Oregon Senate votes unanimously to repeal controversial wildfire hazard map

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to repeal the controversial statewide wildfire hazard map that sparked concern and criticism in recent months over its impacts.

Below are the full, unedited news releases as received by KTVZ News from Oregon Senate Democrats and Republicans on the 29-0 passage of Senate Bill 83, which now goes to the House for its consideration:

News release from Oregon Senate Democrats:

Broad-based Collaboration Will Replace Flawed Wildfire Maps to Protect Oregon Communities

Senate Bill 83 repeals hazard designations and gives local flexibility to adopt building codes

SALEM, OR – Oregon Senate Democrats today led repeal of the state’s official wildfire-hazard map, a document that did not correctly represent variation in individual property conditions and would have had consequences for land and building regulation. Senate Bill 83 eliminates the map and repeals the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,” said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland). “That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.”

Today’s measure directs state agencies to produce fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow or municipal governments can adopt and enforce locally. In revoking the fire hazard map, the committee also nullified requirements that sellers disclose a property’s classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow special construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings.

The legislation also:

Adds two members to the state Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, one from the firefighting field and one from the insurance industry

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to report on community smoke monitoring and response

Directs the Public Utility Commission to report on actions taken to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure.

Senate Bill 83 passed the Senate unanimously. It goes next to the House of Representatives.

News Release from Oregon Senate Republicans:

Oregon Senate Overturns Unfair and Ineffective Wildfire Regulations, Restoring Local Control to Rural Communities

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Senate today passed Senate Bill 83, which repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map created under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.

“Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.”

“I’m delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,” said Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). “Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today’s vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.”

“This has been years in the making. With today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762’s wildfire map,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.”

SB 83 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

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Spring surprise at the pump: Gas prices are still falling; Bend’s price drops another 7 cents a gallon

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon’s gas prices, including in Bend, are declining for the second week in a row at a time of year when prices normally rise, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

The major drivers are four-year lows for crude oil prices and lackluster demand for gas. However, crude prices are moving up again, so the unseasonal downward trend in gas prices may be ending soon. For the week, the national average for regular slips one cent to $3.17 a gallon. The Oregon average loses five cents to $3.93 a gallon.

“Crude oil prices are moving up from some of the lowest prices in four years. So far, 2025 has been fairly quiet at the pumps, as the stock markets and crude oil prices moved lower in response to economic uncertainties and the changing tariffs announced by the Trump administration. In addition, OPEC+ has increased oil production. All of these factors have put downward pressure on pump prices,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

To track the latest gas prices in your neighborhood, check KTVZ.COM’s Pump Patrol, fueled by GasBuddy, which reported a similar price drop in the past week.

The Oregon average began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.93. The highest price of the year so far is $4.01 on April 5. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.17. The highest price of the year so far is $3.27 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 11 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, down from 12 counties a week ago:

Clackamas $4.03

Clatsop $4.05

Columbia $4.13

Harney $4.10

Jackson $4.04

Josephine $4.08

Lake $4.05

Multnomah $4.11

Tillamook $4.03

Wallowa $4.05

Washington $4.08

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in this country is holding steady at 13.46 million barrels per day for the week ending April 11. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been in the upper $60s to mid-$70s for much of the last three months, but crude prices have dropped as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. The lowest closing price since September was $59.58 on April 8, which was the lowest closing price since April 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $65 today compared to $61 a week ago and $83 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023.

While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. The cartel has said it would boost production by 411,000 barrels a day in May.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 58% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 10% is refining, 16% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. increased slightly from 8.43 b/d last week to 8.46 b/d. for the week ending April 11, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.66 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 236.0 million barrels to 234.0. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day, compared to 8.9 million barrels daily the previous week.

Pump prices will likely continue to waffle, markets respond to economic developments.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 35 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. New Mexico (-9 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline. Colorado (+12 cents) has the biggest week-over-week jump in the nation. The average in Oklahoma is flat.

