Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — 30 school districts across Oregon have been selected to receive a funding boost, all in the name of literacy.

The Oregon Department of Education said the investment of approximately $11 million annually will support districts in improving literacy outcomes for many of Oregon’s historically marginalized students from birth through 12th grade.

“Through a competitive process, the Oregon Department of Education was awarded $55 million in federal grant-in-aid over four years. District eligibility to apply for the grant was determined based on federal requirements,” the department stated in a recent press release.

The Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant will help districts:

-Implement high-quality, evidence-based literacy practices.

-Strengthen educator capacity through curriculum-based professional learning.

-Promote intentional family and caregiver engagement to enhance children’s literacy development.

Click here to view the 30 districts selected through the highly-competitive process.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Bend-La Pine School District is celebrating the academic achievements of some outstanding students. Those who earned a top score of 5 on an AP exam got special yard signs to celebrate their success. Superintendent Steve Cook joined faculty members in hand delivering the signs to proud students and families. Educators also distributed more than 130 signs honoring students who’ve achieved the seal of bi-literacy or multiliteracy. It’s a distinction awarded to graduates demonstrating high proficiency in two or more languages including English. A big congratulations to all our scholars from everyone at KTVZ.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: DCSO clarifies some details of events)

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A pursuit of a reckless driver that began in Bend ended in Sunriver Tuesday morning in the arrest of a Bend man who Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said drove recklessly through several communities, struck a patrol car and endangered both the public and law enforcement.

Matthew James Hammer, 40, who apparently had just appeared in court Tuesday morning on reckless driving and other charges, now faces several new charges, including attempted assault, reckless endangering, criminal mischief and attempting to elude an officer, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a news release Tuesday evening.

Around 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, a deputy assigned to the agency’s main office in downtown Bend saw a black Cadillac Escalade being driven recklessly on the property. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver — later identified as Hammer — refused to pull over and fled the area, Carr said.

The pursuit was initially discontinued for public safety while law enforcement agencies across the county began searching for the vehicle.

Around 10 a.m., a Sunriver Police sergeant spotted the Escalade traveling southbound on Highway 97 near the Sunriver exit. Carr said Hammer again attempted to elude law enforcement, driving at high speeds, swerving into oncoming traffic and nearly colliding head-on with a patrol vehicle.

Deputies successfully deployed spike strips, deflating two tires, but Hammer continued driving recklessly, Carr said.

As Hammer fled down South Century Drive, Spring River Road and nearby residential streets, he nearly struck several responding officers’ vehicles. He then rammed into a Deschutes County K-9 vehicle, causing damage and minor injuries to the deputy inside. The K-9 was not injured.

Hammer also drove onto private property, striking a parked vehicle while a resident was outside, before returning to the roadway, Carr said.

“As Hammer’s driving continued to endanger the public and law enforcement, deputies re-engaged the vehicle,” Carr wrote in the news release. They discontinued that pursuit a second time, also for public safety concerns, but kept working to coordinate a response to the reckless driver, Carr clarified Wednesday.

A deputy attempted to use a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) controlled maneuver to force the suspect off the road safely. But it turned into a situation of forcing the Escalade off the road with the patrol car’s bumper and onto the highway shoulder, ending the pursuit. Both the suspect’s vehicle and the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles were damaged.

Hammer was evaluated at the scene and later at St. Charles Bend before being lodged at the Deschutes County Jail, held without bail pending arraignment on the 17 charges listed below.

Oregon State Police is investigating the crash involving DCSO patrol vehicles, consistent with standard pursuit protocols. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Sunriver Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Fire Department, and Deschutes County Road Department for their assistance during this incident.

ARRESTED: Matthew Hammer (DOB 9/24/1984)

CHARGES:

Criminal Mischief II – 1 count

Attempted Assault I – 1 count

Attempted Assault on a Public Safety Officer – 3 counts

Recklessly Endangering – 5 counts

Reckless Driving – 3 counts

Attempt to Elude a Police Officer (Felony) – 3 counts

Criminal Mischief I – 1 count

Court records reviewed by KTVZ News show Hammer was arraigned at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning on a felony charge of first-degree criminal mischief and three misdemeanor charges – two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one of reckless driving. He was conditionally released after his arrest late last month and is due back in court for arraignment on an expected indictment on Sept. 18.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels confirmed to us Tuesday’s arraignment and said Hammer was directed by the court to contact his attorney.

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Barney Lerten

UPDATE: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining the nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that started August 13 and runs through September 1.

While the Community Action Target Team (CATT) will increase patrols to deter impaired driving, this effort focuses on awareness and prevention. The Sheriff’s Office would rather see everyone enjoying the last weeks of summer safely than make DUII arrests.

