Category: ktvz-local-news

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As shuttered Shari’s storefronts rocked Central Oregon, many residents were thrilled to hear another Oregon favorite – Elmer’s Restaurants, is set to move in. Now, KTVZ News has uncovered that Elmer’s operated for nearly 20 years in Bend, and its previous location is filled by a local favorite for breakfast.

The Elmer’s Restaurant group shared a fascinating piece of Central Oregon history – an old matchbook from the previous Bend restaurant.

Back then, it was called Elmer’s Colonial Pancake and Steakhouse and took up the whole property, which is now split into two businesses.

Elmer’s tells KTVZ News it came to Bend in 1966 and stayed for nearly 20 years, though it was not clear exactly why they left. However, if you look very closely at the front of the matchbox, you can see their old address: 415 East Third Street on Highway 97 in Bend.

So what’s there now? As it turns out, another casual family spot to eat, and a salon.

KTVZ visited the location to find locally owned Laurie’s Grill is currently there. Though they serve lunch and dinner, the restaurant has a particular focus on breakfast.

At some point, that building was then renovated to accommodate two businesses. Laurie’s currently shares the building with Bamboo Salon and Spa.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — If conditions are favorable, the Deschutes National Forest plans to conduct prescribed burn operations on Tuesday 15 miles southeast of Bend, on the east side of Forest Service Road 18 just south of the junction with FSR 18 and FSR 25 and about a half-mile east of the Camp II Trailhead.

Firefighters are planning up to 422 acres of ignitions on the Opine 5D Prescribed Burn. 

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. Portions of Trail #40 and #50 will be temporarily closed due to operations. While no arterial roads will be closed, numerous three-digit routes will be temporarily closed for safety.  

Overnight smoke impacts are likely in the area around the Camp II Trailhead and Road 2510 Staging Area. Residents in the Pine Mountain area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early-morning hours. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when the weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

Opine5D_PIODownload

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Barney Lerten

(Update-Adding Video and Comments from Representative Janelle Bynum)

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — A Northwest senator sounded the alarm Monday over a report that the National Weather Service Pendleton forecast office, which provides forecasts for Central and Eastern Oregon and Washington, won’t have overnight forecaster staffing due to Trump administration job cuts and a hiring freeze.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the statement regarding news that the NWS office in Pendleton will not have overnight meteorologist staffing due to the cutbacks.

The Washington Post reports that the Pendleton office is one of seven around the country due to halt overnight forecaster staffing. It says those duties will be redistributed to other NWS offices, which are also facing cutbacks.

“The Trump Administration’s dismantling of the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administraton) workforce is crippling the National Weather Service,” Cantwell said.

“It is unacceptable that the Weather Forecast Office for central Washington state will no longer have enough meteorologists to staff overnight shifts, which will jeopardize local forecasts and warning information, which is imperative for firefighters, transportation workers, the public, and emergency managers.

“The administration should immediately approve NOAA’s request for a public safety exemption and lift the hiring freeze,” Cantwell added.  

NBC News and KTVZ News reported earlier this year about expected cuts at NOAA, and the agency said the Pendleton forecast office has about 25 employees.

On February 19, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, calling on him to exempt the National Weather Service from the federal hiring freeze, and protect all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) workers from firings “that would jeopardize the safety of the American public.”

KTVZ news reached out to our state representatives to ask about this.

We did not hear back from Clif Bentz, but Janelle Bynum had this to say: “Well, we know this adds insult to injury. So first we lost our wildfire fighting, resources, our planning resources. I brought one of those workers to the joint session to look Trump in the eye, to have him look her in the eye. And now this is a double whammy.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTV) — The city of Bend had some good news for Bend drivers Monday ahead of the big holiday weekend: Portland Avenue and the intersection of Wall Street and Olney Avenue, closed for months for construction projects, will reopen to traffic on Friday.

But it’s limited good news: The city says Olney Avenue (east of Wall Street to NE Second Street) will remain closed through fall as water, sewer and roadway improvement work continues.

Three projects synchronized schedules to condense and minimize construction impacts in the area, officials said in their announcement.

They include the Olney Avenue Improvement Project, which is replacing the aging water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, upgrading the roadway and retrofitting intersections to make it safer for all users of the road; the West Side Pump Station Project which provides needed electrical and sewer pump station improvements; and the Awbrey Waterline Project, which provides water distribution system upgrades and includes Portland Avenue roadway safety improvements.  

