Author: KTVZ

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —   A contentious topic this past week: the possible sale of public land. The provision brought forth by Utah Senator Mike Lee as part of the Trump Administration’s Big Beautiful Bill, aimed to sell swaths of Forest Service and and Beurau of Land Management land.

That provision, though, was blocked Tuesday in the United States Senate, with revisions expected soon.

KTVZ News spoke to locals and Central Oregon nonprofits about the provision, it’s possible revisions, and generally how folks would feel to the sale of public land.

One Bend resident, Kara Laduke, said “I think it’s a bummer for for a lot of us.” Another resident, Kirk Anderson, “it’s really concerning.”

Bend resident, Andrea Napoli said it’s “detrimental to everyone.” Andrew Deenick, a frequent user of public lands said, “it’s not good keep it as it is” 

Frustration and confusion. That’s how community members and nonprofits such as Oregon Hunters Association initially felt about the possible sale of public land 

Tyler Dungannon, the conservation coordinator with Oregon Hunters Association saidm, “OHA strongly opposes the sale of our public lands.”

The provision, though introduced by senator mike lee from Utah, was blocked In the us senate Tuesday morning. It proposed to mandate the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to sell 0.5 to 0.75 percent of all public lands. That’s about 2 to 3 millions acres of public land between 11 states.

“We moved to Central Oregon for this reason, and we have two young kids, and we want them to be able to grow up playing in the outdoors and taking advantage of what makes Central Oregon special,” Laduke said. She added, “so we feel protective over it.”

“I think public lands obviously benefit everyone. So, keeping them public is certainly ideal and out of the hands of private owners,” Napoli added.

In Oregon there’s 22 million acres of public land that would have been eligible. That includes over 9 million acres of Forest Service Land and over 11 million acres of BLM land.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden commented saying “in terms of what this means, this runs contrary to all the Oregon values in our DNA, and particularly in Central Oregon.”

In a post on X, Senator Lee said he would make revisions to the provision. Still making housing a priority, the revised version would include a removal of all forest service land from the provision. He also noted he would significantly reduce the amount of BLM land in the bill.

Jeremy Austin, Wildlands and Water Program Director with Central Oregon Landwatch said, “efforts like this to sell off our public lands will only further fragment those landscapes and make it harder for wildlife to reach the access to access the resources they need to survive.”

Initially, the proposal required state or local government to nominate possible land. It also formerly required nominated land to be adjacent to existing developed areas, have existing infrastructure, and be suitable for residential housing.

Now, it’s Senator Lee’s intention to make land within 5 miles of population center eligible. 

Dungannon added, “urban sprawl is one of the main reasons why our mule deer are declining in central Oregon. Urban sprawl, housing development, any sort of development is a direct loss of habitat.“

Others question the integrity that the need for housing justifies selling public land 

“President Trump’s proposed budget would slash the US Department of Housing and Urban Development by up to 50%,” said Austin. He continued, “so it’s really concerning to see our public lands being, used in this way.”

Though the provision has been blocked, some say this attempt at privatizing public land is about principle and creates worries for future public land legislation.

Deenick noted ”setting the door so that it’s unlocked. So down the road, you know, someone can come in and develop it more aggressively.”

Dungannon added, “this could absolutely set a precedent for future land sales. That is of extreme concern for OHA.”

Representative Cliff Bentz voiced strong opposition to proposals that would sell millions of acres of federal land arguing that improving federal land management, not selling it, is the best way forward.

While he supports land exchanges, when there’s clear local demand, he says such decisions must include thorough debate, and local input.

This comes as the trump administration said Monday it’s moving to rescind Clinton-era Policy known as the roadless rule that blocked logging on 58 million acres of national forest lands.

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KTVZ News Partners

(Update: Adding video)

Bend, Ore. – (June 26, 2025) – Bend Park and Recreation District’s July 4th Pet Parade is a community tradition since 1924 and is an annual tradition to mark the Independence Day holiday.

