Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from CET Transit Director)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2020, Cascades East Transit (CET) has operated free of charge, helping Central Oregonians reach work, school, and essential services during and after the pandemic. But after nearly six years of fare-free rides, CET is reintroducing them across Central Oregon beginning February 1, 2026 — part of a broader effort to improve transit access, technology, and long-term sustainability.

Most fixed and flex-route trips within Bend and Redmond will cost $2 one way, capped at $6 per day. Dial-A-Ride users will pay $4 per trip; for Dial-A-Ride riders in Bend, the first ride of each month will cost just $2. For all costs, CET has listed the upcoming fares for all routes.

Ahead of the fare change, a new CET GO pass and payment system will launch on January 1. The system includes both a mobile app and reloadable smart card that riders will use to pay for all trips. It’s designed to simplify fare payment and improve security.

CET Transit Director Bob Townsend said the return of fares is essential to maintaining a system that doesn’t rely on local tax revenue.

“We’re completely reliant on state and federal dollars for our system,” Townsend said. “In our case, where we’re not supplemented with local property taxes or other revenue, fares are an important part of being able to provide the service people expect. We’re not in it to make money. That money is going to go right back into the system.”

Townsend said CET’s goal is to keep the system affordable for riders who rely most on it.

“If you qualify for a reduced fare — which about 75 percent of our riders will — it’s $1 a trip, capped at $3 a day,” he said. “We’re hoping that it still provides the service that people need, but we’re also hoping they make choices around combining trips and things like that, which then allows us to provide more service to other people who may need it.”

To help offset costs for riders facing financial barriers, CET is launching the Central Oregon Community Movement Fund in January. The fund will help subsidize transit passes for low-income riders who rely on CET for work, school, healthcare, groceries, and other essential services. All sponsorship dollars will go directly toward rider fare support, distributing passes to local nonprofits and social service partners.

Those interested in supporting the fund can contact Andrea Wasilew at awasilew@coic.org for more information or to donate.

Rider education will also be an important part of the transition. All CET bus drivers will receive standardized training and a script by January 1, when the CET GO app goes live. Each bus will display large posters with step-by-step instructions and a QR code for sign-up, and drivers will carry informational cards to hand out as takeaways for passengers.

In January, CET will host a series of Transit 101 and CET GO Pass Enrollment pop-up events in partnership with local libraries and community organizations. Riders can sign up for CET GO passes, learn how the new system works, ask questions, and participate in hands-on training with staff. Confirmed event dates and locations include:

Jan. 7, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St.Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crook County Library, 175 NW Meadowlakes Dr., PrinevilleJan. 12, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave.Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 in Warm Springs (locations and times to be announced)Jan. 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oregon State University-Cascades campus

Transit officials hope these events will give riders a chance to get comfortable with the new system in advance of fares returning. Townsend said the change is about balance — keeping transit affordable while ensuring its future.

“When you pay for a service, there’s a certain expectation. There’s a certain rider expectation, a certain expectation from us as a service provider…So hopefully this will just upgrade our whole system,” he added.

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KTVZ

MOUNT HOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has suspended recovery operations for a 26-year-old climber from Bend who went missing while attempting to summit Mt. Hood over the weekend.

The missing climber, identified as Matthew Aldridge, was last seen on Saturday, December 13, 2025, after setting out to climb the mountain with two partners. The group started their ascent from Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, intending to summit via the Newton Clark Headwall.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, two members of the trio turned back due to deteriorating conditions, while Aldridge continued his climb alone. When his partners hadn’t heard from him later that day, they reported him overdue.

A search began shortly after Saturday afternoon, involving a Hood River County Sheriff’s Office fixed-wing aircraft, ground teams, and cell phone forensics.

Data from Aldridge’s phone helped narrow the search to an area near Pea Gravel Ridge, above 8,400 feet in elevation, where a fall was suspected.

The first attempt to reach that area was halted by darkness and unsafe travel conditions.

Search efforts resumed early Sunday morning, with teams from the Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue reaching the likely location, but they found no sign of Aldridge.

By midday Sunday, worsening weather and hazardous terrain forced the Sheriff’s Office to withdraw crews and suspend ground operations. Officials said the mission has now shifted from search to recovery.

In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office thanked the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northwest Avalanche Center for their help during what they described as a “challenging mission.”

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from Rabbi of Chabad of Central Oregon)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The spirit of Chanukah shone brightly Sunday evening as dozens of families, children, and neighbors gathered at the Old Mill District for the 15th annual community menorah lighting, hosted by Chabad of Central Oregon.

The public celebration marked the first night of Chanukah, the eight-day Festival of Lights that commemorates the ancient miracle when a small amount of oil lasted eight days in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Under clear winter skies, attendees enjoyed music, traditional treats like latkes and jelly doughnuts, crafts for kids, and a sense of shared joy as the giant menorah illuminated the night along the Deschutes River.

For Rabbi Yitzchok Feldman, Rabbi of Chabad of Central Oregon, the lighting carries deep meaning that extends beyond ritual or tradition.

