Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – State Senator Anthony Broadman (D,-Bend) announced Tuesday a $4 million state loan guarantee to support the Joule housing development in Bend, a project that will add 134 new multifamily housing units, including income-restricted units for households earning at or below 90 percent of the area median income.

“The project aims to achieve low-carbon energy performance and will feature efficient, climate-conscious design and construction,” Broadman said in a news release that continues in full below:

“This investment represents exactly the kind of partnership Central Oregon needs: state and local partnership to help developers deliver more sustainable, abundant housing,” said Senator Broadman. “This project is an important step toward meeting our community’s housing needs and ensuring that Bend continues to grow responsibly.” 

The loan guarantee helps fill a critical financing gap in Central Oregon’s housing market, where high construction costs and limited funding options have made multifamily development increasingly difficult. The project is expected to generate local construction jobs and contribute long term economic value to the region. 

“We want to build housing that makes sense for our community aligning with city goals for middle income housing and the environment,” said Peter Grube, one of the project’s developers. “State loan guarantees are a critical part of organic affordability and an investment in climate resilience.” 

The Permanent Loan Guarantee Program is a program through Oregon Housing and Community Services to expand housing options for Oregonians by backing a portion of loans that fund affordable and mixed income housing developments. By reducing risk for lenders, the program helps make innovative projects to improve affordability, like the Joule housing development, financially viable. 

Located at NE Fourth Street and Olney Avenue in Bend’s Orchard District, the Joule project represents a yearslong collaboration among state, local and private partners to deliver sustainable housing in Central Oregon. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026, with completion anticipated by late 2027. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with local butcher)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As Central Oregonians gear up for holiday gatherings, many are facing tighter budgets. And as the cost of groceries — especially meat — continues to climb, many are forced to rethink what will be on the table this year.

Federal data shows beef prices have surged more than 50% since 2020. This year alone has seen a roughly 14% jump. The result is slimmer supplies and tougher choices for both consumers and local suppliers.

At Cinder Butte Meat Company in Redmond, owner Brian Johnson says the ripple effects of supply cuts across the Northwest are impacting his family-owned business.

“We have vendors and processors all over the Northwest that we rely on to give us our product. And their supply has been cut. Therefore, the prices have gone up,” Johnson explained to us Thursday. 

“We have regular customers expecting the regular products they’ve been buying for years — and suddenly they’re asking, ‘Where are they?’” he added. “We can’t supply them because our suppliers can’t get them. And when we do have them, of course, the price has gone up.”

Cuts that might have sold for $9 a pound last year are now closer to $14 — and that’s if stores can get them at all.

Industry experts point to several factors driving the surge. The U.S. cattle herd is now the smallest it’s been in more than 70 years, persistent drought has strained grazing lands, and higher costs for fuel and feed are squeezing ranchers. On top of that, tariffs have increased the price of some imports.

“We’ve had a number of people who just didn’t buy cattle this year because the prices to purchase or the availability wasn’t there at all,” Johnson said. “Increased costs in farming, ranching, fuel — everything. And I don’t know that there’s an end in sight. We’re not seeing costs go down at all.”

Despite rising expenses, Johnson says his shop remains committed to offering high-quality, locally sourced meats. That’s a big reason why his customers are sticking with him.

“We’ve never wanted to lower our standards and supply people with something inferior just to save a few dollars,” he said. “We’ve always kept our standards high, and that’s what we aim to do this holiday season as well.”

For those preparing holiday meals under these new price pressures, planning ahead is more important than ever. Johnson recommends placing meat orders early to ensure availability. You can also consider less expensive cuts or alternative proteins, and contact local butchers to compare prices.

Whether it’s beef for a centerpiece roast or more modest fare, Central Oregonians may need creativity and flexibility to keep traditions alive — without breaking the bank.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ). — From the Greenwood Avenue Project to loud and speeding cars in town, KTVZ speaks with Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler and asks your pressing questions.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Kebler at any time as part of our exclusive monthly segment. Click here to submit.

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Cami Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A quiet night last Sunday in Redmond took a frightening turn when a resident’s front door was kicked in shortly after midnight.

Blake Blevins says he was at home when someone tried to force their way inside. Video from his Ring camera shows the suspect running off moments later, and hopping onto what appears to be an electric dirt bike.

Blevins called police, who arrived quickly. Officers told him the incident could be part of a growing social media trend circulating on the app TikTok, where people film themselves kicking in doors or pretending to break into homes.

“I just want somebody to be held accountable for it,” Blevins said. “There are other people in the neighborhood who reported the same thing happening. It’s a safety thing—we’ve been here 11 years and haven’t had any issues.”

