Nieves Riedel runs for San Luis City Council

Abraham Retana

Reporter Abraham Retana shares why she decided to run for council and what voters can expect from her if she’s elected.

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis, Arizona Mayor Nieves Riedel is running for City Council in the upcoming primary election.

Mayor Riedel is no stranger to politics. She’s previously served as mayor and council member for many years, but she took a timeout to become a full-time businesswoman and continue her work as a housing contractor.

She came back to local politics five years ago when was re-elected as City Mayor. She says now it’s time for the new generation to lead the way.

“As City Mayor, you got to be available 24/7. You got to be in a position that you really dedicate yourself and that’s what I have been doing, but there’s young talent, there’s new people that were very much interested,” Riedel explained.

If elected, Riedel says she will work to bring more jobs and increase the quality of life for San Luis residents.

“People elected me to see results, and I think I have proven to the people that I’m a hardworking, serious…I don’t take trips…I don’t make promises…I deliver,” Riedel remarked.

The Arizona primary election is on July 21, with early voting now underway. San Luis voters will get to decide who will be the next mayor and vote for three City Council members. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Deputy and neighbor save man trapped in mobile home fire

Stephanie Lucas

McCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — A Bannock County Sheriff’s deputy and a neighbor rescued a trapped homeowner from a burning mobile home Thursday night near McCammon.

According to the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner called emergency dispatch reporting his mobile home near Highway 91 and Dixon Road was on fire and that he and his dogs were trapped in a rear bedroom.

A deputy arrived within minutes and, with the help of a nearby resident, reached the homeowner and pulled him from the burning home.

The homeowner was later airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Officials believe the man’s dogs were able to escape the fire on their own.

The mobile home was destroyed in the blaze.

Neither the deputy nor the neighbor was injured during the rescue.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials also thanked the neighbor who assisted in the rescue, along with responders from the Inkom Fire Department, McCammon Fire Department and Bannock County Search and Rescue.

Click here to follow the original article.

Man charged for allegedly following woman into Circle K restroom

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Friday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it charged a man for voyeurism after he allegedly followed a woman into the restroom at a gas station.

EPCSO said on June 29, deputies went to a Circle K near the Eastlake Marketplace Center off Rojas Drive. Someone had reported 36-year-old Ivan Abraham Ponce as a “suspicious individual.”

EPCSO said during an investigation, deputies watched surveillance videos allegedly showing Ponce standing near the restrooms and following a woman after she went in. The woman reported she thought someone was trying to watch or record her, EPCSO said.

Detectives got an arrest warrant charging Ponce with voyeurism with a bond set at $10,000.

Thursday, EPCSO said its Fugitive Apprehension Unit found and arrested Ponce in East El Paso.

EPCSO booked him into the El Paso County Detention Facility.

Click here to follow the original article.

Vietnam paratrooper jumps out of plane for his 90th birthday

Bradley Davis

FREMONT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — On a Friday in June above Fremont County, the bluebird skies stretch for as far as the eye can see. Except for one, small splash of color.

“Oh, I see him!” Barbara King said while looking up at a parachuting figure.

At this distance, it’s impossible to see who.

“That’s Harry!” Baraba said.

Well, she knows who she’s looking for.

“It’s his first time being 90 years old,” King said.

It’s her husband’s birthday. Harry King has waited 90 years for this 40 seconds of free fall, but he’s not the one in the group checking an item off his bucket.

“I told Pastor John, and I said, ‘You won’t believe the adrenaline rush on this,'” King said. “He said, ‘I’d like to do that.’ That was his mistake.”

His pastor is also one of his best friends, and Pastor John was more than a little nervous to join Harry in the air for the first time.

“That’s what happens when you pastor a church full of heroes,” Pastor John said.

“I jumped as many times as I could when I was in the Army,” Harry said.

Jumping in Fremont County is easy when you’ve already jumped behind enemy lines.

“I did 107 jumps in the Army, and two of them were combat jumps. I didn’t count on them, but that happened when I was in Vietnam, so,” Harry said.

On his 90th birthday, Harry finds himself surrounded. But only by friends.

“I can’t believe so many showed up,” Harry said.

