Gabriel Perkins pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection to Compass Academy shooting

KIFI on April 16, 2025

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – One of the men charged in connection with the February 2024 shooting at Compass Academy in Idaho Falls has changed his initial plea.

20-year-old Gabriel Perkins pleaded guilty Wednesday to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Alex Barber and Aggravated Battery in the shooting of an Idaho Falls man at the Compass Academy in Idaho Falls, in February 2024. 

Under a plea agreement, the parties will recommend that Perkins face up to 40 years in prison, according to Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal.

Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Dane H. Watkins, Jr., on June 17, 2025.

The plea agreement was reached through mediation, which involved the surviving victim and the victims’ families, Neal told Local News 8.

Perkins had initially pleaded not guilty after being indicted by a Bonneville County Grand Jury in March of 2024.

Charges are still pending against two other defendants for the events that occurred during the confrontation between over 10 individuals in a parking lot behind the school. For more information, click HERE.

FEMA to participate in joint damage assessment in 25 counties

KMIZ on April 16, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

FEMA will participate in damage assessments of 25 counties that were impacted by flooding and storms earlier this month, according to a Wednesday press release from Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Office.

Kehoe requested the damage assessment last week for flooding that began on March 30 and storms that occurred on April 2.  

Preliminary damage assessments have been requested for Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne and Webster counties. More counties could be added.

Requests were previously made for storms that impacted Missouri on March 14 and 15.

Our state and local public works crews have been doing an incredible job reopening roads and making initial repairs to bridges, low water crossings and other infrastructure, but it is clear that the extent of the damage across the state will require federal disaster assistance,” Kehoe said in the release. “Our State Emergency Management Agency, local and FEMA teams began assessing damage to homes and private property yesterday and will be working through the week. Next week, we will begin joint PDAs to document and tally the damage to public infrastructure and validate what we believe is a clear need for federal Public Assistance.”

The release says assessment teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Six teams will begin verifying documented damage on Tuesday, April 22 to determine if public assistance can be requested.

Santa Barbara County works to Make Ends Meet despite looming Federal Funding Issues

KEYT on April 16, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It’s an uncertain future, but it needs a roadmap. That’s what Santa Barbara County is doing now with its preliminary budget workshops.

Currently, the preliminary budget is projected to be $1.69 billion.

The county report says, department heads are presenting preliminary budgets, significant operational changes, anticipated accomplishments, future goals, proposed service level reductions, and budget expansion requests.

Earlier this week, the first set of departments came forward including the Sheriff, Fire Department, District Attorney and Public Defender.

Today, the County Health Department and Public Works are among the agencies speaking to the board.

The outlook has no expanded staff sizes except from the Sheriff’s Office.

Financial adjustments include the increased use of salary savings, and in the case of Social Services, significant deletion of vacant positions. The county says this does not mean that departments have no additional needs or wants.

For the Social Service Department, there was a $14.2 million projected gap identified during budget development a few months ago. The department closed $10.8 million of that gap by un-funding vacant positions; deferring capital projects, maintenance and hardware replacements; and eliminating external trainings.

A $3.4 million funding gap for Social Services remains heading into budget workshops, which the CEO recommends funding with one-time funding from the General Fund to allow the department time to reduce operating costs over the next fiscal year.

There still may be staff cuts ahead depending on solutions found in the meetings and also other funding resource options, if any.

The county is also planning to streamline housing-related permitting and processes.

That includes:

• Development of a local preference housing program

• Collaborating with employers and developers on the development of workforce and farmworker housing • Identifying financial incentives for the creation of affordable housing

• Creating pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units to reduce permitting timelines and fees for those who use them

• Completion of zoning ordinance amendment updates to facilitate housing in multi-family and commercial zone districts

In Public Works, Director Chris Sneddon said they want to take on the back log of work as cost effectively as possible. “Once we do get funding, being really efficient at getting them delivered and getting them out into the construction, we place a huge emphasis on that because we want to see the actual projects getting built as quickly as possible.”

