Trump is checked for swelling in legs and was diagnosed with a common condition in older adults

News-Press NOW on July 17, 2025

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday read a doctor’s letter about President Donald Trump that she said was intended to dispel health concerns about the swelling in his ankles and a makeup-covered hand.

President Donald Trump sits with his hands interlocked as he and Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa speak in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Leavitt said Trump noticed “mild swelling” in his lower legs and was evaluated by the White House medical unit.

The left foot and swollen of President Donald Trump are pictured as he sits with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

She said the tests showed “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” but that Trump has “chronic venous insufficiency,” a fairly common condition in older adults when little valves inside the veins that normally help move blood against gravity up the legs gradually lose the ability to work properly.

Leavitt said the issue is common in people older than age 70. Trump turned 79 last month.

People often are advised to lose weight, walk for exercise and elevate their legs periodically, and some may be advised to wear compression stockings. Severe cases over time can lead to complications, including lower leg sores called ulcers. Blood clots are one cause, but Leavitt said that was tested for and ruled out.

She also said bruising on Trump’s hand that has been covered up by makeup is “consistent” with irritation from his “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.”

Leavitt said, “The president remains in excellent health.”

She promised to make the doctor’s letter public.

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Community meetings set to discuss proposed tax district for Cabazon

KESQ on July 17, 2025

City News Service

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents of Cabazon will have opportunities next week to submit input on a proposed special tax district intended to pay for improvements to streets, signs, gutters, flood channels and other projects throughout the unincorporated community.

The Riverside County Transportation & Land Management Agency is proposing establishment of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, encompassing all of Cabazon.

“Limited infrastructure in the Cabazon area has been an ongoing community concern,” according to an agency statement. “To support long-term infrastructure improvements and increase quality of life for residents, the county is proposing to create an EIFD, and community input into the process is essential.”

Public meetings are slated for Tuesday at the Venable Community Center, 50390 Carmen Ave. The first meeting is set for noon, while the second will begin about 5 p.m. Both are expected to last 90 minutes to two hours.   

Officials will outline how an EIFD operates and what the financing mechanism can be used for, including road upgrades, flood controls, new signage, wildfire mitigation measures and other infrastructure improvements.   

EIFDs were authorized under Senate Bill 628 in 2014 and permit bond sales to finance construction of private and public projects. Districts rely on “tax increment” to pay off the bonds issued in support of them. Tax increment is generated by projects within specified locations that increase property values. No separate property taxes are actually created by EIFDs.   

There are several already in operation in both the eastern and western halves of the county. Governing boards are set up to vote on proposed projects within a financing district, the foundation of which must be approved by voters.

“This is an important opportunity for Cabazon,” county Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said. “It only works with community participation. We’re asking residents to be part of the conversation and help guide the improvements they want to see.”

More information about the proposed Cabazon EIFD can be found at rivco.org/cabazon-eifd.

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Updated mapping shows significant increase of homes now at risk of wildfires in San Luis Obispo

KEYT on July 17, 2025

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – New mapping that goes into effect today shows a greater number of homes in San Luis Obispo are now at risk of being damaged or destroyed from a wildfire.

San Luis Obispo City Council recently approved an updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, a requirement by the state for all municipalities.

The new map, along with homeowner mitigation requirements, officially went into effect on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The new map shows many more homes are now located within risk zones designated moderate, high and very high.

According to the city, the amount of homes that are now listed within “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone,” has increased 250% compared to 2011, when the map was last updated.

“In 2011, there was about 36 parcels that were in that very high fire hazard zone,” said Fire Chief Todd Tuggle. “As we fast forward into 2025, 15 years later, what we’re looking at is there’s about 2,800 parcels in that Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Additionally, the state added two more zones, so there’s now a High and a Moderate Zone in the local responsibility areas as well, and there’s an additional about 1,500 parcels in each of those zones, so now in the 2025 maps where we previously we had a very small number of impacted parcels, now there’s a really a big chunk of our city is within a fire hazard severity zone.”

