Idahoan Foods to permanently close Rupert processing plant

KIFI on April 23, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

RUPERT, Idaho (KIFI) — A longtime Idaho company is closing one of its processing plants in the Magic Valley. Idahoan Foods confirms it will shut down its facility in Rupert.

The food processing company, known for instant mashed and potato products, notified the state that the closure will impact 61 employees, according to documents from the Idaho Department of Labor.

The reason for their closure has not been released.

Local News 8 reached out to Idahoan for comment, and Idahoan President and CEO Dale Clemiss issued the following statement in response:

“Idahoan Foods has made the decision to permanently close its Rupert, Idaho, facility. The company has notified affected employees and is following all applicable notice requirements. Operations at the Rupert facility are expected to continue through the end of June 2026. Idahoan Foods is committed to supporting its employees through this transition and will continue to operate safely and reliably across all facilities.”

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“Through the Eyes of Our Learners:” School District 25 invites community to special America 250 fine arts exhibition on May 1st

KIFI on April 23, 2026

News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is inviting the community out to a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Friday, May 1st, 2026, District 25 will host “America Through the Eyes of Our Learners,” featuring more than 200 original works of art and live performances. According to D25, the event invites the community to explore national history and ideals through the eyes of local students.

“This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice,” said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations, and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

The special event will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street).

The event also features more than $2,000 in prizes, sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, to recognize student achievement and creativity. Visitors are encouraged to participate by voting for the People’s Choice Awards during the gallery walk to help select the winning entries.

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Woman accused of pulling out gun at man in front of Jefferson City McDonald’s

KMIZ on April 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman has been charged after she allegedly pulled a gun out on someone on April 10 outside the McDonald’s on Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City.

Tameka Whitfield, of Jefferson City, was charged on Wednesday with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and second-degree assault. She was not in custody on Thursday afternoon and court documents claim she was last seen on Flock cameras in the St. Louis area.

The probable cause statement says the victim go into an argument with a co-worker about orders taking too long to be fulfilled. The victim allegedly then went into his vehicle, got food from the drive-thru and parked in front of the building, the statement says.

Whitfield then allegedly walked up to the vehicle, pulled out a gun and said, “Don’t talk to my son like that,” court documents say.

The victim went down the road to meet with police, the statement indicates. He eventually identified Whitfield from a photo lineup, the statement says.

Police wrote that Whitfield was also seen on video “going into her vehicle and running toward the Victim’s vehicle and pointing an object at the Victim.”

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Cole County accuses company of negligence in July 2023 fuel spill

KMIZ on April 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cole County has sued a company over a July 24, 2023, diesel fuel spill that occurred in a creek near a farm south of Jefferson City.

The county is accusing Neumayer Equipment Company, from St. Louis, of breach of contract and negligence.

The lawsuit claims that the county hired Neumayer to install a fuel system in the 5000 block of Monticello Road and that it was required to “install certain items at the fuel island in accordance with sound workmanship and industry standards” and to test the system.

The system was installed on July 21, 2023, and a fuel spill occurred three days later, where more than 1,000 gallons of fuel polluted the Moreau River and surrounding areas, according to lawsuit. Previous reporting indicates fuel was seen in a creek.

Sean Counihan, of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Environmental Services Program, told ABC 17 News in an email that no fuel was seen in the Moreau River, “only the small creek/tributary that traverses the Lincoln University farm property.”

The lawsuit accuses Neumayer failing to “properly tighten, affix or connect a hose fitting on the newly installed fuel line” and not properly testing the system.

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Hikers rescued from South Sister after medical issue and hypothermia

KTVZ on April 23, 2026

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit responded to a call for help on Wednesday, Apr. 23, after a hiker began experiencing a medical issue and became mildly hypothermic on South Sister. The call was initiated at 4:45 p.m.

Two males in their 20s, who had traveled from the Philomath area, were hiking South Sister. They parked at Dutchman Flat at the base of Mt. Bachelor and were descending the mountain when they called for assistance.

13 volunteers from the Search and Rescue Medical and Mountain Rescue teams located the hikers at 8:25 p.m. One of the hikers was able to walk out without needing assistance.

The second hiker, who was experiencing the medical issue, was warmed up by Search and Rescue medical personnel. This hiker was then transported in a Cascade rescue sled.

