Mother, boyfriend indicted on felony charges for crash that killed girl

KMIZ on September 11, 2025

Matthew Sanders

Editor’s note: The day of the indictment was corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Callaway County grand jury indicted a woman and her boyfriend on child endangerment charges Tuesday for the crash that killed the woman’s 3-year-old daughter.

Leela M. James, 32, of Holts Summit, and Jessie Knehans, 29, each face a single count of first-degree child endangerment for the Feb. 12 crash. James was booked in the Callaway County Jail and released on her own recognizance on Thursday afternoon. Knehans was booked into the jail at 5:13 p.m. and was released under an hour later.

Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney Sandra Colhour confirmed Knehans’s charged on Thursday afternoon.

One of the indictments state that James put her 3-year-old daughter, Trinity Durham, in a car seat that day but did not properly fasten the restraints. The crash happened in snowy conditions on a Highway 54 exit ramp.

The vehicle slid off the road, hit a tree and overturned.

Trinity’s father, Coby Durham, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against James, Trinity’s grandmother and Jessie Knehans, whom the lawsuit contends was driving at the time of the crash.

The lawsuit accuses Knehans of negligence for not properly restraining the girl, failing to keep a careful lookout and speeding.

The Missouri Department of Social Services is also named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to respond to earlier reports about unsafe living conditions for Trinity — including concerns about her riding in vehicles with improperly installed car seats and with drivers known to be reckless.

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Buellton Sees 250 Arthritis Foundation Cyclists On Their Way Through California

KEYT on September 11, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

BUELLTON, Calif. (KEYT) – 250 cyclists are pedaling down the Central Coast this week riding hundreds of miles to raise money and awareness for arthritis.

All that fundraising goes directly to the Arthritis Foundation.

September is Pain Awareness Month, and the national Arthritis Foundation is marking the 25th anniversary of the “CCC.”

The “California Coast Classic” bike tour began in San Francisco last Saturday with stops in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, and Oceano.

“My connection to arthritis came because I had done the ride for several years,” says Tim Clepper, co-chair of the leadership committee for the CCC. “I met the people that are out here. They’re wonderful people. It’s a great cause. The arthritis Foundation is is a wonderful organization to be part of and associated with. And after a few years of doing the ride, I got dedicated to the Arthritis Foundation.”

Thursday, riders traveled from oceano to the flying flags RV Resort and Campground in Buellton.

Friday, they head to Ventura, and the week-long tour wraps up Saturday in Los Angeles.

Over eight days, cyclists will cover a total of 525 miles.

“One of the challenges of getting new riders is to do the fundraising for this event,” says Clepper. “Plus, it’s a 525-mile ride. Don’t be afraid of either of those two challenges. People want to give you money for the Arthritis Foundation. And there’s lots of support for the training. If you’ve got an interest in doing this, just sign up and we’ll get you through it.”

Representatives say every rider raises funds through the foundation, often in honor of themselves or someone they know living with arthritis.

“I actually have arthritis and my grandmother had arthritis,” says Stephanie Cole, a rider from North Carolina. “My friend from Charlotte works for the Arthritis Foundation and we came out in 2023 to celebrate our 50th birthdays. And then we met some great folks out here on the ride and we really enjoyed it and we decided to come back for the 25th anniversary this year.”

Foundation leaders say about 60 million U.S. adults live with arthritis pain—about one in four Americans.The bike tour honors their daily resilience and determination.

Donations remain open until the ride ends.

To learn how to give, visit their website here.

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Anne Ambrose appointed as interim city manager of Cathedral City

KESQ on September 11, 2025

Jesus Reyes

Cathedral City, Calif. (KESQ) – Anne Ambrose was officially appointed as Interim City Manager of Cathedral City, following the retirement of Charles McClendon.

The City Council of Cathedral City approved Ambrose’s appointment during Wednesday’s meeting. It goes into effect on Sept. 20.

Ambrose, who has served as the City’s Assistant City Manager since January 2023, will lead the organization during the recruitment process for a permanent City Manager following the retirement of Charles McClendon.

She will serve in both the City Manager and Assistant City Manager roles during the recruitment process.

“Anne has demonstrated exceptional leadership and comprehensive knowledge of our City’s operations over the past two and a half years,” said Mayor Nancy Ross. “Her experience and familiarity with our programs and projects make her the ideal choice to ensure continuity of service during this transition period.”

McClendon announced his retirement in June after 11 years of service to the city and a 47-year career in local government. He was honored during Wednesday’s meeting.

His final day is set for Sept. 19.

