Honoring a Legacy: Idahoans gather today to say final farewell to Former Governor Dirk Kempthorne

KIFI on May 15, 2026

News Team

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idahoans are paying tribute this weekend to Dirk Kempthorne—the former Idaho Governor, U.S. Senator, and Boise Mayor—who passed away last month at the age of 74 following a battle with colon cancer.

On Saturday, May 16, the Idaho State Capitol rotunda will reopen for a final public viewing. Following the viewing, a formal procession will escort Kempthorne from the Capitol to the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, where a public funeral service is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available to watch live via the Cathedral’s livestream in the player below.

Following the funeral, Kempthorne will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.

A Legacy of Public Service

Kempthorne passed away on Friday, April 24th, surrounded by his family. His death marks the loss of one of Idaho’s most prominent modern political figures, whose career spanned municipal, state, and federal leadership.

Throughout his career, Kepmpthorne served as the mayor of Boise from 1986 to 1993 before being elected to the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. He went on to become Idaho’s governor, serving from 1999 to 2006. He later served as the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.

Following the news of his passing, current state leaders released statements honoring Kempthorne’s enduring legacy and character.

“I will always remember Dirk’s generosity and warmth. He was thoughtful, gracious, and deeply committed to the people around him,” said Governor Brad Little.

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THE MILITARY FAMILY: Colorado Springs student honored as Military Child of the Year

KRDO on May 15, 2026

Heather Skold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Out of 1,000 nominees, seven military-connected students snagged this year’s Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year — representing each branch of the military. 18-year-old Taylor Schreiner, who hails from Colorado Springs, represents the Space Force. 

The winners were selected due to their excellence in character, community service and leadership. 

“It’s really such a great honor,” said Schreiner.  “You do really have to adapt and adopt new mannerisms to overcome this challenge you’ve been given.”

Schreiner’s family stayed in Colorado Springs while her Dad, Brig. Gen. Robert Schreiner, Commander of U.S. Space Forces Northern, was deployed or stationed in other locations a total of 65 months, almost one-third of Taylor’s life. 

Taylor finds a bit of solace on the pitch, playing with the Discovery Canyon Varsity Soccer team.

“It’s been an outlet for these emotions when things have gotten a little dicey,” said Schreiner.  “I can just express myself without having to worry about missing my Dad.”

Taylor also expressed the importance of remembering the child’s part in the military family.

“I think it’s important to remember what you’re part of as well. You’re part of the smaller whole of serving our country by supporting your parent within the military. I think that’s something I’m very appreciative I’ve been able to do with my Dad.”

She and the other awardees received $10,000 grants, a laptop, and other donated gifts.

Schreiner plans to pursue a career in pediatric oncology, starting with undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall.  

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Phelps Health worker accused of misdemeanor sex abuse

KMIZ on May 15, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A healthcare worker has been accused of sexually abusing a patient last year at Phelps Health.

Alan Atkisson, of Rolla, was charged on Thursday in Phelps County with second-degree sexual abuse.

A patient reported on Aug. 15. 2025, that Atkisson, who is described as a sonographer in court documents, sexually abused them during a medical examination on June 21, 2025.

The victim gave specific detail to Rolla police and claimed they are now afraid of returning to Phelps Health for future appointments, the statement says.

Atkisson allegedly declined to speak to police. A criminal summons was issued on Thursday and Atkisson had an entry of appearance filed on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty, court filings show.

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Idaho Falls hosts National Peace Officer Memorial Day ceremony

KIFI on May 15, 2026

Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Falls Police Department hosted a National Peace Officer Memorial Day ceremony Friday night. It took place at the Bonneville County Courthouse. It is held every year on May 15th.

The service recognized 363 names of those who were killed in the line of duty across the United States and remember the families that were left behind. Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse and Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson both addressed the audience.

“It is our solemn obligation to never forget,” says Hulse. “It’s challenging, but also cathartic for us to remember them and not just for how they died, but for who they are.

The names of Idaho’s 80 fallen heroes and seven fallen K-9’s were read as an electronic candle was placed in a glass represented each hero.

Hulse says the odds are that law enforcement will never stop losing their lives in the line of duty. So he says it’s important to honor the willingness to serve.

“To me, that’s what matters. The fact that we still have men and women that answered the call. How different our society would be if we didn’t have people willing to do that.”

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Man pleads down to manslaughter in 2024 Jefferson City bar-fight death

KMIZ on May 15, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man has pleaded guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter in an August 2024 bar fight that led to a man’s death.

Kamari Balton, 27, was previously charged with second-degree murder in the death of Rafael Ayala. He pleaded guilty in Cole County on Friday morning. He will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. Court filings show that he is facing a maximum sentence of seven years.

Previous reporting shows police had found Ayala on the ground unconscious on Aug. 17, 2024, outside of Twisted Chicks, a Jefferson City bar. Balton was arrested about a month later.

The owner of the bar at the time told ABC 17 News that the fight occurred in the parking lot outside of the building after the bar was closed.

Balton has been held at the Cole County Jail since his 2024 arrest.

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Arrest made in Ahmad Hardy shooting

KMIZ on May 15, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man has been arrested in Paducah, Kentucky, in connection with this past weekend’s shooting of Mizzou running back Ahmad Hardy in Mississippi.

Rashodrick Harris, 20, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault, according to Laurel Police Department Sgt. Macon Davis. He is also facing an additional count in Kentucky for being a fugitive from out of state. He had an arraignment hearing on Friday morning and is being held at the McCracken, Kentucky, County Jail without bond.

