Commerce Bank to close Downtown St. Joseph branch effective Dec. 12

News-Press NOW on August 27, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A popular local bank has announced plans to permanently close a longtime branch in Downtown St. Joseph starting in December.

Commerce Bank has informed customers that it plans to close the Downtown St. Joseph branch at 328 Felix St., effective Dec. 12, including ATM services.

A sign has now been posted on the front door of the building announcing the move. A Commerce Bank customer told News-Press NOW he recently received a letter in the mail confirming the bank’s decision.

A sign posted on the front door of Commerce Bank’s Downtown branch notifies customers that the branch will permanently close effective Dec. 12, 2025.

Longtime Downtown resident Sean Easely said he was “disappointed” to hear of the bank’s planned closure.

The building has been operated by Commerce Bank since 1985, when it acquired First National Bank of St. Joseph from the FDIC. The building has stood in Downtown St. Joseph for more than a century.

Commerce Bank operates two other branches in St. Joseph at 3606 Frederick Ave. and 3303 Ashland Ave.

This photo shows a 1907 advertisement for the First National Bank of Buchanan County.

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Community supports local cancer patients during annual Day of Hope fundraiser

KEYT on August 27, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The 12th Annual Day of Hope fundraiser was held Wednesday across the Santa Maria Valley and Five Cities areas.

Starting at 7 a.m., dozens of volunteer teams wearing bright orange vests could be seen at numerous intersections, parking lots, and other gathering places to sell special edition $1 Santa Maria Times newspapers.

“Everybody’s coming together and giving back,” said Rachel Buchan, with Team Fidelity at the busy intersection of Broadway and Betteravia Road.” Every corner is covered. The people coming by are on their way to work and are glad to give. It’s just fun and exciting!” 

All of the proceeds brought in during the fundraiser will directly benefit patient services and programs at Mission Hope, which operates two centers – its flagship facility in Santa Maria, and in Arroyo Grande inside the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center.

“Day of Hope is a very, very big day for me,” said cancer survivor Espie Valenzuela, who appeared on the front page of the thousands of Santa Maria Times that were sold. “Mission Hope is a part of my heart will always be a part of my heart. Not enough words to say how how beautiful it is, the staff, the doctors, anything that is inside Mission Hope is wonderful. I was scared when I was first diagnosed with cancer. Coming inside Mission Hope, they did everything possible to give me the treatment and help me trust the process and they basically saved my life. It gave me all the love and compassion that I needed.”

Since it was first held in 2014, the Day of Hope has raised just under $2.7 million, including $409,000 last year.

“People in Santa Maria have a big heart for charity and they know that this money goes to a great cause, and the people who really need it,” said Rotary Club of Santa Maria volunteer James Stoddard, while selling papers at Broadway and Betteravia Road. “I’m out here every year, helping raise money for Mission Hope, but this year, it’s a little more personal for me because I was recently diagnosed with cancer, and so this year, I know that the funding is going to the people just like me who need help.”

Teams included volunteers who represented loved ones or friends fighting cancer, businesses, schools, organizations, government, and other various groups.

“It’s amazing because we have so many teams throughout the community, and yet everybody’s raising for the same exact funding,” said Cynthia Maldonado, Mission Hope Cancer Center Outreach Supervisor. “It’s for the cancer patients, so although you see all of these different teams and we’re being competitive and lighthearted and having a wonderful time, every single dollar that we’re all raising goes right back to the cancer center for the patients.”

Throughout the day, Dignity Health said 11,000 newspapers were sold.

While the newspaper sales have ended, donations are still being accepted online through Friday, Sept 12.

Donations can be made online by clicking here to access the official Day of Hope website.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Yellowstone begins annual grizzly bear capture research operations

KIFI on August 27, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from Yellowstone National Park:

BOZEMAN, MT – As part of ongoing monitoring efforts to document recovery of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, is working to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific capture operations are once again about to begin within Yellowstone National Park. Agency biologists with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) will begin the field captures Sept. 1 and continue through Oct. 15. Capture operations can include a variety of activities, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.

