Idaho Legislature passes bill to expand prison sex abuse law

KIFI on March 26, 2026

InvestigateWest

By Whitney Bryen

Originally Published: March 26, 2026 by InvestestigateWest

BOISE, Idaho — A bill that would make it easier for prosecutors to charge prison staff accused of sexually abusing inmates passed the Idaho Senate on Tuesday and is now awaiting final approval from Gov. Brad Little. 

House Bill 696 was introduced by Idaho Falls Republican Rep. Marco Erickson in response to InvestigateWest reporting that exposed sexual abuse of women by prison guards — most of whom avoided criminal consequences. Reporters found 37 prison workers accused in the last decade of sexual misconduct toward incarcerated women. Only three were criminally charged. 

Prison officials, prosecutors and police blamed an Idaho law, in part, for making it difficult to punish the accused.  

Idaho’s “sexual contact with a prisoner” law limits the definition of sexual abuse when the victim is an inmate. The more than 30-year-old statute protects inmates from abuse only when prison staff touch the victim’s genitals or when they’re made to touch the genitals of staff, omitting kissing, groping and grabbing. 

House Bill 696 would make it a felony for jail and prison staff to have “any willful physical contact, over or under the clothing, when the physical contact is done with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passion, or sexual desires of the actor or any other person.” The current law, written by a former Ada County deputy prosecutor, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and lacks a mandatory minimum sentence, leaving penalties up to the judge’s discretion. The bill does not change that.  

The bill passed with 34 senators voting in favor and one absent. If it’s signed by the governor, the updated law would bring the state more in line with federal standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which prohibit all inappropriate touching, harassment and even voyeurism.

Gov. Little responded to journalists’ findings in October with a statement saying he would order the Board of Correction to review the cases in question and that “transparency and the public’s confidence in state government are top priorities.” But the review was never ordered and is not forthcoming, according to Little’s communications director, Emily Callihan. Last month, the governor’s office supported a decision by the prison system and the agency that certifies law enforcement to conceal information about officers’ employment histories that makes it more difficult to ensure accountability for officers accused of misconduct.   

Callihan did not respond to questions this week about whether Little planned to sign the bill. Rep. Erickson said he is confident that Little will approve it since there were no opposing votes in the House or the Senate. 

Other state laws make it illegal to touch the groin, inner thighs, buttocks, breasts or genital area of any person, including an inmate, without their consent. But those laws don’t recognize the power that prison staff hold over the people in their custody and, therefore, require prosecutors to prove that the victim did not consent. Incarcerated victims often go along with or reluctantly agree to sexual requests from guards because they fear retaliation if they say no. That’s why specific laws like “sexual contact with a prisoner” are written to protect people behind bars. 

Middleton Republican Sen. Tammy Nichols, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, told lawmakers that the bill is needed to address ongoing sexual misconduct in state prisons. 

“Unfortunately, these types of incidents are happening within our female population, and it is important for this law to be clear so there are no questions about what behavior is prohibited,” Nichols said.  

Idaho has the nation’s highest women’s incarceration rate, according to federal data, which Nichols said “makes it even more important that we have clear protections and accountability within our correctional system.” 

Tina Transue, the Department of Correction’s government relations adviser, said the department supports the bill, saying it “gives us more teeth.”

InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Contact reporter Whitney Bryen at whitney@investigatewest.org or 208-918-2458. 

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Camden County sex offender charged with child enticement

KMIZ on March 26, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A sex offender in Camden County was charged on Wednesday with two felonies.

Jeffrey Ball, 52, of Camdenton, was charged with child enticement and failure to register as a sex offender. He is being held at the Camden County Jail without bond. A hearing was held on Thursday and his next one is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 31.

The probable cause statement says Ball had been having conversations with an undercover law enforcement official who he thought was a minor. Ball had allegedly been talking to the agent while using a screen name.

Ball allegedly sent the agent nude photographs of himself and requested photos in return. He also allegedly tried to meet up with the agent to have sex, the statement says.

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Man who drowned while saving two boys awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism posthumously

KYMA on March 26, 2026

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Jeff Brady, the man who drowned while saving two boys last year, has been posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism earlier this week.

According to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, Brady is one of 18 people who risked “serious injury or death, or were killed, saving or attempting to save others in acts of extraordinary heroism.”

Brady, who moved from San Diego to Yuma two months prior to his death, was posthumously awarded the medal for trying to save his girlfriend’s nephews from drowning during an outing at Martinez Lake last July.

