Category: ktvz-local-news

Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video, Suspect arraigned on murder, other charges)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville resident Martin Ray Terry was arraigned Monday on murder, manslaughter, attempted murder and assault after an incident Friday morning in Prineville on NW 10th Street left one person dead and two others seriously injured.

Terry, 36, who is being held without bail at the Crook County Jail, was arraigned Monday afternoon by video before Circuit Judge Wade Whiting on eight initial felony charges filed by District Attorney Kari Hathorn: second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and four counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

He is due to return to court in a week for arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment.

Hathorn also clarified earlier information and confirmed to NewsChannel 21 that there were only two alleged victims, while the suspect was also treated at the hospital for injuries.

While visiting the scene Monday morning, KTVZ News found balloons, flowers and messages for the alleged murder victim outside their home at Grasshopper Village Apartments on NW 10th Street.

Flowers, balloons, and messages are left on the front porch of an alleged murder victim at Grasshopper Village in Prineville.

The court filing identifies the homicide victim as Robert Winter and the assault victim as Steven Hutchinson. The assault charges indicate a knife and a hammer were used in the killing and injuries.

Martin Ray Terry was arraigned Monday afternoon on murder, other charges before Crook County Circuit Judge Wade Whiting

While KTVZ News was in Prineville, families and friends of both Terry and Winter approached us. They all shared positive memories of both men and said they could not believe how this happened.

Winter and Hutchinson also were well-known by their neighbors, many telling KTVZ News that both were good people, and they were shocked to hear they were involved in a situation like this. The same neighbors said Winter leaves behind four children – and died on his birthday.

KTVZ News also spoke exclusively Monday with the mother of three of his children, who said this all could have been avoided.

“We’ve tried to get him mental health help for years, and the system failed him,” Jerrica Baker told us.

“I mean he got in trouble in 2017, and my husband stood up for him in court and said that he should have strong mental health help, instead of prison – and they put him in prison instead. And I feel like if he would have had that mental health help, this could have been avoided.”

DA Kari Hathorn provided this statement late Monday to KTVZ News:

Released by: Kari Hathorn, Crook County District Attorney

Martin Terry, DOB 4/29/1989, was arrested by the Prineville Police Department on June 28, 2025. Terry was arraigned in the Crook County Circuit Court on June 30, 2025 on charges of Murder in the Second Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, Attempted Murder In the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

On June 27, 2025, at approximately 11:45 am, Prineville Police Department responded to the Grasshopper Village Apartments in Prineville, Oregon. Officers located a male, Robert Allen Winter, who was pronounced deceased inside the apartment. A second victim, Steven Hutchinson, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries prior to law enforcement’s arrival at the apartment.

Officers located and arrested the defendant, Martin Terry, inside the apartment. Terry was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for injuries.

There are no additional victims outstanding. There is no ongoing risk to the public. As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further regarding the specifics of the investigation.

The investigation is led by the Prineville Police Department. Contributing agencies include the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Crook County Medical Examiner, Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory, Oregon State Medical Examiner, and Crook County Fire and Rescue.

—

KTVZ News earlier learned through public records that Terry’s arrest and charges come just days after he agreed to a conditional release by a Crook County Circuit Court judge for reportedly attacking a Prineville Police Officer and resisting arrest. (Hathorn said at Monday’s arraignment that Terry was released over prosecutors’ objections.)

Records show that 36-year-old Terry has a long history of crimes in Crook County, having been arrested 12 times in Oregon, three this year.

As part of Terry’s conditional release, he was required to attend a mental health and substance abuse treatment program, consume no alcohol or controlled substances and engage in no “violent, tumultuous, threatening behavior.”

FULL PRESS RELEASE FROM PRINEVILLE POLICE:

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — On June 27, 2025 at approximately 11:45 a.m., Prineville dispatch received a 911 call reporting a disturbance in the 800 block of NW 10th Street. The initial report indicated that two victims were involved in a disturbance and had significant injuries. This initial report indicated that a possible third victim was also injured. Prineville Police, Crook County Sheriff’s office, and the Oregon State Police responded. They located the two male victims who were injured. They located a third victim in the residence who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Prineville Police initially ruled this as a suspicious death pending more details.

