Mosaic caregiver Suzanne Goddard honors Animal Shelter with donation after receiving prestigious Servant’s Heart Award

News-Press NOW on February 9, 2026

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A passionate local caregiver and the recipient of Mosaic Life Care’s highest honor is using the opportunity to support the work of the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

Suzanne Goddard was recognized by Mosaic Life Care with the 2025 Servant’s Heart Award for her above-and-beyond support as care manager with the hospital’s Serious Illness Management program. Serious Illness Management, also known as Advanced Illness Management, is a key program within the hospital providing critical care for patients suffering from chronic illness who have seen their health and ability to function decline.

The Servant’s Heart Award is the most prestigious honor given out each year by Mosaic Life Care, recognizing caregivers who display “extraordinary” commitment and compassion for patients.

“This award is about caregivers who go above and beyond for their patients,” said Mike Poore, FACHE and CEO of Mosaic Life Care, in a news release. “Suzanne’s actions show the true meaning of a servant’s heart. She didn’t just care for a patient – she cared for what mattered most to that patient. It’s incredibly humbling to work alongside caregivers like Suzanne who serve with such compassion.”

Goddard, a 16-year veteran with Mosaic Life Care, was nominated by fellow caregivers for her commitment to a patient facing end-of-life complications, stepping in to adopt the patient’s dog on her own after the patient had to be moved to a facility that didn’t accommodate pets.

Goddard continued to bring the dog in for visits with the patient, providing comfort and peace of mind during a difficult time. She said she was surprised and deeply honored to receive the award.

“You don’t go into nursing or caregiving for recognition,” Goddard said in a statement. “But when you can do something small that makes such a big difference for someone, it’s always worth it. Helping her know her dog was safe lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. It brought her peace.”

In honor of the award, Goddard and Mosaic Life Care donated $500 to a charity of her choice. 

It was only fitting she selected the St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter, a nonprofit that works alongside the shelter to reduce the number of animals euthanized by increasing public awareness of adoptable animals and assisting staff with animal care.

“Animals don’t have anybody to advocate for them,” Goddard added. “The shelter does so much for the community and for animals in need. It just felt like the right place.”

The donation will help support medical care for animals in the shelter, adoption programs and community services to prevent overcrowding, financial assistance welcomed by shelter officials.

“We are so honored that Suzanne chose our organization,” said Jenn Kline, president of the board of directors for Friends of the Animal Shelter, in a news release. “Animal welfare organizations everywhere are facing overcrowding and financial challenges. Donations like this help provide medical care for sick and injured animals, support adoption efforts and fund programs like spay and neuter services that keep pets healthy and families together.”

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PDHS moves to Elite 8 of Riverside County mock trials

KESQ on February 9, 2026

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Desert High School is moving on to the Elite 8 of the Riverside County Mock Trial Competition.

On Saturday, PDHS was selected to go on to the Elite 8 competition. The Aztecs will face Martin Luther King High School at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Tuesday, February 10th at 6 p.m.

The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday, February 17, and the 2026 champion will be named after the final round on Thursday, February 19. The final round will take place at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Historic Courthouse (4050 Main Street, Riverside).

Round 5 Matchups (Elite Eight)

Prosecution vs. Defense

Martin Luther King High School vs. Palm Desert High School

Temecula Valley High School vs. Notre Dame High School

Santiago High School vs. Riverside Poly High School

Valley View High School vs. Ramona High School

Additionally, more than a dozen students were honored for top performances with blue ribbons and prestigious internships in local legal organizations after the fourth round of competition on Saturday, February 7.

“Student events like Mock Trial aren’t just about competing for a championship. Each student gains valuable lessons in analytical thinking, persuasive communication, teamwork, and a greater understanding of our legal system,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “Congratulations to the top eight teams advancing to the final rounds and all the award-winning students.”

Mock Trial involves students arguing cases in front of real judges, while being scored by practicing attorneys. The competition is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 enrolled in public and private high schools in Riverside County. Teams consist of 8-25 students filling the courtroom roles of defense and prosecution attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and more.

