Colorado Springs grocery store helps grant 7-year-old’s unique birthday wish

KRDO on February 4, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Many parents go above and beyond to make things happen for their kids, but one Colorado Springs mom exceeded expectations for her son by simply going to the grocery store. 

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon on the West side of Colorado Springs. Many people were grabbing groceries, but there was one person who couldn’t be happier to be at the local food store.

Hunter Vigilotti comes to King Soopers often.

“Well, a lot, since we just live right down the road over there,” explained Hunter, “[We’re here] sometimes it’s every other day or every day.”

The local grocery store has become his own personal playground. He showed KRDO13 all of his favorite aisles, including the snacks, the ice cream and the frozen food, because “there’s food from all different countries.”

He says that King Soopers is his second-favorite place on Earth. When asked what the first is Hunter replied, “At home with mom.”

Hunter’s mom made his wishes come true. 

“This is my child, Hunter. And he wanted to have a food store birthday party,” explained Katie Vigliotti.

She says she felt silly calling the grocer to ask to host a party there, but that it was worth it to make her son happy.

“I had to say a million times, I promise you, I’m not crazy. I’m just a mother, and my kid wants something. And so we’re going for it,” shared Katie.

Hunter received a seventh birthday shout-out over the loudspeaker in King Soopers.  

“At first, we had a brainstorm about what a party here would look like. But we were thrilled to be a part of Hunter’s big day,” shared King Soopers department head, Nikki Benavidez.

Despite Hunter’s mom asking multiple times if he wanted to go to a typical birthday spot for his big celebration, she says he continued to beg to have his party at King Soopers.

“I do feel like a nut job when I have to send out the invites, and I go, hey, by the way, he wants to have his party here at King Soopers. He doesn’t feel crazy, and I don’t care. You know, he’s happy,” said Hunter’s mom.

The group celebrated Hunter turning seven with a cake decorating contest in the King Soopers conference room. Even Hunter’s best friend, Derek, showed up for his birthday bash. Derek Poindexter is Hunter’s favorite employee at the store. Poindexter tells KRDO13 he’s grateful he got to be there and wishes Hunter a happy birthday.

Hunter said it was the craziest and best birthday yet!

Hunter’s mom tells us the only other spot he asked to have his birthday in was Starbucks, and she had some good news for him: there was, in fact, a Starbucks in King Soopers. 

King Soopers helped to provide the cakes for decorating, sandwiches and even goodie bags for the kids to take home.

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New survey shows most Grover Beach residents are happy with the direction of the city

KEYT on February 4, 2026

Dave Alley

GROVER BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Grover Beach has released the results of a survey it holds every two years in an effort to gauge community opinions on key issues, satisfaction with city services and top priorities.

“The Grover Beach Community Survey helps guide our priorities and ensures we are responsive to resident feedback,” said Grover Beach Mayor Kassi Dee said in a statement. “We appreciate this valuable input and remain committed to transparency, strong customer service and thoughtful planning that reflect Grover Beach values.”

City Manager Matt Bronson indicated the survey is part of the city’s commitment to community engagement and outreach.

“One of the ways in which we do that is to do this community survey,” said Bronson. “It goes out to a snapshot of our of our residents. It’s a statistically valid survey. We get about 400 responses that match the demographics of the community, so it’s a very accurate snapshot of the Grover Beach community. We’ve been doing this survey since 2017 and every two years we get a chance to see how we move the needle from the last survey over time.”

According to the the city, questions were asked over the phone between Oct. 15 and 29, 2025. Specfiically, the city said residents were asked a series of questions regarding their viewpoints on key issues, their satisfaction with city services and quality of customer service, their ability to access information about services and events, potential revenue measures and more.

“We were very pleased with the results that indicated that there’s about 75% satisfaction rate with city services, and that’s really important for us in making sure we’re providing services that meet the community’s expectations and needs,” said Bronson. “We found that about 70% of residents think the quality of life in the community has gotten better over the last five years, or stayed the same, and 90% of residents are proud to live in Grover Beach.”

Numbers gathered identified the top three issues currently facing Grover Beach are: Transportation/Traffic/ Roads/Infrastructure (20.5%), Overpopulation/Controlling growth/Development (20.0%) and Housing Affordability (14.0%).

The three issues were nearly a total change from the top three listed by residents just two years ago, which were homelessness, traffic and public safety.

“Just right there, you see that there are some different thoughts and issues that are top of mind to residents in Grover Beach, and those are issues that our City Council, our city government is focused on right now,” said Bronson. “It’s important to hear where the community is on those issues to help identify some ways to address those issues and trends over time.”

