Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from race director)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend streets closed to traffic Sunday as cyclists took over for the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium, drawing top racers and community members alike to the heart of the city.

The downtown event featured a fast-paced, one-mile course looping through Bend’s core, with the start and finish line set on Wall Street near the Tower Theatre. Riders competed in timed races ranging from 45 to 80 minutes, depending on their category.

“They go super fast and they go as long as they can,” said Molly Cogswell-Kelley, race director for the Cascade Cycling Classic and executive director for the Horner Cycling Foundation. “Some of the best cyclists in the country are here. And it’s just a really fun time.”

This year, organizers expanded the event with an “All-Bikes Ride,” giving community members of all ages and skill levels a chance to take laps on the same course — no racing required.

“We don’t want to be exclusive to just road biking,” Cogswell-Kelley said. “Let’s celebrate downtown. Let’s celebrate this race. And you don’t have to race to be part of it.”

The day’s events also included the Kiddie Crit, the FootZone Mile Challenge, and races featuring the Horner Cycling Foundation junior team.

Organizers say the junior program is a key part of the event’s mission, focused on growing the sport by making cycling accessible to young riders.

“We have now 26 kids that are going to race,” Cogswell-Kelley said. “We’re trying to revive the sport of road cycling and junior cycling. It’s the most rewarding and exciting thing to see all these kids train eight months out of the year and then race on the big stage in front of their friends and family.”

According to organizers, participants in the Horner Cycling Foundation Junior Program receive bikes, cycling kits, and training at no cost, helping remove financial barriers and build skills, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for cycling.

While elite racers remain a highlight, organizers say the event is just as much about community involvement. Whether cheering from the sidelines, volunteering, or riding in the open event, participants are also supporting the next generation of cyclists in Central Oregon.

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Spencer Sacks

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of people gathered at Prineville Airport for the 2026 Wings and Wheels event, which showcased nearly 70 diverse bikes, planes and classic cars for 5 hours. The highlight of the event included two 1944 North American P-51 fighter planes from World War II, with proceeds from all associated car shows benefiting the Ronald McDonald Foundation.

Attendees explored a wide array of vehicles, from classic 1930s Ford Model A’s to World War II Jeeps, alongside Chevelles, Mustangs and Camaros. Beyond the vehicle displays, the event also supported charitable causes.

Mark Pendergraft, a Bend resident and owner of a 1969 Chevy Camaro, expressed enthusiasm for the community aspect of the event. “It’s great. There’s a lot of people, and, you know, they like to talk. And. Yeah, everybody likes talking about cars.”

Darren Pleasance, a Bend resident and P-51 pilot, spoke about the significance of the aircraft. “It’s an incredible airplane. It’s probably the most iconic airplane ever designed. It’s the airplane that won World War II. It escorted the bombers out to Berlin and back. And there aren’t that many left in the world. There were 15,000 originally and now there’s about 150. So super privileged to fly it.”

Among the unique exhibits was a custom-made truck built by Don McKey. McKey, a resident of Redmond, shared his appreciation for the scale and variety of the show. “It’s amazing. It’s my first time here. The show is huge. There are so many cool rides here. And, I mean, we got this truck that would run over my truck and just so many awesome vehicles and airplanes. It’s pretty awesome.”

Several causes were present at the event, including Bikers Against Child Abuse, who were there to showcase their organization. The group engaged with children by giving temporary tattoos and aiming to provide abused kids with hope and courage to speak out.

Shane Mayfield, an organizer for Wheels and Wings, highlighted the charitable impact of the events. Mayfield organizes four car shows throughout the year.

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Spencer Sacks

Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Harley Coldiron highlights three local events, from a garage & vintage sale to celebrating dad.

For many more and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon athletes are preparing to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, following a send-off celebration recently held in Redmond. Team Oregon qualified for the national competition by winning the 2024 state championship. The games are scheduled from the 20th through the 26th of this month.

The send-off event in Redmond gathered community members, law enforcement and local officials to celebrate more than a dozen athletes and their families heading to the games.

More than a dozen athletes, accompanied by their families, will join a larger delegation for the Special Olympics USA Games. The event will bring together more than 3,000 athletes and thousands of volunteers and fans, all participating to celebrate sports and inclusion.

The send-off party took place at the Comfort Suites in Redmond. During the event, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was present, allowing athletes to learn about the vehicles and equipment used daily by the sheriffs.

Christian Schoen, a forward for the High Desert Devils, expressed his appreciation for the community’s support. “Oh, I love it. The community, the sheriff’s department, police, fire trucks. I’ve never seen so much love for Special Olympics. It’s crazy,” Schoen said.

Lt. Jay Minton of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office shared his perspective on supporting the athletes. “I know it fills my heart to see them excited to go do what they’ve trained to do. And then also just to be here to to support them and see them off. So it just fills my heart,” Minton said.

