Category: ktvz-local-news

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding details, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Just weeks before embattled Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp retires from his position, an internal investigation has been started against his former political opponent, Captain William Bailey.

An anonymous tip to KTVZ News earlier this month claimed Bailey was under internal investigation over comments made on a local radio show. A third party is now investigating.

Van der Kamp confirmed to KTVZ News on Wednesday that Bailey is under internal investigation for violating policy after discussing the sheriff on La Pine radio station KNCP, though the sheriff said he has not personally listened to the interview and could not provide many details, due to the ongoing investigation.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Bailey spoke on the Muddtoe Radio Show about the sheriff’s failure to continue campaign promises and also alleged he was demoted following his loss. 

Van der Kamp did confirm that Bailey’s administrative roles had been stripped as a result, which Undersheriff Aaron Wells has now taken on.

Captain Bailey said he was unable to comment on the investigation, as it is still ongoing.

Bailey was van der Kamp’s political opponent during his last year’s contentious run for sheriff. Bailey was endorsed at the time by departing Sheriff Shane Nelson, who had publicly denounced van der Kamp during the election. Bailey was mentioned in a tort claim filed by van der Kamp against the sheriff’s office, alleging political interference, harassment and targeting.

Sheriff van der Kamp confirmed earlier that his last day in office is July 31st, as he retires following public and internal pressure to step down after local and state leaders found the sheriff untrustworthy. District Attorney Steve Gunnels had earlier this year placed van der Kamp on the Brady List of those officers who are not to be called to testify at trial, claiming he lied about his educational background during previous cases.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Sunday update; containment established, evacuations reduced to Level 1)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunday, the Willow Fire has grown to 4,417 acres, burning on Prineville District BLM and private land in southeast Crook County, officials said Friday.

Fire personnel released new information putting containment at 75%, and is expected to be at 90% containment by the end of Sunday evening.

Firefighters still assigned to the Willow Fire, will patrol and monitor for hot spots, and work on repairing any resource damage done during active suppression efforts, including repairing fences and naturalizing constructed fire lines.

Fire crews will be transitioned to a Type 4 Incident Management Team with approximately 35 people beginning, Monday.

Crook County sheriff’s deputies announced the lower Level 1 evacuation notice for the area on Friday morning but advised, “Please continue to be alert for potential evacuation changes.”

Evacuation Levels 2 and 3 were replaced Friday by Level 1 GET READY near the Willow Fire

Other fire information:

There was minimal activity on the fire Thursday, and with favorable weather Friday, BLM and USFS engines, dozers and skidgens, along with Brothers-Hampton Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) resources will focus on completing fire line construction and to begin securing the fire perimeter and mopping up where possible.

The Sunrise Fire, meanwhile, is now 90% contained at 307 acres in the South Fork Wilderness Study Area and firefighters are continuing to work on mopping up and securing the perimeter

The Foley Creek and Board Hollow Fires on private land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), 20 miles north of Prineville, are both 80% contained at 30 acres and 21.5 acres, respectively.

Firefighters responded to four new fires Thursday will continue to remain vigilant for new starts that result from lightning earlier in the week. As resources continue to work these fires, the public is reminded to be careful with all ignition sources, especially with forecast high temperatures this weekend. Do your part to prevent one more spark.

Information on all fires in Central Oregon will be posted on the only official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org or on X/Twitter @CentralORfire.Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

 BLM closes certain lands in Crook County due to Willow Fire

Prineville, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management announces an immediate temporary closure of public lands in Crook County due to an active fire in the area. This action is taken to ensure public safety, protect land health, and maintain resource integrity, while minimizing conflicts with emergency response teams engaged in fire suppression efforts. 

Closure Details: The affected public lands include portions of the following townships as shown on the attached map: 

Tp. 20 S., Rg. 23 E 

Tp. 20 S., Rg. 24 E 

Tp. 21 S., Rg. 23 E (north of Buck Creek Road) 

Tp. 21 S., Rg. 24 E 

This closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until conditions permit safe public access. 

Exceptions to the Closure: Certain individuals may be exempt from this closure, including: 

Federal, State, or local officers or members of emergency crews engaged in official duties. 

