There’s Good News: Garter snake receiving care at Think Wild surprises staff with eight babies

KTVZ on August 12, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s good news, and it comes from our friends at Think Wild!

An adult female garter snake arrived at the wildlife hospital in early June. She was found outdoors barely moving with multiple puncture wounds, and other injuries consistent with a possible cat attack.

After more than two months of treatment and rehabilitation, her wounds have healed, and she is nearly ready for release. But on August 8th, she surprised the team by giving birth to eight babies! Six of the newborn snakes survived, and were healthy enough to be released to the wild just a few days later.

Mom will remain in think wild’s care a little longer before being cleared for release.

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UTEP College of Education explores the future of AI work, education in El Paso

KVIA on August 12, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Artificial intelligence is changing how people work and learn. The University of Texas at El Paso College of Education gathered more than 100 leaders on Tuesday to shape A.I.’s future in El Paso’s education.

“Conversations about AI focus so much on the technology and platforms being utilized, but we know that at the end of the day it is our people we need to focus on,” said Clifton Tanabe, the College of Education’s dean.

Through the Built Here Summit, leaders discussed how the El Paso region can make an A.I. framework to prepare students and workers for the future economy, UTEP said.

“There’s something unique about the way in which we do work,” Tanabe said. “I think that’s something we can lean into. We’re certainly doing it right now, and we’ve done it in other areas. In education, for example, we’ve created the leading pipeline in teacher preparation right here in El Paso.”

Workforce leaders from Microsoft and Workforce Solutions Borderplex spoke at the summit about practices and policies businesses use to protect workers from being displaced by A.I.

“AI is a tool for educators and students to use; it cannot teach,” said Catherine Tabor, president of the Computer Science Teachers Association. “Educators are still needed in the classroom to introduce students to the pursuit of knowledge and a love of learning.”

Tanabe said it’s important to make sure humans are in the center of work.

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El Centro’s Star Wars-themed program hits the international stage

KYMA on August 12, 2026

Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A program born in the low desert of the Imperial Valley is capturing international attention.

STEAM WARS & BEYOND, a unique career guidance project created by Soroptimist International of El Centro, has officially transitioned from a local conference into a globally recognized development program.

The program’s rapid ascent recently took local volunteer leaders from the Imperial Valley to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, which directly led to an exclusive invitation to present on the world stage in Incheon, Republic of Korea.

For years, community projects in smaller, rural regions have struggled to compete with the resources of major metropolitan hubs.

“A lot of planning, but at the same time it was a wonderful feeling because our project is being seen,” said Ivonne Sotomayor Santos, Programs Chair and co-founder of the initiative. “We’re always living under the shadow of the bigger cities like LA and San Diego, but our project…we felt it was a wonderful thing. There was so much that we can expand on and it’s a good idea.”

The presentation took place during the 49th Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) Biennial Convention in South Korea. Local organizers shared their success with delegates representing 21 different countries and territories.

For Sotomayor Santos, visiting Incheon opened doors she never expected.

“To meet with the rest of the countries in our Federation…and to be there in South Korea, a place I never thought I would have the chance to visit, it was amazing” Sotomayor Santos said. “We got to cement partnerships.”

She added that the journey completely shifted the perspective of the local organization.

“It just brought this world of possibility to us because not only are we helping our girls, but we’re helping the women in the club grow, and that’s the beauty of it too,” Sotomayor Santos explained. “You can’t do these programs…without having the core element: You have to dream.”

Hosted locally at Central Union High School, the program targets girls ages 10 to 18. It leverages a creative “Star Wars” theme to make career exploration immersive and engaging.

Participants interact with volunteers dressed as iconic characters before entering workshops spanning science, technology, agriculture, business, finance, and public service.

“The women in those movies are strong and empowered,” explained Maria Carrillo-Martinez, President of Soroptimist International of El Centro. “That is the message we want to get across to our girls: you are also powerful and strong, and you can find your space in these careers.”

Carrillo-Martinez emphasized that the initiative goes far beyond standard classroom teaching. “We’re not just getting a room, throwing a science teacher in, getting kids together, and talking about career paths,” she said. “We are bringing real role models to the girls and saying, ‘Here is a female engineer. This can be you in a few years.'”

The initiative addresses a universal hurdle faced by young women entering competitive industries.

“Females are always struggling to get into those fields or feel like they belong,” Carrillo-Martinez added. “It’s not just girls in Imperial County. It’s girls everywhere saying, ‘I don’t know if I can do that…I’m just a girl.’ But it is possible. We are trying to bring the world to them.”

The program’s unique structure has earned a permanent spot in the Soroptimist International Foundation’s global project portfolio. It stands as the very first locally developed project from an American SIA club to achieve this formal foundation partnership.

