Mosaic Life Care Auxiliary to host Alzheimer’s and Dementia Event

News-Press NOW on June 19, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Mosaic Life Care Auxiliary is hosting an event to help better the understanding of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The event, in conjunction with Inclusive Wellness Initiative, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 23, at emPowerU, located at 518 S. 6th St.

Anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, whether you have a personal connection or simply wish to be better informed, is welcome to attend.

“This is vital information to help educate us on how to watch for signs,” said July Vaughn, the representative for the Auxiliary’s Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliary’s District One. “There is too much underreporting. The more information we can share is good for everyone.”

Brenda Grerr, the program director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter and William Beachum III with Mosaic Life Care, will both present information at the event.

Topics will include basic information about causes of Alzheimer’s disease, common misconceptions about the condition, support resources for caregivers, what to expect at appointments and potential ways to minimize risk factors.

The event is free, although organizers request that those interested register, as space is limited.

Registration can be found at mlcfoundation.com/understanding-alzheimers. For more information, call Christina Lund, the Mosiac Life Care Foundation Director of Regional Relations, at (816) 271-7180.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dermatologists warn of dangers of daily sun exposure, risk of skin cancer

KESQ on June 19, 2025

Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Skin is the largest organ in the body, and dermatologists are advising locals to take better care of it, especially in the Valley sun.

They say daily sun exposure is a serious concern no matter what activity their engaging in outside. Skin cancer is the most common from of cancer in the United States and the Skin Cancer Foundation reports 1 in 5 Americans will develop it by age 70.

Officials say the risk is even higher for men, and they are more likely to die from melanoma at any age. By age 50, men are also more likely to develop melanoma and by 65 it jumps to two times as likely and by 80, it’s 3 times more likely than women.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association also found in a survey, 23% of men say they always wear sunscreen, and 27% never use it. Officials say many underestimate their risk, especially those with darker skin.

Dermatologists say skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, and not just in areas exposed to the sun. But they also want people to know, skin cancer is preventable.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen, when used as directed, can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from a Kaiser Permanente dermatologist and from locals on the importance of sun safety.

Click here to follow the original article.

Pocatello Police Department welcomes new officers, honors lifesaving efforts

KIFI on June 19, 2025

News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Pocatello Police Department celebrated a significant day Wednesday as Chief Roger Schie officially swore in four new officers, bolstering the department’s ranks. This addition comes as police departments across the region are actively recruiting to address the staffing shortages affecting police nationally.

Meet Pocatello’s Newest Officers

The Pocatello Police Department introduced the following new officers:

Ordinance Officer Perkins

Patrol Officer Bake

Patrol Officer Katzenstein

Patrol Officer King

For those interested in a career with the Pocatello Police Department, more information can be found HERE. Neighboring agencies are also hiring, with the next testing date for new Idaho Falls Police officers scheduled for July 26, 2025.

Officers Honored with Life Saving Awards

In addition to welcoming the recruits, the department also recognized several officers with Life Saving Awards for their service that directly resulted in saving human lives.

Officer Martinez and Officer Clemons: On May 17, 2025, Officer Martinez, alongside Officer Clemons, responded to a suicide attempt at 8500 N. Kraft Rd. A woman had consumed alcohol and antidepressants. The officers reportedly had prior knowledge of her mental health struggles and were able to build trust, gaining crucial information about the medications taken and their location. They relayed this vital information to EMS, facilitating timely medical intervention. The woman later called the shift commander to express her gratitude to the Officers for saving her life.

Officer Johnson: On October 20, 2024, Officers were dispatched to the Benton Street Overpass, where a man was threatening to jump and commit suicide. Upon arrival, Officer Johnson reportedly saw the male on the train side of the fence. Without hesitation, police say Officer Johnson jumped on the fence, reaching over to grab the male by his belt loop, pulling him towards safety. A civilian bystander arrived and was able to help Officer Johnson hold and keep the man from jumping until more units arrived. The man later agreed to come down off the overpass and was taken to the Portneuf Medical Center. “Officer P. JOHNSON’S actions reflect the values, mission, and vision of the Pocatello Police Department and reflect great credit upon him, our department, and the law enforcement profession,” writes the Pocatello Police Department.