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Bob Nelson said, there are many hidden needs, and “it is kind of a balanced budget, but it really is a future debt that we’re going to need to resolve in the county.”

“One are the mysteries in the public works budget is money expected to come in from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, from past disasters. Some of it dates back eight years. Sneddon said, “the bulk of our expenses in this that we’re talking about for this budget are from the ’23 and ’24 storms, but we do have open FEMA projects going back as far as 2017 that haven’t been fully reimbursed.”

While the design phase for the Northern Branch Jail expansion has been fully funded in prior fiscal years, construction costs are anticipated to be over $178.8 million and will need to be funded through a debt issuance, expected in FY 2026-27, with anticipated annual debt service of $12.4 million over 30 years.

The preliminary budget includes appropriations that advance countywide initiatives, such as improving access to inpatient mental health care treatment.

The Community Services Department has budgeted for variety of updates across parks, campgrounds, trails, and open spaces, including pavement repairs at Goleta Beach Park, initiation of development at Vandenberg Village Park, ballfield lighting at Orcutt Community Park, waterline upgrades and amphitheater renovations at Cachuma Lake, bridge replacement at Tuckers Grove Park (Santa Antonio Creek), and restroom and infrastructure improvements at Rincon Park.

(more details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

Weather Alert Day: Severe storms leave behind wind damage and power outages

KMIZ on April 16, 2025

Jessica Hafner

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day has come to an end after storms exited Mid-Missouri by around 7:00 p.m.

There will still residents without power in Camden, Benton, Cole, Boone, and Callaway counties as of 10:00 p.m.

Our ABC 17 News crews observed possible tornado damage in Callaway and Boone counties.

More than 3″ of rain fell across much of Mid-Missouri since Friday, prompting Flash Flood Warnings and covered roads and low water crossings.

As a front settled over southern Missouri this weekend, it produced several rounds of rain and strong storms south of I-44, though damage reports were minimal in our area.

The front lifts through the area on Sunday, and temperatures will warm to the 60s and 70s as rain continues. A cold front arriving Sunday afternoon will then trigger the development of severe storms into the evening.

The severe risk increases as early as noon on Sunday, but current forecasts indicate that severe storms will first track into western Mid-MO by 2 to 3 PM, including places like Marshall, Sedalia, and the Lake. Storms progress east through 3 to 6 PM, impacting Columbia and Jefferson City, and then eastern Missouri in places like Owensville, Montgomery City, and Vandalia by 6 to 9 PM. Severe storms exit before midnight.

Practically all of Mid-Missouri and areas south are under a 3 out of 5 risk of severe storms, according to the Storm Prediction Center. This indicates scattered to widespread storms capable of moderate damage.

All cards are on the table Easter Sunday afternoon and evening; all severe hazards, including tornadoes, will be possible with a line of storms tracking through the area from 3 PM to 10 PM.

Flooding will be a persistent problem through the weekend with 2 to 4 or more inches of rainfall for much of the area.

You should be where you need to be for Easter weekend ahead of the flooding and storms. Make sure you have the ABC 17 Stormtrack weather app to remain aware of changing weather conditions, including lightning strikes near your location and any severe weather warnings that may be issued.

Bend man sentenced to 8 years in prison, lifetime loss of driver’s license in DUII rollover crash that killed La Pine man

KTVZ on April 16, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 25-year-old Bend man was sentenced Tuesday to more than eight years in prison and permanent loss of his driver’s license after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide, DUII and assault in a 2023 rollover crash that claimed a La Pine man’s life. 

Bryce Tanner Lupton was arrested in February of 2024 on manslaughter, DUII and assault charges in the crash that occurred late on a Saturday night in September of 2023, when police said his 2023 Ford Focus left Southeast 15th Street near Bear Creek Road and overturned. 

Passenger Jacobic Lee Barnhill, 23, of La Pine, was killed in the crash. Lupton and a second passenger, a 22-year-old Redmond woman, were injured and taken to St. Charles Bend for treatment. Police said at the time that speed and alcohol were believed to be factors in the crash. 

