Bethlehem Inn exploring Redmond expansion as family shelter need grows in Central Oregon

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As Oregon continues to face one of the highest rates of family homelessness in the country, Bethlehem Inn says it is beginning the early planning process for a possible expansion of its services in Redmond.

The nonprofit, which has an emergency shelter in Bend and another shelter in Redmond, says the project is still in its very early stages and that no final plans have been set.

Bethlehem Inn Operations Manager Lindsey Clements said the idea is being driven by the growing need for family shelter services across Central Oregon.

“It’s really in response with knowing that we have families who are still outside, either in a tent or just in their vehicle every single night that we’re not able to actually shelter here,” Clements said.

Right now, Bethlehem Inn can shelter up to 10 families each night in Bend and says it is frequently full.

“We are often full every single night,” Clements said. “We always have someone on our inquiry list.”

The shelter provides private rooms, daily meals, and around-the-clock support services, including case management and connections to community resources.

“When they come in, we can offer them meals every day. We have an amazing private room for them to be in, and just a welcoming space for them to come in and feel like they actually not only have a shelter, but have a home for the time that they’re here,” she said.

Bethlehem Inn says expanding the Redmond facility is part of its long-term vision to serve more families.

At this point, factors such as permitting, timeline, and the scope of the expansion are still being worked out.

The organization says much of what happens next will depend on community support and fundraising.

“This is something that we are really looking forward to,” Clements said. “Any community support that people can provide will help us really start this project and get it going as quickly as we can.”

Financial support from the community will play a major role in determining how quickly the project can move forward.

For families currently staying at Bethlehem Inn, the shelter’s services can be life-changing.

“People really express to us that their lives would have been completely different if they hadn’t gotten the five weeks here,” Clements said.

She added that the organization has seen strong success in helping families move into permanent housing after leaving the program.

“We have such a high success rate with our families going to permanent, stable housing once they exit the program here,” she said.

For now, Bethlehem Inn says it will continue serving families in Bend while working through the early steps of the Redmond expansion process.

Community members are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as plans continue to develop.

To learn more about Bethlehem Inn or how you can support it’s mission, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Women of the Gem State Gunslingers take the reins ahead of the region’s mounted shooting event

KIFI on April 30, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Rigby, Idaho (KIFI) – The spirit of the Old West is alive and well in eastern Idaho—but today, it’s being assisted in the reign by a group of women riders redefining the sport.

The Gem State Gunslingers, a mounted cowboy shooting group, is gearing up for its next competition this Saturday, May 2, at Wind River Arena in Rigby.

Mounted cowboy shooting blends speed, precision, and horsemanship. Riders race through a timed course on horseback, using blank ammunition to shoot balloon targets along the way. The result is a fast-paced, high-energy event that demands both control and coordination.

For many of the women involved, the sport offers more than just competition.

“Isn’t everybody’s childhood dream to shoot off the back of a horse?” Gina Weymiller joked. “If you come out to these events, you’ll always see big families and kids watching… and usually the kids will go on to fly through the course and outrun us!”

The Gem State Gunslingers regularly host practices and competitions across eastern Idaho, building a growing community of riders who share a passion for the sport and western tradition.

“This is the coolest community that I’ve ever found in the horse world,” Rider Hailey shared. “I’ve done all kinds of competitions, and the horse people in this group are just so much fun, and they’re willing to help. You can have the worst run of your life, and someone’s going to be giving you a high five and telling you how great you did.”

Saturday’s event is part of a larger series of shoots planned throughout the season. Organizers say it’s also an opportunity for the public to get an up-close look at a unique and often overlooked sport.

“If you like watching anything in the horse world, just come out once and watch,” Rider Bailey Lee said, “Everyone always has so much fun.”

Facebook / Gem State Gunslingers

Spectators are welcome to attend, with food vendors expected on site and events running throughout the day.

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just looking for something different to do this weekend, organizers say the event offers a chance to experience a modern-day version of the Wild West—right here in eastern Idaho.

For more information about the Gem State Gunslingers and this weekend’s event, visit their Facebook page here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Missouri House approves speed limit bill with additions

KMIZ on April 30, 2026

Mitchell Kaminski

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri House on Thursday approved a bill that would allow state officials to increase speed limits on rural, four-lane highways.

The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Jamie Burger (R-Benton) and carried in the House by Rep. John Voss (R-Cape Girardeau), had already passed the Senate. However, the House added amendments before passing the bill 82-53 on Thursday, so the Senate will need to approve the legislation again before it can go to the governor’s desk.

The bill would allow officials to increase the speed limit to 75 miles per hour on rural, divided highways where the limit is now 70 mph.

