Mid Oregon Credit Union celebrates brand new headquarters in Bend’s Old Mill

KTVZ on April 30, 2025

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)–  A ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday introduced Bend to Mid Oregon Credit Union‘s latest branch. The new three-story building is Mid Oregon Credit Union’s new headquarters in Bend’s Old Mill district.

As an homage to the history of the mill, this is a mass timber construction, rather than a steel building. The site of the new building was the location of the mill’s tool shed. Although it offers plenty of modern amenities, Mid Oregon Credit Union is very aware of its local roots.

Kevin Cole, CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union, told KTVZ News “That relationship dates all the way back to 1957, when eight teachers in Prineville decided to get together and create a credit union to help serve educators in the tri-county region. Since that time, we’ve grown to over 50,000 members. We are Central Oregon’s credit union. We are the only financial institution headquartered in this area, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

The first floor of the credit union includes all the features of all the other locations. Outside, there’s a drive-thru ATM and a drive-thru teller lane. The upper floors house offices for lenders and the wealth management department. All told, the 16,000 square foot building cost a little more than $9.5 million.

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‘Health Care For All Oregon’ hopes to bring the idea of universal health care to all Oregonians

KTVZ on April 30, 2025

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents gathered in a pub Tuesday night to talk about something that seems impossible for the average American: universal health care. Health Care for All Oregon is working to create legislation for free coverage for Oregonians.

Not only do members feel it’s possible, they think the stage is set for it to happen, specifically here in Oregon. That’s because Oregon’s state Constitution includes the right to affordable health care.

Nick Campbell from Health Care for All Oregon told KTVZ News, “We’re organizing now to make sure people are educated about this, know that it is real and it is possible, and you know that’s what Health Care for All Oregon is all about.

“We are doing this because it is very real here in Oregon, in a way that it is not in any other state in the nation. Oregon can lead the nation, make history, and be the first state in the country to accomplish this.”

Health Care for All Oregon expects there to be strong resistance to its efforts from the many people who benefit from privatized health care. The group will have more events locally and will try to get more people involved. For now, they’re pointing people to their website HCAO.org.

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Convicted Ventura County rapist denied parole Tuesday

KEYT on April 30, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Andrew Luster, a rapist from the Ventura County area who has been imprisoned since 2003, was denied parole Tuesday, according to the VC Star.

Luster’s earliest release for his crimes of drugging and raping women at a Ventura County beach home in 2003 will be Oct. 31, 2026, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitions.

Luster, an heir to the Max Factor Fortune, hoped for an earlier release, but KCLU Radio reported that the board denied his request.

Luster’s original sentence in prison was scheduled for 50 years, detailed the VC Star.

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Mike Ditoro named Chief Executive Officer for Desert Regional Medical Center

KESQ on April 30, 2025

Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Michael J. Ditoro, PharmD., has been named CEO for Desert Regional Medical Center.

Ditoro joined Desert Regional as Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer in 2022. Previously he served as CEO of Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois.

Michele Finney will remain Group CEO for Desert Care Network, the three-hospital system (Desert Regional Medical Center, Hi-Desert Medical Center, and JFK Memorial Hospital) operated by Tenet Healthcare.

Finney said, “Mike’s strong leadership, proven track record at Desert Regional, and unwavering commitment to excellence has been extremely valuable to our success.”

Finney continued that she will dedicate her time to strategic network priorities across the three hospitals and related outpatient centers, including seismic preparedness and systemwide growth. Ditoro said he is proud to continue advancing healthcare for the citizens of the greater Palm Springs region.

Ditoro added, “Over the past seven years, my family and I have fallen in love with the Coachella Valley and I am excited to help in the continued growth of our hospital and the community.”

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Stagecoach Music Festival 2025 arrests up 20% from last year

KESQ on April 30, 2025

Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Arrests were up for the 2025 Stagecoach Music Festival compared to last year, according to data released by the Indio Police Department on Tuesday.

