Recent rainfall prompts Oregon Department of Forestry to lower fire danger level, lift regulated use closure on two units

KTVZ on September 16, 2025

KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will be updating fire season restrictions, effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. The fire danger level for the John Day and Prineville/Sisters Units will be reduced to MODERATE, with Regulated Use Closure being lifted on these two units, which is a result of the recent rainfall.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be reduced to level 2 in MH-1 and in MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County). The Dalles Unit will remain in HIGH fire danger and Regulated Use Closure will remain in effect across Hood River and Wasco counties within the Oregon Department of Forestry District protection boundary, the agency said in a news release that continues below:

These changes to Regulated Use primarily affect ODF-protected lands in: Harney, Grant, Morrow, Gillam, Umatilla, Wheeler, Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties. In all counties across COD, locally enforced burn bans remain in effect and should be followed. If you have questions regarding your local burn status, please reach out to your local ODF office or fire department.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. Though there has been widespread rain across the state, firefighters continue to respond to new lightning and human-caused starts. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

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Border Patrol addresses stash houses in El Paso sector

KVIA on September 16, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Leadership for the Border Patrol El Paso Sector says they are still seeing properties being used by Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) as stash houses. Agents have found more than 158 so far in the 2025 fiscal year, which ends in October.

For comparison, Border Patrol agents in the sector found more than 280 stash houses in fiscal year 2024. The El Paso Sector covers El Paso and Hudspeth counties and all of New Mexico, 125,500 square miles in total.

As ABC-7 reported, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal agencies in the sector arrested 35 migrants along with their smugglers in a human smuggling scheme in Chaparral, New Mexico, at the start of the month.

Watch ABC-7 for more details in our upcoming newscasts.

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St. Joseph man restores St. Patrick’s Cathedral sign

News-Press NOW on September 16, 2025

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One local man is working to preserve a family legacy.

Francis James Talbot, who goes by Jim, his father, and their friend Joe McNary built the sign outside of St. Patrick’s church 60 years ago.

Talbot and his family have lived in St. Joseph their whole lives and have been a part of the church since he was just a boy.

As a boy, Talbot and his father would bond through the construction jobs. He recalled, his dad would bring him to project sites after he got out of school.

Now all grown up, Talbot had begun to notice the sign beginning to wear down and asked Father Davis, of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, if he could restore the sign with his friends, Dale Frankum and Brett Profits.

Father Davis let the group commence, and Talbot was emotional with the nostalgia.

“Means quite a bit. I kind of get a little emotional when I think about it,” said Talbot.

With his friends’ help, Talbot restored what his father once built, and their memories of bonding through construction live on.

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Columbia man accused of stabbing victim, spitting blood on cop

KMIZ on September 16, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor after he allegedly stabbed someone multiple times and spit blood on a police officer early Monday.

Lawrence Johnson, 60, was charged with first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, resisting arrest and misdemeanor fourth-degree assault. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A hearing was held Tuesday afternoon.

The probable cause statement says police were called at 12:38 a.m. Monday for a report of a domestic dispute. The victim had been stabbed in their back, had blood on their hands and was brought to University Hospital, the statement says. It was determined he was stabbed in his back, right forearm and right knee, the statement says.

A witness allegedly told police that Johnson had been drinking and demanded everyone leave his property, the statement says. Johnson allegedly first started arguing with people and the victim tried to restrain him before leaving, the statement says. The victim forgot their phone, went back to the home to get it and was stabbed by Johnson in the yard, the statement says.

Police later arrived to the residence and a standoff began around 1 a.m. and Johnson surrendered at 4:31 a.m., the statement says. Johnson was brought to University Hospital and allegedly spit blood on the face, eye and mouth of a Columbia police officer, the statement says.

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Columbia lawmaker and nurse shares COVID-19 experience amid changing vaccine guidelines

KMIZ on September 16, 2025

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

It’s been more than five years after the COVID-19 pandemic but it still weighs heavily on some nurses.

State Rep. Gregg Bush shared his experience working during the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday amid the backdrop of increased scrutiny and changing guidelines for vaccines. Bush gathered along other nurses in Mid-Missouri at the Columbia Public Library.

Bush is a registered nurse who worked in public health care during the global emergency. Bush said he realized COVID was going to spread as quickly as it did when he heard about the virus spreading in Italy.

