Author: KTVZ

KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek announced Tuesday she has declared a drought in Coos and Wheeler counties through an executive order and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

A link to Executive Order 25-19 can be found here.

Coos CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Coos County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 17. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index are also indicating drought conditions have developed in Coos County over the last 1 to 4 months.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Coos County Board of Commissioners in August requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Wheeler CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Wheeler County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 24 and severe drought since July 15. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) are also indicating long-term drought conditions have persisted in Wheeler County over the last 12 months.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Wheeler County Board of Commissioners in August requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Governor Kotek has declared a drought emergency in seven counties so far this calendar year. Previously, drought declarations were issued for Baker, Douglas, Lincoln, Morrow and Union counties.

Drought is likely to have a significant economic impact on the farm, ranch, recreation, tourism and natural resources sectors, as well as an impact on drinking water, fish and wildlife, and important minimum flows for public instream uses and other natural resources dependent on adequate precipitation, stored water, and streamflow in these areas. Extreme conditions are expected to affect local growers and livestock, increase the potential for wildfire, shorten the growing season, and decrease water supplies. The drought declaration by Governor Kotek unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules. The Council received input from Oregon’s Water Supply Availability Committee on regional water supply conditions and Council members have conferred on this matter. The Council recommended that the Governor declare drought in Douglas, Morrow, and Union counties for the 2025 calendar year, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 536.740. As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Central Oregon, announced Tuesday a significant expansion of its down payment assistance program for veterans.

The program expansion was made possible by a $540,000 grant awarded to the organization for this purpose.

Here’s the rest of RootedHomes’ announcement:

The enhanced program now offers qualified veterans up to $60,000 in assistance, a substantial increase designed to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. This funding is available for any of RootedHomes’ communities. There are currently 70 homes available in various stages of development. 

The updated down payment assistance amounts are as follows: veterans are eligible for up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. First-time homebuyers can receive up to $30,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. First-generation homebuyers are eligible for up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less.

To qualify for the veteran assistance funds, applicants must provide a DD-214 form or proof of veteran’s benefits and sign a release form. 

Eliza Wilson, the executive director of RootedHomes, expressed her excitement about the new program:

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be able to provide this expanded funding to our veterans. It is our way of recognizing their sacrifice and commitment to our country. We know that a significant down payment is a major barrier to homeownership for many, and we are grateful for this opportunity to help more Central Oregon veterans realize their dream of owning a home.” 

Interested veterans and other homebuyers can start the process by first talking to one of RootedHomes’ approved lenders. The next step is to attend a free information session, which RootedHomes offers monthly to provide a complete overview of the programs and the home-buying process. There are two information sessions in September, on the 9th in Spanish and the 11th in English. Both begin at 5:30 pm and are offered through Zoom online.  

For more information on RootedHomes, visit https://rootedhomes.org.

RootedHomes, formerly Kôr Community Land Trust, is a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable homeownership opportunities for the local workforce. By utilizing the Community Land Trust model, RootedHomes ensures long-term affordability and access to healthy homes for generations. This innovative approach allows RootedHomes to steward the land, keeping housing costs down. Prioritizing equitable access to energy-efficient homes and their associated health and financial benefits by developing to net-zero energy standards is a priority of the organization. RootedHomes is committed to empowering homebuyers who have historically faced barriers to building wealth through homeownership. Through sustainable practices and community-centered development, RootedHomes is making a tangible difference in the lives of Central Oregon residents. Learn more at rootedhomes.org. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rates continued their upward movement in July, with job losses reported in all three counties, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday.

The new regional figures echo last week’s report that Oregon’s statewide jobless rate rose to 5% in July, its highest level in four years, when the COVID-19 pandemic was having severe economic impacts.

Here’s Tuesday’s Central Oregon jobs report from Regional Economist Nicole Ramos:  

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): The Bend MSA seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued to increase over the month of July and is now 4.7%, up from a rate of 4.6% in June. In July of last year, it was 0.4 of a percentage point lower, at 4.3%.  

The Bend MSA lost 1,600 jobs (-1.4%) from June to July, with the largest losses occurring in local government education employment (-2,430 jobs) as schools let out for the summer. Total nonfarm employment now stands at 110,290, with the private sector gaining 790 jobs over the month.

