Board of Education work session addresses recent board vacancy

News-Press NOW on May 13, 2025

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Troester Media Center to address issues like paid parental leave and the recent board vacancy.

The deadline for filing to the open position, vacated with the resignation of Rick Gehring, is May 13. The board has decided to compile a list of questions that will be shared with each candidate by Board President Latonya Williams in an open board meeting. Board members will evaluate each candidate based on a rubric similar to the one used to determine the election of the new school superintendent.

Superintendent Dr. Ashly McGinnis said that the district wants this process, as well as the future of the long-range plan, to be transparent and include as much community input as possible.

“When we went through the Vision Forward process a few years ago, one of the suggestions that came out of that was to rebrand,” McGinnis said. “So we have sent out another survey this week.”

McGinnis added that she hopes people who may be getting “survey fatigue” would recognize how important the input is for the district as it makes decisions about the two high school model and the allocation of future funds.

Input may be particularly helpful based upon the recent failure of Proposition 2 to pass in the April election. Survey results shared at the work session included an overview of both the positive and negative perceptions of both the proposition and the newly proposed high school model.

Concerns in the survey included a lack of trust in the process, as well as the lack of details about the specifics of the plan. Furthermore, the survey included negative perceptions of the details of the location of new high schools and the overall impact on existing staff and faculty.

Board member Whitney Lanning said she believes more specific details about “Plan B” from the board will be shared by the end of June.

The board reviewed job descriptions and policies and also heard a report on ELA and science resources for the coming school year.

For a full agenda and more information about future meetings, visit sjsd.k12.mo.us.

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Signal upgrade project to begin at St. Joseph Avenue and Middleton

News-Press NOW on May 13, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Crews will continue the traffic signal upgrade project, beginning on the Middleton Street and St. Joseph Avenue intersection on Monday, May 19.

Starting at 8 a.m., Middleton Street will be closed on both sides of St. Joseph Avenue as crews work to replace wired traffic signals with mast-arm poles.

The work follows the recent upgrade project on Frederick Avenue and N. 22nd Street.

Traffic on Middleton will be routed along the following detours:

Eastbound traffic will detour north on Savannah Avenue to highland Avenue, then east on Highland to St. Joseph Avenue.

Westbound traffic will detour north on Maple Leaf parkway to North Ninth Street and to Grand Avenue, going west on Grand to St. Joseph Avenue.

The work is not expected to impact traffic on St. Joseph Avenue. The approximate cost of the project is $350,000.

Work will include new bases, poles, mast arms and signal heads on all four corners. New ADA curb corners will also be constructed. In addition, a sign at one business at the intersection will be relocated to allow room for a new pole base.

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ABC-7 at 4: Family Service of El Paso to host Mental Health Stars of El Paso event

KVIA on May 13, 2025

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Family Service of El Paso will host the 2nd Annual Mental Health Stars of El Paso. The event will recognize leaders and organizations impacting mental health in the region.

This year’s honorees include Sharon Butterworth, who received the Richard Salcido Lifetime Achievement Award for her transformative leadership in expanding mental health access and awareness. NAMI-El Paso received the Community Partner Award for reducing stigma and improving mental health education and outreach. The evening will feature food, drinks, a silent auction, entertainment, and the awards presentation.

The event will occur on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 6–9 PM at the El Paso Community College Administrative Service Center.

Tickets and event details are available at: https://www.familyserviceofelpaso.org/mental-health-stars-of-el-paso-event

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El Paso County to repave part of Furrow Road near Monument, but decides against roundabout recommendation

KRDO on May 13, 2025

Scott Harrison

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — A mile-long stretch of Furrow Road, just east of the Monument town limits and south of Highway 105, has two distinct segments: the older, northern section of around three-fourths of a mile, and a new extension to Higbee Road that opened in the past year.

County officials plan to repave the older section this summer, at a cost of $600,000; that section is crumbling and has many potholes and cracks.

“We’re going to mill and overlay the entire stretch from Highway 105 down to the Lamplight Drive/Minglewood Trail intersection,” said Joshua Palmer, the county’s head engineer. “We’re going to put in the permanent striping, which is going to be 11-foot lanes with a six foot, non-motorized shoulder on the west side of Furrow Road. So, (for) pedestrian traffic bikes, things like that. Keep all the signs that we currently have.”

Neighbors agree that the paving is badly needed, but they disagree with the county’s decision to hold off on building roundabouts on Furrow.

“As far as the road being paved, it’s a good idea because the road’s a mess,” said Lark Haines, who lives along Furrow Road. “But it’s a bad idea because the road being a mess slows people down a little. Paving it will only encourage people to drive faster.”

