Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Humane Society of Central Oregon is inviting companion animals to enjoy the ghastly delights of Halloween at a special annual costume event.

Unleash your creativity and “trick”-out your four-legged friend in a costume. The Howl-o-ween Pet Costume contest will be Friday, October 31st at 5:30pm at the Old Mill District Center Plaza by the walking bridge (545 SW Powerhouse Drive in Bend).

HSCO will be handing out treats for pets during the Old Mill District Halloween event from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

Unleash your imagination and create or buy a costume for any companion animal. Contest is open to all species. Dress up your cat, bearded dragon or Guinea Pig and surprise the local celebrity judges. There is no entry fee, but donations graciously accepted. Prizes include $100, $75 and $50 Old Mill District gift cards and more to the top entries.

Pet costume contest will begin at 5:30 p.m. Arrive early and register between 4:00-5:15 p.m. at the HSCO booth. Make sure pet costume is comfortable and the animal can move freely and see. Ensure that temperature-sensitive animals are kept warm.

For more information, visit www.oldmilldistrict.com/blog/things-to-do/halloween-in-the-old-mill-district or call 541.382-3537.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, ORE. {KTVZ} — Redmond’s Tuesday night city council meeting carried both personal and political significance, marking Mayor Ed Fitch’s first public appearance since undergoing heart surgery earlier this month. His return coincided with a key financial decision regarding the city’s Managed Camp project in East Redmond.

The council voted to amend its intergovernmental agreement with Deschutes County, increasing the city’s contribution from $250,000 to approximately $322,000. The additional $72,559.38 will help cover rising costs tied to the project’s development, designed to support the region’s ongoing homelessness response efforts.

Deschutes County Commissioner Patty Adair said the funding increase stemmed from updated construction cost estimates that hadn’t been reflected in earlier documents. “The engineer’s estimate was a couple hundred thousand dollars higher than expected,” she explained, noting that contractor Taylor Northwest later reduced that projection by over $300,000.

However, Redmond City Councilor Cat Zwicker offered a different perspective. “What really happened is that we were working off preliminary engineering estimates,” she said. “When you get on-site and start digging into the land, you often find new challenges that require more time and money.”

Mayor Fitch also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of the Managed Camp to the city’s broader strategy on homelessness. “Before we adopted time and placement restrictions on camping, we had people living on residential and commercial streets, creating significant community conflict,” Fitch said. “Since those regulations and the camp’s development, those conflicts have almost completely disappeared.”

The council ultimately voted in favor of the funding increase. Commissioner Adair later said she expects county officials to approve their share of the adjustment at an upcoming board meeting.

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: adding quotes from Dr. Steve Cook, adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-LaPine Schools Board met on Tuesday for a work session to discuss goals for the district to take it into the future.

This meeting is part of an ongoing process to update rules and guidelines for the school board. 

The goal of the meeting was to work on the executive limitation in the updated organization goals. The Board is setting rules and expectations for the superintendent. 

KTVZ spoke with Bend-LaPine Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Cook who explained his hopes for the sessions.

“The board is undertaking the task to work through all of their, governance policies, their organizational goals, and, what we’re working on today was, refining those organizational goals,” Dr. Cook said.

Dr. Cook Continued, “They make sure that their vision continues to be the same, and that the expectations that they clarify in those, executive limitations are still what they want to declare is what the values are for the board.”

The school board will have its next meeting to discuss the organizational goals in January.

They hope to have these goals finalized and ready to go by the end of the school year.

 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department has one word for it: “Wow!”

Last Saturday, Bend Police and St. Charles hosted a prescription drug take back event, and the community turnout was nothing short of remarkable.

A steady flow of 203 cars rolled through the Bend Police Department parking lot, each one dropping off unused medications to be securely destroyed.

By day’s end, 706 pounds of medication and sharps were collected — helping keep dangerous substances out of homes and away from the environment.

It was part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an effort involving nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners and collection sites across the country.

Organizers of the Bend collection event expressed deep gratitude to everyone who participated, saying that the generosity and civic-mindedness of Bend residents made the event a true success.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — In Culver, families now have a new place to get active — and a lasting reminder of the kind of community spirit one woman inspired for decades.

