Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert used a Sunriver town hall to highlight his focus on rebuilding trust, transparency and community engagement as he heads toward the 2026 sheriff’s race.​

Sunriver town hall focus

Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert met with Sunriver-area residents Tuesday night in Sunriver, inviting questions and concerns about public safety, transparency and trust in the sheriff’s office. He framed the event as part of a broader effort to connect directly with people in each community he serves.​

“Trust is something that’s earned over time; it’s not just given,” Rupert told attendees, saying recent months have shown progress but also the need for continued work. He said he wants residents to see him more often in their neighborhoods and at public events as he works to rebuild confidence in the agency.​

Emphasis on transparency

Rupert said he welcomes difficult questions because they help his team understand community concerns and “make our office better.” He described community feedback as essential to setting his priorities and shaping how the sheriff’s office approaches enforcement, communication and outreach.​

He also tied transparency to visibility, promising to spend more time out in the community rather than behind a desk. That approach, he said, is key to restoring trust and demonstrating that the agency is accountable to the public.​

Looking ahead to 2026

Rupert was appointed interim sheriff in 2025 and plans to run for a full term in the 2026 election. He said the town hall series is as much about listening as campaigning, helping him understand what residents want from the next permanent sheriff.​

His next town hall is scheduled for January 14 at Terrebonne Community School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additional meetings are expected in other parts of Deschutes County as Rupert continues outreach ahead of the 2026 race.

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: adding video and quotes from Bend-LaPine Schools Director of Communications, Scott Maben)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Snow, Sleet, Ice, all conditions making it difficult to drive around.

With students back from break, schools are preparing for winter weather.

So what does the preparation look like? 

“We have our maintenance team, all prepared and kind of on standby to to get ready to go out there and tackle, any snow that accumulates or ice, that we have on our school properties,” Bend-LaPine Schools Director of Communications, Scott Maben told KTVZ News. “They’re on alert, ready to go out this week if needed.”

Work begins for the Bend-LaPine School district as early as 2 A.M., with maintenance crews and school officials looking at road conditions. They drive bus routes and evaluate if they themselves are having difficulty driving.

Then around 4 A.M., the superintendent speaks with the director of operations about how roads look and if buses will be able to safely drive.

By 5:30 A.M., the school district announces if the school day will start as normal, be delayed by 2 hours, or canceled all together.

If the day goes ahead, buses and bus drivers are ready to handle the roads.

Maben told KTVZ, “We also have, what we call drop chains on our buses. So if they need that extra traction in snowy conditions, just with a push of a button, a driver can activate automatic chains for their tires. So that’s a big benefit.”

Among the many safety features that these buses have, drivers also take the time every year to train on winter weather. That could also mean going up to mount bachelor and training up there. They do that at least once a year.

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John Carroll

Chief Meteorologist John Carroll went to visit the Kindergarten Class at Ponderosa Elementary School. The kiddos talked about the water cycle, being a weather detective and listened to Robbie The Raindrop, a children’s book John Carroll wrote.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is welcoming Sean Keithly as its new community and economic development director, beginning Friday, Jan. 12.

Keithly brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development and urban planning across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West, with a career spanning regional planning, private-sector development, and public service, COIC said in Tuesday’s announcement, which continues in full below.

His work has consistently focused on collaborative, community-driven economic strategies that support long-term resilience and growth.

Most recently, Keithly served for more than seven years with the City of Boise Mayor’s Office, including six years as Economic Development Director, where he supported downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and strategic economic initiatives.

His prior experience includes leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute in Seattle, architecture and planning firm Collins Woerman, and economic development and planning oversight for the Northern Colorado Regional Airport.

“Sean brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision, public-sector leadership, and deep respect for both urban and rural communities,” said Tammy Baney, executive director of COIC. “His experience building strong partnerships, supporting inclusive economic growth, and aligning planning with long-term community outcomes will be a tremendous asset to Central Oregon. We are excited to welcome him to the COIC team and look forward to the leadership he will bring to this important role.”

Keithly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston College and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Washington. In his new role, he will lead COIC’s community and economic development efforts, working closely with local governments, tribes, businesses, and community partners across Central Oregon.

About COICEstablished in 1972, the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is a regional council of governments serving Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, providing planning, transportation, economic development, and community services that support regional collaboration and resilience.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Traffic is flowing again along Franklin Avenue in midtown Bend after months of construction — and it’s sporting a new look. The upgrades are part of the City of Bend’s Midtown Crossings project, helping improve safety for all who use the busy corridor.

The revamped section provides more accessibility for those using various modes of transportation by separating lanes of travel for cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. City officials say the improvements are aimed at reducing safety hazards while improving connections between nearby neighborhoods, parks, and trails.

“We took the bike lane off of the roadway and put it behind the curb line, giving the bikes their own dedicated place to be, having a shared use area where bikes and pedestrians can interact, or even have different spots where they can kind of take their own lane,” said Ryan Oster, director of engineering for the City of Bend.

