‘Figure out how to run a smoother system:’ CO veterans frustrated with navigating VA resources

KTVZ on August 18, 2025

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  A disabled veteran and his wife in Powell Butte say they are drowning in medical bills after losing their VA medical benefits. Matthew Draxton spoke with him and another veteran who says navigating the available resources through the VA is difficult.

“I’m a veteran of 21 years, three deployments, Iraq for a total of three year and eight months,” said Dennis Brophy, a retired veteran living in Powell Butte. Ten years ago when Brophy retired he and his wife enrolled in Champ VA, healthcare for veterans.

“We thought that being a veteran and spouse, that TriCare and Champ VA were our primary, for the rest of our lives,” Brophy continued.

At the time when they were well over a decade before turning 65. They didn’t know when they turned 65, they would no longer receive Champ VA coverage unless they were also enrolled in Medicare, both Part A and B. Brophy points to a lack of communication as the reason for not knowing this detail.

He said, “there’s no clear communication from the VA. There’s a pamphlet that they gave us and it’s not clearly explained.”

This sentiment is not uncommon among other Central Oregon veterans. Local disabled Vietnam veteran Bill Gabriel, shares the frustrations.

“Understand most of the Vets that get out don’t think they need medical– the Iraqi and Afghan vets. I have to talk them into going to get their card,” Gabriel said.

The issue for Brophy though, is not needing to file for Medicare, it’s about principal of having to pay a premium each month.

“I don’t have A and B and paying that extra money, who can afford that nowadays? I can’t afford $300 for you know, something that I should be getting from the army,” Brophy explained.

Gabriel added, “I don’t remember them saying I’d have to pay a copay when I signed up and got sent to Vietnam.”

Gabriel notes when he enlisted he was under the impression that health care would be provided to him at no cost once he became a veteran. Now that he has been a veteran for many years, and has dealt with the VA, he believes navigating the VA’s resources is not easy.

“They need to figure out how to run a smoother system. Most of us old vets don’t know how to navigate the system,” Gabriel said, pointing to a lack of communication by staff, workers lacking education on resources, and the process being too complicated.

“They said we streamlined it, you go home, you get on your computer and fill up the form for this. Well, it took me watching six videos before I could actually figure out which one you needed,” Gabriel says, adding if you need immediate attention, you can expect long wait times.

“You don’t have anybody in the front counters, you really can’t do that. You call the VA and in Portland especially, it says ‘because the call volume, you’re going to have to leave a message,'” Gabriel said. He continued, “three weeks later, they haven’t gotten back to me. That’s not streamlined, that’s not helping veterans.”

Both Brophy and Gabriel say they feel like the system is cheating veterans as a whole.

“You know they say, ‘oh we appreciate your service,’ but that’s just a fallacy,” Brophy hypothesized.

“Veterans sigh an open check. If you will give your life for the country, that’s your part of the contract. Their part of the contract is to take care of you.”

KTVZ reached out to the Central Oregon Vets Center for comment on what they’re doing to help better connect veterans with vital resources, but we did not get a response to our inquiry.

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ISP releases records from Unviersity of Idaho Murders investigation

KIFI on August 18, 2025

News Team

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police (ISP) has launched a new webpage for the public to access records related to the 2022 Moscow homicide investigation. This action follows the complete resolution of the case, after Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students and was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year.

The murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin shook the small college town of Moscow, initiating a months-long, multi-agency investigation. Bryan Kohberger was arrested on December 30, 2022, and later charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. According to ISP, extensive investigation created a large volume of records that are now being made available to the public.

ISP-generated police reports are currently available. To view these records, click HERE. As more records are reviewed and approved for public release, ISP says they will be added to this online folder.

Despite the extensive nature of the online records available, ISP has clarified that only its own records will be included on the site. Records from other law enforcement and partner agencies—such as the Moscow Police Department, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI—are maintained by those organizations. ISP is directing that individuals making requests for additional records make their request to the respective custodian agency.

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Local author shares her new book, ‘Dear Drew: Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief’

KYMA on August 18, 2025

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Melissa Hull, a local author, talked about a book signing she’ll be having this week for her new book, “Dear Drew: Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief.”

According to Hull, the book chronicles her life after she lost her son in May of 2000.

“So, it’s been a 25-year journey that I’ve been on, and during that time I’ve had to learn how to live alongside my grief,” Hull shared.

