Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation and SELCO Community Credit Union are kicking off the 50th year of the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle with Wednesday’s announcement of the winning design for the annual artwork contest and the opening of online early-bird registration. 

The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is the largest annual fundraiser for MBSEF, a Central Oregon nonprofit that creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.  

Here’s the rest of Wednesday’s news release:

“The Pole Pedal Paddle has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s outdoor culture for half a century,” said Kevin Perkey, executive director of MBSEF, which organizes the Pole Pedal Paddle. “This year’s winning design pays tribute not only to the race’s grassroots beginnings but also the long-standing legacy built by athletes and event staff who continue to be the heart and backbone of this iconic event.” 

DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED 

The winning submission was created collaboratively by designers Angie Tabaczynski and Nikole Beck of Nikolar Art. Their design will be the official artwork for the 2026 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. 

The retro-inspired design features Mt. Bachelor alongside equipment representing three of the event’s seven iconic legs — ski poles, a bicycle, and a canoe with a paddle — paying homage to the race’s early years through vintage styling and a throwback color palette. 

“It’s been five years of trying for the big win, and I told myself, ‘I’m not going to give up until we do it,’” said Beck, a 45-year-old Oregon native who has lived in Redmond for five years.

“It was an honor to be in the top eight finalists, but this was the fifth year and we did it!” she said. “That cobalt blue was an inspiration and the one thing I wanted to pull from the original design. I wanted the feeling of the design to be retro, but with some modern vibes as well.” 

Nikolar Art is a women-owned, passion-driven small business, and a close, creative partnership between longtime family friends Beck and Tabaczynski. Beck leads the artistic vision and design work, while Tabaczynski — who also runs her own photography business — supports the process through digitization of Beck’s hand-drawn art and management of the business. 

“I’m not really a skier or a runner,” Beck said. “I’m more of a float-the-river or go-for-a-walk type of person. But this contest feels like a creative artist’s way of winning the Pole Pedal Paddle.” 

As contest winners, Tabaczynski and Beck will receive $500, a commemorative mug, and official SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle apparel featuring their winning design. Their artwork will also appear on event posters, merchandise, and other promotional materials. 

The design contest remains one of the event’s longest-running traditions. Submissions are evaluated on creativity, uniqueness, and print suitability by public voters, MBSEF staff, and SELCO representatives.

This year, the selection committee narrowed submissions to eight finalists, which were then opened to public voting. More than 1,700 votes were cast, underscoring the strong community enthusiasm surrounding the event. 

For more information on the race, and how it supports MBSEF, visit pppbend.com or call 541-388-0002. 

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 

Online registration for this year’s SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is now open with early-bird pricing. Set for May 16, the Pole Pedal Paddle features race legs that include alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, running, and paddling.  

Held each May, the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is organized by Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation staff for the benefit of the Bend-based nonprofit. The annual race has been a tradition in Central Oregon for 50 years and annually attracts thousands of competitors from throughout the Northwest and beyond.  

Available through April 12, discounted early bird registration ranges from $57 per person for 12-and-under teams to $130 for elite athletes. After the early bird period, prices will range from $66 to $150, respectively. Participants can register as individuals, pairs, or teams.  

For more information or to register for the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, visit www.pppbend.com. 

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Harley Coldiron

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new medical spa, Prineville Aesthetics, has opened its doors in downtown Prineville, specializing in Botox, skin rejuvenation, and reducing signs of aging.

Founded by local resident Taylor Stockton, DNP, FNP-C, and Destiny Fewell, RN, Prineville Aesthetics aims to bring big-city aesthetic standards to the small town. The spa focuses on offering high-quality services in a welcoming environment, emphasizing natural-looking results and patient-first care.

Stockton, who is a nationally trained aesthetic nurse practitioner, ensures that every detail meets high standards of medical care and ethical practice. Her role includes overseeing protocols, products, and staff training, creating a safe and effective space for clients. Destiny Fewell serves as the face of Prineville Aesthetics, providing compassionate care and artistry to each appointment.

Together, they emphasize a philosophy of honest guidance and individualized treatment for their clients. Prineville Aesthetics is conveniently located downtown and operates by appointment only from Monday to Saturday, making it accessible for those seeking aesthetic treatments without traveling long distances.

Prineville Aesthetics is now open for business, ready to serve clients in the community and help elevate local standards of aesthetic care.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System announced Wednesday Community Benefit grants of more than $143,000 to 34 local organizations in Central Oregon.

“The grants were awarded to provide basic needs, sponsor local events and as part of St. Charles’ Priority Grant to increase a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness and isolation,” the organization said in a news release that continues below:

One of the grants awarded will help fund the launch of a new non-profit aimed at supporting individuals of all ages with intellectual or developmental disabilities, founded by Madras resident Sam Robinson, who has autism.

