As new year begins, AAA says Oregon and Washington see the largest gas price declines in the nation

KTVZ on January 6, 2026

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s another week of declines at the gas pumps as 2026 begins, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

Gas prices continue to fall in Oregon and most other states this week, driven by the usual seasonal factors of low demand and cheaper winter-blend fuel. In addition, crude oil prices remain below $60 per barrel.

For the week, the national average for regular slips two cents to $2.82 a gallon. The Oregon average loses six cents to $3.39 a gallon. Oregon and Washington (-6 cents to $3.82) both have the largest weekly declines in the nation.

Bend’s average gas price drops a nickel, to $3.27 a gallon.

“After some years with wild swings in gas prices due to the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and other factors, 2025 was a relatively calm year at the pumps,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Gas prices in Oregon and Washington were impacted by two closures of the Olympic Pipeline in September and November 2025 which temporarily caused prices to climb. But otherwise, gas prices tended to follow the seasonal trends of rising in the spring ahead of the switch to the more expensive summer-blend fuel, and declining in the fall and winter due to the annual switch to the cheaper winter-blend gas and the usual seasonal drop in demand for gasoline.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and ended the year at $3.43. The highest price of the year was $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year was $3.43 on December 31.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and ended the year at $2.84. The highest price of the year was $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year was $2.825 on December 29.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline decreased from 8.94 million b/d to 8.56 million b/d for the week ending December 26. This compares to 8.17 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic supply of gasoline increased from 228.5 million barrels to 234.3 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.5 million barrels per day compared to 9.8 million barrels the previous week.

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.

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 more expensive to produce and 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. 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.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) has mostly been in the upper $50s to mid-$70s since September 2024.

WTI is trading at $58 today, compared to $58 a week ago and $74 a year ago. In 2025, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $80.04 (January 15) and $57.46 (October 16) per barrel.  In 2024, WTI 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, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Crude prices were volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, there were concerns that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region.

Crude oil prices declined after October’s fragile peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But in 2025, the cartel boosted production which put downward pressure on crude oil prices.

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 49% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 14% is refining, 21% distribution and marketing, and 17% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at or near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country remains at 13.83 million barrels per day for the week ending December 26. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. 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.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 42 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Oregon (-6 cents) and Washington (-6 cents to $3.82) have the largest week-over-week declines in the nation. Delaware (+14 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the country.

Hawaii ($4.42) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the fourth week in a row. California ($4.25) is second. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week seven states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 40 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.24) and Iowa ($2.35) and. 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 $2.19 this week, compared to $2.18 a week ago.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is 15 cents less and the Oregon average is 33.5 cents less than a month ago. Oregon has the second-largest month-over-month decline in the nation. Idaho (-34 cents) has the biggest month-over-month drop in the nation.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 25 cents less, while the Oregon average is seven cents less. Colorado (-52 cents) has the largest year-over-year drop in the nation. Alaska (+22 cents) 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 six of the 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 1/6/2026

1
Hawaii
$4.42

2
California
$4.25

3
Washington
$3.82

4
Alaska
$3.54

5
Oregon
$3.39

6
Nevada
$3.37

7
District of Columbia
$3.16

8
Pennsylvania
$3.04

9
Vermont
$3.04

10
New York
$3.03

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

All seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week decreases. Oregon (-6 cents) and Washington (-6 cents) have the largest declines in the nation. Arizona (-3 cents), California (-2 cents), Alaska (-2 cents), Nevada (-2 cents), and Hawaii (-3/10ths of a cent) also have lower prices this week.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast decreased from 82.6% to 79.6% for the week ending December 26. This rate has ranged between about 70% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked up from 94.6% to 94.7%.

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 declined from 29.93 million bbl. to 29.58 million bbl. for the week ending December 26. 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 are up slightly to start this week, as investors weigh the impacts from the U.S. action in Venezuela and how it might impact that country’s large oil reserves. In addition, OPEC+ said Sunday that it would keep its oil production steady.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 422.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 10 cents to close at $57.32. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI gained $1.00 to settle at $58.32. Today crude is trading around $58, same as a week ago. Crude prices are about $15 less than a year ago. ($73.56 on January 6, 2025)

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.

Diesel

For the week, the national average slips three cents to $3.53 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average falls four cents to $4.04. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.51 and the Oregon average was $3.76.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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SLO County Supervisors begin new year with reorganized board leadership

KEYT on January 6, 2026

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors began the new year Tuesday morning by officially appointing a new chairperson for the 2026 term.

