Category: ktvz-local-news

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crater Lake Spirits Hazelnut Espresso Vodka has been named as one of 16 finalists in the annual “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon” competition. The contest is hosted by Oregon Business and Industry to highlight products created across the state.

While Hood River Distillers recently acquired the rights to distribute the vodka, the product continues to be manufactured at Bendistillery in central Oregon.

Korrie Dodge, vice president of marketing at Hood River Distillers, emphasized the broader economic impact of supporting local producers. “When you’re supporting a brand Made in Oregon, you’re supporting a lot of people,” Dodge said. “We employ around 60 people, in Oregon. And also: fun fact about this product is that we buy the coffee from Sisters Coffee Company, which is also, you know, a family-owned business in central Oregon. So, if you’re voting for us, you’re not only voting for one Oregon company, but you’re you’re kind of technically voting for two. So it’s just really nice to keep business and money in the state we all live in.”

Beyond the state contest, the beverage has earned industry recognition. Chilled Magazine gave the vodka an award this year, with a of 95 out of 100.

Voting for the first round of the “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon” contest ends Sept. 28.

You can vote for it on the contest’s website.

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Campbell Porter

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District has received a $2,499,000 grant for seismic upgrades and expansion at its main headquarters, Station 101 on Huntington Road. The funds will support facility improvements aimed at enhancing firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities.

Station 101 serves as the central operational hub for the district’s firefighters, paramedics and emergency responders. District officials noted that many fire stations across Oregon were built before modern seismic standards and firefighter health-and-safety guidelines were established. The grant will cover most project costs to bring the facility into alignment with current best practices without imposing new taxes on local residents.

The planned remodel and expansion will add new dormitory accommodations for emergency response personnel, modern contamination-reduction spaces and expanded apparatus bays. Dedicated turnout gear cleaning and storage areas will be created specifically to help reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogens.

Fire Chief Erick Holsey highlighted the importance of strengthening the district’s primary operational base to withstand severe natural disasters and support future community growth.

“This grant is a transformational investment in the future of public safety for our community,” Holsey said. “Station 101 serves as the operational heart of our District. These seismic upgrades will help ensure that our firefighters, paramedics and emergency responders can continue serving our citizens when they are needed most, even following a major seismic event. At the same time, the expansion project allows us to improve firefighter safety, increase our response capabilities and prepare for the future growth of our community.”

The expanded facility will also house a specialized firefighting vehicle being donated by the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District. The aerial telesquirt fire apparatus provides specialized firefighting and rescue capabilities for commercial buildings, multi-family housing, schools and other low-rise structures throughout the district.

Holsey noted that having adequate space to house and maintain the donated vehicle is essential for maintaining operational readiness.

“The addition of this apparatus gives our firefighters another valuable tool to protect lives and property,” Holsey said. “Having the facility space to properly house and maintain this unit ensures it will be ready when our community needs it and the facility will have the capacity for any necessary future aerial upgrade.”

District officials confirmed that the project will not require additional taxes or impose added costs on constituents. If extra funding is needed for the remodel, the district will use its existing capital fund. Board President Michael Vietzke emphasized the long-term value of securing external funding.

“This project represents a responsible investment in both community resilience and taxpayer resources,” Vietzke said. “The Board has worked diligently to position the district for opportunities like this. By securing outside grant funding, we are able to make critical infrastructure improvements that will benefit our community for generations while reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.”

Planning and design activities are expected to begin in the coming months. Construction timelines will be announced as the project advances.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Elizabeth Warren, alongside U.S. Reps. Val Hoyle, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Suhas Subramanyam, introduced legislation today aimed at banning corporate and private equity ownership of medical practices.

The proposal, titled the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act, seeks to eliminate legal loopholes that allow private equity funds, insurance companies and for-profit corporations to control clinical operations and staffing.

The legislative push comes as corporate ownership of medical practices reaches historic highs. Approximately 80% of doctors in the United States are currently employed by corporate entities, up from 62% in 2019.

Modeled on existing Oregon state law, the proposed federal measure would prohibit management services organizations from using captive physician agreements or managing administrative and operational tasks to dictate care delivery.

The legislation specifically targets management services organizations, which lawmakers say have been used by corporate actors to exercise control over physician practices. Under the proposed bill, management services organizations would be barred from controlling clinical operations, hiring and firing decisions, work schedules, compensation, billing practices and revenue targets. The bill also bans restrictive contract provisions, including noncompete and nondisclosure agreements.

