Cole County voter turnout hits 11% on Election Day

KMIZ on April 7, 2026

Haley Swaino

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cole County expected a low number of voters to cast their ballots in the municipal election, but higher than in some previous April elections.

About 11% of Cole County voters cast their ballots by 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to Cole County Director of Elections Matt Musselman.

“Normally, we’re around a 10% turnout for an April election,” Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said. “But since the countywide issue with the taxes on there and several races with school board and stuff like that, we kind of pushed it up to 14%.”

Musselman told ABC 17 News on Monday that there had been 511 total absentee ballots cast so far, with 269 voting in person and 242 occurring by mail. There are 54,498 registered voters in the county.

After making rounds to multiple cities’ polling locations Tuesday morning, Korsmeyer said he was hopeful the county would meet or slightly exceed 14% votership.

Election Day also started smoothly. Only one technical issue was reported across the county.

“I think we had one polling location that the date came up wrong on the machine, so we had to do an override on it. But other than that, it’s been really, really nice,” Korsmeyer said.

He expected another wave of people to vote in the evening, after work hours. He said a chillier start to the morning could also factor in to more voters choosing to head to the polls later in the day.

Cole County voter Carol Roberson said she always votes because it’s important to.

“That’s [voting] the only reason that we have any control over our government,” Roberson said. “And if you complain about the government and don’t go vote, then that’s your fault.”

Seven candidates are battling it out for three spots on the Jefferson City School Board. Roberson said that was something on the ballot she was proud to vote for in this election.

“We need a strong school system here [in Jefferson City]. And the school board is very important,” Roberson said.

Besides some specific city council and school board races, every voter in Cole County had a chance to help decide whether to extend the county’s half-cent sales tax for capital improvements.

The tax money goes to fund work on roads and bridges, including construction, repairs and updates. The county sales tax rate, including the half-cent that was approved in 2021, is 5.6%.

Polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday. A list of polling locations and a sample ballot can be found on the county’s website.

Stay tuned to ABC 17 News Tuesday night for live election coverage and results.

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Boone County voter turnout comes in lower than expected on Election Day

KMIZ on April 7, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County is seeing low voter turnout on Tuesday for the municipal elections.

Voter turnout is about 8% for in-person ballots, which is expected to rise a little more as election officials count the remaining ballots and absentee ballots as well, Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said in an interview Tuesday, about an hour before polls closed.

Tuesday morning, Lennon predicted about 12% of voters would cast ballots. She said there a couple reasons why the actual number didn’t meet expectations.

“I think every April election is a little unique because of the local races that are going to be on it,” Lennon said. “For this particular one, there’s just fewer items on the ballot, it’s not drawing as much attention, I think, for voters, and so it’s hard to kind of break through everything else.”

Lennon posted on X at 10 a.m. that voter turnout was 2.5% for the first four hours the polls were open. Lennon later updated the post, noting voter turnout was 4.3% around 1 p.m.

She updated voter turnout numbers again at 4 p.m. About 6.3% of registered voters have cast a ballot with only a few hours left until polls close at 7 p.m.

Lennon told ABC 17 News on Monday that she expected about 12% of registered voters to turn out for the local election, which includes school board and city council races. She said there are about 121,000 Boone County voters registered for the April election, although one part of the county doesn’t have an election.

Tuesday morning, Lennon said her office had received fewer than 1,000 absentee ballots, which laid the groundwork for turnout on Election Day.

As of 4pm, turnout in Boone County is now at 6.3% (including Election Day voters and in-person absentee voters). Polls are open until 7pm 🗳️ https://t.co/RtnGg1vo2n

— Boone County Clerk (@voteboonemo) April 7, 2026

The April 2024 election saw 16.37% voter turnout, and the April 2025 mayoral election had 25.23% voter turnout. Some Boone County and Columbia voters will decide who gets to sit on the City Council.

Ward 5 Councilman Don Waterman is running for reelection, and newcomer Christina Hartman is running against him.

“I hope Christina wins for the Fifth Ward,” voter Traci Wilson-Kleekamp said. “I think she’s forward thinking, and a critical thinker and is engaged in the idea that we need change.”

Voter William Bliss said he likes the incumbent, Waterman.

“I think our incumbent alderman has been doing pretty well, so I don’t have any issues there,” Bliss said.

Another Boone County voter Becky Ulm chose not to share how she voted, but she said local elections are vital.

“Well, every election is important,” Ulm said. “It helps run our community and decides what is going to happen next.”

Some Columbia voters will also get to decide who will sit on the Columbia Board of Education, and Ulm said her vote directly affects her grandson.

“His future depends on what happens in the school system,” Ulm said. “School education is what is important to these kids’ future and the community.”

Boone County voters can visit the Boone County Clerk‘s website to find voter information and polling locations.

