Man with ‘homicidal ideations’ accused of biting, striking Jefferson City cop, court docs say

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man with “homicidal ideations” was arrested after he allegedly bit and hit a Jefferson City police officer on Friday.

Jerrix Durham, 33, of Jefferson City, was charged in Cole County with third-degree assault of a special victim, misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and felony resisting arrest. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. An arraignment was held on Monday and Durham applied for a public defender.

A counsel status hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cole County Courthouse.

The probable cause statement says police were called at 11:43 a.m. Friday to the 2000 block of Alpine Court for a wellness check. The person who called police claimed Durham had “homicidal ideations” and is known to have a gun, the statement says.

Durham allegedly made threats to police and ignored commands from officers after they arrived, the statement says. While police tried to detain him, he allegedly bit one of the officers, court documents say. The officer hit the victim in his face multiple times “in attempt to gain compliance,” to no avail, court documents say. Durham then allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun, court documents say.

Police used a stun gun three times, which did not work, and Durham continued to ignore orders from officers, the statement says. Durham and two officers fell down an embankment during a struggle and an officer used pepper spray “which did not appear to be effective,” court documents say.

One of the officers used a stun gun one more time, which worked and police were able to arrest Durham, the statement says. The assaulted officer was treated at an area hospital and released, the statement says.

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Living Desert welcomes first-ever troop of patas monkeys

KESQ on October 27, 2025

Garrett Hottle

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — For the first time in its 55-year history, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is introducing a troop of primates. A new group of patas monkeys known as the fastest primates in the world will debut at the zoo next week.

The newly renovated Patas Monkey Conservation Habitat, located in the Village WaTuTu section, opens to the public Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m.

Native to the African savanna, patas monkeys are known for their reddish coats, expressive faces, and ability to sprint up to 34 miles per hour. The zoo says the habitat was made possible through support from Squire and Angela Junger.

Tickets and details on the grand opening are available through The Living Desert’s website.

Stay tuned to News Channel 3 at 5 and 6pm tonight for an exclusive first look at the troop.

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MoWest Social Work Program to host annual Walk for the Homeless

News-Press NOW on October 27, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University’s Social Work Program will host and sponsor an annual Downtown tradition to raise awareness for St. Joseph’s homeless population.

The 14th Annual Walk for the Homeless will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in Downtown St. Joseph at 6th and Messanie Streets, next to the Downtown Health Center.

Check-in will begin at 4 p.m. The event is open to the public and it’s free to walk, but participants are encouraged to purchase an event t-shirt for $20. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Health Center’s Homeless Fund.

MoWest students will receive $5 off per registration by entering the coupon code: GOGRIFFS.

Walkers will follow the migration path the homeless take through Downtown to access services designed to meet their basic needs.

All money collected will help the homeless population in the St. Joseph area with costs for birth certificates, IDs, job searches and miscellaneous needs.

Those interested in the event can visit www.stjwalkforthehomeless.org for more information and to register for the event. Volunteers are also welcome and donations can be made through the website.

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Man charged with murder in Paris Road porch fire indicted by grand jury

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man accused of killing a Columbia man after setting him on fire over the summer was indicted by a Boone County grand jury on Friday.

Brandon Butchkoski, 47, of Columbia is charged with first-degree arson resulting in death, second-degree felony murder, first-degree arson and drug possession. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10.

He is accused of setting a porch on fire on June 15 in the 1500 block of Paris Road and killing Donovan Baylis, 31. Baylis died from his injuries on July 14. 

Butchkoski is also accused of setting a house on fire  in the same area of Paris Road on June 29.

He pleaded guilty in August to misdemeanor drug possession and was fined $100. Butchkoski is also facing an illegal gun possession charge in another case. He has a hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday in that case.

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Santa Barbara County Departments of Behavioral Well Encourage Social Media Break with “NoSo November”

KEYT on October 27, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness regarding the launch of “NoSo November.”

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness and the County Health Department are teaming up to launch “NoSo November”, a community-wide challenge encouraging residents to take a break from social media during the month of November. The NoSo (No Social Media) Campaign aims to raise awareness of the growing impacts of social media on mental and physical health and to inspire a healthier, more mindful relationship with technology.

Research has shown that excessive social media use can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. A recent study found that taking even a short break from social media — as little as one week — can significantly improve mood and overall wellbeing. Social media use has also been linked to disrupted sleep, increased sedentary time, and heightened physical stress responses.

“Many in our community are feeling the weight of ongoing stress and uncertainty,” said Toni Navarro, Director of the County’s Department of Behavioral Wellness. “Taking a conscious break from social media gives our minds and bodies the chance to reset, reconnect, and recharge — and it’s something we can do together.”

