Deschutes National Forest advances plans for a 10-foot-wide paved path between Bend and Lava Lands Visitor Center

KTVZ on December 18, 2025

Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Thursday that it has chosen a preferred alternative for ia nearly seven-mile planned paved path that’s planned to extend from Bend south to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.

Bend-Fort Rock District Ranger Kevin Stock said in a final decision notice that they have decided to implement Alternative 2, allowing for construction of a 10-foot wide paved path with 2-foot shoulders.

The path will begin at Knott Road and parallel Highway 97 on the east side of the highway, connecting to the High Desert Museum; this segment is approximately 1.9 miles.

The path will then cross under Highway 97, using a pedestrian undercrossing, and continue on the west side of the highway connecting to National Forest System Lands, a segment that’s approximately 0.3 miles.

The path will then continue on the west side of Highway 97, connecting to Lava Butte. At Lava Butte, the path alignment will go through the lava flow, “creating a unique experience for trail users” in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Stock said. The path will then cross Lava Butte Road and connect to Lava Lands parking lot.

The segment of paved path on National Forest System roads is 4.5 miles. The forest’s decision is limited to actions on National Forest System Lands.

Project information and associated documents can be found on the Deschutes National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/57665. The final decision notice can be read in full below

For more information about the specific activities authorized with the decision, contact Alicia Bergschneider, Forest Environmental Coordinator of the Deschutes National Forest, by email at Alicia.Bergschneider@usda.gov or by phone at (541)647-8966.

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Children found safe, woman in custody after Amber Alert issued in Mid-Missouri

KMIZ on December 18, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman is in custody after a search was conducted by law enforcement after they issued an Amber Alert on Thursday afternoon.

The alert was canceled at 4:42 p.m. Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A spokesman Justin Ewing said troopers stopped the blue 2005 Lincoln Aviator and detained the woman. MSHP also confirmed in a follow-up alert that the children were found safe.

A social media post from MSHP says 24-year-old Joy Ariel Smith was with the children when they were found.

AMBER ALERT 2025-9 CANCELLED: CHILDREN HAVE BEEN LOCATED SAFE AND THE SUSPECT IS IN CUSTODY pic.twitter.com/OkEbYn72dB

— Missouri State Highway Patrol Alerts (@MSHPAlerts) December 18, 2025

A social media post from the Columbia Police Department, posted just before 11 p.m., states two children, 1 and 3 years old, were reported as kidnapped around 3:45 p.m. from the 1600 block of N. Providence Road. An Amber Alert was issued immediately, accoridng to the department.

Columbia police say MSHP located the car on I-70 near the Higginsville exit around 4:30 p.m. and got the children out of the car safely. Smith was arrested by CPD on charges of two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count of first-degree tampering.

MSHP originally sent the Amber Alert at 4:18 p.m., looking for a Lincoln Aviator that was heading westbound on Interstate 70. The notification was sent out in the jurisdictions of MHSP’s Troop F – which covers much of Mid-Missouri – and Troop A, whose coverage area is in the western part of the state.

In Missouri, an Amber Alert is activated when the following happens:

Law enforcement officials have a reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred, which meets the definition in RSMo. 565.110 or 565.115.

Law enforcement officials believe there is a credible threat of serious bodily injury or death.

Enough descriptive information exists about the victim and the abductor for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert.

The victim of the abduction is a child age 17 years or younger.

The child’s name and other critical data elements – including the child abduction (CA) flag – have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.

According to online court records, Smith was charged with fourth-degree assault in November. She posted bond on Dec. 10. A probable cause statement says a victim told police that Smith’s biological son was placed with their mother by Children’s Division and that Smith did not have custody of the child.

Court documents claim someone tried to take the child back after it was placed in the car with Smith, which led to Smith allegedly shutting the door on the person and punching them. Smith told police that she did not touch the victim, court documents say.

AMBER ALERT 2025-9 WEA: COLUMBIA I-70 WESTBOUND BLUE 2005 LINCOLN AVIATOR MO PLATE GL7B2S Updates will be posted as they are known. Refresh this page or click the following link to ensure that you are viewing the latest alert information: https://t.co/UoXX3KdhG2

— Missouri State Highway Patrol Alerts (@MSHPAlerts) December 18, 2025

According to data from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, from Dec. 1, 2024, through Nov. 30, 2025, Missouri issued a total of eight AMBER Alerts for 11 children. All 11 children were found safe.

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Columbia murder suspect accused of exposing herself to another inmate

KMIZ on December 18, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman accused of murder in the death of an 8-month-old girl in 2021 has been charged again.

Jennifer Johnson, 49, was charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse in Phelps County after she allegedly exposed herself to another inmate at the jail. She is currently being held without bond. She is charged with second-degree felony murder and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child in Boone County.

