Windy conditions cause more fallen trees in Pueblo County leading to unsafe conditions

Marina Garcia

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – A fallen tree put an end to river fun for tubers and kayakers on the Arkansas River Sunday. The large tree fell straight across the channel, creating a dangerous obstacle.

Colorado Springs Parks and Wildlife are advising recreationalists to be careful around the area. It’s just a little over three miles above the area known as the Swallows.

But it’s not just at the river; we’re seeing this happen all over Pueblo this weekend.

A local tree trimming business tells KRDO 13 that the weather during this time keeps them very busy.

“It’s been really random. These storms come through, and all of a sudden it’s 70-mile-an-hour gusts and trees are failing,” says Danny Moberly, owner of Moberly’s Tree Service.

This last month, the owners say they have seen people get trapped in their houses, and they’ve had to use cranes to safely remove the fallen trees. 

Danny tells us, one factor that could keep trees from falling over is proper pruning practices.

He suggests thinning out the limbs so the wind can blow through them while also keeping the snow from building up and breaking the branches.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says they’re still assessing what it will take to remove the tree from the river, but we will keep you updated as crews continue working during these high winds.

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Hollywood Beach Neighbors Oppose Impacts from Army Corps of Engineers Proposal

Tracy Lehr

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Hollywood Beach homeowners have plastered their Ventura County neighborhood near Oxnard with signs opposing an Army Corps of Engineers project.

The signs read: “Stop Fencing Hollywood Beach. The Army Corps will be installing permanent ropes and posts on Hollywood Beach. Email the Army Corps to stop!”

The signs also feature a QR code linking to https://savehollywoodbeach.com.

Residents with signs in beachfront yards oppose a plan they say calls for as much as 19 acres of dune habitat restoration. The Army Corps says the project would include permanent fencing to protect the endangered Western Snowy Plover and the California Least Tern, as well as the removal of nonnative plants such as ice plant and invasive grasses.

Army Corps biologist Natalie Martinez Takishita said the Hollywood Beach Restoration Plan is designed to meet federal mitigation requirements under the Endangered Species Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act, and would include “symbolic fencing and signage… standard practice to aid with restoration success while maximizing public access.”

But residents fear the “symbolic” fencing will be permanent and will restrict public use of a beach they say has been open and shared with wildlife for decades.

“This fight isn’t just about one beach in California. It’s a dangerous precedent,” said resident Jody Fisher Sero during a recent virtual public outreach meeting. “If a federal agency can disregard overwhelming public opposition to fence off Hollywood Beach, it can happen in any community in our state.”

Some homeowners also object to the use of herbicides to remove nonnative vegetation, noting that glyphosate—the active ingredient in Roundup—was listed in earlier project documents. “Glyphosate is classified as carcinogenic,” said resident Katherine Ulish. “I don’t understand why you would spray poison on a beach zoned for public recreational purposes.”

Others worry the creation of low-profile, man-made dunes could block ocean views, reduce property values and make it harder for residents and visitors to reach the water. Local realtor Ann Howorth told the Corps that permanent fencing and restricted access “can reduce property values by 20 to 25%,” amounting to “a decrease of a million dollars or more” for higher-end homes.

Several speakers questioned why Hollywood Beach is the focus when dredging has been performed every other year and temporary nesting-season fencing has been used successfully to protect the birds. “Why here and why now?” asked longtime resident Steve Katz. “The dredging has been going on for decades… What was going on before?”

Other residents suggested moving the project to nearby stretches of state-owned shoreline. “There are plenty of other sites within 10 miles that already have suitable habitat and wouldn’t disrupt one of the most accessible and well-loved public beaches in Ventura County,” said Sharon Levy.

In a dredging permit, the Army Corps referred to the plan as The Channel Islands and Port Hueneme Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project Dune Habitat Restoration. Some residents also take issue with that name, saying the project’s focus has shifted toward expanding bird habitat.

Tank Sears, a lifelong resident, said neighbors only learned the scope of the plan after noticing unusual activity on the beach. “There has been no public meeting, no community mailers, no transparent outreach,” he said. “We were shut out of it completely.”

The Army Corps says it will use public feedback from the meeting to refine the plan before awarding a contract.

