Indio police using drones to catch illegal firework users this Fourth of July

KESQ on July 2, 2025

Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Indio Police Department (IPD) is cracking down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July, and this year enforcement is taking flight.

Officer Felipe Escalante said the department is deploying several drones to help identify and respond to firework violations.

“The entire city,” Escalante said. “When people are calling in illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July, we will have drone operators deploy their drones from specific locations to see if we could capture on video whoever is setting off the illegal fireworks.”

In Indio only “safe and sane” fireworks are permitted. Any fireworks not meeting this criteria are illegal in the city.

“They keep eyes on people who are setting off illegal fireworks and they were able to guide officers to that location,” Escalante said. “Whenever they did catch somebody setting off the fireworks, the city does have a municipal code where it’s zero tolerance for illegal fireworks and they did get cited.”

He said first time offenders will receive a $2,000 fine and for repeat offenders it’s up to $5,000.

The drones are equipped with sensors, cameras and even a speaker allowing officers to communicate with people on the ground in real time.

“They have high resolution cameras that allow us to zoom in from a distance,” Escalante said. “With the zoom we can stay undetected and actually be able to get a good image.”

Escalante said the goal is to promote safety.

We want to prevent firework related injuries, fires and disturbances,” Escalante said. “And for the residents and visitors to enjoy their holiday.”

IPD is asking anyone who sees illegal fireworks to report it to the Indio police fireworks hotline at 442-300-3104.

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Lightning apparently sparks 10-acre brush fire in NE Redmond as thunderstorms rumble through region

KTVZ on July 2, 2025

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Lightning from one of several thunderstorms rumbling through Central Oregon Tuesday apparently sparked a brush fire that burned about 10 acres in northeast Redmond before crews stopped it.

The fire was reported around 5 p.m. south of NE Upas Avenue and 37th Street, Redmond Fire and Rescue said. Watch Duty said the Upas Fire was burning in light fuels and juniper, moving to the south.

Forward progress was stopped in about an hour by crews from Redmond Fire, the BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry.

But Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told KTVZ News gusty outflow winds of 30-40 mph from one of the storms were testing the lines as more fires were tackled..

The storms also brought rain in places but sparked several fires that were caught at small size by firefighters across the area through the afternoon.

We will keep tracking the fires and keep you posted in our Fire Alert coverage.

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No charges will be filed in officer-involved shooting that killed man accused of murder

KMIZ on July 2, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No charges will be filed against the four Columbia police officers involved in a fatal shooting of a man who was accused of murder.

Four Columbia police officers — Zachary Beringer, Ryan Brunstrom, Dylan Caldieraro and Malique Dameron — fired their weapons at Timothy Turner, 37, of Columbia, on Feb. 1, according to a letter to the Missouri State Highway Patrol from Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney Sandra Colhour. The memo was dated Tuesday. Colhour was named the special prosecutor in the case.

Turner was a suspect in a homicide that occurred earlier in the day. Charges eventually appeared on Casenet days later for Turner, which included first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Randolph County.

The Columbia Police Department was asked by Moberly police to help in the investigation and a vehicle driven by Turner was found in the 1500 block of Raleigh Drive in Columbia. A SWAT team was activated. A crisis negotiator told Turner to come out, but nothing occurred, the document says.

Law enforcement learned from multiple sources that Turner was holding multiple children and a woman against their will, according to the memo from Colhour. A standoff ensued.

After about an hour, Turner allegedly walked out to the patio of the home while naked and holding something behind his back, the document says. Turner was allegedly holding a knife and refused to drop it when officers gave commands, the document says.

Minutes later, “six 4557 40 mm less than lethal foam baton rounds were deployed, at least one of which struck Turner. The less than lethal rounds were not effective,” documents say.

Turner then allegedly started swinging a knife and police sent a K-9, the document says. Turner allegedly held the knife above his head and the four officers shot him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Colhour wrote that the use of force was “reasonable.”

“In this case, the deadly force used by the officers was objectively reasonable in light of credible information that Turner had committed the felony of murder; Turner’s ongoing refusal to respond to verbal commands; Turner’s failure to respond to non-deadly physical force; Turner’s wielding of the knife, a deadly weapon, in close proximity to officers; officers’ reasonable belief that the lives or safety of the home’s occupants would be in danger if Turner reentered the unit; and the reasonable belief that when Turner lunged toward officers with the knife raised, he posed an immediate risk to the officers’ lives or physical safety,” the memo says

Colhour wrote that “the use of deadly force to effect an arrest, law enforcement officers are justified in using deadly force in self-defense or defense of others to the extent the use of such force would be justified by any other citizen.”

CPD Officer-Involved Shooting_PA to MSHP_7.2.25Download

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Santa Barbara Bus Strike Averted as MTD Makes Last-Minute Offer to Teamsters

KEYT on July 2, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A strike by Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) workers was averted Tuesday night after the district made a contract offer to Teamsters Local 186, just hours before the current agreement was set to expire at midnight.

