Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A small electrical fire damaged a Sisters home Monday morning and brought a reminder from officials on checking those smoke alarms when our clocks “fall back” in coming weeks.

Shortly before 7 a.m., Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire in the 100 block of North Cowboy Street, Deputy Chief Tim Craig said. 

Crews from Sisters-Camp Sherman, Black Butte Ranch, and Cloverdale fire districts were dispatched to the scene.

The shift commander, Captain Pat Burke, quickly found that the fire was isolated to an exterior outlet on the side of the home. Burke said his engine crew could handle the issue, so other crews went back into service.

The fire resulted in damage to the exterior siding and one window of the home, Craig said.

SCSFD personnel used power tools to open the exterior wall, to ensure the fire had not spread. Crews also isolated the electrical service to the home until an electrician could be contacted to ensure the home would be safe to re-energize.  

“SCSFD would like to thank the Black Butte Ranch and Cloverdale Fire Districts for their continued partnership and response to this incident,” Craig said in a news release. 

Craig told KTVZ News that the home’s smoke alarms were not functioning, and did not go off.

“Reminder, it’s almost time to set clocks back,” he said. “That means it’s also time to check your smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms save lives! 

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 27 years in business, Spa W — a downtown Bend favorite known for its massages, facials, and tranquil atmosphere — has suddenly closed its doors, leaving both employees and customers stunned.

Former staff say they received no warning about the closure.

“She didn’t give anyone notice,” said former employee Angel Farrington. “Unfortunately, based on building conditions and the economy, she just was pushed into a corner and felt like that was her only choice.”

Farrington described the owner as deeply committed to the business, but struggling in recent months with mounting maintenance costs and declining revenue — challenges many small business owners face in a difficult economy.

“She loves this building. She loves this business. She’s put her heart and soul into it,” Farrington added. “Could she have handled it a little better? Yes. But I think she’s embarrassed. It’s a sad thing. It’s unfortunate, but it’s not personal. It’s business. And I wish people would understand that.”

For loyal customers, the closure came as both an emotional and financial blow. Many say they were left holding unredeemed Spa W gift cards with no way to use them.

“I think I had about $120 left on mine,” said former customer Kristin Brownfield. “I had just used it about three weeks ago. Nobody said anything about the spa closing at that time, or I would have used it all up. So it’s a big surprise.”

Brownfield said the lack of communication added to her frustration.

“They did it in the middle of the night — took down their webpage, removed signage, and vanished,” she said. “That’s where the anger comes in. It feels like stealing from people who had gift cards.”

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), customers often have limited recourse when a business closes without notice.

“When they sell you a gift card, they’re promising it’s as good as cash in their store,” said Cameron Nakashima, Media Engagement Manager for the BBB. “There’s an ethical responsibility for a business to honor that. But once a company closes for good or files for bankruptcy, unfortunately, those gift cards aren’t really worth anything.”

One Bend business is offering a small gesture to those caught in the situation. Anjou Spa announced it is honoring 25% off services for anyone who presents an unused Spa W gift card. And for former Spa W clients without a gift card, they’re offering 10% off any service. 

The BBB also advises consumers to use gift cards sooner rather than later and to research businesses before making such purchases.

Spa W’s downtown location now sits dark, marking the end of an era for a spa that once served thousands of Central Oregonians seeking rest and renewal.

Earlier story — October 13 — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A longtime downtown Bend spa has just closed its doors, to the surprise of many customers, citing years of economic challenges , rising costs and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s the full statement posted to Spa W’s website:

“After 27 wonderful years, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Spa W.

“This decision did not come easily. Serving Bend and Central Oregon has been a joy and true passion. We loved being your sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Each treatment, special conversations, your celebrations, and the trust you’ve placed in us to enhance your well-being has made this experience profoundly rewarding. It has been an honor to be part of your lives.

“Unfortunately, the economic hardships faced in recent years have taken a toll on Spa W. Rising costs and the lasting effects of the pandemic have proven to be a challenge we could not meet despite our very best efforts.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty through the years. Though Spa W may be closing, the memories created will remain in our hearts forever.”

KTVZ News has reached out to the spa’s owner and is looking into concerns and questions that some customers upset by the short notice have about what will happen regarding their unused gift cards.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

The City of Bend’s Department of Public Works is in the process of moving into a new location that will finally bring all of its operations together on one site.

For years, the department’s offices have been scattered across different areas of Bend. Now, all five of its divisions — Engineering, Transportation and Mobility, Street Services, Water Services, and Fleet Services — will soon be working side by side in a single facility.

