Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregonians can plan to receive a kicker credit on their tax returns next year for 2025.

According to the Oregon Department of Revenue, a more than $1.41 billion revenue surplus in the 2023-2025 biennium will trigger a kicker credit for the 2025 tax year.

The credit will either increase your tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes you owe.

Read the full press release from the Oregon Department of Revenue below:

“The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $1.41 billion revenue surplus in the 2023-2025 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2025 tax year.

The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2025 state personal income tax returns filed in 2026. It is not sent to taxpayers in a check. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2024 tax return, should file now. That will allow them to claim their kicker credit when they file their 2025 tax return next year.

To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2024 personal income tax liability before any credits—line 24 on the 2024 Form OR-40 filed earlier this year—by 9.863 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.

Personal income taxpayers can also determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

Taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2025, still must file a 2025 tax return to claim their credit.

The 2025 Oregon personal income tax return instructions will include detailed information on how to claim the credit. Full-year Oregon residents will use Form OR-40. Part-year residents will use Form OR-40-P. Non-residents will use Form OR-40-N. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe. These debts can include taxes due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.

Taxpayers can donate their kicker to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.

Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all their refund to any or all the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate their donation to charity.

For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.

Taxpayers that haven’t filed their 2024 Oregon tax return can still file electronically using tax preparation software or Direct File Oregon. Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Links to the software and free offers can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Information about free tax preparation services is also available on the website.

The Department of Revenue plans to announce the date taxpayers can start filing 2025 Oregon tax returns in January. The department will continue to offer Direct File Oregon as an option for taxpayers to electronically file their 2025 returns for free. The fastest way for taxpayers to claim and receive their kicker will be to file electronically and use direct deposit to receive their refund.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov.

Fact Sheet: Oregon Revenue Surplus “Kicker” Credit 

How did Oregon get the kicker?

The 1979 Oregon Legislative Assembly passed the “Two percent kicker” law as a way to control state spending. The law requires the state to compare the revenue forecast for each two-year biennium to the amount actually received and return any surplus to taxpayers.

Voters approved a ballot measure adding the kicker to the Oregon Constitution in 2000 and provided taxpayers with the option to donate their kicker to the State School Fund to help fund K-12 schools in Oregon.

When do we have a kicker?

After the biennium ends, if actual revenue collected exceeds the forecast amount by more than 2 percent, the revenue surplus is refunded to taxpayers as a tax credit claimed on their personal income tax returns in the even-numbered year of the next biennium.

On November 1, 2025 the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) certified that revenue collected for 2023-2025 biennium (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025) had exceeded the OEA forecast by $1.41 billion, the fourth largest surplus revenue amount in state history.

OEA further certified that Oregon taxpayers can receive a kicker credit on their tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026 equal to 9.863 percent of their Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024.

The kicker is returned to taxpayers as a tax credit.

The kicker is returned to taxpayers as a refundable tax credit, either reducing the amount of tax they owe or increasing their refund.

While there was a time when the kicker was returned to taxpayers in the form of a check, the 2011 Legislature changed the method of payment back to a tax credit claimed on returns filed in the even-numbered year of the biennium.

How much will my kicker be?

Taxpayers can use the Department of Revenue’s “What’s My Kicker?” calculator to determine the amount of their kicker.

Taxpayers can claim a kicker credit equal to 9.863 percent of their Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024. A taxpayer with a $5,000 Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024 would be able to claim a kicker credit on their tax year 2025 return of $493 ($5,000 x 0.09863). Only Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024 will count toward the kicker. Taxes paid in previous years and federal income taxes are not part of the kicker calculation.

Where can I find more information about the kicker?

You can find more information about the kicker and a link to the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator on the Oregon Department of Revenue website, including a list of frequently asked questions, and historic data listing the years of past kickers and their amounts.”

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hayden Homes Amphitheater announced Jack Johnson will return to Bend September 27th, 2026 for the ‘Surfilmusic Tour’ with special guest G. Love.

