Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding video, comments from BLM, homeless)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trucks piled rocks at the entrances to BLM land Wednesday, next to Bend’s largest homeless camp, at Juniper Ridge. The deadline for the homeless in the area to leave is just days away.

“We start to get an accumulation of trash. There’s an accumulation of human waste. Because they’re not dispersing and going camping in other areas,” Bureau of Land Management Field Manager Lisa Clark told KTVZ News on Wednesday.

Beginning next Sunday, June 1st, the BLM’s Prineville District announced Tuesday it will temporarily close around 40 acres of public land between Bend and Redmond, due to problems caused by long-term unauthorized camping.

The BLM’s camping rule is 14 days, but many have camped in the area long past that time. 

“Technically, if somebody is houseless, then they’re actually not camping on public lands. And it technically is illegal from the first night,” Clark said. “We tend to be a little bit more lenient, because the regular camping rule is for 14 days, and then you need to move 25 miles.”

The BLM said the closure is due to “growing public health, safety, and environmental concerns cause(d) by unauthorized long-term non-recreational camping.”

The closure will last until a date yet to be determined and will affect land on the east and west sides of Highway 97 and north of the overpass.

BLM stated that “during the closure, people are prohibited from entering the area for any reason, including hiking, driving, mountain biking, and dispersed camping.” 

But the homeless living in Juniper Ridge, like Brooklyn Lamb, say they are running out of room, as those in the closed area move closer.

“Camps keep rolling in. Every day, there’s a new camp that rolls in,” she said.

The area known as “Dirt World” has seen a mass increase of campers this month, after the Forest Service closed the Bend area’s other largest homeless camp, south of the city on China Hat Road.

It’s estimated that more than 200 people were moved, bringing nearly half to Juniper Ridge while the others camp on city streets. 

Lamb said, “We know Bend wants to get rid of the homeless community. They’re never going to go anywhere. There’s always going to be a homeless somebody somewhere in the United States.”

A map detailing the closed areas can be found below and on the BLM’s website: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5IjnC31PDQSxnvYDFgfjfQO9HJ?domain=blm.gov

Deschutes County and the City of Bend own the land surrounding the closure. The two agreed last fall to close much of the city— and county-owned land at Juniper Ridge north of Bend to homeless campers by May 31 and provide a “temporary safe stay” area with services on part of the property.

Dispersed camping for up to 14 days is generally allowed on BLM-administered lands.  

“Public lands are open for everyone to enjoy, and short-term camping typically doesn’t cause lasting harm,” Clark said. “But when people stay well beyond that and ignore the rules, the damage adds up quickly. We do everything we can to avoid closing areas, but in this case, the conditions have become unsafe and unsustainable. We were left with no choice.”

BLM said its staff will assess the site after the closure begins to determine the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs, restoration and determine a reopening date. 

KTVZ will provide further updates on this closure as we learn more.

Hwy97Closure BLMDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Following a number of Memorial Day ceremonies, many gathered at Post 1643, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bend, on Monday, to continue the day’s observances.  

The VFW serves as a gathering place for veterans and their families, and it’s open to the public. 

These local Memorial Day events not only honor those we’ve lost but also strengthen the bonds within the community.  

Chris Thomson, a veteran who served in the Marine corps during the Yugoslav wars in the1990’s said, the VFW is home to an incredible piece of Oregon history.  

“We’re very fortunate. Tha’Fridge, the food cart out here has loaned us this flag, which was made 167 years ago to commemorate the 33rd, state of our union, and this flag is bearing 33 stars. It’s very tattered. It went on display over 100 years ago.” 

Thomson, who currently serves as the adjutant for Bend’s VFW, says the flag will embark upon a mini tour with stops at libraries and the Oregon state capitol.  

The flag, which is owned by Tha’Fridge, the food truck located on the premises of the VFW, serves up comfort food – made with love and uniquely named.  