2026 Riverside County Mock Trial Competition BLUE RIBBON AWARD RECIPIENTS

Outstanding Courtroom Artist

1st Place – Joni Huang, Murrieta Valley High School

2nd Place (Tie) – Jasmine Martinez, Hemet High School; Ivy Phan, Chaparral High School

3rd Place – Sofia John, Temecula Valley High School

Outstanding Courtroom Journalist

1st Place – Douglas Cube, Notre Dame High School

2nd Place – Melissa Chai, Chaparral High School

3rd Place – Faith Harper, Hemet High School

Outstanding Bailiff

1st Place – Sophia Downey, Temecula Valley High School

2nd Place – Jonathan Medrano, Notre Dame High School

3rd Place – Diego Coronado, Centennial High School

Outstanding Clerk

1st Place – Xavier Felix, Notre Dame High School

2nd Place – Samantha Stillman, Chaparral High School

3rd Place – Emily Ruvalcaba, Ramona High School

Outstanding Defense Pretrial Motion Attorney

1st Place – Erin Grace Mankin, Notre Dame High School*

2nd Place – Vincent Zepeda, Patriot High School

3rd Place – Patrick Moon, Martin Luther King High School

*Riverside County Courts Award Bar Association Douglas E. Weathers Scholarship

Outstanding Prosecution Pretrial Motion Attorney

1st Place – Adrian Reyes, Notre Dame High School*

2nd Place – Dana Chiek, Martin Luther King High School

3rd Place – Ana Gamino, Indio High School

*Riverside County Courts Award Bar Association Douglas E. Weathers Scholarship

Outstanding Prosecution Witnesses

Witness: Detective Rio Sacks

1st Place – Caroline Corr, Notre Dame High School

2nd Place – Genesis Abrams, Great Oak High School

3rd Place – Journey Brutus, Chaparral High School

Witness: Alden Mitchell

1st Place – Adrian Torres, Temecula Valley High School

2nd Place – Nathaniel Firetag, Riverside Poly High School

3rd Place – Clark Adkins, Indio High School

Witness: Sam Longo

1st Place – Gael Campos, Notre Dame High School

2nd Place – Ella Fortine, Riverside Poly High School

3rd Place – Sydnee Hernandez, Paloma Valley High School

Witness: Imari Rodriguez

1st Place – Stevie Linton, Murrieta Valley High School

2nd Place – Audrinna Patterson, Notre Dame High School

3rd Place – Giovanna Wilkinson, Martin Luther King High School

Outstanding Defense Witnesses

Defendant: Haley Fromholz

1st Place – Daphne Egizi, Notre Dame High School

2nd Place – Augustina Alfaro, Ramona High School

3rd Place – Brandon Fuller, Valley View High School

Witness: Takoda Morrison

1st Place – Elizabeth Kiggins, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac High School

2nd Place – Ally Afsar, Palm Desert High School

3rd Place – Jill Hacker, Ramona High School

Witness: Dr. Ren Dunne

1st Place – Olivia Wade, Temecula Valley High School

2nd Place – Virginia Duncan, Santiago High School

3rd Place – Emrey Wilkinson, Palm Desert High School

Witness: Jean Kronstadt

1st Place – Phillip Murguia, Vista del Lago High School

2nd Place – Nathaniel Firetag, Riverside Poly High School

3rd Place – John Morinaga, St. Jeanne de Lestonnac High School

Outstanding Prosecution Attorneys

Jude Cramer, Notre Dame High School

Celeste De Lucia, Canyon Springs High School

Olivia Wade, Temecula Valley High School

** Winner of summer internship in District Attorney’s Office and Riverside County Bar Foundation’s Honorable Douglas E. Weathers Scholarship

Outstanding Defense Attorneys

Kaiden Kamphuis, Liberty High School

Thomas Nelson, Palm Desert High School

Crystal Renteria, Valley View High School*

*Riverside County Courts Award Bar Association Douglas E. Weathers Scholarship

Attorneys, judges, and legal professionals from across Riverside County are among the more than 14,000 students who have participated in Mock Trial now in its 44th year of competition. The month-long competition is sponsored by Riverside County Superior Courts, the Riverside County Bar Association, and the Riverside County Office of Education.

The winner of the Riverside County Mock Trial will represent the region at the California Mock Trial Competition March 20-22 in Oakland. The state winner will advance to the National Mock Trial that will be held May 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa.

This year’s fictional case, People v. Fromholz, centers on the trial of Haley Fromholz, a chef and contestant on the reality TV cooking show Recipe for Success, who is charged with murdering celebrity judge Morgan Sears using poisonous “heartstopper” mushrooms during the filming of the semi-final challenge of the show. Students on the prosecution and defense teams will debate conflicting claims of premeditation, unreasonable search and seizure, forensic evidence, and more, throughout the pre-trial hearings and trial.

In the 2025 Riverside County Mock Trial finals, Poly High School defeated Notre Dame High School in a rematch of the 2024 final. Poly emerged victorious to secure the championship for the 21st time in school history. Third place was shared by Temecula Valley High School and Murrieta Valley High School.

For sponsorship inquiries for this event or any additional Riverside County student events, please visit the 2026 Student Academic Events Sponsorship page. For additional information regarding the 2025-2026 competition, please contact Yadira Chavelas, Events Administrator, at ychavelas@rcoe.us or (951) 826-6570.