Robinson says the $5,000 grant will help the nonprofit, Unity4Inclusion, with some startup insurance costs that will ensure the group is able to begin offering programs soon, including an upcoming inclusive dance.

“I want to give a big thank you to St. Charles, because this will be a huge help for the non-profit. We are all about uniting communities and breaking down the barriers that people with disabilities face,” said Robinson.

Unity4Inclusion is also partnering with the High Desert Self Advocacy Group to help individuals with disabilities learn skills to better advocate for themselves.

“This grant is just one example of how small organizations are hoping to make a big difference for people in our community to reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging,” said Carlos Salcedo, manager of Community Partnerships for St. Charles.

Learn more about St. Charles Community Benefit program on our website.

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KTVZ

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) — SELCO Community Credit Union announced Wednesday that it will begin accepting applications on Sunday for nearly $80,000 in SELCO Steps Up scholarships. The application window will remain open through Tuesday, March 31. 

SELCO will award 20 eligible students with a $3,500 scholarship. Additionally, one Lane County student will receive the $7,500 Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship, awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in education, leadership, or civic responsibility despite adversity or a lack of opportunity.  

Here’s the rest of the credit union’s announcement:

In all, SELCO will award $77,500 in scholarships to eligible students, which include high school seniors planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college, as well as vocational, continuing, and nontraditional students. Graduate students are not eligible.  

“Students approach education differently than they once did,” said Craig Carpenter, SELCO’s Senior Vice President of Lending & Business Banking. “It’s why SELCO’s scholarship program evolved to support a diverse cross-section of students, including those planning to attend technical school or returning to finish their degree. As a credit union founded by teachers 90 years ago, meaningful student and educator support will continue to be foundational to how we give back.” 

Now in its 36th year, SELCO’s scholarship program is part of the SELCO Steps Up philanthropy initiative that the credit union launched in 2024. In 2025 alone, SELCO reinvested nearly $415,000 in the communities it serves through educator grants, scholarships, and impact-driven sponsorships, while SELCO team members committed nearly 1,700 volunteer hours.  

Whether it’s support for students or teachers, many of the Steps Up programs seek to address issues in education. SELCO’s scholarship program aims to address the cost of school, which is the most often cited barrier for those who wish to attend college but don’t. SELCO’s scholarships can also be used for any educational-related expense, so they are uniquely suited to help students meet the demands of rising educational costs. 

Ethan Amato, a University of Oregon freshman from North Bend, earned a SELCO scholarship in 2025 and is now studying pharmacology. He said that the scholarship has “helped relieve the stress” of meeting educational costs. 

“It was a huge sigh of relief when I found out I’d received the SELCO scholarship,” said Amato, who also helped found U of O’s first-ever Pharmacy Club for future pharmacists and serves as the organization’s co-president. “The scholarship has really helped relieve the burden of paying for college—not just for me, but for my parents as well.” 

To qualify, applicants must: 

Plan to attend a vocational school or an accredited two- or four-year college/university. 

Be a SELCO member or an immediate family member of a SELCO member. SELCO membership is open to anyone who lives or works in one of the 27 Oregon counties SELCO serves. 

Have earned a GED or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from a four-year accredited high school. 

SELCO’s Scholarship Panel will review each application, and funds will be released to scholarship recipients by the end of June. The Richard Metzler Opportunity Scholarship winner will be selected from Lane County applicants. Prospective students are asked to apply online at selco.org/scholarships by March 31. 

For more information on the scholarship program or other SELCO Steps Up programs, visit www.selco.org/steps-up.  

About SELCO Steps Up: 

The SELCO Steps Up program aims to create positive, innovative, lasting change through volunteerism, resource support, and collaboration with community partners. In 2025 alone, SELCO reinvested nearly $415,000 in the communities it serves through educator grants, scholarships, and impact-driven sponsorships, while SELCO team members committed nearly 1,700 volunteer hours. As a credit union founded by teachers, education is a cornerstone of these efforts, with a focus on removing barriers to financial literacy. By empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being, SELCO strives to build a strong foundation for all its members and neighbors. Learn more at www.selco.org/steps-up. 

About SELCO Community Credit Union: 

Founded in 1936 by a group of fiscally minded teachers, Springfield-based SELCO Community Credit Union today serves more than 150,000 members as one of the largest and longest-standing Oregon-based credit unions. A not-for-profit, federally insured, member-driven financial cooperative with more than $2.8 billion in assets, SELCO provides exceptional rates and low fees on a full range of financial products and services, including banking, mortgages, personal and business loans, investments, and insurance. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of the 27 Oregon or eight Washington counties SELCO serves. For more information or to become a member today, stop by one of SELCO’s 15 branches, visit selco.org, or call 800-445-4483. 

