Work on Mission Ramp to Begin at the End of September After a Short Delay

KEYT on September 9, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Work to build a new ramp at the entrance to the Santa Barbara Mission is still going to take place, but there has been a short delay while fundraising is completed.

A fence was put up around the steps of the mission in early August to get set for the project.

It has now been taken down until the work officially begins on September 29th.

The finished project will have an ADA accessible ramp to help with mobility issues. It will be on the right side of the entrance that has been designed to match the existing historic look.

There will also be work on the top entrance area and some lower steps. It is expected to take about six months.

The parish has $700,000 towards the $1.1 million dollar project.

There is also a $150,000 dollar matching grant if you would like to make a donation.

The church will remain open during the project, however an entrance side door will be the main way in and out.

To make a donation and assist in the project go to: Old Mission Santa Barbara ADA ramp.

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License plate reader cameras lead EPSO to car theft suspects and 32.4 grams of meth

KRDO on September 9, 2025

KRDO News

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) says that its FLOCK camera system led them to a stolen vehicle, the theft suspects, and 32.4 grams of meth.

EPSO says that on Sept. 6, the cameras detected a Jeep that they say was reported stolen.

The theft suspect, 29-year-old Arturo Velasquez, was also listed “as armed and dangerous, with parole and gang-member alerts,” EPSO said.

It wasn’t until the Jeep got into the area of Maxwell Street and Highway 85 that a Fountain Police Department (FPD) officer saw it and alerted EPSO.

The sheriff’s office says after they arrived, the suspect reversed into the FPD car and tried to get away. The Jeep then collided with a special EPSO tactical car, which brought them to a stop.

EPSO says they found Arturo Velasquez inside the Jeep alongside 34-year-old Ariana Valverde. The sheriff’s office says they also found more than 30 grams of meth during the search.

“This was a dangerous situation which could have ended much differently,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal in a press release. “A suspect who is armed, dangerous, and focused on escaping poses a significant threat not only to law enforcement but to the community. Thanks to the vigilance of our deputies, the quick action of our partners at the Fountain Police Department, and the technology of FLOCK Safety cameras, this suspect was stopped without injury to the public or our deputies. This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships, proactive policing, and teamwork in protecting our community.”

The sheriff’s office says Ariana Valverde was charged with motor vehicle theft, driving under the influence of drugs, and resisting arrest. She is being held on a $3,000 bond.

Arturo Velasquez faces charges for motor vehicle theft, attempted second-degree assault on a peace officer, attempted felony eluding, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and criminal mischief, according to the sheriff’s office. Those charges resulted in a $3,000 bond, however court records also show he has a parole hold.

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WATCH: Drinkwitz takes questions as Mizzou prepares for Louisiana

KMIZ on September 9, 2025

Matthew Sanders

The 2-0 Missouri Tigers are coming off a big win against rival Kansas.

Now the Tigers will host Louisiana at home on Saturday. Coach Eli Drinkwitz and select players took questions Tuesday.

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Girl Scouts adding a new cookie to the lineup

KIFI on September 9, 2025

CNN Newsource

By Jordan Valinsky, CNN

New York (CNN) — Girl Scouts of the USA is debuting a new cookie for its upcoming season.

The organization announced Tuesday that “Exploremores,” a Rocky Road-inspired cookie, is being added to the lineup when its annual sales begin in January. Like the Girl Scouts’ other cookies, which include the popular Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, the Exploremores will be sold both online and in-person at booths by local troops.

The new chocolate cookie, which has a creamy filling with notes of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, reflects “the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout,” according to a press release. Nearly 700,000 scouts participate in the cookie sale each year

Earlier this year, the Girl Scouts of the USA revamped its cookie lineup, announcing the discontinuation of the “S’mores” and “Toast-Yay!” cookies after several years on sale.

Prices, which are based on several factors, are determined by councils and have risen in recent years. Chapters across the country announced price increases from $4 to $5 a box in 2014 and 2015, and to $6 in 2023. Some chapters sold boxes for $7 last year.

However, “all proceeds stay local to help power amazing experiences for Girl Scouts in your community,” a spokesperson said.

“In some instances, councils are faced with the tough decision to raise prices, though prices have remained steady in many areas for a number of years,” a Girl Scouts of USA spokesperson previously told CNN.

The financially distressed 113-year-old organization recently voted to hike membership prices by 160% over the next few years to help keep the group afloat.

Membership dues are the Girl Scouts’ largest source of revenue. Despite supplementing dues with philanthropy and licensing deals, the organization is losing money, projecting operating losses of $5.6 million in 2024.

Last year, the National Council voted to hike dues to $45 for the 2026 membership year and again to $65 in 2027. However, that’s a smaller increase than the $85 per scout originally proposed.

Membership dues generated $38 million in 2023 from nearly 2 million total members.

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“Light the World” initiative arrives in southeast Idaho

KIFI on September 9, 2025

Sam Ross

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — This year, residents of Pocatello, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls have a new way to give back for the upcoming holiday season. For the first time ever, the globally recognized Light the World Giving Machine initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is making its way to southeast Idaho.

This November and December, these unique vending machines will be set up in Pocatello, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls, allowing residents to “purchase” donations for local and international charities.

“The Giving Machine provides…an opportunity to show that Idahoans take care of each other,” Elder Kirt L. Hodges, Area Seventy for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “And we can do that here to our local charities and needs. And we can also do that to those around the world.” 

Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has raised nearly $50 million, with hundreds of thousands of people worldwide donating essential items, including meals, services, and clothing, to those in need. The machines offer a tangible way to give, letting donors select specific items they wish to contribute.