“It just puts the users on different levels, removes that risk of injury to anybody, and allows for a better system overall for everybody,” Oster stated.

Crews will return in the spring for final touches, including landscaping and possible pavement resurfacing. The City thanked residents for their patience during construction and said more improvements are still to come.

The next phase of the Midtown Crossings project will extend the upgrades west toward Third Street, eventually connecting across U.S. Highway 97 and nearby railroad tracks, to ultimately provide an even safer route through Bend for all.

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Adaptive Sports and Mt. Bachelor will host a ribbon-cutting on Friday at 9 a.m. to celebrate the remodel of the Oregon Adaptive Sports Office, located in Sunrise Lodge at Mt. Bachelor.

“The updated space supports the long-standing partnership between the two organizations and represents a shared commitment to high-quality, accessible adaptive snowsports programming, the organizations said in a Tuesday news release that continues below:

For many years, the Mt. Bachelor office has served as the operational heart of Oregon Adaptive Sports winter programs.

Donated in-kind by Mt Bachelor, it is where athletes, instructors, and volunteers gather at the start of the day, where equipment is organized and stored, and where teams connect before heading onto the mountain.

As participation and programming grew, the limitations of the previous layout became increasingly clear. The remodel reimagines the space to improve flow, accessibility, and functionality during busy program days.

In 2025, Powder Magazine ranked the Mt Bachelor and Oregon Adaptive Sports partnership as the No. 3 adaptive ski program in the country. The remodeled office reflects the caliber of programming offered on the mountain and provides the physical space needed to support continued growth.

“OAS has operated out of this space in Sunrise Lodge for many years,” said Pat Addabbo, executive director of Oregon Adaptive Sports. “This remodel reflects both the growth of our program and the strength of our partnership with Mt Bachelor. It creates a smoother, more accessible start to the day for athletes and volunteers and strengthens the overall experience we can provide for our athletes.”

“Oregon Adaptive Sports does incredible work, not only in terms of the quantity of opportunities they provide each year, but also the quality of the experiences,” said John Merriman, President and General Manager of Mt. Bachelor.

“We’re proud to work alongside them to continue improving accessibility on the mountain and extend our gratitude to everyone who chipped in time and resources to make it happen. Staff and volunteers from both teams put a lot of energy into transforming the lodge space; it’s a true reflection of our shared dedication to adaptive programming and athletes.”

The project was made possible through generous support from Mt Bachelor, private donors, and the collective efforts of Oregon Adaptive Sports staff and volunteers. OAS also extends appreciation to architect Ellen Hassett, whose thoughtful design helped transform the space into a more open and functional environment.

OAS staff, ambassadors, volunteers, athletes, Mt Bachelor employees, and community stakeholders are expected to attend the ribbon-cutting.

About Oregon Adaptive Sports: 

Founded in 1996, Oregon Adaptive Sports is a leader in providing high-quality outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. With programs in adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and golf, OAS is committed to making outdoor sports accessible to people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities.

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Housing Works, a housing organization dedicated to fostering stability and affordability in Central Oregon, has announced next week’s one-week opening of the 2026 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list.

This essential program, formerly known as the HUD Section 8 program, provides rental assistance to eligible low-income residents of Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, the organization said in Tuesday’s announcement, which continues in full below:. 

The waitlist will open at 8:00 AM PST on Monday, January 12, and close at 5:00 PM PST on Friday, January 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted online only via Housing Works’ official website: www.housing-works.org. 

Housing Works Executive Director Lynne McConnell shared her thoughts on the program’s importance, saying, “The HCV program is a lifeline for our struggling community members. Housing Works is proud to offer this program and thankful to the network of partners who assist in getting the word out and connecting folks to this resource. Our vision is to increase stability and affordability for our region, and the HCV program is one of the best ways to do this.” 

Key Information for Applicants: 

The time of application submission during the open period will not affect placement on the waiting list. 

All applications submitted by the deadline will undergo a randomized computer selection process to ensure equitable opportunities for all. 

Applicants who were on the 2025 waiting list but were not selected must reapply, as applications do not carry over from year to year. 

 Technical Assistance: Housing Works staff will be available to assist applicants from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST during the application window. Support will be provided in person, by phone, or via email at the following locations: 

REDMOND — Mon–Fri, 8–5: Housing Works Office (405 SW 6th St, entrance located behind building), and al Spencer Court Apartments (2445 SW Canal Blvd)  

BEND — Mon–Fri, 8–5: Phoenix Crossing Office (1475 NE Forbes Rd)  

LA PINE — Tue & Thu, 10–4:30: La Pine Library (16425 1st St)  

MADRAS — Tue & Thu, 10–4:30: Jefferson County Library (241 SE 7th St)  

PRINEVILLE — Tue & Thu, 9–4:30: Crook County Library (175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr) 

Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance early and avoid waiting until the final day.

