City of Idaho Falls warns of utility bill phishing scam targeting residents

KIFI on February 19, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — City officials are tracking a sophisticated email phishing scam where impostors are posing as the City of Idaho Falls to steal personal data and financial information.

These messages contain a link labeled “View Invoice Payment” that directs recipients to a site requesting their Google login credentials.

The City of Idaho Falls confirmed it will never request Google passwords, email credentials, or unrelated personal account information from customers.

“If you see any kind of red flags or anything makes you concerned, just take a second to pause and contact the city,” said Kimberly Felker public information officer for the office of mayor “City staff can help walk you through that and let you know whether what you’ve received is something that needs actual attention, or whether you might be a victim of a scam.”

As of this week, at least three residents have reported the fraudulent messages to the city. While no residents are currently known to have fallen for the scheme, officials warn that this is likely not the last time such a scam will appear.

Investigators believe an outside organization’s contact list, which included email addresses and ZIP codes, may have been compromised. This has resulted in the scam reaching people who have never received utility services from the city or who have moved away from the area. There is no evidence that any city-managed information systems have been breached.

The Idaho Falls Police Department identifies several “red flags” for residents to watch for:

Messages that create a false sense of urgency, such as threats of immediate service disconnection.

Incorrect grammar, typos, or language that does not make sense.

Sender email addresses that do not match official city billing records.

Requests for login credentials unrelated to utility services.

Residents who may have already provided credentials to the scammers are urged to change their passwords immediately, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor financial statements.

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Need more shade? Colorado Springs launches free tree program

KRDO on February 19, 2026

Mina Ramirez

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Colorado Springs is taking steps toward a greener future with the launch of a new community tree program, funded by a federal urban forestry grant. This grant aims to provide more shade to neighborhoods in Southern Colorado Springs that have limited tree cover.

“Grow Shade Together” offers free trees to eligible residents living in designated areas. Residents who have recently had a tree removed from their property may also qualify.

The program doesn’t just help homeowners; crews will also plant trees in public spaces to fill gaps in the city’s tree canopy, cool city blocks in hot months and improve overall walkability.

City Forester Matthew Puckett said the effort is about more than just beautification.

“Not only does it improve the longevity of our hardscape, but statistics show it also improves the health and well-being of our citizens,” Puckett said.

Residents approved for the program can choose from a variety of large shade trees, including maples that bring fall color, fruit trees and other species selected to thrive in local conditions.

For residents worried about planting or maintenance, the city is taking that work off their hands and will be hiring contractors who will handle planting. Participants will also receive mulch, stakes, protective wrap and step-by-step care guides to help trees establish and thrive for years to come.

To find out if your neighborhood qualifies for a free tree and to apply, click here.

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Pilot Grove man accused of sodomy, sexual abuse in Cooper County

KMIZ on February 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Pilot Grove man was charged with multiple felonies after authorities claim he got a victim younger than 21 years old drunk and sexually assaulted them.

Kale Weber, 26, was charged in Cooper County with two counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor giving alcohol to a minor. He is being held at the Cooper County Jail without bond and a court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says the victim called authorities from a Casey’s location on Sunday after they ran from Weber’s home. The victim claimed they were raped by Weber while the victim was drunk and eventually “blacked out,” the statement says. A sexual assault forensic examination report was taken at University Hospital.

A Cooper County deputy spoke with Weber, who allegedly admitted to parts of the assault, but not all of it, claiming he would “never cheat” on his wife, the statement says.

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Bend man with knife tries to break into couple’s travel trailer, injures woman and assaults deputy during arrest

KTVZ on February 19, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man armed with a knife who repeatedly tried forcing way into a couple’s travel trailer off Highway 20 early Thursday morning threatened to kill them and injured the woman, who grabbed her own knife, before Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrested him in a nearby struggle.

Deputies responded at 6:17 a.m. to a report of an attempted break-in and assault at a travel trailer located in the 6000 block of Central Street, east of Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters, Public Information Officer Jason Carr said..

Carr said Bradon Michael Planty, 52, tried to force his way into a travel trailer where a couple is living on their own property while the house is for sale.

The suspect allegedly broke a window, tried to get inside and threatened to kill the couple. The male victim was able to call 9-1-1 for help, Carr said.

During the confrontation, detectives say Planty used a knife to partially gain entry and caused injuries to the female victim, though Carr told KTVZ News the suspect was never able to fully enter the travel trailer.

The woman was then able to arm herself with her own knife in self-defense, Carr said, but “Planty gained possession of both knives and tried using them against her.” The woman kept Planty from gaining entry for several minutes, until deputies arrived.

Planty ran from the trailer, but was later found nearby by deputies. Carr said he resisted arrest and assaulted a deputy before he was taken into custody without further incident.

The female victim was treated at the scene and declined transport to the hospital. Carr told us the man lived in the same area and they knew each other, but was uncertain to what extent.

