‘A very big concern’: Second neighborhood SE of Bend pushes back on another Pacific Power transmission line route

KTVZ on April 23, 2025

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents in the Somerset neighborhood southeast of Bend voiced their concerns Wednesday to Pacific Power about the possible installation of a 550-kilovolt power line in their area, the option known as Route A.

“Line A is a very big concern. We all live here. It’s all going to be next to us,” said southeast Bend resident Bob Byrtus.

PacifiCorp is considering four possible routes for a new 180-mile transmission line between Powell Butte near Redmond to southern Klamath County.

Last week, in a KTVZ Problem Solvers report, we heard from residents concerned about potential Route B, which would run through another area southeast of Bend, parallel to the Sundance neighborhood.

In both locations, some residents say they are concerned the project could mean a potential loss in property values, among other impacts. 

“That’s going to affect the whole eastern skyline of the Bend area. You’re going to be able to see these things a long ways away,” said area resident Robert Reiten.

Residents are asking the company to reconsider its plans and explore alternative solutions that would not encroach upon their private land.

There was an in-person gathering Wednesday afternoon for area residents to voice their concerns to John Aniello, senior project manager for Pacific Power’s Blueprint South transmission line project.

Residents say there’s already a Bonneville Power Administration transmission line in the area. Adding another could mean trouble for property owners.

 “They’re going to have to acquire some property. There’s just no open route through here. I do not want to sell my property. I do not want to move. I think anybody out here does want to move.” Reiten said.

They also raised safety concerns about adding another major power line. Some believe Route D, farther east (see map above) would be less disruptive.

“It’s harder to fight fires if you’re around a bunch of properties,” said Byrtus. “Other lines like D are out in the middle of nowhere, not nowhere, but more east of town, where there’s not development and would be easier to allocate resources to fight a fire.”

Pacific Power declined to speak with the media at Wednesday’s event. During the event, the project manager said a final decision is still months away.

As planning continues, Pacific Power says community input will remain a key part of the process.

An open house on the project also was hosted by Pacific Power Wednesday evening at the Redmond Senior Center.

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Victims’ statements are over — What’s next for Walmart mass shooter?

KVIA on April 23, 2025

Nicole Ardila

Survivors and families of killed victims of the Walmart mass shooting wrapped up their powerful statements for shooter Patrick Crusius and the healing community.

Crusius has been released to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after the statements concluded. 

Judge Sam Medrano asked El Paso County Sherriff Oscar Ugarte to escort Crusius out of the courtroom.

“Sheriff, please make arrangements to get him to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,” said the judge.

“Yes, your honor,” responded Ugarte.

Now, the state jail system and the Federal Bureau of Prisons will decide between themselves if Crusius will stay in a Texas state prison facility or heads to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Super Max Detention. 

Right now, he is in the custody of the state until a decision has been made by the prisons authorities —both federal and state.

In the meantime, Crusius will be at El Paso County Jail until he is moved to a state facility —  once the final destination is chosen for him. 

This comes after Crusius pleaded guilty on Monday to capital murder and aggravated assault charges for killing 23 people and wounding 22 others on Aug. 3rd, 2019.

He was also sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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ABC-7 at 4: Community Invited to Recognize Our Nation’s War Veterans

KVIA on April 23, 2025

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—The City of El Paso is inviting the community to welcome home our Borderland World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War Veterans to the Sun City.

The Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico and El Paso transported these War Veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to honor and remember those who served.

The Honor Flight is bringing home over 30 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans back to El Paso. For more information, visit HonorFlightNM.org.

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Maquiladoras in Juárez keep losing jobs due to tariffs’ uncertainty

KVIA on April 23, 2025

Heriberto Perez

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — The Juárez maquiladora industry lost 7,473 jobs in February, totaling 62,632 jobs lost in the last 20 months.

The President of the Border Business Block Jesús Manuel “Thor” Salayandía, said this loss in jobs continues due to President Trump’s tariffs and the uncertainty they are creating. Because tariffs on all auto imports into the U.S. and reciprocal tariffs have not been clearly defined.

Another factor is the rise in minimum wages along the Mexican northern border. Currently, minimum wages are at 419 Mexican pesos (around $21.36), and in other parts of Mexico, minimum wages are at 278 Mexican pesos (around $14.18).

