Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — SELCO Community Credit Union has awarded more than $80,000 to 40 Oregon educators, including six programs from Central Oregon, as part of SELCO’s Creative Educator Grants program.  

Creative Educator Grants—which provide as much as $2,500 per recipient—are designed for K-12 educators with creative classroom ideas who need funding to get those projects off the ground. This year, SELCO awarded $80,268 in grants to teachers representing 38 schools across the state.   

To better support educators who increasingly dip into their own pockets to pay for classroom-related expenses, Creative Educator Grants have more than doubled in value since the program was revamped as part of SELCO’s Steps Up initiative, which launched in 2024. As a result, SELCO received 281 applications for this year’s grants, with recipients from 14 different Oregon counties, the most in program history.  

Grant recipients represent a wide range of programs, from an entrepreneurial dog treat project at Pacific Crest Elementary in Bend to a community water testing lab at Junction City High School that will teach students how to be citizen scientists. Other projects include a “Sauvie Island Cookbook,” which will connect students at Sauvie Island School northwest of Portland with the traditions and history of the island’s people. 

“Through Creative Educator Grants, we aim to support teachers who are continually trying to reach students in unique and interesting ways,” said Craig Carpenter, SELCO’s senior vice president of lending and business banking. “Year after year, we’re amazed by the wealth of innovative ideas. As a credit union founded by educators, SELCO will remain committed to helping these passionate teachers make learning meaningful and fun.” 

This year’s recipients include six educators from Central Oregon: 

Create in 3D — Natalie Richards, Tom McCall Elementary, Bend 

Equitable Student Government & Live Student Podcast — Brettney Bryant, High Desert Middle School, Bend 

Golden Eagle Kitchen to Career — Christina Holler, Pacific Crest Middle School, Bend 

Adaptive Play Equipment — Marnie Freilinger, Rosland Elementary School, La Pine 

Cardio Drumming — Michelle Holliday, Powell Butte Community Charter School, Powell Butte 

First Grade CKLA Curriculum Enrichment — Aurora Smith, Sage Elementary School, Redmond 

Literacy Without Limits: Dyslexia Book Project — Susan Gotshall, John Tuck Elementary, Redmond 

A complete list of recipients and project descriptions can be found HERE.  

To choose the recipients of this year’s grants, a selection panel scored applications based on project originality, proposal clarity, number of students affected, and potential for skill development. 

As a grant recipient in 2024, Jenifer Gerlach, the music instructor at Prairie Mountain School in Eugene, purchased ukuleles for her classroom. 

“When a student can play an instrument, it creates neuropathway connections that they will use the rest of their lives,” Gerlach said. “If I can get more neuropathways created just through having fun with ukuleles, that’s a win.” 

SELCO will also soon announce the winners of three Regional Classroom Makeovers, a program that launched in 2024 and awards as much as $15,000 to each recipient to transform their learning environments.  

For more information about Creative Educator Grants, past grant recipients, or SELCO’s student and educator support programs, visit www.selco.org/steps-up/. Images of past winners can be FOUND HERE. 

About SELCO Steps Up: 

The SELCO Steps Up program aims to create positive, innovative, lasting change through volunteerism, resource support, and collaboration with community partners. In 2024, SELCO reinvested nearly $415,000 in the communities it serves through educator grants, scholarships, and impact-driven sponsorships. SELCO staff also committed nearly 1,400 volunteer hours last year alone. As a credit union founded by teachers, education is a cornerstone of these efforts, with a focus on removing barriers to financial literacy. By empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being, SELCO strives to build a strong foundation for all its members and neighbors. Learn more at www.selco.org/steps-up. 

About SELCO Community Credit Union: 

Founded nearly 90 years ago by a group of fiscally minded teachers, Springfield-based SELCO Community Credit Union today serves more than 150,000 members as one of the largest and longest-standing Oregon-based credit unions. A not-for-profit, federally insured, member-driven financial cooperative with more than $2.8 billion in assets, SELCO provides its member-owners with exceptional rates and low fees on a full range of financial products and services, including banking, mortgages, personal and business loans, investments, and insurance. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of the 27 Oregon or eight Washington counties SELCO serves. For more information or to become a member today, stop by one of SELCO’s 15 branches, visit selco.org, or call 800-445-4483. 