The city celebrated the grand opening of its new skatepark and pickleball courts this past weekend, dedicated in memory of longtime Culver teacher’s aide Darlene Urbach, who passed away from cancer in 2019.

The project first took shape years earlier, when a Culver student and young skateboarder approached the city with a simple wish for a safe place to skate. What started as a pipe dream turned into an actual half pipe after the community rallied to make it a reality.

Darlene, known for her love of kids and involvement in her community, used to love taking her grandchildren all over the region to visit various skateparks. After her passing, the idea to raise funds in her memory to support the park was a no-brainer for volunteers.

“She’d be super happy,” said her son, Jason Urbach. “The amount of kids running around right now, having fun — that would be the best part of it for her.”

Over the course of six years, her family, local 4-H youth, city leaders and residents raised more than $100,000 through grassroots efforts — from community grants and donation drives to scooter raffles and personal fundraisers.

Volunteer Cindy Dix, who helped lead the campaign from the star, said every contribution reflected the town’s determination to finish what Darlene had championed.

“What makes me the happiest — seeing all these kids behind me on their skateboards,” Dix said. “I couldn’t be more excited for our community and all the kids.”

The park’s completion was made possible with help from a $750,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant, funded through Oregon Lottery dollars, as well as support from Jefferson County and local sponsors. The new facilities include a concrete skate zone, custom ramps, and adjacent pickleball courts designed to encourage outdoor recreation for all ages.

At Saturday’s ribbon-cutting, Culver school officials and city representatives joined dozens of residents in honoring Urbach’s memory. Her daughter, Jennifer Harrington, said the park represents her mother’s enduring devotion to Culver’s youth.

“This is a special place to us,” Harrington said. “For our family to have this, and for our mom to be represented like this — it was just a dream.”

During the event, KTVZ, along with Mid Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee, recognized Dix with our Pay It Forward award for her years of volunteer leadership in bringing the project to completion.

Culver leaders said the new park symbolizes the power of community connection — a space that celebrates both youthful energy and the people who shaped this small town’s heart.

The skate park and pickleball courts are open daily at Culver City Park, offering a new recreational hub for families across Jefferson County.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sunriver Music Festival invites a Central Oregon artist to create the commemorative 49th season poster. 

“For almost five decades, we have showcased some of the most accomplished painters and photographers in the region. The collaboration is a beautiful experience for all involved,” explains Executive Director Meagan Iverson in a news release Tuesday that continues in full below:  

Artist Kenneth Marunowski, 2018 poster artist, agrees. “Signing the gorgeous prints made from my image, and attending two of the brilliant Festival concerts was an absolute delight. During this exciting moment in my artistic life, I truly felt connected to the Sunriver community and like something of a star!” 

David Kreitzer, poster artist for 2020-2021: “To have my art be chosen, and to be on the cover of the Sunriver Magazine as well, was a great ‘Welcome to Central Oregon’ gift. Sunriver Music Festival was very supportive and I was pleased to be a part of it!” 

Sally MacAllister, 2022 selected poster artist: “It was such an honor to be selected as the season’s poster artist. Of course, I was very excited when I first heard the news, but I was overwhelmed when I saw my artwork on the poster and the publicity pieces the graphic team designed. And to have my summer filled with the wonderful concerts – such a rewarding experience. I’m so glad I was able to share my talent with this wonderful community.” 

Here’s your opportunity to join the ranks of these and other esteemed artists by submitting your artwork to the selection committee, which is comprised of a jury of professional artists from the Artists’ Gallery Sunriver.  

Basic Requirements: 

The artwork must be able to be reproduced successfully into an 18” x 24“ poster and for the cover of the Summer Festival program magazine, ticket brochures and note cards. Original works larger than 18” x 24” are not recommended. You can view past posters at sunrivermusic.org and at the Festival office in the Village at Sunriver, Building 13. 

The artwork must fit an 18” x 24” vertical aspect ratio. We encourage all types of art mediums.  