There were 151 total arrests during the 3-day festival this year, marking an increase of 20% over the 124 arrests made in 2024 – and a much larger increase from 98 arrests in 2023. The leading cause of arrest this year was listed as “Other,” with 91 offenses, but details of that category were not elaborated on by police. After “other,” the leading cause of arrest was False Identification.

Police issued 86 handicap parking citations, up 3% from 83 citations in 2024.

Stagecoach Music Festival Arrests

2025
2024
2023
2022

Total Arrests
151
124
98
125

Drug/Alcohol/Intoxication
3
63
46
57

False Identification
54
49
49
64

Possession of Drug Crimes
3
6
0
0

Property Crimes
0
*
1
*

Other
91
6
2
4

Data courtesy of Indio Police Dept.

*: Information not provided by police.

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John Elway releases statement on agent’s death after La Quinta golf cart accident involving NFL legend; Witness shares details

KESQ on April 30, 2025

Jesus Reyes

Update 4/30/25

Jeff Sperbeck has died, according to the coroner’s office.

Sperbeck was pronounced dead Tuesday just after 1 a.m. at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

Elway was reportedly driving the golf cart at the time of the accident, witnesses told News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur.

Elway released a statement after Sperbeck’s death Wednesday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the passing of my close friend, business partner and agent Jeff Sperbeck. There are no words to truly express the profound sadness I feel with the sudden loss of someone who has meant so much to me. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to Jeff’s wife, Cori; his children Carly, Sam and Jackson; and everyone who knew and loved him. Jeff will be deeply missed for the loyalty, wisdom, friendship and love he brought into my life and the lives of so many others.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office told News Channel 3 that they launched an investigation into the accident on Monday.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Sperbeck and will take appropriate action based on the outcome,” reads an RSO press release.

Original Report 4/29/25

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent for NFL legend John Elway, is reportedly on life support after a golf cart accident involving the Hall of Fame quarterback at the Madison Club in La Quinta.

News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur spoke exclusively with a witness to the aftermath of the incident.

EXCLUSIVE: Eyewitness details events of golf cart accident over the weekend in La Quinta involving NFL legend John Elway and longtime agent/business partner Jeff Sperbeck who is in critical care at this time. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/iU17lX18Md

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) April 30, 2025

CAL FIRE confirmed its crews responded to a golf cart collision on Saturday at the 53200 block of Humboldt Boulevard.

“It was a reported fall from a golf cart and the patient was transported to a local area trauma center in unknown condition,” a CAL FIRE spokesperson told News Channel 3.

TMZ reports that Sperbeck was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he is being kept on life support.

“Although Jeff’s not clinically dead, we’re told doctors have informed his family there’s no hope he will recover … and he’s being kept on life support while docs prepare to harvest his organs for donation,” reads the TMZ report.

TMZ also reports, citing unnamed law enforcement sources, that Elway was on the golf cart during the accident. Elway immediately called 911. They are also reporting that Elway may have been the driver, but were unable to fully confirm it.

John Elway

We reached out to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for information on this incident, however, a spokesperson said the agency did not receive any calls for service in that area on Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed to News Channel 3 that they were made aware of the accident on Monday and have launched an investigation.

Sperbeck has represented over 100 NFL players throughout his 30-year career as a football agent and business advisor. He became John Elway’s manager in 1990.

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Fire reported at Central Columbia apartment building, multiple people examined for possible injuries

KMIZ on April 30, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo.  (KMIZ)

Firefighters responded on Tuesday night to Oak Towers Apartments in Columbia after a fire occurred at a third floor apartment.

Columbia Fire Capt. Wayne Cummins said at the scene the fire was contained to just one room on the third floor and it has been extinguished. Multiple people were treated at the scene for possible injuries related to smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and the fire marshal has been called.  

An ABC 17 News photographer saw smoke coming from a third-story apartment. The building is located in the 700 block of North Garth Avenue. The photographer saw seven Columbia Fire Department trucks and three ambulances on the scene.

East Sexton Road was closed off by first responders around 9:50 p.m., but was reopened at 10:26 p.m.

Boone County Joint Communications sent a notification at 10 p.m. stating a “fire incident” at the intersection of East Sexton Road and Garth Avenue was creating a traffic hazard.