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

PORTLAND, Ore (KTVZ) – Despite recent air-travel challenges, AAA projected Monday that a record 81.8 million Americans (23.9% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more from home for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 2% from 2024.

This year is the busiest ever for Thanksgiving travel, the organization says, with an additional 1.6 million travelers, compared to last year.

About 1.17 million Oregonians will head over the river and through the woods for turkey and all the trimmings, and again, Bend and Central Oregon is expected to be the biggest holiday destination (though the question of whether there’ll be enough snowfall for Mt. Bachelor to open Friday, Nov. 28 as planned is still up in the air).

The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1.

“Thanksgiving is always the busiest travel holiday of the year, as it’s all about spending time with loved ones. People are willing to navigate busy highways and crowded airports and will go the extra mile to create lasting memories from visits with family and friends,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“Roads, airports, train stations, and cruise terminals will be stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, so expect plenty of company. Even with some remaining uncertainty around air travel, people are eager to carve out time to gather with loved ones and savor the holiday feast,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Car travel to set new record

AAA projects 73 million Americans (89.6% of travelers) will drive to their Thanksgiving destination. This is a 1.8% increase and 1.3 million more travelers on the road compared to last year. These figures could end up being higher if people who want to avoid flying decide to drive instead. Even though the FAA has ended emergency flight restrictions, some travelers may have already decided not to fly this year.

In Oregon, roughly 1 million Thanksgiving travelers will drive.

For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. The top 5 markets with the highest demand are Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper this Thanksgiving compared to last year.

As drivers prepare to get behind the wheel, AAA and MADD remind travelers about the dangers of impaired driving. This time of year can be particularly deadly on the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2019 to 2023, the death toll in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving festivities was 868, representing more than one-third (35%) of all fatalities in traffic crashes during that holiday period. Have a plan in place before Thanksgiving, and use a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or take public transit to ensure everyone’s safety.

Despite uncertainty, air travel shows growth

AAA expects 6 million U.S. travelers (7.4% of travelers) will fly to their Thanksgiving destinations, a 2% increase compared to 2024. The FAA has now lifted flight restrictions at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, including the Portland International Airport. However, some travelers who planned to fly over Thanksgiving may still decide to shift to other travel modes, so the number of people flying over Thanksgiving could end up being lower. But AAA still expects the total number to be similar to recent years – the number of Thanksgiving air travelers over the past several years, with the exception of 2020 during the COVID pandemic, has been between 5 and 6 million.

Approximately 120,000 Oregonians will travel by air.

According to AAA booking data, a roundtrip domestic flight is averaging $700 which is similar to last year.

It’s cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day itself, but the flight home is what drives up the ticket price since Sunday and Monday are the busiest return days. Some travelers shorten or extend their Thanksgiving trips to avoid flying on peak days.

Find more below on the costs of all travel modes.

Advice for Air Travelers

Be patient and flexible. Control what you can. Have a plan B, C and D.

Book the first flight of the day or early morning flights if you can. They are less likely to be cancelled or delayed.

Avoid booking tight connecting flights – you’ll want at least an hour to change flights in case your originating flight is late.

If possible, avoid airports for connecting flights where winter weather can lead to delays and cancellations, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, Denver, and JFK.

If you really need to be at your destination on a certain day, book flights a day or two early so that you have a buffer.

Download the airline’s app on your phone and set it up for push notifications so that you’ll be notified about departure and arrival information as well as any flight changes, delays or cancellations. Also check the websites for your departure and arrival airports so you can get a complete look at flight operations on that day. FlightAware and other sites let you track your incoming flight so you can find other options if that flight is late or cancelled, and the site also provides a comprehensive look at all of the flights being cancelled or delayed in North America and around the world.

Get to the airport early – at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The increase in travelers and possible shortages of TSA employees can make for longer than usual wait times to get through security.

Avoid parking at the airport. Take transit, use a ride sharing service or get a ride with a friend. That way you won’t worry about your car if your return flight is delayed or cancelled, or you fly home through a different airport.

