Community members encouraged to meet local law enforcement during ‘National Night Out’

News-Press NOW on July 16, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Area first responders, law enforcement and community leaders will be out and about during an annual “National Night Out” event to meet community members and foster community engagement.

The event is free and open to the public and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Civic Center Park.

The St. Joseph Police Department, Fire Department and area emergency responders will be at the event with vehicles and equipment from various area agencies on display.

The band, The Arsonists!, will be performing, Sack’s Ice Cream will be on site and bounce houses will be available for kids.

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First set of triplets delivered at Desert Regional in six years

KESQ on July 16, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A healthy group of triplets have been delivered at Desert Regional Medical Center!

A Yucca Valley woman and her husband welcomed two baby boys and a baby girl on July 12th. The mom, Desiree Barrett-Wilson, says she’s excited to expand her family.

She and her husband, Waylon, named the three Harrison, Hudson, and Addison, who were born in that order.

It’s the first time it’s happened at the hospital in six years, and the hospital said triplet births occur in just one in every 10,000 pregnancies.

Maggie Stutz, the Director of Women, Infants, and Children at the hospital, said despite the rarity of delivering triplets, the hospital sees it as an exciting time.

“To us, our team sees it as a wonderful celebration. In reality, it’s just one extra baby … we’re delivering twins monthly here. So to have triplets is just remarkable,” Stutz explained.

Stutz highlighted the medical center’s Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) program, which handles high-risk pregnancies, as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses and the Labor & Delivery team.

Lori Umanzio, a neonatal nurse practitioner, described the excitement within the NICU: “I think ‘cause it’s multiples, you’re all excited to see what they look like, whether it’s boys or girls. And you’re excited for the parents because it’s not the norm.”

Four days after the triplets’ birth, mom, dad, and older brother Grayson were ready to go home, while the three new bundles of joy continued to grow in the NICU. They were born a few weeks premature, but the parents said they know the newest additions to their family were being cared for.

“We know our family is being taken care of, like, I know my babies are going to be good when we can’t be here 24 hours,” said Desiree.

Nurses said they expect the babies will stay in the unit until their initial due date draws closer. Until then, the nurses will watch over them and keep them connected to nutrition, oxygen, and more.

Desert Regional Medical Center said its Maternal Fetal Medicine program and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the valley allow them “to bring even the tiniest humans into the world and deliver multiples.”

As for the Wilsons, their new triplets don’t mark the finish line for growing their family. They plan for more in the future.

“We love having kids, and that’s like, we’re not even done. We’re not done having kids. We want more. And our families are like, ‘You’re crazy. You’re going to have your hands full.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, but it’s okay.’ So yeah, we’re we’re very, very happy, very excited to have all these, these little babies.”

They said they also hope their story can help inspire others looking to grow their families.

“We struggled with infertility, so having these babies was just…,” Desiree said, running her fingers through Grayson’s hair. “It’s just a blessing.”

“With one in ten thousand pregnancies resulting in triplets… does it feel like you won the lottery?” we asked.

“Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. The baby lottery,” the Wilsons beamed.

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$10 million state funding boost advances CORE3, Redmond’s regional disaster response, training hub

KTVZ on July 16, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(update: adding comments from CORE3, Deschutes County Commissioners)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Legislature has approved $10 million to help advance the long-planned CORE3 training and response center in Redmond.

The project aims to build an emergency coordination hub and public safety training campus next to the Redmond Airport.

CORE3 is currently in Phase 1, and with the new funding, construction can begin on roads, access points, and other critical infrastructure.

So far, the project has secured $22 million in state and federal funding.

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners also contributed 300 acres of land, valued at around $13 million.

 “Right now, it is really just rocks and juniper. It’s the location of the old (Redmond) Rod and Gun Club,” said county Commissioner Tony DeBone.

The center will provide support for local and state emergencies, including wildfires, earthquakes, floods and pandemics.

“Wildfires are not going away. We see it now and it’s predicted into the future to occur,” said Shelby Knight, a resilience planner with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. “I’ll say, at the state level, we’re really talking about the Cascadia Subduction Zone event or a major statewide disaster.”

