Category: ktvz-local-news

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As midterm races approach, KTVZ is bringing viewers in-depth interviews with candidates in local and statewide contests.

If you have an issue or question you would like me to ask candidates who are running for local, state, and national races, reach out to me at spencer.sacks@ktvz.com.

I recently sat down with Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, a Republican candidate for Oregon governor. The two discussed topics including the recent Oregon Department of Transportation tax and fee increases, wildfires, education and immigration.

I opened the interview by asking Bethell why she is running for governor.

“Because it’s time that Oregon has a leader who understands the function of government from an executive perspective, not just a legislative perspective,” Bethell said. “As a Marion County commissioner, I have struggled for the last five years to have an active partner in the governor’s office with all the issues that we face across Oregon, from homelessness to housing to economic development.It feels like we’ve had an agenda-oriented individual in that office for far too long. I just want to come in and run the government so it’s efficient and effective. I want to lower the cost of government so that we’re not paying so much in taxes as citizens.”

I then asked what distinguishes Bethell from Republican front-runner Christine Drazan.

“I don’t come from the Legislature,” Bethell said. “I don’t have the need to create more laws and rules. My job as a commissioner is to make sure that my neighbors and my community are served properly, that businesses can thrive, and that our health and human services departments are effective.”

One of the major issues in the campaign is the recently passed ODOT funding bill. Bethell criticized the measure, which includes $4.2 billion in taxes and fees.

“We didn’t need to have that $4.2 billion tax package forced through,” she said. “What we needed was a leader to sit down with the director of ODOT and prioritize differently — to look at the funding space, live within their margins and partner locally.”

On immigration, Bethell addressed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Portland.

“Right now, Oregon doesn’t have a good grasp on who is here legally and illegally,” she told KTVZ. “I don’t believe it’s appropriate for anybody to be living among our community scot-free. We all have to earn our way. We all have to invest in the system, and we need to do it in a way that maintains safe communities. Unfortunately, I think the individuals who are here illegally have committed a crime. They should go back to their country of origin.”

The interview also touched on Oregon’s education system and newly released state performance numbers.

“One of the biggest challenges we have in Oregon today is that we don’t allow parents in the classroom like we once did,” Bethell said. “Parents are trying to survive, and they miss a lot of opportunities to know what is going wrong in our education system. School districts should be the ones running what’s happening in their neighborhoods.”

She added that Oregon’s current approach is “top-down” and lacks accountability.

“We need to go back to real accountability in the classroom,” Bethell said. “We need to be able to serve each kid individually. Every brain is different in how it learns and comprehends, and we’ve created a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t work. We’ve also removed academic standards — we’re not testing kids to determine whether they have the comprehensive foundation needed to move forward.”

Many residents in Eastern Oregon say they feel left out and ignored by state leadership. Sacks asked Bethell how she plans to connect with those communities if elected governor.

“I can understand why they feel left out and ignored, and I think that’s unacceptable,” Bethell said. “I made a commitment to set a table for them. I also inform them of the civic process and that the governor doesn’t have authority in every space, but the governor’s job is to listen and make connections.

“And while I am not a proponent of losing most of the best part of the state to Idaho, I understand that they want to be heard, and I’m going to show up for them.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Assistance League of Bend says it’s thrilled to announce the success of its recent fundraising event, Raise a Glass for the Kids, held to support Operation School Bell®, the organization’s signature philanthropic program.

This annual event brings together local community members, businesses, and supporters united by a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in Deschutes County., according to the organization, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

Here’s the rest of Thursday’s announcement: 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and donors, Raise a Glass for the Kids raised enough funds to provide new school clothing for 1,441 students in need.

These clothes are not just a basic necessity — they help foster self-confidence, encourage peer acceptance, and improve school attendance, enabling local children to thrive both academically and socially. 

This event represents more than raising funds — it’s a celebration of what we can achieve together as a community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and volunteered, and we are honored to work alongside such committed partners who share our vision of helping children succeed. 

Assistance League of Bend extends heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsors for their support: Cascade Disposal, Team Fitch John L. Scott Real Estate, Lucia Capital Group, Phagans’ Cosmetology Colleges, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Cascade Village Live Bend, and to our media partner, KTVZ.  Their contributions were instrumental in making this year’s event a tremendous success. 

With the help of our community, we are able to provide more than just clothing—we’re giving children the tools to build a brighter future. Thank you to all who helped make Raise a Glass for the Kids an unforgettable celebration of generosity and compassion. 

