Author: KTVZ

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents in the Somerset neighborhood southeast of Bend voiced their concerns Wednesday to Pacific Power about the possible installation of a 550-kilovolt power line in their area, the option known as Route A.

“Line A is a very big concern. We all live here. It’s all going to be next to us,” said southeast Bend resident Bob Byrtus.

PacifiCorp is considering four possible routes for a new 180-mile transmission line between Powell Butte near Redmond to southern Klamath County.

Last week, in a KTVZ Problem Solvers report, we heard from residents concerned about potential Route B, which would run through another area southeast of Bend, parallel to the Sundance neighborhood.

In both locations, some residents say they are concerned the project could mean a potential loss in property values, among other impacts. 

“That’s going to affect the whole eastern skyline of the Bend area. You’re going to be able to see these things a long ways away,” said area resident Robert Reiten.

Residents are asking the company to reconsider its plans and explore alternative solutions that would not encroach upon their private land.

There was an in-person gathering Wednesday afternoon for area residents to voice their concerns to John Aniello, senior project manager for Pacific Power’s Blueprint South transmission line project.

Residents say there’s already a Bonneville Power Administration transmission line in the area. Adding another could mean trouble for property owners.

 “They’re going to have to acquire some property. There’s just no open route through here. I do not want to sell my property. I do not want to move. I think anybody out here does want to move.” Reiten said.

They also raised safety concerns about adding another major power line. Some believe Route D, farther east (see map above) would be less disruptive.

“It’s harder to fight fires if you’re around a bunch of properties,” said Byrtus. “Other lines like D are out in the middle of nowhere, not nowhere, but more east of town, where there’s not development and would be easier to allocate resources to fight a fire.”

Pacific Power declined to speak with the media at Wednesday’s event. During the event, the project manager said a final decision is still months away.

As planning continues, Pacific Power says community input will remain a key part of the process.

An open house on the project also was hosted by Pacific Power Wednesday evening at the Redmond Senior Center.

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Barney Lerten

Update: Prescribed burn underway)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters were conducting up to 173 acres of prescribed burning Wednesday about five miles northeast of La Pine, near Ogden Group Camp and McKay Crossing Campground.  

A test fire Wednesday morning was favorable to proceed, officials said.

Smoke will be visible from La Pine, Sunriver, Highway 97 and the surrounding area. Residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.  

No trail or road closures are planned. Smoke impacts are possible across Highway 97 during prescribed burning operations, as well as overnight and in the early morning hours. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Boil-water notice lifted; water safe)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A contractor on a roundabout project hit a main Avion Water Co. line in northern Bend Tuesday afternoon, “causing widespread water outages and loss of pressure,” the utility said.

Repairs were completed within hours, but about 1,500 customers were under a boil-water notice until test results were received Wednesday.

Around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Avion advised: “The precautionary boil water notice, issued yesterday by Avion Water for parts of Northeast Bend has been lifted due to water samples testing negative for contamination. Water throughout the area has been confirmed safe to drink without boiling.”

Avion President Jason Wick told KTVZ News at the scene Tuesdasy that an excavator with Jack Robinson & Sons struck a 12-inch water main, causing a “rock-shaped” break during roundabout construction at the intersection of Deschutes Market and Yeoman roads.

“It was literally just an accident,” Wick said.

The outage was reported around 3:20 p.m., and Wick told us around 5:30 p.m. that they expect to have all service restored within two hours.

The impact was widespread: Residents off Deschutes Market Road reported having no water from their faucets, while others on Bend’s north end off Hunter Circle reported very low water pressure.

Around 5 p.m., the utility issued a boil-water notice for 1,500 customers – hundreds of homes and properties over a wide area.

While the broken pipe also caused some flooding in the area, Wick said there were no reports of damage to homes or structures.

The boil-water notice also affectsedthree Bend schools, and Bend-La Pine Schools sent this notice to families Tuesday about the impacts:

“Dear Bend-La Pine families,

This afternoon, a contractor hit a main water line that services Lava Ridge Elementary, Ponderosa Elementary, and Sky View Middle School. We have been notified by Avion Water that those three schools are to be on a boil water notice until the water line is tested and deemed safe.

Our Facilities department is working directly with Avion Water to provide pallets of bottled water to all affected schools. 

