Category: ktvz-local-news

Prineville Review

Published by our media partner, Prineville Review, on 02/18/2026. Click here to learn more.

BEND, Ore. (Prineville Review) — The Prineville Review has been investigating following numerous tips from Central Oregon residents who say their TDS internet bills unexpectedly increased despite being enrolled in so-called “Price for Life” or similar long-term promotional plans.

Over recent weeks, readers have contacted the Prineville Review describing a recurring $5 monthly increase, prompting confusion and frustration among customers who believed their rates were locked in.

One widely shared Facebook post from TDS customer Sarah Long captured the sentiment expressed by many:

“Everyone with TDS ‘price for life’ internet, check your TDS bills! I just spent a [sic] half an hour on the phone arguing with a customer service representative that ‘price for life’ doesn’t mean it goes up $5/month whenever they decide. They ended up changing it back, but I had to make a big stink about it first. Just FYI. TDS sucks.”

Long later described a lengthy customer service experience that she said required persistence and a credible threat of cancellation:

“You just have to see an offer and call customer retention, tell them your friend signed up and got such-and-such price and you want the same deal or you’re going to cancel. It’s a pain and takes forever … they kept transferring me and putting me on hold and I finally got to talk to a supervisor.”

Similar complaints have been shared directly with us. Several readers reported needing to contact TDS to correct the issue, and that the request for the fix and refund was not easy with TDS customer service.

On Tuesday, we reached out to TDS for comment. Hours later, in response to the inquiry, TDS acknowledged a billing issue affecting a limited group of customers and released a statement.

“A small group of customers enrolled in price promotions, including Price for Life, were incorrectly charged up to $7 more on their last statement due to a billing system error,” said Mark Schaaf, Manager of Communications for TDS.

“We sincerely regret this mistake and took immediate actions to resolve the issue. As we communicated to impacted customers on Feb. 3, they will automatically receive credit for the overcharged amount on their next statement. No action is required on their part, and customers’ price promotion remains in place.”

We then followed up with several of those who reached out to us over the last couple of weeks, but not a single source was able to find any reported communication from Feb 3rd. We have reached back out to TDS for information on the reported notice to customers, but have yet to hear back.

Some of the Central Oregon TDS customers alleged in recent days they had to deal with customer service agents who were often dismissive or took 30-60 minutes before agreeing to correct their bills.

Other customers told the Prineville Review their increases exceeded the amounts described by the company in its statement released yesterday.

TDS customer Diana Pullen of Redmond said her bill rose more sharply than expected.

“Mine went up $10! I thought we had price for life, too. What a crock!” said Pullen.

Another local customer reported on social media an even larger discrepancy tied to bundled services. “Can’t stand TDS. They did something very similar with me. Was supposed to have a locked-in price because I chose to get a house phone through them as well, but they started charging me 30 dollars more every month.”

Billing concerns are not entirely new for the company in the region. In August 2024, TDS upgraded Central Oregon customers on certain 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps plans to gigabit service. At the time, customers reported inconsistencies in pricing, noting that those already on the 600Mbps and 1Gig plans had to call into TDS to request the adjustment to the same pricing that those who had been on 300Mbps plans were getting now that customers were all on the new 1Gig plans.

Many said they were unaware that better rates were available at the time.

TDS did not indicate how many Central Oregon customers were affected by the most recent billing issue, but readers continue to advise fellow subscribers to closely review their statements.

According to the Better Business Bureau, TDS maintains an A+ rating, which primarily relates to its handling of customer complaints, although it is not an accredited business. The business’s customer review ratings are currently at 1.84 out of 5 with the BBB.

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KGW

Author: Amy-Xiaoshi DePaola, Katherine Cook

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The husband of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, U.S. Labor Secretary and former Oregon congresswoman, has been banned from agency headquarters after reportedly sexually assaulting at least two staffers, according to reporting by the New York Times.

The New York Times cited sources and a police report filed in December at the Labor Department. The women alleged that Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, had touched them inappropriately while at the Labor Department’s building, located on Constitution Avenue.

