Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend said Monday it’s happy to honor Whitney Eskelson for 15 years of steady work with youth in Central Oregon by launching a new “Youth Empowerment Fund” in her name. 

Here’s their announcement about that new honor:

When the Boys & Girls Club opened in Bend, Whitney was one of the first kids through the door. Her family needed a safe place after school and in the summer, and the Club became that place. She found caring adults and mentors, homework help, nutrition support, and friends who felt like family. Club is where she grew up. 

What began as a place of safety for Whitney would later become the foundation for a lifetime of service to kids and families in Bend. 

After high school and college, she returned to the Club, this time as staff, working directly with Club members. She started as a Youth Development Professional, later became Program Director at the East Bend Club, followed by the Downtown Club, and today serves as Vice President of Program Strategy and Operations.

In every role, kids know they can count on her. Always looking for opportunities, she started a cheer program at the Club, to help youth feel a sense of belonging and help build their confidence. 

“Whitney helped my three kids feel safe and cared for at a time when we needed it most,”  shared Club parent Shereene Wray. 

“She encouraged my shy daughter through cheer, helped my son with ADHD feel understood, and gave my youngest a place where he felt comfortable and welcome. As a single mom, I will always be grateful for the way she supported our family. She is truly part of our lives.”

Club alumnus Alana Johnson shared, “Whitney is the heart and soul of the club. She was able to make so many people, including me, feel special and important which is hard to do in a sea of kids! She remembers everyone and every little important thing about the club kids and families during her time.

“She inspired me to embrace what’s unique and ‘weird’ and use it to take on the world! She inspired me to do the same as I went from club kid to staff and inspired kids in her footsteps! I would truly not exist in the way I do if it wasn’t for her.” 

To honor her years of service and care, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is launching the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund. This fund will directly support families in need and help kids participate in Club programs where they feel steady support each day. 

Friends, families, and champions of the Club can make a gift to help a future family or give $15 each month, in honor of her 15 years of service. 

“Whitney has left a legacy here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend,” said CEO Michael Baker. “She is proof positive that the club programs work.  She grew up in the club, and came back and dedicated 15 years of her life to serving those that need us most.” 

Through her leadership and the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund, Whitney’s impact will continue to shape the lives of kids and families who need the Club today and for years to come. 

To give to the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund, visit: https://abwmddtb.donorsupport.co/page/WHITNEY  

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend has served Central Oregon youth for more than 30 years. The Club provides safe, supportive spaces, positive relationships, and enriching programs that help kids learn, lead, and thrive. Mission: We provide youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Longtime Deschutes County Assessor Scot Langton announced Monday that he won’t seek re-election next year and will retire at the end of his term, in January 2027. At the same time, Langton endorsed Deputy Director Tana West, who filed Monday to run for the office.

Langton, who has served as assessor since 2001 and has 33 years in Oregon property tax administration, has served in two counties and earned the trust of voters across seven elections, according to a joint release from Langton and West.

“Serving as Deschutes County assessor has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional team and serving a community I truly care about.”

As part of his announcement, Langton shared that he is supporting Deputy Director West in her intention to run for the position. West has served as second in command for more than 20 years.

“Tana has been the backbone of this office for decades,” Langton said. “Her experience, leadership, and commitment to this community are unmatched. She knows this work inside and out, and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead the office forward.”

After retiring, Langton looks forward to new adventures, traveling with his wife Cheryl, and spending more time enjoying life outside the office.

West, who has worked in Oregon property tax circles since 1990, formally announced her candidacy for county assessor. West expressed gratitude for Langton’s support and emphasized her commitment to continuity, transparency, and steady leadership.

“I’m honored by Scot’s confidence and deeply grateful for the years we’ve worked together,” West said. “Oregon’s property tax system is complex, and experience matters. I’ve spent my entire career administering these laws and ensuring they are applied accurately and responsibly.”

West pointed to her record of leveraging technology to improve service and transparency. She was responsible for bringing new online tools to the community, including the Tax Estimator tool, which allows homeowners to easily calculate potential taxes on new construction. She also recently implemented the District Tax tool, giving the public a clear, trackable view of where their tax dollars are allocated over time.

“My focus has always been on giving our staff the best tools to do their jobs efficiently and giving the public the information they need,” West said. “This tech-forward approach has allowed the office to manage increasing workloads without increasing staff size.”

West said she is prepared to tackle significant upcoming challenges, including the complexity of administering new state laws and a wave of retirements that threatens institutional knowledge across the field.

