Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s been a record-breaking summer travel season, and many will squeeze in one final trip over the Labor Day weekend before the summer wraps up.

AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.

Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start to the summer travel season, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end. The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel weekend compared to other weekends in August and September, but the volume is not as high as the other major summer holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families tend to take shorter trips that are closer to home over Labor Day. However, those without kids in school often use Labor Day as the kickoff to the fall travel season to take advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and off-peak pricing. Destinations in Europe, Mexico and Iceland are especially popular for these travelers.

“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”

AAA can help you plan your Labor Day getaway, or any trip, with Trip Canvas. This free resource offers ideas and information for countless destinations. You can find the 9 best Alaska Cruises for every traveler, top things to do in Bend, things to do in Portland on a budget, best places to eat at Disneyland,  and the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast road trip, to name a few.

Top Labor Day destinations

Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, based on searches and bookings:

Alaska cruises are very popular, with the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. topping the lists of the most popular U.S. and International destinations.

Disneyland and Las Vegas are perennial favorites.

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland and Eugene.

Labor Day gas prices

Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices that are more expensive in Oregon and Washington this year compared to last year, but cheaper in most other states.

The national average is currently $3.15 and the Oregon average is $3.99 (as of August 15, 2025). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.33 and the Oregon average was $3.78.

Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices. Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday or even edge lower, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geo-political event that sends crude oil prices higher,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Best and worst times to drive

INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses.

The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening hours. The afternoons of Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 will be among the busiest times on the roads as holiday travelers mix with commuters. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.

“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”

Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX:

Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs 

Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying less for domestic flights and more for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2024

Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.

International flights are 8% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.

Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are less than in 2024.

Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $495. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $590. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

Car Rentals: Daily car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2024.

Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $545 total – not the daily rate.

International car rentals are 42% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $645 – not the daily rate.

Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are more expensive while those departing from international cities are cheaper this year.

Cruises departing from domestic cities are 3% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,545.

Cruises departing from international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $3,725.

Tours: AAA finds tours cost more this year.

Tour prices in domestic cities are 37% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2024.

Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,020.

Tours in international cities are 15% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for an international tour is $2,880.

For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

Tips for those flying this Labor Day

Air travel volume surged to new highs this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The busiest days to fly are the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, and then most travelers fly home on Monday, which is Labor Day, and Tuesday. Days that will be less crowded are Saturday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 3.

AAA has tips for air travelers:

Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.

Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.

Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Some parking facilities let you book in advance. 

Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker. 

Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.

Over the Labor day holiday weekend, the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day itself are expected to be the busiest air travel days. 

Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

REAL ID:

TSA began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7. Passengers are required to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights. These are REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards.

Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include:

A U.S. passport or passport card

Any government-issued passport

DHS Trusted Traveler cards, including Global Entry and SENTRI

U.S. military IDs (active duty, retired, and dependent)

Air travelers who don’t have a REAL ID may still be able to fly but must go through additional screening so plan on lots of extra time. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

Find out more about REAL ID on the TSA’s website.

AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend

AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 383,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,000 here in Oregon.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit, and bring enough supplies including water, snacks, blankets and extra clothing. Having these supplies can go a long way in keeping everyone comfortable if you encounter significant delays. A crash can tie up traffic for hours. And if you do get stuck or have a breakdown, you don’t always have cell phone service in remote areas,” says Dodds.

Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Open Programming, a program of Connect Central Oregon, will host an in-depth interview with newly appointed Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

The interview will be recorded on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and published on COOP’s YouTube channel, @CentralOregonOpenProgramming, the same evening. 

Moderated by Jim Fister, Co-Founder of Connect Central Oregon and a prior facilitator/interviewer for COOP’s candidate forums and the interview with Sheriff Van der Kamp, the conversation will explore immediate priorities for the Sheriff’s Office, including staffing and retention, training and accountability, budget stewardship, and community engagement. 

Why this conversation matters: This interview offers the public an opportunity to learn more about Sheriff Rupert as a person—context that typically emerges during a full election cycle. In this appointment process, most public-facing information has come through the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees Association forum, Rupert’s written application to the Board of County Commissioners, and a brief commission meeting with limited discussion. COOP’s interview is designed to help the community hear directly from Rupert about his background, values, and approach to leading the Sheriff’s Office. 

How to Watch 

• Where: COOP on YouTube — @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

• Availability: Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 (PT) 

• Replay: The full interview will remain available on the channel after publication. 

Share a Question 

Community members are encouraged to suggest questions and topics in advance by emailing decision@connectcentraloregon.org with the subject line “Sheriff Interview.” Please include your name, city, and any relevant affiliation. 

