Author: KTVZ

Triton Notary

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) Visit Central Oregon has awarded $300,000 in grant money to 12 regional tourism projects through its Central Oregon Future Fund. This marks the fourth annual cycle of the program, which supports initiatives benefiting both residents and visitors across the region.

The grant program aims to foster tourism-related projects that align with its pillars of accessible adventure, cultural tourism and stewardship. The 12 recipients were selected from a total of 26 applications, which collectively requested more than $1 million in funding.

Visit Central Oregon selected the 12 recipients in cooperation with eight advisory grant reviewers. These reviewers included industry representatives from regional tourism and hospitality, media and publishing, outdoor recreation and Central Oregon’s rural communities, including the Warm Springs Reservation and a community-based non-profit from the Warm Springs Reservation.

Of the 26 applications received, nine were for accessible adventure projects, 14 for cultural tourism projects and three for stewardship projects. The 12 selected recipients include five accessible adventure projects, six cultural tourism projects and one stewardship project.

The Jefferson County Event Complex will expand Cowdeo youth rodeo programming and enhance the Corwin Arena. These improvements aim to increase regional event capacity, improve visitor access and strengthen tourism-driven economic activity.

Wasco County Fairgrounds plans to enhance its facilities by procuring a mobile performance stage and completing lighting, accessibility and event-area improvements. This will expand tourism-driven concerts, festivals and regional community events.

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance project expands the High Desert Food Trail. It includes the development of an Accessibility Edition, inclusive itineraries and a shoulder-season Accessible Travel Week. These efforts connect visitors of all abilities to Central Oregon farms, food and agritourism.

The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory, also known as SNCO, will implement its Accessible Trails and Inclusive Interpretation Initiative. This combines ADA-accessible trails, multilingual and audio signage and a virtual walking tour. The initiative ensures visitors of all abilities can enjoy Central Oregon’s natural beauty year-round.

Deschutes Land Trust’s project improves visitor access to Metolius Preserve. It aims to create an inviting place to hike, roll and ride, increasing the inventory of accessible trails in the Sisters area for visitors of all abilities.

Sisters Trails Alliance’s project aims to create the first fully verified accessible adventure trail system in Oregon. This involves rating all non-motorized trails, training volunteers and expanding adaptive recreation opportunities.

Sisters Trails Alliance Executive Director Stephanie Presley expressed gratitude for the support. “Sisters Trails Alliance believes everyone should have access to our beautiful outdoor spaces. We are so grateful for Visit Central Oregon’s investment in our Accessible Trails Project, which will help us to assess and modify trails and infrastructure, expanding inclusive recreation for people of all ages and ability levels.”

Ballet Bend, the city’s first professional ballet presenting organization, will use the funds to bring nationally and internationally recognized dance to Central Oregon.

BendFilm will utilize its grant to support the continued expansion of the BendFilm Festival, a five-day independent film event in October. The festival includes films, filmmaker Q&A sessions and community events.

Clay Pruitt, Managing Director of BendFilm, noted the impact on rural areas. “The Future Fund grant from Visit Central Oregon plays a direct role in helping BendFilm continue expanding access to film and storytelling in our rural communities. This support allows us to bring screenings, conversations and creative opportunities to audiences in Warm Springs and Madras, strengthening cultural connection across Central Oregon. We are grateful for this investment in both our work and the communities we serve.”

Oregon Adaptive Sports will deliver its signature adaptive outdoor programs through its All Access Adventure initiative. These programs are for more than 100 people with disabilities of all ages and their families, including specific programs for disabled veterans.

ThinkWild’s project involves converting a gravel lot into an accessible pollinator garden and outdoor classroom. This space is intended for hands-on learning, community stewardship and connection to the Crooked River.

Hannah Wuerfel, Beaver Works Habitat Restoration Coordinator for ThinkWild, highlighted the project’s community focus. “This funding is helping us take the project beyond a native plant garden and turn it into a true community space. By adding signage and places to sit and spend time, it will become a welcoming, educational spot along the Crooked River. It also supports hands-on learning, local students and volunteers won’t just enjoy the space, they’ll help build and care for it while learning how to be part of restoring the landscapes around them.”

ScaleHouse, a contemporary arts project, will feature two new exhibitions at Scalehouse Gallery in Bend. These exhibitions will invite visitors to explore identity, leadership and migration.

