BLACKFOOT — The Idaho Department of Water Resources has filed a lawsuit against a farming couple, seeking $21,000 in civil penalties and a permanent injunction after they allegedly continued irrigating 70 acres despite a state order to stop.

The Idaho Office of the Attorney General, on behalf of the IDWR, says Jerry and Valerie Bingham are violating a July 25 order that curtailed groundwater rights with priority dates after Oct. 11, 1900, according to court records the Idaho State Journal recently obtained.

Seventh District Judge Darren B. Simpson granted the IDWR's request for a temporary restraining order on Monday, prompting the Binghams to voluntarily shut off their wells to avoid contempt of court charges.

"This ends the farm"

For Jerry Bingham, the lawsuit threatens to destroy a

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