The probable cause statement says the inmate told authorities of the situation on Wednesday and video footage allegedly backed up their claim.

Columbia police arrested Jennifer Johnson in April 2021, after being called to a home in the 1000 block of Elleta Boulevard in north Columbia. 

According to court documents in previous reporting, police were dispatched to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Columbia on the morning of April 18, 2021, where they were informed that an 8-month-old, Hannah Kent, who was under her care, had died.

Johnson allegedly told police she last saw the infant alive at 2:15 a.m. after giving her a bottle, the probable cause statement says.

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ISP’s 10 Counties of Christmas to deliver holiday meals to over 700 families this week

KIFI on December 18, 2025

News Release

IDAHO (KIFI) —A small food drive led by troopers in 2017 has grown into a large-scale community effort feeding hundreds of families across Eastern Idaho.

The Idaho State Police’s 10 Counties of Christmas began eight years ago with just 53 holiday meals. Now in its ninth year, the initiative will provide holiday meals to 744 families across all 10 counties in ISP’s District Six region, reaching communities throughout Eastern Idaho.

“I know how much a warm meal with family gathered around the table means to me, so being able to help provide that for other families is an incredible feeling,” Sgt. Blake Higley said. “We serve in these communities, we live in these communities, and we want our neighbors and friends to know they’re seen, supported and cared for during a time of year that can be difficult.”

When the food drive first began, troopers personally delivered meals directly to families. As the need increased, local schools began helping connect ISP with families who would benefit from a holiday meal. Today, troopers deliver meals to schools, where they are distributed to families identified by school staff.

A key partner in the initiative is Broulim’s Fresh Foods, whose support has been essential to its success. Broulim’s prepares and fills each bag with groceries for a traditional ham or turkey holiday meal and also helps secure sponsors to meet the growing demand.

In addition to the grocery partnership, ISP troopers collect donations at Broulim’s stores each November, further strengthening the community-driven nature of the fundraiser. What began as a trooper-led effort has grown into a true collaboration between law enforcement, schools, local businesses and residents.

The final day of meal deliveries to schools is tomorrow, Dec. 19. Media interested in filming deliveries or scheduling an interview should contact ISP Sgt. Blake Higley at (208) 525-7377.

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Exceptional Community Hospital gives away bikes for participants in toy drive

KYMA on December 18, 2025

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The hospital partnered with Catholic Community Services to host a toy drive, and those who donated any unwrapped gift were entered into a raffle to win one of two kids’ bikes.

There was a girl bike, and a boy bike, and the winners of both bikes were drawn today at the hospital.

Girls bike.

Boys bike.

The winner of the boy’s bike was Darcy Hamel, and the winner of the girls’ bike was Marisol Magallon.

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United Way program brings autism-focused teaching training to St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on December 18, 2025

Danielle Bailey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — United Way Success By 6 is inviting educators and early care providers to a training session focused on supporting and understanding autistic learners.

The program, “Seeing Strength, Shaping Supports: Autism-Informed Teaching for Every Learner,” held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Wyatt Park Christian Church Fellowship Hall, is intended for early care and education providers, but is open to any interested community members.

A United Way banner hangs on a wall inside the United Way of Greater St. Joseph’s office.

For more information and to register, visit stjosephunitedway.org/earlyeducators or call United Way of Greater St. Joseph at 816-364-2381. Community Action Partnership Head Start and Wyatt Park Christian Church helped make the event possible.

United Way Success By 6 is a community-based movement of public and private partners includingbusiness, government, labor, education, child care and parents working together to prepare childrento be successful learners when they begin kindergarten.

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Rolla man charged with first-degree rape, sodomy  

KMIZ on December 18, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Rolla man was charged with first-degree rape and other charges in Phelps County on Thursday.

Ronald Rehm Jr., 49, was charged with first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy and a count of third-degree domestic assault. He is being held at the Phelps County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says the victim was interviewed by police at a hospital on Tuesday after the assault allegedly occurred. The victim claimed they arrived at Rehm’s residence, where he was cooking before he started assaulting her, the statement says.

During the course of the sexual abuse, the victim allegedly said they needed to get a drink and ended up leaving the residence and going to the hospital, the statement says. She left several items behind, including clothing, the statement says.

A SWAT team was used to serve a search warrant that same day, but Rehm was not at the residence, the statement and a press release says. Police found the victim’s belongings at the residence, the statement says.

The victim was interviewed again the next day and reiterated the same story to law enforcement, but added that Rehm had also pulled out a gun after he was concerned the victim’s ex-boyfriend could show up, the statement says.

Rehm was eventually arrested at the Walmart at 500 South Bishop Ave., court documents say. Rehm allegedly admitted to hitting the victim, but alleged the sexual encounter was consensual before saying he grabbed a gun and threatened to kill the victim and her ex-boyfriend, the statement says.