Office Mackay: On May 5, 2025, Officer Mackay responded to a suicide attempt at 300 W. Griffith, reportedly finding a male holding a knife to his wrist. Officer Mackay spoke with the man, listening empathetically to his struggles with PTSD from military service. Despite the male’s insistence on ending his life, Officer Mackay continued to talk and built rapport, ultimately convincing the male to drop the knife. The individual later acknowledged that Officer Mackay’s actions were the reason he chose to throw down the knife and not end his life that day. The man was later taken to the Portneuf Medical Center for evaluation.

Sergeant Buck: On May 9, 2025, Sergeant Buck responded to the Benton Street Overpass, where a man was threatening to jump. Upon arrival, Sergeant Buck immediately climbed over the fence and began to talk to the man. He then wrapped his arms around the person, secured him, and continued to calmly talk with him for 45 minutes. Police say by coordinating with the Pocatello Fire Department, they were able to ensure the man’s safe recovery, bringing a successful resolution to a crisis.

Click here to follow the original article.

Crooked River Ranch residents feel anxious optimism as Alder Springs Fire is tamed, evacuation levels drop

KTVZ on June 19, 2025

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from resident; charges not filed, officials now say)

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Central Oregon Fire Management, crews made more substantial progress Thursday on the more than 3,200-acre Alder Springs Fire near Crooked River Ranch, after creating a 50-foot perimeter around the blaze a day earlier.

It’s been three days since residents like Rachael Pitts-Shire and her family have been home.

“Lots of anxiety and then lots of unknown,” she said Thursday. “The power went out, and then we got the text. Shortly after the alert text that we were evacuation Level 3 – Go Now.”

Ten of her family members were forced to evacuate, choosing to stay in Alfalfa as they watched the fire grow. Luckily, their home has now been reduced to a Level 2 Be Set evacuation level.

She says community members who chose to stay have been keeping an eye on neighborhoods, even putting their trash cans out while services continued. 

“People were checking in on each other,” Pitts-Shire said. “Lots of people were offering to go pick up people’s horses or check on people’s grandparents that maybe didn’t have the technology to necessarily get the alerts for the evacuation.”

Thursday evening, officials corrected a statement made at Thursday evening’s community meeting about charges being filed in connection with the fire’s start. Here’s there full statement:

“The Central Oregon Incident Management Team would like to make a correction to the information shared at the community meeting about charges being filed as a result of the Alder Springs Fire investigation. The Team can confirm that the cause was human, and while the investigators are pursuing active leads, no charges have been filed to date. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released when it is available.”

There were more signs of progress on the fire lines late Thursday, as the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3, including zones CR09, CR02SW, CR02NW, SIS-016, RED-91, RED-92 and RED-101 have been downgraded to no evacuation status. Zone CRPL2 has been downgraded to Level (1 Be Ready), they said.

“It’s weird to have that level of stress relief when it goes to Level 2. But that’s also the moment when you get the most panic, when you’re at Level 2 at home, waiting for it to go to Level 3,” said Pitts-Shire.

Deschutes County also made an announcement around 3 p.m., posted by Lt. Nathan Garibay:

“Due to continued progress by firefighters, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is dropping all evacuation notices in Deschutes County. Please refer to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for information on evacuation notices in Jefferson County. A current map of evacuation notices can be found at deschutes.org/emergency.

The American Red Cross has closed the shelter at Highland Baptist Church. The large animal shelter at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds has also been closed.”

Jefferson and Deschutes counties lowered and removed evacuation levels Thursday amid more progress on the Alder Springs Fire.

Level 3 GO NOW evacuations were dropped late Wednesday afternoon, bringing hundreds of Crooked River Ranch residents back to the area, many with power restored.

The fire has cost $4.7 million to fight so far, the National Interagency Fire Center said in Thursday’s national Situation Report. No structures have been lost and no injuries reported, officials told residents at a community meeting in Terrebonne Wednesday night.

“Watch out for fire personnel for the next several days,” the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office advised in a Facebook post Wednesday evening. “Even if you return in a Level 2 (BE SET zone), be cautious of smoke and aware fire personnel could be on your property if a flare-up happens near your land.

“Still remain vigilant and be ready to go if anything changes. We appreciate your patience during this fire. Fire personnel have been working diligently day and night to contain this fire, which is currently at 21% containment. Thank you to everyone who has assisted in the Alder Springs Fire so far and will continue to do so through the week,” the Facebook post said.