This designation places El Centro’s initiative alongside specialized humanitarian sites in Haiti, Nepal, and Sierra Leone.

The international spotlight is also bringing unexpected attention back to the region’s economy.

“We are bringing so much visibility to the Imperial Valley,” Carrillo-Martinez noted. “People from all over the world are asking, ‘Where is El Centro?’ They see it’s in the low desert of California, close to the border, and they think, ‘Maybe I want to invest there.’ There are a lot of possibilities.”

To date, Soroptimist International of El Centro has secured more than $100,000 in multi-year grants, sponsorships, and funding commitments to sustain and grow the program over the next three years. 

True to the organization’s strict “pay your own way” tradition, all travel, lodging, and convention registration costs for the delegation to South Korea were personally funded by the volunteers themselves.

Every dollar secured through grants and donations is funneled directly back into training, workshops, and resources for local youth.

Planning is already underway for the next major STEAM WARS & BEYOND conference, scheduled for January 30, 2027.

To learn more about this project or to get involved, you can visit the Soroptimist International Foundation website here.

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New Franklin Avenue traffic closure begins Monday, August 17

KTVZ on August 12, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, progress continues on the Franklin Avenue project, but drivers should be prepared for another traffic closure beginning Monday, August 17th.

The closure will affect Franklin Avenue between NE Third and NE Fourth streets.

During the closure, traffic will be limited to one-way westbound travel only. There is also an existing closure between NE Second and NE Third streets. Traffic in that section will be limited to one-way eastbound travel, with detours in place.

Officials say business access and emergency response access will be maintained at all times.

For more information about the project and current traffic impacts, click here.

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Man charged with 3 felonies after 2 youths injured during high-speed chase in Jefferson City

KMIZ on August 12, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Moniteau County man was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor after two children and an adult were injured on Monday night from a crash during a high-speed chase.

Jaden Bennett, 23, of California, Missouri, was charged on Tuesday in Cole County with aggravated fleeing, two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond.

The probable cause statement says a police officer saw Bennett drive through a red light in downtown Jefferson City and tried to conduct a traffic stop. Bennett stopped his vehicle and took off again when the officer got out of his vehicle, the statement says.

Speeds eclipsed 100 miles per hour and at one point Bennett’s vehicle became airborne, the statement says. He crashed his vehicle into a guard rail at the Summit Drive exit of Highway 54, the statement says.

An adult passenger, as well as a 12-year-old and 8-year-old were injured in the vehicle after the crash, police wrote.

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7N Ranch Resort reopens after Big Rock fire, thanks community for support

KIFI on August 12, 2026

Maile Sipraseuth

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI)– 7N Ranch Resort is back in business after the Big Rock Fire forced it to temporarily close its doors for nearly a week.

7N Ranch Resort has been home for the Newby family for decades and represents years of hard work, family memories and community.

7N Ranch Resort owners, Tennessee and George Newby

Owners Tennessee and George Newby have devoted much of their lives to the resort. They raised their three children on the ranch, including their son Eric Newby, who moved back home three years ago.

“I watched them build it from pretty much nothing,” Eric Newby said.

As the Big Rock Fire burned nearby, Tennessee said she was particularly concerned about the possibility of the flames reaching a grain field near their home.

“I think I was a little bit apprehensive thinking about if it did hit the grain because it was coming down and it was getting dark,” she said. “We live across the field, so I thought, that comes down and hits that grain, it might make it to our house.”

The ranch and the family’s home ultimately remained safe from the fire. But while the resort was closed, the Newbys say they didn’t have much time to dwell on what could have happened.

“We didn’t have time to worry too much about that because we were all pretty busy helping each other,” George Newby said.

The Newbys say support from their neighbors and the surrounding community helped them through the difficult week.

Mountain River Ranch, a nearby business, hosted a fundraiser benefiting 7N Ranch Resort and Heise Hot Springs.

“We got a lot of support from the neighbors and appreciate Mountain River Ranch putting on the fundraiser,” George Newby said. “Just a lot of local community helping each other as well.”

After nearly a week of uncertainty, the Newbys say they are grateful their home and business are still standing and are ready to move forward.

“We’re all still here. It could have been a lot worse, could have been a lot, lot worse,” George Newby said. “So we’re just happy to be here and want people to know that we’re open again and looking forward to seeing them again.”

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Council advances ordinance for permanent fireworks ban in Redmond

KTVZ on August 12, 2026

Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond City Council voted five-one today to advance a proposed ordinance that would establish a permanent ban on all fireworks.

If enacted, the ordinance would change a long-standing tradition in the city. Under previous regulations, fireworks were banned every day except the Fourth of July.

The push for a complete ban follows several fireworks-caused fires this year. The Police Department, fire department and City Council members have been exploring options to prevent future fires.

