Federal judge sympathizes with evicted China Hat homeless but says need to curb fire danger carries greater weight

KTVZ on May 2, 2025

Barney Lerten

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A federal judge who refused to grant an emergency court order to block the removal of dozens of homeless residents from the Deschutes National Forest south of Bend explained his reasoning in a ruling filed Thursday, offering sympathy for their plight but saying the forest health and fuels-reduction project is crucial for the broader public’s safety.

U.S. District Judge Michael McShane, who denied the requested court order to block the closure two days earlier, filed his six-page written opinion Thursday, the very day the U.S. Forest Service closed the gate on China Hat Road and authorities began efforts to remove any remaining homeless people.

“The court is sympathetic to the circumstances faced by Plaintiffs and the dozens of others who have called China Hat home and will need to employ significant efforts to relocate,” McShane wrote.

“As Plaintiffs note, the majority of China Hat residents are not there by choice, but because of personal disabilities, wide-ranging policy choices, and costs of living that are outside of their control,” the judge said.

While the Forest Service apparently complied with federal environmental regulations, McShane said that “does not diminish the community’s need to provide better support to houseless and disabled people.”

“Despite Plaintiffs’ very real struggles, the balance of equities does not tip sharply in Plaintiffs’ favor, nor is an injunction in the public interest,” the judge wrote.

“This Project will serve the public by preventing ‘uncharacteristic large-scale loss of forest habitat’ and increasing public and firefighter safety,'” he added, quoting Deschutes National Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes.

“The public’s significant interest in restoring natural habitat, preventing catastrophic wildfires, and preserving the overall health of Deschutes National Forest is not outweighed by the interest of 150 or so individuals in residing on this particular plot of land,” McShane concluded.

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Expecting mothers worry about longer travel times for delivery as OB unit closes in La Junta

KRDO on May 2, 2025

Tyler Cunnington

LA JUNTA, Colo. (KRDO) – Some expecting mothers in southeast Colorado will now be traveling an hour or longer to deliver their babies, after the labor and delivery unit at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC) in La Junta shut down on April 30.

Hospital leaders tell KRDO13 the closure was not one they wanted to make, but they could no longer ignore the loss of about $200,000 per month from the unit. They explain it’s due to low Medicaid reimbursements, which comprise 70% of the unit’s revenue.

The CEO of AVRMC previously told KRDO13 that “keeping [the unit] open would have brought the whole hospital down.”

A Registered Nurse with AVRMC who has worked with the hospital since 1978, says that in the 1980s they used to have about 400 births per year. However, last year, she says only 110 people delivered babies within the unit. 

But doctors from the OB unit tell KRDO13 it wasn’t the lower volume that is the issue, but instead affirmed that low medicaid reimbursements, paired with the high volume of medicaid users in their area, is what made the finances fall into dire straights.

As a result of the shut-down, mothers like Shelby Clarke who live in Campo, just south of Springfield, says she’ll now travel multiple hours to Pueblo for her next birth. She is due in August for her second baby.

“What happens when my water breaks and if the, if it moves fast, like you don’t have that much time.” Clarke stated. “It is extremely unsafe having to go that far while in active labor.”

Clarke is not alone, as families near La Junta will now have to drive roughly 60 miles, or more, to Lamar or Pueblo, in order to deliver with doctors and nurses at a hospital, who specialize in labor and delivery. 

Prowers Medical Center officials tell KRDO13 they’ve accepted 27 new mothers over the last few months, ahead of the closure in La Junta. They stated that they are taking in any new patients for OB services, as well as deliveries.

Clarke’s first baby boy, came through an emergency C-section, that nearly proved fatal.

“I tore internally and began to hemorrhage. At the time, it came down to choosing between him and I.”

It’s those kinds of situations that scared her as a first time mother, and it’s what worries the former director of the OB floor in La Junta, that may happen more often moving forward.

“It’s very scary. There’s no way around it in some of those emergencies. There’s no other choice.” said Diane McElroy, the former director.

She’s also concerned that more mild, but crucial, medical issues for mothers may be missed, just because of the longer drives for a simple appointment.

“That’s a lot of worry to go 60 miles to just know [a diagnosis]. I’m afraid people won’t go because it’s such a trek” she said, about the additional distance to get to either hospital.

