Large trail of black smoke reported on Commission Street in Salinas; fire’s now out

KION on September 23, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — A large plume of black smoke broke out on Commission Street Monday. Viewers and eye witnesses called in to KION and reported a fire off of Highway 101.

Salinas firefighters told KION that they think an encampment fire blew onto two tractor trailers nearby and caught fire.

The location of the tractor trailers were within a private lot.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters are still on scene working to make sure no other fires re-ignite in the area.

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Beerded Bean in shock after their location was broken into

KION on September 23, 2025

jose.romo

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — A business in downtown Salinas was left in shock after being a victim of a break-in over the weekend. Owner of Beerded Bean, Erick Del Real, says this has been unfortunate for him and his staff, but hopes other nearby businesses can better prepare. 

The back door at the Bearded Bean remains boarded up, and despite this, staff continue welcoming customers in, hoping to move past the bitter experience. 

“Our opening staff member gave me a phone call telling me that the shop’s glass was broken and popped open. I didn’t know what exactly they meant by that. They sent me the picture, and the store here was completely, the glass was completely taken off and just put to the side.” 

Erick quickly called the police and filed a report. Soon after, he went to social media — sharing security images in hopes the community could help pinpoint the suspect. 

“You feel violated. You feel defeated. It’s really hard to earn a dollar in this world today,” he adds. “Our staff works really hard for their dollar as well, and that takes away from them their tips and their paychecks and everything else that comes with the business.” 

In the security footage, you can see how a man in a light-colored jacket and a backpack broke in, leaving with the cash register and what was inside. 

Data from the Salinas Police Department shows that in 2024, they received 240 burglary reports within the city’s jurisdiction. Business owners in the area are now saying this incident serves as a call to action. 

“It’s already hard to kind of turn a profit for, you know, small businesses,” says Ryan Valenciano, a bartender at a nearby bar. “So, just hearing that, you know, our neighborhood businesses are getting broken into, it was just kind of sad and unfortunate.”

“Luckily, we had the camera set up where we were or where they were,” Erick says. He is now looking to add more security camera angles. He is glad none of his staff was hurt because this happened after hours. And — to prevent future break-ins, he adds that lights will remain on in the business overnight.  

Del Real adds that he is working closely with the Salinas police department in filing the report, hoping to find the suspect. Other business owners in the area say they are taking precautionary measures, despite saying the downtown area has generally been safe.

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World War II era firearm discovered during traffic stop in Monterey County

KION on September 23, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies say that around 8:30 p.m. Sunday night, they arrested a man for possession of three firearms, including a loaded .45 caliber pistol, an AR pistol carbine, and a Japanese Type 11 light machine gun.

A deputy was patrolling the Castroville community when they saw a vehicle wrong-way in the middle of the street.

After a traffic stop near Poole and McDougal streets — and with the assistance of another deputy and his K9 Partner “Rocket” — deputies were alerted to the presence of controlled substances.

The female driver along with a male passenger were told that deputies needed to search the vehicle.

“A search of the vehicle revealed the presence of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. “During the search, deputies discovered a loaded 1911 A-1 pistol. The pistol was found within hands reach of where the passenger was seated and inches from where deputies had been standing during the contact.”

Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the search.

A further search resulted in the discovery of a loaded AR pistol carbine and a Japanese Type 11 light machine gun, according to deputies. They also said that two of the weapons did not have serial numbers.

Deputies continued to investigate and found that 42-year-old Brian Richard Knabb is a convicted felon from Pacific Grove, and was attempting to sell the light machine gun.

“This is a WWII era type of machine gun capable of firing over 500 rounds per minute. It’s a weaponof war,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto. “It’s a weapon of mass destruction.”

Brian Richard Knabb was booked into the Monterey County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of an unserialized firearm and other charges, deputies say.

Deputies say that his bail was set at $50,000, and the female driver was cited and released for possession of a controlled substance.

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Deschutes County to host household hazardous waste collection events next month in La Pine, Sisters and Redmond

KTVZ on September 23, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This October, the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste will host household hazardous waste collection events in the communities of La Pine, Sisters and Redmond. These one-day events give residents an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste items free of charge.

“We are excited to offer additional collection events in our rural communities so residents can discard their household hazardous waste items safely and responsibly,” said Deschutes County Hazardous Waste Supervisor Greg Brady. “Items like cleaning supplies, old paint, pesticides, and fluorescent lightbulbs can harm the environment and pose health risks if not disposed of properly.”

Items that will be accepted at the collection events include:

Oil and latex paints and stains

Thinners, solvents, fuels

Oil soaked rags and absorbents

Pool and spa chemicals

Garden products (herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.)

Vehicle fluids (coolants, lubricants, fuels, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc.)