The Hero Fund says Brady struggled to stay afloat while saving the boys, and says once the boys were rescued, Brady went underwater and did not resurface.

While the boys were being evaluated by first responders, local agencies, including the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, found and pronounced Brady dead.

In addition to the medal, a GoFundMe was set up following his death to not only help his family, but to honor Brady’s memory.

The GoFundMe has a goal of $120,000, with nearly $110,000 raised so far. If anyone would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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Edison Shares Public Safety Power Shutoff Plans for Fire Season

KEYT on March 26, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Public alerts and prevention were top of mind when the Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council met with officials from Southern California Edison in a debriefing session.

It took place via Zoom and was open to the public Thursday morning.

Edison shared the latest on its staffing, preparations, community outreach, criteria and on site resources for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

Edison Senior Advisor for Wildfire Jude Schneider said, “we notify you as we can one to three days in advance. The notifications mention high winds and fire conditions. They’re shared with jurisdictions, are shared with the counties.”

But in some cases violent winds and a rapidly unfolding fire scene for a variety of reasons will happen without an Edison power line warning.

Schneider said, “in a huge windstorm, we will potentially have lines that come down. And if those lines come down it’s an emergency outage.”

The company is also using drones to inspect lines in dangerous areas or after wind storms to make sure they are not at risk of causing a fire. They can be used in mountain areas to speed up the return of power.

Dead trees or those threatening power lines are on an on-going list for removals from the company on a regular basis along with brush clearing around power poles and towers.

“Last year in 2025, we inspected and cleared brush around 157,691 structures, ” said Edison Senior Specialist for Vegetation Management Janice Marinucci. For trees that are dead or diseased, she says “we will come in and we’ll remove that tree just to ensure that the power lines are safe.”

Even without an alert there is a warning. Marinucci said, “Santa Barbara District has a lot of high fire risk areas. The majority of it is high fire risk. “

Edison has been challenged by lawsuits and harsh public comments from fires that have, at times, started from energized lines that come down.

Members of the council and fire leaders spoke about collaborating with Edison to make sure the public is getting timely information in English and Spanish and that the company and fire agencies have an open line of communication.

Many government and fire agency representatives were on the zoom link along with well-organized mountain residents in the Painted Cave community.

Suggestions were also made for back up power supplies especially for those with medical devices.

Edison does community outreach in the power shutoff location with vans that can be used for charging, information needs and to provide some basic snacks and water for those who are displaced.

For more information go to: Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council

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World Renowned NAPA Center Brings Therapy Treatments to Disabled Children

KEYT on March 26, 2026

Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Grace Fisher Foundation Inclusive Arts Clubhouse put out the welcome mat for the NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation) Center, a world renowned foundation devoted to children with varying disabilities, for a three-week Pediatric Intensive Therapy pop-up.

“We’ve loved having NAPA at the Clubhouse,” said Grace Fisher, Founder & Creative Director.

Children received treatment at the Therapy pop-up Wednesday

From March 9th through the 27th, six specially trained therapists worked with 15 children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years for intensive and immersive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention).

“We are truly grateful and honored to report that this is the SECOND straight year the NAPA Center has come out to provide their incredible services to our community,” said Selena English, a Santa Barbara resident and mother of one of the child participants.

NAPA has 10 centers worldwide; the closest to Santa Barbara is in Los Angeles. Local families call the exceptionally trained staff and programs “life changing.”

English credited $40,000 raised from “our local network” to offset the $165 cost per session for families and, donations from more than 30 local businesses.

She also called the experience, “heartwarming.”

“The children have been able to have so many great games, working on various developmental goals,” said English. “More importantly, they’re having so much fun getting better, getting stronger, getting more confident. It’s been just such a thrill for the families, therapists and outsiders to see.”

Courtesy: Selena English

“It’s been really special for the families and for the kids,” said Fisher.

Fisher, who was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare polio-like illness at 17, invited the community to celebrate the third anniversary of her Inclusive Arts Clubhouse.

“We recently increased our staff,” said Jana Brody, Development and Operations Director of the Grace Fisher Foundation. “We are adding a musical therapist to our programming and we are just continuing to grow and partner with 20 non-profits in town.”

Grace Fisher and her team are thriving and the Clubhouse is flourishing. See for yourself at the April 12th anniversary celebration from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at La Cumbre Plaza.