Public Contact (Program) 

Central Oregon Open Programming (COOP) Email: coop@connectcentraloregon.org 

About COOP (Central Oregon Open Programming) 

COOP is a program of Connect Central Oregon that provides community-driven, hands-on learning experiences through mentorships, storytelling, and public programming. COOP emphasizes real-world skill development, industry exposure, and meaningful engagement between individuals and professionals. Video content and program highlights are featured on YouTube at @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

About Connect Central Oregon 

Connect Central Oregon champions community engagement and mentoring through four pillars: Volunteerism, Mentoring, Innovation, and Partnerships. Serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, as well as Warm Springs, Connect Central Oregon is the toolbox for regional businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to mobilize community efforts or take them to the next level. Learn more at connectcentraloregon.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville Police said Friday they have arrested three juveniles on burglary and theft charges, accused of stealing nearly $2,000 worth of items from several Crook County Fair vendors a week ago.

Here’s the full news release:

On Friday, August 8, around 3:34 a.m., the Prineville Police Department responded to a report from a security guard at the Crook County Fairgrounds.

The guard reported encountering unidentified individuals in the vendor booth area. When he attempted to contact them, they fled on foot. The guard pursued the suspects but was unable to catch them and sustained injuries during the chase.

Later that morning, as fair vendors began arriving, officers conducted follow-up investigations and discovered multiple thefts had occurred overnight.

A total of six victims reported stolen items from their booths, with the total value of the stolen property estimated at nearly $2,000.

Through the course of the investigation, Prineville Police detectives identified three juveniles believed to be responsible for the thefts. Investigators also developed information regarding the possible location of some of the stolen property. Based on this evidence, arrest warrants were issued for all three juveniles, along with a search warrant for a residence on SE Elm Street.

On Thursday, August 14, at around noon, officers executed the search warrant at the SE Elm Street residence. Two of the juvenile suspects were located at the home, while the third was found at another location.

All three were taken into custody and lodged on charges of second-degree burglary and first-degree theft. Their identities are being withheld due to their age. Multiple stolen items were located at the residence.

This case remains under active investigation. No further information is available at this time.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jillian Fortner

(Update: comments from DEQ, Deschutes County Public Health, KTVZ chief meteorologist)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has released the 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report, which gathers and examines data about how the 2024 wildfire season affected air quality across the state.

Oregon’s wildfire season has historically started in late July and continued into early September. In the last three years, fires have begun in mid-July and extended into early October. The 2024 wildfire season included numerous fires and complexes throughout the entire state. Smoke from wildfires in Washington also affected the air quality in Oregon.

Across the state, wildfire smoke has contributed to an increase in the number of days with Air Quality Index levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse, with notable examples observed in Bend and Klamath Falls.

Between 2000 and 2012, Bend had six USG (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) days caused by wildfire smoke.

Between 2013 and 2024, Bend experienced 98 days at USG or worse, including 31 Unhealthy days, 10 Very Unhealthy days, and eight Hazardous days. Of those, 94 days ≥ USG occurred from 2017 to 2024.

“It’s a pretty dramatic change, and we see increases like that across the state,” said Chris Varley, DEQ’s air quality public affairs specialist.

“It is important to note that even Moderate AQI levels can adversely affect sensitive individuals. There is no completely ‘safe’ level of exposure to PM2.5. Additionally, wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of hazardous elements, things like formaldehyde, benzene, and even some heavy metals, which are dangerous to breathe,” explained Ali Mirzakhalili, DEQ’s Air Quality Administrator. “Everyone should keep watch on local air quality and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to smoke in order to protect themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors.”

The report features the recalibration of historical data for Oregon’s AQI levels back to the year 2000 in order to reclassify the data according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s more protective AQI standards introduced in May 2024.

Deschutes County Health Services Climate and Health Coordinator Sarah Worthington said, “That particulate matter is actually more hazardous than what we previously believed it to be. So even just a smaller amount is considered to have impacted the air quality.”

Despite last year’s costly wildfire season and the large number of acres burned, the DEQ report shows it wasn’t unusual, when it comes to poor air quality.

KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll says wind and fire location can matter more than the size of the fire.

“The year before that, we had a big fire in the Cascades with the winds coming from the west, bringing that smoke right here into Deschutes County,” Carrol saidl. “Although it was a smaller number of acreage that year, we had poorer air quality because of the position of the fire and the direction of the winds.”

The DEQ says this year has been milder so far, with fewer smoky days.

“The weather has been a little cooler, a little more wet,” Varley said.

Officials warn that severe wildfire seasons are still likely in the years ahead.

Worthington said, “We’re really in somewhat uncharted territory, in terms of having this new and unfortunately, often frequent hazard with our air quality,” Worthington said.

Check the air quality in your area here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Rural health care was the topic of discussion at a town hall meeting Thursday night in Madras. It was a packed house at the Madras Performing Arts Center.