That’s how the small blip in an endless sky can become the center of the world. The center of Barbara’s world.

“You did it, sweetie!”

The two embrace for a long moment after Harry’s smooth landing.

“Oh, I love you,” Harry said.

I love you, too.”

The skies might carry his spirit, but the ground holds his heart.

“I love you, darling,” Harry said again.

It’s another safe landing for Harry. He’s just missing one thing.

“Well, thank you, Dee. I feel naked without my cap!” Harry said as his friend returned his Vietnam Veteran hat to him.

It’s another small gesture that made Harry’s smile brighter than any bluebird sky.

“I’m glad I did it, babe,” Barbara said to Harry.

“I’m glad I did it too.”

Harry is not done yet. He said he hopes to plan another skydiving trip for his 95th birthday.

Click here to follow the original article.

AWC hosts semiquincentennial concert celebration in Yuma honoring America’s 250th birthday and veterans

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) held a special concert Thursday night to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and honor Veterans.

The AWC Community Band and AWC Choir hosted the concert and performed featured songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Armed Forces – The Pride of America,” a tribute honoring each branch of the U.S. military.

Deltrina Grimes, AWC Professor of Choral and Vocal Music, said, “I thought it was important, with all the turmoil that we have going on in our country right now, that we take a moment to recognize them and to let them know that we appreciate all that they have done.”

The special concert also served as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate our nation’s history, pride, and service.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cal Fire officials urge caution as Fourth of July firework injuries rise

Peter Daut

As Independence Day celebrations begin, fire officials are reminding the public that the Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of the year for firefighters, with many emergency calls involving fireworks-related injuries and fires.

According to Cal Fire, the holiday consistently brings a spike in burn injuries, particularly among children. Officials are encouraging families to attend professional fireworks displays instead of using illegal fireworks, which can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Even fireworks labeled as “safe and sane” require careful handling. Fire officials say following the manufacturer’s instructions and using fireworks only in cities where they are permitted can help reduce the risk of injury.

“Just follow the directions on those packages. Stay within local cities that allow safe and sane fireworks,” said Captain Richard Cordova with Cal Fire. “And once they’re out, make sure they’re out and not still lit or have heat to them. And if they do, just pour some water on them.”

Cordova emphasized that firefighters would rather see families enjoy professionally organized fireworks shows than risk preventable injuries at home.

“We don’t like seeing people get hurt, especially children,” Cordova said. “So please go out and see the professionals light those fireworks. We say it over and over every year, and still we have children that get hurt.”

Fire officials also recommend keeping a bucket or hose nearby when using legal fireworks, never allowing young children to handle fireworks, and never attempting to relight fireworks that fail to ignite. Duds should be soaked thoroughly with water before being discarded to prevent accidental fires.

Authorities hope residents will celebrate responsibly this holiday, helping reduce the number of injuries and emergency calls while keeping communities safe.

Click here to follow the original article.

Juvenile hospitalized following OHV accident in Island Park

Seth Ratliff

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — A juvenile girl was hospitalized Thursday evening after an off-highway vehicle accident in the Mill Creek camping area of Island Park.

According to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were called to the scene around 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 2nd. The girl was airlifted via life-flight helicopter to a local hospital. Her current condition remains unknown, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Sheriff’s deputies noted that the incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of outdoor safety.

“The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all recreationists to always use protective gear and watch your surroundings,” the department stated in a press release.

Free OHV Safety Classes Available

In light of several OHV accidents in recent months, in late May the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced they would be offering free OHV Safety Classes throughout the summer until August 19th.

All ages are welcome. The classes will take place at the Fremont County Search and Rescue Building, 331 W 1 S in St Anthony. For more information, click HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

How to grill responsibly this 4th of July weekend

Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Families are preparing to fire up the grill this holiday weekend. Cooking a 4th of July barbecue comes with responsibility.

The El Paso Fire Department said they typically see an increase in calls around this time, pertaining to grilling mishaps. It’s important to enjoy this holiday safely, while enjoying classic, barbecue favorites.

Captain of El Paso Fire Marshall Office, Carlos Ornelas told ABC-7 some common mistakes to look out for at your next barbecue.

