EPCC conference connects regional businesses, contractors with government agencies

KVIA on August 12, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Businesses and contractors wanting to contract with government agencies had the opportunity to connect at El Paso Community College Wednesday.

The Contract Opportunities Center APEX Accelerator hosted the 19th Annual Procurement and Contracting Symposium. More than 175 vendors and more than 50 exhibitor booths registered and represented a wide range of industries.

With the summit, EPCC’s opportunities center reflected its goal in helping businesses learn about contracting opportunities to increase local competitiveness and job creation.

Some of the visiting agencies included the Holloman Air Force Base, the Texas Department of Transportation and El Paso school districts.

EPCC called the event Far West Texas and Southern New Mexico’s “premier networking event” supported by federal, state and local governments and their contractors.

For the first time, EPCC combined the conference with a Veterans business conference.

Apex Accelerator Director Pablo Armendariz said attendees could “go and talk to the agents and see what they’re looking for and see the product that they have.”

“The service they have will help that agency, meet their goals. That’s the main thing about it,” Armendariz said.

The EPCC Contract Opportunities Center APEX Accelerator helps businesses develop through procurement technical assistance. EPPC said the center has an emphasis on helping small, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses.

The opportunities center has workshops centering around contracting basics, project proposals and other topics.

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Two arrested, 12 firearms seized in Yuma

KYMA on August 12, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) said two people have been arrested, and 12 firearms have been seized.

YPD said the arrests happened Wednesday after serving search warrants at two homes in Yuma, where they seized 12 firearms, along with other evidence.

In addition, YPD said an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were both arrested “on weapon related charges and multiple other felony offenses.”

However, YPD said the boy was also charged in two other cases, which involved firearms, that happened back in December of last year and May of this year.

Meanwhile, the man is held at the Yuma County Detention Center on a bond of $200,000, and facing seven felonies, including weapons violations and assisting a criminal street gang.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at 928-783-4421, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.

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New rabies case confirmed in Mackay

KIFI on August 12, 2026

Curtis Jackson

MACKAY, Idaho (KIFI) – Another bat has tested positive for rabies in Idaho.

Eastern Idaho Public Health reported on Wednesday that a bat found in Mackay tested positive for the virus. Southeast Idaho Public Health reported in May, a bat tested positive in Bannock County.

Health officials say bats carrying rabies are detected throughout Idaho each year, and Eastern Idaho typically records at least one rabid bat every season. While most bats are harmless and do not carry rabies, they are the only natural reservoir for the virus in Idaho.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can affect humans and animals. Pets and other animals can become exposed after interacting with sick or injured bats that are no longer able to fly normally. Because of this risk, EIPH is encouraging pet owners to keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations up to date.

“Bat bites or scratches can be very hard to see; they may not cause pain or leave blood,” said Jordan Adam, epidemiologist with Eastern Idaho Public Health. “If you know or suspect that you came into contact with a bat, call your health care provider immediately. Rabies is fatal once symptoms start, but the vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing rabies infection.”

 To protect yourself and your pets, EIPH offers the following tips: 

Do not touch a bat with your bare hands. If you have had contact with a bat or wake up to find a bat in your room, seek medical advice immediately. The teeth of a bat are very small, and people are sometimes bitten in their sleep without feeling it. Any bat found in a home should be tested for rabies if there is any suspicion that an exposure to a person or pet might have occurred. 

Parents should teach their children to avoid bats, never bring them to school for show and-tell, and to let an adult know if they find one. 

If you or your pet has had contact or may have had contact with a bat, save it in a non-breakable container if it is alive, or sealed and double-bagged in clear plastic bags. Only do this while wearing thick gloves. Call EIPH at (208) 533-3152 to determine whether testing the bat for rabies is indicated. If it is determined that you or your pet may be at risk of exposure to rabies, testing the bat is a free service. 

Rabies is deadly for pets, too. Always vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses— even indoor pets could be exposed to rabies if a bat gets into a home. 

Bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging all holes in the siding and maintaining tight fitting screens on windows. For information about bat proofing your home, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/management/index.html.

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Two injured in semi crash on I-8 in Winterhaven

KYMA on August 12, 2026

Abraham Retana

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – A big rig truck overturned on Interstate 8 (I-8) after crashing into a box truck near the Agriculture Inspection Station in Winterhaven.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday. A semi-truck traveling eastbound crashed into a box truck traveling westbound.

“For some reason undetermined, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve on the road and it drove into the center median near the Agriculture Inspection Station,” said Officer Isidro Centeno with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). “From there, it continued to the westbound lanes where it collided into a box truck.”

Initially, all westbound lanes were blocked while crews began cleanup. As debris was cleared, lanes began to open up to let traffic pass.

CHP said both drivers involved in the crash were injured.

