Category: ktvz-local-news

Spencer Sacks

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson announced today that Ochoco Viewpoint in Prineville, Ore., will remain open until 10 p.m., an hour later than its previous 9 p.m. closing time. The extension, effective immediately for the summer season, is a collaborative effort by Rep. Breese-Iverson, the City of Prineville and Oregon State Parks to make the viewpoint more accessible to the community.

The later closing time allows residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic spot for an additional hour during summer evenings.

Perched above Prineville, Ochoco Viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Crooked River valley and the Ochoco Mountains. The viewpoint is particularly popular on summer evenings, when cooler temperatures and long Central Oregon sunsets attract families, photographers and visitors from across the region.

Rep. Breese-Iverson, a Republican representing Prineville, emphasized the communal aspect of the location. “This viewpoint belongs to all of us and summer evenings are when it truly shines,” Breese-Iverson said. “By coming together with the City of Prineville and Oregon State Parks, we’ve made it easier for families and visitors to end their day watching the sun set over our incredible valley.”

Police Chief Shane Wilson for the Prineville Police Department, highlighted the role of law enforcement and community satisfaction. “Our officers patrol the viewpoint regularly and we want people up there enjoying those summer evenings — that’s exactly what this park is for,” Wilson said. “We are thankful to the quick action of Oregon State Parks and Representative Breese-Iverson in responding to the community desire to see the park stay open longer.”

Oregon Parks Director Lisa Sumption and Recreation Department, noted the department’s mission to connect people with nature. “Our mission is to help all Oregonians connect with the outdoor places that make this state special,” Sumption said. “Working with Representative Breese-Iverson and the City of Prineville to extend summer hours at Ochoco Viewpoint means more people can experience it at the most beautiful time of day.”

Ochoco Viewpoint is located just west of Prineville off Highway 126. Visitors are reminded that it is a day-use park and overnight camping is not permitted.

The extended hours are effective immediately and will run through the summer season.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) sat down with KTVZ News on Wednesday to discuss new legislation he says is aimed at preventing future helicopter tragedies following the deaths of four members of an Oregon family earlier this year.

The proposal would require better marking and lighting of temporary obstructions, such as slacklines, in low-altitude airspace and modernize Federal Aviation Administration notifications and warnings for pilots.

During the interview, KTVZ’s Claire Elmer also asked Senator Merkley about President Donald Trump’s expected address to the nation, recent claims surrounding 2020 election results and voting integrity, and reports of recent increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Central Oregon.

Watch KTVZ News at 6:00p.m. tonight for the full report on Senator Merkley’s responses.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 60th annual Crooked River Roundup parimutuel horse races kick off Wednesday night at the Crook County Fairgrounds, bringing a long-standing Central Oregon tradition back to life with four days of racing, community spirit and regional pride.

The races run July 15 through July 18 and are known for drawing the largest daily attendance of any horse racing track in Oregon. Each evening features a full slate of competition, with up to eight races scheduled Wednesday and Thursday, and as many as 10 races planned for Friday and Saturday.

Gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m., with the first race set for 7:15 p.m. Opening night also includes a special “Ladies Night,” offering free admission for women of all ages.

General admission is $10 for anyone age 4 and older, while children 3 and under get in free. Tickets are available at the gate or online through Rodeo Ticket.

Organizers say the races are more than just entertainment — they are a reflection of Crook County’s deep western roots.

“It is such an honor to be a part of the history that is the Crooked River Roundup,” said a Roundup participant, reflecting on years of family involvement in the event. “What an amazing thing it has been to watch family traditions become a community’s heritage.”

The Crooked River Roundup Association hosts both the horse races and its PRCA-sanctioned rodeo each summer, celebrating what many call the “Cowboy Capital of Oregon.”

Race Chair Doug Smith says the event also honors a lesser-known part of the region’s past.

“Very few people know it, but if you go back into the ’60s, some of the top money-winning horses in the state of Oregon came out of Prineville,” Smith said. “It’s imperative that we keep that story alive. It’s a very important part of who Crook County is.”

For jockeys, the races demand a balance of strength and precision.

“You’ve got to be physical. You’ve got to be quick and you’ve got to be soft-handed, too,” said jockey Vladimir Jenson. “You need the strength to control a 1,200-pound animal.”

With warm summer evenings, fast-paced racing and a strong sense of tradition, organizers expect another packed turnout as the Crooked River Roundup races continue through the weekend.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ)—Dutch Bros Coffee and the Dutch Bros Foundation are partnering with Make-A-Wish Oregon for a fundraiser this Friday, July 17. The event will see the Dutch Bros Foundation donate $1 from every drink sold at select locations in Oregon and Southwest Washington The initiative aims to support Make-A-Wish Oregon in granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish Oregon is dedicated to creating wishes for children facing critical illnesses, empowering them to believe in themselves. The fundraising efforts on Friday are part of an ongoing partnership between the beverage company and the nonprofit organization.