The community showed up for the athletes, with attendees including family, friends, the Redmond Fire Department and local officials. Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch and Councilwoman Kathryn Osborne also shared words of support with the athletes.

Coach Josh Nordell of the High Desert Devils, who also works as a special education teacher in Sisters, spoke about the deep bonds within the team. Nordell noted that many of the athletes have known each other for decades since high school.

“What’s remarkable about a lot of these athletes is that we serve them in our local high schools. I’m a special ed teacher in Sisters and we’ve known a lot of these athletes have known each other for over decades, like and now they’re adults. And to see them come together and be a group for multiple years as a result of winning the state championship in 2024. And now to go to the USA games. What an honor,” Nordell said.

KTVZ news will provide updates throughout the Special Olympics USA Games.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from homeowner, BBB)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Central Oregon homeowner says he paid thousands in a deposit for a new roof, but after the charge went through, communication with the contractor stopped — prompting a credit card dispute and raising broader concerns about consumer protection. 

Martin Stadtmueller told KTVZ News he was searching for a roofing company and gathered multiple estimates before selecting 541 Roofing. 

“I got estimates from several roofers, talked to a couple of them, narrowed it down to three, and then ultimately went with 541 Roofing,” Stadtmueller said.  “Seemed like they had a pretty good warranty. I talked to the owner, Eric Levens, and they were going to do all the permitting through Sunriver.” 

Stadtmueller said he paid an $8,500 deposit in mid-May using a credit card. He said after the payment was processed, communication from the company stopped. 

“After a couple of weeks, I sent a text to the office manager who had been communicating prior, just checking in, seeing where they’re at — and nothing came back,” he said. 

He said repeated calls to multiple phone numbers associated with the business went unanswered. 

“I called the office numerous times, every number I had for them, and the office phone just rang forever,” he said. 

Stadtmueller said he has since disputed the charge with his credit card company and received a temporary refund while the claim is investigated. 

He said he did not see obvious red flags before hiring the company. 

“I had done my due diligence and checked for complaints on the Construction Contractors Board and everything else. There were no complaints at the time,” he said. “I had no reason, really, to doubt that they were just going to put on a roof.” 

KTVZ News visited the company’s listed Bend headquarters, where the office appeared closed. The Problem Solvers also called and emailed 541 Roofing multiple times requesting comment but have not received a response. 

Public records show 541 Brand LLC, doing business as 541 Roofing and Heating Coil, is named in a civil lawsuit filed by SRS Distribution. In the complaint, SRS alleges the company and owner Eric Levens owes more than $152,000 for materials, supplies, and equipment. 

Separate records show a court judgment totaling more than $52,000 against Levens and his business, along with a federal tax lien of approximately $129,000. 

These claims are allegations contained in court filings and have not been independently proven in this report. 

While the Better Business Bureau said it could not comment on this specific case, it offered general guidance for consumers dealing with unresponsive contractors. 

“Reach out to the business. But again, if they’re ghosting, you reach out to other people,” said Cameron Nakashima with the BBB. “Report it to the Better Business Bureau, the Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission if applicable, and then your local authorities.” 

Nakashima said protection often starts before hiring a contractor, including comparing multiple quotes, reviewing contract terms, avoiding cash payments when possible, and checking complaint histories and licensing status. 

Stadtmueller said using a credit card may improve his chances of recovering his money, but he worries about others who may not have that option. 

“I feel bad for folks that didn’t pay with a credit card and that have lost their money,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for everybody involved. I wish Eric had been a little more upfront when he started taking deposits. If he can’t do a good job, don’t take a deposit.” 

KTVZ News has contacted local law enforcement and the Oregon Attorney General’s Office regarding the allegations and is awaiting responses. 

541 Roofing and owner Eric Levens have not responded to multiple requests for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received. 

541 federal tax lienDownload

541 distraint warrantDownload

SRS vs 541Download

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday, June 18th, Redmond’s current mayor, Ed Fitch, announced on KTVZ News at Sunrise during ‘Ask the Mayor’ that he will be seeking re-election.

This follows the city’s recent announcement that residents interested in serving their community through elected office may obtain candidate election packets from the City Recorder’s Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 25, 2026. The city is seeking candidates for mayor and three city council seats.

“Redmond has been my home for 40 years now and there is no other place I would rather live,” states Fitch in his Redmond City Council biography.

Ed Fitch has been serving as the mayor of Redmond continuously since he was first elected to his current stint in November 2022. He previously served as the city’s mayor from 1999 to 2001 and as City Attorney from 1979 to 1996.

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Campbell Porter

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) —According to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lone Pine Fire, which was burning northwest of Powell Butte, is now 100% contained.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office said the brush fire sparked just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night. The agency says multiple abandoned motor homes, as well as juniper trees and grass, were burning when they arrived on scene.

They determined the cause to be from a resident using a metal cutting wheel on their property. The resident lost control of the fire and it spread quickly.

