Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity said Thursday it has officially closed on the purchase of surplus land from Bend-La Pine Schools for $20,000 for a new housing development that will give priority to school district staff..

The transaction was completed last week on the property, known as Stone Creek Commons, which will become a new homeownership community located next to Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend 

Habitat was awarded the property through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process in 2024. Over the past year, the organization says it’s worked closely with the school district and local jurisdictions to complete the required land-use process, allowing the property sale to move forward. 

Here’s the rest of Thursday’s announcement:

The land is the first of two surplus school district properties Habitat is moving forward on. A second site, located adjacent to Summit High School, was also awarded to Habitat through the same RFP process and is expected to be sold in early 2026. 

Bend-La Pine Schools declared the Stone Creek Commons site surplus after determining it would not be needed for future school use. At the same time, the district recognized ongoing challenges with hiring and retaining staff and chose to take action by making the land available for housing opportunities that would support school employees and the broader community. 

The Stone Creek Commons development will become a mixed-income neighborhood designed to support long-term stability for local residents, with priority for school district employees. The project reflects a collaborative approach to addressing Central Oregon’s housing challenges, where homeownership is increasingly out of reach for working class households.  

“This represents a major step forward for our community,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. “By securing this property, we’re opening the door for more local educators to put down roots near the schools where they support students every day. Bend-La Pine Schools chose to act rather than accept the status quo, and that leadership made this possible. This site next to Silver Rail Elementary is just the beginning. Together, we’re creating new pathways to homeownership and supporting the people who keep our community running.” 

About the Project 

Stone Creek Commons will include 18 energy-efficient townhomes designed to reduce long-term living costs and support households across a range of incomes. Planned features include: 

Two- to four-bedroom homes with attached garages and private backyards 

Goal net-zero energy design, lowering utility costs over time 

Priority for Bend-La Pine Schools employees during an initial application phase 

Mixed-income opportunities, including: 

10 homes for buyers earning up to 80% of Area Median Income 

8 homes for buyers earning up to 120% of Area Median Income 

This mixed-income approach reflects the reality of today’s market, where many middle-income households are priced out of homeownership despite steady employment. 

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with home sales expected in 2027–2028. 

Graphic courtesy Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity

Next Steps for Interested Buyers 

While official applications will open in fall 2026, interested future buyers are strongly encouraged to begin the process now by completing a pre-application and working with Habitat’s homeownership team on mortgage readiness goals. This includes improving credit, reducing debt, and building financial preparedness for purchasing a home. 

About Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity 

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope across Central Oregon. Since 1989, Habitat has partnered with more than 250 families, revitalized 145 homes, and supported over 1,100 children and adults in achieving long-term stability through homeownership. 

Learn more at bendredmondhabitat.org. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Trees, lines knocked down; I-84 closure update)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The latest in a string of atmospheric rivers to sweep into the Northwest brought more rain and wind to the High Desert Thursday, sending high water across some Bend streets, knocking down some trees and power lines and raising flooding concerns along Whychus Creek in Sisters.

KTVZ News issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Thursday into Friday morning as moderate to heavy rain prompts flood concerns around the region.

KTVZ Meteorologist Shannon Brady said one to two inches of rain are expected for the Highway 97 corridor, but could exceed that in the Sisters and Sunriver areas and western Jefferson County.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch across the area through late Friday night, as forecasters warned of 2-4 inches of rain and over a foot of snow at higher elevations that could send small creek and streams flowing out of the Cascades over their banks. They later issued a winter storm warning for the east slopes of the Cascades – including Sisters, Sunriver and La Pine – from 4 a.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday for 6-10 inches of snow.

A wind advisory also was issued for the region, from 10 a.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday, with forecasters expecting southwest to west winds 20-30 mph and possible gusts of 45-55 mph.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to two reports of trees into power lines by Thursday afternoon, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.

The first, in Deschutes River Woods at Riverwoods Drive and Kiowa Road, turned out to be communication lines and not power lines, he said.

