A table of hope: how an Idaho Falls woman is feeding her community

KIFI on November 13, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– After seeing a growing need in her community, Amanda Rynes decided to take action. With local food banks stretched thin and many families struggling after SNAP benefits were paused, Rynes started a small front-yard table to provide food and essentials.

“The need was obvious in the community. The local food banks have been posting a lot about how they’re really strapped right now, and that they have a lot of people with the SNAP benefits paused, having a lot of food insecurity. And then I saw the same thing happening all over the country. And so I was really inspired by other people in places that are doing the same thing,” Rynes said.

Rynes says the community support has been extraordinary and donations have been making the table possible. She admits there have been tough moments, especially seeing local children struggling with food insecurity.

“There’s been times it’s been really hard. It’s challenging to see kids coming up and knowing that there’s food insecurity for a lot of local children. But it’s also been really incredible and (I’m) really grateful that moms are willing to come out. I’ve had a lot of people reach out, they’re embarrassed to need help, and I’m just grateful that they’re willing to stop by,” Rynes said.

One person stopped by after seeing Rynes’ post on Facebook for the table, grateful.

“This is awesome. This will really help out the community. It’s special. I wish more people would do something like this,” they said.

Rynes would like to thank the community for making the food table possible.

“It’s been really impactful and kind of a faith in humanity restorer, seeing how the local community really came out to support our little table,” Rynes said.

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Victor council faces public backlash over wastewater plant proposal

KIFI on November 13, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

VICTOR, Idaho (KIFI)– Victor city leaders are moving ahead with plans to build a $35 million wastewater treatment plant, ending a long-standing agreement with the city of Driggs using its wastewater treatment facility. The move has sparked debate among residents, some of whom say the city isn’t being transparent about the true costs, along with concerns about environmental issues.

Controversy stirred up in March, when the city of Victor decided to end its wastewater use agreement with the city of Driggs.

Victor is now proposing to build its own wastewater treatment plant, a project estimated to cost $35 million, to be repaid over a term of “years”.

City officials argue that continuing to use the Driggs facility would ultimately cost about the same as building a new plant. But some residents aren’t convinced, saying the long-term expenses and environmental impacts need a closer look.

One Victor resident said in public comment email, “It is irresponsible of you to subject the residents of Victor with this level of debt. I do not think your (the city’s) analysis looks at the total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the plant.”

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Coachella to host agricultural event Thursday at city’s library

KESQ on November 13, 2025

City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Coachella officials will host an updated program focused on agriculture in the Coachella Valley Thursday at the city’s library.   

The free event will be held from 7-11:30 a.m. Thursday at 1500 Sixth St.   

The city partnered with Growing Coachella Valley, a nonprofit organization designed to protect water and other resources essential for the region’s agricultural industry and economic development, to produce Ag Vision, formerly known as Coachella Valley Ag Summit.

The program will address topics including innovation, sustainability and the future of farming, officials said.   

“Agriculture has been a mainstay in the Coachella Valley for over 100 years,” said Janell Percy, the nonprofit’s executive director. “Ag Vision will bring farmers, legislators, community leaders and others interested in local food production to discuss how we can keep farming for another 100 years.”  

The event will feature a panel of law enforcement and leaders from local farming establishments among other people, along with a Q&A portion, and will be moderated by George Tudor of Tudor Ranches.

“As the daughter of farm workers, I know how deeply agriculture shapes our community and economy. The industry’s resilience and workforce continue to drive Coachella forward and remind us of the essential role it play’s in our city’s future,” Councilwoman Denise Delgado said.

The event will be also be live-streamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

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Behavioral healthcare expert explains men’s mental health epidemic

News-Press NOW on November 13, 2025

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Behavioral Health, out of nearly 74,000 Missourians who received mental health treatment, 47.8% of them were male.

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to the overall health of men in the United States.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2021, just 40% of men with a reported mental illness received mental health care services in the past year, compared with 52% of women with reported mental illness.

Patrick Trapp, a substance use counselor at Family Guidance Center for Behavioral Healthcare, explains why men’s mental health is not often recognized.

“The stereotypical guy doesn’t have feelings or emotions and kind of just plows through his work, without really having any problems. I think people my age and younger are starting to understand that mental health is like a real thing that needs to be talked about,” said Trapp.

Mental health can impact all ages and demographics in men. On Nov. 6 this year, Marshawn Kneeland, the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys player, took his own life after sending alarming messages to loved ones.

Trapp urges men who may be struggling mentally to seek counseling or help from family and friends, and that breaking the stigma shows true strength. Bad habits like substance abuse or self-harm are important warning signs to get help or to help someone in need.

For men and women struggling, dialing 988 or visiting Missouri988.org will get them in touch with the mental health and suicide support line.

