Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Partners for Affordable Housing and Bend YIMBY will host an all-coalition meeting on April 2 in Bend to discuss housing development strategies and prepare for an upcoming candidate forum. The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. at The Barrel Room at UPP Liquids, located at 550 SW Industrial Way.

The event features a presentation by Mayor Kebler and City of Bend housing staff on local efforts to enable housing development. The coalition, which includes the local chapter of the nonprofit YIMBY Action, aims to address the regional housing crisis by advocating for increased housing supply across Central Oregon.

The meeting agenda begins at 4 p.m. with updates and the development of questions for the Deschutes County Commission Candidate Forum. Following the planning session, Mayor Kebler and City of Bend housing staff will give a presentation from 5 to 6 p.m. regarding city approaches to housing development. The session will include a question-and-answer period for attendees.

A social hour will conclude the event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Barrel Room. Organizers noted that while appetizers will be provided, drinks will be available for purchase.

Partners for Affordable Housing was founded in 2010 as a nonprofit originally called Building Partners for Affordable Housing. It was established by members of the Central Oregon Builders Association, who worked to fund projects by securing land parcels at discounted prices for affordable housing builders.

The coalition has since expanded its membership to include large employers, unions, economic development organizations and civic groups. These organizations work together to support elected leaders in efforts to increase housing supply and reduce costs.

Central Oregon YIMBY, which stands for “Yes In My Back Yard,” is a chapter of the national 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization YIMBY Action. The group advocates for a variety of housing options beyond single-family homes, including condos, cottage clusters, apartments, micro-units and multi-unit plexes.

The questions developed during the meeting will be used for the Deschutes County Commission Candidate Forum scheduled for April 30.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon announced Wednesday it has been named a 2025 Pinnacle Award winner for program excellence by the organization’s national leadership.

The local agency is one of only five organizations chosen for the honor out of more than 230 agencies across the United States.

The Pinnacle Award is the highest honor given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. It recognizes agencies that have met “Platinum Award” requirements for two or more consecutive years, demonstrating high rates of retention for both mentors and youth while maintaining consistent program growth.

The national leadership council, comprised of local agency leaders and board members, selects the winners annually.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a 21 Cares for Kids partner, operates as a program of J Bar J Youth Services.

In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon provided services to 223 youth. The program focuses on creating one-to-one relationships to improve self-confidence and emotional well-being among participants.

Jenn Davis serves as the program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon. She emphasized that the award represents the work of multiple groups within the region.

“This award is a testament to the long-term commitment and collective effort of our entire community,” Davis said. “Sustaining excellence in mentorship year after year is no small feat and it reflects the dedication of our staff, Advisory Council and volunteers. Our focus remains on expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring mentorship continues to transform lives. We are honored to be recognized for our impact and remain committed to building a stronger future for the youth we serve.”

The national organization includes more than 230 local agencies serving 5,000 communities.

Artis Stevens, the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, said,. “Achieving lasting excellence in mentorship requires foresight, commitment and a steadfast dedication to the young people we serve.”

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon hasn’t just raised the bar for impact and growth — they’ve maintained that standard consistently, year after year. Their continued achievements speak to the power of mentorship’s ability to transform lives and a tireless pursuit of better futures for the young people in their care.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. As a program of J Bar J Youth Services, it specifically targets at-risk youth and those facing adversity in the local community.

The national organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, was established in 1904. It is currently the largest youth mentoring organization in the country and utilizes an evidence-based approach to improve educational success and help youth avoid risky behaviors.

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Harley Coldiron

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor received 6 inches of snow over the past week, with forecasts calling for up to 7-10 inches of additional accumulation by Thursday afternoon. Our Chief Meteorologist John Carroll is tracking a Winter Weather Warning and has enacted two Local Alert Weather Days for the impactful snowfall ahead. He warns that travel trouble and mountain passes could be an issue.

The resort is hosting a series of events from April 2 through April 5, including a professional snowboarding competition, a passholder party and an Easter egg hunt.