Private- sector job gains were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (+480 jobs) with most of those gains occurring in its accommodation and food services subsector (+350 jobs), followed by mining, logging, and construction (+280 jobs). Additional gains were recorded in manufacturing (+50 jobs); other services (+50 jobs); and information (+10 jobs).

Most private losses occurred in private education and health services (-40 jobs) and professional and business services (-20 jobs), with smaller losses occurring in trade, transportation, and utilities (-10 jobs) and financial activities (-10 jobs). 

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 1.9% (-2,180 jobs) from July 2024 to July 2025. Over the year, job losses were widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (-990 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (-970 jobs). Smaller but notable losses also occurred in professional and business services (-330 jobs); information (-310) jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-240 jobs); other services (-170 jobs); and financial activities (-150 jobs).

Over the year, gains were largest within private education and health services (+600 jobs), but other notable gains also occurred within manufacturing (+200 jobs) and government (+180 jobs). All other major industries saw little to no change over the year.  

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly over the month of July and is now 5.4%, up from a rate of 5.3% in June—in July of last year, it was 0.1 percentage point lower at 5.3%.  

Crook County lost 90 jobs (-1.2%) over the month. Losses were concentrated primarily within the public sector (-180 jobs), with the majority of losses occurring in local government (-190 jobs). Private-sector losses were smaller and seen in private education and health services (-30 jobs), information (-10 jobs), and manufacturing (-10 jobs). Private-sector gains were strongest in leisure and hospitality (+80 jobs) and professional and business services (+30 jobs), with additional gains seen in construction (+20 jobs) and financial activities (+10 jobs). 

Over the past year, the county lost 300 jobs (-3.9%). Losses were concentrated within the information industry (-290 jobs) and occurred due to a change in the way the data was reported. Other notable losses occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (-70 jobs); government (-60 jobs); other services (-50 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-30 jobs).

Over the year job gains were not as large and were concentrated within professional and business services (+90 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+60 jobs). Smaller gains occurred in private education and health services (+30 jobs), financial activities (+10 jobs), and manufacturing (+10 jobs).  

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.6% over the month of July, slightly higher than June’s 4.5% rate. In July 2024, the unemployment rate was lower, at 4.1%. The unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic.  

Deschutes County lost 1,190 jobs (-1.2%) from June to July, and employment is now 96,110. Job losses are typical this time of year due to local schools going on summer break and were concentrated in local education (-1,940 jobs).

Private-sector job losses occurred in professional and business services (-60 jobs), private education and health services (-10 jobs), and financial activities (-10 jobs). Gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+370 jobs), with 240 jobs gained in accommodation and food services, followed by mining, logging, and construction (+260 jobs). Smaller job gains occurred within other services (+50 jobs) and information (+10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment decreased 2.0% (-1,990 jobs) from July 2024 to July 2025. Over the year, job losses were strongest in leisure and hospitality (-990 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (-880 jobs), with smaller but notable losses occurring in professional and business services (-480 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-240 jobs); financial activities (-150 jobs); and other services (-80 jobs).

Gains were minimal and occurred in private education and health services (+530 jobs); manufacturing (+140 jobs); information (+100 jobs); and the public sector (+60 jobs). All other industries saw little to no movement over the year.  

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in July, going from a revised 4.9% in June to 5.2% in July. Last year the unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage point lower at 4.6% in July. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment shed 290 jobs in July (-4.2%) with losses concentrated in local government (-290 jobs). Smaller but notable losses were also recorded in manufacturing (-20 jobs); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-10 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs). Gains were marginal and recorded in leisure and hospitality (+30 jobs) and mining and logging (+10 jobs). Very little movement was seen otherwise, with little to no change in all other industries.  

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment increased by 10 jobs over the past year (+0.2%). Job gains were concentrated within the public sector (+80 jobs) with local government gaining the most jobs over the year (+60 jobs). Private-sector gains occurred in professional and business services (+50 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+30 jobs); and private education and health services (+10 jobs).

Private-sector losses outnumbered gains for a net loss of 70 jobs within the private sector and were recorded in leisure and hospitality (-50 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-50 jobs); other services (-30 jobs); manufacturing (-20 jobs); and information (-10 jobs).  

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Wednesday, Sept. 17.        

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — The Bend Police Department is raising concerns about a sharp increase in illegal vehicles showing up on city streets. 