Meanwhile, Clarke says she has been going to a hospital in Pueblo four times per month since January, in preparation for the closure in La Junta. It’s about a seven hour round trip for her and her husband, and it’s likely the where she’ll have to deliver her second-born child.

“Lamar is far enough to have to go at an hour and a half. La Junta, pushing an additional two and a half hours is dangerous. But three to get to your nearest hospital that can deliver, being Pueblo, that is not right. It’s not safe. It is unethical. It’s illogical.” stated Clarke, who says she is not a unique situation, as far as mothers in more remote areas like she is.

Clarke says the reasons he has to go to Pueblo and cannot go to Lamar, is due to the fact that Prowers Medical Center in Lamar won’t accept her for a delivery, as she wants to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarian), which can pose risks during the delivery of the child.

Prowers Medical Center leadership say that is an existing policy that is not new, due to the closure of AVRMC.

In regards to the closure, the Mayor of La Junta, Joe Ayala, told KRDO13 in a statement in part:

“I want to express just how deeply troubling this development is not just for our city, but for families across the entire region.

The loss of maternity services means women in the Arkansas Valley will now be forced to travel hours to deliver their babies. This is not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. As I mentioned it’s a trip through mostly a two lane highway and that’s a tough drive for any expectant mother in good weather what if we are facing inclement weather? And it signals a devastating trend for rural Colorado.”

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May Gray Won’t Keep the Fun Away! Everything Happening this Weekend on the Central Coast

KEYT on May 2, 2025

Alissa Orozco

May the 4th be with you this weekend as you and the family take part in Spring and Cinco de Mayo events! Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Photo: Discover Buellton

May Day Celebration ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍De La Guerra Place – across from Paseo Nuevo Cinemas

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 Come celebrate the warmer season at this Spring celebration! This wholesome event will have singing, dancing, flowers, face painting, much more! Help weave ribbon around the maypole and welcome in May! Learn more here.

Buellton Brew Fest 2025 ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Buellton

📍River View Park

⏰ 11:30am – 4:30pm

🪩 Brews and spirits for all! The annual Buellton Brew Fest is kicking off this weekend with over 50 companies serving up beers, wines, ciders, kombuchas, seltzers, and more! Adults can act like big kids and play Jumbo Beer Pong and corn hole. Learn more here.

Roar & Pour ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Zoo

⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 Kids go to bed early, but parents and animals stay out late at this zoo event. Try out local wineries and tasty eats from food trucks and Rincon Catering. This is a unique opportunity to explore the Zoo after hours! Learn more here.

Kiwanis Music Nites ~ Thursday, May 1st in Santa Barbara

📍Elings Park

⏰ 5:30pm – 7:30pm

🪩 This week kicks off a series of fundraising concerts held in Santa Barbara for local non-profits. Every 1st Thursday during the summer the community can enjoy performances, food & drinks, dancing, and much more! The series kicks off with artists Kaleo Na-ea. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Fair & Expo ~ May 2nd – 4th in Santa Barbara

📍Earl Warren Fairgrounds

⏰ Check for fair times

🪩 Its the last weekend of the Santa Barbara Fair, and the last chance to throw it back 80s style. The event features everything you’d expect from a good ol’ fair including carnival games and rides, farm animals, fair food, and loads of entertainment. Learn more here.

Chumash Earth Day 2025 ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Ynez Reservation

⏰ 10:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department will host its annual free Chumash Earth Day event. The zero-waste events will have lots of educational booths that center around environmental efforts. The first 200 people will receive a “swag bag,” which will include a t-shirt, reusable cup, custom-designed stickers and a seed packet. Learn more here.

Spring Music Festival ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Goleta

📍Rancho La Patera & Stow House

⏰ 11:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 This is a really nice community event that has something for everyone. Parents can participate in the silent auction and drinks from Topa Topa and Sunstone Winery. While kids can enjoy snowcones, face painting, and a tractor ride! Learn more here.

Teen Job & Volunteer Fair ~ Thursday, May 1st in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Public Library

⏰ 4:00pm – 6:00pm

🪩 This is great opportunity for teens to find that summer part-time job or fill in their volunteer hours. Teens will get to meet with representative from local organizations and businesses to find the position that’s right for them. Learn more here.