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UPDATE: Doorbell, driveway videos help deputies ID, arrest suspect in string of La Pine vehicle break-ins, thefts

KTVZ on March 26, 2026

Barney Lerten

(Update: Arrest in case, thanks to neighbors’ videos, tips; suspect’s criminal history)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The videos from several doorbell and driveway security cameras helped Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies identify and arrest a La Pine man responsible for this week’s late-night series of vehicle break‑ins in two La Pine neighborhoods.

In addition, “dozens of tips” from the community helped the sheriff’s office identify the suspect as 27‑year‑old Noah Gabriel Kirshner of La Pine, Public Information Officer Jason Carr aid Friday afternoon..

Deputies reviewed several hours of video from homeowners’ cameras that Carr said captured Kirshner stealing items from cars in the Reserve in the Pines and Crescent Creek neighborhoods.

The stolen items included purses, wallets, medications, and an iPad. Deputies say that most of the items have been recovered, and the property returned to the owners.

Kirshner was arrested and lodged in the county jail on these initial charges:

Attempted Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle (7 counts)

Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle (5 counts)

Theft in the Second Degree (2 counts)

Theft in the First Degree (1 count)

As deputies continue to sort through the large volume of video evidence and identify other victims, Kirshner could face more charges, Carr said.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released two new security images of vehicle theft suspect

“The Sheriff’s Office wants to thank all the neighbors who took the time to review their camera footage and share what they found with us,” Carr said in a news release.

“This case is a good reminder that when nearly every driveway has a camera pointed somewhere, it becomes very difficult for criminal activity to go unnoticed.,” he added.

Court records show Kirshner was arraigned Friday afternoon on four Class A misdemeanor charges – two counts each of second-degree theft and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle. He is due back in court April 17 to enter a plea on an expected formal indictment. 

The court records reviewed by KTVZ also showed Kirshner has a lengthy criminal record, with at least 27 arrests dating back to 2017 on charges ranging from DUII to vehicle break-ins, assault and menacing. 

In 2022, Kirshner pleaded guilty to nine of 17 charges, including two counts of felony first-degree theft, and received a 13-month prison sentence. 

KTVZ News reported in September 2018 that Kirshner, then 19 and a Sisters resident, was arrested for extensively damaging a home, throwing rocks at parked cars and taking items from several cars. 

In October 2019, we reported that Kirshner was charged with cutting down and stealing a substantial amount of industrial hemp from a farm. 

Earlier story:

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released neighborhood security camera images Thursday as it investigates a series of vehicle entries and thefts that occurred overnight in the Reserve in the Pines subdivision in La Pine.

Between  9 p.m. Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday, an unknown male suspect entered numerous unlocked vehicles throughout the neighborhood, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

La Pine vehicle thefts 1Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released several security photos of a vehicle break-in and theft suspect

Deputies have identified about 30 attempted entries and at least five confirmed theft victims. No damage to vehicles has been reported. Carr said the stolen items vary, and the investigation is ongoing as more calls continue to come in.

“Based on neighborhood cameras, the suspect appears to be wearing a light-colored or patterned jacket, a light-colored hoodie with the hood up, blue jeans, and a bright green face covering or mask,” Carr said in a news release.

La Pine theft from vehicles 2Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released several security photos of vehicle break-in, theft suspect

La Pine theft from vehicle 3Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released several security photos of La Pine vehicle break-in, theft suspect

Residents in the area are asked to check their home surveillance systems, like Ring Doorbell, and report any suspicious activity, video footage, or information from the time frame listed above. Anyone with information that could help deputies is being urged to call the sheriff’s office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.

Carr added: “The sheriff’s Office would also like to remind community members to remove valuables from vehicles and ensure vehicles are locked, even when parked at home.”

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Some Mid-Missouri counties see crowded school board races

KMIZ on March 26, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Plenty of folks want to be on a school board in Cole County.

Each board of education race in that county has drawn a number of candidates that at least doubles the number of seats available.

Every ballot across Mid-Missouri will feature local races, including municipal governments and school boards. More on each county’s ballot below:

Cole County

Cole County April 2026Download

Cole County’s biggest school district has a crowded field in its board of education race.

The Jefferson City Board of Education has drawn seven candidates for the three seats on the April ballot. And none of them are incumbents.

Instead, Cierra Griffin, Trent Vallandingham, Ryan Towner, Kris Scheperle, Michelle Rodemeyer, Gretchen Duckworth and James Kindred Sr. are seeking a seat. The election will remake nearly half of the seven-member board.

Cole County R-V in Eugene also has a crowded field for its board election. Spencer Hoskins, Brian Golden, Carl Sweezer, Travis Graham, Jen Colvin and Matt Hale are competing for three seats. Hoskins and Hale are incumbents.

