Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new chapter begins for one of Bend’s most storied buildings as the restored Westman boutique hotel opens reservations ahead of its highly anticipated fall debut.

Located at 777 Northwest Wall Street in the heart of downtown, The Westman breathes new life into the city’s former and once vibrant United States Post Office, with 23 uniquely designed guest rooms and elevated, community-driven common space areas, the hotel said in Thursday’s announcement, which continues in full below:

Named after Minnie Westman, a trailblazing mail carrier west of the Mississippi River, the consciously refined, independently Oregonian-owned and operated hotel pays tribute to her enduring legacy of grit and independence. Hailed in a New York Times article as someone who “carries the mail night and day and fears nothing,” Westman’s pioneering spirit comes to life through the hotel’s identity and design.

Experts from Oregon-based Embarcadero Hospitality Group, Emerick Architects, R&H Construction, LRS and other local artists and makers came together for the adaptive reuse project that is a love letter to Bend and the Pacific Northwest.

The space blends historic preservation with contemporary comforts as the development team prioritized sustainability by retaining as much of the original structure as possible, including over 175,000 bricks, 1,900 square feet of terrazzo flooring, 1,000 tons of concrete and 44 original windows to significantly reduce the building’s environmental footprint.

At The Westman, guests will find a thoughtful blend of old and new. The space offers:

A cozy lobby bar and parlor anchored by a brass Art Deco-inspired fireplace that invites travelers and locals to gather for food, drinks and games. For a more private experience, guests have access to in-room mini bar set ups with locally curated offerings.

Oversized outdoor heated soaking pool for moments of relaxation and serenity alongside a lush courtyard with communal fire pits and comfortable seating, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

23 distinctly different hotel rooms that evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. The spaces are each designed to showcase the building’s unique architectural elements, some of which boast 16-foot ceilings, 10-foot-by-5-foot windows, private outdoor patios with fire pits and 700-square-foot mezzanine suites.

A prime location in the heart of vibrant downtown Bend, mere steps from the city’s most beloved restaurants, breweries, boutiques and nature access points.

“The Westman is driven by the same bold spirit as our namesake – we’re unafraid to do things differently and committed to excellence. Our team delivers standout service and works closely with local partners to create immersive, experience-rich stays that reflect the vibrancy of Bend and the region,” said Sondra Storm from Embarcadero Hospitality Group. “At The Westman, we deliver a high-touch, deeply personal level of service. Our strong local partnerships allow us to create experience-driven stays that feel both elevated and truly connected to Bend.”

With bookings now open, The Westman invites guests to be a part of its next chapter. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://westmanhotelbend.com/ and follow along on Instagram at @thewestmanhotelbend.

The Westman Development Credits

Embarcadero Hospitality Group

Emerick Architects

LRS Architects

R&H Construction

Schuster Constructive Solutions LLC

Wallop

ZoePDX

About The Westman

Located in the heart of Bend, Oregon, The Westman is a 23-room boutique hotel set in a restored 1930s United States Postal Office building. Designed as a must-see destination for travelers and locals alike, the hotel embodies the spirit of Oregon that honors the past while providing an upscale, authentic experience. Learn more at https://westmanhotelbend.com/.

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Tyson Beauchemin

(Update: Correcting name of judge who conducted mock trial)

RREDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The second annual Junior Women’s Law Enforcement Academy was underway in Redmond Thursday. For two days, young women are spending the day with police officers, learning what it’s like to do their job.

The program is a passion project from the group Central Oregon Women and Law Enforcement.

KTVZ heard from some of the attendees who came back for a second time.

“It was really interesting when I talked to the other female officers,” said Marlie Verduzco, “I’d suggest other girls try it, because it was really fun.”

“Coming here has definitely made me consider, like dispatch.” said Brooklyn Cobb, “It’s really interesting and like, just most of the things are interesting.”

The academy is not just about learning about being a patrol officer. Police are represented from start to finish during the camp. From dispatch to booking, every position is there and represented by a woman. Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson even presided over a mock trial as part of the academy.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced Thursday approximately $720 million nationwide in settlements with eight drug makers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis.

