Ready to change? Local trainers share the key to keeping your new year’s fitness goals

KIFI on January 2, 2026

Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) – It’s a new day, a new year, and a new you. That’s the mindset for many people on January 1. When picking a New Year’s resolution, many choose to live a healthier lifestyle as their goal.

“Start now instead of later. It’s a great way to put that first step in,” said Isaac Luna, membership coordinator at Gold’s Gym. “It’s a really good way to break the ice and feel uncomfortable. You’re supposed to feel uncomfortable to improve. Change is scary, but that’s the best part of the journey.”

Local News 8 spoke with gym trainers at Gold’s Gym in Idaho Falls. They tell us that every year, people want to lose weight. This year, they have noticed more people are setting a goal to build muscle and get stronger.

It’s commonly known that people tend to fall short of their New Year’s goals. Gym trainers suggest including a friend in your goal-making to help you stay on track. 

“So the biggest thing for me is accountability, right? So I myself, I even have a coach, said John Morton, personal trainer at Gold’s Gym. “I’m doing bodybuilding, and he keeps me accountable. So the best thing that I have to offer for somebody else is find somebody to keep you accountable. That’ll help you the most.”

There’s also helpful information about setting healthy lifestyle goals on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website. They suggest setting realistic goals, focusing on small, consistent steps. They also recommend prioritizing mental health along with physical health. 

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BREAKING NEWS: Person of Interest in Redmond Homicide Arrested in Crooked River Ranch

KTVZ on January 1, 2026

KTVZ

(UPDATE: Vandenberg caught and arrested)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has located and arrested Don Henry Vandenberg Jr. on potential charges relating to the December 31st shooting that killed Justin Garrett Jiminez.

Vandenberg was located on a property in Crooked River Ranch north of Redmond. He peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

Read the full press release below:

Crooked River Ranch, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested the person of interest wanted in connection with the December 31 homicide that occurred in the Dirt World area of Redmond near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street. 

On Friday, January 2, at 3:41 p.m., Sheriff’s Office Detectives and SWAT Team located Don Henry Vandenberg Jr., 51, at a property in Crooked River Ranch north of Redmond. Vandenberg, Jr., peacefully surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. 

Detectives are working with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office on potential criminal charges related to the death of Justin Garrett Jiminez, who was found dead from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.   

Vandenberg, Jr., was lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on an active parole warrant. 

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone with information related to Jiminez’s death to contact the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch number at (541) 693-6911. 

The United States Marshals Service assisted with the arrest of Vandenberg, Jr. The Sheriff’s Office thanks them for their support.

Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — A homicide in Redmond leaves 32-year-old Justin Garrett Jiminez dead from a gunshot wound.

Deputies resonded to reports of a gunshot near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street in Redmond at 5:57 a.m., on December 31st.

A person of interest has been identified as 51-year-old Don Henry Vandenberg JR. Also known as “Tank”

Vandenberg is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him. If you see him or know where he is, call 911 immediately. 

Read the full Press Release below:

Redmond, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding a person of interest in connection with a homicide in Redmond. 

On December 31 at 5:57 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim near NE Greenwood Avenue and NE 17th Street, an area known locally as “Redmond Dirt World.”  

When deputies arrived, they found 32-year-old Justin Garrett Jiminez, who had died from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene. The victim’s family has been notified.  

The person of interest has been identified as 51-year-old Don Henry Vandenberg, Jr. Detectives say he goes by the nickname “Tank.” He’s described as a white male, 5’7”, about 160 pounds, bald, with facial hair, and covered in tattoos. 

Notable tattoos include:  

“Fit for Duty” on his chest 

“Tank” on his upper abdomen 

Ace of Spades on his upper left arm 

Image on the back of his neck 

“EK” on his right calf 

Additional tattoos on his forearms 

Vandenberg is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him. If you see him or know where he is, call 911 immediately. 

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Victim dies from injuries after getting hit by vehicle that crashed into Jefferson City nursing home

KMIZ on January 1, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One person died after they were hit by a vehicle that struck a nursing home on Thursday in the 3300 block of North Ten Mile Drive in Jefferson City, according to a press release from the Jefferson City Fire Department.

The release says firefighters were called at 1:54 p.m. Thursday after they were called about a vehicle hitting a building at 3305 N. Ten Mile Drive — Westbrook Terrace Memory Care. The vehicle was already backed out of the building by the time firefighters arrived, but personnel learned the vehicle had gone through the building and hit a person inside the living area, the release says.