Luckily, no injuries were reported–and crews were able to put out the 8-acre fire overnight.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

A wildfire burning northwest of Powell Butte has grown to an estimated 4 to 5 acres, according to Watch Duty. It broke out around 9PM tonight.

The Lone Pine Fire is located near Lone Pine Road and O’Neil Highway in Crook County.

Fire crews are responding to the blaze and monitoring conditions as they work to contain the fire.

No additional details about containment, cause, or any potential impacts have been released at this time.

KTVZ will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Spencer Sacks

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras City Council has identified Brenda Fahey as its preferred candidate for the position of City Administrator. The Council directed the preparation of an employment agreement for consideration at its June 23, 2026, meeting.

Fahey, who currently serves as Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Director for the City of The Dalles, brings more than 25 years of public sector experience to the role.

This decision follows a comprehensive recruitment process by the City Council. The process included community engagement opportunities, interviews with staff and external panels and formal interviews conducted by the City Council.

Fahey’s background includes executive leadership, organizational development, human resources, labor relations, public communications, budgeting and guiding organizations through periods of change and growth.

The City Administrator serves as Madras’ chief administrative officer. This role is responsible for implementing City Council direction, overseeing daily operations, supporting department leadership and advancing organizational priorities in service to the community.

The City of Madras has maintained continuity of operations through a leadership transition since January. Public Works Director Jeff Hurd served as Interim City Administrator through February. The City Council then managed the city while the recruitment process was underway. Interim City Administrator David Clyne joined the organization in April to provide leadership and support the City’s transition efforts. City employees continued to provide essential services throughout this period.

Clyne, Interim City Administrator, reflected on the recruitment process and Fahey’s qualifications. “Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly dedicated team of employees and community partners who care deeply about the future of Madras. Through change and transition, our staff has continued to provide exceptional service while remaining focused on the work that matters most to our residents.”

Clyne added, “Throughout this recruitment process, the City Council, staff and community invested significant time and energy in identifying the right person to help lead Madras into its next chapter. I believe Fahey brings the experience, perspective and collaborative leadership style needed to build on the strong foundation already in place.”

Clyne expressed hope for a smooth transition, stating, “Leadership transitions are important moments for any organization. My hope is that our staff, our community and our partners will come together to welcome Brenda, share what makes Madras such a special place and give her the opportunity to learn from the people who know this community best. Madras has a long history of resilience, pride and working together and I know those qualities will continue to serve the City well in the years ahead.”

If the employment agreement is approved by the City Council, an anticipated July start date for Fahey would allow for a collaborative transition period before Clyne’s contract concludes on Aug. 1. The City of Madras extended its appreciation to employees, community partners, residents and stakeholders who participated in the recruitment process.

The City Council is expected to consider an employment agreement for Fahey at its June 23, 2026, meeting. If approved, Fahey is anticipated to begin serving as City Administrator in July.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two bicyclists were killed and a third was injured in a suspected DUI crash on June 11 on the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County, California. A 24-year-old man from Oxnard was arrested in connection with the incident.

Kellie Standish, 33, of Bend, Oregon, and William Tucker, 39, of Ventura, California, died from their injuries, according to confirmed reports from Ventura County Medical Examiners to KTVZ News. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and murder after his gray Nissan Frontier pickup truck veered into a designated bike lane and struck the cyclists from behind.

The California Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred around 7:08 p.m. along northbound State Route 1 near Solimar Beach Road. The truck was traveling about 50 to 55 miles per hour when it drifted onto the right shoulder and into the bike lane, for reasons still under investigation.

After striking the cyclists, the truck continued forward, hitting a guardrail and coming to rest on the shoulder. A third cyclist involved in the incident suffered minor injuries.

Kellie Standish was an employee of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). In a statement on Facebook, OAS said, “Our hearts are shattered and we are grieving as a community while reflecting on the warmth, light, and embodiment of OAS magic that Kellie brought to all of us since first joining OAS as a volunteer over a decade ago. Kellie changed countless lives, and wore many hats at OAS, her impact is far-reaching and everlasting.”

One person who spoke to KTVZ News described Standish as “amazing person. She was funny, smart and beautiful. Her family said she radiated sunshine and was glitter in human form. It’s a spot-on description.” Plans are underway for a celebration of life for Standish.

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Spencer Sacks

Warm Springs, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new fire has been reported near the Indian Head Casino in Warm Springs, according to Watch Duty.

According to The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Fire Management, “The Rocky Fire is estimated to be 30-40 acres and burning in rocky and grassy terrain heading to the northwest. Local wildland and engines as well as the Fire Management Fuels crews are on scene. No structures are threatened at this time.”

The Warm Springs Police said Highway 3 is currently closed due to the wildfire and ask people to take alternative routes.

KTVZ News has learned the fire is in Warm Springs jurisdiction. Jefferson County and CO Fire resources have not been contacted at this time, though they are on standby.

This is a developing story and we will continue to bring you the latest as we learn more.

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