Search and Rescue crews navigated deep, variable snow to bring the hikers to Cascade Lakes Highway by 3:45 a.m. One hiker was transferred to a Bend Fire & Rescue ambulance for further medical evaluation, while the other was taken to his car.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds hikers to plan ahead before venturing into higher elevations. Hikers should carry ample food, water and appropriate clothing. Conditions in these areas can change rapidly, especially after sunset when temperatures drop, despite spring-like weather.

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Former Fulton assistant fire chief claims age discrimination in lawsuit against city

KMIZ on April 23, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Fulton Assistant Fire Chief Todd Gray has accused the City of Fulton of age discrimination in a lawsuit that was filed on Wednesday in Callaway County.

Court documents say that Gray was first a volunteer firefighter for eight years, beginning in 1994, before being hired full-time as a firefighter in April 2002. He was promoted over time eventually became the assistant chief and served as the union president.

The lawsuit claims Gray was fired two years before being able to receive full retirement benefits.

The petition also claims that issues arose when in 2024 when younger firefighters refused to wear their personal protection equipment while responding to calls, which is an apartment violation of the fire department’s standard operating guidelines.

The lawsuit also claims Chief Russell Sing was also violating the policy by not wearing PPE.

“Chief Sing responded that he, as the office in charge of the scene, was not going to wear the PPE,” the lawsuit claims.

Gray was eventually fired after bringing concerns to his office’s attention, the lawsuit alleges.

Court documents say younger firefighters started referring to Gray as “old-timer” and “old man” while he was still working there. He was then allegedly reprimanded after an anonymous survey was done and Gray alleges he was not given an opportunity to respond to any allegations made against him by younger firefighters.

The lawsuit also claims younger firefighters had interfered with “murder investigations” and routinely made racist comments, but the city had used its “progressive discipline policy,” with them but not Gray before he was fired.

Gray was the oldest person in the department at 53 years old and claims the city has recently participated in age discrimination with a number of former employees in their 50s and 60s, court documents say.

The lawsuit lists the firing of Renee Taylor from her city administrator position. Taylor was in her mid-60s at the time of her termination. It also claims former parks and recreation director Clay Caswell was forced to resign while he was in his 50s and that the head of the city’s engineering department was also forced to resign in his mid-50s.

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Traffic Alert: Roadway improvements at St. Clair and John Adams to begin April 27

KIFI on April 23, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Beginning Monday, April 27, crews will begin a roadway improvement project at the intersection of St. Clair Road and John Adams Parkway.

The project will include replacement of the existing valley gutter on the south side of John Adams, which has settled over time and created a significant dip for southbound traffic on St. Clair. In addition, crews will upgrade pedestrian ramps to current standards and regrade St. Clair Road to improve the transition into the intersection, creating a smoother and safer ride for the traveling public.

Work will begin with removal of the existing valley gutter and pedestrian ramps, followed by regrading of St. Clair and installation of new concrete infrastructure. Once the new concrete has cured, the roadway will be repaved and reopened to traffic.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by Thursday, May 7.

During construction, St. Clair Road will be closed to through traffic at John Adams Parkway. A signed detour route will be in place to guide motorists around the closure using nearby parallel streets. Drivers traveling northbound on St. Clair will be required to turn prior to the closure and follow posted detour signs to reconnect with John Adams Parkway.

Traffic on John Adams Parkway will remain open. Access to nearby properties will be maintained as much as possible, though temporary disruptions may occur as work progresses.

This project is part of the City of Idaho Falls’ ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and infrastructure throughout the community. The city appreciates the public’s patience during construction.

Motorists should watch for crews and equipment, follow posted traffic signs, and reduce speeds in the work zone.

For more information about the project, contact the City of Idaho Falls Street Division at (208) 612-8490.

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EPWater provides updates regarding Cement Lake, road closures lifted

KVIA on April 23, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

UPDATE ( April 26th – 2:52 PM) –According to El Paso Water, additional progress has been made in reducing the risk of dam failure at the Cement Lake Dam (also known as the Portland Reservoir) in West El Paso, allowing for reopening of the closed roadways.

“We had a very close call with a near-dam collapse, but it has been stabilized, and the risk is now verylow,” said EPWater President and CEO John Balliew. “Our crews acted quickly and decisively toprotect public safety and critical infrastructure.”

Officials with EPWater says that crews deployed as many as 16 pumps to lower water levels byapproximately 17 feet by Sunday morning which reduced pressure on the dam.

Water pumped from the lake was released near culverts that drain to the Rio Grande according to El Paso Water. The lake water quality was previously tested and met Texas Commission on Environmental Quality standards for release to the river.

