Local family experiences full circle of organ donation

KYMA on April 12, 2025

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local family’s full-circle story of organ donation shows how one charitable decision can breathe new life to where there was once loss.

Lynn Peralta-Daily knows the heartbreak of losing a loved one.

“He had just bought a home at age 24, he bought himself a little black lab puppy Maya, and then that day happened and our lives have never been the same again,” says Peralta-Daily.

Peralta-Daily says her son Jacob Daily died in a work-related truck crash in 2009. 

The decision to allow Jacob to be an organ donor helped their family move through their grief.

“We knew that Jacob’s passing was not in vain and that others were going to profit and live based on the donation of life that he was passing on to them,” said Peralta-Daily.

But it wouldn’t be the last time the daily family had an experience with an organ donation.

It all came full-circle when Peralta-Daily’s niece Teresa found out she herself was in need.

“It was September of ’22. I was put on life support for about three days, and after that, they had told me that I needed a heart transplant,” said Teresa Daily-Kerley.

After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Daily-Kerley was on the waiting list for a heart for five days.

A call in January of 2024 answered her prayers.

“Through all of this, we always remember Jacob and I think he had a hand in this, I think he was partly there to save me, and I’m blessed to have the donor network,” said Daily-Kerley.

The Daily family wants people to know that choosing to become an organ donor can change the lives of more than just one person. And that your legacy just like Jacob’s can surpass death.

“He just had a good way about him, very easy, very calm, nothing upset him, I don’t think he ever said a bad word about anyone nor anyone say bad about him.” said Peralta-Daily.

Proof that even after loss, hope and love can still grow.

For more information about organ donation, you can go to donatelife.net.

El Centro issues 45 day ban on tobacco retailers

KYMA on April 12, 2025

Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – In recent years, El Centro has seen more tobacco shops popping up around town.

“We’ve seen an increase in tobacco retail stores especially in our downtown area, and the location is sometimes linked to neighborhood complaints, crime, and deterioration of the surrounding area,” says Hernandez.

But city leaders and public health officials say it’s not about shutting shops down. It’s about collaborating on thoughtful solutions.

“We wanna work with existing tobacco retail stores, see how we can work together to develop thoughtful zoning and regulations, to help them succeed but also protect the public health,” says Hernandez

The 45-day ban gives city leaders time to gather feedback and figure out what future rules could look like.

“What we wanna take right now is take this time to thoroughly assess the impacts and also establish what kind of smart regulations we can apply,” says Hernandez

For now, the 45-day ban gives city officials time to study the issue — and figure out what long-term rules could look like.

“After 45 days, we will appear in front of city council, and we’re likely gonna have to extend the moratorium,” says Hernandez.

It’s a process that could shape how future tobacco shops fit into El Centro’s neighborhoods.

Locals attend annual Walk for Autism event

KYMA on April 12, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Residents across Yuma County attended and participated in the annual Walk for Autism event Saturday morning.

The event, hosted by Strong Beginnings, took place at Gateway Park at 8:00 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:00 a.m.

The event was to raise awareness and support for autism as April is Autism Awareness Month.

Local vendors and organizations, such as the Yuma Police Department (YPD) and Onvida Health, participated in the event, with YPD handing out Autism Awareness Month patches and stickers.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls was also on hand to present a proclamation during the event.

“Therefore, I, Douglas J. Nicholls, Mayor of the City of Yuma, Arizona, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month in Yuma, Arizona, and encourage all residents, businesses and organizations to support autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion efforts throughout our community,” Mayor Nicholls declared.

According to Strong Beginnings, last year, over 600 people participated in the walk, which is a 5K course.

If anyone missed out on the event, and would like to donate to Strong Beginnings to help provide support to those in need, click here.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri provides local assistance to those in need

News-Press NOW on April 12, 2025

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Those who find themselves in need of legal advice or representation in St. Joseph have a free resource to advocate for them.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri has offices throughout the area, including one in Downtown St. Joseph. Managing Attorney Will Kariker said the office’s four attorneys handle many family law cases but are available to assist in a wide range of civil law matters for those who qualify for assistance.

“We help people who are going to court, as well as people just needing to talk about a problem,” Kariker said. “So, wherever we can, even if we’re providing just some brief advice, we always try to help in some form or fashion.”

Legal Aid gives free assistance to those who make 200% or less of the federal poverty line. Kariker said anyone is encouraged to call and staff can tell them whether they qualify for the assistance and set an appointment. Office assistants and attorneys at the St. Joseph office said they realize that for many who call, Legal Aid is their only option to get help.

“So, we do all we can to provide assistance,” Kariker said. “We have four lawyers in our office, two of whom specialize in family law. Overall, though, we want to be a full-service law firm for our constituents.”

The website for Legal Aid of Western Missouri features stories ranging from elderly people who are the victims of scams to women and children trying to escape abusive situations.

Funding for Legal Aid of Western Missouri comes from a variety of federal, state and local resources. For instance, Legal Aid is a United Way partner here in St. Joseph.

“We really appreciate and support what Legal Aid does for our community,” United Way of St. Joseph Executive Director Kylee Strough said. “We all wish that court interventions weren’t necessary, especially in family situations. However, we are glad that a resource like Legal Aid exists for families who do need assistance, yet can’t afford it.”

Last October, Legal Aid celebrated its 60th anniversary, and coming up on May 16, the agency will hold its annual “Party with a Purpose” at Room 108 in St. Joseph. The event gives people an opportunity to get to know the nonprofit better and celebrate life-changing stories from the previous year.

