Woman charged with felony after chase with Boone County deputy

KMIZ on May 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An 18-year-old Columbia woman was charged with a felony and a misdemeanor after she was involved in a chase with a Boone County deputy on Tuesday night.

Jacquelynn Pruitt was charged on Wednesday with aggravated fleeing and reckless driving. She is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.

An arraignment was held on Wednesday and Pruitt appeared without counsel. A confined docket hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 and a preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 17.

The probable cause statement says the deputy saw Pruitt speeding in a silver Chevrolet Impala on Scott Boulevard near Millbrook Drive. The deputy tried to pull the vehicle over, but Pruitt continued to drive and speed allegedly reached 100 miles per hour, the statement says.

Pruitt allegedly drove the vehicle the wrong way through the roundabout at Vawter School Road and Country Woods Road before turning north, the statement says. She eventually crashed the car into a mailbox and drove through the yards of two residences, the statement says.

Pruitt allegedly told law enforcement that she did not pull over initially because she did not want to go to jail, court documents say.

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Oily rags spark fire that damages historic Bend home, displaces 2 adults and dogs

KTVZ on May 6, 2026

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A structure fire on NW Florida Avenue on May 6, 2026, rendered an original mill house uninhabitable, displacing two adults and two dogs. The fire, reported at 12:44 p.m., was determined to be caused by the improper disposal of oily rags.

Bend Fire & Rescue reported the incident, noting the significant damage to the historic residence.

The home, originally built in 1925, is an older mill house. The fire spread to its attic area. Fire crews quickly knocked down the blaze, but extensive overhaul operations were necessary.

The fire originated on the exterior of the house and spread up the wood siding to the eaves and into the attic space. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the two displaced adults and their two dogs.

The cause of the fire was attributed to oily rags from a recent home improvement project being improperly discarded into household trash.

Oil-based paints, stains and varnishes used in home projects can pose a significant fire risk if rags, cloths and brushes are not handled and disposed of correctly. Rags should never be left in a pile or bucket. Instead, they should be laid flat outdoors in an area away from structures and other combustible materials.

Once the rags are completely dry, they can be placed in a metal can containing a water and detergent solution, with the lid sealed tightly. These materials can then be disposed of at the Hazardous Waste Disposal area at Knott Landfill, which is open every Friday and Saturday.

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Contract issues between Portneuf Medical Center and Regence BlueShield of Idaho could cost 5,700 patients their health care

KIFI on May 6, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Several thousand southeast Idaho residents could lose in-network access to Portneuf Medical Center, along with their affiliates —Pocatello Health Services, PHS Ambulatory Services, and Portneuf Ambulatory Surgical Center — this June as contract negotiations with Regence BlueShield of Idaho fail to produce an agreement.

The dispute centers on a disagreement over costs. Portneuf Medical Center is operated by Ardent Health, a Tennessee-based company that is leading negotiations on the hospital’s behalf.

Ryan Pharis, Vice President of Contracting for Regence BlueShield of Idaho, says that the insurer is actively negotiating to reach an agreement by the deadline. However, the insurance provider claims Ardent is seeking unreasonable price hikes.

“We’re meeting regularly on a weekly basis with the teams over there to try to get a deal done,” Pharis said. “We are really working to provide access to affordable care for the people of Pocatello. (But) when Ardent Health is asking for rate increases twice the cost of inflation, despite its financials showing that they’re making double-digit margins, that makes it really tough.”

On the other side, the Portneuf Medical Center issued a statement saying that the disagreement extends beyond standard contract negotiations. The hospital stated that Regence “currently reimburses Portneuf substantially less than other major insurers in our market and less than it pays many other Idaho health systems.”

What This Means for Patients

If an agreement is not reached, patients with Regence BlueShield insurance could face substantially higher out-of-pocket costs for most non-emergency services. This could lead some patients to either pay more to continue receiving care from their current providers or seek treatment elsewhere within the insurer’s network.

