Local mechanics urge Mid-Missouri drivers to check vehicles as temperatures drop

KMIZ on December 8, 2025

Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As temperatures continue to fall and with more snow on the way this week, Mid-Missouri mechanics are urging drivers to check their tires and prepare their vehicles for the next round of winter weather.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop F responded to more than 400 incidents during last weekend’s winter weather. That includes:

170 calls for service

166 stranded motorists

73 non-injury crashes

4 injury crashes

1 fatal crash

Firestone Complete Auto Care experienced a major increase in customers since last weekend’s first snowfall. Mechanics report some of the most common issues right now include weak batteries, oil changes, and worn-down tires.

Joshua Moss, Store Manager at Firestone Complete Auto Care, said the storm served as a wake-up call.

“It was quite a busy time. It kind of felt almost like a retail Christmas because we increased probably 10 to 15 more customers that day. And a lot of it, of course, was tires,” Moss said.

Across all 12 stores in his district, Moss said each location saw an extra 15 to 20 cars last weekend. The snow didn’t just slow down drivers, it also slowed down their suppliers in Kansas City, delaying service for customers.

“Just like our customers, our deliverers were having trouble getting here. So, we had to push off some customers until the snow subsided and we could actually get our tires that they need,” Moss said.

Gavin Ross– an auto maintenance employee at Firestone– said tire care should be a top priority.

“Definitely keep an eye on your tire pressure. Ensure there’s no bald spots or any visible wear on your tire,” Ross said.

Drivers may also notice they’re stopping at the pump more often. Experts said colder weather forces your car to burn more fuel.

“The only time that we use a little bit more fuel is when it is snowing because the car has to work harder to get through it,” Moss said. “So, they do increase in that fuel but it is always good to have a full tank when it’s snowing.”

Data from the U.S. Department of Energy states, that at 20°F, a gasoline vehicle can get about 15% fewer miles per gallon compared to a 77°F day. For short trips of just a few miles, fuel efficiency can drop up to 24%.

“[Drivers are] using a lot more of their heat, especially starting their vehicles before getting into them. They should make sure their vehicles are warmed up before they go to work or head home,” Ross said.

Low temperatures can also make car batteries less efficient. When it’s cold, batteries can’t hold or produce power as effectively, forcing the alternator to work harder to keep them charged. To help improve fuel efficiency and reduce cold-engine strain, the Department of Energy recommends combining trips when possible.

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Three arrested on suspicion of shooting at Sheriff’s deputies in Thermal

KESQ on December 8, 2025

Athena Jreij

Update 12/8/25

Two additional suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting.

Both suspects are 18-year-olds who were taken into custody on Sunday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

No further suspects are believed to be involved or outstanding, the agency confirmed.

Original Report 12/5/25

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – One person is in custody after Riverside County Sheriff’s say he shot at deputies in Thermal Friday night.

Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to calls for a shooting at a building in the 88000 block of Avenue 70 in Thermal shortly before 10 p.m. Friday.

While deputies investigated the scene, a car drove by firing several rounds towards deputies, striking one of the patrol cars. No deputies were injured in the shooting or returned fire, according to RSO.

Shortly after, responders located a car matching the suspect’s vehicle description in the 63000 block of Landon Lane and located and an 18-year-old male suspect. The suspect fled on foot but was arrested shortly after.

That suspect was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center on two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling.

The Riverside Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail and Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit have taken over the investigation.

Officials believe there is one unidentified suspect still outstanding who was also involved in the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Master Investigator R. Ramirez or Sr. District Attorney Investigator E. Crosson at (951) 955–2777.

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POWER Coalition brings the Christmas spirit to Niland residents

KYMA on December 8, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

NILAND, Calif. (KYMA) – The POWER Coalition brought Christmas joy to North-End communities in Niland by hosting an event over the weekend.

According to a press release, the event took place Saturday and was in collaboration with the Niland Chamber of Commerce.

The Coalition, which is comprised of Comité Cívico del Valle, The Becoming Project, Our Roots Multicultural, and Access to Thrive, said nearly 200 Niland residents, including 100 children, enjoyed live music, hot chocolate, arts and crafts, raffles and an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

“We had families of all ages. We wanted them to know we’re here for them—especially during hard times in our community,” said April Ochoa, Community Organizer for Comité Cívico del Valle and President of the Niland Chamber of Commerce.

“Today showed the power of small acts making large impacts in disinvested communities. We already have power; we just help people activate it,” said William Cooper, Executive Director of The Becoming Project.

Niland Chamber Secretary Maribel Ortiz said the event met a critical need adding, “People here don’t get much. Whatever we can give means a lot to them—and to me.”

“The North-End often gets left out. Bringing Christmas here mattered. Seeing so many kids and families reminded us these communities deserve events like this too,” said Ashley Contreras, Executive Director of Access to Thrive.

The Coalition said they are reaffirming its commitment to continue supporting North-End communities throughout the year.

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At least 14 storage units damaged in Sunday afternoon fire

KMIZ on December 8, 2025

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

At least 14 units were damaged in a fire at a storage unit in west Columbia on Sunday afternoon, according to a spokeswoman from the Columbia Fire Department.

Spokeswoman Skyler Clark told ABC 17 News firefighters were called to the 2500 block of West Worley Street around 12:30 p.m. Crews arrived and found smoke and flames coming from the building. The fire was knocked down in roughly 45 minutes, Clark said.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

According to Clark, more information should be available on Monday.

CFD had asked people to avoid the area while crews worked the fire.

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A piece of Southern Pacific history comes to Indio

KESQ on December 7, 2025

Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – A 1951 stainless steel train car that once rolled across the country is getting a new life in the Coachella Valley.

