Category: CNN Regional

KPIX

By Carlos E. Castañeda, Kelsi Thorud

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — A gas explosion and fire near Hayward and Interstate Highway 238 Thursday morning injured multiple people and destroyed or damaged at least three structures, authorities said.

The incident happened on East Lewelling Boulevard just west of Mission Boulevard and south of Highway 238 in the unincorporated community of Ashland. The area has a mix of commercial and residential structures, including single-family homes.

The explosion scattered debris across a wide area, landing on adjacent rooftops. At least two of the structures destroyed appeared to be contained on the same lot of 867 E. Lewelling Boulevard, which was listed on Redfin as a four-bedroom, 3,957 square-foot home.

Pacific Gas and Electric said at 7:35 a.m., it was notified that a third-party construction crew had damaged an underground gas line while digging on Lewelling Boulevard, and it dispatched crews to the scene. According to PG&E, its workers isolated the damaged line and stopped the flow of gas by 9:25 a.m., but gas had been released at multiple locations, and at 9:35 a.m., the explosion happened.

Security camera video from a neighbor across the street showed construction vehicles in front of the address as a large explosion destroyed much of the main structure. The neighbor told CBS News Bay Area her entire house shook in the blast.

“It looked like a bomb dropped. It just went,” said Brittany Maldonado. “We thought a truck hit the house or something, but no, the neighbor’s house exploded.”

A spokesperson for Alameda County said Redgwick Construction of Oakland is currently working on a project to improve E. Lewelling Boulevard in the area, and the firm lists the project on its website. Documents from the county indicate the work involves new sidewalks, bikeways, and pavement improvements.

CBS News Bay Area has reached out to Redgwick Construction for comment.

Alameda County Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto said at least three buildings on two properties were “significantly damaged,” and a third property adjacent to the other properties had minor to major damage on the side where the explosion occurred.

“Two of the three buildings look like residential structures, the one in the back of one of the properties looks like a workshop with maybe a living quarters on top,” Nishimoto said.

Six patients were taken to nearby hospitals, Nishimoto said. CBS News Bay Area has learned that at least three patients were being treated at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley with injuries described as serious.

Eight engines and two ladder trucks responded to the three-alarm fire, said Fire Department spokesperson Cheryl Hurd.

Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Roberto Morales said deputies were dispatched to evacuate other residents in the area. It was unclear how many residents were evacuated.

The California Highway Patrol said southbound Highway 238 to East 14th Street and Lewelling Boulevard from Mission to Paradise boulevards were shut down during the firefight and investigation.

Many neighbors in the area questioned why there wasn’t an evacuation in the two hours before the explosion when PG&E knew gas was leaking.

Maldonado said she was never notified of a gas leak, and the only reason she knew anything was going on was because she saw a PG&E crew member checking her gas meter at around 8:30 in the morning.

“And he said that they were turning off the gas because of something with the road crew,” said Maldonado. “So we were, like, okay. So we were even more confused because we were, like, ‘But the gas was off, how did the explosion happen?'”

PG&E said it does not execute evacuations and leaves that process up to first responders.

The Alameda County Fire Department said it did not evacuate the neighborhood because when crews came on the scene, PG&E told them they did not need the department’s assistance.

“PG&E will be conducting an extensive investigation around a potential cause and will support other investigations that may take place,” said spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Carlos E. Castañeda, Kelsi Thorud

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — A gas explosion and fire near Hayward and Interstate Highway 238 Thursday morning injured multiple people and destroyed or damaged at least three structures, authorities said.

The incident happened on East Lewelling Boulevard just west of Mission Boulevard and south of Highway 238 in the unincorporated community of Ashland. The area has a mix of commercial and residential structures, including single-family homes.

The explosion scattered debris across a wide area, landing on adjacent rooftops. At least two of the structures destroyed appeared to be contained on the same lot of 867 E. Lewelling Boulevard, which was listed on Redfin as a four-bedroom, 3,957 square-foot home.

