Prineville man accused of ‘unprovoked attack,’ arrested on attempted murder, burglary and assault charges

KTVZ on July 1, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Details of arraignment, crime, suspect’s history of mental illness)

 PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville man was arrested Monday evening on attempted murder, burglary and assault charges, accused of attacking and severely injuring another man in an “unprovoked attack’ at a northeast Prineville apartment.

Lindley Drew Purrington, 26, was being held without bail at the Crook County Jail. He was set to make an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon on felony charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary and second-degree assault.

An initial court filing identified the alleged victim as Steven Wayne Wilson.

More details of the crime came to light during Purrington’s arraignment before Crook County Circuit Judge Wade Whiting, who set his bail at $250,000. He scheduled Purrington’s arraignment next Monday on an expected formal indictment.

Deputy District Attorney Paxton Deuel told the judge that Purrington “has a history of mental illness” and civil commitments.

“He believes he is a (Star Wars) Jedi and attacked the victim because the victim was a Sith,” Deuel said of Purrington, who asked the judge to refer to him by his Jedi name of “Atlas.”

The prosecutor said Purrington told police of assaulting his neighbor: “I did it to end the war between the Jedi and the Sith.”

He said Purrington went to his neighbor’s apartment, pulled him out of his room and struck and beat him “repeatedly with his fists,” also recording the assault and posting it on social media.

PRINEVILLE POLICE NEWS RELEASEFrom Police Chief Jeff Profio:

On June 30, 2025, at approximately 5:09 p.m., Prineville dispatch received a 911 call reporting an assault in the 800 block of NE 3rd Street.  Prineville Police and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.  They located a male victim suffering from major facial and head injuries.  The suspect was also located at the scene and quickly taken into custody.  

The initial investigation revealed that this was a completely unprovoked attack by the suspect.  Prineville Police arrested Lindley Drew Purrington, age 26, at the scene.  He was lodged in the Crook County Jail and charged with Attempted Murder in the second degree, Assault in the second degree, and Burglary in the first degree.  

The Prineville Police Department is aware of a video that was posted on social media of this heinous attack.  They have asked that the video be removed.       

Prineville Police believe they have all the parties involved in the incident accounted for and there is no ongoing threat to the community.  

The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details that can be released at this time.  If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Prineville Police Department at 541-447-4168.  The investigator is Officer Kelson Stewart and he can be reached at Kstewart@PrinevillePD.org.

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Ashland residents to see 23% increase on sewer bills after Kehoe veto

KMIZ on July 1, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Ashland residents can expect to see a sizable increase to their sewer bill.

After Gov. Mike Kehoe on Monday used a veto to strike down $11 million from the state budget for sewer system improvements in Ashland, a city spokesperson says a 23% jump in sewer bills will occur.

The city broke ground on a wastewater treatment facility on May 5. Previous reporting indicates the expansion will increase the facility’s capacity from 600,000 gallons per day to 1.6 million gallons per day. It could treat up to 2.6 million gallons per day once it is fully built out.

Ashland spokesperson Kyle Michel wrote in an email on Tuesday that the state funding request was intended to be used to reduce rate increases for customers.

“The project will require, at a minimum, 23% rate increases on sewer bills each year for the next three years,” Michel wrote. “Funding from the state would have reduced or eliminated part of these increases and would also have positioned the City to return some aspects of the project that were cut. While it is disappointing that our funding request was cut, our project was not exclusively singled out. All wastewater funding requests were cut. We did what we could to ensure our project stayed in the budget in an effort to protect our rate payers.”

Michel wrote that the “project is under construction and will move forward regardless as it is an essential project that must happen.”

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Board imposes liens on delinquent bill payers for unpaid trash invoices

KESQ on July 1, 2025

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to impose special assessments totaling $4.16 million on thousands of Riverside County property owners’ tax bills to collect unpaid trash collection debts.  

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board signed off on Department of Environmental Health Director Jeff Johnson’s request to apply the liens.   

According to Johnson’s staff, 6,955 residents in unincorporated communities owe the county’s four waste haulers for rubbish pickup and disposal services in 2024. Amounts in arrears range from a low of $150 to a high of $10,300 per customer, according to the special assessment roll.