The person who was hit by the vehicle and the driver were both brought to an area hospital, according to the release. The person who was hit by the vehicle later died from their injuries, while the driver had moderate injuries, the release says.

The release says firefighters “utilized specialized shoring equipment to stabilize the building until the owner can make repairs.”

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St. Joseph Retro Con returns with pop culture icon

News-Press NOW on January 1, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The return of the St. Joseph Retro Convention will see a giant of pop culture coming to the Civic Arena at the beginning of May. 

Kevin Clash, who is known for puppeteering Elmo on Sesame Street from 1985 to 2012. He also had a hand in puppeteering in popular movies and tv shows such as Labyrinth, Dinosaurs and various Muppet productions. 

Clash was also the voice and puppeteer for Master Splinter in the 1990 and 1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies. 

Clash, along with various other pop culture figures, booths and more, will be at the Civic Arena on May 2 and 3. For those interested in purchasing tickets, visit stjoeretrocon.com.

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A sweet St. Joseph legacy: Chase Candy Company turns 150

News-Press NOW on January 1, 2026

Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Chase Candy Company is celebrating its 150th birthday, a milestone in St. Joseph’s sweet history. 

The company is best known for the infamous Cherry Mash, a beloved treat made with peanuts, chocolate and cherry fondant, which has been a St. Joseph staple for many generations.

The story of Chase Candy begins in 1872, when Dr. George Washington Chase arrived in St. Joseph to practice medicine. 

At the time, the city was booming, a stopping point for settlers heading west in search of gold or new homes. Unlike many travelers, Dr. Chase decided to stay.  

Dr. Chase’s son, Ernest, was a candy connoisseur and saw a future in the business.

Although Cherry Mash is what Chase is best known for today, the candy company has made other products over the years.  

Cherry Mash made its debut in 1918, competing with other popular treats of the era, including Pecan Patties and Crispy Clutter.  

The cherry confectionery is typically handed out at Krug Park’s Holiday Park during the holidays and is also found at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for tourists visiting St. Joseph.

Throughout its long history, Chase Candy Company has operated from several locations in St. Joseph and built a reputation for quality confections. 

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‘We will miss him dearly’: Outpouring of support shown in St. Joseph following loss of Adrián Pérez

News-Press NOW on January 1, 2026

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A hard worker, jokester, kind hearted, compassionate, generous and a dear friend.

Those are just a few of the words used to describe what the late Adrián Pérez meant to so many across St. Joseph and Northwest Missouri, two communities that have shown an outpouring of support this week following Perez’s sudden passing on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Born on Dec. 29, 1979, in Querétaro, Mexico, Pérez made St. Joseph his second home for more than 25 years, catering food for numerous events and businesses, building friendships and becoming a distinguished leader along the way.

His popular food business, Adrián’s Tacos, allowed him to share the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine across Northwest Missouri and make invaluable friendships with many people, especially local businesses like River Bluff Brewing and Smooth Endings Fine Wine, Spirits and Cigars.

Smooth Endings general manager Rebeca DiGerlamo met Pérez when he first started selling food for customers on their outside patio. As DiGerlamo got to know Pérez more, they exchanged ideas on how to grow their respective businesses, which eventually blossomed into successful joint events.

“Adrián was a business man, and was always trying to elevate his business. He helped me elevate mine, and our bond grew through sharing ideas,” DiGerlamo said. “From that point, we both realized how important business was to each other. That’s when I think our friendship went to the next level.”

Throughout his time in St. Joseph, Pérez grew to become like family to countless people. Anabel Garcia, an employee at Smooth Endings and former employee at Adrian’s Tacos, cherished his unwavering kindness and generosity from the first time they met.

“When I got here (Smooth Endings), I met Adrián through my sister. I remember him being such a nice person, a wonderful person,” Garcia said. “A wonderful friend to everybody. He was always smiling.”

Since Perez’s passing, numerous businesses, residents and organizations have expressed their condolences to his family and friends on social media, each providing a unique perspective of the caring and compassionate person he was.

“Our community has tragically lost an excellent friend. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Adrian since we were brand new, and it will never be the same without him here with us on Tuesdays. We will miss him dearly,” River Bluff Brewing posted through Facebook in a statement on Dec. 29, 2025.

A loving husband and father with two sons, Perez was a proud family man and an active member of Latinos Connect and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

As of Thursday, Jan. 1, just over $5,000 has been raised on Gofundme to help support Perez’s family and legacy, with more than 80 people contributing.

