‘Holiday Dough’ delivers: Mid Oregon Credit Union members pitch in help area food banks

KTVZ on December 20, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Though the generosity of its members and community, Mid Oregon Credit Union said Friday that its 2025 Holiday Dough fundraising effort collected $7,250 from over 220 individuals in support of local food banks this holiday season. 

During the month of December, Mid Oregon’s Holiday Dough invited its members and the community to make financial contributions to assist local nonprofits in their communities. 

Donations raised provide food and other needed items to individuals and families experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season. 

Mid Oregon says 100% of the contributions stay in the community where they were collected and aid these local nonprofits: 

The Giving Plate (Bend) 

La Pine Christmas Basket Association 

Jericho Road (Redmond) 

Madras Community Food Pantry 

Crook County Holiday Partnership (Prineville) 

Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank 

“We know that many families are already feeling the pressure on their food budgets and planning a festive holiday meal can be challenging,” says Kyle Frick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations for Mid Oregon Credit Union.

“We are grateful for the community’s generosity and happy to facilitate this effort that relieves the pressure of food insecurity for many of our local families.” 

Since 2013, Mid Oregon members and the community have donated more than $55,200 to local food banks through Holiday Dough — helping to bring holiday cheer to local families. 

A yellow and blue sign with text AI-generated content may be incorrect.Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in and serving Central Oregonians since 1957. With close to 52,000 members in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties and more than $839 million in assets, Mid Oregon partners with members to meet their financial needs and to help them achieve their dreams. Mid Oregon was named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington for four consecutive years including 2025. It was also ranked the #1 credit union in Oregon by Forbes for 2023, 2024, and 2025 and received the Bend Bulletin’s Best of the Best of Bend Community Choice Award in the credit union category for 2023, 2024, and 2025. For more information about its services and branch locations in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters, please visit midoregon.com.  

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Teenager charged as adult in Vienna gas station shooting

KMIZ on December 20, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A teenager from Freeburg has been charged as an adult in Maries County in connection with a shooting that occurred at a Vienna gas station in September.

Kaden Herzing was charged on Thursday with armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree property damage. He was 17 years old when he was arrested on Sept. 21. A Friday court filing says he was denied a public defender.

A probable cause statement says Vienna police were called around 2:28 a.m. Sept. 21 after the Quik Spot in the 100 block of South Highway 63 had its windows shot out. Police saw the glass of the front door was destroyed and four shell casings were found at the scene, the statement says. An estimate determined about $1,100 in damage was reported, court documents say.

A friend of Herzing called law enforcement after and allegedly said Herzing told him that he had shot the windows out of two convenience stores in Osage County, the statement says.

Police reviewed video and saw a male arrive in a dark-colored car, walk up to the door with a handgun in his right hand and fired it, court documents say.

Herzing was later found at a residence in Freeburg and a gun containing five bullets was found in a car, the statement says. The bullets were the same brand as the spent shell casing found at the convenience store, police wrote.

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ABC-7 at 4: TX Dot El Paso offers tips to drivers this holiday season

KVIA on December 20, 2025

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-Travel experts expect the weekend before Christmas to be the busiest on the road. For the first time in four years, the national average is below 3-dollars a gallon, and prices could continue dropping as 2025 ends. Txdot’s Lauren Macias-Cervantes joins us with more on what you need to stay safe this holiday season.

Closures: ( TX Dot El Paso)

I-10 Landscape & Aesthetic Project

Monday, December 22

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound right shoulder closure between Lee Trevino Drive and Zaragoza Road

Gateway East Boulevard at Zaragoza Road left lane and turnaround closure

Gateway West Boulevard at Zaragoza Road left lane and turnaround closure

Crews will be installing landscaping and doing metal work.

Horizon/Darrington Reconstruction Project

Sunday, December 21, 9pm to Monday, December 22, 5am

Horizon Boulevard full closure between Horizon Crossing Street and Breaux Street

Darrington Road full closure between Homestead Drive and Nunda Drive

Crews will be working at Horizon Boulevard and Darrington Road intersection.

Tuesday, December 23

7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Horizon Boulevard west to east turnarounds closed between Darrington Road and Horizon Crossing Street

Crews will be working on turnaround repairs.

I-10 Widening West

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)

North- and South Desert between Vinton and Thorn alternate lane closures

Crews will be working on electrical and miscellaneous construction work.

