Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon employers have an alternative to traditional layoffs through the Work Share program administered by the Oregon Employment Department. This initiative helps businesses reduce short-term costs and retain skilled employees by allowing them to reduce staff hours. Employees participating in Work Share receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits to offset their reduced wages.

The Work Share program provides a strategy for employers to navigate economic downturns without resorting to downsizing. Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon Employment Department Director, emphasized the program’s flexibility and impact. “Work Share gives employers of all sizes the opportunity to strategize, not downsize,” Stolfi said. “When times are tough, it offers more options to reduce staffing costs and that flexibility is a critical tool in any industry. Work Share keeps valuable teams together and helps businesses ramp back up quickly when conditions improve.”

The program offers significant protections for employees, allowing them to keep their benefits intact even if their work hours fall below full-time. Unlike traditional Unemployment Insurance, Work Share does not require claimants to search for new jobs while receiving benefits. However, participants must remain fully able and available to work for their employer each week.

Currently, more than 500 employers are enrolled in the Work Share program. To be eligible, employers must have at least three employees who are paid Oregon wages, though seasonal and temporary workers are not permitted to participate. There are no program fees and employers are not obligated to use the program after signing up.

The program has proven beneficial for businesses like Oregon Weight Loss Surgery, a Portland-based specialty surgical practice. Chelsea Brown of Oregon Weight Loss Surgery noted its impact. “Being a specialty surgical practice, we have many ups and downs and Work Share has helped us avoid multiple layoffs,” Brown said. “Most of our staff have been here for 10 years or more, so they’re critical to our business. Work Share has helped us keep all of them.”

Unemployment Insurance Division Director Lindsi Leahy recommends that employers apply proactively. “We recommend applying proactively so employers have a plan in place if they need it,” Leahy said. “When business is slow, being able to access the program’s benefits quickly can bring some peace of mind. We want all Oregon employers to know that Work Share is here to provide a viable alternative to layoffs.”

The Oregon Employment Department hosts a weekly Work Share informational webinar for employers every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Employers can also call 503-947-1800 to ask questions or schedule a consultation. After signing up, both employers and claimants can attend weekly webinars for guidance on navigating the program. Additional information is available on the Work Share website.

Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Program, funded by employer payroll taxes, supports individuals and communities during economic uncertainty. It provides temporary, partial wage replacement for those unemployed through no fault of their own, offering financial security while they seek new work. Benefit payments also help soften the local economic impact of layoffs and aid in retaining skilled workers in their communities.

Employers interested in the program can attend the weekly informational webinar held on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Alternatively, they can contact the Oregon Employment Department by calling 503-947-1800 to ask questions or schedule a consultation.

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Kelsey Merison

NEWBERRY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Newberry Regional Partnership released a short documentary, “From Risk to Ready: A Newberry Country Defensible Space Story,” on June 30, 2026. The film highlights local efforts in Newberry Country, Ore., to reduce wildfire risk through education, hands-on action and neighbor-to-neighbor collaboration.

The documentary was produced by Weiss Productions LLC in partnership with the Newberry Regional Partnership. It features the Defensible Space Action Team (DSAT) and connects to the Newberry Country Wildfire Preparedness Demonstration Day held on May 30, 2026.

Monte Dammarell, DSAT action team leader, emphasized the importance of community involvement in wildfire resilience. “In Newberry Country, wildfire resilience begins one property, one neighborhood and one practical step at a time. The biggest thing is just getting people to take that first step. Once they see it’s doable and they see their neighbors doing it, then it starts to spread. That’s what we’re trying to do here — show that it’s possible and that we can do this together,” Dammarell said.

The film showcases real stories of preparedness following the Darlene three Fire. It features a hands-on demonstration project where participants cleared brush, thinned trees, created defensible space zones, increased resistance to embers and learned National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guided techniques to protect homes.

Volunteers, agencies and contractors applied practical fuel reduction methods at a selected residential site. This work included clearing dead vegetation, pruning, installing gravel buffers, home hardening and planting fire-resistant landscaping.

