Southeast Idaho rallies to support Texas flood victims

KIFI on July 8, 2025

News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Local businesses across Southeast Idaho are stepping up to offer support to the victims of the devastating Texas floods. These tragic events claimed the lives of at least 109 people, including dozens of campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian Girls’ Camp located along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.

In the days since the flooding, community members and businesses here in Southeast Idaho united in efforts to provide aid and relief.

How You Can Get Involved

Two local businesses are spearheading initiatives to help those affected. Here’s how you can contribute:

Fizz Rizz Emergency Relief Donation Drive

Fizz Rizz, Madison County’s popular mocktail bar, is organizing an emergency relief donation drive to benefit Texas flood victims. This drive is ongoing until Wednesday, July 9th, so there’s still time to contribute.

Organizers at Fizz Rizz are specifically asking for:

Socks

Hygiene items

Flea/tick medicine

Non-perishable food items

And other essential supplies

You can drop off your donations at Fizz Rizz’s location between 6 PM and midnight.

“To anyone in or around Rexburg, we still need supplies to send, as much as you are able to spare,” Fizz Rizz stated in an email to Local News 8. “If you are able to get us those supplies here at Fizz Rizz, we are anxious to get them sent out to the Texas flood victims and help provide them with as much relief as possible.”

For more information, click HERE.

Little Mama Shirt Shop & Vast Apparel: Commemorative T-Shirts

Little Mama Shirt Shop and its sister company, Vast Apparel, have released a special, limited-edition unisex T-shirt to support the relief efforts in Kerr County, Texas, another area severely impacted by the floods.

“Our hearts ache for the families in Texas who have suffered unimaginable loss,” said Chynna Hansen, co-founder of Little Mama Shirt Shop and Vast Apparel. “As a business born from motherhood and built on community, we are profoundly saddened by the devastation and stand with every parent, child, and person affected during this heartbreaking time.”

Shirts are available in both adult and youth sizes and a variety of colorways. Each features a subtle front motif and a larger graphic on the back, symbolizing community resilience in the face of adversity.

All profits from every shirt sold will be directly donated to Kerr County Flood Relief through The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

Adult shirts are priced at $33

Youth shirts are $28

For more info, click HERE.

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Fatal motorcycle crash claims life of juvenile from Rupert

KIFI on July 8, 2025

News Team

MINIDOKA COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho State Police is investigating a single-vehicle motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of a juvenile male from Rupert. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of July 8th on State Highway 25, near mile marker 57.3 in Minidoka County.

Authorities report that the young man was traveling northbound 2006 Yamaha YZDE6 motorcycle when it failed to navigate a curve. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and, despite wearing a helmet, tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka EMS, and the Cassia County Coroner assisted the Idaho State Police at the scene.

The Idaho State Police continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

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College of Eastern Idaho launches first-ever police academy

KIFI on July 8, 2025

News Release

The following is a press release from CEI:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) is proud to announce the start of its inaugural Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Patrol Academy. It began July 7th, and marks a major milestone in CEI’s efforts to expand workforce training and directly support law enforcement needs in eastern Idaho.

“We are excited to offer a police academy for the first time here at CEI,” said Trevor Elordi, Vice President of Workforce Training & Operations. “This has been something that has been in the works for almost two years now, and we are excited to make it happen. We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with several departments here in eastern Idaho and are grateful for the help from so many dedicated officers and deputies in this region who will be working with us. Providing top-quality training for these future law enforcement personnel has been our top priority, with special emphasis on officer safety and more scenario-based training.”

The inaugural POST Patrol Academy will host five recruits: two from the City of Idaho Falls, two from the City of St. Anthony, and one from Bonneville County. Throughout the 18-week program, recruits will receive intensive instruction on everything from firearms safety and emergency vehicle operations to physical training and arrest techniques.

The academy is made possible through the dedicated work of CEI’s Workforce Training team and a group of seasoned law enforcement professionals. Academy coordinators Joe Tafoya (retired LAPD), Scot Esmay (retired California Highway Patrol), and Mike Lasiewicki (retired FBI) bring more than 90 years of combined experience to the program. Supporting them are Director of Programs Rachael Green and Senior Program Coordinator Amy Secula, who played key roles in developing and organizing the academy.