Bronson pointed out that homelessness went from the top issue for residents during the last survey (21%), to ninth place (3%) in this most recent survey.

“It’s a significant issue in our communities, but we have put a major focus and emphasis on addressing homelessness through partnering with the Five Cities Homeless Coalition and two shelter facilities in Grover Beach, and addressing homeless encampments to make sure that we are keeping our public spaces safe and well maintained, and helping Five Cities Homeless Coalition with housing eviction programs to help prevent individuals from being evicted and to get them back into housing as quickly as possible,” said Bronson. “All those policy efforts are showing a meaningful difference. And reducing how homelessness is seen in our community.” 

Police and fire earned high marks, with 90% of the respondents rating public safety in Grover Beach as good or fair.

“We’re really happy to see the results from the survey,” said Police Chief Jim Munro. “We put a lot of time and effort into making that connection with our community from all the different programs that we run and the proactive patrols that we run. Everything from the kids programs in the summertime to Grover Beach Night Out to our community academy, which we’re getting ready to open again this year. We have a true connection with the community. I think our community notice is that it helps us be a safer community and our officers do a great job out there as well.” 

Concerns regarding overpopulation/controlling growth/development, which just missed out on ranking as the top issue by half a percent point, comes at the same time there has been dramatic construction of two high-rise residential buildings at the busy corner of Grand Avenue and 4th Street.

“It is a topic of community conversation right now,” said Bronson. “What is happening on the west end of our community along West Grand Avenue is redevelopment of spaces that were largely either vacant or underutilized. We had a vacant lot at the corner of 4th and Grand become a 40-unit mixed-use housing project called Palladium. We had a vacant building that’s been there for 20 years now redeveloped into a 60-unit mixed-use housing building called Encore at the North side of 4th and Grand. We’re seeing other developments up and down Grand Avenue. These developments are consistent with a vision that was identified by the community 20 years ago, but also put into motion by our West Grand Avenue master plan in 2011, our housing element in 2020, and the development code updates that were adopted by the council in 2022. All of these changes are essentially reflecting a community expectation around redeveloping West Grand Avenue for years to come. It’s just happening right now and it’s happening relatively quickly.”

Bronson acknowledged the two new mixed-use buildings have drawn strong reaction, both in support and in opposition, but says the city is experiencing the sames housing challenges currently happening in many neighboring communities and around the state.

“We see that there are mixed views use about development,” said Bronson. “Roughly half the community thinks there is too much development in Grover Beach right now. And the other half thinks there’s either just about right or too little development. That’s not a surprise to us and California development is a topic of community conversation. Every city in every county across our state. How we address that as a community, reflecting what is expected of us from the state in terms of housing laws and and housing production is a conversation we’re going to have at various levels with the City Council, the Planning Commission and with city staff.”

As for concerns regarding transportation/traffic/roads/infrastructure, Bronson also pointed out that issue has been and continues to be a top city priority.

“Grover Beach has been on a quest for many years to rebuild our city from the ground up and really from below the ground in terms of sewer lines and water lines,” said Bronson. “Street improvements have been a significant theme for of our city. We’ve repaired over 70% of local streets through the major K-14 street repair program since 2014. We are working on some major street improvements. Coming up on February 10th, we’ll be discussing street repairs with the City Council and get their direction on proceeding with the next major K-14 project, so infrastructure has been a major theme, a major area focus, one of those basics that people expect their local government to do.”

Grover Beach staff has recommended a similar survey should once again be conducted in 2027 to track “ongoing changes in perceptions and community priorities.”

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Celebrating Black History Month: Local firefighter leads by example

KYMA on February 4, 2026

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Every week in February, we’ll be introducing you to different leaders making a positive impact in the community for Black History Month.

We’re kicking it off by introducing you to a local Rural Metro firefighter serving the community and share how her journey started.

Local mom Donina Carr has been a firefighter for over a decade. She said she was first introduced to the career after a fire captain stopped her in the gym one day while she was a student and asked if she ever thought about joining the fire service.

“He said, ‘We need more women in the fire service. We don’t have too many women in the fire service, and, you know, it’d be a great opportunity.’ So I asked him to tell me a little bit more about it because at the time I was going to school for criminal justice. So he told me about it, and I was like, ‘Oh that sounds fun.’ And so, I went to school the next day, changed my major to fire science, signed up for EMT, did my homework on what it is to be a firefighter and a woman in the service, and then that’s how my journey started,” said Carr.

She’s loved the job ever since, but it’s far from easy.

“Just like military and police and the things that they see, we see things too. And once you see those things, you can’t unsee them,” said Carr. “And I remember we’re seeing people on the worst day of their lives, and we have to cope with that too.”