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Missouri receives partial SNAP benefits for November

News-Press NOW on November 13, 2025

News-Press NOW

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Missouri SNAP benefits have been a constant cause of concern throughout November.

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Missouri Department of Social Services began issuing partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to Missourians.

Since the release of information about the cancellation of SNAP benefits, families around the world have been looking for a way to make up for the funds that the benefits provided.

According to the Missouri Foundation of Health (MFH), in November of 2024, Missourians with SNAP benefits averaged $199 a month in federal benefits. While nationally, families received $193 per month.

The MFH said Missouri’s food insecurity rate is 15%, which is above the national rate of 13.5%, meaning one in every nine Missourians received monthly food benefits until the start of November.

The MFH reported, SNAP issued over $1.5 billion in benefits to 114 counties in Missouri. According to the World Population Review, Missouri is home to over six million people.

According to the MFH, Missouri’s SNAP participation rate among eligible Missourians was at 92%, whereas the national average was 88%.

This percentage shows that more than 650,000 Missourians will receive the rest of their benefits later this month.

Local organizations like Second Harvest and United Way are working to address the lack of SNAP Benefits.

KQ2 and News Press and Gazette’s new converged newsrooms will join in an effort to fight against hunger from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Hy-Vee on North Belt Highway.

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Parental Choice Tax Credit explained at town hall style meetings

KIFI on November 13, 2025

Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) – You can get your questions about Idaho’s Parental Choice tax credit answered Wednesday night at a town hall meeting in Idaho Falls.

 Idaho State Representative Wendy Horman and some guests will be on hand to explain the program, which allows parents to apply for a tax credit of up to $5,000 for each eligible student, for expenses like tutoring, homeschooling, private school, and transportation.

Students with a qualifying disability are eligible for up to $7,500.

Wednesday’s meeting will be at the Holiday Inn on 3005 South Fork Boulevard in Idaho Falls from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

A meeting in Pocatello will be held on Thursday, November 13th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Hampton Inn on 151 Vista Drive.

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Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signs bills supporting local broadband project

KYMA on November 13, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs was in Yuma Wednesday to announce some new updates regarding the agricultural broadband towers.

Gov. Hobbs signed two bills supporting the project.

Senate Bill 1320 enables the legal operation of autonomous farm equipment on public highways and roadways.

While Senate Bill 1661 establishes a government framework to ensure the long-term sustainability of A-specific broadband networks.

“I was really proud to sign these bills that will enable Yuma Farmers to take advantage of the new system,” Gov. Hobbs says.

The goal is to elevate Arizona agricultural technology.

“This is like a real-life example of like of how those high-tech things make a difference, and it’s not only putting that high-tech to work to make farming better, but it’s like setting an example,” said the governor.

Arizona Senator Tim Dunn shares how even other countries are looking at Yuma’s agricultural development.

“This broadband authority and this broadband situation has worldwide attention, what people are going to come and do innovation here, what are they going to do, because we are already pillars, we’re already the ones that are the envy of the world as far as we can do,” says Sen. Dunn.

Gov. Hobbs shares how she’s always looking towards the future.

“We’re focused on how we can continue to bring economic development and support projects like this that improve not just the lives of people here but across the state and across the country,” says Gov. Hobbs.

They are expecting to complete the project in August of next year

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Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen approves Osage casino

KMIZ on November 13, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen on Wednesday decided to enter an agreement with Osage Casinos to build an entertainment district.

A press release says The Osage Nation and the City of Lake Ozark entered into an agreement that includes municipal services, infrastructure improvements and government funding. Highlights from the agreements include the following payments by The Nation:

Contributing 2.5% on adjusted gross gaming receipts and a 1% resort fee on hotel rooms.

Paying the normal rate for water and sewer. 

Contributing $100,000 annually for police services.

Paying for a turn lane to be placed in the right of way in front of its property on Bagnell Dam Boulevard. 

“This partnership with the Osage Nation represents a defining moment for the City of Lake Ozark. These agreements show what can be achieved when governments work together in good faith to strengthen our community and prepare for the future. The Osage Nation’s investment will bring new opportunities, jobs, and tourism to our city. Now that we have these agreements in place, that address many of the questions raised by our residents, we are proud to support this historic step forward,” Mayor David Ridgely said in a statement.

 The new property is part of a new entertainment district in Missouri announced last fall by the Osage Nation. The proposed site is at 3501 Bagnell Damn Blvd. and is expected to be completed in multiple phases, with an estimated $60 million investment in the region, previous reporting says.

Phase 1 of the process includes construction of a casino, sports bar, restaurant and meeting space. Additionally, it also includes a hotel, which will have general hotel rooms, suites, a fitness and exercise facility, a pool, hot tub and a pool bar. Phase 1 construction is expected to start upon approval from the Department of Interior.