Pacific Gas and Electric said at 7:35 a.m., it was notified that a third-party construction crew had damaged an underground gas line while digging on Lewelling Boulevard, and it dispatched crews to the scene. According to PG&E, its workers isolated the damaged line and stopped the flow of gas by 9:25 a.m., but gas had been released at multiple locations, and at 9:35 a.m., the explosion happened.

Security camera video from a neighbor across the street showed construction vehicles in front of the address as a large explosion destroyed much of the main structure. The neighbor told CBS News Bay Area her entire house shook in the blast.

“It looked like a bomb dropped. It just went,” said Brittany Maldonado. “We thought a truck hit the house or something, but no, the neighbor’s house exploded.”

A spokesperson for Alameda County said Redgwick Construction of Oakland is currently working on a project to improve E. Lewelling Boulevard in the area, and the firm lists the project on its website. Documents from the county indicate the work involves new sidewalks, bikeways, and pavement improvements.

CBS News Bay Area has reached out to Redgwick Construction for comment.

Alameda County Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto said at least three buildings on two properties were “significantly damaged,” and a third property adjacent to the other properties had minor to major damage on the side where the explosion occurred.

“Two of the three buildings look like residential structures, the one in the back of one of the properties looks like a workshop with maybe a living quarters on top,” Nishimoto said.

Six patients were taken to nearby hospitals, Nishimoto said. CBS News Bay Area has learned that at least three patients were being treated at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley with injuries described as serious.

Eight engines and two ladder trucks responded to the three-alarm fire, said Fire Department spokesperson Cheryl Hurd.

Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Roberto Morales said deputies were dispatched to evacuate other residents in the area. It was unclear how many residents were evacuated.

The California Highway Patrol said southbound Highway 238 to East 14th Street and Lewelling Boulevard from Mission to Paradise boulevards were shut down during the firefight and investigation.

Many neighbors in the area questioned why there wasn’t an evacuation in the two hours before the explosion when PG&E knew gas was leaking.

Maldonado said she was never notified of a gas leak, and the only reason she knew anything was going on was because she saw a PG&E crew member checking her gas meter at around 8:30 in the morning.

“And he said that they were turning off the gas because of something with the road crew,” said Maldonado. “So we were, like, okay. So we were even more confused because we were, like, ‘But the gas was off, how did the explosion happen?'”

PG&E said it does not execute evacuations and leaves that process up to first responders.

The Alameda County Fire Department said it did not evacuate the neighborhood because when crews came on the scene, PG&E told them they did not need the department’s assistance.

“PG&E will be conducting an extensive investigation around a potential cause and will support other investigations that may take place,” said spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KTVT

By Erin Jones

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    TEXAS (KTVT) — A Dallas woman who beat a rare and aggressive cancer is being celebrated in a special way. The Dallas Stars Foundation recently honored her at a home game not just for her strength, but for the artwork that helped her heal.

For Dallas attorney Gracen Moreno, last Friday’s Stars game was about more than hockey.

“The entire arena… it seemed like everyone was either holding a shirt or talking about the shirt,” she said.

A shirt she designed carries a powerful message, “Finish the Fight.”

Last year, at just 29-years-old, Gracen was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. At the time, she was preparing for a jury trial and planning a wedding two months away. The plans were suddenly moved up to just one week after her diagnosis.

“You kind of have your whole life ahead of you and then it turns out upside down,” she said.

Her first symptom was a lingering cough. Then an X-ray revealed a nine-centimeter mass in her chest and a CT scan followed.

“My doctor called me and said don’t panic but I need you to go to the emergency room to start getting the process in place to get out whatever is in your chest biopsied,” she said.

Soon after came the news she feared most.

“When I heard or I found out that I had cancer, it’s like your worst nightmare ever coming true,” she said.

“Alk-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is one of the rarest types of what we call non-Hodgkins lymphoma and it’s particularly aggressive unless treated appropriately,” Jana Reynolds, MD, a Texas Oncology physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center said.