The second was at Tyler and Kuhlman roads, northwest of Bend. A tree fell across a driveway and took down some local Central Electric Cooperative power lines, Derlacki said. CEC crews were called out for repairs. The co-op’s outage map indicated it was affecting 17 members.

Mt. Bachelor received another three inches of snow overnight, but it was followed by above-freezing temperatures that turned the snow to rain. Another cold turn is expected to bring lots of snow into the weekend.

Announcement Thursday from the city of Sisters:

Potential For Increased Water Levels Along Whychus Creek

The City of Sisters is advising residents to be aware of the potential for increased water levels and localized flooding along Whychus Creek this week. Rainfall today, with showers continuing through Friday, may contribute to rising creek levels, particularly where soils are already saturated or when snow-covered slopes upstream experience runoff.

While major, widespread flooding of Whychus Creek is uncommon, these conditions can cause water levels to rise quickly and may impact low-lying areas and infrastructure along the creek. Local conditions can change rapidly during storm events.

Residents living near Whychus Creek are encouraged to closely monitor creek flow levels and stay informed by checking forecasts and advisories issued by the National Weather Service over the coming days.

To help residents prepare, sandbags will be available behind City Hall on Main Avenue beginning Thursday, December 18.

Community members are encouraged to bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport sandbags as needed to help protect homes and property along Whychus Creek. Sandbags will be available starting Wednesday and continue while supplies last.

The City of Sisters appreciates the community’s cooperation and preparedness and will continue to share updates as conditions evolve. 

For additional information and updates, residents should monitor official City communications and National Weather Service advisories.

Whychus Creek Flow

National Weather Service

Much of the state, especially Northwest Oregon, also were dealing with flooding threats and rain or snow.

In Eastern Oregon, ODOT said Interstate 84 eastbound was closed between La Grande and Baker City, milepost 265 to 304 Thursday morning due to several spun out semi-trucks. It was later extended to between Pendleton at milepost 216 and Baker City, milepost 304.

“Winter weather is occurring throughout the area,” they said, advising motorists to follow chain restrictions where posted. Follow traffic updates at www.tripcheck.com.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From adding traffic cameras to curb speeding drivers to the number of dispensaries allowed in town, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Subaru of Bend is helping support a local nonprofit this holiday season in a way that could save lives.

As part of Subaru’s national Share the Love event, Bend’s family-owned dealership selected Stroke Awareness Oregon (SAO) as one of this year’s local beneficiaries. The annual campaign runs from November through the new year, with Subaru donating money for every new vehicle sold.

Each participating dealership across the country chooses local nonprofits making an impact in their communities. For Subaru of Bend, that means supporting stroke education and awareness programs across Central Oregon.

“We can actually choose who in our community is making the most impact,” said Jake Thomas, general manager at Subaru of Bend. “This Share the Love event, we are doing Stroke Awareness Oregon – SAO. This organization helps educate people on what the signs are and try to help people not have life-changing events.”

Stroke Awareness Oregon teaches people to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke, while also supporting survivors and caregivers through recovery. Funds raised through the Share the Love event will help expand education, support groups, and outreach programs throughout the region.

“Our mission is so important because if we’re able to get that word out and help others with the knowledge, it can really mitigate a lot of things,” said Taylor Laidlaw, education coordinator for Stroke Awareness Oregon. “The money we’re receiving from this event will go toward the programs we work on — including support groups for stroke warriors and caregivers — and will help us continue that education in the community.”

Organizers say partnerships like this not only provide crucial funding but help spread life-saving awareness across Central Oregon.

Subaru’s Share the Love event runs through January 2nd at the Bend location, with most of the money raised going directly back into local programs.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

Major fundraising for Central Oregon Community College’s Madras campus expansion, set to open for winter term’s first day on Jan. 5, has culminated with a generous capping grant of $100,000 from the Tykeson Family Foundation.

