SBCC is upset at home in first round playoff game

KEYT on February 26, 2026

Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Vaqueros dug themselves too big of a hole to climb out of and they lost to Fullerton 70-63 in a SoCal Regional first round playoff game played at UCSB.

Seeded #9, SBCC fell behind 16-4 after the first quarter and 34-11 at halftime.

SBCC made just two field goals in each of the first two quarters but bounced back to make 14 shots in the second half.

For the game the Vaqueros only shot 25% from the field.

(SBCC was led in scoring by Kaylee Lawson who had 24 points including 15-18 at the free throw line. Entenza Design).

Fullerton got a game-high 30 points from Erin Choi.

SBCC finishes the season 21-8.

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Redmond Cheer team wins National Championship & 3rd place honors in Vegas

KTVZ on February 26, 2026

Triton Notary

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KTVZ)– Redmond’s Varsity Game Day team captured the 2026 JAMZ Level 3 Small Coed National Championship title. The team also secured a third-place finish in the Friday Night Lights division during the national competition.

The JAMZ National Championship features various cheer and dance categories organized by team size and skill level. The Redmond-based squad competed in multiple divisions throughout the tournament to earn their national rankings.

The Varsity Game Day team competed in the Friday Night Lights division, where the group earned a third-place finish. Participants in the division are judged on their performance and game-day routines.

The squad also competed in the Level three Small Coed category. Their performance in this division resulted in the team being named the 2026 JAMZ Level 3 Small Coed National Champions.

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A potential merge: District 91’s Career Technical campus could combine with Compass Academy

KIFI on February 26, 2026

David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – In an era of fiscal reckoning, District 91’s Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) may be moving to a new home.

CTEC and Compass Academy

“The board asked us to research different ways to utilize our facilities more fully,” said District 91 Superintendent Karla LaOrange. “They’ve asked us to take a deeper dive into researching the costs of combining CTEC, which is located downtown, and Compass [Academy] into the existing Compass building.”

The district’s five-year lease at the former Deseret Industries building in downtown Idaho Falls expires in December, and while the district intends to extend month-by-month temporarily, it is exploring options that would allow for additional expansion of its Career Technical Education programs.

CTEC currently provides career and technical training in 14 programs – including cybersecurity, digital communications, graphic design, pharmacy tech, welding, construction, mechanics, culinary, law enforcement, fire fighting, ag science, Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant and auto tech.

“Career technical is a high priority,” LaOrange said. “We have really an incredibly strong program, and a surprising number of students that have gotten jobs straight out of high school that are well-paying and allow them to move straight into the workforce.”

The existing CTEC building has a 35,000 square-foot footprint, while Compass Academy covers 112,000 square feet, according to District 91 Facilities and Maintenance Director DeAnna Harger.

A move to Compass Academy would potentially create space for greater program expansion and reduce the costs of renting the former Deseret Industries building.

While the Compass location would be shared, administration and staff for Compass and CTEC would remain separate, LaOrange clarified.

Elementary schools

Changes could also be in the works for elementary students down the road.

“The board also asked us to research how we might better utilize our elementary schools by balancing our student enrollment across the various schools in our district,” LaOrange explained.

Idaho Falls High School

The Board of Trustees is identifying its top facility priorities as it moves forward toward developing a five-year plan. 

“Some of the things that they discussed in depth tonight were a better facility for CTEC so that we can grow the program a little bit more, and also how to address Idaho Falls High School,” LaOrange said. “We know it’s a building that is 70-plus years old, and that there are some constraints in that building when it comes to electricity and the size of the classrooms. So they’re asking us to take a deeper and closer look at that, and then come back to them with more information.”

No final decisions were made Tuesday night, and the Board of Trustees will continue to weigh how to best utilize its $42 million modernization funds allocated by the state, potential construction costs and the district’s enrollment trends in making final decisions.

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Idaho State University celebrates female athletes at National Girls and Women Sport Activities Night

KIFI on February 26, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Women athletes and students gathered tonight at Reed Gym on the Idaho State University Campus to play games and enjoy freebies and smoothies. The event was a collaboration between students and ISU Recreation and Wellness.

Laney Forsmann is a graduate student at ISU in the Human Performances and Sports Studies program and a graduate teaching assistant who organized this event for the ISU womens’ community. She says events like these are essential to helping female students feel a sense of belonging in the gym.

“I want to create a community for us here where we feel heard,” she said. “And we can just embrace each other in leadership positions.”

This event comes just days after the women of Team USA brought home an outstanding six gold medals in the Winter Olympics. Forsmann says role models like the women Olympians are also essential for women in sports.

“We can do anything that men can, and I just think that every once in a while we need a voice or we need one person to step up and take that role,” Forsmann said. “It’s so inspiring to see other girls do these big things because you feel inspired to do the same when you see that.”

