$10,000 grant assists animal rescue effort

News-Press NOW on April 17, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local animal rescue is getting a boost thanks to a grant from a charitable organization.

The Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri has given $10,500 to M’Shoogy’s to purchase new kennels.

M’Shoogy’s, based in Savannah, rescues injured, abandoned and abused dogs and cats around the clock, every day of the year. The rescue offers support to law enforcement in five counties and provides affordable animal medical services through Angel Vet.

The Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund at The Community Foundation specifically supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to the care of dogs and cats in Buchanan and Andrew counties.

The acquisition of new kennels and play pens will enhance safety plans and exercise areas at the rescue.

Columbia parking tickets can now be paid through PayCoMo system

KMIZ on April 17, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Parking tickets can now by paid using the City of Columbia’s digital payment system PayCoMo, according to a Thursday press release from the city.

The system has been typically used for residents to pay utility bills.

“We launched PayCoMo to bring the best possible user experience to our residents, prioritizing convenience and accessibility,” City Treasurer Chelsea Miller said in the release. “Adding the new service to PayCoMo makes it as simple as possible for customers to pay their parking tickets in a secure platform that can be accessed quickly and from anywhere.”

WATCH: Authorities give update on shootings at Florida State University

KMIZ on April 17, 2025

ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Police say a shooting at Florida State University on Thursday killed two people.

The suspect, the son of a sheriff’s deputy, was arrested and hospitalized. Watch a replay of a news conference in the media player.

Vandalia man accused of making threats, ramming car with pickup truck

KMIZ on April 17, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo.  (KMIZ)

A Vandalia man has been charged in Audrain County after he allegedly rammed his Ford pickup truck into a Dodge Challenger on Tuesday after he allegedly threatened to kill a woman.

Joseph Dean Fischer was charged on Wednesday with three counts of first-degree assault, one count of armed criminal action, one count of tampering with evidence and one count of first-degree stalking. A warrant was issued and no bond was set. A hearing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Friday.

One of the probable cause statements says Fischer intentionally hit a Dodge Challenger with his Ford F-150 and drove away from the scene. A man, woman and child were in the Dodge when it was struck, court documents say. The Ford was found in Pike County without its driver and Fischer was eventually arrested on Wednesday during a traffic stop, the statement says.

Fischer allegedly admitted to taking methamphetamine before ramming into the Dodge, court documents say.

Another probable cause statement says one of the victims received threatening messages and videos from Fischer on the social media application SnapChat before the crash. Fischer allegedly threatened to kill the victim and use his truck to ram into the car, the statement says.

Several messages described in court documents included Fischer stating they wanted to kill the victim, court documents say.

2 Jefferson City youths seriously injured in Laclede County crash

KMIZ on April 17, 2025

Ryan Shiner

Editor’s note: The location of the hospital has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two youths from Jefferson City were seriously injured in a crash on Thursday in Laclede County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report states that a 2021 Infiniti Q50 – driven by a 35-year-old Jefferson City woman – was heading southbound on North Highway 5 when it hydroplaned and hit the side of a 2017 Toyota Four Runner – driven by a 36-year-old Lebanon woman – that was heading the opposite direction.

The driver of the Infiniti had minor injuries while two of her passengers – a 16-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl – had serious injuries, the report says. The driver and the girl were wearing seatbelts, the boy was not, the report says. All three people were brought to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach by ambulance, according to the report.

A 3-year-old girl – who was a passenger in the Toyota – had moderate injuries and was also brought to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance, the report says. The girl was secured in a safety device. The driver of the Toyota had no reported injuries.

Both vehicles were totaled.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

Bend Police scale back hunt for two men on the run from traffic stop, one possibly armed; say they likely left area

KTVZ on April 17, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, police update, comments by resident)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police alerted area residents late Thursday morning and began a large manhunt in northeast Bend for two men – one possibly armed – who ran from officers at a traffic stop. By late afternoon, they said the two likely had left the area.

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said that around 10:33 a.m. Bend Police attempted a traffic stop on a silver Kia Rio in the area of Deschutes Market and Yeoman roads. Officers believed a person in the car, a 46-year-old Bend man, was associated with a weapons offense that took place on NE Bellevue Drive around 3:30 a.m.   

The driver, accompanied by a male passenger, did not stop for officers, instead driving into the Solis at Petrosa apartment complex at a high rate of speed, Miller said. The driver and passenger then ran southbound from the car. As of 1:30 p.m., they have not been taken into custody.  

The suspects in this incident are described as adult white men; Miller told KTVZ News it’s not yet clear who was driving at the time.

The weapons offense suspect has a shaved head and may be armed with a firearm. The other person, whom officers have not yet identified, reportedly was wearing a black flat-billed baseball cap.  