The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses one of the greatest natural disaster risks in the Pacific Northwest, with the potential to trigger a massive earthquake and tsunami.

Central Oregon is considered a secure and strategic location to coordinate emergency response if the state’s coastal areas and the western valleys are impacted.

DeBone said, “Since we’re out of that perimeter of a Cascadia event, this is kind of like the beginning of a support system. What would happen right here? Redmond Airport could be brought in, federal resources to the airport real fast. The fairgrounds is available for mass care for people. A lot of people need to be somewhere? Put them at the fairgrounds.”

The project is still short about $15 million to fully meet its $50 million funding target.

Knight said, “We’re also continuing to explore a variety of other funding sources and opportunities to build the facility.”

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Sertoma Club awards $1000 to Noyes Home, Second Harvest and Scouting America

News-Press NOW on July 16, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One of the longest-standing service clubs is spreading the wealth from a recent grant to support an array of non-profit and youth organizations.

Members of the Sertoma Club of St. Joseph gathered with local community leaders Tuesday to present $1000 awards to the Noyes Home for Children, Second Harvest Community Food Bank and Scouting America of St. Joseph.

The Sertoma Club was awarded a $5,000 grant from Sertoma International in April in honor of 111 years of service to St. Joseph, opting to use newfound funds the way they know best: supporting the community.

Donations and support for businesses and donors are critical for privately funded non-profits like the Noyes Home for Children, according to director Chelsea Howlett, helping them ensure they can meet the needs of more than 200 children they serve every year.

“They’ve been an amazing supporter as long as I’ve been with the Noyes Home and many years before that … from taking our kids shopping around Christmastime, back to school shopping,” Howlett said. “I’m so grateful they were willing to include us.”

The award comes as Noyes Home gears up for its largest and most impactful annual fundraising event on Sept. 13 at Missouri Western called “Take A Seat: Light the Way.”

For Chad Higdon, CEO of Second Harvest Community Food Bank, the award means an additional 3000 meals will be able to be distributed to the community.

“For every dollar donated, we can turn that into about three meals,” Higdon said. “Especially in the summer when school’s out … and the work we’re doing with senior boxes and families through our mobile pantry program and partnerships … it really does mean a lot.”

Sertoma Club participates in and sponsors numerous efforts and events each year in support of the community and local organizations, including the annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and placement of American Flags throughout St. Joseph in honor of 9/11 and other holidays.

With large groups of scouts coming from more than a dozen states to visit Camp Geiger each summer in St. Joseph, Pony Express Council District Director Erik McGuire said the award will not only help with infrastructure improvements but open the door for aspiring scouts to attend.

“We really need the support to keep our camp looking good and and have all the infrastructure that it needs and to support camperships for scouts to be able to attend who have more modest financial means,” he said.

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“Flying-Y” Interchange project in Pocatello wraps up

KIFI on July 16, 2025

News Team

The following is a press release from the Idaho Department of Transportation:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – With the painting of final lane markers on the new roadway, construction at the I-86/I-15 “Flying-Y” System Interchange in Pocatello is coming to a successful conclusion. Begun in July 2022, the three-year $112 million project has dramatically changed the drivability of the interchange.

“We spent over eight years from design to actual construction of the project. We’re pretty proud of it. It’s one of the bigger projects we’ve designed. It’s one of the largest projects ever designed entirely by ITD staff and inspected with ITD personnel. Most of the people on the team live here locally and this has been a really meaningful project for us to make sure we did our very best,” said Project Engineer Aaron Baird.

Critical areas that were improved include the northbound Pocatello Creek on-ramp, the northbound-to-westbound collector distributor, and the eastbound-to-northbound ramp. Each of those improvements made merging from one Interstate to the other smoother and safer for motorists. 

“We’re excited for people to use the final product. We hope it’s something that will last a long time and keep the travelling public safe as they use it,” said Project Manager Greg Roberts.

