Idaho
Buc-ee’s discussed opening its westernmost location yet
Keith Urban puts on free, ‘loose’ show for fans at Buc-ee’s store
Country star Keith Urban surprised fans at an Alabama Buc-ee’s with a pop-up concert that drew out hundreds of spectators.
Buc-ee’s has explored the possibility of expanding to Idaho in a move that would give the Texas-based travel center its westernmost location.
City officials in Meridian, Idaho met with Buc-ee’s representatives on June 12 to discuss the potential of opening a travel center in the city, Meridian Economic Development Administrator Curtis Calder told USA TODAY. However, Buc-ee’s has not submitted an application for the project.
Though plans for an Idaho Buc-ee’s are still hypothetical, Buc-ee’s fans online are already eager for the travel center to hit their state. In a heartfelt TikTok video posted on July 9, a woman is told Buc-ee’s may expand to Idaho in which she covers her mouth in disbelief.
Buc-ee’s did not wish to comment when contacted by USA TODAY on Friday, July 18.
Buc-ee’s continues to expand national footprint
Buc-ee’s, a travel center known for its long-line of gas pumps, large restrooms and beaver-themed merchandise, was established in Texas by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III in 1982, per the Buc-ee’s website. Over the past 40-plus years, Aplin has lead the opening of more than 50 locations, which started in Texas and then began to branch throughout the South, Midwest and now are creeping to the West.
An expansion into Idaho would mark the chain’s westernmost location, which is currently positioned in Berthoud, Colorado.
Shoppers recently celebrated the grand opening of Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s location, which opened its doors in Mount Crawford on June 30. That location opened just one day before another new store in in Brunswick, on Georgia’s southeast coast.
Other states with Buc-ee’s locations include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Idaho
Idaho State Police arrest Dillon Thorpe on rape, child enticement charges in Elmore County
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.
Idaho
3 Colorado motorcyclists killed in Idaho crash; Colorado driver arrested
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.
Idaho
ISP: Three motorcyclists killed in Idaho County crash
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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