Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding latest details, man’s surrender)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Numerous police, including a SWAT team and armored vehicles, converged on a southwest Redmond home and street during a standoff late Wednesday afternoon that eventually ended in a man coming out of the home and surrendering peacefully.

A KTVZ News crew traveled to the area before 5 p.m. and found police on Southwest Indiana Avenue between 13th and 14th streets.

Armored vehicles were in the area and drones flying above, with K-9 units also visible on scene. Police could be heard calling to someone repeatedly on a loudspeaker, saying to come out with their hands up and empty and that they are under arrest.

Officers told the person inside they had secured a warrant to enter the home and could use a K-9 or chemicals to resolve the situation, but would prefer not to. A loud sound possibly involving a “flash-bang” device was heard about 5:25 p.m.

Shortly before 6 p.m., a loudspeaker hail: “Jose, this is — with the sheriff’s office,” a deputy said. “We’re deploying chemical munitions. It’s going to become very uncomfortable. Please comply and come walking out with your hands up. Nothing in your hands.”

A short time later, the man referred to as “Jose” slowly came out the front door, shirtless and draped in a flag while carrying a drink in a can, arms up at first, and speaking with police as he slowly walked forward, as directed.

Some officers left after the situation was resolved, while others donned gas masks to go in and search the home after a chemical irritant apparently was used inside.

Police earlier had asked people to stay clear of the 800 block of SW 14th Street, around a home and backyard.

Redmond Police Lt. April Huey told NewsChannel 21 that the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team was on the scene to assist on the call.

However, she told us, “There is not a current threat to the community,” and no evacuations were occurring in the area.

KTVZ News will have more information as it’s released.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Deflection Program and will recognize nine graduates on Thursday at The Taylor Center in Bend.   

The Deflection Program is a community-based, voluntary, and patient-centered initiative. It provides rapid access to drug treatment and supportive services for people struggling with addiction.

They don’t need to be in legal trouble to seek help. In many cases, law enforcement officers can take people directly to treatment instead of jail, offering a pathway to recovery, DCSO said in a news release Wednesday that continues in full below:  

The program also works closely with the courts, Parole and Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, and defense lawyers to help individuals who need treatment find it quickly.

Once enrolled, clients are assigned to a Peer Navigator and offered services, including assistance with birth certificates, IDs, and resumes, job search support, housing resources and transportation assistance, health insurance sign-up help, medication-assisted treatment and detox services, DHS coordination, and referrals to other community programs as appropriate.  

The goal is simple, but powerful: stop the cycle of addiction, reduce crime, and prevent time in jail by addressing root causes and supporting recovery. The Sheriff’s Office partners with BestCare Treatment Services and Ideal Option to help individuals facing addiction. 

Over the last year, the Deflection Program has: 

Helped 28 individuals successfully complete the program, covering 33 criminal cases 

Supported 21 clients currently enrolled and making progress 

Expanded community partnerships and referral networks 

Connected people to treatment, housing, jobs, and family reunification 

Reduced repeat justice system involvement 

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Several pets perished and six people were displaced by a two-alarm fire at a southwest Redmond apartment complex early Wednesday morning.

Redmond Fire & Rescue crews were sent around 6:40 a.m. to a fire reported in the Greystone Apartments in the 900 block of Southwest 11th Street, Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer Tom Mooney said.

 Redmond Police officers were the first to arrive and found heavy flames showing from the windows of one unit, Mooney said. They quickly began evacuations of the surrounding buildings and other apartment units. 

“As fire crews arrived on scene, they were met with heavy fire conditions and quickly deployed hose lines to contain the fire to the one unit,” Mooney said in a news release.

Due to the heavy flames and involvement of the building, the incident commander requested more units, bringing the assignment to a second alarm. It was determined that all residents had safely escaped the uni, but it was determined that some pets were still inside.

Mooney said, “Fire crews made an aggressive interior attack to control the fire’s spread to other parts of the building and to search for anyone one still inside the unit.”

“Even though fire crews were able to knock the fire down quickly, unfortunately two dogs and multiple reptiles, along with pet rats perished in the fire,” the fire marshal added.