One of the most exciting parts of the event was the opportunity for students to blend their own smoothie, while biking! Campus dining provided recipes for attendees to follow which were then blended using pedaling power.

Forsmann is part of a special group of female students working towards an inspiring community for women athletes. Tonight’s event capped off the February events put on by groups at ISU for women at the university. However, ISU Recreation and Wellness has fitness classes every week ranging from yoga to rock climbing.

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Woman accused of trying to use SUV to run over victim

KMIZ on February 26, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman has been charged after authorities say she tried to use an SUV to run over a victim on Wednesday.

Kala Watson, 43, was charged with second-degree assault and armed criminal action. She is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says police were called for an assault at 3:54 a.m. Wednesday. The officer noted in the statement that when he arrived, he noticed damage to the sidewalk, grass and a section of concrete immediately outside the home.

The victim allegedly told police that Watson drove at them roughly 20-30 miles per hour through their yard after an argument, the statement says.

Watson was with a person described as a witness in a nearby residence when police arrived, the statement says. The witness allegedly showed police text messages from Watson where she admitted to driving up to the door with the Ford Expedition before getting stuck in the mud, the statement says.

Police also noted seeing damage to the SUV. Watson allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle up to the porch of the home, but claimed she did not hit anything, the statement says. Watson allegedly said she did it to make “loading the vehicle easier,” the statement says.

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Black History Month: Honoring a Marine’s decades of service 

KYMA on February 26, 2026

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As Black History Month comes to an end, we highlight another local leader making a positive impact.

Yuma local Emmanuel Graham has served in the Marine Corps for over three decades. He comes from a family of service members. He’s now retired and serves as a Logistics Supervisor at the Marine base.

“It’s a great thing! I mean to always live that and to continue to serve and give to the illustrious corps that I love,” said retired Gunnery Sgt. Emmanuel Graham.

He is also a facilitator at Arizona Western College in Yuma.

“I believe in passing it forward and passing it on, and so that’s the best part about doing that,” said Graham.

When asked for advice to those looking to serve, he encourages the community to mentor the youth and get involved.

“Just because you come from a small town doesn’t mean you can can’t make a a long lasting, large impact in the world, and so education is it. Stay in school, study, learn. Adults, mentor these young kids because they need that,” said Graham.

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Ski 4 Schools: Bend-La Pine Education Foundation partners with Mt. Bachelor, raises over $28,000 for local students

KTVZ on February 26, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation continues its partnership with Mt. Bachelor and the Ski 4 Schools program, now in its 21st year. This popular program offers discounted tickets to skiers and snowboarders and directs the proceeds to local area schools in Bend and Redmond.

Once again, the tickets sold out in record time, raising $28,125 for Bend-La Pine students, the foundation announced in a recent news release, which continues below: 

“The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth and supporting teachers is essential to our community,” said Mt. Bachelor Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon.

“While Ski 4 Schools has existed for over two decades, the fundraiser has gained a lot of traction in the past few years. We look forward to keeping the momentum going. It’s awesome to see people rally around snow sports while supporting local schools.”   

Since 2005, Mt. Bachelor has generously donated over $232,000 to support students in Bend-LaPine Schools through the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation’s Activity Fee Scholarship program. Each year, the program funds about 270 student activity fees for OSAA-sanctioned sports and activities at middle schools and high schools in the district.  

These scholarships ensure that extracurricular opportunities, such as sports teams and clubs, are open to every student, regardless of their financial situation, removing barriers to participation. 

“We appreciate Mt. Bachelor’s dedication to the Ski 4 Schools program and their collaboration with the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation. Offering these scholarships is crucial in helping all students achieve success through a well-rounded education. Mt. Bachelor’s ongoing support for our community is greatly valued and deserves recognition” said Michele Emery, board president of the Education Foundation.  

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Started in 1988, the Bend-La Pine Education Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit composed of parents, community leaders, educators, and citizens who share the belief that a vibrant public school system is essential to the social and economic well-being of our community. The Foundation mobilizes community resources to fund innovative academic, STEAM, CTE, art, music and wellness programs that go beyond normal school funding at the 33 schools within the Bend-La Pine School District. Other programs include Activity Fee Scholarships and Perseverance Scholarships.  Learn more about the Education Foundation on our website: https://www.blpedfoundation.org 

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Oregon’s ski and outdoor industries face liability and insurance challenges

KTVZ on February 26, 2026

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Lawmakers in Salem are debating two competing bills aimed at addressing liability and insurance concerns for Oregon’s ski and outdoor recreation industries. Senate Bill 1517 and Senate Bill 1593 both seek to regulate how liability is handled as operators face rising insurance costs.

