Community Donations Help with the Costs for Fiesta’s Spirit and Junior Spirit

KEYT on July 31, 2026

John Palminteri

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta have been given about $2,000 in community donations to help with their growing costs.

When you see their many precision performances during Old Spanish Days, what you don’t see is how expensive it is to have what they need as world class performers for the annual event in Santa Barbara.

Through the Wakefield 805 radio show and community outreach, donations have been coming in to help with the costs it takes to be at this level.

Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez said, “there’s been lots of dresses and lots of shoes and lots of practices so I am so grateful. So many people want to and help us out.”

The Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez said, “all the dresses and shoes cost a lot of money and it really nice that they can donate for us dancers that really need it.”

For Ramirez her favorite shoes come from Spain. “I think the way they are made, they last really long and they are beautiful and they sound very very nice.”

This audience was asked to donate to help the spirits who perform at dozens of locations.

Drew Wakefield the host of the Wakefield 805 radio show said, “and they do that free of charge. Their dresses are expensive, their jewelry is expensive, their lessons are expensive, that’s why Wakefield 805 when we do this fundraiser we are going to give back to them because they give so much to us.”

The dancers says it is not just the dresses and the shoes we see but all the classes that they have been taking and will be taking for years to come because they love to dance so much.

Ramirez said, “they are supporting me and that is so sweet because dancing is something that I love to do so much.”

When it comes to the showcase dances, to start El Desfile Historico, the Fiesta parade and on the steps of the Old Mission for Fiesta Pequena, special dresses will be revealed.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

First Alert Weather Alert for Dangerous Heat Through the Weekend

KESQ on July 31, 2026

Katie Boer

The dangerous heat continues across the Coachella Valley this weekend, with First Alert Weather Alert through Sunday evening.

Our Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service has been extended now into Monday evening.

Highs climb to around 115-117 degrees today before peaking near 120 degrees Saturday—making this the hottest stretch of the year.

We’ll very likely break daytime high records on Saturday.

We’re looking at major to extreme HeatRisk with little overnight relief.

Thankfully our humidity has backed off quite a bit compared to earlier this week and last, so even though it’s getting even hotter, it won’t feel quite as muggy and oppressive as it did just a few days ago.

We’re going to cool a couple of degrees next week, but highs will still remain above average, with temperatures continuing to top 110 degrees through our long range forecast. A little monsoonal moisture may try to creep back into the forecast by the middle of next week, but right now rain chances look very limited.

This weekend is critical for practicing heat safety. Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged heat waves.

Click here to follow the original article.

Police conduct multi-agency raid on Pocatello house

KIFI on July 31, 2026

Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)—Pocatello Police conducted search-warrant at a home on Samuel Street Friday afternoon.

Pocatello Police said the high-risk search warrant was in coordination with neighboring law enforcement agencies and Bannock Area Drug Group Enforcement Squad.

They said the operation was conducted safely and there is no known threat to the public, but the investigation remains active.

They’re asking the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.

Police said additional information will be released when it becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Bucket Brigade’s Youth Fire Prevention Team Clears Fuel From Elings Park

KEYT on July 31, 2026

Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Despite the hot weather, a group of teens threw in the beach towel for shovels, weed whackers and fire-fighting tools.

For the past month, the Bucket Brigade’s Youth Fire Prevention Team created a firebreak in Elings Park by clearing out highly flammable dry brush and invasive weeds.

Abe Powell, Bucket Brigade Cofounder and CEO, said their hard work was part of a training course, learning how to protect homes and properties from wildfires, floods and mudslides.

The academy cadets earned certifications in First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and, Wilderness First Responder.

Some of these teens lived through the back-to-back Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow disasters in 2018.

Now, they’re sharpening their skills ahead of what could be a super El Nino, working to keep nearby homes in the Mesa community, safe.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sheriff warns of new wave of jury duty scams in Bonneville County

KIFI on July 31, 2026

Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)—Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies are warning people about a new wave of jury duty scams reported throughout the area on Friday.