At the top of the meeting, District 3 Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg, who has held the position of board chair over the past year, gave way to District 4 Supervisor Supervisor Jimmy Paulding.

“Today we had the reorganization of the chairmanship and the vice chair,” said Ortiz-Legg. “This is a transition that we’ve done. It’s a peaceful transition. It’s a rotational amongst all five members. We get to be chairperson at one point in time, and the way that we’ve done it is that we’ve kind of gone down line one, two, three, four or five.”

Next in line for the board chair for 2026 was District 4, meaning Paulding will hold the position for the next year, while District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson will become the vice chair.

“I’m grateful for the honor and the privilege of serving as the chair of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors,” said Paulding. “My focus is simple, clear direction, steady leadership, and making sure county government works best for the people we serve.”

Ortiz-Legg explained board chair is much more than a symbolic position and the person who has the seat plays a vital role in the operation of the county government.

“The position of board chair is basically you get to oversee the agenda that the board is discussing every week when we meet,” said Ortiz-Legg. “The board chair runs the meetings, gets to have the privilege of deciding the time allotment for the different subjects. Also, the board chair gets to decide what is actually on the agenda, so if there’s something that they don’t really want to have on the agenda, it doesn’t go on the agenda, so it can be a powerful tool should one decide to use that power.”

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Cachuma Lake Waters Still Closed for Most Boaters Due to Storm Runoff and Debris

KEYT on January 6, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) – The largest water source for fishing, camping, and recreation operated by Santa Barbara County Parks is still welcoming visitors, but most boaters are on the sidelines.

Vessel launching and boat rentals are currently on hold.

Private boaters are allowed to launch but there are warnings because of debris and other issues.

Heavy rains have sent the Santa Ynez River flowing from the upper elevations to the Lompoc Valley, and in the middle is Cachuma Lake. It is seeing an inflow of debris and trees that are maritime hazards.

Visitors can see them on the lake and on the shores, including around the boat launch ramp area.

Park rangers have been busy making sure the larger floating logs and trees are cleared and special efforts are in place to capture large areas of floating debris that makes the area dangerous and murky.

The Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is currently monitoring the situation and will reopen all areas when it is safe.

Cachuma Lake Naturalist Parker Medel has also served as a Ranger. “We encourage people to come out and hike and see the current lake level, it is pretty astonishing. If you have been here in the last month lake rise is very cool to see. Saturday natural walks are available.”

In mid December the lake level was 76 percent but with massive amounts of rain water gushing in from all directions it is now coming out at a solid rate from Bradbury dam with a runoff that was shared by a student photographer Chris Pagliaro from San Diego State. He flew a drone overhead to take a look

“The whole spillway was full of water and the river was flowing super hard  and I haven’t every seen that,” he said. Pagliaro is familiar with the area having gone to Dos Pueblos High in Goleta. Even though some of the water is brown and dirty on the lake he said, “but down below the dam it looked pretty clear.”

For those hoping to get out on the water for fishing and a tour of the area… there are some limitations. Medel said, “the lake is open for the private vessel launching. We just advise that boaters and vessel operators be careful. There’s a lot of debris flowing through. “

The park operators want to keep the lake and all the facilities as functional as possible as often as possible but they will watch the weather changes day by day.

Medel said, “but social media currently will be the best way to stay up to date. It could change in a moments notice  so we appreciate the publics patience with us.”

Vince Wood is a Santa Barbara resident who remembers when it wasn’t a lake in the early 50’s, only a ranch. He also recalls hiking and scout outings in the area along with a bridge that is covered with the water now. Looking out he said, “I took a picture of it so I can remember what it looks like when it is full!”

At the Hook’d Bar and Grill waterfront dining has been a big draw and many people have been enjoying the refreshing sight.

Owner Dustin Farnum says, “we closed a couple of days due to you (weather.) You really couldn’t even open the door and it was wild keeping   people from coming on the roads. We are open seven days a week rain or shine.” He says the design was for a lodge feeling for those coming in to eat, hear music or have a drink.

The restaurant had customers inside and outside facing the lake on Tuesday under sunny skies with puffy clouds. It was a big change from the aggressive storms recently.

 When things calm down boaters will return, those who love fishing will be back out, kayakers will launch, the lake tours will resume and the campground will fill up.

