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Articles by Noah Fishman
Bellevue man charged with felony DUIs
Bellevue man Joshua Commons is facing criminal charges and a lawsuit after allegedly striking another vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol. According to an Aug.
The cooking of the sheep
Sheep will trot down Ketchum’s Main Street during Sunday’s Big Sheep Parade, but they could trot in a different form across your tastebuds, too. In addition to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival’s annual For the Love of Lamb event—a Friday tasting extravaganza during which participants visit locations around downtown Ketchum to try samples of a variety of lamb dishes—professional chefs will teach classes on a variety of different lamb dishes.
Hailey man sentenced for explicit material
Hailey man Cesar Castanos, 45, has been sentenced to jail and probation for willfully possessing or accessing child sexually exploitative material, a felony. Castanos was arrested in March 2025, the Express previously reported. He was represented by attorneys Wen-Ying Angela Chang and Josh Stanek. He accepted a guilty plea agreement from Blaine County Prosecutor Matthew Fredback. As part of the deal, Fredback recommended penalties lower than the maximums allowed under Idaho code.
Couple sentenced for petit theft
Ashly Endicott-Correia, 31, and Lacoby Zamora, 26, both of Carey, have been sentenced to probation for misdemeanor petit theft after they sold a vehicle they did not own. Endicott-Correia and Zamora were initially charged with felony altering or forging a certificate in February after they sold the vehicle in question in November 2025.
Hailey to hold meetings on fire annexation measure
The city of Hailey this month will host two informational meetings discussing the city’s Nov. 3 ballot question asking voters if they wish to be annexed into the BC South Fire Protection District. The first meeting will take place in-person at Hailey City Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, and the second meeting will be held on Zoom at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. A link for the Zoom meeting will be posted on the city’s informational ballot measure webpage, haileyfirefacts.org.
Complaint: Hoverboard caused Ketchum house fire
Plaintiff State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance has filed a lawsuit for damages against multiple businesses after an allegedly defective hoverboard, an electric, scooter-like device, caught fire and burned a Ketchum home on Sept. 25, 2024. The home in question was located at 105 Telemark Road and belonged to Brayton and Morgan Gove, according to State Farm’s complaint. In its complaint, filed Sept.
Hailey reports summer water savings
Hailey’s water surcharges and water conservation program will come to an end on Oct. 22. Numbers show that the city decreased its water use this summer. In total, 80 households participated in the water conservation incentive program, which began at the end of May. Fifty-two participants entered the city’s water use reduction program, 15 participants chose to undergo the permanent irrigation decrease and 13 people underwent the irrigation audit.
Woodside structure fire quelled
At approximately 6:10 p.m. on Sunday, multiple fire agencies received a call about and responded to a burning structure on Woodside Boulevard in Hailey. Blaine County Fire & Rescue Media Relations Director Lenny Joseph told the Express that about 30 firefighters from Blaine County Fire & Rescue, the Sun Valley Fire Department and the Bellevue Fire Department fought the blaze. He said that the fire was accidental and began outside on a deck on the building's south side.
Ketchum man accepts plea deal
Ketchum man Michael Shanks, 60, has been sentenced to jail time, probation, fines and community service for multiple misdemeanor charges following an April arrest. Shanks was initially charged with felony possession of marijuana, misdemeanor excessive driving under the influence and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia use or possession with intent to use. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges at his arraignment on June 1, the Express previously reported. On Aug.
Bellevue man deported amid felony proceedings
Luis Ponce Juarez, 28, of Bellevue, was deported following a February arrest for felony controlled substance possession and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession. Ponce Juarez was represented by public defender Richard Roats and pleaded not guilty to both charges at his arraignment on March 16, the Express previously reported.
Sawtooth National Forest plans prescribed burns
This fall the Sawtooth National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed burns in the Ketchum Ranger District and Sawtooth National Recreation Area. A press release last week from Sawtooth National Forest spokesperson Jessica Maddock stated that crews will likely burn leftover timber from “contract work” in the Ketchum Ranger District. “These areas may close to the public for several days for public safety,” the release stated.
Report: Higher temps more likely through December
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts last week released a three-month climate outlook covering October, November and December and offering a first look at expected temperature and precipitation patterns at the start of ski season.
Woman sentenced for grand theft
Kea Koleno, 52, of Ketchum, was sentenced to jail time and probation for felony grand theft. Koleno was arrested on July 28, 2025, after allegedly stealing over $10,000 from a Ketchum food and beverage establishment through fraudulent withdrawals over roughly 16 months, the Express previously reported. She was represented by attorney Anthony Valdez of Valdez Law Office, PLLC, and pleaded not guilty to the felony grand theft charge at her arraignment on Dec. 15, 2025.
