4 children, 2 adults seriously injured in horse-and-buggy crash with vehicle in Morgan County

KMIZ on May 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Four children 6 years old and younger were seriously injured Wednesday in a horse-and-buggy crash that involved a vehicle in Morgan County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says a horse and buggy carrying six people was heading westbound on Route C in Morgan County, east of Gracey Creek Road, when it was hit by a silver Chevrolet Trax that was driven b a 22-year-old Versailles woman.

Six occupants of the horse and buggy had serious injuries and were brought to University Hospital by ambulance, the report says. A baby girl younger than 1-year-old, a 3-year-old boy, 5-year-old boy, 6-year-old girl, a 28-year-old man and 29-year-old woman were among those seriously injured. All six people are from Versailles.

The man was determined to be the “driver” in the report.

The driver of the SUV had minor injuries and was brought to an urgent care in a private vehicle, the report says. 

The SUV was totaled and the buggy was destroyed. The status of the horse was not disclosed by law enforcement.

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Locked and unloaded: Local firearm safety tips for Idaho families

KIFI on May 13, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Firearms continue to rank as the leading cause of death for children nationwide. In Idaho — a state where hunting and sport shooting are a major part of life for many families — local firearm experts are emphasizing that simple steps at home can prevent life-altering tragedies.

According to Kwaid Garrett, the shop manager at Guns and Gear in Idaho Falls, responsible gun ownership starts with properly storing guns unloaded, locked away, and out of children’s reach.

“It’s very, very important that as an adult you need to do your part, go to training classes, and actively participate in how to use your firearm properly,” said Garrett. “In turn, it’s going to be a safer community. You’re going to be more knowledgeable. You’re going to have the ability to relay better information to your kids and to family members that might be running into situations where their kids are curious about firearms.”

Key storage tips

Garrett recommends using a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) or biometric safe to secure your firearms, as it’s an efficient way to practice securing your firearms correctly while having quick access to protection.

“They’re opening faster. They’re giving you access to the firearms faster, while also maintaining a level of security that makes it a lot trickier for children and for burglars and anybody that is trying to rob you, it makes it a little bit easier for you to get access to it and harder for them,” Garrett said.

Here are some tips to storing firearms:

Unloaded: Always make sure a firearm is unloaded, with no ammunition in the chamber or magazine, before placing it in storage.

Locked away: secure guns in gun safes with ammunition in a separate, locked container and out of reach.

Use combination locks and safes or safes that use biometric security, such as fingerprint locks.

Talking to your kids about guns

According to Safekids.org, talking to your children and their caregivers is another important step into keeping your kids safe from gun accidents.

“It’s crucially important because children are exceptionally curious and, with a lack of education on how to be safe and how to store firearms properly. Kids, just with their curiosity, want to get into things and they want to explore,” Garrett said.

Teach children that firearms shown on television or in video games are very different from real guns and can cause serious harm.

Communicate to babysitters, grandparents, and caretakers about gun storage and guns in the home.

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Missouri DOC faces delays in air conditioning installation project

KMIZ on May 13, 2026

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Corrections says air conditioning installation at some facilities will not be completed for several more months as summer temperatures approach.

DOC spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said the department came across obstacles during the installation process at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center, slowing progress on the project.

Pojmann said the vendor originally working with the DOC could not complete the project at FRDC within the department’s budget restrictions, forcing DOC to pursue another option.

“At FRDC, installation is underway, and we hope it will be completed within the next several months,” Pojmann wrote in a Wednesday afternoon email.

At the Moberly Correctional Center, installation has not yet started, according to Pojmann.

For now, both the Fulton and Moberly facilities are only partially air conditioned. The current projects would expand air conditioning into additional buildings.

Previous reporting shows partial installation includes administrative, transitional care and infirmaries where people receive medical care, segregated housing units and other buildings do have air conditioning.

Pojmann said inmates have access to cold water in coolers in common areas and running water in their cells. She says if ice machines struggle to keep up with the demand for ice, facility administrators are instructed to purchase as much “supplemental ice” as necessary.

The installation process across DOC facilities has moved slowly since the Missouri General Assembly approved funding during the 2023 legislative session as part of the fiscal year 2024 state budget.

Previous reporting shows installation was expected to be completed by January 2026. In 2024, Pojman noted that air conditioning projects at correctional facilities can be lengthy and complicated.

