Court date set for later this month in Ryan Ferguson’s civil case

KMIZ on August 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A court date has been scheduled in Ryan Ferguson’s civil case for later this month.

A Cole County jury sided with Ferguson and six former Columbia police detectives in November in their lawsuit against Travelers Insurance.

They claimed Travelers refused to pay out the remaining $2.9 million of a more than $11 million settlement Ferguson and the detectives inked over his reversed murder conviction for sports editor Kent Heitholt’s death in the Columbia Daily Tribune parking lot and decade-long incarceration. The jury awarded him $2.9 million in compensatory damages and $35 million in punitive damages.

Attorney Michael Berry asked a Cole County judge in June to add at least $1.3 million to the $43.8 million judgment he awarded. Berry said Walker did not properly add 129 days’ interest on the award.

Both sides have filed motions on how much Ferguson should be awarded. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.

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Central Oregon animal shelters are joining national ‘Clear The Shelters’ event throughout August

KTVZ on August 9, 2025

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2015, NBC Universal’s nationwide pet adoption initiative, Clear The Shelters, has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find their forever family. Animal shelters across Central Oregon are joining in with hopes of emptying their kennels. KTVZ News will be featuring shelters in the region throughout August to highlight the local impact.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is partaking in Clear The Shelters this month — a campaign focused on finding every animal a home. Lynne Ouchida, director of community partnerships at HSCO, spoke to KTVZ about the shelter’s participation.

“The Humane Society of Central Oregon is always excited to be a part of the Clear the Shelters. We have emptied our kennels one year, so we’re really depending on the community to help us do that,” said Ouchida.

In recent months, the Humane Society of Central Oregon has struggled with capacity. After a large number of recent intakes, especially of dogs, the need for homes is even more urgent.

“This summer has been really tough on us. We have been at capacity. And currently we are beyond capacity. Every dog that you adopt opens up a kennel space so that we can respond to another animal in need,” said Ouchida.

HSCO is hopeful the Clear The Shelters event will help motivate people to add a furry friend to their family — not only giving a pet a loving home, but also freeing up shelter space for new intakes. 

Adoption promotions are running all month long, ranging from discounted adoption rates, to baskets of goodies, and more. You can find more information about the promotions on HSCO’s website. 

“We hope to have adoption promotions throughout the month of August, so you never know who you might want to fall in love with. The Humane Society of Central Oregon loves to make it a very fun and memorable process to adding that new furry family member,” said Ouchida.

If you can’t adopt, there are still ways you can support the mission. Fosters are critical when the shelter has reached capacity. Donations are also greatly appreciated, as is the community’s help in simply spreading the word. 

“One way that people can help right now is to donate some dog treats. If you can adopt, even better. And if you can foster, that really helps us out. But we depend on our community to help us get through these bumps,” said Ouchida.

Clear The Shelters will run through the month of August. The Humane Society of Central Oregon hopes the national push and strong local support will help every pet find its fur-ever home.

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Coachella Valley Repertory to Hold Auditions for High School Students About Bullying

KESQ on August 9, 2025

Haley Meberg

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)- Coachella Valley Repertory is set to host auditions open to high school students for “Power Play,” a one-act musical on the dangers of bullying.

The play opens on October 7 and will run through October 10 with a showing at 10:30 a.m., in acknowledgement of National Bullying Prevention Month. 

“Power Play” is a one-act story written by playwright Lindsay Price including five characters navigating intense moments that involve bullying, verbal abuse, and a school shooting. 

“Violence is all about power, so is high school,” Price says. “The message hits hard — bullying, verbal abuse, and the horror of a school shooting. School violence is real and happens every day.”

The play is being directed by Howard Shangraw, the director of the conservatory and youth programs at CV Repertory.

Auditions for the play will be held at CV Rep August 26 and 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive.

CV Repertory says actors should be prepared with a short monologue and be ready to read from the script provided at the audition.

The theater group is looking for five high school students to play the characters Bitter, Belly, Brawn, Beauty and Breaker.

“At least one in five kids is bullied and 13% of today’s tweens – nine to 12-year-olds – have reported bullying in school or online,” Shangraw says. “Bullying is responsible for youth suicides and school shootings. With such compelling and honest storytelling as in Power Play, the participation of high school students from the Coachella Valley and support from our schools and bullying-prevention organizations, we can make progress.”

