City of Bend’s new ‘home-hardening’ rules to reduce wildfire threat will take effect May 15

KTVZ on April 22, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend will enact “home-hardening” requirements on May 15 for new homes, to improve their resiliency in the face of any future wildfires.

The Bend City Council recently adopted Section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, establishing the home‑hardening requirements designed to improve wildfire resilience for new, detached residential construction.

After a work session discussion on Feb. 25, councilors directed staff to move forward with local adoption of R327, a state-adopted section of the residential building code that cities may opt into. The ordinance received its first reading on April 1 and was adopted upon second reading on April 15.

The new requirements will take effect May 15 and apply to new residential building permit applications submitted on or after that date.

R327 establishes wildfire-resilient construction practices for newly constructed dwellings and newly constructed accessory structures. It does not apply to additions or renovations of existing buildings.

The new requirements include the use of non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials for exterior components such as roofing, gutters, windows, vents and siding.

Fire hardening makes a property more resistant to ignition by addressing the most vulnerable part of the home with materials and methods that increase the structure’s resistance to heat, flame and embers.

While R327 does not apply to buildings regulated under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, such as apartments and commercial buildings, those structures are typically built to a high baseline level of fire resistance, city officials said.

With adoption of the new code, Bend’s residential building standards align more closely with nearby jurisdictions. The code is already in effect for the City of Sisters and in unincorporated areas of Deschutes County, “supporting a consistent regional approach to community wildfire resilience,” the city said in Wednesday’s announcement.

Wildfire-Resistant Homes Costs reportDownload

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From Boyhood to Manhood: Beautillion Luncheon Raises Funds for Scholarships

KVIA on April 22, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX ( KVIA-TV)- The Beautillion is a special event hosted by the Elora Brotherton Education Community Foundation to provide scholarships to local El Pasoans.

It supports high school graduates who need financial help and have been accepted to an accredited college or university, as well as college students who need extra support. The Foundation also helps the local community through service activities and financial assistance.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to students who show strong academics, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact. These scholarships help lower the cost of college and encourage students to pursue their goals with confidence.

The Beautillion is the Foundation’s main fundraiser and serves as the male counterpart to a Cotillion or Debutantes Ball. It is a formal event that introduces young minority men to the community, focusing on good values, leadership, and academic achievement.

Participants are high school juniors and seniors. This year marks the 17th Beautillion since it began in 1990. The organization introduced over 200 young men through Beautillion, and in 2026, ten more will take part. The Beautillion is a four-month program with workshops, interviews, and a video submission before the formal event. All funds raised go directly to the Foundation’s scholarship fund.

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Better Together Central Oregon announces transition to operational independence

KTVZ on April 22, 2026

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Better Together Central Oregon, a nonprofit focused on connecting communities and advancing opportunities for children, youth and families, announced its transition to full operational independence. This milestone, taking effect June 30, 2026, involves concluding a long-standing operational memorandum of understanding with the High Desert Education Service District. The organization will now manage its own operations, staffing and infrastructure across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Better Together became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015. For over a decade, the organization has served as a backbone entity, bringing together diverse community members and systems in a region encompassing more than 67,000 children and youth. The High Desert Education Service District had previously served as the employer of record and a professional home for Better Together’s staff.

Since its founding, Better Together has evolved from a vision of collaborative K–12 support into a regional anchor organization. It convenes workgroups, supports youth leadership and connects families with resources and opportunities.

In fiscal year 2024–25, Better Together hosted a 10-Year Celebration and Vision Summit with more than 150 community partners. The organization stewarded nearly $2 million through fiscal sponsorships supporting seven community-rooted organizations. It also engaged more than 500 families and young leaders through eight regional Family and Youth Councils. Programs sponsored by Better Together impacted more than 4,585 youth and 619 adults across the region. Additionally, it facilitated four active convening groups that bring leaders together to drive coordinated, community-led action in priority areas: early learning, housing and education, youth voice and Latinx success.

Gabriela Peden, executive director of Better Together Central Oregon, stated that this moment has been years in the making. “Operational independence gives us the ability to fully align how we work with what we believe, which is that communities are stronger when people come together,” Peden said. “Our mission, our relationships and our commitment to the people of Central Oregon are not changing. What changes is our capacity to sustain and deepen that work for the long term.”