“As a result, the driver of the big rig sustained minor injuries and the driver of the box truck sustained major injuries and was later flown out to a nearby hospital,” Officer Centeno shared.

In addition to CHP, American Medical Response, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, and fire crews were also on the scene.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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El Paso native says the Navy brought her a second family

KVIA on August 12, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — When a U.S. Navy sailor from El Paso left the Borderland to serve, she found more than a career. The opportunity to serve overseas led to the discovery of a second family in Yokosuka, Japan.

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Noelia Granados hoped the Navy would bring challenges and self-discovery. The El Dorado High School graduate decided to divert from the traditional path to college.

She was assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) in Yokosuka. NAVSUP said she supports logistics operations in the Pacific while serving with sailors from around the world.

Granados said her parents’ sacrifice inspired her to take her own leap of faith.

“My parents built a life for us from very little,” Granados said. “Everything they sacrificed motivated me to work hard and build something that would make them proud.”

El Paso’s community also influenced the way she approached relationships in the Navy, NAVSUP said. She remembered the unity the Sun City had after the Aug. 3 shooting.

While serving, Granados said the greatest reward has been the people she met.

“The Navy changed me into a completely different person,” Granados said. “I’ve grown so much, and everywhere I’ve been I’ve found another family.”

She said her Navy family encourages each other during difficult and successful times.

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New affordable housing project aims to keep local workers living in Teton Valley

KIFI on August 12, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI)– A new affordable housing project is taking shape in Teton Valley, with construction underway on 175 Front Street in downtown Driggs. The project aims to bridge the gap in a community where average housing costs are nearly three times what typical residents can afford.

“We’re becoming a place where people come to spend their money more than make their money, which means that folks that work in our community are finding it harder and harder to live in our community,” Jerod Pfeffer, Executive Director of Teton Valley Housing, said.

175 Front Street is being developed through a collaborative effort involving Teton Valley Housing, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and other local partners.

Once completed, the building will provide 23 apartments for households earning between 40-80% of the area median income.

Pfeffer says the need for affordable housing in the valley is significant. Housing costs in Driggs are about three times the median income, making it difficult for many local workers to afford to live in the community where they work, leading them to live farther away and commute.

“What I hear is that it’s getting harder and harder all the time. They’re driving further to access their job,” Pfeffer said. “The trend lines here are that housing is becoming more expensive. It’s becoming a larger share of household income for people, and it’s getting more and more challenging to make ends meet while working and living in Teton Valley. “

Teton Valley Housing launched its first affordable housing unit, Depot Square, three years ago. Recently, residents moved into an affordable housing unit in Jackson. Local leaders view the projects as the beginning of more affordable housing across the valley.

“Our goal is really to keep these, as a housing authority, to keep these units permanently affordable. So not just the first family, but the family after that and then after that,” Pfeffer said.

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Whooping Cough cases on the rise in southeastern Idaho

KIFI on August 12, 2026

Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) is reminding people to ensure they and their children are up to date on vaccinations as newly diagnosed cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, increase across southeastern Idaho.

Pertussis is highly contagious and spread through the air from an infected person by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Health officials say Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that becomes progressively worse over 1-2 weeks. Adults and children with pertussis can develop intense coughing fits accompanied by shortness of breath, vomiting, and a “whooping” noise when they inhale.

Health officials stress that anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, especially infants and young children, should seek medical attention immediately.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent pertussis. Children should receive the DTaP vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, again at 15-18 months, and between ages 4 and 6. Adolescents and adults should receive a Tdap booster at ages 11-12 and a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years thereafter. Because pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women are encouraged to receive a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy.

For more information, contact your health care provider or Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 208-233-9080.

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Baker Country Market is set to reopen in Salmon this Friday following devastating fire

KIFI on August 12, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Months after a fire burned the beloved Baker Country Market to the ground, the store is officially reopening its doors.

The scene at the market today is starkly different from the February 21st fire that destroyed the popular Lemhi County landmark.

The cause of the fire was ruled an accident, sparked by wind-driven embers.

Plans to rebuild were announced by the Miller family, who own the store, and the local Amish community.

By April, dozens of volunteers finished the structure’s frame. When it came time for the roof, they had it on in a matter of hours. 

This Friday, August 14th, the new Baker Country Market officially opens to customers.

Regular hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. The store will be closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

Join Local News 8 next Monday as we take a closer look inside the new and improved local landmark.

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Cole County Assessor’s Office uses new technology for 2027 mass reinspection

KMIZ on August 12, 2026

Demetra Alarcon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cole County residents should expect a knock on their door soon as the Cole County Assessor’s Office starts a mass reinspection plan.

Every odd-numbered year, there is a reassessment of the value of residential properties. This property value then determines property taxes.

This year, the assessor’s office is gathering detailed information on every residential parcel to guide next year’s reassessment.

