Semi truck crashes into power pole, causing brief outage in Indio

KESQ on August 6, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Power is back for over 600 IID customers in Indio after a semi truck hit a pole Wednesday afternoon.

The Imperial Irrigation District noted that the outage affected more than 600 customers at one point. Power was restored to customers by 8:30 p.m.

“The outage was caused by a vehicle making contact with electrical equipment. IID crews responded quickly, safely isolated the affected section, and restored service to all impacted customers,” reads a post by IID.

Additional details on the crash were not available.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Columbia’s slim ‘yes’ vote on sales tax increase expected to be certified Monday; clerk will know Friday if military, overseas ballots need to be processed

KMIZ on August 6, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Eighty-five ballots separate the “yes” votes from the “no” votes cast for Columbia’s Proposition 1 and there are still some ballots still waiting to be counted in Boone County.

The measure garnered 15,042 votes in support and 14,957 votes against. It is a 1% public safety sales tax that is projected to generate $38 million each year.

The results are still considered unofficial as the certification process does not start until Friday, according to Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon. There remain 62 provisional ballots and another seven ballots from polling places around the county still need to be processed, Lennon told ABC 17 News in a message on Wednesday.

On Friday, the clerk’s office will also learn if they have any military or overseas ballots to count.

The slim margin and remaining votes lingering overhead didn’t stop city officials from sharing their victory sentiments with local media on Wednesday. Police Chief Jill Schlude revealed City Manager De’Carlon Seewood had already emailed her about finalizing the paperwork for a city-owned south Columbia building CPD wants to renovate into a new headquarters.

“I would say 24-to-30 months is what they’re they’re estimating,” Schlude said of the timeline for the new location.

Schlude said the department’s newly established police training academy would also be moved to the new building on Lemone Industrial Boulevard, once finished. The academy is currently in the basement of the Turner Jones Building in downtown and would be repurposed.

“Moving the academy down to the new building, the new remodeled building, and then repurposing that space as kind of a central station,” Schlude said. “It will be a presence that’s tailored to just meet the needs of the central city area with staffing, because getting emergency vehicles in and out of downtown is extremely difficult.”

The current CPD headquarters building is more than 90-years-old. Seewood said Wednesday the city has known of the department’s need for a new building for about 20-years. Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said CFD plans to fully level and rebuild fire stations 2, 4 and 6. Two new fire stations will be announced towards the end of 2027, according to Schaeffer.

However, staffing is the first, and top, priority for both departments with a number of retirements looming.

“We’re hiring 42 people, getting them trained, getting them in the field,” Schaeffer said. “What normal will look like for us is constant training and we’ll have a lot of new faces and it’s going to be like that for probably five to 10 years, it’s going to take a long time to get that experience.”

Schlude said more staffing will help cut down on overtime.

“A patrol number staffing that would allow us to transition from a 12-hour to a 10-hour shift, then start building out the units that we’ve had to either make smaller or just dissolve completely,” Schlude said.

Schaeffer said better staffing would allow CFD to add a fourth person to every truck. He used a Tuesday fire at the new McDonald’s on Providence Road as an example as to why the fourth firefighter is needed.

“It would have allowed us not only to facilitate the evacuation of the people that were in the structure during the fire, but also be able to fight the fire at the same time for people allows us to break into two teams to do two different tasks simultaneously,” Schaeffer said.

Seewood said years of putting off small projects snowballed into the present-day problems that moved the city to push for the sales tax. However, he said city officials did look at other revenue sources.

“Revenues were declining, our revenues weren’t keeping pace with expenditures. In order to address that, you started to cut,” Seewood said. “We looked at maybe a property tax along with a smaller sales tax. There was definitely different ways to get there, all of those cost some type of impact and so this made the most sense.”

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe said asking voters for a sales tax was a last resort.

“It’s really hard to ask people to pay more in taxes, it’s not a popular thing for any elected official,” Buffaloe said. “But it needed to be done, so it was really important to put that that council. That’s why they [the City Council] voted 7-0, was they wanted to put the question to the voters and ask them for their support.”

Across Columbia, sales tax will range from a little under 9% to nearly 10% after the increase.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, when added to current sales tax rates, areas of Boone County that aren’t shopping centers or districts will have the lowest sales tax set at around 8.97%.