According to multiple reports to dispatch, callers are telling victims they missed jury duty and now have a warrant out for their arrest. The callers then try to pressure people into paying money immediately to make the supposed warrant disappear.

Scammers often pose as sheriff’s deputies, court officials, or other government employees. In some cases, they use real names, phone numbers, and addresses connected to local agencies to appear legitimate.

Authorities say a major red flag is any demand for payment over the phone, especially when the caller threatens arrest. Scammers frequently request payment through bitcoin, cryptocurrency, prepaid money cards, or gift cards.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that neither law enforcement nor county courts collect fines over the phone or allow people to pay money to avoid arrest warrants. Matters involving warrants or court fines require direct communication with court personnel and cannot be resolved through a phone call.

Anyone who receives one of these calls is encouraged to hang up and contact the appropriate agency directly to verify the information.

People who have lost money to a scam should report it to their local law enforcement agency. Scam reports can also be filed through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Additional scam prevention resources are available on the Community Resources page at www.BonnevilleSheriff.com and through the ‘Idaho Sheriff Connect’ mobile app.

Click here to follow the original article.

Minors arrested in string of Columbia vehicle break-ins

KMIZ on July 31, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Officers arrested three minors in connection with a string of vehicle break-ins that occurred early Wednesday, the Columbia Police Department said in a news release.

The minors are suspected in more than 13 vehicle break-ins on Monterey Drive and Sieville Avenue, the CPD release states.

The suspects ran from police, who caught one of them in the 3500 block of Sierra Madre. Officers reportedly found a gun in a bush near where the juvenile was hiding.

Two other minors were arrested after a search warrant was served Friday in the 2900 block of Lynwood Drive, where more stolen items were recovered, according to the release.

All three were arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, felony stealing, misdemeanor stealing and resisting arrest.

When ABC 17 News visited the neighborhood Friday, many homes were equipped with security cameras.

Despite the recent vehicle break-ins, neighbors said they still feel safe. They said the cameras provide an extra sense of security and allow them to monitor their homes from anywhere.

“It’s some security that we can see when someone’s at the door, and we can see it on our phones too,” Columbia resident Jerry Wassman said.

Phil Steinhaus has lived in the neighborhood since the 1980s and installed several Blink security cameras around his home a few years ago. While he doesn’t believe his neighborhood is a common target for thieves, he said the cameras offer added peace of mind.

“This is a nice safe neighborhood. There’s not a lot of rich people here. So there’s no reason to break into my house because I really don’t have any money,” Steinhaus said.

Columbia Crime Stoppers announced Friday the organization will be increasing its reward for anonymous tips.

The organization announced tipsters can now receive up to $500 for information that leads to a felony arrest or the recovery of an illegal firearm.

Click here to follow the original article.

Some camping fees temporarily waived at Elephant Butte, Caballo Lake

KVIA on July 31, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

(KVIA) — New Mexico State Parks extended the maximum stays from seven to 14 days as droughts across the state continue to impact recreation areas. Friday, the NMSP said it will also waive some fees.

At Elephant Butte Lake, NMSP said from Aug. 1-Sept. 30, designated primitive and beach camping areas will be available at no cost.

The benefit will also apply to Caballo Lake State Park.

Primitive campsites are basic, undeveloped areas without designated sites or built-in amenities like connections to water or electricity.

NMSP said the changes come after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s seasonal release of water from Elephant Butte, which is expected to stabilize water levels for the rest of the summer.

“Drought is changing the way New Mexicans and other visitors experience their state parks, but it doesn’t change our commitment to keeping these places accessible and welcoming,” said Toby Velásquez, director of the New Mexico State Parks division.

While reservoir levels are impacting boating and water access at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake, visitors can still go boating, camping, fishing, birdwatching and other activities where conditions allow.

After the no-fee period ends, day use access to all New Mexico State Parks is free for New Mexico Residents.

NMSP said that benefit starts Oct. 1, but won’t apply to the Rio Grande Nature Center and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Parks though April 30. The camping stay limit remains 14 days through April 30.

Click here to follow the original article.

