Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As crews continue construction on the Deschutes County courthouse expansion project, a major piece of equipment has been removed.

Commuters may notice, a northern portion of Bond Street will be closed between Greenwood Avenue and Wall Street while a large tower crane used in construction, is dismantled. The closure began this past Friday morning and is scheduled to remain in place through Monday evening.

Northbound traffic on Bond is being detoured, with drivers directed to turn left on Greenwood and then right on Wall Street to continue north. Barricades are in place at the Bond and Greenwood intersection. Pedestrian access remains open on the west sidewalk, but city officials urge caution near the site.

The crane removal is part of a $46.8 million expansion that will nearly double the courthouse’s size. The three-story addition will include new courtrooms, judges’ chambers, and updated security features. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.

City officials are reminding drivers to plan ahead, expect delays, and follow posted detour signs in the area.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Late Sunday morning, Deschutes County 911 received several reports of an RV fire in the Juniper Ridge Temporary Short Stay Area (TSSA).

When crews arrived, just south of Wiley Circle and about 75 yards east of Highway 97, they found a Class C motorhome fully engulfed in flames.

The fire spread to some nearby vegetation and combustible materials, but thanks to fuel-reduction work done earlier this year, the flames didn’t get far.

Firefighters quickly knocked the blaze down with help from the U.S. Forest Service, Cloverdale Fire District, Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Two individuals and a dog were displaced by the fire, a cat is still unaccounted for. 

REACH was contacted to provide assistance to the occupants of the RV.  

Investigators couldn’t determine an exact cause, but believe the fire was accidental.

Officials say this is an example of why defensible space matters. Earlier thinning and vegetation removal in the Juniper Ridge area helped contain the spread of the fire.

Here is information on what simple steps to take to create defensible space around your home or business: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/emergency-preparedness/own-your-zone.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just before 3 a.m. on Sunday morning, Bend Police responded to a roll-over car crash on Highway 97 near Murphy Road. When first responders arrived, they found the car on fire.

According to witnesses, the single vehicle involved was traveling northbound at about 80 mph on Highway 97 before leaving the road and driving onto an embankment on Murphy Road. The vehicle rolled several times before coming to rest.

Bend Police were able to remove both occupants from the burning vehicle. The driver, a 31-year old man from Portland, was partially ejected and sustained critical injuries. The passenger, a 29-year old Redmond resident, was ejected and sustained injuries; he is in stable condition.

Northbound lanes on Highway 97 were closed for approximately 4.5 hours as officials investigated.

You can read the full statement from Bend Police below:

At approximately 2:53 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, Bend Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on the northbound lanes of the Bend Parkway near Murphy Road.

Witnesses reported the vehicle, a blue Volkswagen Passat, was traveling at approximately 80 MPH before driving off the road and onto the embankment near Murphy Road. The vehicle rolled several times, ejecting the passenger and partially ejecting the driver.

As officers arrived on scene, the vehicle was in flames. Officers pulled the driver from the burning vehicle and both men were transported to St. Charles. The driver, a 31-year-old Portland resident, was critically injured. The passenger, a 29-year-old Redmond resident, was injured but in stable condition.

The northbound lanes of the Parkway were shut down for approximately 4.5 hours as traffic reconstruction team members investigated the scene.

This is an ongoing investigation. Bend Police would like to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance on this incident.

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Triton Notary

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Two juveniles face felony charges after damaging construction materials at Sam Johnson Park in Redmond Tuesday night. Surveillance video shows them entering the fenced area of the Hope Playground project. They overturned a bucket of industrial adhesive, causing thousands of dollars in damage. A school resource officer later identified and arrested them both. They now face charges including felony criminal mischief. The playground is still closed for resurfacing, but is expected to reopen in early October. City leaders want to reiterate parks are open sunrise to sunset. If you see something suspicious, call Redmond police.

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Cami Porter

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hayden Homes just received a major national honor. It ranked #3 on Fortune Magazine’s 2025 Best Workplaces in Construction list. It made that list for the 2nd time. The company also ranked #21 on Fortune’s 2025 Best Medium Workplaces list.

And, in this year’s Hayden Homes’ Great Place to Work survey results, 98% of all team members said the company is a great place to work. That includes 100% of all women and minority team members. Hayden Homes says that’s a ranking of more than 40% higher than the average U.S. company.

Below is the entire media release:

Hayden Homes is honored to announce that Great Place To Work® and Fortune Magazine have selected the company for two prestigious awards representing its positive culture, employee experience, leadership and community-driven work.

