High school in Indio to receive grant to plant trees

KESQ on July 21, 2025

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A high school in Indio will plant 22 trees in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, thanks to a grant from the Imperial Irrigation District, the district announced today.

Amistad Continuation High School, 83501 Dillon Ave., was named a recipient of a Public Green Space Grant. The program will fund the planting of roughly 1,000 shade trees across Imperial and Coachella valleys.   

“We are pleased to partner with each grant recipient to invest in a greener future for our communities, ” Gina Dockstader, IID board chairwoman, said in a statement.

District officials said the project is expected to eliminate more than 1.6 million pounds of carbon emissions for about 40 years and save an estimated 4.9 million kilowatt hours of energy.

The agency said it will distribute $507,501 to its recipients upon project completion.

Richard Pimentel, principal of Amistad High School, said the campus will replace trees destroyed by storms.   

Funding was provided by the district’s Tree for All program, supported by state-mandated Public Benefits Charge.

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County partners with PetSmart Charities for National Adoption Week events

KESQ on July 21, 2025

Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Department of Animal Services is partnering with PetSmart to bring adoption events to the valley for National Adoption Week. 

National Adoption Week takes place July 21-27, bringing adoptable pets to the Palm Desert and Hemet PetSmart’s to help them find their forever homes.

“Partnering with PetSmart Charities allows us to get more pets into the community to help them find their forever homes,” said RCDAS Public Information Officer Veronica Perez. “We are grateful to be part of this important event that helps connect loving families with pets who need a second chance.” 

Throughout the summer, RivCo Animal Shelters have been operating at critical levels of overflow with the most recent numbers being updated at 199% capacity. 

Earlier this year, RivCo animal shelters placed a no-kill policy to ensure that 90% of pets entering shelters leave alive. However, with this overcrowding issue still at play euthanasia numbers are still fluctuating. 

The adoption events give the public the opportunity to spend time with pets of all different ages, breeds and temperaments in spacious areas to find just the right match. Adopting pets saves more than one life. Every pet who finds a home frees up space for shelters to help the next animal in need.

“Animal shelters and rescues are doing incredible work to save pets each day, but they can’t do it without the community’s support,” said Heidi Marston, director of Pet Placement Initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Adopting or fostering a pet can be an incredibly enriching experience and is the best way to support your local organizations. We all have a role we can play in helping pets in need, so please join us this National Adoption Week to show your support.  We’re proud to work alongside partners such as RCDAS, whose team makes meaningful connections, giving more pets in need people to love.”

Adoption events are located at 34900 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92211 and 2153 W Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92545

To learn more information visit www.rcdas.org and stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Pocatello house fire sends two to the hospital

KIFI on July 21, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Two people are in the hospital after being rescued from an early morning house fire in Pocatello on Monday.

At around 12:40 a.m., a woman at 444 Michael Ave. called 911 with difficulty breathing. Dispatchers reported hearing a fire alarm in the background before the woman became unresponsive.

Pocatello Police officers arrived at the home first, where they found an ‘unresponsive elderly female’ in the smoke-filled home. Police got the woman out of the house and started first-aid measures until Pocatello EMTs arrived.

The Pocatello Fire Department arrived on the scene and evacuated an elderly man from the house before locating and extinguishing the source of the fire in the basement.

Firefighters also rescued a dog from the house. The dog was given oxygen and transported to a local animal shelter for a medical evaluation.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest damages are estimated at around $50,000.

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Missouri park ranger charged with child sex crimes in Camden County

KMIZ on July 21, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A ranger for Missouri State Parks was charged Sunday with three child sex crimes.

Prosecutors charged Billy G. Stephens III, 34, with child molestation, second-degree statutory sodomy, second-degree statutory rape, witness tampering and evidence tampering.

The Camden County Sheriff’s Office began investigating on Saturday after park ranger command staff told them about an interview with a victim, the sheriff’s office says in a news release.

“Rangers’ command staff cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted in devising a plan to take Stephens into custody,” the release states.

One victim told investigators that Stephens commits the abuse nightly and the abuse is accompanied by physical threats if the victims tell anyone, according to a probable cause statement.

It’s not clear where Stephens was arrested — the location is redacted in the probable cause statement. Stephens refused to speak with investigators without a lawyer, the statement says.

Stephens was booked into the Camden County Jail on Saturday and remained there Monday on no bond, according to online jail records.

