Author: KTVZ

Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — For over an hour and a half, Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Janelle Bynum took questions from members of the community on Saturday.

They were answering questions on both foreign and domestic policy.

Both Sen. Wyden and Rep. Bynum took about 12 questions together, giving insight into how they voted on recent issues and what they think about current events.

The gymnasium was packed with residents from all across Deschutes County hoping to get their questions answered.

So I asked a few of them what they are hoping to hear about.

Randy Jones, a resident of Bend, told KTVZ News, “When will we see a step by achievable step of a plan that’s going to reverse the depredation, cruelty, and destruction of our system of compassionate governance?”

“Hopefully, we get some answers about trying to get rid of this clown that’s leading us astray,” Gary Mason, a resident of Sisters, told KTVZ News.

We are now about 10 months away from the midterm elections.

While legislators in Washington focus on issues such as what is happening in Iran, I asked potential voters what they are following as we get closer to the upcoming elections.

Bend Resident Robin Werdal told KTVZ News, “The total violence that is being perpetrated on citizens and immigrants in this country by ICE.”

“I think we need to overturn the Congress in the House and hopefully the Senate,” Sisters Resident Rob Phelps told KTVZ News. “Who’s going to pay for it? Purse strings are controlled by the House of Representatives.”

You can follow our election coverage at ktvz.com/elections and the ktvz app.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Powder House, a long-time Bend business, is expanding – establishing a new venue called “Base Camp.”

The 8,000-square-foot space will feature outdoor seating with fire pits, 36 taps, handcrafted cocktails and live music.

The owners of Powder House, Todd McGee and his wife, have operated the establishment for nearly 25 years and have always aimed to develop their back lot.

The new venue, designed to create a relaxing atmosphere for customers, is set to enhance food options on the West Side.

The Base Camp project will include multiple amenities such as an 18-foot projection screen, allowing for various entertainment options and live music performances. Todd expressed enthusiasm about the unique offerings, stating, “So my wife and I are very, very excited about this. The customers coming in the Powderhouse can’t wait for this to happen.”

According to McGee, the development is part of their ongoing commitment to providing a distinctive experience. “They’re excited for new food options on the West Side and being able to, especially in a relaxing, fun atmosphere,” he said.

Construction for the Base Camp venue is scheduled to finish by late April or early May, indicating that the new gathering space could be ready for customers shortly after that.

Once completed, customers can expect a vibrant space that not only focuses on drinks and food but also supports live performances and social gatherings, enhancing the community space in Bend.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden is in Central Oregon this week, speaking at town halls in Madras and Sisters. While he is in town, he stopped by the KTVZ News studios.

We discussed a wide variety of topics, from ICE to wildfires.

During the conversation, I asked him about rural schools’ funding.

The question was, “One of the big things that just passed is the Secure Rural Schools Act Authorization of 2025. Can you talk a little bit about how that helps this district?”

Senator Wyden responded, “The fact is, this program is a lifeline for Oregon. You know, The Federal Government owns most of our land. So the law that I wrote was a number of years ago. It helps with roads, helps with schools, and helps with law enforcement, and it’s a huge shot in the arm. Oregon’s share of this law has been $3.6 billion over the years. It’s arguably the biggest authorization we’ve had in the state.”

If you would like to attend his town hall, he will be in Sisters on Saturday with Representative Janelle Bynum.

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Triton Notary

Theodore the dachshund was in the KTVZ studio today for Pet Pals. Other than being incredibly adorable, he is shy, sweet and loving. Lynne, Director of community partnerships for HSCO, says he and his litter are warm and bubbly once they get to know you. Apparently, Theodore is also a talented racer! If you want to adopt Theodore and his litter, just go to the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

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Tyson Beauchemin

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The community of La Pine is coming together around a child and family in need of support – and a heart.

Braxton Twyman was diaonosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) shortly after he was born 14 months ago.

As a newborn, Braxton underwent a series of surgeries. Even though he survived, complications from his heart disease are preventing him from having further necessary surgeries.

Simply put: Braxton needs a new heart.

But finding an available and suitable heart for a young child can be difficult. The family has been burdened with additional expenses, like travel and lodging, while moving Braxton between various medical organizations.

Despite all of that, Braxton is growing into an energetic and happy child. When KTVZ News met with the Twyman family in La Pine, Braxton was playful and curious, despite being a little late for a nap. 

“He is the happiest baby you’ll ever meet,” Braxton’s mother, Destinee Twyman told us. “Other than when he’s grumpy, because he needs a nap, but it’s every kid. He is obsessed with his dad right now. Everything is about Dad. He loves to swing. He loves being outside. Honestly, he just loves being a kid, outside of the hospital.”

