COCC educators and faculty rally as contract negotiations reach standstill

KTVZ on January 14, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– For the first time in its 75-year history, Central Oregon Community College faculty and classified staff, represented by two separate unions, are joining forces to demand living wages.

Contract negotiations are never easy.

They can last for months and even years as employers and employees work to resolve their differences.

At Central Oregon Community College, it’s no different. After 10 months, classified workers and COCC have come to a standstill. The issue at the heart of negotiations is pay.

Scott Dove, an academic tech specialist, told KTVZ News, “We got here because the college is reluctant to offer us what we would consider a living wage and what we frankly consider that we need in order to be able to continue to live here in Central Oregon.”

 Greg Pereira, COCC’s President, told KTVZ News, “We really just hope it leads to a resolution. That’s the most important thing at this point, that we can find equitable and good outcomes that show that we value our staff, that show good financial stewardship, long-term for the institution.”

The classified workers’ union is entering a 14-day mediation period with COCC and a state mediator to hopefully solve the contract dispute. 

Classified workers include staff like custodians, counselors, and tech support.

At the same time, the college’s other major union, representing the faculty, is beginning its budget negotiation period to increase salaries. 

“So even though we live in the most expensive part of the state, our wages have fallen behind by quite a bit,” Mindy Williams, the lead of the faculty bargaining team, told KTVZ News. “So we’re looking to reclaim our worth in terms of our workload so we can better serve this community and serve our students.”

The faculty and COCC will have 145 days to reach an agreement before they reach a mediation stage.

Mediation between COCC and the classified workers will begin in February.

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Snow Leopard Layan Becomes Kid Favorite at Santa Barbara Zoo

KEYT on January 14, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Layan, a 9-year-old snow leopard at the Santa Barbara Zoo, is quickly winning over young visitors.

He arrived from the Idaho Falls Zoo as part of a conservation breeding program.

Layan replaces the zoo’s late snow leopard, Kisa.

Kisa is giving families a rare chance to see this vulnerable species up close.

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Sticky Crisis: Record Number of Local Animals Injured by Glue Traps in Santa Barbara

KEYT on January 14, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The cost of glue traps is showing up at wildlife rescue doors in Santa Barbara.

“We’re seeing a lot of glue trapped animals this past month we’ve had a skunk trapped in six all changed together in sequence,” said intake lead Dylan Helenberger of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is treating a growing number of animals arriving stuck in powerful adhesive, often unable to free themselves.

“Feathers ripped out, skin tears, and the struggle only makes it worse. Many don’t survive,” said Helenberger.

Since 2025, 35 animals have been brought in after becoming trapped, already the highest total on record.

Since 2019, 142 animals have required care, many unintended victims including birds, bats, and lizards.

“They’re a form of pest control and animal trapping that is in the household and domestic spaces which don’t discriminate against which animal they trap,” said education and communications coordinator Pam Perrimon of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network

“It’s sad uou can clearly tell that they’re stressed and trying to get out and it takes a while to get them off of it without causing more damage,” said Helenberger.

If you do catch an animal, the wildlife team urges people not to try remove it on your own.

“Please don’t wash it … please don’t try to use canola oil … just cover the rest of the glue on the trap with newspaper … put the animal in a box that’s covered and bring it straight to us,” said Helenbergr.

In California, cities including West Hollywood, Ojai, and Culver City have moved to restrict or prohibit their use.

Wildlife experts recommend humane pest control methods that focus on prevention rather than harm.

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Former Platte County Commissioner announces bid for State Representative

News-Press NOW on January 14, 2026

Leah Rainwater

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — Former Platte County Commissioner John Elliott announced his candidacy for Missouri State Representative in District 13, seeking the seat vacated by Rep. Sean Pouche (R-Kansas City).

Missouri’s District 13 encompasses parts of Platte and Buchanan counties. Elliott will appear on the Republican primary ballot in August.

“I’m running to bring commonsense conservative leadership from Platte County to Jefferson City,” said Elliott. “That means standing with law enforcement, fixing a broken property tax system, protecting life and defending Missouri land and agriculture from foreign control.”