BLM employees and contractors performing their official tasks. 

Individuals with existing rights for access or those holding written approval from the BLM Authorized Officer. 

Legal Penalties: Violations of this closure may result in legal action, including fines and potential imprisonment. Vehicles found violating this order may be towed. 

For further information, please contact the Prineville District Front Desk at 541-416-6700.  

Details of the closure and relevant maps will be available online at Fire Restrictions – Oregon-Washington Bureau of Land Management. 

In southern Klamath County, crews made progress overnight on the nearly 2,600-acre Elk Fire, which also remains at zero containment. No more growth was reported amid cool overnight temperatures, officials said Friday.

—

Earlier info:

Officials said late Thursday that “crews made good progress constructing direct fire line.” They also said firefighters responded to a new blaze Thursday on Hampton Butte, adjacent to the Willow Fire.

Lightning strikes have ignited nearly two-dozen fires across Central Oregon this week, the largest of which is the Willow Fire, estimated earlier Thursday to be 1,000 acres, with the head of the fire on the east side of Buck Creek, nearly reaching the border of the Malheur National Forest.

The lightning storm that passed through Central Oregon Tuesday ignited about two-dozen fires being fought by crews Wednesday, the largest one in southeast Crook County that quickly grew to about 500 acres and forced Level 3 and 2 evacuations.

The largest new blaze, the Willow Fire, was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday near Willow Ridge in southeast Crook County. It had burned about 500 acres by early evening, Watch Duty reported.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 GO NOW and Level 2 BE READY evacuations in the Willow Butte area.

Two large air tankers, two single-engine air tankers and an air attack plane were heading to the fire, burning on BLM land about 20 miles north of Glass Butte.

Central Oregon Fire Information Officer Kassidy Kern told KTVZ News several engines, a bulldozer and skidgen were on scene or en route. Two Type 1 helicopters were ordered up, as well as a SEAT plane and a large air tanker out of Medford.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, details, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – As wildfire season intensifies, many Central Oregonians are turning to the Watch Duty smartphone app or website to stay informed. Since its launch in 2021, the app has become a widely used source for fire information around the region.

Watch Duty co-founder Dave Merritt told KTVZ News on Wednesday that the app was created in California and now reaches millions of users across several states.

“We started in the communities that we knew and knew needed it the most, in Sonoma, Napa, and Lake County,” Merritt said. “At the end of that first year, we realized that, you know, we had like 100,000 people that had downloaded the app, and people really, really liked it.”

The app is run by active and retired firefighters, dispatchers and first responders who monitor radio scanners and official sources, collaborating 24/7 to deliver information quickly.

Merritt said Watch Duty saw a major spike in downloads during the January wildfires in Los Angeles.

Deschutes County officials say Watch Duty has become a helpful tool over the years, but they still encourage residents to sign up for official emergency alert systems.

“A lot of people use it. It’s a great tool. But we do also ask that people look at official sites as well,” said Nathan Garibay, emergency manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Garibay said the Watch Duty team has been open to local feedback and has made efforts to align their alerts with Deschutes County’s communication practices.

“They seem receptive to that feedback and have made adjustments to get information out in a format that is consistent with our practices,” Garibay added.

Garibay noted that not every fire poses a major threat, and that’s why the county is selective with its emergency alerts.

“We don’t want people to get fatigued around getting those alerts,” he said. “But we want them to be aware of what’s going on and where the risk is, and that when an incident occurs that is potentially threatening to them, they get the right information in a timely fashion.”

In addition to wildfire notifications, Deschutes County Alerts also sends warnings for severe weather, neighborhood emergencies, and missing persons.

As Watch Duty continues to grow, both its co-founder and local emergency officials agree it’s not about picking just one source. They say staying informed means relying on multiple, trusted channels.

“We should be viewed as supplementary to official sources, you know – especially around wildfire,” Merritt said.

Watch Duty currently focuses on wildfires, but the team hopes to expand to other natural disasters in the future.

“So what happens if there’s a flood? What happens if there’s a tornado? What happens if there’s a tsunami?” Merritt said. “You know, we don’t necessarily know how we’ll fit into those different ecosystems and challenges, but we want to try to provide good, free services to the public to help them when an emergency strikes.”