The Major Investigations Team (MIT) responded to immediately initiate the investigation. The investigation revealed that one of the initial subjects taken to the hospital was the suspect in the death of the third victim. The Prineville Police Department has confirmed that this incident is now being investigated as a homicide.

Martin Ray Terry, age 36, was arrested and booked into the Crook County jail on June 28, 2025. Currently he is being charged with Murder in the second degree, Attempted Murder in the second degree, and Assault in the first degree. Further charges are pending a review by the Crook County District Attorney’s office. The homicide and assault victim names are not being released at this time out of respect for the family.

The Prineville Police Department would like to thank the following partners who assisted with this incident and investigation: Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Crime lab, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Crook County District Attorney’s Office, State Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Special thanks to the Crook County Fire and Rescue and the City of Prineville Public Works Department.

The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details that can be released at this time. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Prineville Police Department at 541-447-4168.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: OSP releases name, details of fatal crash)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police on Tuesday released details of a crash on U.S. Highway 20 west of Sisters Monday morning that killed a 63-year-old St. Helens man.

The single-vehicle crash was reported shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, near milepost 95, about five miles west of Sisters.

Troopers said Randolf Lee Burghart was at the wheel of a blue Subaru Outback heading east on the highway when, for unknown reasons, he left the roadway.

“The vehicle struck a guardrail, bounced off, crossed into the oncoming lane and collided with a tree,” OSP said.

Burghart, alone in the Subaru, died at the scene of the crash, which did not close the highway.

OSP said it was assisted by the Black Butte Fire Department, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, Black Butte Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with TNT safety expert, full story, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire season is already in full swing for Central Oregon. With the Alder Springs Fire and numerous other blazes throughout the area fresh in residents’ minds, the use of personal fireworks for the July 4th holiday is up for debate.

The Redmond City Council will be holding a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a potential ban of fireworks within Redmond’s city limits.

If the council decides against a ban, or if you live in another area of Central Oregon that does not have one in place, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure you keep your risk of starting a fire as minimal as possible.

KTVZ News spoke Monday with TNT Fireworks’ national safety expert, James Fuller, who is also a former firefighter.

“Stay legal. That’s our No. 1 message to all of our communities,” Fuller told us. “Go with product that’s marked, licensed and prepared for consumers. If it doesn’t have the warning labels or instructions, set it aside. It’s probably not legal product. And if it’s not legal product, we can’t guarantee it’s safe product.”

He suggests you be prepared with a water hose or five-gallon bucket full of water if you plan to use legal fireworks in an area they are allowed. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is also a smart idea.

When it comes to used fireworks, be sure to submerge them in a bag or container full of water.

“I want you to give your fireworks a bath. Let them stay in there a minute or so. Then, put them in a trash bag and set aside for at least 30 minutes before you put it in a proper trash receptacle,” said Fuller.

When lighting fireworks, it is recommended you use a ‘fireworks punk’ — a slow-burning, smoldering stick that allows you to light the firework from a distance to protect your body. Keep in mind that even legal handheld sparklers can burn between 1,700 and 2,500 degrees, meaning their sparks can cause major damage.

You should also only light fireworks on a surface such as concrete, asphalt, or dirt, a safe distance away from any vegetation or structure. It is not a safe option to light fireworks in grass, even if wet. Use sandbags, bricks, or rocks to stabilize fireworks so they do not topple over.

If you come across a ‘dud’ firework that does not light on the first try, do not try to light it again. “If you bought that product at any one of our stores or in any reputable licensed dealership, you just keep that product. Bring it back to next year. We’ll give you a free one, no questions asked,” said Fuller. Set the firework aside, in your sight, for at least 30 minutes before storing it.