Blevins worries the situation could escalate if a homeowner reacts out of fear. “It’s not like a harmless prank,” he said, noting that someone armed could respond with force if they thought an intruder was breaking in.

The attempted break-in left significant damage to Blevins’ door and frame. He estimates repairs will cost about $3,000.

Redmond police are investigating and urging residents to report any similar incidents or suspicious activity immediately.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pacific Power just introduced Cool Keeper, a demand-response program that optimizes electricity use on hot summer days, installing a device that can cycle off air conditioning for a brief time to help “rebalance” the electrical grid. It says the goal is “helping customers stay comfortable while supporting a reliable and efficient energy grid.” 

Here’s the utility’s announcement of how the system works, and its benefits, including a bill credit totaling $30 a year:

Cool Keeper is a way for residential customers to benefit the environment and help keep electricity costs low during hot summer months. Through a simple device installed free of charge on air conditioners and heat pumps, Pacific Power can partner with customers to temporarily reduce energy use without compromising comfort.  

More about the program: 

How it works: Cool Keeper devices installed on central cooling systems can be activated if there is an unexpected shift in electricity supply. The devices cycle the unit off for a brief period – typically just 5 minutes. When hundreds of devices are activated together, this brief reduction in energy use gives the grid the flexibility it needs to rebalance.  Even when the device is activated, the indoor fan keeps running, circulating cool air to keep the home comfortable. 

Free installation: Outdoor-only installation is quick, easy and requires no appointment. Pacific Power’s trained technicians will provide and install the device free of charge.

Annual incentive: Participants sign up just once, and then receive a $30 bill credit every year, distributed in monthly increments from May through September. 

Benefits: Through Cool Keeper, Pacific Power and customers can work together to make our existing energy grid smarter and more efficient – reducing the need to invest in additional generation or make expensive energy purchases.     

“Cool Keeper is a win-win for our customers and the community,” said Shawn Grant, director of customer innovations at Pacific Power. “It’s an easy way to stay comfortable while contributing to energy reliability and sustainability.” 

Each customer who participates in Cool Keeper gives the existing infrastructure a little more flexibility to support the integration of renewable energy supply and the increasing demand for power, reducing the need for energy grid upgrades.

To participate, customers must have an eligible cooling system. Most central air conditioning units and central heat pumps qualify; however, eligibility will be confirmed during an on-site visit.  

The program will initially be available in select areas for Pacific Power customers in Oregon. As the program expands in 2026, more customers will be able to enroll. 

To learn more or sign up, visit PacificPower.net/CoolKeeper or call 1-800-357-9214. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Justice said Wednesday it has concluded that a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy was justified in his use of deadly force last February and acted in self-defense when a man refused repeated commands and approached other deputies with a knife during a confrontation in Madras.

The DOJ announced its conclusion that no criminal charges were warranted after an investigation led by the Bend Police Department into the officer-involved shooting by Jefferson County sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Maldonado on February 20 that resulted in the death of Allan Dale Warner, Jr., 26. The report indicates Maldonado fired five shots, three of which struck Warner.

“The DOJ has concluded that law enforcement’s use of force is not subject to criminal prosecution,” the statement said, also sharing a 12-page letter to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, including several body camera photos of the encounter on Highway 97 in Madras.

“The role of the DOJ prosecutors was solely to determine whether the involved officers’ conduct warranted criminal charges,” the department said. “Questions regarding matters that are civil or administrative in nature were beyond the scope of the investigation.”

“Attorney General Dan Rayfield thanked the Bend Police Department and all members of the Central Oregon Major Incident Team for their efforts in conducting the investigation,” the DOJ statement concluded.

The report is signed by two Oregon senior assistant attorney generals: John Casalino and Interim Jefferson County District Attorney Steven Leriche.

A protest and vigil was held days after the shooting in front of Madras City Hall, attended by Warner’s mother, who said her son “wasn’t an angry person.”

The report says Madras Police, sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police were called to the area near Motel 6 in Madras that evening on reports of two men fighting. A caller told police the men broke it up when they honked their car horn.

It says law enforcement found Warner yelling and reaching into his pockets. When Deputy Isiah Duarte told Warner to show his hands, he yelled, “among other things, ‘I’ve got metal on me.'” Attempts to de-escalate the situation “did not work,” the report says.

Deputy Tyler Eicher warned Warner, then used a Taser, twice, but it proved “ineffective.”