For day use, the park is open at 6 a.m. until sunset. Camping facilities are also open with about 500 sites.

Cachuma also has extensive outdoor recreation and overnight locations including yurts, cabins and RV/tent sites. While lake is closed there’s still hiking, disc golf, and wildlife viewing including many migrating birds. Medel says there are many eagles in the area this time of year.

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Cachuma Lake Waters Still Closed Due to Storm Runoff and Debris

KEYT on January 6, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) – The largest water source for fishing, camping, and recreation operated by Santa Barbara County Parks is still welcoming visitors, but boaters are on the sidelines.

Vessel launching and boat rentals are currently on hold.

Heavy rains have sent the Santa Ynez River flowing from the upper elevations to the Lompoc Valley, and in the middle is Cachuma Lake. It is seeing an inflow of debris and trees that are maritime hazards.

The Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is currently monitoring the situation and will reopen when it is safe.

For day use, the park is open at 6 a.m. until sunset. Camping facilities are also open.

Cachuma also has extensive outdoor recreation and overnight locations including yurts, cabins and RV/tent sites. While lake is closed there’s still hiking, disc golf, and wildlife viewing including many migrating birds.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today)

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Utah man hospitalized after being run over, dragged by truck following robbery Friday

KIFI on January 6, 2026

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 06 JAN 26 14:17 ET

By Shelby Lofton

Click here for updates on this story

    LEHI (KSL) — A Utah County man is in the hospital after being run over and dragged down the street by a truck on Friday as he attempted to confront two alleged thieves.

The RC cars and miniature vehicles sold at A Mad Mans Hobby Store range from $100 to $1500. Teresa Mott runs and owns the store.

“It’s not a corporate thing or, you know, a big chain of stores. It comes out of my pocket,” Mott said.

Surveillance video captured two suspects stealing a car kit.

“This young couple comes in, needed a Traxxas part, so we got him the part,” Mott said. “And then the gentleman asked if he could look around.”

The woman appears to hold the door open, then the man picks up a $1,000 car and walks out without paying.

That’s when, Mott said, she told her employee, Mark Willson, about the theft.

“I says, ‘Hey, they just stole that Maxx,” Mott said.

Willson’s daughter, Shellie Vincent, said her dad began walking toward the couple’s truck, approaching the driver’s side door to confront them about the alleged theft.

Vincent said her dad saw the truck’s backup lights and grabbed onto its tailgate, trying to hop in, “so he didn’t get smashed.” She said her dad held on tight as the truck sped off, then they pulled over.

“As he was coming down and trying to get off of the truck, so he didn’t fall off, they sped off again, and it caught his feet and pulled him into the wheel well,” Vincent said.

A witness helped Mott find Willson about a block away from the store.

“His face is all smashed and blood dripping all over. His legs (were) pointed the wrong direction. He looked like a ragdoll,” Mott said.

Willson’s family said he has multiple broken bones and will need several surgeries.

“You never expect someone you care about, your dad, to be ran over and left in the middle of the street,” Vincent said. “It’s not right. Over an item.”

The Lehi City Police Department said the man and woman haven’t been identified. Mott said they were driving a newer black dodge ram with black rims and tinted windows.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Broncos ‘Fans of the Year’ hold no doubt in Denver’s 2025 Super Bowl run

KRDO on January 6, 2026

Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – After disgruntled supporters booed the Denver offense off the field Sunday while on the cusp of a first-round bye, KRDO13’s Bradley Davis called the team’s biggest fans.

Kevin and Sue Nunn are the 2025 Denver Broncos Fans of the Year. We first introduced you to the couple in September, as they walked us through their Broncos Firehouse in Pueblo.

Sunday’s game was contentious, but the Broncos still clinched a win. And fans like the Nunns believe the Broncos can take things all the way this season.

The Nunns are what you would call superfans. The couple has even converted an old firehouse into the ultimate Broncos fan cave. Kevin first bought the old firehouse building from the City of Pueblo 15 years ago, but at the time, he intended it for storage for his semi-trucks. While the firehouse’s purpose has changed from storage utility to an Orange Crush ability, Kevin still retains his day job.

KRDO13’s Bradley Davis called Kevin in hopes of getting a quick interview. Kevin was already in the area, and 10 minutes after the phone call with Davis, he drove up in his construction hauler, parked near his work site, and walked over to KRDO13 for a quick chat.

