Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Culver School District Superintendent Stefanie Garber is stepping down from her position at the end of the current term. Her resignation follows a months-long investigation by a third party into her conduct during her tenure.

District officials confirmed the investigation was launched following numerous complaints. The school board has declined to release specific details regarding the probe, citing personnel confidentiality and advice from legal counsel.

School board Chair Scott Leeper addressed the departure in an email, noting that the district maintains a policy against discussing personnel issues. “The Culver School District does not discuss confidential matters… the board can confirm that Superintendent Garber has announced her retirement,” Leeper said. Garber has served as the leader of the district for more than 20 years.

The Culver Education Association, which represents district teachers and staff, stated that the resignation follows serious concerns regarding Garber’s leadership. In a released statement, the association said it has “consistently advocated for transparency, accountability and a safe, respectful and professional working and learning environment.” Union leadership described the change as an opportunity for the district to rebuild trust.

Multiple current and former employees told KTVZ News they have raised concerns about district culture and leadership practices over several years. These individuals requested anonymity due to concerns about potential retaliation. The specific findings of the third-party investigation remain sealed, though public records requests for the documents have been submitted.

Garber responded to the allegations and her departure through an email statement. “The time has come to pass the baton to a new leader,” Garber said. She also expressed that she is deeply grateful for her experiences during her tenure with the district.

The school board is expected to begin the search for a new superintendent in the coming months. Further details regarding the recruitment process have not yet been released.

Statement from Stefanie Garber:

After 25 years of serving the CSD community, I will be retiring/resigning effective June 30, 2026. It has truly been an incredible journey, and the time has come to pass the baton to a new leader.

I am deeply grateful for the relationships, memories, and experiences I have been blessed to share with the world’s best children, supportive families, and truly remarkable staff. The heart of CSD lies in its people, and I will forever cherish being part of such a special community.

Statement from the Culver Education Association:

The Culver Education Association acknowledges the resignation of Superintendent Garber, which follows a months-long, independent, 3rd party investigation, initiated by the Culver School Board, into serious concerns regarding district leadership.

While personnel matters necessarily limit what can be shared publicly, it is important for our community to understand that this resignation did not occur in isolation. It comes after a significant period of review and reflection.

CEA’s primary responsibility is, and has always been, the well-being of the staff and students we serve. Throughout this process, we have consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and a safe, respectful, and professional working and learning environment.

We view this leadership transition as an opportunity to move forward in a positive direction. We are hopeful that new leadership will help strengthen trust, improve morale, and foster a collaborative culture that best serves students and staff.

CEA looks forward to working with the Board and community to ensure that future leadership reflects these values and helps restore confidence in our district.

Statement from the Culver School Board – Scott Leeper, Board Chair

The Culver School District does not discuss confidential personnel matters or investigations conducted at the direction of the District’s legal counsel. The Board can confirm that Superintendent Stefanie Garber has announced her retirement and submitted a resignation effective at the end of the school year.

The Board will focus its efforts in the coming months on working with the Culver community and district staff to recruit the District’s next superintendent. We look forward to the district’s next chapter.

Click here to follow the original article.

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System announced, it’s boosting its cardiology services with nine new specialists joining in 2026.

The expansion adds 16 providers in under two years, growing the team to 63 by year’s end.

St. Charles added seven cardiologists in 2025. The new 2026 hires bring expertise in cardio-obstetrics, women’s heart health, advanced imaging, prevention, lipids, cardiogenetics, sports cardiology, and aortic/congenital heart disease.

They include, Kelly Wingerter, MD; Ian Riddock, MD; Christopher McGann, MD; Alex Ochman, DO; Kate Khan, MD; Omar Khan, MD; Christian Klein, MD; Jay Vance, MD; and Hanna Fanous, MD.

“Our expansion ensures patients have access to comprehensive, personalized cardiac care,” wrote Cardiac Service Line Administrator Lesley Jones Larson.

Dr. Brian Mott, a St. Charles cardiologist, noted the growth responds to local demand, “It’s exciting to improve access to in-depth cardiac care right here in Central Oregon.”

