Hundreds walk in ‘Out of the Darkness Community Walk’ for suicide, mental health awareness

Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Over 200 people gathered for an “Out of the Darkness Community Walk” at Civic Center Park Saturday. Each came to walk for suicide prevention, education and mental health awareness.

Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health hosted the event in partnership with the Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For attendees, the walk brings them together for a common cause of remembrance and action to address suicide. Participants were able to honor loved ones lost to suicide, talk with local resource and raise money for resources.

The walk raised over $26,000 so far, but organizers said money can still be raised until the end of the year.

Since 2019 Riverside County has seen a 16% decrease in suicide rates, which local officials said is sign of progress by sustained education and prevention efforts. The decrease comes from the latest data provided by RUHS-Public Health Epidemiology and Program Evaluation.

Volunteers with the community walk said the decrease is promising, but they won’t stop until suicide rates are at zero percent. For them, education and continued awareness are the keys to reaching that goal.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from volunteers and walkers about the importance of this event for suicide and mental health awareness.

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Family and friends remember Fulton homicide victim Dominique Ford on one-year anniversary

Alison Patton

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

Saturday marked one year since Fulton man, Dominique Ford was shot and killed in his apartment.

Ford’s family and friends held a one-year remembrance vigil for him Saturday at the Fulton High School football field.

Ford was shot in his apartment and died from his injuries Oct. 25, 2024, according to previous reporting. He was 27 years old when he died. The investigation and the family’s search for answers is on going.

Ford’s mom, Tacia Brandt said she can’t believe it’s already been a year.

“I hoped they would have an arrest or something at this point. Doesn’t mean it makes it better. I won’t get Dominique back,” Tacia said.

Ford’s cousin Shakir Brandt said “Dommo” is more like a brother to him, and not knowing what happened to him is difficult.

“It’s hard not knowing exactly who did this or why,” Shakir said. “We may never figure out that answer, but I know that God willing, he’s going to bring my cousin justice.”

In April, police said that the investigation into the homicide had moved forward some, but they were still waiting on a few key pieces on information. Police also said at the time that they had not yet heard back from Virginia, a place where evidence in the case was sent to help with the investigation.

Tacia announced the vigil on her Facebook page.

Ford’s friends and family gathered on the Fulton High School football field, where Ford used to play, to share stories about him.

“Dominique was number seven forever, so I just saw it fitting a year that I want to have more of a football evening for him,” Tacia said. “When I walked into this football field that I just could feel Dominique.”

The Fulton Police Department released surveillance video about a month after Ford’s death of a person believed to be a suspect in the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Fulton Police Department or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.

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Hollywood man arrested in Ventura after two-county pursuit

Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – CHP Ventura officers arrested a North Hollywood man following a two-county car chase that began in Los Angeles just before 7:00 p.m. Friday.

The 27-year-old fled from Los Angeles Police Department officers after they contacted him for suspicion of DUI and firearm possession, according to the Ventura CHP.

The North Hollywood man then drove onto the 101 freeway to Ventura County at speeds up to 110 miles per hour, according to the Ventura CHP.

LAPD units gave way to Ventura CHP, who then chased the 27-year-old’s car at up to 80 miles and hour before slowing his car down with a spike strip.

The North Hollywood man’s car eventually had to stop just before the Seacliff Avenue off-ramp due to his shredded tires, and LAPD officers took him into custody, according to the Ventura CHP.

LAPD officers then arrested the man for various felony charges and suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, according to the Ventura CHP.

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Arizona Western Small Business Development Center hosts 3rd Annual Pitch Competition

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western hosted its Third Annual Pitch Competition Thursday, giving small business entrepreneurs in Yuma County and La Paz County the chance to grow their companies.

Several local entrepreneurs were able to give a five minute company pitch in front of a crowd that included over 100 community leaders, from board supervisors to council members.

“So many of us have great pitches,” said Jennifer Ericson, founder of Jennifer Ericson Consulting. “We have great ideas that are going to help our community, so it’s all about coming together as a community, and making Yuma stronger.”

Multiple awards were given out including first and second place finishers for entrepreneurs’ pitches, along with an award for the sponsor’s and audience’s favorite presenter.

John Peel, owner of Busy Drones Cleaners LLC, took home first place for his pressure-washing company that uses drones to clean and focus on elevated windows and solar panels.

“It’s just incredible,” Peel said about winning the competition. “The whole process, they helped us get here, but until you actually do it, until you go up there, it’s totally surreal, and a very cool experience to be able to represent my company.”

In second place was Ana Diaz, founder of ASD Online, a digital marketing agency that focuses on local businesses.

The sponsor’s favorite pick was Ericson with the short-lived, but successful, consulting company.