The Oregon Nurses Association hosted the event to address concerns about the president’s recently passed big beautiful bill. Oregon’s 5th District Democrat Rep. Janelle Bynum was the featured speaker, where she talked about Medicaid, Medicare and what could possibly happen in the future while emphasizing the challenges rural health care faces.

Janelle Bynum told KTVZ News, “Well, we want to make sure that hospitals, particularly rural hospitals, are protected. When I first came here, I was told very clearly that this was not the place to have a nervous breakdown, and it wasn’t the place to have a baby, because there was not enough care, there was not enough coverage.”

Oregon’s 2nd District Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz was invited, but as expected, he did not attend.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

(Update: More burns planned the next couple of days)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — With these warm and dry conditions, wildfire concern is top of mind. KTVZ News received several calls and emails Thursday from residents seeing smoke plumes and worried about new fires.

Meanwhile, there were at least two sanctioned agriculture burns in central Jefferson County. On a warm and dry day, seeing the smoke plumes could be concerning.

Jefferson County Smoke Management advised of more field burns planned for Friday and Saturday.

KTVZ News spoke to Jefferson County Fire and EMS Chief Jeff Blake, who said the farmers take several precautions.

“Our farmers do a great job prepping their fields, making sure that they have fire breaks around, making sure that they do everything safe,” he said. “Because they want to protect the crops that they’re burning next to, but they also want to protect this program, because it is so valuable to the agricultural industry.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

 WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Museum at Warm Springs announced Thursday it has been awarded $1.5 million in state funding for the renewal of its popular, though aging, Permanent Exhibit. The funding officially kicks off The Museum’s capital campaign for the project to update technical equipment and provide more information on the progress of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

The Museum at Warm Springs was one of 13 Oregon arts and cultural organizations that was awarded state funding, which will be distributed through the Cultural Resources Economic Fund (CREF). 

Museum staff worked in close cooperation with the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon — the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to advocating for public support of the arts, culture, heritage, and humanities — throughout the application and legislative process.

“This was an amazing effort by the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, our staff and consultants, our Board of Directors and Board of Regents, the Permanent Exhibit Steering Committee, which includes Warm Springs Tribal members, and others who advised and advocated, testified on our behalf, wrote letters of support, and met personally with our legislators in Salem,” said Museum Executive Director Elizabeth A. Woody (Warm Springs, Yakama and Diné). 

“We’re immensely grateful to our champions in the Legislature, including Arts and Culture Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Rob Nosse (D-District 42-Portland) and Caucus Co-Chair Sen. Dick Anderson (R-District 5-Lincoln City), Rep. Greg Smith (R-District 57-Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, Wasco, Jefferson, Marion and Clackamas Counties) and Sen. Todd Nash (R-District 29-Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties as well as parts of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, and Wasco counties) — and to everyone who listened to us and helped get us here,” said Woody.

“We also know Representatives in other districts supported our effort, including Rep. Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) and Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-District 43-North and Northeast Portland), said Woody.

The 7,500 square-foot Permanent Exhibit is The Museum’s central visitor attraction, representing the soul and voice of the people of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. In 2023, a $90,000 grant from Visit Central Oregon made possible initial project scoping and planning work.

“The estimated budget for Permanent Exhibit renewal is more than $3 million, so the CREF funding is an excellent head start for the project,” said Woody. “Fundraising to reach our goal is now one of our primary objectives.

“We are reaching out to our Oregon foundation and corporate partners and our Board of Directors and Board of Regents, as well as our generous private funders. We are also seeking major funding from national foundations and asking our members, loyal visitors and public supporters to contribute to this historic project. With everyone’s support, we are confident that we will be successful in renewing our Permanent Exhibit.”

The need for renewal is great. In 1993, the Permanent Exhibit included state-of-the-art in technology and was based on what was then a thriving tribal economic program. 

Over the past three decades, museum technology has advanced significantly with the enriched presentation of art and cultures with new insights, and the Permanent Exhibit has suffered in its impact and maintainability.

During this time, the history, culture, experiences and stories of the Warm Springs Tribes have deepened and expanded. Much, if not most of the exhibitry is in disrepair or doesn’t work. The original carpeting on floors and walls hold moisture that is potentially damaging artifacts.

The entire infrastructure has aged, and with improved museum technology over the last 30 years, the new technology will improve the presentation and elevate the visitor experience of the Tribal peoples, government, and environmental sensibilities. 

“When the Museum at Warm Springs was first established, esteemed Simnasho District Tribal Council Representative Delbert Frank, who is now an Ancestor, asked that the design do two things — one, ‘that the building represent the three tribes (Warm Springs, Wasco, Northern Paiute) as separate but equal,’ and two, ‘that the Museum tells the truth about who we are, where we come from, and that our story continues,’’ said Woody. “The renewed Permanent Exhibit will continue being the storyteller of the Warm Springs Tribes and this place.”

