Another Round of Rain Leads to More Vehicle Crashes and Debris-Filled Beaches

KEYT on February 19, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – What was expected to be the last round of rain for the current set of storms, did not go quietly.

The morning was filled with downpours, spinouts and rollovers, keeping first responders busy from Gaviota to the south into Ventura County.

Throughout the morning commute there were 911 calls for two rollovers on Highway 101 at Gaviota and west of Refugio.

There were also crashes in the area of Highway 217 in Goleta near UC Santa Barbara.

South Coast creeks have handle the week of rain without overflowing. A check of sometimes troublesome areas in Montecito, Carpinteria and Goleta showed the runoff water was going where it was supposed to en route to the ocean.

The heavy rain about 8:00 a.m. this morning activated some front country waterfalls including along Painted Cave road.

Around noon a vehicle went out of control from Hollister Ave. and hit a concrete support pillar in the Winchester Canyon area.

In Carpinteria the State Beach park area was draining down some large pools of water being visited by migrating and foraging birds. A large tree at the back of the camping sites near the railroad tracks was tipping but not down, causing some concerns.

(More details, video and photos will be added later today.)

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Applebee’s in west Columbia closes

KMIZ on February 19, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Applebee’s location near Stadium Boulevard in west Columbia has closed.

The corporation confirmed to ABC 17 News in a Thursday email that the location on Interstate 70 Drive Southwest closed for good on Wednesday.

“Our Applebee’s restaurant in Columbia, MO  (I-70 Drive SW) closed on Wednesday, February 18. We greatly appreciate our neighbors’ patronage for the past +30 years,” Scott Fischer, a company spokesman, said in a statement.

Applebee’s also has a location on East Broadway in Columbia and in Jefferson City on Missouri Boulevard.

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Santa Maria Police Department holds community gathering to discuss traffic issues

KEYT on February 19, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria Police Department held a casual gathering Thursday morning to discuss traffic issues and concerns with community members.

Held at Simple Cafe near the busy intersection of Stowell Road and Miller Street, the event was a “coffee with a cop” style gathering called “Mochas-with-a-Motor.”

“Mochas-with-a-Motor was open to the community to come out if they had any questions with our traffic officers, anything related with traffic,” said Aracely Lemus, Santa Maria Police Department Outreach Coordinator.

“The turnout has been good. We’ve gotten a lot of members come out and it’s always nice to see all the members come out and interact with the officers, and just hang out, have a cup of coffee, answer questions or just a quick chat with them and get to know them a little more.”

Lemus, who has served as the police department’s outreach efforts since late last year, said the event is a great way for people to interact with the officers in a friendly and relaxed environment.

“It’s important for the community to feel comfortable enough to come to our officers and ask the questions that they want, and to know that our officers are also wanting to engage with the community, and answer any questions they may have or concerns,” said Lemus. “It opens the door to just create that partnership with community and the police officers.”

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Meridian Police: Suspect Attempted to Burn Ambulance Inside DHS Office After Crash

KIFI on February 19, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Meridian Police is searching for a suspect who crashed a stolen ambulance from a local hospital late Wednesday night before crashing it into a building currently leased by the Department of Homeland Security. Police have now learned the suspect attempted to set the vehicle on fire after the crash.

In an afternoon press conference, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea revealed new details, stating that the suspect poured accelerant both inside and outside the ambulance after crashing it into the North Portico building. Investigators believe the suspect intended to ignite the vehicle but fled when interrupted by responding officers.

Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, Press Conference Screenshot

“This was absolutely an act of violence,” Chief Basterrechea said. “If the suspect had not been interrupted, there is no doubt that this building would have been burned, putting the lives of first responders and others at risk.”

Incident Background

The incident began around 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday when an unknown individual stole an unoccupied Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from the St. Luke’s West facility. Chief Basterrechea says the suspect then drove the vehicle through the parking lot to retrieve gas cans that had been staged in nearby vegetation before driving directly into the building housing the DHS offices.

While the suspect successfully doused the scene with accelerants, they were scared off by responding agencies before they could ignite the fuel.

Chief Basterrechea emphasized the seriousness of the criminal act, refferencing the online rhetoric surrounding the Department of Homeland Security leasing office space at this location.