He said to be careful and patient when removing charcoal when you are done grilling, he told us, “You don’t want to collect the charcoal that same day or even the following day after grilling and put it right in your trash bin because those charcoals could stay hot for a couple of days and if you throw them out too quickly, it can cause a fire.”

Some other tips from the El Paso Fire Department include, visually inspecting your propane tanks, look out for any leaks, bends, or damage. If you notice a leak or damage, you should not use the tank and return it safely to the store.

Many grill fires are also caused by not properly cleaning your grill before cooking. If there is still residue on the grill, a grease fire is more likely to occur. The El Paso Fire Department reminds you that if a grease fire does occur to not try and put it out with water, but instead use sand.

The Sunland Park Fire Department also shared these tips to safely enjoy grill-made meals:

Make sure propane tanks aren’t leaking. If they are, call 911.

Just use charcoal lighter fluid, not gasoline or kerosene to light up the grill.

Use metal tools like tongs or spatulas.

Keep your grill away from hanging decorations or tree branches.

Clean your grill before cooking and remove old grease.

Follow these grilling essentials for a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Click here to follow the original article.

‘The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon’ Kicks Off 4th of July Weekend in La Pine

Lance Campbell

LA PINE, Ore. — The gates are officially open and the action is underway in southern Deschutes County for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Independence Day traditions.

The La Pine Rodeo kicked off night one of its three-day run, expected to draw thousands of holiday visitors. Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” organizers say the event is a massive economic and social anchor for the entire South County community.

The dust kicks up in the arena as the La Pine Rodeo launches its three-day holiday run in southern Deschutes County.

“The most special thing about the La Pine Rodeo is that it’s the only rodeo in Central Oregon held over the 4th of July weekend,” said La Pine Rodeo Association Board Director Lacee Lady. “It brings all of the local, South Deschutes County businesses together. It gives them an opportunity to come and congregate, and it’s just a really great time.”

Powered by Volunteers

That community spirit extends directly behind the scenes. The entire board of directors operates purely on a volunteer basis, spending the entire week on-site to run the event. Planning is a year-round process, with prep for the next year beginning the literal day after the current rodeo wraps up.

Local support also shines in the hospitality area, where members of the American Legion are spending the weekend cooking up fresh meals for the arriving contestants.

“Scott here, from American Legion is making hamburgers and hot dogs for our contestants,” said a volunteer who goes by Cowgirl. “We’re living a dream. Come on out to La Pine and see the rodeo!”

Beyond the arena action, the event features local vendors, live entertainment, a nightly afterparty in the beer garden, and a nightly fundraiser auction. Every dollar raised from those auctions goes directly back into local community programs.

“There is nothing more patriotic than coming to a rodeo,” Lady said.

Event Details & Showtimes

The La Pine Rodeo runs nightly through Saturday, July 4th.

Gates Open: 5:45 PM nightly

Performances Begin: 7:00 PM

Tickets: Available online via the official La Pine Rodeo Association website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Palm Springs Air Museum to celebrate July 4th with historic flyover and French-American tribute

Timothy Foster

The Palm Springs Air Museum is preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July with a unique event honoring 250 years of friendship between France and the United States.

The museum’s Allies In Liberty Celebration takes place Saturday, July 4, featuring a day of family activities, aviation history and a special French-American cultural exchange. French diplomats and museum officials will exchange commemorative gifts recognizing France’s support during the American Revolution and the lasting partnership between the two nations.

One of the highlights will be the Freedom Flight, a valley-wide flyover beginning at 6:30 p.m. featuring the museum’s C-47 Skytrain and two P-51 Mustangs. A rare French Fouga Magister CM-170 jet is also expected to arrive Friday and will be on display during the event.

Families can enjoy hands-on activities throughout the day, including building and flying balsa wood model airplanes, creating patriotic birthday cards, sitting in the cockpit of the museum’s P-40 Warhawk, and seeing DARKSTAR, the aircraft featured in Top Gun: Maverick. Live music, food vendors and free birthday cake will also be part of the celebration.

The event begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Regular museum admission applies, with free admission for children 12 and under with a paid adult, active-duty military and Palm Springs Air Museum members.

Click here to follow the original article.