Online-only venue presale will begin Thursday, November 13th at 10 a.m. and general sales will begin Friday, November 14th at 10 a.m. online or in-person at the Old Mill District Ticket Mill.

Johnson last came to Bend in 2022 and before that in 2017.

Below is from Hayden Homes Amphitheater’s website on the announcement:

“The sitting, waiting and wishing is over as the one and only Jack Johnson returns Sunday, Sept. 27! This is your cue to turn a late summer evening into easy going surf-bliss.  Prepare to feel the tide in his rhythms, the hush between notes, and smiles that form long before they’re visible.

Jack Johnson has released seven studio albums and two live albums that have sold over 25 million copies worldwide. His Brushfire Records label and touring crew continue to be leaders in the greening of the music industry and his All At Once social action network connects fans with local non-profits at each tour stop. Jack, with his wife Kim, founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation to support environmental education in Hawaii’s schools and communities, as well as the Johnson Ohana Foundation to support environmental, art and music education worldwide.

The latest album from Jack Johnson, “Meet The Moonlight” (produced by Blake Mills) opens on a question about the strange complexities of human nature, and never lets up on its heartfelt push for deeper understanding. Over the course of ten captivating and endlessly unpredictable tracks, the multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter examines a whole spectrum of existential concerns, like the impermanence of life and fragility of human connection, and the struggle for community and presence in an ever-fragmenting world. He infuses each inquiry with the profound warmth and poetic grace that have always permeated his music. “Meet The Moonlight” ultimately affirms Johnson as an essential voice in elevating our perspective and subtly guiding us toward a more expansive state of mind.”

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KTVZ – News Team

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening Saturday, November 8th, the 10th annual Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry event is taking place at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond. This event is a community bulk b uying farmers market created to fill your pantry and freezers with local products for the winter.

You can use your SNAP benefits card at the Bend Farmers Market Booth. They’ll exchange benefits for tokens. Through an Oregon Department o Agriculture Grant, a $100 matching grant will be offered for each participant on SNAP, as well as $20 Protein Perks matching grant. That means if you have just $1 you can still receive the matching grant and protein perk.

If you do not have any benefits left on your card, you can still receive $20 in the matching grant and $20 in protein perks. They’ll also have a ‘Fill All Pantries’ free food bin.

The event is happening 11am to 3pm at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

For more information click here.

From the Central Oregon Fill Your Pantry website:

If you would like to use EBT/SNAP at the Fill Your Pantry event, please bring your SNAP benefits card to the Bend Farmers Market booth at the Fill Your Pantry event. The Bend Farmers Market will be exchanging SNAP benefits for tokens. These tokens can be taken to any of our vendors to use just like you would your SNAP benefits. If you would like to use your FDNP vouchers, please take these vouchers directly to the vendors. Vendors that can take FDNP include: Boundless Farmstead, Canyon Moon Farm, Cultivate Farm, Deschutes Canyon Garlic, The Farmer in Odell, Rainshadow Organics, Rooper Ranch, Sungrounded Farm, Upriver Organics, and Zajac Farms.

We were just awarded a grant from the Oregon Department of Agriculture to offer a $100 Double Up Food Bucks matching grant for each participant. We are also able to offer a $20 Protein Perks matching grant for each participant this year as well.

So that means if you ring up your EBT/SNAP card for $120, you will receive $240 total in benefits to use at Fill Your Pantry!

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. 

We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.  This month we’re spotlighting Bethlehem Inn—a community-supported, high barrier emergency shelter nonprofit in Bend and Redmond. 

“Our mission is transforming lives together through shelter, help, and hope. And the really most important part of that line is the together,” said Michael Hancock, the executive director of Bethlehem Inn. 

Executive Director Michael Hancock

Bethlehem Inn has been making a difference in our community since 1999. 

