Copperhead snakes more active around River Bluff Trails Park

News-Press NOW on October 1, 2025

Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With cooler weather moving in, copperhead snakes are preparing for hibernation.

The weather causes the snakes to be more active around local parks and trails such as River Bluff Trails Park.

When using the local trails during this time of year, there are a few things to keep in mind. Copperhead snakes typically have a gray or copper color to them and an hourglass-like pattern on their skin.

These snakes also blend in very well with fallen leaves on the ground. 

“It would just be advisable to recognize that they are there and use caution. Don’t assume. Don’t step over logs without knowing where you are putting your feet. And just take your time and have your eyes open and pay attention,” said Shelly Cox, a naturalist at the Remington Nature Center.

According to Cox, copperhead snakes in the area will be heading into hibernation toward the end of October until springtime.  

Copperhead snakes are also venomous. According to Poison Control, their bites can cause pain, swelling, redness, bruising and blistering, as well as systemic symptoms like low blood pressure.

If a bite occurs, stay calm, immobilize the bite area and seek help from experts.

To decrease the likelihood of copperheads on property, remove leaves, rocks, trash and other debris. Additionally, removing tall vegetation will also decrease their presence on property.

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‘Dink and Rally’ tournament raises funds for Pocatello seniors

KIFI on October 1, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The Area V Agency on Aging is hosting its third annual pickleball tournament in Pocatello this weekend to raise money and awareness for local programs serving seniors.

The non-profit hosts the ‘Dink and Rally’ tournament every year to raise money for their Meals on Wheels and senior housekeeping assistance programs. Organizers also say the event is a great reminder of the resources available to help the Portneuf Valley’s elderly population.

“[We] are like a hidden treasure,” said Cara Christensen of the Area V Agency on Aging. “A lot of people don’t know we’re here, to provide supportive services and to help you navigate with yourself personally aging or your loved ones’ aging. So it’s just a great way to bring awareness to what we do, and how we serve our communities.”

The dink and rally tournament starts Friday at the Mountain View Event Center.

The Area V Agency on Aging is still looking for teams to compete. For information on how to get involved, click HERE.

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Lawyer says immigration cases are hard to win after migrants have been detained

KMIZ on October 1, 2025

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri immigration lawyer says due to new immigration policies, he has had to stop taking on removal cases for immigrants in detention.

“Changes to the immigration court system, how evidence is being evaluated, how charges are being brought, people are being placed in removal proceedings with far greater ease,” said David Cox, an Immigration Attorney in St. Louis.

Cox said he saw instant impacts to his practice after President Donald Trump returned back to the Oval Office.

“They’re not ever seeing a judge, they’re just being put on planes and shipped out of here,” Cox said. “They’re basically detaining everybody that they catch and no bond is allowed. That wasn’t the case before. You could litigate and get out on a bond if you’re not a threat to the community.”

Owen Ramsingh, a Columbia man who has had a green card since 1986, was detained last week by ICE agents in Chicago after returning from the Netherlands and landing at O’Hare International Airport. He has been in detention since.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson wrote on Tuesday that Ramsingh was detained due to previous convictions involving drug possession. One charge was expunged and the other conviction occurred in the 1998.

The last information Ramsingh’s wife has is that Owen was being transferred to a detention center in El Paso, Texas. He has a court date in Illinois scheduled for Oct. 15.

German Gonzalez Herrera, an Immigration Attorney in St. Louis, said he receives at least 10 calls a day from people in ICE detention. He described how the new immigration policies have created less time for attorneys to take on cases. He said it used to take him six months to help build a case, but the increased workload has made that difficult.

“When they are in detention, it’s really hard to help them,” German Gonzalez Herrera said.

He said the bar for obtaining asylum status has been raised under the Trump administration and is unattainable for many coming from bad situations.

“You need to pay $100 to apply for asylum. So many people that enter into many states they don’t have money. They say ‘OK, how do I pay the $100?'” Gonzalez Herrera said.

Gonzalez Herrera said he has had to start discussing avenues outside of U.S. citizenship with his clients, due to cases becoming harder and harder to win.

“My recommendation is save the money,” Gonzalez Herrera said. “Talk with the judge, explain your situation, what happened to you and if there is a miracle and the judge granted asylum it is a miracle.”

