Free camping, day-use parking and activities on State Parks Day, coming up on Saturday, June 7

KTVZ on May 17, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Every year, Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.

“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many state parks.

Park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck or sand to re-open camp loops. Now parks are ready to welcome visitors for State Parks Day and the busier season.

State Parks Day Events

The Cove Palisades will host a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival of the Land, includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting zoo, educational displays, mini farmers market and more.

https://omsi.edu/whats-on/“>L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/

Carl G. Washburne will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.

Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash.  

Tryon Creek State Natural Area invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system and attend a guided hike.

Prineville Reservoir will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.

Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.

Collier: will offer a guided tour through Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon so visitors can learn about old logging camps and what machines they used to make life easier.

Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.

Harris Beach we have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from ranger or host at Alred Loeb.

For a list of events, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or visit first-come-first served sites: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=reserve.first-come

About State Parks Day

State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. It’s one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.

About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The mission of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department manages 254 Oregon State Parks comprising more than 100,000 acres. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov.

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Sedalia man accused of shooting into home while aiming at driver he followed

KMIZ on May 17, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Sedalia man was charged with several felonies after he allegedly shot into a home while trying to shoot a man who was driving.

Jubyris Jordan, 30, was charged with first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, illegal gun possession, misdemeanor illegally shooting a gun and misdemeanor second-degree property damage. An arraignment was held on Friday.

The probable cause statement says that Jordan got into an argument with the victim at an apartment building and hit the victim’s truck with a pole as he drove away. Witnesses heard yelling before seeing Jordan hit the truck with a pole, the statement says.

The man then noticed Jordan driving behind him on West Broadway Boulevard in Sedalia, the statement says. Jordan allegedly followed him for several blocks before firing two or three shots, the statement says.

Two bullets hit a nearby house occupied by a family, with one going through the wall of the home and into the living room, the statement says.

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A look at Colorado Springs’ surprising fluoride history as some states remove it from water

KRDO on May 17, 2025

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Florida’s governor signed a bill this week to make his state, along with Utah, the second state to ban adding fluoride to the water supply. The passage comes as US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr calls the mineral “industrial waste”.

At a news conference Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis said, “Yes, use fluoride for your teeth, that’s fine, but forcing it in the water supply is basically forced medication on people. They don’t have a choice, you’re taking that away from them.”

But did you know the effects of fluoride on teeth were first discovered in Colorado Springs by Dr. Frederick McKay.

Director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Matt Mayberry said it was Dr. Fredrick McKay who first looked into the brown stains.

“Many of the children that [Dr. Fredrick McKay] treated here had brown staining on their teeth,” he said.

Mayberry added that Dr. McKay then looked past the brown stains, and noticed the children he treated had far fewer cavities than children in Boulder.

After decades of work by Dr. McKay and others, municipalities started adding fluoride to the water to prevent cavities.

“They began to dial in what is the proper amount of fluoride that can be used by humans that can not cause the brown staining, but prevent cavities,” Mayberry said.

So what would happen if other states start following in the footsteps of Florida and Utah and remove fluoride from the water supply?

KRDO13 asked a local dentist, Dr. Nora Balota, what the impacts could be for the larger state populations that no longer have fluoride in their water.

“I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen, and I don’t think anybody really does. I think the most impact will [be] the access to care. Can you go to your dentist?” Dr. Balota asked.

Dr. Balota says fluoride is helpful in protecting your teeth, but agrees that too much can be a problem. She believes basic hygiene is likely the best way to prevent cavities.

“If I only brush your teeth once in six months, we’re in big trouble,” she said.

Another medical expert, Dr. Helen Yang Meyer, who practices at the Colorado Endodontic Group and sits on the board of the Colorado Springs Dental Society, disagrees with the decision to remove fluoride from drinking water.

“It’s a shame that some people in Utah and Florida have taken the benefits of community water fluoridation for granted and chosen to remove its protection,” she said.

Yang Meyer added that those most impacted will be the elderly and youth populations.

The Colorado Department of Public Health says drinking optimally fluoridated water prevents approximately 25 percent of cavities.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters holds grand opening for new Bend campus

KTVZ on May 17, 2025

Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon has a new place to call home.

The nonprofit organization has moved into the new J Bar J Community Campus, located in northeast Bend on Silvis Road.

“We thank J Bar J Youth Services because they’re the reason that we’re out here. They are our biggest supporter. We’re under their umbrella, and they, we collaborate with them with everything,” said BBBS program director Jen Davis.

Today, the organization celebrated its grand opening, offering attendees a chance to tour the new 20-acre facility.

“It’s going to be a place where our bigs and littles can come and spend time together. They can cook and bake together or do arts and crafts. We’re starting a tutoring program as well,” said Davis.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

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Bicycle hit-and-run suspects appear in court

KYMA on May 17, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 24-year-old Israel Preciado and 20-year-old Yancy Antonio both appeared in court for the second time this week.

The suspects are accused of being involved in the hit and run that left 48-year-old Eric Martinez hospitalized.

Preciado is facing two counts of tampering with physical evidence and obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions.

Meanwhile, Antonio is facing five counts which include aggravated assault alleging using a dangerous weapon or vehicle.

Eric’s family says they are grateful that the suspects have been caught.