Johnson sought approval for the assessments to be tacked onto delinquent payers’ annual property tax obligations.   

The environmental health director noted that “regular removal of solid waste from residential properties is a basic sanitation practice that protects both the environment and the public.”  

“The mandatory collection of solid waste and the payment for the collection is critical,” he said.  

The hearing Tuesday provided an opportunity for ratepayers to argue their cases against assessments and offer specifics about mitigating circumstances, to the extent they haven’t been able to meet some obligations. However, no one requested to speak.

In the past, petitioners presented appeals to the board based on the fact they oversee their own waste disposal and shouldn’t be on the hook for the waste haulers’ costs. Sometimes, properties are also under lease, and the owners aren’t responsible for paying trash disposal charges.

Former Supervisor Kevin Jeffries often pointed out instances in which haulers were charging for services never rendered, failing to regularly pick up garbage but still charging as if they had been.

With the board’s imposition of the special assessments, an additional $82-per-parcel charge can be applied to delinquent bills to cover the cost of public noticing and county staff time. Officials said residents may avoid the supplemental charge by paying their bills in full on or before July 25.

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2025 Fourth of July Weekend events around the Coachella Valley

KESQ on July 1, 2025

Haley Meberg

Here’s some celebratory events happening around the Coachella Valley for the holiday weekend! 

Palm Springs

Thursday, July 3, enjoy the Fourth of July weekend “Kick-Off Party at Villagefest,” located at Downtown Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive to celebrate the patriotic weekend with games, live music, arts and crafts and snow cones from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, July 4, “All- American Pool Party,” located at the Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way where guests can dive into festive pool fun from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00pm. with inflatable slides, water games, music, delicious food and a firework show 

Friday, July 4, Palm Springs Power Baseball “Fourth of July at the Ballpark” event at Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Rd. starting at 6:00 p.m. 

Friday, July 4, Concert in the Park and “All-American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” with an evening performance from a Beatles tribute band and a firework show that begins at 9:15 p.m.

Saturday, July 5, Dive-In Movie Night at Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, where guests can float under the stars at the pool during a screening of “Captain America.” Pool opens at 6:00 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:00 p.m. 

Desert Hot Springs

Saturday, July 5, “Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular,” located at Mission Springs Park, 14510 Palm Drive. Community event with family-friendly activities, food vendors, and music. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., with fireworks show launching at 9:15.

Rancho Mirage 

Friday, July 4, “11th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza,” located at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage starting at 9:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy this free drive-in firework experience at the South Parking Lot with gates opening at 3:00 p.m.

Indio

Friday, July 4, City of Indio’s Independence Day Bash returns at the Empire Polo Grounds, 81-800 51st Ave from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with free admission for all and a drone show that begins at 9:30 p.m.

Palm Desert 

Friday, July 4, “Independence Day Celebration at Civic Center Park” with fun for kids starting at 4:00 p.m., food trucks at 5:00 p.m., live music at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Coachella

Saturday, July 5, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians “5th of July at Coachella Crossroads,” located at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place. Featuring family-friendly fun with food trucks, giveaways and prizes, DJ music, with a breathtaking fireworks display. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Twentynine Palms

Friday, July 4, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians “4th of July at Tortoise Rock Casino,” located at 73829 Baseline Road. Featuring family-friendly fun with food trucks, games, giveaways for the kids, and live music, with a breathtaking fireworks display. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Banning 

Friday, July 4, “City of Banning 4th of July Celebration,” located at Nicolet Middle School Stadium, 101 E Nicolet St., featuring music, inflatable interactives, food and craft vendors. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.

Beaumont

Friday, July 4, “Red, White and LIGHTS” celebration at Town Center, Beaumont Ave. between 6th Street and 8th Street featuring live music at a drone show from 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

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Palm Springs brings back gift card program for summer

KESQ on July 1, 2025

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – Palm Springs’ “Love Local” digital gift card program will return Monday to encourage residents to shop at participating businesses.

Starting July 7, residents can purchase a digital gift card with a maximum value of $300 per person, and the city will contribute an additional 50%. While the gift card itself has no expiration date, the bonus funds will expire Oct. 31, 2025.

