Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) — SELCO Community Credit Union has awarded $77,500 in scholarships to 21 students throughout Oregon, including $7,000 to two students in Bend, as part of its annual scholarship program.

The recipients were chosen from a competitive field and a record number of applications, breaking last year’s record that followed the decision to broaden eligibility to include vocational, continuing, and nontraditional students.  

SELCO awarded 20 scholarships worth $3,500 each to students throughout the state. In addition, SELCO awarded Madison Chimenti of Eugene the $7,500 Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship—given to a Lane County student who demonstrates excellence in education, leadership, or civic responsibility despite adversity or lack of opportunity.  

SELCO’s scholarship program received a significant overhaul as part of the SELCO Steps Up philanthropy initiative launched in 2024, which expanded scholarship eligibility while increasing the total amount awarded by nearly 50%. 

One of the key goals for SELCO Steps Up is to evolve its programs to meet the community’s changing needs, including a shifting academic landscape. Trade school enrollment surged 4.9% nationwide from 2020 to 2023, while university enrollment slipped 0.6% over the same period, according to a recently released report by Validated Insights, a higher education marketing firm. SELCO’s scholarship program—once limited to high school seniors headed to a two- or four-year college—better reflects this shifting academic landscape. 

“It’s clear that today’s students are thinking differently about their futures, and these scholarships are evolving with them,” said Craig Carpenter, SELCO’s Senior Vice President of Lending & Business Banking. “The Selection Panel had a tough job narrowing down such a strong and diverse group. We’re proud to support students taking bold steps toward bright futures.” 

To qualify, applicants must be a SELCO member or the immediate family of a SELCO member. Applicants must also have a GED or cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (or a 3.0 GPA in their last college term) and plan to attend a vocational school or an accredited two- or four-year college/university. 

The 2025 SELCO Scholarship recipients from Central Oregon are: 

$3,500 SELCO Scholarships 

 Name 
City 
County 
School to attend 

Taylor Brickey 
Bend 
Deschutes 
University of Washington 

Allie McIntosh 
Bend 
Deschutes 
Grand Canyon University 

SELCO started its scholarship program in 1991 as an important component of its mission to help members reach their financial and educational goals. In the past five years alone, SELCO has awarded more than $300,000 through this program. And unlike many scholarships, these funds can be used for educational expenses beyond tuition. 

Each recipient will be invited to attend a ceremony at SELCO headquarters in Springfield on Thursday, May 22. For more on the recipients, visit www.selco.org/steps-up/scholarships/2025-recipients/. 

About SELCO Steps Up: 

The SELCO Steps Up program aims to create positive, innovative, lasting change through volunteerism, resource support, and collaboration with community partners. In 2024, the first year of SELCO Steps Up, SELCO volunteered nearly 1,400 hours and reinvested nearly $415,000 in the communities it serves through educator grants, scholarships, and impact-driven sponsorships. As a credit union founded by teachers, education is a cornerstone of these efforts, with a focus on removing barriers to financial literacy. By empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being, SELCO strives to build a strong foundation for all its members and neighbors. Learn more at www.selco.org/steps-up. 

About SELCO Community Credit Union: 

Founded nearly 90 years ago by a group of fiscally minded teachers, Springfield-based SELCO Community Credit Union today serves more than 150,000 members as one of the largest and longest-standing Oregon-based credit unions. A not-for-profit, federally insured, member-driven financial cooperative with more than $2.8 billion in assets, SELCO provides its member-owners with exceptional rates and low fees on a full range of financial products and services, including banking, mortgages, personal and business loans, investments, and insurance. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of the 27 Oregon or eight Washington counties SELCO serves. For more information or to become a member today, stop by one of SELCO’s 15 branches, visit selco.org, or call 800-445-4483. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mid Oregon Credit Union is celebrating the success of its Spring 2025 fundraiser, which generated over $3,750 to support literacy efforts in Central Oregon. One hundred percent of the funds raised will directly benefit the six local communities where the donations were collected. 

From April 7-25, Mid Oregon members and the wider community showed their generosity by making donations at credit union branches, online at midoregon.com, and over the phone.  

