Local high schools prepare students for the start of classes

KYMA on July 26, 2025

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Students are just days away from heading back to school and the Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) is giving students and teachers a leg up before the first day.  

In order to make sure everyone is ready to get a strong start, YUHSD high schools are hosting student meet-and-greets with their teachers on Monday evening.

“It’s okay to be nervous,” local high school teacher Brandon Coz said. “It’s okay to get to know people, to join clubs.”

For incoming freshmen the event gives them a better lay of their new land. For the seniors, it’s an opportunity to start their final season on the right foot before taking the next big step into higher education or the work force.

“It’s just a celebratory event for all of the schools to get people excited about people returning the following day,” YUHSD Chief Communications Officer Eric Patten said.

While the event can serve as a celebration, Coz shares a little insight on why preparing the day before can also be vital to a fast beginning.

“It’s important to get to know the teachers, especially in high school,” he stated. “There’s so many, six to seven teachers per kid, so it’s good to know what the teachers are expecting of the student.”

Recent high school graduate Kelsey Perez also chimed in with a bit of advice for incoming freshmen.

“Freshman year is really important for your grades, so I say actually focus on school. If you wanna do sports, that’s good too, but focus on your grades 100%,” Perez shared.

The first day of school for YUHSD students is Tuesday July 29.

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Recent phone outage impacting 911 phone lines, serves as a reminder of the text to 911 option

KEYT on July 26, 2025

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.- A severed cable made it impossible to call 911 in Santa Barbara County and parts of San Luis obispo counties earlier this week.

Officials encouraged texting 911 as a workaround, and they want folks to know this is an option even when phone lines are working.

On Tuesday, emergency phone lines and air traffic control towers on the central coast were knocked offline when a fiber line was cut on De La Vina street in Santa Barbara

While lines were out of service, the option to text 911 was still available. an option some may not be aware of.

Officials say the service is essential for those in danger, or have other circumstances that make speaking difficult.

“A lot of community members that benefit from text to 911-if you’re hearing impaired or if you have a speech impairment that makes it difficult for you to communicate,” said Raquel Zick, Santa Barbara County spokeswoman. “If you’re in a situation where you can’t talk either because you don’t want to be heard because maybe you’re hiding, you can still communicate without being over heard.”

Your Newschannel went to the Santa Barbara county Sheriff’s Dispatch Center to see what the 911 text service looks like

“All of these outages affect services in different ways so this is just another opportunity for us to outline that when services are impacted in one way our communications dispatch center has many different ways that we can pivot to make sure we are available to answer calls for service,” said Zick.

“Call if you can, text if you can’t. So if you are unable to speak or talk text us, otherwise if you can call us, call us,” said Dispatch Supervisor, Ben Johnson.

Ben Johnson has been a dispatcher for 20 years.

He says including a precise location helps them work faster when receiving text messages, because text to 911 doesn’t automatically give a location the way a phone call does.

When texting 911, it’s best to stick to actual text and avoid other media like pictures and emojis.

After the recent outage it is a good reminder of the ongoing availability text to  911 option, made available in many different languages including Spanish.

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DHS man arrested, accused of burglary and assault

KESQ on July 25, 2025

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– A Desert Hot Springs man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and assault causing great bodily harm Thursday evening.  

Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station says they responded to a call at approximately 2:00 a.m. Thursday morning reporting a burglary occurring on the 69500 block of Dillion Road in the unincorporated area of Desert Hot Springs. 

The victim reported the suspected man, 35, was her ex-boyfriend. She went on to report the suspect entered the home and proceeded to assault her and her boyfriend. 

When authorities arrived on the scene it was reported the alleged burglar had fled the area. One victim had sustained significant injuries and was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team opened an investigation with the assistance of Gang Task Force-Region 1 and the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau.

The suspect was apprehended near the 17000 block of Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs at approximately 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening, and was taken into custody without incident for burglary and assault causing great bodily injury. 

The next court date for this incident is set for July 29. Anyone with additional information on the case is urged to contact Deputy Pouchoulen of the Palm Desert Station by calling (760)- 836–1600.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department survey aims to gather public input amid projected funding shortfall

KTVZ on July 25, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Oregon (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department wants to better understand the public’s values and priorities for the future of state parks through a new survey as it launches a strategic initiative to reimagine how parks are funded, operated and supported.