Santa Barbara Annual Doll Show and Sale ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Elks Lodge

⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm

🪩 Come see one of California’s longest running Doll and Toy Shows! Collectors from all over will display their antique, vintage, and modern dolls and toys. The event will also hosts raffles, a silent auction and even doll repair! Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

Photo: Santa Maria Valley Chamber

Cinco de Mayo Mixer ~ Friday, May 1st in Santa Maria

📍Santa Maria Town Center Mall

⏰ 5:00pm – 7:00pm

🪩 Friday’s free event will celebrate the upcoming holiday early with live performances, complimentary food, and more. Guest can participate in a guacamole compeitition and raffles! Learn more here.

Orcutt Library Spring Book Sale ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Orcutt

📍Orcutt Branch Library

⏰ 10:00am – 1:30pm

🪩 Most items at the Friends of Orcutt Library Spring Book Sale will range from $0.50-$1.00 and all proceeds go to the local Library. If you’re in need of new reading material, this is the perfect opprotunity to grab some and support a good cause. Learn more here.

RocketTown Comic Con ~ May 3rd – 4th in Lompoc

📍Lompoc Valley Middle School

⏰ 12:00pm – 5:00pm

🪩 If you love comics, sci-fi, cosplay, and pop culture fun then this event is for you! Meet artists, creators, and special guests, explore vendor booths. Meet, greet, and snag the autograph of actors including Tracee Cocco (Lt. Jae, Star Trek universe), Rico E. Anderson, Scott Butler (Agatha All Along), D.C. Douglas, and many more! Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Sabrina Poei (Local Wolves.com)

Shabang Music & Arts Festival ~ May 2nd – 3rd in San Luis Obispo

📍Dairy Creek Golf Course

⏰ 3:00pm – 11:00pm

🪩 One of SLO County’s most anticipated events of the year is here! A dynamic lineup of 60+ artists are set to perform across multiple stages at this two-day music festival. Music ranges from electronic to indie rock, with national touring acts and regional bands claiming the spotlight. Learn more here.

9th Annual Atascadero Tamale Festival ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Atascadero

📍Atascadero Sunken Gardens

⏰ 11:00am – 7:00pm

🪩Try some of the best tamales on the Central Coast at the 9th Annual Tamale Festival. The event is free and a great opprotunity to support local vendors, entertainment, and merchandise. All proceeds from the Tamale Festival’s adult beverage sales benefit the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo. Learn more here.

2025 Barefoot Concerts on the Green ~ Every Saturday & Sunday through October 25th in Los Osos

📍Sea Pines Golf Resort

⏰ 2:00pm – 8:00pm

🪩 This concert series invites all attendees to kick off their shoes and dance to the music! The concerts take place at the Sea Pines Golf Resort every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer and features dozens of artists and genres. The fun continues inside The Clubhouse Grill for more live music. Learn more here.

Los Tucanes de Tijuana ~ Friday, May 2nd in Paso Robles

📍Vina Robles Amphitheater

⏰ 8:00pm

🪩 The Latin staple band is performing some of their biggest hits like “La Chona,” “El tucanazo,” “La chica sexy,” “Vivir de noche,” “El centenario,” and new hits. Los Tucanes de Tijuana has entertained fans for nearly four decades with a long repertoire of corridos and cumbia-norteña. Learn more here.

Art in the Park ~ Sunday, May 4th in Shell Beach

📍Dinosaur Caves Park

⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 There is no place more scenic and perfect for an art market. This event you will find 50+ local artisans, amazing food, live music and a gorgeous ocean view! Kids can play at the nearby playground while shop for unique gifts and art. Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Rummage Sale ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Camarillo

📍Community Center Parking Lot

⏰ 7:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Pleasant Valley is hosting a community garage sale with around 100 sale booths! Come shop for pre-owned clothing, furniture, home goods, games, etc. Goodwill be onsite to collect any unsold items you wish to donate to them. Learn more here.