The audience chose the founder of Pathways Academy, Rebecca Robinette as their favorite pitch competitor of the night.

Outside of winning the audience’s pick, Robinette had other goals to accomplish during the event.

“Regardless of if I place in first or second, [or receive] any monetary prizes, I just want that connection, so that we’re not alone, and we can build our families future,” she said.

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Community Safety Fair aims to support St. Joseph residents and strengthen neighborhoods

Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new community initiative is helping St. Joseph residents stay safe, connected and supported. 

The Community Safety Fair, set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at College Hill Park, 1233–1299 Henry St., will provide vital resources for families who may otherwise go without.

Sgt. Jeremy Peters with St. Joseph Police Department said, “Its always good to be in a position to help people out. This is just another way to do that, and it always feels good.”

Hosted by the St. Joseph Fire Department in partnership with the Police Department, Health Department, American Red Cross and Family Guidance, the fair is designed to meet both immediate and long-term community needs. From free smoke detectors and batteries to health information and pet microchipping, the event focuses on safety, wellness and neighborhood improvement.

Residents can also take part in a gun buyback program that exchanges unwanted firearms for gift cards from local businesses, a measure to make homes safer and reduce the risk of gun-related incidents. Dumpsters will be available for cleanup, encouraging residents to improve the appearance and safety of the area.

Andy Peterson with Fire Prevention, SJFD said, “We’re out here giving out smoke detectors. Sometimes those are hard for people to get, so we want people to be as safe as we can.”

The Fire Department will distribute 100 smoke detectors and batteries donated by Home Depot and Shelter Insurance agents Matt Cathey and John Anderson. The City of St. Joseph Health Department will provide information on vaccines and WIC services, while Animal Services will offer microchipping for pets. Visitors can also enjoy a treat from an ice cream truck during the event.

The hope is that the fair will become a bi-annual tradition, continuing to connect residents with vital services while fostering a sense of community.

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Breast Cancer Motorcycle Fun Run to be held in October

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local fundraiser is planned for October.

The Breast Cancer Motorcycle Fun Run will be held at Bobby’s Territorial Harley-Davidson between 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Admission is $20 per person, with lunch and a ride pin for the first 200 people who sign up.

The last stop of the run will be at Bobby’s for lunch and raffles.

All proceeds will go towards the Yuma Cancer Resource Center.

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Crossroads Mission accepting donations before the holidays

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Crossroads Mission in Yuma has revealed its needs list ahead of the holidays. They aims to provide families with the resources they need for everyday use.

The list includes meats, seasonings, vegetables, and canned goods.

Public relations director Sassa Culver shares how busy the holidays are for the mission.

“We feed a little over 5,000 people for the three days of Thanksgiving and the three days of Christmas,” Culver shared.

Culver also notes that people can contribute their time to the mission.

“If you’re looking to volunteer for the three days of Thanksgiving, come down. We always need help with delivering and just serving people here,” Culver explained.

If you would like to help the Crossroads Mission, drop off your donations at the mission, located on 10th Street just east of First Avenue.

Locals can bring their donations to 944 S. Arizona Avenue.

Donations are accepted 24/7.

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Free Pumpkin Patch to be held at Yuma Palms Regional Center

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A pumpkin patch for local families will be held at Yuma Palms Regional Center.

The free event will be at the parking lot near Five Below. The pumpkin patch is planned for Sunday, October 26 starting at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children ages 10 and under can pick their favorite pumpkin for free.

Other entertainment includes candy for kids in costume, face painting, games & more.

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Suspect arrested for armed robbery at Wells Fargo on Avenue B

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – One person was arrested for armed robbery at Wells Fargo on Avenue B, according to Yuma Police Department (YPD).

On Friday, October 24, at about 12:26 p.m., officers were called about a robbery at a Wells Fargo located in the area of S. Avenue B and W. 26th Street

YPD says a man entered the bank, said he had a gun but did not show it, then fled the scene with stolen money.

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Ivan Soqui, was later found in Somerton and arrested. He’s been booked into the Yuma County Detention Center with an armed robbery charge.

No injuries were reported.

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Drugs and firearm arrest in Brawley

Karina Bazarte

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – A man was arrested while riding a bike after Brawley police found drugs and a firearm on him.

The Brawley Police Department (BPD) says officers stopped a 41-year-old man riding a bike on Cesar Chavez Street and Main Street.

Officers quickly learned the suspect was on active parole which lead to a search.

“The officers located drug paraphernalia as well as a firearm with a high-capacity magazine and the serial number removed from the firearm,” said Jonathan Blackstone, Assistant Chief for BPD.

The suspect was arrested and taken to the Imperial County Jail and is being charged with four felony counts.

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