For more information, including branch locations, visit lawmo.org. Kariker said he would rather those who have questions about their eligibility to “err on the side of calling” and talk to someone who can guide them in the right direction for their legal needs. The phone number for the St. Joseph branch is 816-364-2325.

One person left in critical condition after shooting in Palm Desert

KESQ on April 12, 2025

Isaiah Mora

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – At 12:54 a.m. on Saturday, deputies were dispatched to the 74000 block of De Anza Way in Palm Desert regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Witnesses reported a man was shot by an unknown subject at the residence. When deputies arrived on scene, they learned there had been a confrontation between the victim and the suspect before the suspect shot the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital by a relative before deputies arrived and is now in critical condition. Witnesses at the residence also reported that the suspect fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival. The investigation is ongoing as deputies are working to identify the suspect. Stay with News Channel 3 for any further developments on this story.

Multi-vehicle crash shuts down part of Paris Road in Columbia

KMIZ on April 12, 2025

Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A crash involving two vehicles shut down a portion of northbound Paris Road in Columbia Saturday morning.

Columbia Police Department spokesman Brian McNeill said in an email that the multi-vehicle crash happened in the 2900 block of Paris Road at 10 a.m.

An ABC 17 News reporter arrived on the scene around 10:30 a.m. and saw two vehicles that appeared to have damage to their front sides.

ABC 17 News saw three Columbia Fire Department trucks, three Columbia Police Department vehicles, two Boone County Sheriff’s Office vehicles, two MU Health ambulances, and one Boone Health ambulance on scene.

Boone County Joint Communications says Paris Road and Mexico Gravel Road were reopened for traffic at 11:06 a.m.

“Unknown at this time if there are injuries,” McNeill said in an email Saturday morning.

St. Joseph residents run to support local animals

News-Press NOW on April 12, 2025

Ashley Luthans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Community members gathered on Saturday morning to run/walk in a 5K benefiting the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

The 11th annual Run/Walk for the Paws drew over 500 participants this year, as well as several dogs.

Aubrey Swofford is the race director and a volunteer with Friends of the Animal Shelter. She explained why they continue to hold this event every year.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, so it helps us with medical costs or anytime we put on adoption specials when the shelter gets full, Friends of the Animal Shelter picks up the other part of that cost,” Swofford said. “So it’s essential to keep doing what we do.”

Ten-year-old Elizabeth Ott shared why she decided to walk in the 5K, even opting to prepare by walking every day.

“Me and my parents love going here because we like seeing the puppies and we like walking and we worked really hard to walk each day,” Ott said.

Ott also said that she attended this event in order to help raise funds for the animal shelter and local animals.

“Because some animals are just walking around here, because I think we should save them,” Ott said.

Angela Elder has participated ten of the eleven years that the race has been going. She explained why she keeps coming back.

“I think it’s always a fun event,” Elder said. “I mean I love 5Ks and, I mean, I think the energy is great. You know, there’s a lot of great people out here, a lot of great dogs and I think they put on a great event.”

Elder added that she cares about helping the animal shelter.

“Well one, it raises money for the shelter and I think it also raises awareness for shelter dogs and possibly leads to some adoptions,” Elder said.

For those who want to help the Friends of the Animal Shelter but couldn’t attend the 5K, donations are accepted at petforu.com and they are always looking for volunteers.

Police searching for missing Colorado Springs teen

KRDO on April 12, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is asking for the public’s help locating a 13-year-old girl.

Akilah Shameah Stokes was last seen on Tuesday, April 10, 2025, around 3 p.m., according to CSPD.

They say she was last seen in the 4200 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue near Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, wearing a blue shirt and gray sweatpants.

The department describes Stokes as 4 feet 1 inches, with brown eyes and black hair.

CSPD asks that if you have seen Stokes or know of her whereabouts, you call CSPD at 719-444-7000.

Tick sightings rise with spring’s arrival

News-Press NOW on April 12, 2025

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As the weather warms up and brings many outdoors, people are reminded to keep an eye out for a less-welcome sign of spring — ticks.

Ticks are always outdoors, but starting in April they become more prevalent. Erin Woodiel, a media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, said the creatures are often found in grassy and woody areas.

“The way they look for a host is they climb to the top of grasses or try to get as tall as they can and reach out to latch on to humans or other mammals as they walk by,” Woodiel said.

Ticks are not picky parasites and will hitch a ride with any host they can. Conservation department officials encourage people who have been outside to check themselves for ticks to avoid becoming infected with diseases.

“If a tick is on you for a longer period of time, it has more opportunity as it is continuing to feed to then transmit potential diseases back into the host,” Woodiel said. “The sooner a tick can be removed, the lower the chance is that one of those diseases will catch.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, illnesses transmitted by ticks include Anaplamosis, Lyme disease, Tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

When removing a tick, it is important not to squeeze its belly.

“You don’t want to pinch them in the body because that is where the blood that they’ve already consumed is sitting,” Woodiel said. “You don’t want what is inside the tick to be pushed back into the person. We recommend pinching as close to the bite source as you can.”

Pilot Grove church to host clean up after EF-2 tornado

KMIZ on April 12, 2025

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Ten days after a devastating EF-2 tornado hit the city, Pilot Grove’s St. Joseph Catholic Church is looking for volunteers to help with clean up efforts.

Its cleanup day event will start on Route 135 at 8 a.m. with a focus on removing debris from the fields outside of town. Lunch will be prepared at 9:15 a.m. in Pilot Grove High School and delivered to volunteers in the fields around noon.

Volunteers are asked to bring gloves and wear boots.