BBQ & Brew Festival returns to Downtown Yuma in February 2026

KYMA on February 6, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says they will be hosting their annual BBQ & Brew Festival.

The annual event is taking place along Main Street Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

There will be live music, competitions for local vendors to participate in, and other fun activities during the event.

Live music includes performances from Big Bad Wolf, Bobby Trujillo y sus Estelares del Norte, Nashville 90, and American Soldier: A Tribute to Toby Keith.

“The BBQ and Brew Festival is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy great food and entertainment in Downtown Yuma,” said Special Events Coordinator Brissa Garcia. “We’re excited to welcome competitors and residents back for another year of this event.”

To learn more about the event, click here.

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‘Deceptive practice’: Hayden Homes Amphitheater backs Oregon bill to ban speculative ticketing

KTVZ on February 6, 2026

Oregon Capital Chronicle

By Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill to ban resellers or people affiliated with resellers from offering event tickets they don’t actually have, unless they have a written contract to obtain the ticket from an initial sale. 

House Bill 4024, which has bipartisan support, comes as states including Maryland, Minnesota and Maine in recent years passed restrictions on speculative tickets while many other states have introduced legislation to prohibit the practice. 

Bill sponsor Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, told lawmakers on the House Commerce and Consumer Protection committee this week that she’s heard countless stories of Oregonians unknowingly buying fake tickets. 

“Someone in my district paid $3,000 for two tickets to see Willie Nelson at the Britt,” she said, referring to a hillside venue in Jacksonville. “They turned out to be speculative. Up north, a Portland resident spent $446 for tickets purchased through a reseller to see a live performance of ‘Wicked.’ When she arrived at Keller Auditorium, people with the real tickets were already in those seats.”

Several arts and culture venue managers testified in favor of the bill, telling lawmakers that within hours of announcing an event, there are usually online listings for tickets that haven’t yet been made available, and online platforms often use language suggesting ticket scarcity and listing them at prices much higher than the actual price. 

“This deceptive practice happens for every single show we announce at the venue,” said Marney Smith, an owner and general manager of Hayden Homes Amphitheater, a popular Bend venue. 

The bill advanced on a 7-3 committee vote Thursday and is headed to the full Oregon House for a vote.

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City officials receive clean audit opinion

News-Press NOW on February 6, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — City of St. Joseph officials said the City received a clean audit opinion for fiscal year 2025.

Hood and Associates conducted an independent audit of the City’s financial statements, as well as separate audits of the City’s Police Pension and Fund and the City’s compliance with federal award expenditures, commonly referred to as the Single Audit.

The audits concluded that the City’s financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, according to a news release from the City.

The audit included a comprehensive review of the City’s financial statements, internal control and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified, per the release.

The auditors recommended that the City continue to monitor, update and maintain its financial policies and procedures and to evaluate and adopt new accounting pronouncements as they are established.

The city said that during the last year, it has implemented several new financial processes, including streamlined electronic bidding procedures, consolidating procurement across all departments and eliminating fund transfers.

During the auditor’s presentation, continued prioritization of cybersecurity was emphasized as this has become a growing concern for government agencies nationwide.

The City said it has been implementing multiple new security measures in the last year to protect the integrity of its data and cyber infrastructure.

It has also earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 34 consecutive years and is expected by its independent auditor to receive the award again for fiscal year 2025.

The certificate is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, honoring entities which exceed the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles.

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Two hospitalized after crash near Cathedral City / Rancho Mirage border

KESQ on February 6, 2026

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Two people were transported to the hospital after a crash on the Cathedral City / Rancho Mirage border Friday afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at Ramon and Davall Drive just before 12:30 p.m.

Details remain limited, however, Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael Contreras confirmed a person had to be extricated from a vehicle.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Oregon agricultural community gathers at Jefferson County Farm Fair

KTVZ on February 6, 2026

Tyson Beauchemin

Madras, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras Fairgrounds hosted the 46th Annual Farm Fair today. The event brings together agricultural professionals for a trade show and information exchange.

Sponsored by the Jefferson County Seed Growers Association, the event focused on connecting members of the agricultural community, and sharing what works as them

The fair serves as a platform for growers to explore the latest agricultural supplies and technology while sharing their knowledge with each other.

The event’s main draw was a series of lectures covering issues faced by farmers and ranchers. The topics included using drones for farming and ranching operations. Other presentations focused on soil science and the application of pesticides.

Water availability remained the primary concern for the agricultural community throughout the event. Steve Culman, director of the Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, spoke about the issue saying: “We’re facing unprecedented times right now with water, uncertainty and availability with, challenges with with market prices,”

Culman added, “It’s a challenge, a very challenging time to be a grower. And it’s, this is it’s more important now than ever to get, together and share experiences and try to figure out the best path forward.”

