Wellton celebrates Veterans Day with parade

KYMA on November 12, 2025

Joaquin Hight

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton gathered Tuesday morning to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with the Veterans Day Parade.

The Veterans Day Parade rolled down on historic U.S. Highway 80.

Leading the way were Wellton police, firefighters, and a lineup of classic cars, all honoring those who served.

The crowd showed its appreciation, cheering on the heroes who keep their community strong.

Local Safety Officer Mark Rivera Jr. shared a personal message with Veterans and active duty members.

“I just wanna thank you guys for what you guys do. Your sacrifice, your bravery, make this country what it is today. And, we’re very honored for the sacrifices you’ve made throughout the years,” Rivera expressed.

The parade was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder of the pride and gratitude this town has for those who serve.

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Idaho Falls museum owner honored special recognition for Veterans Day

KIFI on November 11, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Friends and family came together today to give local Air Force veteran Jim Gyorfy of Idaho Falls’ own Collectors Corner Museum a heartfelt Veterans Day tribute. The group presented Jim with a metal American flag with the Air Force insignia on it to hang in his museum.

“We have the greatest country in the world… and it was an honor to serve it… and I know other Veterans feel the same way,” Gyorfy said, teary-eyed.

Gyorfy and his wife, partners in life for over 60 years, proudly operate the Collector’s Corner Museum, where they display a range of pop culture and military memorabilia. Today also marked the museum’s 22nd anniversary.

“You meet a lot of wonderful people, and you serve your country because it’s in your heart. I saw a lot of the world and I’m thankful for that. That’s all. And unfortunately, I’m losing a lot of friends now, but that’s a part of life,” Gyorfy said.

Jim’s friends, family, and wife all said that his kindness and humility are what make him truly deserving of this recognition.

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The City of Leavenworth hosts annual Veterans Day parade

News-Press NOW on November 11, 2025

News-Press NOW

By: Zac Scott

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (KQTV) — Veterans from Missouri and Kansas gathered to celebrate Veterans Day at a longstanding tradition in Leavenworth.

The parade itself has been a staple in Leavenworth for 106 years, and is also known as one of the oldest Veterans Day observances in the nation and the largest parades west of the Mississippi.

“It’s a nice tribute to all of our veterans, past, present,” Army Veteran Don Studnicka said. “Our active duty folks all over the world to honor them and their sacrifices that they make for this country.”

Studnicka retired in 1992 while stationed at Fort Leavenworth. Even though he lives in Lansing, Kansas, Studnika visits Leavenworth for its Veterans Day parade because of the way the community honors its veterans.

“The only thing I’d want to say to the people of Leavenworth is keep honoring our veterans and honoring them in the way that they have been doing,” said Studnicka.

Infantry Veteran Tom Switzel is a consistent visitor to the Leavenworth Veterans Day Parade. Switzel said he had visited the last 50 parades in the hope of meeting new friends.

“I look for friends every year when I come down here and usually run into a few, and it’s a good chance to meet up again and meet new people,” said Switzel.

Leavenworth native and 33rd Armored Division Veteran Michael Lay has been attending the parade since 1964. Lay is proud to see that opinions about veterans have improved since the Vietnam era.

“I wish that when our soldiers came out of Vietnam, they were honored more, and they get more honor now than they did when they first came out of Vietnam, and that has changed,” said Lay.

Kansas and Missouri veterans hope the traditional Veterans Day parade in Leavenworth continues for current veterans and those who will visit in the future. 

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Joint law enforcement operation leads to three DUI arrests, 77 traffic stops in St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on November 11, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local authorities have released the numbers from Saturday’s joint law enforcement operation aimed at improving roadway safety and deterring dangerous driving.

A coordinated law enforcement operation involving both St. Joseph Police, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Aircraft Division resulted in a total of 77 traffic stops on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Officers and troopers issued a total of 43 citations and 73 warnings for various traffic violations. The operation also led to:

Three arrests for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

The recovery of a stolen vehicle

Possession of a controlled substance

Driving while revoked

Clearing of five outstanding warrants, including three felony warrants

During the operation, four motorists failed to stop for police, but all were safely apprehended with the assistance of the Highway Patrol’s helicopter. The cases will be referred to the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration of aggravated fleeing charges.

