Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

(Update: Adding comments from Bethlehem Inn and CET users)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit is rolling out two new programs to strengthen community connection across Central Oregon.

The first program, called the Community Movement Fund, helps cover bus fares for riders who may face financial barriers as CET brings back fare-based service this month, for the first time since the pandemic.

Some people really need that help.

“I don’t really have transportation at the moment, since they made it cost money,” said Justin Waters, a resident of the Bethlehem Inn homeless shelter.

 Waters, born with a curve in his spine, depends on transit for important appointments and medication. He noted the transportation struggle, saying, “it’s vital. I’ve been without medications for a week because I haven’t been able to afford a bus pass.”

Representatives with CET say a bus pass isn’t just a ticket. It’s mobility, independence and opportunity.  

Bethlehem Inn Executive Director Michael Hancock said, “It really is a common misconception that participants in homeless shelters aren’t working. And it absolutely is the opposite. The majority of our participants are working one to sometimes even three jobs.”

“And with the cost of living, the cost of housing, food, everything’s so expensive to own a car and have registration and pay insurance is really an extra burden, that is necessary to – you know, transportation is so necessary.”

Hancock sees the impact daily.

Alex Jensen, another resident at Bethlehem Inn, said he has a “heart condition, which is really hard to walk around or just do normal things that people are able to do. So transportation would make it a lot easier for me to be able to do what I need to do.”

Jensen is new to he area, relying solely on CET for transportation. She added, “I have a job interview next week, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it.” 

Hancock argues this program is not a handout for those struggling. It’s a “hand-up, helping people become self sufficient.”

“That is helping people escape the system, escape homelessness, and get back on their feet and become part of this thriving community,” Hancock said.

Essentially, CET will partner with an organization to fundraise. They’ll then use those funds to support bus passes for financially burdened individuals, dispersed through local organizations like Bethlehem Inn.

Waters said, “I’ll probably use it like once every day, like I used to do when it was free.” Jensen added, “Honestly, it gives me a whole lot of hope for humanity.”

The initiative is intended to foster both community support and increase engagement with public transit across Central Oregon.

The new fund is powered by community donations and sponsorships — and supporters will be recognized across CET’s platforms. At the same time, CET is expanding its Bus Advertising Program, giving local businesses and nonprofits more ways to get their message seen on buses throughout the region. 

Together, the initiatives aim to keep Central Oregon moving — and connected.

Earlier story :

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 4) — Cascades East Transit, which reinstated charging fares this week, announced two new initiatives Wednesday to support transit access and regional connectivity in Central Oregon. The agency says it’s launching the Community Movement Fund and an expanded Bus Advertising Program.

The Community Movement Fund was created to assist residents who may face financial barriers as CET resumes fare collection. The agency had temporarily suspended fares on all non-recreational routes in 2020 to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue for the Community Movement Fund will come from community contributions and corporate sponsorships. CET said in a news release that the funds will go help provide transit tickets for people who rely on transit for work, school, medical appointments and other essential services.

The agency is partnering with local nonprofits and social service agencies to manage the distribution of the fare support.

Andrea Wasilew, outreach and engagement administrator at CET, said the initiatives are designed to help residents maintain their independence.

“For many residents, a bus pass isn’t just a ticket – it’s mobility, independence and opportunity,” Wasilew said. She noted that the fund is intended to ensure no riders are left behind as the agency transitions away from the fare-free model.

Fund sponsors will receive recognition through various channels, including the CET website, social media spotlights and the agency’s annual Mobility Impact Report. Some sponsorship tiers also include advertisements in monthly newsletters and on the interior and exterior of buses.

In addition to the philanthropic fund, CET is expanding its commercial Bus Advertising Program to allow local businesses and nonprofits to reach thousands of daily riders.

Wasilew said the expanded programs allow the business community to play a larger role in the regional transportation network.

“By expanding our advertising and sponsorship options, we are creating more ways for the Central Oregon business community to be an active partner in our transit ecosystem,” Wasilew said.

Organizations or individuals interested in the fund or advertising placements can contact Wasilew at 541-639-5002. or awasilew@coic.org.

Cascades East Transit provides fixed-route, city connector and recreational shuttle services across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as the Warm Springs community. The agency also offers general public and specialized Dial-a-Ride services. According to its mission statement, CET aims to deliver high-quality transit that reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability and enhances quality of life.

More information about the fund and advertising opportunities is available on the agency’s website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County announced Wednesday it has appointed Jeff Curtis as the new director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Curtis, the former CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Association and Alaska State Fair, will begin his new duties next Monday.

Curtis replaces Geoff Hinds, who left the position in September. The county selected Curtis from a pool of candidates following a nationwide recruitment process. Erik Kropp, deputy county administrator and interim fair and expo director, expressed confidence in the new hire.