The new campus includes several buildings spread out across 35 acres off Talus Place. The move is happening gradually, with small groups of employees beginning to relocate as construction continues.

Public Works Director Mike Buettner said the move will eventually bring more than 200 staff members together at the site.

“We have over 200 staff from those five different departments that will be, eventually moving into this facility,” Buettner said. “Right now, it’s just our IT and our facility staff. In the coming weeks, our transportation and engineering staff move in, then water services, and then our fleet group moves in in late November.”

Although the new campus is not yet open to the public, the department says that won’t affect residents needing city services. Service requests can still be made over the phone or online, and billing operations will continue to run from offices downtown.

City officials hope to open the new Public Works campus to the public sometime early next year.

EARLIER REPORTING:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a decade of planning and two years of construction, five City of Bend departments have just begun a multi-week process of moving to the new $130 million Public Works Campus at Juniper Ridge, on the northern edge of the city.

The funding came in part from sale of the previous public works campus on Boyd Acres Road, as well as Juniper Ridge property sales and planned issuance of long-term debt, to be repaid by the departments over time.

Here’s the city of Bend’s Monday announcement on the move-in details and schedule:

Bend’s Public Works departments (Engineering, Facilities, Fleet, Transportation & Mobility, and Water Services (formerly Utilities) have been dispersed in different locations across Bend, posing challenges to efficient collaboration. Existing buildings are at capacity and at the end of their useful lives.

City staff compared the costs of investing in existing facilities versus building a new one and determined that a new campus would be the best, cost-effective approach. Bringing together these departments will reduce annual maintenance requirements and allow for better coordination and efficiencies.

In 2018, the City began searching for a location that could house the needed departments and associated equipment. In 2021, the Bend City Council approved an area within Juniper Ridge for the new Public Works Campus. The City already owned land there, which saved money by avoiding additional property acquisition. It was also part of a strategy to spur development in the area. 

“This move culminates years of planning and includes moving approximately 250 employees and all the vehicles, equipment and materials associated with their work,” said Facilities Architect and Project Manager Jo Wells.

“In line with Council goals around sustainability and reducing the City’s overall carbon footprint, the campus incorporates a number of sustainability strategies. The facility is powered 100% by electricity and will incorporate enough solar power to balance out its power use.”

Groups of employees will be moving in phases through Nov. 17.

Water Services Billing will not be interrupted during this move. Billing offices will remain downtown at 639 NW Franklin Ave. Bend, OR 97703, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and can be reached at 541-388-5515.

While departments are moving, drop-in customers accustomed to visiting Transportation & Mobility and Water Services departments will be unable to visit those offices in-person for a short period of time.

The Transportation and Mobility Department on NE 15th Street will close its doors to walk-in visitors starting Monday, Oct. 13; Water Services on Boyd Acres Road will close its doors to walk-in visitors starting Oct. 27. Staff anticipate being ready to accommodate individual drop-in customers at the front desk of the new Public Works Campus 21051 NE Talus Place by Nov. 10.

During this period of time, walk-in customers seeking information about backflow tests, permits or meter boxes or other questions can visit the billing office at 639 NW Franklin Ave. Bend, OR 97703 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Customers can also always submit questions or reports online through the City’s online service request system: bendoregon.gov/bend-works.

“Thank you for your patience with our services during this phased-in move,” said the City’s new Public Works Director Mike Buettner, formerly the City’s Water Services Director. “I’m excited to see our departments collocate for better coordination and efficiency. This new campus positions us to continue to provide crucial, core public services, including transportation, water services and fleet management well into the future.”

A public Open House will be planned in the spring, in conjunction with Art in Public Places, which has worked with the City on the selection of artists commissioned to create art for the campus. Per City Code, the City of Bend dedicates one percent (1%) of the total eligible costs of improvement projects to public art.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Portland man suffered a severe arm injury in an ATV rollover crash on Sunday at Walton Lake Sno-Park, an official said.

Deputies were dispatched around 11:15 a.m. Sunday to the reported ATV crash in the gravel pit at the sno-park, located on the Ochoco National Forest about 15 miles east of Prineville, Crook County Undersheriff Bill Elliott said in a news release.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a Polaris side-by-side that was lying on its top. 

The driver, a 32-year-old Portland man, had accelerated the ATV and began losing control, Elliott said.

“The ATV fishtailed in an arc until it rolled once, landing on its top,” the undersheriff said. “The driver’s arm was stuck under the ATV, causing severe injury to his left arm.”

