Category: ktvz-local-news

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s a big week in Prineville as crowds roll in for the 80th Crooked River Roundup to celebrate western heritage and lifestyle.

Held annually in June and July at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville, the Crooked River Roundup Association puts on two separate events that include a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo and the largest parimutuel horse races in the State of Oregon.

Jillian Fortner spoke with the Young Guns program coordinator to learn more about the rising stars in the arena.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. [KTVZ] — One of the biggest employers in Prineville is shutting down—without giving city leaders a heads-up – leaving 184 employees, jobless.  

The Owens Corning plant, located on Main Street in Prineville, which produces extruded polystyrene foam boards, commonly known under the trademark foamular®, which are used for insulating residential and commercial buildings, has announced it will close its manufacturing facility, resulting in 184 employees losing their jobs.  

KTVZ News obtained the manufacturing facility’s “Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification” or “Warn Notice” announcing that layoffs would begin August 25, 2025. 

But what’s drawing added frustration is how the city of Prineville found out. 

Prineville mayor Jason Beebe says Owens Corning never informed him or the City Council before making the decision public, and of the company’s three locations in Oregon, only Prineville is on the chopping block. 

“I don’t know why they picked Prineville. I really don’t know why, and it’s sad because that mill’s been in operation in some aspects. I’m 51 years old, and they’ve been there my entire life.” 

Mayor Beebe said, this week, he will request a special meeting with the City Council and City Manager, because he says he would like to see the facility restored to what it’s known for lumber milling. 

“We need a place for it to go. All the other mill sites… there’s only a couple left. I could see someone coming in and, you know, maybe revamping some of those operations and making a mill site again.” 

After a request for comment, Owens Corning emailed KTVZ News, a statement about the facility’s closure. 

“Owens Corning has made the strategic business decision to close our doors components facility in Prineville, Oregon. This decision was not taken lightly, and leadership’s priority is supporting the team in Prineville through this transition.” 

The Prineville plant is one of three facilities the company operates in Oregon. 

The other two sites are in Gresham and Portland, which, at this time, will remain open.  

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Eugene man was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced.

David Toedtemeier, 34, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on Jan. 24, 2022, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team conducted a traffic stop on Toedtemeier’s vehicle in Deschutes County as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Inside the vehicle were Toedtemeier, his wife and their infant child.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located a safe on the rear passenger floorboard beneath the infant’s car seat. Inside the safe were fentanyl pills, heroin, methamphetamine and a firearm. Additional fentanyl, methamphetamine, a digital scale, Narcan nasal spray and several cellphones were found in the vehicle’s trunk.

Later that day, officers searched Toedtemeier’s residence and found methamphetamine, heroin and another firearm.

When questioned by investigators, Toedtemeier admitted to possessing the drugs and firearms and said he intended to sell the drugs in Oregon.

On Feb. 17, 2022, Toedtemeier was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the CODE team with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Delph.

The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional operation made up of federal, state, county and city law enforcement agencies that investigate large-scale drug trafficking organizations.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine and 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin. A dose as small as two milligrams—just a few grains—can be fatal to an average adult. The widespread availability of illicit fentanyl has led to a significant rise in overdose deaths across Oregon.

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KTVZ News Partners

As part of the City’s annual street preservation program, contractors will begin paving some busy streets around the community starting June 30 and this work will continue through July. With paving, old asphalt is ground out and replaced or a new layer of asphalt is paved on top of the existing roadway. The process can take a couple of days in each location. Roads will be marked with signs prior to closing for paving.

Paving is just one of several types of street preservation treatments. This year, the City of Bend is doing about $4.85 million worth of street preservation contract work that will improve approximately 67 lane miles in Bend. This includes about 16 miles of paving, 28 miles of chipseal, and 23 miles of slurry treatments. To minimize impacts on traffic on busier roads, most of the paving work will occur at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Night work will occur on Galveston Avenue, Simpson Avenue, Purcell Boulevard, NE 8th Street, Cooley Road, Hunnel Road and Jamison Street.

