Author: KTVZ

KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Pacific Power statement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday, Bend Police announced they are searching for a likely injured suspect in a criminal mischief case following an early Wednesday morning incident in which high-voltage power lines were cut, causing a power outage in the area for several hours.

According to a press release from the agency, on Wednesday shortly before 8 a.m., Pacific Power reported that “high-voltage electrical wires inside a power box located in the 20900 block of NE Talus Place had been cut overnight, likely with bolt cutters.”

Pacific Power estimates the damage to be at least $20,000.

Police believe the attempt to cut through the wires caused a fire and explosion. BPD says the suspect likely sustained severe or possibly life-threatening burns.

Pacific Power provided this statement Thursday to KTVZ News, offering more details on a resulting power outage.

:On Wednesday, January 21, 1,600 customers in Bend experienced a disruption in service starting at 12:30 am and we quickly dispatched crews to assess and begin doing emergency repairs. During the initial assessment, it was discovered that Pacific Power electrical equipment had been tampered with. Power was restored to customers gradually, in steps, and all customers had power restored by 7:30 am.”

Police asked if you have information that could aide in the investigation, you’re asked to contact non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

Below is the full press release from Bend Police:

“Bend Police are seeking the public’s assistance in a criminal mischief case that involved property damage to a utility box owned by Pacific Power.  

At approximately 7:42 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, Bend Police received a report from Pacific Power that high-voltage electrical wires inside a power box located in the 20900 block of NE Talus Place had been cut overnight, likely with bolt cutters. The box is located behind a locked gate with a “no trespassing” sign on it.  

Bolt cutters were found inside the power box. Pacific Power estimated the damage at $20,000 or more.  

When officers arrived at the scene, the power box was hot and still smoking, and evidence at the scene indicated the attempt to cut through the wires had caused a fire and explosion.  

It is likely the suspect in this incident sustained severe or potentially life-threatening burns.  

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council recognized Human Trafficking Prevention Month at Wednesday night’s meeting, signing a proclamation that calls attention to an issue that can impact any community, including Central Oregon.

City Councilor Mike Riley said trafficking doesn’t just happen elsewhere — it’s a problem that reaches communities across Oregon and the country.“Trafficking really shows up everywhere, and it’s in most, if not many, many, if not most communities across Oregon and even in the country. And so it’s really something we all need to pay attention to,” Riley said.

Human trafficking is often described as a form of modern-day slavery — when someone is exploited for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Experts say traffickers most often target vulnerable people, particularly between the ages of 12 and 17.

Masayo Halpin with In Our Backyard, a Bend-based nonprofit working to end human trafficking, said it rarely looks like the abduction scenarios people might imagine.“When you’re talking about sex in our youth, it’s so—I think a lot of people think it’s an abduction. It’s, you know, the van that comes up and grabs a kid. That’s not sex trafficking in the United States. It’s manipulation,” Halpin said.

In Our Backyard works with Central Oregon students and community members to help them recognize the warning signs. In 2025, the organization educated more than 1,100 local high school students on how to identify trafficking and protect themselves or others.

Sharon Brown, the Portland Hub Leader for In Our Backyard, said traffickers prey on vulnerabilities, often using online platforms to find potential victims.“So they traffic what people’s unmet wants and needs are. And they scour social media to figure out what that might look like,” Brown said.

The nonprofit will also be part of outreach efforts during Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, next month, partnering with local law enforcement and other agencies to raise awareness and help identify victims during one of the nation’s largest events.

The city’s proclamation also recognized several local organizations that work to combat trafficking, including In Our Backyard, Soroptimist International of Bend, and the Anti-Trafficking Project.

Anyone seeking help or more information can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or contact In Our Backyard locally at (541) 639-5008 or inourbackyard.org.

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Claire Elmer

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County School Board and District leaders are asking the community to weigh in as the board considers whether to appoint Dr. Joel Hoff as the district’s permanent superintendent.

The school board opened an anonymous public survey inviting feedback on Hoff’s leadership during his time serving as interim superintendent. District officials say the feedback will play a key role in guiding the board’s final decision.

“What the board directed us to do was to get as much feedback as we could so they can make an informed decision,” said Briana Van Roekel, director of school improvement for Crook County School District. “We again want to hear all voices — from community members, family members, students, staff. So that’s the point of the survey that’s out there right now.”