Miller said the Bend man faces these charges: Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, Burglary I, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing.

In an updated Deschutes Alert to residents, sent just after 4 p.m., police said:

“Most law enforcement has left the area, general patrols will continue. Police believe the suspect is no longer in the area and there is no immediate danger to the public. If you see any suspicious activity, please call 911.”

Area resident Michael Chrisman told KTVZ News what he’d witnessed: “There was an armored carrier out here and about 20 police officers with a dog. There was a drone.”

Officers also went door to door, letting neighbors know what was happening and asking if they’d seen anything suspicious.

Chrisman was pleased by the big response he witnessed: “I’m glad that they were as attentive as they were, and was responsive as they were. So it’s good to know that we have an active police force to protect us.”

Around 11:20 a.m., Deschutes County 911 dispatchers put out two emergency alerts to people in a half-mile radius of the traffic stop, alerting them to the suspects, warning that one could be armed, and directing anyone who may see the pair to call 911 and not approach them.

Both Trinity Lutheran School and Eastmont School were alerted to the incident. Other nearby schools were not in session today.  

“The public should expect a continued large police presence in the NE Bend area as the investigation continues,” Miller said.

KTVZ News had crews on the scene, also livestreaming on the web, our KTVZ News app and KTVZ+.

At one point, officers were blocking off access to the trail along an irrigation canal, then shifted their search to a nearby neighborhood.

A 12:15 Deschutes Alert update said: “Confirmed sighting of suspects near Thornhill Lane and Amherst Place just north of Nasu Park Loop off Butler Market Road”

Here’s the full text of the initial Deschutes Alert, sent out at 11:21 a.m.

Bend Police in the area of Deschutes Market Rd and Butler Market Rd: Law Enforcement Activity

2025-04-17 11:21:38 PDT

Bend Police in the area of Deschutes Market Rd and Butler Market Rd: Law Enforcement activity in the area of Butler Mrket Rd & Deschutes Market Rd. Law enforcement is in the area of Deschutes Market Rd and Butler Market Rd looking for two suspects who fled on foot. One suspect is a white male adult with a shaved head. The second suspect is a white male adult with a black flat bill hat. The suspect with the shaved head is reported to be armed with a firearm. If you see subjects matching this description or any suspicious activity in the area, please do not approach and call 911 right away.

“It’s going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this,” – City of Pocatello releases video related to fatal Police shooting

KIFI on April 17, 2025

Stephanie Lucas

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Mayor Brian Blad provided updates on the police shooting that led to the death of 17-year-old Victor Perez of Pocatello for the first time since the teen was taken off life support.

As part of the Mayor’s update, the City of Pocatello released the video timeline, 911 call, transcript of 911 call, dispatch, audio, and nearby surveillance camera video related to the incident. The information will be on the city website and social media pages.

“There are still many questions that we cannot answer because the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force and others are completing their investigations, and there will be and there is now pending litigation,” said Mayor Blad.

The move comes after a prominent California-based civil rights firm, known for representing Rodney King in his case against Los Angeles Police officers, filed a wrongful death and civil rights violation claim against the city on behalf of the family of Victor Perez. For more information, click HERE.

Mayor Blad reiterated that some questions cannot be answered at this time due to the ongoing investigation by the East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force and the pending litigation against the city.

Pocatello’s Police Chief Roger Schei also spoke. He said he recognizes how deeply the event has impacted the city, community, state, and nation.

“I can only imagine the people that witnessed this event, what they may be going through. And how difficult it may be for them,” said Schei. “My thoughts are with them.”

Blad expressed his hope that the city would be able to move forward.

“I recognize it’s going to take a very long time for our community to heal from this,” said Blad. “If we ever really, truly heal from this. But it is also my belief that as we work together, we will indeed build a stronger Pocatello.”

The Pocatello City Council meeting was packed with people wanting to be heard regarding the Victor Perez shooting, and Mayor Blad wanted to make sure everyone had that opportunity.

Those who stood to speak didn’t hold back.

“Full stop. Victor did not pose a credible threat to the police. The police are wholly responsible for the escalation of the situation, and the blame is on their shoulders for each of the rounds fired at Victor, the failure, the failure of all four police officers to rationally assess the situation and not just roll in with weapons drawn. Demonstrates to me and all members of this community that this inch, that this issue is endemic across the department,” a Idaho State University student said.

“I am proposing that we follow in places like Utah and Boise that allow for the police department to work with other mental health organizations to help train officers about mental disabilities and more de escalation tactics other than just drawing a gun and shooting,” another person said.

Progressive Community Services hosts ‘MO ABLE’

News-Press NOW on April 17, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Progressive Community Services hosted The Missouri State Treasurers office and Missouri ABLE on Thursday for an informational session on MO ABLE accounts.

