Pocatello partners with and local landowners to protect popular rock-climbing area

KIFI on December 1, 2025

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Pocatello:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — At the March 6, 2025, City Council meeting, the Pocatello City Council declared its intent to exchange real property with longtime local landowners Gary and Jennie Ratliff. The City recently finalized the exchange that will preserve public access to a beloved local rock-climbing area known as the “Sunny Side,” located along the southern-most basalt cliff near South 2nd Avenue.

“This is an important step in ensuring that outdoor recreation and public access to climbing routes are protected for generations to come,” said City of Pocatello Senior Planner Matthew Lewis.

The exchanged parcel from the City was located near the composting area along 2nd Avenue.

The Ratliff property includes four to five rock climbing routes and a key foot-trail used for rope setup. The City would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Ratliffs for their collaboration, patience, and generosity throughout this process. Their willingness to work with City staff on this land exchange demonstrates true community spirit and a shared dedication to preserving Pocatello’s outdoor culture.

The City partnered with Sunrise Engineering to complete surveying, boundary definition, and legal descriptions. This project highlights the importance of community partnerships in protecting public spaces and recreational assets. The City looks forward to continued collaboration with residents and landowners who help improve recreation accessibility and build a stronger, more connected community.

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Somerton Community Resource Center to host Legal Permanent Residence Renewal Clinic

KYMA on December 1, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Somerton Community Resource Clinic is hosting the Legal Permanent Residence Renewal Clinic later this month.

The clinic is taking place at the center, located at 214 W. Main Street, Thursday, December 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

According to the center, they are asking those who plan on attending the clinic to bring their updated paperwork.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information about the clinic, call Martha Gonzalez at (928) 315-7910.

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Gallatin native, bureau commander to retire from MSHP Executive Service Bureau of Patrol

News-Press NOW on December 1, 2025

Leah Rainwater

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced Gallatin native and Bureau Commander Major Scott A. Shipers will retire Jan. 1 after 30 years of service.

Shipers was appointed to the Patrol on Jan. 1, 1996, as a member of the 71st Recruit Class. Upon completing his training at the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop H, Zone 3 in Harrison and Gentry Counties.

Shipers was promoted on April 1, 2001, to corporal and designated assistant zone supervisor of Zone 7 in Clinton and Caldwell Counties. He was then promoted to sergeant on June 27, 2004, and designated supervisor of Zone 7.

Shipers took on the role of lieutenant on Sept. 1, 2011, and was assigned to Troop A Headquarters in Lee’s Summit. He was promoted to captain and designated commanding in that capacity. Some roles involved direct oversight for the Budget and Procurement, Governor’s Security, Research and Development divisions and governmental affairs.

Shipers grew up in Gallatin, Missouri and graduated from Gallatin High School in 1992. He earned a Bachelor of Science in justice systems from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1997.

In 2015, Shipers graduated from Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He completed the Police Leadership, West Point Model course in 2019.

Shipers and his wife, Andrea (Trussel), have two children, Broday and Briggs.

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Officials warn holiday season brings surge in car thefts

KESQ on December 1, 2025

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – As the holiday season ramps up, local authorities are reminding drivers to stay alert and keep their vehicles secure, warning that car thefts tend to rise during this time of year.

Crowded shopping centers and busy parking lots create an environment where thefts can happen quickly and often go unnoticed.

Despite these risks, Indio has seen a significant reduction in vehicle thefts compared to last year. Between January and October 2024, the city reported 208 stolen vehicles. This year, the number dropped to 107.

During a ride-along with Sergeant Abe Plata, he highlighted how quickly a car can become a target.

“There’s no one back here. Popping a window to smash and grab is not going to be heard all the way in the front, so it only takes a few seconds to smash a window and steal a purse or any other valuables. You want to avoid leaving valuables in your car.”

Sgt. Abraham Plata, Indio Police Department

To combat potential thefts, Indio Police are increasing patrols around busy shopping areas.

“We try to be more visible in shopping centers where there’s more activity right now during the season.”