“This 20 percent drop now requires us to develop a strategy to address all the job losses. We’re talking about more than 130,000 jobs lost across the entire northern border. It’s urgent to do something to remedy this decline, which is why we’re here at the Mexican Congress, because we need to make changes,” Salayandía said.

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CDOT crews performing cleaning operations on Interstate 25 in Pueblo this week

KRDO on April 23, 2025

Scott Harrison

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — We often hear of highways being built, repaired or repaved but we hear less often about efforts to keep highways clean and free of debris.

This week, however, we can see cleaning operations along seven miles of I-25 in Pueblo, with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews using a street-sweeping machine between the Eagleridge Boulevard and Pueblo Boulevard interchanges.

The first night of the three-night operation started at 7 a.m. Tuesday and ended at 3 a.m. Wednesday; cleaning continues overnight Wednesday and Thursday.

Overnight Tuesday, crews began on the south end of town at the Pueblo Boulevard interchange and proceeded north to the Eagleridge Boulevard interchange.

The first night focused on cleaning the shoulders along the medians; crews will switch to the right shoulders and the on-off ramps during the next two nights.

But James Buford, a maintenance supervisor, said that the crew covered only three miles the first night.

“We did have a mechanical breakdown with the broom at around 1 or 2 a.m.,” he explained. “So, we had to stop our sweeping operation and do some repairs to the broom. But we will continue northbound and then finish southbound. It depends on how much debris there is. I think we were only able to go about 30 minutes before our (sweeper) got full. We had to go to the offsite location and dump the the sand and whatever other material you is getting picked up.”

There’s usually a lot — and that’s just in Pueblo.

“This area encompasses Canyon City, Penrose, Florence, Westcliffe, Pueblo, Pueblo West and Cotopaxi,” Buford said. “Last night, we collected about 32 tons of material over those three miles.”

The sweepers vacuum dust and small pieces of debris, and spray water to scrub the pavement with a circular brush under the vehicle.

“I would say just a combination of grass, weeds, trash, some salts and just road debris, tire rubber,” Buford said. “Just a combination of many, many things. A lot of times we have items fall off of vehicles, and break apart. “So, it could be whatever they’re hauling. All of the homeless trash doesn’t help.”

Sweeping work normally occurs at night when less traffic increases safety for crews; CDOT has only one sweeper for a five-member crew, and that crew also has other duties and isn’t dedicated solely to debris removal.

“Our sweeping operation is generally pretty in-depth,” Buford said.

Rain can be helpful by washing away salt, sand and dirt; but it can also contribute to clogged drains and piles of debris.

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Local volunteers assembling hygiene kits for Global Youth Service Day

KIFI on April 23, 2025

Maggie Moore

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Saturday, April 26, Idaho Falls volunteers are marking the world’s longest-running annual youth service event. This year, JustServe Idaho Falls is encouraging youth to assemble hygiene kits for local people in need, in commemoration of Global Youth Service Day.

Starting Wednesday, April 23, volunteers will be gathering donations at the Idaho Falls humanitarian center. The community is invited to donate items leading up to April 26.

JustServe is looking for the following items:

Travel-size facial tissue

Hand towels 15″ x 25″

Combs – (not rattail)

Individually wrapped toothbrush

Individually wrapped bath-size bar of soap

Shampoo 12-15oz

Boxed toothpaste 6oz

JustServe.org, a nondenominational service organization created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, connects volunteers globally to serve their communities.

For more information on where to donate or how to volunteer, click HERE.

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AWC students showcase their creativity during two annual events

KYMA on April 23, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Western College (AWC) students got the chance to demonstrate their talents during the 2025 Student Showcase and Open Mic events last week.

The events took place on April 16, where students on the Yuma and San Luis campuses not only celebrated their creativity and hard work, but were also awarded over $9,000 in scholarships.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC says over 100 students shared poetry, musical and dance performances, artwork and ceramics and other forms or art to reflect on the topics of love, multilingualism, the intersection of technology and nature, and more.

According to AWC, the scholarship winners were determined by AWC faculty and staff, with awards ranging from $125 to $1,400.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

“I am completely grateful for the amazing opportunity to be able to present and showcase my project. It was truly such an amazing experience and opportunity, and I also hope that each showcase continues to snowball the interest and engagement of more and more students so that this event may continue to grow,” said one student who participated in the events.