Watch Duty is available on the App Store, Google Play and on your web browser. 

You can sign up for Deschutes County alerts here. If you join, you’ll receive phone calls, an email or text messages about emergency evacuations, natural disasters and neighborhood emergencies. 

Jefferson County and Crook County also have alert services.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. [KTVZ} — “I don’t like raising rates.”  

That’s Enviro Shuttle owner, Bill Calidonna, responding to the Redmond City Council approving an increase in June 2025, in rates to provide ride-share services to and from Redmond Airport. 

Rate increases of 200 to 300%. That’s what local shuttle services like Enviro Shuttle have now to do business at Redmond Airport . As a result, we’ve had to pass on those cost to the customer.   

“You know, you’re answering to the customers. You have to explain to them, you know, what?  What’s the reason for such an increase? And, when they’re tripling our rate to be here, our rates have to go up,” said Calidonna.    

Enviro Shuttle says it’s frustrated after the Redmond City Council approved a new rate increase, tripling the fee from a $1 to $3 for each shuttle trip to and from the Redmond Airport. The shuttle company says this move makes it harder for small, eco-friendly operators to stay competitive.   

“When I first started, it was 250 a year, and now it’s going to be 30,000. I mean, that’s a 12,000% increase, and he just basically told us we didn’t like it. He would tear out the taxi lane and put in parking spots,” said Calidonna. 

Calidonna is speaking of Airport Director Zachary Bass. KTVZ was able to speak with Bass via phone, today.  

Bass: “The ground transportation – fee increase is from $1 to $3 per pickup.”  

Tracee: “So that’s more than half then, right?”  

Zachary: “I guess you can look at it that way. The way we calculate that is, based on cost recovery.  What it cost us to operate the taxi lanes; all of the operating agreements; the snow removal as part of that.”   

As to how much of a cost will be passed to travelers – what you’re paying now – add any where from $3 to $5, which compared to other taxi and ride-sharing services, is still competitive, Calidonna says. Still, as a local business owner, he is unhappy with both Bend and Redmond City Councilors.   

“It just seems like our city leaders are against us everywhere. From the airport to both Redmond and Bend City Councils.”   

Redmond Airport says as they expand, so will be the need for ground transportation to expand, which means cost will expand. That cost may ultimately be passed down to the travelers.  

Nevertheless, Enviro Shuttle says they will be there to pick you up and drop you off.

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, Oregon Fish and Wildlife’s Ochoco Office in Prineville is asking the public to report any porcupine sightings or encounters, as it begins a two-year project to learn more about the elusive mammal’s population, habits, and ecosystem.

The population of these large rodents with coats of quills has dramatically dropped over the years, and nobody is quite sure why.

“They’re an unprotected mammal in Oregon right now. So, unfortunately, we don’t have many population metrics on them, and there’s very little known about their life history,” Mikayla Bivona, acting assistant wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Ochoco District in Prineville told KTVZ News in an interview.

Bivona says the Porcupine Project aims to change that, but first they need your help finding the elusive sharp-spined swimmers, “They are pretty hard to find, unfortunately”.

If you see or believe there may be a porcupine in your area, Bivona asks that you either call their Ochoco Office at 541-591-1629 or submit their reporting form, which can be found here.

Once found, Bivona says her and other ODFW biologists will put trackers on them, similar to what you see on some wolves and deer, “So they’ll just get a really cute, tiny version of that, and then we’ll get GPS points to track their habitat, use. We’re going to be doing diet analysis, cause of mortality”.

Project Porcupine is already seeing success. They’ve found six so far, and those numbers are growing fast. “They’ve all had babies, a few of them. So when we get a little porcupette, which is the name of a baby porcupine, it’s really exciting,” Bivona said.

Besides reporting any porcupines you or your pets may encounter, ODFW is also looking for proactive volunteers who want to track down porcupines themselves. Training sessions will be held with the High Desert Museum once volunteers have signed up.

Sign up to volunteer by clicking here.

