Idaho Falls and Nampa men arrested in two cases of child exploitation

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Last week, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children task force arrested two Idaho men in separate cases for alleged sexual exploitation of a child, Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today.

On Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, 46-year-old John McGraw of Idaho Falls was charged with 10 counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material. The Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pocatello Police Department assisted the ICAC Unit with the arrest. 

The following day, the ICAC Unit, with the assistance of the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 61-year-old Lesley Marcum of Nampa. Marcum has been charged with 5 counts of possession of child sexual exploitation material.

“Two more arrests—from Idaho Falls to Nampa—prove our statewide partnerships are working,” said Attorney General Labrador. “These coordinated efforts to remove threats from our communities are protecting Idaho families. The ICAC Unit and our partner agencies will not stop fighting to keep Idaho’s children safe from exploitation.”

The AG’s office encourages anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials who wish to find more information and helpful resources, click HERE.

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Yucca Valley appoints Shianne May as new Animal Care and Control Manager

Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Shianne May has been appointed as Yucca Valley’s Animal Care and Control Manager, the town announced on Wednesday.

According to town officials, May will oversee Yucca Valley’s Animal Shelter and Animal Control operations. She is set to officially join in mid-December after the town’s standard onboarding process.

May has served in senior-level roles with numerous local agencies, including Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Found Animals Registry, among other providers. She holds a degree in Public Relations from California State University, Long Beach.

“Ms. May’s strong background in shelter operations, along with her genuine dedication to animal welfare and the local community, make her an excellent fit for our team,” said Town Manager Curtis Yakimow. “We’re thrilled to welcome her as the new Animal Care and Control Manager and are confident her leadership will further strengthen the animal care and control services we provide to Yucca Valley residents.”

Born and raised in Palm Springs, May has had a lifelong passion for animal welfare that began when she rescued her first cat as a child. When she later adopted her first dog from the original Palm Springs Animal Shelter, she decided to turn that passion into a career.

As a resident of Yucca Valley for over five years, she is dedicated to supporting her new home.

“I am honored to bring my experience in animal welfare to this role and serve the Morongo Basin community. As Animal Care and Control Manager, I look forward to collaborating with our partners to create meaningful, lasting improvements for both people and animals,” said Ms. May.

The appointment comes after controversy over the town’s shelters that gained momentum in January. The town initiated a 90-day review of shelter operations in March and introduced several changes.

Former Animal Care and Control Manager Doug Smith retired in July, following public pressure.

For more information on the Town’s animal shelter services and staff, click here.

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Imperial County researchers take Mobile Research Unit on the road to hold free memory assessments

Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Sun Valley Research Center (SVRC) is taking a Mobile Research Unit on the road to hold free memory assessments.

According to a press release, THOR (Taking Health on the Road) West is touring California and Arizona in order to help raise awareness of the importance of brain health.

SVRC says they’re holding a free memory assessment event at the Westmorland Senior Citizen Center, located at 298 W. Third Street, Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The tour coincides with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

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Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity sets grand opening celebration for its new Redmond ReStore

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce the upcoming grand opening of its new Redmond ReStore, located at 2744 NW 7th Street.

The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 AM, in partnership with the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, and will include a ribbon cutting and tours of the new facility, the organization said in a news release Tuesday that continues in full below: 

The Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials, and more, all at affordable prices. Proceeds from the ReStore directly support Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope across Central Oregon. 

“The ReStore is more than a store; it’s a way for everyone in the community to make a difference,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. “When people shop, donate, or volunteer at the ReStore, they’re helping to build a better Central Oregon, one home at a time.” 

The new Redmond ReStore provides a sustainable shopping option that keeps usable materials out of landfills while helping fund Habitat’s homeownership program. Community members are encouraged to attend the grand opening celebration to learn more about the ReStore’s mission and impact. 

This reopening also marks a meaningful milestone for Bend-Redmond Habitat. A previous Redmond ReStore operated before the 2019 merger of the Bend Area and Redmond Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

In 2020, the organization made the difficult decision to close the Redmond store due to an unsustainable lease and location. Reopening the ReStore has been part of Bend-Redmond Habitat’s capital campaign commitment, and the organization is thrilled to once again provide this valuable resource to the Redmond community. 

About Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity At Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home – a safe, stable, and healthy environment where families can thrive and communities can flourish. Since 1989, we have served more than 250 families with affordable homeownership and revitalized 145 homes, transforming the lives of more than 1,100 children and adults across Central Oregon. 

Learn more at bendredmondhabitat.org 

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Columbia police investigate 2019 double homicide as families search for justice

Meghan Drakas

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than six years after two Columbia residents were shot and killed in northeast Columbia, their families and police are still searching for answers.

“Something that was different about this scene than others, it was very quiet,” Columbia Police Department Lt. Matt Gremore said.

