Deschutes County 9-1-1 celebrates Trinity Diggs and Chris Perry for recent state recognition

KTVZ on October 23, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County 9-1-1 congratulates two of its team members who recently received top honors from the Oregon chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association (APCO-NENA).

Here’s the full county announcement:

9-1-1 Dispatcher Trinity Diggs was named Telecommunicator of the Year, an award recognizing a telecommunicator who shows an outstanding commitment to professional growth, teamwork, leadership, and making a positive impact on their center.

Trinity joined Deschutes 9-1-1 in 2020. According to her nominator, Trinity leads with integrity and accountability as a Communications Training Officer and Acting in Charge supervisor. She mentors co-workers with patience and encouragement, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Trinity handles every call with empathy and professionalism, especially when assisting callers in crisis or distress.

9-1-1 Operations Manager Chris Perry received the Commitment to Excellence Award, recognizing telecommunicators, groups, or agencies for their dedication to 9-1-1 telecommunications through expertise, innovation, ethics, leadership, and quality improvements.

Since 2005, Chris has worked every position on the dispatch floor, joining the leadership team in 2010. His nominator wrote that he plays a vital role coordinating communication between fire, police, and behavioral health partners while overseeing the daily operations of a high-volume dispatch center. Chris leads thoughtfully, balancing firm convictions with an openness to new ideas. He frequently asks, “Tell me more,” to invite discussion and gather more information when opportunities for change arise.

“We are proud that two of our team members have been recognized by the Oregon APCO/NENA,” said Deschutes 9-1-1 Director Sara Crosswhite. “Trinity and Chris exemplify dedication and excellence in public safety communications.”

The Oregon APCO-NENA provides training, recognition and advocacy for public safety communications professionals across the state. The awards were presented to Diggs and Perry during the group’s annual conference in Bend last month.

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82-year-old woman flown to hospital after crashing in Phelps County

KMIZ on October 23, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An 82-year-old Rolla woman was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash Thursday on Route HH in Phelps County, north of County Road 82270, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says the woman drove a 2007 Buick Lucerne northbound and it went off the right side of the road and hit a tree.

The woman was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, the report says. She was flown to University Hospital in Columbia. The Buick was totaled.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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Fort Hall Police locate missing 2014 Chevy Cruze

KIFI on October 23, 2025

News Team

UPDATE:

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The Fort Hall Police Department has released an update informing the community they’ve located the missing car and thanking the public for their help.

ORIGINAL:

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) —The Fort Hall Police Department is actively asking the public for help in locating a missing vehicle and has announced that a reward is being offered for information leading to its discovery and recovery. The department has not specified the reason for the search or the nature of the crime associated with the vehicle.

The car in question is a Dark Gray 2014 Chevrolet Cruze bearing the Idaho license plate 4BI282U. Authorities have shared photos of the car on social media, but noted the vehicle may look different from the images as the chrome trim around the doors has been removed.

Police issued a strong public safety warning regarding the vehicle. “If located, DO NOT attempt to recover the vehicle and contact the FHPD IMMEDIATELY,” the department wrote on Facebook.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the dark gray Chevrolet Cruze is asked to contact FHPD Dispatch at (208)238-4000, or email information to CI Sweat at Cody.Sweat@sbtribes.com

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Idaho colleges and universities feel impacts of Gov. Little’s budget cuts

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Noah Farley

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho universities and colleges are planning to reorganize, eliminate programs, and reduce their staff after Governor Brad Little made 3% budget cuts permanent.

Governor Brad Little signed executive order 2025-05 in August, which implements a 3% reduction in general fund spending and prepares for upcoming tax cuts by the Trump administration.

The governor asked Idaho’s colleges and universities to submit new budget plans for 2026-27 that reflect a 3% cut in their budgets—including Idaho State University.

ISU has to cut $3 million from its budget. In documents made public last week, ISU says the budget cuts will likely include a reduction in staff, but says their commitment to students, their success, and Idaho’s workforce and economy remains unshakable.

Local News 8 has reached out to Idaho State University for further comment and we are waiting to hear back. 

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Lava Hot Springs shutting down for major renovation

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Ariel Jensen

LAVA HOT SPRINGS, Idaho (KIFI) — A popular Idaho tourist attraction is shutting down for a time to renovate and upgrade the facility.

The hot pools at Lava Hot Springs are getting a facelift. Managers say they’re making it better for visitors. The hottest hot pool is the one under construction.

“So that pool was done in the early 1980s, and there is no foundation structure under to support the earth moving all the time. So that pool was buckling and failing. The steps were moving steps, broke off, and it was just falling into itself,” said Tyson Koester, Executive Director of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation.

Managers tell us the hot pool area is tightly confined for the majority of the construction. As a result, they had to use special tools and equipment to keep this project going.

“We run two and a half million gallons a day of water through this facility. So there are no valves, there’s no on and off,” said Koester. “So, it’s how do we control the water? What do we do with the water to get the facility back open, and also do water where we need to put the supporting foundation, and for the new pool?”