Pharis assured that there are options in place to protect members if Portneuf moves out of network.

“Members will still have access to the facilities and providers at an out-of-network top share,” Pharis explained. “Emergent and urgent services will be covered. Members are protected from balanced billing by the federal “No Surprises Act.” Continuity of care for members that meet continuity of care criteria will be covered for an additional 90 days, and Regence will work diligently with members to find alternative care options.”

Portneuf Medical Center serves as a primary source of care. If the facility moves out of network, patients with Regence BlueShield insurance could face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for most non-emergency services. That shift could force some patients to either pay more to continue care with their current providers or seek treatment elsewhere within the insurer’s network.

Should Portneuf Medical Center and its affiliates leave the Regence BlueShield of Idaho network, in-network alternatives for most Regence plans include:

Bingham Memorial Hospital 

Caribou Medical Center 

Mountain View Hospital 

Idaho Falls Community Hospital 

Grove Creek Medical Center

Bingham Memorial Clinics 

MVH PIC (Physicians Immediate Care) 

Brandon A West Clinic 

Health West 

Family Practice Group

Local News 8 reached out to both Portneuf Medical Center and Ardent Health for a statement, but as of publishing, has not received a response.

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Boone Health to open new cardiology clinic Monday following fallout with Missouri Heart Center

KMIZ on May 6, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone Health will have its new cardiology clinical practice open and operating starting Monday.

Boone Health announced the split with Missouri Heart Center at the end of March and filed a lawsuit alleging breaches of contract, misuse of confidential information and plans to engage in unlawful competition.

Roughly 20,000 patients are expected to be affected by the transition, according to previous reporting, but Boone Health officials claim there will be little interruption. All of the Missouri Heart records will be transferred to the Boone Health system and the location of the clinics will remain the same.

In Columbia, cardiology patients will be seen at 1605 East Broadway, Broadway Medical Plaza Building 2, Suite 300. Clinics in Mexico, Macon and Moberly will continue operations in their same locations, as well. Boone Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lana Zerrer claims connecting with patients will now also be easier because Boone will be the singular point of contact.

“I think once we’re up and operational, there’s one place to call which is Boone Health Cardiology Clinic. So I think it’ll be much smoother,” Zerrer said.

Due to the quick turnaround, Boone’s Cardiology clinic will only have about half of the staff Missouri Heart Center had at the start. However, Zerrer claims it will still be actively hiring for the next year and a half to eventually have more care providers than the Missouri Heart Center.

“We’ve already hired five physicians and four advanced practice nurses. Missouri Heart Center had 12 physicians and they had six advanced practice nurses,” Zerrer said.

Zerrer wants the cardiology clinic to eventually have 14-16 physicians on staff.

Two physicians from the Columbia area will be staying with Boone cardiology – Dr. Jerry Kennett, Dr. John Boyer. Four advanced practice nurses – Kathi Lutz, Lauren Lenauer, Hillary Burks and Patti Kean – who were formerly with the Missouri Heart group also will join the Columbia location. Dr. Charles Tillman will also remain at the Mexico clinic.

Two additional cardiologists, Dr. John Best and Dr. Rai Shahjehan, will be joining the clinic in the coming weeks. Boone Health officials said they have several offers out to cardiologists who have applied from across the country.

If patients don’t hear from Boone Health or need prescription refills, they are encouraged to call the clinic at 573-815-LOVE (5683).

Zerrer said all services offered will remain the same for patients.

“If patients have a heart attack or chest pain or any kind of rhythm disturbance they can still come to the hospital and get full care. We still have full imaging capabilities for echocardiogram, nuclear medicine studies, any kind of EKG or Holter monitoring,” Zerrer said. “In the clinic, we will have providers and physicians there to see patients and also to do testing.”

Zerrer also touched on the financial impact to Boone Health amid taking over operations.

“We have bought furniture and equipment from Missouri Heart Center so that all stays in the space. We are paying some money for the medical record transition and then we’re hiring people, which always cost money, but those are good investments,” Zerrer said.

