Category: ktvz-local-news

Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Aerial Arts is taking Halloween at the Old Mill to new heights, bringing its annual spooky showcase back to the community.

“They put on a really big Halloween spectacular for all the kiddos to do their trick-or-treating,” said owner Kendall Knowles. “We’ve been putting on a Halloween show where our performance troupe, about nine performers this year, will each do their own solo act, being scary, spooky, or just plain crazy.”

Knowles said the tradition has become one of the studio’s favorite community events.

“It’s so much fun to see the kids’ reactions,” she said. “Each of our performers really leans into their character, some are creepy, some are funny, and all of them are amazing to watch.”

Knowles said her journey to opening Central Oregon Aerial Arts began more than a decade ago.

“I grew up here, we moved up here in 1989 from California,” she said. “I went to college in Reno, Nevada, and got really involved in the arts community there. I moved up here in 2012 and opened Central Oregon Aerial Arts in 2013.”

Instructor Lauren Fletcher said the studio offers a welcoming environment for anyone interested in trying aerial arts, even those with no prior experience. “We love people who’ve never done it before,” Fletcher said. “We teach everybody individually. You can drop in any time, learn a few poses, and get a few picture-worthy moments while getting stronger.”

Fletcher said what makes the studio unique is how personal the experience is.

“Everything is connected to the person,” she said. “As quickly as you need or as slow as you need, we’re going to make sure you’ve got exactly what you need.”

She added that the art form has flourished locally. “We’ve definitely seen aerial arts explode,” Fletcher said. “As the longest standing studio in Central Oregon, we’ve had a chance to really watch it go from a small art form to a performance-based community.”

The group’s Halloween show is one more way they’re sharing that art, and a little bit of Halloween magic, with Central Oregon.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Court of Appeals has affirmed the long-debated rezoning of 710 acres west of Redmond for 10-acre rural homesites, but the fight still may not be over.

The court’s 34-page ruling (see below) affirmed the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals decision to uphold Deschutes County’s approval of the rezoning from exclusive farm use to residential zoning.

Since the initial land-use process in 2022, the plans actually have come before county commissioners twice, the second time on a LUBA remand, and Commissioners Tony DeBone and Patti Adair have voted in favor, with colleague Phil Chang opposed.

One key issue has been poor-quality soil in that location: “It grows rocks,” Adair said before last year’s vote.

Land-use watchdog groups Central Oregon LandWatch and 1000 Friends of Oregon have been fighting the plans from the start, along with area farmers and ranchers and several state agencies concerned about conversion of farmland to rural housing. Issues have ranged from water supplies to loss of wildlife habitat.

Below are a news release from the project developers, a statement from Central Oregon LandWatch and the ruling itself:

Oregon Court of Appeals Affirms Deschutes County’s Approval of Rural Residential Rezoning for 710-Acre Property

Redmond, OR, October 22, 2025 — The Oregon Court of Appeals (COA) has issued a final ruling affirming the decision of the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) to affirm Deschutes County’s decision to rezone a 710-acre parcel northwest of Redmond from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) to Rural Residential (RR-10).

Dale Stockamp, the lead investor in 710 Properties, LLC, the applicant that sought approval of the zone change, commented: “We are thankful that, based on the science, evidence, and land use law, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed both Deschutes County’s and the LUBA’s affirmations of our zone change application. As the majority owner of the project, and with my commitment to give all my profits to the great work that non-profits here in Central Oregon and beyond are doing, I hope this is the end to land use appeals, the cost of which will only reduce the financial resources that will be earned by the project to benefit tens of thousands of people.”

This COA affirmation is another successful milestone for 710 Properties in a lengthy legal process involving appeals challenging the County’s initial 2022 approval. The case before the COA involved multiple petitions and unsuccessful arguments challenging LUBA’s order. The Court addressed various assignments of error raised by petitioners: Redside Restoration Project One, LLC; 1000 Friends of Oregon, Central Oregon LandWatch, and neighbors of 710 Properties. Key issues revolved around interpretations of land use regulations, the definition of agricultural land, and adherence to procedural requirements. The court rejected all challenges and affirmed LUBA’s final order and decision.