Artist Benefits: 

Press release published in multiple local publications (Cascade A&E, Bend Bulletin, 

Sunriver Scene, and others) with artist’s photo, bio, and artwork. 

The selected artwork is professionally photographed for reproduction to be featured on the front cover of the Summer Festival program magazine, the annual ticket brochure, merchandise, website and and for marketing purposes. The brochure is mailed to over 4,000 Central Oregon residents and visitors.  

Expert reproduction and printing of the original artwork ensures staying true to the 

artist’s colors and medium.  

Posters are displayed throughout Bend, Sisters, Redmond, and Sunriver.  

A full page article about the artist in the Summer Festival program book. 

A framed poster is gifted to every Festival sponsor including businesess, which are often displayed on office walls all over Central Oregon and beyond. 

The original work of art is custom framed by Eastlake Framing and auctioned at Raise the Baton, the Festival’s annual fundraiser. 

Sunriver Music Festival is a year-round nonprofit presenting world-class orchestral performances and supporting music education throughout Central Oregon.  Proceeds from your donated artwork, through original artwork auction, poster sales and merchandise support the Festival’s mission. 

DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 17, 2026 – Please contact the Festival as soon as possible if you are considering submitting art for consideration. Final submission must be received at our office (57100 Beaver Dr., Building 13 in the Village at Sunriver) by February 17, 2026. The chosen artwork is considered a donation to the Sunriver Music Festival. All other submissions will be available for pick-up by early March 2026. 

For more information visit www.sunrivermusic.org, email vivian@sunrivermusic.org or call 541-593-1084. 

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The  Redmond School District is seeking applicants for three vacant positions on the Budget Committee.

The Budget Committee is comprised of all five school board members and five appointed Budget Committee members. Budget Committee members are appointed to serve for three-year terms. 

The Budget Committee will begin meeting and deliberating on the 2026-2027 district budget in the winter of 2026.

Applications will be accepted at the district office until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025. If necessary, applicants will be interviewed at the December 10, 2025 school board meeting. Budget Committee members will be appointed at the January 21, 2026 school board meeting. 

Budget Committee members must reside in the Redmond School District and may not be employed by the district. 

The application is available online here and in person at the district office at 145 SE Salmon Drive in Redmond. 

For questions or more information, please call or email Kathy Steinert, Director of Fiscal Services, at the district administration office, 541-923-8927. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, more details)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A crash involving a semi-truck and a loaded log truck caused no serious injuries but closed U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend for nearly two hours Tuesday morning, authorities reported.

Only a minor injury were reported from the crash, which happened around 8:30 a.m. near the highway’s intersection with Rickard Road, Oregon State Police told KTVZ News.

Troopers said both trucks were heading west and the log truck driver, a 61-year-old man from Mount Vernon, Oregon, was slowing to make a left-hand turn onto Rickard Road, heading south.

The Bi-Mart semi driver, a 62-year-old Springfield man, came up on the log truck and believed it was having a mechanical issue, OSP said. The semi driver later told troopers he thought the other semi had its hazard lights on.

Because he believed the log truck was becoming disabled, the semi driver said he decided to pass it – and when the first driver tried to turn left onto Rickard Road, it was struck by the approaching semi.

The log truck driver suffered minor injuries, OSP said, and the other driver was issued a warning.

OSP said Consolidated Towing removed both trucks from the scene. ODOT reported that the road was fully reopened by about 10:15 a.m.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon average for a gallon of regular gas is back below $4 a gallon for the first time since early September, when the Olympic Pipeline went out of service, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

Here’s AAA’s weekly report:

While drivers here are paying less for gas, the national average rose a few cents in the past week before falling again, after a refinery fire in the Midwest caused prices in that region to jump.

For the week, the national average for regular slips half a cent to $3.04 a gallon. The Oregon average tumbles eight cents to $3.94 a gallon, while Bend’s average falls about six cents to $3.77.

Oregon has the third-largest week-over-week drop for a state in the nation.