For ‘duds’ or unused fireworks, Fuller says they are a stable product that can be safely stored in your home, garage, or storage shed for later use or exchange. Fuller says to ensure they do not pose any significant risk, store them in a low-temperature area, away from anything flammable, and where they aren’t exposed to any flames, appliances, or electrical equipment that is plugged in.

Another thing Fuller wants the public to remember: Keep pets safe. If you have pets and are going to be lighting fireworks, make sure your pets are secured inside and kept in a calm environment. Do your part to keep your neighbors with pets informed — if you are going to be lighting fireworks, notify them so they can be prepared and secure their animals.

Finally, check your local restrictions on fireworks. La Pine, Sunriver, Bend and Sisters all currently have fireworks bans in place within city limits. As mentioned above, the city of Redmond may enforce a ban as well. In Oregon, fireworks are prohibited on Oregon State beaches, parks, campgrounds, and State and Federal forest lands.

If you are caught using fireworks in a prohibited area or using illegal fireworks, you may be charged with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. You can call your local law enforcement’s non-emergency number for assistance in disposing of fireworks or to check legality in your area.

Here’s what the Oregon Office of Emergency Management just shared about fireworks safety, as well as some other summertime fire safety tips:

OEM Encourages Oregonians to Celebrate the July 4 Holiday in a Fire-safe Way!

SALEM, Ore. — The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, filled with fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor fun. But with all the excitement, it’s important to prioritize fire safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Eighty-five percent of wildfires are started by humans—many times with fireworks and campfires.

Whether you are celebrating at home or traveling out of the area, know the latest road conditions, check if you are visiting an area near a wildfire, make sure you are signed up for Oregon emergency alerts, activate Federal Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, understand the evacuation levels, and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car—stay safe and don’t be the spark this holiday. 

Fireworks—Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe. 

Fireworks are a staple of Independence Day, but they can also be dangerous. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display organized by professionals. There are plenty of places you can see coastal displays, Portland area displays, the southern Willamette Valley, as well as other parts of Oregon. If you choose to use consumer fireworks, follow these precautions – including: 

Always check local regulations before lighting fireworks in your area. 

Never give fireworks to small children and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergencies. 

Light fireworks one at a time and never attempt to relight a dud. 

Maintain a safe distance from fireworks and never point them at people, animals, or structures. 

Remember, all fireworks are banned on public lands. This includes state and federal parks. 

Campfire and Outdoor Fire Safety—Don’t be the Spark. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintains a state parks campfire/flame restrictions in page, the Oregon Department of Forestry maintains one for state lands, and the Bureau of Land management maintains a list for federal land. If your celebration includes a campfire or fire pit, follow these guidelines: 

Check if fires are allowed where you are camping.  

Keep flames small—about knee height—to prevent embers from drifting into trees or dry areas. If the wind picks up embers, put the fire out. 

Use designated fire rings—they’re placed in safe areas with buffers of at least 25 feet away from tents and vegetation. Use outdoor fireplaces and fire pits only in well-ventilated areas. 

Always have water nearby to fully extinguish the fire—douse, stir the embers, and ensure everything is wet. 

Beach fires belong on open sand—keep them away from driftwood and plants. Pour water slowly to avoid spraying hot sand. Never use sand to smother the fire—it traps heat and can cause burns later. 

Propane fire rings require the same precautions as wood fires—rules may vary by location. 

Never leave a fire unattended—many accidents happen when campers step away for just a minute. Ensure everyone, including kids, understands fire safety. 

Grilling Safety 

Backyard barbecues are a great way to celebrate, but they also pose fire hazards. Keep these tips in mind: 

Place your grill away from overhanging branches, siding, or deck railings. 

Never grill indoors and always supervise the grill while in use. 

Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill. 

Use long-handled tools designed for grilling to prevent burns. 

Additional Fire Risks 

Discarded cigarettes – a single lit cigarette tossed carelessly can spark a wildfire.

Equipment malfunctions – sparks from machinery, vehicles, or electrical failures can ignite dry vegetation.