If you need to park at the airport, book a parking spot in advance or at least check on availability before you go. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking. 

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. You may not be reunited with your bag in a timely fashion if your flights are cancelled or delayed. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items in your carry on bag. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.

Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Full airports can mean long lines and wait times at restaurants. Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. 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 signing up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR to expedite the security screening process. Do make sure the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and is a good option when traveling internationally as it expedites the process at passport control when you’re coming back to the U.S.

Travel by bus, train and cruise also rises

Travel by other modes, including buses, trains, and cruises, will rise to nearly 2.5 million, an increase of 8.5% from 2024. It’s also possible that travelers who were planning to fly may switch to these modes this year so there could be a last-minute uptick.

Roughly 34,000 Oregonians will travel by these modes this year.

Best and worst times to drive; peak traffic expected Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and Monday

Drivers can expect the most congestion on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings before Thanksgiving, and again on Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings as travelers return home. INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, says metro areas across the U.S. could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times. The best time to drive is Thanksgiving Day when traffic is usually lightest, as well as in the mornings on other days.

“Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the most congested times, but keep in mind construction, crashes, or wintry weather can also impact travel times. Please Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders and other stopped vehicles on the side of the road to ensure everyone’s safety,” says Dodds.

AAA also recommends that travelers use traffic apps, local Department of Transportation notifications, 511 services, and listen to local radio for traffic reports to get real-time updates.

Here are projected travel times in and out of Portland:

Top Thanksgiving destinations

These are the trending destinations for domestic, international, and regional travel for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and at AAA.com. 

Theme parks, major cities, beaches, cruise ports are among the most popular spots. Fort Lauderdale is a busy departure spot for cruises. Munich, Germany is a popular place to stay before and after European River Cruises.  Many South Pacific cruises depart from Sydney, Australia.

Holiday travel costs

This Thanksgiving, AAA finds that flights, cruises, international car rentals, and tours are more expensive this year, while hotels and domestic rental cars are cheaper than last year.

“Thanksgiving can often cost less than other holidays for many travelers, because food, lodging and activities are usually family-driven which can help offset travel expenses,” says Dodds.

Here’s a breakdown of average booking prices, according to AAA data.

Flights

The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $700, up 1% from 2024.

The average price for an international roundtrip flight is $1,350, up 15% from last year.

Hotels

The average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $590, down 3% from 2024.

The average booking cost for an international hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $600, down 8% from last year.

Rental cars

The average price for a domestic rental car (typically several days) is $400, down 15% from 2024.

The average price for an international rental car (typically several days) is $450, up 2% from last year.

AAA car rental partner Hertz says Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day.

Hertz says the top rental cities are Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark

Cruises

The average price for cruises departing from domestic cities is $1,650, up 40% compared to 2024.

The average price for cruises departing from international cities is $4,800, up 30% from last year.

Tours

The average price for a domestic tour is $1,000, up 65% compared to 2024.

The average price for an international tour is $1,840, up 30% from last year.

What to know before you go – AAA tips for travelers

Consider working with a travel agent. They can help you plan the trip that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season, provide the best value for your vacation dollars, explore travel insurance options, assist with any last-minute changes to travel plans, and act as an advocate if the unexpected happens.

Refunds for flight cancellations: Air travelers are eligible for refunds if their flight is cancelled and they choose not to accept a rebooked flight. Major airlines are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge, or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.

Many major airlines are also waiving change fees and penalties for passengers who are looking to switch their flights on their own, though some carriers are applying limits. You’ll want to read the fine print.

Travel and medical insurance. AAA recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions, especially if you’ve paid a lot of money for your trip. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Travel insurance can cover expenses associated with flight cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellation.

Read the fine print before purchasing a policy, or better yet, work with a travel agent who can help you get the policy that’s right for you. As far as travel insurance for delays and cancellations that are a result of lingering effects from the government shutdown, the shutdown is now considered to be a “known event” which means that if you purchased your policy on or after the date that the shutdown began, you may be excluded from coverage. If you purchased before September 30, you may still get some benefits, but it depends on the facts and circumstances of any scenario.