Carlos Salcedo, board chair of Better Together Central Oregon, commented on the organization’s responsiveness to the communities it serves. “Better Together has always been shaped by the communities it serves — and this next step reflects that strength,” Salcedo said. He also expressed gratitude for the partnership with HDESD. “We are deeply grateful for the partnership with HDESD that supported an important chapter of our development. And we move forward with confidence, grounded in relationships built over more than a decade and guided by an unwavering commitment to the people and communities of Central Oregon.”

As part of establishing independent operations, Better Together will begin directly operating Juntos Aprendemos, one of its signature programs. Aprendemos is a Spanish-language family engagement initiative launched in 2018 through the leadership of Better Together’s Latinx Success Workgroup. Since its launch, the program has been operated by HDESD in partnership with Better Together. Beginning July 1, 2026, Better Together will directly operate the program and maintain its core model and commitment to serving Spanish-speaking families across the region.

Better Together extended its gratitude to HDESD for its role as a catalyst and early champion for developing cradle-to-career partnerships in Central Oregon. HDESD also served as a fiscal and operational partner since 2015. The two organizations anticipate continued collaboration in service of shared community priorities.

Better Together will continue to share updates with partners, funders and community members as the transition progresses. To learn more, an impact report for 2024–25, organizational history and supporting materials are available at bettertogethercentraloregon.org/news. Media inquiries can be directed to Peden at gabriela@bettertogetherco.org or (541) 745-4355.

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Suspect in Holts Summit murder trial takes the stand Wednesday

KMIZ on April 22, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Following testimonies from neighbors and her own children, 38-year-old murder suspect Heather Smith took to the witness stand Wednesday.

Smith is accused of the 2025 deadly shooting of 37-year-old Kara Dills at Hunter Lane Apartments in April 2025. She claims the shooting was in self-defense.

Smith faces charges of second-degree murder, child endangerment, armed criminal action and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon. The trial is being held in Columbia on a change of venue.

The shooting allegedly came after an altercation between children who were family members of Smith and Dills while riding bikes in the parking lot of the apartment. It’s alleged that Smith, a resident of the apartments, confronted Dills’ mother, who was also a resident, twice about their children before the shooting. Several witnesses on Tuesday accused Smith of flashing a gun in the waistband of her shorts at Dills’ mother during this interaction.

Dill’s sister then allegedly confronted Smith after Smith’s first interaction with Dills’ mother.

While Smith confirmed on the stand that she had a gun the day of the shooting, she claims she did not flash it at Dills’ mother. She added that Dills’ family was verbally aggressive towards her during interactions about the children.

“I initially walked over to try to talk to them to know that the things that her mother was telling her were not true, that nobody had threatened her children,” Smith said. When [Dills’ sister] left, [Dills’ mother] started to yell things at me.”

Smith claimed during the second interaction with Dills’ mother, where Smith allegedly flashed a gun, she yelled, “I’m not scared of anybody.” Which prior witnesses have reported Smith saying.

“If it was just a defense mechanism and I hope that maybe they would back off, I felt that they were trying to intimidate me, so I didn’t want them to feel like they were getting what they wanted,” Smith said.

When Dills arrived at the apartments to confront Smith in the parking lot, Dills allegedly pistol-whipped Smith during the confrontation and walked away. When Dills hit Smith, the gun went off, grazing a man on his head. Smith then allegedly shot Dills in the stomach, killing her.

Dills’ boyfriend as well as Dills’ sister and nephew, were also in the parking lot during the main confrontation before the shooting. Dills’ nephew also allegedly tried to disarm Smith by jumping for the gun, but was unsuccessful.

Smith alleged Dills shoved her during the argument. Smith adds that while she did point her gun at Dills’ boyfriend, she felt threatened.

“I was so nervous and scared because I was surrounded by people bigger than me,” Smith said. “I think it was three carloads of people that had pulled in and then all of a sudden I was being rushed by five people.”

Other family members of Dills confirmed seeing Dills shove Smith; however, they also claimed Smith pointed the gun at several people in the group.