For its first recognition, Hayden Homes ranked 3rd on the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces in Construction™ List. This is Hayden Homes’ 2nd time being named to this prestigious list. Earning a spot means that Hayden Homes is one of the best companies to work for in the country. The Best Workplaces in Construction award is based on analysis of survey responses from nearly 54,000 employees at Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the construction industry.

The second recognition celebrates Hayden Homes’ ranking as 21st on the 2025 Fortune Best Medium Workplaces™ List, elevating the company out of all medium-sized workplaces in the nation, not just those in construction. This award is highly competitive. To determine the Best Medium Workplaces list, Great Place To Work analyzed the survey responses of over 228,000 employees from Great Place To Work Certified™ companies with between 100 and 999 U.S. employees.

Great Place to Work, which is the global authority on workplace culture, chooses its honorees based on the survey data and a company’s ability to offer positive outcomes for employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status, or other demographic identifier.

“Small and medium businesses can compete with anyone for talent when they build an irresistible culture,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO at Great Place To Work. “These companies make the most of their strategic advantages as smaller organizations, ensuring every employee feels recognized for their contributions and rewarded with their fair share of the benefits of success.”

Survey Says: 98-100% Are Proud To Share They Work at Hayden Homes

This year in Hayden Homes’ Great Place to Work survey results, 98% of all team members–and 100% of all women and minority team members–said the company is a great place to work, compared with an average of just 57% of employees who felt the same at other companies in the U.S. That’s a ranking of more than 40% higher than the average U.S. company.

Hayden Homes offers a home purchase discount program, 401k match of up to $10,000 per year and up to 16 hours of paid volunteer time per year, encouraging team members to contribute directly to nonprofits in their communities. Team members are also active participants in uplifting events such as wall raisings and key dedication ceremonies for First Story–a nonprofit founded by Hayden Homes in 1998 that provides homeownership opportunities to under-resourced families, breaking cycles of generational poverty. The company offers a 100% match for team member paycheck contributions to First Story, totaling more than $1.8 million dollars to date, with more than 85% participation from team members.

“We are so proud to be ranked among the nation’s top employers in both the construction field and amongst all medium-sized companies,” said Patti Murphy, vice president of employee engagement with Hayden Homes. “Our culture is deeply rooted in our Give As You Go™ philosophy; which means we prioritize people, encourage volunteerism, and support our community in ways that make a real difference. This shared purpose transforms our day-to-day work into a mission that we are grateful has such value and meaning to our team members. They are the reason we have achieved these accolades.”

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to a massive influx of seized dogs, including 46 poodles and 33 Toy Australian Shepherds, the Humane Society of Central Oregon said they are currently not accepting new intakes. Currently, the shelter is running at a 200% capacity.

The Humane Society noted that the 46 poodles rescued from an Alfalfa Puppy Mill can not be adopted at this time because they are part of an ongoing court case, and the timeline is unknown.

They added that the best way to help is by adopting one of their many other animals, or fostering a pet who’s ready for a home today. If adoption isn’t possible, a donation will go towards food, medical care, and supplies for animals that urgently need them.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, adding comments from Redmond mother, CODSN)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Some Oregon families are concerned after learning programs supporting children with disabilities are losing federal funding.

“What’s next? How much more am I going to have to advocate?” said Redmond mother, Nicole Pierce.

Pierce is concerned about what this means for her 12-year-old daughter, Natalie.

Natalie Pierce is considered deaf and blind, with partial sight in her right eye. Redmond High School students and staff may recognize her since she was their sparrow back in 2023-24. 

She has a rare genetic syndrome called CHARGE. Only 1 in 10,000 babies are born with this condition. 

Despite the challenges of her condition, Natalie remains resilient.

“Everybody is always astounded when they get to meet her and see just how far she’s come in life,” said Pierce.

Based on her diagnosis, Natalie qualifies for a lot of services in Oregon. One of those is the Oregon DeafBlind Project, which serves a little over 100 students statewide. 

Pierce notes that since few children in the state have similar needs, the DeafBlind Project plays a crucial role in connecting families and providing essential support.

Last week, the Oregon DeafBlind Project received notice that its federal grant funding would be eliminated. 

At the same time, the Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN) is also losing its federal parent resource grant. The organization supports over 4,000 families across eight rural counties.

The organization says they’re losing about 150,000 dollars, and Hansen says the loss would hit rural families the hardest.

“Services in in central Oregon are already limited,” Nicole Pierce said. “It’s going to be more isolating.”

CODSN provides parents with training, advocacy, and tools to navigate special education.

“Quite frankly, we aren’t going to be able to provide the support that we’ve been providing,” said Dianna Hansen, Executive Director for the Central Oregon Disability Support Network.

The cuts come from the U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to renew certain IDEA Part D grants, citing language in applications that referenced diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Many applications for federal funding received approval during President Joe Biden’s administration, which often included requirements related to equity to qualify for government funding.