For a complete listing of the schedules and locations for all rounds of the competition, visit www.rcoe.us/student-events/mock-trial.

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Auxvasse man pleads guilty to assaulting woman he dragged into car, sentenced to probation

KMIZ on February 9, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was accused of assaulting a woman in September in Audrain County was sentenced to probation on Monday, according to an email from Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger.

Lane Miles pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping and second-degree domestic assault. He was originally charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault and second-degree property damage, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to five years of probation along with a 15-year suspended sentence.

“Should he violate any of the conditions of supervision the Court put in place, Lane Miles will serve a substantial prison sentence. This was consistent with the Victim’s wishes, as she told the Court today she supported the plea agreement,” Shellabarger said in a statement to ABC 17 News.

The probable cause statement says a witness saw Miles pull the victim out of a home in Mexico, Missouri, around 2 a.m. Sept. 28. Miles allegedly dragged the victim by her hair down the stairs of the home and pulled her into a car before leaving, the statement says.

The victim later knocked on the door of the home and was let back in before Miles kicked the door in and forced the woman, again, into the vehicle, the statement says.

Miles allegedly choked the victim at one point during the assault, previous reporting indicates.

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Local law enforcement warns of ‘Romance Scams’ ahead of Valentine’s Day

News-Press NOW on February 9, 2026

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and connection, but for scammers, it’s an opportunity to exploit people’s emotions.

A romance scam occurs when a criminal uses a fake identity online to gain a victim’s trust and affection, ultimately stealing their money or personal information.

This scam typically occurs on dating apps or social media platforms.

According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Better Business Bureau, the prevalence of online scams – and the number of people falling for them – has dramatically increased since the onset of the pandemic.

This increase in scams has been seen everywhere, from online shopping scams to work-from-home scams and even romance scams.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said scammers find scamming online easier.

“It’s global now; they scam you from anywhere in the world. This is nothing that you have to show up and provide an envelope full of cash or anything else. It is truly global, and it can all be done electronically,” he said. “As soon as you provide your information, your account information and your personal information to access those accounts, they can be drained from anywhere in the world.”

Puett said scammers typically spend weeks to months to build trust with their victims.

“It varies; it depends on how susceptible the other victim is to what the scammer is doing. Finally, to act like they have a significant problem. That requires money or finances. It could be that they were trying to build a relationship with them,” he said. “They can give them access to accounts to help care for the victim, or some other avenue that they’re trying to do that gives larger access to the victim’s financial resources.”

According to Credit Abuse Resistance Education, common signs of a romance scammer include professing love very quickly, having a profile with vague or few images across platforms, requesting money, pushing to move the conversation to a more personal communication platform and making plans to meet in person only to cancel due to a sudden “emergency.”

Puett said if someone suspects they have been scammed, they should get a hold of local law enforcement.

“Change your password, change your accounts and all of that to avoid getting any more access than they do,” Puett said. “The biggest thing is prevention because once they have access to those accounts, they drain those accounts in a matter of minutes. If they’re in another country, there’s usually no way to get your money back.”

Puett said to be vigilant when it comes to scams online. This includes not providing personal information, such as account information, date of birth, social security number, etc.

Additionally, if someone has been scammed, Puett said the first step is to contact local law enforcement and any financial institutions involved in the situation.

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YUHSD to host Parent Academy session this spring

KYMA on February 9, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) is hosting the Parent Academy this spring.

According to a press release, the academy, starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026, is to help families “feel confident and informed as their child navigates high school.”

During the academy, YUHSD says parents will learn about a variety of topics “ranging from how students can earn college credit while in high school to support services available to students and families to how to get involved in a child’s education.”

“Parent Academy is designed to empower families with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to help their students thrive in high school and beyond,” Somerton High School Director of Counseling Maria Dillard said. “With a refreshed and expanded curriculum this year, we’re inviting parents to learn alongside their students and take an active role in shaping their future success in college, career, and community life.”

YUHSD says there are ways to participate in the academy, taking place Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.:

In-person

Live virtual sessions Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

On-demand

“Let Parent Academy be your guide to supporting your student’s success,” YUHSD Director of Strategic Projects Mike Sharp said. “Now, and in the future.”

To learn more about the academy, read the press release below.

PR – YUHSD Parent Academy Spring 2026Download

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Cathedral City to receive Human Rights Campaign Leadership Award next month

KESQ on February 9, 2026

City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City will receive the Human Rights Campaign Community Leadership Award during next month’s LGBT+ Days celebration, officials announced today.  