Just after 3 a.m. Sept. 22, 2019, police responded to the corner of Rice Road and McKee Street. Gremore said police originally responded to a shooting call, but officers were not aware of any victims at the scene.

“Multiple officers showed up,” Gremore said. “They started trying to render aid, putting chest seals on the wounds and gauze and everything that they could possibly do.”

Gremore said 36-year-old Antonio Houston was found on the lawn between Rice Road and the home, while 33-year-old Danielle Marine was found between the home and the gravel driveway. They were both taken to the hospital and were pronounced dead.

Gremore said the shooting appeared to be targeted and the two were shot multiple times. Multiple bullet holes can still be seen on the left side of the home.

“It was hard to determine which bullet holes were from this event, or if there was some from a prior event too,” Gremore said. “During my time here, I can think of several homicides that we found on this particular street alone.”

Gremore said shell casings were found at the scene, but wouldn’t elaborate further on what other types of evidence was collected during the investigation.

Just a day after the shooting, at least three homes in the same area of McKee Street and Rice Road were shot. Police found at least 17 shell casings at the scene, but no injuries were reported.

Danielle Marine

Shemeca Marine said she recalls waking up around 6 a.m. on Sept. 22, 2019, to a bunch of messages and missed phone calls.

“My oldest sister Nicole called me and said Danielle was shot,” Shemeca Marine said. “I just broke, I just broke. And I couldn’t stop nonstop for almost two hours, maybe three hours.”

She said her first thought when she saw all the missed messages and phone calls was that something happened to her mother.

“I never in a million years would have thought this would be something going on with my sister.”

After more than half a decade, Shemeca Marine, said she is reminded of her sister, Danielle Marinem everyday.

“My sister was [a] free spirit, she was bright,” Shemeca Marine said. “She was pretty much an open book…I feel like when I lost my sister, I picked up a lot of her traits.”

Shemeca Marine said her sister was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the family moved to Columbia in 1998. Danielle Marine went to Hickman High School and was very social. Just weeks before Danielle Marine was killed, Danielle had moved back to Columbia from Dallas, Texas, Shemeca Marine said.

Danielle Marine left behind two sons and a daughter. Shemeca said Danielle’s daughter, reminds her “so much” of Danielle.

“I’m angry because Columbia is too small,” Shemeca said. “People know something…it hurts, it’s painful.”

Shemeca says believes someone knows something in this case and she wants them to come forward.

“Coming forward would be a blessing, and justice for the family,” Shemeca Marine said. “Somebody knows the truth and it would not only help my sister, [and] Antonio but other loved ones for people to come forward.”

Antonio Houston

Antonio Houston’s sister, Kisha Houston, said her brother has six children. She said he enjoyed family gatherings and that his family was his life. She said the Hickman High School alumni was a friendly and peaceful person, who enjoyed “going out with friends and family.” She said he was working at a lot at a local landscaping and lawn care business, before he died.

Kisha Houston said Antonio Houston was her “baby brother” but over the years, she said it seemed like he became her big brother and the “more responsible” one.

Kisha Houston said her brother would help anyone he could and said Danielle Marine and he were friends. Kisha Houston said the two were not in a relationship, but Danielle Marine had been staying at Antonio’s house for a few days. She said the night they were killed, the two were visiting a friend’s home.

It’s been hard for his children, since they lost their father, Kisha said.

Where the case stands today

When speaking with ABC 17 News at the scene of the crime, Gremore said police do not know if this was a drive-by shooting or if the shooter or shooters walked up to the scene.

“I would be speculating to say that we knew that the suspects were in a car,” Gremore said. “I can’t say that.”

Throughout the years, Gremore said police have heard the rumors about potential suspects in the case.

“There’s generally names that are consistent with this investigation,” Gremore said. “But every now and then, you’ll get told other information as well, too.”

He went on to say police “absolutely do have people of interest in mind.”

He said as technology has become more advance, it’s helped police do their jobs better as there’s things officers can do now that don’t need a person to come forward to talk about.

“But those are not the end all be all,” Gremore said. “I think it’s harder now to get someone to understand the importance of providing information because we can’t do everything with technology alone.”

He said submitting tips using CrimeStoppers is helpful, but for this case to be adjudicated, he said it’s going to take someone to come forward with information to the police department. He said it’s hard not to have answers about what happened to give to the families after six years.

“I think that bothers everybody at the police department to not be able to give that information to the family,” Gremore said.

September 2019

Danielle Marine and Houston’s murders happened during a stretch of six homicides in fewer than two weeks in Columbia. From Sept. 13-25, 2019, there were five shootings where seven people were shot. Only one person survived but he was later killed in a shooting in 2023.

Gremore said he doesn’t believe Danielle Marine and Antonio Houston’s deaths are linked to the other shootings. But he believes some of the other shootings are connected.