LUBA affirmed the County’s determination that the land is not suitable for farm use due to poor soil quality, lack of irrigation water rights, and challenging topography. The COA also found that LUBA and the County sufficiently evaluated potential impacts on nearby agricultural operations and determined that rezoning would not interfere with ongoing farm practices.

Over the past few years, though no profit has yet been made, 710 Properties, LLC, the legal entity behind The Peaks 360 rural residential housing community, has demonstrated its long-term commitment to investing in Central Oregon’s communities through consistent financial contributions to key nonprofit organizations. Donating over $300,000, including $25,000 annually to Furnish Hope, NeighborImpact, and The Giving Plate reinforces its role as more than just a real estate development—it’s a sustainable means for strengthening the region’s social and environmental fabric.

The subject property—largely undeveloped—had been designated for agricultural use for decades but has no history of agricultural use as it lacks the infrastructure, water rights, and productive soil necessary to support successful agricultural operations. The approved rezoning allows for a thoughtfully planned, low-density rural residential development while maintaining Deschutes County’s oversight of environmental and community impacts.

About The Peaks 360

The Peaks 360 is a 710-acre rural residential housing community located northwest of Redmond, Oregon. Designed to meet the changing needs of homebuyers while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability, it stands apart by dedicating the majority of its proceeds, including the majority owner’s commitment to give all their profits to nonprofits, including many local nonprofit organizations that strengthen the Central Oregon community.

For more information about The Peaks 360 and its community-driven initiatives, visit www.thepeaks360.com.

Statement from Central Oregon LandWatch:

COLW is disappointed that Deschutes County’s decision to rezone these 710 acres has been affirmed. 

Together with our co-appellants, we are considering next steps.

This land is native sagebrush-juniper rangeland that neighboring ranchers were ready and willing to utilize to support their livelihoods. 

This land also serves as winter refuge for our region’s imperiled mule deer herds.

Commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone voted to remove this land from the exclusive farm use zone, while Commissioner Phil Chang opposed.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) had all submitted a joint, three-agency letter opposing the development as contrary to law and noting the risks to the agricultural land base, the aquifer, and wildlife habitat.

Carol Macbeth, Staff Attorney for Central Oregon LandWatch, said:

“This land is precisely the type of agricultural land that our state’s land use system was created to protect from sprawl. Nevertheless, two out of three Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners chose to disregard community needs and interests, ignore the concerns raised by agriculturalists, wildlife biologists and land use experts, and instead grant the wishes of luxury developers. LandWatch’s work to safeguard the working lands that make our region one-of-a-kind continues, and this disappointing decision strengthens our resolve.”

Oregon Court of Appoeals rulingDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Gregory Deffenbaugh

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — High winds are moving through Central Oregon causing power outages throughout the region. A KTVZ News photojournalist reported that all of downtown Bend lost power, including streetlights. Video shows stores still operating, even without lights.

Street lights in downtown lose power.

A store in downtown Bend, operates in the dark.

Downtown Bend patrons head indoors after strong gusts.

A tree topples in Drake Park from gusts.

You can track power outages in your community here.

Pacific Power sent KTVZ News this statement in preparation for today’s inclement weather:

Pacific Power is monitoring an approaching storm that could impact customers in parts of Oregon and California this weekend. The weather forecast indicates the potential for strong winds and rain beginning Friday night into Sunday, which could increase the potential for power outages.   

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the storm, and crews are on standby ready to respond to weather-related outages. 

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages. State and local emergency management organizations also recommend that Oregonians and Californians have an emergency plan and be prepared for up to 72 hours without essential services.  

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services announced Friday the opening of its new nature-based occupational and physical therapy clinic, a space where children can build strength, confidence, and connection through movement, outdoor experiences and hands-on interaction with animals and nature. 

