Author: KTVZ

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet Monday, April 13th, to review proposed updates to the County Opportunity Grant Program.

The County Opportunity Grant Program provides financial assistance to counties for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and planning of park areas that include camping facilities. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is proposing these updates to improve administrative clarity and ensure the program remains consistent with related state and federal grant initiatives.

The RAC includes representatives from local governments and recreation providers. These members possess professional experience in park and recreation planning, development, and management. During the meeting, committee members will provide feedback on draft rule changes before the department moves forward with the rule-making process.

The proposed updates involve formalizing administrative processes and updating program definitions. The changes also aim to clarify grant application requirements and scoring criteria while increasing administrative flexibility for the program. These adjustments are intended to reflect modern practices without altering the core purpose or structure of the grant program.

The proposal also introduces an emergency procedure rule and a conversion rule. These additions seek to establish long-term stewardship requirements. According to the department, these new rules will align the County Opportunity Grant Program with other state and federal grant programs managed by the agency.

Following the committee meeting, staff will incorporate the feedback into draft rules and open them for a public comment period. After the public comment phase and a hearing, staff will present the proposed rules to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration of adoption.

The meeting will take place from 2-4 p.m. and the public can watch the livestream on the OPRD Director’s Office channel on YouTube. A recording will be available after the meeting.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Average gasoline prices in Oregon rose 4.9 cents per gallon over the last week, reaching an average of $4.83 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy.

The price hike comes as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global crude oil supplies.

According to a GasBuddy survey of 1,307 stations, Oregon prices are now 96.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $1.10 higher than one year ago. The state’s increase reflects a broader national trend where both gasoline and diesel costs are climbing toward multi-year highs.

The current range of prices across the state showed significant variation. On Sunday, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $4.29 per gallon, while the most expensive reached $7.20 per gallon. This represents a difference of $2.91 per gallon between the lowest and highest priced stations in the state.

On a national level, gasoline prices rose 2.4 cents per gallon over the last week to an average of $3.95 per gallon. This figure is 97.9 cents higher than a month ago and 83.8 cents higher than one year ago. GasBuddy compiled this data from more than 11 million weekly price reports at more than 150,000 stations nationwide.

Diesel fuel has seen a more substantial increase, with the national average rising 14.3 cents in the last week to $5.369 per gallon. This marks the highest price for diesel since July 27, 2022. Prices vary across Oregon’s major metropolitan areas, with Portland averaging $4.91 per gallon after a 3.4-cent increase. Eugene saw a 9.9-cent jump to $4.80 per gallon, while Salem prices rose 1.3 cents to an average of $4.73 per gallon.

Current prices are significantly higher than historical averages from the past five years. On March 30, 2021, the Oregon average was $3.16 per gallon, nearly $1.67 less than current levels. Prices in the state were $4.70 in 2022, $3.88 in 2023, $4.23 in 2024, and $3.73 in 2025.

According to GasBuddy, the disruption of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz is the primary driver of the current market volatility.

The rising costs have already had a measurable impact on consumer spending across the United States. Americans spent nearly $8 billion more on gasoline over the past month.

GasBuddy analysts expect the national average for gasoline to push beyond $4 per gallon in the near future. Diesel prices could approach $6 per gallon and potentially set new records if global supply conditions do not improve.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Lightning Football will begin its second week of training camp Monday with a series of open practices scheduled through April 4th. The sessions will be held at the Redmond School District Jaqua Sports Fields as the team prepares for its second Arena Football One season.

The open practices follow the team’s first round of roster cuts completed Sunday. Fans are invited to attend the sessions to meet players and observe the team’s preparations before the final roster is established.

The training site is located at 2600 NW College Way in Bend. While the fields are operated by the Redmond School District, the physical address is situated in Bend.

Chuck Jones serves as the general manager and head coach of the Oregon Lightning. Jones is currently evaluating the roster and integrating a new group of athletes brought in to address specific team needs following the recent cuts.

“Camp is going well,” Jones said. “We have a new set of players coming in this week to fill some gaps. I’m excited to put this product on the field.”

