‘Modern-Day Lazarus:’ Family praises ‘miracle’ recovery of BYU-Idaho student injured in campus accident

KIFI on May 9, 2025

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The BYU-Idaho student critically injured in an on-campus accident is miraculously recovering, according to his family.

On April 30, 26-year-old Israel Garcia was caught in an industrial accident in BYU-Idaho’s Austin Building, which houses the technical and engineering programs on campus.

According to first responders, several students were moving a stack of steel beams. “They were in the process of moving (those) when that stack collapsed,” said Madison County Fire Department Deputy Chief Troyce Miskin.

Garcia was caught under the collapse and quickly rushed by emergency responders to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

In several social media posts, the 26-year-old’s family updated friends and family members regarding his condition. According to the posts, on May 3, doctors did a test for brain function, and the results were not positive.

Israel’s family continued to reach out to friends and family for prayers and support, words echoed by both the Madison County Fire Department and the school itself.

“At the time of the incident, paramedics responded swiftly and transported the student to receive medical care. BYU-Idaho invites the campus community and friends to join us in praying for the student and his family,” said the school in a statement to Local News 8.

In the following days, Israel’s family says he had an amazing recovery. Their son, who they say had been considered brain dead and on life support, was alive. May 7th, Israel’s mother, Carol Garcia, told friends and family through Facebook that her son “cast off his final bandages and sat up and put his feet on the ground.”

His mother likens his recovery to a modern-day Lazarus.

“We are indeed so very blessed ~ we feel the prayers of so many people! This is a miracle that will continue to grow, and it is all in and for the glory of God. It is for testifying of the divinity and majesty of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the light and the life and the way ~ who is the only way to salvation,” said Carol Garcia in a written statement to Local News 8.

“Faith and Diligent Efforts”: BYU-Idaho Comments on Student’s Recovery

As news of the 26-year-old’s recovery reached us, Local News 8 reached out to BYU-Idaho for comment. The University issued the following statement:

BYU-Idaho is so very grateful for Israel’s improving condition. We know that his healing is the result of much fasting, many prayers, and the faith of his loving family, his fellow BYU-Idaho students and employees, and friends. We also know that his ongoing recovery would not be possible without the diligent efforts of first responders, emergency services personnel, and medical professionals who have been caring for him since the accident. 

Brett Crandall, Public Affairs Director.

Local News 8 has requested more details from the school regarding the incident, including why the 26-year-old student was moving steel beams in the first place and whether they were wearing proper safety gear. The University has confirmed that an investigation is open, but it is unable to provide any details due to Federal Privacy Regulations and University Policy.

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Crews help with brush fire in Paso Robles Friday afternoon

KEYT on May 9, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

PASO ROBLES, Calif. – CAL Fire SLO crews helped with a brush fire that reached 1.59 acres at 2:46 p.m. on Geneseo Road in Paso Robles Friday.

The fire burned uphill at a slow rate of spread and the cause of the fire is under investigation, according to CAL Fire SLO.

Forward progress for the fire stopped around 3:40 p.m. and the fire was fully contained by 5:30 p.m., according to CAL Fire SLO.

Crews mopped up the fire for two more hours after the initial response, detailed CAL Fire SLO.

No structures were threatened, no evacuation orders were issued due to the fire and Your News Channel will have more information as it becomes available on this fire.

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No injuries reported after gun fired in Boonville

KMIZ on May 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No injuries were reported after a gun was fired in Boonville, according to a Friday social media post from the Boonville Police Department.

The post says that police were called to a report of shots fired at 3 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Rankin Mill Lane. Police wrote that they found evidence of a gun being fired, but did not say how many shots were likely fired.

Police wrote that the person who allegedly fired the gun drove away in a black Volkswagen with Missouri license plates reading TL6D7P.

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Bend Park and Rec District and Bend Police teaming up on reminders about dog leash rules

KTVZ on May 9, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend has a reputation for making lists for its love of dogs; however, one of the most common complaints and pleas for help from community members relates to off-leash dogs.

