Rexburg Police close 1st S for SWAT training; Public advised to avoid area

KIFI on March 10, 2026

News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Residents of Rexburg should expect a heavy police presence on the west side of town today, March 10, as the Police Department conducts a SWAT exercise on 1st S between 1st W and 2nd W.

Residents are being asked to avoid the area between 1st W and 2nd W until the drill concludes later this evening.

“You may hear loud noises, see drones in the air, and tactical vehicles on the road,” Rexburg Police stated in a Facebook post.

For more information, click HERE.

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Santa Barbara County Supervisors Honor Fire Department For A Century Of Service

KEYT on March 10, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Board Of Supervisors honored the Santa Barbara County Fire Department this morning.

The department just hit the century mark.

Supervisors started their agenda with a resolution recognizing 100 years of the Fire Department’s service to Central Coast communities.

“Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this board of supervisors of the county of Santa Barbara does hereby recognize, honor, and celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, commending the department for a century of exceptional service, leadership, and innovation,” Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board Jacquelyne Alexander read the resolution. “Passed and adopted today.”

First established as the county’s Department Of Forestry in 1926, its name changed to the County Fire Department in 1956.

“Marking its evolution into a modern, all-hazards emergency response agency serving the diverse needs of Santa Barbara County,” Alexander continued reading.

Sponsored by county supervisor and board chair Bob Nelson, the resolution acknowledged the fire department’s environmental stewardship, emergency response, hazard mitigation, educational outreach efforts, and much more.

“There was quite a few ‘whereases’ but, this department really does have a strong culture, a strong history,” said Santa Barbara County Fire Department Chief Garrett Huff.

Supervisor Nelson interjected to acknowledge that sometimes leadership involves being versed in a team’s past accomplishments.

“I think all of us on the board got a chance to see Chief Huff’s appreciation for the history of this department, where it’s been,” said supervisor Bob Nelson. “And then obviously, that vision that he now has to hopefully take it into the future.”

Chief Garrett Huff received the honor at the Joseph Centenno Government Building in Santa Maria.

“So on behalf of the entire department, thank you for your continued support, and for recognizing this important milestone,” said Chief Huff. “Thank you for this beautiful resolution. Thank you.”

Chief Huff took office last December following Mark Hartwig’s retirement.

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MCAS Yuma issues public notice for increased noise levels ahead of Yuma Airshow

KYMA on March 10, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma has issued a public notice regarding increased noise levels ahead of this weekend’s 60th Annual Yuma Airshow.

The notice, according to MCAS Yuma, says residents near the base may experience increased aircraft noises from Thursday, March 12 to Friday, March 13.

MCAS Yuma says their pilots will conduct “essential demonstration practices” ahead of the air show as they are critical for “ensuring a safe and exciting event” for the Yuma community.

The 60th Annual Yuma Airshow will take place at MCAS Yuma Saturday at 9 a.m.

20260310 MCAS Yuma Noise AdvisoryDownload

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Convicted drug trafficker back in custody after K-9 finds meth during Idaho Falls traffic stop

KIFI on March 10, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 41-year-old man on parole for drug trafficking faces new felony charges after Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered methamphetamine hidden in his vehicle during a Sunday night traffic stop.

Jeffery Don Williams was arrested on March 8 and booked into the Bonneville County Jail on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges stem from a traffic stop that took place earlier that night, around 8:30 PM, near the intersection of Pancheri Drive and Dickson Avenue. A deputy spotted and pulled Williams over, knowing he did not have a valid driver’s license. Although Williams told the deputy of his parole status as a convicted drug trafficker and claimed the vehicle contained nothing illegal, a K-9 unit arrived and alerted deputies to the presence of an illegal substance.

According to a BCSO news release, Deputies then searched the vehicle, finding just over 17 grams of Methamphetamine and various items of Drug Paraphernalia in a hidden compartment under the seat.

Williams was subsequently arrested. His preliminary hearing has been set for March 20, 2026.

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FBI offers reward for man wanted in Idaho child sexual assault case

KIFI on March 10, 2026

KIVI Staff

By: Ellie Sullivan

Originally Posted 7:52 PM, Mar 09, 2026

BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Donald Steven Lang.

The FBI is assisting the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in finding Lang, who is wanted for being allegedly involved in the sexual assault of a minor in Idaho.

Lang was charged with three counts of lewd conduct with a minor under sixteen and one count of sexual battery of a minor. A state warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Lang is described as being a sailor who does odd jobs and has multiple tattoos on his body, including a faded conch shell on his right arm, with the word “captain” written above it.

Officials describe him as 5’8″ with light brown/gray hair and blue eyes.

Authorities say that Lang, a Canadian citizen, is known to sail around the world, with his “home base” being Hawaii.

He may be sailing somewhere between Hawaii and Fiji, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, or Indonesia.

He has ties to multiple places, including Hawaii, Idaho, Washington State, California, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, Mexico, and Canada.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact their local FBI office or submit a tip online.

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Idaho Senate passes bill limiting local regulations on short-term rentals

KIFI on March 10, 2026

KIVI Staff

By: Ellie Sullivan

Posted 8:58 PM, Mar 09, 2026

IDAHO (KIVI) — The Idaho Senate passed HB 583 in a 23-12 vote on Monday, a measure that ensures regulations on short-term rental owners may only be imposed when there is a public safety concern.

