Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Health Council is pleased to introduce a bold new campaign — Be Well Central Oregon — to mark the launch of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan. This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region. 

“Be Well Central Oregon is more than a slogan — it’s a community call to action,” said Arianne Powell, executive director for COHC. “We’re focusing on what unites us: shared goals, strong partnerships, and the health and well-being of every person in Central Oregon.” 

About the new direction 

For over a decade, COHC has led RHIP implementation by organizing monthly workgroups and distributing project funding. With the launch of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC transitions into a connector, convener and amplifier role—aligning community efforts rather than directing them. 

The new model aims to: 

Facilitate partnerships across sectors and communities 

Match organizations with shared goals to build synergy and enhance collaboration 

Offer partial funding for aligned initiatives 

Share data, tools and learnings to inform action 

Adapt to the community’s evolving needs 

This evolution builds on lessons learned and emphasizes sustainability through shared ownership, equity and transparency. 

Take action: Complete the RFI survey 

COHC invites all partners (current and future) to participate in a new Request for Information (RFI) survey, a key tool in mapping and aligning regional health efforts. 

Click here to complete the RFI survey 

Why community response matters: 

To showcase partner work and impact 

To uncover new collaboration opportunities 

To inform funding and resource alignment 

To shape the direction of the RHIP  

“The RFI will help us map the RHIP ecosystem and lift up the incredible work already underway,” said Gwen Jones, COHC’s director of community strategy. “We encourage every organization working on community health to participate—it’s about making partner impact visible and helping us shape a stronger, more aligned regional effort.” 

Tools to support community work 

The RHIP—and the Regional Health Assessment (RHA), that guides the RHIP’s creation—can be complex. As part of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC is developing resources to simplify and humanize the RHIP and the RHA. These include: 

User-friendly tools to explore RHIP goals 

Visual storytelling that highlights your work’s impact 

Customizable materials to communicate alignment and inspire collaboration 

These resources are designed specifically for Central Oregon partners—to help them tell their story and connect their work to regional initiatives. 

Be Well, Together 

COHC believes this new approach will strengthen the fabric of community health by supporting what’s already working, filling critical gaps, and weaving together diverse efforts under a common vision. 

Whether partners are new to the RHIP or have been involved for years, Be Well Central Oregon is an invitation to connect, contribute and thrive as a community. 

“This transformation is a long-term strategic shift toward more collaborative, resilient systems for improving health outcomes in Central Oregon,” said Jones. “COHC remains committed to equity, transparency, and the power of local partnerships to shape a healthier future—together.” 

For questions or to explore how your work connects with the RHIP, please contact camille.smith@cohealthcouncil.org. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, Redmond City Council adopts post-holiday fireworks ban)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – After hearing comments from many in the community, Redmond city councilors on Tuesday approved to ban the personal use of fireworks starting just after this year’s Fourth of July holiday, citing increasing wildfire risks driven by current weather conditions across Central Oregon.

The ban will remain in place for the rest of the fire season.

City councilors voted at the special emergency meeting to approve a first and second reading and adoption of the revised ordinance, which also makes the use of illegal fireworks a code violation that carries a potential $1,500 fine.

The city officials also made clear that fireworks enforcement is not a top police priority on the holiday, as officers can be very busy with DUII enforcement.

After the vote, Mayor Ed Fitch thanked everyone for their input and said the move is “kind of a balancing act” between the fundraising efforts of nonprofits from the sale of legal fireworks to the “deep concern” across the community about reducing fire danger, however possible.

The ban goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, meaning residents will still be allowed to use fireworks leading up to and during Independence Day.

City officials said the discussion comes as the region faces very high fire danger, with dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions elevating the risk of wildfires.

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City of Redmond news release:

Redmond City Approves Emergency Firework Ban Effective July 5 

REDMOND, OREGON –On Tuesday, July 1, Redmond City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration, banning the personal use of all fireworks effective 12:01 a.m. July 5, 2025, due to high fire risk in Redmond and across Central Oregon. The declaration, which allows the city to efficiently mobilize resources to respond to public needs during an emergency, will remain in effect until Redmond Fire & Rescue officially lifts its outdoor burn ban later this fall.  

“We tried to balance the safety of the community with the investment people have already made to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday,” states Mayor Ed Fitch. “We have had several fires just in the past week, and yesterday’s wildfire in the Dry Canyon, which was ignited by fireworks, dictated the need for Council to take action.” 

Additionally, the declaration bans the use (but not sale) of all fireworks within the city limits. The public fireworks show at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center will go on as planned. Use of illegal fireworks continues to be prohibited at all times.  