Heavy snowfall is expected to continue through Thursday evening before clear skies and warmer temperatures return for the weekend. The scheduled activities include an appearance by professional snowboarder Danny Davis and a five-course Moonlight Dinner at Pine Marten Lodge.

Mountain reports from Thursday morning indicated the resort received two inches of fresh snow overnight, with light snowfall continuing during early operations. Resort officials forecast heavy snowfall to bring an additional five to 10 inches throughout the day on Thursday. Base area temperatures at West Village were recorded at 30 degrees, with on-hill temperatures expected to remain in the upper 20s.

A second wave of heavy snow is forecast for Thursday evening, which is expected to bring seven to 10 inches of accumulation by Friday morning. Moderate to strong winds and hazy conditions are expected to persist through the end of the day Thursday. Mountain staff advised visitors to use low-light lenses and equipment for clearing goggles during these conditions.

The week’s scheduled festivities begin with the April Passholder Party on Thursday at On Tap Bend from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Resort leadership will be in attendance to meet with the community and distribute prizes. The first 200 passholders who present a 25/26 Outplay 365, Alpine Full Season or Midweek pass will receive a free drink.

Professional snowboarder Davis is scheduled to return to the mountain on Friday for the Party in the Peace Park. The event, presented by Mountain Dew, runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers up to $3,000 in cash prizes and merchandise from Skullcandy and Woodward Peace Park. An after-party featuring live music and food will follow on the West Village Deck from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday evening features a Moonlight Dinner at Pine Marten Lodge for $149 per guest. The experience includes a twilight chairlift ride and a five-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings from Bledsoe Wine Estate. The evening concludes with a guided moonlight ski or snowboard descent down the freshly groomed Olympian run.

The Snake-Run Rally, a grassroots banked slalom snowboard competition, will take place Saturday in the Skyliner area. Although registration for the event is currently closed, the resort is offering “Early Ups” at 8 a.m. for Outplay 365 and Full Season passholders, provided weather and conditions allow for early operations.

The week of events concludes Sunday with the Nordic Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nordic Center. Participants must be on skis or in a pulled chariot to search for hidden treats and 50 YETI mugs along the beginner trails. All participants are required to have a valid trail or season pass.

Sunshine and warmer temperatures are forecast to return to the area on Friday and continue through the weekend. Mountain operations will update the weather and conditions report as the storm system moves through the region.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in January and 5.3%, as revised, in December, the Oregon Employment Department reported Wednsday.

That’s higher than the U.S. unemployment rate, which was 4.3% in January and 4.4% in December.

Here’s the full report from the agency on where jobs were gained or lost as 2026 began:

In January, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted non-farm payroll employment rose by 2,000 jobs, following a gain of 100 jobs, as revised, in December.

January’s gains were largest in leisure and hospitality (+1,800 jobs); health care and social assistance (+1,500); and construction (+1,000). Losses were largest in manufacturing (-1,500 jobs) and professional and business services (-1,300).

Leisure and hospitality performed better than the normal seasonal pattern in January and employed 209,800, which was 1,800 jobs, or 0.9%, above its January 2025 total. Despite these recent gains, it employed only slightly more workers than during most of the past few years.

Health care and social assistance rose by 4,100 jobs during the three months ending in January. During the 12 months ending in January, it added 9,800 jobs, or 3.2%, which was by far the fastest growth rate of Oregon’s major industries during that time.

Construction’s 1,000-job gain in January was a partial rebound from its 2,400-job loss the prior month. Over the past two years, construction generally declined from a high of about 118,000 jobs throughout much of 2023, to its January 2026 level of 111,600 jobs.

Manufacturing cut 1,500 jobs in January, following a gain of 1,300 in December. Since August, manufacturing has fluctuated around 178,000 jobs. Prior to this period of relative stability, manufacturing shrank rapidly from a recent high of 195,000 jobs in November 2022.

The 1,300-job decline in professional and business services in January left the industry 7,600 jobs, or 2.9%, below its year-ago total, and 17,000 jobs below its peak of 268,100 jobs in 2023.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the January county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, April 7, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for February on Wednesday, April 15. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Madras city councilors voted unanimously Tuesday evening to appoint David Clyne as new interim city administrator, expressing confidence in his abilities to help solve the city’s recent leadership struggles.

