Late Cole County farmer’s land sold at auction Saturday after three-year legal battle

KMIZ on February 7, 2026

Euphenie Andre

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A late Cole County farmer’s 178-acre Elston land was auctioned Saturday morning, despite his reported wishes for it to become a public park.

Lawrence Renn Jr., who passed away in 2021, left behind a trust intended to turn his farmland into a county park.

However, the land was sold off after Cole County dismissed its lawsuit against Hawthorn Bank, the trustee overseeing Renn’s estate, who were not in attendance at Saturday’s auction.

Nearly 100 people attended the auction, with four buyers bidding in person and one buyer participating online. The auction service reported 19 people registered on its online platform.

The 178 acres were divided up into six tracts.

Tract 1: 38.4 acres, sold for $10,250 to a phone bidder, for an estimated total of $393,600, according to Wheeler Auction & Real Estate.

Tract 2: 28.97 acres, sold for $13,250, with an estimated value of $376,610.

Tract 3: 16.69 acres, sold for $8,000 — the lowest per-acre price of the day — totaling about $133,250.

Tract 4: 16.94 acres, sold for $14,350, with an estimated value of $243,089.

Tracts 5 and 6: totaling 74.95 acres, were purchased by the same buyer. Combined, they sold for $28,500, bringing the estimated total to more than $1 million.

According to Wheeler Auction & Real Estate, the total sale price for the 178 acres exceeded $2.2 million, averaging $12,587.99 per acre.

Ron Bandelier, a neighbor of Renn, was one of the first people to arrive at the auction on Saturday.

“He [Renn] was a good friend, a good neighbor and just everybody liked him,” Bandelier said.

On Friday, Cole County Judge Joseph Shetler dismissed the case brought by Mark Knapp and Gary Scheperle, two men connected to the trust who had been fighting to stop the sale. In his ruling, Shetler stated Knapp and Scheperle are no longer beneficiaries of the Renn Trust and therefore do not have standing to sue.

“The administrators didn’t do what they should do to support him [Renn]. I think they were looking after their own interest and the money in the bank. That’s not what he wanted. He wanted that land to support the community of that area,” Bandelier said.

Since 2024, the situation has been a legal dispute. Friends and family of Renn have claimed the trustee was not transparent about the amount of money in the trust.

Cole County had entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the property, but later withdrew after Hawthorn Bank disclosed how much money was available to develop and maintain the park.

In January, Presiding Commissioner Sam Bushman told ABC 17 News the trust contained an estimated $15,000 to $20,000. He said that amount would not be enough to develop and maintain a county park without significantly affecting the county’s parks budget.

Family and friends of Lawrence Renn Jr. have insisted that millions of dollars were in the trust, specifically intended for the park.

Buyers Jared and Sarah Hotsenpiller, a married couple, purchased Tracts 5 and 6. They said they were aware of the land’s history and had previously signed the petition opposing the auction.

The Hotsenpillers plan to use the property to raise their family and build a farm.

“We are blessed to have the opportunity to buy it and continue that [Renn’s] legacy,” Jared Hotsenpiller said.

Another buyer told ABC 17 they plan to build a home on the land, while a third said they purchased their tract on behalf of a friend. Some community members told ABC 17 they hope none of the buyers decide to build apartment complexes on the property.

Bandelier said he was told most of the land would be used to build family homes. While he acknowledged that the idea sounds positive, he believes it is not what Renn would have wanted.

“He wanted the land to be to the community and it just seems like the bank didn’t give proper concern about his interests,” Bandelier said.

As of Saturday, Chuck Steck still has 39 cattle on Renn’s land. Steck said he had leased the property for more than 20 years, and about a year and a half after Renn’s passing, that lease expired. He said he reached out to several outlets to figure out how to continue making payments, but was ultimately told to keep his cattle on the land.

“Someone from the county kind of just flippantly said, ‘Well, if I were you, I’d just leave them out there until somebody told me to get them off.’ I wasn’t trying to take anything from anybody,” Steck said.

According to Steck, all of the cattle currently on the property are expected to be removed by early next week.

All buyers were required to pay a 10% downpayment Saturday, with the remaining balance due on or before Mar. 10.