Elliott said security is at the top of his priority list for Missourians, shining a light on supporting law enforcement.

“This area that we call home depends on strong law enforcement to maintain our quality of life, especially as our communities grow,” said Elliott. “I will back the men and women who keep us safe and push backa gainst policies that weaken public safety.”

Elliott also emphasized protecting Missouri’s farmland and food security, highlighting that Missouri families and farmers should control land and food supply, not foreign governments.

Elliott has previously served as a Platte County Commissioner, focusing on infrastructure, public safety and fiscal responsibility during a period of significant development in the Northland.

He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Stanley M. Herzog Foundation board and said he has been active in conservative and faith-based leadership for decades.

Elliott is also a small business owner who grew up on a north Missouri farm. He said his priorities are grounded in real-world experience.

“My wife Julie and I understand the challenges local businesses face, and we know the pressures on farmers dealing with rising costs,” said Elliott. “I’ll be a voice for families and family-owned businesses- not corporate insiders in Jefferson City.”

Elliott said he supports Gov. Mike Kehoe’s efforts to eliminate the state income tax.

“As President Reagan reminded us, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.’ I intend to do all I can to pass that torch to the next generation and protect the freedoms that allow families, farmers and businesses to thrive.”

Both Elliott and his wife Julie are the parents of two children and grandparents to three grandchildren. They attend Outreach Christian Church and remain active in the community through Parkville Women’s Clinic, Northland Christian Schools and other local organizations.

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Rainfall has erased drought from California. What does that mean for the Coachella Valley’s aquifer?

KESQ on January 14, 2026

Gavin Nguyen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Recent rainfall has pushed the entire state out of drought conditions for the first time in a quarter century. 

The Coachella Valley has long been known to rely on its own aquifer, managed by water authorities like the Coachella Valley Water District. The underground source of water is finite; natural annual rainfall and melting snow is usually not enough to sustain the basin’s supply alone based on the demands from those who need it in the valley.

With recent rains pushing California out of drought conditions, we’re asking CVWD how that’s helping them keep the basin sustainable for future generations.

Stay with us for the latest.

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Nationwide Verizon outage leaves hundreds of thousands without service

KIFI on January 14, 2026

News Team

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A massive network outage at Verizon Communications, the nation’s largest wireless provider, has disrupted phone and internet services for hundreds of thousands of people across the United States on Wednesday.

According to the tracking site Downdetector.com, more than 177,000 people reported service failures nationwide, including dozens of reports across southeast Idaho.

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Verizon confirmed the technical difficulties and apologized for the lapse in service.

“We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly,” the company stated. “We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience.”

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Better Business Bureau: Advance fee loan scams

KYMA on January 14, 2026

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – No matter how much you need a loan, don’t overlook this big red flag. Companies that allegedly “guarantee” loans without seeing your credit history are likely scams.

These scammers charge upfront fees to lock in a loan, but once you hand over the payment, the “lender” vanishes along with your promised money.

Advanced fee loans are illegal in Canada.

In Canada and the United States, it is illegal for companies doing business by phone to promise a loan and require payment before they deliver.

How the scam works:

You receive an email or phone call, or see a flyer or online ad, offering you a great deal on a car, mortgage, payday, or other loan.

The company may promise a “guaranteed” low interest rate, or tell you that you qualify for a special program.

There are many versions of this con: home mortgage refinancing, low-cost government loans, student loan consolidation, special grants, or just an emergency loan to pay the bills.

The catch is some kind of fee up front, such as a “processing fee” or insurance to get the loan or to lock in the low-interest rate.

Once you hand over the payment, the “lender” vanishes along with the money.

Tips to spot this scam:

Vague or unclear fees are charged before you get the money. There are often fees charged for loans: Application fees, appraisals, credit report fees. A real lender will post those fees prominently and collect them from the money they are lending you, but a scam lender may try to collect them as a condition for you getting money. Any up-front fee you need to pay before getting the loan is a cue to walk away.

Avoid guarantees and unusual payment methods. Real lenders never guarantee a loan in advance. They will check your credit score and other documents before providing an interest rate and/or loan amount and will not ask you to pay an upfront fee. Fees are never paid via Green Dot MoneyPaks, iTunes cards, or wiring money. Unusual payment methods and payments to an individual are a big tip off.