Braxton’s energy and willingness to fight has inspiried the community of La Pine. Many local businesses have banded together to have a day to raise funds for the Twyman family.

There’s four events happening around Central Oregon, and all benefit Braxton in one way ore another.

This Sunday at 11 a.m., theres going to be a car show and poker event at General Duffy’s in Redmond.

Sunriver Brewery and Rosland Coffee House are donating $1 to Braxton’s family for every item sold.

Lastly, Legend Cider Company in La Pine is holding a big event, with a items raffled off.

You can learn more about Braxton at this Facebook page: “Braxton Twyman’s HLHS Journey”.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend is preparing to enact a policy barring the use of city facilities for federal immigration enforcement, as outlined in state law, saying the goal is to foster a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants and refugees.

“City facilities may not be used for the purpose of investigating, detecting, apprehending, arresting, detaining or holding individuals for immigration enforcement,” the draft policy states (you can read it in full below).

The Bend City Council is expected to review City Manager Eric King’s proposed policy at next Wednesday’s council meeting.

The policy goes on to note some limitations on what it can do: “The public should be aware that prohibiting use of publicly accessible spaces is beyond the city’s legal authority, and the city cannot control or prohibit federal immigration activities within the city generally.”

But it adds: “The City condemns the indiscriminate and increasingly violent, and likely unlawful, civil immigration enforcement tactics which are occurring across the country and in Oregon. These tactics are causing significant impacts on the health and well-being of the community, including fear and actual harm to families, neighbors, businesses, and the community at large.”

The city says it’s committed to uphold state and federal law while ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all community members. But the policy would prohibit the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals for immigration purposes on city property, aligning with the city’s resolution to be a Welcoming City.

The policy encompasses all city property and extends to all individuals on it, including employees, contractors and visitors. City workers are required to comply with the prohibition and are not to assist in any civil immigration enforcement activities.

City facilities are defined as all real property, land and public facilities owned or managed by the city, including parking lots and structures.

It defines “civil immigration enforcement activities” as investigating, detecting, apprehending, arresting, detaining or holding individuals for immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant, order, or subpoena as described in ORS 181A.823 (1)(c)(A), and includes staging, processing, or establishing or using an operations base for such activities.”

City staff are not authorized to provide access to non-public spaces for purposes ofcivil immigration enforcement, the draft policy says.

“City parking lots that are or may be accessible to the public or entities engaged in civilimmigration enforcement should have clear signage stating the following, or a substantially similar message: “This property is owned or controlled by the City of Bend. It may not be used for civil immigration enforcement, including as a Staging Area, Processing Location, or Operations Base.”

In instances where federal agents attempt to access city property, city employees would be instructed to notify the appropriate city department’s leadership, who would coordinate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the policy.

Here’s the draft document provided Friday to KTVZ News:

City of Bend immigration use of facilities policy draftDownload

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported on Friday the results of its participation in the national Drive Sober, Get Pulled Over campaign, which ran from Dec. 10 – Jan. 1 to help keep impaired drivers off our roads and ensure safer travel for everyone.

During the enforcement detail, deputies worked four six-hour shifts, DCSO said, resulting in:

56 traffic stops

11 citations issued

50 warnings given

1 warrant arrest

1 DUII arrest during the detail

12 Total DUII arrests agency-wide

Here’s the rest of that news release:

While the primary goal of Drive Sober, Get Pulled Over is to prevent impaired driving, these efforts also allow deputies to engage with the community, share safety information, and remind drivers of the importance of making safe and responsible choices.

“We want our roads to be safe for everyone—not just during the holidays, but all year long,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Driving sober saves lives, and we appreciate the community’s support in making safety a priority.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encouraged everyone to plan ahead, use designated drivers or a ride-share service, and avoid driving impaired.

“It’s never worth taking the chance of harming yourself or others by getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired,” they said. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Facing pending budget cuts at the state level for the 2025-27 mid-biennium — likely 2%, but as much as 5% — Central Oregon Community College said this week it’s “welcoming community advocacy in encouraging state lawmakers, whose next session begins Feb. 2, to maintain current funding levels.”

COCC said interested citizens can visit tinyurl.com/StandWithCOCC to learn more about the forecasted budget changes and add their name to a “Stand with COCC” petition, the college said in a news release.

The college’s Wednesday call to the community came on the same day that COCC faculty and classified staff, represented by two unions seeking new contracts, joined forces in a rally to demand living wages.

Here’s the rest of COCC’s full news release:

COCC President Dr. Greg Pereira said that while the cuts, driven by anticipated revenue shortfalls, would impact all of Oregon’s school districts and state agencies, eliminated funding would have an exaggerated impact on COCC above all other 16 community colleges.