“I mean, really, everything is military based. You know, it resonates with any person. We all kind of had… This is my nephew Jonathan, my mother, Judy Trego. Yeah. She really had a huge part in it, and it’s just something that is fun, that kind of takes the, you know, the real reality out of, what they deal with, and put it in the food and make it into something that they can appreciate now, and make them feel good,” said Tha’Fridge owner, Ryan Trego.  

Memorial Day means so much to many military service men and women, along with their families. 

Bend stands united in remembrance and gratitude for the heroes who gave everything for our freedom. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville’s annual Memorial Day Parade took place Monday morning to honor service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Flags throughout the town were at half-mast and the flame at City Hall’s ‘Crook County POW and Veterans’ Memorial’ was burning brightly.

All of the streets throughout downtown were lined with American flags to commemorate the occasion, and hundreds of community members turned out to pay their respects. 

Small American flags were handed out to the crowd while vintage cars, tanks, and vehicles decked out in patriotic decor drove by. Loud cheers and clapping increased as veterans in the parade went by, waving to parade-goers.

The parade itself started on Main Street and ended several blocks later at the Memorial Park area of the Ochoco Creek Park. After the parade, the American Legion held a ceremony on the Elm Street Bridge where an all-natural wreath was dropped into the creek to honor veterans who died at sea. 

Following the wreath ceremony at the bridge, many parade participants then made their way to the Juniper Haven Cemetery to honor veterans with a wreath placement. The day of events concluded with a paver-dedication at the Crook County Fairgrounds. 

The city of Prineville’s Memorial Day happenings tend to not only have the most events, but some of the largest turn-outs throughout Central Oregon, showcasing the community’s dedication and appreciation to its service members. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

(Update: Adding Video and comments from Think Wild)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Deschutes County sheriff’s deputy rescued a badly injured river otter early Sunday morning after spotting the animal along Highway 97 near Tumalo Place. However, the otter later passed away, despite a wildlife hospital’s intensive efforts to save him, Think Wild Central Oregon said Tuesday.

Here’s an update posted Tuesday morning by Think Wild Central Oregon:

On May 25, a severely injured adult male river otter was found on the side of Highway 97 near Tumalo Place and Deschutes Junction, just north of Bend. The finder initially believed the otter was deceased but noticed slight movement and contacted authorities. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office transported the otter to Think Wild for emergency care.

Upon intake, the otter was unable to stand or walk and neurologically impaired, with significant trauma including head injury, eye damage, a broken tooth, respiratory distress, and dehydration.

Over the following two days, veterinary staff provided intensive treatment including fluids, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, and supportive care for possible traumatic brain injury (TBI) and internal trauma.

The otter showed mild signs of improvement, including intermittent alertness and the ability to lift his head and respond to stimuli. However, his condition remained critical, with continued neurological deficits, high fever, and elevated blood urea nitrogen levels indicating internal distress.

Despite best efforts and around-the-clock monitoring, the otter’s condition declined, and he passed away Monday night.

While river otters rely on rivers and wetlands, they often travel overland—sometimes miles—to find food or new habitat. The location where this otter was found is near irrigation canals and farmland, several miles from the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek. Habitat fragmentation, human disturbance (especially during holiday weekends) and development often force wildlife to cross roads, putting them at risk of collisions and disorientation.

Sally Compton, Executive Director for Think Wild explained why the otter might have been in the area:“It’s not necessarily surprising that they would be found this far from water, especially during a holiday weekend where you might also see more people recreating in their habitat, enjoying the water and the creek. Maybe the otter could have been spooked or seeking a new shelter or habitat because of all of this human traffic.”

“So it’s not necessarily surprising that they would be found this far from water, especially during a holiday weekend where you might also see more people recreating in their habitat, enjoying the water and the creek. Maybe the otter could have been spooked or seeking a new shelter or habitat because of all of this human traffic.”