Officers soon saw Warner pull a knife out of his pocket, yelling and making slashing movements at the officers. Body-worn camera video showed several law enforcement ordering Warner to stop and get on the ground, but the report says he “ignored those commands.”

At one point, Deputy Maldonado dropped his non-lethal shotgun on the highway, unholstered his pistol and pointed it at Warner, telling him “that he was going to kill him,” the report says.

Warner picked up the non-lethal shotgun but did not try to fire it. Maldonado yelled at other officers to “shoot him,” but they did not fire their pistols. Warner soon put the shotgun back on the ground as efforts to de-escalate the situation continued.

More Tasers were deployed, but Wawrner ripped the probes off his clothing.

Soon as the confrontation progressed down the street, “Depujty Maldonado believed Mr. Warner was going to use the knife to stab law enforcement officers.”

At the moment Maldonado fired five rounds at Warner when he came within a few feet of Officer Duarte, OSP Trooper Cole Binning said later he “also considered using deadly force to protect Officer Duarte, but because there were officers in front of him, he decided he could not do so without putting others at risk.”

“Mr. Warner turned toward the officers so quickly, and he closed the distance so fast, that there was no reasonable opportunity for Deputy Maldonado to further apply verbal de-escalation, other resources or techniques, or even to give another verbal force warning,” the report says.

“Furthermore, no other resource available to Deputy Maldonado at the time would have been effective to counter the threat that Deputy Maldonado reasonably believed Mr. Warner presented.”

The report concludes: “The facts and evidence in this case do not support a conclusion that law enforcement’s use of non-lethal force was unreasonable. Furthermore, the facts and evidence do not support a conclusion that Deputy Maldonado unreasonably believed that Mr. Warner was an imminent deadly threat, or that Deputy Maldonado’s use of deadly force to defend himself and others against that deadly threat and was objectively unreasonable.

“Therefore, there is insufficient evidence, under Oregon criminal law, to disprove that Deputy Maldonado’s use of deadly physical force against Mr. Warner was in self-defense or used in the defense of others. As such, the use of force against Mr. Warner was not criminal.”

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding Deschutes County drug prosecutor comment)

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Salem-area armed robbery suspect arrested last year at Bend’s Cascade Village Shopping Center was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison Wednesday for drug trafficking following a multi-agency investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Ryan Gossett, 39, of Turner, Oregon received a sentence of to 210 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release, federal prosecutors said.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2024, Gossett was apprehended in Bend after fleeing prosecution in Marion County for armed robbery. When arrested, Gossett was in possession of a handgun and small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Federal prosecutors had contacted the sheriff’s office that afternoon about the fugitive wanted on a nationwide warrant likely being in the Bend area and last known to be armed. He was found with a female associate, circling the shopping center. Eventually, their vehicle was pinned in and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Two days later, investigators with the DCSO Criminal Detectives Division executed a search warrant on Gossett’s vehicle, lfinding over 900 grams of methamphetamine, 330 grams of fentanyl, and firearm magazines.

Gossett was indicted on June 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on July 9 of this year to a single count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine.

Gossett has multiple prior convictions for delivery of a controlled substance, prosecutors said.

The case was investigated by the DCSO, with assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

Doyle, who is also a Deschutes County deputy DA, told KTVZ News Wednesday: “I’m just a narcotics lawyer. All credit goes to the hard-working men and women in Central Oregon law enforcement who apprehended Mr. Gossett. Without them, these outcomes don’t happen.”

“I’d also like to once again thank DA (Steve) Gunnels and the Eugene US Attorney’s Office for our continued and successful strategic partnership,” Doyle added.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced Wednesday the official launch of the Regional Business Alliance, a collaborative initiative uniting business voices across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. 

The RBA will serve as a unified advocate for pro-business policies, infrastructure investment, and regional prosperity, ensuring that the needs of Central Oregon’s private local businesses are amplified at the state level, according to the announcement, which continues in full below.

“The Regional Business Alliance reflects the collaborative spirit of Central Oregon. By bringing chambers, economic development experts, local and state governments, and business partners together, we’re ensuring our region speaks with one strong, united voice in Salem and beyond,” said Sara Odendahl, Interim CEO of the Bend Chamber.  

Jon Stark, CEO of Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) added, “The Regional Business Alliance represents an opportunity for Central Oregon— collaboration, vision, and a commitment to prosperity that reaches every corner of our region. We are ensuring that Central Oregon’s voice is heard in a new and impactful way and that our businesses have the tools they need to thrive today and in the future.” 

