Author: KTVZ

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A segment of Franklin Avenue between Hill and First streets in downtown Bend is closed as crews begin work on a major utility project. Both lanes of the Franklin underpass are shut down while workers excavate the roadway to install a new water pipe and utility channel.

The closure is scheduled to remain in place until Thanksgiving, when the road will temporarily reopen for the holiday season.

The excavation effort is designed to replace infrastructure and prevent potential pipe ruptures. Todd Johnson, a representative for the City of Bend, said the city is working to upgrade the system proactively to avoid emergency repairs.

“Should there ever be a catastrophic failure, you know, bursting out of those water lines, then then people would definitely recognize it and inconvenience folks,” Johnson said. “But yeah, just trying to stay ahead of potential maintenance needs. And, you know, it’s it’s less expensive to put this in now than to try to deal with it under an emergency situation.”

The underpass closure has caused disruptions for drivers navigating nearby intersections, including Hill Street and Franklin Avenue. To ease driver frustration, city workers have been handing out informational fliers paired with $5 gift cards to Thump Coffee. City of Bend representative Jacob Larsen noted that the outreach effort is aimed at thanking community members for their patience.

“We decided to come out and distribute some coffee gift cards to kind of thank our community members for, you know, following the detour and doing the right thing,” Larsen said. “So we’re handing out some gift cards to kind of thank our community for this project.”

Area business owners, particularly on the east side of the underpass, raised concerns about customer access and detour signage clarity. One local business owner reported that patrons encountered difficulties reaching the store due to the current road conditions.

City officials responded to the feedback by adjusting signage and traffic designs. The city specifically modified design plans near the intersection of Third Street and Franklin Avenue to address public input.

“We’ve generally tweaked a few of the designs,” Johnson said. “We heard a lot of feedback at Third and Franklin. So we looked at the design there, relook at it right of way that that intersection design change changed a little bit based on the feedback as well.”

The temporary reopening of both lanes for the holiday period comes following a request from the Downtown Business Association to support local merchants during the shopping season.

Crews plan to implement a subsequent closure of the Franklin Avenue underpass following the holidays to resume work on the utility project.

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Felicity Desuasido

ASTORIA, Ore. (KTVZ) — A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew evacuated an injured hiker from a lava field near North Sister in the Three Sisters Wilderness on Saturday, Sept. 5. The aerial extraction was required after ground crews reached the victim, but could not transport him out due to hazardous terrain.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Northwest District command center received notification of the incident at approximately 4 p.m. from the Oregon Emergency Operations Center. The male hiker had sustained injuries to his knee and wrist.

Ground search and rescue crews, including EMTs, reached the hiker to provide initial medical treatment and stabilization. However, steep terrain and loose rocks prevented the ropes team from hiking the patient out or creating secure anchors for a rope rescue.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend arrived at the scene at approximately 6 p.m. Facing deteriorating weather conditions, the crew hoisted the hiker from the location at approximately 7 p.m.

Following the air evacuation, the crew flew the hiker to Eugene Airport. Local emergency medical personnel met the aircraft at the airport and transported the patient to Riverbend Hospital.

Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Books serves as a search and rescue pilot at Air Station North Bend. Books praised the coordination between the flight crew and ground teams during the operation.

“Tough mountain hoists are always a big challenge, but our helicopter crew leaned on their everyday practice to stay calm and focused,” Books said. “That preparation, along with great help from our partner agencies on the ground, made it possible to lift the hiker out safely and get him the medical help he needed.”

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trinity Lutheran Church & School will host its annual Trinity Lutheran Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Bend, Ore. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Central Oregon Band of Brothers, a local nonprofit organization supporting area veterans and their families.

The Central Oregon Band of Brothers provides fellowship, resources and direct assistance to military veterans across the region. The annual car show previously raised more than $15,000 for Battle Buddies in 2024 and more than $20,000 for Warrior Impact in 2025.

Nearly 100 vehicles are already registered for the show, with additional registration spots remaining open. In addition to the displayed vehicles, the event will feature local vendors, food, a raffle and prizes. The Central Oregon Solar Car Team will also display their project to give visitors an opportunity to learn about their work.

Alita Ruggles, director of marketing and communications for Trinity Lutheran Church & School, detailed the organizational philosophy behind the annual event. “The philosophy behind the event is simple: start with nothing, end with nothing,” Ruggles said. “We don’t have a fundraising pot sitting there waiting for us. We bring the community together, people give generously and then at the end of the day, we give it all away. We start with nothing, we end with nothing. Our veterans are the ones who benefit.”

The Trinity Lutheran Car Show will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2550 NE Butler Market Rd. in Bend. Admission is free to the public and attendees may make donations throughout the day to support Central Oregon Band of Brothers.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Habitat for Humanity will break ground Friday, Sept. 18, on Larch Commons, a 25-home neighborhood in Sisters. The project marks the largest housing development in the organization’s 35-year history.