There are policies that are “Cancel for any reason” – these types of policies can provide coverage or partial reimbursement for cancellations, even if they are due to a “known event.” Again, read the fine print.

Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Medical insurance can be especially valuable if you are traveling outside the U.S. as people without medical insurance may have to pay up front for any services. Check with your health insurance provider. Travel agents can also advise on what medical travel insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.

Get your car road-trip ready. Breakdowns are always a hassle, and you don’t want to be stranded during the Thanksgiving weekend. Find a trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/repair. Also be sure that your vehicle is ready for winter driving conditions. Get tips and advice, including what to put in your emergency kit, at AAA.com/winterprep  (https://aaa.com/winterprep)

AAA to the rescue

Before you head out, be sure your vehicle is ready for the trip to avoid a breakdown along the way. Last Thanksgiving, AAA rescued 600,000 Americans including 6,500 Oregonians at the roadside. Dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts are the top three issues.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone (800-222-HELP) or the AAA Mobile App – and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before any long trip, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components such as the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the 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.

“Bring enough water and non-perishable food items for you and your passengers, including pets, as well as extra jackets, warm clothing and blankets so that you have provisions if you get stranded. A wreck on a rural road can tie up traffic for hours, and not all areas have good cell phone coverage which can make it tough to call for help,” says Dodds.

Get tips and advice on how to plan for winter driving conditions at AAA.com/winterprep.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The founder of a Bend nonprofit that provides housing for women recovery from addiction issued an apology and shared her own story of stress and addiction’s spiral Monday as she was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison and to repay over $400,000 in restitution to the organization. 

Dawn Marie Holland, 53, the founder of DAWNS House, did not personally speak at her sentencing before Deschutes County Circuit Judge Wells Ashby, who agreed to impose the terms reached in a recent plea deal. 

Instead, Holland prepared a statement that was read in court by her attorney, Sarah Yates, in which she apologized for her conduct and explained how she had taken on too many roles and responsibilities, struggling to find a work-life balance.  

Holland wrote of how hard she tried to take care of other women in difficult straits – of dealing with suicides, overdoses, even the death of an 6-month-old infant – and how she failed to realize she had stopped taking care of herself. 

“I truly wish I would (have) recognized the signs of my own deteriorating mental health,” Holland wrote. “And I wish I’d realized sooner how I was using … gambling in general to cope with my mental health.”

“Instead of getting help, I got lost in my addiction,” she continued. “I started gambling on other sites, and at casinos. I admit that I spent money from DAWNS House that I should never have spent. For that, I’m very sorry.”

She said she had made “many mistakes I wish I could take back,” adding, “I am sorry for my actions and I am sorry to the community.” 

Holland’s attorney also confirmed she already has paid $100,000 of the ordered restitution before sentencing, as she agreed to do in signing the plea petition.

Deputy District Attorney Matthew Nelson called it an “incredibly tragic” case involving a woman who battled addiction for most of her adult life. 

“Her struggles with gambling and alcohol addiction are real,” Nelson said, “but addiction can’t be a shield to accountability.” 

Nelson noted how every dollar she took could have helped provide more help, support and safety to other women and children in need. 

“Miss Holland’s conduct undermines confidence in charitable giving in our community,” the prosecutor said.  

Along with paying back all the stolen funds, he said she agreed not to form another nonprofit, serve on other boards or raise funds. 

Craig Ladkin, vice president of the DAWNS House Board of Directors, was sharply critical of Holland’s actions since her wrongdoing came to light, 

Rather than cooperating with police as the organization asked, he said, “you fought us tooth and nail … in vicious, threatening ways,” with “vile, angry and hurtful words.” In fact, he called her “the most masterful and deceitful person I’ve ever met.” 

“We could have been in this room two years ago, but you chose otherwise, while living on stolen money,” Ladkin said. 

Yates, her defense attorney, said she’d gotten to know Holland pretty well, and that she had made changes in her life to assure she won’t hurt the community any further. 

Licensed clinical social worker Lezlie Kellison also spoke on Holland’s behalf, saying she is far from alone in the struggles she experienced. A combination of insomnia, depression and “overwhelming stress led her to gamble at night.”  

