Peacocks, prehistoric artifacts, and a lava tube cave await visitors at this roadside stop

KIFI on May 5, 2026

KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 05 MAY 26 13:59 ET

By Joey Martin

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    SHOSHONE, Idaho (KIVI) — With temperatures heating up and school coming to an end, Idahoans across the state will be hitting the road looking for that next family adventure — and this one takes you underground.

Located along Highway 75, 8 miles north of Shoshone, Mammoth Cave has a history that stretches back more than 70 years.

As a senior in high school, Richard Olsen stumbled across the cave while hunting coyotes and bobcats, and from that point on, Mammoth Cave was his.

Charles Drake, the site’s manager, said the property has been welcoming visitors for decades.

“Richard found the place in 1954 and homesteaded the land…and we’ve been doing tours out here since the early 60’s,” Drake recounted.

Before visitors even make their way to the cave, they are greeted by the Richard Olsen and Shoshone Bird Museum — a sprawling collection of taxidermy, prehistoric artifacts, and curiosities from around the world that Olsen spent a lifetime assembling.

“A little bit of everything… Richard spent his entire life traveling, hunting, fishing all over the world, and his life passion was bringing the world back to Idaho,” Drake added.

The museum is enough to keep visitors busy for hours, and the property’s free-range peacocks are sure to keep them on their toes.

“Yeah, we have about 40 or 50 free-range peacocks… we have them because they are really aggressive to rattlesnakes, they make it a little safer out here, and they are really great at taking care of ticks,” Drake said.

The main attraction, however, is Mammoth Cave itself.

“It’s one of the largest volcanic tubes open to the public in the world. Goes for a quarter of a mile long because it is self-guided out here, you can spend as much time as you like down there, but on average it is usually done in about 30-40 minutes,” Drake explained.

The cave briefly served as a fallout shelter during the Cold War and remains structurally solid today, though Drake acknowledged its limitations in a modern context.

“It could still provide shelter today for a lot of things… but nuclear holocaust?… Probably not,” Drake said.

Mammoth Cave and the museums are located along Highway 75, north of Shoshone, and are open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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Reunited: First responders rescue 70-pound dog

KIFI on May 5, 2026

KIVI Staff

Originally Published: 05 MAY 26 14:03 ET

By KIVI Staff

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    BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (KIVI) — It was a ruff day on the hillside for one fluffy Samoyed named Nash. The 70-pound pup misstepped and tumbled down a steep embankment Monday morning.

Boise County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies responded around 11:30 a.m. and made their way to the edge of the drop. One look down was all it took to call Garden Valley Fire for some backup.

BCSOO says two firefighters and one deputy anchored at the top with rope work, while Fireman Austin Fields made the steep descent down to Nash. Slowly but surely, they hoisted Nash back up, and he was reunited with his owner at the top.

In a Facebook post, Boise County Sheriff’s Office praised Garden Valley Fire for their response, writing, ” Big thanks to Garden Valley Fire for treating every life like it matters… even the four-legged, tail-wagging kind.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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City of El Centro to host opening of immersive art exhibition

KYMA on May 5, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is hosting the grand opening of an immersive art exhibition.

According to a press release, the exhibition, which is in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Calexico, is called Chiapas Through the Lens: Celebrating Culture and Supporting Education, and will open Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Old Post Office Pavilion, located at 230 S. Fifth Street.

The City says the exhibit will highlight the “vibrant culture of Los Altos de Chiapas” while also supporting educational initiatives for Indigenous communities through Fundacion Escalera.

Courtesy: City of El Centro

In addition, the City says the exhibit aims to raise awareness of educational challenges in the region, encourage community engagement and support programs that will expand opportunities for students in underserved communities

The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is located in the lobby area of the Old Post Office Pavilion, and will go until the end of June.

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

ChiapasArtPREngDownload

ChiapasArtPRSpaDownload

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Imperial County celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

KYMA on May 5, 2026

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County is celebrating National Mental Health Awareness Month by embracing a collective mission, fostering community connection under this year’s theme: ‘More Good Days, Together.’

The campaign focuses on fostering community support, reducing long-standing stigmas, and connecting residents with vital wellness resources.

