Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (PRINEVILLE REVIEW) — A dispute between a Crook County homeowner and a Central Oregon contractor has escalated from a state-mediated agreement to a civil court case, according to records obtained by the Prineville Review.

The complaint involves Austin Cole Fox, operating as ACF Construction, and centers on a planned accessory dwelling unit project in Prineville. The homeowner, Patty DeDominic, alleges she paid a $10,000 deposit in June 2025 for the project.

According to documents obtained through a public records request, DeDominic said the project could not move forward due to county zoning restrictions. She alleged no construction work was completed, no materials were provided, and repeated attempts to communicate about next steps went unanswered.

In a demand letter later submitted to state agencies, DeDominic requested a full refund of the deposit and indicated she would pursue regulatory complaints if the issue was not resolved.

The matter was referred to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, which oversees licensed contractors in the state. Records show the two parties participated in a telephone mediation on Feb. 12, 2026, where Fox agreed to repay the $10,000 in five monthly installments of $2,000 beginning March 10.

However, less than six weeks later, DeDominic notified the agency that the first payment had not been received. She subsequently issued a notice of default and requested documentation of the alleged breach.

CCB officials advised that further action to access the contractor’s bond would require a court judgment. DeDominic then filed a civil complaint in Crook County Circuit Court.

Records indicate attempts to serve Fox were initially unsuccessful, prompting DeDominic to hire a private investigator to locate a current address. The case has since been filed with the court, placing the CCB administrative process on hold pending the outcome.

State records show Fox’s contractor license is currently lapsed. Oregon law requires licensed contractors to maintain liability insurance and a surety bond, which can provide financial protection to consumers in certain disputes.

The Prineville Review reports Fox declined to comment on the allegations and instead disputed the publication’s reporting process, stating he intended to pursue legal action for what he described as slander.

The Construction Contractors Board declined to comment on the specific case but encourages consumers experiencing issues with contractors to file complaints with the agency.

As of publication, the case remains pending in Crook County Circuit Court. No response has been filed on Fox’s behalf. The Prineville Review also reports it has not independently verified additional public allegations circulating online involving the contractor.

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Harley Coldiron

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — US-97 has reopened in both directions north of Terrebonne after a serious two-vehicle crash that shut down the highway for hours and prompted an air ambulance response. Oregon State Police told KTVZ News there may be a fatality.

The Oregon State Police and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Jole Kelley with OSP told KTVZ News, “This is still an active incident, so I don’t have much information yet. The preliminary information indicates a two-vehicle accident with a possible fatality.”

Traffic backed up on Highway 97 from closure.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Against a stunning sunset, Mountain View High School celebrated the Class of 2026, honoring 271 graduates, including Valedictorian Brendan Medina and Salutatorian Hailey Crum. The evening was filled with pride and joy as family, friends and staff gathered to commend the students’ academic achievements and future aspirations.

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Harley Coldiron

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crooked River Roundup has announced the lineup of 2026 Young Gun contestants, a special feature event celebrating rising rodeo stars. From June 25–27, 2026, 36 young athletes will compete in six events at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville.

These young competitors will showcase their talent alongside Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) athletes, offering spectators a chance to see both current champions and future rodeo stars.

The Young Guns competition has been a fan favorite for the past five years, providing a platform for youth competitors in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. The event promises family-friendly entertainment, thrilling rodeo action and a strong sense of community for both fans and contestants.

From left to right, you see Lucas Kline, Della Portfield, Brinlee Smith Giovanini, Savvy Santucci, and Syd Santucci.

The 36 Young Gun contestants will compete in six events, demonstrating talent from across Oregon and beyond. Each participant embodies the spirit, skill and determination that define the rodeo tradition.

Featured local Young Guns include Savvy Santucci, 8, in Barrel Racing and Syd Santucci, 11, as a Team Roping heeler. Brinlee Smith-Giovanini, 15, will compete in Breakaway Roping and as a Team Roping header. Della Porterfield, 13, is scheduled for Breakaway Roping and Team Roping heeler, while Luke Kline, 13, is a Team Roping header.

KTVZ News has reported on controversy and tension between the Crook County Fair Board and the Crooked River Roundup over their contract terms, but nothing should affect the weekend’s festivities.

The Crooked River Roundup, founded in 1945, is one of Oregon’s celebrated rodeo traditions. The 2026 event will mark the Roundup’s 81st anniversary. It brings together top-tier rodeo athletes, local talent, and fans from across the region in a celebration of Western heritage and community spirit.

The dedicated board of directors and volunteers are proud to celebrate America’s 250th birthday during the Roundup’s 81st anniversary.

Further details, including a full roster of contestants and their hometowns, tickets and the complete schedule of events, are available on the official Crooked River Roundup website.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police has a new K-9 recruit and Oregon kiddos are invited to help name him.

He’s a one-year-old red Labrador Retriever currently in training and will soon join K-9 Scout and K-9 Drake as part of Oregon State Police’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation K-9 Program.

