Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Spring break is almost here, and despite fast-rising gas prices, thousands of travelers will be flocking to places where they can get some sun and have some fun. And that means Bend and Central Oregon remain the region’s top travel destination, AAA Oregon/Idaho reports.

AAA Travel booking data reveals top destinations and trends as spring breakers prepare to travel throughout March and April. AAA says beaches, warm weather destinations, theme parks and cruising are the most popular for spring break 2026. AAA also offers tips to keep the vacation worry-free.

“Travel is a very personal choice, and for many, it’s vital to their overall quality of life. By taking some precautions, everyone can feel more at ease throughout the journey,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Theme parks in Southern California and Florida are perennial favorites for families during spring break. The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Knotts Berry Farm are popular in the Los Angeles area. Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary with special shows and new additions to attractions. And in Florida, The Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando are top destinations.

Cruising continues to set records this year. AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will take cruise vacations in 2026. Many families book cruises over Spring Break to get the most out of the week, with Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas being the most popular.

Top international destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho include Paris, Rome, Tokyo, London and Barcelona. These cities appeal to families looking for history and entertainment.

Good news for travelers planning to drive abroad: you can now apply for International Driving Permits online! AAA is one of only two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. While you can still apply in person at a AAA branch, you now have the option to use your smartphone to take a digital photo and complete the application online. Many countries require IDPs to rent a car and drive legally.

Many will take a road trip this Spring Break. Oregonians will be visiting Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Seattle, Eugene, Southern Oregon, and Boise. La Verkin, Utah is popular for its proximity to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The busiest car rental destinations are Orlando, Los Angeles and Phoenix, according to AAA rental car partner Hertz.

AAA offers many other tips on how to save on fuel here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/news/fuel-saving-tips/

Costs to fly for Spring Break in the U.S. are up 2% this year, compared to 2025. AAA says the average price for a roundtrip domestic ticket is $815. International flights are slightly cheaper this year, with the average price for a roundtrip ticket at $1,300.

“Spring break is a perfect time to chase the sun and shake off the winter doldrums. Sandy beaches, inviting pools and sunny skies are among the most popular escapes this time of year. International cities are popular for culture, sightseeing and great restaurants, often with mild spring weather,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Gas prices on the rise for spring break:

This is the time of year that we typically see seasonal increases in gas prices – and this year, the conflict in Iran and the Middle East is causing gas prices to soar due to skyrocketing crude oil prices. Anytime crude oil prices spike, gas prices go up as well.

Other factors that cause prices to rise this time of year include refinery maintenance, the switch to summer-blend fuel, and an increase in demand for gas.

Gas prices are more expensive this year for spring break, compared to last year. Last year in mid-March, the national average for regular gas was $3.08 and the Oregon average was $3.72.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum will begin its Spring break programming on Saturday, March 21st, featuring the return of live flight demonstrations and several new exhibitions. The museum will also transition to summer hours, staying open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The seasonal schedule includes the Sky Hunters bird of prey program and interactive history at the museum’s ranch and sawmill. These activities are paired with daily wildlife talks and scientific exhibitions focused on regional geology and biology.

The Sky Hunters program will be hosted in the E.L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. The demonstration features raptors flying overhead to showcase their agility while educators share information about the birds’ lives in the wild. The program runs daily from March 21st through March 28th at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at admissions for $7, and museum members receive a 20% discount. Fly Redmond and the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon provide funding support for the program.

Daily talks regarding High Desert flora and fauna are included with museum admission. These scheduled events include a Nature Walk at 10:30 a.m., an Otter Encounter at 12:30 p.m. and a Mammal Encounter at 3:00 p.m.

The High Desert Museum is also featuring several temporary exhibitions, including “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration.” Located in the Spirit of the West Gallery, the exhibit combines history and geology with interactive storytelling. Visitors can view lava rocks, study a volcanic hazard map and hear simulated volcanic rumbles. The display highlights the scientific significance of volcanoes and the local impact of the Mount St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980.