The parade has a new start time this year! The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Lineup for the parade starts at 8:30 a.m. at Harmon Park.

Parade participants are encouraged to arrive in costume with a pet or stuffed animal and on pulled wagons, bikes or trikes. Parade spectators are also welcome to watch all the action on the parade route.

One of the largest parades in Central Oregon, it is anticipated that more than 8,000 people participate and watch the parade.

“The pet parade is a favorite tradition and nearly equal numbers of spectators as participants in the parade,” said Julie Brown, BPRD community engagement director. “The weather forecast looks warm, so we encourage everyone to plan ahead for their health and safety as well as pets.”

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed to help as monitors on the parade route and to assist with clean-up after the parade. Information and volunteer sign up available on the website.

Parade route

Parade staging is set for Harmon Park and the route will head north on Harmon Boulevard to Newport Avenue, east on Newport to Wall Street and on to the finish at Drake Park.

The morning parade will conclude before the warmest part of July 4th

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For the first year ever KTVZ News will be showcasing both Bend and Redmond’s firework shows with the our live show, The 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.

Starting at 9:45PM on Friday, July 4th we will be streaming the show on KTVZ+. Then at 10PM our Fox station will join-in on the fun, until the fireworks show ends.

This means you don’t have to leave your home to watch both Bend and Redmond’s firework show. Just put on KTVZ+, kick back, and enjoy!

For details on how to download KTVZ+ click here.

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KTVZ News Partners

(Update: Adding video)

Washington, DC – On Saturday, June 28th at 11:00AM PT, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) will be hosting an open-to-all town hall meeting in Redmond, OR.

This will be Rep. Bynum’s sixth town hall as part of her “Give ‘Em Hell Tour” – a 10-stop summer series designed to connect with constituents across the district and fight back against the Trump admin. It will also mark her tenth total town hall since joining Congress.

Who: Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05)

What: Redmond Town Hall

When: Saturday, June 28th at 11:00 AM

Where: Ridgeview High School, 4555 SW Elkhorn Ave, Redmond, OR 97756

The town hall will take place in Ridgeview’s gym.

KTVZ News was on hand for Rep.Bynum’s last town hall in Central Oregon, which you can watch here.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s a big week in Prineville as crowds roll in for the 80th Crooked River Roundup to celebrate western heritage and lifestyle.

Held annually in June and July at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville, the Crooked River Roundup Association puts on two separate events that include a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo and the largest parimutuel horse races in the State of Oregon.

Jillian Fortner spoke with the Young Guns program coordinator to learn more about the rising stars in the arena.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. [KTVZ] — One of the biggest employers in Prineville is shutting down—without giving city leaders a heads-up – leaving 184 employees, jobless.  

The Owens Corning plant, located on Main Street in Prineville, which produces extruded polystyrene foam boards, commonly known under the trademark foamular®, which are used for insulating residential and commercial buildings, has announced it will close its manufacturing facility, resulting in 184 employees losing their jobs.  

KTVZ News obtained the manufacturing facility’s “Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification” or “Warn Notice” announcing that layoffs would begin August 25, 2025. 

But what’s drawing added frustration is how the city of Prineville found out. 

Prineville mayor Jason Beebe says Owens Corning never informed him or the City Council before making the decision public, and of the company’s three locations in Oregon, only Prineville is on the chopping block. 

“I don’t know why they picked Prineville. I really don’t know why, and it’s sad because that mill’s been in operation in some aspects. I’m 51 years old, and they’ve been there my entire life.” 

Mayor Beebe said, this week, he will request a special meeting with the City Council and City Manager, because he says he would like to see the facility restored to what it’s known for lumber milling. 

“We need a place for it to go. All the other mill sites… there’s only a couple left. I could see someone coming in and, you know, maybe revamping some of those operations and making a mill site again.” 

After a request for comment, Owens Corning emailed KTVZ News, a statement about the facility’s closure. 

