12 regional tourism projects awarded grants by Visit Central Oregon, totaling $300k

KTVZ on April 29, 2026

Triton Notary

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) Visit Central Oregon has awarded $300,000 in grant money to 12 regional tourism projects through its Central Oregon Future Fund. This marks the fourth annual cycle of the program, which supports initiatives benefiting both residents and visitors across the region.

The grant program aims to foster tourism-related projects that align with its pillars of accessible adventure, cultural tourism and stewardship. The 12 recipients were selected from a total of 26 applications, which collectively requested more than $1 million in funding.

Visit Central Oregon selected the 12 recipients in cooperation with eight advisory grant reviewers. These reviewers included industry representatives from regional tourism and hospitality, media and publishing, outdoor recreation and Central Oregon’s rural communities, including the Warm Springs Reservation and a community-based non-profit from the Warm Springs Reservation.

Of the 26 applications received, nine were for accessible adventure projects, 14 for cultural tourism projects and three for stewardship projects. The 12 selected recipients include five accessible adventure projects, six cultural tourism projects and one stewardship project.

The Jefferson County Event Complex will expand Cowdeo youth rodeo programming and enhance the Corwin Arena. These improvements aim to increase regional event capacity, improve visitor access and strengthen tourism-driven economic activity.

Wasco County Fairgrounds plans to enhance its facilities by procuring a mobile performance stage and completing lighting, accessibility and event-area improvements. This will expand tourism-driven concerts, festivals and regional community events.

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance project expands the High Desert Food Trail. It includes the development of an Accessibility Edition, inclusive itineraries and a shoulder-season Accessible Travel Week. These efforts connect visitors of all abilities to Central Oregon farms, food and agritourism.

The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory, also known as SNCO, will implement its Accessible Trails and Inclusive Interpretation Initiative. This combines ADA-accessible trails, multilingual and audio signage and a virtual walking tour. The initiative ensures visitors of all abilities can enjoy Central Oregon’s natural beauty year-round.

Deschutes Land Trust’s project improves visitor access to Metolius Preserve. It aims to create an inviting place to hike, roll and ride, increasing the inventory of accessible trails in the Sisters area for visitors of all abilities.

Sisters Trails Alliance’s project aims to create the first fully verified accessible adventure trail system in Oregon. This involves rating all non-motorized trails, training volunteers and expanding adaptive recreation opportunities.

Sisters Trails Alliance Executive Director Stephanie Presley expressed gratitude for the support. “Sisters Trails Alliance believes everyone should have access to our beautiful outdoor spaces. We are so grateful for Visit Central Oregon’s investment in our Accessible Trails Project, which will help us to assess and modify trails and infrastructure, expanding inclusive recreation for people of all ages and ability levels.”

Ballet Bend, the city’s first professional ballet presenting organization, will use the funds to bring nationally and internationally recognized dance to Central Oregon.

BendFilm will utilize its grant to support the continued expansion of the BendFilm Festival, a five-day independent film event in October. The festival includes films, filmmaker Q&A sessions and community events.

Clay Pruitt, Managing Director of BendFilm, noted the impact on rural areas. “The Future Fund grant from Visit Central Oregon plays a direct role in helping BendFilm continue expanding access to film and storytelling in our rural communities. This support allows us to bring screenings, conversations and creative opportunities to audiences in Warm Springs and Madras, strengthening cultural connection across Central Oregon. We are grateful for this investment in both our work and the communities we serve.”

Oregon Adaptive Sports will deliver its signature adaptive outdoor programs through its All Access Adventure initiative. These programs are for more than 100 people with disabilities of all ages and their families, including specific programs for disabled veterans.

ThinkWild’s project involves converting a gravel lot into an accessible pollinator garden and outdoor classroom. This space is intended for hands-on learning, community stewardship and connection to the Crooked River.

Hannah Wuerfel, Beaver Works Habitat Restoration Coordinator for ThinkWild, highlighted the project’s community focus. “This funding is helping us take the project beyond a native plant garden and turn it into a true community space. By adding signage and places to sit and spend time, it will become a welcoming, educational spot along the Crooked River. It also supports hands-on learning, local students and volunteers won’t just enjoy the space, they’ll help build and care for it while learning how to be part of restoring the landscapes around them.”

ScaleHouse, a contemporary arts project, will feature two new exhibitions at Scalehouse Gallery in Bend. These exhibitions will invite visitors to explore identity, leadership and migration.

