Burn pile, thought to be out, rekindles in high winds, races across nearly two acres NE of Sisters

KTVZ on March 12, 2026

Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 2-day-old burn pile that was believed to be out rekindled in Wednesday’s strong winds northeast of Sisters, burning nearly two acres before crews stopped its spread.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews were dispatched around 1:25 p.m. to a wildland fire reported to be spreading into brush and trees.

It was being pushed by high winds in an area between the 17000 block of Wilt Road and Whychus Canyon Estates northeast of Sisters.

Fire crews arrived on scene and began an initial attack on both flanks of the fire. They were able to stop the forward progress at 2:27 pm, then transitioned into mopping up the blaze.

The total area burned was estimated at 1.8 acres.

“The cause of the fire is a rekindle of a burn pile from two days prior that was believed to be out,” Fire Marshal Jeff Puller said in a news release.

Puller also told KTVZ News, ‘No citations were issued, as this was determined to be an accidental burn and was contained on the homeowners’ property.”  The land owner has a permit issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry to burn on the property, he told us.

Puller offered thanks to their firefighters and partner agencies, Black Butte Ranch Fire District, Cloverdale Fire District, Sisters Ranger District, Oregon Department of Forestry, and our Fire Corps Incident Support Unit (ISU) for their response.

“Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District would like to remind homeowners; with these high winds we are experiencing; to double- and triple-check any old burn piles, to ensure they are completely out and cold to the touch,” he said. “Even piles that appeared extinguished days ago can rekindle under windy conditions and quickly spread.”

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Diesel Drivers Paying the Most at the Pump

KEYT on March 12, 2026

Tracy Lehr

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Semis, work trucks, sprinter vans, along with some cars and SUVs that use diesel are paying the most at the pumps this week.

Diesel drivers filling up at the 76 on Winchester Canyon and other stations are noticing the difference.

She joins us from the 76 stations off Winchester Canyon.

“Honestly, I haven’t fulled up in the last week and it has exploded even in the last week, but we use diesel for machines, our work trucks – so building, how it is going to affect building in the area, everywhere is going to be astounding,” said Justin Resch of Terra Firma Drilling out of Carpinteria and Ventura.

Some trucks are too big to go the front side of the station so they come the diesel pump back.

Some drivers have prepaid cards but they are still noticing diesel is the highest priced fuel.

But for heavy equipment, like farm trucks, it is more fuel efficient.

“Diesel fluctuates as does gas and right now we are little more expensive, diesel also give this truck about 30-40 percent more economy than unleaded will, so a mile per mile,” said Tom Jones of Atascadero. “That is why big trucks still use it a lot more torque and I can pull a lot more so diesel is still a better value if you do heavy things with the truck.”

“Diesel has pretty much doubled its price in the last three weeks,” says delivery driver, Joshua Pinedo.

Nationwide it has jumped 28 percent since the start of the conflict in Iran.

Pinedo said driving is part of his job, so he has been watching the uptick.

AAA is keeping tracks and report the average for a gallon of diesel is $6.15 in California. Most firetrucks and ships use diesel, too.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Gas prices in California climb as tensions rise in the Middle East

KYMA on March 12, 2026

Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Gas prices are climbing in California, with prices jumping 62 cents a gallon in the last week.

The statewide average, according to AAA, is now hovering at over $5 per gallon. Some stations in California are charging more, with many drivers paying over $7 a gallon.

The growing conflict in the Middle East is causing crude oil prices to spike, directly impacting fuel costs.

As costs surge nationwide, some residents say filling up is taking a hit on their wallets.

“I have to take my kids to school in the morning. And I’m running about doing my business and yeah, it’s gonna be more gas, more money,” said Brawley resident George Prieto.

California also requires a unique fuel blend during the summer months which is more expensive, and the state has fewer refineries and higher gas taxes.

The overall trend shows gas prices continuing to climb across Southern California, with Chevron warning that prices could go even higher.

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Decision 2026: The stage is set for a busy May primary election season; here’s who’s running locally

KTVZ on March 12, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The stage is set for a busy Central Oregon campaign season leading up to the May 19 primary election, with dozens of incumbents and challengers vying for new and existing positions, and several funding measures sharing the ballot. 

Now that Tuesday’s filing deadline has passed, here’s a look at who’s seeking what positions. 

KTVZ News will have complete Decision 2026 coverage throughout the spring and fall election seasons. 