The development consists of 19 affordable homes for households earning up to 80% of the area median income and six workforce homes for households earning up to 120% of the area median income. This initiative marks the first time Sisters Habitat for Humanity will offer homeownership opportunities specifically tailored to middle-income workforce households.

The workforce homes are designed for local workers, including teachers, health care workers, service employees and tradespeople. These individuals may earn too much to qualify for traditional Habitat programs but still face challenges affording housing in Sisters.

Peter Hoover serves as the executive director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity. “Larch Commons represents an important next step for Sisters Habitat,” Hoover said. “We’re expanding homeownership opportunities to include more of the people who live and work in our community and want to put down roots here.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at 494 E. Adams Ave. in Sisters. The event will feature remarks from elected officials, community leaders and project partners, alongside light refreshments and activities. Stephanie Miller, development director for Sisters Habitat for Humanity, is coordinating media contacts for the gathering.

The event also marks 35 years of service by Sisters Habitat for Humanity in the area. Following the groundbreaking, attendees will gather at the final Woodlands home to dedicate the structure to the organization’s 100th homeowner.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — A dozen California condor chicks are developing flight feathers and taking short flights at the Oregon Zoo’s Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation this month. The young birds, which hatched earlier this year, are preparing for eventual release into the wild.

The Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation is located on Metro-owned land in rural Clackamas County, Ore. The facility’s remote location minimizes human exposure to help increase the birds’ chances of survival in the wild.

The California condor was among the original species protected under the 1973 Endangered Species Act and remains critically endangered. In 1982, only 22 California condors remained in the wild, prompting wildlife officials to bring the remaining population into human care by 1987. Breeding and recovery programs have since expanded the global population to more than 600 birds, most of which are flying free.

Nicole LaGreco oversees the Oregon Zoo’s condor recovery efforts. She reported that the first chick left its nest box last month, while the remaining 11 are flapping and hopping closely behind.

“They’re not full-fledged condors yet,” LaGreco said. “But they’ll be feathered and flying on their own soon enough, getting ready to soar off into the wild.”

Earlier in September 2026, nine condors from last year’s cohort departed the conservation center for release sites in California and Arizona, where they will join free-flying populations. Since 2003, more than 150 chicks have hatched at the Jonsson Center and more than 100 zoo-reared condors have been sent to field pens for release. Additionally, several eggs laid by zoo condors have been placed directly into wild nests to hatch.

Upgrades and equipment at the Jonsson Center receive support from U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the Avangrid Foundation and donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation.

The 12 young condors will remain with their parents for at least eight months before moving to outdoor pre-release pens for about a year ahead of their return to the wild.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor received early-season snowfall over the weekend of Sept. 13 as the resort transitions into the final weeks of its summer season and prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 ski season.

Summer operations at the resort have shifted to fall hours. The Bike Park, Scenic Chairlift Rides and on-mountain amenities are open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Oct. 4. Additionally, season passes, Kids Ski Free passes and Outplay 365 packages remain on sale through Sept. 30.

Mt. Bachelor will host a passholder party on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 5:00 p.m. at Trailhead Lodge, the resort’s new hotel property and community gathering space. The event includes complimentary quick waxes and free beer for the first 200 passholders, along with music by Oregon Fryer, food from the Swig & Stone food truck, drinks from the Trailhead Café & Bar and a toast by Mt. Bachelor’s president and general manager.

During the party, local nonprofit NatureConnect Central Oregon will conduct bird-themed activities for children on the lawn, including feather investigation and crafts. Mt. Bachelor has committed $1,000 to the Youth Nature Access Fund and is encouraging passholders to help the campaign reach its $50,000 goal by October.

The resort will also hold a winter hiring event, Job-A-Palooza, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room. The event allows job seekers to meet with hiring managers, submit applications and interview on-site for seasonal and year-round positions. Attendees will also have access to snacks, beverages and raffle prizes including skis, a snowboard, goggles and YETI gear.

Summer operations will officially end on Oct. 4. Skiers and snowboarders must purchase season passes and discounted pass packages by Sept. 30 before sales close.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dutch Bros coffee shops across Oregon will celebrate the 20th annual Buck for Kids Day this Friday, Sept. 18. For every drink sold at participating locations, the Dutch Bros Foundation will donate $1 to local youth organizations.

The annual giveback initiative allows local Dutch Bros teams to select the recipient youth organizations in their area. Selection decisions are made based on the specific needs of the communities each shop serves.

Among the organizations supported during this year’s event is Youth Villages Oregon. The nonprofit works to help children with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Buck for Kids Day operates as a nationwide giveback initiative across Dutch Bros locations. Over its 20-year history, the program connects local teams and customers to raise funds for youth organizations in their home communities.