Doctors told Gracen the prognosis wasn’t good, only about a 30% chance of surviving five years.

“What happens when the worst possible thing that you think at the time is the worst possible thing happens to you?” she said. “Well, you can either give up, which is not an option, or you can decide to fight.”

Fight she did. Through several rounds of grueling chemotherapy and, ultimately, a bone marrow transplant at Baylor Scott & White’s Sammons Cancer Center.

“On one of my lowest days of hospitalization my husband looked at me and said do you want to go paint something?” she said. “How do we make this better? I couldn’t see friends or family.”

Inside the hospital’s Arts in Medicine studio, Gracen began painting, using creativity to cope with the long days of treatment.

While there, her art therapist learned she was a Dallas Stars season ticket holder and when an opportunity came up, she knew exactly who to recommend.

“She came later to my hospital room and said you’ll never believe this, but I got an email from the Stars earlier today asking if I knew any cancer patients that also participated in the art program and I think you would be perfect for it,” she said.

At last Friday’s home game, the Dallas Stars Foundation honored Gracen, celebrating her remission and her resilience.

The team asked her to design custom artwork for a special T-shirt given to the first 500 fans and even players.

“Everyone was really invested in the mission,” Gracen said. “It was really cool to see fans, players, coaches, all either wearing the shirt or just celebrating the fight against cancer itself.”

Her team of doctors say the recognition was well deserved.

“I’m so proud of her for accepting the challenge and honestly bringing more attention to the serious things that we face,” Dr. Reynolds said.

“It was a really special night,” Gracen said.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Erin Jones

Click here for updates on this story

    TEXAS (KTVT) — A Dallas woman who beat a rare and aggressive cancer is being celebrated in a special way. The Dallas Stars Foundation recently honored her at a home game not just for her strength, but for the artwork that helped her heal.

For Dallas attorney Gracen Moreno, last Friday’s Stars game was about more than hockey.

“The entire arena… it seemed like everyone was either holding a shirt or talking about the shirt,” she said.

A shirt she designed carries a powerful message, “Finish the Fight.”

Last year, at just 29-years-old, Gracen was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. At the time, she was preparing for a jury trial and planning a wedding two months away. The plans were suddenly moved up to just one week after her diagnosis.

“You kind of have your whole life ahead of you and then it turns out upside down,” she said.

Her first symptom was a lingering cough. Then an X-ray revealed a nine-centimeter mass in her chest and a CT scan followed.

“My doctor called me and said don’t panic but I need you to go to the emergency room to start getting the process in place to get out whatever is in your chest biopsied,” she said.

Soon after came the news she feared most.

“When I heard or I found out that I had cancer, it’s like your worst nightmare ever coming true,” she said.

“Alk-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is one of the rarest types of what we call non-Hodgkins lymphoma and it’s particularly aggressive unless treated appropriately,” Jana Reynolds, MD, a Texas Oncology physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center said.

Doctors told Gracen the prognosis wasn’t good, only about a 30% chance of surviving five years.

“What happens when the worst possible thing that you think at the time is the worst possible thing happens to you?” she said. “Well, you can either give up, which is not an option, or you can decide to fight.”

Fight she did. Through several rounds of grueling chemotherapy and, ultimately, a bone marrow transplant at Baylor Scott & White’s Sammons Cancer Center.

“On one of my lowest days of hospitalization my husband looked at me and said do you want to go paint something?” she said. “How do we make this better? I couldn’t see friends or family.”

Inside the hospital’s Arts in Medicine studio, Gracen began painting, using creativity to cope with the long days of treatment.

While there, her art therapist learned she was a Dallas Stars season ticket holder and when an opportunity came up, she knew exactly who to recommend.

“She came later to my hospital room and said you’ll never believe this, but I got an email from the Stars earlier today asking if I knew any cancer patients that also participated in the art program and I think you would be perfect for it,” she said.

At last Friday’s home game, the Dallas Stars Foundation honored Gracen, celebrating her remission and her resilience.

