‘Show love’: MountainStar Family Relief Nursery invites community to donate hygiene, household cleaning supplies

KTVZ on February 14, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This month, as MountainStar Family Relief Nursery continues celebrating its 25th anniversary year, the organization is inviting the community to show love in a powerful, practical way — by supporting families through its February Community Care Project. 

At MountainStar, love shows up in small, steady actions that strengthen families and build resilience during times of stress. February’s Community Care Project focuses on collecting hygiene and household cleaning supplies, essential items that help families maintain healthy, safe homes and reduce the daily pressures that can lead to crisis. 

Heres the rest of their announcement:

“Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action,” says Kara Tachikawa, Executive Director of MountainStar Family. “For families facing overwhelming stress, access to basic supplies can be the difference between coping and crisis. This month is about showing care in ways that truly matter.” 

Requested donation items include: 

Toothbrushes and toothpaste 

Soap, shampoo, and conditioner 

Feminine hygiene products 

Household cleaning supplies such as all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes, sponges, and laundry detergent 

Donations may be dropped off throughout February at MountainStar locations in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville. 

All donated items will be assembled into care kits and distributed directly to families enrolled in MountainStar’s programs, helping parents create stable environments where children can feel safe, supported, and nurtured. 

February’s Community Care Project is part of MountainStar’s 25th Anniversary Community Care Series, a year-long set of monthly opportunities designed to build community resilience through prevention, compassion, and collective action. 

“As we mark 25 years, we’re celebrating the many ways our community shows up for one another,” added Tachikawa. “This month, we invite everyone to lead with love and be part of the care that strengthens families.” 

For more information about MountainStar’s 25th Anniversary, February’s Community Care Project, or ways to support children and families, visit www.mtstar.org. 

About MountainStar Family Relief Nursery  MountainStar prevents child abuse and neglect through therapeutic early childhood programs, home visiting, and wraparound family services. With five sites in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville, MountainStar strengthens vulnerable families and helps children build safe, stable futures. Learn more at www.mtstar.org.  

Community Care Projects 

Each project or action is an approachable way to show support and care for individuals and groups in our local communities. Community care can be shown through low cost basic supplies for children and families, tangible actions within your neighborhood or city, or engaging in volunteering or learning opportunities. In 2026, MountainStar will provide monthly opportunities to show community care. 

Partners for Kids 

MountainStar is deeply grateful to our community for stepping up to support vulnerable children and families. We are proud to highlight the businesses that have joined Partners for Kids – their generosity and advocacy for child abuse prevention help build a stronger, more stable future for our community. 

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Two Crashed Boats Removed from East Beach Prior to the Next Storms

KEYT on February 14, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The recent rain with a strong ocean swell and sent two boats up on the shores around East Beach in Santa Barbara.

One of them was crushed and removed by Marborg Industries as part of a contracted clean up project Thursday.

This prevents the vessel from getting tossed against the rocks and coming apart.

That could create a debris field and a maritime hazard in the ocean with pieces going down the coast.

The work was done at low tide to get the heavy equipment to the site below the cemetery.

There was still one other boat up on the sand near the same location this week.

It had been there a few days. Marborg was alerted and contacted for that job Friday afternoon about 3:30 p.m.

Sunday night, the waves will get rough again with at least two weather systems hitting our area.

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Edison Uses a Helicopter to Deliver Power Poles in a Foothill Santa Barbara Neighborhood

KEYT on February 14, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. (KEYT) – A hovering helicopter in the Santa Barbara foothills was part of an Edison improvement project Friday.

For most of the day, the chopper was flying in and out to an area above the Santa Barbara Eastside along the Riviera.

Five new power poles were brought in.

It was a very precise project that required some residents to evacuate, and others were without power all day.

Nearby vehicles were stopped on Alameda Padre Serra (APS) along the lower Riviera until there was an all – clear sign given and the helicopter was gone.

Edison also had ground crews to complete the installation.

This work improves the reliability of the power grid in the area.

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United Way of Central Oregon announces 2025 impact milestones, launches new basic needs and stabilization programs

KTVZ on February 14, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — United Way of Central Oregon announced this week the successful results of its 2025 initiatives, “highlighting a year of significant growth in financial security, transportation access, housing stabilization, eviction prevention, food security, emergency funding, health and hygiene, and basic needs initiatives.” 

