Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash along U.S. Highway 97 near Falcon Lane in Madras is under investigation. Authorities say the incident happened Saturday, along the busy highway corridor through Jefferson County.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle struck a pedestrian on Highway 97, prompting an emergency response and initial investigation at the scene. Officials have not yet released information on the pedestrian’s condition, and it is not known if there were any injuries or fatalities connected to the crash.

Oregon State Police have since taken over as the lead investigative agency. This remains an open investigation, and troopers are working to determine what led up to the collision, including any possible contributing factors.

KTVZ News has reached out to Oregon State Police by phone and email for additional details, including any updates on those involved and whether the highway was closed or restricted. As of Sunday evening, no further information has been released.

Drivers in the area may see an increased law enforcement presence as the investigation continues. Anyone who was in the area of Highway 97 and Falcon Lane around the time of the crash and witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact law enforcement, if they have not already done so.

This is a developing story. As more details are confirmed by investigators, we will provide updates on air and online.

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KTVZ – News Team

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunriver Resort’s beloved Gingerbread Junction competition celebrated a major milestone in December, marking its 30th year with record-breaking success. The annual event raised $6,100 for Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver — the most ever since the event’s inception.

A check presentation took place on January 5, with Sunriver Resort representatives handing the donation to Kim Gammond, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver.

“Sunriver Resort’s 30th annual Gingerbread Junction truly showcased the creativity and generosity of our community,” said Josh Willis, VP of Operations at Sunriver Resort. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our participants, we raised more than $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver. These funds will directly support the cosnstruction of homes that strengthen our local community. We sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make this year’s Gingerbread Junction such a memorable and meaningful event.”

This year’s competition also saw the highest number of votes ever cast — 9,097 total, underscoring the community’s growing enthusiasm for the festive fundraiser.

An adored Sunriver holiday tradition, Gingerbread Junction invites participants to purchase “mini lots,” with all proceeds directed to Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding efforts in southern Deschutes County. Participants — including families, local businesses, and students from preschool through high school — design and build elaborate gingerbread structures that remain on display throughout the holiday season.

Organizers say the event continues to foster creativity, generosity, and community connection — hallmarks that have made Gingerbread Junction a highlight of Central Oregon’s holiday celebrations for three decades.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here at KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.  

This month, we’re spotlighting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon–a youth mentoring network solely supported by donors and volunteers. 

“We have 75 kids waiting on our waitlist. Majority of those are boys, and the majority of those kids are living in La Pine and Redmond,” said Jenn Davis, the program director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is looking for community members willing to step up and make a difference in the life of a local child or teen. 

“It’s being a consistent adult in a child’s life who just needs someone there to be in their corner. Going out and going hiking or going to the movies, or coming out to our beautiful campus that we have out on 20 acres in east bend and playing games or seeing our horses. Spending time together,” Davis said.

January is National Mentoring Month. 

“Our agency is looking forward to really showing this community what mentoring means and how much of the impact it has on kids in our community,” Davis said. “We have a high graduation rate. We’re anticipating a big group of kids graduating again from local high schools. We are providing tons of opportunities for our kids, so mentoring gives kids opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

And if you can’t mentor, there are plenty of other ways to help out the organization. 

“‘Bowl for Kids’ Sake’ is our second largest fundraiser of the year. It’s a huge event we’re hosting at sun mountain fun center. So you can get involved by being a sponsor or signing up for a team, or you can sponsor for our littles to come and bowl,” Davis said. “For 28 years, we’ve hosted the ‘Comedy for Kids’ Sake’ event, and officially we are transitioning that event this year. It is now called ‘The Big Event’ and will be hosted at Hawkeye and Huckleberry on October 1st.”

From monetary donations to volunteering your time, you have the ability to make a lasting impact on young lives in Central Oregon through Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

“It can make a world of difference for a child in our community. You can give them opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have and give them just your time. It’s really important,” Davis said.

An important commitment indeed.

If you’re interested in learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, click here.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Destination Rehab says it is excited to announce the launch of its Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s program, a nine-week indoor program designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.

The winter 2026 session will run from January 28 through March 18, offering a fun, supportive, and engaging way to improve balance, coordination, and overall health. This is a part of their successful Parkinson’s Programs that are supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation and is free for those with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers.  

