Police search for man in connection to murder in Somerton

KYMA on September 29, 2025

Abraham Retana

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Somerton Police Department (SPD) is searching for a man in connection to a shooting which left one person dead.

According to a press release, the shooting happened in the area of W. Cactus Street and Mendota Avenue before 11:00 p.m. Sunday.

SPD says the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Ignacio Bedoy of Somerton, confronted his estranged wife and the victim, a 31-year-old man, after he arrived armed and shot the man, who died at the scene.

Bedoy then “fired blindly into an occupied apartment” where multiple children and adults were hiding, SPD says.

After that, SPD said Bedoy fled the area in a black Chevrolet Camaro convertible bearing Arizona license plate number PLA90V.

Courtesy: Somerton Police Department

He is described by SPD as a Hispanic man, approximately five-feet, ten-inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes, and “was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.”

SPD says Bedoy is considered armed and dangerous, and is asking the community if they see him, do not approach and call 911 immediately.

The investigation remains ongoing, and if anyone has information regarding the case, call SPD at (928) 627-2011 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

Press release 2025-8478 HOMICIDE – Sept 2025Download

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A second American Furniture Warehouse is coming to Colorado Springs

KRDO on September 29, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A second American Furniture Warehouse is coming to Colorado Springs, according to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD).

The department says that permits have been issued for a location off Powers and Dublin Boulevards. PPRBD says the 345,000 square foot project will cost roughly $45 million, making the furniture superstore larger than the other existing location near I-25 and Filmore Street.

“Crews have been moving dirt and prepping the site for several weeks. Now with the permit in place they can start to build,” said a spokesperson with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.

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New fleet of SJPD vehicles, streets equipment and chicken regulations approved by City Council

News-Press NOW on September 29, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph police officers will see a new fleet of top-of-the-line vehicles added to the department’s inventory following approval by city officials on Monday. 

Monday’s City Council meeting saw the approval of three resolutions totaling $1 million to purchase 18 new SUVs for the St. Joseph Police Department, including four Chevy Equinox, 14 2026 Chevy Tahoes and necessary equipment — including vehicle laptops — using Police Sales Tax funds.

“This allows them to really respond effectively and efficiently to all different types of situations, to be visible out in our neighborhoods,” St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said. “I think it really shows our commitment to our officers as well as to this community that we are equipping them with the best equipment that that we can.”

New Chevy Tahoes will be deployed as police pursuit vehicles for patrol officers, while the Equinox will be utilized as unmarked police vehicles. Just over $55,000 in funding will come from the department’s School Resource Officer agreement with the St. Joseph School District.

The new SUVs mark the second round of large-scale purchases in the last year to modernize the department’s fleet of aging and outdated vehicles. Councilmembers approved using $1,071,440 in American Rescue Plan Act funds last November to purchase 20 sterling grey 2025 Chevy Tahoes.

“I think we’re almost to the finish line. As you modernize the fleet, it’s expensive on the front end but it’s also really expensive trying to maintain an old fleet of cars,” Luster said. “So in the end, this is really a cost effective way that ultimately will save taxpayer dollars. We want to be thinking five years ahead.”

Council OKs $1 million for road repair projects, $1 million for street maintenance equipment upgrades

Councilmembers gave the green light to use $2 million for multiple roadway improvement projects and a host of related equipment upgrades for the city’s Street Maintenance Department.

Equipment purchases will include $347,117 for a new street sweeper, $355,377 for six 4×4 Chevy pickups and $200,000 for a Caterpillar motor grader, a large commercial machine used for snow removal and alley maintenance operations.

One notable purchase includes using $104,306 in marijuana sales tax funds to purchase one international cab and chassis, also called a half truck, for department operations. The purchase marks one of the first to use marijuana sales tax funds, which up until now have been kept in a restricted fund.

Roadway improvement projects approved by City Council: 

$624,878 for the Easton Road Resurfacing Project, including asphalt and overlay. This portion of road is an addition to the initial 150-by-40-foot section of concrete, creating a continuous run of new road.

$181,848 for concrete street replacement at the intersection of Leonard Road and Easton Road. This project will widen Easton Road east of Leonard by 16 feet for the first 150 feet, providing a safer and more manageable entrance for the heavy over-the-road traffic serving the business park, as well as for citizens and professionals traveling in the area. The remaining portion of the road will be removed and replaced with full-depth asphalt extending to 48th Terrace, upon approval of a separate resolution.

