St. Luke’s lifts up new cross

KIFI on May 13, 2026

Megan Lavin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — If you drive by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Idaho Falls, you’ll notice it has a new illuminated 10-foot-by-5-foot bronze cross on its tower.

The previous cross, made of wood and covered in aluminum, used to sit atop the building. But because of the strong winds in the area, church leaders decided to affix the new cross directly to the tower instead.

The church took down the old cross in 2020 due to safety concerns after the wood began to rot.

The new cross cost the parish more than $14,000, an amount the church raised in only about two weeks. David Macfarlane, on the Building and Grounds Committee, says that shows how excited parish members were to see the project completed.

Macfarlane says he also feels the cross helps advertise what the church is about.

“Oh, it’s a thrill to have the ability to tell people without having to go out, stand on a street corner with a wobbly sign saying, here we are.”

Macfarlane also hopes the cross will do more than light up the sky. He hopes it will increase membership and help distinguish the church from others on the same block.

“Because without a cross, there’s no real identity. This will be definite. It will be obvious.”

Macfarlane says, like many congregations, their numbers have been struggling. He hopes the new cross will help draw more people in.

“Hopefully that’ll build a little bit of our membership, And if they’re curious, they come on inside. I think it will at least get them to pay attention to it.”

He also notes the church’s location and how not having a cross may have impacted passersby.

“We have two other churches on this street. So we have the Methodist and the Presbyterian, and here we are. And this looked like a school building without a cross.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Calipatria seeks historic data center moratorium on heels of council recall notices

KYMA on May 13, 2026

Lynette Niebla

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – The Calipatria City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to hold formal public hearings for a data center moratorium, positioning the city to potentially become the first jurisdiction in Imperial County to enact such a freeze.

Following 30 minutes of discussion, the 4-0 vote initiates a strategic legislative pause designed to stop the development of new, high-energy-demand facilities within city limits.

If successful at the upcoming hearings, Calipatria will set a major county precedent by blocking large-scale data center projects. 

Local officials intend to use the freeze to analyze the compounding strain rapid AI infrastructure expansion places on the region and update zoning laws and land-use regulations.

City staff will now refine the specific regulatory verbiage to prepare the ordinance for the scheduled public hearings before it can take full effect.

While the data center freeze topped the agenda, the meeting’s tone was set early during the public comment period.

During that time, a local resident stepped forward to serve formal notices of intention for recall to three city leaders: Mayor Michael Luellen, Mayor Pro-Tem Fred Beltran, and Council Member Jesse Rivas.

The recall effort represents a direct push by local voters to remove the elected officials from office before their current terms expire.

Despite the looming recall efforts, city officials maintained a united front against what they call “aggressive data center companies.”

The city faces additional immediate leadership decisions following Tuesday’s regular session.

The Calipatria City Council will hold an emergency meeting Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to address and vote on the reinstatement of City Manager Laura Gutierrez.

Click here to follow the original article.

SCFD responds to house fire on Ramona Street

KYMA on May 13, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD) responded to a house fire early Wednesday morning.

According to a press release, the fire happened in the area of Ramona Street and Somerton Avenue, near Tierra Del Sol Elementary School, after 3 a.m.

Upon arrival, SCFD says crews found a single-story home on fire, prompting them to call the San Luis and Yuma Fire Departments (SLFD and YFD) for help.

SCFD says both they and YFD extinguished the fire, and while there was no one inside at the time of the fire, the house was deemed a total loss.

Courtesy: Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department

Courtesy: Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department

SCFD says, “SLFD provided backfill at the station,” and says no civilians and firefighters were injured.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Press Release2026, May13Download

Click here to follow the original article.

17 nursing students at AWC inducted into OADN Honor Society

KYMA on May 13, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) says 17 nursing students have been inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu-Iota Theta (IT) Chapter of the Organization of Associate Degree Nurses (OADN) Honor Society.

According to a press release, the induction is an accomplishment demonstrating not only academic excellence, but a commitment to serving the Yuma community.

“Watching our students grow into compassionate, skilled, and dedicated nursing professionals has been one of the greatest privileges of this program,” AWC faculty advisor Amber Ortega reflected. “While this honor recognizes academic excellence and leadership, it also reflects their heart for service, their humanity, and their commitment to caring for others beyond the classroom and clinical setting. These students represent the future of nursing not only through their achievements, but through the compassion, integrity, and selfless service.”

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

In order to be inducted into the honor society, AWC says the students “must maintain a B in all nursing program courses,” as well as completing a community service project of their choice.

AWC says the students led a community effort to give away over 250 care packages to the homeless in the community this semester.

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

17 nursing students inducted into OADN Honor SocietyDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Bend-La Pine Schools hosting “Drive & Apply” events to recruit bus drivers

KTVZ on May 13, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools is looking to hire 10 bus drivers as a wave of longtime employees retire, and the district is inviting potential applicants to try the job for themselves at an upcoming “Drive & Apply” event.

Executive Director of Transportation Kim Crabtree said the openings come as several veteran drivers step away, many after years of service.