While she said she sought out traditional therapy and religious pastors and spiritual leaders, Hull said there was something missing and “couldn’t find it.”

“So, ‘Dear Drew’ [is a guidebook]. It’s all of my best practices, all of the teachings and the learning that I have. Gone through over this 25-year journey in one book, [it’s] one resource for people so that they can feel supported, they can feel seen, they can feel guided, and then ultimately inspired to create a life that is bigger than the grief they carry.”

Melissa Hull

When asked what the central core message for her readers in how to deal with the initial grief of losing a child, Hull said:

“I believe fully that grief is not a problem that needs to be solved. It is an experience that we need to grow through. I believe that love will always outlast life and and so with that in mind, I wanted to create a book that allowed people to look at grief as more of an opportunity for expansion, for more of the opportunities to hold on and to retain the love. They shared with their loved one even after their loss. So this book is really about how to go about learning to coincide with pain and purpose, love and life. It’s about how to continue on in honor of our loved ones and not leaving them behind, but to still create a life of beauty and fulfillment for ourselves instead of instead of being limited to the pain that we feel from the loss.”

Hull is holding a book signing at Barnes and Noble, located at 819 W. 32nd Street, Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

She also offers free resources on her website, which you can find HERE.

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Council OKs opioid settlement funds for Community Missions and six other groups

News-Press NOW on August 18, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local organizations working to treat, educate and prevent opioid and substance abuse received a boost in funding at Monday’s City Council meeting from the latest round of opioid settlement funds.  

From non-profit groups to law enforcement, groups like Community Missions, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and the Samaritan Center were approved as recipients of 2025 settlement awards, the second round of funding since it began in 2024. 

A total of $125,600 will be awarded in 2025, $84,000 from the city and $41,600 from the county. Approximately $156,000 was awarded in 2024. 

St. Joseph and Buchanan County received roughly $2 million in opioid settlement funds as part of a massive $26 billion settlement in 2021 following lawsuits from dozens of states against the country’s top opioid manufacturers. 

Awards are only given to groups that prioritize treatment, education or prevention of opioid and substance abuse.

Funding awards in 2025: 

1. Community Missions Corporation: $58,670

Aftercare Specialist position

The Aftercare Specialist position will engage people experiencing homelessness that suffer from co-occurring disorders including opioid and other substance use disorders, currently being solicited by a housing opportunity. 

An Aftercare Specialist is instrumental in the success of overcoming addiction and securing housing, preventing reoccurring institutionalization. Funding will be reimbursed for invoiced, allowable costs.

2. Alano Club of St. Joseph: $5,000

Reimbursement for conference/meeting room furniture

This funding will purchase conference and meeting room furniture for use during on-site meetings, events, and activities for the education regarding, and prevention of, substance use disorder and/or co-occurring mental health conditions. Meeting spaces are provided at no cost to participants.

3. Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office: $5,000

Reimbursement for medication prescribed and administered as part of a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for individuals that are incarcerated at the Buchanan County Jail.

Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has operational oversight of the Buchanan County Jail, and is responsible for the fair and firm care, custody, and control of all sentenced and non-sentenced inmates charged to the care of the Sheriff. The BCSO provides a complete range of services for all inmates while they are incarcerated, including necessary and appropriate medical care. This includes providing MAT services to inmates under the direction of a qualified medical provider.

4. Mid-City Excellence (MCE) Community Learning Center: $11,000

1. Reimbursement for opioid prevention curriculum and training $7,3002. Reimbursement for transportation components $1,8003. Reimbursement for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports $1,900

Funding will be utilized to purchase opioid prevention curriculum and provide training for lead coaches and instructors of the curriculum. Funding will also be used to purchase fuel, van insurance, and to make van repairs as needed, to allow for transportation of participating youth and accompanying adults, to and from field trips, outreach, and expanded weekend programs.

Finally, funding will be used to purchase Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentives, allow for career exposure field trips, and cover costs associated with an End-of-Year Youth Showcase, for youth participants, as these activities provide healthy alternatives to substance use for MCE program participants.

5. New Seasons St. Joe Metro Treatment Center: $5,000

1. Pre-paid bus passes to be purchased from St. Joseph Transit for patients to utilize for transportation to and/or from provided appointments.

2. Reimbursement for Uber Health transportation rides, utilized for patients with transportation barriers, so that they may attend necessary services.