Sgt. Abraham Plata, Indio Police Department

If your vehicle is stolen, police recommend reporting it immediately and having a recent photo of your car and license plate ready.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Cathedral City resident sets up viral community pantry

KESQ on December 1, 2025

Daniella Lake

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Cathedral City resident set up a makeshift food pantry outside her home in hopes of supporting the community during the holidays. After posting about it on the Nextdoor app, it received 14,000 views.

“People shouldn’t be going hungry,” Kristina Bruno says. She’s seen people of all ages stop by her pantry, “and to see people with small kids coming by, it was heartbreaking.”

The community has stepped up to help out, with complete strangers, like Cyndie Barone, stopping by with donations. She says that she was inspired to donate because she knows what it’s like to not have the essentials. 

“I didn’t have a job and I had, you know, you have rent and it’s cold in Massachusetts, so your heating bill is high. I just didn’t have the money.And you have to find where you can cut things. So I thought being hungry at the time was better than freezing,” Barone says. 

Kristina’s pantry is set up near Cathedral City’s Century Park. She says she hopes she can keep it going as long as possible. 

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Teton County Health hosts final walk-in Vaccine Clinics next week

KIFI on December 1, 2025

News Team

JACKSON, Wyoming (KIFI) — As the holiday season approaches and cold weather drives residents indoors, Teton County, Wyoming, health officials are urgently reminding residents, “it’s not too late to get your seasonal COVID-19 and flu vaccines.”

The Teton County Health Department is hosting two final walk-in clinics next week, offering both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to the community. “Help protect yourself and others this holiday season by getting vaccinated,” said TCHD in a news release.

No appointments are needed to attend these convenient walk-in sessions. The clinics are scheduled for both Tuesday, December 9th, and Wednesday, December 10th. On both days, sessions will run from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Teton County Health Department, at 460 E. Pearl Ave.

COVID-19 and standard-dose flu vaccines are available for anyone 6 months of age and older, while supplies last. High-dose flu vaccines are also still available specifically for individuals 65 years of age and older. TCHD is also offering free vaccines to anyone who is uninsured or underinsured, ensuring all residents have access to this vital protection.

The Teton County Health Department emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination, noting in a news release, “As the colder winter months bring more people indoors for gatherings, the CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older should be up-to-date on their seasonal vaccines, including the COVID-19 and flu vaccine. The 25-26 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended by CDC for everyone 6 months and older under ‘shared clinical decision-making.'”

If you recently had COVID-19, the CDC states you may delay getting a vaccine for 3 months after symptoms started or after receiving a positive test result with no symptoms. However, you can receive the vaccine anytime after your recent infection has fully resolved.

For those who cannot make the walk-in clinics but still wish to receive a vaccine, you can contact the Teton County Health Department to schedule an appointment by calling (307) 733-6401 and selecting Option 4 for the Public Health Clinic and Nursing Service.

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Jefferson City Council approves new airport snow-removal equipment building

KMIZ on December 1, 2025

Haley Swaino

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Council voted to approve the construction of a snow-removal equipment building and taxiway at Jefferson City Memorial Airport on Monday.

The current buildings are not equipped to handle modern snow removal operations and are too small for the fire department’s new aircraft rescue and firefighting truck, which is expected to arrive in early 2026, according to city documents.

The upgrade aims to strengthen the airport’s snow removal and emergency operations and address insufficiencies with the current facilities. The new building is also designed to better accommodate the fire department’s new truck. The existing building would provide only a few inches of clearance for the vehicle.

The project is estimated to cost $526,000, with a grant agreement in place with the Missouri Department of Transportation to support the construction.

Monday’s council meeting was held at 6 p.m. at City Hall on East McCarty Street.

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department seeking public input on proposed changes to rates, reservations

KTVZ on December 1, 2025

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) recently announced proposed changes to reservations, fees, and more in order to improve the long-term financial stability of the state park system. Now, the department wants the public to chime in.

The proposal includes a new cancellation policy, changes to special access passes, and rate increases.

You can share your feedback now through January 15th, 2026, online, by mail, or by email.