Gloria Franz, board trustee for the Coachella Valley History Museum and second vice president, said the Coachella Valley History Museum is turning it into a replica of a Southern Pacific dining lounge car.

“The Coachella Valley was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad,” said Franz. “Trains like this used to go through here on a regular basis, and it was a very common way to travel.”

She said the entire project has cost about $250,000 so far.

Coachella Valley History Museum

“That includes buying it, transporting it from Indiana, having to go through 3 different train operators, bring it by train into La Mirada to a train station there where it needed some work,” Franz said. “We’ve replaced all of the windows. We’ve done some minor repairs to the outside. The interior has been completely gutted.”

She said the goal is to teach visitors about the railroad’s impact on the region while also making the space available for events.

“We want people to experience and make their own memories in the car,” Franz said.

The project extends beyond the railcar, Franz said it will include an outdoor platform, drought-tolerant garden, a native plant section and a replica of a desert submarine.

Franz said officials are currently working on getting bids for fundraising.

She encouraged anyone interested in getting involved to contact the museum.

“We’d love to talk to anyone who maybe has history about Southern Pacific Railroad,” Franz said. “We want to make sure we tell the story in more than one point of view.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma donates $7,000 check to AdvoKATE Foundation

KYMA on December 7, 2025

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Over the weekend, the Sunrise Optimist Club of Yuma presented a check to the AdvoKATE Foundation.

The club raised $7,000 through a bowling fundraiser in November for the foundation, which supports Yuma families who have children with childhood cancer.

The Sunrise Optimist Club is an organization that volunteers to raise money for the youth of our community.

Club President Denise Davis talked about why they were called to help support the AdvoKATE Foundation.

“Yuma has no where for the children to go fro treatment, so they have to travel…so that’s the housing costs, the gas costs, the food costs, and the foundation helps to support that,” Davis explained.

If you would like more information on how to join the club, click here.

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Man accused of shooting at a YCSO helicopter accepts plea deal

KYMA on December 7, 2025

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A plea deal was reached in court for the man accused of shooting at a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) helicopter.

51-year-old Mubarak Prince of Dateland pleaded guilty Tuesday to one felony count of disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon.

The presumptive sentence is one year, with a minimum of six months.

Back in June, deputies say Prince fired at an unmarked YCSO helicopter, and says the aircraft was damaged, but thankfully no one was hurt.

Originally, Prince faced three attempted murder charges, but those were not filed. 

He will return to court for sentencing next month.

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Families who lost a parent to military combat board Snowball Express for free trip to Disney

KRDO on December 7, 2025

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – It’s a club no one wants to belong to, but for kids who have lost a parent due to combat, it can be a lifeline.

On Saturday, the Snowball Express took flight, giving kids a chance to create new memories and forge new friendships with others who know what they’re going through. Everyone boarding the flight had lost a parent in the service.

While that was the common denominator, it wasn’t the tone of the afternoon. In fact, it started with a warm welcome with a live brass band at the Colorado Springs Airport.

The fanfare was all in anticipation of a free trip to Disney World aboard the Snowball Express, part of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

For five days, families get to hang out in the happiest place on earth with friends who are going through a similar struggle.

“When we talk about the importance of taking care of these families, these young. Children, some of them weren’t even born, yet some never met their parent. It is our country’s obligation, and the people that live in this country owe that to those family members that have passed away and to those families that still have to move forward,” said Pam Swan, an ambassador with the Gary Sinise Foundation.

If the name sounds familiar, Gary Sinise was the actor who played Lieutenant Dan in the award-winning film, Forest Gump.

Now his foundation honors the memory of fallen soldiers by ensuring their families are not forgotten.

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ECH and Eddie’s Food and Drink host Christmas Bazaar

KYMA on December 7, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) teamed up with Eddie’s Food and Drink to host the Christmas Bazaar.

The event took place at Eddie’s Food and Drink, located at 4492 E. County 24 1/2 Street in San Luis, Arizona, at 10:00 a.m.

There was a variety of local vendors, and even Santa Claus made an appearance, where he took pictures with families who attended the event.

The organizers shared why they teamed up for the event.

With us at Exceptional, we are a community hospital and we love to partner with our different partners here and…get involved. Promote Yuma,” said Liza Brazeel, Community Outreach Coordinator for ECH.

“Our whole ethos has been…How can we create a space that is in service to the community,” said Andrew Loo, co-owner of Eddie’s Food and Drink.

There was also a car show where a variety of car clubs, including Foothills Cruisers, showcased their cars to the attendees.

The event lasted until 1:00 p.m.

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Cops and Kids Help Community Members in Need During Holiday Season

KIFI on December 7, 2025

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Local police held their annual Cops and Kids holiday shopping event at the Chubbuck Walmart, serving 65 families in need.

This is one of the most beloved events in the community, as it establishes a strong relationship between the local law enforcement and children, all while helping those in need during the holidays. The day began with a breakfast at McDonald’s, followed by a ride for all the children in a patrol vehicle.

The fleet of cop cars rolled into Walmart with lights on and sirens blaring. The cops and the children they were partnered with were welcomed by high school cheerleaders and Benny the Bengal for high fives and cheers. The children got to pick out toys for themselves and their families. They also grabbed art supplies, clothes and winter gear with their toys.

FOP vice president Gabe Rollene said, “We’re out here giving back to the community and making sure every kid has a Christmas.” Rollene has been a part of Cops and Kids for four years, and enjoys seeing the community come together to donate to the cause.

“It’s just been awesome and it’s always great to be out here with the kids and seeing how excited they are to be part of this,” said Rollene.

Cheerleaders helped the kids and cops wrap the presents they chose from Walmart before showing them off.

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