Assessor Tim Theroff wouldn’t discuss details about why the mass reinspection was needed, saying the reasons go back to before he took office in 2025. However, the State Tax Commission has told the county that current property assessments are too low.

Assessors will first knock on the door when they arrive at a home. They’ll then take photos around the residence, updating new features as needed. Assessors only observe the outside of a home.

The process used in the past by the Cole County Assessor’s Office was simply going out with a pen and paper, gather information, then head back to the office to put the new information in.

With this new technology, assessors take an iPad out in the field, take their pictures, and enter their data while they are still in the field.

Noah Lara, an assessor in Cole County, said that this new software makes it easier for assessors to gather data and have it back in a timely manner.

“It lets us do most of that work in the field, like editing our sketches, adding photos, confirming our outbuilding data,” Lara said. “It allows us to do all that in one software and then send it off.”

Theroff said that although the first week using the new technology has gone well.

“So for the sake of efficiency, we take the pictures and do all of the data entry in the field, and then we’re able to stay out in the field for all five days and spend more time out, inspecting those properties and feel like it’s a better use of our resources,” said Theroff.

Theroff said that, when it comes to cost, assessors can now spend more days in the field than in the office, so he feels it is a net value.

“For the sake of efficiency and being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money, our field inspectors are able to be out in the field for five days a week instead of three days a week. So we figure it is a net gain,” said Theroff.

Theroff said the cost of the software is around $20,000 annually.

Theroff notes that the assessor’s objective is to accurately value property, and to make sure that everything is fair.

“If properties are valued scientifically, and there’s equity in how close they are to true market value, then that establishes fairness and what people are paying in taxes,” said Theroff.

Lara said that when assessors come to a home, they announce themselves and explain to residents what the process looks like.

“Because a lot of people, some people just don’t know what this process is or, you know, they’re first-time owners or, you know, they haven’t seen this in a while. So we just like to put people at ease,” Lara said. “I mean, we’re just out collecting our data. We’re out making sure that we have everything that we need for this assessment cycle. It’s great to interact with the public”

Theroff is cautiously optimistic that this new system will increase the efficiency of field inspectors.

Cole County will send out postcards to residents with updates.

Theroff said that the reassessment process is expected to take seven to eight months, with 25,000 homes to inspect.

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Rep. Gabe Vasquez visits La Mancha Wetlands in addressing New Mexico water issues

KVIA on August 12, 2026

Carpio Griego

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Wednesday, Congressman Gabe Vasquez toured La Mancha Wetlands Restoration Project in Las Cruces to explore solutions for water conservation along the Rio Grande and water-related issues across New Mexico.

Prolonged droughts, snowpack and climate change impacted the river, Rep. Vasquez said.

“As it’s getting hotter, the evaporation rates are also increasing, which means we’re losing a ton of water just because of those 105-degree days that we have here,” Rep. Vasquez said.

He said the county, state and federal governments should invest in a plan for a “living rio” that provides habitat and opportunity for families.

Rep. Vasquez said the dams in Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake are supposed to help with agricultural production despite New Mexico’s desert landscape. He said his office to get the Elephant Butte Irrigation District money to conserve more water along the route that ties the reservoir to local farms.

He also said irrigation seasons shrunk and that we’re seeing water in the Rio Grande for up to two months compared to six or seven.

His last visit to La Mancha took place five years ago.

“It had a lot more water,” Rep. Vasquez said. “There was fish in there, there was a beaver in there, there was turtles in there. Today, we see the impact of drought on the wetlands, but still people are hard at work trying to restore the habitat.”

La Mancha is part of a restoration project by wildlife ecology students at New Mexico State University and non-profits.

“This is a great way to explore a community partnership of how we can create permanent habitat right along the Rio Grande,” Rep. Vasquez said.

Volunteers have been working to make the area a family-friendly environment with opportunities for outdoor activities, he said.

Nuestra Tierra is a non-profit working to protect the La Mancha wetlands. Executive Director Angel Peña said five years from now, he hopes the wetlands become more sustainable for biodiversity and families.

“They can build the confidence and competence to be outside, to be active, to make memories, to have a carne asada, to have a discada,” Peña said.

Peña said La Mancha is open 24/7 for families to explore. Those who want to volunteer with Nuestra Tierra can contact the non-profit.

Peña said one way other can help the non-profit is by finding students at local colleges to research management plans for the wetlands.

Rep. Vasquez also touched on an ongoing water crisis in Tularosa, which prompted a state of emergency declaration and water restrictions. The village’s water storage tanks reached critically low levels. Officials said the low levels pose a threat to public safety, fire protection and basic needs.

“Tularosa should know that our office has its back, and we’re going to continue working with county and state officials to get them the water they need,” Congressman Vasquez said.

Rep. Vasquez is running for re-election in the November Election to represent U.S. House District 2 in New Mexico. He faces Republican candidate Greg Cunningham.

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