Category: ktvz-local-news

Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A garage fire linked to improperly disposed woodstove ashes resulted in $50,000 in damage to a southeast Bend home Tuesday night. Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the blaze in the 700 block of Southeast Douglas St. just before 11:00 p.m. on March 10th.

The family was alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms and evacuated safely before calling 9-1-1. Fire crews contained the flames primarily to the single-car garage, though the American Red Cross was called to assist the family because the house is currently unsafe to live in.

Investigators determined the fire started when woodstove ashes were placed into a trash container inside the garage. The flames spread to the contents of the garage and had begun to enter the main house before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The property damage is estimated at $50,000 for the building and its contents. Both the owners and the renters of the home have insurance to assist with the rebuilding process.

The effectiveness of the smoke alarms followed a proactive safety check; in late 2025, Bend Fire & Rescue assisted the occupants in checking their alarms to ensure they were working properly.

Bend Fire & Rescue recommend letting ashes cool inside a wood-burning appliance for two to three days before removal. Once removed, the ashes should be placed in a non-combustible container, such as a sturdy metal bucket with a metal lid.

The container should be kept at least 10 feet away from any combustible materials until the ashes are completely cool. This process can take several days or weeks. Ashes can remain hot enough to ignite a fire for four to seven days after being removed from a woodstove, even if they do not feel hot to the touch.

Bend Fire & Rescue provides free assistance for residents who need help checking or installing smoke alarms. Last year, the department helped families install 1,500 alarms. Residents can request help by calling 541-322-6386, while those outside the Bend area can contact their local fire department or the Central/Eastern Oregon Chapter of the Red Cross at 541-382-2142.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz announced her candidacy for seat 5 of the Deschutes County Commission on Tuesday. Letz, who has served on the Sisters City Council since 2021, is running for a position that county voters recently designated as nonpartisan.

The announcement comes ahead of the May 19 primary election. Letz, a Central Oregon native and Bend High School graduate, said her experience as a city official and small-business owner has prepared her to manage the diverse needs of the county’s residents.

Letz is a small-business owner who has served as a member of the Sisters City Council since 2021. Her professional background includes work as a wildland firefighter, backcountry park ranger and sustainability specialist.

A graduate of Bend High School, Letz is also the parent of a middle school student. The mayor addressed the nonpartisan nature of the commission positions, which was established by a county ballot measure.

“Deschutes County voters passed a ballot measure that ensures the Deschutes County Commission positions are nonpartisan, and I truly believe I am a candidate who fits that mandate,” Letz said. “Voters don’t want partisan decision-making to affect their lives. My experience as an open-minded problem-solver who has a track record of managing multiple stakeholders with diverse needs uniquely qualifies me for this role.”

During her tenure on the city council, Letz worked with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and elected officials on local issues. She cited improvements to healthcare access, daycare and housing as primary accomplishments.

“I’ve collaborated with citizens and community leaders on a number of complex issues during my time on the council,” Letz said. “We’ve improved access to health care and daycare, supported the creation of a wider variety of housing options, and ensured a more wildfire resilient future – challenges that face all communities and residents in Deschutes County.”

Letz noted that her previous work on the council serves as a model for her approach to county government.

“I’m very proud to point to these successes as examples of my commitment to finding common ground and creative solutions,” Letz said.

She also highlighted her background in land management as a tool for future decision-making. “I will bring my experience in planning and technical land use decisions to create informed and realistic solutions to real problems affecting the residents of Deschutes County,” she said.

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Spencer Sacks

La Pine, Ore. (KTVZ) — A cannabis shop in La Pine has earned significant recognition from La Pine Parks and Recreation, receiving the prestigious Silver Partner award for their support of the “Music in the Pines” event.

The accolade, which includes a $2,500 cash prize, highlights the community’s appreciation for H.D. Botanical’s contributions.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday night, the Redmond City Council approved the purchase of a new Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle—known as ARFF—for Redmond Municipal Airport. The city will buy the Oshkosh Striker 6×6 from Hughes Fire Equipment for $1,555,515 through a Sourcewell cooperative purchase agreement. 

