Pocatello Salvation Army seeking donations for new, vital box truck

KIFI on May 12, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Salvation Army Pocatello Corps is asking people in the area to help them buy a new box truck, after a recent breakdown left them without the necessary equipment for their community support programs.

The Pocatello Salvation Army lost their last treasured truck when an engine failure ground the 15-foot vehicle, and the programs it helps support, to a halt.

“It is totally unusable, and it’s really caused issues for us to continue to do what we do on the day to day basis here,” said Mareah Makowski, ministry leader for the Salvation Army Pocatello Corps. “From food collections and picking things up, bringing things in, taking things out––we’re really worried about when Christmas time comes around, how we’re going to get things like our kettles out to the locations, how we’re going to pick up toys and bring them into us so we can pass them out.”

The Pocatello Salvation Army serves around 50 local people daily through their soup kitchen, food pantry, and clothing donations.

During Christmas, Salvation Army leaders coordinate dozens of volunteers for their Red Kettle donation drives from the Pocatello headquarters, and last year, the Salvation Army Pocatello Corps brought Christmas gifts to over 600 area kids during their Christmas Angel program.

Pocatello Salvation Army leaders say their box truck has been a vital resource in helping them fulfill their mission to serve people in the Portneuf Valley, and now they are asking people to help them raise the $25,000 they need to replace their vehicle.

“We would really appreciate the community’s help,” said Makowski. “…It is very important for the Pocatello area to have programs like this because that’s what community is: we take care of each other, we look out for each other, and that’s all that we try to do here is we try to serve our community and love on our community the best that we can––we just need the necessary tools to do that.”

Makowski said they would like to have a new box truck ready for action by the end of June. For more information, you can visit the Salvation Army Pocatello Corps website.

To support the Salvation Army’s box truck fund, you can mail or deliver donations to the Pocatello headquarters at 400 N. 4th Ave.

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San Luis Toastmasters Club to host Charter Ceremony

KYMA on May 12, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The San Luis Toastmasters Club of Arizona Western College (AWC) is hosting a Charter Ceremony this week.

AWC says the ceremony is taking place at their San Luis Learning Center, located at 1340 N. Eighth Avenue, on Thursday, May 15 at 12:05 p.m.

This is to announce its official charter with Toastmasters International and to mark “beginning of an exciting journey to empower local voices and build strong communicators and leaders in the community,” AWC says.

“We are excited to bring Toastmasters to San Luis,” said Maria Guzman, president of the San Luis Learners Toastmasters Club. “Our club offers a welcoming space for anyone looking to gain confidence, find their voice, and grow as a leader.”

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below.

Students gain speaking skills through Toastmasters ClubDownload

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Arizona Western College welding program qualifies for Skills USA national competition

KYMA on May 12, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The welding and fabrication team at Arizona Western College’s (AWC) welding program are heading to nationals for the Skills USA competition.

AWC is the only college from Arizona heading to the event. 

The welding professor, Bobby Alvarado, says the competition produces welders for the future of America.

He describes what kind of chances this will give his students.

“Potential job opportunities, internships, this allows them to you know turn in their resumes to potential companies that are seeking welders for the future or once they graduate,” Alvarado said.

Alvarado shares how significant it is to make to nationals.

“Very special, because it’s a very rigorous competition, let a lone at the regional and state competition, so if you make it to nationals, you’re competing with the best within the nation,” he says.

The welding team is now working on fundraising and hoping to raise around $15,000 dollars ahead of their trip in June for travel expenses.

If you would like to donate to the groups GoFundMe, click the link HERE.

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Ryann Neushul wins fourth NCAA National Championship as Stanford beats USC

KEYT on May 12, 2025

Mike Klan

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana. – Ryann Neushul ends her collegiate water polo career at Stanford University as the Cardinal only 4-time national champion.

Top-ranked Stanford beat #3 USC 11-7 to win the program’s 10th overall national title.

The 2018 Dos Pueblos High School graduate Neushul won her first national championship at Stanford in 2019 as a freshman.

She trained on the U.S. National Team for the next two seasons and did not compete in the college seasons.

She returned to Palo Alto to help Stanford win back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.

Ryann took the college season off in 2024 as she played in the 2024 Olympics.

She scored a goal in Sunday’s win over the Trojans and was named First Team All-Tournament.

Her older sisters Kiley and Jamie each won 3 national titles at Stanford.

Ryann was one of many players with local ties to play in Sunday’s title game.

San Marcos alums Makenna Stretz and Reagan McEachen are on Stanford while San Marcos alums Ava Stryker and Madison Haaland-Ford play for USC. Stryker scored a goal for USC.

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Sanctuary Centers Showcases Local Artists to Promote Mental Health Awareness in Santa Barbara

KEYT on May 12, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Community members came together for an art show celebrating mental health awareness month in Santa Barbara this week.

The art show was hosted by Sanctuary Centers’ Integrated Health Clinic.