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Family Access Network receives three-year grant from the Roundhouse Foundation to support rural families

KTVZ on November 13, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Family Access Network received a multi-year grant of $50,000 for the next three years, totaling $150,000 in support of rural FAN families.

These funds will be utilized in the communities of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Sunriver, Terrebonne, Tumalo, and Jefferson County to ensure children have access to the basic need resources necessary to arrive in the classroom prepared to learn.

Rural families face increased challenges, now more than ever, including higher gas prices, limited access to childcare, and the need to travel long distances for grocery stores and other essential food resources. This grant will assist in alleviating the high burden placed on our rural families.

“The Roundhouse Foundation has shown up for FAN and the rural community of Central Oregon for a long time,” said Julie Lyche, FAN’s Executive Director, “and this year we were blown away by their commitment to ensuring rural families have what they need as they face growing obstacles from the cost of transportation to food insecurity. We can’t say thank you enough.”

The Roundhouse Foundation champions creative solutions to the unique challenges and opportunities of living in rural Oregon. Rooted in the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, the Foundation invests in art, environmental stewardship, education, and community leadership.

Through generous support, Roundhouse empowers organizations that foster connection, innovation, and sustainability across Sisters, rural Oregon, and select international communities. Since 2002, Roundhouse’s work has reflected a deep passion for enriching lives, nurturing leadership in youth, and celebrating creativity.

Unique to Central Oregon, FAN began in 1993 and currently employs 28 advocates at 66 sites in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. These advocates work tirelessly to help families break the cycle of poverty. The direct placement of FAN advocates within schools allows FAN to effectively reach and connect children and families in need to essential resources to thrive.

To learn more about the Family Access Network, please visit familyaccessnetwork.org or call (541) 693-5675.

Family Access Network’s mission is to offer assistance, possibility and hope to Central Oregon families in need by connecting them with crucial resources that will help children flourish in school and in life. Every year, FAN advocates improve the lives of over 7,800 children and family members in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

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MoWest Wind Ensemble presents ‘Momentum’ concert Thursday with jazz, honor choir on tap next week

News-Press NOW on November 13, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — From choir to jazz and a full ensemble of woodwinds, an array of concerts and performances are coming up fast at MoWest.

First on the upcoming schedule is MoWest’s Wind Ensemble, which is slated for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in Potter Hall Theatre. Admission will be free for the public.

The theme of the concert is “Momentum: The Energy That Drives Music Forward” which focuses on the close relationship between music and community. The program is designed to capture movement in a way that reflects the spirit of Missouri Western.

For any questions, reach out to Dr. Lee Harrelson at rharrelson1@missouriwestern.edu or call 816-305-4894.

MoWest fall jazz concert and all-district jazz

The jazz program of MoWest’s School of Fine Arts will present its annual free fall concert at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at Potter Theater.

The Jazz Ensemble will showcase classic works by arranger and writer Sammy Nestico, featuring the theme ‘A Little of This and a Little of That.’ Nestico was longtime collaborator with the Count Basie Orchestra.

Along with classics, the ensemble will perform newer works by some of today’s contemporary composers, including Ellen Rowe, Professor of Jazz at the University of Michigan, and Kris Berg, international best-selling composer and arranger.

The Jazz Ensemble is also set to perform on Saturday, Nov. 22, as part of the North West District MMEA All-District Jazz concert.

The concert will also be on the Missouri Western campus in Potter Theater, sharing the stage with the junior high and high school All-District jazz groups. This concert will start at 5:00 p.m.

For more information on either event, please contact Bob Long, director of jazz studies at 816-244-5840 or via email at long@missouriwestern.edu.

MoWest to host honor choir concert

Kicking off next Thursday at 6 pm., MoWest’s School of Fine Arts will host the Fall 2025 Honor Choir Concert in the Fulkerson Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The concert will see more than 300 middle and high school singers from across northwest Missouri and the greater Kansas City region joining voices with two ensembles: the Middle School Honor Choir, conducted by Jazz Rucker, director of choirs at Staley High School, and the High School Honor Choir, led by Dr. Paul Dease, director of choral activities at Missouri Western State University.

Regarded as one of Missouri’s most engaging choral clinicians, Rucker is widely respected for his inspiring leadership, innovative rehearsal techniques and ability to bring out the best in young singers.

Dr. Dease, director of MoWest’s choral program, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.

“This concert represents the very best of what choral music can do—bringing together hundreds of young people from across the region to make something beautiful and meaningful together,” said Dr. Dease in a press release. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jazz Rucker to campus and to give these students a day of artistry, inspiration and community through song.”

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