Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Temperatures are warm, but gas prices are relatively cool. Most states, including Oregon, are seeing fairly stable prices at the pumps.

Crude oil prices remaining below $70 per barrel have helped prevent major swings in gas prices this summer, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho’s weekly report, out Tuesday:

For the week, the national average for regular slips one cent to $3.14 a gallon. The Oregon average dips two cents to $3.97 a gallon, while Bend’s average is down about three cents, to $3.77 a gallon.

“It’s been a quiet summer at the pumps so far, and this trend should continue in the short term, as long as crude oil prices remain below $70 per barrel. Factors that could push pump prices higher include hurricanes that impact drilling and refining, geopolitical events, economic news, or a disruption in supplies,” 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 $3.97. 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 $3.14. 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 14 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 18 counties a week ago:

Clackamas $4.03

Clatsop $4.14

Columbia $4.12

Curry $4.11

Grant $4.20

Harney $4.26

Josephine $4.05

Lake $4.23

Multnomah $4.11

Sherman $4.02

Tillamook $4.17

Wallowa $4.11

Washington $4.11

Yamhill $4.08

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 ticked down from 13.38 to 13.27 million barrels per day for the week ending July 18. 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 mid-$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 $66 a week ago and $76 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 Eas,t 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 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. increased from 8.49 million b/d to 8.97 for the week ending July 18, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 9.46 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply increased from 232.9 million barrels to 231.1. Gasoline production

increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day, compared to 9.1 million barrels per day the previous week.

Pump prices will likely stay fairly steady if WTI crude oil prices remain below $70 per barrel and there are no supply disruptions.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 38 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Indiana (-8 cents) has the biggest week-over-week decline in the nation. Ohio (+5 cents) has the largest week-over-week increase. Most states have small changes in pump prices this week with 47 states and the District of Columbia seeing their averages change by a nickel or less.

After 23 weeks, Hawaii ($4.48) bumps California ($4.47) as the state with the most expensive gas in the nation. Washington ($4.39) is the only other state with an average at or above $4 a gallon. This week 25 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 22 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.70) and Louisiana ($2.76). 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 $1.78 this week, same as a week ago.

Oregon is one of 45 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is five cents less and the Oregon average is eight cents less than a month ago. Indiana (-20 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. Florida (+12 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase.

Oregon and Washington are the only two states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is 37 cents less, while the Oregon average is four cents more and the Washington average is 14 cents more than a year ago. Illinois (-68 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

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 7/29/2025

1
Hawaii
$4.48

2
California
$4.47

3
Washington
$4.39

4
Oregon
$3.97

5
Alaska
$3.74

6
Nevada
$3.70

7
Idaho
$3.48

8
Utah
$3.38

9
Illinois
$3.37

10
District of Columbia
$3.33

As mentioned above, after 23 weeks, Hawaii bumps California as the state with most expensive gas in the country. California slips to second with Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Nevada rounding out the top six. Arizona is 14th. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 10th week in a row.

Like most other states, the states in the West Coast region have small week-over-week changes.

Nevada (-5 cents), Alaska (-2 cents), California (-2 cents), Oregon (-2 cents), Arizona (-1 cent), and Washington (-1/2 cent) have small week-over-week declines. Hawaii (+1/2 cent) is the only state in the region with a week-over-week increase.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast climbed from 88.0% to 90.4% to for the week ending July 18. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate rose from 93.9% to 95.5%.

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 31.17 million bbl. to 32.25 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 on Friday, closing at a three-week low, as markets digested some negative economic news out of the U.S. and China. Crude prices rebounded to start this week after the U.S. and European Union reached a trade agreement that helped ease concerns about tariffs. The U.S. and EU agreed to a 15% tariff on EU goods, down from the threatened 30% that President Trump had said would go into effect by August 1. Investors are also weighing the upcoming OPEC+ meeting on August 3, when the cartel will finalize production policies for the next few months. OPEC+ is expected to maintain its production policy with a 548,000 barrels per day increase still planned for August.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 3.2 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.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 87 cents to settle at $65.16. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI jumped $1.55 to settle at $66.71. Today crude is trading around $68 compared to $66 a week ago. Crude prices are about $8 less than a year ago. ($75.81 on July 29, 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.n. The Oregon average dips two cents to $3.97 a gallon, while Bend’s average falls about three cents to

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — In a unified call to action, the Association of Oregon Counties, the League of Oregon Cities and Oregon AFSCME sent a joint letter to Governor Tina Kotek, Senate President Rob Wagner, and House Speaker Julie Fahey, urging both immediate and long-term action to stabilize statewide transportation funding.

The joint letter, sent last week, is in response to the proposed legislative transportation fix to be considered during the August 29 special legislative session.

