Idaho
“We're Idaho, that's what we do”: Local team joins hurricane relief efforts in Florida
BOISE, Idaho — A team of over 200 Idaho workers has joined recovery efforts in Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- Specializing in property damage restoration, the Disaster Response team is tackling damage from storm surge and widespread damage in the wake of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
- With over 100 tornado warnings issued during the storm, they’re bringing crucial tools and expertise to hard-hit areas.
(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story.)
“It’s what we do! We’re Idaho—that’s what we do,” says Brad Winn.
The Idaho Way has made its way to Florida.
Brad Winn, Idaho native and National Account Manager for Boise Disaster Response, is part of a team of over 200 workers aiding in the recovery efforts after hurricanes Helene and Milton ravaged Florida in recent weeks.
It’s a far cry from the natural disasters we usually face in Idaho, but Brad says helping in these situations comes naturally.
“As a fourth-generation Idahoan, there is something about our culture that makes us care about people and come together as a community. Calamity like this doesn’t strike us, but you have this sense of purpose and desire to help people,” Winn says.
Winn’s team arrived in Florida on September 28, repairing damage caused by storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Helene. Then came Hurricane Milton.
Winn says, “Milton hit so quickly that all the process of removing contents and debris and getting it ready to dispose of was right in the middle of it.”
Brad is no stranger to Idaho wildfires, but southern hurricanes present a different challenge.
“It’s a feeding machine. The clouds start to circle hundreds of miles away from the eye of the storm. The rain is something we don’t experience in Idaho, like during a hurricane,” he says.
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm with strong rain and winds, leaving behind destruction.
Winn says, “The most terrifying thing last night was that they had something like 127 tornado warnings and watches throughout Florida. When you’re out in that, the clouds are just on top of you. It’s a very eerie, suspenseful, dramatic feeling.”
Disaster Response’s catastrophe team specializes in property damage restoration. They are currently working on several active projects across impacted Florida communities, including Sarasota and Siesta Key.
Even with the challenges of facing back-to-back storms, their mobile branches are bringing essential tools and supplies to tackle flooding and other damage.
“Ya know, people are in need. They’re humans. They need help, and it’s just something I think is ingrained in us from a very early age, living in Idaho, enjoying Idaho and its blessings, and just being able to give back when we can,” Winn says.+
MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (CBS2) — A joint investigation by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Home Police Department has led to the arrest of a man accused of multiple sexual offenses in Elmore County and the city of Mountain Home.
An arrest warrant was issued on June 10, 2026, for Dillon Thorpe following an investigation conducted by Elmore County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Thorpe was taken into custody on June 11, 2026, on a warrant by the Idaho State Police.
Thorpe is charged with rape, child enticement, lewd conduct with a minor, and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16.
Authorities said additional details about the investigation will not be released at this time because of the nature of the crimes and to protect the privacy of victims and witnesses.
Law enforcement believes there may be additional suspected victims and/or witnesses who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information or evidence relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office or the Mountain Home Police Department to make a report.
DENVER (KDVR) — Three Colorado motorcyclists died on Tuesday in northern Idaho after a pickup truck driver, also from Colorado, hit all three while trying to pass another vehicle, according to the Idaho State Police.
The crash happened at about 4 p.m. Tuesday outside the town of Kooskia on U.S. 12, police said. The pickup truck driver, identified as a 60-year-old Colorado Springs woman, was headed west on the highway when she crossed the double yellow line in a no-passing zone while trying to pass another vehicle.
She then collided head-on with the three motorcycles that were headed east on the highway.
The three motorcyclists died at the scene. The Idaho County Coroner identified the motorcyclists as: Ethan Powers, 35, of Timnath, Jeremy Coleman, 45 of Berthoud, and Nathan McCormick, 26, of Loveland.
The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police later identified Coleman and Powers as a sergeant and deputy with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and McCormick as Coleman’s son-in-law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, coworkers, and the members of FOP Lodge 4 as they face the difficult days ahead,” the union said. “The law enforcement profession is built on service, sacrifice, and commitment to others. Sgt. Coleman and Deputy Powers dedicated their lives to protecting their community, and their impact will continue to be felt by those who had the privilege of serving alongside them.”
The truck driver was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being released then arrested. She was booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter, police said.
The following is a press release from the Idaho State Police:
The Idaho State Police (ISP) is investigating a three-fatality crash that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on U.S. Highway 12 near milepost 113 east of Kooskia.
The preliminary investigation indicates a 2019 Ford F-150 was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle in a marked no-passing zone. The pickup crossed the double yellow centerline and collided with three motorcycles traveling eastbound.
The three motorcyclists sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The 60-year-old female driver of the Ford, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Following her release, she was arrested and booked into the Idaho County Jail on probable cause for three counts of vehicular manslaughter.
The Idaho County Coroner’s Office will identify the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.
U.S. Highway 12 was closed for approximately six and one-half hours while emergency responders assisted at the scene and investigators processed evidence.
ISP was assisted by the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho County Coroner’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department, and local fire and EMS personnel.
The crash remains under investigation.
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