Plans to improve US-20 in the works

Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — US-20 near Lindsay Boulevard has seen quite a few crashes, including the one on Friday, August 29. Four vehicles collided, but all passengers walked away with only minor injuries. 

Local News 8 asked the Idaho Department of Transportation if they plan to make improvements to the area. They say they are working to make the roads safer and less congested, as part of their plans to relocate the I-15 exit and US-20 and widen the roads.

“Because we know that area right in town in Idaho Falls is so busy, it has been on our radar for many years already to make a very large scale improvement,” said ITD Public Information Officer Sky Buffat.

There is no specific timeline just yet on when the project will be finished, but Buffat says we are closer to seeing the improvements they have in mind than ever before.

A lot goes into a road project. Every time ITD plans to start one, it has to present an Environmental Impact Statement, a 200-plus page-long document that lists all the things the project will affect.

“The noise, the cultural, historical, wetlands, so much more,” Buffat said. “All of those things have to be studied and analyzed and then put into a document for the Federal Highway Administration to overview, review and approve.”

Buffat says the public can help by being especially careful when driving through work areas to make sure no accidents put the road work on pause. 

More information about ITD’s plans involving US-20 can be found here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Crews working to repair gas leak on West 7th South in Rexburg

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews in Rexburg are actively working to repair a gas leak along West 7th South, as of 6:10 PM. According to the Rexburg Police Department, West 7th South is closed between Center Street and 2nd West.

They’re asking residents to avoid the area to allow technicians room to work. The cause of the leak has not been released at this time.

Local News 8 is tracking this developing story and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Idaho Governor proclaims week of September 7 as School Zone Safety Week

News Release

The following is a news release from AAA Idaho.

BOISE, Idaho (News Release) – AAA and the Idaho Association of School Resource Officers (IDASRO) are working together to promote school zone safety.  Governor Brad Little recently proclaimed the week of September 7 as School Zone Safety Week.

“School zones require drivers to slow down and watch for children on their way to and from school, but anytime kids and vehicles share the same space, it can be risky,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “As drivers, we take the lead in keeping others safe.”

Safety tips for drivers and students

For drivers

Look for signage and flashing lights that indicate the location of a school zone.  Slow down and actively scan the road for children.

Never overtake a stopped school bus with flashing lights.  It’s dangerous and illegal.

Follow directions from crossing guards and teachers.

If possible, design your route to avoid residential neighborhoods and school zones.

Ditch the distractions.

For students

Before crossing the street, look left, then right, and then left again.  The closest vehicles will usually come from the left.

Avoid darting between cars.  Cross at crosswalks.

Step back at least five feet from the street while waiting at a bus stop.

Never board or exit the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

If you’re biking or on a scooter or skateboard, please wear a helmet.

Parents may also coordinate a “walking school bus,” where adults trade off days or weeks accompanying children to and from school as needed.

“As the days grow shorter, bright clothing. backpack lights and reflectors are a big help,” Conde said.  “We ask drivers, including our newest group of young drivers, to keep safety top of mind.  Every child deserves a safe and successful school year, and no one wants to jeopardize that.”

School Zone proclaimationDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Fort Leonard Wood soldier dies on rifle range

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An 18-year-old soldier from California died during training on a rifle range at Fort Leonard Wood on Friday.

The soldier was assigned to the First Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment. The death was pronounced at 10:33 a.m. on site by Gen. Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital staff, Fort Leonard Wood officials wrote in a Facebook post.

No one else was hurt.

The Army is waiting to release the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.

The soldier’s death is under investigation by Leonard Wood police and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the post says.

Click here to follow the original article.

Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge to Host Annual “Birds, Bugles, and Brunch” Celebration

News Release

The following is a news release from the Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge.

HAMER, Idaho (News Release) — The Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge invites the community to our annual Birds, Bugles, and Brunch celebration on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Camas National Wildlife Refuge. This free, family-friendly event runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon and provides an opportunity to explore the refuge and spend time outdoors.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, followed by a variety of activities including hayrides, guided bird walks, activities for kids, and a “Find Your Wild” bingo scavenger hunt. Visitors will also have opportunities to explore the refuge’s pollinator garden, meet local wildlife partners at educational booths, and learn more about the refuge.

This year’s event is part of the nationwide Find Your Wild initiative, sponsored by America’s Wildlife Refuges and the Public Lands Alliance, an official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Camas is one of only two national wildlife refuges in Idaho participating in this nationwide celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week.

Birds, Bugles, and Brunch is a perfect way to experience the beauty and diversity of Camas Refuge while learning about the importance of preserving our public lands.

The event will be held at the Pavilion near Refuge Headquarters (2150 E 2350 N, Hamer, ID 83425). Guests are welcome to arrive at any time during the morning.

The Friends of Camas National Wildlife Refuge support the refuge’s mission to preserve, protect, and restore biological diversity and historical resources, while providing opportunities for recreation, education, and scientific discovery.

Join us and “Find Your Wild” at Camas National Wildlife Refuge!

Click here to follow the original article.

Families Invited to Explore Local Farms at Santa Barbara County Farm Day

Ivania Montes

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Saturday, September 6th, families across Santa Barbara County will have the chance to step onto local farms and see firsthand where their food comes from.

