Cold Weather Alert: Is Your Sprinkler System Ready for Winter?

KIFI on October 21, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

EDITED: Oct. 21, 2025 4:20 PM

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With colder temperatures setting in and frost appearing, homeowners are being reminded not to overlook an important task: winterizing their sprinkler systems.

It is important to winterize your sprinklers as soon as those cold months come in, otherwise you’ll see damages.

“Water as it freezes is extremely powerful. And its expansion into ice will break just about anything,” Owner of OLS Sprinklers, Steve Morales, said.

Morales said the blow-out method is one of the most effective ways to winterize your sprinklers. This method involves using compressed air to clear water from the sprinkler system’s pipes.

Another method is the “drain out” method, which he says customers like, but not as effective since it could be error-prone.

“What we found is that it’s not as good because some of the sprinklers that have gears in the bottom of them will get ice expansion in those gears and then their lifespan is shortened. It should last 12 or 15 years. Sometimes they’re a lot less if you allow them to ice over every winter,” Morales said.

While you may think it’s easier and cheaper to do it yourself, you should always consult with a professional or do extensive research prior to doing a blow-out to ensure accuracy and to avoid injuries.

“If you do it yourself, then the damages when you repair those sprinkler systems are several hundred could be thousands of dollars. But when it’s not done correctly, a lot of the basements in Idaho Falls end up with the water that that after the thaw occurs and the sprinkler systems now broken, sometimes the water will go down and flood a basement and then you’re really done some serious damage,” Morales said.

Original:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With colder temperatures setting in and frost appearing, homeowners are being reminded not to overlook an important task: winterizing their sprinkler systems.

Experts at The Home Depot highlight three common methods for winterizing sprinklers: The manual drain method, the automatic drain method, and the blow-out method.

Local company Ohana Sprinklers and Landscaping emphasizes the importance of the blow-out method. When water is left in the system and freezes, it can bend gears. The blow-out method helps prevent this, extending the lifespan of your sprinkler system.

The blow-out method involves using compressed air to clear water from the sprinkler system’s pipes. However, it can be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t followed. This is why extensive research or professional help is important.

The ideal time to start winterizing is between mid-September and the end of October.

Click here to follow the original article.

Bonneville County Sheriffs Office mourns passing of former Sheriff Byron R. Stommel

KIFI on October 21, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is honoring retired Sheriff Byron R. Stommel, who passed away Monday at his home outside of Idaho Falls.

A native of Idaho Falls, Stommel graduated from Idaho Falls Senior High School in 1960. He furthered his education at Pasadena City College in California and later completed training at the Idaho State University (ISU) police academy, according to his Facebook profile.

Sheriff Stommel spent the early years of his law enforcement career with the Idaho Falls Police Department before being elected Sheriff of Bonneville County in 1993. At the time of his retirement in 2007, Sheriff Stommel was recognized as the longest-serving Sheriff in Bonneville County history, leaving behind a proud legacy of service to the community, according to BCSO.

“Our thoughts are with the Stommel family, mourning the loss of a colleague, mentor, and friend to the BCSO Team,” BCSO stated on Facebook.

Click here to follow the original article.

Bend native, La Mesa officer killed in San Diego County crash remembered for kindness and service

KTVZ on October 21, 2025

Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding new information about crash, Officer Craven)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A tragic crash in Southern California has claimed the life of a Bend native who was serving as a police officer with the La Mesa Police Department near San Diego.

Authorities say Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was killed Monday night while assisting at the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in San Diego County. The California Highway Patrol said Officer Lauren Craven stopped her patrol car to help others involved in an earlier crash when another driver struck her vehicle and several others.

“While outside of their patrol vehicle, another vehicle struck the La Mesa PD officer as well as the other vehicles involved in the crash,” California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said. “Unfortunately, the La Mesa PD officer lost their life during this tragic crash.”

The investigation remains ongoing. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said they are reviewing all factors leading up to the deadly collision, but reminded drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights on the roadside — a state law designed to protect emergency personnel and those they assist.