But on hard days, she has her team to walk through it together.

“You spend a fourth of your life with them. 24 hours every other day. They’re like your second family, and that means a lot. There’s not a lot of professions outside of military and police where you can say, you know, this is my family, this is my second family. You know, I would do for them what I would do for my own family, so they put their lives on the line for me when we go out. I put my life on the line for them when I go out,” said Carr.

I got a chance to hear from them myself, each sharing what they love about working with Carr.

“We do rely on her a lot for everything around the station. She’s very influential, and she does keep us in line,” said Rural Metro Fire Captain James Hanchette.

“She does keep us in task around here at the station, constantly keeps us going. But yeah definitely, she’s a special person,” said Rural Metro firefighter Martin Guzman.

“Definitely keeps the station alive on a daily basis, getting us to do team activities and training together. And we do weekly or Sunday meals or whatnot, and yeah, she’s a big part of that for sure,” said Rural Metro EMT Jaimes Meza.

They’re always learning from each other, and when asked what type of impact she hopes to make, she said, “To lead by example. Set a good example. Set a positive example.”

For anyone interested in the role, she encourages them to do their research, and do it for the right reasons.

“After 9/11, all of a sudden people were like left and right were wanting to be firefighters, and it was for the glory and for the status. And those are the wrong reasons. You know, those are the wrong reasons. Know what you’re getting into. Some people get into it, and then they realize ‘Oh wait, this is not for me. Oh, this is a lot harder than what I thought it was going to be. We have to do what?’ So know what you’re getting into, and you want to do it for the right reasons,” said Carr.

Carr went on to add, “Know what you’re getting into. Don’t just say ‘Oh, I’m going to go out and be a firefighter.’ Do your homework. Know what you’re getting into. Know what the expectations are. Know what your roles are. Know the departments that you’re planning on testing to. Know. Know their history.”

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Update: Weather delays pile burning work on Crooked River Grassland SE of Madras

KTVZ on February 4, 2026

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore., (KTVZ) — Prescribed fire operations on the Crooked River National Grassland southeast of Madras that were scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions, officials said.

“The delay was due to unfavorable transport winds and the heavy smoke impacts that could result,” Ochoco National Forest representative Isabella Isaksen told KTVZ News.

She said fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and are evaluating potential opportunities to conduct pile burning early next week, pending favorable weather and required approvals.

The prescribed pile burning is planned for about 70 acres on the Crooked River National Grassland, located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26.

Prescribed fire operations are only conducted when weather, fuel moisture, and air quality conditions align to ensure public and firefighter safety and to meet project objectives. Weather conditions are evaluated immediately prior to ignition, and scheduled activities may be postponed or canceled when conditions are not suitable.

Earlier story:

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 3, 2026) — The Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest plan prescribed fire operations on Wednesday, pending all required approvals.

Hazardous fuels reduction work is planned on about 70 acres in the Crooked River National Grassland, an area located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26

“Prescribed burning will be managed by Forest Service resources from the Ochoco National Forest. Forest Service personnel will be on scene throughout the operation to ensure safe and effective implementation,” the agency said in a news release.

Officials said smoke could be visible from Prineville, Terrebonne, and Madras. Smoke impacts are anticipated along Southeast Grizzly Road and the Highway 26 corridor, particularly overnight and in the early-morning hours as air settles into low-lying areas.

Prescribed burn warning signs will be placed along Grizzly Road and Highway 26, officials said. Drivers should slow down and use headlights if visibility is reduced.

“Prescribed burning will only occur when weather, fuel moisture and air quality conditions meet criteria for safe and effective operations,” the Forest Service said. “If conditions are not suitable, ignitions will be postponed.”

Weather conditions will be evaluated in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled, the agency said

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road. For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco.

Follow on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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Casa Maria’s owner found not guilty of arson, has hearing later this month in second case

KMIZ on February 4, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman who was accused of arson in Dunklin County was found not guilty of the charge.

Crystal Umfress, who owned Casa Maria’s in Columbia, was found not guilty of her second-degree arson charge, her attorney Russell Oliver told ABC 17 News on Tuesday night. She was accused of hiring Kerry Raymond to burn down Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant in 2023 in Dunklin County.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome of the case, [it was] fortunate for Crystal to have her day in court and we feel the jury got it right,” Oliver told ABC 17 News on Tuesday evening.

The case was held in Butler County after it was moved in 2024. Umfress is still facing two counts of filing false documents and three counts of forgery after she was accused of impersonating county officials and restaurant owners. Oliver said a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17 in Butler County.

