Sturgeon spearing season opens with 108-pound catch on Lake Winnebago

CNN Newsource on February 18, 2026

By Abbey Hamachek

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    OSHKOSH, Wisconsin (WGBA) — Sturgeon spearing officially kicked off on Lake Winnebago as hundreds of anglers headed out onto the ice for one of Wisconsin’s longest-running winter traditions.

Father and son Brent and Craig Shepherd from Quinney landed the biggest fish of the day — a 108-pound sturgeon.

“Pretty cool, pretty neat. It was fun, exciting,” they said.

“The fight went on for a bit longer, yeah it tugged hard,” Craig Shepherd said.

Brent has been spear fishing about 40 years, while Craig has just three years of experience.

“He was laying down next to the shanty, next to the spear and he didn’t have time to stand up and spear it so, I was the bad guy and I speared it. I’m not mad,” Brent Shepherd said.

The duo emphasized that it’s not just about landing a fish — it’s about the experience.

“Lot of respect for this fish,” Brent Shepherd said.

“It’s just neat, I would guess this fish is 70-80 years old,” Craig Shepherd said.

For Marla Heimerman from New Holstein, opening day was one she won’t forget.

“What I caught, big fish, female sturgeon,” Heimerman said.

“This is my first time ever getting one. It was perfect. Swam right from underneath, right under the middle of our camera, we didn’t have to guess, it was great,” Heimerman said.

As fish continue to come in, biologists say opening day is looking strong.

“Clear water and good ice, a lot of people getting out and good fish are coming in,” said Angelo Cozzola, Wisconsin DNR fisheries biologist.

For Cozzola, the day isn’t just another shift.

“It does have a fun community, almost like a holiday feeling around here, it’s a big part of the culture around the entire Winnebago system. It’s a pretty enjoyable time to register fish as satisfied spearers are coming in,” Cozzola said.

Sturgeon spearing runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., February 14 to March 1, unless a harvest cap is reached earlier.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Scripps editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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

Truck driver injured after car goes through fence into garage; building tagged for inspection

KEYT on February 18, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

NIPOMO, Calif. (KEYT) – A driver in a box truck suffered minor injuries after his car went through a fence and into a garage just after 8:30 p.m. at 116 Hazel Lane in Nipomo, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

No one else besides an adult male driver was in the truck and the building is being tagged for inspection after the car went into the structure, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

CAL FIRE SLO crews cleaned up the accident for about two hours before wrapping up the operation.

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New Pocatello program aims to help those with special needs during emergency response

KIFI on February 18, 2026

David Pace

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The City of Pocatello is launching a new tool to help first responders support individuals with special needs during an emergency call.

The ‘Know Me File’ is a program that gives police, fire, and paramedics quick access to important information about the individual they are helping.

Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist said the goal of the program is to provide critical information during high-stress moments of emergency response.

“We’ve just rolled out a great new program called the ‘Know Me File,’ Dahlquist said. “The Know Me File is just a tool that we have out there for emergency response calls. …There’s an interface with the registration page that the public can do. It will allow a police officer showing up on the scene if there is an emergency (to respond to the needs of the individual).”

Officials say it will help make sure first responders have the details they need on the ground.

Participants can share things like preferred communication methods, sensory sensitivities, medical needs, or conditions. 

They can also add emergency contacts or a photograph.

“It’s a really great way to access a little bit of extra information, so if there’s a vulnerable individual or someone with a disability living at the residence or the location where first responders are responding, it’s just a great tool to provide more information that comes from the individual themselves or a family member,” Dahlquist said.

The program was developed in part in response to the shooting of Victor Perez last year.

Victor was shot by police when he appeared to be threatening his family with a knife.

After the shooting, officers realized Victor was autistic.

Jennifer Call, an attorney representing the Perez family, said the program is one of a number of changes her clients are asking the City of Pocatello to make in their lawsuit following Victor’s shooting.

“This is the first step, and other changes we’d like to see are de-escalation techniques, and training being taught more widely within the police department, and a call for more transparency in what is happening inside the department,” Call said.

Bannock County residents can enroll in the ‘Know Me File’ program here on the Pocatello City website. 

You can also sign up in person at the Pocatello Police Department.

