Fire traced to burned yard debris heavily damages SW Bend detached garage; crews protect home

KTVZ on November 14, 2025

Tyson Beauchemin

(Update: More info, photos from Bend Fire official)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire traced to improper disposal of burned yard debris tore through a detached garage and threatened a home near the Deschutes River in southwest Bend late Friday morning, but firefighters protected the home and stopped its spread.

The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. in the 60700 block of River Bend Drive, near Deschutes River Woods.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews arrived to find flames on the back side of the garage that were extending toward the house, located about 10 feet away, Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said.

The home’s occupant already had evacuated, along with her dog, and was a safe distance from the structures, Kettering said.

Crews were able to quickly knock down the blaze, limiting the home’s damage to some charring on an exterior porch railing.

Kettering said the garage had moderate fire damage, with radiant heat and smoke damage to its contents. A lean-to structure attached to the back of the garage was a total loss, Kettering added.

The cause of the fire was traced to improper disposal of burned yard debris. Kettering said it had been smoldering for over a day before catching the shed on fire.

An investigation determined that ashes and char from a previous debris burn had been placed in a plastic bag and set at the edge of the lean-to structure, which was used to store firewood. 

Kettering said it’s important to remember that ashes can remain hot for several days, especially if there are larger pieces within the ash. 

Bend Fire & Rescue recommends that ash, whether from a debris burn, the fireplace or the woodstove, be placed into a metal container with a lid – never in a paper or plastic bag – and put outdoors onto a non-combustible surface such as concrete, metal or bare dirt. Fill the bucket with water, and wait at least 24-48 hours before disposing of the material. 

For more home fire safety information, visit Informational Videos and Virtual Tours | City of Bend.

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Water issue causes part of Callaway nuclear plant to shut down

KMIZ on November 14, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A water problem led to part of the Callaway Energy Center nuclear plant being shut down this week.

An executive with plant owner Ameren Missouri said Friday that “restoration of the affected systems on the non-nuclear side” of the plant was underway.

“Our focus is on returning the facility to full power for the benefit of our customers. The team remains committed to performing every step with safety as our highest priority,” site Vice President John Beck said in the statement.

Callaway County Emergency Management Director Michelle Kidwell said the partial shutdown happened after water that wasn’t properly filtered made its way into pumps meant for highly filtered water. The problem caused issues with water chemistry, leading to the shutdown.

Beck said Ameren has wrapped up its investigation into what happened.

Kidwell said there is no danger to the public.

The facility, located in southeastern Callaway County, is Missouri’s only nuclear power plant.

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Agua Caliente Casinos announced as presenting sponsor for Cathedral City’s LGBT+ Days pride celebration

KESQ on November 14, 2025

City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City officials today announced Agua Caliente Casinos as the presenting sponsor for the 10th annual LGBT+ Days pride celebration slated for next year.  

“Cathedral City LGBT+ Days is more than just a festival — it’s a powerful reminder of the city’s legacy of inclusion and a joyful way to kick off Pride season across the state,” said Michael Westman, marketing manager of Montage Agency.

The event will be held March 6-8, 2026. It will feature live entertainment, community programming, drag performances, local artisans, special tributes, a bed race and a parade.

“Agua Caliente Casinos is honored to continue our support of Cathedral City LGBT+ Days — especially in this milestone 10th anniversary year. This celebration embodies this spirit of inclusion, creativity and connection within the Coachella Valley,” said Pearl Aguinaldo, vice president of marketing at Agua Caliente Casinos.   

Updates and announcements will be featured at www.cathedralcitylgbtdays.com.

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St. Joseph goes Nordic with VikingFest 2025 set to kick off Saturday at Castle Bridge

News-Press NOW on November 14, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The lands of southwest St. Joseph will soon be transformed into a world of adventure and family-friendly renaissance activities on Saturday.

The Castle Bridge Event Center in St. Joseph is set to host VikingFest 2025 this Saturday starting at 11 a.m., an immersive all-day experience filled with games, performers, merchants and renaissance activities in celebration of Viking culture.

