Idaho
From combat to construction: Union helps veteran build a new path in Idaho
BOISE, Idaho — For many Idaho construction workers, the path to a skilled career begins with personal struggle and transformation. One Iraq War veteran says joining the carpenters union helped him rebuild his life – and ultimately led him to one of the Treasure Valley’s biggest construction projects.
Private First Class Ryan Cullenward joined the U.S. Marine Corps just 10 days after graduating high school, motivated by the Sept. 11 attacks.
“Like, all right, well, it’s time for me to do that. So the second I could, I joined the delayed entry program. And then about 10 days after graduating high school, I was on my way. That was June 2003,” Cullenward said.
WATCH | Bronze Star Marine finds new purpose in Idaho construction—
From combat to construction: Union helps veteran build a new path in Idaho
He served four years, deployed to Iraq, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. After returning home, he says transitioning into civilian life was extremely difficult.
“Strange. Very different. That’s a lot slower pace, you know… It was just different,” he said.
After moving to Idaho, Cullenward said he found stability and support through the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
“I bought a house, a new truck, married, kid on the way, everything has been substantially better knowing that you have someone helping to ensure that you’re getting treated fairly… making sure that you have a pension to fall back on… So it’s all around been amazing,” Cullenward said.
Today, he works on Micron’s multi-billion-dollar semiconductor expansion in Boise — the largest job he has ever been part of.
“It’s very different… definitely the biggest job I’ve ever been on… It’s a great project and knowing it’s going to be around for a long time,” he said.
Union leaders say stories like Cullenward’s highlight the impact of training, benefits, and community.
“The benefits are training, structure, a brotherhood, first and foremost… good wages, benefits, and working conditions… and retire with dignity,” said Gil Ruxette of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Cullenward hopes other veterans and workers struggling to find direction consider the trades.
“You know, find out what you can… get in touch with the representative. They’ll show you the right way,” he said.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.
The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.
East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.
Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.
It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.
According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.
“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.
“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.
Important safety reminders:
Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.
Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.
Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.
Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.
K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.
The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.
Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.
“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”
Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.
“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.
-
Politics2 minutes agoVideo: Trump’s Counterterror Strategy Focuses on the Left
-
Science14 minutes agoVideo: Crowds Flood New York City Streets for First Day of Manhattanhenge
-
Lifestyle38 minutes agoTrump’s name must come off of the Kennedy Center, judge rules
-
Technology50 minutes agoAcer’s launching a Linux handheld for streaming your PC games
-
World56 minutes agoPentagon hosts first-ever Israeli–Lebanese military talks aimed at curbing Hezbollah
-
Politics1 hour agoFederal judge orders Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center, says only Congress can rename it
-
Health1 hour agoSingle infusion of controversial drug changed severe depression symptoms within hours, study finds
-
Sports1 hour ago2026 World Cup Odds: Spain Narrowly Favored Over France
