Bonneville County launches public input survey on 20-year facilities and financial plan

KIFI on September 9, 2026

News Release

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Bonneville County is developing a Master Facilities Plan and a Comprehensive Financial Plan to guide public facility management and growth over the next 20 years, and residents have until Oct. 31, 2026, to weigh in.

The plan will evaluate the condition, use, and future needs of County facilities and provide a long-term framework for decisions about maintenance, improvements, space needs, and funding strategies. In partnership with Clearwater Financial, the county has launched an online Community Facilities Survey inviting the community to share their facility experiences and priorities as they develop the plan.

“County facilities are where many of our residents interact directly with local government, so their experience in those spaces matters,” said Austin Black, Bonneville County Chief Operating Officer. “We want to hear what is working well, where people are experiencing challenges, and what they believe should be priorities as we plan for the future.”

The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete and asks residents for feedback about building accessibility, parking, safety, facility condition, and overall functionality.

County Leadership is encouraging residents to submit the survey by Oct. 31, 2026, so the feedback can be incorporated into the planning process. For more information or to take the survey, click HERE.

Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Trial run shows more rideshare access could make downtown Columbia safer

KMIZ on September 9, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Results from a trial run of expanded rideshare parking spaces in downtown Columbia last year showed promise in making the area safer.

On Tuesday night, the Columbia City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that will block off 32 more parking spaces to designate for taxis and rideshare services in downtown, making 66 spots total.

The start time for the rideshare stands also moved to 9 p.m., two hours earlier than the previous 11 p.m. start time. The stands will continue operating until 2 a.m.

The designated areas would include parking spaces along Broadway, Cherry, Ninth, Tenth and Walnut streets.

When asked if the changes could help to curb crimes motivated by loitering and tailgating, city spokesman Christopher Ave said it could be “a possibility.” Ave went on to write in a statement that the city would welcome the development, but only time will tell.

City documents show that Columbia Police reported an increase in overnight traffic congestion connected to rideshare operators and customers violating traffic laws in August 2025. The city said those problems stemmed from a lack of designated places for operators and customers to use rideshare services.

In response, the Columbia Police Department ramped up enforcement of misdemeanor offenses downtown like jaywalking. Between Aug. 15-17, 2025, CPD handed out 21 citations as part of the new enforcement strategy. This included eight tickets for jaywalking or disobeying traffic signals. Eleven were for parking violations, while the other two included indecent exposure and an uninsured driver.

The city tested a rideshare pull-off zone last September by temporarily blocking metered parking. In October 2025, after the shooting death of Stephens College student Aiyanna Williams, metered parking was temporarily blocked off again to test designated pickup/drop off zones with Uber and Lyft.

CPD reported that the results of both of these pilot weekends saw a dramatic reduction in traffic violations and an overall improvement in pedestrian safety. Rideshare drivers also reported that the designated zones felt safer.

A request from the Downtown Community Improvement District on Aug. 18 asked for parking meters to be bagged Aug. 21-22 between Eighth and Tenth streets.

The request asked that the meters be closed from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in an effort to address large crowds and loitering.

University of Missouri System President Mun Choi has called the area a “danger zone” in a series of emails to city leaders in light of multiple large scenes during the summer months. One incident was a brawl that led to seven arrests on July 26, and another was a shots-fired incident at the beginning of August that led to felony charges.

Emails show Choi put his backing behind request from the District on Aug. 19.

In his response to Choi, City Manager De’Carlon Seewood said the issue needs to be studied across downtown before the city acts on a single street.

“To determine how widespread the problem is, we would like to sit down with you, The District and CPD to discuss all instances of overnight tailgating downtown and exchange ideas on how best to address the issue,” Seewood wrote.

Choi called Seewood’s response “continued inaction” and described it as deeply concerning. He also addressed Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe.

