El Paso County Sheriff’s Office budget faces possible $2.5 million shortfall

KVIA on August 12, 2026

Max Zepeda

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office could face a $2.5 million budget shortfall by the end of the fiscal year.

El Paso County Budget Director Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria said the sheriff’s office only has has $23.4 million left to spend for the fiscal year. She said the money would have to go to salaries, overtime and a contingency request for meals.

This comes as more than $6 million was added to the sheriff’s office budget this year, as Arrieta-Candelaria told commissioners Monday.

ABC-7 reached out El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte to discuss his next steps, and why his department needs more than what is being provided.

In a public statement released Wednesday, Sheriff Ugarte said:

In response to reports regarding the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office’s projected budget shortfall, I want to provide the people of El Paso County with information about what is driving it and what we are doing to address it.

First, this is a projected year-end shortfall, not the amount the Sheriff’s Office is currently over budget. It is based on current spending and estimated costs through September 30, and that number can change.

A significant part of the projection is related to overtime and staffing. The Sheriff’s Office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including two detention facilities that must be safely staffed around the clock while we continue providing law enforcement services throughout our areas of responsibility. When we do not have enough employees available to meet required staffing levels, overtime becomes necessary.

The reality is that providing effective public safety services requires substantial resources and carries significant costs. Operating detention facilities, putting deputies on our streets, investigating crimes, responding to emergencies, training our employees, and maintaining the equipment necessary to serve our community require significant resources. But every taxpayer dollar must also be justified and spent responsibly.

Since taking office, I have raised concerns about whether our authorized staffing levels reflect the actual needs of today’s Sheriff’s Office. That is why we are requesting a professional, independent staffing assessment of our detention and law enforcement operations. I want the data to tell us what we actually need—whether that means additional staffing or identifying areas where we can operate more efficiently.

We are also working closely with Commissioners Court, County Administration, and the County Budget Team to control expenses and reduce overtime wherever it can safely be reduced. But simply cutting overtime without addressing why it is necessary is not a long-term solution. I will not compromise the safety of our employees or our community simply to make a number on a spreadsheet look better.

I care deeply about the men and women of this Sheriff’s Office. Since taking office, we have reduced vacancies, improved retention, and worked to strengthen employee morale by showing our employees that they are valued and supported. Taking care of our employees is not separate from taking care of our community—it directly impacts the quality of public safety services we provide.

And we are seeing results. During my first year as Sheriff, crime in our areas of responsibility decreased by 14 percent. I am proud of that accomplishment, but the credit belongs to the men and women who serve this community every day. That progress came through hard work, accountability, supporting our employees, and keeping our focus on public safety.

As Sheriff, I accept responsibility for the decisions made within this organization, and I take our responsibility to taxpayers seriously. We will continue looking for efficiencies, controlling expenses, and making responsible decisions while advocating for the staffing, equipment, training, and resources our employees need to safely do their jobs.

We must protect our community. We must support the men and women who serve it. And we must be responsible with taxpayer dollars. 

El Paso County is our home. I am proud of our employees, proud of the progress we have made, and committed to being transparent with our community as we work together toward responsible, long-term solutions.

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2 dead after military helicopter crashes in Central Texas

KMIZ on August 12, 2026

CNN Newsource

By Cindy Von Quednow, Aaron Cooper, CNN

(CNN) — Two people are dead after a military helicopter crashed in a field in Salado, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon, a sheriff’s official said.

The Apache helicopter from Fort Hood military installation crashed around 1:35 p.m. local time, and the two pilots on board were confirmed dead, according to Cliff Coleman, a spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office.

Crews responded to a large, uncontrolled wildfire sparked by the crash, and evacuations were in place, Coleman said.

The helicopter did not hit any structures or people, Coleman said.

“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” he added.

The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was based at Fort Hood, the installation said in a statement. Local emergency responders, military personnel and law enforcement were on scene.

“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”

It was unclear where the helicopter was coming from or where it was headed.

The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter with seats for two crew members: the pilot in the rear of the aircraft and the co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the US Army.

The four-bladed helicopter can carry 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 aerial rockets and 1,200 rounds for its 30 mm gun.

Apaches have been upgraded and modernized since the aircraft was first introduced in 1984, and they are slated to keep flying until 2050.

“It is highly mobile, lethal, and can destroy armor, personnel, and materiel targets in obscured battlefield conditions at ranges out to 8 kms (5 miles),” the Army said on its website. “With the addition of improved situational awareness, flight performance, and joint interoperability, the AH-64E has become the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.”

This story has been updated with additional information.

