MoWest to celebrate graduate achievements during Winter Commencement

News-Press NOW on December 11, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Missouri Western State University will celebrate the achievements of 204 graduates during its Winter Commencement ceremony.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the MWSU Fieldhouse in the M.O. Looney Complex. Doors open to guests at 10:15 a.m.

The university will confer 172 undergraduate degrees, 51 of them with honors and 32 graduate degrees this semester.

Graduates come from Missouri and 11 other states, as well as five foreign countries.

The ceremony will feature graduates from the College of Science and Health, General Studies, the College of Business and Professional Studies and the College of Liberal Arts.

A brief reception, sponsored by the Missouri Western Alumni Association, will follow the ceremony in the Looney practice gym.

Lee Tieman, the managing partner of Tieman, Spencer and Hicks, as well as the Chair of the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors, will be the guest speaker for commencement.

Patty Lashbrook is the student representative who will speak at the ceremony. Lashbrook is an applied communications and journalism major from Faucett, Missouri.

In addition to the ceremony, nursing graduates will also receive a pin, symbolic of their training and new profession, at a pinning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the Fulkerson Center.

Click here to follow the original article.

Governor’s income tax elimination plan could tax services instead

KMIZ on December 11, 2025

Alison Patton

EDITOR’S NOTE: A statistic about income taxes paid by the top 1% of earners has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe might be looking to phase out income tax in 2026, but to do that, the state would have to expand the sales tax base to include services, according to conservative group Americans For Prosperity.

The governor hasn’t released a plan to eliminate income tax, but a spokesperson said Thursday that he will unveil his tax and spending plan for fiscal 2027 at the State of the State Address on Jan. 12. That plan will be “comprehensive and responsible,” the governor’s office said.

Americans For Prosperity has been working closely with the governor to craft a plan that will keep more money in Missourians’ paychecks, legislative director Camellia Peterson said. The governor plans to phase out the income tax over five to 10 years, Peterson said.

Income tax accounts for about two-thirds of Missouri’s general revenue, according to the Missouri Budget Project. The state has to make up that loss from somewhere.

The state collected about $3.31 billion since December 2024, according to the state general revenue report for November 2025.

The bottom 20% of Missouri workers pay about 0.5% of their income, the top 20% pay about 3.6% and everyone in between pays somewhere between 1.4% and 3.6%, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

Peterson said the governor’s plan would include widening the sales tax base to include services while also cutting spending. For example, realtor transaction fees and accounting services would be taxable under this proposed plan, Peterson said. Health care services would be exempt from this tax.

“Broadening the sales tax base really does help people at lower income levels because it also gives you more choice in how much tax you pay when there are budget shortfalls or when things get tight,” Peterson said.

The Missouri Realtors Association did not respond to a request for comment.

Traci Gleason from the Missouri Budget Project said services could include repairs, lawn service and pet grooming.

Missouri voters passed a ballot initiative in 2016 to keep sales and use taxes off services, according to Gleason.

Gleason said this would act like a tax break for the upper class because a larger share of their tax burden comes from income tax.

The other way the governor could make up for the income tax revenue is to increase sales tax, Gleason said.

The Missouri Budget Project estimates that sales tax would have to be about 12% to completely replace income tax, and when that’s combined with other local taxes, that number could jump to 17% to 19%.

Gleason said this projected sales tax could be costly for Missourians.

“We don’t add up the sales taxes that we pay every single day, and so it seems like it’s going to be something that’s going to help people, but when you add up what they’re actually paying, it’s going to hurt most Missourians in the long run,” Gleason said.

Peterson said the governor isn’t planning on an increase in sales tax. However, the governor hasn’t released his official plan.

The plan would also need voter approval because it’s considered a new tax, Peterson said. It would be on the 2026 ballot.

Click here to follow the original article.

Strikes to End Alzheimer’s held Thursday night in Jefferson City

KMIZ on December 11, 2025

Meghan Drakas

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Alzheimer’s Association hosted Strikes to End Alzheimer’s on Thursday night.

The event was held at Strikers Bowling Alley after the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event was canceled in October due to weather.

