Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s another week of declines at the gas pumps as 2026 begins, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

Gas prices continue to fall in Oregon and most other states this week, driven by the usual seasonal factors of low demand and cheaper winter-blend fuel. In addition, crude oil prices remain below $60 per barrel.

For the week, the national average for regular slips two cents to $2.82 a gallon. The Oregon average loses six cents to $3.39 a gallon. Oregon and Washington (-6 cents to $3.82) both have the largest weekly declines in the nation.

Bend’s average gas price drops a nickel, to $3.27 a gallon.

“After some years with wild swings in gas prices due to the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and other factors, 2025 was a relatively calm year at the pumps,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Gas prices in Oregon and Washington were impacted by two closures of the Olympic Pipeline in September and November 2025 which temporarily caused prices to climb. But otherwise, gas prices tended to follow the seasonal trends of rising in the spring ahead of the switch to the more expensive summer-blend fuel, and declining in the fall and winter due to the annual switch to the cheaper winter-blend gas and the usual seasonal drop in demand for gasoline.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and ended the year at $3.43. The highest price of the year was $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year was $3.43 on December 31.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and ended the year at $2.84. The highest price of the year was $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year was $2.825 on December 29.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline decreased from 8.94 million b/d to 8.56 million b/d for the week ending December 26. This compares to 8.17 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic supply of gasoline increased from 228.5 million barrels to 234.3 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.5 million barrels per day compared to 9.8 million barrels the previous week.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) has mostly been in the upper $50s to mid-$70s since September 2024.

WTI is trading at $58 today, compared to $58 a week ago and $74 a year ago. In 2025, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $80.04 (January 15) and $57.46 (October 16) per barrel.  In 2024, WTI ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Crude prices were volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, there were concerns that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region.

Crude oil prices declined after October’s fragile peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But in 2025, the cartel boosted production which put downward pressure on crude oil prices.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 49% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 14% is refining, 21% distribution and marketing, and 17% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at or near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country remains at 13.83 million barrels per day for the week ending December 26. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 42 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Oregon (-6 cents) and Washington (-6 cents to $3.82) have the largest week-over-week declines in the nation. Delaware (+14 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the country.

Hawaii ($4.42) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the fourth week in a row. California ($4.25) is second. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week seven states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 40 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.24) and Iowa ($2.35) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.19 this week, compared to $2.18 a week ago.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is 15 cents less and the Oregon average is 33.5 cents less than a month ago. Oregon has the second-largest month-over-month decline in the nation. Idaho (-34 cents) has the biggest month-over-month drop in the nation.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 25 cents less, while the Oregon average is seven cents less. Colorado (-52 cents) has the largest year-over-year drop in the nation. Alaska (+22 cents) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with six of the seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 1/6/2026

1
Hawaii
$4.42

2
California
$4.25

3
Washington
$3.82

4
Alaska
$3.54

5
Oregon
$3.39

6
Nevada
$3.37

7
District of Columbia
$3.16

8
Pennsylvania
$3.04

9
Vermont
$3.04

10
New York
$3.03

As mentioned above, Hawaii has the most expensive gas in the country for the fourth consecutive week. California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Nevada round out the top six. Arizona is 11th. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the third week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week decreases. Oregon (-6 cents) and Washington (-6 cents) have the largest declines in the nation. Arizona (-3 cents), California (-2 cents), Alaska (-2 cents), Nevada (-2 cents), and Hawaii (-3/10ths of a cent) also have lower prices this week.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast decreased from 82.6% to 79.6% for the week ending December 26. This rate has ranged between about 70% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate ticked up from 94.6% to 94.7%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region declined from 29.93 million bbl. to 29.58 million bbl. for the week ending December 26. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices are up slightly to start this week, as investors weigh the impacts from the U.S. action in Venezuela and how it might impact that country’s large oil reserves. In addition, OPEC+ said Sunday that it would keep its oil production steady.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 422.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 10 cents to close at $57.32. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI gained $1.00 to settle at $58.32. Today crude is trading around $58, same as a week ago. Crude prices are about $15 less than a year ago. ($73.56 on January 6, 2025)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Diesel

For the week, the national average slips three cents to $3.53 a gallon. The record high is $5.816 set on June 19, 2022. The Oregon average falls four cents to $4.04. The record high is $6.47 set on July 3, 2022. A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.51 and the Oregon average was $3.76.

Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, comments from sheriff’s sergeant, friend of Thomason)

TRUCKEE, Calif. (KTVZ) — A Bend snowmobiler was buried in snow and killed in an avalanche Monday during an outing with four friends in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California, despite the group’s extensive experience and safety precautions, authorities said.​

Nevada County sheriff’s deputies said the incident was reported around 2:20 p.m. Monday after the group set off from the Johnson Canyon area and made their way up to Castle Peak. On their return from the backside of the mountain, an avalanche was triggered, burying 42‑year‑old Chris Scott Thomason of Bend.​

Sgt. Dustin Moe with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said Thomason’s friends immediately switched from recreation to rescue, using his avalanche transceiver to locate him under the snow. “The friends immediately went into action, trying to find the subject by searching for his transceiver. They found him a short while after and ended up digging him out and started some life‑saving measures doing CPR,” Moe said.​

Deputies said the group of five friends were all well‑prepared for backcountry exploration, wearing appropriate protective equipment, including avalanche beacons/transceivers. Two members of the group are locals who know the Tahoe area well, one of them CPR‑certified, while the other three — including Thomason and another CPR‑certified rider — were visiting from Bend.​

After Thomason was dug out, the group began CPR, which continued for more than an hour with the help of an off‑duty Truckee Fire medic who came upon the scene with two other Good Samaritans and took the lead on emergency efforts. Despite the sustained, high‑level CPR and the safety measures the group had in place, Thomason did not survive.​

Thomason was well-known in Central Oregon, friends told KTVZ News. He was the co‑owner of Thomason Auto Group in Bend and is seen on the left in a photo shared with the station. Originally from Portland, he had lived in Bend for many years and loved to snowmobile, boat and mountain bike — a true outdoorsman who friends described as very active.​

Chris Thomason (left) with one of his many friends (right).

Thomason leaves behind his wife and their three young daughters.

Search efforts in the area concluded Monday night, and deputies said all remaining individuals known to be in the Castle Peak backcountry are accounted for and safe, with no other victims or missing persons. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office offered its condolences “to the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident” and thanked the nearly 50 people who joined the rescue mission.

Central Oregon, unfortunately, has a recent history of residents killed in the backcountry.

Viewers may remember that Terry and Susan Renee Skjersaa, a highly experienced Bend couple deeply rooted in the local skiing community, were killed in a large D2 avalanche while backcountry skiing near Broken Top in the Happy Valley area of the Cascades last February.

Just a few weeks later, Brian Thomas Roberts, a beloved Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation instructor, champion ski racer, and father from Bend, was killed in another avalanche while cat skiing on the north/northwest side of Mt. Bailey near Diamond Lake Resort.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding Hoodoo news release)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hoodoo Ski Area plans to open Thursday, with the current weather forecast of up to 50 inches of snow this week.

KTVZ News received a news release Tuesday morning announcing the plans:

Hoodoo Ski Area anticipates opening this Thursday 

Sisters, Ore. – With a promising forecast up to 50 inches of new snow this week, Hoodoo Ski Area anticipates opening its season this Thursday, with lifts running 9 am – 9 pm. An official announcement will be posted soon at hoodoo.com and lift tickets will be available for advance purchase online at that time. If the weather forecast holds, Hoodoo’s popular Thrifty Thursday with $35 lift tickets will apply on Jan. 8.

Guests can find updated details about weather conditions, events and more at hoodoo.com, Hoodoo’s official social media accounts and the new Hoodoo Ski Area app, available now in both the App Store and Google Play Store.

Right now, significant snowfall is forecasted to fall in the Cascades through the end of Thursday.

Download the KTVZ Local Alert Weather App for the latest updates on Central Oregon’s forecast. It’s free to download in your phone’s app store, just search ‘KTVZ.’

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Kelsey Merison

(UPDATE: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced a new 4-legged deputy: Dozer, the 16-month-old Springer Spaniel specially trained in drug detection.

Dozer will work with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, primarily in undercover and drug operations. Dozer is trained to detect methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.

Read the full press release from DCSO below:

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome its newest working dog, K-9 Dozer, a 16-month-old Springer Spaniel specially trained in drug detection.

K-9 Dozer has been assigned to the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team and will work primarily in undercover and drug operations throughout Deschutes County and the tri-county region. Dozer was trained by Golden Gate K9 under certified trainer Frank Romano.

Dozer is a four-odor drug detection dog, trained to detect methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. Adding him to the K-9 team strengthens local drug enforcement capabilities, as there are currently only a limited number of odor-detection dogs available in the region. Dozer arrived in late December for an introduction with his new handler and will begin field operations in early 2026.

With Dozer’s arrival, DCSO now has five working dogs, including:

Three patrol K-9s (Delta, Ronin, and Vinnie)

One digital forensics detection K-9 (Cache)

One drug detection K-9 (Dozer)

Sheriff Ty Rupert emphasized the importance of continued investment in drug enforcement efforts.