The physicians will treat new patients in clinic and hospital settings. Visit St. Charles website or call 541-388-4333 for info or appointments.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

(Update: Added quotes from Senator Anthony Broadman and Representative Emerson Levy. Correction, proposed deal was made by leaders of the Revenue committees in both the house and Senate)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Revenue Chair’s reached a revenue deal Monday in Salem to address an approximate $880 million shortfall. The agreement was announced on the first day of the state’s short session.

The revenue gap was caused by several factors, including a reduction in spending by the federal government. Legislators moved to secure the deal to stabilize state funding amid the decrease in federal support.

The revenue plan consists of three primary components designed to offset the deficit. A significant portion of the deal involves a reduction in overall department spending across the state government. Additionally, deal makers agreed to tap into the state’s education rainy day fund to provide necessary capital, if needed.

The deal also includes a split from the federal tax code. This specific change targets the tax treatment of stocks and high earners to generate additional revenue for the state.

Senator Anthony Broadman who chairs the Senate Revenue Comittee told KTVZ, “We’re using this as an opportunity to invest in affordability, to put more money in working Oregonians pockets, to lower taxes for businesses that are creating jobs and really ensure that we’re able to provide that health care, education, public safety that Oregonians deserve and require.”

“I think it was really important that we made a risk adverse decision. And that’s why you see, a little bit from three buckets and why you don’t see all just cuts or all just revenue. It would not make sense for the longevity of the state budget,” Representative Emerson Levy told KTVZ News. “We are responsible to make sure that we are solvent as a state. And I think we did the best we could to balance all the many competing interests in our state.”

Now, this doesn’t mean a budget deal has been reached. However, this is potentially just one leg of a multi legged chair that has been solved. Now the budget is projected to be released later this month, but this week we could see the budget projections rolled out, which will tell lawmakers whether or not they have to tap in to the education fund.

While the broader state revenue plan has been addressed, funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation remains uncertain. The agency’s future funding levels were not resolved as part of the primary agreement reached in Salem.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State lawmakers from across Oregon arrived in Salem on Monday for Day 1 of the 2026 Legislative short session.

Over the next 35 days, Republicans and Democrats will work to address key issues affecting the state — including funding the Oregon Department of Transportation, addressing the looming budget crisis, affordable housing, and wildfire funding for the tri-counties.

KTVZ’s Spencer Sacks is in Salem speaking with state lawmakers.

He’ll have a LIVE report on KTVZ News at 4:00 pm on FOX and KTVZ News at 5 pm on NBC.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hoodoo Ski Area announced it will close the resort on Wednesday, February 4th, for an assessment day as forecasts do not look promising for much-needed snow.

In a Sunday Facebook post, the resort shared the following about the current situation:

“Hello Hoodoo Family! As you all know, the Pacific Northwest has been experiencing major snow droughts this year and Hoodoo has essentially only received snow on one occasion this season. Our snowpack has been hanging on by a thread and we have been blessed with cold overnight temps stopping the daytime melt. To say we have early season conditions would be putting it mildly. The snowpack is thin!

The forecast for the next couple weeks is not promising, with 50+ degree daytime temps for the next week. As we look into the unknown future, we are closing this Wednesday, Feb. 4, for an assessment day. Crews will survey the hill and start shoveling wherever necessary to get the ski area open. We are optimistic our efforts will pay off so we can open Thursday-Saturday (9 am – 9 pm) and Sunday (9 am – 4 pm).

We know this will be inconvenient for some people and we apologize in advance and thank you for your patronage. If you bought a Wednesday ticket, we will be happy to either issue a refund or transfer your ticket to another day. Of course, we also have our Onesie Wednesday crowd to think about. Never fear Onesie clan, we will offer the Onesie discount on both Thursday and Friday this week.

We thank you for your understanding and will work diligently to stay open. We don’t know what Mother Nature will give us, but we will update you as soon as anything changes and let you know of our progress toward getting the mountain running. Please check hoodoo.com for the most up-to-date information. We look forward to seeing you on the slopes!”