The City Council has engaged Bob Murray and Associates to conduct a nationwide recruitment process, which is expected to take approximately six months. City officials said the goal is to have a permanent City Manager in place by early 2026.

During her tenure as Assistant City Manager, city officials said Ambrose has been instrumental in overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations and has gained deep familiarity with all municipal programs and projects. She took an active leadership role in our response and recovery efforts for Tropical Storm Hillary and the implementation of the City’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, as well as the implementation of the city’s Citizen Self Service Portal, and has made significant strides in enhancing the city’s offering of online services, including licensing, permitting, inspections and payments.

City officials said her appointment ensures seamless continuity of leadership and service to the community.

“I’m honored by the Council’s confidence in my ability to serve Cathedral City in this expanded role,” Ambrose said. “Having worked closely with the team and community for over two years, I’m committed to maintaining our momentum on key initiatives while ensuring smooth operations during this transition.”

Ambrose brings more than 25 years of local government experience to the position.

Before joining Cathedral City, she served as interim city manager for the City of California City in Kern County, where she oversaw 142 employees and a $67 million budget. She also spent 24 years at the City of Palmdale, serving as the Director of Public Safety and Community Relations from 1999-2013 and Director of Administrative Services from 2013-2021, where she led organizational improvements and enhanced customer service delivery.

A graduate of Kent State University, Ambrose holds a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge, and is a graduate of the Leading, Educating, and Developing (LEAD) Program at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

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Handmade sign, vehicle honking in Woodland Park to honor slain political activist Charlie Kirk

KRDO on September 11, 2025

Scott Harrison

WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (KRDO) — The drive to work at Charis Bible College was louder than usual on Thursday morning, but it brightened an otherwise sad day for Scott Little.

Little was looking forward to meeting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was scheduled to speak on Thursday night at a college event, until his assassination during an event in Utah on Wednesday.

As the college community arrived on campus, Little displayed a handwritten sign displaying the message Honk 4 Charlie.

And many of the drivers did.

“Some honk and some don’t,” Little explained at the time. “Some wave. The one guy flipped me off but came back and apologized.”

Little considers Kirk a hero.

“I would have said thank you,” he said. “Thank you for who you are, for doing what you do. He speaks on 330 campuses a year. He does two podcasts a day. And again, he’s got his convictions, his beliefs, and what he feels strongly about. And he communicates it and does so, eloquently and respectfully.”

Little was hiking on one of the campus trails when he learned of Kirk’s death.

“I went to our backyard and found this very heavy piece of metal and a black sharpie,” he recalled. “An opportunity to honor this gentleman who accomplished so much and gave so much, and I hope his legacy lives on.”

Little held the sign to his mobile audience for around 30 minutes, and intended to do it again around lunchtime and at the end of the campus day.

An increase in security for the campus event in the aftermath of Kirk’s death reminds us of how intense political debate and discussion have become.

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Multi-generational Oregon family business opens in Bend

KTVZ on September 11, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A multi-generational family business has made its way to Bend.

The Portland-based luxury home appliance company, Basco Appliances, has been doing business in Oregon since 1878.

Nearly 150 years ago, PJ Cronin founded the business and over time the company moved into electronics and appliance sales.

“We have three locations, all in the Portland market…We service the Bend market today and we have for years. It’s one of our best-selling markets that we have right now. So we thought there was a natural fit to be able to come in to the market, to be able to better serve the Bend customer,” said Chris McConn, the company’s president. “We focus on selling appliances to anybody. So end users, builders, designers.”

The new Westside showroom, located at 1000 Disk Drive, is now welcoming in customers after serving the Bend area from its Portland locations for years.

“People can come in and choose what they want…We have fantastic account managers here that will go through the design process and make sure that we can get the exact specs of the exact appliances that work out with any home in the community,” McConn said. “This is a different type of showroom that customers can come in and see, touch, and feel, and really experience the appliances. We do have a couple kitchens that are fully live. And so we’ll have really fun events here and we’ll demo out all of the appliances.”

For more information on the company and its new bend showroom, click here.

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Convicted killer from Texas pleads not guilty in Riverside County cold case murder

KESQ on September 11, 2025

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A retired cross-country truck driver previously convicted of murder in Texas pleaded not guilty to charges in the 1992 murder of a woman found dead in Desert Center.

Douglas Thomas pleaded not guilty to charges in the murder of Sherri Herrera, 30, of Tulare, California. He is scheduled to return to court for a felony settlement conference on Dec. 3.

Thomas worked as a truck driver for more than 40 years and traveled extensively across the United States.

Douglas Thomas

Herrera, a mother of four, was found dead on March 30, 1993, on the eastbound Hayfield Road on-ramp to I-10 in Desert Center.

