Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: Comments by Shannon Brady, Mt. Bachelor; ‘snow drought’ declared)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Record-high temperatures are keeping Mt. Bachelor from opening as planned, leaving the slopes bare well into December and raising questions about what the delay means for Central Oregon’s winter tourism.

In mid-December, Mt. Bachelor is typically buzzing with skiers and snowboarders from across the country. But this year, warm days and little snow in the Cascades have put the season on pause.

“We are seeing temperatures about 20 degrees above where we should be for this time of year,” said KTVZ Meteorologist Shannon Brady. “We’re seeing some records broken across the region, many of which have been held for over 100 years.”

In fact, federal meteorologists on Thursday declared a “snow drought” around much of the West, including Oregon, saying the early-season snow cover across the region is the lowest in 24 years of satellite data, and “nearly every major river basin in the West experienced a November among the top 5 warmest on record.”

Snow Water Equivalent as a percentage of the 1991-2000 median as of Dec. 7 (Drought.gov)

The warmth this week is tied to a stubborn high-pressure system sitting over the West Coast. But Brady said a change may be on the horizon.

“It is starting to look like we might see some snow by next week, which is good news, as some colder air moves in,” she said. “Pressure is going to drop a little bit, so maybe by mid to late next week we’ll get some measurable snowfall.”

For Mt. Bachelor, the later start isn’t ideal but not unprecedented. Resort officials say a slow opening doesn’t necessarily mean a low snow season.

“The ski industry is such a business that is reliant on the weather. So, it’s tough,” said Lauren Burke, Mt. Bachelor’s communications director. “We’ve seen years where we open in mid-December and get 500, 550 inches of snow, which is well above our seasonal average.”

Burke said the delay impacts early-season revenue, but their long spring keeps the ski season stretching into late May.

“We’re really committed to opening as soon as conditions allow and staying open as late as we can,” she said. “As soon as the snow comes, we know our skiers and riders are ready to go.”

Visit Bend echoed that optimism in an email to KTVZ on Thursday. Tim Neville said December is historically Bend’s most affordable month for lodging and the lowest occupancy of the year. Any dip now will likely be made up by pent-up demand, once the mountain opens.

In the meantime, Central Oregonians are still getting outdoors, taking advantage of fewer crowds on hiking and biking trails. And some are simply staying patient.

Bend skier Sam Schroeder. said, “Given the slow start, the middle and latter half of the season will be even better.”

With potential snow in the forecast next week, the ski season may not be far behind.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From a decrease in reported graffiti across town to potential changes to roundabouts, KTVZ News asked Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler your pressing questions Thursday morning.

Make sure to submit your questions for the mayor here. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a special act of kindness that helped a local family in need.

During this year’s Shop With a Cop event, deputies met a child whose family was going through a tough time and discovered there were no beds for the kids to sleep in. That encounter led to a partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds for children who don’t have one of their own.

Thanks to that partnership, deputies were able to provide two new beds, complete with cozy blankets and handmade quilts donated by local quilters. Deputies delivered the bedding this week, calling the moment “unforgettable.” The family expressed deep gratitude, saying it was an uplifting experience to receive such a meaningful gift.

The Sheriff’s Office says it looks forward to continuing to work with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to identify families in need across the community because, as they put it, “no kid should sleep on the floor in our community.”

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program graduated its 70th cadet class Wednesday, to the cheers of families, friends and proud teens who had been considered “at risk” and headed for trouble, but now have found a new path forward.

Students at the facility east of Bend, Oregon’s only accredited statewide alternative high school, first undergo an intensive 22 weeks of military-style, regimented behavior and education, followed by a 2-year post-residential phase, where cadets return to their hometowns and focus on their goals and objectives.

Those who complete the program successfully say it profoundly changes them and puts them on the right path.

Graduate Wyatt Ehlrlich said, “At the start, I had a hard time with the yelling and stuff. But throughout the program, I just learned it’s kind of their job to yell at you, you know? But I’m coming back as a mentor for the next class. I’ve gained 20 ribbons. I mean, I’ve done a lot here, and I’m really proud of myself for that.”

Fellow OYCP graduate Miguel Angel-Moreno told us, “My experience going to this program was actually really well. There was a lot of things I never knew I could do here. I built a lot of positive relationships and better habits, just so I don’t fall back into the person I was before.”

