Columbia Collegiate Advisory Council identifies key areas of focus during first meeting Monday

KMIZ on January 27, 2026

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A group of college students in Columbia are hoping to tackle important issues in the city through a new advisory council.

The Columbia Collegiate Advisory Council met for the first time Monday night at city hall. The board is composed of nine college students, three of which are from the University of Missouri, along with another pair each from Columbia College and Stephens College and two from the Moberly Area Community College.

The idea of forming the group was proposed by Mayor Barbara Buffaloe in October, shortly after Stephens College Student Ayanna Williams was shot and killed downtown, sparking conversations from city leaders and UM System President Mun Choi.

During the board’s first meeting, students identified four priorities and focus areas they hope to address: Safety, housing, accessibility and public/mental health.

The board also selected its chair to be Moberly Area Community College student Chloe Campbell, and its vice chair as Stephens College student Shana Nunn. Campbell said she was compelled to elect herself as chair to help get the ball rolling and said she believes she’ll be able to help facilitate.

Campbell said she believes she brings a unique perspective to the group, calling herself a “nontraditional” college student, given that she is 30-years-old. She said she thinks it’s important to have a variety of ages sit on the board to allow for diversity.

She also said she’s hopeful the group will be able to make a difference in the city, also pointing out Buffaloe’s reference to the city’s youth advisory council formed roughly a decade ago.

“I just hope it gives a voice to the next generation… starts getting more people involved in politics, and hopefully some good changes,” Campbell said. “I mean, like Barbara said about the high school committee, it’s just as important for the college students to have their voice heard.”

Campbell said she’s most excited to tackle safety, an issue most students said they wanted to address during Monday night’s meeting. She said it’s hard to tell what the biggest safety concerns college students have are, but said she thinks giving students a voice in the matter can help identify solutions.

“College students you know, you got parties, you have somebody mentioned the homeless population, and you just have what’s going on in the world. There’s lots going on there,” Campbell said.

Some students also voiced concerns over the homeless population in the city on Monday night. Campbell said she’s hopeful the council will continue in the future and thinks it opens up the idea for college students to want to join other councils and continue to want to work in local government.

Following Monday’s meeting, Buffaloe told ABC 17 News she was grateful to be able to hear from students about where they see the council going down the road, as well as what kind of impact they hope to have in local government.

Buffaloe said she expected to hear key issues such as housing and safety to be brought up.

“When we talk about accessibility, I think that’s that kind of bigger project. Like how do you get your voice heard in local government? How can local government make sure that its voice is heard at the student level?” Buffaloe said.

Buffaloe said she’s most excited to receive the opinions from students about what they want to see in the community and to be able to work with them to help deliver that expectation.

Buffaloe also said she had been thinking about the idea of forming a collegiate council for a while, noting she previously served as a staff liaison to a commission. She said she wanted to ensure that when the city is making decisions that impact students, their voice is at the table.

“I think having more voices involved in the conversation can only help us be better, impactful and more resourceful for what it is that we need to accomplish in our community,” Buffaloe said.

The council meets monthly. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, Feb 23.

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St. Joseph School board reviews renovation plans at board meeting  

News-Press NOW on January 27, 2026

Prajukta Ghosh

ST.JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)– The St. Joseph School Board of Education held another board meeting Monday, where members talked through several key items on the agenda. 

One topic up for discussion was a professional service agreement with DLR Architects. The agreement focuses on classroom renovations planned for Benton High School. 

“We are already in contract with DLR, so that contract was to see if the bond passed last spring to build a new high school in St. Joe. But we know the bond did fail,” said Robert Hedgecorth, assistant superintendent of business and operations.

Hedgecorth said the contract amendment was simply meant to clarify DLR’s charges for remodeling work instead. 

He said construction contracts usually include a standard percentage fee. In the master contract, the fee was 6.15% for new construction, but remodeling work typically requires more effort. 

“When you are remodelding you have to grab old architecture plans. You have to scan those in, and then you actually have to go and field verify them and make sure those items are there and it’s a little bit more work,” Hedgecorth said.  

The agenda item was approved after board members engaged in discussion, asked a number of questions, and took time to consider the details before moving forward.  

Superintendent Ashly McGinnis shared an update on the district’s reorganization plan as well, explaining the goal of making facilities more equitable across the district and improving overall efficiency in school buildings. 

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, and will take place at the Troester Media Center, located at 3401 Renick St.

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Savannah denies zoning change for proposed treatment facility after public hearing

News-Press NOW on January 27, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — The City of Savannah hosted a public hearing regarding a proposed  Zoning District change to the property at 908 Franciscan Way.

The property is currently zoned to the R-3 Multi-Family Residential District. The current owners and potential buyers are proposing to change the zoning to C-3 General Commercial District to open a substance use disorder treatment facility.

