Celebrating 50 years of service: LuAnn Lehnertz’s journey at St. Charles

KTVZ on November 27, 2025

Tracee Tuesday

Redmond, Ore. [KTVZ] — LuAnn Lehnertz’s journey with St. Charles began in 1975 during a cross-country road trip that brought her to Central Oregon.

Originally from the Twin Cities and with a full-time job offer in Minnesota, Lehnertz made a life-changing decision when she stopped in Bend and accepted a part-time dietitian position at St. Charles. That November marked the beginning of an extraordinary 50-year career dedicated to the health and wellness of the local community.

Lehnertz was Redmond’s first full-time dietitian and took on many pioneering roles, including managing food services for two decades, designing the hospital kitchen, and providing inpatient visits—all well before the age of computers and email.

Throughout her tenure, she launched innovative programs such as diabetes education, bariatric surgery support groups, and lifestyle programs to complement medical treatments. She became the first certified diabetes educator dietitian in Redmond and has consistently embraced new ideas and challenges in the evolving field of nutrition.

Today, Lehnertz continues her work at the Center for Women’s Health in Redmond, offering outpatient nutrition therapy. Beyond her professional duties, she also teaches fitness classes at the Redmond Senior Center, making health and wellness her lifelong passion.

Reflecting on her five decades at St. Charles, Lehnertz says she’s never been bored and believes she’s had the best years any dietitian could ask for—both professionally and personally in Central Oregon.

Her story is a testament to commitment, community, and the impact one dedicated healthcare professional can have over a long career, inspiring the next generation of care providers and the Central Oregon community alike.

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A small act of kindness during a tough time turned into a lasting tradition in La Pine 

KTVZ on November 27, 2025

Tracee Tuesday

LA PINE, Ore. [KTVZ] — When the government shutdown left families across Oregon struggling to afford groceries, one La Pine business owner decided to help—one slice at a time.

During that difficult stretch, Figaro’s Pizza stepped up in a big way, giving out more than 100 free pizzas to families in need and to those whose SNAP benefits had been reduced. Leading the charge was owner Brandi Herron, who found inspiration from an unexpected moment inside her own pizza shop.

It started when Herron’s employees began giving their own lunches to a homeless man who frequently stopped by. That small gesture sparked a bigger idea—something that would come to be known as “The Giving Wall.”

Now, that wall inside Figaro’s is covered with prepaid pizza vouchers, donated first by Herron’s staff and later by generous community members. Anyone in need can take a voucher—no questions asked—and enjoy a warm meal.

“My mom needed these programs when I was growing up, and I needed these programs when I was raising my own kids,” Herron said. “I just felt the need was tremendous. I don’t think I’m doing anything special—I just think I’m doing what everybody should be doing. If we all help our neighbors or our employees, the world is just a better place.”

Since its inception during the shutdown, the Giving Wall has proven to be a simple act of caring, and sharing what Herron has with those who could use a little help, one pizza at a time.

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Drowning survivor gets a chance to thank her rescuers

CNN Newsource on November 27, 2025

By Paul Drewes

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — An Oahu nurse ended up on the receiving end of CPR, after a near drowning in Kaneohe Bay last month.

On Wednesday, she had a heartwarming reunion with her rescuers.

It was supposed to be a fun October day on the water in Kaneohe Bay for Ahonui Kahoopii and Ezekiel Lee.

But at the sandbar they saw something was wrong.

“When we saw her in the water, just floating, it was just kind of like a shock,” said Lee.

That woman floating lifelessly in the water was Sherisee Domingo, who had gotten in over her head while out swimming after the tide came in at the sandbar.

“I think I panicked at the moment, and so I got so tired. I remembered, I was like, ‘This is it? I’m done, I’m tired.’ And I just remember I was swallowing a bunch of water,” stated Domingo.

But it just so happened that Lee and Kahoopii happened to be cruising by at just the right time.

“I hopped in the water, and swam to her, she was a little distance away. Then swam her back to the boat, and my cousin was here to grab her from me in the water,” said Kahoopii.

They immediately started CPR, something Kahoopii was familiar with.

“I just got certified, or re-certified, a week prior to this,” added Kahoopii.

That activity caught the attention of off duty ocean safety lifeguard Ryan Moniz, who just happened to be on the water on a jet ski with his four year old son Hunter.

“I jumped on, and just went into CPR mode, and it kept going on. It seemed like CPR on hard ground is not easy. While CPR on an unstable boat is that much harder,” said Moniz.

As emergency crews arrived on shore, the CPR efforts on the boat worked.

“A few minutes after that, I noticed she started to breathe. I watched in amazement. She took another breath. All the Good Samaritans and I checked for a pulse and she had a strong pulse,” added Moniz.