“Drug investigations play a vital role in improving public safety and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities, which often lead to increased crime,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “K-9 Dozer improves our ability to identify and disrupt illegal drug activity while ensuring the safety of our community, deputies, and partner agencies across Central Oregon.”

In addition to CODE operations, K-9 Dozer will be available to assist DCSO patrol deputies and other Central Oregon law enforcement agencies as needed.”

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police arrested a 35-year-old local man Monday afternoon after stopping a reported stolen vehicle near Terranaut Brewing on NE High Desert Lane in Bend.​

Officers pulled over a dark gray Volkswagen Jetta around 3:18 p.m., after it had been reported stolen from Bend on January 2. The stop was treated as high-risk, a standard protocol for stolen vehicle encounters.​

Photos taken by Terranaut Brewing captured officers on scene shortly after their arrival.​

The driver, identified as Bend resident Jonathon Carl Paul, was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal trespass, and possession of burglar’s tools.​

Paul was booked into the Deschutes County Jail following the arrest.

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School Board is seeking input from stakeholders to inform its decision regarding the potential appointment of Dr. Joel Hoff, currently serving as interim superintendent, to the permanent role.

On Monday, the district distributed an anonymous survey via ParentSquare, Facebook, and the district website. The survey invites stakeholders to share their perspectives on Dr. Hoff’s leadership as interim superintendent and to indicate whether they support his appointment to permanent superintendent. 

They said that feedback from students, families, staff and community members is a critical component of the board’s decision-making process. 

“The school board is committed to ensuring this process is transparent, open to all stakeholders, and meaningful,” the district said. “All interested individuals are strongly encouraged to participate.” 

The survey will remain open for three weeks and will close on January 26. A summary of the survey results will be presented publicly at the school board’s February meeting. 

To complete the survey, click one of the links below, or visit the homepage of the Crook County School district website.

Superintendent Stakeholder Feedback (English version) 

Superintendent Stakeholder Feedback (Spanish version) 

In addition to the survey, the school board will host a series of listening sessions in February with staff, students, families, and community members to further gather perspectives and deepen its understanding of stakeholder feedback. 

The process for participating in listening sessions will be communicated mid to late January. Findings from the listening sessions will be presented to the board at the March school board meeting. 

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: added videos and quotes from Todd Mcgee, Owner of Powderhouse)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With snow already piling onto the mountains, more people are flocking to Central Oregon. With businesses seeing more people now than ever before this season.

Todd Mcgee, owner of Powderhouse told KTVZ News, “It’s a lot more in the fact if you think about it, was Christmas break where we should be slammed? we’re as busy or even busier then on a Monday than we were on christmas, you know, weekend. so it’s a huge, significant amount.” 

Ski and snowboard rentals tell you much about how busy of a time it is.

The busier the rental shops, the busier the mountains are.

“A ton more season leases. and the nice thing about our rentals, when they’re coming back, they’re looking in good shape,” Mcgee told KTVZ News. “We’re not having to stay late and tune them and P-TEX them and get them all back looking nice.”

Powderhouse still has its day and a half turnaround to have equipment ready to go.

Iif you’re still looking to rent equipment, now’s the time to do it.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A popular Bend bakery, Ida’s Bakery & Cafe, is closing its west side shop this weekend, citing an unexpected family emergency and a renewed focus on its remaining locations.

In a message to customers, the owner announced the Galveston Avenue location will close after service on Saturday, January 10th. The decision was described as “gut-wrenching,” but necessary to put “family first” and concentrate resources on the main bakery on Division Street in Bend and the Redmond store.

The business emphasized it remains committed to serving Central Oregon and encouraged customers to continue supporting the bakery at its two other locations. The owner also thanked the community for its support and understanding during what they called a difficult time.

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BendFilm has announced what it calls a “leadership evolution,” as Executive Director Giancarlo Gatto departs and three veteran division heads form an innovative and collaborative team of managing directors.

Here’s the recent announcement, in full:

Gatto has stepped aside to re-engage in his real estate career while remaining actively involved in the Central Oregon community.

“We’re excited by what this structure makes possible,” said BendFilm Board Chair Michael Conforti. “Christina, Clay and Selin have been hands-on close to BendFilm’s work for over a decade, collectively, and have plenty of ideas about how we can meaningfully make change and serve our constituents, including local audiences, filmmakers, and civic and nonprofit partners.”

“It’s been an honor to lead BendFilm,” said outgoing Executive Director Gatto, who stepped into the role in 2023 after a long tenure as a volunteer. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I have full confidence that this new structure and these leaders’ vision will take the organization to exciting new places.”

