Man charged after found with fentanyl in buttocks

KMIZ on August 29, 2025

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged after he was accused of having more than 50 grams of fentanyl.

Charles Walker Jr. is charged with first-degree trafficking drugs over the statutory amount, tampering with physical evidence and a misdemeanor of resisting arrest.

Court documents state officers were patrolling on Wednesday when they saw a white Kia Forte fail to signal while exiting the roundabout south of Range Line.

Officers said they tried to pull the car over, but it did not stop. Documents said officers followed the driver onto Wilkes Blvd from Range Line St.

Detectives said they allegedly saw the driver, Walker, roll down his window and throw three bags out the window. Police said they found the drugs in the bags.

Documents state that when Walker stopped and officers were able to conduct the traffic stop. While searching him, officers said they found another bag with drugs between his buttocks.

Police said the drugs field tested positive for fentanyl and weighed 56.15 grams, 2,245.6 times the statutory requirement for trafficking in the first degree.

Post-Miranda officers said Walker allegedly admitted to buying and planning to sell the drugs.

Walker is currently on federal probation, according to documents.

He is being held at the Boone County jail without bond.

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PVUSD’s ongoing battle with a bus driver shortage brings concern to parents

KION on August 29, 2025

jose.romo

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — A school bus driver shortage is impacting students getting to class on time. The Pajaro Valley Unified School District continues searching for qualified drivers.

Parents are concerned, saying they receive alerts that routes will be canceled. 

“This community is a, you know, a farm working community, so our parents are leaving home early, so I mean our transportation to the school is the bus.” Luis Abrica lives in Las Lomas and recalls having to wait for the bus as a student. Now, he lives just down the street from a school bus stop and says he knows the struggle parents face having to balance early work times and school schedules. 

With many bus drivers having to double up on routes, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is facing an ongoing bus driver shortage. 

The district says they are currently operating 84 routes despite being 19 drivers short. They add many mechanics, and office staff are having to step in to help with some drivers having to work 12-hour shifts. 

“We choose this method because sometimes we don’t have the time, because sometimes work and everything else gets in the way, so sometimes we don’t have the time. That’s why we choose this method so that (our children) can go to school or home.” Maricela Canseco says it’s difficult for her to drop her children off at school, having to work early in the morning. She says she relies on the bus system to safely take her kids to and from school.

The PVUSD website says they are committed to providing a safe way for students to get to school. Yet, due to this bus-driver shortage, they must prioritize routes required by state and federal law, like those of special-need children. Parents, however, still feel uncertainty in their morning commutes.  

“De repente o manda el mensaje que al teléfono que no hay parada,” María Cervantes shares that in prior years, she has received notifications that the routes her children take have been impacted. Both she and her husband work long hours. For Luis, this turns into a safety concern.

“Now you see the kids going up the hill. They get in the street. This side of Las Lomas doesn’t have sidewalks. So you see them on the street, you know? So it is dangerous,” he says.

The district requires potential applicants to have 34 to 45 hours of classroom training, 40 to 45 hours behind the wheel, and 10 hours of in-service instruction. 

Potential drivers must have a clean driving record and no criminal history. The district adds that they will host upcoming dates for those interested. They provide a 4-week course for those looking to become school bus drivers.

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MU Health Care discusses finances after announcing new contract with Anthem

KMIZ on August 29, 2025

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

University of Missouri Health Care made $45 million in its fiscal year 2025, according to the UM Board of Curators Health Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday.

This comes after MU Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reached a deal in July, according to a previous KMIZ report. Contract details haven’t been released yet.

MU Health Columbia brought in $45.3 million this year, while the Jefferson City branch lost $300,000, according to a financial document from the 2025 fiscal year.

MU Health leaders said revenues would have been even higher if they had stayed with Anthem.

However, MU Health expects to see higher profits in fiscal year 2026 because it waited to charge patients with Anthem so patients wouldn’t have to pay out-of-network costs, which are much higher, according to MU Health Communications Specialist Eric Maze.

“We’re anticipating that we’ll be able to build that back up, now that we’re billing patients and receiving payments from those services,” Maze said.

The new contract is retroactive to April 1, when the old deal expired, according to previous reporting.

The ABC 17 team reached out to MU Health for a copy of the new contract, but hasn’t received it yet.

According to MU Health, the new deal will bring back 90,000 people to MU Health services.