For more information about Assistance League of Bend and Operation School Bell, visit: https://www.assistanceleague.org/bend/.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: All power restored )

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 1,000 Central Electric Cooperative members lost power for about four hours Thursday due to an equipment issue at the Madras substation.

Co-op officials said line crews began repairs during the noon hour on a blown regulator at the substation.

An outage map around 3:30 p.m. showed more than 500 CEC members out of power north of Redmond and nearly 500 between Madras and Warm Springs. But only about 300 still were reported out of service shortly before 4 p.m.

An update posted to CEC’s Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. said power was restored for the last customers just after 3:30 p.m.

Earlier, CEC had stated, “We thank members for their continued patience, as our crews work as quickly and safely as possible.”

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s been a relatively mild and calm late fall so far, but with winter coming, Prineville Police had a fun suggestion Thursday for how to stay safe on slick sidewalks: Waddle like a penguin.

“It’s that time of year when the sidewalks turn into surprise skating rinks and suddenly everyone in town thinks they’re a figure skater… right up until gravity humbles them,” the department said in a Facebook post.

“So please, for the love of your tailbone, walk like a penguin:

Arms out like you’re questioning your life choices

Tiny steps like you just saw a Lego on the floor

Full waddle — the kind that would make actual penguins proud

Waddling = dignity protected

Walking normally = an audition for America’s Funniest Home Videos,” the safety post concluded.

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KTVZ

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) –– Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (both D-Oregon), alongside Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch (both R-Idaho) are leading a bipartisan coalition of 83 lawmakers in sending a letter Thursday to House leadership, requesting urgent reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Self Determination Act.

The bill, which the Senate unanimously passed in June, would reauthorize the program through fiscal year 2026 and provide lapsed payments for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the senators said in a news release.

Funding for the SRS program lapsed in September of 2023, with the last authorized payments distributed to counties in early 2024. They totaled more than $47.7 million, including more than $2.56 million for Central Oregon counties.

“. . . Counties and school districts across 41 states have seen a 63 percent cut in funding. This $177 million loss is devastating for rural communities, leading to school closures, delayed road and bridge maintenance and reduced public safety services. These are not abstract policy debates; they are tangible consequences for local governments and the communities that steward untaxed federal lands,” the letter reads.

Background on the SRS program:

The first SRS program co-authored by Wyden was authorized in 2000 with enactment of the SRS and Community Self-Determination Act.

This legislation specifically assists counties containing tracts of federally owned forest land that are tax-exempt.

The program provides payments to county governments in areas where those forests are located because counties do not receive tax revenue from federal land; the payments come through timber receipts and other revenue generating activities within U.S. national forests.

In Oregon, $78.4 million was spread across 33 counties to help pay for educational programs, emergency response systems and other services this past year.

Since the program was not reauthorized, county payments reverted to 1908 timber sharing law, which represents about an 80 percent cut for some counties.

The entire letter is here.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with Dr. Campbell of Recover Together Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The holidays are often portrayed as joyful, warm, and filled with togetherness — but for those in addiction recovery or struggling with mental health challenges, the season can look very different. Instead of comfort, many experience a spike in loneliness, grief, and emotional triggers.

Dr. David Campbell, Clinic and Program Director at Recover Together Bend Treatment Center, says the “holiday ideal” doesn’t match reality for many families.

“The holidays can certainly be a wonderful time for warmth, happiness, togetherness,” Dr. Campbell said Thursday. “But this idealized fantasy of the holidays can actually amplify vulnerabilities and those struggling with mental health and be triggering for people in substance abuse.”

Studies show that up to 50% of people relapse within the first three months of sobriety — and those rates can more than double during the holidays.

Dr. Campbell says some of the most common triggers are the ones right in front of us: family tension, disrupted routines, and returning to old places or people associated with past use.

“We get put back into certain environments where we used to maybe use,” he said. “Empty seats at the table can reopen old grief and loss wounds. Dysfunctional family dynamics can again resurface — that can be deeply triggering and activating for people that struggle.”

He recommends having a plan that includes boundaries, time limits, and support. Communication is key: let someone know you may need to step out, bring a sober friend, or keep a sponsor on standby. Loved ones can also play an important role by simply noticing when someone seems “off.”