Wake Creative, Inc. is developing Sketch and Release, a touring multimedia production. This production celebrates Black Oregonians through film, performance, music and community dialogue, exploring identity and future-building across 12 rural and metro venues statewide.

Jason McNeal Graham, of Wake Creative, Inc., emphasized the grant’s role in making the tour a reality. “As a Future Fund recipient, Sketch and Release Tour is able to move from concept to reality, bringing high-quality, Black-led multimedia storytelling to rural Central Oregon communities that are often overlooked. The support will not only amplify our capacity to tour and engage audiences across multiple counties, it also validates the importance of culturally responsive work and opens doors to new partnerships, future funding and long-term community impact.”

In addition to the Future Fund, Visit Central Oregon supports stewardship projects through the Central Oregon Destination Management Studio. This separate regional collaborative process includes more than $100,000 in support for stewardship initiatives, such as Dark Sky initiatives, a trails improvement project managed by the Deschutes Trails Coalition and the development of an arts and heritage program focused on Central Oregon’s music culture.

Visit Central Oregon CEO Scott Larson underscored the long-term vision behind the grants. “By reinvesting tourism dollars directly into projects that protect our natural landscapes and enhance our Central Oregon community, we are ensuring that our destination remains strong for future generations of residents and visitors alike. Four years in and we are continuously proud to support local projects and initiatives that foster accessibility, diversity and sustainability.”

Oregon Adaptive Sports will deliver its adaptive outdoor programs from September 2026 through May 2027.

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Power is being restored in Glasgow sooner than expected

KMIZ on April 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Power is being restored in a Howard County town sooner than expected.

The City of Glasgow announced on its social media on Monday that the town had lost power and would likely be out for two or three days. Severe storms went through Mid-Missouri on Monday and caused damage around the area.

The city updated its residents on Tuesday with a social media post sayin power is starting to be restored.

“The substation has warmed up, and the electric company has begun restoring power. Circuits will be brought back online one at a time, so not all customers will have service restored at the same time,” the post says. “We appreciate your patience as crews work to safely restore power to the entire community.”

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Police: missing man was involved in crash, may need medical attention

KMIZ on April 29, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Police Department is searching for someone who went missing in the eastern part of town.

JCPD wrote on its social media that it is looking for Nathan Spencer, 20. He was last seen walking near Cedar Creek Court and Expressview Drive, an area just north of Highway 50/63.

A news release Tuesday evening said Spencer was one of two drivers involved in a crash in the 2300 block of US 50/63. The crash happened shortly after 9:30 a.m. when Spencer’s vehicle rear-ended the other vehicle, according to police, at which point Spencer apparently left the scene on foot.

The other driver reported some discomfort after the crash but declined medical treatment.

While investigating the crash, police set up a perimeter to try and find Spencer, even deploying a drone to search from the air, but didn’t find him.

At around 2:30 p.m. police returned to the area to look for Spencer, but after more than half an hour did not find any sign of him.

After a missing person report was completed for Spencer just before 5 p.m., officers went back out to the scene to look again, but called it off shortly after 6 p.m. after finding no indication Spencer was in the area.

The post says Spencer is 6-feet tall and weighs 230 pounds. He has a red beard and red “collar-length” hair. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black jacket with two white stripes down the sleeves, jeans and black shoes.

Police are focusing their search efforts in the eastern part of the city and into the county. They ask anyone with information or who sees Spencer to contact them, as he may need medical attention.

JCPD can be contacted at 573-634-6400 or by calling 911.

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Bend Factory Stores announces rebrand, new farmers market

KTVZ on April 29, 2026

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Factory Stores is rebranding as Elevation Bend, with a grand unveiling and the launch of the Elevation Farmers Market scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026. The event will take place at 61334 South Highway 97 in Bend.

This transformation aims to create a refreshed destination for shopping, community connection and local experiences.

The rebrand represents the next evolution of the center, designed to bring together national brands, local vendors and community-focused events in an outdoor setting.

The new Elevation Farmers Market will run weekly on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. through October. It aims to support regional growers and small businesses.

The Grand Unveiling Celebration of Elevation Bend will introduce the center’s new name and clock tower sign, updated branding and commitment to serving the Bend community. The celebration will feature a live painting of a community mural and a special appearance from Get Up and Groove, known for their dance experiences and presence on Instagram.