The team asked her to design custom artwork for a special T-shirt given to the first 500 fans and even players.

“Everyone was really invested in the mission,” Gracen said. “It was really cool to see fans, players, coaches, all either wearing the shirt or just celebrating the fight against cancer itself.”

Her team of doctors say the recognition was well deserved.

“I’m so proud of her for accepting the challenge and honestly bringing more attention to the serious things that we face,” Dr. Reynolds said.

“It was a really special night,” Gracen said.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Victor Jacobo, Asal Rezaei

Click here for updates on this story

    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Cold temperatures and concerns about the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area did not stop thousands of Catholics, mostly Latinos, from making the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday in Des Plaines.

Thursday was the start of the two-day celebration of the Virgin Mary, and the pilgrimage to Des Plaines is the largest celebration to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States.

Thousands of believers braved the cold to leave flowers, light candles, pray, and sing at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This year’s pilgrimage was a first for Carol Lopez and her daughter, Marina.

“I love her, I love the Virgen de Guadalupe,” Lopez said. “We’re really believers, because my grandma and grandpa used to teach us how to pray, and I just love her.”

Lopez said being at the shrine brings back a lot of those childhood memories.

“They had a big statue of her in their bedroom. He had, like, a shrine of her, and I just love her,” she said.

The pilgrimage has been a tradition in Des Plaines since 2014, but the history of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to 1531, when Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared before Saint Juan Diego in Mexico, leaving an image of herself on his cloak.

Lopez’s daughter, Marina, said everyone coming to the shrine deserves to feel safe.

“We were afraid that ICE was going to be here, actually. So that’s kind of scary to know that all these people are risking themselves right now to come visit her,” Marina said.

Arcelia Maya and Noelia Vargas have made the pilgrimage to Des Plaines for several years. They said the event, which is normally packed, felt less so this year.

Vargas said some who normally make the trip have said they’re staying home this year, that they’re scared about the federal immigration crackdown.

Many visitors said there’s been a growing fear that federal agents could show up in Des Plaines.

“It’s very sad, but I think that also affected a lot of people coming, and that’s why they’re mostly watching it through the TV and just celebrating at home in the way they can,” said Ashley Ramirez, of Chicago.

Despite challenges and hardships both personally and in her community, Ramirez said she came out to express gratitude.

“I’m just very thankful for the blessings that we’ve had over the year,” she said.

But after months of heavy immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, her thoughts and prayers also ask for change.

“With everything going on with ICE, I think I’m very thankful that my mom is still with me. But at the same time, I’m hoping for things to get better, and praying that things with ICE and everything calm down so we can live again like we once did, and we don’t have to live in fear,” she said.

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE does not target churches or places of worship.

Meantime, the two-day celebration continues on Friday for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

WBBM

By Victor Jacobo, Asal Rezaei

Click here for updates on this story

    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Cold temperatures and concerns about the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area did not stop thousands of Catholics, mostly Latinos, from making the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday in Des Plaines.

Thursday was the start of the two-day celebration of the Virgin Mary, and the pilgrimage to Des Plaines is the largest celebration to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States.

Thousands of believers braved the cold to leave flowers, light candles, pray, and sing at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This year’s pilgrimage was a first for Carol Lopez and her daughter, Marina.

“I love her, I love the Virgen de Guadalupe,” Lopez said. “We’re really believers, because my grandma and grandpa used to teach us how to pray, and I just love her.”

Lopez said being at the shrine brings back a lot of those childhood memories.

“They had a big statue of her in their bedroom. He had, like, a shrine of her, and I just love her,” she said.

The pilgrimage has been a tradition in Des Plaines since 2014, but the history of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to 1531, when Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared before Saint Juan Diego in Mexico, leaving an image of herself on his cloak.

Lopez’s daughter, Marina, said everyone coming to the shrine deserves to feel safe.

“We were afraid that ICE was going to be here, actually. So that’s kind of scary to know that all these people are risking themselves right now to come visit her,” Marina said.

