Deschutes National Forest plans 11,000 acres of spring prescribed burning; health officials urge smoke readiness

KTVZ on March 11, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday that firefighters plan to start spring understory prescribed burning season as early as next week, if conditions become favorable. At the same time, Central Oregon public health departments urged preparation for the season and the smoke it will bring.

The forest said it hopes to accomplish up to an estimated 11,626 acres of prescribed burning, including up to 7,000 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 2,126 acres on the Crescent Ranger District, and 2,500 acres on the Sisters Ranger District.

Here’s the rest of Wednesday’s Forest Service and public health announcements:

Prescribed burns are slated for the following general areas: 

Bend – one mile west of Bend adjacent to Cascades Lakes Highway, Forest Service Road 41, and Skyliner Road; south of Bend adjacent to Forest Service Road 18; southeast of Bend near Forest Service Road 18 and 25 junction; northern portions of Pine Mountain

Camp Sherman – along Forest Service Road 14 near the base of Black Butte and north of Camp Sherman near Smiling River and Pine Rest Campgrounds

Crescent – five miles southeast of Crescent and east of Highway 97 off Forest Service Road 9760 near Boundary Springs Campground; approximately one mile south of the Two Rivers subdivision; east of Highway 97 near the Highway 97 and 58 junction

La Pine – three miles northeast of La Pine adjacent to McKay Crossing Campground; one mile east of La Pine near Finley Butte; 30 miles southeast of La Pine near Quartz Mountain; south of Highway 31 approximately 12 miles southeast of La Pine

Sisters – within one to five miles south to northwest of Sisters

Sunriver – two miles northeast of Sunriver on the east and west side of Highway 97 near Lava Butte; east side of Highway 97 near the South Century Drive interchange; one mile west of Sunriver along Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the vicinities of Anne’s Butte and Pistol Butte

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. Once firefighters ignite prescribed burns, they monitor and patrol the units until they declare the burn out.

Prescribed burns, which are primarily conducted in spring and fall, are carefully planned and implemented under specific conditions of temperature, wind, humidity, and vegetation moisture.

Firefighters work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Forestry smoke forecasters to identify conditions that will minimize smoke impacts on people and communities.

While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. Most smoke impacts occur during the night and early morning hours.

For more information on prescribed burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Visit centraloregonfire.org/prescribed-fire-smoke-plans/ to view an interactive map with planned burn locations. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive prescribed burn text alerts. Follow along on X @CentralORFire.

Health officials urge smoke readiness before prescribed burn season

Public health officials in Deschutes, Klamath and Jefferson counties, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, are encouraging residents to get ready for smoke before prescribed burn season begins.

Starting in mid-March, Forest Service crews will conduct prescribed burns on public lands across Central Oregon. Prescribed burns are important because they help reduce the risk of severe wildfires, but the smoke they generate can make air unhealthy to breathe.

“Smoke from prescribed burns and wildfires contain tiny particles you can’t see. Those particles can get deep into your lungs and even into your bloodstream,” said Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett. “Breathing smoky air can make some people sick, especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. If smoke is in the forecast, plan ahead so you can limit time outside and keep the air in your home as clean as possible.”

“The 2024 community health assessment showed people are concerned about smoke in the community,” said Director Jennifer Little of Klamath County Public Health. “We have a GIS map on our website to show where prescribed burns are happening that might affect Klamath County. It also includes the current air quality index and is updated as information is received.”

Important steps to take during smoke season:

Know your AQI. Learn the basics of the Air Quality Index (AQI) now, before smoke arrives.

Check air quality often. Limit time outside when smoke is present, especially if you are in a higher-risk group.

Stay indoors when air quality is poor.

AQI above 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

AQI 150 or higher is unhealthy for everyone.

Keep smoke out of your home. Close windows and doors, especially overnight and early mornings when smoke can be worse.

Make a DIY air filter. Use a box fan and a furnace filter to clean indoor air. Learn how by watching this video.

Wear the right mask. If you must be outside in heavy smoke, wear a NIOSH-approved N95.

Take it easy outdoors. Avoid strenuous exercise when AQI is 150 or higher.

Keep smoke out of your car. Close windows and vents and use the recirculate setting on your A/C.

To learn more about Forest Service prescribed fires, including locations and planned burn dates, visit: centraloregonfire.org.