Guests can also enjoy live music, food trucks and a variety of local vendors. A dedicated Kids Zone with bouncy houses and additional family-friendly activities will be available.

Launching the same day, Elevation Farmers Market will take place every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., May 1 through October. The market will feature a rotating selection of local farmers, food vendors and community partners. It is designed to create a new weekly gathering place for residents and visitors while supporting regional growers and small businesses.

Retailers at Elevation Bend include national favorites such as Nike, Columbia, Pendleton, Victoria’s Secret, Rack Room Shoes and Carter’s.

Community members are encouraged to attend the unveiling celebration and return weekly throughout the season to enjoy Elevation Farmers Market. The market will operate every Friday from May 1 through October.

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Oregon State Marine Board conducts annual training for marine law enforcement in Jefferson County

KTVZ on April 29, 2026

Kelsey Merison

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Marine Board is conducting its annual marine law enforcement training in Jefferson County. The training, which began yesterday and runs until May 8th, aims to enhance officers’ boat maneuvering skills and knowledge of boating safety rules.

The training provides law enforcement officers with hands-on experience, allowing them to develop proficiency in operating both jet and propeller boats. Participants learn critical safety regulations they will enforce to help keep people safe on the water. Part of the training will take place at Lake Billy Chinook.

Residents should be aware that this activity is part of the scheduled training and not a cause for concern. Two deputies from Jefferson County are among the officers attending the academy.

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Angel Ramos-Ramirez sentenced to 42 years to life after gang-related murder and assault

KEYT on April 28, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Angel Ramos-Ramirez received a 42-year-to-life sentence in state prison for a 2022 gang-related murder and a 2021 knife assault on a teenager, according to the SLO County DA’s Office.

A San Luis Obispo County jury found Ramos-Ramirez guilty of both second-degree murder against Daniel Diaz after stabbing him 10 times in Oceano on June 4, 2022.

A judge found true that Ramos Ramirez also had a 2016 conviction for making criminal threats for the benefit of a criminal street gang, part of California’s Three Strike Law.

The same judge found Ramos-Ramirez guilty of a separate September 4, 2021 assault using a knife against a 19-year-old for great bodily injury in Nipomo on January 29, 2026.

The knife assault came nine months before Ramos Ramirez murdered Diaz and he waived his right to a jury during the trial.

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2 injured in weekend fire at LRC Insulation; business considered total loss

KMIZ on April 28, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Eldon business is considered a total loss after it caught fire on Sunday, according to a Tuesday press release from the Eldon Fire Department.

The release says crews were called to 705 East 5th Street and saw flames coming from a side of the building when they arrived at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The release says crews and equipment were delayed “because of barricades across the road at the end of 5th street.” 

Two people were injured and treated at the scene, the release says. About 300,000 gallons of water was used. Crews cleared the scene at 8:30 p.m.

The company shared images of the damage to its Facebook page on Monday.

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Protect your pup: Local Vets emphasize pet vaccinations amid Parvo Awareness Day

KIFI on April 28, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — April 28 marks National Parvo Awareness Day, and Eastern Idaho veterinarians are sounding the alarm: 90% of all Canine Parvovirus cases are fatal without proper treatment.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious disease that is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. It damages the lining of a dog’s intestines, which makes it hard to absorb nutrients and allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This can quickly lead to severe dehydration, infection, and shock.

Common Symptoms

Severe, often bloody diarrhea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Lethargy (extreme tiredness)

Fever or low body temperature

Rapid weight loss and dehydration

Symptoms usually appear 3–7 days after exposure and can worsen quickly.

“Parvovirus is, a virus that hijacks very quickly replicating cells,” Veterinarian Adam Peterson, of Skyline Animal Hospital, stated. “the easiest place to find those are in puppies. And the most common is within the gut lining of puppies.”

So the dogs with the most risk of catching the virus are puppies. However, unvaccinated dogs can carry and spread the disease to at risk puppies.

There’s no direct cure for the virus itself. Treatment focuses on supportive care, often at a veterinary hospital:

IV fluids to combat dehydration

Medications to control vomiting and diarrhea

Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections

Early treatment greatly improves survival chances.

“So treating for parvo versus vaccinating for parvo or like two totally different things,” Peterson said. “It’s like, it’s like paying to get your oil changed on time or having your engine blow out because you did.”