OPRD faces a potential 14% budget shortfall for park operations by 2027, even with recent fee increases. The gap is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and changes in lottery funds. The strategic initiative will work to address that shortfall before 2027.

“For more than a century, Oregon’s parks have been a source of pride, joy and connection for communities across the state,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “But the way we fund the system has not kept up with how Oregonians use and value it today. We’re not waiting for the crisis—we’re planning ahead to build a more resilient and relevant park system.”

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback from visitors and potential visitors about their priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities, as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.

The survey is open to everyone and will help inform decisions about the future of state parks. Those who complete the survey have the option of entering a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit. 

Oregon State Parks continues to experience record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. It is one of the most visited park systems in the country.

This level of use significantly increases wear and tear on aging park infrastructure, driving up maintenance needs and long-term operational costs.

Parks’ funding comes from three main sources. A little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from the agency’s share of recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. Oregon State Park operations is not funded by general fund taxes.

“We already operate leanly, but we’re also taking a hard look at costs and spending decisions as we plan the future. We’re building new partnerships with Oregon businesses and growing opportunities for visitors to experience state parks in new and innovative ways,” Sumption said.

In addition to operating more than 250 state parks and maintaining hundreds of historic structures, the agency also manages the ocean shore, the State Historic Preservation Office, ATV safety programs and permits as well as multiple grant programs for trails, ATVs, historic structures and local government projects.

For more information about the survey or to learn about ways to support parks, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/ or take the survey at bit.ly/stateparksurvey.

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Shady Fire in Coachella burns 52.4 acres with 100% containment, evacuation lifted

KESQ on July 25, 2025

Cynthia White

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – 07/27/2025 9:53 PM: The fire is now 100% contained at 52.4 acres.

UPDATE 7/27 8:25 AM: The fire is now 80% contained at 52.4 acres.

UPDATE 7/26 9:00 PM: The evacuation order has been lifted and all roads in the area are now open. Please use caution when returning to the area as firefighters continue working to fully contain the fire.

UPDATE 07/26 6:50 PM: CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire is now 65% contained at 52.4 acres. The evacuation warnings have been lifted. The evacuation order for the area immediately surrounding the fire perimeter remains in place.

CAL Fire Authorities are still re-evaluating road closures on Shady Lane and Cesar Chavez and will make a decision when heavy equipment is removed from the area.

UPDATE 07/26 7:00AM: – CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire reports that firefighters worked through the night to build containment lines, and the fire remains 15% contained. Fire personnel will remain on-scene through today mopping up hot spots. The evacuation order and warning areas remain in place and will be re-assessed when conditions allow.

UPDATE 7/25/2025 8:40 P.M. – CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire has made changes in evacuation orders and warnings.

Evacuation Orders:RVC-1844-A

North of Avenue 55

South of Avenue 54

East of Harrison Street

West of Shady Lane

Evacuation Warnings:RVC-1844-BCOA-1784-ACOA-1786-A

North of Avenue 55

South of Avenue 53

East of Shady Lane

West of Tyler Street

Link for the Genasys Evacuation Map: https://protect.genasys.com/search

Firefighters continue to reinforce containment lines and will monitor throughout the evening for hot spots. Please use caution when moving through the area.

The American Red Cross is currently assisting seven displaced residents.

A care and reception center has been established at Desert Mirage High School, 86-150 66th Avenue, Thermal.

An animal shelter has been established at Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms.

UPDATE 7/25/2025 7:13 P.M. – CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire reports that the Shady Fire in Coachella has spread to 50 acres and is 15 percent contained.

An estimated 32 engines with crews are there working on knocking down the flames. No structures have been destroyed, and no injuries have been reported.

Road closures and evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.

UPDATE 7/25/2025 5:54 P.M. – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports that road closures are in effect in the area of the fire:

-Shady Lane is closed from Airport Blvd to Avenue 54. 

-Harrison Street is closed from Airport Blvd to Avenue 54. 