“We do not need additional studies. De’Carlon and his team should have been evaluating and addressing this issue since the first instance of violence in this section of Walnut Street,” Choi wrote. “If there are legitimate public safety concerns associated with overnight tailgating and activities that contribute to violence, then address them. This is precisely why the public has become so frustrated with city leaders. Problems that call for action result in further study and delay.”

Ave said city code does not allow the city to ban parking for the reason given in the request. Ave said CPD also advised that no “emergency” exists that would legally allow the suspension of parking in the requested area as the basis for the city’s denial.

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Blythe ordinance Banning kratom products for youth takes effect Thursday

KESQ on September 9, 2026

City News Service

BLYTHE (CNS) – A ban on the sale of kratom products to those under 21 years of age takes effect tomorrow in Blythe.

The Blythe City Council approved the prohibition on Aug. 11, mirroring a Riverside County ordinance passed in October 2025. The Blythe law prohibits the sale and distribution of kratom products.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that contains compounds of mitragynine and 7-hyrdroxymitragynine, otherwise known as 7-OH. Some energy drinks, gummies and pills containing 7-OH are synthesized, which means they contain alkaloids that produce a much stronger result.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any products containing the chemical as an added ingredient or at enhanced levels due to its opioid-like effects. The agency said products with 7-OH, which can be found in gas stations, online, smoke shops and other retail stores, should be avoided at all costs as they could lead to addiction, serious harm or overdose.

According to a staff report, on July 2025 the FDA issued warning letters to companies for illegally marketing products with 7-OH and recommended that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration add 7-OH products to the nationwide list of controlled substances.

Under the Blythe ordinance, those over 21 with a valid ID will still be able to purchase the products. Those found guilty of selling kratom products to people under 21 will be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.

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University of Idaho President Scott Green announces his retirement

KIFI on September 9, 2026

Curtis Jackson

MOSCOW, Idaho (KIFI) – University of Idaho President Scott Green announced Wednesday that he will retire on June 30, 2027. He made the announcement while presenting his State of the University address, according to IdahoEdNews.

Green served as president for eight years, beginning in July 2019. He has been the longest-serving president since Richard Gibb. Gibb was president when Green attended the university and graduated in 1984.

Green made several accomplishments as President, including recovering from a $40-million budget deficit, rebounding enrollment after the pandemic, and helping the university gain a top-tier R1 research status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Green mentioned in his address the failed bid to purchase the University of Phoenix, an online university. The State Board approved the deal, but the State Legislature later blocked it.

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APS surprises local Yuma teachers with gift cards

KYMA on September 9, 2026

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A power company surprised local teachers with funds to improve their classrooms.

Arizona Public Service (APS) gave away $500 gift cards to 62 teachers in Yuma County, and the goal is to support schools with much needed supplies.

“We want to make sure that we are giving them the supplies they need to be successful and that our teachers don’t have out of their pockets so we are trying to make a difference in our communities,” said Nicole Culpepper, Public Affairs Manager for APS Southwest Division.

The teachers were chosen among 8,300 applications APS received statewide.

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Eager Park in Imperial gets an inclusive remodel

KYMA on September 9, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of Imperial began an upgrade at the playground at Eager Park in an effort to be more inclusive.

The goal is to make the playground more accessible for children of all abilities, and the project is expected to cost around $650,000.

“This project is a revamping of the existing amenities at Eager Park,” Anthony Lopez, Imperial Parks and Recreations Director said in an interview with News 11.

“It will include accessibility components for children with mobility issues, and also sensory disabilities,” he added.

There will also be a fitness component for the senior population.

The project should be completed by the end of the year and is already getting positive feedback from residents.

“We’ve gotten some good feedback on Facebook,” Stephanie Sanchez, the Administrative Specialist with Imperial Parks and Recreations told News 11.

The goal is to make Eager Park a place where all children can play together. 

The city has some big plans for its parks coming up.

“We are working on our Imperial Regional Park design and master planning project. So that project will give us a blueprint to a future regional space for the entire Imperial County, central hub here in Imperial,” Lopez said.