Officers say many people believe they’re riding an e-bike, but in reality, some of the most popular models on the market are actually electric motorcycles — and those are not legal on Oregon roadways. 

Some residents say these electric motorcycles can be dangerous to pedestrians. 

“Start with the pedals. There’s no pedals on those electric e-bikes, and on top of that, they go faster than you think. Watch your back, because they’ll come get you. They’re really fast and they’re really quiet, and you’ll be walking peacefully, and the next thing you know, boom, boom, boom, and they’re like 12-year-olds. So, it’s kind of crazy,” said Bend resident, Noah Daniel. 

Chris Walter, who works at the 76 Gas Station on NW Columbia Street and NW Galveston Avenue, says riders of the electric motorcycles, are going way too fast. 

“Scary, because I’m afraid people are going to get hit, and there’s no stoplight around here, and we need one right here on this corner.” 

State law divides e-bikes into three classes: 

 Class 1 are pedal-assist and cut off at 20 miles per hour 

Class 2 use a throttle but also stop at 20 miles per hour 

Class 3 are pedal-assist with a limit of 28 miles per hour 

If your bike goes faster than that, has no pedals — or pedals that don’t work — it’s no longer an e-bike. Bend Police say, that makes it an electric motorcycle or dirt bike, which cannot be legally operated on our streets. 

If you are riding an electric motorcycle on the streets, it must be registered. If not, be prepared for a ticket.   The Bend Police Department says they need the community’s help to keep roads safe — and that means making sure what you’re riding is street legal.  

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KTVZ – News Team

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County is excited to launch its first-ever County College program and is now accepting applications from community members interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of county government operations.

County College is a free, multi-week educational program designed to offer participants a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Crook County.

Through presentations, facility tours, and interactive discussions, participants will engage with staff from a wide range of departments and offices, including: Administration, Road Department, Weed Control, Landfill, Fairgrounds, Health and Veteran Services, Community Development, Airport, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, Juvenile Department, Clerk’s Office, Assessor, and Finance Department.

“We’re excited to bring this opportunity to the citizens of Crook County,” said County Commissioner Seth Crawford. “County College is a great way for people to better understand how their local government works, meet the people behind the services, and see firsthand how decisions are made that impact our community every day.”

Sessions will be held once a month on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning September 17, 2025, and concluding February 18, 2026. Applicants must live, own a business, or work full-time in Crook County. To apply, please complete the attached application form or submit an application online at https://co.crook.or.us/county-admin/page/crook-county-college. The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 11, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

A full schedule of the program is available at: https://co.crook.or.us/county-admin/page/crook-county-college.

*Please note: Space is limited to 25 participants, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all applicants may be selected due to limited capacity.

For more information, please contact the Crook County Administration Office at (541) 447-6555 or email admin@co.crook.or.us.

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man was cited for an illegal marijuana grow that was seized in a raid late last week.

Here’s a news release issued late Monday by Bend Police Lt. Mike Landolt of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team:

Press Release Information:

On August 14th, 2025, at approximately 8:30 AM, Detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) Team executed a search warrant in the 52000 block of Bridge Drive in the La Pine area. This concluded a long-term investigation into Aaron Loosli, who was manufacturing an illegal marijuana grow outside of State licensing guidelines.

There are very strict guidelines regarding the marijuana plants that are allowed and how excess marijuana is distributed.  This investigation revealed Aaron Loosli did not follow the guidelines; no additional information will be released regarding these crimes.

Detectives dismantled the illegal marijuana grow, and Loosli was criminally cited for the above-mentioned crimes.

Detectives were assisted by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.  Detectives were also assisted by Deschutes County Code Enforcement and Oregon Water Resources, both agencies noted numerous violations including illegal water use, and electrical & structural permitting violations. 

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Current Date: August 18th, 2025

Date of Incident: August 14th, 2025

Case #: 25-44314

Incident: Drug Detectives serve search warrant and seize marijuana plants

Location: 52000 block of Bridge Drive, La Pine OR 

Arrested: Aaron Wayne Loosli, 50 years old

Charges: ORS 475.349(3)(b)(A) – Unlawful Manufacture of marijuana >12 plants

ORS 475C.345- Attempted Delivery of marijuana

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department,  Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s a new app being used by Bend-La Pine Schools called My Ride K-12, and it gives parents up-to-date time and route information for their kids’ bus. 

