FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3^rd, 2025

Canyon County Announces Intent to Issue RFP for Animal Shelter Services

Caldwell, ID- Canyon County is announcing its intent to initiate a Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding animal shelter services. This decision comes after careful consideration by the Canyon County Commissioners and the Mayors of both Nampa and Caldwell.

Earlier this month, officials from all three jurisdictions met to discuss concerns with the operation of the shelter, as well as the future of animal control services within the area. The meeting was triggered after many budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2026, during which the West Valley Humane Society (WVHS) requested a substantial increase in funding of $1.5 million total, with no room for negotiation.

The County and Cities agreed to a collective 280% increase in funding, setting aside nearly $1 million in total support for animal shelter services. Officials from the County and City emphasized that this reflects the priority placed on these essential services. Even in the face of difficult budgetary constraints, local government was able to find a way to fund the shelter to the best that they can right now. Despite this, WVHS officials expressed that it is still not enough to keep their doors open and operating within the area.

Over the past two years, community members have raised concerns about animal health and wellness, veterinary care, adoption opportunities, and overall shelter operations. With these concerns in mind, the County and Cities have agreed that the most responsible path forward is to issue an RFP to fully evaluate the costs and best practices for shelter operations. This process will provide insight into creative approaches to shelter management, encourage sustainable options, foster community partnerships, and ensure long-term accountability and transparency.

Officials noted that WVHS is not excluded from this process. “The County values the history and hard work of the staff and volunteers at WVHS and encourages them to submit a proposal as part of this process,” said Aaron Williams, Director of Constituent Services for Canyon County.

Animal shelter services are a vital part of the quality of life in Canyon County. Local governments remain committed to finding a solution that balances animal welfare with fiscal responsibility for taxpayers.

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

Longtime Child Abuser Sentenced to Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole

Caldwell, ID – On August 26, 2025, Canyon County District Judge Randall Grove sentenced Kenneth Ray Dial, age 42, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Dial’s criminal conduct spanned a ten-year period and occurred in both Ada and Canyon Counties. His Canyon County charges included five counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor; three counts of sexual abuse of a child; two counts of sexual exploitation of a child; and one count of witness intimidation.

In February of 2024, two minor children went to a residence in Nampa and asked for help, disclosing that Dial had sexually abused them. While the Nampa Police Department was investigating that report, two other children in Ada County disclosed to their mother that Dial had sexually abused them for years. During the ensuing investigation, it was discovered that Dial had a long history of abusing children with numerous victims of physical sexual abuse, as well as online child exploitation.

At sentencing the prosecution, represented by deputy prosecutors Stephanie Morse and Kyra Venecia, asked that the court impose a harsh sentence to reflect the severity of D

ial’s crimes. Ultimately, Judge Grove agreed, sentencing him to life in prison with no possibility of parole. “There is no sentence I could give you that is enough of a punishment for the harm you’ve caused,” Judge Grove told Dial.

“I am thankful to the detectives and staff who worked tirelessly on this case,” Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff said. “The Nampa Police Department will not tolerate those who prey on children in our community. I am also grateful for our partnership with the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office in bringing this perpetrator to justice.”

“Getting justice for these victims of child sexual abuse is a top priority for my office. Thanks to my special victims unit prosecutors and the diligent professionalism of the officers at the Nampa Police Department, the Kuna Police Department, and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to put this sex offender away,” Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd said. “I also want to express my gratitude to Judge Grove for ensuring that no other child will ever be victimized again by this predator.”

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

Canyon County District Judge Randall Grove sentenced Kenneth Ray Dial, age 42, to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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.

Canyon County District Court Sentences Francisco Torres Rodriguez to Life in Prison for Murder of Reyna Quintero

Caldwell, Idaho – On Friday, August 8, 2025, Third Judicial District Court Judge Gene Petty sentenced Francisco Torres Rodriguez, age 41, to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years without parole for the first-degree murder of his wife, 34-year-old Reyna Quintero.

In September of 2023, Torres Rodriguez fatally shot his wife in the head and attempted to stage the scene to make it look like a suicide. Earlier this year, a Canyon County jury convicted him of first-degree murder.

Deputy Prosecutors Stephanie Morse and Scott Vermeer represented the State of Idaho. At the sentencing hearing, the State argued for a fixed life sentence without the possibility of parole. “It’s what this defendant earned, it’s what this defendant deserves, and it’s what justice demands,” Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse told the Court. Members of Reyna Quintero’s family delivered heartfelt statements, expressing the profound and devastating impact of her loss on their lives.

The Court imposed a fixed sentence of 35 years fixed plus an indeterminate life term, a $10,000 fine, and civil penalties. The Court also extended a no-contact order barring the Defendant from contacting surviving relatives for 50 years.

Canyon County Prosecutor Christopher Boyd expressed gratitude to his deputies and the Canyon County Coroner’s Office, as well as the Caldwell Police Department. “This heartless murderer ambushed and executed his own wife,” Boyd said. “He should spend the rest of his life in prison.”

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

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

August 6th 2025

CANYON COUNTY CORONER IDENTIFIES MAN WHO DIED ON I-84 DRIVING GOLD 2005 HONDA PILOT

CANYON COUNTY, ID — The Canyon County Coroner’s Office has identified the individual who died following a car accident on I-84 eastbound at milepost 32 west of Nampa on July 31^st, 2025, as David Richardson, age 57, a resident of Boise.

The Coroner’s Office was dispatched after life-saving measures were unsuccessful. David Richardson was pronounced deceased at the scene, having sustained blunt force injuries from the accident.

The investigation is being conducted by the Idaho State Police. No further information will be released at this time.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Jennifer Crawford, Canyon County Coroner.

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

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