Cox reiterated the difficulty migrants face as cases become harder to win.

“My practice has changed, and I think a lot of other attorneys that used to do removal work are no longer doing so. They’re (other attorneys) just like me because they can’t win those cases. And it’s just not fair to their clients to charge that money to provide a service that’s going to get them,” Cox said.

Brad Sandler, an Immigration Lawyer and Partner at Stinson LLP in St. Louis said new policies in place have caused confusion for many of his clients.

“I’m having to spend two or three times more than I normally would on those people that are already here trying to help them understand how these things are impacting them,” Sandler said.

Cox said that he’s seen citizenship applications skyrocket since the Trump administration took office.

“We used to do one ceremony occasionally, usually a couple of times a month here in Saint Louis to swear in new citizens. Now they’re at least two every week with 50 new applicants every time,” Cox said.

He explained how the Missouri Federal Courts are trying to curb the increased number of applicants.

“The courthouse here in St. Louis handles Friday cases. The Tuesday cases, which is the other day they have ceremonies every week, are done in the federal building here in Saint Louis,” Cox said.

Sandler suggested more opportunities for work- and student-related visas as a way to promote legal immigration opportunities.

“All those programs, the numbers have not been adjusted since the economy and the number of people have grown. They were set up, you know, like in the 1990s in the population and the need for those programs has grown,” Sandler said.

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Eldon man accused of attacking man with metal bar, ramming vehicle with truck

KMIZ on October 1, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Eldon man was charged in Pettis County after he allegedly attacked another man with a metal bar and rammed his truck into the man’s vehicle on Sept. 26.

Tyler McCue, 50, was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, armed criminal action, leaving the scene of an accident and first-degree property damage. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says the victim was at a trailer with another person when McCue grabbed a woman out of the trailer and pulled her into his truck. McCue then allegedly hit the victim with a metal bar and then used a truck to hit the victim’s vehicle, causing more than $3,000 worth of damage, the statement says.

The victim had a large cut on the left side of his head and required five staples to shut it, a deputy wrote.

McCue allegedly denied the encounter occurring, the statement says.

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St. Joseph Community Chorus

News-Press NOW on October 1, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Community Chorus is preparing to open its 45th Anniversary Season.

The season will begin with a performance of Joseph Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, at St. James Catholic Church, located at 5814 King Hill Ave.

The concert will feature the 65-voice chorus joined by a full orchestra under the direction of Timothy Tharaldson.

Written in 1798 during a time of political upheaval, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass is considered one of his most dramatic and triumphant choral works, blending moments of solemnity with choruses of hope and praise.

The concert will showcase four guest soloists. Tickets are available at the door or online at www.stjoechorus.org/tickets.

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Man arrested for making verbal threats against elementary school in Somerton

KYMA on October 1, 2025

Eduardo Morales

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Somerton Police Department (SPD) says they arrested a man in connection to making verbal threats against an elementary school.

According to SPD, it happened at around 10:05 a.m. Tuesday at Tierra Del Sol Elementary School when a 32-year-old man entered the school’s lobby and “made a verbal threat to injure children.”

After he left the school, SPD says the school’s staff “immediately initiated a lockdown as a precaution” and notified SPD.

SPD Chief of Police Araceli Juarez explains their process for school threats.

“As soon as the dispatcher’s notified, there’s a threat to one of our schools every available police officer that’s on the road, every available police officer that is at the police station will respond,” says Chief Juarez.

SPD says the suspect’s vehicle was found and he was later arrested near U.S. Highway 95 and Avenue G at around 11:10 a.m., but at the time of his arrest, SPD says he was not armed.

The suspect was then booked into the Yuma County Detention Center and is being held on a bond of $200,000.

He is set to appear in court for the second time Friday morning.

Paul De Anda works near the school and he says it’s sad somebody would threaten children.

“It’s terrifying, right? I can’t imagine being a parent and then finding out someone is willing to hurt children and actually vocalize that,” De Anda said.

However, he is thankful that the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and SPD came together as soon as they got word of the threat.

“The fact that all the different stakeholders, all the different public safety entities always work well with each other, the fire departments, the police departments, all the law enforcement agencies, they’re always willing to share and help out,” De Anda says.