Dragging metal – loose chains or parts dragging on the road can create sparks.

Exhaust system failures – Worn-out catalytic converters and exhaust components can emit hot carbon particles.

Brake pad wear – thin brake pads can cause metal-on-metal contact, generating fire-causing sparks. 

Low tire pressure – driving on exposed rims due to low tire pressure can throw sparks. 

Parking on dry grass – hot exhaust parts can ignite dry vegetation on contact. 

Electrical system failures – faulty wiring or damaged electrical components can lead to vehicle fires. 

Fuel system leaks – gasoline leaks can ignite from heat or sparks. 

By following the above fire safety tips and being aware of all the ways fires can spark, you can enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration. 

For more fire safety tips, visit FEMA or the U.S. Fire Administration. 

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from parent, Visit Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– River access in the Old Mill just got a whole lot easier. The Miller’s Landing Park project wrapped up construction last week and is now open to kayakers, swimmers and paddleboarders – just in time for a hot summer week leading up to the Fourth of July.

“It just gives another option for getting in. The water is not as crazy as it seems. And so it’s just a nice place to enter and exit and makes it more accessible for kids, even just to play in the water,” parent Kelly Fleming said Monday. “After seeing it, I’ll definitely come here over some other spots that are a little more crowded. I like multiple areas to get into the water.”

The $1.3 million project provides easier access to kayakers and paddleboarders to get in and out of the water, as well as river-goers with accessibility issues.

Miller’s Landing Park is a 4.5-acre community park and one of 16 Bend Park and Rec District-owned or managed parks along the Deschutes River. The district’s 2021 Deschutes River Access and Habitat Restoration Plan identified a high-priority project at Miller’s Landing Park to improve the existing access points and restore habitat.

Previously, river users needed to navigate the steep, rocky river bed to get into the water.

Zavier Borja, destination stewardship director for Visit Bend, said, “Having something like this redeveloped with those folks in mind is just something that’s really key to our mission. The more visitors that we have, of all types, we’re able to reinvest into really strong, cool projects like this one here.”

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Kade Linville

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – “Rural airports are a critical part of keeping our communities connected and making travel accessible to everyone,” remarked Congresswoman Janelle Bynum as she, alongside U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Val Hoyle, announced $9.7 million in federal grants for rural airports across the state of Oregon on Monday.

The grants distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration amount to 9.7 million for new and improved facilities, taxiways, fencing, and aircraft storage. The total also includes the $8.38 million grant awarded to the new Roberts Field-Redmond Airport remodel.

The full list of grants distributed by the FAA includes:

Roberts Field, Redmond – $8.38 million

Hobby Field, Creswell – $448,000

Mulino State Airport, Mulino – $336,500

Roseburg Regional Airport, Roseburg – $300,000

Ashland Municipal/Sumner Parker Field, Ashland – $159,000

Condon State Pauling Field, Condon – $76,000

Redmond Airport Director Zachary Bass said, “Beyond improving the travel experience, this project will drive local economic growth, create hundreds of construction and airport industry jobs, and strengthen Central Oregon’s connection to national markets.”

In a statement released by the cohort of state lawmakers, Senator Ron Wyden said, “I applaud these federal investments that will help strengthen infrastructure in these communities, and I will continue to fight for more resources to support rural airports across Oregon.”

Many airports have already begun utilizing the secured FAA grants to begin needed remodeling projects.

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KTVZ – News Team

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum stopped in Central Oregon this morning for a public town hall at Ridgeview High School, part of her ongoing “Give ’Em Hell Tour” across Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.

Community members filled the room to voice their concerns on key issues, including public lands, wildfire preparedness, and education. Bynum listened and took notes, closing the session with a promise to bring their concerns back to Washington.

The Redmond event marked the sixth of 10 planned town halls in her summer tour.

Bynum’s next stop will be a districtwide telephone town hall on July 16, aimed at connecting with residents from across Oregon, regardless of location.