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Gov. Polis declares another disaster emergency, this time for a fire in Southern Colorado

Michael Logerwell

PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Colorado Governor Jared Polis has made a verbal declaration for a fire burning in Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County.

The Oak Fire is burning just west of Pagosa Springs, north of Highway 160. The governor’s office says that due to the fire quickly spreading, it exceeded the capacity of the local fire department and county resources. Then the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the state.

As of Sunday night, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office says the blaze is at 150 acres and mandatory evacuations are in place up to and including the Elk Park subdivision.

With this declaration, the State Emergency Operations and Resource Mobilization Plans are activated. In addition to local, county, and federal agencies, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and Colorado State Patrol are all helping in this time of emergency. The National Guard is also helping fight the blaze.

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Minnesota woman seriously injured in Camden County ATV crash

Nia Hinson

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Delano, Minnesota woman was injured after getting into an ATV crash in Camden County early Saturday morning.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the 19-year-old woman was driving a 2019 Polaris Sportsman on Central Ozarks Road just before 1 a.m. The crash happened as the vehicle overturned– rolled over– and ejected the woman and a passenger from the vehicle.

The woman was taken to University Hospital by helicopter with serious injuries.

The passenger in the vehicle, a 20-year-old Delano, Minnesota woman suffered moderate injuries.

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Red Cross issues advice to stay safe during extreme heat

KTVZ

We’re expecting some extreme heat the next couple of days across Oregon and SW Washington. The American Red Cross urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe:

1.     Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

2.     Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.

3.     Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Chief Executive Officer of the Cascades Region. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Aim for a cup of water every hour and encourage people to avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.

Encourage athletes and outdoor workers to take breaks in the shade. They should drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes.  

Help those without air conditioning find a safe place to go like a mall, library or cooling center. They can also take cool showers or baths to help cool off. Remind people to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.

Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

HEAT ILLNESS SIGNS Anyone can become ill during extreme heat if their body can’t cool down properly. It’s critical to act fast as some types of heat illness can be deadly.

Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.

Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water. 

IF THE POWER GOES OUT When a heat wave and a power outage happen at the same time, it can be even more dangerous. Stay in air conditioning either at home or at a mall, library or cooling center. Keep an ice-filled cooler stocked with food, water and medicine, so that they don’t spoil. More information is available here.

Finally, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and heat safety information. Content is available in English and Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find both apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

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Man in custody following pursuit in Holts Summit Sunday morning

Nia Hinson

HOLTS SUMMIT, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was taken into custody on Sunday after allegedly leading law enforcement on a chase in Holts Summit and crashing into a police vehicle.

According to a press release from the Holts Summit Police Department, police learned that the Jefferson City Police Department was attempting to a stop a vehicle in reference to a missing child around 11 a.m.

Holts Summit police learned the vehicle was driving away from JCPD and entered the city limits of Holts Summit. The vehicle continued driving west on Simon Boulevard from U.S. Highway 54.

The release states the vehicle appeared to have crashed near the intersection of Simon Boulevard and South Summit Drive. As police attempted to assist in the traffic stop, the vehicle attempted to drive away, reversing into the front of a Holts Summit police vehicle, the release says.

The suspect tried to drive away again onto South Summit Drive.

Holts Summit and JCPD were able to stop the vehicle near the intersection of South Summit Drive and City Plaza Drive. The man was taken into custody without further incident. The child was found safe inside the vehicle.

Multiple police vehicles were damaged in the incident. No injuries were reported.

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Alianza de Fútbol gives youth the opportunity to showcase their talent

jose.romo

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Salinas Soccer Complex is attracting a national tournament for the first time. The venue is welcoming the Alianza tournament this weekend.

Soccer is taking the lead in Salinas. The Alianza de Futbol tournament is calling this place home for the first time after years of establishing a network with local soccer complex leadership.

“This is a great opportunity for our local talent who often haven’t had the opportunity to showcase. They would have to travel outside their hometown to now be able to perform in front of their own families,” says Jonathan De Anda, general manager of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. 

“We’re putting Salinas on the map,” he adds.  

Salinas is one of eight locations selected this year — alongside major cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago.

De Anda, general manager for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, says playing host to such a well-known tournament is a great honor, as he grew up playing in what was Constitution Park. Now he feels proud to provide the youth with this opportunity. 