The scale of the endeavor has been truly historic. Approximately 1 million cubic yards of excavation have been completed. In addition, about 490,000 tons of base material was brought in; 116,000 tons of asphalt were placed; and over 7,700 cubic yards of concrete were poured. Nearly 70,000 square feet of retaining walls were also built throughout the project area. Finally, ITD built eight new bridges. Four of those have precast concrete girders and four have steel girders. In all, over 5 million pounds of steel has been used in the new bridges.

Construction crews worked year-round and around the clock for approximately three years to complete the project. To minimize disruption to traffic, key demolition operations were conducted at night. These efforts minimized the impact on traffic while the interchange was being reconstructed.

In addition to the major changes inside the Flying-Y design, the Chubbuck Road overpass was reconstructed as an underpass to improve site distances and vertical clearance on I-15, and to improve access to the Wellness Center from Chubbuck. The new underpass is significantly wider and includes bike lanes and sidewalks.

ITD also worked closely with the Portneuf Greenway to construct a pedestrian and bicycle path on the east side of the worksite to connect the Greenway to the Wellness Center.

Work left to wrap up the project will be off the roadway and conducted on the shoulders. In addition, ITD will be seeding open ground with native grasses.

“Thank you for being patient with us and seeing our vision, seeing what we’re trying to do to positively impact this community,” said Project Manager Zak Johnson.

District Engineer Todd Hubbard echoed those sentiments, “This project has been a great success and is an important addition to the community for the safety of drivers. It has been a lot of work to get all of it completed and to keep traffic moving. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we have worked on this project over the last three years. And a thank you to the project team and Sundt-Cannon Joint Venture for a project well done.”

Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, move over for workers and emergency vehicles, and follow posted speed limits.

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West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes found in Bingham County

KIFI on July 16, 2025

News Release

The following is a press release from the Bingham County Abatement District:

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bingham County Abatement District’s mosquito control program, operated by Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), has detected the first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool of 2025 in Bingham County. A total of 64 pools (1,629 total mosquitoes) from Bingham County have been tested so far this year, and all have yielded negative results to date. The pool of mosquitoes that tested positive was collected in the Shoemaker/Rich Lane Area, and VDCI has taken aggressive action to reduce the mosquito population in this affected area by expanding the surveillance and West Nile virus testing, and increasing both larval and adult mosquito control activities.

“Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are the primary vector species of West Nile virus in our area and are most common in July and August when the temperatures are warmest,” said Justin Huse, Bingham County’s mosquito abatement program manager. “The number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes has been high as expected this year, so our detection of West Nile virus was also expected and we are taking immediate action to reduce the population of these mosquitoes.” He added, “This early detection of WNV in mosquitoes is one of the primary reasons for our comprehensive mosquito surveillance and control program.”

A WNV-positive mosquito pool indicates that viral activity is increasing in the environment, and people should be more careful and take precautions to protect themselves from the virus.

The Bingham County Abatement Board recommends that all Bingham County residents take the following precautions:

Use insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon eucalyptus while always following the label directions for use.

Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing while outdoors, especially long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.

Minimize outdoor activity around dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Make sure that all screens on doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.

Encourage neighbors and family members to exercise precautions as well.

Eliminate standing water around your property and encourage neighbors to do the same.

Do not over-irrigate pastures to the point that water stands for more than five days.

Keep grass and weeds cut in order to minimize resting places for adult mosquitoes.

West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans, horses, and other animals by infected mosquitoes after the mosquitoes have bitten infected birds, which are the primary hosts of the virus. Most people bitten by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes experience either no symptoms or possibly a short period of mild flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of human West Nile virus infections typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, and headaches. In rare but severe cases, symptoms can include high fever, neck pain, severe headache, a rash on the torso, and disorientation, which may be signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). If such symptoms occur, residents should seek immediate medical attention from a physician.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection; avoiding mosquito bites and a comprehensive integrated mosquito management program is the best prevention.

If you have any mosquito-related questions, please contact VDCI at 208-684-5112.

For more information about West Nile virus, click HERE.