Do your research. Scammers try to trick you by pretending to be from official or trustworthy institutions (including Better Business Bureau or your current lender) or sounding like a known organization. Contact the agency directly to check the program is real. Lenders and loan brokers must register where they do business. To check registration, in the U.S., call your state Attorney General’s office or your state’s Department of Banking or Financial Regulation. In Canada, contact the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

For more information

Go to bbb.org to check reviews, complaints and to hire trusted BBB Accredited Businesses.

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker and the Federal Trade Commission (https://www.ftc.gov/).

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Central High School senior recognized as first recipient of 2026 Mic-O-Say scouting scholarship

News-Press NOW on January 14, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A high school Eagle scout from St. Joseph was announced as the first recipient of a 2026 scholarship offered through the honorary “Mic-O-Say” tribal scouts organization.

Central High School senior Alex Lawyer, an Eagle scout with Troop 216 in St. Joseph, was recognized as the first winner of the 2026 Patrick L. Newman Mic-O-Say Scholarship, a $1000 scholarship awarded to top scouts at Camp Geiger who display leadership, courage and dedication to scout oath and law.

Lawyer was one of four area students to receive the scholarship this year, including Benton High School senior Cole Kelley, Atchison Eagle Scout Patrick Maderak and North Platte senior Galen Christiansen. 

Following graduation, Lawyer plans to attend a college and major in Environmental Engineering, combining his passion for math and science with the outdoors to reduce impacts of human activity on the environment.

Lawyer’s academic accomplishments include being a member of the National Honor Society, student government and FBLA. His musical talents in orchestra have earned him numerous district and state awards. 

Within scouting, Lawyer has spent three years working on Camp Geiger staff, including multiple unit-level leadership positions. 

The annual scholarship was created in honor of Patrick L. Newman, a longtime scout who served for nearly 30 years on the Tribal Council of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and often urged the organization to create an educational scholarship for members. 

Full list of scholarship award winners include: 

Galen Christiansen, 2nd recipient 

Galen Christiansen is pictured in this photo.

Christiansen is an Eagle Scout from Troop 714 in Edgerton, Missouri and is currently a senior at North Platte High School in Dearborn, Missouri. Galen plans to attend the University of Central Missouri where he will major in Aviation.

Galen is a strong leader and athlete with three years of experience working as a member of Camp Geiger staff, receiving the distinct “Staffman of the Year” award in 2025. Galen maintains a very active schedule with Cross Country, Track and Field, Scholar Bowl, National Honor Society, band, choir and the school musical, all while maintaining a cumulative 4.11 weighted GPA. 

Cole Kelley, 3rd recipient: 

Cole Kelley is pictured in this photo.

Kelley is an Eagle Scout and Benton High School senior from Troop 216 in St. Joseph. Cole plans to attend either Missouri Western State University or the University of Central Missouri after graduation, with the goal of majoring in Wildlife Conservation Management. 

A former “Staffman of the Week” winner, Kelley has held key leadership roles during his time at Camp Geiger. His accomplished resume includes football, track, orchestra, scholar bowl, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Cole Kelley currently holds the No. 1 class rank for his graduating class with an impressive 4.4 weighted GPA.  

Patrick Maderak, 4th recipient: 

Patrick Maderak is pictured in this photo.

Patrick is an Eagle Scout from Troop 53 in Atchison, Kansas, and is currently a sophomore at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas where he is double majoring in Political Science and Business. He hopes to use his college degree to further his studies to attend Law School and become a practicing lawyer.

Patrick has served two years as a member of the Camp Geiger staff and is an active member of his church, maintaining a busy schedule between powerlifting, track and field, forensics and theater. 

The scholarship is available to any Camp Geiger Tribesman of Mic-O-Say who is currently active in the program. Mic-O-Say is an honorary scouts organization founded in 1925 at Camp Geiger by revered scout and Kansas City mayor H. Roe Bartle, interweaving the scout oath of law with elements of Native American culture. 

