Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is announcing federally required changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon.

These changes are required under House Resolution (H.R. 1), a federal law passed on July 4, 2025. More than 740,000 people in Oregon currently receive SNAP benefits, and ODHS expects more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes.

“We are announcing these changes today so that families can prepare for the impact we expect many Oregonians who depend on this resource will feel,” said Dana Hittle, who is co-leading ODHS’ federal response team. “Oregon families enrolled in SNAP receive an average of $300 a month, and any reduction makes it harder for families to put food on the table. Oregon has no choice but to follow federal law that will result in increased hardship across our communities, but we remain committed to helping families adjust and prepare.”

ODHS will begin notifying affected households in mid-October. The people who will be most affected by the new federal law include older adults, immigrants and people living in rural communities with limited access to transportation.

Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement:

“The federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are simply wrong, and they will hurt Oregon families. I strongly oppose these changes. Our top priority now is making sure every impacted Oregonian knows what’s changing and where to turn for help. No one should have to choose between food and rent, and my administration is mobilizing to ensure that those affected get the information and referrals for other help that they need.”

The changes won’t happen to everyone at once — they will roll out over the next year.

For people who already get SNAP: The changes will affect those who applied or recertified between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025. Notices will be sent around Oct. 15, 2025 to this first group of people who are impacted. The first group will have SNAP benefit reductions or closures on Nov. 1, 2025. For people approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, the changes will happen over time throughout the next year and a notice will be sent.

For people who apply or reapply for SNAP after Oct. 1, 2025: The new rules will apply right away.

Key changes affecting people in Oregon

These changes will affect three main groups of SNAP recipients: households receiving utility assistance, able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14 in their SNAP group, and certain lawfully present immigrants.

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

Households previously eligible for the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through energy assistance programs like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or “Heat and Eat” will see changes.

Only households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or a member with a disability will automatically qualify for FUA.

Approximately 29,000 households will lose this allowance, reducing their SNAP benefits by an average of $58 per month.

About 9,600 households who applied or renewed between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will be reduced Nov. 1, 2025.

Another 20,000 households will see benefits go down when their SNAP is reviewed.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, people with ABAWD status in 6 counties (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River) will be reviewed at application or renewal for required work rules.

People who don’t meet work rules may lose SNAP benefits after 3 months.

The work rules will apply to adults ages 18–64 without a disability or without children under age 14 in their SNAP household. Previously the work rules applied to adults ages 18 to 54 without a child under 18 in their SNAP household.

People with ABAWD status must work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month.

Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of foster care are no longer exempt from the work rules.

Tribal Members and people who meet the federal definition of “Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian” are newly exempt from the work rules.

In January 2026 these ABAWD requirements will be implemented statewide.

It’s estimated that 310,000 adults will have to be newly evaluated to see if they have to meet the work rules.

Refugees, Asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP as of July 3, 2025, will lose eligibility under H.R. 1.

In Oregon, it’s estimated that at least 3,000 individuals will no longer qualify for benefits.

About 1,000 people who applied or renewed their SNAP between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will end on Oct. 31, 2025.

Another 2,000 people will lose SNAP when their SNAP is reviewed.

Notifications to households

   Around Oct. 15, 2025, ODHS will mail notices to:

Roughly 9,600 households receiving energy assistance to notify them that their SNAP benefits will be reduced starting November 1, 2025.

Approximately 1,000 refugees, asylees and other lawfully present immigrants whose SNAP cases will close on Oct. 31, 2025.

Affected households do not need to take any action. ODHS will adjust benefits automatically.

Preparing for changes

If you think you may be in one of the impacted groups, go to www.oregon.gov/odhs to learn more.

Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away. The first wave of notices will be sent on Oct. 15, 2025.

If you think the ABAWD work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call the ODHS ABAWD team directly at 833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Know what other food resources are in your community.

The ODHS Food Resources website can help.

Older adults and people with disabilities can connect with Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon to learn about government programs and community resources at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.

Reach out to 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org

Contact ODHS

If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome

In person: Visit a local office (find one online)

By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

By email: Send requests toOregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

About SNAP in Oregon:

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year. But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has spent about $200,000 to remove five long-term homeless camps from BLM land near La Pine, a nearly month-long effort that also included using boulders and soft soils to block illegal access roads, in an effort to keep it from happening again.

The BLM’s Prineville District led a coordinated response with Deschutes County officials before the cleanup took place, which the agency said in a news release Tuesday “was necessary to address hazardous materials, trash and abandoned vehicles remaining in the area.”