“It’s a very common trauma response pattern – not a character failure,” Keillison said. “Across our country, we burn out the very people we count on” as caregivers and those who can help people in crisis, often the only people they have to turn to. 

Kellison said Holland has completed a year of intensive treatment and “wants her story to be a cautionary tale, to protect others from implosion” in the face of “profound trauma exposure.” 

Judge Ashby told Holland the “significant impacts” of her crimes had hurt the very people she was trying to help. But he also spoke of how “we all make mistakes” and that she had “done some great work. Your continued sobriety is something to be celebrated.” 

The judge also said she will be eligible for alternative programs transitional leave and work release programs.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles’ new Community Pharmacy in Prineville is now open and serving customers, helping to preserve access to local pharmacy services in Crook County, the health system announced Monday.

The pharmacy transitioned from Clinic Pharmacy to St. Charles officially on Monday.

“Today is an exciting day for St. Charles and our community, as we can now offer seamless pharmacy services to patients throughout Crook County,” said Todd Shields, vice president of operations for the Northern Campuses.

The Prineville pharmacy is the second Community Pharmacy St. Charles has opened this year, after opening one in Madras in June.

“We are proud to maintain access to this critical service for patients, especially at a time when many pharmacies across the state and nation are closing,” said Kevin Russell, director of ambulatory pharmacy services for St. Charles.

The Prineville Chamber of Commerce will help celebrate the opening of the pharmacy with a ribbon-cutting event at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.

The new pharmacy offers prescriptions (in-store and via a drive-up window), immunizations, medication management, over-the-counter medicine and durable medical equipment such as crutches and walkers.

It is located at 198 NE Combs Flat Road in Prineville and will be open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more on the St. Charles website.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — If the third time is the charm, Central Oregon fans of longtime comedic musician “Weird Al” Yankovic will be happy to learn that he’s coming back for his third Bend concert next year..

Yankovic first brought his unique, zany mix to what was then the Les Schwab Amphitheater a decade ago, in September of 2015. He returned in June of 2022 to what had become the Hayden Homes Amphitheater stage, where he’ll be performing once again on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.

Here’s Monday’s announcement of this and his other concert stops planned next year:

Following the incredible success of his 2025 tour, the legendary “Weird Al” Yankovic will return to the road in 2026 with the next chapter of his record-breaking BIGGER & WEIRDER Tour. 

During its 2025 run, Yankovic delighted over 500,000 fans, playing a historic string of 75 shows across 67 cities, and selling out iconic venues including Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Now, Weird Al is ready to go even bigger in 2026, hitting a massive 90 cities across North America. Featuring his celebrated hits, alongside deep-cut fan favorites, and with a giant video wall, multiple costume changes, and an amazing eight-piece ensemble featuring Al’s original band, the 2026 tour pushes his live show to new heights – a super-sized comedy-rock spectacle.

“We did 75 shows this year, and the fans weren’t sick of us yet,” explained Al, “so we’re just going to keep on touring until they are!”

The BIGGER & WEIRDER 2026 Tour kicks off on May 26, 2026, at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL, and runs across North America through October 17. Tickets and full routing are available here, and the public on sale begins Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. local time. 

The tour will make a Bend stop at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on September 6, 2026.

About “Weird Al” Yankovic 

“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history. A pop culture icon, he is known around the world for his parodies of mega hits by artists of the last four decades, including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Usher, Nirvana, Eminem, Queen, Lady Gaga, and many more.

His numerous hits include “Amish Paradise,” “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Word Crimes,” and the platinum-selling “White & Nerdy.” He has received 5 Grammy awards and 17 career nominations, and is one of only three artists to chart in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 in the previous four consecutive decades (the others being Madonna and Michael Jackson).

His last album, Mandatory Fun, is the only comedy album in history to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200.

Also an accomplished actor, writer, director, and producer, Yankovic was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, and an Emmy Award for the 2022 release WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story (starring Daniel Radcliffe as Yankovic).

Yankovic’s live shows have entertained audiences across the globe for generations, including appearances at such iconic venues as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Kia Forum, The Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall.

