World Mosquito Day Reminds us of the Importance of Protecting Ourselves from Mosquitoes and the Diseases They Carry

World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20th to commemorate Sir Ronald Ross’s
1897 discovery that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmitted Malaria between humans. This
discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of disease transmission and forever linked
mosquito control operations with public health.

Lessons learned in the wake of this discovery are still relevant today in Canyon County,
although we are dealing with West Nile virus instead of Malaria. “Artificial containers, water
troughs and other small back yard larval sites continue to be the most difficult for us to control
effectively,” said Jim Lunders, Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District. Just as
it was in Ross’s Day “we need the public’s help in eliminating as many of these sites as possible
to limit the spread of mosquito borne diseases”.

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
adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector borne diseases. To date, the District
has tested over 2100 mosquito pools for West Nile virus. Despite relatively low mosquito
numbers the percentage of those mosquitoes which are infected has dramatically increased
and positive mosquito pools are being detected throughout the county. As of this week 22
total positive pools have been detected from 19 different locations. The District has performed
increased larval and adult control operations in these areas in response to the increased public
health threat.

Human and horse infections typically begin to be reported in August with Southwest District
Health reporting a human case earlier this week. Symptoms of West Nile virus vary depending
on the severity of the disease and are like many other viral infections. “Unfortunately, neither
humans or horses can be conclusively diagnosed with West Nile virus without being tested,”
said Lunders, “if a physician or veterinarian suspects a patient has West Nile virus a blood test
should be performed to confirm their diagnosis.” 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/

CELEBRATION PARK BOAT RAMP AREA WILL BE CLOSED AUGUST 31, 2026 – NOVEMBER 2026

Melba, ID – Starting Monday, August 31st, 2026 the Celebration Park boat ramp will be closed to all access as part of a state-funded grant project to construct an armored rock barb and shoreline vegetation to protect the new boat ramp and dock improvements. Construction is expected to last until November 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 Access: 405574052091836, -116.68230710272157
• Marsing, Idaho Boat Ramp: 54880894158129, -116.80143822214995

General Park Visitors: During this time, some sections of the parking lot 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. 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 final phase of the project will help us better meet the needs of all boat user groups. We’re excited to complete the final phase of this project and for all the continued improvements happening at Celebration Park.”

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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.

Canyon County is asking residents affected by the flooding to complete a brief Flood Assistance & Needs Assessment. The information you provide will help local emergency management and community partners understand the impacts of the flooding, identify unmet needs, and coordinate available recovery resources.

Completing the form does not guarantee financial assistance or services, but it is an important first step in helping us understand community needs and prioritize outreach where resources are available.

If your home, property, belongings, business, farm, or daily life was affected by the flooding, we encourage you to complete the assessment and share it with others who may have been impacted.

English: https://forms.gle/3QQutgJsvKkxPMzn9

¿Fue afectado por las recientes inundaciones en el Condado de Canyon?

El Condado de Canyon solicita a los residentes afectados por las inundaciones que completen una breve Evaluación de Asistencia y Necesidades por Inundación. La información que usted proporcione ayudará a la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias y a las organizaciones comunitarias a comprender el impacto de las inundaciones, identificar las necesidades no cubiertas y coordinar los recursos de recuperación disponibles.

Completar este formulario no garantiza asistencia financiera ni otros servicios, pero es un primer paso importante para ayudarnos a comprender las necesidades de la comunidad y priorizar la ayuda donde haya recursos disponibles.

Si su vivienda, propiedad, pertenencias, negocio, granja o vida diaria se vieron afectadas por las inundaciones, le invitamos a completar la evaluación y compartirla con otras personas que también hayan sido afectadas.

Español: https://forms.gle/2sK3nHN4cJFEZGkq8

Canyon County Board of Commissioners Declares County-Wide Disaster Emergency

Caldwell, ID – The Canyon County Board of Commissioners declared a county-wide disaster emergency after a storm passed through the county on June 26, 2026, beginning at approximately 8:30 pm. Canyon County experienced significant strong winds, heavy rainfall and hail resulting in widespread damage across portions of the county.

Under Idaho Code 46-1011 with the disaster’s impact on the county, the Canyon County Board of Commissioners has deemed this as a local emergency and has issued a declaration identifying this as a local disaster emergency.

Declaring this as an emergency allows for additional resources to be utilized to serve the area that was impacted by the severe weather. Under Idaho Code the emergency declaration temporarily suspends standard rules for procurement allowing public agencies the ability to seek immediate relief and allows for additional resources to be utilized to serve the area impacted by the event.