Many residents from the community attended the meeting to ask questions and voice concerns. Several residents said the facility is unnecessary and could pose safety risks.

After the hearing, the city came to a vote and decided to deny the Zoning District change.

Brandi Sharp, a Savannah resident, said the best thing about the town is that when residents care deeply about an issue, the entire community unites together.

“We’ve seen it with our pool, we’re trying to raise funds for, and the community really came and showed that we’re not naive to the fact that these sorta places are needed,” she said. “Our community is not the correct place for this sort of building and to be able to hold something with that stature.”

Sharp said it was tremendous for the board to listen to the community.

“That is huge. I know a lot of us were really worried, and not everyone is fortunate to live in towns where the community and board hear and listen to their support,” she said. “We were heard and supported tonight, and that just means so much to the community.”

Overall, Sharp said it was huge to see so many different people from the community come out and show their support.

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Community honors Wayne Gale and keeps his legacy alive

KYMA on January 27, 2026

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Many locals are grieving the loss of one community trailblazer. Beloved 69-year-old husband, father, and grandfather Wayne David Gale passed unexpectedly a little over a week ago on January 18 while hiking with family.

He moved to Yuma in 2007 to work for Foothills Bank and joined First Bank January of 2015. Gale served more than 45 years in community banking.

He served as President and CEO of Western Arizona Bancorp Inc and co-CEO of First Bank Yuma before its acquisition by OneAZ Credit Union.

“But beyond his title, Wayne was a servant leader who believed that when the community thrives, everyone thrives,” said OneAZ Credit Union SVP Market President Ricardo Perez.

Ricardo Perez worked alongside Gale at the bank for over a decade and says Gale was a true mentor, great team player, and trailblazer.

“He always just found ways of bringing positivity to those that he interacted with, whether it was just his comedic relief, he definitely found ways to try to make people smile, and it made a huge difference to those that surrounded and knew him,” said Perez.

He won several prestigious awards, helped the banking community grow, and served on several local boards giving back to the community, once serving on seven boards at the same time.

“He was a part of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation. He was part of the Food Bank. He was part of Yuma 50, Visitors Bureau. Gosh, there was just so many. He was also part of the Arizona Bankers Association,” said Perez.

Gale also served on the Greater Yuma Port Authority alongside Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls.

“The amazing thing about Wayne is his impact was huge, but he never called attention to himself. So it was always very subtle, very silent, but steady and consistent, and so you didn’t have to worry about him making it about him because it never was about him. It was always about the community and what was right and how to move forward.” said Mayor Nicholls.

Nicholls said he was a great faith-filled family man that was always about community.

“He’s just been a great mentor for me in a lot of ways because of his leadership style. He was in GYEDC board with me, and he was present during kind of a a little bit tougher time, And so I got to work with him pretty close there. He was always so calm and settled,” said Mayor Nicholls.

State Farm Agent and Gale’s dear friend Gene Bostic poured out words of gratitude, saying he was blessed by Gale’s friendship.

“Wayne was the kind of guy that you could sit and have lunch with and talk to him and then not see him for 2 or 3 months a year and it was like you just sat and talked with him yesterday, and he had that kind of friendship…that kind of calmness. He was one of those kind of people that when you met him, you just instantly liked him. He had that kind of demeanor that was just friendly, caring. He was just that person that you could really count on to be there for and be there with,” said Bostic.

A service was held for him this past weekend. His loved ones want to continue to keep his legacy alive.

“We built each other up from that and I think that’s an example our community and the world really at this point can take some lessons from is, ‘Hey, let’s work with what we agree with. Let’s build each other up, and find the right solutions.’ I think that would be a great way to honor him is if we all kind of move our perspective on how we relate to each other in that direction,” said Nicholls.

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Gold and silver prices hit record highs as investors rush to buy and sell in Colorado Springs

KRDO on January 27, 2026

Samantha Hildebrandt

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Gold and silver prices are shattering records, prompting a surge of activity at local coin shops as investors look for stability amid growing economic uncertainty.

Gold prices climbed above $5,000 an ounce this week — a historic high — while silver also continues to surge. Economists say the rapid increase reflects investor concern over inflation, global conflicts, and the future strength of the U.S. economy.

“When people feel less confident about the U.S. economy, they start hedging their bets against the U.S. dollar,” said Tatiana Bailey, an economist. “That’s translating into people turning to gold.”

That uncertainty played out in real time Friday at Hallenbeck’s Coin Gallery in downtown Colorado Springs, where a line wrapped around the building for much of the day as customers waited to buy and sell precious metals.

The shop’s owner, Tom Hallenbeck, says the demand is unlike anything he’s seen in decades.