“Redmond got lucky on June 3, the Euston wildfire could have been devastating if not for the number of crews and air resources available to respond,” Redmond Fire & Rescue Chief Ryan Herrera added.  “The fire danger in our community is undeniably high this summer, and with the growing abundance of dry vegetation which ignites easily and spreads rapidly, residents need to take extra preventive measures.” 

The City is asking for the community’s support in keeping Redmond safe, reserving personal fireworks for another holiday when conditions are less dangerous.  Under the emergency declaration, use of any fireworks after July 4 will be a Class A infraction and carries a penalty of a fine up to $500 for each infraction. The use of illegal fireworks brings a fine of $1,500 for the first offense, with additional fines up to the state allowed maximum of $6,250. 

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems.  Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov. 

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Emergency Ord. 2025-13 v5Download

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are making their way to Central Oregon for a rare appearance at the 2025 Bi-Mart Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, presented by Indian Head Casino.

The horses will be at the Fair from July 30 through Aug. 3, helping to raise awareness for Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Budweiser Clydesdales to Redmond,” said Geoff Hinds, Director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo. “These horses represent American tradition and pride, and their presence will help us spotlight an initiative we care deeply about—supporting military and first responder families through Folds of Honor.”

Thanks to the partnership between the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center and local Anheuser-Busch distributor AB ONE, fairgoers will have daily opportunities to see the Clydesdales. These opportunities include hitching demonstrations, up-close meet-and-greets with the horses, and question-and-answer sessions with trainers, handlers, and drivers.

As part of this initiative, the Fair and AB ONE have pledged to donate funds to Folds of Honor in 2025. The horses will also help deliver a powerful visual tribute by escorting Folds of Honor scholarship recipients into the rodeo arena during one of the Fair’s evening performances.

“The Deschutes County Fair is all about bringing the community together,” said Doug Church, Director of Trade Marketing Northwest for AB ONE. “We’re honored to continue our partnership and work alongside the Fair to give back to those who have sacrificed so much.”

The Clydesdale experience is included with Fair admission. To learn more about the Budweiser Clydesdales’ appearance schedule or how you can support Folds of Honor, visit www.deschutesfair.com.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gas prices are easing ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday. Oregon and most other states are seeing pump prices decline, driven by falling crude oil prices.

Crude prices spiked in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. But crude prices plummeted last week and are back to what they were before the strikes.

The declines in gas prices come as AAA projects record travel for Independence Day. For the week, the national average for regular loses five cents to $3.18 a gallon. The Oregon average falls three cents to $4.04 a gallon, while Bend’s average dropped eight cents, to about $3.92 a gallon.

“Pump prices should continue to move lower as millions of drivers hit the road for the 4th of July, if Middle East tensions don’t flare up again,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “AAA expects that road travel will set a new record over the holiday. Drivers will find gas prices less than or similar to last year, depending on the region. The national average is less than last year, while the Oregon average is about the same. Drivers are getting a big break from 2022 when gas prices were at record highs for the holiday.”

AAA expects record-breaking travel for the 4th of July holiday, with 72.2 million Americans including 875,000 Oregonians going 50 miles or more from home over the holiday travel period.  This is an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4%) compared to last year and 7 million more (10.7%) from 2019. Car and air travel volumes will break records.

And once again, Bend is the region’s top holiday travel destination, with Redmond rounding out the Top 10:

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $4.04. 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 $3.18. 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 22 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 24 counties a week ago:

Benton $4.00

Clackamas $4.09

Clatsop $4.15

Columbia $4.18

Coos $4.03

Crook $4.06

Curry $4.13

Douglas $4.07

Grant $4.15

Harney $4.25

Hood River $4.

Jackson $4.11

Josephine $4.12

Klamath $4.04

Lake $4.23

Linn $4.03

Multnomah $4.15

Tillamook $4.21

Wallowa $4.10

Wasco $4.12

Washington $4.13

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 20. 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. Last week, crude prices dropped back into the  $60s on the belief that the conflict will not have a major impact on global oil supplies. Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps 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 $65 today compared to $64 a week ago and $83 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 announced the same increase for July.

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 49% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 16% is refining, 19% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. increased from 9.30 million b/d to 9.69 for the week ending June 20, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.97 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 230 million barrels to 227.9. Gasoline production remained flat last week, averaging 10.1 million barrels per day.

Pump prices will likely decline 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 45 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Ohio (-16 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Indiana (+12 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase.