The city’s employment agreement with Clyne, who most recently served as city administrator in Independence, Oregon, will be effective next Monday, April 6, but he told councilors Tuesday night he will get to work right away.

The city said in a news release Wednesday, “The appointment follows a period of leadership transition beginning in January, during which the city operated under interim and council-managed structure while continuing core services and operations.”

Clyne also has served as an interim administrator for several other cities throughout Oregon and Colorado.

Before the vote, Councilor Gabriel Soliz said Klein is what the city needs.

“I know that he will do good work,” he said. “He will do some cleanup work that the city desperately needs. He will help staff with just getting their heads around everything and being sure that things are on track and on task.”

Soliz warned fellow councilors they should be aware of the steep costs of such appointments, but added strong leadership was worth it. Clyne, who attended the meeting by Zoom, said he was excited to start working.

Councilors at a March 4 meeting directed staff to identify qualified candidates to serve in an interim capacity. Three candidates were presented and interviewed by a council subcommittee on March 10. Following that process, the council selected Clyne and finalized terms of the employment agreement.

The city says Clyne brings more than 40 years of local government experience, including service as a city administrator or manager in communities of varying sizes, as well as several interim leadership roles in other Oregon cities. His background includes municipal operations, budgeting, organizational leadership, and guiding cities through complex transitions.

In the city’s announcement, Soliz said, “Mr. Clyne brings a strong background in local government and a proven track record of stepping into complex situations and providing steady leadership. We are confident in his ability to support the Council and staff and help guide the organization through this transition.”

Clyne said, “I am excited to come to Madras and provide support to the community, council, and staff during my time here, The city is going through challenging times, and I look forward to helping address those challenges and ensuring stability moving forward.”

Under the agreement, Clyne will serve as the city’s chief administrative officer, responsible for day-to-day operations, oversight of city departments, implementation of Council direction, and support of ongoing organizational priorities.

The interim appointment is expected to extend through August 1, unless modified by mutual agreement. 

Recruitment for a permanent city administrator is underway, in partnership with Prothman, a recruiting service. More information about the position and application process is available athttps://www.madras.gov/hr/job-opening/city-administrator.

“The City of Madras remains committed to maintaining continuity of services, supporting staff, and ensuring stable leadership during this transition,” the news release concluded.

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Claire Elmer

Update: KTVZ’s Claire Elmer spoke with some of the people who help make the High Desert Stampede possible. Tune in for more Thursday on KTVZ News at 4:00 p.m.

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Stampede has returned for its ninth year at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Ore. The event features world-champion competitors and a lineup of traditional rodeo events designed for a modern audience.

Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in late 2017, the High Desert Stampede is currently recognized as the fastest-growing rodeo in the United States. The production focuses on a fast-paced format that has helped it become one of the top-rated rodeos in the country.

The First Interstate Bank Center arena, where the rodeo is held, has a capacity of up to 4,000 people. Organizers noted that the event serves as an economic driver for Central Oregon, drawing fans from across the region who travel to Redmond for the performances. This high demand often leads to sold-out shows, with the 2022 event reaching standing-room-only capacity.

Jessi Jackson serves as the director of the High Desert Stampede and oversees the production’s modern approach to the sport. Jackson noted that the program is designed to be fast-paced while incorporating high-production elements:

“We pack our performance full of really fantastic contestants, and we keep it moving really fast,” Jackson said. “It’s a very fast-paced rodeo. We have our visiting royalty and our rodeo queens coming. So you’re going to get to see them ride really fast in the arena. And you’re going to see lights and lasers and fire. And we try to highlight a different part of either rodeo or our community and give thanks to, like, our first responders or military. So you’re going to see a little bit of everything during our rodeo.”

The High Desert Stampede has earned national recognition despite being one of the younger rodeos in the country. It was awarded the 2019 Medium Rodeo of the Year for the Columbia River Circuit. The event’s directors initially set a goal of establishing the production as one of the top 60 rodeos nationwide within its first few years of operation.

