Operations, stated, “Thanks to these proactive changes, the longest wait time recorded on Free Dump Day 2025 was only 20 to 25 minutes,”—a major improvement over last year.

Canyon County extends a heartfelt thank you to all residents who participated and helped make this year’s event a success. Feedback continues to be welcomed, as the County is always looking for ways to improve future events.

###

For more information, please contact Andrew Feraci by email at Andrew.Feraci@canyoncounty.id.gov or by phone at (208)-614-5012.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2025

Canyon County Property Tax Relief Deadline

Canyon County, Idaho – April 8, 2025 – Tuesday, April 15, is the last day for certain Canyon County homeowners and veterans with disabilities to apply for relief from their 2025 property taxes. Applicants must submit their applications by that date.

Canyon County homeowners can apply online at tax.idaho.gov/proptaxrelief. They can also get paper applications on the Tax Commission’s website at https://idahotap.gentax.com/TAP?Link=PTR or in person from the Canyon County Assessor’s office (111 N 11th Ave #250, Caldwell, ID 83605).

Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction Program and Property Tax Benefit for Veterans with Disabilities program cuts property taxes by up to $1,500 on an eligible homeowner’s primary Idaho residence and up to an acre of land (there are no income limits for veterans with disabilities).

Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction Program

Applicants must meet all the qualifications to apply. The qualifications are as follows:

• You’re an Idaho resident.
• You own and occupy your home or mobile home, and the value doesn’t exceed a limit set by law that will be calculated in June 2025.
• Your total 2024 income, after deducting medical expenses, was $37,810 or less.
• You’re any of the following as of January 1, 2025:
  • 65 or older
  • Former POW or hostage
  • Motherless or fatherless child under 18
  • Blind
  • Widow(er)
  • Disabled

Applicants will receive their annual property assessment notice as determined by the County Assessor by the end of May. All otherwise eligible property owners are encouraged to apply now regardless of their property value.

Property tax reduction applications must be submitted by April 15 even if 2025 income tax returns haven’t been filed.

Homeowners who don’t qualify for the Property Tax Reduction program might qualify for the Property Tax Deferral program, which has an application deadline of September 2.

Property Tax Benefit for Veterans with Disabilities

Applicants might qualify for the veterans benefit if both of these apply:

• You’re recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, or you receive 100% compensation from the VA due to individual unemployability.
• You owned and lived in a home in Idaho that was your primary residence as of April 14, 2025.
  • The property must have a current homeowner’s exemption.
  • The home can be a mobile home.

When applying, veterans need to include a current letter from the VA confirming their 100% service-connected disability rating or their 100% compensation due to individual unemployability as of January 1, 2025.

Veterans with disabilities also might qualify for Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program based on their income.

For more information about property tax relief:

• Contact the County Assessor’s office at (208) 454-7431.
• Call the Tax Commission at (208) 334-7736 in the Boise area or toll-free at (800) 972-7660, ext. 7736.
• Hearing impaired – Use the Idaho Relay Service (TTD) (800) 377-3529.
• Visit the “Homeowners” section of the Tax Commission’s Property Tax webpage at tax.idaho.gov/property.