The Oregon State University Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center will host a presentation on crop management during times of water uncertainty next Thursday.

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Alternating Lane Closures Scheduled Near Gaviota Tunnel

KEYT on February 6, 2026

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Portions of Highway 101 will be closed for a short time next week near the Gaviota Tunnel and State Route 1.

Alternating lane closures will happen along the highway for a rock scaling and rock clearing operation. Road crews will dislodge loose rocks from the slopes and clear any debris adjacent to the lanes.

A northbound lane closure will happen north of the Gaviota Tunnel on Tuesday, February 10th. A southbound lane closure will happen south of the State Route 1 junction on Wednesday, February 11th from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Caltrans say delays should not exceed more than 15 minutes, and electronic message boards will be activated.

Travelers can find more information here.

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Two SLO County Teens Arrested in Arizona in Cryptocurrency Extortion Scheme

KEYT on February 6, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Two teens from San Luis Obispo county were arrested in Scottsdale Arizona, accused of a home invasion in a plot to steal millions in cryptocurrency.

Investigators say these teens were recruited for this shocking crime online.

One of the teens lives in SLO and attended San Luis Obispo High School, the other lives in Morro Bay.

The teens told Arizona authorities after their arrest that the two had only just met.

Ari Parker lives in Scottsdale Arizona. 

At first, he didn’t think much of a blue car in the background of his ring camera footage from Saturday. 

“I had no idea they were connected to the crime that happened here,” says the Arizona resident.

Just down the street, SLO county teens Jackson Sullivan and Skylar Lapeille, disguised as delivery drivers, allegedly forced their way into a home.

Investigators say they violently restrained two adults, and demanded 66 million dollars in cryptocurrency.

A third resident managed to call police.

“The police work was really impressive,” says Parker. “They were pounding the pavement doing old school gumshoe police detective work, knocking on doors, letting neighbors know what was happening.”

The teens fled and, after a pursuit, hit a dead end and were arrested. 

Once in custody, the teens told Arizona authorities they had only just met each other.

“Many of them [neighbors] have lived here for 15, 20 years, and they mentioned that this is the first time they could remember something like this happening,” says Parker.

Unidentified characters known as “Red” and “8” allegedly sent Sullivan and Lapeille  messages on the app “Signal,” telling them to go to Arizona with funds to purchase supplies so they could pose as delivery drivers.

“It’s certainly eye opening, and it’s also incredible the way that different pieces of evidence will be pieced together,” says Parker.

Officials at San Luis Obispo High School have confirmed that Jackson Sullivan was a student.

From what we can gather online, he played sports and wrote articles for the student newspaper.

The teens are being held in Arizona and will be charged as adults on multiple felony charges including kidnapping, burglary, criminal impersonation, and felony flight.

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Despite rumors, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bend Chapter staying open, with a Valentine’s Day bed build planned

KTVZ on February 6, 2026

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite community rumors that the Central Oregon Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) might close, the organization’s CEO, Bob Mickelsen, confirmed to KTVZ News that the chapter is staying open and busier than ever.

In fact, a special Valentine’s Day Bed Build is on the calendar for Saturday, February 14, bringing together volunteers from the Sisters Rotary Club and the Sisters Kiwanis Club. The groups plan to construct 35 beds for local children in need, each one complete with a homemade quilt.

“This is truly a community effort,” said Hal Darcey, Bed Build Project Chair for Sisters Rotary. “Rotary and Kiwanis are joining together to make sure every kid in our community has a bed of their own.”

Darcey added that the project offers something beyond the practical: “Volunteering with SHP provides the opportunity to meet wonderful people in your community. Rubbing shoulders with complete strangers while building a bed for a child in need can turn into lifelong friendships — all focused on one goal: helping children sleep in heavenly peace.”

Up to 50 volunteers are expected to gather at the Earthwood Development site at 148 Sisters Park Drive, which was donated for the day. Lumber and building supplies are being provided by Hoyt’s Hardware and Building Supply in Sisters at a discounted rate.

Kiwanian Jeff Taylor said his group is proud to partner with Rotary for the project: “Our community is better when we all work together. As Sleep in Heavenly Peace says, ‘No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!’”

Adding a creative touch to the build, members of both clubs are coordinating a “quilt per bed” initiative led by Sisters Rotarian and local quilter Julie Fugate.

“So far, almost 20 quilts have been donated from quilters across Central Oregon,” Fugate said. “They’re all twin size — about 68 by 82 inches — and include everything from modern designs to traditional favorites.”