The Redmond City Council has been looking at ways to curb illegal fireworks usage to prevent potential fires for the last three years.

City Councilor Clifford Evelyn advocated for safety measures and suggested residents attend public displays rather than setting off fireworks in residential neighborhoods. “Safety above everything. Okay. Celebrations. We can go down to the fairgrounds and do it down there and watch the fireworks. And take your family home once its done. You don’t have to do it in your neighborhood, okay? It’s very important to keep kids safe, keep adults safe, keep our property safe,” Evelyn said.

Members of the public addressed the council for close to 45 minutes during the meeting. Opponents of the measure argued that a complete ban unfairly penalizes law-abiding citizens.

“I don’t believe the answer is to take a traditional way from everyone, because some people choose not to follow the rules,” one Redmond resident said.

Another Redmond resident stressed the cultural importance of the holiday. “Everyone who celebrates the 4th of July is celebrating their independence. It’s an American holiday. It’s a patriotic holiday. It’s ingrained in our culture. And for those who want to take that away, I just want to say that is wrong,” the resident said.

Other community members supported the ban, citing increasing hazards in the area. Redmond resident John Fullman spoke in favor of the measure. “It’s dangerous. And the danger in our area is just it’s just too much now. So we can’t ignore anymore,” Fullman said.

The ordinance passed its first reading today. The council will hold a second reading at a later date in Redmond.

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First responders from across Missouri attend active-shooter training in Moberly

KMIZ on August 11, 2026

Ellyse Edwards

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

First responders from around the state gathered in Moberly on Tuesday for a two-day training focused on responding to active shooters.

The Active Attack Incident Management course brings together law enforcement, fire and EMS to train for how they would coordinate and manage resources during an incident.

The training is taught by Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training. ALERRT instructor Damian McKeon said the training focuses on the officers responding directly to a threat and establishing a command structure to manage everything happening around them.

“We need security outside. We need to form rescue task forces, and they escort the medical folks in there and get the patients out. And none of that can happen without an incident command framework to set it up in a move,” McKeon said.

McKeon said the first officers arriving during an active attack are trained to go toward the sound of gunfire. He said the training then focuses on the integrated response of fire and EMS and how they can coordinate.

McKeon said scenes can be fast-moving, emotional and intense, making repetition important for those who may eventually be responsible for managing a response.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety made the training available to law enforcement agencies in all nine regions of Missouri through federal grant funding. Jason Baillargeon, a homeland security specialist with the Missouri Department of Public Safety, said participating departments do not have to pay to send first responders to these trainings.

“It is it is free to local law enforcement, across the state. And the initiative went for all nine regions. So we are trying to incorporate the entire state. So we have trainings in all nine regions,” Baillargeon said.

Baillargeon said this is the first year the Missouri Department of Public Safety has offered active-shooter incident management training.

The course goes beyond the initial response of an individual officer to an active shooter.

“It is another process moving away from the officer on the ground dealing, dealing with this specific incident. But how to manage the crisis in its entirety and so I believe this is what you would call probably a ‘big brother’ to the initial training that took place and is still taking place across the state of Missouri today,” Baillargeon said.

Participants spend two days completing the training. Baillargeon said responders who are not already familiar with the concepts first learn them before putting those lessons into practice. During the exercises, first responders used iPads and tabletop scenarios to work.

“So with active attack incident management today, the students are able to one work with technology as well as a tabletop and go through a critical incident from start to finish. It may be it may be multiple critical incidents,” Baillargeon said.

Moberly Police Chief Bobby Calvert said the course allows first responders from different agencies to learn the same terminology and understand where resources need to go during a critical incident.

Some participants included the Hannibal Fire Department, Moberly Police Department and Randolph County Sheriff’s Department. Fire personnel are also learning how their role fits into a response alongside law enforcement.

Hannibal Fire Department Deputy Chief Dane Riefesel said this was his first time participating in scheduled training with his local police department for this type of scenario.

“I mean, unfortunately, if it does happen, I mean, you want to be prepared for it. So we try to prepare for everything that could could happen. And this is one of those things that I think is important to be ready for, to to help your community in a time of need,” Riefesel said.

Baillargeon said the DPS plans to continue the training through the rest of this year. He said locations are arranged for law enforcement officers to attend the training.

“We, we arrange locations and, then, of course, the law enforcement officers are able to come and so hope that they can come. And I’m hoping, we don’t know as of yet, but we’re hoping to continue this activity. Incident management training as Big Brother two, level one, active shooter training in the future. In 27,” Baillargeon said.

Baillargeon later said the department is planning to continue training into 2027, but the funding source and the direction DPS will take for the future remain undetermined.

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San Luis Obispo County seeks poll workers for November general election

KEYT on August 11, 2026

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Office is currently seeking poll workers for the upcoming General Election this coming November.