Voss argued the bill does not require anyone to drive that speed, but allows drivers the freedom to do so if they choose. Opponents raised safety concerns for drivers and for highway workers.

The Missouri Department of Transportation told ABC 17 News it has not yet developed a map for where those changes will take place, because the bill is still pending. However, based on the current language of the bill, MoDOT says any freeway or interstate located outside of an urban area could qualify for the higher speed limit.

“In practical terms, most interstates and freeways currently posted at 70 miles per hour could potentially increase to 75 miles per hour,” MoDOT spokesman Jacob C. Luecke told ABC 17 News.

Two of Missouri’s neighboring states have already approved similar speed limit increases. In 2011, Kansas raised its maximum speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph. Nebraska followed in 2018, increasing the speed limit on divided expressways from 65 mph to 70 mph.

In the five years before Nebraska’s increase, the state recorded 1,128 traffic fatalities from 2013 through 2017. In the five years after the higher limit took effect on July 18, 2018, Nebraska recorded 1,173 fatalities from 2019 through 2023,  an increase of 45 deaths.

A study from Sustainable Transport Safety also found that Kansas’ speed limit increase from 70 mph to 75 mph resulted in a 27% increase in the total number of crashes that occurred on freeways. The number of crashes that resulted in injuries or death also rose 35% in locations that received a speed limit change.   

“The faster you are going, if you get into a crash,  the greater the likelihood that there will be serious injuries or fatalities,” David Reich, a spokesman with the National Road Safety Foundation, told ABC 17 News. “The NHTSA’s says for every ten miles an hour faster that you’re going,  the risk of dying in a crash nearly doubles.”

According to the National Road Safety Foundation, speeding is a factor in 29% of fatal crashes nationwide. In Missouri, that share is even higher, with speeding involved in 34% of fatal crashes.

“Missouri is among the top ten states in terms of speed-related crashes,” said David Reich, who is a spokesman with the National Road Safety Foundation. 

While higher speeds carry greater risks, Reich said speed alone is not the only factor in many fatal crashes involving speeding.

“About 51% of speeders in crashes were not belted. So that increases the risk of them being hurt or killed, and they’re going to be thrown from the vehicle, possibly, or thrown around the car. For people who obey the speed limit on average, it’s it’s about 21%  are not belted,” he said. “So speeders, in addition to just going faster, are putting themselves generally at greater risk for things for very easy decisions like not buckling your belt.” 

Maj. Curtis Hall, with the Callaway County Sheriff’s office, told ABC 17 News he did not see a strong need for an additional 5 mph increase, but added that it wouldn’t change much for the department since the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigates crashes in rural areas of Callaway County. 

Hall added that there were over 2,800 reported crashes in Callaway County from 2022-24. Of those, more than 500 were attributed to speeding or driving too fast for the weather conditions.

“From a practical standpoint, the time saved is minimal. Driving 100 miles at 70 MPH versus 75 MPH results in about a 6-minute difference. In my view, if someone feels they need that extra speed to stay on schedule, it likely comes down to planning rather than necessity,” Hall told ABC 17 News in a statement. “At the end of the day, higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase of serious or fatal accidents.”

Click here to follow the original article.

The Shilo Inn has shutdown – Employees say they were given no notice

KIFI on April 30, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Employees of the Idaho Falls Shilo Inn are left scrambling after finding out they were shut down Tuesday morning.

On his way to work, David Rail, the owner of the restaurants and bars in the hotel, received a call from the manager of the hotel, informing him that the hotel was being shut down that morning.

“I was on the way down here from Rexburg. And [the manager] said the hotel is being shut down right now by the courts. And I said, oh, that’s interesting. I, I hadn’t heard a thing. And then I went to shock for a second,” Rail recounted.

The shutdown stems from the Inn’s parent company, which is undergoing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 means someone who can’t pay their debts and sells some of their property to repay what they can. Then, the rest of the debt is usually cleared, allowing them to start over.

“When we got here, I talked to the court facilitators,” Rail said. “They’re the ones that came down here and had everybody check out, and then they walked through. I don’t know if they did while I was in my office, because we were busy trying to figure out what we’re going to do, but basically, the hotel is shut down.”

According to news sources in Oregon, their Shilo Inn locations experienced a similar shutdown, with their employees getting no notice before the doors were shut.

And with no hope of operating in the near future, David Rail had to let go of his employees, “We had 18 employees. I think they had 10 or 12 or the hotel. But, I have to lay off all 18 people.”

The Shilo Inn will still have events this weekend, if you are interested in going out there one last time.

