Idaho Falls Downtown Development announces Kerry Hammon as Executive Director

KIFI on May 23, 2025

News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kerry Hammon as its new Executive Director, effective June 1, 2025. Hammon will succeed Bryan Chaffin, who will depart at the end of May 2025.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Kerry to our team,” states Chip Langerak, IFDDC Board President. “She brings a wealth of expertise, energy, and a profound passion for our organization. Kerry’s talents and experience will be invaluable, and we couldn’t be more excited about the positive impact she will make on our vibrant downtown,” adds Langerak.

Hammon, a lifelong resident of Southeast Idaho, brings a deep understanding of the community to her new role. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from the College of Eastern Idaho and a Bachelor of Business and Information Systems Management from the University of Phoenix.

Her early career began as a certified medical assistant before she transitioned to the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce as an events coordinator. In this role, she planned and executed significant community gatherings, including the Independence Day Parade, Taste of Idaho, and the Liberty Festival on the Falls (now known as Riverfest). These experiences ignited her passion for community relations, networking, and communications.

In 2013, Hammon became one of the first full-time public information officers for the City of Idaho Falls, where she was responsible for disseminating information to the public. Over her decade-long career with the city, she served as a spokesperson for the city’s eleven departments. For the latter half of her tenure, Hammon primarily focused her efforts on the Idaho Falls Public Works Department, assisting with public outreach for snow removal, construction, and the new water tower. Hammon was also a member of the Idaho Falls Fire Department’s administrative staff, where she developed a strong interest in emergency management.

Hammon holds numerous certifications in emergency management and communication. Her expertise led to deployments as a Public Information Officer (PIO) on local and national incidents, assisting with emergency communications. She was the first PIO in Idaho to be credentialed by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a nonprofit dedicated to continuous improvement within high-performing fire departments and emergency service professions.

Hammon joined IFDDC in January 2025 as the part-time operations manager. In addition to her new role, she co-owns Oakenstone Properties with her husband, Jim Hammon. Professionally, she is deeply passionate about effective communication, building strong relationships, volunteering, and fostering a thriving environment for her hometown. Her greatest joy comes from spending quality time with friends and family.

“Having grown up in Southeast Idaho, I truly understand the heart of this community,” says Hammon. “I’m thrilled to bring that perspective, along with my dedication to making and cultivating meaningful connections, to Idaho Falls Downtown Development. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and collaborate with our stakeholders to achieve great things for our vibrant downtown.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Bend man found guilty of assaulting Yellowstone National Park employee

KTVZ on May 23, 2025

Kade Linville

CANYON VILLAGE, Wyo. (KTVZ) – 67-year-old Bend resident David Tyler Regnier was convicted by a federal jury on May 21st for assaulting a federal employee with a dangerous weapon.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, on September 18, 2024, two unnamed Yellowstone National Park employees were directing construction traffic near Canyon Junction north of the national park. While the two park employees were controlling the flow of traffic, one of the park workers noticed a Jeep approaching the intersection and driving the wrong way down the road. The man, identified as Regnier, was driving on the inside lane attempting to bypass the traffic. 

The two park employees brought the vehicle to a stop. The first park employee told Regnier that he could not proceed and needed to back up. The second stood in the way of the Jeep with a stop sign. Regnier accelerated, driving into the employee and physically pushing him backwards. The employee jumped out of the Jeep’s path after it struck him.

Park officers responded to the incident and launched an investigation to locate Regnier. Regnier was later stopped by Yellowstone National Park Service law enforcement officers and arrested.

The incident has now been deemed as assault by the courts. Sentencing has been set for August 7, 2025. Regnier faces up to 20 years in federal prison with three years of supervised release along with paying up to a $250,000 fine with an additional $100 special assessment.

Click here to follow the original article.

Yellowstone road rage incident leads to Federal Conviction for Oregon man

KIFI on May 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — A 67-year-old Bend, Oregon, man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of assaulting a federal employee inside Yellowstone National Park last year. David Tyler Regnier was found guilty by a federal jury on Wednesday, May 21, for the assault.

According to court documents, on September 18, 2024, Regnier was spotted by two park employees directing traffic near Canyon Junction. He was reportedly driving the wrong way along the road to avoid a construction zone and appeared upset with the traffic direction.

One park employee reportedly stood in front of Regnier’s Jeep with a stop sign while the other instructed him to back up. Regnier then accelerated, striking the employee with his vehicle and physically pushing him backward. The employee was able to jump out of the Jeep’s path after being hit.

Yellowstone National Park Service law enforcement officers later stopped and arrested Regnier.

“Our office will take a strong stance against the frequent acts of violence directed at public servants who are merely doing their jobs to protect the community,” said acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher.

The three-day trial for David Tyler Regnier was held before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin. Sentencing has been scheduled for August 7, 2025. In addition to potential prison time, Regnier faces up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.