“We serve just under 200 people a night. But I don’t want anybody to believe that all we do here is provide a warm place to stay and food and hygiene supplies,” Hancock said. 

It provides a warm, safe place to sleep, nourishing meals, and case management services for adults and children experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon. 

“We have a work experience program where we’re helping people gain skills. We bring on-site, vendors who come in and do financial education, employment education, just a variety of things to bring about skills,” said Hancock. “So that when people do get out of this shelter, we’re helping them break out of the cycle of homelessness, rather than just spiraling back.” 

Bend Campus-Credit: Bethlehem Inn

The work couldn’t be done without support from the community. 

“It really does take a village for this mission,” Hancock said. “And we’re so fortunate to be in this village.” 

Bethlehem Inn is getting ready to open a thrift boutique in Redmond so it can bolster its work experience program, hire past participants, and earn additional funds for operations.  

We’ll keep you updated on the opening date but it should be in the coming weeks. 

Click here to learn more about Bethlehem Inn. 

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A Bend nonprofit is giving young artists a chance to shine, and heal, through art and music.

Hearts Unknown Education, or HUE, is hosting its ‘Art from the Heart’ showcase Friday at its studio on Franklin Avenue and 2nd Street. The event runs from 5p.m. to 9 p.m. and features live music, food, and artwork created by students in HUE’s after-school program.

The program helps young people use creativity as an outlet for emotional struggles, combining art, music, and mental wellness practices to support self-expression and confidence.

Founder Nico Carpinelli calls HUE “an artist Disneyland,” saying the organization provides a wide range of creative experiences for its students.

Carpinelli told KTVZ news “We’re basically an artist Disneyland, kids are painting, doing photography, playing instruments, working with clay, all kinds of art forms to express what’s going on inside them. These kids are struggling and they need a way to get what’s (in their heart) and put it (on a canvas).”

Mental Health Director Maya Heck says that the creative process often gives children a voice when words fall short telling KTVZ news “For young children and adolescents, expressing difficult emotions verbally can be very challenging, art allows a channel for those emotions that might otherwise stay bottled up.”

Visitors can explore the studio, meet the young artists, and see firsthand how creativity can support mental well-being. Prints made by HUE participants will be available for $20 apiece. Tickets are also $20, available online or at the door.

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Cami Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With temperatures dropping and winter winds sweeping through Central Oregon, Shepherd’s House Ministries is launching its annual Cold Weather Clothing Drive to help those facing the elements without proper gear.

This week’s chilly weather has highlighted a growing need in the community. Many individuals are spending nights outdoors, exposed to freezing temperatures without the protection of warm clothing or blankets. The nonprofit, Shepherd’s House, is urging residents to donate not just coats, but all types of cold weather gear — including gloves, sweaters, hats, and blankets.

Jerry Kaping, Director of Development at Shepherd’s House Ministries, emphasized the urgency: “A lot of people face very cold temperatures at night, and just a coat, a blanket, or a sleeping bag can keep them alive. We’re seeing more and more people in need, and we’re trying to meet that need.”

Donations can include gently used outerwear, but items worn directly against the skin—such as socks and underwear—must be new. The organization is especially seeking blankets this year, as they provide critical warmth for those sleeping outside.

The drive will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donations are accepted at two locations: The Men’s Shelter on Division Street in Bend, and the Redmond Shelter off Highway 97.

Community members are encouraged to participate and help ensure that no one faces the winter cold without protection.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Recently, Soul Blossom, a child care center in Sisters, was highlighted by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care as a success story on supporting Oregon families through collaboration between State and community partnerships.

Soul Blossom serves 12 families in Sisters in a location provided by Sisters School District, and was made possible through funding from the Baby Promise initiative and the Child Care Expansion Project, funded by the Legislature, providing over $8 million to Central Oregon to expand quality care for infants and toddlers.

“We could not have done this without the steadfast support of NeighborImpact, Citizens4Community, EDCO, and SPRD, whose community partnerships continue to help our vision flourish,” said April Farmer, director of Soul Blossom.