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

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Hiker rescued on Cactus to Clouds Trail in Palm Springs

KESQ on August 12, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A male hiker needed assistance on Wednesday afternoon on the Cactus to Clouds trail in Palm Springs after becoming dehydrated and weak, according to Palm Springs Fire.

Fire officials said the hiker was located more than a mile up the trail from the Palm Springs Art Museum, where the Cactus to Clouds route begins.

“There is one subject needing help over a mile up from PS Art Museum, Sheriff’s aircraft en route to hoist off the trail,” Palm Springs Fire said. The patient was described as dehydrated and feeling weak but not injured.

A sheriff’s aircraft conducted a hoist rescue from the rugged trail, bringing the hiker down safety. The man was evaluated by the fire department and paramedics.

The Cactus to Clouds trail climbs from the Palm Springs desert floor toward Mount San Jacinto, gaining roughly 10,000 feet in elevation. The lower portion can be particularly dangerous during periods of extreme heat.

Heat-related emergencies have previously prompted rescue operations on the trail. California State Parks has warned that extreme temperatures in the Palm Springs area can create serious risks for hikers, including dehydration, weakness, dizziness and heat-related illness.

The rescue remains developing. Officials have not released the hiker’s identity or additional information about their condition.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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De La Vina Street Pilot Restriping Project

KEYT on August 12, 2026

Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Traffic changes are coming to one of Santa Barbara’s more congested corridors, at least temporarily, and your input is wanted.

The City of Santa Barbara is considering a Pilot Restriping Project along De La Vina Street between Padre and Valerio Streets.

Navigating stretches of the one-way, two lane street — which is often heavily dotted with bicycle riders, parked cars and pedestrians — has created a dangerous dynamic. The City revealed on public sandwich boards that the area has a history of serious injury and fatal accidents.

The Restriping Project entails taking out one of the driving lanes and replacing it with a buffered bike lane, similar to what is currently in place along De La Vina Street from Carrillo to Haley Streets and, the configuration from Constance to Padre Streets.

City staff will host two community engagement meetings this week:

Online: Wednesday, August 12 via Zoom, starting at 5:30. In-Person: Thursday, August 13 at southeast corner of Mission and De La Vina Street from 5:00 – 6:30.

Click here for more information.

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MU announces ‘Stop Day’ is cut from 2026 fall semester schedule

KMIZ on August 12, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri Provost announced in a Tuesday email that the fall 2026 semester will not have a “Reading Day.”

The day – also known as “Stop Day” by students and alumni – was debated on being cut for the upcoming fall semester after because Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday. Gov. Mike Kehoe last year signed a law that gives UM workers Veterans Day as a paid holiday.

The university is required to have 29 academic days scheduled for Tuesday/Thursday classes and 43 for Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes, according to previous reporting.

Stop Day is typically scheduled with the intent of students having an extra day to study for their final exams.

Finals week for the fall semester lasts Dec. 14-18. Previous reporting shows the change would not affect Stop Day in the spring semester.

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GoFundMe created to help family of man who died from rare form of bone cancer

KYMA on August 12, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A GoFundMe has been created to help the family of a man who died from a very rare form of bone cancer.

The GoFundMe’s organizer said Donovan Manchado passed away on his 27th birthday after battling the cancer for two years.

During his two-year battle, the organizer said Manchado “showed incredible strength as he endured multiple surgeries, including the amputation of his right hand.”

Fighting cancer is never easy, but for Manchado, he had one thing to deal with the pain: Art.

The cancer also never stopped him from doing the things he loved.

Even on his bad days, Manchado would always look for the good as he battled cancer.

“We never knew how much pain he was really in. He would deny. His answer was, ‘I’m ok, I’ll be alright.’ He was always doing his best to get up and down the house. He tried to do everything himself. He would do his own dishes. He would do his own clothes. He’d clean up after himself. He never drifted from that,” said Jose Lopez Estrada, Manchado’s stepfather.

Prior to his passing, Donovan spent most of his time drawing generating many followers on social media.

“Everybody came and gave him his birthday wishes. And I think he heard us. He can hear us. And he sensed it. It was time to let him go. And I think that was the hardest thing, especially on his birthday,” said Shavon Lopez, Donovan’s mother.

Manchado was very close to his extended family. His uncle, Robert Counts, said Manchado was a fighter that didn’t let anything get in his way.

“Donny was the strongest person in our family. Because he would show you that he can do things that normal people couldn’t. He had one arm, he would show you all the things he could do by himself. ‘No no, I can do it by himself,’ he said. That’s why he’s the strongest person in the family,” Counts shared.

