Author: KTVZ

Dylan Anderman

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The energy was electric at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend, as the USA BMX Great Northwest Nationals made its return for the 17th consecutive year. Riders from across the country—ranging from first-timers to seasoned pros—hit the track for three days of high-speed racing, community, and celebration of the sport.

Among the competitors was Bend native Olivia Armstrong, who’s no stranger to the national spotlight. Not only is she racing, but she’s also coaching the next generation of BMX athletes through BMX Bend.

“We raised a pro race here. A driver for fun, pro race. But I got to show up for my local crowd and put laps down,” Armstrong said. “It’s a good feeling.”

For Armstrong, this event carries a special meaning—she’s been racing it since childhood.

“I’ve been racing this race since I was like five years old. It’s been in this building. Looks just like this,” she said. “So it’s super cool to see all my kids that I coach out here tracing what I did when I was five.”

The Great Northwest Nationals are a key stop on the USA BMX national circuit, offering both valuable points and a sense of pride—especially for local riders competing on their home turf.

“You want number one on your number plate, you have to win races like these,” Armstrong added. “So it’s pretty special that we have this here in Redmond, Oregon.”

The event drew around 900 athletes and featured over 200 races on Saturday alone. Young competitors buzzed with excitement, many dreaming of podium finishes and the thrill of representing their hometown.

“I’m down there getting ready, drinking water and hoping I can place first, second, or third,” a rider shared.

For these kids, there’s something magical about racing in your own backyard—especially when surrounded by friends, family and future fans.

“I like winning and trophies. I have no idea how many I’ve won—I’ve never counted them. And I think I’m going to win a lot more,” another young racer said with a smile.

But it’s not just about winning—it’s about connection.

“It’s so awesome. I’m pretty sure my first ever win was at this track for a national,” Armstrong recalled. “It brings back all those memories. I just feel the love and the support and the family of BMX. There are people here from California, Texas, Washington, Florida—it’s like one big family coming together in one spot.”

Racing continues through the weekend, with events kicking off at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the sport, the Great Northwest Nationals offer a glimpse into the passion, athleticism, and community that fuel BMX racing—and it all comes together right here in Central Oregon.

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Friday morning, a group gathered just outside the Hawthorne Transit Station in Bend to rally for workers.

Cascades East Transit is currently negotiating with the workers’ union, Local 757 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. On the table: wages, benefits and more.

Bus drivers and other employees are still working, so many of the people at the rally were not CET employees, but rather citizens showing support for bus drivers.

At the rally, Peter Loverso told KTVZ News his reasons for attending, saying, “Public transit is how people get to medical help. It’s how they get to work. It’s how they get to their family. It’s necessary for a community.

Of particular concern in this round of negotiations is retaining workers. The union wants incentives for employees to stay with CET for a longer time.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crews have finished installation of the new 18” waterline on NW Portland Avenue through the NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue intersection, City of Bend officials say.

Temporary water bypasses are being utilized to ensure businesses have water throughout construction.  The base for the new shared-use path along NW Portland Avenue is complete.  New concrete, lighting, and signal line equipment is beginning to be installed on NW Portland Avenue and at the NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue intersection.

Crews are installing the sewer force main.  Utilities relocation work will continue. Excavation work will continue along NE Olney Avenue, between NW Wall Street and NE First Street.

Crews have dug a bore pit on the east side of the railroad in preparation for the sewer line boring under the railroad. Boring for the sewer line begins April 15.

The intersection of NW Wall Street/NE Olney Avenue is anticipated to remain closed through May 2025.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be providing voluntary boat safety inspections on Saturday at three locations around the county.

DCSO Marine Deputies will be present to conduct the inspections. Upon successful completion of the inspection, boat operators will recieve an inspection sticker indicating the boat has passed safety and legal requirements. If the boat does not pass, the boat operator will recieve information on how to bring their boat into compliance.

These free, no-penalty inspections make sure your boat/watercraft complies with state and federal regulations so you can focus on safely enjoying Oregon’s waterways. Go to cgaux.org/vsc to learn more. 

Date:  Saturday, April 12th, 2025 / 9 AM – 2 PM

Locations:

Sheriff’s Office Main Office Parking Lot – 63333 W Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703

La Pine County Services Center – 51340 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR 97739

Big Country RV Service Center – 2872 SW 17th St, Redmond, OR 97756

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With the stock market in the midst of some tumultuous times, many people are worried about the future of their 401(k) retirement savings. For some guidance, KTVZ News spoke Monday with the CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union.