To vote in the May primary, you have until April 28th to register or change your party affiliation. 

Meanwhile, candidates have until this Friday to withdraw from a race and not appear in the Voters Pamphlet.

The only measure possibly on the statewide ballot – depending on the final outcome of a legal fight – is the gas tax and vehicle fee increase passed by Legislature, sent to the fall ballot on a citizen referendum and moved up to the May primary by the Democrat-led Legislature. Opposing Republicans have challenged that move in court.

You can search for the candidates and their filings in any Oregon congressional, statewide and legislative races at this spot on the secretary of state’s website.

Congress 

Senate Democrat Jeff Merkley is running for his fourth term and faces one party challenger in May, Paul Damian Wells. Seven Republicans are competing to take him on in November: Brent Barker, Deborah C. Brown, David Burch, Russell McAlmond, Jo Rae Perkins, Timothy Skelton and David Brock Smith. 

In the race for House District 2, incumbent Republican Cliff Bentz has drawn two GOP challengers, Andrea Carr and Peter J. Larson. The winner will face one of six Democrats in the race: Chris Beck, Mary Doyle, Rebecca Mueller, Peter Quince, Dawn Rasmussen and Patty Snow. 

The House District 5 race finds incumbent Janelle Bynum with one Democratic challenger, Zeve Rosenbaum. Two Republicans filed for a chance to unseat her: Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair and Jonathan Lockwood. 

Governor

Democrat Tina Kotek, seeking her second four-year term, has drawn nine Democratic challengers: Forest (Fora) Alexander, James Atkinson IV, Donnie Backwith, David W. Beem, Brittany Jones, Cal Kishawi, Steve William Laible, Tristan Sheppard and Miranda Weigler.

And 15 people are on the GOP ballot: Danielle Bethell, Hope A. Dalrymple, Ed Diehl, Christine Drazan, Chris Dudley, Kyle M. Duyck, David Medina, Robert Neuman, Brad T. Peters, Matthew Platt, Paul J. Romero Jr., DeAngelo Leroy Turner, Wen Waddell, Martin Ward and Tim O. Youker.

Oregon Legislature 

House District 54 Representative Jason Kropf faces Democratic challenger Andrew Caruana in May, but no Republican filed to run for the seat in November.

House District 59 Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson faces no GOP challengers, but Democrat Lawrence Jones has filed in a bid to unseat her this fall.

It’s a similar situation for House District 53 Representative Emerson Levy, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. One Republican, Michael Summers, will be trying to take the seat in November.

Deschutes County 

One closely watched race – between incumbent Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert and James (Mac) McLaughlin – moves to the November general election, under state constitutional requirements, since fewer than three candidates filed for the position. 

County Commissioner Tony DeBone faces two challengers for the Position 1 seat in May, Jamie Collins and Brooke West. John Heylin filed but withdrew his candidacy Dec. 1, while Gary (GW) Campbell pulled out of that race and filed for the Position 3 race. 

Six candidates have filed for the Position 3 seat now held by Adair, who decided to run for the U.S. House seat held by Bynum.  Along with Gary Campbell, voters will choose among  Charles Webster Baer, Lauren Connally, Samuel Facey, Amanda Page and Amy Sabbadini. 

Deschutes County voters who recently approved expanding the three-member, non-partisan commission to five members will have several candidates to choose from for the two new positions, both of which begin with two-year terms.  

Two candidates are now in the Position 4 race – Rick Russell and Chet Wamboldt. Another candidate, Maddie McKinney, announced Wednesday she’s withdrawing from the race and endorsed Russell. Two others, Kathryn Osborne and Samuel Facey, withdrew earlier, and Facey switched to the Position 3 commission race. 

Four candidates are seeking the other new commission seat, Position 5: Ron (Rondo) Boozell, Rob Imhoff, Jennifer Letz and Morgan Schmidt. Two others, Baer and John Nielsen, withdrew from the race last fall. 

Two candidates are on the May ballot for county assessor. Zachary Hastings and Tana West will vie for the position, after Scot Langton’s recent retirement. The race only continues to the November ballot if neither candidate gets more than 50% of the vote.

Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels also is on the May ballot, and is running unopposed.

As KTVZ News recently reported, three Deschutes County fire districts are seeking new or renewed five-year levies for staffing and other needs. They are the only money measures on the county ballot. 

