Westerlay Orchids Showcases the Perfect Gift for Mom this Mother’s Day

KEYT on May 9, 2025

Christa Kurkjian

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – As national flower prices rise due to import tariffs, Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria is offering a budget-friendly, locally grown alternative just in time for Mother’s Day. The popular orchid grower has kept its prices steady this year, thanks to its Santa Barbara County-based facilities that produce every bloom from flask to flower.

“All of our orchids are 100% grown in Carpinteria,” said showroom manager Virginia Hayes. “We haven’t raised our prices at all. What you paid last year is what you’ll pay this year.”

Unlike many florists affected by tariff-related price hikes on imported flowers, Westerlay Orchids maintains affordability without sacrificing quality. With prices ranging from $12 to $300, the nursery provides gifts for every budget—from small “little darlings” to luxurious multi-stem arrangements.

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as beginner orchids, are Westerlay’s specialty. These easy-care plants bloom for 3 to 4 months and require only weekly watering and indirect light. Hayes noted that the cheerful yellow variety is among her personal favorites.

Customers can browse the newly remodeled showroom, which now features a larger arrangement bar with grab-and-go displays, custom planting services, and the option to bring in personal containers.

This Mother’s Day weekend, Westerlay is extending its hours:

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For those unable to visit in person, online ordering is available at www.westerlayorchids.com.

“This is our Super Bowl,” Hayes said. “It’s the most exciting and busiest week of the year.”

For more information, visit https://www.westerlay.com/

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Man accused of stealing Phelps Health ambulance charged

KMIZ on May 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man accused of stealing an ambulance from Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla on Thursday has been charged.

Jason Johnson, 44, of Bland, Missouri, was charged on Friday with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing. He is being held at the Phelps County Jail.

According to the probable cause statement, the ambulance was going to be used to bring a patient to another hospital “for a higher level of care” when Johnson took it.

The statement says that Johnson drove the ambulance on Interstate 44 while evading law enforcement. Johnson allegedly weaved in and out of traffic while going 10-18 miles over the speed limit, the statement says.

A Thursday press release from Phelps Health says law enforcement used spike strips to stop the vehicle in St. James.

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Higbee man seriously injured in Randolph County motorcycle crash

KMIZ on May 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 39-year-old Higbee man was seriously injured in a crash after midnight Friday morning on Route A, about three miles south of Moberly, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The report says that the man was riding a 2021 Harley Davison southbound when it went off the roadway. The man was ejected from the vehicle, the report says.

The man was not wearing a helmet and was brought to University Hospital by ambulance, the report says.

The bike had extensive damage.

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Mountain biking, trail-hiking and more: St. Joseph gears up for annual River Bluff Trails Fest

News-Press NOW on May 9, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Outdoor explorers of all ages will get the chance to participate in three days of near, non-stop activities at the scenic bluffs at River Bluff Trails Park beginning Friday, May 16 in St. Joseph.

From mountain biking and trail-hiking to 5Ks, yoga, photography and all of the classic festival amenities like vendors and food trucks, residents and families will be treated to a weekend filled with adventure at River Bluff Trails Fest, a three-day outdoor festival that takes place Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18.

St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator Jessica Oshel said the event has grown from a bike-centric event that started in 2022 to an all-encompassing outdoor festival, one that gives both kids and adults the chance to explore nature, hone their skills or participate in competitive races.

“It is such a beautiful location between the bluffs. You’ve got that nice elevation that really overlooks the Missouri River. So you have that beautiful valley next to it,” she said. “So it’s a really cool way to get out and see, even if you’re not a mountain bike family, just see the trails.”

Trail and mountain bikers of all skill levels will have plenty of opportunities to put St. Joseph’s moniker of “St. Flow, Mo” to the test, as a wide-range of long distance, short distance, closed course and obstacle rides will be featured through the 15-mile trail park, along with other locations along the bluffs and St. Joseph, such as the Missouri River and Krug Park.