Meanwhile, Chief Juarez has understands parents can be scared for their kids, but asks to give them time so they can handle the situation and deliver the proper information.

“If we’re getting a lot of phone calls to the station, or if we’re getting parents showing up to the school upset, that diverts the units that we can send to locate the suspect,” Juarez says.

SPD says, “All threats are taken seriously, especially when they involve the safety of children,” and says the lockdown was lifted.

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Camp Fire Central Oregon to host 4th annual Autumn Family Faire, and volunteers invited to join the fun

KTVZ on October 1, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crisp air, colorful leaves, and plenty of community spirit can only mean one thing: It’s almost time for Camp Fire Central Oregon’s 4th Annual Autumn Family Faire!

The annual celebration takes place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Troy Field in Bend—and it’s completely free for all ages!

Families can look forward to a lively afternoon filled with autumn-themed games, creative crafts, live entertainment, robotics fun, a festive photo booth, a giant bouncy castle from Bouncing Off the Walls, the popular zombie laser-tag tent, and delicious eats from local vendors, including Bobablastic refreshments and grub, Junior’s Grill Build Your Own Mac-N-Cheese, and Kona Ice.

Costumes are encouraged, and guests will also have a chance to win a 50/50 raffle supporting Camp Fire’s youth scholarship fund. Camp Fire partners will feature booths, and a highlight this year, weather permitting: aerial arts by Lava City Cirque.

The Autumn Family Faire is powered by volunteers, and Camp Fire is inviting both teens and adults to be part of the festivities. Teen volunteers can gain valuable experience (great for resumes and college applications), while adults will enjoy an easy way to connect with others and give back to the community.

“Every year, this event grows bigger and more joyful because of the people who show up—not just families attending, but also the volunteers who make it all possible,” says Joey Hamilton, Camp Fire’s marketing and development director. “We can’t wait to see Troy Field come alive with costumes, creativity, and community spirit. Locals, visitors, volunteers—everyone is invited!”

Volunteer Opportunities

Flexible shifts available for both teens and adults

Teens: Register through Camp Fire’s Teen Connects program and work alongside experienced event staff: https://campfireco.org/teenconnects/

Adults: Sign up online for one or more shifts: https://campfireco.org/specialevents/

Volunteer Perks: Morning shifts include complimentary coffee and pastries; all volunteers enjoy a pizza lunch (dietary needs can be noted in advance)

For more information about the 2025 Autumn Family Faire or volunteering, visit campfireco.org/specialevents or contact Camp Fire Central Oregon at 541-382-4682 or info@campfireco.org.

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YWCA honors survivors for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

News-Press NOW on October 1, 2025

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The YWCA will honor victims and survivors of domestic violence during its annual “Hear my Voice” event to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event is to remember victims and survivors of domestic violence and will include the winner of the 2025 Mary Jolly Memorial Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding service to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.

The event started with the showcase of artwork done by community in St. Joseph. Followed by emotional stories, songs and poetry. Then the announcement of the 2025 Molly Jolly Award.

This year the award was won by Sergeant Tami Parsons of the Buchanan County sheriffs office and Natalie Maupin from Mosaic Life Care.

The event ended with a prayer and a moment of silence for victims of domestic violence.

Danielle Brown, YWCA chief executive officer said its important to have events during domestic violence awareness month.

“We want to make sure that if you are a survivor, if you are someone who’s experienced this trauma, that you can come forward,” she said.

Brown said domestic violence month is important to get the word out to everyone.

“But we really want to make sure that people know not only that we’re here, but that everybody’s here for them and that, you know, you don’t have to continue down the same cycle,” Brown said. “You can make a difference and even more that everybody can make a difference by listening,” she said.

Every Thursday the YWCA will wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness month.

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Columbia man arrested after vehicle spiked twice, chase hits 120 mph

KMIZ on October 1, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 30-year-old Columbia man was arrested after he was accused of leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase on Tuesday night.

James Miller is charged with drug possession, delivery of a controlled substance, aggravated fleeing, driving without a license and misdemeanor reckless driving. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond and had a court appearance on Wednesday.

