Category: ktvz-local-news

Spencer Sacks

(Update: added quotes from Mayor Letz and President McDougall)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The recall petition against Mayor Jennifer Letz and City Council President Sarah McDougall has been rescinded by the chief petitioner.

Petitioner Frank Claxton said in documents filed with the city that he was withdrawing the petition because he is moving out of the area and would no longer be a viable petitioner.

Mayor Letz told KTVZ News, “I am happy this is behind us and we can again focus all of our energy on continuing to serve the people of Sisters”

Council President McDougall told KTVZ News, “I’m just happy to have this behind us.”

The petition alleged both Mayor Letz and Council President McDougall have “disregarded obligations of being a public official, thereby eroding public trust and confidence.”

The petition started due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the future of art on the roundabout between Highway 20 and Locust street.

Several Sisters Residents want the city to put up a life-size statue of famous bull “Red Rock” being ridden by Lane Frost.

The Council had tabled the discussion of the statue, putting it off for a later date.

To read KTVZ’s original story on the recall petition click here.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — NeighborImpact said Tuesday it’s preparing for a potential surge in hunger across Central Oregon after the federal government announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits won’t be distributed in November, due to the federal government shutdown prompted,

As the regional food bank serving Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the organization said it is taking immediate steps to ensure that families, seniors, and individuals do not go without food in the weeks ahead.

Here’s the full announcement from NeighborImpact:

“Since 1980, the government has shut down 15 times, but SNAP payments that are essential to feeding American households have never halted,” said Scott Cooper, NeighborImpact’s executive director. “We are in uncharted territory. But food is the most basic need people have. Not responding is not an option. This is precisely why an organization like NeighborImpact exists.”

The Oregon Department of Human Services announced Monday that 757,000 Oregonians—roughly one in six residents—may lose access to food assistance beginning November 1.

In Central Oregon, 23,405 households were receiving SNAP benefits as of Sept. 30. The ripple effects of such a lapse would be profound. SNAP benefits support not only household food security but also local economies, generating between $1.50 and $1.80 in grocery spending for every dollar distributed.

A one-month suspension would remove tens of millions of dollars in purchasing power from Oregon’s stores, distributors and farms—especially in rural areas where SNAP participation is highest, resulting in economic disruption as well as loss of essential nutrition resources.

Even before this federal disruption, NeighborImpact’s Food Program was operating under historic strain. Food supply into the regional food bank has fallen approximately 17 percent due in part to the loss of U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodity Credit Corporation commodities. Other sources of food have also declined amid inflation and supply-chain challenges.

At the same time, the number of individual services provided by NeighborImpact’s food bank and partner pantry network has increased more than 250 percent since 2020.

“Food banks are not equipped to deal with increased demand, due to an interruption in SNAP,” Cooper said. “With the pullback in federal commodity distribution that occurred in spring, food banks are already behind the eight ball. NeighborImpact will be able to offset roughly 10 percent of the anticipated shortfall, but we will need community support if we hope to address this crisis.”

NeighborImpact has already opened a campaign to raise funds to purchase food to offset the loss of commodities. Donations can be made at www.neighborimpact.org. NeighborImpact is able to stretch every donated dollar through bulk purchasing and statewide partnerships, multiplying its impact for families in need.

As the regional food bank for Central Oregon, NeighborImpact supplies food to 57 partner pantries and 15 mobile pantry sites across the tri-county region. These pantries are embedded in local communities—many in rural areas where transportation and grocery access are limited—and together form a lifeline for thousands of households.

For more information or to donate:

Visit neighborimpact.org/food or call 541-548-2380.

About NeighborImpact: NeighborImpact is a private non-profit governed by a board of directors drawn from across the community. Since 1985, NeighborImpact has led the region in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We help meet the basic needs of Central Oregonians, build economic security and create a community where everyone thrives. NeighborImpact receives federal, state and local grants, foundation grants and donations from individuals and businesses in our community. To learn more about NeighborImpact please visit www.neighborimpact.org. 

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The national average for a gallon of regular gas could soon fall to the $3 mark for the first time since May 2021. The Oregon average is close to dipping below $4 per gallon, though Bend’s has fallen well below that, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

Here’s AAA’s full weekly report:

Oregon’s gas prices surged above $4 in early September, when the Olympic Pipeline was out of service.

Major factors behind falling gas prices include crude oil prices below $60 per barrel, lower demand for gas in the U.S., cheaper winter-blend fuel, and continued production increases in crude oil by OPEC+.