“Because of the funding formula used by the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, COCC receives less state funding and more property taxes compared to other community colleges, approximately 70% property taxes versus 30% state funding of total public resources,” Pereira said. “So any cut would have a disproportionate impact on our 2026 fiscal year, and it could be as much as $1.5 million per year.”

A similar reduction could occur in fiscal 2027.

Cuts of this size, COCC estimated, would impact things like course availability, staffing levels, workforce programs in areas like early childhood education, health care and public safety, along with a reduced ability to operate rural centers and engage in community outreach. The 5% reduction scenario would include a state freeze on new Oregon Promise enrollments, a state grant that currently helps cover tuition costs for 669 COCC students.

“We’re advocating strongly for education — and we need our community’s voice with us,” added Pereira, who said COCC is actively engaging with the Oregon Community College Association and state leaders to encourage advocacy. “This isn’t just about COCC. It’s about the health, safety and economic future of Central Oregon.”

Associated Students of COCC President Talia Stockwell is putting her name on the college’s petition letter. “COCC provides life-changing opportunities for students like me,” she said. “With looming budget cuts to community colleges across the state, these opportunities are at risk.”

State investment, in turn, furthers economic growth and community stability. The most recent data available from Lightcast, a global leader in labor analytics, reported in 2023 that COCC’s operations, alumni and student spending gener­ated $289.6 million in added income for the district’s economy, equivalent to supporting 3,562 jobs.

For more information, contact Lucas Alberg, COCC’s director of marketing and public relations, at lalberg@cocc.edu or 541-383-7599.

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Silas Moreau

(Update: City council picks interim administrator)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras City Council held a special meeting Friday morning to formally accept City Administrator Will Ibershof and appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurt as his interim successor.

Here’s that official announcement from the City of Madras:

City of Madras Appoints Interim City Administrator

Madras, Oregon – At a special meeting held on January 16, 2026, the Madras City Council formally accepted the resignation of City Administrator Will Ibershof, effective January 14, 2026. Mr. Ibershof resigned from his position, and the Council expressed appreciation for the contributions he made to the City of Madras and the Madras community during his tenure, wishing him well in his future endeavors.

At the same meeting, the City Council appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurd as Interim City Administrator, effective immediately.

Mayor Mike Lepin stated that the appointment provides steady leadership during a period of transition. “Jeff is a steady leader who knows this organization and understands the work,” Lepin said. “His appointment allows the city to keep moving forward while Council takes the time needed to discuss next steps.”

“I appreciate the Council’s trust and confidence in me,” Hurd said. “My focus right now is to give the organization a moment to breathe, take a clear look at our current projects and priorities, and then move forward thoughtfully. We have a strong team that’s here to serve the community, and that work will continue.”

At this time, the City Council has not formally discussed the process or timing for selecting a permanent City Administrator. Those discussions will occur at a future public meeting.

City operations and services will continue without interruption.

Earlier story:

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ-Jan. 15) — The city of Madras received the resignation of City Administrator Will Ibershof on January 14, 2026.

The city will hold a special meeting Friday, January 16th to formally recognize this indictment, and consider appointing an interim city administrator.

Read the official release from the City of Madras below:

The city of Madras received the resignation of City Administrator Will Ibershof on January 14, 2026.

The Madras City Council will hold a special meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. to formally accept Mr. Ibershof’s resignation.  During this special meeting, the council will also consider the appointment of an interim city administrator.  The special meeting will be conducted in accordance with Oregon public meeting laws.

City operations and services will continue without interruption.

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Kelsey Merison

BANDON, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the USGS, just before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 15th, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the Oregon coast, about 180 miles west of Bandon.

This area often experiences earthquakes and no tsunami is expected.

Seattle’s Lumen Field currently has six seismic sensors monitoring activity ahead of the Seattle Seahawks taking on the San Francisco 49ers Saturday in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, according to our Portland affiliate station KGW.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management, or OEM, posted the following to its Facebook following the quake:

“Earthquake Update – No Tsunami Expected

The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Information Statement following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake off the Oregon coast this evening.

– There is NO tsunami expected.

– No tsunami warning or advisory has been issued.

– Earthquake details (preliminary):

• Location: Offshore Oregon Coast

• Magnitude: 6.0

• Depth: ~7 miles

• Time: 7:25 PM PST

This will be the only message issued for this event unless additional information becomes available. Any further updates will come from the United States Geological Survey or regional seismic networks.

As always, we encourage Oregonians to stay informed through official sources and be prepared for aftershocks.

Learn more about earthquake and tsunami preparedness: oregon.gov/oem“

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