Propane tanks and camp stove cylinders

Aerosols (paints, garden sprays, cleaners, etc.)

Mercury and Mercury-containing items (thermometers, thermostats, etc.)

Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs

Rechargeable batteries

Household cleaners

Items that will not be accepted include:

Business-generated hazardous waste

Medical waste

Explosives, fireworks, ammunition

Compressed gas cylinders (propane tanks and cylinders are accepted)

Barrels 

Collection event locations, dates, and hours of operation are as follows: 

La Pine – South County Services Center

51340 U.S. 97, in the front parking lot

Saturday, Oct. 4

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sisters – Sisters Recycling Center

328 W. Sisters Park Drive

Saturday, Oct. 11

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Redmond – Negus Transfer Station

2400 NE Maple Ave

Saturday, Oct. 18

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Household hazardous waste is also accepted free of charge at the Knott Landfill Hazardous Waste Facility every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The facility is located at 62060 SE 27th St. in southeast Bend. To learn more about common hazardous waste materials, visit the Solid Waste Department website.

For more information, please call the Department of Solid Waste at (541) 317-3163.

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Fish dead in Krug Park pond due to algae bloom, low oxygen levels MDC says

News-Press NOW on September 23, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — At least 50 fish were found belly-up at Krug Park on Tuesday afternoon.

News-Press NOW reached out to biologists at the Missouri Department of Conservation, who explained the die-off is tied to a drop in oxygen levels in the water — something that can happen for a few different reasons.  

“There’s no photosynthesis happening, which produces oxygen with all the vegetation, so then the fishes start dying because of the lethal dip in O2 in the water,” said Tori Mason, a MDC fisheries management biologist.

According to Mason, reports of dying fish at the pond aren’t new.  

Dead fish are pretty common this time of year, but the department plans to restock the pond with trout by November.  

“I am getting calls all the time on the exact same thing. It’s really unfortunate, and if we had the aeration and fountains, then this wouldn’t have happened,” Mason said.  

Mason explained this isn’t unusual and assured the public there’s no risk to people. Mason also explained, the real culprit is a large algae bloom, which released toxins into the water and led to the fish dying.  

“We will get it stocked back up, and it will be good as new here in short order and there will be plenty of fish to catch for people,” Mason said.  

Mason said the timing made conditions tougher for the fish, but the MDC expects to have the issue resolved soon for residents.  

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Watermaster for IID retires after 50 years of service

KESQ on September 23, 2025

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) says Merlon Kidwell, their Watermaster for 50 years, has retired.

Joining IID in 1975, Kidwell ensured “the reliable delivery of water to nearly half a million acres of some of the nation’s most productive farmland, as well as to cities, businesses, and industries in California’s Imperial Valley,” IID said.

“Being the Watermaster can be a great job, but you have to be able to accept the world as not being perfect,” Kidwell said, who also trained and supervised staff in the trade. “If the water is in the banks when you get to work, then a smart Watermaster will take that as a win. As we operate over 1,600 miles of irrigation infrastructure, we are always prepared for any challenges that may come up during the course of a day.”

IID says Kidwell is one of six people to hold the job title since 1940, and his contributions include “improving the water scheduling system to allow more effective planning, ensuring timely delivery, shorter-duration orders, and reducing inefficiencies.”

“The work of our Water Department is truly fascinating as it involves so many critical moving parts that need to be in sync in order for us to reliably deliver water 24/7,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “We are amazed at the expertise this requires, which is exemplified by such dedicated and respected employees as Mr. Kidwell. We truly thank him for all that he has done over the years and remain in a debt of gratitude.”

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Car rolls on its top on 17th St. in Idaho Falls

KIFI on September 23, 2025

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Police are investigating a crash involving at least two cars at the intersection of 17th and Ashment on Tuesday afternoon.

Police have not reported whether anyone was injured.

It was reported around 2:40 p.m.

The crash has caused traffic to back up on 17th Street.

A car ends up on it top at 17th and Ashment in Idaho Falls on Sept. 23, 2025.

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Researchers tackle lettuce disease at Yuma farm

KYMA on September 23, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In Tuesday’s Home Grown report, the University of Arizona is leading a collaborative effort to fight a devastating soil-borne fungus that is infecting lettuce fields in the region.

The fungus, known as lettuce fusarium wilt, clogs the vascular structure of the plant, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the leaves.

This causes the plant to wilt, appear water-deficient, and eventually die, resulting in financial losses for farmers.

Researchers are now testing various chemical formulations to kill the fungus in the soil, while seed companies are trialing different lettuce varieties that may be resistant to the disease.

“You know, we’re finding that some varieties are really resistant to this fungus while some others are not which tells us that if a farmer finds this disease in their field, they can go to their seed salesman and order special seed that’s more resistant to this disease, and they can plant that out and have a better chance for success,” said Robert Masson, agricultural extension agent for the University of Arizona.

