Category: ktvz-local-news

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 71st class of the Oregon Youth Challenge graduated today. The formal ceremony took place at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend, and marks the completion of an intensive 22-week program.

The program focues on regimented behavior and education. It offers youth a second chance, if they’re struggling with school or other problems.

Upon enrolling, students become ‘cadets’. Cadets are rigorously trained and drilled, on top of attending classes. For the duration of the program, they live on site in barracks with other students. The curriculum is designed to foster personal responsibility along side physical improvment

The program is challenging, and not everyone completes it – but the cadets who make it through say it transforms them. Graduation marks the completion of a hard-earned journey, and the beginning of something new.

Gabriel Tacia, a graduating cadet and a team leader, reflected on his journey within the program, “I’ve learned a lot of different things.” said Tacia, “From the beginning, I didn’t take this place seriously and I just wanted to go home. But now, like, I’ve gained a lot of new brothers and friends and I’ve never been as smart, I think.” Tacia went on to thank one of his cadre leaders named Yutes, for telling him to stick with it, when he felt lke quitting

Eli Hess, another cadet, is joining the Army National Guard following his graduation. The program didn’t just change Hess’ path, he says it saved him “If I didn’t go the challenge… (if I didn’t) join the challenge and go to the program… I’d probably be arrested or dead. So it’s a good thing,” Hess said.

Keira Rodriguez, a graduating cadet, encouraged others to focus on the long-term benefits of the program. “Definitely. Just think about the end goal, because it’s all worth it, in the end. Time is going to fly by,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said her experience was actual fun, in the end.

Cadets leaving the Oregon Youth Challenge pursue a variety of different directions. Some work to earn a G.E.D. or are planning to attend college. Other graduates return to high school to pick up where they left off. A rare few are so inspired by the program’s discipline and order that they choose to enlist in the armed forces.

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Several Central Oregon organizations are among more than a dozen across the state receiving e-mobility grants aimed at expanding access to electric transportation, from e-bikes and electric vehicles to charging stations.

The grants, funded through the Oregon Clean Fuels Program and administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, are designed to help organizations lower transportation costs, expand mobility, and improve charging access in the communities they serve.

In Central Oregon, Around the Bend Farms will use grant funding to purchase one electric truck and install two Level 2 chargers to support agricultural work and fresh produce distribution for marginalized communities across Central Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

The Central Oregon Avalanche Center will purchase two fully electric snowmobiles for forecasters, while Central Oregon Community College will add an electric van for campus mail delivery services.

Friends of the Children – Central Oregon will use the funding to help purchase two electric passenger vehicles to support youth and families across Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.

Furnish Hope plans to buy one electric vehicle and one electric transit van to help deliver furniture to underserved households in Central Oregon.

The High Desert Museum will purchase four fully electric UTVs to provide staff with a quieter and more efficient way to move around the grounds.

The Mountain View Community Development will use its grant to buy one electric light-duty truck to deliver food and supplies and provide rides to appointments and other services for unhoused clients in Central Oregon.

In Madras, the North Unit Irrigation District will purchase two electric light-duty trucks and two Level 2 chargers for operations staff and district manager use.

The Rooted Homes will install 18 Level 2 chargers to support resident EV use and promote sustainable transportation as part of its broader clean energy and affordability model.

Other Oregon recipients include Anson’s Bike Buddies, the City of Bonanza, Crooked River Watershed Council, Friends of the Children – Klamath Basin, and Lloyd Eco District.

Pacific Power said the grants are part of a broader effort to make electric transportation more accessible across its service area. The company said the projects will help communities increase mobility, reduce costs and expand access to charging.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

OREGON (KTVZ) — (UPDATE) KTVZ spoke with a parent, Kacey McCarney about this change. Here’s what they had to say:

“As a parent I can understand why they raised the age. But at the same time, I feel like, there’s a certain independence that kids get from it and a lot of things that they learn from it. We don’t just have two parent households here…So parents can’t just come and hang out for four hours every single day when their kid wants to. You know, I don’t look at it like it’s a babysitter. I look at it as an opportunity for my kid to be independent and to make memories.”