He said one of the things many people in the public may not have fully understood at the time, is that nurses weren’t solely treating COVID patients.

“There were people that missed their dialysis. There’s people that came in with DKA. All of that is still going on. All of this underlying stuff that is still going on in society that is in our hospital today at the same time as this unknown respiratory virus going on,” Bush said.

Another issue health care workers experienced at the time was the spread of misinformation, which Bush referred to as another “pathogen” they have to deal with. Director of Nursing for MU Health Care for the Office of Professional Practice Jessica Haney said it made it made it hard for nurses to know what was true.

“It was just hard to know, ‘is this the right way?’ And if what this other group is saying contradicts, where’s their evidence?” Haney said. “I think at some point you just have to shut it off because it just kind of kept spiraling of who do you believe?”

While Bush looks to reflect on the past, many health care providers are now complying with new guidelines related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the fall and winter season in August. The regulations now state that Americans will be required to get a prescription to receive a COVID-19 vaccination unless they are 65 years or older or have underlying health conditions that put them at risk.

Healthy children under age 18 will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine after consulting with their health care provider.

Bush said he has a hard time trusting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the source for making the new guidelines.

“I know for a fact that there was a before vaccine and after vaccine and I know that there are people who would not be alive today if there were not access to vaccines,” Bush said. “The good news about science is when I get new data, I get to change my mind and it doesn’t make me weak. It makes me strong. And If there is good science involved with this, I think it should be presented.”

MU Health Care announced in a press release on Tuesday that it plans to host more than 200 COVID and flu vaccination events across Central Missouri this month and in October. The first event will be held in Jefferson City on Sept. 27 at the Madison Street Medical Building. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon.

A second event will be held on Oct. 11 at the same place and time.

In Columbia, people will be able to receive a COVID or flu shot through drive-thru events on Oct. 18 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

People can also receive the shots at Fulton Family Health on Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to noon.

MU Health Care spokesman Eric Maze told ABC 17 News via email Tuesday that COVID vaccines will only be available for adults 65 and older or adults with a qualifying condition who can attest that they meet one or more risk factors.

“If a person cannot attest to high risk but still wishes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they can consult with a primary care practitioner and receive a vaccine from a clinic or pharmacy with a practitioner’s order,” Maze said.

Boone Health spokesman Christian Basi said in a statement Tuesday that the hospital group is “following the news” related to vaccine guidelines.

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Construction begins on new Pocatello Pathway from Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek

KIFI on September 16, 2025

News Team

The following is a news release from the city of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Construction is underway on the Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek Road Pathway Project, located on the east side of Interstate I-15 in Pocatello.

The project is progressing steadily with current work including excavation, backfilling, and the construction of retaining walls at both the north and south ends of the pathway. Crews are also making improvements to the storm drainage system and installing new Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible ramps along Monte Vista Drive.

This multi-use pathway is being developed to operate independently of vehicle traffic, significantly increasing safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists. It is designed to connect to Pocatello’s existing pathway network and will enhance mobility between nearby residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. This phase also marks a major step in establishing direct pathway connectivity between the Idaho State University campus and the Portneuf Wellness Complex.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2025, with minimal impacts to nearby traffic and property access anticipated during construction.

Funding for the project is provided through a Transportation Alternatives Program Grant, administered by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council. The required 7.34% local match is being fully funded by community nonprofit partners, including the Portneuf Health Trust and the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, resulting in no financial burden to the City of Pocatello.

For project updates and additional information, visit projects.pocatello.gov.

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Palm Desert Aquatic Center suspends lap pool operations due to filtration system issues

KESQ on September 16, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Aquatic Center (PDAC) is temporarily suspending its lap pool operations due to ongoing issues with the facility’s filtration system.

Officials said weekend recreation swim will continue, but the lap pool will be closed until major repairs can be completed. The decision follows repeated episodes of reduced water clarity in the lap pool, especially during the summer months when pool use was high and outdoor temperatures triggered increased strain on the system.

Recent visibility issues have required intermittent closures to comply with public health guidelines and ensure swimmer safety.

A full replacement of the facility’s filter and pump systems is scheduled to begin in November 2025. The work will include new filtration systems for all three pools, upgraded heaters, and pump replacements.