Report any porcupine sightings or encounters by clicking here.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Applications are now open for companies looking to compete in the 2025 Bend Venture Conference (BVC). The event will take place on October 16–17, 2025, in downtown Bend, bringing together top startups, investors and business leaders for two days of live pitches, networking and learning.

Presented by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), BVC is the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running angel investment conference, serving as a powerful platform for Early and Growth Stage companies seeking investment and exposure.

Now in its 22nd year, BVC has helped launch dozens of successful startups, with more than $14 million invested directly through the BVC Funds and millions more secured through post-conference connections. The event is a cornerstone of Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and a catalyst for business growth in Central Oregon and beyond.

“BVC plays a critical role in elevating startups and putting a national spotlight on the innovation happening across Oregon,” said Brian Vierra, Venture Catalyst Director at EDCO. “BVC is more than a pitch competition, it’s a celebration of innovation, offering two days of inspiring content, curated networking and the chance to connect with some of the region’s most influential investors and entrepreneurs.”

The 2025 Early Stage competition will be open exclusively to Oregon-based companies, strengthening BVC’s mission to spotlight and support local innovation. Additionally, a cash award will be reserved for one standout startup headquartered in Central Oregon, emphasizing the region’s ongoing commitment to homegrown entrepreneurship.

Finalists in all categories will take the stage at the historic Tower Theatre in front of hundreds of attendees and investors. Growth Stage finalists have historically received investments of $250,000 or more, pending final due diligence and allocation by the BVC Funds.

APPLY

This year’s conference will feature two competition categories: Growth Stage and Early Stage. The application period is open now through Thursday, August 14th, 2025.

· Growth Stage: This category is open to companies that have generated at least $1 million in product revenue in the past 18 months and/or raised at least $500,000 in external capital. These companies are typically raising between $250,000 and $2.5 million or more. Pre-revenue companies with significant traction, such as those in life sciences, will also be considered.

· Early Stage: This category is open to Oregon-based companies that are pre-revenue or have earned less than $1 million in product revenue in the past 18 months. These companies must have raised less than $500,000 in external capital, including non-dilutive grants, and be currently raising under $1 million in investment capital. Eligible companies must be domiciled in Oregon or have an executive based in the state. For more information on the application process and to apply, visit bendvc.com/apply.

About Bend Venture Conference (BVC) The annual BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past 22 years, BVC has served to evolve and grow the startup ecosystem throughout Central Oregon and

beyond. Since its inception, more than $14 million has been invested in 59 companies as a result of the conference. This year’s conference will gather entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and students at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon on October 16-17, 2025. bendvc.com

About Economic Development for Central Oregon

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.

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Barney Lerten

With temperatures soaring into the 90s and beyond, The Humane Society of Central Oregon would like to offer tips to keep your pet safe in the high desert heat. The best spot for your pet is inside a safe, cool house. Dogs and cats cannot cool their body temperatures as efficiently as humans.   

Tips to Protect Your Pets in Hot Weather:

·      If your pet is outside during the day, provide shade and fresh, cool water. Older pets, short-muzzled breeds and overweight animals are at greater risk of overheating during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.

·         Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. Temperatures inside a car can reach over 100 degrees in minutes. Even partially open windows won’t protect your pet from heatstroke. 

·         Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool. Hot pavement can burn paw pads and melted tar can get stuck to pads and hair. Try the “10-second rule” by pressing your hand on the ground; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets. Hiking trails and dirt also retain the heat.

·         Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke. Never transport dogs in uncovered truck beds during hot weather. The metal can cause serious burns, and dogs are at risk of falling out or being injured by road debris. If you wouldn’t sit barefoot in the truck bed, neither should your dog.

“Most people want to do right by their pets. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly heat can become dangerous. Temperatures can quickly exceed 100 degrees in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, which is just not a safe temperature for animals to be in” said Amber Kostoff, HSCO Executive Director. “With high temperatures forecasted to be in the mid-90s here in Central Oregon, please plan appropriately to keep your pups safe and out of the car during the heat of the day.”

HSCO offers free educational materials for businesses and community members, including posters and car windshield flyers with signs of heatstroke and tips to prevent it. These materials are available at the shelter.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon is located one mile south of Reed Market Road on 27th Street in Bend. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. For more information, call the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541.382.3537 or visit hsco.org.