Our Nutrition Services department is notifying our kitchen staff and will make necessary adjustments for snack and meal preparation and service.

Custodial staff will block off all water fountains.

Bathrooms will not be impacted and will be fully functional.

Thank you for your understanding and we will keep you informed as repairs are made and the boil water notice is lifted.

Thank you,

Bend-La Pine Schools”

Avion Water boil water noticeDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kevin Desrosiers just shared with us a time-lapse video of a neighboring business security camera’s view of the progress made so far on the Bend Senior High School renovation.

It compresses about eight months of work, most recently as the project has “gone vertical,” into just over two minutes of sun, snow and seasons.

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Barney Lerten

RINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Golf in Prineville is about to become more inclusive. Explore Prineville said Tuesday it has been awarded a grant through the 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund to launch Golf “Fore” All – The Adaptive Golf Project, an initiative to open the game to individuals with mobility challenges through a Vertacat stand-up adaptive golf cart. 

The cart will arrive in June and be housed and maintained at Meadow Lakes Golf Course, thanks to the City of Prineville, which stepped up to support this community-centered effort.

In addition to regional grant funds, the project was made possible by a generous contribution from the Stand Up and Play Foundation, a nonprofit that helps individuals with mobility challenges engage in standing recreational activities through specialized equipment like the Vertacat. 

“This project is about more than golf,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism for Explore Prineville. “It’s about ensuring that all community members and visitors can stay active and enjoy the sport they love. We’re so grateful for our partners at Meadow Lakes and the Stand Up and Play Foundation for helping bring this to life.” 

The Vertacat is a Paramobile that allows users to stand and swing while offering full mobility across the golf course. It will be free to any golfer who needs it, whether a local resident or visiting Central Oregon. The City of Prineville, which operates Meadow Lakes Golf Course, is a valuable partner and has agreed to house the Vertacat at the golf course.  

“We’re honored to host this cart at Meadow Lakes,” said Zach Lampert, Director of Golf for the City of Prineville. “It’s another example of how we can work together to create a more welcoming and accessible recreational experience for everyone. Golf is a game that brings people together—and now, even more people will be able to play.” 

Prineville’s initiative is one of just seven projects selected from Central Oregon to receive part of the $280,000 awarded through the Central Oregon Future Fund this year. All awarded projects support one or more of the Fund’s guiding pillars: accessible adventure, cultural tourism, and environmental stewardship. 

“Golf ‘Fore’ All is the kind of homegrown idea that makes tourism funding meaningful,” said Molnar. “This isn’t just good for tourism—it’s good for Prineville. It shows how public-private partnerships and community-focused nonprofits can team up to make recreation truly inclusive.” 

The Stand Up and Play Foundation is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. By making active standing therapy accessible through recreational equipment, the Foundation helps restore independence, dignity, and joy through play. 

Since 2023, the Central Oregon Future Fund has awarded over $1.5 million in grants funded by transient room tax revenue, reinvested to create sustainable, community-focused tourism infrastructure throughout the region. 

For more information about the Central Oregon Future Fund, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com/futurefund. 

To learn more about Explore Prineville’s initiatives, visit www.visitprineville.com. 

To learn more about the Stand Up and Play Foundation, visit www.standupandplayfoundation.org. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to repeal the controversial statewide wildfire hazard map that sparked concern and criticism in recent months over its impacts.

Below are the full, unedited news releases as received by KTVZ News from Oregon Senate Democrats and Republicans on the 29-0 passage of Senate Bill 83, which now goes to the House for its consideration:

News release from Oregon Senate Democrats:

Broad-based Collaboration Will Replace Flawed Wildfire Maps to Protect Oregon Communities

Senate Bill 83 repeals hazard designations and gives local flexibility to adopt building codes

SALEM, OR – Oregon Senate Democrats today led repeal of the state’s official wildfire-hazard map, a document that did not correctly represent variation in individual property conditions and would have had consequences for land and building regulation. Senate Bill 83 eliminates the map and repeals the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,” said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland). “That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.”

Today’s measure directs state agencies to produce fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow or municipal governments can adopt and enforce locally. In revoking the fire hazard map, the committee also nullified requirements that sellers disclose a property’s classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow special construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings.

The legislation also:

Adds two members to the state Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, one from the firefighting field and one from the insurance industry

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to report on community smoke monitoring and response

Directs the Public Utility Commission to report on actions taken to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure.