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KTVZ

(Update: St. Charles statement on OHA findings)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Oregon Health Authority report released Monday said costs for insured patients at Central Oregon’s St. Charles Health System jumped 26.3% in 2023, well beyond the state’s target limit of 3.4% health care spending growth a year.

The OHA says St. Charles and four other health care entities around the state did not provide an acceptable reason for their large cost increases, so St. Charles and two others must provide performance improvement plans.

St. Charles officials told KTVZ News later Monday that they will ask OHA to reconsider its decision and explained that many of the factors in the large price increases were beyond its control.

Here’s OHA’s full news release on the findings; followed by the full statement provided by spokesperson Alandra Johnson:

Seeking health affordability,  OHA finds five organizations didn’t meet acceptable cost growth standards in 2023 

SALEM, Ore. – In support of its efforts to make care more affordable, a detailed review of statewide health care spending data led Oregon Health Authority to determine most of the state’s health care organizations had acceptable reasons for high cost growth in 2023. However, OHA also found five entities didn’t have an acceptable reason for their spending increases that year.

For the first time, OHA will require three organizations to develop plans to meet the state’s health care spending target. In a related analysis, OHA also found compensation for frontline health care workers grew slower than for others who worked for Oregon hospitals and medical groups in 2023.

“Making health care affordable benefits everyone: People can more easily maintain their health, employers can better support their workers, and the health care industry can serve more members of their communities,” said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Division Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel.

“As directed by state law, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program provides additional transparency into what the state spends on health care,” Pierce-Wrobel said. “In the few cases where OHA finds cost growth is unreasonably high, the program follows thoughtful and gradual accountability standards. When the state, insurers, hospitals, providers and others work together, we can make health care affordable and accessible for everyone in Oregon.”

Health care costs in Oregon and around the country are rising at an alarming rate, outpacing wages and making care unaffordable for working families. Rising costs also strain the budgets of businesses and government agencies that pay for employer health coverage. In addition, reduced federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act health plans is expected to further increase costs by causing people to lose coverage and avoid care until they need more expensive emergency care.

Measuring spending

Each year, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program collects and analyzes data from health insurance companies and other sources to measure what people and organizations in Oregon spend on health care. The program has aimed to limit health care cost growth to a 3.4% average annual increase per person since 2021. The Oregon Legislature established the program to help control health care spending.

While evaluating how spending changed between 2022 and 2023, OHA found most entities had an acceptable reason for higher-than-hoped cost growth, including for things like increased frontline workforce costs, high drug costs or increasing services to meet growing community needs.

OHA made a total of 120 comparisons between insurance plans, hospital systems and medical groups while examining how those organizations spent while serving people with commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid coverage. These comparisons led OHA to determine three insurance plans, one hospital system and one medical group did not have an acceptable reason for spending more than the state’s target.

The following five entities were found to have unreasonably high health care cost growth in 2023: 

St. Charles Health System, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 26.3%

ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 15.4%

The Corvallis Clinic, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 8.7%

PacificSource’s commercial insurance plans, which increased 7.3%

UHC Company’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 6.3%

Improvement plans

The 2022-2023 measurement period marks the first time that OHA can require organizations to submit performance improvement plans if their high cost growth didn’t occur for an acceptable reason. OHA is requiring three of the above organizations – St. Charles Health System, UHC Company and PacificSource – to submit plans.

As allowed by state law, OHA is excusing two others with unreasonable cost growth. ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans don’t need to submit an improvement plan because they are no longer offered. OHA is also excusing The Corvallis Clinic this year so it can focus on holding its parent company, Optum, accountable in future measurement periods.

The organizations’ performance improvement plans must identify what is causing their high cost growth, name actions they will take to address those cost drivers, and provide a timeline by which their cost growth will be reduced. OHA must approve the plans, which will be due by the end of January 2026.

Starting in 2028, OHA can begin issuing fines to health care entities that consistently fail to meet the target in three out of five years. By design, the Cost Growth Target Program does not immediately penalize an organization for their high cost growth in a single year or two, even if it is determined to be unreasonable. The program may only penalize organizations that fail to meet the cost growth target – without an acceptable reason – three times in a five-year period.