Projects Overview

In addition to reconstructing Portland Avenue and the Wall Street and Olney Avenue intersection, these projects include the following improvements:

Olney Avenue Improvements Project:

Olney Avenue and Wall Street Intersection

The Olney Avenue improvements for new bike lanes and sidewalks tie back to Olney Avenue being identified as one of 12 “Key Walking and Biking Routes” in the City’s Transportation System Plan. These routes are designed to be the safest walking and biking routes in Bend with the highest amount of protection for users from vehicles.

The Olney Avenue and Wall Street intersection has been retrofitted with the following safety improvements:

Cyclist and pedestrian movements are intuitive at crossing locations, each user has a defined space

Crossing distances are shortened for people walking and biking

Shared space is wider between pedestrians and bicyclists

Vehicles and cyclists face each other at a 90-degree angle at the conflict point

Corner islands provide a natural slowing of vehicles and cyclists to less than 20 mph

Lighting, striping, and signing improvements, including bike signal detection, to increase visibility

Water lines along Olney Avenue

Most of the existing main water lines along this section of Olney Avenue were installed in the 1950s and are made from cast iron pipe, ranging in size from 8 inches to 12 inches. The main water line will be upgraded to an 18-inch ductile iron pipe. The project will install 2,500 linear feet of water pipe, including a section under the railroad. Ductile iron pipes have increased durability and life expectancy compared to cast iron pipes. Replacement of waterline work is essential to prevent future pipe ruptures, create a flexible water system for emergency response, support Bend’s growth and meet updated fire flow requirements.

Sewer lines along Olney Avenue

Most of the existing main sewer lines along this section of Olney Avenue were installed in the 1970s.  The project will install 2,000 linear feet of sewer pipe, including a section under the railroad. The project will shorten the City’s sewer force main line as well as upsize the sewer gravity main line to support the growing demands on Bend’s sewer system. 

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of fall 2025

Westside Pump Station Project:

Electrical and pump improvements at the Westside Pump Station

Awbrey Waterline Improvements Project:

Waterline Installation

The project includes the installation of approximately 4.25 miles of new pipeline with pipe sizes ranging from six to 30 inches in diameter. Spanning from Mt. Washington Drive to Portland Avenue Bridge, these upgrades represent a significant investment in Bend’s long-term infrastructure needs.

New Awbrey Transmission Line and Valve Building

The new transmission line enhances water flow efficiency, ensuring consistent pressure and supply across the city, while also increasing capacity to support future growth and improve fire protection. Major upgrades to pressure and flow control valves at the Awbrey Reservoir, along with a new valve building designed to accommodate future in-conduit hydroelectric power generation and the integration of state-of-the-art electronics for improved monitoring, further strengthen the resiliency of Bend’s water system.

Synergy Projects and Coordinated Improvements

In coordination with the Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project, the City implemented several infrastructure upgrades to maximize efficiency and minimize disruptions to the community. These synergy projects included:

Installation of 1,500 feet of new 15-inch sewer main along Shevlin Park Road.

Stormwater improvements along College Way, Saginaw Avenue, Juniper Street, and Portland Avenue as part of the South Awbrey Butte Drainage Project.

Street improvements funded through the Portland Avenue GO Bond Project include buffered bike lanes west of Ninth Street, updated signage, striping, and lighting for safer travel and ADA upgrades. Sidewalk improvements on the south side of Portland Avenue, from Fifth to Sixth Streets and from Fifth to Third Streets, were also included, with installation completed as budget allowed.

Construction will be completed by the end of May 2025.

Get Updates

Stay updated on construction impacts by signing up for emails – select “Weekly Road and Traffic Reports”

For more information about the upcoming work on this and other projects, please visit our website, bendoregon.gov/bendprojects.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire season approaches, the Bureau of Land Management is increasing readiness and bolstering rural firefighting efforts by transferring surplus BLM fire engines to local cooperators. Two recently

Through the Rural Fire Readiness program, these transfers aim to improve wildfire preparedness, strengthen interagency cooperation, and help protect vital community resources.

The RFR program provides eligible, local cooperators with essential firefighting resources, including training, tools, communications equipment, and vehicles. By supporting these cooperators, the BLM helps expand firefighting capacity across private, state, tribal, and federal lands, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.

By working together, these groups help protect homes and infrastructure that anchor rural communities, as well as important local resources, including grazing lands that support rural economies, recreational areas that draw tourism and outdoor enthusiasts, and critical wildlife habitat.