The RBA is launching with strong support from founding partners St. Charles Health System, Mid Oregon Credit Union, Pacific Power and Visit Bend, reflecting a shared commitment to building a resilient and prosperous future for the region. 

 “At St. Charles, we know that the health of our community is deeply connected to the health of our economy,” said Dr. Steve Gordon, CEO of St. Charles Health System. “By supporting the Regional Business Alliance, we’re investing in a future where strong businesses, a thriving workforce, and healthy communities grow together.” 

“Central Oregon’s growth depends on collaboration,” said Kevin Cole, CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union. “Through the Regional Business Alliance, we have the opportunity to ensure our businesses—and the families they support—have the resources and policies they need to succeed in every corner of the region.” 

Over the summer, the RBA hosted a dozen roundtables throughout the tri-county area with local business and community leaders. The roundtables have brought together over 100 participants to foster open dialogue on the region’s most pressing challenges to doing business locally. RBA is hosting additional roundtables to continue gathering input. If you’d like to participate in a roundtable, visit www.RegionalBusinessAlliance.com.  

Additionally, as part of its inaugural efforts, the RBA will host the Central Oregon Economic and Policy Summit on Friday, October 24, at Redmond City Hall.

This half-day program will convene business, elected and community leaders for collaboration, insights, and action on issues such as economic development, infrastructure and housing, and workforce policy. The event will feature presentations from Oregon Business & Industry, East Cascade Works, as well as the Central Oregon Legislative Caucus and Central Oregon Cities Organization. 

Jennifer Stephens, Program Manager of the Regional Business Alliance, added: “The Regional Business Alliance is already bringing together local business perspectives for input through roundtables and community engagement. Local leaders are sharing what’s working, and not, for their business in Central Oregon. The Regional Business Alliance is listening, distilling, and elevating the voice of central Oregon businesses by amplifying the collective message.   

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About the Regional Business Alliance Formed in 2025, the Regional Business Alliance (RBA) is a partnership of the Central Oregon Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development for Central Oregon, dedicated to advancing a collaborative legislative agenda that supports a thriving business climate. The RBA works alongside the Central Oregon Legislative Caucus and the Central Oregon Cities Organization to champion economic development, infrastructure, housing, transportation and workforce policies to benefit the entire region. 

For more information or to get involved, visit www.RegionalBusinessAlliance.com. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Ignitions complete, smoke to remain visible)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire managers with the Ochoco National Forest said more than 400 acres of prescribed burning took place Wednesday on the Paulina Ranger District.

The HEJ 9 unit encompassed about 418 acres on the northwest side of Big Summit Prairie, east of Forest Service Road 22, west of FSR 22-300, and south of FSR 22-250.

Forest officials said in a Facebook update late Wednesday that ignitions were completed and fire managers had transitioned to holding and patrol operations to secure the perimeter and ensure the burn stays within planned boundaries.

Smoke will remain visible over the next several days, they said, as interior fuels continue to burn.

Forest Service officials had said late Tuesday that if conditions remain favorable, a second day of burning may occur to finish the unit.

Earlier informatuon:

Smoke from the burn may be visible from Big Summit Prairie, Prineville, Redmond, and Madras, and travelers on Forest Service Roads 22 and 42 may experience intermittent smoke impacts. Smoke could settle into low-lying areas of Big Summit Prairie overnight. Fire managers will post signs along affected roads.

Firefighters from the Ochoco National Forest will manage this prescribed fire.  Smoke may be visible for several days to weeks as logs and stumps continue to burn out, and Forest Service resources will patrol the area daily until the fire is declared out. 

What does this mean for you?

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County on Wednesday invited community members to apply for an open position on the Budget Committee.

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 27, the county said in a news release that continues below:.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in county public services and budget processes to apply for this vacancy on the County’s Budget Committee,” said County Administrator Nick Lelack. “This is a great opportunity to learn about and contribute to County operations and finances.”

The Budget Committee consists of the three-member Board of County Commissioners and three citizen members. They review proposed budgets, approve property tax rates, and make recommendations on how Deschutes County should use its resources to effectively serve the community. Members also serve on the Elected Official Compensation Committee, which reviews the salaries and benefits of county elected officials.

To apply, eligible candidates must be:

A Deschutes County resident and registered voter

Able to attend meetings during business hours

Willing to review budget documents on your own time to prepare for meetings

Able to serve a three-year term, beginning on Jan. 1, 2026

The Budget Committee typically meets four to five times a year, between December and June, including up to three full days of meetings in mid-May. Additional meetings may be called if necessary.

For more details and to apply for the position, please visit www.deshcutes.org/jobs.

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