Senate Bill 83 passed the Senate unanimously. It goes next to the House of Representatives.

—

News Release from Oregon Senate Republicans:

Oregon Senate Overturns Unfair and Ineffective Wildfire Regulations, Restoring Local Control to Rural Communities

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Senate today passed Senate Bill 83, which repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map created under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.

“Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.”

“I’m delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,” said Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). “Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today’s vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.”

“This has been years in the making. With today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762’s wildfire map,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.”

SB 83 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon’s gas prices, including in Bend, are declining for the second week in a row at a time of year when prices normally rise, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

The major drivers are four-year lows for crude oil prices and lackluster demand for gas. However, crude prices are moving up again, so the unseasonal downward trend in gas prices may be ending soon. For the week, the national average for regular slips one cent to $3.17 a gallon. The Oregon average loses five cents to $3.93 a gallon.

“Crude oil prices are moving up from some of the lowest prices in four years. So far, 2025 has been fairly quiet at the pumps, as the stock markets and crude oil prices moved lower in response to economic uncertainties and the changing tariffs announced by the Trump administration. In addition, OPEC+ has increased oil production. All of these factors have put downward pressure on pump prices,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

To track the latest gas prices in your neighborhood, check KTVZ.COM’s Pump Patrol, fueled by GasBuddy, which reported a similar price drop in the past week.

The Oregon average began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.93. The highest price of the year so far is $4.01 on April 5. 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 $3.17. The highest price of the year so far is $3.27 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 11 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, down from 12 counties a week ago:

Clackamas $4.03

Clatsop $4.05

Columbia $4.13

Harney $4.10

Jackson $4.04

Josephine $4.08

Lake $4.05

Multnomah $4.11

Tillamook $4.03

Wallowa $4.05

Washington $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 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 is holding steady at 13.46 million barrels per day for the week ending April 11. 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 in the upper $60s to mid-$70s for much of the last three months, but crude prices have dropped as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. The lowest closing price since September was $59.58 on April 8, which was the lowest closing price since April 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 $65 today compared to $61 a week ago and $83 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 East 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+ tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. The cartel has said it would boost production by 411,000 barrels a day in May.

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 58% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 10% is refining, 16% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. increased slightly from 8.43 b/d last week to 8.46 b/d. for the week ending April 11, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.66 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 236.0 million barrels to 234.0. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day, compared to 8.9 million barrels daily the previous week.

Pump prices will likely continue to waffle, markets respond to economic developments.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 35 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. New Mexico (-9 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline. Colorado (+12 cents) has the biggest week-over-week jump in the nation. The average in Oklahoma is flat.

California ($4.83) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 11th week in a row. Hawaii ($4.51) is second, and Washington ($4.30) is third. These are the three states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 26 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 21 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.68) and Oklahoma ($2.72). 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 $2.15 this week, compared to $2.17 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 32 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is four cents more and the Oregon average is 20 cents more than a month ago. Alaska (+23 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the country. Wisconsin (-12 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. The average in South Dakota is flat.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 51 cents less and the Oregon average is 50 cents less than a year ago. Arizona (-77 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Colorado (+2/10ths of a cent) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all 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 4/22/2025

1
California
$4.83

2
Hawaii
$4.51

3
Washington
$4.30

4
Oregon
$3.93

5
Nevada
$3.90

6
Alaska
$3.64

7
Illinois
$3.43

8
Pennsylvania
$3.36

9
Arizona
$3.36

10
Idaho
$3.34

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 11th week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is ninth. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the second week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week declines: Washington (-6 cents), California (-5 cents), Oregon (-5 cents), Nevada (-3 cents), Arizona (-2 cents), Hawaii (-1 cent), and Alaska (-1/2 cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast fell from 77.5% to 73.1% for the week ending April 11. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked down from 86.7% to 86.3%.

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 27.17 million bbl. to 27.48 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 rose last week, fell on Monday, and are higher today. Markets are higher today, but worries over tariffs and economic uncertainties remain. Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 442.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of last Thursday’s formal trading session, WTI added $2.21 to settle at $64.48. Markets were closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.60 to close at $63.08. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $61 a week ago. Crude prices are about $18 less than a year ago. ($82.85 on April 22, 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.

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