“It’s really a time for the community to come together,” Alzheimer’s Association Fundraising Senior Manager Laurie Williams said. “This is such a healing journey for people. It’s beyond just the fundraising efforts. We want to create a sense of community and really show Jefferson City that we’re here and all the good work that we’re doing. So we’re excited to welcome everyone out tonight to make up for for the walk that we missed.”

More than 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and that number is projected to grow each year.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 122,000 Missourians who are 65 years old and older are battling the disease. This equates to more than 11% of the 65 and older population in the Show-Me State.

The Jefferson City chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association hosted the event for the community to help bring awareness to the cause and honor those who are affected by the disease. As of Thursday afternoon, the chapter has raised nearly $72,000 of its goal of $90,000.

According to Williams, the money raised is used for a number of things to support an end to Alzheimer’s disease and the families who are affected by it.

“One of the things that people think of most is our research…we’re so close to a cure and treatments and prevent, so that’s one portion,” Williams said. “But the real big piece, especially for our local communities, is the care and the support that we provide to them.”

Williams said the organization hosts monthly support groups and there is a free 24/7 hotline available for anyone with questions about the disease, resources or how to handle a situation.

“I actually heard a story today about someone who called and she was having some trouble with her husband and and she said the hotline literally saved my life,” Williams said. “We she called it, and we were able to deescalate the escalated situation that was happening and and really bring the love back to work to what was going on. So we want to support anyone and everyone in every way that we can. And those funds will allow us to do that in our local communities.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Gang member who murdered five people sentenced to death

KESQ on December 11, 2025

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A death sentence was handed down today for a Banning gang member involved in five killings — sometimes just for sport — over multiple years.

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Friday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Matthew Perantoni affirmed the jury’s recommendation, imposing the death sentence on Armendariz, who will be bound for California’s Death Row at San Quentin State Prison after the death warrant

Armendariz had pleaded guilty in July to five counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, as well as a special circumstance allegation of killing for the benefit of a criminal street gang and numerous sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, according to court records.  

The jury was convened at the Riverside Hall of Justice expressly to determine whether he should receive life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. After roughly three weeks of testimony, jurors recommended the latter. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Matthew Perantoni is slated to follow the panel’s recommendation during the sentencing hearing Friday.  

The defendant is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail. Several of his co-defendants were convicted in prior years.   

“Taking these criminals off the streets has been a long process but has made the city of Banning a safer place for all residents and visitors,” Banning Police Capt. Brandon Smith said in October. “Although the recent convictions do not bring loved ones back to their families, the Banning Police Department hopes to have provided some justice and closure to the families.”  

Armendariz, a documented gang member, was directly involved in the slayings of 21-year-old Bradley Cunningham, 53-year-old James Lara Jr., 48-year-old Felicia McCafferty, 51-year-old Charles Neazer and 42-year-old Theresa Sanchez.

The first murder occurred in the predawn hours of Nov. 7, 2015, near Fifth and Williams streets, where Neazer was gunned down by the defendant, according to investigators.   

On the night of July 1, 2018, he targeted Cunningham and the victim’s friend in the area of Lincoln Street and Navajo Road, killing Cunningham in the street. The victim’s friend narrowly escaped death, police said.   

On the afternoon of Aug. 30, 2020, Lara, McCafferty and Sanchez were gunned down while gathered at San Gorgonio Memorial Park Cemetery.

“It came out at trial that the gang had a game, where they’d get points for killing people,” Supervising Deputy District Attorney Kevin Beechem told City News Service.

The prosecutor said the cemetery slayings stemmed from a perceived gang-related rivalry between Lara and Armendariz’s affiliates. When hostilities erupted at the site, McCafferty and Sanchez attempted to intervene on Lara’s behalf and were killed along with him.   

The cases were cold until detectives gathered sufficient forensic and eyewitness evidence to tie them together, ultimately identifying Armendariz as the principal conspirator. His younger brother, Christopher Armendariz, and several other gang members were implicated as well.

Initially, there were multiple cases in which William Armendariz was a named defendant, though they were eventually consolidated. He was arrested without incident on a fugitive warrant in September 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri, and extradited to California.

