Idaho
Flags lowered statewide as Idaho honors former Governor Dirk Kempthorne’s life
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, a longtime Republican leader who served Idaho in local, state, and national office, died Friday evening in Boise, his family said.
In a statement released after his death, Kempthorne’s family said he died “surrounded by those he loved most.”
“Beyond his public service, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with family and the people he met along the way,” the family said. “He had a rare gift for truly seeing others — remembering names, stories, and the small details that made each person feel known and valued.”
The family said it is “heartbroken,” but also “deeply grateful — for the time we had with him and for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support we have received from across Idaho and the country.” The statement asked for privacy “as we grieve and celebrate his life together,” adding, “Please know how much your prayers, messages, and memories mean to us.”
Kempthorne served as the 30th governor of Idaho from 1999 to 2006 and represented Idaho in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. He later served as the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.
Gov. Brad Little ordered the State of Idaho and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff to honor Kempthorne. Flags will remain lowered until the day after Kempthorne’s memorial service, which has not yet been determined.
In a statement, Little said he and his wife, Teresa, were “deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Governor Dirk Kempthorne,” noting their friendship dated back to college, when they took the same state government class.
Little highlighted Kempthorne’s public service, including his time as Boise mayor, his tenure in the U.S. Senate, and his work as governor. “As Governor, Dirk left an enduring mark on our state,” Little said. “With Patricia’s steadfast partnership, he championed children and families, strengthened public education, and led transformational investments in our transportation system that will benefit Idahoans for generations.”
Little also pointed to Kempthorne’s national roles, including serving as chairman of the National Governors Association and later as interior secretary. “In that role, he never lost sight of Idaho or the West,” Little said. “He understood the value of our lands and worked tirelessly to steward them with care and respect.”
Little said Kempthorne continued advocating for military members and veterans after leaving office, “most recently championing the USS Idaho Virginia-class submarine.” Little called it “especially heartbreaking” that Kempthorne was unable to attend the submarine’s commissioning “this weekend.”
“To Patricia, Jeff, Heather, and their families, Teresa and I extend our heartfelt condolences,” Little said. “We join all Idahoans in honoring and celebrating a life of remarkable service to our state and our nation. Dirk’s legacy will endure for generations, and he will be deeply missed.”
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson’s statement: “Dirk Kempthorne was one of Idaho’s most distinguished public servants and my dear friend of over 40 years,” said Rep. Simpson. “Dirk’s career was a testament to selfless dedication, from the halls of local government as Mayor and Governor to national service as Senator and Secretary. I join Idahoans today in mourning the loss of Dirk, but also feel immense gratitude for his decades of service, loyalty, and the lasting impact he has had on Idaho and America. I am grateful for Dirk’s service to our state and nation, as well as his friendship all these years. To Patricia, his wife, and their children, Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”
SALMON — State officials are celebrating the grand opening of Idaho’s newest state park.
Twin Peaks Ranch State Park at 199 Twin Peaks Ranch Road between Challis and Salmon, opened in May. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recently acquired the 670-acre site from a private landowner and hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house on Saturday.
The park offers a variety of amenities, including 25 full-service cabins, a lodge and a restaurant. It also has a disc golf course, a rodeo arena and an equestrian center.
“We’ll be able to stage horseback tours out of that area,” Ryan Buffington, the department’s East Region manager who serves as the park’s spokesman,” told EastIdahoNews.com in May. “We’re working with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to designate an off-highway vehicle trailhead as well.”
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Two campgrounds are in development on the property for future use — one accommodating off-highway vehicles and the other catering to people on horseback.
Community members, local leaders and visitors across the state attended Saturday’s open house. Muzzie Braun from Challis-based band Braun Brothers Reunion was there, as was Salmon Back Country Horsemen Association. Multiple food vendors were there as well, including Water’s Edge Food Truck, and Taco Wagon Food Truck.
In a June 18 news release, Idaho Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton said she’s excited to celebrate the opening of Idaho’s 30th state park, and the 28th one under the department’s management.
“Opening Twin Peaks Ranch State Park marks a historic milestone for Idaho Parks and Recreation,” Buxton said. “This park serves as a gateway to endless outdoor recreation opportunities while creating a premier destination for visitors seeking adventure, relaxation and unforgettable experiences.”