The Challenge

The NoSo November challenge invites community members, families, and organizations to participate by committing to a social media detox for any length of time — one day, one week, or the entire month of November. Participants can pledge here and join thousands of others worldwide in reclaiming their time and attention.

Healthy Alternatives

Instead of scrolling, the departments encourage residents to explore activities that nourishmental and physical wellbeing, such as:

Taking a walk or spending time outdoors

Calling or meeting a friend face-to-face

Reading a book or journaling

Practicing mindfulness or meditation

Volunteering or engaging in a creative hobby

“Social media can be a powerful tool, but constant connectivity takes a toll on our health,” said Mouhanad Hammami, Director of the County’s Health Department. “NoSo November is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters — our health, our relationships, and our community.”

Join the Movement

Organizations, schools, and community groups across Santa Barbara County are encouraged to join the movement by promoting NoSo November, pledging to participate, or sharing the campaign on their platforms before the challenge begins. View the NoSo 2024 Impact Report here.

Learn more at NoSoNovember.org or sign up to take the local pledge here.

To learn more about Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness visit the Behavioral Wellness website. To learn more about the Santa Barbara County Health Department visit the website here. The Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Crisis and Access Line can be reached at (888) 868-1649.

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Pedestrian injured in Livingston County crash

News-Press NOW on October 27, 2025

News-Press NOW

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A 26-year-old man was seriously injured after a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in Chillicothe, Missouri, Saturday.

The crash occurred as the 90-year-old male driver from Chillicothe, of a 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis, turned west in the parking lot of a business located on Walnut Street in Chillicothe.

The 26-year-old male pedestrian, from Festus, Missouri, was exiting the business when the driver mistook the brake for the gas and accelerated, striking the 26-year-old pedestrian and driving through the business, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The vehicle came to rest on its wheels in the building and the pedestrian came to rest southwest of the vehicle.

The pedestrian was transported to Hedrick Medical Center by the Livingston County EMS and then was life-flighted to Truman Medical Center.

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AWC District Governing Board announces preferred presidential candidate

KYMA on October 27, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Western College (AWC) District Governing Board announced Dr. Reetika Dhawan as their sole preferred candidate to replace Dr. Daniel Corr as AWC President.

According to a press release, “While no formal action has yet been taken, the board plans to hold candidate forums and a formal interview in the month of November.”

“This direction is not taken lightly and comes after much conversation and reflection on how the board can best support the historic growth of the college, and all the progress made across the district,” said Board Chair Dennis Booth said. “We also really care about ensuring stability considering various pressures and rapid change in higher education trends. We are considering Dr. Dhawan’s candidacy with a deep sense of responsibility for the students, the families, our employees, and the communities we are elected to serve.”

AWC says they are inviting college faculty, staff, students and community members to participate in any of the following candidate town hall events next month:

November 5, 1:30 p.m., Yuma Campus, Matador Activity Center (MAC 106) 

November 5, 5:30 p.m., Yuma Campus, Matador Activity Center (MAC 106) 

November 6, 9:00 a.m., San Luis Learning Center 

November 6, 3:00 p.m., Parker Learning Center

“As part of the vetting process, we sincerely hope you will come to one of the forums to listen to Dr. Dhawan’s presentation, to hear her answer questions about the position, and to ask your own questions. We are very inspired and energized by Dr. Dhawan’s teaching roots, and her demonstrated leadership,” said Mrs. Olivia Zepeda, Board Secretary.

To learn more about Dhawan and the upcoming town halls, read the press release below.

District Governing Board announces preferred presidential candidateDownload

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Santa Barbara South Coast Lodging Properties Offer 30% Off Overnight Stays for Local Residents

KEYT on October 27, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Visit Santa Barbara regarding upcoming lodging deals for South Coast Residents.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – As the holiday season approaches, accommodating visiting friends and family sometimes means needing additional space or an extra bedroom. Ready to take the stress out of holiday hosting? Or how about a staycation that provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge before the busy weeks ahead? Now is the time to book accommodations before the season gets underway.

Starting Oct. 27, Visit Santa Barbara is bringing back its Locals Lodging Promotion, offering 30% discounts for residents from Goleta to Carpinteria who book overnight trips within the Santa Barbara South Coast. The deals apply to stays between October 2025 and early 2026 at a dozen South Coast properties.