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting next Monday, Feb. 1, some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and live in seven rural counties – including Crook and Jefferson – won’t have to meet the program’s work rules for the rest of the year.

“This change is for people who live in areas where employment services that help them meet the requirements are not readily available,” the Oregon Department of Human Services said Wednesday in a news release that continues below.

This change affects 1,310 people living in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties.  More than 730,000 people in Oregon receive SNAP benefits.

Oregon DHS will apply these discretionary exemptions for people with an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) status who live in the seven rural counties without local employment service centers.

Under recently changed SNAP rules, having ABAWD status means people are between ages 18 and 64, do not have children under 14 living with them, and are able to work.

Federal rules say that people in this group must work or take part in approved job or training activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep getting SNAP. If they do not, they can only get SNAP for three months. After that, their benefits stop and they cannot get SNAP again for up to three years, unless they qualify for an exemption.

While the exemptions in these seven counties are not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July of 2025, HR1 did significantly alter how SNAP is administered in Oregon, including expanded work requirements statewide.

What people living in affected counties need to know

Discretionary exemptions will be applied automatically each month beginning February 1, 2026 through December 2026.

No action is required from people receiving SNAP in the affected counties.

ODHS eligibility staff will continue to review and apply other SNAP exemptions at application, renewal and when changes are reported.

People who want to confirm their exemption status can:

Check their ONE Online account,

Contact the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, or

Reach out to a local ODHS office.

People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services. Continued participation will not affect a person’s exemption status.

Supporting food access in rural Oregon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the federal program that administers SNAP, allocates a limited number of discretionary exemptions to each state each federal fiscal year based on the estimated number of people subject to SNAP time limits. Oregon received its allotment for federal fiscal year 2026 in December and is using these exemptions where access barriers are greatest.

The Oregon Employment Department provides employment and training services statewide through local WorkSource centers to SNAP participants with ABAWD status. The seven counties included in this change do not have a local WorkSource center, which can mean long travel distances or reliance on phone or internet access that may not be consistently available in rural areas.

Under federal guidance, discretionary exemptions are limited and may only be used for certain periods. Oregon plans to apply these exemptions in the seven counties from February through December 2026.

This change is not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025 and does not reflect a new federal law or mandate. It is a state-level administrative action allowed under existing federal SNAP rules.

About SNAP in Oregon:

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.

But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

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Silas Moreau

(Update: OSP releases details)

POWELL BUTTE, (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police on Thursday released the victim’s name and other details of Wednesday’s head-on crash of a Jeep and box truck near the intersection of Highway 126 and the Powell Butte Highway.

OSP troopers and other first-responders were called shortly after 9 a.m. to the crash scene near milepost 7 in Crook County

OSP said its preliminary investigation found that Aspen Cheyenne Hadley, 25, of Bend, was heading west at the wheel of a Jeep Cherokee when she veered into the oncoming lane for unknown reasons.

The Jeep collided head-on with an eastbound Freightliner box truck driven by Leah Lynn Laforest, 35, of Redmond. 

Hadley died at the crash scene, troopers said. Laforest suffered reportedly serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

Troopers said the highway was closed for about three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.

Earlier info:

The crash was reported around 9 a.m. between Redmond and Prineville at milepost 7. ODOT advised drivers it would be an extended closure and urged them to use alternate routes. The highway reopened around 11:30 a.m., ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey told us.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post: that the highway would be closed in both directions “for a substantial period of time” due to the crash and also urged motorists to avoid the area.

They noted that Oregon State Police is the primary agency investigating this crash, since it occurred on a state highway.

An ODOT TripCheck camera showed a long line of traffic shortly after the crash.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– If you’ve driven down Highway 97 in Bend recently, you may have noticed a bright, colorful building going up — and wondered what it’s going to be.

KTVZ found out it’s an extension of the nearby U-Haul — a new “U‑Box” facility designed to meet growing demand for storage in Central Oregon.

“U‑Boxes” are modular storage containers that customers can rent as a smaller and more affordable alternative to traditional storage units.

Katie Sampson, General Manager, U‑Haul of Bend:“I’m excited to be able to offer our product to the community. The community around here is growing substantially all the time. And this just gives another alternative option for storage.”

Each U‑Box measures roughly five feet wide, eight feet long, and seven and a half feet tall. Customers can choose to keep the containers at home or stored securely on-site at the new building.

Once completed, the massive new warehouse will be able to hold about 1,100 U‑Boxes — significantly expanding storage capacity for the Bend area.

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Tracee Tuesday

(adding additional information; adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A long-anticipated bridge project aimed at connecting Bend’s east and west sides is moving into its next stage. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now taking the lead on the Hawthorne Crossing — a planned bridge over Highway 97 that city officials say will make it easier and safer for people to travel through the city.