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Guilty verdict for suspect in child abuse trial

KYMA on August 29, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 48-year-old Randall Medders has been found guilty of five counts of child molestation, five counts of child abuse, and ten counts of aggravated assault with sexual motivation.

The jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon following weeks of trial.

Before the trial started, Medders rejected a plea deal offer from the state, which would have sent him to prison for 17 years, given him lifetime probation, and would have required him to register as a sex offender.

Medders is scheduled to be back in court on September 23.

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Special Election early voting has begun in Yuma

KYMA on August 29, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Early voting has opened up for Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District seat.

You can now cast your vote in person at the Yuma County Recorder’s Office. You can also drop off your ballot at a drop box located at any of the libraries in Yuma County, or mail in your ballot.

Yuma County Recorder David Lara shares why it’s more convenient to vote early rather than wait. 

“What happens if you have an emergency, what happens something where you can’t make it to the polls, then it’s better to vote early, you show up in person, it’s safe secure, and you know you’re vote is in,” Lara says.

The race is down to Republican candidate Daniel Butierez and Democrat Adelita Grijalva.

Gisselle Garcia, a local, shares why she thinks it’s crucial to vote.

“It’s just important to make a difference, and I feel like there’s a lot of us that want to see change so I think it’s important for us youngings to make forward to that change,” Garcia said.

The Arizona Special Election is on September 23. The deadline to request an early ballot by mail is September 12. 

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Deschutes County offering grants to reduce wildfire risk

KTVZ on August 29, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

Deschutes County has earmarked $125,000 for fuel reduction grants aimed at helping local communities reduce wildfire risk. Residents can apply for grant funds beginning Sept. 1.

Since 2022, the County has allocated $425,000 in support of the Fall Fuel Reduction Grant program, which has funded 68 communities.

Grants are intended to help communities with specific, short-term projects that reduce fuels and improve defensible space. Typical grant awards range between $100 and $5,000.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

Equipment rental

Supplies for community work parties

Contracting fees for roadside chipping, fuel reduction or defensible space creation

Debris disposal fees

Note: The County discourages grant requests for regular, annual maintenance projects, such as pine needle raking and removal.

Online applications will be accepted starting Monday, Sept. 1 through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Preference will be given to communities or neighborhoods that are working toward, or have achieved, recognition as a Firewise USA™ site and are proposing projects consistent with their Firewise action plan and community assessment.

For more information about the County’s Fuel Reduction Grant Program and to fill out an online application, visit: www.deschutes.org/forester. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

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Oregon doubles energy bill assistance funding to help families address the rising cost of living

KTVZ on August 29, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) applauds a significant investment that will help more households with low incomes pay their utility bills. In June, legislators passed House Bill 3792, doubling funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million. Governor Tina Kotek signed the bill, along with other energy affordability bills, into law yesterday.

“The biggest issue on people’s minds is the affordability of everyday life,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “These programs may not have broad name recognition but are a way OHCS helps people make ends meet through providing energy assistance payments. In an evolving economy, keeping families and communities stable, while creating opportunity, remains our priority.”

OEAP provides energy assistance to qualifying customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, based on household size and annual income. Since launching in 1999, OEAP has assisted more than 85,000 customers, helping 92% of participants to avoid energy shutoffs.

With the federal administration announcing potential cuts and elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers acted to shield residents from this instability by expanding the state-funded OEAP. LIHEAP, which provides grants and energy efficiency services to millions nationwide, has become a lifeline for families like Don’s.

Don, a father of six and a seasoned welder and pipefitter, never thought he’d need help to keep his lights on. After a traumatic head injury in March 2023 left him unable to work, Don’s finances deteriorated. “I always made good money,” he recalled. But after a long recovery, an electric bill exceeding $1,100 nearly pushed him over the edge.

Through his sister, Don found Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO) and learned he qualified for LIHEAP. Initially skeptical, he was met with compassion and practical support. “They were like, ‘We’ll get you hooked up and see what we can do.’ And they did. More than once.”

Don’s story reflects thousands of households across the state relying on assistance to maintain basic utilities and stability. From Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, more than 59,100 households received LIHEAP funds.

Community action agencies and local partners providing these programs are facing more demand with fewer resources. Without sustained funding, vulnerable Oregonians could face utility shutoffs.