Crook County 

There’s a three-way race for Crook County Commission Position 2, the seat currently held by Brian Barney, who did not file for re-election. Zach Berger, Rick Steber and Julie Thompson, will be vying to fill that seat. 

It’s a similar situation for county treasurer, as two candidates – Bill Anderson and Jessica Barnes – face off to fill the seat currently held by Treasurer Galan Carter, who decided not to run for re-election.

District Attorney Kari Hathorn is also on the ballot, running unopposed.

There are no local money measures on the Crook County ballot. 

Jefferson County 

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock will face former deputy Tyler Anderson for the position – but not until the November general election, since only two candidates filed by Tuesday’s deadline. 

One of the three seats on the Jefferson County Commission in on the ballot. Incumbent Mark Wunsch has two men seeking to unseat him – Tony Chard and George Curtiss. 

Meanwhile, current Commissioner Kelly Simmelink has drawn three challengers: Bill Atherton, Ara Erdekian and Greg Mead. 

Just one person has filed as a candidate for the district attorney post: Eric Nisley, the former Wasco County DA.

As we reported earlier, Jefferson County Library District voters will decide on a $15.9 million bond measure to build new libraries in Madras and Culver. The current Madras library would be remodeled as a multi-use facility, with community meeting space.  

The Camp Sherman Road District will ask for a five-year renewal of its local option tax levy to fund snow plowing, grading and maintenance. 

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Cole County EMS sees increase in calls for service in 2025, breaks record again

KMIZ on March 12, 2026

Nia Hinson

COLE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cole County EMS responded to more calls in 2025 than the year prior, once again setting a new record.

According to the county’s annual report, first responders responded to 14,071 calls in 2025, an increase of 445 calls compared to 2024, when they responded to 13,626 calls. This also marks a 60% increase in calls for service since 2019, when they were only responded to 8,762 calls, and paints an overall trend of an increase in calls for service since 2019, with the exception of 2023, which saw a slight decrease.

“We don’t really have any identifiable trends, other than the community is more reliant in our services,” EMS Chief Eric Hoy said. “I think the most logical explanation is that Jefferson City is a suburban community with an average age extending more towards that retirement age, and we see them more reliant on emergency services and health care in general.”

A break down in calls for service since 2019 is as follows:

2019: 8,762

2021: 11,912

2022: 12,595

2023: 12,315

2024: 13,626

According to the report, EMS responded to traffic accidents the most out of any other incident, in 2025, responding to 1,022 accidents. That marks a slight increase from 2024, when they responded to 985.

Cardiac arrest calls claimed the second spot for the most calls received at 131 calls, while EMS responded to 29 opioid overdoses and 26 weapons offenses. The report also highlights a slight decrease in the average response time, coming in at 7 minutes and 4 seconds. In 2024, the response time sat at 7 minutes and 19 seconds.

The average on scene time was 19 minutes and 3 seconds. The average transport time was 12 minutes and 10 seconds, marking a significant decrease from the year prior, when the average time sat at 18 minutes and 19 seconds.

EMS’ new headquarters could be to thank for that.

The new building– located on Adams Street in downtown Jefferson City– opened in November 2024. The county opened up the building to help improve response times in an area where the majority of EMS calls come from.

Hoy said that data shows call volumes were more evenly dispersed among the county’s different stations in 2025. Their busiest medic unit– which is located in the building on Adams Street– saw a decrease of about 400 calls in 2025, meaning that resources are being spread out and one single station is not getting the overwhelming majority.

“It’s been very gratifying to see that because that was one of the main strategic plans with building this facility (the new headquarters) and bringing on the two ambulances that we see here,” Hoy said.

The report also states that 98% of 911 calls were answered within 10 seconds and that the county processed 26,738 calls.

Hoy expects EMS will see another increase in calls in 2026, something he said is being seen across the nation.

But how does this impact budgeting? Cole County Presiding Commissioner Sam Bushman said it doesn’t have much of one.

“We have a half cent sales tax that is partially used and then with their calls we are dealing with insurance and Medicare and Medicaid, so it’s usually pretty equal so it’s not going to impact their budget this year, we should be good,” Bushman said.

Hoy also said that the growth in call volume can make it more difficult to be able to accomplish bigger strategic capital items, such as building a new station or buying more ambulances. However, he said they’re in a good spot financially and have been able to maintain a high level of service, despite an increase in operating costs.