In an interview, CEO Kevin Cole stressed that this is not a time to panic. The recent market fall, somewhat lessened on Monday, will impact you differently, depending on how close you are to retiring. If you’re in a position to delay your retirement, doing so might help you wait it out.

Most importantly, your financial situation is unique to you, and you should meet with a financial advisor to get advice.

“I think of this as, you know, working on your car, right?” Cole said. “Cars these days are super-complicated, and most people when they need a repair or a service, they go to a trained professional.

“Yet: a shocking number of people don’t think that they need to do the same thing with their finances, and that’s where a lot of people make a mistake. So in a lot of cases, a trained financial professional is going to be able to give you advice that’s going to help you maximize the return on your investments.”

Cole says it’s also reassuring the market in Central Oregon is slightly insulated from the national market. For better or for worse, there’s no Fortune 500 company based in our area, and that shields us from some things.

“Central Oregon tends to have a more diverse and more a wider range of smaller companies as its economic base,” Cole said. “And in a situation like this, where there’s a lot of market volatility, that can be an advantage to an area.”

Investing and banking locally can help our economy stay afloat, the Mid Oregon official says. By keeping your money here in Central Oregon, you support your own community and ensure greater stability.

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from grant recipient, Visit Central Oregon)

ANTELOPE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Antelope, located in North-Central Oregon, is one of Oregon’s smallest communities. Resident Brandee McNamee says tourism is key to its economic growth.

“When you have a small community of only 37 people, the entire tax base of this whole town only brings in a little over $6,000.” McNamee said Wednesday.

McNamee founded the Antelope 3 LLC project, aimed at creating a safe and inclusive stop for travelers passing through town.

This project was selected as one of the seven recipients of the Central Oregon Future Fund. The grant program will award a total of $280,000 to seven tourism-related projects this year.

Visit Central Oregon started the program a few years ago.

“We’re able to leverage local roads and lodging tax dollars to fund projects that go back to the community in a way that benefits residents and that benefits visitors,” said Visit Central Oregon President and CEO Scott Larson.

The grant money will fund the final phase of Antelope 3, adding four toilets, two showers and one outdoor shower in the Antelope Pavilion.

McNamee says the area originally offered only dry camping, but as more cyclists began passing through, she realized the facility needed an upgrade.

“Well, they’re not going to want to do RV pads, right? They want a short-term stay overnight,” McNamee said.

Visitation to Antelope has also grown since the area was designated as an International Dark Sky Community.

“I received a plethora of phone calls from folks that wanted to book, and I had to turn them away because I was like, ‘Sorry, we don’t have the amenities,'” McNamee said.

McNamee hopes improved amenities will attract more visitors, and maybe create some new jobs.

“Right now, Antelope doesn’t have one 40-hour a week full-time job,” he said. “So think if we create two jobs from this whole project, that’s a 200% increase in job growth.

“Without outside funding, such as tourism, there is no economically sustainable business model that you’re going to be able to do in a small town like this without it.”

The 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund Grantees include:

Antelope 3, LLC – Antelope Pavilion, Final Phase: The Antelope Pavilion project will provide a safe and inclusive “stopping place” for travelers looking to use restrooms, refill on water, and relax while on their rural travels, especially for Antelope Dark Skies.

“The Future Fund strengthens rural communities like Antelope by supporting tourism and local businesses, helping build a more sustainable local economy,” said Brandie McNamee, founder of Antelope Market and RV Park.

“Without tourism, a small town like Antelope (population 37) has very little to leverage. Repurposing lodging tax revenue allows towns like ours to leverage even more: Antelope’s total tax base is just $6,038 in 2024, but if the Antelope Cabins generate $150,000 annually, a 5% lodging tax would bring in $7,500—more than our entire current tax base. It’s a way to recycle dollars today to grow even more tomorrow.”

Dirty Freehub – High Desert Gravel Guide: The High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide is a pocket-sized book featuring the best gravel cycling routes in Central Oregon. Featuring curated rides, local history, art, and cultural insights, it connects cyclists to the land and its communities.

“The High Desert Gravel Adventure Guide project is more than a collection of great bike rides—it’s a bridge between visitors and the communities of Central Oregon,” said Kevin English, Director of Content & Technologies for Dirty Freehub, which is planning to publish its High Desert Gravel Guide in spring 2026.

“Thanks to support from the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund grant, we are creating a sustainable tourism asset that showcases our region’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage and helps generate long-term economic benefits for rural towns like Maupin, Warm Springs, and Prineville. Visitors will connect with the land, spend where they ride, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the area’s stories and stewardship values.”