According to the notice of non-continuation of the grant award, CODSN’s application contained information that conflicts with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education.

“They’re using that information from 2021 that we were specifically asked to answer, against us. So that was shocking,” said Hansen.

The Department of Education has not responded to KTVZ’s request for comment.

CODSN has filed an appeal with the Department of Education. 

Some Oregon lawmakers are showing their support. Rep. Bynum, Sen. Merkley, and Sen. Wyden wrote a joint letter urging the department to restore funding.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday night on downtown Bend’s Peace Corner, hundreds gathered to honor recent lives lost due to violence and those that died on 9/11 24 years ago.

Credit: Jessica Stockel

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At 6:30, the 10th-annual candlelight vigil organized by The Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance took place in the same location, honoring those that have lost their lives to suicide.

Credit: Deschutes County Health Services

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Triton Notary

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, along with other lawmakers from California and Oregon, aimed at giving wildfire victims better access to relief funds. Below are the full details.

Bynum Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Support Victims of Wildfires

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced H.R. 5225, the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act, alongside Reps. LaMalfa (R-CA), Thompson (D-CA), McClintock (R-CA), Sherman (D-CA), and Bentz (R-OR).

The legislation builds on the law passed in December 2024 as part of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act (Public Law 118-148), which ensures wildfire survivors aren’t taxed on payments meant to cover their certain disaster losses or costs, including living expenses, lost wages, or compensation for injury, death, or emotional distress, if the fire was declared a federal disaster between 2020 and 2025.

This bill extends that same protection through 2032 and allows victims to claim the exemption in the year they receive payments, instead of having to amend prior tax returns and wait for IRS refunds.

“When families are trying to pick up the pieces after a wildfire, they don’t need Uncle Sam taking a cut of their relief,” said Rep. Bynum. “This bipartisan bill ensures that wildfire survivors won’t be taxed on the very funds that are meant to help them rebuild their lives and homes. I’ll continue working with anyone – Democrat, Republican, or Independent – to prevent wildfires and support victims in the aftermath.”

“People who lose everything in a wildfire should not have to face the added burden of being taxed on payments that are supposed to help them recover,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This bill gives wildfire victims certainty and fairness in the tax code while making sure they can focus on rebuilding their lives instead of fighting with the IRS to change past tax returns to receive refunds.”

“Californians are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires. In the wake of losing their homes and livelihoods, it is wrong to tax survivors on settlement money that is meant to help them rebuild their lives. Survivors can’t afford to wait around for Congress to provide them retroactive relief,” said Rep. Thompson. “I am proud to work with my colleagues to ensure future settlements to survivors remain tax exempt through 2032, so Americans struck by disaster can focus on rebuilding their lives.”

“Californians are constantly under threat of wildfire,” said Rep. McClintock. “This bill reauthorizes commonsense protections and ensures victims are supported when tragedy strikes.”

“The Palisades Fire in my district caused immense devastation, displaced many families and destroyed entire communities, and the last thing fire victims should face is a tax bill on their recovery assistance,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “This legislation ensures that fire victims in my district and around the country are not unfairly taxed as they focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.” 

“The horrific wildfires in the West have cost families their property, homes, and in some cases their jobs. Until late last year, the United States Tax Code added insult to injury by taxing settlement funds meant for recovery,” said Congressman Bentz. “People who lose their homes and wages due to wildfire should not be taxed on the funds they received as result of these disasters. By extending such protections through 2032, we are helping victims get at least a little closer to recovery from their losses.” 

The extension represents a bipartisan commitment to ensuring wildfire survivors receive the help they need without facing additional financial stress. By extending this tax relief, Congress is giving families and individuals the certainty they deserve while they work to recover and rebuild after devastating fires.

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. — (KTVZ) The September 11th attacks forever changed America — and for two KTVZ broadcasters, the memories of that morning remain unforgettable.

Jason Carr and Bob Shaw were live on the air when the first images of the burning World Trade Center appeared. Shaw recalled watching the second plane strike: “I watched it fly in and hit the second tower.”

Carr said the moment was hard to process. “We both looked at each other dumbfounded. When the second plane hit, that’s when it really changed everything.”

Both men say the events reshaped their view of journalism and community. “There was a level of patriotism and people coming together in a way I hadn’t seen in my lifetime,” Carr said.

Shaw added, “It didn’t matter what political party you belonged to. We were all Americans. My biggest memory was how my parents grieved and how they reacted.”

As Central Oregonians remember the lives lost, Carr and Shaw say the lessons of 9/11 — resilience, unity, and reflection — still resonate today.

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