Latest news with #Cozart
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
A look into Decker's relationship with his girls
Friday marks day seven of the state-wide manhunt for Travis Decker, the Wenatchee father accused of kidnapping and killing his three young daughters. Today deputies say they are narrowing down the search to Chelan and surrounding counties, with a focus on the mountains. This is thanks to more than five hundred tips from the public. Now, KIRO 7 is sharing an exclusive video that gives a closer look into Decker's relationship with his daughters. Since the beginning of the week, we have been in touch with the girls' mother, Whitney Decker, via her trusted friends and attorney. They tell us the reason this situation is so shocking is because they truly never saw it coming. Through exclusive videos and pictures, we see Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia smiling, laughing, and having fun with their dad. Whitney Decker even gave us a photo compilation turned into a video. She told her attorney she made the video as a Father's Day gift for Travis prior to this year. Arianna Cozart said she has represented Whitney during the divorce between her and Travis. She said Travis was very present in the girls' lives. 'He was going to all the girls' dance and soccer practices, everything they did, you name it, he was being very active,' said Arianna Cozart, Whitney's attorney. 'Whitney would tell you Travis loved two things in this world,' Cozart said. 'Those girls and Jesus. That was Travis.' But she tells us a lot changed after Travis came back from his Army tour in Afghanistan. 'He was able to keep it together for the girls, but he certainly wasn't kind to her [Whitney] and he struggled with feeling he was worth a family, feeling his life was worth that,' Cozart said. Cozart said he is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and struggles with Complex PTSD. 'He sought resources, a lot of that we didn't know before he abducted the girls,' Cozart said. She tells us those veteran's resources are crumbling, both here in the Valley and across the country. She said local organizations are even separating from some patients due to a lack of staffing and funding. 'If Travis would've been supported and his mental health struggles of course he never would've murdered his babies,' Cozart said. She said one local VA especially is struggling. 'They haven't been able to see any new veteran patients for six months,' she said. Because of this, Decker was without the help he needed to work through his mental health issues. 'I know Whitney believes that these children would not be dead if our government military veterans would've been supported,' Cozart said. Right now, Whitney Decker isn't ready to speak out on this horrifying tragic situation. Cozart tells us in time, she will, saying she has already mentioned using her voice and story to advocate for veterans' mental health benefits so that this never happens to anyone else.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Deer ticks have arrived in Montana
May 23—Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPPHS) officials are alerting the public about the recent identification of a tick new to Montana known as Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as a "deer tick" or "blacklegged tick". State health officials report that in the past year three blacklegged ticks were identified in the state for the first time through active surveillance conducted by researchers and public health officials. The ticks were found in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Blacklegged ticks are much smaller and darker in color than most other ticks in Montana that might feed on humans. The presence of blacklegged ticks in Montana may increase the risk of exposure to new tickborne illnesses in the state. "Not all types of ticks carry all tickborne illnesses," said Devon Cozart, DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist. "The presence of this new type of tick in the state could mean that Montanans have an increased risk of exposure to diseases that weren't previously a threat in Montana." Blacklegged ticks are extremely common in Northeastern United States. Recently, these ticks have steadily expanded into other states. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus, hard tick relapsing fever, and babesiosis are examples of diseases known to be transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 70% of those bitten by a deer tick and then diagnosed with Lyme disease will have a bull's-eye rash in the area of the tick bite. One tick collected in Dawson County was confirmed to be a blacklegged tick by Rocky Mountain Laboratories in 2024. DPHHS, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed in the fall of 2024 that two ticks found in Sheridan County were blacklegged ticks. These two ticks were tested by CDC and no pathogens that can cause illness in humans were detected, including Lyme disease. Currently, there is no known increased risk in Montana for Lyme disease, or other pathogens transmitted by blacklegged ticks. However, the risk of encountering a blacklegged tick may be higher in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Public health officials are conducting further investigation to determine whether these ticks are found elsewhere in Montana and whether they are establishing their habitat in the state. DPHHS will continue to monitor tick activity in select locations throughout the state and will adjust guidance as needed if blacklegged ticks become established. "Currently, tick experts do not think that the blacklegged tick is present throughout Montana," Cozart said. "These ticks could have been carried into the state by a host animal, or they could be active and reproducing here — we just don't know yet. We will be conducting further investigations this spring." The tick species most common in Montana at this time include the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. These ticks can spread diseases such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever. This spring, DPHHS is launching a citizen scientist program and is requesting the public's help in tick surveillance, especially in Dawson and Sheridan counties. Anyone who thinks they have found a blacklegged tick is encouraged to fill out an online form at is also on the DPHHS website and includes instructions on how to submit the tick for identification. Cozart states the best way to reduce your chance of developing an illness from a tick bite is to reduce your contact with ticks. "Preventing tick bites is important