Davis said Harris is accused of shooting Hardy and another victim after a concert early Sunday. Davis told ABC 17 News that Laurel police received a tip from someone this week that led to authorities looking at surveillance video by a nearby convenience store.

A victim in the case allegedly identified Harris as the suspect. Davis said Harris was arrested by Kentucky police early Friday.  

Check back for updates.

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‘So grateful’: Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity’s ‘Women Build Week’ makes emotional impact

KTVZ on May 15, 2026

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from CEO, volunteer, and future homeowner)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 100 volunteers spent the week building homes and building community during Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity’s 2026 Women Build Week at the Timber Cottages development in Redmond.

The week-long initiative focused on empowering women through affordable homeownership and hands-on construction experience, while helping complete the final homes in the 13-home neighborhood.

According to Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, 11 of the 13 homes at Timber Cottages will go to women-led households, including eight single mothers.

The future homeowners include local workers helping keep Central Oregon running, including a TSA officer at Redmond Airport, a certified nursing assistant at St. Charles Health System, and a school custodian.

Future homeowner Michelle said the opportunity has changed the way she views her future.

“I just feel like dreaming is much more possible now that I have Habitat behind my name and Saint Charles behind my name,” Michelle said. “I just think we’re only going to go up from here and things are only going to get better. And I am just so grateful.”

Throughout the week, volunteers worked on siding, trim, fencing, cabinets, and finish work alongside Habitat staff and future homeowners.

For volunteer Susan Gutowsky, who traveled from Fort Collins to participate, the mission behind the construction was what inspired her to join.

“The thing that makes me happy is that when they do finally enter their home, they’ve worked for it,” Gutowsky said. “They often have a family that’s going to enjoy the security and the safety of a roof over their head, but that they know what they’re doing and it’s going to be lasting.”

Habitat leaders say the homes are designed to provide long-term stability through energy-efficient construction and predictable housing costs. The organization estimates utility bills for the net-zero homes could average around $15 per month.

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity CEO Carly Cogan encouraged volunteers to continue advocating for affordable housing beyond the build site.

“You’ve made the decision to show up, to contribute, to be a part of something that’s bigger than any one of us,” Cogan said. “The question now is not whether you’re a builder. The question is what you choose to build next.”

The Timber Cottages project is expected to be completed later this year.

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Woman, man each charged with first-degree murder in Randolph County teen’s death

KMIZ on May 15, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 20-year-old Randolph County woman and a 19-year-old man are now charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Moberly teen.

Prosecutors filed an amended complaint on Friday afternoon that charges Alayna Mason and Hunter Ames with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in the death of 16-year-old Kayla Huff. Ames faces an additional count of tampering with evidence

Randolph County Prosecutor Stephanie Luntsford said as investigators continue to uncover new details in the case, prosecutors believe it was necessary to update the charges.

Luntsford said an autopsy was conducted on Huff, providing the office with preliminary findings.However, she would not go into detail about those findings because the final autopsy report has not yet been completed. She also did not say when the report is expected to be finished.

“We do have an individual that’s deceased. We do have some information regarding, her death and some of the evidence and statements about events that led up to that,” she said.

Mason and Ames are among two other people who were charged in the disappearance of Huff, who was found dead earlier this week by law enforcement.

Christopher Hull and Julian Mason are each charged with first-degree kidnapping and tampering with evidence.

All four people suspects are in the Randolph County Jail and have a hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Check back for updates.

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Imperial County Board approves mandatory trash collection and rate hikes

KYMA on May 15, 2026

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a new solid waste rate and collection system for unincorporated areas to comply with California’s Organic Waste Reduction Law, aka Senate Bill (SB) 1383.

Effective July 1, the county will transition to a mandatory three-container system, replacing the long-standing reliance on self-hauling to local landfills.

Residents will receive 96-gallon bins color-coded for household trash (black), recycling (blue), and organic waste (green).

The service will cost residents approximately $26.51 per month. The fee, totaling roughly $320 per year, will be billed annually on the county property tax roll. Under the new mandate, no residential waivers are permitted.

Commercial businesses will also be required to use the three-bin system, with service levels tailored to their specific needs and billed monthly by the hauler.

Unlike residential users, commercial entities may apply for certain waivers if they meet specific state criteria.

While the deadline to implement SB 1383 passed in 2022, Imperial County has operated under a series of extensions.

With those extensions set to expire, the Board moved forward to bring the county into compliance and avoid potential state-mandated penalties.

To see if you are affected, enter your address into the GIS Maps tool on the Imperial County Department of Public Works website.

The site also features detailed maps showing whether your neighborhood will be serviced by CR&R or Republic Services.

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Spread Creek Fire near Jackson now 5% contained

KIFI on May 15, 2026

Bailee Shaw

JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — Fire crews are still battling the lightning-caused Spread Creek Fire in the Jackson area, where the blaze is now 5% contained.

Approximately 150 firefighters are on the scene, working to contain and suppress the fire. New estimates have reduced the fire size, estimating the blaze has consumed around 257 acres.

Today, Teton Interagency Fire crews will continue building and reinforcing control lines around the fire’s edge.

Forest Service officials are asking the public to avoid Hatchet Road and Flagstaff Road, allowing fire crews to work safely and without delay. Drivers should anticipate increased fire-related traffic on Highway 26/287 near the Blackrock Ranger Station. Motorists are advised to use caution when driving near emergency vehicles.

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