K-9 recruit patiently waiting for his name. Credit: OSP

But before he can hit the field, he needs an official name. OSP is inviting Oregon youth between the ages of 9 and 17 to help name the newest four-legged trooper. Because the dog will work alongside the Fish and Wildlife Division, suggested names should be inspired by wildlife, fish, or the outdoors.

The naming contest is open now through June 14th. Participants can submit one entry each through OSP’s online entry form.

Finalists will be selected from the submissions and then put up for a statewide vote. The young person who submits the winning name will get the opportunity to meet the K-9 and receive special recognition from Oregon State Police.

The agency’s Conservation K-9 Program began in 2018 with K-9 Buck, who recently retired from active service.

K-9 Buck. Credit: OSP

These specially trained dogs assist with wildlife detection, human tracking, and area searches. They help investigate poaching cases and the illegal taking of fish and wildlife across Oregon.

For now, he may simply be Good Dog—but Oregon’s young outdoors enthusiasts have a chance to give him a name worthy of the badge.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A warm bed. A caring mentor. New clothes for school. For many children, these simple things can make all the difference. That’s why KTVZ’s 21 Cares for Kids program shines a spotlight on local nonprofits working to give kids the support they need to thrive. 

The Assistance League of Bend provides new clothing, shoes, and coats to thousands of local students each year, helping children arrive at school with confidence and the essentials they need to succeed. 

“Just to see the looks on their faces when they can go ahead and just be like everyone else, it’s a wonderful, wonderful feeling,” said Dianne Benson, a member of Assistance League of Bend.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon connects young people with caring adult mentors, creating one-to-one relationships that help youth reach their full potential. 

“It’s being a consistent adult in a child’s life who just needs someone there to be in their corner,” Jenn Davis, the program manager, shared with us about being a mentor. “Going out and going hiking, or going to the movies, or coming out to our beautiful campus that we have out on 20 acres in east Bend and playing games or seeing our horses. Spending time together.”

Bethlehem Inn offers shelter, support, and hope to families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe place to rebuild and move forward. 

“Our mission is transforming lives together through shelter, help, and hope. And the really most imporant part of that line is the together,” said Michael Hancock, the president of Bethlehm Inn. “We serve just under 200 people a night.”

Every Child Central Oregon supports children and families impacted by foster care, providing essentials like clothing, diapers, car seats, and other critical resources. 

“What we have to remember is, kids coming into foster care, aren’t making that choice. They didn’t choose to be in foster care. They are our most at-risk youth and we want to continue to bring more resources to them in this hard time,” said Melissa Lovemark of Every Child Central Oregon.

Healing Reins uses horse-assisted therapies and mental health services to help children, teens, and adults heal emotionally and physically. 

“These animals are incredible to talk to, whether it’s the goats, the chickens, even the miniature cow or the horses themselves. People would rather be outside and interacting with them,” said Polly Cohen, the executive director of Healing Reins. “On a weekly basis, we (serve about) about 250 (people). And that’s like a little bit of a steady climb as we’re adding more services.”

Sleep in Heavenly Peace works to ensure no child sleeps on the floor, relying on volunteers to build and deliver beds to families in need. 

“If they don’t have a bed, we give them a bed. How do we determine if they need a bed? Three things. They need a bed because they don’t have one. They have a space to put the bed. And they’re between the ages of 3 and 17,” said Bob Mickelsen, the interim chapter president.

Together, these organizations are creating brighter futures for Central Oregon’s children.

To learn more about our 21 Cares for Kids partners and how you can help, click here.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The “Let Us Paddle” movement is working to place a petition on the ballot in Oregon to remove new permit requirements for paddleboards and kayaks. These regulations, enacted through House Bill 2982 during the 2025 long session, increased fees and broadened the types of vessels needing permits on Oregon waterways.

Details of House Bill 2982

House Bill 2982 raised water access permit fees to $6 for a one-week permit, $20 for an annual permit and $35 for a bi-annual permit. These funds are designated to help prevent and mitigate invasive species, specifically quagga and zebra mussels. The legislation also expanded the permit requirement to include all paddleboards and kayaks, moving beyond the previous rule that only applied to vessels more than 10 feet in length.

Business Impact Minimal

Todd McGee, owner of Powderhouse, a local business that rents tubes, kayaks and paddleboards, noted the rule change has not significantly impacted his operations.

“we’re not having to raise any of our prices. So but yeah, it’s not affecting us that much,” McGee said.

Community Concerns Over Regulation

A Bend resident who declined to be on camera expressed disagreement with the new permit regulations, despite the funding going toward invasive species prevention. The resident argued that non-motorized vessels do not cause harm or pollution.

“with kayaks and paddle boards, they like I said, it’s not motor operated. It’s not gas operated. We are all using our arms. Whether you’re using a paddle, you’re using your arms with your sandals or your shoes, you’re physically using your body to go up and down the river. You’re not causing any harm. You’re not causing any pollution. You’re not being destructive,” the resident said.

The resident also stated that all water vessel users should be held to the same standard.