Desert Mirage High School, located at 86150 Avenue 66 in Thermal is open to all evacuees.

UPDATE 7/25/2025 5:30 P.M. – CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire reports the “Shady” fire in Coachella has reached 40 acres with zero percent containment.

There is no information yet as to the cause of the fire.

UPDATE 7/25/2025 4:09 P.M. – CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire reports the fire is now at 10 acres.

Evacuation orders have been issued for the following zones:

COA-1784

COA-1786

RVC-1844

RVC-1842

North of Airport

South of Avenue 52

East of Van Buren

West of Highway 111

Evacuation warnings have been issued for the following zones:

RVC-1783

RVC1920

AIR-1843

North of Airport

South of Avenue 52

West of Van Buren

East of Monroe Street

Link for the Genasys Evacuation Map: https://protect.genasys.com/search

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire is reporting a vegetation fire near Avenue 54 and Shady Lane in an unincorporated area near Coachella.

The fire call came in just before 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, with firefighters arriving to the vegetation fire with black smoke and heavy fuels. They are reporting that the fire is moving at a slow rate of spread.

Additional resources were requested to assist in knocking down the flames.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Dry conditions continue through the weekend

KYMA on July 25, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will start to rise at the beginning of next week.

Very dry conditions will greatly inhibit any rain chances through the weekend.

We will continue to have near normal temperatures with a steady warm up slightly above normal by the beginning of next week, resulting in widespread moderate heatrisk.

Monsoonal activity increases again across the region with a return of better moisture by early next week.

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Famed Budweiser Clydesdales still coming to Deschutes County Fair, but travel delay cancels downtown Redmond event

KTVZ on July 25, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Clydesdales’ travel delay, downtown Redmond event canceled)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center said Wednesday it’s learned that the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales have experienced an unexpected travel delay and won’t not arrive in time for the Grand Opening Day of the 2025 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo.

“While the Budweiser Clydesdales will not be with us on Opening Day, we’re still working closely with the team to bring them to Central Oregon,” the announcement said.

Meanwhile, the city of Redmond announced, “We have been informed that due to transit delays, the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales are unable to make their scheduled appearance in downtown Redmond on (Thursday evening), July 31. They will still be at the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo for visitors to enjoy.

Fairgoers can still experience world-class horse displays and meet impressive equine teams every day of the Fair. On site and on display for the full run of Fair are the Lone Pine Clydesdales from Walking H Ranch and the Percherons from Lazy M Ranch in Terrebonne—both providing demonstrations and photo opportunities daily.

All equine exhibitions are included with Fair admission.

For up-to-date information on Fair happenings, visit DESCHUTESFAIR.com

About the Bi-Mart Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo:

The Bi-Mart Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, presented by Indian Head Casino, is Oregon’s largest county fair, offering five days of action-packed entertainment, family fun, rodeo excitement, and, of course, the Kendall Toyota of Bend FREE Summer Concert Series on the Bi-Mart Stage. With five nights of concerts, five thrilling rodeo performances, and hundreds of hours of free family programming, this year’s Fair will be an unforgettable experience for all ages. Join us from July 30 to Aug. 3, 2025, for the Five Best Days of Summer! The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be making a special appearance in downtown Redmond on Thursday, July 31, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., courtesy of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo. 

Earlier story:

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) July 25 – The public is invited to come to Centennial Park to meet and take pictures with the Clydesdales, and then cheer them on as they travel down Sixth Street under the Redmond Arch starting at 7:30 p.m.   

“We are honored the Budweiser Clydesdales have selected our community to make an appearance as well as have an active role in this year’s Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo,” remarked Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch. “While many may be familiar with their famous television ads, once you see them in person, you will have an entirely new appreciation for the 90-year tradition they have upheld.” 

Beginning in the spring of this year, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales have been traveling to communities across the country and appearing at various local events and venues in support of Anheuser-Busch’s longstanding partnership with Folds of Honor.

Through its scholarship program, Folds of Honor ensures that families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and families of first responders receive educational opportunities and support.  

To date, Anheuser-Busch, its brands, and wholesaler partners have donated over $33 million, which has funded over 6,600 scholarships for Folds of Honor recipients.  