“With the new pump track and the skill flow area, that’s something really unique that you don’t get with the mountain bike trails,” she said. “We’ve got the mountain biking stuff. Enduro races. We also have the trail running 5K and 10K. But then we’ve got food trucks. And this year we’re adding nature walks with photography and the flora and fauna.”

The event is free to attend, but those looking to participate in organized races must register and purchase tickets. Registration will be allowed the day of the event.

River Bluff Trails Festival race registration websites:

Wheels Up Skills Clinics: Wheels Up @ River Bluffs Trail Fest Learn to Jump May 16 & 17th 2025Root’s Women’s Skills Clinic: Women’s Intermediate Clinic – Roots MTBRace Reg: River Bluff Trails Fest Online Registration

A full schedule of events and festival information can be found at www.facebook.com/RiverBluffTrailsPark and www.facebook.com/events/595671953355189/

Stay with us as we continue to update this story.

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Blackfoot woman could face lengthy prison sentence for meth possession

KIFI on May 9, 2025

News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — A woman is facing up to 7 years in prison after being found guilty of possession of methamphetamine.

Aubrey LeFevre was arrested last August in Blackfoot after officers found a bag of methamphetamine and a meth pipe in her clothes. 

She faces a penalty of up to seven years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine for her felony drug conviction, and up to one year of imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine for her misdemeanor paraphernalia conviction, according to the Bingham County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew N. Hart.

Her sentencing is scheduled for July 2nd. 

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Fire Department warns about dangerous TikTok challenge spreading to Pikes Peak area schools

KRDO on May 9, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) says they’ve been alerted of at least 16 dangerous instances involving a TikTok challenge.

CSFD says students in the Pikes Peak region have been encouraged through social media to manipulate the hardware on their computers, causing them to overheat. They say it causes the computer to spark, smoke, or catch on fire, emitting toxic fumes.

The fire department says students are attempting this at school. Some have been referred to the CSFD Youth Firesetter Intervention Program.

“What we’ve seen are just minor cases and incidents, but we know that [there is] … the potential for further damage and harm from fires, whether it’s in a school setting or specifically in a home,” Daiko Abe with Colorado Springs Fire said.

Incidents tied to the social media trend have also been reported across the state. The Boulder Valley School District shared photos of one damaged laptop. They say there have been six reported incidents in their district so far.

Source: Boulder Valley School District

For now, CSFD says the incidents have been “relatively minor,” though they say the challenge poses serious risks, including fire, battery explosions, and toxic fume release. Lithium-ion battery fires are particularly difficult to put out, they said.

“The smoke causes potential inhalation harm … with the toxic fumes,” Abe said. “That’s one of our concerns as well, is not just the fire issue, but also just the health issues from the smoke.”

The Colorado Springs Police Department said in part that juveniles who participated in this challenge could face criminal charges of arson and criminal mischief. They did not confirm if any person had been charged in relation to the trend.

“CSPD has been made aware of a dangerous TikTok trend that encourages students to insert paper clips or pencil lead into Chromebooks and electrical outlets. This behavior is extremely hazardous and may result in serious injury, damage to school property, and disciplinary consequences. Additionally, students who engage in such actions could face criminal charges, including arson and/or criminal mischief, depending on the severity of the incident. CSPD strongly urges all parents to speak with their children about the risks involved and to discourage participation in these types of social media challenges. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your partnership in helping to keep our school community safe.” – Ira Cronin, Public Relations Manager, CSPD

Source: Boulder Valley School District

Academy District 20 did not confirm if any of the 16 incidents happened in their district:

“Academy District 20 is aware of a troubling social media trend, commonly referred to as the “Chromebook Challenge.” We are supporting our principals in communicating with families and students to prevent future incidents. Consistent with our District handbooks and processes, ASD20 staff also consistently work to monitor device use and educate students about the consequences of any destructive behavior. Safety is our top priority. We are committed to meeting this priority and will continue to partner with families on reinforcing the importance of respectful, responsible behavior—both online and at school.” – Academy District 20 spokesperson

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SJSD assistant principal awarded NWMO Assistant Principal of the Year

News-Press NOW on May 9, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, MO. (News-Press NOW) — One St. Joseph School District assistant principal was named the Northwest Missouri Assistant Principal of the Year by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals.

