Your Daily Briefing – 02/25/2025

🦠 INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has begun potash treatments in still-water ponds along the Mid-Snake River near Twin Falls to combat invasive quagga mussels. Officials say the treatment won’t impact public access, but boat inspections remain mandatory between Broken Bridge and Hansen Bridge.

🇺🇸 VETERANS CEMETERY EXPANSION

Twenty years after opening, the Idaho Veterans Cemetery in Boise is nearing capacity. However, a new land purchase will expand it for decades. The Idaho Land Board approved buying 15.5 acres for $3.95 million, ensuring space for veterans and spouses for 40 more years.

🚔 FATAL CRASH IN TWIN FALLS

A 30-year-old Twin Falls man has died after a two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning at Highland Avenue and Lois Street. One car ran a stop sign before colliding with another vehicle. The driver fled but was later found and taken to a Boise hospital, where he died.

🏛️ GOVERNOR SUPPORTS SPEED COUNCIL FUNDING

Idaho Governor Brad Little praised the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee for advancing funding for the SPEED Council, aimed at expediting project permits and cutting red tape.

👮‍♂️ CHILD SEX CRIME CHARGES IN TWIN FALLS

A Twin Falls man is in custody facing multiple child sex crime charges. Police say 20-year-old Brady Eskridge was arrested after an investigation uncovered explicit materials and messages with minors.

📹 FELONY CHARGES FOR KIMBERLY MAN

A Kimberly man faces felony charges for child exploitative material and video voyeurism, plus a misdemeanor domestic battery charge. Police say 42-year-old Kyle Brown hid an iPad in a bathroom, capturing explicit images.

🌊 TWIN FALLS RESERVOIR WATER LEVELS LOWERED

Idaho Power will lower Twin Falls Reservoir today for a routine dam inspection. Water levels will return to normal tomorrow.

🏗️ CEO OF ESI CONSTRUCTION RESIGNS

Tom Hill, CEO of Idaho-based ESI Construction, has resigned after backlash over a viral video showing him making a controversial salute. ESI, known for major projects like Boise State’s Construction Management Building, announced leadership changes and a Corporate Responsibility Task Force. Neil Nelson now steps in as CEO.

🏀 SPORTS

🔥 DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS HEAT UP

Boys’ basketball teams across the Magic Valley are battling for state berths this week as district tournaments intensify.

Wendell has already clinched a spot and will face Soda Springs for the SEIC title.
Valley looks to remain unbeaten against Hagerman, while Declo fights to secure a state spot after a tough loss.
Minico and Twin Falls face off for the Great Basin Conference title, and Filer aims for a second straight SCIC title.
Play-in games could also be in store for several local teams.

🏆 OAKLEY HORNETS ADVANCE

The Oakley Hornets boys’ basketball team took down Raft River 45-32 after a big third-quarter run and will face Glenns Ferry in the consolation finals today. Meanwhile, Kimberly dominated Gooding and will battle Filer in the district championship tomorrow.

A Filer win sends them to state.
A Kimberly victory forces a winner-take-all game on Thursday.

🏀 LAST-MINUTE THRILLERS

In 2A action, Glenns Ferry edged Murtaugh 45-43 after a clutch game-winner by Aaron De Leon.
In 1A, Camas County beat Hansen 49-45, and Richfield took down Castleford 51-47.
Hansen and Castleford are eliminated, while Richfield and Camas will battle tomorrow for a shot at a state play-in game.

📅 BOYS’ BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

5A: Twin Falls vs. Minico for the district title tomorrow. Jerome vs. Burley for second place.
4A: Gooding vs. Kimberly for a shot at the championship.
3A: Declo vs. West Side for a state play-in spot.
2A: Oakley, Raft River, and others fighting for a state berth.
1A: Dietrich and Carey battling for the top spot.