5k Beer Run ~ Saturday, May 3rd in Fillmore

📍 Red Engine Brewing Company

⏰ 10:00am

🪩 This fun community events get folks out there and lets them celebrate at the end! You can run, jog, or walk this race, and then celebrate with a locally made, cold craft beverage at the finish line! Learn more here.

Cal Triathlon ~ Sunday, May 4th in Ventura

📍Harbor Cove Beach

⏰ 5:00am – 12:00pm

🪩 Cheer on some of the Central Coast’s most dedicated athletes as they compete from six Olympic distance events and sic Sprint distance events. If interested there is still space available. Learn more here.

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How Tariffs Are Affecting Prom Season and Formalwear Costs

KEYT on May 2, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Many formal gowns are imported from overseas, meaning they’ll be impacted by new tariffs taking effect this prom season.

That’s why the Assistance League of Santa Barbara is encouraging students throughout the area to take advantage of its free formalwear lending program.

Volunteers are busy lending out new and gently used dresses to students attending high school proms — at no cost.

“I do believe tariffs are going to impact formalwear, if they haven’t already,” said co-chair Lorraine Pereverziev. “I believe on the East Coast they’re already seeing the effects, and it generally hits us last. But these girls don’t realize we have dresses worth over $1,000 in here. They’re saving anywhere from $500 to $1,000 just by coming here.”

As of May 2, the United States has officially ended the de minimis exemption for goods imported from China and Hong Kong. This exemption had previously allowed imports valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free. This exemption widely benefited online retailers such as Shein and Temu. Now, all such shipments are subject to tariffs of up to 145%, or flat fees of $100 per dress, rising to $200 after June 1, according to the Associated Press.

Retailers have warned that the price of a typical prom dress could increase significantly as a result. The Sun reports that a $34 dress could now cost up to $83 with added fees and sales tax.

The Assistance League, located off Veronica Springs Road, has special hours during prom season through early May. It also accepts donated gowns, which are cleaned free of charge by Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners.

For more information visit https://www.assistanceleague.org

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Power restored to more than 1,200 Boone County Ameren customers

KMIZ on May 2, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than 1,200 Ameren customers in Boone County have power back after an outage was reported on Thursday evening.

An Ameren spokesperson told ABC 17 News in an email that the outage was caused by “a power line issue which feeds a substation in Hallsville.” Crews are currently working on restoring power.

Boone County Joint Communications sent a notification at 7:10 p.m. stating that 868 customers in Hallsville were without power.

The outage was expected to be restored by 1 a.m. Friday, according to the notification and a posting on Ameren’s outage map. The outage was first reported at 6:50 p.m.

Check back for updates.

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ABC 17 News premieres new studio

KMIZ on May 2, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

ABC 17 News premiered its new studio during its 5 p.m. newscast on Thursday.

The studio is located at the same building. It took roughly a month to deconstruct the old studio and build the new one.

A larger weather center and enhanced equipment are features of the new set.

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Judges visit CEI for Law Day

KIFI on May 1, 2025

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — May 1 is National Law Day, and the College of Eastern Idaho has been found guilty of giving its students an excellent opportunity to learn about the Judicial Branch.

Judges visited the college to teach the students about what they do in a week, as well as the court system in the 7th District and Bonneville County.

The speakers say its important for everyone to learn how the constitution and court system work.

“People might form opinions about what’s happening in the courts or what should or shouldn’t happen. And so, Law Day is a great opportunity to educate yourself so you kind of know what’s really going on and kind of just get to see it from the inside,” said State of Idaho Public Defender’s Office 7th District Public Defender, Jordan Crane.

Judges also visited BYU-Idaho today and made similar presentations. 

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Former Sedalia councilman under criminal investigation removed from nonprofit’s board of directors

KMIZ on May 1, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Sedalia Councilman Tom Oldham has been removed from a nonprofit’s board of directors.

Sedalia Citizens Against Spouse Abuse announced in a Thursday social media post that it terminated Oldham’s board membership.

Oldham stepped down from his position last week after “serious allegations” were brought against him, the City of Sedalia wrote in a social media post. The city did not elaborate on the allegations in the post or in communications with ABC 17 News.

Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders told ABC 17 News in emails that his office is investigating Oldham. The criminal investigation includes the possible sexual harassment of a youth.