Workshops on creating defensible space, expert talks, free home assessments and take-home resources helped equip attendees with actionable knowledge. The May 30 event drew strong participation, fostered new partnerships with the community and inspired follow-up home projects across Newberry Country.

The initiative received support in part from a $10,000 grant from the NFPA. Matching funding was provided through the Newberry Regional Partnership. This reflects DSAT’s ongoing commitment to wildfire preparedness through education, mitigation and sustained volunteer efforts.

DSAT works to foster resilient communities in Newberry Country, Ore. It focuses on collaborative action teams addressing issues such as wildfire preparedness and defensible space.

Community members can request a home assessment, attend a future event or learn how to take a defensible space step this week by visiting the Newberry Regional Partnership website.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding statements from Governor Kotek, local leaders)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek visited Redmond Monday to meet with Central Oregon leaders and service providers, highlighting what she called significant progress in reducing homelessness across the region.

Kotek spoke at Shepherd’s House Ministries’ Redmond Center, where she thanked local providers, city leaders, tribal representatives, and housing advocates for their work expanding shelter, housing, and support services.

According to this year’s Point in Time Count, a federally required annual snapshot of homelessness, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon dropped nearly 21% compared to 2025.

“We’re here also to celebrate the tremendous local work that has been done to reduce the unsheltered homelessness numbers in Central Oregon,” Kotek said. “And that is progress. But that is a clear indication of all the great hard work, collaboration, coordination among our local government leaders, our community service providers doing the hard work here.”

Kotek said the state has invested in homelessness response efforts across Oregon, but emphasized that Central Oregon’s progress is driven by local coordination.

“Sometimes we feel things are unsolvable,” Kotek said. “But here in Central Oregon, you are showing that when you all work together, and you have a plan, people are going to get helped. And we’re going to see numbers change.”

The governor also pointed to statewide progress, saying unsheltered homelessness has declined across 35 Oregon counties that reported data consistently from last year. She said the number of chronically homeless unsheltered individuals is also down, along with unsheltered families with children.

Since declaring a homelessness emergency when she took office, Kotek said Oregon has created more than 6,000 shelter beds, rehoused 5,500 Oregonians, and provided prevention assistance to more than 26,000 people.

“The reality is, if we continue this housing continuum in the state, it is going to take ongoing funding and it has to continue to have ongoing outcomes that are positive for the people who are being served,” Kotek said.

Local leaders also spoke about the work being done in Central Oregon.

Eliza Wilson, executive director of RootedHomes and chair of the local Continuum of Care, said housing affordability remains a major contributor to homelessness.

“It truly is a housing issue,” Wilson said. “Together, we really can actualize a future where everyone in Oregon has a safe and stable place to call home.”

Caroline Cruz, chief operations officer for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, spoke about the tribe’s 24/7 homeless program, which provides shelter, food, hygiene services and wraparound support. Cruz said the program has expanded over the past three years with additional tiny huts, laundry access, food services, and an indoor dining room.

From January 1 through May 31 of this year, Cruz said the program served 6,375 meals, recorded 2,469 bathroom and shower visits, provided 1,793 overnight stays, and offered 110 laundry service visits.

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said the city has invested more than $2.5 million to improve facilities, provide shelter, and help people move toward permanent housing.

“The lion’s share of credit, however, belongs to the men and women who devote their time and resources to helping those suffering from homelessness,” Fitch said, naming local organizations including Shepherd’s House, Jericho Road, Mountain View Fellowship, and Bethlehem Inn.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler said Bend-funded programs, including state pass-through dollars, helped support more than 330 positive transitions out of homelessness in the past year, including 250 into permanent housing. She said those programs also helped prevent more than 440 people from becoming homeless and provided more than 90,000 nights of shelter and safe parking.

“This is going to continue to take courage and competent leadership at all levels,” Kebler said. “We cannot do it ourselves. Cities cannot do it ourselves. But neither can the state.”