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 east- and westbound between Vinton and Artcraft alternate lane closures

Crews will be sweeping, striping, power washing, and painting barrier onI-10.

I-10 Widening West 2

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

9a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 east- and westbound between Anthonyand Nashua alternate lane closures

North and South Desert between Anthonyand Nashua alternate lane closures

Crews will be placing concrete and haul trucks delivering material.

Monday, January 5 through Saturday January 10

9 p.m. to 6a.m. (Nightly)

I-10 east- and westbound between Anthony and Nashua left lane closed

Crews will be conducting concrete placement for new pavement surface.

Artcraft

Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9

9a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)

Alternate Lane Closures

SH-178 (Artcraft) east- and westbound between New Mexico State Line and Doniphan

Crews will be working on illumination and wall installations.

South Desert between Clarkston and Blue Sky North Desert between Helen of Troy and Northern Pass

Crews will be loading and unloading material and equipment.

Borderland Expressway Phase 2

Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 10

7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

US-54 east- and westbound between Mesquite Hills and McCombs alternate lane closuresMesquite Hills reduced to one lane between US-54 and Red Man.

Flaggers will be on-site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing Mesquite Hills.

Flaggers will be on site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing at McCombs and Stan Roberts.

Crews will be transporting earth embankment into the project.

Road Repair

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 5

US-54 South at Trowbridge entrance ramp closed

Tuesday, January 6

CD lanes south Montana exit closed

Wednesday, January 7

CD lanes north Montana exit closed

Thursday, January 8

Gateway North passing Fred Wilson left two lanes

closed

Friday, January 9

Paisano entrance ramp to US-54 North and right lane

on US-54 North main lanes closed

Guardrail Repair

Monday, January 5

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

US-54 southbound between Ellerthorpe and Pershing right lane closed

Tuesday, January 6

US-54 southbound connecting ramp to Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound left shoulder closed

Wednesday, January 7

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound at Fonseca off-ramp closed

Thursday, January 8

SH-20 (Doniphan) southbound between Artcraft and Edgar right lane closed

Friday, January 9

South Desert between Artcraft and Redd right lane closed

Concrete Work Closures

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6

Gateway West to Gateway East at Piedras turnaround

Wednesday, January 7

East Missouri between Virginia and Campbell left lane

Thursday, January 8 and Friday, January 9

I-10 eastbound between McRae and Viscount right lane

Bridge Preventative Maintenance

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 6

I-10 eastbound between Sunland Park and Mesa Park alternate lane closures

Wednesday, January 7

Gateway South to Gateway North turnaround and on-ramp at Montana closed

Maintenance

Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

Gateway East between Copia entrance and Raynolds closed

Uva Place, Marr Street, and Redford closed

I-10 East at Raynolds exit closed

Crews will be working on bridge.

US-54 CD lanes between Trowbridge and Altura right lane closed

Crews will be working on rip rap.

Ramp N between Loop 375 East and US-54 North closed

Crews will be working on bridge joints.

Montana Widening Project

Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 9

Nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Montana Avenue frontage road westbound left lanes closed between Joe Battle and Tierra Este Road

Montana Avenue frontage road eastbound left lane closed between Joe Battle and Tierra Este Road

Montana Avenue frontage road east to west turnaround between Joe Battle Boulevard and Tierra Este Road closed

Joe Battle Boulevard north to south and south to north turnarounds at Montana Avenue closed

Crews will be setting girders.

Tuesday, January 6 to Wednesday, January 7

9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Loop 375 southbound full closure between Loop 375 Exit Ramp and Montana Avenue overpass

Crews will be unloading girders onto southbound Joe Battle Boulevard.

Wednesday, January 7 to Thursday, January 8

9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Loop 375 northbound full closure between Loop 375 Exit Ramp and Montana Avenue overpass

Crews will be unloading girders onto northbound Joe Battle Boulevard.

Closure Links:

West Area Project Closures

I-10 Widening West Closures

East Area Project Closures 

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“Christmas at the Crossing” holiday event kicks off

KYMA on December 20, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s finally here! Friday kicks off the first night of the Christmas at the Crossing event in Yuma.

The magical holiday event will take place here at the Colorado River State Historic Park. Families can enjoy everything from train rides, photos with Santa, local performances, and more.

“We’ve got local entertainers, dance groups, singing, we have lots of crafts and activities for the kids. We have food and retail vendors, so there’s just a little bit of everything for everybody including a bar,” said Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Cathy Douglas.