“Our local businesses are the heart of our community and deserve our support, especially during the slower months,” said Mayor Ron deHarte. “This program is a great way to rally around them, keep dollars in our neighborhoods and remind everyone that shopping local makes a difference.”

The cards can be used at more than 100 participating stores in Palm Springs.

The program originally launched during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, which ran from May 19 to June 8.   

“We know summer can be tough for local businesses. Encouraging everyone to shop and dine local is one way we can say thank you to our favorite local spots,” said Wayne Olson, the city’s chief economic development officer.   

Participating businesses and more information can be found at LoveLocalPS.com.

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District 20 changes cafeteria service provider, resulting in 152 company layoffs

KRDO on July 1, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Academy School District 20 has changed its cafeteria services provider, opting for a different company. The change has resulted in layoffs for 152 Sodexo employees.

Of those laid off are about 102 food service workers.

The new contracted company, Aramark, says that the workers have been invited to apply for their new open positions. They say they will have a career event next week for current employees and plan to have more job fairs in the future, open to the whole community.

Academy District 20 provided the following statement:

“As Academy District 20’s current food service contract reached the end of its fourth and final option year, the District was required to initiate a formal, state-mandated Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This process, guided by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), ensures transparency, fairness, and open competition among vendors. An evaluation team of District stakeholders carefully reviewed all proposals, and in alignment with CDE guidelines. Following this rigorous process, Aramark was selected to assume food service operations for the 2025-26 school year. This decision does not reflect the quality of past service providers, but rather the criteria established by the CDE and our commitment as a District to fiscal responsibility.

While we cannot speak on behalf of either company regarding employment matters, we can confirm that Aramark will fill the same operational role and plans to communicate directly with staff and the community about available job opportunities. Our top priority has been and will remain providing nutritious, student-centered, and USDA-compliant meals, and we look forward to a smooth transition as the 2025-26 school year begins.”

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Community invited to meet adoptable dogs during St. Joe FIT walk

News-Press NOW on July 1, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Animal Shelter is participating in the St. Joe FIT community walk to showcase adoptable animals.

The walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will take place at the Southwest (North) Trail, located by the REC Center at 2701 Southwest Parkway.

The Animal Shelter will bring a few recent Puppies for Parole graduates, as well as puppies participating in the Shelter’s Fourth of July “Spin the Wheel” adoption special.

The Animal Shelter’s Fourth of July “Spin the Wheel” special will take place from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, through Thursday, July 3.

Residents are encouraged to spin a wheel with price ranges between $5 and $50 for dogs, whereas cats will be available to adopt for a $25 flat fee.

St. Joe FIT is a free fitness and recreation program for all ages, highlighting the features of local trails.

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Cathedral City Fire Department adds fourth ambulance to its fleet, unveiling new rig and six-member crew

KESQ on July 1, 2025

Tori King

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)–The Cathedral City Fire Department just commissioned a brand new ambulance, making it the department’s fourth in it’s fleet.

The ambulance, along with six newly-hired firefighters and paramedics, were introduced to the community in a ceremony on Tuesday. The celebration took place at CCFD’s Fire Station #2.

Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael Contreras says this new rig is a culmination of years of collaboration between the department, the city, and residents.

“Through our accreditation, through our ISO rating, through our hiring, our service, delivery, you know, we’re the only ones that have ambulances,” said Contreras. “All that is what this is about. Because at the end of the day, if we can’t serve the people, why are we here.”

City Manager Charles McClendon agreed.

“I’m so happy to see this because the whole reason for what we do is to serve the community,” said McClendon. “And that’s what this new ambulance and the staff that will be working on it represent.”

The new rig and crew members will increase response times and positive outcomes for medical emergencies around the city. They were paid for by ‘Measure W’ funding, a half-cent sales tax that was approved by Cathedral City voters in November.

“We had a goal get this in place by July 1st, and let the community see the results of what they voted for in November, and we did it.,” said McClendon. “I’m just so happy to know that when we all pulled together, we were able to get this done.”

During the event, the new crew members had their badges pinned on by their chosen loved ones.