This new app will replace their old one, which only gave general messages about delays.

Now you can see the bus moving toward your house in real time.

Bend-La Pine Schools Executive Director of Transportation Kim Crabtree told KTVZ News, “You know, on a morning that’s pretty cold, they can see – ‘Oops, it’s coming up the hill! I’d better get my kids out there!’

“While we ask kids to be out five minutes before the bus stop time, we understand there’s mornings that are really cold, and you know, you’re running a  little behind.” With the new app, she said, “You can see, ‘I’ve got a little bit of time to get there.’”

This app tracks buses, not individual students. But there’s a way that you can track your kids, using a card linked to your student.

If you sign up for the card, you get notifications whenever your child gets on or off the bus.

To register, you can download the app or reach out to the school district for assistance.

The district asks that you register your kids this week, in order to make sure they are is ready to take the bus to and from home on their fast-approaching first day of school.

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Tyson Beauchemin

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Killer Burger has opened its doors in Bend.

The chain started in Portland, but has opened stores all across Oregon. They’ve set up shop in Eugene, Medford, Salem – and now here, next to the new Costco. The burger shop is one of the first businesses to move into the new shopping area next to the Costco on U.S. Highway 20.

What makes Killer Burger unique, they say, is their precision-crafted gourmet burger. They pride themselves on making each burger to exact specifications, and the interesting ingredient combinations.

There’s no better example of this than their flagship burger, with peanut butter, pickle AND bacon.

“It’s a burger that most people actually haven’t ever heard of before,” Logan Miller, the new general manager of our Killer Burger told us Monday. “So when they hear about it with Killer Burger, it’s kind of pretty iconic. It’s what we’re known for. A lot of people think it’s a very weird combination, but it definitely works! And we think you should try it when you come by.”

Right now, their menu includes a burger with Swiss cheese fondue, blue cheese crumbles and bacon. Another is filled with roasted green chiles and covered in Monterey Jack cheese.

However, if you’re not feeling adventurous, the menu also includes standard burgers, chicken strips and well-seasoned fries.

 “I think we’re going to fit in really well,” Miller said. “I know that Bend loves their fast casual restaurants, so I think we’re going to do great here.”

This new location also means new employment: Killer Burger is currently hiring. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man arrested on charges he beat and dragged his dog down a busy northeast Bend street entered a negotiated guilty plea Monday and faces a likely 15-day jail term. He also will be sentenced on two probation violations and agreed to give up the dog, a brown Labrador named Freya. 

Sentencing is set for Wednesday morning for Kyle Jensen Strong, 36, who police said was seen by witnesses on Saturday evening, August 9th “repeatedly hitting, grabbing and dragging the dog” on NE Third Street near Olney Avenue. 

Officers found Strong walking his bike along Third Street with the dog on a leash. He denied hitting the dog, but witnesses approached police and provided several videos and witness statements to confirm the actions, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. 

Strong appeared by video Monday from the Deschutes County Jail, where he’s been held without bail for violating probation. 

Strong signed a petition Friday, pleading guilty to one of the three counts of second-degree animal neglect, a Class B misdemeanor. Strong said in the petition that he “did unlawfully and recklessly cause physical injury to an animal, to-wit: a canine known as Freya.” 

Freya, dog allegedly beaten by Bend man, is in the care of the Humane Society of Central Oregon

As a result, prosecutors agreed to recommend that the judge impose a 15-day jail sentence, concurrent with any sanctions for violating probation in two 2023 cases. 

Circuit Judge Beth Bagley also canceled a hearing set for Tuesday on prosecutors’ petition to require that Strong forfeit the dog, after court-appointed defense attorney Dylan Potter pointed out that his client already agreed to do so, as part of the guilty plea. 

Court records show Strong pleaded guilty in Deschutes County in 2024 to DUII, hit-and-run (property damage) and resisting arrest. Six other charges were dismissed, including second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. His three-year probation in that case continues until early 2027, and his driver’s license was suspended for life.

Strong also pleaded not guilty in June and has a jury trial set for September in Grant County on a felony DUII charge, along with misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, hit-and-run (property damage) and driving with a suspended or revoked license. 

He also pleaded not guilty a year ago in Multnomah County to three misdemeanor charges of first- and second-degree criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. That case may go to trial next month.

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