Saturday, April 25, crews were able to safely resume earthwork operations near the embankment to reinforce the compromised section of the dam, EPWater says. Earthwork activities had been halted late Thursday night after multiple indicators signaled a potential dam failure. Conditions at the time made it dangerous for personnel to remain in the area of the dam’s compromised section, which EPWater says had already shown signs of breaching and posed a serious hazard to major roadways.

EPWater says that the while roadway access has been restored, the area in and around the lake remains closed to all but authorized personnel as EPWater crews continues operations.

According to EPWater, City-County Office of Emergency Management and partner agencies played a key role in keeping the community safe.

Officials with EPWater say that the utility is shifting from emergency response to planning and executing a long-term solution for Cement Lake Dam and crews will continue working on-site to remove more water from the dam.

UPDATE (April 25th- 1:50 PM) — El Paso Water posted on social media that crews overnight Saturday continued to pump out water from the Cement Lake Dam.

According to officials, EP Water crews have removed 92 inches (about 8 feet) as of this morning.

EP Water says that there are currently 13 pumps installed and additional pumps are expected to arrive later today. Road closures remain in place.

Update on April 23 at 9 p.m.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Water released an update to the possible Cement Lake dam breach the utility has been monitoring. The update stated, “Out of an abundance of caution, EPWater has relocated all personnel to higher ground and away from the immediate hazard area where a breach could occur.”

This comes as the utility reports, “While earlier mitigation efforts successfully reduced some risk,engineers are now observing increasingly concerning developments at the site, including slow-rateslope failures, slight embankment movement, and water seepage—indicators consistent with abreach that carries a risk of dam failure.”

The utility also states they are “Working in close coordination with the City-County Office of Emergency Management, which has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support response efforts.”

As a precaution, roadways in the area will remain closed because of the “risk of flooding if the dam fails.”

EPWater says while crews we’re able to remove approximately 30 inches of water through pumping operations, the utility now says after assessments as much as 10 feet of water may need to be removed to stabilize conditions.

El Paso Water sent a news release saying they continue to monitor a potential dam breach at Cement Lake, located in West El Paso, also known as Portland Reservoir.

According to EPWater, they are taking precautionary measures and actions to protect public safety.

“EPWater is coordinating with emergency management and local agencies while crews make progress at the site,” the utility said.

These are some of the actions taken by EPWater so far:

Water is being pumped out of the lake and into the Rio Grande to reduce pressure on the dam.

Crews are making progress lowering the lake level. Water levels have already been lowered by about 2 feet. The utility said it wants to lower up to 5 feet in total.

Additional reductions are in progress to further reduce risk.

Impacts/Road Closures:

Closures are precautionary based on potential impact areas. They will remain in place until risk is reduced and safety can be reassessed.

Water from the spring-fed lake meets the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s standards.

There is no adverse impact to the Rio Grande and no impact to our drinking water supply.

What Residents Should Do, according to EPWater:

Avoid closed roads and follow traffic guidance.

Stay updated through official EPWater channels.

Follow direction from local authorities.

ABC-7 reached out to El Paso Water for comment and an interview. We also interviewed other local residents living near Cement Lake.

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Oregon expands drought emergency to six counties, including Crook and Jefferson, as record-warm winter deepens water crisis

KTVZ on April 23, 2026

Campbell Porter

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in six Oregon counties, citing record-low snowpack and ongoing dry conditions. The declaration, issued through Executive Order 26-07, affects Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow and Wallowa counties.

This marks the second drought declaration for Oregon in 2026. A total of nine of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status, including Deschutes County.

The 2025–26 winter in Oregon tied with 1934 as the warmest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These unusually warm temperatures contributed to record-low snowpack with likely impacts on natural resources, water supply and wildfire risk across the state.

The drought emergency declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities. These include assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.

As of April 7, 89% of Crook County is experiencing moderate to severe drought. Indicators for Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and water year-to-date (WYTD) show drier-than-normal conditions. Precipitation across most of the county has been below normal.

Grant County also faces significant drought conditions, with 99% in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over the last year and WYTD indicate drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county and precipitation has been below normal.

In Jackson County, 95% is in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over various timescales point to moderate drought conditions for most of the county. Precipitation conditions have been below normal over the last year.

Jefferson County is severely impacted, with 94% in severe drought and the remainder in moderate drought as of April 7. Moderate to extreme drought conditions are indicated by SPEI values and WYTD precipitation is just below normal at 70% to 90%. WYTD temperatures are well above normal, resulting in well below normal snowpack.