The scholarship program is entirely funded by private contributions and is managed by the Mosaic Life Care Foundation.

Students entering their senior year of high school or freshman year of college are encouraged to submit an application for Fall 2026 scholarships at micosay.org/scholarships. Scholarship applications must be received by October 15th to qualify for the January award at the Winter Conclave

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Yuma family wins House Full of Furniture giveaway

KYMA on January 14, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local family is the lucky winner of the House Full of Furniture giveaway.

Morning Anchor Skylar Heisey sat down with the family as they learned the big news, and they could not be more deserving.

“We’re so happy to be having the opportunity to do it again. It’s a room full of furniture that we’re giving away to a lucky family,” said Cathy Herrera, Karnas Law Firm representative.

Runners-up Lee, Kelly and Mark join us to talk about their story.

“Mark’s been through a lot. He was in the military and exposed to many things, and that started his path, and then, in [20]21, he was diagnosed with severe heart issues, and he’s undergoing about seven heart surgeries in a year and a half. We got my mom living with us, and I couldn’t have done it without her. We’re breathing again and, and we know we’re very blessed, and to to have something like this – just to hear our story and be validated, we’re winners already,” said Kelly Croal Turner.

“On behalf of the Houston and Grundy family, we are very dedicated to the people of Yuma and to hear your story. Especially the military with their service, we just cannot tell you how much that means. We wanted to share with you that you are actually the winner of the whole house giveaway,” said Caroyln Dempsey, Ashley/Houston’s representative.

The winners were told they were only runner-ups as a surprise and to make them more comfortable to share their story.

“I just want to thank everybody who entered the House Full of Furniture competition, thank Karnas Law here and Houston Furniture for all that they did here to make this possible and to give furniture to people who really, really need it. Thank you everyone,” said Dempsey.

House Full of Furniture is a promotion sponsored by Karnas Law Firm and Houston’s Yuma Furniture.

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Bend’s Tim Knopp named Oregon’s new Chief Prosperity Officer

KTVZ on January 14, 2026

KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek has appointed former Oregon State Senator Tim Knopp of Bend as the state’s new Chief Prosperity Officer – a key role aimed at growing Oregon’s economy, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting local businesses.

Kotek announced the appointment Tuesday, saying Knopp’s business background and decades of public service make him well-suited for the position. “To be successful, this role demands a unique set of skills — an entrepreneurial spirit, a systems thinker, and equal parts pragmatism and persistence,” Kotek said in a statement. “Tim is going to be a great part of my team, and I am grateful that he has agreed to step up and serve Oregonians.”

Knopp, a lifelong Oregonian and longtime Central Oregon resident, served in the Legislature for more than two decades: first in the Oregon House from 1999 to 2005, and later in the Oregon Senate from 2013 until his retirement in 2025. During his time in the Senate, he represented much of Deschutes County and served as Senate Minority Leader.

His tenure also included a high-profile role in the 2023 Republican walkout that stalled the legislative session for weeks and later triggered enforcement of Ballot Measure 113, which barred several senators, including Knopp, from seeking re-election after accruing too many unexcused absences. Supporters framed the walkout as a stand on principle over controversial legislation, while critics said it undermined the democratic process.

In addition to his public service, Knopp has deep ties to the Central Oregon business community. He currently serves as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association, representing more than 800 local companies, and as executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing, a Bend-based nonprofit focused on housing solutions. He said he’ll be stepping down from both roles as he takes on this new statewide position.

“When the governor calls on you to drive prosperity for Oregonians across the state, grow the economy, and support Oregon businesses, the answer is yes,” Knopp said.

The creation of the Chief Prosperity Officer position is part of Kotek’s broader “Prosperity Roadmap” initiative — a strategic effort to boost Oregon’s GDP and expand opportunities for businesses and workers statewide. Knopp will also play a key role in supporting the governor’s newly formed Prosperity Council, which includes business leaders like Ampere founder Renee James and Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold.

Knopp, who has lived in Central Oregon for more than 40 years, has also served on local boards including the Bend Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit First Story.

He’s expected to assume his new role in the governor’s office next week.

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