“We’re excited to have Jeff join the Deschutes County team,” Kropp said. “We are pleased to have identified such a well-qualified candidate that brings a proven track record leading large complex organizations.”

Curtis brings two decades of executive leadership to the role, having served as the CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation for 18 years. Most recently, he spent more than two years as the CEO of the Alaska State Fair.

His professional expertise includes managing multiple event facilities, corporate sponsorship sales, festival operations and public communication.

Curtis earned a Bachelor of Arts in sports management from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

He has held several leadership positions on regional and international boards, including serving as the board chair for the International Festival and Events Association. He also served as a member of the Mat Su Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In his new position, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually. The center hosts more than 400 events each year, including the county fair and rodeo, motocross, trade shows and concerts.

The facility includes 200,000 square feet of indoor event space and 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas. The grounds also feature 400 horse stalls and a full-service RV park with 105 spaces.
Curtis is scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9.

In his new position, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually. The center hosts more than 400 events each year, including the county fair and rodeo, motocross, trade shows and concerts.

The facility includes 200,000 square feet of indoor event space and 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas. The grounds also feature 400 horse stalls and a full-service RV park with 105 spaces.

Curtis is scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County commissioners voted 2-1 on Wednesday to approve a new districting plan that would change how commissioners are elected. The proposal is now set to appear on the ballot for the November general election.

Commissioners Tony Debone and Patti Adair voted in favor of the plan, while colleague Phil Chang cast the dissenting vote. The decision follows months of public debate regarding the map, which would divide the county into five distinct districts for future commission seats.

The approved map establishes five specific districts to replace the current at-large system. Under the plan, two seats are designated for Bend, while Redmond, Sisters and the Sunriver and La Pine area are each assigned one seat.

Supporters argue this structure ensures geographic diversity on the board, while critics have raised concerns about potential gerrymandering. The Deschutes County Mapping Adviser Committee (DMAC) spent several months developing the proposal within established legal parameters and guidelines.

Phil Henderson, a member of the advisory committee, spoke in favor of the board’s decision to move the matter to the public. “Well, I really am. I’m happy that the commissioners are giving the voters in Deschutes County a chance to vote on this issue,” Henderson told us after the vote.

Other members of the committee suggested the final recommendation did not represent a unanimous viewpoint.

Carol Loesche, who also served on the mapping committee, noted that the commission’s vote was expected but did not capture the full range of committee sentiment. “As part of the process. I’m not surprised with how the vote came down.

You can watch the full meeting here:

“However, it didn’t truly reflect all of the DMAC People,” Loesche said.

Community members who attended the meeting offered differing opinions on the impact of districting. Terrebonne resident David Cosper expressed support for the change as a way to refine the selection process.

“I think that gives us an opportunity to get the commissioners SELECTED that we need to. And then, move on to the map after that. I think that’s the right decision,” Cosper said.

Some residents emphasized that the new map could help different regions feel more involved in county governance.

Jim Barnett, a resident of Sisters, spoke about the necessity of fair representation across the county.

“I think it really matters whether or not everyone in the county feels that they’re equally represented. And I feel like the map and the districts are the best way to achieve that goal,” Barnett said.

However, the decision also met with resistance from those who prefer the current at-large system. Eva Eagle, who lives outside Sisters, argued that the new districts add unnecessary complexity to the election of the five commissioners.

“I think it’s the wrong decision. I think it was really important to have the selection of the five commissioners. Not complicated by dividing the county into the district,” Eagle said.

The districting plan will appear on the ballot for voters to consider during the 2026 election cycle. This vote represents the first of several procedural steps required to implement the new map.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Visit Bend is accepting grant applications now through March 27th for high-quality arts and culture events support, funded entirely by lodging taxes paid by overnight visitors.

From musical productions to art exhibits to film festivals and more, the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund supports cultural opportunities that draw visitors to Bend–and $300,000 in grants will be distributed this year.

Submissions must be received by March 27th at 5 p.m. and awards will be announced on or around May 19th. Click here to apply or to learn more.

Read the full press release from Visit Bend below:

“Visit Bend is now accepting grant applications to support high-quality arts and culture events held during Bend’s shoulder season and winter months. Funded entirely by lodging taxes paid by overnight visitors, the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund (BCTF) strengthens our community’s cultural vibrancy while supporting a more balanced visitor economy. Grants are available in a range of amounts and may be used to promote events, market them, and/or research new ones. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 27, 2026, with awards announced on or around May 19, 2026.

Visit Bend, a non-profit, has $300,000 to award this year. That’s 7.5 percent of its annual budget, which comes entirely from room-night lodging taxes collected by hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging properties in Bend. The City of Bend receives the vast majority of those dollars—about $9 million annually—to support core services like road maintenance, police, and fire, helping reduce the tax burden on local residents. Visit Bend redirects significant portions of the remainder back into the community through partnerships and programs, including grants. Past BCTF grants have supported Bend Film Fest, WinterFest, Greenhouse Cabaret, and concerts at places like at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. Find a complete list of projects at bendculturegrants.com.

