Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For several months, the Problem Solvers have been sharing stories about the parking challenges facing downtown Bend. Many residents say they avoid the area because finding parking is difficult, and local businesses report feeling the impact.

Parklets: A Pandemic Lifeline Turns Permanent

One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic remains with us: outdoor dining parklets. These parklets converted parking spaces into dining areas.

While some business owners feel restaurants are unfairly favored by being allowed to take away convenient parking, others argue they are vital to keeping downtown vibrant.

Business Owners Divided on Parklets’ Impact

Sarah Roberts, owner of Oregon Body and Bath, believes the parklets have outlived their usefulness.

“There was a need for them then. But I think that time has come and gone. We don’t have COVID any more,” she said. She frequently hears complaints about the loss of parking affecting business.

On the other hand, Mac McDonald, owner of Lemon Tree, paints a different picture.

“It creates an ambiance, an opportunity. It looks fresh, exciting,” he said. He notes that the restaurant’s parklet attracts tourists who are exploring downtown for the first time. “If my parklet went away, I would lose 10 percent of my sales.”

McDonald says he is convinced that other businesses rely on parklets to help attract customers. “Again, absolutely,” he said when asked if parklets help bring more customers downtown.

The True Cost of Parklets: City Revenue Losses

Among the roughly 2,500 parking spaces in downtown Bend, 13 businesses have dedicated around 30 spots to parklets. According to the City’s Transportation Department, each parking space generates about $250,000 in annual revenue.

This puts the city’s potential revenue loss at over $7.5 million. However, this figure doesn’t factor in the possible boost in business and tax revenue that these parklets may bring by attracting more visitors to the downtown area.

December 2024 parking strategy updateDownload

Roberts says this loss translates not only financially but also keeps locals from patronizing downtown businesses.

“I think it comes down to that convenient parking that the locals have been used to for a long time,” she added.

Mayor and Business Association Look to the Future

Mayor Melanie Kebler sees parklets as community gathering places that help all businesses. “Having gathering places for people and having places for people to stay longer downtown generally benefits all the businesses,” she said.

However, the Downtown Bend Business Association is pushing for changes. In a letter to the city, they requested that parklets become a summer-only feature, adhere to design standards, and have increased permit costs.

DBBA letter to the City of Bend on parkletsDownload

The mayor is open to these changes but emphasizes the need to improve how parking options are communicated and made accessible.

“You might be surprised at how many different little parking lots there are downtown, as well as the parking garage,” she said. “We need to do a better job of making all the other parking options understandable for people.”

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – AccuAir Heating and Cooling, based in Redmond, has been named the winner of the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics for the state of Oregon. 

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is the most prestigious honor the Better Business Bureau Foundation bestows on businesses operating within its eight-state service area. Winners must demonstrate a high level of personal character, meet the highest standards of ethics, and build trust with their customers, team and the community.  

“The businesses we’re honoring this year have exemplified that doing the right thing for their community and customers is good for business,” said Tyler Andrew, president and CEO of BBB Great West + Pacific. “They’ve shown what it looks like to lead with values and build a better marketplace for everyone. That’s the kind of leadership BBB looks for and is proud to spotlight with these awards!” 

For AccuAir founder and owner David Sale, the recognition is deeply personal. 

“Being recognized by the Better Business Bureau for our commitment to customer satisfaction and community involvement means the world to us,” Sale said in a news release from the company. “Our team works hard every day to deliver the highest standard of service, and seeing that dedication acknowledged makes me incredibly proud.” 

A Redmond local and U.S. Army veteran, Sale founded AccuAir in 2007 and has built a business known not only for expert HVAC services, but for giving back. To date, AccuAir has donated more than $179,000 to local charities, schools, and nonprofits — along with countless volunteer hours supporting Central Oregon families. 

“To me, this award isn’t just about our business—it’s about how our community sees us,” Sale added. “We want people to think of AccuAir not just for heating and cooling, but for the difference we make here at home.” 

About Better Business Bureau: BBB Great West + Pacific serves more than 20 million consumers in Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming. BBB Foundation, the charitable arm of BBB Great West + Pacific, is dedicated to consumer protection and business celebration initiatives across the local service area. For more information, visit BBB.org/gwp. Torch Awards winners from each state were announced as part of a virtual ceremony held on October 30. 