One of the incidents was recorded on office security cameras, the NYT said, involving DeRemer giving a woman “an extended embrace” during one of his frequent visits to his wife’s D.C. offices. DeRemer is an anesthesiologist based in Portland.

The women’s allegations were raised during an internal Labor Department investigation in January regarding alleged misconduct by DeRemer and her senior staff. On Jan. 24, a report from Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department was filed regarding the “forced sexual contact” in December. Police told the New York Times that the agency’s sexual assault unit is still investigating. 

The police report, obtained by KGW, noted the incident occurred on Dec. 18, redacting the victim’s names. The Metropolitan Police Department added in an email to KGW that it “cannot confirm the names of potential suspects or witnesses.”

After the staffers reported the incidents, DeRemer was banned from entering Labor Department premises, the New York Times reported, with a building restriction notice posted: “If Mr. DeRemer attempts to enter, he is to be asked to leave.” 

DeRemer, a Department of Labor spokesperson and a lawyer representing Chavez-DeRemer in the Labor’s Office of Inspector General investigation all declined to comment to the New York Times. 

In 2024, Chavez-DeRemer was named, then confirmed, as President Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary, shortly after losing her reelection bid to Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat, for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.

Chavez-DeRemer earned criticism from Oregon politicians after an August Cabinet meeting, where she urged Trump and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to “crack down” on Portland — not long before the administration attempted to deploy National Guard troops in the city. That effort was stymied by a lengthy legal battle, culminating with the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals refusing to overturn the permanent injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut. Said injunction barred the administration from deploying any National Guard troops to Portland in response to protests outside the ICE building in the South Waterfront. 

Several months later, Chavez-DeRemer and several staffers were at the center of an internal complaint, which accused Chavez-DeRemer of pursuing an “inappropriate” relationship with a subordinate, would instruct staffers to “make up” official trips for vacations with friends and family, have aides run personal errands, and drink in the office during workdays. During the ongoing investigation, Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, as well as several members of her security staff, have been placed on leave.

KGW has reached out to the Labor Department and Dr. Shawn DeRemer’s office but has not yet heard back. 

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Kelsey Merison

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Fire & EMS crews extinguished a structure fire at the McDonald’s restaurant in Madras Friday morning. No injuries were reported and firefighters contained the blaze before it could spread throughout the building.

According to the agency, two employees arriving for work discovered smoke coming from the restaurant and called 911. When fire crews arrived on scene, they observed flames visible from the drive-thru window.

Firefighters initiated an interior fire attack through the front entrance of the restaurant. Simultaneously, crews deployed a second hose line to the drive-thru area to combat the visible flames. These efforts stopped the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.

Following the initial knockdown, firefighters conducted salvage and overhaul operations in the damaged sections of the restaurant. Crews also climbed to the roof to check for potential fire extension, but no spread was found.

Personnel remained at the McDonald’s for approximately 2 hours to ensure the scene was secure. No injuries were reported among employees or emergency responders during the incident.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS was assisted at the scene by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Fire officials have not released a damage estimate for the restaurant.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms in December that caused more than $15.4 million in damage across Oregon. The request seeks public assistance for nine counties and statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The storms, which occurred from December 15th to December 21st, brought record rainfall, high winds and an atmospheric river. This weather system triggered widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides that impacted communities throughout the state.

A joint preliminary damage assessment validated more than $15.4 million in eligible damages across the state. Tillamook County recorded the highest per-capita damage at $154.29 per person. Without federal help, state officials said rural communities and consumer-owned utilities could face significant financial strain.

Gov. Kotek emphasized that the scale of the destruction has exhausted local resources. “The scale of damage from December’s severe storms impacted multiple Oregon communities, with more than $15 million in losses and needed repairs. Rural communities are stretched beyond their limits and help from FEMA is urgently needed,” Gov. Kotek said. “I’m requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump because Oregonians did the hard work of showing up for each other and they deserve federal support to rebuild.”

At the peak of the weather event, more than 300,000 Oregonians lost power and multiple highways and interstates were forced to close. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has developed an interactive StoryMap to provide a detailed timeline and geographic overview of the storm’s impact. One person died in Yamhill County as a result of the storms.