Domingo was taken to shore where a waiting ambulance rushed her to Castle Hospital, where personnel are used to dealing with dire effects in cardiac arrest patients.

“Our hearts also stop, because we know how difficult that’s going to be. And we know that most times, despite efforts, it is not a good result. So we prepared for the worse,” said Castle ER physician Dr. Sean Covant.

But because of the efforts of everyone along the way, Domingo survived and has been steadily recovering from her near drowning.

“Without you guys, I would not probably be here standing next to you, talking to you,” said Domingo.

All those involved in this rescue were honored by Honolulu’s Mayor Rick Blangiardi with certificates of recognition for their contributions.

“You’re very special when we come to moments like this, and I get a chance to recognize people like you for real heroism,” said Blangiardi.

But even more meaningful was the thanks Domingo was able to give each of her rescuers personally.

“I am forever grateful. You guys are true heroes, not just for me, but for the entire Hawaii community. Thank you from the bottom of my revived heart,” said Domingo.

After she recovers, the newly-licensed nurse hopes to start her healthcare career.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Wild Turkey Crashes Classroom Thanksgiving Feast at Idaho Falls Montessori

KIFI on November 27, 2025

Max Gershon

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — There’s a new VIP at the Thanksgiving table, and she has feathers.At Lighthouse Montessori School in Idaho Falls, a wild turkey that’s been hanging around campus since early October decided last Friday that outdoor lessons were no longer enough. She wanted the full Montessori experience — including the annual Thanksgiving feast, complete with roasted turkey.

The hen — originally nicknamed “Jake” because everyone thought she was a young male — has since been upgraded to female status by the teacher’s son. A proper lady’s name is still TBD (suggestions welcome in the comments). Since then, she has joined playground time, gone on walks with the students, and even follows Laurie to work every morning alongside the family’s two dogs.

During the school’s Thanksgiving celebration, Laurie accidentally spilled turkey juices in the oven, creating smoke. When the classroom doors were opened to clear the air, the turkey walked right in.The children sat quietly in a circle and tossed her pieces of bread.

“She didn’t mind that we were eating turkey at all,” Laurie said. “She just enjoyed the company.”Laurie says this is the first wild animal to actually enter the classroom, although another turkey visited the school grounds last year.

The hen is welcome to stay. “We’re not roasting her,” Laurie promised. The school hopes she will eventually lay eggs and raise them on the property.Still no name for now, but for the time being she’s the friendliest wild turkey in Idaho Falls, and the only one with an open invitation to next year’s feast.

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Car Fire Shuts Down Eastbound Traffic on State Route 62 Near Indian Canyon

KESQ on November 27, 2025

Joel Killam

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — A reported car fire blocked eastbound lanes of State Route 62 near Indian Canyon Wednesday evening, causing major traffic delays. A News Channel 3 crew observed traffic backed up between Indian Canyon and Pierson Boulevard as vehicles headed uphill toward Morongo Valley. Fire crews were dispatched, but gridlock made access difficult. Authorities requested additional assistance for traffic control. No injuries have been reported at this time.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Local Businesses are Thankful for In Person Shoppers

KEYT on November 27, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Chicken Little decked its windows for the 48th year thanks to regular customers.

Courtney Drake shopped with her baby girl and family.

“This is where we get all of our stuff, it is our hometown stuff, it is where we find all of our personalized goodies,” said Drake.

Chicken Little owner Jennifer Bouma enjoys seeing generations of customers.

“It is so joyful, so fun to see the people through the years and the kids grow up and help fulfill that joy,” said Bouma.

She said popular items include Jelly Cat stuffed animals and Maileg mice.

There are also Santa Baby onsies and tiny T-shirts that say Santa Barbara.

People of a certain age like seeing young people shop in person.

Logan Brady said his family went shopping together.

“We love State Street, so it is a great place to shop, the community is really nice, so I thought this is a good place to go,” said Brady, ” I just got a little coat that is pretty nice and I got a hat for myself too, so it is a good day.”

Metro Entertainment workers planted comics around town to attract customers.

They call it gorilla advertising.

The store will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 11-3 p.m. , giving people something to do before Thanksgiving dinner.

The store that has a Comic Club is stocked with Pokeman and more.

Vincent Vazquez enjoys checking out all the choices.

“It feels so much more refreshing to just walk around, look for things. It is an experience in itself and it is just so much better than sitting at home and putting something in a cart and waiting for it to get there,” said Vazguez.

Happy Burney who works at Unity Shoppe said the day before Thanksgiving was busy.

“Always remember the small businesses here in Santa Barbara and we are a nonprofit,” said Burney, “We were so busy.”

She said people stocked up on clothing, dishes and glasses for there table.

The Central Coast is also home to some major brands including Uggs, and Hoka in Goleta and Patagonia in Ventura.