About AccuAir Heating and Cooling: Founded in 2007, AccuAir Heating and Cooling provides trusted heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services throughout Central Oregon. Locally and veteran-owned, AccuAir is dedicated to delivering top-quality service and building lifelong relationships through integrity and expertise. Learn more at accuairheat.com.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As midterm races approach, KTVZ is bringing viewers in-depth interviews with candidates in local and statewide contests.

If you have an issue or question you would like me to ask candidates who are running for local, state, and national races, reach out to me at spencer.sacks@ktvz.com.

I recently sat down with Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, a Republican candidate for Oregon governor. The two discussed topics including the recent Oregon Department of Transportation tax and fee increases, wildfires, education and immigration.

I opened the interview by asking Bethell why she is running for governor.

“Because it’s time that Oregon has a leader who understands the function of government from an executive perspective, not just a legislative perspective,” Bethell said. “As a Marion County commissioner, I have struggled for the last five years to have an active partner in the governor’s office with all the issues that we face across Oregon, from homelessness to housing to economic development.It feels like we’ve had an agenda-oriented individual in that office for far too long. I just want to come in and run the government so it’s efficient and effective. I want to lower the cost of government so that we’re not paying so much in taxes as citizens.”

I then asked what distinguishes Bethell from Republican front-runner Christine Drazan.

“I don’t come from the Legislature,” Bethell said. “I don’t have the need to create more laws and rules. My job as a commissioner is to make sure that my neighbors and my community are served properly, that businesses can thrive, and that our health and human services departments are effective.”

One of the major issues in the campaign is the recently passed ODOT funding bill. Bethell criticized the measure, which includes $4.2 billion in taxes and fees.

“We didn’t need to have that $4.2 billion tax package forced through,” she said. “What we needed was a leader to sit down with the director of ODOT and prioritize differently — to look at the funding space, live within their margins and partner locally.”

On immigration, Bethell addressed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Portland.

“Right now, Oregon doesn’t have a good grasp on who is here legally and illegally,” she told KTVZ. “I don’t believe it’s appropriate for anybody to be living among our community scot-free. We all have to earn our way. We all have to invest in the system, and we need to do it in a way that maintains safe communities. Unfortunately, I think the individuals who are here illegally have committed a crime. They should go back to their country of origin.”

The interview also touched on Oregon’s education system and newly released state performance numbers.

“One of the biggest challenges we have in Oregon today is that we don’t allow parents in the classroom like we once did,” Bethell said. “Parents are trying to survive, and they miss a lot of opportunities to know what is going wrong in our education system. School districts should be the ones running what’s happening in their neighborhoods.”

She added that Oregon’s current approach is “top-down” and lacks accountability.

“We need to go back to real accountability in the classroom,” Bethell said. “We need to be able to serve each kid individually. Every brain is different in how it learns and comprehends, and we’ve created a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t work. We’ve also removed academic standards — we’re not testing kids to determine whether they have the comprehensive foundation needed to move forward.”

Many residents in Eastern Oregon say they feel left out and ignored by state leadership. Sacks asked Bethell how she plans to connect with those communities if elected governor.

“I can understand why they feel left out and ignored, and I think that’s unacceptable,” Bethell said. “I made a commitment to set a table for them. I also inform them of the civic process and that the governor doesn’t have authority in every space, but the governor’s job is to listen and make connections.

“And while I am not a proponent of losing most of the best part of the state to Idaho, I understand that they want to be heard, and I’m going to show up for them.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Assistance League of Bend says it’s thrilled to announce the success of its recent fundraising event, Raise a Glass for the Kids, held to support Operation School Bell®, the organization’s signature philanthropic program.

This annual event brings together local community members, businesses, and supporters united by a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in Deschutes County., according to the organization, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

Here’s the rest of Thursday’s announcement: 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and donors, Raise a Glass for the Kids raised enough funds to provide new school clothing for 1,441 students in need.

These clothes are not just a basic necessity — they help foster self-confidence, encourage peer acceptance, and improve school attendance, enabling local children to thrive both academically and socially. 

This event represents more than raising funds — it’s a celebration of what we can achieve together as a community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and volunteered, and we are honored to work alongside such committed partners who share our vision of helping children succeed. 

Assistance League of Bend extends heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsors for their support: Cascade Disposal, Team Fitch John L. Scott Real Estate, Lucia Capital Group, Phagans’ Cosmetology Colleges, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Cascade Village Live Bend, and to our media partner, KTVZ.  Their contributions were instrumental in making this year’s event a tremendous success. 