The award recognizes the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equity and its consistent perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, which evaluates cities on non-discrimination laws, municipal employment practices, services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality, according to officials.

The city’s most recent perfect score was published in November 2025.   

The presentation is scheduled for about 7 p.m. March 7 at the Stonewall Main Stage.

“Cathedral City has modeled what it looks like when inclusion is not simply affirmed but operationalized through governance,” Brian O’Connor, member of HRC and HRC foundation board of directors, said in a statement. “This recognition celebrates the standard the city continues to set for communities across our region and the nation.”  

Attendees will include representatives from HRC board of directors, Montage Events and city councilmembers.   

“As we celebrate ten year of LGBT+ Days, seeing Cathedral City recognized by the HRC for this perfect MEI score reinforces why this festival is so vital. It’s a moment of pride not just for the city’s leadership, but for every resident who calls this inclusive community home,” Michael Westman of Montage Events said in a statement.  

This year’s LGBT+ Days, themed “CommUNITY Strong,” will be held from March 6-8 and will feature events including a pride drone show, a drag race competition, a bed race, parade and vendors. “American Idol” alum David Archuleta will headline a festival performance on March 7.   

“Cathedral City is proud to be one of the most diverse and inclusive municipalities in the nation, and our vibrant LGBTQ+ community is a vital part of what makes this city so special,” said Mayor Raymond Gregory.

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New Office of Education web portal offers easier access to resources

KESQ on February 9, 2026

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A Riverside County web portal designed to provide enhanced access to resources for public education students and their parents and guardians went live today.  

The Office of Education’s revamped website at www.rcoe.us provides various options for users seeking details on a range of topics, including career development, online tutorials for learning about new technology, child daycare, scholarship opportunities and related subjects.   

“Clear and convenient access to information is essential to providing excellent customer service and meeting the needs of our community in the digital age,” county Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said. “The new site reflects (the office’s) strong focus on the user experience through engaging visuals, clear graphics and videos that highlight the excellence our team brings to everything we do.”  

According to the agency, the updated web portal, created through a partnership with digital services developer GovStack, is now a repository for “more than 1,600 pages of fresh content and graphics.”  

The home page interface features a new menu with prominent displays of click-to navigational options and a broader search field, officials said.   

Anyone with questions or experiencing challenges with the site was encouraged to contact the Office of Education’s help team via email at webservices@rcoe.us.

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Tanner Bridge Road to close later this month

KMIZ on February 9, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Tanner Bridge Road bridge over the Moreau River will close later this month, according to a Monday press release from Cole County Public Works.

The closure will begin Monday, Feb. 23 between Friendship Road and Route B, the release says. Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc. was awarded the $2.1 Million contract by the Cole County Commission in January, the release says.

The project – which includes realigning and widening the bridge — is expected to be completed by November, according to the release.

The existing bridge was built in 1960 and is listed as “poor” in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s off-system bridge replacement and rehabilitation, according to the release.

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Indio K-9 officer hurt during suspected DUI Crash

KESQ on February 9, 2026

Rich Tarpening

 INDIO, Calif. (City News Service) -An Indio police K-9 officer was recovering after suffering significant injuries when a suspected impaired driver struck a parked patrol vehicle, causing it to hit the officer, authorities said.

The crash was reported shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday at Monroe Street and Avenue 40, according to the Indio Police Department.

A preliminary investigation found the officer was standing outside his patrol vehicle on the passenger side when a Nissan sedan traveling eastbound on Avenue 40 crashed head-on into the parked unit, police said.

The impact pushed the patrol vehicle into the officer, knocking him to the ground. Nearby residents who heard the collision rushed to assist both the officer and the driver, police said.

The officer sustained significant leg injuries and was found about 30 feet from his vehicle when additional officers arrived, police said. He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was treated and later released. His K-9 partner, Hoki, was not injured.

The driver, identified only as a 28-year-old woman, was unhurt and remained at the scene, police said.    She was taken into custody by California Highway Patrol officers and later booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio, authorities said.

The intersection was temporarily closed during the investigation and reopened shortly after midnight.  The cause of the crash was under investigation, and DUI was suspected to be a contributing factor, police said.

Anyone with additional information regarding the crash was asked to contact the CHP Indio station at 760-772-5300.

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Pedestrian in critical condition after being struck by vehicle on El Paseo

KESQ on February 9, 2026

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A pedestrian is in the hospital in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on El Paseo in Palm Desert Monday morning.

The crash was reported at around 9:45 a.m. near the area of El Paseo and Ocotillo Drive.

Details on what led to the crash were not available. Authorities confirmed an adult suffered serious injuries. They were transported by ground ambulance to a trauma center.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene, and no arrests have been made, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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