“I can’t say that we wont run into some budget issues at this point, but we do a very good job of being conservative,” Hoy said. “For the 2026 budget we anticipated no growth in sales tax based on the current economic factors and we’re still able to balance our budget and return cash reserves to an acceptable level, so we don’t have any concerns.”

Hoy said that they’ll also continue constantly monitoring data and performance metrics to ensure they’re financially solvent.

According to the report, EMS’ total revenue in 2025 was $9,759,512, a slight decrease from 2024, when it was $10,640,297. 59% of that money in 2025 went toward fees for service, also marking a jump from 2024.

Hoy also said that EMS has the staff needed to respond to the increase in calls and that there have not been any instances where they’re unable to answer calls due to a lack of staffing. However, there are sometimes instances where call volume exceeds the amount of resources and mutual aid from other agencies is required. That has not created a delay in service, though, Hoy said.

12 students graduated from the EMT program at the headquarters at the end of 2025, something Hoy said has been a huge recruitment and retention tool . Six of them are currently employed with Cole County EMS, according to Hoy.

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Boone County Fire Protection District names new assistant chief

KMIZ on March 12, 2026

Steven Lambson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Fire Protection District named a new assistant chief for its operations bureau on Wednesday, according to a news release posted on Facebook.

Chuck Doss was named the new assistant chief and brings “a leadership style that adapts to the situation, clear and decisive during emergency operations, while focusing on coaching and leadership development outside of incident response,” the news release said.

Doss started his firefighter career in Greene County in 1997 and joined BCFPD in 1999, according to the release. From 2004 to 2011 Doss worked for the Olathe Fire Department before returning to BCFPD where he was eventually promoted to battalion chief.

In 2021, Doss started working for MU Health Care’s EMS operations until the present time.

“Throughout his career, he has focused not only on emergency response but also on improving training, strengthening organizational systems, and developing future leaders, ensuring that the service delivered to the community is professional, prepared, and compassionate every time,” the district said in the release.

““The work we do matters, and the people who do it matter,” Doss said in the release. “My commitment is to provide clear expectations, steady leadership, and support as we continue to raise the standard together.”

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Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office closes nearly 7-year-old missing person case

KIFI on March 12, 2026

Seth Ratliff

LEMHI COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office has officially closed a nearly seven-year-old missing persons investigation after investigators positively identified human remains discovered late last year using DNA evidence.

The case began on November 8, 2019, when the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Springdale (Arkansas) Police Department regarding Bobby Lee Rodriguez. Rodriguez had last been seen on September 30, 2019, near Wagonhammer Spring south of North Fork, Idaho.

According to investigators, a taxi driver dropped Rodriguez off at the location, with Rodriguez telling the driver he was meeting a relative who was camping nearby. Rodriguez was carrying a boxed firearm, which he claimed was intended as a gift for that relative.

A Lemhi County Sheriff’s Deputy immediately canvassed the area surrounding Wagonhammer, speaking with residents and local businesses to gather possible information about Rodriguez. However, no one in the area had seen Rodriguez or anyone matching his description.

While the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office maintained contact with the Springdale Police Department and periodically checked to see if any new information had developed, the case eventually ran cold.

The breakthrough came six years later, when a fisherman on the Salmon River, west of North Fork, Idaho, discovered human remains while climbing a hillside to get warm.

The man led law enforcement to the remains, where investigators uncovered a rusted shotgun with a spent hull in the chamber and a note that suggested that suicide may have been a factor.

The Lemhi County Coroner’s Office took custody of the remains, which were recently confirmed to be those of Bobby Lee Rodriguez through a DNA match with a relative. LCSO states that no evidence of foul play was uncovered during the multi-jurisdictional investigation.

“The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family of Bobby Lee Rodriguez,” the office said in a news release.

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude to all of its state, regional, and Federal partners who had a hand in bringing this case to a close.

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Pedestrian dies after being hit by a vehicle in El Centro

KYMA on March 11, 2026

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) says a pedestrian is dead after being hit by a vehicle Tuesday night.

According to a press release, it happened in the area of E. Main Street and Fairfield Drive, near Booker T. Washington Elementary School, after 9 p.m.

Upon arrival, ECPD says officer found an unresponsive man in the roadway, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

ECPD says the driver involved in the crash remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

While neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the crash, ECPD says the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the crash, call (760) 352-2111.

ECPD is also asking drivers and pedestrians to remain attentive and use caution, especially during the nighttime hours when visibility is reduced.