Wake Creative, Inc. is developing Sketch and Release, a touring multimedia production. This production celebrates Black Oregonians through film, performance, music and community dialogue, exploring identity and future-building across 12 rural and metro venues statewide.

Jason McNeal Graham, of Wake Creative, Inc., emphasized the grant’s role in making the tour a reality. “As a Future Fund recipient, Sketch and Release Tour is able to move from concept to reality, bringing high-quality, Black-led multimedia storytelling to rural Central Oregon communities that are often overlooked. The support will not only amplify our capacity to tour and engage audiences across multiple counties, it also validates the importance of culturally responsive work and opens doors to new partnerships, future funding and long-term community impact.”

In addition to the Future Fund, Visit Central Oregon supports stewardship projects through the Central Oregon Destination Management Studio. This separate regional collaborative process includes more than $100,000 in support for stewardship initiatives, such as Dark Sky initiatives, a trails improvement project managed by the Deschutes Trails Coalition and the development of an arts and heritage program focused on Central Oregon’s music culture.

Visit Central Oregon CEO Scott Larson underscored the long-term vision behind the grants. “By reinvesting tourism dollars directly into projects that protect our natural landscapes and enhance our Central Oregon community, we are ensuring that our destination remains strong for future generations of residents and visitors alike. Four years in and we are continuously proud to support local projects and initiatives that foster accessibility, diversity and sustainability.”

Oregon Adaptive Sports will deliver its adaptive outdoor programs from September 2026 through May 2027.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Factory Stores is rebranding as Elevation Bend, with a grand unveiling and the launch of the Elevation Farmers Market scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026. The event will take place at 61334 South Highway 97 in Bend.

This transformation aims to create a refreshed destination for shopping, community connection and local experiences.

The rebrand represents the next evolution of the center, designed to bring together national brands, local vendors and community-focused events in an outdoor setting.

The new Elevation Farmers Market will run weekly on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. through October. It aims to support regional growers and small businesses.

The Grand Unveiling Celebration of Elevation Bend will introduce the center’s new name and clock tower sign, updated branding and commitment to serving the Bend community. The celebration will feature a live painting of a community mural and a special appearance from Get Up and Groove, known for their dance experiences and presence on Instagram.

Guests can also enjoy live music, food trucks and a variety of local vendors. A dedicated Kids Zone with bouncy houses and additional family-friendly activities will be available.

Launching the same day, Elevation Farmers Market will take place every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., May 1 through October. The market will feature a rotating selection of local farmers, food vendors and community partners. It is designed to create a new weekly gathering place for residents and visitors while supporting regional growers and small businesses.

Retailers at Elevation Bend include national favorites such as Nike, Columbia, Pendleton, Victoria’s Secret, Rack Room Shoes and Carter’s.

Community members are encouraged to attend the unveiling celebration and return weekly throughout the season to enjoy Elevation Farmers Market. The market will operate every Friday from May 1 through October.

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Kelsey Merison

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Marine Board is conducting its annual marine law enforcement training in Jefferson County. The training, which began yesterday and runs until May 8th, aims to enhance officers’ boat maneuvering skills and knowledge of boating safety rules.

The training provides law enforcement officers with hands-on experience, allowing them to develop proficiency in operating both jet and propeller boats. Participants learn critical safety regulations they will enforce to help keep people safe on the water. Part of the training will take place at Lake Billy Chinook.

Residents should be aware that this activity is part of the scheduled training and not a cause for concern. Two deputies from Jefferson County are among the officers attending the academy.

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Triton Notary

HINES, Ore. (KTVZ) Patrick Wright, a 44-year-old man from Burns was sentenced today to 45 days in federal prison for repeatedly stealing mail. Wright, a former U.S. Postal Service employee at the Hines, Ore., Post Office, also received two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay over $2,000 in restitution.

The sentencing follows Wright’s guilty plea today to one count of theft of mail by a postal employee. Court documents indicate that from January 2024 through June 2024, Wright stole contents, including money and gift cards, from mail while working at the Hines Post Office. A federal grand jury in Eugene returned a one-count indictment against Wright on April 17, 2025.

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Matthew Draxton

MADRAS, ORE. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Fire & EMS crews responded to a structure fire at a single-family home in the 600 block of NE Chapel Street in Madras, Ore., early on Monday, April 27th.

The fire, caused by a debris pile that had smoldered overnight, was contained to the home’s exterior and no injuries were reported after all occupants safely evacuated.

Firefighters arrived at approximately 7:14 a.m. to find the exterior side of the residence on fire.

