Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kevin Desrosiers just shared with us a time-lapse video of a neighboring business security camera’s view of the progress made so far on the Bend Senior High School renovation.
It compresses about eight months of work, most recently as the project has “gone vertical,” into just over two minutes of sun, snow and seasons.
News Team
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Emergency responders are reporting damage to a “very large gas line” in the area of S 2nd E and the Crestview Subdivision in Rexburg.
“The immediate area at risk has been evacuated,” writes the Rexburg Police Department on its Facebook page. “We are asking residents within the subdivision to stay inside your (their) home.”
COURTESY: Rexburg Police Department
Rexburg police say no other actions are necessary at this time. There is no current estimation for how long repairs will take.
2nd E is currently closed to traffic south of the temple to the water tower, according to Rexburg PD.
The cause of the damage has not been released at this time. This is a developing story, Local News 8 will update with more details as they become available.
Karina Bazarte
CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A suspect has been arrested in connection to a fatal hit and run which claimed the life of a Calexico man.
A 49-year-old Mexicali man was arrested last Friday after the attorney of the trucking company he works for called the Calexico Police Department (CPD) the same day the hit and run happened.
Acting Lt. Sean Acuna with CPD says the suspect agreed to come in the next day for questioning saying, “The suspect was taken into custody, without incident, for felony hit and run and officers went to the 500 block [of] Madix Road…and were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle that had damage consistent with the evidence collected at the scene.”
CPD says the suspect was on his way to Los Angeles when he allegedly hit and killed the 29-year-old victim in the area of Jasper Road and State Route 111 last Thursday.
The suspect is being held at the Imperial County Jail, and is being charged with felony hit and run, causing the death of another person.
Barney Lerten
TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — Freedom for Great Apes, the Tumalo chimp sanctuary formerly known as Chimps Inc., has closed after its last four remaining residents were transferred to a Texas facility.
Here’s the announcement posted on the website for the nonprofit, which has provided lifetime care to chimpanzees that were rescued from the pet and entertainment industry.
“For 30 years, we’ve been honored to care for chimpanzees like Herbie, Emma, Jackson, and CJ, offering them a safe and enriching home. As our chimp family naturally grew smaller, we focused on their long-term future and the need for a setting that supports their social nature and lifelong well-being.
“After careful planning, we’ve made the thoughtful decision to transition them to Primarily Primates, Inc. (PPI), a 78-acre sanctuary in Texas. Together with PPI, we’ve designed a habitat that reflects the environment the FGA chimps have known, with species-specific enrichment, climbing areas, and elevated vantage points to keep them engaged.
“As we turn the page, we begin a new chapter filled with optimism. Sanctuary work is about providing the best possible future, partnering with PPI a larger sanctuary allows for even more opportunities for socialization and growth.
“This move is a continuation of our commitment to their care, ensuring they have a fulfilling and secure future. And this journey doesn’t end here—it’s just the beginning! We invite you to stay connected and continue supporting Herbie, Emma, Jackson, and CJ at their new home.
“Your ongoing support ensures they thrive in this exciting new chapter. We are deeply grateful to all of you. Together, we give these incredible chimpanzees the future they deserve.
“Your love and dedication have shaped their journey—now, we invite you to be part of this next chapter. Stay connected, follow their adventures, and continue your commitment to the chimps you know and love as they thrive in their new home!”
Seth Ratliff
ARIZONA (KIFI) – The jury has reached a verdict in Lori Vallow Daybell’s Arizona murder conspiracy trial. Vallow Daybell has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.
The court has immediately entered an aggravation phase, meaning the state will present arguments to justify a harsher punishment in sentencing.
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A 17-year-old boy was flown to University Hospital after he suffered serious injuries in a crash Tuesday afternoon in Phelps County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The report says a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt – driven by the St. James boy – was heading eastbound on County Road 1000 when he failed to negotiate a curve at the intersection with County Road 1010.
The Chevrolet went off the left side of road, became airborne and stopped while facing southbound, the report says.
The boy was flown to University Hospital in Columbia. The vehicle was totaled, the report says. The boy was not wearing a seatbelt, the report says.
MSHP crash reports do not name those involved in crashes.
Barney Lerten
RINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Golf in Prineville is about to become more inclusive. Explore Prineville said Tuesday it has been awarded a grant through the 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund to launch Golf “Fore” All – The Adaptive Golf Project, an initiative to open the game to individuals with mobility challenges through a Vertacat stand-up adaptive golf cart.
The cart will arrive in June and be housed and maintained at Meadow Lakes Golf Course, thanks to the City of Prineville, which stepped up to support this community-centered effort.
In addition to regional grant funds, the project was made possible by a generous contribution from the Stand Up and Play Foundation, a nonprofit that helps individuals with mobility challenges engage in standing recreational activities through specialized equipment like the Vertacat.