Graduate Sinai Sweet said the lessons she’s learned have been clear: “Keep their head high, chin up, chest out, and stand tall. Nothing can beat you if you don’t let it, and you’re stronger than you think.”

“Your mindset is where it all starts, and to do that, I think coming here is the best place to strengthen your mindset, to build character,” Sweet said.

Nearly all the students graduating Wednesday are going to return to high school. Some of them earned enough credits through the program to get their diplomas Wednesday. A handful of students will be enlisting in the military.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pertussis cases in Oregon have reached an all-time high, the Oregon Health Authority said Wednesday, prompting state officials to urge people to make sure they and their families are up to date on vaccinations — especially those who are pregnant or spend time with babies — and take steps to reduce spread. 

In 2025, as of Wednesday, OHA has received a record-high 1,475 reported cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, breaking the state’s all-time annual record of 1,420, set in 1950. The current outbreak began in the spring of 2024, when Oregon recorded 1,252 pertussis cases by year’s end. Other U.S. states have reported similar caseload spikes.

Here’s the rest of Wednesday’s OHA announcement:

Pertussis can cause severe disease in people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from infection.

To reduce that risk, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends every pregnant person receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine during their third trimester (weeks 27-36) to protect their newborn from pertussis. That’s because babies’ immune systems are too week to protect against infection until they get vaccinated at 2 months old.

Spouses, partners, grandparents and any adult routinely in the baby’s life should also consider receiving a Tdap dose at least two weeks before the baby is born.

However, vaccination is important for people of all ages, and it’s the best way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization. In addition to pregnant people, pertussis vaccination is recommended for infants and children starting at 2 months through 4 to 6 years old, adolescents at age 11 or 12, and any adult who has not previously been vaccinated.

“I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses as case counts are rising, especially for babies and older adults,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “One of the most important things someone can do to protect their newborn is to get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a statewide decline in maternal Tdap vaccination rates in Oregon, which is a dangerous trend.”

VIDEO: Videos of Dr. Chiou discussing Oregon’s historic pertussis spread and its impact are available at the top of OHA’s Media Resources page.

The numbers

In 2025, 87 cases of infant pertussis (children younger than 12 months)–22 of whom were hospitalized—have been reported in Oregon so far. One infant died in Oregon earlier this year. It is the only death from pertussis reported in Oregon during 2025.

OHA’s new Pregnancy Immunization Data dashboard shows only 69% of pregnant people received Tdap vaccination in 2024, down from 72% in 2020.

Maternal Tdap vaccination rates also vary widely from county to county, with rates as low as 17% and as high as 82%. The lowest rates are largely in rural counties, where it’s often harder to find vaccinations, and where vaccine hesitancy rates are also higher.

Pertussis outbreaks occur regionally about every three to five years and do not necessarily follow seasonal patterns. Because of widespread masking and social distancing during the pandemic, Oregon saw only three reported cases of pertussis in 2021, followed by 17 in 2022 and 40 in 2023.

Health officials attribute the skyrocketing cases since then to a return to pre-pandemic norms that coincides with waning immunity and decreased vaccination rates. 

Why the vaccine matters

Studies show Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is highly effective in preventing pertussis infection and hospitalization. Long-term protection from the pertussis vaccine wanes over time, however, which can create confusion about the vaccine.

“I hear the confusion in my community about pertussis vaccination,” said Benton County Health Officer Carolina Amador, M.D., MPH. “When we use the word ‘booster,’ people may think the vaccine isn’t very effective because protection fades, so they may not want to bother. At the same time, we strongly recommend it for certain people, such as children and pregnant people, because in the short term it does a great job protecting the most vulnerable among us.”

The disease

The only way a baby will become infected with pertussis is if they are exposed to someone with pertussis, a bacterial infection that spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.

But pertussis often goes undiagnosed. The illness is tricky to diagnose because not everyone with pertussis will have the trademark “whooping” sound when coughing. For some, pertussis can be severe and result in a trip to the hospital, while others may experience mild symptoms and may not necessarily seek medical care while they still spread disease.

Jennifer Gibbons, N.D., is a naturopathic pediatrician in Portland whose practice attracts many parents who are vaccine hesitant.

“When parents of my little patients also happen to be pregnant, they often tell me their own OBGYN has recommended the Tdap vaccine, and they will ask me, ‘But do you think it’s right for me?’ The answer is always yes,” she said. 