The federal bill is modeled on legislation passed in Oregon that physicians have used to challenge corporate acquisitions. Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, author of Oregon Senate Bill 951, pointed to state-level results as a model for federal action. “With big bipartisan majorities, Oregon passed the strongest ban on the corporate practice of medicine in the country,” Bowman said. “Oregon has shown that it’s possible to stand up to corporate profiteering in health care and win. Now it’s time to take that fight nationwide.”

Sponsors of the bill argued that corporate influence places profit margins ahead of patient health. U.S. Sen. Wyden, D-Oregon, emphasized keeping health decisions between patients and physicians. “Americans want medical decisions to stay between patients and their doctor, not dictated by corporate actors and private equity firms focused on maximizing profits,” Wyden said. “I’m proud of Oregon’s pioneering state law that has been used by doctors to protect their independence and it’s time to take that model to the federal level.”

Other lawmakers voiced similar concerns about investor oversight in clinical settings. U.S. Sen. Merkley, D-Oregon, said corporate takeovers are damaging the care system. “Billionaire corporations are using sick patients to turn healthy profits and Americans are fed up,” Merkley said. U.S. Sen. Warren, D-Massachusetts, added that stopping corporate expansion is necessary to lower medical expenses. “Patients want to know that decisions about their health are being made by their doctors, not by Wall Street investors,” Warren said.

U.S. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, co-leading the House effort, criticized private equity consolidation of local clinics. “Across the country, private equity firms and corporate conglomerates are buying up American physician offices,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “To increase shareholder profits, these entities often cut corners, leading to patients paying more for significantly worse care.”

The measure has gained backing from several medical associations and advocacy groups, including the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, the American Economic Liberties Project, the Coalition for Patient Centered Care, the Bull Moose Project, the Center for Health and Democracy, OrthoForum, the Alliance of Independent Dentists, the Private Equity Stakeholder Project and the Association for Independent Medicine.

Medical professionals and advocates highlighted the impact of physician ownership on quality of care. Dr. Vicki Norton, president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, expressed support for the federal legislation. “The American Academy of Emergency Medicine believes that local physician ownership of their practice is the best arrangement for the physicians, the medical staff, the hospital and, most importantly, for the patient,” Norton said.

Industry analysts also supported tightening existing rules. Emma Freer, senior fellow for health care at the American Economic Liberties Project, described the bill as a key measure to protect independent providers. “The Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act will strengthen long-standing bans on the corporate practice of medicine, ensuring clinical decisions are made by licensed professionals sworn to care for patients, not corporations beholden to shareholders,” Freer said. Joe Van Wye, policy director at the Coalition for Patient-Centered Care, added that corporate decision-making undermines community health care by raising costs and worsening working conditions.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new report on the health of Oregon’s forests shows tree death and damage decreased in 2025, but drought continues to put stress on trees across the state.

The Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service recently released the results of their annual aerial forest health survey. The survey found 181,500 acres of Oregon forestland showed signs of tree death or damage in 2025.

That figure was well below the 10-year average and less than half the peak recorded in 2022.

In 2025, about 0.7% of Oregon’s roughly 30 million forested acres showed signs of death or damage, compared with 0.8% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2022.

Drought remains a major concern

The report found drought remains a significant stressor for Oregon’s forests, particularly because it can make trees more vulnerable to insects and disease.

ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl said drought is often accompanied by rising temperatures, creating additional stress for trees.

“Together these are often the underlying cause of tree deaths in our state,” Buhl said. “Drought reduces tree growth and lowers their defenses against insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate.”

The report found 78% of the damage detected during the 2025 aerial survey was linked to the combination of drought and opportunistic beetles attacking stressed Douglas-fir, true fir and pine species.

Eastern Oregon sees highest levels of damage

Eastern Oregon had the highest percentage of forest death and damage in the state.

Union County had the highest percentage, with 2.4% of its forested acres showing signs of death or damage. Umatilla County followed at 1.24%, while Harney County recorded 1.12%.

Coastal counties and areas bordering the Coast Range had the lowest percentages of forest death and damage.

The report also tracks other causes of tree injury and death, including disease, storms and wildfires.

Tree diseases remain a concern

Researchers found levels of many common tree diseases remained relatively unchanged in 2025, although they noted some diseases can be difficult to detect from the air.

One exception is sudden oak death, a disease caused by the water mold Phytophthora ramorum. The disease was first discovered near the California border in 2001 and continues to spread north and northwest through Curry County.