For additional support, accommodations, or questions, please contact Housing Works at (541) 923-1018 or frontdesk@housing-works.org. 

About the HCV Program: The HCV Program enables participants to rent private housing that meets safety and affordability standards.

Participants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remaining amount, up to a set limit.

This program provides flexibility and financial relief, helping families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities achieve greater stability. 

Housing Works remains dedicated to providing equitable and impactful housing solutions for the communities we serve.   

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.

“The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources,” the agency said in Tuesday’s announcement, details of which continue below..

Public comments on the proposed rule changes can be submitted:

Online:

https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx

By email:

OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov

By mail:

Oregon Parks and Recreation DepartmentAttn: Robert Ellison725 Summer St. NE, Suite CSalem, OR 97301

A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.

Virtual hearingTuesday, January 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q

The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.

The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.

OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.

Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.

If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a late start to winter and weeks of tantalizing and teasing storms that brought some, but not a lot of snow to the slopes of Mt. Bachelor – only to melt on warmer and rainy days – this week’s storm is going to deliver what winter sports enthusiasts have been hoping and waiting for — not just inches, but feet of fresh powder to play on.

“I don’t think I have ever used this word in a media alert, but I can honestly say we at Mt. Bachelor are elated to see FEET of snow in the forecast this week. 😊,” Mt. Bachelor Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon said Tuesday in an update to the media.

“With up to 52” of snow possible by Thursday followed by a clear, partly sunny weekend, skiers and riders are in for a treat,” Quon wrote. “Snow is currently coming down hard, with an inch already accumulating on the snow stake since this morning.”

She advised everyone to “check the webcams to watch the snow stack up, and refer to the Mountain Report for operations updates throughout the storm cycle. Teams will be working around the clock on storm recovery efforts and to expand terrain, as conditions allow.”

However, that much snow in a matter of days has its share of risks that visitors need to be aware of, as Quon reminded.

“Be Advised: With heavy snow comes increased risk of snow immersion suffocation (SIS) and tree wells,” she said. “Mt. Bachelor urges guests to ski or ride with a partner and keep them in sight at all times. Sticking to open, groomed trails minimizes SIS hazards. To learn more about deep snow safety, visit: https://www.deepsnowsafety.org/.”

The National Weather Service has a winter storm warning in place for the east slopes of the Cascades and other areas of Oregon and Washington through 4 p.m. Thursday, with one to three feet of snow expected above 4,500 feet.

KTVZ’s Local Alert Weather Team has issued a Local Alert Weather Day for Wednesday, with 1-2 inches of snow possible in Bend and larger amounts at higher elevations that could mean tricky winter travel for many.

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Barney Lerten

(UPDATE: Adding Video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — After months of court fights and legal limbo over their call-up by President Trump, hundreds of Oregon National Guard members and others called up in Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago to protect federal facilities are being demobilized, the U.S. Northern Command confirmed Tuesday.

“All Title 10 troops in Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago are conducting demobilizing activities. They will return to their home units once their demobilization is complete,” according to a brief update on NORTHCOM’s “Federal Protection Mission” website.

Trump federalized 200 Oregon National Guard troops in late September in response to protests outside an ICE facility in Portland’s South Waterfront neighborhood, KGW reported, although he repeatedly described both the mission and the situation on the ground in Portland in far broader and more incendiary terms, such as claiming that life in the city was like “living in hell” and that he was “authorizing Full Force, if necessary” to respond to “Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”

Local and state political leaders protested the move, arguing that Trump was grossly exaggerating the situation on the ground and that the existing federal personnel at the ICE facility were fully capable of keeping it secure. KGW’s reporting showed that the protests were largely peaceful and confined to just a few nearby blocks.

Trump announced recently that he was withdrawing the National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, but left the door open to sending federal forces “in a much different and stronger form.” He did so after the US Supreme Court rejected his request to let him deploy the Guard to Chicago to protect ICE agents as part of the administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.

Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement Tuesday in response to the official demobilization order, received Monday by the Oregon Military Department. She said demobilization activities require Oregon National Guard members to travel to Fort Bliss, Texas before returning to Oregon.

“The citizen-soldiers of the Oregon National Guard are our neighbors, friends, and family,” Kotek said. “These courageous Oregonians deserve certainty and respect. While I am relieved that all our troops will finally return home, it does not make up for the personal sacrifices of more than 100 days, including holidays, spent in limbo. 

“During this crisis, Oregonians stood united against the unwanted, unneeded, unconstitutional military intervention in our state, with thousands peacefully voicing their opposition to the Trump Administration’s abuse of power. 

“President Trump’s disregard for the facts on the ground revealed that he is more focused on provoking a fight in cities and states that don’t share his politics than serving the American people. I remain committed to defending our values and the rule of law.”

Kotek said a U.S. District Court injunction preventing Guard deployment in Oregon remains in effect and on appeal in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

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