Gates are set to open at 11 a.m. at event center located at 8403 U.S. Highway 59 in St. Joseph.

More than 1,000 people are expected to show out for the second annual gathering with activities in store for all ages, such as face painting and sack races to petting zoos, concerts and ax throwing.

Fans of the Renaissance period and Viking culture will get the chance to participate in a wide range of hands-on activities and reenactments of stories and battles.

Starting at 5 p.m., organizers will light a massive pyre of a Viking ship followed by a metal concert featuring Viking bands like Maggie Moon and Tordenkor, who have prepared a show of “mythic proportions.” Bands will continue to play until 10 p.m.

Unique performances also on the docket include fire dancing and fire-spinning groups like Pyro Flow.

For the safety of everyone on the grounds, no live steel swords, axes, knives, or similar items (including peace-tied) will be allowed at VikingFest unless worn by cast/actors/security with prior approval. Security will be checking credentials throughout the event.

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Five Inches of Rain Soaks the Central Coast in First Wave of Storms

KEYT on November 14, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Since Thursday afternoon impressive rainfall totals have soaked Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast.

The Friday morning totals during the first break in a steady – and at times, very strong rain system – showed Refugio Pass with 5.36 of rain and San Marcos Pass above Goleta with 4.23 inches of rain.    Santa Barbara had 2.64 inches and Carpinteria was at  1.85. In the northern region, Los Alamos had 2.53 inches and Cachuma Lake had a measurement of 3.3 inches.

This falls in line with forecasts of up to six inches of rain by the end of the weekend in some areas and with the preliminary numbers showing high levels already, the final totals will likely exceed predictions.

Several incidents stopped traffic on Highway 101 in the morning commute. They included a rollover in Summerland in the southbound lanes around Evans Ave. Northbound at Turnpike a crash into the center divider snarled traffic on the very busy drive as well going the other direction.

Several city streets were waterlogged making driving challenging on Gutierrez St near Olive St., Yanonali St. in the Funk Zone and Cabrillo Boulevard where palm trees were coming apart.

Mission creek which has been backed up with sand for months, blew out and the flow was strong from the mountains to the ocean.  It has also put mounds of debris along the coast.

Some visitors who did not expect the rain were strolling with umbrellas but wearing shorts. Some just had on t-shirts. Many came out during a mid-morning weather break to go up and down Stearns Wharf to see the impacts of the waves, the ocean surge and the frolicking birds in their new ponds.

The area was a new stop off for a large flock of pelicans.

One couple from Los Angeles strolled Stearns Wharf under an umbrella during a drizzle. Cherrie Laris was wearing a long coat and said, “I come out here a lot, so I like it. I wish it was sunny just because he’s visiting, so I wanted him to see sunny California, but that’s okay. We’re still enjoying.”

Caitlin Carabello said her drive up from the south was slow and they made sure to get to Santa Barbara safely. With light rain came a change. “Let’s walk around. Be cozy. That’s what this type of weather is for.”

Even seeing clouds over head, Tarek Hassoun said, ” I expected a sunny day. Unfortunately, we didn’t get what we expected. It’s fine for a walk.”

On the beach with his service dog Kylo, Rueben Montijo said they slept in his vehicle last night. Even with the pounding rain he was able to deal with it. “It was pretty good, it was pretty loud.  We ended up going to sleep after awhile.” The unsheltered resident said, it helped to have his dog with him.

Mission Creek was dry for months but not anymore. It was moving and blew out the sand barrier at the waterfront. As it emptied, so did some accumulated trash that was strewn across the area by the currents.

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Day two for the Desert Difference AG Tech Conference

KYMA on November 14, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The innovation continued Friday for day two of the Desert Difference AG Tech Conference.

The second day is a time for multiple people, from growers to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, to tell their story and talk about their businesses.

The goal is to make Yuma a proving ground for agriculture technology.