Adding a personal touch to their giving, many donors wrote messages on cut-out books, sharing cherished book titles, favorite authors, inspiring quotes, and words of encouragement for young readers. 

Mid Oregon’s annual Free Shred event, held in partnership with Republic Services on Saturday, April 19, also played a significant role in the fundraising success.

This popular event not only provided valuable fraud and identity theft protection to over 250 participants but also collected $1,193 in SMART Reading donations. An impressive 6,600 pounds of documents were securely shredded across Bend, Madras, Prineville, and Redmond. 

The funds raised are specifically allocated to support literacy initiatives within each of the six communities where they originated: $629 for the Bend community, $1,092 for the La Pine community, $144 for the Madras community, $415 for the Prineville community, $463 for the Redmond community, and $1,015 for the Sisters community.  

SMART Reading provides children with two essential elements for literacy success: dedicated one-on-one reading time and access to books. Through their One-to-One SMART program, volunteers model the joy of reading and support children’s independent reading efforts during shared reading experiences.

Participating students also get to choose two books each month to build their home libraries and encourage continued reading with their families. With over 60% of Oregon third-graders currently not meeting reading benchmarks, this is a critical time for improving literacy rates.  

“Mid Oregon members and SMART Reading committed to make an impact to improve literacy in Central Oregon’s communities,” stated Kyle Frick, SVP of Marketing and Community Relations at Mid Oregon. “We are consistently impressed by the generosity of our members in support of these valuable community initiatives.”  

Jennifer Zardinejad, Central and Northeast Area Director of SMART Reading, added, “We’re so grateful to Mid Oregon, their members, and the community for contributing to SMART Reading’s work in Central Oregon. Amazing things are possible when the community comes together to ensure kids have the books and reading support they need to thrive!”  

Mid Oregon Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in and serving Central Oregonians since 1957. With over 50,000 members in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Lake, and North Klamath Counties and close to $779 million in assets, Mid Oregon partners with members to meet their financial needs and to help them achieve their dreams. Mid Oregon was named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington for 2022, 2023, and 2024. It was also ranked the #1 credit union in Oregon by Forbes for 2023 and 2024 and received the Bend Bulletin’s Best of the Best of Bend Community Choice Award in the credit union category for 2023 and 2024. For more information about its services and branch locations in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters, please visit midoregon.com. 

SMART READING SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: one-on-one reading time and access to books. SMART Reading mobilizes volunteers to read with PreK through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading. SMART Reading provides a meaningful way for Oregonians to make a direct impact in their communities.  Since 1992, SMART Reading has steadily grown to become Oregon’s largest volunteer literacy program. Kids in the program receive 14 new books throughout the school year to keep and read with their families.  To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit smartreading.org or call 877-598-4633  

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is excited to announce open enrollment for Little Sisters — girls ages 6 to 17 — living in Bend who could benefit from the positive influence of a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides one-to-one mentoring relationships that inspire and empower youth to reach their full potential.

“Our goal is to create meaningful, lasting connections between youth and caring adult role models,” said Program Director Jenn Davis. “Right now, we’re focused on enrolling more Little Sisters and matching them with amazing Big Sisters who are ready to be there for them.”

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, Littles are paired with a trusted mentor who offers support, consistency, and friendship. Mentors and mentees meet regularly to build a connection through shared interests and activities like crafts, hiking, visiting local events, or simply hanging out and talking.

Research shows that mentored youth are more likely to succeed in school, avoid risky behaviors, and have stronger relationships. Families are invited to enroll their daughters in this free program to help foster confidence, resilience, and positive growth.

Currently Enrolling:

Girls ages 6–17

 Live in Bend, Oregon

 Open to youth from all backgrounds and identities

Big Brothers Big Sisters welcomes applications from parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers and community supports who believe a child would benefit from a mentor. Spots are limited, and early enrollment is encouraged.

 To enroll a Little Sister or learn more, visit www.bbbsco.org or call (541) 647-8084. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

###

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 

A program of J Bar J Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO serves over 220 youth annually and continues to grow programming. We are committed to serving at-risk youth and youth facing adversity with mentors in our community.  