Despite the challenges of working with moving water, they plan to open the four other pools by November 7th, but the hottest pool is not expected to be open for another seven months.

“That’s a big project. It’s, you know, state of the art. It’s not an easy task. We’ve got a great team on it, and hopefully we can provide a product that will last for a long time and there’ll be some great improvements for ADA access,” said Koester.

They plan to have a grand re-opening once the first phase of renovations is complete in November.

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Attempted layoff of 80 employees at Columbia Environmental Research Center blocked by judge

KMIZ on October 23, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A judge has allowed the plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit to block an attempted nationwide layoff that would affect employees at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.

The lawsuit — filed in California — showed the Department of Interior was looking to lay off 80 employees at the Columbia location and more than 2,300 people in various positions nationwide.

The Columbia Environmental Research Center has 102 total employees, according to court documents.

CERC researches contaminants and effects in water and land.

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Idaho Falls Regional Airport adds another seasonal nonstop flight to Chicago starting May 2026

KIFI on October 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An exciting new service is coming soon to the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The airport is adding another nonstop seasonal flight from Idaho Falls to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The flight will be operated by United Airlines.

“This adds even more travel options and convenience for our passengers heading east and beyond,” the airport posted to social media.

The news comes a little over 6 months after the airport added a similar service by American Airlines. Commenting on the addition in April, Idaho Falls Regional Airport Director Ian Turner said it was a route “the Idaho Falls Regional Airport has been after for a number of years.”

The new service is expected to start in May 2026.

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American Falls Early Learning Collaborative wins statewide “Shark Tank” style competition

KIFI on October 23, 2025

News Team

AMERICAN FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) — American Falls Joint School District #381 is celebrating a major achievement by a group of local educators. The American Falls Early Learning Collaborative has earned first place in the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) statewide “Shark Tank” competition at the Early Learning Collaborative Symposium.

The collaborative’s presentation was recognized by judges as the most fundable project due to its creativity and passion for strengthening early learning opportunities in the community. The winning presentation was delivered by team members Abi Hawker, Whitney Lankford, and Kim Jackman.

In addition to securing the top prize overall, the American Falls team also received the award for Best Display for their visually appealing presentation materials.

D381 says the judges assessed presentations on six key areas: presentation quality, impact on children and families, systems-building through the Six Buckets Framework, collaboration and partnerships, response to judges’ questions, and innovation and creativity. The American Falls team achieved the highest total score, with judges specifically praising their strong impact narrative and powerful examples of community collaboration.

Reflecting on the recognition, Abi Hawker shared, “This recognition really belongs to our entire community. The American Falls Early Learning Collaborative is successful because so many people—schools, parents, businesses, and organizations—work together to give every child the best possible start in life.”

The American Falls Early Learning Collaborative is a joint community effort supported by several local preschools, including Hillcrest Preschool, St. John’s Preschool, Baby Bee Daycare and Preschool, Buttercups Learning Center, and American Falls Head Start.

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Police investigating hit-and-run collision

News-Press NOW on October 23, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department is seeking information regarding a hit-and-run incident Tuesday near the City Star on Frederick Avenue.

The crash occurred around 8 a.m. Tuesday as a light-colored SUV was leaving the parking lot at 2130 Frederick Avenue and entered the roadway where traffic was backed up, according to a press release from SJPD.

The SUV drove between cars in the eastbound lane of Frederick Avenue and struck another vehicle in the left turn lane at 22nd Street.

After the collision, the SUV did not stop and continued traveling west on Frederick Avenue, according to police.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the SJPD Traffic Office at 816-596-8206 and reference case number 2025-062746.

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Paternal Family of Melodee Buzzard Speaks Ahead of Friday’s Prayer Vigil

KEYT on October 23, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A significant portion of the nation is now caught in the unfolding drama of Vandenberg Village’s missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard.

Now almost a week and a half after she was declared missing, Melodee’s mother is still being uncooperative.

When she was a baby, Melodee’s father Rubiell Meza died in a motorcycle accident.

After years of custody drama, Rubiell’s mother (Melodee’s grandmother) was contacted last Thursday to tell her the child had been reported missing.

“She hasn’t let us see her for a few years,” says Bridgett Truitt, Rubiell’s sister and Melodee’s aunt. “And all of us have tried. But we never stopped thinking about her or loving her or praying for her.”

Lilly Denes, Melodee’s paternal grandmother, is inviting the community out to a sunset candlelight vigil on Friday at the 500 block of Mars Avenue, to pray for Melodee’s safety.

“We just wanted to invite you that we’re going to have a vigil candlelight tomorrow night, at 5:00,” says Melodee’s grandmother Lilly Denes. “We’ll be over there and we will appreciate it if you guys can come and join us for the vigil.”

The family began to gather in support of each other on Thursday night.

Santa Barbara County Sheriffs and the FBI continue to ask the public’s help in locating Melodee, who may have been driven by her mother Ashlee as far away as Nebraska.

If you have seen Melodee or have any information, you can call he Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division (805) 681-4150. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through the tip line at (805) 681-4171 or online at https://www.sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip/.

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