Erin McMahon, the director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, noted that the storm arrived with very little warning. McMahon previously led the agency through other recent recovery efforts. “This storm struck our communities with little warning, leaving widespread damage and compounding the hardships from earlier storms and ongoing recovery efforts,” McMahon said. “Local governments and utilities have worked tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services, but the scale of destruction far exceeds what local resources can manage alone. Federal assistance is critical to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters.”

The request for public assistance specifically targets nine counties: Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill. Additionally, the governor requested statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. If the declaration is approved, federal funds will support debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and other public infrastructure.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend announced Thursday it’s launching an interactive campaign to celebrate its 100-year anniversary of providing water services.

Prior to 1926, the community’s drinking water came from the Deschutes River. In the early 1920s, dams built at Crane Prairie and Crescent Lake led to algae blooms and tainted water supplies. So the city found a new water source and took over the service of providing drinking water from Bend Water, Light & Power Company.

In 1926, the Bend Municipal Watershed was established, Bridge Creek and mountain spring water became the primary source of Bend’s drinking water, and the city began a century of exceptional water services that still benefit the community today, officials said in a news release outlining its plans.

Over the course of the year, the city’s campaign will feature how the Water Services Department supplies, protects and conserves our drinking water, and also helps safeguard water quality of the river and groundwaters.

To celebrate 100 years of Bend Water Services, the city will share seasonal activities to inspire the community to learn about, explore and protect Bend’s water system throughout 2026.  

This spring, opportunities will focus on the history, the watershed and the foundations of Bend’s water services. In the summer, the focus will be conservation, community and the value of water. And in the fall, the themes will be stormwater, wastewater and everyday stewardship.

Show how you ❤️ Bend Water by joining in the fun:

Visit us at community events

Try a Learn, Explore or Protect activity

Share your photos and participation with us!

Sign up to get enews updates throughout the year — including new seasonal activities, must-see videos, behind the scenes stories, and opportunities to submit selfies or quick input, to get entered to win prizes that will be distributed at the end of 2026.

Visit bendoregon.gov/celebrate-water to learn more and celebrate.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Senate co-chairs of the Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) and Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend), spoke out Thursday in opposition to Initiative Petition 28, which they said “would make lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping illegal and turn nearly one million Oregonians into criminals.”

IP28, the People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act, is an initiative petition whose proponents are gathering signatures and seeking to qualify for the November ballot.

The senators said in a news release that the measure would remove the established exemptions from Oregon’s animal abuse statutes that protect legal actions such as lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping; rodeos; killing animals for food; wildlife management practices; scientific or agricultural research or teaching with animals; even trapping pests and vermin.

In addition, they said, the language in IP28 would remove the exemption for acts of “good animal husbandry” such as dehorning, docking tails, castration or neutering of livestock, and would also classify standard breeding practices, such as artificial insemination, as sexual assault.

By eliminating lawful hunting, fishing, and trapping, IP28 “would eliminate the main funding source for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and have detrimental effects on wildlife management,” Smith and Broadman said.

“Historically, sportsmen contribute 45-55% of ODFW’s budget, comprising the majority of dollars used for wildlife management and conservation,” Smith said. “The General Fund, or Oregon’s taxpayer dollars, makes up only 10% of ODFW’s budget, nowhere close to the amount needed to operate the agency and benefit Oregon’s wildlife.”

In addition to the direct economic impact to ODFW, the two senators said that “shutting down farming, ranching, dairy farming, and commercial fishing would create incredible negative impacts to Oregon’s statewide economy, causing increased tax pressure and reduced state services for all Oregonians.”

“Buying locally raised foods at the local farmers market would be outlawed, while restaurant and grocery prices would increase substantially due to the need to ship meat and dairy products in from out of state,” Broadman said. “Hunting and fishing for food is a part of Oregon’s heritage, and for many of us, part of who we are.”

Adding additional insult to these effects, the Senators said IP28 also does not exempt Oregon’s Tribes from the ban on hunting and fishing, even for sustenance or ceremonial uses.

