Watsonville landfill reopens Tuesday with a ceremony and more space

KION on April 15, 2025

Jeanette Bent

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The City of Watsonville celebrated the reopening of its landfill Tuesday morning after announcing the completion of Cell 4, allowing the site to fully reopen.

The site, located at 730 San Andreas Road, was closed back in 2018 after Cell 3 reached capacity, according to the City of Watsonville.

The city says that this reopening will save $1.8 million annually after they had to transport waste 20 miles south to Marina. They are also saying that this new move will ensure long-term waste management solutions by Cell 4 serving the community for the next 25 years before being capped and transitioning to Cell 5 (which is expected to last another 50 years).

“This is a significant milestone,” said City of Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco. “Reopening the landfill strengthens our ability to manage waste locally, keeping costs down for residents and ensuring a more sustainable future.”

The city says that they received a $6 million Infrastructure State Revolving Fund loan to work on the 7.1-acre project. This included excavation, grading, drainage enhancements, new access roads, scale upgrades and a trash compactor.

“This project is a great example of how effective asset management serves as a longterm investment in our City’s future,” said Public Works and Utilities Director Courtney Lindberg. “By managing and disposing of our waste locally, we’re making operations more efficient, keeping rates stable, and reducing our impact on the local environment.”

The city says that Cell 4 will process around 60 tons of solid waste daily with recycling and organics continuing to be processed in Marina.

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Police provide gun locks to prevent accidents like one that killed Manitou Springs 4-year-old

KRDO on April 15, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On Tuesday, the Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) announced it will be offering free handgun locks to residents. MSPD says it’s part of its ongoing commitment to firearm safety.

The department says the locks are available on a first come, first served basis. They can be picked up at the police department window at 606 Manitou Ave.

Police say one of the main goals is to prevent accidents. Just a few years ago, a 4-year-old child shot and killed himself in Manitou Springs after his family reportedly left a loaded gun in the front seat of the car.

Ultimately, the mother of the child pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death and criminally negligent homicide in 2022. Prosecutors said her son’s death could have been prevented.

PAST COVERAGE: Parents arrested, face child abuse charges after 4-year-old dies from self-inflicted gunshot

Manitou Springs Police Chief Bill Otto said it was a tragic situation.

“A loaded firearm where a young child can get ahold of it. Nothing good is going to happen. Nothing at all,” said Manitou Springs Police Chief Bill Otto.

The 4-year-old’s death happened in the parking lot of a marijuana dispensary. According to court documents, the boy’s father went in to buy marijuana and left a loaded gun in an open dashboard cubby. The boy’s mother, Ashlynne Perez, was in the car when her 4-year-old unbuckled from his car seat and crawled to the front; court documents say Perez turned away and heard a bang. 

“Unfortunately, that poor little child and his family paid the price,” said Otto.

The charge against the father was dismissed, and the case was closed, according to Colorado Court records. The mother, Ashlynne Perez, was sentenced to one year in prison and two years of probation after she pleaded guilty to two charges following her 4-year-old son’s death.

“If that handgun lock, was on that that firearm, that accident would not have happened,” said Otto.

Police Chief Bill Otto is encouraging community members and parents alike to come get a free lock for a simple fix that could save a little one’s life. 

“It’s important to us in a way that we do not have to respond to a kid that has accidentally got ahold of mom and dad’s gun and shot themselves or someone else. As we all know, kids are inquisitive. They’re curious. They see the guns lying around. They want to pick them up. They want to play with them. They have no idea how it can be so dangerous in the finality of it if they accidentally shoot themselves,” explained the police chief.

MORE DETAILS: Manitou Springs Police Department offering free handgun locks

“We discovered we have about 30 to 40 extra gun locks they can use for handguns, long rifles, shotguns. Instead of leaving them sitting around, we might as well put them to good use and give them to our community if they want them. All they have to do is come by first come, first serve, and they can have a free gun lock,” Chief Otto added.

MSPD shared these photos of the handgun locks available.

Source: MSPD

Source: MSPD

“If anybody, anybody, whether or not, they’ve used firearms before or they have no clue on how these things work, come down. There will be an officer around that can show them how the firearm works, whether it be a rifle, again, a shotgun, or a handgun. We’ll take the time, and we’ll make sure they understand the basics of how to handle that firearm and the lock to go along with that,” said Chief Otto.

Chief Otto also explained that he is more than happy to order more handgun locks if there’s a demand in the community.

