Category: ktvz-local-news

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend is reducing the size of its “Temporary Safe Stay Area,” known as “Dirtworld,” by half. This effort aims to be completed by June 1 and affects approximately 30 people remaining in the area slated for closure.

The city intends to shrink the camp to mitigate fire risks, allow for more efficient patrolling of a smaller footprint and enhance access for service providers assisting people living there.

Matthew Stuart, Real Estate, Housing and Facility Director for Bend, highlighted the city’s consistent presence at the site. “That staff’s out there every day. We also have security that’s out there two or three times a day,” Stuart said. Stuart added that the city has established relationships with the residents.

“We’ve gotten to know the population quite well over the last year and a half that we’ve been operating. We’ve had success so far with a majority of the folks who are in the North, they’re already moving to the South. So we have a limited amount of people that are still left that need to move.”

The Safe Stay Area program is funded through June 2027. However, its future after that date is uncertain.

The city plans to complete the reduction of the “Temporary Safe Stay Area” by June 1.

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Barney Lerten

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Portland man was killed Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision with a semi truck on Highway 97 in Klamath County Sunday, Oregon State Police said Monday.

Troopers responded around 3:45 p.m. to the two-vehicle crash near milepost 220.

A preliminary OSP investigation found that Mark Evan Simpson, 48, of Portland was heading north at the wheel of a black Kia Forte when he came upon the scene of an earlier, three-vehicle non-injury crash.

The Kia crossed the center line and drove on the southbound travel lane, colliding with a semi driven by a a British Columbia resident who was pulling onto the highway shoulder to avoid a disabled vehicle from the first crash, troopers said.

After the collision, Simpson’s Kia spun back across the northbound lanes, coming to rest against a tree off the highway’s northbound shoulder.

Simpson died at the scene, OSP said, while the truck driver was uninjured.

Highway 97 was closed or affected for about five hours by the crash and on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a Bend-based nonprofit, is offering new, permanently affordable homeownership opportunities in northwest Redmond.

The organization is selling homes at 345 NW 19th Street, Redmond, in a 23-home community designed with connection, sustainability and everyday living in mind, the organization says.

The homes are currently available, with various information sessions and community events scheduled throughout April For interested buyers.

RootedHomes focuses on providing environmentally sustainable and permanently affordable homes to those who contribute to the Central Oregon economy and community. The homeownership program is designed for first-time homebuyers.

Eligibility for the program is limited to income-qualified buyers up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) for Deschutes County.

The “Rooted at 19th” community currently has four three-bedroom homes available. These units feature three beds and two baths, spanning approximately 1,425 square feet, with prices starting around $293,000.

Additionally, seven two-bedroom homes are for sale, offering two beds and two baths over approximately 1,065 square feet. Prices for these units begin around $258,000.

Qualified buyers for both home types may receive up to $18,000 in down payment assistance. Applications are open and are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The community’s location offers convenient access to local amenities. It is situated steps from Hugh Hartman Elementary School and close to Dry Canyon Park, Dry Canyon Trail and Hope Playground.

In partnership with The Environmental Center, the community will also include a shared garden space. This space aims to provide learning, growth and connection opportunities for residents and local students.

Also, as April ramps up the home-buying season, RootedHomes is hosting open houses every weekend in April.

Prospective buyers can attend an in-person information session to learn about the RootedHomes program, what to expect and how to take next steps. This session is scheduled for April 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Deschutes Library in Redmond.

For more flexible guidance, drop-in office hours are available on April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Redmond Library. Attendees can meet one-on-one with the RootedHomes team to ask questions and receive support.

RootedHomes will also participate in The Environmental Center’s Earth Day Fair and Parade. This free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Alpenglow Park in Bend. The fair will include food vendors, interactive booths, performances and activities for all ages.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend community members are being invited to participate in a design open house for the 2027 Neighborhood Street Safety Program projects. The open house will be held in person and online to share project information and gather public input.

The open house will take place on Thursday April 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the VFW Event Room, 1503 NE Fourth Street in Bend. The online open house will be available at bendoregon.gov/nssp on the same date.

The projects that are scheduled for the 2027 Neighborhood Street Safety program are:

Updating and improving the existing crossings at the intersection of NE Sierra Drive and NE Boyd Acres Road, and NE Town Drive and NE Boyd Acres Road to facilitate safer crossings of NE Boyd Acres Road.