“She pointed it at me, she pointed out [Dills’ nephew], I mean, she pointed at the whole apartment complex,” Dills’ boyfriend Aireon Terrill said. “She said she was going to use it while she was pointing it right dead in my face.”

Terrill added he was not trying to be threatening in the situation.

“I am walking towards her because I’m not going to let nobody else get shot,” Terrill said. “My purpose was to deescalate the whole situation, I’m the biggest person out there and trying to deescalate the situation and it never worked that way.”

Video surveillance showed Smith threatening witnesses with a pistol in the parking lot. Smith allegedly pointed the gun at both Dills and Dills’ boyfriend in the parking lot before the shooting.

Both the state and defense rested on Wednesday. The court plans to reconvene on Thursday morning.

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Museum of Idaho celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with interactive exhibit

KIFI on April 22, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – A major milestone in American history is being celebrated right here in East Idaho. The Museum of Idaho has just opened a brand-new exhibit marking 250 years of the United States—bringing the Revolutionary era to life through artifacts and storytelling.

via Museum of Idaho Facebook

The exhibit—called “Declaration: 250 Years of US”—is now open to the public, and it takes visitors all the way back to the American Revolution.

Curated by the Museum of Idaho, this exhibition features Revolutionary War–era artifacts and reproductions from local collectors, weaving together the stories of key figures who shaped American democracy.

Nancy and Gary Makey, local history interpreters in period clothing, greet visitors in the exhibit and discuss the stories of important historical figures while also reflecting on the broader impact of those early decisions today. Visitors can also explore their own connections to the past with help from the FamilySearch Center.

The opening comes as Idaho joins communities across the country in preparing to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Statewide efforts are already underway to encourage education, reflection, and community engagement tied to the nation’s founding principles.

The museum, known for its mix of local history and nationally recognized exhibits, hopes this new installation will offer a more personal and thought-provoking look at America’s beginnings.

Leaders say the exhibit is not just about looking back—but about understanding how the nation’s founding continues to shape Americans today.

“Declaration: 250 Years of US” is now open to the public at the Museum of Idaho. Visitors can find more information on hours and admission through the museum’s website here.

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Better Business Bureau: How to avoid crypto ATM scams

KYMA on April 22, 2026

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Bitcoin ATM machines or kiosks are popping up at more and more convenience stores and gas stations.

The ATMs are an easy way to buy and sell crypto, but scammers have found there’s also a way to take thousands from unsuspecting consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission says during the first half of 2024, the average loss people reported was $10,000.

Much of the money is taken through “imposter” scams. Scammers call and pretend to be a government official with a fake citation or something you owe.

They could pretend to be your bank with a security issue that requires you take money out of your account and deposit it in a new, clean account. Scammers could use the old “tech” scam and notify you that there’s a virus on your computer only they can solve, if you call them.

In most cases, they lead you to a nearby Bitcoin ATM, tell you to pay the fine or deposit the money there. That money ends up in the scammers account.

Bitcoin ATMs allow speedy, anonymous cash-to-crypto transactions that are irreversible and are very hard to trace.  There have been few if any regulations to stop it.

States like Arizona and California are changing that.

Arizona now requires the ATMs to have warning signs. Daily deposits are capped at $2,000 for new users. If you’ve been scammed and report it within 30 days, you can get a refund. Check out the Arizona Attorney General’s crypto ATM/kiosk regulations HERE.

California requires warning signs and limits all daily deposits to $1000. Check all of the California Attorney General’s crypto ATM/kiosk regulations HERE.

If you’re told to withdraw cash and deposit it in one of these ATMs, it’s a scam. No legitimate person will ask you to pay a debt or fix a problem by putting money in these ATMs.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) always advises never responding to texts, computer pop-ups or calls.  If you’re told there’s a problem with an account, like your bank, only go into your account to check and communicate.

Also, don’t answer any calls that aren’t in your contacts. Important people will leave messages while scammers will not.

Check out all the latest scams and tell us what you’re seeing through the BBB Scam Tracker.

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TCFR receives funding boost to map and mitigate wildfire risks

KIFI on April 22, 2026

Seth Ratliff

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Teton County Fire & Rescue is getting a boost ahead of fire season thanks to new grant funding.