The Fire Hazard Severity Zones have been determined CAL FIRE by looking at certain criteria, including large areas with similar wildfire risks, based on factors like slope and vegetation.

The State’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone model is based on two important factors, how likely an area is to burn and how a fire would behave under extreme conditions, such as strong winds, dry vegetation, and hot weather. 

“The zones developed by CAL FIRE include a more robust modeling capacity than what was available in 2011,” said Tuggle. “The biggest thing that’s been learned in that in the subsequent 15 years is that when fire burns from the vegetation towards the built environment, there’s two ways that fire can initiate structure fires or start buildings on fire. That’s either through direct flame contact, in other words, flames literally touching a house or embers cast where embers are lobbed into the air and are caught by the wind and then land in the built environment. We’ve seen that over and over again. We’ve seen it in Santa Rosa. We saw it in Paradise. We saw it in LA and in Pasadena just this year, and what happens is when those embers are cast down into the urban environment, they find a receptive fuel bed, whether that’s leaves in on a roof or in a gutter or in mulch or brush up against the house or even combustible fences, and so those embers can then catch those combustible materials near structures on fire, which then leads to the structure fires themselves.” 

With the updated map now in effect, property and homeowners are now required to take necessary steps to reduce wildfire risks, such as adding and maintaining defensible space around buildings.

“The most immediate will be the need to create defensible space,” said San Luis Obispo City Manager Whitney McDonald. “It will be essentially looking at vegetation around your home, making sure that it really puts into practice some sort of evasion practices, and really looking at your vegetation and making sure your, your trees are limbed up, and don’t have things growing over your roofs, and also to clear dead material, and trying to make sure that in the event of a fire or a wildfire nearby, that embers that could be floating don’t catch on fire any of the vegetation surrounding your home and then be more likely to get into your home itself.”

In addition, certain one designations will also require property and homeowners to take extra steps to mitigate wildfire risks.

For more information about the updated San Luis Obispo Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, click here.

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Special Goleta City Council Meeting Scheduled Monday on Recent ICE Activities

KEYT on July 17, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the City of Goleta regarding a special city council meeting being held Monday, July 21st.

GOLETA, Calif. –  The community is invited to the City of Goleta’s Special Council meeting this Monday, July 21st, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The Council will discuss the City’s next steps following recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in our region. The Council heard from community members on the topic during public comment at its July 15th meeting. Participate in the July 21st Special Council meeting either in-person, via Zoom, or by watching live on our website, Goleta TV Channel 19, or on our YouTube channel. 

How to Participate:

Attend In-Person: City Council meetings take place in Council Chambers at Goleta City Hall located at 130 Cremona Drive. In-person simultaneous Spanish interpretation is now conducted at all City Council meetings. Agendas are also translated into Spanish and can be found on the City’s website in advance of the meeting at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

Virtual Participation: Join the meeting via Zoom. A link will be available in the agenda. Oral comments during a meeting may be made by electronic participation.

Written Participation: If you would like your comment to be distributed to City Council, please submit via email by 12:00 p.m. on the Monday of the Special City Council meeting. Please submit your comment to the City Clerk at: cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.

Just Watch: You can watch the meetings live on our website in high definition at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendasor live on Goleta TV Channel 19. Meetings are also available live and recorded on the City’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cityofgoleta1) where you can add auto-generated closed captions or Spanish-language captions in video playback.

An agenda for the Special Council meeting is scheduled to be released this Friday, July 18, and can be found on the City’s website. Sign up to receive an agenda sent to you via email or text here: https://tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.

Traducción al Español:

GOLETA, Calif. – La comunidad está invitada a la reunión especial del Consejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Goleta este lunes 21 de julio de 2025 a las 5:30 p.m. El Concejo discutirá los próximos pasos de la Ciudad luego de las recientes actividades del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) en nuestra región. El Consejo escuchó a los miembros de la comunidad sobre el tema durante los comentarios públicos en su reunión del 15 de julio. Participe en la reunión del Consejo Especial del 21 de julio, ya sea en persona, a través de Zoom, o viéndolo en vivo en nuestro sitio web, Goleta TV Canal 19, o en nuestro canal de YouTube.