The Columbia Mall and downtown will be at 9.47%. The Shoppes at Stadium has one of the highest sales tax rates at 9.97%. The highest sales tax rate in Missouri is at 12.23% in parts of St. Louis County.

An ABC 17 News reporter spoke with 15 businesses downtown. All of them declined to speak on the increase except for Ian Morgan, owner of Sole Bros.

“It does take a little bit of impact, but I don’t think it’s going to greatly throw people away from shopping, everything’s in the voters’ hands,” Morgan said.

Morgan added that adjusting tax increases is part of business and being a good business owner.

“Our local government is going to do what it’s going to do in order to fund other places in the state and Missouri,” Morgan said. “We’re just kind of one small part of that.”

The tax is set to go into effect in January and the first round of funds will be collected in March, according to Seewood.

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BREAKING NEWS: Pilot identified in deadly plane crash, Aircraft brought down intentionally according to investigators

KTVZ on August 6, 2026

Gregory Deffenbaugh

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man died yesterday evening after intentionally crashing his plane in a remote area west of the city. Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office determined that 48-year-old Steven Nicholas Charlton was the sole occupant of the Cirrus SR22T aircraft when it went down at 6:46 p.m.

The crash followed a five-hour flight during which Charlton circled a heavily forested area. Several local and federal agencies coordinated a response to the situation to protect public safety before the aircraft came down.

Charlton departed from the Bend Municipal Airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. yesterday and remained airborne for just over 5 hours while circling in a heavily forested area. During the flight, law enforcement agencies attempted to contact him, but investigators said Charlton indicated he only wished to speak with his family.

Multiple agencies coordinated a response to ensure public safety during the incident. This effort included the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, Bend Fire & Rescue, Central Oregon Irrigation District and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI also maintained contact with the Air Force base in Klamath Falls.

The aircraft is registered to So Fly Aviation, LLC, which is based in Eugene. According to FAA records, the plane was certified on March 3, 2025. No other injuries or property damage occurred in the crash.

Public and media access to the crash site remains restricted. Investigators are currently securing the area due to remaining safety hazards at the scene.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are scheduled to be at the site today to begin their investigation. The NTSB is requesting information from anyone who witnessed the flight or the crash, or who may have seen Charlton at the Bend Airport. Witnesses can provide information by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.

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Show Us Your Garden: Early August blooming and veggies

KTVZ on August 6, 2026

John Carroll

The weeks “Show Us Your Garden” segment features an awesome garden with “Old Glory” the American Flag prominently featured in the picture. Another photo the shows off some great veggies in early stages of development. Finally we see an owner and gardener showing off her “happy place” on the back deck.

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Oregon fire officials warn drivers of rising wildfire dangers

KTVZ on August 6, 2026

Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire officials are reminding motorists to exercise caution behind the wheel as wildfire danger continues.

One small spark can start a wildfire.

Small actions such as parking on dry grass, dragging chains, or operating machinery near dry vegetation can create dangerous sparks.

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Pilot killed in plane crash indicted by Deschutes County Grand Jury hours before incident, case dismissed following death

KTVZ on August 6, 2026

Claire Elmer

Update: As of August 6th, Deschutes County Circuit Court records show the pending case against Steven Charlton has been dismissed. The judgment of dismissal applies to all five felony counts Charlton was indicted on by the Grand Jury. Any outstanding warrant in the matter is recalled.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Steven Nicholas Charlton, the pilot of the plane that crashed Tuesday in Bend, was facing five felony counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy, Deschutes County Court records show.

The criminal filings contain no information about the plane or the crash and do not establish a connection between the pending charges and what happened Tuesday.

Prosecutors initially charged Charlton on July 30th with one count of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. Court records show he appeared in custody by video for an arraignment that day, and a judge set security at $10,000.

The court ordered Charlton to have no contact with several listed people and prohibited him from accessing cameras or video-recording devices. A release agreement bearing an August 3rd signature is marked as a security release and required him to follow those conditions, remain in Oregon unless he received court permission, and appear at future hearings.

The documents do not identify who paid money toward Charlton’s security or specify how much was deposited.

A Deschutes County grand jury returned a five-count indictment on August 4th. Charlton’s arraignment on the indictment was scheduled for August 6th.