Now in its 7th year, Santa Barbara County Farm Day offers free self-guided tours at more than 21 locations from Carpinteria to Santa Maria. Visitors can expect interactive activities, farm-fresh tastings, raffles, giveaways, and the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow the region’s produce.

“Over 21 locations across Santa Barbara County are opening their doors to the public,” said Caitlin Paulus Case, Executive Director of SEEAG, the nonprofit behind Farm Day. “It’s an opportunity to connect with the hands and lands that feed us.”

Organizers say Farm Day is about more than just exploring fields — it’s also a chance to reconnect people with the origins of their food.

“We live in a time where people care more than ever about what’s in their food,” Paulus explained, “but we’re more disconnected than ever about how our food is grown.”

For farmers like Juan Osorio, the event is personal. “It’s really important for me because it helps not only my family, but also feeds a lot of my community members with local, good, fresh produce,” he said.

First-time participants like Jason Lesh of Farm Cart Organics hope the event changes perceptions.“I want people to understand that an ugly farm is beautiful,” Lesh said. “Weeds are good, insect bites on produce are good — small, diverse, messy, ugly farms are really who we want to be shopping with.”

From learning about organic farming to sampling fresh produce, Farm Day celebrates agriculture and the people behind it.

“Farm Day is 100% free thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors,” Paulus said. “We believe that agricultural, nutrition, and food education should be a right and not a privilege.”

Santa Barbara County Farm Day takes place Saturday, September 6th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission is free, but organizers ask participants to register online to receive the official map of all 21 locations.

For more information, you can visit their official website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Experts weigh in on public transportation safety

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Planes, trains and buses are standard public transportation methods that are used every day. But utilizing these methods of transportation may mean amping up public protection.

Expectations when taking public transportation are a safe ride to your desired destination, but that may not always be the case.

On Aug. 22, in North Carolina, Iryna Zarutska was riding on a Charlotte commuter train and was fatally stabbed by suspect Decarlos Brown Jr.

In Zarutska’s tragic case, these things cannot always be avoided.

News-Press NOW spoke to the Executive Director of the St. Joseph Safety and Health Council, Frank Till, on safety tips to keep in mind while riding public transportation.

Till believes awareness of our surroundings is vital.

“If we’re in a setting like that and something doesn’t feel right, we’re around a group of people. It doesn’t feel right. We need to move.” Till said.

Till also said carrying defense devices such as mace and tasers is a great way to protect yourself. Additionally, having someone know where you’re going is important and easy with the phone tracking apps.

If something does not feel right, Till said to trust one’s instincts, as travelers can always get on another train or bus.

Click here to follow the original article.

SJSD School Board talked boundaries, feeder system and program expansion

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education held a work session meeting on Sept. 8, where several big topics were on the table. 

One of the main discussions was the focus on school boundaries, looking at enrollment numbers and the percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunches. 

Superintendent Dr. Ashly McGinnis explained that when it comes to Title schools, some buildings automatically qualify based on a process called “direct certification.” 

“So some of the districts or some of those school buildings become automatic and we would go back to the drawing board next year to get those free and reduced lunch forms signed,” Dr. Ashly McGinnis, superintendent said. 

Board members also took a closer look at a proposed feeder system, designed to keep students together as they move from elementary to middle school and then on to high school. 

McGinnis said the discussion helped the team narrow down options and set a clearer direction.  

“When we talk about repurposing or remodeling the building its important that we look at enrollment counts and how those building are being used so that we maximize the efficiency within our school district,” McGinnis said. 

Another key point on the agenda is early childhood education. With growing demand in the community, leaders will talk about ways to expand programs to better serve young learners.  

McGinnis says  that strong early education helps prepare students with the skills they need to adapt and succeed once they start school.  

“And so they come in with being ready to learn skills and it helps them overall just adapt to going to school,” McGinnis said.  

The board also briefly touched on long-term plans for a new high school, which would not happen until at least April 2027. No decisions were made during the work session. 

Click here to follow the original article.

St. Joseph Reads launches second annual community read event

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In its second year, St. Joseph Reads is kickstarting its annual community read, “WE READ 2025”.

The book selected is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

The event will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at The Story Collective, located at 114 S. 7th St.

St. Joseph Reads has provided 300 free copies of the book, which will be available at the St. Joseph Public Library, the Rolling Hills Library and around town.

The Community Reads season will end on Oct. 10; however, several scheduled events during the week of Oct. 6 through Oct. 10 will discuss the themes in the book.

For more information, visit stjosephreads.org.

45ce78bc-41e0-4d6f-941e-50bf2cbc20e2Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Local man convicted of statutory sodomy

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A St. Joseph man was convicted on Friday, Sept. 5 for first-degree statutory sodomy.

According to a press release from Buchanan County prosecutor Michelle Davidson, a jury deliberated for just over an hour before finding Russell Barbeau, age 70, guilty.

According to a probable cause statement by the St. Joseph Police Department, the victim was 12 years old. The incident took place on Jan. 21, 2025, in St. Joseph.

The case was tried by Assistant County Prosecutor Monica Morrey, with the assistance of Buchanan County paralegal Haley McKee.

Sentencing for Barbeau will be held on Oct. 21 at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Click here to follow the original article.