Cómo participar:

Asista en persona: Las reuniones del Concejo Municipal se llevan a cabo en las Cámaras del Concejo en el Ayuntamiento de Goleta ubicado en 130 Cremona Drive. La interpretación simultánea al español en persona ahora se lleva a cabo en todas las reuniones del Concejo Municipal. Las agendas también se traducen al español y se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la Ciudad antes de la reunión en www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

Participación virtual: Únase a la reunión a través de Zoom. Un enlace estará disponible en la agenda. Los comentarios orales durante una reunión pueden hacerse mediante participación electrónica.

Participación por escrito: Si desea que su comentario se distribuya al Concejo Municipal, envíelo por correo electrónico antes de las 12:00 p.m. del lunes de la reunión especial del Concejo Municipal. Por favor, envíe su comentario a la Secretaria Municipal en: cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Su comentario se colocará en el registro y se distribuirá adecuadamente.

Solo Ver: Puedes ver los encuentros en vivo en nuestro sitio web en alta definición a www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas o en vivo por el canal 19 de Goleta TV. Las reuniones también están disponibles en vivo y grabadas en el canal de YouTube de la Ciudad (www.youtube.com/cityofgoleta1), donde puede agregar subtítulos generados automáticamente o subtítulos en español en la reproducción de video.

La agenda de la reunión especial del Concejo está programada para ser publicada este viernes, 18 de julio, y se puede encontrar en el sitio web de la Ciudad. Regístrese para recibir una agenda que se le enviará por correo electrónico o mensaje de texto aquí: https://tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.

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Redmond-area RV park arson suspect arraigned; judge sets bail at $1 million after learning of 2 prior arson convictions

KTVZ on July 17, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Arson suspect makes first court appearance)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge on Friday set bail at $1 million for a Redmond-area woman facing arson and other charges, accused of setting her RV on fire, which spread to two neighbors’ trailers and killed a dog. A prosecutor noted she has two previous arson convictions.

The initial formal charges filed Friday against Jodie Lynn Wakeman included two counts of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering another person.

“I think I’m looking at about 20 years or so,” Wakeman, 46, told Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Sykora by video from the county jail.

When the judge reminded her of her right to remain silent, Wakeman replied, “Oh, that’s right.”

The judge set the high bail after the prosecutor in the case said Wakeman was previously twice convicted of arson in Deschutes County.

Deschutes County court records show that in 2013, Wakeman, a then-Bend resident named Jodie Ackerman, was convicted of first-degree arson, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering, and was sentenced to three years in prison. She also was convicted of first-degree arson in 2009 and has a criminal history dating back to 1998.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Doyle told KTVZ News one of the reasons Judge Sykora set the bail at $1 million is due to the “primary release conditions” under ORS 135.230.

Those criteria include the “reasonable protection of the public,” he said, “and given the fact this is her third alleged Arson I, and that it’s fire season, with multiple active fires burning in the area, her actions could have destroyed an entire city if a fire took off and became out of control.”

The judge set another arraignment hearing for Monday, as Wakeman had not filled out the required form for a court-appointed attorney.

If Wakeman were to post 10% bail and be released, Sykora ordered that she have no contact with Green Acres RV Park or several individuals affected by the fire. The prosecutor also asked that she not be allowed to possess matches, lighters or other items that can start fires.

But when the proposed no-contact list included Wakeman’s husband, she interrupted, as did her husband, who was in the courtroom. The judge admonished him, warning he would be removed from the courtroom if he interrupted the proceedings again.

The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. Thursday at the Green Acres RV Park in the 7000 block of South Highway 97. While Redmond Fire & Rescue crews were responding to the scene, several people called 911 to report the large column of black smoke coming from the location, Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were first on the scene and said one RV was engulfed, with the fire spreading to other trailers and flames threatening nearby propane tanks. That prompted a call-out of more fire crews.