Fire investigators determined the cause to be combustible material left on top of the range top, Mooney said. 

A total of six people from three units were displaced due to the fire and have located other places to stay in the meantime, the fire official said.

“Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind you to never store combustible material on top of any type of stove, electric or gas, or use your oven as a place for storage,” Mooney said.

The fire marshal also said that “Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, Redmond Police and Redmond Public Works for their assistance.”

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Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration is investing more than $18.3 million into five airports throughout Oregon through the Airport Improvement Program, including $3.93 million for Bend Municipal Airport projects.

“Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said in a news release. “Investing in critical airport improvements like taxiways and lighting strengthens our infrastructure. I’ll continue to fight for federal investments to improve the efficiency and safety of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”

“Oregonians depend on reliable infrastructure projects like these to support small businesses, emergency responses, and safe travel,” Wyden said. “I’ll continue to fight for important and sensible laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that maintain critical infrastructure and provide necessary enhancements to local airports throughout the state to keep Oregon products and Oregonians moving safely.”

The AIP grant program funds airport infrastructure projects, such as improvements to runways, taxiways, passenger boarding bridges, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings to strengthen our nation’s aviation infrastructure.

The latest awards from the Federal Aviation Administration to Oregon airports are:

Portland-Hillsboro Airport: $7,095,483 for taxiway reconstruction.

Bend Municipal Airport: $3,930,621 for taxiway reconstruction and taxiway lighting.

Scappoose Airport: $3,841,517 for runway reconstruction and taxiway lighting.

Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport: $3,134,969 for taxiway reconstruction.

Ken Jernstedt Airfield in Hood River: $350,000 for taxiway construction.

Bend Airport Manager Tracy Williams said, “The Taxiway A and B Rehabilitation Project provides new taxiway edge lighting along both parallel taxiways to visibly enhance operational safety for aircraft on the ground. Additionally, the project will complete the preventative maintenance needed to prolong the life of Bend Airport’s two parallel taxiways.

“These improvements are part of the City of Bend’s continued commitment to the safe and efficient operation of the third most active of 97 public use airports in the state of Oregon,” she said.

Williams told KTVZ News Wednesday the city applied for the grant months ago, but federal executive orders slowed the FAA’s funding distribution.

Currently, Williams said, pilots travel between the hangars and runway on taxiways that have no lighting, relying only on reflective “light cans,” so the project will boost safety for everyone at the airport.

The city received the grant award last week, she said, but to avoid winter-weather issues, they will wait until spring to begin the paving work, which is expected to take about a year to complete.

In terms of specifics, Williams told us the grant funds Phase 2 of a construction project that includes asphalt crack repair and patching where needed of the pavement on taxiways A and B, with a seal coat totaling about 75,000 square yards.

The runway numerals also will be updated from 16-34 to 17-35, to account for the Earth’s normal change in magnetic variation.

Here are comments from the other FAA grant recipients:

“This federal investment to help maintain and improve taxiways at Hillsboro Airport is essential to our ability to meet the dynamic transportation needs of our region, ensure smooth aircraft operations, and reduce delays,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for projects like these, which are core to maintaining safe and efficient airport operations.”

“This $3.8 million FAA grant is a major investment in the future of Scappoose Airport. Rehabilitating the runway ensures our infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and positioned to meet the growing needs of general aviation in Columbia County. This project supports the Port of Columbia County’s work to strengthen local transportation assets, attract business investment, and create long-term opportunities for our community,” said Lacey Tolles, Port of Columbia County Airport Manager.

“The City of Klamath Falls is pleased to receive news that the Crater Lake – Klamath Regional Airport will be receiving an Airport Improvement Program grant from the FAA for their Taxiway F Reconstruction Project.  This project will not only reconstruct a piece of critical airfield infrastructure but also serve as a welcome boost to our local economy.  The general contractor Rocky Mountain Construction and a majority of the subcontractors are local companies so this project is a direct benefit to our community that will return dividends many times over,” said Jonathan Teichert, Klamath Falls City Manager.

A full list of awards is available HERE.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon DMV said Wednesday it will be making several changes at their field offices next month, saying the moves will “offer customers more consistent, predictable service.” One will have the Bend DMV office open for appointments only every Thursday.