The Teamsters agreed to extend their contract through July 31, allowing union members time to review and vote on the proposal, pending approval from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The last-minute deal means bus service will continue without interruption through the month of July, bringing relief to thousands of daily riders who rely on the system in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.

“I work five days a week, Monday through Friday,” said rider Katie Hughes. “I need to get to work tomorrow morning, so this really matters.”

MTD and Teamsters 186 have been in negotiations for two months over wages and benefits. Earlier this week, the union posted its demands on social media, calling attention to the financial challenges workers face.

“There’s a bear in the air that everyone wants to know about—and it’s called Santa MTD,” said Teamster Abel Garcia.

The dispute comes as MTD faces ongoing fiscal challenges, including the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funding.

The district serves about 15,000 riders each day, including locals, students, and tourists. A strike could have significantly impacted transportation options during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, when hotels like the Pacific Crest are seeing high occupancy.

Union members are expected to vote on the proposed agreement later this month.

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C.O. Health Council launches ‘Be Well Central Oregon’ campaign, unveils Regional Health Improvement Plan

KTVZ on July 2, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Health Council is pleased to introduce a bold new campaign — Be Well Central Oregon — to mark the launch of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan. This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region. 

“Be Well Central Oregon is more than a slogan — it’s a community call to action,” said Arianne Powell, executive director for COHC. “We’re focusing on what unites us: shared goals, strong partnerships, and the health and well-being of every person in Central Oregon.” 

About the new direction 

For over a decade, COHC has led RHIP implementation by organizing monthly workgroups and distributing project funding. With the launch of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC transitions into a connector, convener and amplifier role—aligning community efforts rather than directing them. 

The new model aims to: 

Facilitate partnerships across sectors and communities 

Match organizations with shared goals to build synergy and enhance collaboration 

Offer partial funding for aligned initiatives 

Share data, tools and learnings to inform action 

Adapt to the community’s evolving needs 

This evolution builds on lessons learned and emphasizes sustainability through shared ownership, equity and transparency. 

Take action: Complete the RFI survey 

COHC invites all partners (current and future) to participate in a new Request for Information (RFI) survey, a key tool in mapping and aligning regional health efforts. 

Click here to complete the RFI survey 

Why community response matters: 

To showcase partner work and impact 

To uncover new collaboration opportunities 

To inform funding and resource alignment 

To shape the direction of the RHIP  

“The RFI will help us map the RHIP ecosystem and lift up the incredible work already underway,” said Gwen Jones, COHC’s director of community strategy. “We encourage every organization working on community health to participate—it’s about making partner impact visible and helping us shape a stronger, more aligned regional effort.” 

Tools to support community work 

The RHIP—and the Regional Health Assessment (RHA), that guides the RHIP’s creation—can be complex. As part of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC is developing resources to simplify and humanize the RHIP and the RHA. These include: 

User-friendly tools to explore RHIP goals 

Visual storytelling that highlights your work’s impact 

Customizable materials to communicate alignment and inspire collaboration 

These resources are designed specifically for Central Oregon partners—to help them tell their story and connect their work to regional initiatives. 

Be Well, Together 

COHC believes this new approach will strengthen the fabric of community health by supporting what’s already working, filling critical gaps, and weaving together diverse efforts under a common vision. 

Whether partners are new to the RHIP or have been involved for years, Be Well Central Oregon is an invitation to connect, contribute and thrive as a community. 

“This transformation is a long-term strategic shift toward more collaborative, resilient systems for improving health outcomes in Central Oregon,” said Jones. “COHC remains committed to equity, transparency, and the power of local partnerships to shape a healthier future—together.” 

For questions or to explore how your work connects with the RHIP, please contact camille.smith@cohealthcouncil.org. 

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Behind the Red: What’s in fire retardant and how it works

KESQ on July 2, 2025

Luis Avila

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters are getting the upper hand on the Wolf Fire burning south of Banning. The brushfire is at 35 percent contained and has burned more than 2,400 acres. This progress, in large part, thanks to retardant lines.

Retardant, or PHOS-CHEK, is made of a salt mixture that helps to slow the spread of fire and makes it easier to control, according to CAL FIRE.

“It’s not toxic, it’s just got some color so the aircraft can actually see where they left off and keep going with that line.”

Capt. Daniel Potter, CAL FIRE PIO

When dried, it turns into fertilizer for the surrounding vegetation. But officials still caution people from getting too close.

“It can be super runny or super thick so depending on the mixture it can be very slippery so use caution if you’re in the area… If you do happen to live in an area that the retardant did get dropped on, like your house, we do recommend washing it off if fire crews didn’t do that because it will compromise the paint.”

Capt. Daniel Potter, CAL FIRE PIO

For some residents living at the base of the retardant drop sight, the hillside’s red color is helping to keep them as ease.

“That’s a reminder of how hard they work and how dangerous their job is. We really appreciate them putting themselves at risk for us. Protecting property, protecting lives.”