The Blair Oaks School District has also drawn a crowded field, with six candidates vying for three seats. All three incumbents — Mark McCarter, Doug Mueller and Sarah Lueckenhoff — are running. They’re joined by challengers Billy Cannon, Frank Verslues and Matt Forck.

Two seats on the Jefferson City Council are up for election. Randy Hoselton faces George Bacon in Ward 1 and Mackenzie Job faces Rebekah Frost in Ward 5. The terms are two years apiece.

Boone County

Boone County April 2026Download

Boone County ballots will also see a high-profile school board race.

Three incumbents — Paul Harper, John Lyman and April Ferrao — are seeking reelection to the Columbia Board of Education. They’re facing a challenge from one political newcomer, Dr. Keary Husain.

The Harrisburg Board of Education will also have a contested race, with four candidates for three seats. Two incumbents are running: Josh Byrd and Scott Eaton. The newcomers seeking to oust them are Seth Clatterbuck and Donald Moxley.

Four candidates are running in Ashland for the Southern Boone Board of Education. Incumbents Amy Begeman, Karen Bill and Chris Felmlee are hoping to keep their seats against challenger Jared Vredenberg. Three seats are up for election.

Meanwhile, in the New Franklin School District, no one filed to run for school board.

Voters in Columbia’s Fifth Ward will also see a contested race, with Christina Hartman taking on incumbent Don Waterman.

Callaway County

Several school districts in Callaway County have contested races set for their April school board races.

The Jefferson City School District stretches into Callaway County. Those voters will see a crowded ballot of Cierra Griffin, Trent Vallandingham, Ryan Towner, Kris Scheperle, Michelle Rodemeyer, Gretchen Duckworth and James Kindred Sr. The election will remake nearly half of the seven-member board, with no incumbents running.

Four candidates are vying for three seats on the Fulton Board of Education, but only Connie Eperson is a current board member. Emily Omohundro, Joe Davis and Joe Bachmann are also seeking three-year terms on the board.

The New Bloomfield School District also has a contested school board race, with four candidates seeking three seats. Two incumbents, Angie Robinson Sullivan and Lance Martin, are seeking reelection against Bethany Walsh and Morgan Starnes.

The City of New Bloomfield also has a contested mayor’s race. Mayor Gary Hoelscher is being challenged by Councilwoman Jessica Shaffer.

Audrain County

Audrain County April 2026Download

Several contested school board races will appear on ballots in Audrain County.

The biggest field is in the Community R-VI School District, where five candidates are running for three seats. Stephan Schafer is the only incumbent running. The other candidates are Ryan Knipfel, Chuck Sommer, Leslie Carter and Brent Raynor.

Four candidates are running for three seats in the Wellsville-Middletown district. Incumbent Clinetta Weinrich is seeking reelection. The other candidates are Chad Scholfield, Melissa Beabout and Katherine Taylor.

Van-Far School District voters will also see four names on their ballot seeking three seats. Three of the candidates are incumbents — Jessica Reading, Mike Smith and Justin Hopke. Carol Schambach is also running for election.

Randolph County

Randolph-aprilDownload

Only one contested race originates in Randolph County — a five-way race for three seats on the Higbee Board of Education. Three incumbents are seeking reelection: Susan Ware, Morgan Rockett and Ernie Boggs Jr. Lisa McGuire and Austin Messer are also seeking seats.

A contested race is also on for the Macon Board of Education, which affects a small portion of Randolph County.

Cooper County

Cooper County April 26Download

Two Cooper County school districts will vote in heavily contested board of education races.

The Boonville School District has six candidates running for three seats on its board of education. The only incumbents seeking reelection are Emily Shikles and Ryan Rapp, meaning at least one seat will be filled by a new member. Others seeking election are William Donahue, Melinda Oswald, Alan Lammers and Bruce Drummond.

Five candidates in the Blackwater School District want board seats. Incumbents Austin Painter and Brad Bergeson are seeking reelection, meaning at least one seat will be filled by a newcomer. Others seeking election are Angela Harvey, Thaddeus Fisher and Kirby Rugen.

The Otterville Board of Education has the biggest field of candidates, with eight going for three seats. The candidates include incumbents Sean Main and Mark Blankenship. Other candidates are Craig Nau, Teni Northern, Jonathan Seifert, Candace Woodall, Dawn Johnson and Daniel Ewers.

Five candidates are running for two seats on the Prairie Home Board of Education. All three incumbents are running for reelection: Nathan Alpers, Klay Holliday and Dennis Toalson. Robert Brandes and Mary Jessica Kaiser hope to unseat two of them.