The final roster for the Oregon Lightning is scheduled to be set on Easter Sunday, April 5th.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Bev Clarno, former Oregon Governor, Director of Oregon Historical Society, and Clarno’s son)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Former Oregon Secretary of State Bev Clarno celebrated a milestone birthday Sunday in Redmond, surrounded by a rare sight in today’s political climate: a room full of Democrats and Republicans sharing laughs, memories, and appreciation.

Friends, family, and political leaders from across the aisle gathered to surprise Clarno for her 90th birthday, honoring a decades-long career that helped shape Oregon politics.

Clarno, who served as a state representative, state senator, Oregon House Speaker, and Secretary of State, is widely recognized for both breaking barriers and building bipartisan relationships.

“She is a true history-making Oregonian,” said Kerry Tymchuk of the Oregon Historical Society. “Throughout a 30-plus year political career, she has made history at each and every stop — and perhaps more importantly, she’s also been one of the best in all of the jobs she’s done.”

Clarno became the first Republican woman to serve as Speaker of the Oregon House and later held leadership roles in the Senate before serving as Secretary of State. Those who worked alongside her say her leadership style stood out just as much as her accomplishments.

Former Governor Ted Kulongoski credited Clarno’s ability to bring people together.

“She is the person that actually is the calming influence and basically getting people together,” Kulongoski said. “She had a skill set that I think is sorely missed today. Because of her time in public life, she made life better. She made Oregon a better place to live.”

That emphasis on unity, those closest to her say, started long before her time in office.

Her son, Randy Hilderbrand, said her values were shaped by her Central Oregon upbringing and farming roots.

“I was always very proud of her bipartisanship,” he said. “She was down to earth from the farming background, growing up here in Central Oregon. She was one of those mothers that kind of took the community under her wings.”

Clarno said that same spirit of cooperation is something she hopes to see more of in today’s political landscape.

“It’s important that both parties work together,” Clarno said. “I’d like to see the harmony that we used to have when I served, because it serves the public better than to have this divisiveness.”

Clarno said she is grateful for her time in public service and hopes future leaders stay focused on the people they represent.

Sunday’s celebration served as both a birthday tribute and a reminder of a political legacy many say put people first.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An early morning fire caused extensive damage to a Bend home Saturday, with investigators pointing to a pellet stove pipe as the likely source.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded around 5:07 a.m. to a reported structure fire near Thomas Drive and Airpark Drive. When crews arrived within eight minutes of the initial 911 call, they found flames venting through the roof of a single-story home.

The occupant was able to escape safely after being alerted by a working smoke alarm. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire, preventing further spread.

Investigators determined the fire started in the attic near the stove pipe for a pellet stove. Heat from the pipe ignited nearby insulation and structural materials, allowing the fire to spread through the attic and eventually cause the collapse of portions of the roof and ceiling into the living space.

Damage is estimated at $400,000 to the structure and $80,000 to its contents, which included a vehicle parked inside the garage at the time of the fire. The resident declined assistance from the American Red Cross.

Fire officials are using the incident as a reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most home fire deaths occur in homes without them.

Bend Fire & Rescue offers free smoke alarm consultations and can be reached at 541-322-6386. Those outside the Bend area can contact their local fire department or the Central and Eastern Oregon chapter of the Red Cross for assistance.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: adding more information about surrounding Central Oregon, Oregon, and nationwide rallies. Including response from the Trump Administration.)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A “No Kings” rally in Prineville brought out a few hundred people over the weekend, as part of a sweeping national protest movement that drew millions of Americans voicing frustration with the Trump administration.

The demonstration in Crook County reflected a wide range of concerns, from constitutional rights to political leadership and the direction of the country.

Nora Scott, a lifelong Republican and Crook County resident, said she felt compelled to attend because of growing dissatisfaction within her own party. “We’ve got to get them out of there. We’ve got to get them out,” Scott said. “I’m a lifelong Republican and this crime family has taken over the Republican Party.”

Other residents focused on what they see as deeper concerns about the foundation of government. Sharon Krause, also of Crook County, said she attended the rally because of her concerns about the U.S. Constitution, explaining, “I am here because I am not appreciating what Trump has done to our government. He is using the Constitution as toilet paper.”