—

Here is Thursday morning’s Alder Springs Fire update:

Central Oregon —Wildland fire crews made great progress on the Alder Springs Fire yesterday, increasing containment and securing the perimeter up to 50 feet around the entire fire. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces continued their structure protection work in and around Crooked River Ranch. The fire is 3,278 acres and is now 21% contained.

Yesterday crews worked the east flank of the fire from Crooked River Ranch to the Deschutes River continuing mop up and cooling hot spots deeper into the interior of the fire. The Texas Canyon Interagency Hotshot crew has been working hot spots in the steep canyon drainage, supported by helicopters dropping water on areas of more dense heat. Rappelers and smokejumpers focused on mopping up and extinguishing hot spots in the Carcass Canyon area while crews continued securing the perimeter from Whychus Creek north to the confluence with the Deschutes River. OSFM continued working around structures, extinguishing hotspots and conducting tactical patrols near previously threatened homes.

With increased containment and the presence of OSFM task force engines in Crooked River Ranch, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all Level 3 evacuation orders for the Alder Springs Fire and downgraded zones. Residents are encouraged to visit evacuation maps provided by each county for updated evacuation information. Please use caution returning to homes and neighborhoods because fire resources are still present and working in the area. Access to BLM-administered lands including the Steelhead Falls, Scout Camp and Otter Bench trailheads remains closed.

Today, firefighters will continue containment efforts by increasing mop up to 100 feet around the fire perimeter. While there will still be smoke on the interior of the fire area, crews will spend the day building off yesterday’s success with the assistance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “drones” that use heat sensing technology to more efficiently find heat close to the perimeter. This will allow firefighters to identify and prevent hot spots from rekindling in hot and windy weather to threaten containment. With the immediate threat decreasing, OSFM has begun scaling back its response and is in the process of demobilizing some task forces, allowing them to return to their home communities. Meanwhile, today’s crews remain on the ground, continuing community surveys and assessing structures for safety and damage. OSFM remains committed to supporting local communities and coordinating efforts statewide as the situation evolves.

Evacuations: The Jefferson and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Offices have changed evacuation levels and there are no longer Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders in place.  For more information on evacuation notices visit:Deschutes County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/DeschutesCountyEmergencyJefferson County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/JeffersonCountyEmergencyMap

Alder Springs Fire Information: 503-383-9647Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Evacuation Information: 541-420-9652Alder Springs Fire Facebook Page: Facebook.com/AlderSpringsFire

Click here to follow the original article.

CA gas prices set to rise, what drivers need to know before hitting the road

KESQ on June 19, 2025

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif (KESQ) – California drivers should brace for higher fuel costs this summer. Starting July 1, the state’s gas excise taxes will increase, as part of an annual inflation adjustment.

Each year, California adjusts its fuel tax rates based on inflation data from the Department of Finance. This year’s bump means the gasoline excise tax will rise to 61.2 cents per gallon, up from 59.6 cents. According to the California Taxpayers Association website, the gas tax rate has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

But this might not be the only blow to drivers’ pockets.

“What we’re seeing is potentially with what’s going on, the Iran/Israel conflict and the gas tax that will take effect in California, we’re seeing drivers will have to pay a little bit more at the pump than they are used to.”

Gianella Ghiglino, AAA spokesperson

But experts say the increase might not deter drivers away from their summer plans.

“What we’re forecasting for 4th of July travel is we are seeing record breaking travel once again, however we don’t see right now people being discouraged about traveling, taking road trips, despite potential increases in gas prices.” 

Gianella Ghiglino, AAA spokesperson

As California continues to lead the nation with the highest average gas prices, experts encourage drivers to plan ahead and shop around for the best price.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Trooper suffers minor injuries after getting shot in Saline County; MSHP investigating officer-involved shooting

News-Press NOW on June 19, 2025

NPG Content Share

var cachebuster = Math.round(new Date().getTime() / 1000); var player = new Playerjs({id:”player_kyma”, file:”https://vz-9a0191b3-e78.b-cdn.net/1a06d677-1a8e-439a-8fb3-bde2b8200203/playlist.m3u8″, poster:”https://vz-9a0191b3-e78.b-cdn.net/1a06d677-1a8e-439a-8fb3-bde2b8200203/thumbnail_2f0a89be.jpg”, label:”Trooper suffers minor injuries after getting shot in Saline County; MSHP investigating officer-involved shooting” , vast_replace:{“[wpcategory]”:”spanish”,”[wprand]”:””+cachebuster+””}});

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A announced in a Tuesday evening social media post that the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Saline County.