Firefighters arrived to find two RVs ablaze and the fire moving toward a 120-gallon propane tank. Crews worked quickly to knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to other nearby trailers, surrounding vegetation and the propane tank.

Mooney also said the area is not protected with fire hydrants, so two water tenders brought 6,000 gallons of water to the scene to assist in firefighting efforts.

A joint investigation was conducted between the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Redmond Fire & Rescue to determine the origin and cause of the fire. After conducting witness interviews and evaluating material evidence on the scene, they determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Green Acres resident Wakeman, who Mooney confirmed is accused of setting her RV ablaze. Hers was one of the two RVs destroyed by the fire, the official said, while a third was severely damaged.

County Jail records showed Wakeman, 46, was being held without bail late Thursday pending arraignment on initial charges of first-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering.

Kim Paris lived in a trailer that was burned to the studs. She told KTVZ News she lost her 3-year-old Chihuahua, an emotional support animal.

Paris said she was working at her job at Bi-Mart when her daughter told her the devastating news. She says she’ll have to “couch surf” with friends and family until she can find a new place to live 

Mooney added, “Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.” 

Highway 97 remained open during firefighting efforts, but ODOT’s TripCheck advised drivers to exercise caution.

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Say ‘Hello’ to the Kansas City Chiefs 2025 Draft Class

News-Press NOW on July 17, 2025

Ryan Eslinger

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With Training Camp coming up, there are some Kansas City Chiefs rookie players to keep an eye on.

Round 1, No. 32 Overall – Josh Simmons, TACKLE, Ohio State (#71)

The Chiefs used their first-round pick (No. 32) on Simmons, who missed the final 10 games of his college career at Ohio State due to a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. Despite the injury, he was still an All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention at left tackle in 2024.

The 6’5”, 317-pound tackle is joining a depleted offensive line after the Chiefs lost Joe Thuney and D.J. Humphries to free agency.

Simmons has experience on both sides of the offensive line, as at San Diego State, he played a majority of his snaps at right tackle. He transferred to Ohio State in 2023, where he only allowed one sack and four quarterback hits in 443 pass block attempts throughout his first season with the Buckeyes.

Simmons is very smooth getting out of his stance and into space, which can help when pass rushers are on an island with him. He also has good hand placement, securing the rusher’s outside shoulder in pass blocking. 

The athletic tackle will start the season in a position battle with newly signed left tackle, Jaylon Moore, as Head Coach Andy Reid said Simmons will be a full participant in this year’s training camp.

Round 2, No. 63 Overall – Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee (#55)

The Chiefs elected to help the defensive line with their second overall pick. Norman-Lott is an undersized interior defensive lineman who excels in pass rushing with his high-pressure rate.

Norman-Lott is very scheme-dependent as he was a sub-package rusher for Tennessee in college. He spent his first three years at Arizona State University, where he only started three total games. In 2023, he transferred to Tennessee, where he only started in two games during a two-year period.

Don’t be fooled by the above stats, as throughout his college career, he logged 13.5 sacks and 12.5 TFLs when he was on the field.

According to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Norman-Lott was a projected third to fourth rounder in this year’s draft, but the Chiefs took a chance, selecting him in the second round.

Round 3, No. 66 Overall (Via Tennessee) – Ashton Gillotte, DE, Louisville (#97)

Staying with defense in the third round, Gillotte will look to help a defense that was in the bottom half of the league in total sacks last year.

For being a third-round pick, Gillotte was a menace at Louisville. In 2023, he was first-team All-ACC and ranked seventh in the FBS with 11 sacks. In 2024, he received second-team All-ACC honors while leading the team with 10 TFLs and 4.5 sacks.

Gillotte has excellent snap quickness and can collapse the pocket with power while beating the edge with his violent hands.

 With George Karlaftis being the only defensive end with good production as a pass rusher last season, Gillotte is a sneaky candidate to get a lot of playing time as a rookie.