“Operations like this demonstrate our shared commitment to keeping our community safe,” Chief Luster said. “By working together, we can more effectively identify unsafe drivers, remove impaired motorists from our roads, and ensure everyone arrives home safely.”

SJPD credited the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Patrol’s Aircraft Division for continued partnerships that help address traffic safety concerns.

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Partial SNAP benefits expected to be transferred beginning Nov. 11

KMIZ on November 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some SNAP recipients are expected to start seeing some benefits return as early as today, according to an email from the Missouri Department of Social Services.

SNAP benefits had not been delivered this month because of political battles surrounding ongoing government shutdown.

“The United State Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services (USDA-FNS) updated guidance on November 8, 2025, directing states to issue partial November SNAP benefits based on recent developments,” an email from Missouri DSS spokesperson Baylee Watts says. “The Department’s EBT vendor has been notified and confirmed that they are prepared to receive and process Missouri’s SNAP file. Participants will have their partial benefits available starting Tuesday, November 11, and will be able to access and use them at that time.”

A social media post from Feeding Missouri says, “It’s important to note that a new federal formula will determine benefit amounts. As a result, some households will receive ONLY PART of their usual benefit, and some MAY NOT RECEIVE a payment this round.”

Reporting from CNN shows the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday extended a short-term order that allows President Donald Trump’s administration to withhold full Food Stamp payments this month. The U.S. Senate agreed on a bill on Monday evening that would reopen the government, which is going to the House this week.

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Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen to vote on Osage Nation Casino at Wednesday meeting

KMIZ on November 11, 2025

Olivia Hayes

LAKE OZARK, Mo. (KMIZ)

Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen on Wednesday night will determine whether to approve or deny a deal with Osage Casinos.

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.

Osage Casinos said the location will bring new jobs, tourism and revenue for the Lake of the Ozarks community. The planned property includes a casino, hotel, meeting space and event center.

The Osage Nation will pay the city 2.5% of the money it brings it from gambling activities each year in quarterly installments. It will also collect a 1% resort fee on hotel room transactions and pay that to the city as well in quarterly installments annually. This money will go to help fund the local government agencies and departments in Lake Ozark.

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.

Future amenities include more casino space, additional food and beverage options, meeting space and an event center.

According to the proposal documents, the Osage Nation will transfer the land within the corporate limits of the City of Lake Ozark into a Federal Trust. In return the city will service the property with municipal services like water, sewer and policing.

The Lake Ozark Police Department will provide officers to work around the clock seven days a week.

The Osage Nation in return will pay $100,000 annually in quarterly installments. However, the Osage Nation Police Department will retain command and control of the area unless it gives another responding agency approve to takeover.

The City of Lake Ozark will be responsible for any road or traffic improvements to the surrounding streets unless a project is otherwise agreed upon by both parties. However, Osage is responsible for any improvements to infrastructure located within the Osage Property boundaries along with providing its own holding tank for water needed in emergency responses.

The council will vote on the agreement at its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at city hall.

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‘Our goal was to simplify’: Deschutes County’s revised outdoor lighting rules take effect soon; here’s what’s changing

KTVZ on November 11, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding comments from Deschutes County, DarkSky Oregon)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Earlier this year, Deschutes County amended its outdoor lighting ordinance to reduce light pollution and protect Central Oregon’s night skies while maintaining public safety. The new rules take effect in less than two weeks.

“So before, there were a lot of charts that talked about wattage and bulb type and all of the stuff was very difficult. So our goal was to simplify that,” said county Senior Planner Tanya Saltzman said Wednesday.

Christopher Hill, a board member with DarkSky Oregon, says the county’s updated rules are based on National Dark Sky guidance, aimed at promoting safer, more responsible lighting.

Astrotourism is a growing business, in Central Oregon. People come here to see the night skies,” said Hill, DarkSky Oregon board member and astrophotographer.