Morrow County has 80% of its area in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. While WYTD SPEI values generally indicate normal conditions, SPEI values over the last year show drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county. Precipitation has been below normal over the last year.

Wallowa County is entirely in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over the last year indicate moderate to severe drought conditions across much of the county. WYTD SPEI values vary, ranging from drier-than-normal to wetter-than-normal conditions and precipitation has been below normal over the last year.

These drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors. They will also impact drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies and increase wildfire risk.

Gov. Kotek noted the severity of the situation and the state’s readiness to act.

“Communities across the state are being confronted with unprecedented drought conditions,” Kotek said. “My office and relevant state agencies are at the ready to assist affected communities address drought impacts and continue efforts to secure a stronger, more climate-resilient Oregon. The abnormally dry conditions we’re experiencing should serve as a stark reminder that wildfire season is around the corner and Oregonians need to be ready.”

Previously, Gov. Kotek declared drought in Baker, Deschutes and Umatilla counties in March 2026. The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely.

State and local officials are coordinating with federal partners. The state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, will closely monitor conditions.

Forecasted snowpack, temperature, precipitation and water supply conditions suggest that drought conditions in the affected counties are unlikely to improve in the near-term.

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Bend Police, Park and Rec will visit parks to remind dog owners about leash rules, seek voluntary compliance

KTVZ on April 23, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dogs are big users of parks and trails, but there are few public places where leashes aren’t required, so Bend Police and the Bend Park and Recreation District are teaming up to visit area parks in coming days, reminding everyone about those rules and the costs of not following them.

One of the most common concerns from community members involves off‑leash dogs and their handlers not following these rules, the two agencies said in a joint news release Thursday that continues below:

They are reminding pet owners about leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on leash.

BPRD’s park stewards will partner with Bend Police Community Service Officers by visiting several parks and trails this month to talk with dog handlers about expectations and park rules.

From Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, community members will see extra patrols by staff of both organizations, seeking voluntary compliance and providing reminders to anyone observed with a dog off leash about possible consequences of violations.

Dogs are required by city ordinance to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend except in designated off-leash areas.

The engagement campaign aims to inform community members about possible enforcement actions, which can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $275 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

“Leashes aren’t just a rule — they’re one of the simplest ways to protect your dog, other park users, and the shared experience of being outdoors,” said Joel Lee, BPRD park stewardship manager. “Leashing your dog also helps protect wildlife, preserve natural habitats, and prevent harmful encounters.”

The park steward team keeps data related to their patrols and contacts in parks and facilities throughout the year.

In 2025, they observed 12,697 dogs on leash and 2,864 dogs off leash, which equates to approximately 77 percent compliance. According to Lee, compliance varies seasonally, as well as across parks and trails, with complaints increasing in neighborhood parks across the community.

Meanwhile, Bend Police received 157 dog complaints regarding incidents on park properties in 2025, and 52 calls so far in 2026. The Bend Police Department maintains a dashboard allowing the public to see police calls for service in public parks. You can access it at https://policedata.bendoregon.gov/pages/parks-incidents.

“We need our community to work together and for everyone to follow park rules,” said Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller. “The law applies to everyone, even if you think your dog is friendly or well trained.”

Leash rules also apply while walking to a dog park from the entrance or a parking lot. Unleashed dogs running from a vehicle can create safety concerns for the dog as well as for others, especially in busy parks such as Hollinshead, Ponderosa, Big Sky and Pine Nursery parks.

Additionally, dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.

BPRD has nine dog off-leash areas in local parks, including:

Alpenglow Community Park (61049 SE 15th St.) 3.9 acres, fenced with small dog area and agility amenities.

Big Sky Park (21690 Neff Rd) 5 acres, fenced.

Discovery Park (1315 NW Discovery Park Drive) 1.6 acres, fenced.

Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia St) 1.1 acres, fenced with river access and small dog area.

Ponderosa Park (225 SE 15th St) 2.9 acres, fenced with small dog area.

Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park (NE Purcell Rd) 18.8 acres, fenced with seasonal splash pad and small dog park.

Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd) 3.7 acres, unfenced.

Overturf Butte Reservoir (Skyliner Summit Loop) 4.6 acres, fenced.

Awbrey Reservoir (NW 10th and Trenton) 5 acres, partially fenced (not fully enclosed). Note: acreage is approximate.

Off-leash area etiquette includes only visiting with vaccinated, non-aggressive pets. Also, please don’t allow children to ride bikes or play on agility course equipment located in the dog parks.

Learn more on the Dogs in Parks webpage.

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