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KTVZ News Partners

For the Week of June 30-July 6:

2025 Street Preservation – Street preservation continues with street resurfacing (grind & inlay). Various Streets will have this work occurring with various lane & street closures during its duration (expect delays). Work is to occur June 30 – August 3. Roads affected are listed below with anticipated dates of work. Work will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours. Daytime work hours are from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Nighttime hours are from 7:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.. Learn more at the Street Preservation webpage.

NE Daggett Lane between NE Wells Acres Road and NE Full Moon Drive, June 30 – July 3 (daytime work).

NE Full Moon Drive between NE Daggett Lane and NE Purcell Boulevard, June 30 – July 3 (daytime work).

SE Virginia Road between SE 15th Street and SE Cessna Street, July 2 – 7 (daytime work).

SE Riviera Drive between SE 15th Street and SE Cessna Street, July 2 – 7 (daytime work).

Fourth of July Pet Parade (special event)– Parade will have various road closures in and around downtown (listed below):

NW Wall Street between NW Newport Avenue and NW Franklin Ave.

NW Riverside Boulevard between NW Wall Street and NW Galveston Avenue.

NW Galveston Avenue between NW Tumalo Avenue and NW Harmon Boulevard.

NW Harmon Boulevard between NW Galveston Avenue and NW Newport Avenue.

NW Newport Avenue between NW Harmon Boulevard and NW Wall Street.

Knott Road between SE 15th Street and Raintree Court for road work, road closed to eastbound traffic with a detour in place, June 30 – August 25.

SW Roosevelt Avenue between SW Sisemore Street and SW Chamberlain Street for infrastructure installation, full road closure with local access only, July 3-10.

Hunnel Road between NW Henry Avenue and NW Robal Lane for service installations, single lane closure with flagging, June 23 – 26, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Criterion Race Series (special event) – This special event is a five-week race event occurring every Wednesday from June 25 – July 23. The event will close a few NW City streets (listed below). A detour will be in place for the event.

NW Sacagawea Lane between NW John Freemont Street and NW Meriwether Place.

NW John Freemont Street between NW Sacagawea Lane and NW High Lakes Loop.

NW High Lakes Loop between NW John Freemont Street and NW Meriwether Place.

NW Meriwether Place between NW Sacagawea Lane and NW High Lakes Loop.

Granite Drive between Poplar Street and Ponderosa Street, road closed with detour route, June 24 – August 8.

Staats Waterline Project– Replacement of aging water lines, upgraded hydrants and stormwater infrastructure, and pavement restoration along its entirety. Daytime closures of the roadway will occur during daytime hours (7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.), June 9 – End of August. Street closures listed below.

NW Staats Street between NW Georgia Avenue and NW Kansas Avenue.

NW Kansas Avenue between NW Bond Street and NW Lava Road.

Boyd Acres Road between Brinson Boulevard and Builders Street will have frontage improvements for a private development, lane closure with lane shift, June 9 – July 31.

Bear Creek and 27th Street Improvements Project – This project aims to improve safety and connectivity by creating safer bike and pedestrian routes and constructing a roundabout at a high-crash intersection. Work began June 2nd – Fall 2025.

Roundabout construction at the intersection of NE Bear Creek and NE Purcell Boulevard will begin the work, full closure with detour during its duration.

NW Crossing Farmers Market (special event) – special event occurring every Saturday May 31 – October 11. Multiple road closures related to event (listed below).

NW Crossing Drive between Mount Washington Drive and NW Crossing Drive (Circle).

NW John Freemont between NW Ordiway Avenue and NW Fort Clatsop Street.

NW Fort Clatsop Street between NW Ordway Avenue and NW John Freemont Street.

Olney Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements – This project will install updated bicycle & pedestrian infrastructure along Olney Avenue and Portland Avenue between the Portland Avenue bridge and Second Street. Replacement sewer and water mains will also be installed with this project. The work began February 3 – Fall 2025. For more information, visit the Olney Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements Project website. A full intersection closure (with detour) will occur to begin the project with the closed street sections listed below.