Longtime TV game show host Wink Martindale dies at 91 in Rancho Mirage

KESQ on April 15, 2025

City News Service

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Wink Martindale, who became one of the most well-known and recognized television game show hosts of his generation by helming programs such as “Tic-Tac-Dough,” “High Rollers” and “Trivial Pursuit,” died today at age 91.

According to a statement from his family, Martindale died in Rancho Mirage “surrounded by his family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale.”

No cause of death was given.   

Born Winston Conrad Martindale in Tennessee in 1933, Martindale started working as a disc jockey in Jackson, Tennessee, at age 17, then moved on to WHBQ in Memphis. He he made some rock n’ roll history by helping to arrange for Elvis Presley to visit the station and give his first-ever radio interview after it played the singer’s debut record “That’s All Right” in 1954.

Martindale moved to Los Angeles in 1959, working at KHJ radio, then taking over the morning show at KRLA and eventually KFWB radio. He also had stints at stations including KGIL, KKGO, KMPC, KABC and KJQI.   

He made his first foray into television while still in Memphis, leading the children’s show “Mars Patrol” and later “Teenage Dance Party,” on which Presley also appeared in 1956.

But he scored his first major gig by hosting NBC’s “What’s This Song?” in 1964. That led to more than 20 other hosting gigs, including shows such as “Words and Music,” “Gambit,” “The Last Word,” “Instant Recall” and, most notably, “Tic-Tac-Dough,” which he hosted for about a decade, ending in 1985.

After leaving that program, he helped create and produce the game show “Headline Chasers” in association with Merv Griffin, although the show was short-lived.

He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006, and flowers will be placed on the star Tuesday evening in his memory.   

Martindale is survived by his wife Sandra, sister Geraldine, daughters Lisa, Lyn and Laura, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

‘We’re sorry to tell you…’: Customers learn Rite Aid on Bend’s south end will be closing later this month

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: New video and reactions)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of Rite Aid pharmacy customers on the south end of Bend got the upsetting news in person or by mail this week: The store at 700 SE Third Street will be closing later this month. 

“We appreciate your loyalty,” the letters begin. “We’re sorry to tell you we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close your Rite Aid at 700 SE Third Street in Bend on 4/29/25.” 

“What an honor it has been to care for you and your health and well-being,” the message continues. “Please accept our heartfelt thanks.” 

Starting on April 30, former Rite Aid customers will have their prescriptions available at the Fred Meyer Pharmacy on South Highway 97. 

Until the store closes, customers can speak with their Rite Aid pharmacist with any questions, or tell them if they’d prefer their prescriptions be sent to a different store. 

The closure will leave Bend with one Rite Aid, on Northeast Third Street. 

“We know you have choices when it comes to pharmacies, and we appreciate that you entrusted us with your health,” the letter concludes, closing: “Take Care, Your Pharmacy Team.” 

KTVZ News has reached out to Rite Aid officials for more information and will update as we learn more.

CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have all been closing stores in recent years due to several factors, including rising competition, lower reimbursement rates for prescriptions and shifting consumer habits. 

Last summer, Rite Aid, which declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023, announced 11 Oregon store closures, from Portland and Salem to Florence and Milton-Freewater. By last fall, it had closed 800 stores for a total of about 1,300. 

ZZ Top joins the Port’s summer concert lineup

KIFI on April 15, 2025

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has announced additional U.S. dates, continuing their Elevation Tour across the continent and the globe. The Texas trio will be visiting Australia and New Zealand this summer before returning to North America for even more performances, including a stop at The Port (Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre) of Pocatello, Thursday, August 14. They will be joined along the way by various support acts, including Night Ranger, Payton Smith, and Black Stone Cherry.

ZZ Top has been at it for well over a half century, delivering rock, blues, and boogie on stage and in studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ Top is globally recognized with their beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars, and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language.

As a touring outfit, they’ve been without peer over the past five decades, having performed before millions of fans over four continents and have been the subject of their own Grammy-nominated documentary titled That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. The band’s Billy F Gibbons commented, “We love getting out there and turning it up, so we’re excited about these new dates because this tour’s been a great ride so far, and we don’t want it to end anytime soon.”

They have sold millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Keith Richards, no less), and have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms. They are true rock icons, and against all odds, they’re really just doing what they’ve always done. ZZ Top abides!