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Oregon public defense backlog drops 66%, Governor Kotek says

KTVZ on September 9, 2026

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s public defense crisis is showing signs of improvement, with the number of defendants waiting for an attorney dropping 66% over the past year, according to Governor Tina Kotek.

When Kotek appointed Ken Sanchagrin to lead the Oregon Public Defense Commission in April 2025, more than 4,000 defendants statewide were without legal counsel.

As of August 31, 2026, that number had fallen to 1,104.

Kotek said the reduction follows the transfer of the Oregon Public Defense Commission to the executive branch, her appointment of Sanchagrin and her direction to make reducing the number of unrepresented defendants a top priority.

“When people charged with crimes go without counsel, justice is delayed for defendants and for the communities harmed by crime,” Kotek said. “A 66% reduction in unrepresented defendants is a turning point.”

Two counties previously identified as being in crisis — Coos and Marion — have also resolved their backlogs.

Kotek credited criminal defense attorneys across Oregon for working together to address the shortage of legal representation.

“The work is not done, and we will keep striving for improvement until every person needing counsel has an attorney,” Kotek said.

The Oregon Public Defense Commission presented the latest progress to the Oregon Legislature on Wednesday.

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DHSS reports ‘possible measles exposure’ at Sedalia train station

KMIZ on September 9, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced in a Wednesday press release that a Missouri resident who contracted measles boarded a train in Sedalia on Aug. 27.  

The release says the resident is not from Pettis County “and was only traveling through the Sedalia train station enroute to their intended destination.”

Train 318 was headed to Chicago. Details about the possible measles exposure are limited, per the release.

The DHSS says those who may have been exposed should look for symptoms for 21 days from the date of exposure. People who think they may have measles should contact their healthcare provider.

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Forum Boulevard improvement project is still waiting for start date

KMIZ on September 9, 2026

Melissa Houston

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Forum Boulevard Improvement Project was supposed to take place years ago, but faced delays due to the cost and size of the project.

The project was first proposed in August 2015 and was supposed to start in the summer of 2026. However, the project has been pushed back to the summer or spring of 2027.

Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan said the city is currently working to secure easements needed for the project. Once easements are acquired and the bidding process is complete, Ogan said the city will be able to determine when construction can begin.

“An easement is part of the process the city takes in order to acquire part of the city property in order to provide infrastructure along that route,” Ward 5 Councilwoman Christina Hartman said. “It’s the city’s way of asking for additional space in order to provide that public transit area.”

The improvement project runs through both Wards 4 and 5. Hartman said the project is an opportunity to improve infrastructure as well as the safety of the area.

“What they’re going to be doing is improving the traffic flow and reducing some of the issues that occur along that road, along with widening the road and making it safer for not only cars but pedestrians as well,” said Hartman.

Ogan said several things can delay the start date even further; those include changes to the original plan, delays in securing easements, or delays in the bidding process.

Once the project starts it is estimated to take roughly one year to complete. The project’s estimated cost has also increased to $13.5 million; data from July 2026 previously estimated it at $12.3 million.

According to a city memo citing July 2026 data, the project will make the road a four-lane section, with lanes in both directions. Construction will take place for a new bridge over Hinkson Creek. Two roundabouts will be added at Katy Lane and Woodrail/Crestwood. Bike lanes and sidewalks will also be added.

The city’s website does state that medians will be added to locations of the roads that experience higher accident rates. Ogan said that because the project features are still in the preliminary phase, he could not confirm any specific features that will be added.

Hartman said potential features of the project would help keep drivers of that area as safe as possible.

“The goal is to reduce that potential for collision as much as possible,” Hartman said.

This project runs through the 2900 block of Forum Boulevard, near Wilson’s Fitness Center, where a fatal crash occurred Aug. 22.

ABC 17 News obtained a crash report on Wednesday through a prior records request.