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Oceanside Man accused of sexually abusing three minors in Joshua Tree

KESQ on December 18, 2025

Jesus Reyes

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – An Oceanside man was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting three minors while in Joshua Tree, authorities said.

Ryan Granger, 43, was arrested on Wednesday in Oceanside. According to court records, he was charged with three counts of adult giving a controlled substance/narcotic to a minor, two counts of lewd or lascivious acts with child, and indecent exposure.

Granger remains in custody on $500,000 bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He is scheduled to be arraigned in court later today.

The case dates back to September 14. Deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to a report of lewd acts committed against a minor in the 61000 block of Twentynine Palms Highway.

“During the preliminary investigation, deputies determined on Saturday, September 13, 2025, three 15-year-old female juveniles were solicited by the suspect,” reads a police news release. “The suspect furnished illegal controlled substances and alcohol to the juveniles. While the victims were impaired and unable to care for themselves, the suspect committed lewd acts against them.”

Detective D. Rodriguez used advanced investigative techniques and public records to identify Granger as the suspect. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Granger, who was taken into custody on December 10.

Granger is currently being held at West Valley Detention Center in-lieu of a $500,000 bail.

Detectives believe there could be more victims, anyone with information related to this incident, or who may have had contact with the suspect under similar circumstances, is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at (760) 366-4175.

Anonymous tips may be provided through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or at www.wetip.com.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Lt. Nathan Garibay honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Sheriffs’ Association

KTVZ on December 18, 2025

Barney Lerten

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that Lt. Nathan Garibay was formally recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award for his outstanding contributions to Emergency Management and Search and Rescue during the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association’s Winter Conference, held last week at The Riverhouse in Bend. 

“Lt. Garibay received this honor in front of law enforcement leaders and Emergency Managers from across Oregon —an acknowledgment of his reputation as one of the state’s most respected and forward-thinking professionals in the field,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Here’s the rest of their announcement:

For over a decade, Lt. Garibay has served as a mentor, advisor, and a steady presence in times of crisis. His leadership has shaped emergency response efforts across the region, and his work as the inaugural Chair of the OSSA Emergency Management Command Council laid the groundwork for a successful statewide Incident Management Team (IMT) program.

“Lt. Garibay is the kind of leader every community hopes to have in times of crisis,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “He brings not only expertise, but compassion, humility, and a relentless drive to serve. His work has shaped the future of Emergency Management in Oregon, and we are proud to have him on our team.”

Whether responding to wildfires, floods, or large-scale search and rescue missions, Lt. Garibay consistently demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and a deep commitment to public service. His recognition at the OSSA Winter Conference is a testament to the respect he has earned from colleagues statewide.

Lt. Garibay began his law enforcement career in 1996. He has served as a cadet, police officer, sergeant, and lieutenant with the Redmond Police Department, and as a deputy sheriff, sergeant, and now lieutenant with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

He was supported at the OSSA Winter Conference by Sheriff Ty Rupert, Cpt. Mike Sundberg, Cpt. Bryan Husband, and Cpt. Michael Shults.

All are incredibly proud of the leadership Lt. Garibay brings to the Sheriff’s Office and the example he sets for public service across Oregon.

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Rick Sanchez named Cathedral City Police Chief after George Crum’s retirement

KESQ on December 18, 2025

City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum retired today after working 36 years in law enforcement and Deputy Chief Rick Sanchez has been named acting police chief.   

“I am truly honored to have served the citizens of Cathedral City as their police chief for over eight years,” Crum said in a statement. “I would like to thank the community, elected officials, the city and the men and women of the Cathedral City Police Department for allowing me the opportunity to serve as their police chief. The men and women of the Cathedral City Police Department represent the very best in our profession.”  

Crum was hired as the city’s chief of police on Dec. 10, 2014, but retired in November 2017, only to be re-appointed in February 2020.   

He began his career in law enforcement as an officer for the Fullerton Police Department in 1987. During his career, he has worked in the Narcotics unit, Internal Affairs and Special Weapons and Tactics.

“Chief George Crum has dedicated nearly a decade of service to the residents of Cathedral City, and his impact on our community is immeasurable,” said Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, said in a statement. “His community-focused approach to policing prioritized open dialogue and building genuine trust with the people he served. But beyond the programs and statistics, Chief Crum will be remembered for the relationships he built — showing up, listening and making residents feel heard and safe. He will be deeply missed. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in this well-earned retirement.”  

During his time as chief, Crum launched a Homeless Liaison Officer program, established a traffic bureau and maintained one of the lowest crime rates in the Coachella Valley for the past six years, officials said.

Sanchez was named acting chief effective immediately and making history as the first Latino to lead the city’s police department. He joined the department in 2006 and oversees the Operations, Investigation and Support Bureaus.

A permanent police chief will be determined by the city manager after that role is filled, Hunt said.

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