Petitioners Push Back on Funding Approach

Kari Goodhart, co-chief petitioner of the “Let Us Paddle” movement, stated that her group does not want invasive species in Oregon waters. However, she opposes the current approach to funding prevention through kayaker fees.

“We don’t want them in Oregon. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t want them in our state. But we’re just saying, come on in. We’re going to, you know, decontaminate your boat. We’re going to have all the kayakers pay for that. And welcome to Oregon, rather than, you know, giving them a ticket and sending a message to all other states saying, we don’t want you to come here with a dirty boat,” Goodhart said.

Signature Campaign Ongoing

Goodhart remains hopeful the “Let Us Paddle” movement will gather enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Culver School District has hired a new superintendent, months after a third-party investigation into former Superintendent Stefanie Garber led to her resignation.

The Problem Solvers first reported on the concerns inside the district in February. Records reviewed by KTVZ News provide a deeper look at what staff described as a long-standing culture issue — and raise questions about how the school board handled concerns before hiring outside investigators.

This particular situation dates back to last summer, when Culver School District staff brought concerns about Garber to the school board. Around that time, staff had conducted an anonymous survey on district culture. 

Culver Education Association President, Sarah Cox, presented the results to the board in June 2025 and said she would leave the findings for board members to review after the meeting.

Records show the board chose not to review the survey results, prompting a formal complaint from district Human Resources Director, Jodi Henry.

In that complaint, Henry wrote that she had received repeated concerns from staff but struggled to act because employees feared retaliation if they filed formal complaints.

“I was receiving so many complaints and I did not know how to handle them when the staff members wouldn’t file a KL complaint for legitimate fear of retaliation,” Henry wrote.

Henry also wrote that staff perceived a divide in treatment between employees seen as close to Garber and those who were not.

“There is a striking difference in the application of these retaliatory behaviors depending on if you are one of her favorites, on ‘Team Stefanie’ as staff refer to it, or if you’re not,” Henry wrote.

In response, the school board hired Ussery Consultants to conduct a third-party investigation into Garber’s conduct.

According to records, investigators interviewed 23 witnesses and reviewed 12 questions stemming from complaints over the previous two years. The report found 10 of the 12 complaints against Garber were founded.

Those findings included age discrimination, missed employee evaluations, improper disclosures, and violations of board policy and contracts.

The report also pointed to broader leadership issues, including Garber overstepping religious lines, failing to take responsibility in key incidents, and communication problems investigators said led to “low morale, mistrust, and confusion” among staff.

Two allegations — that Garber mismanaged finances and altered board minutes — were deemed unfounded.

In the report, Garber denied the allegations and submitted written responses. She described what she saw as dysfunction within the administrative team, alleging immaturity, mistrust, and a “gotcha” culture. Garber suggested internal conflict contributed to the complaint.

“There is a common theme I have witnessed and it is a high level of immaturity and insecurity,” Garber wrote. She also wrote that some staff were operating “under a ‘gotcha’ lens” and undermining trust within the administrative team.

Garber also wrote, “I pray for them, it is my job to forgive them, and my nature is to help and support them.”

Overall, the records describe a broader cultural problem inside the district. Staff reported fears that speaking up could negatively impact their jobs, their students, and their standing in the district.

Records also show the investigation cost the district more than $25,000 — an expense now drawing scrutiny as Culver School District faces budget pressure, staff furlough days, and cuts.

The cost raises questions about whether staff concerns should have been addressed earlier, whether the board should have acted sooner, and what accountability looks like going forward.

The district has now selected a new superintendent, who is set to start in July.

The school board oversaw that hiring process — the same board that chose not to review staff survey results, spent district funds on an outside investigation, and is now tasked with rebuilding trust.

KTVZ News requested interviews with both Garber and the Culver School Board. The district’s attorney said one board member may be available to speak by phone.

KTVZ News has also requested an interview with the incoming superintendent.

The Problem Solvers hope to discover how the district made its decisions and how it plans to earn back trust.

You can view the executive summary from the investigation in its entirety below.

Executive Summary – Culver:Garber InvestigationDownload

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregonians are asked to wear orange and red on Friday, June 5th, for a local girl named Ember.

Ember is the six-year-old Vern Patrick Elementary student who was killed near Suttle Lake over Memorial Day Weekend.

The community is asked to wear the colors on Friday to “keep the Ember flame burning.”

Also happening tomorrow, for every ‘Ember Drink’ sold at Whiskey Girls Coffee in Redmond, one dollar will be donated to her family. Plus, JJ&B Construction will match every dollar donated.

And, the Brand Lab in downtown Redmond is also creating Ember shirts, with proceeds benefiting Ember’s family.

Lastly, there’s a GoFundMe set up for her family.

You can search #EmbersGlow on Facebook to learn more.

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Triton Notary

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) The Sunriver Resort Farmers Market has returned for the 2026 season, offering Central Oregon residents and visitors a vibrant array of fresh produce, baked goods and artisan crafts every Thursday through Sept. 3. This bustling market not only highlights the region’s local farmers and food producers but also provides a visually rich opportunity to capture the essence of the community’s maker culture.

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