Round 3, No. 85 Overall – Nohl Williams, CB, Cal (#20)

Three straight defensive picks for the Chiefs as they continue to bolster their young defensive back room. Williams was a lockdown corner for the Cal Golden Bears as he led the FBS with 7 INTs and tied for the team lead with 9 pass breakups (PBUs).

He earned second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC cornerback honors in his first year in the ACC.

With the Chiefs signing Kristian Fulton in free agency and already having Trent McDuffie in the secondary, Williams will most likely start the season as the third or fourth cornerback as a rookie. 

Round 4, No. 133 Overall – Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State (#11)

After three straight defensive picks, the Chiefs added to the wide receiver room to give Patrick Mahomes another weapon. 

Royals was outstanding for the Utah State Aggies. In 2023, he earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors and led the team with 1,080 receiving yards. In the same year, he ranked second in the FBS with a school-record 15 receiving touchdowns.

In 2024, he earned second-team All-Mountain West but missed a majority of the season with a foot injury.

Royals is a very technical wide receiver. He is always aware of where defenders are positioned and knows how to exploit gaps in the secondary. At 6’0”, 199 pounds, he has the ability to fight for jump balls and fight hard for contested throws. 

While he might not have the desired explosiveness, Royals will fit right into this Chiefs offense that is desperate for another weapon.

Round 5, No. 156 Overall – Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon (#31)

Bassa played all four years of his college career for the Ducks, but only became a regular starter in 2023. 

In 2023, he earned second-team All-Pac-12 Conference while recording 72 tackles, three and a half for loss, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown in 14 games started.

Bassa has great tackling technique and tracks run plays with good effort and pursuit speed, while having great pre-snap communication.

Round 7, No. 228 Overall – Brashard Smith, RB, SMU (#30)

The Chiefs’ last pick of the 2025 draft goes to the offense. 

Smith played for three years at the University of Miami before transferring in conference to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and switching positions from wide receiver to running back.

Smith earned third-team Associated Press All-American All-Purpose and first-team All-ACC in 2024. He ranked fourth in the FBS with 1,977 all-purpose yards in 10 starts. 

While being undersized at 5’10”, Smith can provide a lot of versatility for the Chiefs’ offense. He can be a great kick and punt returner, as he showcased those skills at Miami. 

With Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in the running back room already, Smith will most likely stay on special teams for the time being.

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Addie Madrid Announced as 2025 Danish Maid, Presiding Over Solvang’s Danish Culture and Heritage Festival

KEYT on July 17, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release the Solvang Danish Days Foundation regarding 2025 Solvang Danish Maid, Addie Madrid

SOLVANG, Calif. – The non-profit Solvang Danish Days Foundation has officially announced the festival’s 2025 Danish Maid, Addie Madrid, who is set to preside over this year’s 88th Solvang Danish Days (www.SolvangDanishDays.org). The newest Danish Maid will fulfill her “royal” duties during this year’s event weekend – Friday through Sunday, September 19 through 21, 2025 – as she becomes the fourth woman in her family to hold the title of Solvang Danish Days Maid.

Solvang Danish Days has grown and evolved since its humble beginnings in 1936, when a one-day celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of Solvang’s 1911 founding was first conceived. Danish Days is now a weekend-long festival showcasing the Danish-settled village’s heritage and history. The annual event, which honors the town’s Danish roots, includes authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment, and family activities. The 2025 Solvang Danish Days theme – “Be Happy – Vær Glæde!” – will be celebrated during this year’s September event weekend.

Serving as the 2025 Danish Maid, Addie follows the regal, third-generation path of her grandmother, Glenda Jaeger Madrid, Danish Maid in 1971; her mother, Ashlee Madrid, Danish Maid in 1999; and her sister, Aleena Madrid, Danish Maid in 2022.

PHOTO: Mike Mesikep

PHOTO: Mike Mesikep

“This [year’s Danish Days] feels especially meaningful. I am proud to serve as 2025 Danish Maid and even prouder to be part of a three-generation legacy in my family. To now step into my family members’ Danish Maid shoes and represent the same tradition that has shaped our family and this valley, is a dream come true. It connects me not only to my heritage but to the heart and history of this place I’ve always called home,” said Addie Madrid, 2025 Solvang Danish Days Maid.