“New laws, such as expanded exemptions for affordable housing, often have good intentions, but create administrative hurdles,” West noted. “Our experience is critical in working with other agencies to implement these correctly.”

Addressing the staffing challenge, she added, “With seasoned experts retiring, my leadership will focus on mentoring the next generation. Our intensive training program is vital, and my depth of experience means I can effectively guide that transition, ensuring continuity and accuracy for taxpayers.”

Langton said he will serve out the rest of his term to ensure a smooth and stable transition. West filed her candidacy with the county elections office Monday and so far is the only candidate for the position, online records show. The filing deadline is in March.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: ODOT info)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A crash reportedly involving four vehicles slowed traffic in both directions and created backups Monday afternoon on U.S. Highway 97 north of Bend.

The crash was reported around 3:30 p.m. in the 64000 block of North Highway 97, near milepost 133, about two miles north of Bend.

ODOT advised on TripCheck of delays in the area and urged motorists to “prepare to slow or move over for worker safety.” Backups ensued for traffic in both directions during the removal of vehicle occupants and debris.

The crash occurred as rain was falling over much of the region.

ODOT Region 4 spokeswoman Kacey Davey told us the crash originally was reported as blocking all lanes, but some opened up to let some traffic through. The highway was reported fully reopened around 5:15 p.m.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A rainbow and at times a double-rainbow arced over Bend on Monday after several mild record-warm days – and ahead of a big change in the weather.

Thanks to Connect Central Oregon for the great drone video!

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)) — Heart of Oregon Corps announced Monday a “transformative” $300,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation in support of developing our region’s first youth workforce development campus.

The campus is currently under construction in Redmond and slated to open in the fall of 2026, according to a news release from HoC that continues below:  

“Strong rural communities don’t emerge overnight—they grow from stewarding resources in support of organizations like Heart of Oregon, who are already providing solutions to local and regional issues,” said Kelly Warner, associate program officer at The Ford Family Foundation. “We are proud to walk alongside Heart of Oregon as they remove barriers to opportunity, and the young people they serve can help their communities thrive.”

Each year, Heart of Oregon hires and trains more than 200 young people ages 16–24, and 67% of them come from rural communities throughout Central Oregon. The new campus will serve as a central hub where these young people can access consistent instruction, hands-on training, supportive services, and career exploration—all under one roof.

To ensure that opportunity remains within reach of the most geographically isolated youth, Heart of Oregon will continue operating satellite sites and coordinated transportation options.

The Foundation’s grant contributes to an overall construction budget of $7.3 million. Since October, Heart of Oregon has led a focused fall fund drive for the Legacy 25 capital campaign, with mailings and four phone banks culminating on Giving Tuesday, which alone raised nearly $35,000. Thanks to the generosity of major and individual donors, the remaining funding gap now stands at $1.25 million. Donors are invited to visit www.hoccampus.org to learn more, schedule a hard hat tour, and make a contribution by December 31 to help close this gap and bring this project to completion.

“We are deeply grateful for The Ford Family Foundation’s support of our efforts to re-engage youth and young adults in education and to prepare them for meaningful careers,” said Laura Handy, executive director of Heart of Oregon Corps. “Their investment creates a profound ripple effect in our rural communities. Our graduates go on to become leaders, strengthening their communities and contributing to the vitality of our regional economy.”

This investment comes at a pivotal time. Across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, 33% of young adults ages 16–24 are not currently in the labor force, and 11.6% of those remain unemployed. Many face barriers including generational poverty, housing instability, substance abuse, and limited access to mentors or family support. 

The new campus will address these challenges head-on by providing equitable access to education, skills training, and wraparound support—laying the groundwork for a more resilient future workforce and stronger rural communities.

Heart of Oregon is grateful to the major donors to the project including The Autzen Foundation, The Bend Foundation, The Clark Family Legacy Foundation, The Collins Foundation, The Crevier Family Foundation, Deschutes County, First Interstate Bank Foundation, Ford Family Foundation, Hayden Homes, Healy Foundation, Joseph and Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation, Les Schwab, The Max and Marie Anna Richter Family Fund of OCF, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, PGE Foundation, R&H Construction, The Rosendin Foundation, The Roundhouse Foundation, The State of Oregon, and Tykeson Family Foundation.  

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KTVZ

SALEM , Ore. (KTVZ) — Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Thursdays this December and next January. While all Oregon DMV offices are closed on state-observed holidays, the agency said Monday that these closures will have a greater impact on customers in Heppner, La Pine and Oakridge, which are only open on Thursdays; and Condon, which is only open on the first Thursday of the month.