That allows people to shop in person at their headquarter stores.

The owners of brick and mortar stores are thankful for in person shoppers.

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Video captures break in at Palm Springs Motors

KESQ on November 27, 2025

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Police are investigating a burglary at Palm Springs Motors Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center.

Security cameras captured the thieves during the burglary at Quick Lane, located at 200 Highway 111.

Police said details were limited and the case remains under investigation.

If anyone from the public has information reference the burglary, they can report their information anonymously to the Cathedral City Police Department Watch Commander at (760)770-0313.

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Gauchos advance at Big West Volleyball Championship

KEYT on November 27, 2025

Mike Klan

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KEYT) –  No. 4 seed UC Santa Barbara swept fifth-seeded CSUN 3-0 on Wednesday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid in the first round of The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Women’s Volleyball Championship. 

With the win, the Gauchos improve to 23-8 on the season and advance to take on top-seeded UC Davis on Friday at 3 p.m. in the semifinals. In just the third iteration of The Big West postseason event, the victory marks UCSB’s first, falling in the semifinals in 2023 and narrowly missing the field in 2024.

UC Santa Barbara dominated the first set with a commanding 7-0 start, capitalizing on three attack errors by CSUN’s Leah Miller and a service ace from Michelle Zhao. Big West Freshman of the Year Gabi Martinez registered two kills early in the set, and the Gauchos maintained pressure with solid blocking to claim the 25-13 win in the first. 

UCSB leveraged a strong defensive performance to earn a 25-17 set victory in the second frame. The Gauchos’ Emma McDermott and Jordyn Johnson combined for critical blocks and Zhao served up two aces to keep the advantage late in the set. 

The terminal frame saw another key 6-0 run for the UCSB offense. Eva Travis played a pivotal role, registering four kills, while All-Big West First Team performer Layanna Green contributed with a crucial block that thwarted CSUN’s attack. Kiersten Schmitt sealed the set with a kill from Zhao.

Travis emerged as a key contributor for the UCSB team, leading the offensive efforts with 12 kills and a hitting percentage of .500, while adding a pair of aces. Five players finished the night with multiple blocks with McDermott tallying six total blocks, including one solo, with freshman Jordyn Johnson in on seven total blocks.  

All told, UC Santa Barbara recorded a .296 attack percentage while amassing 13 total blocks as CSUN managed just .036 hitting in the match.

Hailey Brockway led the Matadors with 11 kills and a match-high nine digs with senior Leah Miller adding seven kills to the stat sheet. Taylor Dunlap and Katie Kolar combined for 24 assists in the match with Paige Sentes digging out nine balls for the CSUN defense. The Matadors cap the season with a 17-13 overall record and their first appearance in The Big West Championship bracket.

(Article courtesy of Big West).

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Jefferson City Parks and Rec opens bidding for repairs at Ellis Porter Pool

KMIZ on November 27, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department has opened the bidding for repairs and painting for the Ellis Porter Riverside Pool. 

All bids must meet requirements from the city, including multiple repair and painting projects, to give the public pool a new look.

Bids can be submitted electronically or in person, and the contract will be given to the lowest bid, that meets all requirements.

 Bids must be submitted no later than 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11, according to the bid invitation.  

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Are grocery prices gobbling your wallet this Thanksgiving?

KYMA on November 27, 2025

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Are grocery prices gobbling your wallet? According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is down 5% this year compared to 2025, making the average meal for 10 people around $58.08.

While some Thanksgiving side items see a drop in prices like milk and some vegetables, others see a rise like dinner rolls and cranberry sauce. The price increase includes one of the beloved family favorites: Turkeys!

“Turkeys have gone through the roof due to the avian flu,” said Avenir financial community relations officer Jeff Byrd.

The USDA estimates wholesale turkey prices up 40% this year. However, Arizona residents may catch a break.

The Arizona Farm Bureau says the cost of a 16 pound turkey purchased in Arizona is $18.89 which is $0.47 cents less than last year.

Avenir Financial Community Relations Officer Jeff Byrd says inflation also has an impact on prices.

“So once inflation goes up, the prices keep going like this. People think it’s going to drop off, but unfortunately because of past inflation, we’re still up there and people are still feeling it in their pocketbook,” said Byrd.

Others shared a few more tricks up their sleeves to help save their wallet.

:Coupons is the best way to go, and the stores always have sales for turkeys,” said local Bob Beverly.

“You can do comparative shopping. Go out, buy in bulk, save things,” said Byrd.

But despite the pressure, everyone says they hope we come back to the heart of the holiday.

“The main thing about thanksgiving is remember what it’s all about. Lower the stress. Focus on friends and family, and just enjoy the experience of being with loved ones,” said Byrd.

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