Watch the attached video for more details.

Original report:

The Oregon Health Authority is revisiting a new pool rule, shifting from a mandatory requirement to a recommendation for adult supervision of children under age 14 at general-use public swimming pools during open swim periods. This temporary change is effective for the current season, requiring pools to post signage reflecting the new guidance.

The agency will convene a public process this fall to gather input from parents, caregivers, public pool operators, lifeguards, regulators and other interested parties. This feedback will inform a final decision on whether to make the rule permanent or adopt a different approach.

The original rule, which formally took effect on April 1, 2025, mandated that children under age 14 receive direct supervision from a person aged 18 years or older.

Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of OHA’s Environmental Public Health Section, stated that the Food, Pool and Lodging Health and Safety Program is proposing additional discussion with the community and regulated partners. This action comes after hearing from parents and caregivers of older elementary and early middle school-age children, aiming to gather more input, ensure equitable access to public pools and continue to keep kids safe.

The Oregon Health Authority will notify all pool operators and local health inspectors about the temporary rule adoption, which amends the signage language. The upcoming temporary rule will require signs stating, “OHA recommends children under the age of 14 years have direct supervision by a person aged 18 years or older.”

The initial rule adopted in 2025 by OHA and its Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC serves as the primary national framework for aquatic safety. The age limit was based on national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has consistently shown a high rate of drowning deaths through age 13, with a subsequent drop starting at age 14. This same data indicates that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.

Even though the RAC unanimously agreed with the proposal for supervision of those 13 and younger, the extensive rulemaking process addressed a broad range of more technical issues, such as pool equipment and chemistry. Goldfarb noted that due to the technical nature of most rules, OHA typically receives participation from pool facility operators and builders, rather than community members using the pool.

Goldfarb also said that going forward, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its model codes, OHA plans to work to identify proposed changes that need community conversations to find the right path for Oregon.

The Oregon Health Authority will conduct a public process this fall to hear input from various stakeholders and use this information to decide on the future of the pool supervision rule, either making it permanent or adopting an alternative regulation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 86th Annual Sisters Rodeo kicks off Wednesday, bringing one of Central Oregon’s most iconic traditions back to life.

Known as “The Biggest Little Show in the World,” the Sisters Rodeo runs June 10 through June 14 at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds, drawing top-ranked PRCA athletes from across the country. The long-standing, volunteer-driven event is nationally recognized for its large prize purse and high level of competition.

From bronc riding and bull riding to barrel racing and steer wrestling, the rodeo continues to showcase world-class talent while celebrating the region’s deep Western heritage.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will be live from Sisters throughout opening day, bringing viewers a front-row look at the action, the atmosphere, and the community behind the event.

Catch live reports with KTVZ News at 4, 5, and 6 p.m., as well as on our FOX and NBC affiliates.

Organizers say this year’s rodeo promises packed stands, strong competition, and a full slate of family-friendly events as Sisters once again takes center stage in the rodeo world.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

Update: Adding video

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency for Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake and Malheur counties in Oregon. This declaration brings the total number of Oregon counties under drought emergency status to 17 out of 36.

The declaration, issued through Executive Order 26-09, directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance for the affected areas. This marks the fourth drought declaration in Oregon during 2026.

Drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats, and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies and increase wildfire risk.

The drought declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities. These tools include assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of May 19th, Douglas County was entirely in drought conditions ranging from moderate to extreme. 85% of the county was experiencing severe to extreme drought, with 11% in extreme drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index values for the current water year also show moderate to severe drought conditions, with some areas at extreme levels.

Harney County was 82% in moderate to severe drought, with 6% classified as severe drought, as of May 19th, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Lake County showed 88% in moderate to severe drought, including 5% in severe drought. Both counties have seen conditions worsen over the past 60 days, with SPEI values increasingly reflecting extreme drought in much of Lake County and some extreme drought levels in Harney County.