Those interested in donating a quilt or learning more can contact Fugate at FinishFairyQuilting@gmail.com.

The Rotary Club of Sisters, a nonprofit of 37 community leaders, continues its long tradition of service through local and international Rotary initiatives. And Sleep in Heavenly Peace remains committed to its mission: reminding everyone that a bed is a basic need — and that every child deserves one.

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School Kids Go Behind the Scenes at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

KEYT on February 6, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.  (KEYT) – A morning bus ride from their classrooms brought hundreds of kids to the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara for “Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies.”

It is an educational outreach program for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival that takes place in two parts . Trip one is today, trip two is next Thursday.

The children saw the movie “Zootopia 2” and then heard a talk from the filmmakers.

Between the two dates it will bring in about 3-4,000 students.

Some of them are from school districts that do not usually have these types of field trips or educational programs. The children are coming from throughout Santa Barbara County.

Many children have never been to a movie theatre, or have never been inside of an iconic movie landmark like the Arlington Theatre, which has been in Santa Barbara since 1931.

The program is part of their classroom instruction to learn about movies and the arts prior to coming to the event.

The program is named after the late filmmaker Mike DeGruy, who passed away in 2012 while on an assignment for a James Cameron film. 

One of the producers was Yvett Merino, a UC Santa Barbara graduate and an Academy Award winner.

 She talked about the four year timeline to finish the film. “We try things and  they don’t always work and sometimes we fail  and we start over again. It helps us get to where we need to be.” 

Another message to the kids was  about collaboration.

Byron Howard, the film director said, “it is amazing that we all get together, there are about 800 people that work with us on these films. Some of the best stories that we find in these films comes from real issues in our world and movies help to talk about them”

They also explained the far reaching range of these films. Merino said, “we translate this into 47 different languages.”

The trip is designed to expose students to careers in the film industry and spark creativity, with some attendees expressing interest in writing, sound, animation and editing.

“As the school started to depart, the students and teachers told us coming here to the Arlington Theater and hearing from experts in the film business inspired them to consider a career either on or off the screen.”

Quinn Friggione

Vieja Valley Student

 “…  I am a dancer. so maybe some part that has to do with dancing.”

Finley McGinness

Vieja Valley Student

“Uhhhh……….  the lead ….the lead role  probably”

Stella Roy

Cold Springs Student

I would like to help make the movie.  But I’m not sure about being in the movie”

track five

.       Questions submitted in advance from the students …were  answered as part of the program.

Byron Howard

Director

“…..It’s a great business.  super fun it’s a really great way uh to make a living”

Nathan Evans

Vieja Valley Student

“…I think in giving the kids a chance to ask direct questions of these directors and these community members   what a powerful opportunity for our Vieja Valley students.     we are so grateful for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival”

Nathan Evans

Vieja Valley Student

“…..we’ve got some actors  we’ve got  directors. we’ve got some magical kids in room 11 at Vieja Valley.”

track six

.      The goal was to educate and inspire the kids in all aspects of the arts.

Finley McGinness

Vieja Valley Student

” I thought it was just a really great movie to watch. It was, it was like an an inspiring movie. “

In Santa Barbara I’m Newschannel reporter John Palminteri

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From Shelter to Sky: Ventura County Rescue Dogs Train to Deploy by Air

KEYT on February 6, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

CAMARILLO, Calif. (KEYT) – It’s a big day for several search dogs in Camarillo.

They’re learning to board an aircraft and deploy by air when disaster strikes.

“Making sure we make the right match … and part of that is getting off campus and making sure they get to experience different things … which may include someday on deployment … for instance going up in an aircraft,” said senior director Denise Sanders of the Search Dog Foundation.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation rescues shelter dogs and transforms them into elite search teams — trained to find survivors buried in rubble.

“We make sure no one gets left behind and can come home … training like this allows them to be even better at their job and be even faster,” said Sanders.

Inside the aircraft, dogs press close to their handlers — adjusting to engine noise, vibration, and tight cabin space.

That’s because when they land, there’s no warmup. They go straight to work.

“Any of the animals are prohibited from boarding commercial airlines to get to FEMA deployment because of that limitation there is a critical need for these dogs to get to where they need to go,” said chief pilot Michael Kennedy of Fetch Air.

The Search Dog Foundation hopes to expand this training here in our community, so more teams can be ready to fly.”

That expansion could mean faster deployment for emergencies impacting Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and beyond.

Camarillo-based Fetch Air provides the aircraft — helping simulate real-world disaster response.

From shelter kennels to the skies above California, these dogs are preparing for their next call — wherever disaster strikes.

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