With support from local agencies and businesses, CEI’s POST Patrol Academy is uniquely positioned to deliver hands-on, community-based law enforcement training in a way that allows recruits to remain close to their departments and families.

For more information about CEI’s law enforcement training programs, call (208)-535-5345.

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Cañon City PD ranks top three in the state after Special Olympics ‘Tip A Cop’ fundraiser

KRDO on July 8, 2025

Celeste Springer

CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) — The Cañon City Police Department placed third in the state, bringing home some of the most donations during a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

According to the department, various Colorado law enforcement agencies participated in a “Tip a Cop” fundraiser at 33 Chili’s restaurants.

During the single-night fundraiser, officers and Special Olympians greeted restaurant patrons and spoke with them about the mission of the Special Olympics. Chili’s customers were given the opportunity to leave a donation after their meal.

Of the dozens of participating agencies, the Cañon City police helped raise the third-highest amount of funding with $2,897 in one night. Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction came in first and second place respectively, with $2,962 and $3,434.

In Colorado Springs, officials with the Special Olympics say four participating locations raised $5,511 altogether.

If you missed the event but would like to contribute to the Colorado Special Olympics, click here.

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MSHP names victim in fatal weekend shooting in Moberly

KMIZ on July 8, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has named the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday in Moberly.

MSHP wrote on its social media on Tuesday that Bailey E. Scott, 23, of Moberly, died in the shooting.

The Moberly Police Department previously wrote in a social media post that officers found a woman dead while responding to a shooting at a residence in the 900 block of East Logan Street on Sunday night.

A balloon release will be held in Moberly at 7 p.m. Friday, to honor Scott, according to a social media post from the Boozy Badger Bar in Moberly.

Check back for updates.

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Ventura Councilman says the “CARE” Policy could Jeopardize Millions of Dollars in Federal Funding

KEYT on July 8, 2025

Mina Wahab

VENTURA, Calif. — On June 26th, the Ventura City Council passed the CARE policy 6-to-1 to protect undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and those seeking reproductive healthcare.

Councilman Jim Duran was the lone “no” vote on The Care Policy.

“Bundling all these unrelated and controversial issues of immigration, gender identity and abortion, it divides our community rather than unites it. These are deeply personal issues,” said Duran.

“These are things that you deal with at the state and federal level. If you want to change policy, if you want to change a law, that’s where you do it. You don’t do it at the city level,” said Duran. With the Trump administration threatening to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities and states, Duran says this vote puts a target on Ventura, even though it is mostly symbolic. “Every protection that was listed in that resolution already exists under California law. And so restating them at the city level adds nothing legally enforceable. It’s only symbolic,” said Duran.  Duran says they could lose loans and grants amounting to over $100 million dollars. “We need to fix roads. We need to fix sidewalks. We need to deal with the homeless situation here, economic vitality,” said Duran. A Ventura woman who moved to the U.S. from Australia says losing funding is only going to hurt the people who live here. “We don’t have oodles of extra money to just splash around on things. So. Refocusing city Council on the business side as well as the human side is equally as important in my view,” said Kelly Wilmer. When the policy passed back in June, most attendees appeared to be in favor of the policy. As for the potential loss of funding, the courts may back states like California. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in June that blocked the trump administration from withholding transportation funds over immigration policy.

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Pershing elementary educator honored as one of northwest regional teacher of the year honorees

News-Press NOW on July 8, 2025

Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A dedicated educator from Pershing Elementary School has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the classroom and community.

In a surprise celebration held on Tuesday, July 8th, one of Pershing’s teachers, Mary Sanders, was announced as one of two Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year honorees.

The special event took place at the Troester Media Center, where Pershing Elementary Principal Holly Brady announced the honor at a professional development session.

District staff, family members, and community supporters gathered to make the moment extra special for the honoree, who was visibly moved by the recognition. Sanders is coming up on her 13th year of teaching. She is currently a fourth-grade teacher within the Saint Joseph School District.

Sanders said, “I’m so proud to work for the St. Joe School District. I’m so proud to work at Pershing Elementary. I work with the best teachers, staff, custodians, engineers, kitchen staff, everybody from every part of the school works so hard for our kids.”

The honor is part of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, coordinated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Northwest Regional Professional Development Center.

The program celebrates exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in their profession and inspire both students and colleagues.