The play will be free to watch for students, with free bus transportation provided to students who attend from each of their schools. Each performance is set to have a follow-up Q&A from the cast, crew, CV Repertory Artistic Director Adam Karsten and Howard Shangraw. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Crook County will hold a Juniper Canyon community meeting to present preferred access alternative

KTVZ on August 9, 2025

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County is in the process of updating its 20-year Transportation System Plan (TSP), a critical roadmap that will guide future transportation investments across the county.

As part of this effort, the County said Friday it is hosting a Juniper Canyon Community Meeting to present the preferred access alternative from the TSP study and broader plans for general wildfire safety. Following the presentations, there will be an open Q&A session, so residents can get any questions they have answered.

Here’s the rest of Friday’s announcement

This interactive event will include presentations from county staff and partner agencies, including Crook County Fire and Rescue District, OSU Extension College of Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management and more, covering topics ranging from transportation planning and wildfire resilience to juniper management and ecology.

Community members will have an opportunity to learn about the preferred route identified through the Juniper Canyon Alternative Access study, review updated cost and funding options, and weigh in on project priorities.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Crook County Fairgrounds – Carey Foster Hall

Address: 590 SE Lynn Blvd, Prineville, OR 97754

The Transportation System Plan update addresses key county-wide issues such as road safety, congestion, and access. This community meeting will have a specific focus on the growing Juniper Canyon area. The community’s input is essential to ensure that the final plan reflects the needs and priorities of Crook County residents.

“I’m new to this role, so it was important to witness firsthand at the last Juniper Canyon meeting how urgent and critical it is for the County to find an appropriate alternative access route and address wildfire safety for the residents of the area,” said John Eisler, Community Development Director.

“Especially given the recent Highland Fire, I am eager to present the progress we’ve made and discuss how we can address their concerns. We look forward to a strong turnout and hope that attendees leave feeling optimistic about the future.”

This is a pivotal moment for shaping the future of Juniper Canyon’s infrastructure and wildfire resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed and involved.

For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at 541-447-3211 or visit https://co.crook.or.us/commdev/webform/cc-tsp-update.

Here’s the full April proposal with access options:

CrookCountyTSP_JuniperCanyonPresentationDownload

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Callaway County man faces several counts of domestic assault

KMIZ on August 9, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Callaway County man is in jail after authorities say he choked a woman in June and pushed another person in southeastern Callaway County.

Gary Moore, 39, of Portland, Missouri, was charged with second-degree domestic assault, two counts of third-degree domestic assault and a count of fourth-degree domestic assault – third or subsequent offense. He was brought to the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center after he was booked into the Callaway County Jail.

The probable cause statement says on June 18, Moore ran out of the probation and parole office when they tried to attach an ankle monitor.  

One June 15, Moore allegedly went to the victim’s residence and choked her as she woke up, the statement says. He allegedly then said he was gathering his belongings and another victim brought him out to a shed, the statement says.

The first victim armed herself with a gun when he went back into the residence while Moore held an arrow, the statement says. He then allegedly attacked and choked the same victim again and threw her to the ground, the statement says. Law enforcement saw injuries on the victim.

During the attack, one of the other victims tried to intervene, but Moore reached through to grab the first victim, the statement says. A third victim was pushed during the attack, court documents say. Two of the victims reportedly heard and saw the first attack that occurred, the statement says.

All three people were unable to initially call police because Moore took their cellphones and reception is poor in the area where the attack occurred.

Moore first allegedly told law enforcement on June 20 that he went to get his property and ran toward the victim and took her gun, the statement says. On Aug. 7, he allegedly told law enforcement that he showed up unannounced but did not provide many details, court documents say.

The probable cause statement also says the first victim was arrested because she is a convicted felon and not allowed to have a gun.

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Seven people displaced after fire damages two units at Indio apartment complex

KESQ on August 9, 2025

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire at an apartment complex in Indio early Friday evening has left seven people displaced after causing extensive damage to two units.

CAL FIRE crews were dispatched to the two-alarm blaze at the Smoketree Polo Club Apartments in the 81800 block of Avenue 48 near Monroe Street in Indio just before 5:00 p.m.

Firefighters found smoke visible from the first and second story in one of the buildings of the complex on arrival.

CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Michael Whitaker says crews made an aggressive attack, and units were able to isolate the fire to one unit, with another unit sustaining damage from the burn.

The American Red Cross will be assisting the residents of the two damaged apartments.

Whitaker added that there were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is actively under investigation.

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Carbajal Pressed on Gaza Stance at Santa Maria Town Hall

KEYT on August 9, 2025

Ryder Christ

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Congressman Salud Carbajal faced pointed questions about his position on the war in Gaza during a town hall meeting at Allan Hancock College on Thursday night.