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Ex-NFL player tried cleaning blood stains in Ooltewah home after murder, affidavit says

CNN Newsource on February 7, 2026

By Addison Howard

Click here for updates on this story

    OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WRCB) — Warning, some of this content may be disturbing.

Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker now charged with killing his girlfriend in Ooltewah, seemingly attempted to clean blood stains in multiple areas of the house, according to an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News.

First responders arrived on scene of what was called in as a CPR in progress on Thursday, February 5 just after 1:30pm. Lee told them that he had found her unconscious on the couch, and thought that she had perhaps fallen in the shower, but his statements didn’t line up with the “concerning conditions” within the home, the arrest report says.

Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office say they found blood spatter on the walls and flooring in multiple locations, as well as broken glass scattered across the kitchen area. They also observed cleaning materials in “abnormal places.”

Deputies detained Lee and took him to their operations center for questioning. They say he invoked his rights and did not speak with them.

While collecting his clothing, they suspected he had been in a violent fight, as there were scratches on his face, hands, and chest. They also saw blood inside the protective case of his cellphone. All of his possessions were seized as evidence.

HCSO detectives and the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s office processed the murder scene around 6:30pm that same day. The victim had multiple kinds of trauma to her body, including a one-inch stab wound to the abdomen, a large dark bruise to her head, black eyes with heavy swelling, multiple bruises on her arms and torso, a circular human bite mark on her shoulder, as well as dried blood on her face and neck.

The medical examiner’s office transported her body to the forensic center for an autopsy while detectives collected more evidence across the house. They found alcohol, narcotics, and a gun inside. There were no signs of forced entry.

Detectives used a forensic team to analyze the scene, which found blood stains but no visible blood. The arrest report says these findings indicate an attempt to remove, alter, or conceal evidence related to the crime.

Lee is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, February 11.

He played college football for Ohio State and was later drafted in the first round of the NFL draft to the New York Jets. Lee also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl Championship in 2020. He also played for the Buffalo Bills, and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Our NBC affiliate in Columbus, Ohio reports that last year, Lee accepted a plea deal in a domestic violence case.

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.

Addison Howard
ahoward@local3news.com
4234983719

Wisconsin Winter Carnival brings decades-old tradition back to Lake Mendota

CNN Newsource on February 7, 2026

By Nash Darragh

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    MADISON, Wis. (WISC) — MADISON, Wis. — Students and Madison residents braved howling winds Friday afternoon to participate in the second day of the Wisconsin Winter Carnival at the UW Memorial Union, continuing a tradition that has drawn crowds to Lake Mendota for more than eight decades.

The annual event, now in its 86th year, offers dozens of winter activities despite frigid conditions. Participants tested their skills on a nine-hole hockey shooting course, learned ice fishing techniques and more.

“Winter carnival has been part of the Wisconsin Union since 1940, so about 86 years we’ve been bringing this tradition to downtown Madison,” said Shauna Breneman, the Wisconsin Union’s communication officer.

One of the carnival’s most recognizable features returned this year: an inflatable Lady Liberty head and torch that matches the scale of the actual Statue of Liberty-on-Liberty Island in New York City. The display has become an iconic symbol of the Memorial Union’s winter celebration.

“Lady Liberty began in 1979 as a prank.” Breneman said. “We brought it back in an inflatable version in 2019.”

The carnival continues Saturday with an expanded lineup of activities designed to celebrate Wisconsin’s winter culture. Organizers have planned more than 20 events for the final day.

“Tomorrow folks can enjoy more than 20 winter-themed events, everything from a chili cook-off to maple taffy making to carriage rides,” Breneman said.

The event consistently attracts a diverse crowd that includes current University of Wisconsin students, alumni and Madison community members. Many attendees return year after year to participate in the longstanding tradition.

“This is great and it brings back memories from when I was in Hoofers. We would do the rail jam — really great to be out here and see everything,” said Katrina Olson, a UW Madison Alumni.

The Wisconsin Winter Carnival serves as both a celebration of the state’s winter culture and a community gathering point that bridges generations of university affiliations. The event’s longevity demonstrates its importance to both the campus community and the broader Madison area.

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.

Samantha Calderon
scalderon@wisctv.com
(608) 277-5133

Tour de Palm Springs kickoff party welcomes thousands to downtown Palm Springs

KESQ on February 7, 2026

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of cyclists descended on Palm Springs Friday evening for the 28th annual Tour de Palm Springs bike ride.