For more information about Boone County ballot issues, the Columbia Board of Education race or the Columbia City Council Ward 5 race, visit ABC 17’s Voter Guide.

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Family of man killed after being hit by a vehicle holds vigil

KYMA on April 7, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The family of a man killed while riding his bicycle in Imperial held a vigil this past weekend.

Ruben Camargo‘s friends and family gathered at Mando’s Stereo in El Centro Saturday, just miles from where he was struck and killed on his bike.

The evening began with Camargo’s niece paying tribute by singing one of his favorite low-rider oldies.

“I picked this song because that’s who my uncle was. He was an angel. He’d do anything for anybody, no matter how he could do it,” Nevaeh Garza, Camargo’s niece.

His family is also petitioning the City of Imperial to add a dedicated bike lane on Highway 86.

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Santa Barbara Bowl Kicks Off 2026 Season With a Wide Ranging Artist Lineup

KEYT on April 7, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara Bowl is an attraction for thousands of fans each year, but it also draws in touring performers.

The bowl is starting its 2026 season with back-to-back shows from Disclosure this week prior to the band heading out to the Coachella Music Festival for two weekends.

That’s just an indicator of the way the bowl has found its way into the traveling schedules for performers coming through California.

The bowl was often a stop in between Los Angeles and San Francisco “back in the day.” Now its both a set day or a warm-up date for several acts depending on when they start their tour and what the venue can provide for their show logistics. With upgrades over the years it has proven to be a perfect fit.

This year the lineup has 28 shows with room for more.

It includes Jack Johnson, Carlos Santana, comedian Trevor Noah and Disclosure for two nights each along with comedian Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias plus a range of talent that brings in Bob Dylan, Train, Brandi Carlisle, Alabama Shakes, Young the Giant and the Black Keyes.

The fan base is expected to bring families, teens and lifelong concert-goers with flowing gray hair through the gates with enthusiasm and anticipation.

The seating is changed slightly between shows with a open area General Admission pit or one with chairs. Overall it is about 5,000 seats.

Last year, Beatles legend Paul McCartney surprised the late season music lovers when he booked a date to start off a small tour. The fan reaction, demand and in some cases, tearful emotion was as impactful as the landmark venue has ever seen.

In 2023, the Foo Fighters appeared as part of their smaller venue pop up shows with only a tight window for ticket purchases.

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Bend-La Pine driver arrested, accused of drinking before student bus route

KTVZ on April 7, 2026

Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding statement from Bend La-Pine Schools and info about them notifying the 18 families the day after it happened).

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver is accused of driving under the influence after transporting elementary students last week, according to Bend Police.

Police say 67-year-old Martha Ann Gerlicher of Bend faces charges of DUII and reckless endangering following the April 3 incident involving a route connected to Pine Ridge Elementary School.

According to investigators, Gerlicher had already completed an afternoon route for Pine Ridge Elementary, carrying 18 students, before heading to High Desert Middle School to begin another run. She reported possible brake issues with the bus, prompting a transportation supervisor to respond.

The supervisor found no mechanical problems but instead suspected Gerlicher was impaired. She was immediately removed from duty and taken to a private facility for testing, which showed high levels of alcohol, police said.

The school district later contacted non-emergency dispatch around 6:45 p.m. Officers responded to Gerlicher’s home, where she was arrested. About seven hours after the initial test, her blood alcohol content measured 0.16%, roughly twice the legal limit, according to police.

In a statement, Bend-La Pine Schools emphasized that no students were physically harmed, but acknowledged the concern caused by the incident.

“The safety of students is always our top priority. The District has zero tolerance for behavior that endangers the well-being of children,” the district said.

Officials added that families of the 18 elementary students who were on the bus that afternoon were notified the following day. “It was important that they hear directly from us about this as soon as possible,” the statement said.

The district confirmed Gerlicher has been placed on leave pending further action.

Some parents and community members have questioned why the incident is only now becoming public, several days later.

Communications Director Scott Maben said the district notified families of the 18 students the following day.

“On Saturday we informed the families of the 18 elementary students who were aboard the bus that afternoon,” Maben said. “It was important that they hear directly from us about this as soon as possible. I can’t speak to the timing of the police news release today.”

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Santa Barbara Origami Crane Gets U.S. Postal Stamp of Approval

KEYT on April 7, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A simple paper crane folded in Santa Barbara is about to travel the world on a new international stamp from the United States Postal Service.

The crane is part of the Peace Crane Project, created to give students a voice through art and connection.

The effort began after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, offering a way for young people to share hope during a difficult time.

Since then, the project has grown into a global exchange, with more than two million students in over 150 countries folding cranes and sending messages of peace.

Now, with the stamp set to be released, local classrooms are joining in — continuing the mission one message at a time.