Sherri Herrera

The case went cold for nearly 30 years until a breakthrough in 2022.

In May 2022, Thomas was arrested by Texas Rangers after DNA evidence linked him to the April 1992 murder of a woman in Titus County, Texas. He was later convicted in that case and sentenced to 40 years to life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

According to the DA’s office, Thomas’s DNA also matched evidence recovered in the Herrera investigation. Detectives with the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team traveled to Texas to interview Thomas about Herrera’s murder.

Following their investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office charged Thomas with the 1993 murder of Herrera. Prosecutors also filed a special circumstance allegation of  murder during the commission of a rape.

Although Thomas is serving his Texas sentence, the Riverside County DA’s Office initiated the Interstate Agreement on Detainers process with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The agency said the legal process allows California authorities to take custody of Thomas despite his Texas incarceration, ensuring he will face justice in Riverside County.

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Dog Park Drawings are out in Carpinteria for a Permanent Off-Leash Site

KEYT on September 11, 2025

John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A permanent off-leash dog park could soon be coming to Carpinteria, building on the success of a temporary version that’s been in place for the past year at Monte Vista Park off Bailard Avenue.

Last Saturday, the city unveiled three proposed designs for the future park during a public event at Monte Vista Park. City leaders were on hand to answer questions and encourage residents to vote on their favorite layout.

Juliza Briones with the City of Carpinteria said, “The city is so excited. I know our council is very excited to get this process going and get the final dog park up and running very soon.”

Each of the designs includes separate areas for small and large dogs, along with amenities like benches and dog-themed water fountains. One concept even features playful design elements tailored to canine visitors.

Briones added, “What we want to know from the residents is what their furry pups want here at the park. And we’re really excited for this next phase.”

“I love the new drawings,” said Sandra Duncan who owns a dog. “I voted on the one, of course, that I liked. The more space, the better, right? But there’s a lot of benefit to having the large dog and small dog area.”

Currently, all dogs share the same space. The proposed designs aim to improve safety and comfort for dogs of all sizes. While funding is still being secured, the city has already invested in preliminary planning.

Briones explained, “The city is definitely putting its dollars towards it now in terms of the preliminary designs and making sure that we have all of those key components in place.”

The Carpinteria Dog Owners Group (C-DOG), a nonprofit advocating for the off-leash park, was also present at the event.

Board member Van Fleisher said, “The dogs that know each other, they go greet each other immediately. It’s the same with the people. So it’s a win-win.”

The park has become a social hub not just for dogs, but for people too.

“I think all of us feel a lot better when we get to come to the park, see our friends, see the dogs play,” said Fleisher.

Dog owner Sharon Webb said, “They bring joy and you meet people. These people here are very friendly. You get to know them and then you start coming about the same time each day.”

Some residents visit the park even if they don’t currently own a dog.

Webb continued, “They bring great joy to a lot of people, whether you have them or not.”

Sandra Duncan added, “It’s socialization not just for our dogs, which is really important, but for the people as well.”

The city’s goal is to ensure the final design blends seamlessly with the surrounding park features, including sports fields and children’s play areas.

Community feedback is being collected through the end of September. Residents can vote for their favorite design online at carpinteriaca.gov/dogparkfeedback or in person at City Hall.

Feedack can be conveyed at  carpinteriaca.gov/dogparkfeedback or in-person at city hall.

The Saturday event also had the Carpinteria Dogs Owners Group (C-DOG) merchandise including water bottles and t-shirts. There were free samples of pet food from the Lemos Pet Store. Hot dogs were served by Penelope’s Shaved Ice. Photos were also taken of more than 50 dogs for Robin Karlsson’s upcoming book, The Dogs of Monte Vista Park.

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Santa Maria Fire Stations Hold Annual 9/11 Tribute Ceremonies

KEYT on September 11, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Six separate tribute ceremonies were held Thursday morning at all Santa Maria fire stations to commemorate 9/11 and remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

“For us to b here and remember that day, it’s vital that we don’t forget because we want to honor those that lost their lives and made those sacrifices on that day,” said Santa Maria Battalion Chief Anthony Clayburg.

The annual commemorations at the six city fire stations were all brief in length and followed recommended protocols established by the International Fire Service and adopted by the Fire Chiefs of Santa Barbara County.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m., a fire engine at each location was pulled out of the station and parked on the front driveway. It later sounded three sets of five blasts from its horns.

Immediately following the sounding of the horn, one minute of silence was held for reflection for those who were in attendance.

