Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone announces re-election bid

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Wednesday, Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone announced that he will be seeking re-election to Position 1.

Here’s a full breakdown of everyone running so far for Deschutes County Commissioner.

In a press release, DeBone pledged to “continue championing rural priorities and balanced growth”.

Read the full press release below:

“Current County Commissioner Tony DeBone announced today that he will seek re-election, vowing to continue his practical, people-first leadership and commitment to preserving the character that defines the region.

DeBone, who has served in position one on the Board of Commissioners for 15 years, said his decision to run again stems from a deep dedication to our community.

“During my time on the Commission, I have ensured our rural communities have a place at the table, and all voices are heard in Deschutes County” said DeBone. “I’ve worked hard so that our whole county remains a safe, vibrant place to live—without losing the character that makes it special.”

Throughout his tenure, Commissioner DeBone has prioritized public safety, infrastructure investment, economic stability, and fiscal responsibility—always with a focus on ‘putting people over politics’. His practical approach to leadership has helped guide Deschutes County through both periods of rapid growth and unprecedented challenges, all while ensuring that long-standing community values are respected and protected.

DeBone has been a consistent advocate for balanced growth, ensuring that as the county evolves, it remains rooted in the principles that make it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

“I want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to thrive! Deschutes County provides common services for everyone from the County Health Department to Assessment/Taxation to Public Safety and Infrastructure. My focus has always been on cost effective solutions that work and I will continue this pragmatic approach.” DeBone said.

As he looks toward another four year term, DeBone says he remains committed to delivering results for Deschutes County residents, while continuing to honor the character of the region’s rural and urban communities alike.

For more information about Commissioner Tony DeBone, visit https://www.electtonydebone.com”

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Brother says truck driver “could have been killed” after collapse of historic bridge

By Mike Hellgren

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    BALTIMORE COUNTY, Maryland (WJZ) — Investigators are working to determine the cause of the collapse of a 145-year-old bridge in Baltimore County on Monday, while the brother of a septic truck driver is relieved there were no injuries.

The historic, one-lane bridge on Carroll Road in Phoenix, Maryland, is used by thousands of vehicles daily, and the structure fell apart as the septic truck drove over it.

“I’m so glad he is alive,” the brother of the septic truck driver told WJZ Investigates.

Sudden bridge collapse

The first calls came in just after 5 p.m. Monday about a bridge failure less than a 10-minute drive from Hunt Valley Town Center.

“Alert rescue boats. Philpot Road and Carroll Road for a bridge collapse with a vehicle on top,” the dispatcher said.

The truck’s windshield was smashed, and pieces of the green metal truss were strewn about. An SUV behind the truck had a dented roof and a smashed windshield.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

“Actually, it was pretty shocking,” said Molly Moroney, who lives a short distance away and drives over the bridge almost every day. “It was worse than I thought it was going to be. A tree had fallen. It was pretty much right after a truck had gone over the bridge. The tree was huge.”

First responders arrived at a stunning scene. The pin-truss bridge had collapsed with a septic truck on top. A large tree also fell into it.

A state environmental team also responded but found no dangers or leaks.

“I just thought about our family and our neighborhood and these little kids and maybe smaller cars or something,” Moroney continued. “I don’t think it would’ve ended well with anything smaller than that big truck.”

Truck driver’s perspective

In several messages, the brother of the septic truck’s driver told WJZ Investigates the truck weighed under the posted weight limit and said the truck was not to blame.

He added that supports on the bridge were “inadequate to support the posted loading maximums.”

He wrote. “My brother is the driver. Luckily, he is OK. He is a local small business owner, always conscientious of posted weight limits and restrictions, and that truck is his pride and joy. …Had the massive tree fallen a split second earlier onto the cab of the truck, my brother could have been killed or seriously injured.”

Police investigation

Baltimore County police are leading the investigation. They told WJZ they are using a team of certified commercial vehicle inspectors

Police said the cause of the collapse has yet to be determined.