Hill says artificial light at night can negatively affect both people and wildlife.

“There is definitely an impact not only on our individual circadian rhythm, but also dissipating rhythm for other creatures. This includes the migration of birds,” Hill said.

The updated county rules take effect Tuesday, Dec. 23 for all new outdoor light installations in unincorporated areas of the county.

 “Our rules don’t apply to the cities because they each have their own regulations,” said Saltzman.”It does not apply to Bend, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond.It does apply to communities such as Tumalo, and Terrebonne and all of the rural counties.”

Property owners with existing outdoor lights installed and working before that date will have until December 2028 to comply with the revised rules.

After receiving feedback from two advisory panels and holding multiple public hearings, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the outdoor lighting ordinance during its Sept. 24 meeting.

The changes include:

Using guidance from DarkSky International to promote safe, responsible lighting.

Updating terminology, which includes “downcast,” “light trespass,” “fully shielded” and “string lights.”

Setting three primary requirements for non-exempt fixtures:

Lights must be downcast.

Fixtures must be fully shielded.

Light trespass is prohibited.

Clarifying existing exemptions and adding others. For example: the updated ordinance clarifies that holiday lighting is allowed from the day after Thanksgiving through Jan. 15 each year.

You can learn more about the county’s outdoor lighting ordinance by listening to the Inside Deschutes County podcast or visiting the Community Development Department website.

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FDA recalls ADHD medications

News-Press NOW on November 11, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSPEH, Mo. (KQTV) — A heavily used Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication is being recalled because users aren’t able to get the full effect.

Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate Capsules, the generic form of Vyvanse, is being recalled, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall was announced on Oct. 28 for the capsule, which is already in short supply.

The Board of Pharmacy said the recall involves several medicine dosages, such as 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg and 70 mg.

According to the Board, the recall was initiated in response to out-of-specification (OOS) results observed in the product’s dissolution test for the 60 mg capsules in Batch AD50896.

Based on the Health Hazard Evaluation, “Dissolution is important for drugs to be absorbed and have a physiological effect on the human body, they must be in solution. The impacted capsule would not be able to deliver optimal level of medicine and may impact therapeutic efficacy of the product.”

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. initiated the shipment of the product between May 1, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2024. Each lot in the shipments contained 100-count bottles.

According to a study done by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, there has been an increase in ADHD diagnoses due to increased awareness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that between 2020 and 2023, 10% of children ages 3 through 17 were diagnosed with ADHD in the state of Missouri.

The same CDC report also shows a total of 70.2% of Missourians were treated with the disorder between 2020 and 2023.

Patients who have and are currently taking the recalled medication have been encouraged to contact their doctor or pharmacy for replacement or refunds.

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Former executive director at Unlimited Opportunities accused of embezzling nearly $50,000

KMIZ on November 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

The former executive director of Unlimited Opportunities Inc. has been charged with a felony after she was accused embezzling nearly $50,000.

Jennifer Waibel, of Boonville, was charged on Monday in Cooper County with stealing more than $50,000. A warrant was issued for her arrest on Monday and a $10,000 bond was set. She was not listed on the Cooper County Jail’s online roster on Tuesday afternoon.

The probable cause statement says the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office received an anonymous complaint in 2024 about an employee being fired from Unlimited Opportunities for embezzlement.

Unlimited Opportunities provides services for those who have disabilities and is partially funded by taxpayer money through the Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services.

The statement says an investigation initially indicated there was “no indication of fraud or corruption,” in the monetary transactions between UOI and CCBSS,” but UIO funds and credit cards were not reviewed at the time.

An employee counseling statement from 2023 allegedly indicated that Waibel was “excessively” spending money on the group’s credit card, the statement says.

Transactions listed in the probable cause statement showed Waibel allegedly spent $49,661.36 on several transactions from June 16-Aug. 31, 2023, which included several multi-thousand-dollar purchases at Walmart locations in Boonville, Columbia and in Madison, Georgia.

