Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

RINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Golf in Prineville is about to become more inclusive. Explore Prineville said Tuesday it has been awarded a grant through the 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund to launch Golf “Fore” All – The Adaptive Golf Project, an initiative to open the game to individuals with mobility challenges through a Vertacat stand-up adaptive golf cart. 

The cart will arrive in June and be housed and maintained at Meadow Lakes Golf Course, thanks to the City of Prineville, which stepped up to support this community-centered effort.

In addition to regional grant funds, the project was made possible by a generous contribution from the Stand Up and Play Foundation, a nonprofit that helps individuals with mobility challenges engage in standing recreational activities through specialized equipment like the Vertacat. 

“This project is about more than golf,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism for Explore Prineville. “It’s about ensuring that all community members and visitors can stay active and enjoy the sport they love. We’re so grateful for our partners at Meadow Lakes and the Stand Up and Play Foundation for helping bring this to life.” 

The Vertacat is a Paramobile that allows users to stand and swing while offering full mobility across the golf course. It will be free to any golfer who needs it, whether a local resident or visiting Central Oregon. The City of Prineville, which operates Meadow Lakes Golf Course, is a valuable partner and has agreed to house the Vertacat at the golf course.  

“We’re honored to host this cart at Meadow Lakes,” said Zach Lampert, Director of Golf for the City of Prineville. “It’s another example of how we can work together to create a more welcoming and accessible recreational experience for everyone. Golf is a game that brings people together—and now, even more people will be able to play.” 

Prineville’s initiative is one of just seven projects selected from Central Oregon to receive part of the $280,000 awarded through the Central Oregon Future Fund this year. All awarded projects support one or more of the Fund’s guiding pillars: accessible adventure, cultural tourism, and environmental stewardship. 

“Golf ‘Fore’ All is the kind of homegrown idea that makes tourism funding meaningful,” said Molnar. “This isn’t just good for tourism—it’s good for Prineville. It shows how public-private partnerships and community-focused nonprofits can team up to make recreation truly inclusive.” 

The Stand Up and Play Foundation is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. By making active standing therapy accessible through recreational equipment, the Foundation helps restore independence, dignity, and joy through play. 

Since 2023, the Central Oregon Future Fund has awarded over $1.5 million in grants funded by transient room tax revenue, reinvested to create sustainable, community-focused tourism infrastructure throughout the region. 

For more information about the Central Oregon Future Fund, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com/futurefund. 

To learn more about Explore Prineville’s initiatives, visit www.visitprineville.com. 

To learn more about the Stand Up and Play Foundation, visit www.standupandplayfoundation.org. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to repeal the controversial statewide wildfire hazard map that sparked concern and criticism in recent months over its impacts.

Below are the full, unedited news releases as received by KTVZ News from Oregon Senate Democrats and Republicans on the 29-0 passage of Senate Bill 83, which now goes to the House for its consideration:

News release from Oregon Senate Democrats:

Broad-based Collaboration Will Replace Flawed Wildfire Maps to Protect Oregon Communities

Senate Bill 83 repeals hazard designations and gives local flexibility to adopt building codes

SALEM, OR – Oregon Senate Democrats today led repeal of the state’s official wildfire-hazard map, a document that did not correctly represent variation in individual property conditions and would have had consequences for land and building regulation. Senate Bill 83 eliminates the map and repeals the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,” said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland). “That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.”

Today’s measure directs state agencies to produce fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow or municipal governments can adopt and enforce locally. In revoking the fire hazard map, the committee also nullified requirements that sellers disclose a property’s classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow special construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings.

The legislation also:

Adds two members to the state Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, one from the firefighting field and one from the insurance industry

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to report on community smoke monitoring and response

Directs the Public Utility Commission to report on actions taken to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure.

Senate Bill 83 passed the Senate unanimously. It goes next to the House of Representatives.