Here’s the rest of the news release KTVZ News received Tuesday:

“Oregonians across the state rely on a safe, reliable transportation system to access critical services like schools, emergency services, healthcare, and jobs,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “Without sustainable funding, local governments will be forced to cut services, defer maintenance, and compromise safety on Oregon’s roads.”

The letter underscores the shared responsibility between state and local governments for maintaining Oregon’s transportation infrastructure, and calls on lawmakers to protect the long-standing 50/30/20 State Highway Fund (SHF) distribution formula — which allocates transportation revenue between the state (50%), counties (30%), and cities (20%).

The state, counties and cities share responsibility for road maintenance and transportation support throughout the state. Local governments are responsible for the maintenance of over 44,000 miles of road.

Key concerns raised in the letter include:

Staffing Shortages: Counties alone have already lost over 700 operations and maintenance staff since 1990. More than 400 new county road workers are needed today to meet basic service levels.

Deteriorating County Infrastructure: Without intervention, over 4,500 miles of county roads will miss critical maintenance within five years, leading to exponentially more expensive reconstruction. Nearly 170 county bridges will go without critical maintenance work, and heavy vehicles will have to be turned away to avoid collapse and injury.

City Struggles: LOC estimates that 40% of city streets are already in poor or very poor condition. Most cities already face financial distress and lack the flexibility to address the shortfall.

Worker Impact: Oregon AFSCME represents roughly 60% of the state’s county and city employees, including 800 transportation workers whose positions are directly supported by gas tax revenue.

The organizations urge legislative leaders to take two actions:

Pass a short-term funding solution during the August special session that preserves the SHF distribution and prevents further harm to local transportation services.

Commit to a bipartisan, transparent and inclusive process leading to a long-term, comprehensive statewide transportation package in the 2027 session that stabilizes and modernizes core transportation funding for the long term safety of average commuters and the workers who support them, rain or shine, throughout the year.

“We’re ready to be at the table for the tough conversations ahead,” said Joe Baessler, Executive Director of Oregon AFSCME. “Adequate investments must be made to ensure Oregonians have safe and reliable access,” continued Baessler.

“AOC appreciates that the legislature is taking near-term action this summer to avert transportation service cuts,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel, “and counties are committed to working with our partners to pass a long-term, comprehensive package in 2027 that addresses the structural inadequacies in the State Highway Fund and allows local governments to fund the operations, maintenance, and preservation activities necessary to keep Oregonians safe on our shared system into the future.”

“For my community, the impact on local emergency response must be resolved ASAP! ODOT is the lead agency that facilitates evacuations, and we have over two more months of wildfire season left. They also play a critical role in keeping the state highways open during the winter season. Without funding for ODOT and our own city, our community is at risk of losing access to essential goods and services. The proposal from Governor Kotek presents a short-term benefit, but we must keep our focus on a long-term funding solution to reinvest in communities across Oregon.” -Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz

The full letter is below.

Oregon AFSCME is the fastest-growing union in our state, representing more than 40,000 workers, spread across worksites in every corner of Oregon. AFSCME members work at OHSU, cities and counties, for the State of Oregon, in behavioral health, and other sectors. AFSCME members work for the public good of our state and fight for economic and social justice for our members, their families, and all Oregon workers.

AOC LOC AFSCME Support for Transportation Special Session 7.23.25Download

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Storms rumbling through Central Oregon Monday brought hundreds of lightning strikes that have ignited more than a dozen fires so far – most stopped by crews at a very small size, but two that were still being fought Tuesday.

Officials said Tuesday, “Interagency resources responded to a number of smoke reports throughout the afternoon and into the evening, which resulted in 14 confirmed fires. Twelve of these fires, which cumulatively burned approximately eight acres, have been contained.

Firefighters continue work to suppress the Boulder Fire, two miles north of Juniper Butte east of Prineville, and the Kiwa Fire, three miles east of Katalo Butte and west of Bend. 

Today, firefighters are prepared to respond to holdover fires that may have resulted from yesterday’s lightning and any new starts that may result from incoming lightning this afternoon.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: Bend Fire & Rescue update on cause, losses)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The fire that destroyed a garage/shop in Woodside Ranch south of Bend Monday evening appears to have been accidental in nature, but the damage was too extensive to find a specific cause, a fire official said Wednesday.

Here’s Wednesday morning’s update from Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki:

“Updated information – The fire appears to be accidental in nature, but the exact cause of the fire was not able to be determined due to the extent of damage.

“The 3,000-square-foot, two-story shop was still under construction. Its walls were made of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) that were filled with concrete and the roof had been installed. The building is valued at $300,000, with the building being a complete loss. The owner is working with his insurance company on the next steps.” 

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) July 28 – First responders are on the scene of a large structure fire on Ridgeview Drive Monday evening. Multiple fire units were dispatched, and crews are actively working to contain the blaze.