The Brooks Gallery houses “Soil Alive!,” a subterranean-themed exhibition presented in both English and Spanish. The family-friendly installation uses muffled underground sounds and interactive activities to show how microorganisms turn dirt into living soil. Features include a giant magnifying glass for viewing digital illustrations and a motion-activated experience where visitors help a ponderosa sapling grow.

Artist Hilary Baker is featured in the Desertarium Gallery with an exhibition titled “Prophets.” Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles, lost her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January 2025. Following the fire, she began painting moths as spiritual messengers. The exhibit includes 18 of her artworks, which use bright renderings to encourage closer observation of the insects.

Another original exhibition, “Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place,” examines a century of western salesmanship. The collection features more than 50 maps, advertisements and artworks that explore the growth of cities along High Desert railways and the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910. Additionally, the “Forest at Night” exhibition provides an immersive virtual tour of the forest after dark, highlighting the constellations and nocturnal animals.

The High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will offer historical demonstrations from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. These areas will be open from Saturday, March 21st through Sunday, March 29th, though they will be closed on Monday, March 23rd. Visitors are invited to ask questions about the historical buildings or participate in ranch activities.

The Sky Hunters flight demonstrations will conclude on Saturday, March 28. The “Soil Alive!” exhibition is scheduled to close on Sunday, March 29.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Winter arrived on the calendar in Central Oregon, but the weather hasn’t looked much like it.

Temperatures have been running well above normal in recent months, and mountain snowpack has lagged behind typical levels. Because snowpack helps supply the region’s rivers and groundwater through the summer, water conservation is becoming increasingly important.

That’s part of the reason the City of Bend is encouraging residents to participate in “Fix a Leak Week,” a national campaign aimed at reducing household water waste.

The campaign runs March 16 through March 22 and asks residents to check their homes for common water leaks, including dripping faucets, worn seals, and irrigation system problems.

Even small leaks can add up. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water each year from leaks that go unfixed.

In Central Oregon, officials say that wasted water is especially significant because the region relies heavily on snowpack to replenish water supplies during the warmer months.

The city is encouraging Bend residents to take part in the challenge by inspecting their homes and fixing leaks where they find them. Those who participate in the accompanying challenges will be entered to win prizes.

The city also offers online resources to help residents identify and repair leaks, which can help lower water bills while conserving water during potentially dry seasons ahead.

For more information or to participate in the challenge, visit the City of Bend’s page dedicated to ‘Fix a Leak Weak’.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County road officials are warning drivers to plan for delays and detours this week as multiple construction projects and seasonal closures continue across the region.​

La Pine and surrounding area

Crews are installing temporary pavement and widening the S Century Drive and Huntington Road intersection while also doing landscape work. The intersection is now controlled by an all-way stop with a temporary 25 mph speed limit, and drivers should expect single-lane closures, flaggers and delays of up to 20 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.​

City of Bend and surrounding area

Tumalo Reservoir Road is closed to through traffic between Sisemore Road and Tyler Road for excavation, grading, fence replacement and utility work. A signed detour is in place, local traffic can still access the area, and other sections of Tumalo Reservoir Road may see intermittent delays as construction vehicles enter and exit the roadway during weekday work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bear Creek Road remains closed between Dantili Way and the irrigation canal crossing to the east, with a full closure and signed detour expected to last through early April. China Hat Road and Forest Service Road 1815 are also closed at the U.S. Forest Service boundary for forest thinning, with access shut down to all traffic until further notice.​

City of Redmond

Work on the Redmond Wetlands Complex includes sewer utility construction on NW Pershall Way and in off-highway areas along Northwest Way and NW Coyner Avenue. Drivers on Pershall Way should be prepared for single-lane closures controlled by a temporary traffic signal, gravel surface sections and delays of up to 20 minutes during work hours.​

Terrebonne and U.S. 97

Work along U.S. 97 continues, with 11th Street closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic between A Avenue and the south intersection with the highway. Detour routes are signed, 11th Street south of C Avenue is open but unimproved and unpaved, and traffic heading for U.S. 97 north is directed to use NW 19th Street and NW Davidson Way, where the speed limit is temporarily set at 45 mph.​

Deschutes National Forest

High-elevation roads remain shut down for the season. Cascade Lakes Highway — from Crescent Cutoff Road to Forest Service Road 4270, and from Mt. Bachelor to Forest Service Road 4270 — and Paulina Lake Road east of Ten Mile Sno-Park will stay closed until county road crews can remove winter and early spring snow, typically by Memorial Day, weather permitting.