Lauren Craven grew up in Bend and graduated from Summit High School in 2019. While in high school, she worked at the local Ben & Jerry’s and a Chevron station where she was known for her friendly energy. Former counselors at Summit said Lauren always wore the biggest smile and was uniquely kind. 

According to the La Mesa Police Department, Lauren Craven joined the agency within the past few years and quickly became known for her professionalism and compassion both on duty and off. The city of La Mesa and law enforcement agencies across San Diego County have expressed condolences and lowered flags in her honor.

The CHP said the chain-reaction crash involved multiple vehicles on the eastbound side of I-8, near the community of Alpine. Video from the scene showed heavy damage to several cars and emergency units blocking the roadway for hours while investigators collected evidence.

Authorities said they have not yet determined what caused the initial crash that Officer Lauren Craven stopped to assist with. Toxicology results and witness statements are part of the ongoing investigation.

In light of the tragedy, highway officials again urged drivers to obey California and Oregon’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow to a safe speed when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles displaying flashing lights.

We will continue to keep you updated on this developing story. 

Earlier story — SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KTVZ) — 25-year-old Lauren Craven, who graduated from Summit High School in Bend in 2019, was killed while in the line of duty Monday evening in San Diego-neighborhood Grantville.

According to our NBC News affiliate station, NBC 7 in San Diego, “As a car was traveling east on I-8, it hit another car, then overturned in the lanes and was struck by another car. A La Mesa police officer, who was on duty, saw the crash and got out of their car to render aid, when another car hit the officer, as well as the other cars. Then, a second car hit all of the vehicles, California Highway Patrol Cpt. Reggie Williams said. CHP confirmed two people are dead, including the officer and the person who initially crashed.”

Lauren Craven

NBC 7 also stated a total of five cars were involved and the other victims were transported to local hospitals.

The La Mesa Police Department said Craven joined the department in February of 2024.

“We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family, and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers,” La Mesa Lt. Travis Higgins said in a release.

KTVZ News also would appreciate hearing from friends of Craven who can help us tell her story. You can reach Claire at claire.elmer@ktvz.com and the newsroom at stories@ktvz.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cathedral City food truck proposal raises concern among vendors

KESQ on October 21, 2025

Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A proposed amendment to Cathedral City’s food truck pilot program is drawing criticism from local food vendors and small business advocates, who argue the new restrictions could stifle entrepreneurship and limit opportunities for working-class business owners.

The proposed rule would prohibit food trucks from operating within 500 feet of any existing restaurant or bar—unless the vendor obtains written permission from the nearby business. Advocates warn that the restriction could make it virtually impossible for food trucks to operate along major corridors like Highway 111, where restaurants are densely clustered.

“It’s hurting small business owners that are just getting into the field who pay the same taxes, the same permitting fees and still have to spend almost 100-thousand dollars to open a food truck. Just because I don’t have a quarter of a million, I should be restricted on where I can go?”

Eri Nox, Nice Hass Owner

A map of the proposed buffer zones shows widespread impact, especially across the major corridors, including Highway 111, Date Palm Dr., and Ramon Road. Advocates say overlapping 500-foot zones from existing restaurants would leave few—if any—viable operating spaces for food trucks in high-traffic areas.

Some brick-and-mortar restaurant owners expressed support for a balanced approach, agreeing that food trucks should have a place in the city, but at a reasonable distance to avoid direct competition.

“I think everybody deserves an opportunity and there’s nothing wrong with that. When it comes to it, as long as there’s a good distance with restaurants, I think it’s okay because we also deserve to have our side when they have their side.”

Nanfer Garcia, Desert Thai Owner

Nos maintains that food trucks and restaurants can coexist—and even benefit one another—if the guidelines are reasonable.

The Cathedral City Council is set to review the proposed changes during a public meeting on Wednesday, October 22. A final vote on the ordinance is expected later this year.