Amy Stewart, another Crook County resident, described the emotional toll of the current political climate, saying, “Just the violation of our Constitution, destroying our democracy, trying to create tyranny, hurting people, killing people. That wounds me as an American.”

Krause also raised questions about transparency and foreign policy, adding, “Still want to know about the Epstein files. I do not like that unelected people are running the government. I do not want us in this war. I think it is uncalled for.”

Bend rally draws thousands, marches through downtown

While Prineville’s turnout reached the hundreds, the largest crowds in Central Oregon gathered in Bend.

Thousands of people filled Drake Park for music, speakers, and community organizing before marching to Peace Corner, flooding downtown streets during the afternoon protest. Demonstrators lined sidewalks and intersections, holding signs, chanting, and engaging with passing drivers as they shared their message.

The scale of the Bend rally mirrored, and in some cases exceeded, previous “No Kings” demonstrations in the city, signaling growing momentum behind the movement across the region.

Demonstrations spread across Central Oregon communities

Protests were widespread throughout Central Oregon.

In Redmond, organizers said around 1,000 people attended, filling park spaces with signs, flags and chants. Hundreds more gathered in Sisters, with additional demonstrations held in Prineville, La Pine and Madras.

Altogether, thousands participated across the region, highlighting strong turnout in both larger cities and smaller communities.

Oregon leaders join rallies in the Portland metro area

The demonstrations extended into the Willamette Valley, where state leaders joined protesters.

Governor Tina Kotek spoke outside the Portland Expo Center, telling the crowd, “We believe that no one is a king. Especially not here in Oregon and not in the United States of America. Am I right?” — drawing a strong response from those gathered.

In Gresham, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden joined demonstrators and emphasized that while he continues pushing back at the federal level, he believes meaningful change often begins with grassroots movements like those seen across Oregon.

Part of a nationwide protest movement

The rallies in Oregon were part of coordinated “No Kings” demonstrations held across the country over the weekend.

Millions of Americans protested a wide range of issues tied to the Trump administration, including its mass immigration program and the conflict in Iran. Economic concerns also played a role for some participants.

One protester said, “I think it’s incredibly good. You know, gas is almost six bucks at this point, and we got to have some people are going to stand up for the typical citizen.”

White House response

Despite the scale of the protests nationwide, the Trump administration said it is not concerned about the demonstrations and indicated the rallies will not affect its policy direction.

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Transportation begins several weeks of overnight construction on Sunday night along U.S. Highway 20 in Sisters, upgrading curb ramps and pedestrian crossings to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The start date for the project recently was moved up from the original plan of April 12, the agency said.

ODOT says the improvements will make it easier and safer for people walking or rolling to get around downtown Sisters and access nearby businesses and services.

The work will start with curb ramps at Cascade Street and continue west along the north side of U.S. 20. To minimize impacts to daytime traffic, most of the work will occur at night from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Friday.

During construction, travelers can expect:

Crews working throughout the project area

Overnight construction and noise

Sidewalk, shoulder and lane closures

Flaggers directing traffic as needed

Minimal traffic delays

If work is not completed by Memorial Day, crews will pause construction for the summer and return after Labor Day to finish the project.

Visit our website for more information or contact Meghan Blyth, community affairs coordinator.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents are facing a surge in allergy symptoms. The obvious culprit is the blooming juniper, but birch pollen might also be a factor.

Medical experts at Central Oregon Ear, Nose and Throat say every person has different things their allergic too. And allergy issues can persist year-round, rather than just being during “allergy season.”

Identifying the specific cause is a first step in finding relief. Booking an appointment with a specialist is the quickest way to determine the exact irritant causing your allergies. After that, they can come up with a treatment plan for you, if over-the-counter medicine isn’t cutting it.

Deena Fiddler, the allergy clinic coordinator at Central Oregon Ear, Nose and Throat, says the sooner you get a consultation, the better.

“As soon as you start to have those allergy issues, especially that are not covered by over-the-counter medicines, then you need to be seen by a specialist,” Fiddler said.

For patients seeking long-term solutions, the clinic offers a specialized sublingual (or under the tongue) treatment.

Taking a few drops under the tongue three times a day is easier than getting a shot, and the treatment is specialized to each patient. The treatment lasts for three years, but after that, the clinic says you should be allergy-free for five years or more.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shepherd’s House Ministries has received a $3 million award to grow their “Abi’s House” program, which houses at-risk women and children in Central Oregon.