During media questions, KTVZ News asked Kotek what is being done to assist homeless shelters and food banks as the cost of living continues to rise.

Kotek said the state is seeing cost pressures across Oregon, including higher food, gas, and utility costs. She said the state is looking at those issues separately, including food access, utility rate increases, and housing supply.

“It’s food, utilities, housing costs…and the state is a strong partner with Central Oregon to get that done. We’re going to have to work together,” Kotek said.

Kotek said the state will continue focusing on eviction prevention, shelter funding, and rehousing efforts. She said maintaining those programs will be a priority heading into the next legislative session, even as Oregon faces a challenging budget environment.

“We still have plenty of work to do,” Kotek said. “But sometimes you have to stop and say, ‘See, we can do this.’ You’re doing it here. We’re doing it for the state. We’re going to continue to do the work because that’s what it means to take care of our neighbors. And as your governor, I am so proud of you.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon is preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as Bend and Redmond join celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday with parades, live music, family activities and fireworks.

In Bend, the festivities kick off the morning of July 4 and stretch into the evening, with a slate of events that includes the Pet Parade, the Freedom Ride and Float, a free open house at the Deschutes Historical Museum and fireworks above Pilot Butte at 10 p.m.

The Pet Parade remains one of Bend’s most recognizable holiday traditions, bringing costumed pets and their owners through downtown. The Freedom Ride and Float adds a more spontaneous local twist to the holiday, while the museum’s open house offers a chance to mark the nation’s milestone with a look at local history.

The Bend Elks also are hosting fireworks-related games at Vince Genna Stadium over the holiday weekend, giving fans another way to celebrate.

Redmond will begin celebrating a day earlier. On Friday, July 3, Centennial Park will host a free, family-friendly kickoff from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring live music, food and activities. The celebration continues July 4 with a parade and fireworks.

Together, the events highlight how Central Oregon communities are marking the nation’s semiquincentennial with hometown traditions and public gatherings that bring residents together.

Bend events

Pet Parade, July 4.

Freedom Ride and Float, July 4.

Deschutes Historical Museum free open house, July 4.

Bend Elks fireworks-related games at Vince Genna Stadium, over the holiday weekend.

Pilot Butte fireworks show, July 4 at 10 p.m.

Redmond events

Centennial Park kickoff, Friday, July 3, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Redmond parade and fireworks, July 4.

Reported: June 29, 2026 at 11:26 A.M.

Central Oregon communities, including Bend and Redmond, are preparing to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday this Fourth of July with numerous events. The festivities will feature parades, festivals, live music, family-friendly activities and fireworks displays across the region.

These celebrations are planned to honor the milestone anniversary, reflecting on two and a half centuries of history, independence and community.

Organizers stated this year’s celebrations carry extra meaning as the country commemorates its significant anniversary. Residents and visitors will find a wide range of planned events designed to mark the historic occasion.

The holiday weekend will offer a variety of ways to participate, from longtime favorites to new additions.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday is taking an early look at the upcoming events, highlighting some of the biggest festivities and returning traditions for the holiday weekend.

City leaders and event organizers are emphasizing safety and community connection. They are encouraging people to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly and come together for the historic observance.

Viewers can watch the full report tonight at 6 p.m. on KTVZ, an NBC affiliate, for a closer look at how Central Oregon is celebrating America at 250.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bobbi Cummiskey’s campaign for Bend City Council Seat Six has received endorsements from outgoing Councilor Mike Riley and commissioner-elect Jamie Collins of Deschutes County.

Councilor Riley currently holds the City Council seat Cummiskey is seeking. Commissioner-elect Collins is set to serve Deschutes County. Cummiskey’s campaign focuses on responsible growth, better transit, housing affordability, and building a Bend that works for all residents.

Cummiskey is a climate and public transportation professional and a former engineering geologist. She lives in Bend with her partner and two young children and her decision to run for City Council stems from her commitment to the community.