Individuals are invited to contribute to the Permanent Exhibit renewal. Donations can be mailed to The Museum at PO Box 909, Warm Springs OR 97761 (please note that the donation is for “Permanent Exhibit Renewal”) or made online at the Warm Springs Museum’s website at https://www.museumatwarmsprings.org/ (click “Donate” at the top of the toolbar and indicate your donation is made “on behalf of Permanent Exhibit Renewal”).

Become a Museum Member

The Museum kicked off its annual Membership campaign this month and will continue through August 31. Several Oregon collaborators are helping spread the word about the Membership Drive, including Central Oregon LandWatch, Deschutes Land Trust, Jefferson County Arts Association and Art Adventure Gallery, Jefferson County Historical Society, KWSO 91.9 FM Warm Springs Radio, Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Old Mill District, Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau, The Environmental Center and Visit Central Oregon. 

There are several levels of annual Museum Membership, which begin at $25 for elders and students. All Members receive these benefits: free admission for one year, 10% discount in the Museum Gift Shop and special invitations to exhibits and programs. Members have access to the Oregon Historical Society Reciprocal Membership Program and free admission to a different Oregon museum each month.

Join by visiting https://museumatwarmsprings.org/ and click “Join” to see Membership levels and online payment information. Or send a check to: The Museum at Warm Springs, P.O. Box 909, Warm Springs, OR 97761 (Attn: Membership).

About The Museum at Warm Springs

The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993 and celebrated its 30thanniversary in 2023. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance and share the traditions, cultural and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. Regular Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: Museum Members (free), Adults ($7), Senior Citizens over 60 ($6), Students 13-18 with student body card ($4.50), Children 5-12 ($3.50) and Children 4 and younger (free). The Museum is located at 2189 Highway 26 in Warm Springs. Phone: (541) 553-3331.

For more information, visit https://www.museumatwarmsprings.org/.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A cat is back home with her family after they spotted her on KTVZ News.

BrightSide Animal Center says the family recognized their cat, “Marcy,” during our Clear the Shelters segment. They came into the shelter today to confirm it was her and were able to re-adopt her.

Shelter staff say they’re thrilled for Marcy and called it an emotional reunion.

“We were emotional. Marcy is a great cat, and we’re so happy that she got to go back to her family,” said  shelter manager, Hannah Loftis.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jillian Fortner

(Jillian Fortner has a Problem Solvers report at 6)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Residents in a Northeast Bend neighborhood are raising concerns about frequent speeding on their street.

Linn Harrison, who lives between Empire Avenue and Yeoman Road, says drivers often speed through at 45 to 60 miles per hour, well above what’s safe for a residential area.

Jillian Fortner is talking with neighbors, city officials and police about the issue. Watch her Problem Solvers report tonight at 6 on KTVZ News.

“We can’t have people going 50, 60, 70 miles an hour in a residential zone,” said resident Linn Harrison.

He and other neighbors say the issue is especially concerning given the location: right next to Ponderosa Elementary School and Pine Nursery Park.

“When you have an elementary school and a park right next door, it’s just a disaster waiting to happen,” said resident Chad Nathanson.

Some residents believe the lack of speed limit signs, particularly in the northbound direction, adds to the problem. Assistant City Engineer Janet Ruby says a northbound sign may be missing near the school zone due to spacing limitations.

“It’s a challenge just spatially,” Ruby said. “We don’t want to put a 35 mile an hour sign and then ten feet later have the 20 mile an hour sign.”

The city conducted a speed study in the area in 2023. The results showed most drivers were going under 35 miles per hour, with an average speed of 29. Still, Ruby acknowledged that it only takes a few outliers to create a lasting impression.

Harrison says he’s contacted the city, Bend Police, and even the mayor over the years, but feels his concerns haven’t been addressed.

“Nothing happens,” he said.

So far in 2025, Bend Police say they’ve received more than 1,200 traffic complaints across the city. They prioritize enforcement based on crash data and recurring issues.

“We do have to be strategic about where our officers, go and spend their time doing speed work,” said Sheila Miller, Communications Manager for Bend Police.

Miller said officers do receive complaints about Purcell in general, but not as many near the Empire–Yeoman section. She encourages residents to report consistently when problems arise.

City engineers say they haven’t received any recent formal complaints about that stretch of Purcell. They recommend using the city’s BendWorks portal to ensure concerns are routed to the appropriate department.

“I’d love to have a conversation about what they’re seeing,” Ruby said. “People who live there are our best input. They might notice something we haven’t thought of.”

Click here to follow the original article.