Dutch Bros Coffee offers a variety of drinks including specialty coffee, smoothies, teas, freezes, lemonade, its exclusive Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink, Myst Energy Refreshers and Nitro Cold Brew coffee.

Kristen Van Horn, a regional operator for Dutch Bros Coffee, emphasized the company’s dedication to community support. “At Dutch Bros, we strive to help our communities and this giveback with Make A Wish Oregon is a powerful way to showcase how much we truly care about our people and our community,” Horn said. “It’s magical to see the impact we can make when we all come together to make a massive difference, one cup at a time!”

Stefanie Shalkowsky, vice president of development and alumni at Make-A-Wish Oregon, highlighted the long-standing collaboration. “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Dutch Bros and the lasting impact we’ve made together for children across Oregon and SW Washington,” Shalkowsky said. “For years, Dutch Bros has helped bring hope, joy and life-changing wishes to local kids and their families. Beyond the funds raised, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to our community and a belief in the power of coming together to create extraordinary moments for children facing critical illnesses.”

Since its inception in 1983, Make-A-Wish Oregon has granted wishes to more than 5,500 children living in Oregon and Clark County, Wash. Dutch Bros Coffee, founded in 1992 in Grants Pass, Ore., operates more than 1,177 locations across 25 states.

Interviews with Dutch Bros spokespersons will be available. Wish Kids are scheduled to appear at the Hillsboro, Ore., location at 2991 SE 73rd Avenue from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and at the Vancouver, Wash., location at 14514 NE Mill Plain Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17.

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Adrielle Hasara

Sisters, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest has opened a public comment period for the draft Environmental Assessment of the Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project. The project covers approximately 17,500 acres north of Sisters, Ore., and aims to enhance forest resiliency while mitigating the risk of large-scale high severity wildfires. Comments must be submitted or post-marked by Aug. 14, 2026.

The Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project, known as SCARP, proposes activities across roughly 14,400 acres, including thinning, mowing and prescribed burning. These efforts are designed to address concerns regarding insects and disease within the forest. Holly Jewkes, Deschutes National Forest Supervisor, announced the opening of the comment period.

The project also includes two proposed site-specific Forest Plan Amendments to change scenery requirements on about 220 acres. These amendments would allow for efficient prescribed burning. Additionally, a well-established user trail located within an isolated Forest Service parcel near Deer Ridge Road is slated for inclusion in the Forest Service trail system.

The project was authorized as a Forest Health and Fuels Emergency Situation Determination under USDA Secretarial Memo 1078-006 and section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Because of this emergency authority, the Environmental Assessment considered only the proposed action and the no action alternative.

The project is not subject to the project-level pre-decisional administrative review or any processes outlined in 36 CFR Part 218.

The public can submit comments electronically using the Comment Analysis and Response Application, CARA, which is the preferred method for submission. The specific link for electronic comments is cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=351294.

Alternatively, comments may be mailed to Sisters Ranger District, 694 North Larch Street, PO Box 249, Sisters, Ore. 97759. Hand-delivered comments will be accepted at 201 N. Pine St., Sisters, Ore. 97759, during business hours, which are 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

All documents and related comments are part of the comment process under the National Environmental Policy Act and may be released under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC 552.

For additional information, individuals may contact Lauren DuRocher, Environmental Coordinator, at lauren.durocher@usda.gov or by phone at 541-316-9686.

The public comment period for the Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project will close on Aug. 14, 2026.

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Tyson Beauchemin

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Madras is seeking to settle an outstanding loan of approximately $1.2 million from Initiative Brewing.

The city provided the brewery with a combination grant and a loan in 2024 to foster local job creation and business growth. However, the company closed its Madras location in late May 2026.

Tonight, the Madras City Council and the Madras Redevelopment Commission are meeting with Initiative Brewing and other lenders. Their objective is to resolve the financial obligations stemming from the 2024 agreement.

David Clyne, interim city administrator for Madras, elaborated on the complexities of the situation. “It’s challenging that everybody will take a little bit of a haircut to get where they want to get to, lose a little bit in the, in the transactions,” Clyne said. “But I think it’s in everybody’s best interest that they continue their operations in Redmond, hopefully successfully and that ultimately, over time, we get reimbursed as much as we can in that arrangement. But in the meantime, the city of the proposal will be that the city acquire the property back.”

The city currently does not have any specific plans for the property if they reacquire it.

The Madras Redevelopment Commission has a history of providing similar loans, having issued them to 25 other businesses. Of these, seven businesses have fully repaid their loans and 16 are actively making repayments. Initiative Brewing is one of two businesses that were not successful in the loan program.