While proceedings were pending in his case, most of his co-conspirators’ cases were resolved. Samuel Vasquez, who was involved in the Neazer killing and that of another man, Henry Waters Jr., in February 2017, was convicted of two counts of murder and other offenses and sentenced in 2023 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.   

Christopher Armendariz admitted voluntary manslaughter and criminal street gang activity charges and was sentenced in 2022 to 11 years in prison.   

Brandon Hylkema pleaded guilty in 2023 to manslaughter and gang activity counts in connection with Cunningham’s death. He’s slated for sentencing on Feb. 13 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Another conspirator, Jovanny Daniel Martinez, is set to go on trial in late January at the downtown courthouse for murder, also stemming from the Cunningham killing.

Both he and Hylkema are being held without bail at county correctional facilities.

Click here to follow the original article.

Orcutt Academy’s Weather Balloons Take Flight Once Again

KEYT on December 11, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – Large white balloons in the sky over Orcutt Wednesday and Thursday morning were part of a long-running science experiment at Orcutt Academy High School.

An egg survived a 300-foot parachuted drop as geology students got a hands-on experience launching weather balloons.

In summer-like conditions, the high school science class pocked the Orcutt skyline with the large white balloons.

The students attached gondolas—boxes that store their sensors—and raise them 300 feet in the air to take readings.

Teacher Ty Fredriks says this is the 18th year of what Orcutt Academy calls “Balloonfest.”

“This is actually something that has been happening since Orcutt Academy started,” says Mr. Fredriks. “So our very first balloon fest was in 2009, and this is our 18th annual one. So it’s really it’s been a tradition. And, you know, the kid, the alumni come back and we go, ‘I remember Balloonfest!’”

Students are challenged to present their data to each other on Friday.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

“Battalica 156” Graduates Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy

KEYT on December 11, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – Officials at Allan Hancock College say ’tis the season for public safety graduations.

Battalion 156 graduated from the program’s Firefighter Academy on Thursday.

This year’s graduating class at Allan Hancock College’s Public Safety Training Firefighter Academy gave themselves the nickname “Battalica 156,” because they’re the first class to have used new resources courtesy of the rock band Metallica.

“Every year our cadets keep raising the bar,” says Leonard Champion, AHC Fire Academy Coordinator. “And to watch them come in at day one of a 17 and a half week academy and see that progression of growth, the maturity, the discipline, physically, mentally. It is incredible to watch.”

The world-famous band’s “All Within My Hands” foundation donated $75,000 to the fire academy for new personal protection equipment, tools, books, and materials.

“Yes, like there was a need or a reason to have to listen to more Metallica,” says Champion. “Very well known. Everybody understands their music, has heard their music over decades. So pretty impressive.”

Some of the graduating cadets say they now appreciate the band for more than their music.

“100%, I already love Metallica,” says Ryder Hart, Battalion 156 Class President. “When the chief told us that Metallica was sponsoring us, it was kind of like a little mind blowing thing. It definitely got people to start listening to it.”

Anyone interested in signing up for Hancock’s Public Safety Training programs can visit the school’s website.

“This has been like the greatest experience of my life doing this and I would do it hundred times over again,” says Hart.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jefferson City teenager charged as adult in August shooting

KMIZ on December 11, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City teenager has been certified as an adult in a shooting that occurred in August.

Daniel Day, 17, was charged as an adult on Wednesday with unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of armed criminal action and a count of first-degree assault. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. An entry of appearance was filed on Thursday.

Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson told ABC 17 News in an email that Day was certified as an adult on Tuesday and that he has been in custody since Aug. 20.

The probable cause statement says Jefferson City police were called at 4:48 p.m. Aug. 20 to the 300 block of Benton Street. A witness allegedly told police that gunshots came from someone in the area and a white BMW was possibly shot at. Officers found several shell casings in a yard, the statement says.

Minutes later, officers found the vehicle with bullet holes in 700 block of Marshall Street, the statement says. A person described as a victim saw a witness’ car and started honking the horn of his vehicle, he then heard gunshots while driving away and realized his car was shot, the statement says. The victim’s head appeared to have been grazed by a bullet, police wrote.