Arcelia Maya and Noelia Vargas have made the pilgrimage to Des Plaines for several years. They said the event, which is normally packed, felt less so this year.

Vargas said some who normally make the trip have said they’re staying home this year, that they’re scared about the federal immigration crackdown.

Many visitors said there’s been a growing fear that federal agents could show up in Des Plaines.

“It’s very sad, but I think that also affected a lot of people coming, and that’s why they’re mostly watching it through the TV and just celebrating at home in the way they can,” said Ashley Ramirez, of Chicago.

Despite challenges and hardships both personally and in her community, Ramirez said she came out to express gratitude.

“I’m just very thankful for the blessings that we’ve had over the year,” she said.

But after months of heavy immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, her thoughts and prayers also ask for change.

“With everything going on with ICE, I think I’m very thankful that my mom is still with me. But at the same time, I’m hoping for things to get better, and praying that things with ICE and everything calm down so we can live again like we once did, and we don’t have to live in fear,” she said.

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE does not target churches or places of worship.

Meantime, the two-day celebration continues on Friday for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Ross DiMattei, Tom Gardiner

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    Philadelphia (KYW) — After debate over whether Philadelphia should swap the original Rocky statue with a replica, Sylvester Stallone himself is now changing course.

A surprise twist came out of a Philadelphia Art Commission meeting Wednesday morning in the ongoing Rocky statue saga. After plans surfaced to swap out the original sculpture at the base of the Art Museum steps, Rocky himself had a change of heart.

City officials revealed they met with Stallone and said, based on “strong and heartfelt feedback from the public, Mr. Stallone has graciously decided that we will no longer move forward with the proposed statue swap.”

“I’m sorry, Sly, man, you gave it to the city,” Lars Jacoby said. “You should leave it in the city.”

It was the type of public pressure that led Stallone to rescind his request that the original Rocky statue be returned to his possession and replaced by the replica at the top of the steps. Stallone lent a replica to the city last year for the first-ever Rocky Fest.

“I’m pretty sure Sly didn’t pay for the original out of his pocket,” Jacoby said. “He should just leave it here. I love you, Sly, but you should leave it here, man.”

The Rocky statue made its debut on the silver screen, commissioned by Stallone, for “Rocky III.” He later donated it to the city. The statue bounced around a bit before arriving at the bottom of the Art Museum steps, where it’s welcomed about 4 million visitors per year for the past two decades.

“On the way out of town, we’re hitting the statues,” Jacoby said. “If it wasn’t here, it would be tough, man. It would’ve been a tough blow for my bucket list.”

Under the new proposal, the replica would be returned to Stallone, and the original statue would be permanently moved to the top of the steps.

The only problem? You’d have to climb the 72 steps, like Rocky, or ride up a series of long ramps to the top to see it, raising questions about accessibility.

“There’s too many stairs. It looks fantastic. It’s amazing the view for picture taking of the park, it’s nice,” Elizabeth Rivera said. “But it’s better to have it more accessible to the people here where it is right now.”

The art commission shared concerns about accessibility. The commission is asking for updated plans to include a Rocky shuttle or some type of vehicle to bring people from the bottom to the top of the steps throughout the day, before the commission fully approves the plan.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Nick Sloan

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    KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KMBC) — A baseball field in Kansas City, Kansas, now bears the name of a fallen Wyandotte County deputy.

City leaders, members of the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, and family members of Deputy Elijah Ming gathered Thursday afternoon at Heathwood Park to officially rename the field Deputy Elijah Ming Memorial Field.

Deputy Ming was killed on July 26 while responding to a domestic violence call.

Community members said they hope the field serves as both a place of remembrance and a lasting symbol of Ming’s service.

“It’s a special moment for the whole family, but I think it will be even more special for my son,” said Ming’s widow, Tiara Ming. “When he gets old enough to realize that park has your name on it because of your dad.”