“Mostly happy for Eric that these two people that have been caught and arrested…you know that the Yuma Police Department has done a very good job of getting those people, and I hope they get punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Eric’s stepfather Larry Munoz.

Antonio and Preciado are both set to appear in court again next Friday.

Meanwhile, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) would like to thank the community for its help and shares how you can help in investigations like this one.

“It’s really important for the community that if you do have any surveillance camera to ensure that it is properly recording and in working order. Anyone who has any dash cam video you know for any hit and runs we really appreciate if they contact us,” says Public Information Officer Christina Fernandez with YPD.

As far as Eric’s condition, he is expected to be released from the hospital Saturday morning.

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Shooting suspect makes second court appearence

KYMA on May 17, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 33-year-old Abel Melano appeared in front of a judge for the second time after surrendering and being taken into custody earlier this week.

He is facing three counts, which include attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, and burglary in the first degree.

“Through the hard work of our detectives and our officers on Wednesday, May 14th, we were able to locate 33-year-old Abel Melano Casillas who was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center,” said Yuma Police Department Public Information Officer Christina Fernandez.

Melano is facing a $1,000,000 cash bond and is set to appear back in court on May 23.

Meanwhile, a second suspect involved in the case, was taken into custody on Thursday.

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Community gets first look at plans for new Bend Senior High School auditorium

KTVZ on May 17, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Senior High School hosted an open house Thursday evening to show the early designs for the new auditorium, replacing the facility that was demolished last year due to structural issues.

 The new plans include ways to showcase more Bend High spirit. Including its wall of notable alumni.

The new auditorium will also feature balcony seating, but one thing that’s not changing is the number of seats available. Despite the two-story design allowing for more seats, the school’s going to keep the same capacity and spread people out a little.

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Sundance Meadows Ranch hosts ‘Antique and Artisan Market’ to showcase local vendors

KTVZ on May 17, 2025

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Antique and Artisan Market is being held at Sundance Meadows Ranch in southeast Bend. Local artists, antique vendors, and even young entrepreneurs are showcasing their finds and talents.

It’s a family-run event put on by two sisters — they even received a little help from their granddaughters and 93-year old mother.

Event organizer Terri Burton said, “We’re doing the Bend Antique and Artisan Show, which is to highlight our local artists and some antique dealers from the area. We have just a variety of things. We’re trying to highlight local people.”

Two of the local vendors are teenage entrepreneurs — and also, sisters. Their mother spoke about the opportunity to share their work with the community.

“The joy of these events is often all the people that you meet, and so it’s really fun when the community comes out and enjoys old and new alongside each other,” Jamie Wallace said of her daughters’ bakery and artwork businesses.

Representatives from Sundance Meadows are on-site to answer questions about their facilities as well. Though their 900-acre ranch has been in existence since the 1970s, many locals are unaware they have family-friendly recreation activities, lodging, and even an RV park.

The event runs both Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s being held in the recreation hall of Sundance Meadows Ranch, located at 60335 Arnold Market Road.

Admission to the market is free; however, if you’d like to make a donation, it’s accepting canned goods for The Giving Plate’s food bank throughout the event.

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Down Syndrome International Film Festival underway in Cathedral City

KESQ on May 17, 2025

Allie Anthony

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The third annual Down Syndrome International Film Festival is underway now through May 18th at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City

Founded by Steven Roche and Paul Belsito, the festival was inspired by their nephew Ryan and his unforgettable encounter with actress Jamie Brewer, who also has Down syndrome. That moment sparked the idea for a space that celebrates the talent and stories of actors and filmmakers with Down syndrome.

This year’s festival features a vibrant lineup of feature films, short films, music videos, and award-winning public service announcements.

Actor Zack Gottsagen, best known for The Peanut Butter Falcon and for making history as the first person with Down syndrome to present at the Oscars, will deliver the keynote address. Gottsagen also stars in the festival’s opening night film, God Save the Queens.

He’ll be joined by Jamie Brewer (American Horror Story) and John Tucker (Born This Way) for a special signing of Down Syndrome Out Loud, a new anthology highlighting voices from the Down syndrome community.

The festival continues through Saturday, offering inspiring stories and a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion in the arts.

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Bend City Council holds emergency meeting, authorizes joining lawsuits to challenge federal funding cuts

KTVZ on May 16, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend city councilors held an emergency meeting Friday afternoon, mostly in closed-door executive session, then voted 6-0 to have staff “take all steps necessary,” including joining in legal action, to challenge cuts in crucial federal grants.

The city council called the executive session under the condition outlined by Oregon Revised Statute 192.660 (2)(h), “to consult with legal counsel concerning current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.”

After that session, which lasted about 25 minutes, the council reconvened in public and approved without further discussion the following motion, made by Mayor Melanie Kebler, on a 6-0 vote (Councilor Ariel Mendez was absent):

“The City has been awarded federal funding for critical City projects. As the public is aware, there is uncertainty in the federal government around grants for public agencies. Things are moving quickly. The City now wishes to take steps to protect its interests. 

“Therefore, I move to authorize the City Manager and the City Attorney to take all steps they deem necessary, including joining litigation to protect the city’s interests in federal grant funding and to update Council in future executive sessions as necessary.” 

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