California ($4.83) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 11th week in a row. Hawaii ($4.51) is second, and Washington ($4.30) is third. These are the three states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 26 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 21 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.68) and Oklahoma ($2.72). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.15 this week, compared to $2.17 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 32 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is four cents more and the Oregon average is 20 cents more than a month ago. Alaska (+23 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the country. Wisconsin (-12 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. The average in South Dakota is flat.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 51 cents less and the Oregon average is 50 cents less than a year ago. Arizona (-77 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Colorado (+2/10ths of a cent) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 4/22/2025

1
California
$4.83

2
Hawaii
$4.51

3
Washington
$4.30

4
Oregon
$3.93

5
Nevada
$3.90

6
Alaska
$3.64

7
Illinois
$3.43

8
Pennsylvania
$3.36

9
Arizona
$3.36

10
Idaho
$3.34

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 11th week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is ninth. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the second week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week declines: Washington (-6 cents), California (-5 cents), Oregon (-5 cents), Nevada (-3 cents), Arizona (-2 cents), Hawaii (-1 cent), and Alaska (-1/2 cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast fell from 77.5% to 73.1% for the week ending April 11. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked down from 86.7% to 86.3%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 27.17 million bbl. to 27.48 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices rose last week, fell on Monday, and are higher today. Markets are higher today, but worries over tariffs and economic uncertainties remain. Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 442.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of last Thursday’s formal trading session, WTI added $2.21 to settle at $64.48. Markets were closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.60 to close at $63.08. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $61 a week ago. Crude prices are about $18 less than a year ago. ($82.85 on April 22, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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Simplot awarded for work cleaning up their adopted stretch of Highway 30

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) awarded JR Simplot Company the ‘Adopt-A-Highway Group of the Year Award for Southeast Idaho’ on Friday, in recognition of the company’s hard work keeping their stretch of adopted road clean.

In 2005, Simplot adopted a two-mile stretch of US Highway 30, and, since then, employee volunteers have picked up trash twice a year and average about 1,600 pounds of litter cleaned up annually.

According to ITD, the Adopt-A-Highway program saves the State about $750,000 annually on cleaning costs, and volunteers have picked up around 5.5 million pounds of trash around Idaho since the program launched 35 years ago.

For more information on the Adopt-A-Highway program, you can visit the Idaho Transportation Department website.

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Beware of stowaways: State Dept. of Agriculture urges boaters to watch for invasive species

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) warns people to watch for any invasive species that may be hitchhiking on watercraft this spring.

Cole Morrison, section manager of ISDA’s invasive species, noxious weeds, and grasshopper/Mormon crickets division, said aquatic invasive species are often brought in on boats coming into Idaho’s waters from out of state.

Morrison said even a handful of Quagga mussels, Zebra Mussels, Asian clams, or New Zealand mud snails can cause devastating problems for Idaho’s economy and ecosystem.

“They don’t have any natural predators or natural controls in the way of diseases that might suppress the population here, so they come in and they reproduce out of control,” said Morrison. “…And then even once these things die… they will still remain. Even though they’re dead, they’re still going to cause problems. That stops up water supply, and that’s a huge concern for Idaho agriculture, our partners at Idaho Power, [and] they have impacts on our ecosystem.”

Morrison said Quagga mussels pose a particular set of problems by filtering natural waterways and making them uninhabitable for native fish and plant life, and even causing algae blooms, which make water hazardous for humans and pets.

But the ISDA says simple boat maintenance, like pumping bilges and ballasts and inspecting fishing gear, can stop the spread of invasive species.

“If we make sure that all of our boats are clean, drained and dry, we’re going to do go a long way to make sure that none of these guys are moving around,” said Morrison.

The ISDA is manning boat check stations around Idaho to catch aquatic critters coming from out of state before they make it to Idaho waters. Boaters are required by law to stop at check stations, and ISDA agents will inspect and wash boats for free.

For more information on invasive species, boat check stations, and Idaho laws about watercraft inspections, you can visit the ISDA’s Invasive Species of Idaho website.