Implementing traffic calming along Blakely Road from Powers Road to Chamberlain Street. Improvements to include speed humps and sidewalk infill at select locations.

Building a raised crossing at the intersection of NW Discovery Park Way and NW High Lakes Loop.

Updating and improving the crossing of NW Mt. Washington Drive at Regency Street. Improvements will include a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and removal of the right-turn lane onto Regency Street.

Installing speed humps and sidewalk infill along Tucson Way from Neff Road to Conners Avenue.

The projects are part of the Neighborhood Street Safety Program, a yearly program that aims to address sidewalk infill, traffic calming and safer crossings of busy streets, increasing safety for all users of the roadway.

This program is funded through the voter-approved 2020 Transportation GO Bond. 

Learn more about the projects and sign up for project updates at bendoregon.gov/nssp.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team will continue its focus on traffic safety throughout April with special patrols dedicated to distracted driving.  

The Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team, or MATT, features all six Deschutes County law enforcement agencies – the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Black Butte Ranch Police Department, Sunriver Police Department, and the Oregon State Police Bend Area Command.

MATT says it’s committed to preventing fatal and serious-injury motor vehicle crashes on our local roads through coordinated education, engagement and enforcement. As part of this work, the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is partnering with the MATT to provide safe driving education and outreach. 

Distracted driving – dividing your attention between driving and another action, most commonly cell phone use – can be deadly. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,208 people died in crashes involving distracted driving in 2024. And in Oregon, from 2019-2023 there were 28,699 crashes resulting in 221 fatalities and 28,332 injuries caused by crashes involving a distracted driver.  

Studies show that using your cell phone while driving is akin to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Other behaviors that can distract your attention from driving include eating and drinking, putting on makeup, looking at your GPS, or changing the music.   

“We’ve all seen how drivers behave when they’re distracted by a cell phone,” said Bend Police Sgt. Cindy Ksenzulak. “They may miss when the traffic light changes or drift into other lanes. It’s dangerous, and it’s entirely preventable. Put your phone down and pay attention to the road.” 

In Oregon, it is illegal to drive while holding and using a mobile electronic device. That includes at stop lights and while sitting in traffic.

A first offense has a maximum fine of $1,000. If you cause a crash, there’s a maximum fine of $2,000. Three cell phone tickets in 10 years and you could face a fine of $2,500 and up to six months in jail. 

Throughout the month of April, MATT members will be conducting extra patrols for distracted driving. Please put your phone down and pay attention. Let’s all work together to keep Deschutes County’s roads safe.   

For information on regional resources, the Central Oregon MATT and upcoming traffic safety initiatives, please visit COIC’s “Central Oregon Safe Travel” page at coic.org/cost. 

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Barney Lerten

MT. BACHELOR, Ore. (KTVZ) — The countdown is on, as RendezVan returns to Mt. Bachelor this Thursday, bringing what the resort calls “the ultimate celebration of spring skiing and riding, live music, and van-life culture.” And this year, it also is a big end-of-season party — complete with lots of fresh snow from a spring snowstorm.

This year, RendezVan coincides with closing weekend and will deliver a high-energy send-off to the season, featuring games, competitions, giveaways, food carts, and extended hours on Pine Marten lift.  

The resort confirmed to KTVZ News on Monday that even with a possible foot or more of new snow, Sunday will be Bachelor’s final day of operations for the 2025-26 season.

The RendezVan festival is free to attend and will open at noon Thursday, kicking off four days of nonstop entertainment including live performances, a skate park, silent disco, line dancing, bike relays, dog races, yoga, axe-throwing, and more. 

The resort promises that “the weekend will be a true showcase Central Oregon’s community and mountain lifestyle.” For the full schedule and more information, visit RendezVan.com.

Scenes from RendezVan 2025 (Photos courtesy of Mt. Bachelor)

This year’s music lineup features a wide spectrum of artists, from acoustic-rooted folk to indie pop, funk jams, and electronic mashups.   

Thursday, April 16 – Local Showcase  

Rum Peppers   

mamasboy  

Friday, April 17:   

The 502s  

Kitchen Dwellers   

DUG  

Saturday, April 18:   

Andy Frasco & The U.N.  

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades  

Vincent Antone  

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest announced Monday it will extend its temporary closure of the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project area south of Bend for at least another year, but reduce its size after work was completed west of Highway 97 and south of Deschutes River Woods.