“The Oregon average for regular gas dipped below the $4 mark on October 22 for the first time since September 5. Gas prices in Oregon and Washington soared last month after an outage on the Olympic Pipeline, which brings fuel to Oregon from refineries in Washington State. Gas prices in this region have steadily declined since the pipeline reopened, and drivers should continue to get relief at the pumps, barring unforeseen events,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.94. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.04. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.036 on October 19 and 20.

This week, 12 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 16 a week ago:

Clackamas $4.05

Columbia $4.06

Curry $4.04

Harney $4.03

Josephine $4.00

Multnomah $4.19

Sherman $4.03

Tillamook $4.04

Wallowa $4.13

Wasco $4.08

Washington $4.15

Yamhill $4.00

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline demand remained flat at 8.45 million b/d for the week ending October 17. This compares to 8.84 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 218.8 million barrels to 216.7 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day compared to 9.4 million barrels per day the previous week.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) rose above $60 on October 23 for the first time since October 10 and has remained above $60 since then. Crude oil prices rose after President Trump imposed additional sanctions on Russian oil. In addition, this week’s trade talks between the U.S. and China is putting upward pressure on oil prices, offsetting some of the market concerns of a slowing global economy.

WTI has been mostly in the low-$60s to mid-$70s since September 2024. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies.

Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August 2024.

Crude oil is trading around $60 today compared to $58 a week ago and $67 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023.

While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, there were concerns that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region.

Crude oil prices declined after this month’s fragile peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But this year, the cartel has boosted production starting by 411,000 barrels per day in May, June, and July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, 547,000 barrels per day in September, and 137,000 barrels per day in October.  

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 51% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 18% is refining, 16% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country dipped from the record high of 13.636 million barrels per day for the week of October 10 to 13.629 for the week ending October 17. The previous record high was 13.631 million barrels per day for the week of December 6, 2024. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024.

The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 31 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Ohio (-14 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Oregon (-8 cents) has the third-largest week-over-week decline. Iowa (+13 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the nation, due to a fire this month at the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana which is the largest in the Midwest. The average in Hawaii is flat.

California ($4.58) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the sixth week in a row. Washington took over the top spot for a week in September when the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. This week, Hawaii ($4.48) is second, and Washington ($4.33) is third. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 16 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 31 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.59) and Louisiana ($2.60) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $1.99 this week, compared to $2.07 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 47 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is nine cents less and the Oregon average is 26 cents less than a month ago. This is the largest month-over-month decline for a state in the nation. Michigan (+2 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation.

Oregon is one of seven states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is nine cents less, while the Oregon average is 30 cents more. Oregon has the largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Washington (+28 cents) has the second-largest increase. Colorado (-30 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 10/28/2025

1
California
$4.58

2
Hawaii
$4.48

3
Washington
$4.33

4
Oregon
$3.94

5
Alaska
$3.83

6
Nevada
$3.79

7
Idaho
$3.39

8
Arizona
$3.33

9
Utah
$3.26

10
Illinois
$3.24

As mentioned above, California is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the sixth week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada round out the top six. Arizona is eighth. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 23rd week in a row.

Six of the seven West Coast states have week-over-week decreases. Oregon (-8 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the region. Washington (-7 cents), Arizona (-6 cents), Nevada (-5 cents), California (-4 cents), and Alaska (-4 cents) also have weekly declines. The average in Hawaii is flat.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast slipped from 77.3% to 76.3% for the week ending October 17. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate rose from 85.7% to 88.6%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 29.32 million bbl. to 29.51 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices have rebounded from the five-month lows seen earlier this month. WTI crude fell below $60 per barrel on Oct. 10, then rose above $60 on Oct. 23. Major drivers of higher crude prices include new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and optimism that this week’s trade talks between the U.S. and China could bolster the global economy.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1 million barrels from the previous week. At 422.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI ticked down 29 cents to close at $61.50. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 19 cents to settle at $61.31. Today crude is trading around $60 compared to $58 a week ago. Crude prices are about $7 less than a year ago. ($67.38 on October 28, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Diesel

For the week, the national average climbs five cents to $3.67 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average dips two cents to $4.39. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.57 and the Oregon average was $3.91.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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