Read the entire press release from OPRD below:

“Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed changes announced last month to the rules guiding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers. 

The proposed changes were announced last month in a press release. Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, and can be submitted: 

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/prp-division%2015.aspx 

Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 

Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov 

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments. 

Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww  

Most of the proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. The proposed changes to reservations are meant to maximize the availability of campsites for visitors.   

OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from the $14 million estimate due to a combination of revenue-generating strategies, including an increase in parking fee parks and overnight camping fee adjustments.

The shortfall is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations. Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.   

Proposed Cancellation Policy 

The proposed changes to the reservation policy discourage late cancellations and no-shows by incentivizing early cancellations. Refunds will no longer be provided for those who fail to cancel, which will help reduce unused reservations and open more opportunities for visitors to enjoy parks. The changes include: 

No refunds on the day of arrival.  

No-show reservations will not be refunded  

Refunds vary based on how long reservation is held, how close to arrival it is canceled.  

Proposed Changes to Special Access Pass 

Future Special Access Passes (SAP) for Veterans and foster families will be exclusively for those who live in Oregon, according to proposed changes. This will help ensure that limited resources are directed toward Oregonians. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include: 

Must be Oregon residents to participate. 

Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).  

Day-use parking permit fee waived.  

SAP Cancellations: Must cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights. Refunded nights will be based on length of time reservation is held.  

Proposed Rate Ranges: 

Day Use Parking Permit fees: $7–$25 daily; $30–$100 (12-month); $50–$200 (24-month*).  

Dynamic Pricing: Rates may vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities, and demand. 

Proposed Rate Ranges   

The updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities based on market conditions and anticipated inflation. The new rate ranges will allow for greater use of demand pricing. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services.  

Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come.   

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026.”

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Ryan Shupe Plays Live Christmas Music

KIFI on December 1, 2025

Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band will have a show tonight at Thunder Ridge High School at 7:30 pm. He has a new song out on Spotify. His show tonight promises to be fun, festive, and family-friendly with lots of Christmas songs. He even played Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Megan and Jeff helping with the callbacks and plenty of clapping. To see his tour dates and more, check out his website: ryanshupe.com.

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Light The World Giving Machine ribbon cutting ceremony for Rexburg location

KIFI on December 1, 2025

Danielle Mullenix

Rexburg, ID (KIFI) — Large crowds are anticipated at Hemming Village for the launch of the Rexburg Light The World Giving Machine, occurring from December 1st to 14th, ahead of the holiday season. This machine is part of the Light The World Giving Machine charity, which aims to spread the spirit of Christmas and provide a helping hand to those in need.

Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency shows how a Giving Machine works at the global launch event for the 2025 Giving Machine initiative at the Conference Center on Temple Square on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The Light the World Giving Machine, an initiative funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encourages community members to support local and global charitable causes during the holiday season.

The Giving Machine previously operated in Chubbuck in November before moving to Hemming Village.

The Giving Machine in Rexburg will offer five local charities for donors to choose from,  including Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, the Family Crisis Center, the Idaho Falls Humanitarian Center, the Ronald McDonald House of Idaho, and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. Donors will also have the option to choose from various international charity organizations.

The Giving Machine is an innovative charity that facilitates giving in an accessible and engaging way. By integrating modern technology into the charitable process, the machine enables individuals to make purchases that directly support various humanitarian efforts.

Users can swipe their credit cards at the machine and select from a range of items to donate. Rather than purchasing traditional goods, such as candy or snacks, patrons can donate essential resources to those in need worldwide.

Other options may include providing essentials such as socks, prenatal care for expecting mothers, or meals for seniors facing food insecurity within local communities. This model not only streamlines the donation process but also raises awareness of the diverse needs across different societies worldwide.

The Giving Machine serves as a bridge between those willing to help and communities in need, promoting a culture of meaningful giving. Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has raised nearly $50 million for people in need worldwide.

The Rexburg location will operate from December 1 to 14, with hours from 10 AM to 9 PM.

To learn more about the Southeastern Idaho Giving Machine locations, HERE.

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