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Avalanche Explainer, Castle Peak, CA

KTVZ on February 18, 2026

John Carroll

An avalanche impacted several skiers in the Castle Peak region of California in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This mountain is about 24 miles northwest of Truckee, California and is a favorite spot for winter outdoor enthusiasts.

Snowfall totals from February 15th through February 17th

The Avalanche was more than likely caused by the tremendous and rapid buildup of snow in the area. An atmospheric river this week deposited nearly 4 feet of snow across portions of the Sierra Nevada Range which destabilized the snowpack and increased the risk of an avalanche.

For the article on the Skiers trapped by the avalanche, click here.

Weight and gravity play a role in these types of events. The new snow settles on the old snow base, but with the amount of new snow and the weight of the new snow, the area was compromised. If the new snow is not “set” or stable, it is easier for a slide to occur.

Several factors are in play when an avalanche occurs, one of them is rapid snow growth on the mountain. Four feet of snow in three days will qualify as rapid accumulation rate, or snow growth.

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Power Outage Impacts 134 Customers in Palm Desert

KESQ on February 18, 2026

Joel Killam

PALM DESERT, Calif. — A power outage in Palm Desert left 134 customers without electricity Tuesday evening, according to utility officials.

The outage was first reported at 6:51 p.m. and remains in progress. The utility company said there is no estimated time for restoration as crews continue working to determine the cause.

The outage is currently marked as “analyzing problem.” A field investigator has been alerted and is en route to assess the situation.

No additional details on the cause of the outage were immediately available.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Arrest made in 2021 Indio homicide

KESQ on February 18, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in Indio in December 2021.

Pedro Angel Gonzalez was arrested on Feb. 11 in Coachella during a traffic stop, the Indio Police Department announced on Tuesday.

Gonzalez has been charged with first-degree murder, shooting at a vehicle/dwelling, assault with a gun, and convicted felon and narcotic addict own or possesses firearm.

According to court records, Gonzalez was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday at the Hall of Justice in Riverside, however, that hearing was delayed to March 5.

The case dates back to Dec. 14, 2021 on the 43000 block of Nairobi Street. Joseph Espinoza Mendez was killed in the shooting.

The investigation was ongoing and Gonzalez was identified as the suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the lead detective, Indio Police Department Detective Shane DaCosta, at (760) 391-4057 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (760) 341-STOP.

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CIF-SS Boys Soccer Quarterfinals

KEYT on February 18, 2026

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

Division 5: San Marcos 2, Mountain View 1 (OT): Luis Campos scored the Golden Goal as the Royals advance to the semifinals and will host Santa Ana on Saturday.

(Video courtesy of Aaron Solis)

Camarillo 2, Westlake 1: Jack Slocum scored winning goal with five minutes in regulation

Division 3: Channel Islands 2, Littlerock 1

Calabasas 3, Knight 1: Coyotes and Raiders will meet in semifinals.

Division 4: Pacifica 2, Lakewood 0

Irvine-University 2, Santa Paula 0 (Pacifica vs Irvine in semifinals)

Division 8: Pacifica Christian/OC 2, Bishop Diego 1

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Mardi Gras Celebration marks Fat Tuesday at The Palace Grill in Santa Barbara

KEYT on February 18, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Mardi Gras celebrations got underway on Fat Tuesday.

The Michael Gutin Band entertained a rowdy crowd at The Palace Grill in Santa Barbara.

Some people canceled due to rain, but others including Father Larry and John Palminteri and friends sang along to the band.

 it is their tradition.

 The Palace Grill had two seatings with a menu that included Cajun Martinis and Creole Cuisine.

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Pueblo County Coroner identifies fifth victim in deadly dust storm crash

KRDO on February 18, 2026

Michael Logerwell

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – Dozens of cars colliding on both sides of I-25 around 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday led to dozens of injuries, several deaths, and the interstate closing for more than 12 hours.

While emergency responders continue to clear the wreckage from I-25, a clear picture of the bodily harm caused by the massive fatal crash has emerged.

The Pueblo County Coroner has notified next-of-kin for the five people who lost their lives on the highway:

David L. Kirscht and his son Scott L. Kirscht from Walsenburg, Colorado

Mary Sue Thayer from Rye, Colorado

Karen Ann Marsh from Pueblo, Colorado

Thomas Thayer of Rye, Colorado

29 others were transported to one of two area hospitals: UC Health or CommonSpirit. 11 of those injured went to Saint Mary-Corwin, and the others went out to the UC Health hospitals.