$197,825 to reinforce a section of road near 3801 N. Woodbine Road. This section of Woodbine Road has never had a shoulder and has now begun to erode, creating a drop-off of approximately nine feet at its deepest point, making the area unsafe. The proposed repair includes building up the area with compacted fill dirt placed in lifts, followed by installation of a row of gabion baskets on anti-erosion material with a roll stone cap.

New rules for keeping chickens and fowl on private property

St. Joseph residents will now see revised regulations that loosen restrictions for keeping chickens and fowl on private property. 

Current regulations state that it is unlawful for any person to pen fowl upon any premises within 100 feet of any building or structure of any kind occupied by human inhabitants.

New regulations significantly restructure permitted distances of fowl from neighboring property depending on the number of fowl kept, among other changes.

New regulations for fowl:

Three or less fowl: Must be 25 feet from neighboring residences

Four to six fowl: Must be 50 feet from neighboring residences

Seven to 12 fowl: Must be 100 feet from neighboring residences

Fowl are required to be at least six feet from all property lines and in a fenced enclosure, coop or cage that is maintained and clean at all times in a sanitary manner that mitigates flies and disease.

A full list of regulations can be found here on the city’s website. 

City to begin using AI technology to grade road conditions

St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation will deploy the next generation of cutting-edge technology to help grade and improve the condition of St. Joseph’s streets and roadways.

Councilmembers approved a $15,380 ordinance Monday to purchase new AI-powered software from Vaisala Inc, called RoadAI. 

The program operates by recording street surfaces using smartphones while an inspector drives the route. The video is uploaded nightly to a cloud-based AI program with condition ratings being available within hours.

Data is then exported to Excel and imported into Cartegraph — an operations and asset management software platform — for use in determining overlay lists, concrete repair lists and other maintenance priorities.

City Hall scheduled for interior paint job

St. Joseph’s historic administration building is set to undergo a thorough interior paint project with council members approving a $73,399 contract for paint services Monday. 

At present, the hallways and stairwells, including walls and ceilings, are in visible need of plaster repair and repainting. Plaster repairs will be performed on an as-needed basis throughout the hallways, ceilings, and stairwells of the first through fourth floors. Upon completion of repairs, all affected surfaces will be primed and painted to ensure a consistent and refreshed finish. 

Hallway-facing door frames that are not commercial-grade metal will also be painted as part of this scope. Contractor GA Thompson has been hired to carry out the project. 

Other bills approved by City Council

A resolution authorizing the purchase of a new Bobcat Compact Track Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $77,164 for the Park Maintenance Division, utilizing Parks Sales Tax Funds.

A resolution authorizing the purchase of two 2026 International HV507 cab and chassis to be used by the Sewer Maintenance Division for the total amount of $208,612 from Rush Truck centers.

An ordinance authorizing the execution of a software license and maintenance agreement with Trapeze Software Group, Inc. dba Trip Spark Technologies for the purchase of passenger routing software in the amount of $399,878 and an amendment to the Mass Transit Fund Budget in the amount of $99,878 to allocate the additional necessary funding for the purchase.

An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the General Fund Police Department Budget and the execution of a contract with the St. Joseph Youth Alliance both in the amount of $8,160 to provide alcohol and electronic cigarette enforcement and compliance checks at businesses.

An ordinance to approve the final plat of a major subdivision Entitled “Creek Woods Plat 3” consisting of 15 lots and 1 detention basin located south of South Creek Woods Drive as requested by David Gach on behalf of Creek Woods, LLC. 

Nominations and appointments

Mayor John Josendale nominated three citizens to sit on three different commissions. 

Stephen Davis, 3912 Mansfield Road, to serve as a member of the Tax Increment Financing Commission for a term expiring Sept. 29, 2029; he is filling a vacancy on the Commission.

Brandon Johnson, 1137 Frederick Ave., to serve as a member of the Human Rights Commission for a term expiring Oct. 8, 2028; he will be replacing June Brown, whose term expires Oct. 8, 2025.

Zach Ellis, 149 Countryside Lane, to serve as a member of the Human Rights Commission for a term expiring Oct. 8, 2026; he is filling a vacancy on the commission.

