VIDEO: Construction is underway on Boone County’s first child care center built exclusively for first responders. The 10,000-square-foot facility will feature multiple classrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and room for future expansion.

“I love this job, but at the end of the day, family comes first,” said Matthew Goodspeed, a single father and emergency telecommunicator said. “I have to do what’s right for my family. Being able to be flexible with child care and being able to work odd or different hours at times will definitely open up some doors.”

The new child care center is being built with a $2.5 million funding agreement appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly and approved by the Boone County Commission. This money covers roughly half of the project’s cost.

“We see this as a way to show our first responders within Boone County government that we have their back, that they can continue to go out and do their critical work each and every day, knowing that their most important asset — their child — is safe at a facility right there on site with them receiving high-quality care,” Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick said.

KOMU-TV NBC 8 Columbia

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PHOTOS: Multiple buildings were destroyed in a massive fire in the heart of downtown Arcata on Friday afternoon. According to Arcata Fire officials, the fire began in a two-story commercial structure in the 800 block of 10th Street around 2:30 p.m., with apartments above and businesses below.

The fire, exacerbated by high winds and a ruptured gas main, caused devastating damage to businesses including Northtown Books, Dandar’s Games and portions of Hensel’s Ace Hardware, as well as the apartment dwellings, the Arcata Fire District and Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department said.

The Arcata Fire District quickly responded to the fire with assistance from agencies from Ferndale, Loleta, Samoa, Kneeland, Westhaven, Fieldbrook, Humboldt Bay, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Blue Lake, as well as support from Cal Fire Trinidad, Cal Fire Weott, Arcata Police, CHP and PG&E for the ruptured gas line.

KRCR-TV ABC 7 Redding

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The City of Union Gap has transitioned its fire department from being staffed by the Yakima Fire Department to the East Valley Fire Department. The change, which went into effect on December 31, 2025, is meant to save money and enhance staffing capacity, according to Union Gap City Manager Gregory Cobb.

For the East Valley Fire Department, it has meant hiring 12 new firefighters. East Valley Fire Chief Ray Lamoureux said it’s been a significant undertaking, but that the transition has gone smoothly. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve done, being able to offer promotions and bring on more firefighters to serve not just Union Gap, but also the East Valley community,” Lamoureux said. “It’s going to enhance the service that we provide to that larger footprint.”

The Union Gap Fire Department’s previous partnership with the Yakima Fire Department lasted 10 years. In the news release, Cobb said Yakima “provided years of dedicated service to Union Gap.” “We want to thank the Yakima Fire Department and its dedicated staff for serving our community for the past ten years,” Cobb said in the release.

In addition to the savings, Cobb cited new opportunities for regional training, shared equipment and coordinated responses to emergencies as other reasons for the switch. The City of Union Gap has transitioned its fire department from being staffed by the Yakima Fire Department to the East Valley Fire Department.

Apple Valley News Now

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HiViz Lighting™ launched the Whirl-E-Bird™ as a modern replacement for traditional fire truck warning lights, beginning shipments in December 2025.

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W.S. Darley & Co. in Itasca, Illinois, appointed Lee Wise as President effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Paul C. Darley, who remains CEO and Chairman, ensuring leadership continuity.

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