“I can say, ‘I’ve seen whooping cough, and its truly awful for infants,'” Gibbons added. “Then I’ll explain how the vaccine merely adds to the suite of protective antibodies that the mother is already providing the baby through the placenta. I’m always exploring ways to change my language with patients to see if I can get them to look at it differently.”

Click here to learn more about pertussis in Oregon.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is encouraging community members to review a draft of the Greater Sisters Community Wildfire Protection Plan and provide their feedback by Saturday, January 10.

“A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a valuable tool for areas at risk from wildfires,” said Deschutes County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Communities across Central Oregon work together with forest and fire management agencies to identify and address wildfire risks, creating plans to strengthen their resilience.”

The Greater Sisters CWPP includes private properties and public lands served by the Sisters-Camp Sherman, Black Butte Ranch and Cloverdale rural fire protection districts, as well as the city and surrounding area.

Goals of the Greater Sisters CWPP include

Protecting lives and property from wildfires.

Raising public awareness of the risks of living in a fire-prone ecosystem.

Instilling personal responsibility for taking preventative actions to reduce wildfire risks.

Creating and maintaining fire-adapted communities.

Enhancing community preparedness, response, and recovery from wildfires.

To provide feedback on the Greater Sisters Community Wildfire Protection Plan, please send an email by January 10 to corinne.heiner@deschutes.org.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with researcher)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new “megaquake advisory” in Japan is raising questions about what it could mean for Pacific coastal communities — including here in Oregon.

The advisory was issued after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Japan just days ago on December 8th. Officials say a worst‑case “megaquake” in the Hokkaido–Sanriku region could produce waves approaching 100 feet in parts of Japan, cause nearly 200,000 deaths, and inflict massive damage on coastal communities.

Even though scientists estimate the chances of such an event are only about 1%, Japan’s new advisory system is meant as a wake‑up call — not a precise prediction. It was created after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 18,000 people. Under the system, when a quake stronger than magnitude 7.0 hits certain areas, authorities issue an alert that a much larger quake could follow in the coming days.

“This is not a prediction. This is a probabilistic warning,” Erick Velasco, a seismic expert and postdoctoral researcher with Oregon State University, told KTVZ News on Wednesday. “This is to practice our confidence on how to respond to an earthquake. And that’s also happening in Japan. This is not to scare people — this is rather to be prepared.”

For many Oregonians, the warning carries an eerie echo from the past. In March 2011, a magnitude‑9.0 earthquake off Japan unleashed a tsunami that crossed the Pacific, sending waves into harbors along the West Coast. While the waves were far smaller here than in Japan, they still damaged docks and boats and generated hazardous currents that caught some mariners off guard.

KTVZ’s Seismic Shift series recently explored how a major Cascadia Subduction Zone quake could similarly send evacuees pouring over the mountains into Central Oregon, straining housing and emergency services. A large Japan‑generated tsunami wouldn’t trigger the same mass displacement, but it would still test coastal evacuation systems, communication with tourists, and the ability of ports to secure vessels and infrastructure ahead of time.

If a tsunami were generated by Japan’s latest quake, Jonathan Allan with the Oregon Department of Geology and Minerals told KTVZ in an email it would take roughly nine to 10 hours to reach Oregon’s coast — time that could mean the difference between safety and disaster.

Velasco, who studied for his doctorate in Japan, reiterated, “If this kind of earthquake and tsunami happens in Japan, we will have some hours to respond in the U.S. So we have to be ready, and we need to be prepared. That’s the invitation here.”

As Japan braces for the possibility of another powerful offshore quake, Oregon scientists and emergency managers are watching closely — preparing for a real‑time lesson in how tsunamis move across the Pacific.

Velasco added that Japan’s experience shows the power of public education and collective action. During the 2011 disaster, more than a million people safely evacuated — a success he credits to consistent drills and community-wide awareness.

“If we work as a community and collaborate with each other,” he said, “we will be able to prepare for these types of events.”

The key message, experts stress, isn’t fear — it’s readiness.

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KTVZ

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bright Wood Corp., a 60-plus-year fixture of Central Oregon’s timber roots and the region’s second-largest private employer, is being acquired by Andersen Corporation, the nationwide window and door maker, in a deal announced Wednesday.

Bright Wood, the largest independent manufacturer of window and patio door components and engineered dimension lumber in the U.S., was founded in Madras in 1960.