The ride kicks off Saturday morning, taking riders from downtown all the way to Coachella and back.

A big part of Friday’s celebration was highlighting the charitable causes behind the ride, something cyclists and vendors say keeps them coming back.

“I think just to be able to support other people should help everybody pick up their own internal soul kind of stuff. It’s nice to be able to do that while doing something for yourself,” Joe Martin from Homer, Alaska said.

“I represent the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78, and we’ve been riding for the tour for about 25 years, and I do the Pledge of Allegiance at the kickoff every year,” Bob Solomon said.

Many said they also ride for a deeper purpose, like Frank Platt.

“I just recently lost my husband to cancer last year, and he bought me my first bike 10 years ago. I decorated all in purple for a memory on my husband, his favorite color was purple,” Platt said.

Founder Tim Esser says the tour has raised over $5 million since it’s inception for local charities.

“These are all the charities that can use the money. It’s a lot of high school groups, a lot of them being that we benefit, first responders, and veterans, we do a lot of the ROTC is in these high schools. It’s not just about the money, it’s about volunteering as well. We want these kids to learn what it’s like to give back to the community,” Esser said.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Saturday’s ride.

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One injured after car crash in Santa Barbara

KEYT on February 7, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A car crash injured one person and closed down Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara for three hours just after 6:30 p.m., according to the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Your News Channel noticed police putting up yellow caution tape at the crash site and will have more information on the crash as it becomes available to us.

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Gas Feuds: Utah-Idaho conflict simmering over proposed gasoline export tax

KIFI on February 7, 2026

David Pace

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho and Utah have been having a not-so-quiet feud over a Utah plan to change its gas tax and share its tax burden with Idaho.

Plans by the Utah lawmakers to potentially place an export tax on gasoline shipped from Utah refineries to surrounding states – including Idaho – are drawing continued pushback from Idaho lawmakers.

In an interview with Local News 8 this week in Boise, Idaho Speaker of the House Mike Moyle said Idaho is proactively responding to the threats.

“I think that Utah will find some sanity and pull back. But we’ll see because if they don’t, we in Idaho will find ways to make it miserable for them,” Moyle said. 

Idahoans currently pay $2.90 per gallon of gas on average – 13 cents more than drivers in Utah.

The plan in Utah to impose a new tax on refineries for exported fuel could push Idaho prices at the pump even higher.

“So hopefully they do the right thing and don’t raise our fuel taxes,” Moyle said. “We’ll see though. They have control right because of the refineries. But I think we’re in good shape. I think we’re talking. We’ll find a path.”

The potential restructuring aims to cut Utah’s consumer gas tax up to 50 percent.

Moyle warned that the export tax could increase Idaho’s gas prices by twenty-five cents a gallon. 

About 75 percent of fuel exported from Utah is purchased by Idaho consumers, according to a draft Joint Memorial from the Idaho House of Representatives and Senate.

“I think that, on the front end, they thought it was going to be really easy to come tax Idahoans and make it miserable for us,” Moyle said. “But there’s more to the story, so we’ll see what they do. They’re supposed to introduce a bill. We’ll see what the next rendition is. Once we see that, we’ll know how to respond.”

However, Idaho lawmakers told Local News 8 this week they have a feeling it’s going to be water – or oil – under the bridge soon, and they are going to work things out with Utah.

“We will find a sensible diplomatic path through the conversation,” said Idaho Rep. Josh Wheeler, R-Ammon, whose district includes Bear Lake County, bordering Utah. “There are some slightly, outlandish ideas being bandied about right now – like charging more for lottery tickets in our border towns, or maybe it’s time to tax microchips that come out of Idaho, the same way they’re trying to tax fuel that comes out of Utah’s refineries.”

While the bill to restructure Utah’s gas tax has not been filed yet, Idaho legislators have introduced a joint memorial opposing Utah’s export tax.

The joint memorial states:

 “Idahoans pay Idaho fuel taxes and are not obligated to pay Utah’s fuel taxes except when in Utah;”

“Article I of the United States Constitution prohibits states from imposing ‘ any imports or duties on imports or exports’ without the consent of Congress;

“Imposition of such an export tax would result in hundreds of millions of dollars in annual costs borne by Idaho families, farmers, and businesses.”