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Highway 97 reopens)

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A crash involving a semi-truck and car closed Highway 97 in Klamath County for a time Tuesday afternoon, Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation reported.

The crash was reported shortly before 2 p.m. near milepost 232, about 19 miles south of the intersection with state Highway 138, the East Diamond Lake Highway.

ODOT initially advised motorists that it could be an extended delay and to use an alternate route or delay their travel. However, ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey said the closure lasted less than an hour, with minimal delays reported afterward.

You can track traffic updates at KTVZ.COM’s TripCheck page.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from realtors, employment agency, Redmond mayor; KTVZ Poll)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Your Amazon packages could be delivered 50% faster soon, thanks to a new delivery facility headed to Redmond.

“You could be a state where you’re losing people, you’re losing companies. It’s really nice to see almost one of the most recognizable companies in the world coming to little old us,” said President of Fratzke Commercial Real Estate President Brian Fratzke.

The 80,000-square-foot building in eastern Redmond will be used as the final step in Amazon’s operation, where your packages are prepared for final delivery. 

The project was years in the making, and Fratzke Commercial Real Estate says the process wasn’t that easy.

Principal Broker Tom Tapia told us, “The canal that was existing that ran through the property was pushed westward. And then we had the help of H.A. McCoy, realigned seven different lot line adjustments to get to that 13.81 acres that we have right now.”

Located off East Antler Avenue, the Amazon facility will bring an estimated 170 jobs to the area.

Matt Eartle, president of Pridestaff in Bend, says they expect to be busy when the facility hires: “This is a big deal. Also, in the city of Redmond, there are approximately 30,000 jobs. And so coming in with an additional 170, it’s going to be a big deal. It’ll create new opportunities that don’t currently exist. So people will absolutely be attracted by the brand.”

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch says it’s a sign of the area’s continued expansion as the city’s population continues to rise, becoming one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

“It’s a benefit, and it’s a challenge, because those 170 jobs will create more jobs, as well,” Fitch said. “But that means more traffic, more people, more housing. And that’s all fine, because that’s our purpose is to accommodate new people.”

Construction begins this month, meaning your deliveries could get quicker by the spring of next year.

Below is Amazon’s release, followed by one from Economic Development for Central Oregon and Fratzke Commercial Real Estate:

Amazon has closed on land along East Antler Avenue in Redmond, Oregon, as part of its continued investment in rural communities and expansion of its last-mile delivery network.

The site is expected to become a delivery station that will help speed up deliveries for customers in Central Oregon. This investment supports Amazon’s broader commitment to bring fast, reliable delivery to small towns while creating flexible job opportunities for local residents.

“We appreciate the investment Amazon is making in Redmond and the confidence they have in our future growth,” said Mayor Ed Fitch of Redmond. “Their announcement acknowledges Redmond as a great place to do business and illustrates the importance of the working partnership between the city, Redmond Economic Development Inc., and private developers.”

Amazon’s last-mile delivery network is designed to enhance service in more remote areas, cutting delivery times by as much as 50% in rural communities where logistics providers have traditionally pulled back. Delivery stations like the one planned for Redmond are also economic engines. Each site creates an average of 170 jobs, in addition to local driving opportunities through Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) and Flex programs.

“Amazon’s plans in Redmond reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in communities and creating good jobs. We’re excited to be part of Redmond’s future and contribute to a region that values innovation, partnership, and opportunity,” said Easton Craft, Manager, Economic Development Policy at Amazon.

Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $37 billion in Oregon, contributing $22 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and creating 12,000 direct jobs. Its presence also supports more than 46,000 indirect jobs across the state and empowers more than 5,500 Oregon-based small and medium-sized sellers in its store.

The Redmond site is part of Amazon’s larger $4 billion national initiative to expand its rural delivery network. When complete, the expanded network will span more than 13,000 ZIP codes and enable Amazon to deliver over a billion more packages each year in areas covering the size of Alaska, California, and Texas combined.

About Amazon: Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Below is EDCO’s release:

 Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce that Amazon has selected Redmond as the site of its newest delivery station. The company plans to invest in the region by opening an 83,559-square-foot facility at East Antler Avenue and Northeast Ninth Street, further enhancing its distribution capabilities across Central Oregon.