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — Pandemonium erupted in Portland Saturday as federal agents unleashed tear gas on thousands protesting ICE actions during a peaceful march organized by Oregon’s labor unions, while a motorcyclist was accused of endangering participants of a Bend rally, by circling through crowds and blocking traffic.

Portland ICE protest

KGW reports thousands flooded downtown Portland for a second straight day, fueled by outrage over the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in the Twin Cities. Workers, children, and community allies at the labor-led march faced chemical agents near the ICE Building in the South Waterfront neighborhood. Federal law enforcement fired tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs—new volleys every 20 minutes—scattering the crowd and injuring one person treated on scene. KGW video captured the frenzy: protesters demanding “ICE Out” accountability clashed as streets near Elizabeth Caruthers Park stayed barricaded into the night, joining nationwide calls for change.

ONA condemns actions of federal agents

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemned the response to nonviolent demonstrators as “dangerous, unacceptable and an attack on Oregon’s working families.” ONA highlighted frontline nurses who immediately provided care to those exposed, reflecting their commitment to health, safety, human dignity, and rights amid crisis. ONA vows to defend Oregon’s immigrant community through street action, hospital accountability, patient protection, and policies like the Healthcare Without Fear Act.

Motorcyclist arrested during Bend ICE protest

Just hours later in Bend, around 3:51 p.m., police rushed to NW Wall Street and Newport Avenue where protesters gathered on all four corners. According to the Bend Police Department, a motorcyclist began doing dangerous laps through the intersection, blocking traffic and endangering demonstrators.

Officers tried to pull him over away from the crowd, but 34-year-old Bend resident Kurt Patrick Greenwood sped off east on Franklin Avenue. True to department policy, no chase ensued through busy areas. Greenwood soon returned, circling again—until traffic jammed him on Wall Street.

Cops swooped in; Greenwood refused to dismount, resisted, and was forcibly detained on the ground—but sustained no injuries. He’s now jailed in Deschutes County on suspicion of Disorderly Conduct II, Eluding a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Improper Display of Validating Stickers, and Driving Uninsured. His uninsured bike was impounded, briefly shutting Wall Street.

From Portland’s fury to Bend’s close call, Saturday’s unrest underscores rising tensions around the clock.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

(UPDATE – February 1st: power outage caused by Mylar balloon according to Pacific Power)

(UPDATE: power has been restored to all affected residents)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Mylar balloon caused a power outage affecting 1,615 Pacific Power customers on Bend’s northeast side Saturday evening, but service has been fully restored, this according to the electric utility company.

Incident timeline

The outage struck the 97701 ZIP code area, first reported at 6:47 p.m. PST on January 31. Crews arrived quickly, identified a helium-filled Mylar balloon tangled on a power line, removed it, and restored power just after 11 p.m. that night.​

Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are shiny, non-stretchable, and durable items made from metallic BoPET film (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Their conductive surface can short-circuit lines when they drift into them via helium lift.

​Why Mylar balloons are a hazard

These balloons frequently cause outages nationwide, as their metallic coating conducts electricity and sparks on contact with power lines. Pacific Power and other utilities report thousands of such incidents yearly, sometimes affecting thousands of customers or igniting fires. In Oregon, similar events have hit areas like Hood River and Burns.

Local impacts included flickers near Butler Market Road and High Desert Lane.

​Safety tips

Never release foil balloons outdoors—deflate and trash them.

Report stray balloons or downed lines to Pacific Power at 888-763-4232 or text OUT to 722797.

Check the outage map at pacificpower.net/outages.​

No injuries or further disruptions were reported. KTVZ News will monitor for updates.

Status update:

KTVZ News has reviewed Pacific Power’s outage map which says all residents who had lost power and affected by the power outage on Saturday, has been restore.

KTVZ has reached out to Pacific Power for the cause of the outage. Watch this space for any new updates.

Earlier report:

Pacific Power is investigating a power outage impacting 1,615 customers on the northeast side of Bend in ZIP code 97701. The outage was first reported at 6:47 p.m. today, with crews notified and working to restore service before 10 p.m. tonight.