As for the lawsuit between the two corporations, a jury trial has been requested. Boone Health is asking a judge to rule the noncompete agreements that MO Heart signed are valid, as well as having MO Heart return or destroy confidential information, and delay starting a competing practice until May 2027. 

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UPDATE: Power Restored in Island Park and West Yellowstone

KIFI on May 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Power has been successfully restored to residents in Island Park and West Yellowstone following a large-scale outage on Wednesday afternoon.

Fall River Electric confirmed that service was restored to all affected customers shortly after 4:30 p.m.

ORIGINAL:

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews with Fall River Electric are responding to a large-scale power outage in Island Park and West Yellowstone.

The outage started about 2:15 p.m. According to Public Relations Manager Ted Austin, the cause of the outage is related to Fall River’s power supplier, the Bonneville Power Administration.

The utility provider anticipates the outage could last up to 2 hours.

Utility crews are on-site & working with BPA to resolve the outage. For more information or to track the outage, click HERE.

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Clock ticking for Idaho Primary: Absentee Ballot deadline is this Friday

KIFI on May 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — Time is running out if you want to vote absentee in the primary elections. Idaho voters have until Friday, May 8, at 5:00 p.m. to pre-register to vote or request an absentee ballot ahead of the Idaho Primary Election.

Voters who miss Friday’s deadline can still register at the polls on election day, which is Tuesday, May 19th. 

“Primary elections matter,” said Secretary of State Phil McGrane. “The races on the ballot range from Idaho’s Congressional seats and state legislative races down to the hyperlocal precinct committeemen who represent your neighborhood. In Idaho, we make it easy to register, vote, and preview your own ballot before Election Day. I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan and vote.”

Eligible Idahoans may also register to vote in person at any early voting location in their county or on Election Day. However, all eligible voters must present an accepted form of photo ID and proof of residence. For most voters, a current Idaho driver’s license will fulfill both requirements.

The May 19 primary election ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, State House of Representatives, County Commissioner, Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Coroner, Judges, Precinct Committeemen, and other local races and measures.

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Opening statements underway in trial of Yuma man accused of murdering son

KYMA on May 6, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Opening statements in the trial of a Yuma man accused of murdering his own son got underway Wednesday.

The prosecution is saying 38-year-old Daniel Harris was intentful when he murdered his own son, 24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter, in September of last year.

Meanwhile, the defense is arguing that it all happened in the heat of the moment as they claim the victim was inappropriately touching an underage family member, leading to the fight.

Harris is facing one court of first-degree murder while Harris’ daughter, 22-year-old Danica Watts, who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, has a plea agreement hearing next month.

The trial will continue Friday, and is expected to go until the end of the month.

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Burn permit requirements start May 10 for Idaho residents

KIFI on May 6, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — If you live outside city limits and plan to clear yard debris this weekend, you’ll need more than just a match. Starting May 10th, Idaho residents living outside city limits will be required to obtain a new burn permit for most outdoor burning activities.

According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the new requirement is part of the annual closed burning season, which runs through Oct. 20, aimed at reducing wildfires across the state.

“Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly, potentially reducing the liability of the burner,” stated the IDL in a news release. “Permits also help prevent false runs to fires that are reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for instances when they truly are needed. And it is the law.”

The permit system applies to materials such as yard waste, brush, and crop residue. Recreational campfires are exempt. These burn permits are free and remain valid for 10 days.

The burn permits are free and valid for 10 days. Anyone conducting outdoor burning must have their permit in their possession. To register for a burn permit, visit the self service web site, HERE.

states the IDL. “No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits.”

The Idaho Department of Lands also urges individuals to check for local restrictions before lighting any fire, especially as warmer and drier weather conditions begin to develop in the region. For more information, click HERE.

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Mental Health Month Events In SLO County Encourage Having Those Conversations

KEYT on May 6, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – May is national Mental Health Awareness Month, and San Luis Obispo County’s line-up of events encourages open communication.