Councilmember Randy Schultz nominates Andersen Adkins, 2602 Union St., to serve as a member of the Tree Board for a term expiring Sept. 29, 2028; he is replacing David Ball, whose term has expired.

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Construction on iconic Santa Maria house, new community center moving forward

KEYT on September 29, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Santa Maria has approved funds continue construction on the long-planned Ranch Historical House Park.

The Santa Maria City Council recently approved $1,679,426 in funding to begin Phase III of the project, which features various site improvements, including grading, utilities, hardscape features, ADA accessible ramps, parking lot improvements, electrical infrastructure, and the construction of a trash enclosure and decorative entry monument.

The project entails the complete refurbishment of the historic Smith-Enos House, as well as the construction of the brand new Japanese Community Center.

Located along South College Drive across the street from Costco and behind the Enos Ranch Center, the planned recreational facilities have been in the works for many years.

“This project has been ongoing for about 15 years,” said Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Director Alex Posada. “The original phase of the project was to bring the house down to this location and to kind of create a park around it. About five years ago, the Japanese Community Center group brought forward a proposal to help fund the community center portion, which is now the replica barn at the back of the house.”

The Japanese Community Community Center will be a 10,000 square foot event center designed to hold community events, cultural and social gatherings, as well preserve and educate both residents and visitors on the pioneering history of the Japanese in the Santa Maria Valley, particularly the contributions of the Issei, the first generation immigrants.

The Issei played a significant role in establishing the agricultural history in the Santa Maria Valley.

“We came to the valley in the early 1900s and it’s just very important to me and to the club to preserve this history,” said Japanese Community Center board member Wes Koyama. “This is part of the way we’re going to preserve our history in the Valley. We actually started in Guadalupe, but came here to Santa Maria. And, a lot of us have migrated out of the area. Our group got together and and we thought, what is the best way to preserve the history of the Santa Maria Japanese in this valley? This deal came up through the city and it was just perfect. It’s a perfect opportunity to showcase what we’ve done and what we’ve accomplished and hopefully we can preserve this history for future generations to learn about what we’ve done here.”

Once completed, the renovated 150-year-old Smith-Enos House, will also serve as a new community gathering place.

“The house itself will be more for small groups,” said Posada. “Maybe for a committee meeting of 12 or 20 or something of that nature. There will also be some exhibit room set up to try to emulate what the house looked like when it was originally built.”

With the Phase III now secured, work will soon begin on the site work, bringing completion for both projects a little closer into focus.

“Hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll be seeing something completed,” Posada said about the Japanese Community Center. “The house is going to take a little bit longer. We’re going to be reaching out to the community again to help us raise the funds to get the interior completed.” 

While Phase III will complete the necessary work to open the Japanese Community Center, a future Phase IV is needed to finish the Smith-Enos House.

“The final phase of the project, we hope will be Phase IV, which will be fundraising for the interior of the house,” said Posada. “The community has been really great. We have scores of pieces of furniture that was donate that were donated for the house, and so we have plenty of furniture, but now we’re looking for the funding to complete the interior of the house. I would estimate that we’re probably looking at about a $250,000 price tag to finish the house in its interior.”

With funding for Phase IV still a ways off, an estimated time for completion and opening of the Smith-Enos House is still premature.

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ODOT funding bill with gas tax, fee hikes passes Oregon Senate on party-line vote; officials react

KTVZ on September 29, 2025

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, adding details of bill, commentary from lawmakers)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Monday’s Oregon Senate meeting in Salem began with passionate debate from both sides of the aisle on Governor Kotek’s transportation bill (HB 3991 A). 

The meeting concluded with the bill aimed at addressing an ODOT funding shortfall passing in an 18 to 11 vote — with all Senate Republicans voted no. 

HB 3991 A, much smaller than a bill that died in the closing days of the regular session, has sparked heated arguments between not only lawmakers but Oregonians. The bill is designed to close a massive gap in Oregon’s road funding. But, it boosts costs for most Oregon residents. 

The gas tax increases 6 cents, from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon. Registration fees will increase from $43 to $85 for passenger vehicles, and from $115 to $145 for electric vehicles. Title fees will also increase — from $77 to $216. 

In addition, electric and hybrid vehicle drivers will be required to enroll in a road usage program — OReGO — and opt for either a 2.3 cent per mile charge, or annual fee of $340.  