Fully air conditioned facilities:

Boonville Correctional Center

Chillicothe Correctional Center

Crossroads Correctional Center

Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center

Jefferson City Correctional Center

Potosi Correctional Center

South Central Correctional Center

Southeast Correctional Center

Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center

  Western Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center

Partly air conditioned facilities:

Farmington Correctional Center

Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center

Moberly Correctional Center

Northeast Correctional Center

Facilities with no air conditioning:

Algoa Correctional Center

Maryville Treatment Center

Ozark Correctional Center

Missouri Eastern Correctional Center

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Idaho Falls Fire Department Contain Rapidly Moving Brush Fire Near North Haroldsen Drive

KIFI on May 13, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a brush fire reported at approximately 1:50 p.m. today near the railroad tracks off North Haroldsen Drive that threatened nearby structures and businesses.

Upon arrival, crews encountered multiple spot fires and burning debris across a dry grass area, creating rapidly changing conditions and challenging access. The fire is believed to have been caused by metal work at the scene, which produced sparks that ignited nearby dry grass.

Courtesy: Idaho Falls Fire Department

The fire burned an estimated 150 yards in length and approximately 800 feet in width, extending from a fence line toward the railroad tracks. Due to the presence of multiple spot fires, the total affected area remains an estimate.

Fire crews deployed a robust response, including two Type 3 brush trucks, one Type 6 brush truck, one tactical tender, three Type 1 engines and a ladder truck. Dispatch coordinated with the railroad to halt train traffic in the area during suppression efforts.

Crews were able to quickly contain the fire and remain on scene to monitor conditions, extinguish hot spots and prevent rekindling due to continued wind. No significant property damage has been reported.

“This was a fast-moving fire in a complex area to access, and our crews executed a strong, coordinated response,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Johan Olson. “They did an outstanding job stopping the fire before it could impact nearby businesses or cause significant loss. With the unusually dry conditions we’re experiencing, we urge the public to treat current conditions more like mid-summer. Please use extreme caution with anything that could create sparks around dry vegetation.”

The Idaho Falls Fire Department reminds residents that increased heat, wind and dry conditions significantly elevate fire risk. Avoid activities that may produce sparks near dry grass, and report any signs of fire immediately.

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Former Fort Bliss soldier sentenced 20 years in prison for crash that killed engaged couple

KVIA on May 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Wednesday, a former Fort Bliss soldier was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a deadly crash that killed a couple in Far East El Paso nearly two years ago.

On April 29, Juan Francisco Del Valle pleaded guilty to two counts of intoxication manslaughter.

In Wednesday’s sentencing, Judge Selena Solis sentenced Del Valle to serve 20 years concurrently for each count of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle, which is the maximum punishment.

Fort Bliss said Del Valle was assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.

28-year-old Dalia Olivas and 29-year-old Rick Ballard died in the crash, which happened on the corner of Rojas Drive and Eastlake Boulevard in November 2024.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Ballard died at the crash scene. Olivas died to her injuries at a hospital.

The couple was engaged at the time. Olivas used to teach English at Triumph High School in West El Paso.

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Border Patrol Yuma Sector hosts annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service

KYMA on May 13, 2026

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The U.S. Border Patrol Yuma Sector hosted its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service, honoring officers and agents who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving their country and community.

The ceremony brought together members of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, along with community members and families, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Chief Steve Suho said the memorial service is an important reminder of the strong partnerships among law enforcement agencies and the need to support one another.

“The partnerships we have with all law enforcement agencies have been great,” Suho said. “It’s critical that we come to these memorial services to support our fellow officers and agents. It’s important that we take care of each other and support each other.”

Suho said the service also serves as a way to ensure fallen officers and agents are never forgotten.

“As our lives go on, we get busy and things sometimes get pushed to the back of our minds,” Suho said. “These memorial services bring those who gave their lives serving others back to the forefront, even if only for a brief moment.”

The annual memorial service honored those who risked their lives to protect the border and keep communities safe.

Chief Dustin Caudle said the week serves as a time for the nation to remember those who died in service.

“This week, our nation honors personnel who gave their lives in service to our country,” Caudle said.

The ceremony represented both a day of mourning and a day of unity, bringing the community together to pay respect to fallen officers and agents.

“Their legacy demands that we be our best, not only as a tribute to their lives, but to be worthy of their sacrifice,” Caudle said.

According to Yuma Sector Border Patrol officials, those honored during the memorial service were remembered for their courage, compassion and commitment to protecting others.

“Each lived a life of courage, compassion and commitment,” Caudle said. “Each took an oath to protect the Constitution and serve a mission greater than themselves.”

Officials said ceremonies like the annual memorial service help keep the memories of fallen officers and agents alive while reminding the community of the sacrifices made in the line of duty.