“We are deeply grateful to announce that Soul Blossom has now received additional support to welcome two more Baby Promise families into our program. This partnership allows us to continue providing accessible, nurturing care that helps families stay rooted and children thrive in the embrace of our shared community.”

State Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, who represents the Sisters area, said, “It is incredible to see the work of so many come to fruition to support working families in rural areas, like in Sisters. Affordable child care can be the difference between a family being able to stay and work in their community or having to leave in search of more affordable living.”

“The success of Soul Blossom shows us what is possible when state investments and local collaboration come together,” Levy added. “It is wonderful to see that April is being recognized for her tireless efforts in supporting our local families.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Commute Options announced Thursday the results from its region’s participation in the annual Get There Challenge, a two-week statewide event encouraging Oregonians to choose alternative transportation modes over driving alone.

Out of 969 total participants statewide, 272 came from the Commute Options service area in Central and Eastern Oregon, logging an incredible 3,905 non-drive-alone trips during the challenge period, the organization said.

Here’s the rest of their announcement: 

The region’s enthusiastic participation accounted for 28% of the total statewide participation, placing Central and Eastern Oregon close behind the Portland metro region. This collective effort not only demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable travel, it also brought significant environmental and economic benefits. 

The most popular transportation modes logged by local participants highlighted the community’s diverse approach to commuting: 

Bike/E-bike: 45% 

Carpool: 16% 

Walking: 12% 

In addition to logging thousands of trips, the challenge successfully brought 75 new users onto the Get There Rewards platform within the Commute Options network, expanding the community of sustainable commuters. 

“We’re thrilled to have wrapped up another successful year of the Get There Challenge. Every year, our region shows up in a big way—and this year was no exception,” said a Commute Options spokesperson, Aoibhe Richardson.

“Central and Eastern Oregon participants accounted for 28% of all challenge trips statewide, which is an incredible testament to our community’s commitment to sustainable travel. The stats from the challenge make it clear that even small changes in how we get around can have a big impact—reducing Co2 emissions, saving money, and easing congestion across our region.” 

The collective action across the state delivered a significant impact, including: 

44.7 tons of CO2 reduced 

$78,000 saved by participants choosing alternative modes 

15,982 drive-alone trips replaced with sustainable travel options 

To recognize the dedication of participants, 25 prizes were distributed to randomly selected winners throughout the challenge, courtesy of generous local sponsors: Jackson’s Corner, Cuppa Yo, Fix and Repeat, and Burgerville. 

Commute Options looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to support sustainable, safe, and efficient transportation options throughout the region. Get involved with the ongoing Get There Rewards by visiting https://www.commuteoptions.org/get-there-rewards/.  

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About Commute Options: 

Commute Options is a non-profit based out of Bend, Oregon, dedicated to transportation options that connect people of all ages to the places they go – employees to their workplaces, students to their schools, and neighbors within their communities. They champion active transportation and infrastructure improvements, fostering essential partnerships, and educating the community on transportation options, working towards healthier individuals, a cleaner environment, and a stronger economy. Visit Commute Options Website 

About the Get There Challenge: 

The Get There Challenge is an annual, two-week event in Oregon that encourages residents to use sustainable transportation for their daily trips. Participants are challenged to drive alone less often and instead choose alternative options such as walking, biking, taking public transit, carpooling, or working remotely. The goal is to promote a healthier, more affordable lifestyle while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality across the state. Learn more about the Get There Challenge here. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend guitar manufacturer Breedlove Guitars will donate 75 guitars to middle and high schools throughout the Bend-La Pine School District, Economic Development for Central Oregon announced Thursday. 

“This collaboration between Breedlove and the school district was facilitated by EDCO as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community partnerships that support education as well as local businesses,” the organization said.