Monitoring of the grizzly bear population is vital to ongoing research and management of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. To attract bears, biologists use natural food sources such as recently road-killed deer and elk. Potential capture sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, culvert traps or foot snares are used to capture bears. Once captured, bears are handled in accordance with strict safety and animal care protocols developed by the IGBST and approved by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Whenever bear capture activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the capture site. It is important that the public heed these signs and do not venture into an area that has been posted. For more information regarding grizzly bear capture efforts call the IGBST trapping hotline at 406-994-6675. Information about the grizzly bear research and monitoring is available from the IGBST website.

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Clear the Shelters: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Animal Rescue Ranch has friendly farm animals looking for forever homes

KTVZ on August 27, 2025

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For the entire month of August, KTVZ and our local shelter and business partners once again teamed up to clear the shelters and find loving homes for pets. 

This week, we’re highlighting the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Animal Rescue Ranch. 

“This ranch exists because we still live in a rural county, and so anytime that we either seize animals from a neglect case or if animal owners voluntarily surrender their animals, they will oftentimes end up here,” said Jason Carr, DCSO’s Public Information Officer. 

Farm and ranch animals are up for adoption at the ranch.

“We have everything from horses and goats to chickens, turkeys, different fowls,” Carr said.

Oftentimes, these animals had a rough start to life—but are looking to find their forever homes.

“Some of the animals are available for adoption right now. Others are not yet because there are pending cases, and until those cases are resolved through the District Attorney’s office, those animals won’t be available,” Carr said. “So all the animals that are on the ranch, there’s pending cases and other issues, and they’re not currently up for adoption, but that will likely change down the road.”

DCSO works closely with the Humane Society of Central Oregon and BrightSide Animal Center, which are both currently full of adoptable dogs and cats.

“Our biggest need right now, both at the Humane Society of Central Oregon and BrightSide in Redmond, is really related to our animal neglect cases that have occurred in the past couple of weeks. That has really elevated the number of animals, especially dogs, that are at both shelters. We’re just hoping that people keep their eye out for both adoption opportunities there,” Carr said. “One of the cases out at BrightSide, those are mostly puppies that are being fostered right now until they’re old enough to be adopted out…If you just continue to look at their websites and find out what’s available, that’s probably our biggest need right now with these large animal neglect cases, is helping those shelters get those animals adopted out. Because when you’re talking about 20 to 30 dogs at one time, that’s a lot.”

Right now, two horses are available for adoption at the ranch but more animals will be ready soon.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Animal Rescue Ranch has friendly farm animals looking for forever homes

“What the general public can do is go to the sheriff’s office website and click on ‘Animal Control’, and then we will have information on all the animals that are currently for adoption,” said Carr.

If you would like to learn more about the animals available for adoption right now at the animal ranch, click here.

Click here to view more of KTVZ’s ‘Clear the Shelters’ stories.

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Officials warn against online misinformation around Emmanuel Haro case

KESQ on August 27, 2025

Athena Jreij

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) — As investigators piece together what happened to Emmanuel Haro, News Channel 3 has seen a trend of misinformation spreading online.

Most recently, during a search operation in Moreno Valley, social media users spread information that the baby’s body had been found. While a search was conducted in the hills of Moreno Valley, no body was found and that information was never relayed by the department in charge, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s.

Studies into social media misinformation surrounding ‘true crime,’ have found it can have a negative impact on public opinion, juror selection, wrongful accusations and evidence gathering.

It’s something Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed head on in a press conference Wednesday.

“Misinformation, lies and purposeful misdirection is going to do nothing but harm this investigation,” he said.

Officials have warned false narratives that spread online can divert resources away from the investigation.

Lt. Gustavo Araiza with Palm Springs Police said, “A lot of times it could distract from the actual investigation that’s going on. The reality is there’s this influx of calls that are coming into our dispatch center. So now we’re taking time away from critical incidents because the phones are ringing off the hook. Generally, we will put up a hotline or a number to call if we’re asking for the public’s help,” Araiza said.

While officials say the public keeping an eye on a case can help with support, some bad actors online will spread unconfirmed information for clicks. That misinformation can have long term affects on cases when they head to trial.