Donovan’s funeral is on Friday but his impact will last a lifetime in his family and in the community.

“He had so much creativity and my brothers just loved him the way who he was. They dreamed of being successful as he was when he was still around,” said Tyler Porter, Manchado’s brother. “Donovan may the force be with you.”

The GoFundMe was created to help his family with funeral expenses “as they try to honor Donovan’s memory and navigate this heartbreaking loss,” the organizer said.

The GoFundMe has a goal of $3,000, with nearly $1,870 raised so far. If anyone is interested in donating to the GoFundMe, click here.

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Field fire threatened homes in Fort Hall

KIFI on August 12, 2026

Curtis Jackson

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI)— Fire crews quickly put out a field fire in the Gibson area of Fort Hall Indian Reservation on Wednesday.

According to Watch Duty, the fire began around 10:45 a.m. in a field along Ferry Butte Road between North Bannock Road and US 91.

The fire threatened nearby homes, prompting evacuations. The fire was under control by 12:30 p.m. and burned around 30 acres. No structures were damaged, and no one was injured.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

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Local middle school strengthens cardiac emergency preparedness

KYMA on August 12, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma School District One said Castle Dome Middle School earned a Heart Safe School designation through Project ADAM’s Heart Safe School Program.

In a press release, the program is to help schools across the country “strengthen cardiac arrest emergency preparedness through awareness, training and practiced response plans.”

Courtesy: Yuma School District One

District One said the designation, which Castle Dome earned back in May, “represents months of preparation and collaboration focused on strengthening the school’s chain of survival.”

District One also said more than 50 Castle Dome staff members received CPR/AED training, conducted emergency drills and routine AED inspections to ensure that the equipment is ready when needed.

Courtesy: Yuma School District One

“Castle Dome Middle School’s Heart Safe School designation is an important accomplishment for the entire District One community,” said Sarah Bales, Director of Health Services. “We are proud of the preparation and teamwork that went into this effort, and we look forward to building on this work as we expand Project ADAM and strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness across our district.”

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

2026-4 Project ADAM at Castle DomeDownload

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Coachella Valley residents remain vocal about Flock Cameras

KESQ on August 12, 2026

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — “Clear evidence. Safer Communities. Privacy first.” This is the motto posted front and center of Flock Safety’s website.

Over 700 ‘Flock’ cameras have been installed across the Coachella Valley in eight of nine major cities over the last five years.

While police agencies state the system is strictly used to scan license plates to help identify criminal suspects after crimes occur, local critics argue the extensive network amounts to an invasion of personal privacy.

Capt. Andy Mills of the Palm Springs Police Department addressed questions regarding how law enforcement handles the information collected by the license plate scanners. Mills emphasized that the department operates under specific guidelines regarding data retention and regional coordination.

News Channel 3 asked the peoples questions to hold officials accountable.

to our understanding of knowledge all the data that we captured is deleted every 30 days,” Mills said.

He also highlighted the necessity of shared technology across municipal boundaries, stating, “Only government agencies see political jurisdictions. Criminals don’t.”

Now, to learn more about the peoples perspective, News Channel 3 spoke with multiple residents and across the board, they exclaimed a dislike for these cameras.

“The issue with Flock cameras is that it’s about crime. And to me, crime is kind of an economic reality that’s caused by poverty in some cases,” Cathedral City resident Nicolai Longo said. “We need to be proactive in preventing crime by, like I said, building better communities and ensuring that people have the economic opportunity to support themselves and not have to move into crime.”

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Chuco Tango gang member charged for allegedly giving fake name to constable

KVIA on August 12, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A Chuco Tango gang member has been arrested and charged for allegedly failing to identify himself, the El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct Six said Wednesday.

Tuesday at 5:35 p.m., an associate at the Cielo Vista Walmart flagged down a an off-duty constable to report a theft, the constable’s office said.

The constable’s office alleged 34-year-old Terence Andrew Mendoza tried to walk out of Walmart with a speaker worth $300. The constable detained him.

While detained for the alleged theft, the constable asked Mendoza to identify himself. He allegedly gave the constable a fake name.

After an investigation, conducing warrants and an identification check, authorities learned Mendoza lied about his last name, the constable’s office said.

The jail magistrates office issued an arrest warrant for Mendoza with a $3,000 bond.

Deputy constables arrested and booked Mendoza into the El Paso County Detention Facility for fail to identify giving false/fictious info.

The constable’s office said Mendoza is a confirmed Chuco Tango gang member.

It also said Walmart decided not to prosecute Mendoza for the alleged speaker theft charge.

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