Based on the overwhelming participation by Attorneys General across the country, all eight defendants have agreed to proceed with a sign-on period for local governments. Oregon will receive up to $10.1 million in all.

“Opioid drug makers must be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused to families and communities across Oregon, and this settlement is part of our ongoing efforts to seek justice,” Rayfield said. “No amount of money can rewind the clock, but this money will allow us to continue building a future free from this crisis by investing in drug treatment, prevention, and recovery support across our state.”

The eight defendants and the total amount they will pay in funds to address the opioid crisis as part of the deal are:

Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284,447,916 paid over nine years

Hikma: $95,818,293 paid over one to four years

Amneal: $71,751,010 paid over 10 years

Apotex: $63,682,369 paid in a single year

Indivior: $38,022,450 paid over four years

Sun: $30,992,087 paid over one to four years

Alvogen: $18,680,162 paid in a single year

Zydus: $14,859,220 paid in a single year

In addition to these abatement payments, several of the settlements allow states to receive additional funds or free harm reduction pharmaceutical products. Oregon has chosen to receive additional funds.

Additionally, seven of the companies (not including Indivior) are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products, making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill, and are required to put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior has agreed to not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid use disorder.

The settlements were negotiated by North Carolina, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.

In Oregon, settlement funds are distributed:

45% to the state: Directed into the Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Fund, established by Oregon statute in 2022.

55% to counties and cities: Distributed to support local opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

The $10.1 million recovery for Oregon in this settlement is in addition to the approximately $700 million Oregon will receive from settlements entered into since July 2021 in national lawsuits against several pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and retailers for their role in the opioid crisis – including a $66 million settlement agreement announced in June from the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes Children’s Foundation is sounding the alarm that the State of Oregon is being forced to make cuts in key services such as assistance to crime victims and survivors, due to losses in federal funding.

Oregon just announced that Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding is being reduced by $18.5 million, a significant reduction that threatens critical programs that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking across Oregon.  

The foundation said in a news release that “these cuts put at risk the availability and accessibility of essential support for those who need it most. While DCF does not receive VOCA funding directly, nonprofit on-campus partners at three out of the organization’s four campuses do—including J Bar J Youth Services, KIDS Center, and Saving Grace.  

“We are concerned about finding funding for our coordinated human trafficking task force that serves the Tri-County region and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs,” said Stephanie Alvstad, executive director of J Bar J Youth Services. “This task force and the services tied to it are lifelines for youth in crisis. The potential loss of funding jeopardizes our ability to respond to and protect those most at risk.” 

While it is not yet known exactly how each program will be affected, the foundation said this cut undoubtedly means fewer resources and greater barriers for survivors seeking help. 

“This funding loss is not just about dollars,” said Cassi MacQueen, DCF Executive Director. “It’s about the safety and well-being of real people, of children and families who have experienced trauma and desperately need support and care. Our partners do the life-changing work of walking alongside survivors. When they lose resources, our entire community feels the impact”. 

Community-based organizations that offer front-line support and resources to survivors are critical for our community’s safety and play a vital role in ensuring children and families in Central Oregon can begin the process of recovery after experiencing senseless violence and trauma, oftentimes at the hands of a family member or someone they trust. The loss of funding to help with recovery means victims may remain trapped in limbo. 

DCF’s four campuses house 23 nonprofit organizations that serve more than 19,000 children and families each year. As a hub for nonprofits, DCF sees every day how essential these services are to the health and well-being of our community, and how important it is to ensure these organizations have the support they need to continue their work. 

About Deschutes Children’s Foundation 

Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year. 

For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org. 

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Barney Lerten

(Adding video from tonight’s KTVZ News, full KTVZ+ recorded livestream of news conference)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Reverend Thomas Hennen was introduced Thursday as the newly chosen bishop-elect of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker, which spans more than 66,000 square miles of Central and Eastern Oregon, succeeding retiring Bishop Liam Cary.

KTVZ News livestreamed the news conference (the full recording is above) from the Redmond offices of the diocese, at which both Cary and Hennen spoke to reporters and the assembled audience.