The newly-created Managing Directors of BendFilm are: 

Christina Rosetti (Operations & Finance) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose passion for visual storytelling led her to the film festival industry. She brings over a decade of experience to BendFilm, combining her degree in communications with a background in production and business management to fulfill her role at the organization. Christina believes in the power of film as both an art form and as a tool for social progress, and she works on both sides of the industry to help platform stories that matter.

Clay Pruitt (Education & Development) is a filmmaker and producer born and raised in Southwest Colorado. He studied Film Production at the University of Colorado Boulder before moving to Los Angeles. He’s worked with the Sundance Institute, WME, Outfest, Palm Springs International Film Festival and ShortFest, AFM, Film Independent, Seed&Spark, and SAVEarth Studios. A 2018 Film Independent Producing Lab Fellow and Sloan Producing Lab Grant recipient, his producing credits include United Skates (HBO), Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow (Discovery), American Epic (PBS), and I’m Fine (Dekkoo).

Selin Sevinç (Programming & Artistic Vision) studied filmmaking in the UK, and worked as a writer, producer and critic in the film & TV industry for over two decades. Her role at BendFilm began on the jury and screening committee in 2017 and expanded steadily; she succeeded long-time programmer Erik Jambor in early 2021 and has since built the program and the Festival’s national and local footprints. In addition to championing independent filmmakers, Selin is a screenwriter and director herself; she has written eight screenplays and is currently producing one as a feature.

“We’ve grown up in this organization, and we know both what it is and what it could be,” said Rosetti, Pruitt and Sevinç in a joint statement. “BendFilm has always been a place that trusts its people and invests in bold ideas: this structure is a reflection of that culture. We’ve seen firsthand what BendFilm means to filmmakers and to this community, and we’re energized to build on everything we’ve built.”

This transition comes on the heels of a record-breaking 2025 Bend Film Festival in October, where the event’s largest-ever audiences saw a diverse array of over 100 films over a newly-expanded five-day format that included a meaningful integration with BendFilm: Basecamp, their two-year-old program aimed to foster early-career filmmakers’ connection with producers and industry veterans; the public was invited to experience the culmination of the Basecamp retreat at a ticketed pitch competition. 

The 23rd annual Bend Film Festival will take place October 7-11, 2026. 

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond’s first-ever marijuana dispensary has opened its doors, marking a major shift in the city’s long-running cannabis debate.​

Oregrown Redmond — the city’s first licensed marijuana retailer — celebrated its grand opening over the weekend, becoming the first dispensary to operate within Redmond city limits after voters chose to overturn the city’s years-long ban on cannabis businesses. The shop offers a range of cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals. A second approved retailer, The Flower Room, is also set to open sometime this year at 2245 Northwest Fourth Street.​

Voters reverse long-standing dispensary ban

Through voter-approved measures in late 2024 and follow-up legislative actions in 2025, marijuana dispensaries were officially given the green light to operate in Redmond, ending a prohibition that had forced local users to travel to Bend or Madras to buy legal cannabis. Measure 9-177, approved by voters, specifically allowed marijuana retailers within city limits, while a companion measure set the local tax rate on cannabis sales.​

The decision followed years of debate at Redmond City Council meetings and public workshops, where supporters argued legal dispensaries would keep tax dollars in town and provide regulated access for medical and recreational users, while opponents raised concerns about youth access, public safety and the city’s image.​

Oregrown’s role in Central Oregon’s cannabis market

Oregrown is a Bend-based cannabis company that has grown into a regional brand, with multiple Oregon retail locations and a product lineup that includes flower, edibles, vapes and topicals sourced from Central Oregon farms. Industry reports have noted that cannabis excise taxes generate millions in revenue annually for the region, with funds supporting public safety, criminal justice, public health and community programs.​

Bringing Oregrown to Redmond means local customers no longer have to drive out of town for legal cannabis, a convenience advocates say was long overdue after the state legalized recreational marijuana in 2014.​

Ongoing debate over cannabis in Redmond

Even as the first dispensary opens, marijuana remains a sensitive political topic in Redmond. City leaders and candidates have continued to discuss land-use rules, zoning for dispensaries, and how cannabis fits into Redmond’s broader economic and community identity.​

Supporters point to state regulation, local control over where shops can locate, and the potential for new tax revenue; critics worry about the normalization of marijuana use and whether enforcement resources will be strained.

As Oregrown starts serving customers and The Flower Room prepares to open later this year, Redmond will begin to see how legal cannabis businesses actually operate in the community — and how residents respond.

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