For a complete list of participants, projects and scholarship awards, click here.

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Oregon DMV offices ‘slammed’ as REAL ID deadline looms; customers urged to do other business online

KTVZ on April 23, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon DMV’s 58 statewide field offices are experiencing record-high volumes of traffic in advance of the REAL ID enforcement date, the agency said Wednesday, urging customers needing to conduct other business to do so online, by phone or email.

Starting next Wednesday, May 7, passengers 18 and older must show a state-issued REAL ID or a federally acceptable alternative, like a passport or military ID, at the Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint to board a commercial U.S. flight. 

“Many of our offices are slammed right now, and a significant number of all transactions are REAL ID,” said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce.

“May 7 is when enforcement begins, but if you don’t have a planned U.S. flight any time soon, consider waiting until your credential expires or use a passport if you have one. If you have a transaction other than REAL ID, there’s a good chance you can complete it online at DMV2U, at a DMV Express kiosk, by phone or by mail.” 

Wait times are shorter for everyone when more customers take advantage of out-of-office options. Below are common DMV transactions and ways to complete them outside of a DMV office:

Add emergency contacts to your driving record (mail, online).

Address change for businesses – on letterhead (mail).

Address change for individuals (phone, online).

Apply for or renew a hardship license (mail, online).

Ask DMV a question (phone, online).

Ask to have a title, registration, or driver’s license/ID resent if it hasn’t been received within an appropriate timeframe (phone). 

Check status of recently issued license/ID/permit (phone, online).

Determine REAL ID requirements (phone, online).

Online knowledge test for non-commercial and motorcycle – links to third party site (online).

Pay reinstatement fee (mail, online).

Pay remaining balance for incorrect title fees – if DMV has all other requirements (mail, online).

Purchase and print a driving record (online).

Purchase annual sno-park permit – will be mailed (mail, online).

Purchase trip permit – will be mailed (mail, online).

Renew or replace a credential through the Valid with Previous Photo Process – eligibility required (mail).

Renew or replace an existing credential – eligibility required (online).

Renew vehicle registration (kiosk, mail, online).

Replace registration card, year stickers or license plates (mail, online).

Report a collision (mail, online).

Reprint a receipt from an online transaction (online).

Request a driving record or other DMV records (mail).

Request a hearing or administrative review (mail, online).

Request no-fee month registration stickers (phone, online).

Schedule an appointment – including rescheduling and canceling (phone, online).

Start a title pre-application including calculating transaction fees (online).

Submit a dealer or dismantler complaint (mail, online).

Submit a notice of vehicle sale (phone, online).

Transfer a title and obtain registration for the first time (mail).

Verify status of license, valid or suspended, or if ignition interlock is needed (phone, online).

Recommendations for people needing a REAL ID in the immediate future

Oregon DMV has added a significant number of REAL ID appointments to help people looking to update their credentials and has hired several REAL ID temps at different field offices. Staff from Salem headquarters continue to voluntarily deploy to offices to help with tasks. Still, customers may experience longer lines and wait times than normal. Oregon DMV recommends people make sure they’re bringing the correct documents to avoid a return trip.

“The most common mistake we see with REAL ID is people not bringing in the correct documents, including one proof of identity and two proofs of your home address from two different sources,” said Joyce. “You also need to provide proof of lawful U.S. status and know your Social Security number or provide proof you are not eligible for one. We strongly encourage people to use our documents guide in advance to help them create a checklist of the right documents to bring.”

Finally, build in three weeks to your travel schedule. That’s how long it can take for your REAL ID to arrive in the mail following your visit, and TSA will not accept the temporary paper ID you receive at DMV.

Since Oregon’s REAL ID option became available in July 2020, about 37% of the state’s 3.7 million credential holders have upgraded to a REAL ID, while 46% have chosen a standard “Not for REAL ID Purposes” credential. The REAL ID option costs $30 in addition to regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card.

For more information, visit Oregon.gov/REALID.

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Law enforcement captures armed suspect without injury following late-night attempted robbery

KIFI on April 23, 2025

Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – A California man is now in custody after allegedly attempting to rob a shop in Shelley and firing multiple shots at responding officers, according to the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was resolved without injury to law enforcement, the suspect, or area residents.