The Redmond facility will power the final stage of Amazon’s order fulfillment process, known as the “last mile,” ensuring that packages reach customers’ doorsteps quickly and efficiently. Packages are sent from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers to delivery stations, where they are prepared for final delivery to customers. The new facility is expected to employ approximately 170 team members.

“This project is the culmination of more than three years of work,” said Steve Curley, Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) Director at EDCO. “It required creative problem-solving, collaboration and a shared vision for Redmond’s future. From moving irrigation canals to re-routing gas lines, we had to think outside the box to create a site that fits Amazon’s unique operational needs in an area with increasingly challenging constraints. We’re excited to see it come to life and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

EDCO played a key role in guiding the project through its complex development process, providing local expertise and strategic coordination while facilitating the collaboration between public and private partners. “This project will be a game-changer for Redmond,” added Curley. “Beyond job creation and tax base growth, it strengthens our regional logistics infrastructure, improves service for consumers across Central Oregon and reinforces Redmond’s position as a strategic hub for distribution and transportation.”

Tom Tapia, CCIM, and Brian Fratzke, CCIM and Principal Broker for Fratzke Commercial Real Estate Advisors, Inc., who represented the property transaction, added, “Working on this project was both challenging and rewarding. It required patience, diligence and coordination with the City of Redmond, Deschutes County, federal government, and Central Oregon Irrigation District, culminating over two and one-half years of daily work to bring this project to reality. We’re proud to have played a critical role in bringing a well-respected global company to Redmond.”

“We appreciate the investment Amazon is making in Redmond and the confidence they have in our future growth,” remarks Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch. “Their announcement acknowledges Redmond as a great place to do business and illustrates the importance of the working partnership between the city, Redmond Economic Development Inc. and private developers.

The new delivery station is expected to be operational in spring 2026, with construction beginning this month.

About Economic Development for Central Oregon

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.

Below is Fratzke’s release:

Fratzke Announces Commercial land sale to Amazon.Com Services LLC. 5-13-2025Download

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Kade Linville

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County Search and Rescue first responders just got the opportunity to reconnect with a Eugene man they rescued nearly a year ago.

In June of 2024, Mike Jones was walking near Benham Falls when he accidentally fell backwards into the water. After falling nearly 40 feet into the Deschutes River, Mike was able to catch himself on a log downstream and dial 911 and alert first responders to his location.

The first rescue crew technician to arrive was Bend Fire’s off-duty rescue technician, Dan Price, who was nearby at the time. Using a personal kayak, Price was able to find Jones and stabilize him while more support arrived.

Mike Jones had suffered multiple serious injuries and was flown by Airlink to St. Charles Bend for intensive care.

Nearly a year later, Central Oregon first responders had the opportunity to meet Mike Jones after his recovery.

In a social media post, Bend Fire and Rescue described the evening as a “full-circle moment,” where first responders involved were able to reflect on the incident and hear from Jones what it was like from his perspective.

Deschutes County Search and Rescue also used the event as an opportunity to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Deschutes County 911, Bend Fire and Rescue, Life Flight Network and Sunriver Fire and Rescue for their support in the rescue.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. –(KTVZ)– Bend residents may have gotten this notice on their doors. It notifies residents the Bend City Council has a public hearing to consider adopting a new tax increment finance plan. Tax increment financing is a division of the existing permanent rates from taxing districts affected by plan areas, not an increase in taxes.

The City of Bend says, “Tax Increment Financing is a finance mechanism used to improve the economic vitality of an area to mitigate blight and improve property values. With these three projects, the Bend Urban Renewal Agency is incentivizing more affordable housing options. This is a program that is used across Oregon”.

To learn more about the meeting and how you can make your voice heard, go to the city of Bend website.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Correction)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — New developments are unfolding after KTVZ News’ Tracee Tuesday, attended Crook County’s School Board Meeting, Monday night. 

An investigation has been launched against Crook County High School principal, Jake Huffman, for alleged misuse of school resources.  Allegations, state that Huffman used school resources without paying the required rental fees – $20 an hour, under his business. 