“From the launch of innovative new programs and initiatives like Ride United and United Way CARES to winning the Central Oregon Gives Basic Needs category,” UWCO said in a news release it “continues to build and expand the regional infrastructure that helps families across Central Oregon access essential resources.”

Here’s the rest of their announcement, in full.

2025 Year-in-Review: Impact & Innovation 

Throughout 2025, UWCO focused on launching new programs and services that remove barriers to financial stability, health, and resilience. 

Transportation Access: UWCO’s Ride United pilot program delivered 450 rides to work, job interviews, school, food pantries, grocery stores, housing, shelter, healthcare, childcare, and other essential services as well as joined with other nonprofits to expand their transportation services. 

Housing Stabilization: UWCO introduced its Resilient Families Fund – a proactive approach to preventing homelessness before it starts – by providing emergency assistance for rent, groceries, and utilities. Just launched, the fund has already supported three families with nearly $4,000 in crisis relief. 

Grantmaking & Food Security: In spring, UWCO’s volunteer Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG) Board allocated $60,000 to 10 nonprofits, prioritizing vital food access for children and families. 

CARES (Community Access to Resources & Essential Supplies): The bold new United Way CARES initiative saw immediate success through UWCO’s first Collection Drive. The community rallied to provide nearly 1,200 diapers and 1,000 period products, as well as incontinence products and other personal hygiene supplies, donating essential items for those most in need. 

“Through our programs, we are opening doors to opportunity through Ride United, keeping families housed and fed through our Resilient Families Fund, delivering essential supplies to folks in need through United Way CARES, and supporting nonprofits that strengthen families’ food security through Emergency Food & Shelter Grants,” said Diana Fischetti, UWCO Regional Executive Director.

“Soon, we’ll be powering our new CARES Laundry Truck to bring services directly to our most vulnerable communities, moving our disaster resilience work forward, and expanding our housing stabilization work.” 

Fueling the Mission: Community Support and Success 

2025 was anchored by an outpouring of community generosity. UWCO celebrated a major win during Central Oregon Gives, raising nearly $100,000 – funds that will directly support our neighbors through UWCO’s new initiatives. 

United in Purpose: Partnerships Creating Regional Impact 

UWCO continues to build and sustain partnerships with many critical regional organizations. UWCO conducts the bulk of Ride United client case management internally, and the organization also has recruited and trained Ride United Partners that connect their clients with UWCO’s transportation service: Family Access Network, KIDS Center, Latino Community Association, Mosaic Medical, The Giving Plate, and Thrive.  

UWCO’s Emergency Food & Shelter Grants funded Deschutes County agencies focused on food security. Those ESFG Partners are Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, Central Oregon Veteran & Community Outreach, Family Kitchen, Friends of the Children, Jericho Road, Shepherd’s House Ministries, St. Vincent De Paul Bend, St. Vincent De Paul La Pine, St. Vincent De Paul Redmond, and The Giving Plate. 

A Vision for the Future 

As UWCO looks toward 2026, the organization remains committed to expanding partnerships, programs, services, and initiatives that provide critical access and services to community members and foster regional stability. 

For more information about UWCO’s impact, visit http://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org. 

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America’s symbol: Two Central Oregon bald eagles rescued but don’t survive crash, severe lead poisoning

KTVZ on February 14, 2026

Barney Lerten

(Update: adding video of bald eagle)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The folks at Think Wild Central Oregon wildlife hospital are thrilled to care for rescued animals of every persuasion, with a typical goal of returning them to the wild. So this was a sad week, as they were unable to save two adult bald eagles – America’s official symbol – for very different reasons. 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office animal control officers tried on Wednesday to save a bald eagle found lying near the fog line, having been struck by a vehicle on Eagle Crest Boulevard at West Highway 126, the agency said in a Facebook post. 

They safely captured and brought the bird to Think Wild, but DCSO said that “despite every effort to manage pain and provide oxygen, the injuries were too severe, and the majestic eagle crossed the rainbow bridge,.” Still, they thanked “everyone who worked tirelessly to give this eagle a fighting chance.” 