MO ABLE is a savings program that aims to help people with disabilities with financial independence and security.

“We need to make sure that everybody can live independently, financially independent life,” Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek said. “And especially for folks who have a disability, they need to make sure that they are not devoid of their benefits that they’re receiving from Social Security and their disability benefits. They also are able to save on the side, besides working for the benefits they are receiving.”

ABLE account holders can save and invest financial assets without the risk of losing benefits like Medicaid or SSI.

Any individual can register for an ABLE account if their disability was documented before the age of 26.

The investments accumulated from an MO ABLE account for qualified disability-related expenses which can include housing, transportation, education, and other types of essential living expenses.

The program will be celebrating their eight year anniversary next Thursday, April 24.

University of Missouri lobbying federal government against NIH funding cuts

KMIZ on April 17, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri Board of Curators met Thursday morning in Rolla, tackling issues including the future of federal funding for research and its impact on the university.

No decision on federal funding cuts has been made, but it could result in a $22 million loss in National Institutes of Health grants, and the potential cuts could impact all colleges in the university’s system, according to documents produced for the curators’ meeting.

Money for higher education is among the items that could be impacted in next fiscal 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.

During the meeting, University of Missouri System President Mun Choi highlighted the slowdown in research project awards over the past five years.

According to Choi, NIH funded 72,187 projects in 2024, which is a sharp decrease compared to 13,683 between July 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.

“This year we are at a significantly lower number, and that’s because of some of the slowdowns we have been seeing out of NIH and the cancellation of certain programs we see out of NIH,” Choi said. “The work we do at our universities are critically important for gaining a better understanding of cancer treatments, autism, PTSD and so many other types of diseases that affect Americans.”

To do that, Choi said the university is urging the NIH to continue its support of research projects because they are vital to public health. He said it is not only NIH cuts but also the United States Department of Agriculture, as the university recently had $25 million revoked for a project because of its focus on climate change.

“By discussing the impact of that project with leaders at USDA as well as our congressional leaders, we were able to get that $25 million in funding reinstated,” Choi said. “It’s about providing clarification and providing the impact our research has to benefit members of our society.”

School leaders say funding is cut from university research they will approach it the same way the have handled similar situations.

“In the same way when we learn about potential for cuts even before those cuts hit any of our universities we announce that we’re going to take financial measures include cuts, as well as postponing investments.” Choi said.

Choi said the UM System is exploring foundations to support research. He said it will be difficult to replace NIH funding because the agency is the largest funder of university research throughout the U.S.

“To replace a level of funding that is potentially at risk is very significant, so we will continue to make the case to NIH and other agencies and educate them on the value of our research so the funds will continue to flow to the University of Missouri,” Choi said.

However, University of Missouri Board of Curators Chair Todd graves says when challenges come their way it gives them the opportunity to reflect.

“Sometimes its an opportunity the harder times for us to take a look at programs and allocate our resources and focus on the things that are important so we are very optimistic about the situation here at the university of Missouri.” Graves added.

Crime was also addressed in a news conference Thursday after the board of curators meeting in light of a string of shootings in Columbia last weekend that left several people injured.

Choi said public safety for everyone at the university is always a top priority and that the University of Missouri is a safe campus, but stressed the importance of accountability..

“This should not be a city people think coming and shooting off their guns in a crowd is acceptable because that’s totally unacceptable, so we want to see accountability when those perpetrators are caught and taken to the full accountability to the legal system,” Choi said.

Choi also highlighted the city and university making investments in camera technology and encouraging downtown business owners to share surveillance footage when an incident occurs.

He said the university is working closely with CPD to boost safety.

“Beginning this weekend, we will have stepped up patrols in coordination with the Columbia Police Department,” Choi said.

 

   

Pocatello Catholic school celebrating Easter with annual all-student play

KIFI on April 17, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Holy Spirit Catholic School invites the community to their annual K-5 student Easter play on April 25.

The play is an annual school tradition for over 30 years now, but this is only the second year the entire student body is participating, and school leaders are inviting the community.

“When you watch children presenting this play, it gives you hope,” said Margie Gabiola, principal of Holy Spirit Catholic School. “When you see the kids that are playing the disciples and playing Mary and Jesus, you’re filled with this hope, and it’s the best story ever–the story doesn’t end with Jesus dying, the story is that he’s resurrected.”

Principal Gabiola said the play is a joint effort from all students and staff at the school, and the performance highlights the school’s focus on creating well-rounded students versed in the fine arts.

The play will be on Friday, April 25, from 10:30 to 11 am at Saint Anthony’s Chapel in Pocatello. For more information, you can visit the Holy Spirit Catholic School website.