Update – Bend Fire & Rescue:

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Ridgeview Drive East in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood at 6:28 pm Monday evening. Fire crews found a large garage/shop on the back of the property fully involved.

The owners and neighbors had hoses, including a water truck from a local contractor, spraying water on the fire to keep it from spreading. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to the size and access to the building. Crews had the fire under control after about an hour.

The fire threatened the detached garage on the same property but was kept from burning. The house sustained minor damage from the heat as well as several trees were burned. The garage/shop building was under construction at the time of the fire.

The cause is still under investigation at the time of this release. The extent of the damage and value lost will be determined after further investigation. The building was not occupied at the time of the fire.

As we are in fire season, defensible space is key to helping protect your home from wildfire. But its also important for all types of fires. The detached garage that was spared had pine needles in the gutters that had started to ignite as crews arrived. They were extinguished before they could do any damage.

Keeping gutters cleared, as part of creating good defensible space around all your buildings and vehicles on your property, will help protect your home from not only wildfires.

More information on defensible space can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone

Video captured by KTVZ News shows firefighters rushing toward the burning structure as smoke billows into the sky. At this hour, the full extent of the damage and any possible injuries remain unknown.

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or whether the structure was occupied at the time.

This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from commissioners, new interim sheriff, KTVZ.COM Poll)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County has a new sheriff. Deschutes County commissioners on Tuesday morning chose – on a split vote – Sheriff’s Office Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert to serve as interim sheriff through next year’s election, after Thursday’s planned retirement of embattled Sheriff Kent van der Kamp. 

Later, Rupert told KTVZ News, “It’s a big day for our office. Big day for our community. It’s a big day for me.”

Commission Chairman Tony DeBone and colleagues Patti Adair and Phil Chang all praised the quality and experience of the five applicants to serve in the position. But Chang abstained when it came time for a vote to appoint Rupert to serve as sheriff for up to 18 months, until a new sheriff is elected by voters next year.

“I’m not opposed to putting Captain Rupert into this role,” Chang said, but he noted that in a poll of the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees’ Association members, DCSO Detective Lt. James McLaughlin “ranked a little bit higher” than Rupert. 

While acknowledging that the association ranking is “not the only factor we should be considering,” Chang said, “If our priority is to give the sheriff’s office employees a leader they can get behind, I think they have spoken. I’m not quite ready to vote for that motion yet.” 

Chang later told KTVZ News, “We are all hopeful that Interim Sheriff Rupert is going to help us turn the page on some of the problems that emerged when Sheriff Van der Kamp became sheriff. “

DeBone praised the decision: “Pride, history in the organization – he’s from Deschutes County proper. He’s worked up through the ranks, and is just so proud to be able to serve the people of Deschutes County.”

Rupert has been with the office since 2005 and currently leads the sheriff’s investigative units.

He says his term will be focused on the team, creating a more positive culture and gaining the trust of the community.

“We’re here to serve them. And I think that’s been lost over the years. It’s important that we get back to the citizens and talk to them,” Rupert said.

The selection ends a months-long saga, after van der Kamp allegedly lied on his resume and on the witness stand about his past education.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels earlier this year placed Van der Kamp on the Brady list, barring him from testifying at trials. Van der Kamp is currently at risk of losing his credentials as an officer in the state permanently, though he is challenging the action. 

Rupert told us, “We’ve been through a lot. I don’t want to talk about the past. We can’t change it. But the future – we have the opportunity to change the direction in the future and move forward.”

DeBone said Rupert’s swearing-in ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Courtroom C, although Adair said she could not attend due to a funeral for an uncle, while Chang said he also would not attend due to a meeting related to his role on the state Transportation Commission. 

Commissioners held no public or group interviews with the applicants, deciding to meet with them privately and individually before making their choice.

The other three applicants were Undersheriff Aaron Wells, former DCSO Captain Deron McMaster, and COCC Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Cory Darling.

Speaking to the turmoil of recent years, Chang said, “It will be really important for the interim sheriff to assure employees are not punished for throwing their hat in the ring and say they want to run ( for sheriff), and important for the interim sheriff not to use the office to promote their choice for sheriff. I hope all the candidates keep those things in mind.”

Adair supported DeBone’s choice of Rupert, saying, “I think it’s important to have someone steady at this point.”

All spoke highly of all five applicants and said it’s important for all to work together to move the department forward.

“We have great teams, amazing people,” Adair told the sheriff’s office employees in the audience. “Keep doing what you’re doing.”

Chang also praised all the candidates, saying, “I’ve learned how much valuable experience, background and insights they all have on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and where it can go.” And he said of the pick, “I know Captain Rupert is really good at listening to people.”