A map of Columbia shows the locations of five shootings from Sept. 13, 2019 to Sept. 25, 2019 where seven people were shot and six people were killed.

The seventh and final person shot during this stretch of shootings was 23-year-old James Hickem. His case is also still open and no arrests have been made. CPD is investigating 17 unsolved homicide cases with 19 victims dating back to 1985.

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New interchange coming to busy Highway 101/Broadway intersection in Santa Maria

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A major infrastructure project is in the works to build a new interchange at the busy intersection of Highway 101 and Broadway (Highway 135) in Santa Maria.

The planned project would replace the current two-lane bridge and also create an entirely new design for the on and off ramps to the freeway.

“What the city is looking at is building a new interchange over Highway 101, at Broadway and Highway 135,” said Brett Fulgoni, Santa Maria Public Works Director. “It’ll connect the two sides of the city, and we’ll connect all the way over to Seaward Drive on the on the eastside of Santa Maria, along the levee.”

The main goals for the project will be to enhance traffic flow throughout the area, as well as improve safety and accessibility.

“There’s tens of thousands of cars that use this intersection,” said Fulgoni. “As the city grows, that will continue to grow, and so this is long term planning that’s coming to actual construction. The other part of this project is we do plan to do a, a transit park and ride there. And so as, as transit grows, this will be become a transit hub as well forthe region.”

While the project is still many years away from start of construction, the City of Santa Maria, along with Caltrans, and Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) are currently working on the advancement of the environmental review, as well as preliminary engineering.

Along with the stakeholders, the public will also be allowed to participate in the design process over the next several months.

Tonight, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the City of Santa Maria will hold a public workshop where the people will have the opportunity to view project exhibits and conceptual layouts, ask questions and share feedback directly with representatives from the Santa Maria Public Works Department, Caltrans, and members of the design team.

“There’s going to be there will be many, many public meetings on this project,” said Fulgoni. “Today’s the first one. We want to make sure that what we build, Santa Maria actually wants and that it’s going to solve a problem that we need to solve. When engineers design a project, we all have blind spots, and we rely on the public to make sure that we’re meeting their needs. That’s the really important part of the public engagement piece is making sure that we’re seeing things from all angles. There could be things that we haven’t considered and that’s exactly what we’re looking for today.”

The cost for the project is currently estimated to be $70 million, with the funding to come from several different sources, including from Measure A, the transportation-focused sales tax increase Santa Barbara County voters passed in 2008.

“We have about $10 to $20 million between the Measure A and the regional gas tax funding,” said Sarkes Khachek, SBCAG Programming Director. “The other funding that we’re going to need, the $40 to $50 million, we’re going to be pursuing outside funding. There are federal and state competitive programs that we will look to start applying for in the next year or so as we get through project development and the project gets ready for construction. We want to be at a point where we’re going to leverage that funding with measure and regional funding to get the outside grant to fully fund the project.”

With the project just now beginning to ramp up, there are many more hurdles to clear before the public will see any kind of construction taking place at the intersection.

“We’re at the early stage,” said Khachek. “We’re in 2025 with the environmental document. We look forward to designing the project in a couple of years and then the project will be construction ready in 2029. Once construction starts, we’re looking at a two to three year construction period from there, so we’re hoping to have it all done by 2032 or 2033.”

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A safe space grows in the Imperial Valley: Queercasa builds community and belonging

Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – In the Imperial Valley, where the desert meets the border, finding a sense of belonging can be difficult, especially for queer and trans residents. For Angel, it took years to feel truly seen.

“I would hear a lot of derogatory terms when I’d go out,” Angel recalled. “My mom explained what they meant, and I realized for the first time that people saw me as different. It was painful.”

The fear became more personal after a terrifying incident at home. When Angel’s mother suffered a heart attack, a neighbor made a disturbing comment suggesting they could break into the apartment while she was gone.

“That scared me really bad,” Angel said. “I didn’t sleep that night.”

Experiences like those pushed Angel to search for a safe community nearby. But even in local support groups, they often felt judged or misunderstood.

“I remember sharing that I’d just started hormone therapy,” Angel said. “And the response I got was basically that I might regret it someday. It crushed me. I wanted support, not doubt.”

Then, Angel discovered queercasa (purposefully lowercased), a new grassroots group working to create safe, affirming spaces for queer and trans people in Imperial County. From the very first meeting, things felt different.

“It just felt like friends getting together for dinner,” Angel said.

Queercasa hosts game nights, clothing swaps, and karaoke events for Hispanic Heritage Month. They’re small gatherings with a big impact.

“Someone got their first dress at one of the swaps,” Angel shared. “For someone in our community, that’s a huge moment…to finally feel comfortable enough to be yourself.”

For Angel and many others, queercasa represents more than just a local organization. It’s a new beginning for the Valley’s LGBTQ+ community.

“Ultimately, it’s about all of us coming together,” Angel said.