The revised closure, now affecting 32,565 acres – about 2,000 acres smaller than the past year – will begin Friday, May 1st and remain in effect through at least April 30th, 2027.

“This measure is being taken to ensure public safety and support critical forest restoration efforts,” the Forest Service said.

May 1st also marks a year since the closure of areas south of China Hat Road forced numerous homeless people camping in the area to move elsewhere.

Since then, the Forest Service pointed to “significant clean-up efforts,” collaborating with Public Lands Stewards and Discover Your Northwest-Central Oregon to remove over 255,500 pounds of trash, 448 propane tanks and 170 tires.

Contractors have also removed 424 tons of solid waste and 635 tires, dismantled 115 vehicles, and salvaged and recycled 145 tons of metal.

The Forest says the project aims to reduce wildfire risk and restore damaged habitats within the Wildland Urban Interface near Bend. During the closure, all access, including day use and overnight camping, is restricted while crews operate heavy machinery, conduct prescribed burns and clean up hazardous materials.

Areas west of Highway 97 and south of Deschutes River Woods are scheduled to reopen May 1st. The forest says it’s reducing the size of the overall closure because mechanical fuels reduction treatments are complete in units west of Highway 97.

However, they added that “future temporary closures may be implemented in these areas, if needed as mowing, pre-commercial thinning and prescribed fire work continue.”

All developed and dispersed recreation sites, along with National Forest System roads and trails in the closure area, will be closed.

Closed Developed and Dispersed Recreation Sites:

Horse Butte Trailhead and butte area

Boyd Cave Picnic Area

Bessie Butte Trailhead and butte area

Cabin Butte

Coyote Butte

Closed Trails:

Trail #61, Swamp Wells – between Horse Butte Trailhead and FSR 1816

Trail #62, Coyote Loop – partial closure, the trail is open between Horse Butte Trailhead and the junction with FSR 1814, the trail is closed north of the trail junction with FSR 1814

Trail #63, Arnold Ice Cave – between Horse Butte Trailhead and FSR 18

Trail #66, Boyd Cave

Trail #68, Bessie Butte

The Cabin Butte project incorporates a combination of thinning, mowing, mastication and prescribed fire treatments across the project area. As work is completed, the forest says it “will reevaluate the continued need for the closure to provide for safe, effective project implementation.”

Violators of the area closure could face fines up to $5,000 for individuals or up to $10,000 for an organization. In addition, imprisonment for up to six months or both could be imposed.

For more information about the project, the public can contact the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District at (541) 383-5300 or visit the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project web page. The temporary closure order and closure area map can be found on the Deschutes National Forest’s website. (We also have provided the revised map for you to see below.)

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hayden Homes and Simplicity by Hayden Homes have stepped up to become the 2026 title sponsors for the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium. The local homebuilders contributed $20,000 to ensure the continuation of the event, hosted by the Horner Cycling Foundation. The thrilling race is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026, in downtown Bend, after the event had lost its previous title sponsor.

This one-day event is expected to draw road cyclists from all over the country. Participants will test their technical skills and endurance by riding as many laps as they can on a closed course in downtown Bend. The number of laps is determined by their specific race category.

Molly Cogswell-Kelley, executive director of the Horner Cycling Foundation, praised the sponsorship. She highlighted the significance of the support for the community event.

“Because of Hayden Homes’ and Simplicity’s support, they have allowed this important and historically significant community event to continue,” Cogswell-Kelley said. “We are beyond grateful for their sponsorship and, most importantly, for the opportunity they help us provide to our junior road cycling team to race on the big stage in their hometown.”

Jenn Kovitz, community engagement and government affairs manager for Hayden Homes and Simplicity, emphasized the impact of the foundation’s work. Kovitz noted the broader benefits of supporting youth cycling programs. “The Horner Cycling Foundation offers incredible road cycling opportunities to youth across Central Oregon,” Kovitz said. “Programs like these expand access to youth sports, build confidence and support the development of local athletes. Hayden Homes and Simplicity are proud to support organizations that make a lasting impact in our community.”

The Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium features races beginning at 11:00 a.m. and concluding at 8:00 p.m. A Kiddie Crit for children ages 0 to 8 will take place at 3:55 p.m. Following the youth race, the Bend Classic Mile run, hosted by the FootZone, is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. The mission of the Horner Cycling Foundation is to create an inclusive junior road cycling team. This team is accessible to all socioeconomic statuses, focusing on skill development, team building and fostering a life-long love of cycling.