Casa Maria’s moved out of its Columbia location in December after a judge ruled in Grindstone Plaza Development in its motion for default against Umfress. A writ of possession order filed on Dec. 17 says the restaurant was ordered to vacate the property after owing $120,750.04 in unpaid rent and $8,926.61 in fees and costs. The restaurant had indicated in social media post at the time that it would continue as a food truck.

Raymond has a case review scheduled in his second-degree arson case out of Stoddard County for 1 p.m. March 5.

Check back for updates.

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21 local students honored at Student of the Month ceremony

KESQ on February 4, 2026

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – 21 students were honored at a Student of the Month ceremony Tuesday morning.

The Riverside County Office of Education organizes the Student of the Month program to recognize and honor high school seniors.

Student of the Month honorees embody character, integrity, a passion for learning, involvement in school, and other honorable qualities.

“Recognizing and validating the efforts of our students is so very essential in their upbringing. I think this encourages them to continue to go forward in their lives, whether it’s college or career. And so it’s amazing when our community comes together to support them,” said Riverside County Superintendent Edwin Gomez.

Each district selects its Students of the Month based on their embodiment of character, integrity, a passion for learning, active involvement in school life, sports, and community service, or have displayed remarkable resilience in the face of life’s challenges while maintaining a commitment to education.

The honorees at the February 3 event include

Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)

Anahi Moran – Coachella Valley Independent Study

Yanelly Miranda-Nunez – Desert Mirage High School

Karime Meja – La Familia High School

Diego Flores – Nova Academy Early College High School

Alyssa Ochoa – West Shores High School

Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD)

Daniel Hernandez-Martinez – Amistad High School

Arturo Ibarra – Horizon High School

Sofia Cruz-Gonzalez – Indio High School

Nathan Calasan – La Quinta High School

Alfonso Lucero – Palm Desert High School

Giselle Santibanez – Shadow Hills High School

Maria Aceves-Ruiz – Summit High School

Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD)

Carlos Lopez – Cathedral City High School

Emily Diedjomahor – Desert Hot Springs High School

Zemi Aceves Garcia – Desert Learning Academy

Damon Lockhart Jr. – Mt. San Jacinto High School

Italy Acosta – Palm Springs High School

Malachi Davis – Rancho Mirage High School

Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

Richard Gonzalez – Palm Springs Community School

Jayden Arriaga-Araujo – Don F. Kenny Regional Learning Center

The students selected are nominated by teachers and administrators, and the strongest standouts go through a selective process to be chosen for Student of the Month. Every two months, students are recognized for their hard work and effort.

One additional Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month event is scheduled for April 14, 2026. Honorees from all four events held throughout the year will compete for the Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Year scholarships that will be awarded on May 21, 2026.

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Santa Barbara Foresters induct MLB players Jace Jung and Matt McLain into their Hall of Fame

KEYT on February 4, 2026

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Two of the top Foresters on what is considered their best team ever was inducted into the team’s hall of fame over the weekend.

Major League Baseball players Matt McLain of the Cincinnati Reds and Jace Jung of the Detroit Tigers along with team doctor Chris Proctor were honored during the Foresters Hot Stove Dinner at the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion.

Jung and McLain led the Foresters to a National Baseball Congress World Series title in 2020 finishing the season with a sizzling 30-4 record.

Jung was the team’s MVP batting over .400 and smashing a club-leading 10 home runs.

McLain batted .436 that summer from his leadoff position.

The 2020 season was played during COVID-19 so it’s fitting that the Foresters team doctor for over 25 years Chris Proctor is also part of this 2026 Hall of Fame class.

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Bonneville County Take Ownership of Plumbing and Electrical Permits

KIFI on February 4, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Bonneville County has officially taken over the issuance and inspection of all electrical and plumbing permits, a move supporters of the decision say will speed of the processing times to obtain those permits.

As of Jan. 20, the county began processing these permits in-house. No other county has joined Bonneville but Jefferson county is in the process of making a similar change.

Previously, builders were required to coordinate with the state for electrical and plumbing inspections while simultaneously working with the county for structural permits.

Naysha Foster, Bonneville County Planning and Zoning Director, said the change was sparked by community members seeking a more efficient alternative to the state’s processing times.

Under the new system, Bonneville County will employ its own inspectors who are dedicated specifically to the local area, rather than relying on state inspectors who often cover multiple counties. Officials noted that this dedicated local oversight is expected to significantly reduce wait times for project inspections.

“We can probably turn a permit around within a few days. And then do the inspections within a few days, or at least 24 hours, 48 hours at the time the the inspections been requested through our permitting portal. So the applicant would, go through the process of applying for the permit, and then they would also, schedule an inspection through that same permitting portal.” Foster said

Contractors and residents are now required to submit all new permit applications through the Bonneville County online permitting portal. Work started without the necessary local permits will be subject to double fees, according to county notices.