Crews quickly deployed a hose line and performed an initial attack, bringing the flames under control and extinguishing the fire before it could spread further inside the home.

The smoldering debris from the previous night ignited the side of the home the following morning.

After extinguishing the fire, crews conducted overhaul operations and checked for any extension into the structure. Madras Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff Office assisted at the scene.

Following the incident, fire personnel spoke with the residents about safe burning practices. Jefferson County Fire & EMS reminds the public to obtain a valid and free burn permit, burn only approved materials and avoid trash, maintain adequate clearance from structures and other combustibles and ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended or at the end of the day.

The fire report was completed by Interim Chief Kasey Skaar.

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Spencer Sacks

(Correction: Party Affiliation Deadline was Tuesday, April 28th)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The final day to register to vote or change party affiliation for the May 19 primary election is Tuesday night at 11:59 p.m.

Deschutes County is preparing for a record number of voters, with more than 168,000 registered.

Key Races and Measures

This election features several important races, including four open seats for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, commissioner races in Crook and Jefferson counties, and a key referendum on the Oregon Department of Transportation funding bill.

This election is also drawing voter interest due to the referendums, county commissioner races and a hotly contested governor’s race.

Voter Growth Since 2016

The number of registered voters in Deschutes County has grown by more than 60% since 2016, increasing from 109,000 to more than 168,000.

This growth was significantly impacted by the “Motor Voter” law, which went into effect in 2016. Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison noted the continued increase in voter registration.

“We’ve seen the incremental growth over the last few years. I would say even since Motor Voter went into effect in 2016, that growth was significant. It’s leveled off a little bit, but we’re still seeing an increase in the number of registered voters here in Deschutes County,” Dennison said.

Voter Eligibility and Registration

To be eligible to register to vote in Oregon, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Oregon and at least 16 years old. However, voters must be 18 years old to cast a ballot.

Prospective voters are required to provide their Oregon driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. They must also affirm, under penalty of law, that they meet all eligibility requirements and that the provided information is accurate.

Oregonians can register or update their voter information online at OregonVotes.gov or by visiting their local county elections office.

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read emphasized the state’s commitment to an accessible and secure election system.

“Oregon has worked hard to make our vote-by-mail election system a national gold standard for access and integrity,” Read said. “Registering to vote takes only minutes and opens the door for eligible citizens to hold politicians accountable and decide the direction of our state.”

Ballot Mailing and Voting Timeline

Local elections officials will begin sending ballots to registered voters in the next few days, and voting can begin on May 1.

Ballot Return Options

Voters have two methods to return their completed ballots: through the U.S. Postal Service using the provided envelope or by dropping them off at official drop boxes located throughout the county.

Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison provided guidance for voters mailing their ballots closer to Election Day.

“If it’s getting closer to Election Day, toward the end of the week before Election Day, bring it to the post office, bring it to the counter and ask them to hand postmark or hand cancel it,” Dennison said.

If a ballot is sent by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Once postmarked, the ballot has one week to be received by the county clerk’s office to be counted.

Official drop boxes are collected by a team of two people on a regular basis. Ballots must be submitted to a drop box by 8 p.m. on May 19.

Party Affiliation Deadline

The April 28th deadline also applies to registered voters who need to update their information, such as declaring a political party, to be eligible for closed primary election races across the state.

An uptick in registrations has been observed online and in person as people prepare for the primary.

Ballots will be sent to registered voters in the next few days. Voting can begin on May 1. Voters must return their ballots via an official drop box by 8 p.m. on May 19. Alternatively, if mailed, ballots must be postmarked by May 19 and received by the county clerk’s office within one week of Election Day.

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Matthew Draxton

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Following her April 15th resignation as commissioner of the Madras Redevelopment Commission, Janine Metteer is now citing issues that she felt were “above my pay grade” in a Madras Pioneer interview.

Metteer expressed frustration with what she described as a lack of transparency and a disconnect between city priorities and community needs. She also raised concerns about city spending and growing debt.

Metteer, who grew up in Madras, told the paper she felt she could have more impact by leaving her position than by staying. She pointed to a perceived decline in local businesses and neighborhoods in the city.

The news comes as KTVZ has reported on several high-profile departures, including the recent departure of an interim city administrator, the continuing struggle to appoint a new police chief, and the resignation of the city’s finance director.