Outgoing Councilor Riley outlined three reasons for his endorsement. He highlighted Cummiskey’s valuable private and public sector experience for policy-making. Riley also noted her deep care for the community, particularly regarding a robust transit system and a resilient growth plan for Bend’s future in a hotter, drier climate. He praised her thoughtful, listening-first approach to policy-making. “I’m endorsing Bobbi for three reasons,” Riley said. “First, Bobbi has valuable private and public sector experience to inform her policy-making. Second, Bobbi cares deeply about our community and two issues important to our future: building a more robust transit system and ensuring our next growth plan sets Bend up to be resilient in a hotter, drier future. And finally, because Bobbi is a thoughtful woman who will bring a listening-first approach to policy-making. She’ll make a great city councilor.”

Commissioner-elect Collins of Deschutes County emphasized Cummiskey’s ability to navigate disagreements and build consensus. Collins stated that Cummiskey treats people with respect while holding her ground, allowing her to find paths forward. “I have watched Cummiskey do the one thing you cannot teach in public service: walk into a room full of people who disagree, listen to every one of them and still find a path forward,” Collins said. “She treats people she disagrees with respect, holds her ground on what she believes is wrong and gets right back to building consensus. As Bend grows faster than almost any city in the Pacific Northwest, we need her practical experience weighing what our choices mean for our climate, our water and the environment that makes this place worth living in.”

Cummiskey expressed gratitude for the endorsements. She noted that Bend is at a pivotal moment, attracting people because of its special qualities and that the City Council’s role is to preserve those qualities. “Councilor Riley’s and commissioner-elect Collins’ endorsements mean the world to me,” Cummiskey said. “Bend is at a pivotal moment — people are drawn here because this place is special and our job on City Council is to make sure it stays that way. I’m running because I believe we can grow a community that is sustainable and affordable, where people make decisions based on their values. That’s the Bend I want to build and I’m grateful to have Mike and Jamie’s trust as we do this work together.”

Cummiskey currently serves on the board of Commute Options, a regional nonprofit advocating for transportation choices across Central Oregon. She also participates in the Cascade East Transit Regional Public Transportation Advisory Committee and volunteers with the Deschutes Democrats. More information about her campaign is available at bobbiforbend.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Courtney Voss at vote@bobbiforbend.com or 215-909-0267.

Voters will decide the Seat 6 race on Nov. 3, 2026.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mountain View Trap Shooting Team claimed both the Varsity and Junior Varsity 2A State Championships on June 28th at the Bend Trap Club. The team competed against more than 300 athletes from 14 schools in the 2A league to secure the titles.

The championship event on Sunday showcased a broad field of talent from across the league. Mountain View’s strong performances across various categories led to their overall victory in the highly contested competition.

The Mountain View Trap Shooting Team achieved several top placements at the championship. The Varsity team won the 2A State Champions title with a score of 484/500, and the Junior Varsity team also secured first place in the 2A State Champions category with a score of 445/500.

Brady Hadfield earned a perfect score of 100/100 in the Varsity male category. His performance was a key factor in the team’s Varsity win, alongside Anders Meyer, who placed third in the Varsity male category with a score of 98/100.

In the female categories, Kathryn McGovern took first place with a score of 96/100. Rylee Hurt secured third place with a score of 92/100.

For the Junior Varsity individuals, Evan Franklin placed first in the JV male category with a score of 95/100. Isaac Bailor earned second place in the JV male category with a score of 90/100. Julie Luke finished second in the JV female category with a score of 88/100.

Madeline Bitner achieved first place in the Novice female category with a score of 70/100.

The top five Varsity scores that contributed to the team’s win were Hadfield with 100/100, Meyer with 98/100, Cole Hurt with 96/100, McGovern with 96/100 and Leon Nofziger with 94/100.

The top five scores for the Junior Varsity team’s first-place finish included Franklin with 95/100, Bailor with 90/100, Julia Luke with 88/100, Jimmy Rickabaugh with 86/100 and Luke Davis with 86/100.