The organization navigated several challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of the 2020 rodeo due to statewide lockdowns. In September 2020, the High Desert Stampede partnered with Bridwell Pro Rodeos, Sisters Rodeo and Crooked River Roundup to produce the Cascade Chute Out.

This outdoor event was held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Juniper Arena to provide athletes with opportunities to qualify for circuit finals. In March 2021, the rodeo returned to its indoor venue at the First Interstate Bank Center using a specialized safety plan. This arrangement involved creating eight separate and physically partitioned venues within the arena to comply with health orders.

By 2022, the program expanded to include three full performances and a rough stock special section. The event has also established new community traditions, such as the crowning of its first rodeo queen. Linnae Roeder was named the inaugural Miss High Desert Stampede in 2023.

Organizers emphasized that tickets for the performances tend to sell out quickly and encouraged fans to purchase them in advance.

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Tracee Tuesday

Senator Ron Wyden joined KTVZ’s 5 PM broadcast for a LIVE in-studio interview. You’ll see it in the next slide above, or embedded in the article below.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Local and state leaders gathered at Bend City Hall Wednesday afternoon alongside U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden to push back against federal efforts they say could restrict mail-in voting, a system long used across Oregon.

The press conference comes as former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans promote the SAVE Act and other measures that critics argue could limit vote-by-mail access nationwide. One major point of concern raised Wednesday was a recent executive order aimed at tightening restrictions on mail-in voting.

Wyden, joined by Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, State Rep. Emerson Levy and Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang emphasized Oregon’s decades-long track record of conducting elections primarily by mail.

Redmond City Councilor Kathryn Osborne pointed to research supporting the system.

“There’s been a lot of research done on mail-in voting,” Osborne said. “Those data points have come back that mail-in voting is free, secure and fair, and that has been validated numerous times by many organizations.”

Rep.Emerson Levy (D) sought to reassure voters that no immediate changes are in place.

“Right now, mail-in voting remains exactly the same,” she said. “I want voters to know that their ballot is going to arrive and they should send it as usual. And we hope that we will continue to have a good, strong turnout.”

Wyden criticized the push for new restrictions, calling it a political distraction and defending Oregon’s system as a model for increasing voter participation.

He also claimed Oregonians remain focused on broader issues, including health care and government transparency, while continuing to support vote-by-mail.

Oregon has conducted elections entirely by mail for more than two decades, using secure drop boxes, postal delivery and ballot tracking systems designed to ensure access and integrity.

Local officials said they plan to continue defending the system, which they argue expands participation, especially in rural communities like Central Oregon.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond School District is considering two proposals to change school attendance boundary lines following a 2% growth in student population over the last two years. The district is the only one among the state’s 20 largest to see an increase in enrollment.

Enrollment Growth Exceeds Capacity

The growth has pushed several local schools beyond their intended limits. Sage Elementary is currently operating at 102% capacity, while John Tuck Elementary has reached 104% capacity. The proposed boundary adjustments are designed to balance the student population across the district’s facilities.

Redmond is currently the only school district among the 20 largest in the state to show enrollment gains. While other large districts have seen declines or stagnation, Redmond experienced a 2.1% growth rate this year. Officials noted that as housing developments have expanded, the distribution of residents has become uneven compared to current school boundaries.

Projected Growth Over the Next Decade

The capacity issues are expected to increase over the next decade based on district projections. Sage Elementary is forecast to reach 120% capacity by 2030 and 126% by 2035. Tom McCall Elementary is projected to hit 121% capacity by 2030 and 129% by 2035.

District Response and Overflow Adjustments

Dr. Charan Cline, Redmond School District superintendent, explained that the district has already been forced to adjust how it moves students between facilities. “We had to create overflow patterns where we’re moving children from one school to another simply because of capacity issues,” Cline said.