“Owens Corning has made the strategic business decision to close our doors components facility in Prineville, Oregon. This decision was not taken lightly, and leadership’s priority is supporting the team in Prineville through this transition.” 

The Prineville plant is one of three facilities the company operates in Oregon. 

The other two sites are in Gresham and Portland, which, at this time, will remain open.  

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Eugene man was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced.

David Toedtemeier, 34, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on Jan. 24, 2022, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team conducted a traffic stop on Toedtemeier’s vehicle in Deschutes County as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Inside the vehicle were Toedtemeier, his wife and their infant child.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located a safe on the rear passenger floorboard beneath the infant’s car seat. Inside the safe were fentanyl pills, heroin, methamphetamine and a firearm. Additional fentanyl, methamphetamine, a digital scale, Narcan nasal spray and several cellphones were found in the vehicle’s trunk.

Later that day, officers searched Toedtemeier’s residence and found methamphetamine, heroin and another firearm.

When questioned by investigators, Toedtemeier admitted to possessing the drugs and firearms and said he intended to sell the drugs in Oregon.

On Feb. 17, 2022, Toedtemeier was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the CODE team with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Delph.

The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional operation made up of federal, state, county and city law enforcement agencies that investigate large-scale drug trafficking organizations.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine and 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. A dose as small as two milligrams—just a few grains—can be fatal to an average adult. The widespread availability of illicit fentanyl has led to a significant rise in overdose deaths across Oregon.

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KTVZ News Partners

As part of the City’s annual street preservation program, contractors will begin paving some busy streets around the community starting June 30 and this work will continue through July. With paving, old asphalt is ground out and replaced or a new layer of asphalt is paved on top of the existing roadway. The process can take a couple of days in each location. Roads will be marked with signs prior to closing for paving.

Paving is just one of several types of street preservation treatments. This year, the City of Bend is doing about $4.85 million worth of street preservation contract work that will improve approximately 67 lane miles in Bend. This includes about 16 miles of paving, 28 miles of chipseal, and 23 miles of slurry treatments. To minimize impacts on traffic on busier roads, most of the paving work will occur at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Night work will occur on Galveston Avenue, Simpson Avenue, Purcell Boulevard, NE 8th Street, Cooley Road, Hunnel Road and Jamison Street.

When the City paves residential roads, the work will occur during daytime hours due to noise and lights that could be disruptive to homes in neighborhoods. Visit bendoregon.gov/streetpreservation for more information and maps.

Because these projects can impact the traveling public, the City works to ensure everyone is notified and prepared ahead of time, through postcards to adjacent properties, signage on the roads, and the weekly road and traffic report.

Sign up for the weekly road and traffic report at bendoregon.gov/traffic.

This work is supported by the Transportation Fee.

“The City’s ’Keep Good Roads Good’ philosophy means we maintain and preserve streets with the most cost-effective treatment for the road condition — the right treatment at the right time,” said Streets & Operations Supervisor Paul Neiswonger.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from county commissioners)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Deschutes County Commissioners will now decide Deschutes County’s interim Sheriff.

Commissioner Patti Adair said at Wednesday’s board meeting, “We do want to select the person that we feel will help with that seamless transition and bring back the transparency and respect that the department should be recognized with. “

By 5 p.m. Thursday, his resignation will be set, giving commissioners just over a month to find his replacement.  If a replacement is not decided on by July 31st, Undersheriff Aaron Wells will fill the spot. 

Phil Chang said, “They’ve been living under a cloud of uncertainty. Not knowing. Not knowing who their leader is going to be. Not feeling trust for the person who is currently their sheriff. “

Controversy has surrounded current Sheriff Kent van der Kamp since his election, after Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels placed him on the county’s Brady list, meaning he is barred from giving testimony in future cases as an expert witness because of issues regarding his truthfulness.

A formal recall effort is now underway in Deschutes County calling for Sheriff van der Kamp to step down. KTVZ News obtained an email sent to county officials Tuesday, where van der Kamp announced his official resignation date to be July 31st. Previously, he shared his retirement would occur in the “coming months”.