Workforce costs 

Because workforce costs are a significant driver of health care spending and OHA considers spending on frontline workers an acceptable reason for exceeding the state’s health care cost growth target, OHA has also published a related report that examines frontline worker compensation at a subset of the hospitals and medical groups that are subject to the target.

Frontline health care worker compensation recently grew at a slower rate than compensation for others who work at hospitals and medical groups, concludes the report. Frontline worker compensation grew 3.3% in 2023, compared to 13.0% for non-frontline workers. Further, frontline worker compensation represented 60% of total compensation in 2023, down from 62% in 2022.

The 2023 state law that created a requirement for OHA to conduct this analysis defines frontline health care workers as those who aren’t managers and receive total compensation that is less than $200,000 a year. While some providers – including many physicians and nurse anesthetists – earn more than that, they are not considered frontline workers in this analysis.

As planned when Oregon’s Cost Growth Target was first created, OHA is currently revisiting the target’s rate for 2026 through 2030. A short-term workgroup is expected to make a recommendation to OHA after its last meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

More information is in the following reports: 

Health Care Cost Growth Trends in Oregon, 2022-2023

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Kelsey Merison

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon National Guard formally welcomed home approximately 230 members on Sunday in Forest Grove following a year-long deployment.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment were mobilized in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and returned from eight separate geographically dispersed sites in the Middle East countries of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria.

Welcome home, soldiers.

Read more about the ceremony and the soldier’s mission below:

“The Oregon National Guard formally welcomed home Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment during a formal demobilization ceremony on Nov. 16, 2025, held at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, Oregon.

The 2-218th mobilized approximately 230 members in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, bearing the designation Task Force Defender, while conducting Short Range Air Defense operations at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in the Middle East countries of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long deployment.

“On behalf of Governor Kotek and the entire Oregon National Guard, it is my honor and privilege to officially say, ‘Welcome Home,’” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard. “During Task Force Defender, you took on one of the most demanding and technically complex missions in modern warfare. Every single day, American forces, coalition partners, and local populations relied on you for their protection.”

Their mission was to provide capabilities for countering rockets, artillery, and mortars, as well as combating unmanned aerial systems using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, all while offering warnings of incoming threats.

Before deploying overseas, the Soldiers underwent specialized training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This training aimed to enhance their skills in operating the equipment and systems essential for their role as primary air defenders, which American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection.

The 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment has a long history of answering the State and Nation’s call for service. In the post 9/11 era, they have deployed to the Middle East to support Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and now Task Force Defender.”

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  a new petition from Oregon’s GOP is challenging the state’s latest controversial transportation funding bill—pushing to let voters decide its future.

After the passing of the ODOT funding bill earlier this fall and was recently signed by the Governor, Oregon Republicans are working around the clock and around the state trying to get over 78 thousand signatures by December 30th in order to get the measure on the ballot.

KTVZ spoke with State Senator Bruce Starr whose leading the petition. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get 100,000 signatures today,” St. Sen. Starr told KTVZ News. “Oregonians are upset. they’re not happy. they want to have the opportunity to vote on this, and we intend to give it. we intend to give Oregonians that opportunity.” 

This petition comes off the heals of the controversial passing of the ODOT funding bill that raises gas taxes by six cents a gallon and raises registration rates on all gas and electric cars.

Additionally, the bill also mandates that ev vehicles sign up for Orego, charging ev users by the mile.

St. Sen. Starr told KTVZ News, “Right now when we have the fourth highest gas prices in the nation, when Oregon families are struggling to to just pay their bills, when energy costs are going through the roof, I mean, natural gas and electricity, Oregonians can’t afford to pay more right now.”

The petition must receive the required more than 78 thousand signatures in order to be on the ballot.

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: adding video from court hearing on November 24th regarding employment of Ms. Stigall)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sierra Stigall, a 22-year-old former La Pine Middle School volleyball coach, went before a judge on Monday at the Deschutes County Courthouse. Stigall faces a growing list of charges related to sexual abuse of minors, with a second alleged victim identified.