# # #

About the Humane Society of Central Oregon:

Founded in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is a full-service animal shelter located at 61170 SE 27th Street, Bend, OR. As a Socially Conscious Shelter, HSCO is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all animals under its care. In the past year, HSCO found homes for nearly 3,000 animals and reunited hundreds of pets with their families. Our community outreach includes accessible veterinary care and the HOPE pet food bank, which supports the needs of pet owners in Central Oregon. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information, visit hsco.org or call 541-382-3537.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gas prices in most states, including Oregon, continue to tick down. Gas prices have been trending lower since late June, even with record travel over the Independence Day holiday period.

For the week, the national average for regular falls three cents to $3.15 a gallon. The Oregon average dips two cents to $4.02 a gallon, while Bend’s average is down four cents, to about $3.88 a gallon.

“Pump prices should continue to ease, if we don’t see tensions flare up again in the Middle East or a hurricane impacting the Gulf Coast,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $4.02. The highest price of the year so far is $4.076 on June 24 and 25. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.15. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 20 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 22 counties a week ago:

Benton $4.02

Clackamas $4.06

Clatsop $4.12

Columbia $4.18

Crook $4.08

Curry $4.11

Douglas $4.06

Grant $4.18

Harney $4.25

Jackson $4.05

Josephine $4.05

Klamath $4.01

Lake $4.28

Multnomah $4.14

Sherman $4.04

Tillamook $4.18

Wallowa $4.10

Wasco $4.09

Washington $4.12

Yamhill $4.11

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in this country is steady at 13.43 million barrels per day for the week ending June 27. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been mostly in the upper $60s to mid-$70s since last September. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the  $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies.

Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trump’s tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $68 today, compared to $65 a week ago and $82 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East including the recent strikes between Israel and Iran and the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But now the cartel boosted production by 411,000 barrels in May and June, and July, and just announced an increase for August of 548,000 barrels per day.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 50% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 17% is refining, 17% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. decreased from 9.69 million b/d to 8.64 for the week ending June 27, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 9.42 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply increased from 227.9 million barrels to 232.1. Gasoline production dipped last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day, compared to 10.1 million barrels the previous week.

Pump prices will likely continue to move lower in the short term, barring another flare up in the Middle East or a hurricane that impacts refining and/or distribution.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 46 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Indiana (-12 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Tennessee (+3 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase.

California ($4.55) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 21st week in a row. Hawaii ($4.47) is second, Washington ($4.41) is third, and Oregon ($4.02) is fourth. These are the four states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 25 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3 range. There are 21 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.70) and Oklahoma ($2.71). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $1.85 this week, compared to $1.87 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 41 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is two cents more and the Oregon average is five cents more than a month ago. Delaware (+27 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation. California (-15 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 36 cents less and the Oregon average is one cent less than a year ago. New Mexico (-52 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Washington (+12 cents) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with six of the seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 7/8/2025

1
California
$4.55

2
Hawaii
$4.47

3
Washington
$4.41

4
Oregon
$4.02

5
Nevada
$3.78

6
Alaska
$3.74

7
Idaho
$3.45

8
Illinois
$3.40

9
District of Columbia
$3.34

10
Utah
$3.32

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 21st week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is 13th. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the seventh week in a row.

Six of the seven states in the West Coast region have small week-over-week decreases:

California (-3 cents), Arizona (-3 cents), Oregon (-2 cents), Washington (-2 cents), Nevada (-1 cent), and Hawaii (-1/2 cent). Alaska (+2.5 cents) is the only state in the region with a week-over-week increase.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast dipped from 88.4% to 89.9% to for the week ending June 27. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked up from 94.7% to 94.9%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 28.68 million bbl. to 29.95 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices rose on Monday then backed off in today’s trading session as investors digested the latest news on tariffs from President Trump and how they may impact the global economy, as well as the increased output from OPEC+.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 3.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 419 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 9% below the five-year average for this time of year. Markets were closed Friday in observance of the 4th of July holiday. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI added 93 cents to settle at $67.93. Today crude is trading around $68 compared to $65 a week ago. Crude prices are about $14 less than a year ago. ($82.33 on July 8, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — SFF Presents is committed to reducing its environmental impact at their events, with a special focus on waste management.

