Columbia prowler sentenced to 10 years in prison, given credit for time served

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The man who pleaded guilty last month to multiple felonies in the 2022 Columbia prowler case was sentenced on Monday afternoon.

Guillermo Vasquez Hernandez, 35, of Columbia, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6 to two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts forgery. He received a 10-year prison sentence and will be given credit for time served.

His lawyer argued for the minimum sentence of 5 years. The defense said Vasquez had no prior felonies and that keeping him in a Missouri prison would be a burden to taxpayers, as Vasquez is in the country illegally.

On a search of his home is Oct. 2024, officers found a fake social security card and a green card with Vasquez’s picture on it, but a different name.

He was previously charged with two counts of first-degree burglary, one count of second-degree burglary, two counts of forgery and a count of misdemeanor stealing. He is being held at the Boone County Jail. Jail records also indicate he is being held on an immigration detainer. He will be deported back to Mexico following the completion of his sentence.

According to court documents in previous reporting, Vasquez’s fingerprints have been connected to at least three cases of a man violating the privacy of multiple women.

One of his victims addressed the court today detailing the ways her life has changed due to Vasquez. Kelly Cook said she was taking a bath in her apartment on Aug. 9, 2022 when she made eye contact with Vasquez as he was walking down her hallway. She chased him out of her apartment through the window that he broke in through.

“Every small noise makes my heart race. I double check locks, sometimes 3 or 4 times and I still find myself lying awake with a pocket knife in my hand underneath my pillow wondering if that was enough to keep me safe,” Cook said.

Columbia police released the first statement asking for the community’s help in identifying a suspected prowler on Nov. 8, 2022. The victim’s ages ranged from 20-30 years old. Many of the incidents happened in south Columbia, with many occurring at apartments off of South Old 63.

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Charges filed against wrong way driver involved in chase with law enforcement

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman who was arrested on Friday after having a high-speed chase with law enforcement in the wrong lane of Highway 63 was charged on Monday.

Emily Berry, 48, of Columbia, was charged with aggravated fleeing and misdemeanor driving while revoked. A court appearance was held on Monday and she is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.

She is accused of driving away from a traffic stop in Ashland after an officer said she had warrants for her arrest, court documents say. She drove northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 63 and drove to Columbia at 105 miles per hour, the statement says.

Traffic began to slow down once she reached Columbia and law enforcement used spikes to try to stop her, the statement says. She eventually stopped when she was boxed in by a semi-truck, the statement says.  

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Artist Lainey Wilson to Perform at 2026 California Mid-State Fair

KEYT on March 30, 2026

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the California Mid-State Fair regarding an addition to the event’s performance line-up, country artist Lainey Wilson.

PASO ROBLES, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce Lainey Wilson will perform Friday, July 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM as part of the Michelob ULTRA Concert Series in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center. Opening the show is Colton Dawson.

Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM and are priced at $70, $100, $140, and $185. Tickets are available online only. To ensure ticket authenticity and face-value pricing, fans should begin their purchase at MidStateFair.com, which links directly to the official ticketing provider.

Lainey Wilson continues to captivate the world, capturing the hearts of fans and respect of her peers. With her new song, “Can’t Sit Still,” Wilson shares a snapshot of her life as an unstoppable force. Filled with restless energy, the track arrives during a period of non-stop activity, as Wilson made her film debut in Universal’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him, prepares to headline Stagecoach 2026 and joins Chris Stapleton for stadium shows this summer, after just wrapping her Whirlwind World Tour. She is also the subject of a new in-depth Netflix documentary, Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, which will be released April 22 after recently premiering at SXSW. Last year, the 2x CMA and 2x ACM Entertainer of the Year hosted the 59th CMA Awards (the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991) and released the deluxe version of her album Whirlwind, featuring her #1 single “Somewhere Over Laredo.”