The discussion came as Gaza’s death toll surpassed 61,000 since October 2023, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, and humanitarian agencies warn that famine-level conditions are unfolding across the territory.

The event, part of Carbajal’s regular outreach to Central and South Coast constituents, covered topics ranging from federal budget cuts to local concerns. But at least a dozen demonstrators from various groups, including the Central Coast Antiwar Coalition, repeatedly spoke out of turn, urging him to take a stronger stance against U.S. military aid to Israel.

They are calling on Carbajal to label the war a genocide and to end U.S. military aid to Israel until what they described as “crimes” are stopped, by co-sponsoring HR 3565, the Block the Bombs Act, introduced in May by Rep. Delia C. Ramirez, D-Ill., with 28 Democratic co-sponsors. Carbajal is not among them.

“Will you stand up for us, the people who believe that this is immoral, and vote against funding for the military of Israel so that they have to stop the fight? They have to do a ceasefire.” asked Gale McNeeely, a Santa Maria resident.

Carbajal began to answer, noting the complexity of the conflict, before protesters interrupted. “Some people argue, if you look historically, there’s been an intrusion and violation of civil rights of Palestinians on some level. Some people see it more than others,” Carbajal said, before he was interrupted again.

After the town hall, Carbajal expanded on his position, saying he “fundamentally oppose[s] the use of American weapons against civilians in Gaza” and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war, calling the targeting of unarmed families in humanitarian aid zones “abhorrent and [something that] must be universally condemned.”

He said he is reviewing proposals to strengthen oversight of U.S. military and humanitarian aid to ensure American weapons are not used against civilians while protecting Israeli communities from further attacks. Carbajal also urged the Trump administration to guarantee that food, medicine and clean water reach Gaza without delay, pursue diplomacy to end the war, and secure the release of all hostages.

“I will continue to call for humanitarian aid delivery and a permanent ceasefire to bring us closer to a lasting peace in the region,” he said.

In the meantime, the group is promoting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement to raise awareness and end support for what they describe as Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.

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Monterey man arrested for invasion of privacy, sexual battery

KION on August 9, 2025

Sergio Berrueta

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) – Monterey Police have announced the arrest of a man for invasion of privacy and sexual battery after he was caught trying to take pictures up women’s skirts on Cannery Row.

Police say that officers were dispatched to Cannery Row on July 22 over reports of a man following a woman inside a business and pressing up against her, as well as 2 incidents of the suspect seemingly attempting to take pictures under women’s skirts.

Police identify the suspect as 35-year-old Jordan Pollacci, who has prior convictions for invasion of privacy and possession of obscene materials.

A search and arrest warrant was served at his Monterey home on Aug. 5, and he was taken into custody.

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The ‘most important meal of the day’ will make you pay

News-Press NOW on August 8, 2025

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — There is no better way to start your day with a nice cup of coffee and some breakfast, but what happens when you’re hungry and so is your wallet?

With inflation in the United States on the rise, many breakfast goers and owners are paying the price with increased costs on their favorite menus.

At 7th Street Cafe in St. Joseph, owner Brennon Calvin has felt the impact of inflation and other causes in his wallet. Calvin said his menu prices have not been altered, but for some foods, he’s had to pay more.

“I’ll tell you the biggest hit we took was when eggs hiked to about 50 percent there, for a while I was paying a pretty penny for eggs,” said Calvin.

Customers like Michael Shanks said, “Yeah, I mean the, the coffee is a little more pricey, but it’s actually that way everywhere.” 

According to FinanceBuzz.com, places like Starbucks have seen a 39% price increase on their menu from 2014 to 2024 due to inflation.

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Get Ready for Scares: Pocatello skating rink prepping for Halloween horror experience

KIFI on August 8, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Pocatello’s premier skating rink is already preparing for scares this Halloween. ‘Deleta Skating and Family Fun Center’ is gearing up for a second year of transforming its escape rooms into a Halloween horror experience.

Deleta managers say last year their ‘escape the madhouse’ attraction was a huge hit with over 700 visitors over the Halloween season.

This year, Deleta is cranking up the frights and getting the word out early about why people should come enjoy the scares this fall.

“There is no haunted house like ours. It’s like an escape room, but without it being a full escape room with that Haunt that’s scary. So it’s definitely an experience like never seen before,” said Delta Escape Rooms manager Kristina Parrish.

The ‘Escape the Madhouse Horror Experience’ may not open until October 10, but Deleta is running promotions all summer long to give away tickets so people are prepared for Halloween. For more information, click HERE.

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