Instead, Huffman reserved gym time under Cowboy Mat Club, an organization eligible for free gym use.  

Tracee Tuesday, reached out to several Crook County School Board Members as well as Jake Huffman, who all attended Monday night’s school board meeting, but chose not to be interviewed by KTVZ News.

Board Member Scott Cooper, directed us to Rich Simons, Communications Director for the Crook County School District. 

“This was way back in November, I believe, and so HR investigated it, and we found that he was not booking the time, properly. It was a mistake. We didn’t find anything malicious in what he was doing… Just a simple mistake, and so, we advised him to correct how he was doing the reservations, and he did that,” said Simons. 

Simons also said the Board felt a 3rd party should step in. 

 “I think with this particular instance, we felt like, you know, it might be good for OGEC to do an investigation because it’s a third party and they can just put it to rest.” 

The Crook County School District has faced significant administrative turmoil in recent months.  

 Superintendent Melissa Skinner resigned in January 2025 following widespread student protests against her.  

Additionally, School Board Members Jessica Brumble and Cheyenne Edgerly, resigned amid complaints concerning hiring practices and ethics violations .    

KTVZ News has learned that the school board did not move forward with approving Brumble’s hire as Transportation Manager. They re-opened that job position.  

On Monday night, the School Board worked to approve a new Transportation Manager, Lindsey Price. 

UPDATE (5/13/25):

Tuesday, Interim Superintendent, Dr. Joel Hoff, contacted KTVZ News, requesting to add language, clarifying Mr. Simon’s statements regarding the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, and Dr. Hoff’s role with the Crook County School District.

Dr. Joel Hoff: “OGEC is a separate entity and our board has no jurisdiction over their operations.”

“I am committed to serving in an interim superintendent role through next school year. The board has not taken any action regarding appointing a permanent superintendent.”

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office, as well as agencies throughout Oregon, are urging drivers to buckle up during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort.

The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from Monday, May 19 to Sunday, June 1. 

Our goal is to see seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike. It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law.

Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented. 

The national seat belt use rate in 2023 was 91.2%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.8% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night.  

If the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success.

If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits.

Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of not buckling up. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up. 

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. 

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KTVZ News Team

(Update: adding video, comments from KPOV)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – KPOV 88.9 FM, High Desert Community Radio, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is excited to announce it was awarded a generous $35,000 grant from the Fred W. Fields Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.

This incredible support will help KPOV renovate and modernize our studio environment, production facilities, and broadcast equipment.

“Right now, we only have one studio where a live DJ can come in,” said Linda Orcelletto, executive director of KPOV. “Now we’ll have two, so they can come in, interact with one another, and do more live programming. That’s what’s so great about KPOV. All of our DJs are volunteers, and almost all of our shows are live.”

With these updates, KPOV will be better equipped to continue broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The remodel, spearheaded by volunteers, will begin in July.

For 20 years, KPOV has been a voice for the people of Central Oregon by amplifying stories, music, and conversations from underrepresented voices, advocates, and changemakers. Our mission is to bring diverse perspectives to the airwaves and promote a stronger, more connected community through non-commercial, independent community radio.

“This upgrade is a big win for KPOV,” said Gillian Hodgen, KPOV’s Programming Manager. “Not only will it enhance the services we provide to the community, but it also brings renewed energy and excitement for our dedicated volunteers.”

We’re proud to share local music, news, and cultural programming with everyone in our community at no charge — especially to those who don’t have access to subscription-based media. KPOV broadcasts on 88.9 FM in Bend, Oregon, and is also available to listeners everywhere through our free mobile app and online streaming at kpov.org.

On behalf of our nearly 100 dedicated volunteers and the entire KPOV family, many thanks to the Fred W. Fields Fund for helping make this vital project a reality.

KPOV High Desert Community Radio, located at 501 NW Bond Street in Bend, Oregon, has been broadcasting since June 2005 and is celebrating 20 years on the air. As a listener-supported and volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, KPOV is committed to building community through inclusive, locally produced radio that informs, entertains, and inspires.

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