A full story will follow after the stamp’s release, focusing on the local connection and the impact reaching far beyond Santa Barbara.

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Hunting named Idaho’s state sport thanks to Twin Falls 4th grader

KIFI on April 7, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — On Tuesday morning, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 652, designating hunting as Idaho’s official state sport—thanks to the hard work of a determined fourth-grader from Twin Falls.

Nine-year-old Betty Grandy stood alongside the Governor for the signing ceremony, marking the end of a legislative journey that saw the young homeschooler advocate for her idea in front of seasoned Idaho lawmakers.

RELATED: Senate Committee backs 9-year-old’s push to make hunting the official state sport

Governor Little had already met with the homeschooler to encourage her to pursue the proposal.

On March 4th, 9-year-old Betty persuaded the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee to endorse the bill. Introduced by Senator Treg Bernt as the “star of the show,” Betty had to stand on boxes just to reach the microphone.

Introduced to the Senate State Affairs committee by Senator Treg Bernt as the “star of the show,” Betty quickly won the committee members over. She told the lawmakers that Idaho already has a host of state symbols, but no state sport.

Despite her stature, she confidently stood before the lawmakers and told them that while Idaho boasts a long list of state symbols, it lacked a sport that truly defined its spirit.

“Making hunting the official state sport would simply recognize something that has shaped our state and is still important today,” Betty told lawmakers.

Sponsored by Representative Don Hall, Grandy’s bill passed the Idaho Legislature with unanimous support before reaching the Governor’s desk. The new law is set to officially take effect on July 1, 2026.

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Missing West Yellowstone Man found safe

KIFI on April 7, 2026

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — A West Yellowstone man reported missing since Sunday has been safely found and reunited with his family, ending a multi-day search.

Police in West Yellowstone shared the news that Ron Henderson had been found in an enthusiastic post on social media.

“Thank you to our community for your vigilance, shares, and tips it truly makes a difference,” states the post. “We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to all assisting law enforcement agencies in the Blackfoot, Idaho area for their coordination and quick response.”

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — Police in West Yellowstone are looking for a man who went missing over the weekend. 

Ron Henderson was last seen on Sunday at the Blackfoot Walmart. He was reportedly wearing a grey hoodie, khaki pants, and black Nike shoes.

Police are asking you not to approach him — but to call local law enforcement right away if you see him. For more information, click HERE.

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Portland Gear to open first store outside Greater Portland in Bend’s Old Mill District

KTVZ on April 7, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon-based lifestyle brand Portland Gear is set to expand beyond its home market this spring, announcing plans to open a new retail location in Bend’s Old Mill District.

The store, which will occupy the former Wild Child space at 450 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 403, marks the company’s first brick-and-mortar location outside the Greater Portland area. The addition will bring travel gear, luggage, and apparel offerings to one of Central Oregon’s busiest retail corridors.

The company was founded more than a decade ago by Portland native Marcus Harvey. It began as a grassroots operation, with Harvey selling branded T-shirts and hats from the back of his van. You might recognize the “P” logo, which incorporates the outline of Oregon. It helped the brand build a loyal regional following.

“We started with apparel, but our water-resistant backpack really changed everything for us,” said Kameesha Rose, the head of people and operations for the company. “From there, we grew into luggage, travel bags, and everyday gear. We’ve always been rooted in community, and Bend felt like a natural next step for us.”

Rose said the company has been looking to expand beyond Portland and identified Bend, specifically the Old Mill District, as the right fit. 

The new store, located between Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe and Sunglass Hut, will feature the brand’s signature bags and travel gear alongside apparel. It will also include Central Oregon-specific designs available exclusively at the Bend location.

The Bend location aims to open by Memorial Day weekend. The company is currently hiring local staff and plans to host an official grand opening later this year.

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UPDATE: ODHS locates missing juvenile, thanks community for support

KTVZ on April 7, 2026

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The missing juvenile, Marcus Carmicle, was located on Tuesday, April 7th, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) announced.

The department shared their thanks for the community’s support in finding the child quickly.

Full statement below:

“The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marcus Taylor Carmicle.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.”

Earlier Story — SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division is seeking public assistance in locating Marcus Taylor Carmicle, age 12, who went missing from Milwaukie on April 6th. They are believed to be in danger.

Marcus is suspected to be in the Milwaukie area.

Child Legal Name: Marcus Taylor Carmicle

Child Preferred Name: Marcus

Pronouns: he/him

Age: 12

Height: 5’8

Weight: Average build, 130 pounds

Hair color: Dark/black hair

Eye color: brown eyes

Specific Identifying Characteristics: He was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and a black head wrap

Milwaukie Police Department Case# 26-1787

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2083327

Date Missing: April 6, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Trimet stops, Milwaukie area

You’re asked to contact 911 or local law enforcement if you believe you have seen Marcus or know their whereabouts.

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