Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Correction)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE (5/13/25):

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

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

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

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Barney Lerten

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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KTVZ News Team

(Update: adding video, comments from KPOV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Barney Lerten

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two Central Oregon lodging properties, FivePine Lodge & Spa in Sisters (No. 2) and Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend (No. 9), have landed in the top 10 in the Best of the Best Hotels in the U.S. category of Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards.  

“Having two Central Oregon hotels ranked among the top ten in the country is a direct reflection of a region-wide commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience,” said Scott Larson, CEO of Visit Central Oregon. “What makes these rankings particularly meaningful is that they reflect honest, candid feedback from some of the world’s toughest critics – the traveling public. Tripadvisor is the gold standard when it comes to being a trusted resource for travelers worldwide, and we’re proud to see FivePine Lodge and Oxford Hotel receive the recognition they deserve.” 

The Best of the Best Hotels awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Winners are among the top one percent of the 1.6 million hotel listings on Tripadvisor. 

“We’re incredibly proud to see FivePine Lodge & Spa recognized as one of the top hotels in the nation,” said Scott Humpert, executive director of Explore Sisters. “This honor is a testament to the heartfelt hospitality, thoughtful design, and unforgettable guest experiences that make FivePine such a special part of the Sisters community, and is a shining example of the excellence visitors can expect when they choose Sisters, Oregon. We are thrilled to see our neighbors at the Oxford Hotel earn this well-deserved recognition, too.” 

In recognizing the top 25 winning hotels, Tripadvisor had this to say about FivePine Lodge & Spa and Oxford Hotel: 

#2 – FivePine Lodge & Spa: Relax and unwind in the serene nature of FivePine Lodge & Spa. The peaceful forest retreat offers multiple rustic cabins and a spacious main lodge, all thoughtfully decorated with luxe bedding. Enjoy free breakfast every morning, a nightly happy hour, and free bike rentals to get to the nearby town. Other amenities include an on-site spa, outdoor pool, movie theater, microbrewery, and fitness center. 

#9 – Oxford Hotel: Oxford Hotel Bend combines mountain views with eco-friendly amenities and local products, immersing guests in their surroundings. Enjoy nearby attractions, plus convenient parking. The hotel is dog-friendly and provides four-diamond hospitality. Dining options highlight local flavors, ensuring a memorable experience. 

“Superb destinations deserve superb lodging,” said Jeff Knapp, CEO of Visit Bend. “Tripadvisor users clearly agree that when it comes to the best places to stay in the U.S., our region is at the top.” 

For more information on Central Oregon activities, lodging, and experiences, go to visitcentraloregon.com. 

ABOUT CENTRAL OREGON: 

Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, where vast forests give way to the arid high desert, Central Oregon is characterized by year-round adventure, authenticity, inspiration, and environment. From the towering peaks of the Cascades to the pristine waters of the Wild & Scenic Deschutes River, and the more urban experiences of Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond, to the rural charms of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, and Maupin, Central Oregon offers a perfect mix of recreation and sophistication. Barely three hours from Portland, and with daily direct flights from eight major markets, getting to Central Oregon is a breeze. For more information, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com or call 800-800-8334. 

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the busy recreation season begins, the Bureau of Land Management reminds visitors that Teaters Road remains open for public access.

While the gates may be closed for short periods of time, they will remain unlocked, and visitors may pass through the gates to use the road, the BLM said Monday. Visitors should leave all gates in the same state they are found, open or closed, when passing through.

Teaters Road provides a direct connection between Highway 380 north to the BLM North Fork Crooked River area and the Ochoco National Forest, both popular destinations for recreation and important areas for timber production. It also serves as the only public access point to a 160-acre “island” parcel of BLM- administered public land along Teater’s Road.

The BLM encourages all visitors to be respectful when traveling on Teaters Road to access public lands. Much of the road runs through private land, so visitors are reminded to drive slowly and watch for livestock.

For more information about recreation access in the Prineville District, contact the BLM office at (541) 416-6700.

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The commission that oversees teacher certifications in the State of Oregon says they will revoke licenses for educators, but only once charges are proven. Right now, the commission only has four investigators for over 600 open cases, highlighting their ongoing need for funding and staff.

The details from the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) came after KTVZ News sent a number of questions following the child abuse indictment of Sarah Marie Sessions.

Session, who KTVZ discovered still has an active teacher’s license, once lived near Sunriver and taught at Ponderosa Elementary during the 2020 school year.

First, the TSPC is responsible for investigating allegations of educator misconduct and taking disciplinary action when appropriate. When an educator is accused of a crime, TSPC reviews the matter to determine whether it falls within its jurisdiction and whether it may constitute a violation of Oregon’s laws or rules governing educators.