Officials said renovations will result in overall improved pump room operations. The entire facility will close for approximately 8 to 10 weeks during the renovation, with a projected reopening in early 2026.

“The pump room equipment, including filtration systems, pumps, and heaters currently in place were installed when the facility opened in 2011. Over time, regular wear, extreme weather, and aging materials, particularly damaged fiberglass seals around the filter tanks, have compromised the system’s ability to maintain clear water. Water clarity is an important safety consideration, as main drains must be visible per the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health requirements. While staff have implemented short-term solutions and even attempted repairs, these efforts have not been sufficient to support a consistent lap swim schedule,” reads an update from the PDAC.

The aquatic center operator, Family YMCA of the Desert, in coordination with City staff, have determined that at this time, lap swim sessions can no longer be offered reliably under current conditions. The recreation and splash pools, which are less impacted, will remain open.

Updated schedules can be found at pdpool.com.

A full replacement of the facility’s filter and pump systems is scheduled to begin in November 2025. The work will include new filtration systems for all three pools, upgraded heaters, and pump replacements. These renovations will result in overall improved pump room operations. The entire facility will close for approximately 8 to 10 weeks during the renovation, with a projected reopening in early 2026.

Guests with questions about schedule impacts, refunds, or pass holds are encouraged to contact PDAC staff at 760-565-7467 or visit the facility’s website at pdpool.com. For regular updates on the pump room construction project, visit engagepalmdesert.com/pool.

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Firefighters Stop Hydrant Geyser in Oxnard

KEYT on September 16, 2025

Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) – Oxnard firefighters came to the rescue when a broken fire hydrant created a geyser.

It happened late Tuesday morning on Harbor Boulevard near The Colony neighborhood and Costa De Oro.

People working and living nearby could see the water shooting up into the air.

It had just started flooding the street when an engine from Oxnard Fire Station 6 arrived.

Firefighers quickly used a giant hydrant wrench to stop the hydrant water from flowing.

It is not clear how the hydrant got knocked into the street.

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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Pocatello horse-based therapy program hosting fundraiser event with celebrity guest Wednesday

KIFI on September 16, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Bridle Up Hope, a non-profit equestrian-based therapy and self-esteem building program, is hosting ‘A Night of Hope’ fundraiser event with food, live music, and an appearance from national rodeo star Amberley Snyder on Wednesday, September 17.

The Night of Hope event will be Bridle Up Hope’s first major fundraiser event since organizers brought the international organization to Pocatello in 2022.

“We are looking for support from the community to help girls, women, and horses of Bridle Up Hope,” said Lana Davies, program director for Bridle Up Hope in Pocatello. “Through support of a fundraiser, those funds are going to go into our scholarship fund to help girls and women who can’t afford the program to be able to participate in a life-changing experience.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help women and girls pay the tuition for the program, which includes self-esteem and therapy curriculum based on the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” combined with horse care and riding activities to help participants overcome challenges and develop goals.

Guests at the fundraiser event will have the opportunity to interact with the horses and past and present participants of the Bridle Up Hope program. Mastercraft Pool and Spa is also sponsoring a visit from Amberley Snyder, a national rodeo star who has won multiple titles in breakaway roping despite being paralyzed in a car accident in 2010; Snyder’s story was portrayed in the Netflix film “Walk.Ride.Rodeo” in 2019.

The Night of Hope event will be on Wednesday, September 17, at The Hive in Chubbuck from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For ticket information, you can visit Bridle Up Hope Pocatello’s Facebook page.

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League of Women Voters set up shop at ISU for National Voter Registration Day event

KIFI on September 16, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The League of Women Voters of Pocatello set up voter registration stations at the Pond Student Union building and Eli M. Oboler Library at Idaho State University in honor of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday.

The League’s annual outreach event aims to provide an accessible opportunity for university students and staff to register to vote in time to make it to the polls this fall.

“In today’s world, everyone needs to have a voice,” said Susan Carter, member of the League of Women Voters Pocatello. “The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization whose main goal is to educate voters on the choices they have and to make sure that they get out and have their voices heard.”

The League of Women Voters is also hosting a Pocatello city candidate forum on September 29 where candidates for mayor and city council will be asked questions submitted by residents.

For more information on the upcoming forum and how to register to vote, visit the League of Women Voters Pocatello website or vote.gov, the official government website for online voter registration.

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