Advocates say over sixty million Americans experience adversity with their mental health in some way, and the most effective remedy is conversation.

SLO county’s Behavioral Health Department is holding several events throughout the month of May, including a resource fair at this Thursday’s Farmer’s Market called “Connect And Thrive.”

On May 16th at the Cal Poly campus, the department’s partnership with the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention provides the “Out Of Darkness Walk.”

And May 19th’s annual bike breakfast at the prevention and outreach office highlights the benefits physical exercise brings to mental health.

“Ways that we can look out for our mental health are to engage in self-care and meditation, exercise, being outdoors, reading a book, cooking meals and enjoying your hobbies,” says Brita Connelly, Behavioral Health Program Manager for the county of San Luis Obispo. “And a great way to be able to do that this month is to connect through one of the many different activities that are occurring in the community.”

In addition to the county’s social media pages, full details for Mental Health Awareness Month’s line-up can be found on the county’s website by clicking here.

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Bend Park and Recreation District implements new wildfire risk reduction projects

KTVZ on May 6, 2026

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District staff presented information on recently completed and future forest health and fuels reduction projects at a board of directors meeting on May 5, 2026. The presentation addressed growing community interest in wildfire risk and protecting natural and residential areas.

BPRD manages more than 3,000 acres and is committed to promoting forest health and resilience while reducing wildfire risk within its properties.

The district employs a two-part strategy for its forest health and fuels reduction program. This approach includes enhancing Bend Fire & Rescue priorities into new project prescriptions, incorporating Extended Zone space efforts where neighborhoods meet natural areas.

Zara Hickman, BPRD’s Natural Resources and Trails Manager, explained the historical context of Central Oregon’s forests. “Historically, Central Oregon’s dry forests adapted to frequent, low intensity fires that maintained open forest structure and reduced fuel accumulation,” Hickman said. “Decades of fire suppression, logging operations and current environmental factors have increased forest density and surface fuels, elevating the risk of severe wildfire in and around Bend.”

BPRD’s responsibilities as a land manager differ from those of individual homeowners, prioritizing broader forest health strategies. For new fuels projects within city limits, the district focuses on the 20-foot boundary where its property meets private property.

This focus enhances mitigations in the Extended Zone, also known as Zone 3, which extends 30 to 100 feet from residential structures. The goal is to reduce ladder fuel to slow the spread or risk of embers. Hickman clarified the distinction between district and homeowner responsibilities. “It is encouraging to see homeowners aware of Firewise requirements and doing their part to increase wildfire resistance,” Hickman said. “It is important for community members to know that our natural areas are managed for resilience and are not subject to Firewise, which focuses on structural hardening defense. These two treatments complement one another at a high level for the community, supporting stronger neighborhoods.”

During the current budget year, Natural Resources staff completed nine projects, improving 39 acres through fuels reduction. Additionally, three contracted fuels reduction projects totaling an additional 90 acres are currently in process.

These current projects include pile burning at North Shevlin and mowing at Alpine Park and Shevlin Park adjacent to Tree Farm.

BPRD is increasing its investment in forest health management. The Natural Resources vegetation management budget has steadily increased over the past five years. The proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget represents a 60% increase from the current year. This higher budget is attributed to an increase in contracted fuels reduction acreage and the rising cost of this work.

For the next budget year, from July 2026 to June 2027, the district has three contracted projects planned, totaling 140 acres. These projects include Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase 1, Eastgate and Rose Property. Treatments will involve cutting and piling trees to remove understory and brush.

BPRD is a co-sponsor of the Wildfire Preparedness Fair, a free community event to share information and answer questions. The fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Central Oregon Community College. Bend Fire, Deschutes County and other partners are also sponsoring the event.

Piles from the planned projects at Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase 1, Eastgate and Rose Property will be left to cure and burned in one to two years. The Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase two project is scheduled for burning in fall/winter 2027.

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