SECOND HALF OF 2025 TAXES ARE DUE

CANYON COUNTY, Idaho – Canyon County Tax Reminder: 2025 second-half property taxes are due soon! While Idaho Code §63-903 sets the deadline for June 20th, the weekend gives you a little extra time. Payments are due by Monday, June 22, 2026. To avoid automatic late fees and interest, your payment must be received in the office or postmarked by June 22nd. Check out the guidelines below to make sure you’re covered:

• Canyon County offices will be closed on Friday, June 19th for Juneteenth. Please plan ahead if you intend to drop off your payment in person.
• A 2% late charge and 1% interest, retroactive to January 1, 2026, will be applied to payments received after the deadline.
• Payments may be made in person during office hours, Monday through Friday,        8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For other payment options, please visit the Canyon County Treasurer’s website, https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/elected-officials/treasurer/, or via the automated phone system at (208) 718-5186. Note: there is a convenience fee of 2.39% when using a credit card or 1% when using a debit card. No part of this fee is retained by Canyon County.
• Drop boxes for payment are located inside the main entrances of the Administration Building. These are not accessible outside of business hours.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

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For more information, please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 208-454-7354.

In honor of Idaho’s fallen law enforcement officers, Sheriff Kieran Donahue and the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office held the 14th annual Canyon County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 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.

Melba, ID – Starting Friday, May 22nd, 2025, the Celebration Park boat ramp will be reopened to all access, as the
Phase I Boater Improvements project have been constructed. Improvements include new ADA access, parking lot
and pathway improvements, new boat ramp, docks, and gangways. The $600,000 project was funded in part by an
awarded $377,638 Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation (IDPR) Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) grant.

*Please Note: The boat ramp area will be closed again for Phase 2 barb construction during later summer annual
low water flows. A brief closure of the boat ramp is anticipated to commence in August, 2026 to complete Phase II
of the Celebration Park Boater Improvements Project. Phase 2 will further improve and protect the motorized
boating facility. Work will consist of redesign and construction of an armored barb to protect the Phase I boat
ramp and dock improvements and prevent river scour and erosion. A $275,000 project, is funded in-part by a
$265,540 Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Waterways Improvement Fund grant award. Construction of
this final phase is expected to be completed later this fall. Updates will be posted on the website at:
www.canyoncounty.id.gov/parks

“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 includes 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.”

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

April 3^, 2026

 CANYON COUNTY WELCOMES JOSE OROZCO AS ITS NEWEST DIRECTOR OF JUVENILE PROBATION

CALDWELL, ID — Canyon County is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jose Orozco as the county’s newest Director of Juvenile Probation, effective April 2, 2026.

Jose had previously served as the county’s interim Director of Juvenile Probation, bringing over 25 years of experience in Juvenile Probation and 15 years’ experience with county government. Together with his team, Jose is proud to continue spearheading the department’s mission to protect the community and emphasize accountability and resilience for Canyon County’s youth.

Outside of the role, Jose considers himself a dedicated adventurer and family man, with some of his most exciting memories being his recent trips with his wife to Guatemala and Belize.

Learn more about Jose, his team, and the mission of Canyon County’s Juvenile Probation Department on our website.

Link to Website: https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/elected-officials/commissioners/juvenile-probation/

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For more information, please contact Nathan Jones, Canyon County Communications Specialist by email at Nathan.jones@canyoncounty.id.gov or by phone at (208)-614-5012.

Welcome to The Team Post (1)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 27th, 2026

CANYON COUNTY SEEKS POLL WORKERS FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Caldwell, ID — Canyon County Elections is currently recruiting poll workers to assist with upcoming elections. Poll workers play a critical role in ensuring elections are conducted efficiently, securely, and in accordance with state law. This opportunity allows community members to serve their county while earning compensation.

Canyon County is seeking reliable, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy individuals who value the integrity of the election process and enjoy working with the public.

To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years of age. Polling locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Poll workers are required to attend a mandatory training session in advance of each election to learn procedures and operate voting equipment.

On Election Day, workers assist with setting up polling locations, checking in voters, and providing instructions on how to cast ballots. Workers must arrive by 7:00 a.m. and remain until the polling location is closed and secured.

“Poll workers are essential to maintaining fair, transparent, and accessible elections in Canyon County,” said the Canyon County Elections Office. “We encourage residents to get involved and be part of this important civic process.”

Individuals interested in serving as a poll worker can apply online or contact the Canyon County Elections Office for more information.

To apply or learn more:
Application: https://votertools.voteidaho.gov/TED/ElectionForcePortal/JobApplication.aspx

Elections Website: https://elections.canyoncounty.id.gov/

Call: (208) 454-7562

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For more information, please contact Canyon County Elections by phone at (208)-454-7562.