REPEAT GANG SHOOTER RECEIVES TWELVE-YEAR SENTENCE

Caldwell, Idaho – May 29, 2026 – Lazaro Vela was sentenced today in Canyon County District Court for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon Enhancement in connection with a gang-related shooting in Nampa. Prosecutors requested a thirty-year concurrent sentence, with twenty of those years fixed.

On September 1, 2022, Vela – a member of the Brown Pride Surenos (BPS) street gang – pulled a handgun and shot a Norteno gang member three times in the parking lot of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Nampa. Brian Moreno, a Norteno, then shot innocent bystander Joe Flores in an attempt to retaliate. Moreno was previously convicted of first-degree murder in February 2026 for that shooting.

In 2023, a year later, Vela was involved in another gang shooting in Grove Plaza parking lot in Boise. He fired several rounds into a group of rival Norteno gang members during a confrontation in the Grove Plaza parking lot. A 16-year-old female juvenile was struck in the arm, suffering a gunshot wound and non-displaced fracture. Another victim was possibly struck as well. In that case, Vela was convicted at trial by an Ada County jury and sentenced to twenty years in prison with ten years fixed.

This was Vela’s second gang-related public shooting, and prosecutors recommended a minimum of thirty years of prison with at least twenty before becoming parole eligible. Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Boyd stated: “This man has actually shot people in two separate gang shootings in public places in our community. He presents an unacceptable risk to take with our citizens’ lives, and incarceration is the only way to protect them.”

Although the prosecutor requested a thirty-year concurrent sentence, Judge Gabriel McCarthy sentenced Vela to seven years fixed followed by five years indeterminate, to be served consecutive to the Ada County sentence.

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CANYON COUNTY CORONER IDENTIFIES INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN FATAL VEHICLE CRASH IN CALDWELL

CANYON COUNTY, ID — The Canyon County Coroner has identified the victim of a tragic two-vehicle collision that occurred on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Caldwell, Idaho. The deceased has been identified as Juan Amador Lopez, a 24-year-old male out of Homedale. According to the coroner’s report, Amador Lopez sustained blunt force injuries as a result of the crash and succumbed to his injuries on scene.

The incident occurred near Simplot Boulevard and Farmway Road, where the vehicle driven by Mr. Amador Lopez crossed the center line colliding head on with a Kenworth commercial vehicle. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time,” said Jennifer Crawford, Canyon County Coroner.

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For more information, please contact Steve Cushman
at (208) 614-5011 or steve.cushman@canyoncounty.id.gov.

CANYON COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO PURSUE PROPORTIONATE COST SHARING IN MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTION CONTRACT WITH CITY OF CALDWELL

CALDWELL, ID – The Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced today its intention to pursue
proportionate cost sharing in its misdemeanor prosecution contract with the City of Caldwell.
Cities are required by Idaho code to fund their own misdemeanor prosecutions.
Currently, Canyon County taxpayers pay about 2.4 million dollars to service all misdemeanors
county-wide. Last year, the City of Caldwell accounted for 22.9% of that workload, but under
the previous contract reimbursed only 7% back to county taxpayers.

Chris Boyd, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney, requested a proportionate cost share this
year. “We worked with Nampa last year and they now do pretty reasonable cost-sharing with us.
I appreciate Caldwell’s understanding that costs need to be fairly reimbursed,” Boyd said.
Caldwell’s full reimbursement cost last year would have been $569,114, but Caldwell paid just
$350,425. Other Canyon County taxpayers paid for the remainder.

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For more information, please contact the Director of Constituent Services,
Steve Cushman at (208) 614-5011

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

5/20/26

Update: Autopsy Results from Nampa Man Found in a Canal South of Caldwell

Caldwell, ID – The Canyon County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy earlier today on the 62-year-old Nampa man who was recovered from a canal yesterday by the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. The results of the autopsy indicate that Robert W. Nourse died from drowning due to compromising health conditions that prevented him from swimming to safety after falling into the water.

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For more information, please contact the Director of Constituent Services,
Steve Cushman at (208) 614-5011.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 27, 2026

CANYON COUNTY ANNOUNCES ONE-DAY LANDFILL FEE WAIVER FOR COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP

CALDWELL, ID — The Canyon County Board of Commissioners has approved a one-day waiver of landfill fees for residents as part of a countywide community clean-up effort.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Canyon County residents will be able to dispose of residential clean-up waste at the Pickles Butte Landfill at no cost, up to one ton per household. This initiative is intended to support community-wide efforts to improve neighborhoods and promote responsible waste disposal.

Residents bringing more than one ton of waste will be charged standard landfill rates for the excess amount. The fee waiver applies to residential clean-up waste only.

In addition to individual drop-offs, cities within Canyon County may participate by providing community collection bins. These materials may be delivered to the landfill following the clean-up event, in accordance with county guidelines.

Additional guidelines include:

• Up to four passenger vehicle or light truck tires per household will be accepted at no charge; additional tires will be subject to standard fees.
• Commercial waste and materials delivered by commercial haulers will be subject to regular landfill fees unless part of an approved community clean-up effort.
• Residents are encouraged to separate materials such as wood, metal, tires, and appliances to ensure proper disposal and recycling.

“This annual clean-up effort is an opportunity for residents to take pride in their communities while responsibly disposing of unwanted materials,” said Canyon County Landfill Director Dave Loper.

The fee waiver applies to Canyon County residents only and is only valid for April 25^th 2026.

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For more information, please contact Aaron Williams, Director of Constituent Services by email at Aaron.williams@canyoncounty.id.gov or by phone at (208)-614-5011.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2026

CANYON COUNTY MOURNS THE LOST OF FORMER CLERK RICK HOGABOAM

CALDWELL, ID — It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that Canyon County leadership honors the life and legacy of our dear friend and colleague, Rick Hogaboam.

Rick’s life was defined by his unwavering love for people; a love rooted firmly in his faith in Christ. He led with humility, served with purpose, and inspired with vision. To those who knew him, Rick was more than a leader he was a mentor, a steady voice of wisdom, and a trusted friend.

His commitment to public service was not simply a role he fulfilled, but a calling he embraced wholeheartedly. Thoughtful in his approach, sharp in his insight, and always guided by a genuine desire to serve others, Rick exemplified the very best of what a public servant should be. His work reflected careful consideration, deep understanding, and an unrelenting dedication to improving the lives of those in his community.

Rick wore many hats throughout his life Husband, father, pastor, councilman, director, clerk, mayor, and faithful servant, but in every role, he led with integrity, compassion, and grace. His impact on Canyon County is lasting, not only in the decisions he helped shape but in the lives he touched and the standard of excellence he set for those who follow.

Mayor Hogaboam leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and leadership that will not be forgotten. We are better for having known him, and our community is stronger because of his life’s work.

Rick, we honor you, we thank you, and we will carry your example forward. Until we meet again in eternity. Well done good and faithful servant.

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For more information, please contact Aaron Williams by email at Aaron.williams@canyoncounty.id.gov or by phone at (208)-614-5011.