In 2021, the county paid a consultant to study safety improvements on Furrow — which is a narrow, winding, hilly road — in response to neighbors’ concerns about speeding traffic.

Among the consultant’s recommendations was to construct three roundabouts on Furrow at the following intersections: Lamplight Drive/Minglewood Trail, Lamplight at the north end of its circular configuration, and Metcalf Lane.

The consultant also recommended building a center median between the proposed roundabouts.

However, for a variety of reasons — including cost — the county decided against the roundabouts and chose other measures that they say are working well, such as narrowing the lanes on Furrow to a width of 11 feet, and posting more signs to alert drivers to the speed limit, steep grades or other road matters.

That doesn’t please safety-minded neighbors like Betty Stout, who fears that a serious or deadly crash is inevitable.

“It’s kinda like a race track up and down,” she said. “Since we don’t have sidewalks, we have a lot of people walking, walking their dogs, their kids, kids on bicycles. It’s really dangerous.”

County officials said that they will continue to monitor traffic speeds and volumes and will consider roundabouts as a possible future option.

Meanwhile, Haines said that she’ll continue to go on her daily walks carrying a paper 30 mph sign.

“Does it slow people down?” she said. “A few. Some people speed up when they get to me. One driver screeched to a stop and shouted profanity at me. (The sign) helps a little. Hopefully, it’s a reminder to some.”

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Cathedral City State of the City: Measure W delivers for community services

KESQ on May 13, 2025

Allie Anthony

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) –  Cathedral City officials, residents and business owners gathered Tuesday morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort for the 2025 State of the City, Business Awards & Business Expo.

During the ceremony, a key topic was the early successes of Measure W, a voter-approved sales tax measure that is beginning to show measurable impact on public services and infrastructure.

The additional $5 million in annual revenue generated by the half-cent sales tax is already being used to improve core city functions. Measure W is funding expanded 911 emergency services, street repairs, and public park maintenance. The funds are also being directed toward crime prevention, storm preparedness, and initiatives to reduce homelessness.

The event is not only featuring an economic update, but also recognized business and civic leaders. The following leaders will be awarded:

Business of the Year: Cathedral City Auto Dealers Association

New Business of the Year: Mega Dollar

Restaurant of the Year: Meester Zebra

Nonprofit of the Year: Read With Me

Volunteer of the Year: Darlene Remalia

Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Altman

Mayor’s Award: FIND Food Bank

While the State of the City reflects on the past year’s progress, it also sets the stage for what lies ahead in the coming year.

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13 Grand Prix! A soap box derby test run at KRDO13

KRDO on May 13, 2025

Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo (KRDO) – The Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby came by KRDO13 to do a little demonstration down the station’s hill and talk about the 21st annual event on June 1 in Monument.

43 racers ages 7 to 14 will take the start line on Higby road between the stock and super stock divisions. Each local winner qualifies for world championships in Akron, Ohio.

This year, the derby also sponsored a car for a local military family from San Luis, Colorado.

Higby Road is between Bowstring and Clover Leaf. The derby said it costs about $1500 to build a car. The derby has 28 of its own it will rent out each year for under $100.

You can contact Jim Taylor if you are interested in getting on the waitlist for this year or getting a rental spot for next year. People as old as 18 can participate.

Tune into Good Morning Colorado to see a couple of the young racers reach some speed down our hill behind KRDO13!

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Schneider Electric breaks ground on nearly $74 million expansion in Columbia

KMIZ on May 13, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Schneider Electric broke ground Tuesday on a major expansion of its Columbia manufacturing facility.

The company announced an investment of over $700 million in the U.S. this year, with more than $70 million of that directed to the Columbia project. The expansion, at Schneider’s facility in the 4800 block of Paris Road, marks the first milestone associated with the company’s growth amid rising demand for energy.

The expansion will include a warehouse and new lines to build commercial circuit breaker components.

Gov. Mike Kehoe said the project reflects the power of collaboration and what it means for Missouri’s future.

“The win is for the community, the win is for the employees who have great-paying jobs here, so we’re excited to see that,” Kehoe said. “It shows what’s possible when private enterprise, local leadership and a statement government come together on a shared vision for growth.”

According to Schneider Electric, the expansion will create 241 jobs, strengthening Missouri’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The new jobs will pay an average of $24.41 per hour, the company says.

Paul Eisenstein, president of Regional Economic Development Inc., said the expansion create a variety of jobs, including supervisors and technicians.

The $73.6 million project is backed in part by Chapter 100 Bonds, which grant Schneider Electric a $2.3 million property tax break over the next 10 years in exchange for job creation.