A sought-after songwriter, the 12x CMA, 16x ACM, Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member has nine #1s including “4x4xU,” “Watermelon Moonshine” and the 2x Platinum “Heart Like A Truck,” plus collaborations with Jelly Roll (“Save Me”) and HARDY (“wait in the truck”). Moreover, Wilson has worked with artists such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Post Malone, made her acting debut in Paramount’s hit show Yellowstone and recently launched her fifth collection with Wrangler, as well as her own boot (Golden West Boots) and jewelry lines (The Lainey Wilson Jewelry Collection).

Colton Dawson is a rising country singer-songwriter whose soulful voice, sharp guitar work, and honest storytelling have quickly set him apart in Nashville’s new wave of traditional country. Originally from Arizona and now based in Tennessee, Colton has already turned heads with standout live performances — including a surprise opening set for Clay Walker at the Ryman Auditorium that earned him two standing ovations. Blending classic country roots with fresh, heartfelt songwriting, he is currently recording his debut album with some of Nashville’s top musicians. With authentic lyrics, rich melodies, and a deep commitment to country’s timeless sound, Colton Dawson is fast becoming one of the genre’s most compelling young artists.

The California Mid-State Fair runs July 15 through July 26, 2026, featuring twelve days of concerts, exhibits, carnival rides, livestock shows, and family-friendly entertainment.

For more information, visit www.MidStateFair.com

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Spring Break Staycations May be the Best Deal with Rising Fuel Prices and TSA Issues

KEYT on March 30, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If $6-$7-dollar a gallon gas prices are putting the brakes on your Spring break travel plans, a stay-cation may be the most affordable way to enjoy some time off.

Many people are thinking just that. The Automobile Association says about 10 percent of the traveling public are reeling back to keep their time off closer to home.

Some have annual trips that are mandatory including seeing relatives, and sharing Easter services together. For those where the trip is optional, this could be the time to save hundreds of dollars, even more, on traveling.

It’s not just a decision for drivers. Fuel costs for jets have also gone up significantly.

At the pumps some of the highest prices that have caught eyes are for diesel fuel fill ups which can often easily exceed $100 dollars.

Driving, flying, and hotel costs have changed drastically in recent months.

For those concerned about airport delays and cancellations with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) funding and sick-call-surge, flights might be getting a second thought.

The plan to save money starts with setting a budget and staying as close to it as possible.

There are also many affordable and free activities close to home that you may not have been to before or are worth re-exploring with family and friends.

Eating out can also get costly, so it is wise to look for special happy hour and early bird discounts if you can fit that into your schedule before the traditional reservation bookings.

For Easter Sunday, there will be many sold out tables in restaurants, and some families celebrate Saturday when they have a better chance at a seating and a better price point.

The “staycation” became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic for health reasons, and it continues for financial reasons for many people.

“I definitely think twice before driving somewhere, ” said Daniel Gonzales from Santa Clarita. At the base of Stearns Wharf he said, “my cousin is visiting from Mexico so we brought him out here so regardless of gas prices or not we are visiting Santa Barbara.”

On a coastal trip with his family from Ontario, Christopher Acosta said, the gas prices could be a factor in the next few months. He said, “you know Spring break I think people stay close because it is not as long as a period but in the summer with the girls out for so long it will definitely prevent us from going farther in a car that is for sure. “

He has two cars and went for the best mileage. “In the Accord I am getting in the 30’s and in the Pilot I am getting in the low 20’s so that’s another reason why I brought the car and not the SUV!”

An RV traveler Anchie Cote said even when prices are down she is looking to cut fuel costs. “We have discount prices like Love’s or Shell and all that so even with the gas prices low we try to pick. Go to Costco for it or Love’s if we are traveling. “

Key Spring Break Cost Factors:

Gas Prices: jumped more than $1-dollar-a-gallon after the war in Iran began.

Airline flights : higher ticket prices linked to fuel and operational costs have consumers on alert for price jumps.

Hotel costs: In addition to room rates going up, there are sales and transient occupancy taxes that could raise the rate by over 20 percent. Plus some parking fees in excess of $40-dollars at some hotels.

Reduced Income: Rising costs for fuel, flights and hotels come as costs for months have impacted budgets across America.

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Safe Haven in Goleta: LEAP Helps Children Cope With Immigration Fears

KEYT on March 30, 2026

Patricia Martellotti

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – It’s playtime at the LEAP Children’s Center in Goleta.