Twin Peaks Ranch is the first newly acquired standalone state park in nearly 30 years. Thousand Springs in Gooding County, which is a natural discharge point for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, wasn’t recognized as an official state park until 2005. The designation merged four natural landmarks — Malad Gorge, Niagara Springs, Billingsley Creek and Ritter Island — into one unified site.
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Heyburn State Park, created in 1908, is Idaho’s oldest state park, according to the University of Idaho. The donation of the Harriman family’s 11,000-acre ranch to the State of Idaho in 1963 — what is now Harriman State Park — led to the creation of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
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Buffington says the Moore family sold the Twin Peaks Ranch property to the State of Idaho in October. They bought it in 2018. It began operating as a guest ranch in the 1990s, but had been a dude ranch for 40 years before that.
While there is evidence of early settlements on the property in the 1890s, Buffington says its definitive history begins in the 1950s. E. DuPont bought it, built five cabins and ran it as a dude ranch. It was sold to another private holding in the 1970s, and more amenities were added.
Buffington says multiple Moore family members were involved in the ranch when they bought it eight years ago. Many of them backed out over time, and managing it became “too challenging.” That’s what led the family to list it for sale.
The State of Idaho saw the listing and bought it from them. Buffington says they were thrilled with the idea of it becoming public property that everyone could enjoy.
“Twin Peaks Ranch State Park represents a significant investment in Idaho’s public lands and local communities. The project reflects IDPR’s mission to improve quality of life through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship while expanding public access to some of Idaho’s most scenic and unspoiled landscapes,” the news release says. “The park is expected to deliver lasting benefits to recreation, conservation, tourism, and community well-being for generations to come.”
Department officials say Twin Peaks Ranch State Park is ideal for corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions and other events. To make a reservation or learn more, call 208-894-2290 or visit the website.
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IDAHO FALLS (IdahoEdNews.org) — High school students in east Idaho are earning college credit with national recognition.
The College of Eastern Idaho’s Early College Program has achieved accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. The alliance is the nation’s only accrediting organization for programs that let high school students earn college credit.
The accreditation helps ensure the credits reflect traditional college courses for students. CEI partners with local school districts to ensure the program meets nationally recognized standards for the curriculum and student support.
The program served about 2,800 students in the 2025-26 school year. CEI was one of 10 institutions to receive initial accreditation in that time frame.
The program has grown about 20% annually over the past three years. The increase comes in part from additional partnerships with local schools and a higher demand for dual-enrollment courses.
CEI completed a comprehensive self-study and peer-review process, meeting all of the NACEP’s national standards.
The NACEP review team highlighted CEI’s strong instructional support and student advising department.
“We are proud to recognize programs that invest in this rigorous process and demonstrate their dedication to high standards in concurrent enrollment,” NACEP Director of Accreditation Andrea Roma said in a press release.
NACEP accreditation is valid for five years.
Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on June 26, 2026.
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What began as a handful of calls from Treasure Valley residents has grown into a rat problem that is exposing gaps in Idaho law and leaving homeowners to handle infestations largely on their own for at least another year.
Rats have been reported in the Treasure Valley since 2022, when Eagle residents started spotting Norway rats and roof rats in yards, under decks and near canals. Residents have also shared videos showing the rodents in their neighborhoods.
As the reports mounted, it became clear that no agency in Idaho is legally responsible for dealing with rats. The issue traces back to an 1868 legal doctrine known as Dillon’s Rule, which limits Idaho cities and counties to powers specifically granted by the state. Because rats are not mentioned in state law, local governments have no authority to act and no funding to do so.
During this legislative session, state lawmakers tried to change that. Senate Bill 1271 would have directed the Idaho Department of Agriculture to map infestations and coordinate a response across the Treasure Valley. The bill passed the Senate but later died in the House, with opponents arguing it was a local problem, not a state one.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says rats can spread diseases such as Plague and Salmonella through droppings, urine and bites.
With the Legislature out of session until next year, Sen. Nichols and Rep. John Gannon are pushing for action without waiting for a change in state law. This week, they sent a letter to local officials across the Treasure Valley urging cities, counties, irrigation districts and parks agencies to each designate a point person to help coordinate a response now.
The letter describes the situation as a public health, safety and property concern and warns that a coordinated effort now would be far less costly than a crisis later.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to seal vents, secure trash and call an exterminator if they see signs of rats. Nichols has said she fears that when lawmakers return next January, the problem will be harder and more expensive to solve.
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