—

News Release from Oregon Senate Republicans:

Oregon Senate Overturns Unfair and Ineffective Wildfire Regulations, Restoring Local Control to Rural Communities

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Senate today passed Senate Bill 83, which repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map created under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.

“Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.”

“I’m delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,” said Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). “Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today’s vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.”

“This has been years in the making. With today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762’s wildfire map,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.”

SB 83 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon’s gas prices, including in Bend, are declining for the second week in a row at a time of year when prices normally rise, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

The major drivers are four-year lows for crude oil prices and lackluster demand for gas. However, crude prices are moving up again, so the unseasonal downward trend in gas prices may be ending soon. For the week, the national average for regular slips one cent to $3.17 a gallon. The Oregon average loses five cents to $3.93 a gallon.

“Crude oil prices are moving up from some of the lowest prices in four years. So far, 2025 has been fairly quiet at the pumps, as the stock markets and crude oil prices moved lower in response to economic uncertainties and the changing tariffs announced by the Trump administration. In addition, OPEC+ has increased oil production. All of these factors have put downward pressure on pump prices,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

To track the latest gas prices in your neighborhood, check KTVZ.COM’s Pump Patrol, fueled by GasBuddy, which reported a similar price drop in the past week.

The Oregon average began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.93. The highest price of the year so far is $4.01 on April 5. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.17. The highest price of the year so far is $3.27 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 11 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, down from 12 counties a week ago:

Clackamas $4.03

Clatsop $4.05

Columbia $4.13

Harney $4.10

Jackson $4.04

Josephine $4.08

Lake $4.05

Multnomah $4.11

Tillamook $4.03

Wallowa $4.05

Washington $4.08

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in this country is holding steady at 13.46 million barrels per day for the week ending April 11. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been in the upper $60s to mid-$70s for much of the last three months, but crude prices have dropped as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. The lowest closing price since September was $59.58 on April 8, which was the lowest closing price since April 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $65 today compared to $61 a week ago and $83 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023.

While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. The cartel has said it would boost production by 411,000 barrels a day in May.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 58% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 10% is refining, 16% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. increased slightly from 8.43 b/d last week to 8.46 b/d. for the week ending April 11, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.66 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 236.0 million barrels to 234.0. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day, compared to 8.9 million barrels daily the previous week.

Pump prices will likely continue to waffle, markets respond to economic developments.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 35 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. New Mexico (-9 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline. Colorado (+12 cents) has the biggest week-over-week jump in the nation. The average in Oklahoma is flat.

California ($4.83) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 11th week in a row. Hawaii ($4.51) is second, and Washington ($4.30) is third. These are the three states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 26 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 21 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.68) and Oklahoma ($2.72). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.15 this week, compared to $2.17 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 32 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is four cents more and the Oregon average is 20 cents more than a month ago. Alaska (+23 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the country. Wisconsin (-12 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. The average in South Dakota is flat.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 51 cents less and the Oregon average is 50 cents less than a year ago. Arizona (-77 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Colorado (+2/10ths of a cent) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 4/22/2025

1
California
$4.83

2
Hawaii
$4.51

3
Washington
$4.30

4
Oregon
$3.93

5
Nevada
$3.90

6
Alaska
$3.64

7
Illinois
$3.43

8
Pennsylvania
$3.36

9
Arizona
$3.36

10
Idaho
$3.34

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 11th week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is ninth. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the second week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week declines: Washington (-6 cents), California (-5 cents), Oregon (-5 cents), Nevada (-3 cents), Arizona (-2 cents), Hawaii (-1 cent), and Alaska (-1/2 cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast fell from 77.5% to 73.1% for the week ending April 11. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked down from 86.7% to 86.3%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 27.17 million bbl. to 27.48 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices rose last week, fell on Monday, and are higher today. Markets are higher today, but worries over tariffs and economic uncertainties remain. Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 442.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of last Thursday’s formal trading session, WTI added $2.21 to settle at $64.48. Markets were closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.60 to close at $63.08. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $61 a week ago. Crude prices are about $18 less than a year ago. ($82.85 on April 22, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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Barney Lerten

COOS BAY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police arrested a Coos Bay man upon release from a Eugene-area hospital Monday evening on two counts of manslaughter and numerous other charges in a crash that killed the coach and a player with the Umpqua Community College softball team. 