With no prior notice of our interview, he hopped out in full Broncos gear… Because of course he did.

“We’re going to watch them play in the Super Bowl. I’ve got faith in them,” Kevin said.

Kevin and Sue watched field level at Mile High as the Broncos celebrated their first regular-season conference title since 2015. On Monday, he talked about omens with Davis; All the stars are aligning for this Super Bowl run, he says.

“This whole year, everything about it, it’s just a shock,” Kevin said. “It’s hard to explain just the feel of everything and what’s been happening.”

To help verbalize his faith, he turned to the Chinese Calendar. 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. If you put that into a Google search and chose any number of the images that populate, you could throw it on the cover of a Denver Broncos magazine, and no one would bat an eye.

Davis asked Kevin about the boos he heard Sunday at Mile High. He asked if Kevin and Sue joined in.

“No, I’m not up there booing,” Kevin said. “No,” he repeats. “I’m cheering them on. My voice is still all crackly, and I’m still trying to get that back. But yeah, there ain’t no way. Ain’t no way.”

Kevin and Sue have already earned tickets to Super Bowl 59 for becoming the Broncos Fans of the Year. They are on the current voting ballot for the overall NFL Fan of the Year.

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Riverside County gas prices fall to lowest level since 2021, Coachella Valley drivers still paying above national average

KESQ on January 6, 2026

Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) Gas prices across Riverside County dropped Tuesday to their lowest level in more than four years, according to new data, offering some relief to drivers across the Coachella Valley.

Figures from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service show the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County fell to $4.146, the lowest average recorded since June 3, 2021. The price declined 1.7 cents overnight and has dropped five of the past six days, according to City News Service.

The countywide average is now 1.6 cents lower than one week ago, 28.3 cents lower than one month ago, and 16.5 cents below what drivers were paying one year ago. Prices have dropped more than $2.22 since reaching a record high in October 2022.

Despite the recent declines, prices in the Coachella Valley remain significantly higher than the national average, which currently stands at $2.81 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Nationally, the recent five-day streak of gas price declines ended with a slight increase, though prices remain lower than they were one month and one year ago. Analysts say seasonal trends are largely driving the current movement at the pump.

“Another week, and motorists have been greeted with the sixth straight weekly decline in the national average price of gasoline as seasonality continues to drive trends at the pump,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a statement released Monday.

Experts note that most short-term price changes are driven by domestic factors such as refinery production, distribution costs, and regional fuel requirements. At the same time, global oil markets remain sensitive to broader geopolitical conditions. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding crude oil production and exports from countries such as Venezuela, which holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, can influence global crude prices, though those impacts typically affect local gas prices gradually rather than immediately.

Analysts expect gas prices to continue fluctuating in the weeks ahead, with prices likely bottoming out before beginning a seasonal rise as spring approaches.

 News Channel Three will continue tracking gas prices across Riverside County and the Coachella Valley. Tune in tonight at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 6:30pm for a full report. 

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9-1-1 Calls Halted by Outage Throughout Santa Barbara County

KEYT on January 6, 2026

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – An AT&T service outage is affecting the ability to make 9-1-1 calls throughout in the city of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County.

There is currently no estimated time for repair according to the city. Residents can still text 9-1-1 if needed, but are advised to not test 9-1-1.

In the case of an emergency please contact your local law enforcement agency:

Lompoc → 805-736-2341

Santa Maria → 805-928-3781

Santa Barbara → 805-882-8200

UCSB → 805-893-3446

Vandenberg SFB → 805-606-3911

Unincorporated / Sheriff → 805-683-2724

If you are in need of emergency assistance, call Santa Barbara PD non-emergency: 805-882-8900 or call Fire Communications: 805-347-3911.

Local law enforcement phone numbers: Lompoc → 805-736-2341Santa Maria → 805-928-3781Santa Barbara → 805-882-8200UCSB → 805-893-3446Vandenberg SFB → 805-606-3911Unincorporated / Sheriff → 805-683-2724 https://t.co/W4UBZGSynt

— SB Sheriff’s Office (@sbsheriff) January 6, 2026

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Idaho to receive almost $1 billion in Rural Healthcare Transformation Program

KIFI on January 6, 2026

David Pace

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho is set to receive an infusion of close to $1 billion from the federal government to support rural health care statewide.