The Striker 6×6 is a high-powered fire truck designed specifically for airports. It is built to respond quickly to aircraft emergencies, such as fires on the runway or engine problems during landing. The vehicle carries thousands of gallons of water and several hundred gallons of foam used to smother jet fuel fires, and it can also spray dry chemicals for electrical or fuel-based fires that water cannot extinguish. 

“ARFF One, is our main vehicle. It’s about ten years old and still operating fine,” Redmond Airport Director Zackary Bass said. “ARFF Two. It’s 31 years old. It is a workhorse—it’s been great, but we’re starting to see more and more maintenance issues occur. So we need to replace that with a newer vehicle.” 

Bass said the airport operates two firefighting vehicles to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements, that commercial airports have ARFF units available 24 hours a day with a three-minute response time to incidents on the airfield.  

An older vehicle, ARFF 2 was purchased in 1996 and is now far beyond its reliable service life, making replacement parts difficult to find and increasing the risk of noncompliance with FAA safety standards.  

The Oshkosh Striker 6×6 includes six all-driving wheels for strong traction and quick movement over rough terrain such as gravel or grass near runways. The truck features a specialized suspension system for stability at high speeds, a Snozzle extendable arm that allows water or foam to be sprayed directly into aircraft, thermal imaging cameras to locate hot spots through smoke, and a reinforced cab that seats up to five firefighters. 

Funding for the new vehicle will come entirely from local airport funds as part of Redmond Airport’s capital needs plan, and no budget adjustment is required because of shifting project timelines.  

The city is receiving a discount of about $16,000 by paying upon completion rather than delivery, and airport reserves are still projected to remain strong after the purchase.  

Bass said the replacement for ARFF 2 is already in production and expected to be on the ground and operational within three months. 

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KGW

Written by Katherine Cook & KGW:

PORTLAND, Oregon — After a yearslong federal lawsuit, the Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation. Federal officials sued the live entertainment giant two years ago, alleging it held a monopoly over the live entertainment industry.

But some states, including Oregon and Washington, said they will continue fighting the company in court, noting the settlement was not only unexpected but also does not go far enough to protect consumers. “For too long, Live Nation has used a monopoly to drive up ticket prices, squeeze out competition and make it harder for everyday Oregonians to see the artists they love,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. “Oregonians deserve a fair marketplace. We will continue to support the coalition of states committed to holding Live Nation accountable, protecting consumers and restoring real competition to the music industry.”

When the DOJ, under the Biden administration, filed the antitrust lawsuit in 2024, officials said they hoped to restore competition to the market, in part by separating Live Nation from Ticketmaster.

“Live Nation often sacrifices profits it could earn as a venue owner by letting its venues sit empty,” then-U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said at the time. “Rather than opening them to artists who do not use Live Nation promotion services, even during peak concert season.”

Under the proposed settlement, Live Nation would divest from at least 13 amphitheaters nationwide. The company would also have to allow a mix of ticket vendors at some venues and pay a $280 million fine. For a company that reported about $25 billion in sales in 2025, some critics say that amount is too small.

“That’s a drop in the bucket,” said Portland attorney Robert Parker Jr.

Parker filed his own lawsuit against Live Nation in 2023 on behalf of his client, We Are Live Entertainment, but withdrew the suit after federal officials filed their case several months later. He said Live Nation cost his client’s artists millions of dollars and argued that states that recently settled with the company handed the ticket giant a win.

“What should have probably happened in terms of divestiture was clearly not significant enough,” Parker said. “Maybe the remaining states that are not signing off will be able to extract some further concessions in their particular geographical regions of the country.”

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John Carroll

John Carroll took the weather show on the road and stopped by to say hello to the students at High Desert Christian Academy in Prineville. The student are in the middle of their “Weather Unit” and were very curious about how television weather forecasting is different from other types of forecasting jobs.

Great questions about tornadoes, dust devils, and wildfires with “fire-nadoes” in the blazes.

John Carroll enjoys speaking to area schools and is alway willing to find room on his schedule for a visit. Contact him at john.carroll@ktvz.com and schedule a time for John at your school.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Housing and Community Services said Tuesday continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes, including a 75-unit project near Redmond Airport. 