Johnathan James Dowdy, 32 was booked into the Coos County Jail, also facing charges of DUII, eight assault charges, 14 counts of reckless endangering of a person, and single counts of aggravated driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, criminal mischief and driving with a suspended license, troopers said Tuesday. 

Kiley Jones, 19, a freshman softball player from Nampa, Idaho, died at the crash scene Friday evening on state Highway 42 as the 10 team members and coach returned to the college from a game in Coos County. The head coach, Jami Strinz, who was driving the small Chevy Express bus, died later at the hospital. The eight other players on the bus suffered moderate to serious injuries, OSP said. 

Troopers said Dowdy was driving a Chevy Silverado that crossed the center line and struck the eastbound bus head-on. 

Court records show Dowdy was charged last month in a January DUII case in Coos County. He had been cited numerous times since 2019 for driving with a suspended license and without insurance and previously for driving without a license.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, comments from executive director)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mountain View Community Development is one step closer to building a 75-home village in Redmond for disabled people who have been homeless, thanks to a decision by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Monday afternoon.

“The community of Redmond has been really innovative and has provided congregate shelter and safe parking, and permanent sort of housing. I think Redmond is getting some things right,” said Executive Director Rick Russell.

In July, the nonprofit asked the county to lease a 9.5-acre property north of Oasis Village and south of a proposed managed homeless camp off Highway 126 in Redmond.

On Monday, the commissioners approved the lease agreement, which will run for 65 years at no cost to the nonprofit.

But it was a 2-1 vote, with Commissioners Phil Chang and Patti Adair in favor of the move and colleague Tony DeBone voting no. He did the same a bit earlier on a companion measure, an amendment to an existing ground lease to the city of Redmond, now scaled back from 12 to about three acres.

DeBone later explained to KTVZ News he’s not at all opposed to the project. But he believes the city of Redmond should be taking the lead on such efforts, as originally intended, not the county.

“I’m kind of done giving away free stuff,” he said.

Mountain View Community Development currently runs a safe parking program, but says the area needs more permanent solutions.

“We see people come into safe parking, and they get stable, and they start working on a plan to move forward. But so many of our older people are stuck waiting for a voucher for a subsidized apartment,” Russell told KTVZ News on Tuesday. “And they can wait not just months, but they’ll wait years for their number to come up.”

Here’s the rest of the Mountain View Community Development news release:

“Homelessness requires a whole community response, and we’re grateful for this successful collaboration with local government, private business, and nonprofit partners,” said Rick Russell, Mountain View Community Development’s executive director.

“The main barrier to our Safe Parking participants getting into stable housing is that there simply aren’t enough places to live, and waitlists are years long. This project will provide dozens of households with a place to live, on-site case management, along with an intentionally built community.

“What the county has done today is open the doors to more people gaining housing, and that is good for our unhoused neighbors and the community at large,” Russell said.

The 75 cottage-style homes will range from 400 to 600 square feet and will be designed and built by Simplicity by Hayden Homes, an affiliate of Redmond-based Hayden Homes. Land development is tentatively scheduled for this fall. with vertical construction to follow in 2026. 

“Redmond is our hometown, and it’s important to Simplicity and Hayden Homes that we help our city solve the housing crisis,” said Ryan Jennings, President of Simplicity by Hayden Homes. “Simplicity has been building quality cottages for nearly 15 years, and we are proud to help Mountain View Community Development provide a safe, welcoming home to so many of our unhoused neighbors.”

For people to qualify to live in the village, they must be chronically unhoused and have a disability. Russell said he expects that most people will be 55 or older. Residents will pay 30 percent of their income for rent, and the remainder will be subsidized.