The Pilot Grove School District only has two registered candidates for three seats on its school board.

In Boonville, voters will pick from three candidates — Morris Carter, Mike Conway, and Tanner Lee Bechtel — for mayor. The city also has a two-way race for the city council’s First Ward between Hallie Thompson and Steve Young.

Howard County

Howard County April 2026Download

Howard County’s April election is largely devoid of contested races.

One exception is for the 911 board, with a contested race in the Western District. Caitlyn Atwood, Debra Carmack and David Schaefer are seeking two board seats.

No one is seeking a seat on the New Franklin Board of Education, while small groups of Howard County voters will decide on members of the Higbee and Harrisburg school boards, which feature contested races.

Moniteau County

Moniteau County April 2026Download

Voters across Moniteau County will be able to pick their representatives for the local school board this April.

Four candidates are running for three seats on the Jamestown Board of Education. One incumbent, Bryan Sedgwick, is joined on the ballot by David Shaul, Devin Baysinger and Gary Jones.

A crowded field is vying for the California Board of Education. Incumbents Tony Haile, David Cook and Jan Trachsel are looking for reelection while Matt Abernathy and Scott Jobe hope to join the board. Three seats are up for election.

Three incumbents are running in the Moniteau County R-V School District in Latham — Sarah and Amanda Bolinger and Bobby Medlin. Lorrie Grimes hopes to prevail over one of them for the three available seats.

Miller County

Miller County April 2026Download

The big race in Miller County is for the Eldon Board of Education.

Six candidates are running for three seats. All three incumbents — Mike Holland, Linday Ahart and Jerry Kaibel- hope to keep their seats against Kelly Robinett, Taylor Bailey and Sara Rose Ollerich.

Three candidates are running for three seats in the Miller County R-III School District for just three seats, making an uncontested race.

The Village of Tuscumbia will also vote in two elections for the board of trustees.

Morgan County

Morgan Co. sample ballotDownload

There is no contested race in the Morgan County R-I Board of Education race. Three candidates are running for three seats.

However, many Morgan County residents will vote in school districts that are based in other counties.

Maries County

Maries Notice of Election Municipal 2026Download

Maries County residents will vote in several contested school board races for districts that are based in other local counties.

Some voters will see a contested race for the Maries County Emergency Services Western District seat on the board of directors. Three candidates are running for two seats.

Montgomery County

Montgomery County SampleDownload

Every ballot in Montgomery County will see a contested race for the health department’s board of trustees. Four candidates are running for the three available seats.

The Northwest Fire Protection District board also has a contested race on the ballot with three candidates for two seats on its board of directors.

Camden County

Camden County April 2026Download

School boards in Camdenton and Climax Springs have contested races on the April ballot.

Camdenton voters will choose among four candidates for three seats. The field includes the three incumbents, Troy Risner, Callie Henze and Shelley Creed. The challenger is Nancy Masterson.

In Climax Springs, the three incumbents, Shannon Hodges, Cody Noell and Ryan Williams, are seeking reelection against challengers Marilyn Emery and Maryellen Noland.

Contested races are also on the ballot for the Northwest Fire Protection District and Camdenton Ward 2 alderman.

Osage County

Osage Co Sample BallotDownload

Voters in the Osage R-II School District will choose from five candidates for three school board seats.

Shawn Strong is the only incumbent running for the three seats up for election. Other candidates are Matthew McCoy, Mitchell Branson, Alfred Brandt and Jill Tschappier.

The field is even bigger in the Osage County R-III District, where seven candidates are vying for three seats. Three incumbents hope to keep their seats: D.J. Schroeder, Joyce Weber and Wayne Baumhoer. The four challengers are Casey Helton, Travis Massman, Karen Luebbering, Elizabeth Feltrop and Nicole Bax.

Voters in the City of Linn will also see contested races for mayor and alderman.

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Police believe death to be accidental after a body was found in Fulton lake following a drowning report

KMIZ on March 26, 2026

Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A body was found after several agencies were called to investigate a possible drowning at a Fulton park on Thursday.

Police Chief Bill Ladwig said rescuers were looking for someone in Morningside Lake. Ladwig said a 911 caller reported seeing someone in the water yelling for help around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

“A witness stated that they had heard somebody yelling for help, but when we arrived we didn’t see anyone in the water,” Ladwig said.

Ladwig said FPD asked for assistance from nearby law enforcement after not being able to locate the victim.