“The pace of this surge is just insane right now,” Hallenbeck said. “There’s nothing like it that I can remember.”

Hallenbeck has been in the business since the 1980s and says both longtime collectors and first-time sellers are flooding through the doors. Many are cashing in on items they’ve held onto for years — even decades.

“We’re seeing people who have had items for 40 to 50 years, and they’re bringing them in to sell,” Hallenbeck said.

At the same time, others are buying — worried prices could climb even higher, and that they’ll miss out if they wait.

Economists say precious metals are often viewed as a safe haven during periods of uncertainty, especially when stock markets are volatile or confidence in traditional currency weakens.

Experts say whether prices continue to rise will largely depend on what happens next with interest rates, inflation, and the global economy.

For now, demand remains strong — and local businesses are feeling the impact firsthand.

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‘Not just a roof, but a foundation’: Bend nonprofit announces new sober living home for women in recovery

KTVZ on January 27, 2026

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – New Each Morning, a Bend-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in recovery, announced Monday the upcoming grand opening of The Juniper House Sober Living.

The community is invited to an open house on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at 62466 Eagle Road in Bend, the organization said in a news release that continues below:

The Juniper House addresses a critical gap in Central Oregon’s recovery continuum: safe, stable housing for women transitioning from treatment programs to independent living.

Research shows that lack of secure housing is one of the primary factors contributing to relapse and Oregon’s high recidivism rates.

“Many women leave treatment with nowhere safe to go,” says Cathie Coe Sipe, the founder and executive director of New Each Morning. “Without stable housing, recovery becomes nearly impossible. The Juniper House provides not just a roof, but a foundation — a place where women can rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and hope.”

The 2.3-acre property features a 3,364 square foot home that will house multiple women, including an on-site house manager. The property also includes space for gardening, raising chickens, and developing life skills that support long-term recovery and self-sufficiency.

Since 2020, New Each Morning has equipped women graduates of recovery programs with certified peer support, job preparation, transportation assistance, and life-skills development. The Juniper House represents the realization of the organization’s founding vision: to provide safe, alcohol and drug-free transitional housing where women can establish a firm foundation to thrive.

The February 15 open house will feature guided tours at 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00 PM, with light refreshments served. Community members, potential partners, donors, and anyone interested in supporting women in recovery are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the open house or to learn how to support The Juniper House, contact Cathie Coe Sipe at neweachmorning@gmail.com or visit the New Each Morning donation page at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SCRAREBQ3ARHJ.

About New Each MorningNew Each Morning is a Bend-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips women graduates of recovery programs with certified peer support, job preparation, transportation, housing assistance, and life skills. Operating under the philosophy that “the opposite of addiction is connection,” New Each Morning provides this life-giving connection to help women build sustainable, thriving lives in recovery.

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Palm Springs Police Chief comments on Minneapolis shooting, encourages community to speak up

KESQ on January 27, 2026

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS , Calif. (KESQ)  – Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills took to social media Monday to comment on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.

Federal immigration officers shot and killed Pretti in Minnesota on Saturday.

In his statement, Mills said in part, “I’d like to say I am shocked at the latest shooting in Minneapolis, but I am not. I expected it. Reckless, unconstitutional and immoral enforcement tactics spurred by poor leadership is now being exploited by anarchists who thirst for antigovernment violence. We are at a tipping point.”

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson spoke with Chief Mills about why he shared his thoughts with the public.

“It’s important for our community to know exactly where the police chief stands on matters of crime and law enforcement and all the interactions between the community and the police,” Mills said.

We asked how the PSPD would respond if a similar incident happened in Palm Springs.

“It’s not going to happen here. The reason it won’t happen here is because I have full confidence in our ability and our community members to be peaceful,” Mills said. “We are going to continue to press our federal partners to let us know when they’re in town and they are not currently. And to make sure that we’re doing everything we can do to protect our community and make sure that people are responding appropriately.”

Chief Mills also called for federal accountability.

“At some point, the federal government has to figure out how they’re going to straighten this out,” Mills said. “How they’re going to make sure that these things don’t continue to happen.”

He said community members should exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.

“Don’t interfere. Don’t ever use violence against law enforcement. That will never end well,” Mills said. “But other than that, speak your mind. Be heard in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, and we will do everything we can to support and protect our community.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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Vigils continue following Minnesota shootings

KEYT on January 27, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A vigil got underway at Stearns Wharf at dusk Monday.

Organizers said the goal was to honor the Alex Pretti, the ICU nurse who was fatally shot during ICE activity in Minneapolis, Minnesota over the weekend.

They gathered by the Dolphin Fountain off Cabrillo Blvd. and filled the sidewalks up and down Cabrillo Blvd.