The city’s proposal to Initiative Brewing and other lenders will include the city acquiring the property back.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg is set to retire on Aug. 28, prompting an extended search for his successor. The Deschutes Public Library Board decided last Wednesday evening to continue its search for a new director after interviewing two candidates last week and now plans to appoint an interim director.

The board interviewed two candidates on July 7 and 8 before making the decision to extend the search. Library Board President Ann Malkin stated the board is committed to finding the right leader for the district during what she described as an “exciting time.” “We value the experience and enthusiasm the two candidates brought to the table,” Malkin said. “We are in an exciting time for the library district and the board is committed to making sure we make the right decision for the community and library staff. We will take a brief pause to refocus our search, with a goal of finding the right director for this vibrant and growing community.”

Dunkelberg has served the library system for 26 years, including the last 16 years as director. Dunkelberg described his departure as bittersweet, but expressed excitement for his next adventure. “I love, love working in libraries for me. Library is home. But the nice thing about a public library is you always get to come visit it. So that part. I’m looking forward to the next adventure for myself,” Dunkelberg said. When considering the qualities of his replacement, Dunkelberg emphasized passion and community engagement. “Probably the best thing is really looking for somebody that has a passion for the library, that really is able to listen to the community, listen to our staff and and help lead us into into the future,” Dunkelberg said, adding that the outgoing leadership has “set the next person up really well.” The board contracted a firm to assist with the director search at a cost of $45,000 for one year. Dunkelberg confirmed that continuing the search will not incur additional costs for taxpayers, as the library still has time remaining on the existing contract. Despite the leadership transition, the library continues to attract new patrons. Luke, a student at OSU Cascades, recently became a new member of the Central Library. He praised its organization, stating, “There’s a lot of books. I like the way it’s organized. It’s very, very nice. Just in general.” Luke added that the library “just overall seems very good” and he plans to frequent it “a lot more after checking it out.” The board and the search firm will now return to their list of candidates and pursue new avenues to find suitable applicants.

The Deschutes Public Library Board will meet on Aug. 12 to discuss appointing an interim director. Dunkelberg is scheduled to retire on Aug. 28.

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Claire Elmer

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police are asking for additional witnesses following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 20 last week that left two people seriously injured.

Troopers say the crash happened around 12:47 p.m. Friday, July 10th, near milepost 41. The location is roughly 2 miles west of the community of Brothers.

According to a preliminary investigation, a westbound 2013 black Chevrolet Silverado towing a single-axle utility trailer attempted to pass a black Dodge 4500 that was also pulling a trailer. At the same time, an eastbound Hyundai Elantra tried to avoid a collision with the Silverado, lost control on the gravel shoulder, crossed into the westbound lane, and crashed into the Dodge’s trailer.

The driver and passenger of the Hyundai were airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The crash shut down traffic in the area for about five hours.

Police say the driver of the Chevrolet Silverado was cited for careless driving and unsafe passing.

Investigators are now looking for anyone who may have seen the Silverado traveling westbound on Highway 20 before or during the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or dial *OSP from a mobile phone and reference case number SP26-255130.

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BrightSide Animal Center has opened what it says is Redmond’s first private SniffSpot, offering dog owners a new option for safe, off-leash play while also supporting shelter animals.

The half-acre, fully fenced space is located at the animal center and is available by reservation only. Unlike traditional dog parks, each booking provides exclusive use of the area, giving dogs a quieter, more controlled environment to run and play.

The park includes toys, water features, and open space designed for dogs to explore without the stress that can come with crowded public parks.

“Every dog deserves the chance to get outside, burn off energy, and have fun,” said Savanah Wellman, assistant director at BrightSide Animal Center. “We know public dog parks aren’t the right fit for every dog, and as a pet owner myself with a selective pup, I struggle to find safe areas for my pets to explore off-leash.”

BrightSide says each reservation will directly support the shelter’s operations, including food, medical care, and other services for animals awaiting adoption.

The SniffSpot can be booked through BrightSide Animal Center’s listing or the SniffSpot app.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shepherd’s House Ministries is asking for urgent community support as it faces a critical shortage of food while serving hundreds of people across Central Oregon each day.

The nonprofit says it currently provides about 1,000 meals daily to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and financial hardship, but pantry supplies are running low.

Organization leaders are now calling on the community to donate essential food items. Right now, they are in urgent need of the following:

canned goods

peanut butter

rice

dried beans

noodles

granola bars

coffee

shelf-stable milk

other pantry staples

Donations can be dropped off at two locations: Shepherd’s House Ministries in Bend at 1854 NE Division Street, or in Redmond at 1350 South Highway 97.

The group says community contributions are critical to helping maintain meal services and support those in need.

More information is available at shministries.org.

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