City officials declined to comment on the matter, citing policies against speaking on potential action items.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

New Burrell center set to increase mental health treatment resources in Columbia

KMIZ on October 21, 2025

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A new mental health center in Columbia will triple the length of time patients can get treatment, with the hope of better caring for their illnesses.

Burrell Behavioral Health broke ground Tuesday on its new Behavioral Health Crisis Center on Texas Avenue in Columbia.

Burrell provides services specializing in mental health and substance use-related crises. Burrell’s Phoenix Clinic has provided residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment for more than 50 years. 

“You can’t always get a psychiatry appointment, you can’t always get a therapy appointment immediately. So walking into the crisis center allows you to get services same day,” said Chelsea Brunstrom, Director of Columbia’s Behavioral Crisis Center.

The new Texas Avenue health center will be three times as large as its location on East Walnut Street at 5,437 square feet. Clients can receive up to 72 hours of care compared to up to 23 hours at the existing location. The new center is for people 18 and up and is voluntary. Any adult can receive mental health care, regardless of insurance or a person’s ability to pay.

In September 2024, the City of Columbia allocated Burrell $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding to construct the new center.

“This is a place where no one has to face a crisis alone,” said Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Burrell will be able to expand overall treatment access with the expansion and provide more care to individuals in the Boone County Jail.  The crisis center is estimated to have saved the Columbia community more than $14 million in the last year, based on a Missouri-specific model of hospitalization costs, jail costs, law enforcement salary and crisis center operations costs.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental HealthServices Administration estimates that 1,248,000 Missouri adults, 26.5% of the state’s populationages 18 and older, had some degree of mental illness. Among them, 301,000 adults had aserious mental illness. The national survey also reported 264,000 Missouri adults have had seriousthoughts of suicide.

Between January and May, the Columbia Behavioral Health Crisis Center on Walnut Street saw 1,588 referrals, connecting 94% of clients to care and diverting 37% of clients from hospitals, Burrell says.

Burrell’s East Walnut location will continue to operate 24/7 without interruption to services during the construction. Burrell CEO Mat Gass said construction is expected to take about a year.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ex-NFL player Doug Martin struggled with mental health issues before OPD in-custody death: family

KIFI on October 21, 2025

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 21 OCT 25 12:15 ET

By JR Stone

Click here for updates on this story

    OAKLAND, California (KGO) — Former NFL player Doug Martin, who died in Oakland police custody over the weekend, had been struggling with mental health issues, according to his family.

Martin’s former agent released a statement on behalf of the family, saying in part, “Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges… Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down.”

Police say Martin was involved in a break-in at a home in the Oakland Hills. As officers attempted to detain him, they say there was a brief struggle, and after being detained, Martin became unresponsive and later died at a hospital.

“They dropped the ball! Is it the color of his skin that he thought maybe was someone bad?” asked Kar Raphino as she referenced officers.

Raphino and her family met Martin when he was in college at Boise State, before his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders.

“A lot of people cared for him; he was so caring. Words cannot explain how caring he was,” said Raphino.

We spoke with his former St. Mary’s High School football coach in Stockton.

“Maybe the story now is about, you know, mental health issues, and people who are really struggling,” said Coach Tony Franks. “We miss him. We’re grieving. We’re hurting. Tough, tough loss for a lot of people of people that loved Doug.”

“Well, you know, it hasn’t been too long ago he was in rehab and out recently from that. And I think a lot of our hopes were that, you know, maybe some of the personal demons that he was facing was getting behind him,” said Nick Perkins.

Perkins also met Martin in Boise. He says he was a fun-loving, stand-up guy who was very involved with the community and who helped put Boise State on the map nationally for football.

While the mental health concerns here are front and center. Raphino says she wants to see the body camera video from officers to see how much force was used to detain him.

“And I know justice will be done. We love you Doug! I’m so done, sorry,” said Raphino as she fought back tears.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Click here to follow the original article.