Terms of the acquisition, including purchase price, have not been publicly disclosed.

According to an annual ranking by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), Bright Wood has 1,150 employees, which puts it ahead of Mt. Bachelor as the No. 2 private employer in the region, behind St. Charles Health System, with 5,188 employees.

With 885 Jefferson County employees, Bright Wood also is that county’s largest employer.

EDCO also said the company tops this year’s list of the region’s top five private traded-sector businesses, those that primarily sell their goods or services outside the local market and bring revenue into the region from national or regional markets.

Here is the full news release announcing the deal:

Andersen Corporation Announces Acquisition of Bright Wood

BAYPORT, Minn., Dec. 10, 2025 — Andersen Corporation, manufacturer of America’s most trusted brand of window and doors*, has announced it will acquire Bright Wood Corporation, the largest independent manufacturer of window and patio door components and engineered dimensional lumber in the U.S. The Bright Wood business will continue to operate under local leadership.

For more than 60 years, the family-owned company has been a critical supplier to the window and door industry, enabling growth and innovation. Under its new management, Bright Wood will continue to deliver the same industry-leading products and innovative solutions to its valued customers and the company looks forward to unlocking new opportunities to strengthen its longstanding customer relationships and growing together.

“Andersen is grateful to the founding Stovall family for their generations of leadership and transformative contributions to the industry,” said Chris Galvin, chairman and chief executive officer, Andersen Corporation. “Our investment in Bright Wood aims to ensure the company remains a valued supply partner to the fenestration industry for years to come.”

With headquarters in Madras, Oregon, Bright Wood has more than 1,000 employees across 28 processing plants and five locations in the U.S.

Under this new ownership, Bright Wood will be led by well-known window and door industry leader, Pat Meyer, who will serve as Bright Wood’s acting CEO, supported by several tenured members of the Bright Wood leadership team.

Andersen will participate in board-level and executive-level governance but will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. This management structure is designed to sustain Bright Wood’s position as a trusted source of wood and wood components to all current and future customers.

“It has been our honor and privilege to own and operate Bright Wood Corporation for the past 65 years. We are grateful to the dedicated members of our team and business partners who enabled our success and the trust of our valued customers who inspired our innovation and made us the industry leader,” said Kevin and Dallas Stovall, owners, Bright Wood Corporation. “Andersen shares our values of integrity, quality and shared success and we look forward to watching Bright Wood continue to thrive under its new leadership.”

*2024 Andersen brand surveys of U.S. contractors, builders, architects & homeowners 

ABOUT ANDERSEN   Founded in 1903 on the philosophy of working “all together” to deliver on its promise to its customers, Andersen Corporation has built a century-long legacy of trust by delivering high-performance, reliable, and design-forward windows and doors. Empowering more than 13,000 employees every day to imagine what’s possible and do what’s right, Andersen is the largest window and door manufacturer in North America and America’s #1 trusted window and door brand among builders, contractors, architects, and homeowners. * 

Headquartered in Bayport, Minn., privately held Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen®, Renewal by Andersen®, EMCO®, and MQ® brands. Andersen operates manufacturing sites across North America and Europe. Committed to sustainability, Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. For more information about the company, its initiatives, and products, visit us at andersenwindows.com. 

Follow Andersen Corporation on LinkedIn for more company news. 

SOURCE Andersen Corporation

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening tonight, December 10th at Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge in Bend, it’s the first Mt. Bachelor Passholder Party for the 2025-26 winter season!

While the opening date for the resort is still up in the air, the team at Bachelor is ready to kick off the season in style.

Outplay 365, Full Season, and Midweek passholders can enjoy music by DJ Riley, swag giveaways, a special après-ski food and drink menu, and complimentary quick wax services by Mt. Bachelor’s expert tune shop staff.

A prize will be awarded to the passholder wearing the best après-ski attire and the first 200 passholders to arrive will receive a token for a free beer.

That’s happening from 4-6 p.m. at Hawkeye and Huckleberry on SW Century Drive.

For more information, visit the events page on mtbachelor.com, or click here.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is awarding $800,000 in grants to strengthen campus Veteran Resource Centers across the state.

Among the recipients are Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State University–Cascades. The funding will support new mentoring programs, upgraded technology, and expanded support services designed to help student veterans transition from military to college life.

ODVA officials say the grant program underscores Oregon’s ongoing commitment to helping veterans succeed—both in higher education and beyond the classroom.

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