Camden County Sheriff Chris Edgar said in the news release that the allegations against Stephens “are disturbing and, frankly, a betrayal of the trust our community puts in its law enforcement efforts. This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect’s status as a law enforcement officer.”

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Locals react to people impersonating law enforcement

KYMA on July 21, 2025

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In cities all over the country, there have been reports of people with the bad intentions of impersonating law enforcement.

Arizona officials have warned Arizonan residents of the punishments that come with the crime of impersonating law enforcement.

Governor Katie Hobbs stated on the platform X, “Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do. Impersonating them put our officers in harms way and undermines public trust. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent.”

Officer Hayato Johnson explains what to look out for.

“If you get a fishy phone call, and you don’t think it’s an actual police officer, don’t be afraid to hang up on them, or call the local agencies, confirm the officers are who they are, confirm their badge numbers,” Officer Johnson shared.

One local, who goes by the name CeCe, shares her experience on how easy it can be for people to commit these crimes. 

“I went to the Goodwill and found a Border Patrol outfit there, so I purchased it, and I don’t know what to do with it now because I was afraid somebody was going to impersonate it,” CeCe said.

Official say if you see someone impersonating law enforcement, in an emergency call 911, and if not, call the non-emergency line.

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Calexico City Council appoints new fire chief

KYMA on July 21, 2025

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico City Council has appointed Juan Contreras as their new fire chief Monday morning.

Fire Chief Contreras, along with his family, the Calexico Fire Department (CFD) and other fire departments, such as Imperial County Fire Department, attended the ceremony.

Contreras says he is ready to serve as CFD’s fire chief.

“Obviously is increase staffing continue that community outreach with the citizens and the stakeholders of Calexico…being able to provide services a much needed services you we have the department running its own ambulances so we are working on ideas,” said Contreras.

Contreras served as the Interim City Manager and fire chief this year. He has been with CFD for 20 years.

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Next Year’s election for SLO County Fourth District supervisor already taking shape

KEYT on July 21, 2025

Dave Alley

OCEANO, Calif. – Next year’s election for San Luis Obispo County District Four Supervisor is already beginning to take shape.

Two candidates, including the incumbent, announced recently their intentions to run for the office that represents much of South San Luis Obispo County.

Current District Four Supervisor Jimmy Paulding will seek a second term in office, while South County businessman Adam Verdin is just starting his first campaign for the position.

“I’m really excited to run for reelection,” said Paulding. “I’ve enjoyed serving as your county supervisor. It’s been about two-and-a-half years. It’s been the honor of my life and I’m really excited to continue doing the work.”

“I’m running for District Four Supervisor and I’m excited about it,” said Verdin

The candidates area similar in they both grew up in the Five Cities area, live in Arroyo Grande and are graduates of Arroyo Grande High School.

Paulding, who was elected in 2022, will hold a campaign kickoff event this coming Saturday on July 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Square Park in the Village of Arroyo Grande.

In a social media post announcing his reelection campaign, Paulding said, “Over the last two years, we’ve delivered real progress: balanced budgets, expanded affordable housing, improved emergency services, and meaningful investments in our parks, libraries, and public infrastructure—all while working to restore transparency and trust in local government.”

Verdin is a native of Oceano and is co-owner of “Old Juan’s Cantina,” which is one of the most well-known and longest-running businesses in the small coastal town.

In addition to his business ownership, Verdin is an active community volunteer, who is currently serving on several local boards, including Jack’s Helping Hand, the 5Cities Homeless Coalition, the South County Chambers of Commerce, and Parks California. Verdin also now works as chief pilot for a corporate aviation company.

“I think that I might bring a different perspective than what we currently have,” said Verdin. “I have some business acumen and that’s again embedded in the community and I look at this as an extension of some of the public work and some of the community work that we’re currently already doing.” 

Voting for the seat will be held during the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

According to the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Office, which handles elections, the end of the filing period is in December, so additional candidates may later enter the race.

A candidate will need to capture a majority of votes in June to win the election. If not, a runoff will take place during the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Whoever wins the race will be sworn in early January 2027.

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Winners announced at 34th Annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts

News-Press NOW on July 21, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale presented awards to individuals and organizations at the 34th Annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts celebration on Thursday, July 17.

“St. Joseph is known for its outstanding programs of visual and performing arts, arts education, and advocacy, and as mayor, I am pleased to continue the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts,” said Josendale in a news release. “It’s only fitting that we recognize arts leaders in our community who work to bring arts and people together.