For the week, the national average for regular slips three cents to $3.05 a gallon. The Oregon average loses seven cents to $4.01 a gallon, while Bend’s average drops more than 11 cents to $3.83.

“Gas prices are cooling off like fall weather. Declines have been slow and steady, and drivers should continue to get relief at the pumps in the coming weeks,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. 

“This week, a gas station in Evans, Colorado sold gas at $1.999 per gallon. This is the first time in four years for a retail price below $2 a gallon for regular gas. Other stations in parts of the U.S. may follow suit,” Dodds adds.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $4.01. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.05. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.036 on October 19 and 20.

This week 16 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 23 a week ago:

Clackamas $4.16

Clatsop $4.04

Columbia $4.15

Curry $4.08

Harney $4.18

Jackson $4.00

Josephine $4.03

Lake $4.10

Morrow $4.

Multnomah $4.25

Sherman $4.07

Tillamook $4.11

Wallowa $4.21

Wasco $4.09

Washington $4.20

Yamhill $4.05

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. decreased from 8.92 million b/d to 8.46 million for the week ending October 10. This compares to 8.62 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 219.1 million barrels to 218.8 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day compared to 9.8 million barrels per day the previous week.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures.

The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1.

Switch-over dates are earlier in California, with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) plunged below $60 per barrel on October 10 and has remained below $60 since then. It’s the first time WTI fell below $60 since May 7, 2025. Easing tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas have contributed to the decline, as well as increased oil production by OPEC+ and concerns of a cooling global economic climate.

WTI has been mostly in the low-$60s to mid-$70s since September 2024. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies. Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August 2024.

Crude oil is trading around $58 today compared to $59 a week ago and $71 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news, as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, there were concerns that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices.

But this year, the cartel has boosted production, starting by 411,000 barrels per day in May, June, and July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, 547,000 barrels per day in September, and 137,000 barrels per day in October.  

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 51% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 18% is refining, 16% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country rose from 13.629 million barrels per day  to 13.636 for the week ending October 10. This beats the previous record high of 13.631 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 46 states with lower prices now than a week ago. New Mexico (-11 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Ohio (+28 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the nation, due to a fire last week at the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana which is the largest in the Midwest.

California ($4.62) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the fifth week in a row. Washington took over the top spot for a week in September when the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. This week, Hawaii ($4.48) is second, Washington ($4.40) is third, and Oregon ($4.01) is fourth. These are the four states with averages at or above $4 a gallon.

This week, 14 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3 range. There are 32 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.56) and Texas ($2.60). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

As noted above, one gas station in Evans, Colorado sold gas this week at $1.999 per gallon.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.07 this week, compared to $2.09 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is 13 cents less and the Oregon average is 23 cents less than a month ago. This is the seventh-largest month-over-month decline for a state in the nation. Iowa (-28 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. The average in Hawaii is flat.

Oregon is one of six states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is 13 cents less, while the Oregon average is 35 cents more. Oregon has the largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Washington (+33 cents) has the second-largest increase. Michigan (-34 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 10/21/2025

1
California
$4.62

2
Hawaii
$4.48

3
Washington
$4.40

4
Oregon
$4.01

5
Alaska
$3.86

6
Nevada
$3.83

7
Idaho
$3.43

8
Arizona
$3.39

9
Utah
$3.33

10
Pennsylvania
$3.23

As mentioned above, California is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the fifth week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada round out the top six. Arizona is eighth. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 22nd week in a row.

All seven West Coast states have week-over-week decreases: Arizona (-8 cents), Oregon (-7 cents), Washington (-7 cents), Nevada (-4 cents), California (-3 cents), Alaska (-2 cents) and Hawaii (-3/10ths of a cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast dropped from 83.6% to 77.3% for the week ending October 10. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate fell from 92.4% to 85.7%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region decreased from 29.64 million bbl. to 29.32 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices remain near five-month lows. WTI crude fell below $60 per barrel on Oct. 10 and has remained below that price since then. A major driver of the lower crude oil prices is easing tensions in the Middle East, including troop withdrawals from Gaza and the release of hostages. This has reduced the risk premium that was priced into the markets after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023. Other factors putting downward pressure on crude oil prices include weakening global demand for oil, increased production by OPEC+, and rising U.S. inventories.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 3.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 423.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI ticked up eight cents to close at $57.54. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI ticked down two cents to settle at $57.52. Today crude is trading around $58 compared to $59 a week ago. Crude prices are about $12 less than a year ago. ($70.56 on October 21, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Diesel

For the week, the national average falls four cents to $3.62 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average loses five cents to $4.40. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.59 and the Oregon average was $3.93.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With unemployment reports paused due to the 3-week-old federal government shutdown, Oregon Employment Department Regional Economist Nicole Ramos instead provided a look Tuesday at how many federal workers there are in the state and in Central Oregon, and their pay.