Mountain View Community Development will have case managers on site, and 10 percent of the homes will be reserved for people who haven’t been unhoused but want to live in the community as an informal support system.

The development will be funded by Oregon Housing & Community Services, which will also provide a rental subsidy and operations support. The nonprofit will apply for a $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank, as well.

It is also seeking private grants and funding, Russell said.

For more information, visit Mountain View Community Development’s website, www.mvcdoregon.org.

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Barney Lerten

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sunriver Service District said Monday is proud to announce the appointment of Peter J. Rasic as the new Sunriver Police Department Chief of Police.

“Chief Rasic brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, leadership and community engagement to his new role, making him an outstanding choice to lead Sunriver’s public safety efforts,” said the announcement, which continues in full below:

Chief Rasic joins Sunriver after serving with the El Monte Police Department in California, where he most recently held the rank of Lieutenant.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to public service, officer development and innovative policing strategies. His leadership experience includes overseeing patrol operations, emergency preparedness, personnel management and budget oversight for a department with 167 employees and a $44 million budget.

Beyond his professional experience, Chief Rasic holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech from California State University, Long Beach. He has also completed prestigious leadership training programs, including the FBI National Academy, the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and the West Point Leadership Academy.

Throughout his career, Chief Rasic has been recognized for his dedication to public safety and community involvement. His accolades include awards from the California Narcotics Officers’ Association, the American Red Cross and the City of El Monte, as well as a United States Congressional Letter of Merit for his exceptional service.

Chief Rasic is no stranger to Sunriver, as he and his family have vacationed here for many years and are deeply familiar with the community.

The Sunriver Police Department and the community warmly welcome Chief Rasic and look forward to hisleadership in continuing to uphold the highest standards of public safety and service.

For more information email ssdadmin@sunriversd.org

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, No indication weapon was found; incident took about 10 minutes)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 21-year-old man reported by a screaming 911 caller to be armed at a southeast Bend home ran from officers late Monday morning and was soon arrested in the parking lot of nearby Silver Rail Elementary School, which was alerted of the large police presence.

Around 11:45 a.m., officers rushed to the area of Whitetail Street after someone called 911 screaming before hanging up the phone, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

Officers en route to the call learned from subsequent 911 calls that the man was reportedly armed at a home in the 61500 block of Whitetail Street and in violation of a restraining order, Miller said.  

When officers arrived, the man was outside the home and ran southbound through the neighborhood before doubling back toward the school.

Officers engaged the suspect in the school’s parking lot, placed him in a WRAP restraint device and took him into custody around 11:55 a.m., 10 minutes after the initial call. There was a large police presence near the school, and the school was alerted to the activity, Miller said. 

The man first was taken to St. Charles Bend. Miller said that upon release, he will be booked into the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of two counts of harassment, a restraining order violation and a charge of resisting arrest.  

KTVZ News policy is not to name arrested individuals until and unless formal charges are filed.

Miller said that while the initial caller reported a weapon, she’d seen no reports indicating he was found with a weapon in his possession.

Silver Rail Elementary School was not placed in a “secure” status because “from what we understand, the incident was resolved soon after police engaged with the subject,” Bend-La Pine Schools Director of Communications Scott Maben told KTVZ News.

Here is the notice sent to Silver Rail families Monday afternoon:

“Dear Silver Rail families,

“Just before 12 p.m. today, we were notified that local law enforcement was conducting an arrest in our school parking lot near Brentwood. The arrest was unrelated to our school community. It was followed by a large police presence outside our front parking lot entrance. A few of our fifth-grade students who were returning from recess may have witnessed police interact with the subject prior to the arrest.

“Our staff was in constant contact with Bend Police officers throughout the incident, and we were informed there was no threat to our school community.

“We want to make sure you are fully informed when there is police activity in the area. The safety of our students, staff and families is our highest priority. Thank you for your trust.

Sincerely,

Lybe Hawkins

Principal, Silver Rail Elementary”

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