County clerk Steve Dennison told KTVZ News van der Kamp is eligible for recall on July 7th, where supporters will need to provide over 16,000 signatures. 

But Dennison says the process would pass van der Kamp’s July 31st last day, meaning, despite a recall election, he would still be removed from office. 

The sheriff’s employee union will hold a public candidate forum on July 7th. Those candidates are required to share statements with commissioners by July 11th to be considered.

“Immediately following the November election, there was a morale surge, a surge in recruitment, retention surged. There was a lot of really positive feeling, both inside the sheriff’s office and outside. I am hoping that this appointment will help to put us back on track,” said Chang.

The picked sheriff would be in office for just over a year until November of 20-26 when voters will decide who fills the position.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from parents, HDESD statement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Parents, caregivers, and teachers are urging the High Desert Education Service District to reconsider budget cuts that would reduce services for children with special needs.

“Recently, the HDESD Board approved a budget for the 2025–2026 school year that reflects the difficult reality of a substantial funding shortfall in our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program,” said HDESD Communication Strategist, Linda Quon. 

If the budget hadn’t passed by June 30, the regional provider that offers early intervention, special education, and support services for children up to age 5 risked losing all of its funding.

The early intervention/early childhood special education is a grant-funded program.

Tiffany Nusser’s daughter, Adelynn, who is autistic and nonverbal, is one of the children impacted. Nusser says the cuts may reduce her classroom time from three days a week to two.

“I was heartbroken when they said that they’re passing that budget.” said Adelynn’s mother, Tiffany Nusser.

The changes mean fewer staff members, including Adelynn’s teacher, with whom she’s formed a strong bond at the Alyce Hatch Center.

“I get emotional… she’ll just think someone is gone at preschool. She’ll show up there and expect to see her teacher and she won’t be there anymore. I’m unsure what that will be like for her,” Nusser said.

Jennifer Underhill says she’s disappointed by the budget cuts, noting that school has played a vital role in her son Grayson’s development.

“He started going to Alyce Hatch when he was 3, and we’ve seen a significant difference in his social skills and intentional play,” said Grayson’s mom, Jennifer Underhill.

She’s worried about what next year will bring without the same level of support.

“Especially kiddos like Grayson that need someone to help him … he really needs one-on-one support,” Underhill said. “He won’t have that when he goes back next year.”

The High Desert Education Service District says it understands families’ concerns and remains committed to supporting students. They’re working to redesign how services are delivered to adapt to ongoing funding challenges.

Here’s the full statement from High Desert Education Service District:

MEDIA STATEMENT: Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Program Budget Reductions

June 23, 2025

At High Desert Education Service District (HDESD), the well-being and growth of the children and families we serve are fundamental to everything we do. Recently, the HDESD Board approved a budget for the 2025–2026 school year that reflects the difficult reality of a substantial funding shortfall in our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program. This challenge is largely driven by projected flat federal funding levels and increased operational costs.

We recognize and deeply understand the concerns raised by parents and community members. These concerns are shared by our leadership, educators, and staff, many of whom have dedicated their careers to serving children with disabilities and their families.

While some changes to staffing and service delivery are necessary, our unwavering commitment is to maintain high-quality, individualized support for all eligible children. We are working diligently to redesign how we deliver these services so that we can preserve essential supports while being fiscally responsible. Key changes include:

Maintaining core services across all age groups, with some adjustments to frequency or method of delivery.

Prioritizing early learning and family engagement, including expanded parent coaching and support options.

Strengthening community partnerships to continue services in preschool and childcare settings.

These shifts will allow us to continue supporting children in ways that are meaningful and effective, while adapting to the current funding climate. We believe in the foundational principle that “special education is a service, not a place,” and will continue to focus on inclusion, development, and readiness for kindergarten.

We are communicating transparently with families about these changes and will continue to offer updates, opportunities for engagement, and support throughout this transition. 

We are grateful to the families and educators who are standing with us in our mission to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.

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