With the help of our community, we are able to provide more than just clothing—we’re giving children the tools to build a brighter future. Thank you to all who helped make Raise a Glass for the Kids an unforgettable celebration of generosity and compassion. 

For more information about Assistance League of Bend and Operation School Bell, visit: https://www.assistanceleague.org/bend/.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: All power restored )

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 1,000 Central Electric Cooperative members lost power for about four hours Thursday due to an equipment issue at the Madras substation.

Co-op officials said line crews began repairs during the noon hour on a blown regulator at the substation.

An outage map around 3:30 p.m. showed more than 500 CEC members out of power north of Redmond and nearly 500 between Madras and Warm Springs. But only about 300 still were reported out of service shortly before 4 p.m.

An update posted to CEC’s Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. said power was restored for the last customers just after 3:30 p.m.

Earlier, CEC had stated, “We thank members for their continued patience, as our crews work as quickly and safely as possible.”

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s been a relatively mild and calm late fall so far, but with winter coming, Prineville Police had a fun suggestion Thursday for how to stay safe on slick sidewalks: Waddle like a penguin.

“It’s that time of year when the sidewalks turn into surprise skating rinks and suddenly everyone in town thinks they’re a figure skater… right up until gravity humbles them,” the department said in a Facebook post.

“So please, for the love of your tailbone, walk like a penguin:

Arms out like you’re questioning your life choices

Tiny steps like you just saw a Lego on the floor

Full waddle — the kind that would make actual penguins proud

Waddling = dignity protected

Walking normally = an audition for America’s Funniest Home Videos,” the safety post concluded.

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KTVZ

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) –– Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (both D-Oregon), alongside Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch (both R-Idaho) are leading a bipartisan coalition of 83 lawmakers in sending a letter Thursday to House leadership, requesting urgent reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Self Determination Act.

The bill, which the Senate unanimously passed in June, would reauthorize the program through fiscal year 2026 and provide lapsed payments for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the senators said in a news release.

Funding for the SRS program lapsed in September of 2023, with the last authorized payments distributed to counties in early 2024. They totaled more than $47.7 million, including more than $2.56 million for Central Oregon counties.

“. . . Counties and school districts across 41 states have seen a 63 percent cut in funding. This $177 million loss is devastating for rural communities, leading to school closures, delayed road and bridge maintenance and reduced public safety services. These are not abstract policy debates; they are tangible consequences for local governments and the communities that steward untaxed federal lands,” the letter reads.

Background on the SRS program:

The first SRS program co-authored by Wyden was authorized in 2000 with enactment of the SRS and Community Self-Determination Act.

This legislation specifically assists counties containing tracts of federally owned forest land that are tax-exempt.

The program provides payments to county governments in areas where those forests are located because counties do not receive tax revenue from federal land; the payments come through timber receipts and other revenue generating activities within U.S. national forests.

In Oregon, $78.4 million was spread across 33 counties to help pay for educational programs, emergency response systems and other services this past year.

Since the program was not reauthorized, county payments reverted to 1908 timber sharing law, which represents about an 80 percent cut for some counties.

The entire letter is here.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with Dr. Campbell of Recover Together Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The holidays are often portrayed as joyful, warm, and filled with togetherness — but for those in addiction recovery or struggling with mental health challenges, the season can look very different. Instead of comfort, many experience a spike in loneliness, grief, and emotional triggers.

Dr. David Campbell, Clinic and Program Director at Recover Together Bend Treatment Center, says the “holiday ideal” doesn’t match reality for many families.

“The holidays can certainly be a wonderful time for warmth, happiness, togetherness,” Dr. Campbell said Thursday. “But this idealized fantasy of the holidays can actually amplify vulnerabilities and those struggling with mental health and be triggering for people in substance abuse.”

Studies show that up to 50% of people relapse within the first three months of sobriety — and those rates can more than double during the holidays.

Dr. Campbell says some of the most common triggers are the ones right in front of us: family tension, disrupted routines, and returning to old places or people associated with past use.

“We get put back into certain environments where we used to maybe use,” he said. “Empty seats at the table can reopen old grief and loss wounds. Dysfunctional family dynamics can again resurface — that can be deeply triggering and activating for people that struggle.”

He recommends having a plan that includes boundaries, time limits, and support. Communication is key: let someone know you may need to step out, bring a sober friend, or keep a sponsor on standby. Loved ones can also play an important role by simply noticing when someone seems “off.”