The target population will be patients 19 years and over, with a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), experiencing transportation barriers. Each bus pass will be specific to and for use only by the recipient. The Uber Health transportation model shall be reserved for patients who meet specified criteria. Funding will be reimbursed for invoiced, allowable costs.

6. The Samaritan Center: $32,140

1. Peer Support Specialist position $31,0002. Transit passes for clients receiving substance use disorder services $3603. Mileage reimbursement for PRSS staff travel for business purposes $780

The Peer Support Specialist position will engage and support people in treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder and/or mental health conditions through evidence-based programs and strategies, providing counseling, peer support, recovery case management and treatment with access to medications for those who need it. 

Once established, some services performed by this position will be billable for MO-HealthNet and Medicare reimbursement, to help promote future sustainability of the position. Funding will be reimbursed for invoiced, allowable costs. St. Joseph Transit bus passes will be provided to clients receiving treatment for substance use disorder that also experience transportation barriers. Finally, funding will allow for the reimbursement of mileage costs incurred by a Peer Recovery Support Specialist working with people in treatment for substance use disorder, traveling for business purposes.

7. Youth Alliance: $8,790

1. Support high school Youth Summit and support activities $3,1102. Equipment and supplies for middle school events $4,1103. Youth engagement items for coalition capacity building $7004. Equipment and supplies for high school prevention groups $870

Funding will be used to reimburse expenses related to the High School Youth Summit event, an interactive day of learning focused on substance use prevention and mental health awareness. 

Further, funding will provide supplies and equipment to support substance use prevention and educational activities for middle-school aged youth, by creating societal norms around social events that do not promote or include drug use or the consumption of alcohol. 

Funding will help support community-based education and/or intervention services for youth outreach, and educational items to help engage youth in programming and build the capacity of the Partners in Prevention coalition within the community. Finally, funding will support evidence-informed high school prevention programs or curricula to provide substance use prevention and activities providing an alternative to substance or alcohol use.

Youth Alliance coordinates the Partners for Prevention coalition that promotes substance use prevention strategies for youth within the community. Their work focuses on making changes in societal norms regarding substance use, and they challenge local youth to choose a life free of substances and addiction through the incorporation of alternate activities and behaviors. 

Substance use prevention strategies include, but are not limited to, facilitating monthly coalition meetings, coordinating an annual Youth Symposium event for high school students, facilitating middle and high school substance use prevention events employing tools and resources to demonstrate effects of substance use, supporting local data collection and dissemination, partnering to offer messaging and other education toward substance use prevention, working with other local agencies to offer unified education and outreach efforts.

City to resurface Hy-Vee bus station parking lot

A popular city-owned bus station by Hy-Vee is in line for a series of asphalt tune ups.

Councilmembers approved a $109,000 purchase order with Herzog Contracting Corp. for an asphalt overlay project at the Hy-Vee bus station parking lot.

Crews will perform a 2” mill and overlay of the bus lot and driving lanes, including furnishing and installing pavement markings where needed.

City sets out on improvements to Fairview Golf Course

Monday’s meeting saw the approval of a $210,000 work order with Transystems Corporation for design services to improve Fairview Golf Course. Design services will be funded with Parks Sales Tax funds.

The popular golf course is in need of improvements to help support its long-term functionality and support efficient water management for irrigation.

Key components of the planned improvements include:

Site surveying using aerial LiDAR or photogrammetry.

Hydraulic analysis and modeling of the stream feeding into the pond.

Environmental permitting support through coordination with the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers (USACE).

Dredging of the existing silted-in ponds located through the center of the golf course.

Construction of a new pedestrian/cart bridge structure to replace the aging bridgespanning the pond.

Council hears first reading on Aquatic Park lap pool demolition

Councilmembers heard a first reading on a $239,000 contract with TNR Construction, LLC, to demolish the lap pool and slides at the Aquatic Park on South Noyes Boulevard, two structures that have long out of service.

Despite the planned demolition of the structures, the existing shallow activity pool and lazy river will remain in place and be available for residents in future pool seasons.

Councilmembers previously approved a contract last August for design services for demolition of the Aquatic Park lap pool, a project that hinged on the city agreeing to a partnership with the YMCA for a $15 million indoor aquatic center up north, a 35,000 square foot facility.