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will be on display every day of the 2025 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo! Fairgoers will have the rare opportunity to see these majestic horses up close through daily meet-and-greets, hitching demonstrations, and special presentations—all included with Fair admission. 

In a powerful tribute, the Clydesdales will also escort Folds of Honor scholarship recipients into the rodeo arena during an evening performance, highlighting our shared commitment to honoring military families. 

Don’t miss your chance to experience these legendary horses in person, either at the fair or downtown Redmond. For Fair & Rodeo event schedules and details, visit: https://expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/bi-mart-fair-and-rodeo. 

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Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office executes search warrant

News-Press NOW on July 25, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Thursday, resulting in a seizure of drugs and weapons, as well as the arrest of two wanted fugitives.

The Special Operations Division Career Criminal Unit and the Drug Strike Force, assisted by the joint St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Special Response Team, executed the warrant at 1810 Clay St., Apt. 210 for narcotics and fugitives.

During the search, both fentanyl and methamphetamine were located, as well as, two handguns and one AR-15 style rifle were seized.

Two wanted fugitives were also located inside the apartment and arrested for outstanding warrants. One of the fugitives was taken into custody for a failure to appear warrant in Clay County, Missouri. The fugitive’s original charge was the unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action with a $1 million bond.

The same fugitive is wanted in connection with multiple significant felony crimes in the KC Metro area.

The case was investigated by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Career Criminal Unit and Drug Strike Force, along with the SJPD Street Crimes Unit, Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Career Criminal Unit.

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Jefferson City woman accused of stabbing man in face

KMIZ on July 25, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City woman was charged Friday in Cole County after she was accused of stabbing a man in his face.

Mia Guthrie, 29, was charged with first-degree domestic assault, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. She is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says Jefferson City police were called to an apartment on Alpine Court for a report of a domestic assault with a weapon. The victim allegedly called police and said he was stabbed in his face by Guthrie with a kitchen knife.

Police found the man lying in the middle of the road with a “severe” cut on his face that was “heavily bleeding,” court documents say. The statement says Guthrie arrived home about four hours late while she was drunk and started arguing with the victim before grabbing two kitchen knives.

A witness allegedly tried to restrain Guthrie, but she was able to swing around them and stab the victim, the statement says. The victim allegedly told police he grabbed a bat for protection.

The witness allegedly told police that the victim hit Guthrie with a bat and Guthrie stabbed the victim, the statement says. Police spoke with Guthrie who appeared to be drunk and “uncooperative with the investigation,” the statement says.  

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Two more life sentences for Doomsday Mom Lori Vallow Daybell

KIFI on July 25, 2025

News Team

PHOENIX, Arizona (KIFI)-A judge sentenced Lori Vallow-Daybell to two consecutive terms of life in prison for the murder of her fourth husband Charles Vallow, and the attempted murder of her niece’s former husband, Brandon Boudreaux on Friday.

She is already serving five life sentences in Idaho for the deaths of her children JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan,  and conspiring to kill her current husband’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.

The sentences will run consecutively and will also run concurrently with the Idaho case.

Larry Woodcock, the grandfather of JJ, yelled at Vallow Daybell during a video appearancem, saying “You murdered Charles, the best thing that’s ever happened in your life, for your delusional, narcissistic ways. I will never speak your name again, murderess. You are nothing.”

Prosecuting Attorney Treena Kay dismantled claims that this was a “family tragedy.”

“A family tragedy does not involve the intentional killing of a person,” Kay said. “A family tragedy does not involve working with an accomplice to commit first-degree premeditated murder. And a family tragedy does not involve conspiring with others to kill.”

Lori Vallow-Daybell also spoke before she was sentenced. “So whether I’m giving 5 life sentences or 7 life sentences, I will continue to try to uplift and help and strengthen those around me. It does not matter where you serve on earth as long as you do it with love. It doesn’t matter if I’m given 7 lifetimes or the death penalty like my husband,” said. Lori.

The judge admonished Daybell before handing down the sentences. He told her she left a trail of destruction and “it will take an act of god for you to go free.”

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