At the two-day conference, people were able to display AG-related cutting-edge technology.

Xiong Chang, the CEO and co-founder for Tensorfield AG, was able to bring one of their machines.

Change says the event provides plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

“Just really engaged with understanding exactly what we’re trying to build, getting guidance from growers who have been very open with us about their challenges, and there’s nothing more fun for a group of engineers to have a clear direction set by customers,” says Chang.

Raul Heredia, the CTO for Motive Companies, says younger entreprenuers should check out the conference in Yuma.

He says it provides some insight into the landscape of up to date agircultural technologies, and that Yuma is a good starting point.

“In understanding the importance of connecting with the community and providing products that will deliver technology that is going to make a difference in the future,” Heredia said.

As they say at the conference, it is more than a trend, it’s a movement that looks to reshape the agriculture industry.

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Country star Parker McCollum joins the 2026 summer concert lineup at Bend’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater

KTVZ on November 14, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Chart-topping, multi-Platinum Country star, Parker McCollum, has announced dates for the second leg of his 2026 Parker McCollum Tour, including a late-June visit to Bend.

Known for being one of the busiest touring acts in Country music, McCollum is bringing fans his #1 hits and fan-favorite tracks to cities across the U.S. including Los Angeles, Seattle, Dayton, Huntsville, Bridgeport and more.

Joining him on the road in 2026 are Josh Abbott Band, Gary Allan, Kassi Ashton, Gabby Barrett, William Beckmann, Laci Kaye Booth, Annie Bosko, Tyler Halverson, Vincent Mason, Max McNown, Owen Riegling, Logan Ryan Band, Aubrie Sellers, Jackson Wendell and Jake Worthington.

The tour will make a Bend stop at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on Friday, June 26, 2026.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, November 18. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. local time at parkermccollum.com. 

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Parker McCollum Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, November 18 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, November 20 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. 

Fresh off the release of his highest debuting album, PARKER MCCOLLUM, this reimagined tour incorporates the new songs fans have eagerly connected with including “What Kinda Man,” “Killin’ Me,” “Big Sky,” “Solid Country Gold,” and many more, alongside all the chart-topping hits.

McCollum will be touring throughout the rest of 2025, including a special New Year’s Eve performance at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX on December 31st. For additional information, including upcoming show dates and tickets, please visit ParkerMcCollum.com.

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Owner of Boone County dog breeding business charged with animal abuse after dead dogs, remains found

KMIZ on November 14, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The owner of a dog-breeding and boarding business in Boone County has been charged with several counts of animal abuse after several dead dogs and remains were found.

Melissa Sanders, 26, of Columbia, has been charged with three counts of felony animal abuse and 15 counts of misdemeanor animal abuse. She is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement and information on the Secretary of State’s website shows Sanders owns Magnum Opus German Shepherds.

The statement says deputies were called to the business after Sanders brought a dead dog to a veterinarian and an autopsy determined the dog died from strangulation. The dog was boarded at the business at the time of its death, the statement says. Court documents say Animal Control was called to the business before for reports of dogs dying in their care.

 “Animal Control stated they have spoken to Melissa in the past about doing a walkthrough of the residence, but Melissa was hesitant,” the statement says.

Animal Control went to serve a search warrant on Thursday, but no one answered when they arrived. Animal Control found a litter of puppies outside with no food or water, as well as unattended dogs inside the building along with a “strong odor,” the statement says.

Officers ended up finding four dead dogs outside the building “and an upwards of a dozen dog skulls were located in black garbage bags, inside and outside of the residence, near dog kennels,” the statement says.

Deputies wrote that Animal Control found several malnourished dogs inside the building “no food or water and appeared to be eating other deceased dogs.”

A total of 16 living dogs were found and two were on the brink of death, the deputy wrote. Five “intact” dead dogs were found along with several dog skulls, the statement says.

“The accurate number of total deceased dogs and dog skulls located is yet to be determined and is expected to rise,” the deputy wrote.