Tickets for The Port are available via ETIX, Friday, April 18, at 10AM MT

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield to hold May 3 federal oversight forum in Bend, joined by three local lawmakers

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Attorney General Dan Rayfield continues to hold federal oversight forums, with the next stop planned for Bend on Saturday, May 3rd. Joining AG Rayfield will be state Senator Anthony Broadman, Representatives Jason Kropf and Emerson Levy.

Here’s the rest of Tuesday’s announcement:

This is an opportunity to hear from organizations and people facing big impacts because of federal cuts, as well a chance to hear from the public about what they’re experiencing and time for Q&A.

“Last week, we heard from Oregonians who are scared, confused and angry,” Rayfield said. “They’re worried about not getting their social security payments. Organizations that help with food assistance and healthcare are scrambling after learning about major funding cuts. We want to travel the state to hear directly from those impacted and send a message: Oregon won’t be silent while the Trump administration plays political games with people’s lives.”

Rayfield held town halls in both Eugene in Portland last week. It’s part of a series of community impact hearings organized by state attorneys general to address the effects of federal actions and executive orders issued by President Trump.

The town hall will feature a panel of speakers from different areas impacted by the cuts, including food assistance programs, public health and safety, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, fired federal workers and more. There will be an open forum for attendees to share their stories and ask questions.

Event Details:Date: May 3rd, 2025Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: OSU Cascades Campus, Edward J. Ray Hall – Atrium

For public who wish to attend, please click here to RSVP.

Man dies while hiking Manitou Incline

KRDO on April 15, 2025

Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Officials with Manitou Springs say a 64-year-old man died on Tuesday morning while attempting to climb the Manitou Incline.

Officials say members of the Manitou Springs Fire Department responded a little after 10 a.m. for reports of a man in distress.

When first responders arrived, they said people nearby were already performing CPR. The victim was roughly 150 to 200 steps up the incline, officials said.

While an official cause of death has not been released, city officials sent the following statement:

“Many visitors underestimate the impact of our altitude and rugged conditions, especially in areas like the Incline.  Manitou Springs would like to remind everyone to take the incline slow, stay hydrated and know your personal limits.”

UM Curators to address expected $22 million loss in NIH grant money at Thursday meeting

KMIZ on April 15, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Among the many items on Thursday’s agenda, the University of Missouri Board of Curators will discuss a possible loss of federal money.

The Board will hear an update for the fiscal year 2026 budget. Meeting documents state that impending federal funding cuts could result in a $22 million loss of National Institutes of Health grants. The cuts could impact all colleges in the university’s system.  

Money toward university are among the items that could be impacted in next year’s federal budget, as the Trump administration looks to make more cuts. President Donald Trump previously tried freezing NIH research funding around the country before it was blocked by a judge. Trump has since targeted funding at several universities.

Documents from the meeting agenda also state federal cuts could impact federal grants, Pell Grants, federal appropriations and land grant applications, all of which totals more than $300 million for the UM system.

2025.04.17 Board of Curators Meeting BookDownload

Callaway County Sheriff’s Office identifies woman killed in weekend shooting

KMIZ on April 15, 2025

Ryan Shiner

Editor’s note: The victim’s age was updated after the sheriff’s office updated the age on its Facebook post.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Callaway County Sheriff’s Office has identified the woman killed in a Sunday  shooting in Holts Summit.

The sheriff’s office wrote in a Tuesday social media post that the victim is Kara Dills, 37, of Holts Summit.

“Investigators have now confirmed that two individuals were shot during the incident. A third person, initially believed to have been shot, was instead physically struck with a firearm during the disturbance,” the post says.

The shooting occurred at Hunter Lane Apartments and authorities are investigating the shooting as a homicide. A man at the scene was charged on Monday with a misdemeanor, though he was not accused of firing a gun.

“Homicide investigations are complex. Investigators must carefully review all facts and circumstances before presenting the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for a decision on charges. This includes evaluating factors such as intent, self-defense, or the defense of others,” the post says.

Check back for updates.

Bear walking around Goleta Neighborhood caught on Doorbell Camera

KEYT on April 15, 2025

Alissa Orozco

GOLETA, Calif. – A viewer sent your News Channel footage of a bear sighting in Goleta early Tuesday morning.

The doorbell footage captured the bear walking around a quiet neighborhood near Brandon School around 1:00 am. The viewer told your News Channel they believe the bear most likely came all the way down from the mountains, likely walked down Cathedral Oaks and into their neighborhood.

Viewer called the police at 1:15 am, and who advised them to contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

If you have experienced or witnessed a bear sighting in or around the Goleta-area recently, send your news tip, photo or video to your News Channel!