California ($4.58) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 20th week in a row. Hawaii ($4.47) is second, Washington ($4.42) is third, and Oregon ($4.04) is fourth. These are the four states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 26 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 20 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.71) and Oklahoma ($2.74). 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 $1.87 this week, compared to $1.92 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 39 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is three 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 (-20 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 31 cents less and the Oregon average is one cent less than a year ago. Ohio (-57 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Washington (+11 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.

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 20th week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is 14th. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the sixth week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have small to moderate week-over-week decreases:

California (-7 cents), Nevada (-4 cents), Oregon (-3 cents), Washington (-3 cents), Arizona (-3 cents), Hawaii (-1 cent), and Alaska (-4/10ths of a cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast dipped from 89.9% to 88.4% to for the week ending June 20. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate rose from 93.2% to 94.7%.

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 28.6 million bbl. to 29.2 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 fell back into the $60s last week as markets reacted to easing fears that tensions in the Middle East would impact global oil supplies.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 5.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 415.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 11% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI ticked up 28 cents to settle at $65.52. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 41 cents to settle at $65.11. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $64 a week ago. Crude prices are about $18 less than a year ago. ($83.38 on July1, 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

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Oregon Health Authority announced Tuesday it has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County nearly two weeks ago.

OHA issued the advisory on Wednesday, June 18.

The agency said Tuesday that “water monitoring has confirmed that the level of microcystin in Lake Billy Chinook is below recreational guideline values for people.”

“However, levels detected are still above OHA’s safety values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas,” OHA said in Tuesday’s announcement, which continues below in full:

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Details of arraignment, crime, suspect’s history of mental illness)

 PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville man was arrested Monday evening on attempted murder, burglary and assault charges, accused of attacking and severely injuring another man in an “unprovoked attack’ at a northeast Prineville apartment.

Lindley Drew Purrington, 26, was being held without bail at the Crook County Jail. He was set to make an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon on felony charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary and second-degree assault.

An initial court filing identified the alleged victim as Steven Wayne Wilson.

More details of the crime came to light during Purrington’s arraignment before Crook County Circuit Judge Wade Whiting, who set his bail at $250,000. He scheduled Purrington’s arraignment next Monday on an expected formal indictment.

Deputy District Attorney Paxton Deuel told the judge that Purrington “has a history of mental illness” and civil commitments.

“He believes he is a (Star Wars) Jedi and attacked the victim because the victim was a Sith,” Deuel said of Purrington, who asked the judge to refer to him by his Jedi name of “Atlas.”

The prosecutor said Purrington told police of assaulting his neighbor: “I did it to end the war between the Jedi and the Sith.”

He said Purrington went to his neighbor’s apartment, pulled him out of his room and struck and beat him “repeatedly with his fists,” also recording the assault and posting it on social media.

PRINEVILLE POLICE NEWS RELEASEFrom Police Chief Jeff Profio:

On June 30, 2025, at approximately 5:09 p.m., Prineville dispatch received a 911 call reporting an assault in the 800 block of NE 3rd Street.  Prineville Police and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.  They located a male victim suffering from major facial and head injuries.  The suspect was also located at the scene and quickly taken into custody.  

The initial investigation revealed that this was a completely unprovoked attack by the suspect.  Prineville Police arrested Lindley Drew Purrington, age 26, at the scene.  He was lodged in the Crook County Jail and charged with Attempted Murder in the second degree, Assault in the second degree, and Burglary in the first degree.  

The Prineville Police Department is aware of a video that was posted on social media of this heinous attack.  They have asked that the video be removed.       

Prineville Police believe they have all the parties involved in the incident accounted for and there is no ongoing threat to the community.  

The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details that can be released at this time.  If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Prineville Police Department at 541-447-4168.  The investigator is Officer Kelson Stewart and he can be reached at Kstewart@PrinevillePD.org.

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Isabella Warren

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The legislative session officially ended Friday, and transportation funding failed to pass.

Democrats presented the package just last month, sending legislators across the aisle into a frenzy to ensure funding could be passed. Without that funding, the Oregon Department of Transportation says up to 1,000 jobs could be cut. 

However, bipartisan support could not be achieved, and legislators went home two days early.

Governor Tina Kotek has slammed the Legislature for not working to pass a package by Sunday, the legal last day of the session. At a press conference Saturday, she said, “I’m going to point out again, I’m here. Constitutional sine die is tomorrow. And legislators have gone home, and they have not produced anything on transportation that we need right now in the state.”

The Problem Solvers spoke with state Representative Emerson Levy, D-Bend, on Tuesday. She says if the funding did pass, ODOT wouldn’t have seen it for another year.

“The money would not have been realized until a year from now, so I’m not sure about the budget discrepancy that happened between Friday and July 1st, and I’m certainly open to hearing about it. But there would have been no money deposited between those times,” Levy said.