All five counts allege Charlton knowingly and without consent made visual recordings of people who were nude and had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Counts one and two involve one alleged victim. Counts three through five involve a second alleged victim.

The indictment alleges the recordings were made between June 1st and September 30th, 2025. Prosecutors allege each count represents a separate criminal episode. The indictment does not specify where the alleged recordings were made, what device was allegedly used, or whether the recordings were distributed.

Under Oregon law⁠, first-degree invasion of personal privacy is a Class C felony. It applies when someone knowingly records another person in a state of nudity, without that person’s consent, in a place and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Each Class C felony carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000, although any sentence would depend on a conviction, state sentencing guidelines, criminal history, and other factors. The offense does not automatically require sex-offender registration, but state law allows a court to designate it as a sex crime if the court finds registration is necessary for community safety.

An indictment is a formal accusation, not a finding of guilt. Charlton had not entered a plea to the five-count indictment, and the allegations had not been adjudicated before the crash.

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Man who stabbed woman under Indio bridge convicted of felony charges

KESQ on August 6, 2026

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A convicted felon who stabbed his girlfriend multiple times in an attack under an Indio bridge that he blamed on having a split personality was convicted today of assault with a deadly weapon resulting in great bodily injury and other charges.

A Riverside jury deliberated about a day before finding Jamin Demar Williams guilty of the assault count, along with domestic violence and a sentence-enhancing allegation of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Laura Garcia scheduled a sentencing hearing for Oct. 2 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Williams is being held without bail at the nearby Robert Presley Jail.

According to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office, on the afternoon of April 22, 2024, the defendant became irate with the victim, identified only as an area transient, for unspecified reasons.

The brief said Williams and the woman had sometimes shared her tent under the Golf Center Parkway Bridge, and their year-long relationship had involved acts of domestic abuse, though nothing comparable to April 22.

The victim later told Indio Police Department investigators that she was relaxing in her tent when the defendant rushed inside and accused her of “setting me up.”

He punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground, the brief said.

“After kicking and punching the victim, the defendant began stabbing her,” according to the narrative. “During the assault, the defendant told her, `I’m going to kill you today. I don’ t give a (expletive) about you.'”

For over a half-hour, Williams held her inside the tent by threatening her with a six-inch knife, according to the prosecution. He inflicted a wound to the right side of her neck, stabbed her three times in the left arm and shoulder, and once behind the right ear, prosecutors said.

When the victim finally broke away, she fled to a nearby 7-Eleven and asked a clerk to call 911, which immediately brought patrol units to the location.

Officers detained the defendant under the bridge following a brief confrontation, during which he baited them to “shoot me, just shoot me then,” the brief said. No shots were fired during his arrest, and neither Williams nor officers suffered injuries.

The woman was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment of her wounds, from which she has since recovered.

Williams was interviewed by detectives that evening, telling them he had “three split personalities,” according to the prosecution. He named the persons as “Jay,” “Ashad” and “Quick.”

“The defendant stated neither Jay or Ashad harmed the victim and were unaware of what happened,” the brief said. “The defendant stated he does not talk to Quick, and Quick did not want to speak with defendant or the police. He told police he knew the woman but never lived under the bridge. Hewas unsure how he obtained blood on his clothing and body.”

Court records indicated Williams underwent psychiatric evaluations throughout 2024 and was determined to be competent to stand trial.

He has documented prior convictions for making criminal threats and first-degree burglary, resulting in prison time.

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Madras Aquatic Center Board reacts to recall

KTVZ on August 6, 2026

Tyson Beauchemin

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Four of five Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District board members are expected to be removed from office following a special recall election. Current results show most of the recalls passing by more than 300 votes

Approximately 23% of ballots have been returned so far, which is the expected turn-out for a special election, according to Jefferson County Clerk Katherine Zemke. Mail-in votes expected to continue arriving throughout the week. However, Zemek said the outcome of the election is unlikely to be changed by the remaining votes. Zemek also estimated the costs for this special election were around $12,000.

When KTVZ reached out to all of the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District’s board members. They declined interview, but some of them sent written statements.

Executive director Courtney Snead sent the following:

“On behalf of the MACRD staff team, I want to assure our communities that the Madras Aquatic Center will continue operating throughout this transition period. Our staff remains committed to providing the programs and services our patrons rely on. Once the Jefferson County Commissioners appoint new board members, we look forward to working collaboratively with them and the Special Districts Association of Oregon to support a smooth transition and ensure the district continues to provide a safe, clean, and fun swimming experience for all.”