At Fire Station 1 on West Cook Street, among those in attendance included Mayor Alice Patino, Councilmembers Gloria Flores and Carlos Escobedo, City Manager David Rowlands, Public Works Director Brett Fulgoni, Fire Marshal Jim Austin, as well city firefighters and police officers and community members.

At Santa Maria Fire Station 3 and Fire Station 5, each location has an actual piece of steel from the World Trade Center displayed on the front of the building, with a small plaque underneath.

The small displays are a reminder that while Santa Maria and New York City may be located nearly 3,000 aparts, there is a permanent unity between the two communities, as well as their two fire departments.

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Bend’s Veo bike-share program off to strong start, though challenges persist

KTVZ on September 11, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend officials say the city’s Veo bike-share program had a strong summer overall.

Since its launch, approximately 5,000 people have signed up, logging nearly 23,000 rides this season.

The Bend City Council approved the permanent bike-share program in April, bringing in Veo to expand local transportation options. Marx said the program was designed to give people a reliable option for short trips.

“The goal was really to create like an alternative way of transportation for short trips, like 1 to 2 miles,” said Tobias Marx, City of Bend’s Parking Services Division Manager.

Still, the rollout hasn’t been without challenges. Some Reddit users say bikes are being left in the way, and Bend Bikes vice president David Green agrees it’s a common issue.

“It’s not as common as it was in the early days of the Bird Bikes, but it’s still fairly common to see bikes parked in the middle of sidewalks or on ADA ramps,” Green said.

The city is working on more designated parking zones to keep bikes off sidewalks.

Another concern is reckless riding, especially by underage riders or those not wearing helmets.

Despite the drawbacks, Green said bike-share could help address traffic congestion as Bend continues to grow.

“The congestion is getting worse, and we’re not going to be able to build our way out of it,” Green said. “We’re going to need alternatives to getting people around town other than private vehicles.”

With Bend’s population expected to grow by 50% over the next 25 years, Green said solutions like bike-share and public transit will need to improve together.

“Bikes and Transit could be a truly amazing alternative to driving for most people.  And bike share is a huge part of that,” said Green.

One limitation, Green noted, is that Veo’s throttle bikes aren’t allowed on Bend Park and Recreation District trails. He says that leaves a gap in the city’s biking network for both transportation and recreation.

If a community member has feedback about the program or comes across an improperly parked vehicle, reach out at 855-836-2256 or hello@veoride.com to report the vehicle’s location.

Here are Veo’s riding guidelines:

Do:

Yield to pedestrians: Give people walking the right of way every time.

Park responsibly: Park your vehicle out of pedestrian paths to ensure safety.

Wear a helmet: Protect your noggin while riding.

Take the bike lane: Ride in the street or bike lane, not on the sidewalk.

Obey traffic laws: Follow stop signs, signals, and speed limits.

Don’t:

Ride underage: Riders must be 18+ to unlock and operate.

Double ride: One rider per vehicle.

Ride on the sidewalk: Keep sidewalks clear and stick to the street or bike lane.

Ride under the influence: Never while under the influence—it’s illegal

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Savannah Pool exceeds donation goal

News-Press NOW on September 11, 2025

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Savannah Pool exceeded its $50,000 goal at its Saturday’s Splash Bash.

The community raised around $65,000 to help fund a new pool.

Diane Gould, the Savannah pool manager, said that the Splash Bash was a success and the event was a chance to let the kids have a voice.

“They felt like there was nothing that they could do,” Gould said. “But this was a way for them to feel like that they were making a difference in helping, so and that part of the event was really cool, “she said.

The Andrew County Aquatic Initiative plans to have a meeting on Sept. 18th at 7 p.m. in the commons at Savannah High School. Gould said the purpose of this meeting is to expand the mission to people in the community who want to play an active role in what we’re doing.

“So we look forward to having anybody who’s interested in becoming a part of the drive the campaign to get this done is invited to attend there,” she said.

In addition, the Andrew County Aquatics Initiative will hold Community Collaboration Sessions at 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Sept. 30 at the Space Between on the square in Savanah, Missouri.

The sessions will be used to obtain public input from the community. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to share their opinions, concerns and ideas regarding the initiative.

Gould said having community input is vital to its initiative.

“I think bringing together community members with all different gifts and talents and opinions is so vital so that we focus correctly on this,” Gould said. “The solution that’s going to serve the most of the people in the community,” she said.

The Andrew County aquatic initiative is confident it will achieve its goal for the matching grant in November.

“We have had a lot of people in the community with the means to help in various ways already come forward and say, hey, you know, I want to I want to get into the ring with this and participate,” she said.

For more information on where to donate, visit the Aquatic Initiative website.

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