Experts define mental health as our emotional and social well-being, a critical factor in how we navigate daily life.

From anxiety and depression to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) Deputy Director Gabriela Jimenez emphasizes that every struggle is valid.

She notes that no form of mental health challenge is “greater” than another; all deserve attention and care.

To bring this mission to the streets, ICBHS is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Walk this Thursday, May 7. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the MLK Pavilion (770 Park Ave).

Organizers invite the public to join the walk to inspire hope and raise awareness.

The event also serves as an open house for those struggling to see firsthand the plethora of support services available locally.

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Record-breaking low water levels pose hazards for Oregon boaters

KTVZ on May 5, 2026

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) issued a joint safety warning to recreational boaters in Oregon as warmer weather returns. The agencies highlighted the persistent danger of cold water and increased navigation hazards due to anticipated record-breaking low water levels this season.

Oregon’s waterways are expected to experience lower than normal levels because of limited snowpack and emerging drought conditions.

The warning emphasizes that even with warm air temperatures, the water in most Oregon waterways remains under 70 degrees year-round, allowing hypothermia to set in quickly. The expected record-breaking dry season will lead to changing conditions and a concentration of recreationists in popular waterbodies.

Officials advise boaters to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature and to consult the OEM Blog for tips on cold water exposure. Falls overboard are the leading cause of accidental drowning. Most fatalities from drowning are due to cold water shock, which is sudden immersion into cold water. Data from the 2019-2024 U.S. Coast Guard Accident Statistics shows that roughly 84-87% of fatal boating incident victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Lower water levels can expose hazards that were not visible in prior years. Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer for the Marine Board, explained, “Low water can expose submerged rocks, stumps, sand or gravel bars and other hazards to navigation that may not have been visible in previous years.” Massey added that even familiar lakes and rivers can look and behave differently during drought, with river currents potentially becoming stronger in some areas and stalling in others. She advises boaters to prepare for any situation, allow ample time for launching and taking out and boat with others who can provide aid if necessary.

To help recreational boaters stay safe, the OSMB and OEM offer specific guidance. All boaters should wear a life jacket, choose waterways that match their skill level to avoid becoming stranded and carry all required equipment in good working order. It is also recommended to share a float plan, including destination, boat type and expected return time, with a trusted person. Boaters should operate slowly, stay alert for quickly changing conditions and monitor water levels closely. Motorized boaters should check local regulations and review the boat ramp status map for low-water ramps, while paddlers should operate closer to shore.

Motorized boaters need deeper water to operate safely and must watch their wake, operating at slow-no wake speeds in narrow and shallow areas. Both types of boat users should avoid unfamiliar or narrow channels during low-water conditions. Using a depth finder, setting shallow-water alarms and monitoring depth are also recommended. All boaters should monitor weather forecasts, tides and changing water conditions and be courteous to other boaters by keeping launching areas clear.

In Oregon, children 12 and younger must wear a life jacket when underway on any boat and life jackets are required for all boaters on Class III whitewater rivers. Operators of motorboats more than 10 horsepower must carry a boating safety education card. Additionally, paddlers operating non-motorized boats are required to have a waterway access permit. More information on safe boating practices and legal requirements can be found at Boat.Oregon.gov.

Erin Zysett, an OEM spokesperson, reiterated the agencies’ commitment to safety. “Safety is always our top priority,” Zysett said. “We want all people in Oregon to enjoy time on the water responsibly. Stay informed. Respect the unique hazards water presents. Be prepared. And help protect our waterways and communities.”

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City of Somerton to host Evening with Mayor & Council

KYMA on May 5, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton is inviting residents to attend the Evening with Mayor & Council event later this week.

The event is taking place at Somerton City Hall, located at 143 N. State Avenue, Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

During the event, the City says those who attend will meet and talk directly with elected city officials, including Somerton Mayor Gerardo Anaya.

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below.

MEDIA ADVISORY-Evening with Mayor & CouncilDownload

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Gila Ridge teacher named Yuma County High School Teacher of the Year

KYMA on May 5, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Gila Ridge High School teacher Greg Brown has been named Yuma County’s 2026 High School Teacher of the Year.

Brown, according to YUHSD, teaches science and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and coaches tennis and swim.