Idaho was awarded $185.87 million each year for five years to update and sustain rural health care systems.

In Lemhi and Custer counties, Steele Memorial Medical Center CEO Preston Becker said the hospital is the only source for critical services within a 2.5 hour drive over rugged terrain.

“Every corner of our facility is overcapacity, and we operate on near break-even margins every year, which creates a lot of challenges,” Becker said. “We’re unable to finance needed facility expansion, purchasing modern technology, (and) workforce incentives that are required to meet the demand.”

In addition to helping with these needs, Becker said the funding could assist with recruitment and retention of medical professionals. Steele Memorial Hospital is Salmon’s largest employer.

“We’re excited about the potential for this funding,” Becker said. “My hope is that it’s not a Band-Aid because it’s a significant amount of money, but it doesn’t begin to replace the amount of funding that’s being cut out of funding the Medicaid programs across the country.”

Aerial view of Steele Memorial Hospital.

Idaho’s grant targets five key objectives, according to a news release from Idaho Gov. Brad Little.

“Improve rural access to care through technology.

“Expand innovative care models.

“Strengthen workforce recruitment, training, and retention.

“Support population-specific, evidence-based prevention and chronic disease efforts.

“Invest in rural health infrastructure and partnerships.”

The funding comes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which passed in July, allocating $50 billion nationwide for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) grants to improve health care “access and affordability” for people in rural America.

In the upcoming Legislative session, Idaho lawmakers will still need to authorize and allocate the funding for deployment across the state, Becker stated.

Steele Memorial Medical Center CEO Preston Becker discusses rural health care needs in Salmon.

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Update: Bend snowmobiler killed in California avalanche remembered as active, true outdoorsman

KTVZ on January 6, 2026

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, comments from sheriff’s sergeant, friend of Thomason)

TRUCKEE, Calif. (KTVZ) — A Bend snowmobiler was buried in snow and killed in an avalanche Monday during an outing with four friends in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California, despite the group’s extensive experience and safety precautions, authorities said.​

Nevada County sheriff’s deputies said the incident was reported around 2:20 p.m. Monday after the group set off from the Johnson Canyon area and made their way up to Castle Peak. On their return from the backside of the mountain, an avalanche was triggered, burying 42‑year‑old Chris Scott Thomason of Bend.​

Sgt. Dustin Moe with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said Thomason’s friends immediately switched from recreation to rescue, using his avalanche transceiver to locate him under the snow. “The friends immediately went into action, trying to find the subject by searching for his transceiver. They found him a short while after and ended up digging him out and started some life‑saving measures doing CPR,” Moe said.​

Deputies said the group of five friends were all well‑prepared for backcountry exploration, wearing appropriate protective equipment, including avalanche beacons/transceivers. Two members of the group are locals who know the Tahoe area well, one of them CPR‑certified, while the other three — including Thomason and another CPR‑certified rider — were visiting from Bend.​

After Thomason was dug out, the group began CPR, which continued for more than an hour with the help of an off‑duty Truckee Fire medic who came upon the scene with two other Good Samaritans and took the lead on emergency efforts. Despite the sustained, high‑level CPR and the safety measures the group had in place, Thomason did not survive.​

Thomason was well-known in Central Oregon, friends told KTVZ News. He was the co‑owner of Thomason Auto Group in Bend and is seen on the left in a photo shared with the station. Originally from Portland, he had lived in Bend for many years and loved to snowmobile, boat and mountain bike — a true outdoorsman who friends described as very active.​

Chris Thomason (left) with one of his many friends (right).

Thomason leaves behind his wife and their three young daughters.

Search efforts in the area concluded Monday night, and deputies said all remaining individuals known to be in the Castle Peak backcountry are accounted for and safe, with no other victims or missing persons. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office offered its condolences “to the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident” and thanked the nearly 50 people who joined the rescue mission.

Central Oregon, unfortunately, has a recent history of residents killed in the backcountry.

Viewers may remember that Terry and Susan Renee Skjersaa, a highly experienced Bend couple deeply rooted in the local skiing community, were killed in a large D2 avalanche while backcountry skiing near Broken Top in the Happy Valley area of the Cascades last February.

Just a few weeks later, Brian Thomas Roberts, a beloved Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation instructor, champion ski racer, and father from Bend, was killed in another avalanche while cat skiing on the north/northwest side of Mt. Bailey near Diamond Lake Resort.

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