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NWMO Master Gardeners hold annual plant sale

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Northwest Missouri Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale, where shoppers can choose from a huge selections of different plants.

The sale will go from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 25 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the University of Missouri Extension office at 4125 Mitchell Ave.

All plants will be sold for $3 and shoppers can choose from a variety of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, herbs and more.

A full list of plants for sale can be found on the NWMO Master Gardeners Facebook page.

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Noyes Home hosting wooden planter workshop fundraiser

Ashley Luthans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Noyes Home for Children, in collaboration with the Saint Joseph Woodworkers Guild, is hosting a special fundraiser on May 10, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The Saturday morning woodworking class will culminate in the creation of a wooden planter, along with the addition of soil and flowers.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at 801 N. Noyes Blvd.

It is $30 per planter, with other materials and flowers included. In order to reserve a spot, visit noyeshome.org/donate (include the word “planter” in the description) or call 816-232-5650.

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Gov. Little issues executive order to safeguard Idaho’s federal forests

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little is taking steps to minimize wildfire risk through increased management of Idaho’s federal forests.

Tuesday, the governor issued a new executive order, the “Make Forests Healthy Again Act,” directing the Idaho Department of Lands to expand its partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to increase management activities and reduce fire risk in Idaho’s federally managed national forests.

“For too long, millions of acres of national forests in Idaho have remained totally untouched, creating a tinderbox of fuel that threatens communities, air quality, and the environment,” Governor Little said in a written statement highlighting the order. “The State of Idaho has led the country in standing up programs to help our federal partners increase the pace and scale of active management on federal ground.”

Governor Little’s action complements a March 1 executive order from President Donald Trump, aimed at revitalizing rural communities, cutting red tape to streamline timber production, and improving forest health.

According to a report by the National Interagency Fire Center, Idaho had more than 1,400 wildfires in 2024, burning nearly 1 million acres.

Under the Biden administration, there were only two small areas in national forests in Idaho where IDL could assist the federal government with expediting on-the-ground management activities, writes Governor Little’s office.

“The work we’ve done is making a difference. However, under the previous administration, we were limited in the extent we could help. That has changed under the Trump administration,” Governor Little said.

Little office says that with the Trump administration’s actions and the “Make Forests Healthy Again Act,” millions more acres of national forests could be authorized for treatment to reduce fire risk and improve forest health.

Trump administration officials have expressed support for Governor Little’s executive order.

“I commend Governor Little for acting quickly to fix our national forest emergency. Americans rely on Idaho’s productive and abundant forests, and this executive order will go a long way towards strengthening the timber industry in the state and minimizing harmful pests, disease, and risk of fire,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said

To track the progress on Idaho’s collaboration with the federal government, click HERE.

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More local reaction to Pope Francis’ passing and the future of the Catholic Church

Dillon Fuhrman

News 11’s Andrea Turisk spoke to local faith leaders about what qualities they believe the next Holy Father should bring to this role.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As Catholics around the world mourn the passing of Pope Francis, attention now turns to the future of the church.

In Yuma, the faithful are not only reflecting on his legacy, they’re also thinking ahead as both faith leaders say they hope the next pope follows in Francis’ footsteps, carrying forward his compassion, justice and humility.

“No matter what happens, God is in charge,” said Sister Janet Rose with Immaculate Conception Grade School.

At Immaculate Conception Church in Yuma, prayers for Pope Francis echo with gratitude and anticipation for what comes next.

“People loved him, and I believe they will try to imitate his principles and he has the principles of the Catholic Church,” Rose expressed.

For nearly a decade, Pope Francis challenged the church to go beyond its walls, emphasizing care for the poor, the environment and marginalized communities.

Rose says she hopes the next pope builds on that momentum saying, “I would like to see him have an interest in immigration. I would like to see him have an interest in world peace, work for the dignity of all human people.”

While the decision rests in Rome, the prayers and hopes are global.