A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was not injured. 

Crook County Fire and Rescue arrived and provided medical care until Air Life could land and take the driver to the hospital.

Elliott added, “There were no signs of drug or alcohol use during this incident, and everyone in the ATV was wearing a seat belt.”

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Behavioral Health has announced a used Clothing Bonanza for young adults aged 14 to 27 at The Drop locations in Bend and Redmond. The free event aims to support young adults as they prepare for colder months and upcoming social events.

Participants can select from a variety of gently used clothing options, including winter jackets and formal dresses for homecoming or other events. The donated items will be showcased for easy browsing, the county said in Monday’s announcement.

In addition, Goodwill Jobs Connection will be offering assistance with resumes and exploring job opportunities during the event.

Event details:

Bend Location:

Address: 1340 NW Wall St.

Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2-5:30 p.m.

Redmond Location:

Address: 244 Kingwood

Date & Time: Thursday, Oct. 16, 1-4:30 p.m.

The Drop serves as a welcoming hub for youth and young adults in Deschutes County. It offers a space for connection, personal growth, and support. The Clothing Bonanza is open to the entire community; attendees do not need to be enrolled in The Drop programs to participate.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding info and video from KTVZ News trip to Mt.Bachelor, comments from Director of Operations)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Winter arrived early on Mount Bachelor with a fresh blanket of snow Sunday night — about five inches at the base by morning.

KTVZ News cameras captured a wintry scene of fog and frost across Mount Bachelor Village, where trees were coated in ice and visibility dipped low through the early hours. While the resort hasn’t yet opened for the ski season, the overnight snow has staff eyeing the forecast and ramping up preparations for winter operations.

“We’re still in a wait-and-see situation after the five inches we received last night,” said Dustin Smith, director of mountain operations. “We have several projects still underway that we need to wrap up before opening, but for now, we’re targeting November 28th.”

Maintenance crews are currently servicing ski lifts and clearing vegetation around the mountain ahead of the busy season.

And although the slopes remain closed for now, visitors still have a reason to head up the mountain. Mount Bachelor is debuting its new “Movies in the Mountains” series — a lineup of drive-in films projected in the village parking lot.

The first showing, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is set for October 17, with the soundtrack broadcast straight to car radios.

KTVZ has issued a Local Alert Weather Day as the area is expected to receive a mix of rain and snow. Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions by clicking here.

Credit: Mt. Bachelor

Here are some reminders and additional information from Mt. Bachelor:

“The resort is closed and the slopes are uncontrolled and unpatrolled. Biking on Mt. Bachelor trails is NOT allowed during this time. Hikers should call 911 in the case of an emergency. 

Looks like our snow dances paid off! The mountain is covered in white and the snowstake is out, so keep tabs on the webcams to get stoked for Opening Day on Friday, November 28. Conditions permitting, we’ll spin Skyliner, Little Pine, and Pine Marten lifts to kick off the 2025/26 season. 

Lock in your season pass or daily lift tickets online.

In the shoulder season, join us for nostalgic drive-in movies on October 17 and 24. We’ll be showing Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus – two classics that the whole family will love – slopeside in the West Village parking lot. Check out our Events Calendar for details and to purchase tickets. 

As a reminder, Sun Country Tours in Bend is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday and 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop is open Friday-Sunday starting October 17th. Shop from the best selection in the PNW, and don’t forget we offer Season-Long Rentals at the best value in town. Visit our Schedule & Operating page for more details.

Follow us on social @mtbachelor or sign up for our email newsletter to stay in the know.”

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Sisters is inviting community members to an Open Forum on city plans for a new Northwest Park on Tuesday, October 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Sisters City Hall (520 E. Cascade Avenue).

This event is an opportunity to learn more about the progress made on planning for the new Northwest Park, including review of three initial conceptual design alternatives. Here’s some background around the project.

Here’s the rest of Monday’s announcement about the forum and park plans:

The project team has gathered input in a variety of ways, including an open house, stakeholder interviews, online survey, and review of the Sisters Parks Master Plan to develop the conceptual design alternatives that all contemplate the feasibility of a multi-purpose recreational facility.

The conceptual alternatives were presented to the City Parks and Advisory Board and the City Council in September for initial input. We now bring the alternatives to the public at this open forum for an opportunity to review, discuss, and share which concept and amenities you feel will serve the recreational interests and needs of the community at this site.