The intersection of NW Wall Street and NE Olney Avenue is now open to traffic.

Olney Avenue (east of NW Wall Street to NE Second Street) will remain closed through Fall 2025.

Midtown Crossing Project (Second Street work) – A multiphase project that will replace the water main from Greenwood Avenue to Franklin Avenue in preparation for the full reconstruction occurring next spring. Phase 2 – 4 occurs from October 21 – Spring 2025. Southbound lane closure with local access will occur in its entirety. Current road section work listed below. For more information, visit the Midtown Crossing Project website.

Second Street between NE Irving Avenue and NE Greeley Avenue.

Parkwood Court, Westview East and Newberry and Twin Lakes Sewer Project – the City of Bend Septic to Sewer Conversion Program will install public pressure and gravity sewer in these neighborhoods. Road closures will begin in June:

SE Westview Drive – road closed (local traffic only) between SE Admiral Way and SE Hill Ridge Road – June 16th through August 1st.

Twin Lakes Loop – road closed (local traffic only) from East Lake Drive to Newberry Drive – June 19th to June 27th.

Newberry Drive – road closed (local traffic only) from Twin Lakes Loop to East Lake Drive – June 19th to June 27th.

NW Harriman Street between NW Kearney Avenue and NW Greenwood Avenue for infrastructure work associated with the Deschutes County Courthouse, full road closure, began July 24, 2024.

Intersection of Deschutes Market Road and NE Yeoman Road for roundabout construction, full road closure with detour, April 14th – July 2025.

SE 27th Street between Stevens Road and Ferguson Road for sewer main and roundabout construction, full road closure with bypass road, Completion end of June 2025.

Shoulder work along SE 27th Street, north of SE Ferguson Road for asphalt taper installation.

NW Mt Washington Drive between NW Shevlin Park Road and NW Shields Drive for a waterline installation, daily road closure with detour, June 16 – 27, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bear Creek Road between Skyline View Drive and NE Quail Run Place, lane shift for sewer connection, June 16-27.

Intersection of NW Skyline Ranch Road and Skyliners Road for roundabout construction, full road closure with detour, June 16 – September 2.

Future Road Closures:

Bend Summer Festival (special event) – Event taking place Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13 at 5:00 p.m. Various Road closures in Downtown Bend:

Oregon Avenue and Minnesota Avenue between Wall Street and Lava Road.

Bond Street between Franklin Avenue and Greenwood Avenue.

Work schedules are dependent on weather conditions and other factors. Always exercise increased caution within construction zones. Drivers should use designated detour routes. Nearby residential streets are for local traffic only.

Any road closure not listed within this report, please submit a service request to notify the city of any potentially unpermitted work within City right of way. Please visit the Transportation and Mobility Department to submit.

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KTVZ News Partners

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend has released an informational video helping residents navigate the safety improvements at Wall Street and Olney Avenue near downtown.

The new protected intersection is similar to the one installed at Wilson Avenue and Third Street. Many cities have adopted these types of safety improvements to reduce speeding and improve safety.

Below is the full release from the City of Bend:

The intersection of NW Wall Street and NE Olney Avenue is now open to traffic from three directions. We’ve enjoyed witnessing the celebrations already! The adjacent Awbrey Butte Waterline Improvement Project on NW Portland Avenue project is also complete. The graphic below illustrates key features of the newly retrofit Olney and Wall intersection, highlighting innovative design elements that reduce collisions, improve visibility, and boost awareness and safety for all road users.

If the traffic light is red, cyclists should wait in the bike detection boxes for the signal to detect them. Cyclists can cross the intersection when the traffic light is green. Cyclists should cross in the same direction of travel as vehicles. Vehicles must yield to cyclists and pedestrians before turning right on green. To turn left, cyclists should make a two-stage left turn.

The corner island truck aprons are made to slow down traffic and increase visibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Cars should not drive over the top of the corner island truck aprons.