This incident highlights the need for wildlife crossings in Central Oregon. Structures like overpasses, culverts, and fencing can greatly reduce road fatalities and help species like otters safely navigate fragmented landscapes.

We are grateful to the finder, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and our veterinary team for doing everything possible to save this otter.

—

Earlier information:

Deputy Ochsner saw the otter around 6:06 a.m. and believed it had been struck by a vehicle, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. The deputy called for assistance, and responding personnel were able to safely crate the otter and transport it to the department’s Rescue Ranch facility.

Staff from Think Wild Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center arrived shortly afterward and took the otter into their care. The otter’s current condition was not immediately available.

The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for the quick response from both deputies and the Think Wild team and said they were hopeful for the otter’s recovery.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Coming off of a historic ski season, hundreds packed Mt. Bachelor on Monday for its last day of the 6-month season, after a weekend filled with celebrations.

Mt. Bachelor kicked off the 2024/2025 season with its earliest opening day in nearly three decades, and was able to continue operations until almost the end of May—bringing in crowds from far and wide.

One rider KTVZ spoke to talked about coming up for the last day of turns: “The sun is out, and this is the second time that we’ve been here on the last day. we camped last night, and we’re getting to ride on the last day with the kids,” Logan, who was snowboarding with his daughter Sierra, said with a smile.  

It was all smiles Monday as the resort held a ‘Last Chairs and Last Cheers’ party.

Mt. Bachelor’s communications manager, Presley Quon, expressed gratitude for the phenomenal season in a written statement to KTVZ News:

“We had a remarkable season, thanks to the energy and dedication of our guests and employees,” said Presley Quon. “Snow in November helped us open earlier than planned and set the stage for six full months of skiing and riding. We’re already counting down the days until next winter, but in the meantime, we can’t wait to welcome guests back to the mountain for summer activities.” 

May 31st marks the last day to secure your 2025/2026 season pass for a discounted rate.

Click here to learn more about upcoming deadlines and summer season activities at the resort.

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

BEND, ORE. (KTVZ) — Bend’s first observance of Memorial Day began at 7AM, as the Bend Heroes Foundation and volunteers honored Bend’s 112 war dead with a moment of silence and by installing flags bearing veterans’ names at Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park, along Veterans Memorial Bridge,  and downtown Bend.  

Boy Scout Troop 25 had the honor of leading the flag installations, with former Scoutmaster Kelly Reynolds and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Atticus Zmach leading the volunteers. 

Proclamations issued by President Trump and Governor Kotek were read.  

Foundation Chairman Dick Tobiason updated participants on the recently completed Oregon Gold Star Families Memorial Highway across Oregon on the 477 mile US Hwy 30 between Astoria and the Oregon – Idaho border.  That highway honors the families of about 6,000 wartime veterans from Oregon who made the ultimate sacrifice during war from WWI to the present, including Bend’s 112. The Gold Star highway on  US Hwy 30 is the longest highway in Oregon and the 9th  and final veterans highway across Oregon initiated by the Foundation. Photos of Gold Star Family members and highway signs will be shown. 

Tobiason also discussed the National Medal of Honor Highway Act, created by Congress and President Biden last December at his request. That 3,365-mile highway across the USA on US Hwy 20 honors all 3,528 Medal of Honor recipients from all 50 states including 29 recipients connected with Oregon and had its origin in Oregon eight years ago.

The National Medal of Honor Highway is the longest highway in our nation. Tobiason kept his promise to WWII Medal of Honor recipient Bob Maxwell, a director of Bend Heroes Foundation, to honor our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients with the coast-to-coast highway. The original Act signed by Congress and President Biden and a highway map was displayed at 7:00 am. 

Finally, a wreath was placed by Gold Star Families at the granite monument listing the 112 war dead names at Bend Heroes Memorial before 250 flags were installed. 

The Foundation’s Bend Parade of Flags program began 20 years ago, with BSA Troop 25 as the first youth group to be involved. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: Adding video)

UPDATE: Oregon State Police have released new information on Friday’s crash, including the names of the people involved. Below is the press release provided by State Troopers.