Another witness allegedly saw a male walking and shooting toward the BMW during the incident, court documents say. One of the witnesses allegedly identified Day from a photo, court documents say. Another witness allegedly told police they drove Day from the area after the shooting and that he had a gun, court documents say.

Police searched an apartment, found the gun and test results on Dec. 3 determined the shell casings they found earlier matched the gun, court documents say.

Click here to follow the original article.

House cleaner, two others arrested in burglary of NW Bend home caught on camera; pair of raids recover loot

KTVZ on December 11, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A house cleaner and two other Bend residents have been arrested on burglary and theft charges, accused of stealing about $1,200 worth of items from a northwest Bend rental home, police said Thursday.

On Saturday, Nov. 29, Bend Police responded to a report of a burglary in the 1000 block of NW Baltimore Avenue, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

The homeowners returned from a trip out of town and “discovered that a variety of their belongings were missing,” Miller said.

“The homeowners rent their house out when they leave town, and the company that manages the rentals hired a third-party cleaner to come in after the visitors departed,” she said. 

The homeowners reviewed their surveillance video footage and saw the house cleaner arrive in the early afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 16. About two hours later, two other people arrived and entered the home.

The three left about 10 minutes later “with a large number of items in garbage bags,” Miller said.

The missing items were estimated at about $1,200 in value.   

Miller said an investigation determined the cleaner was 36-year-old Bend resident Heather Cordier. The two other suspects were identified 41-year-old Stephanie Lafountaine and 47-year-old Stephen Rechner, also of Bend.  

On Tuesday of this week, between 12:40 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Bend Police patrol officers, detectives and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team raided two residences and recovered items connected to the burglary at both places, Miller said.

Search warrants were executed at an apartment in the 1700 block of SE Tempest Driver and another residence in the 600 block of NE Bellevue Drive. Officers were assisted by drone operators, negotiators and community service officers.  

Cordier, LaFountaine and Rechner were taken into custody, as was Sergei Newlin, 33, also of Bend, who had an unrelated warrant for a parole violation, Miller said. All four were booked into the Deschutes County Jail.   

Cordier, Rechner and Lafountaine each face first-degree charges of burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

Miller told KTVZ News she could not provide the surveillance video or images from it, as it is evidence in an ongoing investigation.

Asked if this type of crime would prompt any tips for the public to be aware of, Miller told us: “It’s tricky, because this was a third-party company that hired a cleaning person.”

“Of course, we would always recommend that people do their due diligence when hiring someone who will have access to their home,” she said. “In this case, that may not apply, because these people were using a company that then hired someone who committed these crimes.”

KTVZ News also asked Miller if this was believed to be an isolated incident.

“We do not have any indication that there are other victims,” she told us. “But our investigation is ongoing, and if members of the public believe something similar has happened to them, we’d like to hear about it.”

Click here to follow the original article.

“12 Vintages of Christmas” with Hitching Post Wines

KEYT on December 11, 2025

Michael Yu

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Hitching Post Wines in Buellton joined your morning news to share their new “12 Vintages of Christmas” offer.

Owner Frank Ostini shares that the 12 wines include vintages from 2010 to 2021.

Other local wineries are also offering several Christmas offers.

The “12 Vintages of Christmas” are available until Christmas and are online at https://hpwines.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marni von Wilpert launches CA-48 listening tour in Palm Springs with Sen. Barbara Boxer

KESQ on December 11, 2025

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert is kicking off her districtwide listening tour in Palm Springs today, appearing with U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer as she campaigns for California’s 48th Congressional District.

Von Wilpert, a Democrat and former labor lawyer, is holding a media availability at 12:45 p.m. at Lulu California Bistro following a fundraiser and a grassroots listening session with local activists. Her Palm Springs stop marks the first major campaign event in the district since incumbent Republican Rep. Darrell Issa abandoned a brief effort to run for Congress in Texas and announced he would instead seek reelection in CA-48.

Click here to follow the original article.