Explore Prineville – Golf “Fore” All: The Adaptive Golf Project: This will provide a Vertacat, an all-terrain adaptive golf cart, that Prineville’s local golf courses could provide for golfers—including both visitors to our community and locals—at no cost.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Visit Central Oregon’s Future Fund for helping us enhance accessibility and enjoyment at our local golf facilities,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism at Explore Prineville. “Adding a stand-up golf cart will allow more people — including aging golfers and those with mobility challenges — to stay active and enjoy the game they love. It’s a fantastic example of how repurposed revenue from visitors can directly benefit both our community and our guests, making Prineville’s recreation offerings more inclusive and forward-thinking.”

Deschutes River Alliance – Troutfest 2025-Access Adventure Promotion: DRA will leverage Troutfest ‘25 to drive diverse and equitable tourism. This will include promotion beyond typical demographics, diverse instructors, and scholarships.

High Desert Museum – Our Place, Our Cultures: The High Desert Museum will launch a series of new exhibitions and programs that explore the unique landscapes of the High Desert through cultural, artistic, and scientific perspectives, driving broad audiences to Central Oregon.

Oregon Adaptive Sports – Access, Elevated: “Access, Elevated” develops opportunities for adaptive outdoor recreation in Central Oregon by extending ski seasons, creating fall biking programs, and launching an adaptive paddling program.

Tower Theatre Foundation – Enhanced ADA Accessibility at Tower Theatre: The Tower Theatre will replace a 20-year-old wheelchair lift for access to the stage from the auditorium and install a one-push automatic door at the ADA entrance on Wall Street, continuing the theatre’s long-standing commitment to accessibility.

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire voted unanimously Tuesday to eliminate the state’s controversial wildfire hazard map, first introduced in 2021’s SB 762. The policy advanced Tuesday also scraps the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“Today is a milestone in our wildfire journey. As a whole, SB 762 programs have great support across the state, but the hazard map, which flunked the basic common-sense test for so many property owners, had Oregonians angry and divided,” said Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland).

“Repealing the map clears the way to good collaborative programs on the ground. Now the challenge is to fund them at the levels we need,” Golden said in a news release from the Senate Majority Office.

Senate Bill 83 now moves to the Senate floor for a vote by the whole chamber.

Republican lawmakers hailed the committee vote, calling it a crucial step toward repealing the controversial wildfire hazard map and the excessive regulations tied to it.

Senate and House Republicans released the following statement:

“Today, we’re celebrating with the thousands of Oregonians who have fought for this change. Rural Oregonians raised their voices and demanded action, and as a result, we’re finally seeing real progress.

“Senate Bill 83 puts power back in the hands of the people, not government bureaucrats. The wildfire hazard map caused fear and uncertainty, burdening families with costly and unfair one-size-fits-all mandates. This bill repeals that mess, empowers people to protect their homes without the threat of government interference, and focuses on practical solutions for wildfire prevention. With this step forward, we’re delivering the change that rural Oregon has long deserved.”

SB 83 empowers local communities to make decisions tailored to their unique needs, enabling them to take effective steps to protect their homes. It also ensures taxpayer dollars are spent where they have the most impact—supporting local efforts like defensible space, forest thinning, and wildfire readiness programs.

The measure now moves to the Senate floor for a vote.

In February, two Bend Democratic lawmakers, state Senator Anthony Broadman and Representative Emerson Levy, came out in favor of the map’s repeal. Broadman said it doesn’t “create an equitable system” or account for variations among individual properties.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District is working on a nearly $3 million improvement project at Sawyer Park and will share project information, including plans to mitigate potential impacts to cultural and historic resources at the site, at a Tuesday, April 22 open house from 5-7 p.m. at the park district offices, 799 SW Columbia Street.

Sawyer is one of Bend’s oldest and most beloved parks. Decades of use and increased visitors to the park each year have created the need for an improved entrance and parking lot. The existing amenities can no longer provide the functions and space needed for the park, the district says.

The project plans include relocating the parking area closer to O.B. Riley Road, adding accessible parking, habitat restoration, improving trail accessibility and the addition of a permanent restroom, picnic shelter and river overlook.

The project was awarded over $1 million from a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant. As part of the grant program, there was a review of potential impacts the project may have on cultural and historic resources on the site. This project was determined to have an adverse effect on some of those resources.

“We worked with the National Park Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to create a plan to mitigate the impact of the adverse effects, and I will share information about that plan at the open house,” said Bronwen Mastro, BPR’sD landscape architect and project manager.

The meeting is open-house style and there will not be a formal presentation. Community members are encouraged to drop in at their convenience, if they would like to learn more.

The project is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2026. Learn more at the project webpage.