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

• • • No walk-in customers will be accepted on these dates due to limited staffing.
    • Please plan ahead and schedule an appointment if you need services on those days. You can book an appointment online by clicking here.

Please note: the training is only for the Driver’s License Office staff. The Motor Vehicle Title & Registration Office will be open to walk-in customers both days.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

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.

March 31, 2025

Man Cleared in Nampa Shooting 

CANYON COUNTY, ID – After a thorough investigation, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has determined that Ryan J. Fleming acted in self-defense under Idaho’s “Stand your Ground” law when he shot Kevin P. Villalobos on September 29, 2024. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed.

The evidence shows that in a tragic decision, Mr. Villalobos, intoxicated and uninvited, aggressively approached the entrance of Mr. Fleming’s home. He then began to physically attack Fleming, striking him in the head. In response, Mr. Fleming exercised his legal right to self-defense and used necessary force to protect himself and his home.

Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Boyd issued the following statement:

“This was an unfortunate and tragic event that resulted in the loss of a life, and I extend my sympathies to the family of Mr. Villalobos as they grieve. However, under Idaho law, individuals have an unequivocal right to defend themselves, their families, and their homes from violent attacks. Idaho’s self-defense and ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws are clear: when an individual is faced with an immediate and unlawful threat of serious bodily harm, they are legally justified in using force to protect themselves.”

“The evidence in this case—including witness statements, forensic analysis, physical evidence, DNA evidence, and video footage—demonstrates that Mr. Fleming acted lawfully. He was violently attacked at his own home and responded with justified force. Idaho law presumes that a homeowner acting in defense of their habitation does so with reasonable fear of imminent peril, and my office will not second-guess the fundamental right of self-defense.”

This decision follows a comprehensive, months-long investigation that included detailed analysis of reports, witness testimony, audio and video evidence, and forensic findings.

“I appreciate the Nampa Police Department’s careful investigation and our community’s patience as we conducted a thorough and objective review of this case,” Prosecutor Boyd stated. “My office remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding the law, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 21, 2024

DECKING AT CELEBRATION PARK WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 OCTOBER 28th 2024 – April 2025

Melba, ID – Starting October 28th ,2024 construction crews will be replacing and making improvements to the boardwalk area just north of Celebration Park’s main parking lot. Construction is expected to last until about April 2025. During this time, the atlatl range and nearby boardwalks will be closed to visitors. A temporary atlatl range will be available for school field trip programs that are scheduled through Canyon County Parks (more information for teachers below). Sections of the parking lot will be closed to allow construction crews to complete their work.

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 updated infrastructure, new ADA accessibility, and promote user activities at Celebration Park. It has been over 30 years since this decking project has seen a major improvement like this and we are excited for this major improvement.

“For decades this boardwalk has functioned as the outdoor classroom space and ‘hallways’ for a variety of educational programs and activities, including the popular atlatl range. It has served masses of traditional students and every day visitors in its time, and it is overdue for an upgrade,” said Parks Director Nicki Schwend. “The new boardwalk is going to be an improved, ADA-accessible design that will help us better meet the needs of all students and visitors. We’re excited for this project and for all the continued improvements happening at Celebration Park.”

For teachers: we do not anticipate the need to cancel or reschedule field trip programs during this construction. However, Parks staff will contact teachers with affected bookings to communicate any modifications in programming, such as meeting locations, bus parking or use of a temporary atlatl range on site.

###

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.

• New Venue: The Center
• Address: 110 County Fair Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605
• Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lot across the street from the Center’s entrance off County Fair Ave.

The event remains scheduled for March 20, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the county’s plans and to provide valuable feedback.

Project Overview:
The Canyon County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has initiated a phased approach to constructing a new women’s facility on the 26-acre Pond Lane property in Caldwell. Originally purchased in 2007 as a potential site for a new jail due to its centralized location and capacity for future expansion, the project was stalled after four failed bond measures, leaving the property vacant.

The County now aims to work with builders to develop a phased plan, with the first phase expected to accommodate up to 192 female beds. During the open house, staff will discuss the limitations of the old facility, discuss potential plans for the new development, and actively seek public input on the overall concept.

###

For more information on the project and the history of the Canyon County Jail please contact Aaron Williams by email at aaron.williams@canyoncounty.id.gov or by phone at (208)-614-5011.