27-year-old Luke Thomas Herzberger of California has been charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Enhancement.

According to a press release from the Bingham County Sheriff, Jeff Gardner, dispatch received a call at around 1 AM of a possible burglary in progress at a shop near 1150 E and 1300 N. The caller reported seeing a man who had run off and also told dispatch they had heard gunshots shortly after.

Upon their arrival, responding deputies and officers with the Shelly Police Department heard multiple gunshots and a bullet struck a police vehicle, according to the release.

“Due to darkness, multiple visual obstructions, and a unique landscape affecting sound travel in the area, it was unknown where the shots were coming from,” says the Sheriff’s Office.

At this point, multiple agencies, including the Idaho State Police, Blackfoot Police, and Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, responded to assist in ensuring the safety of nearby residents and locating the suspected shooter, who was still intermittently shooting, according to law enforcement.

Bonneville County SWAT and the Eastern Idaho STAR Team’s Bearcat were mobilized. A thermal drone was deployed in an attempt to locate the suspect, later identified as 27-year-old Herzberger, who was moving on foot through fields and continued to shoot intermittently, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Law Enforcement located Herzberger behind a small silo near a home on 1300 N, where they say he fled on foot and was intercepted and taken into custody in a front yard on 1150 E. According to the release, the 27-year-old was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and a pistol at the time of his arrest.

The investigation is still pending, but Law Enforcement assures the community this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Herzberger was reportedly staying with relatives in the area leading up to the incident. He has been booked into the Bingham County Jail.

“We give our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all of the surrounding agencies for being willing to help. Shots were ringing out with a suspect at large that was unable to be seen, and the heroes of the night stayed in the fight. They tactically advanced TOWARDS the sound of gunfire and brought the situation to a peaceful resolution. We could not be more proud and thankful for the outcome,” said Sheriff Gardner in the release.

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Valley residents react as FDA moves to phase out artificial food dyes

KESQ on April 23, 2025

Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Check the nutrition label! Your favorite foods likely contain artificial food dyes, which are set to be phased out by the end of next year.

The Food and Drug Administration moved Tuesday to phase out artificial, petroleum-based food dyes, like Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 5.

These colorings are frequently added to snacks, drinks, and more.

According to Environmental Working Group, or EWG, sodas are the most common way artificial dyes are consumed. More than 36,000 foods sold in the United States contain Red 40, which is the most used dye in foods.

Testing in animals have shown a possible link between these artificial colorings and increased risk of cancer and tumors.

It was a mixed bag from valley shoppers when asked about their thoughts on the change. Some shoppers, like Palm Desert resident Richard Avila, wasn’t aware of the artificial dyes in his foods, though he doesn’t think the change will do much.

“It hasn’t hurt me yet, you know, and I’m 65 years old and I’m doing fine. I think, you know, I still like them,” Avila says.

Others, like Gavin Arrona, from Joshua Tree, admits that when he chooses his munchies, his eye isn’t on the ingredients list. “I’m not really looking at it like, this is this is bad for me. I see it, I’m like, that’s yellow, that’s lime. I like that flavor. I’m not thinking about what it’s going to do to me in ten years,” Arrona says.

As for alternatives, Arrona says, “But if they came out with, like, just plain ones, without color, yeah, I wouldn’t have a problem with that.”

I showed other shoppers, like Margaret Wallace of Palm Desert, different products that include artificial dyes like red 40 and yellow 5. Wallace was shocked when I revealed one of her favorite snacks was made using the dye.

“I’m going to give you something you might not expect,” I told Wallace.

“Don’t tell me.”

Revealing a jar of Mt. Olive Kosher Dill pickles, I started, “This jar of pickles—”

“It’s not just pickles, it’s my favorite pickle,” Wallace interrupted. “Yellow 5. My God. I had no idea. Uh oh, that’s going to change what I buy.”

The FDA’s decision phases out the dyes by 2026, though last year, California moved to remove them in public schools by 2027. The latest federal move pushes up the public school deadline in the state, but in the meantime, some shoppers say parents should pay special attention to the food they buy for their kids.

“I think parents in particular need to pay attention. My age, I don’t know if it’s it’s going to affect me as much, but I’m still gonna be careful what I buy for my family,” says Wallace, now in search of a new brand of pickles to enjoy.

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