Visitors got a chance to explore artwork by clients, friends, and local artists.

It was also a chance for the community to learn more about the health services available.

“If I can have a painting in here that gives people a sense of hope I feel like I’m doing my job … I’m really grateful to be part of this community, said artist Hank Pitcher.

“My hope is people can look at my work and see a part of themselves in it and be able to relate to the feelings that i poured out into them,” said artist Jeff Veckner.

The art work is available for the community to enjoy at Sanctuary Centers’ Integrated Health Clinic throughout the month of May.

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‘Ready for closure’: Victim’s daughters react after high court allows evidence in trial of 2020 murder suspect Randall Kilby

KTVZ on May 12, 2025

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from family)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Previously excluded evidence has been ruled admissible in a Bend murder trial by the Oregon Supreme Court. The trial of Randall Kilby in the fatal assault of Daphne Banks has been delayed for years, though he’s already serving a life term for killing two roommates with a hatchet.

The evidence includes police police questioning where Kilby allegedly admitted to hitting Banks, resulting in her death in the hospital days later.

It’s a sign of some relief for Lacie and Rio Killian, the daughters of Daphne Banks.

Rio said, “I feel like this whole last year, I’ve had a lot of heavy weight on my shoulders. It’s finally been lifted with this news. “

Her other daughter, Lacie, said, “We’re going to have to relive our mother’s murder all these years later. So yes, this was the best outcome. Is it the easiest outcome? I don’t think so. It’s going to be a very difficult and long road ahead of us. “

The police questioning was part of a separate investigation into the murders of brothers-in-law Jeffrey Taylor, 66, and Benjamin Taylor, 69. Kilby was already sentenced to life in prison without parole for the hatchet killings of his two roommates.

In 2023, presiding Crook and Jefferson counties Circuit Judge Annette Hillman issued a ruling, barring some of Kilby’s statements to police as unusable.

Both parties agreed to have Hillman rule jointly on defense motions to suppress Kilby’s statements in both cases because, the judge wrote, “the arguments and evidence were similar in both cases and defendant’s statements were made during the same interview” with Bend Police Sgts. Whitney Dickson and James Kinsella.

Dickson said she had intended to focus the interview on the Taylors’ deaths, but Hillman noted that officers did question Kilby about Banks’ death.

Prosecutors claimed the statements should be allowed in both cases, as there had been no formal charges filed in either case when the five-hour interview was conducted, although Kilby had been arrested as a suspect in the Taylors’ killings and was read his Miranda rights against self-incrimination.

Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels recently confirmed to KTVZ News, “The (state) Supreme Court ruled that we can use Mr. Kilby’s statements as evidence against him in a trial regarding the murder of Daphne Banks. Those statements had previously been ruled inadmissible.”

Deputy DA Aaron Brenneman told us a status hearing originally set for last Friday has been delayed, pending formal signing of the ruling by the Supreme Court.

Bend police were informed about a 43-year-old Bend woman who sustained a life-threatening injury earlier in the morning and was taken to St. Charles Bend, where she remained in critical condition, Sgt. Cindy Ksenzulak said at the time.

Officers were told the injury appeared suspicious, and they began an investigation at the home where it occurred, in the 60000 block of Granite Drive.

At the time, people in the home, including Randall Kilby, said the woman had fallen and hit her head, the sergeant said.

Now, Banks’ family hopes the decision will bring them one step closer to justice.

“I don’t even feel like I’ve been able to grieve my mom’s death,” Lacie said. “It’s just been like a stage where there’s been no progress.”

Rio added, “I’m ready for closure on it all, too.”

Daphne Banks and her daughters (family photo)

Oregon Supreme Court ruling – Randall KilbyDownload

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Identity released of driver killed in Friday’s Lewisville Highway collision

KIFI on May 12, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The driver killed in Friday afternoon’s head-on collision along the Lewisville Highway has been identified.

The driver has been identified as Doris Prine, a 61-year-old resident of Terreton, Idaho. Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez confirmed that Prine’s next of kin has been notified.

The accident occurred shortly before 3 PM on Friday, May 9. Initial reports suggest that a pickup truck traveling southbound crossed the center line and collided with a smaller sedan, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they found both vehicles overturned in the yard of a house next to the highway. According to the BCSO, both drivers had been ejected from their vehicles due to the crash. But the victim’s husband tells Local News 8 Prine had to be cut out of her seatbelt when emergency responders arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, a 21-year-old male, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with severe injuries.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

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Wildfire Preparation Work Heats Up in High Risk Areas

KEYT on May 12, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Fire agencies along the Central Coast are preparing for what is expected to be a busy wildfire season, with crews in Santa Barbara already working to reduce vegetation in high-risk areas before flames can start and spread.