For projects with permits issued prior to the Jan. 20 cutoff, the State of Idaho will continue to handle any remaining inspections until those specific projects are finalized. All new construction projects moving forward must go through the Planning and Zoning Dept in Bonneville County.

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Bend Summer Festival is moving up to late May, also gets a new title sponsor

KTVZ on February 4, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 35 years of fun under the often-hot summer sun, the Bend Summer Festival will be kicking off the season with a new, earlier schedule – and a new title sponsor.

The 2026 Hixon Mortgage Bend Summer Festival returns to downtown Bend Friday–Sunday, May 29–31, marking the event’s first-ever move to late May – technically, before the June 21 arrival of summer – but “offering ideal early-summer weather for a full weekend of celebration,” the organizers, Lay it Out Events, announced in a news release this week.

Hixon Mortgage President Derek Meyer said the company “is fired up to be part of Summerfest and celebrate what makes our community so special!”

Hixon Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company that says it’s “focused on helping families achieve the great American dream of homeownership. We love and are proud to support events like Summerfest in an effort to bring the community together to celebrate local vendors and businesses.”

The annual community favorite will once again take over multiple blocks in downtown Bend with art, music, food, shopping, and family-friendly fun — “now perfectly timed to launch the summer festival season,” organizers said

The festival weekend kicks off Friday, May 29, from 4–10 p.m. with music and food along Oregon Avenue. Saturday, May 30 (11 a.m.–10 p.m.) and Sunday, May 31 (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) feature full festival programming across downtown.

The organizers said, “Festival-goers can expect a vibrant mix of fine art, hand-made goods, local shopping, live music and pop-up performances throughout the weekend.”

More than 80 regional and national artisans will line Bond Street, while additional vendor areas highlight clothing, jewelry, specialty foods, wine, and Central Oregon businesses. Live music and performances will run all weekend, with the 2026 lineup to be announced soon.

Presented by Hixon Mortgage, the Bend Summer Festival is produced by Lay It Out Events and supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors.

For a full schedule, sponsorship and vendor opportunities and more event details, visit bendsummerfestival.com.

Lay It Out Events, which annually produces more than 20 events and has donated more than $340,000 to Central Oregon charities in the last decade. Events include WinterFest, Bend Fall and Summer Festival, The Little Woody, Cascades Wedding Show, Balloons Over Bend, and Theater in the Park. Learn more at www.layitoutevents.com.

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Josendale, Miller advance to April election for St. Joseph mayor

News-Press NOW on February 4, 2026

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The race for St. Joseph’s next mayor will come down to incumbent John Josendale and challenger Larry Miller following the outcome of Tuesday’s primary election.

Unofficial results for St. Joseph’s Municipal Primary Election held on Tuesday show candidates John Josendale and Larry Miller received the top two vote totals among the field of four candidates, with all 15 precincts now reporting.

Josendale (1,839 votes) and Miller (1,170 votes) will now advance to the General Municipal Election on April 7, an election that also includes multiple races for at-large and district City Council seats.

“With this type of election you just don’t know where it’s going to go. I appreciate everybody coming out, I appreciate the voters. This was their opportunity to have their voice heard and I think we heard it today,” incumbent Mayor John Josendale told News-Press NOW after the vote. “I’m excited about continuing to run and showing the community why I should be elected in April.”

It was a tight race throughout the night for who would finish as the runner up, as McClain and Miller alternated between the second and third spots multiple times as each precinct reported in, with Miller ultimately making the final push to earn the spot.

Tuesday’s election results also show a notable decrease in voter participation compared with the last municipal primary in St. Joseph in 2022.

Roughly 10.5% of registered voters participated in Tuesday’s primary, which was higher than anticipated, but less than the 2022 Municipal Primary when 18.7% of registered voters turned out. A total of 3,303 fewer ballots were cast this year compared to 2022.

Municipal Primary Election results:

John Josendale: 1,839 votes | 40.4%

Larry Miller: 1,170 votes | 25.7%

Jonathan McClain: 1,120 votes | 24.6% of vote

Kenneth Reeder: 418 votes | 9%

Josendale said the plan is to set up town hall meetings between now and April to give local voters the chance to interact with and evaluate the candidate’s positions.

“I want to continue to talk to the people. I think what we’ll try to do is set up some town hall meetings and get Larry involved in those so that they can see us one-on-one and how we interact,” Josendale said.

News-Press NOW will continue to update this story, including post-election comments from Larry Miller.

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