Awards were presented to six attendees and organizations in different categories:

Artist of the year: Christopher Alexander

Arts Educator of the Year: Beth McLenaghan

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Martial Thevenot

Youth Artist: Gage Phroper

Individual Leadership: Christy George

Organizational Achievement in the Arts: St. Joseph Youth Chorale

The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts are designed to honor and celebrate people and organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of the arts and/or increase access to arts experiences in St. Joseph.

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Former Stratton Meadows Elementary School teacher arrested for sexual assault of a child

KRDO on July 21, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says they are seeking information after a former Stratton Meadows Elementary School teacher was arrested for sexual assault on a child. Police say they think there could be other victims.

Matthew Gogan, age 66, faces two counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust.

According to Harrison School District 2, Gogan was employed at Stratton Meadows from August 6, 2018, to May 22, 2020.

The police department says they began investigating back in April when someone reported information about an alleged sexual assault, which they said happened five years ago. As they were investigating, CSPD says they contacted another victim who had previously made a report about Gogan.

It’s unclear if the two were students at Stratton Meadows Elementary School, or if Gogan was their teacher.

The police department says he was arrested on June 12.

Gogan has since posted bond and is out of the El Paso County Jail.

Police say they believe there could be other victims out there.

“Through this investigation, again, we had that additional victim, already. We think that there potentially could be other victims, whether they were students or just other people in Mr. Gogan’s life. We’d love to hear about their experience with him, and any potential interactions they had with him so we can determine if additional crimes have taken place,” urged CSPD spokesperson Caitlin Ford.

Ford tells KRDO13 it’s important for potential victims to come forward when they’re ready, even if it is years after the incident.

“Sometimes the victim might not be ready to come forward immediately after an assault has taken place. And so we definitely want to remind victims that the police are here for you. Regardless of whenever you’re ready to report that, we’re prepared to investigate things that may have happened years and years ago. We want you to come in and report that, even if you feel like it’s happened so long ago. Why should I come to report it? Please do,” explained Ford.

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of Gogan, please contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000 or the Pikes Peak Area Crimes Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).

“Our Crimes Against Children unit and all of our detectives in the Special Victims section are very intelligent and very prepared to investigate these types of crimes, as well as our victim advocacy unit. They’re integral in these things as far as providing resources and being able to help victims through not only the reporting process, but also the rest of the legal process, court and things like that. There are a lot of resources for you if you come forward and report things, as well as, then being able to hold these offenders accountable,” said CSPD spokesperson Caitlin Ford.

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Young Templeton Feed & Grain Arsonists Identified as Community Begins to Recover

KEYT on July 21, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

TEMPLETON, Calif. – Four juveniles accused of burning down the historic Templeton Feed and Grain building could face arson charges.

The SLO county sheriff’s office says all four juveniles involved are males and that one of them intentionally threw an illegal firework at the building.

“It took so much from so many people,” says Andrea Neider, who works for Templeton Feed & Grain. “We have people come all the way from Nevada for our rabbit feed. We have people all the way from L.A. We have just multiple—everybody in the area and we’re wholesale.”

The Templeton Fire Department is taking the lead in the case, and is working with the slo county district attorney’s office to determine the specifics of the arson charges.

“I’m still working with the sheriff’s department on age and name and those types of things,” says Tom Peterson, Templeton Fire Department’s chief. “They have that information. I’ve not asked for that yet, but we will be getting that. And then at that point, we’re going to have to figure out what we do with regards legally about the age.”

Templeton fire chief Tom Peterson says this is the very reason fireworks not labeled ‘safe and sane’ are illegal, and next year they’ll be increasing the consequences of their use.

“Something I want to reiterate to the community is that illegal fireworks are just that—they’re illegal,” says Chief Peterson. “And we are going to try and put measures in place that eliminate the illegal use. We’ve only had problems in the community from the illegal fireworks, not the legal.”

Thanks to overwhelming community support, Templeton Feed & Grain will be able to continue its business, moving as soon as possible to a temporary location next to Quinn Rentals on Ramada Drive.

“Everybody in the community has stepped up, They’ve been so wonderful,” says Neider. “We have had a lot of donations.”

The community is also in support of returning the business to its current, well known location.

If you’re interested in supporting Templeton Feed & Grain further, please visit their website by clicking here.

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