Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, interviews with City officials, project details, future plans)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s Northeast Second Street between Franklin and Greenwood avenues reopened to two-way traffic on Wednesday. The project, referred to as the Second Street Revitalization, is the first major milestone of the City’s Urban Renewal Project targeting Bend’s ‘Core Area’. According to city officials, it’s just the beginning.

City Engineering Director Ryan Oster told KTVZ News Wednesday, “The main focus was really to make Second Street a more urban environment. The entire project concept and design was driven by the local business owners in the area and interested parties.”

Upgrades to the area include new sidewalks and safer intersections, encouraging ease-of-use and slower traffic. The improvements aim to make the street more inviting for everyone, and help to bring businesses to the area.

Speaking to the enhancements, Oster told us, “There’s some features on Second Street that really encouraged making it a safe area for all the users. We’re really hoping this is kind of a jump-start to a few years of really encouraging growth in the area.”

The growth Oster is referring to is already underway. KTVZ News also spoke with Jonathan Taylor, the city’s urban renewal project manager, about what’s next for Bend’s Core Area.

“Over the next four years, the Urban Renewal Agency is going to invest another $2 million to $5 million in the area. We’re trying to increase housing production as well as continued beautification and overall enhancement of the core area,” said Taylor.

Ultimately, the goal for revitalizing the Core Area is to extend the feeling of downtown through Franklin Avenue into First, Second, and Third streets.

“The overall vision is just to continue that urban design framework where people can live and work in the area,” said Taylor.

The city plans a project completion celebration at 4:15 p.m. next Tuesday at the Dogwood at the Pine Shed, 821 NE Second Street in Bend.

The community is invited to join the city and the Bend Urban Renewal Agency in celebrating the completion of the Second Street (Franklin to Greenwood) project, a Core Area Tax Increment Financing project that signals an urban renewal milestone.

The family-friendly celebration kicks off at 4:15 p.m. with remarks from elected leaders, an opportunity to learn more about the projects and visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy the food trucks and support area businesses.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: OSP releases names, details)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville woman was killed and a Redmond man was seriously injured in a head-on two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Highway 126 in southeast Redmond, Oregon State Police confirmed Tuesday.

OSP troopers, Redmond Fire medics and Redmond Police rushed to the scene of the crash, which occurred around 9:40 a.m. Monday near Southeast Veterans Way and the Redmond Airport.

Troopers said their preliminary investigation found that Carrie Jane Wilson, 45, of Prineville, was driving a Kia Sol SUV heading west when she crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Ford F-250 driven by Richard Alex Byron Szymanski, 67, of Redmond, head-on.

Wilson died at the crash scene, OSP said. Szymanski suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt.

The crash and investigation closed the highway for about three hours.

OSP said the cause of the crash is under investigation. Troopers were assisted by the Redmond Police Department and ODOT.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)) — An unexpected delivery of newborn kittens at Bend Veterinary Clinic has sparked a heartwarming rescue mission involving a local organization – even though “dog” is its middle name.

Over the weekend, a box containing 10 tiny kittens was dropped off at the clinic, Street Dog Hero Marketing and Communications Manager Kelli Delperdang told KTVZ News on Tuesday.

“Sadly, one kitten didn’t make it, but the remaining kittens are thriving,” she said. “One of the kittens does seem to have a neurological disorder, so our vet team has been closely monitoring him.”

One of the kind-hearted employees at Bend Veterinary Clinic has already provided a home to one of these adorable kittens, Delperdang said. The other eight have been welcomed into the loving care of Street Dog Hero, where they will stay with foster families until they find permanent homes.

“Though our organization is primarily known for rescuing dogs, we couldn’t resist helping these kittens in need,” says Street Dog Hero’s Medical Manager, Jaymie Friesner.

The eight kittens will be available to be adopted in a couple of weeks, Delperdang said.

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Lynsey Harris

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and each week, we’re sharing local stories of those living with memory loss, and those who care for them.

This week, Lynsey Harris sat down with Debbie McCune of Sisters, who has been caring for her husband Doug since his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

“You’ve been a care partner for so long that it’s — I don’t know who I’ll be that day when I’m no longer that,” she said.

Debbie describes the journey as “the long goodbye,” losing small pieces of Doug — and their shared life — each day. Still, she finds joy in the little moments: Doug singing along to Elvis, or their dog offering comfort at bedtime.

She says the hardest lesson has been learning to ask for help, and encourages others to do the same. As a community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, Debbie hopes more families seek out support groups and have important conversations early.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Despite the closure of burning season and a recent illegal burn that sparked a wildfire that threatened homes, Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney says crews are still responding to property owners burning cheatgrass and having their fires escape – and that could prove very costly.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, Adding comments from executive directors, Rep. Janelle Bynum)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon nonprofits MountainStar Family Relief Nursery and the Deschutes Children’s Foundation are sounding the alarm as federal funding continues to be at risk for organizations nationwide.