For more information on using intersections like this, please check out this video.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Construction Phone Line: 541-322-9919

Project website: bendoregon.gov/olneypedbike

Project e-mail: olneypedbike@bendoregon.gov

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Oregon Capital Chronicle

BY ALEX BAUMHARDT, OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE

SALEM, Ore. (OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — A bipartisan proposal to raise a state hotel tax by 1.25 percentage points to fund wildlife conservation could be killed by two Oregon Senate Republicans.

House Bill 2977 would raise the transient lodging tax — currently 1.5% of the amount charged for occupying a hotel, short-term rentals like Airbnbs, and tent and RV camping sites — to 2.75%, to help pay for species and habitat conservation projects at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife that currently get no consistent, dedicated funding.

Some money would also go to the Oregon Department of Justice for anti-poaching enforcement, some would go to the Oregon Department of Agriculture to stop and prevent invasive species and some to the state’s wolf predation fund.

The bill, which could raise an additional $42 million a year, already passed the Oregon House of Representatives on a 36-15 vote, with five Republicans voting with Democrats. It also cleared the Senate Committee on Rules, its last step before a vote on the Senate floor.

But a late amendment proposed Thursday in the form of a minority report from Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, and Sen. Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek, could kill the bill.

A minority report, a sort of counterproposal to a bill a lawmaker opposes, has the effect of stalling the bill process, forcing at least one day to pass before the bill is read on the floor and, in the Senate, up to five days.

Most of the time, that delay doesn’t mean much. But because the legislative session must end by Sunday and lawmakers hope to leave earlier, any delays in the last days of session can doom a bill without a vote.

Money for horses, primates

Bonham’s and Hayden’s proposal scraps House Bill 2977 entirely and instead proposes sending $14 million from the state’s general fund to horse, primate and county animal rescues and the state’s wolf predation fund that pays ranchers who lose livestock to wolves.

 Sen. Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek, at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

“I am not interested in passing a tax increase on Oregon’s restaurants and lodging businesses to fund what should be a shared general fund effort,” Hayden said in an email. “There are no success metrics in the bill that I can see — just a plan to dump more tax dollars into an amorphous fund so legislators can say they did something to help animals.”

One of the bill’s early and chief sponsors, Rep. Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, said Hayden and Bonham should have submitted a bill to fund those causes earlier in the session, not in the last three days.

“It shows how unserious the amendment is,” Helm said.

False information

Helm said false information provided by the CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, and uncorrected by the association’s lobbyist Bill Perry, is further stymying the bill’s passage.

The association has opposed and lobbied against each of the six bills proposed this session to increase or redirect some of the transient lodging tax.

Restaurant & Lodging Association CEO Jason Brandt claimed in oral testimony June 24 that Helm had not tried to meet with him or members of the association. Helm refuted that, providing the committee with emails and summaries of meetings he and his team had with members and Perry and others between 2020 and 2025. Helm asked Perry, who was in the hearing where Brandt claimed Helm had not tried to meet with the group, to correct Brandt and set the record straight.

Helm also wrote to Perry Thursday to ask that he correct the record, he said, but did not hear back. Perry said in a text he forwarded Helm’s note to leaders at the Restaurant & Lodging Association.

State Rep. Cyrus Javadi, R-Tillamook, said he also took issue with an interaction he had with Perry in the current session over a bill related to the transient lodging tax, after Javadi sent out his constituent newsletter advocating for passage of House Bill 3556, a bill Javadi sponsored to redirect some hotel tax dollars to county emergency and public services. Javadi said Perry came to his office and said he’d been “sent to beat the s— out of me by his organization. And I told him that was unacceptable and to leave.”

Javadi said Perry apologized the next day, and the bill ultimately failed to pass out of committee in March. In a text Thursday evening Perry said the Capital Chronicle should direct inquiries to the Restaurant & Lodging Association. “I am not sure where the Javadi issue came from, 3556 was dealt with earlier in session,” he said.