The BLM said it worked closely with the City of La Pine and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to carry out the cleanup of the eight-acre parcel, with direct involvement from the La Pine City Manager and Mayor.

“Partnering with the City provided the BLM with important local insight, helping ensure the response reflected the specific needs and priorities of the community and connected individuals in the camps with appropriate social services,” the agency said.

BLM Public Affairs Specialist Suzanna Burke told KTVZ News the project began August 29 and ended last Thursday.

“We normally don’t have access to funds like this,” she said, “but because it was the end of the (fiscal) year, we had the funding available.”

The area of the cleanup is about a half-mile southeast of Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine, east of Darlene Way and south of Rosland Road.

Five camps were located on the eight acres, the largest covering about a quarter-acre, Burke said. Three apparently had been abandoned for some time, while the other two appeared to be recently occupied.

The cleanup effort removed “probably about 300 cubic yards” of trash, she said, similar to what was removed during another camp clearing by the Newberry Regional Partnership last May of an area known for years as “Camp Covid.”

While there were not a lot of people who had to leave when the recent cleanup began, Burke said, “We did have communication with a couple people out there and led them know we were going to do a cleanup of the area, gave them time to gather the items they wanted.”

The total cost of the cleanup is expected to exceed $200,000, including staff time and materials from the BLM, Deschutes County and the City of La Pine.

The contracted cleanup itself was $165,000, she said, and part of the reason was “the sheer size of this area, the potential for hazardous materials, excess trash, drug debris and human waste.”

Mayor Jeannine Earls said, “As the Mayor of La Pine, I have listened to my community, both within city limits and outside. I want our residents of South Deschutes County to know that we hear you, we are responsive, and we live here too. I am proud of the measurable progress that has been made, and I am committed to our regional needs going forward.”

As the final piece of the effort, BLM staff decommissioned and barricaded illegal routes leading into the sites to help prevent future long-term use, using boulders and soft subsoil difficult or drive on..

“This kind of response requires participation from many agencies,” said Lisa Clark, BLM Deschutes Field Manager. “The BLM is tasked with managing public lands but has no resources to address the human component of the houseless issue. With support from the City of La Pine and Deschutes County, we’ve been able to develop a partnership that can take action to protect both the citizens and the environment.”

The BLM and Deschutes County have identified public safety concerns in several camp areas, including incidents that required coordination with local law enforcement.

The agency said, “These efforts align with the President’s Executive Order on reducing crime and reflect the BLM’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible public lands through responsible stewardship and collaboration with community partners.”

La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager said, “Collaborative efforts like this do not happen in a vacuum, and this project represents a clear commitment from all parties involved in responding to public health and safety concerns of the larger La Pine area.”

He added, “We could not be more pleased with the relationships and the subsequent outcomes of this initiative. Hopefully, we have collectively provided a baseline for other communities and districts to tackle similar challenges.”

“The BLM, the City of La Pine, and Deschutes County remain committed to ongoing collaboration to address public safety and community needs,” the release concluded. “All three partners look forward to continuing their work together to support the region and its residents.”

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Justice Center was locked down and the area around it blocked off for a a time Tuesday after a Prineville man told deputies he feared there was a bomb in his car, authorities said.

No device was found, and he was arrested on DUII and other charges.

Around 11:20 a.m., deputies stationed at the Justice Center information desk spotted the tan car heading north on the western sidewalk along NW Beaver Street between First and Second streets, along the east side of the court facility, Sergeant Javier Sanchez said.

The male driver parked, got out and went into the security checkpoint, where he told deputies “he was concerned there was an improvised explosive device in his vehicle,” Sanchez said in a news release.

As a result, the area around the Justice Center, including businesses, was blocked off for about a half-hour, and the facility was placed in lockdown, the deputy said.

The car was searched, and no device was found.

After an investigation, the 39-year-old Prineville man was arrested and lodged in the county jail on charges of DUII and first-degree disorderly conduct.

“The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Prineville Police Department, City of Prineville Public Works, Crook County Fire & Rescue, and STAR Towing for their assistance,” Sanchez said.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s Department of Administrative Services published Tuesday the maximum rent increases allowed by law for 2026 – but it’s no longer one flat percentage figure, due to a change in state law.

For rental facilities that are 15 years or older and have 30 or fewer units/spaces, the maximum rent increase is 9.5%.

For manufactured home parks and floating home marinas containing more than 30 spaces, the maximum increase is 6.0%.

For buildings under 15 years, there is no maximum allowable rent increase, a DAS representative told KTVZ News.

Under the statute, the Office of Economic Analysis calculates the maximum rent increase by adding 7% to the average change in the cost of living over the past year. Only one rent increase is allowed every 12 months, and the maximum increase is capped at 10%.