The Heppner, La Pine and Oakridge offices will be closed the entire week of Christmas and New Years.

The Condon office at 221 S Oregon St. will be closed the entire month of January.

Customers are encouraged to see if they can complete their transaction online at DMV2U, which offers over 30 transactions, including license renewals, vehicle registration and address changes.

People in impacted communities can also visit another DMV office on days other than the holidays.

For a faster experience, make an appointment.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from CET Transit Director)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2020, Cascades East Transit (CET) has operated free of charge, helping Central Oregonians reach work, school, and essential services during and after the pandemic. But after nearly six years of fare-free rides, CET is reintroducing them across Central Oregon beginning February 1, 2026 — part of a broader effort to improve transit access, technology, and long-term sustainability.

Most fixed and flex-route trips within Bend and Redmond will cost $2 one way, capped at $6 per day. Dial-A-Ride users will pay $4 per trip; for Dial-A-Ride riders in Bend, the first ride of each month will cost just $2. For all costs, CET has listed the upcoming fares for all routes.

Ahead of the fare change, a new CET GO pass and payment system will launch on January 1. The system includes both a mobile app and reloadable smart card that riders will use to pay for all trips. It’s designed to simplify fare payment and improve security.

CET Transit Director Bob Townsend said the return of fares is essential to maintaining a system that doesn’t rely on local tax revenue.

“We’re completely reliant on state and federal dollars for our system,” Townsend said. “In our case, where we’re not supplemented with local property taxes or other revenue, fares are an important part of being able to provide the service people expect. We’re not in it to make money. That money is going to go right back into the system.”

Townsend said CET’s goal is to keep the system affordable for riders who rely most on it.

“If you qualify for a reduced fare — which about 75 percent of our riders will — it’s $1 a trip, capped at $3 a day,” he said. “We’re hoping that it still provides the service that people need, but we’re also hoping they make choices around combining trips and things like that, which then allows us to provide more service to other people who may need it.”

To help offset costs for riders facing financial barriers, CET is launching the Central Oregon Community Movement Fund in January. The fund will help subsidize transit passes for low-income riders who rely on CET for work, school, healthcare, groceries, and other essential services. All sponsorship dollars will go directly toward rider fare support, distributing passes to local nonprofits and social service partners.

Those interested in supporting the fund can contact Andrea Wasilew at awasilew@coic.org for more information or to donate.

Rider education will also be an important part of the transition. All CET bus drivers will receive standardized training and a script by January 1, when the CET GO app goes live. Each bus will display large posters with step-by-step instructions and a QR code for sign-up, and drivers will carry informational cards to hand out as takeaways for passengers.

In January, CET will host a series of Transit 101 and CET GO Pass Enrollment pop-up events in partnership with local libraries and community organizations. Riders can sign up for CET GO passes, learn how the new system works, ask questions, and participate in hands-on training with staff. Confirmed event dates and locations include:

Jan. 7, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St.Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crook County Library, 175 NW Meadowlakes Dr., PrinevilleJan. 12, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave.Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 in Warm Springs (locations and times to be announced)Jan. 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oregon State University-Cascades campus

Transit officials hope these events will give riders a chance to get comfortable with the new system in advance of fares returning. Townsend said the change is about balance — keeping transit affordable while ensuring its future.

“When you pay for a service, there’s a certain expectation. There’s a certain rider expectation, a certain expectation from us as a service provider…So hopefully this will just upgrade our whole system,” he added.

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KTVZ

MOUNT HOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has suspended recovery operations for a 26-year-old climber from Bend who went missing while attempting to summit Mt. Hood over the weekend.

The missing climber, identified as Matthew Aldridge, was last seen on Saturday, December 13, 2025, after setting out to climb the mountain with two partners. The group started their ascent from Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort, intending to summit via the Newton Clark Headwall.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, two members of the trio turned back due to deteriorating conditions, while Aldridge continued his climb alone. When his partners hadn’t heard from him later that day, they reported him overdue.

A search began shortly after Saturday afternoon, involving a Hood River County Sheriff’s Office fixed-wing aircraft, ground teams, and cell phone forensics.

Data from Aldridge’s phone helped narrow the search to an area near Pea Gravel Ridge, above 8,400 feet in elevation, where a fall was suspected.

The first attempt to reach that area was halted by darkness and unsafe travel conditions.

Search efforts resumed early Sunday morning, with teams from the Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue reaching the likely location, but they found no sign of Aldridge.