Boise man sentenced to probation
Boise man Nicolas Brown has been sentenced to jail time and probation for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in addition to driving under the influence. Brown was initially charged with two counts of felony controlled substance possession, one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence, one count of misdemeanor use or intent to use drug paraphernalia and one count of misdemeanor possession of marijuana following a Nov. 18 arrest. One of the felony charges was removed on Feb.
Bellevue man sentenced for domestic violence
Jorge Siuce Castro, 44, of Bellevue, has been sentenced to two years of probation for misdemeanor domestic violence without traumatic injury against a household member. Siuce Castro was arrested on March 8 after allegedly choking and shoving a victim on March 7, according to a probable cause for arrest affidavit from Bellevue Marshal’s Office Deputy Marshal Emanuel Marin. His bond was set at $25,000 by 5th District Magistrate Judge Jennifer Haemmerle on March 9 and was not posted.
Hailey estimates fire district tax impact
The city of Hailey will soon launch an effort to educate voters about a ballot measure asking them if they want the city to join a fire district consolidating multiple valley agencies or continue operating a municipal fire department. The ballot measure will ask if Hailey should be made part of the BC South Fire Protection District, which will exist as its own district until Oct. 1. BC South and the Ketchum Fire District recently voted to consolidate and as of Oct.
Ohio Fire burn scar under flash flood warning
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for areas near the Ohio Fire's burn scar. The flooding is expected as a result of heavy rain, which is expected to fall at a rate of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour. The warning was issued at 9:08 a.m. and states that "flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly" and is "life threatening." Flooding will cause debris to flow through the scar, according to the warning.
Bellevue to celebrate Hispanic heritage
Bellevue will hold its fourth annual Hispanic heritage festival on Saturday. This year marks the the second time the festival has taken place in Bellevue Memorial Park. Founder and organizer Herbert Romero told the Express the festivities will feature dancing, singing, food vendors and stalls from local businesses. Hispanic Heritage Month, which honors and celebrates the culture of Hispanic and Latino people, is Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
Ketchum man sentenced for drug paraphernalia
Marshall Rawlings, 61, of Ketchum, has been sentenced to probation and community service for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested by Blaine County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniela Vargas on Oct. 2 after allegedly being found with an amber cylinder containing cocaine in his vehicle. Rawlings initially pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Jan. 26. Rawlings later accepted a deal and pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge on March 30.
Hailey man sentenced for domestic battery
Samuel Ramirez-De La Cruz, 39, of Hailey, has been sentenced to probation for felony battery domestic violence inflicting traumatic injury. Ramirez-De La Cruz was arrested on Sept. 28 after allegedly pushing, choking, and shoving a victim to the ground, according to a probable cause for arrest affidavit from Blaine County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brittanee Rasmussen. At the time he was charged with felony domestic battery with traumatic injury and felony attempted strangulation.
Crews quash small fire near Triumph
Early Thursday morning, the Sun Valley Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service doused a small fire just off Hyndman Creek Road roughly 3.7 miles northeast of Triumph. The agencies received a report about the fire at approximately 5:27 a.m., said Sun Valley Fire Chief Taan Robrahn. One engine from Sun Valley and one engine from the Forest Service responded with ground crews.
Rep. Rodney Creech, who faced child sex abuse charges, on local ballot
Republican state Rep. Rodney Creech represents the Ohio House's 40th District, which includes a northern portion of Butler County. Some Butler County residents will get to decide whether to re-elect an Ohio House representative who was removed from his committees last year after allegations resurfaced of sexual misconduct with a minor. Republican state Rep.
Former teacher invents recovery device
Zachary Manta, a Wood River Valley resident who formerly taught seventh- and eighth-grade science at the Sun Valley Community School, has invented an all-in-one cold, contrast and heat device designed to speed up recovery and ease soreness. “Heating, cooling and contrast have been perhaps the most ancient and universal healing tools across the world,” Manta said.
Water concerns raised ahead of Blaine Crossing open house
As an open house covering the proposed Blaine Crossing development draws near, some valley residents have raised concerns over how the developers plan to exercise the property’s existing water rights and what impact it would have on the rest of the community. If it moves forward, the development would be built on Flying Hat Ranch land between Hailey and Bellevue and could feature a mix of uses including residential housing, commercial space, industrial space and a hotel.
Boise man sentenced for forgery
Luis Ayala, 63, of Boise, has been sentenced to three years on probation after attempting to deposit false checks. Ayala was originally charged with two counts of felony forgery, the Express previously reported. He initially pleaded not guilty to all charges but ultimately accepted a deal from Blaine County Prosecutor Matt Fredback. As part of the deal, one of Ayala's forgery charges was dismissed and he pleaded guilty to the other.