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Tracee Tuesday

KATY, Tx. (KTVZ) — A 13-year-old climber from Bend is now among the nation’s top adaptive athletes after earning a podium finish at a national competition in Texas.

Evangeline Crossman placed second at the 2026 USA Paraclimbing National Championships in Katy, competing against some of the top adaptive climbers in the country. The Bend teen delivered a standout performance throughout the event, finishing first in the preliminary round before placing second overall in the finals.

Crossman is an eighth-grade student who is homeschooled and also attends Cascade Middle School. She trains with the competitive team at Bend Endurance Academy.

Despite significant physical challenges — including dyslexia and 5/200 vision in one eye — Crossman has emerged as one of the country’s promising young paraclimbers.

“I’m incredibly grateful just to be able to compete with such amazing athletes,” Crossman said after the competition. “Every climber here inspires me. My dream is to keep improving and someday represent the United States in the Paralympic Games.”

William Lister, a Paralympian and executive director of Bend Endurance Academy, praised Crossman’s performance and dedication.

“Evangeline’s performance this weekend was extraordinary,” Lister said. “To lead the field in prelims and then finish second in the nation at just 13 years old shows the kind of dedication and resilience she brings to training every day.”

Lister said para-sports can open doors for athletes while building confidence and community, adding that Crossman represents the future of the sport.

The USA Paraclimbing National Championships bring together top adaptive climbers from across the United States and serve as a pathway toward international competition and potential Paralympic participation.

Crossman’s result places her among the country’s elite young adaptive climbers and highlights the growing presence of adaptive sports in Central Oregon.

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Tracee Tuesday

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — In the Klamath Tribes’ treaty territory, tribal councilors are working to protect a rare blue-green algae known as Mare’s eggs, or Nostoc pruniforme. The unusual, water balloon-like organisms draw curious tourists who sometimes pick them from the water, killing them and disrupting their fragile habitat.

Scientists consider Mare’s eggs nitrogen-fixing organisms that help promote clean water and play a unique role in the local ecosystem. The algae also have a short, slow growth season, making them especially vulnerable to disturbance and overhandling.

Klamath Tribes Chairman William Ray Jr., Councilwoman Willa Powless and Councilwoman Natalie Ball recently visited the river with U.S. Forest Service officials and tribal administration staff to see the problem firsthand. During the visit, Ray raised concerns about the number of permits issued to professional guide services along the Klamath River.

He advocated for reducing guide permits as one way to limit pressure on Mare’s eggs and other sensitive resources. Tribal staff also discussed additional steps to protect the habitat and envisioned a future in which the land is returned to the Klamath Tribes, allowing original stewards to once again take the lead in safeguarding this vital resource.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Old Mill District hosted the inaugural Second Saturday Paws and Pints event on Saturday, a new pet-focused gathering designed for the local community. The event featured dog-specific vendors, food trucks and activities ranging from live music to specialized spa care.

Modeled after the First Friday tradition, the recurring event was established through a multiyear planning process involving the Old Mill District and the co-founders from Greggs Grill and Hungry Hound. The gathering aims to celebrate Bend’s identity as a pet-friendly city while providing specialized services for four-legged friends.

The gathering featured dog runners, treat vendors and dog-specific food trucks. Bryan Du Toit, owner of Hungry Hound, helped organize the event, which he noted was years in the process.

“It’s really rewarding seeing everybody come together, everybody, the public bringing their dogs out, everybody having a great time here,” Toit said.

Nearly 10 different vendors participated in the event, including the Central Oregon Scent Work Club. Members demonstrated how dogs use their seeking skills during practice sessions. Robin Fallon, with the Central Oregon Scent Work Club, said the group was pleased to participate in the community gathering.

“We are delighted that we got invited and opportunity to share with all these people all the different opportunities that they can have and scent work,” Fallon said.