For more about protecting your health during prescribed burn and wildfire season, visit:

Deschutes County Public Health

Klamath County Public Health

Central Oregon Fire information

Air quality (AQI) in your area

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Locals Budget for Rising Gas Prices to Ease Financial Hit During Iran War

KEYT on March 11, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you are worried about the big jump in your monthly gas bill with the recent war-related spike in prices, there are ways you can avoid paying more than you need to.

Some of the prices in Santa Barbara County quickly joined the pattern nationwide in the last ten days with an increase of about 50 cents a gallon. It varies widely. That’s where consumers can still control the pain at the pumps.

The recent increase is connected to the price per barrel of oil which has gone up to, in some cases $120/a barrel, but also dropping back down to $90/a barrel.

That is still higher than where it was been in recent years, including June of 2025 when a barrel was about $62.

One prediction by Goldman Sachs said oil prices could exceed $100/a barrel if there is an “extended disruption” to the Middle East and that is happening now.

To offset the costs, consumers can pay cash, which lowers the price generally by about 10 cents/a gallon. Credit cards usually have an extra charge and that is why there are two rows of prices at the pumps.

You can also change the station you are most familiar with if you are paying more than you want. Some stations still have top tier quality gas, but do not have a nationwide or more “well known” name.

In some cases within less than a mile in Goleta, prices are about a $1.00 difference.

Ben Lyons was filling up his truck at the Fuel Depot on Storke Rd. for one of the cheaper prices in the area despite the increases. He has been in and out of California recently. “Last time I was in Oregon, we’re looking at 2 to 2.99 per gallon. And we’re looking at $3 more (here).” He also uses his phone to locate the lowest prices. “I got a little app to look for the cheapest gas prices. GasBuddy. “

Declan Connors recently realized the impact of the current price surge. “This is my first time filling up in, I think two weeks.And I looked at the prices today, I was shocked. I mean, it’s up, I think $0.40 my memory serves and yeah, that’s that’s not too fun to me.”

Some drivers said they may not have the same Spring break plan coming up as they once considered because of the cost of fuel.

Alexnder Zbinden is looking at the longer range impacts. “Best case scenario, war ends tomorrow and gas prices will still be inflated for a minimum of six weeks. Best thing you can do, maybe buy a little extra right now before prices really spike.”

Other ways to save at the pumps include an app from the station brand that may come with a discount per gallon. Some grocery stores also offer gas price discounts as part of a savings option.

Airline travelers are also watching prices and the possible change based on aviation fuel costs.

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Jury convicts Florida man for 2024 shooting inside Columbia restaurant

KMIZ on March 11, 2026

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A jury found a Florida man guilty Wednesday on charges related to a 2024 shooting inside a Columbia restaurant.

After a two-day trial and several hours of deliberations, jurors convicted Alexis Gonzalez, 38, of assault and armed criminal action. Gonzalez was acquitted of unlawful use of a weapon.

Gonzalez, 38, of Orlando, Florida, was accused of shooting Gary Bitsicas in the face on Aug. 17, 2024.

Gonzalez claimed that he was acting in self-defense and in defense of his girlfriend. Prosecutors argued that Gonzalez re-entered the restaurant with his gun and the intention to shoot and harm Bitsicas following a confrontation outside of the restaurant.

The victim of a 2024 shooting inside a Buffalo Wild Wings in Columbia testified Wednesday that he lost his left eye to a bullet.

The shooting inside the Buffalo Wild Wings followed an altercation outside of the restaurant between Bitsicas and Gonzalez’s girlfriend because she and Gonzalez allegedly didn’t pay their bar tab. The couple tried to walk out after a bartender cut Gonzalez off for being too drunk, prosecutors allege. The state says the shooting was intentional, but Gonzalez’s defense says the shot was fired accidentally.

Bitsicas testified that he regretted the encounter, which prosecutors and the defense played on video in court.

“I’m ashamed, I am. I shouldn’t have called her names. I should have just recorded and shut up,” Bitsicas said.

The defense suggested Bitsicas’ behavior when he returned inside after the fight had been broken up outside painted a different picture.

“When you walked back inside to your friends and flexed your muscles, you were acting like you had just won a fight?” said Jeff Hilbrenner, Gonzalez’s attorney.

Mira Rodriguez, Gonzalez’s girlfriend, also testified Wednesday and described feeling terrified during the encounter.

“He was just too close to me. I didn’t feel safe,” she said. “He was calling me a dumb c*nt and saying that I was walking out on a tab when I wasn’t trying to. I was just looking for the person I came to the restaurant with so we could fix this issue.”

Rodriguez said Bitsicas started to hit her as well.