Hailey Hispanic Heritage Festival returns
The Hailey Hispanic Heritage Festival will kick off Saturday morning, offering food, dance, musical performances and even a car show. Herbert Romero, the founder and organizer of the festival, described it as similar to a farmers market, featuring Mexican, Salvadoran, Peruvian and American food vendors as well as stalls from local businesses and organizations.
Hailey Hispanic Heritage Festival returns
The Hailey Hispanic Heritage Festival will kick off Saturday morning, offering food, dance, musical performances and even a car show. Herbert Romero, the founder and organizer of the festival, described it as similar to a farmers market, featuring Mexican, Salvadoran, Peruvian and American food vendors as well as stalls from local businesses and organizations.
Highway reopened after 2-car crash
A two-vehicle collision Wednesday morning forced the closure of a short stretch of northbound state Highway 75 just north of the Elkhorn Road intersection. Northbound traffic was diverted onto Elkhorn Road. The Ketchum Police Department responded to the accident at 8:30 a.m., according to a statement shared by Ketchum spokeswoman Amanda Anderson that she said should be attributed to the Ketchum Police Department.
Hailey woman sentenced for assault
Tania Ward, 31, of Hailey, was sentenced to probation and community service for misdemeanor assault-domestic violence and misdemeanor injury to a child. Ward was arrested by Hailey Police Officer Adrian Gonzalez on Nov. 8 after she allegedly charged another person with a knife in the presence of children, according to a probable cause for arrest affidavit. At the time she was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or instrument and misdemeanor injury to a child.
Ketchum man accepts plea deal
Angel Renojo Alejo, 34, of Ketchum, accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to two years of supervised probation. Renojo Alejo was arrested in November and charged with felony battery on a police officer, misdemeanor driving without privileges and misdemeanor driving under the influence, the Express previously reported. On Dec. 15, Renojo Alejo pleaded not guilty to the three charges.
Bellevue woman sentenced for burglary
Orion Brewer, 28, of Bellevue, has been sentenced for burglary. Brewer was originally charged with felony burglary, felony malicious injury to property, felony destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence and misdemeanor petit theft after allegedly vandalizing and breaking into a person’s car, stealing clothes and personal items and tearing down personal surveillance cameras, the Express previously reported.
'Luckiest girl in the world': Sue Noel reflects on experience as first woman to help brake the Big Hitch
Sue Noel was the first woman to serve as a brakeman on the Big Hitch, the chain of authentic ore wagons that serves as the finale in Ketchum’s iconic annual Wagon Days parade. She says the experience is worthy of inclusion in her obituary. The 23-year Atkinsons’ Market employee referred to herself in an interview as “the luckiest girl in the world” with “the best job in the state of Idaho.” She first visited Ketchum in 1970 and fell in love immediately.
Sun Valley man sentenced for DUI
Michael Pogue, 58, of Sun Valley, was sentenced to probation and jail time for misdemeanor driving under the influence. He was arrested on Sept. 10, 2025, after allegedly driving with a suspended license and blowing two breath tests showing blood-alcohol concentrations of 0.083 and 0.084. Pogue was initially charged with felony driving under the influence and misdemeanor driving without privileges and pleaded not guilty to both charges at his arraignment on Jan. 26.
The work behind the wagons
Ketchum’s annual Wagon Days parade, featuring the iconic Big Hitch, is rolling closer day by day. Residents and visitors alike are starstruck by the Big Hitch as it trundles down Sun Valley Road and Main Street every year. But what happens behind the scenes to get the Big Hitch’s six enormous, authentic ore wagons, estimated to be around 6,000 pounds each, rolling? The Wagon Days parade began in 1958, stalled out in 1969, was reborn in 1976 and continues to this day.
Man in custody for allegedly fleeing police
Diego Sarao-Cruz, 22, has been taken into custody for allegedly fleeing or attempting to elude police, a felony. Sarao-Cruz was held in the Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center as of press time Tuesday. A transport order was issued by 5th District Magistrate Judge Jennifer Haemmerle last week, and Sarao-Cruz has an initial appearance before Haemmerle scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the Douglas Kramer Judicial Building in Blaine County.
Blaine Crossing developers to hold open house
The Boise-based Oppenheimer Development Corp. is set to hold an open house this month on its proposed Blaine Crossing development, which it hopes to construct on Flying Hat Ranch east of state Highway 75 between Hailey and Bellevue. The project would include a mix of uses, with both workforce and market-rate housing.
Wildhorse Fire contained
Update: 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31: The Wildhorse Fire is fully contained, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service reported Sunday evening. "An infrared flight was flown over the fire yesterday evening and showed no heat on the fire perimeter," the agency stated on Facebook. "Crews continued to strengthen and improved containment lines today. Over the next few days dust devils from the ash and variable winds will be visible." Update: 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug.