Board member Jean McCloskey also provided a written statement expressing hope for the district’s future governance.

“I was appointed to the board in 2022 not knowing anyone on staff or fellow board members. Serving on this board has been challenging. This district has faced Financial strains and constant turnover of board members and staff for the past 18 years of operation. My hope now is that the Commissioners will be able to appoint at least two new board members that can focus on stabilizing the district financially, to protect the services it provides, that this community values.”

Kora Hollyman was the only board member who did not face a recall during this special election. She did however, respond to our inquires with this statement .

“The Jefferson County Commissioners are responsible for filling the four board vacancies created by the recall. They met this morning to discuss the appointment process and shared that applications should be available by the end of the business day today for those interested in serving on the board. My understanding from this morning’s Commissioners meeting is that applications will be accepted through August 19, with a special meeting scheduled for August 26 to interview applicants and make the appointments.

No matter which side of the election people were on, one thing is undeniable…our community cares deeply about MACRD. The amount of time, effort, and passion that so many people put into this process speaks to that. I respect everyone who took the time to participate in our local democracy.

Looking ahead, I’m hopeful this is an opportunity to bring more community voices and ideas to the table. I look forward to working with the future board and our community to move the district forward in a way that reflects the priorities of the people we serve and builds a strong future for MACRD.”

KTVZ also spoke to the recall petitioners, who expressed satisfaction with the results of their efforts, but also declined interview.

As mentioned in the board members statements, Jefferson County commissioners are preparing to fill the soon-to-be-vacant seats once the election is certified. While they cannot appoint anyone to the board till the election is certified, they can start looking for new board members. The county website will begin accepting applications for board members today (August 5th).

The deadline to apply is August 19 and interviews for the positions are scheduled to begin August 26. Officials hope to have replacements appointed as early as September.

The county commissioners only have a duty to fill two of the vacant seats. After that, a quorum is established, and the board could begin searching for members on its own. However, County Administrative Officer, Jeff Rasmussen told KTVZ they could appoint all the vacant seats if they received enough qualified applicants. The application page is now live.

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Yuma ranks high in H2-A and H2-B visa workers, supporting the local ag industry

KYMA on August 6, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma has the sixth highest reliance on H2-A and H2-B visa workers in the nation.

Valentin Sierra of Amigo Farms said, “We hire 35 employees through the H2-A program.”

Amigo Farms is a local agriculture company that hires temporary workers under the H2-A visa program.

A new study released by Manifest Law, a modern immigration law firm, found that Yuma County is the sixth highest reliance on seasonal workers in the nation. H2-A visas ease the pressure on the agricultural workforce.

Sierra said, “95-98% of them return back every year, and we usually get the other 3-5% of new employees…It’s either because someone is having issues at home and they can’t leave at the time, and well, they miss that window of opportunity.”

Local agriculture companies start the visa process in May to get ready for the planting season in August.

Sierra explained, “This is a list of what you need, documentation, put in the petition, and then we go through the legal process of getting them approved.”

One local date farm worker, Manuel Valenzuela, explained why they make a difference.

“Because they come with a permit or they take care of their work, and they do a better job than locals because if locals get fired, they go somewhere else, but they take care of their work, they work more, and they produce better,” Valenzuela shared.

The peak of the agricultural season starts in August and ends in the spring.

According to the University of Arizona, Yuma generates $4.4 billion in agriculture revenue per year.

These visa programs are an extremely significant component of the U.S. labor force as the United States faces labor shortages.

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Two 13-year-old girls seriously injured in Miller County UTV crash

KMIZ on August 6, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two 13-year-old girls were seriously injured in a UTV crash on Wednesday afternoon on Warren School Road in Miller County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report says the two girls were in a 2013 Polaris Ranger that was heading southbound when it went off the left side of the road, went up an embankment, hit a tree and overturned.  

Neither girl utilized a safety device, the report says. Both girls were brought to Lake Regional Hospital with serious injuries. A girl from Brumley drove the vehicle, while a Lake Ozark youth was an occupant, the report says.

The UTV had minor damage. MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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