Here’s the rest of the organization’s news release:

Unlike conventional therapy settings, this clinic replaces fluorescent lights and sterile walls with open skies, fresh air, and the gentle presence of animals. Here, therapy happens not just on a mat or table, but in motion: on sensory trails, in gardens, alongside farm animals, and in dynamic spaces designed to spark curiosity and joy. 

“There’s something uniquely powerful about connecting with animals and nature,” said Polly Cohen, Executive Director. “When children move with purpose, when they reach, climb, play, and explore, they don’t just meet their therapy goals. They build confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of belonging in the world around them.” 

Nature-based occupational and physical therapy integrates evidence-based pediatric care with the therapeutic benefits of the natural environment. Research shows that children often regulate more easily outdoors, engage more fully with their therapists, and build motor and sensory skills in ways that feel less like therapy and more like play. 

The new clinic includes: 

Two dedicated pediatric therapy rooms designed for occupational and physical therapy, supporting personalized, goal-oriented sessions.  

A fully equipped therapy gym to build strength, coordination, and functional movement.  

Farm animal interaction zones, where children practice purposeful movement, sensory processing, and communication skills in a calm, motivating environment.  

Outdoor sensory trails and play areas that turn exploration and movement into powerful therapeutic tools.  

This expansion builds on Healing Reins’ 26-year legacy of serving Central Oregon through adaptive horsemanship, physical and occupational therapy utilizing equine movement, mental health services, and specialized programming for veterans and first responders.

By adding pediatric nature-based occupational and physical therapy services, Healing Reins meets a critical and growing need in Central Oregon. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County authorities are investigating an incident in which gunfire from apparent target shooting crossed a canyon and struck near a worker in the Opal Springs area southwest of Culver, according to Sheriff Jason Pollock.

Pollock said in a Facebook post late Thursday that deputies were called on Tuesday to a report of shots fired in the canyon between Crooked River Ranch and Culver. An employee of Deschutes Valley Water reported hearing rounds hitting the gravel close to a building where he was working.

Map of shots fired investigation.

Deputies and detectives responded and determined the shots came from the Crooked River Ranch side of the canyon, on Bureau of Land Management property near the far north end of the ranch, Pollock said.

The sheriff said evidence indicates someone had been target shooting at an old garbage can about 30 yards from the canyon rim — apparently unable to see what was beyond their target.

Because of the steep elevation drop separating the two sides of the canyon, bullets that passed through the target continued across the canyon and landed near the worker’s location, Pollock said, adding that no one was injured.

Pollock said the sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate and is reminding recreational shooters to always be sure of their backstop – and to know what lies beyond the area they are shooting toward.

Anyone with information about what happened is being asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 541‑475‑6520 and ask for Deputy Brandon Talbott.

Pollock told KTVZ News on Friday that he had no new information to share about the investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Bend Fire and Rescue, a 911 call shortly before 4 a.m. Friday morning led responders to a storage facility on Bend’s east side, where a caller reported smoke coming from the building.

Upon arrival, crews spotted smoke coming from the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Drive. They quickly extinguished the fire and worked with the owner of the storage complex and its managers to identify and notify those with units impacted.

The fire is still under investigation but Bend Fire said it appears to have been accidental. Damages are estimated to be around $125,000.

Read the full press release below:

“A passerby called 911 just before 4am Friday morning after noticing smoke coming from a storage complex that backs up to Bear Creek Rd at Janalee Pl. Crews responded to the area and searched both storage complexes in the area until finding smoke coming from a building in the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Dr. Fire was found in one unit and spreading to adjacent units in that building. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews began removing contents from adjacent units to prevent further damage to property.  

The owner of the storage complex and the managers assisted in identifying the owners of the individual units and notification will be on going. The fire is still under investigation but appears to be accidental. The building damaged consisted of seventh (17) 10ft x 30ft large storage units, all but 2 were occupied with storage. Three units were damaged by fire and the rest have differing levels of smoke damage. Estimated loss to the building is $25,000 and content loss is $100,000.