“Come to Cinco de Mayo this weekend,” Rail encouraged, “It starts Saturday, goes through Sunday, and it’s going to be big. We’re setting up a massive stage inside and then a smaller stage outside. There’s going to be food vendors and dancing and performances by the community.”

As for future events, the decision is up to the Courts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Oregon Secretary of State launches Oregon Blue Book photo contest for 2027-2028 edition

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read announced the start of the 2027-2028 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest today in Salem.The contest seeks photo submissions for the cover of the upcoming edition of the Oregon Blue Book.

The Oregon Blue Book, which is the state’s official almanac and fact book, has been in continuous publication every odd-numbered year by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office since 1911.The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office organizes the photo contest every even-numbered year.

The 2027-2028 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo contest is open until Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Photographers interested in participating are encouraged to carefully review the contest guidelines before submitting images.

Oregon Secretary of State Read emphasized the significance of the book’s appearance.

“The iconic covers of the Oregon Blue Book are part of what makes these books so special,” Read said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how our local photographers showcase the people and places in Oregon through their lens.”

Image submissions can be made through the Oregon Secretary of State’s website or by regular mail. If an image is chosen, contest winners must provide a digital TIFF or high-quality PNG file to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

The Oregon Blue Book contains listings and descriptions of state government agencies and educational institutions. It also features an almanac, maps and facts about Oregon history and elections, as well as information on the arts and other cultural institutions in Oregon.

The Oregon Secretary of State will select one image for the front cover and one image for the back cover of the book.

Contest winners will be announced in January 2027.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sunriver Resort’s food & wine festival returns with month-long celebration

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Matthew Draxton

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunriver Resort, managed by CoralTree Hospitality, announced the return of its Food & Wine Festival, a month-long celebration taking place throughout May. The festival features chef-driven culinary experiences designed to connect guests with the region through food and wine.

The event will showcase regional vintners, artisans, farmers and craft beverage producers from across Central Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest. It is open to resort guests, visitors and locals.

Attendees can expect an expansive lineup of tastings, wine-paired dinners, hands-on culinary classes and live music. New experiential offerings and a weekly farmers market beginning May 21 are also part of the celebration. Highlights include exclusive wine and whiskey dinners, a sushi-making class and an interactive s’mores bar.

Executive Chef Josh Hedrick, of Sunriver Resort, emphasized the festival’s focus on regional connection and authentic experiences. “This festival is about more than just a collection of culinary experiences; it’s about creating moments where guests can connect with the region through its food, wine and the people who craft them, all built around real product seasonality and intention,” Hedrick said. “Each event is designed to showcase the depth and diversity of the Pacific Northwest, while giving attendees a reason to slow down, explore and enjoy everything Sunriver Resort has to offer.”

Among the featured events is the Sunriver Wine & Cuisine Stroll at Lodge Kitchen on May 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering tastings from Oregon, Wash. and California wineries paired with Sunriver Resort culinary bites for $70. Bottles & Bites at The Grille on May 8, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., provides a tasting of six Rombauer wines with chef-created bites for $90. Bites & Flights at Lake House on May 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., offers classic pairings or a chocolate wine pairing, priced between $26 and $35.

A Sushi Making Class will take place at The Lodge on May 16, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., allowing participants to learn sushi preparation for $40. The Penelope Whiskey Dinner at Lodge Kitchen on May 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is a multi-course menu paired with whiskey selections for $150. Erath Winery winemaker Leah Adint will lead an Erath Wine Tasting at Lodge Kitchen on May 29, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with tickets costing $40.

The Farmers Market at The Backyard at The Lodge will run on Thursdays, May 21 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring local vendors. Brisket Night at Lake House is available on Wednesdays, May 6-27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering slow-cooked brisket and sides for $35. A Gourmet S’mores Bar will be at The Backyard Cafe on Fridays and Saturdays throughout May, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., for $10.

For those staying at the resort, Sunriver Resort offers a “Dine & Unwind” package. This package provides a $100 dining credit per night for guest room and suite bookings. Additionally, vacation rental stays receive a complimentary fourth night and dining vouchers for a 10% discount at the resort’s signature restaurants. Guests can use the code SPRING4NF when booking a vacation rental and all guests will receive a complimentary Sunriver Resort wooden cutting board as a keepsake.

Tickets for all events are available for purchase on the Sunriver Resort website. Early registration is recommended due to limited space. More information and booking options can be found at https://www.sunriverresort.com/holidays-events/food-wine-festival or by calling 855-420-8206. Further offers and reservations are available at www.sunriverresort.com/offers or by calling 855-420-8206.

Click here to follow the original article.