Even in a place where acceptance hasn’t always come easily, Angel says there’s hope.

“There are people here in their 60s who’ve stayed, who’ve built community despite everything,” they said. “We’re still here, and we’re going to keep showing up for one another.”

A new chapter is taking shape in the Imperial Valley, one rooted in acceptance, connection, and care.

If you want to get involved with queercasa, you can head to their website.

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School board intends to explore modified Plan 2B: Lafayette and Central as two-high school model

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education has opted to further explore a modified version of Plan 2B to shape the future of St. Joseph public schools, this coming after two high-profile board meetings this week.

Wednesday’s meeting at the Troester Media Center comes after the previously-discussed Plan E was shelved during a Monday work session, with the board requesting more time to review facility details for Plan E, Plan 2B and Plan 7B.

In reviewing details of Plan 2B, the majority of the board decided that the two high school model was the best path and wanted to examine additional modifications made to Plan 2B (Lafayette/Central) over Plan 7B (Benton/Central).

Additionally the board wanted to look at the possibility of a four-middle school model and changing some of the feeder systems.

One parent present in the audience, Aaron Westlake, explained why it was important for him to speak to the board before they began discussions of which plan to hone on.

“I’ve spoken at a couple of these meetings now. I’m the parent of a child that goes to Bessie Ellison,” Westlake said. “We found they are an absolutely amazing school, the sense of community there was stronger than I could have believed. I find it to be a school worth fighting for.”

After the meeting, Board President LaTonya Williams felt she could take a “sigh of relief” with clarity and a sense of direction in place with Plan 2B moving ahead for further conversations. Williams explained that while people will be upset, a decision had to be made.

“I understand that it can be frustrating, but we had to make a decision. Williams said. “We had lots of people contact us, I received lots of emails and I read every one. But I’m not able to answer to everyone. I do apologize, but I need to listen to the people.”

Williams then added that her family is among those who will be impacted by the choice to move forward with Plan 2B.

“I want for people to know I have a child in these schools. My kids and my organization are also in these schools,” Williams said. “My own kid will be moving to a different high school. As a mother, I don’t want that. As a president of this the board I have to make the right decision. And at times we have to make a good decision that isn’t going to be the one that everyone likes. And that’s okay.”

A follow-up meeting is currently scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, in the Troester Media Center located at 3401 Renick St.

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Showdown in St. Joseph draws near

News-Press NOW

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo (KQTV)– Local boxers are preparing for a popular “Showdown” at East Hills Mall.

The “Showdown N Joetown IV” features 10 amateur bouts and six professional bouts, including Dakota Amy and Jacob Thrall, who will be fighting to see who will stay undefeated.

The fighters will check into Tipps Sports Bar for medical checks and to see their opponent for the first time before the event.

Showdown N Joetown IV Co-Promoter, John Carden, has been promoting fights in St. Joseph for almost 20 years.

Carden shared how he set up his latest fight card, or boxing lineup. Carden also said the Showdown competition had been building up before fight night.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to see the up-and-comers, because it is a Pro-Am (professional and amateur fights) show,” said Carden. “Dakoda Lynn is coming back. He hasn’t fought for a while here in town. Katelyn Radtka is making her debut. She’s somebody that I’ve known of for quite some time. Her background is primarily in MMA, but she’s fighting a girl out of South Dakota, so that should be a very, very exciting, entertaining fight.

Carden said spectators and fans will be able to see some pretty good bouts.

“As far as competitiveness, this is probably the most, if not one of the most, competitive cards I’ve put on here,” said Carden.

Amateur bouts will start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the East Hills Mall. Professional bouts will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the East Hills Mall.

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Which Wine Should You Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner? Wine Expert Jamie Knee Has Got You Covered

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Now is the best time to pick up a bottle of wine to bring home for the holiday season. If you’re having trouble figuring out the best choice for the occasion, wine connoisseur Jamie Knee has got you covered!

Central Coast is home to some of the best holiday wines – from sparkling to white to merlot to Grüner Veltliner – Jamie joined your Morning News to show what will pair best with your favorite holiday dish.

“Santa Barbara, just the Central Coast, is known for its cool climate. It’s known for its wonderful sunshine, so it really gives us wines that speak to the Thanksgiving table. They’re crisp, they’re vibrant, and they go with all those delicious meals that we’re going to have this holiday season,” Knee says.

Jamie Knee is a globally recognized wine writer, wine media personality, and curator of bespoke wine journeys around the world. She is the founder of The Petite Wine Traveler, and was named one of the top 50 most influential women in wine hospitality and top wine travel media.

Her suggestions? Pair your white meat turkey with a nice Grüner Veltliner. Green bean casserole goes great with a nice white wine, and you can never go wrong with a good sparkling wine.

If you want to see more from Jamie, you can visit Petite Wine Traveler.

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