When the City paves residential roads, the work will occur during daytime hours due to noise and lights that could be disruptive to homes in neighborhoods. Visit bendoregon.gov/streetpreservation for more information and maps.

Because these projects can impact the traveling public, the City works to ensure everyone is notified and prepared ahead of time, through postcards to adjacent properties, signage on the roads, and the weekly road and traffic report.

Sign up for the weekly road and traffic report at bendoregon.gov/traffic.

This work is supported by the Transportation Fee.

“The City’s ’Keep Good Roads Good’ philosophy means we maintain and preserve streets with the most cost-effective treatment for the road condition — the right treatment at the right time,” said Streets & Operations Supervisor Paul Neiswonger.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from county commissioners)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Deschutes County Commissioners will now decide Deschutes County’s interim Sheriff.

Commissioner Patti Adair said at Wednesday’s board meeting, “We do want to select the person that we feel will help with that seamless transition and bring back the transparency and respect that the department should be recognized with. “

By 5 p.m. Thursday, his resignation will be set, giving commissioners just over a month to find his replacement.  If a replacement is not decided on by July 31st, Undersheriff Aaron Wells will fill the spot. 

Phil Chang said, “They’ve been living under a cloud of uncertainty. Not knowing. Not knowing who their leader is going to be. Not feeling trust for the person who is currently their sheriff. “

Controversy has surrounded current Sheriff Kent van der Kamp since his election, after Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels placed him on the county’s Brady list, meaning he is barred from giving testimony in future cases as an expert witness because of issues regarding his truthfulness.

A formal recall effort is now underway in Deschutes County calling for Sheriff van der Kamp to step down. KTVZ News obtained an email sent to county officials Tuesday, where van der Kamp announced his official resignation date to be July 31st. Previously, he shared his retirement would occur in the “coming months”.

County clerk Steve Dennison told KTVZ News van der Kamp is eligible for recall on July 7th, where supporters will need to provide over 16,000 signatures. 

But Dennison says the process would pass van der Kamp’s July 31st last day, meaning, despite a recall election, he would still be removed from office. 

The sheriff’s employee union will hold a public candidate forum on July 7th. Those candidates are required to share statements with commissioners by July 11th to be considered.

“Immediately following the November election, there was a morale surge, a surge in recruitment, retention surged. There was a lot of really positive feeling, both inside the sheriff’s office and outside. I am hoping that this appointment will help to put us back on track,” said Chang.

The picked sheriff would be in office for just over a year until November of 20-26 when voters will decide who fills the position.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from parents, HDESD statement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Parents, caregivers, and teachers are urging the High Desert Education Service District to reconsider budget cuts that would reduce services for children with special needs.

“Recently, the HDESD Board approved a budget for the 2025–2026 school year that reflects the difficult reality of a substantial funding shortfall in our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program,” said HDESD Communication Strategist, Linda Quon. 

If the budget hadn’t passed by June 30, the regional provider that offers early intervention, special education, and support services for children up to age 5 risked losing all of its funding.

The early intervention/early childhood special education is a grant-funded program.

Tiffany Nusser’s daughter, Adelynn, who is autistic and nonverbal, is one of the children impacted. Nusser says the cuts may reduce her classroom time from three days a week to two.

“I was heartbroken when they said that they’re passing that budget.” said Adelynn’s mother, Tiffany Nusser.

The changes mean fewer staff members, including Adelynn’s teacher, with whom she’s formed a strong bond at the Alyce Hatch Center.

“I get emotional… she’ll just think someone is gone at preschool. She’ll show up there and expect to see her teacher and she won’t be there anymore. I’m unsure what that will be like for her,” Nusser said.

Jennifer Underhill says she’s disappointed by the budget cuts, noting that school has played a vital role in her son Grayson’s development.

