Visiting family searching for 1-year-old black lab lost on Christmas Day in St. Joseph

News-Press NOW on January 1, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A young couple visiting for the Christmas holiday is seeking the public’s help with locating a lost rescue dog after days searching in St. Joseph.

Delilah, a 1-year-old black lab mix, went missing around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Day on the corner of Briarwood Lane and Stonecrest Terrace. She is currently wearing a light purple collar with her name and owners’ contact information.

Delilah was rescued from a hoarding situation in Kansas when she was just eight months old and is very shy. She is not from the St. Joseph but slipped out and ran away while her family was visiting for Christmas.

Delilah the black lab is pictured in this photo.

Delilah’s owners are both soldiers stationed at the U.S. Army Base in Fort Riley, Kansas, and along with other family members, are staying in town to try and find Delilah. The family is hopeful they’ll be able to locate her by the end of the week.

A bicyclist reported seeing her at 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 on Eastwood Drive, but since then, there have been no other reported sightings. Family members and the dogs’ owner have coordinated with neighbors, used thermal drone specialists and even consulted with a dog trapping specialists without luck.

Since Delilah is scared of new people and animals, it is likely she is taking shelter during the day and only moving to find food and water during the night when it’s quiet, according to the family.

Area residents are encouraged to check under porches, inside sheds or other warm places an animal may hide. If sighted, please do not chase or call her name as this will likely cause her to run further.

If possible, take a picture and report her location and time of sighting. Please call the local animal shelter or her owners at 816-743-1885.

Delilah the black lab is pictured in this photo.

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Funding restored for Idaho’s community schools

KIFI on January 1, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Education.

(BOISE) – The U.S. Department of Education announced today that the federal grant program supporting essential staff in Idaho’s community schools will continue, reversing a previous decision that had deemed the program ineligible for funding based on its perceived alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The earlier decision would have frozen nearly $30 million in funding previously awarded to United Way of Treasure Valley (UWTV) as part of a five-year grant scheduled to run through 2028.

“This decision affirms that Community Schools are both effective and fully aligned with federal and state law, and that they reflect the values Idaho families care about most—strong schools and strong families,” said Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. “I’m grateful to the U.S. Department of Education for engaging in a thorough review and for continuing to support this essential program.”

The Full-Service Community Schools State Scaling Grant was awarded to UWTV in 2023 and provides $45.9 million over five years to support 65 schools statewide, including 47 rural public schools. The grant funds services that improve literacy and STEM achievement, expand after-school and career-technical programs, and strengthen access to mental health and family support services. Each organization is locally led by school districts in partnership with families and community organizations. 

“This program works because it respects families as partners in education, and when parents have access to workforce training, healthcare, or adult education, their children benefit,” said Critchfield. “I want to thank United Way of Treasure Valley for its diligent work administering—and defending—this grant. Their leadership has made a real difference when it comes to strengthening our schools, our communities, and Idaho’s future.” 

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch previously submitted a letter to the Department of Education on December 18 in support of the appeal and in favor of keeping the program intact through its original five-year term.

“Idaho has long been a leader in rooting out DEI in our education system,” said Governor Brad Little. “I was pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Education restored Idaho’s grant funding after recognizing the work we have done to eliminate DEI in our programs. The decision confirms these funds were not being used to promote DEI initiatives.”

United Way of Treasure Valley had warned that the earlier decision placed more than 60 full-time staff positions at risk, including community coordinators who connect students and families with food pantries, dental clinics, mental health providers, job training, and GED programs.

For more information about Community Schools in Idaho, visit the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools at idahocoalitionforcommunityschools.org.

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Increased DUII patrols during New Year’s holiday

KTVZ on January 1, 2026

Triton Notary

LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies across the state are increasing DUII patrols to target intoxicated drivers during the New Year’s holiday. The Office says their patrols will end on Thursday, January 1st.

Below is the full release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

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Local bars in preparation for the New Year’s Eve celebrations

KYMA on January 1, 2026

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With the holiday just hours away, locals are already planning where to be when they celebrate the evening with friends and families… but how are the local bars preparing?

Elissa Franklin, a bartender at Red’s Bird Cage in Downtown Yuma, says that while she is feeling nervous serving her first New Year’s celebration as a bartender, she is still very excited to spread liveliness to families coming to have a few drinks.

She also said that in the past year, the community is what made her experience so memorable and special, and that it would not have been a good year without them.

“They bring Red’s to a community, that’s what makes it a community. All the people. And without them, this wouldn’t have been a good year.”

Kitchen Manager at Prison Hill Brewing Co., Rodolfo Quiroz, says that New Year’s is about friends getting together to spend one last moment together before the year ends, showing them around to different places to eat and hang out.

Many bars will be open tonight, including Red’s Bird Cage (my personal favorite). Be sure to follow state laws on drinking, and be sure to drink responsibly during your New Year’s celebrations.

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Kelly Canyon creates winter wonderland amid unseasonably warm weather

KIFI on January 1, 2026

Ariel Jensen

KELLY CANYON SKI RESORT, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is well known for its cold winters, and locals recognize that this is not normal weather this season. 

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, near Ririe, is working hard to make its own snow and provide skiers with a winter wonderland.

“We had a really rough start to the year,” said Sam Whitlock, Director of Revenue for the ski resort. “We have spent a lot of time and energy recently investing in our snowmaking. We have great snowmakers. They’re here most nights, all night long, making snow.”

Making snow is nothing new for them. However, in years past, these machines were used to enhance the existing snow. They have now become the cornerstone of making skiing a reality.

“Just complete bare dirt. Just dirt and grass,” said Ryan Mead, lead snowmaker for the hill.  

Mead says making snow requires significant time and effort. “Usually for a run about the size behind me is a, I would say about 2 to 3 days of good, solid 24-hour snowmaking,” Mead said.

People shiver with excitement in a not-so-cold winter.

“Well, the public wants to come ski, and we enjoy seeing people up here. I also thoroughly enjoy making snow, so it’s a great time for everyone,” Whitlock said.

A winter of more rain than snow won’t loom over Kelly Canyon as their team paints a colorful future ahead.

“We just want to lower the barrier of entry to get people on the hill. So, what we can do when there’s not a lot of snow is just make it a nice, welcoming environment. Later this year, we’re going to have a lot of fun things going on. Fun events. So while we can’t control the snow, we can make it as fun as possible,” Whitlock said.

Kelly Canyon plans to be open through the winter, but warmer conditions could change that. 

Be sure to check out their Facebook page for any updates. 

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