The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland, including the Mountain View Community Village planned for Deschutes County-owned land north of Oasis Village.

The project planned by Mountain View Community Development also received a $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank late last year.

According to the project summary presented to the state council, “Mountain View Community Village is a 75-unit development with 68 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and seven units of market-rate housing on 9.48 acres of land in Redmond. “

“The project consists of single-story, stand-alone cottage-style homes designed to foster privacy, space and dignity. Each cottage will include design elements that reduce stress and support stability, including private entries, durable and easy to maintain finishes, clear wayfinding and noise-reducing features.

“In addition to dedicated onsite office space for PSH services staff, the development also includes a flexible community/event space for voluntary activities such as tenant meetings, community-building events, or group workshops.

“Laundry services, green space, community gardens, and dog runs are centrally located, with additional flex space for social gatherings. Picnic tables and additional seating areas have been placed with meandering walkways throughout the development to encourage small gatherings amongst sub-communities and reduce social isolation. OHCS funds will not be used for the market-rate units.”

“Solving the affordability crisis Oregonians are facing demands that we address housing supply,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “In all corners of the state, we need to be united in delivering solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.”

According to OHCS: “These developments reflect a broad spectrum of housing types, from manufactured homes and cottage-style units to multifamily apartments, demonstrating the critical need for diverse housing options across Oregon.” 

They added, “Investing in homes of all shapes and sizes addresses the state’s housing affordability challenges, especially in rural communities where local housing needs require local solutions. The awarded projects also offer a range of service levels, including permanent supportive housing and culturally specific services, ensuring Oregonians can access housing that truly meets their needs.”

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.

More details about each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Right now, Bend native Anna Soens is in Milan-Cortina representing Team USA and Central Oregon at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Over the weekend, Soens competed in the alpine downhill event but crashed early in her run and was unable to finish.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the experience, writing in part:

“I came to Cortina with exactly zero downhill training or experience and I was super unsure I would even try it… I’m proud that I pushed out.”

Even with a DNF (Did not finish), Soens’ positivity didn’t waver, a trait she’s developed through years of challenges.

Ten years ago, Soens was climbing at an indoor rock gym when she fell and broke her back. Since then, she has fought to get her life back.

“I think adaptive skiing is one of the most free adaptive sports available to us,” Soens said. “You know, the lift access brings you up, and then with it being a gravity sport, we’re kind of on an even playing field with able-bodied skiers, so we can rip around just like anybody else. So that was really empowering.”

Her recovery journey started at Oregon Adaptive Sports in Bend, where she not only began reclaiming her life but also found a strong community and even met her future husband.

“I first learned to ski with Oregon Adaptive Sports and then, it is something to reclaim my life and identity and get me moving, get outside,” she said. “Part of the reason why I moved to Bend was because of OAS, and because of the community that I have through OAS. I met my husband, he was an instructor at OAS when I was still learning to ski.”

In 2018, Soens became the first paraplegic woman to climb Mount Hood, a goal she had set alongside her father.

“Once I healed a bit and started considering what was possible, I recruited a ton of friends and I didn’t care whether I got dog-sledded up the mountain or whether it was under my own power, but I wanted to stand on the summit with my dad,” Soens said. “And so we did.”

On Monday, Soens placed an impressive fourth in the alpine Super-G. Unfortunately, she did not finish her alpine combined race today.

She’ll be back on the slopes for the giant slalom on Thursday and the slalom on Saturday.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 65-year-old Portland man was killed in a crash Monday afternoon while skiing with friends on Mt. Bachelor, authorities said Tuesday.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the ski and snowboard resort at 2:22 p.m. after reports of an injured skier on the Wanoga Way ski trail, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said.

Around that time, Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol notified authorities of a skier who had crashed and was seriously injured. Sheriff’s deputies, Bend Fire & Rescue and AirLink responded to the scene.

When Ski Patrol arrived, they found skier Nigel Barry Young of Portland, who was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Carr said.

Ski Patrol personnel and Bend Fire & Rescue medics immediately began resuscitation efforts, but despite their attempts, Young was pronounced deceased at the scene.