“The minute I pushed the phone away he used his forearm and pushed me up against the wall, he had it on my neck,” Rodriguez said. “Then he punched me in my ear, he was grabbing me by my neck and at a certain point he was grabbing the top of my hair and pushing me down.”

Photos were shown of marks and injuries Rodriguez sustained in her fight with Bitsicas like a bloody ear and scratches on her neck area. Rodriguez had taken a phone call from Gonzalez during the beginning of her confrontation with Bitsicas. Gonzalez testified Wednesday he heard his girlfriend on the phone say Bitsicas was “beating her” and ran back over to the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot to intervene.

That’s when two other men, believed to be with Bitsicas also jumped in. Gonzalez testified this led him to feeling outnumbered and in fear of his safety and that is why he brought the gun with him into the bar.

Rodriguez testified in the midst of the fight her phone had fell on the ground, where Bitsicas picked it up and then brought it inside with him.

Bitsicas explained his actions after returning back inside as him feeling like he had “just survived a beating.” He also testified that he had drunk several beers that night.

“I had got the evidence that was necessary to hold them accountable,” Bitsicas said.

The defense also questioned Bitsicas movement in the direction of Gonzalez when Gonzalez came back inside after grabbing his gun. Bitsicas said he was trying to get to the front entrance to leave and Gonzalez was in his path. Gonzalez testified that he was only looking to get his girlfriend’s phone back and verbally confront Bitsicas, but said Bitsicas charged at him inside the restaurant.

“The minute that I turned and looked up I seen 6’2, 280 lb. Gary coming at me at a high speed,” Gonzalez said. “I started to feel his hands grabbing on me and I immediately reached for the gun because he was twice my size and I don’t know who was behind him, I was outnumbered. So I reached over my head and pistol whipped him on the head with the gun.”

Bitsicas later testified he was concerned Gonzalez would possibly hurt others in the restaurant.

“I was protecting the people behind me, I thought he was coming for the bartender, and I was protecting everybody in that restaurant,” Bitsicas said.

“Is it a surprise to you that the owner of that cell phone, or the boyfriend of the owner of that cell phone, would come looking for that cell phone?” Hilbrenner asked Bitsicas.

“It wouldn’t surprise me, no,” Bitsicas responded.

Bitsicas testified that his memory of the incident stops right before the gun was fired. Gonzalez testified that his past military training would never allow him to intentionally shoot a gun in the manner the state claims he did.

“You would never swing a gun to shoot and kill someone. I hit Gary over the head with the gun and the bullet ejected. That is a gun with no safety,” Gonzalez said.

The penalty phase will begin Thursday morning at 8 a.m. Gonzalez faces up to 30 years in prison.

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San Luis Obispo County Reports Sharp Decline in Homelessness Since 2022

KEYT on March 11, 2026

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County is reporting a sharp decline in homelessness since 2022 when a multifaceted and coordinated strategic plan to address the ongoing issue was created.

During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, leaders received an update on the County’s Five-Year Plan to Address Homelessness, which covered a period between 2022 through 2027.

According to statistics provided by the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Division, there has been a 42% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2022.

“SLO County is making real progress because our staff, service providers, and community andcity partners are working together to expand housing and strengthen prevention and outreachservices,” said Jimmy Paulding, San Luis Obispo County District 4 Supervisor and Board Chair. “This is a direct result of our collaborative efforts to reduce drug addiction and fight the opioid crisis and address homelessness by expanding supportive housing, mental health services, and drug and alcohol treatment.”

The County also said as it has passed the halfway point of it’s five-year plan, it is on track to meet or exceed all of its stated goals, including the top-line objective of reducing homelessness by 50%.

“The reason this plan is working is because we have been working to build out our affordable housing and the report from our staff showed that we’re really starting to meet those numbers, which is great,” said Paulding. “We’re also providing the interim and permanent supportive housing.”

The County reports a number of both interim and permanent housing units have been built over the two-plus years since the Five-Year Plan was implemented, especially in the past year, including 316 affordable housing units, 63 permanent supportive housing beds and 16 interim shelter beds.

The County reported between 2023 and 2025, 556 affordable housing units have been added, an amount that is more than halfway toward the overall goal of creating 1,667 affordable units by 2027.

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FBI, CSFD investigating circumstances of house fire Wednesday in east Colorado Springs

KRDO on March 11, 2026

Alexander Brunet

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Fire Department said that law enforcement reported a house fire at the corner of East Pikes Peak and Dudley avenues, just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11.