The call to the public comes on Tuesday, Aug, 11 during “National Poll Worker Recruitment Day,” an annual initiative to inspire civic engagement and encourage people to sign up to become a poll worker.

“National Poll Worker Day is to just get the word out and encourage people that if they are interested in seeing what the behind the scenes looks like to sign up,” said San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Alaina Cano. “We always need poll workers and this is just the kickoff to the November election.”

According to Clerk-Recorder Office, poll workers are the face of the election, performing a number of important tasks such as setting up polling places, greet voters, verifying registrations, issuing ballots, explaining voting equipment, and helping voters understand their options throughout the voting process. T

The office also pointed out poll workers play a critical role in ensuring every polling place is welcoming and accessible for all voters, including those who need language assistance or accommodations for disabilities.

“Poll workers are incredibly important and crucial to Election Day,” said Cano. “They are the ones that are out there from six in the morning till 9 or 10:00 at night, making sure that voters have an opportunity to vote in person. Without them, we don’t have the staffing to staff polling locations. We wouldn’t have folks there to assist the voters in determining where their polling location was at, getting them to register, casting their ballots, explaining to them new electronics or technology that’s out there at the polls. They are really an extension of our office, and we honestly could not do it without them.”

Cano indicated there were 732 poll workers countywide during the Primary Election that was held in June.

However, for the General Election that is set for Nov. 3, 2026, the Clerk-Recorder Office will be seeking an even greater amount of poll workers.

“The reason why we need more is because there will be more contests, more ballot types,” said Cano. “There will be a little bit more confusion for the voters most of the time as to which precinct they need to go to,so the more people that we have to assist our voters, the easier that it is for them to have an enjoyable experience out of the polls.”

Cano added poll workers will receive a financial stipend and they can range in age beginning with teenagers and all the way up, as long as they can perform the required duties.

“We have opportunities for even high school students to be student poll workers,” said Cano. “There is no age limit. So you can be anywhere from 16-to-17-years-old from high school and then up to 120 years old. It doesn’t matter. There is no absolute age limit. It is a long day. If you wanted to serve the entire day, it’s normally 6 a.m. to at least 9 p.m. There are also opportunities to work half days, so from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then the pay there is really minimal. It’s more about doing your civic duty and assisting our voters.”

With the recruitment now open, San Luis Obispo County is welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and also encourages bilingual community members, college students, and first-time poll workers to apply.

To learn more about becoming a poll worker in San Luis Obispo County or to apply, visit SloVote.com/pollworkers.

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Several charges dropped in Island Park voter fraud investigation

KIFI on August 11, 2026

Stephanie Lucas

Editor’s Note: As of May 1st, 2026, the charges against Chad Vanderbeek have been dismissed without prejudice. Charges against Winter Mickelberry, Michelle Green, and Eugene Jenson have also been dismissed on the motion of the prosecutor.

ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Prosecutors in Fremont County have dismissed or reduced charges against several individuals following an investigation into alleged voter fraud during a contentious May 2023 election in Island Park.

Out of 11 people originally charged with election interference, four have pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges, several cases have been dropped, and charges against three remaining defendants remain pending.

Chad Vanderbeek appears in court for a preliminary hearing, represented by attorney John Malek.

Most notably, all charges against Chad Vanderbeek of Island Park were dismissed with prejudice on May 1, meaning prosecutors cannot refile the same charges against him.

During a hearing last September, Vanderbeek’s attorney, John Malek, argued that while he had been temporarily living in Idaho Falls to care for his father in hospice, he never intended to give up his primary residence in Island Park.

“There is no indication under black letter law that my client has established residence somewhere else,” argued Malek in the September hearing. “There is, however, an indication that my client has established residence in Island Park.”

According to an online obituary, Vanderbeek’s father, Hans, passed away shortly after the case was dismissed.

Meanwhile, four other defendants entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor illegal voter registration:

Rodney and Marian McKenna: Both pleaded guilty to misdemeanor illegal voter registration, with original felony charges dropped. Each was sentenced to 30 days in jail (with 28 days suspended), $707.50 in court fees, 25 hours of community service, and one year of probation.

David and Christi Rose Spinner: Both pleaded guilty to misdemeanor illegal voter registration, while felony perjury charges were dismissed. Each was sentenced to one day in the Fremont County Jail, a $657 fine, and unsupervised probation.

At the center of the case is a controversial May 2023 ballot measure proposing a 5% lodging tax on short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and cabins in Island Park. Proponents wanted to use the revenue to build a three-million-dollar multipurpose community center.

That measure ultimately failed by just nine votes.

Court documents allege that the defendants fraudulently cast ballots in that election using secondary residences, Airbnbs, or rental properties.

Charges against defendants Teara Galbraith, Marcye Gifford, and Charles Lower remain pending as of publication.

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