Eisenstein said Boone County has a strong, transparent incentive process through Chapter 100. The tax break is only for new facilities and equipment.

“It’s a competitive incentive, but our local taxing jurisdiction,n including the local school system, other jurisdictions, they receive tax funds they otherwise wouldn’t get because Schneider is expanding in our community,” Eisenstein said.

The company has also been approved for state incentives worth more than $4 million.

Kehoe believes those state incentives, such as Missouri Works and the Build Program, help strengthen the state’s economic toolbox.

Eisenstein said Schneider Electric chose Columbia as part of the investment because of the trust the company has in city and county leadership.

“I think Schneider has had a fantastic experience in Columbia and Boone County. I think they love it here. I think they have a great workforce and I also think we have a strong civic infrastructure. They have leaders they can trust, and they have proven that with their investment,” Eisenstein said.

North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas are also part of Schneider Electric’s $700 million U.S. investment, according to the company.

Quinn said the Columbia expansion is expected to be complete by March 2026.

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Local firefighting agencies anticipating an active fire season during upcoming summer months

KEYT on May 13, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Central Coast firefighting agencies are taking the time during Wildfire Preparedness Month to warn the public it expects a busy fire season during the upcoming summer months.

“As we approach summer, we’re getting closer to announcing fire season here within the county,” said Scott Safechuck, Santa Barbara County Fire Department public information officer. “You can tell that with the warmer weather, you can see on the hillsides that our vegetation is starting to turn brown, and the grass is that first indicator of that, especially in the North County, and it will transition to the South County as things warm up here.”

Late winter rains, combined springtime precipitation, was a welcome sight over the past couple of months.

The recent storms helped bring much-needed rainfall to the Central Coast, but it also helped fuel significant vegetation growth hillsides and other open spaces throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

With vegetation beginning to dry out, especially after enduring warmer than usual temperatures over the past few days, firefighting agencies predict increased chances of wildfires.

“We can expect to see an above average increase of significant wildfires starting in and around July,” said Fleming Bertelsen, Los Padres National Forest public information officer. “We’re still kind of in a drying trend. You look around and we’re seeing the light, flashy fuels transition from green to brown and it’s happening very abruptly. This last weekend it was kind of a dramatic change, so it’s something giving us a heads up.”

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Fire crews tackle 15-acre grass fire in Santa Margarita Monday afternoon

KEYT on May 13, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. – Fire crews mopped up a 15-acre grass fire in Santa Margarita that first broke out just before 12:30 p.m. on Highway 58 Monday, according to CAL Fire SLO.

The fire started at an acre near Energy Place and the highway and crews gave updated acreage numbers just before 2:00 p.m, detailed CAL Fire SLO.

Forward progress of the incident stopped just past 1:30 p.m and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Goleta Pastor and Coach Arrested on Felony Sex Crime Charges Involving Minors

KEYT on May 13, 2025

Andrew Gillies

GOLETA, Calif. — A Goleta pastor who also coached high school students has been arrested on felony sex crime charges involving minors.

Shaun Donald Hertlein, 42, was taken into custody Friday, May 9, after Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives served him with a warrant. Detectives began investigating Hertlein in April.

He faces charges including sending sexual images to a minor, communicating with a minor with the intent to commit specific crimes, and possession of obscene images of a child. His bail is set at $500,000.

Sheriff’s officials said Hertlein worked with children at a church in the 5800 block of Cathedral Oaks Road. Online videos list him as a pastor at South Coast Church at that same address. Social media posts also show his affiliation with the Santa Barbara Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Superintendent Hilda Maldonado confirmed Hertlein is an assistant coach at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta on Monday.

Detectives believe there may be additional survivors and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective F. Arnoldi at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 805-681-4171 or visiting the Sheriff’s Office website.

This is at least the third arrest in Goleta this year by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office involving alleged sex crimes against minors. In March, 51-year-old Martin Efrain Barajas was arrested on charges related to lewd acts with a child under the age of 10 dating back to 2002. That same month, 34-year-old Adam Escarcega, affiliated with Adams Elementary School in Santa Barbara, was detained after a vigilante group posing as a juvenile online arranged a meeting with him.

Support services for survivors are available through the Santa Barbara County Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 805-568-2400 or toll-free at 805-840-3232. Additional confidential resources, including a 24-hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy, and counseling, are available through Standing Together to End Sexual Assault at 805-564-3696.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging parents and guardians to stay involved in their children’s online activity, use parental controls, maintain open communication about digital safety, and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement.

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