According to documents, Waibel was suspended with pay on Sept. 6, 2023 while UOI conducted their investigation. 20 days later on the 26, Waibel was sent a letter, informing her that she had been fired, effective Sept. 29 2023.

Court documents say a mutual settlement agreement signed by Waibel and Unlimited Opportunities on Dec. 5, 2023, stated Waibel had to pay back $50,000 to the group by Jan. 8, 2024. A paragraph in the agreement allegedly stated Waibel’s separation would be considered a “voluntary resignation,” the statement says.

The probable cause statement also claimed that employees were threatened with retaliation if they spoke out about the situation.

Executive Director of Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services Madison Dollens sent a statement to ABC 17 News Tuesday night, stating the board is cooperating with authorities. According to Dollens, a report found no indication of fraud or embezzlement from the CCBSS.

“CCBSS remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds for the good of the Cooper County community,” Dollens wrote. “At this time, however, CCBSS will not be providing additional comment while we continue to work with law enforcement and investigators.”

ABC 17 News reached out to OUI, who declined to comment.

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‘It’s all about community’: Festival of Trees brings families together to honor loved ones

KTVZ on November 11, 2025

KTVZ

(update: comments from volunteers, Hospice of Redmond)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Over 30 trees are being decorated by volunteers for this year’s Festival of Trees, and each one tells a different story.

For sisters Katy Maynard and Susan Gripshover, decorating a tree together is more than a holiday tradition. It’s a tribute to their dad.

“My dad loved his horses,” Maynard said. “He grew up with horses and had them until the day he died.”

Their father, Jack Poffenbarger, worked as a ranch hand, mechanic, mill worker, and even owned a bicycle and ski shop in Redmond. He later became a highly trained paramedic and firefighter with the Redmond Fire Department.

Now visiting from out of town, his daughters decorated their tree with the things he loved most, a heartfelt way to honor his life and keep his memory close this holiday season.

“We made this little vignette with a rocking horse. He made rocking horses for his grandkids,” Maynard said. “My daughter even made a sign for him: In honor of a gentle soul, a father, grandfather and firefighter, and the man who loved horses.”

Their tree will be one of many featured at the 42nd annual Festival of Trees, a signature fundraiser for Hospice of Redmond.

“It’s all about our community,” said Lauren Lebien with Hospice of Redmond. “We’re a nonprofit, and we raise vital funds every year to keep our free programs going.”

Dozens of volunteers spent Friday decorating the Christmas trees that will be auctioned off over the weekend.

“They bring all their supplies and spend the entire day setting up,” Lebien said. “The space is really transformed by the evening.”

Amid the sparkle and celebration, the event remains rooted in remembrance, and in supporting families cared for by hospice.

“Hospice was very good to us for every passing we’ve ever had to go through,” Maynard said. “Their care has been amazing for us at the end of life.”

The evening’s ticketed, semi-formal Gala will begin at 5:00 pm and feature 31 exquisitely decorated holiday trees. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet dinner by Core Catering and live music, culminating in a high-energy live auction where the stunning designer trees and associated gifts are sold to the highest bidder. 

The evening’s festivities will include a very special announcement regarding the future of Hospice of Redmond and its services across Central Oregon. Attendees will be the first to hear this news, which promises an exciting look at the organization’s next chapter and its long-term commitment to enhancing compassionate end-of-life care for all residents. 

Every ticket purchased is a direct investment in compassionate, essential services throughout the region, funding end-of-life support programs, bereavement, and children’s grief programs like Camp Sunrise. 

The festivities begin earlier in the day with a free, family-friendly tree-viewing event on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Community members are invited to enjoy the spectacular display, meet Santa, enjoy delicious cookies, and cast their vote for the highly coveted People’s Choice Award. 

Purchase tickets for the Gala at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/festivaloftrees25/ 

About Hospice of Redmond: 

Hospice of Redmond is a 501(c)(3 nonprofit, independent, and Medicare-certified organization that has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon since its founding in 1979. For over four decades, they have compassionately supported thousands of individuals and their families with quality end-of-life care, bereavement services, transitions programs, and vital community support. 

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