Crook County School Board Vice Chair, Scott Cooper, said the survey is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

While board members believe Hoff has performed well during his interim term, Cooper said gathering public input helps confirm that sense — or reveal concerns the board may not be aware of.

“The board thought we ought to take a minute and check our perception and make sure that our community is fine,” Cooper said. “If there’s something that we haven’t heard that we should hear that would raise concern, and we think there’s a reason why we ought to have a competitive search out there, we want to hear that, too.”

The survey closes January 26. A summary of the results is expected to be presented publicly at the February school board meeting.

In addition to the survey, the district has scheduled public listening sessions with staff, students, and families to gather more detailed feedback.

“It’s an important position because it is dealing with every family with kids in our community,” Cooper said. “And it’s very community-facing. So we want the right person in there. If you’ve got something to say, now’s the time to speak up.”

Findings from the survey and listening sessions will be shared publicly in March before the board makes its final decision.

The survey is available in both English and Spanish on the Crook County School District website and in provided links throughout this article.

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Triton Notary

(Update: Adding quotes from Governor Tina Kotek, Christine Drazan)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– House Speaker Julie Fahey and Senate President Rob Wagner announced Wednesday they will introduce legislation to set the date of the referendum on House Bill 3991 for May 19, aligning the vote with Oregon’s statewide primary election.

The Democratic leaders said the goal is to let voters weigh in on the transportation funding package as soon as possible, giving lawmakers, cities and counties more certainty about transportation dollars this biennium.

Legislative leaders noted that the Oregon Constitution allows the Legislature to set election dates for initiative and referendum measures, and say transportation policy discussions will continue throughout the year as the state plans for long‑term funding needs. Wagner said voters have made clear they want a say on the bill, and that state and local officials need to understand the funding landscape so “meaningful conversations can continue.”

Governor Tina Kotek responded to the announcement, saying, “Two weeks ago, I was clear with Oregonians about transportation: we must redirect, repeal, and rebuild.”

The Governor added, “The legislature and the constitution will determine how and when repeal occurs. My responsibility remains the same: keep our roads safe, our economy moving, and help deliver a bipartisan long-term transportation solution.”

The May timeline mirrors the last time a transportation funding package was referred to voters, when legislation from the 1999 session went to the ballot in May 2000. Fahey said that in a time of uncertainty, leaders are focused on governing, not politics, and acting quickly to avoid disruptions to Oregon’s transportation system and to protect roads and bridges that connect people to work, school and emergency services.

Legislative attorneys have reaffirmed that Oregonians have the right to weigh in through the referendum process and that lawmakers can set the election date; a recent legal opinion also indicates the Legislature likely retains the power to repeal a referred law, which could make a referendum unnecessary, although leaders are currently moving toward a public vote. The 2026 legislative session is set to begin Feb. 2, and lawmakers are expected to use the results of the May referendum to help determine Oregon’s transportation funding future.

Gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, also criticized the attempts to move the referendum.

“This is what desperation looks like,” Drazan said in a statement. “Tina Kotek is afraid of being on the same ballot as her gas tax. At the end of the day, she can’t avoid Oregonians; they will hold her accountable.”

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Triton Notary

(UPDATE: Adding video)

DESCHUTES CO, Ore. (KTVZ)– Congressman Cliff Bentz today announced the nomination of sixteen Oregon students to the United States service academies, including the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. The nominations recognize each student’s exceptional academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and strong character.

The selections were made by Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board, composed of active-duty and retired military officers who evaluate potential candidates. Bentz, who represents Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District, expressed pride in the nominees, saying, “I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to America’s service academies.” He added that the nominations reflect the students’ “hard work, dedication, and commitment to character.”

Members of the Service Academy Nomination Board include Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dave Dotterrer, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Adam Gaudinski, Retired U.S. Navy Captain Chris Peyton, Oregon Army National Guard Major Stephanie Rokes, and U.S. Army Veteran Captain Anne Havniear. Bentz thanked the board for its service, noting that “without their guidance and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the academies, these nominations would not be possible.”

Final admissions will be determined by each academy in spring 2026. The institutions include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

2025 Oregon Service Academy Nominees by County

Deschutes County: Kelsea Bomke, Lucy Fisher, Cooper Garus, Taylor Goodrich, Jackson Hartley, and Steven Miller.

