BLM announces fee increases for four Challis-area campgrounds

KIFI on May 5, 2026

News Team

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — Camping in the Challis area is about to get a little pricier. Monday, the Bureau of Land Management announced it would raise fees at four campgrounds near Challis.

The sites include:

Bayhorse Recreation Site

Cottonwood Recreation Site

$20 for RV/tent campsites ($15 when water not available)

$10 for dump station use

$50 for group day use shelter

East Fork Recreation Site

$20 for RV/tent campsites ($15 when water not available)

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

BLM says the increases will help cover the rising costs of maintenance and upkeep while also improving camp amenities for visitors. The plan went through public comment and the Idaho resource advisory council reviewed it before getting final approval.

For more information, click HERE.

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Cinco De Mayo-Taco Tuesday Event Helping to Support Flower Festival Candidate

KEYT on May 5, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – Community members in Lompoc took advantage of Cinco de Mayo falling on Taco Tuesday.

A local teen who is campaigning for Flower Festival Queen came up with the idea.

Ke’yarah Martinez, a candidate for the upcoming flower festival crown partnered with local businesses to organize a community wide cinco de mayo party.

“Even though I’m half Mexican, I think doing this event is so important just because it brings the culture, the amazing food that comes in with it,” says Ke’yarah Martinez, Lompoc resident and Flower Festival Queen Candidate.

Historically a commemoration of the Mexican army’s victory over French forces in 1862, Cinco de Mayo has since become a traditional celebration of Mexican-American heritage.

“This is such an important experience for me, because the heritage that goes into this isn’t very welcomed in our country,” says Martinez.

It might be a convenient coincidence that the celebration fell on Taco Tuesday this year, but Martinez took advantage of it.

“One of my sponsors came up with this idea, I was like, that’s different, that’d be fun,” says Martinez.

In addition to a bounce houses for the kids, the music, and the festive beverages, a taco eating contest brought the event together over the culturally originated but internationally favorite finger food.

“Delicious, delicious,” says Joseph Morin, Lompoc resident and first-place winner of the contest. “Supergrill always has really good, yeah, yeah, yeah. Awesome tacos. So I was looking forward to it. Girlfriend starved me for about a week to do this, so I’m ready.”

The first place winner won a cash prize and 2nd & 3rd place winners brought home gift cards to local businesses.

“I’m still starving,” says Morin. “I wish I had another rack, truthfully, I can keep going. I’m ready.”

The Flower Festival Queen, who wins based on raffle ticket sales, will be coronated prior to the festival next month.

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Columbia City Council to put special election for Fourth Ward on August ballot

KMIZ on May 5, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council on Monday night decided that a special election will be done to find the replacement for its Fourth Ward representative.

Councilman Nick Foster announced last week that he intends to resign from his position on June 12. Nomination packets will be available at the city clerk’s office on Wednesday.

Candidates can begin filing on Tuesday, May 12, and will have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 to file, city documents show. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Sharon Jones, an attorney who is on the Planning and Zoning Commission, announced her intent to run in a Sunday social media post.

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Man accused of breaking into LU president’s home, staying there for two days

KMIZ on May 5, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 30-year-old Jefferson City man is accused of breaking into the residence of Lincoln University’s president and staying there for two days.

Lamont Batts Jr. is charged with first-degree burglary. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond and a court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement indicates that LU President Jonathan Moseley found Batts in the master bedroom of the Jackson Street home around 3:15 p.m. Monday.

Batts allegedly admitted to going into the residence, staying there for two days and “consuming food and alcoholic beverages belonging to another, J.M., including crab legs, spaghetti noodles, garlic bread, and Hennessy,” court documents say.

The statement says Batts was seen on camera opening gates at the residence around 4:20 p.m. Saturday.

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YFD names new Deputy Fire Chief

KYMA on May 5, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) has promoted Richard Root as their new Deputy Fire Chief.

According to a press release, Root served more than 27 years with YFD in a variety of roles, such as Battalion Chief and Division Chief, which YFD says he consistently demonstrated “strong leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.”

In addition, YFD says Root served a key role in “supporting department operations, mentoring personnel, and helping guide strategic initiatives that benefit both the organization and the community.”

“After 27 years with the department, it’s a privilege to step into this role,” said Deputy Chief Root. “My focus will remain on supporting our firefighters and delivering reliable, high-quality service to the citizens of Yuma, while continuing to strengthen staffing, enhance professional development, and plan for the department’s future growth.”

Prior to his promotion, YFD says Root served as the Interim Deputy Fire Chief.

013 New Deputy Fire ChiefDownload

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Smoke returns to Central Oregon as Pine Mountain burn gets underway

KTVZ on May 5, 2026

Harley Coldiron

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire crews kicked off a prescribed burn Tuesday near Pine Mountain, just southeast of Bend, sending visible smoke across parts of Central Oregon. The operation is expected to continue through Friday, depending on weather conditions, and can be seen from Highway 20, Bend, and surrounding communities.

What’s Burning

The Pine Mountain burn is targeting about 330 acres as part of ongoing forest management efforts aimed at reducing wildfire risk.

At the same time, additional prescribed burns are happening in western Oregon’s Middle Fork Ranger District, meaning smoke could stretch beyond Central Oregon into areas like La Pine, Crescent, and even parts of the Willamette Valley.

Officials say these burns are intentional and carefully managed, but they still come with real impacts.