while spending time outdoors, especially when walking through brushy or wooded areas," she said. "Though tick activity slows during winter months, ticks can be active any time temperatures are above freezing. Any outdoor activity in any season that disturbs leaf brush (such as yard work or hiking) or contact with other animals (such as hunting) increases the risk of encountering a tick." To prevent tick bites, follow these tips: — Wear an EPA registered insect repellent ( — Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin — Check for ticks often and carry a tick removal device such as tweezers — Shower soon after being outdoors — Put clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes after being outdoors to kill ticks — Check pets regularly for ticks and talk to a veterinarian about tick prevention products "If you find a tick, remove it safely and quickly," Cozart added. "The less time a tick is attached, the less likely you are to develop an illness. If you have been bitten by a tick and start to feel sick with symptoms including fever, rash, body aches, and headaches, talk to your health care provider and let them know about your tick encounter." For more information about ticks and tickborne diseases, please visit: About Ticks and Tickborne Disease — Ticks — CDC.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Old Farmer's Almanac, NOAA disagree on Pacific Northwest's spring outlook
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The Old Farmer's Almanac has predicted a drier, warmer spring for the Pacific Northwest, but a federal weather agency has said otherwise. The almanac recently released its forecast for next season. Experts have estimated most of the U.S. will see higher temperatures than normal, including the Pacific Northwest. Yet the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from March to May. West Linn opts against bond measure for $7.9 million Oppenlander Field purchase In April, specifically, the Old Farmer's forecast shows temperatures from Seattle to Eureka, Calif., will exceed normal conditions by about 3 degrees on average. The almanac projected below-normal conditions for the following month. There is a similar outlook for the 'Intermountain West,' the neighboring region including portions of Central and Eastern Oregon and Washington. The almanac projects April temperatures will be at least 4 degrees above average from Spokane to Reno, but temperatures will be 3 degrees below average in May. The publication also noted 'chilly spells could lead to a late frost in some areas' that month. The main difference between the forecast for the Pacific Northwest versus the Intermountain West is the rainfall predictions. While experts estimate the northwest will see dry conditions, the neighboring region is expected to see above-normal rainfall. According to KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart, only time will tell which forecast rings true in the coming months. Oregon man puts up billboard in protest of 'Greater Idaho' movement 'Keep in mind, these seasonal outlooks are an average,' Cozart said. 'There's always room for moments of extremes in either direction. However, NOAA's predicting a slightly cooler to normal temperature trend for the Pacific Northwest over the next three months. NOAA's also predicting a slightly wetter season too. This contradicts The Old Farmer's Almanac of a drier spring season. So, we'll likely have to wait week to week to see how this spring season unfolds in the PNW.' The almanac compiles forecasts by 'comparing solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity.' NOAA compiles them with data from sources including citizen scientists, satellites and buoys. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Increased chance of heavy snow in the Cascades in mid-February
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The Oregon and Washington Cascades have a 40 to 60% chance of seeing heavy snow between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center. NOAA upgraded the chances of heavy snow from 'slight risk' to 'moderate risk' Wednesday. The National Weather Service defines heavy snow as an accumulation of 4 inches of snow or more in 12 hours, or 6 inches or more in 24 hours. Multnomah County closes three warming shelters amid rising temperatures after hypothermia death KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart forecasts that mountain snow remains possible through the middle of February and moisture continues to push into Western Oregon and Washington. It's unclear if lower-elevation areas could also see snow. 'Could the coast and valley locations see more snow in mid-February? Cozart said. 'It's always possible, but remains too far out to determine if snow will impact the lower elevations at this time.' 2 days is 'sweet spot' for 2025 Waterfront Blues Fest While next week's weather conditions remain uncertain, this weekend's forecast is taking shape. Heavy snow is expected to fall along the Cascades Friday night and into Saturday. One to two feet of fresh powder is possible on Mount Hood. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What is Thundersnow? Rare weather anomaly recorded in Astoria
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A rare weather event known as 'thundersnow' was documented in Astoria on Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service data, a bolt of lightning was recorded during a snowstorm at about 1:15 p.m. 'This is not often seen in this area, but how cool is that?' Portland's National Weather Service shared on social media. Semi-truck roll over blocks traffic through Portland Thunder and lightning are typically associated with thunderstorms known as 'convective systems,' KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh said. However, similar storm conditions can occur inside a heavy snowstorm. 'The sound of thunder is produced by the rapid heating of air parcels surrounding a bolt of lightning,' Cozart said. 'On rare occasions, thundersnow can occur. That's where lightning is produced inside of a snow shower.' Oregon Lottery preps for Super Bowl LIX (Taylor's Version) with Swift-themed bets Thundersnow is less likely to occur than the average thunderstorm, and when it does occur, it's also harder to perceive. 'Thundersnow is rare because you have to be close to where the lightning originated,' Cozart said. 'Snow is a great sound absorber, so the sound of thunder can't travel as far as it would in a typical thunderstorm. That makes it difficult to hear far away from the source of lightning.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