The BLM recently transferred engines to two departments:

Lincoln County Fire District 8 (Spokane District) received a Type 6 engine, a nimble vehicle capable of accessing rugged terrain and quickly extinguishing small fires before they grow.

Juniper Flats Rural Fire Protection District (Prineville District) received a Type 4 engine, ideal for extended attack operations and increased suppression capacity.

On the Juniper Flats transfer, Fire Chief for Juniper Flats RFPD, Eugene Walters, commented, “This engine will help control wildland fires in our community so they don’t become major fire events and will provide greater capabilities to protect local lives and property.”

Through continued collaboration and support, the BLM and its rural fire partners are helping ensure faster, more effective responses to wildfire threats across Oregon and Washington.

“We’re happy to see this truck go to a good partner.  We work on challenging incidents with Juniper Flats most every summer, I hope this truck gives them even more capacity,” said James Purswell, Assistant Fire Management Officer-Preparedness.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, who has been barred from testifying at trials due to false information given from the witness stand, has been expelled from the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors, the organization announced Monday.

The news of his removal in a unanimous vote by 32 fellow Oregon sheriffs comes just three days before van der Kamp is scheduled to appear before the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training’s Police Policy Committee. The sheriff told KTVZ News late last month he would decide whether to resign within 90 days.

Here’s the full announcement KTVZ News received Monday from the sheriffs’ organization. We have reached out to the sheriff for any comment or statement:

“A few weeks ago, the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) learned that the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Steve Gunnels, had conducted a lengthy investigation into issues involving the truthfulness of Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp.  The investigation found that Sheriff van der Kamp had been untruthful about his educational credentials in multiple criminal cases.  As a result of this investigation, DA Gunnels determined that the DA’s office would no longer use Sheriff van der Kamp as a witness in any criminal trial – a status commonly referred to as being placed on the Brady list.

“Upon learning of this information, the OSSA Executive Committee met and determined that, under the OSSA Bylaws, the Board of Directors should decide whether to temporarily suspend or permanently revoke Sheriff van der Kamp’s position as a Director on the OSSA Board.  Sheriff van der Kamp was notified that this question would be presented to the OSSA Board at the Spring Conference, and that he would have an opportunity to address the Board before a decision was made. Sheriff van der Kamp did not appear to address the Board, nor did he submit any written materials for the Board to consider.

“On May 14, the Board met and considered the issue.  A motion was made to permanently expel Sheriff van der Kamp from serving as an OSSA Director.  The motion passed unanimously, with 32 Oregon sheriffs voting on the issue. Sheriff van der Kamp was immediately expelled from the OSSA Board of Directors. 

About the Oregon State Sheriffs’ AssociationThe Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1916 to provide training and support to Oregon Sheriffs and their offices. “

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding Video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places is seeking artists interested in painting a mural in the heart of Redmond as part of the RCAPP Sponsor Mural Program.

The proposed location is at the NW corner of Black Butte Boulevard and 6th Street.

Interested artists and artist teams are encouraged to review the Request for Proposals available at redmondoregon.gov/Mural2025 and submit their proposal(s) before 11:59 pm June 22, 2025. 

“This is RCAPP’s second sponsor mural, and RCAPP is incredibly excited to be bringing more art into downtown,” stated RCAPP Staff Liaison Claressa Davis. “We greatly appreciate folks sharing this opportunity to anyone they know who may be interested in contributing to Redmond’s vibrant art culture, as it helps us get as many proposals as possible before the June 22nd deadline.” 

The Sponsor Mural Program brings talented artists to Redmond, enhancing community identity and public art appreciation. The selected artist(s) will receive a contract for $18,000 for painting the 6th Street façade or $25,000 to paint on both the 6th Street façade and the Black Butte façade.  

For more information about the RFP or RCAPP, please visit www.redmondoregon.gov/RCAPP or contact RCAPP Staff Liaison Claressa Davis at 541-923-7718, claressa.davis@redmondoregon.gov. 