“It’s been an extremely great day to finally be a firefighter paramedic for serving the great city of Cathedral City,” said Tyler Kramer, one of the new firefighters and paramedics. “It’s been a long road coming. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always looked at the fire engines going past my house, and have known that this is the dream job that I wanted to do for my whole entire life. For Fire Chief Michael Contreras to give me the opportunity, and for this being my first department, I will do everything for it.”

After the ceremony, the rig was pushed into the fire station by community members, firefighters, city leaders, and friends and family.

“It’s here. It’s home,” said Juan Ramirez. “It’s a great feeling to have another ambulance here, and we’re ready to serve.”

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Mother and son charged in connection with girlfriend’s death near Coachella

KESQ on July 1, 2025

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A mother and her son were charged in connection with the death of a 24-year-old Indio woman who was found last week near the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission campus.

Mario Morales Jr., 25, of Coachella, faces multiple charges, including murder, for the death of his girlfriend, Alexis Cano. He pleaded not guilty to all charges Tuesday afternoon.

Mario’s mother, Juana Hernandez De Morales, 55, of Coachella, was charged with accessory in aiding in an escape. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Both are scheduled to return to court on July 11.

Cano was found dead with a gunshot wound after deputies conducted a welfare check at around 9:40 a.m. Thursday at a home on the 84000 block of Manila Avenue in the unincorporated area of Coachella, according to court documents.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance.

According to court documents, Mario allegedly told his family about the murder at around 3 a.m. He asked his mother, Juana, to take him to Mexico. Mario was dropped off at a friend’s ranch in Mexico, but Juana was stopped at the border coming back into the United States.

Investigators questioned Juana, who allegedly admitted to knowledge of the murder and dropping off her son in Mexico.

Mario was located by Mexican authorities at the ranch. He was taken to the Calexico Port of Entry on Friday, where RSO deputies took him into custody.

Mario Morales was being held on $5 million bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. Juana De Morales was being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on $1 million bail.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Master Investigator D. Hernandez or Investigator G. Gonzalez at 951–955–2777.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.

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Immigration Forum in Santa Maria Teaches Workers How to Handle a Visit from ICE

KEYT on July 1, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Ranchers and other similar business owners in Santa Maria received some instructions on procedures if they receive a visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Attorneys, advocates, and a representative of congressman Salud Carbajal’s office made presentations, but some attendees have had direct encounters with ICE agents that have left them shaken.

A significant portion of Santa Maria’s working population are Hispanic farm workers and ranchers, and the recent escalation of ICE activities nearby and around the nation have directly impacted the community.

“With everything going on, it seems like, you know, there’s just a big push on the federal agents to, you know, detain or arrest community members who might be undocumented or who are who are documented,” says MICOP’s program manager Fernando Martinez.

A forum was held for business owners and ranchers in Santa Maria Tuesday morning.

“Tu Tiempo Digital, MICOP, CAUSE, among other community based organizations like the Undocufund, are organizing a community forum to talk to different agencies, employers on how to respond,” says Martinez.

Additionally, wives and children of latino detainees were present to share their testimonials of direct interactions with ICE agents. 

One woman, who declined to give her name, shared her story in Spanish.

“They got closer and saw, and the kids were crying in the back. And the boy began to say, ‘No my dad, my dad is good. He hasn’t done anything.’”

The Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project’s (MICOP) program manager Fernando Martinez says ICE agents are carrying out arrests with questionable methods.

“Workplaces are private property,” says Martinez. “And that means federal agents have to be able to demonstrate that they have a warrant and they have to show that up to the employer. They can’t just go in at the workplace in start arresting community members. And this is the same thing at any workplace.”

Thorough instructions of the rights of Hispanic employees and proper procedures when encountering ICE agents were provided in various presentations at the forum.

“They didn’t show him a single picture of him, not a single record. Everything that they showed him photos of another person and that they told him that it was a misunderstanding, but they had him there anyways.”

Emphasis was made that businesses and work sites are private property, and that federal agents are prohibited from entering without proper warrants.

If any local residents see anything questionable, they’re encouraged to call the Immigration Coalition Rapid Response Network at (805) 870-8855.

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