Last Sunday, another bald eagle was rescued at Brasada Ranch Resort that was “suffering from severe lead toxicity,” according to Molly Honea, Think Wild’s development and communications manager. 

It’s not really a coincidence for the two unfortunate incidents in recent days.

“As breeding season begins, eagles and other wildlife are becoming more active and seeking nesting habitat and increasing food intake, so they can support their young when the time comes,” Honea explained to KTVZ News. 

“With the foggy weather and limited winter daylight, roadkill becomes more prevalent,” she said. “And opportunistic eaters like eagles often take advantage of these easy meals, putting themselves at risk along roadways.” 

“Eagles will also eat gut piles left behind by hunters, as well as marmots and ground squirrels that people shoot for population control,” Honea added. “If any of these food sources have been shot with lead ammunition, which fragments upon impact, the eagles can easily become sick from lead poisoning.” 

Honea said blood tests found the bald eagle rescued at Brasada Ranch “had lead levels higher than our machine can even test.” The reading was at least 62 ug/dL (micrograms per decileter) — which Honea said is six times the level considered clinical lead poisoning. 

Physical symptoms in raptors include weakness, drooped wings, inability to stand, green diarrhea and neurological damage, often appearing “drunk.”  

The American Eagle Foundation cited an eight-year study of samples across 38 states that found 47% of bald eagles and 46% of golden eagles had signs of chronic lead poisoning, which is the result of repeated lead exposure. As many as 33-35% of eagles had acute lead poisoning from exposure to high lead levels.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says bald eagles breed in 32 of Oregon’s 36 counties and are found throughout the state during non-breeding season, with an estimated 570 breeding pairs.

America’s bald eagle was brought back from the brink of extinction after the federal government banned the use of the pesticide DDT in 1972. It was listed as an endangered species six years later, but after a recovery that took decades, the bird was removed from the federal listing in 2007 and from the Oregon threatened species list in 2012.

The bald eagle was adopted as an emblem of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782, appearing on the Great Seal to represent strength and freedom. It was formally designated the country’s official national bird by President Biden on Dec. 24, 2024.

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Prosecutor clears Bonneville County officers in December shootings

KIFI on February 14, 2026

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal has cleared 3 officers of any wrongdoing during two separate officer-involved shootings.

Neal released two reports on Friday, February 13, 2026, explaining why he cleared the officers.

Bonneville County Sheriff Deputies Kyle Penney and Deputy William Stadtman were investigated for a shooting that took place on December 17 involving Landon Smith.

Idaho Falls Police officer Eric Rose fired his weapon when Eddy Trejo De Arco grabbed a knife.

Below are summaries of Neal’s reports.

Landon Smith Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

In the early morning of December 17, 2025, Bonneville County deputies were looking for a reckless driver in Bonneville County, a orange Jeep operated by Landon Smith.

Smith was observed driving recklessly on Ammon Road. Deputies tried to stop him, but ended their chases for safety reasons.

Smith was seen again driving in the city of Ucon by a Sheriff’s detective in an unmarked car. Three other deputies caught with him near County Line Road that divides Bonneville and Jefferson County east of 85th East. Deputy Kyle Penney conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver on Smith’s car causing him to spin into the north shoulder of the road.

When Smith tried to get away, he hit a Sheriff’s car head-on. Deputy William Stadtman then hit Smith’s car door to prevent him from leaving.

“Dash camera footage clearly shows Mr. Smith drew a gun and held it to his own head, and when confronted by deputies, fatally shot himself,” the report said.

Deputies heard a gunshot and saw glass spray from the driver’s window. Believing they were being fired upon, Deputies Penney and Stadtman returned fire.

Investigators determined Smith died from a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound. His firearm was found near his right hand with one casing inside the Jeep. None of the deputies’ rounds struck him.

Prosecutors concluded the deputies acted in reasonable self-defense, given the perceived threat, darkness, poor visibility, and Smith’s dangerous actions. Under Idaho law, their use of force was justified, and no criminal charges will be filed.