Currently, Abi’s House can only serve 10 people. But with this funding, the program will grow to 40 participants.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than one-third of the homeless population in Oregon is women and the program currently has to turn away many applicants due to limited space.

The project involves purchasing multiple residences and units in the same area to create a network of safe housing.

Jerry Kaping, the director of development for Shepherd’s House Ministries, said the campus model is designed to provide 24-hour support.

“The reason why we’re building this campus is so that they will have community on an everyday basis, 24-7,” Kaping said. “They’ll have friends, they’ll have family, and they’ll have shepherd’s house right next to their side.”

The specific locations of the homes in the Abi’s House network are kept secret, to protect the privacy and safety of the women and children staying there.

Gina Stout serves as the CEO of Shepherd’s House Ministries. She said the additional space will provide trauma-informed care for women and children overcoming addiction, abuse and chronic instability.

“This project represents what’s possible when community partners come together to address homelessness and promote long-term stability for people with compassion and intention,” Stout said. “It will allow us to say ‘yes’ to women and children who too often hear ‘there’s no room.’ By expanding Abi’s House, we’re creating more than just shelter. We are creating safe, healing spaces where women can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

The award comes from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Summit Bank facilitated the award through the loan bank. Gary O’Connell, the Central Oregon market president for Summit Bank, said the partnership is intended to strengthen local communities.

“Supporting efforts like this are one of the most meaningful parts of what we do at Summit Bank,” O’Connell said. “We are proud to partner in bringing Federal Home Loan Bank grant funding into our communities and to support organizations that are making a real difference in people’s lives every day. This kind of investment helps strengthen the places we call home and we are honored to be a part of it.”

Shepherd’s House Ministries expects the new expansion to be completed within six months to a year.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Real estate developer Taylor Brooks recently announced that it has sold Lot 5 of the Cooley Road Industrial Lots subdivision at Juniper Ridge to the Central Oregon Irrigation District.  The 5.72-acre lot is south of Cooley Road and includes a portion of COID’s main canal.

The sale price for the parcel was not disclosed.

When asked about how this land was specifically selected, Craig Horrell, managing director of COID, said, “COID has been here for 100+ years and will be here for a hundred more – this property provides the district flexibility to manage staff, operations, and infrastructure in a location that provides convenient access to our two canals and the roughly 3,500 patrons we serve.”  

According to Taylor Brooks’ announcement, the COID Board of Directors recognized the strategic value in purchasing the lot for various reasons.

First, a good portion of the lot is encumbered with COID easements and infrastructure. Those items can pose a challenge for a different entity, but for COID, having direct access to its pipeline and forebay structure is a benefit. 

Also, the property is centrally located within COID’s service territory and is located minutes from its Juniper Ridge hydroelectric facility. It could also provide an optimal location for future COID office space, since it routinely interacts with businesses, agencies and other stakeholders in Bend. 

In addition, COID is in a rapidly urbanizing area, which increases the costs of delivering water to its patrons. As a result, the district is seeking other streams of revenue to keep up with those costs. COID has the opportunity to create leasable, “flex” industrial space on this property. 

While COID has not yet begun planning for the development of the site, the irrigation district expects that it will  likely begin in 2027 or 2028. COID bought the parcel with the proceeds from a sale of property in the Redmond area and says the purchase won’t impact patrons’ rates.  

Taylor Brooks has four developed industrial lots remaining fronting Cooley Road in Juniper Ridge, ranging from just under 2 acres to 5.5 acres in size, at listing prices of $1.31 million to $3.72 million. Those interested in learning more were advised to contact Jay Lyons at Compass Commercial or view the listing.  

About Taylor Brooks 

Taylor Brooks is a Bend-based real estate development company specializing in land acquisition, site planning, and complex build-to-suit projects that support long-term community growth and economic vitality. It specializes in development of healthcare, office, and flex industrial spaces. The company also offers its tenants full-service commercial property management capabilities, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships. Taylor Brooks is a partnership of Taylor Development LLC and Brooks Resources Corporation. www.taylorbrooksdev.com. 

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