Bend Park and Recreation District and City of Bend Police Department are reminding pet owners about leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on leash. BPRD’s park stewards will partner with Community Service Officers from Bend Police by visiting several parks and trails next week to talk with dog handlers about expectations and park rules.

From Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, community members will see extra patrols by staff of both organizations, seeking voluntary compliance and providing reminders to anyone observed with a dog off leash about possible consequences of violations.

Dogs are required by city ordinance to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend, except in designated off-leash areas.

The engagement campaign aims to inform community members about the possible enforcement actions that can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $250 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

“For people who are afraid or uncomfortable around dogs, an encounter with an off-leash dog can be very negative and at times dangerous,” said Joel Lee, BPRD park stewardship manager. “People in Bend love their dogs, but it’s important that the parks are safe for all to enjoy, so please leash your four-legged friends unless in a designated off-leash area.”

The park steward team keeps data related to their patrols and contacts in parks and facilities throughout the year. For 2024, they observed 11,015 dogs on leash and 2,746 dogs off leash, which equates to approximately 75 percent compliance. According to Lee, compliance varies seasonally as well as across parks and trails with complaints increasing in neighborhood parks across the community.

Bend Police received 95 dog complaints regarding incidents on park properties in 2024, and 42 calls so far in 2025. The Bend Police Department maintains a dashboard allowing the public to see police calls for service in public parks. You can access it at https://policedata.bendoregon.gov/pages/parks-incidents.

“We need our community to work together and for everyone to follow park rules,” said Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller. “We are lucky to have lots of beautiful options in Bend where our dogs can safely be off leash.”

Leash rules also apply while walking to a dog park from the entrance or a parking lot. Unleashed dogs running from a vehicle can create safety concerns for the dog as well as for others, especially in busy parks such as Ponderosa, Big Sky and Pine Nursery parks.

Additionally, dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.

BPRD has nine dog off-leash areas in local parks, including:

Alpenglow Community Park (61049 SE 15th St.) 3.9 acres, fenced with small dog area and agility amenities.

Big Sky Park (21690 Neff Rd) 5 acres, fenced.

Discovery Park (1315 NW Discovery Park Drive) 1.6 acres, fenced.

Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia St) 1.1 acres, fenced with river access and small dog area.

Ponderosa Park (225 SE 15th St) 2.9 acres, fenced with small dog area.

Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park (NE Purcell Rd) 18.8 acres, fenced with seasonal splash pad and small dog park.

Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd) 3.7 acres, unfenced.

Overturf Butte Reservoir (Skyliner Summit Loop) 4.6 acres, fenced.

Awbrey Reservoir (NW 10th and Trenton) 5 acres, partially fenced (not fully enclosed). Note: acreage is approximate.

Off-leash area etiquette includes only visiting with vaccinated, non-aggressive pets. Also, please don’t allow children to ride bikes or play on agility course equipment located in the dog parks.

Learn more on BPRD’s Dogs in Parks webpage.

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Coroner rules death accidental in golf cart crash that killed John Elway’s agent

KEYT on May 9, 2025

KESQ

Story Update 05/09/2025: LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) The Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner Bureau has released the cause of death for Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent of NFL legend John Elway.

According to the Coroner’s report, the cause of death is “blunt head trauma,” and the manner of death is “accident,” and the mode of death (how the injury occurred) is “passenger fell from golf cart.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into the incident remains open and ongoing.

Earlier story – 05/02/2025:

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said there doesn’t appear to be signs of any criminal activity in the golf cart accident that killed Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent of NFL legend John Elway, in La Quinta over the weekend.

The accident happened Saturday afternoon at the 53200 block of Humboldt Boulevard, inside the Madison Club. Sperbeck was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning.

Elway was reportedly driving the golf cart at the time of the accident, witnesses told News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur.

Bianco shared a statement with News Channel 3’s Karen Devine on Friday:

“While the investigation is not yet completed, there is nothing we have learned to indicate this is anything other than a tragic accident.”