Sudden oak death can infect dozens of shrub and tree species and kills Oregon’s native tanoak trees.

Oregon is working with federal land managers to slow the disease’s spread by identifying newly infected areas and cutting and burning infected vegetation. Private forestland is also being treated.

Swiss needle cast also remains a concern for Douglas-fir trees, particularly in the Coast Range where late-spring atmospheric moisture is high.

ODF Forest Pathologist Gabriela Ritokova said the fungal disease causes trees to lose needles prematurely, resulting in sparse crowns and slower growth.

According to the report, Swiss needle cast can reduce volume growth by 20% to 50%.

Survey has tracked Oregon forests for decades

The annual aerial survey is conducted by trained observers who fly over forested areas throughout the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft.

Observers typically fly between 1,500 and 2,500 feet above the ground, following a systematic grid spaced four miles apart. Flights generally travel between 90 and 140 miles per hour.

The survey is the longest continuous forest health survey of its kind in the United States. It began in 1947 and has been conducted every year except 2020, when the survey was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ODF says information gathered on the ground by Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff, natural resource agencies, universities, landowners and members of the public also helps provide a more complete picture of forest health.

The full 2025 Oregon Forest Health report is available through the Oregon Department of Forestry. Data from annual aerial surveys is also available through the USDA Forest Service.

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor will host Job-A-Palooza, Central Oregon’s largest winter hiring event, this Saturday, Sept. 19, to recruit staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The hiring event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room in Bend, Ore.

Job-A-Palooza offers prospective employees an opportunity to meet Mt. Bachelor hiring managers, learn about open roles, submit job applications and complete on-site interviews. The event is open to candidates seeking seasonal entry-level work as well as experienced outdoor recreation and hospitality professionals.

Mt. Bachelor is seeking applicants for both seasonal and year-round positions. Open roles include mountain operations, food and beverage service, day care, guest services, event staff and bus drivers.

Tyler Monzie, talent acquisition manager at Mt. Bachelor, noted that around 20 resort departments will participate in the job fair.

“In my opinion, the ski industry is one of the greatest and most fulfilling work environments,” Monzie said. “We’ll have around 20 of our amazing departments represented and ready to connect with job seekers. Our mantra is Work Where You Play and we’re eager to welcome new team members who share passion for the mountain and this community.”

The resort offers employees several perks, including a free season pass, free or discounted dependent passes and friends and family ticket discounts. Staff members also receive free access to the Cascades East Transit winter shuttle, discounts on resort amenities and deals at select Central Oregon businesses. Select positions may also qualify for winter employee housing.

Event attendees will receive complimentary snacks, beverages and raffle prizes during the four-hour hiring session.

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon is expanding their afterschool program to La Pine, with the new program to be hosted at the La Pine Community Center. The initiative will serve students from La Pine Elementary, Rosland Elementary and La Pine Middle School, operating Monday through Friday and ending at 6:30 p.m.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion will take place on Sept. 18 at the La Pine Club. Special guest Ashton Eaton, a retired U.S. decathlon athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist, will be joining at the event. Community members and families will gather at 2:45 p.m., followed by the ribbon-cutting at 3:00 p.m.

The expansion aims to address local demand for reliable afterschool care for working families. To manage student arrival, staff members will walk La Pine Elementary students directly to the facility, while separate transportation is provided for students attending Rosland Elementary.

Standard annual youth memberships cost $25, with scholarships and financial assistance available for families facing financial hardship.

The program offers academic support and tutoring, active recreation, creative enrichment and mentorship to students. The staff also provides reading assistance through a program called “Power Hour,” alongside hands-on technology, engineering, math, robotics and art projects.

Michael Baker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, highlighted the initiative’s focus on helping local parents and students.

“Expanding into La Pine allows us to directly support working families who need safe, high-quality afterschool care they can trust,” Baker said. “Every child deserves an after-school environment filled with fun, discovery and support. Bringing our programs to La Pine delivers both — offering safe, high-quality care for working families while unlocking exciting new opportunities for La Pine kids.”

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Members of Congress are considering federal legislation to establish regulations for college student-athlete compensation and transfer rules. The proposed measure, known as the Protect College Sports Act, comes amid growing debate over how money and transfers are handled across college athletics.

Since 2021, college athletes have been permitted to earn compensation through their name, image and likeness, commonly known as NIL. Without federal oversight, the system has developed into an unregulated landscape where large sums of money are spent to compensate players and build team rosters.