Participating hotels include luxury resorts such as Hotel Californian and Kimpton Canary Hotel, boutique options like Hotel Santa Barbara and The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, as well as charming bed and breakfasts like The Eagle Inn. Short-term rental properties from Paradise Retreats and Beach House Villa in Summerland are also included. Some properties are sweetening the deal with extra perks for locals who book overnight stays, such as complimentary parking.

Although this off-season deal is only for locals, area residents can extend the offer to their visiting friends and relatives. Dates of stay, as well as terms and conditions, vary by property, and blackout dates may apply. To view all the available offers, terms and instructions for booking, visit: https://santabarbaraca.com/locals. 

“Now in its third year, the lodging promotion makes a welcome return, providing residents and their visiting loved ones with seasonal rates on overnight stays at participating properties,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, the official destination marketing organization for the South Coast.

“These limited-time discounts give the local community opportunities for a memorable and relaxing staycation, as well as extra space and savings for their guests visiting during the holiday season.”

New this year, in tandem with Visit Santa Barbara’s lodging promotion, more than 25 South Coast hospitality partners are providing deals just for locals. Participants range from restaurants and tour operators to wineries and outdoor excursions. Additional deals from area businesses are available on Visit Santa Barbara’s Locals Lodging Promotion page. All offers are managed directly by the individual businesses. 

“For residents already taking advantage of Visit Santa Barbara’s hotel promotion, special deals from local businesses create more ways to experience Santa Barbara’s diverse offerings,” Janega-Dykes said.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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SJSD School Board moves forward with ‘Plan E’

News-Press NOW on October 27, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School Board decided on Plan E, one of the three plans that would shape the district’s future.

The SJSD School Board met on Monday to make a significant decision. At the last Town Hall meeting at Lafayette High School, administrators shared an impact analysis to show how different reorganization plans could affect students and staff. 

Three plans were on the district’s radar. Plan 2B would move Edison Elementary to the North, while Plan 7B would shift Stonecrest Elementary to the North instead. Both 2B and 7B bring changes to SJSD’s high school model.

Plan E, which would keep the district’s high schools as they are, was also a contender.  

A public hearing was set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, where community members had three minutes to share their thoughts before the board moved into a work session.  

District leaders said this conversation has been years in the making. With the district’s current financial challenges, administrators are moving to find a more sustainable way to use resources. 

Sophomore Abby Kolzer from Lafayette High School shared ahead of the meeting that she hoped the school board would make a decision that benefits everyone — not just teachers and staff, but the whole St. Joseph community.  

“My opinion is that option two should pass, and they should vote yes on that. It’s the most financially sound. It affects the least amount of teachers and students,” Kolzer said.  

Kolzer said her time at Lafayette has given her opportunities she knows not everyone gets — and it was tough when the district’s initial recommendation didn’t reflect that.  

Another Lafayette student, junior Peyton Huff, also shared before the meeting that she supports Plan 2B, believing it’s backed by solid data.  

“I think a lot of us are majority plan to not just because we go to Lafayette, but because we also look at the data and we see that it’s given us right here that the plan too is the better option,” Huff said.  

When it came time to vote, the majority in the room sided with Plan E.

During public comments, several families urged the board to choose a community-led option — one that puts every student and staff member across the district first. 

Community member Andrew spoke in support of Plan E, saying it’s important to preserve the role each high school plays in its neighborhood.  

“All three high schools are important to each neighborhood. They’re not everything. These schools are a safe haven for students. They get good meals and protection from the world they have to live in at home,” Andrew said.  

Another resident, Maggie Siegmund, agreed, saying Plan E offers a fair solution with minimal disruption to staff and students. 

Some board members also called on the district to take a closer look at Plans 7B and 2B, warning that those options could deepen the divide between administrators and the community.  

“Uprooting large numbers of students, creating significantly longer communities for numerous students, overcrowding many schools are not the ways to serve our children,” one member said.  

In the end, the board voted just before 10 p.m. to move forward with Plan E. They’ll hold a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, to discuss how to refine the plan so it best serves district stakeholders.

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Grand jury indicts man accused of killing Stephens College student in downtown shooting

KMIZ on October 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who is accused of shooting and killing a Stephens College student last month in downtown Columbia was indicted by a grand jury on Friday.

Misael Covarrubias, 23, is charged in Boone County with second-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, two counts of first-degree assault and a single count of unlawful use of a weapon in the shooting death of Aiyanna Williams. 

He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10.

Covarrubias allegedly told police that he is from Florida but had been living in Columbia for about five months, court documents in previous reporting say.

He is accused of firing 11 shots at 1:42 a.m. on Sept. 27 and hitting three people.

Police initially said Covarrubias was involved in an argument and began firing, though none of the people hit by gunfire were involved in the exchange.

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