The report shows 46-year-old Darrin Stokes, of Columbia, died in the crash. The report says Stokes was traveling north in his 2010 Chevrolet Malibu when he crossed the center line and hit a 2012 Chevrolet Impala head-on.

Stokes was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver – Mary Schlenk, 78, of Columbia, — had serious injuries and was brought to an area hospital, the report says. The report claims neither driver wore a seatbelt.

On that specific stretch of Forum Boulevard, this improvement project would potentially add a raised median.

Hartman said community members she has spoken to have expressed their concerns for the road and the safety of it.

“The people that I spoke to along Forum, they are definitely want this project to go through,” Hartman said. “They have had concerns for this area for quite some time. And so, having that project come to fruition is going to be really important for the community.”

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Indio to dedicate 9/11 memorial built around World Trade Center steel on 25th anniversary

KESQ on September 9, 2026

KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) A 12-foot steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center is now in place at Miles Avenue Park, and on Friday, the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Indio will dedicate the memorial built around it.

The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the park, 82540 Miles Ave., next to the Coachella Valley History Museum. Mayor Pro Tem Waymond Fermon said the artist and the full City Council are expected to attend. The city has invited residents, neighboring communities and local public safety agencies.

“This is a moment now where our country could pause, really come together and forget our differences and remember the innocent lives that were lost,” Fermon told News Channel 3 at the site Wednesday. “And so that’s what the city of Indio is doing.”

The memorial is the work of artist James Dinh, who submitted his design in 2023. The beam stands in front of a large curved steel wall engraved with “09 11 01” and punched with thousands of tiny holes. Illuminated at night, the holes are meant to look like a constellation of stars, Dinh has said.

“We obtained this piece and we really made it into a circle where we could come together and recognize humanity,” Fermon said.

The project took years to reach this point. The city issued a call for artists in March 2023, describing the centerpiece as a 12-foot steel artifact with a spiral curve from the former World Trade Center, to be used as-is without alterations. On Aug. 16, 2023, the City Council awarded Dinh a $130,000 contract to fabricate and install the sculpture.

The memorial was first planned for the northeast corner of Jackson Street and Dr. Carreon Boulevard, within the city’s Public Safety Campus. The council later directed staff to find a site that could better accommodate public gatherings, and Miles Avenue Park was chosen. A city staff report warned the move might require the artist to rework the design, including the lighting, and estimated the added cost at $20,000 or more beyond the approved $130,000 budget. A final project cost was not immediately available.

Ground was broken on Sept. 11, 2025. At the time, the city said it had been entrusted with the beam four to five years earlier. Details of the transfer were not immediately available.

“I think it’s been in the planning phases for a while,” Fermon said. “We just didn’t have the right time and moment to do it. But we came together as a council and a community to put it in this location where folks could come, go to the park, see this piece of history.”

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks in New York, at the Pentagon and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Twenty-five years later, the toll is still rising. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York says more people have now died of Sept. 11-related illnesses than were killed in the attacks, and that about 8,000 people enrolled in the federal World Trade Center Health Program have died, though not every death is tied to a certified 9/11 condition. This year the museum is adding a seventh moment of silence to its ceremony for those who died from health effects of the attacks and their aftermath. As of June 30, the health program was caring for 145,275 responders and survivors, according to its quarterly report.

Fermon said the memorial should speak for them, too.

“All these years later, communities are still suffering from the tragic 9/11 events, and we have to come together and speak for those folks and support them,” he said.

He said the memorial reflects how the city responds when things go wrong, pointing to Tropical Storm Hilary and to earthquakes.

“Indio is a community, it’s a neighborhood, and we always come together at times of tragedy,” Fermon said. “The city of Indio will come together and we will take care of our neighbors.”

The 9/11 memorial will soon have company. Across the park, crews are building a veterans memorial the council approved in April with a $500,000 budget. It will feature seven pillars representing the branches of the U.S. armed forces. City staff said a dedication is planned for November, around Veterans Day.

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