“Comments on social media such as ‘Property damage isn’t violence’ are absolutely false,” said Basterrechea. “The theft and destruction of an emergency vehicle not only created risk to responding personnel, but it also temporarily removed a critical medical resource from the community.”

The Meridian Police Department is currently leading a multi-agency investigation alongside the FBI, DHS, and Idaho State Police. While authorities believe there is no ongoing threat to the public, the suspect remains at large. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Meridian Police Department at 208-888-6678.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional details following the press conference.

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SLO County’s French Hospital Distributes Automated External Defibrillators

KEYT on February 19, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – February is American Heart Month.

French Hospital in SLO County is launching a new program to distribute Automated External Defibrillators, or AED’s.

They’ll be given to local businesses.

The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust awarded a grant of $28,000 to the hospital foundation for the purchase of 20 AED units.

“An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator,” says Greg Larsen, RN, assistant nurse manager of emergency services at French Hospital Medical Center. “It is a medical device that is easy to use, and it’s made to be used by, anybody, even those with limited medical training.”

They’ll be distributed to businesses in the city of San Luis Obispo.

“We carry around a computer every day in our pocket, right?” says Jessica Bower, senior director of nursing for the Cardiovascular and Perioperative Services at Central Coast Cardiovascular Services. “So to see that extended into the health care where our neighbors, anybody that picks one of these up, you literally unzip the box that is like a lunch box, lay it next to your patient and push the power button.”

Medical professionals say heart disease is the leading cause of death in California, and over 80% of heart attacks happen away from hospitals. 

Cardiac arrest survival rates drop by 7 to 10% every minute defibrillation is delayed.

“As a former paramedic and, registered nurse in the emergency department, I’ve personally been involved in many cardiac arrests,” says Larsen. “And I’ve seen firsthand how early CPR and use of an AED in the field can improve outcomes for patients.”

The program provides an AED unit, all the necessary accessories, and training, free of charge.

“Our little slogan in the CV program is, ‘Time is muscle,’” says Bower. “And so every quick step or quick thing that we do makes for a better outcome for anybody that this occurs.”

For more information or to see if your business qualifies, the online form can be filled out at French Hospital Medical Center’s website by clicking here.

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Springfield man sentenced in deadly 2024 Boone County crash

KMIZ on February 19, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Boone County judge sentenced a Springfield man to nine years in prison for a December 2024 crash that killed a passenger in his vehicle.

Carl D. Simon pleaded guilty Tuesday to causing serious injury while fleeing police and first-degree involuntary manslaughter. Judge Stephanie Morrell sentenced him to nine years for aggravated fleeing and five years for manslaughter, with the sentences to be served concurrently.

Court records and sheriff’s office statements say a deputy tried to pull Simon over on Dec. 7, 2024, at Clark and Ballenger lanes. Simon took off, leading deputies on a chase before crashing into a tree on Hinkson Creek Road, east of Columbia.

A passenger, Aaron Harris, died in the crash. Court documents say Simon was speeding at the time.

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ITD approves $10 million to replace damaged Riverton Road Bridge; Construction starts this Spring

KIFI on February 19, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho — The Idaho Transportation Department is moving forward with plans to replace the damaged Riverton Road Bridge in Blackfoot, which was damaged in October when a semi crashed into one of the support pillars. The Idaho Transportation Board passed a resolution today allocating $10 million to fund the project.

ITD evaluated multiple repair options, including full replacement. While many factors were considered, plans to widen Interstate 15 between Exits 89 and 93 in the future played a role in the decision.

“Though widening of the freeway between Exits 89 and 93 is not funded for construction at this time, we know that’s what will be needed in the future,” District Engineer Todd Hubbard said. “We have to fix the damage, and if we’re going to invest in the bridge right now, we need to be forward-thinking and ensure it’s compatible with future plans.”  

Work will begin this spring with the demolition of the old bridge. The new bridge is expected to be completed this fall.

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City of Columbia, University of Missouri leaders meet behind closed doors on crime for fourth time

KMIZ on February 19, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

City of Columbia and University of Missouri leaders on Thursday held their fourth public safety meeting since the university president called on Columbia to crack down on crime.