First, here’s the formal announcement from the diocese:

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker; Appoints Rev. Thomas Hennen as Successor

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Baker, and has appointed Reverend Thomas Hennen, as Bishop-elect of Baker. Father Hennen is a priest of the Diocese of Davenport and currently serves as the diocese’s vicar general and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa. The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Hennen was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Father Hennen was born July 4, 1978, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Bishop-elect Hennen pursued studies at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a bachelor’s in sacred theology (2003). He received a licentiate of sacred theology (2005) from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome. Father Hennen was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 2004.

Bishop-elect Hennen’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Prince of Peace parish in Clinton (2005-2010); campus minister and parochial vicar, Newman Center and Saint Mary in Iowa City (2010-2011); chaplain and theology teacher at Assumption High School in Davenport (2014-2017).

He also served at Sacred Heart parish in Oxford Junction, Saint James parish in Toronto, Sacred Heart parish in Lost Nation and Saints Philip and James parish in Ground Mound (2015); chaplain and director of campus ministry at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport (2017-2021); parochial vicar at Saint Anthony parish in Davenport (2017-2018).

Since 2021, he has served as priest moderator of Saint Andrew parish in Blue Grass and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.

Bishop-elect Hennen’s additional responsibilities for the Diocese of Davenport have included: director of vocations (2011-2018); associate director of vocations (2018-2021); consultor and vicar general (2020-present). Bishop-elect Hennen speaks English, Spanish, and Italian. 

The Diocese of Baker is comprised of 66,826 square miles in the State of Oregon and has a total population of 532,734, of which 33,356 are Catholic.

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In introducing and welcoming Hennen, Cary said, “It’s the law” of the church that a bishop submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75. Cary said he did so three years ago and was told “‘we’ll send you someone to take your place.’ They didn’t say when. I enjoyed being bishop, so I was in no hurry.”

Hennen first told the audience: “I’m honored, I’m humbled — and to be honest, more than a little scared.” But he appeared more than ready to embrace his new role.

“The bad news is, you’re getting a rookie. I’ve got a lot to learn,” the 47-year-old said. “The good news is, you’re getting a rookie, so I know I’ve got a lot to learn. Please teach me!”

Bishop-Elect Hennen acknowledged he is is young for a bishop, saying “I’m comforted by the words of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah, who protested that he was too young. ‘Do not say, I am too young to whomever I send you. You shall go. Whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.’” Hennen punctuated his point by adding: “This, in fact, was the first reading at my priestly ordination 21 years ago.” 

Hennen thanked Pope Leo for placing his trust in him, then congratulated Cary on his retirement but drew a laugh when he quickly added, “Please don’t go anywhere – I need you!

Hennen, the youngest of 11 children, smiled aplenty, but his voice trembled with emotion when he said his brother, Michael, died suddenly four years ago this month.

Asked by KTVZ News about his priorities, Hennen said first and foremost, he will be traveling around the large diocese and getting to know the people, and learn what their needs are.

“This diocese is larger than the whole state of Iowa,” Hennen said, so “I will have a lot of windshield time.”

Asked if he’d ever been to Oregon before, Hennen spoke of visiting as a “pretty little kid” who picked up a jellyfish on the coast – but didn’t get stung.

He also was asked about a recent decision by the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, which told members concerned about immigration raids they were waiving their obligation to attend Mass. But Hennen did not weigh in, saying his first priority was “getting through this press conference, and in the next few days and weeks,” dealing with “pastoral prorities.”

Hennen also told those on hand his hobbies include strategy board games and running, though he hasn’t done the latter since injuring himself in a Memorial Day event.

The announcement gathering ended with a prayer, and Cary said Hennen’s ordination will take place Sept. 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bend.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – A single spark can change everything, and stopping a fire before it has a chance to impact communities can change lives. Community risk reduction through education, prevention, and proactive outreach is at the heart of this work.

Many Oregonians rely on their local fire agency or community members to help prevent fires and share life-saving knowledge.

Each year, the Oregon State Fire Marshal recognizes two individuals or agencies that champion fire prevention education with the Golden and Silver Sparky Awards. 