Onvida Health will also be giving out hundreds of free stuffed animals.

“We held our teddy bears last year. This year, we’re doing it again. There’s a little mix of animals not just bears, but we’ll be handing out while supplies last,” said Onvida Health community liaison manager Julie Engel.

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is putting on this fundraiser event in partnership with Onvida Health and RL Insurance to raise money to preserve the Colorado River State Historic Park.

“So last year was our inaugural event. We had about 3,000 people that came out, so we’re really hoping we get you know maybe up to 5,000 people,” said Douglas.

The event is Friday and Saturday from 5 -10 p.m. You can buy tickets online here or at the gate.

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SJSD announces new school leadership for 2026-27, updates on district reorganization plans

News-Press NOW on December 20, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District provided an update to families and staff members on changes to school leadership positions and information on district reorganization plans for the 2026-27 school year.

Leadership positions were carefully considered based on factors such as academic and operational needs of each school, years of service to the district, general data (student achievements/attendance/school culture) and supporting transitions for students along with staff.

The following individuals have been selected for leadership positions, but are still subject to change if resignations take place.

Underlined individuals indicate a transition.

Benton High School:

Shawna Gilliland, Principal

Alan Hutchcraft, Assistant Principal

Jason Lenz, Assistant Principal

Justin McCarthy, Assistant Principal

Central High School:

Bart Hardy, Principal

Christina Prussman, Assistant Principal

David Chaney, Assistant Principal

Brad Spinner, Assistant Principal

Jeff Sullivan, Assistant Principal

Monica Flaska, Assistant Principal

Bode Middle School:

Corey Gilpin, Principal

Misty Burright, Assistant Principal

Lafayette Middle School:

Megan Gaul, Principal

Mark Anderson, Assistant Principal

Spring Garden Middle School:

Dr. Alex Tomes, Principal

Kendra Hodgin, Assistant Principal (half-time Spring Garden Middle School / half-time Truman Middle School)

Truman Middle School:

Landi Quinlin, Principal

Kendra Hodgin, Assistant Principal (half-time Spring Garden Middle School / half-time Truman Middle School)

Webster Learning Center:

Dr. Heather Renk

Bessie Ellison Elementary School:

Sarah Stapleton, Principal

Carden Park Elementary School:

John Wachtel, Principal

Dr. Becky Schilling, Assistant Principal

Coleman Elementary School:

Cindy King, Principal

Edison Elementary School:

Tom Evans, Principal

Hosea Elementary School:

Jaimee Lawrence, Principal

Jake Kretzer, Assistant Principal

Hyde Elementary School:

Dr. Leah Richardson, Principal

Lindbergh Elementary School:

Gary Murphy, Principal

Dr. Kaleb Johnson, Assistant Principal

Oak Grove Elementary School:

Natalie Arnold, Principal

Makayla McKennon, Assistant Principal

Parkway Elementary School:

Amanda Ueligger, Principal

Pickett Elementary School

Heather Gladhart, Principal

Robidoux Elementary School:

Darla Hunt, Principal

Holly Brady, Assistant Principal

Skaith Elementary School:

Dr. Becky Evans, Principal

Additional placements of administrators will be announced in January.

District information and reorganization updates

The district reported it received a clean annual audit report from KPM CPAs for the 2025-25 fiscal year. Mr. Jon Cummings will present the results of the audit at the regular BOE meeting on Monday, Dec. 22.

The district also announced several committees will be formed to help facilitate the process for all students, families and staff members during district reorganization.

These will include committees for addressing logistics, gathering input and supporting communication through the transition.

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Santa Barbara City Fire put out kitchen fire Friday

KEYT on December 19, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara City Fire put out a kitchen fire at 619 Kentia Avenue just after 2:00 p.m. Friday.

Four fire engines, a ladder truck and an ambulance all saw heavy smoke from the front of the apartment when they arrived, according to the SBCFD.

Fire crews then entered and quickly put out the fire within the next hour, limiting damage to just the kitchen, according to the SBCFD.

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From Four Bulbs to a Brighter Future: Celebrating 75 Years of Nuclear Power at EBR-1

KIFI on December 19, 2025

Doug Long

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — December 20th, 1951, was a big day for the United States and southeast Idaho. On that day 75 years ago, EBR-1, the experimental breeder reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory, became the world’s first nuclear reactor to generate usable electricity from atomic energy, initially powering four light bulbs, then an entire building, and eventually the town of Arco.