“It’s kind of a large number for us,” Crabtree said. “It’s not that we’re increasing routes… it’s just filling these 10 people.”

Applicants must complete an online application and go through a multi-step process that includes four DMV tests, a Department of Transportation physical and several weeks of hands-on training before they can begin driving students.

Crabtree said while the technical training is extensive, the most important qualification is a willingness to work with kids.

“If you’re not a kid person; you don’t want to make a difference in a kid’s life, this is not the job for you,” she said. “We’re really looking for somebody who wants to work with kids… we really build great relationships with our kids. And that is the most important piece.”

To help ease concerns about driving a large vehicle, the district is hosting a “Drive & Apply” event where applicants can get behind the wheel in a controlled setting.

“That bus is 40 feet long. It’s heavy,” Crabtree said. “So we like to give people an opportunity to get behind the wheel… we’re not going out on a public road. We’re going to have a little track here, practice some driving.”

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday also got a quick lesson behind the wheel, noting it takes skill and focus to safely operate a bus of that size.

The Drive & Apply events are scheduled for May 19 and 20 at 501 SE 2nd St. in Bend. Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance, though staff will be available on site to help with the application process.

For more information or to apply, visit blschools.org

Click here to follow the original article.

Update: Hoax bomb threat forces evacuation at North Gem High School; Caribou County Sheriff’s Office investigates

KIFI on May 13, 2026

News Team

UPDATE:

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A threat against North Gem High School in Bancroft, that led to an evacuation and large police response on Wednesday, has been confirmed as a hoax. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in an official Facebook post that there was no actual danger to students or staff after a thorough sweep of the property.

According to Caribou County Sheriff Adam Mabey, the threat originated from an out-of-state number.

“Caribou County Sheriff’s Office received a call in our communications center of a threat towards the North Gem School District,” explains Sheriff Adam Mabey. “The threat was specific in that there may be explosives involved and weapons.”

Law enforcement responded quickly, ensuring the students and staff were safely evacuated as a precaution before conducting a sweep of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, school was canceled for the remainder of the day.

Local law enforcement worked alongside school officials throughout the afternoon to ensure all students were accounted for and safely reunited with their parents.

“We removed the children from the school to a location of safety. The school faculty went through the process of contacting the parents so they could meet at the reunification site. Parents were contacted individually to be advised on whether their children were going to be coming home on the bus or if they needed to get them at the reunification site,” explains Mabey.

While the Sheriff’s Office has found no actionable threats to the school or the community, the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Making a hoax bomb threat is a felony, which, according to the FBI website, “those who post or send these threats can receive up to five years in federal prison,” in addition to potential state and local charges.

Local News 8 is monitoring this developing story. We will provide updates on-air and online as new information becomes available.

ORIGINAL:

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — North Gem High School in Bancroft was evacuated, and students were dismissed for the day on Wednesday following an unconfirmed threat received against the building. Local law enforcement remains on-site for further investigation.

The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police (ISP) are currently on the scene conducting a sweep of the building, according to the Idaho Enterprise News.

Lt. Todd Orr from the Idaho State Police confirmed that a school has been evacuated as a precaution and all students are safe. The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office has stated it will release additional details later today.

Local News 8 is monitoring this developing story. We will provide updates on-air and online as new information becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Man dies after crossing into roadway, hit by two trucks in South-Central El Paso

KVIA on May 13, 2026

Amelia Roberts

UPDATE (May 13, 2026) — El Paso police said 60-year-old Armando Gonzalez died in Monday’s crash.

According to police, a truck drove on Alameda Avenue when Gonzalez crossed into its path, causing the crash and throwing Gonzalez to the ground.

A second truck couldn’t avoid Gonzalez, police said. He died at the scene.

This is the 20th traffic death of the year, EPPD said, compared to 22 at this time last year.

The El Paso Police Department is responding to a crash tonight in South-Central El Paso.

According to police, it happened at the intersection of Clark and Alameda.

The call came in reporting the accident around 8:15 p.m.

Police say the crash involved one vehicle and a pedestrian.

Police also say that based on preliminary information, they believe that the crash is deadly.

Click here to follow the original article.

New Mexico attorney general charges woman for allegedly impersonating nurse, ‘nearly caused patient death’

KVIA on May 13, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A Doña Ana County jury indicted a woman for allegedly working as a nurse without a license. The New Mexico Justice Department said Margarita Gonzalez’ alleged actions include administering narcotics to minors and nearly causing patient death.

Gonzalez allegedly impersonated nurses in Texas to get a job in four Las Cruces nursing facilities, NMDOJ said.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez charged Gonzalez with 34 counts of misconduct. The charges include identity theft, nursing without a license, resident abuse, distributing controlled substances to a minor, fraud and more, NMDOJ said. It added, the fraud totaled more than $25,000.

If she’s convicted on all counts, she could face up to 100 years in prison.

According to a NMDOJ investigation, Gonzalez illegally administered injections and prescribed medicine, including narcotics to eight children.

The investigation revealed she also incorrectly dosed a patient with insulin, which could have caused a serious incident or death, NMDOJ said. Another nurse caught the mistake before she administered the dose.

