Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Meeting info, comments from city and county officials)

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — One of the most pressing challenges in Central Oregon is addressing how each city manages its homeless population. 

On Monday, elected officials convened to specifically examine that issue for the City of Bend. 

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Bend City Council Monday afternoon.  

One of the main agenda items was for city staff to update county officials on the status and scheduled “closure” of the homeless camp at Juniper Ridge. 

That joint resolution stipulated:  

That the ‘Temporary Safe Stay Area’ (TSSA) should close no later than December 31, 2026.  

The city reported, currently, there are around 191 people living in the safe area.   

The homeless there are frustrated.   

Michelle Hester who resides at the TSSA, said, “There’s more than 191 people out there. The handwashing place they talk about have never been used. The bathrooms are barely clean anymore, where there’s a few showers and trying to pick up the garbage. We are off building our own water tank truck to fight the fires up there, because we can’t get the fire trucks out there fast enough.”

The City of Bend reported to county commissioners they have since had a change of heart and would now like to see a portion of the TSSA closure date extended, while reducing the population in other areas within the area.  

The TSSA is broken down into four sections:   

The City Council said, sections 1 and 2 are in areas encompassing the Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID).  

The city received several complaints from COID regarding trespassing, saying homeless campers were traveling through areas containing underground infrastructure not designed for pedestrian or vehicle traffic.  

The city wants the county’s help building additional fencing around COID property to better protect their structures.   

The city also wants the county to close sections 1 and 2, and move the campers to sections 3 and 4, where visibility is greater, and staff have improved access for management and oversight.  

Again, this would all entail extending the closure date, said Bend City Councilwoman Gina Franzosa.  

“My hope is that if we have a, you know, sort of a menu of options, that can be put into a plan, as I’m hoping for and asking for, and so then we’ll kick it down the road, but we’re going to kick it to a place and time when and what we can identify.  And then we’re going to stick with that deadline. So yeah, I’m not in favor of indefinite extensions.”   

County Commissioner Tony DeBone would like to stick to the agreed upon closure date.  

Fellow Commissioner Phil Chang says he would approve of an extension.  

Commissioner Patti Adair was undecided. 

“We still have a lot to learn,” she said. ” I mean, you saw this financial statement, which really, the service providers have hardly billed for anything, and they’ve been working for seven months, so I would like to see their billing. You know, in three more months, I think things should be just a bit clearer.” 

Monday’s joint meeting was more informational, rather than decision-making.  

The general consensus was more research was needed into ‘where will the houseless go’ once the TSSA is shut down. 

The city and county say they would like to reconvene in January to hopefully make a final decision.

Juniper_Ridge_TSSA_City_County Update_20250929 (1)Download

Previous Report:

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners were holding a public joint meeting with the Bend City Council, on Monday afternoon.  

One of the main agenda items was for city staff to update county officials on the status and scheduled closure late next year of the homeless camp at Juniper Ridge, the “Temporary Safe Stay Area” the two governments agreed upon a year ago.   

At a recent City Council meeting, council members entertained closing a portion of the homeless camp, while leaving some of the property open beyond 2026, to allow the houseless more time to find housing.

Tracee Tuesday is attending the joint meeting and will have a full report tonight on KTVZ News at 10 p.m. on Fox and 11 p.m. on NBC.  

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– Governor Tina Kotek announced Monday that she has declared a drought in Jefferson County through Executive Order 25-23 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

A link to Executive Order 25-23 can be found here.

Here is the rest of Monday’s news release from the governor’s office:

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Jefferson County has been experiencing moderate drought since July 15, and severe drought from July 29 through September 2. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) are also indicating long-term drought conditions have persisted in Jefferson County over the last five to 12 months.

Governor Kotek has declared a drought emergency in eight counties so far this calendar year. The earlier list includes Baker, Coos, Douglas, Lincoln, Morrow, Union and Wheeler counties. Background:

Drought is likely to have a significant economic impact on the farm, ranch, recreation, tourism and natural resources sectors, as well as an impact on drinking water, fish and wildlife, and important minimum flows for public instream uses and other natural resources dependent on adequate precipitation, stored water, and streamflow in these areas. Extreme conditions are expected to affect local growers and livestock, increase the potential for wildfire fire, shorten the growing season, and decrease water supplies.

The drought declaration by Governor Kotek unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules.

The Council received input from Oregon’s Water Supply Availability Committee on regional water supply conditions and Council members have conferred on this matter. The Council recommended that the Governor declare drought in Jefferson County for the 2025 calendar year, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 536.740.