Planty was arrested and booked into the Deschutes County Jail on numerous charges:

First-degree Assault – Felony

Second-degree Assault – Felony

Assault on a Public Safety Officer – Felony

2 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Felony

Coercion – Felony

First-degree Burglary

First-degree Criminal Trespass 

Menacing

First-degree Criminal Mischief (property damage)

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. 

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Riverside County Dept of Animal Services launches prison dog foster program

KESQ on February 19, 2026

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has partnered with Ironwood State Prison to bring people and animals together to help save and change lives through a novel foster program.

31 RivCo dogs started the foster program with incarcerated men at the state prison located in Blythe, where the dogs can socialize, exercise and learn new manners outside of the stressful shelter environment.

As one of the largest sheltering systems in the country taking in over 35,000 animals in 2024, RCDAS continues to operate in critically overcrowded shelters for dogs, and this new program is a unique opportunity to help both people and pets.

The human foster participants were screened and selected by prison staff and share daily caretaking responsibilities for the dogs.

“This program is all about community and learning new ways people and pets can support each other,” said Jaclyn Schart, RCDAS Deputy Director of Programs and Operations. “These dogs get to play, socialize and build connection with their caretakers who are also teaching them new skills, so when it’s time for adoption the dogs are better prepared to transition into their new environment.”

The dogs’ health is monitored by an RCDAS veterinary team, and prison officials oversee the daily schedules for the dogs and their caretakers. Throughout the program, the dogs practice or learn new skills like walking on leash and sleeping in a crate, but most importantly, they get to experience focused attention and care from their foster guardians.

Correctional Officer Randy Gregory first spearheaded a similar program at the Ironwood facility with a local rescue, but after hearing that shelters were struggling with overcrowding, he reached out to RCDAS.

“This program helps the inmates tremendously because they’re able to focus their energy, attention and time into helping dogs who might need extra support or just need help coming out of their shells,” said Gregory. “I know firsthand the kind of transformations that can happen when we invest in emotional healing, and if the dogs can help the inmates and vice versa then it’s a win all around. We’re excited to work together to get some dogs adopted and change the perception that people have towards shelter dogs.”

T. Jones is a foster guardian who has helped three dogs prepare for their forever homes while incarcerated at Ironwood. He credits fostering dogs with helping him find purpose and hopes the partnership with RCDAS can continue to grow.

“It’s empowering that people trust us with these dogs,” said Jones. “It’s helping the dog, but it’s helping us at the same time with a new responsibility. It’s teaching us patience, kindness and being in touch with our feelings.”

The RivCo dogs at Ironwood become available for adoption after 14 days in the program, if they are not first adopted by Ironwood staff or families of the foster guardians. Since starting the foster program in December, eight RivCo dogs have been adopted without having to return to a shelter.

“We’re grateful that Officer Randy from Ironwood State Prison brought this idea forward. We’re in the business of saying yes, especially when it comes to programs that create second chances,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Initiatives like this not only help dogs become more adoptable, but they also support rehabilitation by building responsibility, compassion, and purpose. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when institutions come together to serve both people and animals.”

According to Ironwood State Prison Warden, Chris Pierce, the program has been a great morale booster for the employees and incarcerated people. The goal is to expand the foster program capability to 80 dogs with 200 incarcerated handlers in the future. ISP is also planning to grow its support for RCDAS by providing 100 temporary kennels for emergency response situations.

“We are looking forward to growing our partnership with Riverside County and providing them with, what I believe to be, the best dog program in the state,” said Pierce. “We are here to help the dogs, and it’s amazing to see the dogs creating a positive impact at Ironwood in such a short amount of time.”

For more information on the Ironwood Dog Foster Program and how to adopt a dog in the program, visit www.rcdas.org/Ironwood.

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Man accused of attacking deputy with hatchet in Callaway County

KMIZ on February 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was charged with multiple felonies on Thursday after he was accused of using a hatchet to attack a Callaway County deputy on Wednesday morning.

Slade Lamont, 20, was charged with first-degree assault, misdemeanor resisting arrest, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Callaway County Jail without bond and does not have a court date set.

The probable cause statement says deputies served a search warrant at a Callaway County residence on Wednesday morning and were let in the home by Lamont’s mother.

A deputy had allegedly told Lamont to “come here” and “stop” when they saw him and Lamont ran to his room, the statement says.

A deputy followed Lamont to the room and Lamont allegedly hit the deputy in his leg with a hatchet, the statement says. Multiple deputies tried to take Lamont to the ground, but he resisted, a deputy wrote in the statement. Law enforcement ended up using a stun gun to subdue him.

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Desert Hot Springs seeks to hire lifeguards for Summer at the Furbee Aquatic Center

KESQ on February 19, 2026

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Lifeguards are wanted in the city of Desert Hot Springs. The city is now hiring Lifeguards for Summer 2026 at the Furbee Aquatic Center.

City officials said they are looking for motivated, responsible team players ready to make a difference this summer.

“This is a great opportunity for students and young professionals to gain valuable experience, build leadership skills, and work in a fun, team-based environment,” reads a post by the city.

Position Details:

Must be 16 years or older


Free training provided


Must pass the Red Cross Certification Course


Practice opportunities available


Seasonal, team-based position


For more information and to apply, visit:
www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofDHS
or scan the QR code on the flyer.