Inspection report

The county inspects all bridges more than 20 feet long every two years as mandated by the federal government.

WJZ Investigates looked at those records and found the Carroll Road bridge received a “fair” rating in December 2023.

It was inspected again last year, and that inspection did not show unusual structural issues with the bridge, which was constructed in 1879.

With growth in the area, the single-lane bridge is now seeing an average of more than 2,500 vehicles and more than 120 trucks every day, according to the report, more than three times the traffic 20 years ago.

Moroney said it is critical to her to find out about the bridge’s inspection and maintenance.

“Actually, it’s really important to me just because we have small children who go to school, and we go back and forth over that bridge all the time,” she said. “So, it’s pretty important to find out what went wrong.”

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Celebrate Jackstraw in Bend’s grand opening this weekend at ‘Fall Fest’

Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, October 25th from Noon-4 p.m., you’re invited to get a first look at the new Jackstraw apartments near Bend’s Box Factory.

‘Fall Fest on Lava Pass’ will have live music, free pumpkins, kid-friendly activities, complimentary drinks, and a chance to take a look at the new 300+ unit apartment complex and business hub.

Lava Pass is a new living street designed as a community gathering place between Jackstraw and the Box Factory. It can be closed to cars for special events.

All are welcome to enjoy this free community event.

You can stop by at 310 SW Industrial Way in Bend.

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The face of Halloween: Experts explain the history of pumpkin carving

Payton Counts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The month of October is nearing an end, meaning Halloween is approaching and carved pumpkins are starting to glow in the night.

Pumpkins have become a true symbol of fall and Halloween, often seen with eyes, noses and crooked smiles on them. 

Designs have come a long way over the years; pumpkin-carvers can now use pamphlets filled with pages of creative and complex patterns.

How did the tradition of carving pumpkins begin?

Halloween’s inception dates back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which later merged with Christian observances.

The carving tradition, however, started in Ireland with the folklore of Stingy Jack — a man who tricked the Devil and was doomed to roam the earth with only a burning coal inside a carved-out turnip.

To keep Jack and other wandering spirits away, the Irish began carving scary faces into turnips.

When Irish immigrants came to the United States, they brought the tradition with them. Pumpkins, native to North America, were easier to carve and soon replaced turnips as the face of Halloween.

St. Joseph has its own tradition celebrating pumpkins, known as Pumpkinfest.

For nearly three decades, the festival has brought joy to the community, with volunteers providing more than 1,000 pumpkins to light up two nights in October.

Cindy Daffron, executive director of the Pony Express Museum, said the tradition has grown across generations.

“For some people, this is a second generation deep, so people used to bring their children and now their children come home with the grandchildren. So now we have a carved pumpkin that we have to put out every year,” said Daffron.

Carving spooky faces into pumpkins has become a cherished Halloween tradition, not only across the U.S., but in St. Joseph. 

Families in St. Joseph like to keep the spirit alive each year. “We pumpkin carve and we paint our pumpkins,” said Bailey Thornberry, a St. Joseph resident.

If you want to submit photos of your carved pumpkin, you can email them to share@newspressnow.com or our website.

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Tow truck dangles off overpass in dramatic crash

By Doug Myers

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    Texas (KTVT) — A dramatic rescue operation unfolded Wednesday after a tow truck crashed and ended up hanging over an overpass near Highway 121, also known as the Sam Rayburn Tollway, and Hardin Boulevard in McKinney.

Units from the McKinney Fire Department responded along with other emergency personnel. Crews worked to stabilize the vehicle and rescue anyone who may have been trapped.

Tow truck flipped while driver avoided crash

One person was rescued, officials said. He sustained no major injuries, was evaluated at the scene by Medic 11, and declined transport to the hospital.

The tow truck driver told McKinney emergency workers that he didn’t collide with any other vehicles, but flipped and ended up dangling over the overpass while trying to avoid a crash.