Addie was born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley, but her roots reach across the seas to Denmark. Her mother, Ashlee, is of mixed background, including Danish ancestry, and her grandmother, Glenda, traces her Denmark ties to her Danish-born parents, Marie and Johannes Jaeger.

Addie mused, “Our family’s story feels like something out of a treasured fairy tale.”

Addie’s great-great-grandfather, Viggo Tarnow, came to the United States from Copenhagen in 1914. He settled in Minnesota where he met and married Cora, later moving his family, including their daughter, Marie, to California. Tarnow taught at Solvang’s Atterdag Folk School and helped to shape what is now the Atterdag Village of Solvang senior care center. His love for the Santa Ynez Valley ran deep, and through his dedication, Addie’s family became woven into the very fabric of Solvang.

Addie’s great-grandfather, Johannes Jaeger, came from Tindbæk, Denmark, in 1948, with hope in his heart and carpentry tools in his hands. In Solvang, he met and married Marie Tarnow, and together they built not just homes but a life of service and commitment to the community. Johannes became a partner in the Madsen & Jaeger Contracting Firm, and many of the Solvang structures that he helped build, still stand today – such as the large windmill on Alisal Road and the Solvang Brewing Company windmill on Mission Drive. Alongside Marie, he gave back to the community through volunteer work at Atterdag College, Bethania Lutheran Church, the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, and more.

“My ancestors’ story reminds me that building a life is not only about what you create, but who you uplift along the way,” Addie remarked.

The 2025 Danish Maid reflected, “My own memories of Danish Days have always carried that same sense of purpose and joy. For five generations, my family has helped bring this celebration to life, through folk dancing, baking, crafting open-faced sandwiches, and volunteering at the festival workers’ Danish luncheon from 1994 to 2014. I remember being a little kid in the kitchen, buttering trays of bread, stacking sandwiches, and peeking out the back door to catch a glimpse of the Carlsberg horses pulling their grand wagon through town.”

As Addie grew she would become more involved in the Danish Days “duties,” helping to serve coffee and jam at the aebleskiver breakfast tents, marching in the Saturday parade alongside her sister, and proudly leading the Children’s Parade.

Addie continued, “Every Danish Days weekend has felt like a blend of the past and present, honoring history while creating new memories.”

Over the years, Addie’s grandmother, Glenda Jaeger Madrid, has created many hand-sewn dresses for her, for her sister, Aleena, and for Addie’s mother, with Addie’s 2025 Danish Maid dress being the most recent. Addie and her grandmother worked together to create her new Danish Maid dress, based on a blue and yellow-gold color scheme because Addie felt that they were “light and bright,” and reminded her of her two favorite things, the ocean and sunshine.

The design of Addie’s Danish Maid dress is rooted in the traditional costume from Hedebo, Denmark, the region in which her great-grandfather, Johannes Jaeger, was raised. Addie’s great-grandmother, Marie Jaeger, made the lace used for the ruffle on Addie’s sleeves, and her great-great grandmother, Marie’s mother, made the crocheted trim on the dress’ apron.

Seventeen-year-old Addie is heading into her senior year at Santa Ynez High School. She plays  varsity volleyball and beach volleyball, and is involved in the Pickleball Club and the AP Art Club. Addie added, “I also serve as a youth leader at Valley Christian Fellowship, which means a great deal to me.”

After graduation, Addie plans to attend San Diego State University to major in psychology and business, with the dream of one day returning to the Santa Ynez Valley to run a business of her own. “If there’s anything my family’s story has taught me, it’s that coming home and giving back is part of who we are.”

Addie concluded, “Velkommen to Danish Days 2025! I’m so excited that we get to gather once again to celebrate our heritage, our stories, and everything that makes Solvang feel like home, for locals and for visitors. Whether you’re here for the buttered rye bread, the parades, or simply the feeling of community, I hope this weekend reminds you – just like it reminds me – of where we come from and why we keep returning.”