Acrisure Arena hosts first-ever Dancing With The Stars Con

KESQ on July 31, 2026

Timothy Foster

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The first-ever Dancing with the Stars Con kicked off Friday at Acrisure Arena. The convention continues through Sunday.

The Dancing with the Stars Con 2026 includes a variety of events that feature fan-favorite pros and guest celebrities to create the ultimate viewer celebration.

The dazzling debut started with fans and performers interacting through live panels, Q&A sessions and unique fan experiences to honor the 20-year-long-program.

“Dancing with the Stars has always been about more than just competition; it’s about courage, connection, and the unforgettable moments that bring people together through dance. For years our fans have been clamoring for even more ways to engage with the show, and we’re thrilled to have created this rare and immersive opportunity to experience the magic, the music, the movement, the emotion, and the heart that continues to make this show so special,” said Ryan O’Dowd, President of Unscripted, BBC Studios & Executive Producer, Dancing with the Stars.

Fan favorite celebrities like Hannah Brown, Danielle Fishel, Xochitl Gomez, Joey Graziadei, Elaine Hendrix, Rashad Jennings, Amanda Kloots, Whitney Leavitt, Phaedra Parks, Jojo Siwa, Johnny Weir, Rumer Willis, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Ginger Zee will be in attendance with their past partners for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

To join in on the festivities, tickets are available at https://dwtscon.com/tickets/#reserve

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information.

Click here to follow the original article.

Vandenberg‘s New Squadron Commander Formally Appointed At The Boathouse

KEYT on July 31, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – An old squadron is back in action with a new commander at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Rowland is now leading the re-activated “4Th Space Launch Squadron.”

“Today is about much more than just activating a new unit,” says Col. James T. Horne III, Vandenberg Space Force Base’s Commander. “It’s really a recognition of what’s about to happen and the need to have a singularly focused unit that can really push forward.”

The squadron was started in 1994 for launching Titan IV rockets along with other missions involving Delta IV and Atlas V rockets.

The 4th stopped that work in 2018. 

“I think it started with Congress and our administration a few years ago, dedicating the first infusion of investment into modernizing our infrastructure,” says Col. Horne.

It’s back now as Vandenberg moves further into the space age with launch partners like Space-X.

“We use the capabilities that are being launched from here every day, both from a department of war as well as from picking up your phone and knowing where you’re going when you’re on the way to work, right?” says newly appointed 4th SLS commander Lt. Col. Kyle Rowland. “So those things we need to increase and continue to move forward.”

At what they call the Boathouse—formerly the Coast Guard Rescue Station—Colonel Horne reactivated the Fourth Space Launch Squadron and passed the flag, formally appointing Colonel Rowland commander.

“I get to step into this position with an unbelievable team that is hungry to ensure that we are providing the things needed to support the mission,” says Col. Rowland.

That new mission for the squadron is overseeing the future of the base as a spaceport.

That means infrastructure improvements at the base and regional investments.

Colonel Rowland sees his newly re-formed squadron with an important mission for the base, the community, and the country.

“I don’t want to be Vandenberg on an island,” says Col. Rowland. “I want to be Vandenberg a part of the community that people get excited when they see a launch, or they see somebody in uniform in town.”

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Local organization seeks to provide relief to homeless communities throughout the summer months

KESQ on July 31, 2026

Peter Daut

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– As our sweltering summer heat intensifies, the work to help those experiencing homelessness is pivotal, and a local organization is stepping up its efforts to help the homeless find relief.

Martha’s Village and Kitchen have extended the hours of its cooling center from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Water, snacks, and showers are available and pets are welcome. The organization says it’s not just about helping people cool down, it’s about showing compassion to those in need.

“We’re a little bit busier at our locations. You really see a lot of the people who maybe are a little bit more comfortable being out on the streets and not as comfortable seeking assistance from a shelter, they’re coming this time of year.” said Emily Langenbahn from Martha’s Village & Kitchen

For more information on Martha’s Village and Kitchen, including how to volunteer or donate visit https://marthasvillage.org/

For more updates stay with News Channel 3.

Click here to follow the original article.