Organizers designed the event to allow owners to drop off their pets for activities like spa care or supervised runs. Toit said the goal is for people to be able to shop in the Old Mill District or get a pint at Greggs Grill while their dogs are being cared for. Aaron Pierce, who works with Bend Barks and Rec, said the event resonates with local residents.

“I think it’s really, really, really beneficial to this community to have this event that is being centered around our, our canine loved ones,” Pierce said.

Attendees brought dogs of all sizes and breeds to participate in the activities. James Johnson, the owner of a dog named Murphy, said his pet enjoyed the variety of offerings.

“It’s pretty fun. He’s having a lot of fun,” Johnson said. “He gets all the treats he can get. He’s a very happy dog. He just wants to see everybody.”

The event also provided opportunities for pet adoptions through Street Dog Hero. Peter Vandenburg, the director of development for Street Dog Hero, explained that several foster dogs were available for meet-and-greets. Vandenburg noted that some of the animals found permanent homes during the event.

“You can come down and meet dogs,” Vandenburg said. “And if you find one that you are just in love with, you can fill out an adoption application and start a trial on the spot.”

The Second Saturday Paws and Pints event is scheduled to return to the Old Mill District on the second Saturday of every month. Organizers hope to continue growing the event with each successive session.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Motorcyclist still in hospital, could face criminal charges)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 19-year-old Redmond resident was killed Friday evening when the speeding motorcycle on which he was a passenger collided head-on with an SUV at a southeast Bend intersection. Police said Monday the seriously injured motorcyclist remains hospitalized and may be charged in the fatal crash.

Malachi Longstroth, who died at the scene, was a passenger on the motorcycle when the collision happened around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of SE Second Street and Miller Avenue, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

Police have not publicly identified the 20-year-old Bend resident who was operating the motorcycle. They said he was heading north on Second Street at a high rate of speed. A 25-year-old Bend man was driving a southbound Subaru Crosstrek and was was attempting to turn east onto Miller Avenue when the crash occurred.

The impact threw both Longstroth and the motorcycle operator. Longstroth died at the scene, Miller said. The motorcyclist, a Bend resident, was transported to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries and remains at the hospital.

Responding officers performed life-saving measures at the intersection. They used an automated external defibrillator, conducted CPR and applied tourniquets before the motorcyclist was transported for medical treatment.

The driver of the Subaru was uninjured and remained at the scene, cooperating with the police investigation. A reconstruction team’s work kept Second Street closed for about three hours.

Miller said Monday that the motorcycle operator remained hospitalized with serious injuries. 

“Excessive speed on the part of the motorcycle is considered a primary factor in this case,” she said in a news release. “Once the investigation is complete, the Bend Police Department will refer this case to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.”  

Miller told KTVZ News that both riders on the black 2001 Suzuki motorcycle were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

She said the speed limit on that stretch of Second Street is 30 mph. How fast the motorcycle was going “is part of that ongoing investigation,” Miller told us.

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Triton Notary

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) A group of community members has filed a recall petition targeting the executive director and several board members of the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District.

The Facebook group Waves of Change announced that it submitted the petitions, alleging ethical and financial misconduct involving the district’s executive director and claiming board members supported the alleged violations.

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office confirmed to KTVZ that petitions were filed for each board member, except Koralynn Hollyman, who is currently suing the district.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Campbell Porter

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new music program at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend is already striking a chord with students, thanks to one teacher’s passion for helping kids express themselves through music.

Marci Griffiths, known by her students as “Miss G,” started the school’s music program this year. She says her students have quickly embraced the creative process, with some even composing their own songs.

“Some of my kindergartners are writing their own music, and some of my fifth graders are also writing their own music,” Griffiths said. “Once they get their hands on the instrument and start to understand the theory behind music itself, they take it upon themselves to grow because we’re giving them tools.”

To get the program off the ground, Griffiths has borrowed instruments from other schools around the district. Today, she was recognized by KTVZ and Mid Oregon Credit Union’s One Class at a Time program for her dedication to giving every student the opportunity to make music. She plans to use the award funds to purchase djembe drums for her classes.

One Class at a Time is our monthly award celebrating inspiring teachers who make a difference in Central Oregon classrooms.

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