“He started going to Alyce Hatch when he was 3, and we’ve seen a significant difference in his social skills and intentional play,” said Grayson’s mom, Jennifer Underhill.

She’s worried about what next year will bring without the same level of support.

“Especially kiddos like Grayson that need someone to help him … he really needs one-on-one support,” Underhill said. “He won’t have that when he goes back next year.”

The High Desert Education Service District says it understands families’ concerns and remains committed to supporting students. They’re working to redesign how services are delivered to adapt to ongoing funding challenges.

Here’s the full statement from High Desert Education Service District:

MEDIA STATEMENT: Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Program Budget Reductions

June 23, 2025

At High Desert Education Service District (HDESD), the well-being and growth of the children and families we serve are fundamental to everything we do. Recently, the HDESD Board approved a budget for the 2025–2026 school year that reflects the difficult reality of a substantial funding shortfall in our Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) program. This challenge is largely driven by projected flat federal funding levels and increased operational costs.

We recognize and deeply understand the concerns raised by parents and community members. These concerns are shared by our leadership, educators, and staff, many of whom have dedicated their careers to serving children with disabilities and their families.

While some changes to staffing and service delivery are necessary, our unwavering commitment is to maintain high-quality, individualized support for all eligible children. We are working diligently to redesign how we deliver these services so that we can preserve essential supports while being fiscally responsible. Key changes include:

Maintaining core services across all age groups, with some adjustments to frequency or method of delivery.

Prioritizing early learning and family engagement, including expanded parent coaching and support options.

Strengthening community partnerships to continue services in preschool and childcare settings.

These shifts will allow us to continue supporting children in ways that are meaningful and effective, while adapting to the current funding climate. We believe in the foundational principle that “special education is a service, not a place,” and will continue to focus on inclusion, development, and readiness for kindergarten.

We are communicating transparently with families about these changes and will continue to offer updates, opportunities for engagement, and support throughout this transition. 

We are grateful to the families and educators who are standing with us in our mission to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Oregon Senator Anthony Broadman has introduced a bold amendment aimed at better funding the state’s wildfire prevention efforts. 

Oregon lawmakers have dedicated much of this legislative session to developing a new funding strategy to help the state better respond to increasingly severe wildfires.  

One of the latest proposals: an amendment to House Bill 3940, a tax on the sale of oral nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches.   

This proposal follows Oregon’s House-passed HB 3940, which would levy 65 cents on nicotine pouches with up to 20 units, plus an additional 3 cents per extra unit.   

The expected revenue is 14.3 million dollars over two years. 

The revenue would be split between two state wildfire mitigation programs: one-third to the Landscape Resiliency Fund and two-thirds to the Community Risk Reduction Fund. The same amendment also pulls interest revenue from the state’s rainy-day fund to double the impact. 

Former Bend City Councilor and current Oregon Democratic Senator, Anthony Broadman, who offered the amendment along with Oregon Democratic Representative, Pam Marsh said, this proposed tax is one of the most reasonable amendments, to keep up with rising wildfire costs.  

“We have a proposal in front of the legislature – a new tax on synthetic nicotine. So, products like ZYN, which you’ll see in convenience stores, it’s currently untaxed.” 

Broadman also said, “It has a nexus to wildfire risk in that it is a public health issue, and where we’re used to taxing nicotine to ensure that we’re providing public health solutions, and so for 65 cents a can for about a penny for every milligram of nicotine, that’s in one of these cans, we can, help keep our community safe from wildfire.” 

Every inch of Oregon is susceptible to wildfires. 

“Every pouch that is sold in Oregon stores will hopefully help prevent a community, or timber, wildlife or, our forests, from the risk of catastrophic wildfire,” said Sen. Broadman. 

KTVZ News spoke with a number of convenience stores and local family markets like Bruce and Nikki’s Parkway Deli, in Bend. 