21 victims only sustained what the Colorado State Patrol is calling moderate to minor injuries. Seven sustained serious bodily injury, and one is in critical condition tonight.

“Today, everything stops. It’s all hands on deck. So whatever we had going on just stopped this. I won’t say it’s a strain because we’re prepared for it. And when we have to bring people in, bring additional staff, nurses, physicians, they’re all at the ready. They know that’s part of the deal,” said Mike Cafasso, president of Saint Mary-Corwin Hospital.

Cafasso said the Pueblo hospitals and first responders train for this type of mass casualty event annually, despite its rarity.

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One-third of trio accused in fentanyl fatality in Riverside sentenced

KESQ on February 18, 2026

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A man partly responsible for supplying a deadly dose of fentanyl to a 35-year-old Riverside resident was sentenced today to six years in state prison.

David Ray Mullins, 48, of Jurupa Valley pleaded guilty on Feb. 6 to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of possession of controlled substances for sale under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors dropped a second-degree murder charge against Mullins.   

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

Mullins’ co-defendant, 32-year-old Jaclyn Christine Sherman ofRiverside, admitted one count of voluntary manslaughter and transportation of controlled substances for sale under a separate plea bargain. Sherman, who isbeing held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center, is slated to be sentenced on March 30. Details on the stipulated sentence for her were unavailable.

Last week, the pair’s co-conspirator, 39-year-old Miguel Garcia of Riverside, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, possession of drugs for sale and transportation of controlled substances for sale under a pretrial agreement. Garcia, who is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center, is also scheduled for sentencing on March 30. The stipulated sentence for him was not disclosed.

Sherman and Garcia delivered the fentanyl that killed Christopher Nicholas Lucia in 2023. Mullins was the original source of the synthetic opioid, prosecutors said.

According to an arrest declaration affidavit filed by Riverside Police Department Detective Scott Levesque, Garcia and Sherman were partners in narcotics sales to a stream of purchasers throughout the Riverside metropolitan area.

In the predawn hours of Nov. 8, 2023, they met Lucia after he contacted Sherman via text to request two grams of fentanyl, the affidavit said. While sitting in the back of Garcia’s Honda Element compact crossover SUV, the victim consumed the drug as his girlfriend waited for him in his car, parked nearby on Stony Brooke Circle.   

Lucia returned to his vehicle moments later and got behind the wheel, Levesque said.  

“Since he was already becoming irritable and sick, it’s possible he used a larger dose (of fentanyl) than normal, which could cause a higher-than-normal amount of the drug to enter the blood stream,” the detective said.   

Lucia drove a short distance before falling unconscious, prompting his girlfriend, whose name wasn’t disclosed, to call 911. Lucia lingered in a coma for five days, at which point he died from the toxic substance.   

Garcia and Sherman were soon identified as the sellers, and a search warrant was obtained and served at their shared residence in the 4900 block of Gardena Drive.

“Detectives located and seized more than three-quarter pounds of powdered fentanyl, as well as evidence these suspects continued selling fentanyl after Christopher’s death,” Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said.

The defendants’ supplier was identified as Mullins, and a search warrant was executed at his property at 7226 Front Ave., where officers seized “scales, baggies, white residue and other items consistent with sales of fentanyl,” according to the affidavit.

Mullins was later convicted in a separate drug trafficking case and sent to state prison for less than a year.

“Sherman, Garcia and Mullins are responsible for the fentanyl that killed Lucia,” Levesque wrote.

Court records show Sherman has documented prior convictions for petty theft and driving on a suspended license. Mullins had priors that were not listed in court documents. Garcia has no priors in Riverside County.

Since February 2021, prosecutors have charged over three dozen people in connection with fentanyl poisonings. Two prosecutions have resulted in murder convictions.

Public health statistics indicated there were 328 known fentanyl-related fatalities countywide in 2024, compared to 571 in 2023, a 42% decline. Numbers for 2025 haven’t been finalized.

Fentanyl is manufactured in overseas labs, principally in China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which says the opioid is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border by cartels.

Fentanyl is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street narcotics and prescription drugs, without a recipient knowing what he or she is consuming. Ingestion of only two milligrams can be fatal.

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