Press Release – Traffic Collision 3-11-2026Download

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Foothills Cruisers Car Club donates teddy bears to Onvida Health

KYMA on March 11, 2026

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local car club made a donation Wednesday that will put a smile on local kids’ faces during their medical treatments.

The Foothills Cruisers Car Club donated more than 1,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Onvida Health.

The goal is to give comfort to children while they are being treated or recovering at the hospital.

“They basically hang out with them and say this is mine and have something to hug. It’s a good brave for them when they have to go through all those tests and stuff with them,” said Doris Casey, Chairwoman of the Foothills Cruisers.

“These bears bring smiles to children while they go through difficult time at the hospital. It’s just a little token of care and comfort we can give to these kids,” said Rosa Rubio with the intensive care unit at Onvida Health.

The Foothills Cruisers plan to continue donating toys to kids to other local health centers and clinics in Yuma County.

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Idaho Democrats blast GOP for blocking Minority Report criticizing bill on trans students

KIFI on March 11, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho House Democrats are decrying what they call an ‘egregious abuse of supermajority power’ after the Republican supermajority voted to suspend House rules to block a formal minority report from being entered into the official House Journal.

The move followed the passage of House Bill 822, a measure aimed at ending “secretive transitions” in Idaho schools and healthcare settings.

A “Supermajority” Maneuver

Though HB 822 passed the House floor 59-9, the primary conflict erupted after the vote. Idaho House Minority Leader Rep. Ilana Rubel moved to submit a Minority Report to the House Journal—the official daily record of proceedings.

In a swift counter-maneuver, Rep. Jason Monks (R-Meridian) moved to suspend Rule 27, which would have allowed the report’s inclusion. The House supported Monks’ motion in a 57-7 vote, effectively “censoring” the formal dissent from the record.

Rep. Rubel blasted the move as an egregious abuse of power.

“That report lays out exactly what they do not want on the record: that this bill invites constitutional challenge, imposes draconian penalties, and puts vulnerable children at risk,” Rubel said following the vote. “If Republicans were confident in the merits of this bill, they would not be afraid of a report in the journal. That is not transparency. That is censorship.”

Following the floor session, House Speaker Mike Moyle said the report took “personal stabs” and was “pushing inappropriate,” according to a report by IdahoEdNews.

To read the full Minority Report on House Bill 822 here.

Understanding House Bill 822

Also known as the Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act, HB 822 would mandate that healthcare providers, schools, and childcare entities notify parents within three days of any request by a minor to “participate in or facilitate a social transition.”

The bill would impose up to $100,000 civil penalties on schools or doctors that fail to notify parents when a student requests help in a “social transition.”

According to the bill’s text, social transition is defined as “the process by which an individual goes from identifying with and living as a gender that corresponds to the individual’s sex to identifying with and living as a gender different from the individual’s sex and may involve social, legal, or physical changes, including adopting a name, pronouns, appearance, or dress that does not correspond to the individual’s sex.”

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bruce Skaug, argues the legislation is a parental rights issue. 

“Hiding critical information for a child’s well-being from parents is not in the child’s best interest, nor does it allow for a holistic, well-rounded health decision,” Rep. Skaug told lawmakers ahead of Wednesday’s vote.

“It is the parents who know the child’s health history throughout that child’s life. A doctor or counselor only has a snapshot in time of that child’s health policies that forced teachers and others to hide this information are certainly anti-family in the Idaho sense.”

Testimony Cut Short in Committee

The floor debate followed a controversial committee hearing where acting chairman Rep. Joe Alfieri (R-Coeur d’Alene) cut off public testimony early after 14 minutes of limited debate. Democratic leadership noted that nearly three times as many people—including several Idaho Doctors—had signed up to testify against the bill as for it.

Opponents of the legislation argue that the bill violates the First Amendment rights of medical professionals by dictating how they communicate with patients.

In a statement released after Wednesday’s vote, Taylor Munson of the ACLU of Idaho called the bill “dangerously vague, overbroad, and unconstitutional.”

“Courts have repeatedly held that the First Amendment protects medical professionals when they provide information or referrals for patients,” said Munson. “Make no mistake: this bill will jeopardize the safety and well-being of all Idaho kids, regardless of their gender identity. Any time we have a law that forces people to express themselves in rigid ways dictated by the government, everyone is at risk. It is not the government’s place to decide how we look, what we wear or how we express ourselves. ”

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