Kids are concentrating on having fun.

That’s what you’d expect at a children’s center.

But after a mother spotted immigration agents outside her home in Santa Barbara, she brought her preschooler to LEAP.

“He wouldn’t let go of his mother‘s legs, and he was terrified,” said community engagement specialist Laura Costilla of LEAP.

Staff reassured the three-year-old, helping him calm down.

“I was able to point out the security system that we have in place and he was able to calm down then and go back into his classroom …. And try to have a normal day with his teacher,” said Costilla.

“His teachers provided safety for him and just made him feel safe that he could talk about it,” said CEO Lori Goodman of LEAP.

Days later, the child drew a picture, showing he was beginning to recover.

“I think it captures both the fear and the safety,” said Goodman.

More families are coming in shaken, struggling with immigration fears and financial pressure.

The LEAP team hopes to continue providing any services needed for the safety of their kids.

“I hope for the future is that we do what we can. We know those positive relationships positive childhood experiences work,” said Goodman.

The organization is building partnerships with local schools to reach families sooner.

“I hope they can continue to live in a world where they don’t have to live in fear,” said Costilla.

Now, LEAP is ensuring every child in Goleta feels safe — no matter what happens beyond its doors.

The LEAP children’s center focuses on creating a safe and welcoming space, especially for the youngest residents.

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Beyond the Classroom: Santa Maria-Bonita Honors Educators at 2nd Annual Awards Gala

KEYT on March 30, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The second annual Excellence In Education awards gala recognized the work of some of Santa Maria-Bonita’s top district educators.

This is a new tradition to recognize teachers and other school employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.

The awards come in three categories, acknowledging Classified Employees such as custodians and aides, Certificated Employees—the teachers, coaches, and licensed mentors—and Administrative Employees like principals and district officials.

The formal gala took place on Friday night at the Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center, acknowledging the work of 29 honorees known throughout the district for their outstanding contributions.

“I knew that I was being recognized for being one of four, administrators in our district that were being honored, but I had no idea that I would get the top honor,” says Katie Ibarra, one of the top winners who works for the district.

Top winners were announced at the gala, including Katie Ibarra, Program Specialist For Special Education, who has only held that position for about a year, and Lucy Castaneda, 30-year office manager at El Camino Junior High.

“I’ve been here 32 years of my life, and I wouldn’t leave this school for, for any reason,” says Lucy Castaneda, El Camino Jr. High Office Manager.

Sentiments from the top winners align with the gala’s ultimate mission, which is to foster inspiration and connection as much as to celebrate achievements.

“I wish everybody could be recognized because there’s a lot of people out there,” says Castaneda. “I want to give special thank you’s to my office staff. They’re wonderful, and I love them.”

Honorees say they wouldn’t be winning anything if it weren’t for the people they work with every day.

“I know that the work I do, while I’m not directly, in contact with students anymore, I just know that by supporting my team members, it reaches the students,” says Ibarra.

Schoolsfirst Federal Credit Union is the leading community sponsor of the festive evening with awards presentations, live music, and catered food.

The highlighted honorees say their work is challenging but the rewards go beyond being recognized, and that they view the teams they work with as extended family.

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The hidden danger of gifting Easter Rabbits

KIFI on March 30, 2026

Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Local animal advocates and rescue groups in Idaho are issuing an urgent warning to families this week as Easter Sunday approaches: A live rabbit, chick, or duckling is a decade-long commitment, not a holiday toy.

The annual tradition of placing live animals in Easter baskets often leads to a surge in abandoned pets once the novelty wears off. Experts note that while these animals appear low-maintenance, they require specialized care that many households are unprepared to provide.

“The problem is that if you see them at the store, they’re tiny little cute little bunnies and people don’t think about it. It’s a spur of the moment. They see the bunny and they buy it,” said Karin Manery, owner and founder of East Idaho Bunnies and Friends. “It’s cheap. They’re 25, $30. So it’s not a big commitment. They get a tiny little cage with them that’s usually sold at the pet store. And then when they are at home, they notice that bunnies are a lot of commitment. They’re first of all, a long term commitment. They live 10 to 12 years.”