The trooper was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.

According to a MSHP press release, just after 6:15 p.m., troopers were notified that the Concordia Police Department was pursuing a motorcycle driven by a suspect wanted for an out-of-state homicide.

Officers lost sight of the suspect, but just before 8 p.m., Highway Patrol troopers in the area saw the suspect on 115th Rd. heading toward Belmont Ave.

The suspect crashed the motorcycle into a trooper’s patrol car near the intersection of 115th Rd. and Belmont Ave., running away on foot.

The trooper ran after the suspect, who was armed with a handgun. The suspect shot at the trooper, hitting the trooper’s bullet-resistant vest.

The trooper returned fire, shooting the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The names of the troopers and the suspect involved were not immediately available.

The reports from the investigation will be forwarded to the Saline County prosecutors.

Click here to follow the original article.

Click here to follow the original article.

Columbia to reduce downtown meter time limit option 

KMIZ on June 19, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is simplifying the time limits on on-street parking meters downtown by making operational changes.

Starting the week after July 4, the city will reduce the number of time-limit options from six to four. The goal is to simplify payment, reduce confusion and increase parking turnover.

Currently, drivers choose from six time limits:

24 minutes

1 hour

2 hours

4 hours

5 hours

10 hours

Under the new plan, according to a council memo, drivers will choose from:

15-minute curbside pickup

1 hour

3 hours

10 hours

“Two hours often isn’t enough for someone to comfortably dine, shop, or attend a meeting,” Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan wrote in an email Thursday. “Switching to 3-hour meters in core areas gives visitors a better experience while still promoting turnover,”

There are 1,795 on-street metered spaces in downtown Columbia, according to the city, and 1,666 will be affected by the changes.

Proposed parking limitsDownload

The 1-hour meters will be near government buildings, the police station and the post office. Three-hour meters will be concentrated in the heart of downtown, including areas south of Elm Street. Long-term 10-hour meters will be found west of Fifth Street, east of Tenth Street and north of Ash Street.

Ethan Jones, owner of Mindnright Wellness on Broadway, said changing the hours from two to three in the heart of downtown won’t make a difference,

“People take the ticket anyway because there is nowhere else to even park at and so I don’t [think] expanding it an extra hour even matters,” Jones said.

Jones claims many drivers don’t care enough to look at the time-limits and the color-coordinated meters.

“I don’t think people pay attention to any of that they are just trying to find a spot to park at, but I think the 15-minute parking [spaces] are nice for my customers. But outside of that I don’t think people pay attention to the color coordinated of times, three hours might help people stay a little longer,” Jones said.

Student Finn Boland sees the change as adding flexibility for quick visits downtown.

“It doesn’t restrict anyone because it goes above the minimum expectations unless you are trying to do the five hour one in which case you would have to default to the 10,” Boland said.

Lauryn Carolton has lived in Columbia for about five years and said parking downtown has always been an issue. But the extra hour gives her piece of mind.

“I kind of put a couple quarters in and hoped by car was still there i think that extra hour will be beneficial if you go see a movie and get something to eat that’s about three hours so it makes a lot more sense,” she said.

The changes do not affect meter rates or enforcement hours. Parking costs per hour won’t change, and meters will still be enforced Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. On Saturdays, enforcement runs from 8 a.m.-noon. Sundays are free.

A Walker Consultants analysis showed that Columbia has more time limit variations than most comparable cities, with three or four time limit systems being standard.

Ogan said equipment delivery could affect the schedule of the changes.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ask the Mayor: Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch discusses the upcoming Amazon facility, water conservation and fireworks

KTVZ on June 19, 2025

Kade Linville

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From the upcoming Amazon center, Redmond’s ongoing water conservation efforts, and plans to keep safe and have fun this 4th of July, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch answers your latest questions.

Fitch appears on KTVZ News at Sunrise in the 6:30 a.m. segment on the third Thursday of every month. Make sure to submit your questions for the mayor here for next month’s segment. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

Click here to follow the original article.

‘Dump the Pump’ day encourages residents to use public transportation

News-Press NOW on June 19, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Throughout the day on Thursday, St. Joseph Transit offered free rides on all buses as part of the ‘Dump the Pump’ day initiative.

The day is geared towards encouraging drivers to save financial and fuel-based resources by riding the bus.