More information about Solvang Danish Days, including a brief history of the event, updated 2025 schedule and details, parade applications and contact information, is or will be available at www.SolvangDanishDays.org. Solvang Danish Days is also on Facebook and Instagram at facebook.com/SolvangDanishDays and @DanishDays.

Any questions, media requests for interviews and/or photos, may be directed to Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing, at 1.877.327.2656 or solvang@stilettomarketing.com.

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Mark Twain Early Learning Center welcomes inclusive program

News-Press NOW on July 17, 2025

Kirsten Stokes

ST. JOSEPH, MO (News-Press NOW) — In an effort to bring high-needs students and their peers together, the Mark Twain Early Learning Center is starting a new program.

The Learning center located at 705 S 31st St is starting a new program called “Pals,” which partners children with additional needs and children without in a classroom together.

Developed by Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Melissa York, it provides an opportunity for younger kids to better understand additional needs and encourages them to create safe spaces for everyone.

In a Facebook post made on July 14, York said in an interview, the idea stemmed from the fact that her students were mostly in her room all day and needed some time as an outlet to see other kids in the center.

“We thought up this idea of having some regular education kiddos come in and just play and make friends and have fun and get to know each other,” York said.

So far, York said she has seen some great interactions with the kids as they learn empathy as well as understanding that know child learns the same.

To learn more about the program visit https://elc.sjsd.k12.mo.us/preschool-program/mark-twain

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United Way hosts addiction overview

News-Press NOW on July 17, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The United Way of Greater St. Joseph held a session on Thursday, covering the basics of addiction and tips for working with individuals with a substance use disorder.

Peer Support Specialists reviewed strategies for working with individuals facing substance use disorders.

“It is a struggle, I think the boundaries are the hardest thing,” Family Guidance Substance Abuse Counselor Eric Stone said. ” When I first started working at Family Guidance, I had about 18 months in my own recovery, I knew a lot of the individuals that were coming in to services. Being able to set those boundaries was a struggle for me. What helped me was just taking suggestions and advice.”

Narcan and fentanyl test strips were available on-site at the event; however, those in need of Narcan and substance abuse resources can get them for free at places like Family Guidance, the St. Joseph Health Department, Northwest Health Services and more.

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PLAN AHEAD: Officials offer public safety reminders ahead of Redmond’s FairWell Festival

KTVZ on July 17, 2025

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual FairWell Festival is returning to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, bringing in thousands of excited concert-goers to Central Oregon.

Ahead of the event, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are offering public safety reminders to celebrate responsibly.

The agencies are urging those driving and attending to plan ahead, travel safe, and avoid drinking and driving.

“With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond,” DCSO said in a recent press release. “Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.”

Have fun, be safe, and celebrate responsibly!

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Read the full press release below:

“As thousands of people head to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Fairwell Festival, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are reminding drivers and festivalgoers to plan ahead, travel safely, and celebrate responsibly.

With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond. Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.

‘Fairwell Festival is one of the most exciting weekends of the summer in Central Oregon,’ said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. ‘Our deputies are here to help make the experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. With large crowds and lots of traffic, we encourage folks to plan ahead, be patient, and make smart choices—especially when getting to and from the event. We want people to have fun, create great memories, and get home safely.’

DCSO will have teams stationed at the fairgrounds working directly with event staff. OSP and Redmond PD will lead highway and local street enforcement, emphasizing DUII prevention and crash response. In previous years, OSP has arrested more than 20 drivers during the festival weekend for DUII offenses.

“Your festival plans should include a sober ride home, whether using a rideshare service or designating a sober driver,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy with Oregon State Police. “Have a plan to get home safely. It’s that simple.”

Local law enforcement presence is not about dampening the fun but ensuring that everyone—from festival attendees to local residents—stays safe on local roads. Drivers not attending the festival should expect heavier-than-usual traffic in and around Redmond, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday and Saturday.”

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