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Kelsey Merison

MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KTVZ) — Three federal wildland firefighters died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, officials announced. The incident also resulted in injuries to two additional firefighters.

The fallen firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the incident occurred. All fire activity is now being managed as the Snyder Fire, which is estimated at more than 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.

The deceased firefighters have been identified as Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Mich., who was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack. Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Ariz., was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest. Sydney Watson, 26, of Warrior, Ala., was assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.

The Snyder Fire has merged with the Jones Fire and subsequently overtook the Knowles and Gore fires. An interagency complex incident management team has assumed command of the Snyder Fire.

U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” Fennessy said. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”

Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher also offered condolences, highlighting the impact on the community. “This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” Fisher said. “Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time. We recognize the tremendous impact this loss has on them and are deeply grateful for the devotion their loved ones brought to our organizations. We will honor their memory with compassion and support as their selfless service and commitment create an enduring legacy.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service are closely coordinating response efforts. They are providing support to the families, co-workers and loved ones affected by the tragedy.

A serious accident investigation team has been mobilized. The team is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Drivers across Oregon are getting some relief at the pump. According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular gas in Oregon has dropped nearly 20 cents over the past week, bringing the statewide average to $4.60 a gallon.

That’s more than 61 cents lower than a month ago, though prices remain about 59 cents higher than this time last year.

The cheapest gas in Oregon was selling for $3.74 a gallon, while the most expensive topped $6.19, a difference of nearly two-and-a-half dollars.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline also declined, falling nearly seven cents to $3.78 a gallon.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 5K Trail Tour, now in its third year, will help women maintain running and walking fitness this summer, from July 7th to August 19th. Registration for the program, offered by Ceiling:Unlimited Health Coaching, closes at midnight on July 5th.

The 5K Trail Tour offers participants several benefits, including the opportunity to discover a new, scenic trailhead each week. The program provides easy accountability for summer trail running with others, helping women hone their trail running and hiking skills. It also focuses on maintaining and solidifying stamina and confidence at the 5K distance.

The tour is designed to be vacation-friendly, allowing participants to choose the number of sessions they attend and pay accordingly. Sessions are available on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., with participants welcome to join one or both each week.

Michelle Poirot brings 13 years of coaching experience to the program, specializing in beginner runners. She is an RRCA-certified running coach and holds a Duke University-certified health coach designation. As the owner of Ceiling:Unlimited Health Coaching, Poirot focuses on encouraging midlife women to develop a fun, flexible and sustainable relationship with movement.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from board president)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A small Central Oregon town showed what “big pride” can look like Sunday, as Prideville brought a colorful celebration of community and belonging to downtown Prineville.

The annual festival transformed the area with rainbow flags, live performances, vendors, and families filling the space for a day centered on inclusion.

Prideville, which began in 2021, has grown into one of Central Oregon’s rural pride celebrations, organized by a volunteer board focused on creating a welcoming environment across the region.

“It’s a rural area. Small town vibe. Small town, big pride. And we want all of the young people in this town’s community, in the whole region of Central Oregon, to know that they are seen and celebrated,” said Alia Fern, board president of Prideville.

Organizers say participation continues to grow each year, with vendor spaces and stage time full for this year’s event.

In addition to the main stage, festivalgoers could take part in activities like aerial silks, yard games, and a community canvas booth, where attendees added artwork and messages to be shared throughout the year.

“We build the village and everybody shows up. And then in a few hours, it’ll all come back down. But it lives on in our hearts and we just kind of keep that vibe and happiness alive for the season until we can come back next year,” Fern said.

Fern says the festival is part of a broader effort to strengthen connections beyond a single day, with plans to expand the board, bring in more volunteers, and create additional social and arts-focused events across Central Oregon.

“We do fight for our rights. We do advocate. We do all of that kind of day-to-day work. And this is the time where we get to come together and just get to smile, laugh, and play,” she said.

Fern says this year’s response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive — support organizers hope to continue building on.

“Prideville is everywhere,” she added.

For more information or to get involved, visit prideville.org.

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