This year, east Idahoans will have three opportunities to participate:

Pocatello-ICCU Headquarters: November 15—30, Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

Aid for Friends

Bright Tommorows Child Advocacy Center

South Eastern Idaho Community Action Agency

United Way Southeastern Idaho

Bannock Youth Foundation

Rexburg-Hemming Village: December 1—14, Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

Family Crisis Center

Idaho Falls Humanitarian Center

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission

Idaho Falls-Grand Teton Mall: December 15—January 1, Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center

Idaho Falls Rescue Mission

The Village

Community Food Basket, Idaho Falls

Friends In Service Here (FISH)

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House sends new congressional map, initiative petition reform to Senate

News-Press NOW on September 9, 2025

News-Press NOW

By: Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri House has sent the Senate a new congressional map that could eliminate a safe Democratic seat.

The House approved the new map, which carves up U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s Fifth District, on a 90-65 vote early Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the morning, the House also sent a plan to reform the state’s ballot measure process to the Senate.

The House gave initial approval to the bills on Monday. The initiative reform bill was taken back up on Tuesday morning and passed by a vote of 98-58.

The new map, called “Missouri First” by Gov. Mike Kehoe, came about after the White House said Missouri should redraw its map — a process that usually takes place only after the census.

House members debated the legality of redrawing the map between censuses, as well as whether the new districts were fair to Missourians.

House Republican leadership wants to reform the state’s initiative petition process by requiring a ballot question to win support of a majority of voters statewide and in each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts.

House members spent hours debating the bills before their final votes.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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Second Harvest takes part in Hunger Action Month

News-Press NOW on September 9, 2025

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — September is known as National Hunger Action Month, and Second Harvest is working to bring awareness to the nationwide campaign.

Created in 2007 by the Feeding America network of food banks, the Hunger Action Month movement is a nationwide movement to end hunger in local American communities.

Second Harvest’s Mackenzie Bally talks about how to get involved in this nationwide movement.

“You can donate through our website at shcfb.org, or there are also many volunteer opportunities, which you can give us a call or sign up for events through our website,” said Bally.

Bally said that getting involved will help around 41,000 people in the local area who face food insecurity.

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Early College Academy helps SJSD students earn college credit 

News-Press NOW on September 9, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  High school students in the St. Joseph School District got a taste of college life during the Early College Academy orientation at Missouri Western State University. 

Students toured the campus, checked out classrooms and even picked up their photo IDs — all part of getting started with the program.  

The Early College Academy gives juniors and seniors the chance to take dual credit courses, earning college credit while still in high school. Classes are available online, in school or in person at MoWest.  

“They can take them on their computers at school, and they can also take a shuttle out to Missouri Western that we use twice a day to take those classes as well,” said Brent Corey, a librarian at Lafayette High School.

Corey said the program is all about giving students a head start with the introduction to MoWest. Some classes have as few as three students, making the experience even more personal. 

“A lot of English courses, high-level math courses and science and communication courses, is what students generally take in the program,” Corey said.  

For students like senior Emily Dulcan, the program is already paying off. She’s enrolled in history, biology and communication.  

“I am taking communication because to work on my speaking in front of people, and it just makes me more comfortable. I also have labs for biology, but I can just do that in the library here,” Dulcan said.

Dulcan expressed that the program not only saves money on tuition but also helps her prepare for her future career in the professional world.  

“I want to be a biology teacher and so making sure that I speak to the kids confidently will help them out and will help me with my career,” Dulcan said.  

According to Dulcan, the program has been helpful because it assists students, especially those taking rigorous courses like nursing, when they get into the field.  

The program is open to juniors and seniors at all SJSD high schools, giving them the chance to knock out general education courses before officially stepping onto a college campus.  

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SJPL awarded grant to help protect books from wear and tear

News-Press NOW on September 9, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Public Library recently received a grant from the Region D Recycling and Solid Waste Management District, which went toward helping physically protect books.

The $3,000 grant provided partial funding for a project to purchase book covering machines for each of the four SJPL locations and recyclable book covers.

The book covers are used on some paperback books to protect them from wear and tear. Prior to purchasing the book covering machines, the plastic covers put on the books weren’t recyclable.

“St. Joseph Public Library wants to reduce the waste we contribute to the landfill. The new book covers and covering machines will help us meet this goal, because we will no longer have to throw away worn-out book covers,” said SJPL Director, Mary Beth Revels. “We’ll be able to recycle them instead.”

For more information about the project, contact Mary Beth Revels at 816-232-4038.

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Yellowstone lifts fishing restrictions as water temperatures drop

KIFI on September 9, 2025

News Release

 The following is a news release from Yellowstone National Park:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. (KIFI) — Effective immediately, select rivers and streams that were partially closed to fishing due to warm water temperatures and low flows are now open without restrictions. There are currently no temperature-related restrictions in place parkwide.

The partial closure was necessary to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries when water temperatures exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and flows were low. These conditions can be lethal to trout.

Staff continued to monitor the rivers and streams throughout the partial closure, and have determined that factors such as cooling temperatures, recent precipitation, and the extended forecast for cooler weather and a chance of rain allowed for the restrictions to be lifted.

Which rivers and streams are now open to fishing without restrictions?

The Madison River and all associated tributaries.

The Firehole River and all associated tributaries.

The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries downstream of Norris Campground.

What remains open?

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2025 Fishing Regulations booklet.

All other rivers and streams not listed as closed.  

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