The Alianza tournament was previously held in Morgan Hill, meaning local teams had to make the trip. Now they have it in their backyard. 

“Now we’re moving to Salinas because it made sense. Their investment they’re having in this complex is going to be amazing, and it’s very, very significant,” says Omar Luis Velasco, executive director of Alianza de Fútbol. “As part of the change and as part of the growth that Alianza is trying to accomplish, partnering with Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is just the perfect fit for both.” 

More than 120 teams are participating in 4 tournaments over 2 days, from 9-year 9-year-olds to adults.

Some teams making the trip down from Reno, Nevada, to compete at the Allianza tournament. However, in the home field advantage, a local Salinas team was able to take a youth title.  

“We never played on a five vs five. It’s the first time playing, and the age category was 2016, and I see most of them were 2015,” says coach Raul Vargas for Atletico de Salinas. “For me, it’s a big, big satisfaction that I get from the kids because they try really hard. Getting the victory means a lot to me.”

Raul trains his youth team at the soccer complex, so being able to participate against other great talent was the necessary exposure for his team. 

“Everyone has an opportunity to come here to the highest level and just fight for the honor of being called a champion,” adds Omar Luis Velasco. “So kids from seven-year-olds, nine, eight-year-olds, nine-year-olds, all the way to U-19 and adults as well, and men and women, those are all open categories are here as well.” 

Gilroy’s Oiaxiro Morelia adult team took home the $10 thousand check for winning the adult alianza cup category. In the U-23 category, Sunnyvale’s Madrid took home the $5,000. For youth here today, many pro-level scouts are checking out potential talent. Both Alianza and Salinas Regional Soccer Complex staff are sharing their hopes for this to be the first of many tournaments here in Salinas. Next, the Alianza team will head to El Paso, Texas

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Three injured after vehicle crashes into Indio restaurant

Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were injured after a car crashed into an Indio restaurant on Avenue 48 and Indio Blvd Sunday evening.

Police said it all started when a Dodge Charger collided with a Chevy Tahoe. The Charger crashed into a vacant restaurant, which then caught fire.

Three people were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. The building had moderate to major damage.

The cause of the crash is unknown and remains under investigation. Police said D.U.I. was excluded from being a factor in this traffic collision.

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New preschool opens in Redmond, student spots still available

Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Preschool is now enrolling infants and toddlers. For families who qualify, there’s an opportunity for students to attend at no cost.

Ellie Francis, Director of Redmond Preschool, spoke with KTVZ News about the new school.

“We do have infant and toddler spots at Redmond Preschool. And we do have programs for financial assistance and free preschool. So I think that will help a lot of families in need,” said Francis.

Preschool Promise is a state-funded grant program to assist families with the cost of childcare. Redmond Preschool works with Preschool Promise to offer free school Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for students aged 3 and 4. 

“It’s a really helpful tool for families who are working but aren’t making enough for childcare,” said Francis of the program.

The school has room for up to 38 students, and spots are still available. 

For the staff, the school provides more than just a job — it’s a way to help the community. 

“I’ve lived here my whole life. This is my hometown, and I really just want to serve the community,” said Francis.

Redmond Preschool will be hosting an open house event for the community. Prospective families can stop by the event on Saturday, August 16th, from 9 to 11 am.

“We’re going to be making pancakes and inviting families to come in and talk to me. And I can give them all the information and show them around the school,” said Francis.

Their website offers the ability to apply for school, programs, and request a tour or more information. You can visit their site here.

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Police homicide unit investigating 2 deaths in Eastern Colorado Springs

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Police Department announced they are investigating the deaths of two people after a 911 call came in reporting a shooting on Sunday afternoon.

The police department says the 911 call came in just before 2:30 p.m. The caller described a shooting along Sod House Trail, a residential street near Oro Blanco Dr and Barnes Rd.

When officers arrived at the house in question, they say they located one adult male and one adult female with at least one gunshot wound. CSPD says all parties involved in the incident are accounted for.

After the initial response by police officers, the homicide unit arrived and took over the investigation.

Now the police department is asking if anyone has any additional information regarding this incident to call 719-444-7000 or Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers.

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