Humane Society of Central Oregon has some safety tips to share with Bend Pet Parade participants

KTVZ on July 3, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While tradition calls for fun at the 4th of July Pet Parade, precautions are necessary for pets and people. The Humane Society of Central Oregon wants pets participating in the parade to remain healthy and safe.

Here’s what they shared with us Thursday:

Bring plenty of water and a pet bowl to the pet parade, whether as a participant or a spectator on the curb with your dog. Be willing to adapt your parade plans.

Safety considerations include leaving your pet in a cool home and bringing a stuffed animal instead. Other options include using a stroller or wagon to pull your pet.

Leave the parade route if your pet demonstrates intolerance towards the heat. Watch for excessive panting, seeking shade, dancing on the hot asphalt, or lying down.

“We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, but there are heat concerns when our pets are outdoors,” said Crystal Bloodworth, DVM, of the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

“Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, as they do not sweat. This isn’t always enough, however, as cool water and shade can help. Paying attention to your pet while outdoors in the heat is critical to ensuring a fun day for everyone,” said Dr. Bloodworth.

Senior, obese, short-muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are discouraged in extreme heat.  Another concern in high temperatures is hot asphalt, which can cause damage to paw pads.

Tips for keeping your pet comfortable at the Pet Parade include:

•          Before and after the parade, find a cool, shaded place to rest.

•          Do not arrive too early: staging begins at 8:30 am; the parade starts at 9:30 am.

•          Bring plenty of cool water for you and your pet. Water will be available at the parade staging area and HSCO will provide water en route – look for the orange flags at street intersections.

•          Utilize dog cooling vests, dog booties, misting or wetting your dog down.

•          Allow dogs to cool off in the water pools at the staging area and finish.

•          Get creative and place your pet in a shaded, decorated stroller or wagon to keep them off of the hot asphalt.

•          Watch for signs of your pet’s paw pads overheating or soreness – picking up paws, seeking shade and avoiding walking by sitting or lying down.

•          Do not leave your pet in the car, not even for a few minutes.

•          Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; whining or signs of agitation; decreased responsiveness; glassy eyes; increased pulse/ heartbeat; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.

•          If your pet shows heat-related symptoms, immediately go to a shaded area or a dog-friendly business that may let your dog cool in the air-conditioned store so you can assess your pet’s condition.

•          If you think your pet will be challenged by warm temperatures, BPRD and the Humane Society of Central Oregon encourage you to leave your pet at home.

Should you need any emergency veterinary services over the holiday weekend, there are two emergency animal clinics in Bend, Bend Animal Emergency Center and Specialty Center (541 385-9110) and Veterinary Referral Center Urgent Care (541 209-6960) or call your veterinarian.

For additional information on the Pet Parade, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

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About the Humane Society of Central Oregon:

Founded in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is a full-service animal shelter located at 61170 SE 27th Street, Bend, OR. As a Socially Conscious Shelter, HSCO is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all animals under its care. In the past year, HSCO found homes for more than 2,200 animals and reunited 659 pets with their families. Our community outreach includes accessible veterinary care and the HOPE pet food bank, which support the needs of pet owners in Central Oregon. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information, visit hsco.org or call 541-382-3537.

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Maintenance scheduled for 36 Columbia streets next week

KMIZ on July 3, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Maintenance on nearly 40 Columbia streets is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Crews will begin chip seal pavement maintenance on streets from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday for the rest of the month until it is complete, according to a Thursday press release from the City of Columbia.

‘No Parking’ signs will be placed at least 24 hours in advance along streets scheduled for maintenance. Drivers are asked to avoid parking on these streets during the dates and times listed on the signs.

The release says that the streets that will get maintenance include:

Defoe Drive from Faurot Drive to Scott Boulevard

Brewer Drive from Defoe Drive to West Rollins Road

Summit Road from Walther Court to South Fairview Road

Laurel Drive from Summit Road to South Fairview Road

West Gillespie Bridge Road from Chapel Hill Road to Scott Boulevard

Oak Cliff Drive from Chapel Hill Road to the south end of the street

Katy Lane from Forum Boulevard to Limerick Lane

Misty Glen from Katy Lane to Valley Vista Drive

Westwinds Drive from West Boulevard South to the west end of the street

Prairie Lane from North Creasy Springs Road to concrete section near West Prairieview Drive