Though they do investigate these situations, the TSPC stressed that teachers are entitled to due process and are believed to be innocent until proven guilty. To ensure this, the commission typically waits for the court case or criminal investigation to finish before it takes action.

When and if the charges or misconduct are proven, the TSPC can suspend or revoke the license of an educator who “violated applicable laws or professional standards”.

However, the agency is facing a serious staff shortage and is in desperate need of more funding. The TSPC told KTVZ News they “currently have more than 600 open investigations,” with a team that starting July 1 will only have four investigators. That means each investigator will have at least 150 cases.

The commission says it’s “actively seeking additional resources to improve the timeliness of investigations.”

One of those efforts is Senate Bill 805, which was put forth by Gov. Tina Kotek. She has at times been unhappy with the commission’s inability to investigate cases in more timely fashion, particularly those linked to sexual abuse.

The bill is currently before the Senate, where it is facing both praise and pushback.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Getting into a collision can be stressful, sometimes scary. Fortunately, reporting the collision to Oregon DMV just got easier.

Drivers involved in a collision can now complete and submit the report to DMV using our new online service. All you need is an internet connection and the ability to log onto DMV2U.oregon.gov. Get the details on the DMV Collision Report webpage.  

“DMV is focusing on more self-service options,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “The new online option for the Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report is part of DMV’s expanding menu of online services that are available 24/7 at DMV2U.

“The online collision report saves customers time, since they no longer need to submit the form by mail, fax or at a DMV office. Customers can save and return to the report later, it will be available for 30 days. This latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers is another mechanism to provide customers with a self-service option.”

By law, you must file a collision report (formerly called an accident report) with Oregon DMV within 72 hours of a motor vehicle collision when any of the following are true:

Injury or death resulted from the collision.

Damage to your vehicle is over $2,500.

Damage to anyone’s property other than a vehicle involved in the collision is over $2,500.

Damage to any vehicle is over $2,500 and any vehicle is towed from the scene.

ODOT’s Crash Analysis & Reporting Unit recorded 46,762 reportable crashes on all roads in Oregon in 2023. Oregon DMV staff annually process about 200,000 Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Reports. 

DMV said the online collision report will vastly improve the collection of collision data, which other ODOT divisions use to plan and build safety projects, and which DMV’s Transportation Safety office uses to distribute federal grant money and other resources to improve driver behavior.

The collision report on DMV2U can be filled out using smartphones and other devices, and you will immediately receive a confirmation email and reference number. We strongly recommend you download a copy or print the report you submit. The online collision report meets ADA requirements and saves you time since you no longer need to submit the form by mail, fax or at a DMV office.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Forestry and other fire prevention experts are urging everyone to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. There have already been 32 escaped debris burns reported on ODF-protected land in 2025, nearly double the number compared to this time last year.

The average size of a spring escaped debris burn is about one acre, or the size of a football field, and generally requires suppression from the local fire protection agency.

Over seventy-five percent of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused, with escaped debris burns topping the list.

With forecasters becoming increasingly confident that this season will be hotter and drier than normal, now is the time to practice wildfire prevention. As grass and vegetation begin to dry out, the risk of a fire creeping away from a debris burn pile increases. Make sure to weigh your options and have all of the fire prevention tools in place before lighting the burn pile or incinerator.

Besides burning, preferred options for brush removal include composting or recycling. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options.  

But if burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices.

Call before you burn—Regulations vary by location. Call your local district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit. 

Know the weather—Burn early in the day and never burn on windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily. 

Always have water and fire tools nearby—When burning, have a shovel and charged water hose or a bucket of water on hand to put out the fire. 

Clear a 10-foot fuel-free buffer around the pile—Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above. 

Keep burn piles small—Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, a maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns. 

Burn only yard debris—State laws prohibit burning materials, treated wood or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors. 

Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire. 

Stay with the fire from start to finish—NEVER leave your debris burn unattended. State law requires monitoring debris burn piles at all times, until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly. 

Put the fire out cold/completely—Drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is cool to the touch. 

Recheck burn piles—Return to the burn site periodically over several weeks to check for heat or smoke and refrain from adding new yard debris on top of old ashes. Burn piles can retain heat for several weeks and rekindle when the weather warms up and winds blow. 

Costs of run-away debris burns—State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties, which can be extremely expensive.