The proponents have collected over 100,000 of the 117,173 signatures needed by July 2 to qualify for the ballot. The Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus said it “encourages all Oregonians to register to vote and, should IP28 qualify for the ballot, defeat the measure by historical margins.”

One group supporting the proposed measure, In Defense of Animals, called it “a bold, far-reaching ballot initiative” but added, “The campaign behind Yes On IP28 is not naive. They do not expect the initiative to pass in 2026. The goal is to build the infrastructure necessary to consistently return to the ballot, shift public consciousness, and continue forcing the conversation until it succeeds.”

Here’s the text of the initial proposed initiative, as submitted in October 2023 to the Oregon Elections Division:

Initiative Petition 28 textDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor received 17 inches of snow in the past week, and more is on the way, just in time for a variety of special events this weekend.

The resort said forecasts call for an additional 3-4 inches by Friday morning, then broken clouds and scattered light snow showers Friday and Saturday before returning to heavy snowfall on Sunday. 

Teams are assessing and preparing the Northwest chairlift to reopen on Friday, conditions permitting. 

They advised guests to check the Mountain Report and Lift & Trails Status page Friday morning for operational updates and safety advisories.  

Several events are taking place at Mt. Bachelor over the next few days. Here’s the rundown: 

Friday-Saturday, February 20 -21 

Nordic High School State Championships: Friday’s race will be a mass-start free style race and Saturday will feature a classic race as well as a team relay. Expect impacts to the trail network and check the Nordic Report for updates. A free trail pass will be available inside the Nordic Lodge for spectators walking to the race stadium. Spectators on skis or snowshoes must have a valid Nordic pass or ticket.  

Saturday, February 21 

Red Chair Round-Up: Join Mt. Bachelor and Deschutes Brewery at the base of the Red Chair chairlift to celebrate the fan-favorite Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale (only available during the winter season). The first 50 guests to show up will get a free beer. The event will also feature music, swag giveaways, and burritos.  

Jr. Ranger with Discover Your Northwest | Mt. Bachelor: Discover Your Northwest and Mt. Bachelor invite families to explore the wonders of the forest and learn about the importance of winter, all while earning a Junior Snow Ranger badge. This free family event will be hosted at the Early Riser Yurt in the Sunrise Base Area. 

Passholder Early Ups: Outplay 365 and Full Season Passholders can enjoy early access to the slopes via Pine Marten chairlift, which will open at 8:00 a.m., conditions permitting. Ski area boundaries will be Olympian on the east and Outback Way to Leeway on the West.  

Saturday-Sunday, February 21-22 

FREE Telemark Demos: Join 22 Designs at the base of Red Chair and demo telemark skis for free. Plus, Mt. Bachelor’s Telemark Skills Clinic has openings on Saturday, February 1.  

On-Snow Demos Presented by Mt. Bachelor Sports: Try out the latest skis and snowboards at the base of Red Chair. For $25, participants can test up to three different ski or snowboard options, based on availability. The $25 demo fee can be credited toward a purchase of skis or a snowboard. All demos require a credit card. Demo equipment is adult sizing only. Must be 18 or have a legal guardian present. Demo boots will not be available. Demo snowboard bindings will not be available, guests should bring their own bindings to better focus on board feel and performance. 

Sunday, February 22 

Demo Day at Mt. Bachelor Nordic: This is Mt. Bachelor’s biggest Nordic Demo of the season. Test out the latest skis, boots, and poles from top Nordic brands including Salomon, Fischer, Atomic, Peltonen, and more. Demos are free, but a valid Nordic pass or ticket is required.  

Hoodoo Ski Area also reopened Thursday after a closure for several days due to low snow conditions.

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Oregon Capital Chronicle

By Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital Chronicle

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate in a 17-11 vote Thursday advanced a Central Oregon lawmaker’s bill meant to safeguard public lands against the threat of privatization. 

Senate Bill 1590, sponsored by Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, would prohibit state agencies from using any funding, data, equipment or staff to help the federal government sell or transfer federal lands to private parties. The measure puts no restrictions on tribes.