The probable cause statement says Miller’s vehicle swerved on Highway 763 near Smiley Lane and almost hit another vehicle. That prompted a deputy to try to conduct a traffic stop, but Miller sped away in his GMC at 100 miles per hour after the deputy turned on his lights and siren, the statement says.

Miller then sped his vehicle up to 120 miles per hour and law enforcement used spike strips twice before the vehicle stopped on the ramp to southbound Highway 63 at the Interstate 70 connector, the statement says.

Law enforcement then found cocaine in the vehicle, the statements says.

He is also charged in two separate cases in Boone County, according to court records. In one case, he is charged with first-degree property damage and misdemeanor second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

In another case, he is charged with second-degree drug trafficking, drug possession and misdemeanor driving without a license.

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The Pianos on State Art Experience Provides a Soundtrack for an Economic Rebound

KEYT on October 1, 2025

John Palminteri

Santa Barbara, Calif. (KEYT) – The annual return of the Pianos on State art experience in Santa Barbara could be hitting just the right note to help stimulate the economy.

This combines spontaneous music and the art of custom painted pianos into the downtown area from the waterfront to the Arlington Theatre.

It also veers off slightly to the top entrance at the landmark Lobero Theatre on Canon Perdido St. and also on Victoria Street at the New Vic Theatre entrance.

At any hour between now and October 19th any member of the public, some with professional skills and some just beginners, can sit down and play the piano. It’s free play.

Each one of the pianos has been painted by local artists and they have a special sponsor from a local business. This all adds to the colorful presentation that has strolling pedestrians and bike riders enjoying a rolling soundtrack for multiple blocks.

It is already turning heads and keeping people engaged longer than they had planned in some cases.

Santa Barbara City Councilmember Wendy Santamaria said, “the fact that this is all up and down is really a great way for the community to get involved and spend more time downtown and more time on State Street.”

She was only making a brief stop for lunch and stayed longer. “I just came from grabbing lunch at Yona Redz and I heard the piano.” She then crossed the street to check it out.

At the keyboard was the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Roger Durling who was on a break and practicing a song. “You don’t have to be a good piano player. You could be you know, an amateur. Just come in and tinkle.”

The way the pianos bring in people who are then sometimes bringing in others, or sharing time “benefits all of us, the restaurants and the stores,” he said.

Cities like Denver and New York also have similar programs. The entertainment value also adds to the comfort of the trip down the street and is sometimes a destination for people who would not necessarily have something else to do there.  It all helps the economic return in an area that is looking for a boost.

Many friends and family are taking videos and sharing on social media.

The organizers, the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative say on the Pianos on State website: You don’t have to pass any test, you don’t have to have any qualifications, they’re there for everyone. 

A local attorney, Seth Noorzad has been playing on several pianos during the first two days of the project. “It doesn’t matter, you know, if you’re good or not. It’s just out here, you can just play a little bit for a second or, you know, a little more. You can sit down however long you want.” It comes without pressure. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” he said.

It won’t be uncommon to see some people trying out all of the pianos.

One performer Ed Baum set up a special camera to record his work. Once it was set he started in on the classic Eagles song, “Hotel California.”

Over the years, artists such as Zach Gill from singer Jack Johnson’s band has put on a lunchtime show that has attracted a street full of onlookers.

There have also been nearby performers coming from their stage shows who move out to the street and do an after party performance at the pianos.

The project comes with support from the City of Santa Barbara, The County Office of Arts and Culture, the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Arts Fund.

Friday there will be a rolling set of special performances that will feature several musicians and theatrical performers spending time at different pianos. It is the 5th annual Masq(p)arade! There will be shows every fifteen minutes from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Masq(p)arade! 2025 Schedule & Lineup:5:30 – 5:45 PM Nadine Pearson @ The Red Piano (519 State St)6:00 – 6:15 PM Haiku in C Minor @ World Market (610 State St)6:30 – 6:45 PM Out of the Box Theatre Company @ Tondi Gelato (401 Paseo Nuevo)7:00 – 7:15 PM Konrad Kono @ Bank of America (834 State St)7:30 – 7:45 PM Piano in the Sky @ The Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St)

For more information, sponsors and a map go to: Pianos On State

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