UPDATE: La Quinta Death Investigation The investigation is ongoing and has not been completed, but at this point, there is nothing to indicate that this is anything more than a tragic accident.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office pic.twitter.com/z8oATNrNXI

— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) May 2, 2025

Bianco expanded on the investigation in an interview with the Denver Post on Friday, where he stated that medical personnel at the scene did not find evidence that Elway was inebriated at the time of the accident. There were no specific details as to how medical personnel reached that conclusion.

Bianco added that the Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage and witness testimony.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to the scene as Bianco told the Denver Post that first responders didn’t immediately flag RSO for any sort of investigatation. The agency confirmed to News Channe 3 that they were made aware of the accident on Monday then launched their investigation.

TMZ reports that Elway was seen at a party two hours before the accident.

Elway has hired Denver-based attorney, Harvey Steinberg, according to multiple reports Friday. Steinberg issued a statement on behalf of his client.

“This has been a terrible time for everyone involved and our hearts continue to go out to the Sperbeck family. As John grieves this unimaginable loss, we appreciate the efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation has confirmed what we already knew: this was a tragic accident and sometimes things happen in life that we will never comprehend.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on the investigation.

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Nearly 6,000 MU students to graduate next weekend

KMIZ on May 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

There will be 5,954 people graduating during next weekend’s commencement ceremonies at the University of Missouri, according to a Friday press release from MU.

Graduation ceremonies will occur Friday through Sunday and a total of 6,428 degrees will be awarded. Of that total, 4,638 are bachelor’s degrees; 1,101 are master’s and education specialists’ degrees and 689 are doctoral and professional degrees, the release says. Some students receive more than one degree.

The release says that ceremonies will be livestreamed.

The schedule for graduations will be as followed:

Friday, May 16 

Graduate School – Masters and Education Specialist Degrees: 1 p.m. at Mizzou Arena

Honors College: 2 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium

Graduate School – Doctoral Degrees: 4 p.m. at Mizzou Arena

Sinclair School of Nursing: 6 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium

Trulaske College of Business: 7 p.m. at Mizzou Arena

Saturday, May 17

College of Arts & Science (Arts & Science Commencement ceremonies are divided by major, the release says.)

8:30 a.m. at Mizzou Arena includes the following majors: Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Constitutional Democracy; Data Science; Economics; Geological Sciences; History; Mathematics; Physics; Political Science; Psychology/Psychological Sciences; Public Administration & Policy; Sociology; Statistics

Noon at Mizzou Arena includes the following majors: Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Anthropology; Architectural Studies; Art; Art History; Communication; Digital Storytelling; English; Film Studies; General Studies; Geography; German; Graphic Design; Interdisciplinary Studies (includes emphasis areas of Black Studies, Environmental Studies, Peace Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies); International Studies; Linguistics; Music; Music Education; Philosophy; Religious Studies; Romance Languages (includes emphasis areas of French and Spanish); Russian; Textile and Apparel Management; Theatre

School of Medicine: 11 a.m. at Jesse Auditorium

School of Law: 2 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium

College of Health Sciences: 3:30 p.m. at Mizzou Arena

College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources: 7 p.m. at Mizzou Arena

Sunday, May 18

Missouri School of Journalism: 9 a.m. at Mizzou Arena

College of Engineering: Noon at Mizzou Arena

College of Veterinary Medicine: 1 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium

College of Education & Human Development: 3 p.m. at Mizzou Arena

College of Health Sciences (Professional/Clinical): 4 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium

ROTC Commissioning

Naval/Marine: 2 p.m. at  Stotler Lounge, Memorial Union

Air Force: 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at Cornell Hall, Bush Auditorium

Army: 9 a.m. Sunday, May 18 at Memorial Union, Wrench Auditorium

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Lifeguard shortage felt across Coachella Valley’s public pools

KESQ on May 9, 2025

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As temperatures reach triple digits this week, locals are making a splash in the desert’s public pools.

However, a shortage of lifeguards is raising alarms among employees, who say the nationwide problem has hurt aquatics centers for decades.