Fire departments response

“There was a law enforcement presence before we got here,” said Ashley Franco, a CSFD spokesperson. “We’ll take the lead on the fire, and the FBI will take the lead on the scene.”

Franco said that fire was showing at the front and in the garage of the home, and that the flames were extinguished within two minutes.

The fire department confirmed to KRDO13 that one person suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

“There were no injuries to law enforcement or firefighters,” Franco added.

Police departments response

The FBI later released a statement that its agents were executing a federal criminal search warrant, unrelated to immigration enforcement. A CSPD blotter post confirmed that their Metro Narcotics Unit and the FBI began a joint investigation into a drug trafficker who had a history of vehicular assaults, aggravated robbery and felony menacing. 

CSPD says that a search warrant was used, and when they arrived, several residents exited the home; however, the suspect refused to come out. Police say the suspect, who has been identified as Benjamin Greenfield, then began lighting several fires within the home, running.

Courtesy: CSPD

Police say after a shot chase, Greenfield was taken into custody and was treated for smoke inhalation and burns. He has since been released from the hospital and remains in custody under several charges, including arson.

Neighbors told KRDO13 that before the pursuit, they heard the explosion of “flash-bang” devices and orders from a law enforcement bullhorn for the man to surrender.

Neighbors say they recently noticed suspicious activity at the house, with vehicles coming and going, and people constantly walking in and out.

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Fire burns more than 400 acres in Camden County

KMIZ on March 11, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Low humidity and strong winds helped a wildfire spread to engulf 467 acres and threaten a home in Camden County on Tuesday.

The Northwest Fire Protection District wrote in a social media post that firefighters were called to the blaze on Indian Creek Road in Edwards at about 1 p.m. The fire had jumped a road and was threatening a home, according to the post.

The fire repeatedly jumped fire lines because of the high winds, but firefighters put it out without injuries or damage to structures. Firefighters from six other districts were called in to help, the post states.

Mid-Missouri experienced high winds throughout the day Tuesday ahead of a storm system that moved through the area that evening. An official National Weather Service station at the Lake Ozark airport recorded gusts in excess of 20 mph.

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Lompoc Widow Survives Hit-and-Run, Asks Community’s Help With Expenses

KEYT on March 11, 2026

Jarrod Zinn

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – A Lompoc mother who survived a recent hit-and-run on her way to work needs help with her recovery.

She’s also a widow.

Sofia Cortez lost her husband to brain cancer four years ago.

she takes the bus to work at Ridley Cancer Center in Santa Barbara.

“I am the main caretaker of the family now since my late husband passed away,” says Sofia. “I don’t have a car, and so I walk everywhere.”

The incident occurred at 6 a.m. while Sofia was walking to the bus stop here at the corner of Walnut and North Avenue A and Lompoc, just in front of Pier Fitness.

“This is going to put me out of work for a really long time,” says Sofia.

Both of her legs were broken and she suffered serious internal injuries, but survived.

“There was a day that was very, very scary,” says Sofia’s older brother Peter. “But luckily we were able to get through that.”

Cortez is recovering at an extended care facility, with medical bills piling up.

Her family estimates her overall recovery will cost $24,000.

so, her kids started a GoFundMe.

“My son was amazing to start a GoFundMe,” says Sofia.

Sofia and her family say no donation is too small.

“Any donation, whether it’s a small one, whether it’s all you can give, if it’s a generous one, all of it is meaningful and helpful,” says Peter.

Police are currently looking for the driver.

Anyone can donate by visiting Sofia’s GoFundMe page by clicking this link.

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Grammy & Emmy-nominated Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson hitting the Colonial Theatre Stage

KIFI on March 11, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Arts Council proudly presents an unforgettable evening with Cheyenne Jackson—celebrated Broadway star, acclaimed film and television actor, and renowned recording artist—live on stage in Idaho Falls. Experience the excitement of the “Mid Life Torso Tour” as it arrives at the Colonial Theatre on Thursday, March 12th, offering local audiences a rare opportunity to see Jackson’s exceptional talent live on stage.

Famed for his powerhouse vocals and charismatic stage presence, Jackson has enthralled audiences worldwide. His impressive Broadway résumé features starring roles in hits such as “Xanadu,” “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Into the Woods,” and “Aida.” On television, he’s a familiar face from acclaimed series like “30 Rock,” “American Horror Story,” “Glee,” “Call Me Kat,” and “Julie and the Phantoms.” He has also appeared in major films, including the Oscar-nominated film “United 93” and “The Green”, and the beloved “Descendants” series on Disney.