Here’s that report:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suspended the monthly employment and unemployment reports for the nation, states, and metropolitan areas as of Oct. 1, 2025. Oregon’s monthly jobs and unemployment rate for September are unavailable at this time. In the meantime, we will highlight data that we continue to produce and share when it becomes available. One such topic is federal government employment. 

Statewide and Regional Federal Government Jobs  

Oregon had an average of 29,000 federal government jobs covered by unemployment benefits during the first half of 2025. That accounted for about 1.5% of all jobs in the state.

The federal government share of all jobs was much higher in some rural counties. This time last year, the top 10 counties by share of all jobs in federal government were rural areas. More than 15% of all jobs in Sherman County were in federal government. The next-largest shares were in Grant (9%), Harney (8%), and Lake (8%) counties.  

Federal government employment in Crook County accounted for 4.2% of all county employment, representing 321 covered positions and placing it among the top five Oregon counties with the highest proportion of federal jobs relative to total county employment.

In comparison, 1.3% of all jobs in Jefferson County were in the federal sector. Deschutes County had the lowest share, with 1.1% of all fourth-quarter covered jobs last year classified as federal government positions. Still, in terms of absolute numbers, Deschutes County had the highest count of federal workers in Central Oregon, with 1,022 federal jobs. 

More recently, and not directly comparable due to seasonal differences between quarters, Deschutes County averaged 1,052 federal payroll jobs in the second quarter of 2025. By June 2025, there were 1,066 federal jobs, 32 fewer than in the same month the previous year. 

In June, federal payroll employment in Jefferson County was 100—nine more than in June 2024. In Crook County, it was 347, a decrease of 12 from the previous year. Federal employment in this region typically peaks in the third quarter and begins to decline in the fourth quarter, though. 

Federal government jobs also tend to pay relatively high wages. Looking at annual average wages, jobs on federal government payrolls in Oregon paid nearly $98,500 in 2024. That was 38% higher than the average annual wage for all jobs in Oregon. 

Crook County had one of the smallest wage gaps between federal and overall covered employment, ranking third lowest in the state. There, federal workers earned just 8% more than the countywide average. 

In contrast, in both Deschutes and Crook counties the wage gap was larger than average. In 2024, federal jobs in Deschutes County paid 48% more than the average for all jobs in the county. Similarly, federal payroll jobs in Jefferson County paid 43% more than the countywide average. 

For more about federal government jobs in Oregon, click here. 

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department will publish the latest Oregon Job Vacancy Survey report on Oct. 23, and the next update on statewide trends on Wednesday, Nov. 19. We will update our schedule of future releases as federal services return. 

If you have questions about the South Central economy, feel free to reach out. We’re still at work providing quality information so employers and job seekers can make informed decisions. The most current data remains last month’s report, highlighting August employment figures. That data is available at qualityinfo.org. 

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding new information about crash, Officer Craven)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A tragic crash in Southern California has claimed the life of a Bend native who was serving as a police officer with the La Mesa Police Department near San Diego.

Authorities say Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was killed Monday night while assisting at the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in San Diego County. The California Highway Patrol said Officer Lauren Craven stopped her patrol car to help others involved in an earlier crash when another driver struck her vehicle and several others.

“While outside of their patrol vehicle, another vehicle struck the La Mesa PD officer as well as the other vehicles involved in the crash,” California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said. “Unfortunately, the La Mesa PD officer lost their life during this tragic crash.”

The investigation remains ongoing. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said they are reviewing all factors leading up to the deadly collision, but reminded drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights on the roadside — a state law designed to protect emergency personnel and those they assist.

Lauren Craven grew up in Bend and graduated from Summit High School in 2019. While in high school, she worked at the local Ben & Jerry’s and a Chevron station where she was known for her friendly energy. Former counselors at Summit said Lauren always wore the biggest smile and was uniquely kind. 