The project has been underway for several years with the help of student interns.

The university is also organizing collaborative projects with the USDA, the University of Florida, Yuma Cooperative Extension, and the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture.

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Watermaster for IID retires after 50 years of service

KYMA on September 23, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) says Merlon Kidwell, their Watermaster for 50 years, has retired.

Joining IID in 1975, Kidwell ensured “the reliable delivery of water to nearly half a million acres of some of the nation’s most productive farmland, as well as to cities, businesses, and industries in California’s Imperial Valley,” IID said.

“Being the Watermaster can be a great job, but you have to be able to accept the world as not being perfect,” Kidwell said, who also trained and supervised staff in the trade. “If the water is in the banks when you get to work, then a smart Watermaster will take that as a win. As we operate over 1,600 miles of irrigation infrastructure, we are always prepared for any challenges that may come up during the course of a day.”

IID says Kidwell is one of six people to hold the job title since 1940, and his contributions include “improving the water scheduling system to allow more effective planning, ensuring timely delivery, shorter-duration orders, and reducing inefficiencies.”

“The work of our Water Department is truly fascinating as it involves so many critical moving parts that need to be in sync in order for us to reliably deliver water 24/7,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “We are amazed at the expertise this requires, which is exemplified by such dedicated and respected employees as Mr. Kidwell. We truly thank him for all that he has done over the years and remain in a debt of gratitude.”

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News Channel 3’s Peter Daut named a Grand Marshal for 2025 Palm Springs Pride Parade

KESQ on September 23, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The grand marshals for the 2025 Palm Springs Pride Parade were announced on Tuesday, which includes News Channel 3 anchor Peter Daut.

Peter is joined by Sister Roma, Holly Near, Esther Loewen, Renae Punzalan, and Jasper Price.

Organizers said the grand marshals were chosen for their profound commitment to fostering inclusion and community connection in the Greater Palm Springs area who embody this year’s Pride theme, “Be Heard.”

Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy, also known as Dottie and Maude, are recognized as 2025 Pride Royalty.

The Palm Springs Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, November 9.

“Amidst a rising tide of challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community nationwide, from legislative bans on gender-affirming care and curriculum censorship to a surge in anti-trans legislation, the dedication of these Grand Marshals is more crucial than ever,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, Executive Director of Palm Springs Pride. “They stand as a powerful force against a coordinated effort to silence LGBTQ+ stories and erase their presence from public life. They remind us that our stories cannot be silenced, and our community will not be erased.”

This year’s Grand Marshals are:

Sister Roma, Grand Marshal: For nearly four decades, Sister Roma has been a globally recognized member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in San Francisco. She joined the order in 1987, inspired by their pioneering work in HIV/AIDS education and fundraising. A tireless activist and fundraiser, Roma has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes and helped create impactful social movements, such as the #MyNameIs campaign.

Holly Near, Celebrity Grand Marshal: A renowned singer and storyteller, Holly Near has dedicated over 40 years to creating music that inspires activism and celebrates a more equitable world. Her powerful, consistent voice has made her an outspoken ambassador for peace and justice. Through her music and performances, she connects with audiences who believe in peace, justice, and feminism, a true reflection of humanity’s beautiful spectrum.

Peter Daut, Community Grand Marshal: A six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist for KESQ News Channel 3, Peter is being honored for his commitment to community service and his powerful reporting. A strong believer in giving back, he hosts numerous events to raise funds for worthy causes, including the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, and uses his platform to raise awareness for deserving local nonprofits.

Esther Loewen, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and podcast host, Esther is being honored for her work in creating inclusion and celebrating authenticity. She brings a deep understanding of mental health and human connection to her advocacy, sharing her insights through her podcast, Transgender Woman Talking. 

Renae Punzalan, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: A native Chamorro from Guam, Renae is the Director of Youth Services at the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. She is recognized for her advocacy for transgender rights, a mission she has pursued through her work at the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center and by helping organize events like Trans Pride and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR).

Jasper Price, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: As the Director of Trans & Gender Expansive Programs at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Jasper works to expand affirming resources and programming throughout the Coachella Valley. With a background in Gender Studies and Social Work, he focuses on mental health and education for both youth and adults, providing brave and affirming spaces where people can explore their identities.

“Dottie and Maude” have been declared Palm Springs Pride Royalty for Life. Together since 1976 and Palm Springs residents since 1980, they have been an integral part of the Pride Parade since 1995. As Les Dames du Soleil, they have helped raise over $2 million for local HIV/AIDS charities, cementing their legacy as pillars of the community.

For more information about the Grand Marshals and the full list of official events, visit pspride.org.

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