DMV said the change is part of a pilot program in which five offices, including Bend, will require an appointment, some every day and others just one day a week.

In addition, starting Oct. 1, you can take only two Class C knowledge tests or motorcycle endorsement knowledge tests a day in a DMV office. Also, DMV’s Lebanon and Stayton offices are expanding from three to five days a week.

Appointment-only offices

Starting Thursday, Oct. 2, the Bend office will be appointment only on Thursdays. The office will continue to serve both drop-ins and appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Corvallis office and South Salem office will be appointment only on Wednesdays. The offices will continue to serve drop-ins and appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Starting Monday, Oct. 13, the Junction City office will require appointments.

Starting Monday, Oct. 13, the Springfield office will require appointments.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve our services,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “By offering appointment-only days in these offices, you can book an appointment online on DMV2U, show up at your designated time and be confident you’ll be served.”

New appointments are continually updated on DMV2U, so the agency urges that you check back frequently. Offices differ in the number and types of appointments available. Customers who don’t have online access or have difficulty with DMV2U scheduling can call DMV Customer Assistance agents at 503-945-5000 for assistance during business hours. 

If the appointments-only pilot program is successful, DMV said it will offer it at more offices in the future.

Here’s the rest of the DMV announcement, in full:

We will continue to serve drop-in customers on non-appointment-only days, but we always recommend people make an appointment to be confident they’ll be served or see if they can complete their transaction on DMV2U. We offer more than 20 services online, including license renewals, vehicle registration and address changes. Each person who goes online frees up a space in line at an office.

Limited daily knowledge tests

Starting Oct. 1, you are limited to two Class C knowledge tests or motorcycle endorsement knowledge tests in a 24-hour period in a DMV office. Until this change, you’ve been able to take as many knowledge tests as you like in a day, depending on the DMV office’s availability. We’ve had customers take the test 10 or more times per day, indicating they are not learning the information but hoping to pass by chance.

This change will free up counter staff to serve more people, reduce lines and encourage people to take safety seriously. The two-per day limit matches that of the online knowledge test available in eight languages on DMV2U. The knowledge test fee is $7 each time you take the test, whether at a DMV office or online.

People are encouraged to review the Oregon Driver Manual for new laws and safe driving practices.

Lebanon and Stayton expansion

Our Lebanon and Stayton offices are expanding service from three to five days a week. Starting Oct. 6, both offices will be open Monday through Friday.

“Staffing in these two offices has stabilized, and we’ve made changes to operations to confidently open both offices up to the community five days a week,” said Joyce.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Tonight, Wednesday, September 24th, the Bird Alliance of Oregon is asking you to go dark as nearly five million migrating birds are set to fly through Oregon’s night sky.

To help them successfully complete their long journeys, you can join in by turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting from dusk to dawn.

You can also draw your blinds or curtains to reduce light spill that contributes to sky glow.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from Flashback Cruz, Veterans Village coordinator)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Flashback Cruz of Central Oregon presented a $10,000 donation to the Bend Heroes Foundation at the Central Oregon Veterans Village in Bend. 

“It’s a really good, substantial start for them.” said Larry Scott, Air Force veteran and president of Flashback Cruz.

The gift will be used to complete several key projects at the transitional housing site. The Bend Heroes Foundation has overseen construction of the $1.5 million project.

The Veterans Village opened its doors on Veterans Day 2021, offering transitional housing and support services for homeless veterans. Residents can stay for up to two years as they pursue education, job training, or work to transition into civilian life.

One of the projects moving forward with the donation is a new flag plaza, something Bend Heroes Foundation chairman Dick Tobiason envisioned from the beginning.

Veterans Village coordinator David Nieradka said, “Now it’s coming to fruition. And with this funding, it’ll get done.”

The donation will also finish a long planned greenhouse, providing water and electricity so residents can grow food on site. Flashback Cruz also provided 140 hanging hydro pods, which veterans will be able to use for planting once the greenhouse is complete.

“We’ve got a few guys here who are just waiting to start growing in it,” said Nieradka.