A final vote on demolition is expected to take place at the next council meeting on Monday, Sept. 1

City transfers land ownership for highway intersection project

Councilmembers approved the execution of a quit claim deed for a tract of land adjoining Highway 169 at the intersection of Route FF to the state of Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.

The MHTC has requested the city relinquish the rights to the property adjoining Highway 169 at Route FF as part of the upcoming project that will see MoDOT redesign the intersection.

Intersection improvements will include the addition of left-turning lanes on 169, channelized right turn lanes on FF and 49th Street, bulb-outs for large vehicles, and intersection lighting.

Outside the intersection, MoDOT will also be extending the nearby culvert and grading the clear zone, and extending the left turn lane from the intersection of FF and 169 to UPS.

City approves $600,000 for landfill equipment rebuilt program

Roughly $611,000 will be used to purchase a CAT Certified Rebuild and Reusability Programfrom Foley Equipment Co. for St. Joseph Sanitary Landfill.

The landfill’s Caterpillar D8T Dozer, purchased in 2013 for $606,321.93, has accumulated approximately 18,791 operational hours and services as a key asset for daily operations, including moving waste on the active face, maintaining overfilled areas, and removing shale and cap rock.

This unit is equipped with a caterpillar waste handler package, which includes enhanced guarding and upgraded filtration systems specifically designed for landfill environments.

Purchasing a new 2026 Caterpillar D8 Dozer equipped with the same waste handler package would cost approximately $1,230,000.00.

To extend the life of the existing unit at a lower cost, the department is pursuing a Cat Certified Rebuild through Foley Equipment Co., a designated Caterpillar Dealer and the exclusive Certified Rebuild Dealer for our region

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Two officers killed, deputy and K9 injured responding to domestic disturbance in Tremonton

KIFI on August 18, 2025

Curtis Jackson

UPDATE:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) — Two Tremonton Garland police officers were shot and killed Sunday night while a Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy and a police K9 were injured, all while responding to a domestic disturbance in Tremonton, Utah.

The incident began around 9:02 PM on August 17, 2025, when multiple 911 calls were made from a home in the area of 700 N. 200 E. in Tremonton. Two officers from the Tremonton Garland Police Department responded to the home. As the first officer spoke with the caller, a man came out of the residence with a gun and opened fire, striking and killing both officers.

A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, who was on the way to assist, arrived at the scene, and the man fired into the deputy’s vehicle, injuring both the deputy and the police service dog. Both were taken to a hospital and a specialty veterinary clinic and are in fair condition.

According to a statement from the Brigham City Police Department, bystanders convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, and he was taken into custody by other responding officers. He was booked into the Box Elder County Jail on charges of aggravated murder. The Weber County Attorney’s Office is leading the homicide investigation.

Due to the violent nature of the incident, a SWAT team was called to clear the home and ensure there was no remaining threat.

The Brigham City Police Department released a statement saying, “Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state, and even nation. These officers and their families served theirs every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tremonton Garland Police Department, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, and the families of those involved. We are grateful for the swift response from multiple agencies from Box Elder, Weber, and Cache Counties.”

ORIGINAL:

TREMONTON, Utah (KIFI) – Two police officers were killed in a shooting Sunday night in Tremonton, Utah.  A Sheriff’s deputy and a K9 were also injured in the shooting.

It happened when the officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home on 700 North and 200 East around 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Police said after the officers arrived at the home, a man with a gun came out and shot two officers.

Other responding officers soon took the suspect into custody.

The deputy and K9 are expected to be okay.

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Police asking for help finding truck linked to fatal crash on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

KVIA on August 18, 2025

Carter Diggs

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations Unit is asking for the public’s help in identifying a truck believed to have been involved in a fatal crash on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Monday.

“The truck may have damage to the right side,” investigators explain. They add that the pickup truck is believed to be dark in color. They do not have any additional details on the truck’s make or model.

Police identified Oscar Lopez, 52, as the man who died in the early-morning crash.

Call the El Paso Police non-emergency line at 915-832-4400 or Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477.

Update (4:50 PM): El Paso Police officials announced Oscar Lopez, 52, died after a crash on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the northeast this morning.

The crash happened just before 5:30 AM. Special Traffic Investigators say a truck was driving south on the boulevard when it swerved to avoid a collision. Investigators say the driver lost control of the truck and it went into oncoming traffic, hitting two cars.

Lopez, who was driving in one of the other two cars, died at the hospital.