West Prairieview Drive from North Creasy Springs Road to Prairie Lane

Blue Ridge Road from North Garth Avenue to Piranha Court

Grace Ellen Drive from Oakland Gravel Road to Oakland Gravel Road

Parker Street from Vandiver Drive to the north end of the street

Lovejoy Lane from Deer Run Court to Grace Ellen Drive

Lovejoy Lane from Blue Ridge Road to Deer Run Drive

Whitegate Drive from Paris Road to Sylvan Lane

Hathman Place from Paris Road to Business Loop 70 East

Topsail Drive from Parker Street to Grand Banks Drive

Burlington Street from Heriford Road to Vandiver Drive

Sylvan Lane from Vandiver Drive to Clark Lane

Towne Drive from Whitegate Drive to Clark Lane

Calvert Drive from Nelwood Drive to the end of the street

Thompson Road from North Wyatt Lane to Creve Coeur Drive

Thornwood Drive from Thompson Road to Beechwood Drive

Beechwood Drive from Thornwood Drive to Thompson Road

Nelwood Drive from Paris Road to Quail Drive

Spring Cress Drive from Mexico Gravel Road to Pineland Drive

Fern Flower Court from Spring Cress Drive to the end of the street

Royal Aberdeen Street from Glen Eagle Drive to Killarney Drive

Killarney Drive from Royal Aberdeen Street to the east end of the street

Stonehaven Road from Highlands Parkway to the end of the street

Highlands Parkway from Highlands Court to Glencairn Drive

Stirling Court from Highlands Parkway to the end of the street

Glencairn Court from Glencairn Drive to the end of the street

Sheffield Court from Forum Boulevard to the end of the street

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Sidewalk, parking lane closure announced for downtown Columbia street next week  

KMIZ on July 3, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Landscaping work at Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Columbia next week will require a sidewalk and a parking lane to be closed, according to a Thursday press release from the city.

The release says that crews will close a portion of the sidewalk on Locust Street – between Eighth and Ninth streets – beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Five metered parking spaces on the north side of the street will also not be accessible, the release says.

Work is expected to be completed by 7 p.m. Friday, July 11.

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Idaho Cleanup Project completes spent nuclear fuel project

KIFI on July 3, 2025

News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Environmental Coalition:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) crews recently completed a significant achievement by successfully transferring 40 spent nuclear fuel baskets into safer, long term storage vaults.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC) finished the final transfer — moving spent nuclear fuel from older, first-generation vaults to new, second-generation vaults — several months ahead of schedule.

Former IEC Senior Project Director Ken Brewer, who retired late last month, attributed this achievement to the project’s highly skilled and experienced workforce. He also noted the team’s ability to work efficiently and at a well-managed pace, helping ensure worker safety.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for completing this project. Their professionalism, technical skill and relentless commitment to safety made all the difference,” Brewer said. “By completing these transfers, they have fulfilled a vital commitment to the DOE and add to a legacy of stewardship that Idahoans can be proud of.”

The baskets contain spent nuclear fuel from the Peach Bottom Atomic Station, Unit 1, which was shipped to the Idaho National Laboratory Site from Pennsylvania following the station’s closure in 1974.

The Peach Bottom transfer project was Brewer’s final endeavor at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC). He worked there for 40 years before retiring and was involved in the Peach Bottom transfer project from its inception.

“The completion of this project continues to demonstrate the Department’s commitment to the state of Idaho and our ability to be a leader in President Trump and Secretary Wright’s mission to reinvigorate the nuclear industrial base,” ICP acting Manager Nicholas Balsmeier said. “Mr. Brewer completed his career at INTEC, leaving behind a culture focused on safety and progress that will continue well beyond his retirement.”

EM initiated the transfers in 2021 after routine monitoring of the fuel revealed elevated hydrogen levels in the first-generation vaults, raising concerns about potential corrosion to the fuel baskets.

The second-generation vaults mitigate that risk through engineered improvements, including sumps that purge water and a support rod-and-plate system that reinforces the fuel baskets. The result is a more stable and controlled long term storage configuration that enhances safety.

The Peach Bottom fuel will remain in dry storage until it is packaged and shipped from Idaho for permanent disposal.

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Fly traps and infrequent cleaning lead to failing score at Juicy Seafood

KRDO on July 3, 2025

Bart Bedsole

LOW SCORES

One of the most visible restaurants in Colorado Springs failed its health inspection last week. 

The Juicy Seafood, located at the corner of I-25 and Garden of the Gods, is among a handful of Colorado Springs restaurants that offer a full seafood menu that includes everything from crawfish to live lobster. 

However, it racked up 12 violations on June 23, leading to a failing score that required a re-inspection by the health department. 

Among the violations: 

Employees changing gloves but not washing hands when switching tasks 

Raw shrimp were found stored above cooked sausage in the cooler 

The restaurant wasn’t cleaning and sanitizing utensils and food contact surfaces at least every 4 hours 

The restaurant was using unapproved ribbon glue fly traps in multiple locations 

When KRDO13 went to The Juicy Seafood, a host explained that no manager was available to discuss the violations or the actions taken to address them. 