Eddy Trejo de Arco Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

According to the prosecutor’s report, the incident began around 5:05 a.m. on December 22, 2025, when a man called 911 on behalf of his pregnant daughter, reporting threats from her boyfriend, Eduardo “Eddy” Trejo de Arcos. The caller warned police that Trejo de Arcos might be intoxicated and had access to weapons.

Idaho Falls Police arrived minutes later and heard arguing inside the apartment. Body-camera footage shows Trejo de Arcos allowing officers into the apartment. The apartment was mostly dark, making visibility difficult.

Inside, the victim told Officer Eric Rose she had been pushed, choked, and threatened with a large knife throughout the night. She also reported threats toward her father and said Trejo de Arcos had hidden the knife in a drawer on the couch.

According to the victim’s interview, she told Officer Eric Rose that she had been pushed, choked, and threatened with a large knife throughout the night. She also said the knife had been hidden in a dresser drawer on the couch when police knocked.

The prosecutor notes that after lights were turned on, the handle of the silver knife was partially visible in the drawer. Trejo de Arcos admitted to moving it and threatening the victim’s father, giving Officer Rose probable cause to arrest him.

Investigative reports state that while being handcuffed, Trejo de Arcos suddenly broke free, lunged toward the couch, and grabbed the knife. Officer Rose can be heard on body‑camera audio shouting “knife!” to warn other officers.

According to officers’ statements and video evidence, Trejo de Arcos fought violently, broke free from an officer trying to restrain him, raised the knife in a stabbing motion, and took a stance indicating he was about to charge.

At this moment—per the prosecutor’s findings—Officer Rose fired one round, striking Trejo de Arcos in the chest. Officers immediately commanded him to drop the knife, which he did before collapsing.

Body‑camera footage and reports confirm officers rendered aid until EMS arrived. Trejo de Arcos was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A preliminary autopsy confirmed a single gunshot wound with no other bullet injuries, consistent with the body‑camera video. A floor mark that concerned family members was analyzed by a crime‑scene expert and determined not to be a bullet strike.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal concluded that:

Trejo de Arcos posed an imminent threat of death or serious injury

Officer Rose issued commands before using deadly force

The force used was reasonable, lawful, and necessary under Idaho Code § 18‑4009

The prosecutor declined criminal charges, stating Officer Rose acted in self-defense and was protecting himself, fellow officers, and the victim from an aggravated assault or attempted murder.

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CVUSD approves fiscal stabilization plan that includes $25.4M budget reduction over three years

KESQ on February 14, 2026

Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – More budget cuts are coming to the Coachella Valley Unified School District.

On Thursday, the CVUSD Board of Education approved a fiscal stabilization plan. The plan includes multiyear reductions of $25.4 million — $9.4 million in 2026–27, $8 million in 2027–28, and $8 million in 2028–29

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) required CVUSD to submit an updated, Board-approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan by March 17. According to the board agenda, the plan must incorporate salary and benefit cost projections and address the previously identified $20 million in budget reductions. The projections must include unrestricted funds, along with the detailed assumptions used in developing the plan.

According to the district, the reductions are designed to align spending with enrollment trends and available revenues, while keeping cuts as far from the classroom as possible.

Board Final 2025_26 Fiscal Stabilization – Update (Option 4)Download

In 2024, the district approved $57 million in budget reductions, which included staffing layoffs and program adjustments. CVUSD officials said in the December that the district was facing up to $20 million in additional budget cuts over the next two years

CVUSD officials added that the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) presented from their findings an independent review of the District’s 2025–26 adopted General Fund budget. The review included the development of a multiyear financial projection (MYFP) and cash flow analysis for the current year and two subsequent fiscal years.

FCMAT Presentation_2.12.26Download

Coachella Valley USD final report (1)Download

While FCMAT reported no immediate cash flow concerns, the agency recommended continued monthly monitoring and emphasized that declining fund reserves weaken a district’s overall cash position. FCMAT also commended the District’s efforts to take necessary steps toward long-term fiscal stability.

Through the approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan, the District continues to address its structural deficit, maintain required reserve levels, and strengthen its long-term financial health.

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ISU President Speaks on Major Changes to the University

KIFI on February 14, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State University is facing a difficult time as statewide budget cuts to higher education have forced the administration to make decisions which will get them back in the black. President Robert Wagner commented today on all things ISU- from the budget deficit to the subsequent layoffs.