According to the La Mesa Police Department, Lauren Craven joined the agency within the past few years and quickly became known for her professionalism and compassion both on duty and off. The city of La Mesa and law enforcement agencies across San Diego County have expressed condolences and lowered flags in her honor.

The CHP said the chain-reaction crash involved multiple vehicles on the eastbound side of I-8, near the community of Alpine. Video from the scene showed heavy damage to several cars and emergency units blocking the roadway for hours while investigators collected evidence.

Authorities said they have not yet determined what caused the initial crash that Officer Lauren Craven stopped to assist with. Toxicology results and witness statements are part of the ongoing investigation.

In light of the tragedy, highway officials again urged drivers to obey California and Oregon’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow to a safe speed when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles displaying flashing lights.

We will continue to keep you updated on this developing story. 

Earlier story — SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KTVZ) — 25-year-old Lauren Craven, who graduated from Summit High School in Bend in 2019, was killed while in the line of duty Monday evening in San Diego-neighborhood Grantville.

According to our NBC News affiliate station, NBC 7 in San Diego, “As a car was traveling east on I-8, it hit another car, then overturned in the lanes and was struck by another car. A La Mesa police officer, who was on duty, saw the crash and got out of their car to render aid, when another car hit the officer, as well as the other cars. Then, a second car hit all of the vehicles, California Highway Patrol Cpt. Reggie Williams said. CHP confirmed two people are dead, including the officer and the person who initially crashed.”

NBC 7 also stated a total of five cars were involved and the other victims were transported to local hospitals.

The La Mesa Police Department said Craven joined the department in February of 2024.

“We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family, and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers,” La Mesa Lt. Travis Higgins said in a release.

KTVZ News also would appreciate hearing from friends of Craven who can help us tell her story. You can reach Claire at claire.elmer@ktvz.com and the newsroom at stories@ktvz.com.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The first annual Old Mill Classic Cruz Car Show took place on July 19th in Bend’s Old Mill District and was able to raise $10,000 to donate to Battle Buddies of Central Oregon.

According to a spokesperson from Old Mill Classic Cruz, more than 200 car enthusiasts came together to showcase their vehicles, and the money for Battle Buddies of Central Oregon was raised through sponsors, registration fees, and other donations.

Read the full press release below:

“Following a successful summer event, the Old Mill Classic Cruz is proud to announce a donation of $10,000 directly to Battle Buddies of Central Oregon to support its mission to support the wellbeing of veterans and first responders by providing canine companionship and training through their K9 Training for Heroes program.

The funds were raised during the first-time annual car show held on July 19, 2025 and alongside the beautiful Deschutes River in The Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon.

The event brought together over 200 car enthusiasts and community members to showcase a wide range of stock and custom classic vehicles. A portion of every sponsorship, registration fee, and donation contributed to the total amount raised for this local charity event.

“We are grateful to our 38 sponsors, to the 200+ participants who attended, to donors, and to several volunteers that helped make this donation possible”, said David Boynton. “This is more than just a car show, it’s about honoring those who’ve served, connecting the community, and showcasing the beauty of the Bend car culture in an unforgettable way. Our community’s passion for cars has translated into real tangible support for Battle Buddies and we are thrilled to help them continue their important work.”This donation will allow Battle Buddies of Central Oregon to provide training, adoption, and medical assistance to the special Buddies they support. “The generosity of the local car community is truly inspiring. This donation will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve and we are thankful for their support” said Kristine Olson, Executive Director.

The Old Mill Classic Cruz car show is an annual community event dedicated t o bringing car lovers together for a day of appreciation for classic and unique automobiles. It also serves as a platform for supporting Veterans causes and giving back to the community in the future.

Battle Buddies of Central Oregon is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization, an all-volunteer staff of patriotic citizens dedicated to preventing veteran and first responder suicide. Their mission is to prevent veteran and first responder suicide through canine companionship, training, and their goal is to provide professional canine obedience training in preparation for the canine good citizen test. For more information, visit their website at battlebuddiesco.org.”

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KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging the public to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan. The department said the plan outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding, and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.

According to the department, “The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online. They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend).”

You can register in advance by clicking here.

Read the full press release below:

“The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan, which outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.  

The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online.  

They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend). Register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-4YrUfpeR2yFNBF-8Ihqpg 

“We appreciate the time and energy trail users and partners have put into helping us develop the next trails plan, which will guide investments to make our trails even better in the future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning.   