Seven new homes were also added this year, bringing the total to 22 units at the village. That expansion comes as demand for transitional housing among veterans continues to grow.

“A lot of our veterans are very young, just getting out of the military. They can’t afford housing on their own. So this is a great place to provide for them,” Nieradka said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — You have less than a week to secure your 2025-2026 Mt. Bachelor Season Pass before prices increase.

Next Tuesday, September 30th, Full Season and Midweek Pass prices go up, and Kids Ski Free and Outplay 365 Passes will no longer be available.

You may remember KTVZ recently brought you details on new passholder perks at the resort, including kids 12 and under receiving a free Unlimited Season Pass with the purchase of any adult Unlimited or Outplay 365 Pass.

If you want to snag that deal, you must purchase your pass before next Tuesday.

Click here to view pass information on Mt. Bachelor’s website.

Read the full press release from Mt. Bachelor below:

“There’s only one week left to lock in a Mt. Bachelor pass at the best price of the fall. After September 30, Full Season and Midweek pass prices go up, and Kids Ski Free and Outplay 365 passes will no longer be available. Take advantage of the following deals within the next week, before they’re gone:

• Save up to $100 on a Full Season or Midweek Pass

• Take advantage of Kids Ski Free

• Purchase an Outplay 365 Pass before it goes off sale

• Get a FREE 5th bonus day with a 4-Day Pass

Flexible payment options are available on all pass types through Affirm.

Plus, Mt. Bachelor’s Season-Long Rentals offer the best value in Central Oregon, with Junior/Youth packages starting at just $109 and Adult standard packages starting at $199 for the entire season. Season-Long Rentals come with unlimited free belt waxes and mid-season trade-ins to accommodate progression or growth spurts. Scope rental package options here and book online to get dialed in for winter. Mt. Bachelor’s skilled rental technicians will provide custom fittings at both Mountain Gateway in West Village and Sun Country Tours in Bend.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Central Oregon is bracing for a critical shortage of skilled trade workers—a challenge that experts warn could affect housing affordability, infrastructure projects, and long-term economic growth.  According to the Oregon Employment Department, 25% of the current construction workforce is expected to retire within the next decade. Without enough trained workers to replace them, industry leaders say the state will struggle to keep up with demand.  To address the issue, the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) hosted an “Industry-Education Happy Hour” on Tuesday night at the Hayden Homes Support Center in Redmond. The event brought together community members, educators, and high-profile public figures, including Deschutes County Commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Chang, as well as former Republican Oregon Senator Tim Knopp.  Jason Myhre, Chief Communications Officer at Pahlisch Homes, emphasized the urgency of recruiting the next generation of builders.  

“The CTE with the school, the Heart of Oregon, everything that we’re trying to accomplish. So when they do get out into the job market, they’re more prepared than just walking into a construction job with zero experience.”  Former Oregon Senator Knopp pointed to the roots of the problem.  

“The average age now of plumbers, electricians and people in trades is 55 years old. And so, we’re replacing hundreds of those in Central Oregon every few years. We want kids that are in, middle school and high school to realize that they can be debt free after high school, and make a great wage in the construction industry.”  Speakers also highlighted the changing face of the construction workforce. Jenn Kovitz, Community Engagement and Government Affairs Manager at Hayden Homes, said the field is opening up to more women.  

“If you look at, COCC or the enrollment in our construction classes…At our high schools you’re going to see more young women in those classes,” she explained.  Still, the looming retirements raise a red flag. Myhre stressed that investing in trade education is the key to preventing a crisis.  

“We’ve got to change that thought process in our community to where, you know, the trades are just as viable as going to college… it’s just a different pathway.” 

Organizers say events like this are designed to spark collaboration between industry leaders, educators, and policymakers—laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to Central Oregon’s labor shortage. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two high-profile projects at the Bend River Promenade along Third Street are showing signs of progress.

This the former site of Deschutes Junction is being cleared to make way for a new AutoZone.

Meanwhile, less than a block away, the former Shari’s Restaurant sign has come down as renovation work ramps up on the future Elmer’s Restaurant, a similar family-style restaurant with an emphasis on breakfast.

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