As the summer fire season quickly approaches, consider putting off any burning until next fall or winter, when conditions are more favorable. Just cover a portion of the pile with plastic, such as a tarp, to keep dry until you decide to burn. Delaying your burn plans will give the debris more time to cure and prevent spring holdover fires.

More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website. Find public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before your burn.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new roundabout is about to be built at the intersection of Skyline Ranch Road and Skyliners Road on Bend’s Westside, and that will mean a detour for summertime drivers.

Construction is scheduled to start Monday, June 16 and continue through the end of August, with a full closure of the intersection.

“The project is taking place over the summer months to lessen the impact on nearby schools,” city officials said Monday. “Once completed, this roundabout will facilitate more efficient traffic movement at this very busy intersection.”

The roundabout is being funded and built by the developer of the Discovery West neighborhood as part of their development agreement with the City of Bend.

The construction of this roundabout will facilitate the completion of Skyline Ranch Road over the next couple of years, north to Shevlin Park Road.

The intersection of Skyliners Road and Skyline Ranch Road will be closed during construction, with a detour in place. Skyliners Road traffic will be detoured via Mt. Washington Drive to NW Crossing Drive to Skyliners Road. 

Skyline Ranch Road traffic will be detoured. Traffic heading north on Skyline Ranch Road (from Tetherow) will need to use Metolius to get to Mt. Washington Drive, then follow the detour routes.

Skyler Ranch Road and Skyliners RoadDownload

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from Visit Bend, local hotels)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Travel over the Memorial Day weekend this year is expected to set a new record, with the Bend area again the top Northwest destination, AAA Oregon/Idaho said Monday.

“It’s going to feel busy,” said Nath Wyeth, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Visit Bend.

According to Visit Bend, tourism in the area has continued to grow year after year.

“Last year, Memorial Day weekend was actually a really strong weekend. It was up, about four and a half percentage points from the year prior. So we’ve seen continued growth Memorial Day weekend,” Wyeth said.

Many local hotels are at full capacity this weekend, attributing the surge in visitors to the warm weather and the wide range of events happening across the area.

“It’s a mix of Mount Bachelor’s closing weekend and a major concert in town. With great weather, people from drive markets are heading this way,” said Devin Cuzzolina, Area Director of Operations at Oxford Hotel. “Overall, people just enjoy the activities and hospitality Central Oregon has to offer.”

Hotels mentioned many will be in town for a baseball tournament this weekend as well.

The Campfire Hotel says many locals are also checking in for a quick getaway.

“People want to come out and get away from their everyday life a little bit without having to travel too far,” said Keagan Parks, general manager of the Campfire Hotel. “We’ve also heard people like to get away from their in-laws during holidays for a night. Things like that tend to drive people to this property and it’s great. We love seeing locals here.”

AAA projects 45.1 million Americans (13.2% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. That’s an increase of 1.4 million travelers (3.1%) over 2024, and surpasses the previous record of 44 million travelers in 2005. The record volume is fueled by a record number of people traveling by car.

In the Pacific Region, Region (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA), 7.8 million people (14.4% of the population) are expected to travel, a 3.7% increase compared to 2024.

About 617,000 Oregonians will travel over the long weekend. The Memorial Day travel period is defined as Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26.

The holiday marks the unofficial start of summer, which is projected to be the busiest travel season.

“We’ll be busy all summer long. People are coming to town so remember to make reservations early. We do offer special rates for people attending concerts,” said Debra Jolma, Director of Marketing and Sales for Waypoint Hotel.

“AAA expects record travel this Memorial Day weekend, but that doesn’t mean that all folks are taking extravagant vacations to far-flung destinations. Rather, a majority are packing up the car and taking a road trip. In fact, AAA expects a record number to travel by car this Memorial Day weekend – 39.4 million,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

AAA Oregon/Idaho says despite concerns about the economy, travelers are taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved one, and many are planning trips closer to home.

“Many will be driving to places like Central Oregon or the Oregon coast or visiting friends – some travelers will take day trips. Those who are traveling farther from home usually extend their trips beyond Memorial Day for a week or more. Many of these trips have been planned and booked months in advance,” says Doreen Loofburrow, vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Top Memorial Day Destinations

AAA booking data reveals that theme parks, beaches and cruise ports are among the most popular destinations domestically and abroad, based on searches and bookings by members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

With the majority of travelers taking trips by car, Bend, Portland, Eugene, Boise and the Oregon Coast are the most popular regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Anaheim tops the list of U.S. destinations because of the Disneyland Resort. Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas are popular warm-weather destinations. And the top European cities are London and Dublin.

Read more at: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/aaa-more-than-45-million-americans-including-617000-oregonians-to-travel-for-memorial-day/

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