Here’s the rest of their news release:

Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s is a modified soccer program that removes running from the game and emphasizes walking, skill-building, strategy, and teamwork. Coached by a neurologic physical therapist alongside experienced soccer coaches, participants are challenged both physically and cognitively as they learn soccer skills and progress into walking soccer games. 

One program participant shared, “Everyone running the day was awesome… (they) adjust drills when needed and help make everyone at ease with participating. It was nice to have leaders who really knew the game and had the skills to keep the activity moving.” 

The program is open to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease who are able to walk without assistance and have been cleared for exercise by their physician. Sessions will take place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bend FC Futsal Courts. We will also offer outdoor sessions in the Spring!  

Thanks to generous support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, participation in the Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s: Winter 2026 program is completely free for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers. Destination Rehab also extends sincere thanks to Bend FC for providing the space to host this program and for their continued community support. 

Registration is now open. For more information or to sign up, visit our website or reach out to audrey@destinationrehab.org or call 541-241-6463.  

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Serán Bioscience, LLC,  in collaboration with leading developer and design-builder Mortenson, hosted a topping-out ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the construction progress of a new commercial-scale cGMP pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing facility in northeast Bend.

The topping-out ceremony marks the transition from structural construction to interior build-out. Slated to open in the second quarter, the facility on NE Triton Place is the third building and the centerpiece of Serán’s new 100,000-square-foot commercial manufacturing campus, the company said in a news release that continues in full below:

The campus positions Bend as a growing hub for advanced pharmaceutical development while supporting flexible end-to-end solutions for complex medicines and helping pharmaceutical partners accelerate their pipelines.

The expansion marks a significant milestone in Serán’s mission to provide fully integrated support starting with drug discovery and pre-clinical services, to first-in-human (FiH) trials, and ultimately  to commercial-scale production of small-molecule therapeutics.

Adjacent to the manufacturing facility, Serán last fall completed two new warehouse and light manufacturing buildings totaling 50,000 square feet. These spaces support critical materials handling, packaging, labeling and logistics functions, helping ensure efficient scale-up and dependable supply chain execution.

“Our clients are bringing forward increasingly sophisticated pharmaceuticals which demands equally sophisticated development and manufacturing capabilities,” said Dan Smithey, CEO of Serán BioScience. “Serán is a partner that can solve challenges early and then reliably carry those solutions through to commercial production, and this investment in our campus strengthens our ability to do exactly that. We appreciate the close collaboration with our development and construction partner, Mortenson, as we bring this next phase of Serán’s growth to life.”

“Serán’s project reflects the level of technical complexity and quality standards we see driving growth in life sciences manufacturing today,” said Pat Clemons, project executive with Mortenson. “Our team is proud to support a facility that is purpose-built for advanced pharmaceutical production while contributing to the long-term economic strength of the Bend region.” 

Located just minutes from Serán’s existing 90,000-square-foot clinical development and manufacturing campus, the new commercial site will operate as a seamless extension of the company’s established clinical operations and is expected to add as many as 150 employees as manufacturing expands.

Serán’s Bend-based workforce currently includes more than 190 highly skilled professionals across 10 specialized buildings, equipped with advanced technologies such as nano milling, micronization, dry and wet granulation, single and multi-layer tableting, aqueous and organic solvent coating, encapsulation, spray-dried dispersions, powder for inhalation and twin-screw melt extrusion.

Together, these capabilities support oral solid dose programs from early formulation through commercial manufacturing, packaging and labeling.

Founded in Bend in 2016, Serán is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization providing a comprehensive suite of development, analytical and clinical manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Serán’s deep experience and expertise in materials science, formulation development, particle and process engineering and pharmaceutical manufacturing enables optimum solutions for their customers’ most difficult drug development challenges. 

“We’re proud to support Serán’s continued investment in Bend and its commitment to serving both emerging biotechnology companies and global pharmaceutical organizations,” said Mike Clifford, Vice President and General Manager at Mortenson. “This is a significant life sciences project for Central Oregon. By delivering flexible, science-driven facilities, we’re helping translate innovation into commercially viable therapies while contributing to the continued growth of the region’s life sciences market.”

About Serán BioScience

Serán BioScience partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to accelerate the development and production of complex, patient-centric medicines. The Bend facility reflects the company’s long-term investment in innovation, workforce growth, and collaboration, enhancing Serán’s ability to support the next generation of pharmaceutical solutions while strengthening the regional life sciences ecosystem.