Golden Sparky Award recipient Charlie Lesiecki, a volunteer firefighter at Central Coast Fire & Rescue District, was recognized for his years of volunteer service and leadership in fire prevention.

He leads his district’s smoke alarm program, supports safety inspections, and helps property owners reduce wildfire risk. As safety committee chair, he ensures facilities meet OSHA standards. His creative outreach and hands-on efforts have made a lasting impact across the community. 

Silver Sparky Award recipients from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Fire Corps consist of a team of nearly 50 dedicated volunteers who have served the communities of Sisters and Camp Sherman with extraordinary energy and care since 2015.

The fire corps has set the standard for community risk reduction. Over the past year, they trained 171 people in lifesaving skills, completed 82 smoke alarm calls, conducted 170 wildland home assessments, and supported firefighters during emergencies. They’ve reached hundreds through safety events, school programs, and holiday efforts, building a stronger, safer community every step of the way. 

Members of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Fire Corps are presented with the 2025 Silver Sparky Award by members of the Oregon fire service. (Photo: Oregon State Fire Marshal)

The sparky awards have been given annually since 1977. The golden sparky recognizes a fire service member or fire agency, and the silver sparky recognizes a civilian or a civilian agency. This is the highest state fire service honor given by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

To see past award recipients and their work, check out the state fire marshal’s sparky award webpage. 

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, recorded livestream from meeting with reporters)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, announced Thursday that he will seek re-election to a fourth term in 2026, “pledging to continue to fight for working families and stand firm against growing threats to democracy, freedom, and economic justice,” his campaign stated.

“For years, I’ve worked to lift up the voices of ordinary Americans and take on the powerful interests that rig our system,” Merkley said. “Now, with Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies working overtime to destroy the checks and balances of our ‘We the People government’ and shred programs families rely on, we’re in the fight of our lives, and I’m not backing down.”

You can watch his message to his fellow Oregonians by clicking here.

Merkley also spoke with reporters Thursday afternoon, and we have some of his remarks livestreamed on KTVZ.COM and KTVZ+ on this article.

Here is the rest of the full announcement from the senator:

In the Senate, Merkley has built a reputation as a bold, relentless progressive, fighting to protect voting rights, take on corruption, tackle the climate crisis, and expand housing and health care. He has been a fierce champion for reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, civil liberties, and consumer protections. He’s led national efforts to stop billionaires from buying elections, strengthen American democracy, and hold Wall Street accountable. His work has been driven by one clear goal: building a country where families thrive and billionaires pay their fair share.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, Merkley has been on the front lines pushing back against what he calls the Republicans’ “families lose, billionaires win” agenda. He condemned Trump’s efforts to slash Medicaid, gut food assistance, and demolish clean energy progress, all to hand massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy at the expense of hardworking Americans.

Before joining the Senate, Merkley served in the Oregon House of Representatives. As Speaker of the House, he led efforts to expand affordable housing, balance the state budget, advance clean energy, defend marriage equality, and throw payday lenders out of Oregon. 

Raised in a blue-collar Oregon family, with a father who worked as a union machinist, Merkley was the first in his family to graduate from college. He still lives in the neighborhood where he grew up and remains rooted in Oregon values: equity, community, sustainability, and opportunity for all. Since 2009, he’s held town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, listening directly to the people he serves and bringing their voices to the Senate floor.

“This is a dark and dangerous time for our democracy, and the only way through it is together,” Merkley said. “I’m asking Oregonians to be my partners once again — to join me, organize, vote, and stop Trump’s march toward a strongman authoritarian state. If we stand together, we can win a future where every child grows up with real opportunity, every family has a fair shot, and future generations inherit a democracy that works for all of us.”

You can learn more and get engaged with Jeff Merkley’s campaign for re-election by visiting www.jeffmerkley.com.

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Tyson Beauchemin

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s a new bookstore in Prineville with a bit of a twist. Oliver Books has opened its doors on Court Street.

The owner, Hannah Oliver, says it’s always been her passion to own and operate a bookstore. That passion shows in the inventory of the store. It has the staples of classic literature, trending BookTok books and obscure, hidden gems.