ODOT told the Problem Solvers in a statement that the department had been warning legislators for years about ongoing funding issues.

“ODOT cannot use federal funding for maintenance. State law prevents the agency from using project or transit money to pay for maintenance or agency operations,” the agency told KTVZ in a statement. “ODOT has taken voluntary reductions over the past six years, and no further reductions are available that won’t have consequences for Oregonians.”

The original transportation package was presented around a month ago and would have increased the state’s 40-cent gas tax by 15 cents.

Levy says the tax increases would have had devastating impacts on Oregonians. “The first package I couldn’t support – it was too much for working families. And I know what it’s like to get a big bill that you can’t pay.”

Lawmakers tried to pass a smaller bill Friday night, but also failed.

Locally, Cascade East Transit says it’s not currently affected, but added that if legislators continue to fail at passing funding, they could see impacts. 

The package would have increased the payroll tax from .1 to .3 percent, which CET says would have allowed an increase in services in Bend.

Levy said, “I know it’s not what people wanted, and it’s really not what I wanted. But again, I think a pause is the correct move.”

ODOT has been under fire by legislators earlier this year, after the department’s revenue came up $1 billion short. In an audit, ODOT told lawmakers the department’s system did not estimate correctly how much revenue they would receive in 2023-2024.

Below is a statement from ODOT about the layoffs:

For many years, ODOT has informed the Oregon Legislature that a structural revenue issue driven by flattening and declining gas tax revenue, inflation, and statutory restrictions on available funding would eventually force the agency to dramatically reduce its staffing and maintenance service levels if no intervention came forward. For the last three biennia, ODOT has taken progressively larger voluntary cuts to stay within budget.

Since last summer, ODOT has broadly shared that if the legislature did not address this shortfall during this legislative session, deeper cuts would have to start in the 2025-27 biennium.  

On Friday night, the legislature ended the session without passing a transportation package providing ODOT with either new funding, funding flexibility, or even an interim investment to stabilize services for the immediate upcoming biennium. As a result, ODOT will have to make deep and painful cuts starting in the next few weeks. 

ODOT cannot use federal funding for maintenance. State law prevents the agency from using project or transit money to pay for maintenance or agency operations. ODOT has taken voluntary reductions over the past six years, and no further reductions are available that won’t have consequences for Oregonians. The only way to balance the budget and live within available funding is to make deep and severe cuts. These cuts will harm Oregon’s transportation system, Oregon’s travelers, and the operational health of the agency. 

This week, ODOT will begin the layoff process. By the end of July, hundreds of positions will no longer be at ODOT. The agency is using vacancy savings wherever possible in order to minimize the number of layoffs but will still lose hundreds of current, hard-working employees. 

ODOT cannot solve this structural revenue issue on its own, and it won’t fix itself. Each year that passes, the vehicle fleet grows more efficient and uses less gas per mile driven. And with each year, the cost of doing business gets a little higher with inflation, while revenue sources stay flat. The only way out of this problem is for the legislature to dedicate additional funding to maintenance and agency operations or provide greater flexibility in how funds are spent.   

Oregon’s travelers will soon experience a less reliable transportation system. ODOT staff dedicated their professional lives to this agency and to supporting the traveling public. We will continue to do the best we can, with the resources we have, to keep Oregonians safe.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Earlier this year, the Redmond City Council discussed a city-wide ban on the usage of 4th of July fireworks. Back then, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said, he wasn’t comfortable discussing a ban because organizations had already begun the process of purchasing their permits. 

Fast forward, just days before the 4th of July, City Council scheduled a special meeting on Tuesday, to discuss a city-wide ban on 4th of July fireworks. 

Attached to the City Council agenda were letters submitted to Council Members expressing their concern, especially after a recent blaze in Dry Canyon, which continues to heighten anxiety about dry conditions.  

Jillian Jeppsen, who is a parent and one of the organizers for TNT fireworks, said this special meeting is devastating to the organization. 

“The timing is horrible. While I understand the city wanting to keep our city safe, and we’re all for that, but to have this emergency meeting three days before the 4th of July… we’re in the middle of our sales! It really puts us in a hard place, and as an organization, potentially really being in the red because we’ve shelled out all this money, so it’s a huge financial burden for us.” 

Jeppsen also pointed out that the profits from the sale of fireworks go back to Redmond programs like the Junior Raven Travel Ball Club.  

But Marty, a Redmond resident, wants to put safety first. 

“I really support going to the fairgrounds and watching the fireworks show, and I think that maybe selling fireworks isn’t best for our community. With all the problems with the fires and everything, I just wanted to be safe.” 