The investment in the “Growing Together” campaign is supporting two central elements of the transformative project: the college’s health care training programs and the community child care center, the school said in Wednesday’s announcement.

“This COCC expansion grows opportunities in the care sectors to build community well-being,” said Amy Tykeson, managing trustee of the Tykeson Family Foundation. “Starting in January, more people in Jefferson County can gain critical skills and credentials close to home.”

In all, the new 24,000-square-foot facility will house three standalone training programs: nursing, nursing assistant and medical assisting. Additionally, the expanded early childhood education program at the Madras campus is integrating some of its training into the new on-site, 100-capacity child care facility, being managed by The Children’s Learning Center of Madras.

The update to the Madras campus, which originally opened in 2011, is a response to Jefferson County’s needs related to early childhood education and health care workforce gaps, along with a major shortage of child care options in the region. Construction began in June of 2024.

COCC plans to hold a community ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, April 30, at 4 p.m.

“The Tykeson Family Foundation is bringing incredible impact to this campus and community, and we’re extremely grateful,” said Zak Boone, COCC’s chief advancement officer and executive director of the COCC Foundation.

“It’s a monumental day for our ‘Growing Together’ campaign to receive this generous grant near the end of our public fundraising efforts. And it’s a soon-to-be monumental day to be opening these new doors to residents of Jefferson County!”

The Madras campus expansion is being funded through a combination of federal and state support, private philanthropy, grants and general college funds.

For more information, contact Zak Boone, COCC’s chief advancement officer and executive director of the COCC Foundation, at zboone@cocc.edu or 541-383-7212.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District opened The Pavilion as Central Oregon’s first and only NHL-size ice sheet nearly a decade ago, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary along with the annual winter solstice event on Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Winter solstice event

The Winter Solstice & 10th Anniversary Celebration encourages attendees to bring a non-perishable food donation for NeighborImpact to receive the discounted fee of $8 per person including skate rental.

The event will include music by DJ Teafly, a performance by the Bend Ice Figure Skating Club at 7 p.m., anniversary cake, treats and hot cocoa. There will also be raffle prizes for attendees.

NeighborImpact’s Food Bank welcomes non-perishable food donations, including pasta, canned vegetables, canned tuna, canned fruit, soups, peanut butter and ready-to-eat meals.

“Winter solstice is a time to celebrate the shortest day and the return of more minutes of daylight to follow,” said Clare Gordon, The Pavilion manager. “This year is extra special because we will also celebrate 10 years of operations and enjoyment of year-round activities at this special facility.”

By the numbers: 10 years at The Pavilion

Since opening in late December 2015, nearly 441,000 individuals have visited The Pavilion, including residents and visitors, for drop-in use. The most visited year was 2023 with more than 75,000 drop-in skate visits in the year.

Hockey participation has been strong since the very first season when 300 adults joined the inaugural league and specialized ice session offerings. In subsequent years, BPRD added youth hockey programs and roller offerings, and more than 7,300 program registrations were logged for youth and adult hockey participants, including leagues, specialized stick time and other programs in 2024. A total of nearly 40,000 hockey registrations have occurred since 2016.

Learn-to-skate ice skating lessons occur for all ages and skill levels annually. Enrollment grew to an all-time high of 1,428 in 2022 and continues to be enjoyed by more than 1,000 skaters annually.

Curling is a popular Olympic sport and has an enthusiastic local following with strong league participation. Each year, it is also one of the district’s fastest programs to fill to capacity when fall and winter registration opens. To date, there have been 2,300 enrollments for curling opportunities, including single session learn-to-curl programs.

Hockey, learn to skate and curling programs are offered by BPRD, as well as long-time partners Bend Ice, Bend Rapids and the Bend Curling Club.

“The community’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of ice and roller sports have been great to experience,” added Gordon. “The district couldn’t do this alone, and we extend thanks to our partners who have joined us in fostering introduction, development and competitive spirit to The Pavilion activities.”