“The holidays may not necessarily create pain, but they can certainly illuminate it,” Dr. Campbell said. “And so when we notice that people are struggling, it’s not a weakness. It’s not a moral failing. It’s not a lack of resilience. Being empathetic, kind, courteous, offering connection and support, and a lot of understanding can make all the difference in the world for those that are struggling.”

For anyone who feels this year is hitting harder than usual — maybe drinking more often or withdrawing from others — experts urge that you don’t ignore it. Even small steps can help someone stay grounded and enter the new year on more solid footing.

If you or someone you know is struggling this holiday season, reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust. You’re not alone.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) — The annual Christmas Parade is returning to the streets of downtown Bend, this Saturday, December 6th at noon.

Cascade Relays is producing the annual festivity for the first time. CEO and founder, Scott Douglass, said, “our north star of the Christmas Parade is and always remains putting smiles on the faces of the children of Bend.”

The annual Downtown Bend Christmas Parade is a staple of the holiday season, taking place every year for over 50 years.

Douglass said attendees should expect participants to include anyone, “from the fire department and the police department that are going to be in the parade all the way down to to local dog goups that wants to march in the parade with their frenchies.”

The goal of the annual festivities? To celebrate the community coming together.

The Grand Marshall of the 2025 Downtown Bend Christmas Parade is RL Garrigus. Folks selected to be the Grand Marshall are those who’ve had a widespread impact in the community.

Speaking on previous Grand Marshall’s Garrigus said they are, “really great people that have lived within the community, been a part of the community for many, many years. It’s a great honor.”

This year, the theme of the event is a Storybook Christmas, wrapping themes from all your favorite holiday tales.

Douglass recommends attendees get out by 10 am Saturday to secure their spots.

“Right there on Wall Street is such a beautiful place to watch the parade from. We’ll have our announcers stand right there at the intersection of Minnesota and Wall Street,” said Douglass.

In addition, with this being Cascade Relay’s first year producing the parade, they will be introducing a new and exciting race happening the same day, prior to the parade, the Mistletoe Miler. The three-mile fun run and walk will stretch along Deschutes River Trail, starting and finishing at Bend Brewing Co. in Downtown. There will be mistletoe moments, holiday cheer, and photo ops, all happening at 9:30 am.

The KTVZ News Team will also be participating in the parade, so feel free to say hello!

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Shannon Brady

It has been nearly a week after the expected opening day and Mt. Bachelor and this year is off to a slow start. The current base depth reads at just 2 inches.

Mt. Bachelor had an incredible 2024-2025 season. The resort opened early, on November 15th, which was the earliest open in 26 years. Don’t worry, because the four out of five of the last opening days were “late starts”. Mt. Bachelor shared with KTVZ the opening dates since 2020 and most were in early December.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a warm and wet Northwest through at least mid December. unfortunately, that pattern isn’t conducive for those “big dumps” we love to see. Temperatures are pushing 10-15 degrees above season averages into next week. The forecast calls for mostly rain and a wintry mix across the mountains which means totals won’t amount to much. You can expect 0-3″ by the end of the weekend. We will pick up more snow next week but it still looks pretty wet versus wintry.

Courtesy: Climate Prediction Center

Mt. Bachelor also shared with KTVZ average snowfall totals for the months of October through December. As expected, December usually pulls in the most snowfall, with an average of 88″ over the course of the month. The average total snowfall the mountain receives in a season is 410″.

Take a look below at the season snowfall totals for the last 10 years. The 2015-2016 season, the 2016-2017 season, the 2022-2023 season, and last year were all years the mountain received above average snowfall.

We are in a weak La Nina pattern which often provides above average snowfall across the Cascades. Last winter started as a weak La Nina but the event didn’t last long enough to be considered a La Nina winter.

El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a climate pattern defined by departures from normal in sea surface temperatures. La Nina is the cold phase, when sea surface temperature over the tropical Pacific Ocean are cooler than average and usually hint at a wetter and cooler winter in the PNW.

Courtesy: NOAA

There have been 25 La Nina winters since 1951, ten of those have occurred since 2000 but not every one has produced above average snowfall. ENSO Neutral is forecasted most likely in January to March 2026 which leads to pretty typical winter patterns and doesn’t hint at the forecast leaning any specific way.

This winter was forecasted to likely have a good snowpack with La Nina in place, but this season is slow to kick into gear. There is still time, but the region will need a few significant snow events to make up for it. Skiers and snowboarders will have to hold out on that opening day for a little while longer.