“We are really encouraging our young people to join the swimming sport so that we’ve got lifeguards to put it in that chair so that it makes it safer for everybody,” Caylie Pasat, manager of the Palm Springs Swim Center, said.

Pasat says the problem is due to many factors including low pay, a lack of free training programs and a lot of people being unable to swim.

The solution may be smaller than you think, and it starts with the kids.

“When we don’t have enough emphasis on learning to swim and really pushing our youth to join swim teams and water polo, where else are our kiddos coming from? We need capable swimmers that can fit into these positions,” Pasat said.

It’s why the city is increasing outreach, upping pay and offering free swim lessons.

“Back in 2023, I know that this center was for having a really hard time staffing. But the City of Palm Springs stepped in, and they increased lifeguard wages, and they increased their net, trying to capture as many interested parties as we could. We’ve gone and talked to the high school and tried to recruit more youth,” Pasat said.

It’s an issue Jason Bitzer’s Never Off Duty nonprofit is also trying to solve.

“It was founded specifically to give at-risk youth first responder and lifeguard job training. So there’s no barrier to entry to fix a problem. There’s a national lifeguard shortage. What we want is safe facilities, safe beaches, safe pools. And to do that you need lifeguarding and need proper training,” Bitzer said.

Pasat says the center has scheduled events like free CPR training and swim lessons. For more information, visit: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/swim-center

For more information on the Never Off Duty nonprofit, visit: https://neveroffduty.org/

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Pocatello’s City Council search: City releases shortlist of potential candidates

KIFI on May 9, 2025

Seth Ratliff

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello has announced a shortlist of candidates for the vacant City Council Seat #4. The seat has been vacant since mid-April, following the resignation of former City Council representative Josh Mansfield, who left to pursue a law degree at BYU.

Since Mansfield announced his resignation, Mayor Brian Blad has reportedly received 17 applications for the vacant seat. The list of potential new City Council members has been narrowed to six candidates.

“Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. I’m incredibly proud of our community and inspired by how many people are eager to serve and contribute to the future of Pocatello. Narrowing down the list for interviews was no easy task, as each applicant brought thoughtful ideas and a strong passion for our city,” said Mayor Blad.

The list of potential City Council Members is as follows:

Dakota Bates

Kathleen Johnson

Keven Lewis

Rainbow Maldonado

Juliana Schirmer

Marty Vizcarra

Once appointed, the new Council Member will serve the remaining term for seat #4, which ends in January 2026. Seat #4 will be up for election in November 2025.

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$50,000 donation made toward Columbia student lunch debt

KMIZ on May 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A $50,000 donation from the Columbia Public Schools Foundation was made Friday to reduce student lunch debt, according to a press release from CPSF.

The donation was made to the Lunch For Learners Fund. A Thursday email from a CPS spokesperson stated that school lunch debt sat at $124,613. CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark wrote the Lunch for Learners Fund now has $75,896.81 in its account. 

“We work with the families to determine if a student’s circumstances allow their debt to be covered by funds from the account.  Not all the debt is from students who are in circumstances that have impacted their ability to pay for their meals.  In the case, where a family can pay but chooses not to those debts are sent to collections,” Baumstark wrote.

The Lunch for Learners fund was created in 2010 by then-Superintendent Chris Belcher and Nutrition Services Director Laina Fullum. The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is a private foundation established by community volunteers.

Last month, community member Ken Rice – who ran in April’s school board election – also asked for community support in knocking out the debt.

The release says donations can be made online at cpsf.org/donate; or by mailing the CPSF at P.O. Box 1234, Columbia, MO 65205.

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Elderly man seriously injured in Phelps County motorcycle crash

KMIZ on May 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 74-year-old man from Black, Missouri, was seriously injured in a Wednesday crash at the intersection of Route D and County Road 9000 in Phelps County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The report says the crash occurred as a 1998 Yamaha motorcycle was heading westbound when it went off the right side of the road and hit a utility pole. The man was wearing a helmet, the report says.

The man was flown to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, according to the report. The bike had minor damage.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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