Shelley and Mark Sherman from Goleta said they have family in Minnesota.

“We are from Minnesota and we were there last week and so Minneapolis means a lot to us, the fact that man was killed in cold blood on the street by border patrol agents is really horrible it breaks my heart that the people in Minnesota are going through this attack and so we came to mourn and say that they need to get out of Minnesota right away,” said Shelley Sherman.

“We were just in Minnesota our family is there are niece I spent a lot of time on the corner where he was killed, we know it really well, Minnesotans have decided to stand up to other people, it is hard to talk about it is close to my heart,” Mark Sherman.

Supporters honked their horns as they drove by.

Santa Barbara City Council Member and Mayoral Candidate Eric Friedman took part in the vigil.

Former California State Assembly Member Hannah-Beth Jackson was also on hand.

Some participants said they saw and took photos with Portia de Rossi and Ellen Degeneres who spent part of her birthday attending the vigil.

Larry Behrendt of Indivisible Santa Barbara said the group helped organize this this vigil and the No Kings Protests last year.

They made sure to have crossing guards on hand to people safe.

Budget Chairman of the California Republican Party Greg Gandrud has been seeing rallies and vigils on social media and sees things differently.

“Over 55 percent of Americans actually support removing all illegal aliens from the United States and Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey have been encouraging people in Minnesota to interfere with the lawful operations of Federal agents in Minnesota,” said Gandrud. “Pretti brought a handgun and two high capacity magazines and interfered with the arrest of a criminal illegal alien in Minneapolis and the result was absolutely tragic.”

There have been similar vigils at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse following the shooting deaths of Pretti on Saturday and Renee Good a few weeks ago.

Those vigils included projections of members of the Trump Administration and even Jeffrey Epstein on the courthouse wall.

Many are also upset by the taking of 5-year-old Liam Ramos who was photographed in a blue knit bunny hats.

Similar hats were for sale outside a shop on State Street over the weekend.

Social media posts tracking ICE activity said agents have been active locally up and down the coast as early as 4:30 in the morning.

There are organization and nonprofits trying to help immigrant families including those who were in the process of getting their citizenship without criminal records.

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Big bear bald eagle lays her second egg of the season

KESQ on January 27, 2026

Jesus Reyes

BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ) – Jackie the bald eagle has laid her second egg at the Big Bear nest!

Jackie had her egg at a little after 5 p.m. on Monday, the Friends of Big Bear Valley team announced.

She laid her first egg on Friday.

According to FOBBV, the two eggs should hatch closer together.

“Bald Eagles practice delayed incubation. They intermittently incubate and stay off or hover over the egg(s) until the last egg of the clutch is laid. Once the last egg is laid, they should incubate all the eggs more regularly. Since Jackie consistently lays eggs 3 days apart, this process slows the development of the first egg(s) laid so hatching will occur closer together, the eaglets will be closer in size, and all eaglets will have a better chance of survival.”

– FOBBV via Facebook

You can follow along with Jackie and Shadow on the FOBBV livestreams on YouTube:

Stay with News Channel 3 for any upates.

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Cold weather limits salt effectiveness as Columbia crews plow roads

KMIZ on January 27, 2026

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

After Mid-Missouri was blanketed with 5-9 inches of snow this past weekend, Columbia road crews faced challenges clearing streets because of frigid temperatures early Monday.

A spokesperson for Columbia Public Works told ABC 17 News temperatures dropped to minus 8 degrees Monday morning, preventing much of the salt from effectively reacting with the snow and ice.

By 2:30 p.m., pavement temperatures were still below freezing, but the sunlight helped the salt react as crews plowed and treated the roads. 

Columbia residents can track where snowplow crews have been and where they’re headed next using the city’s snow-clearing progress viewer. The online map shows which streets have already been plowed and which ones are still waiting to be cleared.

The city’s main focus has been its first- and second-priority roads, which include Vandiver Drive, North and South Providence Road, Creasy Springs Road, Clark Lane and downtown Columbia, though residential plowing was announced on Monday afternoon.

Despite efforts to clear downtown Columbia, many main roads remained covered in snow and slush, with conditions worst in parts of the University of Missouri campus. The area between Rollins and Rogers streets remained listed as a high-priority neighborhood for crews to clear.

By 7 p.m., several neighborhoods remained on the city’s priority list for clearing, including areas near Shorham Court and Medford Drive, just off Chapel Hill Road near Limestone Avenue, as well as Marble Cedars Drive and the neighborhood surrounding Crabapple Drive.

ABC 17 News spoke to a resident in the Crabapple Drive neighborhood who said that city crews did come through the area, but were limited in what they were able to clear due to cars being parked on the street.

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