Idaho

Nampa's first Downtown Wine Festival

Published

2 years ago

September 27, 2024

NAMPA, Idaho — Nampa had its inaugural Downtown Wine Fest in 2024. I met with people in the wine community to learn how the art is growing in Idaho.

Local wine lounge owner Andrew Medina told us, “I’m starting to see, the last two years, more people popping their heads in, more people walking the streets in Downtown Nampa on 13th Street, on 1st Street.”
Local winery Veer Wine Project opened in 2016 and has grown quickly, opening two locations since the founding of the label in 2016.
“People moving here that know wine because of the industry of the states that they came from.”

(Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)

Yet another sign of Nampa’s growth. 2024 marks the city of Nampa’s inaugural Downtown Wine Festival. Just around the corner from Lloyd Square Park is Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge. Andrew Medina opened Swirl nearly three years ago.

“What has the change and growth look like in the patronage look like for you in that time?” I asked.

Medina responded, “I’ve already had a nice following working out at the wineries for the last 10 years. Now I’m starting to see, the last two years, more people popping their heads in, more people walking the streets in Downtown Nampa on 13th Street, on 1st Street. With more businesses opening up you’re just seeing more traffic down here.”

It’s not just small business doing well in Nampa. Idaho wineries are beginning to make it big. Idaho Wine Commission data shows the number of wineries in the Gem State have grown 25% since 2017 to 65 total wineries. The workforce nearly doubling, and they expect it to continue.

The IWC sent me a message saying, “Most people don’t know that Idaho settlers first planted wine grapes and produced wine here in the 1860s, and today we have more than 65 wineries. The Idaho Wine Commission envisions significant growth in both the number of wineries and the quality of Idaho wines over the next 5 to 10 years. The state’s unique climate, with its high desert conditions and distinct terroir positions Idaho wines to continue standing out in the local and national market.”

Notoriety has been bolstered by consistent awards at local and national wine competitions, positive reviews in prominent wine publications and word-of-mouth from tourists and locals discovering Idaho’s wine industry. The growth of wine tourism in Idaho has further helped elevate the state’s reputation. As more wine lovers visit the state and share their experiences, Idaho wine has steadily built its presence in the market, and its reputation as an emerging wine region continues to gain momentum.”

“This is amazing for a town the size of Nampa to be able to sponsor a prestigious kind of event,” said wine festival guest Kathy Lacina.

Idaho is beginning to put itself on the map with vintners.

Lacina adds on, “It’s actually starting to make a name for itself. We have begun to have some really outstanding wineries and wine selections.”

And Idaho has the data to back that up. Local winery Veer Wine Project opened in 2016 and has grown quickly.

“It’s been a lot of growth very quickly and then [we] opened the Caldwell tasting room in 2021 and expanded to Garden City just this spring in March we opened there so lots of rapid growth,” Veer Operations Manager Cheyenne Zumstein explained.

“It’s totally changed with the population growth. People moving here that know wine because of the industry of the states that they came from,” Medina concluded.

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Idaho

Two dead after overdosing on fentanyl in Idaho Falls

Published

8 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Two dead after overdosing on fentanyl in Idaho Falls

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.

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Idaho

Idaho City woman arrested after meth was found during traffic stop

Published

20 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Press Room

Idaho City woman arrested after meth was found during traffic stop

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.

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Idaho

Ford Idaho Center to host first amphitheater season kickoff party before Zimmerman show

Published

1 day ago

May 28, 2026

Press Room

Ford Idaho Center to host first amphitheater season kickoff party before Zimmerman show

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.”

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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.

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