Sanders was eventually arrested Thursday during a traffic stop.

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Downtown Idaho Falls set to shine with Tree Lighting and Holiday Market, Saturday, Nov. 22

KIFI on November 14, 2025

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Downtown Idaho Falls is about to light up like the scene of a classic holiday film. The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC), the Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls inviting the entire community to the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22nd.

“We’re not only lighting up a tree, but we’re also lighting up downtown – the heart of our city,” says Kerry Hammon, Executive Director of the IFDDC. “This is more than an event; it’s a cherished tradition, a perfect evening for making memories with your family and beginning the holiday season with a touch of old-fashioned cheer.”

The festivities kick off at 3:00 PM with the start of complimentary, horse-drawn trolley rides on Memorial Drive, beginning and ending at Civitan Park. Later that afternoon, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Holiday Market will be in full swing, featuring over 100 local vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treats.

The evening will culminate with the ever-popular Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6:00 PM at the Broadway Plaza near the corner of Memorial Drive and Broadway. The magnificent Bank of Commerce “Idaho’s Brave” Christmas tree will be the centerpiece of the evening, adorned with beautiful lights and ornaments as a powerful tribute to each branch of the military.

Hammon notes, “We are especially honored to have the ‘Idaho’s Brave’ tree as a way to recognize the profound sacrifice of our service members, including special gold star ornaments for those who died in action.”

The ceremony itself will feature a patriotic tribute, as the Color Guard ceremoniously posts the colors while Carmen Peters, National Guard Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator, sings the National Anthem. Shortly before 6:00 PM, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper will arrive in style aboard the Farr’s Candy antique fire engine to help flip the switch.

When the switch is thrown, Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation will light up the Friendship Gardens and the 20-foot “Idaho’s Brave” tree, the adjacent Friendship Gardens. Thanks to volunteers from Phoenix Rising Community Re-entry Center, the trees along Memorial Drive will also sparkle brightly for the holiday season.

Attendees are encouraged to warm their hands with hot cocoa, take a trolley ride, shop locally, capture a cherished family photo with Santa, and honor Idaho’s military.

In a news release, the IFDDC extended a special thanks to all partners and sponsors who made every element of this event possible, including: The Bank of Commerce, Kiewit, Idaho Falls Farmers Market, and the City of Idaho Falls.

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SJSD Finance Committee brainstorms ideas for revenue boosts and cost-saving measures  

News-Press NOW on November 14, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph School District held its third Finance Committee meeting of the year Tuesday afternoon, bringing members together at the district office to brainstorm new ways to boost revenue and cut costs. 

A big part of the conversation focused on staffing — specifically, how employees are spread out across buildings and whether the district is using its staff as efficiently as possible. 

Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, Robert Hedgecorth, said the group came up with several creative ideas, including partnering with local businesses.  

“We have a lot of great businesses in our district, so seeking possible businesses for sponsorships to support the district financially, whether it be through advertisements or pamphlets,” Hedgecorth said.  

Another idea that stood out to him was looking into grant opportunities, especially those that help improve school entrances and walkways.  

He noted, many of these grants go unnoticed simply because people don’t realize they exist.  

“A lot of the reasons why we have that finance committee, because there are people in our community that want to help our schools want to see our schools thrive. And so it was a great, you know, brainstorming exercise for us to, go through,” Hedgecorth said.  

The committee also spent time looking at federal funding trends and discussing how to keep the district financially stable moving forward. 

One of the key topics was the district’s hiring justification form — a process that requires departments to explain why a vacant position truly needs to be refilled.  

“Any position where someone might leave a position in the past, we would have just rehired that position because we had it before. If someone leaves, has to have a justification for why we should rehire that position. And that is reviewed by everybody on our cabinet,” Hedgecorth added.  

Hedgecorth said meetings like this are important for keeping communication open and making sure the district is being thoughtful and transparent about its financial decisions — all to strengthen the community.

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