“By the menorah lighting itself, that through us being a candle, us being an advocate for positivity and being a light around us, we actually can extinguish the darkness through being a light,” said Rabbi Feldman.

That message — that small acts of kindness can make a big difference — is one Rabbi Feldman says is meant for everyone.

“There’s actually a universal message that everyone just be be a light for your surroundings. Be kind to your surroundings. Be kind at home. Be kind when you go outside, just be kind and be a light for your environment,” he added.

The event also emphasized teaching children about the importance of joy and generosity.

“It’s a holiday that we are supposed to get the kids involved and get everyone involved in are feeling joyous because we want them to feel part of this miracle,” Rabbi Feldman said.

As the first candle was lit and the crowd looked on, the message of hope and resilience filled the Old Mill District — a reminder that even one flame can light up the darkness.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Police (OSP) launched a large-scale traffic safety initiative Friday, ramping up patrols across Highway 97 and several adjoining routes as the holiday travel season gets underway. The operation, stretching from border to border along Highway 97, includes enforcement along Highways 20, 26, 58, and 126.

Captain Kyle Kennedy, OSP’s public information officer, said the operation’s purpose is to prevent serious and fatal crashes, especially at a time of year when traffic typically increases statewide.

“We recently had a fatal crash in the area,” Kennedy said. “Last year, we had a number of crashes in and around the holidays. We really just want to set a tone that we want people to drive safely and to make sure they get to the destination they intend to get to — and that’s not a hospital, and it’s certainly not a morgue.”

Kennedy said troopers will be paying close attention to what OSP calls the “fatal five” traffic behaviors: excessive speed, occupant safety violations, lane safety issues, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

Focus on commercial motor vehicles

A major part of the operation targets commercial drivers traveling through Central Oregon. Kennedy emphasized the unique risks involved when large trucks are in collisions.

“Those vehicles are large, and when they’re involved in crashes, they lead to serious and fatal injuries due to their size,” he said. “It takes a lot to stop one of those. We know that most commercial drivers operate responsibly, but there are still some who drive distracted, impaired, or with unsecured loads — and that’s what we’re addressing.”

Recent crashes have underscored that urgency. Just weeks ago, a newlywed couple was killed east of Bend on Highway 20 after a truck jackknifed into their SUV. A week later, a four-vehicle crash in La Pine along Highway 97 left a pickup truck engulfed in flames after a semi-truck collided with it. No one died in that incident, but it served as another warning of the dangers heavy vehicles can pose.

Shared responsibility and seasonal safety

Kennedy stressed that this initiative is not meant to single out trucking companies, but to promote safety for everyone on the road.

“The heart of the operation is, we want people to be safe and get to visit their families,” he said. “We just want people to know there’s going to be a consequence if you’re not operating safely.”

The patrol effort is a cooperative, multi-agency operation involving OSP area commands and local partners, including Bend Police, the Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices, Redmond Police, ODOT, and the Washington State Patrol.

“I do want to highlight that this is a multi-agency operation,” Kennedy said. “We hope it’s a slow day, and we hope that what we see is a lot of compliance with traffic laws. But in the event that we come across poor driving behavior, we’re going to be there to interact with that.”

Kennedy said the visible law enforcement presence acts as both a deterrent and a reminder for motorists to slow down, pay attention, and plan ahead — especially as winter conditions approach.

Patrols will remain in effect through the holiday season to encourage safe driving and reduce crashes across Central Oregon highways.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Paddlers turned the Deschutes River into a floating holiday display Friday evening, lighting up the water with festive decorations during Bend’s annual Holiday Paddle Parade.

The annual event is hosted by Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe.

“We’ve really seen kind of the level of decorations really amped up over the last several years,” said Sue Fox, manager of Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe.

The parade draws both local residents and visitors from out of town each year.

One paddler said, “Everyone has spent a lot of time decorating their boats. And it’s just a delight.”

Fox said the warm weather helped boost turnout.

“The weather is fantastic. And that really drives the number of people that show up to paddle,” she said.

Kolleen Miller of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council was also on the river, highlighting the organization’s work in river restoration, monitoring and watershed education.

“We’re very excited to be on the river,” Miller said. “Tumalo Creek has been sponsors for our annual Deschutes River cleanup event, which we coordinate every summer to help clean up the river.”

While the lights and decorations add to the fun, organizers remind participants to decorate responsibly and make sure everything is secured.

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe says keeping decorations in place helps protect the river and keep it clean.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond Urban Renewal Agency announced Friday that nine new businesses in the retail/restaurant/service sectors have opened downtown since the start of 2025.

The current occupancy is 91%, making it the third year in a row where the downtown occupancy has remained above 90%, officials said in a news release that continues below: 

“The variety of businesses locating downtown continues to diversify making it a great time to start up in downtown,” says Brandon Cook-Bostick, real estate professional and chair of the Downtown Urban Renewal Advisory Committee.

“Spaces don’t stay empty long, and we expect occupancy to remain strong over the next few quarters.” 