“Winning this award was a great recognition of the hard work that goes on our campus,” Brown said. “Though it may be an individual award, it reflects on the staff at Gila Ridge and all they do to help educators like myself be the best I can be every day. I am one of many on the campus and throughout the district that could have received this award, and I hope I can continue to motivate colleagues and students as we push education forward in the coming years.”

Courtesy: Yuma Union High School District

YUHSD says Brown has been working for the district for 14 years, and says he is the first teacher at the school to win the award since 2018.

“Greg builds capacity in students, colleagues, and our school systems that support learning and postsecondary readiness,” Gila Ridge Principal Kathy Hoover said. “His influence is consistent and generous. He insists that every Hawk gets the opportunity and support to chase their dream. That combination of service and vision is why he was chosen for this award. It is an honor for me to collaborate with him at Gila Ridge High School.”

The Yuma County Teacher of the Year awards are annually hosted by the Education Foundation of Yuma County, which YUHSD says is “a private, non-profit organization established to support and recognize the profession of teaching and raise public awareness of the importance and value of education.”

PR – GRHS teacher named TOTY 2026Download

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SB County Board of Supervisors Address Voting Protection Concerns

KEYT on May 5, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has received an update on the elections process for this year to respond to questions from the public as the June 2 Primary is now underway.

The Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters Martin Cobos spoke to the board after questions were raised on April 21st regarding voter security. He went through the process to assure the board the elections were not only secure but available for inspection. “We are not partisan, we count the votes, we report the vote,” he said.

As far as fraud or tampering, Cobos said, “there have been several (claims) investigated by various agencies but I have not seen an instance that I can say was voter fraud.”

That included oversight to make sure the ballot distribution, voting process and counting is protected from start to finish.

The county works with the Sheriffs Department, District Attorney, and County Administrative office to ensure the ballots are secure and that the public is aware of the process.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps, was clearly concerned about any type of real or perceived actions that could keep a registered voter from the polls. “Counties run county elections, not the federal government, not even the state governments. Counties.” She stressed that the ballots are sent out locally and come back to the county elections office for processing until all area counted.

Ballots must be postmarked by election day, but can arrive seven days later.

All election ballot boxes are opened regularly by the staff, in two-person teams, for ballots to be retrieved. One election night when the polls close and the election ends at 8 p.m. all election ballot boxes are locked and the final ballots are taken out.

Anyone in a line when the polls close, will still be allowed to vote. No one else can get in that line.

There is also outreach and information coming out regularly through the County Communications Director Kelsey Gerckens Buttitta who is providing information for the public through news releases and videos.

The County Elections Division has a voter “Know Your Rights” information guide on line and in election materials that have been sent out to those who are also receiving a a vote by mail ballot.

Each ballot has a bar code and only one can be turned in per person. This prevents someone from voting by mail and also in person. The system will not allow more than one ballot per registered voter.

Ballots have to have a signature on the envelope that matches the one on file. A special scanning device does the verification. Ballots without a signature on the envelope are handled in person by election workers who will contact the voter to come in and resolve the issue.

Staff is available in-person or on the phone to answer any questions about the process, how to register and how to track their vote.

The board’s concerns about the safety of the voting process from Immigration Enforcement officers included questions for local law enforcement.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Bill Brown, spoke to the board and said he had a Lieutenant assigned to have oversight of this election and respond other resources as needed. This includes at the elections office and at polling places as needed.

He said federal agents are allowed, like other citizens, to vote but should not otherwise be near election polling places or the elections office.

Larry Behrendt is with Indivisible Santa Barbara. He said, “I personally like using the drop boxes. I feel the most confidence with that.” He said having more than 18 countywide would be better than the number available now, to make it more convenient to those living in rural areas. Behrendt said he would be discussing the most recent report with other concerned community leaders and meet with the elections office or Sheriff if they had unresolved concerns. “We want to make certain that people feel safe approaching a polling place,” he said.

Capps said the public will be getting the message, “if you see something that doesn’t seem right to you should just tell a poll worker they are trained in what to do.”

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Jefferson City man whose run from crash led to search is charged criminally

KMIZ on May 5, 2026

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man who ran from a crash last week, prompting a multi-day search amid concerns about his safety, has been charged with a felony.