“The jury pool is kind of limited for that specific area because people are well aware that might have heard some of the theories that were put out there, even though some of those theories might not be fact or weren’t actual evidence.”

News Channel 3 also spoke with Matt Johnson, a Crime and Justice Correspondent at Court TV, who said the buzz around this case has been unique.

“There are just so many people online searching for answers and following the case. There are people outside of the DA’s office looking for answers. They’re taking their time out of their busy days. They’re not going to work on certain days searching,” Johnson said.

Now, authorities are asking the public for patience as they maintain the integrity of the investigation.

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Pismo Beach Fall 2025 Events: Corgi Beach Day, 79th Clam Festival, Sand Art & More

KEYT on August 27, 2025

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It’s just about that time of year to look forward to fall events, and Pismo Beach has many notable ones on the calendar.

Emma Rhoads from TJA Advertising and Public Relations joined the Morning News to highlight upcoming activities, including the Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, the Pismo Beach Corgi Nation Vacation, and new attractions like the Sand Art Festival and Harps on the Coast.

Rhoads said fall is one of the best seasons in Pismo Beach. “You get that post-summer absolute bliss. You get perfect weather and not as many crowds, and honestly as a surfer you get the offshore winds. It’s all around really pleasant and quieter, but tons of events to keep us busy,” she explained.

The Corgi Beach Festival will be held September 12–14, bringing more than 100 corgis and their owners to local hotels, beaches, and events throughout the weekend. Festivities include races, photo shoots, dinners, and brunches, with a free public gathering on September 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rhoads recalled a memorable moment from last year’s brunch: “Somebody played the Ring doorbell sound on a speaker and all the dogs started barking at once. It was hilarious.” The event is organized by SoCal Corgis in partnership with the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau.

In October, the 79th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival will take place October 18–19 at the Pismo Beach Pier. Since 1946, this tradition has brought generations of families and tourists together. Rhoads noted the clams have returned to the shoreline after being absent for decades, making the festival an opportunity to both celebrate and educate. “There are a lot of cool educational opportunities, like teaching kids how to rebury clams. It’s been really fun to see how the festival has transformed over its history,” she said. The parade will be held October 19 at 10 a.m. on Price Street.

November brings new cultural events, including the Sand Art Festival, set for November 6–8. Eight artists from around the world will create large-scale murals across Pismo Beach, stretching from the pier to the Shell Beach cliffs. That same weekend, Harps on the Coast will combine wine tasting with sunset harp performances along the shoreline.

For more information on upcoming fall events in Pismo Beach, visit ExperiencePismoBeach.com.

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Firefighters gain ground on 13,449-acre Dollar Lake Fire, now 8% contained

KIFI on August 27, 2025

News Team

AFTON, Wyo. (KIFI) — After taking advantage of a break in the weather on Tuesday, firefighters have successfully increased containment of the Dollar Lake Fire to 8%, according to a Wednesday release from the U.S. Forest Service Bridger-Teton National Forest. The fire has grown to 13,449 acres.

Yesterday, firefighters concentrated their efforts on securing the southern and eastern flanks of the fire, where they focused on protecting several key locations, including campgrounds, outfitter camps, and the Red Cliff Bible Camp. Crews also worked to build additional containment and contingency lines, particularly on the south side of the fire area.

According to the release, areas on the west and south sides are now prepared for burnout operations. These controlled burns will be initiated once weather conditions become favorable to create a defensive perimeter and prevent further spread.

Evacuation Updates

A mandatory “GO” evacuation order is still in effect for a five-mile radius around Dollar Lake and for the Red Cliff Bible Camp.

Residents in the following areas are currently at a “SET” status, indicating they should be prepared to evacuate:

Moose Gypsum Road

Hill Road

Valley View Trail

Hecox Road

Pine Drive

Rock Creek Road

Brookie Lane

White Point Road

Rainbow Drive

Trout Drive

Cutthroat Drive

River Road

Cattle Drive Lane

Terrace Drive

Half-way Drive

Galley Lane

All residents living along US Hwy 352 South to Richard Lane.