Grant County: Vincent Raschio (Air Force Academy).

Jackson County: Aviyah Jones, Gabriel Medina-Banuelos, Keegan Thonstad, and Benjamin Warner.

Klamath County: Miranda Vincent (Air Force Academy).

Umatilla County: Jefferson Steele (Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy).

Union County: Kaden Jones.

Wallowa County: Lauren McBurney.

Wasco County: Sterling Coburn.

The diverse group of nominees represents communities across Central and Eastern Oregon.

Students interested in learning more about the service academy nomination process can visit bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. Final admissions decisions will be announced by the respective academies in spring 2026.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fog continues to hang over much of Central Oregon this week, and one of the biggest impacts has been at local airports. In Redmond, some flights have faced delays or even been re-routed because of limited visibility.

Despite that, Redmond Airport staff say the overall impact has been minor. Customer Service Supervisor Jodie Low said travelers should expect some changes when fog settles in, and plan accordingly.

“I think the main key takeaway is that we can’t control weather,” Low said. “You just want to stay informed as best you can. Have a backup plan. There are options to buy insurance for your travel. You might want to consider that and just stay informed with your airline — their website and their application.”

Airport staff also advise passengers to dress for the cold, since boarding often requires walking outside to the plane, and to watch for icy spots while traveling to the terminal.

When KTVZ stopped by the airport Tuesday, some travelers said they were lucky the fog cleared just in time for their flights.

“We think our timing was perfect because we had no problem at all,” said Susan Gregory, who flew in from Salt Lake City. “I was a little worried it might actually be freezing fog because it’s so chilly.”

“It was thick fog for probably four or five minutes as we came in, but it cleared up right as we approached the runway,” said Heather Leasure, arriving from San Diego.

Drivers heading to and from the airport also dealt with pockets of dense fog across Highway 97.

“On 97, it was like a whiteout,” said Erin Vanderzee of Bend. “You couldn’t see anything. People weren’t maintaining that safe distance. So just PSA — turn on those fog lights and slow down.”

For the latest flight updates, visit the Redmond Airport website.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — County Commissioners wrapped up 2 days of public input relating to the much debated Map C Plan to district Deschutes County into 5 districts. They have now delayed the decision by at least 2 weeks.

After two days of public input, county commissioners told KTVZ News feedback was mostly Negative.

Now they are considering other options.

Commissioner Phil Chang told KTVZ News, “A lot of people asked to, scrap this and come back and try again. A lot of people said, if you’re going to do these districts, do it where candidates would come from districts. But then every voter gets to vote for every seat.”

“As I say, some people have come out of the woodwork telling us how bad this is and how this is un-American or, hey, this is great,” Commissioner Tony Debone told KTVZ News. “We’re going to be able to have, you know, balanced representation from five geographic areas.”

Commissioner Patti Adair told KTVZ News, “My thought, because I’m a numbers person, is that the unaffiliated and the independent voters would be the majority of each of the districts, because 43% of Deschutes County is is that group.”

To clear up some of the confusion, In the 2026 county commissioner elections, voters will elect all four seats up for election. Under the proposal, future elections beginning in 2028 would have residents voting for one seat within their district.

(Previous Story from January 20th, 2026)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners heard from more than 40 residents on Tuesday night about the proposed “Map C” currently before the commission.

The map would reshape how voters elect county commissioners.

Residents were outspoken during the meeting.

One resident said, “This district map harms us all. It harms us all by taking away representation.”

Another said, “I think one of the most important parts of maps is district representation.”

A third resident spoke in support of the map, saying, “They had a difficult choice, and I think the map they presented was the best of all the different options they could have had.”

For those unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of County Commissioners will hold another public hearing Wednesday at 9 a.m.

In the 2026 county commissioner elections, voters will elect all four seats up for election.

Under the proposal, future elections beginning in 2028 would have residents voting for one seat within their district.

Commissioners have several options moving forward.

Option one is to approve the map or scrap it entirely.

Option two is to refer the proposal to voters.