Nathan J. Spencer, 20, was found safe Friday in a wooded area near Capitol View Drive, Jefferson City Police said. He had been missing since that Tuesday after he was involved in a crash on Highway 50/63 westbound. Police began the search because they were concerned that Spencer, who is autistic, might have had a mental health crisis before he ran from the crash scene.

Prosecutors in Cole County charged Spencer on Tuesday with felony leaving the scene of a crash and two misdemeanors — reckless driving and driving without a license.

A probable cause statement alleges Spencer was speeding and swerving between lanes when he rear-ended another vehicle. The statement says Spencer remains at a hospital, where he has been since he was found on Friday.

No hearing has been set.

Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson said cases involving individuals with autism or other mental health conditions are handled on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on whether the person understood their actions at the time.

“It’s always a case-by-case sort of analysis, and I think especially when you’re talking about something like autism, where there’s such a broad spectrum, that can kind of play into it as well,” Thompson said. “But any time you’re talking about a defendant who has or a suspect who has some sort of mental health diagnosis or special needs that are prevalent, you have to analyze whether at the time the crime was committed, they were able to understand and appreciate the nature and the circumstances of the crime.

“If they if they can, then they can still have the required mental state to have committed a crime. If they can’t, then they can’t have committed a crime because they don’t have the required mental state to have done so.”

Thompson added that charges such as leaving the scene of a crash can vary depending on the circumstances, from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. 

He also said cases involving potential mental health concerns can involve additional steps, including evaluations by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

“If charges get filed, then the Department of Mental Health may get involved. If there’s a question as to either their competency or whether or not they understood the nature of the crime in the first place,” Thompson said. “Sometimes there are cases where it’s so obviously that sort of situation that the agency or even the prosecutor’s office might make that call and say, ‘You know, there’s no way this person could have understood what it was they were doing at the time they were doing it.’ Sometimes you’ll have enough evidence just off the bat to make that determination.”

Thompson noted that cases involving individuals with special needs or mental health diagnoses are not uncommon in the criminal justice system, though each situation varies widely.

Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson echoed that approach, saying legal outcomes often depend on a person’s mental competency and ability to understand the legal process.

“It depends on the circumstances/is case-by-case,” Johnson told ABC 17 News in a statement. “In some cases, because of a person’s mental condition, they may not be able to understand or participate in the legal process and defense. And if the person is not legally competent they can’t be prosecuted. There is a separate path the case takes. Also, a person may not be able to form the mental state required by the charged offense or they may not be able to appreciate the wrongfulness of their conduct, but those are defenses that the defense has to raise.”

Johnson added that cases involving individuals with special needs are relatively uncommon.

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Two injured in Yellowstone Bear encounter near Mystic Falls Trail

KIFI on May 5, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — Two hikers were injured Monday afternoon, May 4, following an encounter with one or more bears near the Mystic Falls Trail. The incident marks the first incident of a bear injuring a person within the park for the 2026 season.

National Park Service emergency personnel responded immediately to the scene. The victims’ were airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, but their current conditions have not been released. The NPS has launched a full investigation.

In the interest of public safety and to allow investigators to work undisturbed, the NPS has implemented a temporary closure of the following areas west of Grand Loop Road from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin:

Trails:

Fairy Falls Trail north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook

Sentinel Meadows Trail

Imperial Meadows Trail

Fairy Creek Trail

Summit Lake Trail

Backcountry Campsites:

OG1

OD1

OD2

OD3

OD4

OD5

Recreation:

Fishing along the Firehole River and associated tributaries within the closure area

While Yellowstone is bear country, the park stresses that bear injuries in the park are rare. The last time a visitor was injured by a bear in the park was in September 2025, and the park has not seen a bear-related fatality since 2015.

The NPS has provided the following guidelines for park visitors to stay safe in bear country:

Stay 100 yards away from bears at all times

Carry bear spray and know how to use it

Be alert. See the bear before you surprise it. Watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open ant hills)

Make noise

Hike in groups of three or more people

Don’t hike at dawn, dusk, or at night, when grizzlies are most active

Don’t run from a bear  

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