Stigall was originally charged with 20 counts in connection with alleged abuse of a boy under 14, covering incidents between May and July of this year. Though four of those counts were dropped prior to Monday’s court appearance, authorities now say a second victim has been identified. 

With the formal grand indictment on new charges including a second alleged victim filed Monday, Stigall now faces 39 counts –including multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse, luring a minor and online sexual corruption of a child. All are Class B or C felonies, except a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a minor.

Prosecutors allege that her contact with one or both alleged victims may have lasted through November.

During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors read a letter from an alleged victim’s parent. In it, they urged the court not to lower bail. Stigall’s lawyer said her employer indicated she could return to work if released, however – her former employer posted on KTVZ’s Facebook page Monday evening that she would not be welcomed back at their establishment.

Stigall’s defense asked the judge that her bail be reduced to $50,000. Prosecutors recommended $350,000, referencing Stigall’s lack of prior criminal history, but stressing the seriousness of the charges. Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley ultimately reduced her bail to $100,000. He also ordered Stigall to surrender her passport, submit to electronic monitoring and avoid contact with minors if released.

Stigall was arrested November 14 and remains in jail following Monday’s decision. It is not yet clear if she will be able to post bail at the reduced amount. Her plea hearing is scheduled for December 15.

The district attorney’s office continues to investigate, as the scope of the case widens.

KTVZ will continue to follow this developing story and keep you updated. 

Earlier Story — November 17th — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sierra Beverly Ann Stigall, a former volleyball coach from La Pine charged with rape and abuse of a minor, also coached a traveling under-14 baseball team in the La Pine area, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

While detectives said they had no information at this time indicating any other victims, they also asked to hear from anyone with concerns about Stigall having inappropriate contact with minors.

Stigall, now 22, was arrested Friday and remains jailed on 20 counts of rape, sexual abuse and luring a minor under the age of 14, according to court documents filed on Monday.

The charges against Stigall include multiple counts of sexual abuse in the first and second degree, sodomy, rape, and luring a minor, all allegedly occurring between May and July of this year. The alleged victim is a boy under the age of 14, who reportedly was coached by Stigall after her tenure as a seventh-grade volleyball coach at La Pine Middle School in the fall of 2024.

Court documents allege that Stigall had at least three sexual encounters with the minor during the specified period. The incidents reportedly took place in a vehicle and a hotel room, where Stigall allegedly engaged in various forms of sexual contact with the victim.

Stigall’s coaching role with the alleged victim occurred after her employment with Bend-La Pine Schools, where she was only employed for the six-week volleyball season in 2024. The district confirmed that this was the only time she was employed with them.

Stigall, who attended La Pine Middle School and then graduated from La Pine High School in 2021, is currently being held in jail on $500,00 bail pending her indictment on an expected grand jury indictment, which is scheduled for next Monday.

The case has raised significant concerns within the community, given Stigall’s previous role as a coach and her ties to the local schools. As the legal proceedings continue, further details are expected to emerge about the nature of the alleged offenses and Stigall’s relationship with the victim.

Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jason Carr issued a news release with some more information Tuesday afternoon.

Carr wrote that that “DCSO does not believe Stigall was employed by the Bend-La Pine School District during these (crimes). However, Stigall was involved in coaching a U14 traveling baseball team in the La Pine area.”

Based on the investigation and an interview with Stigall, she was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (X5)

Sodomy in the Second Degree (X2)

Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (X8)

Rape in the Second Degree (2)

Luring a Minor (X2)

Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree

“Detectives with DCSO have no information concerning additional victims,” Carr wrote. “If you or someone you know have concerns about Stigall having inappropriate contact with minors, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 633-6655 and ask for Detective Porter.”

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The beloved Old Fashion Christmas event is back, bringing classic holiday charm to the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center through the weekend.

Visitors can browse arts, crafts, antiques and unique gifts while enjoying festive food, hourly prize drawings, holiday movies and a visit from Santa.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good for the Lil’ Bit Food Pantry to receive extra tickets for the prize drawings.

The event runs Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6, or $5 for veterans and seniors, with free parking available for all guests.

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