As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 26th annual Heaven Can Wait 5K returns to Redmond High School on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m.

The St. Charles Foundation reminded the community Monday that there is still time to register for the family-friendly walk and run.

The event raises funds for Sara’s Project, which provides breast cancer education, early detection and support services across Central and Eastern Oregon. Since 2000, Heaven Can Wait has welcomed more than 59,000 participants, including nearly 6,000 breast cancer survivors and raised more than $1.75 million to support local patients and families.

“This fun event brings together families, friends and survivors to support those affected by breast cancer,” said Jenny O’Bryan, director of St. Charles Foundation. “The energy and joy at Heaven Can Wait makes it a day our community looks forward to year after year.”

Individuals can sign up online at HeavenCanWait.org

Intermittent traffic stops will occur on SW Rimrock Way at the Cascade Swim Center crosswalk from 10:30 a.m. noon on Sunday, Oct. 5, to allow participants to cross.

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,500 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, adding details of bill, commentary from lawmakers)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Monday’s Oregon Senate meeting in Salem began with passionate debate from both sides of the aisle on Governor Kotek’s transportation bill (HB 3991 A). 

The meeting concluded with the bill aimed at addressing an ODOT funding shortfall passing in an 18 to 11 vote — with all Senate Republicans voted no. 

HB 3991 A, much smaller than a bill that died in the closing days of the regular session, has sparked heated arguments between not only lawmakers but Oregonians. The bill is designed to close a massive gap in Oregon’s road funding. But, it boosts costs for most Oregon residents. 

The gas tax increases 6 cents, from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon. Registration fees will increase from $43 to $85 for passenger vehicles, and from $115 to $145 for electric vehicles. Title fees will also increase — from $77 to $216. 

In addition, electric and hybrid vehicle drivers will be required to enroll in a road usage program — OReGO — and opt for either a 2.3 cent per mile charge, or annual fee of $340.  

Here in Central Oregon, the fate of ODOT’s Sisters maintenance station hung in the balance prior to the bill’s approval.

During the debate leading up to the vote, state Senator Anthony Broadman (D – Bend), noted Central Oregon’s economy is largely dependent on the roads and mountain passes which connect us to the rest of the state. 

“In Central Oregon, we know how critical public investment into infrastructure, roads and bridges is to our economy,” Broadman said. “It’s impossible to get our goods to market when the one road that gets you to and from your destination isn’t plowed, or when workers can’t get to their jobs.”

While supporters say the cost falling on Oregon taxpayers is not an ideal solution, the price of not fixing roads is far higher. Opponents argued the Legislature should look for other solutions before asking Oregonians to pay more, especially when many are struggling to make ends meet. 

Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R – Dundee), released a statement following the vote, saying democrats forced through the tax hike with no regard for struggling families and small businesses. 

The Senate President and Speaker of The House jointly stated their opinions following the vote, saying the bill will not only preserve the safety of roads but protects the jobs of 500 essential ODOT workers. 

Though Oregon Republican officials continue to voice their strong opposition, democratic lawmakers say the bill provides only the bare minimum for funding. 

For Oregonians, fee increases are expected to begin January 1st, 2026. Road usage programs will start in 2027 for electric vehicle owners and and 2028 for hybrid owners. 

Official statements can be read in their entirety below:

Transportation Safety Crisis Averted_ Senate Passes Stop-Gap Legislation to Preserve Services, Protect JobsDownload

2025-9-29 Senate Democrats Force Through $4.3B Tax Hike, Ignoring Oregon’s Affordability CrisisDownload

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Dry Canyon Arts Association has been awarded a $34,000 FY26 Cultural Development Award from the Oregon Cultural Trust to assist in funding the remodel of the historic downtown Rogers and Lynch Building at 6th Street and Deschutes Avenue in Redmond into a new local headquarters for art education and exhibition.  

“This grant could not have come at a more crucial time. As you know, construction and remodeling can challenge any budget, but as a nonprofit, this project could not be completed without the help of grants like this,” said Mel Archer, board chair of DCAA, said in a news release over the weekend, which continues in full below:  

The Dry Canyon Community Art Center, currently under construction, is scheduled to open with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:00pm on Friday, December 5th and part of its first First Friday Art Walk celebration. Once up and running, the Art Center will feature opportunities for both DCAA members and non-members to improve their skills, show their artwork, and view and purchase art and artisan gifts. 