After a settlement conference, Lupton signed a guilty plea petition on April 3 to the lesser, but still Class B felony charge of criminally negligent homicide, as well as third-degree assault and DUII. Prosecutors agreed to recommend a 100-month prison term, which Deschutes County Circuit Judge Wells Ashby accepted at Tuesday’s sentencing, along with imposing permanent revocation of his driver’s license.

District 25 announces new Athletic Director of Pocatello High School

KIFI on April 16, 2025

Seth Ratliff

The following is a press release from Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 (PCSD 25) is pleased to announce the selection of Brandon Jackson as the new Athletic Director of Pocatello High School, effective July 1, 2025. He will succeed Robert Parker, who is retiring on June 30 after nearly twenty-three years of dedicated service to the district.

Brandon Jackson, Courtesy: Pocatello/Chubbuck School District

Born and raised in Idaho, Jackson brings over a decade of experience in education and leadership, along with a lifelong passion for student success in both academics and athletics. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education: Teaching Emphasis from Idaho State University, a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University, and an Education Specialist Degree in Building Administration from Northwest Nazarene University.

Brandon began his teaching and coaching career at West Jefferson High School before moving to Hillcrest High School, where he spent eight years teaching and coaching multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling. He was a key part of the school’s state championship football coaching staff, supporting student-athletes on and off the field.

Over the past three years, Jackson has served in administrative roles focused on cultivating positive school culture, supporting academic achievement, and managing athletics operations. His leadership experience includes positions as Jr./Sr. High School Principal, Interim Athletic Director, and Head Baseball Coach, equipping him with valuable insights into program development, budgeting, and team leadership.

Brandon and his wife, Kristen, are the proud parents of five children and two Golden Retrievers. His deep commitment to family, education, and athletics makes him a natural fit for the Pocatello High School community.

“I believe in creating an athletic culture that supports the whole learner—encouraging academic achievement, teamwork, and personal growth,” said Jackson. “I am honored to join the PHS team and look forward to working alongside coaches, learners, families, and staff to continue the school’s tradition of excellence.”

Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell shared his support for the appointment, stating, “I am excited to welcome Brandon Jackson to our administrative team as a leader who brings both vision and heart to his work. We are confident he will make a lasting impact on the Pocatello High School community through his demonstrated commitment to excellence and learner-centered leadership.”

Another man charged in alleged gun theft ring in Columbia

KMIZ on April 16, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Another Columbia man has been charged with a felonies in connection with an alleged gun theft ring in Columbia.

Ronald McIntire was charged on Tuesday with two counts of stealing a gun. He posted a $4,500 bond on March 21, court records show. An initial court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.

McIntire was one of seven people charged in connection with the ring. After Kayla Dugan was arrested and 14 guns were found in her apartment – and several more found at Kiwanis Park – she allegedly described people who bought guns. Several of the guns were reported stolen from Macon.

Thomas Abbey Jr. allegedly bought a gun from Dugan and traded it to McIntire for a truck, court documents allege.

Dugan, 37, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of illegal gun possession, one count of stealing a gun and one count of drug possession. Her next court date has not been announced. She is being held at Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia.

Justin Shelton, 30, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of illegal gun possession and one count of stealing a gun. A preliminary hearing in his case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 20. He is being held at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center.

Abbey, of Columbia, was charged with illegal gun possession, stealing a gun and drug possession. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, April 24. He bonded out of jail last week.

Gerald Bell, 44, of Centralia, was charged with illegal gun possession and stealing a gun. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 22.

Robert Ruble, 38, of Columbia, was charged with receiving stolen property, drug possession, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 22.

Tyrone Sabb, 49, of Columbia, was charged with receiving stolen property, drug possession, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 22.

Spire seeks 15% rate increase with local hearing now scheduled for June

News-Press NOW on April 16, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Spire customers in St. Joseph and surrounding areas could see their gas bills increase by as much as $14 a month starting this October, the latest utility cost adjustment for many households.

Residents will get the chance to ask questions and speak at one of five statewide public hearings on the proposal at noon on June 4 at St. Joseph City Hall, part of extensive public scrutiny before a ruling is made by the Missouri Public Service Commission.