Travis Leeman, who is operating the Discount Fireworks Store, said the sales actually help to uplift the Redmond community by sending many Oregon kids to church camps, through New Seasons Ministries. 

“It’s also disappointing to us here at the Fireworks Store, that the City Council is dropping this on us at the last minute. We’ve already paid the city for licensing and permits, and things that also benefit the community, and most people don’t realize that.” 

Meanwhile, local officials urge anyone planning to use fireworks to take precautions, keep a water source nearby, clear debris from launch areas, and never relight duds. 

They also strongly suggest attending a public display as a safer alternative. 

If you’d like to keep this Redmond 4th of July tradition alive, there is a way to send a message directly to Redmond City Council, the TNT location, sign the petition.  

Also, the Discount Fireworks Superstore, has a QR Code you can scan.  

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver officially broke ground last week on its largest affordable housing development to date: Park View, a 34-home neighborhood located in north La Pine, at the corner of Barron Road and Crescent Creek Drive.

The event marked a major milestone for the organization and the community’s efforts to address the growing need for affordable homeownership in South Deschutes County.

Here’s the rest of their announcement:

Board Chair Scott Asla, joined by Deschutes County commissioners Patti Adair, Phil Chang, and Tony DeBone, shared remarks highlighting the collaborative effort behind the development.

“Habitat makes such a difference. It makes a lifelong difference. If you can build up equity, have a home, your children will graduate from high school. We truly support you so thank you!” said Commissioner Adair.

“I’m really proud that the county has been such a long standing partner to Habitat and to other affordable housing developers, providing a stream of either land donations or land discounts so that we can make this kind of economic opportunity available To all of our families in our community, especially the kinds of working folks who we see end up in habitat housing in the pine so with that, I just want to say congratulations to habitat for making this project happen,” said Commissioner Chang.

“We went through a lot to get here, which is exciting. You know, we’ve got a model of who’s moving here now, people that have resources, maybe selling a house somewhere else and buying one here, but this is for the local folks, being able to get employment, generational wealth, the on ramp for that. So it’s so exciting, the mission of Habitat around the country, but being able to do this here on these four acres is really special for the community. So congrats!” said Commissioner DeBone.

Park View homes will serve income-qualified homebuyers earning 60–80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). All homeowners must qualify for a mortgage, complete homeownership education classes, and contribute sweat equity by helping build their homes and those of their neighbors.

Construction on the first four homes is scheduled to begin in 2026.

For more information about the Park View development or how to support affordable housing efforts in La Pine, visit www.habitatlapinesunriver.org or contact: info@habitatlapinesunriver.org.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video; cause, four teens cited)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Four teens were cited late Monday for using legal fireworks that sparked a one-acre brush fire in Redmond’s Dry Canyon Park and prompted Level 3 GO NOW evacuation of 21 threatened homes, Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said.

The Quartz Fire was reported around 5:20 p.m. north of Quartz Park and Obsidian Avenue and quickly put up smoke visible over a wide area.

Mooney said 911 callers were reporting a fast-moving brush fire spreading to the southeast and threatening homes along SW Canyon Drive.

Due to the wind-fanned spread of the fire, Level 3 GO NOW evacuations were issued by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for 21 homes on Canyon Drive, between Newberry and Quartz avenues.

“It is human-caused, by legal fireworks,” Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told KTVZ News. A joint investigation was underway by Redmond Fire and Redmond Police, he added.

Crews protected the threatened homes, and when the fire’s spread was stopped, the Level 3 evacuations were dropped to Level 2 BE SET, then Level 1 BE READY, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr told us.

Forward progress of the fire was stopped before 6 p.m., but Mooney said crews would be on scene until the fire is “mopped up and cold.” Other agencies involved in stopping the fire included crews from Bend, Cloverdale, Sisters-Camp Sherman and the BLM.

A fire investigator arrived on scene and determined the fire to be human-caused due to the intentional use of legal-type fireworks, Mooney said.

“Through the assistance of multiple witnesses within the area, Redmond Police were able to identify four juveniles ranging in age (from) 15-16 years old who were reported in the area,” he said.

“The juveniles were contacted by Redmond Police, and it was determined that they had used fireworks to cause the fire within the canyon,” Mooney said. “The four juveniles were cited for reckless burning and criminal mischief and released to their parents’ custody.”

The fire occurred five days after another fast-moving vegetation fire broke out in another area of the Dry Canyon, south of Northwest Maple Avenue. It burned about three acres before it was quickly stopped.

And it happened a day before Redmond city councilors are meeting to discuss whether to ban personal-use fireworks in the city over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

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