The cost-of-living change is measured using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

House Bill 3054, passed in 2025, changed how rent increases are calculated. Now, the size of the rental property affects the allowed increase.

Rent increase limits are designed to protect tenants from large, unexpected rent hikes.

Oregon law requires the Department of Administrative Services to publish the maximum rent increase allowed each year by September 30 online. DAS will post the 2027 rent increase limits by September 30, 2026.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Health Authority said Tuesday it has lifted a recreational use health advisory issued for Ochoco Lake in Crook County.

OHA issued the advisory on Aug 27 for the lake, located seven miles east of Prineville, where Crook County Parks and Recreation operates and maintains a campground and day-use area.

The rest of Tuesday’s OHA announcement:

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Ochoco Lake are below recreational guideline values for people.

However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water.

If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom.

Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One week after St. Charles Health System said it reached contract agreements with two insurance providers, Aetna and Cigna, comes word that talks with several other insurers are still ongoing. One company, PacificSource, just warned their Medicare Advantage patients they could go out of network on Jan. 1.

A PacificSource Medicare Advantage customer passed along an email to KTVZ News on Tuesday that’s headlined: “St. Charles Health System may leave our network January 1, 2026.”

It continued, “Earlier this year, St. Charles Health System terminated its Medicare contract with PacificSource in order to negotiate a new contract for 2026. We’re working diligently to reach an agreement that allows St. Charles to continue participating in our network. If we’re unable able to do so, they will be out-of-network beginning January 1, 2026.”

Under a heading of “What’s next,” the insurer said: “We remain committed to finding a resolution and will continue working hard to reach an agreement with St. Charles. If we are unable to reach an agreement, our top priority will be to support our members through the transition.”

“We will keep you informed with any updates as this situation develops,” the company added.

KTVZ News reached out to St. Charles Public Information Officer Alandra Johnson, who shared this statement:

“We are continuing to negotiate with PacficSource and several other insurance companies. No final decisions have been made at this time. Please consult our website for the latest information on which plans are currently in network for St. Charles providers and facilities.”

Johnson was unable to share specifics of what other insurers they are negotiating with. But she stressed that the PacificSource notice only involves Medicare Advantage supplemental plans – not traditional Medicare, which is always covered. Negotiations are also underway between St. Charles and PacificSource, as well as others, for their commercial and/or Medicare Advantage contracts.

“St. Charles is always in network for traditional Medicare” patients, Johnson said.

She also said “each contract is different” in terms of timing.

KTVZ News has reached out to PacificSource for any additional statement or details.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tuesday night brought the first snow of the season to the slopes of Mt. Bachelor, a timely reminder that winter is around the corner, the resort says.

Coincidentally, Tuesday is the last day to lock in a Kids Ski Free pass, Outplay 365 pass, and get a bonus fifth day on the 4-Day pass.

Pass prices go up Wednesday, October 1, Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon told KTVZ News.

All passes can be purchased online at www.mtbachelor.com.

If seasonal snowfall comes through as hoped, Mt. Bachelor’s 2025/26 Opening Day is slated for Friday, November 28.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes National Forest lands around last year’s Firestone and Flat Top Fires, about 20 miles from La Pine, will reopen Wednesday after an emergency closure order expires, Forest Service officials said Tuesday.

People recreating in the recently burned areas are still being advised to use caution, according to the announcement, which continues in full below:

A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.

In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist for several years after a fire. Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, area closures and directions from agency personnel, and pay particular attention to these potential safety hazards. Be especially wary of hazard trees after rain events or during wind.

When recreating in a burned area:

LOOK UP for upslope burned areas, snags, and exposed rocks that may fall.

LOOK DOWN for debris from falling rocks, erosion – especially at road and trail edges, and ash pits (which may form from root pockets or stumps of burned trees).

LOOK AROUND. Be situationally aware. Check the weather before you travel, including at higher elevations. Wind, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of tree fall, rock fall, slides and other hazards. Flash floods and landslide risks are elevated below severely burned areas.

For more information or questions, please contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at (541)383-5300. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, adding interview with city engineer, small business owner)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A portion of Olney Avenue near downtown Bend has been closed since the beginning of the year. The closure is a part of the city’s voter-approved projects on Portland Avenue, Wall Street, and Olney Avenue. 

The project was originally slated to be completed this fall. But now, the completion date has been pushed back to early 2026. City officials say though they did their due diligence, a soil issue is causing the delay.

Ryan Oster, city engineer for the City of Bend, spoke with KTVZ on-site at the project on Tuesday. 