Rabbits require a specific diet of timothy hay and fresh vegetables. Beyond environmental needs, Manery said the daily maintenance is often underestimated by new owners. “One bunny… think about it, up to 300 little poops a day. That’s a lot to clean up. It’s daily.”

Chicks present a similar, often more fragile, challenge for families. “I think they are even worse because they are so fragile and they’re so tiny and they’re even cheaper to buy,” Manery said. “They need the right temperature, they need the right food, and they grow up really, really fast. So I think a lot of those tiny little chicks, they die fast. Unfortunately, people are just not prepared.”

A common and dangerous misconception is that a domesticated rabbit can be “returned to nature” if a family can no longer care for it. Jenean Hammer-Huber, director of Save A Bun Rabbit Rescue, said “Domesticated rabbits and wild rabbits in the state of Idaho… actually have a chromosome that is different than a domestic rabbit,” Hammer-Huber said. “So cottontails and domesticated rabbits cannot breed… some people think that domesticated rabbits can live just like cottontails can. And that is not true.”

The legal status of rabbits in the state also impacts how they are treated when families grow tired of them. “In the state of Idaho, rabbits are not only deemed livestock, but also they put a little slash behind that and deem them, as, kind of nuisance animals,” Hammer-Huber said. “That opens up the ability to allow people to, hurt them or not provide proper care for them… that just allows them to just be treated like trash.”

To prevent this cycle of abandonment, advocates suggest parents buy stuffed animals or chocolate treats for Easter morning. For those serious about ownership, Manery suggests a different route. “If you’re not sure if a bunny is right for you, you can foster one. That would be, would be ideal, actually, that would help us out and the bunnies.”

How to Help or Adopt:

East Idaho Bunnies and Friends To learn more about fostering or adoption in the Idaho Falls area, visit their Facebook page.

Save A Bun Rabbit Rescue For adoption applications, educational resources, or to donate, visit www.saveabunrabbitrescue.org or follow @saveabunrabbitrescue on Facebook.

Donations: Venmo @saveabunrabbitrescue

Email: Saveabunrabbitrescue@gmail.com

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Man accused of slicing victim’s ear, gouging face with candle holder

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man is accused of putting another man in the emergency room after he allegedly assaulted him with a candle holder on March 25.

James Couch, 32, was charged on Monday with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An initial court appearance was held on Monday.

The probable cause statement says the victim’s ear “was nearly cut in half” and that he had “deep gouges” on his face when police saw him on Wednesday at University Hospital. The officer also noted other cuts on the victim’s body in the probable cause statement.

The victim claimed Couch attacked him from behind while he was at a residence on Highview Avenue, the statement says. The victim claimed it was “out of character for Couch, but there were drugs involved including Adderall, meth, marijuana and Xanax,” court documents say.

Police at the Highview Avenue residence found a pool of blood in the home and on the walls, as well as in the passenger seat of a vehicle, the statement says. Two people described seeing the attack, which allegedly involved a candle holder.

One of the witnesses allegedly told police that Couch told them he needed to go to a hospital “or he may kill somebody,” the statement says.

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Yuma couple pleads not guilty to sexually abusing a child

KYMA on March 30, 2026

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma couple has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a child.

28-year-old Ethan Kotlinski and 31-year-old Amanda Kotlinski appeared in court Monday, where they pled not guilty to all charges.

The Yuma Police Department says the alleged abuse involving a 13-year-old child happened earlier this month near 18th Street and Avenue B.

They are both facing one count of sexual abuse and two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

Amanda will be back in court on April 24 while Ethan will be back in court on April 30.

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Havana Nights Gala to be held at Paradise Casino

KYMA on March 30, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A gala is planned to celebrate 15 years of a local organization.

The Healing Journey presents the Havana Nights Gala at the Paradise Casino event center (450 Quechan Dr.) on April 17, 2026.

Entertainment includes live music and a silent auction, with dinner provided.

Tickets are $75.

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