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Missouri man sentenced to 165 years in federal prison

KMIZ on August 29, 2025

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri man was sentenced on Wednesday for his role in a 2022 conspiracy to murder U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Jonathan S. O’Dell, 35, of Warsaw, was sentenced to 165 years in federal prison without parole for more than 30 felonies this including conspiracy to murder a federal officer, escape from custody and attempted murder.

O’Dell was found guilty along with his co-defendant, Bryan C. Perry, 39, of Clarksville, Tenn., in November.

The men planned to travel to Texas to shoot at illegal immigrants crossing the border and to shoot any federal Border Patrol agents who tried to stop them, according to authorities.

The two used O’Dell’s home in Warsaw as a staging site for their plan as they collected guns and other gear, the release says. They also tried to recruit other members through TikTok videos, the federal government says.

In one video, Perry allegedly said that Border Patrol agents were committing treason by letting illegal immigrants into the country and should be punished with death, the release says.

Authorities raided O’Dell’s home on Oct. 7, 2022, and Perry shot at them, according to the U.S. attorney. They found six guns, 1,770 rounds of ammunition, two sets of body armor and other gear.

O’Dell was also charged with escaping from custody while at the Phelps County Jail on Sept. 29, 2023.

The Court also sentenced O’Dell to five years of supervised probation after his release, according to the Department of Justice. He was also ordered to pay $19,234 in restitution.

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Geoff Hinds is leaving after 6 years as the Director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

KTVZ on August 29, 2025

Harley Coldiron

He thanked the Central Oregon community and told KTVZ News he is moving to Wyoming to join the leadership team for the Cheyenne Frontier Days – the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After six years of leading the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Director Geoff Hines is departing to join the leadership team for the Cheyenne Frontier Days, which is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.

Geoff is leaving for Wyoming with fond memories and gratitude for the relationships he’s built over the years, “It has truly been an honor to lead this amazing facility and work alongside such talented staff, a dedicated Fair Board, strong County leadership, and the supportive Central Oregon community, ” he said to KTVZ News.

A post on the website GovernmentJobs.com shows his former position is posted for applicants.

During his time overseeing the center, the County Fair has seen consistent growth over the years, and the venue itself has to one of the most visited in the Pacific Northwest. It now hosts the Overland EXPO and the FairWell Festival. Both of which bring in tens of thousands of new visitors than before. The FairWell Festival alone hosts 20,000-30,000 people.

Like any venue, the Fair and Expo Center has seen issues at times. During the inaugural year of the FairWell Festival, concertgoers told KTVZ News it took them up to 3 hours to get home after the concert. The next two events did not see the same widespread issues after officials created parking passes, added campgrounds and exit routes, increased traffic staff, and created a park-and-ride service.

Geoff also led the Fair and Expo Center through its toughest time period ever – the COVID-19 pandemic. Local and state regulations aimed at deterring the spread of the virus made planning and operations prolonged and time-consuming, while attendance at events hit an all-time low. After a vaccine was produced, the center also became the hub for thousands to get their shots.

The 6-year Director says he was proud to build community partnerships and bring nearly 1 million visitors to the area each year, and looks forward to rooting on the center from a distance, “From Wyoming, I’ll be paying attention and cheering on Deschutes County Fair & Expo every step of the way.”

Hinds says leaving the Deschutes County Fairgrounds is a bittersweet experince, and says it’s one of the best jobs he’s ever had “… It’s truly a tremendous job.” He said, “We have the opportunity to to to to make life better for so many people in so many different ways because we do so many things, whether it’s those kids showing the animals as part of our youth livestock shows, it’s the many fundraisers we do where hundreds of thousands of dollars are generated, for important community events here, on the property or the over $100 million in economic impact, that we provide to the community annually. It’s really an honor to be a part of that.”

Besides the perks and prestige Hinds will have working at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, this move will bring him closer to his wife and family in Wyoming.

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City Council votes to approve new property tax rate for Jefferson City

KMIZ on August 28, 2025

Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Council voted to approve a new city property tax rate.

During a special meeting held on Thursday, the vote on a property tax that is slightly lower than the current one was approved by all eight members at the meeting.

State statute requires the city to set property rates annually.

City staff said during the meeting that this was required after they already approved on Aug. 18, because the county tax rate was increased by more than 2.9%

The council approved the proposed tax rate of $0.5539.

The city is expected to collect about $40,000 more in revenue projections.

Councilmember Treaka Young and Randy Hoselton were not at the meeting in person.

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