Check back for updates.

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3 seriously injured in southern Boone County crash on Monday

KMIZ on April 30, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Three people – including a 9-year-old girl – were seriously injured Monday in a crash on Highway 63 at South Westbrook Drive in southern Boone County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

According to the report, a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado – driven by a 54-year-old Hartsburg man – was facing eastbound went the driver tried to cross both lanes of Highway 63 and hit a 2014 Toyota Prius that was heading northbound.

The Prius was driven by a 48-year-old Columbia man, the report says. The 9-year-old girl was a passenger in the Chevrolet, the report says. Everyone in the crash was wearing a seatbelt and all of them were brought to University Hospital by ambulance, the report says.

The report says both vehicles were totaled.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

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D60 votes against releasing Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy to get charter status

KRDO on April 30, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – At the Pueblo School District 60 board meeting on Monday night, the board voted 3-2 against releasing the K-12 academy to get charter status through the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI).

Back in January, the D60 school board made a decision not to renew its charter agreement with Chavez Huerta.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: D60 recommends to not renew charter contract for Chavez Huerta Prep Academy; leaders shocked

In the board meeting Monday night, members who voted not to release the academy said they did not want a charter within the boundaries of District 60 to not be under District 60 rule. 

The decision by District 60 puts Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy (CHPA) in a tough spot to regain that charter status for the next school year, but the executive director tells KRDO13 he still has hope. 

“These are all of our kids, and we’re trying to provide them with education, but sometimes the district just doesn’t have what these families are looking for. But they have that choice. They can come to our school and they can discover and they can learn and they can be part of this environment that really, again, promotes the Hispanic culture in the Hispanic way of living, versus what we’re looking at, where maybe some of the District 60 schools don’t have that,” said Chavez Huerta Preparatory Academy Executive Director, Fred Segura, “But what District 60’s decision was yesterday is they’re taking away that choice. They’re taking away that option for parents and forcing them to say no. Public school is the right way to do it, and this is the way you need to follow. And that’s just not right.”

Fred Segura says the cultural hub offered at Chavez Huerta can’t be found at any other District 60 school. 

“It’s that cultural essence. It’s that Hispanic upbringing and that Hispanic culture that we really promote and we really, our students just find so much comfort with,” explained Segura.

With a mariachi program and plans to create a Spanish and English immersion class, he says they’ll continue fighting. 

District 60 declined to comment Tuesday. 

The CHPA appeal is set to be heard by the Colorado Board of Education on May 15th. 

If the state does not overturn District 60’s decision, next school year, Chavez Huerta could open as a private school or a contracted school with D60’s permission.

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Packing up: Vehicles towed as homeless rush to move from China Hat Road under Forest Service order

KTVZ on April 30, 2025

Isabella Warren

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– After nearly five years, J. Smith is leaving China Hat Road. His van was towed away on Tuesday, in hopes of being repaired, as he looks for his next home.

“This is the face of a handicapped senior citizen with a clean record who deserves better than what he’s gotten from our public servants,” Smith told KTVZ News.

In just over 24 hours, hundreds of homeless people like Smith must be gone. The Forest Service is beginning work in the area just south of Bend for forest mitigation, called the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project.

Some advocates and residents sued the Forest Service in federal court this month in a bid to delay or stop the year-long closure, but a judge denied the plea Tuesday.

“What must be done has to be done,” Smith said while packing his van Tuesday. “But there are ways of doing things that are more efficient, and compassionate at the same time.”

Jennifer Noske is struggling to pick up what’s left of her home, due to her disability.

“I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis and spinal stenosis and myopathy. I have had no help. I don’t even know if I have much hope,” she said.

As the clock ticks to the midnight deadline Thursday, Noske says she worries fleeing might be the only option, if she’s not packed in time.

“The only thing you can control in your life is what’s around you, to a certain extent. When you lose that, it’s just, it’s kind of pretty unbearable and heartbreaking.”

KTVZ News will have live coverage of the closure on Thursday, beginning on our Sunrise newscasts.

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