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Skyline and Idaho Falls students join statewide walkout over ICE actions

KIFI on February 19, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Students from Skyline and Idaho Falls High Schools walked out of class Thursday afternoon, joining a statewide wave of youth-led protests against recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

Organized through the Instagram account @skylineandifwalkout2026, the demonstration follows similar student-led actions that began earlier this month in Boise and Twin Falls. On Thursday, a crowd of students lined the Broadway Bridge in downtown Idaho Falls, waving the Mexican flag and holding handmade signs as cars passed.

School administrators in Idaho Falls School District 91 and Bonneville Joint School District 93 spoke with us last week, clarifying their stance on the demonstrations, emphasizing that while they recognize First Amendment rights, they don’t organize, sponsor, or endorse any protest or walkout activity.

“We don’t have a separate policy or procedure for walkouts,” said Bonneville District 93 Superintendent Dr. Scott Woolstenhulme. “Really, what we have is just our typical attendance policy.”

District 91 officials issued a similar warning to families, noting that First Amendment rights do not extend to conduct that “disrupts the educational process or interferes with instruction.”

According to district policy, any student who leaves campus without prior approval will be marked with an unexcused absence. Both districts have confirmed they will use automated attendance systems to send real-time notifications to parents if a student is missing from their afternoon classes.

“Maintaining a safe, orderly, and focused learning environment for all students remains our priority,” District 91 stated.

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Sidewalk ramp reconstruction to close sidewalk, relocate bus stop on East Broadway in Columbia

KMIZ on February 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The reconstruction of a sidewalk ramp will require a sidewalk to be closed and a bus stop to be temporarily moved in Columbia, according to a Thursday press release from the city.

Contractors are reconstructing the sidewalk ramp at the corner of East Broadway and South Second Street, the release says. Work will begin at 7 a.m. Monday and is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The Go COMO Red Route bus stop at the intersection will be relocated 40 feet west of the location while work is going on, the release says.

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Annual Buellton Wine & Chili Festival Returns to the Central Coast

KEYT on February 19, 2026

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Discover Buellton regarding the annual Buellton Wine & Chili Festival taking place next month!

BUELLTON, CA – The Central Coast’s most flavorful celebration returns when the Buellton Wine & Chili Festival takes over Flying Flags RV Resort on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12:00-4:30 pm, celebrating the bold flavors and festive fun with this year’s theme, “Uncorking the Heat.” The beloved annual community favorite brings together the best in wine, craft beverages, and mouthwatering chili and salsa showcase right in the heart of Buellton.

Setting the tone for the day is a dynamic lineup of live entertainment, led by Maclovia, an Ojai-based band known for their electrifying mix of Latin rock, psychedelic influences, and emotionally driven sound. Guests can also enjoy performances by Salty Strings, a Santa Barbara string band that blends traditional bluegrass with coastal inspiration, and DJ F.I.U., a veteran DJ with more than 20 years of experience spinning across California and Nevada.

Alongside the music, attendees can explore a wide selection of wine, craft beer, seltzers, ciders, and spirits while sampling unlimited chili and salsa throughout the afternoon. Attendees are also encouraged to watch and take part in the Chili Cook-Off, a friendly competition where local businesses, residents, and bold home cooks go head-to-head for bragging rights and the title of best chili and salsa in the area. Restaurants, nonprofit groups, community members, and those eager to showcase their culinary skills can register at https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com/.  

With so much to sip, taste, and experience throughout the afternoon, guests can choose from the following ticket options to join the celebration:

The Hot Chili Ticket ($65): General Admission for guests 21 and over; includes a souvenir wine glass, unlimited wine tasting, craft beer, seltzers, ciders, and spirits, along with unlimited chili and salsa. 

The Mild Chili Ticket ($25): Available for guests 20 and under; includes unlimited chili and salsa with no alcohol consumption. 

Children ages 6 and under: Enter for free.

At-the-Door Tickets: $75 for the Hot Chili Ticket and $35 for the Mild Chili Ticket. (Chili and salsa available while supplies last.) 

For added convenience, the festival offers the Brew Bus, a round-trip shuttle from Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, and Santa Maria for $30. Shuttle tickets must be purchased in advance, and full pickup and drop-off details are available at https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com/. Nearby parking will also be available at Pea Soup Andersen’s, with clear signage directing attendees. The festival grounds are a short walk from the designated lot. 

Festivalgoers can make the most of their day at the festival by turning it into a complete weekend getaway. Buellton offers a variety of accommodations to suit every preference, from modern and charming boutique hotels such as Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, Sideways Inn, Flying Flags RV Resort, and Hotel Hygge, all within walking distance of the festival, to familiar, national brands including the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott and the Hampton Inn and Suites. For additional information, check out the Discover Buellton website: https://discoverbuellton.com.  

For event information and to purchase tickets, visit https://buelltonwineandchilifestival.com/ or call the Buellton Chamber of Commerce at (805)688-7829.

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