Canyon County man accepts plea deal
Jason Poe, 58, of Greenleaf, has been sentenced for felony controlled substance possession. Poe was arrested on Nov. 10 after a Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputy found methamphetamine on his person and methamphetamine paraphernalia in his car, according to probable cause affidavit. At the time he was also charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor driving under the influence. Poe initially pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment Jan. 12.
Greenleaf man accepts plea deal
Jason Poe, 58, of Greenleaf, has been sentenced for felony controlled substance possession. Poe was arrested on Nov. 10 after a Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputy found methamphetamine on his person and methamphetamine paraphernalia in his car, according to probable cause affidavit. At the time he was also charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor driving under the influence. Poe initially pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment Jan. 12.
Bellevue man accepts plea deal
Robert Severe, 52, of Bellevue, has been sentenced to two years of supervised probation for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Severe was arrested on Sept. 3 after Blaine County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Allen Compton and Cpl. Justin Madrid found methamphetamine in his vehicle, according to a probable cause for arrest affidavit filed by Compton. He was charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and felony controlled substance use.
Wildhorse Fire battle continues
The Wildhorse Fire, ignited by lightning Monday, had scorched more than 74,000 acres south of Carey as of press time Thursday as crews continued aerial and ground firefighting operations.
Wildhorse Fire burns more than 74,000 acres
Update: 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 The Wildhorse Fire has burned 74,316 acres, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Update: 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 U.S. Wildland Fire Service Information Officer Adam Leija said that crews made dozer lines on the east side of the fire Wednesday night, and the plan for today is to work north with dozers and continue burn operations on the east side of the fire.
BC South under Stage 1 fire restrictions
The BC South Fire Protection District has ordered that all private property within the district follow Stage 1 fire restrictions, which limit open flames, explosives and smoking. The district covers areas to the east and west of state Highway 75 just south of Gimlet, areas west of Hailey, areas east of Bellevue and areas north of Gannett.
Bellevue woman sentenced for drug paraphernalia
Pamela Harris, 67, of Bellevue, has been sentenced to community service and probation for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Harris was initially also charged with felony controlled substance possession, the Express previously reported. However, in February, the Blaine County Prosecutor's Office filed an amended criminal complaint dropping the felony due to plea negotiations, according to a motion to remand jurisdiction to magistrate court.
South Carey residents evacuated due to Wildhorse Fire
Update: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26: U.S. Wildland Fire Service fire information officer Adam Leija told the Express that cooler evening temperatures were helping to calm the fire. He said that a containment percentage an estimated time to full containment were still to be determined.
Wildhorse fire prompts evacuation order for southeast Carey zone
The roughly 45,000-acre Wildhorse Fire, which began on Monday due to lightning, has led to the closure of U.S. Highway 26 between Richfield and Carey and prompted the Blaine County Sheriff's Office to issue an evacuation order for some residents of the Carey area. At 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service's Great Basin Division reported that the fire had jumped Highway 93 near the Bear Tracks Williams fishing and boating access site, forcing the highway to close.
Twin Falls man sentenced for felony DUI
Benjamin Saenz, 38, of Twin Falls, has pleaded guilty to and received a sentence for felony driving under the influence. Saenz was arrested on Nov. 20, 2025, after he was stopped in his vehicle and failed sobriety and breathalyzer tests, according to a probable cause for arrest affidavit from a Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Forest Service dust abatement to close roads Wednesday
The U.S. Forest Service will be conducting dust abatement efforts in the Sawtooth National Forest on Wednesday. Dust abatement is a process of spraying water and chemical mixtures on the ground to diminish dust particles and their scattering. The Forest announced the work and closures in a Friday post on Facebook. The application of the mixture is set to last from 6:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., and crews will work consecutively on Greenhorn Road, Corral Creek Road, Adams Trailhead and Fox Trailhead.
Device on power pole sparked fire near U.S. 20 last week
A fire broke out near mile marker 198 on U.S. Highway 20 west of Carey last week and was put out about 12 hours after it ignited. Carey Rural Fire District Chief Richard Kimball said that the fire, which ignited on Tuesday, Aug. 18, began because a device on an Idaho Power Co. pole sparked and started a fire at the base of pole. The Carey Rural Fire District, Blaine County Fire & Rescue District and Bellevue Fire Department responded to the fire, Kimball said.
Michigan man acquitted of lewd conduct
A jury on July 16 found Kyle Riffle, 42, of Marquette, Michigan, not guilty of felony lewd conduct with a minor under 16 years of age. Riffle was arrested on Sept. 4 after three witnesses alleged that he sexually assaulted a 4-year-old child at a hot springs site in Blaine County the previous day, the Express previously reported.
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