Growers are on alert for invasive insect species

KYMA on September 11, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Two new invasive insect species present a danger to the region’s crops and have cotton growers on alert.

The two-spot cotton leaf-hopper feeds on cotton leaves and weakens plants.

It’s been detected in the southeastern part of the United States.

Meanwhile, the cotton seed bug feeds on the seeds.

These bugs can stain the cotton fibers, which lowers the value of the crops.

“Really critical that particularly our frontline people that are out there that would be US inspectors, that’d PCAS, and growers that are out there seeing insects in the wild, that they be aware,” said Peter Ellsworth an integrated pest management specialist.

Experts are tracking the spread of the insects while also working to develop strategies for growers to protect their crops. 

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Locals pushing for more handicap access to buildings

KYMA on September 11, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals throughout Yuma are pushing for easier multi-story building access for people with disabilities. 

Last week the Yuma City Council postponed a vote on new code enforcements for buildings, as some Yuma locals are looking for change.

The proposed codes say multi-story buildings less than 3,000 square feet are not required to have an elevator.

Some are fighting for this to change, saying there should not be a minimum square foot requirement.

“If my son or daughter had an appointment, had a function, had something, on a second-story building that didn’t have wheelchair access that means both us would miss out,” said Sarah Buriss, whose husband David is in a wheelchair.

Alexi Liggett, a mother of a disabled child, shares how this moment is important to make a difference.

“Right now that we have this opportunity to you know make it so that new buildings have this accessibility and not have that hurdle for families or that barrier it’s such a huge opportunity,” Ligett says.

Yuma City Council member Leslie McClendon shares why locals should pay attention to this cause.

“We’re moving so forward in the future with technology, this should be just an automatic,” said McClendon.

She says sometimes people don’t realize how difficult certain things can be if you are handicapped.

“I take that for granted, many of us take it for granted that we can just automatically go to the second floor we can do whatever we want to do, we don’t question it, why should that be a question for anybody else that has a disability,” McClendon says.

The council will vote on the code enforcements next week.

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Columbia man faces federal gun charge

KMIZ on September 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday for a gun charge, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Semaj Clark, 25, was charged with being a felon with a gun. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.

The release claims Clark was found with a handgun on Aug. 10 in Boone County. Clark previously pleaded guilty to a felony last year in Boone County and is not allowed to own a gun.

Clark pleaded guilty on Aug. 5, 2024, to third-degree domestic assault and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, along with a four-year suspended sentence. He also pleaded guilty to driving without a license that same day. He also pleaded guilty to driving without a license on July 24, 2023.

Probation violations for all three cases were filed on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

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Celebrating 35 Years of Service: Rimrock Trails Marks a Milestone in Behavioral Healthcare

KTVZ on September 11, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

Established in Prineville, Oregon in 1990 as a nonprofit adolescent residential substance use treatment program, Rimrock Trails has grown to become one of the longest-standing behavioral healthcare providers in the region. Now celebrating 35 years of service, Rimrock Trails is proud to offer life-changing mental health and substance use counseling to individuals of all ages across Central Oregon.

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, OR September 4, 2025 – Founded over three decades ago, Rimrock Trails has become a trusted leader in providing high-quality counseling and substance use treatment services across Central Oregon. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families, Rimrock Trails continues to fulfill its mission of improving the lives of those struggling with mental health and substance use by offering timely access to compassionate and effective behavioral healthcare.

At the heart of Rimrock Trails’ work is a belief in the power of healing, hope, and connection. Through professional outpatient counseling, substance use treatment, and youth residential services, the organization creates a solid foundation for recovery and mental wellness. In the past year, Rimrock Trails provided over 19,000 behavioral health services, helping individuals rebuild relationships, strengthen family bonds, and find a renewed sense of purpose.

To celebrate this 35-year milestone and National Recovery Month, Rimrock Trails hosted a Redmond Chamber Coffee Clatter on Friday, September 5th at 8:30 a.m. at its Outpatient Clinic, located at 215 SW 7th Street in Redmond, Oregon.

In addition, on Friday, September 19th at 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Rimrock Trails, in partnership with the Crook County Health Department, invites the community to a National Recovery Month Celebration at Pioneer Park in Prineville. The event will feature food, music, and information booths from local partner agencies.

“As we reflect on the past years, I am filled with deep gratitude and pride in the work we’ve accomplished together at Rimrock Trails. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding access, enhancing quality, and advocating for the behavioral health needs of our community.” — Erica Fuller, MA, LPC, CADC-III, Chief Executive Officer, Rimrock Trails

The leadership of Rimrock Trails thanks the staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and the countless individuals who have made it possible to provide life-changing services to the people of Central Oregon these past 35 years.

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AFL-CIO ‘Diaper Depot’ provides supplies to local families

News-Press NOW on September 11, 2025

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The AFL-CIO’s is highlighting its Diaper Depot program to connect families in need with services, programs and resources.

Donetta Berry, a program volunteer, shared how the program works.

“They have to have the child’s birth certificate, and then they have to have a photo ID, and so they’ll sign up and get all the information. We’ll put it in a computer. And then from that time on, they come in once a month for diapers,” said Berry.

The program is supplied by the Kansas City Happy Bottoms Diaper non-profit organization, and local donations are also accepted, according to Program Coordinator Ashley Luthans.

“We always accept financial donations for our programs, especially for Diaper Depot. The easiest way is to go online to our website, and go to the Diaper Depot page on helpmenow.org,” said Luthans.