Former college athletics coach Nick Saban testified before Congress regarding the state of college athletics and the impact of unmanaged financial compensation. “I think the current system that we have in college athletics right now makes it more and more difficult to do these things,” Saban said. “We’ve moved away from development to focusing on money and not life skills.”

Under the proposed Protect College Sports Act, student-athletes would be allowed one transfer without forfeiting their athletic eligibility. The bill would also grant schools and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to pool and sell media rights, structured similarly to major professional sports leagues.

The antitrust provision has met opposition from lawmakers, including Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, who voted against the bill. “This bill takes that opportunity way by granting an antitrust exemption that continues into the future forever and ever,” Merkley said. “Basically, you’re locking in or locking the athletes out of the ability to to negotiate on issues that matter to them.”

With elections approaching, lawmakers face pressure to pass the measure before congressional turnover. The House of Representatives went into recess for October, shifting responsibility to the Senate to act on the legislation.

The current session of Congress is set to expire on Jan. Three. If the Senate does not pass the legislation before that date, the legislative process for the bill will have to start over in the next session of Congress.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Amazon has formally established its presence in Central Oregon with the opening of an 80,000-square-foot logistics center in Redmond.

The new facility has shortened delivery timelines across the region while adding hundreds of warehouse positions to the local workforce.

The logistics hub began operations earlier this year and serves community zip codes located within a 90-minute radius. The facility currently handles 13,000 shipments daily, amounting to a weekly total exceeding 90,000 packages.

The logistics center has generated more than 150 jobs within the municipality, with overall staffing exceeding 300 individuals. Damaris Rodriguez, a mother of young children who works as a Level one warehouse associate at Amazon, noted that she previously enjoyed the company and decided to apply after learning about the local site, finding that the schedule flexibility allowed her to manage her shifts. Amazon delivery station manager Will Pon said local feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “I can’t go to a grocery store. I can’t go to a dentist appointment without someone telling us how excited they are to have Amazon here in Central Oregon,” Pon said.

Area leaders and business partners attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tours at the site. Guests included State Sen. Anthony Broadman alongside state Reps. Vikki Breese Iverson and Emerson Levy. Also present was Katie Tomson, co-founder and CEO of Square Baby, who noted that Amazon assisted in her company’s expansion. “I’m really, really grateful. First of all, as a parent and a consumer and someone who heavily relies on things getting quickly to my doorstep, so grateful to have this facility here in Redmond,” Tomson said. “And I think it just shows the investment into the community. And I think it’s going to help so many businesses around town, as well as obviously the jobs that are brought to Central Oregon.”

In conjunction with the facility’s opening, Amazon declared monetary backing for local youth initiatives and community development across the region. As part of this commitment, the company donated $10,000 to the Food Heroes project run by Heart of Oregon. The initiative tackles food insecurity throughout Central Oregon by engaging local youth in hunger-relief efforts while providing them with vocational training.

Amazon anticipates performing further recruitment at the Redmond facility during the holiday season as operations expand.

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Justice has launched an online resource called “Open Door to Government” to help residents navigate state government operations, in hopes of making government more transparent and accessible for all Oregonians.

The new portal offers guidance on public records requests, public meeting laws, official legal opinions, board appointments and administrative rulemaking. The resource is designed to clarify information on legal rights and government procedures without residents needing to seek out legal expertise.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the initiative aims to make state resources directly available to the public.

“Government only works for people if they can find their way into it,” Rayfield said. “Open Door to Government is about making sure Oregonians don’t have to be lawyers or insiders to understand their rights, ask a question, or get an answer. We’re opening the door wider and we’re committed to continuously expanding and improving these resources.”

The resource features an “Oregon DOJ and Me” toolkit that outlines the role of the Attorney General, explains agency functions and answers common questions. A separate Public Records Toolkit provides links to submit records requests, view current requests and review answers regarding state public records law.

For local governance, the Public Meetings Toolkit outlines legal compliance obligations for governing bodies and provides guidance for citizens monitoring public meetings. The Attorney General Opinions section offers formal legal positions representing the state, along with context detailing their local relevance.

The portal also includes an Attorney General Appointments section listing advisory committees, task forces, councils and commissions that receive appointments from the attorney general, alongside instructions for public involvement.

Lastly, the Rules and Rulemaking section provides rule definitions, proposed regulations and recently adopted administrative policies.

The DOJ plans to expand the online resource to include additional tools in the coming months.

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