Closures Around Pine Mountain

Because of the active burn, the Pine Mountain area is currently closed to the public.

That includes:

Forest Service Road 2017

Pine Mountain Campground

All nearby dispersed recreation areas

Popular activities like off-highway vehicle use and paragliding are also temporarily off-limits.

Crews say those closures will stay in place for several days, even after the burning stops, while firefighters complete mop-up and patrol operations to make sure everything is safe.

When You’ll Notice Smoke the Most

For many in Central Oregon, the biggest impact won’t be closures; it’ll be the smoke.

Residents in La Pine and Crescent, in particular, could see smoke settling in overnight and during the early morning hours when winds are lighter. That’s when air quality tends to dip the most.

If you’re sensitive to smoke, it’s a good idea to:

Keep windows and doors closed overnight

Limit outdoor activity during smoky periods

The Weather Factor

This burn is happening during a stretch of warm, dry weather across Central Oregon, conditions that are ideal for controlled burns, but also a reminder of how quickly the landscape is drying out.

Crews will continue to monitor weather conditions closely, and any changes, like stronger winds, could impact how the burn progresses.

What Happens Next

Ignitions are expected to continue through the end of the week, with smoke remaining visible across the region.

Once the burn is complete, firefighters will stay on scene for several days before reopening roads and recreation areas, only after they’re confident everything is secure.

Expect visible smoke, temporary closures, and some early-morning air quality impacts as crews work to reduce wildfire risk heading into the warmer months.

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Charges filed against woman accused in Rice Road stabbing

KMIZ on May 5, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman was charged with two felonies in Boone County after she allegedly stabbed someone with a knife on Monday morning in the 4500 block of Rice Road.

Dariell Deshell Smith, 33, of Columbia, was charged on Tuesday with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. She is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A hearing was held on Tuesday.

The probable cause statement says police were first called for an assault call that alleged the victim was stabbed by someone described as a witness.

The victim had a stab wound on their left arm and additional scratch marks, the statement says. The 911 call allegedly included someone identifying themselves as the witness’ name in the stabbing, police wrote.

Smith had claimed she started arguing with the victim before the witness stabbed them, court documents allege. Footage from a doorbell camera allegedly caught video of Smith assaulting the victim outside, the statement says.

Both the victim and the witness had identified Smith as the person who stabbed the victim, the statement says. Smith also allegedly denied any part of the attack occurring outside of the home, the statement says.

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Green Lights are On at Night for Mental Health Awareness Month

KEYT on May 5, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – You may have noticed buildings around Santa Barbara County with green lights on at night.

It is part of an awareness campaign for the month of May which is Mental Health Month.

The department of Behavioral Wellness says it has many community partners joining in to light the county up with green lights.

This includes the District Attorney’s Office, the County Courthouse, the Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.

The county will be holding many events supporting mental wellness and offering outreach for mental health screenings.

There will also be training for psychological first aid.

Experts say no one is alone in facing mental health challenges. This year’s national theme, “More Good Days, Together” encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, personally and for our communities.

Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being. Studies show, 20 percent of the population will experience a mental health condition in any given year.

For more information go to: Santa Barbara County Office of Behavioral Wellness

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Yuma County teacher named 2026 National Teacher of the Year

KYMA on May 5, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A teacher from Yuma County was awarded the National Teacher of the Year.

Arilene Gaxiola was recognized by the Teachers of Tomorrow to receive the honor at the state-level. Gaxiola is an eighth-grade math teacher at San Luis Middle School.

“Our Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators whose commitment, skill, and heart are changing lives,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Teachers of Tomorrow and former superintendent. “This year’s honoree, Arilene Gaxiola, stands out for her exceptional dedication to her students and her innovative approach to education. Arilene exemplifies the profound impact teachers can have, and we’re proud to recognize her as our 2026 National Teacher of the Year.”

Gaxiola will receive up to $5,000 to support her classroom, which she plans to use to expand hands-on learning in math.

“Being a teacher has changed my life in ways I didn’t expect, making me more patient, empathetic, and aware of the challenges students face at a young age,” said Gaxiola.

For more information on Teachers of Tomorrow and the award, you can click here.

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ITD to reveal final design for I-15 widening between Blackfoot and Fort Hall

KIFI on May 5, 2026

News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is moving forward with plans to widen Interstate 15 between Blackfoot and Fort Hall. Next week, the department will host a round of open houses to showcase the final design to improve the corridor.

The project covers the stretch between the South Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 89) and the US-26/Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 93). According to ITD, the stretch of roadway no longer meets the area’s needs.

“This stretch of interstate is reaching the end of its service life, and growing travel volumes have made it necessary to increase the capacity and improve safety and operations,” said ITD in a recent news release.

ITD is inviting members of the larger Blackfoot community to drop in and learn about the projects, ask questions, and provide feedback to the project team. The open houses will be available on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 12, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Shoshone-Bannock Convention Center (777 Bannock Ave., Fort Hall)

Wednesday, May 13, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Ridge Crest Elementary School (800 Airport Rd., Blackfoot)

Information about the widening and redesign of the Blackfoot Interchange, as well as plans to replace the Riverton Road Bridge, will be available.

Residents who cannot attend in person are invited to join online. The digital open house will feature identical information and will accept public comments from May 12 through May 26. For more information, click HERE.

Construction is slated to begin in 2028. However, ITD says the timeline may change depending on the availability of funding.

The expansion is supported by Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program, according to ITD. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

For more information on the project, click HERE.

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