Organizers said the dedication ensures Ming’s legacy will remain a visible part of the community he served.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Charlie Keegan

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    KANSAS, Missouri (KSHB) — The U.S. Senate failed to pass several proposals Thursday to address the cost of premiums for people getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

A federal subsidy is set to expire at the end of the year.

Dawn Wheeler, of Edwardsville, Kansas, has cancer and relies on an Affordable Care Act plan to cover the costs of her treatment.

In 2025, she paid $69 per month for her premium. If the subsidy expires, her cost will increase to $2,300 per month.

“It’s panic time for a lot of people,” Wheeler said. “I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Two bills failed to get 60 necessary votes Thursday to pass the Senate. A third proposal from Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) also failed Thursday.

He proposed extending the subsidy for one year, then giving Americans money in Health Savings Accounts to pay for their own health insurance plans.

“It would empower patients rather than insurance companies,” Marshall said.

He blamed Democrats for preventing his bill from passing.

“I’m horribly sorry that the Democrats rejected my year-long extension,” Marshall replied when asked to give a message to Kansans like Wheeler.

“That is a bunch of ‘I’m sorry’ BS. Absolute, horrible BS,” Wheeler said after seeing Marshall’s response. “They need to do better.”

In the House of Representatives, a group of bipartisan lawmakers, including Democrat Sharice Davids, are supporting a new proposal. It would extend the subsidies for two years.

“When I’m at Price Chopper grabbing my groceries, I mean, literally every single person mentions the increasing costs of healthcare, how scared they are, how worried they are,” Davids said.

Wheeler is hopeful something will happen by the end of the year. She can’t afford health insurance without the subsidy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Austin Reed

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    BENTON CITY, Washington (KAPP) — With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast for the Tri-Cities area this weekend, local community members are taking action to prepare and protect both people and animals.

One of the community leaders stepping up is Faith Martin, a Benton City resident and local celebrity known from the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Martin is focusing on ensuring the safety of her neighbors and their animals.

“It got kind of wild here last night,” Martin said, describing recent weather conditions.

Concerned about animals at risk, Martin shared on Facebook that her truck and trailer are hooked up and ready to help evacuate horses if needed. She encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to reach out to horse owners who have trailers, noting, “There has never been a horse I couldn’t get in a trailer in a very calm manner. Important thing too, remain calm, even if it seems like the world is coming apart. Horses sense energy, and that’s scary for them.”

With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast for the Tri-Cities area this weekend, local community members are taking action to prepare and protect both people and animals.

One of the community leaders stepping up is Faith Martin, a Benton City resident and local celebrity known from the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Martin is focusing on ensuring the safety of her neighbors and their animals.

“It got kind of wild here last night,” Martin said, describing recent weather conditions.

Concerned about animals at risk, Martin shared on Facebook that her truck and trailer are hooked up and ready to help evacuate horses if needed. She encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to reach out to horse owners who have trailers, noting, “There has never been a horse I couldn’t get in a trailer in a very calm manner. Important thing too, remain calm, even if it seems like the world is coming apart. Horses sense energy, and that’s scary for them.”

A self-serve sandbag station is currently open at Station 210 on Dale Avenue. The sand and bags were provided by Benton County Emergency Services, with the fire department offering the space.

Chief Bates experienced the 1996 flood and the similar-level flood in 2009. “We rose to similar levels which could get with this flood.”

This weekend’s preparations emphasize community effort to keep everyone safe—including four-legged family members.

“It’s funny, I had just mentioned that I’m willing to help,” Martin added. “I have a trailer and will help evacuate, and people were acting like that was such a big thing, but I don’t know a horse person alive that wouldn’t.”

The sandbag site at Station 210 remains open as long as flooding remains a threat. Benton County officials also announced a dedicated hotline for residents needing assistance evacuating animals. The number is 509-574-1926.

Emergency teams are on standby to respond as conditions evolve, encouraging residents to prepare early and stay safe during the weekend’s potential flooding event.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.