An ABC 17 News reporter saw University President Mun Choi, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick, Fifth Ward Councilman Don Waterman and Columbia Police Department Deputy Chief Matt Stephens enter the meeting at the State Historical Society of Missouri. The public was not allowed inside the meeting room.

The meetings started after a deadly downtown Columbia shooting that killed a Stephens College student in September 2025.

In an ABC 17 News “Question of the Day,” about 79% of those who voted say they would like public safety meetings to be open. Some city leaders also told ABC 17 News that they’d like to see the public invited into the meetings.

Choi told an ABC 17 News reporter after the meeting that the closed nature is not because it’s secretive.

“For us to have that open discussion when we’re thinking about the possibilities, and for us to do that in an environment where we don’t have to be in front of the press,” Choi said.

He said the meeting was about the list of eleven actions that law enforcement across Boone County can take, including increased staffing between all agencies and concentrated patrols downtown during peak weekend hours.

Also on that list is to meet with U.S. Attorney Matt Price, and Choi said a representative from the Department of Justice was at Thursday’s meeting.

The Department of Justice was behind Operation Brightside, a federal warrant sweep throughout the city in November.

MU spokesperson Christopher Ave said he wasn’t invited to the meeting, but he was able to speak with university officials afterward.

“I don’t have any specifics on what was accomplished during the meeting, other than it was very productive, cooperative, collegial, those are the terms that I’ve heard,” Ave said.

He also addressed meeting transparency.

“Our leaders are working together, and they’re trying to be as productive and as efficient as possible,” Ave said. “When the time comes, when agreements have been made, when there are new enhancements to security that can be announced, they’ll be announced publicly.”

Ave said the group isn’t at that stage yet, and they are currently trying to brainstorm and collaborate.

Choi also met with Gov. Mike Kehoe in December to discuss crime in Columbia, but the meeting left out city officials.

Choi said there will be more closed meetings like this one in the coming months.

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Big wheels, big dreams: Rigby High students drive tractors to school for FFA

KIFI on February 19, 2026

Ariel Jensen

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — This morning, Feb. 19, around a dozen tractors made their way to Rigby High School, all driven by students. It’s the 8th annual Partnership with Producers Tractor Drive. This is an FFA student-organized event to advocate for production agriculture in our urbanizing community.

Keylee Harris, a junior at Rigby High School and vice president of the strengthening ag committee at the Rigby FFA, helped organize the event. She says it’s important that our community knows about the importance of agriculture. 

“So I think this is beneficial for me, as I’m a farmer, to let other people know what we do. But also it’s important to know, like, to grow our future generations to ensure production agriculture stays going,” said Harris.

After the tractor drive, students got to have breakfast with fellow farmers. They plan to do this again next year. 

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Loud and proud: Monster trucks will invade the Redmond Fairgrounds for a pair of Saturday shows

KTVZ on February 19, 2026

Barney Lerten

(UPDATE: adding video)REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Monster X Tour will once again bring national monster truck competitions to the First Interstate Bank Center in Redmond, with afternoon and evening shows this Saturday.

The event includes 10,000-pound trucks competing in racing, wheelie contests and freestyle action, and this year’s theme focuses on America’s 250th birthday. The trucks are specifically designed for car-crushing maneuvers and freestyle stunts.

The motorsports event serves as a showcase for competitive monster trucks and off-road vehicles. Along with the main truck competitions, the schedule includes the Gambler 500 Tuff Truck Challenge and a pre-event Pit Party, where fans can meet the drivers and see the equipment up close.

Performances are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each show is preceded by an Autograph Pit Party. The afternoon Pit Party runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the evening session takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission to the Pit Party allows fans to see the vehicles and meet drivers before the competition.

The tour features several competitive categories, including Racing, Wheelie Contests and Freestyle Action.

Organizers noted that the monster truck lineup is subject to change without notice. In addition to the main events, the program includes the Gambler 500 Tuff Truck Challenge, where off-roaders compete head-to-head in a test of durability.

Attendees also have the option to ride in a real monster truck, for an added fee, during both the Pit Party and the intermission period.

Tickets are available for purchase through the First Interstate Bank Center Box Office or online at https://www.monsterxtour.com/.

All ticket sales are subject to service charges and miscellaneous fees. Potential attendees should note that ticket prices will increase on the day of the show.

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