The memorial is scheduled for debate after its third reading. 

“In the end, I think they’re going to recognize what they’re trying to do is unconstitutional, and it’s time for them to find solutions that are in their state, rather than trying to inflict damage on our Idaho citizens,” Wheeler said.

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CVHS alumni from the 1950s return for 90th birthday celebration

KESQ on February 7, 2026

Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Coachella Valley High School alumni who graduated in the 1950s returned to campus for a 90th birthday celebration.

Jim Nichols, Class of 1954, and Lovell Smith, Class of 1957, returned to their alma mater to celebrate Jim’s 90th birthday and reconnect with the school that helped shape their early years, the Coachella Valley Unified School District announced.

During their visit, the longtime friends, both former baseball players, had the opportunity to return to the CVHS baseball field, revisiting the place where their love for the game began.

“The visit was a meaningful celebration of CVHS’s enduring legacy and history,” the district wrote.

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Caught on camera: Redmond homeowner targeted in dangerous TikTok challenge

KTVZ on February 7, 2026

Campbell Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond resident and KTVZ viewer says they were the latest victim of a viral TikTok prank known as the “door kick challenge.”

Video shared by the homeowner with KTVZ shows someone running up to a home, kicking the front door, and sprinting away. The incident happened around 8 p.m. Thursday while the homeowner, who we will not identify for privacy reasons, was watching TV.

Redmond police confirmed to KTVZ that they received a report about the incident and are investigating.

The so‑called “door kick challenge” has gained traction on TikTok in recent months, encouraging people to record themselves forcefully kicking doors, often late at night, and then running off.

What may seem like a harmless stunt can cause significant property damage or spark dangerous confrontations.

Back in October, KTVZ reported a similar incident in Redmond where a homeowner told KTVZ that repairs cost around $3,000.

Elsewhere in the U.S., the trend has led to criminal charges, and, in at least two cases, deaths linked to startled residents defending themselves.

Redmond Police urge anyone affected by the challenge to contact law enforcement and report suspicious activity immediately.

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91-year-old local Patriots fan shares stories of fandom, looking forward to Super Bowl LX

KESQ on February 7, 2026

Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — There are plenty of Seahawks’ fans in the desert, but finding Patriots’ fans is a different story. Unless it’s your neighbor, a 91-year-old man from Massachusetts.

“Arthur Fargnoli from New England. I’m a Patriots fan since 1985,” said Arthur Fargnoli.

Arthur Fargnoli is from Haverhill, Massachusetts. He’s spent his winters here in the Coachella Valley for the last 20 years, and he’s been a Patriots season ticket holder for the last 25 years.

Aside from having an awesome first name, the 91-year-old is full of charm, life experience, and stories of Patriots football.

“I remember a time when I [bought] first my tickets in 1985, when I went to the game [laughs], we didn’t expect to win. I’m talking about Schaefer Stadium. It was a stadium built with brick that Schaefer Beer gave Sullivan a million dollars to build it. I got to give Sullivan credit for starting the team but that’s about all the credit I’ll give him. The credit comes with Mr. Kraft. When he took over, it was a different team,” said Fargnoli.

Since Robert Kraft bought the Patriots in 1994, New England has played in 11 Super Bowls, winning 6 of them, which is tied with the Steelers for the most all time. This Sunday, the Patriots can make it seven.

“We’re not supposed to win this game, but I got a feeling, because of the coaches. I think the only advantage we have is the coaching advantage,” said Fargnoli.

Have you ever been to a Super Bowl and seen the Patriots win?

“No. I’ve been to a Super Bowl when we lost,” said Fargnoli.

New England is 3,000 miles away from the desert. The Bay Area is much closer, only 460 miles. So is Art going to the game?

“No. No, it’s an expense problem. A room, tickets to the game, food for that day and a half, 28,000 and 28,000. I’ll see you later. Give me a break, will you? I can sit home where it’s very comfortable,” said Fargnoli.

“I want to watch it, don’t get me wrong, but being at the game isn’t the most important thing to me anymore,” said Fargnoli.

So what is the most important thing?