Here is Rupert’s letter of interest to the county for the role:

rupert_letter_of_interestDownload

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– It wasn’t just high heat and fire risk today, we also saw strong wind gusts. One gust nearly destroyed a beloved Bend fruit stand. One of our viewers, Bill Moore, took this video at Farmer Brown’s fruit stand on Knott Road. You can see strong wind gusts blowing the entire stand over and destroying many items. In the aftermath, the tent and most of the stand are broken or blown out of place. We were not able to reach Farmer Brown’s for comment. The stand carries products from more than 50 Pacific Northwest farms and has been a staple in Bend for decades.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– There’s a new food destination in Bend with Southeast Asian flavor.

Tekka Tiger is just across the street from the last Blockbuster Video on Earth. It’s owned by a family from Singapore who wanted to bring a variety of different dishes to Bend.

Its cart features a rotating menu from Laos and Indonesia, Malaysia and many other countries. Authenticity is key, when it comes to the food served.

Khly Dhillon, Owner of Tekka Tiger told KTVZ News, “So I make everything from scratch. We use a lot of big, bold flavors -lots of galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, shrimp paste, fish sauce, so we’re not shying away from those big, bold flavors. When you come to Tekka Tiger, you’re going to taste the dishes the way it should be in Southeast Asia.”

The family often travels in backpacks in these countries, looking for new dishes, ingredients and flavors to bring back to Bend. Tekka Tiger wants people to contact them on their Instagram and suggest authentic dishes that they’d like to see.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There will be plenty of friendly animals on display at this week’s Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, but only one “Super COW” – and this tall addition is all about the cellphone in your pocket.

AT&T says it’s bringing its largest “Super COW” (Cell on Wheels) to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds for three events over the next couple of months, part of what the company calls its “effort to supercharge wireless capacity at Oregon’s major festivals this season.”

This mobile cell site will enhance connectivity for customers at three upcoming events. Along with the county fair, the mobile cell tower will help keep signals strong at the Reggae Rise Up Oregon music festival, August 29-31 and the Cascade Equinox Music Festival, Sept. 19-21.

“The Super COW helps keep people connected by handling lots of phone and data use at once, even outdoors — so visitors can enjoy a smooth and reliable experience all festival season,” said Suzanne Trantow of AT&T Regional Media Relations.

Fair & Expo Center Director Geoff Hinds told KTVZ News, “AT&T has had a COW on site for the last two years, but sounds like this one is an even bigger, better, more enhanced version.”

“When we reach full capacity on grounds, we can more than double the number of people in the area of Redmond, so cell service can sometimes be a bit spotty,” Hinds said. “So the COW provides additional service options for both fair attendees, as well as people in the local region.”

“No other cell company brings a COW or device on site,” the fairgrounds manager added, “but we do work with other providers, who increase their service in other ways.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — What began as a peaceful morning walk turned into a 12-hour rescue mission in Bend on Saturday that showed the community coming together to find a partially blind and deaf dog named Buddy.

Buddy bolted from his walker near the Deschutes River trailhead at Meadow Park on Saturday.

Despite being with other dogs and an experienced walker, Buddy took off, eventually disappearing near Widgi Creek Golf Course.

And that launched a massive search effort on Saturday afternoon. Friends, strangers, even kayakers and drone pilots joined in scouring the trails, canvassing neighborhoods and tracking sightings.

At one point, Buddy was seen swimming across the Deschutes River, as daylight faded. Hope dammed until someone spotted him on a small lava rock island in the middle of the river.

With help from local dog searcher Katie Albright and her drone, rescuers crossed slippery rocks and lit their path to reach Buddy.

Twelve hours after it began, he was found – exhausted and thirsty, but safe.

Buddy is now back at home, thanks to a community that dropped everything to bring him back home.

You can read more about how it all happened and the community’s response at this post, “The Lost and Found Gratitude Club,” on Reddit’s Bend subreddit.

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Wednesday marks the start of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo. Through next Sunday, you can enjoy games, food, rides, and more at the Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Redmond.

It’s also kicking off the Kendall Toyota of Bend free summer concert series, with Brothers Osborne. A full list of performing artists and times is on the fair’s website.

Driving and parking at the fairgrounds should be easy. All the gates on Southwest Airportway will be open. A parking crew will be out there to guide you to a free parking spot. Once you’re there, you could buy tickets at any of the three fairgrounds gates.

Your general admission ticket gets you access to everything: the fair, the rodeo, and all of the concerts. The only extras are rides and food. And there will be some exciting new food vendors to check out this year.

Deschutes County Fairgrounds Director Geoff Hinds said, “Whether it’s the brand new Wahlburgers stand that’s making its debut for the first time ever. We’ve got a Wahlburgers owned by the Wahlberg brothers, Mark, Donnie and that family. They’re having their Oregon debut here in just a few days, or some of the other stands that we’ve got, a lot of the traditional fair food, but some new, fun opportunities as well.”

This year, there is no official shuttle to the fair, but the bus is running to the airport, which is within walking distance. Bend’s party bus is also selling tickets for its shuttle service.

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