About Mortenson

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The City of Bend says one of the busiest airports in Oregon is located right here in Central Oregon with more than 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings. Much of that activity driven by student pilots logging required flight hours.

For some nearby residents, that steady stream of training flights has become a daily disruption.

The KTVZ Problem Solvers spoke with longtime Bend resident Ken Saurbier, who says aircraft noise has intensified in recent years.

“It’s just annoying,” Saurbier said. “You’re sitting on the couch watching something or sitting in the backyard, and the helicopters are really loud. When I worked for the school district, you’d hear them coming over the hospital and the schools every day.”

Saurbier now tracks aircraft movements online and showed KTVZ repeated “touch-and-go” training loops over his neighborhood near Bend Municipal Airport.

“Over the last two years, it’s really increased,” Saurbier said.

One of the primary sources of that activity is Leading Edge Flight Academy, which trains hundreds of student pilots in both airplanes and helicopters.

President Travis Warthen said flight paths, altitudes, and traffic patterns are set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“All of that is established by the FAA,” Warthen said. “There are standard routes, altitudes, turns, and distances. It’s all set by those traffic patterns.”

The Problem Solvers toured the training zones, where pilots practice takeoffs and landings over nearby neighborhoods, schools, and St. Charles Bend hospital.

“If you’re practicing takeoffs and landings, you need a runway,” Warthen said. “But when helicopters are training for off-airport landings, most of that work happens out to the east.”

Researchers say repeated aircraft noise can have impacts beyond simple annoyance.

Matthew Bozigar, a researcher at Oregon State University, said studies have linked chronic aircraft noise to disrupted sleep and other health effects.

“We found it disrupted sleep in the U.S. and was associated with higher body mass or obesity,” Bozigar said. “There are many other documented health effects, particularly in Europe, from aircraft noise.”

The FAA says noise-abatement procedures at Bend Municipal Airport are voluntary. Pilots may deviate from recommended routes if safety is a concern, and the agency reviews noise complaints, referring any safety-related issues for investigation.

The flight school says some residents have also raised concerns about how low aircraft are flying.

Warthen said aircraft are operating within required altitudes, adding that perception from the ground can be misleading.

In the traffic pattern, airplanes are generally required to fly about 1,000 feet above ground level, while helicopters typically operate around 500 feet, with specific crossing altitudes designed to keep aircraft safely separated.

“If one of our aircraft is flying, it’s doing so for a purpose,” Warthen said. “It’s not for fun, and it’s not to harass anyone.”

Any significant changes to flight routes would require a federal airspace study, not a decision by the city or local flight schools.

Bend’s airspace is already under review as the airport prepares to add a new control tower, a process that could eventually change how and where aircraft operate.

KTVZ will continue following the issue as part of its ongoing Problem Solvers investigation.

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Latino Community Association is breaking ground next week on 128 affordable apartments at SE Easton Place, off Knott Road and east of SE 15th Street in Bend. 

LCA said Thursday the groundbreaking at 2 p.m. next Tuesday “marks LCA’s first venture into building the kind of housing our community needs, and we are proud to partner with United Housing Partners of Montana.”

The new homes will be located near Caldera High School and Alpenglow Park and should be ready for renters in 2027, the organization said.

The location is just east of the new Caldera High School and north of Knott Road in the Easton subdivision. 

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new Oregon law now requires retailers to verify ID and prohibits sales of nitrous oxide to anyone under 18, in response to growing concerns about recreational misuse of the gas among young people.

House Bill 3447 took effect this month, aiming to curb access to small canisters of nitrous oxide, sometimes called “whippets,” that have become popular as an inhalant.

The gas is commonly used in medical settings, aerosol products, and whipped cream dispensers.

It’s also sold in some Oregon convenience stores, sometimes in colorful, flavored packaging. Health officials say that kind of marketing can be especially appealing to younger customers.

“It’s a really common tactic for industries to have colorful and appealing and youth friendly looking products similar to, you know, vape cartridges,” said Jess Neuwirth, the Deschutes County supervisor of the Substance Misuse & Problem Gambling Prevention Program.

Misuse of nitrous oxide can lead to serious and potentially long-term health effects.

“Repeated use can lead to neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness. Even permanent brain and nerve injury,” Neuwirth said. “Cardiovascular issues can include blood clots, heart attacks, and cardiac arrest. Often, treatment involves high doses of vitamin B-12, because use depletes it in the body.”