“The holidays may not necessarily create pain, but they can certainly illuminate it,” Dr. Campbell said. “And so when we notice that people are struggling, it’s not a weakness. It’s not a moral failing. It’s not a lack of resilience. Being empathetic, kind, courteous, offering connection and support, and a lot of understanding can make all the difference in the world for those that are struggling.”

For anyone who feels this year is hitting harder than usual — maybe drinking more often or withdrawing from others — experts urge that you don’t ignore it. Even small steps can help someone stay grounded and enter the new year on more solid footing.

If you or someone you know is struggling this holiday season, reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust. You’re not alone.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) — The annual Christmas Parade is returning to the streets of downtown Bend, this Saturday, December 6th at noon.

Cascade Relays is producing the annual festivity for the first time. CEO and founder, Scott Douglass, said, “our north star of the Christmas Parade is and always remains putting smiles on the faces of the children of Bend.”

The annual Downtown Bend Christmas Parade is a staple of the holiday season, taking place every year for over 50 years.

Douglass said attendees should expect participants to include anyone, “from the fire department and the police department that are going to be in the parade all the way down to to local dog goups that wants to march in the parade with their frenchies.”

The goal of the annual festivities? To celebrate the community coming together.

The Grand Marshall of the 2025 Downtown Bend Christmas Parade is RL Garrigus. Folks selected to be the Grand Marshall are those who’ve had a widespread impact in the community.

Speaking on previous Grand Marshall’s Garrigus said they are, “really great people that have lived within the community, been a part of the community for many, many years. It’s a great honor.”

This year, the theme of the event is a Storybook Christmas, wrapping themes from all your favorite holiday tales.

Douglass recommends attendees get out by 10 am Saturday to secure their spots.

“Right there on Wall Street is such a beautiful place to watch the parade from. We’ll have our announcers stand right there at the intersection of Minnesota and Wall Street,” said Douglass.

In addition, with this being Cascade Relay’s first year producing the parade, they will be introducing a new and exciting race happening the same day, prior to the parade, the Mistletoe Miler. The three-mile fun run and walk will stretch along Deschutes River Trail, starting and finishing at Bend Brewing Co. in Downtown. There will be mistletoe moments, holiday cheer, and photo ops, all happening at 9:30 am.

The KTVZ News Team will also be participating in the parade, so feel free to say hello!

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Shannon Brady

It has been nearly a week after the expected opening day and Mt. Bachelor and this year is off to a slow start. The current base depth reads at just 2 inches.

Mt. Bachelor had an incredible 2024-2025 season. The resort opened early, on November 15th, which was the earliest open in 26 years. Don’t worry, because the four out of five of the last opening days were “late starts”. Mt. Bachelor shared with KTVZ the opening dates since 2020 and most were in early December.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a warm and wet Northwest through at least mid December. unfortunately, that pattern isn’t conducive for those “big dumps” we love to see. Temperatures are pushing 10-15 degrees above season averages into next week. The forecast calls for mostly rain and a wintry mix across the mountains which means totals won’t amount to much. You can expect 0-3″ by the end of the weekend. We will pick up more snow next week but it still looks pretty wet versus wintry.

Courtesy: Climate Prediction Center

Mt. Bachelor also shared with KTVZ average snowfall totals for the months of October through December. As expected, December usually pulls in the most snowfall, with an average of 88″ over the course of the month. The average total snowfall the mountain receives in a season is 410″.

Take a look below at the season snowfall totals for the last 10 years. The 2015-2016 season, the 2016-2017 season, the 2022-2023 season, and last year were all years the mountain received above average snowfall.

We are in a weak La Nina pattern which often provides above average snowfall across the Cascades. Last winter started as a weak La Nina but the event didn’t last long enough to be considered a La Nina winter.

El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a climate pattern defined by departures from normal in sea surface temperatures. La Nina is the cold phase, when sea surface temperature over the tropical Pacific Ocean are cooler than average and usually hint at a wetter and cooler winter in the PNW.

Courtesy: NOAA

There have been 25 La Nina winters since 1951, ten of those have occurred since 2000 but not every one has produced above average snowfall. ENSO Neutral is forecasted most likely in January to March 2026 which leads to pretty typical winter patterns and doesn’t hint at the forecast leaning any specific way.

This winter was forecasted to likely have a good snowpack with La Nina in place, but this season is slow to kick into gear. There is still time, but the region will need a few significant snow events to make up for it. Skiers and snowboarders will have to hold out on that opening day for a little while longer.

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.

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