Click here to follow the original article.

Governor Little brings “Capital for a Day” to Shelley next week

KIFI on May 23, 2025

News Team

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little is bringing state government directly to the community of Shelley next week for his latest “Capital for a Day” event. The event is set for Wednesday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heart 2 Hand Bingham food pantry.

The Governor will be joined by a range of top state officials, including leaders from agriculture, transportation, education, and other key departments.

Governor Little emphasized that the event is a valuable opportunity to connect with Idahoans and understand how state agencies can better serve communities like Shelley.

“Capital for a Day is a great opportunity for myself and my administration to hear from Idahoans about the needs of their community,” Governor Little said. “I look forward to sharing this tradition with the good people of Bingham County and learn how we can better serve them.”    

Click here to follow the original article.

Man found after he went missing on way to Columbia, police say

KMIZ on May 23, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Police in a Bootheel town say a missing man with dementia has been found after he went missing on his way to Columbia.

Eugene Thompson was reported missing on Thursday, and his truck was last seen Friday going south on Interstate 55 near Ste. Genevieve, according to an Endangered Silver Alert issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

An update from the patrol Friday afternoon said Thompson had returned home.

Thompson, 77, was seen at his Caruthersville, Missouri, home on Thursday afternoon. He has early-onset dementia and is 5 feet, 11 inches tall; weighs 160 pounds; and has black hair and brown eyes. He drives a 1993 Chevrolet GMT-400 pickup with Missouri license plates 2MAR68.

The alert says Thomas left his home on his way to Columbia to meet his daughter but never arrived. He told his daughter during a phone call that he was at a St. Louis hospital, but he was not there when authorities checked for him.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Click here to follow the original article.

Good Vibes Only: Cooley Elementary students bring children’s book to life

KVIA on May 23, 2025

Rosemary Montañez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — One local author recently celebrated a big accomplishment, as students at Cooley Elementary School brought her children’s book to life.

Last Friday, children performed the play based on the enchanting children’s book “Unicorn Jazz.” The book centers around a shy unicorn who moved to a new land in search of belonging, hoping to find new friends.

The book was written by El Paso native Lisa Caprelli, who was able to witness the performance from the front row. She said she never thought this could be possible.

“I waited for this moment. I didn’t think it would get here. Never would I have thought that, growing up with humble beginnings, that, this could happen at still my young age and that I could bring stories, music and life, to so many children and really inspire them to do the things that they love to do,” she said.

On-stage students transformed into characters from the El Paso Zoo as they sang all about friendship. One student told ABC-7 she enjoyed participating in this play. She said the book has a positive message for kids of all ages.

“So I like the book because it teaches, like, a good lesson about friendship and, like, you know, be kind and everything,” Salette Terrazas said.

One special education teacher at Cooley Elementary said these students had been working on this performance since August.

“They were excited to do this. And like I said, when I first started this, I didn’t think there was going to be that much interest. But oh my goodness, they are talking to me about next year.”

Caprelli’s family was also in the audience. They said they also eagerly waited for the day to come.

“Oh! I think it’s amazing. I think it’s, it’s great that she’s bringing El Paso into her book and then taking it out into other cities,” said Caprelli’s sister, Suzanne Funk.

“It’s nice to see children engaged and actually wanting to, to read the next book and find out more. And I still can’t believe they’re doing a play. Yeah. The book, it’s, it’s really cool,” said Caprelli’s brother-in-law, Richard Funk.

After the play, Caprelli was still in disbelief. She told ABC-7, the students made the story magical.

“Never in my wildest dreams do I. As I’m sitting here, I’m telling my sister with me, ‘I don’t feel like I’m here.’ It’s just, I’m still in shock.”

After the performance, illustrator Davey Villalobos was posthumously honored. His family said it was great to know his legacy continues to live on.

Caprelli hopes her book will inspire other kids. She said sometimes all it takes for one person to believe in you.

“To remember that we’re all unique and we’re all different, and each one of you has special gifts and talents to share with the world.”

The author said she can’t wait to see more schools perform the play across the United States. Caprelli also explained she is currently working on an upcoming book, which is set to release this fall.

If you have a Good Vibes Only story, email news@kvia.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Rolling Hills builds reading skills with summer challenge

News-Press NOW on May 23, 2025

Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Rolling Hills Library is building a new library and reading skills this summer with their Summer Reading Program, “The Building Readers” program.

“Summer is a nice time; a lot of people have some extra time to read,” the branch manager of the North Belt Rolling Hills Library, Kelly Morris, said. “It’s especially important for kids, maybe who have some downtime between school. You don’t want to lose those reading skills.”

The program challenges readers of all ages to complete 10 books from June 1 to July 31. The challenge also includes activities like walking a dog, going for a bike ride or visiting a library branch.