“To become a new pope is a process lead by the Holy Spirit. Whoever is coming, he knows and we know that he needs to work for the people of God,” said Father Manuel Fragoso with Immaculate Conception Church.

Typically, it takes 15 to 20 days for a new pope to be chosen. Until then, Catholics in Yuma, and around the world, are watching, waiting and praying.

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Another person charged in alleged Columbia gun theft ring

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Another woman has been charged in connection with an alleged gun theft ring in Columbia.

Shannon Babich, of Columbia, was charged with stealing a gun and misdemeanor unlawful possession drug paraphernalia. A warrant was ordered and a $20,000 bond was set. She is not listed on the Boone County Jail roster.

Babich was allegedly at Thomas Abbey Jr.’s residence when Abbey was pulled over during a vehicle stop, the probable cause statement says. A SWAT team served a search warrant at the residence and found a handgun in a backpack along with a loaded syringe, court documents say. Abbey allegedly said the handgun was Babich’s, the statement says.

Babich’s phone was taken by law enforcement and data from it was downloaded for a search warrant, the statement says. Text messages allegedly indicated that Babich took the gun back from someone, court documents say. The gun was reported stolen from Boonville, court documents say.

Abbey is accused of buying a gun from Kayla Dugan, 37, of Columbia, and trading the gun with Ronald McIntire for a truck.

Dugan was indicted on Friday for two counts of unlawful gun possession, one count of stealing a gun and one count of drug possession. An arraignment was set for 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 23.

Dugan was arrested last month and 14 guns were found in her apartment – and several more found at Kiwanis Park – she allegedly described people who bought guns. Several of the guns were reported stolen from Macon.

Justin Shelton, 30, of Columbia, was charged with two counts of illegal gun possession and one count of stealing a gun. He is being held at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center. An initial court appearance in his case is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Friday, May 2.

Abbey, of Columbia, was charged with illegal gun possession, stealing a gun and drug possession. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday. He bonded out of jail earlier this month.

Gerald Bell, 44, of Centralia, was indicted by a grand jury on Friday on charges including illegal gun possession and stealing a gun. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Robert Ruble, 38, of Columbia, was charged with receiving stolen property, drug possession, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Thursday, May 22.

Tyrone Sabb, 49, of Columbia, was charged with receiving stolen property, four counts of illegal gun possession and two counts of armed criminal action. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

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Crook County High School wins 2024–25 Oregon coaches’ 4A All-Sports Award – their first such honor in 43 years

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County High School has been named the recipient of the 2024–25 Oregon Athletic Coaches Association’s 4A All-Sports Award, a prestigious honor recognizing the top-performing 4A high school in the state across all athletic seasons.

This award is based on combined state championship placements from spring, fall and winter sports, and highlights overall excellence in athletic achievement. This marks the first time Crook County has claimed an All-Sports Award since 1982. 

“This award is a credit to the coaching staff, teachers and the athletes at Crook County High School,” said Rob Bonner, Athletic Director. “Our athletic programs have been building strength over the past several years, and this recognition reflects the incredible effort and commitment of our entire community. I’m extremely proud of the support for the Cowboys and Cowgirls.” 

The OACA All-Sports Award represents a comprehensive measure of athletic success, acknowledging schools that not only compete at a high level but also demonstrate consistency, sportsmanship and teamwork across all programs. Crook County’s win reflects its broad participation and excellence in a variety of sports, from wrestling and volleyball to track and field, basketball, and more. 

“This recognition reflects the incredible collaboration and dedication that defines Crook County High School,” said Principal Jake Huffman. “It highlights the outstanding efforts of our students, staff and community to excel both academically and athletically while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship.” 

Crook County High School’s success in 2024–25 exemplifies the district’s commitment to developing well-rounded students who thrive in both academics and athletics. The All-Sports Award is a celebration of that mission—and a reflection of a school culture built on perseverance, excellence, and community spirit. 

For more information about the OACA All-Sports Award, visit https://oregoncoach.org/oaca-all-sports-winners/.

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