We asked, if nicotine pouches are taxed, do you think customers would still buy the product.  

“Oh yeah, absolutely I do. And, I think, we’ll hear some complaints, but in the long run it’s only bringing the price up to the same price as the tobacco products such as Copenhagen and Skol and whatnot, so it’ll be the same prices,” said Bruce and Nikki’s Parkway Deli Cashier, Michael Wallace. 

 The amendment awaits a vote in the Oregon Senate as lawmakers rush to finalize budget measures ahead of the June 29th adjournment.  

KTVZ News will continue to follow whether this nicotine tax amendment survives the legislative process.

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Cami Porter

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon’s 5th district congresswoman Janelle Bynum celebrates a major legislative win tonight. Three of her bipartisan bills aimed at helping small businesses pass the House and are now headed to the U.S. Senate.

The measures focus on improving access to capital for entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas and cutting red tape for companies looking to grow. Bynum says these bills are about creating opportunity and giving business owners a fair shot at success. If signed into law, they could help startups across the country hit the ground running.

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KTVZ News Partners

La Pine, OR — Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver (HFHLPS) is excited to announce the award of a $2.1 million grant from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) as part of the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Housing Program to support the launch of Park View, a new 34-home affordable housing development located in North La Pine.

“OHCS is proud to partner with community leaders to boost affordable homeownership that invests in the value and vibrancy of rural Oregon,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “No other issue, except the cost of living, hits as close to home. Through local and state partnerships, we are delivering results to strengthen communities. Housing progress is not about numbers and abstracts, nor is it about advancement on state government’s terms. Today, we are delivering progress that reflects the values of this community to make everyday life better for its residents.”

This transformative grant will fund the construction of the first 10 high-efficiency, fire-resistant townhomes and a portion of the infrastructure required to support the entire neighborhood.

Park View represents HFHLPS’s largest and most ambitious project to date—offering long-term, permanently affordable housing to hardworking families earning between 60–80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The community will be built gradually between 2025 and 2030, with infrastructure construction already started and the first homes slated for completion by Fall 2026.

“This is more than a housing development—it’s a lasting investment in families and the La Pine community,” said Scott Asla, Board Chair for HFHLPS. “With the LIFT funding and strong local support, we’re poised to make homeownership a reality for dozens of families who are ready to build equity, stability, and a future.”

The LIFT funding represents almost 50% over the overall funding needed for the first phase of Park View. In addition to the current funding in place, HFHLPS will work to raise an additional $50,000 per home. Currently, applications for qualified homebuyers are open. Prospective homeowners must meet income requirements, contribute sweat equity, and complete homeowner education as part of the selection process.

A groundbreaking for Park View will be held June 27th at 10am. To RSVP, contact info@habitatlapinesunriver.org.

For more information about Park View, homeowner qualifications, or to donate, visit: www.habitatlapinesunriver.org

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KTVZ News Partners

RootedHomes, a leading affordable homeownership organization in Central Oregon, today announced the appointment of Nathan “Than” Clevenger as its new Executive Director and Eliza Wilson as Deputy Director. These leadership changes come as Karl Dinkelspiel steps down from his role as Interim Executive Director and Deputy Director, effective June 26, 2025. 

As the new Executive Director of RootedHomes, Than brings over two decades of extensive experience in real estate development and affordable housing across North America. 

“I am humbled to be selected to help lead an organization that is at the forefront of leveraging their experience in construction and community development to create the American dream for hard-working families in Central Oregon.” – Than Clevenger

As Deputy Director, Eliza will play a key role in expanding access to permanently affordable homeownership and supporting long-term housing stability, while also serving as Chair of Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care and a board member of the Regional Housing Council.

“My work has always been about building systems that respond to the full spectrum of housing needs—from crisis to stability. Joining RootedHomes is a natural extension of that mission, and I’m looking forward to deepening cross-sector partnerships to ensure everyone has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.” – Eliza Wilson

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