Anders wrote last week that the investigation “involves the extraction of data from electronic devices,” so there is no timeline for when possible charges could be filed. Charges have yet to appear on Casenet.

“Like many, we are saddened to learn of these allegations and the effects it has had on several of our community members. It can be shocking or alarming to learn of the abuse perpetrated by individuals in positions of power. However, our knowledge and awareness of these atrocities is attributed first and foremost to the courageous survivors who have come forward to report the abuse to friends, family, colleagues, and/or authorities. It is their bravery that inspires everyone at CASA to continue providing life-changing, life-saving, confidential services,” CASA wrote in its statement.

“For 42 years, we have been committed to our mission to empower victims of domestic and sexual violence to regain control of their lives through education, advocacy, and coordination of community resources. We remain committed to this mission and have always and will always stand with survivors. If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse, please contact CASA. We are here to help and WE BELIEVE YOU!”

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Soldier who was charged for cocaine distribution worked as security at busted underground club

KRDO on May 1, 2025

Sadie Buggle

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Denver office says a soldier at Fort Carson is now facing federal charges related to distributing cocaine.

According to FBI Denver, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez was arrested on Wednesday by special agents.

His criminal complaint says that he worked as security at the Colorado Springs underground club that was raided over the weekend, a story that quickly made national headlines.

According to the complaint, he was one of about 17 active duty service members at the club at the time of the raid.

MORE: More than 100 illegal immigrants in custody after underground nightclub bust in Colorado Springs

Orona-Rodriguez appears to have held an ownership or leadership role with Immortal Security LLC, a group that provides armed security at “nightclubs,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed.

“DEA agents with whom I have spoken believe employees of Immortal Security areinvolved in drug distribution and that employees of Immortal Security are carrying firearms whileproviding security at Warike and similar establishments,” wrote an FBI special agent in the complaint.

Court documents contain text messages allegedly sent between Orona-Rodriguez’s phone and another unnamed suspect. The FBI says that suspect is from Mexico and is in the country illegally.

Those text messages are outlined below:

Unnamed suspect: That’s why i always try to give you like in rock but my bad bro ima have a talk with them see wat they say

Unnamed suspect: Watt really bro whenever it’s like that I can always give it back bro hell nah that’s like a big NO your like the first person to tell me this

Orona-Rodriguez: Thanks make sure is good the last batch peoplecomplain about it b

Unnamed suspect: Yea I got you no worry’s and Simon I should have it by like one,two the latest

Orona-Rodriguez: Yeah I do just split in half lol

Unnamed suspect: So you need a whole full and the 7 g right?

Orona-Rodriguez: Ima pick them up later today if you have them

Orona-Rodriguez: Need two half and the 7

Unnamed suspect: You wats good

The FBI also found texts sent allegedly between Orona-Rodriguez’s phone and an unnamed customer.

Orona-Rodriguez: [[REDACTED]] is my buddies address

Unamed customer: I got it, thanks bro

Orona-Rodriguez: Hey he gave you an 8 can you send me atleast 50 more

Unamed customer: Really? Seemed less than you give me lol but I got you.

Orona-Rodriguez: Yeah because he gave to you in a bigger bag

Orona-Rodriguez: It was miscommunication

Unamed customer: I sent it, I won’t screw you over

Additionally, the FBI says they believe Orona-Rodriguez was selling guns to people living in the U.S. illegally. The agency’s criminal complaint alleges that Orona-Rodriguez texted videos of guns for sale to customers.

Source: FBI

Fort Carson officials confirmed to KRDO13 on Thursday morning that Orona-Rodriguez is indeed a Fort Carson soldier.

“We are aware the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Army CID, took a Fort Carson Soldier into custody,” a Fort Carson official said in a statement to KRDO13 Thursday morning. “We will continue to cooperate with all agencies involved.”

According to a Fort Carson official, Staff Sergeant Orona-Rodriguez has been a member of the military for more than 8 years. He was presently assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

His record shows he received the following awards:

Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device

x2 Army Commendation Medal

x10 Army Achievement Medal

x3 Certificate of Achievement

Meritorious Unit Commendation

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ABC-7 at 4: Women’s Health Week

KVIA on May 1, 2025

Nichole Gomez

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