For Art, you can argue it’s his three daughters who love football, along with his 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

“It would mean that I would feel good about the people back home,” said Fargnoli.

“You know, I’ve gone through it. How many guys go through 20 years of winning football games on Sunday? We won 6. My time has come and gone, but they got an opportunity now. My kids, my buddies’ children, they got a good opportunity to have what we experienced,” said Fargnoli.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Super Bowl LX.

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Senators secure over $7 million for Central Oregon projects, from canal piping to groundwater tests and ‘floating solar’

KTVZ on February 7, 2026

Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced recently that they secured more than $100 million in federal investments for 54 community projects across Oregon, including over $7 million for four in Central Oregon, from canal piping to groundwater testing and “floating solar” plans.

The funding was included in two Fiscal Year 2026 packages that cleared Congress and will support initiatives in nearly every county in the state.

The $102,692,000 in funding is dedicated to “community-initiated projects” that were identified through local feedback.

Both senators hold annual town halls in every Oregon county to ensure that regional needs inform the spending bills they advocate for in Washington, D.C.

The 54 projects were secured through the work of the Oregon congressional delegation. Sen. Merkley is the only member of Congress from Oregon to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee since Sen. Mark Hatfield.

Merkley joined the committee in 2013 and currently serves as the top Democrat on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee, a role that allows him to help set the state’s priorities while funding bills are drafted.

Merkley emphasized that the projects are designed to address the specific requirements of the local areas that proposed them.

“Community-initiated projects are rooted in the fact that no one knows the unique needs of communities across Oregon like the folks living and working in them,” Merkley said. “The communities identified top projects, and we fought for them.”

Wyden also credited his frequent travel throughout the state for helping identify which projects required federal support.

“No-one knows what a local community needs more than the local community itself,” Wyden said. “That’s why I hold town halls and meetings in every nook and cranny of the state: to hear directly from Oregonians about their needs, and bring that back to D.C. to fight for these critical projects.”

Wyden said he was gratified to work alongside Merkley and the rest of the delegation to help Oregon communities thrive.

CENTRAL OREGON (Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and Wheeler Counties)

$2.373 million to the Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council for their closed basin watershed restoration and resilience project. These funds will be used to design and construct fish passage and conduct habitat restoration in the Goose Lake Watershed to improve fish passage, fish and bird habitat, and flood mitigation across five tributaries and eleven streams within the drought-prone watershed.

$2 million to North Unit Irrigation District for its infrastructure modernization project. This effort is working to convert over 27 miles of open-ditch irrigation canals with gravity-pressured buried piping, which will significantly reduce water loss, improve water delivery reliability, and improve streamflow in the Deschutes River.

$2 million to Arnold Irrigation District (AID) for their infrastructure modernization project. Funds will be used to complete the final phase of AID’s Infrastructure Resiliency and Modernization Project to pipe nearly 12 miles of the District’s main canal which will reduce overall water seepage and promote more efficient and sustainable irrigation across the District.

$1.123 million to Oregon Institute of Technology for equipment for an advanced energy manufacturing initiative to develop cutting-edge research, education, and training in hydrogen production, solar and solar-thermal manufacturing technologies, and emerging battery tech at Oregon Tech’s Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses.

$1.014 million to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for their Crook County groundwater research project. These funds will be used to implement a surface and groundwater sampling program in Crook County to identify the scope and potential causes of groundwater contamination issues impacting the community’s water.

$1 million to the Ochoco Irrigation District for their floating solar project ,which will generate 900 kilowatts of power and benefit local agriculture, residential homes, and local industry.

$648,000 to Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for the construction of a new community center. Wheeler SWCD’s current facility is insufficient to support the public’s needs as the county’s leading natural resource agency. This new space will be a centrally located innovation hub for multi-agency accessibility to best support Wheeler County’s natural resources work while promoting intra-agency collaboration.

STATEWIDE

$2.5 million for the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal to support the statewide “Fire Adapted Oregon” initiative and implement community-based wildfire mitigation and defensible space projects throughout high wildfire risk communities in Oregon.

$1 million to Oregon DEQ for their air quality improvement project, which will stand up grant programs across the state to enable communities to implement alternatives to the open burning of woody debris. This effort would reduce wood smoke emissions in communities by making preferred alternatives more accessible and improving the health of communities.

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