Parent Concerns Over Crowding

Parents in the district have expressed concern regarding the impact of crowding on student performance. Hank Lutz is a parent of a student at Sage Elementary. “It’s going to affect all the parents that have kids,” Lutz said. “I mean, parents have to work. They have to have their kids in school. And the more that the school has to take on, the harder is going to be to, educate the kids properly.”

Impact on Daily School Operations

The proposed boundary changes would also alter the daily operations of some schools. Vern Patrick Elementary School currently functions as a walking school, meaning every student lives within walking distance of the campus. Under the new proposals, the school would begin using buses to transport students from outer areas to balance the population.

Planning for the Future

Cline stated that the boundary adjustments are intended to serve as a 10-year fix while the district monitors long-term housing trends. “We’ve planned out a lot for future developments, taking a look at where things are going to go and work through that,” Cline said. “It should handle the problem for about 10 years. In about 10 years, will be needing to look at, whether we need to build a new elementary or not.”

Next Steps for the School Board

The school board will meet in the coming weeks to decide on a course of action. Members will choose between two specific boundary proposals known as the Juniper Plan and the Ponderosa Plan.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon DMV issued a warning Wednesday regarding a text message phishing scam targeting drivers. The fraudulent messages falsely claim that recipients owe money for unpaid tolls, license suspensions or traffic violations.

Scammers are sending these messages across the country to lure residents to fake websites designed to look like official government pages. These counterfeit sites are used to steal personal and financial information from individuals who believe they are settling official debts.

The fraudulent messages often include alarming language such as “urgent notice,” “violation” or “final enforcement.” Some texts warn that a driver’s license or vehicle registration will be suspended or that fines will increase if the recipient does not pay immediately. These messages contain links to fake websites that attempt to collect credit card or personal information.

Official state agencies emphasized that they do not use these methods for collections or notifications. Chris Crabb, public information officer for the Oregon DMV, stated that the agency does not solicit payments through unsolicited digital communications. “ODOT and DMV will never ask you to pay through a text message, email, phone call or third-party website,” Crabb said. “Scammers try to scare you into acting quickly. Do not reply, click links or share payment or personal information. Block the number and delete the text.”

To protect themselves, residents are advised to avoid clicking links or replying to any unexpected text messages claiming to be from the state. Officials suggest reporting scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and filing a formal report with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Reporting the messages directly to ODOT or the DMV is not required.

For individuals who have already interacted with a scam link or provided personal data, the state recommends changing passwords and monitoring accounts for suspicious activity. Any unrecognized charges should be disputed with financial institutions. Victims are also encouraged to file a customer complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection division.

Drivers who are unsure about the legitimacy of a message can contact ODOT at one-888-Ask-ODOT or the DMV at 503-945-5000. Further information about fraud prevention is available at oregondmv.com.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved the final 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan during its February meeting. The 10-year plan establishes priorities for grant funding and outlines actions to improve non-motorized, motorized and water trails on public land across the state.

The plan addresses emerging trends and issues facing the state’s trail systems. According to department data, more than 80% of Oregonians use trails annually, which generates over $890 million in spending at local businesses and supports the state’s overall economy.

The plan provides guidance for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as well as federal, state and local agencies. Private sector partners also use the document to coordinate trail management. It covers non-motorized trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, alongside motorized ATV trails and snowmobile trails. The document further includes non-motorized boating and water trails.

Information for the 10-year strategy was collected from multiple sources, including statewide surveys of recreation providers and trail users conducted in October 2024 and April 2025. Planners also incorporated feedback from focus groups and workshops held during the 2024 and 2025 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summits. Additional data came from the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which is published every five years.

To support the implementation of the new plan, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department launched a technical resources website for recreation and trail planning. Jessica Horning, the statewide trails planner for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, highlighted the collaborative nature of the development process.

“We appreciate the time and energy trail users and partners have put into helping us develop the next trails plan, which will guide investments to make our trails even better in the future,” Horning said.

Oregon State Parks staff will now update the Recreational Trails Program and ATV grant criteria to align with the 2026 plan. These updated criteria will be applied to the next solicitation period for both grant programs in fall 2026.

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