Located near the southeast corner of the Highway 20 and Barclay Drive roundabout, development of the Northwest Park will be guided by a comprehensive Master Plan developed in partnership with landscape architect consultant NV5. This plan will reflect community needs and priorities, outline potential phases of development, and help identify funding opportunities to bring the vision to life.

We look forward to seeing you on October 21 – your input is essential to shaping this exciting project!

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man who went missing after a Sunday afternoon motorcycle ride was found dead Monday morning in the Horse Ridge area, about 19 miles east of Bend, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Here’s the full announcement from DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr:

41-year-old Eric Blayney went riding on OHV trails on Sunday but never returned home. His friends and wife became concerned and reported him missing to the Bend Police Department at 3 a.m. this morning. Blayney had the Life360 app on his phone, which helped determine his last known location.

Friends began searching for Eric at 7 a.m. Monday in the Horse Ridge area. Forest Patrol deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist in the search.

At 10:41 a.m., Blayney’s friends found him unresponsive on a private road that runs next to the OHV trail.

His friends and deputies began CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device that can deliver a shock to try to restart the heart. When medics arrived, they pronounced Blayney dead at the scene.

While the accident is still under investigation, it’s believed Blayney may have turned off the trail and onto a private road by mistake. That road was blocked by a gate made of two metal poles and a chain. His motorcycle was still in fourth gear when it was found, suggesting he may have hit the chain while traveling at a high rate of speed.

Blayney was riding alone. His wife was notified by friends and Bend Police about his death. The crash appears to be a tragic accident.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to Eric Blayney’s family and friends.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Central Oregon’s familiar sunshine is slowly giving way to chilly mornings and crisp evenings. While the changing colors and cooler weather paint a beautiful picture, the seasonal shift is having a noticeable impact on both local businesses and people living on the streets.  As summer fades into fall, the rhythm of life across the region begins to change. Fewer tourists fill the sidewalks, and the busy hum of summer starts to quiet down. 

“It can get a little bit slow in between, said an employee at 3rd Street Beverage. “And in the summertime, we’re really busy with all the people coming here for the water, recreation and everything. And all the hiking and stuff we have around here. And leading into the wintertime, we get the skiers and of course the holidays. Everybody comes in and gets their alcohol and other beverages for other parties or, you know, family coming in.”  For some store owners, that slowdown provides a chance to regroup before the holiday season. But for others — especially those without a place to call home — the changing seasons can be at times, unbearable.   “Drastic. You can die out here,” said Nicholas Reta, a man and his fiancée, who are originally from California, but later moved to Redmond. Now, they are looking for shelter in Bend.   The arrival of fall often brings a mix of anticipation and concern across Central Oregon. Businesses prepare for the seasonal dip in foot traffic, while service providers brace for higher demand as temperatures drop and nights become harsher. 

And as winter edges closer, it’s clear the change in seasons affects everyone — from those running a small business to those just trying to stay warm.  While Central Oregon winters can be unpredictable, one thing remains constant: every year, the shift from sunshine to snow brings big changes for everyone who calls this region home. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Timbergon Modular says it is launching its newest modular home solutions in Redmond, “designed for flexibility, efficiency, and modern living.”

“From ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and multi-family units to resort-style communities, these homes are built off-site for faster construction, less waste, and consistent quality,” the company said in Monday’s announcement, which continues in full below:

Each unit is permit-ready, meaning the structure itself is approved within the City of Redmond jurisdiction. Property owners will still need local permits for placement, utility connections, and site prep.

Three Ways to Build with Timbergon Modular:

ADUs: Perfect for rental income, guest housing, or multi-generational living.

Multi-Family Developments: Apartments, townhomes, duplexes or even Cottage Clusters that generate consistent rental income.

Resort Communities: Residential developments near leisure destinations, ideal for short-term rentals and elevated living experiences.

Timbergon Modular’s goal with these new builds is to redefine residential development in Central Oregon, delivering high-quality, modern housing faster, more efficiently, and with design flexibility that meets the needs of homeowners and investors alike.

“Modular construction allows us to deliver homes faster and at a significant lower cost compared to traditional construction,” said Vicente Gonzalez, Founder of Timbergon Modular. “Whether for personal living or investment, our homes combine affordability, durability, and ergonomic design.”

To celebrate their latest project, Timbergon Modular invites the community to the ribbon-cutting of their new 9-unit multi-family complex. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at the modular home build, showcasing the innovation and design of Timbergon’s modern modular solutions.

Event Details:

When: October 24th, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Where: 470 NW Fir Ave., Redmond, OR

Click here to follow the original article.