By midday Sunday, worsening weather and hazardous terrain forced the Sheriff’s Office to withdraw crews and suspend ground operations. Officials said the mission has now shifted from search to recovery.

In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office thanked the Hood River Crag Rats, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northwest Avalanche Center for their help during what they described as a “challenging mission.”

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from Rabbi of Chabad of Central Oregon)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The spirit of Chanukah shone brightly Sunday evening as dozens of families, children, and neighbors gathered at the Old Mill District for the 15th annual community menorah lighting, hosted by Chabad of Central Oregon.

The public celebration marked the first night of Chanukah, the eight-day Festival of Lights that commemorates the ancient miracle when a small amount of oil lasted eight days in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Under clear winter skies, attendees enjoyed music, traditional treats like latkes and jelly doughnuts, crafts for kids, and a sense of shared joy as the giant menorah illuminated the night along the Deschutes River.

For Rabbi Yitzchok Feldman, Rabbi of Chabad of Central Oregon, the lighting carries deep meaning that extends beyond ritual or tradition.

“By the menorah lighting itself, that through us being a candle, us being an advocate for positivity and being a light around us, we actually can extinguish the darkness through being a light,” said Rabbi Feldman.

That message — that small acts of kindness can make a big difference — is one Rabbi Feldman says is meant for everyone.

“There’s actually a universal message that everyone just be be a light for your surroundings. Be kind to your surroundings. Be kind at home. Be kind when you go outside, just be kind and be a light for your environment,” he added.

The event also emphasized teaching children about the importance of joy and generosity.

“It’s a holiday that we are supposed to get the kids involved and get everyone involved in are feeling joyous because we want them to feel part of this miracle,” Rabbi Feldman said.

As the first candle was lit and the crowd looked on, the message of hope and resilience filled the Old Mill District — a reminder that even one flame can light up the darkness.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Police (OSP) launched a large-scale traffic safety initiative Friday, ramping up patrols across Highway 97 and several adjoining routes as the holiday travel season gets underway. The operation, stretching from border to border along Highway 97, includes enforcement along Highways 20, 26, 58, and 126.

Captain Kyle Kennedy, OSP’s public information officer, said the operation’s purpose is to prevent serious and fatal crashes, especially at a time of year when traffic typically increases statewide.

“We recently had a fatal crash in the area,” Kennedy said. “Last year, we had a number of crashes in and around the holidays. We really just want to set a tone that we want people to drive safely and to make sure they get to the destination they intend to get to — and that’s not a hospital, and it’s certainly not a morgue.”

Kennedy said troopers will be paying close attention to what OSP calls the “fatal five” traffic behaviors: excessive speed, occupant safety violations, lane safety issues, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

Focus on commercial motor vehicles

A major part of the operation targets commercial drivers traveling through Central Oregon. Kennedy emphasized the unique risks involved when large trucks are in collisions.

“Those vehicles are large, and when they’re involved in crashes, they lead to serious and fatal injuries due to their size,” he said. “It takes a lot to stop one of those. We know that most commercial drivers operate responsibly, but there are still some who drive distracted, impaired, or with unsecured loads — and that’s what we’re addressing.”

Recent crashes have underscored that urgency. Just weeks ago, a newlywed couple was killed east of Bend on Highway 20 after a truck jackknifed into their SUV. A week later, a four-vehicle crash in La Pine along Highway 97 left a pickup truck engulfed in flames after a semi-truck collided with it. No one died in that incident, but it served as another warning of the dangers heavy vehicles can pose.

Shared responsibility and seasonal safety

Kennedy stressed that this initiative is not meant to single out trucking companies, but to promote safety for everyone on the road.

“The heart of the operation is, we want people to be safe and get to visit their families,” he said. “We just want people to know there’s going to be a consequence if you’re not operating safely.”

The patrol effort is a cooperative, multi-agency operation involving OSP area commands and local partners, including Bend Police, the Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices, Redmond Police, ODOT, and the Washington State Patrol.

“I do want to highlight that this is a multi-agency operation,” Kennedy said. “We hope it’s a slow day, and we hope that what we see is a lot of compliance with traffic laws. But in the event that we come across poor driving behavior, we’re going to be there to interact with that.”

Kennedy said the visible law enforcement presence acts as both a deterrent and a reminder for motorists to slow down, pay attention, and plan ahead — especially as winter conditions approach.

Patrols will remain in effect through the holiday season to encourage safe driving and reduce crashes across Central Oregon highways.

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