KRDO13 left contact information for a response, but no one from The Juicy Seafood ever reached out. 

The restaurant did pass its re-inspection on July 1. 

The La Casita on Woodmen near Rangewood also failed its health inspection last week. 

The 8 violations found on June 24 include:

The restaurant only has one certified food protection manager, and that person wasn’t there 

Multiple containers of vegetables, rice, and potatoes were missing dates to show when they were made 

The staff was using an improper method to thaw out frozen meat 

There was no hot water at the handwashing sink, plus it was leaking 

The area manager told KRDO13 days later that they had already addressed most of the violations by educating the staff on the proper procedures. 

He added that he prefers to have workers take in-person food safety courses, rather than online courses, in order to become certified food safety managers. 

However, he claims it is difficult to find an in-person course in Spanish, which is needed for most of his staff. 

La Casita has yet to be reinspected. 

Other restaurants that failed their inspection last week: 

AI Sushi & Grill – 3215 Cinema Point  

Thai Taste Cuisine – 5069 N Academy 

Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza – 5214 N Nevada 

HIGH SCORES

Sasquatch Cookies – 7636 Dublin Blvd 

Marco’s Pizza – 9420 Briar Village Point 

Wingstop – 4294 N Academy 

Springs Wings – 6504 S Academy 

Located just a few blocks from Fort Carson, Springs Wings has become a staple of south Colorado Springs, serving up wings in a variety of flavors, as well as unique sides or something lighter like a curry chicken salad.

Owner Jessica Gray describes herself as a “military brat” growing up, moving constantly from place to place, and she includes several items on the menu, like fried okra, macaroni salad, or sweet tea, to help some of the local soldiers feel a bit more at home. 

“Everyone who’s moving like that and traveling, it’s hard to find that sense of home, and being able to offer them a place where they find that, I think, is really important.  We purposefully have things on our menu that reflect other parts of the country,” she said. 

When the inspector stopped by in June for the regular inspection, Jessica was actually out of town. 

She admits that as an owner, it’s easy to be “paranoid” about how the operation is running in her absence, but she had high praise for the staff members who stepped up in her place to keep the kitchen in line. 

“We have a staff that cares about what they’re doing and what they’re serving, and I think that makes a giant difference, being proud of what you’re doing,” she said. 

Keep an eye out for the KRDO13 Restaurant Roundup awards to know the kitchen inside is clean. 

Click here for a full list of recent inspection scores. 

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Local reactions to “Big Beautiful Bill” passage

News-Press NOW on July 3, 2025

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” by the U.S. House of Representatives has been met with mixed reactions nationally and locally.

In St. Joseph, about a dozen people interviewed for their initial reactions a few hours after the bill passed echoed both the praises and concerns expressed by members of the House of Representatives in their debates about the financial package.

One St. Joseph resident, who did not want to share her name, a Medicare recipient, said she is concerned about cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.

“My mother is also on Medicaid, and she is in her eighties,” she said. “I don’t think we could get by without it.”

Lynn, who did not share her last name, is a retired nurse in St. Joseph, said she is glad the bill passed and does not share the concerns about cuts to Medicaid.

“They were scaring people about Medicaid and everything,” Lynn said. “I’m a retired nurse, and I believe we need to get those who can work off of Medicaid.”

Nyls Ferguson said he supports the bill because he believes there will be benefits for senior adults and many working Americans.

“I think the fact that it doesn’t tax social security is great,” Ferguson said. “Also, removing tax for those who work overtime is good, because many have to work overtime just to get by, and that will relieve some of their burden.”

All local U.S. Representatives, as well as Senators from Missouri and Kansas, voted to support the bill, which will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

The final version of the bill passed the House by a margin of 218-214.

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Local coalitions prepare for back-to-school mental health readiness

KYMA on July 3, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Anti Drug Coalition (YCADC) and Yuma County Mental Health Coalition (YCMHC) are helping to support mental health, prevent overdose, and raise suicide awareness in Yuma County.

They have a three-month campaign from July through September. This month they are focusing on back to school mental health readiness.

Families can go on their website, social media pages, and podcast to find weekly videos and informational posts on how to prepare their kids for a successful school year.

“It’s really exciting, you know, to start school again but kind of nervous for the kids. And I just think having this awareness, giving this information to the families to have those conversations will make it a lot easier and just prepare your kids in a different way for back to school,” said Joanne Fiser, Executive Director of the Yuma County Anti Drug Coalition.