Official statewide announcements from DESE are expected on Thursday, July 17th.

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Man arrested, charged in July 2024 shooting in Jefferson City neighborhood

KMIZ on July 8, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man was charged with four felonies after he was accused of shooting at a vehicle in 2024.

Keiron Robinson, 23, was charged on Tuesday in Cole County with shooting at a vehicle, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of illegal gun possession. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says that police were called on July 31, 2024 for a weapons offense near East Elm Street and Clark Avenue. Police wrote that they found 17 shell casings.

A witness was found on Aug. 1, 2024, and police conducted a search warrant at their residence and found the gun used in the shooting, the statement says. The witness allegedly told police that Robinson fired the gun several times out of their vehicle, the statement says.

The witness allegedly admitted to holding the gun for Robinson, court documents say. The gun was sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s crime lab for analysis and determined between June 12-18, 2025, that the shell casings found were fired from the gun, the statement says.

Robinson was arrested on Monday.

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City of SLO Shares Latest Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map

KEYT on July 8, 2025

Alissa Orozco

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The city of San Luis Obispo has updated their map of Fire Hazard Severity Zones that now shows more parts of San Luis Obispo that fall within moderate, high and very high Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

The map shows colored zones out and within the city limits, including some residential neighborhoods to the east and west. The city says the map helps property owners determine if they need to take extra steps to reduce wildfire risks.

“Understanding a property’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone can help property owners take the necessary steps to reduce wildfire risks, such as adding and maintaining defensible space around buildings. Certain zone designations will require property owners to take extra steps to mitigate wildfire risks.”

In June, city council adopted the zones put in place by CAL FIRE based on the latest wildfire science. 

The map separates the various zones by color: Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (YELLOW), High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (ORANGE), and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (RED).

There are no immediate requirements for those living in the Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone at this time.

However, those living in the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in new construction homes or major remodels must comply with ignition-resistant building standards. They must also provide natural hazard disclosure at the time of sale.

Property owners in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone are required to perform the most extra steps, including: maintain all vegetation around all buildings and structures within 30 feet and out to 100 feet if applicable, obtain and provide home hardening certification for new/rebuilt homes if requested, and more.

To view the map of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and property owner requirements, visit the city’s website.

The city expects the State of California to release the 2026 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and the 2026 California Fire and Building codes this summer. Once received, city council will then hold a public study session, likely in October 2025.

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CoastHills Credit Union Partners with ECHO to Host Community Towel Drive

KEYT on July 8, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from El Camino Homeless Organization regarding their partnership with CoastHills Credit Union to host a Community Towel Drive

PASO ROBLES, Calif. — El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) is proud to partner with CoastHills Credit Union to launch a month-long Towel Drive in support of local individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Throughout July, community members are invited to donate new bath towels to help meet a critical and often overlooked need.

Each day, ECHO provides essential services—including shelter, meals, and hygiene access—to over 130 individuals and families across their 90-Day Residential Shelter Program and free public shower program. Towels are a small item with a big impact, offering comfort, dignity, and a sense of care to those ECHO serves.

Donations can be dropped off at the Atascadero CoastHills Credit Union branch, where a dedicated towel collection bin is available all month. Towels will also be collected during July’s Atascadero Chamber Mixer, hosted at the CoastHills branch.

In addition, towel donations can be dropped off at either of ECHO’s campus locations in Atascadero or Paso Robles.

“At CoastHills, our vision is to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives,” said James Ledford, Interim Chief Executive Officer at CoastHills Credit Union. “Partnering with ECHO Atascadero to support their shower program is one way we can bring comfort and care to those in need. A clean towel might seem small—but it can have a big impact.”

Join the movement to support local families and individuals working toward stability. Donate a towel. Make an impact.

For more information on CoastHills Credit Union, visit https://coasthills.coop.

To learn more about ECHO and how to support its mission, visit www.echoshelter.org.

About El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO):

ECHO’s mission since 2001 is to empower people in SLO County to make positive change by providing food, shelter, and supportive services. ECHO operates two facilities in Atascadero and Paso Robles with a total bed capacity of 130, including a 60-bed shelter in Atascadero and 70-bed shelter in Paso Robles, and a daily community dinner program, and shower program for individuals and families throughout San Luis Obispo County. For more information, please visit our website at www.echoshelter.org.

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