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Update from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office)

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Trent Michael Conley was arrested and taken into custody at about 7:50 a.m. Thursday. He was arrested by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Oregon State Police, and other agencies.

“There is no longer a threat to the community,” they said.

Near NW Galloway Avenue, in the east area of Highway 97, law enforcement remained present for a time. Residents were advised to “expect to see investigators and deputies in the area for the next few hours.”

DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr told KTVZ News Thursday afternoon that they might have more information to release in the case on Friday.

“The suspect is still at the hospital and hasn’t been booked into jail yet, and the team is in the process of interviewing both the suspect and the victim,” Carr told us.

The sheriff’s office sent Deschutes Alerts to area residents early Thursday about a hit-and-run that led to the manhunt, providing a description of the fugitive and advising them to stay inside and lock their doors.

The nearby manhunt prompted closure of Terrebonne Community School, on the advice of sheriff’s deputies.The school remained closed for the day after the arrest, as staff were unable to report to the building and bus routes were not operating, the Redmond School District reported.

Previous information

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says it is actively searching for a man wanted on a nationwide felony assault warrant, facing a slew of charges including Kidnapping I, Rape I, Assault II, Strangulation, Felony Hit and Run, Misdemeanor Hit and Run, Reckless Endangering, and Reckless Driving, following a single-vehicle rollover crash early Thursday morning near Terrebonne.

DCSO identified the suspect as 29-year-old Trent Michael Conley of Washington. According to the agency, Conley is believed to still be in the area and may be armed and dangerous.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office searching for felony suspect Trent Michael Conley near Terrebonne

The sheriff’s office said around 1:00 a.m. Thursday morning, deputies located a female who was injured and trapped inside of a vehicle next to the Alpaca Ranch property following a rollover crash. Conley allegedly fled the scene.

DCSO is asking residents in the area to remain alert, do not approach Conley, and immediately contact 911 if you see him.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a suspect who fled the scene of a single-vehicle rollover crash early this morning in the area of Odem Avenue South of Terrebonne. The crash occurred at 1:00 a.m. next to the Alpaca Ranch property, where deputies located a female who was injured and trapped inside the vehicle.

Deputies have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Trent Michael Conley of Washington State. Conley is wanted on a nationwide felony assault warrant and is facing additional charges from this incident, including Kidnapping I, Rape I, Assault II, Strangulation, Felony Hit and Run, Misdemeanor Hit and Run, Reckless Endangering, and Reckless Driving. 

Conley is believed to still be in the area and may be armed and dangerous. A K-9 unit and multiple deputies are actively searching the surrounding neighborhoods and properties. 

Residents in the area are asked to remain alert. Do not approach or attempt to contact Conley. Anyone who sees him should immediately call 911. 

This investigation remains active. Additional updates will be released as new information becomes available.”

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A major housing proposal in southwest Redmond faced an unexpected setback this week after the Redmond Urban Area Planning Commission voted to deny a new residential project from MonteVista Homes.

The proposal would have introduced a curvilinear-style neighborhood near Southwest Helmholtz Way — a design emphasizing winding, organic streets rather than Redmond’s traditional grid system.

MonteVista Homes CEO Luke Pickerill presented the project as an opportunity to rethink neighborhood design and create a community that feels open and connected to nature.“We’ve gone to great lengths to look inside the windows of the houses and show that everywhere you look in our community, you have a sense of openness — a place people want to call home,” Pickerill said.

Despite that vision, commissioners expressed concerns about traffic flow, pedestrian access, and potential infrastructure costs tied to the nontraditional layout. Those issues ultimately led to the project’s denial after less than 2 hours of discussion.

Pickerill said he was disappointed by the decision. “We had four and a half acres of less street and utility infrastructure that didn’t have to be maintained — land that went to build parks and open spaces,” he said. “And the city said no.”

Redmond Planning Director Kyle Roberts acknowledged the unusual nature of the denial, noting that staff typically work with developers to reach an agreement. “City Planning staff very rarely recommend denial for these sorts of projects,” Roberts said. “In this case, the proposal’s major departure from Redmond’s grid street standard and several other exceptions made it one staff could not support.”

Although the commission’s decision halts MonteVista’s current plan, members indicated the door could remain open for a revised version of the project. They suggested that with more detailed planning, data, and design adjustments, a future proposal might earn approval.

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