Last week, TCFR was awarded grant funding from the Community Foundation of Teton Valley to support wildfire mitigation efforts. The money will help build computer models that show how wildfires could spread through local communities, giving a clearer picture of where risks are highest and how to respond faster.

Officials say the data from these computers will also help fire crews reduce risk and help stop wildfires before they spread.

“With this data, we will be able to mitigate wildfire risks in a more strategic manner,” said TCFR in a Facebook post.

The funds were added to grants from Teton Springs and the Teton Valley Fire Action Community Team to further support the project. For more information, click HERE.

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Dispose of unwanted prescriptions at Bend Police DEA Drug Takeback

KTVZ on April 22, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening this weekend, the Bend Police Department will host a DEA Drug Takeback event.

The department says it’s to give citizens a chance to safely dispose of unwanted or unused prescriptions, as flushing old prescriptions can add the drugs to the water table, and throwing them in the garbage could mean they end up in the wrong hands.

The drive-through event will take place in the PD parking lot (555 NE 15th Street) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th.

You’re encouraged to stop by and keep the community safe through this free event.

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Cascades East Transit to boost bus service frequency in Bend

KTVZ on April 22, 2026

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit will increase bus service frequency and improve connections across Bend beginning May 4, 2026. The transit agency aims to provide better reliability for commuters throughout the city.

The service improvements will see Routes 1 and 4 along 3rd Street operate every 15 minutes on weekdays between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Additionally, frequency on key corridors serving St. Charles and Neff Road will increase, with buses running every 30 minutes instead of the current 45-minute intervals.

Changes also include an update to Route 6, which will serve the new Deschutes Public Library – Central Library.

The new Deschutes Public Library – Central Library is scheduled to open on May 11, 2026.

Riders can plan their trips by checking updated schedules at local bus stops, Hawthorne Station, or online at CascadesEastTransit.com. For questions regarding the service changes, individuals may call 541-385-8680.

The new services will officially begin on May 4, 2026. The Deschutes Public Library – Central Library will open its doors on May 11, 2026, marking an additional destination for the updated Route 6.

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Oregon Lightning face Albany Firebirds in home opener

KTVZ on April 22, 2026

Matthew Draxton

REDMOND, Ore. – The Oregon Lightning will host the defending Arena Football One champions, the Albany Firebirds, this Saturday, April 25, 2026, for their 2026 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time at the First Interstate Bank Center.

This matchup marks Oregon’s second game of the 2026 AF1 season and the first opportunity for Central Oregon fans to see the Lightning on their home turf this year. The Lightning opened their season on the road two weeks ago in Everett and now focus on an Albany team known for its physical style of play and explosive scoring ability. Saturday’s contest is the first meeting between the two franchises in AF1 competition.

Fans unable to attend the game can stream the action live on The Home Team Network, through the Oregon Lightning website and with the team’s local streaming partner, KTVZ+. Four partner locations across Central Oregon will also stream the game. These include The Moontower at 329 SW 6th St in Redmond, Bangers & Brews Westside at 1288 SW Simpson Ave in Bend, Upp Liquids at 550 SW Industrial Way #185 in Bend and New Basin Distilling Company at 2063 NW St. Andrews Dr in Madras.

After Saturday’s home opener, the Lightning will play two consecutive road games. They will face the Michigan Arsenal on Saturday, May 2 at 4:00 p.m. and the Nashville Kats on Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m. Both games will be available on KTVZ+ and The Home Team Network. The Lightning will return home on Saturday, May 16 to play the Washington Wolfpack at 6:00 p.m.

Other scheduled games include home matchups against the Michigan Arsenal on Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. and the Washington Wolfpack on Saturday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m. The team will play the Kentucky Barrels at home on Sunday, June 7 at 3:00 p.m. and on the road on Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m. Their final regular season road games are against the Washington Wolfpack on Saturday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m., the Beaumont Renegades on Sunday, July 5 at 3:00 p.m. and the Oceanside Bombers on Friday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m.

The AF1 Quarterfinal Playoffs are scheduled for July 24-26, with the AF1 Semifinal Playoffs on Aug. 1. The AF1 League Crown Championship will take place on Aug. 8. Broadcast partners for playoff games include VICE-TV and KTVZ+.

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