If the request if approved by MoPSC, the average customer will see their bill increase by $13 to $14 a month, or $168 a year, beginning no later than Oct. 24, 2025.

Spire is filing the request to recover costs for infrastructure investments and adjust with rising inflation, as well as weather and conservation impacts.

The increase in base rates would largely nullify a reduction that many Spire customers saw last November, when the commission announced a decrease of around 16% a month due to lower costs for natural gas.

The proposal also comes on the heels of higher electricity costs for Evergy customers that went into effect this year, a 7% increase that equated to roughly $8 a month, or $96 per year.

Water bills are also expected to increase for St. Joseph residents by as much as $18 a month by mid-2025 following a request from Missouri American Water late last year. The request was filed to pay for the cost of $1.5 billion in planned investments statewide, including upgrades to the water treatment plant and Randolph booster stations in St. Joseph.

“These projects are important to continue providing quality water, increasing fire protection and improving service reliability for customers and include replacement of over 250 miles of aging water and wastewater pipe to help reduce main breaks and sewer overflows,” Missouri American Water said previously.

The impact of Spire’s request will vary by customer type, as projections are based upon an average monthly gas usage of 59 ccfs per month. All in all, Spire’s request would generate $290 million for company investments. 

The upcoming hearing at City Hall on June 4 is divided into two parts: a standard question portion — in which questions and answers are not part of evidence — and a portion where residents testify as part of the official record for the case.

Two Upcoming Launches Scheduled from Vandenberg following Wednesday’s launch

KEYT on April 16, 2025

Alissa Orozco

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – A Northrop Grumman Minotaur 4 rocket launched today at 12:33pm from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and two more rockets are scheduled in the next four days.

Wednesday’s launch was the first Minotaur IV launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base since 2011 as part of the NROL-174 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.

On Friday, April 18th, Vandenberg will see launch a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket that was delayed back in March due to range availability. The rocket will launch Lockheed Martin’s LN 400 satellite bus into low orbit.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a batch of satellites from Vandenberg on Saturday, April 19th. This will be the tenth set of satellites for this constellations. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

As of Wednesday, launch times for the upcoming launches are unknown.

Your News Channel will update this article with more information as it becomes avaliable.

Santa Barbara County rolls out new mapping system designed to reunite missing pets with owners

KEYT on April 16, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) has created a new online tool designed to reunite lost pets with their owners.

The interactive mapping system is hosted by Petco Love Lost and integrated with the Nextdoor and Ring apps to provide real-time updates.

“Thanks to our partners over at Petco Love Lost, we have launched this new interactive map to help reunite families back with their missing pets and also reunite these pets back with their families before these animals come to the shelter,” said Juana Alejandre, Santa Barbara County Animal Services Operations Manager. “It’s one map and great for everybody. If you found a pet or you’re missing your pet, you don’t have to go to multiple pages to make missing pet reports. Now, you can do it in one centralized location and everybody around you who has that app or has those are on the map, they will be notified that your that pet is missing or you found that pet.” 

Users are able to zoom into neighborhoods to view reports in their area, which includes information such as a photo of the pet, when the animal was found and the person who found it.

“This map puts the power in the hands of our community,” said Sarah Aguilar, Santa Barbara County AnimalServices Director. “We’re making it easier than ever for neighbors to help each other and for lost pets to find their way home.”

According to Animal Services, the shared community platform will likely increase the chances of pets being safely and quickly reunited with their families — without needing to enter the shelter system.

“We know that one-in-three pets goes missing in their lifetime. That’s an estimated 10 million pets each year, and we’re not ok with that,” Petco Love President, Susanne Kogut said in a Santa Barbara County press release. “That gives us 10 million reasons why we created Petco Love Lost, because we believe nothing is more important than keeping people and pets together for a lifetime of love. Together with SBCAS, our goal is to Unite to Reunite and keep pets where they belong – at home, with you.”

To visit the new Santa Barbara County Animal Services mapping system, click here.