According to investigators, Young had been skiing with three friends who were ahead of him on the trail at the time of the crash and who did not witness the incident.

Authorities say Young was wearing a helmet, but based on preliminary findings, investigators believe the injuries he sustained were not survivable.

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident.

KTVZ News reached out to Mt. Bachelor officials for a statement, which was provided Wednesday by Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon:

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Young’s family and friends as they process this difficult loss. We are thankful to our patrollers and emergency first responders for their quick action and the medical assistance provided.”

Read the full press release below.

Mt. Bachelor, Ore. – On Monday, March 9, 2026, at 2:22 p.m., Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol was notified of an injured skier on the Wanoga Way Ski Trail at Mt. Bachelor. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Airlink were dispatched to assist.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol was first to arrive on scene and found the male skier without a pulse and not breathing. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts by Ski Patrol and Bend Fire medics, the skier was pronounced dead at 2:56 p.m.

The skier is identified as Nigel Barry Young, 65, of Portland, Oregon. Young had been skiing with three friends, who were ahead of him and did not witness the crash. Young was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, but deputies believe his injuries were not survivable.

The Wanoga Way Ski Trail is located on the eastside of Mt. Bachelor off the Cloudchaser Lift. It’s considered an intermediate ski trail.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with Mt. Bachelor staff to complete the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office thanks Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Airlink for their assistance.  

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – From building affordable homes to mitigating wildfire risks to providing local childcare and distributing fresh food, youth ages 16 to 24 are getting a chance to earn money, improve their communities, and build their resumes. 

Now, the organization that makes it possible, Heart of Oregon Corps, is getting help to provide those programs, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, the philanthropy arm of O’Reilly Auto Parts. 

Here’s the rest of Tuesday’s announcement from Heart of Oregon Corps:

“For many of these young people, this is their first job opportunity,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. “More than half of them do not have a high school diploma or GED, and this program gives them the opportunity to earn that degree while getting valuable job experience. The resiliency they gain is impressive.” 

The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025, with an impressive record of success for youth in the programs, and for the communities they serve. 

Over the years, Heart of Oregon has hired and trained over 5,000 local youth, who have built 40 affordable homes, improved more than 50,000 acres of public lands, and earned $2.5 million in AmeriCorps education scholarships. 

One program alum, Jasmine, found herself at a crossroads at age 16. She’d dropped out of school and was struggling with addiction. Now, she has an associate’s degree in early childhood education, teaches preschool, and serves on the Heart of Oregon Board of Directors.

“I would not be who I am today without Heart of Oregon Corps,” she said. “I’m sober, I have a job I love, and I just bought my first house so my kids have a safe and stable place to grow up.” 

With so much past success, Heart of Oregon is now constructing Central Oregon’s first youth workforce development campus in Redmond, to ensure impact on youth and the community for generations to come.  

“Support from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation allows us to keep creating life-changing opportunities for youth right now, while we build the permanent campus that will serve them for decades,” said Laura Handy, executive director of Heart of Oregon Corps. “We’re deeply grateful for partners like O’Reilly Automotive Foundation who invest in young people and believe in their potential to strengthen our communities.” 

Heart of Oregon’s grant is part of a year-end round of giving for the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, which awarded nearly $1.5 million across 50 nonprofits nationwide in 2025. It’s the largest distribution of funds from the foundation since its founding in 2020. 

About Heart of Oregon Corps 

Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities. With the goal of career readiness, HOC hires and trains 225 youth ages 16-24 annually in the fields of conservation, construction, childcare, and warehousing logistics. Accredited by the Corps Center for Excellence, HOC is committed to training tomorrow’s workforce today and is accepting youth applications now! For more information or to apply, visit www.heartoforegon.org. 

About O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc. The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as a dependable community partner, supporting organizations and programs that address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. The Foundation concentrates its giving in the areas of economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services and disaster relief.  

About O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. 

Since 1957, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has grown from a family-owned company to a leader in the automotive replacement parts industry. It supplies equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. With more than 6,500 store locations and growing, the O’Reilly Professional Parts People deliver excellent customer service, knowledge and value to the communities they serve. 

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