PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22nd, 2025

 CANYON COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE UPDATES ADDRESS

CALDWELL, ID — Canyon County’s Elections Office has updated its official address to reflect a more precise location for public reference and voter communication. The updated address is, (5815 Gray Ln. Caldwell, Idaho, 83607).

This adjustment does not reflect a change in location or operations. The Canyon County Elections Office remains in the same facility and continues to serve the public without interruption. The updated address simply provides clearer distinction for voters and visitors, ensuring accurate navigation and correspondence.

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For more information, please contact andrew.feraci@canyoncounty.id.gov.

MISDEMEANOR PROBATION MOVING LOCATIONS

CALDWELL, ID — Canyon County’s Misdemeanor Probation Department will be moving locations. Beginning Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the department will operate out of the former Elections Building, conveniently located near the courthouse (1102 E Chicago St, Caldwell, ID 83605).

The new location is not only an upgrade for the department but benefits the community as well. According to Jeff Breach, the Director of Misdemeanor Probation, “This is a great move for the Department. It not only meets our present needs, but also sets us up for success in the future. We not only have increased room for staff and clients, but we also have increased room to hold staff trainings. There is also additional room to meet with the public as well as treatment providers. This move is a long-term solution to our space needs.”

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For more information, please contact jeff.breach@canyoncounty.id.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8th, 2025

 CANYON COUNTY FY2026 PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

CALDWELL, ID —Canyon County is having its FY2026 Public Budget Hearing on August 13^th, 2025, in the Public Meeting Room of the Canyon County Administration Building, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (111 N. 11th Avenue, Caldwell, Idaho.).

The public hearing will cover the proposed budgets for the following entities.

• Canyon County Ambulance District
• Canyon County
• Melba Gopher District
• Canyon County Pest Control District

In addition to the budget presentations, a public hearing on the forgone increase will be held in conjunction with the annual budget hearing.

The following action items are scheduled for consideration

• Consider Approval/Denial of the Canyon County FY2026 Budget and Dollar Certifications of Budget Request Forms
• Consider Resolutions Approving Forgone Increases for Canyon County and for the Melba Gopher and Canyon County Pest Control

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the budget process. There will also be a livestream for those that cannot make it and will be streamed on Canyon County’s Facebook page.

Live Link: https://www.facebook.com/CanyonCo/live_videos/

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For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Andrew Feraci at 208-614-5012 or by email at andrew.feraci@canyoncounty.id.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7th 2025

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE LAND DIVISION ORDINANCE

CALDWELL, ID — Canyon County Development Services is hosting a public open house regarding Administrative Land Divisions Thursday August 14th 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:30pm in the Canyon County Administration Building (111 N. 11th Avenue, Caldwell, Idaho.).

Canyon County is seeking feedback from landowners, farmers, developers, and residents on how land divisions are managed in the Agricultural (“A”) zone. The County is reviewing its existing land division regulations and wants to understand how these policies are impacting the community.

The layout of the open house will feature informational posters explaining how current policies affect the community as well as historical information. Attendees will also have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions, which could play a key role in shaping potential updates.

This opportunity provides a chance for the people of Canyon County to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions. Input collected will help guide potential updates to Canyon County’s land division policies, with the goal of improving processes, supporting responsible growth, and ensuring the regulations align with the needs of those most affected.

Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/canyoncountylanddivision

For more info: https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/elected-officials/commissioners/development-services/land-divisions/

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For more information, please contact zoninginfo@canyoncounty.id.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6th, 2025

CELEBRATION PARK BOAT RAMP AREA WILL BE CLOSED

 September 2nd, 2025 – Until Further Notice

Melba, ID – Starting Tuesday, August 2nd, 2025 the Celebration Park boat ramp will be closed to all access as part of a state-funded grant construction project to improve the boat ramp area at the park. Construction is expected to last until Spring 2026.

Boater Access: During the boat access closure at Celebration Park, we advise the public to use alternate access locations in the area including Swan Falls, Walters Ferry, Map Rock and Marsing (see map and GPS coordinates below):

Alternative Boat Access Locations: Coordinates

• Swan Falls River Access: 24599328258619, -116.3780289580175
• Walters Ferry Boat Ramp: 34147451078338, -116.6033094203061
• Map Rock: 405574052091836, -116.68230710272157
• Marsing, Idaho Boat Ramp: 54880894158129, -116.80143822214995

General Park Visitors: During this time, some sections of the parking lot, campground areas, as well as 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.  Staff will make every effort to keep trails, camping as well as the visitor center open.

“For over 3 decades, this boat ramp has functioned as a boater access for the Snake River downstream of Swam 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.”

Alternative Boat Access Locations

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31st 2025

Additional Canyon County Locations Test Positive for West Nile Virus

CANYON COUNTY, West Nile virus continues to be detected in mosquitoes collected in Canyon County, Idaho. “11 positive samples have been collected from 10 separate sites,” said Jim Lunders, Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District, “Surveillance data suggests low levels of virus circulation throughout Canyon County.”

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 1850 mosquito pools this season for West Nile virus. This week’s pools bring the total positives to eleven, from ten different locations.

The areas where the mosquitoes were collected have been treated for both larval and adult mosquitoes. “We encourage the public to help us reduce the mosquito population by eliminating larval habitat around your homes,” 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 fields
  • 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 2-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/

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

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.

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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/

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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.

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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.