New mother welcomes baby Mother’s Day weekend

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Many moms remember their first Mother’s Day. The holiday is especially memorable for those who became mothers for the first time this weekend. That’s exactly what happened for one Colorado Springs family.

Mom Marjanna and Dad Jack met their baby girl Reagan for the first time this weekend.

Baby Reagan, courtesy of UCHealth

Reagan is their first child, making Mother’s Day all the more special to them on Sunday. Reagan was born at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central.

Parents Fern and Scott of Woodland Park welcomed baby William, their second child.

Baby William, courtesy of UCHealth

Also welcoming William was big brother James, age 4. William was born this weekend at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North.

Courtesy of UCHealth

UCHealth also noted to KRDO13 that the newborns’ hats were crocheted by Aspen Trail residents, the retirement community in Colorado Springs.

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Desert Regional nurses help welcome new life on Mother’s Day

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – As Mother’s Day is celebrated across the country, some are spending it in the delivery room — and nurses are right beside them, helping guide them into parenthood.

At Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, many Registered nurses (RNs) said being part of a birth on this special day is a privilege.

“It was very special,” Shannon Wagner, RN said after helping deliver a baby on Mother’s Day.

“Congratulations to Courtney Velasquez whose Mother’s Day present this year was a beautiful baby girl, Saylor, who joined the family at 3:22 a.m at Desert Regional Medical Center! Saylor weighed 5 pounds 11 ounces and was born on 5/11. How’s that for a lucky number! Desert Care Network sends best wishes to the entire family, Dad Joe, brother Shyloh and sister Savannah, who is waiting back home in Joshua Tree for her sister’s arrival. Happy Mothers Day to all the moms and babies we serve through our Women & Infants Center, Level 3 NICU and prenatal programs! Learn more about services online,” said Richard Ramhoff, Group Director, Marketing Desert Care Network.

Not only is Sunday Mother’s Day, it is also the end of National Nurses Appreciation Week — a time meant to honor the dedication of nurses across the country.

Yadira Soto, RN — a mother herself — said she was happy to spend the day supporting others.

“It’s wonderful being a part of another woman becoming a mom,” Soto said. “Some of these moms are becoming first time moms. So it’s good to be part of that. Being there with them, helping them through this journey of labor and delivery.”

The team also helped deliver Mateo on May 10 — which is Dia de las Madres — adding an even deeper sense of celebration.

“The unique thing about the Hispanic culture, no matter what day it lands on during the week, we always celebrate on the 10th,” Kimberlyn Cruz, RN said.

Feliz Dia de las Madres to brand new mom Jocelyn Martinez whose very first Mother’s Day present was her brand new baby boy, Mateo, who was born at Desert Regional Medical Center on 3:47 p.m. on May 10 — which is Mother’s Day in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Mateo was 6 pounds 12 ounces and 19 inches long. Congratulations to Jocelyn and dad, Noah Burdin, of Palm Springs. What a cute baby! Happy Mothers Day to all the moms and babies we serve through our Women & Infants Center, Level 3 NICU and prenatal programs,” said Richard Ramhoff, Group Director, Marketing Desert Care Network.

These nurses said being present for life’s first moments — especially during a week celebrating their profession — is the best kind of recognition.

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Volunteers to build 200 beds for kids in need at Deschutes County Fairgrounds

KTVZ News Team

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Hammers will be flying at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this Saturday as Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers build beds for kids who don’t have their own.

“We are hoping to build 200 beds and are looking for 200 volunteers to make it happen,” says Joe Myers, Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter president. 

Home Depot and the non-profit, “100+ Women Who Care,” have donated the bedding and materials for this build. Several Rotary clubs will be joining in.

The build will take place May 17 from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm at the fairgrounds.

You can register to volunteer here:  https://x.gldn.io/e/a5tNZlH99Sb

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Businesses, locals, and tourists react to Artichoke Festival farewell

jose.romo

CASTROVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV)– Businesses, locals, and tourists alike are feeling all choked up. The annual Artichoke Festival is officially calling it quits after decades on the central coast. After 65 years, the artichoke festival is bidding farewell to Monterey County.

The event helped put Castroville on the map — the small town now known to many as the artichoke capitol of the world.

“We just drove down for the day for Mother’s Day, and I did hear that the festival was closing down, and we’re sorry to hear that,” Jeff Gliever mentioned. “Had a lot of good times here, and it’s too bad, but we’re gonna still eat artichokes.”  

Jeff, who is visiting from San Jose was sure to make a stop on his way home for artichokes. He, like many others, is sad to see this tradition go away. 

“There’s like a 65-year history and then all of a sudden it just got canceled,” Josie Weisner from the Bay Area said as she picked a few artichokes from the grocery store. “It’s always nice, these kinds of events for the community.” 

Most of the nation’s artichokes are grown in California, with two thirds of crops coming from fields around Castroville. The festival first began back in 1959, moving to the Monterey County Fairgrounds in 2014. This year it was scheduled to be hosted in Salinas for the first time. 

“We were going to do all their fried artichokes for the festival so that’s like a thousand pounds of canceled fried artichokes that we had, you know, ready for them for the sale, but after that, it was just sad because it stops promoting artichokes.” 

Jose Salazar has owned the iconic Giant Artichoke Restaurant for over twenty years. He says the festival increased sales by about 70 percent back when it was still in Castroville. Since then, his small business has taken a big hit. 

“When they moved to Monterey, it was only about 30%. So the first big mistake they made is moving it out of Castroville,” he says. “I think, for all the local businesses here in town, that lost out on that income. 

The festival’s board of directors say rising costs to host the event have made it no longer feasible, leading to the difficult decision of a total cancellation. Still, Salazar thinks the years of tradition left its mark on the community. 