If commissioners choose to place it on the May ballot, it must be submitted to the county clerk by the end of February.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Warm, sunny weather continues across Central Oregon, with highs in the upper 40s and light winds. The mild stretch is melting snow at Mt. Bachelor, forcing Outback and Northwest lifts to close starting today while crews work to repair thin coverage areas. These lifts are expected to reopen Friday, Jan. 23, if conditions allow.

Skiers and riders are urged to stay on open, named runs and watch for firm, thin conditions and hidden obstacles. Resort officials ask guests to follow all closures and signage while crews are on the slopes.

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – State senators Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) and Anthony Broadman (D-Bend), working with the Oregon Hunters Association, introduced legislation this week to protect Oregonians’ access to public lands through “corner crossing.”

Corner crossing, or stepping from public land to public land where adjoining corners of public and private lands meet, has been a legal uncertainty in Oregon law. The senators say their legislation “provides much needed clarity to protect public land users from allegations of trespass, as well as landowners from allegations of negligence.”

Here’s the rest of Tuesday’s news release:

“Legal clarity improves access to public lands and protects landowners,” said Senator McLane. “Oregonians deserve common sense from Salem on how and when we can access public resources. Senate Bill 1545 makes Oregonians’ access to our lands clearer.”  

Balancing the public’s right to access public land with necessary protections for private landowners, the legislation provides protection against negligence lawsuits. This has long been a troublesome issue for Oregonians who utilize public lands, where corner crossings are often necessary. This critical legislation will provide more certainty for all parties going forward.

“Our public lands are part of our heritage and who we are as Oregonians,” said Senator Broadman. “Senate Bill 1545 will help preserves access for hunters exercising our rights to access federal lands across our state. We also owe it to the Tribes, ranchers, farmers, and timber owners to ensure corner crossing doesn’t interfere with working Oregon lands and their stewardship of our state. Our proposal strikes that balance.” 

The bill has already garnered support from all sides of the political spectrum, including 10 Republican and Democratic legislators from urban and rural districts alike. This diverse support shows that access to public lands is a bipartisan concern that resonates throughout the state.

“Oregon’s public lands are incredibly important to hunters, hikers, bird watchers, anglers, and all Oregonians seeking to enjoy the state’s natural beauty,” said Amy Patrick, OHA’s policy rep in Salem. “Providing some level of legal certainty ensures public land access when such access is vital to everything we do. OHA thanks Senators McLane and Broadman for spearheading this critical effort.”

The legislation is broadly supported by the conservation, recreation and outdoor communities, including Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation, Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges, Oregon Trappers Association, Oregon United Sporting Dogs Association, and, notably, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, who have long advocated that corner crossing is not a crime.

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Representatives Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg) and Alek Skarlatos (R-Canyonville) and Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation for the 2026 legislative session to allow the registration and on-road use of Kei trucks in Oregon.

“The bill responds to continued interest from small businesses, farmers, contractors, and community members seeking affordable, practical transportation options that better match their needs and scale,” the news release said, continuing below:

This bill is a continuation of efforts in the 2025 session to modernize Oregon’s vehicle laws in response to rising transportation costs and evolving workforce needs.

Kei trucks are compact, lightweight utility vehicles commonly used in other states for agriculture, maintenance, deliveries, and job-site operations. While legal to own and operate on private property in Oregon, current law prevents these vehicles from being registered for on-road use, limiting their usefulness for many working Oregonians.

“Across much of Oregon, functionality and efficiency are more important than vehicle size. Kei trucks are affordable, well-suited for a wide range of jobs, and meet real needs in rural and working communities.” said Representative Osborne. “This bill provides flexibility while maintaining Oregon’s existing safety standards.”

Supporters of the legislation say allowing on-road registration would help reduce transportation costs, expand access to reliable equipment, and give small businesses and rural operators more flexibility to move between job sites and communities.

Senator Broadman said, “Expanding access to affordable, right-sized transportation helps remove cost barriers for small businesses and working Oregonians and supports stronger local economies across the state.”

Representative Skarlatos said, “Our laws should reflect the freedom to use the right vehicle for the right job. We have an opportunity to ensure our transportation system reflects the real needs of Oregonians.”

The bill establishes clear parameters defining Kei trucks by size, engine capacity and age, and allows them to be registered within Oregon’s existing motor vehicle framework. The approach aligns Oregon with neighboring states that have already adopted similar policies while maintaining existing safety and roadway standards.

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