“Labor Day and the last weeks of summer should be about creating good memories with family and friends,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We’re asking the community to help us by planning ahead and making safe choices. If you’re going to drink, please arrange for a sober ride home.”

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents and visitors to:

Choose a sober driver before heading out

Use a taxi or rideshare service if you’ve been drinking

Take the keys from friends who may be about to drive impaired and help them get home safely

Call law enforcement if you see a suspected impaired driver

Every year, impaired driving crashes take lives that could have been saved by planning ahead. Deputies are reminding drivers that impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it dangerous to wait until after you’ve been drinking to decide how to get home.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies nationwide. DCSO encourages everyone to do their part to ensure Labor Day ends with celebrations, not arrests or accidents.

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Spencer Sacks

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recent large-scale cat rescue has left nearly 100 cats up for adoption in Prineville.

The Humane Society of the Ochocos stepped forward to care for the cats after their owner moved out of the state. 

These adorable feline friends are mostly barn and outdoor cats.

Volunteers originally thought there were only about 30, but after days of trapping, the number quickly surpassed 100.

Rosi Gray, a volunteer with the Humane Society, told our media partners at the Prineville Review:

“We have absorbed 100 cats. We’re working really hard to get them into barn homes. We always need ranches, farms, who need ‘cat workers,’ I call them, who take care of the mice population. We need homes for these cats.”

 While these cats are up for adoption at no charge, the shelter still bears the costs of spaying and neutering surgeries, vaccinations, and medical treatments. 

The Humane Society asks for donations to the shelter, and to consider adopting one or more of these wonderful cats.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, comments from Sec. of State Tobias Read/ Republican Chair for Deschutes Co. Keith Rockow)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — President Trump says he plans to sign an executive order ending mail-in ballots nationwide. Opponents say the move would bring major challenges — especially in states like Oregon, where vote-by-mail has been the standard for decades.

Oregon was the first state in the US to adopt vote by mail after President Trump announced intentions to end the system. Many leaders and citizens across the state are pushing back. Secretary of State Tobias Read says Trump’s attempt is not just controversial, it’s unconstitutional.

Tobias Read told KTVZ News, “The Constitution is very clear. It says that states decide how to run elections, and we’re very proud of what we do in Oregon. We’ve seen higher turnout, lower costs, accurate results and we should continue down that path. If our rights to run our own elections are infringed upon we will use every tool at our disposal to make sure that Oregonians get to decide how to run elections.”

Supporters say the system balances convenience and security. Secretary Read argues mail-in voting is essential for many Oregonians, including those with limited transportation options and military members. “Think about rural people. Think about elderly people, people who are working for an hourly wage. Mail-in votes, meet them right where they are in their living room, around their kitchen table, and gives them the chance to engage in that most fundamental of American activities, holding politicians accountable.” said Read

Here in Central Oregon, Deschutes County clerk Steve Dennison says the system has been refined, successful, and the only way Oregonians have voted for over 20 years.

Dennison tells KTVZ News, “100% of the voters vote by mail in Deschutes County and throughout the state of Oregon. We do mail a ballot to every registered voter.”

Dennison spoke of the multiple safeguards to keep ballots secure and logistics to consider if vote by mail were eliminated, such as costs associated with setting up and staffing numerous polling stations.

Dennison told KTVZ News, “All ballots are returned to our offices and reconciled within our four walls, so you’re centralizing the process, which is always going to be something that’s secure, as opposed to something that’s decentralized. I don’t want to say that polling places, uh, polling place elections are not secure, that’s not true, just other considerations, and costs that would go into that. If we’re talking about a big change like this. Who is going to pay for it?”

But not everyone feels confident in the system. Deschutes County Republican Party Chair Keith Rockow has major concerns about flaws he sees with vote-by-mail, and he’s not alone.

Rockow told KTVZ News, “I have a lot of concerns, three specifically, they cover security, transparency, and accountability. Don’t know what’s gonna happen to it once it gets dropped in a mailbox. You don’t know who fills it out. The machines that they are wireless, how secure are they? Can they be accessed from an outside source?”

Rockow believes if everyone works together, arguments regarding cost of in-person voting and transportation issues could be remedied.

Rockow also told us, “If people wanted to get to a polling station, I know we could find a way to get them there. I always have. A healthy group of volunteers wanna do things. Um, I’m sure it would easily find volunteers to work polling places.”

Even as debate over mail-in voting continues nationwide, Oregon officials say the state system is secure, reliable, and here to stay, at least for now.

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek announced Tuesday she has declared a drought in Coos and Wheeler counties through an executive order and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

A link to Executive Order 25-19 can be found here.