Ladwig said in an update Tuesday evening that police were working to notify family members of the death, until then the victims name will not be released. The death is not being investigated as suspicious, according to Ladwig police believe it to have been an accidental drowning.

Other circumstances around the incident were not immediately made public. FPD said more details would be available once a full report is complete.

Sgt. Kyle Green with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said his agency helped with the search, and that at about 2 p.m. that a body was found. Ladwig said other agencies involved included the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office and EMS and South Callaway Fire.

The sheriff’s office assisted by using their drone in the recovery efforts, whil South Callaway Fire and MSHP brought in water rescue boats to utilize, according to Ladwig.

Ramona Rohman and Raelynn Goll, students at William Woods University in Fulton, told ABC 17 News they visit the lake on a daily basis. However, they said they aren’t sure if they will come back now after hearing the news that someone drowned.

“Definitely not swimming in this lake, no,” Goll said.

“The locals even say nothing good happens after sunset here. So I guess even with the sun up, it’s not good,” Rohman said.

Rohman and Goll said the lake used to have a ‘No Swimming Sign’, but were unsure when it was removed.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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Chaos Settles in Orcutt After Student Is Found With Empty Firearm

KEYT on March 26, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) – A student at Pine Grove Elementary School in Orcutt is accused of bringing a firearm on campus.

Officials say the situation may have been scary but it was handled quickly and smoothly.

The call was made around lunchtime yesterday when a fellow student alerted a staff member who immediately called law enforcement.

Sheriffs were on the scene at Pine Grove School in Orcutt shortly after 1:00 Wednesday, responding to a call that a student had a firearm.

“I think anytime you have an incident like this, it it’s unsettling,” says Dr. Holly Edds, Orcutt Union School District Superintendent. “Our staff immediately put protocols in place that we have practiced and trained for.”

District officials say the incident was resolved smoothly within a short time span.

“The risk was assessed that there was no imminent threat at the time,” says Dr. Edds. “And so the incident was handled and contained very quickly. From the time it was reported from that student that reported it to a staff member to when the incident was resolved, it took less than ten minutes.”

Responding deputies recovered an unloaded firearm, and no ammunition was found.

“The firearm was unloaded, there was no ammunition, so there was no ability or plan to use that firearm on campus,” says Raquel Zick, spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office says this incident is a strong reminder of how important it is to speak up, and that the student who alerted school staff did the right thing.

“We did not place the school into any of the standardized response protocols,” says Zick. “The firearm was booked for safekeeping and deputies will be following up on the ownership and safe storage of that weapon.”

The names of the juveniles involved will not be released.

“The reality is children make mistakes,” says Dr. Edds. “But they don’t learn from them when we discuss them publicly. So we’re working closely with law enforcement. We’re working closely with the families to address what happened.”

District officials say they’re proud of the way the staff handled of the situation.

The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing, and they’re working with the district to determine appropriate follow-up actions.

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New innovative senior healthcare center breaks ground in Santa Maria

KEYT on March 26, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – A groundbreaking is scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon for a new innovative healthcare facility for seniors that is described as a first-of-its-kind for the Central Coast.

The new facility is called Central Coast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and is being developed by Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc. (CHC).

The local nonprofit organization operates a myriad of healthcare services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care throughout Northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Central Coast PACE will occupy a portion of the large building located adjacent to the CHC corporate headquarters at the corner of Blosser Road and Betteravia Road in Santa Maria.

The well-known 30,000 square foot building is connected to the Santa Maria Police Department and was the previous home for Lockheed Martin for many years earlier, as well as UPS, and most recently, Rabobank.

In a release, CHC described Central Coast PACE has a facility designed for individuals aged 55 and older who qualify for nursing home-level care but prefer to remain at home. Clients will receive fully integrated, interdisciplinary care including primary and specialty medical services, dental and optometry care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, behavioral health services, and more. CHC added all services are coordinated through a dedicated care team and tailored to each participant’s individual needs.

“CHC has long been committed to caring for our communities across every stage of life,” saidRon Castle, CHC Chief Executive Officer. “Bringing a PACE program to the Central Coast is a natural extension of our mission and strengthens our ability to provide coordinated, whole-person care for seniors who deserve to age with dignity, respect, and support.”

CHC expects Central Coast PACE to accommodate up to 400 clients and said the site is ideal since it is positioned in an area where there is a clear and growing need for expanded senior healthcare services.

Groundbreaking for the project is set to take place at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

CHC is projecting construction will take about a year to complete with the grand opening planned for sometime in 2027.

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