Malheur County was 63% in moderate to severe drought, including 40% classified as severe drought, as of May 19th. Conditions have worsened over the past 30 days, with SPEI values reflecting severe to extreme drought across much of the county. Gilliam County had 40% of its area experiencing moderate to severe drought, with 6% classified as severe drought. SPEI values indicate abnormally dry to moderate drought in the southern half of Gilliam County, with the rest near normal, though much of the county has been drier than normal over the past 60 days.

Previous drought declarations in 2026 include Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla counties in March. This was followed by declarations for Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties in April and for Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler counties in May. Seasonal climate and drought outlooks indicate that drought conditions in the newly declared counties are likely to persist.

The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely. State and local officials will coordinate with federal and Tribal partners. Conditions will be closely monitored by state natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

Click here to follow the original article.

CNN

This story was originally published by CNN. Click here for live updates.

(CNN) — Annual inflation rose to a three-year-high of 4.2% in May, underscoring how elevated energy prices are rippling through the US economy, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prices rose 0.5% on a monthly basis, driven higher by the US-Israeli war with Iran, the latest Consumer Price Index shows. The higher cost of energy accounted for 60% of the monthly increase.

Overall food prices and grocery prices didn’t rise as fast as they did in April, increasing 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, versus 0.5% and 0.7%.

Economists were expecting prices to rise 0.5% from the month before and for the annual rate to accelerate to 4.2% from the 3.8% reported in April, according to FactSet estimates.

“[4.2%] is still too hot for comfort, but the more important news was that the increase was concentrated mainly in energy, especially gasoline, rather than spreading widely across the economy,” economist Sung Won Sohn, a professor of finance and economics at Loyola Marymount University, wrote in a note on Wednesday.

The underlying inflation trends are running more muted. The closely watched “core” CPI gauge that strips out food and energy rose a slower-than-expected 0.2% from April, bringing the annual rate to 2.9%.

Still, May’s inflation data highlights the affordability concerns for Americans ahead of the midterms and puts fresh focus on President Donald Trump’s pledge to lower prices.

May’s release is the first inflation report since Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the chair of the Federal Reserve, succeeding Jerome Powell. With inflation moving in the wrong direction and the labor market showing signs of resilience, economists expect the US central bank to keep rates unchanged — or even consider raising them.

Overall prices aren’t rising as sharply as they did in March and April; however, the past three months have seen the fastest pickup in price hikes since the April through June period of 2022, when inflation was climbing to a 41-year high.

That’s an unsettling throwback; however, economists say that this bout of inflation isn’t expected to be as bad as the last one – current projections have CPI topping out in the range of 4.5% to 5% this year, as opposed to 9.1%.

Still, the latest war-driven price shock adds yet another layer of fast-rising prices, further compounding the effects of five years of high inflation. Affordability pressures are building, and Americans are likely to have an even harder time keeping up.

The fast-rising prices are outstripping workers’ paychecks, and that gap is widening: Annual real (inflation-adjusted) wages declined for the second month in a row, with the loss widening to 0.7% from 0.3% in April.

That could further erode Americans’ purchasing power, potentially weakening a critical economic engine in the process.

Stock futures pared some losses after the data report. S&P 500 futures were down 0.45%, compared to being down 0.75% before the report. Treasury yields were unchanged.

This story is developing and will be updated.

Click here to follow the original article.

Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: ADDING CONTENT FROM EVENT & QUOTES FROM RESIDENTS AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR CANDIDATES)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three finalists for the Madras City Administrator position recently engaged with community members during a 90-minute public meet-and-greet at Initiative Brewing in Madras. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and get to know the candidates, who are Brenda Fahey, Maurice Henderson II and Jody Yates.

The public event provided an important forum for both the community and the candidates as Madras seeks to fill its top administrative role. All three candidates have extensive backgrounds in public service, ranging from local government experience to federal government roles.

Deanne Boeshan, a resident of Madras, shared the qualities she seeks in the new city administrator. “I want somebody that’s honest. That tells us straight up what’s going on. If we have an issue, we can go to them and try to work out a solution to a problem. I don’t want to. I don’t want it to be a problem. I want us to be the solution to a problem.”

The candidates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact directly with the public. Fahey, a candidate for Madras City Administrator, found the session invaluable. “I think it was incredibly important. I was really grateful for the opportunity. I think getting to know folks and getting to hear what’s important to them, to community members, is really important.”