“It just makes you happy, and it makes you kind of willing to work harder and say, hey, we can create more dishes, we could do this because we have more and more people coming out to enjoy artichokes.” Salazar, owner of the giant artichoke restaurant, hopes the community can bring back the festival to Castroville.

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Investigation launched into Crook County High School principal for alleged misuse of school resources

KTVZ News Team

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – According to The Prineville Review, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously on Friday to open a formal investigation into Crook County High School Principal Jake Huffman.

The commission believes Huffman may have violated state ethics laws by using his public position and school district facilities to benefit his private wrestling business, COWA.

Investigators allege Huffman used school resources without paying the required rental fees, operating under time slots reserved by the nonprofit Cowboy Mat Club, an organization eligible for free gym use.

Commission Chair David Fiskum emphasized that Friday’s vote only authorizes a formal investigation and does not represent a finding of guilt.

Huffman remains in his role with the Crook County School District as the investigation proceeds.

We’ll continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Manitou Springs enacts mandatory water restrictions

Mackenzie Stafford

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The City of Manitou Springs has enacted mandatory water restrictions for all residents and businesses effective immediately due to elevated water turbidity levels.

Beginning Sunday, May 11, all outdoor watering is strictly prohibited, according to city officials. The City is urging residents and businesses to significantly reduce indoor water use including postponing laundry, running dishwashers, and other non-essential activities that require substantial water. They say these precautions are necessary to preserve the City’s drinking water supply for the next 3 to 4 days.

City staff say they are closely monitoring conditions and will provide an update by noon on Monday, May 12, 2025. They say the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

The City emphasizes that cooperation from all residents and businesses is essential to help manage current water quality concerns.

Residents can stay informed through the City’s official communication channels and are asked to report any urgent water-related concerns using the following contacts:

General Inquiries: 719-685-2573

Public Works Emergency Line: 719-685-2557

Urgent Public Works Issues: 719-492-0058

Water/Sewer Emergencies: 719-492-1970

Just before 9 p.m. on Sunday the City of Manitou Springs announced that the Pool and Fitness Center will be closed on Monday, May 12, per the mandatory water restrictions and to conserve water due to the turbidity notice. At this time, city officials say they are hopeful to be open for normal operation on Tuesday, May 13, but an update will be provided once available.

The City said all programs will be canceled to include water aerobics, swim lessons, Masters swim team and Manitou Springs Megalodons swim team.

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“Bear-y” special Mother’s Day

Noah Farley

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Mothers throughout Idaho were wished a “bear-y” happy Mother’s Day when Yellowstone Bear World celebrated the holiday.

Mothers got to visit Yellowstone Bear World for free after buying a regular admission. Hundreds of people, even several from around the world, filled the park to see bears, bison, and animatronic dinosaurs.

“We’re just really excited to be able to share these opportunities with the community and to be a little part of the Mother’s Day weekend here,” said Yellowstone Bear World President, Courtney Ferguson.

Ferguson says the park’s Mother’s Day Special has become an annual tradition for many families.

The mother bears were also enjoying the cool day—climbing trees and relaxing in the water, while the cubs jumped around and played with each other.

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Four displaced after early morning house fire in Jefferson City

Nia Hinson

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Four people are without a home after a fire broke out early Sunday morning in Jefferson City.

According to a press release from the Jefferson City Fire Department, firefighters were called to the 1000 Block of West McCarty Street just after 1 a.m. Crews found heavy smoke coming from the first floor and basement.

Firefighters also found heavy fire showing from a vehicle in the basement garage, according to the release. All people were outside of the home.

The fire was put out, but left behind heavy smoke damage on all levels of the home.

No injuries were reported.

The vehicle is considered a total loss, according to the release. Two adults, two children and three pets were displaced by the fire. The individuals are being assisted by the Red Cross.

The fire cause and origin of the vehicle was undetermined, the release says.

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Celebrating mothers at the Mother’s Day Market

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Today families gathered at Mother’s Day Market in celebration of this special day.

Over the past 4 days, Penny’s market has featured a variety of local artisans showcasing unique, handmade gifts perfect for moms.

Penny’s Market, organized by a mother-daughter duo, also featured local artisans whose creations began with the support of mothers and daughters.

Attendees enjoyed live music that added to the excitement, enhancing the overall experience.

The market successfully created lasting memories while celebrating mothers and all that they do.

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Severe weather anticipated this afternoon

Chris Nestman

A rise in heat, humidity, and an unstable atmosphere is creating the perfect environment for severe thunderstorms in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming this afternoon.

The Storm Predication Center (SPC) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8pm. Meaning strong to severe thunderstorms with microburst winds are possible this afternoon.

Strong to severe wind gusts of 60 mph is the most likely threat from these storms. The best thing to do is secure your property to avoid flying debris (see patio umbrellas, trampolines, tree branches, etc.)

Some pockets of hail within these storms is also a possibility. Finally, while its a very small chance, we will be on the lookout for a brief tornado. Strong tornados in Idaho are very rare, but quick moving weaker ones do happen on occasion. These kinds of tornadoes are still dangerous as they can cause some exterior damage to buildings and are a risk for injury to those outside due to flying debris.

The SPC, the branch of the National Weather Service that specializes in severe weather forecasting, has highlighted eastern Idaho for this afternoon for storm risk. Specifically, the I-15/Hwy 20 corridor has a “slight” risk (tier 2 out of 5) for strong storms compared to surrounding regions that are under a “marginal” risk (tier 1 out of 5).

Storms already started firing up around 1 p.m. today and we expect some risk for strong thunderstorms through about 9 p.m. this evening. Keep your phones charged in case of any power outages so you can still receive warnings.

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