However, the news is not all bad in the Jefferson County area. The county has seen significant economic improvement, moving from the state’s most economically distressed county in 2023 to the eighth position in a new report.

Metteer is encouraging residents to get involved and speak up at city council meetings.

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Kelsey Merison

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Livestock Auction recently held a feeder sale, drawing a large crowd and featuring nearly one thousand cattle on the auction block. The event highlighted the robust state of the cattle industry, which remains strong while other sectors may be struggling.

Feeder cattle are defined as being under one year old. This particular sale was noted as one of the larger events, as many of the cattle had been weaned and reached sufficient size for sale. The auction attracted a diverse range of bidders, from large meat companies purchasing hundreds of head to individuals acquiring one or two animals for their backyards.

Tim Messner, the sale yard foreman at the Central Oregon Livestock Auction, spoke on the industry’s current health. “Very strong. Yes, yes… Seems like we’re setting set new records every week. We’re all trying to work hard for the industry,” Messner said. “We all have an understanding that if we work together the best we can, then we’re going to create the best price for our customers.”

Bidding at the auction can extend throughout the entire day. While ranchers often compete as rivals during the bidding process on the auction floor, a sense of community prevails outside the arena. A cafe located next to the main arena serves as a gathering place where attendees can share breakfast and lunch.

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Triton Notary

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) 43 Year old Sir Charles Ariesis Williams was taken into custody on April 26th after leading law enforcement on vehicle and foot pursuits in Madras. The incident began at approximately 2:11 p.m. with reports of erratic driving and a possible domestic violence situation. Williams was apprehended by a K-nine unit following a vehicle crash and subsequent foot chase.

Frontier 911 dispatchers received the initial request for officers to respond to the area of SE 7th Street and SE G Street. Reports indicated a male driver was erratically trying to “run down” another vehicle and a female on scene. Law enforcement also received additional reports of a possible domestic violence situation involving Williams and his female passenger.

A deputy from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office located Williams’ vehicle while officers were en route to the scene. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, but Williams failed to stop and attempted to elude the deputy, leading to a vehicle pursuit. Williams later crashed into a passerby vehicle in the area of NE 10th Street and NE Oak Street. He then ran from the scene, prompting law enforcement to pursue him on foot and establish a perimeter around the area.

A shelter-in-place request was distributed to citizens in surrounding areas out of an abundance of caution while the situation unfolded. Assistance was requested from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for a K-nine unit to track the suspect. Law enforcement units responded to 410 NE Oak Street, where Williams was believed to be hiding in a large area of shrubbery. After multiple verbal warnings and commands, the K-nine unit deployed the K-nine to search the area. The K-9 located Williams and officers on scene took him into custody. Williams received immediate medical treatment and care from Jefferson County Fire and EMS and was transported to St. Charles Hospital in Madras. He was taken into physical custody on April 27, 2026, at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, Ore., with assistance from the Bend Police Department. Williams was booked and lodged at the Jefferson County Jail on multiple charges. These include Robbery III, Coercion, Kidnapping, Assault III, Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, Attempt to Elude by Foot, Escape III, Criminal Mischief I, DUI, Reckless Driving, Harassment, Criminal Mischief III, Reckless Endangering, Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver.

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Triton Notary

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Congresswoman Janelle Bynum and Alabama Congressman Shomari C. Figures recently introduced two pieces of legislation in Congress. The Save SNAP Act and the Rural Health Resilience Act aim to bolster federal food assistance and provide financial aid to rural health centers across the United States.

The Save SNAP Act is designed to protect access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by ensuring federal dollars continue to reach states even if new budget proposals prevent them from meeting cost-sharing requirements. Concurrently, the Rural Health Resilience Act focuses on delivering essential financial assistance to rural health facilities.

Congresswoman Bynum, representing Oregon’s 5th congressional district, highlighted the importance of equitable access to basic services for all Americans. “Access to necessities like health care or food shouldn’t be dependent on where you live,” Rep. Bynum said. “I am proud to introduce these two bills to make sure rural health centers get the support they need and Americans across the country have access to the food assistance they rely on.” The Save SNAP Act directly addresses potential disruptions to federal food assistance. It would ensure that states continue to receive federal SNAP dollars even if they cannot or do not meet new cost-sharing requirements outlined in the Republicans’ budget bill. Congressman Figures, who represents Alabama’s 2nd congressional district, co-introduced both bills. The Rural Health Resilience Act specifically seeks to provide financial support to rural health centers, aiming to strengthen their operations.

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