The best protection is vaccination. Puppies receive a series of shots starting around 6–8 weeks and Adult dogs will need follow up shots, at your vet’s discretion. Keep your pet safe and healthy by getting them vaccinated and taking them to their vet.

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Oregon man sentenced to prison for mail theft

KTVZ on April 28, 2026

Triton Notary

HINES, Ore. (KTVZ) Patrick Wright, a 44-year-old man from Burns was sentenced today to 45 days in federal prison for repeatedly stealing mail. Wright, a former U.S. Postal Service employee at the Hines, Ore., Post Office, also received two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay over $2,000 in restitution.

The sentencing follows Wright’s guilty plea today to one count of theft of mail by a postal employee. Court documents indicate that from January 2024 through June 2024, Wright stole contents, including money and gift cards, from mail while working at the Hines Post Office. A federal grand jury in Eugene returned a one-count indictment against Wright on April 17, 2025.

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Santa Barbara City Council Votes in Favor of Draft State Street Master Plan

KEYT on April 28, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – People packed the Santa Barbara City Council Chambers and the overflow area to hear the final item on the agenda.

They arrived early to see the draft State Street Master Plan presentation by Stefanos Polyzoides of Moule & Polyzoides of Pasadena.

“The decisions that are made today will have importance for the next 70 years and the best ways to help cities grow is by taking advantage of positive actions that have led the place to its current level of prosperity and prominence,” said Polyzoides.

He studies Santa Barbara’s history and said it had limited vehicular traffic before e-retail and the failure of malls.

State Street Master Planner Tess Harris called the draft an opportunity to invest in downtown.

“Think about it as a pedestrian-oriented or people-first space and recognize with this design flexibility is in its nature,” said Harris.

Both agree the plan can be adapted and live on well past 30-50 years.

“If we decide that we want to have vehicles on the street and transit on the street and bikes on the street we can do that with this design, if we decide we don’t want to have any of those options we can also do that with the design, the design doesn’t change, it’s just the actual method of operation and how we are using the street and I think that is a really important element,” said Harris.

“This plan is one that expands the sidewalk and allows the street to really reinforce that civic and commercial and neighborhood feeling of being right n the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.”

Polyzoides’ extensive summary included block-by-block management, converting nearby one-way streets into two way streets, initiating a plan to enable in-fill housing and reducing the time it takes to issue retail licenses.

The cost per block would be in the $6-8 million range, with a total capitol investment between $48-64 million depending on the economy during the start and completion dates.

Grants, bonds, and transportation funds could help pay for it.

The firm’s design proposal and presentation are intended to be the framework for the revitalization of corridor.

Other elements include street design, landscaping that includes flowering trees such as Jacarandas, rolled 4-inch curbs, and economic analysis.

The plan is focused on the 400 to 1300 blocks of State Street.

Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce President Kristen Miller said the draft gives businesses a sense of certainty that has been lacking.

Dozens of people spoke during public comment.

Attorney and resident Richard Lloyd said the draft allows the debate over cars to continue.

The plan recommended two-way traffic from 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., but the council did not approve of setting hours.

“Flexibility is key, which the consultants have recognized I think there’s lots of questions like how is it going to be paid for is it going to workout but what I think it is, is a significant move forward,” said Lloyd.

Karl Hutterer, Ph.D. was impressed by the attention to detail from flowering trees to housing.

“It is a generational project it is enormously important to the future of this city and I think it was one of the best presentations I’ve heard in years,” said Hutterer.

Jessica Johnson who recalls a friend being injured in a traffic accidents years ago is concerned about cars.

She agrees with Vision Zero supporters who don’t want traffic to return to lower State Street that has seen a reduction in accidents.

Richard Yates of Opal restaurant would like to see one-way traffic from the coast up State Street.

Yates believes that would help businesses thrive.

The entire council voted in favor of the draft, but in Mayor Rowse repeatedly voted against car-free elements.

The council also voted staff to give special attention to the 700-900 blocks near De La Guerra Plaza.

And they urged staff to push for affordable housing in the plan.

The city website allows anyone to review the plan at https://StateStreet.SantaBarbaraCA.gov

They will go to committees and commissions including the Historic Landmark Commission, Planning Commission and Access Advisory Committee.

The city council intends to vote on a final Master Plan in August.

If the timeline goes as planned, an engineering phase could being in early 2027.

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