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About RCAPP 

The Redmond Commission for Art in Public Places (RCAPP) enhances Redmond’s community identity by strategically placing art in public places, advising city policies, fostering community engagement and partnerships, d securing funding for arts and culture initiatives. To learn how you can get involved with RCAPP programs, please visit redmondoregon.gov/RCAPP or contact City of Redmond Long-Range Claressa Davis and 541-923-7718 or claressa.davis@redmondoregon.gov. You can also follow RCAPP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedmondPublicArt or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/redmond_rcapp/ for future updates and opportunities.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Average gasoline prices in Oregon have risen 5.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.90/gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon. Prices in Oregon are 0.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 43.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $3.39/g Monday while the most expensive was $4.59/g, a difference of $1.20/g.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 6.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.14/g Monday. The national average is up 1.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 41.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Historical gasoline prices in Oregon and the national average going back 10 years:May 19, 2024: $4.34/g (U.S. Average: $3.55/g)May 19, 2023: $4.11/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)May 19, 2022: $5.11/g (U.S. Average: $4.60/g)May 19, 2021: $3.37/g (U.S. Average: $3.04/g)May 19, 2020: $2.31/g (U.S. Average: $1.90/g)May 19, 2019: $3.38/g (U.S. Average: $2.84/g)May 19, 2018: $3.27/g (U.S. Average: $2.92/g)May 19, 2017: $2.71/g (U.S. Average: $2.35/g)May 19, 2016: $2.45/g (U.S. Average: $2.27/g)May 19, 2015: $3.02/g (U.S. Average: $2.71/g)

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:Eugene- $3.84/g, up 6.3 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.78/g.Salem- $3.77/g, up 3.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.74/g.Portland- $4.05/g, up 3.9 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.02/g.

“Gasoline prices jumped in over three-quarters of U.S. states over the last week, as oil prices surged following former President Trump’s decision to reduce tariffs and strike new trade deals—moves that inspired optimism that a major tariff-induced economic slowdown might be avoided,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“In addition to gains in price-cycling markets, rising oil prices—fueled by economic optimism and tightening gasoline inventories—contributed to broader upward pressure on prices. While Americans are still seeing significant savings compared to a year ago, that gap has narrowed as oil prices have rebounded. As we approach Memorial Day, GasBuddy is preparing to release its summer travel survey results and issue a gas price forecast for the season.

For now, motorists can expect one of the most affordable summers for hitting the road since the pandemic, with gas prices tracking at some of the lowest inflation-adjusted levels in years.”

The national average price of diesel has increased 2.9 cents in the last week and stands at $3.502 per gallon.

GasBuddy is the authoritative voice for gas prices and the only source for station-level data. GasBuddy’s survey updates 288 times every day from the most diverse list of sources covering nearly 150,000 stations nationwide, the most comprehensive and up-to-date in the country. GasBuddy’s averages, graphs, maps and historical pricing data covering the U.S. and Canada is available 24/7 at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.

GasBuddy also fuels KTVZ.COM’s Pump Patrol, featuring the lowest gas prices on the High Desert.

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KTVZ News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Last month, we shared the concerns residents have about a proposed PacifiCorp transmission line.

The electric company’s 180-mile Blueprint South transmission line project would run from Powell Butte to Chiloquin.

PacifiCorp is currently considering four possible routes for the line. Two of those options, Route A and Route B, have drawn pushback from residents.

Now, in a letter to PacifiCorp, Deschutes County Commissioners Chang and DeBone have requested that Route D be considered.

They cited that Route D would have the least impact on residential and agricultural properties in Deschutes County.

“Looking at the map, I do think that route D, does a pretty good job of avoiding, residential properties, utilizing existing transmission corridors, you know, places where there’s already power lines,” said Commissioner Phil Chang.

In the letter, they also offered an alternative hybrid route. Commissioner Chang says using parts of Routes A, B, and C could avoid building new infrastructure through public lands.

The letter supported the line and the increase in grid capacity and reliability it will bring.

It’s just a request from the commissioners because Deschutes County does not have authority over the siting of the transmission line. That authority belongs at the state level.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Every year, Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.

“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many state parks.

Park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck or sand to re-open camp loops. Now parks are ready to welcome visitors for State Parks Day and the busier season.

State Parks Day Events

The Cove Palisades will host a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival of the Land, includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting zoo, educational displays, mini farmers market and more.

https://omsi.edu/whats-on/“>L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/

Carl G. Washburne will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.

Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash.  

Tryon Creek State Natural Area invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system and attend a guided hike.

Prineville Reservoir will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.

Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.

Collier: will offer a guided tour through Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon so visitors can learn about old logging camps and what machines they used to make life easier.

Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.

Harris Beach we have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from ranger or host at Alred Loeb.

For a list of events, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or visit first-come-first served sites: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=reserve.first-come

About State Parks Day

State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. It’s one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.

About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The mission of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department manages 254 Oregon State Parks comprising more than 100,000 acres. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov.

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