The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association contributed to 35 lawmakers in 2024, including Javadi, with a $5,000 contribution. They sent $2,000 to Hayden’s campaign in November — the first time in ten years, and more than $17,000 to Bonham’s campaigns since 2018. Of that, more than $12,600 of it was contributed between August and November 2024 — more than five times the average donation lawmakers got from the association in 2024. Helm has not taken money from the association.

Species at urgent risk

Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife currently has to ask the Legislature every two years to find money from the general fund for its comprehensive wildlife strategy and habitat division, both of which are outside of the activities the agency can fund with hunting and fishing license fees and federal funds. Federal funds and licensing fees make up about 90% of the agency’s budget.

House Bill 2977 would establish a separate fund to support annual payments to Fish and Wildlife’s habitat division and the state’s Wildlife Action Plan, or Oregon conservation strategy.

The plan targets more than 200 species in the state that face the most urgent risk of endangerment or extinction from climate change and human pressure. It identifies key issues affecting them, key habitats they depend on and tools to begin helping them.

In the next few years, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife expects to add 70 species to the list of greatest conservation need, pushing it over 300 species for the first time, Davia Palmeri, strategic adviser and federal policy director at the agency, told lawmakers at a hearing on the bill in February.

Everyone wants the lodging tax

The 2025 legislative session started with six proposals to raise or redirect a portion of the lodging tax, which brings in about $40 million a year.

House Bill 2977 is the only one remaining. The others, proposed by several Republican lawmakers representing Oregon Coast communities, including Javadi, would have changed the proportion of the transient lodging tax dollars counties can use for emergency and public services.

The lodging tax currently funds statewide and local programs administered by the nine-member, governor-appointed Oregon Tourism Commission, also known as Travel Oregon, which promotes tourism across the state. At least 65% of the revenue by law must go to marketing and to statewide programs.

The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association also opposed those measures.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding comments from Mt. Bachelor, Visit Bend, and visitors)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Although the ski season has come to end, visitors are driving up to Mt. Bachelor for its summer attractions.

The resort reopened Thursday, offering mountain biking, zip lining, and scenic chairlift rides throughout the season.

“We closed for about a month to do snow removal, to do maintenance on our lifts, to onboard summer employees. And we’re really excited to kick things off,” said Presley Quon, Mt. Bachelor’s Communications & Community Relations Manager.

Visitors were eager to return to the mountain.

“I just love being out here. I couldn’t wait for the season start,” said mountain biker, Carlos Abascal.

Visit Bend took a look at the numbers regarding summer visitation at the resort. They can estimate that visitation up there grew from 82,229 “visitor days” in 2018 to 170,937 “visitor days” in 2024, a 108 percent leap. 

“We estimate that the increase is most likely due to population growth and/or a growing popularity among locals. If it were tourism related, our overnight lodging data would likely capture that but that is not the case,” said Tim Neville from Visit Bend.

Visit Bend says the numbers show that Mt. Bachelor is a solid summertime destination that’s getting more and more popular. That’s a big reason why the tourism group redirected $245,000 of lodging taxes in 2022 to help them expand their summer trail system.

It added 11 miles of mixed-use trails (hiking and biking).

“The grant from Bend’s Sustainability Fund did not go to Powdr, but to Discover Your Forest, a non-profit for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests,” Neville added.

Mountain biking and zip tours are the resort’s most popular summer attractions. Rider Katie Tomala, visiting from Minnesota, said she was ready to get out on the zipline for the first time.

“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m really excited,” said Katie Tomala. “The short one is a little bit jerky, but they said once you get up, it’s going to be really pretty view. And it’s going to be really nice and fast.

As temperatures rise, so does fire danger. That’s why Mt. Bachelor teams check weather conditions daily to keep guests safe.

“We have protocols for fire, for smoke, for lightning, and we kind of just have to take every day as it comes because the weather can change really quickly,” Quon said.

It’s a slower pace at the resort in the summer with reduced staff. The shift creates opportunities for seasonal workers to stay on year-round by moving from winter roles to summer positions.

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