Henderson II, also a candidate for Madras City Administrator, noted the strong community involvement. “Obviously, you spent the last hour and a half with members of the community hearing their thoughts, their concerns, their interest in the role. And given the kind of turnout that we saw tonight, it’s clear that there’s a passion for this community.”

Yates, another candidate for the position, appreciated meeting local stakeholders. “It was awesome to meet so many small business owners and people just really invested in the community and knowing where it wants to go and they are valued.”

The finalists bring varied experience to the selection process.

Fahey currently serves as assistant city manager and human resources director for the City of The Dalles. She previously held various roles with the City of Portland.

Henderson II is a partner and co-founder of Two Degrees, a management consulting and communications firm. His prior experience includes serving as a senior adviser to former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and as chief of staff to former Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.

Yates, the third finalist, is the maintenance operations group director for the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Yates has more than 15 years of experience with the City of Portland, contributing to her 27 years of government experience.

The next phase for the candidates involves three more interview sessions. These interviews will be held with members of the city, community members and other stakeholders to help determine a final selection from the three candidates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The “Live Well, Age Well” senior resource fair was held today at The Pavilion in Bend. The event offered free information and activities to senior citizens.

The expo provided a range of services, including information on different types of housing and retirement options. Seniors also found support groups for memory and health issues. Many of these groups offered free medical exams. Attendees were also treated to free massages and food.

Bend resident Terrence Handler, who attended the event, praised the offerings. “This is fabulous. Yet another example of Bend having an incredible set of services for it’s community, Parks and Rec, all the things they do as well. The food was good,” Handler said in part. More activities for seniors are organized by Bend Parks and Rec.

Seniors interested in more Bend Parks and Rec activities can find events happening every day at the Larkspur Community Center.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tyson Beauchemin

Sisters, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 2026 Sisters Rodeo is scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 11, with newly crowned rodeo queen Naomi Bailey leading the celebration. Bailey, who recently graduated from Oregon State University, will participate in the rodeo as part of a busy week.

KTVZ met with Bailey on Tuesday, to get to know the newly crowned Queen.

Beyond preparing for the rodeo, Bailey’s schedule included graduating from OSU this week, and her upcoming birthday this weekend. But the rodeo is Bailey’s primary focus. Her connection to the rodeo world is long-standing, having previously served as the Benton County Fair rodeo queen and participated in FFA and other equestrian clubs.

In her interview today, Bailey shared one of her major passions, the management of wild mustang heards on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

Bailey expressed concern regarding the current state of wild mustang populations. “We have an overabundance of mustangs and a shrinking wilderness combined. That’s not necessarily a good thing,” Bailey said. “So we have a problem and I’m hoping to help solve that problem by promoting BLM mustangs to the public.”

The queen did add she thought these mustangs did require handling experience, saying “I do not believe a black Mustang should be bought by a first time horse owner, but they’re a great choice for a rodeo athlete or an equestrian that’s experienced.”

Bailey will ride one of these mustangs in the Sisters Rodeo. She also offered a message for those considering joining the rodeo world, Now is the time. Bailey encouraged people to chase their passions added that there is plenty of room for “future cowboys and cowgirls.”

“You can do anything” Bailey said, “You can do hard things.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Cascades East Transit and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to provide free summer bus passes to all current students. These passes will allow for free rides on fixed routes and community connectors in Bend and some routes in Redmond through Aug. 31.

To activate the free transportation, students must link their ID through the Cascades East Transit app. This program offers students convenient travel options during the summer months.

Kaius Bennett, a 9th-grade student at Caldera High School, previously utilized a similar summer pass. Bennett explained that the pass enabled him to travel beyond his immediate neighborhood. “I wouldn’t have been able to go as far,” Bennett said. “I only have my bike so I can’t go like pass like on the highway or anything. So it’s very convenient to make me be able to go farther. I would have just stayed around my neighborhood and stayed at home.” Children under 11 years old who use the pass are required to ride with an adult. Funds can be added to a student’s account to cover routes not included with the free pass.

Click here to follow the original article.