“We are all in agreement that we don’t want the government to waste money on things that are not doing good in our community or across the country,” said Kara Tachikawa, executive director of MountainStar. “I think the frustrating part is the people with the smallest voices are the ones that are getting affected first.”

The executive director of Deschutes Children’s Foundation, Cassi MacQueen, said Tuesday,  “It has not changed for nonprofits here in Central Oregon. We are continuing to see high needs of our population, growing concerns – and less funding.”

Both nonprofits serve more than 30,000 people in Central Oregon.

They say they are experiencing the impacts, as federal funding and contracts are paused or cut as part of President Trump’s commitment to cut spending.

“We want to use our voice together to let the community know that we are here,” Tachikawa said. “We are the same groups that you have been trusting for years and years, and we are still doing good in the community. So will you please stand with us?”

The message comes as nonprofits like Shepherd’s House Ministries and NeighborImpact are cutting back on services.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would cut more than $1 billion in funding for local food banks and schools. For Central Oregon’s NeighborImpact, that means a 17% reduction in its food supply, amounting to more than half a million pounds of food, with the largest cuts in milk, cheese and meat.

And President Trump’s proposed budget could see cuts to SNAP benefits and Medicaid. Oregon District 5 Representative Janelle Bynum has been against the bill from the start.

“It’s a trash bill – let’s call it what it is,” Bynum told KTVZ News. “We’ve elevated the issues. We’re explaining it in plain English, and then we’re putting pressure on our Republican colleagues to stand up, wave their hand, have some sort of courage, and to recognize when their districts are in trouble, too.”

We reached out to District 2 Rep. Cliff Bentz, but he was unavailable for comment.

Both nonprofits warn of the impacts on the community if funding cuts continue.

Macqueen said, “While we are a small community, our nonprofits are robust, and they’re providing critical, life-saving, wraparound services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And so making sure that folks know that if nonprofits don’t exist, these services don’t exist.”

Below is the joint release:

DCF-MtStar Joint Release 6.5.25 Setting the Record StraightDownload

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation Commerce and Compliance Division, with support from Oregon State Police, ticketed 122 truckers who illegally bypassed an open weigh station in late April and early May.

“We take weigh station bypass very seriously and are taking enforcement action against it,” said ODOT Commerce and Compliance Interim Division Administrator Carla Phelps. “The goal of this operation was to remove fatigued and unqualified drivers from Oregon roads to prevent fatal commercial truck collisions with the traveling public.”

Two commercial vehicle safety and enforcement events took place along I-84 at Cascade Locks, Umatilla, and Farewell Bend Ports of Entry and La Grande and Emigrant Hill Weigh Stations. More than 490 commercial truck drivers who bypassed an open weigh station were stopped and escorted back by Oregon State Police. They were then inspected for compliance with licensing and hours-of-service regulations.

Of those drivers stopped, 25% were placed out-of-service, meaning they were temporarily prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle due to a violation of safety or regulatory rules. Their vehicles were also inspected for violations of state and federal regulations, and the drivers were required to correct any violations before proceeding.  

Inspectors discovered false logs and multiple electronic logging devices that had been tampered with and were producing fictional logs. Commercial truck drivers use logs to record their daily activities, specifically their time spent driving, on duty, off duty and in sleeper cabs. Driver logs are crucial for ensuring compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations, which limit how long drivers can work without taking breaks. 

ODOT’s Commerce and Compliance Division ensures the safety and efficiency of Oregon’s highway system by regulating and enforcing laws related to commercial trucking. Learn more at oregon.gov/odot.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — With Father’s Day this Sunday, we have a heartwarming story from Bend that celebrates family—both at home and at work. 

KTVZ News shines a spotlight on Ed and Andy Mosman of Right at Home. 

“Probably the most important thing we do is companionship. We give them lots of company, give them lots of love and caring and compassion,” said Ed Mosman. 

Right at Home, is a flourishing senior care and elder assistance business—now proudly expanding to a father–son team – Ed and Andy Mosman.   

Ed says, their partnership, built on a deep family bond, traces back to the father’s early career and values.  

“I needed to find a way not only to make money, but to give back to my community.” 

In 2012, Ed opened the first Right at Home in Eugene, which later inspired his son, Andy Mosman.  

His path became even more personal when Andy’s grandmother developed pancreatic cancer during his freshman year of college.   

He stepped up to be her primary caregiver, cementing his passion for serving others. Andy would go on to open Right at Home Central Oregon” located in Bend.  He credits his dad’s dedication as his driving force.  

“I learned a lot from working with my dad. It has its challenges, certainly. One of the cool things about working for your dad is you can talk back to your boss, which is nice. But there are a lot of, great things that come from it too. I learned how to be in this business, with my dad, and how to carry myself.  How to lead with compassion and integrity. And I feel like I learned a lot of that from my dad.” 