The legislative push comes as many recreation providers shift rising insurance expenses to consumers. Oregon currently does not recognize liability waivers, a factor that has placed significant financial burdens on the state’s recreation industry. This shift in costs has made some outdoor activities unaffordable for many residents.

Senate Bill 1517 would change the existing liability rules but includes nearly seven exemptions. These exemptions would push legal liability back onto the operators rather than the participants. The bill has already passed the Senate and has moved to the House for further consideration.

Senate Bill 1593 takes a broader approach by allowing operators to be released from claims of ordinary negligence. This competing measure is currently being held in the Senate Rules Committee. While both bills address the same industry, their methods of handling liability differ in scope.

Jordan Elliot serves as the president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association. He said the current legislative environment has created a difficult situation for those looking to enter the industry.

“I think complicated is an understatement,” Elliot said. “I think it’s a real crisis of how we’re incentivizing the next generation to want to be the new leaders in this economy and take on that risk.”

Elliot noted that ski areas have spent the last 10 years dealing with these financial and legal pressures. He described the industry as a precursor for what other recreation sectors might face.

“It’s good to see that there’s, there’s competing bills actually on this, because it means the legislature is finally taking this seriously after the ski areas have been kind of the canary in the coal mine for the last decade,” Elliot said.

The legislative debate highlights Oregon’s unique position regarding liability. Most other states currently recognize liability waivers for recreation businesses, but Oregon does not. This lack of recognition has contributed to the financial and physical burdens reported by industry operators.

Senate Bill 1517 will now move through the House. Senate Bill 1593 remains in the Senate Rules Committee awaiting further action.

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Boone County firefighters pull out 2 horses that were stuck in mud hole

KMIZ on February 26, 2026

Ryan Shiner

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than a dozen Boone County firefighters were seen in the northern part of the county on Wednesday night trying to pull a horse out of a hole.

Firefighters were called around 7:18 p.m. to the 8400 block of Gray Road near Harrisburg. First responders were seen attempting to find ways to pull two horses out of the mud.

Boone County Fire Battalion Chief Clint Walker told ABC 17 News the horses’ owners discovered the animals stuck in the mud when they checked on them earlier in the day. He said the rescue was challenging because crews had to separate the horses, which were growing fatigued as they struggled to free themselves.

“This stuff here was like soup, so it was very, very sloppy,” Walker said, . “We got dispatched at 7:17,  arrived shortly after, and found two horses buried in mud up over their back, the only thing sticking out was their heads.” 

Both horses were pulled out alive by 9:50 p.m. One horse was immediately standing on its own will and given water and another was pulled away from the lagoon. The second horse was later to stand on its own power.

Eighteen members of the Boone County Fire Protection District responded to the scene, along with a large animal rescue trailer. Walker said about half of the firefighters on scene were trained in large animal rescue, an optional 40-hour course offered by the department.

BCFPD Assistant Chief Norman Hinkle said at the scene that the property used to be a hog farm. The area where the horses got stuck is an animal lagoon that was in the process of being drained, Hinkle said.

The lagoon was mostly drained, so it likely looked dry to the horses, Hinkle said. Officials don’t know how long the horses were stuck or how they got there.  

Members of the University of Missouri Veterinarian School were at the scene. BCFPD partners with the vet school for large animal rescues, according to Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp.

Hinkle said a veterinarian would sedate the horses before officials would pull them out.

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SWAT Team arrests Bend-area fugitive wanted on several warrants at a home south of Sunriver

KTVZ on February 26, 2026

Barney Lerten

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team went to a home south of Sunriver Wednesday morning and arrested a Bend-area man wanted on several active warrants for crimes ranging from identity theft to repeatedly running from police.

The SWAT Team arrested Paul Alfred Akehurst, 40, without incident around 8:40 a.m. at a home off Trader Lane, south of Vandevert Road, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr told KTVZ News.

The Deschutes County warrants include two felony warrants for criminal driving with a suspended or revoked licenses and another for aggravated ID theft.

Carr said deputies also had developed probable cause for additional charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless driving, reckless endangering and driving with a suspected or revoked liecense.

“The arrest followed an ongoing investigation and recent incidents in which Akehurst fled from law enforcement in a vehicle and drove recklessly toward the public and responding deputies,” Carr said in a news release.

Akehurst surrendered without incident after deputies served him with a court-authorized warrant.

Carr said Akehurst was booked into the county jail in Bend on the outstanding warrants. He added that more charges may be filed, pending further review.

Back in May of 2014, KTVZ News reported that Bend police arrested Akehurst on DUII and other charges after a chase down Third Street hit speeds of 100 mph. Court records show he pleaded no contest to five of his nine charges and was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a lifetime suspension of his driver’s license.

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