“The balanced budget we celebrated on July 1st lasted about two and a half months,” Wagner said. “By the end of the summer, the governor’s office had announced the immediate 3% holdback for all state agenices, including higher ed.”

This budget holdback hit ISU leadership particularly hard. After spending their first couple of years in office working to get the university out of their debt, President Wagner’s administration found themselves right back where they started.

Leaders of the university met to discuss where the budget could be adjusted following the statewide cut.

“We spent nearly three months engaging with our institutional community at an unprecedented level,” said Wagner. “We held town hall meetings, our colleges and departments met, offices met, all in an effort to solicit feedback, information, and ideas to go towards our fantastic people.”

Wagner said these meetings and online forums left the university with hundreds of ideas. He said the engagement from the institutional community has been incredibly rewarding and satisfying, especially when the restructuring of the university is something the administration didn’t want in the first place.

“It’s something we didn’t ask for,” Wagner said. “It’s something that honestly, I wish we didn’t have to experience because we worked so hard to get to that balanced budget point.”

In creating the new plans, the focus was on the institutional values Idaho State University has held for so long. these include transparency, inclusivity, and integrity. Their top priority has been the people.

“We took the first two weeks to talk to our people, to talk to the offices, divisions and colleges that would be the most impacted,” said Wagner. “Most importantly, to talk to people. Our plans involve a reduction of positions and people on this campus and we needed the time to talk to them individually.”

Employees had meetings with HR and the university Provost where they were notified of their job status. Laid-off employees told Local News 8 these meetings were respectful and empathetic. The university has expressed their deep concern for those who have lost their positions and has made every effort to limit the impact on personnel.

“It was very important we let them know now,” the President stated. “They have about a four and a half month runway where they can look at other opportunities and our human resource office is prepared to help them with that.”

In the wake of the legislation, Idaho State University is also undergoing a major restructuring. The College of Arts and Letters is combining with the College of Education. The administration says these restructuring efforts will allow for more student interdiciplinary studies and operational efficencies.

President Wagner reassures students in every program that their path to graduation is not impacted. “They’ll see the benefits programmatically. The programs are not going away,” he stated.

The university sees this restructuring as an opportunity for students to have greater collaboration between the faculty and staff. On paper, the programs and colleges within ISU will look different, but the programs themselves remain to be what President Wagner calls “flourishing.”

President Wagner also told us this kind of change is necessary as time progresses. “We’re going to do different. 2026 is different than 1901, we need to be a different institution, just like at one point we were an institute, then an academy, and a Southern branch.”

By adapting with the times and always having the students best interest and experience in mind, the administration will spend the next several months implementing these changes and following the plan of the President’s Bold Path Forward.

“We’re going to adapt and evolve and we’ll change as an institution,” said Wagner. “Our faculty, our students are engaged and doing incredible things, they’re getting awards. We’re adding programs and building them in the health sciences. Our creative arts programs are flourishing and really serve the needs of our community. Our roots are strong and we will be successful.”

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Columbia city council to hear proposal for sales tax increase to fund public safety

KMIZ on February 14, 2026

Steven Lambson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia city council members will hear a presentation on Monday proposing a one-percent sales use tax to help generate funds for fire and police services.

A presentation scheduled for a pre-council meeting on Monday showed the tax would generate an estimated $38 million in additional revenue for the city.

According to the presentation, the additional revenue would go toward “operations and capital improvements” for public safety, including the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire Department. The money generated by the tax would go to a public safety fund specifically for police and fire expenses.

The presentation cited police and firefighter pensions and stabilizing them as the “most critical need.” It also listed additional priorities like recruiting, a new police facility, two new fire stations with equipment and other expenses.

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Love is in the air, even in a courtroom: ‘Cupid’s Docket’ happens a day early, despite the date

KTVZ on February 14, 2026

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, Central Oregon judges offered their “Cupid’s Docket” matrimonial ceremonies a day early – on Friday.

As in Friday the 13th.

But true love won’t bend to a bit of superstition, at least not for these happy couples in a nicely decorated courtroom, as Deschutes County Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley performed the ceremonial honors.

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