To apply, organizations are encouraged to reach out to Laurel MacMillan, BCTF grant administrator, through culture.visitbend.com/contact-us/, for support, and to Zavier Borja, Visit Bend’s destination stewardship director. The grant application is online at bendculturegrants.com. Eligible projects should strengthen Bend’s arts, culture, and creative economy; attract visitors from more than 50 miles away during traditionally low-occupancy periods; enhance residents’ quality of life; and help position Bend for long-term investment. Applications are reviewed and scored by the independent Bend Cultural Tourism Fund Commission, which makes funding recommendations. Visit Bend’s board of directors provides final approval and has historically adopted the commission’s recommendations in full.

“This fund is about reinvesting in the creative energy that defines our community,” said Zavier Borja, Visit Bend’s destination stewardship director. “By redirecting visitor dollars into arts and culture, we’re turning Bend’s popularity as a destination into direct support for the people and organizations that make it a great place to live and visit.”

Last year, the BCTF awarded 20 grants totaling $300,000 to help organizations expand their cultural events. Now in its 11th year, the fund has already awarded $2,578,418 to 133 projects from 50 organizations. A separate but complementary Visit Bend program, the Bend Sustainability Fund, has awarded to date more than $3.3 million to projects that protect Bend’s natural environment, improve tourism-related infrastructure, and expand equitable access to the outdoors. Together, the two grant programs will have reinvested more than $6.5 million in visitor-tax money into our community by the end of 2026.

ABOUT VISIT BEND:  Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit organization dedicated to stewarding a vibrant and sustainable community in Bend, Oregon, while supporting and enhancing the visitor experience. Learn more at visitbend.com.

ABOUT THE BEND CULTURAL TOURISM FUND: The Bend Cultural Tourism Fund (BCTF) is a grant program dedicated to enhancing the local economy through the promotion and cultivation of Bend’s cultural tourism programs, with an emphasis on activities that help attract cultural tourists during the shoulder seasons and winter months. For more information, please see the website at culture.visitbend.com.”

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Tracee Tuesday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crude oil prices climbed to a four-month high last week, reaching more than 65 dollars a barrel.

Triple-A says the surge was fueled by rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, along with severe winter storms that disrupted oil production across much of the country.

Those factors pushed gas prices higher in most states, including Oregon. The state average jumped 10 cents to 3.48 a gallon, while the national average slipped slightly to 2.88.

Triple-A reports that oil prices have settled down to start the week, but a seasonal climb could still be ahead.

On the West Coast, refineries are already beginning the transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is tightening supplies and could keep prices elevated heading into spring.

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Tracee Tuesday

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek is calling for more affordable housing options for Oregon’s aging population. On Tuesday, she testified before the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness in support of House Bill 4082, which aims to expand housing for residents 55 and older as well as for working-class Oregonians.

The bill would allow cities to add land for affordable and age-restricted housing or manufactured home communities. Depending on city size, it could make space for between 200 and 400 manufactured homes—units that cost about one-third the price of a traditional site-built house.

Kotek says the goal is to help seniors stay in their homes and communities. “Too many older Oregonians are one emergency away from losing their housing,” she said in her testimony. “House Bill 4082 helps cities create affordable homes for seniors and supports lower-cost communities so people can age in place with dignity and stability.”

Housing experts say the measure could help address Oregon’s ongoing affordability crisis, which weighs heavily on older adults. Nearly 20 percent of Oregonians between 55 and 64 spend more than half their income on housing, and that number climbs sharply for older residents.

If passed, HB 4082 would also require developers to build “complete communities,” giving residents access to nearby services, shopping, and recreation. The proposal is one of several housing-related bills lawmakers are considering this session.

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Campbell Porter

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here’s some especially good news, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

A Madras couple took their relationship to new heights when pilot Dallas Tronsdale proposed to his girlfriend, Reniyah M’Beceah, right after they landed at the Madras Airport, Tuesday afternoon.

KTVZ cameras were there as the surprise unfolded. The couple had just finished a joyride over Central Oregon when Tronsdale revealed a heartfelt surprise waiting on the runway: a sign, flowers, and a ring.

He got down on one knee and asked Reniyah to be his co‑pilot for life.

Adding to the magic, Reniyah’s best friend helped orchestrate the entire proposal, and even captured it all on video.

Best wishes from KTVZ, to the future Mr. and Mrs. Tronsdale as they start their next adventure together.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man faces assault and DUII charges after a pickup-pedestrian crash on Highway 97 in Redmond Monday night that seriously injured a Warm Springs woman.