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KAWC seeks volunteers to host music programs for KOFA Border Radio

KYMA on July 16, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – KAWC announced they are looking for volunteer hosts for music programs on KOFA Border Radio.

According to a press release, this coincides with KAWC marking 55 years of “broadcasting across Yuma and La Paz Counties.”

KAWC says, “The community, including Arizona Western College students, faculty and staff, are invited to participate.”

Courtesy: KAWC

“When KAWC was started in 1970, everyone on the air was a student,” shared David Riek, General Manager of KAWC/KOFA-Border Radio. “The station was born out of a love for radio and serving the community through entertaining programming. As we begin our 55th year on the air, we want to give the community a chance to express themselves and share their favorite music.”

Volunteers will be trained with “the necessary skills to create music programs for broadcast, streaming, and on-demand access on 94.7 FM KOFA and kawc.org.”

For more information about this, contact music@borderradioAZ.org.

KAWC seeks music lovers to volunteer on airDownload

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InspireU Children’s Discovery Center fosters wellness for kids

News-Press NOW on July 16, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The inspireU Children’s Discovery Center is highlighting a milestone, after admitting over 50,000 visitors in the six months it’s been open.

InspireU is a facility for children ages 10 and under, where the key purpose is to emphasize Movement, Nutrition, Mindfulness, Curiosity and Connection.    

Those interested in visiting are encouraged to purchase tickets online at inspireu.com.

Tickets cost $10 per person and $9 for veterans. Kids under 1 year old are admitted for free.  

The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It remains closed on Mondays. 

Admission is available at the door for families, while schools and daycares are encouraged to reserve tickets online through the center’s website for a smoother experience. 

“It’s really nice to have people connecting, learning and enjoying time together,” said Katherine Patterson, Director of the Discovery Center.

The open-access format allows children to roam, play, and discover at their own pace.

Each section of the center is tailored to kids’ interests—from sensory rooms to activity-based stations, all designed to spark creativity and joy. 

“It’s all open, so if you come in and buy a ticket, you’re good for the whole day,” Patterson added. “It’s free for members, so they can come in anytime.” 

The inspireU Discovery Center aims to welcome 60,000 visitors this year, building on the momentum of reaching 50,000 in the six months it’s been open.

“I love being here, it’s really joyful—and it’s because of all the slides that I love the most. And the messy room—I love the messy room,” said Chloe Jones, a young visitor.

Whether through movement-based fun or creative exploration, inspireU is making learning enjoyable and meaningful. 

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Brush fire burns on the Idaho-Utah border

KIFI on July 16, 2025

Curtis Jackson

MALAD, Idaho (KIFI) – A brush fire near the Idaho-Utah border has grown to over 1,500 acres. The fire is west of Interstate 15 in the Samaria Mountains area.

BLM fire managers said the ‘Buckboard Fire,’ started around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, approximately 10 miles southwest of Malad. The cause is labeled as natural.

No evacuations have been ordered, and no structures are threatened.

Buckboard Fire burning near Idaho-Utah border on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Courtesy: BLM

Multiple fire agencies are working the fire, including BLM, USFS Caribou-Targhee National Forest, BIA, Oneida County Fire, Malad Fire Department, and Holbrook Fire Department. Single Engine Air Tankers responded Tuesday as well.

Buckboard Fire burning near Idaho-Utah border on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Courtesy: BLM

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Thousands raised for local restaurant’s fundraiser for Texas floods

KYMA on July 16, 2025

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local restaurant in Yuma, Saigon Pho, raised almost $3,000 for the flood victims in Texas.

The restaurant and its staff held a fundraiser this past Saturday, and received funds from the community.

Vinny Vo, owner of Saigon Pho, says, “Lots of people in town are very supportive.”

The fundraiser received funds from local nonprofits like Saint Francis Church and Crossroads Mission.

Vo shares why he was so compelled to donate to victims and how the tragic floods hit close to home.

“I like to help the flood victims because I live in a country that every year, people get killed. People are washed away all their lifetime savings because of flood,” said Vo.

He hopes the next time he hosts a fundraiser, even more people will join.

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