“This project is about more than golf,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism for Explore Prineville. “It’s about ensuring that all community members and visitors can stay active and enjoy the sport they love. We’re so grateful for our partners at Meadow Lakes and the Stand Up and Play Foundation for helping bring this to life.”
The Vertacat is a Paramobile that allows users to stand and swing while offering full mobility across the golf course. It will be free to any golfer who needs it, whether a local resident or visiting Central Oregon. The City of Prineville, which operates Meadow Lakes Golf Course, is a valuable partner and has agreed to house the Vertacat at the golf course.
“We’re honored to host this cart at Meadow Lakes,” said Zach Lampert, Director of Golf for the City of Prineville. “It’s another example of how we can work together to create a more welcoming and accessible recreational experience for everyone. Golf is a game that brings people together—and now, even more people will be able to play.”
Prineville’s initiative is one of just seven projects selected from Central Oregon to receive part of the $280,000 awarded through the Central Oregon Future Fund this year. All awarded projects support one or more of the Fund’s guiding pillars: accessible adventure, cultural tourism, and environmental stewardship.
“Golf ‘Fore’ All is the kind of homegrown idea that makes tourism funding meaningful,” said Molnar. “This isn’t just good for tourism—it’s good for Prineville. It shows how public-private partnerships and community-focused nonprofits can team up to make recreation truly inclusive.”
The Stand Up and Play Foundation is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. By making active standing therapy accessible through recreational equipment, the Foundation helps restore independence, dignity, and joy through play.
Since 2023, the Central Oregon Future Fund has awarded over $1.5 million in grants funded by transient room tax revenue, reinvested to create sustainable, community-focused tourism infrastructure throughout the region.
For more information about the Central Oregon Future Fund, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com/futurefund.
To learn more about Explore Prineville’s initiatives, visit www.visitprineville.com.
To learn more about the Stand Up and Play Foundation, visit www.standupandplayfoundation.org.
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Jefferson City School District announced in a Tuesday press release that Todd Shalz will be the district’s newest assistant superintendent of elementary education, pending board approval.
The release says that he will start in his new role on July 1. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri Western State University and a master’s degree in elementary leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
He began his career 13 years ago with the St. Joseph School District and taught first, third, fourth and sixth grades and served as a response to intervention math specialist, the release says. He then became an instructional coach and an elementary curriculum coordinator.
He joined the Jefferson City School District in 2016 and was the lead principal for six years before going to Belair Elementary in 2022, the release says.
“As an elementary principal, I strongly believe in building a culture where every staff member develops the belief that they can achieve success, and where they are intrinsically motivated to do their absolute best to help our students thrive,” Shalz is quoted in the release. “I look forward to bringing the best practices I have developed in my two decade career in education to a district leadership position, and I am excited to see what else our JC Schools elementary teachers and students will accomplish in the years to come.”
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning Thursday, May 1, personal and commercial use firewood collection season will resume on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland. Firewood season runs through November 30.
The public should note this is only for the National Forest system lands and does not include permits for firewood cutting on land managed by the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management.
While personal use firewood permits are free, a permit is still required. The public can obtain up to eight cords of wood per year.
Permits are available at local vendors and Forest Service offices. While the permit is free, vendors may charge a $2.50 processing fee per transaction. The firewood cannot be sold and must be used for personal use only. People interested in selling firewood must obtain a commercial permit at a Forest Service office.
Permit holders must have a permit and a copy of the 2025 Firewood Synopsis while collecting firewood and will be required to tag their loads. Permit holders need to pay particular attention to the “Rules and Regulations,” as well as the specific cutting designations listed on each cutting area map in the synopsis.
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to read the 2025 Firewood Synopsis and understand the tree species available for firewood cutting and gathering in the designated areas. It is prohibited to possess or remove trees that have been illegally cut.
Permits will be available at vendors and Forest Service offices beginning May 1. All Forest Service offices in Central Oregon are open Monday through Friday.
Permit holders must be aware of and follow all fire restrictions, which can be found on either of the two Forest’s websites (www.fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/home ) or (www.fs.usda.gov/main/ochoco/home). The 2025 Firewood Synopsis and list of vendors are also located on the two websites.
Gavin Nguyen
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – This Earth Day, the City of Rancho Mirage hosted its first-ever Earth Day Celebration at the Rancho Mirage Library.
More than 10 organizations and community partners set up booths and interactive stations for attendees of all ages.
Kids made crafts and learned the importance of sustainable practices. They planted peppers with compost, created upcycled crafts, bird feeders, and more.
Meanwhile, adults had the opportunity to learn about sustainable foods, like microgreens and date farming.
Document shredding, e-waste disposal, and item donation drop-offs were also available.
The event wrapped up at noon, but organizers say they were pleased with today’s turnout and are excited for a bigger event next year.
Stay with News Channel Three to hear from organizers and attendees on the importance of learning sustainable practices this Earth Day.