Jordan Keeney, 24, was arrested by Redmond police after the crash was reported around 9:22 p.m. on Highway 97 at SW Veterans Way, Oregon State Police told KTVZ News. Troopers indicated Keeney’s license showed he was a Terrebonne resident, but in court records, he listed a Bend address.

OSP assisted with a crash reconstruction at the scene of the collision, which occurred near the Redmond Safeway.

Map of crash and arrest.

Troopers said the crash victim, Melissa Bryant-Jimenez, 33, of Warm Springs, was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend.

Court records show Keeney was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on initial charges of third-degree assault, a Class C felony, and DUII, a Class A misdemeanor.

Prosecutors filed an initial charging document alleging Keeney “did unlawfully and recklessly cause serious physical injury” to the woman, and that a blood-alcohol test found he was above the legal limit of .08.

A jail officer confirmed to KTVZ News Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley agreed to Keeney’s conditional release from jail. He’s due back in court March 3 for arraignment on an expected formal indictment.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore., (KTVZ) — Prescribed fire operations on the Crooked River National Grassland southeast of Madras that were scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions, officials said.

“The delay was due to unfavorable transport winds and the heavy smoke impacts that could result,” Ochoco National Forest representative Isabella Isaksen told KTVZ News.

She said fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and are evaluating potential opportunities to conduct pile burning early next week, pending favorable weather and required approvals.

The prescribed pile burning is planned for about 70 acres on the Crooked River National Grassland, located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26.

Prescribed fire operations are only conducted when weather, fuel moisture, and air quality conditions align to ensure public and firefighter safety and to meet project objectives. Weather conditions are evaluated immediately prior to ignition, and scheduled activities may be postponed or canceled when conditions are not suitable.

Earlier story:

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 3, 2026) — The Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest plan prescribed fire operations on Wednesday, pending all required approvals.

Hazardous fuels reduction work is planned on about 70 acres in the Crooked River National Grassland, an area located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26

“Prescribed burning will be managed by Forest Service resources from the Ochoco National Forest. Forest Service personnel will be on scene throughout the operation to ensure safe and effective implementation,” the agency said in a news release.

Officials said smoke could be visible from Prineville, Terrebonne, and Madras. Smoke impacts are anticipated along Southeast Grizzly Road and the Highway 26 corridor, particularly overnight and in the early-morning hours as air settles into low-lying areas.

Prescribed burn warning signs will be placed along Grizzly Road and Highway 26, officials said. Drivers should slow down and use headlights if visibility is reduced.

“Prescribed burning will only occur when weather, fuel moisture and air quality conditions meet criteria for safe and effective operations,” the Forest Service said. “If conditions are not suitable, ignitions will be postponed.”

Weather conditions will be evaluated in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled, the agency said

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road. For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco.

Follow on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 35 years of fun under the often-hot summer sun, the Bend Summer Festival will be kicking off the season with a new, earlier schedule – and a new title sponsor.

The 2026 Hixon Mortgage Bend Summer Festival returns to downtown Bend Friday–Sunday, May 29–31, marking the event’s first-ever move to late May – technically, before the June 21 arrival of summer – but “offering ideal early-summer weather for a full weekend of celebration,” the organizers, Lay it Out Events, announced in a news release this week.

Hixon Mortgage President Derek Meyer said the company “is fired up to be part of Summerfest and celebrate what makes our community so special!”

Hixon Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company that says it’s “focused on helping families achieve the great American dream of homeownership. We love and are proud to support events like Summerfest in an effort to bring the community together to celebrate local vendors and businesses.”

The annual community favorite will once again take over multiple blocks in downtown Bend with art, music, food, shopping, and family-friendly fun — “now perfectly timed to launch the summer festival season,” organizers said

The festival weekend kicks off Friday, May 29, from 4–10 p.m. with music and food along Oregon Avenue. Saturday, May 30 (11 a.m.–10 p.m.) and Sunday, May 31 (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) feature full festival programming across downtown.

The organizers said, “Festival-goers can expect a vibrant mix of fine art, hand-made goods, local shopping, live music and pop-up performances throughout the weekend.”

More than 80 regional and national artisans will line Bond Street, while additional vendor areas highlight clothing, jewelry, specialty foods, wine, and Central Oregon businesses. Live music and performances will run all weekend, with the 2026 lineup to be announced soon.

Presented by Hixon Mortgage, the Bend Summer Festival is produced by Lay It Out Events and supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors.

For a full schedule, sponsorship and vendor opportunities and more event details, visit bendsummerfestival.com.

Lay It Out Events, which annually produces more than 20 events and has donated more than $340,000 to Central Oregon charities in the last decade. Events include WinterFest, Bend Fall and Summer Festival, The Little Woody, Cascades Wedding Show, Balloons Over Bend, and Theater in the Park. Learn more at www.layitoutevents.com.

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