This year, the program is expected to donate about 125,000 diapers to the Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas area.

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Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash with curb, tree in Desert Hot Springs

KESQ on September 10, 2025

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital after striking a curb and colliding with a palm tree early Wednesday morning in Desert Hot Springs.

Police said the crash happened at around 1 a.m. on Palm Drive, near Park Lane.

“The rider was northbound on Palm Drive when he struck the east curb and subsequently collided with a palm tree,” DHSPD Chief Steven Shaw wrote. “The adult male rider suffered moderate injuries and was transported to an area hospital but is expected to survive.”

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. 

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Cathedral City man to stand trial for alleged vehicle break-ins at DesertX

KESQ on September 10, 2025

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 40-year-old Cathedral City man accused of targeting vehicles whose owners were touring a popular outdoor art showcase in the Coachella Valley must stand trial for receiving stolen property, a judge ruled today, while dismissing multiple felony counts originally filed against the defendant.   

Steven Patrick Porter was arrested in April 2023 following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation into vehicle break-ins at the DesertX exhibition near Palm Desert months earlier.

At the end of a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Susanne Cho found there was not sufficient evidence to bound Porter over for trial on two counts each of grand theft and burglary, as well as one count each of vandalism and petty theft. However, she ruled Porter should be held to answer for the one felony count of receiving stolen goods.   

Cho permitted the defendant to remain free on $50,000 bail and scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment in the case for Sept. 24 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Porter has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.   

During the DesertX event in December 2022, multiple vehicle and related commercial burglaries were reported that resulted in about $70,000 in valuables stolen, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Travis Mountz.

He said the ensuing investigation led to Porter being identified as the alleged culprit, but no other details were disclosed.   

Mountz said search warrants were executed at properties associated with the defendant, and some of the stolen property was ultimately recovered.   

It was unclear whether investigators identified other potential conspirators. No one else has bee charged in connection with the burglaries.

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ISU debuts new associate degree program in science

KIFI on September 10, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Idaho State University is offering a 60-credit Associate of Science degree covering dozens of different university science classes in different fields for the first time starting this fall semester.

University leaders designed the new degree program to cater to students wishing to pursue a future in the sciences without the field-specific commitment previously required in ISU’s associate degree paths in the past.

“I think the biggest thing is that we really designed it to be flexible,” said Dr. Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, professor and chair of ISU’s Geosciences Department. “We’ve had things like an associate in physics or in geology or in chemistry, and the problem is, with a two year degree, you’ve got to know so fast and sometimes you don’t; it’s not reasonable to know that fast. That’s why we really designed this one to maximize the flexibility and create pathways for students that then can go into any of these fields and get a foundation that will actually set them up successfully for that.”

Students in the Associate of Science degree program will still be required to complete general education courses along with their choice of dozens of lower and upper division courses in multiple disciplines in the College of Science and Engineering.

For more information on ISU’s degree programs, you can visit their website HERE.

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Bend’s Education Center marks 100 years with centennial celebration

KTVZ on September 10, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Education Center is celebrating 100 years, and the community is invited to join the festivities.

“It really has been the hub of the community for 100 years,” said Becca Burda, Assistant Director of Communications for Bend-La Pine Schools.

The Education Center first opened its doors to students in the 1920s. On September 7, 1925, it became home to Bend Union High School, which remained there until the current Bend High was built in 1956.

Over the decades, the building went on to serve as a middle school, then an elementary school, and even hosted Central Oregon Community College’s very first classes.

The building continues to serve as part of the Bend-La Pine Schools district’s facilities, housing a number of student programs.

“So many people in our community have ties to this building,” Burda said.

The centennial event welcomes past students, staff and neighbors to take a walk down memory lane.

The open house on September 27th will include historic artifacts, photos of graduating classes, and equipment used over the decades.

“We’ve also been working really hard with our partners at the Deschutes Historical Museum. They have been wonderful partners in helping us capture the history of this building,” Burda said.

Visitors will get to enjoy tours, live music, and food prepared by Bend High’s culinary program.

It runs from 1pm to 4pm.

Organizers are asking the community to help honor the building’s legacy by sharing their own memories. Submissions may be featured during the event.

Head to the link here to share your memories: bls.fyi/EdCenter100stories

Event Information:

Location –  Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street

Date – Saturday, September 27th

Time – 1pm to 4pm

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Premiere Aesthetics Institute celebrates a decade in Downtown Bend

KTVZ on September 10, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

Premiere Aesthetics Institute has announced its 10th Anniversary Celebration, Ten Years of Glam! A dazzling evening of beauty and community spirit. Set for Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 1133 Northwest Wall St,. Suite 102, Bend, OR 97703.

The for-profit college offers programs for those looking to become an aesthetics professional. These licensed experts offer cosmetic treatments for the skin and body.

This milestone event will honor a decade of transformative contributions to the community, alongside the institute’s exceptional alumni, students, and dedicated staff.

“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve our vibrant Bend community for ten years,” said Ryanna, CEO and Founder of Premiere Aesthetics Institute. “This celebration is a heartfelt thank you to our alumni, students, and team, whose dedication has made Premiere a beacon of beauty and empowerment. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of joy, connection, and glamour as we toast to this milestone.”

The event is free to attend, but space is limited. Guests are encouraged to secure their spot promptly via Eventbrite.

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