Cheyenne Jackson’s concerts are a dazzling blend of Broadway classics, pop favorites, and heartfelt personal storytelling, creating an evening that is both intimate and electrifying. Audiences can expect emotional depth, quick wit, and vocal brilliance—an extraordinary chance to experience the magic of a Broadway-caliber artist up close.

Don’t miss this exclusive Idaho Falls performance! Tickets are available now at idahofallsarts.org or in person at our ticket office: 498 A Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. Click here for a direct link to tickets.

For an exclusive, behind-the-scenes treat, don’t miss Cheyenne Jackson live on the Local News 8 Noon show the day of the concert! Get a front-row seat to an exciting sneak peek as he shares stories, surprises, and a taste of the spectacular performance awaiting Idaho Falls that night.

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Bend-La Pine’s new ‘choice option’ high school has its new name: Deschutes River High

KTVZ on March 11, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools has chosen a name for its newest high school, opening next fall. The new choice option school will be known as Deschutes River High School. 

The district’s School Board voted unanimously for the name at its meeting Tuesday night. 

Deschutes River High will offer a new model where students will explore interdisciplinary, project-based work, college-level Advanced Placement classes, and Career and Technical Education. As a choice option high school, it is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who live in the district. 

“The district is excited to offer Deschutes River High School to our community,” Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk said in Wednesday’s announcement.

“Bend-La Pine Schools believes in the power of educational choice. Our new choice high school will provide students opportunities to explore future pathways while being a part of a school community centered in leadership and belonging.” 

The opportunity to create the school stems from the district’s decision to end its lease of property that has housed Realms High School and Realms Middle School.

Both Realms High and the district’s other choice option high school, Bend Tech Academy, are coming together to form the Deschutes River High School. It will be located at 1291 NE 5th Street, the current location of BTA. The school district plans to will relocate Realms Middle School to the Buckingham Elementary School campus for the 2026-27 school year.   

In January, Bend-La Pine Schools began the process of naming the new school by surveying students, families, and staff to gather ideas and recruit volunteers for a naming committee. Students, families, staff, and school leaders reviewed suggested names and used a series of surveys, meetings, and activities to narrow the list.

Using feedback from the Realms and BTA school communities, the committee presented the top three recommendations to the board in February. 

The new Deschutes River High School will be built around three core pillars: Character, Community, and Service; Excellence Through Purposeful Work; and Industry and Higher Education Readiness.

The school will offer four Career and Technical Education academies – Medical, Business, Construction, and STEM/Engineering – along with advanced coursework including AP and college credit. 

Officials also said the new high school already has a full enrollment, following the school district’s choice option lottery process in January, and has a waitlist for 2026-27.

Families can learn more about the school at https://bls.fyi/drhs.

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U.S. Navy Blue Angels talk about coming to Yuma

KYMA on March 11, 2026

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma announced Tuesday the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are coming to Yuma after nearly 40 years.

During that time, MCAS Yuma says they will be performing high-speed formations and precision maneuvers over the base.

The Blue Angels have been in El Centro for winter training since January, where they execute two to three flights per day.

“It’s a pretty rigorous schedule. We have to stay on top of our nutrition, hydration and overall health, but it definitely does a lot to get us prepared for the shows,” said Lt. Ronny Hafeza with Blue Angel 7.

In El Centro alone, they have 120 flight takeoffs and landings, just to prepare for their first flight demonstrations.

However, now that the NAF El Centro Airshow has been canceled, they will be able to perform at the Yuma Airshow.

“We were just very grateful and fortunate that Yuma asked us to come perform. We’re fortunate and very grateful that it worked out with our schedule,” said Cmdr. Lily Montana with Blue Angel 8.

The Blue Angels are excited to be here performing in Yuma and tell me there is a lot for the Yuma community to look forward to.

“This will be what is considered a remote show site, which is unique, normally when we’re flying over near field, we’ll operate out of that air field, and so this instance, we’re going to be flying from El Centro overhead,” says Cmdr. Montana.

The Blue Angels perform in tight formations, sometimes even 18 inches apart, using their sense to operate the aircraft.

“Definitely visual. We don’t rely on the instruments to tell is where were at in time and space, however the pilots are so well in tuned with their aircrafts, the stick sensations, the feel of the aircraft, how each aircraft influencing one another,” says Lt. Hafeza.

The U. S. Navy Blue Angels are performing at the 60th Anniversary of the Yuma Airshow after nearly 40 years.

The Yuma airshow is happening this Saturday, March 14, at MCAS Yuma. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free.

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