Outage Information:

Customers affected: 1,615

Location: Northeast Bend (97701)

First report: 6:47 p.m. PST

Estimated restoration: Before 10 p.m. PST

Status: Crews on site, cause under investigation​

Local reports confirm flickers and outages near areas like Butler Market and High Desert Lane, with Pacific Power estimating full restoration soon.

​What to Know:

Residents should check the Pacific Power outage map or text OUT to 722797 for updates. Stay clear of downed lines and report issues promptly. Power outages in Bend have occurred recently due to equipment issues or weather, but this one’s cause remains unknown.

KTVZ News will update as crews provide more info.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 34-year-old Bend man was arrested Saturday afternoon after police say he rode his motorcycle recklessly near a downtown protest, blocked traffic, and tried to elude officers.

According to Bend Police, the incident happened around 3:51 p.m. near Northwest Wall Street and Franklin Avenue, where a protest was taking place on all four corners of the intersection. Officers say a motorcyclist, later identified as Kurt Patrick Greenwood, was doing laps through the intersection, blocking traffic and endangering demonstrators.

Officers attempted to stop Greenwood a short distance from the protest, but police say he sped away eastbound on Franklin Avenue at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the motorcycle through the busy area in accordance with department policy.

Minutes later, Greenwood reportedly returned to the intersection and again began circling through traffic. Officers, still in the area, positioned near NW Wall Street and Franklin Avenue to conduct a traffic stop. When Greenwood became stuck in traffic on Wall Street, officers approached and stopped him.

Police say Greenwood refused to get off his motorcycle, so officers removed him and detained him on the ground. He initially resisted arrest but was subdued without further force. Police say Greenwood was not injured during the arrest.

He was taken to the Deschutes County Jail and booked on suspicion of Disorderly Conduct II, Eluding a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest. He was also cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Improper Display of Validating Stickers, and Driving Uninsured.

Police say Greenwood’s motorcycle was impounded because he did not have insurance. Wall Street was temporarily blocked while officers made the arrest.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Veterans’ mental and physical health remains a major concern.

According to a 2023 Veterans Affairs report, roughly 31% of veterans using VA care have a mental health diagnosis.

Lou Bauer, a ski instructor and U.S. Army veteran, told KTVZ, “For me, the transition from bullets flying to civilian life was difficult. I came back a changed person from war — with PTSD and a lot of just crazy thoughts in my head.”

Bauer served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, including four combat deployments. Like many veterans, he struggles with anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

With the help of Oregon Adaptive Sports, Bauer and several other veterans have been able to take to the slopes and enjoy the great outdoors.

Bauer and his friend Javier Romo teamed up to create the Tributary Foundation to help veterans who suffer from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain — all while improving regulation, stability, connection, and purpose, with the ultimate goal of reducing the staggering number of veteran suicides each year.

“We create events in the outdoors that bring all those things together,” said Romo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “It’s winter, we’re out here snowboarding and skiing, and it’s an active form of meditation and mindfulness — all things that help improve those four pillars we’re aiming to address.”

For 19 years, Veterans Ski Weekend has brought together young and old veterans alike — from first-time skiers to seasoned pros — all enjoying every run they take.

Jerry Schwarz, a U.S. Army veteran, told KTVZ, “My first time, I was a little tentative because with my injury, I didn’t really know how to shift. It was a little painful at first, but once I got used to it, I’ve been all day saying ‘higher, faster’ as much as I can.”

“They’ll take care of you, and you get to learn about the trials and tribulations that other veterans are going through,” said another U.S. Army veteran, Dennis Hooper.

All Romo and Bauer want is to get veterans outside — and to help save more veterans’ lives.

Bauer said, “We’re like, let’s put down the gun, let’s put down the bottle, let’s put down the depression — and let’s go ski.”

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health help, call 988

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County officials are preparing for a full closure of the Lake Creek Bridge as they move into the next phase of repair work. The county expects the timbers needed to replace the existing bridge to arrive next week.

Once the materials are on site, the bridge will close beginning February 2 and is expected to remain closed for about one week, as long as weather cooperates and there are no unforeseen setbacks.

Detours will be in place during the closure to route drivers around the work zone, and travelers are encouraged to plan extra time and use alternate routes until the bridge reopens.

Click here to follow the original article.