“Each year, more than 80% of Oregonians use trails across the state, generating over $890 million in spending at local businesses and contributing to Oregon’s overall economy.” 

The Oregon Recreational Trails Plan covers non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian), motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and non-motorized boating and water trails. It helps provide guidance to not only Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, but to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners. 

Information for the draft plan came from multiple sources including statewide surveys of trail users and recreation providers conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, multiple follow-up focus groups with specific user groups in May, and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is published every five years.  

The current Oregon Statewide Trails Plan covers 2016 to 2025. Once the public review and comment period ends, staff will incorporate feedback and present the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.  

For questions about the draft Oregon Trails Plan, please visit our website or contact OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning at Jessica.r.horning@oprd.oregon.gov.  “

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, Highway 97 will have a single-lane closure southbound in Bend near milepost 144 today, October 21st, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The department says drivers should expect delays and asks motorists to please slow down and watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

Also, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Highway 97 will have single-lane closures north of Bend between mileposts 132 and 134 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. {KTVZ} — The Crook County Fair Board met Monday evening in Prineville, focusing on one of the most significant topics on its current agenda — the fair’s contract with the Crooked River Roundup (CRR). 

During the meeting, representatives from the Crooked River Roundup Board voiced their dissatisfaction with the existing short-term contract governing the 2025 rodeo and race season. The agreement, valued at $25,000, was described by CRR Race Chair Doug Smith as inadequate given the economic impact the Roundup brings to the fairgrounds and the local community. 

Smith and other CRR leaders outlined several priorities for future consideration, including: 

A 20-year contract term 

Rent tied to event profits rather than fixed annual increases 

County support for potential grandstand upgrades 

Shared access to grant funding used for facility improvements 

Fair Board member Casey Kaiser acknowledged the challenges of reaching a balanced agreement. To facilitate progress, the board recently created a formal advisory committee, with Kaiser appointed as a designated member. The committee’s role is to collect and analyze information related to past and current contracts to help Fairgrounds Manager Casey Daly develop a recommendation for future negotiations. 

“The job of that committee will be to provide information to the director that will help him form a recommendation to the board on how to handle the contract with the Crooked River Roundup,” Kaiser explained. 

According to Kaiser, three governing bodies are part of the discussion — the Crook County Fair Board, the Crooked River Roundup, and the Crook County Board of Commissioners. Coordinating between these groups means the process will take time. 

“There are places where our interests align perfectly between the fairgrounds and the Crooked River Roundup,” Kaiser said. “And there are places where our interests differ. These are two very important entities in the community, and negotiating this contract just takes a little bit of time.” 

The advisory committee will first gather background and financial information on previous contracts before presenting its findings to Daly. Once reviewed, Daly will compile his own analysis and make a recommendation to the Fair Board for potential action. 

No timeline has been announced for when the process will be completed. 

For details about the Fair Board and its members, visit the Crook County Fair Board webpage. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, text of statement)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock posted a statement on the agency’s Facebook page Monday evening, refuting rumors of immigration raids and saying the local officers, some in plainclothes, actually were part of a national domestic violence sweep.

Here’s the full statement from the sheriff:

Clarification on Recent Law Enforcement Activity in Madras

There have been several misleading and false social media posts claiming that “ICE agents” were operating in the Madras area this week. Let us be clear, no Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in any operations in Jefferson County last week.

The individuals seen in recent videos and photos were Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives, Madras Police Officers, and Jefferson County Parole and Probation Officers, participating in a National Domestic Violence Sweep.

As part of this coordinated national effort, law enforcement agencies across the country locate and arrest individuals wanted for domestic violence related crimes, including serious offenses such as kidnapping, assault, and coercion. In Jefferson County, our deputies were assisting in the apprehension of a wanted felon tied to domestic violence crimes.

Some members of the team were in alternate vests or plain clothing due to operational roles. These differences in appearance do not make them “fake officers,” nor do they indicate outside federal involvement.

Unfortunately, misinformation has spread online, creating unnecessary fear and division. Posting and sharing false information without facts or verification is not only irresponsible, it also undermines the hard work of the men and women who risk their safety every day to protect victims and keep our community safe.

If you have concerns or questions about law enforcement activity, we encourage you to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office directly, rather than relying on speculation circulating on social media.

The safety of our community, and our transparency with the public, remain our highest priorities.

Sheriff Jason Pollock Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

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