All southbound lanes of the Sam Rayburn Tollway at Hardin Boulevard were closed following the crash, according to officials. Two northbound lanes were also shut down due to the incident.

Drivers urged to seek detours

Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Man finds couple holding hands after fatal Burnt Store Road crash

By Blaine Montgomery

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    CAPE CORAL, Florida (WBBH) — Burnt Store Road has reopened after a deadly crash claimed three lives near Sand Road — but for one Cape Coral resident who rushed to help, the emotional impact is lasting.

Bryan Greenwell, who lives nearby, heard what he thought was a car hitting his house late Monday night. Stepping outside, he noticed an unusual silence on the typically busy two-lane road. That’s when he knew something was wrong.

Driving toward the quiet, Greenwell found a horrific crash involving three vehicles near Janis Road. He ran to check on the victims — and what he saw will stay with him forever.

Inside one car, a husband and wife sat motionless. The vehicle was nearly on its side. Greenwell says the woman appeared to be reaching for her husband, and he was holding her hand — a final embrace in their last moments.

Cape Coral Police identified the couple as Norma Jean Ralston and Gary Galiher. Also killed in the crash was 48-year-old Laura Beasley, a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Greenwell says the tragedy left him shaken, but that moment of connection between the couple — even in death — offered a small sense of peace.

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Pink Party Takeover at Wheezy’s with local firefighters

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An event is taking place in Yuma to support local groups.

Bridget’s Gift is having a Pink Party Takeover at Wheezy’s on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 11 a.m.

50/50 drawings and raffle tickets from local donators are planned to be at the event, as well as local firefighters.

Live music is also planned to be played at 6 p.m.

All proceeds will be going towards the Bridget’s Gift foundation.

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City of Tacna holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new water facility

Joaquin Hight

TACNA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Tacna held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for a brand new water facility.

The new facility will be replacing a 40-year-old system and will guarantee safe, clean water for many years.

Chief Operating Officer Kirk Perkins shares more on this achievement.

“We’ve been part of the Yuma community for almost 60 years now, and we cherish every project. You know, every project we start, you never know how it’s gonna turn out. We’re truly proud to be part of this project, and be part of the team with Yuma County,” Perkins expressed.

The project, costing about $14.3 million, will service 200 homes. 

Jonathan Lines, Chairman of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona, discusses the process of this new system.

“To be able to create this opportunity to install and maintain a water system for the people of Tacna was an important step forward in ensuring that the demands of the Safe Water Act were met,” Lines shared.

Ann Taylor, a small business owner, talked about how helpful the new water project is for businesses in the area.

“It’s providing safe drinking water to our community. We got water pressure, water that doesn’t stink when you turn the faucet on, it’s wonderful,” Taylor explained.

This new water facility will keep its promise for a healthier water system for residents.

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Quechan and Paradise Casinos give back to Yuma community

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local casinos give back to the community with a donation to a local non-profit.

Quechan and Paradise Casinos donated eight pallets of different items to Amberly’s Place.

The casinos’ chief marketing officer hopes this contribution helps the non-profit to continue with its mission of helping victims of violence and domestic abuse.

“We are about taking care of our community, that’s where your customers are and they do such a good work, we want to make sure we can provide them some additional tools to work with to continue providing the outreach they do,” said Steve Neely, Quechan and Paradise Casinos chief marketing officer.

Quechan Casino is looking forward to helping the Yuma community in the future.

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Columbia man killed after getting hit by semi-truck on I-70 in Callaway County

Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was killed on Tuesday night after he was hit be a semi-truck on Interstate 70.  

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, a 44-year-old Columbia man was walking in the left lane of eastbound I-70 near mile marker 137 when he was hit by a semi-truck just before 10 p.m. Tuesday in Callaway County.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to Parker-Millard Funeral Home. The name of the victim is not listed in the crash report.

The semi-truck driver, a 51-year-old man from Buchanan, Tennessee, was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.

This is Highway Patrol Troop F’s fourth deadly crash in October and the 39th of 2025.

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