Coos CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Coos County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 17. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index are also indicating drought conditions have developed in Coos County over the last 1 to 4 months.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Coos County Board of Commissioners in August requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Wheeler CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Wheeler County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 24 and severe drought since July 15. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) are also indicating long-term drought conditions have persisted in Wheeler County over the last 12 months.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Wheeler County Board of Commissioners in August requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Governor Kotek has declared a drought emergency in seven counties so far this calendar year. Previously, drought declarations were issued for Baker, Douglas, Lincoln, Morrow and Union counties.

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, 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 Douglas, Morrow, and Union counties 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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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Central Oregon, announced Tuesday a significant expansion of its down payment assistance program for veterans.

The program expansion was made possible by a $540,000 grant awarded to the organization for this purpose.

Here’s the rest of RootedHomes’ announcement:

The enhanced program now offers qualified veterans up to $60,000 in assistance, a substantial increase designed to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. This funding is available for any of RootedHomes’ communities. There are currently 70 homes available in various stages of development. 

The updated down payment assistance amounts are as follows: veterans are eligible for up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. First-time homebuyers can receive up to $30,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. First-generation homebuyers are eligible for up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less.

To qualify for the veteran assistance funds, applicants must provide a DD-214 form or proof of veteran’s benefits and sign a release form. 

Eliza Wilson, the executive director of RootedHomes, expressed her excitement about the new program:

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be able to provide this expanded funding to our veterans. It is our way of recognizing their sacrifice and commitment to our country. We know that a significant down payment is a major barrier to homeownership for many, and we are grateful for this opportunity to help more Central Oregon veterans realize their dream of owning a home.” 

Interested veterans and other homebuyers can start the process by first talking to one of RootedHomes’ approved lenders. The next step is to attend a free information session, which RootedHomes offers monthly to provide a complete overview of the programs and the home-buying process. There are two information sessions in September, on the 9th in Spanish and the 11th in English. Both begin at 5:30 pm and are offered through Zoom online.  

For more information on RootedHomes, visit https://rootedhomes.org.

RootedHomes, formerly Kôr Community Land Trust, is a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable homeownership opportunities for the local workforce. By utilizing the Community Land Trust model, RootedHomes ensures long-term affordability and access to healthy homes for generations. This innovative approach allows RootedHomes to steward the land, keeping housing costs down. Prioritizing equitable access to energy-efficient homes and their associated health and financial benefits by developing to net-zero energy standards is a priority of the organization. RootedHomes is committed to empowering homebuyers who have historically faced barriers to building wealth through homeownership. Through sustainable practices and community-centered development, RootedHomes is making a tangible difference in the lives of Central Oregon residents. Learn more at rootedhomes.org. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rates continued their upward movement in July, with job losses reported in all three counties, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday.

The new regional figures echo last week’s report that Oregon’s statewide jobless rate rose to 5% in July, its highest level in four years, when the COVID-19 pandemic was having severe economic impacts.

Here’s Tuesday’s Central Oregon jobs report from Regional Economist Nicole Ramos:  

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): The Bend MSA seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued to increase over the month of July and is now 4.7%, up from a rate of 4.6% in June. In July of last year, it was 0.4 of a percentage point lower, at 4.3%.  

The Bend MSA lost 1,600 jobs (-1.4%) from June to July, with the largest losses occurring in local government education employment (-2,430 jobs) as schools let out for the summer. Total nonfarm employment now stands at 110,290, with the private sector gaining 790 jobs over the month.

Private- sector job gains were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (+480 jobs) with most of those gains occurring in its accommodation and food services subsector (+350 jobs), followed by mining, logging, and construction (+280 jobs). Additional gains were recorded in manufacturing (+50 jobs); other services (+50 jobs); and information (+10 jobs).

Most private losses occurred in private education and health services (-40 jobs) and professional and business services (-20 jobs), with smaller losses occurring in trade, transportation, and utilities (-10 jobs) and financial activities (-10 jobs). 

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 1.9% (-2,180 jobs) from July 2024 to July 2025. Over the year, job losses were widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (-990 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (-970 jobs). Smaller but notable losses also occurred in professional and business services (-330 jobs); information (-310) jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-240 jobs); other services (-170 jobs); and financial activities (-150 jobs).

Over the year, gains were largest within private education and health services (+600 jobs), but other notable gains also occurred within manufacturing (+200 jobs) and government (+180 jobs). All other major industries saw little to no change over the year.  

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly over the month of July and is now 5.4%, up from a rate of 5.3% in June—in July of last year, it was 0.1 percentage point lower at 5.3%.  