They sell both new and used books and have a surprising selection of current best-sellers with only one previous owner. There is even a room dedicated to valuable vintage and antique books.

As important as the books are, the owner has gone out of her way to create areas in the store for people to sit and read together.

“They give the community a place to go and spend time with other people,” Oliver said. “To develop community with other people. I believe that a bookstore is a perfect place for that. And these spaces are not very plentiful in Prineville. And so it was something that was important to me, to provide that space that people could go and spend time and know that they don’t have to pay.”

The store has also become a meeting place for local craft clubs and parents who read to their children after school.

Oliver Books is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can even shop online, using the store’s website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ — The Wanoga Downhill Trails project, which has been years in the making, broke ground in mid-June and plans to add a total of five mountain bike trails to the Wanoga Sno-Park Complex. Two of the trails opened to the public Wednesday, including an advanced/black downhill flow trail and a climbing trail.

Most of the trails in this zone will be intermediate or advanced, with jumps, drops, and bermed turns and an elevation gain of 350 to 400 feet. The remainder of the trails are expected to open by the end of summer.

This project is supported by the Bend Sustainability Fund, a Visit Bend Project. Funding from the Bend Sustainability Fund allowed the Central Oregon Trail Alliance to hire a seasonal trail builder to build a portion of the trails and to hire Sensus R.A.D Trails, known for their freeride and slopestyle trail building style, to build the remainder of the trails. The downhill trail that opened Wednesday was built by Sensus R.A.D. Trails.

COTA advocated to the U.S. Forest Service for the project for years after listening to public desire for more freeride and slopestyle trails.

COTA volunteers have also been critical to the success of the project. In particular, Tom Lomax, the former Director of Operations for Mt. Bachelor, has been critical to the project’s success.

“This project has a lot of moving parts. Without Tom, Sensus R.A.D. Trails, the Bend Sustainability Fund, the Forest Service, and COTA’s staff and many volunteers, this project would not have come together as smoothly as it has,” said Emmy Andrews, COTA’s executive director.

The Wanoga Downhill Trails project is part of the larger West Bend Trails Project, which was approved by the Deschutes National Forest in January after undergoing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

This project will include several trail additions across the Deschutes National Forest and improve wildlife core habitat availability and connectivity by decommissioning unofficial routes.

COTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that builds and maintains trails in public land throughout Central Oregon. COTA’s mission is to develop, protect, and enhance the Central Oregon mountain bike experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, collaboration, and education. COTA currently stewards 600 miles of trails, including 14 miles of winter fat biking trails, and 5 bike parks in the tri-county area.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit (CET) will launch Route 8, a new fixed-route bus line serving Northeast Bend, starting next Monday.

The new pilot service will operate Monday-Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM to help connect people to jobs, schools, shopping, and recreation opportunities.

Route 8 will start and end at Hawthorne Station, which is CET’s main transit hub that provides connecting bus services throughout Bend and the region. 

An express route to Cascade Village 

Route 8 offers express service from Hawthorne Station to Cascade Village, which is a great option for employees and shoppers to quickly access one of Bend’s busiest retail hubs from Hawthorne Station. 

Accessible transit connections to popular destinations 

Route 8 utilizes ADA-accessible buses to serve Sky View Middle School and Realms High School, as well as newer housing communities such as Canal Commons and Empire Village Townhomes.

Major employer sites such as Les Schwab Headquarters, Humm Kombucha, the Boyd Acres Industrial Park, and the future City of Bend Public Works Campus are also along the route for commuters looking to save money on gas and vehicle expenses.

Route 8 also provides access to Pine Nursery Park, a local favorite for biking, walking, rolling, and sports activities. 

Hop on Route 8 for free and explore nearby amenities 

Route 8 is currently designed as a free pilot route to connect Northeast Bend residents to services and amenities via transit.

“Route 8 helps fill a gap in transit services in Northeast Bend,” noted Bob Townsend, CET Transportation Director. “CET is excited to launch this new pilot service to provide a new travel option for residents and visitors to access key destinations throughout Bend without needing to rely on a personal vehicle.” 

Route 8 maps, schedules, and additional information can be found on CET’s website at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/route-08/ 

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