Several facilities fired Gonzalez over patient safety worries after she displayed “a questionable method” and “lack of knowledge” during patient care, NMDOJ said.

NMDOJ said Gonzalez worked at the following places, which all paid compensation based on the fraudulent licenses:

Village at Northrise

Las Cruces Wellness and Rehabilitation

Peak Behavioral Health

Matrix Home Care

The Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau of NMDOJ helped with the investigation.

In October 2025, the Texas Board of Nursing issued an imposter alert accusing Gonzalez of posing as a nurse.

Click here to follow the original article.

Imperial County woman sentenced to nine months in jail

KYMA on May 13, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County District Attorney’s (D.A.) Office says a woman has been sentenced to nine months in jail.

According to a press release, 51-year-old Misty Dawn Stacey pled guilty to felony embezzlement last week.

The D.A.’s Office says Stacey had been working as a bookkeeper for for Plant Nutrition Services a number of years ago, and says she abused her role as bookkeeper, and “betrayed the trust of those who hired her,” by stealing thousands of dollars from the company.

The D.A.’s Office says Stacey funneled the money into her own bank accounts and “into the accounts of her plumbing business, Quik Rooter.”

After the death of Gary Alan Shumard, the business’ owner in 2023, the D.A.’s Office says that’s when they discovered the embezzlement, with the Imperial Police Department conducting an investigation of the crime.

Following the long litigation of the case, which the D.A.’s Office says was “more difficult and complex” due to Shumard’s passing, Stacey pled guilty to felony embezzlement earlier this year.

Once she serves her nine months in jail, the D.A.’s Office says Stacey will serve three years of supervision, which is the maximum supervision period allowed for the charge.

During that time, the D.A.’s Office says Stacey will undergo some requirements of the supervision, such as drug testing and a “prohibition on holding any jobs in accounting, bookkeeping or money handling of any kind.”

To learn more about the case, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

Press Release. 05.12.26docxDownload

COMMUNICADO DE PRENSA 05.12.26Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Better Business Bureau: How to avoid rental car late fees

KYMA on May 13, 2026

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – More and more flights are being delayed which means you don’t have to get to the airport as early as planned, but if that also means bringing back your rental car later than booked, beware!

In some cases, adding just a few hours can cost you about as much as the original price.

Different rental car companies have different late fee policies. Some companies offer a 29 minute grace period. Others start charging you right away at a much higher hourly rate. If you’re going to be late, call in advance and try to avoid the extra fees.

Also, check your receipt at the location. A fuel service or recovery fee could be added. It’s a charge supposedly for people who didn’t bring the car back with a full gas tank as agreed to.

If you did fill up, fight it! Make sure to get a gas receipt and take pictures of the full gas reading when you return for protection later.

More rental car protections

When reaching out to rental car companies to book a rental, take extra steps to be sure you’re talking with the right person.

BBB Scam Tracker is receiving reports of con artists impersonating rental car company representatives.

They claim to be able to get you a deal on your rental, but it’s really a way to trick you into paying hundreds of dollars for a car that doesn’t exist.

How the scam works

You search for a rental car company online and dial the phone number that appears at the top of the results.

A “customer service representative” answers and explains that you are in luck! The company is offering a special promotion. If you pay for your rental upfront using a gift card or prepaid debit card, you can get a significant discount.

It seems odd, but the representative insists that the “deal” is a partnership with the gift or pre-paid debit card provider. You purchase the cards and share the PIN with the representative.

In several reports, the scammer insists that the money didn’t transfer, and you need to purchase another card. But no matter how many cards you buy, the outcome will be the same. The “special offer” is a scam, and the rental car doesn’t even exist.  

One consumer shared their recent experience with a rental car booking scam on BBB Scam Tracker, “I called [company name redacted] to rent a car and was told I needed to choose one of the stores they use to buy a Visa card and send to them to get the vehicle. I was given the impression that this was the only [way] to reserve a discount…I then found out they wanted another $250. I asked for a refund and was told I would lose $100 for breaking a contract.” This consumer reported losing $325.

How to avoid a rental car con

Never make payments with prepaid debit cards or gift cards. Scammers prefer these payment methods because there is nothing you can do to get your money back. Remember, legitimate companies almost always accept credit cards as the primary means of payment. If you’re being asked to pay with a gift card, a wire transfer, or a digital wallet app, consider these red flags for a scam.

Use contact information listed directly on the business’s website instead of relying on an internet search for customer support phone numbers (double check the URL).

Beware of sponsored links. Fake websites sometimes pop up in your web browser’s sponsored ad section and appear at the top of the search results. Be careful when clicking! Hover over the URL to be sure it’s the right one.

When in doubt, verify special deals directly with the company. If you are unsure about a promotional offer, get the customer service number from the company’s official website. Call the company directly to make sure the deal is real.

File a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office and Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Always read reviews on BBB.org and visit BBB’s Scam Tracker. More scam warnings at joeknowsbetter.com.

To learn more about BBB rental car help, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.