Deschutes County, Ore. 25 May 2025- On Friday, May 23, 2025, at 2:22 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 164, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2003 Ford Taurus, operated by Marvin Lee Cudd Jr. (76) of Sunriver, was stopped on the northbound shoulder of Highway 97 facing westbound, perpendicular to the roadway. The Ford began to cross the highway and was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Silverado 2500, operated by Joshua Dale Musick (43) of Christmas Valley, on the driverside door.

The operator of the Ford (Cudd) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Musick) suffered minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by LaPine Fire, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

UPDATE: The scene has been cleared by first responders and the roadway is open in both directions.

La Pine, Ore. – A crash has closed parts of U.S. Highway 97 just north of La Pine, impacting traffic in both directions. As of now, all southbound lanes are closed, while northbound traffic is reduced to a single lane.

Emergency crews are on the scene, and drivers are advised to use caution and expect delays in the area. The Oregon Department of Transportation is assisting with traffic management and cleanup efforts.

For the latest updates, viewers can check the KTVZ app, which provides real-time information through ODOT’s TripCheck system.

Please avoid the area if possible and seek alternate routes.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ News Team

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Bowman Museum’s Belknap Exhibit Center is showcasing a new exhibit called “History of Crook County Fire and Rescue.”

Through May 31st, visitors can explore powerful stories, historic artifacts, and courageous moments that have shaped the county’s fire and rescue services.

From vintage gear to first-hand accounts of heroic rescues, the exhibit honors the brave men and women who have protected Crook County for generations.

The Belknap Exhibit Center in Prineville is open Tuesday through Friday, as well as the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. –(KTVZ)– With summer almost here and the weather getting warmer the need for caution dealing with fires is growing. As such. fire restrictions are changing June 1st. Starting then, open fires are prohibited, including campfires, except in designated areas. Chainsaw use is also prohibited between the hours of 1 and 8 p.m. Motorized vehicles are prohibited from unimproved roads. That includes all terrain vehicles as well. To see the whole list of fire restrictions go to the Deschutes County website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — House Bill 2251, better known as the ‘Cell Phone Bill’, was hotly debated amongst citizens before it went to the Senate for approval. The bill was sponsored by Bend State Representative, Emerson Levy; it proposed that school districts adopt a policy prohibiting students’ use of cell phones and other personal devices while in school. 

The bill passed in the House with bipartisan support on April 15th, fueling supporters’ optimism. But, when it went to the Senate on Thursday, it failed. 

Our ‘Problem Solvers’ story on the bill revealed public opinion was split. Many supporters of the ban claim cell phones can cause academic interference and negative mental health effects.

“We actually did a survey of over 1000 families in Bend La Pine last year about tech use in schools and phones specifically, and over 93% of respondents supported phone free schools,” said Ami Formica, parent and founder of Well Wired. 

Those opposed raised concern about communication during emergencies and government overreach in regard to student responsibility. Tiffany Johnson, a parent who responded to KTVZ’s poll on social media, said in-part, “With all the crazy situations that have happened across the nation and locally, I 100% want my kids to have access to call home just in case…”

Representative Levy expressed her disappointment about the bill’s failure in a social media post, simply saying, “A year of work and the cell phone bill died in Senate education today.” KTVZ reached out to Levy for further comment and received the following statement: 

“I strongly believe this legislation would have been one of the most impactful actions we could take to support youth mental health—especially among young women, who are disproportionately affected by cyberbullying and the pressures of social media. While I am disappointed it did not move forward this session, I remain committed to the effort and look forward to working with the governor on potential next steps.”

You may not have seen the end of the bill just yet, though… as suggested in Levy’s statement, Governor Kotek is said to share Levy’s sentiment. Kotek is said to be actively exploring options in taking executive action to keep the concept alive.

We will be monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates.

Click here to follow the original article.