Broadman brought the bill in response to efforts from congressional Republicans to include in their massive summer 2025 tax and spending law plans to sell between 2 to 3 million acres of federally-managed land across 11 Western states, including hiking trails and campgrounds in Oregon.

Those provisions ultimately failed after receiving bipartisan pushback and because Congress could not guarantee that those lands wouldn’t be bought by antagonistic foreign interests.

Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, on the Senate floor on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Roughly 53% of land in Oregon is managed by the federal government, specifically the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service.

“We will not collaborate with federal efforts to privatize our national parks, our monuments, our sacred places,” Broadman said. 

The Senate advanced the bill along party lines, with Republicans citing concerns that the bill would limit private and public partnerships meant to manage the state’s natural resources and protect the health and safety of Oregonians. 

Sen. Todd Nash, an Enterprise Republican and cattle rancher, said there are times when it is beneficial to transfer public lands to private hands. 

“I just don’t want to put us in a place where we don’t have the benefit of doing that, allowing counties and the state of Oregon to participate in that transfer,” he said. 

The bill heads to the House next.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man armed with a knife who repeatedly tried forcing way into a couple’s travel trailer off Highway 20 early Thursday morning threatened to kill them and injured the woman, who grabbed her own knife, before Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrested him in a nearby struggle.

Deputies responded at 6:17 a.m. to a report of an attempted break-in and assault at a travel trailer located in the 6000 block of Central Street, east of Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters, Public Information Officer Jason Carr said..

Carr said Bradon Michael Planty, 52, tried to force his way into a travel trailer where a couple is living on their own property while the house is for sale.

The suspect allegedly broke a window, tried to get inside and threatened to kill the couple. The male victim was able to call 9-1-1 for help, Carr said.

During the confrontation, detectives say Planty used a knife to partially gain entry and caused injuries to the female victim, though Carr told KTVZ News the suspect was never able to fully enter the travel trailer.

The woman was then able to arm herself with her own knife in self-defense, Carr said, but “Planty gained possession of both knives and tried using them against her.” The woman kept Planty from gaining entry for several minutes, until deputies arrived.

Planty ran from the trailer, but was later found nearby by deputies. Carr said he resisted arrest and assaulted a deputy before he was taken into custody without further incident.

The female victim was treated at the scene and declined transport to the hospital. Carr told us the man lived in the same area and they knew each other, but was uncertain to what extent.

Planty was arrested and booked into the Deschutes County Jail on numerous charges:

First-degree Assault – Felony

Second-degree Assault – Felony

Assault on a Public Safety Officer – Felony

2 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Felony

Coercion – Felony

First-degree Burglary

First-degree Criminal Trespass 

Menacing

First-degree Criminal Mischief (property damage)

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. 

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Barney Lerten

(UPDATE: adding video)REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Monster X Tour will once again bring national monster truck competitions to the First Interstate Bank Center in Redmond, with afternoon and evening shows this Saturday.

The event includes 10,000-pound trucks competing in racing, wheelie contests and freestyle action, and this year’s theme focuses on America’s 250th birthday. The trucks are specifically designed for car-crushing maneuvers and freestyle stunts.

The motorsports event serves as a showcase for competitive monster trucks and off-road vehicles. Along with the main truck competitions, the schedule includes the Gambler 500 Tuff Truck Challenge and a pre-event Pit Party, where fans can meet the drivers and see the equipment up close.

Performances are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each show is preceded by an Autograph Pit Party. The afternoon Pit Party runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the evening session takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission to the Pit Party allows fans to see the vehicles and meet drivers before the competition.

The tour features several competitive categories, including Racing, Wheelie Contests and Freestyle Action.

Organizers noted that the monster truck lineup is subject to change without notice. In addition to the main events, the program includes the Gambler 500 Tuff Truck Challenge, where off-roaders compete head-to-head in a test of durability.

Attendees also have the option to ride in a real monster truck, for an added fee, during both the Pit Party and the intermission period.

Tickets are available for purchase through the First Interstate Bank Center Box Office or online at https://www.monsterxtour.com/.

All ticket sales are subject to service charges and miscellaneous fees. Potential attendees should note that ticket prices will increase on the day of the show.

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