After receiving considerable grants from The Environmental Center in Bend and Can’d Aid’s Crush-It Campaign, as well as support from Republic Services, the organization has extended its initiative into new areas for 2025.

In 2024, SFF Presents purchased tailored bins and other sustainability-focused infrastructure in addition to hiring a new “Zero Waste Lead” at the Big Ponderoo and Sisters Folk festivals. Under the guidance of the lead, SFFP volunteers are assigned to supervise the zero waste stations during events to ensure waste is being properly sorted by festival attendees. 

For 2025, the Community Innovation Fund grant from The Environment Center in Bend, enabled SFF Presents to add commercial-level composting, a wider recycling stream, and further dedicated staff at events. Through this aid, the organization was able to donate excess food from the artists’ greenroom to local nonprofit agencies and purchase highly efficient electric coolers for event purposes.

At the third annual Big Ponderoo Music + Art Festival on June 28 and 29, festival-goers diverted 74% of refuse away from landfill. The average for festivals across the country is just 8%. The diverted items included recyclables, redeemable cans and bottles, and compostable materials. 

“With over 5,152 attendees over the three days of the festival weekend, we’re ecstatic to have been able to increase our waste diversion by over 20% from last year,” said SFFP Logistics Coordinator, Ruth Williams, who has been leading the effort along with Ty King, SFFP’s Logistics and Facilities Manager. 

While overall event attendance at the festival went up 43%, landfill waste went down 27% with overall consumption down 22%.

“This is a huge win for our initiative towards zero waste,” said Williams.

Since 2024, SFFP has completely eliminated single-use plastic cups at their events and requested attendees bring Silipints and Steelys from previous SFFP events for beverage service. At the 2025 Big Ponderoo, 468 festival goers brought existing Silipints and received a drink voucher in lieu of a new Silipint. 

In the artists’ greenroom, organizers established a system for washing utensils and tableware, which saved a significant amount of single-use items going into the landfill, and added washable to-go containers for artists and staff.

SFF Presents has also received a grant of over $7,000 from Cand’Aid’s Crush It Campaign. This grant focuses on sustainability training, auditing, resource evaluation, best practices and forward planning.

“We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the forty-four volunteers who staffed our sorting stations and supported our zero-waste leads. These amazing results would not be possible without their contribution,” Williams concludes. 

By participating in SFF Presents’ zero waste efforts, patrons contribute directly to the environmental sustainability of Big Ponderoo, the Sisters Folk Festival, and the wider Sisters community. For more information, visit https://www.sffpresents.org/

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — CASA of Central Oregon is calling on compassionate community members to step up and make a life-changing difference for children in foster care.

The nonprofit organization is launching a new accelerated volunteer training program starting Tuesday, July 15 in Redmond, offering a condensed four-week course to prepare advocates more quickly to serve children in need. 

The summer training will be held in Redmond on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Designed in response to popular demand, the schedule compresses the typical eight-week course into just one month, which allows new volunteers to begin their vital advocacy work sooner. 

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are specially trained community members who speak up for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are navigating the child welfare system.

Working alongside attorneys, caseworkers, educators, and families, CASAs ensure that each child’s unique needs are heard in court and in the community, and that they have the best possible chance at a safe, stable, and permanent home. 

“Right now, there are 90 children in Central Oregon who don’t have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them,” said Heather Dion, Executive Director of CASA of Central Oregon. “We need more community members to step up and help close that gap, and we’re hoping this summer training makes it easier and faster to get involved.” 

Volunteers do not need a legal background, just a commitment to children and a few hours a week. All training and ongoing support are provided. 

If you’re ready to make a difference in a child’s life, apply today at casaofcentraloregon.org/volunteer. The deadline to apply for the July 15 class is Friday, July 11th. 

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About CASA of Central Oregon: 

CASA of Central Oregon is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. Established in 1992 and serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, CASA of Central Oregon is committed to ensuring that every child in foster care can transition into a safe and permanent home. For more information, visit casaofcentraloregon.org. 

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