Here in Central Oregon, the fate of ODOT’s Sisters maintenance station hung in the balance prior to the bill’s approval.

During the debate leading up to the vote, state Senator Anthony Broadman (D – Bend), noted Central Oregon’s economy is largely dependent on the roads and mountain passes which connect us to the rest of the state. 

“In Central Oregon, we know how critical public investment into infrastructure, roads and bridges is to our economy,” Broadman said. “It’s impossible to get our goods to market when the one road that gets you to and from your destination isn’t plowed, or when workers can’t get to their jobs.”

While supporters say the cost falling on Oregon taxpayers is not an ideal solution, the price of not fixing roads is far higher. Opponents argued the Legislature should look for other solutions before asking Oregonians to pay more, especially when many are struggling to make ends meet. 

Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R – Dundee), released a statement following the vote, saying democrats forced through the tax hike with no regard for struggling families and small businesses. 

The Senate President and Speaker of The House jointly stated their opinions following the vote, saying the bill will not only preserve the safety of roads but protects the jobs of 500 essential ODOT workers. 

Though Oregon Republican officials continue to voice their strong opposition, democratic lawmakers say the bill provides only the bare minimum for funding. 

For Oregonians, fee increases are expected to begin January 1st, 2026. Road usage programs will start in 2027 for electric vehicle owners and and 2028 for hybrid owners. 

Official statements can be read in their entirety below:

Transportation Safety Crisis Averted_ Senate Passes Stop-Gap Legislation to Preserve Services, Protect JobsDownload

2025-9-29 Senate Democrats Force Through $4.3B Tax Hike, Ignoring Oregon’s Affordability CrisisDownload

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Oregon Cultural Trust grant to help Redmond arts group remodel new Dry Canyon Community Art Center

KTVZ on September 29, 2025

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Dry Canyon Arts Association has been awarded a $34,000 FY26 Cultural Development Award from the Oregon Cultural Trust to assist in funding the remodel of the historic downtown Rogers and Lynch Building at 6th Street and Deschutes Avenue in Redmond into a new local headquarters for art education and exhibition.  

“This grant could not have come at a more crucial time. As you know, construction and remodeling can challenge any budget, but as a nonprofit, this project could not be completed without the help of grants like this,” said Mel Archer, board chair of DCAA, said in a news release over the weekend, which continues in full below:  

The Dry Canyon Community Art Center, currently under construction, is scheduled to open with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:00pm on Friday, December 5th and part of its first First Friday Art Walk celebration. Once up and running, the Art Center will feature opportunities for both DCAA members and non-members to improve their skills, show their artwork, and view and purchase art and artisan gifts. 

“The arts, heritage and humanities thrive in every corner of Oregon, and the Oregon Cultural Trust is proud to support this essential work in communities large and small, says Oregon Cultural Trust Board Chair Sean Andries, “In the face of national funding disruptions, we invite all Oregonians to take advantage of our unique cultural tax credit right here at home and help ensure a steady, reliable endowment for culture both now and for generations to come.” 

This year, the Oregon Cultural Trust will allocate $4.15 million to the County and Tribal Coalitions, the Statewide Partners and the Cultural Development Grant Program. The grant process is highly competitive; more than 200 Oregon cultural non-profits submitted grant applications to the Cultural Development Grant program.  

To learn more about Dry Canyon Arts Association and the upcoming Dry Canyon Community Art Center, visit https://www.drycanyonarts.org/. 

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Carpinteria’s 61st Year Starting Off With Some of The City’s Most Challenging Issues

KEYT on September 29, 2025

John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Carpinteria is now on to it’s 61st year with some of the most challenging issues it has ever seen.

The anniversary of incorporation was September 28th. 

Tonight the State of the City address will be given at the Veterans’ Building at 5:30 p.m.

The city is taking on many big issues all at once, including an update to the General Plan.  

State mandated housing could bring new developments in many areas, including to the east of City Hall where the Tee Time golf facility is located and also in the foothills off Bailard Ave.

The community is still watching the progress of the proposed Surfliner Hotel project at the train station, which has had a vigorous community debate in its early stages. An environmental review is currently underay.

There is also a lawsuit over noise from the Island Brewing Company that is targeting the business and the City.