After months of public outreach and design discussions, the City of Bend settled on a final concept for the bridge: a truss-style design that balances cost and aesthetics.

“It’s definitely a truss design, which is more affordable than the previous concept we explored,” said City Engineer Ryan Oster. “And I think it’s more of a ‘Three Sisters’ compared to a ‘Broken Top.’ Those are just naming conventions people have come up with to describe it.”

The $32 million project is primarily funded by state and federal grants — totaling $31 million — with another $1 million coming from Bend’s 2020 transportation bond, approved by voters.

While much of the early focus centered on the bridge structure itself, city planners are now turning their attention to how the bridge will blend into surrounding neighborhoods.

“A lot of the focus and discussion now is really about the landings — what it’s going to look like next to the bridge and as you come off of it into the environment there,” Oster said.

Those landings are being designed to connect seamlessly with nearby streets, paths, and transit networks. Once complete, city leaders say, the bridge will create a safer and more efficient route across Highway 97 — not just for drivers, but for cyclists and pedestrians, too.

City Council members will receive a detailed update on the Hawthorne Crossing’s design, funding, and next steps during a work session Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Bend City Hall.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Obsidian 3D is showcasing their advanced combination camera/scanner. This device can quickly create 3D renderings of buildings, as well as panoramic shots, and collects a great deal of data.

While there are other 3D scanners on the market, Bend-based Obsidian says its device offers an unparalleled level of detail. It’s not jut high-resolution video, but also data for contractors to work with.

As a demonstration, Obsidian met with KTVZ News on Tuesday outside the Deschutes County Courthouse, in the midst of a major expansion project and scanned the building from the sidewalk.

This brief scan is not an official part of the courthouse project. However, it managed to create an incredibly detailed 3D model.

Even without being able to go inside the construction site, the scan gathered data that could make a contractor’s job easier.

“The data that’s gathered becomes a single source of truth for the entire project.” said Parker Stockdale, the owner of Obsidian 3D. “So for a general contractor or for an architect, that one scan that we go and complete can be distributed to all the trades. It can be distributed to inspectors, to quality control personnel.”

Stockdale says the camera provided information that could be used by people in several different roles on a construction project, adding: “And and again, the breadth and the accuracy of the data is so immense, and what professional engineers and architects can accomplish with it is absolutely fascinating.”

Even though Tuesday’s demonstration was just a trial for the cameras, Obsidian 3D was able to produce and deliver 3D renderings in just hours. From them, someone could estimate the materials needed for part of the project, or even count the individual studs on a wall.

The camera can be used for more than just construction. It can also create a historical record or plan for a projected light show.

The data could even be used to create a printable 3D model of any large object it’s pointed at.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Discover Your Northwest has announced the inaugural Youth Wildland Fire Career Camp, a free, multi-day program designed to introduce youth ages 16-20 to the exciting and diverse world of wildland fire careers.

“This unique day camp offers a hands-on learning experience during Oregon’s spring break, taking place from Wednesday, March 25, to Saturday, March 28, based out of Redmond. Daily programming will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with lunch and transportation from local communities provided, “the organization said in a recent news release that continues in full below:

Participants will explore various wildland fire careers through interactive activities, engaging field trips, and insightful discussions with experienced wildland fire professionals.

They will get a taste of the action with hands-on activities covering topics such as fire behavior, fuels management, public information, aviation, dispatch, leadership, fire ecology, prevention, and firefighting methods, all led by local wildland fire professionals.

The goals of this camp are to provide an immersive introduction to wildland fire careers in a safe and supportive environment, make connections to inspiring leaders, and help campers develop valuable relationships within the wildland fire community.

“This camp offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore the diverse career paths available in wildland fire beyond boots-on-the-ground firefighting,” says Emily Curtis, wildland fire community educator at Discover Your Northwest. “We’re committed to fostering career development within the fire service, and this program is a crucial step in empowering the next generation of firefighters.”

All skill levels are welcome! This program is designed to ignite a passion for wildland fire, regardless of prior experience.

Applications for the Youth Wildland Fire Career Camp are now open! Visit https://bit.ly/45sL70E to apply and secure your spot.

For more information, please contact Emily Curtis, Discover Your Northwest’s wildland fire community educator, at emily.curtis@discovernw.org.

About Discover Your Northwest

Discover Your Northwest is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 91-0921955, dedicated to connecting people with public lands through education, retail operations, and strategic partnerships. Founded in 1974, DYNW works across Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, and Montana to support public lands by funding educational programs, strengthening community connections, and reinvesting proceeds into the places and partners that make these experiences possible. Learn more at DYNW.org. 

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