For additional evacuation information, click HERE. The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued a closure order for the area around the fire, including the Green River Lakes Road. The closure is to ensure public and firefighter safety. Additionally, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across the entire forest.

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St. Joseph neighborhood struggles with ongoing drainage issues  

News-Press NOW on August 27, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A family on the South Side of St. Joseph shared concerns about drainage problems in their neighborhood.

The family said, when they reached out to the City of St. Joseph, a crew did come out to work on the issue near Pine Street. Workers used a backhoe to dig the ditches deeper and even removed some of the culverts. 

But the family says the job wasn’t finished — because the culvert in their yard was left clogged with dirt and debris.  

“A crew came down and dug the ditches deeper with a backhoe, but the tube, the culvert that goes underneath the sidewalks and walkways to the houses, are just full of debris and dirt,” St. Joseph resident, David Duncan said.  

He told us his family isn’t the only one dealing with this. Neighbors up and down the street are running into the same issue.  

Ideally, Duncan said he’d like to see the city install an underground sewer system or at least clean out and upgrade the culverts so they can handle more water.  

“Yeah, I have spoken to several people in the area too, and they said they’re aware of the problem, but they feel like their hands are tied, so we hope the city helps us with it,” Duncan said.  

The City said it’s aware of the concerns and plans to send crews back out.

Public Works Director Kevin Schneider explained that while water is flowing and the culverts are functioning, they weren’t fully cleared the first time — and that’s what’s backing things up.  

“We will go down there and clean the culverts out, but they are functioning, and we did drain the water that was called on,” Schnieder said.  

Schneider said geography makes a difference. Because the Kirschner neighborhood sits on flat ground, debris tends to settle in the ditches more quickly.  

“There’s ditches and culverts that happen everywhere, and the dirt gets in the ditch and settles down in the culvert and starts filling up, but if you’re on a hill, it doesn’t impact you as bad,” Schneider said.  

Homeowners and residents are advised to keep the ends of culverts clear of trash and yard waste — a small step that can make a big difference in neighborhoods where water tends to stall. 

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Locals in Yuma react to Monday’s storm

KYMA on August 27, 2025

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Monsoon storms swept through Yuma County on Monday bringing in strong winds, power outages, and localized flooding.

The intense weather created dangerous driving conditions and caused power outages across parts of Yuma County.

Traffic signals can be seen out on Fourth Avenue. Multiple roads were also shut down including one on Fortuna Road near the railroad tracks due to flooding.

Local Charles Sims says, “Water was like a lake in my front yard…I’ve never seen it rain like that in a long time.”

Although skies have cleared up, some locals say they wouldn’t mind seeing more rain as long as it comes without the damage.

Fred Webber explains, “We’d like to see a little more rain but nothing devastating. Of course nobody wants to see a storm that causes damage. I don’t think most of us are used to wet roads and the rainfall but Yuma is a pretty safe town.”

Sims lives in the foothills and says while rain is rare, improving drainage should be a top priority.

“They really need to work on the infrastructure out there as far as the drainage. That’s the problem here in the desert because of the water table and the sand. You get so much water it gets saturated and it has no where to go,” Sims shared.

Drivers are still being urged to use caution as some roads remain closed. For the latest weather updates, click here.

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Willow Creek Fire grows to 4,355 acres, containment at 12%

KIFI on August 27, 2025

News Team

SMOOT, Wyo. (KIFI) — The Willow Creek Fire in Bridger-Teton National Forest has grown to 4,355 acres, but firefighters are making steady progress, achieving 12% containment.

A welcome sight for crews, light showers on Tuesday and widespread showers forecast for today are temporarily helping to reduce the fire’s intensity, according to a U.S. Forest Service release. The damp conditions have allowed firefighters to work directly on the fire’s edge, focusing on building and reinforcing control lines.

However, fire officials warn that a warming and drying trend is expected to return in the coming days, which may contribute to increased fire behavior. Crews are using the current favorable conditions to prioritize structural protection efforts.

The evacuation zones remain at a “SET” status, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. The affected areas are from milepost 75 south to Salt Pass and west of Highway 89, from Reeves-Schwab Lane south to Gomm’s Pond.

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