“We do some geotechnical investigative work. In this case, despite doing that work, the ground condition turned out to be different,” he said. “Instead of getting the hard, rocky condition that we’re all used to, we actually encountered a lot of soft soil. The soil started collapsing onto the boring machine, and so we had to immediately stop.”

The City of Bend has been working with BNSF Railway for construction in the company’s easement. But after encountering soil issues under the train tracks, officials say they now have to wait for the railroad before they can proceed.  

“We’re continuing to try to schedule with BNSF, and only they can do work within the right of way with their crews and contractors. So we’re doing everything we can with our contractors, but we have to coordinate the timing with them,” Oster said. 

For small businesses in the area, the mere idea of extending the road closure is crushing. 

Bryan Messmer, owner of ChillWell, spoke with KTVZ News about the impact the closure has had on his business so far. 

“It’s been absolutely devastating,” Messmer said. “It’s been really rough. I mean, once you’re out of sight, out of mind. It’s extremely challenging for guests to find us.”

Today’s economy is already difficult for local businesses, before the added hurdle of limited exposure in a construction zone. While Messmer is understanding the work is necessary, he is hopeful the city will take charge in dealings with the rail company. 

“I really appreciate the council. I really appreciate the efforts. I get that construction’s always a moving target,” Messmer said. “Hopefully they’ll hang in there with pushing it forward and getting it completed. But kicking it all the way to April 2026 is devastating to us, as a small business.”

The city says did say they will consider a temporary reopening if BNSF cannot get their contractors to the area soon.

While the extent of the delay and projection completion date is still unknown, officials, businesses, and residents alike are pushing for the reopening as soon as possible.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: ODOT clarifies that Highway 242 closure is still in effect)

McKENZIE BRIDGE, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 300 firefighters have brought the lightning-sparked Foley Ridge Fire east of McKenzie Bridge to 58% containment, allowing officials to lift Level 1 evacuation notices in the area, but Highway 242 is closed for ODOT crews to look for any remaining hazards.

“OR 242 is no longer closed due to the Foley Ridge Fire. USFS has lifted that closure,” ODOT Public Information Officer Julie Denney confirmed to KTVZ News on Tuesday.

“However, before we can reopen the highway to traffic, our crews need to go out and assess for any additional hazards,” she said. “Once that safety check is complete, the road will either reopen later this week or remain closed a little longer, if more cleanup is needed.”

Meanwhile, the separate, seasonal winter closure of Highway 242 over McKenzie Pass “is still ahead of us,” Denney said, “but it hasn’t taken effect yet. Please keep an eye on TripCheck for the most up-to-date status.”

Here’s Foley Ridge Fire officials’ Tuesday morning update:

Start Date: 09/06/2025

Percent Containment: 58%

Size: 497 Acres

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 322

The Foley Ridge Fire is 58% contained.  Updates for the Foley Ridge Fire are published every other day, with additional updates shared if any new or significant activity occurs on the fire.  Current information may also be found on the incident website (InciWeb) and Facebook pages.

Current Situation: Yesterday, firefighters patrolled, mopped up, cleaned up and secured the fire lines.  They had a productive shift working on the shaded fuel break along Foley Ridge Road.  Today, crews will be repairing and rehabilitating areas damaged from firefighting operations and continuing to work along Foley Ridge Road reducing the fuel load.

Weather: Today will be partly cloudy in the morning, then becoming mostly cloudy and rainy in the afternoon, Temperatures are forecast to be around 61 degrees, with light south winds shifting to the southwest with gusts up to 25 mph on ridgetops in the afternoon.

Road Closure Update: Highway 242 (McKenzie Highway) is no longer closed due to fire activity. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is maintaining the seasonal closure between MP 61.91 and MP 76.80. For the current status of Highway 242, please visit tripcheck.com.

Forest Closure Update: The Willamette National Forest has reduced an emergency closure order for the Foley Ridge Fire, which was reported Sept. 6 on the McKenzie River Ranger District. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, has been modified to provide increased access, thanks to successful efforts by firefighters to mitigate hazards and complete contingency fire lines. The closure order is in effect Sept. 29, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, unless modified or rescinded sooner.

Closed Trailheads – Rainbow Falls Trailhead and Separation Lake Trailhead

Inaccessible Trailheads – Foley Ridge Trailhead

For the complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the Foley Ridge Fire closure order, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/foley-ridge-fire-closure-order

To report a wildfire, please call 911.

Evacuation Update: The Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for homes on Highway 242 has been 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝. There are no current active evacuation notices in Lane County

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