“Our hearts go out to the family of Adrian Perez, and we offer our love and prayers, hoping they find comfort and peace during this difficult time,” St Joseph MO Local Eats said in Facebook statement on Monday.

A public Celebration of Life and Rosary in honor of Pérez will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2 at St. Patrick Catholic Church located at 1723 S. 12th St., followed by a memorial mass at 6:30 p.m.

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How to keep up that New Year’s Resolution

KYMA on January 1, 2026

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the start of the new year, most people have already started their own New Year’s resolution.

For some, it’s a perfect reason to start working on their physical health. However, it’s not exactly easy to commit to a new lifestyle of exercise beyond the new year hype.

Most people tend to abandon or drop their resolutions early in the year, while some struggle to begin altogether.

This causes gyms around the country to have a sudden rise and drop in both memberships and traffic.

Personal Trainer at Crunch Fitness, Jennifer Herrera, says that if you’re struggling to get started at the gym, you can even start by just sitting casually in the gym to get yourself comfortable with being inside the gym.

“This is a lifelong journey. There is no hurry. There’s no rush. You know, this is an everyday thing. We all just want to be better. And so just give yourself some grace because sometimes that can be so much more, push you more into the negative as far as being too tough on yourself,” said Herrera.

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Wet, slushy weather kicks off the 2026 New Year’s Celebrations

KIFI on January 1, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Welcome to 2026!

For New Year’s Day, we’ll continue to see scattered snow and rain showers throughout the day. This comes after a dry, cooler end to the final days of 2025. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible with high temperatures in the mid to upper 30’s. There is a tiny window for freezing rain and drizzle at the leading edge of rainfall on Thursday afternoon. We could get a quick blast of snowfall, then mix with freezing rain throughout the day.

Light rain and snow will spread north on New Year’s Day. Little to no impacts from snowfall are expected. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch is possible for the Snake River Plain. Light winds are expected throughout the day, with winds only reaching 5 mph. Rain and snow will continue into the later hours of Thursday night, with a low temperature of around 30°.

It will be mostly cloudy on Friday, with a few spots of rain and snow. Temperatures will remain mild and above average for this time of year, with a high near 40°. A bit windy, with southwest winds around 10-15 mph, gusts as high as 20 mph.

There is a chance of rain and snow for late Saturday. High temperatures will climb into the mid-40s for the Snake River Plain. More scattered rain and mountain snow for Sunday as highs once again reach the 40’s.

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Missouri minimum wage rises to $15 an hour under new law

News-Press NOW on January 1, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Starting Jan. 1, Missouri’s minimum wage was set to increase from $13.75 to $15 an hour.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Missouri’s H.B. 567 into law on July 10, which raised the state’s minimum wage law, but repealed earned paid sick leave. The minimum wage rate will be in effect for all non-exempt employers.

Missouri State Representative Dean VanSchoiack, a republican from Savannah, said he hopes the wage increase will have a positive impact on Missouri’s employment.

“We’re well above the federal minimum wage, which is good,” he said. I believe we are among 33 or 34 states at $15 or more, and I just read something the other day that now, with us going to $15 and several other states as well, over half the country will live at a minimum wage of $15 or more.”

VanSchoiack said raising the wage will be beneficial for businesses and workers in Missouri.

“I think it’s something we’re looking at for the economy that people need a little bit of a better base,” he said. “I think it gives people a better chance for getting the money they need to keep going out, and gives businesses a base to work from for their salary schedules as they increase salaries for their employees as well.”

VanSchoiack said workers who receive tips will be paid half of the minimum wage.

The goal for raising the state’s minimum wage is to help bring more businesses to Missouri.

“It’s something people vote on; they wanted it, and we did it,” VanSchoiack said. “The businesses are fine, going to that, and so we’re all good, looking forward to bringing more business to Missouri.”

St. Joseph resident Jared Shuman said the increase is a good thing.

“The cost of living is so high that you’ve got to have a minimum wage increase,” he said. “It gives them an opportunity to make a little extra money so they can survive, and if they can survive, all the small businesses they go to can survive too.”

Missouri is among 19 states to have raised its minimum wage in 2026.

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Fire at apartment unit at the Creekside Apartments under investigation

KRDO on January 1, 2026

Ivette Saucedo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KTLO) – Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) says a fire in an apartment unit at the Creekside Apartments on W. Colorado Avenue has now been contained.

According to CSFD, all residents inside the building were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. It is unknown if any residents will be displaced.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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