According to the Oregon Health Authority, at least 30 deaths statewide have been linked to nitrous oxide between 2021 and 2024.

While misuse in Deschutes County isn’t considered widespread, officials still view it as a growing concern. A recent retailer scan found only about 7% of stores in the county carried the canisters.

The new bill aims to limit youth access by requiring a valid ID and prohibiting sales to anyone under 18.

Health authorities say the new restrictions are an important step toward preventing misuse and saving lives.

If you need help: Call the Poison Center for fast, free, confidential treatment advice 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 

Parents, talk to your teens and young adults. Discuss the risks and explain why even something that seems harmless can be dangerous.  Get free resources to have honest conversations at SharedFutureCoalition.org

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Thursday that he will hold eight open-to-all town halls starting next week in Jefferson, Deschutes, Clackamas, Marion, Lane, Tillamook, Clatsop and Columbia counties.

Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., will co-host the town halls in Deschutes and Clackamas counties.

Heading into these eight town halls from Jan. 16-24, Wyden has held 1,138 open-to-all town halls in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties, his office said.

“A new year means new opportunities for all Oregonians to share opinions, ask questions and discuss ideas in open-to-all town halls in community gatherings with their neighbors,” Wyden said. “These face-to-face meetings are always important, and I look forward to these town halls at the start of 2026 to hear Oregonians’ thoughts on priorities for the year ahead in rural, suburban and urban parts of our state.”

Bynum said, “Hearing directly from Oregonians is the most important part of my job,. “That’s why I held 21 town halls last year and that’s why I’m so excited to join Senator Wyden for 2 more to kick off 2026. I’ll see you out there, Oregon!”

The schedule for the upcoming town halls is as follows:

Friday, Jan. 16

Jefferson County, 1 pm, Madras Performing Arts Center, 412 SE Buff St., Madras

Saturday, Jan. 17

Deschutes County, Noon, Sisters High School, 1700 W McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters

Sunday, Jan. 18

Clackamas County, 1 pm, Camp Withycombe, 15300 SE Industrial Way, Happy Valley

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Marion County, Noon, Chemeketa Community College Auditorium Building 6, 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Lane County, 5 pm, Siuslaw Middle School main gym, 2525 Oak St., Florence

Thursday, Jan. 22

Tillamook County, 5 pm, Port of Tillamook Bay Officers Mess Hall, 6825 Officer’s Row Road, Tillamook

Friday, Jan. 23

Clatsop County, 12:30 pm, Seaside High School, 2600 Spruce Dr Suite 200, Seaside

Saturday, Jan. 24

Columbia County, 11 am, Scappoose High School auditorium, 33700 SE High School Way, Scappoose

For everyone’s security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town halls.

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Barney Lerten

MT. BACHELOR, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor skiers and boarders had lots of fresh powder and a newly opened chairlift to enjoy Thursday as a result of the latest snowstorms, though very windy conditions brought a pause for three lifts at midday.

Recording 10 inches in 24 hours and nearly 2.5 feet of snow in the past week, Mt. Bachelor opened the Outback lift for the season at 9 a.m. Thursday, Mt. Bachelor Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon told KTVZ News.

“Teams have their sights set on getting Northwest open in the next couple days, conditions permitting,” she told us. “The base depth at West Village has more than doubled since late December, allowing skiers and riders to enjoy more terrain and improved conditions in the new year.”

Shortly before 1 p.m., the resort’s mountain report noted that the Cloudchaser, Sunrise and Skyliner lifts were “going on hold due to wind.” It also said the current base depth has topped three feet, at 38 inches. Temperatures were mostly in the teens, with winds to 50 mph and a maximum wind gust of 109 mph reported at the Sunrise Lodge.

On Thursday night, Mt. Bachelor is hosting its first Passholder Party of 2026 at Deschutes Brewery Public House, featuring free beer for the first 200 passholders and the chance to play bingo, win prizes, and connect with other passholders and Mt. Bachelor leaders.

On Friday, Adventure Scientists and representatives from the Whitebark Pine Ecosystems Foundation will gather at West Village Lodge for Lunch & Learn, followed by an on-snow tour to see these unique trees in-person.

Looking ahead to the weekend, there will be Passholder Early Ups on Red Chair (conditions permitting) as well as a new event called Sunday Refresh at the base of Cloudchaser chairlift. Guests can relax, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy mimosas or non-alcoholic beverages on the snow between laps.

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