“I find it really convenient because today I couldn’t find a ride to my doctor’s (appointment),” said Savion Bernard, a local bus rider. “I couldn’t find a ride to my doctor’s appointment today (Thursday), so I just called the bus (metro service). They said I couldn’t call for a deviation, but I could just go to the bus stop and they’d give me a ride.”

Last week, the City of St. Joseph temporarily moved Go St. Joe to fixed routes only, meaning there will be no deviations from routes for pickups.

According to data from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the prices of new cars have increased by 30% since 2019, while used car prices have risen by 40%.

In 2023, gas prices also saw a spike of 25%, which was largely due to oil supply constraints, China’s economic rebound, and the Ukraine war.

For a list of bus routes, visit the city’s website at stjosephmo.gov.

Click here to follow the original article.

Camp Geiger debuts all-new invention scouts program, one of the first in the nation

News-Press NOW on June 19, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Scouts from St. Joseph and more than a dozen states became some of the first in the nation to participate in an all-new STEM-based invention program launched in St. Joseph.

Every summer, scouts from 15 different states call Camp Geiger “home” for multi-week scouting sessions that last from June to July, a near century-long tradition.

The camp is located just north of St. Joseph off Interstate 229 and next to the Missouri River.

This summer, scouts are getting the chance to develop and grow their skills as innovators, part of the first ever Invention Scouts Program launched by the local Pony Express Council thanks to a $30,000 donation from former Camp Geiger scout and now nuclear physicist Rob Duncan, a leading Texas Tech physics professor with more than 50 patents to his name.

“This makes us only the second program in the country like this. And what an exciting opportunity for these scouts to really be the first generation to experience it,” said Dr. Ryan Maderak, director of Benedictine College’s astronomy major and a top advisor for Invention Scouts. “It’s not changing scouting. It’s just enhancing it.â€

Scouts have been working hands on with a wide range of new technology like 3D modeling software, printers, laser cutters, and other equipment.

One competitive project saw scouts design and then build bridges using 3D modeling software. Bridges were then stress-tested against other designs. One of the top-ranked bridges held upwards of 100 pounds, a notable achievement.

“I think the really fantastic part about it is it’s giving a new spin to scouting as a whole,” said Maven Vette, an Eagle Scout and sophomore at Missouri S&T who’s helping teach the new class. “Having this program is giving camp an opportunity to adapt to the growing world.”

Another new-age project involves learning to fly and maneuver drones, which are now used in a variety of industries including agriculture, construction and engineering.

Vette envisions a wide range of new merit badges becoming available thanks to the new program, creating new benchmarks for growth and achievement in the world of science.

“If they get the perspective of I can design things myself, I can problem solve myself, I can make things myself, then that everyday experience will just further influence how they think and I think that’s a big perspective change in their lives,” said Vette, who’s pursuing a mechanical engineering major with a minor in Biomedical Engineering.

One eager scout in attendance for the debut program was 16-year-old Sean Hidy with Troop 60 out of Savannah, Missouri.

“I thought it was pretty cool,” said Hidy. (It’ll) teach me how to do it in the future, too, if I want to continue.”

Over the last several months, Duncan, Maderak and longtime Pony Express Council members Bill McMurray and Ed Stroud have worked to bring the program to life.

Maderak and others see it as a huge opportunity to expand upon the well-known and foundational components of Scouting like camping, cooking, nature study, swimming and hiking, among others. Camp Geiger has already been incorporating areas of focus like electricity, plumbing, welding and hydraulics over the years.

“I got my start teaching astronomy out here at Scout camp … To see it all come together is amazing,” said Maderak. “Connecting with these kids and giving them the spark has always been a big part of what motivates me in my career. That light bulb that goes off. We want to open up the possibilities for these kids.â€

Once camp concludes, the hope now is that scouts take those newfound skills and apply them to everyday life, whether as a hobby or as a potential career.

Maderak wants to ensure scouts have that opportunity by offering similar programs year-round, starting with a 21st Century Scouting Academy at Benedictine College on Saturday, Oct. 4.

“We’ll be offering a full slate of STEM-focused merit badges to continue to build on this enthusiasm and give those kids some, some opportunities to get instruction from experts in their field,” Maderak said. “Our faculty will be teaching and are very enthusiastic about this.”

Information for 21st Century Scouting will be published on the Pony Express Council’s website by the first week of July. A full schedule and registration will also open by the first week of August.

Click here to follow the original article.