YPD to conduct impaired driving enforcement on Halloween weekend

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says they are conducting an impaired driving detail during Halloween weekend.

Taking place on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1, YPD says officers will be looking to stop and arrest drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.

YPD also says they will “actively enforce traffic laws, raise public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and most importantly, save more lives on our roadways.”

They also recommend Yuma residents to follow these steps to ensure a safe Halloween:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, an Uber driver, call a sober friend or family member.

If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

In addition, remember, if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have fun, but please do it responsibly.

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

Halloween DUI Detail 2025Download

Click here to follow the original article.

YPD and DEA to host National Take Back Initiative

KYMA on October 21, 2025

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are hosting the National Take Back Initiative this weekend.

The event is taking place at YPD headquarters, located at 1500 S. 1st Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

YPD says the event offers the public to dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to help prevent pill abuse and theft.

However, YPD says they will not accept syringes, sharps, liquid products or illegal drugs “due to the hazardous conditions they pose during the disposal process.”

The event is free and anonymous. To learn more about the event, read the press release below.

DEA Drug Take Back October 2025Download

Click here to follow the original article.

SNAP benefits in November could be delayed due to the government shutdown

KVIA on October 21, 2025

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Texas Health and Human Services says SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued in Texas if the government shutdown continues past October 27.

This following disruptions to funding and delayed data processing tied to the shutdown.

Without a funding resolution, the USDA indicated that there may be insufficient funds to cover full November SNAP benefits.

SNAP benefits are administered federally but distributed by states through EBT vendors.

In past shutdowns, the USDA distributed benefits early to prevent gaps in coverage.

Click here to follow the original article.

‘More than just a car show’: Old Mill Classic Cruz donates $10,000 to Central Oregon veteran and first responder support nonprofit

KTVZ on October 21, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The first annual Old Mill Classic Cruz Car Show took place on July 19th in Bend’s Old Mill District and was able to raise $10,000 to donate to Battle Buddies of Central Oregon.

According to a spokesperson from Old Mill Classic Cruz, more than 200 car enthusiasts came together to showcase their vehicles, and the money for Battle Buddies of Central Oregon was raised through sponsors, registration fees, and other donations.

Read the full press release below:

“Following a successful summer event, the Old Mill Classic Cruz is proud to announce a donation of $10,000 directly to Battle Buddies of Central Oregon to support its mission to support the wellbeing of veterans and first responders by providing canine companionship and training through their K9 Training for Heroes program.

The funds were raised during the first-time annual car show held on July 19, 2025 and alongside the beautiful Deschutes River in The Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon.

The event brought together over 200 car enthusiasts and community members to showcase a wide range of stock and custom classic vehicles. A portion of every sponsorship, registration fee, and donation contributed to the total amount raised for this local charity event.

“We are grateful to our 38 sponsors, to the 200+ participants who attended, to donors, and to several volunteers that helped make this donation possible”, said David Boynton. “This is more than just a car show, it’s about honoring those who’ve served, connecting the community, and showcasing the beauty of the Bend car culture in an unforgettable way. Our community’s passion for cars has translated into real tangible support for Battle Buddies and we are thrilled to help them continue their important work.”This donation will allow Battle Buddies of Central Oregon to provide training, adoption, and medical assistance to the special Buddies they support. “The generosity of the local car community is truly inspiring. This donation will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve and we are thankful for their support” said Kristine Olson, Executive Director.

The Old Mill Classic Cruz car show is an annual community event dedicated t o bringing car lovers together for a day of appreciation for classic and unique automobiles. It also serves as a platform for supporting Veterans causes and giving back to the community in the future.

Battle Buddies of Central Oregon is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization, an all-volunteer staff of patriotic citizens dedicated to preventing veteran and first responder suicide. Their mission is to prevent veteran and first responder suicide through canine companionship, training, and their goal is to provide professional canine obedience training in preparation for the canine good citizen test. For more information, visit their website at battlebuddiesco.org.”

Click here to follow the original article.