Their campaign podcast also launches Thursday July 3. The campaign will continue with a focus on overdose awareness in August and suicide prevention month in September

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Last day for public comment input on proposed border wall construction in New Mexico

KVIA on July 3, 2025

Heriberto Perez

SANTA TERESA, New Mexico (KVIA) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is seeking public comments on a proposed 1.32-mile construction of a new border barrier in Doña Ana County along Mt. Cristo Rey’s southside.

According to CBP, the project involves the construction and maintenance of approximately 1.32 miles of new border barrier in the Sunland Park area, south of Mount Cristo Rey in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

The El Paso Sector will also include two other projects in Doña Ana County:

El Paso Sector Santa Teresa Secondary Wall Project (~7 miles), east of the Jerónimo – Santa Teresa Port of Entry.

El Paso Sector 16-4 Wall Project Anapra (~1.3 miles), along Mount Cristo Rey.

El Paso Sector 2 Wall Project & Port of Entry (POE) Gate (~0.2 mile & ~40 feet).

“Together, these projects will close critical gaps in the border wall and enhance border security operations in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso, Tucson, and Yuma Sectors. The waivers were issued pursuant to Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996,” CBP officials said in a statement.

CBP will stop accepting comments today. Interested parties can email their comments to CBP at ElPasoComments@cbp.dhs.gov.

You have to include “El Paso Sector Border Barrier Construction” in the subject of your email. Comments received in response to this letter, including names and addresses of those who comment, will become part of the public record.

Comments may also be submitted to CBP by calling (833) 412-2056 or by mailing the followingaddress:

U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionU.S. Border Patrol HeadquartersProgram Management Office Directorate1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039Washington, DC 20229-1100ATTN: Michelle Barnes

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Problem Solvers: Prineville car salesman accused of scamming 13 customers facing 35 ID theft, forgery, other charges

KTVZ on July 3, 2025

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The owner of a Prineville car dealership, the focus of recent KTVZ Problem Solvers reports for allegedly scamming clients while selling their vehicles, has been arrested on 35 counts of aggravated ID theft, forgery and illegal consignment practices. 

Michael Dwayne Smetzer Jr., 37, of Prineville, entered not guilty pleas to all of the felony and misdemeanor charges through his attorney during his arraignment Thursday before Crook County Circuit Judge Wade Whiting. Smetzer, who was arrested Wednesday by Crook County sheriff’s deputies, appeared by video from jail. 

In a three-part Problem Solvers report late last year, KTVZ’s Matthew Draxton spoke with several of Smetzer’s customers about their experiences with the business, saying they did not receive the money for the vehicles months later. One said Smetzer told him the issues were with the finance company and were out of his hands. 

Deputy District Attorney Paxton Deuel said at Thursday’s hearing that the alleged crimes occurred over a two-year period, during which Smetzer sold cars but failed to pay his victims, and “forged titles and bill of sales. Right now, there’s 13 alleged victims stemming from his actions over two years.” 

The judge told Smetzer that each of the Class B felonies carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the Class C charges could bring five-year prison terms and a $125,000 fine. You can read the full indictment below this article. 

Whiting asked the prosecutor if they had calculated the total alleged losses. Deuel said each of the aggravated thefts involved sums of $15,000 to $20,000, so it totals “well over $100,000.” 

It also came to light during the court proceeding, as Smetzer asked for a court-appointed attorney, that he is in arrears for $62,000 in unpaid child support. 

Defense attorney A Vada Camacho asked the judge that Smetzer be granted conditional release, since he apparently has no criminal history.  

But Whiting said he had reviewed the indictment, and due to “the severity and number of charges,” set his bail at $50,000. If Smetzer is able to post 10 percent and gain release, the judge ordered that he have no contact with any of the alleged victims. 

Smetzer is due back in court next Thursday for a pre-trial conference. 

Michael Smetzer indictmentDownload

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Man accused of using ax to threaten man at Business Loop 70 Taco Bell

KMIZ on July 3, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man was accused of wielding an ax and threatening a man at the Business Loop 70 Taco Bell in Columbia after midnight on Thursday.

Allen Hauck, 29, of Columbia, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says that authorities received a call at 12:04 a.m. Thursday about a man with an ax following people near the Business Loop McDonald’s. Police received more phone calls about the man at 12:43 a.m.

Hauck was eventually detained at the Taco Bell and a hatchet was found on the ground near the building, court documents say.

A victim allegedly told police that he saw Hauck following women around the area while holding the hatchet, the statement says. The victim allegedly confronted Hauck, who then allegedly replied with “I’m coming for all y’all,” while holding the ax, the statement says. The victim then walked away and Hauck followed him, court documents say.  

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