“The donation reflects Breedlove’s deep commitment to nurturing music programs and inspiring the next generation of musicians in Central Oregon,” they added.

As part of the program, Breedlove co-owners Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard will present the instruments to the music faculty and perform for students in a special ceremony on Thursday, November 13th, at 7 p.m. in the Mountain View High School band room. 

The donation will provide 75 guitars, valued at a total of nearly $65,000, to six schools within the district, including Mountain View High School, Bend Senior High School, High Desert Middle School, Caldera High School, Summit High School, and Three Rivers School. In addition to the donation, Breedlove will serve as the official repair and service provider for all the instruments. 

“EDCO is proud to help connect companies like Breedlove with opportunities that make a lasting impact on our community,” said Don Myll, EDCO’s Bend area director. “This partnership highlights the creativity, generosity and community spirit that make Central Oregon such a special place to live and work.” 

Breedlove Guitars, a long-established brand in Central Oregon, was recently acquired by Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard. Mroz is a nationally recognized singer-songwriter and former standout on NBC’s The Voice. Pollard, grandson of country music legend Eddy Arnold and founder of Plowboy Records, brings decades of experience as an entrepreneur in the music industry. 

“We are honored to give back to the community that has supported Breedlove for so many years,” said Pete Mroz, co-owner of Breedlove Guitars. “Music education opens doors for creativity and connection, and we hope these guitars inspire students to explore their passion and express themselves through music.” 

Keith Chaiet, Director of Bands at Mountain View High School, said, “Learning how to play music plays a vital role in every student’s growth, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection. This donation from Breedlove Guitars makes a tremendous difference for our schools, helping ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and play.

“Many of our schools simply don’t have enough instruments for all who want to participate,” Chaiet added. “Breedlove’s generosity not only provides access to quality guitars, but also reflects a true investment in our community and a deep commitment to music education.” 

For more information about Breedlove Guitars, visit breedlovemusic.com. To learn more about EDCO’s work supporting business and community growth, visit edcoinfo.com. 

About Economic Development for Central Oregon  

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com. 

About Breedlove Guitars For more than 35 years, Breedlove Guitars has set the standard for distinctive acoustic instruments that blend artistry, innovation, and playability. Rooted in craftsmanship and inspired by the evolving needs of modern musicians, Breedlove designs and builds its guitars in its renowned USA Custom Shop—where tone, feel, and performance unite to create instruments for a lifetime of music. Learn more at  BreedloveGuitars.com 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Realms Middle School and Realms High School, which share a leased building in northeast Bend, will relocate to other sites owned by Bend-La Pine Schools after the end of the current school year, the school district announced Thursday.

The district said, “The decision follows a thorough review of school district resources and facility costs, and a determination that it is no longer financially viable to continue leasing space for the schools beyond the current school year.”

Here’s the rest of the announcement:

Realms High School, with 104 students, will merge with Bend Tech Academy (BTA), the district’s other choice-option high school, located at 1291 NE 5th Street. BTA has 135 students.

“By merging both schools under one roof, we have the opportunity to provide more robust and sustainable academic opportunities, drawing on the best of both schools,” Superintendent Steven Cook said. 

Realms Middle School, with 140 students, will relocate to Buckingham Elementary School at 62560 Hamby Road.

With an enrollment of 305, Buckingham has room to house both schools, like the district’s Westside Village and Three Rivers K-8 schools. Realms Middle will occupy its own portion of Buckingham, separate from elementary classrooms. 

The school district currently is adding a new cafeteria/multi-purpose room and kitchen onto Buckingham, with construction expected to be completed next summer. This expansion will provide a spacious, bright cafeteria that will double as a venue for school activities and community events. 

Realms operates in a former warehouse at 20730 Brinson Blvd. Realms High has been there since 2018, joined in 2022 by Realms Middle. The building also houses District safety and custodial offices. At the conclusion of this school year, all of these programs and functions will relocate to District-owned facilities with appropriate space. 

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