Most storage locations require, or at least suggest, occupants obtain insurance coverage for your contents. Check with your insurance provider to see if storage items are covered under your current policies or if additional coverage may be needed. The design of these storage complexes does limit damage to just the single building, one of 16 buildings in the complex. Any storage outside of the building that burned was not affected.”

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ). — This morning KTVZ News at Sunrise Anchor Matthew Draxton welcomed in Luke Pickerill, the CEO and founder of MonteVista Homes. MonteVista homes is a Central Oregon based company with developments throughout the state. He was here to discuss all things housing Market.

Draxton asked Pickerill if he could explain the impact homebuilders and the housing market has on the local economy, the biggest challenges homebuilders are experiencing right now, and what the company is doing different than others to address the affordability crisis in Central Oregon.

Click here to follow the original article.

CNN Newsource

By Aaron Cooper, CNN

(CNN) — Alaska Airlines has resumed operations after a failure at a data center forced hundreds of its flights to be grounded Thursday night.

A ground stop for all Alaska Airlines flights and flights of its subsidiary, Horizon Air, was lifted at 11:30 p.m. PT, the airline said in a statement. The ground stop was requested by the airline about eight hours earlier as the IT outage began, the FAA said.

“Alaska Airlines is working to restore operations to normal as quickly and safely as possible,” the airline said Friday morning, noting more than 360 flights had been canceled during the outage. “Additional flight disruptions are likely as we reposition aircraft and crews throughout our network.”

The airline said the outage took place when “a failure occurred at our primary data center,” and noted it was “not a cybersecurity incident.”

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, where Alaska Airlines is based, was particularly hard hit Thursday night.

“They were like, OK, we’re going to be taking off. It’s an hour and 58 to Burbank, and then we didn’t move,” passenger Wilder McCullough told CNN affiliate KOMO. “That is scary, to have an IT shut down, when people are trying to get in the air.”

She ended up going home and trying to fly on a different day, but many passengers waited in the airport for flights to resume.

“People were everywhere. They were sitting in the hallway on the floor. They were calling people. They were freaking out,” a different passenger said.

One traveler in Austin, Texas, said the Alaska Airlines gates there were also “jammed” as the delays piled up.

Alaska Airlines had a similar outage in July and one after a systems upgrade in April of 2024.

Alaska is the fifth largest US airline and flies 44 million passengers each year to 120 destinations in five countries, accoring to its website.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

CNN’s Jordan D. Brown and Martin Goillandeau contributed to this report.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

Here’s Thursday’s news release about the need, and how you can help:

“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security. But too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”

The IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Including free tax help offered by AARP, so far in 2025, free tax assistance has been made available to nearly 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites across the state. That’s up from 104 sites and 33,000 taxpayers at this point in 2024. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

The VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to help low- to moderate-income families prepare their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

To find a VITA site near them, Oregonians can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the DOR’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.

VITA sites at 15 locations in Oregon receive funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. Those interested in volunteering at one of these sites should contact the organizations below in December.

Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Portland: 

CASH Oregon

503-461-7388

volunteer@cashoregon.org

Bend, Redmond: 

Latino Community Association

541-382-4366

info@latinocommunityassociation.org

Bend, Corvallis, Eugene:

Oregon State University

541-737-3371

vita@oregonstate.edu

Coos Bay, Roseburg:

Moneywise Oregon

541-670-5054

dan@moneywiseoregon.org

Medford:

United Way Jackson County

541-864-5092

office@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org

Ontario, Portland:

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

 971-331-9811

elizabethz@irco.org

Woodburn:

Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos

503-902-0367

debbiec@centrodspc.org

Click here to follow the original article.

John Carroll

John Carroll took the weather on the road today and spoke to the 3rd grade class at Lava Ridge Elementary School. The students were well prepared with several questions about the weather and were very well behaved.

John read from his children’s book, The Adventure of Robbie the Raindrop, about the water cycle. They also learned how to forecast the weather by looking for clues in the sky, becoming weather deputies.

John and Shannon enjoy going to elementary schools “talk weather” so I you want them to come to your school, send them an email. weather@ktvz.com

Click here to follow the original article.