“We’re asking for people to read 10 books, or we do allow people to do a combination of reading books and activities,” Morris said. “We understand that some people take longer to read or read longer books or maybe you just have a lot of things going on during the summer. So we kind of try to add some flexibility in there.”

Those who complete the challenge will receive rewards and be entered into a drawing for a grand prize. Prizes include a variety of items including free books, gift baskets, Big Sky Donuts coupons, St. Joseph Mustangs baseball tickets, toys and more.

The Building Readers program goes from June 1 to July 31. In addition to the reading challenge, the Rolling Hills Library will host several fun and educational events over the summer, including the Orrick Acres Petting Zoo, EpicStyle Reptiles, the Fishin’ Magician and more.

Participants can log their read books using a paper log that can be picked up from the library, or through the Beanstack app starting June 1.

For a complete list of Rolling Hills’ summer activities, visit the library’s website at rhcl.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Bend’s Orchard Park receives new hummingbird garden from local volunteers

KTVZ on May 23, 2025

Kade Linville

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – There’s a new garden to check out this memorial day weekend, Bends Orchard park has now planted a hummingbird habitat thanks to the collaboration of Pollinator Pathway Bend, East Cascades Bird Alliance, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

“This garden is more than a beautiful space—it’s a living example of how even small residential gardens can support wildlife when we choose native plants,” said Pollinator Pathways President Gwen Bartonek. 

Bartonek designed the park with help and input from Lisa Sanco and Barb Rumer. The garden uses plants native to the high desert, and is designed to inspire visitors to use native plants in their own yards and gardens. The Orchard Park garden’s plants are sourced locally from Wintercreek Nursery, Great Basin Nursery along with community member Barb Rumer’s personal garden.

The initiative to use local plants to promote the health of native hummingbirds and other pollinator species. Other parks with successful pollinator habitats include Al Moody Park, the Bond/Wall Triangle, Brooks Park and Franklin’s Corner

“We hope that increased awareness of our cause will inspire members of our community to plant native wildflowers in their own gardens and help grow the pollinator pathway” said Barnotek. You can visit the Pollinator Pathways website to learn more about future gardens, and how you can get involved.

Click here to follow the original article.

Reports: Former CPS superintendent Yearwood hired to lead Lousiville, Ky., schools

KMIZ on May 23, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

News reports from Louisville, Kentucky, and a state lawmaker say a former Columbia Public Schools superintendent who left before his contract expired will be hired to lead Jefferson County Public Schools.

The district board of education voted 5-2 on Thursday to offer a contract to one of its two superintendent finalists. Yearwood, who left CPS last year with a $667,000 contract buyout, was one of the finalists. Ben Shuldiner was the other.

A JCPS spokesman said Friday that the district will not release more information before the contract is signed.

Louisville news outlets quote a Facebook post by a Kentucky lawmaker as evidence that the district will hire Yearwood.

“I have already reached out to Superintendent Yearwood and offered friendship and support,” state Rep. Jason Nemes wrote in a Facebook post. “All I care about are results on academic achievement and safety. Other issues are also important, but those two are the tentpoles.”

Contract details were not available Friday.

Click here to follow the original article.

The Pueblo County baseball team enters the 4A state tournament as the top seed

KRDO on May 23, 2025

Rob Namnoum

Pueblo County has unfinished business. After coming up just short in last year’s state championship game, they’ve stormed back with a 23 and two record and the top seed in class 4A. And now they’ve got another crack at a state title, “Shoot, since I was little. I mean, that’s what you want. Playing the big game. You know, get back at it. Especially after last year. I mean, this is this is why you play the game,” says Cohen Glenn.

Cole Barger adds, “Since the first pitch that we threw against Severence, actually at our first game of the year till now, I think it’s just been burning all year and I think it’s getting real hot just right now.”

County is led by six seniors, code name S-T-SIX. “It’s senior team six on the Pueblo County baseball team. “It’s kind of like a family with us seniors. This ST-SIX little group, it’s like us against the world. And no one can get in between that,” says Patrick Noga. And the motto os S-T-SIX, “One thing we always say is horses come home. All horses come home,” says Noga.

Barger explains the meaning, “I’m not sure what it means, but he just he lives. He lives by it.”

“It’s just something that Pat kept saying from freshman year. It’s just his little catchphrase he says. I’m not really sure,” says Jayden Trujillo. Noga adds , “You can go through the worst things and come out on top. And that’s how I look at it.”

For these horses or Hornets, home means a state championship and the seniors will graduate a week before the state championship game, “I’m not thinking about graduation, just the fact that everyone graduates. But only one team wins the state championship,” says Johan Chavira.

Julian Reyes adds, “School is the hardest part about graduation. Graduations is just the ceremony. I got all of the hard part done with, you know, right now, I’m just got my mind focused on winning the state championship.”

Click here to follow the original article.