Crook County lost 90 jobs (-1.2%) over the month. Losses were concentrated primarily within the public sector (-180 jobs), with the majority of losses occurring in local government (-190 jobs). Private-sector losses were smaller and seen in private education and health services (-30 jobs), information (-10 jobs), and manufacturing (-10 jobs). Private-sector gains were strongest in leisure and hospitality (+80 jobs) and professional and business services (+30 jobs), with additional gains seen in construction (+20 jobs) and financial activities (+10 jobs). 

Over the past year, the county lost 300 jobs (-3.9%). Losses were concentrated within the information industry (-290 jobs) and occurred due to a change in the way the data was reported. Other notable losses occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (-70 jobs); government (-60 jobs); other services (-50 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-30 jobs).

Over the year job gains were not as large and were concentrated within professional and business services (+90 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+60 jobs). Smaller gains occurred in private education and health services (+30 jobs), financial activities (+10 jobs), and manufacturing (+10 jobs).  

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.6% over the month of July, slightly higher than June’s 4.5% rate. In July 2024, the unemployment rate was lower, at 4.1%. The unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic.  

Deschutes County lost 1,190 jobs (-1.2%) from June to July, and employment is now 96,110. Job losses are typical this time of year due to local schools going on summer break and were concentrated in local education (-1,940 jobs).

Private-sector job losses occurred in professional and business services (-60 jobs), private education and health services (-10 jobs), and financial activities (-10 jobs). Gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+370 jobs), with 240 jobs gained in accommodation and food services, followed by mining, logging, and construction (+260 jobs). Smaller job gains occurred within other services (+50 jobs) and information (+10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment decreased 2.0% (-1,990 jobs) from July 2024 to July 2025. Over the year, job losses were strongest in leisure and hospitality (-990 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (-880 jobs), with smaller but notable losses occurring in professional and business services (-480 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-240 jobs); financial activities (-150 jobs); and other services (-80 jobs).

Gains were minimal and occurred in private education and health services (+530 jobs); manufacturing (+140 jobs); information (+100 jobs); and the public sector (+60 jobs). All other industries saw little to no movement over the year.  

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in July, going from a revised 4.9% in June to 5.2% in July. Last year the unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage point lower at 4.6% in July. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment shed 290 jobs in July (-4.2%) with losses concentrated in local government (-290 jobs). Smaller but notable losses were also recorded in manufacturing (-20 jobs); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-10 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs). Gains were marginal and recorded in leisure and hospitality (+30 jobs) and mining and logging (+10 jobs). Very little movement was seen otherwise, with little to no change in all other industries.  

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment increased by 10 jobs over the past year (+0.2%). Job gains were concentrated within the public sector (+80 jobs) with local government gaining the most jobs over the year (+60 jobs). Private-sector gains occurred in professional and business services (+50 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+30 jobs); and private education and health services (+10 jobs).

Private-sector losses outnumbered gains for a net loss of 70 jobs within the private sector and were recorded in leisure and hospitality (-50 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-50 jobs); other services (-30 jobs); manufacturing (-20 jobs); and information (-10 jobs).  

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Wednesday, Sept. 17.        

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — The Bend Police Department is raising concerns about a sharp increase in illegal vehicles showing up on city streets. 

Officers say many people believe they’re riding an e-bike, but in reality, some of the most popular models on the market are actually electric motorcycles — and those are not legal on Oregon roadways. 

Some residents say these electric motorcycles can be dangerous to pedestrians. 

“Start with the pedals. There’s no pedals on those electric e-bikes, and on top of that, they go faster than you think. Watch your back, because they’ll come get you. They’re really fast and they’re really quiet, and you’ll be walking peacefully, and the next thing you know, boom, boom, boom, and they’re like 12-year-olds. So, it’s kind of crazy,” said Bend resident, Noah Daniel. 

Chris Walter, who works at the 76 Gas Station on NW Columbia Street and NW Galveston Avenue, says riders of the electric motorcycles, are going way too fast. 

“Scary, because I’m afraid people are going to get hit, and there’s no stoplight around here, and we need one right here on this corner.” 

State law divides e-bikes into three classes: 

 Class 1 are pedal-assist and cut off at 20 miles per hour 

Class 2 use a throttle but also stop at 20 miles per hour 

Class 3 are pedal-assist with a limit of 28 miles per hour 

If your bike goes faster than that, has no pedals — or pedals that don’t work — it’s no longer an e-bike. Bend Police say, that makes it an electric motorcycle or dirt bike, which cannot be legally operated on our streets. 

If you are riding an electric motorcycle on the streets, it must be registered. If not, be prepared for a ticket.   The Bend Police Department says they need the community’s help to keep roads safe — and that means making sure what you’re riding is street legal.  

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