Andy says, caring for seniors includes everyday tasks.  

“A variety of different supports, mobility help. We can help people with showering, medications and just being there to play, puzzles and games with people, things like that.  We also help people do shopping and errands and meal preparation, things like that too. Just anything to keep them at home.” 

Ed Mosman adds:  

“You just want to work with them in their world and their realm and make them feel comfortable. Yeah. And make them feel safe where they live.” 

This Father’s Day, Andy and his father Ed, are honoring two generations of caregiving. Together, they deliver compassionate support across Central Oregon—helping seniors live with dignity and independence, right where they belong, home. 

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Barney Lerten

Thinning, mowing and burning could begin next spring, last to 2040 – or longer

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest announced Monday it has signed the final decision for the 25,000-acre Green Ridge Landscape Restoration Project, located 13 miles north of Sisters on the Sisters Ranger District. 

The forest said the purpose of the Green Ridge project is to restore and maintain forest health and resiliency and reduce the risk of large-scale, high-severity fires. Also, they said, the project will maintain or improve habitat for northern spotted owl, mule deer and other sensitive species. 

Here’s the full text of Monday’s announcement, with links to more information:

“My final decision incorporates dozens of public and agency comments and field visits, best available science, and strikes a solid balance between active forest and fuels management and protection of habitat critical to some of the last remaining northern spotted owls on the Sisters Ranger District,” said Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid. 

Forest restoration treatments are needed to move the area towards more natural, historic forest conditions, which will increase landscape resilience to large-scale wildfires and insect and disease outbreaks. Alternative 3-modified was selected and approves treatment activities on about 17,500 acres of the project area. Several meaningful changes were made to address concerns about impacts to northern spotted owl habitat, large trees, deer habitat, and the Metolius Late Successional Reserve.  

“The planning and approval process for the Green Ridge Landscape Restoration Project has taken many years and Friends of the Metolius has been involved at every step along the way,” said Doug Hancock, President of the Friends of the Metolius, a nonprofit group. “As the process is near conclusion, we support the project because it is a compromise necessary to begin restoring forest health on the Green Ridge landscape.”  

Treatment activities will include commercial and noncommercial thinning, mowing and mastication, prescribed burning, trail reroutes, road closures and decommissioning, and tree planting. The road closures and decommissioning will provide a 10% increase in core wildlife habitat across the project area. 

Austin Smith Jr., Natural Resources Manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, said, “Given the importance of maintaining timber and other crucial resources as well as protecting our region from wildfire throughout our ceded lands, we offer our full support of the Forest Service’s Green Ridge project. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were closely involved through every step of the process, including offering input upon the scope and project management plan. We value our continued, productive partnership with the USDA and the US Forest Service.”  

Restoration treatments may begin within the project area as soon as the spring of 2026 and are tentatively slated to continue through 2040, with prescribed burning continuing beyond this date. This summer, Forest Service employees will be preparing the project area for upcoming vegetation management contracts to start implementation of forest thinning.  

Project documents can be viewed on the Deschutes National Forest website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/48454. A copy of the signed Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact is available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/sfza5zlaz6vj4prxj6g7iao0nk8d57yp. Members of the public may also contact Lauren DuRocher, Environmental Coordinator on the Sisters Ranger District by email at lauren.durocher@usda.gov with questions about the project. 

For more information about the project, visit this storymap: https://arcg.is/1TaT003, or reach out to the Sisters Ranger District at (541) 549-7700.  

Green Ridge Landscape Restoration ProjectDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Elk Meadow Elementary School in Bend will have a new principal next school year. Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook announced Monday that Kit Galloway has been selected for the position and will begin July 1.

She is replacing Principal Ben Johnston, who has resigned to relocate.

“We are delighted to welcome Kit to our administrative team as the new principal at Elk Meadow,” Dr. Cook said. “Kit is an experienced leader who has demonstrated a powerful commitment to systems-level thinking and inclusive practices throughout her career. Across the interview process, Kit displayed an impressive level of student-centered thinking and an understanding of the importance of leading with joy in shaping a school culture where everyone can thrive.”

Kit is currently the principal at Maplewood Elementary School in Portland Public Schools, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to her current role, she served as an Assistant Principal with PPS and in the United Arab Emirates, which followed over 15 years as an elementary classroom teacher.

“I believe leadership is about service, connection, and creating spaces where everyone belongs,” Galloway said. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Elk Meadow community and can’t wait to work together in support of our kids.”

In other administrative hiring, Quinn McAndrews was hired as the Athletic Director/Assistant Principal at Summit High School and Cory Young was hired as the Athletic Director/Assistant Principal at La Pine High School. Both positions begin July 1.

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