Buck for Kids Day will take place this Friday, Sept. 18, at participating Dutch Bros locations across the state.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — State investments have permanently housed 1,800 people in Central Oregon this year, contributing to a 19.1% overall decrease in regional homelessness.

The Homeless Leadership Coalition reported the findings last week during an update to the House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness. The decrease marks the first decline in homelessness in Central Oregon in five years, following a period when regional homelessness had increased by more than 89% annually.

Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Southern Jackson County, serves as chair of the House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness. Marsh commended the collaboration between government agencies, regional organizations and local volunteers in delivering care. “This is what we want to see: our state investments making an impact and housing people in our communities,” Marsh said. “I am enormously grateful to the local organizations, cities and counties, nonprofits, churches and community volunteers who sustain these services and take care of our neighbors.”

Since 2022, Central Oregon has experienced some of the highest rates of unsheltered youth and family homelessness in the nation. Local organizations previously lacked the infrastructure and resources needed to address the crisis effectively. State funding delivered through the Statewide Shelter Program served as a key funding mechanism to support regional shelters and services. Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, South Redmond, Tumalo & Sisters, emphasized the need to preserve state support for those initiatives. “Central Oregon has seen tangible results, including a 19% reduction in homelessness in our region,” Levy said. “Maintaining support for shelter and services through the Statewide Shelter Program is vital to preserving these gains and ensuring communities can continue responding effectively to local needs. My legislative focus will always be on homeless children and teens and we have an obligation to keep these programs going.”

Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, highlighted the community effort involved in putting state resources to work across the region. “We are continuing to see progress on tackling homelessness in Central Oregon,” Kropf said. “We owe that progress to the people and non-profits in our communities who turn our state investments into more people housed.”

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon employers creating net new jobs can now apply for the Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit. The state income tax credit provides businesses with $1,000 per net new job created, up to a maximum of $10,000 per employer each year.

State Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, and State Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, sponsored the legislation establishing the tax credit, which was passed under Senate Bill 1507 and House Bill 4084 during the 2026 legislative session. To claim the tax benefit, participating employers must first secure certification through Business Oregon.

To qualify for the credit, businesses must create at least one net new job in Oregon, operate primarily within a designated industry and pay employees at least 150% of the state minimum wage. The targeted sectors include advanced manufacturing, bioscience and biotechnology, clean technology, food and beverage processing, forestry and wood products, high technology and outdoor gear and apparel.

Sen. Broadman, D-Bend, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, noted that the program aims to reward growing companies across the state. “We want Oregon to be a place where businesses can grow, invest and create good jobs,” Broadman said. “This tax credit is about rewarding employers who are doing exactly that. Central Oregon has some of the most innovative businesses in the state and I want to make sure our local employers know this opportunity is available and take full advantage of it.”

Rep. Levy, D-Bend, encouraged local business owners to evaluate their eligibility for the funding. “Central Oregon knows how to build things, grow companies and create new ideas,” Levy said. “Salem should bring down costs for businesses that turn innovation into family-wage jobs here at home. If you’re a local employer who has been adding jobs, I encourage you to see if you qualify.”

Bend Chamber CEO Sara Odendahl of Commerce, highlighted the economic significance of the credit for regional businesses. “Central Oregon is full of entrepreneurs and growing companies that want to invest here, build their teams and create long-term opportunity,” Odendahl said. “The Qualified Jobs Creation Tax Credit gives those businesses another reason to grow in Oregon and add good jobs in our communities. In Bend, where innovation and entrepreneurship are an important part of our ecosystem, tools like this can help local companies while strengthening our workforce and our region.”

Applications for the 2026 tax year are currently open through Business Oregon’s program portal. Employers must submit their applications by Oct. 31, 2026.

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Madeline Clark

The Oregon Public Utility Commission is highlighting the Oregon Lifeline program during National Lifeline Awareness Week, which runs Sept. 14-18.

The federal and state government program provides qualifying low-income households with discounted or free phone and high-speed internet service through participating providers.

Oregon Lifeline offers monthly discounts of up to $19.25 on phone service and up to $24.25 on high-speed internet service. The program also provides free wireless voice minutes and data through Access Wireless where coverage is available.

Oregon residents living on federally recognized Tribal lands may qualify for an additional $25 monthly discount.

To qualify for Oregon Lifeline, residents must receive benefits from select public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Program rules limit assistance to one benefit per household for either discounted or free service.

Applicants seeking free wireless service through Access Wireless can apply online at accesswireless.com. Individuals applying for discounted phone or high-speed internet service can submit an online application through the state portal.

Additional information about Oregon Lifeline is available at lifeline.oregon.gov or by calling 800-848-4442 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

National Lifeline Awareness Week continues through Sept. 18.

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