“The arts, heritage and humanities thrive in every corner of Oregon, and the Oregon Cultural Trust is proud to support this essential work in communities large and small, says Oregon Cultural Trust Board Chair Sean Andries, “In the face of national funding disruptions, we invite all Oregonians to take advantage of our unique cultural tax credit right here at home and help ensure a steady, reliable endowment for culture both now and for generations to come.” 

This year, the Oregon Cultural Trust will allocate $4.15 million to the County and Tribal Coalitions, the Statewide Partners and the Cultural Development Grant Program. The grant process is highly competitive; more than 200 Oregon cultural non-profits submitted grant applications to the Cultural Development Grant program.  

To learn more about Dry Canyon Arts Association and the upcoming Dry Canyon Community Art Center, visit https://www.drycanyonarts.org/. 

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Wednesday, October 1st, the Bend Police Department invites you to chat with officers over a cup of joe.

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Backporch Coffee Roasters on NE Greenwood Avenue in Bend, sit down with the department, ask your questions, and hear what officers are doing to protect our community.

Click here for more information.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Building a Better Bend, a local nonproft, announced the second lecture in its annual lecture series, with the theme ‘Retrofitting Bend for a Resilient Future’.

It says Oregon residents will be increasingly threatened by wildfires, heat, drought, and other natural disasters in the coming years, and now is the time to get prepared.

Steve Abbott, a principal at RMI, will speak to his team’s insights from working with dozens of groups across the country to establish local resilience hub programs.

That’s happening Tuesday, October 28th at OSU Cascades in the Ray Hall Atrium.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for networking and the lecture will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets are required–you can purchase yours by clicking here.

You can find more information at www.buildingabetterbend.org-/upcoming-lectures.

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Kelsey Merison

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services held its 26th-annual ‘Diamonds and Dust’ fundraising gala, welcoming in hundreds of guests and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the nonprofit.

The nonprofit is home to 27 horses and serves around 200 people per week, meaning fundraising is crucial to keep the program running.

“Our mission statement is to heal with horses. And we do that in a number of different ways,” Development Director Darrion Cotroneo told KTVZ News in a recent interview. “We provide adaptive riding lessons. We have a ‘Heroes Horsemanship’ program, which is specifically for veterans and first responders. And then we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and we have an on-site mental health clinic.”

Healing Reins is a proud partner of KTVZ’s ’21 Cares for Kids’ program.

Click here to learn more about Healing Reins.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bill and Katie Bellows, owners of Cynthia’s of Bend, are dealing with major damage to their longtime shop after a driver crashed into the business early Sunday morning.

Bend Police say it happened just after 2am on Southeast 3rd Street.

Investigators say 42-year-old Robert Waller of Bend, suspected of drunk driving, slammed into the front of the store.

The crash damaged the inside and outside of the business destroying fabric displays, sewing machines and work tables. The Bellows estimate repair will cost more than $10,000.

Waller was taken to St. Charles Bend before being booked into custody. He faces charges of DUI, reckless driving, and criminal mischief.

Despite the setback, the Bellows have boarded up the storefront and say Cynthia’s will reopen at its normal time Tuesday. Customers should expect to see some of the visible damage as repairs continue.

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KTVZ

(Update: More police provide more, limited info)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Redmond neighborhood is still in the dark about a large police response in their backyard this weekend. 

Several people reported a large police presence late Saturday at the apartment complex near NW 25th Street and Elm Avenue. When KTVZ News contacted Redmond Police, we were told there was an active investigation, and they could release no further information at this time.

On social media, people shared pictures of the event, including shots of a forensics van parked near a Dumpster at the apartments. Many people expressed frustration over the lack of information, and concern for their community’s safety.

KTVZ News visited a nearby apartment complex Monday afternoon, asking neighbors what they knew or saw. Man residents expressed the same concerns about the lack of information.

When contacted for further comment, Redmond Police added they had activated the ‘Major Incident Team’. The team is a tri-county effort between law enforcemcent, usually resverved for more serious investigations.

They also told us, “Due to the integrity of the ongoing, very active investigation, we are unable to release any additional information at this time.” 

KTVZ News has received several tips in regards to this incident, but we cannot confirm anything at this time.

September 27 – REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Redmond neighbors reported a large police presence late Saturday night near Northwest 25th Street and Elm Avenue. 

Officers and a forensic team remained on scene for several hours.

Redmond police confirmed activity in the area but say they cannot release further details right now. They explained that sharing information too soon could affect their investigation.

We’ll continue to follow this developing story.

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