In partnership with the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, the city’s Fire Department is targeting 18 open space areas near neighborhoods where fires could threaten lives and property. Locations include Arroyo Burro Open Space, Douglas Family Preserve, Franceschi Park, Hale Park, and Parma Park.

Crews funded through a state grant are thinning brush, cutting grass, and reducing overgrown vegetation in parks and along trails. The effort is designed to slow the spread of wildfires and create defensible space for firefighters.

“This work allows us to get in and fight fires more aggressively,” said Mark von Tillow, a wildland specialist. “Flame lengths might not be as high, and the rate of spread may not be as fast. There are a lot of advantages.”

City officials said reducing fuel loads in high-risk zones also helps preserve native vegetation while removing invasive, highly flammable species.

The vegetation management project is supported in part by grant funding, which city officials say is critical.

“Vegetation management is an ongoing project,” said Monique O’Conner, an associate park planner. “We cut it one year, and it’s going to keep growing back.”

Work is currently underway at Hale Park, a city-owned open space along the Santa Barbara-Montecito border. The area is known for strong sundowner winds and thick vegetation—conditions that can quickly escalate a small fire into a fast-moving threat.

“This is a heavily populated area all the way down to the ocean,” von Tillow said. “This open space gives us a place to fight fires from or stage equipment if needed.”

The team performing the work includes individuals training to become firefighters. They work alongside a biologist to ensure environmental protections are in place, including buffers around active bird nests and sensitive plant species.

“If we find a nest, we either stop work in that area or assign a monitor to make sure the nest isn’t disturbed,” O’Conner said.

In one case, crews moved up a canyon to avoid disturbing a nesting hawk.

The city outlined five priorities for the project:

Public outreach and education about fire safety,

Creation and maintenance of defensible space near homes,

Improved access and fire breaks in high-hazard zones,

Strategic vegetation management, and

Reduction of fuel loads in open space areas.

Crews say many residents have expressed gratitude for the fire prevention efforts. Officials also reminded property owners they are responsible for maintaining defensible space around their homes.

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CIF-SS Baseball playoffs first round local matchups

KEYT on May 12, 2025

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The CIF-Southern Section released it’s playoff brackets for high school baseball.

Ventura was placed in rugged Division 2 and will open on the road at Simi Valley.

Also in D2, Oaks Christian hosts Redlands East Valley, Royal is home to Sultana Valley while Westlake is at San Clemente.

First round D2 games are scheduled for Friday, May 16.

Santa Barbara, which shared the Channel League title with Ventura, is in Division 3 and will play Thursday, May 15 at Crescenta Valley.

In Division 4 Dos Pueblos is at Katella while Pacifica is home to California.

Thousand Oaks hosts La Quinta.

All first round D4 games are scheduled for Friday, May 16.

Santa Paula has a Division 5 road game at Liberty while Camarillo is home to Orange Vista.

Hueneme is at Poly of Riverside.

D5 first round games are scheduled for Thursday, May 15.

Division 6 first round games are on Friday, May 16 and a couple of Ventura schools will be home.

St. Bonaventure hosts Pasadena while Foothill Tech welcomes South El Monte.

In D7 Channel Islands hosts Coachella Valley, Thacher is at Notre Dame of Riverside, and Grace plays at Vasquez in first round games on Thursday.

Cate hosts Azusa on Friday in D8 that also sees Fillmore home to Valley Christian of Santa Maria and Dunn at Duarte.

For all the playoff brackets please visit cifss.org

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Daily’s Premium Meats expansion will bring over 100 jobs to St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on May 12, 2025

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday outside of Daily’s Premium Meats to officially start an expansion that will double the size of the plant.

Many political figures were in attendance, including Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe.

“We’re going to continue as governor to make sure Missouri is a place businesses can grow,” Gov. Kehoe said. “Where innovation is welcome and where our workforce remains one of the strongest in the country.”

The $95 million expansion will bring in about 115 new jobs and now St. Joseph, Missouri, will produce 5% of the bacon in the United States.

Buchanan County Western District Commissioner Ron Hook said the new jobs and more bacon were some of the main positives from the expansion.

“We got a of workforce people really wanting to work, get to work and have good jobs,” Hook said. “Buchanan County and the City of St. Joseph are here to help any business around to create more jobs for the people that need the work.”

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie Hawn said one of the successes St. Joseph has had is “growing its own.”

“When we have a company here, really working with them to expand here versus other parts of the country and that is exactly what happened here with Daily’s,” Hawn said. “They are a great partner and they’re looking to expand here in St. Joseph, where they already had a plant, literally doubling the size of what they have today.”

The expansion will take five years to complete. Gov. Kehoe complimented the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce during his speech and said they have an understanding of “what the end game is,” which is to create more opportunities for Missourians.

“Whenever you have a chamber that is that involved, that integrated into the community, you see good success like we have here at Daily’s,” Gov. Kehoe said. “We couldn’t be happier with the (near) $100 million expansion and the over 100 jobs we are adding to the area.”

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