Brian Strawter, Banning resident

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Camdenton man charged with 2 felonies after leading law enforcement on chase in stolen truck

KMIZ on July 2, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Camdenton man was charged on Tuesday after he allegedly stole a truck and trailer on Monday and led law enforcement on a chase to Callaway County.

Eric Burns, 39, was charged with first-degree tampering with a vehicle and aggravated fleeing. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An initial court appearance was held on Tuesday.

The probable cause statement says that law enforcement received a report of a truck being stolen on Green Meadows Road. A Boone County deputy pulled his vehicle in front of the stolen vehicle, Burns smiled and then drove off the road, the statement says.

The chase went to Interstate 70 and Callaway County deputies used spike strips to stop the vehicle.

Court documents say Burns told law enforcement that he decided to steal the truck because it was running and his feet hurt. He allegedly planned on driving the vehicle back to Camdenton.

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Massive food donation boosts Rexburg Family Crisis Center’s efforts

KIFI on July 2, 2025

Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivered a massive donation of 28,000 pounds of food to the Family Crisis Center in Rexburg on Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025. Volunteers were on hand to help unload over twenty-five pallets of essential food items.

This substantial contribution will significantly boost the Crisis Center’s efforts to support the community. The center regularly assembles 300 food boxes, each weighing 50 pounds, for distribution. This latest donation is expected to sustain their operations for more than six months.

“These donations not only feed the community – we offer free food boxes to various community members on Fridays – but they also feed our clients who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” explained Ally Owens, Public Awareness Coordinator for the Family Crisis Center. “It’s vital for them to be able to get their necessary physical needs met.”

The Family Crisis Center hosts a community food bank every Wednesday and Friday. Senior citizens can pick up food between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, with the food bank opening to the general public from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

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Redmond city leaders approve emergency post-holiday fireworks ban due to wildfire concerns

KTVZ on July 2, 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, Redmond City Council adopts post-holiday fireworks ban)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – After hearing comments from many in the community, Redmond city councilors on Tuesday approved to ban the personal use of fireworks starting just after this year’s Fourth of July holiday, citing increasing wildfire risks driven by current weather conditions across Central Oregon.

The ban will remain in place for the rest of the fire season.

City councilors voted at the special emergency meeting to approve a first and second reading and adoption of the revised ordinance, which also makes the use of illegal fireworks a code violation that carries a potential $1,500 fine.

The city officials also made clear that fireworks enforcement is not a top police priority on the holiday, as officers can be very busy with DUII enforcement.

After the vote, Mayor Ed Fitch thanked everyone for their input and said the move is “kind of a balancing act” between the fundraising efforts of nonprofits from the sale of legal fireworks to the “deep concern” across the community about reducing fire danger, however possible.

The ban goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, meaning residents will still be allowed to use fireworks leading up to and during Independence Day.

City officials said the discussion comes as the region faces very high fire danger, with dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions elevating the risk of wildfires.

—

City of Redmond news release:

Redmond City Approves Emergency Firework Ban Effective July 5 

REDMOND, OREGON –On Tuesday, July 1, Redmond City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration, banning the personal use of all fireworks effective 12:01 a.m. July 5, 2025, due to high fire risk in Redmond and across Central Oregon. The declaration, which allows the city to efficiently mobilize resources to respond to public needs during an emergency, will remain in effect until Redmond Fire & Rescue officially lifts its outdoor burn ban later this fall.  

“We tried to balance the safety of the community with the investment people have already made to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday,” states Mayor Ed Fitch. “We have had several fires just in the past week, and yesterday’s wildfire in the Dry Canyon, which was ignited by fireworks, dictated the need for Council to take action.” 

Additionally, the declaration bans the use (but not sale) of all fireworks within the city limits. The public fireworks show at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center will go on as planned. Use of illegal fireworks continues to be prohibited at all times.  

“Redmond got lucky on June 3, the Euston wildfire could have been devastating if not for the number of crews and air resources available to respond,” Redmond Fire & Rescue Chief Ryan Herrera added.  “The fire danger in our community is undeniably high this summer, and with the growing abundance of dry vegetation which ignites easily and spreads rapidly, residents need to take extra preventive measures.” 

The City is asking for the community’s support in keeping Redmond safe, reserving personal fireworks for another holiday when conditions are less dangerous.  Under the emergency declaration, use of any fireworks after July 4 will be a Class A infraction and carries a penalty of a fine up to $500 for each infraction. The use of illegal fireworks brings a fine of $1,500 for the first offense, with additional fines up to the state allowed maximum of $6,250. 

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems.  Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov. 

—

Emergency Ord. 2025-13 v5Download

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No injuries reported in Audrain County house fire

KMIZ on July 2, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

No injuries were reported in a house fire on Monday morning in the 2700 block of Bluebird Drive in Mexico, Missouri, according to a press release from the Mexico Department of Public Safety.

The home’s resident saw smoke coming from the house and called firefighters. The release says that fire was found in the basement and crews extinguished it. The room had moderate heat and fire damage, while the rest of the home had significant smoke damage, the release says.

The release says that the fire started where a large remote-controlled vehicle was charging.

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