ORIGINAL STORY (August 18, 2025): One person is in the hospital after a crash in Northeast El Paso. Special traffic investigators are on the scene at the 13100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. after police were notified of the crash at 5:30 a.m.

We have a crew en route to the scene and will update this article as we learn more.

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Palm Springs Police Department reminding drivers to stay sober during the last days of summer

KESQ on August 18, 2025

Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As summer comes to a close, the Palm Springs Police Department is reminding drivers to stay safe and sober behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,200 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2023.

Palm Springs Police officers are increasing patrols and watching for signs of impaired driving. Drivers are urged to use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation if they plan to drink. Driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana and prescription medications, is also illegal and dangerous.

Police also remind everyone to buckle up, follow speed limits, and stay alert especially with more people out enjoying the final days of summer.

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Road closures in El Paso County for the week of August 18 – August 22

KVIA on August 18, 2025

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Today is Monday, August 18.

Here’s a complete list of TxDOT’s road closures for August 18 – August 22.

I-10 Widening West 2 has some full closures coming up to place pavement markings, Wednesday night westbound at Vinton to Anthony, and Thursday eastbound at Anthony to Vinton, detouring traffic to the frontage roads, no problem.  

Paisano Bridge will close the westbound lanes Monday (or Tuesday depending on weather) starting at 8PM until as late at 6AM to move barrier and stripe to fully open those lanes. While they can move barrier in the rain, they cannot stripe, so watch the clouds and you’ll know what to expect there.

Montana Widening will close the eastbound frontage road at Joe Battle Thursday, August 21 at 9PM for paving and that means it’s a NO GO zone, and if you approach that intersection you’ll be turned back via a turnaround.

 Eastbound Geronimo exit closing daytime Wednesday, so not the day to go to Costco from the west side; and check spall repair schedule if you plan to be out past 9PM and headed westbound on the 10 Monday through Thursday nights next week.

Texas Gas has an issue at North Mesa at Executive, and they require a week-long closure starting Monday, August 18.

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DRIVER ALERT: Traffic pattern changes for Tejon Street project in downtown Colorado Springs

KRDO on August 18, 2025

Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A block of Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs will be closed this week for milling and paving as part of an ongoing revitalization project.

The closure will be between Colorado and Pikes Peak avenues, the area that has received much of the work since the $8.6 million project began in late March.

Also possible is a lane shift on northbound Tejon, just north of the Pikes Peak intersection, allowing Colorado Springs Utilities to work on its electric system; some concrete removal and replacement could start on the southeast corner of that intersection.

In a release issued Friday, the city said that the project has now reached the halfway point.

The improvements will expand outdoor dining areas and sidewalks, increase public safety, and improve pedestrian accessibility and business activity.

Expanding outdoor dining was a strategy first used downtown during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Existing sidewalks will remain open during this round of construction.

In two weeks — after Labor Day weekend — the next phase of the project begins with a full closure of Tejon between Pikes Peak and Kiowa Street.

The project’s cost is shared by the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Downtown Development Authority, and the city’s Parking Enterprise.

Officials expect to complete the project by the end of the year; the long-range plan is to continue the improvements farther north on Tejon as funding becomes available.

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Jefferson City School District kicks off the 2025-26 year Monday

KMIZ on August 18, 2025

Jazsmin Halliburton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City School District is kicking off the 2025-26 school year Monday morning, as students will be introduced to the new statewide cellphone policy in schools.

In July, Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 banning the use of cell phones during instructional time, lunch breaks, study halls and between class periods, for all K-12 students.

To implement the law, during school hours, cellphones must be turned off or on silent mode and stored in their backpacks or lockers.

This new state law requires all school districts to have the no-phone policy, even if the district already had one in place. In the past, the Jefferson City School District had a no-phone policy, that was only enforced in the classrooms. Due to the new law, the policy will be extended to the other areas of the school.

ABC 17 News spoke to Jefferson City School District Superintendent Bryan McGraw about the adjustment period for students and teachers as the first day of the policy takes place. “I think we work with kids and parents on implementing it and make it, safe space for all and have a great cooperation between both parties and work within the complexities of the law, of course” said McGraw.

Superintendent McGraw told ABC 17 news last week if a student is caught using their phone, the consequence depends on where and how the phone was being used. It also depends on how often the student is caught using their phone.  On Monday, McGraw said the administration will work with the student and parent to try to find common ground and work within the law.

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