As Idaho News 6 has previously reported, the bill was introduced by Sen. Todd Lakey (R-District 23), and it would prohibit cities and counties from establishing ordinances that regulate the use of short-term rentals.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Short-term rental bills face off in committee, one advances to the Senate floor

The ruling came on Monday, March 9, and in response, the Idaho Vacation Rental Association (IVRA) issued a press release acknowledging the decision.

“We appreciate the careful deliberation that lawmakers have given to this issue throughout the legislative process,” said Spencer Bailey, President of the IVRA.

“This legislation does not remove local tools or diminish community protections… What it does is reinforce the idea that existing rules should be applied consistently across housing types, focusing enforcement on behavior rather than labeling one category of homeowner differently from another,” added Bailey.

The legislation has passed both chambers and is headed to Governor Brad Little’s desk for consideration and signature.

If signed by Governor Little, the legislation will take effect towards the end of 2026.

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Former Yuma Elementary School District employee pleads guilty to stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds

KYMA on March 10, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

PHOENIX (KYMA) – A former Yuma Elementary School District employee has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds.

According to a press release from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Mercedes Brena, also known as Mercedes Ruiz, was convicted of two of the following felonies:

Misuse of public monies

Possession of a forgery device

“When public funds meant for the education of Arizona’s children are stolen or misused, there must be accountability,” said Attorney General Kris Mayes. “My office will always stand up for the students, families, and taxpayers who deserve their tax dollars being spent appropriately.”

Between November 2021 and October 2022, Brena was said to have used her role as a Human Resource Specialist to “steal from the district by forging and submitting fraudulent timesheets to a third-party payroll processing company, stealing money orders intended for the school, and using school district credit cards to purchase gift cards for personal use.”

Brena pled guilty to the charges last week, and her sentencing is scheduled for April 15 in the Maricopa County Superior Court, the press release says.

The press release says the plea agreement also includes a stipulated minimum restitution of $85,988.70.

To learn more about the case, click here.

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American Airlines grounding flights at Santa Maria Airport

KEYT on March 10, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – American Airlines will end daily service from Santa Maria Airport (SMX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on May, 7. 2026.

The announcement comes less than five months after the airline started daily service between the two airports on Oct. 15, 2025.

American Airlines said in a statement, “Service to Santa Maria, California (SMX) operated under the American Eagle banner in partnership with SkyWest Airlines. Unfortunately, flights to SMX did not meet performance expectations and SkyWest informed American it will discontinue service as of May 7.”

The company added it will “proactively reach out to impacted customers with alternate travel arrangements or a refund in line with American’s customer-friendly policies.”

For SMX and the City of Santa Maria, the decision is sure to be a significant disappointment.

When the new flight to PHX began last October, it marked the return of daily service at SMX for the first time since 2017.

However, when American leaves in early May, SMX will return to providing only twice-weekly commercial service through Allegiant Air and it’s long-running flight to Las Vegas.

Santa Maria Valley Chamber Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs Suzanne Singh, who has long helped in the efforts to bring air service to Santa Maria, said in a statement, “It’s unfortunate that the Airlines didn’t give Santa Marian’s a chance.”

In another statement provided to News Channel 3-12, Santa Maria Valley Chamber President/CEO Michael Boyer said, “While this is disappointing news for our community, it does not change the long-term value and potential of the Santa Maria Airport as a critical regional asset. Air service plays an important role in supporting economic development, tourism, and quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the Central Coast. We believe this is a moment for the airport, local leaders, business community, and regional partners to come together, stay proactive, and make a strong case for future commercial service. Santa Maria has real opportunity, and with a unified regional effort, we can work toward restoring service and strengthening connectivity for the future.”

News Channel 3-12 reached out to SMX management for reaction on the decision, but has yet to receive a response.

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Yuma High student named finalist for Gates Scholarship

KYMA on March 10, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says David Argomaniz, a Yuma High School student, has been named a finalist for the Gates Scholarship.

According to a press release, “Argomaniz is among 1,500 students out of thousands of applicants nationwide to advance to the final interview” of the scholarship’s selection process.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as one of the 1,500 finalists nationwide, but I know there is still work to be done in this application process,” Argomaniz said.

YUHSD says those who receive the scholarship will get funding to “cover the full cost of attendance not already paid by other financial aid,” which may include tuition, fees, books, housing, food and other personal expenses.

The application process, according to YUHSD, includes “writing four essays on topics such as leadership,” as well as students listing the leadership and community services they participated in.

In addition, YUHSD says those who apply for the scholarship must be:

A high school student

Pell Grant-eligible

A U.S. citizen or permanent resident

In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.

Scholarship recipients will be announced on April 20, 2026. To learn more about this, read the press release below.

PR – Yuma High student selected as finalist for Gates Scholarship (1)Download

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Idaho Transportation Dept. warns of statewide DMV text message scam

KIFI on March 10, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department is urgently warning residents about a wave of scam text messages spreading across the state.

The texts claim that a traffic citation must be paid online or that a vehicle registration is overdue. ITD confirms these texts are fraudulent and not connected to ITD or any official DMV services.

“Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “If the link does not have a dot gov address, it’s a scam.”

If you receive one of these messages, do not click any links and do not provide personal or payment information. Report the message to your phone provider and delete it. 

If you are concerned about your registration status, visit the official itd.idaho.gov website directly or call your local DMV office.

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