To support ice sports, The Pavilion has a refrigeration system consisting of over 13 miles of in-floor tubing to maintain quality ice conditions. In addition to the 30,000 square foot roof, the rink is protected on the south and west sides by clear panels designed to reduce wind and sun exposure on the ice while maintaining the open-air experience.

In non-ice season, multi-sport court flooring is placed for warmer weather activities, such as roller skating and roller hockey.

Each summer, The Pavilion hosts a popular childcare program called “the PAC.” Since 2016, there have been more than 17,000 enrollments at the high-demand summer camp program that operates 10 weeks each summer.

When it initially opened to the public, ice season was expected to be from November to March. In practice, it opens in October and ice season concludes in early April, which extends several weeks to the season each year before transitioning to a roller surface for warmer seasons.

“As we move into The Pavilion’s second decade, the district will continue to focus programs and operations around community need, and staff are thankful for the wide variety of activities The Pavilion has to offer!” said Gordon.

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Barney Lerten

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, working with Jefferson County Fire and EMS, rescued a missing kayaker from Bend late Tuesday night from the Deschutes Arm of Lake Billy Chinook.

Around 10:40 p.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a missing kayaker near the Lower Deschutes Boat Ramp, Sheriff Jason Pollock said.

While deputies prepared to deploy a Sheriff’s Office patrol boat to search the water, another deputy used a thermal imaging drone in an effort to locate the subject.

The kayaker, Neil Wesner, 74, of Bend, was found in the water, clinging to his kayak and exhibiting signs of hypothermia and disorientation, the sheriff said.

Deputies pulled Wesner onto the patrol boat, where Jefferson County Fire and EMS personnel immediately began treating him. He was brought to the Lower Deschutes Boat Ramp and moved to a waiting ambulance, which took him to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

The sheriff told KTVZ News that Wesner was wearing a life jacket when things went awry.

“He had his phone in his hand and was able to call 911 for help before he lost connection,” Pollock told us.

“This incident highlights the importance of rapid response, advanced technology, and strong teamwork between Jefferson County deputies and fire personnel,” Pollock said in a news release.

“We are grateful for the successful outcome and remind all boaters to exercise caution, particularly in cold water conditions, where hypothermia can occur quickly,” the sheriff added.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: State Police information)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A driver received minor injuries and was cited after a single-vehicle crash that closed U.S. Highway 20 near Suttle Lake late Tuesday night, Oregon State Police said.

ODOT advised motorists on TripCheck just after 11 p.m. that the highway was closed by the crash near milepost 90, west of Sisters and three miles east of the intersection with Suttle Lake Loop.

In the video above captured by KTVZ, you can see traffic backed up to a stop, as well as first responders searching in the brush alongside the highway.

OSP said the crash occurred when the driver of an eastbound pickup lost control and it overturned, landing on the westbound shoulder of the highway. He was taken to St. Charles Bend with minor injuries and cited for driving with a suspended license.

“Heavy rains were a factor, and speed appears to have been a factor,” troopers said.

The vehicle was reported to have caught on fire, but OSP had no further information. The involved truck was towed from the scene by Davis Towing.

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Barney Lerten

CHILQQUIN, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 26-year-old Chiloquin man was killed in the head-on collision of two pickup trucks Tuesday evening on Highway 97 south of Chiloquin in Klamath County, Oregon State Police said Wednesday.

The crash occurred around 6:40 p.m. near milepost 255.

OSP’s preliminary investigation found that Gordon Travis Gilmer, 37, of Sacramento, was driving a Chevy Silverado 2500 heading south when he lost control, traveled into the oncoming lane and struck a Toyota Hilux driven by Triston Charles Morrow, 26, of Chiloquin.

Morrow died at the crash scene. The Chevy driver and one passenger suffered reported minor, while a second passenger was reported uninjured.

The highway was affected for about an hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and ODOT.

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