Also, questions are being raised about the amount of tourism and other vital forms of income are necessary for the city’s budget. Currently the leading source of income is sales tax.

At the same time, the new Linden Square food and retail area has opened on Linden Ave. where a vacant hardware store stood for years.

There is also a remodel planned for the landmark Palms restaurant building that will keep its facade and make other changes for a food and boutique hotel concept.

Anne Potts is a frequent visitor. She said, “we were walking from our motor home and asked a couple of people who live here and they recommended this (Linden Square) and the food was delicious.” Her husband Tom who drives them in at the wheel of a 38-foot motor home says, “No major parking fees and they invite the town in and it’s always a great place”

Linden Square is a concept resident Carl Braid says is working. “The overall feel of the community where multiple businesses are in small spaces,  shared spaces, I kind of like that concept, seems to be working well elsewhere.”

Looking ahead, former resident Kat Gondeck who comes in from Ventura said, “I don’t really know  exactly what is planned but so far what I see is gorgeous I love it. It’s still small.”

One of the newer regulars is Nanette Giordano who would like to tell city leaders, “don’t stop. I’m loving it! I love the downtown area it’s great! I never used to come to Carpinteria for lunch and now I am here every day.”

There are many residents worried about the loss of the iconic coastal mellow vibe. Gondeck said, “absolutely  not build it out too much.   Keep it small and just community feeling. It is a beach town and that’s what I like about it.”

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No One Dies Alone: Local Volunteers Bring Comfort in Life’s Final Moments

KEYT on September 29, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – For some, the last hours of life can be the loneliest.

“People who don’t have anybody either they’ve aged out of all their family and friends and there’s no one left to sit with them,” said volunteer Nancy McConnell of Hospice of Santa Barbara.

Volunteers in Santa Barbara are changing that.

The No One Dies Alone program trains people to sit with patients who have no family or friends nearby.

“If I can bring some compassionate caring, love and peace to people that are in one of their most times of their lives that feels like I’ve done some service to the world,” said McConnell.

They visit assisted living and memory care homes offering comfort, holding hands, or simply sitting quietly.

“There is so responsive when I suggest that this support is available to the family. I just make a call and they are here on the same day. That’s so reassuring to the families,” said community services director Luciana Mitzkun Weston of Villa Alamar.

NODA volunteers serve exclusively in assisted living and memory care facilities.

“It’s incredibly beneficial to have NODA volunteers, not only for the families for the residence and the patients themselves, but also for the staff of the facilities,” said volunteer services manager Elske Free Bernt of Hospice of Santa Barbara.

The program just renewed a partnership with Hospice of Santa Barbara.Organizers want to expand and reach more patients.

“Nobody knows about this. It’s very rare. They’re like wow this exists so if more people could take advantage of this program,” said McConnell.

Every hand held — every quiet presence — reminds someone they matter.

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Local science teacher selected to attend Middle School Research Teachers Conference in D.C.

KYMA on September 29, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local middle school science teacher has been selected to attend the Middle School Research Teachers Conference in Washington, D.C.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, Jonathan Bailey, who teaches eighth grade science at Gila Vista Jr. High School, will attend the conference, taking place October 3 until October 5, after he entered a lottery and “was chosen out of hundreds of applicants” across the country.

In addition, he is one of three teacher from Yuma, and one of four teachers from Arizona, to attend this year’s conference, where it will bring “middle school research teachers of all experience levels together to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and learn more about Society for Science and STEM research competitions,” the press release said.

“I am so excited to be able to get the opportunity to learn from teachers from all across the country and get the chance to introduce my students to competitions and STEM experiences that I was not aware of previously,” Bailey expressed.

To learn more about the conference, click here.

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Boat Capsizes in Palisades Reservior Saturday, prompts water safety reminder

KIFI on September 29, 2025

News Team

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urging all water enthusiasts to wear their life jackets while on the water following a water rescue on the Palisades Reservoir this past Saturday.

The incident occurred when a boat was reportedly capsized by large whitecaps, throwing three people into the frigid mountain water.

Air Idaho was able to locate all three people. The people were in the water for around thirty minutes to an hour before being brought ashore and treated on site for exposure to the cold water. 

Search and rescue volunteers, backcountry deputies, Swan Valley Fire, and an Idaho Falls ambulance all assisted with the rescue.

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