Race information, including details on volunteer and host housing opportunities, can be found at cascade Cycling Classic Website. For more information, individuals can email molly@hornerlawllp.com.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Environmental Center will host its family-friendly Earth Day Fair and Celebration on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alpenglow Park in Bend, Ore. The outdoor event will feature music and dance, local food vendors, businesses, nonprofits and an activity zone for all ages.

The event is presented by Pacific Power and aims to celebrate the community. Attendees can gather at 11 a.m. at the Alpenglow stage for opening remarks from The Environmental Center staff before the parade.

Volunteers are needed for the event, with positions including educating patrons at waste-sorting stations. Priscilla Calleros, Events and Outreach Manager at The Environmental Center, stated that volunteering is a fun way to meet new people and get involved with the organization.

Calleros also highlighted the success of the “Rethink Waste” program. “Our Rethink Waste program has worked with event hosts over the years and one of the most successful tactics a host can employ to make sure waste ends up in the correct place is to have staff or volunteers physically helping out at the sorting stations,” Calleros said. She added that reusable dishware will be offered again, which has successfully diverted single-use food containers and utensils from the landfill over several years.

The Earth Day parade will return this year, featuring Lava City Cirque, Bend’s aerial and circus arts studio. The group will kick off the procession with stilt walkers, unicyclists and flow artists appearing as butterflies and nature sprites. Participants are invited to dress up as their favorite parts of the Earth, bringing imagination, costumes and love for nature.

Midday performances will include Red Clan, from the Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs, who have been singing and sharing music and dancing for more than 30 years. Hokule’a of Central Oregon will also perform, bringing Hula from Hawaii and rhythmic beats from Tahiti through dance and live drumming to share their history and culture.

Additional highlights of the event include local food carts, free face painting, green organizations and businesses and kids’ activities. Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up for a shift by visiting the Earth Day volunteer sign-ups website or by calling Calleros at 541-508-5410.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon taxpayers must file their tax year 2025 federal and state personal income tax returns by midnight Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Oregon Department of Revenue has information and options available for taxpayers during the final filing period. Oregon is returning $1.41 billion in revenue above projections to taxpayers through a “kicker” tax credit.

As of Friday, the Department of Revenue has processed 1.5 million of an expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns.

The kicker is a refundable credit that will increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes owed. It will not be sent to taxpayers separately as a check. Taxpayers must file a return to receive the kicker.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. Taxpayers can determine their kicker amount using the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator, which is available on Revenue Online.

Taxpayers can check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund through Revenue’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Logging in to a Revenue Online account provides enhanced features for this tool. New Revenue Online accounts can be created by following the link on the department’s website.

Due to recent changes in U.S. Postal Service processes, taxpayers dropping paper returns into a U.S. Postal Service mailbox at this late date cannot be certain their returns will be postmarked by the due date. Taxpayers who want to mail their return can take it to a U.S. Postal Service office during regular business hours no later than April 15, 2026 and make an in-person request to have it manually postmarked at the counter before mailing.

Revenue staff will accept and date stamp returns in the lobby of the Revenue headquarters building in Salem from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tax Day, Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers can also hand deliver their returns to Department of Revenue Regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford and Portland during regular business hours.

After hours, paper Oregon personal income tax returns can be deposited in drop boxes. These drop boxes are available on both the east and west sides of the Salem office, on the west side of the Portland State Office Building and outside the Department of Revenue offices in Eugene, Medford and Bend. A drop box inside the department’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

The department does not recommend using state drop boxes for federal returns. Paper federal returns should be sent to the IRS. Federal returns dropped in Department of Revenue drop boxes are date stamped and forwarded to the IRS, but the Department of Revenue cannot guarantee that the IRS will accept them as having been filed on time.

Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state through Revenue Online. Other free electronic filing options are available for taxpayers meeting income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures both federal and state returns will be filed for free.

Public computer kiosks for filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford and Portland. Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance can find free tax assistance sites, including IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, on the Department of Revenue Department’s interactive map or through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight Wednesday can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the IRS. If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted.

A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to Oct. 15, 2026. Taxpayers should request an Oregon extension if they do not have a federal extension, owe Oregon taxes and cannot file their return by April 15, 2026. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers unable to pay the full amount they owe should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

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