Tomorrow, the INL will celebrate the 75th anniversary of this breakthrough in energy production.

“At the end of World War two, the whole world knew the United States could destroy something by splitting an atom. Demonstrated that pretty powerfully. And this is the first time they have made electricity, a peaceful application by harnessing that same power.”

The INL is inviting the community to join them in celebrating the occasion at the EBR-1 museum for a free, family-friendly event. The morning bus leaves at 9 AM, and the afternoon bus will leave at 12:15 PM.

The museum is typically open in the summer. This event offers a rare winter opportunity to explore the historic EBR-I museum, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and hear a festive EBR-I themed holiday poem read by Liza Raley, INL ambassador and former local radio personality.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate a pioneering achievement in science and technology — right here in Idaho.

The museum is located 50 miles west of Idaho Falls on U.S. Highway 20. Hours for December 20th are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

To register for a seat on the free bus ride to the site, click HERE.

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Multi-agency narcotics investigation leads to three arrests and major drug busts in Idaho Falls

KIFI on December 19, 2025

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Several suspected drug traffickers and a convicted felon are off the street as a result of a multi-agency narcotics investigation that culminated in three arrests. The investigation recovered several pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and illegally possessed firearms.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD), investigators seized approximately 11.85 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 pounds of fentanyl, 6 ounces of cocaine, and one pound of marijuana. Additionally, officers recovered two firearms and $6,793 in suspected drug proceeds.

The sweep was conducted by the IFPD in partnership with the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

First Warrant and Arrest

The arrests each took place on December 4th, 2025, as police executed a batch of search warrants. Starting in the 200 Block of Water Avenue, investigators detained Juan Carlos Marquez-Nevarez at his residence without incident. A search of the property reportedly uncovered four pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen 9mm pistol, and $3,637 in cash.

Juan Carlos Marquez-Nevarez was arrested for Drug Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Possession of Stolen Property.

Second Warrant and Arrest

Police executed a second warrant targeting a residence in the 1100 block of Mojave Street, detaining Raphael Carranza during a traffic stop shortly before the residence was searched. Inside the home, officers located and detained Billi Carranza.

The search of the home uncovered a .40 caliber handgun belonging to Rafael, a convicted felon prohibited from owning firearms, along with $3,156 in cash, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

According to IFPD, Rafael Carranza was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. Billi Carranza was cited for Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, and Misdemeanor Injury to a Child due to the presence of children in the home.

Third Warrant and Arrest

The final warrant led to the arrest of Griselda Resendiz. At her residence and an associated storage unit, investigators discovered 7.85 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.2 pounds of fentanyl, and 6 ounces of cocaine.

Resendiz was arrested on an existing federal warrant for the Delivery of a Controlled Substance. She is expected to face additional state and federal charges regarding the bulk quantities of narcotics found during the raid.

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Longtime JCPD captain appointed to state probation and parole board

KMIZ on December 19, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

David Williams, who spent more than three decades with the Jefferson City Police Department and recently retired as a captain, was appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe to the Board of Probation and Parole, according to a Friday press release from Kehoe’s office.

JCPD announced Williams’ retirement in a public social media post on Nov. 25. He was also recognized at the Dec. 1 City Council meeting.

“Captain Williams is retiring from the Jefferson City Police Department after 32+ years of service to the department and the Jefferson City community. Good luck in your next adventures in life,” JCPD wrote in the post.

Friday’s press release says Williams serving on boards for Special Learning Center and Multipli Credit Union.

Williams is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from Columbia College.

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Sex offender pleads guilty to having AI-generated child porn

KMIZ on December 19, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A convicted sex offender on Monday pleaded guilty to keeping artificially generated child pornography on his cellphone.

Charles Hooton, 64, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to four counts of child porn possession and one count of failing to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

The probable cause statement in previous reporting says police were called on May 18 about a report of Hooton having child porn after a woman saw a number of images while using his cellphone.

Hooton spoke with police on July 24 and let them go through his phone, court documents say. He allegedly admitted to using an AI app to generate the explicit images, the statement says. Police wrote that more than 130 AI-generated images were found on Hooton’s phone.

Hooton’s web history also included several websites that had “teen,” “boy” and other related phrases in the name, court documents say.

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