Some of the new businesses opened downtown this year include: 

Food & Drink: Kooki (235 SW 6th Street) bakery and cafe; Don Gabino’s Mexican Grill (530 SW 6th Street) Mexican restaurant 

Décor, Clothing, & Gifts: Little & Luxe (239 SW 6th Street) women and children’s boutique

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — When the holiday lights come down and Christmas trees start shedding their needles, the Scouts of America are stepping in to help Central Oregon recycle responsibly.

Scouts from across Central Oregon are once again offering their annual Christmas tree recycling program, collecting used trees from the community and ensuring they are turned into bark chips or mulch instead of ending up in the landfill.

The effort provides a convenient service for residents while giving scouts a hands-on opportunity to give back. While the work is generally manageable, some of the larger trees can be a challenge to load and transport, scouts said.

There is a suggested donation of $13.50 for the pickup, though organizers say community members are welcome to give more if they are able.

Funds raised through the program help support Troops throughout the year, covering costs for summer camps, gear and equipment. Donations can also be credited to individual scouting accounts to help offset the cost of camp for participating scouts.

Beyond the fundraising, scouts say the program is also about connection and experience. Many enjoy meeting new people and working together, while others say one of the highlights is seeing families and younger kids out enjoying the snow during pickup day.

Visit takeyourtree.com for more information.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — CASA of Central Oregon said Friday it is now accepting applications for its upcoming winter volunteer training course, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Community members have until Friday, January 9 to apply for this eight-week, 40-hour program that prepares volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to advocate for children in foster care in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, the organization said.

Here are the details they shared:

This winter training will be held entirely online, making it accessible to anyone in the Central Oregon region. With sessions on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8:30, the course is designed to fit into the schedules of working adults, parents, retirees, and others looking for a meaningful way to give back.

“The new year is a time to set intentions and find ways to contribute to the community,” says Heather Dion, Executive Director of CASA of Central Oregon. “Becoming a CASA volunteer offers a powerful way to support some of our most vulnerable children during a time when they need a steady and caring adult by their side.”

Once volunteers complete the course and are sworn in by the court, the role is flexible and can be managed around work and family responsibilities.

CASA volunteers spend an average of 10 hours each month getting to know the child they serve, connecting with caregivers and providers, and offering informed recommendations to the court to support the child’s safety and well-being.

More than 70 children in Central Oregon are currently waiting for a CASA volunteer. This winter training offers a chance for community members to step forward and ensure no child navigates the foster care system without someone who is focused on their best interests.

Learn more and apply at https://casaofcentraloregon.org/volunteer

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About CASA of Central Oregon:

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

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KTVZ

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said Friday he and Senate colleagues are demanding information from the Trump administration about how many hazardous fuels projects that have completed environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act have not yet been implemented – commonly referred to as “shelf stock.”

“Recent reports indicate that the U.S. Forest Service’s work to reduce hazardous fuels across the national forest system in Fiscal Year 2025 was down nearly 40% from its previous four-year average,”  the lawmakers said in a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.

“In a letter to Congress on August 6, 2025, you attributed your constrained ‘capacity to treat additional acres’ in part to ‘significant resource and personnel’ needs elsewhere at the agency,” they wrote.

“Given these issues, and the Trump administration’s reduction of nearly 5,000 USFS staff, we are concerned that the decline in hazardous fuels projects stems from insufficient staffing needed to implement already-approved projects, including for mechanical thinning and prescribed fire.”

The lawmakers said the Trump administration has failed to complete hazardous fuels reduction projects at the same pace and scale as in prior years or at the rate needed in their communities.

“As you know, the best measures to protect lives and property from wildfire is preparedness – reducing fire risks before a conflagration ignites,” the lawmakers concluded.

The letter was led by Senator Michael Bennet, D-Colo. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

The text of the letter is here.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Missing woman found safe; companion escapes custody)

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Warm Springs woman reported missing and endangered a week ago was found safe and in good condition on the reservation Friday morning, authorities said. She was with a federal fugitive who escaped custody and is on the run.

Jasmine Ortiz, 34, was located Friday morning. Authorities said she was with Edward Francis Jones, 32, a federal fugitive who broke free from federal marshals, prompting a manhunt in the area. He has not been located, KTVZ News was told.

Jones is believed to be on the reservation or in Wasco or Jefferson counties north of Warm Springs and south of Maupin.

Jones has an extensive criminal history in Oregon and Jefferson County, dating back to 2014. Many of his felony convictions involve firearms and drugs. 

Jones already was wanted since late May for kidnapping, felon in possession and a parole violation warrant, federal marshals said. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Here is the updated wanted poster:

Earlier Reporting:

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Warm Springs Police Department posted is searching for Jasmine Lirelle Ortiz of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

In a Facebook post shared by the department, the 34-year-old last made contact on Friday, December 5th around 8:30 p.m.

If you have any information regarding her location, contact the Warm Springs Police Department at 541-553-1171.

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