Secure your spot: BPRD Kids Inc. application window opens for 2026 after-school care

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Bend Park and Recreation District will open the application process for its Kids Inc. after-school care program for the 2026-27 school year on Friday, May 1. The lottery enrollment, which supports after-school care for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, will accept applications until May 13 at 11:59 p.m.

The Kids Inc. program operates daily until 5:30 p.m. in all Bend elementary schools, with the exceptions of Amity Creek and Westside Village. The lottery system considers siblings as one household for selection, though each child must be individually registered.

The application window for the Kids Inc. program begins May 1, 2026, at 8 a.m. and closes May 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will receive status notifications by May 18, 2026 and must secure their spot with a first month’s tuition deposit by May 31, 2026. Online applications are available on the Bend Park and Recreation District website during these dates and phone applications can be submitted by calling 541-389-7275 if online access is an issue.

Catherine Ellis, recreation and inclusion manager for the Bend Park and Recreation District, emphasized the program’s importance for families. “The primary purpose of Kids Inc. is to support the after-school care needs of working parents and guardians who do not have other options for their elementary school-aged children,” Ellis said. “The program is crucial for families and the enrollment process is very important for the lottery selection.”

For the upcoming 2026-27 school year, Kids Inc. will continue to offer both part-time and full-time care options, a feature that began in Fall 2022 due to positive feedback. Part-time schedules include Monday and Wednesday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or Wednesdays only. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register for all desired schedules.

Families initially selected for part-time spots have the option to move to full-time care if they indicated a preference for full-time during the enrollment lottery. This transition may occur before the school year starts or at any point during the school year, depending on staffing levels and space availability at the specific school.

The Bend Park and Recreation District asks families who do not rely on after-school care for job requirements or have other care options to consider the district’s various enrichment and sport programs.

The lottery selection process will determine placements for the 2026-27 school year. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 18, 2026 and accepted families must submit their first month’s tuition deposit by May 31, 2026, to secure their child’s spot.

Click here to follow the original article.

REMINDER: Outdoor debris burning in Bend area to end tonight

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Outdoor debris burning in the Bend area will close at midnight on Thursday, April 30. Bend Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, announced the restriction.

This closure applies to outdoor debris burning across the Bend area. While such burning will remain open in the rural areas surrounding Bend until the specified deadline, debris burning is not allowed within Bend city limits per a City of Bend ordinance.

Backyard fires, which include warming fires, campfires and cooking fires, are typically allowed year-round within the city of Bend. These types of fires are also generally permitted in the surrounding areas covered by Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #two.

Individuals must follow Bend Fire & Rescue burning regulations for these backyard fires. Officials can place additional restrictions on campfires during peak temperatures to reduce fire risk.

The public can check current restrictions every time they burn by calling the Bend area information hotline at 541-322-6335. Further information on burn regulations and permitting is available online at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

Click here to follow the original article.

Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony set for May 5

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 2026 Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. in Salem. The annual event, held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. No new names were added to the memorial this year.

The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial currently bears the names of 199 officers. These officers have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal agencies. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Oregon’s law enforcement community expressed gratitude that no new names were added for the 2026 ceremony.

Families, colleagues and loved ones of fallen officers gather at the ceremony each year. This event aims to preserve the memories of those whose names are on the memorial. It is a significant and meaningful event for the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Oregon’s law enforcement community, who remain committed to ensuring the sacrifices of these officers are not forgotten.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training holds the ceremony in partnership with several organizations. These include the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Ore. Concerns of Police Survivors and the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation. Statewide law enforcement associations also partner in the event.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. This scheduling allows family members and co-workers to attend both observances. The national memorial honors more than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty.

Click here to follow the original article.

Happening Friday: Prescribed burn planned to protect Crescent homes from wildfires

KTVZ on April 30, 2026

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest are planning a 44-acre prescribed burn on Friday in the Crescent Ranger District. The controlled burn is located six miles southeast of Crescent and aims to protect homes from tragic wildfires.

The prescribed burn on the DRM four/25 Prescribed Burn units will be conducted if conditions remain favorable. Fire management officials coordinate with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan these burns to ensure weather conditions move smoke up and away from communities.

Ignitions for the burn are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Smoke from the operation will be visible from Highway 97, Highway 58 and the community of Crescent. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Using a portable air cleaner is also recommended if available and central air systems can filter air, especially with high-efficiency filters.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn vehicle air to recirculating. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should monitor their health and contact a health care professional if symptoms worsen.

Further details about the prescribed burn and its timing will depend on favorable conditions. Residents should continue to follow recommended safety measures regarding smoke and utilize the provided resources for updated information.

These controlled burns, aimed at reducing wildfire risks, will cover significant acreage in the region.

Click here to follow the original article.