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Former Columbia mayor criticizes Ward 4 candidate day after filing opens

KMIZ on May 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A candidate in Columbia’s Fourth Ward race is defending his record following after a former mayor called him out on social media.

Former Columbia Utilities Director Dave Sorrell filed paperwork on Tuesday to run for the open Fourth Ward seat on the City Council.

Former Mayor Brian Treece left a comment on ABC 17 News’ Facebook page that questioned Sorrell’s time as utilities director and brought up delayed or unfinished projects.

“Before asking voters to entrust him with another public role, residents deserve a clear explanation for why so many of these long-promised improvements remain incomplete,” a portion of Treece’s comment says.

Sorrell told ABC 17 News that previous City Councils had delayed the projects and said he wants to make them a priority, if elected.

“It’s not surprising that a political attack is already coming from individuals closely aligned with my potential opponent’s campaign. But I thank them for highlighting one of the many reasons I am running to represent the 4th Ward,” a statement from Sorrell says. “For years, the City Council simply did not make those priorities into reality. It’s a failure of elected leadership, they held the purse, they made the legislation, and they let politics get in the way.”

Treece served as Columbia’s mayor from 2016-22. Sorrell was the director of utilities from 2020-25 and was the assistant director during the prior five years.

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 to file for the election, city documents show. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The position is open after Councilman Nick Foster announced that he intends to resign from his position on June 12.

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Hantavirus found in New Mexico isn’t the same strain from cruise ship outbreak

KVIA on May 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health said a hantavirus strain found in the state is different from the strain that started spreading on a cruise ship. On Wednesday, NMDOH said the strain in New Mexico cannot spread between people.

The cruise ship strain comes from the Andes hantavirus in Argentina and Chile, NMDOH said. It added, no New Mexico residents boarded the ship and there’s low risk to the public.

The strain found in New Mexico, Sin Nombre hantavirus, spreads through infected rodents. NMDOH this happens when droppings or nests are disturbed and the virus particles become airborne. Again, Sin Nombre doesn’t spread from person to person.

NMDOH said there are many strains of hantavirus and about half are known to infect humans. The Andes hantavirus, recognized since the mid-1990s, does not spread easily and requires close contact.

Health officials said you can reduce your risk of contracting Sin Nombre hantavirus with these actions:

Air out closed-up buildings like sheds, cabins and abandoned cars before going in.

Soak rodent nests and droppings with a disinfectant solution before wiping with paper towels. Use gloves, a mask and solutions like 10% bleach.

Do not vacuum or sweep rodent droppings because virus particles can spread into the air and be inhaled.

Trap mice and seal your home to prevent them from going in.

Keep hay, wood, compost piles and trash as far as you can from your home.

You can find more information on hantavirus here.

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Las Cruces firefighters put out propane leak at gas station

KVIA on May 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Firefighters put out a propane leak in Las Cruces Tuesday, the city’s fire department said.

LCFD firefighters found a leaking 20-pound propane cylinder in a gas station storage locker near 4600 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., which is near Sonoma Elementary School.

Firefighters moved the cylinder to an emptier part of the parking lot while waiting for a hazmat team, LCFD said. The hazmat team did a controlled burn until the cylinder emptied.

No injuries were reported and crews finished within an hour.

LCFD said to report suspected gas leaks and hazardous materials immediately to 911.

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Felony drug charges filed against Osage Beach alderman

KMIZ on May 13, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Osage Beach alderman has been charged with multiple felonies in Camden County.

Ward 1 Alderman John Robert “Bob” O’Steen was charged on Wednesday with delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of drug possession and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. A warrant was requested on Wednesday.

The city released a statement on O’Steen’s charges.

“The City of Osage Beach is aware of the charges filed against one of its Aldermen,” the statement says. “We will continue to gather and evaluate the facts as they become available. We respect the judicial process and will not have any further comment at this time.”

The probable cause statement says the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force conducted an undercover cocaine sale to O’Steen. The alderman allegedly requested to buy two “8-balls” of cocaine for $500, which weighed a combined total of 7 grams, the statement says.

O’Steen, 60, allegedly bought the drugs from an undercover officer in a vehicle and was later arrested with the two bags, court documents say. Law enforcement eventually searched O’Steen’s residence and found cocaine, amphetamines and a number of guns, the statement says.

O’Steen is being held in the Camden County Jail on a $250,000 bond, according to a news release from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

26CM-CR00688 – ST V JOHN BOB ROBERT O’STEENDownload

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