In a Facebook post on Friday, May 9, the St. Joseph School District congratulated Central High School assistant principal, Shawna Gilliland on the accomplishment.

The post said, “Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to students and staff have earned her this well-deserved recognition”.

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More sex abuse charges for CBP agent accused of sexual intercourse with a minor

KYMA on May 9, 2025

Eduardo Morales

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 31-year-old Ramon Marquez appeared back in court Thursday with more charges after being accused of getting sexually involved with a 16-year-old girl.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was read the 15 counts he is being charged. These include sexual intercourse, oral sexual contact, and sexual exploitation of a minor.

The complaint states that Marquez knowingly recorded, filmed, or photographed the minor he is accused of sexually abusing.

According to documents we obtained, the alleged abuse happened multiple times, from December 2024 to April of this year.

The judge told Marquez to not have any contact with the alleged victim.

“Do appear at all scheduled court proceedings, do obey all laws, I’m going to order you not threaten or initiate any contact with any alleged victims, and when I say no contact, that means absolutely nothing,” said Judge Russ Jones.

We reached out to CBP to see if Marquez is still employed by them, but they declined to comment.

Marquez posted his bond earlier this week and is no longer in custody.

He is set to appear in court again later this month.

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Local food bank supports students & helps fight summer food insecurity

KYMA on May 9, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – During the summer, a lot of kids and adults suffer from food insecurity. During the school year, cafeterias provide students with a nice warm meal, but when summertime comes around, some students are worried about where their next meal is going to come from.

“During the summer, of course, we all know those kids are getting meals from the schools, so now schools are going to shut down, kids are going to go home, and those kids are now going to be home with their families. So the burden is going to be on the families now,” said Yuma Community Food Bank Chief Operating Officer Michelle Merkley.

It’s why the Yuma Community Food Bank helps fill food pantries on several local campuses, all to make sure no student goes hungry. Those include Yuma’s Northern Arizona University and Arizona Western College campuses along with O.C. Johnson. They say there’s a huge call to action during the summer.

“More and more people come to us during the summer, so we’re always asking for food donations. You know help do a food drive, you know, clean out your pantry. You can drop off food right off here at the main location here, said Merkley.

May until the end of July, the food bank is partnering with Pilkington Construction to support families through the summer.

“Pilkington construction, they’ve agreed that until the end of July, they will match up to $5,000 in total for every dollar donated,” said Yuma Councilman Art Morales. “With this initiative, we’re hoping to get the Yuma Community Food Bank through the summer to support the families.”

If you’d like to help support families and students in need, you can volunteer here, or donate at the Yuma Community Food Bank.

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One Class at a Time: Walter Clark Legal Group helps folklórico dance club raise money for costumes and shoes

KESQ on May 9, 2025

Allie Anthony

At Desert Mirage High School, Assistant Principal Gustavo Sandoval is being honored by the Walter Clark Legal Group and News Channel 3 for his commitment to students, both in academics and through the school’s folklórico dance club.

Sandoval used to dance himself, that’s what inspired him to start the club 14 years ago! Teaching students folklórico dance is a way for him to preserve cultural traditions while teaching responsibility and community values.

His mission goes beyond dance, ensuring all students, regardless of financial means, can participate fully. He helps students in their fundraising efforts to pay for costumes and shoes. Sandoval’s impact is evident in how students speak of the life lessons he imparts, offering hope and resilience beyond the classroom. “He tells us life happens but you shouldn’t let that control you, said Junior Ethan Zaragoza. “Although it’s cloudy today, tomorrow it could be sunny!” 

For his dedication, Sandoval received the “One Class at a Time” award, recognizing his tireless work to uplift and inspire. Thanks to the Walter Clark Legal Group, the folklórico dance club now has $777.77 to spend on new shoes and costumes so these students can perform at the best of their abilities.

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